Search Results (4,933)

Municipal wastewaters pose a severe risk to the environment and human health when discharged untreated. This is due to their high content of pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, which can cause diseases like cholera. Herein, the research and development of porphyrin-modified polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration (UF) membranes was conducted to improve bacterial inactivation in complex municipal wastewater and enhance the fouling resistance and filtration performance. The synthesis and fabrication of porphyrin nanofillers and the resultant membrane characteristics were studied. The incorporation of porphyrin-based nanofillers improved the membrane’s hydrophilicity, morphology, and flux (247 Lm⁻² h⁻¹), with the membrane contact angle (CA) decreasing from 90° to ranging between 58° and 50°. The membrane performance was monitored for its flux, antifouling properties, reusability potential, municipal wastewater, and humic acid. The modified membranes demonstrated an effective application in wastewater treatment, achieving notable antibacterial activity, particularly under light exposure. The In-BP@SW/PES membrane demonstrated effective antimicrobial photodynamic effects against both Gram-positive S. aureus and Gram-negative E. coli. It achieved at least a 3-log reduction in bacterial viability, meeting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for efficient antimicrobial materials. Among the variants tested, membranes modified with In-PB@SW nanofillers exhibited superior antifouling properties with flux recovery ratios (FRRs) of 78.9% for the humic acid (HA) solution and 85% for the municipal wastewater (MWW), suggesting a strong potential for long-term filtration use. These results highlight the promise of porphyrin-functionalized membranes as multifunctional tools in advanced water treatment technologies. Full article

Telomeres are protective DNA sequences located at chromosome ends, essential to maintaining genomic stability. This narrative review examines how maternal lifestyle factors during pregnancy influence fetal telomere length (TL). Positive associations have been identified between offspring’s TL and maternal consumption of nutrients such as vitamins C and D, folate, and magnesium. Additionally, adherence to a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity during pregnancy are correlated with increased placental TL, supporting fetal genomic integrity. Conversely, maternal dietary patterns high in carbohydrates, fats, or alcohol, as well as exposure to triclosan and sleep-disordered breathing, negatively correlate with offspring’s TL. Maternal infections may also shorten TL through heightened inflammation and oxidative stress. However, evidence regarding the impact of other lifestyle factors—including maternal stress, smoking, caffeine intake, polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption, obesity, and sleep quality—remains inconsistent. Given that shorter telomere length has been associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as certain types of cancer, these findings highlight the vital importance of maternal health during pregnancy in order to prevent potential adverse effects on the fetus. Further studies are required to elucidate the precise timing, intensity, and interplay of these influences, enabling targeted prenatal interventions to enhance offspring health outcomes. Full article

Peanut cultivation is widely practiced using plastic mulch film, resulting in the accumulation of microplastics/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) in agricultural soils, potentially negatively affecting peanut growth. To investigate the effects of two polystyrene (PS) sizes (5 μm, 50 nm) and three concentrations (0, 10, and 100 mg L⁻¹) on peanut growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and physiological characteristics, a 15-day hydroponic experiment was conducted using peanut seedlings as the experimental material. The results indicated that PS-MPs/NPs inhibited peanut growth, reduced soil and plant analyzer development (SPAD) values (6.7%), and increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA, 22.0%), superoxide anion (O₂⁻, 3.8%) superoxide dismutase (SOD, 16.1%) and catalase (CAT, 12.1%) activity, and ascorbic acid (ASA, 12.6%) and glutathione (GSH, 9.1%) contents compared to the control. Moreover, high concentrations (100 mg L⁻¹) of PS-MPs/NPs reduced the peanut shoot fresh weight (16.1%) and SPAD value (7.2%) and increased levels of MDA (17.1%), O₂⁻ (5.6%), SOD (10.6%), POD (27.2%), CAT (7.3%), ASA (12.3%), and GSH (6.8%) compared to low concentrations (10 mg L⁻¹) of PS-MPs/NPs. Notably, under the same concentration, the impact of 50 nm PS-NPs was stronger than that of 5 μm PS-MPs. The peanut shoot fresh weight of PS-NPs was lower than that of PS-MPs by an average of 7.9%. Additionally, we found that with an increasing exposure time of PS-MPs/NPs, the inhibitory effect of low concentrations of PS-MPs/NPs on the fresh weight was decreased by 2.5%/9.9% (5 d) and then increased by 7.7%/2.7% (15 d). Conversely, high concentrations of PS-MPs/NPs consistently reduced the fresh weight. Correlation analysis revealed a clear positive correlation between peanut biomass and both the SPAD values as well as Fv/Fm, and a negative correlation with MDA, SOD, CAT, ASA, and GSH. Furthermore, the presence of PS-MPs/NPs in roots, stems, and leaves was confirmed using a confocal laser scanning microscope. The internalization of PS-MPs/NPs within peanut tissues negatively impacted peanut growth by increasing the MDA and O₂⁻ levels, reducing the SPAD values, and inhibiting the photosynthetic capacity. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the effects of PS on peanuts were correlated with the PS size, concentration, and exposure time, highlighting the potential risk of 50 nm to 5 μm PS being absorbed by peanuts. Full article

Sodium p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzenesulfonate (OBS) has been proposed as a substitute for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), yet it has garnered increasing attention due to its environmental persistence and potential toxicity. Despite these concerns, the neurotoxic mechanisms of OBS remain unclear. This study investigates and compares the neurotoxic effects and mechanisms of OBS and PFOS in Caenorhabditis elegans. L4-stage worms were exposed to OBS (0.1–100 μM) or PFOS (100 μM) for 24 h. Neurobehavioral analysis showed that OBS exposure induced concentration-dependent neurobehavioral deficits, with 100 μM OBS significantly reducing pharyngeal pumping rate (29.8%), head swing frequency (23.4%), and body bending frequency (46.6%), surpassing the effects of PFOS. Both compounds decreased the fluorescence intensity of dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and γ-aminobutyric acid neurons and downregulated neurotransmitter-associated genes. They also increased ROS generation and inhibited antioxidant gene expression. Molecular docking revealed that OBS had a stronger binding affinity to p38 MAPK key protein (PMK-1) than PFOS. OBS and PFOS upregulated pmk-1 and skn-1, modulating oxidative stress and neuronal function. pmk-1 mutation differentially affected OBS-induced neurobehavioral changes and gene expression alterations. Our findings indicate that OBS exhibits stronger neurotoxicity than PFOS in Caenorhabditis elegans, mediated through the PMK-1 pathway. These results highlight the need for further investigation into the safety of OBS as a PFOS alternative. Full article

The present study aimed to standardize germinated oat extracts (GOEs) by profiling avenanthramides (AVNs) and phenolic acids and evaluate their neuroprotective effects against Aβ_1-42-induced cytotoxicity in human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. GOEs were standardized to contain 1652.56 ± 3.37 µg/g dry weight (dw) of total AVNs, including 468.52 ± 17.69 µg/g AVN A, 390.33 ± 10.26 µg/g AVN B, and 641.22 ± 13.89 µg/g AVN C, along with 490.03 ± 7.83 µg/g dw of ferulic acid, using a validated analytical method. Treatment with AVN C and GOEs significantly inhibited Aβ_1-42-induced cytotoxicity (p < 0.05). Furthermore, both AVNs and GOEs markedly reduced Aβ_1-42-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in SH-SY5Y cells, showing significant scavenging activity at concentrations of 25 μg/mL (AVNs) and 50 μg/mL (GOEs) (p < 0.05). RT-PCR analysis revealed that AVNs and GOEs effectively downregulated the expression of inflammation- and apoptosis-related genes triggered by Aβ_1-42 exposure. These findings suggest that GOEs rich in AVNs may serve as a potential functional ingredient for enhancing memory function through the inhibition of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections demands innovative non-antibiotic therapeutic strategies. Dual-modal photoresponse therapy integrating photodynamic (PDT) and photothermal (PTT) effects offers a promising rapid antibacterial approach, yet designing single-material systems with synergistic enhancement remains challenging. This study aims to develop uniform Cu-based metal–organic framework micrometer cubes (Cu-BN) for efficient PDT/PTT synergy. Methods: Cu-BN cubes were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method using Cu(NO₃)₂ and 2-amino-p-benzoic acid. The material’s dual-mode responsiveness to visible light (420 nm) and near-infrared light (808 nm) was characterized through UV–Vis spectroscopy, photothermal profiling, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation assays. Antibacterial efficacy against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was quantified via colony counting under dual-light irradiation. Results: Under synergistic 420 + 808 nm irradiation for 15 min, Cu-BN (200 μg/mL) achieved rapid eradication of multidrug-resistant E. coli (99.94%) and S. aureus (99.83%). The material reached 58.6 °C under dual-light exposure, significantly exceeding single-light performance. Photodynamic analysis confirmed a 78.7% singlet oxygen (¹O₂) conversion rate. This enhancement stems from PTT-induced membrane permeabilization accelerating ROS diffusion, while PDT-generated ROS sensitized bacteria to thermal damage. Conclusions: This integrated design enables spatiotemporal PDT/PTT synergy within a single Cu-BN system, establishing a new paradigm for rapid-acting, broad-spectrum non-antibiotic antimicrobials. The work provides critical insights for developing light-responsive biomaterials against drug-resistant infections. Full article

Metro carriages, as enclosed transport microenvironments, have been understudied regarding pollution characteristics and health risks from ACs, especially during high-temperature summers that amplify exposure. This study applied NTS techniques for the first time across three major Chengdu metro lines, systematically identifying sixteen ACs, including hazardous species such as acetophenone, benzonitrile, and benzoic acid that are often overlooked in conventional BTEX-focused monitoring. The TAC concentration reached 41.40 ± 5.20 µg/m³, with half of the compounds exhibiting significant increases during peak commuting periods. Source apportionment using diagnostic ratios and PMF identified five major contributors: carriage material emissions (36.62%), human sources (22.50%), traffic exhaust infiltration (16.67%), organic solvents (16.55%), and industrial emissions (7.66%). Although both non-cancer (HI) and cancer (TCR) risks for all population groups were below international thresholds, summer tourists experienced higher exposure than daily commuters. Notably, child tourists showed the greatest vulnerability, with a TCR of 5.83 × 10⁻⁷, far exceeding that of commuting children (1.88 × 10⁻⁷). Benzene was the dominant contributor, accounting for over 50% of HI and 70% of TCR. This study presents the first integrated NTS and quantitative risk assessment to characterise ACs in summer metro environments, revealing a broader range of hazardous compounds beyond BTEX. It quantifies population-specific risks, highlights children’s heightened vulnerability. The findings fill critical gaps in ACs exposure and provide a scientific basis for improved air quality management and pollution mitigation strategies in urban rail transit systems. Full article

The problem of spreading harmful infections through contaminated surfaces has become more acute during the recent coronavirus pandemic. The design of self-cleaning materials, which can continuously decompose biological contaminants, is an urgent task for environmental protection and human health care. In this study, the surface of blended cotton/polyester fabric was functionalized with N-doped TiO₂ (TiO₂-N) nanoparticles using titanium(IV) isopropoxide as a binder to form durable photoactive coating and additionally decorated with Cu species to promote its self-cleaning properties. The photocatalytic ability of the material with photoactive coating was investigated in oxidation of acetone vapor, degradation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragments of various lengths, and inactivation of PA136 bacteriophage virus and Candida albicans fungi under visible light and ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. The kinetic aspects of inactivation and degradation processes were studied using the methods of infrared (IR) spectroscopy, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), double-layer plaque assay, and ten-fold dilution. The results of experiments showed that the textile fabric modified with TiO₂-N photocatalyst exhibited photoinduced self-cleaning properties and provided efficient degradation of all studied contaminants under exposure to both UVA and visible light. Additional modification of the material with Cu species substantially improved its self-cleaning properties, even in the absence of light. Full article

This study explores how aristolochic acid I (AAI) drives hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We first employ network toxicology and machine learning to map the key molecular target genes. Next, our research utilizes molecular docking to evaluate how AAI binds to these targets, and finally confirms the stability and dynamics of the resulting complexes through molecular dynamics simulations. We identified 193 overlapping target genes between AAI and HCC through databases such as PubChem, OMIM, and ChEMBL. Machine learning algorithms (SVM-RFE, random forest, and LASSO regression) were employed to screen 11 core genes. LASSO serves as a rapid dimension-reduction tool, SVM-RFE recursively eliminates the features with the smallest weights, and Random Forest achieves ensemble learning through decision trees. Protein–protein interaction networks were constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1, and key genes were validated through GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, an immune infiltration analysis, a drug sensitivity analysis, and a survival analysis. Molecular-docking experiments showed that AAI binds to each of the core targets with a binding affinity stronger than −5 kcal mol⁻¹, and subsequent molecular dynamics simulations verified that these complexes remain stable over time. This study determined the potential molecular mechanisms underlying AAI-induced HCC and identified key genes (CYP1A2, ESR1, and AURKA) as potential therapeutic targets, providing valuable insights for developing targeted strategies to mitigate the health risks associated with AAI exposure. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) can affect fish health by inducing oxidative stress, but their impact on structural coloration remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations (16 and 160 μg/L) of MPs and nanoplastics (NPs) exposure on growth, oxidative stress and structural coloration in blue strain guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata). Results showed exposure to 160 μg/L MPs significantly reduced specific growth rate of fish compared to controls. Plastic accumulation followed a dose-dependent pattern, especially within gut concentrations. Oxidative stress responses differed between MPs and NPs: 160 μg/L MPs decreased SOD activity in skin and reduced GSH levels, while 160 μg/L NPs increased MDA levels in gut tissues, indicating severe lipid peroxidation. Structural coloration analysis revealed exposure to 160 μg/L MPs decreased lightness and increased yellowness, demonstrating reduced blue coloration. This was accompanied by an increase in skin uric acid content, suggesting that guanine conversion might occur to combat oxidative stress. These findings demonstrate that MPs, particularly at high concentrations, impair growth and induce oxidative stress in guppies. To counteract stress, guanine in iridophores may be converted into uric acid, leading to a decline in structural coloration. This study is the first to reveal that MPs disrupt structural coloration of fish, providing new insights into the ecological risks of plastic pollution on aquatic organisms. Full article

Processed sea sand has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional fine aggregates in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Despite its economic and environmental advantages, concerns over residual seashell content have limited its widespread adoption by local contractors. Residual seashell content, typically ranging from 1% to 3% after processing, has raised concerns about its impact on the performance of concrete. This study systematically investigates the influence of seashell fragments, with a content of up to 5%, on the fresh, mechanical, and durability properties of sea sand concrete and mortar. Experimental results indicate that workability remains stable, with minor variations across the tested range of shell content. Compressive strength remains relatively consistent from 0% to 5% seashells, indicating that seashell content does not significantly impact the strength within this range. Durability tests reveal minimal effects of shell content on concrete performance within the tested shell range, as indicated by results for water absorption, rapid chloride penetration, and acid exposure testing. Accelerated corrosion indicates that the typical shell content does not increase corrosion risk; however, high shell content (>3%) can compromise corrosion durability. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the mechanical and durability performance of sea sand concrete remains uncompromised at typical seashell content levels (1–3%), supporting the use of processed sea sand as a sustainable and viable alternative to traditional fine aggregates in Sri Lankan construction. Full article

Background/Objective: Pharmacological interventions often exert systemic effects beyond their primary targets, underscoring the need for a comprehensive evaluation of their metabolic impact. Etodolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that alleviates pain, fever, and inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), thereby reducing prostaglandin synthesis. While its pharmacological effects are well known, the broader metabolic impact and potential mechanisms underlying improved clinical outcomes remain underexplored. Untargeted metabolomics, which profiles the metabolome without prior selection, is an emerging tool in clinical pharmacology for elucidating drug-induced metabolic changes. In this study, untargeted metabolomics was applied to investigate metabolic changes following a single oral dose of etodolac in healthy male volunteers. By analyzing serial blood samples over time, we identified endogenous metabolites whose concentrations were positively or inversely associated with the drug’s plasma levels. This approach provides a window into both therapeutic pathways and potential off-target effects, offering a promising strategy for early-stage drug evaluation and multi-target discovery using minimal human exposure. Methods: Thirty healthy participants received a 400 mg dose of Etodolac. Plasma samples were collected at five time points: pre-dose, before Cmax, at Cmax, after Cmax, and 36 h post-dose (n = 150). Samples underwent LC/MS-based untargeted metabolomics profiling and pharmacokinetic analysis. A total of 997 metabolites were significantly dysregulated between the pre-dose and Cmax time points, with 875 upregulated and 122 downregulated. Among these, 80 human endogenous metabolites were identified as being influenced by Etodolac. Results: A total of 17 metabolites exhibited time-dependent changes closely aligned with Etodolac’s pharmacokinetic profile, while 27 displayed inverse trends. Conclusions: Etodolac influences various metabolic pathways, including arachidonic acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. These selective metabolic alterations complement its COX-2 inhibition and may contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects. This study provides new insights into Etodolac’s metabolic impact under healthy conditions and may inform future therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially mild TBI (mTBI), is frequently caused by traffic accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Although computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for diagnosis, overuse can lead to unnecessary radiation exposure, increased healthcare costs, and emergency department saturation. Blood-based biomarkers have emerged as potential tools to optimize CT scan use. This systematic review aims to evaluate recent evidence on the role of specific blood biomarkers in guiding CT decisions in patients with mTBI. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases for studies published between 2020 and 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on adult patients with mTBI evaluated using both CT imaging and at least one of the following biomarkers: glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B). After screening, six studies were included in the final review. Results: All included studies reported high sensitivity and negative predictive value for the selected biomarkers in detecting clinically relevant intracranial lesions. GFAP and UCH-L1, particularly in combination, consistently identified low-risk patients who could potentially forgo CT scans. While S100B also showed high sensitivity, discrepancies in cutoff values across studies highlighted the need for harmonization. Conclusions: Blood biomarkers such as GFAP, UCH-L1, and S100B demonstrate strong potential to reduce unnecessary CT imaging in mTBI by identifying patients at low risk of significant brain injury. Future research should focus on standardizing biomarker thresholds and validating protocols to support their integration into clinical practice guidelines. Full article

This study investigates the thermal stability and microstructural evolution of the solid electrolyte medium used in DLyte^® dry electropolishing and dry anodizing processes. Samples were thermally aged between 30 °C and 45 °C to simulate Joule heating during industrial operation. Visual and SEM analyses revealed shape deformation and microcrack formation at temperatures above 40 °C, potentially reducing particle packing efficiency and electrolyte performance. Particle size distribution shifted from bimodal to trimodal upon aging, with an overall size reduction of up to 39.5% due to dehydration effects, impacting ionic transport properties. Weight-loss measurements indicated a diffusion-limited dehydration mechanism, stabilizing at 15–16% mass loss. Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed water removal while maintaining the essential sulfonic acid groups responsible for ionic conductivity. In dry anodizing tests on titanium, aged electrolytes enhanced process efficiency, producing TiO₂ films with improved optical properties—color and brightness—while preserving thickness and uniformity (~70 nm). The results highlight the need to carefully control thermal exposure to maintain electrolyte integrity and ensure consistent process performance. Full article

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has now reached epidemic proportions in many parts of the world, primarily due to the high incidence of diabetes and hypertension. By 2040, CKD is predicted to be the fifth-leading cause of years of life lost. Developing strategies to prevent CKD and to reduce its progression to kidney failure is thus of great public health significance. Hypertension is known to be both a cause and a consequence of kidney damage and an eminently modifiable risk factor. An increased risk of hypertension, especially among women, has been linked to chronic exposure to the ubiquitous food contaminant cadmium (Cd). The mechanism is unclear but is likely to involve its action on the proximal tubular cells (PTCs) of the kidney, where Cd accumulates. Here, it leads to chronic tubular injury and a sustained drop in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a common sequela of ischemic acute tubular necrosis and acute and chronic tubulointerstitial inflammation, all of which hinder glomerular filtration. The present review discusses exposure levels of Cd that have been associated with an increased risk of hypertension, albuminuria, and eGFR ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m² (low eGFR) in environmentally exposed people. It highlights the potential role of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), the second messenger produced in the kidneys, as the contributing factor to gender-differentiated effects of Cd-induced hypertension. Use of GFR loss and albumin excretion in toxicological risk calculation, and derivation of Cd exposure limits, instead of β₂-microglobulin (β₂M) excretion at a rate of 300 µg/g creatinine, are recommended. Full article