Search Results (383)

Despite significant advancement in cancer treatments, therapies with minimal toxicity to healthy cells are still limited. One targetable weakness of cancer cells is their sensitivity to oxidative stress. We find that the combination of two antioxidants—the common food additive tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) and a manganese porphyrin in clinical trials, MnTnBuOE-2-PyP⁵⁺ (MnBuOE)—increases oxidative stress and causes apoptotic death in several cancer cell lines, but not in mouse primary fibroblasts. Investigating the mechanism of cell death, MnBuOE is observed to catalyze the oxidation of tBHQ, producing the electrophilic quinone tert-butylquinone (tBQ). A critical role for tBQ and its electrophilic character was revealed with the observation that di-tert-butylhydroquinone (dtBHQ) in combination with MnBuOE causes no observable oxidative stress and is non-toxic, despite rapid oxidation to di-tert-butylquinone (dtBQ), a non-electrophilic quinone. Cell death from the combination of tBHQ and MnBuOE appears to be completely dependent on the generation of hydrogen peroxide, as shown by the inclusion of catalase. This system, in which two non-toxic molecules in combination cause specific toxicity to cancer cells, is a potential means to kill cancer cells in a targeted manner. Full article

Micronutrients, particularly boron (B), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn), are pivotal for cotton (Gossypium spp.) growth, reproductive success, and fiber quality. However, their critical roles are often overlooked in fertility programs focused primarily on macronutrients. This review synthesizes recent advances in the physiological, molecular, and agronomic understanding of B, Fe, Mn, and Zn in cotton production. The overarching goal is to elucidate their impact on cotton nutrient use efficiency (NUE). Drawing from the peer-reviewed literature, we highlight how these micronutrients regulate essential processes, including photosynthesis, cell wall integrity, hormone signaling, and stress remediation. These processes directly influence root development, boll retention, and fiber quality. As a result, deficiencies in these micronutrients contribute to significant yield gaps even when macronutrients are sufficiently supplied. Key genes, including Boron Transporter 1 (BOR1), Iron-Regulated Transporter 1 (IRT1), Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein 1 (NRAMP1), Zinc-Regulated Transporter/Iron-Regulated Transporter-like Protein (ZIP), and Gossypium hirsutum Zinc/Iron-regulated transporter-like Protein 3 (GhZIP3), are crucial for mediating micronutrient uptake and homeostasis. These genes can be leveraged in breeding for high-yielding, nutrient-efficient cotton varieties. In addition to molecular hacks, advanced phenotyping technologies, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq; a technology that measures gene expression at single-cell level, enabling the high-resolution analysis of cellular diversity and the identification of rare cell types), provide novel avenues for identifying nutrient-efficient genotypes and elucidating regulatory networks. Future research directions should include leveraging microRNAs, CRISPR-based gene editing, and precision nutrient management to enhance the use efficiency of B, Fe, Mn, and Zn. These approaches are essential for addressing environmental challenges and closing persistent yield gaps within sustainable cotton production systems. Full article

Thermal runaway (TR) of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) represents a critical safety challenge in EV applications. This study explores the potential of data-driven safety management strategies for mitigating TR risks in EVs. To minimize the impact of external environmental factors on the degradation of LIBs, experiments were conducted using an accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC). The intrinsic thermal behavior of six nickel–cobalt–manganese (NCM) cells at different states of health (SOH) and operating temperatures has been captured in created adiabatic conditions. Multiple sensors were deployed to monitor the temperature and electrochemical and environmental parameters throughout the degradation process until TR occurred. The results show that both the thermal and electrochemical stability of LIBs have been affected, exhibiting consistent thermal patterns and early electrochemical instability. Furthermore, even under adiabatic conditions, the degradation of LIBs show synergistic effects with environmental parameters such as chamber temperature and pressure. Correlation analysis further revealed the coupling relationships between the monitored parameters. Through calculating their correlation coefficients, the results indicate advantages of combining thermal, electrochemical, and environmental parameters as being to characterize the degradation of LIBs and enhance the identification of TR precursors. These findings stress the importance of considering the battery-environment system as a whole in safety management of EVs. They also provide insights into the development of data-driven safety management strategies, highlighting the potential for achievement and integration of anomaly detection, diagnosis, and prognostics functions in current EV management frameworks. Full article

Iron (Fe), as one of the essential micronutrients for plants, plays a pivotal role in regulating growth and development through homeostatic balance. Fe deficiency is a common agricultural stress that causes visible leaf chlorosis and impairs plant growth. In this study, Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings grown under Fe deficiency for 4 days were subjected to 6 h Fe resupply via foliar spray or root supply, followed by measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence and metal ion contents in leaves and roots. Fe deficiency significantly reduced Fe levels and the maximum quantum yield of fluorescence (Fv/Fm), while increasing copper (Cu) accumulation in roots. Zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) levels were also altered, depending on tissue type. Fe resupply restored Fv/Fm, increased Mn levels, and rebalanced micronutrient content. MicroRNA (miRNA) mediates adaptation to Fe deficiency via post-transcriptional regulation in plants. However, the involved regulatory networks of miRNAs under stress conditions during Fe resupply following deficiency remain poorly understood. These physiological changes prompted us to explore the underlying regulatory networks using miRNA-seq and mRNA-seq. The bioinformatics analysis identified differentially expressed miRNAs responsive to Fe stress, with the Fe-deficiency-specific cis-element IDE1 characterized in their promoter regions. By integrating miRNA-seq and mRNA-seq datasets, we constructed a regulatory network and identified 13 miRNAs harboring IDE1 motifs alongside their functional target genes. Three critical Fe homeostasis modules were proposed—miR396b-LSU2, miR401-HEMA1, and miR169b-NF-YA2—that link Fe homeostasis to chlorophyll synthesis, sulfur (S) responses, and developmental signaling. This study integrates physiological phenotyping with transcriptomic insights to provide a comprehensive view of Fe deficiency and recovery in Arabidopsis. Full article

Particulate atmospheric pollution poses a global threat to human health. Metals enter the body through inhalation attached to these particles. Certain vulnerable groups are more susceptible to toxicity because of age, physiological changes, and chronic and metabolic diseases and also workers because of high and cumulative exposure to metals. A narrative review was conducted to examine the effects of key metals—arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, manganese, nickel, vanadium, and zinc—on vulnerable populations, analyzing articles published over the past decade. Some of these metals are essential for humans; however, excessive levels are toxic. Other non-essential metals are highly toxic. Shared mechanisms of toxicity include competing with other minerals, oxidative stress and inflammation, and interacting with proteins and enzymes. Prenatal and childhood exposures are particularly concerning because they can interfere with neurodevelopment and have been associated with epigenetic changes that have long-term effects. Occupational exposure has been studied, but current exposure limits for specific metals appear dangerous, emphasizing the need to revise these standards. Older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with metabolic diseases are among the least studied groups in this review, underscoring the need for more research to understand these populations better and create effective public health policies. Full article

Early oxidative stress caused by titanium implants can impair osseointegration. Manganese dioxide (MnO₂) nanozyme coatings have the potential to scavenge H₂O₂ and simultaneously generate O₂ to alleviate hypoxia, but their activity is mostly static, and the ion release is detrimental. A nano-MnO₂/Ti/P(VDF-TrFE) sandwich-structured composite was fabricated, and ferroelectric polarization was applied to preset a tunable surface potential. Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) verified a presettable potential within ±500 mV. Steady-state kinetics confirmed an enhancement in overall catalytic efficiency (higher V_max and lower K_m). This translated to a faster initial decomposition rate at a low, physiologically relevant H₂O₂ concentration (300 μM). Correspondingly, under these oxidative stress conditions, cell survival in the polarized group was higher than that in the unpolarized group, indicating that the enhanced initial rate can have a positive effect in such conditions. Overall, this study demonstrates a proof-of-concept strategy to tune MnO₂ nanozyme catalysis using a polarization-preset surface potential, targeting implantation-relevant ROS-rich conditions. Full article

Functional properties of coastal halophytes are important for development of salt-tolerant cash crop cultures. The study of salt tolerance in coastal dune-building grass Leymus arenarius holds significant importance for its application in land reclamation, soil stabilization, and enhancing crop resilience to salinity stress. We used two accessions (LA1 and LA2) of L. arenarius to compare effects of salinity caused by NaCl and NaNO₃ on growth, ion accumulation and mineral nutrition in controlled conditions. L. arenarius plants exhibited high tolerance to sodium salts, with distinct effects on growth and development observed between chloride and nitrate treatments. While both salts negatively impacted root biomass, nitrate treatment (50–100 mmol L⁻¹) increased leaf number and biomass in LA2 plants, whereas chloride treatment decreased tiller and leaf sheath biomass. Despite individual variations, salinity treatments showed comparable effects on traits like tiller and leaf count, as well as leaf blade and sheath biomass. Salinity increased water content in leaf blades, sheaths, and roots, with LA2 plants showing the most pronounced effects. Chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements indicated a positive impact of NaNO₃ treatment on photosynthesis at intermediate salt concentrations, but a decrease at high salinity, particularly in LA2 plants. The accumulation capacity for Na⁺ in nitrate-treated plants reached 30 and 20 g kg⁻¹ in leaves and roots, respectively. In contrast, the accumulation capacity in chloride-treated plants was significantly lower, approximately 10 g kg⁻¹, in both leaves and roots. Both treatments increased nitrogen, phosphorus, and manganese concentrations in leaves and roots, with varying effects on calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper concentrations depending on the type of salt and tissue. These findings highlight the potential of L. arenarius for restoring saline and nitrogen-contaminated environments and position it as a valuable model for advancing research on salt tolerance mechanisms to improve cereal crop resilience. Full article

Citrus trees are mainly cultivated in acidic soils. Excessive manganese (Mn) is the second most limiting factor for crop productivity in acidic soils after aluminum toxicity. The roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and methylglyoxal (MG) detoxification systems in augmented pH-mediated amelioration of excessive Mn are poorly understood. ‘Sour pummelo’ (Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck) seedlings were exposed to nutrient solution at a Mn concentration of 500 (Mn500) or 2 (Mn2) μM and a pH of 3 (P3) or 5 (P5). The increase in pH attenuated Mn500-induced increases in ROS production and MG and malondialdehyde accumulation in roots and leaves. Additionally, the increase in pH enhanced the coordinated detoxification capability of both ROS and methylglyoxal scavenging systems in these tissues under Mn500. These findings corroborated the hypothesis that augmenting pH enhances the capability of these tissues to detoxify ROS and methylglyoxal under Mn excess. Therefore, this study provided new evidence on the roles of ROS and MG detoxification systems in the augmented pH-mediated amelioration of oxidative damage in ‘Sour pummelo’ leaves and roots caused by Mn excess, as well as a basis for correcting Mn toxicity by augmenting soil pH. Full article

The development of China’s manganese (Mn) industries has caused severe water and soil pollution, threatening ecological and human health. Microbes are usually regarded as an important indicator of environmental pollution assessment. However, the current understanding of microbial community characteristics and their formation mechanisms in Mn production areas remains limited. In order to address this, soil properties and microbial structural characteristics across different functional zones in a typical Mn electrolysis plant in China’s “Manganese Triangle” were investigated via metagenomic sequencing. Results showed soil Mn levels significantly exceeded background values, indicating high environmental risk. Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria were dominant phyla. Microbial abundance was lowest in the adjacent natural reservoir, whereas diversity was highest in the sewage treatment plant. Correlation analyses identified Mn, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, pH, and moisture as key environmental drivers, with Mn being the primary one. Metagenomic analysis revealed abundant Mn resistance genes, enabling microbial survival under high Mn stress. This study demonstrated that excessive Mn exposure enriched Mn-resistant genes, thereby shaping unique microbial communities dominated by Mn-resistant bacteria. These findings clarified the structural characteristics and adaptive mechanisms of soil microbial communities in Mn-contaminated areas, providing a theoretical basis for ecological risk management and bioremediation. Full article

Background: Manganese (Mn) exposure is common in welding and metal-processing occupations and has been implicated in both thyroid disruption and endothelial dysfunction through oxidative and nitric-oxide–related pathways. However, endocrine and vascular biomarkers have rarely been examined together in occupational settings. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 95 Mn-exposed workers and 95 non-exposed controls were evaluated. Whole-blood Mn, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), arginine and citrulline were measured using validated Inductively Coupled Plasma—Mass Spectrometer and chemiluminescent immunoassays. Group differences were assessed using independent samples t-tests, and exposure–biomarker associations were evaluated using Pearson correlations (p < 0.05). Results: Mn-exposed workers had significantly higher blood Mn levels than controls (19.82 ± 4.54 vs. 10.22 ± 3.07 µg/L; p < 0.001). Thyroid hormones (T3, T4, and TSH) were significantly lower among Mn workers, representing a non-classical hormonal pattern, including T3 (2.47 ± 0.31 vs. 3.14 ± 0.42 ng/L; p < 0.001), T4 (1.02 ± 0.13 vs. 1.21 ± 0.18 ng/L; p < 0.001), and TSH (1.75 ± 0.53 vs. 2.88 ± 0.37 mIU/L; p < 0.001). Endothelial biomarkers also differed: ADMA (0.26 ± 0.14 vs. 0.19 ± 0.08 µmol/L; p < 0.001) and SDMA (0.24 ± 0.06 vs. 0.20 ± 0.03 µmol/L; p < 0.001) were higher, while citrulline was lower (18.77 ± 10.23 vs. 22.82 ± 6.70 µmol/L; p = 0.002). In Mn workers, blood Mn showed negative correlations with T3 (r = –0.535, p < 0.01), T4 (r = –0.331, p < 0.01), and TSH (r = –0.652, p < 0.01), and positive correlations with ADMA (r = 0.205, p < 0.05) and SDMA (r = 0.193, p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings indicate measurable differences in thyroid hormones and dimethylarginine-related endothelial markers among Mn-exposed workers. While the cross-sectional design precludes causal inference, the combined pattern suggests a possible unusual biological response involving both endocrine regulation and nitric-oxide–related pathways. Further longitudinal studies incorporating oxidative stress markers, co-exposure assessment, and functional endothelial testing are needed to clarify the biological relevance of these associations. Full article

The contact fatigue performance of carburized gear steels is critical for transmission durability, yet the mechanisms linking alloy-specific microstructure to failure modes remain complex. This study systematically compares the contact fatigue behaviors of 20MnCr5 and 20CrMoH gears using step-loading tests and multi-scale characterization. The results demonstrate a significantly higher contact fatigue limit for 20MnCr5 of 1709 ± 12 MPa compared to 1652 ± 40 MPa for 20CrMoH, despite the latter exhibiting higher initial surface hardness. This hardness–toughness paradox is mechanistically elucidated by the distinct roles of alloying elements: while Molybdenum in 20CrMoH refines the grain size for high static strength, it limits retained austenite stability, resulting in a brittle hard-shell and soft-core structure prone to interface decohesion at martensite lath boundaries. Conversely, Manganese in 20MnCr5 promotes a gentler hardness gradient via favorable diffusion kinetics and stabilizes abundant film-like retained austenite. This microstructure activates a Stress Compensation Mechanism, where strain-induced martensitic transformation generates compressive volume expansion to counteract cyclic stress relaxation. Consequently, 20MnCr5 exhibits mild plastic micropitting driven by transformation toughening, whereas 20CrMoH undergoes severe brittle spalling driven by the Eggshell Effect. These findings confirm that balancing matrix toughness with hardness is more critical than maximizing surface hardness alone for contact fatigue resistance. Full article

Background: Oxidative stress arises from an imbalance between excessive oxidant production and impaired antioxidant defense systems. This imbalance leads to biomolecular damage, contributing to aging and age-related diseases such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Oxidative stress is a well-established risk factor for CKD and has been reported to accelerate disease progression. Hesperidin, a flavanone glycoside abundant in citrus fruits, exhibits antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, and anti-inflammatory properties and has been suggested to attenuate CKD progression. However, its potential role in reversing oxidative damage in kidney cells remains unclear. Methods: This study aimed to investigate whether hesperidin can reverse oxidative damage in human kidney proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells. Oxidative stress was induced by exposing HK-2 cells to 500 μM hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) for 6 h, followed by treatment with 100 μM hesperidin for 24 h. Results: Our results showed that hesperidin significantly ameliorated H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity. In the hesperidin post-treatment group (H₂O₂ + hesperidin), the expression of the antioxidant gene manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and the longevity-associated gene sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was upregulated, while the expression of the senescence-associated gene β-galactosidase was downregulated compared to the H₂O₂-only treatment. Conclusions: These findings suggest that hesperidin promotes recovery from oxidative injury in kidney cells by enhancing antioxidant and longevity pathways and reducing cellular senescence. This may contribute to improved renal health and potentially slow CKD progression in patients suffering from oxidative stress-related kidney damage. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils poses a significant risk to crop production and food safety. This study explored the role and mechanisms of manganese (Mn) in mitigating Cd toxicity using two rice genotypes: ZS97B (Cd-tolerant) and MY46 (Cd-sensitive). A hydroponic experiment was conducted under two Mn levels (0 and 100 µM) and three Cd levels (0, 5, 10 µM). Exposure to 10 µM Cd significantly inhibited plant growth and induced physiological disorders, with more severe effects observed in MY46 than in ZS97B. The addition of Mn markedly alleviated Cd toxicity, as reflected by increased antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) contents in both roots and shoots. Gene expression analysis showed that Mn addition up-regulated genes related to antioxidant enzymes and down-regulated key Cd uptake and transport genes, including OsNramp1, OsYSL2, OsMTP9, and OsHMA3. These changes contributed to enhanced antioxidant capacity and reduced Cd accumulation in rice plants under Cd stress. Our findings demonstrate that appropriate Mn application can effectively reduce Cd accumulation and alleviate toxicity in rice grown in Cd-contaminated environments. Full article

Arsenic (As) contamination poses a critical threat to agricultural productivity, affecting rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), an agronomically important crop. A comparative assessment was performed to evaluate the efficacy of chemogenic and biogenic manganese nanoparticles (C-MnNPs and B-MnNPs) for mitigating As toxicity. B-MnNPs were biosynthesized using cell-free filtrate of Bacillus pumilus MAY4, while C-MnNPs were obtained from Cwnano Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China). Greenhouse assays demonstrated that both C-MnNPs and B-MnNPs alleviated detrimental effects of As; however, B-MnNPs exhibited superior performance compared to their chemical counterparts. Compared to As-stressed plants, B-MnNPs enhanced leaf and root biomass (26.4% and 56.15%, respectively), net photosynthetic rate (64.8%), and stomatal conductance (50%). B-MnNPs more effectively reduced oxidative stress markers by activating antioxidant defense systems in both leaf and root tissues. Furthermore, B-MnNPs reduced in planta As accumulation while significantly improving uptake of essential nutrients, including potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, and manganese, etc., in rapeseed plants. Expression studies revealed that B-MnNPs upregulated antioxidant defense and redox homeostasis related stress-responsive genes under induced As stress. Biochemical assays further confirmed the enrichment of stress-responsive phytohormones, including salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and abscisic acid, in B-MnNP-treated As-stressed rapeseed plants, indicating activation of multi-tier defense response by B-MnNPs to cope with As stress. These findings establish B-MnNPs as a highly effective nano-enabled strategy for managing As toxicity in the rapeseed cultivation system. This research provides critical insights into the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying MnNP-mediated stress tolerance and offers a promising green nanotechnology approach for heavy metal-resilient crops. Full article

Global warming has intensified water scarcity, while excessive fertilizer use has caused soil acidification and limited nutrient availability. This study investigated the effects of biochar and chitosan xerogel on water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk.) growth under water- and fertilizer-deficient conditions. Individually, either biochar or chitosan xerogel provided limited improvement. However, the combined application of 4% biochar and 0.8% chitosan xerogel significantly restored plant performance. Under water deficiency, fresh, stem, and leaf weights increased by 1.2-, 1.3-, and 1.7-fold, while plant height and stem diameter rose by 1.2- and 1.3-fold. Similar improvements were observed under fertilizer deficiency, with up to 1.3-fold, 2.0-fold, and 1.4-fold increases in fresh, stem and leaf weight. Chlorophyll and β-carotene contents were also enhanced under both stress conditions. Additionally, the dual amendment improved uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and manganese (Mn), achieving growth comparable to optimal irrigation and fertilization. These findings demonstrate the synergistic potential of biochar and chitosan xerogel to enhance water and nutrient efficiency, supporting sustainable agriculture under resource limitations. Full article