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Environmental Science and Pollution... Jun 2024A novel mesoporous magnetic biochar (MBC) was prepared, using a randomly growing plant, i.e., common reed, as an exporter of carbon, and applied for removal of methylene...
A novel mesoporous magnetic biochar (MBC) was prepared, using a randomly growing plant, i.e., common reed, as an exporter of carbon, and applied for removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The prepared sorbent was characterized by nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm, saturation magnetization, pH of point of zero charges (pH), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained MBC has a specific surface area of 94.2 m g and a pore radius of 4.1 nm, a pore volume of 0.252 cm g, a saturation magnetization of 0.786 emu g, and a pH of 6.2. Batch adsorption experiments were used to study the impact of the physicochemical factors involved in the adsorption process. The findings revealed that MB removal by MBC was achieved optimally at pH 8.0, sorbent dosage of 1.0 g L, and contact time of 30 min. At these conditions, the maximum adsorption was 353.4 mg g. Furthermore, the adsorption isotherm indicated that the Langmuir pattern matched well with the experimental data, compared to the Freindlich model. The ∆G was - 6.7, - 7.1, and - 7.5 kJ mol, at 298, 308, and 318 K, respectively, indicating a spontaneous process. The values of ∆H and ∆S were 5.71 kJ mol and 41.6 J mol K, respectively, suggesting endothermic and the interaction between MB and MBC is van der Waals type. The absorbent was regenerated and reused for four cycles after elution with 0.1 mol L of HCl. This study concluded that the magnetic biochar generated from common reed has tremendous promise in the practical use of removing MB from wastewater.
Topics: Methylene Blue; Charcoal; Adsorption; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Poaceae; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Water Purification; Porosity; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Kinetics
PubMed: 38866933
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33860-3 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings (5.15 ± 0.02 g; n = 315) were fed with different types of biochar (BC)-supplemented sunflower meal-based (SFM) diet to...
Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings (5.15 ± 0.02 g; n = 315) were fed with different types of biochar (BC)-supplemented sunflower meal-based (SFM) diet to investigate the effects of various BC inclusions on their nutritional digestibility, body composition, hematology and mineral status for 60 days. Seven different diets were formulated based on the SFM based diet: one was a control (TD-I, CON) and the other six diets were supplemented with 2% BC derived from different sources. These BCs were derived from the following: cotton stick (CSBC, TD-II), wheat straw (WSBC, TD-III), corn cob (CCBC, TD-IV), house waste (HWBC, TD-V), grass waste (GWBC, TD-VI), and green waste (GwBC, TD-VII) biochar. There were three replicates for each test diet. Each tank had fifteen tilapia fingerlings, and they were fed with 5% of their live wet weight and twice daily. The outcomes showed that the supplementation of CCBC significantly elevated the growth, nutrient absorption, and body composition of the O. niloticus fingerlings (p < 0.05); with concomitant lowering of the quantity of nutrients released into the water bodies whereas HWBC gave negative impacts. The maximal mineral absorption efficiency (Ca, Na, K, Cu, Fe, P, and Zn) was achieved by the supplementation of 2% CCBC. All hematological parameters showed positive improvements (p < 0.05) with CCBC. Interestingly, CCBC significantly improved the growth, digestibility, body composition, hematology, and mineral status of O. niloticus.
Topics: Animals; Body Composition; Charcoal; Animal Feed; Cichlids; Minerals; Dietary Supplements; Digestion; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Diet
PubMed: 38866883
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63463-4 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024The transfer of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance (AR) to the soil systems poses ecological hazards to various organisms, including earthworms. Understanding the... (Review)
Review
The transfer of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance (AR) to the soil systems poses ecological hazards to various organisms, including earthworms. Understanding the complex interactions between earthworms, antibiotics, and AR in the soil system requires a comprehensive assessment. Hence, the present review investigates the behaviour, fate, impacts, and mechanisms involved in the interaction of earthworms with antibiotics and AR. The antibiotics and AR detected in earthworms and their associated media, such as vermicompost, are presented, but several other antibiotics and AR widely detected in soils remain understudied. As receptors and bioassay organisms, earthworms are adversely affected by antibiotics and AR causing (1) acute and chronic toxicity, and (2) emergence of AR in previously susceptible earthworm gut microbiota, respectively. The paper also highlights that, apart from this toxicity, earthworms can also mitigate against antibiotics, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic-resistance genes by reducing bacterial diversity and abundance. The behaviour and fate processes, including biodegradation pathways, biomarkers of antibiotics and AR in earthworms, are discussed. In addition, the factors controlling the behaviour and fate of antibiotics and AR and their interactions with earthworms are discussed. Overall, earthworms mitigate antibiotics and AR via various proximal and distal mechanisms, while dual but contradictory functions (i.e., mitigatory and facilitatory) were reported for AR. We recommend that future research based on the One-World-One-Health approach should address the following gaps: (1) under-studied antibiotics and AR, (2) degradation mechanisms and pathways of antibiotics, (3) effects of environmentally relevant mixtures of antibiotics, (4) bio-augmentation in earthworm-based bioremediation of antibiotics, (5) long-term fate of antibiotics and their metabolites, (6) bio-transfers of antibiotics and AR by earthworms, (7) development of earthworm biomarkers for antibiotics and AR, (8) application of earthworm-based bioremediation of antibiotics and AR, (9) cascading ecological impacts of antibiotics and AR on earthworms, and (10) pilot-scale field applications of earthworm-based bioremediation systems.
PubMed: 38866146
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173882 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jun 2024Intercropping is a sustainable strategy recognized for boosting crop production and mitigating heavy metal toxicity in contaminated soils. This study investigates the...
Intercropping is a sustainable strategy recognized for boosting crop production and mitigating heavy metal toxicity in contaminated soils. This study investigates the effects of biochar amendments on Pb-contaminated soil, utilizing monocropping and intercropping techniques with C. olitorius and Z. mays. The research assesses Pb removal capacity, nutrient uptake, antioxidant enzymes, and soil Pb fractionation. In monocropping, the phytoremediation ratio for C. olitorius increased from 16.67 to 27.33%, while in intercropping, it rose from 19.00 to 28.33% with biochar amendments. Similarly, Z. mays exhibited an increased phytoremediation ratio from 53.33 to 74.67% in monocropping and from 63.00 to 78.67% in intercropping with biochar amendments. Intercropping significantly increased the peroxidase (POD) activity in Z. mays roots by 22.53%, and there were notable increases in shoot POD of C. olitorius (11.54%) and Z. mays (16.20%) with biochar application. CAT showed consistent improvements, increasing by 37.52% in C. olitorius roots and 74.49% in Z. mays roots with biochar. Biochar amendments significantly increased N content in soil under sole cropping of Z. mays and intercropping systems. In contrast, Cu content increased by 56.34%, 59.05%, and 79.80% in monocropping (C. olitorius and Z. mays) and intercropping systems, respectively. This suggests that biochar enhances nutrient availability, improving phytoremediation efficacy in Pb-contaminated soil. Phyto availability of trace metals (Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe) exhibited higher levels with biochar amendments than those without. The findings indicate that intercropping and biochar amendments elevate antioxidant enzyme levels, reducing reactive oxygen species and mitigating Pb toxicity effects. This approach improves phytoremediation efficiency and holds promise for soil pollution remediation while enhancing nutrient content and crop quality in Pb-contaminated soil.
Topics: Zea mays; Lead; Charcoal; Biodegradation, Environmental; Soil Pollutants; Corchorus; Soil; Metals, Heavy
PubMed: 38865046
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33849-y -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jun 2024This research focuses on the synthesis of novel low-cost granular sorbents based on bentonite clay of the Navbahor deposit, dust fraction of Angren brown coal, and...
This research focuses on the synthesis of novel low-cost granular sorbents based on bentonite clay of the Navbahor deposit, dust fraction of Angren brown coal, and agricultural wastes such as straw and sawdust to meet the internal needs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The impact of the initial mixture ingredients on the structural and textural properties of bentonite-coal sorbents (BCSs) has been studied using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis. For determining the sorption capacity of BCSs, a standard model substance methylene blue (MB), was applied. It was revealed that the maximum adsorption amount of MB was 5.3 mg∙g during 2 h of contact. Prolonging the contact time to 24 h allowed for more extensive diffusion of dye molecules into the sorbent's pores, increasing the adsorption capacity to 13 mg∙g. It was demonstrated that BCSs could be regenerated by strong oxidizing agents such as sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide, with sulfuric acid proving more effective. Regeneration fully restores sorption properties, particularly at low dye concentrations (up to 0.2 mg∙ml). Despite slight reductions in adsorption capacity over multiple regeneration cycles, the sorbents maintain their structural integrity and durability. It is shown that compared to imported expensive activated carbon, the gross profitability of the in-house production of such granular BCSs within the territory of Uzbekistan increases from 48 to 78%, while the net income increases almost three times.
Topics: Bentonite; Adsorption; Kinetics; Carbon; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; X-Ray Diffraction; Uzbekistan; Coal
PubMed: 38865043
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33882-x -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Uncaria rhynchophylla is an important traditional herbal medicine in China, and the yield and quality of Uncaria rhynchophylla can be improved by suitable soil...
Uncaria rhynchophylla is an important traditional herbal medicine in China, and the yield and quality of Uncaria rhynchophylla can be improved by suitable soil conditioners because of changing the soil properties. In this paper, Uncaria rhynchophylla associated alkaloids and soil microbial communities were investigated. The field experiment was set up with the following control group: (M1, no soil conditioner) and different soil conditioner treatment groups (M2, biomass ash; M3, water retention agent; M4, biochar; M5, lime powder and M6, malic acid). The results showed that M2 significantly increased the fresh and dry weight and the contents of isorhynchophylline, corynoxeine, isocorynoxeine, and total alkaloids. Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi were major bacterial phyla. Correlation analysis showed that fresh and dry weight was significantly positively correlated with Acidobacteria, while alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, phosphatase activity, fresh and dry weight, corynoxeine, and isocorynoxeine were significantly negatively correlated with Chloroflexi. The application of soil conditioner M2 increased the abundance of Acidobacteria and decreased the abundance of Chloroflexi, which contributed to improving the soil nutrient content, yield, and quality of Uncaria rhynchophylla. In summary, biomass ash may be a better choice of soil conditioner in Uncaria rhynchophylla growing areas.
Topics: Soil Microbiology; Soil; Uncaria; Biomass; Microbiota; Alkaloids; Charcoal; Bacteria; China; Nitrogen
PubMed: 38862626
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64362-4 -
Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy Jun 2024Cell membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles possess inherent advantages derived from their membrane structure and surface antigens, including prolonged circulation in the...
Cell membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles possess inherent advantages derived from their membrane structure and surface antigens, including prolonged circulation in the bloodstream, specific cell recognition and targeting capabilities, and potential for immunotherapy. Herein, we introduce a cell membrane biomimetic nanodrug platform termed MPB-3BP@CM NPs. Comprising microporous Prussian blue nanoparticles (MPB NPs) serving as both a photothermal sensitizer and carrier for 3-bromopyruvate (3BP), these nanoparticles are cloaked in a genetically programmable cell membrane displaying variants of signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) with enhanced affinity to CD47. As a result, MPB-3BP@CM NPs inherit the characteristics of the original cell membrane, exhibiting an extended circulation time in the bloodstream and effectively targeting CD47 on the cytomembrane of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Notably, blocking CD47 with MPB-3BP@CM NPs enhances the phagocytosis of CRC cells by macrophages. Additionally, 3BP, an inhibitor of hexokinase II (HK), suppresses glycolysis, leading to a reduction in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and lactate production. Besides, it promotes the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) towards an anti-tumor M1 phenotype. Furthermore, integration with MPB NPs-mediated photothermal therapy (PTT) enhances the therapeutic efficacy against tumors. These advantages make MPB-3BP@CM NPs an attractive platform for the future development of innovative therapeutic approaches for CRC. Concurrently, it introduces a universal approach for engineering disease-tailored cell membranes for tumor therapy.
Topics: Colorectal Neoplasms; Nanoparticles; Humans; CD47 Antigen; Mice; Cell Membrane; Animals; Pyruvates; Hexokinase; Cell Line, Tumor; Macrophages; Ferrocyanides
PubMed: 38862461
DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01859-4 -
International Journal of Systematic and... Jun 2024A Gram-negative, aerobic, pink-pigmented, and bacteriochlorophyll -containing bacterial strain, designated B14, was isolated from the macroalga sampled from the...
A Gram-negative, aerobic, pink-pigmented, and bacteriochlorophyll -containing bacterial strain, designated B14, was isolated from the macroalga sampled from the southern North Sea, Germany. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, species of the genera and were most closely related to strain B14 with sequence identities ranging from 98.15 % ( Och 114) to 99.11 % ( Och 149), whereas CH-B427 exhibited 98.52 % sequence identity. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between the genome of the novel strain and that of closely related and type strains were <20 % and <77 %, respectively. The novel strain contained ubiquinone-10 as the only respiratory quinone and C ω7, C, C, C ω7, C ω7,13, and C 3-OH as the major cellular fatty acids. The predominant polar lipids of strain B14 were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylglycerol. The genome of strain B14 comprises a chromosome with a size of 4.5 Mbp, one chromid, and four plasmids. The genome contains the complete gene cluster for aerobic anoxygenic photosynthesis required for a photoheterotrophic lifestyle. The results of this study indicate that strain B14 (=DSM 116946=LMG 33352) represents a novel species of the genus for which the name sp. nov. is proposed.
Topics: RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Roseobacter; Phylogeny; Fatty Acids; DNA, Bacterial; Ubiquinone; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Base Composition; Fucus; Germany; North Sea; Genome, Bacterial; Phospholipids; Bacteriochlorophyll A
PubMed: 38861315
DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.006403 -
Human & Experimental Toxicology 2024Organophosphorus (OP) poisoning is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent research has explored new approaches to improving treatment options,... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Organophosphorus (OP) poisoning is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent research has explored new approaches to improving treatment options, which present several challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the role of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) as an adjunctive therapy for acute OP intoxication. A prospective single-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted on patients of both sexes admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Poison Control Center at Ain Shams University Hospital (PCC-ASUH) with acute OP toxicity during the period from the beginning of August 2022 to the end of July 2023. According to the Peradeniya score, Group I consisted of 48 patients (52%) with moderate OP poisoning, and Group II consisted of 44 patients (48%) with severe OP poisoning. Patients in the moderate group were assigned to receive either standard treatment (Group Ia, = 24) or standard treatment plus FFP (Group Ib, = 24). In addition, patients in the severe group were assigned to receive either standard treatment (Group IIa, = 22) or standard treatment plus FFP (Group IIb, = 22). A total of 46 patients received FFP transfusion. The authors demonstrated that the early use of a total of nine packs of FFP (250 mL each) over three consecutive days significantly reduced the total doses of atropine and oximes, the total hospitalization period, and the requirement for mechanical ventilation in patients with OP poisoning, both in the moderate and severe groups.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Plasma; Organophosphate Poisoning; Adult; Middle Aged; Single-Blind Method; Prospective Studies; Blood Component Transfusion; Young Adult; Antidotes
PubMed: 38861017
DOI: 10.1177/09603271241260655 -
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of... Jun 2024Humans are exposed to different types of toxic agents, which may directly induce organ malfunction or indirectly alter gene expression, leading to carcinogenic and... (Review)
Review
Humans are exposed to different types of toxic agents, which may directly induce organ malfunction or indirectly alter gene expression, leading to carcinogenic and teratogenic effects, and eventually death. Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is the most valuable of all medicinal herbs. Nevertheless, specific data on the antidotal mechanisms of this golden herb are currently unavailable. Based on the findings of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, this review focused on the probable protective mechanisms of ginseng and its major components, such as protopanaxadiols, protopanaxatriols, and pentacyclic ginsenosides against various chemical toxic agents. Relevant articles from 2000 to 2023 were gathered from PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar. This literature review shows that P. ginseng and its main components have protective and antidotal effects against the deteriorative effects of pesticides, pharmaceutical agents, including acetaminophen, doxorubicin, isoproterenol, cyclosporine A, tacrolimus, and gentamicin, ethanol, and some chemical agents. These improvements occur through multi-functional mechanisms. They exhibit antioxidant activity, induce anti-inflammatory action, and block intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. However, relevant clinical trials are necessary to validate the mentioned effects and translate the knowledge from basic science to human benefit, fulfilling the fundamental goal of all toxicologists.
PubMed: 38861010
DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03186-5