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EDDS-Enhanced Phytoremediation of Cd–Zn Co-Contaminated Soil by Sedum lineare: Mechanisms of Metal Uptake, Soil Improvement, and Microbial Community Modulation
No full textSoil co-contamination with cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) poses serious threats to environmental safety and public health. This study investigates the enhancement effect and underlying mechanism of the biodegradable chelator Ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid (EDDS) on phytoremediation of Cd-Zn contaminated soil using Sedum lineare. The results demonstrate that EDDS application (3.65 g·L−1) effectively alleviated metal-induced phytotoxicity by enhancing chlorophyll synthesis, activating antioxidant enzymes (catalase and dismutase), regulating S-nitrosoglutathione reductase activity, and promoting leaf protein synthesis, thereby improving photosynthetic performance and cellular integrity. The combined treatment significantly increased the bioavailability of Cd and Zn in soil, promoted their transformation into exchangeable fraction, and resulted in removal rates of 30.8% and 28.9%, respectively. EDDS also modified the interaction patterns between heavy metals and essential nutrients, particularly the competitive relationships through selective chelation between Cd/Zn and Fe/Mn during plant uptake. Soil health was substantially improved, as evidenced by reduced electrical conductivity, enhanced cation exchange capacity, and enriched beneficial microbial communities including Sphingomonadaceae. Based on the observed ion antagonism during metal uptake and translocation, this study proposes a novel “Nutrient Regulation Assisted Remediation” strategy to optimize heavy metal accumulation and improve remediation efficiency through rhizosphere nutrient management. These findings confirm the EDDS–S. lineare system as an efficient and sustainable solution for remediation of Cd–Zn co-contaminated soils
Treating Extensively Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: Considerations for Host Characteristics and Type of Infections
No full textAcinetobacter baumannii has been characterized by CDC, WHO and most National Healthcare Systems worldwide as a critical nosocomial pathogen, and classified as an ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp.) pathogen. Mortality of invasive infections due to A. baumannii exceeds 40%. To highlight its impact on public health, ECDC has organized a special project on national lab co-ordination to accurately detect and report carbapenem-resistant strains, to identify epidemiological factors for infection (or colonization) with carbapenem-resistant A. baumanii at clonal and sub-genomic level. This review aims to describe the history, epidemiology, and evolution of resistance of A. baumannii, and stress the caveats associated with the management of systemic infections. Available active antimicrobials and drugs in the pipeline are listed, and available clinical evidence on their pharmacokinetics and efficacy in various types of infections are described. Clinician’s choice of treatment (drug, and monotherapy vs. combination treatment) depends on the patients’ profile, site of infection and antimicrobial resistance profile. Emphasis is laid on specific patient subpopulations, whose management is discussed
A Review of Phytoplankton Sinking Rates: Mechanisms, Methodologies, and Biogeochemical Implications
No full textPhytoplankton sinking is a pivotal process within the biological carbon pump that drives the vertical transport of organic carbon in the ocean. Its rates and underlying mechanisms directly influence the efficiency of the global carbon cycle and the potential for long-term sequestration. This review synthesizes current knowledge of phytoplankton sinking, encompassing buoyancy regulation mechanisms, environmental and physiological controls, methodological approaches such as settling column (SETCOL), and comparative evidence from laboratory and field studies. The aim is to elucidate the regulatory processes governing sinking and to provide a foundation for improving ecological models and refining estimates of carbon export. Evidence demonstrates that sinking rates vary considerably among phytoplankton groups, with nutrient limitation and aggregation emerging as critical modulators of export efficiency. By integrating results from experimental and in situ research, this review identifies unresolved questions and highlights priority areas: (1) quantitative coupling between aggregation and carbon flux; (2) mechanistic understanding of group-specific sinking responses; (3) integration of novel technologies, including in situ imaging and high-resolution modeling with established methods; and (4) development of interdisciplinary frameworks. Overall, this review consolidates current knowledge and underscores phytoplankton sinking as a crucial yet insufficiently resolved process within the marine carbon cycle
Natural Vitamins and Novel Synthetic Antioxidants Targeting Mitochondria in Cognitive Health: A Scoping Review of In Vivo Evidence
No full textMitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are crucial contributors to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia exhibiting cognitive decline at the early stage of neurodegeneration. Natural vitamin antioxidants (NVAs) and novel mitochondria-targeted antioxidants (MTAs) are proposed as potential therapeutics though conclusive evidence is lacking. Objectives were to examine in vivo evidence on NVAs and MTAs for preventing and/or treating cognitive decline leading to dementia, to identify the most promising antioxidants, and highlight translational gaps. Methods followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus were searched for English language in vivo experiments assessing NVAs or MTAs in AD and dementia. A total of 25 studies (13 NVAs; 12 MTAs) met inclusion criteria. NVAs (Vitamin A, B, C, E) demonstrated mixed efficacy in reducing oxidative stress and improving cognitive outcomes, with Vitamin E showing the most consistent neuroprotective effects. MTAs (MitoQ, MitoTEMPO, SS31, SkQ1) improved mitochondrial dynamics and cognitive performance and reduced dementia-related pathology. Both NVAs and MTAs improved biomarker profiles and cognitive outcomes in vivo animal models of AD and dementia, but MTAs showed more robust and consistent efficacy by directly targeting mitochondrial pathways. Given the favourable safety profiles of MTAs in other clinical conditions, early-phase human trials in dementia and AD are warranted to evaluate their long-term cognitive benefits
MicroRNAs as Key Regulators in the Progression of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Bioinformatics Analysis
No full textBackground: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is a highly prevalent hepatic condition closely linked to metabolic syndrome (MetS). Epigenetic regulators such as microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical modulators of the molecular pathways underlying MASLD pathogenesis, offering new perspectives for non-invasive diagnosis and targeted therapy. This study aimed to identify and characterize target genes and pathways regulated by two key hepatic miRNAs, namely miR-122 and miR-29a, through a comprehensive in silico bioinformatics approach, to better understand their functional roles in MASLD and MetS. Methods: Target genes of miR-122 and miR-29a were predicted using three databases (TargetScan, DIANA-microT-CDS, and miRWalk), and those identified by at least two databases were selected for downstream analyses. Functional enrichment was performed using Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analysis. Gene networks and biological process maps were constructed using Metascape, clusterProfiler and Cytoscape. Results: miR-122 was found to negatively regulate genes involved in lipid metabolism, insulin signaling, and inflammatory pathways, including PPARGC1A, PPARA, LPL, TLR4, and HMGCR, contributing to insulin resistance and liver dysfunction. By contrast, miR-29a demonstrated potential hepatoprotective effects by targeting LEP, INSR, IL13, and IL18, enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing fibrogenic activity. Enrichment analysis revealed strong associations with biological processes, such as STAT phosphorylation, lipid homeostasis, and inflammatory signaling, as well as associations with cellular components, including lipoproteins and plasma membranes. miR-122 and miR-29a exhibit opposing regulatory functions in MASLD pathogenesis. Whereas miR-122 is associated with disease progression, miR-29a acts protectively. These miRNAs may serve as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets in MASLD and related metabolic conditions. Further validation through experimental and clinical studies is warranted
New Insights into Drug Development via the Nose-to-Brain Pathway: Exemplification Through Dodecyl Creatine Ester for Neuronal Disorders
No full textBrain disorders remain a major global health challenge, highlighting the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies and efficient drug-delivery approaches. Among alternative routes, intranasal administration has garnered significant interest over recent decades, not only for its systemic delivery but also for its unique ability to bypass the bloodstream and the blood–brain barrier via the Nose-to-Brain (NtB) pathway. While numerous reviews have explored the opportunities and challenges of this route, industrial considerations—critical for successful clinical implementation and commercial development—remain insufficiently addressed. This review provides a comprehensive and critical assessment of the NtB pathway from a drug development and chemistry, manufacturing, and controls perspective, addressing key constraints in pre-clinical–clinical extrapolation, formulation design, device selection, dose feasibility, chronic safety, and regulatory requirements. We also discuss recent advances in neuronal targeting mechanisms, also with a focus on the role of trigeminal nerves. Dodecyl creatine ester (DCE), a highly unstable in plasma creatine prodrug developed by Ceres Brain Therapeutics, is presented as an illustrative case study. Delivered as a nasal spray, DCE enables direct neuronal delivery, exemplifying the potential of the NtB pathway for disorders characterized by neuronal energy deficiency, including creatine transporter deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction. Overall, the NtB pathway—or, more precisely, the “Nose-to-Neurons” pathway—offers distinct advantages for unstable molecules and metabolic supplementation, particularly in neuron-centric diseases. Its successful implementation will depend on rational molecule design, optimized nasal formulations, appropriate devices, and early integration of industrial constraints to ensure feasibility, scalability, and safety for long-term treatment
From Natural Compounds to Health Innovation: Phytochemical Profiles, Biological Mechanisms, and Functional Potential of Plant-Derived Molecules in Food and Herbal Applications
No full textFor centuries, plants have been central in human medicine, food/nutrition, and culture [...
Mapping the Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Advancing Sustainable Banking
No full textThe convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), blockchain, and big data analytics is transforming the governance, sustainability, and resilience of modern banking ecosystems. This study provides a multivariate bibliometric analysis using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of research indexed in Scopus and Web of Science to explore how decentralized digital infrastructures and AI-driven analytical capabilities contribute to sustainable financial development, transparent governance, and climate-resilient digital societies. Findings indicate a rapid increase in interdisciplinary work integrating Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) with large-scale data processing, federated learning, privacy-preserving computation, and intelligent automation—tools that can enhance financial inclusion, regulatory integrity, and environmental risk management. Keyword network analyses reveal blockchain’s growing role in improving data provenance, security, and trust—key governance dimensions for sustainable and resilient financial systems—while AI/ML and big data analytics dominate research on predictive intelligence, ESG-related risk modeling, customer well-being analytics, and real-time decision support for sustainable finance. Comparative analyses show distinct emphases: Web of Science highlights decentralized architectures, consensus mechanisms, and smart contracts relevant to transparent financial governance, whereas Scopus emphasizes customer-centered analytics, natural language processing, and high-throughput data environments supporting inclusive and equitable financial services. Patterns of global collaboration demonstrate strong internationalization, with Europe, China, and the United States emerging as key hubs in shaping sustainable and digitally resilient banking infrastructures. By mapping intellectual, technological, and collaborative structures, this study clarifies how decentralized intelligence—enabled by the fusion of AI/ML, blockchain, and big data—supports secure, scalable, and sustainability-driven financial ecosystems. The results identify critical research pathways for strengthening financial governance, enhancing climate and social resilience, and advancing digital transformation, which contributes to more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable societies
Evaluation of the Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Antidiabetic Activities of the Leaves and Inflorescences of Crassula capitella
No full textBackground/Objectives: Plants of the Crassulaceae family have been utilized in traditional medicine because of their medicinal properties. Crassula capitella, an ornamental succulent plant, has not yet received significant attention from physiochemists or pharmacologists. The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro phytochemical properties and biological activity of methanolic extracts obtained from the leaves (CCLE) and inflorescences (CCIE) of C. capitella. Methods: Phytochemical screening included GC/MS analysis. The in vitro investigation of biological properties includes the assessment of antibacterial activity, utilizing disk diffusion assays and measuring MIC and MBC values for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Antioxidant properties were determined through IC50 values in DPPH and ABTS assays. Cytotoxicity properties were evaluated using the MTT assay in MCF-7 and HepG2 cells, along with an analysis of apoptosis gene expression. Additionally, the antidiabetic effects were examined through α-amylase or α-glucosidase inhibition assays. Results: GC/MS analysis revealed distinct differences. CCLE contained more terpenoids such as betulinaldehyde (30.53%) followed by lupeol (19%) and betulin (4.07%), whereas CCIE was rich in fatty acids. The TPC and TFC of CCIE (88.17 mg GAE/g and 57 mg QE/g) were significantly greater than those of CCLE. Compared with CCLE, CCIE exhibited greater antibacterial properties (MIC values of 6.25 µg/mL toward S. aureus), greater antioxidant properties (IC50 values in the DPPH/ABTS assay), antitumor properties (IC50 values of approximately 90–96 µg/mL), and antidiabetic properties (IC50 values of 87–83 µg/mL in the α-amylase/α-glucosidase assay). Both bioactive extracts induced apoptosis in cancer cells by downregulating the expression of the tumorigenesis genes bcl-2 and bcl-xL. Conclusions: The findings provided the first evidence about the evaluated the potential antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic activities of C. capitella, which is attributed to its robust chemical composition and position it as a compelling candidate for further in vivo and sub-clinical applications
An Instrumented Drop-Test Analysis of the Impact Behavior of Commercial Laminated Flooring Brands
No full textLaminate flooring is widely used due to its affordable cost, easy installation, and pleasant esthetics. It is subjected to significant mechanical stress, necessitating a rigorous assessment of its impact resistance. Current standards typically rely on simple methods, such as free fall of a metal ball, not providing information on how the stratified material behaves during impact. This study proposes a modern approach, using an instrumented impact test machine. Tests were carried out with impact energies of 2 J, 3 J, and 5 J. Three tests were performed for statistical relevance. The monitored parameters were maximum force, maximum displacement, impact duration, absorbed energy, indentation diameter. Discussion was focused on influence of flooring thickness and traffic class. The tested materials were commercial brands. Regarding traffic classes, differences became more evident at higher impact energies: class C33 parquet showed larger indentations, while C31 and C32 had smaller values, suggesting that the protective layer in C33 leads to different behavior under impact points. The relevance of this study stems from the fact that, unlike most previous work, the entire testing campaign was conducted using an instrumented impact system, enabling precise and repeatable data acquisition