Search Results (2,144)

Mutant yeast strains with altered sensitivity to heavy metals are crucial for revealing the mechanisms of metal absorption and detoxification, as well as for bioremediation of these pollutants. Here, we show that a knockout of the PHO87 gene encoding the low-affinity phosphate transporter of the cytoplasmic membrane of S. cerevisiae increased resistance to manganese, silver, and vanadate ions. However, a knockout of PHO90 (PHO87 paralog) did not affect the sensitivity to silver and vanadate ions but increased sensitivity to manganese ions. The Δpho87 cells accumulated 10 times less manganese compared to the wild-type cells, while the Δpho90 cells accumulated two times more manganese compared to the wild-type cells, when grown in YPD with 2 mM MnSO₄. The polyphosphate content of the Δpho84, Δpho87, and Δpho90 cells cultivated at high phosphate concentration did not differ from that of the wild-type strain. In the presence of 2 mM MnSO₄, Δpho87 cells contained several times less polyphosphates, and Δpho90 cells contained more short-chain polyphosphates than the cells of the wild-type strain. We hypothesize that phosphate carriers participate in the regulation of heavy metal uptake, and the respective knockouts are useful in bioremediation and bioassay of these pollutants. Full article

The present study aimed to establish a physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model to investigate the absorption, retention, and transport of inhaled nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO₂-NPs) particles in rats, thereby providing a basis for understanding the absorption, distribution, and elimination mechanisms of TiO₂-NPs in various organs. A detailed respiratory module and the Hill coefficient equation were adopted in the PBTK model. Calibration and validation of the model were conducted using the only two available inhalation biodistribution datasets for TiO₂-NPs found in the literature, encompassing different doses and exposure conditions. The overall fit with both datasets was acceptable with R² value of 0.95 in respiratory system and 0.88 in the secondary organs. The sensitivity analysis indicated that the alveolar–interstitial transfer rate (K_{alv_inter}) and tissue–blood distribution coefficients (P_lu, P_li, P_ki) significantly influenced the retention of TiO₂-NPs in pulmonary regions and distribution to secondary organs, with these parameters exhibiting time-dependent behavior. The PBTK model demonstrates a good predictive performance for TiO₂-NPs content in all rat organs, with simulated values consistently ranging within 0.5- to 2-fold of the measured data. In last, we developed a PBTK model that can well predict the in vivo distribution of inhaled TiO₂-NPs and provided a novel computational tool for cross-species extrapolation of human inhalation exposure and subsequent biodistribution. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neurological and psychiatric disorders share overlapping mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter imbalance. In this context, multitarget natural molecules have gained attention. 1-nitro-2-phenylethane (1N2PE), a major constituent of Aniba canelilla essential oil, is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticholinesterase effects, yet its neuropharmacological profile remains poorly understood. Methods: This study integrated in silico predictions and in vivo behavioral assays to characterize 1N2PE. Results: Pharmacokinetic analyses indicated favorable drug-like properties, with high gastrointestinal absorption, blood–brain barrier penetration, and no P-gp substrate profile. Molecular docking and dynamics revealed stable interactions with dopamine transporter (DAT, ΔG = −26.26 kcal/mol), prostaglandin-H synthase-1 (PGHS-1, ΔG = −20.27 kcal/mol), serotonin transporter (SERT, ΔG = −18.20 kcal/mol), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE, ΔG = −16.58 kcal/mol). In vivo, using a scopolamine-induced impairment model, 1N2PE significantly improved spatial memory and cognition in the Morris water maze. Treated animals reduced the distance to the target zone by ~40% compared with scopolamine-only rats (p < 0.01), normalized latency during training, and exhibited 30% less immobility (p < 0.05), indicating antidepressant-like effects. Moreover, 1N2PE attenuated anxiety-like thigmotaxis, restoring exploratory patterns (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Together, these findings highlight 1N2PE as a multitarget candidate for cognitive and psychiatric disorders, combining favorable pharmacokinetic properties with preclinical efficacy, warranting further biochemical and translational investigations. Full article

Obesity is an epidemic with myriad health effects, but little is understood regarding individual obese phenotypes and how they may respond to therapy. Epigenetic changes associated with obesity have been detected in blood, liver, pancreas, and adipose tissues. Previous work using human organoids found that dietary glucose hyperabsorption is a steadfast trait in cultures derived from some obese subjects, but detailed transcriptional or epigenomic features of the intestinal epithelia associated with this persistent phenotype are unknown. This study evaluated differentially expressed genes and relative chromatin accessibility in intestinal organoids established from donors classified as non-obese, obese, or obese hyperabsorptive by body mass index and glucose transport assays. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that obese hyperabsorptive subject organoids have significantly upregulated dietary nutrient absorption transcripts and downregulated type I interferon targets. Chromatin accessibility and transcription factor footprinting predicted that enhanced HNF4G binding may promote the obese hyperabsorption phenotype. Quantitative RT-PCR assessment in organoids representing a larger subject cohort suggested that intestinal epithelial expression of CUBN, GIP, SLC5A11, and SLC2A5 were highly correlated with hyperabsorption. Thus, the obese hyperabsorption phenotype was characterized by transcriptional changes that support increased nutrient uptake by intestinal epithelia, potentially driven by differentially accessible chromatin. Recognizing unique intestinal phenotypes in obesity provides a new perspective in considering therapeutic targets and options with which to manage the disease. Full article

The immobilization of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanostructures on conductive supports offers a promising strategy to overcome the intrinsic limitations of a wide band gap, poor visible-light absorption, and rapid charge recombination in photocatalysis. Herein, a rutile TiO₂ nanorods (TiO₂NRs) array was directly grown on carbon cloth (CC) via a hydrothermal method by using titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄) seed solutions of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 M, designated as TiO₂NR0.1/CC, TiO₂NR0.3/CC, and TiO₂NR0.5/CC, respectively. Structural analysis confirmed that the TiO₂ NRs array is vertically aligned, and phase=pure rutile NRs strongly adhered to CC. The optical characterization revealed broadened absorption in the visible wavelength region and progressive band gap narrowing with the increasing seeding concentration. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed pronounced quenching in the fabricated TiO₂NRs/CC samples, especially with TiO₂NR0.3/CC exhibiting the lowest PL intensity, indicating suppressed charge recombination. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy further demonstrated reduced charge transfer resistance, and TiO₂NR0.3/CC achieved the most efficient electron transport kinetics. Photocatalytic tests at λ ≥ 400 nm irradiation confirmed the enhanced hydrogen evolution performance of TiO₂NR0.3/CC. The hydrogen yield of 2.66 mmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ of TiO₂NR0.3/CC was 4.03-fold higher than that of TiO₂NRs (0.66 mmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹), along with excellent cyclic stability across three runs. Additionally, TiO₂NR0.3/CC achieved 90.2% degradation of methylene blue within 60 min, with a kinetic constant of 0.0332 min⁻¹ and minimal activity loss after three cycles. These results highlight the synergistic integration of TiO₂ NRs with CC in achieving a durable, recyclable, and efficient photocatalytic platform for sustainable hydrogen generation and wastewater remediation. Full article

Mammalian metallomics, an advanced interdisciplinary field, explores the dynamic roles of metal elements within biological systems and their significance to life processes. While prior reviews have broadly covered metallomics across different systems, this review narrows the focus to mammals, offering new insights into the physiological roles of metal elements, their complex absorption and transport mechanisms, and their intricate associations with diseases. We summarize the characteristics and applications of common metal detection technologies and elaborate on the dynamic landscape of the mammalian metallomics across different tissues and life stages. Furthermore, we elaborate on the physiological functions of the metals from three perspectives, metal-binding proteins, metal ions, and gut microorganisms, and highlight the potential of metallomics in clinical translation, including its diagnostic and therapeutic implications, alongside future directions centered on multi-omics integration. Overall, this review introduces several common metallomics technologies and synthesizes the findings of mammalian metallomics research from multiple perspectives, offering new insights for future related studies. Full article

Within the endeavour of describing and analysing delays and their propagations in air transport, a major limitation is represented by the validation of the obtained results. While this can be overcome through synthetic models, those available in the literature mostly aim at simulating the system in a detailed and realistic way, resulting in high complexity and substantial computational costs. We here present SynthATDelays, a minimalist and modular Python package designed to simulate a virtual customisable air transport system and to provide synthetic delay data under tuneable conditions; it is thus designed to support the validation of data-based studies and pipelines. We describe its internal structure and provide examples about how scenarios can be designed and executed. We further show how it can be used to tackle two relevant questions, i.e., the role of operational buffer times in the absorption of delays and the comparison and optimisation of causality tests to detect the propagation thereof. Full article

All inorganic CsPbBr₃ possesses ideal stability in halide perovskites, but its wide bandgap and relatively poor film quality seriously limit the performance enhancement and possible applications of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this work, a triple-functional poly(3-Hexylthiophene) (P3HT) modifier was introduced to realize color-tunable semi-transparent CsPbBr₃ PSCs. From the optical perspective, the P3HT acted as the assistant photoactive layer, enhanced the light absorption capacity of the CsPbBr₃ film, and broadened the spectrum response range of devices. In view of the hole transport layer, P3HT modified the energy level matching between the CsPbBr₃/anode interface and facilitated the hole transport. Simultaneously, the S⁻ in P3HT formed a more stable Pb-S bond with the uncoordinated Pb²⁺ on the surface of CsPbBr₃ and played the role of a defect passivator. As the P3HT concentration increased from 0 to 15 mg/mL, the color of CsPbBr₃ devices gradually changed from light yellow to reddish brown. The PSC treated by an optimal P3HT concentration of 10 mg/mL achieved a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.71%, with a V_OC of 1.30 V and a J_SC of 8.54 mA/cm², which are remarkably higher than those of control devices (6.86%, 1.22 V, and 8.21 mA/cm²), as well its non-degrading stability and repeatability. Here, the constructed CsPbBr₃/P3HT heterostructure revealed effective paths for enhancing the photovoltaic performance of CsPbBr₃ PSCs and boosted their semi-transparent applications in building integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs). Full article

This study explores the complex regulatory mechanisms of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) supply interactions on the growth, root architecture, and nutrient uptake of Populus × euramericana ‘Neva’ seedlings. It shows that these responses depend on nutrient concentrations and exhibit organ-specific patterns. Low P (0 mM) and sufficient N (15–30 mM) enhances plant height and aboveground biomass by promoting P acquisition processes. At moderate N levels (5–15 mM), P supply is sufficient (0.5–1.5 mM) for root and stem growth. Nitrogen application prioritizes aboveground biomass, reducing the root-to-shoot ratio. Root architecture also responds organ-specifically: sufficient N under low P promotes fine root growth to increase P absorption; under moderate P (0.5 mM), balanced N optimizes branching; and under sufficient P (1.5 mM), N increases root thickness while reducing fine root investment. In terms of P metabolism, moderate N under low P increases P concentrations by upregulating phosphate transporter genes, while sufficient N maintains P use efficiency (PUE). For N metabolism, added P under low N (0 mM) maintains N use efficiency (NUE), while higher N levels (15–30 mM) reduce NUE due to interference in nitrogen transport and enzyme activity. This study highlights the importance of organ-specific resource allocation in adapting to N–P interactions and suggests optimizing fertilization strategies based on soil nutrient status to avoid physiological imbalance. Full article

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) has attracted significant attention as a photoanode material for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting due to its suitable bandgap (~2.4 eV), strong visible light absorption, chemical stability, and cost-effectiveness. Despite these advantages, its practical application remains constrained by intrinsic limitations, including poor charge carrier mobility, short diffusion length, and sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics. This review critically summarizes recent advancements aimed at enhancing BiVO₄ PEC performance, encompassing synthesis strategies, defect engineering, heterojunction formation, cocatalyst integration, light-harvesting optimization, and stability improvements. Key fabrication methods—such as solution-based, vapor-phase, and electrochemical approaches—along with targeted modifications, including metal/nonmetal doping, surface passivation, and incorporation of electron transport layers, are discussed. Emphasis is placed on strategies to improve light absorption, charge separation efficiency (η_sep), and charge transfer efficiency (η_trans) through bandgap engineering, optical structure design, and catalytic interface optimization. Approaches to enhance stability via protective overlayers and electrolyte tuning are also reviewed, alongside emerging applications of BiVO₄ in tandem PEC systems and selective solar-driven production of value-added chemicals, such as H₂O₂. Finally, critical challenges, including the scale-up of electrode fabrication and the elucidation of fundamental reaction mechanisms, are highlighted, providing perspectives for bridging the gap between laboratory performance and practical implementation. Full article

Today, on the island of Gran Canaria, conventional photovoltaic installations are being implemented on the ground, with the excuse that electricity production must be decarbonized. This is located on a highly populated island, with a shortage of flat land, and a high dependence on food, in a biodiversity hot spot on the planet. We would like to point out that agrivoltaics could provide a double solution and allow the carbon footprint of this human settlement to be further reduced. In addition, it provides greater resilience to climate change, and by reducing dependence on the outside, it would minimize the effects suffered by pandemics such as SARS-CoV-2. It would also help mitigate water stress in one area facing serious water shortage problems. The reduction of local CO₂ emissions would be achieved in four ways: production of clean electricity, reduction of the transport of fuel for electricity generation, reduction of the transport of food goods from abroad, and the absorption of CO₂ together with the emission of O₂ by the planted crops. It would also lead to greater job creation, a remedy against great soil desertification, stopping agricultural abandonment, and life in rural inland areas. This study analyzes two possible agrivoltaic installation configurations of equal power in a potato field: one with a vertical bifacial (VB) configuration and another with an optimum angle (OA). The monthly production is examined and, specifically, the economic income in the event of pouring all the production into the grid. All this takes into account the reality of the chosen place, the island of Gran Canaria (Spain). Full article

Broussonetia papyrifera has strong adaptability and exhibits a strong ability to accumulate selenium. Its leaves are rich in crude protein, amino acids, and minerals, making them high-quality feed materials. To improve the selenium-enriched ability of B. papyrifera and promote the development of selenium-enriched agricultural products, we screened and identified the sulfate transporters associated with selenium absorption in B. papyrifera. By treating the leaves of B. papyrifera with different concentrations of sodium selenate and analyzing the correlation between gene expression and selenium content, we identified BpSULTR3;1 and BpSULTR3;4, which may be involved in selenium absorption and transport in B. papyrifera. We further validated the functions of BpSULTR3;1 and BpSULTR3;4 through transgenic experiments in Arabidopsis thaliana. The results showed that overexpressing BpSULTR3;1 significantly increased the total selenium content in A. thaliana, up to 2.31 times, and also increased the contents of three forms of organic selenium (SeCys₂, MeSeCys and SeMet) in transgenic A. thaliana. These findings provide solid theoretical support for improving B. papyrifera’s selenium enrichment ability through genetic improvement. Full article

This study presents a computational investigation into the design of triphenylamine-based donor chromophores incorporating 2-(1,1-dicyanomethylene)rhodanine as the acceptor unit. Three molecular architectures (System-1 to System-3) were developed by introducing distinct thiophene-derived $\pi$-bridges to modulate their electronic and optical characteristics for potential application in bulk heterojunction organic solar cells (OSCs). Geometrical optimizations were performed at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level, while excited-state and absorption properties were evaluated using TD-DFT with the CAM-B3LYP functional. Frontier orbital analysis revealed efficient charge transfer from donor to acceptor moieties, with System-3 showing the narrowest HOMO–LUMO gap (1.96 eV) and the lowest excitation energy (2.968 eV). Charge transport properties, estimated from reorganization energies, indicated that System-2 exhibited the most favorable balance for ambipolar transport, featuring the lowest electron reorganization energy (0.317 eV) and competitive hole mobility. Photovoltaic parameters calculated with PC₆₁BM as acceptor predicted superior $V_{oc}$, $J_{sc}$, and fill factor values for System-2, resulting in the highest theoretical power conversion efficiency (10.95%). These findings suggest that $\pi$-bridge engineering in triphenylamine-based systems can significantly enhance optoelectronic performance, offering promising donor materials for next-generation OSC devices. Full article

The absorption, transport, and distribution of antibiotics in animals are influenced by the composition and function of the intestinal microbial community. However, most existing studies have focused on intensive farming systems involving the artificial addition of antibiotics. For free-range local chicken breeds in mountainous areas without antibiotic additives, systematic research on the presence of antibiotic residues in their muscle tissues and their association with the gut microbiota is lacking. Therefore, in this study, mountainous free-range Lueyang black-bone chickens were selected as the research subjects, employing non-targeted metabolomics and microbiomics to analyze the distribution of antibiotics in intestinal tissues (duodenum and caecum) and muscle tissues (breast and leg muscles), and their correlations with the intestinal microbiota. Metabolomics detected 47 antibiotics in intestinal tissues and 22 in muscle tissues, with 9 common to both tissues, including clinically and veterinary relevant antibiotics such as oxacillin, kanamycin, and tobramycin. Microbiomics analysis indicated significant differences in microbial communities between the duodenum and caecum at the genus level. LEfSe analysis identified seven characteristic genera in the duodenum (e.g., Bacteroides, Alistipes) and five in the caecum (e.g., Lactobacillus, Ureaplasma). Pearson correlation analysis further revealed that these shared antibiotics were significantly associated with the differential genera in the intestine. For instance, oxacillin exhibited a positive correlation with both Bacteroides and Alistipes. Kanamycin was positively correlated with Alistipes, whereas tobramycin showed a negative correlation with Bacteroides. These results indicate that antibiotic residues were present in both intestinal and muscle tissues of Lueyang black-bone chickens raised under free-range mountainous conditions. The nine antibiotics common to both tissues are likely absorbed in the intestines and transported to muscles via the bloodstream. It is hypothesized that the gut microbiota may play a potential regulatory role in this process, providing a theoretical basis for understanding microecological mechanisms under environmental antibiotic exposure. Full article

This study investigates the effects of slag and silica fume on the mechanical properties, transport behavior, and pore structure of cement-based mortars. Mortars incorporating different proportions of supplementary materials were evaluated by compressive and flexural strength, saturated water absorption, chloride permeability, and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). Fractal analysis was further applied to assess pore structure complexity. At 28 days, the slag–silica fume blend SG20SF10 reached 46.5 MPa in compressive strength and 5.8 MPa in flexural strength, exceeding OPC. MIP showed a decrease in total porosity from ~14.5% to ~11.3% (about 22% lower) with a marked reduction in pores larger than 100 nm. Consistently, SG20SF10 exhibited the lowest water absorption and chloride permeability at both ages. These results indicate that the slag–silica fume synergy refines capillary porosity and increases pore-network complexity, thereby reducing directional connectivity and transport. Full article