scholarly journals Potentially Toxic Substances and Associated Risks in Soils Affected by Wildfires: A Review

Toxics ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Maria Luisa Fernandez-Marcos
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Aquatic Organisms ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Toxic Substances ◽  
Soil Organisms ◽  
Inhibitory Effects ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Total Concentrations ◽  
Soil And Water

The presence of toxic substances is one of the major causes of degradation of soil quality. Wildfires, besides affecting various chemical, physical, and biological soil properties, produce a mixture of potentially toxic substances which can reach the soil and water bodies and cause harm to these media. This review intends to summarise the current knowledge on the generation by wildfires of potentially toxic substances, their effects on soil organisms, and other associated risks, addressing the effects of fire on metal mobilisation, the pyrolytic production of potentially toxic compounds, and the detoxifying effect of charcoal. Numerous studies ascertained inhibitory effects of ash on seed germination and seedling growth as well as its toxicity to soil and aquatic organisms. Abundant publications addressed the mobilisation of heavy metals and trace elements by fire, including analyses of total concentrations, speciation, availability, and risk of exportation to water bodies. Many publications studied the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and other organic pollutants in soils after fire, their composition, decline over time, the risk of contamination of surface and ground waters, and their toxicity to plants, soil, and water organisms. Finally, the review addresses the possible detoxifying role of charcoal in soils affected by fire.

Shrinking water bodies as hotspots of sand and dust storms: The role of land degradation and sustainable soil and water management

CATENA ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 207 ◽  
pp. 105669
Author(s):  
Claudio Zucca ◽  
Nick Middleton ◽  
Utchang Kang ◽  
Hanspeter Liniger
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Land Degradation ◽  
Dust Storms ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Soil And Water

Pharmaceuticals in Environment

2019 ◽  
pp. 270-296
Author(s):  
Alka Bali
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Pharmaceutical Industry ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Personal Care ◽  
Terrestrial Environments ◽  
Regulatory Bodies ◽  
Pharmaceutical Practice ◽  
Soil And Water

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) constitute an integral part of modern healthcare systems which enter the environment through various routes. Because of their inherent biological activity, their presence in soil and the aquatic environment poses several eco-toxicological problems. Antibiotic contamination of soil and water bodies is leading to the development of microbial resistance to antibiotics and this has been recognized by several global bodies like WHO and EPA. Effective steps need to be taken in this regard including increased awareness, reduced pharmaceutical discharges in environment, green and sustainable pharmaceutical practice by pharmaceutical industry and healthcare professionals and improved remediation/bioremediation methods. This chapter outlines the various anticipated routes of exposure of pharmaceuticals to the environment along with their detrimental effects, fate and degradation in aquatic and terrestrial environments. The chapter also dwells upon the role of various regulatory bodies and plausible measures that may be adopted to alleviate the problem.

Transmission Electron Microscopy of Evaporated Perylene Thin Films

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 336-337
Author(s):  
C. Ewins ◽  
J.R. Fryer
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Thin Films ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Molecular Electronics ◽  
High Vacuum ◽  
Amorphous Layer ◽  
Electric Heater ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic

The preparation of thin films of organic molecules is currently receiving much attention because of the need to produce good quality thin films for molecular electronics. We have produced thin films of the polycyclic aromatic, perylene C10H12 by evaporation under high vacuum onto a potassium chloride (KCl) substrate. The role of substrate temperature in determining the morphology and crystallography of the films was then investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).The substrate studied was the (001) face of a freshly cleaved crystal of KCl. The temperature of the KCl was controlled by an electric heater or a cold finger. The KCl was heated to 200°C under a vacuum of 10-6 torr and allowed to cool to the desired temperature. The perylene was then evaporated over a period of one minute from a molybdenum boat at a distance of 10cm from the KCl. The perylene thin film was then backed with an amorphous layer of carbon and floated onto copper microscope grids.

Mesophyll conductance: the leaf corridors for photosynthesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Gago ◽  
Danilo M. Daloso ◽  
Marc Carriquí ◽  
Miquel Nadal ◽  
Melanie Morales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Mesophyll Conductance ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Cell Structures ◽  
Leaf Tissues ◽  
Change Framework ◽  
Chloroplast Stroma

Besides stomata, the photosynthetic CO2 pathway also involves the transport of CO2 from the sub-stomatal air spaces inside to the carboxylation sites in the chloroplast stroma, where Rubisco is located. This pathway is far to be a simple and direct way, formed by series of consecutive barriers that the CO2 should cross to be finally assimilated in photosynthesis, known as the mesophyll conductance (gm). Therefore, the gm reflects the pathway through different air, water and biophysical barriers within the leaf tissues and cell structures. Currently, it is known that gm can impose the same level of limitation (or even higher depending of the conditions) to photosynthesis than the wider known stomata or biochemistry. In this mini-review, we are focused on each of the gm determinants to summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms driving gm from anatomical to metabolic and biochemical perspectives. Special attention deserve the latest studies demonstrating the importance of the molecular mechanisms driving anatomical traits as cell wall and the chloroplast surface exposed to the mesophyll airspaces (Sc/S) that significantly constrain gm. However, even considering these recent discoveries, still is poorly understood the mechanisms about signaling pathways linking the environment a/biotic stressors with gm responses. Thus, considering the main role of gm as a major driver of the CO2 availability at the carboxylation sites, future studies into these aspects will help us to understand photosynthesis responses in a global change framework.

Prospective Memory Development Across the Lifespan

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sascha Zuber ◽  
Matthias Kliegel
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Memory ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Present Model ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cognitive Factors ◽  
Everyday Functioning ◽  
Integrative Framework

Abstract. Prospective Memory (PM; i.e., the ability to remember to perform planned tasks) represents a key proxy of healthy aging, as it relates to older adults’ everyday functioning, autonomy, and personal well-being. The current review illustrates how PM performance develops across the lifespan and how multiple cognitive and non-cognitive factors influence this trajectory. Further, a new, integrative framework is presented, detailing how those processes interplay in retrieving and executing delayed intentions. Specifically, while most previous models have focused on memory processes, the present model focuses on the role of executive functioning in PM and its development across the lifespan. Finally, a practical outlook is presented, suggesting how the current knowledge can be applied in geriatrics and geropsychology to promote healthy aging by maintaining prospective abilities in the elderly.

Managing Landscape Irrigation to Avoid Soil and Nutrient Losses

EDIS ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
George Hochmuth ◽  
Laurie Trenholm ◽  
Don Rainey ◽  
Esen Momol ◽  
Claire Lewis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Environment ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Irrigation Management ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Nutrient Losses ◽  
County Agents ◽  
The Right ◽  
Soil And Water

Proper irrigation management is critical to conserve and protect water resources and to properly manage nutrients in the home landscape. How lawns and landscapes are irrigated directly impacts the natural environment, so landscape maintenance professionals and homeowners must adopt environmentally-friendly approaches to irrigation management. After selecting the right plant for the right place, water is the next critical factor to establish and maintain a healthy lawn and landscape. Fertilization is another important component of lawn and landscape maintenance, and irrigation must be applied correctly, especially following fertilization, to minimize potential nutrient losses. This publication supplements other UF/IFAS Extension publications that also include information on the role of soil and the root zone in irrigation management. This publication is designed to help UF/IFAS Extension county agents prepare materials to directly address nutrient losses from lawns and landscapes caused by inadequate irrigation management practices. This 6-page fact sheet was written by George Hochmuth, Laurie Trenholm, Don Rainey, Esen Momol, Claire Lewis, and Brian Niemann, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, October 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss586

Current Understanding of Interactions between Nanoparticles and ABC Transporters in Cancer Cells

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (42) ◽  
pp. 5930-5944 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Yin ◽  
Xudong Deng ◽  
Jie Zhang ◽  
Jun Lin
Keyword(s):  
Abc Transporters ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Major Elements ◽  
Inhibitory Effects ◽  
Potential Toxicity ◽  
Central Nervous System Disorders ◽  
Extensive Search ◽  
Potential Interactions ◽  
Effective Cancer Therapy

Background: ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) remains the major obstacle for effective cancer therapy. Nanoparticles (NPs)-based delivery systems are promising to overcome MDR, but only a few of them have been accepted for clinical treatment, which should be due to their insufficient transportation and potential toxicity. In this respect, more and more attentions are being attracted on the interactions between NPs and ABC transporters, which hold a key role in the treatment of MDR cancer and the toxicity of NPs. However, there are no systematic reviews about such interactions, especially about their corresponding mechanism. Methods: We undertook extensive search of PubMed databases for peer-reviewed literatures using focused review questions. The retrieved papers were mostly published within the 5 years (84 of 104) and all with an impact factor above 2. First, this review focused on the current knowledge of ABC transporters involved in MDR and their inhibitors. Then, we reviewed the most recent literature about the inhibitory effects of organic NPs’ excipients on ABC transporters and the direct interactions of inorganic NPs with ABC transporters. The major elements of obtained papers were described and classified depending on the structure of NPs. Results: Both organic and inorganic NPs can inhibit the function of ABC transporters, but based on different mechanisms. The effects of organic NPs are caused by several excipients like surfactants, polymers, lipids and cyclodextrin. Meanwhile, inorganic NPs usually act as the substrates of ABC transporters and competitively inhibit the efflux of drugs. These phenomena are interesting and worth investigating. Conclusion: The finding of this review confirmed the potential interactions between NPs and ABC transporters. These phenomena are interesting and worth investigating, and a knowledge of related mechanism would not only be important for the clinical therapies toward overcoming cancer MDR, but also help the treatment of other diseases like tuberculosis, AIDS, and central nervous system disorders, whose drugresistance was also related to ABC transporter-mediated efflux.

Cubilin, the Intrinsic Factor-Vitamin B12 Receptor in Development and Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (19) ◽  
pp. 3123-3150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Kozyraki ◽  
Olivier Cases
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Intrinsic Factor ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Toxic Substances ◽  
Human Pathology ◽  
Peripheral Membrane Protein ◽  
Epidermal Growth ◽  
Fgf8 Signaling

Gp280/Intrinsic factor-vitamin B12 receptor/Cubilin (CUBN) is a large endocytic receptor serving multiple functions in vitamin B12 homeostasis, renal reabsorption of protein or toxic substances including albumin, vitamin D-binding protein or cadmium. Cubilin is a peripheral membrane protein consisting of 8 Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)-like repeats and 27 CUB (defined as Complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, BMP1) domains. This structurally unique protein interacts with at least two molecular partners, Amnionless (AMN) and Lrp2/Megalin. AMN is involved in appropriate plasma membrane transport of Cubilin whereas Lrp2 is essential for efficient internalization of Cubilin and its ligands. Observations gleaned from animal models with Cubn deficiency or human diseases demonstrate the importance of this protein. In this review addressed to basic research and medical scientists, we summarize currently available data on Cubilin and its implication in renal and intestinal biology. We also discuss the role of Cubilin as a modulator of Fgf8 signaling during embryonic development and propose that the Cubilin-Fgf8 interaction may be relevant in human pathology, including in cancer progression, heart or neural tube defects. We finally provide experimental elements suggesting that some aspects of Cubilin physiology might be relevant in drug design.

Resveratrol: A new potential therapeutic agent for melanoma?

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad Hossein Pourhanifeh ◽  
Kazem Abbaszadeh-Goudarzi ◽  
Mohammad Goodarzi ◽  
Sara G.M. Piccirillo ◽  
Alimohammad Shafiee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Therapeutic Agent ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Treatment Resistance ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Apoptosis Inducer ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
First Time

: Melanoma is the most life-threatening and aggressive class of skin malignancies. The incidence of melanoma has steadily increased. Metastatic melanoma is greatly resistant to standard anti-melanomatreatments such as chemotherapy, and 5-year survival rate of cases with melanoma who have metastatic form of disease is less than 10%. The contributing role of apoptosis, angiogenesis and autophagy in the pathophysiology of melanoma has been previously demonstrated. Thus, it is extremely urgent to search for complementary therapeutic approachesthat couldenhance the quality of life of subjects and reduce treatment resistance and adverse effects. Resveratrol, known as a polyphenol component present in grapes and some plants, has anti-cancer properties due to its function as an apoptosis inducer in tumor cells, and anti-angiogenic agent to prevent metastasis. However, more clinical trials should be conducted to prove resveratrol efficacy. : Herein, for first time, we summarize current knowledge of anti-cancerous activities of resveratrol in melanoma.

Role of Regulatory Oncogenic or Tumor Suppressor miRNAs of PI3K/AKT Signaling Axis in the Pathogenesis of Colorectal Cancer

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (39) ◽  
pp. 4605-4610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atena Soleimani ◽  
Farzad Rahmani ◽  
Gordon A. Ferns ◽  
Mikhail Ryzhikov ◽  
Amir Avan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Akt Signaling ◽  
Tumor Tissues ◽  
Radio Therapy ◽  
Signaling Axis ◽  
Cancer Tumor ◽  
Novel Biomarkers

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and its incidence is increasing. In most patients with CRC, the PI3K/AKT signaling axis is over-activated. Regulatory oncogenic or tumor suppressor microRNAs (miRNAs) for PI3K/AKT signaling regulate cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, as well as resistance to chemo-/radio-therapy in colorectal cancer tumor tissues. Thus, regulatory miRNAs of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling represent novel biomarkers for new patient diagnosis and obtaining clinically invaluable information from post-treatment CRC patients for improving therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the current knowledge of miRNAs’ regulatory roles of PI3K/AKT signaling in CRC pathogenesis.

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