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Sea turtles are vulnerable to climate change since their reproductive output is influenced by incubating temperatures, with warmer temperatures causing lower hatching success and increased feminization of embryos. Their ability to cope with projected increases in ambient temperatures will depend on their capacity to adapt to shifts in climatic regimes. Here, we assessed the extent to which phenological shifts could mitigate impacts from increases in ambient temperatures (from 1.5 to 3°C in air temperatures and from 1.4 to 2.3°C in sea surface temperatures by 2100 at our sites) on four species of sea turtles, under a "middle of the road" scenario (SSP2-4.5). Sand temperatures at sea turtle nesting sites are projected to increase from 0.58 to 4.17°C by 2100 and expected shifts in nesting of 26-43 days earlier will not be sufficient to maintain current incubation temperatures at 7 (29%) of our sites, hatching success rates at 10 (42%) of our sites, with current trends in hatchling sex ratio being able to be maintained at half of the sites. We also calculated the phenological shifts that would be required (both backward for an earlier shift in nesting and forward for a later shift) to keep up with present-day incubation temperatures, hatching success rates, and sex ratios. The required shifts backward in nesting for incubation temperatures ranged from -20 to -191 days, whereas the required shifts forward ranged from +54 to +180 days. However, for half of the sites, no matter the shift the median incubation temperature will always be warmer than the 75th percentile of current ranges. Given that phenological shifts will not be able to ameliorate predicted changes in temperature, hatching success and sex ratio at most sites, turtles may need to use other adaptive responses and/or there is the need to enhance sea turtle resilience to climate warming., (© 2023 The Authors. Global Change Biology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Pristine ɣ-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles, called surface active maghemite nanoparticles (SAMNs) display unprecedented colloidal stability and specific binding properties. Herein, the interactions of SAMNs with As V and As III as surface molecular probes were comparatively studied. Thermodynamic and kinetic characterizations, along with chemical and structural analysis of SAMN@As complexes, evidenced two distinct binding modalities. Arsenite, emerged as an elective and specific ligand for SAMNs, whereas arsenate adsorption was more labile, pH dependent and ruled by different binding possibilities. In particular, As III oxyacid exclusively interacts through inner-sphere coordination occupying available surface crystal positions resembling a key-lock fitting, while As V leads to both outer-sphere and inner-sphere complexes. Noteworthy, discrimination between As V and As III was never reported for nanostructured maghemite evidencing the importance of synthetic route on surface properties of the nanomaterial. The present report, besides enriching the chemistry of nanosized iron oxides, suggests SAMNs application for the remediation of water contaminated by As III , the most threatening As species in water., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a promising method for the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy stored in the form of hydrogen. Nanostructured hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) is one of the most attractive materials for a highly efficient charge carrier generation and collection due to its large specific surface area and the short minority carrier diffusion length. In the present work, the PEC water splitting performance of nanostructured α-Fe 2 O 3 is investigated which was prepared by anodization followed by annealing in a low oxygen ambient (0.03 % O 2 in Ar). It was found that low oxygen annealing can activate a significant PEC response of α-Fe 2 O 3 even at a low temperature of 400 °C and provide an excellent PEC performance compared with classic air annealing. The photocurrent of the α-Fe 2 O 3 annealed in the low oxygen at 1.5 V vs. RHE results as 0.5 mA cm -2 , being 20 times higher than that of annealing in air. The obtained results show that the α-Fe 2 O 3 annealed in low oxygen contains beneficial defects and promotes the transport of holes; it can be attributed to the improvement of conductivity due to the introduction of suitable oxygen vacancies in the α-Fe 2 O 3 . Additionally, we demonstrate the photocurrent of α-Fe 2 O 3 annealed in low oxygen ambient can be further enhanced by Zn-Co LDH, which is a co-catalyst of oxygen evolution reaction. This indicates low oxygen annealing generates a promising method to obtain an excellent PEC water splitting performance from α-Fe 2 O 3 photoanodes., (© 2019 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.)

A category of naked maghemite nanoparticles (γ-Fe 2 O 3 ), named surface active maghemite nanoparticles (SAMNs), is characterized by biological safety, high water colloidal stability and a surface chemistry permitting the binding of ligands. In the present study, the interaction between SAMNs and an antibiotic displaying chelating properties (oxytetracycline, OxyTC) was extensively structurally and magnetically characterized. OxyTC emerged as an ideal probe for providing insights into the colloidal properties of SAMNs. At the same time, SAMNs turned out as an elective tool for water remediation from OxyTC. Therefore, a dilute colloidal suspension of SAMNs was used for the removal of OxyTC in large volume tanks where, to simulate a real in situ application, a population of zebrafish (Danio rerio) was introduced. Interestingly, SAMNs led to the complete removal of the drug without any sign of toxicity for the animal model. Moreover, OxyTC immobilized on SAMNs surface resulted safe for sensitive Escherichia coli bacteria strain. Thus, SAMNs were able to recover the drug and to suppress its antibiotic activity envisaging their feasibility as competitive option for water remediation from OxyTC in more nature related scenarios. The present contribution stimulates the use of novel smart colloidal materials to cope with complex environmental issues., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

An unprecedented two-step spin-crossover behavior with the sequence of γ HS =1↔γ HS =3/4↔γ HS =1/4 was observed in two-dimensional Hofmann type coordination polymer [Fe(isoq) 2 {Ag(CN) 2 } 2 ] (isoq=isoquinoline), which resulted from three crystallographically inequivalent Fe II sites with distinct transition temperatures., (© 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Binary hybrids have been investigated for the past few decades due to the emerging properties of nanoparticle composites. Electrostatically stabilized core-shell nanostructures composed of surface active magnetic nanoparticles (SAMNs) and differently charged carbon nanomaterials display specific electrochemical properties. In this work, a set of binary hybrids that include a new class of magnetic nanoparticles is presented and the electrochemical features of the hybrids are reported. Gallic acid derived carbon dots (GA-CDs), PEG derived graphene dots (PEG-GDs), and quaternized carbon dots (Q-CDs) characterized by different charged groups were used for the preparation of different complexes with SAMNs. Thus, a set of six binary nanomaterials was obtained, and characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, demonstrating significant differences in the charge transfer resistance, capacitive current, electrochemical performance, and reversibility with respect to the isolated subunits. Among them, the combination of Q-CDs with an excess of SAMNs led to a Q-CD@SAMN hybrid, which displayed peculiar electrocatalytic properties attributable to the influence of the strong electrostatic interactions exerted by Q-CDs on the SAMN surface. Notwithstanding their small fraction (around 1% w/w), Q-CDs oriented the electrocatalysis of SAMNs toward the selective electro-oxidation of polyphenols at low applied potentials (+0.1 V vs. SCE). Finally, the Q-CD@SAMN hybrid was used for the development of a coulometric sensor for polyphenols, composed of a simple carbon paste electrode in a small volume electrochemical flow cell (1 μL), and used for the complete direct electro-oxidation of polyphenols from plant extracts.

Nanofluids for high voltage insulation systems have emerged as a potential substitute for liquid dielectrics in industrial applications. Nevertheless, the sedimentation of nanoparticles has been so far a serious barrier for their wide and effective exploitation. The present work reports on the development and in-depth characterization of colloidally ultrastable natural ester oil insulation systems containing iron oxide nanocrystals which lift the problem of sedimentation and phase separation. Compared to state-of-the-art systems, the final product is endowed with increased dielectric strength, faster thermal response, lower dielectric losses (decreased dissipation factor: tan δ), and very high endurance during discharge stressing. The developed nanofluid was studied and compared with a similar system containing commercial iron oxide nanoparticles, the latter demonstrating extensive sedimentation. Herein, the dielectric properties of the nanofluids are analyzed at various concentrations by means of breakdown voltage and dissipation factor measurements. The characterization techniques unequivocally demonstrate the high performance reliability of the reported nanofluid, which constitutes a significant breakthrough in the field of high voltage insulation technologies.

In this work, we demonstrate a significant improvement in the electrical conductivity of carbon nanostructured thin films, composed of graphene nanosheets and multiwalled carbon nanotubes, by compression/polishing. It is shown that the sheet resistance of compressed thin films of carbon nanostructures and hybrids is remarkably decreased in comparison with that of as-deposited films. The number of the interconnections, the distance between the nanostructures as well as their orientation are highly altered by the compression favoring the electrical conductivity of the compressed samples.

We report on the effect of the degree of oxidation on the broadband non-linear optical response and magnetic behavior of graphene oxide, as well as on a route for obtaining reduced graphene oxide with enhanced optical properties without sacrificing the high dispersibility of the parent graphene oxide. As more sp(3) states evolved with the rise in oxidation degree, it turned out that the sp(2)/sp(3) fraction and sp(2) clustering are crucial parameters for tuning the broadband non-linear optical absorption over a wide range from ps to ns laser pulses for both visible and infrared laser irradiation. This was clearly confirmed by two different approaches, namely by a synthetic route through the gradual oxidation of graphene oxide from 1 to 3 oxidizing cycles, and reversely by in situ reduction of graphene oxide by UV laser irradiation. Furthermore, as the sp(3) states carry localized magnetic moments, ferromagnetic ordering is observed at low temperatures. The magnetization and temperature at which ferromagnetic ordering evolves are found to increase on increasing the oxidation degree. The tuning of non-linear optical and magnetic properties of graphene oxide by oxidation/reduction thus provides an easy way to endow graphene oxide with tunable physical features highly required in both optoelectronics and spintronics applications.

Two new mononuclear Fe(II) complexes, [FeL1(NCBH3)2] (1) and [FeL2(CN)2]·3H2O (2) (L1 = N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,2-ethanediamine, L2 = N-(2-pyridylmethyl)-N'-(2-pyridylmethylene)-1,2-ethanediamine) were synthesized from the same starting solution under different atmospheric conditions. Complex 1 was isolated under an N2 atmosphere with an expected molecular structure, namely a tetradentate L1 ligand and two NCBH3(-) co-ligands wrapping an iron(ii) ion. It exhibits a gradual spin crossover centered around 355 K, as confirmed by X-ray crystallography, magnetic, DSC and Mössbauer studies. Complex 2 was isolated in the presence of air. One of the secondary amine groups in L1 undergoes an in situ oxidative dehydrogenation, forming a new monoimine asymmetric ligand L2. Besides, a CN(-) co-ligand is also in situ generated from NCBH3(-) during the reaction. The strong ligand field strength imposed by CN(-) and L2 stabilizes 2 in the LS state. Solvent water molecules in complex 2 are hydrogen bonded into a well-defined 1D water chain. 2 shows a proton conductivity of 8.9 × 10(-5) S cm(-1) at 55 °C and 95% relative humidity.

The most recent climate change projections show a global increase in temperatures along with precipitation changes throughout the 21(st) century. However, regional projections do not always match global projections and species with global distributions may exhibit varying regional susceptibility to climate change. Here we show the effect of local climatic conditions on the hatchling output of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) at four nesting sites encompassing the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. We found a heterogeneous effect of climate. Hatchling output increased with long-term precipitation in areas with dry climatic conditions (Playa Grande, Pacific Ocean and Sandy Point, Caribbean Sea), but the effect varied in areas where precipitation was high (Pacuare, Caribbean Sea) and was not detected at the temperate site (Maputaland, Indian Ocean). High air temperature reduced hatchling output only at the area experiencing seasonal droughts (Playa Grande). Climatic projections showed a drastic increase in air temperature and a mild decrease in precipitation at all sites by 2100. The most unfavorable conditions were projected for Sandy Point where hatching success has already declined over time along with precipitation levels. The heterogeneous effect of climate may lead to local extinctions of leatherback turtles in some areas but survival in others by 2100.

In this critical review, we outline various covalent and non-covalent approaches for the functionalization of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). Tuning the surface chemistry and design of magnetic nanoparticles are described in relation to their applicability in advanced medical technologies and biotechnologies including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, targeted drug delivery, magnetic separations and immobilizations of proteins, enzymes, antibodies, targeting agents and other biosubstances. We review synthetic strategies for the controlled preparation of IONPs modified with frequently used functional groups including amine, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups as well as the preparation of IONPs functionalized with other species, e.g., epoxy, thiol, alkane, azide, and alkyne groups. Three main coupling strategies for linking IONPs with active agents are presented: (i) chemical modification of amine groups on the surface of IONPs, (ii) chemical modification of bioactive substances (e.g. with fluorescent dyes), and (iii) the activation of carboxyl groups mainly for enzyme immobilization. Applications for drug delivery using click chemistry linking or biodegradable bonds are compared to non-covalent methods based on polymer modified condensed magnetic nanoclusters. Among many challenges, we highlight the specific surface engineering allowing both therapeutic and diagnostic applications (theranostics) of IONPs and magnetic/metallic hybrid nanostructures possessing a huge potential in biocatalysis, green chemistry, magnetic bioseparations and bioimaging., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Three new two-dimensional (2D) Hofmann-type coordination polymers with general formula [Fe(3-NH2py)2M(CN)4] (3-NH2py = 3-aminopyridine, M = Ni (1), Pd (2), Pt (3)) have been synthesized. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that they exhibited cooperative spin crossover (SCO) with remarkable hysteretic behaviors. Their hysteresis widths are 25, 37, and 30 K for 1-3, respectively. The single-crystal structure of 1 suggest that the pseudo-octahedral Fe sites are equatorially bridged by [M(CN)4](2-) to form 2D grids and axially coordinated by 3-NH2py ligands. The intermolecular interactions between layers (the offset face-to-face π···π interactions, hydrogen bonds, and weak N(amino)···Ni(II) contacts) together with the covalent bonds bridged by [M(CN)4](2-) units are responsible to the significant cooperativity.

The in situ synthesis of air-stable zero-valent iron nanoparticles (NZVI) embedded in cellulose fibers leads to the assembly of highly reactive magnetic filter papers. These engineered materials display a wide range of applications in the treatment of wastewater and drinking water, including chromium removal, phenol degradation, environmental bioremediation, and catalysis.

When developing new nanoparticles for bio-applications, it is important to fully characterize the nanoparticle's behavior in biological systems. The most common techniques employed for mapping nanoparticles inside cells include transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). These techniques entail passing an electron beam through a thin specimen. STEM or TEM imaging is often used for the detection of nanoparticles inside cellular organelles. However, lengthy sample preparation is required (i.e., fixation, dehydration, drying, resin embedding, and cutting). In the present work, a new matrix (FTO glass) for biological samples was used and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) to generate images comparable to those obtained by TEM. Using FE-SEM, nanoparticle images were acquired inside endo/lysosomes without disruption of the cellular shape. Furthermore, the initial steps of nanoparticle incorporation into the cells were captured. In addition, the conductive FTO glass endowed the sample with high stability under the required accelerating voltage. Owing to these features of the sample, further analyses could be performed (material contrast and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)), which confirmed the presence of nanoparticles inside the cells. The results showed that FE-SEM can enable detailed characterization of nanoparticles in endosomes without the need for contrast staining or metal coating of the sample. Images showing the intracellular distribution of nanoparticles together with cellular morphology can give important information on the biocompatibility and demonstrate the potential of nanoparticle utilization in medicine., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A chiral metal-organic framework exhibiting spin crossover (SCO) property, [Fe(II)(mptpy)2]·EtOH·0.2DMF (·solv), has been solvothermally synthesized through spontaneous resolution. It displays remarkable stability and two-step SCO at (Tc1 = 200 K) and above (Tc2 = 357 K) room temperature.

A novel core-shell nanomaterial based on prussian blue (PB) coating on peculiar surface active maghemite nanoparticles (SAMNs), was developed. The synthetic process involves the direct crystallization of Fe(II)(CN)6(4-) onto the surface of SAMNs by simple incubation in water at controlled pH, demonstrating the presence of under-coordinated Fe(III) on nanoparticle surface. The coating reaction occurs in a narrow pH range and the synthetic procedure was optimized. The resulting SAMN@PB hybrid nanostructures were characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, Mössbauer, UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. The nanomaterial, characterized by high stability in alkaline media, behave as excellent electro-catalyst for hydrogen peroxide reduction. The stability of SAMN@PB hybrid has been investigated as a function of pH, showing excellent stability up to pH 9.0 and demonstrating the feasibility of SAMNs, superficially derivatized with prussian blue, to produce an efficient and extremely stable nanostructured material. This maghemite supported nanostructured prussian blue was applied to develop a sensor, based on a simple carbon paste electrode, which was able to catalyze the electro-reduction of hydrogen peroxide, in aqueous solutions, buffered at pH 7.0, at low applied potentials (0.0 V vs. SCE)., (© 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

MCM-41-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) was sytnhesized by impregnating the mesoporous silica martix with ferric chloride, followed by chemical reduction with NaHB4. The samples were studied with a combination of characterization techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and Mössbauer spectroscopy, N2 adsorption measurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), magnetization measurements, and thermal analysis methods. The experimental data revealed development of nanoscale zero-valent iron particles with an elliptical shape and a maximum size of ∼80 nm, which were randomly distributed and immobilized on the mesoporous silica surface. Surface area measurements showed that the porous MCM-41 host matrix maintains its hexagonal mesoporous order structure and exhibits a considerable high surface area (609 m(2)/g). Mössbauer and magnetization measurements confirmed the presence of core-shell iron nanoparticles composed of a ferromagnetic metallic core and an oxide/hydroxide shell. The kinetic studies demonstrated a rapid removal of Cr(VI) ions from the aqueous solutions in the presence of these stabilized nZVI particles on MCM-41, and a considerably increased reduction capacity per unit mass of material in comparison to that of unsupported nZVI. The results also indicate a highly pH-dependent reduction efficiency of the material, whereas their kinetics was described by a pseudo-first order kinetic model., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Hierarchical assembly of Ti(IV)/Sn(II)-doped SnO₂ nanosheets along titanate nanowires serving as both sacrificial templates and a Ti(IV) source is demonstrated, using SnCl2 as a tin precursor and Sn(II) dopants and NaF as the morphology controlling agent. Excess fluoride inhibits the hydrolysis of SnCl2, promoting heterogeneous nucleation of Sn(II)-doped SnO₂ on the titanate nanowires due to the insufficient oxidization of Sn(II) to Sn(IV). Simultaneously, titanate nanowires are dissolved forming Ti(4+) species under the etching effect of in situ generated HF resulting in spontaneous Ti(4+) ion doping of SnO₂ nanosheets formed under hydrothermal conditions. Compositional analysis indicates that Ti(4+) ions are incorporated by substitution of Sn sites at a high level (16-18 at.%), with uniform distribution and no phase separation. Mössbauer spectroscopy quantified the relative content of Sn(II) and Sn(IV) in both Sn(II)-doped and Ti(IV)/Sn(II) co-doped SnO₂ samples. Electrochemical properties were investigated as an anode material in lithium ion batteries, demonstrating that Ti-doped SnO₂ nanosheets show improved cycle performance, which is attributed to the alleviation of inherent volume expansion of the SnO₂-based anode materials by substituting part of Sn sites with Ti dopants.

Biomimetic complexes are artificially engineered molecules that aim to reduce the structural complexity of biological systems in order to unveil the key electronic and structural factors relevant to a protein's function. In this work, a novel coordination compound (L2Fe2) which mimics non-heme binuclear proteins was synthesized from the Schiff-base ligand HL = (E)-N′-(phenyl(pyridin-2-yl)methylene)isonicotinohydrazide. The crystal structure of L2Fe2 showed that the intramolecular Fe–Fe distances (3.1–3.2 Å) were analogous to those found in non-heme binuclear ferric proteins. However, in L2Fe2, two methoxide groups act as bridging units for oxidized iron (Fe3+). Such a bridging motif is unprecedented in the biological realm. Magnetic susceptibility measurements demonstrated that L2Fe2 is characterized by a singlet (S = 0) ground state and a very small magnetic coupling constant J (≪ −1 cm(−1)). The J value featured by L2Fe2 differs considerably from the values observed in non-heme binuclear proteins in the oxidized form (−100 cm(−1) < J < −10 cm(−1)), which encompass oxo/hydroxo and carboxylate bridging residues. The singlet ground state of L2Fe2 as well as the weak magnetic interaction between the two ferric cations was successfully predicted by density functional theory (DFT).

Core-shell hydrophilic superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles, surface functionalized with either terephthalic acid or 2-amino terephthalic acid, showed large negative MRI contrast ability, validating the advantage of using low molecular weight and π-conjugated canopies for engineering functional nanostructures with superior performances.

Hybrid magnetic drug nanocarriers are prepared via a self-assembly process of poly(methacrylic acid)-graft-poly(ethyleneglycol methacrylate) (p(MAA-g-EGMA)) on growing iron oxide nanocrystallites. The nanocarriers successfully merge together bio-repellent properties, pronounced magnetic response, and high loading capacity for the potent anticancer drug doxorubicin (adriamicin), in a manner not observed before in such hybrid colloids. High magnetic responses are accomplished by engineering the size of the magnetic nanocrystallites (∼13.5 nm) following an aqueous single-ferrous precursor route, and through adjustment of the number of cores in each colloidal assembly. Complementing conventional magnetometry, the magnetic response of the nanocarriers is evaluated by magnetophoretic experiments providing insight into their internal organization and on their response to magnetic manipulation. The structural organization of the graft-copolymer, locked on the surface of the nanocrystallites, is further probed by small-angle neutron scattering on single-core colloids. Analysis showed that the MAA segments selectively populate the area around the magnetic nanocrystallites, while the poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted chains are arranged as protrusions, pointing towards the aqueous environment. These nanocarriers are screened at various pHs and in highly salted media by light scattering and electrokinetic measurements. According to the results, their stability is dramatically enhanced, as compared to uncoated nanocrystallites, owing to the presence of the external protective PEG canopy. The nanocarriers are also endowed with bio-repellent properties, as evidenced by stability assays using human blood plasma as the medium., (Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles (20-40 nm) of maghemite, γ-Fe(2)O(3), with well-defined stoichiometric structure, are synthesized by the borohydride reduction of ferric chloride at an elevated temperature (100°C) followed by thermal treatment of the reaction product. Prepared maghemite nanoparticles reveal excellent colloidal stability for a long time without the necessity for any additional surface modification. These colloidal features are due to surface stabilizing OH(-) groups, which act as charge barriers preventing a particle aggregation and enabling a reversible binding of various oppositely charged organic substances. Such binding with rhodamine B isothiocyanate results in the fluorescent magnetic nanocarrier providing, at the same time, a spacer arm for covalent immobilization of other biosubstances including enzymes. In this work, we exploit this general applicability of the developed nanocarrier for covalent immobilization of glucose oxidase. This is the first reported example of magnetically drivable fluorescent nanocatalyst. The immobilized enzyme creates a 3-5 nm thick layer on the nanoparticle surface as proved by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. This layer corresponds to 10 enzyme molecules, which are bound to the nanoparticle surface as found by the fluorimetric determination of flavin adenine dinucleotide. The developed magnetic fluorescent nanocatalyst, showing a rate constant of 32.7s(-1) toward glucose oxidation, can be used as a biosensor in various biochemical, biotechnological, and food chemistry applications. The presence of the nanocatalyst can be simply monitored by its fluorescence; moreover, it can be easily separated from the solution by an external magnetic field and repeatedly used without a loss of catalytic efficiency., (Copyright © 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) particles and a composite containing a mixture of ferrate(VI) and ferrate(III) were prepared by thermal procedures. The phase compositions, valence states of iron, and particle sizes of iron-bearing compounds were determined by combination of X-ray powder diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The applicability of these environmentally friendly iron based materials in treatment of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) has been tested with three representative compounds, sulfur mustard (bis(2-chlorethyl) sulfide, HD), soman ((3,3'-imethylbutan-2-yl)-methylphosphonofluoridate, GD), and O-ethyl S-[2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl] methylphosphonothiolate (VX). Zero-valent iron, even in the nanodimensional state, had a sluggish reactivity with CWAs, which was also observed in low degrees of CWAs degradation. On the contrary, ferrate(VI)/(III) composite exhibited a high reactivity and complete degradations of CWAs were accomplished. Under the studied conditions, the estimated first-order rate constants (≈ 10(-2)s(-1)) with the ferrate(VI)/(III) composite were several orders of magnitude higher than those of spontaneous hydrolysis of CWAs (10(-8)-10(-6)s(-1)). The results demonstrated that the oxidative technology based on application of ferrate(VI) is very promising to decontaminate CWAs., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Cyanobacteria pose a serious threat to water resources around the world. This is compounded by the fact that they are extremely resilient, having evolved numerous protective mechanisms to ensure their dominant position in their ecosystem. We show that treatment with nanoparticles of zerovalent iron (nZVI) is an effective and environmentally benign method for destroying and preventing the formation of cyanobacterial water blooms. The nanoparticles have multiple modes of action, including the removal of bioavailable phosphorus, the destruction of cyanobacterial cells, and the immobilization of microcystins, preventing their release into the water column. Ecotoxicological experiments showed that nZVI is a highly selective agent, having an EC(50) of 50 mg/L against cyanobacteria; this is 20-100 times lower than its EC(50) for algae, daphnids, water plants, and fishes. The primary product of nZVI treatment is nontoxic and highly aggregated Fe(OH)(3), which promotes flocculation and gradual settling of the decomposed cyanobacterial biomass.

Sustainable hydrogen production through photoelectrochemical water splitting using hematite (alpha-Fe(2)O(3)) is a promising approach for the chemical storage of solar energy, but is complicated by the material's nonoptimal optoelectronic properties. Nanostructuring approaches have been shown to increase the performance of hematite, but the ideal nanostructure giving high efficiencies for all absorbed light wavelengths remains elusive. Here, we report for the first time mesoporous hematite photoelectodes prepared by a solution-based colloidal method which yield water-splitting photocurrents of 0.56 mA cm(-2) under standard conditions (AM 1.5G 100 mW cm(-2), 1.23 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE) and over 1.0 mA cm(-2) before the dark current onset (1.55 V vs RHE). The sintering temperature is found to increase the average particle size, and have a drastic effect on the photoactivity. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and magnetic measurements using a SQUID magnetometer link this effect to the diffusion and incorporation of dopant atoms from the transparent conducting substrate. In addition, examining the optical properties of the films reveals a considerable change in the absorption coefficient and onset properties, critical aspects for hematite as a solar energy converter, as a function of the sintering temperature. A detailed investigation into hematite's crystal structure using powder X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement to account for these effects correlates an increase in a C(3v)-type crystal lattice distortion to the improved optical properties.

Hybrid nanocolloids based on biodegradable polymers of poly(lactide) (PLA) or poly(lactide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) and hydrophobic iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) of ca. 5 nm are prepared via a self-assembly route. The magnetic nanoparticles are organized in superclusters inside the hydrophobic core of PLA-PEG micelles or cholate-stabilized PLA nanospheres. The hydrodynamic diameter of MNPs-loaded PLA nanospheres is approximately 250 nm, whereas that of MNPs-loaded PLA-PEG micelles is much lower (approximately 100 nm) and thus compatible with applications where prolonged blood circulation is required. The PLA-PEG micelles exhibit high encapsulation efficiency for the MNPs, imparting a saturation magnetization value to the hybrid of 8.4 emu g(-1). Both hybrid colloids display magnetic properties of a non-interacting assembly of superparamagnetic particles and a low blocking temperature, both of which are key attributes for colloidally stable ferrofluids. Furthermore, the PLA-PEG magnetic hybrids display remarkable colloidal stability at high ionic strength, temperature and in human blood plasma, while the estimated critical micelle concentration of ca. 2 x 10(-5) mM (0.3 mg L(-1)) indicates the low probability of the colloids dissociation in the blood compartment. They were also found to be non-toxic to human cells in vitro. The results underline the potential of the magnetic/PLA-PEG hybrids and encourage further research for their in vivo biomedical applications.

Magnetic nanocomposites containing iron oxide (maghemite) nanoparticles, well embedded in a synthetic clay matrix (laponite) were prepared by a new one step chemical route and characterized by TEM, XRD, magnetization measurements, Mössbauer spectroscopy, DLS, and MRI measurements. The synthetic procedure leads to non-stoichiometric γ-Fe(2)O(3) with a controllable content in the nanocomposite. Magnetic nanoparticles incorporated in the diamagnetic clay matrix exhibit a mean diameter of 13 nm, superparamagnetic behavior with a high saturation magnetization achievable at low applied magnetic fields. In-field Mössbauer spectra and ZFC/FC magnetization curves reveal a perfect ferrimagnetic ordering within nanoparticles with negligible spin frustration and interparticle interactions due to the complete coating of maghemite surfaces by the nanocrystalline laponite matrix. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles embedded in laponite matrix exhibit strong T(2) weighted MRI contrast. The maghemite/laponite composite particles have 200 nm hydrodynamic diameter and form very stable hydrosols and/or hydrogels depending on their concentration in water.

Nearly monodispersed superparamagnetic maghemite nanoparticles (15-20nm) were prepared by a one-step thermal decomposition of iron(II) acetate in air at 400 degrees C. The presented synthetic route is simple, cost effective and allows to prepare the high-quality superparamagnetic particles in a large scale. The as-prepared particles were exploited for the development of magnetic nanocomposites with the possible applicability in medicine and biochemistry. For the purposes of the MRI diagnostics, the maghemite particles were simply dispersed in the bentonite matrix. The resulting nanocomposite represents very effective and cheap oral negative contrast agent for MRI of the gastrointestinal tract and reveals excellent contrast properties, fully comparable with those obtained for commercial contrast material. The results of the clinical research of this maghemite-bentonite contrast agent for imaging of the small bowel are discussed. For biochemical applications, the primary functionalization of the prepared maghemite nanoparticles with chitosan was performed. In this way, a highly efficient magnetic carrier for protein immobilization was obtained as demonstrated by conjugating thermostable raffinose-modified trypsin (RMT) using glutaraldehyde. The covalent conjugation resulted in a further increase in trypsin thermostability (T(50)=61 degrees C) and elimination of its autolysis. Consequently, the immobilization of RMT allowed fast in-solution digestion of proteins and their identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

Multi-targets detection has obtained much attention because this sensing mode can realize the detection of multi-targets simultaneously, which is helpful for biomedical analysis. Carbon nanoparticles have attracted extensive attention due to their superior optical and chemical properties, but there are few reports about red emission carbon nanoparticles for simultaneous detection of multi-targets. In this paper, a red emission fluorescent carbon nanoparticles were prepared by 1, 2, 4-triaminobenzene dihydrochloride at room temperature. The as-prepared red emission fluorescent carbon nanoparticles exhibited strong emission peak located at 635 nm with an absolute quantum yield up to 24%. They showed excellent solubility, high photostability and good biocompatibility. Furthermore, it could sensitively and selectively response to hypochlorite and pH, thus simultaneous detection of hypochlorite and pH was achieved by combining the red emission fluorescent carbon nanoparticles with computational chemistry. The formation mechanisms of red emission fluorescent carbon nanoparticles and their response to hypochlorite and pH were investigated, respectively., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

A 57Fe Mössbauer spectrometry applied in a broad range of temperatures and external magnetic fields is presented as a powerful investigating tool for the structural and magnetic characterization of maghemite (gamma-Fe2O3) nanoparticles, which presently constitute a modern advanced material used in various fields of scientific, technological, and biomedical interest. Reflections of structural and magnetic properties in the hyperfine parameters of Mössbauer spectra of nanomaghemite samples prepared by different routes with varying particle size distribution, particle morphology, and degree of interparticle interactions (isolated nanoparticles, powders, nanocomposites, films) are reviewed. Some crucial points concerning the description of the magnetic regime of strongly interacting maghemite nanoparticles are also briefly discussed with respect to their Mössbauer spectra.

Pre-treatment (oxidation) may induce potential modifications to microplastics (MPs), further affecting their behaviors and removal efficiency in drinking water treatment plants. Herein, potassium ferrate(VI) oxidation was tested as a pre-treatment for MPs with four polymer types and three sizes each. Surface oxidation occurred with morphology destruction and oxidized bond generation, which were prosperous under low acid conditions (pH 3). As pH increased, the generation and attachment of nascent state ferric oxides (Fe x O x ) gradually became dominant, making MP-Fe x O x complexes. These Fe x O x were identified as Fe(III) compounds, including Fe 2 O 3 and FeOOH, firmly attaching to the MP surface. Using ciprofloxacin as the targeted organic contaminant, the presence of Fe x O x enhanced MP sorption dramatically, e.g., the kinetic constant K f of ciprofloxacin raised from 0.206 (6.5 μm polystyrene) to 1.062 L g -1 (polystyrene-Fe x O x ) after oxidation at pH 6. The sinking performance of MPs was enhanced, especially for small MPs (< 10 μm), which could be attributed to the increasing density and hydrophilicity. For instance, the sinking ratio of 6.5 μm polystyrene increased by 70% after pH 6 oxidation. In general, ferrate pre-oxidation possesses multiple enhanced removals of MPs and organic contaminants through adsorption and sinking, reducing the potential risk of MPs., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

It is well known the capacity of potassium ferrate (Fe(VI)) for the oxidation of pollutants or co-precipitation and adsorption of hazardous species. However, little information has been paid on the adsorption and co-precipitation contribution of the Fe(VI) resultant nanoparticles, the in situ hydrolytic ferric iron oxides. Here, the removal of arsenate (As(V)) and arsenite (As(III)) by Fe(VI) was investigated, which focused on the interaction mechanisms of Fe(VI) with arsenic, especially in the contribution of the co-precipitation and adsorption of its hydrolytic ferric iron oxides. pH and Fe(VI) played significant roles on arsenic removal; over 97.8% and 98.1% of As(V) and As(III) removal were observed when Fe(VI):As(V) and Fe(VI):As(III) were 24:1 and 16:1 at pH 4, respectively. The removal of As(V) and As(III) by in situ and ex situ formed hydrolytic ferric iron oxides was examined respectively. The results revealed that As(III) was oxidized by Fe(VI) to As(V), and then was removed though co-precipitation and adsorption by the hydrolytic ferric iron oxides with the contribution content was about 1:3. For As(V), it could be removed directly by the in situ formed particles from Fe(VI) through co-precipitation and adsorption with the contribution content was about 1:1.5. By comparison, As(III) and As(V) were mainly removed through adsorption by the 30-min hydrolytic ferric iron oxides during the ex situ process. The hydrolytic ferric iron oxides size was obviously different in the process of in situ and ex situ, possessing abundant and multiple morphological structures ferric oxides, which was conducive for the efficient removal of arsenic. This study would provide a new perspective for understanding the potential of Fe(VI) treatment on arsenic control., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive brain tumor, poses significant treatment challenges due to its highly immunosuppressive microenvironment and the brain immune privilege. Immunotherapy activating the immune system and T lymphocyte infiltration holds great promise against GBM. However, the brain's low immunogenicity and the difficulty of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) hinder therapeutic efficacy. Recent advancements in immune-actuated particles for targeted drug delivery have shown the potential to overcome these obstacles. These particles interact with the BBB by rapidly and reversibly disrupting its structure, thereby significantly enhancing targeting and penetrating delivery. The BBB targeting also minimizes potential long-term damage. At GBM, the particles demonstrated effective chemotherapy, chemodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), radiotherapy, or magnetotherapy, facilitating tumor disruption and promoting antigen release. Additionally, components of the delivery system retained autologous tumor-associated antigens and presented them to dendritic cells (DCs), ensuring prolonged immune activation. This review explores the immunosuppressive mechanisms of GBM, existing therapeutic strategies, and the role of nanomaterials in enhancing immunotherapy. We also discuss innovative particle-based approaches designed to traverse the BBB by mimicking innate immune functions to improve treatment outcomes for brain tumors., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethical approval and consent to participate: This study did not involve human or animal subjects; we confirm that no ethical approval is required. Financial interest: The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose. Competing interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Context: In this work, we have studied different properties of a series of fullerenes, from C 24 to C 50 by confining hydrogen molecule inside their cavity. The compression of the hydrogen molecule upon encapsulation is evidenced by its altered bond length, while a slight expansion of the fullerene cages due to H 2 confinement is also noted. The chemical reactivity parameters of both the empty and H 2 confined fullerenes are computed, alongside an examination of the energy components through energy decomposition analysis. Analysis of the absorption spectra indicated that both H 2 encapsulated and empty fullerenes exhibited absorption in the UV region. Nevertheless, the inclusion of H 2 within the fullerene cages appeared to have minimal influence on the reactivity parameters and absorption spectra, as evidenced by the comparison between the sets of empty and H 2 -confined fullerenes., Methods: The computational work including the geometry optimization, followed by the frequency analysis and other parameters has been achieved using Gaussian09 software. For doing these calculations, B3LYP and CAM-B3LYP functionals along with 6-311 + G(d,p) basis set is used. In addition, MULTIWFN software has been considered for studying bonding analysis and energy decomposition analysis for the systems., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are appealing materials as assistant to resolve environmental pollution issues and as recyclable catalysts for the oxidative degradation of resistant contaminants. Moreover, they can significantly influence the advancement of medical applications for imaging, diagnostics, medication administration, and biosensing. On the other hand, due to unique features, excellent biocompatibility, high curie temperatures and low cytotoxicity of the Iron-based nanoparticles, they have received increasing attention in recent years. Using an external magnetic field, in which the ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (FMNPs) in the reaction mixtures can be easily removed, make them more efficient approach than the conventional method for separating the catalyst particles by centrifugation or filtration. Ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (FMNPs) provide various advantages in food processing, environmental issues, pharmaceutical industry, sample preparation, wastewater management, water purification, illness therapy, identification of disease, tissue engineering, and biosensor creation for healthcare monitoring. Modification of FMNPs with the proper functional groups and surface modification techniques play a significant role in boosting their capability. Due to flexibility of FMNPs in functionalization and synthesis, it is possible to make customized FMNPs that can be utilized in variety of applications. This review focuses on synthesis, modifications, and applications of Iron-based nanoparticles., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

With the increasing development of nanomaterials, the use of nanodiamonds (NDs) has been broadly manifested in many applications. However, their high penetration into the ecosystem indubitably poses remarkable toxicological risks. This paper investigates the toxic effects of NDs on the darkling beetle, Blaps polychresta Forskal, 1775 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Survival analysis was carried out by monitoring the beetles for 30 d after the injection of four different doses of NDs. A dose of 10.0 mg NDs/g body weight, causing less than 50% mortality effect, was assigned in the analysis of the different organs of studied beetles, including testis, ovary, and midgut. Structural and ultrastructural analyses were followed using light, TEM, and SEM microscopes. In addition, a variety of stress markers and enzyme activities were assessed using spectrophotometric methods. Furthermore, cell viability and DNA damage were evaluated using cytometry and comet assay, respectively. Compared to the control group, the NDs-treated group was exposed to various abnormalities within all the studied organs as follows. Significant disturbances in enzyme activities were accompanied by an apparent dysregulation in the antioxidant system. The flow cytometry results indicated a substantial decrease of viable cells along with a rise of apoptotic and necrotic cells. The comet assay demonstrated a highly increased level of DNA damage. Likewise, histological analyses accentuated the same findings showing remarkable deformities in the studied organs. Prominently, the research findings substantially contribute for the first time to evaluating the critical effects of NDs on B. polychresta, adopted as the bioindicator in this paper., (© 2024 Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.)

Food microbial contamination results in serious food safety issues and numerous food loss and waste, presenting one of the most significant challenges facing the global food system. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) technology, which combines light and photosensitizers (PS) to provide antimicrobial effects, is an ideal nonthermal antimicrobial technique for the food industry. This review provides a comprehensive overview of PDI technology, beginning with the fundamental photoactivation principles of PS and the pathways of photoinduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. PS is the most critical factor affecting PDI efficiency, which is categorized into three types: organic, metal oxide-, and carbon-based. This review systemically summarizes the photophysical properties, in vitro PDI performances, potential enhancement strategies, and the advantages and limitations of each type of PS. Furthermore, the antimicrobial mechanisms of the PDI technologies are analyzed at both microscopic and molecular levels. Finally, the current applications of PDI in various food systems are discussed, along with the associated challenges and opportunities. Overall, this review offers crucial insights into optimizing and advancing PDI technology, highlighting key challenges and suggesting future research directions to enhance the effectiveness and scalability of PDI for diverse food applications., (© 2025 Institute of Food Technologists®.)

Biogenic metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their unique properties and various applications in different fields. NPs, including gold, silver, zinc oxide, copper, titanium, and magnesium oxide NPs, have attracted considerable interest. Green synthesis approaches, utilizing natural products, offer advantages such as sustainability and environmental friendliness. The theranostics applications of these NPs hold immense significance in the fields of medicine and diagnostics. The review explores intricate cellular uptake pathways, internalization dynamics, reactive oxygen species generation, and ensuing inflammatory responses, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms governing their behaviour at a molecular level. Intriguingly, biogenic metallic NPs exhibit a wide array of applications in medicine, including but not limited to anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-diabetic, anti-plasmodial, antiviral properties and radical scavenging efficacy. Their potential in personalized medicine stands out, with a focus on tailoring treatments to individual patients based on these NPs' unique attributes and targeted delivery capabilities. The article culminates in emphasizing the role of biogenic metallic NPs in shaping the landscape of personalized medicine. Harnessing their unique properties for tailored therapeutics, diagnostics and targeted interventions, these NPs pave the way for a paradigm shift in healthcare, promising enhanced efficacy and reduced adverse effects., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The nitrate balance was investigated in infants and adults. While in infants the amount of nitrate excreted in the urine was roughly 100% of the amount ingested, the amount in adults was only 30-35%. The nitrate concentration in the saliva of both groups was approximately the same. Observations of the reducing activity of faeces of pigs revealed that the rate of nitrate reduction became faster when the nitrate intake was increased. The amount of nitrates excreted depends on the amount reduced to nitrites in the organism.

Total mercury concentrations determined in the organs (muscle, brain, lungs, pancreas, liver, kidneys) of necropsy patients are evaluated. The mercury concentrations were also determined in the hair and urine of children residing in two different areas employed in a grain dressing paint (exposed and nonexposed to mercury fungicide formulation). The human autopsy study showed that the detected organ mercury concentrations were considerably lower than those reported in the literature: 94% of necropsy tissue samples showed mercury content lower than 100 micrograms . kg-1, irrespective of the type of body organ and the age of necropsy patients. The organ mercury concentrations were rising in the following order of organs: muscle, brain, lungs, pancreas liver and kidneys. No correlation could be demonstrated between the organ mercury concentration and the age of necropsy patient, or the primary cause of death. The highest hair and urine mercury concentrations were detected in workers occupationally exposed to the mercury containing fungicide formation. Increased average hair mercury concentrations corresponded with increased average mercury concentrations in the urine. The average mercury concentrations detected in the hair and urine of children and nonexposed workers were considerably lower than those reported in the literature. The authors provide also the most important data on the reported case of livestock overexposure to mercury, which has primarily stimulated their interest in mercury as an important environmental contaminant.

Magnetic nanoparticles of ε-Fe 1.76 Ga 0.24 O 3 with the volume-weighted mean size of 17 nm were prepared by thermal treatment of a mesoporous silica template impregnated with metal nitrates and were coated with silica shell of four different thicknesses in the range 6-24 nm. The bare particles exhibited higher magnetization than the undoped compound, 22.4 Am 2 kg -1 at 300 K, and were characterized by blocked state with the coercivity of 1.2 T at 300 K, being thus the very opposite of superparamagnetic iron oxides. The relaxometric study of the silica-coated samples at 0.47 T revealed promising properties for MRI, specifically, transverse relaxivity of 89-168 s -1 mmol(f.u.) -1 L depending on the shell thickness was observed. We investigated the effects of the silica-coated nanoparticles on human A549 and MCF-7 cells. Cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and the arrangement of actin cytoskeleton were assessed, as well as formation and maturation of focal adhesions. Our study revealed that high concentrations of silica-coated particles with larger shell thicknesses of 16-24 nm interfere with the actin cytoskeletal networks, inducing thus morphological changes. Consequently, the focal adhesion areas were significantly decreased, resulting in impaired cell adhesion., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Survival of the immobile embryo in response to rising temperature is important to determine a species' vulnerability to climate change. However, the collective effects of 2 key thermal characteristics associated with climate change (i.e., rising average temperature and acute heat events) on embryonic survival remain largely unexplored. We used empirical measurements and niche modeling to investigate how chronic and acute heat stress independently and collectively influence the embryonic survival of lizards across latitudes. We collected and bred lizards from 5 latitudes and incubated their eggs across a range of temperatures to quantify population-specific responses to chronic and acute heat stress. Using an embryonic development model parameterized with measured embryonic heat tolerances, we further identified a collective impact of embryonic chronic and acute heat tolerances on embryonic survival. We also incorporated embryonic chronic and acute heat tolerance in hybrid species distribution models to determine species' range shifts under climate change. Embryos' tolerance of chronic heat (T-chronic) remained consistent across latitudes, whereas their tolerance of acute heat (T-acute) was higher at high latitudes than at low latitudes. Tolerance of acute heat exerted a more pronounced influence than tolerance of chronic heat. In species distribution models, climate change led to the most significant habitat loss for each population and species in its low-latitude distribution. Consequently, habitat for populations across all latitudes will shift toward high latitudes. Our study also highlights the importance of considering embryonic survival under chronic and acute heat stresses to predict species' vulnerability to climate change., (© 2024 The Authors. Conservation Biology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society for Conservation Biology.)

The current climate warming is a challenge to biodiversity that could surpass the adaptation capacity of some species. Hence, understanding the means by which populations undergo an increase in their thermal tolerance is critical to assess how they could adapt to climate warming. Specifically, sea turtle populations could respond to increasing temperatures by (1) colonizing new nesting areas, (2) nesting during cooler times of the year, and/or (3) by increasing their thermal tolerance. Differences in thermal tolerance of clutches laid by different females would indicate that populations have the potential to adapt by natural selection. Here, we used exhaustive information on nest temperatures and hatching success of leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) clutches over 14 years to assess the occurrence of individual variability in thermal tolerance among females. We found an effect of temperature, year, and the interaction between female identity and nest temperature on hatching success, indicating that clutches laid by different females exhibited different levels of vulnerability to high temperatures. If thermal tolerance is a heritable trait, individuals with higher thermal tolerances could have greater chances of passing their genes to following generations, increasing their frequency in the population. However, the high rate of failure of clutches at temperatures above 32°C suggests that leatherback turtles are already experiencing extreme heat stress. A proper understanding of mechanisms of adaptation in populations to counteract changes in climate could greatly contribute to future conservation of endangered populations in a rapidly changing world., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The escalating use of nanodiamonds (NDs) has raised concerns about their ecotoxicological impact, prompting exploration of therapeutic interventions. This paper pioneers the examination of Vitamin B12-conjugated sericin (VB12-SER) as a potential therapeutic approach against ND-induced toxicity in darkling beetles (Blaps polychresta). The study analyzes mortality rates and organ-specific effects, covering the testis, ovary, and midgut, before and after treatments. Following exposure to 10 mg NDs/g body weight, within a subgroup of individuals termed ND2 with a mortality rate below 50%, two therapeutic treatments were administered, including pure sericin (SER) at 10 mg/mL and VB12-SER at 10.12 mg/mL. Consequently, five experimental groups (control, SER, ND2, ND2+SER, ND2+SER+VB12) were considered. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to assess the lifespan distribution of the insects in these groups over a 30-d period. Analyses revealed increased mortality and significant abnormalities induced by NDs within the examined organs, including cell death, DNA damage, enzyme dysregulation, antioxidant imbalances, protein depletion, lipid peroxidation, and morphological deformities. In contrast, the proposed treatments, especially (ND2+SER+VB12), demonstrated remarkable recovery, highlighting VB12-conjugated SER's potential in mitigating ND-triggered adverse effects. Molecular docking simulations affirmed binding stability and favorable interactions of the VB12-SER complex with target proteins. This research enhances understanding of NDs' effects on B. polychresta, proposing it as an effective bioindicator, and introduces VB12-conjugated SER as a promising therapeutic strategy in nanotoxicological studies., (© 2024 Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.)

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a global health concern caused by cestodes, posing diagnostic challenges due to nonspecific symptoms and inconclusive radiographic results. Diagnosis relies on histopathological evaluation of affected tissue, demanding comprehensive tools. In this retrospective case study, Fourier transform infrared microscopy was explored for detecting and identifying CE through biochemical changes in human tissue sections. Tissue samples from 11 confirmed CE patients were analyzed. Archived FFPE blocks were cut and stained, and then CE-positive unstained sections were examined using Fourier transform infrared microscopy post-deparaffinization. Results revealed the method's ability to distinguish echinococcus elements from human tissue, irrespective of organ type. This research showcases the potential of mid-infrared microscopy as a valuable diagnostic tool for CE, offering promise in enhancing diagnostic precision in the face of the disease's complexities., (© 2024 The Authors. Journal of Biophotonics published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Ordered mesoporous crystalline frameworks (MCFs), which possess both functional frameworks and well-defined porosity, receive considerable attention because of their unique properties including high surface areas, large pore sizes, tailored porous structures, and compositions. Construction of novel crystalline mesoporous architectures that allows for rich accessible active sites and efficient mass transfer is envisaged to offer ample opportunities for potential energy-related applications. In this review, the rational synthesis, unique structures, and energy applications of MCFs are the main focus. After summarizing the synthetic approaches, an emphasis is placed on the delicate control of crystallites, mesophases, and nano-architectures by concluding basic principles and showing representative examples. Afterward, the currently fabricated components of MCFs such as metals, metal oxides, metal sulfides, and metal-organic frameworks are described in sequence. Further, typical applications of MCFs in rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, electrocatalysis, and photocatalysis are highlighted. This review ends with the possible development and synthetic challenges of MCFs as well as a future prospect for high-efficiency energy applications, which underscores a pathway for developing advanced materials., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)