Global Challenges最新文献

This research focuses on designing a novel, five-layered N95 mask fabric that integrates the natural antimicrobial properties of Boswellia serrata, thereby unlocking a new dimension in respiratory protection. Specifically, the second and third layers of the mask fabric were coated with a chloroform extract of Boswellia serrata to impart layer-specific functionality. The functionalized mask fabrics underwent rigorous analysis, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and wettability measurements, confirming the successful incorporation of the extract. The contact killing assay demonstrated a highly effective dual-action defense system. The extract-coated second layer exhibited a rapid, but transient, antimicrobial effect, showing excellent inhibition within one hour (92% against S. aureus, 86% against E. aerogenes), though this effect diminished significantly by eight hours. In contrast, the third layer provided a prolonged and sustained antimicrobial effect, maintaining high inhibition even after eight hours (100% against C. albicans and K. pneumoniae, and 90% against E. aerogenes). Maximum killing efficiency was observed at four hours for both layers. This innovative application of layer-specific engineering offers enhanced and prolonged protection against airborne pathogens, marking a significant leap in mask technology.

It is unclear how Micrococcus adapts to leaf environments and why it exhibits exceptionally high heavy-metal tolerance. Herein, we report that a Micrococcus strain isolated from camphor tree leaves forms previously undescribed sponge-like biofilms and a capsule with a distinctive honeycomb-like Voronoi structure. Capsule formation begins during cell division, wherein thin fibers appear between two dividing cells and gradually thicken to form a dense capsule. The capsule surface is densely perforated with cavities (95.0 ± 4.41 nm in diameter and 166.3 ± 5.91 nm in depth), resembling a Voronoi diagram. As the structure matures, filamentous connections between cells form sponge-like biofilms. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis revealed that these architectures retain essential metal ions, while limiting the uptake of toxic copper ions. These structures represent a novel defense strategy, distinct from conventional mechanisms in which heavy metals are directly adsorbed into cells or capsules. This structural strategy supports copper resistance and ecological adaptation on camphor tree leaves, where microorganisms encounter nutrient limitations and fluctuating moisture. Building upon these insights, our findings expand current understanding of microbial survival strategies, shows the importance of structural biology in the phyllosphere, and indicates potential applications in bioremediation.

Plant diseases, agricultural intensification, and climatic catastrophes such as drought have all has a significant impact on agricultural production in recent years. For decades, synthetic agrochemicals have been the primary tool for disease management and yield enhancement. However, their use poses significant environmental and health risks. There are many studies on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and bacterial biocontrol agents (BCA) as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the direct and indirect mechanisms by which PGPR and BCA enhance tomato growth and suppress pathogens. Although some of these PGPR and BCA are known, their mechanisms are not completely understood. Emerging omics approaches, which include genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, are highlighted as powerful tools for elucidating plant-microbe interactions and guiding next-generation biocontrol strategies. By critically examining overlapping mechanisms and applications, this review clarifies the complementary roles of PGPR, BCA, and “omics” and identifies research gaps for more consistent and scalable use in agriculture.

This randomized crossover trial investigates the effects of blue light defocus display technology on refractive status, axial length (AL), retinal blood flow, and visual function in adults. Twenty-one participants completed all four interventions: 0D, 1D, 2D defocus, and 1D defocus with 30 % blue light filtering (1D+BLF) in a randomized order during standardized visual tasks. Pre- and post-task assessments include refraction, AL, choroidal thickness (ChT), retinal defocus, reading efficiency, and visual fatigue. Results demonstrate that 1D defocus reduces spherical equivalent refraction (SER) (−4.35 ± 2.66 D to −4.21 ± 2.66 D, P = 0.045) and increases ChT (P = 0.003), while 1D+BLF induces axial elongation (P = 0.026). Both 1D and 2D defocus are linked to increased ChT, whereas 0D and 1D+BLF groups exhibited hyperopic defocus trends. Reading speed and efficiency improve in the 1D group (p < 0.05), while visual fatigue and blink frequency increase significantly in the 0D group (p = 0.001). Linear regression identifies correlations between defocus and changes in choroidal volume, near convergence, and fusional reserves. These findings suggest blue light defocus technology may help mitigate hyperopic defocus, influence retinal perfusion, and alleviate visual fatigue, supporting its potential role in myopia prevention. Further validation in diverse populations and long-term studies is warranted.

Extreme temperature events, particularly heatwaves, are intensifying due to climate change and urbanization, posing major public health challenges in Central Asia (CA), where research is limited. Despite the rising frequency and severity of heat extremes, long-term assessments of their health impacts are scarce. This study addresses this gap by analyzing historical and future heatwave trends and associated health risks using multi-ensemble climate models across 700 locations from 1959 to 2100. Bias correction improved GCMs, reducing bias and RMSE by 24% and 14%, respectively. Under SSP2–4.5, projected heatwave magnitudes (HWM) shift from 26 to 31 °C, consistent with historical moderate to severe events. Under SSP5–8.5, HWM increases to 29–36 °C. Turkmenistan is expected to experience ultra-extreme heatwaves in the far future, a pattern not seen in other CA countries. Under SSP2–4.5, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan show the highest rises in heatwave-related mortality rates, with slopes of 5.432 and 3.021 in the near future, declining to 1.377 and 1.102 in the far future. SSP5–8.5 shows similar but higher estimates, highlighting escalating public health risks. Findings emphasize the urgent need for region-specific climate policies and public health strategies to mitigate the growing burden of extreme heat in CA.

The widespread Presence of emerging contaminants (ECs) from pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial, agricultural, and urban chemicals/wastes has escalated into a pressing global health concern. Key ECs include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), microplastics, certain nanomaterials, endocrine disrupting compounds, and pesticides spanning diverse chemical classes, with harmful implications for humans, animals, and the environment. They have been detected in groundwater, surface water, soils, and wastewaters in different concentrations. Bioremediation has been well praised as a green, ecofriendly method among other methods for environmental remediation. Laccase (Lac), a versatile oxidative enzyme, is distinguished by its ability to act on non-phenolic substrates, thereby expanding its utility in EC breakdown. This review delves into the origins of ECs and investigates the pivotal role of Lac in their degradation. Lac is one of the most powerful natural oxidative enzymes and is presently receiving the attention of the science community as an effective and versatile green catalyst for eco-powered cleanup of various contaminants. This review analyses the complex mechanisms behind Lac-mediated degradation and underscores its promise in promoting sustainable water/land resource management. While its wide use still faces different challenges, innovative methodologies such as Lac immobilization are highlighted as effective approaches for enhancing EC removal and advancing environmental conservation. In essence, the review spotlights the ecological implications of Lac in bioremediation and the transformative approaches for its sustainable applications. Through cutting-edge techniques and strategic enzyme deployment, this review offers a forward-looking perspective on Lac in mitigating EC-induced environmental challenges.

Foreign body in the respiratory system caused by falls (F-RFBA) among individuals aged 70 years and older has been a growing concern globally, yet comprehensive global epidemiological data on this issue remain sparse. Data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study from 1990 to 2021 are systematically reviewed to assess incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) associated with F-RFBA. Projections are made for the period up to 2040 using Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) models. From 1990 to 2021, the incidence, prevalence, and YLDs associated with F-RFBA among individuals aged 70 years and older showed an increasing trend. High SDI regions maintain a substantial burden, contrasting with Central Europe's decline. Global incidence is projected to increase 33.6% (2021–2040), with regional variations: decreases in Australia/New Zealand and sub-Saharan Africa versus rises in China and the United States. The global burden of F-RFBA among individuals aged 70 years and older has shown an increasing trend from 1990 to 2021 and is projected to rise further through 2040. Significant disparities in disease burden and trends underscore the need for targeted interventions, healthcare strengthening, and effective prevention strategies.

Graphene oxide (GO) is a nanomaterial with excellent physico-chemical properties widely used in a high variety of technological applications. However, conventional protocols for GO preparation rely on wet synthesis, involving extreme chemical conditions. Recently, mechanochemical synthesis has been postulated as a rapid and sustainable dry alternative for the preparation of new materials. In this work, an optimization of the mechanochemical synthesis of GO from graphite is carried out. To characterize the materials, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS), elemental analysis, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms are employed. The GO synthesized via dry protocol (d-GO) and GO prepared via wet synthesis (w-GO) are coupled with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to prepare magnetic graphene oxide sorbents (d-M@GO and w-M@GO). Subsequently, the adsorption properties of the prepared materials toward inorganic and organic pollutants are determined and compared. The results indicated excellent adsorption efficiency for d-M@GO, demonstrating the successful application of the mechanochemical method in magnetic sorbents preparation. To the best of the available knowledge, this is the first work to investigate the applicability of dry mechanochemical GO for the synthesis of a magnetic sorbent (d-M@GO) and its use toward emerging concern and priority pollutants (PFAS and metal ions).

We investigate the use of lemon CytroCell nanocellulose as a new biobased filler for Nafion-based proton exchange membranes. Pristine and composite membranes are prepared via casting and solvent evaporation technique. CytroCell is added up to 20 wt.% with respect to the polymer in a hydroalcoholic solution of Nafion perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer. Composite CytroCell@Nafion membranes are homogeneous on a molecular scale and showed enhanced proton conductivity with optimal performance for the composite membrane embedding 10 wt.% CytroCell. The composite membranes also showed improved flexibility and ductility compared to Nafion pristine membranes. Should stability of the new membranes be confirmed during prolonged PEM electrolyzer or H₂ fuel cell operation, these findings open the route to the development of enhanced PEM membranes of broad applicability.

Campylobacter jejuni is a widespread foodborne pathogen causing campylobacteriosis, a disease leading to diarrhea, fever, and gastroenteritis, able to adapt to many niches. Here, we present a hybrid in silico/in vitro study investigating the modulation of C. jejuni chorismate synthase by peptides. This enzyme belongs to the shikimate pathway, and it is an interesting target for selective growth modulation, being crucial for bacteria but not present in animals. To account for the identification of “natural” modulators, a library of 400 dipeptides is screened in silico through docking and molecular dynamics simulations to identify possible inhibiting sequences. The dipeptide glutamate-aspartate (ED) stood out, emulating the pharmacophoric fingerprint and interaction of the enzyme's natural substrate. Serendipitously, in vitro trials revealed ED as an activity enhancer. Considering the growth of C. jejuni in protein-rich matrices, this outlined a possibly relevant matrix-dependent effect worthy of dedicated investigations. The underpinning mechanisms are computationally investigated, describing possible ED-dependent effects on substrate/product turnover and enzyme structural stability. This study deepened the understanding of chorismate synthase and opened new directions in designing food-grade peptide-based modulators. This may provide ground to improve controlling bacterial growth in diverse contexts, including food safety and environmental/agricultural hygiene.