Search Results (311)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is commonly employed as mulch in agriculture to boost crop yields. However, its toxicity is often overlooked. Due to its chemical stability, resistance to degradation, and the inadequacy of the recycling system, PVC tends to persist in farm environments, where it can decompose into microplastics (MPs) or nanoplastics (NPs). The radish (Raphanus sativus L.) was chosen as the model plant for this study to evaluate the underlying toxic mechanisms of PVC NPs on seedling growth through the integration of multi-omics approaches with oxidative stress evaluations. The results indicated that, compared with the control group, the shoot lengths in the 5 mg/L and 150 mg/L treatment groups decreased by 33.7% and 18.0%, respectively, and the root lengths decreased by 28.3% and 11.3%, respectively. However, there was no observable effect on seed germination rates. Except for the peroxidase (POD) activity in the 150 mg/L group, all antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were higher in the treated root tips than in the control group. Both transcriptome and metabolomic analysis profiles showed 2075 and 4635 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the high- and low-concentration groups, respectively, and 1961 metabolites under each treatment. PVC NPs predominantly influenced seedling growth by interfering with plant hormone signaling pathways and phenylpropanoid production. Notably, the reported toxicity was more evident at lower concentrations. This can be accounted for by the plant’s “growth-defense trade-off” strategy and the manner in which nanoparticles aggregate. By clarifying how PVC NPs coordinately regulate plant stress responses via hormone signaling and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways, this research offers a scientific basis for assessing environmental concerns related to nanoplastics in agricultural systems. Full article

This study aimed to explore the effects of dietary supplementation with soy isoflavones (SI) in the later stages of pregnancy on the antioxidant capacity of sows and intestinal health of newborn piglets. Forty sows with similar body weights and parity (average of 1–2 parity) were randomly divided into two groups (n = 20): the control group and SI group (dose: 100 mg/kg of feed). Feeding was started on day 85 of gestation and continued until farrowing. SI supplementation significantly increased the antioxidant levels in the serum of the sows and newborn piglets, placental tissue, and the intestinal tract of the piglets. This observation was indicated by a decreased activity of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA); increased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase; and enhanced total antioxidant capacity. The organ indices of the intestine and liver and the villus height/crypt depth of the jejunum of newborn piglets significantly increased. SI supplementation activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway in the jejunum of neonatal piglets and the expression of placental antioxidant proteins, and it downregulated the expression of the Bax and Caspase 3 apoptotic proteins in the placenta and neonatal piglets. Intestinal and placental barrier integrity was strengthened. For example, ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin 1 exhibited elevated expression. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with SI enhanced the antioxidant capacity of sows and piglets and improved the health of the placenta and intestinal tract of newborn piglets. Full article

The cement industry is a significant contributor to global environmental impacts, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has emerged as a critical tool for evaluating and managing these burdens. This review uniquely synthesizes recent advancements in the LCA methodology and provides a detailed comparison of cement production impacts across major producing regions, notably highlighting China’s role as the largest global emitter. It covers the core LCA phases, including goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation, and emphasizes the role of LCA in quantifying cradle-to-gate impacts (typically around 0.9–1.0 t CO₂ per ton of cement), evaluating the emissions reductions provided by alternative cement types (such as ~30–45% lower emissions using limestone calcined clay cements), informing policy frameworks like emissions trading schemes, and guiding sustainability certifications. Strategies for environmental load reduction in cement manufacturing are quantitatively examined, including technological innovations (e.g., carbon capture technologies potentially cutting plant emissions by up to ~90%) and material substitutions. Persistent methodological challenges—such as data quality issues, scope limitations, and the limited real-world integration of LCA findings—are critically discussed. Finally, specific future research priorities are identified, including developing country-specific LCI databases, integrating techno-economic assessment into LCA frameworks, and creating user-friendly digital tools to enhance the practical implementation of LCA-driven strategies in the cement industry. Full article

Nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO₂) can alleviate oxidative damage in plants subjected to abiotic stress, interfere with related gene expression, and change metabolite content. Polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics can inhibit plant growth, induce oxidative stress in plant cells, and alter the biophysical properties of rhizosphere soil. In this study, untargeted metabolomics (LC-MS) and RNA-seq sequencing were performed on radish root cells exposed to nano-TiO₂ and PLA. The results showed that nano-TiO₂ alleviated the growth inhibition of radish roots induced by PLA. Nano-TiO₂ alleviated PLA-induced oxidative stress, and the activities of SOD and POD were decreased by 28.6% and 36.0%, respectively. A total of 1673 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, 844 upregulated genes, and 829 downregulated genes) were detected by transcriptome analysis. Metabolomics analysis showed that 5041 differential metabolites were involved; they mainly include terpenoids, fatty acids, alkaloids, shikimic acid, and phenylpropionic acid. Among them, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis as well as flavone and flavonol biosynthesis were the key metabolic pathways. This study demonstrates that nano-TiO₂ mitigates PLA phytotoxicity in radish via transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. These findings provide important references for enhancing crop resilience against pollutants and underscore the need for ecological risk assessment of co-existing novel pollutants in agriculture. Full article

Desert ecosystems play a critical role in global climate regulation. Current research reveals a relative lack of research regarding desert ecosystem service (ES) supply and demand. Therefore, we selected the Ulanbuh desert, one of the eight major deserts in China, as study area. Using specialized models, we quantify the supply and demand of four ES, including water yield (Wy), soil conservation (Sc), windbreak and sand fixation (Ws), and carbon sequestration (Cs), from 1985 to 2020. Univariate linear regression analysis and panel data analysis (PDA) were used to examine trends in desert ES supply–demand ratio (ESDR) and its determinants. The findings indicated that ES supply presented increases in Sc and Cs, and decline in Ws from 1985 to 2020. Demand patterns showed a growth trend for Wy and Cs. ESDR revealed that Sc, Ws, and Cs show an excess of supply over demand and are in a decreasing trend, while Wy displays a supply deficit relative to demand with no significant change. The comprehensive ESDR decreased over the study period, with a supply-deficit status emerging in the southwestern area. Natural factors (NDVI and precipitation) and socio-economic factors (GDP and population density) served as the main factors affecting the comprehensive ESDR. This research provides a novel perspective for desert ecosystems management and conservation, emphasizing the necessity of incorporating the ES supply and demand balance into regional development policies to achieve sustainable development in arid regions. Full article

This study examined the short-term effects of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) addition on soil N₂O flux and organic carbon content in the lakeshore zone of an arid inland lake, Daihai. Treatments included control (N0P0), N addition (N1P0), P addition (N0P1), and NP co-addition (N1P1). Using the static chamber method and lab analyses, we measured soil N₂O flux and organic carbon content at different growth stages. Results showed that, in the early growing season, short-term N and P addition had no significant effect on soil N₂O flux, with all treatments acting as N₂O sources. However, N and NP treatments significantly increased soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, improving carbon sequestration benefits by 72.7% to 98.1%. During the peak growing season, N and NP treatments significantly enhanced soil N₂O emissions, while NP treatment further increased SOC storage, the carbon sequestration benefits of all treatments ranging from 49.0% to 56.5%. At the late growing season, N and P addition had no significant impact on soil N₂O flux or organic carbon storage, with all sites acting as N₂O sinks and SOC storage showing no significant change across treatments (carbon sequestration benefits ranged from 0.3% to 38.5%). The study highlights that the response of soil N₂O flux to short-term N and P addition varies at different growth stages, while overall, N and P addition promotes soil carbon sequestration throughout the growing season in the lakeshore zone. Full article

Canine mammary tumors (CMTs) are the common tumors in female dogs, and approximately 50% of CMTs are malignant tumors, with abnormal regulation of non-coding RNAs being a critical factor in disease progression. Currently, research on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulating CMT development remains limited. This study identified a novel lncRNA, aiming to explore the role of lncRNA LOC610012 in CMTs. In this study, immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses were employed to detect protein expression. LncRNA LOC610012 is downregulated in CMT tissues and cells. Stable cells of LOC610012 were constructed by the lentivirus technique. Through a variety of experimental methods, LOC610012 inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of CMT cells in in vitro and in vivo experiments conducted using cell culture and mouse models. Mechanistically, LOC610012 regulated the expression of EP3 and GSK-3β by targeting PTGS2, resulting in excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which inhibited cell viability. Similarly, through transmission electron microscopy, mitochondrial damage caused by LOC610012 was observed in CMT cells, which was manifested as mitochondrial swelling, membrane rupture, and mitochondrial ridge disappearance. PTGS2 could partially restore the inhibition of LOC610012 on cell activity. LOC610012 acts as a tumor suppressor gene in CMTs and as a potential biomarker for the disease. Full article

The Arabian Sea has undergone significant warming since the mid-20th century, highlighting the importance of assessing how decadal climate patterns influence chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and broader marine ecosystem dynamics. This study investigates the variability of Chl-a, sea surface temperature (SST), and sea level anomaly (SLA) over the past three decades, and their relationships with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). The mean Chl-a concentration was 1.10 mg/m³, with peak levels exceeding 2 mg/m³ between 2009 and 2013, and the lowest value (0.6 mg/m³) was recorded in 2014. Elevated Chl-a levels were consistently observed in February and March across both coastal and offshore regions. Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis revealed distinct spatial patterns in Chl-a and SST, indicating dynamic regional variability. The SST increased by 0.709 °C over the past four decades, accompanied by a steady rise in the SLA of approximately 1 cm. The monthly mean Chl-a exhibited a strong inverse relationship with both the SST and SLA and a positive correlation with SST gradients (R² > 0.5). A positive correlation (R² > 0.5) was found between the PDO and Chl-a, whereas the PDO was negatively correlated with the SST and SLA. In contrast, the AMO was negatively correlated with Chl-a but positively associated with warming and SLA rise. These findings underline the contrasting roles of the PDO and AMO in modulating productivity and ocean dynamics in the Arabian Sea. This study emphasizes the need for continued monitoring to improve predictions of ecosystem responses under future climate change scenarios. Full article

Our previous study demonstrated that an Escherichia coli heterologous secretion expression system, mediated by superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) mutants, significantly enhances recombinant lipase yield and reduces large-scale production costs. In this study, we identified mScarlet3, a fast-folding fluorescent protein, as another effective mediator of secretion expression in E. coli. A novel lipolytic enzyme, named LipHu6, was identified through sequence alignment. Secretion expression of LipHu6 was achieved by fusing mScarlet3 to either its N- or C-terminus. The specific activity of mScarlet3-LipHu6 reached 669,151.75 U/mmol, slightly surpassing that of LipHu6 alone (646,682.69 U/mmol) and markedly exceeding that of sfGFP_(-15)-LipHu6 (492,432.39 U/mmol). Notably, N-terminal mScarlet3 fusion had no impact on LipHu6 hydrolytic activity toward short-chain p-nitrophenyl fatty acyl esters (C2–C8). In contrast, mScarlet3-LipHu6 exhibited approximately 1.5- and 1.7-fold increases in hydrolytic activity toward p-nitrophenyl palmitate (p-NPP, C16) and p-nitrophenyl stearate (p-NPS, C18), respectively. In conclusion, this study establishes a novel E. coli heterologous secretion expression system mediated by mScarlet3, offering a highly efficient and cost-effective strategy for the large-scale production of lipolytic enzymes. Full article

To validate the long-term performance of self-developed limestone calcined clay cement (LC3), this study evaluated the durability performance of LC3 produced using calcined excavated spoil. Results showed that LC3 exhibited a faster chloride adsorption rate than OPC, achieving peak binding capacity within 14 days, although its total chloride-binding capacity was slightly lower. The chloride diffusion coefficient of LC3 was approximately one order of magnitude lower than that of OPC, enhancing chloride resistance. However, LC3 demonstrated weaker carbonation resistance due to complete decomposition of portlandite (Ca(OH)₂) and ettringite (AFt), alongside partial degradation of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gels, resulting in pore structure coarsening. Compared to LC3 made with commercial metakaolin (K0), the self-developed LC3 using K1 and K2 clays from excavated spoil showed comparable chloride-binding capacity but slightly weaker chloride penetration resistance. Its carbonation resistance surpassed K0-based LC3. Overall, the self-developed LC3 matched commercial metakaolin-based LC3 in durability, validating the use of locally sourced clays. Producing LC3 from calcined excavated spoil addresses environmental challenges associated with spoil disposal while delivering satisfactory durability. Full article

The Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.), an economically significant fruit tree native to China, is valued for both fresh and dried uses. In plants, 2n gametes serve as the fundamental basis for creating a sexual polyploid germplasm. This study investigated the 2n gametogenesis frequency in triploid hybrid jujubes through meiotic analysis of the hybrid strain Q161 and a two-year pollen analysis on hybrid progeny, assessing the natural 2n pollen frequencies to identify a high-2n-pollen germplasm and revealing the occurrence of 2n pollen. Meiotic analysis of the triploid hybrid Q161 (2n = 36) revealed cytological anomalies, including binucleate cells (22.80% abnormal tetrads), with natural 2n pollen production rates reaching 4.00% and 4.67% over two consecutive years. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the 2n pollen exhibited pronounced exine ornamentation with cerebroid sculpturing and tubercle-like structures at the apertures. Analysis of the triploid progeny for two consecutive years demonstrated a pollen viability of 30.45% and 23.83% (CV: 19. 39–29.69%), with the mean 2n pollen frequencies of 22.52% and 7.64%, peaking at 52.16% and 28.95% in elite individuals. Six triploid germplasm accessions with naturally elevated 2n pollen frequencies were identified. Under natural conditions, a triploid hybrid germplasm in Chinese jujube produces 2n pollen grains due to abnormal meiotic behavior, and a natural triploid germplasm with high pollen productivity was identified. This research provides a critical theoretical foundation for sexual polyploid breeding strategies. Full article

Introduction: Prostate cancer has been generally resistant to immunotherapy approaches. Radiation can be immunostimulatory, but the extent to which standard prostate cancer treatments induce immune activation has not been well described. The bone-targeted radiopharmaceutical Radium223 (Ra223) has been proposed to enrich immune function, but clinical studies have not fully delineated whether this is true, or by what mechanisms. Enzalutamide has been shown to increase PD-L1 expression on dendritic cells, which could impact immune activation, though the extent to which this is associated with other evidence of immune activation remains uncertain, and combination strategies remain of interest. We performed a randomized phase II trial to evaluate whether Radium223 (Ra223) added to enzalutamide would induce greater immune activation and clinical responses compared to enzalutamide alone in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Methods: Eligible patients were randomized 2:1 to Arm A (enzalutamide 160 mg PO daily + Ra223 55 kBq/kg IV q4 weeks × 6 doses) or Arm B (enzalutamide 160 mg PO daily). Blood was collected at treatment start and during treatment to measure soluble immune checkpoint biomarkers (BTLA, TIM3, HVEM, GITR, LAG3, PD-1, CTLA-4, PD-L1, PD-L2, ICOS). Immunophenotyping by mass cytometry time of flight (CyTOF) was performed to measure peripheral blood mononuclear cell populations before and after treatment. CyTOF was used to determine changes in circulating immune cell population subsets before and after treatment. Biopsies were performed of an active bone metastatic lesion prior to study treatment and after at least 3 months. IHC was subsequently performed to examine changes in immune cell population subsets before and after treatment, and changes in pSTAT3 levels. Results: In total, 30 patients were enrolled, with median age 68. The median duration of follow up was 36 months. PSA responses, PFS, and OS were not significantly different between the two arms; however, the study was not powered for clinical endpoints. Peripheral blood and bone biopsy specimens were analyzed for immune correlatives. Soluble receptor concentrations showed significantly increased expression of PDL-2 in the combination arm, but this was not seen on CyTOF. Otherwise, there were no significant differences in markers of immune activation/exhaustion or immune cell population subsets in the combination arm and enzalutamide monotherapy arm. IHC also did not show a significant difference in immune cell population subsets in bone biopsy specimens before and after treatment in both arms. However, treatment with the combination arm did show significantly increased levels of pSTAT3 (p = 0.04), which was not seen in the enzalutamide monotherapy arm. Conclusions: Our study showed an overall lack of evidence for immune activation or cytokine induction with the combination, which does not make a strong case for combinatorial immunotherapy approaches. However, the combination did induce higher levels of pSTAT3, which has been implicated in radio-resistance. Therefore, the addition of a STAT3 inhibitor to the combination may be of interest to improve efficacy. Full article

Hard carbon anodes are promising for sodium-ion batteries due to their low cost and high reversible capacity. However, the long-term Na⁺ (de)intercalating process destroys the structure of the two-phase interface between the electrode and electrolyte, impairing cycling stability. In this paper, a few-layer graphene (FLG)-coated hard carbon fiber composite is constructed. A uniform graphene encapsulation is confirmed by synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy technologies. Post-cycling observation reveals FLG participation in forming a hybrid solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). At a proper concentration, the FLG with a small specific surface area and pore size characteristics is well matched in the SEI. The FLG-integrated SEI not only mitigates volume expansion but also enhances ion conductivity through its oxygen-rich functional groups. As a result, the composite structure maintains 98.2% capacity retention after 100 cycles and reaches 164 mAh g⁻¹ at 1000 mA g⁻¹, compared to 97 mAh g⁻¹ for the pristine hard carbon. This work demonstrates that FLG coating simultaneously stabilizes the interfacial chemistry and improves the ion transport, offering a practical pathway to advance hard carbon anodes for high-performance sodium-ion batteries. Full article

Aluminum toxicity severely inhibits root elongation and nutrient uptake, causing global agricultural yield losses. Dissolved Al³⁺ are accumulating in plants and subsequently entering food chains via crops and forage plants. Chronic dietary exposure to Al³⁺ poses a risk to human health. In this study, Pseudomonas sp. strain ADAl3–4, isolated from plant rhizosphere soil, significantly enhanced plant development and biomass. Phenotypic validation using Arabidopsis mutants showed that strain ADAl3–4 regulates plant growth and development under aluminum stress by reprogramming the cell cycle, regulating auxin and ion homeostasis, and enhancing the root absorption of Al³⁺ from the soil. Transcriptomic and biochemical analyses showed that strain ADAl3–4 promotes plant growth via regulating signal transduction, phytohormone biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and antioxidant capacity, etc., under aluminum stress. Our findings indicate that Pseudomonas sp. strain ADAl3–4 enhances plant development and stress resilience under Al³⁺ toxicity through a coordinated multi-dimensional regulatory network. Furthermore, strain ADAl3–4 promoted the root absorption of aluminum rather than the transportation of Al to the aerial part, endowing it with application prospects. Full article

The functional exploration of marine-derived proteins is at the forefront of nutritional research. The Argentine squid protein (ASP) was extracted from Argentine squid carcasses and was hydrolyzed using neutral protease, with the degree of hydrolysis serving as the response variable. Using single-factor experiments and response surface methodology, we identified optimal conditions for preparing Argentine squid protein peptides (ASPP). The hydrolysis degree reached 41.32% ± 0.27 under the conditions of 7% enzyme preparation addition, 2.4 h enzyme digestion time, and 6% substrate concentration. The ASPP was subsequently chelated with zinc sulfate to produce Zn-ASPP, whose structural and functional properties—including particle size, FTIR, DSC, viscosity, SEM, solubility, emulsibility, foamability, and antioxidant capacity—were systematically characterized. The results indicate that Zn-ASPP forms stable nanoparticles with strong antioxidant activity. The strongest antioxidant capacity reached 73.79% at a solution pH of 8, making it particularly valuable for food industry applications. This work may provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the development of zinc-fortified marine protein supplements with enhanced antioxidant properties. Full article