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Background/Objectives: Plant-derived compounds are increasingly valued in drug discovery for their therapeutic potential. This study aims to examine the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties of kombucha beverages fermented with Gardenia jasminoides (GJ) and various types of Camellia sinensis teas: matcha green tea (MGT), organic green tea (OGT), and decaffeinated green tea (DGT). Methods: Two experimental designs were employed: (1) using black tea as a base substrate, infusing the four teas post-fermentation over 0–14 days, and (2) directly fermenting tea–herb combinations over 0–21 days. Antioxidant activity was assessed via the DPPH assay. Microbial dynamics were analyzed through total mesophilic bacteria and Lactobacillus counts. Antimicrobial potential was evaluated against E. coli, S. aureus, and S. enteritidis over 24 h. Cytotoxicity assays were conducted on Caco-2 and U251 cell lines to assess anticancer effects, with pH-adjusted controls used to differentiate bioactivity from acidity. Results: In the first experiment, GJ kombucha displayed the highest antioxidant potential (IC50: 14.04 µg/mL), followed by MGT (IC50: 32.85 µg/mL) and OGT (IC50: 98.21 µg/mL). In the second setup, unfermented GJ kombucha initially showed high antioxidant activity (IC50: 12.94 µg/mL), improving during fermentation to reach an IC50 of 18.26 µg/mL by day 21. Microbial analysis indicated moderate increases in total mesophilic bacteria and Lactobacillus in GJ kombucha after 14 days, while MGT, OGT, and DGT exhibited higher increments. GJ kombucha consistently demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and S. enteritidis, with significant inhibitory effects observed by 24 h. Cytotoxicity assays showed that GJ kombucha reduced Caco-2 cell viability to 20% at 800 µg/mL after 14 days, while U251 cells maintained 50% viability at the same concentration. Conclusions: This study highlights the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer potential of GJ kombucha, with fermentation enhancing bioactive metabolite production. Optimizing fermentation conditions, identifying specific bioactive compounds, expanding cytotoxicity testing, and exploring broader therapeutic applications of kombucha could maximize its health benefits and establish it as a natural antimicrobial and anticancer agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi, present significant health risks through contaminated food and feed. Despite broad documentation of their general impacts, emerging research highlights the requirement of addressing both sex- and gender-specific differences in the risk of exposure, susceptibility, and health outcomes in mycotoxin screening and mitigation strategies. Distinct biological (sex-based) and sociocultural (gender-based) factors can influence the risk of mycotoxin exposure and subsequent health impacts; women may for example exhibit specific exposures to certain mycotoxins due to physiological and hormonal differences, with increased risks during critical life stages such as pregnancy and lactation. Conversely, men may demonstrate distinct metabolic and immune responses to these toxins. Socioeconomic and cultural factors also contribute to gender-specific exposure risks, including occupational exposures, dietary habits, and healthcare access. Current mycotoxin screening methodologies and regulatory frameworks often disregard these sex and gender disparities, resulting in incomplete risk assessments and suboptimal public health interventions. This review addresses the incorporation of sex- and gender-specific data into mycotoxin research, the development of advanced screening techniques, and the implementation of targeted mitigation strategies. Addressing these sex and gender differences is crucial for enhancing the efficacy of mycotoxin management policies and safeguarding public health. Future research directions and policy recommendations are discussed to promote a more comprehensive and practical approach to mycotoxin risk assessment and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by their exceptional optical characteristics, robust chemical stability, and facile bioconjugation, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have emerged as a preferred material for detection and biosensing applications in scientific research. This study involves the development of a simple, rapid, and cost-effective colorimetric immuno-sensing probe to detect aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone using AuNP antibody (AuNP-mAb) conjugates. Anti-toxin antibodies were attached to the AuNPs by using the physical adsorption method. The colorimetric immunosensor developed operates on the principle that the optical properties of the AuNP are very sensitive to aggregation, which can be induced by a critical high salt concentration. Although the presence of antibodies on the AuNP surface inhibits the aggregation, these antibodies bind to the toxin with higher affinity, which leads to exposure of the surface of AuNPs and aggregation in a salt environment. The aggregation triggers a noticeable but variable alteration in color from red to purple and blueish gray, as a result of a red shift in the surface plasmon resonance band of the AuNPs. The extent of the shift is dependent on the toxin exposure dose and can be quantified using a calibration curve through UV–Visible–NIR spectroscopy. The limit of detection using this assay was determined to be as low as 0.15 ng/mL for both zearalenone and aflatoxin B1. The specificity of the prepared immunoprobe was analyzed for a particular mycotoxin in the presence of other mycotoxins. The developed immunoprobe was evaluated for real-world applicability using artificially spiked samples. This colorimetric immunoprobe based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) has a reduced detection limit compared to other immunoassays, a rapid readout, low cost, and facile fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to assess the bioavailability and bioaccumulation of Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the soil–plant system (Erigeron canadensis L.) in the zone of anthropogenic impact in Dnipro city, a significant industrial and economic centre of Ukraine. Sampling was carried out at three locations at distances of 1.0 km, 5.5 km, and 12.02 km from the main emission sources associated with battery production and processing plants in Dnipro. The concentrations of heavy metals such as Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn were analysed using atomic emission spectrometry from soil and parts of Erigeron canadensis L. The highest concentrations of elements in the soil, both for the mobile form and the total form, were determined to be 48.96 mg kg−1 and 7830.0 mg kg−1, respectively, for Pb in experimental plot 1. The general ranking of accumulation of elements in all experimental plots, both for the plant as a whole and for its parts, was as follows: Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb. Zn for plants was the most available heavy metal among all studied sites and had the highest metal content in the plant (339.58 mg kg−1), plant uptake index (PUI-506.84), bioabsorption coefficient (BAC-314.9), and bioconcentration coefficient (BCF-191.94). According to the results of the study, it is possible to evaluate Erigeron canadensis L. as a hyperaccumulator of Zn, Cu, and Cr and recommend it for phytoextraction of soils contaminated with Zn, Cu, and Cr and phytostabilization of soils contaminated with Pb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peat soils, when drained and transformed for different land uses, can release pollutants such as nitrate and phosphate into nearby water bodies and ecosystems through ditch networks. However, there have been limited studies to ascertain the extent and impact of these nutrient releases under various peatland use types. A total of fifty-four water samples were collected between October 2021 and January 2022 from five industrial cutaway bogs, twenty-five grasslands, and twenty-four forest plantations. The water samples were subsequently examined for nitrate–nitrogen and phosphate–phosphorus using the HACH DR890 colorimeter. This study showed that the nitrate–nitrogen concentration of the discharge water ranged from 6.9 mg/L from forestry to 10.52 mg/L from grassland. The phosphate–phosphorus concentration ranged from 0.43 mg/L from forestry to 0.78 mg/L from grassland. The nitrate–nitrogen and phosphate–phosphorus concentrations in the drainage channel exhibited by the grassland and the cutover did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Upon comparing the results obtained with the established safety limits set by the European Union (EU) and World Health Organization (WHO), it was observed that phosphate–phosphorus and nitrite–nitrogen concentration in the surface water (specifically, discharge water) exceeded the permissible threshold concentrations in surface water. The nutrient pollution index revealed that the discharge water from the ditch networks across the studied peatland use type was highly polluted, with a trend following the order of grassland > cutover > forestry. These results are in line with the broader issue of excessive nutrient inputs in freshwater ecosystems, which can lead to eutrophication. This study promotes sustainable water resources and peatland management practices by determining nitrate–nitrogen and phosphate–phosphorus concentrations in discharge water from ditch networks associated with different peatland use types: grassland, forestry, and cutover. This research emphasizes the critical need for sustainable peatland management to improve water quality in the river basin districts under the Water Framework Directive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic, existing in various chemical forms such as arsenate (As(V)) and arsenite (As(III)), demands serious attention in water and environmental contexts due to its significant health risks. It is classified as "carcinogenic to humans" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top 10 chemicals posing major public health concerns. This widespread contamination results in millions of people globally being exposed to dangerous levels of arsenic, making it a top priority for the WHO. Chronic arsenic toxicity, known as arsenicosis, presents with specific skin lesions like pigmentation and keratosis, along with systemic manifestations including chronic lung diseases, liver issues, vascular problems, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cancer, often leading to fatal outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to explore novel, cost-effective, and reliable methods with rapid response and improved sensitivities (detection limits). Most of the traditional detection techniques often face limitations in terms of complexity, cost, and the need for sophisticated equipment requiring skilled analysts and procedures, which thereby impedes their practical use, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Colorimetric methods leverage colour changes which are observable and quantifiable using simple instrumentation or even visual inspection. This review explores the colorimetric techniques designed to detect arsenite and arsenate in water. It covers recent developments in colorimetric techniques, and advancements in the role of nanomaterials in colorimetric arsenic detection, followed by discussion on current challenges and future prospects. The review emphasizes efforts to improve sensitivity, selectivity, cost, and portability, as well as the role of advanced materials/nanomaterials to boost the performance of colorimetric assays/sensors towards combatting this pervasive global health concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), caused by microbial infections, has become a major contributor to morbid rates of mortality worldwide and a serious threat to public health. The exponential increase in resistant pathogen strains including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) poses significant hurdles in the health sector due to their greater resistance to traditional treatments and medicines. Efforts to tackle infectious diseases caused by resistant microbes have prompted the development of novel antibacterial agents. Herein, we present selenium and copper oxide monometallic nanoparticles (Se-MMNPs and CuO-MMNPs), characterized using various techniques and evaluated for their antibacterial potential via disc diffusion, determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), antibiofilm, and killing kinetic action. Dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques confirmed the size-distribution, spherical-shape, stability, elemental composition, and structural aspects of the synthesized nanoparticles. The MIC values of Se-MMNPs and CuO-MMNPs against S. aureus and E. coli were determined to be 125 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL, respectively. Time–kill kinetics studies revealed that CuO-MMNPs efficiently mitigate the growth of S. aureus and E. coli within 3 and 3.5 h while Se-MMNPs took 4 and 5 h, respectively. Moreover, CuO-MMNPs demonstrated better inhibition compared to Se-MMNPs. Overall, the proposed materials exhibited promising antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma, an aggressive primary brain tumor, poses a significant challenge owing to its dynamic and intricate tumor microenvironment. This review investigates the innovative integration of biosensor-enhanced organ-on-a-chip (OOC) models as a novel strategy for an in-depth exploration of glioblastoma tumor microenvironment dynamics. In recent years, the transformative approach of incorporating biosensors into OOC platforms has enabled real-time monitoring and analysis of cellular behaviors within a controlled microenvironment. Conventional in vitro and in vivo models exhibit inherent limitations in accurately replicating the complex nature of glioblastoma progression. This review addresses the existing research gap by pioneering the integration of biosensor-enhanced OOC models, providing a comprehensive platform for investigating glioblastoma tumor microenvironment dynamics. The applications of this combined approach in studying glioblastoma dynamics are critically scrutinized, emphasizing its potential to bridge the gap between simplistic models and the intricate in vivo conditions. Furthermore, the article discusses the implications of biosensor-enhanced OOC models in elucidating the dynamic features of the tumor microenvironment, encompassing cell migration, proliferation, and interactions. By furnishing real-time insights, these models significantly contribute to unraveling the complex biology of glioblastoma, thereby influencing the development of more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gliomas, a prevalent category of primary malignant brain tumors, pose formidable clinical challenges due to their invasive nature and limited treatment options. The current therapeutic landscape for gliomas is constrained by a "one-size-fits-all" paradigm, significantly restricting treatment efficacy. Despite the implementation of multimodal therapeutic strategies, survival rates remain disheartening. The conventional treatment approach, involving surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy, grapples with substantial limitations, particularly in addressing the invasive nature of gliomas. Conventional diagnostic tools, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET), play pivotal roles in outlining tumor characteristics. However, they face limitations, such as poor biological specificity and challenges in distinguishing active tumor regions. The ongoing development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches represents a multifaceted and promising frontier in the battle against this challenging brain tumor. The aim of this comprehensive review is to address recent advances in diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches for gliomas. These innovations aim to minimize invasiveness while enabling the precise, multimodal targeting of localized gliomas. Researchers are actively developing new diagnostic tools, such as colorimetric techniques, electrochemical biosensors, optical coherence tomography, reflectometric interference spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and optical biosensors. These tools aim to regulate tumor progression and develop precise treatment methods for gliomas. Recent technological advancements, coupled with bioelectronic sensors, open avenues for new therapeutic modalities, minimizing invasiveness and enabling multimodal targeting with unprecedented precision. The next generation of multimodal therapeutic strategies holds potential for precision medicine, aiding the early detection and effective management of solid brain tumors. These innovations offer promise in adopting precision medicine methodologies, enabling early disease detection, and improving solid brain tumor management. This review comprehensively recognizes the critical role of pioneering therapeutic interventions, holding significant potential to revolutionize brain tumor therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]