Search Results (11,766)

Anaerobic digestion of manures, crop residues, food waste, and sludge frequently yields biogas with elevated hydrogen sulfide concentrations, which accelerate corrosion and reduce biogas quality. Microaeration, defined as the controlled addition of oxygen at 1 to 5% of the biogas production rate, has been investigated as a low-cost desulfurization strategy. This review synthesizes studies from 2015 to 2025 spanning laboratory, pilot, and full-scale anaerobic digester systems. Continuous sludge digesters supplied with ambient air at 0.28–14 m³ h⁻¹ routinely achieved 90 to 99% H₂S removal, while a full-scale dairy manure system reported a 68% reduction at 20 m³ air d⁻¹. Pure oxygen dosing at 0.2–0.25 m³ O₂ (standard conditions) per m³ reactor volume resulted in greater than 99% removal. Reported methane yield improvements ranged from 5 to 20%, depending on substrate characteristics, operating temperature, and aeration control. Excessive oxygen, however, reduced methane yields in some cases by inhibiting methanogens or diverting carbon to CO₂. Documented benefits of microaeration include accelerated hydrolysis of lignocellulosic substrates, mitigation of sulfide inhibition, and stimulation of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria that convert sulfide to elemental sulfur or sulfate. Optimal redox conditions were generally maintained between −300 and −150 mV, though monitoring was limited by low-resolution oxygen sensors. Recent extensions of the Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 (ADM1), a mathematical framework developed by the International Water Association, incorporate oxygen transfer and sulfur pathways, enhancing its ability to predict gas quality and process stability under microaeration. Economic analyses estimate microaeration costs at 0.0015–0.0045 USD m⁻³ biogas, substantially lower than chemical scrubbing. Future research should focus on refining oxygen transfer models, quantifying microbial shifts under long-term operation, assessing effects on digestate quality and nitrogen emissions, and developing adaptive control strategies that enable reliable application across diverse substrates and reactor configurations. Full article

Testing medical countermeasures for SARS-CoV-2 transmission using vertebrates can be hindered by legislation regulating animal experimentation, high costs, and ethical concerns. To overcome these challenges, we propose a new Caenorhabditis elegans strain that constitutively expresses the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2). This resulted in significant impairment of reproduction and a defect in pharyngeal function compared to wild-type (WT) worms. SARS-CoV-2 infection was simulated by treating worms with the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein, which caused dose-dependent and time-dependent pharyngeal impairment in ACE2 worms but not in WT worms. The toxicity of RBD was prevented by administering an anti-human ACE2 antibody, demonstrating that interactions with the ACE2 receptor are essential. The ACE2-expressing worm strain was further used for pharmacological research with Raloxifene. In vitro, 1–3 μM of Raloxifene reduced the entry of lentiviral particles carrying the Wuhan variant and B.1.1.7 UK and B.1.1.529 Omicron strains into HEK293-ACE2, in addition to particles expressing N501Y-mutated or P681H-mutated spike proteins. Raloxifene (0.1–1 μM) completely counteracted RBD toxicity in ACE2 worms, indicating that this strain offers a cost-effective in vivo screening platform for molecules with effects involving interactions with the ACE2 receptor. Full article

Corn stalk rot, caused by Fusarium graminearum, severely threatens corn production, while chemical fungicides lead to resistance and environmental risks. Thus, exploring environmentally friendly biocontrol agents is crucial. Though Bacillus polyketones have antifungal activity, their active components, corn stalk rot biocontrol potential and rhizosphere impacts remain unclear. This study isolated polyketones from Bacillus velezensis DJ1, assessed their antifungal activity and mechanism against F. graminearum, verified greenhouse efficacy, analyzed rhizosphere microbiota, and identified active components via HPLC-HDMS Q-TOF. The results showed that DJ1 polyketones showed dose-dependent inhibition by disrupting F. graminearum’s mycelium and membrane, with 44.33% greenhouse control efficacy. They did not disturb rhizosphere balance, only increasing Bacteroidota and DYGX01, and the active components were difficidin and bacillaene. These findings confirm DJ1 polyketones as promising eco-friendly biocontrol agents, providing a new strategy for sustainable corn stalk rot management. Full article

Propiconazole (PRO), a triazole fungicide, controls fungal diseases by disrupting ergosterol production in fungal cells. It is used in crops such as cereals and fruits. However, there are concerns regarding its potential to disrupt the endocrine system and cause reproductive toxicity. This study examined the effects of PRO on mouse testes, germ cells, and GC-1 spermatogonia. After eight weeks, PRO reduced testicular diameter and downregulated key germ cell genes (Sall4, Piwil, Nanos2, and Dazl). A histological examination revealed smaller seminiferous tubules and fewer SALL4+ cells. PRO also impaired steroidogenesis by downregulating genes (StAR, Cyp11a1, 3β-HSD1) and reducing sperm motility, with a decline in Velocity Straight Line (VSL), Linearity (LIN), Straightness (STR), and motile sperm. PRO caused dose-dependent cytotoxicity in GC-1 spermatogonia, decreased proliferation, and increased apoptosis, marked by cleaved caspase-3 and BAX. PRO also induced autophagy, as presented by elevated levels of autophagy-related genes (LC3 and ATG12) and proteins (ATG5 and LC3A/B). 3-Methyladenine (3-MA), an autophagy inhibitor, downregulates levels of autophagy- and apoptosis-related proteins when 3-MA and PRO are simultaneously treated in vitro. This suggests that both apoptosis and autophagy contribute to PRO-induced testicular cytotoxicity. This study is the first to detail that PRO affects sperm motility in mice and induces autophagy-mediated apoptosis in GC-1 spg. Full article

Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with limited therapeutic options. Floating wheat (Fu Xiao Mai), used in traditional Chinese medicine for CHF, contains linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) as major bioactive components, but their therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: this study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of LA and ALA in CHF, focusing on their interactions with aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and gut microbiota. Methods: LA and ALA were identified in floating wheat via LC-MS/MS. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations assessed their binding to AQP1. In vivo studies used C57BL/6 and AQP1⁻/⁻ mice with isoproterenol-induced CHF. Cardiac function was assessed through echocardiography; myocardial ultrastructure through transmission electron microscopy (TEM); inflammatory markers (TNF-α, NO, VEGF, VCAM-1) through ELISA; and gut microbiota through 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: Molecular docking revealed a strong binding affinity of LA and ALA to AQP1, with binding energies of −8.532 kcal/mol and −8.835 kcal/mol, respectively. In C57 mice, LA and ALA administration significantly improved cardiac function (p < 0.05, the high-dose group compared to the model group) while reducing myocardial edema. They also downregulated AQP1 expression and decreased levels of inflammatory markers (p < 0.05, the high-dose group compared to the model group). These functional improvements were significantly attenuated in AQP1⁻/⁻ mice. However, the reduction in inflammatory markers persisted, indicating AQP1-independent anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, high-dose LA/ALA treatment in AQP1⁻/⁻ mice markedly altered gut microbiota. Conclusion: LA and ALA alleviate CHF through an AQP1-dependent reduction in myocardial edema and AQP1-independent anti-inflammatory and gut microbiota-modulating effects. These findings highlight their potential as a multi-target therapeutic complex for CHF. Full article

Introduction: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic compound widely used in plastics and epoxy resins, and human exposure is virtually unavoidable. Numerous studies indicate that even doses below current regulatory limits may elicit neurotoxic effects, impairing learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity. Methodology: This mini-review. Searches were conducted in PubMed, the Virtual Health Library (VHL/BVS), and ScienceDirect, using MeSH descriptors related to “Bisphenol A,” “Neurotoxicity Syndromes,” “Central Nervous System,” and “Prefrontal Cortex,” combined with Boolean operators. We included studies published between 2007 and 2025, available in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, and focused on the neurotoxic effects of BPA. After screening and application of the eligibility criteria, twelve articles were selected. Results: The analyzed studies show that BPA exposure, even at low concentrations, compromises neuronal survival, dendritic density, and synaptic plasticity. In animal models, cognitive deficits were observed in memory and learning tasks, associated with increased oxidative stress and alterations in molecular pathways such as AMPK, HO-1, and nNOS/Keap1/Nrf2. In cell cultures, BPA induced apoptosis, autophagy dysfunction, cytoskeletal reorganization, and loss of synaptic proteins. The effects were dose-dependent and, in some cases, sex-dependent. Conclusions: BPA exhibits significant neurotoxic potential, affecting both the development and function of the central nervous system. These findings underscore the need to revise current safety limits and reinforce the importance of public policies regulating BPA use, as well as encouraging the search for safer alternatives. Full article

The cochlea is susceptible to damage from ototoxic agents such as cisplatin, yet the mechanisms underlying cochlear injury remain incompletely understood. Mast cells (MCs), key immune players in allergic and inflammatory responses, have recently been identified in the rodent cochlea and implicated in cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Our study investigated the role of MC degranulation in cochlear damage and evaluated the activation capacity of cochlear-resident MCs. Bone marrow-derived MCs (BMMCs) were cultured and induced to degranulate via IgE-anti-DNP/DNP stimulation, and the supernatants were applied to cochlear explants. Cochlear explants were also treated with Compound 48/80 (CP48/80) or cisplatin to assess MC activation. Morphological changes were assessed and hair cells (HC) quantified via phalloidin staining, while ELISA measured mediator release. Supernatants from degranulated BMMC induced a dose-dependent HC loss and tissue damage. A significant chymase and tryptase release was triggered by CP48/80 from cochlear MCs, with chymase elevation detected even at low concentrations. Cochlear MCs were rapidly activated by cisplatin exposure, elevating chymase and histamine levels, and the effects were attenuated by the MC stabilizer sodium cromolyn. Notably, tryptase remained undetectable post-cisplatin treatment, suggesting tissue-specific MC responses. These findings establish MC degranulation as an early event in cisplatin-induced cochlear injury, mediated by chymase and histamine. Our study highlights MCs as potential therapeutic targets for mitigating ototoxicity and underscores the need to explore MC-driven pathways in hearing loss. Full article

Background: Artificial sweeteners, widely used as non-nutritive sugar substitutes, are increasingly prevalent in ultra-processed products. Although promoted for weight management due to their minimal caloric content, their impact on systemic inflammation remains uncertain. This systematic review of animal studies aims to evaluate the association between artificial sweetener consumption and inflammatory biomarkers. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted up to May 2025 across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, following PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251084004). Risk of bias was assessed using the ARRIVE guidelines and SCYRCLE’s risk of bias tool. Results: Thirty-seven animal studies were included: aspartame (n = 17), sucralose (n = 16), acesulfame potassium (n = 5), and saccharin (n = 4). Protocols varied in terms of dosage, exposure duration, animal models, and assessment of inflammatory outcomes, including C-reactive protein, interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Aspartame and sucralose could elevate inflammatory markers, with sucralose also disrupting gut integrity and microbiota. Acesulfame K and saccharin showed variable, dose-dependent effects. Conclusions: This systematic review of animal studies suggests a possible mechanistic association between the consumption of certain artificial sweeteners and systemic inflammation. However, this relationship remains to be clarified and warrants exploration through well-designed, large-scale randomized controlled trials. Full article

Adventitious rooting is a key step for the clonal propagation of many economically important horticultural and woody species. Accumulating evidence suggests that nitric oxide (NO) serves as a key signaling molecule with key roles in root organogenesis. However, the role of NO in adventitious root development and its underlying mechanism in sweetpotato cuttings remain to be clarified. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted using hydroponically cultured sweetpotato cuttings (Ipomoea batatas cv. ‘Jin Ganshu No. 9’) treated with different concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, an NO donor) solution (0, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500 μmol·L⁻¹). Three treatments were established: Control, SNP (the optimal concentration of SNP), and SNP + 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO, an NO scavenger). The results showed that NO promoted adventitious rooting in a dose-dependent manner, with the maximal biological response observed at 100 μM SNP. At this concentration, the root number and length of adventitious roots increased by 1.22 and 2.36 times, respectively, compared to the control. SNP treatment increased fresh root weight, dry root weight, the content of soluble sugar, soluble protein, chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), and total chlorophyll (a + b) [Chl(a + b)], as well as the activities of peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and indole acetic acid oxidase (IAAO). It also enhanced the levels of maximum fluorescence (Fm), maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), absorbed light energy (ABS/RC), trapped energy flux (TRo/RC), and electron transport flux (ETo/RC), while decreasing starch content and initial fluorescence (Fo). On the 7th day, the SNP treatment significantly enhanced several biochemical parameters compared to the control. We observed an increase in many of the parameters: POD activity by 1.35 times, PPO activity by 0.55 times, chlorophyll content (Chl a by 0.66 times, Chl b by 0.22 times, and Chl a + b by 0.57 times), and photosynthesis parameters by 28–98%. Meanwhile, starch content and Fo in the SNP treatment decreased by 10.77% and 23.86%, respectively, compared to the control. Furthermore, the positive effects of NO on adventitious root development and associated biochemical parameters were reversed by the NO scavenger cPTIO. Additionally, significant and positive correlations were observed between morphological characteristics and most physiological indicators. Collectively, these results demonstrate that NO promotes adventitious root formation, which may be by enhancing rooting-related enzyme activities, improving photosynthetic performance in leaves, and accelerating the metabolism of soluble sugar, soluble protein, and starch. Full article

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is a major pest of brassica vegetables and oilseed crops, posing a serious threat to China’s grain and oil production. RNA interference (RNAi) has been developed as an efficient strategy to control pests. In this study, the effects of RNAi on P. xylostella were evaluated by injecting two doses of synthesized dsPxvATPasea. The transcripts of PxvATPasea were widely transcribed during different developmental stages from egg to adult. They were abundantly expressed in the hindgut and Malpighian tubules, compared with other tissue types. Introduction of 800 ng dsPxvATPasea in the fourth-instar larvae greatly reduced corresponding mRNA levels by 3.1 and 1.4 times on day 2 and 3, respectively, causing 66.6% mortality and 33.4% treated larvae pupated. Silencing PxvATPasea by injecting 1200 ng dsRNA significantly decreased the expression level by 5.0 and 2.0 times on the second and third day, leading to 79.2% larval lethality and 20.8% depleted larvae pupated. Moreover, introducing 800 ng or 1200 ng dsPxvATPasea finally reduced larval fresh weight by 22.1% and 28.8%, respectively. The results indicated that the silencing efficiency of PxvATPasea worked in a dose-dependent way. Consequently, PxvATPasea is a potential molecular target gene. Our findings will facilitate the application of RNAi technology to manage P. xylostella. Full article

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), defined for its lack of expression/amplification of three major receptors, makes up ~15% of all BC cases but a majority of all BC deaths. TNBC has been found to be the most immune-rich among BC subtypes, and progress has been made in the development of immunotherapies; however, not all patients are eligible, and response can be limited. Therefore, there is a significant clinical need to enhance the response to these treatments. Given chemotherapy is the core component of TNBC treatment, and is given in combination with immunotherapy, its potential immunomodulatory impact warrants exploration. Gemcitabine, currently used for the treatment of metastatic TNBC, has been reported to have potential immunomodulatory properties that create a more immune-favourable TME for combination with immunotherapies and/or improved outcome. We therefore investigated the use of gemcitabine as an immunomodulator in a primary 4T1 TNBC mouse model. Gemcitabine was able to reduce pro-tumour immune cells including macrophages and MDSCs while increasing T-cell abundance, therefore resulting in a less immunosuppressive TME. We demonstrated that this immune response was both temporal and dose-dependent, which has impact for planning and scheduling combination treatments. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that gemcitabine modulates the TME in ways that could not only enhance the direct anti-tumour effects of gemcitabine itself but also potentially enhance responsiveness to immunotherapy. This work has laid the foundation for further studies investigating combination therapy for the treatment of TNBC. Full article

Background: Recent technological advances have sparked growing interest in high-power laser devices due to their capacity for energy delivery and therapeutic potential, especially in deeper tissues. This promising approach may be comparable to photobiomodulation for modulating inflammatory and redox processes in various tissues. However, to our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the safety profile and redox modulation capacity of high-power laser therapy in BV-2 microglial cells. Methods: This study investigated the cellular responses of BV-2 microglial cells exposed to three laser irradiation protocols using a high-power laser device (650/810/915/980 nm, 657 J total dose), applied at variable distances to simulate in vivo power attenuation. Cell viability, apoptosis, adenosine triphosphate(ATP) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and intracellular calcium levels were assessed at multiple time points (5 min to 24 h). Results: Protocol-dependent effects were observed. Protocol A promoted early increases in cell viability and ATP levels, along with decreased apoptotic markers and ROS production, suggesting a protective bioenergetic response. In contrast, Protocol C showed transient increases in oxidative stress and reduced MMP, suggesting possible mitochondrial stress. A selective increase in NO levels under Protocol A also suggests modulation of inflammatory pathways without cytotoxicity. Conclusions: High-power laser therapy modulates redox balance, mitochondrial function, and inflammatory mediators (e.g., NO) in a dual-phase manner in BV-2 microglial cells. These findings contribute to defining safe and effective parameters for potential musculoskeletal and neurological applications. Full article

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is very sensitive to fluctuations in micronutrient availability, and either an excess or a shortage of boron (B) may reduce the plant’s development and its ability to withstand stress. B is essential for photosynthesis and cell wall integrity, but the physiological requirements for an optimal supply during early development remain unclear. The photosynthetic efficiency and oxidative stress reactions of sugar beet seedlings were tested under five different B concentrations: 0, 50, 500, 1000, and 2000 µM H₃BO₃. Integrating non-invasive methods like SPAD, delayed fluorescence (DF), and maximum quantum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) with red–green–blue (RGB) imaging enabled the detailed processing of both the initial and decay phases of DF. According to the results, SPAD and Fv/Fm were not sensitive indicators of early B stress; however, DF decay slopes and red–green–blue pixel distribution distinguished between optimum (500 µM), inadequate (0 µM), and hazardous (2000 µM) treatments. Moreover, lipid oxidation-related biochemical analyses were used to evaluate the ferric reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. At the extremes of insufficiency and toxicity, MDA levels demonstrated enhanced lipid peroxidation, while FRAP increased with B concentration. The outcome of the research revealed optimum (500 µM) and toxicity-inducing (2000 µM) concentrations at early stages of sugar beet development. The study highlights that the combined use of DF kinetics and RGB analysis provides valuable, non-invasive markers for the early identification of B-stress, which is also confirmed by biochemical indicators, thereby promoting more efficient micronutrient management in sugar beet cultivation. Full article

Background: Driving is a coordinated psychomotor activity that involves reaction time, attention, and decision-making. Psychoactive substances such as 2-phenylethylamine (PEA) derivatives and opioids may affect these functions and contribute to traffic safety. This systematic review revealed the effects of the selected PEA derivatives and opioids on psychomotor performance among drivers and potential road safety outcomes. Methods: The review followed PRISMA 2020 standards. Using the PICO method, we conducted a systematic search in Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science (2000–2025). Included studies involved adult participants and quantified the effect of PEA derivatives or opioids on driving-related psychomotor function. Thirty-one articles, such as randomized controlled trials, crossover studies, observational studies, and simulator-based studies, were examined. Risk of bias was evaluated using the RoB2 tool. Results: Evidence indicates therapeutic amphetamine and methylphenidate doses can enhance psychomotor function and safety in patients with ADHD. Recreational or high-dose use of methamphetamine and MDMA is associated with impaired coordination, variable speed, and increased impulsivity. Opioid effects are tolerance- and dose-dependent. Small therapeutic doses of fentanyl in chronically treated patients do not notably impair driving. On the other hand, methadone and tramadol commonly cause somnolence, retardation of reaction, and increased accident risk. Conclusions: The impact of opioids and PEA derivatives on psychomotor function is multifactorial, depending on dose, time, route of administration, and patient status. These substances can either improve or impair driving safety. The findings confirm the need for individual-specific pharmacotherapy treatment. They also highlight the importance of further studies to formulate evidence-based clinical and legislative guidelines. Full article

Hungary faces increasing water challenges, including frequent droughts and a growing dependence on irrigation, which necessitate alternative water sources for agriculture. This study evaluated the use of saline aquaculture effluent—characterized by elevated sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) concentrations—as an irrigation resource for forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) over four consecutive growing seasons. Three hybrids (‘GK Áron’, ‘GK Balázs’, and ‘GK Erik’) were tested under five irrigation regimes, including freshwater and aquaculture effluent applied via drip irrigation at weekly doses of 30 mm and 45 mm, alongside a non-irrigated control. Effluent irrigation at 30 mm weekly increased biomass yield by up to 61% and enhanced nitrogen uptake by 22% compared to the control. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) values remained below 475 µS/cm, with effluent treatments showing lower EC than non-irrigated plots. The effluent water also supported the recycling of nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. Unlike conventional saline water, aquaculture effluent contains organic compounds and microbial activity that may improve nutrient mobilization and uptake. Our results highlight how we can reuse aquaculture wastewater in irrigated crop production. The results demonstrate that moderate effluent irrigation (30 mm/week) can optimize crop water use while maintaining soil health, offering a viable strategy for forage sorghum production in water-limited environments. Full article