Search Results (124)

Heavy metal contamination, particularly lead (Pb) poisoning, is a significant public health issue worldwide. In Bangladesh, Pb contamination of water, soil, air, and food is detected alarmingly. Chronic exposure to Pb leads to severe health complications in the human body, including neurotoxicity, cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and kidney damage. Research has established that there is “no safe level” of Pb exposure, as even minimal exposure can cause detrimental effects. Although existing physical and chemical methods are widely used, they come with limitations, such as high costs and the generation of toxic byproducts. As a green, sustainable alternative, the potential of probiotics as an effective biosorption agent has been explored to reduce Pb contamination in food, especially meat, while preserving its nutritional and sensory properties. This paper aims to integrate current knowledge from these two fields and highlight their capacity to decontaminate Pb-laden meat, the primary protein source in Bangladesh. The study also investigates optimal biosorption parameters, including temperature, pH, and exposure time, to enhance effectiveness. The proposed application of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in meat processing and packaging is expected to significantly lower Pb levels in meat, ensuring safer consumption. Full article

Stress granules (SG), dynamic cytoplasmic condensates formed via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), serve as a critical hub for cellular stress adaptation and antiviral defense. By halting non-essential translation and sequestering viral RNA, SG restrict viral replication through multiple mechanisms, including PKR-eIF2α signaling, recruitment of antiviral proteins, and spatial isolation of viral components. However, viruses have evolved sophisticated strategies to subvert SG-mediated defenses, including proteolytic cleavage of SG nucleators, sequestration of core proteins into viral replication complexes, and modulation of stress-responsive pathways. This review highlights the dual roles of SG as both antiviral sentinels and targets of viral manipulation, emphasizing their interplay with innate immunity, autophagy, and apoptosis. Furthermore, viruses exploit SG heterogeneity and crosstalk with RNA granules like processing bodies (P-bodies, PB) to evade host defenses, while viral inclusion bodies (IBs) recruit SG components to create proviral microenvironments. Future research directions include elucidating spatiotemporal SG dynamics in vivo, dissecting compositional heterogeneity, and leveraging advanced technologies to unravel context-specific host-pathogen conflicts. This review about viruses and SG formation helps better understand the virus-host interaction and game process to develop new drug targets. Understanding these mechanisms not only advances virology but also informs innovative strategies to address immune escape mechanisms in viral infections. Full article

Evaluating the bioaccessibility and health risks of seafood is extremely important because, although it is a significant source of vital minerals, it may also contain potentially toxic elements. This study aimed to determine the content of metals and minerals in different seafood species before and after thermal processing. Also, given the risk of overestimating the actual final concentration available in the body, a study was carried out to determine the bioaccessibility of these elements by simulating the digestion process in the gastrointestinal tract. Assessment of the potential toxic effects on consumer health in terms of exposure to heavy metals was carried out through risk analysis by Estimated Daily Intake, Hazard Index, and Cancer Risk parameters. Three bivalve mollusks, one gastropod mollusk, four cephalopod mollusks, and one crustacean species were analyzed in terms of minerals (P, S, K, Ca, and Se) and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Fe, Zn, Co, Mn, and As) content. The lead (Pb) concentration recorded the strongest bioaccessibility increase, even reaching 100% in P. vannamei. Generally, the bioaccessibility of all metalloids dropped below 100%, which suggests that only a part of the amount of metal in the initially ingested sample can be absorbed by the human organism. Potassium and sulfur registered the greatest value, up to 23% for minerals’ bioaccessibility in the same samples. The highest intake rate of metals occurred after the consumption of M. gigas, which registered the highest Estimated Daily Intake for Cr (chromium) (0.321 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹), Cu (copper) (10.15 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹), and Zn (zinc) (12.67 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹). The Hazard Index values indicated no significant risk of poisoning. All calculated Cancer Risk scores remained below the acceptable threshold. Moreover, the Pearson coefficient revealed a positive correlation between the Hazard Index and the most abundant elements in the samples, Cr, Zn, and Cu. This study could provide a framework for evaluating both the nutritional benefits and toxicological concerns of seafood intake in public health applications. Full article

(1) Background: As the demand for ²¹²Pb for clinical theranostics rises, empirical studies that examine the radiation safety implications of different ²²⁴Ra sources are needed to facilitate discussions with local authorities for the translation of ^203/212Pb theranostics routine clinical practice. (2) Methods: Environmental ²²⁰Rn (Thoron) emanation was detected by a RAD7 detector in the vicinity of respective ²¹²Pb sources and additional alpha-dosimeters to detect ²²⁰Rn during generator elution, radiosynthesis, and quality control. Personnel gamma exposure was measured using whole-body and ring dosimeters. Generators included those based on wet-chemical-process- and emanation-based technology. (3) Results: During generator handling, varying levels of ²²⁰Rn were observed in the vicinity of generators. An additional monthly whole-body dose must be considered when handling different sources of ²¹²Pb generators, and this depends upon local shielding and the handling approaches toward use of the technology. (4) Conclusions: ²²⁴Ra in any form (including radionuclide generators) should always be handled within a fume hood to keep potential contamination and exposure to personnel as low as reasonably achievable. Following standard practices of radiation safety, generators of ²¹²Pb can be used safely for theranostic applications. Full article

To efficiently delineate mineral-induced geochemical anomalies within the Hongyahuo area, principal component analysis (PCA), S-A multifractal modeling, and singularity modeling were employed to examine multi-element datasets derived from 641 soil samples collected from natural gully systems. The isometric log-ratio (ilr) transformation was implemented in conjunction with histogram and quantile-quantile plot analysis to assess and compare the multivariate statistical properties of elemental data across three formats—original, logarithmic, and ilr-transformed. The findings demonstrate the following: (1) following ilr transformation, the issue of data closure was resolved, resulting in elemental distributions more closely approximating normality; (2) PCA revealed two distinguishable elemental associations: PC1 corresponds to the Cu-Fe-Mn-Ni-Pb-Zn group, indicative of a medium- to high-temperature hydrothermal mineralization assemblage associated with Cu-Pb-Zn polymetallic mineralization linked to magmatic intrusion and fracture systems, signifying overprinted copper polymetallic mineralization events; PC2 reflects the Au-As-Sb elemental combination, associated with low-temperature hydrothermal processes indicative of Au-Sb mineralization; (3) the decomposition of the S-A model indicated that low-background and high-anomaly zones for PC1 are primarily situated within andesitic units, where nearby intermediate to felsic intrusions and structural fracture zones have likely served as sources for Cu-polymetallic mineralization; (4) the spatial distribution of the singularity index suggested that anomalous regions characterized by a PC1 singularity index α < 2 were relatively confined, offering strategic implications for mineral exploration targeting; and (5) when integrated with regional metallogenic background, three prospecting targets were identified, leading to the subsequent discovery of two copper ore bodies through anomaly validation. Therefore, this integrative analytical framework is demonstrated to be a robust approach for delineating geochemical anomalies. Full article

The Cuyu gold deposit in central Jilin Province in Northeast China is located in the eastern segment of the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC), as well as the eastern segment of the Xing’an–Mongolian Orogenic Belt (XMOB). Gold ore-bodies are controlled by NW-trending faults and mainly occur in late Hercynian granodiorite. The mineralization process in the Cuyu deposit can be divided into three stages: quartz + coarse grained arsenopyrite + pyrite (stage I), quartz + sericite + pyrite + arsenopyrite + electrum + chalcopyrite + sphalerite (stage II), and quartz + calcite ± pyrite (stage III). Stage II is the most important for gold mineralization. We conducted analyses including petrography, microthermometry, laser Raman spectroscopy of fluid inclusions, and H–O–S–Pb isotopic analysis to elucidate the mineralization processes in the Cuyu deposit. Five types of primary fluid inclusions (FIs) are present in the hydrothermal quartz and calcite grains of the ore: liquid-rich two-phase aqueous fluid inclusions (L-type), vapor-rich two-phase aqueous fluid inclusions (V-type), CO₂-bearing two- or three-phase inclusions (C1-type), CO₂-rich two- or three-phase inclusions (C2-type), and pure CO₂ mono-phase inclusions (C3-type). From stages I to III, the fluid inclusion assemblages changed from L-, C2-, and C3-types to L-, V-, C1-, C2-, and C3-types and, finally, to L-types only. The corresponding homogenization temperatures for stages I to III were 242–326 °C, 202–298 °C, and 106–188 °C, and the salinities were 4.69–9.73, 1.63–7.30, and 1.39–3.53 wt.% NaCl equiv., respectively. The ore-forming fluid system evolved from a NaCl-H₂O-CO₂ ± CH₄ ± H₂S fluid system in stage I and II with immiscible characteristics to a homogeneous NaC-H₂O fluid system in stage III. Microthermometric data for stages I to III show a decreasing trend in homogenization temperatures and salinities. The mineral assemblages, fluid inclusions, and H–O–S–Pb isotopes indicate that the initial ore-forming fluids of stage I were exsolved from diorite porphyrite and characterized by a high temperature and low salinity. The addition of meteoric water in large quantities led to decreases in temperature and pressure, resulting in a NaCl-H₂O-CO₂ ± CH₄ ± H₂S fluid system with significant immiscibility in stage II, facilitating the deposition of gold and associated polymetallic sulfides. The Cuyu gold deposit has a similar ore genesis to those of gold deposits in the Jiapigou–Haigou gold belt (JHGB) of southeastern Jilin Province indicating potential for gold prospecting in the northwest-trending seam of the JHGB. Full article

This study aimed to compare the morphometry, morphology, and maturation capacity of cattle oocytes subjected to vitrification using different vitrification and maturation media. In Experiment 1, a total of 900 oocytes were divided into three groups: (1) matured before vitrification, (2) non-vitrified, and (3) vitrified as immature oocytes using the straw vitrification method. Morphometric parameters, including oocyte diameter, ooplasm, zona pellucida width (ZPW), granulosa cell width (GRSW), and zona pellucida-granulosa cell width (ZP GRSW), were measured (µm) before and after cryopreservation. In Experiment 2, the maturation capacity of three in vitro maturation (IVM) media (VitroMat-Protect™, BO-IVM™, and TCM199) was evaluated based on cumulus–oocyte complex (COC) expansion and polar body (PB) extrusion. Morphological abnormalities such as fragmented polar bodies (FPBs), large vacuoles (LVs), degenerated oocytes (DOs), and cracked cytoplasm (CC) were recorded. While vitrification did not significantly affect the oocyte diameter, ooplasm, or ZPW, it significantly reduced the GRSW and ZP GRSW. BO-IVM™ supported the highest COC expansion rate, while TCM199 had the lowest. Among vitrified oocytes, the highest PB extrusion rates were observed in BO-IVM^TM (35.14 ± 5.01) and Vitromat-Protect^TM (24.60 ± 5.67) as compared to TCM199 (18.44 ± 8.00; p < 0.05). Oocytes with higher CC rates were observed in VitroMat-Protect™ (24.50 ± 10.53) and BO-IVM™ (31.42 ± 7.32) as compared to TCM199 (18.70 ± 7.04). In conclusion, the vitrification process affects the granulosa cells in both vitrified immature and mature oocytes. BO-IVM^TM and VitroMat-Protect^TM supported better oocyte maturation than TCM199, although vitrification increased FPB and CC rates. Full article

Lead (Pb) is a persistent and toxic heavy metal that threatens aquatic ecosystems. Wetlands act as natural filters, while beaver dams influence sediment deposition and metal retention. This study investigates Pb fixation in wetland sediments by analyzing its spatial and temporal variations, considering organic matter content and sediment composition. Pb concentrations were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), and fixation processes were assessed using concentration coefficients relative to background values (15 µg g⁻¹, Lithuanian Hygiene Standard HN 60:2004). A total of 165 sediment samples were collected during the spring and the autumn of 2022 and 2023 across three study sites. The results indicate that Pb fixation strongly correlates with organic carbon content, while sediment texture influences its mobility. A key finding is that beaver dams contribute to Pb retention by altering hydrodynamic conditions and sedimentation patterns. Despite sediment stability, new Pb inputs continue to enter water bodies, depending on pollution sources. However, Pb concentrations remain within background levels and do not exceed the Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC). These findings are essential for wetland conservation and contribute to sustainable strategies for mitigating heavy metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Full article

Heat stress is a critical environmental challenge that disrupts rice growth, development, and productivity and poses a significant threat to global food security. The CCR4-NOT protein complex, particularly its CCR4-associated factor 1 (CAF1) subunit, plays a crucial role in the dynamic regulation of gene expression by mediating mRNA de-adenylation, a key step in mRNA degradation and turnover. However, the specific function of OsCAF1 proteins under heat stress in rice remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the dynamic subcellular localization of OsCAF1A in response to elevated temperatures and its role in heat stress tolerance. Under normal conditions, OsCAF1A is diffusely localized to the cytoplasm. However, OsCAF1A predominantly localizes to processing bodies (PBs) under heat stress. The results of interaction studies revealed that two DEAD-box RNA helicases, OseIF4AIIb and OsRH8, modulate the re-localization of OsCAF1A, by OseIF4AIIb inhibiting and OsRH8 promoting its association with PBs during heat stress. Furthermore, OsCAF1A mRNA was more abundantly expressed in rice seedlings than other OsCAF1 genes and is further upregulated by high temperature. The overexpression of OsCAF1A significantly enhanced heat tolerance, whereas mutants exhibited increased heat sensitivity. These findings underscore the potential of OsCAF1A as a tool to improve crop resilience to climate change. Full article

Siderite and baryte are common non-sulphide phases in sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) deposits, but their formation remains poorly understood. Siderite is important as an exploration vector in some deposits, whereas baryte is important as a S source in some deposits. The past-producing Walton deposit (Nova Scotia, Canada) consists of two ore types: (1) a sulphide body primarily hosted by sideritised Viséan Macumber Formation limestone (0.41 Mt; head grade of 350 g/t Ag, 4.28% Pb, 1.29% Zn, and 0.52% Cu), and (2) an overlying massive baryte body of predominantly microcrystalline baryte (4.5 Mt of >90% baryte). This study used optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, cathodoluminescence (CL), LA-ICP-MS, and SIMS sulphur isotope analysis of siderite and baryte to elucidate their origin and role in deposit formation. Siderite replaces limestone and contains ≤9 wt. % Mn, is LREE-depleted (PAAS-normalised REEY diagrams), and has low (<20) Y/Ho ratios. Sideritisation occurred due to dissimilatory iron reduction (DIR) that led to the breakdown of Fe-Mn-oxyhydroxides and organic matter, as indicated by light δ¹³C_VPBD values and negative Y anomalies. The baryte body is dominated by a microcrystalline variety that locally develops a radial texture and coarsens to a tabular variety; it also occurs intergrown with, and as veins in, massive sulphides. Based on fluid inclusion data from previous studies, the coarser baryte types grew from a hot (>200 °C) saline (25 wt. % NaCl) fluid containing CO₂-CH₄ and liquid petroleum. Marine sulphate δ³⁴S_VCDT values typical of the Viséan (~15‰) characterise the baryte body and some tabular baryte types, whereas heavier (~20‰) and lighter (~10‰) values typify the remaining tabular types. The variations in tabular baryte relate to distinct zones identified by CL imaging and are attributed to the sulphate-driven anaerobic oxidation of methane (SDAOM) and oxidation of excess H₂S after sulphide precipitation. These results highlight the importance of hydrocarbons (methane and organic matter) in the formation of both the siderite and the baryte at Walton and that DIR and the SDAOM can be important contributing processes in the formation of SEDEX deposits. Full article

The Jiepailing deposit in southern Hunan is a typical large to super-large polymetallic tin deposit enriched in beryllium and other rare metals. To enhance the understanding of the mineralization processes of the Jiepailing deposit, detailed mineralogical, in situ geochemical, and sulfur isotopic analyses were conducted on pyrite closely associated with tin–polymetallic mineralization. Five types of pyrite have been identified in the deposit: (1) euhedral to subhedral medium- to coarse-grained pyrite (PyI) in tungsten–tin ore; anhedral fine-grained pyrite (PyII) in tin polymetallic–fluorite ore; anhedral fine-grained or aggregate pyrite (PyIII) in lead–zinc ore; euhedral to subhedral coarse-grained pyrite (PyIV) in beryllium–fluorite mineralization; and subhedral to anhedral fine-grained pyrite (PyV) in carbonate veinlets developed in the wall rock. Backscattered electron imaging indicates consistent structural features across the five types of pyrite. In situ trace element analysis reveals differences in trace element concentrations among the pyrite types. PyI is relatively enriched in Sn, Cu, and Co. In contrast, PyIII is enriched in Pb, Zn, Sn, and Ti, while PyIV and PyV are enriched in Ag and Sb. PyI has a Co/Ni ratio more than 1, while the Co/Ni ratios in the other four types of pyrite are less than 1. LA-MC-ICP-MS in situ sulfur isotope analysis shows δ³⁴S values ranging from 2.5‰ to 5.8‰ (average 4.3‰, PyI), 2.5‰ to 5.8‰ (average 4.3‰, PyII), −7.6‰ to 9.5‰ (average 3.9‰, PyIII), −3.7‰ to 10.6‰ (average 3.6‰, PyIV), and 6.8‰ to 14.1‰ (average 9.2‰, PyV). Based on previous studies, regional geological background, deposit characteristics, and the in situ trace element and sulfur isotope compositions of pyrite, it is inferred that the various ore bodies in the Jiepailing deposit are products of Late Cretaceous magmatic–hydrothermal activity. The early ore-forming fluid originated from magmatic sources and during the migration into the wall rock and shallow formations, mixed with fluids primarily derived from atmospheric precipitation. Temperature, pressure, and composition changed of the ore-forming fluid which carried a large amount of substances, leading to tungsten–tin, tin polymetallic–fluorite, lead–zinc, and beryllium–fluorite mineralization, followed by carbonation during the late-stage mineralization. Full article

The sulfide Pb–Zn deposits in the Aksai Chin region of Xinjiang have long been subject to debate regarding their genetic classification due to the unclear origin of the ore-forming components. This study focuses on the Sachakou Pb–Zn deposit, the most representative deposit in the region, and integrates field investigations, petrographic observations, in situ LA-ICP-MS trace element analysis, and in situ S–Pb isotope analysis. The deposit is hosted within the siliceous rock and silicified limestone of the Lower Jurassic Bagongbulansha Formation, with ore bodies controlled by structural and stratigraphic factors. Three mineralization stages have been identified in the Sachakou deposit: a red–brown sphalerite mineralization stage (S1), a light-brown sphalerite stage (S2), and a galena mineralization stage (S3). The trace elements in sphalerite indicate that the mineralization process is unrelated to magmatic activity. The mineralization temperature, determined using a GGIMFis geothermometer, ranges from 294 °C to 121 °C. The δ³⁴S_V-CDT values of sulfides range from −4.93‰ to 1.24‰, suggesting that the Jurassic gypsum layer served as the sulfur source. The lead isotope ratios of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb range from 18.308 to 18.395, of ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb—from 15.669 to 15.731, and of ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb—from 38.595 to 38.776, indicating that the ore-forming metals were predominantly sourced from the upper crust. Based on geological and geochemical characteristics, the Sachakou Pb–Zn deposit is classified as a sedimentary-hosted epizonogenic hydrothermal deposit. Full article

The Jinjingzui gold (Au) deposit is located in the central part of Edong, China. The theoretical gold reserves are large with significant potential for mining and future development. This deposit is the only Au-bearing deposit discovered in the Middle-Lower Yangtze River Valley Metallogenic Belt, which has existing ore bodies that are mainly diorite. Re–Os dating of molybdenite from the Jinjingzui deposit confirm that the deposit formed in the Lower Cretaceous period, with an isochron age of 138.5 ± 2.7 Ma. The geochemical data of the rocks indicate that the diorite contains 54.75% to 56.66% SiO₂, 5.68% to 8.94% Fe₂O₃, 2.05% to 2.19% MgO, and 1.06% to 1.08% TiO₂, and with enrichment of large-ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb and Ba). High-field-strength elements U-Nb–Ti displayed strong negative anomalies. Six pyrites from the Jinjingzui Au deposit δ³⁴S_V-PDB(‰) ranged from −2.4% to −8.4%, with an average value of −3.1%, and ²⁰⁶Pb~²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb~²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁸Pb~²⁰⁴Pb contents ranged from 17.77–18.58, 15.48–15.67 to 37.91–39.05, with average values of 18.14, 15.59 and 38.49, respectively. These values indicate that the metallic components originated from the upper mantle and lower crust. The Re concentrations in the molybdenites are significantly higher than those in other ores within the district (847.91~2018.58 × 10⁻⁶), suggesting a significant mantle component was involved in the mineralization process. Full article

This study primarily focuses on the analysis of volatile organic compounds using GC–MS, with ICP-MS employed as a complementary method to quantify trace metal content. Headspace GC–MS was conducted to detect alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs), formaldehyde, aromatic amines derived from azo dyes, perfluorinated carboxylic acids, chlorophenols (PCPs), tetrachlorophenols (TPCs), and phthalates in textile samples of different origin and composition. Principal component analysis was used to detect patterns in the volatilome according to the origin and the textile composition. In addition, seven metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Mo, Cd, Hg, and Pb) were quantified in a subset of samples. The study revealed distinct chemical profiles in textiles based on their origin, with GC–MS identifying key volatile organic compounds and ICP-MS quantifying heavy metals in a subset of samples. Principal component analysis highlighted cotton content as a critical factor in differentiating textile profiles. While most samples adhered to regulatory standards, some exceeded thresholds for metals like copper and nickel, underscoring the need for enhanced quality control in manufacturing processes. By integrating advanced analytical methods, this study provides insights into sustainable and safe textile production, offering valuable benchmarks for regulatory compliance and industry best practices. The outcomes contribute to improving product safety, promoting responsible manufacturing, and supporting regulatory bodies in the enforcement of environmental and safety standards, aligning with the growing demand for sustainability in the textile sector. Full article

Background and Objective: A previous study investigated the in vitro release of methylene blue (MB), a widely used cationic dye in biomedical applications, from nanocellulose/nanoporous silicon (NC/nPSi) composites under conditions simulating body fluids. The results showed that MB release rates varied significantly with the nPSi concentration in the composite, highlighting its potential for controlled drug delivery. To further analyze the relationship between diffusion dynamics and the MB concentration, this study developed a finite element (FE) method to solve Fick’s equations governing the drug delivery system. Methods: Release profiles of MB from NC/nPSi composites with varying nPSi concentrations (0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0%) were experimentally measured in triplicate using phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37 °C, pH 7.4, and 100 rpm. Mathematical models incorporating linear and quadratic dependencies of the diffusion coefficient on the MB concentration were developed and tested using the FE method. Model parameters were refined by minimizing the error between simulated and experimental MB release profiles. Results: The proposed FE method closely matched experimental data, validating its accuracy and robustness in simulating the diffusion and release processes. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the significant impact of the nPSi concentration on enhancing release control and highlights the importance of material composition in designing drug delivery systems. The findings suggest that the FE method can be effectively applied to model other complex systems, paving the way for advancements in precision drug delivery and broader biomedical applications. Full article