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PubMed2026

Towards microplastic bioremediation: Fungal degradation of pristine and pretreated high-density polyethylene and polystyrene.

Microplastic (MP) contamination has become a significant ecological issue because of its enduring existence in the ecosystem and its possible negative impacts. Therefore, using degrading strategies to eliminate these stubborn polymers has been a subject of scientific research. However, the currently used degradation methods are relatively inefficient. Given the pervasiveness of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polystyrene (PS) and their resistance to biodegradability, disposal strategies are critical and must be addressed. This manuscript examines the biodegradation of pristine and UV-treated HDPE and PS MPs by Aspergillus flavus species in minimal growth media over 70 days. The maximum weight loss observed at 70 days for pristine HDPE and PS in sole carbon source (SCS) media was (29.33 ± 0.28) % and (17.67 ± 0.35) %, respectively. Whereas, for UV-treated HDPE and PS MPs, the % weight reduction was (33 ± 0.21) % and (25 ± 0.19) %, respectively. UV-treated MPs exhibited greater weight reduction, as UV induced oxygenated functional groups enhance polymer susceptibility to enzymes, thereby promoting biodegradation. HDPE MPs typically show a higher proportion of particles in the lower size range compared to PS MPs. This assertion was based on the weight loss, particle size distribution, and SEM analysis. Furthermore, chemical changes were evaluated using Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, which also displayed chemical oxidation occurring during biodegradation. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) results indicate that UV pretreatment enhances biodegradability by promoting chain scission. These findings further suggest that this fungus's natural and ubiquitous occurrence in terrestrial and marine environments may actively contribute to MP biodegradation while requiring few nutrients.

Microplastics↗

PubMed2026

Integrated multi-omics profiling of amniotic fluid identifies predictive biomarkers for fetal growth restriction trajectories.

BACKGROUND: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a complex condition with highly heterogeneous clinical outcomes, making prenatal distinction between transient and persistent growth failure challenging. This study aims to identify amniotic fluid (AF) biomarkers capable of differentiating distinct FGR trajectories and characterizing persistent growth failure mechanisms. METHODS: Integrated proteomic and metabolomic profiling was performed on AF samples from transient FGR (n = 11), persistent FGR (n = 9), and healthy controls (n = 13). Diagnostic and prognostic models were developed using multivariate analysis. Selected protein candidates were validated via ELISA in an independent cohort (n = 69). RESULTS: Multi-omics analysis revealed distinct molecular signatures for FGR stratification. A two-protein diagnostic panel (PDGFA and phospho-STAT5A) achieved an AUC of 1.000 in the discovery stage and 0.780 in the external validation cohort. For prognostic assessment, a molecular signature including IREB2, HLA-C, and PLXNB2 accurately predicted persistent growth failure from transient recovery (AUC = 0.966). Cross-platform integration highlighted the mass spectrometry-derived WASHC2C as a central hub protein with a significant progressive increase across the control, transient, and persistent groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes a multi-omics framework for prenatal FGR stratification. Our findings identify distinct molecular signatures reflecting the intrauterine environment and provide high-performance molecular tools for predicting divergent fetal growth trajectories to guide personalized clinical decision-making.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Acetylcholine signaling regulates osmotic stress adaptation in the phytopathogen Dickeya solani.

Plants impose strong selective pressures that shape both the composition and functional potential of plant microbiomes. The adaptation of plant-associated bacteria to their hosts relies on an extensive repertoire of signal transduction systems that sense plant-derived molecules and dynamically adjust bacterial physiology and metabolism within the holobiont. These signals include key plant signaling compounds that regulate processes essential for plant-microbe interactions. Among them, acetylcholine is emerging as an important signaling molecule in both plants and bacteria. Here, we demonstrate that acetylcholine regulates the expression of the osmotic stress response betIBA gene cluster in the important phytopathogen Dickeya solani, where it plays an important role in osmoprotection. We show that the TetR-family transcriptional regulator associated with this pathway, BetIDs, recognizes acetylcholine as well as choline and trimethylamine. These three ligands differentially induce betIBA transcription in a manner that correlates with their binding affinities. Ligand binding does not affect BetIDs binding to the bet promoter or its oligomeric state. Instead, it induces pronounced changes in the secondary structure of BetIDs, with the magnitude of these conformational changes being ligand-dependent. We further show that quorum sensing modulates osmotic stress tolerance in D. solani by regulating the expression of the Bet pathway. The Bet system is required for the full virulence of D. solani, particularly in chemically complex plant tissues. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that the BetIBA system is widely distributed among plant-associated Pseudomonadota, collectively supporting its importance for bacterial survival and adaptation in plant-related environments.

Osmotic Pressure↗

PubMed2026

Integrated photoelectrocatalytic reduction and oxidation processes to achieve efficient degradation of fluoxetine in pharmaceutical wastewater.

Fluorinated organic compounds have been frequently detected in aquatic environments, with the widespread use of fluorinated drugs. The existing processes of urban sewage treatment plants are difficult to completely remove these pollutants containing the persistent C-F bonds. In this work, an integrated system of UV-activated sulfite and UV-assisted electrochemical oxidation was innovatively constructed for efficient degradation of fluoxetine. For the UV-activated sulfite unit system, when the sulfite dosage was 0.5 mmol/L and the initial pH was about 10, the defluorination efficiency of 5 mg/L fluoxetine wastewater under nitrogen atmosphere was about 98 %. Subsequently, the UV-assisted electrochemical oxidation unit system was employed to treat the reduced wastewater mentioned above. When the sodium chloride dosage was 25 mmol/L, the initial pH was about 5, and the current density was 30 mA/cm2, the total organic carbon (TOC) removal of the wastewater arrived at 65 %. Active species capture experiments and ESR tests confirmed that hydrated electrons, hydroxyl, and chlorine radicals were the main components for the efficient degradation of fluoxetine. According to the analysis of Fukui function and HPLC-MS, the degradation pathway of pollutants was proposed including defluorination and mineralization. Meanwhile, the toxicity of intermediates was predicted using the ECOSAR program. In addition, the verification test of actual wastewater treatment indicated that the defluorination and TOC removal efficiency of fluorouracil by the integrated system were similar to those for fluoxetine. This work provided a new approach for the efficient degradation of fluorinated organic pollutants in pharmaceutical wastewater.

Fluoxetine↗

PubMed2025

Influence of soil types with different soil-forming process on the qualitative and quantitative detection of microplastics by near-infrared spectroscopy.

Microplastics (MPs) have become a pressing global environmental threat, with soils-acting as sinks for MPs from multiple sources-gaining increasing attention. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy offers a promising tool for MPs detection due to its rapid, non-destructive, and field-applicable features. Although previous studies have focused on the effects of individual soil components on the NIR detection performance of MPs, there is still a lack of systematic research on how the complex background-formed by the coupling of multiple physicochemical properties in natural soils-affects detection performance. This study focuses on soil types with different soil-forming processes, selected five representative agricultural soils to systematically evaluate how the combinations of physicochemical properties they represented affect the performance of NIR-based qualitative and quantitative analysis of MPs in soils. The results demonstrated that soil type significantly affected both the spectral response and detection performance of MPs. Brown Pedocals and Brown Earth exhibited clearer characteristic absorption and stronger linear responses, achieving higher identification accuracy under low (<1.5 %) or zero MPs concentrations and the best quantitative performance (R2 ≥ 0.988, prediction set root mean square error (RMSEP) ≤ 0.110 %). In contrast, Phaeozem and Red Soil were more prone to misclassification at low concentrations, while Fluvo-aquic Soil showed the poorest quantitative performance. This study is the first to reveal, at a holistic level, the critical constraints posed by natural soil complexity on the NIR detection of MPs, offering targeted empirical evidence to support the application of NIR technology in real-world soil environments.

Soil↗

PubMed2026

Multi-omics analysis reveals stage-associated differences in gut immunity and microbiota between juvenile and adult common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

In vertebrates, the development of intestinal immunity is closely associated with dynamic changes in the gut microbiota. However, stage-associated differences in intestinal immunity and gut microbial communities remain poorly characterized in teleost fish. In this study, transcriptomic analysis combined with 16S rRNA gene sequencing was employed to characterize intestinal immunity and gut microbial communities in juvenile and adult common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Transcriptomic profiling revealed marked developmental differences in intestinal immune function. Juvenile carp exhibited a predominantly innate immune phenotype, characterized by elevated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, antimicrobial peptides, and lysozyme-related genes. This immune profile was accompanied by enhanced mucosal barrier function and a relatively pro-inflammatory intestinal environment. In contrast, adult carp displayed increased expression of genes associated with adaptive immunity, suggesting that adult common carp exhibit relatively stronger adaptive immune characteristics than juvenile fish. Gut microbiota analysis demonstrated significant stage-dependent differences in microbial diversity and community composition. Juvenile fish were enriched with bacterial taxa potentially associated with innate immune activation, whereas adult fish harbored distinct microbial communities linked to intestinal homeostasis and barrier maintenance. Furthermore, correlation analyses identified significant associations between specific microbial taxa and innate immune-related gene expression, suggesting a close association between gut microbiota composition and intestinal immune characteristics in juvenile and adult common carp. Collectively, these findings reveal stage-associated differences in intestinal immunity and gut microbial communities between juvenile and adult common carp, thereby providing insights into intestinal immune characteristics at different developmental stages in teleost fish.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Biomass burning contributions to Mexico City's atmospheric CO2 estimated using a multi-isotope approach.

Fossil fuel combustion dominates anthropogenic emissions worldwide; however, special attention should be addressed to biomass burning, since it is an increasingly important contributor under warmer, drier fire-weather conditions exacerbated by climate change. These emissions could impact the atmospheric composition of heavily urbanized environments. To assess the influence of biomass burning, along with fossil fuels combustion and soil and plant respiration on Mexico City's atmospheric composition, we conducted a year-long (December 2023-December 2024) isotopic monitoring of atmospheric CO2, combining radiocarbon (Δ14C), CO2 stable isotopes (δ13C, δ18O), and CO/CO2 ratios. Once defined the isotopic signatures and the characteristic CO/CO2 that describe the sources, we performed Monte Carlo simulations under two tracer modalities (Δ14C + CO/CO2 and Δ14C + CO2 stable isotopes) for source apportionment. Results show that during the dry season, particularly in March-April, atmospheric Δ14C values approached and overlapped background levels despite Mexico City's fossil-fuel dominance, indicating enhanced non-fossil inputs. Moreover, backward HYSPLIT trajectories supported that these elevated Δ14C values coincided with regional wildfire activity. Monte Carlo results attributed up to ∼34 %-60 % of local CO2 to biomass burning in April, followed by March with contributions of ∼31 %-49 %. Since these biomass burning figures contrast with the official emissions inventory of Mexico City metropolitan area, which assigns <1 % of total CO2 emissions to biomass burning, this study could exhibit the emissions inventory underestimation of this source, and thus, the need to reassess and incorporate top-down isotopic constraints in fire-affected urban regions.

Mexico↗

PubMed2026

Integrin-Linked Kinases 1, 4, and 5 participate in cell wall-mediated innate immunity to leaf and root pathogens.

The cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway is triggered by plasma membrane-localized receptors in plant cells and serves to orchestrate responses to cell wall damage by initiating compensatory changes under stressful environments. The essential role of CWI maintenance as part of plants' interactions with pests or pathogens and during growth is well known. Nevertheless, CWI pathways remain to be fully characterized. Here, we show that altered Integrin-Linked Kinase 1 (ILK1) expression causes widespread defects in the transcriptional program activated by the bacterial elicitor flg22, primarily in genes associated with cell wall integrity and immunity. These transcriptional deficiencies are recapitulated in mutant lines with altered ILK4 or ILK5 expression. Analysis of molecular and cellular defenses in ilk mutants revealed reduced callose accumulation in leaves treated with bacterial (elf18) and plant (pep1) elicitors and increased pathogen susceptibility. Histochemical analysis of cell-wall-associated staining across diverse cells and organs of ilk mutants revealed modified lignin-associated patterns in the root xylem and altered calcofluor staining patterns in the seed coat. All ilk mutants exhibited altered root morphology due to mechano-touch and high-NaCl stress. Based on these results, we propose that ILKs contribute to pathways connecting elicitor-triggered immune signaling with cell-wall-associated stress responses and that ILK-related defense functions may extend to the cotton root-nematode interaction, while the mechanism remains to be elucidated.

Cell Wall↗

PubMed2026

A novel urease-producing strain effectively induces cadmium biomineralization under low-temperature stress.

Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been widely used to immobilize Cadmium (Cd) in contaminated soils in mining-affected regions. However, its remediation efficacy under low-temperature stress, as well as the nucleation process that regulates Cd biomineralization via carbonate precipitation by psychrophilic bacteria, has yet to be investigated. Here, we isolated Pseudomonas sp. J-6, a novel urease-producing strain from tailings in high-altitude cold regions, exhibiting unparalleled cold adaptability at 5 °C and achieving 95.85 % Cd removal efficiency by MICP at 10 °C. Furthermore, the coprecipitation process of Ca1-xCdxCO3 was clarified through the continuous observation of the precipitates after the low-temperature MICP reaction. The crystal morphology transitioned from loose vaterite in the early stage to a dense square-block morphology in the middle stage. Cd2+ progressively shifted from a surface-bound state to lattice incorporation, ultimately resulting in the formation of stable Cd-substituted calcite crystals. In this process, low temperatures led to the formation of larger, highly ordered Cd-substituted calcite crystals, thereby strengthening Cd sequestration and its long-term stability. In addition, under low-temperature stress, Pseudomonas sp. J-6 induced MICP reaction decreased the bioavailable Cd in alpine slag soil by 44.85 % and enhanced physical properties. In the freeze-thaw cycles, the remediation efficiency remained stable. This study clarified the biomineralization potential in high-altitude cryogenic environments and the nucleation process of Cd biomineralization by psychrophilic bacteria-induced carbonate precipitation, filling a critical research gap in its application under extreme conditions and highlighting its promise for sustainable remediation of heavy metal pollution under low-temperature stress.

Cadmium↗

PubMed2026

Ultrasound protocols used to detect vascular gas emboli in divers: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Venous gas emboli (VGE) detected via ultrasound can be used as a surrogate marker for decompression stress. While Doppler ultrasound is the historical gold standard, two-dimensional (2D) ultrasonography offers advantages for on-site monitoring, including a wider field of view and reduced dependence on noise-free environments. This systematic review evaluates 2D ultrasonography protocols used in decompression research since the 2015 International Meeting on Ultrasound for Diving Research, identifying methodological similarities, differences, and adherence to consensus recommendations. METHODS: A search of PubMed and Scopus identified studies using 2D ultrasound to detect VGE in divers. Inclusion criteria were: (1) use of 2D ultrasound, (2) detection of VGE or monitoring of decompression stress, (3) inclusion of a diver cohort, and (4) publication after 2015. Data extraction focused on VGE scoring systems, ultrasound hardware, measurement protocols, and operator experience. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I-V2, and compliance with the 2015 consensus recommendations was evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty studies were included. The Eftedal-Brubakk scale was most commonly used (n = 15), with cardiac ultrasound as the primary imaging modality; one study assessed a peripheral vessel. Common shortcomings included post-dive measurements lasting less than two hours, underreporting of operator experience and hardware specifications, limited individual-level data, and inappropriate use of parametric statistics for ordinal bubble grade data. No study fully complied with all consensus recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates that, although two-dimensional ultrasound is widely used for post-dive VGE assessment, methodological heterogeneity with multiple shortcomings remain. Furthermore, nearly all studies restricted imaging to the heart, thus leaving peripheral vessel assessment largely unexplored.

Embolism, Air↗

PubMed2026

In situ product monitoring in heterogeneous reaction of gaseous trimethylamine on Fe2O3/Fe(NO3)3: Effect of environmental factor and particle property.

Gas-particle reactions represent an important atmospheric heterogeneous transformation process for organic amines (OAs). Environmental factors and particle properties may impact the gas-particle reaction products. Although the products from gas-particle reactions can be monitored by various in situ techniques, related data remain scarce. Here, the interfacial and gaseous products from the reaction of trimethylamine on Fe2O3/Fe(NO3)3 particles under light irradiation with mixed NO2, O2, SO2 and H2O were monitored using in-situ diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Dark reaction of gaseous trimethylamine on Fe2O3/Fe(NO3)3 generated two interfacial products types: N-containing ones (CH3NCH2, CH3NO2, (CH3)2NCHO, and CH3N(OH)CHO) and N-free ones (alcohols, aldehydes and acids), both accumulating with reaction progression. Light irradiation and O2 oxidation enhanced formation of these products, while NO2 promoted the production of CH3NO2 and (CH3)2NCHO. H2O and SO2 occupied the active sites of particles to inhibit the formation of all products. Compared to Fe(NO3)3, Fe2O3 showed absolute dominance in contribution to the formation of products. Considering the smaller particle size of Fe2O3 and excess Fe(NO3)3, the physical mixing of them reduced the generation of interfacial products. Furthermore, gaseous products of CH3OH, HCHO, CH3CHO, HCOOH and CH3COOH detection clarified the N-free interfacial products. The presence of Fe(NO3)3 inhibited the formation of HCOOH and favored the formation of CH3CHO in the gas phase. By combining product information with thermodynamic calculations, the heterogeneous reaction pathways of trimethylamine were tentatively proposed. These findings provide a guiding significance for the migration of OAs in real atmospheric environment.

Methylamines↗

PubMed2026

Unacknowledged Burdens and Clinical Assets of BIPOC Genetic Counseling Students: Qualitative Evidence to Inform Supervision.

As the genetic counseling profession works to diversify its predominantly white workforce, understanding the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students is central to equity efforts. While BIPOC students bring invaluable cultural and linguistic diversity that improves patient care, they often navigate clinical training environments that lack diversity and psychological safety. This article draws on data from a longitudinal constructivist qualitative study to examine how racial and ethnic concordance (or lack thereof) with patients and clinical supervisors influenced the clinical training, professional development, and well-being of BIPOC genetic counseling students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 BIPOC genetic counseling students in the United States and Canada. Interviews were recorded using Zoom.us, transcribed using Rev.com, and analyzed in NVivo using reflexive thematic analysis. The analysis led to the construction of three themes: (1)Shared identity with patients is a clinical advantage: Participants leveraged their cultural and linguistic intuition to establish trust and rapport with patients; (2) Identity navigation involves cognitive and emotional labor: Participants shouldered an unacknowledged burden in managing stereotype threat, overcoming feelings of exclusion, and educating supervisors; and (3) Racial/ethnic identity shapes supervisory dynamics: Participants described BIPOC supervisors as providing identity-affirming support, while some white supervisors avoided discussions about identity or committed microaggressions. These results suggest that BIPOC genetic counseling students have clinical assets rooted in biculturalism, yet carry a burden that often goes unacknowledged of managing power imbalances and pressure to assimilate in predominantly white clinical supervision spaces. To promote equitable training, programs should implement supervisor training on culturally responsive identity broaching, establish independent, transparent mechanisms for students to report biases they encounter in clinic, and expand mentorship networks to provide additional support.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Occupationally relevant vibrations and the brain: frequency-dependent proteomics signatures in a rat model.

INTRODUCTION: Occupational exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV), particularly in agricultural environments, has been associated with adverse cognitive and physiological effects. This study examined the neurophysiological impact of WBV in a rat model at 4 Hz and 30 Hz, frequencies representative of off-road and on-road vehicle operation. METHODOLOGY: Forty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to control (0 Hz), low-frequency (4 Hz), or high-frequency (30 Hz) vibration conditions. After three days of exposure, brain tissues were collected and analyzed using mass spectrometry-based proteomics to identify differentially expressed proteins. RESULTS: Proteomic profiling revealed distinct, frequency-dependent alterations in brain protein expression. Compared with controls, 32 cognition-related proteins were differentially regulated at 4 Hz and 29 at 30 Hz, with 13 differing between the two vibration conditions. Principal component analysis showed clear separation among groups, indicating unique proteomic signatures for each exposure frequency. Functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction analyses demonstrated involvement of synaptic plasticity, cytoskeletal organization, calcium regulation, and neurotransmitter release. Exposure to 4 Hz was associated with the upregulation of proteins involved in calcium homeostasis and synaptic integrity, suggesting potential disruption of cognitive processes. In contrast, 30 Hz increased the expression of proteins related to axonal guidance and neuroprotection, indicating a less clearly adverse response that may reflect adaptive or potentially beneficial effects. DISCUSSION: These findings provide new insight into biological mechanisms underlying WBV-induced cognitive changes and underscore the importance of vibration frequency in shaping neurophysiological outcomes. They also establish a foundation for future studies integrating proteomics with behavioural assessments in animals and humans.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

ScRNA-seq analysis reveals the effects of nitrite stress on the endocrine system of the eyestalk in Litopenaeus vannamei.

Nitrite is a harmful substance generated in Litopenaeus vannamei farming systems, largely originating from the inadequate breakdown of surplus feed and shrimp feces. Its accumulation in the water can affect the growth and physiological functions of shrimp, damage the immune system, and even cause mass mortality, thus becoming a key environmental factor restricting the green development of the industry. Under nitrite stress, the eyestalk, as an important neuroendocrine regulatory center in crustaceans, participates in the stress adaptation of the organism and exerts a protective effect by regulating energy metabolism and immune function. However, the molecular regulatory mechanism of the eyestalk in response to nitrite stress remains unclear. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology was used to analyze the heterogeneity of eyestalk cells in L. vannamei under nitrite stress. A total of 18, 394 high-quality cells were obtained, and six major cell subpopulations, including Neurosecretory cell, Motor neuron, Sensory neuron, Interneuron, Neurogliocyte, and Support cell, were identified. Differential expression analysis identified 839 differentially expressed genes, and different cell types showed distinct specific responses to nitrite stress. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that pathways such as glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, ribosome function, and endoplasmic reticulum protein processing were significantly activated, while signal transduction and DNA repair-related pathways were inhibited. Further analysis revealed that nitrite stress could induce mitochondrial function changes and trigger oxidative stress, thereby affecting the neuroendocrine system function of the eyestalk. This study provided insights into transcriptomic responses of the eyestalk to nitrite stress at the single-cell level, laying a theoretical foundation for the management of aquaculture environments.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Biomonitoring of industrial heavy metal pollution via enzymatic and metabolic responses in desert ants (Cataglyphis savignyi) and beetles (Tentyrum sp) as bioindicators.

The current work seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of Cataglyphis saviginyi and Tentyrum sp as indicators of pollution in the city's main industrial regions by analyzing their enzymatic activity and primary metabolites. Soil samples were collected at each site under investigation to analyze soil characteristics and heavy metal content. C. saviginyi and Tentyrum sp were collected across four consecutive seasons (2023-2024) to investigate enzymatic (GPT, GOT, ALP, ACP, LDH) and metabolic (lipid, protein, carbohydrate) biomarkers. The physicochemical properties of the soil differed substantially between the industrial areas and the control site. Soil heavy metal buildup was highest at industrial sites (1 and 4) compared to the control site, with the order being Zn > Cr > Cd > Cu. Heavy metal pollution indices were determined. Increased industrial activity from metal industries, ceramics, and chemical painting companies defines this area, as seen by the high Cdeg, mCd, PI, and PLI values derived for industrial sites 1 and 4. While C. saviginyi and Tentyrum sp deconcentrated and released Cr, Cd, and Zn into the soil via the biological accumulation factor (BAF), Cu acted as a macro-concentrator. Compared with the control site, industrial environments were shown to increase levels of GPT, GOT, LDH, ACP, protein, and carbohydrates in C. saviginyi. However, lipid and ALP activity was suppressed. at industrial sites, Tentyrum sp carbohydrate content was higher than at control sites, but GPT, GOT, ALP, ACP, LDH, protein, and lipid activities were all suppressed. Consequently, enzymatic and metabolic biomarkers proved to be sensitive indicators for assessing industrial heavy metal pollution in desert ecosystems.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

TNF-NF-κB signaling mediates immune-biomineralization crosstalk during shell repair under ocean acidification in Mytilus edulis.

Ocean acidification (OA) impairs biomineralization in bivalves, but its effects on immune-biomineralization crosstalk during shell repair remain unknown. Here, we exposed adult Mytilus edulis bearing standardized shell perforations to three pH levels (8.1, 7.9, and 7.7) for up to 40 days. OA slowed early repair and caused microstructural disorganization and an approximately 87% reduction of compressive strength at pH 7.7, yet the damaged area appeared largely closed by day 15, suggesting a decoupling between morphological closure and functional recovery. In addition, transcriptomic profiling of hemocytes and mantle tissue, based on an average of 6.5 Gb of clean reads per sample mapped to the M. edulis reference genome (NCBI Assembly GCF_000511035.1), revealed that these shell-level defects were accompanied by coordinated immune and metabolic reprogramming. Hemocytes, the primary immune effector cells of bivalves, exhibited pH- and time-dependent shifts with moderate acidification (pH 7.9) promoting inflammatory transcripts, whereas severe acidification (pH 7.7) suppressed these signals while upregulating stress-associated pathways; both treatments consistently downregulated lysosomal proteases and NF-κB negative regulators. The mantle, a primarily mineralizing organ, paradoxically upregulated immune-related genes while suppressing oxidative phosphorylation and extracellular matrix pathways. This tissue-level imbalance, with hemocytes recruited but functionally constrained and mantle metabolically suppressed yet immunologically activated, points to TNF-NF-κB pathway modulation as a key mediator of shell repair under acidification. Our findings demonstrate that visible shell closure masks underlying structural and mechanical failure, and that immune regulation, rather than simple suppression or activation, critically shapes the repair outcome. These results advocate for multifunctional indicators beyond closure area to assess shell integrity in acidified marine environments.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Identification and formation pathways of oxidation products of chlorinated paraffins during ozonation in municipal wastewater.

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) cannot be efficiently removed by conventional water treatment processes and are continually discharged into the aqueous environment. Ozonation can effectively remove lipophilic and persistent pollutants. However, the degradation behaviors of short-chain CPs (SCCPs), medium-chain CPs (MCCPs), and long-chain CPs (LCCPs) in wastewater during the ozonation process remained unknown. In this study, ozonation treatment achieved removal efficiencies of 61 % for SCCPs, 66 % for MCCPs, and 51 % for LCCPs from wastewater within 30 min. Approximately 147 oxidative products of SCCPs, MCCPs, and LCCPs were non-targeted identified through Ph4PCl-enhanced ionization with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. These oxidation products were structurally classified into three categories: carbon chain breakage (53 products), HCl-elimination (27 products), and hydroxylation (67 products). Twenty-three di-hydroxylated CPs were newly identified among the products. Hydroxylation was the predominant pathway for SCCPs, producing di-hydroxylated SCCPs ((OH)₂-SCCPs) with a higher generation rate constant (KG = 22.28 × 10⁻² min⁻¹) compared to other products. MCCPs and LCCPs mainly underwent carbon chain breakage and hydroxylation, generating shorter carbon chain congeners, (OH)2-SCCPs, and di-hydroxylated MCCPs ((OH)2-MCCPs). The KG values of (OH)2-SCCPs (10.56 × 10-2 min-1) and (OH)2-MCCPs (12.05 × 10-2 min-1) generated from the MCCPs were the highest, and the KG values of MCCPs (6.49 × 10-2 min-1), SCCPs (6.27 × 10-2 min-1), and (OH)2-SCCPs (4.74 × 10-2 min-1) generated from the LCCPs were higher than those of other products. These results comprehensively clarify the oxidation efficiencies and pathways of CPs during ozonation. Future studies must explore the potential risks associated with the oxidation products.

Water Pollutants, Chemical↗

PubMed2026

Potential Links Between Physiological and Perceptual Strain in High Heat Stress.

The physiological strain index (PhSI) is widely used to quantify thermoregulatory and cardiovascular strain during heat stress. However, direct physiological measurements may not always be feasible in occupational or athletic settings. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship and agreement between perceptual strain and integrated physiological strain indices during high heat stress. Ten healthy, physically active, non-heat-acclimated males (29 (7) yr; 1.79 (0.11) m; 77.4 (9.3) kg) completed two randomized crossover exercise trials in hot-dry (HD) and warm-humid (WH) environments with equivalent wet-bulb globe temperatures. Heart rate, rectal temperature, skin temperature, rating of perceived exertion, and thermal sensation were measured at baseline and every 15 minutes during 60 minutes of cycling. Physiological strain index (PhSI), adaptive physiological strain index (aPhSI), and perceptual strain index (PeSI) were calculated using validated equations. Repeated-measures correlation analyses demonstrated very strong associations between PeSI and both PhSI and aPhSI under HD (Rrm = 0.940-0.943) and WH (Rrm = 0.980-0.982; all p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analyses demonstrated good-to-excellent discrimination of physiological strain by PeSI (AUC = 0.895-0.969). Mixed-effects analyses showed that higher PeSI values were associated with increased PhSI (β = 1.325, p < 0.001) and aPhSI (β = 1.459, p < 0.001). However, Bland-Altman analyses demonstrated relatively small mean biases (0.4-0.9 AU) but wide limits of agreement (-2.8 to 4.2 AU), indicating that PeSI and physiological strain indices are not interchangeable. These findings suggest that PeSI may serve as a practical adjunctive or screening indicator of physiological strain when direct physiological measurements are unavailable.

Humans↗