Search Results (165)

A sustainable circular pathway was developed for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanocomposites through a catalyst-driven polymerization and depolymerization process. In this study, calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate with n-butyl alcohol modified ZnAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were utilized as bifunctional catalysts to synthesize highly exfoliated PET/LDH nanocomposites via in situ polycondensation of bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). The organic modification of LDHs expanded interlayer spacing, improved interfacial compatibility, and promoted uniform dispersion, leading to enhanced mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. In the second stage, the pristine LDH catalyst efficiently depolymerized the prepared PET/LDH nanocomposites back into BHET through glycolysis, completing a closed-loop BHET-to-BHET cycle. This integrated strategy demonstrates the reversible catalytic functionality of LDHs in both polymerization and depolymerization, reducing metal contamination and energy demand. The proposed approach represents a sustainable route for designing recyclable high-performance PET nanocomposites aligned with the principles of green chemistry and circular material systems. Full article

Brain tumors, particularly glioblastoma, remain among the most lethal cancers, with limited survival benefits from current genetic and molecular-targeted approaches. Emerging evidence reveals that beyond oncogenes and mutations, neuronal plasticity, long-term potentiation, synaptic remodeling, and neurotransmitter-driven signaling play a pivotal role in shaping tumor progression and therapeutic response. This convergence of neuroscience and oncology has given rise to the field of cancer neuroscience, which explores the bidirectional interactions between neurons and malignant cells. In this review, we summarize fundamental principles of neuronal plasticity, contrasting physiological roles with pathological reprogramming in brain tumors. We highlight how tumor cells exploit synaptic input, particularly glutamatergic signaling, to enhance proliferation, invasion, and integration into neural circuits. We further discuss how neuronal-driven feedback loops contribute to therapy resistance, including chemoresistance, radioresistance, and immune evasion, mediated through pathways such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), and calcium influx. The tumor microenvironment, including astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocyte-lineage cells, emerges as an active participant in reinforcing this neuron-tumor ecosystem. Finally, this review explores therapeutic opportunities targeting neuronal plasticity, spanning pharmacological interventions, neuromodulation approaches (transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), optogenetics), and computational/artificial intelligence frameworks that model neuron tumor networks to predict personalized therapy. Also, we propose future directions integrating connect omics, neuroinformatics, and brain organoid models to refine translational strategies. Full article

Magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles are biocompatible, non-toxic, and easily functionalized. Coating them with mesoporous silica (mSiO₂) offers high surface area, pore volume, and tunable surface chemistry for drug loading. In this study, Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized and coated with mSiO₂ shells enriched with calcium ions (Ca²⁺), aiming to enhance bioactivity for bone regeneration and tissue engineering. Different synthesis routes were tested to optimize shell formation Their characterization confirmed the presence of a crystalline Fe₃O₄ core with partial conversion to maghemite (Fe₂O₃) post-coating. The silica shell was mostly amorphous and the optimized samples exhibited mesoporous structure (type IVb). Calcium incorporation slightly altered the magnetic properties without significantly affecting core crystallinity or particle size (11.68–13.56 nm). VSM analysis displayed symmetric hysteresis loops and decreased saturation magnetization after coating and Ca²⁺ addition. TEM showed spherical morphology with some agglomeration. MTT assays confirmed overall non-toxicity, except for mild cytotoxicity at high concentrations in the Ca²⁺-enriched sample synthesized by a modified Stöber method. Their capacity to induce human periodontal ligament cell osteogenic differentiation, further supports the potential of Fe₃O₄/mSiO₂/Ca²⁺ core–shell nanoparticles as promising candidates for bone-related biomedical applications due to their favorable magnetic, structural, and biological properties. Full article

Waste generated from agricultural activities is anticipated to increase in the future, especially in less developed countries, and this could cause environmental health risks if these wastes are not well managed. The anaerobic digestion (AD) by co-digesting organic waste is a technology used to produce biogas while utilizing biodigestate as a biofertilizer; however, AD requires a lot of water to be efficient, which could pose water challenges to arid areas. This study evaluated biogas production under semi-dry conditions by augmenting the process with a high-water content wild melon and determined the nutrient composition of the resultant biodigestate. Batch studies of AD were performed to evaluate methane potential of the different animal waste using an online and standardized Automatic Methane Potential Test System (AMPTS) II light for approximately 506 h (21 days) at 38 °C. The highest biomethane potential (BMP) determined for mono and co-substrate digestion was 29.5 NmL CH₄/g VS (CD) and 63.3 NmL CH₄/g VS (CMWM), respectively, which was calculated from AMPTS biomethane yield of 3166.2 NmL (CD) and 1480.6 NmL (CMWM). Water-displacement method was also used to compare biogas yield in wet and semi-dry AD. The results showed high biogas yield of 8480 mL for CM (mono-substrate) and 10,975 mL for CMCC in wet AD. Semi-dry AD was investigated by replacing water with a wild melon (WM), and the highest biogas production was 8000 mL from the CMCC combination augmented with WM. Generally, in wet AD, co-digestion was more effective in biogas production than mono-substrate AD. The biodigestate from different substrate combinations were also evaluated for nutrient composition using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis, and all the samples contained fair amount of essential nutrients such as calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and microelements such as chloride (Cl), magnesium (Mn), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn). This study successfully implemented semi-dry AD from co-digested animal wastes to produce biogas as an energy solution and biofertilizer for crop production, thereby creating a closed-loop system that supports a circular bioeconomy. In addition, the study confirmed that lowering the water content in the AD process is feasible without compromising substantial biogas production. This technology, when optimized and well implemented, could provide sustainable biogas production in areas with water scarcity, therefore making the biogas production process accessible to rural communities. Full article

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a widely used polymer that accumulates in the environment due to its low degradability, requiring efficient recycling strategies. In this study, CaO filler derived from calcium carbide slag (CS) waste was used for the first time as a catalyst for PET depolymerization. PET/CaO composites were prepared via hot extrusion of PET with the finely dispersed CaO filler. The resulting composite demonstrated consistently higher PET conversion (≥95%) and the yields of dimethyl and dibutyl terephthalates (80 and 84%, respectively). Kinetic studies of glycolysis demonstrated that embedding 1 wt% of CaO in the PET matrix doubled the bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) formation rate relative to an externally added CaO catalyst, which resulted in BHET yields of 84.7% and 41.1% after 40 min. SEM and EDX investigations demonstrated good adhesion between the polymer matrix and the filler. The recovered BHET was successfully re-polymerized to produce recycled PET (r-PET). The maximum rate of weight loss of r-PET samples (at T_max = 438.7–444.7 °C) was comparable to the original materials (at T_max = 455.3–457.7 °C). In fact, the direct incorporation of CaO catalyst derived from waste into the polymer matrix during additive manufacturing enabled the implementation of an efficient and scalable closed-loop recycling strategy. Full article

Excitation–contraction (EC) coupling in skeletal muscle requires a physical interaction between the voltage-gated calcium channel, dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR), and the ryanodine receptor (RyR1) Ca²⁺ release channel. Although the exact mode of communication that links these two membrane proteins remains to be fully resolved, both the α_1s and β_1a subunits of DHPR are two of a select number of critical proteins involved in this process. A detailed in vitro interaction study of these two proteins reveals that their association occurs between the β_1a SH3 domain and the polyproline motifs located in a critical region of the α_1s II-III loop. We demonstrate that subtle changes in the composition of the β_1a SH3 domain influences the ability of β proteins to bind to II-III loop proteins and investigate the effect of these changes on EC skeletal coupling. Furthermore, investigation into the composition of the II-III loop shows that previously identified amino acids demonstrated to be important in EC coupling are implicated in in vitro binding. In summary, we ascribe a role for the DHPR β_1a which involves the engagement of its SH3 domain with the α_1s II-III loop and propose a scenario whereby this interaction may facilitate skeletal muscle EC coupling. Full article

Human airways maintain homeostasis through intricate cellular interactomes combining secretome-mediated signalling and mechanotransduction feedback loops. This review presents the first unified map of bidirectional mechanobiology–secretome interactions between airway epithelial cells (AECs), smooth muscle cells (ASMCs), and chondrocytes. We unify a novel three-component regulatory architecture: epithelium functioning as environmental activators, smooth muscle as mechanical actuators, and cartilage as calcium-dependent regulators. Critical mechanotransduction pathways, particularly YAP/TAZ signalling and TRPV4 channels, directly couple matrix stiffness to cytokine release, creating a closed-loop feedback system. During development, ASM-driven FGF-10 signalling and peristaltic contractions orchestrate cartilage formation and epithelial differentiation through mechanically guided morphogenesis. In disease states, these homeostatic circuits become pathologically dysregulated; asthma and COPD exhibit feed-forward stiffness traps where increased matrix rigidity triggers YAP/TAZ-mediated hypercontractility, perpetuating further remodelling. Aberrant mechanotransduction drives smooth muscle hyperplasia, cartilage degradation, and epithelial dysfunction through sustained inflammatory cascades. This system-level understanding of airway cellular networks provides mechanistic frameworks for targeted therapeutic interventions and tissue engineering strategies that incorporate essential mechanobiological signalling requirements. Full article

Carbon dioxide (CO₂), the primary anthropogenic greenhouse gas, drives significant and potentially irreversible impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. Achieving the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to well below 2 °C, ideally 1.5 °C, requires rapid and substantial global emission reductions. While recent decades have seen advances in clean energy technologies, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) remain essential for deep decarbonization. Despite proven technical readiness, large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) deployment has lagged initial targets. This review evaluates CCS technologies and their contributions to net-zero objectives, with emphasis on sector-specific applications. We found that, in the iron and steel industry, post-combustion CCS and oxy-combustion demonstrate potential to achieve the highest CO₂ capture efficiencies, whereas cement decarbonization is best supported by oxy-fuel combustion, calcium looping, and emerging direct capture methods. For petrochemical and refining operations, oxy-combustion, post-combustion, and chemical looping offer effective process integration and energy efficiency gains. Direct air capture (DAC) stands out for its siting flexibility, low land-use conflict, and ability to remove atmospheric CO₂, but it’s hindered by high costs (~$100–1000/t CO₂). Conversely, post-combustion capture is more cost-effective (~$47–76/t CO₂) and compatible with existing infrastructure. CCUS could deliver ~8% of required emission reductions for net-zero by 2050, equivalent to ~6 Gt CO₂ annually. Scaling deployment will require overcoming challenges through material innovations aided by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, improving capture efficiency, integrating CCS with renewable hybrid systems, and establishing strong, coordinated policy frameworks. Full article

Amyloid beta (Aβ) is believed to play a key role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), whose causes, progression, diagnosis, and treatment nonetheless remain poorly understood despite decades of research. Recent studies suggest that Aβ in its various forms participates in multiple mutual feedback loops (“vicious cycles”) including tauopathy, oxidative stress, inflammation, calcium dysregulation, excitotoxicity, and probably many others, eventually leading to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Here, as an initial quantitative step toward modeling this vast complexity, we explore a simple kinetic model of a coupled feedback vicious cycle for Aβ buildup based on literature data for Tg2576 mice. The model is used to examine the efficacy of various hypothetical therapeutic approaches, either singly or in combination, to mitigate Aβ buildup. While our computational results support the possible efficacy of combination interventions, they also suggest caution, inasmuch as clear synergy is not found. This kinetic approach highlights the essential importance of the vicious cycle of positive feedback in a quantitative model. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive performance assessment of combustion-based options for Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), widely regarded as key enablers of future climate neutrality. From 972 publications (2000–2025), 16 sources are identified as providing complete data. Seven technologies are considered: Calcium Looping (CaL), Chemical Looping Combustion (CLC), Hot Potassium Carbonate (HPC), low-temperature solvents (mainly amine-based), molten sorbents, Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFCs), and oxyfuel. First- and second-law efficiencies are reported for 53 bioenergy configurations (19 reference plants without carbon capture and 34 BECCS systems). Performance is primarily evaluated via the reduction in second-law (exergy) efficiency and the Specific Primary Energy Consumption per CO₂ Avoided (SPECCA), both relative to each configuration’s reference plant. MCFC-based systems perform best, followed by CLC; molten sorbents and oxyfuel also show very good performance, although each is documented by a single source. Low-temperature solvents span a wide performance range—from poor to competitive—highlighting the heterogeneity of this category; HPC performs in line with the average of low-temperature solvents. CaL exhibits modest efficiency penalties alongside appreciable energy costs of CO₂ capture, a counterintuitive outcome driven by the high performance of the benchmark plants considered in the definition of SPECCA. To account for BECCS-specific features (multiple outputs and peculiar fuels), a dedicated evaluation framework with a revised SPECCA formulation is introduced. Full article

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), as an important target protein for inhibiting and intervening in osteoporosis, is associated with cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. Peptides derived from food have been shown to have a strong affinity for EGFR, thereby regulating downstream cellular-signaling pathways and participating in stimulating bone formation. However, it is still a “black box” as to how active peptides affect the conformational changes in the EGFR-binding domain when interacting with its ligand EGF. To shed light on the roles, peptides in EGFR binding, which is involved in the osteoblast differentiation, a high EGFR affinity soybean peptide (HEP) was isolated and purified from soy yogurt. Firstly, the osteogenic activity of HEP was identified through cellular alkaline-phosphatase (ALP) and calcium influx. HEP promoted ALP activity from 0.01897 ± 0.00165 to 0.04051 ± 0.00402 U/mg after 100 μM of peptide treatment, and free intracellular calcium ions and calcium deposition both increased in a dose-dependent manner at 1–100 μg/mL. Secondly, the interaction between HEP and EGFR was detected by bioinformatics, spectroscopy analysis, and Western blot. The Molecular docking results showed that HEP (VVELLKAFEEKF) exhibited high affinity among all the peptides, with -CDOCKER energy values of 184.077 kcal/mol on one EGFR. Moreover, a different loop conformation has been detected in HEP, comparing it to that of EGF, which influences HEP interactions with EGFR. GlU3, LEU4, and LEU5 (HEP) match GLU40, LEU26, and GLU40 (EGF). Moreover, the CD data showed that HEP could interact with extracellular domain protein of EGFR, but the secondary structure did not change after HEP was mixed with Mutant extracellular domain protein. Furthermore, treatment with HEP increased the expression of EGFR and the activation of the PI3K-RUNX2-signaling pathway. These results suggested that HEP may have the function of promoting bone remodeling, which could promote the binding between EGF and EGFR and may be used as a potential active factor for functional food development to prevent osteoporosis. Full article

The urgent need to mitigate rising global CO₂ emissions demands the development of efficient carbon capture technologies. This study addresses the persistent challenge of sintering-induced performance degradation in CaO-based sorbents during high-temperature CO₂ capture. A novel solvent/nonsolvent synthetic strategy to fabricate CaO/CaAl-layered double oxide (LDO) composites was developed, where CaAl-LDO serves as a nanostructural stabilizer. The CaAl-LDO precursor enables atomic-level dispersion of components, which upon calcination forms a Ca₁₂Al₁₄O₃₃ “rigid scaffold” that spatially confines CaO nanoparticles and effectively mitigates sintering. Thermogravimetric analysis results demonstrate exceptional cyclic stability; the composite achieves an initial CO₂ uptake of 14.5 mmol/g (81.5% of theoretical capacity) and retains 87% of its capacity after 30 cycles. This performance significantly outperforms pure CaO and CaO/MgAl-LDO composites. Physicochemical characterization confirms that structural confinement preserves mesoporous channels, ensuring efficient CO₂ diffusion. This work establishes a scalable, instrumentally simple route to high-performance sorbents, offering an efficient solution for carbon capture in energy-intensive industries such as power generation and steel manufacturing. Full article

Fasciola hepatica remains a global health and economic concern, and treatment still relies heavily on triclabendazole. At the parasite–host interface, F. hepatica calcium-binding proteins (FhCaBPs) have a unique EF-hand/DLC-like domain fusion found only in trematodes. This makes it a parasite-specific target for small compounds and vaccinations. To enable novel therapeutic strategies, we report the first elevated-resolution structure of a full-length FhCaBP4. The apo structure was determined at 1.93 Å resolution, revealing a homodimer architecture that integrates an N-terminal, calmodulin-like, EF-hand pair with a C-terminal dynein light chain (DLC)-like domain. Structure-guided in silico mutagenesis identified a flexible, 16-residue β4–β5 loop (LTGSYWMKFSHEPFMS) with an FSHEPF core that demonstrates greater energetic variability than its FhCaBP2 counterpart, likely explaining the distinct ligand-binding profiles of these paralogs. Molecular dynamics simulations and AlphaFold3 modeling suggest that EF-hand 2 acts as the primary calcium-binding site, with calcium coordination inducing partial rigidification and modest expansion of the protein structure. Microscale thermophoresis confirmed calcium as the major ligand, while calmodulin antagonists bound with lower affinity and praziquantel demonstrated no interaction. Thermal shift assays revealed calcium-dependent stabilization and a merger of biphasic unfolding transitions. These results suggest that FhCaBP4 functions as a calcium-responsive signaling hub, with an allosterically coupled EF-hand–DLC interface that could serve as a structurally tractable platform for drug targeting in trematodes. Full article

Although concentrated solar power (CSP) coupled with calcium looping (CaL) offers a promising avenue for efficient thermal chemical energy storage, calcium-based sorbents suffer from accelerated structural degradation and decreased CO₂ capture capacity during multiple cycles. This study used Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the mechanism by which Mg and Ni doping improves the adsorption/desorption performance of CaO. The DFT results indicate that Mg and Ni doping can effectively reduce the formation energy of oxygen vacancies on the CaO surface. Mg–Ni co-doping exhibits a significant synergistic effect, with the formation energy of oxygen vacancies reduced to 5.072 eV. Meanwhile, the O²⁻ diffusion energy barrier in the co-doped system was reduced to 2.692 eV, significantly improving the ion transport efficiency. In terms of CO₂ adsorption, Mg and Ni co-doping enhances the interaction between surface O atoms and CO₂, increasing the adsorption energy to −1.703 eV and forming a more stable CO₃²⁻ structure. For the desorption process, Mg and Ni co-doping restructured the CaCO₃ surface structure, reducing the CO₂ desorption energy barrier to 3.922 eV and significantly promoting carbonate decomposition. This work reveals, at the molecular level, how Mg and Ni doping optimizes adsorption–desorption in calcium-based materials, providing theoretical guidance for designing high-performance sorbents. Full article

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a dual role as both essential signaling molecules and harmful mediators of damage. Imbalances in the redox state of the liver can overwhelm antioxidant defenses and promote mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative damage, and inflammation. Complex feedback loops between ROS and immune signaling pathways are a hallmark of pathological liver conditions, such as hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI). This is a major cause of liver transplant failure and is of increasing significance due to the increased use of marginally discarded livers for transplantation. This review outlines the major enzymatic and metabolic sources of ROS in hepatic IRI, including mitochondrial reverse electron transport, NADPH oxidases, cytochrome P450 enzymes, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Hepatocyte injury activates redox feedback loops that initiate immune cascades through DAMP release, toll-like receptor signaling, and cytokine production. Emerging regulatory mechanisms, such as succinate accumulation and cytosolic calcium–CAMKII signaling, further shape oxidative dynamics. Pharmacological therapies and the use of antioxidant and immunomodulatory approaches, including nanoparticles and redox-sensitive therapeutics, are discussed as protective strategies. A deeper understanding of how redox and immune feedback loops interact is an exciting and active area of research that warrants further clinical investigation. Full article