Search Results (42)

Saltmarshes have emerged as important sinks for microplastic (MP) pollution, yet little is known about the long-term accumulation and retention mechanisms of MPs in these environments. This study presents the first chronological record of MPs in Mediterranean saltmarsh sediments, using sediment cores dated via a combination of AMS radiocarbon (¹⁴C) and radionuclide (²¹⁰Pb, ¹³⁷Cs, ²⁴¹Am) from two saltmarshes located on the Adriatic Sea coast of Croatia (Blace and Jadrtovac). MPs were extracted and analysed across core depths and assessed in relation to geochemical parameters (organic matter (OM), carbonates, organic carbon (C-org), total nitrogen (TN), phosphorus (P) forms’ content, and grain size distribution). Results show that MPs first appear in sediments dated to 1950 in Jadrtovac and post-1960 in Blace, with concentrations increasing markedly in more recent surface layers. Jadrtovac exhibited higher MP concentrations (up to 0.5 MPs g⁻¹), dominated by fibres (86%) associated with urban and maritime sources, while Blace showed lower concentrations, dominated by fragments (60%), likely from localised sources such as agriculture or single-use packaging. Polymer analysis confirmed contrasting source profiles, with rayon and cellophane dominating in Jadrtovac, and polypropylene and olefin in Blace. MPs positively correlated with OM, C-org, P, TN and sand content, and negatively with clay and carbonate content. Principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed that MPs were associated with organic-rich, sandy sediments. These findings demonstrate that OM composition and sediment texture significantly influence MP retention and highlight the role of saltmarshes as long-term archives of plastic pollution in low-energy coastal settings. Full article

Fusarium wilt of banana, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), is a destructive vascular disease that seriously threatens global banana production. To investigate the contribution of histidine metabolism to Foc growth and pathogenicity, we functionally characterized FoHis2, a putative histidinol-phosphate phosphatase in Foc race 4 (Foc4). Targeted deletion of FoHis2 severely compromised histidine prototrophy, with the ΔFoHis2 mutant growing slowly on potato dextrose agar and even more slowly on minimal medium (MM, no histidine added). Exogenous histidine fully restored the mutant growth to wild-type (WT) levels, whereas histidinol supplementation rescued the colony size but not the reduced aerial mycelium formation. The ΔFoHis2 mutant exhibited markedly reduced vegetative growth and hyphal branching, and increased sensitivity to elevated H₂O₂ concentrations, compared with the WT strain. Consistent with the oxidative stress phenotype, peroxisome-associated genes were down-regulated in the ΔFoHis2 mutant. FoHis2 was dispensable for conidiation, cell wall integrity, and fusaric acid and beauvericin biosynthesis. Pathogenicity assays showed that the deletion of FoHis2 severely compromised cellophane penetration and greatly reduced disease incidence and severity on Cavendish banana plantlets, whereas genetic complementation restored the WT phenotypes. These results indicate that FoHis2-mediated histidine biosynthesis is essential for metabolic homeostasis, stress adaptation, and full virulence in Foc4, and highlight histidine metabolism as a potential target for controlling Fusarium wilt in banana. Full article

Background/Objectives: One-dose packaging is beneficial for older adults and those on multiple medications because it ensures that no doses are missed and supports medication adherence. However, conventional one-dose packaging materials have high moisture permeability, making them unsuitable for the storage of hygroscopic medications. We evaluated the barrier performance of food packaging materials against moisture and oxygen and investigated their potential to enhance the physical stability of the highly hygroscopic sodium valproate, under stressed storage conditions. Methods: Barrier performance was evaluated by measuring the water vapor transmission (WVTR) and oxygen transmission rates of each packaging material. Then, we evaluated the stability of sodium valproate tablets in different food packaging films by measuring weight change, breaking force, and visual appearance over 14 days under stressed storage conditions (35 °C and 75% relative humidity). Conventional cellophane-laminated polyethylene was used as the reference. Results: The WVTR of the food packaging films were below 2 g/m²/day, less than that of the conventional material. Tablets stored in Materials A and B showed weight increases of no more than 1.2% after 3 days, whereas the maximum increase among all food films was 3.7% (Material C). For Materials A and B, the breaking force remained measurable and the visual appearance unchanged throughout the 14-day period, whereas Material C became unmeasurable by day 14. Tablets packaged in cellophane-laminated polyethylene exhibited deliquescence, with visible deformation and stickiness within 3 days, rendering them unmeasurable. Conclusions: Food packaging materials with high barrier performance offer a practical, safe, and effective solution for one-dose packaging of hygroscopic medications, potentially expanding their clinical use and improving adherence. Full article

Glomerella leaf spot (GLS), mainly caused by Colletotrichum fructicola, is a destructive disease of apple. However, the underlying pathogenesis mechanisms of GLS are still largely obscure. Previous infection transcriptome analysis showed that transcription factor CfGti1 was induced during leaf infection. The present study confirms that the CfGti1 gene is strongly expressed in conidia and early infection. To identify functions performed, we generated gene deletion mutant ΔCfGti1 by homologous recombination. Phenotypic analysis revealed that ΔCfGti1 lost pathogenicity to apple leaves by blocking appressorium-mediated host penetration, although penetration pegs still developed on cellophane. In addition, ΔCfGti1 colonization and hyphal extension in wounded apple fruit were dramatically decreased. The ΔCfGti1 mutant exhibited defects in growth and development of hyphae, which may be partly responsible for its inability to colonize apple. Comparative transcriptome and qRT-PCR analyses suggested that CfGti1 regulated appressorium-mediated host penetration by modulating genes related to metabolism of appressorial lipid droplets. Interestingly, CfGti1 also regulated the expression of ybtS and AKT1 or AFT1-1 related to biosynthesis of AK and AF host-specific toxins. This study demonstrated that CfGti1 is a pivotal regulator for apple GLS pathogenesis in C. fructicola. Full article

Improving the efficacy of microbial biocontrol agents is a pivotal strategy for sustainable management of rice blast and sheath blight caused by Pyricularia oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani, respectively, in Vietnam. In this study, Trichoderma sp. TVN-A0 and Trichoderma sp. TVN-H0 were irradiated by gamma to generate mutants for screening the enhanced antagonistic activity against P. oryzae and R. solani. The potential mutants were screened by antifungal metabolite production via the cellophane membrane assay (I_CM), antagonistic performance through dual culture confrontation assays (I_DC), volatile organic compound bioassays (I_VOCs), and chitinase activity. As a result, among five potential mutants derived from each wild-type strain (AM1-AM5 and HM1-HM5), mutant AM2 originated from TVN-A0, and mutant HM2 derived from TVN-H0 demonstrated the highest inhibition rates and chitinase activities. The AM2 exhibited I_CM of 96.71% against R. solani, 92.57% against P. oryzae, I_DC of 87.76%, and I_VOCs of 83.57%, while HM2 possessed I_CM of 95.33% against R. solani, 85.28% against P. oryzae, I_DC of 91.24%, and I_VOCs of 79.33%. The genetic differences among mutants and their parents were investigated by RAPD. The non-GMO AM2 and HM2 mutants are promising candidates for biocontrol of the diseases caused by P. oryzae and R. solani in Vietnam. Full article

In this study, the seeking behaviour and food acceptance of larvae of Plodia interpunctella Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were analysed under laboratory conditions. Larval orientation and feeding preferences were assessed using a selection arena for neonate larvae and a four-way olfactometer for third-instar larvae. Stimulants included amaranth bars with additives (honey and chocolate) and natural amaranth (toasted grain only). The results showed that amaranth volatiles influence the orientation and feeding behaviour of this polyphagous insect. A marked preference for sugar-rich foods was observed, with amaranth with honey and amaranth with chocolate being the food sources most frequently chosen by the neonate larvae. These individuals exhibited a gregarious feeding behaviour and did not engage in cannibalism. The third-instar larvae also showed a preference for sweet food but were more attracted to the amaranth–additive combination. In the four-way olfactometer bioassays, chocolate was the most frequently chosen stimulus, while cellophane did not differ significantly from air. An analysis of volatile compounds by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed that amaranth with chocolate releases more volatile compounds (16) compared with honey (12) and natural amaranth (6), suggesting that these volatiles could possibly influence the larvae’s choice of food source. Full article

Background: Compounding is performed to adjust dosages and support medication for children. In Japan, tablets are crushed, diluted with lactose, and stored in bottles or sachets until use, but the stability and impact on dissolution of the ingredients after crushing have not been evaluated. Methods: Using a database established by the National Center for Child Health and Development in collaboration with 11 medical facilities, the status of tablet crushing was investigated. Commonly compounded drugs were selected as the target drugs. The selected drugs were sieved through a 500 μm mesh after crushing and diluted with lactose hydrate. The stability at 25 ± 2 °C/60 ± 5% relative humidity and the dissolution of the ingredients were evaluated after storing them for up to 120 days under the following conditions: (I) stored in a closed polycarbonate bottle (closed), (II) bottle opened once a day (in-use), or (III) stored in a laminated cellophane and polyethylene sachet (laminated). The changes in the ingredient content and dissolution behavior were evaluated in accordance with the Japanese Pharmacopoeia. Results: Five cardiovascular drugs (amlodipine besylate, carvedilol, propranolol hydrochloride, hydrochlorothiazide, and tadalafil) were selected as target drugs. No more than 10% change in ingredient content was observed for all five formulations compared to day 0. In addition, no related substances (impurities) were detected at more than 0.01%. There was no change in the dissolution rate of the samples after 120 days of storage under each storage condition. Conclusions: The five cardiovascular drugs commonly compounded for children in Japan maintained their pharmaceutical quality after compounding, even after long-term storage. Full article

Iron is an essential micronutrient required for the fungal growth and propagation. Fusarium proliferatum is the causal agent of rice spikelet rot disease. In this study, we characterized the role of F. proliferatum multicopper ferroxidase (FpfetC), which mediated the oxidization of ferrous to ferric iron in the reductive system of iron assimilation. Deletion of FpfetC led to impaired growth under iron-deprived conditions, and the growth defect could be restored by exogenous iron. Compared to wild-type Fp9 strain, ΔFpfetC showed increased conidiation, resistance to copper stress, and sensitivity to zinc stress. FpfetC deficiency rendered a transcription remodeling of genes involved in high-affinity iron assimilation, iron homeostasis and iron storage. Moreover, production of fumonisin B1 (FB1) and transcript levels of fumonisin biosynthesis (Fpfums) genes were elevated in ΔFpfetC. ΔFpfetC exhibited hypervirulence to rice, accompanied with aggravation of invasive hyphae and activation of siderophore synthesis at the sites of inoculation. Additionally, disruption of FpfetC attenuated penetration ability to cellophane membrane under iron starvation. Taken together, these results demonstrated that FpfetC played important roles in iron uptake, conidiation, response to metal stress, fumonisin biosynthesis, and virulence in F. proliferatum. Full article

Reports on patients with a gastrophrenic shunt treated with cellophane banding without attenuation are scarce. This case series evaluated the outcomes of cellophane banding without intraoperative attenuation in patients with a congenital left gastrophrenic shunt. Seven client-owned dogs and five client-owned cats with congenital left gastrophrenic shunt were included. Data collected from the medical records included signalment, history, physical examination, clinicopathologic testing, diagnostic imaging (pre and postoperative), perioperative complications, hepatic histopathological evaluation, and clinical outcomes. The application of a cellophane band without intraoperative attenuation of congenital left gastrophrenic shunts resulted in complete closure in 10/11 patients at a median follow-up of 60 days (range: 33–174) based on ultrasound. The mean shunt diameter was 6.1 mm (range: 4.2–8). One dog had partial closure of the shunt at 3 months but was lost to follow-up. One dog died perioperatively from seizures. One cat experienced post-attenuation neurologic signs that completely resolved. Cellophane banding without intraoperative attenuation appeared to be a safe and potentially effective approach for managing gastrophrenic shunts. The percentage of shunt closure observed in this cases series is higher than that historically reported for other shunt localizations. Shunt localization may influence closure. Residual shunting may not be associated with shunt diameter. Further studies with larger sample sizes and standardized follow-ups are needed to confirm its efficacy. Full article

With an output of more than two million tons of alumina per year, Venezuela is an important producer. As observed, this mining extraction activity generates a large number of by-products poorly valorized for many reasons (economic, technical, and due to environmental standards and regulations) Venezuela production generates wastes (more than 15 million of m³) called red muds, which are dumped in old lagoons near the Orinoco river or stored. This sludge has a high alkalinity (pH between 10 and 13) and a chemical composition containing some heavy metals (40 ppm Cr, 107 ppm La, 178 ppm Ce) that means it is considered environmentally problematic waste. However, their mineralogical, textural and structural characteristics make them adsorption materials. So, the aim of the study presented here was to investigate the sorption properties of these residues in the case of treatment of water from acid mine drainage. In fact, with an important reactive surface, their capacities to trap by adsorption trace elements such as cadmium, lead or zinc has been studied. Batch sorption tests revealed significant retention of contaminants such as Pb, Zn and As. These retention processes were interpreted using the Langmuir isotherm model. The promising first results indicate that the red mud named Venezuelan bauxite residue (VBR) reveals its great potential as a sorbent of inorganic pollutants. The sorption process is chemically dependent and efficient for certain pH and IS ranges. In addition, the material showed a strong affinity for the adsorption of arsenate (As⁵⁺). This was observed during post adsorption chemical speciation experiments, through the very high affinity of this element for the least mobile fractions, including oxyhydroxides mobile fractions, including Fe oxyhydroxides (amorphous). Nevertheless, these mining by-products could be considered as valuable absorbent materials. Despite this promising results, further studies are required to evaluate their potential in different conditions (dynamic tests, pH, IS, inorganic and organic contaminants, concentration and time effect). Full article

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is the main pathogen that causes poplar anthracnose. This hemibiotrophic fungus, which can severely decrease the economic benefits and ecological functions of poplar trees, infects the host by forming an appressorium. Hox7 is an important regulatory factor that functions downstream of the Pmk1 MAPK signaling pathway. In this study, we investigated the effect of deleting CgHox7 on C. gloeosporioides. The conidia of the ΔCgHox7 deletion mutant germinated on a GelBond membrane to form non-melanized hyphal structures, but were unable to form appressoria. The deletion of CgHox7 weakened the ability of hyphae to penetrate a cellophane membrane and resulted in decreased virulence on poplar leaves. Furthermore, deleting CgHox7 affected the oxidative stress response. In the initial stage of appressorium formation, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species differed between the ΔCgHox7 deletion mutant and the wild-type control. Moreover, CgHox7 expression was necessary for maintaining cell wall integrity. Considered together, these results indicate that CgHox7 is a transcription factor with crucial regulatory effects on appressorium formation and the pathogenicity of C. gloeosporioides. Full article

To address the bottleneck associated with the slow ion transport kinetics observed in the porosity of activated carbons (ACs), hierarchically structured pore sizes were introduced on ACs used for electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) to promote ion transport kinetics under fast-rate charge–discharge conditions. In this study, we synthesized cellophane noodle-derived activated carbon (CNAC) with tailored porous structures, including the pore volume fraction of macro/meso/micropores and the specific surface area. The porous structures were effectively modulated by adjusting the KOH concentration during chemical activation. In addition, optimized KOH activation in CNAC modulated the chemical bonding ratios of C=O, pyrrolic-N, and graphitic-N. Given the hierarchically designed porous structure and chemical bonding states, the CNAC fabricated with optimized KOH activation exhibited a superior ultrafast rate capability in EDLCs (132.0 F/g at 10 A/g). Full article

Microplastic pollution is a pervasive global issue affecting various ecosystems. Despite the escalating production and well-documented contamination in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, the research focused on airborne microplastics and their interaction with terrestrial birds remains limited. In this study, we collected fecal sacs from Common swifts (Apus apus) to investigate their diet and to evaluate the potential ingestion of microplastics by both adults and nestlings. The diet was mainly composed of Hymenoptera and Coleoptera and did not differ among sexes and age classes. The 33% of nestlings’ and 52% of adults’ fecal sacs contained anthropogenic items, the totality of which was in the shape form of fibers. The 19.4% of the anthropogenic items were chemically characterized as microplastics, either polyethylene terephthalate (PET; two microfibers) or cellophane (four microfibers). Airborne anthropogenic items, including microplastic, might be passively ingested during the Common swift aerial feeding. In addition, our findings suggest that these ingested microparticles have the potential to be transferred to the offspring through food. While further research is essential to elucidate the pathways of microplastic ingestion, our results reinforce the evidence of the transfer of anthropogenic items from the atmosphere to the biota. Full article

The fast development of China’s urbanization has led to a notable release of emerging pollutants, including microplastics (MPs) and endocrine disruptors (EDCs). Generally, these pollutants enter the coastal environment through the discharge of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and finally threaten the organisms in the receiving waterbody. The study investigated the environmental behavior of MPs and EDCs in two typical WWTPs in one of the megacities in China, Shanghai. The abundance of MPs in the influent ranged from 321 to 976 items/L. Four shapes (films, fragments, fibers, and microbead) were found, while fibers and films dominated. Transparent (31–63%) and white (20–47%) MPs were more frequently observed, while polyethylene terephthalate, cellulose, and cellophane were the main polymetric materials. The size of the MPs fell between 15.8 μm and 2220 μm, and the smaller one (<500 μm) dominated. The removal efficiencies of the two WWTPs for MPs ranged from 64% to 92%, and both WWTPs performed better for large pieces of MPs (>500 μm). For EDCs, total concentrations in the influent were detected, ranging from 113 to 2780 ng/L. Two groups, including phenolic estrogens (PEs) and steroid estrogens (SEs), were detected, and PEs, especially bisphenol A (BPA), were the predominant individuals among the studied EDCs. Specifically, PEs ranged from 82.8 to 2637 ng/L, while SEs ranged from 27.3 to 143 ng/L. The removal efficiencies of the WWTPs for EDCs varied (82.8–100%) as well, possibly due to the different treatment compartments and contamination load in the influent. Seasonal variations for both MPs and EDCs were observed. Specifically, concentrations of MPs and EDCs in WWTPs influent were higher in the wet season, as well as the removal efficiency. Furthermore, there was a correlation observed between the concentrations of MPs and EDCs, suggesting that MPs and EDCs may originate from the same source and that EDCs released by MPs cannot be ignored during treatment. Finally, the study evaluated the environmental risk of the effluents. MPs led to a minor risk (Level I), while EDCs might lead to an adverse impact on algae (RQs = 0.0014–0.024) and fish (RQs = 3.4–30.2). In summary, WWTPs received considerable amounts of MPs and EDCs. Although the WWTPs removed the contaminants efficiently, the environmental risk of the effluent needs to be noted. Full article

This study was carried out at the Danube River and its tributaries during the Joint Danube Survey 4 (JDS4) expedition. Three freshwater benthic species were used to estimate the quantity of microplastics (MPs): Corbicula spp., Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri (Claparede, 1862), and Polypedilum nubeculosum (Meigen, 1804). Following the kick and sweep technique, individuals were sampled using a hand net or dredge. In order to estimate the number of MP particles/individual particles/g wet body mass, the body mass and total length of all specimens were measured. Alkaline (Corbicula spp. and L. hoffmaisteri) and enzymatic (P. nubeculosum) protocols were performed for tissue degradation. All samples were filtered through glass microfiber filters (mesh size 0.5 µm). The particles were photographed, measured, and counted. A total of 1904, 169, and 204 MPs were isolated from Corbicula spp., L. hoffmaisteri, and P. nubeculosum, respectively. To confirm the chemical composition of isolated MPs, a subsample of 46 particles of the fragmented particles from 14 sampling sites was analysed via µ-ATR-FTIR spectroscopy analysis. The particles were characterised as polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene–polyethylene copolymer (PP-PE), nylon (polyamide-PA) and cellophane, with the domination of PET. Full article