Review
Engineering, Environmental
Yidan Zhang, Edward J. O'Loughlin, Man Jae Kwon
Summary: The environmental behavior of antimony (Sb) has attracted attention recently due to its increasing use in various industries worldwide. The mobility and toxicity of Sb depend largely on its speciation, which is influenced by its oxidation state. While previous studies on arsenic (As) have provided insights into the environmental behavior of Sb due to their similar chemical properties, recent research has shown fundamental differences in the speciation, particularly in the context of redox reactions. Therefore, understanding the biogeochemical processes affecting Sb redox transformations is crucial for managing Sb in natural and engineered environments.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lianxiang Long, Lijiao Gu, Shijie Wang, Hongyu Cai, Jianghao Wu, Jinmao Wang, Minsheng Yang
Summary: The WRKY transcription factor (TF) family, known for its WRKY domain, is one of the largest and most functionally diverse TF families in higher plants. WRKY TFs interact with target gene promoters and play important roles in regulating various physiological responses in woody plants. This review article discusses the origin, distribution, structure, and classification of WRKY TFs, as well as their mechanisms of action, regulatory networks, and biological functions in woody plants. It also explores current research methods, identifies outstanding problems, and proposes new research directions to further our understanding of the biological functions of WRKY TFs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yage Li, Chen Liu, Haotian Yang, Wenhui He, Beibei Li, Xinyi Zhu, Shuyan Liu, Shihao Jia, Ronghua Li, Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
Summary: This review paper comprehensively illustrates the leaching mechanisms of chemicals from microplastics in both biotic and abiotic environments. It identifies flame retardants, plasticizers, and antioxidants as the main chemicals that leach from microplastics and have the potential to disrupt endocrine functions and cause health issues. The review also highlights diffusion and partitioning as the main leaching mechanisms.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dapeng Li, Yongping Fang, Jia Lu, Jinao Sun, Xin Zhao, Ning Hou, Jie Xing
Summary: This study investigates the ecotoxicity risk of biochar (BC) and its composite TiO2@BC on a bacterium Achromobacter sp. LH-1. It is found that BC and TiO2@BC can enhance the degradation function of LH-1 at low dosages, but inhibit growth and cause cell damage at high dosages. Additionally, BC and TiO2@BC can effectively remove polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollutants and enhance microbial diversity in a laboratory-scale bioreactor.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Natthariga Laothamteep, Hibiki Kawano, Felipe Vejarano, Chiho Suzuki-Minakuchi, Masaki Shintani, Hideaki Nojiri, Onruthai Pinyakong
Summary: The study demonstrated that synergistic interactions among bacterial members of the consortium OPK promoted the simultaneous degradation of two high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Key degraders and degradation enzyme genes were identified in the process.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Guillermo Reboledo, Astrid Agorio, Ines Ponce De Leon
Summary: This review summarizes the current knowledge on transcription factor families that regulate development and responses to stress in mosses and other bryophytes. The study shows that these families play crucial roles in regulating plant growth and stress responses, and highlights their conserved and distinct biological functions compared with other plants.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Bindu Yadav, Abhimanyu Jogawat, Shambhu Krishan LalNITRATE, Nita Lakra, Sahil Mehta, Nitzan Shabek, Om Prakash Narayan
Summary: Nutrient transporter genes have the potential to improve crop yield by enhancing nutrient uptake and providing tolerance against different biotic and abiotic stresses. Understanding the mechanisms of nutrient transport in crop plants could lead to the development of engineered plant crops with increased yield and improved nutrient quality.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhuo Chen, Zexuan Wu, Wenyu Dong, Shiying Liu, Lulu Tian, Jiana Li, Hai Du
Summary: The function of the root system is crucial for plant survival, and MYB genes have been identified as key regulators in root development and adaptive responses. MYB genes from the same subfamily regulate similar biological processes in roots through redundant but precise ways. Understanding the functions of MYB genes in roots can provide insights into root regulatory mechanisms and contribute to a more inclusive green revolution and sustainable agriculture.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Shabir H. Wani, Shruti Anand, Balwant Singh, Abhishek Bohra, Rohit Joshi
Summary: WRKY transcription factors are essential regulators in plants, playing critical roles in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. They modulate various biological processes in plants by regulating signal transduction pathways, response to internal signals, developmental coordination, and adaptation to stress environments. Through interactions with other transcription factors, WRKY TFs form part of signaling webs that regulate diverse processes and plant immune response.
PLANT CELL REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Bao-Anh Thi Nguyen, Qing-Lin Chen, Zhen-Zhen Yan, Chaoyu Li, Ji-Zheng He, Hang-Wei Hu
Summary: This study found that soil invertebrate and bacterial communities are the main factors influencing core protist consumers, while core phototrophs are influenced by mean annual temperature. The research provides new insights into the importance of biotic and abiotic factors in structuring core soil protist communities.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Agnieszka Krzyszczak, Bozena Czech
Summary: In recent years, there has been growing attention to the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) derivatives containing oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur in different environmental matrices. Their increased toxicity and sources highlight their importance in the environment. Studies have found that nitrogen-containing PAHs are more vulnerable to photooxidation, and the detection of O- and N-PAHs in airborne particles accounts for a significant portion of total mutagenicity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hengfang Wang, Guanghui Lv, Yan Cai, Xueni Zhang, Lamei Jiang, Xiaodong Yang
Summary: This study conducted at the Ebinur Lake Wetland Nature Reserve in Xinjiang, China, investigated the relationship between ecosystem multifunctionality, nutrient cycling, and community vertical structures. Results showed that diversity attributes and environmental factors play significant roles in influencing ecosystem multifunctionality and nutrient cycling. Moreover, biotic and abiotic factors were found to explain ecosystem multifunctionality better than nutrient cycling, highlighting the importance of assessing community diversity for preventing desertification in drylands.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jacqueline Bangma, T. C. Guillette, Paige A. Bommarito, Carla Ng, Jessica L. Reiner, Andrew B. Lindstrom, Mark J. Strynar
Summary: The accumulation and elimination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wildlife and humans are largely due to interactions with proteins such as organic anion transporters, fatty acid binding proteins, and serum proteins like albumin. Changes in the environment and physiological factors can impact the distribution of PFAS-related proteins and subsequently affect PFAS levels. Understanding these relationships between biotic and abiotic environments, protein levels, and PFAS concentrations can improve study design and interpretation in wildlife research.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nathan Mills, Michael J. Weber, Darcy Cashatt, Clay L. Pierce, Philip Dixon
Summary: Mercury contamination in aquatic ecosystems is a global concern. Fish mercury concentrations are influenced by various factors. Mercury concentrations in Iowa lakes are relatively low.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Pim N. H. Wassenaar, Eric M. J. Verbruggen
Summary: The study discusses the complexities of PBT assessment for UVCBs, proposes the use of HBM method for evaluation, and validates its feasibility through a case study on alkylated three-ring PAHs group. The results indicate that alkylated PAHs are more persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic than the parent PAHs, suggesting their potential classification as PBT/vPvB substances.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mehreen Ghufran, Ashfaq Ur Rehman, Muhammad Ayaz, Zaheer Ul-Haq, Reaz Uddin, Syed Sikander Azam, Abdul Wadood
Summary: This study used computer-aided drug designing approaches and experimental methods to find new and potential anti-cancer drugs. A pharmacophore model was developed and used for virtual screening, resulting in the identification of compounds with good interactions with the target protein. The results were further validated through molecular dynamics simulation analysis.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aqib Hassan Ali Khan, Syedah Zoya Kazmi, Cyrus Raza Mirza, Tayyab Ashfaq Butt, Nida Gul, Roco Barros, Sohail Yousaf, Mazhar Iqbal Pakistan
Summary: This study investigates the improvement of soil enzyme activities and finds that the combination of 5% moss, compost, and biochar can effectively increase enzyme activities.
CHIANG MAI JOURNAL OF SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Aqib Hassan Ali Khan, Amna Kiyani, Mario Santiago-Herrera, Jesus Ibanez, Sohail Yousaf, Mazhar Iqbal, Sonia Martel-Martin, Rocio Barros
Summary: Heavy metals (HMs) are non-biodegradable and can be transferred from environmental matrices to plants through phytoremediation. Phytoremediation of HMs has advantages such as biophilia and carbon neutrality compared to other remediation methods. Studies also suggest that phytoremediation is more sustainable based on life cycle assessment. However, proper management of HMs contaminated biomass after phytoremediation is a challenge, as it can reintroduce HMs into the environment. This review discusses a sustainable phytoremediation strategy using life cycle assessment and various biomass management options.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mehreen Ghufran, Mehran Ullah, Haider Ali Khan, Sabreen Ghufran, Muhammad Ayaz, Muhammad Siddiq, Syed Qamar Abbas, Syed Shams ul Hassan, Simona Bungau
Summary: During the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, researchers extensively studied pharmacological strategies to decrease the viral load in severe patients. The M-pro protease, which is essential for viral replication, has been identified as a potential therapeutic target. To prevent further spread of the pandemic, scientists are actively searching for more efficient inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
A. H. A. Khan, S. Tanveer, A. Kiyani, R. Barros, M. Iqbal, S. Yousaf
Summary: This research identified the potential of biosurfactant-producing fungal strains belonging to Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Candida genera for enhancing the hydrocarbon degradation process. The highest biodegradation was observed in Aspergillus niger FA5, followed by Penicillium chrysogenum FP4, Aspergillus terreus FP6, and Candida sp. FG2. The results indicate that fungi capable of producing biosurfactants and effectively reducing surface tension show significant improvements in the rate of hydrocarbon degradation.
APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hamza Elsayed Ahmad Mohamed, Ali Talha Khalil, Khaoula Hkiri, Muhammad Ayaz, Asad Usman, Abdul Sadiq, Farhat Ullah, Muhammad Arif Khan, Arshad Islam, Muhammad Ovais, Malik Maaza
Summary: Phytoextracts of Hyphaene thebaica were used to synthesize nano-scaled spherical lanthanum oxide nanoparticles (La2O3 NPs) as a bioreducing and chelating agent. XRD, HR-TEM, and infrared spectroscopy confirmed the purity and crystalline nature of the HT-La2O3 NPs. The NPs showed potential antioxidant, anticancer, antiangiogenic, and cytotoxic properties, with highest DPPH scavenging activity and median lethal concentration values on MCF-7 and 3T3 cell lines.
APPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Muhammad Imran, Arshad Iqbal, Syed Lal Badshah, Ayaz Ali Sher, Hammad Ullah, Muhammad Ayaz, Osama F. Mosa, Nada M. Mostafa, Maria Daglia
Summary: Seaweed is known for its beneficial effects on human health, and Dictyota dichotoma extracts contain various bioactive components such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The extracts also contain multiple compounds, including undecane, cetylic acid, hexadecenoic acid, Z-11-, and myristic acid.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Haider Ali Khan, Mehreen Ghufran, Sulaiman Shams, Alam Jamal, Muhammad Ayaz, Mehran Ullah, Abbas Khan, Mohammad Imran Khan, Zuhier A. Awan
Summary: Therapeutic moieties derived from medicinal plants and plants-based ecofriendly processes for producing selenium nanoparticles have shown great promise in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. The current study aimed to assess the anti-diabetic potentials of Fagonia cretica mediated biogenic selenium nanoparticles (FcSeNPs) using in-vitro and in-vivo approaches. FcSeNPs demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition against alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase and significant antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals. Treatment with FcSeNPs resulted in a considerable decline in blood glucose levels in STZ-induced diabetic mice and improved biochemical parameters related to pancreas, liver, kidney, and lipid profile.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ismat Nawaz, Atifa Mehboob, Aqib Hassan Ali Khan, Tatheer Alam Naqvi, Nazneen Bangash, Sadia Aziz, Wajiha Khan, Irum Shahzadi, Rocio Barros, Kifayat Ullah, Mohammad Maroof Shah
Summary: Parsley experiences inhibited growth and induced non-enzymatic antioxidant activity under Cd stress, but decreased activity under Zn stress. Cd uptake and accumulation is higher in roots, suggesting reduced ability to translocate Cd to aboveground parts (leaves).
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tanzeel Zohra, Faryal Saeed, Aamer Ikram, Tariq Khan, Siyab Alam, Muhammad Adil, Ayesha Gul, Saud Almawash, Muhammad Ayaz
Summary: This review explores the role of nanomedicine-based therapeutic agents against dengue virus and introduces a potential method for better treatment.
Article
Immunology
Gowhar Ali, Nazar Ul Islam, Muhammad Qaim, Rahim Ullah, Muhammad Saeed Jan, Khadija Shabbiri, Muhammad Shafique, Muhammad Ayaz
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of 2-hydroxybenzohydrazide (HBH) as a drug against pyrexia, inflammation, and nociception, as well as its therapeutic effects on oxidative stress and C-reactive proteins. The findings showed that HBH dose-dependently inhibited pain, inflammation, and pyrexia, and had significant anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities involving opioidergic mechanism. Computational studies also revealed HBH's affinity for the COX-I/II target receptors.
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Arwa A. Al-Huqail, Adnan A. Bekhit, Hammad Ullah, Muhammad Ayaz, Nada M. Mostafa
Summary: This study identified compounds in marigold flower extract and evaluated their potential as anti-leishmanial and anti-malarial agents. The results showed that marigold flowers are rich in flavonoids and have antibacterial effects against certain diseases.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qarib Ullah, Zarshad Ali, Umer Rashid, Gowhar Ali, Nisar Ahmad, Rasool Khan, Sami Ullah, Muhammad Ayaz, H. C. Ananda Murthy
Summary: This study evaluated a novel indazolone derivative for its activity against pain, neuropathy, and inflammation. The results showed that the derivative exhibited significant inhibitory effects on nociception and inflammation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of pyrexia, chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain, and nociceptive inflammatory pain in the future.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mater H. Mahnashi, Muhammad Ayaz, Yahya S. Alqahtani, Bandar A. Alyami, Muhammad Shahid, Omaish Alqahtani, Saeed M. Kabrah, Alam Zeb, Farhat Ullah, Abdul Sadiq
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the phenolic compounds of Sorbaria tomentosa Lindl. Rehder and evaluate its neuroprotective and anxiolytic potentials. The results showed that S. tomentosa contains abundant phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Moreover, it exhibited improvements in cognition and exploratory behavior, as well as anxiolytic and memory enhancing effects.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hamze Elsayed Ahmed Mohamed, Ali Talha Khalil, Khaoula Hkiri, Muhammad Ayaz, Assad Usman, Abdul Sadiq, Farhat Ullah, Ishtiaq Hussain, Malik Maaza
Summary: In this study, holmium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using Hyphaene thebaica extracts as a bioreductant. The nanoparticles exhibited crystalline structure and quasi-spherical morphology with a size range of 6-12 nm. The nanoparticles showed potential antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, and cytotoxic properties, with the ability to inhibit 3T3 cells. The study suggests that biosynthesis using aqueous extracts can be a suitable and eco-friendly method for nanoparticle synthesis.
