Search Results (291)

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a key target for both cancer diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. Assessing EGFR expression before therapy has become routine in clinical practice, yet current methods like biopsy and immunohistochemistry (IHC) have significant limitations, including invasiveness, limited repeatability, and lack of real-time, whole-body data. EGFR-targeted imaging has emerged as a promising alternative. EGFR-targeting peptides, owing to their favorable physicochemical properties and versatility, are increasingly being explored for a variety of applications, including molecular imaging, drug delivery, and targeted therapy. Recent advances have demonstrated the potential of EGFR-targeting peptides conjugated to imaging probes for non-invasive, real-time in vivo tumor detection, precision therapy, and surgical guidance. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the latest progress in EGFR-targeting peptides development, with a particular focus on their application in the development of molecular imaging agents, including fluorescence imaging, PET/CT, magnetic resonance imaging, and multimodal imaging. Furthermore, we examine the challenges and future directions concerning the development and clinical application of EGFR-targeting peptide-based imaging probes. Finally, we highlight emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, mutation-specific peptides, and multimodal imaging platforms, which offer significant potential for advancing the diagnosis and treatment of EGFR-targeted cancers. Full article

Conventional asphalt is prone to cracking in cold climates due to its poor flexibility and limited ability to regulate temperature. This study investigates the use of low-temperature microencapsulated phase-change materials (MPCMs) to improve both the thermal storage and low-temperature performance of asphalt. MPCMs were incorporated into asphalt through physical blending at various concentrations. The physical, thermal, and rheological properties of the asphalt were then systematically evaluated. Tests included penetration, softening point, ductility, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). The addition of MPCMs increased penetration and ductility. It slightly reduced the softening point and viscosity. These changes suggest improved flexibility and workability at low temperatures. Rheological tests showed reductions in rutting and fatigue factors. This indicates better resistance to thermal and mechanical stresses. Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) results further confirmed that MPCMs lowered creep stiffness and increased the m-value. These findings demonstrate improved crack resistance under cold conditions. Thermal cycling tests also showed that MPCMs delayed the cooling process and reduced temperature fluctuations. This highlights their potential to enhance both energy efficiency and the durability of asphalt pavements in cold regions. Full article

Aloin, a kind of active phenolic component, is sourced from Aloe vera. Recently, the determination of aloin has received enormous attention, owing to its positive performance (including anti-tumor, antibacterial, detoxification, liver protection, anti-stomach damage, and skin protection activities) and painful side effects (increased carcinogenicity caused by excessive use of aloin) impacting human health. This investigation was inspired by the good fluorescence properties of carbon dots (CDs); CD-based sensors have aroused a great deal of interest due to their excellent sensitivity and selectivity. Thus, it is of great significance to develop novel CD-based sensors for aloin determination. Herein, N,F-CDs were designed and synthesized through a convenient hydrothermal strategy; the synthesized N,F-CDs possessed good fluorescence performance and a small particle size (near 4.3 nm), which demonstrated the successful preparation of N,F-CDs. The resulting N,F-CDs possessed a large Stokes shift and could emit a highly stable green fluorescence. The fluorescence of the N,F-CDs could be effectively quenched by aloin through the inner filter effect. Furthermore, the synthesis procedure was easy to operate. Finally, the N,F-CD-coated test strips were fabricated and combined with a miniaturized fluorimeter for the fluorescence detection of aloin via the inner filter effect for the first time. The N,F-CD-coated test strips were fabricated and used for the fluorescence sensing of aloin, and the results were compared with a typical ultraviolet (UV) method. The N,F-CD-coated test strips exhibited high recovery (96.9~106.1%) and sensitivity (31.8 nM, n = 3), good selectivity, low sample consumption (1 μL), high speed (5 min), good stability, and anti-interference properties. The results indicate that N,F-CD-coated test strips are applicable for the quantitative determination of aloin in bovine serum, orange juice, and urine samples. Full article

Background and Purpose: Glioblastoma remains a therapeutic challenge with a poor prognosis despite multimodal treatments. Reporter-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a promising approach for tumor visualization, but its efficacy depends on sufficient reporter gene expression. This study aimed to develop a chimeric element-regulated ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) reporter system to enhance MRI-based glioma detection while enabling targeted therapy via transferrin receptor (TfR)-mediated drug delivery. Methods: Using gene cloning techniques, we constructed a chimeric FTH1 expression system comprising tumor-specific PEG3 promoter (transcriptional control), bFGF-2 5′UTR (translational enhancement), and WPRE (mRNA stabilization). Lentiviral vectors delivered constructs to U251 glioblastoma cells and xenografts. FTH1/TfR expression was validated by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Iron accumulation was assessed via Prussian blue staining and TEM. MRI evaluated T2 signal changes. Transferrin-modified doxorubicin liposomes (Tf-LPD) were characterized for size and drug loading and tested for cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in vitro. In vivo therapeutic efficacy was assessed in nude mouse models through tumor volume measurement, MR imaging, and histopathology. Results: The chimeric system increased FTH1 expression significantly over PEG3-only controls (p < 0.01), with an increase of nearly 1.5-fold compared to the negative and blank groups and approximately a two-fold increase relative to the single promoter group, with corresponding TfR upregulation. Enhanced iron accumulation reduced T2 relaxation times significantly (p < 0.01), improving MR contrast. Tf-LPD (115 nm, 70% encapsulation) showed TfR-dependent uptake, inducing obvious apoptosis in high-TfR cells compared with that in controls. In vivo, Tf-LPD reduced tumor growth markedly in chimeric-system xenografts versus controls, with concurrent MR signal attenuation. Conclusions: The chimeric regulatory strategy overcomes limitations of single-element systems, demonstrating significant potential for integrated glioma theranostics. Its modular design may be adaptable to other reporter genes and malignancies. Full article

Zn-doped carbon dots (Zn@C-210 calcination temperature at 210 °C and Zn@C-260 calcination temperature at 260 °C) were synthesized via an in situ calcination method using zinc citrate complexes as precursors, aiming to investigate the mechanisms of their distinctive fluorescence properties. A range of analytical methods were employed to characterize these nanomaterials. The mechanism study revealed that the coordination structure of Zn-O, formed through zinc doping, can induce a metal–ligand charge-transfer effect, which significantly increases the probability of radiative transitions between the excited and ground states, thereby enhancing the fluorescence intensity. The Zn@C-210 in a solid state and Zn@C-260 in water exhibited approximately 71.50% and 21.1% quantum yields, respectively. Both Zn@C-210 and Zn@C-260 exhibited excitation-independent luminescence, featuring a long fluorescence lifetime of 6.5 μs for Zn@C-210 and 6.2 μs for Zn@C-260. Impressively, zinc-doped CDs displayed exceptional biosafety, showing no acute toxicity even at 1000 mg/kg doses. Zn@C-210 has excellent fluorescence in a solid state, showing promise in anti-photobleaching applications; meanwhile, the dual functionality of Zn@C-260 makes it useful as a folate sensor and cellular imaging probe. These findings not only advance the fundamental understanding of metal-doped carbon dot photophysics but also provide practical guidelines for developing targeted biomedical nanomaterials through rational surface engineering and doping strategies. Full article

With the rapid development of the global economy, urban flood events are occurring more frequently. Scientific risk assessment methods are of great significance in reducing the loss of life and property. This study is devoted to developing an integrated urban flood risk assessment approach based on improved structural equation modeling and the extensible matter-element analysis method. Firstly, a flood risk assessment index system containing four dimensions (hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and regional shelter capability) is established according to a hydrological–hydrodynamic model and a literature survey. Subsequently, improved structural equation modeling (ISEM) coupled with Pearson’s correlation coefficient is introduced to determine indicator weights while eliminating correlations among indicator variables, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the weight calculation. Finally, the extensible matter-element evaluation analysis method (EMAM) is employed to conduct the urban flood risk assessment, providing a more scientific evaluation of urban flood risks through the calculation results of the correlation degree between index factors and risk levels. The integrated flood risk assessment approach was applied in the Liwan District in Guangzhou City, China, and the results demonstrated that the novel approach effectively enhances the accuracy of urban flood risk assessment by 23.69%. In conclusion, this research offers a novel and high-precision methodology for risk assessment, contributing to decision-making in disaster prevention and control. Full article

Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) has garnered widespread international attention, yet the GHRM practices implementation and the challenges they face in African organisations remain underexplored. Given that the majority of GHRM studies in the African context have been published over the past four years, there is a clear need for a systematic review of the literature on GHRM in this region. This review examines 23 studies to identify which GHRM topics have been explored in the African context and what theories and methodologies have been adopted in these studies. Drawing from the selected literature, a conceptual framework is established to facilitate a more structured understanding of GHRM practices within the African context, which finds that GHRM works as an organisational subsystem embedded within broader institutional, environmental, and socio-economic systems. In the concluding section, this review paper further highlights the key gaps in the existing research and offers recommendations for future studies related to GHRM implementation in African organisations. This review paper contributes to the growing body of knowledge in both the theoretical and practical areas of GHRM, while also contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development in Africa. Full article

Background: The late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) gene family plays a critical role in abiotic stress tolerance during plant growth and development. Myricaria laxiflora, as a key pioneer species in the extreme hydrological fluctuation zone of the Yangtze River, has evolved unique adaptation mechanisms potentially linked to gene family evolution. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying how the LEA gene family responds to alternating flooding–drought cycles remain unclear. Methods and Results: In this study, we identified 31 LEA genes through whole-genome and transcriptome analyses using bioinformatics approaches, and classified them into nine subfamilies based on protein sequence similarity. These genes were distributed across 12 chromosomes. Our analysis revealed that LEA promoters contain cis-acting elements associated with anaerobic induction, abscisic acid (ABA) response, and combined low-temperature/light stress, suggesting their role in a multi-tiered environmental signal integration network. Spatio-temporal expression profiling further indicated that root-specific LEA genes maintain cellular integrity via membrane lipid binding, while leaf-predominant members cooperate with the antioxidant system to mitigate photoinhibition damage. Conclusions: This study elucidates the dynamic regulatory mechanisms of the LEA gene family during flooding-drought adaptation in M. laxiflora, providing molecular targets for ecological restoration in the Yangtze River Basin. Full article

Tomato bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (G⁻), is one of the most devastating plant diseases. Developing effective resistance against this pathogen remains a major challenge in plant disease management. In this study, we constructed a fusion gene BPI-LY by combining the gene encoding the lipophilic functional domains of human bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) with the gene of human lysozyme (LY). The recombinant gene BPI-LY was heterologously expressed in yeast and tomato. Preliminary in vitro assays in yeast demonstrated that BPI enhances LY’s antibacterial activity against G⁻ bacteria. Furthermore, overexpression of BPI-LY in tomato delayed onset of the disease in the transgenic lines and lowered the degree of tissue damage and the number of bacteria present in the stems relative to those in the wild-type plant. Additionally, the expression levels of the SlSOD, SlPOD, SlPAL, SlPR5, SlPR10, and SlPR-NP24 genes were indirectly upregulated in the transgenic plants following R. solanacearum inoculation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that BPI-LY enhances the resistance of transgenic tomato against bacterial wilt caused by R. solanacearum. Full article

In recent years, high-altitude cities with low emissions in western China have exhibited an upward trend in surface ozone (O₃). Based on observations and reanalysis data, this study analyzed the evolutionary characteristics and pollution mechanisms of ozone in Xining and quantified the impact of stratospheric intrusion. The results indicated that an upward trend in summer O₃ was observed in Xining. A total of 29 ozone exceedance days were found. Potential exceedance days (>150 and >140 μg/m³) showed substantial increases from 2022 to 2023. Using a stratospheric intrusion to surface (SITS) event identification algorithm, 42 events were found in Xining, with an average duration of 8.4 h. Spring exhibited the highest event frequency (13 events) and longest average duration. SITS events contributed an average of 19.7% to surface ozone, significantly exacerbating local exceedance risks. A typical ozone pollution episode from 25 July to 3 August 2021 was analyzed. The peak O₃ reached 170 μg/m³. Elevated temperature, intensified radiation, and unfavorable meteorological conditions synergistically promoted local photochemical ozone production and accumulation. Notably, a SITS event was simultaneously detected, elevating surface ozone by 24%, which confirmed that stratospheric intrusion was the main cause of pollution. Full article

Background: Ischemic stroke (IS) is probably the most important acute serious illness, where interdisciplinary approach is essential to offer the best chance for survival and functional recovery of patients. Carbon dots (CDs) with multifaceted advantages have provided hope for development brand-new nanodrug for treating thorny diseases. Methods: This study developed a green and environmentally responsible calcination method to prepare novel Gardenia jasminoides Carbonisata (GJC-CDs) as promising drug for ischemic stroke treatment. Results: In this work, we isolated and characterized for the first time a novel carbon dots (GJC-CDs) from the natural plant G. jasminoides. Results displayed that green GJC-based CDs with tiny sizes and abundant functional groups exhibited solubility, which may be beneficial for its settled biological activity. The neuroprotective effect of carbon dots from G. jasminoides were evaluated using the classical middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Assessing the infarct volume content of the ischemic cerebral hemisphere and determining the serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of the mice in each group, it was evident that pre-administration of the drug by GJC-CDs significantly reduced the infarct volume as well as attenuated inflammatory responses and excessive oxidative stress in MCAO mice. Furthermore, in vitro cellular experiments demonstrated that GJC-CDs have good biosafety and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity. Conclusions: Overall, GJC-CDs performs neuroprotective effect on cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury, which not only provides evidence for further broadening the biological application of acute ischemic stroke but also offers novel strategy for the application of nanomedicine to treat acute diseases. Full article

Unique fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FCS) extracted from the sea cucumber Stichopus horrens was subjected to deacetylation and deaminative depolymerization to generate oligosaccharide fragments containing anTal-diol, which were further purified to obtain the trisaccharide ShFCS-3. Subsequently, the coupling of ShFCS-3 and 4-azidoaniline was achieved by reductive amination. After purification, the main product ShFCS-A1 and by-product ShFCS-A2 were obtained, which were identified as (N-(L-Fuc_2S4S-α1,3-D-GlcA-β1,3-D-anTalA_4S6S-1-)-4-azidoaniline) and (4S)-[2-(3-L-Fuc_2S4S-α1)-D-GlcA-β1]-2,4,5-trihydroxy-5-sulfated-pent-2-enoic-acid) by 1D/2D NMR spectroscopy, respectively. ELISA experiments revealed that ShFCS-A1 exhibited P-selectin inhibition rates of 19.73% ± 9.60% at 1 μM, 96.28% ± 2.37% at 10 μM, and near-complete inhibition (99.92% ± 0.84%) at 100 μM. ShFCS-A2 demonstrated inhibition rates of 8.29% ± 3.00% at 1 μM, 74.02% ± 8.80% at 10 μM, and maximal inhibition approaching 100% at 100 μM. Cellular-level experiments revealed that ShFCS-A1 and ShFCS-A2 inhibited P-selectin binding to HL-60 cells by 92.72% ± 0.85% and 96.97% ± 1.16% at 100 μM, respectively. Molecular docking analysis indicated binding energies of −5.954 kcal/mol for ShFCS-A1 and −6.140 kcal/mol for ShFCS-A2 with P-selectin, confirming their potent inhibitory effects. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of FCS oligosaccharides as pharmacophores and provide an important foundation for developing novel small-molecule P-selectin inhibitors. Full article

This study systematically evaluated the residual behavior of fluxapyroxad (FXP) and mefentrifluconazole (MFZ) in rice–soil systems, alongside their soil and metabolic impacts. Analytical methods validated via linear regression (0.0001–0.05 mg/L) complied with EU guidelines, demonstrating recoveries of 71.97–114.96%, RSDs ≤ 12.12%, and effective mitigation of matrix effects (−85.08% to −76.97%) using matrix-matched calibration. Residual dissipation followed first-order kinetics, with half-lives (T_1/2) spanning 10.83–21.00 d (FXP) and 23.10–57.76 d (MFZ). Notably, MFZ exhibited prolonged persistence in brown rice (T_1/2 = 57.76 d), though final residues (0.031 ± 0.001 μg/g FXP; 0.011 ± 0.0003 μg/g MFZ) remained below regulatory limits (China: 1 mg/kg; CAC: 5 mg/kg). Microbial analysis revealed transient diversity loss in rhizosphere communities (Chao1 index, p < 0.05), recovering by 21 d, while endophytes displayed resilience linked to plant metabolites. Enrichment of degraders (e.g., Sphingomonas) contrasted with suppression of nitrogen-fixing Bradyrhizobium, indicating functional trade-offs. Metabolomic profiling identified 3512 metabolites, with 332 and 173 differentially expressed metabolites at 7 d (S) and 21 d (T), dominated by lipids, benzenoids, and phenylpropanoids. Key metabolic shifts included a 2.11-fold increase in coumarin and elevated L-aspartic acid, highlighting adaptive responses via phenylalanine and TCA cycle pathways. Correlation analyses linked stress-tolerant endophytes (Azorhizobium) to defense-related metabolites (e.g., coumarin), suggesting microbial modulation of plant resilience. These findings emphasize the need for integrated strategies combining residue monitoring, microbial management, and metabolic insights to mitigate agrochemical risks in sustainable agriculture. Full article

Under the “dual-carbon” strategy, accurately quantifying carbon emissions in water conservancy projects is crucial to promoting low-carbon construction. However, existing life cycle assessment (LCA) methods for carbon emissions during the mechanical construction stage often fail to reflect actual processes and are limited by high costs and lengthy data collection, potentially leading to inaccurate estimates. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a carbon emission evaluation method for the mechanical construction stage, based on carbon footprint theory and discrete event simulation (DES). This method quantifies equipment operation time and energy consumption during the drilling and blasting processes, enabling a detailed and dynamic emission analysis. Using the Fumin Pumped Storage Power Station Tunnel Project as a case study, a comparative analysis is conducted to examine the carbon emission characteristics of drilling and blasting operations under different surrounding rock conditions based on DES. The validity of the proposed model is confirmed by comparing its results with monitoring data and LCA results. The results show a clear upward trend in carbon emission intensity as surrounding rock conditions deteriorate, with emission intensity rising from 8405.82 kgCO₂e/m for Class II to 16,189.30 kgCO₂e/m for Class V in the headrace tunnel. The total carbon emissions of the water conveyance tunnels reach 40,019.64 tCO₂e, with an average intensity of 13,565.98 kgCO₂e/m. This study presents a refined and validated framework for assessing the carbon emissions of pumped storage tunnels. It addresses key limitations of traditional LCA methods in the mechanical construction stage and provides a practical tool to support the green transition of hydraulic infrastructure. Full article

Under the global climate governance framework, the Paris Agreement and the China–U.S. Glasgow Joint Declaration established a non-negotiable target of limiting 21st-century temperature rise to 1.5 °C. To date, over 130 nations have pledged carbon neutrality by mid-century, with agricultural activities contributing 25% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The spatiotemporal dynamics of these emissions critically determine the operational efficacy of carbon peaking and neutrality strategies. While China’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) commit to achieving carbon peaking by 2030, a policy gap persists regarding differentiated implementation pathways at the county level. Addressing this challenge, this study selects the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGRA)—a region characterized by monocultural cropping systems and intensive fertilizer dependency—as a representative case. Guided by IPCC emission accounting protocols, we systematically evaluate spatiotemporal distribution patterns of agricultural CH₄ and N₂O emissions across 18 county-level units from 2006 to 2020. The investigation advances through two sequential phases: Mechanistic drivers analysis: employing the STIRPAT model, we quantify bidirectional effects (positive/negative) of critical determinants—including agricultural mechanization intensity and grain productivity—on CH₄/N₂O emission fluxes. Pathway scenario prediction: We construct three developmental scenarios (low-carbon transition, business-as-usual, and high-resource dependency) integrated with regional planning parameters. This framework enables the identification of optimal peaking chronologies for each county and proposes gradient peaking strategies through spatial zoning, thereby resolving fragmented carbon governance in agrarian counties. Methodologically, we establish a multi-scenario simulation architecture incorporating socioeconomic growth thresholds and agroecological constraints. The derived decision-support system provides empirically grounded solutions for aligning subnational climate actions with global mitigation targets. Full article