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Natural chemicals have been considered as promising molecules in cancer treatment because of their broad spectrum of activities. Flavonoids show high affinity against key molecular targets associated with developing cancer, and tumor cells exhibit an inability to resist flavonoid treatment. Flavonoids are natural molecules synthesized during secondary plant metabolism that has protective activities against biotic and abiotic factors (animals, bacteria, and fungi) and are resistant to ultraviolet light, temperature, and solid minerals and contaminants. They have been purified from plants and synthetic molecules and have an antioxidant, antitumor, and cardioprotective activities in humans. The large flavonoid family includes polymethoxyflavones, which are extracted from the peels of citrus fruits such as Citrus nobilis, from which nobiletin (NOB) is obtained. The compounds derived from this promising anticancer chemical include 5‐demethylnobiletin (5‐DMN). These compounds inhibit a large number of targets that regulate the hallmarks of cancer by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, limiting migration, and angiogenesis. 5‐DMN has exhibited potency in the regulation of anticancer activities. This review was conducted to summarize and compare the effects of NOB and 5‐DMN on different types of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusions Existing methods to evaluate skin care products suffer limitations. This is the case for ex vivo skin explants, a first‐choice 3D model. While essential to analyse mid‐ to long‐term biological effects, this classical model hinders assessing microrelief variations. To circumvent these limitations, we developed an ex vivo PERFused EXplant setup (Perfex) that maintains the outer skin surface in the open air, closely mirroring physiological conditions.A custom‐designed reservoir enables perfusing the dermal side of explants with buffered, temperature‐controlled medium, while the epidermis is subjected to “normal” conditions. Skin tension and characteristics of the stratum corneum, microrelief, histology and immunohistology (collagen types I and III, elastin and fibrillin‐1) were analysed and compared to those of explants maintained under conventional conditions or in vivo skin. The effects of skin care formulas intended to induce short‐ and/or mid‐ to long‐term effects were also assessed.Skin explants maintained with the Perfex setup exhibit characteristics (firmness, elasticity, hydration and barrier function) closer to those of in vivo skin than with conventional conditions. Moreover, Perfex‐maintained explants present no alteration in histology after 7 days and slight variation in the expression of key protein markers. Microrelief characteristics also remain mostly stable over 7 days. Formula applications corroborate that skin tensor‐containing products primarily induce short‐term changes in the microrelief, while those with biologically active ingredients mainly lead to mid‐ to long‐term effects on the histology and expression of molecular markers. Furthermore, maintaining skin explants with a physiologically relevant skin surface enabled analysing the relationship between microrelief and key markers, showing that fibrillin‐1 is the protein most correlated with microrelief characteristics.The Perfex setup allows for similar preservation of skin explant histology and key protein expression as the conventional system, yet it maintains a skin surface close to that of in vivo skin. Therefore, it is valuable to analyse both the short‐ and mid‐ to long‐term impacts of skin care formulas and better comprehend their effects. The Perfex system also offers a new tool for investigating fundamental questions, such as the link that can exist between dermal proteins and skin surface properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Radioiodine-131 (RAI or iodine-131) is one of the most frequently used radionuclides for diagnosis and therapy of thyroid diseases (90% of all therapies in nuclear medicine). In order to optimize the patient protection, it is important to evaluate the long-term biological effects of RAI therapy on non-target organs. Materials and methods: An experimental animal model has been adopted, it consists on miming RAI therapy. An activity of RAI has been administrated in two models of Wistar rats: the first model with an intact thyroid gland (Thy + model), and the second one was thyroidectomized (Thy- model). For each model, 6 rats were orally contaminated with a solution 18.5 ± 1MBq of [131I]NaI and 6 others rats were used as controls. The 24 rats have been placed in individual cages for a period of 08 months then they were euthanized. The blood was collected by cardiac puncture and all organs were immediately removed. A fraction of thyroid, liver, kidneys and testicles was put in vials containing formaldehyde (10%) for histological investigation. Results: Histological observations show some liver disorders more accentuated in the case of the Thy- model, the appearance of kidney tissue effects (hemosiderin deposits, fibrosis and glomerular necrosis) for both models and an absence of any anomaly for the testicles slides. The disturbance of blood parameters specific to each organ has been revealed. Conclusions: Long-term biological effect of 131I-administration shows the appearance of various histological disorders confirmed by disturbances in hepatic and renal functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet solar radiation at the Earth's surface significantly impacts both human health and ecosystems. A biologically effective daily radiant exposure (BEDRE) model is proposed for various biological processes with an analytical formula for its action spectrum. The following processes are considered: erythema formation, previtamin D3 synthesis, psoriasis clearance, and inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 virions. The BEDRE model is constructed by multiplying the synthetic BEDRE value under cloudless conditions by a cloud modification factor (CMF) parameterizing the attenuation of radiation via clouds. The CMF is an empirical function of the solar zenith angle (SZA) at midday and the daily clearness index from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) measurements on board the second-generation Meteosat satellites. Total column ozone, from MERRA-2 reanalysis, is used in calculations of clear-sky BEDRE values. The proposed model was trained and validated using data from several European ground-based spectrophotometers and biometers for the periods 2014–2023 and 2004–2013, respectively. The model provides reliable estimates of BEDRE for all biological processes considered. Under snow-free conditions and SZA < 45° at midday, bias and standard deviation of observation-model differences are approximately ±5% and 15%, respectively. The BEDRE model can be used as an initial validation tool for ground-based UV data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic pollution is a problem of increasing concern in food, and while food safety issues around the world are serious, an increasing number of food safety issues related to microplastics have become the focus of people's attention. The presence of microplastics in food is a worldwide problem, and they are present in all kinds of foods, foods of both animal and plant origin, food additives, drinks, plastic food packaging, and agricultural practices. This can cause problems for both humans and the environment. Microplastics have already been detected in human blood, heart, placenta, and breastmilk, but their effects in humans are not well understood. Studies with mammals and human cells or organoids have given perspective about the potential impact of micro(nano)plastics on human health, which affect the lungs, kidneys, heart, neurological system, and DNA. Additionally, as plastics often contain additives or other substances, the potentially harmful effects of exposure to these substances must also be carefully studied before any conclusions can be drawn. The study of microplastics is very complex as there are many factors to account for, such as differences in particle sizes, constituents, shapes, additives, contaminants, concentrations, etc. This review summarizes the more recent research on the presence of microplastic and other plastic-related chemical pollutants in food and their potential impacts on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic pollution of the aquatic environment with microplastics is one of the most urgent but least studied problems of modern ecotoxicology. This review, based on recent literature data, provides an analysis of studies in the field of absorption, bioaccumulation, and biological effects of microplastic exposure in freshwater bivalve mollusks (Bivalvia). A total of 22 studies have been conducted so far, which were performed on representatives of three families: Cyrenidae (45), Unionidae (25), and Dreissenidae (30%). The studies are made up of field observations (43.5) and field (8.7) and laboratory (47.8%) experiments. It has been shown that freshwater bivalves, as active filters, are able to absorb and accumulate in soft tissues (gills and hepatopancreas) microplastic particles from both water and bottom sediments, perceiving them as food objects. The bioaccumulation of microplastics in mollusks leads to functional and structural disorders in the body. The joint action of microplastics and other pollutants (cadmium, polychlorinated biphenyls, and pharmacological drugs) can cause both synergistic and antagonistic effects in the biological responses of mollusks. Based on these studies, it is suggested to use bivalve mollusks as bioindicators of freshwater pollution with microplastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological effects of different particle sizes of bioflocs on Litopenaeus vannamei remain unclear. A 4-day short-term stress response experiment was conducted with small-sized group (SG), medium-sized group (MG), and large-sized group (LG), which were treated with bioflocs, and a control group (CG) treated with clear water. The diameters of the median particle size of SG, MG, and LG were 93.19 μm, 139.83 μm, and 173.09 μm, respectively; besides, the diameters of the coarse telomere of SG, MG, and LG were 181.40 μm, 279.60 μm, and 372.52 μm, respectively. The pathological observation of paraffin sections indicated varying degrees of tissue damage in SG, MG, and LG when compared with CG, with SG exhibiting more evident damage characterized by the presence of high-density vacuoles in the gill lumen. The activity of alkaline phosphatase and phenol oxidase exhibited varying degrees of fluctuation in all groups, with SG exhibiting a consistent downward trend. The activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, was enhanced by the influence of bioflocs. Additionally, the content of malondialdehyde in SG was significantly higher than that in MG and LG after 2–4 days of stress (P < 0.05). Gill transcriptome analysis showed that CA, PDIA3, V-ATPase, and genes related to oxidative phosphorylation pathway and tricarboxylic acid cycle were significantly up-regulated under the stimulation of bioflocs. Compared with MG, MHC, TnI, and GS were significantly down-regulated in SG. Compared with LG, DanjC9 was significantly down-regulated in SG. Overall, the results showed that the short-term biological effects of small-sized bioflocs on L. vannamei were the strongest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone cancer in pediatric patients. Patients who respond poorly to chemotherapy experience worse clinical outcomes with a high mortality rate. The major challenge is the lack of effective drugs for these patients. To introduce new drugs for clinical approval, preclinical studies based on in vitro models must demonstrate the potency of the tested drugs, enabling the drugs to enter phase 1 clinical trials. Patient-derived cell culture is a promising testing platform for in vitro studies, as they more accurately recapitulate cancer states and genetic profiles compared to cell lines. In the present study, we established patient-derived osteosarcoma cells (PDC) from a patient who had previously been diagnosed with retinoblastoma. We identified a new variant of a germline mutation in the RB1 gene in the tissue of the patient. The biological effects of this PDC were studied to observe whether the cryopreserved PDC retained a feature of fresh PDC. The cryopreserved PDC preserved the key biological effects, including cell growth, invasive capability, migration, and mineralization, that define the conserved phenotypes compared to fresh PDC. From whole genome sequencing analysis of osteosarcoma tissue and patient-derived cells, we found that cryopreserved PDC was a minor population in the origin tissue and was selectively grown under the culture conditions. The cryopreserved PDC has a high resistance to conventional chemotherapy. This study demonstrated that the established cryopreserved PDC has the aggressive characteristics of osteosarcoma, in particular the chemoresistance phenotype that might be used for further investigation in the chemoresistant mechanism of osteosarcoma. In conclusion, the approach we applied for primary cell culture might be a promising method to generate in vitro models for functional testing of osteosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The use of alumina particles for surface treatment of dental implants is a common practice aimed at enhancing osseointegration. However, the biological effects of residual alumina particles on implant surfaces remain a subject of debate. This systematic review evaluates the impact of residual alumina particles on the osseointegration, biocompatibility, and bacterial adhesion of dental implants based on available in vivo experimental animal studies. (2) Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify relevant studies. The inclusion criteria focused on experimental animal studies that assessed the biological effects of alumina-blasted dental implants. Data extraction was carried out, and quality assessments were performed using the SYRCLE risk-of-bias tool. (3) Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, involving various animal models, such as rabbits, pigs, dogs, and sheep. The findings demonstrated that residual alumina particles did not negatively impact osseointegration. Some studies reported accelerated bone growth and improved osseointegration with residual alumina. Additionally, residual alumina showed potential bactericidal properties, reducing bacterial adhesion. (4) Conclusions: The available evidence from animal studies suggests that residual alumina particles do not adversely affect the osseointegration and biocompatibility of dental implants. These particles may even enhance bone growth and reduce bacterial adhesion. However, due to the scarcity of human studies and the impracticality of histological assessments in humans, further research, including long-term clinical trials, is necessary to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrated Growth Factors (CGF) represent the third generation of platelet concentrates, a type of platelet-rich biomaterial extracted from the patient's own blood through a specific centrifugation process. CGF contains a high concentration of growth factors and cytokines. It has been shown to enhance wound healing, improve the survival rate of grafts, and stimulate tissue regeneration. In recent years, CGF has been extensively applied in various fields including oral surgery, plastic surgery, dermatology, and others. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the components, biological effects, and clinical applications of CGF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Numerous genetic mutations have been documented in HCC, and associated with clinical characters. Herein, we demonstrated that XIRP2 mutation is one of the high-frequency mutations in HCC, and is associated with poor prognosis and drug resistance. The presence of the XIRP2 mutation leads to enhanced stability of the XIRP2 protein, whereas its depletion significantly heightens sensitivity to oxaliplatin by inducing an excessive influx of zinc and calcium ions. XIRP2 mutation holds potential as a prognostic biomarker and that targeting the XIRP2 protein may offer therapeutic benefits in the management of HCC. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignant digestive tumor. Numerous genetic mutations have been documented in HCC, yet the clinical significance of these mutations remains largely unexplored. The objective of this study is to ascertain the clinical value and biological effects of xin actin binding repeat containing 2 (XIRP2) mutation in HCC. The gene mutation landscape of HCC was examined using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas and the International Cancer Genome Consortium databases. The prognostic significance of the XIRP2 mutation was assessed through KM plot analysis. The association between drug sensitivity and the XIRP2 mutation was investigated using the TIDE algorithm and CCK-8 experiments. The biological effects of the XIRP2 mutation were evaluated through qRT-PCR, protein stability experiments, and relevant biological experiments. The XIRP2 mutation is one of the high-frequency mutations in HCC, and is associated with poor prognosis. A total of 72 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were observed in HCC tissues with the XIRP2 mutation as compared to those with the XIRP2 wildtype, and these DEGs were closely related to ion metabolic processes. The XIRP2 mutation was linked to alterations in the sensitivity of fludarabine, oxaliplatin, WEHI-539, and LCL-161. CCK-8 assays demonstrated that HCC cells carrying the XIRP2 mutation exhibited increased resistance to fludarabine and oxaliplatin, but enhanced sensitivity to WEHI-539 and LCL-161 as compared with those HCC cells with the XIRP2 wildtype. The XIRP2 mutation was found to have no impact on the mRNA levels of XIRP2 in tissues and cells, but it did enhance the stability of the XIRP2 protein. Mechanically, the inhibition of XIRP2 resulted in a significant increase in sensitivity to oxaliplatin through an elevation in zinc ions and a calcium ion overload. In conclusion, the XIRP2 mutation holds potential as a biomarker for predicting the prognosis and drug sensitivity of HCC and serves as a therapeutic target to enhance the efficacy of oxaliplatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceuticals are recognized as a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems due to their persistence or pseudo-persistence and their biological activity. Their increased consumption in human and animal medicine has led to a continuous discharge of such biologically active molecules in aquatic environments. Marine ecosystems have been poorly investigated, even though recent studies have confirmed that these emerging contaminants occur widely in these ecosystems. Due to their interaction with specific biochemical and physiological pathways in target organisms, pharmaceuticals can cause alterations in several marine species during their entire life cycle. In particular, marine fishes have shown the ability to bioaccumulate these compounds in their body, and they may be used as potential bioindicators of pharmaceutical contamination in seawater. The objective of this review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the sources and occurrence of pharmaceuticals in marine environments, illustrating the adverse biological effects of important classes of these compounds on marine fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increased worldwide production of plastics, interest in the biological hazards of microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP), which are widely distributed as environmental pollutants, has also increased. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the toxicological effects of MP and NP on in vitro and in vivo systems based on studies conducted over the past decade. We summarize key findings on how the type, size, and adsorbed substances of plastics, including chemical additives, impact organisms. Also, we address various exposure routes, such as ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, and their biological effects on both aquatic and terrestrial organisms, as well as human health. Additionally, the review highlights the increased toxicity of MP and NP due to their smaller size and higher bioavailability, as well as the interactions between these particles and chemical additives. This review emphasizes the need for further research into the complex biological interactions and risks posed by the accumulation of MP and NP in the environment, while also proposing potential directions for future studies.

Abstract Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone cancer in pediatric patients. Patients who respond poorly to chemotherapy experience worse clinical outcomes with a high mortality rate. The major challenge is the lack of effective drugs for these patients. To introduce new drugs for clinical approval, preclinical studies based on in vitro models must demonstrate the potency of the tested drugs, enabling the drugs to enter phase 1 clinical trials. Patient-derived cell culture is a promising testing platform for in vitro studies, as they more accurately recapitulate cancer states and genetic profiles compared to cell lines. In the present study, we established patient-derived osteosarcoma cells (PDC) from a patient who had previously been diagnosed with retinoblastoma. We identified a new variant of a germline mutation in the RB1 gene in the tissue of the patient. The biological effects of this PDC were studied to observe whether the cryopreserved PDC retained a feature of fresh PDC. The cryopreserved PDC preserved the key biological effects, including cell growth, invasive capability, migration, and mineralization, that define the conserved phenotypes compared to fresh PDC. From whole genome sequencing analysis of osteosarcoma tissue and patient-derived cells, we found that cryopreserved PDC was a minor population in the origin tissue and was selectively grown under the culture conditions. The cryopreserved PDC has a high resistance to conventional chemotherapy. This study demonstrated that the established cryopreserved PDC has the aggressive characteristics of osteosarcoma, in particular the chemoresistance phenotype that might be used for further investigation in the chemoresistant mechanism of osteosarcoma. In conclusion, the approach we applied for primary cell culture might be a promising method to generate in vitro models for functional testing of osteosarcoma.

Specialized chemicals are used for intensifying food production, including boosting meat and crop yields. Among the applied formulations, antibiotics and pesticides pose a severe threat to the natural balance of the ecosystem, as they either contribute to the development of multidrug resistance among pathogens or exhibit ecotoxic and mutagenic actions of a persistent character. Recently, cold atmospheric pressure plasmas (CAPPs) have emerged as promising technologies for degradation of these organic pollutants. CAPP-based technologies show eco-friendliness and potency for the removal of organic pollutants of diverse chemical formulas and different modes of action. For this reason, various types of CAPP-based systems are presented in this review and assessed in terms of their constructions, types of discharges, operating parameters, and efficiencies in the degradation of antibiotics and persistent organic pollutants. Additionally, the key role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) is highlighted. Moreover, optimization of the CAPP operating parameters seems crucial to effectively remove contaminants. Finally, the CAPP-related paths and technologies are further considered in terms of biological and environmental effects associated with the treatments, including changes in antibacterial properties and toxicity of the exposed solutions, as well as the potential of the CAPP-based strategies for limiting the spread of multidrug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Emerging challenges associated with the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic include the unpredictable biological effects of highly recommended detergents and disinfectants to reduce the risk of human infection. How these classes of substances affect living organisms, especially the health of the invertebrates as common representatives of biota, is still unclear. Due to the exceptional ability of disinfectants and detergents to penetrate biological membranes and alter the pH of the environment, these classes of substances, together with other environmental pollutants of concern (e.g., heavy metals), can have pronounced negative effects on macrobenthic invertebrates. The review analyzes the current state of research in this area and discusses ways to reduce risks to invertebrates. The article discusses the issue of extensive use of detergents and sanitizers in the time of new challenges associated with the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. These agents could pose threats to the existence of free-living invertebrates as essential components of the ecosystem. The biological effects of the mentioned classes of substances, their metabolites, and combined effects in the mixture have not been studied enough. The main challenges in trying to balance the threats and benefits of using such substances are the lack of knowledge of the biological effects of these products, the gaps in testing invertebrates' responses, and changes in environment-related regulations to minimize risks to animals and humans. Numerous studies in this field still leave research gaps, particularly concerning the combined toxicity of well-known and widely used disinfectants, surfactants, and heavy metals, posing potential future challenges. Additionally, the review identified the need for additional testing of invertebrates for their sensitivity to disinfectants and surfactants of different compositions, including improved (non-invasive) methods, studies for early life stages, and comparative studies of species resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of chronic low dose-rate radiation exposure on cancers was investigated by analyzing the data of mice experiments conducted at the Institute for Environmental Sciences (IES). This analysis focuses on the differences between malignant lymphomas and solid cancers. The analysis is conducted based on the mathematical model introduced in our previous work. The model is expanded to analyze malignant lymphomas and solid cancers separately. Using the expanded model, the effect of chronic low dose-rate radiation on malignant lymphomas and solid cancers are discussed based on their occurrences, progressions, and mortalities. Non-irradiated control group and 20 mGy/day × 400 days irradiated groups are analyzed. The analysis showed that radiation exposure shortened mean life expectancy for both malignant lymphomas and solid cancers (shorter by 89.6 days for malignant lymphomas and 149.3 days for solid cancers). For malignant lymphomas, both the occurrence and the progression are affected by radiation exposure. The mean age at which malignant lymphoma developed in mice was shortened by 32.7 days and the mean progression period was shortened by 57.3 days. The occurrence of solid cancer is also affected by radiation exposure, wherein the mean age at which solid cancer develops was shortened by 147.9 days. However, no significant change in progression period of solid cancers was seen in the analysis. The analysis showed that the occurrence and mean lifespan are affected in both malignant lymphomas and solid cancers. The shortening of the progression period is only seen in malignant lymphoma, no significant change was observed in solid cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids, a variety of plant secondary metabolites, are known for their diverse biological activities. Isoflavones are a subgroup of flavonoids that have gained attention for their potential health benefits. Puerarin is one of the bioactive isoflavones found in the Kudzu root and Pueraria genus, which is widely used in alternative Chinese medicine, and has been found to be effective in treating chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, gastric diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. Puerarin has been extensively researched and used in both scientific and clinical studies over the past few years. The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date exploration of puerarin biosynthesis, the most common extraction methods, analytical techniques, and biological effects, which have the potential to provide a new perspective for medical and pharmaceutical research and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidant peptides are a class of biologically active peptides with low molecular weights and stable antioxidant properties that are isolated from proteins. In this review, the progress in research on the activity evaluation, action mechanism, and structure-activity relationships of natural antioxidant peptides are summarized. The methods used to evaluate antioxidant activity are mainly classified into three categories: in vitro chemical, in vitro cellular, and in vivo animal methods. Also, the biological effects produced by these three methods are listed: the scavenging of free radicals, chelation of metal ions, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, inhibition of oxidative enzyme activities, and activation of antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic systems. The antioxidant effects of natural peptides primarily consist of the regulation of redox signaling pathways, which includes activation of the Nrf2 pathway and the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. The structure-activity relationships of the antioxidant peptides are investigated, including the effects of peptide molecular weight, amino acid composition and sequence, and secondary structure on antioxidant activity. In addition, four computer-assisted methods (molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, quantum chemical calculations, and the determination of quantitative structure-activity relationships) for analyzing the structure-activity effects of natural peptides are summarized. Thus, this review lays a theoretical foundation for the development of new antioxidants, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sialyllactoses (SLs) primarily include sialylated human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and bovine milk oligosaccharides (BMOs). First, the safety assessment of 3′-sialyllactose (3′-SL) and 6′-sialyllactose (6′-SL) revealed low toxicity in various animal models and human participants. SLs constitute a unique milk component, highlighting the essential nutrients and bioactive components crucial for infant development, along with numerous associated health benefits for various diseases. This review explores the safety, biosynthesis, and potential biological effects of SLs, with a specific focus on their influence across various physiological systems, including the gastrointestinal system, immune disorders, rare genetic disorders (such as GNE myopathy), cancers, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diverse cancers, and viral infections, thus indicating their therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThe widespread use of radiofrequency (RF) sources, ranging from household appliances to telecommunications devices and military equipment, raises concerns among people and regulatory agencies about the potential health risks of RF exposure. Consequently, several in vitro and in vivo studies have been done to investigate the biological effects, in particular non-thermal, of this non-ionizing radiation. To date, this issue is still being debated due to the controversial results that have been reported. Furthermore, the impact of different RF signal modulations on biological systems remains poorly investigated. The present in vitro study aims to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of continuous or pulsed 1.6 GHz RF in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF).MethodsHDF cultures were exposed to continuous and pulsed 1.6 GHz RF, for 2 h, with Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 0.4 W/kg. The potential biological effects of 1.6 GHz RF on HDF were assessed with a multi-methodological approach, analyzing the effects on cell cycle, ultrastructure, protein expression, mitotic spindle, CREST stained micronuclei, chromosome segregation and γ-H2AX/53BP1 foci.Results1.6 GHz RF exposure modified proteins expression and morphology of HDF. Specifically, the expression of different heat-shock proteins (HSP) (i.e., HSP-90, HSP-60, and HSP-25) and phospho-AKT were affected. In addition, both continuous and pulsed RF modified the cytoskeletal organization in HDF and increased the number of lysosomes, while the formation of autophagosomes was observed only after pulsed RF exposure. Mitotic spindle anomalies were also found after exposure. However, no significant effect was observed on cell cycle, chromosome segregation, CREST-stained micronuclei and γ-H2AX/53BP1 foci.ConclusionThe results of the present study show the absence of genotoxic damage in 1.6 GHz RF exposed HDF and, although mitotic spindle alterations were observed, they did not have an aneugenic effect. On the other hand, changes in some proteins expression and cell ultrastructure in exposed HDF suggest that RF can potentially induce cell alterations at the morphological and molecular levels.

Millimeter waves are electromagnetic waves with wavelengths of 1–10 mm, which have characteristics of high frequency and short wavelength. They have gradually and widely been used in engineering and medical fields. We have identified studies related to millimeter waves in the biomedical field and summarized the biological effects of millimeter waves and their current status in medical applications. Finally, the shortcomings of existing studies and future developments were analyzed and discussed, with the aim of providing a reference for further research and development of millimeter waves in the medical field.

All plants, including ornamentals, are subject to different stressors related to their environment. These can disrupt their progress, including their ability to generate pollen and reproduce successfully. These stressors may involve inert natural impacts such as temperature, deficiency and salinity levels of water. They may also involve natural active effects such as herbivores and pathogens. Other types of accidental natural effects, such as storms and lightning, could also occur. There are also artificial effects that shape the environment of human activity. Nowadays, the environment of electromagnetic fields, and in particular those at high frequency, are an important element. This contribution aims to propose an analysis and a strategy for controlling the biological effects of plant exposure to such fields. The analysis takes into account the nature of the exposure source, the properties of the exposed materials and the exposure conditions. This is accomplished through the governing equations related to electromagnetic and heat transfer phenomena permitting the prediction of biological thermal effects of the exposure. The involved coupled phenomena solution approach makes it possible to predict, verify, and provide means of protection against exposure. The proposed survey is supported by a review of the literature on the various subjects concerned.

Ultraviolet solar radiation at the Earth’s surface significantly impacts both human health and ecosystems. A biologically effective daily radiant exposure (BEDRE) model is proposed for various biological processes with an analytical formula for its action spectrum. The following processes are considered: erythema formation, previtamin D3 synthesis, psoriasis clearance, and inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 virions. The BEDRE model is constructed by multiplying the synthetic BEDRE value under cloudless conditions by a cloud modification factor (CMF) parameterizing the attenuation of radiation via clouds. The CMF is an empirical function of the solar zenith angle (SZA) at midday and the daily clearness index from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) measurements on board the second-generation Meteosat satellites. Total column ozone, from MERRA-2 reanalysis, is used in calculations of clear-sky BEDRE values. The proposed model was trained and validated using data from several European ground-based spectrophotometers and biometers for the periods 2014–2023 and 2004–2013, respectively. The model provides reliable estimates of BEDRE for all biological processes considered. Under snow-free conditions and SZA < 45° at midday, bias and standard deviation of observation-model differences are approximately ±5% and 15%, respectively. The BEDRE model can be used as an initial validation tool for ground-based UV data.

Microplastic pollution is a problem of increasing concern in food, and while food safety issues around the world are serious, an increasing number of food safety issues related to microplastics have become the focus of people’s attention. The presence of microplastics in food is a worldwide problem, and they are present in all kinds of foods, foods of both animal and plant origin, food additives, drinks, plastic food packaging, and agricultural practices. This can cause problems for both humans and the environment. Microplastics have already been detected in human blood, heart, placenta, and breastmilk, but their effects in humans are not well understood. Studies with mammals and human cells or organoids have given perspective about the potential impact of micro(nano)plastics on human health, which affect the lungs, kidneys, heart, neurological system, and DNA. Additionally, as plastics often contain additives or other substances, the potentially harmful effects of exposure to these substances must also be carefully studied before any conclusions can be drawn. The study of microplastics is very complex as there are many factors to account for, such as differences in particle sizes, constituents, shapes, additives, contaminants, concentrations, etc. This review summarizes the more recent research on the presence of microplastic and other plastic-related chemical pollutants in food and their potential impacts on human health.

Electromagnetic waves below 3000 THz (1THz＝1012 Hz) are called "non-ionizing radiation," while those below 300 GHz are commonly referred to as "radiofrequency (RF) waves" (but are defined by the Radio Law of Japan as electromagnetic waves with frequency spectra from 10 kHz to 3000 GHz). The primary effect of RF waves on human physiology is acute, resulting from the heat-generating effect of induced currents within the body. The magnitude of this effect correlates with the RF wave strength when the biological threshold is exceeded, but there is no cumulative effect for exposure to radio waves below the threshold. This concept is analogous to the acute effects (non-probabilistic effects) of ionizing radiation, based on the hypothesis that weak radio waves do not cause late effects (probabilistic effects) in humans. This review paper provides an overview of the bioeffects of electromagnetic waves on humans from an electrical engineering perspective, followed by a comparison of Japanʼs guidelines with international safety standards for human protection from radio waves, focusing on the heat-generating effects of RF waves, along with the underlying principle and rationale behind safety limits and protection guidelines for whole-body exposure to radio waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical engineering of natural extracts has emerged as an effective strategy for the production of diverse libraries of chemicals, making it integral to drug discovery. A chemical engineering strategy based on the epoxidation and ring-opening reactions was used to prepare diversity-enhanced extracts of Chaetomium madrasense 375. Eleven unnatural cytochalasan derivatives (1-11) with unique functional groups, such as amine and isoxazole, were isolated and characterized from these chemically engineered extracts of C. madrasense 375. The identification of these new structures was accomplished through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, supplemented by synthetic considerations. Notably, compounds 5 and 13-16 displayed potent phytotoxic effects on Arabidopsis thaliana, while compounds 1, 2, 5, 10, and 12 demonstrated inhibitory activities on LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells. Among them, compound 1 was found to be able to inhibit the upregulated expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein induced by LPS, while also decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6) and influencing the phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2, and JNK at 100 μM. Our findings demonstrate that the chemical engineering of natural product extracts can be an efficient technique for the generation of novel bioactive molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we described our mathematical model for radiation-induced life shortening in detail and applied the model to the experimental data on mice to investigate the effect of radiation on cancer-related life-shortening. Our mathematical model incorporates the following components: (i) occurrence of cancer, (ii) progression of cancer over time, and (iii) death from cancer. We evaluated the progression of cancer over time by analyzing the cancer incidence data and cumulative mortalities data obtained from mice experiments conducted at the Institute for Environmental Sciences (IES). We analyzed non-irradiated control and 20 mGy/day × 400 days irradiated groups. In the analysis, all malignant neoplasms were lumped together and referred to as 'cancer'. Our analysis showed that the reduction in lifespan (104 days in median) was the result of the early onset of cancer (68 days in median) and the shortening of the cancer progression period (48 days in median). We described in detail our mathematical model for radiation-induced life-shortening attributed to cancer. We analyzed the mice data obtained from the experiment conducted at the IES using our model. We decomposed radiation-induced life-shortening into the early onset of cancer and the shortening of the cancer progression period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significance: Gasotransmitters, including nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), participate in various cellular processes via corresponding oxidative posttranslational modifications (oxiPTMs) of specific cysteines. Recent Advances: Accumulating evidence has clarified the mechanisms underlying the formation of oxiPTMs derived from gasotransmitters and their biological functions in multiple signal pathways. Because of the specific existence and functional importance, determining the sites of oxiPTMs in cysteine is crucial in biology. Recent advances in the development of selective probes, together with upgraded mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics, have enabled the quantitative analysis of cysteinome. To date, several cysteine residues have been identified as gasotransmitter targets. Critical Issues: To clearly understand the underlying mechanisms for gasotransmitter-mediated biological processes, it is important to identify modified targets. In this review, we summarize the chemical formation and biological effects of gasotransmitter-dependent oxiPTMs and highlight the state-of-the-art detection methods. Future Directions: Future studies in this field should aim to develop the next generation of probes for in situ labeling to improve spatial resolution and determine the dynamic change of oxiPTMs, which can lay the foundation for research on the molecular mechanisms and clinical translation of gasotransmitters. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 40, 145–167. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a radiographic procedure used to visualise the fallopian tubes and uterine cavity by injecting a contrast medium, commonly employed for diagnosing infertility cases. However, due to the associated radiographic and fluoroscopic exposure, there is an increased risk of chromosomal damage to the gonads. Aim: To investigate the impact of radiographic and fluoroscopic exposure on chromosomal integrity in peripheral blood lymphocytes using the Cytokinesis Blocked Micronucleus (CBMN) assay. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional time-bound study included 10 patients (n=10) scheduled for HSG procedures at the Department of Radiology, Justice KS Hegde Hospital, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India from April 2021 to March 2022. Following radiation exposure, the CBMN assay was conducted to evaluate chromosomal damage in both test and control group blood samples. Blood samples from healthy donors were divided into three cryo vials, with one serving as the control and the remaining two exposed to radiation at the entrance and exit areas during the HSG procedure. The data were expressed as mean±Standard Deviation (SD). A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. results: A statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in biological damage was observed when comparing the Micronucleus (MN) frequency of the test groups (entrance=0.022±0.005 and exit group=0.0172±0.005) with the control group (0.006±0.003). Additionally, a decrease in MN frequency was noticed within the test groups, particularly in the exit group, although the results were not statistically significant (p=0.066). conclusion: The HSG is an effective clinical diagnostic technique. However, the present study indicates a potential risk of chromosomal damage associated with the procedure, emphasising the need for judicious use of radiation exposure during HSG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are an effective tool to elucidate the bioeffect of nanomedicines. To clarify the interaction between oral nanomedicines and intestinal epithelial cells, and their bioeffects on downstream cells, polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) with different sizes were used as the model nanomedicines for EVs induction. Caco-2 monolayers were selected as the model of the intestinal epithelium and DLD-1 cells as the colorectal cancer model proximal to the gastrointestinal tract. It is found that compared with small-sized (25, 50, 100 nm) PS-NPs, the large-sized (200 and 500 nm) exhibited higher co-localization with multivesicular bodies and lysosomes, and more significant reduction of lysosomal acidification in Caco-2 cells. Proteomic and western-blotting analysis showed that the EVs remodeled by large-sized PS-NPs exhibited a higher extent of protein expression changes. The in vitro and in vivo signaling pathway detection in DLD-1 cells and DLD-1 cell xenograft nude mice showed that the remodeled EVs by large-sized PS-NPs inhibited the activation of multiple signaling pathways including Notch3, EGF/EGFR, and PI3K/Akt pathways, which resulted in the inhibition of tumor cell migration. These results primarily clarify the regulation mechanisms of nanomedicines-EVs-receptor cells chain. It provides a new perspective for the rational design and bioeffect evaluation of oral drug nanomaterials and sets up the fundamental knowledge for novel tumor therapeutics in the future. [Display omitted] • Oral nanomedicines induce a biological response cascade through extracellular vesicles derived from intestinal epithelial cells. • Polystyrene nanoparticles alter the protein contents of extracellular vesicles in a size-dependent manner. • Extracellular vesicles remodeled by large-sized polystyrene nanoparticles inhibit tumor cell migration. • The activation of Notch3, EGF/EGFR, and PI3K/Akt pathways, accounts for the inhibition of tumor metastasis. • The regulation mechanisms of nanomedicines-EVs-receptor cells chain, suggest a potential EVs-mediated tumor therapeutics in the future, and provide a theoretical basis for the rational design of oral nanomedicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction1 Potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella is an important pest of potatoes which annually impose economic loss in potato production especially in stored places. Chemical control with spray in farms and fumigation in storages is a conventional method for depressing the population of this pest. In addition, with harmful effects of synthetic pesticides on environment and human health, developing resistant population of insects, compel researchers and plant protection institutions to utilizing new safe control methods. Delaying the resistance by keeping effectiveness of pesticides by using synergists and sublethal concentrations is a resistance management method. Bacillus thuringiensis is an effective microbial control agent against some insects. Its effectiveness decreased because of developing resistance in some population of insects. Combination of Bt with some botanical biopesticides increases its efficiency that reported in many studies. In this study combination of B. thuringiensis with hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Celery, Apium graveolens were investigated on mortality and some biological parameters of PTM. Celery is a biennial plant in the apiaceae family, which is rich in some compounds such as phenolic and flavonoids. These compounds could affect biology and physiology of insects. Combination of sublethal concentrations of Bt with extracts of celery subjected for study of their effects on mortality, synergistic effects and some biological parameters on PTM larvae in this paper. Materials and Methods Potato tuber moth colony established by preparing larvae from a health colony in department of plant protection, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani university. Larva reared on potato tubers in plastic containers. Rearing carried out in controlled condition of 26±2ºC, 60% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L: D) hrs. Foliage of celery after well washing with distilled water, dried in shadow in laboratory condition. Coarsely powdered dry plants used for extraction. Extraction carried out using the maceration method with three solvents, hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol respectively. Sub-lethal concentrations of both agents, including LC10, LC30 and LC50, individually and in combination, were assayed by the oral bioassay method. The same age and size of potato leaves were impregnated with sub-lethal concentrations of both experimental materials using the dipping method. The first larval instars of PTM were transferred on treated leaves, and mortality was recorded in 48, 96 and 144 hours’ intervals. Larval developmental period and adult’s emergence as an important biological parameter recorded in all treatments. In addition, the inhibitory activity of extracts on α-amylase and protease enzyme of PTM larva was considered. Inhibitory activity of celery extracts in two concentrations 1 and 10%, on PTM larvae alpha-amylase activity was assayed by the dinitrosalicylic acid procedure, using 1% soluble starch as a substrate described by Bernfeld, (1955). And protease inhibitory activity assayed using azocasein as substrate, with comparing enzyme activity in controls and present of extracts in reactions. All experiments were replicated three times. On-way ANOVA analysis of variance in random design was used for statistical analysis. Duncan’s multiple range tests used for comparing means. For determining the synergistic, additive or antagonistic effects of combinations, chi-square test conducted between observed and expected results (df=1). Results and Discussion The results revealed that ethyl acetate extract of celery in combination with Bt synergistically increased the mortality of larvae. Compared to the control, the combination of methanolic extract with Bt didn’t affect larval mortality. However, the combination of sub-lethal concentrations significantly increased larval life span compared with the control and adult emergence decreased especially in LC50 combinations. Increasing the mortality with exposure time progressing, observed in all combinations and the most larval mortality recorded in 144 hours’ exposure time. Ethylacetate extract of celery alone and in combination with Bt more than other solvents affected biological parameters of PTM. Extracts in the concentration of 10 percent in reactions inhibited α-amylase and protease activity of PTM larvae by 27.97-37.77 and 11.48-25.51 percent, respectively. Numerous researchers have reported increased efficiency of Bt in combination with other plant extracts for controlling various insects. The observed synergistic effects can be attributed to factors such as disrupting midgut properties, inhibiting digestive enzyme activity, and disrupting the insect's immune system by plant extracts.Inhibitory activity of celery extracts on digestive enzymes activity of PTM larva, well documented in this research which is in alignment with other reports. Effects on larval life span that with prolonging it affects population dynamics of insect pests, reported in same studies. This biological effect has adverse effect on development and physiology of insects and asynchronies developmental stage with environmental variations which finally decrease the population of next generations or overwintering insect’s density. Adults and pupa emergence percentage decreased in combination of Bt with celery extracts that same results were reported in other researches. Conclusion This study aims to determine the effects of different extracts (prepared by different solvents) of celery in combination with Bt on potato tuber moth larvae. Effects of different solvents in separating effective compounds on PTM, was not same. In certain instances, the methanol extract of celery showed a minor effect in enhancing the potency of Bt. However, strong synergistic effects were observed with ethyl acetate and hexane extracts at various integrated concentrations. Time also played a crucial role in achieving the desired mortality results, with mortality and synergistic effects increasing over time in all extract combinations with Bt. Particularly, towards the end of the exposure period, a synergistic effect was notably observed in all integrations involving ethyl acetate extract of celery.In addition, with mortality, larval developmental period also affected by combinations. Increasing in life span observed in all treatments with different ratios. Adult emergence decreased strongly in different treatments and this is so important in decreasing the population of PTM. Because of importance of Bt as an effective and safe insecticide and increasing the resistance by different pests such as PTM, management of insects in integrated programs using plant extracts will improve the efficiency of Bt. Decreasing the sprayed concentrations in combination with other control methods are two important resistance management toll in IPM programs. Celery is a potent plant for this goal and additional studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All living organisms are surrounded by natural and artificial origin electromagnetic radiation (EMR), which affects organisms. The artificial radiation sources number is increasing, but the EMR influence mechanisms on living organisms have not yet been fully investigated, despite the large number of studies. However, understanding the EMR action mechanisms can give impetus to the development of various biotechnologies. To solve the problem of understanding the EMR effects on organisms and develop new biotechnologies, it is necessary to apply new research methods. Therefore, the study of research methods is an urgent task. This research is a review of studies and research methods on the effects, of EMR on organisms. It brings together studies that consider different approaches to the study and existing hypotheses of the mechanisms of radiation effects. The aim of the paper is to review and evaluate methodological approaches to investigate the effects of EMR. The paper considers research on the EMR effects on microorganisms, eubacteria. Based on the results of the work, it is proposed to study the effect of radiation lasting several hours. As well as to apply spectrophotometry and fluorimetry methods.

Microplastics have been reported by many literatures as contaminants of environmental water bodies and are ingested by aquatic organisms due to their small sizes. Knowing the effects of microplastics to freshwater fish which are kept in ponds helps in managing fish-keeping practices. The objective of the research was to determine the toxicity of microplastics to Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The Experiment was done in 80 fish samples. Microplastics which were prepared for the batch experiment were introduced in the aquarium followed with observation for 21 days. The digestion of fish gills and intestines involved 10 mL of 10% (w/v) KOH solution and incubation at 65oC for 24 hours. Engulfed microplastics were determined using stereo microscope and At-IR spectrophotometer for confirmation. Engulfed microplastics were observed to be in mean range of 3.37 x 102±4.04 x 102 to 2.32 x 103 ± 3.57 x 103 particles/kg in gills and 4.68 x 104 ± 3.02 x 104 to4.40 x 104 ± 5.34 x 104 particles/kg in intestines. The observed responses were loss of equilibrium for 35% of fish, abnormal swimming for 49% of fish, abnormal ventilator behavior for 59% of fish, abnormal appearance for 39% of fish and average growth weight increase in control experiment fish was 6.10±2.62 g compared to 1.7 ± 3.62 g in test fish. There was no mortality of Nile tilapia. The responses of fish to the presence of microplastics in aquarium indicated that microplastics had adverse effects to Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). More researches have to be done on fish physiological changes caused by microplastics

In their seminal paper from 2014, Fauvadon et al. coined the term FLASH irradiation to describe ultra-high-dose rate irradiation with dose rates greater than 40 Gy/s, which results in delivery times of fractions of a second. The experiments presented in that paper were performed with a high-dose-per-pulse 4.5 MeV electron beam, and the results served as the basis for the modern-day field of FLASH radiation therapy (RT). In this article, we review the studies that have been published after those early experiments, demonstrating the robust effects of FLASH RT on normal tissue sparing in preclinical models. We also outline the various irradiation parameters that have been used. Although the robustness of the biological response has been established, the mechanisms behind the FLASH effect are currently under investigation in a number of laboratories. However, differences in the magnitude of the FLASH effect between experiments in different labs have been reported. Reasons for these differences even within the same animal model are currently unknown, but likely has to do with the marked differences in irradiation parameter settings used. Here, we show that these parameters are often not reported, which complicates large multistudy comparisons. For this reason, we propose a new standard for beam parameter reporting and discuss a systematic path to the clinical translation of FLASH RT.

This editorial provides an overview of coumarins, which are natural compounds found in plants and fungi. It discusses their various uses in industries such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals due to their pleasant smell. The document focuses on the biological and pharmacological activities, toxicity, sources, and classification of coumarins, as well as their synthetic forms. It also includes research papers and reviews on the topic. The editorial highlights the potential use of coumarins as natural pesticides and their importance in promoting health and alleviating diseases. It emphasizes the need for more toxicity studies to ensure the safety of these compounds. The document specifically highlights the biological activities of daphnetin and scopoletin, two derivatives of coumarins, and recommends further research to confirm their documented effects and safety. [Extracted from the article]

(1) Background: The use of alumina particles for surface treatment of dental implants is a common practice aimed at enhancing osseointegration. However, the biological effects of residual alumina particles on implant surfaces remain a subject of debate. This systematic review evaluates the impact of residual alumina particles on the osseointegration, biocompatibility, and bacterial adhesion of dental implants based on available in vivo experimental animal studies. (2) Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify relevant studies. The inclusion criteria focused on experimental animal studies that assessed the biological effects of alumina-blasted dental implants. Data extraction was carried out, and quality assessments were performed using the SYRCLE risk-of-bias tool. (3) Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, involving various animal models, such as rabbits, pigs, dogs, and sheep. The findings demonstrated that residual alumina particles did not negatively impact osseointegration. Some studies reported accelerated bone growth and improved osseointegration with residual alumina. Additionally, residual alumina showed potential bactericidal properties, reducing bacterial adhesion. (4) Conclusions: The available evidence from animal studies suggests that residual alumina particles do not adversely affect the osseointegration and biocompatibility of dental implants. These particles may even enhance bone growth and reduce bacterial adhesion. However, due to the scarcity of human studies and the impracticality of histological assessments in humans, further research, including long-term clinical trials, is necessary to confirm these findings.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignant digestive tumor. Numerous genetic mutations have been documented in HCC, yet the clinical significance of these mutations remains largely unexplored. The objective of this study is to ascertain the clinical value and biological effects of xin actin binding repeat containing 2 (XIRP2) mutation in HCC. The gene mutation landscape of HCC was examined using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas and the International Cancer Genome Consortium databases. The prognostic significance of the XIRP2 mutation was assessed through KM plot analysis. The association between drug sensitivity and the XIRP2 mutation was investigated using the TIDE algorithm and CCK-8 experiments. The biological effects of the XIRP2 mutation were evaluated through qRT-PCR, protein stability experiments, and relevant biological experiments. The XIRP2 mutation is one of the high-frequency mutations in HCC, and is associated with poor prognosis. A total of 72 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were observed in HCC tissues with the XIRP2 mutation as compared to those with the XIRP2 wildtype, and these DEGs were closely related to ion metabolic processes. The XIRP2 mutation was linked to alterations in the sensitivity of fludarabine, oxaliplatin, WEHI-539, and LCL-161. CCK-8 assays demonstrated that HCC cells carrying the XIRP2 mutation exhibited increased resistance to fludarabine and oxaliplatin, but enhanced sensitivity to WEHI-539 and LCL-161 as compared with those HCC cells with the XIRP2 wildtype. The XIRP2 mutation was found to have no impact on the mRNA levels of XIRP2 in tissues and cells, but it did enhance the stability of the XIRP2 protein. Mechanically, the inhibition of XIRP2 resulted in a significant increase in sensitivity to oxaliplatin through an elevation in zinc ions and a calcium ion overload. In conclusion, the XIRP2 mutation holds potential as a biomarker for predicting the prognosis and drug sensitivity of HCC and serves as a therapeutic target to enhance the efficacy of oxaliplatin.

Background and purpose: Plants have been known and used by different societies since ancient times. The most important applications include nutrition, medicine, and industry. Acorus calamus L. (Acoraceae), is one of the medicinal plants that exists in the Iran and some other ecotypes and is used as a medicinal plant also in China, India, and Greece. Recently, it received attention, however there is lack of information about this medicinal plant. Materials and methods: We performed a search in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar and also traditional medicine books using the following keywords: A. calamus, traditional medicine, modern medicine, laboratory studies, and biological effects. Results: In reliable articles and traditional medicine books, A.calamus was found with many different properties. The aerial parts, roots, and rhizome were reported to have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory activities. A.calamus is also used in treating nervous system disorders and in production of nanoparticle and pharmaceutical products. Conclusion: According to many studies, A. calamus has many beneficial properties, but in vitro and in vivo studies are required to investigate its medicinal effects. Also, the plant is originally found in Mazandaran province, north of Iran and it can be used in medicinal and health products.

Traditional water purification methods are increasingly inadequate, leading to the exploration of novel approaches. This study investigated the application of plant-derived nanomaterials for heterogeneous photocatalytic water treatment using ZnO-Vernonia amygdalina nanoparticles (ZVAN). The study evaluated the efficacy of ZVAN in purifying Asa River water (ARW) and assessed its toxicological profile in rats. Synthesized ZVAN was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ARW samples were collected according to standard guidelines and their physicochemical and bacteriological properties were analyzed. ARW was treated with ZVAN and alum separately. The effects of both treatments on various hematological, liver, and kidney parameters in albino rats were compared after 30 days of daily administration. The total suspended matter (TSM) levels in untreated and treated ARW exceeded approved standards. ZVAN treatment effectively eliminated cadmium (Cd) from the water (from 0.1 ppm to 0). Thermotolerant coliforms and enteric bacteria were also undetectable in ZVAN-treated samples. Compared to the control group, untreated ARW significantly decreased red blood cell (RBC) count (6.86±0.56 vs 2.75±0.11, p

Introduction: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a radiographic procedure used to visualise the fallopian tubes and uterine cavity by injecting a contrast medium, commonly employed for diagnosing infertility cases. However, due to the associated radiographic and fluoroscopic exposure, there is an increased risk of chromosomal damage to the gonads. Aim: To investigate the impact of radiographic and fluoroscopic exposure on chromosomal integrity in peripheral blood lymphocytes using the Cytokinesis Blocked Micronucleus (CBMN) assay. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional time-bound study included 10 patients (n=10) scheduled for HSG procedures at the Department of Radiology, Justice KS Hegde Hospital, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India from April 2021 to March 2022. Following radiation exposure, the CBMN assay was conducted to evaluate chromosomal damage in both test and control group blood samples. Blood samples from healthy donors were divided into three cryo vials, with one serving as the control and the remaining two exposed to radiation at the entrance and exit areas during the HSG procedure. The data were expressed as mean±Standard Deviation (SD). A p-value