Search Results (284)

The increasing use of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), and personal care products (PCPs) has led to the widespread presence of organic micropollutants (OMPs) in aquatic environments, posing a significant global challenge for environmental conservation. In recent years, advanced materials-based nanofiltration (NF) technologies have emerged as a promising solution for water and wastewater treatment. This review begins by examining the sources of OMPs, as well as the risk of OMPs. Subsequently, the key criteria of NF membranes for OMPs are discussed, with a focus on the roles of pore size, charge property, molecular interaction, and hydrophilicity in the separation performance. Against that background, this review summarizes and analyzes recent advancements in materials such as metal organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), graphene oxide (GO), MXenes, hybrid materials, and environmentally friendly materials. It highlights the porous nature and structural diversity of organic framework materials, the advantage of inorganic layered materials in forming controllable nanochannels through stacking, the synergistic effects of hybrid materials, and the importance of green materials. Finally, the challenges related to the performance optimization, scalable fabrication, environmental sustainability, and complex separation of advanced materials-based membranes for OMP removal are discussed, along with future research directions and potential breakthroughs. Full article

Understanding the metabolic characteristics of pineapple varieties is crucial for market expansion and diversity. This study performed comparative metabolomic analysis on the “Comte de Paris” (BL) and three Taiwan-introduced varieties: “Tainong No. 11” (XS), “Tainong No. 23” (MG), and “Tainong No. 13” (DM). A total of 551 metabolites were identified across the four varieties, with 231 metabolites exhibiting no significant differences between all varieties. This included major sugars such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose, as well as key acids like citric, malic, and quinic acids, indicating that the in-season maturing fruits of different pineapple varieties can all achieve good sugar–acid accumulation under suitable conditions. The differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) that were identified among the four varieties all primarily belonged to several major subclasses, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, amino acids and derivatives, and alkaloids, but the preferentially accumulated metabolites in each variety varied greatly. Specifically, branched-chain amino acids (L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine) and many DAMs in the flavonoid, phenolic acid, lignan, and coumarin categories were most abundant in MG, which might contribute to its distinct and enriched flavor and nutritional value. XS, meanwhile, exhibited a notable accumulation of aromatic amino acids (L-phenylalanine, L-tryptophan), various phenolic acids, and many lignans and coumarins, which may be related to its unique flavor profile. In DM, the dominant accumulation of jasmonic acid might contribute to its greater adaptability to low temperatures during autumn and winter, allowing off-season fruits to maintain good quality. The main cultivar BL exhibited the highest accumulation of L-ascorbic acid and many relatively abundant flavonoids, making it a good choice for antioxidant benefits. These findings offer valuable insights for promoting different varieties and advancing metabolome-based pineapple improvement programs. Full article

Quarry dust (QD) landfill causes environmental issues that cannot be ignored. In this study, we systematically explore its potential application as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in cemented paste backfill (CPB), revealing the activated mechanism of modified QD (MQD) and exploring the hydration process and workability of CPB containing QD/MQD. The experimental results show that quartz, clinochlore and amphibole components react with CaO to form reactive dicalcium silicate (C₂S) and amorphous glass phases, promoting pozzolanic reactivity in MQD. QD promotes early aluminocarbonate (M_c) formation through CaCO₃-derived CO₃²⁻ release but shifts to hemicarboaluminate (H_c) dominance at 28 d. MQD releases active Al³⁺/Si⁴⁺ due to calcination and deconstruction, significantly increasing the amount of ettringite (AFt) in the later stage. With the synergistic effect of coarse–fine particle gradation, MQD-type fresh backfill can achieve a 161 mm flow spread at 20% replacement. Even if this replacement rate reaches 50%, a strength of 19.87 MPa can still be maintained for 28 days. The good workability and low carbon footprint of MQD-type backfill provide theoretical support for—and technical paths toward—QD recycling and the development of low-carbon building materials. Full article

(1) Background: As society progresses, increasing numbers of individuals are experiencing hair loss, which can be attributed to factors such as unhealthy diets, insufficient sleep, stress, and hormonal imbalances. Currently available pharmacological treatments for hair loss often cause undesirable side effects, highlighting the urgent need to explore safer and more effective agents to promote hair restoration. This study investigated the role of recombinant human type XVII collagen derived from the α1 chain (rhCOL17A1) in facilitating hair growth and restoration. (2) Methods: We analyzed the impact of rhCOL17A1 on the mRNA expression of several growth factors, as well as Bcl-2 and Bax, at the cellular level. Moreover, the effects of rhCOL17A1 on the expression of key proteins in the Wnt/β-catenin and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH)/GLI signaling pathways were examined by Western blotting (WB). At the organismal level, we established a model in C57BL/6 mice through chronic subcutaneous administration of 5% testosterone propionate. We subsequently assessed the effect of rhCOL17A1 on hair regrowth via histological analysis using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunofluorescence staining. (3) Results: rhCOL17A1 contributes to the resistance of hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) to apoptosis. rhCOL17A1 activates the Wnt/β-catenin and SHH/GLI signaling pathways, and increases the expression of type XVII collagen (COLXVII), thereby creating a favorable environment for hair growth. Furthermore, rhCOL17A1 exerts a significant growth-promoting effect at the animal level. (4) Conclusions: rhCOL17 promotes hair growth by activating the Wnt/β-catenin and SHH/GLI signaling pathways and upregulating COLXVII expression. Full article

Rumen microbiota and metabolites play important roles in energy metabolism and immune regulation in the host. However, the underlying mechanisms of their interaction with the host to regulate yak plateau adaptation remain unknown. In this study, the effects of altitude on the rumen microbiome, metabolome, and fermentation parameters of yaks were analyzed. The fiber content of pasture grasses increased with altitude, while crude protein content was significantly higher at an altitude of 2800 m (T2800) compared to an altitude of 4500 m (T4500) (p < 0.05). The acetic acid, propionic acid, and volatile fatty acids of yaks in the T4500 group were significantly higher than in the T2800 group (p < 0.05). Simpson’s index of rumen microorganisms in the T4500 group of yaks was significantly higher than in T2800 and T3500 yaks. The relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Succiniclasticum was significantly higher in T4500 than in T2800, while Prevotella and Streptococcus were more abundant in T2800 than in T4500. Rumen metabolomics analyses revealed that yak rumen metabolites at different altitudes were influenced by forage and altitude, mainly affecting energy metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis (such as purine and glycerophospholipid metabolism). In summary, altitude may influence rumen microbes and metabolites through pasture nutrient composition. Full article

For a given timetable in urban rail transit systems, this paper presents a practical energy efficiency optimization problem that carries out adjustments to the timetable, with the goal of energy saving. We propose two strategies to address this challenge, including adjusting the section running time by selecting a speed profile and improving the utilization of regenerative braking energy by adjusting the trains’ departure time. Constraints on the range of adjustment for energy-efficient time elements are constructed for maintaining the stability of elements of the given timetable. An energy efficiency optimization model is then established to minimize the total net energy consumption of the timetable, and a solution algorithm based on a genetic algorithm is proposed. We make small-scale adjustments to trains’ running trajectories to optimize the overlap time of braking and traction conditions among multiple trains. The case of the Guangzhou Metro Line 8 in China is presented to verify the effectiveness and practicality of our method. The results show that the consumption of traction energy is reduced by 0.95% and the use of regenerative braking energy is increased by 8.18%, with an improvement in energy efficiency of 6.78%. This method can achieve relatively significant energy efficiency results while ensuring the stable service quality of the train timetable and can provide support for an energy-efficient train timetable for urban rail transit operation enterprises. Full article

Accurate diagnosis of the insulation condition of stator windings in pumped storage generator-motor units is crucial for ensuring the safe and stable operation of power systems. Time domain dielectric response testing is an effective method for rapidly diagnosing the insulation condition of capacitive devices, such as those in pumped storage generator-motors. To precisely identify the conductivity and relaxation process parameters of the insulating medium and accurately diagnose the insulation condition of the stator windings, this paper proposes a method for identifying the insulation dielectric response parameters of stator windings based on sparsity-enhanced dynamic mode decomposition of the depolarization current. First, the measured depolarization current time series is processed through dynamic mode decomposition (DMD). An iterative reweighted L1 (IRL1)-based method is proposed to formulate a reconstruction error minimization problem, which is solved using the ADMM algorithm. Based on the computed modal amplitudes, the dominant modes—representing the main insulation relaxation characteristics—are separated from spurious modes caused by noise. The parameters of the extended Debye model (EDM) are then calculated from the dominant modes, enabling precise identification of the relaxation characteristic parameters. Finally, the accuracy and feasibility of the proposed method are verified through a combination of simulation experiments and laboratory tests. Full article

Numerical simulation is a vital tool in the development of FeCrAl alloy cladding tubes, with its reliability closely tied to the predictive accuracy of the thermal deformation constitutive model used. In this study, hot compression tests on 0Cr23Al5 alloy were conducted using a Gleeble-3800 thermal compression testing machine (Dynamic Systems Inc., located in Albany, NY, USA), across a temperature range of 850–1050 °C and a strain rate range of 0.1–10 s⁻¹. Based on the data obtained, both the Arrhenius constitutive model and the artificial neural network (ANN) model were developed. The ANN model demonstrated significantly superior predictive accuracy, with an average absolute relative error (AARE) of only 0.70% and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.99 MPa, compared to the Arrhenius model (AARE of 4.30% and RMSE of 14.47 MPa). Further validation via the VUHARD user subroutine in ABAQUS revealed that the ANN model has good applicability and reliability in numerical simulations, with its predicted flow stress showing high consistency with the experimental data. The ANN model developed in this study can effectively predict the rheological stress of FeCrAl alloys during hot deformation. It provides methodological support for high-fidelity constitutive modeling of the flow stress of FeCrAl alloys and offers a reliable constitutive model for simulating the thermomechanical load response behavior of FeCrAl alloys. Full article

Background: The associations between physical activity (PA) and all-cause mortality remain under-investigated among individuals with impaired lung function. Methods: With 201,596 participants from the UK Biobank cohort, baseline pre-bronchodilation lung function tests and a modified International Physical Activity Questionnaire were used to assess lung function status (normal, restricted, obstructed) and PA attributes (volume, intensity, duration). All-cause mortality was determined through linkage to the National Health Services Register. Cox proportional hazard regression was applied to characterize the associations between PA metrics and all-cause mortality among people with different lung function statuses. Dose–response relationships between PA metrics and all-cause mortality risks were examined using restricted cubic splines (number of knots = 4). Results: Over a 11.81-year median follow-up, 5.24% of participants died. All-cause mortality risk declined with increasing total PA volume, plateauing at 1800 MET-min/week without further reduction in individuals with and without impaired lung function. Similar trends were observed for PA intensity and duration, with both factors demonstrating reduced mortality risk that plateaued after reaching a specific threshold. Notably, 24.1% (95% CI: 16.7%, 30.8%) and 43.1% (95% CI: 36.1%, 49.7%) lower mortality risk was observed among individuals with and without impaired lung function for PA with 1201–1800 MET-min/wk. Conclusions: PA was associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality among individuals with and without impaired lung function, suggesting that those with impaired lung function might also benefit from PA. Full article

The treatment of burn injuries remains a significant global challenge. Although conventional cellulose-based dressings are still the dominant clinical choice, chitosan-based burn wound dressing materials have emerged as a promising alternative due to their unique physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. In this mini-review, we aim to provide a summary of recent advances in chitosan-based dressing materials and highlight their advantages in the treatment of burn wounds. Specifically, we first outline the chemical structure and synthesis methods of chitosan and its derivatives. Subsequently, various forms of chitosan-based dressings are introduced, with a particular focus on hydrogels and micro/nanofibers dressings, along with an overview of their preparation methods. Considering the microenvironment of the burn wound site, we then summarize the design principles and clinical efficacy of chitosan-based dressings with antimicrobial and/or antioxidative activity. Additionally, the applications of chitosan dressings in tissue engineering for burn treatment are also discussed, including growth factor delivery, gene therapy, and stem cell-based treatments. Finally, we examine the main challenges of chitosan-based dressing materials and the potential future directions. Through this mini-review, we expect to provide new perspectives for the development of wound dressings for burn care. Full article

Dendrobium officinale holds significant value as a traditional medicinal plant, with its stems serving as the primary medicinal component and polysaccharides acting as the key active ingredients. To systematically analyze the biosynthetic pathways of polysaccharides and identify key genes involved in polysaccharide synthesis, this research assessed the water-soluble polysaccharide content and conducted transcriptome sequencing on stem tissues of D. officinale at different developmental stages. The findings revealed that the water-soluble polysaccharide level in D. officinale stems exhibited an increasing trend followed by a decrease, reaching its peak before flowering. Transcriptome analysis identified 5764, 6408, 4477, and 3809 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in groups S1 vs. S2, S2 vs. S3, S3 vs. S4, and S4 vs. S5, respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Enrichment Analysis (KEGG) demonstrated that the DEGs in the S1 vs. S2, S2 vs. S3, and S3 vs. S4 groups were enriched in the starch and sucrose metabolism pathways. Based on the transcriptome sequencing results, expression heat maps of genes correlated with the polysaccharide synthesis pathways of D. officinale clearly showed changes in the expression of polysaccharide synthesis-related genes at five stages. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), three co-expression modules were identified, showing a significant positive correlation with fluctuations in the water-soluble polysaccharide content. From the light blue module with the highest correlation coefficient, 15 key genes potentially closely related to polysaccharide synthesis were identified. This study provides gene resources for the genetic improvement of D. officinale and detailed reference data for further elucidating the molecular mechanisms of polysaccharide biosynthesis. Full article

Angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTLs) represent a family of secreted glycoproteins that are extensively expressed in vivo and are integral to various pathophysiological processes, including glucose and lipid metabolism, stem cell proliferation, local inflammation, vascular permeability, and angiogenesis. Particularly interesting is ANGPTL4, which has been identified as a significant factor in the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), thus becoming a central focus of DR research. ANGPTLs modulate metabolic pathways, enhance vascular permeability, and facilitate pathological angiogenesis, in addition to causing intraocular inflammation. As promising molecular targets, ANGPTLs not only serve as biomarkers for predicting the onset and progression of DR but also present therapeutic potential through antibody-based interventions. This paper discusses the pathogenesis of DR and the potential applications of ANGPTLs in early diagnosis and targeted therapy. It provides references for advancing precision diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies through more profound ANGPTLs research in the future. Full article

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity (SO) represent significant age-related muscular disorders. Their specific biomarkers and pathophysiological mechanisms remain insufficiently elucidated. This study aims to identify differential and shared biomarkers between these conditions to reveal distinct pathophysiological processes, providing a foundation for precision diagnostics and targeted interventions. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining biomarkers related to sarcopenia and SO in adults aged 45 and older. Electronic and manual searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase up to December 2024. The quality of each study was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool. Meta-analysis was performed when at least three studies investigated the same biomarkers in frailty and sarcopenia, calculating the pooled effect size based on the standard mean difference using a random effects model. In total, 80 studies (64 on sarcopenia and 16 on SO) were included, encompassing 36,680 older adults (aged 45 and above) from 16 countries with varying levels of development. Participants were categorized based on their setting, age, and gender distribution. Sarcopenia is characterized by lower serum triglycerides and stable HDL/LDL ratios, while SO presents with higher triglycerides and disrupted cholesterol correlation, indicating distinct metabolic interactions. Analysis of inflammatory profiles revealed significantly elevated CRP levels in SO, with WBC as a specific marker, while TNF-α was associated with sarcopenia, suggesting a subtype-specific role of chronic inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in both conditions and may represent a potential therapeutic target. Subgroup analyses indicated an increased risk of muscle function decline in high-risk communities in developing regions, underscoring the urgent need for early intervention. A set of shared metabolic, hematologic, and inflammatory biomarkers was identified in sarcopenia and SO. These findings address a knowledge gap in biomarker research and highlight the distinct mechanisms involved in the development of both conditions. Developing biomarker-based diagnostic algorithms is essential for optimizing personalized treatment. Subgroup analyses have also identified high-risk populations, underscoring the need for early intervention. Full article

Heavy metal pollution, particularly cadmium (Cd) contamination in water and farmland, might accumulate in natural insect enemies through the food chain. In response to this heavy metal stress, natural enemy insects adapt by altering their metabolism and behaviors. As a result, this investigation aimed to elucidate how the development, reproduction, and feeding of Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are affected under Cd contamination. Compared to the control group, the developmental period of H. axyridis was prolonged, with decreased survival, predation, and body weights. Notably, adult insects exhibited deformation, including molting difficulties and wing deformities, which indicated reduced fitness. The ovarian development of female insects was delayed with reduced size, and the pre-oviposition period was prolonged under Cd contamination. Additionally, the hatching rate of offspring was significantly reduced. The Vitellogenin 1 (Vg1) and Vitellogenin 2 (Vg2) exhibited considerable changes throughout their developmental stages. Our results confirmed that the accumulation of Cd has a significant impact on the growth, development, and normal molting of H. axyridis, affecting the reproduction of H. axyridis. The aforementioned results provide valuable insights into the potential ecological effects of Cd accumulation on the food chain, which can inform strategies for pest control, ecosystem stabilization in rice fields, and potentially novel bioremediation approaches. Thereby establishing a theoretical foundation for pest control and ecosystem stabilization in rice fields under Cd contamination while simultaneously providing novel insights for bioremediation strategies. Full article