Mitigating Global Challenges: Harnessing Green Synthesized Nanomaterials for Sustainable Crop Production Systems.

Green nanotechnology, an emerging field, offers economic and social benefits while minimizing environmental impact. Nanoparticles, pivotal in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, are now sourced from green plants and microorganisms, overcoming limitations of chemically synthesized ones. In agriculture, these green-made nanoparticles find use in fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, and fungicides. Nanofertilizers curtail mineral losses, bolster yields, and foster agricultural progress. Their biological production, preferred for environmental friendliness and high purity, is cost-effective and efficient. Biosensors aid early disease detection, ensuring food security and sustainable farming by reducing excessive pesticide use. This eco-friendly approach harnesses natural phytochemicals to boost crop productivity. This review highlights recent strides in green nanotechnology, showcasing how green-synthesized nanomaterials elevate crop quality, combat plant pathogens, and manage diseases and stress. These advancements pave the way for sustainable crop production systems in the future.

Two new phenolic compounds from Boerhavia erecta collected in Vietnam.

Boerhavia erecta is a tropical plant that is widely used in Asian folk medicine. Little is known about the alpha-glucosidase inhibition and antimicrobial properties of compounds from this plant. In the present study, the phytochemical study of the aerial parts of B. erecta collected in Vietnam was conducted using multiple chromatographic methods. The chemical structures of isolated compounds were identified by comprehensive spectroscopic methods. Two new compounds, berectone C (1) and (E)-tetracosyl 3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)acrylate (4), together with the known compounds boeravinone C (2), liquiritigenin (3), bis(1H-indol-3-yl)methanone (5), and indole-3-carboxylic acid (6) were isolated and structural elucidated. Compounds 1 and 4 were evaluated for alpha-glucosidase inhibition and antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant, pathogenic bacteria Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Compound 1 showed strong inhibition of the alpha-glucosidase enzyme (IC50 43 µg/mL). Only compound 1 exhibited antimicrobial property against A. baumannii, forming an inhibition zone of 11 mm.

1,3-diarylpyrazolones as potential anticancer agents for non-small cell lung cancer: Synthesis and antiproliferative activity evaluation.

A series of pyrazolone compounds with different substitution patterns have been synthesized using microwave-assisted methods and evaluated their in vitro antiproliferative activity against human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (A549 and NCI-H522). Among the tested compounds, the pyrazolone P7 exhibited high antiproliferative activity against both A549 and NCIH522 cancer cell lines while being 10 times less cytotoxic to non-cancerous cells. Moreover, our compounds P7 and P11 exhibited higher antiproliferative activity and selectivity against A549 and NCIH522 cells compared with the clinically approved drugs Afatinib and Gefitinib. The cell cycle analysis showed that the compound P7 and P11 arrests the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase, whereas the compounds P13 and P14 involved in G2/M phase arrest. The results from antiproliferative activity screening, cell cycle analysis, and kinase profiling indicate that the suitably substituted 1,3-diarylpyrazolones exhibit high antiproliferative activity against non-small cell lung cancer cells.

Berectones A and B: Two new rotenoids from the aerial parts of Boerhavia erecta.

Two previously unreported rotenoids, berectones A and B (1 and 2), along with four known compounds, 3,3',4'-tri-O-methylellagic acid (3), kaempferol (4), 7,4'-dihydroxy-8-methoxyisoflavone (5), and trans-N-caffeoyltyramine (6) were isolated from the aerial parts of Boerhavia erecta. The structures of all isolated compounds were fully characterized using spectroscopic data, as well as comparison with the previous literature. Compound 6 exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity toward α-glucosidase with IC50 value of 4.74 µM.[Formula: see text].

A new diphenyl ether from Parmotrema indicum Hale growing in Vietnam.

Chemical investigation of the lichen Parmotrema indicum Hale led to the isolation of one new diphenyl ether, parmetherine D (1), along with eight known compounds (2-9). The structures were determined by analysis of MS and NMR data and by comparison with the literature. Compounds 1, 2, and 7 were evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibition. Only compound 1 exhibited significant inhibition.[Formula: see text].

Ecotoxicological effects of microplastics on aquatic organisms: a review.

Microplastics   ( <5 mm), which are classified based on primary or secondary sources, are widely distributed in the environment and exert significant effects on aquatic life forms; however, evidence regarding the ecotoxicological effects of microplastics on aquatic organisms is still limited. This research aims at filling a knowledge gap regarding generation sources, distribution, physicochemical properties, and biological behavior of microplastics (MP) in aquatic environments and their interaction with aquatic organisms. The literature indicates that concentrations of MPs observed in such environments are higher than the threshold for safe concentration (6650 buoyant particles/m3). MPs having large specific surface area, low polarity, and hydrophobic properties have been shown to absorb dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs), bisphenol A (BPA), polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), antibiotics, and heavy metals. MPs adsorb large amounts of toxic organic chemicals (18,700 ng/g PCBs; 24,000 ng/g PAHs) and heavy metals (0.21-430 µg/g Cr; 0.0029-930 µg/g Cd; 0.35-2.89 µg/g As; 0.26-698,000 µg/g Pb). MPs originating from polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinylchloride (PVC) show greater toxicity toward aquatic organisms, with effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, and endocrine system. Thus, elucidating the cumulative toxic expression of MPs in different polluted environments is critical.

29-Norlupane-1ß-hydroxy-3,20-dione, a new norlupane triterpenoid from the twigs and leaves of Phyllanthus acidus.

A new norlupane triterpenoid, 29-norlupane-1ß-hydroxy-3,20-dione (1), along with ten known compounds, 29-norlup-1-ene-3,20-dione (2), phyllanthol (3), phyllanthone (4), glochidone (5), lupeol (6), lupeone (7), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (8), 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (9), phyllane A (10) and methyl ß-orsellinate (11) were isolated the twigs and leaves of Phyllanthus acidus. The structure of 1 was identified by interpretation of their spectroscopic data and comparison with those reported in the literature. In addition, all isolated compounds 1-11 were evaluated for their antioxidant activity.

A Customizable Chamber for Measuring Cell Migration.

Cell migration is a vital part of immune responses, growth, and wound healing. Cell migration is a complex process that involves interactions between cells, the extracellular matrix, and soluble and non-soluble chemical factors (e.g., chemoattractants). Standard methods for measuring the migration of cells, such as the Boyden chamber assay, work by counting cells on either side of a divider. These techniques are easy to use; however, they offer little geometric modification for different applications. In contrast, microfluidic devices can be used to observe cell migration with customizable concentration gradients of soluble factors1,2. However, methods for making microfluidics based assays can be difficult to learn. Here, we describe an easy method for creating cell culture chambers to measure cell migration in response to chemical concentration gradients. Our cell migration chamber method can create different linear concentration gradients in order to study cell migration for a variety of applications. This method is relatively easy to use and is typically performed by undergraduate students. The microchannel chamber was created by placing an acrylic insert in the shape of the final microchannel chamber well into a Petri dish. After this, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) was poured on top of the insert. The PDMS was allowed to harden and then the insert was removed. This allowed for the creation of wells in any desired shape or size. Cells may be subsequently added to the microchannel chamber, and soluble agents can be added to one of the wells by soaking an agarose block in the desired agent. The agarose block is added to one of the wells, and time-lapse images can be taken of the microchannel chamber in order to quantify cell migration. Variations to this method can be made for a given application, making this method highly customizable.

Identification and application of Phyto-Fenton reactions.

The formation of hydroxyl radicals (•OHs) by aquatic plants was investigated using electron-spin-resonance (ESR) spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy. ESR observations, using 5- (diethoxyphosphoryl)-5-methyl-pyrroline N-oxide as a trapping agent, indicated that the signals produced by aquatic plants ground with ferrous iron ions are almost identical to those produced by Fenton's reagent. In addition, fluorescence was observed in the oxidized form of aminophenyl fluorescein in the presence of ferrous ions as well as any particles of colloidal ferrihydrite, magnetite, and ferric-ion-exchanged zeolite, while no fluorescence appeared in the absence of these iron compounds. Moreover, fluorescence-microscopy observations demonstrated that fluorescence mainly occurs on the surface of aquatic plants at neutral pH in the presence of the latter three solid iron compounds, implying the occurrence of heterogeneous phyto-Fenton reactions utilizing endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the aquatic plants. Furthermore, batch treatments of the pollutant 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), using colloidal ferrihydrite iron, indicated the feasible removal of EE2 with enhanced performance, lower-or apparently no-consumption of endogenous H2O2, and no significant stress to the aquatic plants. We concluded that the treatment of environmental pollutants through •OH formations via heterogeneous phyto-Fenton reactions should be a feasible alternative to conventional wastewater and water-treatment processes.

Continuous treatments of estrogens through polymerization and regeneration of electrolytic cells.

This study proposes a novel electrolytic method for simultaneous removal of trace estrogens and regeneration of electrolytic cells for long-term wastewater treatment. Continuous treatments of estrogens estrone (E1), 17ß-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2) were theoretically and experimentally studied using an electrolytic reactor equipped with a multi-packed granular glassy carbon electrode reactor. Experimental results demonstrated that E1, E2 and EE2 were effectively removed through electro-polymerization on the granular glassy carbon (and Pt/Ti) anode counter. Polymer formed during continuous treatment was quickly decomposed and electrodes were regenerated completely by ˙OH radicals produced through the reduction of ozone. Calculated overall energy consumptions were less than 10 Wh/m(3), demonstrating extremely low energy consumptions. In addition, a mathematical model developed based on the limiting mass transfer rate and post-regeneration could represent general trends in time series data observed in experiments.

Removal of estrogens by electrochemical oxidation process.

Treatments of estrogens such as Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2) and Ethinylestradiol (EE2) were conducted using an electrolytic reactor equipped with multi-packed granular glassy carbon electrodes. Experimental results showed that E1, E2 and EE2 were oxidized in the range of 0.45-0.85 V and were removed through electro-polymerization. Observed data from continuous experiments were in good agreement with calculated results by a mathematical model constructed based on mass transfer limitation. In continuous treatment of trace estrogens (1 µg/L), 98% of E1, E2 and EE2 were stably removed. At high loading rate (100 µg/L), removal efficiency of E1 was kept around 74%-88% for 21 days, but removal efficiency reduced due to passivation of electrodes. However, removal efficiency was recovered after electrochemical regeneration of electrodes in presence of ozone. Electric energy consumption was observed in the range of 1-2 Wh/m(3). From these results, we concluded that the present electrochemical process would be an alternative removal of estrogens.

Management of common bile duct stones in a single operation combining laparoscopic cholecystectomy and peroperative endoscopic sphincterotomy.

The diagnosis and treatment strategy to apply to common bile duct stones (CBDS) is always a controversial subject. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment of CBDS in a "one-stage" operation by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and peroperative endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES). Between January 1994 and April 2000, 60 patients, 24 men and 36 women (sex ratio, 1.5), with a median age of 57 years (range, 26 to 84 years), were treated for suspected or confirmed CBDS. The CBDS were uncomplicated in 53 patients (88%) and associated with a complication in 7 patients (12%); namely, cholangitis (in 3 patients) and acute pancreatitis (in 4 patients). The peroperative ES was performed immediately after the LC during the same operative time, with peroperative cholangiography being systematically performed. The mean operative time for LC was 60 min (range, 40-90 min). The general anesthesia was prolonged by 40 min in order to perform an ES (range, 30-60 min), including the time required for endoscopic equipment installation. The peroperative ES was unsuccessful in 2 patients (3%) due to the impossibility of catheterizing the papilla. In the first patient, postoperative ES was successful. In the second patient, the small CBDS was left to pass spontaneously. In 1 patient, because of multiple calculi in the CBD, open surgery was performed immediately after the ES. In 2 patients, a residual stone was found by cholangiography on the sixth postoperative day, and spontaneous evacuation occurred 2 weeks later. Final ductal clearance was achieved in 100% of the patients. There was no mortality and the incidence of postoperative minor complications was 3% (2 patients). The duration of postoperative hospitalization was 4.6 days (range, 3-11 days). The one-stage treatment procedure is, to us, an alternative to the minimally invasive treatment of CBDS. This method is rapid, reliable, and safe. It now needs to be evaluated in larger studies, keeping in mind that the limiting characteristic is the proximity and the availability of the endoscopic team.

Long-term recurrence after laparoscopic surgery of inguinal hernias.

Laparoscopic treatment of inguinal hernias has expanded rapidly during the last decade. Several studies have evaluated the early results of this technique, and the rate of recurrence was estimated less than 5% with a range from 0.5% to 10%. The long-term recurrence after such treatment is still not well known. This study reports the 2 year follow-up of laparoscopic treatment of 236 inguinal hernias (220 patients) from January 1996 to December 1997. All patients were contacted by telephone, 196 (90%) (193 men and 3 women) were examined by a senior surgeon. The average time from operation to examination was 34 months (range 20-42 months). We observed a 15% recurrence rate (35 hernias in 34 patients) of which 5% (12 cases) were symptomatic but 10% (23 cases) were totally asymptomatic and diagnosed on clinical examination. The postoperative inguinal haematoma and the physical activity of the patients seem to predispose the recurrence. Chronic pain was rarely observed in this study.