Marine sediments are one of the final sinks for microplastics. However, research on microplastic pollution in the inner Gulf of Thailand (GoT) remains limited despite intense anthropogenic pressures in this region. The spatiotemporal distribution, sources, and ecological risks of microplastics in the inner GoT sediments were investigated. The abundance of microplastics ranged in 40-3180 items/kg dry weight, with significantly higher abundances during the dry season than the rainy season (p < 0.01). The majority of the microplastics were categorized as small-sized range of 0.03-0.3 mm (71.54%), with fibers (49.69%) and fragments (49.01%) being the dominant shapes. Polyethylene terephthalate (50.47%), polypropylene (18.09%), and polyethylene (14.94%) were the primary polymers identified. These findings suggest that secondary microplastics could represent a major source, such as cloth materials, fishing gear, and degraded plastic packaging. The prevalence of small-sized microplastics (< 0.3 mm) suggests significant degradation of microplastics. We hypothesize that this is driven by accelerated degradation from high temperatures and intense UV radiation in tropical environments, such as the inner GoT. Although the pollution load index (PLi) of the microplastics indicated a low pollution load (category II), their potential ecological risk index (PERi) reached a serious potential risk (category V), particularly in the Chao Phraya estuary. This discrepancy underscores that PERi is governed by polymer-specific hazard levels rather than microplastic abundance. This research enhances the understanding of microplastic fate and ecological risk in marine environments, offering a scientific foundation for evidence-based policies in the inner GoT.
Ecological and socio-economic significance of mangrove-estuarine ecosystems has been widely acknowledged, yet they have increasingly threatened by plastic pollution driven by complex hydrodynamics and anthropogenic pressures that have promoted plastic accumulation. This study presented an integrated assessment of macro-mesoplastic (MMPs) and microplastic (MPs) pollution in mangrove-estuarine ecosystem of the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam, integrating multiple environmental compartments, including MMPs accumulation on mangrove surface, MPs contamination in surface sediments, and bivalves. Field surveys were conducted across nine sites representing mangrove core, buffer, and coastal estuarine zones. The MMPs (> 2.5 cm) and MPs were analyzed in term of abundance, mass, shape, color and polymer composition. The MMPs exhibited pronounced spatial heterogeneity, with average abundance and mass of 1.59 ± 1.37 items/m2 and 20.17 ± 10.02 g/m2, respectively. Total MMPs mass within the study was estimated at approximately 132 tons, highlighting substantial surface accumulation. The MPs were ubiquitous across all matrices, dominated by fibers and fragments composed primarily of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP), with average abundance and mass of 74.74 ± 47.46 items/kg and 47.94 ± 42.70 mg/kg in sediments, and 0.352 ± 0.04 items/individualand 0.054 ± 0.018 items/g wet tissue in bivalves. Biota-sediment ratios (BSR) indicated variable relative enrichment of microplastics in bivalves, reflecting effective bioindicators for monitoring microplastic contamination and assessing human exposure via seafood consumption. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified population and river morphology as key drivers shaping plastic distribution patterns. By integrating macro-mesoplastics, microplastics, and biological exposure, this study provided new insights into plastic partitioning in tropical mangrove-estuarine ecosystems and supported the development of sustainable management strategies.
Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants, yet their presence in human cardiac tissue and their potential contribution to myocardial fibrosis remain unclear. We investigated whether myocardial MNP burden is associated with fibrosis severity in patients and evaluated mechanistic plausibility in mice. Left atrial appendage tissues were collected from patients undergoing cardiac surgery (n=33). MNP burden and polymer composition were quantified by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and fibrosis was quantified histologically. In mice, 100-nm or 1-µm polystyrene nanoplastics were administered by oral gavage in coexposure and sequential exposure protocols with isoprenaline. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography, and fibrosis was evaluated by histology and immunohistochemistry. Transcriptomics, metabolomics, and 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing were performed to identify pathways linked to MNP exposure. MNPs were detected in all human cardiac samples. Patients with high fibrosis exhibited higher total MNP levels than those with low fibrosis (171.74 [95% CI, 158.18-202.39] versus 119.33 [95% CI, 102.75-148.44] µg/g tissue; P=2.5×10-4), driven predominantly by elevated nanoplastics (122.83 [95% CI, 100.10-149.06] versus 86.39 [95% CI, 36.85-103.74] µg/g; P=0.010). Polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride were enriched in high-fibrosis tissues (polystyrene: P=3.3×10-4; polyvinyl chloride: P=0.002). Transcriptomics indicated activation of inflammatory and profibrotic pathways (TNF/NF-κB [nuclear factor-κB], TGF-β [transforming growth factor-beta], and MAPK), supported by increased α-SMA (alpha-smooth muscle actin), COL1 (collagen I), and TGF-β1 immunostaining, while metabolomics suggested perturbations in lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function. In mice, polystyrene exposure exacerbated isoprenaline-induced systolic dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis in both experimental paradigms and recapitulated pathway signatures related to cell-matrix interactions. Myocardial MNP burden, particularly nanoplastics, is associated with greater fibrosis in humans, and experimental polystyrene exposure aggravates stress-induced myocardial remodeling in vivo. Multiomics analyses nominate inflammatory, ECM (extracellular matrix), and metabolic programs as candidate mediators of MNP-associated cardiotoxicity.
The exponential growth in plastic production since the mid-twentieth century has led to the pervasive presence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) across ecosystems and human exposure pathways, coinciding with a rising global burden of neurological disorders. Increasing evidence demonstrates that MNPs are not confined to peripheral tissues but can accumulate even in the human brain, raising concerns about their potential contribution to neurological disease. This structured review synthesizes global trends in plastic production, environmental MNP burden, and human exposure, together with emerging data on brain accumulation, entry pathways, neurotoxic mechanisms, and key translational challenges. We present evidence showing that MNPs may cross brain barriers via multiple routes, including the blood-brain barrier, blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, olfactory, and circumventricular pathways, particularly under conditions of barrier vulnerability. Experimental studies reveal that once in neural tissue, MNPs may disrupt synaptic function, mitochondrial homeostasis, autophagy, and redox balance, while activating neuroinflammatory and gut-brain axis-mediated pathways. These mechanisms intersect with disease-relevant processes implicated in multiple neurological disorders whose global prevalence and societal burden have sharply increased over recent decades, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, mood disorders, and neurodevelopmental conditions. Despite growing mechanistic plausibility, translational and human epidemiological evidence remains limited by methodological heterogeneity, a lack of standardized detection methods, and the absence of longitudinal clinical data/studies. We highlight critical analytical and translational gaps, public health implications, and priorities for longitudinal, biomarker‑driven studies needed to rigorously test whether MNPs may contribute to population‑level risk of neurological disease.
Plastic litter stranded on beaches is a worldwide problem. The harsh conditions, intense UV radiation, fluctuating temperatures and mechanical abrasion from wind and wave forces, should favour macroplastic degradation and increase fragmentation rate. In a field experiment, ten types of commonly found beach litter items of a variety of polymers, product categories and colours, were placed on two highly exposed beaches on the Swedish west coast. Samples were analysed after 6, 12 and 24 months of exposure, and compared to pristine, un-weathered control items, following degradation by measuring changes in chemical composition (FTIR), thermal properties (DSC), mechanical properties (tensile strength) and morphological feature of surface structure (SEM), while fragmentation was indicated from visual inspection, weight loss and analysis of discolouration. Also, after two years' exposure, only minor signs of chemical and thermal degradation and changes in surface morphology were found. Still, after 6-24 months' exposure, several litter items, including string (PE), candy paper (LDPE), plastic bag (LDPE), rope (PP), fishing net (PA), container lid (PET), Styrofoam (ESP) and beach toy (PVC) samples, demonstrated decolouration, weight loss and had already fragmented, or were brittle enough to have the potential to do so as shown by major loss (17-71%) in tensile strength. Candy paper had lost 71% of tensile strength after 12 months, and after 24 months, samples were transparent and > 50% were disintegrated. Our results highlight beach litter as source for microplastic pollution and support management with swift beach cleaning activities of heavily polluted sites to remove macroplastics before microplastics are formed.
This review provides a systematic synthesis of 90 studies on microplastic (MP) pollution in Vietnam published between 2016 and 2024. The primary objective is to establish a comprehensive baseline of MP occurrence, characteristics, and ecological risks. Employing a multi-database search strategy, we evaluated MP distribution across atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic compartments, as well as within diverse biota. The findings reveal widespread contamination, dominated by fibers and fragments that serve as a "material footprint" of Vietnam's key economic sectors-specifically textiles, fisheries, and packaging-alongside systemic waste management gaps. Secondary particles prevail, confirming that leakage from mismanaged land-based waste is the primary pollution pathway. Comparative analysis indicates that MP concentrations in urban and industrial hotspots often exceed global averages. Notably, polymer risk assessments highlight that rural agricultural soils in the North and coastal environments face elevated toxicological risks due to hazardous polymers like PVC and PU. Furthermore, the review identifies a significant research bias toward urban aquatic environments, revealing critical data gaps in rural soil and atmospheric systems. To address this crisis, an integrated strategy is proposed, combining the standardization of sampling protocols, rigorous implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR), and enhanced wastewater treatment infrastructure to foster a circular economy and mitigate systemic environmental risks. This synthesis provides a vital framework for evidence-based mitigation and future research toward sustainable plastic management in Vietnam.
To evaluate the flexural strength, monomer release, and wear resistance between conventional, milled polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and 3D-printed resins built at 90° and 60° printing angles for occlusal splints. 60-rectangular and 100-disc specimens were fabricated from heat-cured PMMA (Oracryl [HP], Bracon Dental, United Kingdom), milled PMMA (Kerox Premia [KP], Kerox Dental, Hungary), and 3D-printed resins (FreePrint Splint2.0 [FS], Detax, Ettlingen, Germany, and KeySplint Hard [KS], Keystone Industries, Myerstown, USA) at 90° and 60° printing angles. Specimens for flexural strength and wear tests were immersed immediately in 37°C water for 50 h and thermally aged for 20,000 cycles. Flexural strength was evaluated using a three-point bend test. Wear was tested using a chewing simulator for 140,000 cycles, and volume loss was calculated using Autodesk MeshMixer software. Monomer release was analyzed via UV spectrophotometry over 7 days. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk test and one-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparison tests. KP showed the highest mean flexural strength (115.5 ± 5.3 MPa, p < 0.0001), followed by HP (86.6 ± 10.8 MPa, p < 0.0001), with 3D-printed resin showed the lowest. Meanwhile 90° FS showed greater flexural strength (60.5 ± 3.8 MPa) compared to 60° FS (p < 0.001) and KS (p < 0.01). The difference between 90° and 60° KS were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Monomer release peaked on Day 3 for all groups, with KS consistently showing the highest concentration (29.7 ± 3.6 ppm), followed by FS (28.8 ± 3.8 ppm), HP (27.9 ± 4.9 ppm), and lastly, KP showed the lowest concentration (24.9 ± 3.8 ppm). KP demonstrated the lowest mean volume loss (2.5 ± 1.3 mm3, p < 0.01), followed by HP (4.4 ± 1.7 MPa), whereas 3D-printed resin showed the highest. No significant wear differences were observed between 90° and 60° printing angles. Milled PMMA outperformed other materials, followed by conventional PMMA, while 3D-printed resin showed inferior performance in flexural strength, wear resistance, and monomer release. Printing angles significantly influenced flexural strength but not wear properties in 3D-printed resins.
Poly lactic acid microsphere fillers stimulate neocollagenesis, but aggregation can yield heterogeneous remodeling. We compared poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)- and poly-D,L-lactic acid (PDLLA)-based fillers to connect stereochemistry with microsphere stability, dispersion, and in vivo outcomes. Poly lactic acid/sodium hyaluronate composite fillers were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, and micro-compression. Dispersion-aggregation-redispersion in saline was quantified over 3 days by optical microscopy with circularity-based analysis. In SKH mice, 100 μl filler was injected subcutaneously. Projection volume was measured at baseline (day 0) and at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-injection using phase-shift rapid in vivo measurement of skin (PRIMOS). Tissue response was observed at the same time points using hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and macrophage immunofluorescence. PLLA microspheres remained discrete after saline dispersion and excipient removal, whereas PDLLA particles deformed and collapsed into compact clusters. PLLA particles (median 49.10 μm) were larger than PDLLA particles (median=19.85 μm) and showed semicrystalline differential scanning calorimetry features (glass transition temperature=60.88°C, cold crystallization temperature=94.2°C, melting temperature=169.18°C), while PDLLA was predominantly amorphous. PDLLA formed larger, poorly re-dispersible aggregates (median cluster=458.06 μm) than PLLA (median cluster=380.02 μm). In vivo, volume declined through week 4 then recovered. PLLA rebounded more uniformly with greater collagen area and weaker inflammatory and macrophage signals than PDLLA. PLLA crystallinity and mechanical robustness support re-dispersibility and more homogeneous collagen remodeling, whereas PDLLA aggregation is linked to heightened inflammation and reduced collagen deposition. Collectively, these findings suggest that maintaining microsphere integrity and dispersion is a key, actionable determinant of more uniform biostimulatory outcomes in PLA-based fillers.
In this study, we have used gelatin (G) and starch (S) to develop biobased films with different gelatin and cassava starch ratios (G:S 100:0, 90:10, 70:30, 50:50, 30:70, 10:90, or 0:100) with or without turmeric extract (T) at 1% or 10% (G:S 1 T, G:S 10 T, and G:S respectively). We have also prepared G:S films crosslinked with citric acid (C) with or without T at 1% or 10% (G:S C, G:S C1T, and G:S C10 T, respectively) in an attempt to obtain films with active properties and good mechanical and functional properties. The G:S 50:50 film presented phase separation and performed poorly from the mechanical and functional standpoints, so G:S 50:50 was a critical ratio. Increasing G content provided improved mechanical performance and tensile strength as high as 18.19 MPa, whereas increasing S content reduced water solubility (from ~95% to ~48%) and water vapor permeability (from 8 × 10-9 to 3 × 10-9 g·m·min-1·m-2·Pa-1). Adding 10% T enhanced the antioxidant activity up to ~87-88% and imparted antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus uberis. Despite evidence of some crosslinking, adding C apparently elicited a plasticizing effect, which resulted in more elongable films, mainly in the case of G:S C10 T films. Among the tested formulations, G:S 10:90 C10 T and G:S 30:70 C10 T showed the best overall balance of water resistance and barrier properties, while G:S 90:10 1 T exhibited the most balanced mechanical performance. These results demonstrate that tuning the polymer ratio and additive combination is an effective strategy when designing active biobased films.
We present the first analysis of microplastic (MP) occurrence in wild, non-native oysters (Magallana gigas) from a population consumed by humans on the southern coast of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Samples were collected from diverse locations, including commercial and military harbours, oil transport facilities, and industrial and recreational beaches. Following collection, the oysters underwent tissue digestion (30% H2O2) and filtration (GF/F, 47 mm, 0.7 μm pore). Microplastic particles were examined using a Nikon SM-Z1500 lens and identified via Perkin Elmer micro-FTIR spectroscopy. Analysis of 145 individuals revealed 346 MP particles, with an average size of 1226.17 ± 47.73 μm. While microfibres were the dominant morphology, µFTIR analysis identified the polymers as polyacrylates, thermoplastic polyesters, styrene/isoprene block copolymers (SIS), and other anthropogenic materials. This study provides the first baseline data on MP contamination in wild oysters from a significant environmental region of the Western South Atlantic coastline, underscoring implications for food security and potential human health risks.
The widespread presence of microplastics in food products, including dairy products, has raised concerns about contamination in cheese. This study characterized microplastics in six Slovak cheeses produced by traditional sheep cheese producers, small-scale minidairies, and industrial dairies. All cheeses were manufactured by our team directly in the respective dairies using standard processing steps typical for each production system. This work represents the first study to directly compare microplastic contamination across these three distinct dairy production systems. Samples were processed using a protocol comprising chelation, alkaline digestion, oxidative treatment, and sequential filtration. Particles retained on gold-coated membranes were analysed directly using laser direct infrared imaging, enabling automated polymer classification and morphometric characterization. Microplastics were detected in all samples, with blank-corrected synthetic microparticle counts ranging from 249 to 1,548 particles per sample. A total of 18 particle categories were identified, comprising various synthetic microplastic polymers-with polyethylene, polyamide, and polypropylene being the most prevalent-as well as natural or non-polymeric particles representing common environmental and processing-related impurities. Across all samples, microplastics were overwhelmingly dominated by fragment-shaped particles (typically > 80%), These findings suggest that dairy processing, equipment, and packaging materials may contribute to microplastic contamination, while the detection of microplastics in traditionally produced cheeses points to additional environmental exposure pathways. The study underscores the need for systematic monitoring within dairy supply chains, the development of food-grade plastic alternatives, and improved contamination-control practices. The results also provide an initial basis for evaluating dietary exposure to microplastics from cheese products.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants detected not only in water, soil, and air but also in human biological samples. To date, three main exposure routes have been identified. Currently, the principal exposure routes examined in scholarly works are oral, inhalational, and dermal. This paper explores iatrogenic microplastic exposure (IME) as an underrecognized healthcare-associated source of exposure and suggests that, in certain clinical contexts involving invasive, device-mediated, or direct systemic contact, IME may be considered a possible fourth route of exposure. IME is the introduction of microplastics into the human body through medical interventions. A literature-based conceptual review was conducted focusing on the materials and additives used in pharmaceutical formulations, intravenous systems, and medical devices. Particular attention was given to polymer-based excipients and plasticizers (e.g., phthalates, PEG, triacetin) found in enteric drug coatings and infusion packaging. Findings suggest that polymer-derived particles may enter systemic circulation via intravenous fluids, implantable devices, or oral medications, especially under conditions of heat, pressure, or prolonged contact. Such materials, though deemed biocompatible, may contribute to nanoplastic load and chronic exposure risks. Vulnerable groups such as neonates, oncology patients, and ICU populations may face disproportionate exposure. This calls for re-evaluation of plastic use in medical practice, improved regulatory oversight of pharmaceutical excipients, and innovation in plastic-free biomedical materials. Integrating this route into toxicological and epidemiological frameworks will enrich our understanding of microplastic-related health risks and broaden the scope of environmental health strategies.
Gelatin, a biopolymer from animal by-products, stands out for its abundance, film-forming ability, and beneficial functional and biological properties, making it a promising option for sustainable food packaging. This review begins with an overview of gelatin, including its sources, extraction methods, and key characteristics, followed by a discussion of its current applications in the food industry. It then provides a comprehensive analysis of electrospun gelatin nanofibers, highlighting their film performance and functional properties such as structural, mechanical, barrier, and thermal attributes, as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. In addition, the potential of these nanofibers in active, smart, and intelligent packaging systems that are designed to extend shelf life and monitor or preserve food freshness is examined. Electrospun gelatin nanofibers represent a promising and sustainable platform for next-generation food packaging materials. Progress in processing methods, including optimization of electrospinning conditions, blending with compatible natural or synthetic polymers, and incorporating functional additives such as crosslinking agents and bioactive compounds, has significantly improved their mechanical strength, barrier efficiency, and functional performance. Electrospun gelatin nanofiber-based packaging materials combine environmental sustainability with useful functional properties, providing a practical approach to reducing plastic waste and improving food preservation.
The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the 18-month clinical performance of alkasite and glass-hybrid restorations compared with resin composite in Class II restorations. A total of 50 patients requiring at least three Class II restorations in premolar and molar teeth were recruited. Each patient received three restorations, which were randomly assigned to one of the following materials: an alkasite (Cention N, Ivoclar Vivadent), a glass-hybrid (Equia Forte HT, GC Corp.), or a resin composite (Gradia Direct Posterior, GC Corp.). Alkasite and glass-hybrid served as test groups while resin composite served as the control group. During the 18-month follow-up, restorations were scored at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months using the FDI criteria. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square and Cochran's Q tests (α = 0.05). No significant differences were detected among the groups for esthetic, functional, or biological criteria over 18 months (p > 0.05). Regarding esthetic properties, the control group showed 100% success for all esthetic criteria at all recall visits, while the alkasite group maintained a 96% success rate at all time points, and glass-hybrid showed 98% success at 6 and 12 months and 92% at 18 months. Minor score-2 changes in color match and gloss were detected in the glass-hybrid and alkasite groups but were not significant (p > 0.05). For functional and biological outcomes, all groups achieved 100% success rates for all evaluated parameters. Alkasite and glass-hybrid groups exhibited clinical performance comparable to resin composite over the 18-month follow-up in Class II cavities. All materials demonstrated excellent functional and biological stability while achieving clinically acceptable aesthetic results.
The population explosion is one of the major factors contributing to improper plastic waste disposal in Nigeria, leading to a significant increase in non-biodegradable waste with severe environmental consequences, particularly in riverine areas. This study investigates the sources, types, and ecological impacts of plastic waste in Yola, North-Eastern Nigeria, focusing on its effects on the River Benue. The study covered five locations: Doubeli, Rumde, Bwaranji, Jambutu, and Unguwan-Tana, involving 552 respondents. To estimate the quantity and types of plastic waste entering the River Benue, active sampling was carried out at sites selected based on their proximity to plastic disposal points, with standardized dimensions and positions across locations. Additionally, a random-walk systematic sampling approach was used to distribute questionnaires, gathering data on demographics, disposal practices, and waste management awareness. The findings revealed a substantial influx of plastic waste from domestic and commercial sources into the river, including household items and commercial packaging. While 69.75% of respondents practiced waste segregation, disposal methods varied, contributing to river pollution, with negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems and farming activities. Reported consequences included water discoloration, diminished fish populations with a reduction in sizes, and health issues such as malaria, diarrhea, and skin infections. In conclusion, the study underscores an urgent need for enhanced plastic waste management in Yola, highlighting the environmental and health risks posed by current disposal practices. Improved waste segregation, enhanced collection services, and strengthened public awareness are essential measures for addressing plastic pollution in the River Benue and surrounding communities.
The plastic pollution crisis urges innovative recycling solutions. Promising approaches especially for polyester-containing wastes include enzymatic hydrolysis and microbial upcycling. For efficient enzymatic hydrolysis of polyesters, elevated temperatures (70-80 °C) are required, necessitating thermophilic microbial chassis for consolidated bioprocessing (CBP). In this study, we engineered Geobacillus thermoleovorans through adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) for robust growth on adipic acid (AA) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO), two relevant monomers for example derived from poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), enabling growth rates of up to 0.10 h-1 on AA and 0.13 h-1 on BDO. Based on a high-quality annotated genome sequence of the wild type, genomic mutations and gene expression levels were characterized in mutants grown on the respective substrates compared to glucose. For BDO, an alcohol dehydrogenase (Gth_001044) and an aldehyde dehydrogenase (Gth_001082) were identified to be likely responsible for its oxidative degradation. AA uptake appears to be mediated by a dicarboxylate transporter (Gth_003270), followed by CoA activation and β-oxidation involving a CoA transferase (Gth_003192) and several upregulated CoA-family dehydrogenases. To demonstrate applicability of these strains in plastic upcycling, they were co-cultivated with PBAT as the sole carbon source in combination with the cutinase HiC for PBAT hydrolysis. This resulted in growth on the released AA and BDO. Given the potential to purify the remaining terephthalate (TA), this approach highlights the feasibility of selective monomer valorization in bioprocesses. Additional ALE enabled co-utilization of AA and BDO by a single strain and improved AA consumption at lower concentrations, underscoring the strains' adaptability and high potential for plastic upcycling applications. KEY POINTS: • G. thermoleovorans evolved for robust growth on adipate and 1,4-butanediol at 60 °C. • Genome and transcriptome analyses revealed underlying pathways and enzymes involved. • Co-cultivation of the evolved strains on PBAT with HiC as the sole carbon source.
Purpose: To compare the monomer leaching of 3D-printed denture base materials (NextDent® Denture 3D+ [D3D]) and orthodontic base material (NextDent® Ortho Flex [OF]) with conventional poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA) resins at 5 time points. Methods: Fifteen standardized samples (N=5 /group) of D3D, OF, and PMMA materials were submerged in artificial saliva for 48 hours. The solutions were extracted, and the monomer release rate and amount were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at 0, 8, 16, 24, and 48 hours. One-way analysis of variance, independent t-tests, and post-hoc least significant difference tests were used to compare monomer release rates and amounts across different time intervals and materials. Results: Methyl methacrylate was detected in the PMMA group at 0.0034 wt%, which is below the ISO threshold (<4.5 wt%). Significant differences were observed in monomer release rates and patterns among the groups (P<0.001). The highest monomer release occurred within the first 8 hours and decreased drastically over time (P<0.001). Among 3D printing groups, the OF group exhibited a higher release rate than the D3D group at all time points (0, 8, 16, 24, and 48 hours; P <0.001). The D3D group maintained a consistently low release rate. Conclusions: The levels of monomer release in this in vitro study would be considered safe for use in pediatric dentistry. Due to the highest monomer release occurring within the first 8 hours, it is recommended that appliances be delivered at least 8 hours after fabrication to minimize initial exposure.
Skeletal muscle development and physiological homeostasis are profoundly influenced by environmental cues. Among these factors, ambient temperature represents a critical determinant of growth performance and metabolic adaptation in mammals. However, the effects of different ambient temperature ranges on skeletal muscle characteristics and on responses across multiple visceral tissues remain poorly understood. In this study, five ambient temperature conditions (16 °C, 20 °C, 24 °C, 28 °C, and 32 °C) were established to investigate their physiological impacts in a mouse model. Our results demonstrate that ambient temperature markedly influences growth performance and skeletal muscle phenotype. Notably, mice housed at 20 °C showed relatively preserved grip strength and a shift in myofiber cross-sectional area distribution, although these findings did not consistently indicate superior skeletal muscle development across all indices. Further analysis revealed that ambient temperature significantly modulated the expression profiles of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms in skeletal muscle. Specifically, cold exposure was associated with an upregulation of the slow-twitch-related MyHC I, whereas heat stress correlated with an elevation of the fast-twitch-related MyHC IIb. Functional assessments indicated that exposure to colder or hotter conditions was associated with impaired muscle performance, as reflected by reduced grip strength at 16 °C, 28 °C, and 32 °C, and decreased endurance capacity at 28 °C and 32 °C. Histological analyses of major visceral organs revealed no obvious structural alterations in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, or kidney across temperature conditions. However, exposure to thermal extremes (16 °C and 32 °C) significantly reduced intestinal villus height, suggesting compromised intestinal integrity under temperature stress. Collectively, these findings indicate that ambient temperature is associated with multi-tissue changes in skeletal muscle characteristics, functional performance, and intestinal morphology. This study provides new insights into how environmental temperature modulates tissue adaptation and physiological homeostasis in mammals.
Estradiol (E2), a sex steroid hormone molecule, plays a key role in regulating the actin and shape dynamics of cells in a multitude of normal and pathophysiological conditions. While cytoskeletal rearrangements, membrane dynamics, and cellular protrusions are intimately involved in cell motility and invasiveness, little is known about the impact of E2 on these processes in estrogen-dependent epithelial cells. In this study, we quantified the impact of E2 on epithelial cell shape and actin dynamics. 12Z human endometriotic epithelial cells were transfected with LifeAct-GFP and observed with lattice lightsheet microscopy, a new imaging technique fast enough to capture 3D dynamics on second timescales. E2, when applied for 24 h, significantly decreased cell circularity, solidity, and rate of change of circularity, indicating a transition to a more elongated and less variable morphology. 24-h E2 treatment also induced the formation of large membrane protrusions reminiscent of invadopodia and led to a more disordered flow of actin within those protrusions. However, these effects were not seen after 15 min of E2 treatment, suggesting that longer-term signaling is required to drive these structural changes. Together, these results suggest that E2 modulates actin polymerization and membrane protrusion dynamics in endometriotic epithelial cells and may prime them for cell invasion. This work highlights a role for hormonal signaling in mediating cytoskeletal plasticity and migratory cell phenotypes.
This study investigated the coagulation effect of magnetized polyferric sulfate (PFS) and polyacrylamide (PAM) on papermaking wastewater. Results showed that the co-magnetized PFS-PAM group (Group C) achieved significantly higher removal rates of chemical oxygen demand (COD), color, turbidity, and UV254 than the nonmagnetized PFS-PAM group (Group B) and control group (Group A). Specifically, the effluent COD of Group C decreased to 46.72 mg/L, with color, turbidity, and UV254 removal rates increased by 16.85, 32.38, and 10.78%, respectively, compared with Group A. The enhanced efficiency was attributed to the cutting effect of magnetic induction lines in alternating magnetic fields (AMFs), which promoted coagulation and sedimentation. AMFs converted magnetic energy into internal energy of PFS particles, increasing multinuclear polymers in PFS solutions and strengthening complexation and chelation reactions. Orthogonal experiments identified the optimal parameter combination as A3B1C1D3E3 (PFS dosage: 1,000 mg/L, PAM dosage: 1.5 mg/L, magnetization intensity: 6 mT, magnetization time: 5 min, magnetization frequency: 130 Hz), under which the removal rates of COD, color, turbidity, and UV254 reached 94.2, 93.08, 90.07, and 89.35%, respectively. Importantly, PAM did not alter the magnetization effect, supporting the wide application of AMFs in wastewater treatment.