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The present article introduced an natural enzyme-covered/amino-modified Pd-Pt bimetallic-doped zeolitic imidazolate framework (NAPPZ) for ultrasensitive and specific detection of glucose. The dodecahedral nanomaterial zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8)-loaded Pd-Pt bimetallic nanoparticles endowed the composite with peroxidase-like activity. The modification with glucose oxidase (GOx) facilitated the rapid access of H 2 O 2 produced through glucose oxidation to the Pd-Pt nanoparticles vicinity reducing diffusion. GOx specifically catalyzes the transformation of glucose into H 2 O 2 , which then H 2 O 2 rapidly migrates to the Pd-Pt nanoparticles, catalyzing the oxidation of colorless o-phenylenediamine into the orange-yellow product 2,3-diaminophenazine. Based on the aforementioned cascade reaction, the NAPPZ and NAPPZ based on ChOx were utilized for detecting glucose in human urine samples and cholesterol in milk, respectively. The NAPPZ strategy presented a broad detection range (20-1100 μmol L -1 ) and a low detection limit (15.9 μmol L -1 ) for glucose, and the NAPPZ based on ChOx strategy approach offered a broad detection range (10-500 μmol L -1 ) and low detection limit (6.4 μmol L -1 ) for cholesterol. Therefore, this novel method holds significant potential in the areas of clinical diagnostics and food safety., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry.)

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in Xinjiang, estimate the real-time reproduction number ( R t ) of HPV infection, evaluate the effectiveness of local prevention and control policies, and provide a theoretical basis for cervical cancer (CC) control strategies in the region. Methods: Using the R0 package, the R software was employed to estimate the dynamic changes in the real-time reproduction number ( R t ) of HPV infection in Xinjiang from January 2015 to December 2019. Four methods—Maximum Likelihood Estimation (ML), Exponential Growth (EG), Sequential Bayesian (SB), and Time-Dependent (TD)—were used to calculate the R t values. The study compared the results from these methods to determine the most reliable approach for estimating HPV transmission. Results: Among the four methods, the TD method provided the best fit for observed and predicted cases. The estimated overall R t was 1.1381 (95% CI: 1.0762–1.1972). For the periods 2015–2017 and 2017–2019, the R t values were 1.2827 and 1.0544, respectively. Notably, the Rt value showed a downward trend after 2017 but remained above 1, indicating continued transmission of HPV. Conclusion: Although HPV infection rates in Xinjiang appear to be decreasing, the persistent R t values suggest that HPV transmission has not been fully controlled. This highlights the urgent need for strengthened prevention and control measures to reduce HPV-related cervical cancer risk in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf scald is one of the major bacterial diseases causing severe losses to the sugarcane industry. Utilizing disease-resistant genotypes has proved to be the safest, most economical, and effective method to control it. Therefore, we evaluated leaf scald disease (LSD) on 166 sugarcane genotypes in a field trial over three years (2019–2021). We found that the disease incidence and severity varied among genotypes, and the percentage of diseased genotypes differed significantly across crop seasons. ANOVA analysis revealed that Genotype, Year, and Genotype-by-Year interaction significantly affected LSD occurrence. However, the broad-sense heritability (HB2) for disease incidence (IC) and severity (DI) over three years was 0.72 and 0.68, respectively, suggesting that genetic factors play an essential role. To better classify the level of disease resistance, we performed cluster analysis using three years of disease incidence and severity; the accuracy of the cluster analysis was verified by discriminant analysis. Of the 166 sugarcane genotypes, 35 (21.08%) were highly resistant, 67 (40.36%) resistant, 24 (14.46%) moderately susceptible, 24 (14.46%) susceptible, and 16 (9.64%) highly susceptible. The total probability of discriminant analysis was 90.36%, indicating that the classification results were relatively accurate. The outcomes of this study provide a scientific basis for breeding and selecting resistant genotypes for commercial cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct energy deposition (DED) is an advanced additive manufacturing (AM) technique for producing large metal components in structural engineering. Its cost-effectiveness and high deposition rates make it suitable for creating substantial and complex parts. However, the mechanical and microstructural properties of these components can be influenced by the varying heat input and repeated thermal treatments associated with different welding procedures used during the deposition process. This study employed gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and cold metal transfer (CMT) arc welding techniques to fabricate cylindrical components from 2209 duplex stainless steel (DSS). The research investigated the impact of these welding methods on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the 2209 DSS cylinders. The intricate thermal cycles and cooling rates inherent in the DED process significantly influenced the primary phase balance, ideally comprising 50% austenite and 50% ferrite. In components processed using GMW, σ-phase formation was noted at the grain boundaries. Additionally, a slower cooling rate and extended time for solid-state phase transformations led to an increase in austenite content from the bottom to the top of the component. The cylinder fabricated using the CMT process exhibited fine austenite morphologies and a higher ferrite content compared to the GMW-processed cylinder. Furthermore, the cylinder produced using the CMT process showed consistent properties across the building direction, unlike the components manufactured with the GMW process. In terms of tensile properties, hardness, and impact toughness, the cylinder produced using the CMT technique outperformed the one made with the GMW process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequency-dependent elastic properties of fully saturated rocks are notably influenced by fluid pressure diffusion at the microscopic scale. Our experimental evaluation, utilizing forced oscillation and ultrasonic transmission methods under varying effective pressures (⁠|${P_{{\rm{eff}}}} = [ {1 - 20} ]$|  MPa) and temperatures (⁠|$T = [ {{3^{\rm{\circ\!}}}{\rm{C}},{\rm{\,\,}}{{10}^{\rm{\circ\!}}}{\rm{C}},{\rm{\,\,}}{{23}^{\rm{\circ\!}}}{\rm{C}}} ]$|⁠), provides critical insights into how rock microheterogeneity and pore fluid viscosity affect elastic dispersion and attenuation at frequencies of |$f = [ {1 - 300,{\rm{\,\,}}{{10}^6}} ]$|  Hz. We employed a sandstone rock sample with |$8.2\,\,\mathrm{ per}\,\,\textrm{cent}$| porosity and conducted measurements using three different fluids: N2, brine and glycerine. In its dry state, our chosen rock exhibits frequency independent elastic moduli at measured effective pressures due to the absence of fluid flow, resulting in negligible deviations in local measurements at different locations. However, this uniform response changes markedly when the rock is saturated with fluids. Gassmann's predictions agree with the measured undrained elastic moduli. Under fluid-saturated conditions, rock's elastic moduli increase with frequency, revealing significant differences depending on measurement positions. This variation suggests that differentiation in elastic properties is amplified during wet measurements, particularly at seismic frequencies. Our modelling indicates that the dominant mechanism is squirt flow, arising from microscopic compressibility heterogeneities within the rock frame and saturating fluid. As the viscosity of the saturating fluid decreases with rising temperature, the magnitude of attenuation peaks diminishes, while their frequency spread widens. This behaviour aligns with predictions from the squirt flow model, which considers the microstructure and varied pore types within the rock. Consequently, the observed frequency dependence in elastic moduli is primarily attributed to fluid flow processes driven by microheterogeneity, which are highly sensitive to small variations in the rock's microstructures. In microstructurally complex regions, it is evident that assuming isotropic and homogeneous conditions for forced axial oscillation measurements can introduce errors. The inherent heterogeneity of the rock must be taken into account to accurately interpret the frequency dependence of elastic moduli. This is especially relevant for applications in geophysical hydrocarbon exploration and seismic monitoring of reservoir geomechanical integrity during CO2 geo-sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assumptions about lithospheric composition and fault discretization schemes are crucial for estimating seismic hazards. This study aims to examine the impact of these two variables in the Southeastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau, with a specific focus on the Daliangshan mountain area. This area, located along the central segment of the Xianshuihe–Xiaojiang fault system, has been considered in the last few decades to host the highest seismic hazards in mainland China given its historical recurrence intervals of large magnitude earthquakes. Previous studies have constrained the kinematics of the region, including estimates of fault slip and accumulated moment magnitudes, assuming (1) the crust is compositionally homogeneous and isotropic and (2) the discretized fault patches (nodes) are coupling independent. In this work, we use constraint from an updated GNSS velocity solution comprised of 287 sites to test the influence of a compositionally heterogeneous crust and two fault patch (node) parametrizations to assess predicted fault slip rates and several seismic hazard quantities. The two fault node parametrizations are: (1) node depth-dependent (NDD; locking coefficients of nodes along a depth profile are dependent) and (2) node depth-independent (NDI; locking coefficients of all nodes are independent). Statistical tests (F-tests) indicate that the NDD model fits GNSS data significantly better than the NDI model even with less than ∼50 per cent of to-be-estimated parameters. We further examine the impact of lithospheric composition on regional kinematics by incorporating data from high-resolution seismic tomography. Comparisons between homogeneous and heterogeneous models for our preferred NDD fault locking parametrization scheme suggest that the material heterogeneity has minimal influence on the predicted recurrence interval estimates of large (e.g. M w = 7) earthquakes but some influence on discerning the details of the fault coupling distribution. These results show that the crustal medium and parametrization scheme have an impact on the description of fault kinematics, which should be considered as one of the sources of uncertainty in hazard assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics are an essential dietary supplement for intestinal flora balance, inhibition of pathogenic bacteria and immune regulation. However, probiotic inactivation during gastrointestinal transportation remains a big challenge for oral administration. Hence, oral delivery systems (ODSs) based on polysaccharides have been constructed to protect probiotics from harsh environments. Cellulose, chitosan, alginate and their derivates have been used to form a protective layer for probiotics. This review summarizes the superiority and application of polysaccharides in forming protective layers for probiotics. Meanwhile, ODS processes including extrusion, emulsion and spray drying are also summarized. The preparation technique mechanism, the microparticle formation process and especially the role polysaccharides serve in the preparation process are overviewed. Lastly, the need for cell viability retention during the dehydration and construction of core-shell ODS microparticles is emphasized in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global asphalt production growth rate exceeded 10% in the past decade, and over 90% of the world's road surfaces are generated from asphalt materials. Therefore, the issue of asphalt aging has been widely researched. In this study, the aging of asphalt thin films under various natural conditions was studied to prevent the distortion of indoor simulated aging and to prevent the extraction of asphalt samples from road surfaces from impacting the aged asphalt. The aging of styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt was simulated at four different locations on an asphalt road surface. The aging characteristics of asphalt binders across various structural layers were revealed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and linear amplitude scanning (LAS). The results indicate that the aging behavior of the asphalt functional group on the road surface differs from other conditions; the asphalt fatigue life of 4 months equates to the 16-month aging life of asphalt within the dense-graded asphalt road surface. After 8 months of aging, the surface smoothness of the asphalt was significantly compromised. Inside of the porous pavement, the asphalt functional group is more likely to interact with water molecules than inside the dense pavement with cracks, and the variations in roughness and the reduction in fatigue life are also more significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide insight into the interface structure in Ti particle-reinforced Mg matrix composites, this study investigates the inherent Mg/Ti interface structure formed during the solidification of supercooled Mg melt on a (0001)Ti substrate using ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations and density function theory (DFT) calculation. The resulting interface exhibits an orientation relationship of 0001 Mg / / 0001 Ti with a lattice mismatch of approximately 8%. Detailed characterizations reveal the occurrences of 0001 Mg plane rotation and vacancy formation to overcome the lattice mismatch at the inherent Mg/Ti interface while allowing Mg atoms to occupy the energetically favorable hollow sites above the Ti atomic layer. The atomic diffusion behaviors of rare-earth elements Gd and Y at the Mg/Ti interface was examined using the climbing image nudged elastic band (CI-NEB) method, demonstrating a strong segregation tendency towards the interface promoted by the inherent interface structure. Additionally, the calculated Griffith work indicates enhanced interfacial adhesion due to the segregation of Gd and Y, which is beneficial for the mechanical properties of the composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we demonstrate a blazed phase grating to achieve tunable beam steering and propose a novel algorithm to reduce the stripe noise in wrapped phase. To control the diffraction angle to steer light to the desired direction, an electrically tunable transmission-type beam deflector based on liquid crystals is introduced, and electric fields are applied to the patterned indium tin oxide electrodes to change its phase retardation. Two different 2π phase-wrapping methods are applied to obtain various diffraction angles within the minimum cell-gap, and the method of equal interval of phase achieves a worthwhile diffraction efficiency compared to the methods based on equal interval of diffraction angle. The proposed method is able to completely eliminate the stripe noise in all steering angles that helps to improve the diffraction efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper establishes fatigue life prediction models using the soft computing method to address insufficient parameter consideration and limited computational accuracy in predicting the fatigue life of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) strengthened concrete beams. Five different input forms were proposed by collecting 117 sets of fatigue test data of FRP-strengthened concrete beams from the existing literature and integrating the outcomes from Pearson correlation analysis and significance testing. Using Gene Expression Programming (GEP), the effects of various input configurations on the accuracy of model predictions were examined. The model prediction results were also evaluated using five statistical indicators. The GEP model used concrete compressive strength, the steel reinforcement stress range ratio to the yield strength, and the stiffness factor as input parameters. Subsequently, using the same input parameters, the Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm Evolutionary Polynomial Regression (MOGA-EPR) method was then employed to develop a fatigue life prediction model. Sensitivity analyses of the GEP and MOGA-EPR models revealed that both could precisely capture the fundamental connections between fatigue life and multiple contributing variables. Compared to existing models, the proposed ones have higher prediction accuracy with a coefficient of determination reaching 0.8, significantly enhancing the accuracy of fatigue life predictions for FRP-strengthened concrete beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grassland degradation is a serious ecological issue in the farming–pastoral ecotone of northern China. Utilizing native grasses for the restoration of degraded grasslands is an effective technological approach. Leymus secalinus is a superior indigenous grass species for grassland ecological restoration in northern China. Therefore, the excavation of potential distribution areas of L. secalinus and important ecological factors affecting its distribution is crucial for grassland conservation and restoration of degraded grasslands. Based on 357 data points collected on the natural distribution of L. secalinus, this study employs the jackknife method and Pearson correlation analysis to screen out 23 variables affecting its spatial distribution. The MaxEnt model was used herein to predict the current suitable distribution area of L. secalinus and the suitable distribution of L. secalinus under different SSP scenarios (SSP1-26, SSP2-45, and SSP5-85) for future climate. The results showed the following: (1) Mean diurnal temperature range, annual mean temperature, precipitation of the wettest quarter, and elevation are the major factors impacting the distribution of L. secalinus. (2) Under the current climatic conditions, L. secalinus is mainly distributed in the farming–pastoral ecotone of northern China; in addition, certain suitable areas also exist in parts of Xinjiang, Tibet, Sichuan, Heilongjiang, and Jilin. (3) Under future climate change scenarios, the suitable areas for L. secalinus are generally the same as at present, with slight changes in area under different scenarios, with the largest expansion of 97,222 km2 of suitable area in 2021–2040 under the SSP1-26 scenario and the largest shrinkage of potential suitable area in 2061–2080 under the SSP2-45 scenario, with 87,983 km2. Notably, the northern boundary of the middle- and high-suitability areas is reduced, while the northeastern boundary and some areas of Heilongjiang and Jilin are expanded. The results of this study revealed the suitable climatic conditions and potential distribution range of L. secalinus, which can provide a reference for the conservation, introduction, and cultivation of L. secalinus in new ecological zones, avoiding the blind introduction of inappropriate habitats, and is also crucial for sustaining the economic benefits associated with L. secalinus ecological services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity is an ecological issue affecting over 10% of Europe. It is intensified by rising temperatures, leading to greater evaporation and reduced precipitation. Agriculture has been confirmed as the sector accounting for the highest water consumption globally, and it faces significant challenges relating to drought, impacting crop yields and food security. Sustainable practices, precision irrigation, and the development of drought-resistant crops are essential for the mitigation of this threat. Effective, innovative solutions are crucial for optimizing water use for intensive crops such as cultivated strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa). This study emphasizes the importance of identifying the genotypes most resilient to low water availability. Experimental trials involving reduced irrigation levels were set up to identify genotypes with a greater capacity to increase fruit quality and maintain fruit yield. Reduced water conditions positively influenced strawberry fruit quality, exhibiting improved citric acid, soluble solids, and color brightness linked to decreased water use, while firmness remained stable. Notably, the total phenolic content was most affected by stress, indicating strong antioxidant responses. With these interesting variations in fruit quality came a different response in plant yield. Plants belonging to the Lauretta and AN15,07,53 cultivars maintained a 98% fruit yield when grown under WS1 conditions. While the yield for the Francesca cultivar increased by 10% under the stressed WS1 conditions in comparison to the control conditions, water stress in the WS2 treatment caused a strong reduction in yield in all three genotypes. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of identifying for each new cultivar the most appropriate water regime in order to amplify the quality of the fruit, thus maintaining high production standards and saving water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trichomes of mustard leaves have significance due to their ability to combat unfavorable external conditions and enhance disease resistance. It was demonstrated that the MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) ternary complex consists of MYB, basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH), and WD40-repeat (WD40) family proteins and plays a key role in regulating trichome formation and density. The bHLH gene family, particularly the Myelocytomatosis (MYC) proteins that possess the structural bHLH domain (termed bHLH-MYC), are crucial to the formation and development of leaf trichomes in plants. bHLH constitutes one of the largest families of transcription factors in eukaryotes, of which MYC is a subfamily member. However, studies on bHLH-MYC transcription factors in mustard have yet to be reported. In this study, a total of 45 bHLH-MYC transcription factors were identified within the Brassica juncea genome, and a comprehensive series of bioinformatic analyses were conducted on their structures and properties: an examination of protein physicochemical properties, an exploration of conserved structural domains, an assessment of chromosomal positional distributions, an analysis of the conserved motifs, an evaluation of the gene structures, microsynteny analyses, three-dimensional structure prediction, and an analysis of sequence signatures. Finally, transcriptome analyses and a subcellular localization examination were performed. The results revealed that these transcription factors were unevenly distributed across 18 chromosomes, showing relatively consistent conserved motifs and gene structures and high homology. The final results of the transcriptome analysis and gene annotation showed a high degree of variability in the expression of bHLH-MYC transcription factors. Five genes that may be associated with trichome development (BjuVA09G22490, BjuVA09G13750, BjuVB04G14560, BjuVA05G24810, and BjuVA06G44820) were identified. The subcellular localization results indicated that the transcription and translation products of these five genes were expressed in the same organelle: the nucleus. This finding provides a basis for elucidating the roles of bHLH-MYC family members in plant growth and development, and the molecular mechanisms underlying trichome development in mustard leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree peony seeds, traditionally used for edible oil production, are rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA). However, little attention is paid to their development as a healthcare food due to their bitter and astringent taste. The aim of this study was to optimize the debittering process of peony seeds on the basis of maintaining nutritional value and to identify the compounds that cause the taste of bitterness. We first optimized the debittering process by orthogonal experiments which reduced the polyphenol content by 90.25%, and we measured the main nutritional value of fatty acid composition, indicating that the high content of ALA is not affected by debittering. Then, we identified and determined the types and content of polyphenols, the metabolites causing bitter taste, in the samples based on LC-ESI-QQQ-MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to compare and analyze the seeds at different stages of debittering. Thirty-eight key metabolites were identified, of which paeoniflorin, taxifolin, alibiflorin, protocatechuic acid, benzoyl paeoniflorin, quercetin-3-galactoside, and oxpaeoniflorin were significantly compared, and most of them were positively correlated with bitter taste. These results are conducive to the exploration and study of the bitter taste and nutritional value of tree peony seeds in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinization severely restricts the growth and development of crops globally, especially in the northwest Loess Plateau, where apples constitute a pillar industry. Nanomaterials, leveraging their unique properties, can facilitate the transport of nutrients to crops, thereby enhancing plant growth and development under stress conditions. To investigate the effects of nano zinc oxide (ZnO NP) on the growth and physiological characteristics of apple self-rooted rootstock M9-T337 seedlings under saline alkali stress, one-year-old M9-T337 seedlings were used as experimental materials and ZnO NPs were used as donors for pot experiment. Six treatments were set up: CK (normal growth), SA (saline alkali stress,100 mmol/L NaCl + NaHCO3), T1 (saline alkali stress + 50 mg/L ZnO NPs), T2 (saline alkali stress + 100 mg/L ZnO NPs), T3 (saline alkali stress + 150 mg/L ZnO NPs) and T4 (saline alkali stress + 200 mg/L ZnO NPs). The results were found to show that saline alkali stress could significantly inhibit the growth and development of M9-T337 seedlings, reduce photosynthetic characteristics, and cause ion accumulation to trigger osmotic regulation system, endogenous hormone and antioxidant system imbalances. However, the biomass, plant height, stem diameter, total leaf area and leaf perimeter of M9-T337 seedlings were significantly increased after ZnO NP treatment. Specifically speaking, ZnO NPs can improve the photosynthetic capacity of M9-T337 by increasing the content of photosynthetic pigment, regulating photosynthetic intensity and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. ZnO NPs can balance the osmotic adjustment system by increasing the contents of soluble protein (SP), soluble sugar (SS), proline (Pro) and starch, and can also enhance the activities of enzymatic (SOD, POD, and CAT) and non-enzymatic antioxidant enzymes (APX, AAO, GR, and MDHAR) to enhance the scavenging ability of reactive oxygen species (H2O2, O2•−), ultimately reducing oxidative damage; ZnO NPs promoted the growth of M9-T337 seedlings under saline alkali stress by synergistically responding to auxin (IAA), gibberellin (GA3), zeatin (ZT) and abscisic acid (ABA). Additionally, the Na+/K+ ratio was reduced by upregulating the expression of Na+ transporter genes (MdCAX5, MdCHX15, MdSOS1, and MdALT1) and downregulating the expression of K+ transporter genes (MdSKOR and MdNHX4). After comprehensive analysis of principal components and correlation, T3 (150 mg/L ZnO NPs) treatment possessed the best mitigation effect. In summary, 150 mg/L ZnO NPs(T3) can effectively maintain the hormone balance, osmotic balance and ion balance of plant cells by promoting the photosynthetic capacity of M9-T337 seedlings, and enhance the antioxidant defense mechanism, thereby improving the saline alkaline tolerance of M9-T337 seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpine meadows are vital ecosystems on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, significantly contributing to water conservation and climate regulation. This study examines the energy flux patterns and their driving factors in the alpine meadows of the Qilian Mountains, focusing on how the meteorological variables of net radiation (Rn), air temperature, vapor pressure deficit (VPD), wind speed (U), and soil water content (SWC) influence sensible heat flux (H) and latent heat flux (LE). Using the Bowen ratio energy balance method, we monitored energy changes during the growing and non-growing seasons from 2022 to 2023. The annual average daily Rn was 85.29 W m−2, with H, LE, and G accounting for 0.56, 0.71, and −0.32 of Rn, respectively. Results show that Rn is the main driver of both H and LE, highlighting its crucial role in turbulent flux variations. Additionally, a negative correlation was found between air temperature and H, suggesting that high temperatures may suppress H. A significant positive correlation was observed between soil moisture and LE, further indicating that moist soil conditions enhance LE. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the impact of climate change on energy distribution in alpine meadows and calls for further research on the ecosystem's dynamic responses to changing climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to conventional treatments, there is growing interest in preventive and complementary therapies. Proper nutrition can prevent the manifestation of several chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, and can attenuate the severity of these diseases. Edible mushrooms have been used as nutrition and medicine for thousands of years. The spectrum and quantity of their medicinal compounds made them a widely investigated target both in basic research and clinical trials. The most abundant and medically important components are polysaccharides, terpenoids, phenols, and heterocyclic amines, but bioactive proteins, vitamins, including vitamin D, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and essential minerals are also important ingredients with noteworthy health benefits. Mushroom extracts have anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-osteoporotic, and anti-tumor effects and are well tolerated, even by cancer patients. In our previous review we detailed the molecular aspects of the development of type 2 diabetes, discussing the role of physical activity and diet, but we did not detail the role of medicinal mushrooms as part of nutrition. In this review, we aimed to summarize the most important medical mushrooms, along with their natural habitats, growing conditions, and components, that are presumably sufficient for the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits and vegetables (F&Vs) are essential in daily life and industrial production. These perishable produces are vulnerable to various biotic and abiotic stresses during their growth, postharvest storage, and handling. As the fruit detaches from the plant, these stresses become more intense. This unique biological process involves substantial changes in a variety of cellular metabolisms. To counter these stresses, plants have evolved complex physiological defense mechanisms, including regulating cellular activities through reversible phosphorylation of proteins. Protein kinases, key components of reversible protein phosphorylation, facilitate the transfer of the γ-phosphate group from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to specific amino acid residues on substrates. This phosphorylation alters proteins' structure, function, and interactions, thereby playing a crucial role in regulating cellular activity. Recent studies have identified various protein kinases in F&Vs, underscoring their significant roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. This article reviews the various types of protein kinases found in F&Vs, emphasizing their roles and regulatory mechanisms in managing stress responses. This research sheds light on the involvement of protein kinases in metabolic regulation, offering key insights to advance the quality characteristics of F&Vs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the cancers with the highest morbidity and mortality in the world. Many factors are known that may contribute to the development of this disease. These include infectious agents, among which the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) may have potential impacts on the occurrence and course of GC. This study analyzed the prevalence of EBV and HPV in GC, particularly in early-onset gastric cancer (EOGC). Our study confirms previous reports regarding the lack of a significant impact of EBV and HPV infection on the occurrence of all subtypes of GC, as well as highlighting the lack of significant dependence on gender and location of the tumor. Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers in the world. It is a multi-factorial disease influenced by both genetic and environmental factors such as diet, obesity, radiation exposure, and infectious agents. Viral infections usually lead to chronic inflammation, which can initiate the development of cancers. To date, only a few studies have been published about Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in the context of the development of GC. In particular, research on the development of cancer among people under 45 years of age, including the impacts of EBV and HPV, is rare, and clear results have not been obtained. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of occurrence of EBV and HPV in GC, particularly in early-onset gastric cancer (EOGC). Tissue material from 135 patients with GC, including 84 men and 51 women, was examined. RT-PCR was performed to detect EBV, and PCR was performed to detect HPV. There were no significant impacts of EBV and HPV infections on any subtype of GC. There was also no statistically significant dependence of gender and location of the tumor on any subtype of GC. Further research on the impacts of infectious agents such as EBV and HPV on GC should be conducted using larger populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sphingolipidomic mass spectrometry has provided valuable information—and surprises—about sphingolipid structures, metabolism, and functions in normal biological processes and disease. Nonetheless, many noteworthy compounds are not routinely determined, such as the following: most of the sphingoid bases that mammals biosynthesize de novo other than sphingosine (and sometimes sphinganine) or acquire from exogenous sources; infrequently considered metabolites of sphingoid bases, such as N-(methyl)n-derivatives; "ceramides" other than the most common N-acylsphingosines; and complex sphingolipids other than sphingomyelins and simple glycosphingolipids, including glucosyl- and galactosylceramides, which are usually reported as "monohexosylceramides". These and other subspecies are discussed, as well as some of the circumstances when they are likely to be seen (or present and missed) due to experimental conditions that can influence sphingolipid metabolism, uptake from the diet or from the microbiome, or as artifacts produced during extraction and analysis. If these compounds and factors are kept in mind during the design and interpretation of lipidomic studies, investigators are likely to be surprised by how often they appear and thereby advance knowledge about them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the most important crops for oil and protein production. The unique characteristic of peanut is geocarpy, which means that it blooms aerially and the peanut gynophores (pegs) penetrate into the soil, driving the fruit underground. In order to fully understand this phenomenon, we investigated the dynamic proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiling of the pegs aerially and underground in this study. A total of 6859 proteins and 4142 unique phosphoproteins with 10,070 phosphosites were identified. The data were validated and quantified using samples randomly selected from arial pegs (APs) and underground pegs (UPs) by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). Function analyses of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) and differentially regulated phosphoproteins (DRPPs) exhibited that they were mainly related to stress response, photosynthesis, and substance metabolism. Once the pegs successfully entered the soil, disease-resistant and stress response proteins, such as glutathione S-transferase, peroxidase, and cytochrome P450, significantly increased in the UP samples in order to adapt to the new soil environment. The increased abundance of photosynthesis-associated proteins in the UP samples provided more abundant photosynthetic products, which provided the preparation for subsequent pod development. Phosphoproteomics reveals the regulatory network of the synthesis of nutrients such as starch, protein, and fatty acid (FA). These results provide new insights into the mechanism, indicating that after the pegs are inserted into the soil, phosphorylation is involved in the rapid elongation of the pegs, accompanied by supplying energy for pod development and preparing for the synthesis of metabolites during pod development following mechanical stimulation and darkness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-temperature (LT) stress seriously affects the distribution, seedling survival, and grain yield of maize. At the seedling emergence stage, maize's coleoptile is one of the most sensitive organs in sensing LT signaling and, in general, it can envelop young leaves to protect them from LT damage. In addition, brassinolides (BRs) have been shown to enhance LT tolerance from various species, but the effects of BRs on coleoptiles in maize seedlings under LT stress are unclear. Therefore, in this study, the pre-cultured coleoptiles of Zheng58 seedlings were treated with or without 2.0 μM 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) at 25 °C and 10 °C environments for five days to analyze their physiological and transcriptomic changes. Physiological analysis showed that a 10°C LT stress increased the content of glucose (0.43 mg g−1 FW), sucrose (0.45 mg g−1 FW), and starch (0.76 mg g−1 FW) of Zheng58 coleoptiles compared to a 25°C environment. After the coleoptiles were exposed to a 2.0 μM EBR application under 10°C temperature for five days, the contents of these three sugars continued to increase, and reached 2.68 mg g−1 FW, 4.64 mg g−1 FW, and 9.27 mg g−1 FW, respectively, indicating that sugar signaling and metabolism played key roles in regulating LT tolerance in the coleoptiles of maize seedlings. Meanwhile, a transcriptome analysis showed that 84 and 15 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in the sucrose and starch metabolism and photosynthesis pathways, respectively, and multiple DEGs involved in these pathways were significantly up-regulated under LT stress and EBR stimulation. Further analysis speculated that the four DEGs responsible for sucrose-phosphate synthetase (SPS, i.e., Zm00001d048979, probable sucrose-phosphate synthase 5 and Zm00001d012036, sucrose-phosphate synthase 1), sucrose synthase (SUS, Zm00001d029091, sucrose synthase 2 and Zm00001d029087, sucrose synthase 4) were crucial nodes that could potentially link photosynthesis and other unknown pathways to form the complex interaction networks of maize LT tolerance. In conclusion, our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of exogenous EBR in enhancing LT tolerance of maize seedlings and identified potential candidate genes to be used for LT tolerance breeding in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acer griseum (Franch.) Pax is an endangered species endemic to China, mainly scattered in the Qinling–Daba Mountains. The genetic diversity of 17 natural populations were analyzed by nuclear DNA (nDNA) and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) to explore the driving forces for its microevolution. A high level of genetic diversity (nDNA: He = 0.296, cpDNA: Ht = 0.806) was found in A. griseum. Genetic variation was mainly within populations (92.52%) based on nDNA, while it was mainly among populations (96.26%) based on cpDNA. The seventeen populations were divided into two groups, corresponding to the subtropical zone (Group I) and temperate zone (Group II), with haplotype 4 (Hap4) and Hap5 being the most common haplotypes, respectively. Consequently, genes associated with heat and heavy metal stress were identified in Group I, while genes related to salt and drought stress were identified in Group II. Haplotype differentiation was driven by the heterogeneous microenvironment caused by the uplifting of the Qinling-Daba Mountains, which was a vital source of its high genetic diversity. Furthermore, the uplifted Qinling–Daba mountains may bridge high pollen flow among populations, whereas rivers can result in low seed flow among populations, which has led to the incongruent genetic structure between nDNA and cpDNA. This study represents a new perspective that geological events, especially orogeny, play an important role in plant microevolution through the establishment of maternal genetic structure and provides a meaningful conservation strategy for A. griseum. Overall, the Qinling–Daba Mountains not only are cradles for the genetic diversity of A. griseum but also provided refugia for it during the Quaternary glacial period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skin functions as the body's primary defense barrier; when compromised, it can lead to dehydration, infection, shock, or potentially life-threatening conditions. Miniature pigs exhibit skin characteristics and healing processes highly analogous to humans. Mesenchymal stem cells contribute to skin injury repair through a paracrine mechanism involving exosomes. This research examines whether adipose-derived MSC exosomes effectively enhance healing following autologous skin grafting in miniature pigs. It also compares the roles and distinctions of ADSCs and ADSC-Exos in inflammatory responses and tissue regeneration. This study found significantly reduced levels of oxidative stress products and pro-inflammatory factors, while antioxidant factors, anti-inflammatory factors, and pro-regenerative factors were elevated, and anti-regenerative factor levels decreased. Moreover, the expression levels of key markers—namely, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR—in the regeneration-associated signaling pathway were increased. The alterations in these indicators indicate that ADSC-Exos can regulate inflammatory responses and promote regeneration. This study provides a novel theoretical foundation for the implementation of acellular therapy in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper-based cultural relics experience aging and deterioration during their long-term preservation, which poses a serious threat to their lifetime. The development of conservation materials with high compatibility and low intervention has been expected to extend the lifetime of paper artifacts. As a new type of biological macromolecule, nanocellulose has been extensively utilized in paper conservation, attributed to its excellent paper compatibility, high optical transparency, outstanding mechanical strength, and large specific surface area with abundant hydroxyl groups. This review systematically summarizes the latest development of three kinds of nanocellulose (cellulose nanofibril, cellulose nanocrystal, and bacterial nanocellulose) and their composites used for the multifunctional conservation of paper relics. Owing to the strong hydrogen bond interactions between hydroxyls of nanocellulose and paper fibers, nanocellulose can effectively consolidate paper without adding adhesives. The composite of nanocellulose with other functional materials greatly expands its application scope, and the superior performance has been emphasized in paper deacidification, consolidation, antimicrobial effect, antioxidation, UV resistance, self-cleaning, promotion of printing property, reduction in air permeability, and flame retardancy. The application characteristics and future prospects of nanocellulose composites are highlighted in the conservation of paper-based cultural relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address cadmium pollution in China's cultivated land, chitosan, inorganic and organic selenium were used to modify rice husk charcoal for cadmium inhibition. Basic physicochemical properties of rice husk carbons were characterized (BET, FTIR, XRD, Zeta potential). Kinetic and isothermal adsorption experiments studied the adsorption of Cd2+ by modified biochar under different pH and dosages. A350 and C350 had pore changes, and B350 had a smoother surface. The polarity and Zeta potential of A350, B350, and C350 differed. B350 and C350's kinetic adsorption fit the pseudo second order model, A350's fit both the pseudo first and second order. Their isothermal adsorption fit Langmuir (B350, C350) and Freundlich (A350). Intraparticle diffusion was three-stage with single-layer chemical adsorption. The pH increase raised removal and adsorption of CK350, A350, B350, and C350. The dosage increase hiked removal but cut unit adsorption. A350 had the highest max adsorption (57.845 mg/g). All modifications enhanced Cd2+ adsorption, and the effect could be altered by adjusting pH and dosage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct methods based on iterative projection algorithms can determine protein crystal structures directly from X-ray diffraction data without prior structural information. However, traditional direct methods often converge to local minima during electron density iteration, leading to reconstruction failure. Here, we present an enhanced direct method incorporating genetic algorithms for electron density modification in real space. The method features customized selection, crossover, and mutation strategies; premature convergence prevention; and efficient message passing interface (MPI) parallelization. We systematically tested the method on 15 protein structures from different space groups with diffraction resolutions of 1.35∼2.5 Å. The test cases included high-solvent-content structures, high-resolution structures with medium solvent content, and structures with low solvent content and non-crystallographic symmetry (NCS). Results showed that the enhanced method significantly improved success rates from below 30% to nearly 100%, with average phase errors reduced below 40°. The reconstructed electron density maps were of sufficient quality for automated model building. This method provides an effective alternative for solving structures that are difficult to predict accurately by AlphaFold3 or challenging to solve by molecular replacement and experimental phasing methods. The implementation is available on Github. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outdoor activity areas for embedded retirement facilities (ERFs) are essential for providing older adults with access to outdoor environments within communities. However, there is limited evidence on how these areas influence older adults' spatial perceptions. This study investigated the impact of ERFs' spatial characteristics on older adults' physiological and psychological perceptions. Three kinds of outdoor activity areas in a coastal city in eastern China were investigated, and older adults' physiological data were collected through real environments from wearable sensors. Their subjective perception data were collected through subjective satisfaction questionnaires. By combining them, the authors identified correlations between older adults' spatial perceptions and the characteristics of outdoor activity areas, quantifying the impact of various spatial features on their satisfaction. The results showed that areas with high subjective satisfaction were linked to strong emotional arousal and increased visual comfort. Spaces with favourable sky view factors and spatial openness significantly enhanced spatial perception satisfaction. Key design elements can shape older adults' spatial perceptions. This study highlights the positive relationship between outdoor activity areas for ERFs and older adults' spatial experiences, offering insights for age-friendly renovations and site selection to create supportive environments for ageing populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal is the main mineral resource, but over-exploitation will cause a series of geological disasters. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technology provides a superior monitoring method to compensate for the inadequacy of traditional measurements for mine surface deformation monitoring. In this study, the whole process of mining a working face in Huaibei Mining District, Anhui Province, is taken as the object of study. The ALOS PALSAR satellite radar image data and ground measurements were acquired, and the ISK-DPIM-InSAR deformation monitoring model with the dynamic probabilistic integral model (DPIM) was proposed by combining the probabilistic integral method (PIM) and the improved segmented Knothe time function (ISK). The ISK-DPIM-InSAR model constructs the inversion equations of InSAR line-of-sight deformation, north–south and east–west horizontal movement deformation, vertical deformation, inverts the optimal values of the predicted parameters of the workforce through the particle swarm algorithm, and substitutes it into the ISK-DPIM-InSAR model for predicting the three-dimensional dynamic deformation of a mining face. Simulated workface experiments determined the feasibility of the model, and by comparing the level observation results of the working face, it is confirmed that the ISK-DPIM-InSAR model can accurately monitor the three-dimensional deformation of the surface in the mining area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, there are around 36.7 million hectares of saline–alkali lands that hold utilization potential. Precision fertilization stands as a vital measure for enhancing the quality of saline–alkali soil and promoting a significant increase in crop yields. The performance of the fertilization device is a decisive factor in determining the effectiveness of fertilization. To optimize the fertilizer utilization rate in coastal saline–alkali soils and substantially reduce fertilizer waste, it is imperative to transport fertilizers to the deep soil layers and execute layered variable-rate fertilization. In light of this, a chisel-type variable-rate layered electronically controlled deep-fertilization device specifically designed for saline–alkali soils has been developed. Extensive experimental research on its fertilization performance has also been carried out. Drawing on the principles of soil dynamics, this paper meticulously investigates the structures of key components and the operating parameters of the fertilization device. Key parameters such as the penetration angle of the fertilizer shovel, the penetration clearance angle, the curvature of the shovel handle, the angle between the fertilizer baffle and the fertilizer pipe wall, the angle between the fertilizer pipe and the horizontal plane, and the forward speed are precisely determined. Moreover, this study explores the quantitative relationship between the fertilizer discharge amount of the fertilizer applicator and the effective working width. Simultaneously, this research mainly focuses on analyzing the impact of the forward speed on the operational effect of layered and variable-rate fertilization. Through a series of field experiments, it was conclusively determined that the optimal fertilization effect was attained when the forward speed was set at 6 km/h. Under this condition, the average deviation in the fertilization amount was merely 2.76%, and the average coefficients of variation in the fertilizer amount uniformity in each soil layer were 7.62, 6.32, 6.06, and 5.65%, respectively. Evidently, the experimental results not only successfully met the pre-set objectives, but also fully satisfied the design requirements. Undoubtedly, this article can offer valuable methodological references for the research and development of fertilization devices tailored for diverse crops cultivated on saline–alkali lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dryness is a critical limiting factor for achieving high agricultural productivity on China's Loess Plateau (LP). High-precision, field-scale dryness monitoring is essential for the implementation of precision agriculture. However, obtaining dryness information with adequate spatial and temporal resolution remains a significant challenge. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems can capture high-resolution remote sensing images on demand, but the effectiveness of UAV-based dryness indices in mapping the high-resolution spatial heterogeneity of dryness across different crop areas at the agricultural field scale on the LP has yet to be fully explored. Here, we conducted UAV–ground synchronized experiments on three typical croplands in the eastern Gansu province of the Loess Plateau (LP). Multispectral and thermal infrared sensors mounted on the UAV were used to collect high-resolution multispectral and thermal images. The temperature vegetation dryness index (TVDI) and the temperature–vegetation–soil moisture dryness index (TVMDI) were calculated based on UAV imagery. A total of 14 vegetation indices (VIs) were employed to construct various VI-based TVDIs, and the optimal VI was selected. Correlation analysis and Gradient Structure Similarity (GSSIM) were applied to evaluate the suitability and spatial differences between the TVDI and TVMDI for dryness monitoring. The results indicate that TVDIs constructed using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the visible atmospherically resistant index (VARI) were more consistent with the characteristics of crop responses to dryness stress. Furthermore, the TVDI demonstrated higher sensitivity in dryness monitoring compared with the TVMDI, making it more suitable for assessing dryness variations in rain-fed agriculture in arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce a two-party quantum private comparison (QPC) protocol that employs single photons as quantum resources and utilizes rotational encryption to safeguard the privacy of the inputs. This protocol enables two parties to compare their private data without disclosing any information beyond the outcome of the comparison. The participants' private data are encoded as single photons, which are encrypted using a rotational encryption method. These encrypted single photons are then transmitted to a semi-honest third party (TP), who conducts single-particle measurements to determine if the users' private data are equal and subsequently announces the results to the participants. By harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics, we ensure robust protection against potential eavesdropping and participant attacks. In contrast to numerous existing QPC protocols that rely on multi-qubit or d-dimensional quantum states, our method exhibits superior efficiency and practicality. Specifically, our protocol achieves a qubit efficiency of 50% by using two single photons to compare one bit of classical information, and single photons are easier to prepare than multi-qubit and d-dimensional quantum states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment takes typical chernozem soil as the research object to investigate the effects of adding various livestock and poultry manures during in situ strip composting of corn straw on the decomposition characteristics of the straw and the soil organic carbon content. This study set up a total of four treatments under the condition of following the equal carbon principle: (1) corn straw (T1); (2) corn straw + chicken manure (T2); (3) corn straw + cow dung (T3); (4) corn straw + decomposition agent (T4). The cumulative mass loss rate of straw in the treatment of adding livestock and poultry manure ranged from 51.60% to 54.33%, with a carbon release rate of 75.34% to 76.64%. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between SOC, straw mass loss rate, and straw carbon release rate. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between organic carbon components such as DOC, EOC, POC, and MBC with CPMI, while showing a significant negative correlation with the oxidation stability coefficient (KOS). Incorporating corn straw into livestock and poultry manure and returning it to the field in in situ strips effectively enhances the decomposition process of straw, leading to an increase in the organic carbon content of chernozem soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of unconventional oil and gas resources is becoming increasingly challenging, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a key technology driving technological advancement and industrial upgrading in this field. This paper systematically reviews the current applications and development trends of AI in unconventional oil and gas exploration and development, covering major research achievements in geological exploration; reservoir engineering; production forecasting; hydraulic fracturing; enhanced oil recovery; and health, safety, and environment management. This paper reviews how deep learning helps predict gas distribution and classify rock types. It also explains how machine learning improves reservoir simulation and history matching. Additionally, we discuss the use of LSTM and DNN models in production forecasting, showing how AI has progressed from early experiments to fully integrated solutions. However, challenges such as data quality, model generalization, and interpretability remain significant. Based on existing work, this paper proposes the following future research directions: establishing standardized data sharing and labeling systems; integrating domain knowledge with engineering mechanisms; and advancing interpretable modeling and transfer learning techniques. With next-generation intelligent systems, AI will further improve efficiency and sustainability in unconventional oil and gas development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moisture generation in the ventilation projects of deeply buried underground corridors affects the underground building environment and personnel health. In order to master the heat and humidity transfer law of underground corridors, this paper establishes a mathematical model by theoretical analysis, and the application of the theoretical model in engineering calculation is verified by a field test. It is found that the ventilation efficiency and heat and humidity transfer effect are related to corridor shape. The results show that under the same cross-sectional area, the average temperature drop and humidity of a rectangular corridor are 0.25% and 0.3% higher than that of an arch corridor, and 0.8% and 0.9% higher than that of a circular corridor. Under the condition of constant section circumference, the average temperature drop and humidity of a rectangular corridor are 0.51% and 0.62% higher than that of an arch corridor, and 1.37% and 1.58% higher than that of a circular corridor. When the equivalent diameter is the same, there is almost no difference in the heat and humidity transfer effect of the three shaped corridors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A transparent fluoroborosilicate glass ceramic was designed for the controllable precipitation of fluoride nanocrystals and to greatly enhance the photoluminescence of active ions. Through the introduction of B2O3 into fluorosilicate glass, the melting temperature was decreased from 1400 to 1050 °C, and the abnormal crystallization in the fabrication process of fluorosilicate glass was avoided. More importantly, the controlled crystallizations of KZnF3 and KYb3F10 in fluoroborosilicate glass ceramics enhanced the emission of Mn2+ and Mn2+–Yb3+ dimers by 6.7 and 54 times, respectively. Moreover, the upconversion emission color of glass ceramic could be modulated from yellow to white and blue by adjusting the Yb3+ concentration. The well-designed glass ceramic is a novel and significant compound to simultaneously provide efficiently coordinated sites for transition metal and rare earth ions. More importantly, the design strategy opens a new way for engineering high-quality oxy-fluoride glass ceramics with properties of excellent stability, controllable nano-crystallization and high-efficiency photoluminescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing studies have established reliable methods for estimating carbon emissions from food consumption, yet there remains a lack of quantitative analysis on the decarbonization effects of energy transition and resource recycling. This study integrates lifecycle analysis and scenario analysis, based on data from 2006 to 2020, to conduct an empirical investigation of four provincial capital cities (Zhengzhou, Xi'an, Jinan, and Taiyuan) in the lower and middle reaches of the Yellow River, exploring the potential for reducing carbon emissions from food consumption and examining the driving effects of energy transition and resource recycling. The results indicate the following: (1) Per capita carbon emissions from food consumption decreased after 2016. (2) Incineration for power generation has a significantly higher carbon reduction effect than landfilling. The proportion of carbon emissions from food waste disposal decreased from 20% to around 6%, with the decarbonization potential of recycling transformation being 8.8%, 8.3%, 11.5%, and 14.4% in Zhengzhou, Xi'an, Jinan, and Taiyuan, respectively. Our findings suggest that promoting the widespread adoption of new-energy vehicles, increasing the share of renewable energy in power generation, optimizing food recycling technologies, and reducing food waste are crucial for achieving future reductions in carbon emissions from urban food consumption. The proposed methodology for assessing carbon emissions and reduction potential in food consumption can also be applied to other regions with varying geographical, economic, and policy contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance on the green technological innovation (GTI) of Chinese A-share-listed companies, using data from 2009 to 2022. The findings indicate that strong ESG performance significantly enhances GTI, with this effect being more pronounced in state-owned firms and non-high-tech sectors, demonstrating heterogeneity across firm types. Mechanism analysis reveals that ESG performance facilitates GTI by mitigating financing constraints and boosting R&D investments. Moreover, the study identifies a non-linear relationship, wherein the effect of ESG on GTI varies with firm size and environmental regulation intensity, as confirmed through a threshold model. This study not only deepens the theoretical framework linking corporate ESG performance with GTI but also uncovers the practical mechanisms through which ESG performance drives GTI, providing both practical insights and theoretical foundations for governments to formulate corporate green transition policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employing crop cultivars with low cadmium (Cd) accumulation and high yield is an effective strategy for the sustainable and safe utilization of Cd-contaminated farmland. However, the current understanding of peanut cultivars, particularly under field conditions, is limited. This study identified low-Cd cultivars and their rhizosphere microbial characteristics in acidic and alkaline fields with moderate Cd contamination. The results indicated that cultivars LH11, FH1, LH14, and YH9414 exhibited low Cd accumulation and high yield, with kernel Cd content reduced by 27.27% to 47.28% and yield increased by 9.27% to 14.17% compared with cultivar SLH. Among them, FH1 was validated to achieve safe production in two fields. A unique microbial community was formed by the recruitment of diverse microbes, such as Alphaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Chloroflexi, to the rhizosphere soil of FH1, which might be associated with Cd immobilization and the promotion of plant growth. Functional predictions further validated these findings, revealing enhanced functional pathways in the FH1 rhizosphere related to microbial proliferation, Cd stabilization, and detoxification. This study provides valuable germplasm resources for safe agriculture of Cd-polluted soils and elucidates the rhizosphere microbial characteristics of different peanut cultivars under field conditions. These findings are important for the targeted management of contaminated farmland and ensuring safe food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Our study investigates the karyotype of a vital polyploid fish, Carassius auratus gibelio. We found 150 chromosomes with 6 nucleolar organizer regions, suggesting complex chromosomal interactions. Male and female C. gibelio show different chromosome pairings, indicating asynchronous evolution. The formation of two trivalents or two bivalents and two univalents from six NOR bearing chromosomes in male C. gibelio is considered evidence of being in the process of rediploidization. The presence of only univalents and bivalents in the oocytes of female C. gibelio indicates that their cytogenetics are more stable, suggesting that they have completed rediploidization. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the underlying mechanisms and evolutionary outcomes of this species' genome. They provide relevant insights for further exploration of the reproductive modes of polyploid organisms and breeding strategies. Carassius auratus gibelio, a significant polyploid fish in Chinese aquaculture, can reproduce through both unisexual gynogenesis and sexual reproduction. While C. gibelio is known to exhibit polyploidy throughout its lifecycle, whether the homologous pairing of chromosomes is associated with the mode of reproduction remains unclear. Our study determined its karyotype as 2n = 150, comprising 42 metacentric, 24 submetacentric, 6 subtelocentric, and 78 telocentric chromosomes. Using AgNORs, CMA3/DAPI double fluorescence staining, and FISH, we identified six nucleolar organizer regions in C. gibelio chromosomes. Female C. gibelio exhibited only univalent and bivalent configurations, while males showed a range of chromosome configurations from univalent to hexavalent. CMA3-positive sites and FISH signals in trivalents spermatocytes hint at homologous triploidization. The formation of two trivalents or two bivalents and two univalents from six NORs bearing chromosomes in male C. gibelio is considered evidence of being in the process of rediploidization. The presence of only univalents and bivalents in the oocytes of female C. gibelio indicates that their cytogenetics are more stable, suggesting that they have completed rediploidization. Asynchronous progression of polyploidization may lead to differences in reproductive patterns between male and female C. gibelio. Our results offer cytogenetic insights into the polyploidy and evolution of C. gibelio, providing foundational cytogenomics data. This study provides relevant references for revealing the distinct reproductive strategies of male and female C. gibelio: under stable conditions, gynogenesis enables rapid clonal reproduction and swift population growth, while sexual reproduction enhances the genetic diversity within the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coexistence of antibiotics and heavy metals in water environments always results in greater toxicity compared to the single pollution. Consequently, the development of efficient and economical technologies for the removal of antibiotics and heavy metals is essential. This study prepared KOH-modified biomass (KCS) and KOH-modified biochar (KCSB) for the coadsorption of tetracycline (TC) and Cu(II) in an aqueous solution. The removal performance and mechanism of TC and Cu(II) are to be explored through single-system and binary-system studies, adsorption isotherms, and kinetic models. The results indicate a synergistic effect between TC and Cu(II); the maximum adsorption capacity of KCS for TC and Cu(II) is 107.97 mg/g and 58.44 mg/g, respectively. Meanwhile, KCSB exhibits a maximum adsorption capacity of 109.32 mg/g for TC and 116.61 mg/g for Cu(II). The synergistic removal mechanism of TC and Cu(II) involved pore filling, hydrogen bonding, surface complexation, π–π interaction, ion exchange, and precipitation. Among them, KCS and KCSB have stronger π–π interactions with TC than ion exchange with Cu(II), while KCSB has stronger surface complexation and ion exchange with Cu(II) than KCS. This study provides a more cost-effective biomass adsorbent material for simultaneous removal of TC and Cu(II). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various aquaculture modes have been developed to satisfy the growing demands of aquatic products. The contaminated characteristics may distribute along with the aquaculture modes, threatening the ecological environment to varying degrees. Herein, the five most common aquaculture modes (small-scale intensive mode, extensive free-range mode, concentrated contiguous mode, funnel-type mode, and recirculating aquaculture system) were selected to study the contaminated characteristics (including nine kinds of water quality parameters and eight kinds of antibiotics) in Henan Province, a province in northern China, and analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography tandem secondary mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS). The funnel-type mode, as a unique mode developed in Henan Province, appears highest in nutrient content, wherein TN and TP concentrations reach 29.28 mg/L and 2.20 mg/L, respectively. The small-scale intensive mode has the highest average antibiotic concentration in five different aquaculture modes, with a concentration of 502 ng/L. Overall, the most abundant antibiotic was quinolones (QNs), followed by sulfonamides (SAs), chloramphenicols (CAs), and tetracyclines (TCs). Pearson correlation analysis showed that ENR had a strong positive correlation with TN, TP, and Zn, indicating the enrofloxacin (ENR) may have existed as the addictive in aquaculture feed. Moreover, the risk quotient (RQ) analysis indicated that ENR posed a medium to high risk, highlighting the importance of antibiotics man-agement in aquaculture. This work provides theoretical guidance for the formulation of aquaculture water pollutant control of different aquaculture modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a well-known photocatalyst, TiO2 still suffers from rapid electron–hole recombination and limited visible light absorption. To overcome these challenges, the combination of graphene and TiO2 has been proposed. However, traditional methods such as ball milling and hydrothermal synthesis face limitations, including high energy consumption and complex procedures. Here, we develop a simple and industrially feasible method to prepare reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-coated TiO2 nanoparticles, referred to as rGO-TiO2 composites. The optimized rGO-TiO2 composites exhibit an enhanced photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under simulated sunlight conditions, about 99.95% for 4% rGO-TiO2 within 80 min. The first-order reaction rate constant (k) of 4% rGO-TiO2 (0.0867 min−1) is 5.42 times higher than that of nano TiO2 (0.0135 min−1). The key reactive species involved in the degradation process are identified. Additionally, the effects of pH and NaCl concentration on the degradation efficiency of rGO-TiO2 are also investigated. The 4% rGO-TiO2 composite exhibits an excellent photocatalytic activity within the pH range of 3.87–11.89, and the NaCl concentration does not affect its photocatalytic efficiency. After characterization, the enhanced photocatalytic activity is ascribed to the introduction of rGO and the generation of surface oxygen vacancies (OV) and Ti3+ in TiO2 crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous increase in the urbanization rate, the amount of sewage received by the sewage pipe network has also been increasing annually. The phenomenon of high water level operation in sewage pipe networks has emerged in many cities, which seriously affects drainage efficiency. Therefore, constructing an effective evaluation method to assess the hydraulic performance of pipe networks operating at high water levels, as well as identifying high-risk pipelines, formulating cost-effective rehabilitation schemes, and evaluating the rehabilitation effects has become necessary to solve this problem. In this study, a sewage pipe network hydraulic performance evaluation method based on flow velocity, pipe fullness, and manhole fullness was established. This method comprehensively considers the instantaneous values and cumulative operation durations of each indicator in the pipeline and, thus, can accurately evaluate the hydraulic performance of the pipe network. This method was applied to the sewage pipe network in City H, and it was found that there existed problems such as low flow velocity, unreasonable pipe diameter, overloading, and high risk of overflow. After the renovation of specific pipeline sections according to the evaluation results, the comprehensive hydraulic performance of the pipe network was significantly improved, with the grade rising from "poor" to "medium +". This research shows that this evaluation method can accurately assess the hydraulic performance of the current and the renovated sewage pipe network, providing scientific guidance for the renovation and optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has increased blue light (BL) exposure, raising concerns about its potential adverse effects on ocular health. Prolonged exposure to BL has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various retinal disorders, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), primarily through mechanisms involving oxidative stress and inflammation mediated by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This review synthesizes current evidence on the photoprotective properties of dietary bioactive compounds, (e.g., anthocyanins, curcumin, quercetin, myricetin, and resveratrol), with a focus on their potential to mitigate BL-induced retinal damage. Accumulating research suggests that dietary antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, may offer photoprotective benefits. These phytochemicals act by neutralizing ROS and enhancing the retina's endogenous antioxidant capacity. Based on these findings, this review advocates for a food-first approach in future investigations, emphasizing the development of evidence-based dietary recommendations to bolster retinal health and mitigate the risk of BL-related ocular diseases. Considering the current lack of empirical clinical studies examining the impact of BL on human ocular health, future research in the field of BL hazard should prioritize two key approaches: conducting large-scale epidemiological dietary surveys and implementing clinical trials on functional ingredients that have demonstrated beneficial effects against photodamage in preclinical animal studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: With the improvement of living standards, alcoholic liver disease caused by long-term drinking has been a common multiple disease. Probiotic interventions may help mitigate liver damage caused by alcohol intake, but the mechanisms need more investigation. Methods: This study involved 70 long-term alcohol drinkers (18–65 years old, alcohol consumption ≥20 g/day, lasting for more than one year) who were randomly assigned to either the BC99 group or the placebo group. Two groups were given BC99 (3 g/day, 1 × 1010 CFU) or placebo (3 g/day) for 60 days, respectively. Before and after the intervention, blood routine indicators, liver function, renal function, inflammatory factors and intestinal flora were evaluated. Results: The results showed that intervention with Weizmannia coagulans BC99 reduced the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glutamyl transpeptidase, serum total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid and 'blood urea nitrogen/creatinine'. Weizmannia coagulans BC99 also reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 and increased the levels of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. The results of intestinal flora analysis showed that Weizmannia coagulans BC99 regulated the imbalance of intestinal flora, increased the beneficial bacteria abundance (Prevotella, Faecalibacterium and Roseburia) and reduced the conditionally pathogenic bacteria abundance (Escherichia-Shigella and Klebsiella). Both LEfSe analysis and random forest analysis indicated that the increase in the abundance of Muribaculaceae induced by BC99 was a key factor in alleviating alcohol-induced liver damage. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that Weizmannia coagulans BC99 has the potential to alleviate alcoholic liver injury and provide an effective strategy for liver protection in long-term drinkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Dysgeusia contributes to malnutrition and worsens the quality of life of patients with cancer. Despite the different strategies, there is no effective treatment for patients suffering from taste disorders provided by the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, we developed a novel strategy for reducing side effects in cancer patients by providing a novel food supplement with the taste-modifying glycoprotein miraculin, which is approved by the European Union, as an adjuvant to medical–nutritional therapy. Methods: A pilot randomized, parallel, triple-blind, and placebo-controlled intervention clinical trial was carried out in which 31 malnourished patients with cancer and dysgeusia receiving antineoplastic treatment were randomized into three arms—standard dose of dried miracle berries (DMBs) (150 mg DMB/tablet), high dose of DMBs (300 mg DMB/tablet), or placebo (300 mg freeze-dried strawberry)—for three months. Patients consumed a DMB or placebo tablet before each main meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Using stool samples from patients with cancer, we analyzed the intestinal microbiome via nanopore methodology. Results: We detected differences in the relative abundances of genera Phocaeicola and Escherichia depending on the treatment. Nevertheless, only the Solibaculum genus was more abundant in the standard-dose DMB group after 3 months. At the species level, Bacteroides sp. PHL 2737 presented a relatively low abundance in both DMB groups, whereas Vescimonas coprocola presented a relatively high abundance in both treatment groups after 3 months. Furthermore, a standard dose of DMB was positively associated with TNF-α levels and Lachnoclostridium and Mediterraneibacter abundances, and a high dose of DMB was negatively associated with TNF-α levels and the relative abundance of Phocaeicola. Following the administration of a high dose of DMB, a positive correlation was observed between erythrocyte polyunsaturated fatty acids and the presence of Lachnoclostridium and Roseburia. Additionally, a positive association was identified between Phocaeicola and the acetic acid concentration of feces. There was a negative association between the relative abundance of Phocaeicola and taste perception in the high-dose DMB group. Conclusions: The combination of DMB intake with nutritional treatment and individualized dietary guidance results in positive changes in the intestinal microbiome of patients with cancer and dysgeusia. Changes observed in the intestinal microbiome might contribute to maintaining an appropriate immune response in cancer patients. As the current pilot study included a limited number of participants, further clinical trials on a larger group of patients are needed to draw robust findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to clarify the effect of lactic acid bacteria-fermented corn protein hydrolysate (FCH) on fatigue in mice and explore the connection between fatigue-related indicators and intestinal microbial flora. Methods: The fatigue model of mice was constructed by exercise endurance experiment. The anti-fatigue level of FCH was evaluated by measuring physiological and biochemical indexes in mouse serum, liver and skeletal muscle. The relationship between FCH, intestinal flora and fatigue was explored through the analysis of intestinal microbial diversity in mice, and the anti-fatigue mechanism of FCH was further analyzed. Results: The results showed that the weight-bearing swimming time of mice was prolonged by 1.96 times, and the running time of mice was prolonged by 2.63 times in the high-dose FCH (FCH-H) group. Moreover, the lactic acid contents in the blood were reduced by 16.00%, and lactate dehydrogenase activity and urea nitrogen contents basically returned to the normal level. Meanwhile, the malondialdehyde contents were reduced by 31.24%, and superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione contents were increased by 1.84 times and 1.72 times, respectively. In addition, the glycogen contents of the body were restored, and the muscle glycogen and liver glycogen were increased by 1.81 and 5.81 times, respectively. Analysis of intestinal microbial flora diversity in mice showed that the highest relative abundance was Lactobacillus, and the FCH group could recover and even increase its relative abundance. Lactobacillus was significantly positively correlated with muscle glycogen and SOD. Conclusions: FCH can alleviate fatigue by regulating fatigue-related indicators and improving the intestinal microbial flora of the organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we leverage the properties of the swap test to evaluate the similarity of two qubits and propose a two-party quantum private comparison (QPC) protocol involving a semi-trusted third party (TP). The TP facilitates the comparison between participants without accessing their private information, other than the final comparison results. Our protocol encodes participants' secret integers directly into the amplitudes of single-photon states and introduces a novel method for secret-to-secret comparison rather than the traditional bit-to-bit comparison, resulting in improved scalability. To ensure security, the encoded single-photon states are concealed using rotation operations. The comparison results are derived through the implementation of the swap test. A simulation on the IBM Quantum Platform demonstrates the protocol's feasibility, and a security analysis confirms its robustness against potential eavesdropping and participant attacks. Compared with existing QPC protocols that employ bit-to-bit comparison methods, our approach offers improved practicality and scalability. Specifically, it integrates single-photon states, rotation operations, and the swap test as key components for direct secret comparison, facilitating easier implementation with quantum technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]