Search Results (141)

The utilization of steel slag (SS) in construction materials represents an effective approach to improving its overall recycling efficiency. This study incorporates SS into a conventional ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS)–fly ash (FA)-based binder system to develop a ternary system comprising SS, GGBS, and FA, and investigates how this system influences the static mechanical properties of ultra-high-performance geopolymer concrete (UHPGC). An axial point augmented simplex centroid design method was employed to systematically explore the influence and underlying mechanisms of different binder ratios on the workability, axial compressive strength, and flexural performance of UHPGC, and to determine the optimal compositional range. The results indicate that steel slag has a certain negative effect on the flowability of UHPGC paste; however, with an appropriate proportion of composite binder materials, the mixture can still exhibit satisfactory flowability. The compressive performance of UHPGC is primarily governed by the proportion of GGBS in the ternary binder system; an appropriate GGBS content can provide enhanced compressive strength and elastic modulus. UHPGC exhibits ductile behavior under flexural loading; however, replacing GGBS with SS significantly reduces its flexural strength and energy absorption capacity. The optimal static mechanical performance is achieved when the mass proportions of SS, GGBS, and FA are within the ranges of 9.3–13.8%, 66.2–70.7%, and 20.0–22.9%, respectively. This study provides a scientific approach for the valorization of SS through construction material applications and offers a theoretical and data-driven basis for the mix design of ultra-high-performance building materials derived from industrial solid wastes. Full article

Multimodal multiobjective optimization problems, characterized by multiple solutions mapping to identical objective vectors, are ubiquitous in real-world applications. Despite their prevalence, most existing multimodal multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (MMOEAs) predominantly focus on identifying global Pareto sets, often overlooking the equally significant local Pareto sets. While some algorithms attempt to address local Pareto sets, their performance in the objective space remains suboptimal. The inherent challenge lies in the fact that a single strategy cannot effectively tackle problems with and without local Pareto fronts. This study proposes a novel approach that first detects the presence of local Pareto fronts using a neural network, thereby enabling adaptive adjustments to the algorithm’s selection strategy and search scope. Based on this detection mechanism, we design a microscale searching multimodal multiobjective evolutionary algorithm (MMOEA_MS). Through extensive experiments on twenty-two benchmark problems, MMOEA_MS demonstrates superior performance in identifying local Pareto fronts and outperforms existing algorithms in the objective space. This study highlights the effectiveness of MMOEA_MS in solving multimodal multiobjective optimization problems with diverse Pareto front characteristics, thereby addressing key limitations of current methodologies. Full article

The plant microbiome plays a crucial role in the health of the tea plant, while Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is widely utilized as a biological pesticide in tea gardens, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. However, the effects of Bt spraying on tea quality and the structure and function of the phyllosphere microbiome remain unclear. This study evaluated the effects of Bt spraying on tea quality, microbiome composition, diversity, and potential functions using tea leaf quality measurements and high-throughput sequencing of the 16S/ITS rDNA genes. Results showed that spraying Bt1 significantly increased the contents of free amino acids (by 15.27%), flavonoids (by 18.00%), soluble sugars (by 62.55%), and key compounds such as epicatechin gallate (by 10.50%), gallocatechin gallate (by 122.52%), and epigallocatechin gallate (by 61.29%), leading to improved leaf quality. Co-occurrence network analysis indicated that the community structure of both epiphytic and endophytic microbes became more complex after Bt treatment. The abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Novosphingobium, Methylobacterium, and Sphingomonas, increased significantly, while pathogenic fungi like Aspergillus and Phyllosticta decreased. Functional prediction indicated enhanced amino acid metabolism, secondary metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism, particularly the biosynthesis of flavonoids, which supports disease resistance and boosts secondary metabolite levels. Furthermore, Bt application reduced pathogenic fungi, enhancing the tea plant’s resistance to diseases. Overall, foliar spraying of Bt can positively alter the phyllosphere microbiome by enriching beneficial bacteria and improving metabolic functions, ultimately enhancing tea plant resistance and quality, and providing a scientific basis for sustainable pest management in tea cultivation. Full article

Cisplatin (Cis) is a widely used chemotherapy drug, but its nephrotoxicity limits its clinical application. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication, restricting long-term use. This study investigates the mechanisms of cisplatin-induced AKI and explores potential therapeutic targets. C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg/kg cisplatin to establish an AKI model. Serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and tubular injury biomarkers (NGAL, KIM-1) progressively increased, indicating kidney dysfunction. Mitochondrial ATP levels significantly decreased, along with reduced mitochondrial fission and fusion, suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction. Increased oxidases and reduced antioxidants indicated redox imbalance, and metabolic reprogramming was observed, with lipid deposition, impaired fatty acid oxidation (FAO), and enhanced glycolysis in proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs). Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a key transcriptional regulator of redox homeostasis and mitochondrial function. We found NRF2 levels increased early in AKI, followed by a decrease in vivo and in vitro, suggesting activation in the stress response. Nfe2l2 knockout mice showed aggravated kidney injury, characterized by worsened kidney function and histopathological damage. Mechanistically, Nfe2l2 knockout resulted in redox imbalance, reduced ATP synthesis, mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic dysregulation. Furthermore, we activated NRF2 using dimethyl fumarate (DMF), observing a reduction in kidney damage and lipid deposition in mice. In conclusion, activating NRF2-dependent antioxidant pathways plays a crucial role in protecting against cisplatin-induced AKI. NRF2 may serve as a potential target for developing therapeutic strategies to prevent cisplatin nephrotoxicity. Full article

Ceftiofur sodium (CFS) is a clinically significant cephalosporin widely used in the livestock and poultry industries. However, CFS that is not absorbed by animals is excreted in feces, entering the environment and contributing to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs). This situation poses substantial challenges to both environmental integrity and public health. Currently, research on the biodegradation of CFS is limited. In this study, we isolated a strain of Escherichia coli, designated E. coli CS-1, a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium capable of utilizing CFS as its sole carbon source, from fecal samples collected from hog farms. We investigated the effects of initial CFS concentration, pH, temperature, and inoculum size on the degradation of CFS by E. coli CS-1 through a series of single-factor experiments conducted under aerobic conditions. The results indicated that E. coli CS-1 achieved the highest CFS degradation rate under the following optimal conditions: an initial CFS concentration of 50 mg/L, a pH of 7.0, a temperature of 37 °C, and an inoculum size of 6% (volume fraction). Under these conditions, E. coli CS-1 was able to completely degrade CFS within 60 h. Additionally, E. coli CS-1 exhibited significant capabilities for CFS degradation. In this study, six major degradation products of (CFS) were identified by UPLC–MS/MS: desfuroyl ceftiofur, 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde, 7-aminodesacetoxycephalosporanic acid, 5-hydroxy-2-furoic acid, 2-furoic acid, and CEF-aldehyde. Based on these findings, two degradation pathways are proposed. Pathway I: CFS is hydrolyzed to break the sulfur–carbon (S–C) bond, generating two products. These products undergo subsequent hydrolysis and redox reactions for gradual transformation. Pathway II: The β-lactam bond of CFS is enzymatically cleaved, forming CEF-aldehyde as the primary degradation product, which is consistent with the biodegradation mechanism of most β-lactam antibiotics via β-lactam ring cleavage. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that 758 genes essential for degradation were upregulated in response to the hydrolysis and redox processes associated with CFS. Furthermore, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of E. coli CS-1 were functionally annotated using a combination of genomics and bioinformatics approaches. This study highlights the potential of E. coli CS-1 to degrade CFS in the environment and proposes hypotheses regarding the possible biodegradation mechanisms of CFS for future research. Full article

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) heterogeneity is strongly influenced by molecular subtypes and tumor stroma interactions. The meprin/A5/PTPmu (MAM) domain, a conserved structural motif in transmembrane proteins, remains undercharacterized in CRC pathogenesis. Methods: We analyzed RNA-seq data from TCGA-COAD to evaluate MAM domain gene expression. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were conducted to validate the results of the database analysis. Results: Bioinformatics analysis revealed that MAM domain-containing protein 2 (MAMDC2) was enriched in mesenchymal subtype 4 (CMS4) colorectal cancer (p < 0.001). IHC confirmed MAMDC2 overexpression in MSS colorectal cancer with a high tumor stroma ratio (TSR) and peritoneal metastatic lesions (p < 0.01). WB and real-time PCR analyses confirmed that MAMDC2 has a role in regulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) development in CRC. Importantly, we identified that cancer cell-derived MAMDC2 promotes MYLK expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) through paracrine signaling. Conclusions: Our findings suggest MAMDC2 may function as a stromal-associated regulator in MSS colorectal cancer with a high tumor stromal ratio (TSR). Full article

Anthracnose significantly threatens the cultivation of Polygonatum cyrtonema, severely impacting its quality and yield. Between 2022 and 2023, 50 Colletotrichum isolates were obtained from diseased leaves collected in three P. cyrtonema production areas within the Two Lakes region of China (Hubei and Hunan provinces). Morphological and molecular analyses identified six Colletotrichum species as the causative agents of anthracnose: C. aenigma, C. siamense, C. gloeosporioides, C. spaethianum, C. fructicola, and C. karsti. Among these pathogens, C. fructicola and C. spaethianum were predominant (82%), while C. siamense and C. fructicola exhibited the highest aggressiveness. Physiological investigations revealed that the optimal temperature range for all six pathogens was 25–28 °C. C. spaethianum thrived under acidic conditions, whereas C. aenigma, C. siamense, and C. gloeosporioides preferred alkaline environments. In contrast, C. fructicola and C. karsti showed no significant response to pH variations. Fungicide screening demonstrated that pyraclostrobin, prochloraz, and carbendazim effectively inhibited the growth of Colletotrichum species. These findings elucidate the epidemiological factors, primary pathogens, and effective control agents for P. cyrtonema anthracnose in the Two Lakes region, providing a basis for developing targeted prevention and control strategies. Full article

Aquisinenins G–I (1–3), three new 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone-sesquiterpene hybrids, were isolated from the ethanol extract of Hainan agarwood derived from Aquilaria sinensis. Spectroscopic techniques, such as ¹D and ²D NMR and HRESIMS, were used to determine their structures. Experimental and computed ECD data were compared to confirm their absolute configurations. Compounds 1–3 are uncommon dimeric derivatives of 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone-sesquiterpene, characterized by the fusion of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone with agarofuran or agarospirane-type sesquiterpene units by an ester linkage. Compound 1 inhibited nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, showing an IC₅₀ value of 22.31 ± 0.42 μM. The neuroprotective effects of compounds 1 and 3 against H₂O₂-induced apoptosis were assessed in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Compound 1 demonstrated cytotoxicity with IC₅₀ values of 72.37 ± 0.20 μM against K562 and 61.47 ± 0.22 μM against BEL-7402, while compounds 2 and 3 showed cytotoxicity across all five tested human cancer cell lines. Full article

Background: Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has become a widely accepted alternative to deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). Nevertheless, the available meta-analyses shed light on a perplexing issue regarding which transplant is better. Therefore, we performed an umbrella review to summarize and evaluate the evidence from current meta-analyses. Methods: Two independent reviewers conducted a search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to 1 June 2024. The methodological quality of each included meta-analysis was evaluated using AMSTAR2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews). Results: The search identified 10 meta-analyses from 486 individual articles, including cohort studies and observational studies. Regrettably, the quality of these meta-analyses ranged from critically low to moderate. Receipt of LDLT offers a survival advantage to the patients with HCC compared with DDLT but with a higher complication rate. However, high-quality studies are required in the future to validate our assertions owing to the low certainty of the evidence. Conclusions: Despite the complication risks, LDLT remains a cost-effective option without compromising patient and graft survival, especially for HCC patients. Extensive, well-designed studies are essential to validate these conclusions. Full article

The root-associated microbiome significantly influences plant health and pest resistance, yet the temporal dynamics of its compositional and functional change in response to Ectropis grisescens Warren (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) infestation remain largely unexplored. The study took samples of leaves, roots, and rhizosphere soil at different times after the plants were attacked by E. grisescens. These samples were analyzed using transcriptomic and high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA techniques. The goal was to understand how the plant’s defense mechanisms and the microbial community around the roots changed after the attack. Additionally, bacterial feedback assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of selected microbial strains on plant growth and pest defense responses. By conducting 16S rRNA sequencing on the collected soil samples, we found significant shifts in bacterial communities by the seventh day, suggesting a lag in community adaptation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that E. grisescens attack induced reprogramming of the tea root transcriptome, upregulating genes related to defensive pathways such as phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis. Metagenomic data indicated functional changes in the rhizosphere microbiome, with enrichment in genes linked to metabolic pathways and nitrogen cycling. Network analysis showed a reorganization of core microbial members, favoring nitrogen-fixing bacteria like Burkholderia species. Bacterial feedback assays confirmed that selected strains, notably Burkholderia cepacia strain ABC4 (T1) and a nine-strain consortium (T5), enhanced plant growth and defense responses, including elevated levels of flavonoids, polyphenols, caffeine, jasmonic acid, and increased peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. This study emphasizes the potential of utilizing root-associated microbial communities for sustainable pest management in tea cultivation, thereby enhancing resilience in tea crops while maintaining ecosystem balance. Full article

Congenital developmental abnormalities in piglets, such as intersex and aproctia, adversely affect survival rates, growth performance, and genetic breeding efficiency in pig populations. To elucidate their genetic basis, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 1030 Large White pigs. We combined 50 K SNP chip data with SWIM-based genotype imputation to enhance the resolution of genetic variation detection, followed by MLM analysis. Our results identified 53 significant SNPs, with 52 associated with intersex and 1 with aproctia. Key candidate genes included MAD1L1, ID4, EFNA5, and PPP1R16B for intersex and ARNT2 for aproctia. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted pathways related to gonadal development (e.g., progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation) and embryonic morphogenesis. Collectively, the identification of these SNPs and candidate genes advances our understanding of the genetic architecture of intersex and aproctia in piglets. These findings provide actionable insights for optimizing genetic breeding strategies and improving health management in Large White pig production, with potential implications for reducing economic losses caused by congenital disorders. Full article

Background/Objective: Sinomenine hydrochloride (SH), a natural anti–rheumatic drug derived from the Chinese medicinal plant Sinomenium acutum, demonstrates disease–modifying properties but lacks comprehensive safety and toxicokinetic (TK) comparisons between physiological and pathological states. This study evaluated SH’s safety profile, TK parameters, and intestinal absorption differences in adjuvant–induced arthritis (AIA) and normal rats. Methods: Safety assessments determined median lethal doses (LD₅₀) in female Sprague Dawley rats. TK parameters were analyzed via a validated ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry approach after single oral administration of 600 mg/kg SH. Plasma protein binding (PPB) were measured using equilibrium dialysis. Intestinal absorption was evaluated through everted gut sac experiments, with P–glycoprotein (P–gp) inhibition tested via verapamil co–administration. Results: LD₅₀ values revealed AIA rats tolerated SH better than normal rats (1179 vs. 805 mg/kg). TK analysis showed that C_max, AUC_(0-t), and AUC_(0-∞) of SIN in normal rats were 2.01, 1.94, and 2.14 times higher than in AIA rats, respectively, while CL/F and V/F in AIA rats were 2.24 times greater. In addition, the PPB of SIN in normal rats was 2 times greater than that in AIA rats. AIA rats exhibited significantly lower SH absorption in the jejunum and ileum compared to normal rats. Notably, verapamil co–administration markedly increased SH absorption across most intestinal segments. Conclusions: Pathological states significantly alter SH’s safety and TK profiles. Enhanced tolerance in AIA rats correlates with reduced intestinal absorption via altered P–gp activity and decreased PPB. These findings emphasize the necessity of disease–specific evaluations for optimizing SH’s therapeutic safety in pathological contexts. Full article

Flexible supercapacitors have emerged as pivotal energy storage components in wearable smart electronic systems, owing to their exceptional electrochemical performance. However, the widespread application of flexible supercapacitors in smart electronic devices is significantly hindered by the developmental bottleneck of high-performance anode materials. In this study, a novel electrode composed of surface-modified Fe₂O₃ nanoneedles uniformly coated with a polypyrrole (PPy) film and anchored on Co-MOF-derived N-C nanoflake arrays (PPy/Fe₂O₃/N-C) is designed. This composite electrode, grown in situ on carbon cloth (CC), demonstrated outstanding specific capacity, rate performance, and mechanical flexibility, attributed to its unique hierarchical 3D arrayed structure and the protective PPy layer. The fabricated PPy/Fe₂O₃/N-C@CC (P-FONC) composite electrode exhibited an excellent specific capacitance of 356.6 mF cm⁻² (143 F g⁻¹) at a current density of 2 mA cm⁻². The current density increased to 20 mA cm⁻², and the composite electrode material preserved a specific capacitance of 278 mF cm⁻² (112 F g⁻¹). Furthermore, the assembled quasi-solid-state Mn/Fe asymmetric supercapacitor, configured with P-FONC as the negative electrode and MnO₂/N-C@CC as the positive electrode, demonstrated robust chemical stability and notable mechanical flexibility. This study sheds fresh light on the creation of three-dimensional composite electrode materials for highly efficient, flexible energy storage systems. Full article

Cardiac glycosides (CGs), historically used to treat heart failure and arrhythmias, bind to the α subunit of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase pump and inhibit its activity. Their anticancer and antiviral activities are of interest. The α subunit of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase pump has four isoforms (α1–4), each with unique tissue distribution and expression pattern; their contributions to antiviral activities have not been studied. We previously reported that CGs inhibit human CMV (HCMV) in vitro but not mouse CMV (MCMV). In addition to the low affinity of mouse α1 for CGs, we hypothesized that other isoforms contribute to the anti-CMV activities of CGs. We show here that infection with HCMV significantly induced α3 in human foreskin fibroblasts, while MCMV did not induce mouse α3. Infection with guinea pig CMV (GPCMV) in GP fibroblasts also induced α3, and CGs inhibited GPCMV replication. HCMV inhibition with digitoxin reduced α3 expression. The concentration-dependent inhibition of HCMV with digitoxin analogs also correlated with α3 expression. Intriguingly, α3 was localized to the nucleus, and changes in its expression during infection and digitoxin treatment were mostly limited to the nucleus. At 4 h post-infection, α3 colocalized with immediate early 1 (IE1) and the promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML). An interaction of α3-PML-IE1 at 24 h post-infection was disrupted by digitoxin. The mRNA levels of IE1, major immediate early promoter (MIEP)-derived IE, and antiviral cytokines were reduced in infected digitoxin-treated cells. Summarized, these findings suggest a new role for α3 in the anti-HCMV activities of CGs via nuclear antiviral signaling pathways. Full article

Cultural heritage objects, including traditional Chinese polychrome paintings on architectures (Caihua) and wooden architectural components, frequently exhibit surface defects that are highly sensitive to environmental factors, resulting in progressive deterioration. However, due to limited data acquisition methods and quantitative analysis models, the stability and risks of defects such as cracks during environmental changes remain unclear. This study integrates photogrammetry and digital image processing to investigate through-cracks and craquelures on the surface of a well pavilion within the Palace Museum, Beijing. We confirmed the activity of these cracks, quantified crack widths, and studied the environmental influences on their development. Over a monitoring period of more than 15 months, the widths of seven cracks on four beams were measured alongside various environmental factors. Correlation analyses identified air humidity as the most significant factor influencing crack width fluctuations (p < 0.01). Numerical simulations revealed that short-term humidity exposure induces surface swelling and crack closure, whereas prolonged humidity leads to internal moisture transport and crack reopening. Furthermore, fitting parameters indicating the severity of crack variation correlated well with the degradation levels of the wooden components. In summary, this study establishes a monitoring and quantification procedure for assessing crack activity, explores the influence of humidity through numerical simulations, and identifies a potential indicator for the non-destructive assessment of timber component stability. The proposed framework offers an exploratory approach to addressing critical challenges in the health monitoring of wooden architectural components. Full article