Uptake Process Research Articles

Inflammation, dysregulated iron metabolism, and cardiovascular disease.

Iron is an essential trace element associated with both pathologic deficiency and toxic overload. Thus, systemic and cell iron metabolism are highly controlled processes regulated by protein expression and localization, as well as turnover, through the action of cytokines and iron status. Iron metabolism in the heart is challenging because both iron overload and deficiency are associated with cardiac disease. Also associated with cardiovascular disease is inflammation, as many cardiac diseases are caused by or include an inflammatory component. In addition, iron metabolism and inflammation are closely linked. Hepcidin, the master regulator of systemic iron metabolism, is induced by the cytokine IL-6 and as such is among the acute phase proteins secreted by the liver as part of the inflammatory response. In an inflammatory state, systemic iron homeostasis is dysregulated, commonly resulting in hypoferremia, or low serum iron. Less well characterized is cardiac iron metabolism in general, and even less is known about how inflammation impacts heart iron handling. This review highlights what is known with respect to iron metabolism in the heart. Expression of iron metabolism-related proteins and processes of iron uptake and efflux in these cell types are outlined. Evidence for the strong co-morbid relationship between inflammation and cardiac disease is also reviewed. Known connections between inflammatory processes and iron metabolism in the heart are discussed with the goal of linking inflammation and iron metabolism in this tissue, a connection that has been relatively under-appreciated as a component of heart function in an inflammatory state. Therapeutic options connecting inflammation and iron balance are emphasized, with the main goal of this review being to bring attention to alterations in iron balance as a component of inflammatory diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Water competition among the coexisting Platycladus orientalis, Prunus davidiana and Medicago sativa in a semi-arid agroforestry system

Agroforestry has been widely used for the ecological restoration construction of semi-arid regions of the Chinese Loess Plateau. Investigating plant water sources is crucial for understanding the key ecohydrological processes of plant root water uptake and the water relations between coexisting plants. Clarifying the plant water use strategies can help to assess the sustainability of the vegetation restoration in agroforestry systems and provide references for the vegetation management. Thus, we investigated the water use characteristics of plants in an agroforestry system consisting of Platycladus orientalis, Prunus davidiana and Medicago sativa. The δD and δ18O of plant stem water and soil water in the 0–300 cm layer were measured. The MixSIAR model and proportional similarity (PS) were used to quantify the proportion of soil water absorbed by the plants in each layer and the hydrological niche overlap of plants. The results showed that the combined effects of rainfall recharge and evapotranspiration (ET) loss resulted in a decrease in soil water content (SWC) for the agroforestry system with increasing soil depth, and the SWC of the deep layer (80–300 cm) had minor variability (6.1–7.1%) throughout the study period. During the study period, due to the deep soil desiccation, P. orientalis, P. davidiana and M. sativa mainly utilized water from shallow (0–80 cm) soil layers, with a contribution rate of 65.4 ± 8.3%, 64.9 ± 7.7% and 73.0 ± 0.2%, respectively. The three coexisting plants relied on the unstable shallow soil water (recharged by rainfall) while the water use proportion of the deep soil layer was consistently low. This implies that the three plants were less resistant to drought stress, thus posing a threat to the stability and sustainability of the agroforestry system. Moreover, even in July and September with the high SWC in agroforestry, the partitioning of soil water among the three coexisting plants did not increase with increased ET loss. The three coexisting plants showed strong competition for soil water use, as indicated by the high values (0.69–0.97) of PS. Overall, the hydrological niche overlap of the coexisting plants in the agroforestry system resulted in low ecosystem stability. Density reduction or selection of suitable species is required to achieve sustainable vegetation restoration.

New insights into the role of dietary triglyceride absorption in obesity and metabolic diseases.

The incidence of obesity and associated metabolic diseases is increasing globally, adversely affecting human health. Dietary fats, especially triglycerides, are an important source of energy for the body, and the intestine absorbs lipids through a series of orderly and complex steps. A long-term high-fat diet leads to intestinal dysfunction, inducing obesity and metabolic disorders. Therefore, regulating dietary triglycerides absorption is a promising therapeutic strategy. In this review, we will discuss diverse aspects of the dietary triglycerides hydrolysis, fatty acid uptake, triglycerides resynthesis, chylomicron assembly, trafficking, and secretion processes in intestinal epithelial cells, as well as potential targets in this process that may influence dietary fat-induced obesity and metabolic diseases. We also mention the possible shortcomings and deficiencies in modulating dietary lipid absorption targets to provide a better understanding of their administrability as drugs in obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Renal tubular transporter-mediated interactions between mirogabalin and cimetidine in rats

Cimetidine at a clinical dosage decreased the renal clearance (CLr) of mirogabalin in humans by inhibition of renal secretion. Mirogabalin is a substrate of human OAT1/3, OCT2, MATE1 and/or MATE2-K. To clarify the mechanism behind the above interaction, it was investigated whether cimetidine inhibits the process of mirogabalin uptake at the basolateral side or the process of its efflux at the apical side in rat kidney in vivo. Cimetidine was administered to rats by a constant infusion to achieve an unbound plasma concentration of 7.0 μM and examine its effect on the renal disposition of [14C]metformin, [3H]p-aminohippuric acid (PAH), and [14C]mirogabalin. Cimetidine significantly induced the intrarenal accumulation of radioactivity (Kp, kidney) and decreased the renal clearance (CLr) of [14C]mirogabalin. These effects resulted in significantly decreased total clearance (CLt). Kp, kidney, and CLr of [14C]metformin, except CLt, were also affected, but no parameters of [3H]PAH were affected by cimetidine. These findings clarified that an unbound plasma concentration of cimetidine of 7.0 μM inhibited the apical efflux not the basolateral uptake of [14C]mirogabalin in rat kidney, suggesting that mirogabalin/cimetidine interaction was caused by inhibiting the apical efflux transporter, human MATE1 and/or MATE2-K, not the basolateral uptake transporter, human OCT2, in the kidney.

Small fat droplets interact with structural filaments in macrophages with cytoskeletal dysfunction contributing to perturbed phagocytosis and migration.

Fat droplets (FDs) are cellular organelles composed of triglycerides/sterols encompassed within a phospholipid monolayer. The presence of large FDs in macrophages (i.e. foam cells) is well-established across a variety of pathological conditions including atherosclerosis, tuberculosis, and obesity. However, the biophysical nature of interactions between small, high curvature fat droplets and various structural filaments and the subsequent consequences are less understood than that of large diameter lipid bodies. Here, micron-sized oleic acid-derived FDs are shown to be rigid and indent stiff organelles like the nucleus and as well as actin filaments in macrophages, similar to results seen in U2OS osteosarcoma cells where FDs can cause nuclear rupture. Notably, FD-loaded macrophages demonstrate impaired phagocytosis, as exhibited by decreased uptake of IgG-opsonized microbeads, nanobeads, and lentivirus. There was no observed difference in the quantity of adhered but non-internalized objects, highlighting that FDs perturb the cytoskeletal-driven uptake process. Inhibition of either myosin-II or actin in macrophages only shows decreased uptake in the absence of FDs, further indicating that FDs already predispose macrophages to heightened internal actomyosin dysfunction. Surprisingly, phagocytosis was less suppressed in macrophages where fat droplets comprised a higher area fraction within the cell, possibly reflecting beneficial use of energy reserves which overcome cytoskeletal disruption in macrophages. Macrophage migration, another cytoskeletal-driven process, is also impacted by FD presence. FD-containing macrophages display reduced infiltration into a cancer cell spheroid model, instead tending to remain at the spheroid periphery. Combined, this data may provide additional insights into why tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), a macrophage population associated with a population of small FDs, show reduced efficacy in phagocytosing and clearing tumors.

In vitro-in vivo correlation in nanocarriers: From protein corona to therapeutic implications

Understanding and establishing a link between the physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles (NPs) and their biological interactions poses to be a great challenge in the field of nanotherapeutics. Recent analytical advancements concerning bio-nanointerfaces have accelerated the quest to comprehend the fate of nanocarrier systems in vivo. Scientists have discovered that protein corona, an adsorbed layer of biomolecules on the surface of NPs takes a leading part in interacting with cells and in the cellular uptake process, thereby determining the in vivo behaviour of NPs. Another useful method to assess the in vivo fate of NPs is by performing dissolution testing. This forms the basis for in vitro in vivo correlation (IVIVC), relating in vitro dissolution of NPs and their in vivo properties. Scientists are continuously directing their efforts towards establishing IVIVC for different nanocarrier systems while concurrently gaining insights into protein corona. This review primarily summarizes the importance of protein corona and its interaction with nanoparticles. It also gives an insight into the factors affecting the interaction and various in vitro dissolution media used for varied nanocarrier systems. The article concludes with a discussion of the limitations of IVIVC modelling and its position from a regulatory perspective.

Network structure of response to freeze-thaw cycles in egg white protein gels filled with emulsion: Digestive kinetics regulated by the state of water and embedded oil

In this paper, we focused on the effects of freeze-thaw treatment on the network structure of egg white protein (EWP) emulsion-filled gel (EFG). The freeze-thaw stability of EFG based on egg white protein was analyzed in terms of microstructure, digestive dynamics and processing properties in this work. The results showed that the initial spatial distribution of oil droplets and fine network of gel were damaged during freeze-thaw cycles observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). These phenomena led to the rising of swelling ratio (from 9.882% ± 0.535%–34.985% ± 1.843%) and the change of acid uptake process, which affected the pH value and pepsin activity inside gel. The effect of freeze-thaw cycles on amino acids release during digestion was evaluated by the model of digestive kinetics. Meanwhile, the characteristics of emulsion and gel matrix were detected, illustrating the effect of the ions and percentage of oil on gel subjected to freezing. With the repeats of freeze-thaw treatment, the initial gel network was reorganized for the thicker chain-like structure with higher cohesiveness (from 0.44 ± 0.014 to 0.75 ± 0.041), while ions could be used as stabilizer in frozen. Furthermore, the lower relaxation time proved the improved stability caused by ions, which resulted from the enhanced limitation of network structure to fillings. These findings provided valuable information on the relationship between the freeze-thaw stability of emulsion-filled gel and in vitro digestion, with a view to broader application in the direction of future fat replacement. • The well-distributed emulsion in gel would flocculate after freeze-thaw cycles. • Oil phase in gel promoted the structural changes of EFG during freeze-thaw cycles. • Freeze-thaw treatment slowed release of amino acid during the digestion of EFG. • LF-NMR proved the damage of bond between water and gel matrix due to freezing. • The properties of EFG after freezing were maintained by ions-induced firm structure.

A Box-Behnken design-based chemometric approach to optimize the removal of phosphate ions from water using Punica granatum shells

The present study was aimed at evaluating the adsorption of phosphate ions using Punica granatum shells (PGS) as an environmentally friendly and economical sorbent material. The PGS powder was characterized by several techniques including BET, SEM, and FTIR, as well as its adsorption capacity evaluated with the sorption of from water. To achieve adequate removal of from water, a chemometric method based on the Box–Behnken design was applied to optimize the influence of the main operating factors such as the PGS amount (0.10–1 g L−1), medium pH (3–9), and initial concentration (10–100 mg L−1) on the adsorption processes. Noteworthy, the best adsorption amount (29.31 mg g−1) was obtained at a pollutant dose of 72.72 mg L−1, an adsorbent quantity of 1 g L−1 in medium acid pH 3 at 25 °C. The modeling study suggests that the process of uptake follows the pseudo-second-order model with a maximum adsorbent quantity of 32.25 mg g−1.

Biosorption and bioreduction of aqueous chromium (VI) by different Spirulina strains.

Spirulina has emerged as a promising microorganism for the treatment of industrial heavy metal ions in wastewater due to their simplicity of cultivation and harvesting, rich functional binding groups and high bioreductive activity during the uptake process. While the capacities of biosorption and bioreduction for heavy metal ions differs significantly among various algal strains. Therefore, the physiological characteristics were investigated to identify the different Spirulina strains and the chromium (VI) adsorption capacities of the algal strains were also evaluated. In this study, it was found that algal strains YCX2643 and CLQ1848 performed higher removal efficiency (86.5% and 83.7%) than other four Spirulina strains (59.4%, 56.3%, 65.6% and 66.5%, respectively). Moreover, the mechanisms of chromium (VI) ions binding and biotransformation in the Spirulina cell were scrutinize by FT-IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy(SEM), and it indicated that the varieties of cellular components involved in high binding affinity may cause the higher biosorption and bioreduction of aqueous chromium (VI) in algal strains YCX2643 and CLQ1848, which could be used as promising biosorbents in the removing heavy metal pollutants from wastewaters.

The determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among migrants from 109 countries residing in China: A cross-sectional study.

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among foreign migrants in China and to explore the determinants of their vaccine uptake behavior. From June to October 2021, we used convenience and snowball sampling to recruit a sample of 764 participants from five cities in which the overwhelming majority of foreign migrants in China live. The chi-square (χ2) tests were used to examine vaccination distribution according to demographic characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression models visualized by forest plot were used to investigate the associations between significant determinants and vaccine uptake. Overall, the prevalence of vaccination rate was 72.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 69.9-76.0%]. Migrants whose social participation was very active [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.95, 95% CI: 1.36-6.50, P = 0.007] or had perceived COVID-19 progression prevention by the vaccine (AOR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.01-3.02, P = 0.012) had higher odds of vaccination compared to those whose social participation was inactive or who did not have this perception. Migrants who perceived the vaccine uptake process as complex (AOR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27-0.80, P = 0.016) or were unsure of their physical suitability for the vaccine (AOR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.24-0.68, P < 0.001) had lower odds of vaccination compared to those who did not have these perceptions. Furthermore, migrants from emerging and developing Asian countries (AOR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.07-5.21, P = 0.04) and the Middle East and Central Asia (AOR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.07-4.50, P = 0.03) had higher odds of vaccination than those from major advanced economies (G7) countries, while migrants from other advanced economic countries (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.11-0.63, P = 0.003) had lower odds of vaccination than those from G7 countries. It may be beneficial to promote vaccine uptake among migrants by ensuring effective community engagement, simplifying the appointment and uptake process, and advocating the benefits and target populations of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Populus euphratica counteracts drought stress through the dew coupling and root hydraulic redistribution processes.

In arid and semi-arid areas, plants can directly absorb and use dew through their leaves, and some plants have the ability for hydraulic redistribution of their roots. Therefore, in arid areas, plants may redistribute dew to the soil, using the soil as a reservoir for short-term dry seasons, i.e. dew may participate in the hydraulic redistribution process of plants. This process plays an important role in plant survival and community stability. To verify this hypothesis, we investigated the water use mechanism of Populus euphratica through a comprehensive observation of sap flow, water potential and soil water content using a heavy water tracer experiment under in situ field conditions. Dewdrops contributed 28.3 % of soil moisture near the roots, and applying dew on leaves for several days significantly improved soil moisture status. Hydraulic redistribution in the roots mainly occurred from 2200 h at night to 800 h the following day and mainly occurred in the 20- to 80-cm soil layer. Water storage in the trunk is the intermediate link in the coupling process of foliar water uptake and hydraulic redistribution; water storage in the trunk is mainly replenished from May to July and consumed throughout the rest of the year. In conclusion, dew redistributes water into soil through the coupling process of foliar water uptake and hydraulic redistribution. Populus euphratica uses the trunk and soil for water storage to cope with water stress during short-term drought periods. Our findings provide a scientific basis for the restoration of different species in water-deficient areas, which is conducive to maintaining vegetation ecosystem stability in areas of desertification and improving the soil water balance.

Exploring the Usability of α-MSH-SM-Liposome as an Imaging Agent to Study Biodegradable Bone Implants In Vivo.

Novel biodegradable metal alloys are increasingly used as implant materials. The implantation can be accompanied by an inflammatory response to a foreign object. For studying inflammation in the implantation area, non-invasive imaging methods are needed. In vivo imaging for the implanted area and its surroundings will provide beneficiary information to understand implant-related inflammation and help to monitor it. Therefore, inflammation-sensitive fluorescent liposomes in rats were tested in the presence of an implant to evaluate their usability in studying inflammation. The sphingomyelin-containing liposomes carrying alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-peptide were tested in a rat bone implant model. The liposome interaction with implant material (Mg-10Gd) was analyzed with Mg-based implant material (Mg-10Gd) in vitro. The liposome uptake process was studied in the bone-marrow-derived macrophages in vitro. Finally, this liposomal tracer was tested in vivo. It was found that α-MSH coupled sphingomyelin-containing liposomes and the Mg-10Gd implant did not have any disturbing influence on each other. The clearance of liposomes was observed in the presence of an inert and biodegradable implant. The degradable Mg-10Gd was used as an alloy example; however, the presented imaging system offers a new possible use of α-MSH-SM-liposomes as tools for investigating implant responses.

New and traditional methods for antibiotic resistance genes removal: Constructed wetland technology and photocatalysis technology.

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are a new environmental contaminant that poses a major hazard to humans and the environment. This research discusses the methods and drawbacks of two ARG removal approaches, constructed wetlands (CWs) and photocatalysis. CWs primarily rely on the synergistic effects of substrate adsorption, plant uptake, and microbial processes to remove ARGs. The removal of ARGs can be influenced by wetland plants, substrate type, wetland type, and hydraulic conditions. The absolute abundance of ARGs in effluent decreased, but their relative abundance increased. Photocatalysis deactivates ARGs predominantly through reactive oxygen species, with removal effectiveness determined by catalyst type, radiation type, and radiation intensity. The drawback is that it exposes intracellular resistance genes, perhaps increasing the risk of ARG spread. To address the current shortcomings, this paper proposes the feasibility of combining a constructed wetland with photocatalysis technology, which provides a novel strategy for ARG removal.

Higher Risks of Copper Toxicity in Turbid Waters: Quantifying the Bioavailability of Particle-Bound Metals to Set Site-Specific Water Quality Criteria

In coastal waters, particulate metals constitute a substantial fraction of the total metals; however, the prevalent water quality criteria are primarily based on dissolved metals, seemingly neglecting the contribution of particulate metals. Here we developed a method to quantify the toxicity risk of particulate metals, and proposed a way to calculate modifying factors (MFs) for setting site-specific criteria in turbid waters. Specifically, we used a side-by-side experimental design to study copper (Cu) bioaccumulation and toxicity in an estuarine clam, Potamocorbula laevis, under the exposure to "dissolved only" and "dissolved + particulate" 65Cu. A toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic model (TK-TD) was used to quantify the processes of Cu uptake, ingestion, assimilation, egestion, and elimination, and to relate mortality risk to tissue Cu. We find that particulate Cu contributes 40-67% of the Cu bioaccumulation when the suspended particulate matter (SPM) ranges from 12 to 229 mg L-1. The Cu-bearing SPM also increases the sensitivity of organisms to internalized Cu by decreasing the internal threshold concentration (CIT) from 141 to 76.8 μg g-1. MFs were derived based on the TK-TD model to consider the contribution of particulate Cu (in the studied SPM range) for increasing Cu bioaccumulation (MF = 1.3-2.2) and toxicity (MF = 2.3-3.9). Water quality criteria derived from dissolved metal exposure need to be lowered by dividing by an MF to provide adequate protection. Overall, the method we developed provides a scientifically sound framework to manage the risks of metals in turbid waters.

Pathways and Characteristics of Lead Uptake and Transportation in Rhus chinensis Mill

Rhus chinensis Mill is a potential plant for phytoremediation of Pb and is able to uptake a copious amount of Pb. However, little is known about the pathways and properties of Pb uptake in this plant. Here, controlled experiments were used to assess Pb uptake and translocation in R. chinensis. The whole time-kinetics of Pb uptake were divided into two stages: rapid uptake and slower accumulation, and the two processes were fitted with a linear model. The concentration-dependent kinetics of Pb uptake were characterized by a modified Michaelis–Menten equation. The Km and Vmax value of Pb influx in roots were 19.44 and 14.83, respectively. Transpiration inhibitors had no significant effect on the Pb concentration of root and shoot. Low temperatures (4 °C) and metabolic inhibitors (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone and 2,4-dinitrophenol) significantly reduced the Pb concentration in the roots and leaves of R. chinensis plants. Furthermore, the addition of calcium ion channel inhibitors and protein synthesis inhibitors significantly reduced the Pb concentration in the roots of R. chinensis plants. These results show that both active and passive processes of Pb uptake and translocation exist in the roots of R. chinensis plants. In addition, Pb uptake by the roots of R. chinensis plants was related to calcium ion channels.

Nucleic acid uptake occurs independent of lysosomal acidification but dependent on ATP consumption during RNautophagy/DNautophagy

RNautophagy/DNautophagy (RDA) is an autophagic process that refers to the direct uptake of nucleic acids by lysosomes for degradation. Autophagy relies on lysosomes and lysosomal acidification is crucial for the degradation of intracellular components. However, whether lysosomal acidification interferes with nucleic acid uptake during RDA is unclear. In this study, we focused on vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase), the major proton pump responsible for maintaining an acidic pH in lysosomes. Our results show that lysosomes take up nucleic acids independently of the intralysosomal acidic pH during RDA. Isolated lysosomes treated with bafilomycin A1, a potent V-ATPase inhibitor, did not degrade, but took up RNA at similar levels as the control lysosomes. Similarly, the knockdown of Atp6v1a, the gene that encodes V-ATPase catalytic subunit A, did not affect the RNA uptake ability of isolated lysosomes. In addition, we demonstrated that nucleic acid uptake by isolated lysosomes necessitates ATP consumption, although V-ATPase is not required for the uptake process. These results broaden our understanding of the mechanisms underlying nucleic acid degradation via autophagy.

Combining passive sampling with fraction transfer and toxicokinetic modeling to assess bioavailability of organic pollutants in a benthic invertebrate, Lumbriculus variegatus

This study investigated passive adsorption of nine antipsychotic drugs by the benthic oligochaete, Lumbriculus variegatus from spiked freshwater sediments. Based on a combination of diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) passive sampling and modelling, specifically the DGT-induced fluxes in sediments (DIFS) model and fractions-transfer models, an uptake and diffusion-induced model was established for oligochaetes. Lamotrigine and bupropion showed positive fluxes from sediment to overlying water. Oligochaetes accumulated both lamotrigine and carbamazepine. The simulation model for transfer showed that after 30 days antipsychotic compounds in sediment were present predominantly in stable or bound fractions, rather than labile fractions. Dissolved organic carbon and degradation were important drivers of dissipation rates of antipsychotic compounds in sediments and labile pool size. Uptake by oligochaetes and diffusion-induced models matched measured concentrations well ( R 2 = 0.83–0.95 and R 2 = 0.99–1.00, respectively). Processes of uptake by oligochaetes were comparable to DIFS results, where fast desorption to the labile pool in the short response time and adsorption processes, except carbamazepine and lamotrigine, in sediments dominated kinetics. It suggests a link between bioavailability of organic pollutants for sediment-dwelling organisms and desorption kinetics involved with fractions transfer within sediments, which has important implications for the environmental risk assessment of these chemicals. • Organic pollutants could be passively adsorbed by benthic worms. • Sediment porewater and DOC are the major sources for passive adsorption by benthic worms. • The contribution of worm passive uptake is < 1% from the dissipation in sediments.

Nanoparticles regulate redox metabolism in plants during abiotic stress within hormetic boundaries.

Abiotic stress management remains under scrutiny because of the unpredictable nature of climate, which undergoes abrupt alterations. Population pressure, loss of cultivable lands, environmental pollution and other anthropogenic disturbances add to the problem and grossly hinder ongoing management strategies. This has driven increasing effort to find better performing, eco-friendly and reliable alternatives that can contribute to sustainable agricultural practices to manage abiotic stress. Nanotechnology and its implementation in agriculture have emerged as a promising option to cater to the problem of abiotic stress. Induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an inevitable phenomenon linked to stress. Nanoparticles (NPs) perform dual actions in regulating ROS biology. The bidirectional roles of NPs in modulating ROS generation and/or ROS detoxification is tightly coupled within the hormetic boundaries. Nonetheless, how these NPs control the ROS metabolism within hormetic limits demands extensive investigation. This review focuses on the details of ROS metabolism under normal versus stressed conditions. It shall elaborate on the types, modes and process of uptake and translocation of NPs. The molecular dissection of the role of NPs in controlling transcriptomic expressions and modulating molecular crosstalks with other growth regulators, ions, reactive nitrogen species and other signalling molecules shall also be detailed. Throughout, this review aims to summarise the potential roles and regulation of NPs and consider how they can be used for green synthesis within a sustainable agricultural industry.

Effects of morphology and size of nanoscale drug carriers on cellular uptake and internalization process: a review.

In the field of targeted drug delivery, the effects of size and morphology of drug nanocarriers are of great importance and need to be discussed in depth. To be concise, among all the various shapes of nanocarriers, rods and tubes with a narrow cross-section are the most preferred shapes for the penetration of a cell membrane. In this regard, several studies have focused on methods to produce nanorods and nanotubes with controlled optimized size and aspect ratio (AR). Additionally, a non-spherical orientation could affect the cellular uptake process while a tangent angle of less than 45° is better at penetrating the membrane, and Ω = 90° is beneficial. Moreover, these nanocarriers show different behaviors when confronting diverse cells whose fields should be investigated in future studies. In this survey, a comprehensive classification based on carrier shape is first submitted. Then, the most commonly used methods for control over the size and shape of the carriers are reviewed. Finally, influential factors on the cellular uptake and internalization processes and related analytical methods for evaluating this process are discussed.

Aluminum Toxicity: A Case Study on Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Aluminum is an abundant metal in the earth’s crust that turns out to be toxic in acidic environments. Many plants are affected by the presence of aluminum at the whole plant level, at the organ level, and at the cellular level. Tobacco as a cash crop (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is a widely cultivated plant worldwide and is also a good model organism for research. Although there are many articles on Al-phytotoxicity in the literature, reviews on a single species that are economically and scientifically important are limited. In this article, we not only provide the biology associated with tobacco Al-toxicity, but also some essential information regarding the effects of this metal on other plant species (even animals). This review provides information on aluminum localization and uptake process by different staining techniques, as well as the effects of its toxicity at different compartment levels and the physiological consequences derived from them. In addition, molecular studies in recent years have reported specific responses to Al toxicity, such as overexpression of various protective proteins. Besides, this review discusses data on various organelle-based responses, cell death, and other mechanisms, data on tobacco plants and other kingdoms relevant to these studies.