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BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION Ginkgo biloba seeds (GBS) are rich in flavonoids, proteins and reducing sugar, and have been consumed as food and medicinal nuts for thousands of years. However, the presence of ginkgotoxins and their poor palatability limit people's consumption of them.This study used solid‐state fermentation with Bacillus subtilis natto and Lactobacillus plantarum to enhance the safety and benefits of GBS. Optimized fermentation conditions increased the content of beneficial components like total flavonoids, soluble protein and reducing sugar while eliminating unpleasant odors (isoamyl aldehyde and hexanal) and reducing the toxin 4′‐O‐methylpyridoxine by 91.17%. Fermentation of GBS powder can significantly enhance its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities in vitro (P < 0.001). Furthermore, it exhibits a dose‐dependent effect within a certain concentration range. Mixed fermentation (FBnLp) was evaluated for its effects on obesity and metabolic syndrome in mice fed a high‐fat diet. FBnLp significantly reduced body and liver weight gain, prevented dyslipidemia and decreased inflammatory and oxidative stress compared to unfermented GBS. Histological analysis showed that FBnLp improved liver health by reducing fat accumulation and preventing non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Meanwhile, it was found that feeding FBnLp increased the expression of CPT‐1α, which regulates energy expenditure and fat breakdown, and downregulated the expression of SREBP‐1c, FAS and ACC, which regulate fat synthesis.This research provides new insights and technological support for the application and development of FBnLp as a functional product, addressing key issues in its use and industry growth. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticancer chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide (CTX) is accompanied by toxic side effects such as bone marrow suppression and intestinal mucosal injury, which seriously affects the treatment tolerance and prognosis of patients. In recent years, polysaccharides have been used as detoxifying and synergistic adjuncts for antitumor drugs due to their anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory activities. This paper systematically summarizes polysaccharide purification technologies, elaborates on the detoxification mechanism of polysaccharides on CTX from multiple perspectives such as immunomodulation, antioxidation, intestinal protection, liver and kidney protection, and reproductive system protection, and discusses the synergistic effect of polysaccharides with CTX by directly or indirectly killing tumors. Furthermore, the regulatory pathways of polysaccharides in cancer chemotherapy are summarized from two aspects: toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement. We hope that this review could provide a reference for research on the mechanism of action of polysaccharides in reducing the toxicity and enhancing the efficacy of CTX, and provide new directions for reducing the toxic side effects of CTX.

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: To develop an approach to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer using one platform for fusion biopsy, followed by focal gland ablation utilizing permanent prostate brachytherapy with and without a rectal spacer. Material and methods: Prostate phantoms containing multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) regions of interest (ROI) underwent fusion biopsy, followed by image co-registration of positive sites to a treatment planning brachytherapy program. A partial hemi-ablation and both posterior lobes using a Mick applicator and linked stranded seeds were simulated. Dummy sources were modeled as iodine-125 (125I) with a prescribed dose of at least 210 Gy to gross tumor (GTV) and clinical target volume (CTV), as defined by mpMRI visible ROI and surrounding negative biopsy sites. Computer tomograms (CT) were performed post-implant prior to and after rectal spacer insertion. Different prostate and rectal constraints were compared with and without the spacer. Results: The intra-operative focal volumes of CTV ranged from 6.2 to 14.9 cc (mean, 11.3 cc), and the ratio of focal volume/whole prostate volume ranged between 0.19 and 0.42 (mean, 0.31). The intra- and post-operative mean focal D90 of GTV, CTV, and for the entire prostate gland was 265 Gy and 235 Gy, 214 Gy and 213 Gy, and 66.1 Gy and 57 Gy, respectively. On average, 13 mm separation was achieved between the prostate and the rectum (range, 12-14 mm) on post-operative CT. The mean doses in Gy to 2 cc of the rectum (D2cc) without spacer vs. with spacer were 39.8 Gy vs. 32.6 Gy, respectively. Conclusions: Doses above 200 Gy and the implantation of seeds in clinically significant region for focal therapy in phantoms are feasible. All rectal dosimetric parameters improved for the spacer implants, as compared with the nonspacer implants. Further validation of this concept is warranted in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A great deal of attention has been paid to the toxicology of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) to wastewater anaerobic digestion, but few studies have assessed how to reduce their toxic effects. In this study, different dosages of granular activated carbon (GAC) were added into ZnO NPs-bearing wastewater anaerobic digestion system. It was found that although the extracellular polymeric substances resistance, which had been impaired by ZnO NPs, could not be recovered by GAC, the suppressed methane yield was greatly enhanced by promoting the conversions of butyrate and acetate into methane. GAC of 10, 20 and 30 g/L enhanced the methane yield to 69%, 79% and 97% from 42% of the control inhibited by 100 mg/L ZnO NPs. This was mainly because the adsorption of GAC could weaken the effective contact between ZnO NPs and microbes, and also adsorb some released Zn2+ that has contributed primarily to ZnO NPs toxicology. The reduced toxicity of ZnO NPs was attributed to the enrichment of the tolerant hydrogenotrophic methanogens and the direct interspecies electron transfer-linking partners of Methanosarcina with Geobacter/Syntrophomonas. These syntrophic partners potentially used GAC as a conduit to transfer electrons for methane production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study captures the precipitation synthesis of zinc nanoparticles and modification with alumina and oleic acid. The crystalline size evaluated from the XRD profile of the zinc oxide nanoparticles was 18.05 nm but was reduced to 14.20 and 14.50 nm upon modification with oleic acid and alumina. The XRD spectra also showed evidence of the amorphous nature of zinc oxide nanoparticles and subsequent enhancement upon modification. A porous appearance was observed in the SEM instrumentation but seems to be enhanced by modification. The FTIR absorption spectra of the nanoparticles showed a peak associated with ZnO vibration around 449 cm, but the enhanced intensity was observed due to modification. The prepared ZnO-NPs and the modified samples were good materials for the adsorption removal of glyphosate from water, recording efficiencies above 94% at neutral pH and showing a possible incremental trend with an enhanced period of contact and adsorbent dosage. The adsorbents showed maximum capacity that ranged from 82.85 to 82. 97 mg/g. The adsorption models of Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin–Radushkevich and BET showed excellent fitness. Results from computational results complemented experimental data and were used to identify the sites for adsorption and characteristics of molecular descriptors for the systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microalgae-based system attracts more attention in wastewater treatment for high quality effluent, low carbon emission, and resource utilization. Light is the key factor for algae growth, but the light masking in sewage will cause low efficiency of the system. This study designed laboratory scale experiments with Chlorella to investigate the influence of cerium on the nutrient removal by algae wastewater treatment system under different light intensities. The best removal rates of NH4-N, TP, and COD were 72.43%, 88.87%, and 68.08% under 50 µmol/(m 2·s) light intensity and 1 mg/L Ce. Low concentration of Ce could activate protein synthesis, electron transfer, and antioxidase, while excessive Ce might cause toxicity which could be relieved by strong light for energy supply and further activating superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Comparing to other similar experiences, this system reached an equal or greater performance on nutrients removal with better efficiency in light utilization. It might provide a new idea for microalgae-based system development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Celastrol, extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, is one of the most promising natural extract for cancer treatment. Nevertheless, insufficient tumor retention and severe systemic toxicity still hinder its application. Herein, we report for the first time that Celastrol can directly self-assemble into size-controllable nanoparticles through the anti-solvent method by using different good solvent or by the variation of Celastrol concentrations. In vitro anti-cancer experiment revealed that the as-prepared nanoparticles can kill MCF-7 cells more effectively. Moreover, the nanoparticles can efficiently accumulate in tumors of the tumor bearing mice after tail vein injection. Under the administration of lethal dosage of Celastrol, the tumors are greatly suppressed and the mice maintain the activity. These results demonstrate that anti-solvent method may be a promising strategy to fabricate Celastrol nano-drugs with controllable size and less systemic toxicity for further clinical cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of single and binary azo dyes, as well as the effect of the circuit connection, aeration, and plant on the performance of UFCW-MFC, were explored in this study. The decolorization efficiency of Remazol Yellow FG (RY) (single dye: 98.2 %; binary dye: 92.3 %) was higher than Reactive Black 5 (RB5) (single: 92.3 %; binary: 86.7 %), which could be due to monoazo dye (RY) requiring fewer electrons to break the azo bond compared to the diazo dye (RB5). In contrast, the higher decolorization rate of RB5 in binary dye indicated the removal rate was affected by the electron-withdrawing groups in the dye structure. The closed circuit enhanced about 2% of color and 4% of COD removal. Aeration improved the COD removal by 6%, which could be contributed by the mineralization of intermediates. The toxicity of azo dyes was reduced by 11–26% and the degradation pathways were proposed. The dye removal by the plants was increased with a higher contact time. RB5 was more favorable to be uptook by the plant as RB5 holds a higher partial positive charge. 127.39 (RY), 125.82 (RB5), and 58.66 mW/m3 (binary) of maximum power density were generated. The lower power production in treating the binary dye could be due to more electrons being utilized for the degradation of higher dye concentration. Overall, the UFCW-MFC operated in a closed circuit, aerated, and planted conditions achieved the optimum performance in treating binary azo dyes containing wastewater (dye: 87–92%; COD: 91%) compared to the other conditions (dye: 83–92%; COD: 78–87%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a laboratory-scale zero-valent iron (ZVI)-enhanced hydrolytic acidification system was established to treat the comprehensive wastewater from Nanjing Jiangbei New Material Science Technology Park. Results indicated that the ZVI-enhanced hydrolytic acidification system achieved a maximum COD removal efficiency of 95.0 %, surpassing the performance of the system without ZVI by 12.2 %. Microbial community analysis revealed the enrichment of electrogenic bacterium Bacteroidetes_vadinHA17 and typical hydrogenotrophic methanogen Methanobacterium due to ZVI addition. High-throughput sequencing combined with PICRUSt2 analysis demonstrated acetate production was promoted, and butyrate and propionate production was inhibited. Additionally, Oxygen Uptake Rate-based toxicity assays revealed the hydrolytic acidification system transitioned the wastewater of three enterprises from low toxicity to non-toxic status and two from high to low toxicity. While the ZVI-enhanced hydrolytic acidification system successfully reduced the toxicity of all highly and low toxic wastewaters to non-toxic levels. [Display omitted] • ZVI-enhanced system achieved 95.0 % COD removal, outperforming non-ZVI system by 12.2 %. • Enriched electrogenic bacterium Bacteroidetes_vadinHA17 and MPA due to ZVI. • Enhanced acetoclastic, hydrogenotrophic, and methylotrophic methanogenesis pathways. • ZVI-enhanced system successfully transferred all toxic wastewaters to non-toxic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1) is a pre-carcinogenic molecule produced by toxigenic fungi and is widely harmful to public health. Algae extracts are sub-cellular pilot plants rich in bioactive substances that aid detoxification. This study aimed to reduce AFB 1 -toxicity in biological tissues of administrated rats using two algae extracts, Spirulina (SPR) and Amphora (AMR). Algae extracts were prepared using an aqueous system, concentrated, and lyophilized before being administrated to rats. The extract contents of total phenolic and flavonoids were determined to indicate their bioactive content and antioxidant potency. The animal experiment was designed in 8 groups as the control negative and control positive (AFB 1 ; 20 μg/kg BW/day); groups 3 and 4 were designed for control positive of algae applied at high doses for toxicity evaluation. Otherwise, four groups were classified as G5 and G6 for rats administrated by AFB 1, followed by 50 and 100 mg/kg Spirulina extract, respectively. The G7 and G8 were administrated with an AFB1 dose followed by amphora treatment at 50 and 100 mg extract/kg, respectively. The results showed a significant content of algae extracts of phenolic compounds (27.36 ± 1.75 and 39.55 ± 1.14 mg GAE/g DW for the SPR and AMR, respectively), with a valuable antioxidant activity. For rats treated only with the SPR or AMR extracts, no tissue changes were recorded for the liver, kidney, pancreas, or testis. Again, the biochemical parameters of these groups are recorded without harmful impacts, particularly for the tumor markers of AFP, TNF-α, CEA, and ALP. Once more, a higher extract concentration was more effective in AFB 1 -toxicity reduction, particularly for the SPR on the liver and kidney tissues. The SPR extract manifested a protective impact in sensitive tissue against the AFB 1 effect, particularly in the testis. The results recommend the application of SPR extract at 100 mg/kg bw as an effective treatment for AFB 1 -toxicity regulation (as pharmaceutical or nutraceutical) involved in daily habits. [Display omitted] • Bioactive compounds with anti-carcinogenic potential are abundant & sustainable in algae. • Spirulina and Amphora extracts are safe up to 100 mg/kg in rats' models. • Biochemical and tissue changes regarding AFB 1 -exposure significantly enhanced using high algae doses. • No liver, kidney, pancreas, or testis changes were recorded in AFB 1 -rats treated by extracts. • A 50 mg/kg less effective than 100 mg extract/kg in anti-aflatoxigenic impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Organic and inorganic OBPs were formed during electrochemical oxidation of wastewater. • Wastewater (Cl-, organic matter) and anode ((non)active) types affect OBPs formation. • Optimizing operate parameters (acidic pH and low current) can reduce OBPs formation. • Quenching free chlorine and developing chlorine-inert anode minimize OBPs formation. • The formed OBPs can be post-treated by electrochemical or microbial reduction. Electrochemical oxidation (EO) is an emerging technology for treating recalcitrant wastewater owing to its high efficiency and mild operational conditions. However, the formation of toxic oxidation byproducts (OBPs) poses a great challenge in EO applications. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of OBPs formation and potential control strategies, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Correlation analyses reveal that the concentrations of Cl- and types of organic matter have significant effects on organic OBPs formation, while electrode materials influence inorganic OBPs formation. Some experiences learned from disinfection byproducts could help better understand OBP toxicity and develop potential removal methods. OBPs may be controlled through minimizing OBPs formation or post-treatment of the formed OBPs. Both acidic pH and lower current density help mitigate OBPs production. Free chlorine can be quenched through electrochemically generated H 2 O 2 to decrease OBPs formation. Chlorine-inert anode electrodes like graphene-based materials are being developed to achieve efficient EO performance without OBPs formation. Post-treatment technologies include electrochemical reduction and microbial reduction, which can be synergistically integrated with EO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the underlying drug enhancement mechanisms of the Chuanwu (Aconiti Radix) and Huangqi (Astragali Radix) combination and toxicity reduction of Chuanwu combined with Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) in Wutou Decoction (乌头汤, WTD), and to elucidate the compatibility principle. Methods: The active compounds and potential effective targets of the selected combinations were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Traditional Chinese Medicines Integrated Database (TCMID). The toxicity of Chuanwu (Aconiti Radix) was investigated by selecting all five toxic compounds from the literature and the TCMSP database, and obtaining their targets through SwissTargetPrediction. Targets related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were searched using DisGeNET, GenCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). Mutual targets between the drug pairs and RA were selected as potential RA therapy targets. The medicinally active compound-target network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.0. Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) platform. Results: We obtained 191 active compound targets for Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), 171 for Huangqi (Astragali Radix), and 103 for Chuanwu (Radix Aconiti) (hypoaconitine’s target was obtained through literature and SwissTargetPrediction). A total of 5872 genes were obtained for RA. A drug-active compound-target network involving 13 effect-enhancing and nine toxicity reduction targets was constructed. PGR was the main effect enhancement target, and KCNH2 was the main toxicity reduction target. The effect-enhancing targets were related to 23 GO terms (such as positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, steroid hormone-mediated signaling pathway, plasma membrane, and protein binding) (P

Water pollution is one of the major challenges and is of serious concern in the world. Toxicities generated by industrial activities severely deteriorate aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems during their uncontrolled discharge and accentuate water scarcity problems. An adequate treatment of released effluents seems to be mandatory. This study investigated the effect of synthetic textile wastewater (STWW) before and after an innovative algal–bacterial treatment occurred under anoxic–aerobic conditions on growth and mineral contents of radish plants. The health risk assessment was performed after the consumption of irrigated plants by rats. Results revealed a significant reduction in heavy metals content in plants irrigated with treated STWW, and rats fed with these plants showed normal health status. Rats fed with plants irrigated with raw STWW showed a disturbance of their homeostasis. The innovative treatment using algal–bacteria under anoxic–aerobic conditions succeeds to reduce the toxicity of raw STWW and provide an alternative water resource able to tackle water shortage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Gold nanorods (GNRs) have a broad application prospect in biomedical fields because of their unique properties and controllable surface modification. The element aurum (Au) with high atomic number (high-Z) render GNRs ideal radiosensitive materials for radiation therapy and computed tomography (CT) imaging. Besides, GNRs have the capability of efficiently converting light energy to heat in the near-infrared (NIR) region for photothermal therapy. Although there are more and more researches on GNRs for radiation therapy, how to improve their biocompatibility and how to efficiently utilize them for radiation therapy should be further studied. This review will focuse on the research progress regarding the preparation and toxicity reduction of GNRs, as well as GNRs-mediated radiation therapy. Graphical Abstract

The purpose of this paper lies in the preparation and utilization of phenolic resin hollow microspheres to enhance the induced carbonization performance of polymer materials and endow higher fire safety. PHM (phenolic resin hollow microspheres), CPHM (carbonized phenolic resin hollow microspheres), and CAPHM (carbonized phosphorylated phenolic resin hollow microspheres) were used as fillers in thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer. With the incorporation of 4 wt.% CPHM, as compared to pure TPU, the peak heat release rate (pHRR), total smoke release (TSR), and the peak CO release rates are decreased by 64.4%, 37.9%, and 86.2%, respectively. Simultaneous enhancement in flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and toxicity reduction is attributed to the formation of a compact residual layer in the polymer matrix, which significantly retards the dispersion of combustible gas, smoke particles, and toxic gas from the underlying substrate. Such outstanding characteristics make carbon microspheres a promising candidate for high fire safety polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, phenolic resin hollow microspheres (PHM) were prepared using in-situ polymerization and used as flame-retardants for TPU. The structure and composition of PHM were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The potential of PHM as flame retardant was verified by thermogravimetric analysis (TG). Then, the flame retardancy and toxicity reduction of PHM in TPU/PHM composites were verified by cone calorimeter test (CCT) and Thermogravimetric Analysis-infrared Spectrometry (TG-IR). It has been found that comparing TPU/PHM-4 sample containing 4.0 wt% PHM with pure TPU, the peak heat release rate (pHRR) was reduced by 61.6%, the total smoke release (TSR) by 23.2%, and the CO production by 86.2%, respectively. The SEM, Laser Raman Spectroscopy Test (LRS), and other tests were carried out to test the char residues after CCT, and the mechanism of PHM in the process of flame retardant TPU was reasonably deduced. In a word, PHM is very effective as a flame retardant of TPU.

The purpose of this study was to illustrate the mechanism of “enzyme inactivation and toxicity reduction” of Fructus Tribuli (FT) after being heating processed. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was used to quantitatively analyze the contents of four steroidal saponins in crude Fructus Tribuli (CFT) and stir-fried Fructus Tribuli (SFT) under different storage times at room temperature. The enzyme activity of β-D-glucosidase in CFT and SFT were determined and calculated by ultraviolet–visible spectrometry (UV-VIS spectrometry). In addition, the enzyme hydrolysates of FOT and tribuluside A were qualitatively analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadruple-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS). The hepatorenal toxicity of spirostanol saponins in FT were further confirmed by in vivo and in vitro experiment. This study confirmed that “enzyme inactivation and toxicity reduction” was one of the reasons why the stir-frying can reduce hepatorenal toxicity of FT, and further enriched the exploration on the mechanism of processing toxicity reduction.

Gold nanomaterials (Au NMs) have been widely used in cosmetic products for improving the brightening, and reducing the wrinkling of, skin, etc.; however, the dermal safety of Au NMs is rarely concerned. A previous study found that cosmetics could enhance the toxicity of Au nanosheets, but different physicochemical properties of Au NMs will induce different interaction modes with ingredients of cosmetics, potentially leading to different toxicity profiles. In the present study, spherical and rodlike Au NMs were first found in commercial cosmetics, and then Au nanospheres (NSs) with different sizes and Au nanorods (NRs) with different aspect ratios were prepared to simulate these Au NMs in cosmetics and further investigate their toxicity before and after embedment in cosmetics. It was found that the primary sizes, morphologies, and optical absorptions of these Au NSs and NRs before and after embedment were similar; however, their hydrodynamic sizes and zeta potentials were noticeably different. Then, these Au NSs and NRs presented weak or no cytotoxicity against HaCaT keratinocytes, while cosmetic cream could alleviate their cytotoxicity. Moreover, the cream could enhance the accumulation of Au NSs and NRs in the skin of hairless mice, but it also alleviated the toxicological responses of Au NSs and NRs in terms of superoxide dismutase (SOD) elevation and malondialdehyde (MDA) reduction. Therefore, the embedment of Au NSs and NRs into cosmetics can alleviate the in vitro and in vivo dermal toxicities of Au NSs and NRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluations of field sites containing multiple contaminants are commonly impacted by ammonia from anthropogenic and natural sources. Scientifically defensible lines of evidence regarding which contaminants cause toxicity inform management decisions. Methods are needed to isolate ammonia toxicity from other contaminant effects without the treatment confounding results. Treatment columns packed with zeolite remove ammonia, but loose powder cannot be recovered and can physically harm organisms. Solutions such as in situ bioassay cages containing resins or immobilizing zeolite in a non-toxic matrix are needed. This study employed 3D printable polylactic acid (PLA) to immobilize zeolite and enable on-demand customization of high surface area, deployable and retrievable structures. The impact of incorporating zeolite loadings (8–32% w/w) was investigated for relative efficacy. PLA–zeolite structures in ammonia-contaminated water indicated 24 h treatment reduced ammonia below toxic levels. To demonstrate efficacy for complex environmental samples, contaminated sediments were collected and used to prepare sediment–water slurries (elutriates) and analyzed for ammonia, metals and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) before and after treatment. The 32% zeolite composite reduced 44 mg/L ammonia-N by 74% (24 h) and 83% (48 h). Results indicated successful treatment of sediment elutriates by 3D printed PLA–zeolite in bioassay chambers, based on reduced toxicity to Ceriodaphnia dubia. The study provides evidence that in situ PLA–zeolite treatment did not alter metals or PAH concentrations, which is desirable for ammonia-specific toxicity reduction evaluations of complex samples. This technology is applicable to adsorption of other chemicals by integration of different adsorbent powders into printable polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, breast cancer has become a major killer threatening women's health. MET is a receptor tyrosine kinase that upon binding of its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor, activates downstream pathways with diverse cellular functions which are important in the occurrence and development of breast cancer. Crizotinib (Cro) is a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting ALK gene recombination, MET gene amplification and ROS gene. Although Cro has the ideal treatment for breast cancer, Cro has stronger hepatotoxicity and lacks targeting capacity to the tumor cell, which limited Cro to effectively therapy breast cancer. In this study, we develop a novel prodrug micelle through polymerization reaction polymerizing Cro onto the chain to form POEG-b-PCro prodrug micelles, in which the drug loading capacity of Cro was significantly increased to improve the cumulant of the tumor. Pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies illustrated that POEG-b-PCro prodrug micelles had a significant effect by improving Cro content in the tumor. Meanwhile, the antitumor mechanism of POEG-b-PCro prodrug micelles proved that POEG-b-PCro prodrug micelles had a stronger effect by reducing negative regulatory proteins. POEG-b-PCro prodrug micelles had splendid safety through safety study in vivo to account for POEG-b-PCro prodrug micelles. Therefore, POEG-b-PCro prodrug micelles are a promising drug delivery strategy for reducing toxicity and enhancing the efficacy of Cro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urgent intervention is required to improve the 5 year survival rate of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). While the four-drug regimen, FOLFIRINOX (comprising irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and leucovorin), has a better survival outcome than the more frequently used gemcitabine, the former treatment platform is highly toxic and restricted for use in patients with good performance status. Since irinotecan contributes significantly to FOLFIRINOX toxicity (bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract), our aim was to reduce the toxicity of this drug by a custom-designed mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSNP) platform, which uses a proton gradient for high-dose irinotecan loading across a coated lipid bilayer (LB). The improved stability of the LB-coated MSNP (LB-MSNP) carrier allowed less drug leakage systemically with increased drug concentrations at the tumor sites of an orthotopic Kras-derived PDAC model compared to liposomes. The LB-MSNP nanocarrier was also more efficient for treating tumor metastases. Equally important, the reduced leakage and slower rate of drug release by the LB-MSNP carrier dramatically reduced the rate of bone marrow, gastrointestinal, and liver toxicity compared to the liposomal carrier. We propose that the combination of high efficacy and reduced toxicity by the LB-MSNP carrier could facilitate the use of irinotecan as a first-line therapeutic to improve PDAC survival.

This article mainly studied novel hollow carbon microspheres modified with molybdenum compounds for flame retardancy and toxicity reduction in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer. The structure of hollow carbon spheres (HCS) was investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy‐energy‐dispersive spectrometer, respectively. The specific molybdenum compounds on the surface of HCS were further investigated by X‐ray diffraction. The flame retardancy and toxicity reduction of hollow carbon microsphere in TPU composites were studied by cone calorimeter, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and so forth. The result shows that HCS modified by molybdenum compounds (MOH) can reduce fire hazards and toxic release of TPU during combustion. For example, under the same load, the peak heat release rate of TPU/MOH composite decreased by 63.39%, that of TPU composite prepared by modified HCS with ammonium molybdate (TPU/AMH) decreased by 52.89%, and that of TPU composite prepared by introducing acidulated carbonized HCS (TPU/CAH) decreased by 40.73%, compared with that of pure TPU. The peak smoke production rate (pSPR), peak carbon monoxide production (pCOP), and peak carbon dioxide production (pCO2P) of TPU/MOH composite decreased by 52.34%, 72.4%, and 68.3%, respectively. Therefore, there is a novel strategy to incorporate modified HCS to TPU, facilitating its widely promising applications in TPU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanorods (GNRs) have a broad application prospect in biomedical fields because of their unique properties and controllable surface modification. The element aurum (Au) with high atomic number (high-Z) render GNRs ideal radiosensitive materials for radiation therapy and computed tomography (CT) imaging. Besides, GNRs have the capability of efficiently converting light energy to heat in the near-infrared (NIR) region for photothermal therapy. Although there are more and more researches on GNRs for radiation therapy, how to improve their biocompatibility and how to efficiently utilize them for radiation therapy should be further studied. This review will focuse on the research progress regarding the preparation and toxicity reduction of GNRs, as well as GNRs-mediated radiation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of agricultural soil with cadmium (Cd) has become a global concern because of its adverse effects on ecohealth and food safety. Soil amendment with biochar has become one of the phytotechnologies to reduce soil metal phyto‐availability and its potential risks along the food chain. Biochar, derived from cocoa pod, was evaluated in soil Cd fractions (exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable, and residual) by modified Commission of the European Communities Bureau of Reference sequential extraction and its efficacy to ameliorate Cd toxicity to soil enzymes and leaf bioactive compounds. A pot experiment was conducted using Cd‐spiked soil at 10 mg/kg with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) at a biochar application rate of 1 and 3% (w/w) for 6 wk. The addition of biochar significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the exchangeable, reducible, and residual fractions by at least approximately 23%, with a consequential decrease in Cd root uptake and transport within tomato tissues. The activity of soil enzymes (catalase, dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and urease) was affected by Cd toxicity. However, with the exception of dehydrogenase, biochar application significantly enhanced the activity of these enzymes, especially at the 3% (w/w) rate. As for the secondary metabolites we studied, Cd toxicity was observed for glutathione, terpenoids, and total phenols. However, the biochar application rate of 1% (w/w) significantly ameliorated the effects of toxicity on the secondary metabolites. In conclusion, biochar demonstrated the potential to act as a soil amendment for Cd immobilization and thereby reduce the bioavailability of Cd in soil, mitigating food security risks. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3306–3316. © 2020 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Asian Journals of Ecotoxicology is the property of Gai Kan Bian Wei Hui and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this paper, phenolic resin hollow microspheres (PHM) were prepared using in-situ polymerization and used as flame-retardants for TPU. The structure and composition of PHM were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The potential of PHM as flame retardant was verified by thermogravimetric analysis (TG). Then, the flame retardancy and toxicity reduction of PHM in TPU/PHM composites were verified by cone calorimeter test (CCT) and Thermogravimetric Analysis-infrared Spectrometry (TG-IR). It has been found that comparing TPU/PHM-4 sample containing 4.0 wt% PHM with pure TPU, the peak heat release rate (pHRR) was reduced by 61.6%, the total smoke release (TSR) by 23.2%, and the CO production by 86.2%, respectively. The SEM, Laser Raman Spectroscopy Test (LRS), and other tests were carried out to test the char residues after CCT, and the mechanism of PHM in the process of flame retardant TPU was reasonably deduced. In a word, PHM is very effective as a flame retardant of TPU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancers of the head and neck region often present with nodal involvement. There is a long‐standing convention within the community of head and neck radiation oncology to irradiate both sides of the neck electively in almost all cases to include both macroscopic and microscopic disease extension (so called elective nodal volume). International guidelines for the selection and delineation of the elective lymph nodes were published in the early 2000s and were updated recently. However, diagnostic imaging techniques have improved the accuracy and reliability of nodal staging and as a result, small metastases that used to remain undetected and were thus in the past included in the elective nodal volume, will now be included in high‐dose volumes. Furthermore, the elective nodal areas are situated close to the parotid glands, the submandibular glands and the swallowing muscles. Therefore, irradiation of a smaller, more selected volume of the elective nodes could reduce treatment‐related toxicity. Several researchers consider the current bilateral elective neck irradiation strategies an overtreatment and show growing interest in a unilateral nodal irradiation in selected patients. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the current evidence about the indications and benefits of unilateral nodal irradiation and the use of SPECT/CT‐guided nodal irradiation in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrite-containing wastewater poses an imminent threat to both human health and ecosystems. Conventional methods like nitrification and denitrification rely heavily on chemical reagents, while emerging membrane separation has limitations in permselectivity. Here, a conductive membrane with both electroresponsive and electrocatalytic capabilities was developed by integrating Keggin-type polyoxometalates (POMs) through combining layer-by-layer self-assembly and interfacial polymerization. The pore size of the membranes remained largely unaffected by an electric field, but its Donnan effect was significantly enhanced, leading to a substantial increase in nitrite removal from 23.1% to an impressive 81%. Nitrite underwent a reductive degradation at the cathode, producing nitrogen-containing gases (8.3%), while oxidation at the anode yielded hypotoxic NO 3 − (11.3%), respectively exhibiting 79.9% rejection of NO 2 − and 83.1% rejection of NO 3 − under the electric field-enhanced Donnan effect. Therefore, the high-level total nitrogen removal was composed of three key components: 64.2% from direct NO 2 − rejection, 9.4% from oxidation-generated NO 3 − rejection, and 7.4% attributed to gas generation. Significantly, our work underscored the consistently robust structural stability of the POMs-based membrane under an electric field, maintaining an outstanding total nitrogen removal exceeding 75%. Consequently, this research introduced a promising electrochemical-membrane fusion approach for efficiently removing high-activity nitrite-containing wastewater, emphasizing the potential for environmental applications. [Display omitted] • A novel conductive POMs-based membrane was developed by LBL and IP techniques. • Electric field enhanced Donnan and catalytic effects, achieving 81% NO 2 − removal. • At the anode, NO 2 − can be partly oxidized to NO 3 −, reducing the toxicity. • At the cathode, NO 2 − can be partly reduced to gases, contributing to NO 2 − removal. • The membrane exhibited remarkable stability over a continuous 60-h operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the demand for advanced purification of industrial secondary effluent, a new method has been developed for treating chlorophenol wastewater using the novel ceramsite-based Ti/SnO 2 –Sb particle electrodes (Ti/SnO 2 –Sb/CB) enhanced electrocatalytic denitrification biofilter (EDNBF-P) to achieve removal of chlorophenols (CPs), denitrification, and reduction of effluent toxicity. The results showed that significantly improved CPs and TN removal efficiency at low COD/N compared to conventional denitrification biofilter, with CPs removal rates increasing by 0.33%–59.27% and TN removal rates increasing by 12.53%–38.92%. Under the conditions of HRT = 2h, 3V voltage, charging times = 12h, and 25 °C, the concentrations of the CPs in the effluent of EDNBF-P were all below 1 mg/L, the TN concentration was below 15 mg/L, while the effluent toxicity reached the low toxicity level. Additionally, the Ti/SnO 2 –Sb/CB particle electrodes effectively alleviated the accumulation of NO 2 −-N caused by applied voltage. The Silanimonas, Pseudomonas and Rhodobacter was identified as the core microorganism for denitrification and toxicity reduction. This study validated that EDNBF-P could achieve synergistic treatment of CPs and TN through electrocatalysis and microbial degradation, providing a methodological support for achieving advanced purification of chlorophenol wastewater with low COD/N in industrial applications. [Display omitted] • Ceramsite-based Ti/SnO 2 –Sb was prepared as novel particle electrodes. • Particle electrodes mitigate NO 2 −-N accumulation induced by applied voltage. • EDNBF-P removed 72.48%–88.73% chlorophenols and reduced effluent acute toxicity. • Silanimonas , Pseudomonas and Rhodobacter were the core functional bacteria. • Synergy of electrocatalysis and microbial degradation was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanomaterials (Au NMs) have been widely used in cosmetic products for improving the brightening, and reducing the wrinkling of, skin, etc.; however, the dermal safety of Au NMs is rarely concerned. A previous study found that cosmetics could enhance the toxicity of Au nanosheets, but different physicochemical properties of Au NMs will induce different interaction modes with ingredients of cosmetics, potentially leading to different toxicity profiles. In the present study, spherical and rodlike Au NMs were first found in commercial cosmetics, and then Au nanospheres (NSs) with different sizes and Au nanorods (NRs) with different aspect ratios were prepared to simulate these Au NMs in cosmetics and further investigate their toxicity before and after embedment in cosmetics. It was found that the primary sizes, morphologies, and optical absorptions of these Au NSs and NRs before and after embedment were similar; however, their hydrodynamic sizes and zeta potentials were noticeably different. Then, these Au NSs and NRs presented weak or no cytotoxicity against HaCaT keratinocytes, while cosmetic cream could alleviate their cytotoxicity. Moreover, the cream could enhance the accumulation of Au NSs and NRs in the skin of hairless mice, but it also alleviated the toxicological responses of Au NSs and NRs in terms of superoxide dismutase (SOD) elevation and malondialdehyde (MDA) reduction. Therefore, the embedment of Au NSs and NRs into cosmetics can alleviate the in vitro and in vivo dermal toxicities of Au NSs and NRs.

In response to the demand for advanced purification of industrial secondary effluent, a new method has been developed for treating chlorophenol wastewater using the novel ceramsite-based Ti/SnO 2 -Sb particle electrodes (Ti/SnO 2 -Sb/CB) enhanced electrocatalytic denitrification biofilter (EDNBF-P) to achieve removal of chlorophenols (CPs), denitrification, and reduction of effluent toxicity. The results showed that significantly improved CPs and TN removal efficiency at low COD/N compared to conventional denitrification biofilter, with CPs removal rates increasing by 0.33%-59.27% and TN removal rates increasing by 12.53%-38.92%. Under the conditions of HRT = 2h, 3V voltage, charging times = 12h, and 25 °C, the concentrations of the CPs in the effluent of EDNBF-P were all below 1 mg/L, the TN concentration was below 15 mg/L, while the effluent toxicity reached the low toxicity level. Additionally, the Ti/SnO 2 -Sb/CB particle electrodes effectively alleviated the accumulation of NO 2 -N caused by applied voltage. The Silanimonas, Pseudomonas and Rhodobacter was identified as the core microorganism for denitrification and toxicity reduction. This study validated that EDNBF-P could achieve synergistic treatment of CPs and TN through electrocatalysis and microbial degradation, providing a methodological support for achieving advanced purification of chlorophenol wastewater with low COD/N in industrial applications.- -N caused by applied voltage. The Silanimonas, Pseudomonas and Rhodobacter was identified as the core microorganism for denitrification and toxicity reduction. This study validated that EDNBF-P could achieve synergistic treatment of CPs and TN through electrocatalysis and microbial degradation, providing a methodological support for achieving advanced purification of chlorophenol wastewater with low COD/N in industrial applications., 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 © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Dyeing wastewater has become a serious pollution problem and anaerobic digestion technology and membrane bioreactor technology(MBR)have been widely used in environmental protection. In order to evaluate the environmental risk of dyeing wastewater discharge, the acute toxicity and developmental toxicity of the dyeing wastewater after digestion treatment and MBR treatment were measured with luminous bacteria, larvae and zebrafish embryos, and then the ability of the treatment process was evaluated. The results reveal that the digested wastewater showed strong toxicity to zebrafish and luminescent bacteria, while the effective toxicity(EC50)and larvae lethal concentration(LC50)of luminous bacteria were only 6.87% and 1.83% of wastewater, respectively, and the embryos development was suppressed by only 1.32%. Although the wastewater has been treated with membrane bioreactor(MBR), it still has high toxicity, the LC50 of the larvae is 74.54% of wastewater, but the development of embryos and luminescent bacteria has little effect. The results also reveal that zebrafish larvae are more sensitive to luminous bacteria than printing and dyeing wastewater. Finally, it mas found that the toxicity of the treated wastewater treated with the membrane bioreactor was higher than 90% based on the toxicity test. In short, the depth of treatment should be applied to the treatment of printing and dyeing wastewater or tail water recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fe-based catalysts typically undergo severe problems such as deactivation and Fe sludge emission during the peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation, which commonly leads to poor operation and secondary pollution. Herein, an S-doped Fe-based catalyst with a core-shell structure (Fe@C T , T = 1000°C) was synthesized, which can solve the above issues via the dynamic surface evolution during the reaction process. Specifically, the Fe0 on the surface of Fe@C 1000 could be consumed rapidly, leaving numerous pores; the Fe 3 C from the core would subsequently migrate to the surface of Fe@C 1000 , replenishing the consumed active Fe species. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses demonstrated that the reaction surface reconstructed during the PMS activation, which involved the FeIII in-situ reduction by S species as well as the depletion/replenishment of effective Fe species. The reconstructed Fe@C 1000 achieved near-zero Fe sludge emission (from 0.59 to 0.08–0.23 mg L−1) during 5 cycles and enabled the dynamic evolution of dominant reactive oxygen species (ROS) from SO 4 ·- to FeIV O, sustainably improving the oxidation capacity (80.0–92.5% in following four cycles) to ciprofloxacin (CIP) and reducing the toxicity of its intermediates. Additionally, the reconstructed Fe@C 1000 /PMS system exhibited robust resistance to complex water matrix. This study provides a theoretical guideline for exploring surface reconstruction on catalytic activity and broadens the application of Fe-based catalysts in the contaminants elimination. [Display omitted] • Surface reconstructed Fe@C catalysts supported durable CIP and toxicity reduction. • Reconstructed surface achieved near-zero Fe sludge emission by in-situ S reduction. • Reactive oxygen species transformed from SO 4 ˙- to FeIV=O in the reconstructed system. • Revealing the transformation of Fe species in the reconstructed surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of ZnO and ZNDO NPs was carried out via simple chemical precipitation. The synthesized ZnO and ZNDO NPs exhibit hexagonal wurtzite structures from the XRD patterns. In the FESEM analysis, the ZnO and ZNDO NPs formed spherical (stone-like) and nano (cauliflower) structures. The chemical composition was identified by EDX analysis. The PL spectrum identified the surface defects, such as zinc and oxygen vacancies. The ZnO and ZNDO acquire radical rummaging and antioxidant behaviors as estimated by DPPH free radicals, H 2 O 2 radicals, decreasing in power, and hydroxyl scavenging techniques. Our observations imply that ZnO and ZNDO were excellent platforms to scavenge the ROS, and there was a impressive prospective for the chemically created ZnO and ZNDO NPs as a source of antioxidants. From the hemolytic studies, Nd3+ ion ZnO NPs changed the material matrix to slow down the release of Zn2+ ion in the ZNDO NPs. It was indicated that the Nd3+ ion decreases the cytotoxicity of ZNDO compared to the ZnO NPs. Cytotoxicity analyses were carried out for ZnO and ZNDO NPs using health fibroblast (L929) cells; ZNDO NPs exhibit minimum toxicity compared to the ZnO NPs. Furthermore, the pixel perspective of the NPs through computer vision tools gave us the image-based surface morphology that correlates to the relevant toxicology studies. The customized pipeline of AI and computer vision curated algorithms such as autoencoder based data augmentation for sample size enhancement, roughness-induced porosity estimation, roughness metrics R a and R q , Edge density estimation using Sobel gradients were put forward to investigate the component's non-toxic behavior from a pixel perspective. [Display omitted] • Trivalent Nd3+ ions reduce the toxicity of ZnO NPs cauliflower-like structure. • Synthesis of ZnO and ZNDO NPs was carried out via simple chemical precipitation. • ZnO and ZNDO FE-SEM image analysis using computer vision and AI algorithms. • Investigation of toxicity using computer vision and AI image analysis of porosity, and roughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Van Hong Nguyen, Beom-Jin Lee Department of Pharmacy, Bioavailability Control Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea Abstract: After administration of nanoparticle (NP) into biological fluids, an NP–protein complex is formed, which represents the “true identity” of NP in our body. Hence, protein–NP interaction should be carefully investigated to predict and control the fate of NPs or drug-loaded NPs, including systemic circulation, biodistribution, and bioavailability. In this review, we mainly focus on the formation of protein corona and its potential applications in pharmaceutical sciences such as prediction modeling based on NP-adsorbed proteins, usage of active proteins for modifying NP to achieve toxicity reduction, circulation time enhancement, and targeting effect. Validated correlative models for NP biological responses mainly based on protein corona fingerprints of NPs are more highly accurate than the models solely set up from NP properties. Based on these models, effectiveness as well as the toxicity of NPs can be predicted without in vivo tests, while novel cell receptors could be identified from prominent proteins which play important key roles in the models. The ungoverned protein adsorption onto NPs may have generally negative effects such as rapid clearance from the bloodstream, hindrance of targeting capacity, and induction of toxicity. In contrast, controlling protein adsorption by modifying NPs with diverse functional proteins or tailoring appropriate NPs which favor selective endogenous peptides and proteins will bring promising therapeutic benefits in drug delivery and targeted cancer treatment. Keywords: protein-nanoparticle interaction, protein corona, exchange of adsorbed protein, toxicity reduction, predictive modeling, targeting drug delivery

The Fe-based catalysts typically undergo severe problems such as deactivation and Fe sludge emission during the peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation, which commonly leads to poor operation and secondary pollution. Herein, an S-doped Fe-based catalyst with a core-shell structure (Fe@C T , T = 1000°C) was synthesized, which can solve the above issues via the dynamic surface evolution during the reaction process. Specifically, the Fe 0 on the surface of Fe@C 1000 could be consumed rapidly, leaving numerous pores; the Fe 3 C from the core would subsequently migrate to the surface of Fe@C 1000 , replenishing the consumed active Fe species. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses demonstrated that the reaction surface reconstructed during the PMS activation, which involved the Fe III in-situ reduction by S species as well as the depletion/replenishment of effective Fe species. The reconstructed Fe@C 1000 achieved near-zero Fe sludge emission (from 0.59 to 0.08-0.23 mg L -1 ) during 5 cycles and enabled the dynamic evolution of dominant reactive oxygen species (ROS) from SO 4 ·- to Fe IV O, sustainably improving the oxidation capacity (80.0-92.5% in following four cycles) to ciprofloxacin (CIP) and reducing the toxicity of its intermediates. Additionally, the reconstructed Fe@C 1000 /PMS system exhibited robust resistance to complex water matrix. This study provides a theoretical guideline for exploring surface reconstruction on catalytic activity and broadens the application of Fe-based catalysts in the contaminants elimination., 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 © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Cancer causes a considerable amount of mortality in the world, while arthritis is an immunological dysregulation with multifactorial pathogenesis including genetic and environmental defects. Both conditions have inflammation as a part of their pathogenesis. Resistance to anticancer and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) happens frequently through the generation of energy-dependent transporters, which lead to the expulsion of cellular drug contents. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a bioactive molecule with anticancer as well as anti-inflammatory activities via the downregulation of several chemokines and cytokines. Nevertheless, the pharmacological importance and therapeutic feasibility of thymoquinone are underutilized due to intrinsic pharmacokinetics, including short half-life, inadequate biological stability, poor aqueous solubility, and low bioavailability. Owing to these pharmacokinetic limitations of TQ, nanoformulations have gained remarkable attention in recent years. Therefore, this compilation intends to critically analyze recent advancements in rheumatoid arthritis and cancer delivery of TQ. This literature search revealed that nanocarriers exhibit potential results in achieving targetability, maximizing drug internalization, as well as enhancing the anti-inflammatory and anticancer efficacy of TQ. Additionally, TQ-NPs (thymoquinone nanoparticles) as a therapeutic payload modulated autophagy as well as enhanced the potential of other drugs when given in combination. Moreover, nanoformulations improved pharmacokinetics, drug deposition, using EPR (enhanced permeability and retention) and receptor-mediated delivery, and enhanced anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. TQ’s potential to reduce metal toxicity, its clinical trials and patents have also been discussed.

Electro-oxidation (EO) by using graphite anode and at relatively low current densities was successfully applied for the degradation of commercial naphthenic acids (NAs) mixture in water samples. At current densities of 0.5, 2.5, and 5 mA/cm2, acid extractable fraction (AEF) was removed by 42.2%, 57.0% and 67.9%, respectively, while classical NAs were degraded by 76.9%, 77.6% and 82.4%, respectively. EO reactivity towards NAs increased with increasing the carbon number (n) and was higher for cyclic NAs compared to the acyclic component. Oxidized NAs containing O 3 and O 4 were also degraded effectively during EO. The biodegradability of organics in the NA mixture was clearly improved by 1.7, 2.5 and 2.7 folds when the samples were pre-treated with EO at current densities of 0.5, 2.5, and 5 mA/cm2, respectively. The aromatic fraction in the commercial NA mixture consisted mainly of single-ring aromatics and was degraded effectively by EO. Biodegradation alone was able to reduce the toxicity of the commercial NA mixture towards Vibrio fischeri ; however, the combination of EO with biodegradation resulted in a complete removal of the toxicity, showing a synergistic effect of combining these two processes. Coupling EO with aerobic biodegradation can result in an effective and energy-efficient treatment option for NA-bearing waters such as oil sands process water (OSPW) and refinery effluents. Unlabelled Image • EO by graphite anode effectively degraded NAs even at low current densities. • EO by graphite anode was more energy efficient for NAs degradation compared to ozonation. • The aromatic fraction in the commercial NA mixture was degraded effectively by EO. • EO enhanced the biodegradability of NAs and reduced the toxicity towards V. fischeri. • Combining EO with biodegradation eliminated the toxicity towards V. fischeri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversified nanosystems with tunable physicochemical attributes have emerged as potential solution to globally devastating cancer by offering novel possibilities for improving the techniques of cancer detection, imaging, therapies, diagnosis, drug delivery and treatment. Drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles (NPs) with ability of crossing different biological barriers are becoming increasingly popular. Besides, NPs are utilized in pharmaceutical sciences to mitigate the toxicity of conventional cancer therapeutics. However, significant NPs-associated toxicity, off-targeted activities, and low biocompatibility limit their utilization for cancer theranostics and can be hazardous to cancer patients up to life-threatening conditions. NPs interact with the biomolecules and disturb their regular function by aggregating inside cells and forming a protein corona, and the formulation turns ineffective in controlling cancer cell growth. The adverse interactions between NPs and biological entities can lead to life-threatening toxicities. This review focuses on the widespread use of various NPs including zinc oxide, titanium oxide, silver, and gold, which serve as efficient nano-vehicles and demonstrate notable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic advantages in cancer therapy. Subsequently, the mechanism of nanotoxicity attached with these NPs, alternate solutions and their prospect to revolutionize cancer theranostics are highlighted. This review will serve as guide for future developments associated with high-performance NPs with controlled toxicity for establishing them as modern-age nanotools to manage cancer in tailored manner. Graphical abstract of cancer nanotechnology. [Display omitted] • Focused on cancer treatment and toxicity outlook of nanoparticles. • Diversified nano systems with tunable physicochemical attributes emerged as potential solutions to globally devastating cancer. • Drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles with the ability of crossing different biological barriers are becoming increasingly popular. • Adverse interactions between NPs and biological entities can lead to life-threatening toxicities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • UV/PMS simultaneously controlled in-situ-formed NDMA during the degradation of TMDS. • Multiple-path degradation of TMDS involved SO 4 −, HO , UV and PMS oxidation. • NDMA formation was related to the electron transfer between SO 4 − or PMS and TMDS. • UV may coordinate HO and SO 4 − to overcome the energy barriers for NDMA control. • UV/PMS is safe for degrading TMDS based on the zebrafish embryo toxicity evaluation. In this study, the ultraviolet/peroxymonosulfate (UV/PMS) process was found to be an efficient and safe strategy for simultaneously controlling NDMA during the degradation of N,N-dimethylhydrazine compounds, such as 1,1,1′,1′-Tetramethyl-4,4′-(methylene-di-p-phenylene) disemicarbazide (TMDS). The distinct roles of sulfate radicals (SO 4 −), hydroxyl radicals (HO), PMS, and UV in TMDS degradation as well as NDMA formation and elimination, have been elucidated, involving the kinetics and multiple-path transformation mechanisms. Moreover, to assess the feasibility of this process, a comprehensive toxicity assessment of treated water for zebrafish embryos was conducted. Mineralization analysis and an assessment of electrical energy per order (EE/O) were performed on actual water samples. The results indicate that SO 4 −, HO , PMS, and UV together degraded TMDS, but only SO 4 − and PMS led to NDMA formation. UV irradiation may coordinate SO 4 − and HO to overcome the energy barriers of NDMA elimination by providing continuous energy. The degradation of TMDS involved hydroxylation, radical addition, bond cleavage and nitrosation. Notably, NDMA formation may be closely related to the electron transfer between SO 4 − or PMS and TMDS. Subsequently, the generated NDMA was controlled through photocleavage, radical addition, and hydroxylation. Additionally, the results of toxicity evaluation and EE/O analysis suggest UV/PMS is safe and has the potential for treating N,N-dimethylhydrazine compounds-containing water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Enhanced removal of DBPs is achieved in a membrane-less electrochemical cell. • Electrochemical reduction and adsorption of DBPs are integrated in the GAC-cathode. • Product analyses demonstrate the toxicity reduction of DBPs via dehalogenation. • DBPs removal is consistent in continuous experiments for extended operation. • Electrochemical treatment prolongs the use of GAC by regenerating reducing groups. Proper control/removal of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) is important to drinking water safety and human health. In this study, a membrane-less electrochemical system was developed and investigated to remove DPBs through integrated adsorption and reduction by granular activated carbon (GAC)-based cathode. Representative DPBs including trihalomethanes and haloacetonitriles at drinking water concentrations were used for removal experiments. The proposed system achieved >70% removal of most DBPs in a batch mode. The comparison with control tests under either open circuit or hydrolysis demonstrated the advantages of electrochemical treatment, which not only realized higher DPBs removal but also extended GAC cathode lifetime. Such advantages were further demonstrated with continuous treatment. High dechlorination and debromination efficiencies were obtained in both batch (82.2 and 94.3%) and continuous (79.3 and 87.6%) reactors. DBPs removal was mainly contributed by the electrochemical reduction and adsorption by the GAC-based cathode, while anode showed little oxidizing effect on DBPs and halide ions. Dehalogenated products of chloroform and dichloroacetonitrile were identified with toxicity reduction. The energy consumption of the continuously operated system was estimated to be 0.28 to 0.16 kWh m−3. The proposed system has potential applications for wastewater reuse or further purification of drinking water. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of solvent-free intumescent fire protection epoxy (EP) coatings with excellent durability is an extremely important issue for the protection of storage tanks and structural steels in the coating industry. In this work, a micro/nano-structured phosphorus/nitrogen/silicon-containing flame retardant (APP@Si) was synthesized by silica nanoparticles-modified ammonium polyphosphate, which was utilized to prepare high-performance intumescent fire protection epoxy resin (EP) coatings via a solvent-free method. APP@Si enhanced fire protection, smoke suppression, toxicity reduction, mechanical properties, and durability of solvent-free EP coatings. APP@Si with a 10 wt% loading level endowed solvent-free EP coating (EP/10APP@Si) with a limiting oxygen index value of 32.4 % and a UL-94 V-0 rating. Meanwhile, APP@Si declined the peak heat release rate, smoke factor, and peak CO production rate values of EP/10APP@Si by 77.5 %, 92.6 %, and 56.4 %, respectively, compared with those of pure EP. Moreover, the maximum back temperature of EP/10APP@Si was as low as 126.4 °C under heating for 1200 s in the back temperature test, which was 221.5 °C lower than that of pure EP. The increase in fire protection of EP/APP@Si coating was mainly attributed to forming an intumescent and dense char layer with strong strength and high expansion degree during combustion. In addition, APP@Si enhanced the flexural strength and impact strength of EP/10APP@Si by 12.0 % and 24.6 % compared with those of EP/10APP. Moreover, APP@Si also increased the water contact angles of EP/APP@Si coatings from 87.9° for pure EP to 93.3° for EP/10APP@Si. And the weight change rate of EP/10APP@Si was the lowest among all coatings after immersing in the deionized water for 20 days. Therefore, this work presented a feasible strategy for fabricating multifunctional solvent-free intumescent fire protection epoxy coatings, which was expected to be applied in the coating industry. [Display omitted] • A novel P/N/Si-containing flame retardant (APP@Si) was synthesized by silica nanoparticles-modified APP microparticles. • Solvent-free EP coatings containing APP@Si exhibited excellent fire protection, smoke suppression, and toxic reduction. • APP@Si improved the durability of solvent-free intumescent fire protection EP coatings. • The mechanical properties of EP/APP@Si coatings were better than those of EP/APP coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: In Iran, due to vast development of different chemical and petrochemical industries and water resource pollution to refractory organic matters, using a costeffective method for the removal of those pollutant from drinking water. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of magnetic-multiwalled carbon nanotube for the removal of 2,4- dinitrophenol from aquoeous solutions and deteremining toxicity reduction of the effluent. Methods: Adsorption experiments were conducted in a batch system. Magnetic-multiwalled carbon nanotubes were synthesized by co-precipitation method. Variables of contact time (0-90 min), pH (3,5, 7, 9, 11), pollutant concentration (10-100 mg/L) and adsorbent concentration (1-2.5 g/L) were considered. For the determination of toxicity reduction of the effluent, the Bioassay tests were applied by using Daphnia magna which toxicity of 48h and 96 h were obtained. Results: Results were showed that the maximum removal of 92.97% in the contact time of 90 min were obtained in pH=7, pollutant concentration of 10 mg/L and adsorption concentration of 2.5 g/L. The adsorption process was in accordance with Freundlich isotherm which showed non-uniform and multi-layered adsorption on the surface of the adsorbent and heterogeneous adsorption. The results of the toxicity of 2,4-DNP, before the adsorption process, on the Daphnia magna organism showed that the lethal concentration (LC50) 48h and 96 h of the raw wastewater was 42 and 38 percent (4.2 and 3.8 mg/L), respectively. Conclusions: The magnetic-multiwalled carbon nanotube adsorbent could be a proper choice for removal of 2,4-DNP, due to high removal efficiency, recyclability, reusability and activity in neutral pH.