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The high concentration of metal compounds found in red mud (RM) can serve as cost-effective raw materials for photo Fenton catalysts in the treatment of organic dye wastewater. In this study, RM was modified with bagasse using a hydrothermal method to prepare a photo-Fenton catalyst. The degradation efficiency of Rhodamine (RhB) solution under different conditions was evaluated. In a reactive system with a catalyst concentration of 1 g/L, RhB concentration of 20 mg/L, reaction pH of 6.1 and H 2 O 2 concentration of 0.0485 mol/L, the degradation rate of RhB reached 86.88% after 110 min of reaction. RhB exhibited a consistently high degradation rate across 6 experimental cycles. Toxicity experiments confirmed that the concentration of heavy metal ions in the liquid phase fell within national standards. Real dye wastewater was tested under natural sunlight, with results indicating a 64.31% reduction in COD(Chemical Oxygen Demand) and a 47.63% decrease in TOC(Total Organic Carbon) after 220 min of treatment. The biodegradability of dye wastewater had also been significantly improved. These findings strongly support the green and sustainable development of the printing and dyeing industry, which also offer important solutions for the utilization of massive industrial solid waste and agricultural solid waste., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas (KHEs) are vascular tumors that are considered borderline or locally aggressive and may lead to lethal outcomes. Traditional therapies, such as surgery and embolization, may be insufficient or technically impossible for patients with KHE. Sirolimus (or rapamycin), a specific inhibitor of mechanistic target of rapamycin, has recently been demonstrated to be very useful in the treatment of KHEs. Here, we highlight recent substantial progress regarding the effects of sirolimus on KHEs and discuss the potential mechanisms of action of sirolimus in treating this disease. The prevention of platelet activation and inflammation, along with antiangiogenic effects, the inhibition of lymphangiogenesis, the attenuation of fibrosis, or a combination of all these effects, may be responsible for the therapeutic effects of sirolimus. In addition, the mechanism of sirolimus resistance in some KHE patients is discussed. Finally, we review the somatic mutations that have recently been identified in KEH lesions, and discuss the potential of novel therapeutic targets based on these further understandings of the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of KHE., (© 2024 UICC.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Diabetic erectile dysfunction (DED) is a prevalent but often overlooked microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with strong associations to cardiovascular disease. The pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction (ED) in T2DM patients is more intricate than in non-diabetic individuals, likely involving multiple pathogenic mechanisms such as endothelial dysfunction, vascular alterations, neuropathy, and oxidative stress. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long been utilized in the management of DED, drawing on an extensive body of clinical experience. In TCM, DED is typically attributed to imbalances such as renal yang deficiency or insufficiencies in qi and blood. Herbal therapies within the TCM framework offer a multifaceted approach to treatment, targeting not only the replenishment of kidney yang and the regulation of qi and blood but also incorporating strategies for glycemic control and renal protection. This holistic approach has demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating erectile dysfunction in diabetic patients, thereby improving quality of life. However, the complexity of Chinese herbal formulations, with their diverse bioactive constituents, complicates the identification of specific active compounds and the mechanistic understanding of their therapeutic actions. This complexity has contributed to ongoing skepticism regarding the clinical utility of TCM and herbal remedies in the treatment of DED., Aim of the Study: This study aimed to investigate the pathological mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of TCM in the treatment of DED, with a specific focus on the associated signaling pathways. By elucidating these mechanisms, the study seeks to provide a scientific basis for novel therapeutic strategies and enhance the viability of TCM-based approaches for DED management. Future research should prioritize the development of efficacious Chinese patent medicines tailored for the treatment of DED., Methods: This study utilizes keywords such as "diabetic erectile dysfunction", "signaling pathways", "traditional Chinese Medicine", "bioactive compounds", "herbal", "herbal monomers", and "herbal extracts" to conduct a comprehensive literature search in databases including Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP, spanning all relevant publications up to February 2024., Results: It has been demonstrated that TCM extract can treat the DED by influencing the signaling pathways involved., Conclusion: A comprehensive literature review was conducted across multiple databases, followed by rigorous screening, exclusion, summarization, synthesis, and analysis of relevant studies. The results indicate that TCM for DED primarily targets key pathological features, including endothelial dysfunction, vascular and neural abnormalities, and oxidative stress. The underlying mechanisms involve the NO/cGMP, eNOS, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways, contributing to significant improvements in erectile function. These findings provide a scientific basis for the use of TCM in DED, offering viable therapeutic options and innovative strategies to advance TCM-based treatment approaches. Furthermore, TCM exhibits notable potential in mitigating the pathological progression of DED. The pharmacological mechanisms and molecular signaling pathways of TCM extracts have been extensively investigated, underscoring their high value for clinical research and therapeutic development., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no financial conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2025 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The significance of temperature stability in piezoelectric materials is crucial as it directly impacts their reliability and consistency in piezoelectric performance under varying temperature conditions. However, the relationship between structural stability and temperature stability remains ambiguous. In this study, we aim to address this issue by constructing piezoceramics with low and high structural stability using the "high configurational entropy" (Pb (Ni 0.11 Hf 0.33 Ti 0.34 Nb 0.22 ) O 3 ) strategy and "tolerance factor" (Pb (Ni 0.11 Hf 0.21 Ti 0.46 Nb 0.22 ) O 3 ) strategy. The relationship between structural stability and temperature stability was then explored through temperature-dependent XRD, Raman, and piezoelectric property tests in the range of 25-250 °C. Our results successfully demonstrate a positive correlation between structural stability and temperature stability. The microstructure information analyzed by temperature-dependent XRD and Raman showed that Pb (Ni 0.11 Hf 0.33 Ti 0.34 Nb 0.22 ) O 3 has a more abundant phase structure transition and higher ion disorder, which is directly reflected in its poor temperature stability in the piezoelectric property tests. On the other hand, Pb (Ni 0.11 Hf 0.21 Ti 0.46 Nb 0.22 ) O 3 exhibited excellent temperature stability due to its stable phase structure and lower ion disorder. Specifically, the unipolar strain of piezoceramics with low structural stability decreases from 1.63% at 25 °C to 0.24% at 200 °C, while the unipolar strain of piezoceramics with high structural stability only changes from 0.78% at 25 °C to 0.79% at 225 °C. Additionally, our understanding of the high energy barrier imposed by a wide band gap, as well as the hindrance of domain switching and stabilization of domains through the pinning effect of defect dipoles, reveals the underlying mechanism of temperature stability. These findings provide a promising approach to the development of piezoceramics that can effectively function across a wide range of temperatures.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The traditional Huoermai therapy is a treatment for insomnia used by the Tibetan people living on the Tibetan plateau in China. This therapy involves the use of Myristica fragrans Houtt. and Carum carvi L., along with fomentation and massage, and has shown significant clinical effects. However, the mechanism of how Huoermai therapy treats plateau insomnia needs further clarification., Aim of the Study: This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of Huoermai essential oil (HEO) in treating plateau insomnia, focusing on the cAMP/CREB/BDNF/GABAergic pathway., Methods: The major components of Huoermai essential oil were identified by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for subsequent network pharmacology analysis. Proteomics techniques were employed to pinpoint disparities in brain tissue protein expression in a mouse model of plateau insomnia following Huoermai therapy administration, in conjunction with network pharmacology to forecast pathways related to hypoxia and insomnia. Plateau insomnia mouse model was established and the therapeutic impact of Huoermai essential oil was evaluated. Hematoxylin & Eosin staining(HE) was conducted to observe pathological damage to the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus and hypothalamus structures. Changes in serotonin (5-HT), melatonin (MT), adenosine (AD), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in mouse brain tissue were gauged through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess sleep status and oxidative stress levels in mice. Molecular docking was employed to anticipate the target binding energy of Huoermai essential oil constituents. ELISA and Western Blot (WB) were used to ascertain the expression of cAMP/CREB/BDNF/GABAergic pathway., Results: The results indicated that HEO positively impacted intermittent hypobaric hypoxia-induced plateau insomnia in mice. Histological examination results showed that HEO ameliorated neuronal damage in specific regions of the brain affected by plateau insomnia, such as the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus. Through GC-MS analysis, 56 volatile oil components were identified. Subsequently, a combined network pharmacology and proteomics analyses led to selecting the cAMP/CREB/BDNF/GABAergic pathway for further study. ELISA experiments demonstrated that HEO treatment increased GABA and MT levels while significantly reducing 5-HT and adenosine levels in brain tissue of mice with plateau insomnia. WB results revealed that HEO ameliorated plateau insomnia by suppressing the hyperactivation of the cAMP pathway, increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) expression, and alleviating hypoxia-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, molecular docking results showed strong binding affinity of all pharmacological components to their targets and proteins in the brain., Conclusion: These results indicate that HEO significantly prolongs sleep duration in plateau insomniac mice and treats plateau insomnia by modulating levels of sleep-related regulators, modulating the cAMP pathway, increasing GABA receptor expression, and improving neuronal survival and anti-apoptosis., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Wheat powdery mildew is an airborne multi-cycle disease caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici. This disease can cause severe yield reduction or total crop loss. Fluopyram is a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) used for the prevention and control of gray mold, powdery mildew, and downy mildew in fruits and vegetables., Results: We used fluopyram to treat wheat seeds and demonstrated excellent control of powdery mildew. Fluopyram treatment did not affect wheat seed germination. After seed treatment, the residual amounts of fluopyram in harvested wheat grains and in soil were lower than the maximum residue limit (MRL, 0.07 mg kg -1 ). We explored the mechanism of action of fluopyram on wheat powdery mildew using eukaryotic reference transcriptome analysis. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in wheat plants treated with fluopyram were mostly enriched in the photosynthesis pathway. SPAD (soil-plant analysis development) value measurements showed a significant increase in chlorophyll content after treatment. The enzyme activity of chitinase and the relative expression levels of related genes (Cht3 and Cht4) were significantly up-regulated, indicating that the defense response of wheat was activated., Conclusion: Fluopyram seed treatment is expected to be developed for the control of wheat powdery mildew. The research in this study will provide important theoretical basis for controlling wheat powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici in the field. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.)

In this review, several factors have been collected from previous studies on emerging pharmaceutical pollutant adsorption to explain and describe the mechanisms and determine the reactions involved: X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and the Boehm titration are the most used characterization techniques to determine activated carbons' surface functional groups. Some studies have confirmed that the specific surface area and the pore structure are not more important than the functional groups present in the adsorbent surface to explain the amount of adsorption obtained and to describe correctly the interaction between the adsorbent-adsorbate. After the analysis of several studies, we concluded that to have good adsorption, it is necessary to choose the right treatment with the right activating agent to obtain the appropriate functions that will enhance the adsorption process. In addition, the functions that can react with the pharmaceutical pollutants are the oxygenated functions such as hydroxyl function, carboxylic function, and carbonyl function., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a widely consumed spice and condiment around the world, applied both as a food and as a traditional medicine, and is a natural strengthening agent for the body's circulatory and nervous systems. Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) is the major volatile organosulfur phytochemical found in garlic, with antithrombotic, anticoagulant, and antiplatelet activities as well as antioxidant, anti-infective, and other pharmacological effects. However, the safe dose and the underlying mechanisms of its toxic effects remain elusive., Aim of the Study: DATS, an important pharmacologically active compound found in garlic, has garnered attention for its ability to fight cancer, antioxidant, anti-infective, and cardioprotective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of DATS and to elucidate the potential mechanisms of its toxicity., Materials and Methods: In this study, ICR mice were selected for acute and subacute toxicity experiments according to OECD guidelines. The toxicity profile of DATS was analyzed by computer prediction software. Also, key differential proteins in spleen and serum were analyzed by proteomics. The binding stability of DAST to differential proteins was analyzed by molecular docking. Additionally, the regulatory relationship between DATS and differential proteins was verified by Western blot and ELISA experiments., Results: The results showed that the LD 50 value of DATS in acute toxicity was 188.67 mg/kg. In subacute toxicity, water consumption and food intake were reduced in both male and female mice. In addition, the spleen and small intestinal organ coefficients were significantly elevated in male mice at the high dose of DATS; the blood biochemical indices ALB and TP were also significantly elevated. HE staining results showed significant damage to the spleen, liver, small intestine, and kidney of mice at high doses of DATS. Spleen and serum proteomics analyses showed that DATS significantly inhibited ZBP1 expression and upregulated TEC. ADMETlab 2.0 software predictions identified DATS as having potential genotoxicity, dermal sensitization, carcinogenicity, and respiratory and ocular toxicity. Docking results showed that the binding energies between DATS and TEC protein (PDB: 6F3F) and ZBP1 protein (PDB: 4KA4) were -3.7 kcal/mol, -2.4 kcal/mol, respectively. Western blot results showed that DATS-H significantly inhibited the expression of ZBP1 (only in male mice) and Bcl-2 proteins. ELISA results showed that DATS-H significantly increased the level of TEC protein both in male and female mice., Conclusions: Long-term administration of high-dose DATS may carry some risk of toxicity. Based on the amount of DATS in garlic, it is recommended that adults should not take more than 359 mg of DATS and 84.5 g of garlic per day. The mechanism of toxicity may be related to the fact that DATS significantly inhibits ZBP1 expression, upregulates TEC, and promotes apoptosis. This study provides valuable toxicological data for the effective evaluation of the long-term toxicity of DATS and offers an additional experimental basis for developing DATS as a healthy food or drug., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest This manuscript has not been published or presented elsewhere. We have read and understand your journal's policies and do not believe this manuscript violates any of them. The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The study aimed to construct an effective composite of lutein-loaded lotus root starch nanoparticles (LUT-LRSNPs) and evaluate its in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. LUT-LRSNPs were prepared via the antisolvent nanoprecipitation method and characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and iodine complexation. The result confirmed that lutein was successfully encapsulated in LRSNPs with an encapsulation efficiency up to 84.6 %. Lutein combined with LRSNPs through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction to form a stable composite, which enhanced the photothermal stability of lutein and realized its controlled release. The cumulative release of lutein in simulated intestinal fluid reached 86.5 %. An inflammatory model was established by stimulating Caco-2 cells with lipopolysaccharide. LUT-LRSNPs significantly decreased the intensity of ROS, inhibited the secretion of TLR4 and the phosphorylation of p38, thus reducing the activation of the NF-κB pathway. It also reduced NO content, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α secretion, as well as the corresponding mRNA expressions in a concentration-dependent manner, with the effect significantly superior to lutein. The prevention group generally exhibited better inhibitory effect than that of the treatment group. In conclusion, LUT-LRSNPs emphasized the enhanced anti-inflammatory effects of lutein and could constitute an alternative for preventing or alleviating related inflammations., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2025 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Cardiovascular diseases represent the principal cause of death and comorbidity among people with diabetes. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent non-apoptotic regulated cellular death characterized by lipid peroxidation, is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiovascular diseases. The susceptibility to ferroptosis in diabetic hearts is possibly related to myocardial iron accumulation, abnormal lipid metabolism and excess oxidative stress under hyperglycemia conditions. Accumulating evidence suggests ferroptosis can be the therapeutic target for diabetic cardiovascular diseases. This review summarizes ferroptosis-related mechanisms in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiovascular diseases and novel therapeutic choices targeting ferroptosis-related pathways. Further study on ferroptosis-mediated cardiac injury can enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetic cardiovascular diseases and provide more potential therapeutic choices., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethical approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a major plant virus, infects multiple plant species, severely threatening global food security. Arbutin, a natural product used in cosmetics to reduce pigmentation, also exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its potential in plant protection remains undocumented. This study reveals arbutin's ability to inhibit TYLCV infection. In Nicotiana benthamiana , 100 μg/mL arbutin inhibited viral gene accumulation by up to 76.8%, surpassing ningnanmycin (65.8%) and ribavirin (39.5%). Besides, microscale thermophoresis indicated that arbutin bound strongly to the TYLCV coat protein (CP). Molecular docking indicated that arbutin interacted with ARG58, VAL65, and CYS69. RT-qPCR and Western blot experiments confirmed the crucial roles of these amino acids, especially VAL65, in viral infection. Transcriptome analysis revealed that mutating VAL65 affected plant-pathogen interaction pathways and MAPK signaling in host defense mechanisms. This study unveils arbutin's novel antiviral function, providing crucial insights for developing new biopesticides against plant viruses.

Viral infections are ubiquitous, and their prevention and treatment have become a great challenge. Steroids have different biological activities, including antiviral activity, which is related to steroid structural diversity. With the intensive study of steroids, it has been found that steroids can interfere with almost any step of the viral life cycle to exert antiviral activity. In this article, we review the antiviral activity and mechanism of action of steroids and their derivatives against a range of human viruses and conclude that natural steroids and their derivatives are very promising antiviral drug candidates that deserve further study to elucidate their pharmacological potential.

Rational modification of natural products plays a key role in drug discovery. Herein, a series of steroidal indole derivatives containing various substituents and steroidal skeletons were designed and synthesized with classical Fischer indole synthesis as a key step in an efficient synthetic route for the first time. The in vitro antibacterial activity of all the synthesized derivatives was evaluated against four Gram-positive strains including three Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Compound 11e displayed the most potent antibacterial activity (MIC = 1-2 μg/mL) with low cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity. Derivative 11e displayed more rapid bactericidal kinetic than vancomycin in the time-kill study and was less likely to induce bacterial resistance. Moreover, the preliminary antibacterial mechanism explorations indicated that compound 11e could effectively inhibit biofilm formation, promote the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, decrease bacterial metabolism, and destroy bacterial cell membranes to exert its antibacterial effects. The study of in vivo antibacterial activity suggested that compound 11e could significantly reduce the bacteria counts in a mouse subcutaneous infection model. These findings provided a bright hope for steroidal indole derivatives as promising antibacterial candidates to settle drug resistance., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Pharmaceutical residues in the environment and their transformation mechanism are important challenges in environmental pollution research. The present study investigated the transformation mechanisms and reaction kinetics of oxazepam, a representative of benzodiazepine pharmaceutical, with two typical water treatment oxidants including HOCl and ∙OH in aqueous solution through theoretical calculations and experimental verification. The results showed that oxazepam is a chiral molecule with two enantiomers in equal proportions. The reactions between oxazepam and HOCl can be classified into Cl-substitution, OH-substitution, and bond-fission reactions. Among these substitutions, the Cl-substitution reaction at the N23 site was most likely to occur. The bond-fission reactions were predominated by the cleavage of the C27-N29 bond, which could lead to further bond cleavage reactions. The reactions between oxazepam and ∙OH involved the addition and H-abstraction pathways, with the addition reactions at the C5, C13, and C17 sites being the top three major reaction pathways. The kinetics rate constants obtained by the density functional theory (DFT) calculation were 0.16 and 1.78 × 10 11  M -1  s -1 for the reactions of oxazepam with HOCl (k HOCl , M -1  s -1 ) and ∙OH (k ·OH , M -1  s -1 ) respectively, which are basically consistent with the experimental results. This comprehensive understanding of the reaction mechanisms of oxazepam with HOCl and ∙OH based on quantum chemical calculations is crucial for exploring the chlorination and advanced oxidation of benzodiazepine pharmaceuticals., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Paclitaxel (PTX) is extensively used to treat various cancers, including those of the breast, ovary, lung, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and neck. However, despite its effectiveness in clinical settings, patients often experience cancer recurrence due to the emergence of resistance to PTX. The mechanisms underlying this resistance in cancer cells exposed to PTX involve modifications in β-tubulin, the primary target molecule associated with mitosis, the activation of pathways that facilitate drug efflux, and the dysregulation of apoptosis-related proteins. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are RNA molecules exceeding 200 nucleotides in length and lacking protein-coding capabilities, play various regulatory roles in cellular functions. A growing body of evidence underscores the role of lncRNAs in cancer progression and their involvement in PTX resistance across different cancer types. As a result, lncRNAs have been identified as promising therapeutic targets for overcoming drug resistance in cancer therapies. This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding lncRNAs and their contributions to resistance mechanisms to promote further research in this field. A summary of key lncRNAs and their related pathways associated with PTX resistance will be presented., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest I declare that there is no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Microbial-driven V(V) reduction plays a crucial role in its biogeochemical cycle, yet the mechanisms underlying this bioreduction remain inadequately understood. While the effectiveness of organic compounds as electron donors in facilitating bacterial reduction of V(V) has been established, the role of inorganic electron donors in initiating this process at the level of pure cultured bacteria has not been explored. In this study, we report on a marine Shewanella sp. FDA-1 that utilizes hydrogen (H 2 ) as an energy source to reduce V(V). In addition, the reduction mechanism was investigated through a combination of genomics, RT-qPCR, heterologous expression of key proteins, extracellular secretion analyses, and electron transfer activity assays. Our results demonstrate that H 2 serves as an effective electron donor, enabling Shewanella sp. FDA-1 to reduce V(V) across various salinities (2-7 %) and pH values (5-9). When exposed to 5 mM V(V), the presence of 1-20 mL of H 2 resulted in V(V) bioreduction rates ranging from 0.039 to 0.11 h -1 (R 2 > 0.73). Amorphous V(IV) compounds were characterized as reduction products using XRD, XPS, FTIR, and SEM. Mechanistic studies indicate that the glutathione system, cytochromes, and extracellular substances such as riboflavin play important roles in V(V) reduction (p < 0.05). Furthermore, our findings reveal that the addition of H 2 and lactate triggers different response sequences among these three reduction pathways, suggesting distinct reduction mechanisms between organic and inorganic electron donors. These insights enhance our understanding of microbial vanadium transformation and provide valuable guidance for developing novel H 2 -based remediation technologies for vanadium-contaminated environments., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A novel series of steroidal β-carboline quaternary ammonium derivatives (SCQADs) derived from natural cholic acid and its derivatives was designed, synthesized and biologically evaluated against four Gram-positive bacteria for the first time. Most of these derivatives exhibited promising antibacterial activity against the tested strains, particularly, compound 21g displayed strong antibacterial activity against MRSA (MIC = 0.5-1 μg/mL) with low cytotoxicity. Meanwhile, derivative 21g was able to quickly kill Gram-positive bacteria within 0.5 h without inducing bacterial resistance. Preliminary mechanistic explorations indicated that compound 21g destroyed bacterial cell membranes to exert its antibacterial effects. Moreover, 21g exhibited high in vivo efficacy and high survival protection in a mouse skin abscess model. These findings suggested that compound 21g has great potential to develop as an antibacterial agent., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: Variation in perioperative care persists globally. Consensus discussions may facilitate standardisation, yet the processes used to reach agreement are poorly understood. This study aimed to develop a model for conducting local consensus discussions when implementing standardised perioperative pathways. Specifically, we 1) describe how local consensus discussions are operationalised; 2) identify what guides decision making and consensus between clinicians; and 3) formulate explanatory mechanisms and identify determinants that facilitate consensus discussions., Methods: A qualitative, modified grounded theory study was conducted in one private hospital in metropolitan Sydney, Australia. Thirty-one participants from clinical disciplines and hospital management/leadership were included. Data were collected from nine semi-structured interviews and 16 h of participant observations during consensus development or implementation meetings. Data collection and analysis occurred concurrently until theoretical saturation was achieved. Interviews and field notes were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using coding, constant comparison, detailed memo writing and data interpretation., Results: Seven individual and contextual factors crucial for building consensus, and eight mechanisms for reaching agreement were identified and integrated into a conceptual model. Seeking evidence to support decision-making emerged as the primary driver of consensus. Strong research evidence in support of a pathway component facilitated swift agreement. Where there was ambiguous evidence for a pathway component, clinicians based their decisions on a desire for professional autonomy, consideration of how their peers practice, patient preferences, practices from external organisations, or the feasibility of implementing the pathway component., Conclusions: The Consensus Model for Standardising Healthcare provides a map for healthcare organisations seeking to conduct local consensus discussions to reduce variation in care. Our findings advance our understanding of how local consensus discussions are conducted and factors that impact success when standardising care amongst clinicians., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethical approval and consent to participate: Approval to conduct this study has been obtained from the Macquarie University Human Research Ethics Medical Sciences Committee (Reference No: 520221219542374). All participants gave their informed consent to participate in this study and could opt-out of participation at any time. The study was completed in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023). Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Carbon dioxide capture underpins an important range of technologies that can help to mitigate climate change. Improved carbon capture technologies that are driven by electrochemistry are under active development, and it was recently found that supercapacitor energy storage devices can reversibly capture and release carbon dioxide. So-called supercapacitive swing adsorption (SSA) has several advantages over traditional carbon dioxide capture technologies such as lower energy consumption and the use of nontoxic materials. However, the mechanism for the capture of CO 2 in these devices is poorly understood, making it challenging to design improved systems. Here, the mechanism of SSA is investigated via finite-element modeling with COMSOL of aqueous continuum transport equations, coupled to the CO 2 to bicarbonate reaction. This simple computational model reproduces the key experimental observations and shows that charging leads to bicarbonate depletion (or accumulation) in the electrodes, driving CO 2 capture (or release) at the gas-exposed electrode. This suggests that relevant aspects of the mechanism are captured without excluding other mechanisms that might be at play in parallel as well. At very low charging currents, both experiments and modeling reveal a decrease in the amount of carbon dioxide captured, suggesting the presence of competing processes at the two electrodes, and that SSA is an inherently kinetic phenomenon. This study highlights the importance of the operating conditions of these devices and may aid their development in the future.

Natural drugs have the advantages of multi-pathway, multi-target, low toxicity, and high efficiency, which make them widely used and effective in anti-tumor therapy. Dioscin is a steroidal saponin compound that can be extracted from Dioscaceae plants. In recent years, it has been found that Dioscin has potent anti-tumor effects, can inhibit tumor cell proliferation, induce apoptosis and autophagy, inhibits tumor cell metastasis, reverses multidrug resistance, and increases sensitivity to anticancer drugs, and thus inhibit tumor progression. Meanwhile, the construction of Dioscin nanocarriers can improve the efficiency of drug use, reduce drug toxicity, realize the precise delivery of drugs, and improve the bioavailability of Dioscin. In this paper, the anticancer mechanism and targets of Dioscin in recent years were reviewed, thereby providing new ideas and a theoretical basis for further research and promotion of Dioscin., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

This study investigated the dynamic changes in NiFe (hydr)oxide and identified the role of high-valent Fe in the oxygen-evolution reaction (OER) within alkaline media via in situ techniques. Several high-valent Fe ions were found to remain considerably stable in the absence of potential in NiFe (hydr)oxide, even 96 hours after the OER. For Ni 2+ hydroxide treated with 57 Fe ions, where Fe sites are introduced onto the surface of Ni 2+ hydroxide, no Fe 4+ species were detected at the rate-determining step (RDS). The findings of this study suggested that the oxidation of bulk Fe ions, similar to Ni ions, to high valent forms, is charge accumulation without a direct role in OER; these results offered a novel perspective on manipulating Fe states to optimize OER efficacy. The prevailing hypothesis suggested that trace amounts of high-valent Fe ions, notably those on the surface, directly participate in OER., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Background: APG-115 is a novel small-molecule selective inhibitor that destabilizes the p53-MDM2 complex and activates p53-mediated apoptosis in tumor cells. Anlotinib inhibits tumor angiogenesis and promotes apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the apoptotic effect and potential mechanism of APG-115 and anlotinib combination on AML cell lines with different p53 backgrounds., Material and Methods: The IC50 values ​of APG-115 and anlotinib were detected by CCK-8 assay. The apoptosis rate of AML cells was evaluated by Annexin-V and PI double staining. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on the MOLM16 cell line treated with APG-115 and anlotinib, and differential analysis and enrichment analysis were performed. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to detect the changes in cell cycle and pathway-related genes and proteins in AML cell lines after drug treatment. In vivo experiments, the anti-leukemia effects of APG-115 and anlotinib on AML xenograft mouse models were evaluated., Results: APG-115 and anlotinib could independently promote AML cell apoptosis, and the combination of the two drugs could produce a synergistic effect. Transcriptome sequencing showed that compared with the APG-115 monotherapy group, the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the MDM2-p53 and PI3K/AKT pathways. In vivo experiments showed that compared with AML xenograft mice treated with either drug alone, AML progression was slowed in AML xenograft mice treated with APG-115 and anlotinib., Conclusion: In vivo and in vitro experimental have shown that APG-115 combined with anlotinib can promote AML cells apoptosis and inhibit the progression of disease is independent of the p53 status., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Formaldehyde, a hazardous gas that is exposed to everyone every day, has been proven to pose an elevated risk of respiratory problems, allergies, and chronic diseases. Adsorption technologies have proven to be a straightforward and labor-saving method to reduce indoor formaldehyde levels. Currently, extensive research has been conducted utilizing Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) as adsorbents for harmful gases, yet the adsorption and conversion mechanisms for formaldehyde remain unclear. In this study, we highlighted the adsorption and transformation mechanisms of formaldehyde with DES employing quantum chemical and molecular dynamics calculations. Initially, thermodynamic software (CosmoTherm) was employed to calculate the logarithmic activity coefficients (LAC) of formaldehyde and determine the solid-liquid equilibrium (SLE) for 416 combinations of DES. On the basis of the eutectic point and LAC of DES, potential formaldehyde adsorbents were screened. In the second step, the DES screened out has a good formaldehyde adsorption capacity through the experiment. Finally, the reactive sites, reaction pathways, van der Waals interactions, and hydrogen bonds of DES of L-cysteine/diethanolamine (CYS-DEA) and formaldehyde were studied through a theoretical approach. This study comprehensively elucidates the screening of formaldehyde adsorbents, experimental adsorption, and adsorption mechanisms. Significantly shortens the development cycle of DES as formaldehyde adsorbents., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

DNA methylation is one of the earliest discovered and most extensively studied epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. Broadly, DNA methylation refers to the transfer of a methyl group on S‑adenosine‑L‑methionine (SAM) to the C5 site of cytosine, a reaction catalysed by DNA methyltransferase (DNMT). This process can either up‑ or down‑regulate gene expression due to gene promoter methylation, leading to the occurrence of certain diseases. Urinary system diseases, known for their high prevalence and complex pathogenesis, significantly affect the lives and health of patients. Urological tumours, in particular, represent a non‑negligible disease burden worldwide. With the development of epigenetics, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that DNMT plays an important role in urinary system disease. The present review aims to explore the relationship between DNMT and urinary system diseases and the potential of DNMT in the clinical management of these diseases.

Hypochlorous acid (HClO) is a well-known inflammatory signaling molecule, while lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic organelles closely related to inflammation. Using organic small-molecule fluorescence imaging technology to target LDs for precise monitoring of HClO is one of the most effective methods for diagnosing inflammation-related diseases. A thorough investigation of how probes detect biological markers and the influencing factors can aid in the design of probe molecules, the selection of high-performance tools, and the accuracy of disease detection. To this end, three fluorescent probes (TPA-B, TPA-BF and TPA-SF) based on triphenylamine (TPA) containing CN double bonds as potential reaction sites were prepared by condensing triphenylamine thiophene aldehyde (TPA-CHO) with a series of aromatic hydrazides (ArCONHNH 2 ). Their performance in ratiometric detecting HClO by targeting LDs had been systematically studied. The results showed that the Ar- structure in ArCONHNH 2 can not only effectively regulate the sensing performance to HClO, but also led to different oxidation products. The key reason for this was the electron cloud density around the CN bond. Furthermore, the selected probe TPA-B, which demonstrated the best spectral performance, was proficiently utilized for the detection of HClO in cells and zebrafish, as well as the detection of HClO in inflammatory diseases. This study compared the oxidation products of CN bonds by HClO and analyzed the key influencing factors. By integrating spectroscopic and imaging experiments, high-performance diagnostic agents (TPA-B) for inflammation were identified. The approach provided valuable insights into the design of multifunctional probes and opened new pathways for the diagnosis of inflammation-related diseases., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Fourteen benzofuran compounds were identified in the fruits of Psoralea corylifolia L., with four previously undescribed compounds (4, 9-11) being discovered. Their chemical structures were definitively determined through comprehensive spectral data analysis. The compounds were investigated for their antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory properties, revealing that benzofuran compounds exhibit significant anti-inflammatory effects. Compound 2 demonstrated the most potent anti-inflammatory effect, surpassing that of the positive control drug. The potential anti-inflammatory mechanism of 2 was extensively explored through network pharmacology research. Subsequent validation of the selected targets via Western blot analysis confirmed that 2 exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by activating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. These findings offer a novel perspective on the development of benzofuran glycoside compounds and Psoralea fructus., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Two whey protein isolate amyloid fibrils (WPIF) with different structure were prepared, and the effects of these structures on binding of β-carotene (BC) and in vitro digestibility were evaluated. Whey protein isolate (WPI) in water (80 °C, pH 2.0) self-assembled into elongated WPIF (E-WPIF), whereas WPI formed to worm-like WPIF (W-WPIF) in trifluoroethanol. Compared to E-WPIF, W-WPIF showed higher surface hydrophobicity, indicating exposure of more hydrophobic residues. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of BC in W-WPIF were higher than that of E-WPIF. The hydrophobic interaction were the main driving forces of WPIF/BC. During gastric digestion, WPIF lost intact fibrils structures, resulting in unordered small aggregates and most BC still bound to them. Then they were destroyed in the following intestinal digestion, leading to the release of BC. Compared with W-WPIF/BC, E-WPIF/BC had higher release of BC in gastrointestinal digestion due to weaker binding of BC and better digestibility of E-WPIF., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors confirm that they had no conflicts of interest with respect to the work described in this manuscript., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Astragaloside IV (ATS) is an active component of Astragalus membranaceus, which has immune regulation and anti-inflammatory effects. However, owing to its large molecular weight and poor solubility in water, the therapeutic effects of ATS are limited. We aimed to prepare astragaloside IV-chitosan (ATS-CS) nanoparticles and determine their anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of action on RAW264.7 cells using metabolomics. The size of the ATS-CS nanoparticles was 200.3 nm with a zeta potential of 30.5 mV, and the encapsulation rate and drug loading were 69% and 13%, respectively. ATS-CS nanoparticles not only significantly decreased the increase of NO, IL-6 and TNF-α levels induced by LPS, but also exerted an anti-inflammatory effect by acting on arginine and proline, glutathione, sphingolipid, glycerophospholipid, and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. Our findings confirmed that ATS-CS nanoparticles have good anti-inflammatory activity and showed that the activity of high molecular weight can be increased by producing nanoparticles. Our study paves the way for exploring the mechanism of nanoparticles through metabolomics., (© 2025 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic pain caused by injury or disease of the somatosensory nervous system, or it can be directly caused by disease. It often presents with clinical features like spontaneous pain, hyperalgesia, and dysesthesia. At present, voltage-gated calcium ion channels (VGCCs) are known to be closely related to the development of NP, especially the α2δ subunit. The α2δ subunit is a regulatory subunit of VGCCs. It exists mainly in the brain and peripheral nervous system, especially in nerve cells, and it plays a crucial part in regulating presynaptic and postsynaptic functions. Furthermore, the α2δ subunit influences neuronal excitation and pain signaling by promoting its expression and localization through binding to VGCC-related subunits. The α2δ subunit is widely used in the management of NP as a target of antiepileptic drugs gabapentin and pregabalin. Although drug therapy is one of the treatments for NP, its clinical application is limited due to the adverse reactions caused by drug therapy. Therefore, further research on the therapeutic target α2δ subunit is needed, and attempts are made to obtain an effective treatment for relieving NP without side effects. This review describes the current associated knowledge on the function of the α2δ subunit in perceiving and modulating NP., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics Approval: This is a review manuscript; the Research Ethics Committee has confirmed that no ethical approval is required. Consent to Participate: This is a review manuscript and does not require the informed consent. Consent for Publication: This manuscript does not contain any person’s data in any form; all authors affirm and approve the publication. Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of endogenous small RNAs with lengths of approximately 19-24 nucleotides, play important regulatory roles in cells. In recent years, miR-363 has emerged as a prominent member of the miR-92a family, participating in various biological functions, including cellular proliferation, cycle, migration, and apoptosis. In particular, miR-363 plays a critical role in acute kidney injury, renal fibrosis, and diabetic nephropathy and can serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma. Ongoing research is exploring its potential as a biomarker of other kidney diseases. This review focuses on the role of miR-363 in kidney diseases, elucidating its regulatory mechanisms and exploring its possible value as a biomarker of kidney diseases., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal condition, which may occur at any age and affects countless people. The search for new treatments for constipation is ongoing as current drug treatments fail to provide fully satisfactory results. In recent years, probiotics have attracted much attention because of their demonstrated therapeutic efficacy and fewer side effects than pharmaceutical products. Many studies attempted to answer the question of how probiotics can alleviate constipation. It has been shown that different probiotic strains can alleviate constipation by different mechanisms. The mechanisms on probiotics in relieving constipation were associated with various aspects, including regulation of the gut microbiota composition, the level of short-chain fatty acids, aquaporin expression levels, neurotransmitters and hormone levels, inflammation, the intestinal environmental metabolic status, neurotrophic factor levels and the body's antioxidant levels. This paper summarizes the perception of the mechanisms on probiotics in relieving constipation and provides some suggestions on new research directions.

Endometriosis significantly impacts the physical and mental health of women of reproductive age. While some patients can achieve pregnancy through surgery or in vitro fertilization (IVF), many still struggle with IVF failure due to poor oocyte quality. This presents a major clinical challenge that requires immediate attention. The causes of oocyte quality decline in endometriosis patients are diverse and have not yet been definitively identified. Furthermore, effective diagnostic mechanisms and therapeutic strategies remain elusive. To provide possible clinical solutions to improve pregnancy rates in patients with endometriosis, this review evaluates the current literature on the impact of endometriosis on oocyte quality, the possible mechanisms and management strategies of endometriosis leading to poor oocyte quality., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Cachexia is a multifactorial metabolic syndrome characterized by weight and skeletal muscle loss caused by underlying illnesses such as cancer, heart failure, and renal failure. Inflammation, insulin resistance, increased muscle protein degradation, decreased food intake, and anorexia are the primary pathophysiological drivers of cachexia. Cachexia causes physical deterioration and functional impairment, loss of quality of life, lower response to active treatment, and ultimately morbidity and mortality, while the difficulties in tackling cachexia in its advanced phases and the heterogeneity of the syndrome among patients require an individualized and multidisciplinary approach from an early stage. Specifically, strategies combining nutritional and exercise interventions as well as pharmacotherapy that directly affect the pathogenesis of cachexia, such as anti-inflammatory, metabolism-improving, and appetite-stimulating agents, have been proposed, but none of which have demonstrated sufficient evidence to date. Nevertheless, several agents have recently emerged, including anamorelin, a ghrelin receptor agonist, growth differentiation factor 15 neutralization therapy, and melanocortin receptor antagonist, as candidates for ameliorating anorexia associated with cancer cachexia. Therefore, in this review, we outline cancer cachexia-associated anorexia and its pharmacotherapy, including corticosteroids, progesterone analogs, cannabinoids, anti-psychotics, and thalidomide which have been previously explored for their efficacy, in addition to the aforementioned novel agents, along with their mechanisms., (© 2025 The Author(s). Pharmacology Research & Perspectives published by British Pharmacological Society and American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) is a prevalent and manageable chronic condition which is a significant contributor to the total global disease burden. Environmental chemicals, including mercury (Hg), may contribute to hypertension onset and development. Hg is a global health concern, listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a top ten chemical of public health concern. Most people are exposed to some level of Hg, with vulnerable groups, including Indigenous peoples and small-scale gold miners, at a higher risk for exposure. We published a systematic review and meta-analysis in 2018 showing a dose-response relationship between Hg exposure and hypertension. This critical review summarizes the biological effects of Hg (both organic and inorganic form) on the underlying mechanisms that may facilitate the onset and development of hypertension and related health outcomes and updates the association between Hg exposure (total Hg concentrations in hair) and BP outcomes. We also evaluated the weight of evidence using the Bradford Hill criteria. There is a strong dose-response relationship between Hg (both organic and inorganic) exposure and BP in animal studies and convincing evidence that Hg contributes to hypertension by causing structural and functional changes, vascular reactivity, vasoconstriction, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, and thrombosis. The underlying mechanisms are vast and include impairments in antioxidant defense mechanisms, increased ROS production, endothelial dysfunction, and alteration of the renin-angiotensin system. We found additional 16 recent epidemiological studies that have reported the relationship between Hg exposure and hypertension in the last 5 years. Strong evidence from epidemiological studies shows a positive association between Hg exposure and the risk of hypertension and elevated BP. The association is mixed at lower exposure levels but suggests that Hg can affect BP even at low doses when co-exposed with other metals. Further research is needed to develop robust conversion factors among different biomarkers and standardized measures of Hg exposure. Regulatory agencies should consider adopting a 2 µg/g hair Hg level as a cut-off for public health regulation, especially for adults older than child-bearing age., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: None of the authors has a conflict of interest to declare. Authorship: X.F.H., A.L., and H.M.C. conceived the study. X.F.H. and A.L. performed the literature searches. X.F.H. and A.L. screened articles for inclusion. X.F.H., A.L., and H.M.C. wrote the first draft of the manuscript. All authors revised the manuscript and approved the final version. Ethics of human subject participation: This study did not require ethical approval, as the data used have been published previously and are, hence, already in the public domain. Consent is not required when conducting a review., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease with an increasing incidence worldwide. Single drug therapy may have toxic side effects and disrupt gut microbiota balance. Polyphenols are widely used in disease intervention due to their distinctive nutritional properties and medicinal value, which a potential gut microbiota modulator. However, there is a lack of comprehensive review to explore the efficacy and mechanism of combined therapy with drugs and polyphenols for NAFLD., Aim of Review: Based on this, this review firstly discusses the link between NAFLD and gut microbiota, and outlines the effects of polyphenols and drugs on gut microbiota. Secondly, it examined recent advances in the treatment and intervention of NAFLD with drugs and polyphenols and the therapeutic effect of the combination of the two. Finally, we highlight the underlying mechanisms of polyphenol combined drug therapy in NAFLD. This is mainly in terms of signaling pathways (NF-κB, AMPK, Nrf2, JAK/STAT, PPAR, SREBP-1c, PI3K/Akt and TLR) and gut microbiota. Furthermore, some emerging mechanisms such as microRNA potential biomarker therapies may provide therapeutic avenues for NAFLD., Key Scientific Concepts of Review: Drawing inspiration from combination drug strategies, the use of active substances in combination with drugs for NAFLD intervention holds transformative and prospective potential, both improve NAFLD and restore gut microbiota balance while reducing the required drug dosage. This review systematically discusses the bidirectional interactions between gut microbiota and NAFLD, and summarizes the potential mechanisms of polyphenol synergistic drugs in the treatment of NAFLD by modulating signaling pathways and gut microbiota. Future researches should develop multi-omics technology to identify patients who benefit from polyphenols combination drugs and devising individualized treatment plans to enhance its therapeutic effect., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

This article reviews the latest research progress on ultrasound-assisted extraction of active substances from Muxu, including polysaccharides, polyphenols, leaf proteins, anthocyanins, total flavonoids, and total saponins, in order to provide theoretical references for the extraction of active substances from Muxu. At the same time, its medicinal value, feeding value, ecological value, edible value, and ornamental value were analyzed and summarized. Flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides in the bioactive substances of Muxu have good effects on improving animal productivity, enhancing immune function, and improving animal health. Especially when applied to broiler chickens and laying hens, it can improve the quality of meat and eggs and increase the economic benefits of breeding. In addition, there are other beneficial substances in Muxu, such as natural pigments, coumarins, leaf protein, and chlorogenic acid, which also play an important role in livestock and poultry production and health status., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

There are many occurrences of enzymes catalysing the same reaction but having significantly different structures. Leveraging the comprehensive information on enzymes stored in the Mechanism and Catalytic Site Atlas (M-CSA), we present a collection of 34 cases for which there is sufficient evidence of functional convergence without an evolutionary link. For each case, we compare enzymes which have identical Enzyme Commission numbers (i.e. catalyse the same reaction), but different identifiers in the CATH data resource (i.e. different folds). We focus on similarities between their sequences, structures, active site geometries, cofactors and catalytic mechanisms. These features are then assessed to evaluate whether all the evidence for these structurally diverse proteins supports their independent evolution to catalyse the same chemical reaction. Our approach combines published literature information with knowledge-based computational resources from, amongst others, M-CSA, PDBe and PDBsum, supported by tailor-made software to explore active site structures and assess similarities in mechanism. We find that there are multiple types of convergent functional evolution observed to date, and it is necessary to investigate sequence, structure, active site geometry and enzyme mechanisms to describe such convergence accurately., (© 2024 The Author(s). The FEBS Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Federation of European Biochemical Societies.)

Gynecological tumors, such as ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers, alongside breast cancer, represent significant malignancies that pose serious threats to women's health worldwide. Standard treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies, are commonly utilized in clinical practice. However, challenges such as high recurrence rates, drug resistance, and adverse side effects underscore the urgent need for more effective therapeutic options. Osthole, a natural coumarin compound derived from Chinese herbal medicine, has demonstrated remarkable antitumor activity against various cancers. Emerging evidence indicates that osthole can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of gynecological and breast cancer cells through various mechanisms, including inducing apoptosis and autophagy, regulating the tumor microenvironment, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, and enhancing the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This review highlights the recent advancements in osthole research within the context of gynecological and breast cancers, focusing on its molecular mechanisms, and offers a theoretical foundation for its potential development as an anticancer agent., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Other declarations: The figure was created using Adobe Illustrator 2024 (v28.0; Adobe Inc.), (© 2024. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences.)

Phosphorus is an indispensable and irreplaceable element in the ecosystem. Based on the ability of ferrate(VI) to remove phosphate by producing iron phosphate, a new method for using ferrate(VI) to treat hypophosphite has been studied. In this study, ferrate was added to the hypophosphate solution in a controlled manner, and the oxidation efficiency of ferrate(VI) on hypophosphate was studied under various initial pH conditions, when the pH value of 6.0, the hypophosphate oxidation rate reached 14.0%. Research findings, Ferrate recovered hypophosphate through precipitation and adsorption under various initial pH conditions. To further investigate the mechanism of hypophosphate recovery, the morphology and microstructure of the deposition were analysed using Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The kinetic process of ferrate recovery from hypophosphate was analysed. The recovery process follows second-order reaction kinetics, and the reaction rate is highest at pH 6.0. The value of k A1 is 1.742 × 10 -2 . This study shows that ferrate (VI) is a promising treatment tool for low-cost phosphate wastewater. Furthermore, this method offers a clean phosphorus recovery process without the generation of harmful substances.

Microalgae-based DeNOx technology, as an emerging approach for flue gas denitrification, is suitable for the deep treatment of NOx at medium to low concentrations. To address the ambiguity surrounding the removal pathways and mechanisms in the development of microalgae DeNOx technology, the pathways and mechanisms of NO removal within a microalgae cultivation system was investigated. By investigating the gas-liquid and liquid-solid nitrogen transfer pathways facilitated by algal cells, algal cells were found to play a pivotal role in NO removal by the T. obliquus PF3 cultivation system. Microalgae cells enhance NO transfer across gas-liquid phases via extracellular substance secretion, exogenous iron reduction, NO adsorption, and NO molecular absorption. During this process, NO is transformed in the liquid phase into molecular NO, ionic nitrate, and nitrite, as well as organically complexed NO. The soluble extracellular substances of T. obliquus PF3 are primarily composed of humic-like acids and fulvic-like acids, while bound extracellular substances are dominated by tryptophan and tryptophan-like proteins, both of which possess reductive properties conducive to iron reduction and NO adsorption/complexation. By employing ATP hydrolysis inhibitor HgCl 2 and analyzing nitrogen balance in the system, It was revealed that the primary NO removal pathway involves NO dissolution and oxidation within the algal culture broth, with ionic nitrogen being the predominant form assimilated and utilized by algal cells from the solution. This study clarifies the NO removal pathways and mechanisms within the microalgae cultivation system, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for the advancement and process design of microalgae-based DeNOx technology., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) is the primary metabolite of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), the most prevalent phthalate plasticiser globally. It has been demonstrated that MEHP exerts more potent toxic effects than DEHP. Nevertheless, the full extent of the toxicity of MEHP to neurodevelopmental organisms remains unclear. Accordingly, the present study was designed to investigate the neurodevelopmental toxicity of MEHP exposure and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Zebrafish juveniles were exposed to different concentrations of MEHP (7.42, 14.84, 29.68 and 74.2 μg/L) for a period of four weeks. Immunohistological evidence indicated that MEHP exposure resulted in oxidative stress and apoptosis in the developing zebrafish brain. Subsequently, the neurobehaviour of zebrafish larvae was evaluated, and it was determined that MEHP significantly disrupted their locomotor capacity, motor vigor, and social conduct. Furthermore, HE staining revealed damage to brain neurons, which may be linked to impaired synthesis and conduction of inter-synaptic neurotransmitters. Transcriptomic analyses indicated that MEHP may affect the expression levels of genes in the P53 signalling pathway and signalling pathways related to the development of the nervous system. This results in impaired functions, including nerve conduction and neuronal development. Additionally, it induces oxidative stress, which leads to significant brain cell apoptosis and, ultimately, neurotoxicity in developing zebrafish., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2025 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This paper evaluates recent work purporting to show that the "agency" of organisms is an important phenomenon for evolutionary biology to study. Biological agency is understood as the capacity for goal-directed, self-determining activity-a capacity that is present in all organisms irrespective of their complexity and whether or not they have a nervous system. Proponents of the "agency perspective" on biological systems have claimed that agency is not explainable by physiological or developmental mechanisms, or by adaptation via natural selection. We show that this idea is theoretically unsound and unsupported by current biology. There is no empirical evidence that the agency perspective has the potential to advance experimental research in the life sciences. Instead, the phenomena that the agency perspective purports to make sense of are better explained using the well-established idea that complex multiscale feedback mechanisms evolve through natural selection., (© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Evolutionary Biology.)

The widespread use of organophosphorus pesticide dimethoate (DMT) in agriculture poses a threat to human health. In this work, the perylene tetracarboxylic diimide (PDI) modified NH 2 -MIL-101(Fe) (PDI/MIL) with strong covalent bond C(=O)-N were designed and prepared by a step solvothermal method. The synergistic effect between photocatalytic and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation for the DMT elimination over PDI/MIL was gained. Interestingly, PDI/MIL(1:10)/PMS showed boosting degradation efficiency (95.6%) for DMT under 18 min simulated sunlight irradiation. Its apparent reaction rate constant was 24.7 times higher than that of NH 2 -MIL-101(Fe)/PMS. Moreover, its reusability, stability and mineralization ability were evaluated, and a remarkable mineralization rate of 95.3% with 90 min was achieved. The enhanced activity were attributed to the formation of amide bond that exhibited superior charger transport ability and amount of produced active species. Combined the results obtained from the HPLC-MS and molecular structure characteristics of DMT analyzed by Fukui index, the degradation pathways were proposed. The toxicity of intermediates were predicted by Ecological Structure Activity Relationship (ECOSAR), Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (T.E.S.T.), and Vibrio fischeri experiments. Our work provided deep insights into the mechanisms of DMT degradation via photocatalysis-activated PMS over organic semiconductor modified metal organic frameworks., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study explored capabilities of completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) process under co-regulation of hydroxylamine (NH 2 OH) and hydrazine (N 2 H 4 ). Results indicated that granular (R 1 ) and flocculated (R 2 ) sludge CANON systems were started-up respectively on day 14 and day 17 by co-introduction of 0.50 + 1.00 mg/L and 1.00 + 5.00 mg/L NH 2 OH and N 2 H 4 , with ammonia removal efficiency (ARE) of 53.75 % ± 8.30 % and 54.17 % ± 7.40 %, respectively. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Nitrosomonas, Nitrospira, Candidatus&#95;Nitrotoga and Nitrobacter reduced after NH 2 OH and N 2 H 4 was supplied into R 1 and R 2 for 30 days, thereby inhibiting ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) activity. Nevertheless, the relative abundance of Candidatus&#95;Kuenenia and Candidatus&#95;Jettenia recovered once NH 2 OH and N 2 H 4 were absent, produced reversible inhibitory on anaerobic ammonia-oxidation bacteria (AnAOB) activity. Results will demystify the nitrogen elimination performance and mechanism of the CANON process from a novel viewpoint., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Antimicrobial and plant defence elicitor peptides have received attention on last decades as novel tools to combat bacterial plant diseases. We previously reported a library of peptide conjugates resulting from the combination of an antimicrobial peptide ( BP16 , BP143 , BP387 or BP475 ) and a plant defence elicitor sequence ( flg15 , BP13 , Pep13 or PIP1 ). From this library, we selected a set of 14 peptide conjugates including both highly and poorly active sequences and we performed a structure-activity relationship study by NMR and MD simulations. Analysis of their structure by NMR in 30% TFE-d 3 and in zwitterionic DPC-d 38 and anionic SDS-d 25 micelles showed that the presence of an α-helix fragment together with a flexible random coil can be related to a high antibacterial activity and a low hemolysis. In contrast, the sequences with a rigid α-helix structure were low active and highly hemolytic. PRE-NMR experiments in presence of MnCl 2 and 16-DSA revealed that the highly active peptides flg15-BP475 and BP100-Pep13 interacted stronger with DPC-d 38 micelles than the low active peptide BP13-BP16 . In the two former sequences this interaction took place through the α-helix region. From GaMD simulations of BP100-Pep13 conducted in membranes composed of anionic DPPG lipids, after its electrostatic interaction, the peptide flipped and the hydrophobic residues were faced to the membrane triggering its insertion and also causing membrane thinning. Thus, the flexibility and moderate cationicity of BP100-Pep13 seem to be crucial for its biological activity. These findings can help to establish the guidelines for future rational design of BP100 derivatives.

Background: Depression is a widespread mental health issue affecting older adults globally, with substantial implications for their well-being. Although digital interventions have proven effective in high-income countries, research on the potential of internet usage to alleviate depression among older adults in high-income countries remains limited., Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of internet usage on depression among older adults in high-income countries by developing a comprehensive theoretical framework and testing key hypotheses., Methods: Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a 2-stage instrumental variable approach was applied to address endogeneity and estimate causal relationships between internet usage and depression., Results: The findings indicate that internet usage results in a 1.41% reduction in depression levels among older adults. This effect is mediated by four primary mechanisms: (1) enhanced social interaction, (2) increased physical activity, (3) improved intergenerational contact, and (4) expanded access to educational opportunities. A heterogeneity analysis revealed that these effects are more pronounced in urban areas, eastern regions, and regions with superior internet infrastructure., Conclusions: Internet usage plays a crucial role in alleviating depression among older adults in high-income countries, with regional variations. The findings highlight the need for targeted policy interventions to improve internet access and digital literacy, which can mitigate depression and enhance the mental health of older adults., (©Lin Guo, Yunwei Li, Kai Cheng, Ying Zhao, Wenqiang Yin, Ying Liu. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 31.01.2025.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Xiangsha Liujunzi Wan (LJZW) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula containing a variety of traditional Chinese herb components. Its principal components are often used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and contribute to the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD)., Aim of the Study: To explore the therapeutic potential of LJZW in CD through network pharmacology, bioinformatics, molecular docking, and experimental verification., Methods: The principal bioactive components and corresponding targets of LJZW were ascertained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Potential targets for CD were identified in GeneCards, OMIM, DrugBank, DisGeNET, CTD, and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Intersection targets of LJZW and CD were identified using a Venn diagram and visualized using Cytoscape 3.8.0 to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were employed to assess the function of intersection targets. AutoDockTools and PyMOL were used for molecular docking to recognize the association between the core ingredients of LJZW and the core targets of CD. Subsequently, a series of experiments were conducted for validation., Results: The network pharmacology results indicated that there were 156 bioactive components and 268 corresponding targets for LJZW, 3023 primary relevant targets for CD, and 169 intersection targets for LJZW and CD. The PPI network was employed to identify five hub genes and six clusters. The GO functional analysis indicated that intersection targets are primarily correlated with oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that these targets were primarily associated with the phosphotylinosital 3 kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. The molecular docking results showed that the core ingredients of LJZW had good binding ability with the core targets of CD. A series of experiments demonstrated that LJZW could effectively attenuate TNBS-induced colitis symptoms, inhibit the inflammatory response, and protect intestinal barrier function by inhibiting the PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathways, thus preventing and treating CD., Conclusion: LJZW has the characteristics of multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway treatment, which helps to improve the treatment of CD, protect the intestinal barrier, and exert the effect of anti-inflammatory therapy by inhibiting PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathways., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, detrimentally affects quality of life and is often challenging to manage with conventional treatments. This study delved into identifying and quantifying the main compounds by employing ultra-performance liquid chromatography-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap mass spectrometry, and further to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Rosa roxburghii folium (RRF) extract, with multiple pharmacological activities. Previous research had hinted at the efficacy of glycosides in influencing the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) system, which plays a pivotal role in sleep regulation. Utilizing a p-chlorophenylalanine-induced insomnia model in BALB/C mice, this investigation aimed to unravel the effects of various dosages of RRF extract on sleep quality and elucidated its mechanism of action., Results: A total of 66 compounds in the RRF extract were analyzed. Behavioral assessments demonstrated notable enhancements in sleep duration and latency. Biochemical analyses further corroborated these findings, revealing modulation in neurotransmitter levels indicative of a potential mechanism through the GABAergic and serotoninergic pathways. Additionally, histological evaluations suggested anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the RRF extract., Conclusion: The findings from this study underscored the therapeutic efficacy of RRF extract in combating insomnia, particularly highlighting its glycoside components' role. The extract's significant improvement in sleep duration and latency, alongside its modulation of neurotransmitter levels, showcases its potential as a natural remedy for insomnia. Through its action on the GABAergic and serotoninergic pathways, as well as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, RRF extract emerges as a promising candidate for insomnia treatment, offering a holistic approach to sleep disorder management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Jizhi syrup (JZTJ) is composed of eight medicinal herbs, including Houttuynia cordata, Fagopyrum dibotrys, Ilex chinensis, Ephedra sinica, Aster tataricus, Peucedanum praeruptorum, Citrus aurantium and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. It is mainly used for coughing caused by exogenous wind heat. Symptoms include fever, aversion to cold, chest and diaphragm tightness, cough and sore throat; and acute bronchitis and acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis with the above symptoms., Purpose: This study aimed to preliminary analyse the chemical components in the liposoluble part of JZTJ, evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of JZTJ by using six animal and cell models and predict the target and mechanism of acute bronchitis prevention and treatment with JZTJ., Methods: The chemical components in the liposoluble fraction of JZTJ (extracted by cyclohexane) were quantitatively analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Classic non-specific inflammation models and acute bronchitis models were established to systematically evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of JZTJ. The anti-inflammatory intensity and characteristics of three doses of JZTJ were comprehensively compared on the basis of principal component analysis method at the cellular and overall animal levels. By using lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) as modelling factors, a RAW264.7 macrophage inflammatory response model and a rat acute bronchitis model were created to study the effect of JZTJ on the in-vitro and - vivo LPS-iNOS-inflammatory mediators' inflammatory signalling pathway to reveal the mechanism of acute bronchitis prevention and treatment by JZTJ at the levels of genes, proteins, and inflammatory mediators., Results: Seventeen alkane and ester compounds were preliminarily qualitatively identified from the lipid soluble fraction of JZTJ: dibutyl phthalate, tetradecane, ridecane, n-hexadecanoic acid, pentadecane, n-decanoic acid, 2,6,10,14,18,22-tetracosahexaene, 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-(all-E)-; phenol, 2,2'-methylenebis[6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl-; hexadecane. JZTJ has a significant inhibitory effect on acute non-specific inflammation, specifically inhibiting 'xylene-induced ear swelling in mice', 'acetic acid-induced increased permeability of abdominal capillaries in mice' and 'egg white-induced foot swelling in rats'. The above effects are most evident in high doses, followed by medium doses, whereas low doses have poorer or no effects. JZTJ can prevent and treat acute bronchitis induced by LPS in mice and rats, significantly improve the pathological changes in patchy interstitial and alveolar bleeding with excessive neutrophil infiltration and inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators by LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Its mechanism of action may be by downregulating the phosphorylation level of p-ERK1/2 protein, thereby inhibiting inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α mRNA and IL-1β. The expression levels of genes, such as mRNA and IL-6 mRNA, thereby reducing iNOS, TNF-α and IL-1β. The expression of proteins in the cytoplasm of lung and bronchial tissue cells reduced the release of downstream inflammatory mediators NO and IL-6., Conclusion: Preliminary analysis of the chemical components in the lipid soluble fraction of JZTJ can lay the foundation for subsequent research on its effective components. Evaluating the anti-inflammatory effect of JZTJ is helpful for further research on its mechanism of action. The anti-inflammatory effects are exerted by regulating the inflammatory signalling pathway of LPS-iNOS inflammatory mediators, providing a scientific basis for their clinical application., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest No conflict of interest exits in the submission of this manuscript, and all authors have read the manuscript and approve to publish. I would like to declare on behalf of my co-authors that the work described was review that has not been published previously, and not under consideration for publication elsewhere, in whole or in part. All the authors listed have approved the manuscript that is enclosed., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Micro-nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitously present in various natural habitats, and the kidney plays a critical role in eliminating metabolic waste from the body. Therefore, nephrotoxicity studies of MNPs are necessary. Consequently, we conducted a study utilizing a mouse model that underwent autonomous inhalation of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) to investigate the impact of airborne nanoplastics (NPs) on kidney. The results demonstrated that airborne NPs could accumulate within the kidney subsequent to pulmonary entry. Transcriptome analysis showed that exposure to airborne NPs persistently interfered with important signaling pathways including oxidative stress, inflammation, and coagulation, which activated the NR4A1/CASP3 and TF/F12 signaling pathways. In vitro studies have shown that NPs were internalized by human kidney proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells, leading to a range of pathological responses, and ultimately affecting cell fate. Furthermore, we pioneered the exposure of NPs to human kidney organoids. Our findings revealed a heightened sensitivity in kidney organoids towards NPs as compared to immortalized cell lines. This suggested that exposure to NPs could potentially inflict a more substantial toxic effect on the development of embryonic kidneys. In conclusion, this study has revealed the deleterious effects of exposure to airborne NPs on the mouse kidney., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no competing financial interests., (Copyright © 2025 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)