Search Results (1,541)

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) can affect microbial abundance and activity, likely by damaging cell membrane components. While their effects on anaerobic digestion are known, less is understood about their impact on microbes involved in contaminant bioremediation. Chlorinated volatile organic contaminants (CVOCs) such as tetrachloroethene (PCE) and explosives like hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) are common in the environment, and their bioremediation is a promising cleanup strategy. This study examined how polystyrene (PS) and polyamide 6 (PA6) MPs and NPs influence CVOC and RDX biodegradation. PS particles did not inhibit the CVOC-degrading community SDC-9, but PA6 MPs impaired the reductive dechlorination of trichloroethene (TCE) to cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-DCE), causing a “cis-DCE stall” with no further conversion to vinyl chloride (VC) or ethene. Only 45% of TCE was dechlorinated to cis-DCE, and Dehalococcoides mccartyi abundance dropped 1000-fold in 35 days with PA6 MPs. In contrast, neither PA6 nor PS MPs and NPs affected RDX biotransformation. These results highlight the significant impact of PA6 MPs on CVOC biodegradation and the need to consider plastic pollution in environmental management. Full article

In this study, the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of deep eutectic solvents (UADES) for tea polysaccharides was optimized, and their physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities were analyzed. The optimal DES comprised choline chloride (CC) and ethylene glycol (EG) in a molar ratio of 1:3, with a water content of 40%. The optimized condition was an extraction temperature of 61 °C, an ultrasonic power of 480 W, and an extraction time of 60 min. The UADES extraction rate of polysaccharides (ERP) was 15.89 ± 0.13%, significantly exceeding that of hot water (HW) extraction. The polysaccharide content in the UADES-extracted tea polysaccharides (UADESTPs) was comparable to that of hot-water-extracted tea polysaccharides (HWTPs) (75.47 ± 1.35% vs. 74.08 ± 2.51%); the UADESTPs contained more uronic acid (8.35 ± 0.26%) and less protein (12.91%) than HWTP. Most of the UADESTPs (88.87%) had molecular weights (Mw) below 1.80 × 10³ Da. The UADESTPs contained trehalose, glucuronic acid, galactose, xylose, and glucose, with molar ratios of 8:16:1:10. The free radical scavenging rate and total reducing power of the UADESTPs were markedly superior to those of the HWTPs. Moreover, the UADESTPs had a better alleviating effect on H₂O₂-induced oxidative injury in HepG2 cells. This study develops an eco-friendly and efficient extraction method for tea polysaccharides, offering new insights for the development of tea polysaccharides. Full article

Background: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare malignancy derived from parafollicular C-cells, with calcitonin (Ct) as its key biomarker. While basal Ct (bCt) levels above 100 pg/mL strongly suggest MTC, intermediate elevations (10–100 pg/mL) may reflect C-cell hyperplasia (CCH) or other benign conditions, making diagnostics challenging. Although calcium stimulation testing enhances sensitivity, the optimal cut-off values and comparative efficacy of calcium gluconate (CG) versus calcium chloride (CC) remain insufficiently researched. Methods: Data on 176 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy between 2009 and 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. BCt values ranged from 10 to 100 pg/mL, and stimulated Ct (sCt) values were above 100 pg/mL. CG was used from 2009 to 2019, and CC was used from 2020 to 2025. Definitive pathohistological findings divided patients into those with MTC, CCH, or no C-cell pathology. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified optimal Ct thresholds for predicting MTC for each stimulatory agent. Results: Of the 176 patients, 36 (20.5%) had confirmed MTC. A bCt threshold of 31.1 pg/mL yielded 69.4% sensitivity and 87.1% specificity. For sCt, optimal cut-offs were 810.8 pg/mL for CG and 1076 pg/mL for CC. Lower thresholds (388.4 pg/mL for CG and 431.5 pg/mL for CC) improved sensitivity (≥76.9%) and negative predictive value (>91%). Conclusions: Calcium stimulation testing improves MTC detection in patients with moderate bCt elevation. Although CG showed marginally better diagnostic performance, CC remains a practical and reliable alternative, especially when higher cut-off values are considered. Early surgical intervention should be considered when sensitivity-driven thresholds are met. Full article

Oxidative stress is a key mediator of physiological dysfunction in aquatic organisms under environmental challenges, yet its comprehensive impacts on gill physiology require further clarification. This study investigated the molecular and cellular responses of Eriocheir sinensis gills to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress, integrating antioxidant defense, ion transport regulation, and stress-induced cell apoptosis and autophagy. Morphological alterations in the gill filaments were observed, characterized by septum degeneration, accumulation of haemolymph cells, and pronounced swelling. For antioxidant enzymes like catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), activities were enhanced, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was reduced following 48 h of exposure. Overall, the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) showed a significant increase. The elevated concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H₂O₂ indicated oxidative stress. Ion transport genes displayed distinct transcription patterns: Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl⁻ co-transporter-1 (NKCC1), Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger 3 (NHE3), aquaporin 7 (AQP7), and chloride channel protein 2 (CLC2) were significantly upregulated; the α-subunit of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKAα) and carbonic anhydrase (CA) displayed an initial increase followed by decline; whereas vacuolar-type ATPase (VATP) consistently decreased, suggesting compensatory mechanisms to maintain osmotic balance. Concurrently, H₂O₂ triggered apoptosis (Bcl2, Caspase-3/8) and autophagy (beclin-1, ATG7), likely mediated by MAPK and AMPK signaling pathways. These findings reveal a coordinated yet adaptive response of crab gills to oxidative stress, providing new insights into the mechanistic basis of environmental stress tolerance in crustaceans. Full article

Porphyrins play an extremely important role in both photodynamic (PDT) and sonodynamic therapy (SDT). These techniques, which have a lot in common, are largely based on the interaction between the sensitizer and light or ultrasounds (US), respectively, resulting in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that have the ability to destroy target cells. SDT requires the use of an appropriate frequency of US waves that are able to excite the chemical compound used. In this study, five porphyrin complexes were used: free-base meso-tetra(N-methyl-pyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin (TMPyP) and its transition metal complexes containing zinc(II), palladium(II), copper(II), and chloride-iron(II). The sonodynamic activity of these compounds was studied in vitro. The obtained results confirm the significant relationship between the chemical structure of the macrocycle and its stability and ability to generate ROS. The highest efficiency in ROS generation and high stability were demonstrated by non-metalated compound and its complex with zinc(II), while complex with copper(II), although less stable, were equally effective in terms of ROS production. Antibacterial activity tests showed the unique properties of the tested compounds, including a reduction in the number of both planktonic and biofilm antibiotic-resistant microorganisms above 5 log, which is rare among sonosensitizers. Full article

The recently identified proton-activated chloride (PAC) channel is ubiquitously expressed, and it regulates several proton-sensitive physiological and pathophysiological processes. While the PAC channel is activated by strong acids due to the binding of protons to extracellular binding sites, here, we describe the way in which weak acids inhibit the PAC channel by a mechanism involving a distinct extracellular binding site. Whole-cell patch clamp was performed on wildtype HEK293T cells, PAC-knockout HEK293 cells expressing human (h)PAC mutant constructs, and on hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. Proton-induced cytotoxicity was examined in HEK293T cells. Acetic acid inhibited endogenous PAC channels in HEK 293T cells in a reversible, concentration-dependent, and pH-dependent manner. The inhibition of PAC channels was also induced by lactic acid, propionic acid, itaconic acid, and β-hydroxybutyrate. Weak acids also inhibited recombinant wildtype hPAC channels and PAC-like currents in hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. Replacement of the extracellular arginine 93 by an alanine (hPAC–Arg93Ala) strongly reduced the inhibition by some weak acids, including arachidonic acid. Although lactic acid inhibited PAC, it did not reduce the proton-induced cytotoxicity examined in wildtype HEK 293 cells. To conclude, weak acids inhibit PAC via an extracellular mechanism involving Arg93. These data warrant further investigations into the regulation of the PAC channel by endogenous weak acids. Full article

A series of eleven new N-alkyl 3-(3-benzyloxyquinoxalin-2-yl) propanamides were prepared based on the azide coupling of 3-(3-benzyloxyquinoxalin-2-yl) propanhydrazide with a variety of primary and secondary amines and the consequent conjunction of a broad spectrum of lipophile and hydrophile characters to a quinoxaline ring system. 3-(3-benzyloxyquinoxalin-2-yl) propanhydrazide was produced in a two-step reaction of methyl 3-(3-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2-yl) propanoate with benzyl chloride followed by the hydrazinolysis of the corresponding ester. The antiproliferative activity of the compounds was tested in various cancer cell lines, including PC-3, Hela, HCT-116, and MCF-7; they showed a wide spectrum of activity for most of the tested compounds. Compound 6k exhibited the highest activity, which was comparable to that of doxorubicin, with IC₅₀ (µM) values of 12.17 ± 0.9, 9.46 ± 0.7, 10.88 ± 0.8, and 6.93 ± 0.4 µM compared to 8.87 ± 0.6, 5.57 ± 0.4, 5.23 ± 0.3, and 4.17 ± 0.2 µM for doxorubicin against Hela, HCT-116, and MCF-7, respectively. The in silico mechanistic study revealed the inhibition of HDAC-6 through the binding of the unique zinc finger ubiquitin-binding domain (HDAC6 Zf-UBD). The docking results showed a specific binding pattern that emphasized the crucial role of the quinoxaline ring and its substituents. The newly developed derivatives were evaluated for antitumor effects against four cancer cell lines PC-3, HeLa, HCT-116, and MCF-7. This research led to the identification of a quinoxaline-based scaffold exhibiting broad-spectrum antiproliferative activity and a distinct mechanism involving binding to HDAC6 Zf-UBD. The findings highlight its potential for further optimization and preclinical studies to support future anticancer drug development. Full article

Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are vital for electrochemical energy devices such as alkaline fuel cells and water electrolyzers, enabling the use of non-precious metal catalysts despite challenges from alkaline degradation. Hyperbranched polymers (hbPs) with their globular structure, high functional group density, and simple synthesis, offer a promising platform for enhancing transport and stability. In this study, multifunctional hbPs were synthesized from 4-vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) via atom transfer radical self-condensing vinyl polymerization (ATR-SCVP) and crosslinked into polyurethane-based AEMs. Characterization confirmed successful copolymerization and crosslinking, with excellent alkaline stability. Membranes crosslinked with higher molecular weight (MW) and VBC-richer hbPs (e.g., OH-hbP1-PU) exhibited high water uptake (75%) but low ion-exchange capacity (1.54 mmol/g) and conductivity (186 µS/cm), attributed to steric hindrance and insufficient ionic network connectivity. In contrast, OH-hbP2-PU exhibited optimal properties, with the highest OH⁻ conductivity (338 µS/cm) and IEC (2.64 mmol/g), highlighting a balanced structure for efficient ion transport. This work offers a tunable strategy for high-performance AEM development through tailored hbP architecture. Full article

Contact electrification (CE), or triboelectrification, is an electron transfer phenomenon occurring at the interface between dissimilar materials due to differences in polarity, holding significant research value in tribology. The microscopic mechanisms of CE remain unclear due to the complex coupling of multiple physical processes. Recently, with the rise of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology, solid–liquid contact electrification has demonstrated vast application potential, sparking considerable interest in its underlying mechanisms. Emerging experimental evidence indicates that at water–polymer CE interfaces, the process involves not only traditional ion adsorption but also electron transfer. Halogen-containing functional groups in the solid material significantly enhance the CE effect. To elucidate the microscopic mechanism of water–polymer CE, this study employed first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, simulating the interfacial electrification process using unit cell models of water contacting polymers. We systematically and quantitatively investigated the charge transfer characteristics at interfaces between water and three representative polymers with similar backbones but different halogen-functionalized (F, Cl) side chains: fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), focusing on evaluating halogen’s influence and mechanism on interfacial electron transfer. The results reveal that electron transfer is primarily governed by the energy levels of the polymer’s lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). Halogen functional groups modulate the material’s electron-donating/accepting capabilities by altering these frontier orbital energy levels. Consequently, we propose that the critical strategy for polymer chemical modification resides in lowering the LUMO energy level of electron-accepting materials. This study provides a novel theoretical insight into the charge transfer mechanism at solid–liquid interfaces, offers guidance for designing high-performance TENG interfacial materials, and holds significant importance for both the fundamental theory and the development of advanced energy devices. Full article

Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assays have emerged as among the most effective approaches for detecting endotoxins and fungi in vitro since they were first tested 50 years ago. Although detailed protocols are publicly available, conventional LAL collection methods (3% sodium chloride) waste as much as 80% of the total LAL during blood accumulation, confirming the incompatibility of these methods with the lasting survival of the American horseshoe crab. For this reason, new implementations of blood collection–suspension buffer combinations are critical. Here, we evaluated the ability of different blood collection solutions to inhibit exocytosis and subsequently treated the cells with CaCl₂ to stimulate exocytosis and improve the yield of LAL. Two test methods, chromogenic and turbidimetric tests for LAL activity, were evaluated. Crabs were bled during the bleeding season. The crab blood samples were collected with the following blood collection solutions: citric acid buffer, malic acid buffer, PBS buffer, and PBS–caffeine buffer. The cell pellets were washed with 3% NaCl and subsequently resuspended in LRW or CaCl₂ to facilitate degranulation. Both the chromogenic test and the turbidimetric assay were used to evaluate the LAL enzyme activity. Citric acid buffer, malic acid buffer, PBS buffer, and PBS–caffeine buffer blocked exocytosis, resulting in the high yields of LAL. There was no observable effect on the activity output of crab size via a chromogenic test with PBS–caffeine buffer during the bleeding season. This protocol substantially benefited prior processes, as the PBS–caffeine collection mixture decreased amoebocyte aggregation/clot formation during processing. Furthermore, we evaluated the specific biochemical parameters of PBS–caffeine-derived LAL. We developed an accessible, promising phosphate–caffeine-based blood collection buffer that prevents amoebocyte degranulation during blood collection, maximizing the LAL yield. Moreover, our analysis revealed that phosphate–caffeine-derived LAL is uniquely adaptable to compatibility with chromogenic and turbidimetric assay techniques. By employing this method for LAL blood extraction, our same-cost approach fostered significantly greater LAL yields, simultaneously ensuring a healthy limulus polyphemus population. Full article

Serious enteric disease caused by seven species of Eimeira continues to cause significant economic damage to the poultry industry. E. acervulina is one of the most widespread strains in farms and has a significant impact on chicken weight loss. Currently, the use of anticoccidial agents to suppress the occurrence of coccidiosis in farms is considerably restricted due to public health and environmental pollution issues. It is important to understand the protective immunity of the host against Eimeria infections with regard to natural products that could be used as alternatives to anticoccidial agents. Berberine chloride is known for its various biological functions, including its anti-parasite activity. However, its impact on intestinal morphology and immune-related activity in broilers infected with Eimeria still remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anticoccidial effects of a berberine-based diet in broilers infected with E. acervulina and to monitor the host immune phenomenon using transcriptomic analysis. Administration of berberine to chickens infected with E. acervulina significantly reduced fecal oocyst production and intestinal lesion scores, and increased duodenal villus height, indicating anticoccidial activity and positive effects on intestinal morphology. Transcriptomic analysis of chickens infected with E. acervulina generally observed the down-regulation of metabolism-related genes and the up-regulation of cell integrity-related genes at day 4 post-infection. At day 6 post-infection, an increase in immune-related genes and cellular-homeostasis-related genes was generally observed. Berberine-treated and E. acervulina-infected chickens showed cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction in the second term in a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis at day 4 post-infection, but not in chickens infected with E. acervulina alone, suggesting host immune changes induced by berberine. These results suggest that berberine, which exhibits anticoccidial effects, may have therapeutic and/or prophylactic potential in protecting the host from infectious and economic-loss-causing diseases, such as Eimeria infection. Full article

In coastal waters, tributyltin chloride (TBTC), a persistent organic pollutant, is extensively present. It is uncertain, therefore, if exposure to TBTC can harm haarders and how. This study exposed the fish for 60 days in order to investigate the molecular mechanism of haarder following TBTC poisoning. Our findings demonstrated that growth indices dropped, liver tissue was damaged, and the liver’s total tin concentration rose following TBTC exposure. Furthermore, we discovered that blood reactive oxygen species rose while total blood cell count decreased. As malondialdehyde levels rose, total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) were markedly reduced. After being exposed to TBTC, liver cells displayed clear signs of apoptosis. Differentially expressed genes were primarily linked to oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and apoptosis, according to the transcriptome study of livers. Overall, the long-term stress of TBTC resulted in the antioxidant system being harmed, as well as serious malfunction of the energy metabolism and apoptotic response. Full article

The polyphenolic extract from Lycium chinense fruits cultivated in Ukraine was surveyed for antioxidant and anticancer activity against HT-29 colorectal cancer cells. The total phenolic compounds and total flavonoid content were analyzed through the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride procedure, respectively, while the antioxidant activity in vitro was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging and β-carotene bleaching assays. Anticancer effects were established using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The TPC was 11.3 mg GAE/g dry weight, while the TFC was 7.3 mg rutin/g dry weight. The extract demonstrated an antioxidant capacity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 125.9 ± 12.6 µg/mL), lipid peroxidation inhibition (23.5 ± 2.1% in the β-carotene assay) and the inhibition of HT-29 colorectal cancer cells (GI₅₀ at 72 h = 250 µg/mL). These findings provide the first evidence of the anticancer potential of Lycium chinense against human colorectal cancer cells, supporting its application as a source of bioactive compounds for the development of functional foods with antitumor properties. Full article

In this study, CGMCC NO:28566, a strain that can efficiently convert Ethyl 4-chloroacetoacetate(COBE) to (R)-4-chloro-3-hydroxybutyrate((R)-CHBE), was screened by soil-sieving bacteria. In order to improve the transformation effect of the strain, the natural low-eutectic solvent (NADES), which can alter the cell permeability, was utilized for assisted catalysis, and a better catalytic effect was achieved. This study was carried out using a co-culture of strains with NADES and secondary addition of NADES on the basis of co-culture, and 10 NADESs were screened at the same time. The co-catalytic effect of 0.5% (w/v) choline chloride: urea (1:2) (ChCl:U (1:2)) was found to be the most significant, with a yield of (R)-CHBE reaching 89.1%, which was 58.2% higher than that of the control group, with a 99% ee value. Furthermore, the catalytic results demonstrated that the co-culture of the strain with NADES during fermentation yielded superior outcomes to the secondary addition of NADES during the reaction buffer. Furthermore, the catalytic effect of ChCl:U (1:2) was demonstrated to be superior to that of its individual components or single-component blends, due to its distinctive valence bonding advantage. The results indicate that the addition of 0.5% (w/v) ChCl:U (1:2) during the co-culture process has the effect of improving cell permeability to a certain extent, thereby increasing the contact between the substrate and the enzyme during the whole-cell catalytic reactions. Full article

This study presents a biomonitoring study of surface waters in the Krynka River basin, encompassing three major regional reservoirs: Khanzhenkovskoe, Olkhovskoe, and Zuyevskoe. These water bodies face significant anthropogenic pressure from mining effluents, industrial discharges, and domestic wastewater. Key pollutants identified are surfactants (SAAs), sulfates, phenols, chlorides, and manganese, with chemical oxygen demand (COD) exceeding regulatory limits. The research was conducted in September 2024. Based on the Specific Combinatorial Water Pollution Index, surface waters in the studied objects can be characterized as slightly polluted. To assess the negative impact of the identified pollutants on hydrobionts, the species composition of phytoplankton of the studied water bodies was analyzed. In the Olkhovskoe Reservoir and Olkhovaya River, cyanobacterial blooms (Oscillatoria agardhii G.) were observed, altering biodiversity in the Krynka River and Zuyevskoe Reservoir. Phytoplankton genera Synedra, Amphiprora, and Navicula—established bioindicators of aquatic ecosystem health—were dominant in Khanzhenkovskoe Reservoir, signaling nutrient enrichment and organic pollution. Changes in the species composition and structure of phytoplankton in the Krynka River, its tributaries and reservoirs, indicate a change in the level of saprobic water bodies from β to α-mesosaprobic, which indicates both the general level of surface water pollution and the accumulation of pollutants along the course of the river. The paper presents the results of fluorimetric analysis of photosynthetic activity of natural phytoplankton cells and demonstrates the possibility of using fluorescence induction curves for regular monitoring measurements. Fluorescence parameters indicate a general deterioration of photosynthetic activity of natural phytoplankton. The growth of Oscillatoria agardhii in the waters of the Olkhovskoe Reservoir and of green microalgae in the Zuevskoe Reservoir led to an increase in the fluorescence quantum yield (F_v/F_m) and the total photosynthetic activity index (PI), which makes it possible to use these parameters as indicator parameters reflecting the intensity of “blooming” of various phytoplankton species. Full article