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PeerJ 2024This review reveals the role of linear economy prevalence and mismanagement practices in plastic pollution of aquatic and terrestrial environments and related knowledge... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This review reveals the role of linear economy prevalence and mismanagement practices in plastic pollution of aquatic and terrestrial environments and related knowledge gaps in Romania while outlining downstream and upstream solutions to reduce plastic pollution and adopt circular economy strategies. Thus, the major aim of this study is the investigation of the stage of scientific knowledge concerning all these demands in the Romanian context.
METHODOLOGY
This work integrates two main approaches: (i) a bibliometric analysis fed by Web of Science and Scopus databases to reveal the current coverage of peer-reviewed literature related to plastic waste in Romania and (ii) a subject-based review to underline the main themes related to plastic waste management, plastic pollution, and mitigating options in Romania in line with circular economy principles.
RESULTS
Reducing plastic pollution requires scientific knowledge, multi-sectoral cooperation, and societal awareness. Following this, the topics of plastic waste and plastic pollution appeared to be under-investigated in the literature considering Romania as a case study and concentrated around the 2020 year, emphasizing, in this way, the trendiness of plastic waste concerns and their management in the current research landscape. Our analysis points out that: (i) Romania is facing massive plastic pollution requiring solid improvements in waste management performances; (ii) few peer-reviewed research studies are performed in Romania for both macro and microplastic concerns with unknown pollution levels in most of its geographical regions; (iii) the plastic waste management is still understudied here, while waste statistics are poorly available at local levels; (iv) the perspectives of circular economy transition are still limited, feeding the plastic pollution in the coming years.
CONCLUSIONS
Several knowledge gaps are identified and must be covered by future research such as (i) adjusting mismanaged plastic waste levels to regional waste management performances and determining littering rates in urban and rural areas to improve the plastic pollution modeling inputs; (ii) examining plastic pollution associated with landfill sites and waste imports; (iii) assessing the sectoral contributions to macro and microplastic pollution of aquatic environments related to municipalities, tourist destinations, agriculture, .; (iv) determining retention levels of plastic in river basins and role of riparian vegetation; (v) analyzing microplastics presence in all types of freshwater environments and interlinkage between macroplastic fragmentation and microplastic; (vi) assessing the plastic loads of transboundary rivers related to mismanagement practices; (vii) determining concentrations of microplastics in air, soil, and other land use ecosystems.
Topics: Romania; Microplastics; Waste Management; Environmental Pollution; Humans; Plastics
PubMed: 38938611
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17546 -
PeerJ 2024White-rot fungi and bacteria communities are unique ecosystems with different types of symbiotic interactions occurring during wood decomposition, such as cooperation,...
Sequence and structure analyses of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases mined from metagenomic DNA of humus samples around white-rot fungi in Cuc Phuong tropical forest, Vietnam.
BACKGROUND
White-rot fungi and bacteria communities are unique ecosystems with different types of symbiotic interactions occurring during wood decomposition, such as cooperation, mutualism, nutritional competition, and antagonism. The role of chitin-active lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) in these symbiotic interactions is the subject of this study.
METHOD
In this study, bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the sequence and structure of putative LPMOs mined by hidden Markov model (HMM) profiles from the bacterial metagenomic DNA database of collected humus samples around white-rot fungi in Cuc Phuong primary forest, Vietnam. Two genes encoding putative LPMOs were expressed in and purified for enzyme activity assay.
RESULT
Thirty-one full-length proteins annotated as putative LPMOs according to HMM profiles were confirmed by amino acid sequence comparison. The comparison results showed that although the amino acid sequences of the proteins were very different, they shared nine conserved amino acids, including two histidine and one phenylalanine that characterize the H1-Hx-Yz motif of the active site of bacterial LPMOs. Structural analysis of these proteins revealed that they are multidomain proteins with different functions. Prediction of the catalytic domain 3-D structure of these putative LPMOs using Alphafold2 showed that their spatial structures were very similar in shape, although their protein sequences were very different. The results of testing the activity of proteins GL0247266 and GL0183513 show that they are chitin-active LPMOs. Prediction of the 3-D structures of these two LPMOs using Alphafold2 showed that GL0247266 had five functional domains, while GL0183513 had four functional domains, two of which that were similar to the GbpA_2 and GbpA_3 domains of protein GbpA of bacteria. The GbpA_2 - GbpA_3 complex was also detected in 11 other proteins. Based on the structural characteristics of functional domains, it is possible to hypothesize the role of chitin-active GbpA-like LPMOs in the relationship between fungal and bacterial communities coexisting on decomposing trees in primary forests.
Topics: Vietnam; Mixed Function Oxygenases; Forests; Chitin; Metagenomics; Metagenome; Amino Acid Sequence
PubMed: 38938609
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17553 -
PeerJ 2024Plastic pollution is a significant issue on the East Coast of Surabaya, emphasizing the need to develop microplastic monitoring programs. Barnacles became one of the...
BACKGROUND
Plastic pollution is a significant issue on the East Coast of Surabaya, emphasizing the need to develop microplastic monitoring programs. Barnacles became one of the potential microplastic bioindicator species on the East Coast of Surabaya. This study aimed to characterize the visual and polymers of microplastics found in barnacles and assess their potential as a bioindicator species for microplastic pollution on the East Coast of Surabaya.
METHODS
Microplastic polymer analysis was performed using ATR-FTIR.
RESULTS
A total of 196 microplastic particles were found in barnacles, water, and sediment. The size of microplastics in barnacles, water, and sediment varied, with the size in barnacles dominated by class 1 (1-10 µm), in water by class 2 (10-50 µm), and in sediments by class 3 (50-100 µm). Fragments dominated the shape of microplastics in barnacles, while water and sediment were dominated by fiber. The microplastic color in barnacles, water, and sediment was dominated by blue, and the microplastic polymer composition on barnacles, water, and sediments was dominated by cellophane (36%). was found to be predominant and identified as a potential microplastic bioindicator because it is a cosmopolitan species. Its population was found to correlate positively with cellophane (CP) accumulation. The Pearson's correlation test between barnacle length and microplastic length at a = 0.05 was inversely proportional to = - 0.411 ( < 0.05), categorized as a strong enough correlation. These findings are essential in developing monitoring programs and mitigating the impact of microplastics on the marine environment.
Topics: Animals; Microplastics; Thoracica; Environmental Monitoring; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Geologic Sediments; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
PubMed: 38938603
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17548 -
Journal of Nanobiotechnology Jun 2024Efficient monitoring of glucose concentration in the human body necessitates the utilization of electrochemically active sensing materials in nonenzymatic glucose...
Controlled synthesized of ternary Cu-Co-Ni-S sulfides nanoporous network structure on carbon fiber paper: a superior catalytic electrode for highly-sensitive glucose sensing.
BACKGROUND
Efficient monitoring of glucose concentration in the human body necessitates the utilization of electrochemically active sensing materials in nonenzymatic glucose sensors. However, prevailing limitations such as intricate fabrication processes, lower sensitivity, and instability impede their practical application. Herein, ternary Cu-Co-Ni-S sulfides nanoporous network structure was synthesized on carbon fiber paper (CP) by an ultrafast, facile, and controllable technique through on-step cyclic voltammetry, serving as a superior self-supporting catalytic electrode for the high-performance glucose sensor.
RESULTS
The direct growth of free-standing Cu-Co-Ni-S on the interconnected three-dimensional (3D) network of CP boosted the active site of the composites, improved ion diffusion kinetics, and significantly promoted the electron transfer rate. The multiple oxidation states and synergistic effects among Co, Ni, Cu, and S further promoted glucose electrooxidation. The well-architected Cu-Co-Ni-S/CP presented exceptional electrocatalytic properties for glucose with satisfied linearity of a broad range from 0.3 to 16,000 μM and high sensitivity of 6829 μA mM cm. Furthermore, the novel sensor demonstrated excellent selectivity and storage stability, which could successfully evaluate the glucose levels in human serum. Notably, the novel Cu-Co-Ni-S/CP showed favorable biocompatibility, proving its potential for in vivo glucose monitoring.
CONCLUSION
The proposed 3D hierarchical morphology self-supported electrode sensor, which demonstrates appealing analysis behavior for glucose electrooxidation, holds great promise for the next generation of high-performance glucose sensors.
Topics: Copper; Electrodes; Nickel; Catalysis; Humans; Cobalt; Electrochemical Techniques; Biosensing Techniques; Sulfides; Carbon Fiber; Glucose; Nanopores; Oxidation-Reduction; Blood Glucose
PubMed: 38937768
DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02635-w -
BMC Oral Health Jun 2024The aim of this study was to evaluate the adhesion of Candida glabrata, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis yeasts to...
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the adhesion of Candida glabrata, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis yeasts to disk-shaped resin materials produced from resin which used in the production of surgical guide with 0, 45 and 90-degrees printing orientations by Liquid Crystal Display additive manufacturing technology.
METHODS
Disk-shaped specimens were printed with surgical guide resin using the Liquid Crystal Display production technique in 3 printing orientations (0, 45 and 90-degrees). Surface roughness and contact angle values were evaluated. Real-Time PCR analysis was performed to evaluate Candida adhesion (C. glabrata, C. albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis) Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images of the materials were obtained.
RESULTS
Specimens oriented at 45-degrees demonstrated higher surface roughness (P < .05) and lower contact angle values than other groups. No significant difference was found in the adhesion of C. glabrata, C. albicans, and C. parapsilosis among specimens printed at 0, 45, and 90-degrees orientations (P > .05). A higher proportion of C. krusei and C. tropicalis was found in the specimens printed at orientation degrees of 45 = 90 < 0 with statistical significance. Analyzing the adhesion of all Candida species reveals no statistical disparity among the printing orientations.
CONCLUSIONS
The surface roughness, contact angle, and adhesion of certain Candida species are affected by printing orientations. Hence, careful consideration of the printing orientation is crucial for fabricating products with desirable properties. In 45-degree production, roughness increases due to the layered production forming steps, whereas in 0-degree production, certain Candida species exhibit high adhesion due to the formation of porous structures. Consequently, considering these factors, it is advisable to opt for production at 90-degrees, while also considering other anticipated characteristics.
Topics: Surface Properties; Candida; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Candida glabrata; Candida tropicalis; Candida parapsilosis; Humans; Candida albicans; Materials Testing; Cell Adhesion; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Resins, Synthetic; Wettability
PubMed: 38937749
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04505-1 -
BMC Oral Health Jun 2024Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma (AFS) is a rare malignant odontogenic tumor, commonly occurring in young adults and typically affecting the mandibular region. We report an... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma (AFS) is a rare malignant odontogenic tumor, commonly occurring in young adults and typically affecting the mandibular region. We report an exceptionally rare and highly atypical case of AFS in an elderly female patient originating from the maxillary bone.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 66-year-old woman was admitted with a two-week history of a lump in her left upper molar. CT scans suggested a cyst in the maxillary bone. An incisional biopsy revealed a spindle cell neoplasm. MRI showed abnormalities in the left maxilla, indicating a possible tumorous lesion. The patient underwent a subtotal maxillectomy, wide tumor excision, intraoral epithelial flap transplantation, and dental extraction. Histology identified atypical tumor cells with visible mitotic figures. Immunohistochemistry showed negative for PCK and CD34 expression, but positive for Vimentin and SMA expression. The Ki-67 proliferation index ranged from 30 to 50%. These findings suggested a potentially malignant soft tissue tumor in the left maxilla, leaning towards a diagnosis of AFS. The patient received postoperative radiotherapy. There was no recurrence during the six-month follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Based on repeated pathological evidence, we report a rare case of an elderly female with AFS originating from the maxillary bone. Surgery and postoperative radiotherapy resulted in a favorable outcome.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Maxillary Neoplasms; Odontogenic Tumors; Fibrosarcoma; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Vimentin; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 38937725
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04509-x -
BMC Oral Health Jun 2024In dentistry, glass-ionomer cements (GICs) are extensively used for a range of applications. The unique properties of GIC include fluoride ion release and recharge,...
BACKGROUND
In dentistry, glass-ionomer cements (GICs) are extensively used for a range of applications. The unique properties of GIC include fluoride ion release and recharge, chemical bonding to the tooth's hard tissues, biocompatibility, a thermal expansion coefficient like that of enamel and dentin, and acceptable aesthetics. Their high solubility and poor mechanical qualities are among their limitations. E-glass fibers are generally utilized to reinforce the polymer matrix and are identified by their higher silica content.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of adding (10 wt% and 20 wt%) silane-treated E-glass fibers to traditional GIC on its mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural strength, and surface hardness) and solubility.
METHODS
The characterization of the E-glass fiber fillers was achieved by XRF, SEM, and PSD. The specimens were prepared by adding the E-glass fiber fillers to the traditional GIC at 10% and 20% by weight, forming two innovative groups, and compared with the unmodified GIC (control group). The physical properties (film thickness and initial setting time) were examined to confirm operability after mixing. The evaluation of the reinforced GIC was performed by assessing the compressive strength, flexural strength, hardness, and solubility (n = 10 specimens per test). A one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were performed for statistical analysis (p ≤ 0.05).
RESULTS
The traditional GIC showed the least compressive strength, flexural strength, hardness, and highest solubility. While the GIC reinforced with 20 wt% E-glass fibers showed the highest compressive strength, flexural strength, hardness, and least solubility. Meanwhile, GIC reinforced with 10 wt% showed intermediate results (P ≤ 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Using 20 wt% E-glass fiber as a filler with the traditional GIC provides a strengthening effect and reduced solubility.
Topics: Glass Ionomer Cements; Solubility; Flexural Strength; Compressive Strength; Hardness; Materials Testing; Glass; Surface Properties; Silanes; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Dental Stress Analysis; Pliability; Humans
PubMed: 38937723
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04447-8 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024In this study, polymer-coated anisotropic inorganic nanowires dispersed in PBI matrix were introduced to construct 1D proton conducting channels within PBI. Ionic-liquid...
In this study, polymer-coated anisotropic inorganic nanowires dispersed in PBI matrix were introduced to construct 1D proton conducting channels within PBI. Ionic-liquid and solvothermal methods were used for the synthesis of ZrO and WO NWs, which were coated with PVPA and PDDA polymers to increase their proton conductivity. Our results showed that, prepared membranes have amorphous nature due to the dominating presence of PBI. SEM analysis revealed the average thickness of membrane of about 36 µm. TG/DTA analysis detected lower weight loss of WO NWs (total 2.8%) compared to ZrO NWs (18%). Proton conductivity analysis showed that, PDDA/WO NWs possess relatively 4 times higher proton conductivity (4 10 Scm) compared to PDDA/ZrO NWs (1 10 Scm) at 80 ℃. In addition, PDDA-coated WO NWs dispersed PBI membranes showed the highest fuel cell current density (1.2 A/cm) and power density (215 mW/cm) at 150 ℃ after 24 h which is nearly 2.5 times higher than pure PBI membrane. In addition, they exhibited the lowest in-situ proton resistance of about (0.47 Ω) compared with that of pure PBI membrane (0.8 Ω). Our results are introducing new concepts towards the development of thin and efficient polymer electrolyte membranes for PEM fuel cells.
PubMed: 38937620
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65955-9 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024The Stöber method is a widely-used sol-gel route for synthesizing amorphous SiO colloids and conformal coatings. However, the material systems compatible with this...
The Stöber method is a widely-used sol-gel route for synthesizing amorphous SiO colloids and conformal coatings. However, the material systems compatible with this method are still limited. Herein, we have extended the approach to metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and coordination polymers (CPs) by mimicking the Stöber method. We introduce a general synthesis route to amorphous MOFs or CPs by making use of a base-vapor diffusion method, which allows to precisely control the growth kinetics. Twenty-four different amorphous CPs colloids were successfully synthesized by selecting 12 metal ions and 17 organic ligands. Moreover, by introducing functional nanoparticles (NPs), a conformal amorphous MOFs coating with controllable thickness can be grown on NPs to form core-shell colloids. The versatility of this amorphous coating technology was demonstrated by synthesizing over 100 core-shell composites from 20 amorphous CPs shells and over 30 different NPs. Besides, various multifunctional nanostructures, such as conformal yolk-amorphous MOF shell, core@metal oxides, and core@carbon, can be obtained through one-step transformation of the core@amorphous MOFs. This work significantly enriches the Stöber method and introduces a platform, enabling the systematic design of colloids exhibiting different level of functionality and complexity.
PubMed: 38937499
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49772-2 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Porous frameworks constructed via noncovalent interactions show wide potential in molecular separation and gas adsorption. However, it remains a major challenge to...
Porous frameworks constructed via noncovalent interactions show wide potential in molecular separation and gas adsorption. However, it remains a major challenge to prepare these materials from low-symmetry molecular building blocks. Herein, we report a facile strategy to fabricate noncovalent porous crystals through modular self-assembly of a low-symmetry helicene racemate. The P and M enantiomers in the racemate first stack into right- and left-handed triangular prisms, respectively, and subsequently the two types of prisms alternatively stack together into a hexagonal network with one-dimensional channels with a diameter of 14.5 Å. Remarkably, the framework reveals high stability upon heating to 275 °C, majorly due to the abundant π-interactions between the complementarily engaged helicene building blocks. Such porous framework can be readily prepared by fast rotary evaporation, and is easy to recycle and repeatedly reform. The refined porous structure and enriched π-conjugation also favor the selective adsorption of a series of small molecules.
PubMed: 38937477
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49865-y