Search Results (106)

Objective: This study explores the material basis and biological functions of meridian interstitial channels in mini-pigs proximal to the stomach meridian by analyzing differential proteomics between interstitial channels and adjacent non-interstitial channel tissues. Methods: Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) under data-dependent acquisition mode was employed to analyze and identify the proteome of subcutaneous connective tissues along the stomach meridian and adjacent tissues. SWATH MS^ALL method and omicsbean online analysis platforms were used for protein quantification and differential proteomic analysis. Differential proteins were subjected to Gene Ontology annotation and KEGG pathway analysis to understand their functions and biological processes. Combining traditional Chinese meridian theory with modern meridian research, proteins most relevant to meridian functions were selected, and their expression levels were assessed using Western blotting. Results: GO annotation and KEGG pathway analysis revealed differences in molecular functions, biological processes, and metabolic pathways among differential proteins. Most downregulated proteins were enzyme functional proteins involved in amino acid metabolism (GOT1), adenosine nucleotide balance conversion (AK1), and calcium ion-binding processes (ANXA6). Most upregulated proteins were structural proteins in the extracellular matrix—collagen proteins (COL3A1, COL6A1, COL6A3, COL6A6, COL12A1, COL14A1) and proteoglycans (DCN, BGN, FMOD)—involved in influencing and regulating collagen fiber generation and arrangement. Intriguingly, almost all differential proteins were associated with gastrointestinal diseases, implying a pathological correlation of differential proteins in the stomach meridian interstitial channel. Conclusions: The stomach meridian interstitial channels in mini-pigs show 72 differentially expressed proteins compared to adjacent tissues. These differences include the upregulation of structural proteins and downregulation of functional proteins, potentially forming the molecular biological basis for the structural and functional specificity of meridians. Full article

Quercetin (Qc) is a natural bioactive compound derived from plants, with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its extreme water insolubility limits its bioavailability and practical utility. To address this, quercetin was encapsulated in ginkgo-derived starch nanoparticles (SNPs) to enhance solubility and stability. In this study, the bioactivity and cellular effects of the SNPs/Qc system were evaluated. Results showed excellent biocompatibility with no toxicity or adverse effects observed in experimental mice. At 25 µg/mL, SNPs/Qc significantly promoted early apoptosis in 3LL cells (33%) and blocked the cell cycle at G1 and G2 phases. The system demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on abnormal cell proliferation, with significant activity observed 6 h (hour) post-treatment. Compared with free quercetin, the SNPs/Qc system has dual advantages in improving the bioavailability of quercetin and tumor targeted penetration. After 15 days of ingestion, the survival rate of mice in the SNPs/Qc group increased by 20%, and the tumor volume was only 239 mm³, corresponding to a 49.4% decrease. At the same time, specific damage to the cell structure of tumor cells and higher intensity fluorescence accumulation were observed. This study reveals the potential of the SNPs/Qc system as a biocompatible and efficient delivery platform for natural bioactive compounds, particularly in health promotion and functional food applications. Full article

The co-application of biochar, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and phosphorus- and potassium-bearing minerals has emerged as a promising strategy for improving soil nutrient availability. However, the synergistic effects and impact factors that facilitate this optimization are yet to be fully elucidated. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a pot experiment to evaluate the effects of these amendments on tea yield and phosphorus (P)/potassium (K) availability, while employing Random Forest (RF) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to reveal the underlying mechanisms driving these improvements. The results demonstrated that the tripartite combination significantly enhanced tea yield, leaf P/K concentrations, and soil available P (AP)/available K (AK) levels compared to individual applications or pairwise combinations. Analytical modeling identified Chloroflexi bacteria containing pqqc functional genes as key drivers of AP enhancement. The AP was further modulated by β-glucosidase activity, NaHCO₃-P, and AK levels. Critical determinants of AK dynamics included phosphorus-solubilizing bacterial populations, catalase activity, and fundamental soil chemical properties. In summary, our research conclusively shows that the co-application of phosphorus- and potassium-bearing minerals, PGPR, and biochar represents an effective approach to enhancing P and K accessibility in soil, thereby offering a viable alternative to conventional P and K fertilizers in tea cultivation. Full article

Background: Early evaluation of treatment efficacy in adolescents and young adults with major depressive episodes (MDEs) remains a clinical challenge, often delaying timely therapeutic adjustments. Electroencephalography (EEG) alpha traveling waves, particularly those elicited by intermittent photic stimulation (IPS), may serve as biomarkers reflecting neural dynamics. This study aimed to investigate whether IPS-induced alpha traveling waves could predict early treatment outcomes in transitional-aged youth with MDEs. Methods: We recorded EEG signals from 119 patients aged 16–24 years at admission, prior to a standardized two-week treatment regimen. IPS was applied using multiple stimulus frequencies, and alpha traveling waves were analyzed in terms of directionality (forward vs. backward) and hemispheric lateralization. Results: Alpha traveling wave amplitudes varied across individuals, depending on stimulus frequency and hemisphere. Notably, a higher amplitude of backward alpha traveling waves at 10 Hz IPS in the left hemisphere significantly predicted positive early treatment response. In contrast, forward waves and right hemisphere responses did not show predictive value. Conclusions: IPS-induced backward alpha traveling waves in the left hemisphere may represent promising EEG biomarkers for early prediction of treatment efficacy in youth with MDEs. These findings offer a potential neurophysiological tool to support personalized treatment strategies and inform future clinical applications in adolescent and young adult depression. Full article

Background: Liver regeneration is a critical measure of liver health and plays an essential role in inhibiting the progression of fibrotic lesions and preventing liver failure after hepatocellular carcinoma surgery. However, there are no approved drugs to address this clinical challenge. Methods: The effects of TUDCA on liver regeneration and fibrosis were studied using BRL-3A cells, a partial hepatectomy (PH) rat liver regeneration model, and a carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis model. GATA3-knockdown BRL-3A cells were employed to assess the role of GATA3 in TUDCA-induced proliferation. Results: TUDCA promoted the proliferation of BRL-3A cells and enhanced liver regeneration in PH rats while ameliorating liver fibrosis in CCl₄-treated rats. Additionally, the knockdown of GATA3 eliminated the proliferative effect of TUDCA on BRL-3A cells. Conclusions: TUDCA promotes liver regeneration and alleviates liver fibrosis by activating GATA3. Full article

Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for almost all organisms; however, the genetic basis regarding copper accumulation remains unclear. In the present study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed on the Cu concentration in grains of 207 wheat accessions based on five multi-locus models (FASTmrMLM, ISIS EM-BLASSO, mrMLM, pKWmEB, pLARmEB). A total of 86 significant quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) were identified using five methods, with the mrMLM model detecting the fewest QTNs, only 12, while the other four models detected 21–40 QTNs. Thirty stable QTNs were detected in multiple environments or multiple models, mainly distributed on chromosomes 2A, 4B, 2B, and 5A, explaining 0.5–29.3% of the phenotypic variation. Finally, five potential candidate genes associated with Cu absorption and transport in the genomic regions near the reliable QTNs were screened out, including TraesCS2A02G505500 and TraesCS4B02G019300 (zinc transporters), TraesCS2B02G313200 (copper transporter), TraesCS3A02G042600 and TraesCS3B02G040900 (metal tolerance protein). These findings provide new insights into the genetic basis for Cu accumulation in wheat grains and demonstrate the role of the multi-locus GWAS (ML-GWAS) method. Full article

X-ray response performances of a p-NiO/β-Ga₂O₃ hetero-junction diode (HJD) X-ray detector were studied before and after γ-ray irradiation at −200 V, with a total dose of 13.5 kGy(Si). The response performances of the HJD X-ray detector were influenced by the trap-assistant conductive process of the HJD under reverse bias, which exhibited an increasing net (response) current, nonlinearity, and a long response time. After irradiation, the Poole–Frenkel emission (PFE) dominated the leakage current of HJDs due to the higher electric field caused by the increased net carrier concentration of β-Ga₂O₃. This conductive process weakened the performance of the HJD X-ray detector in terms of sensitivity, output linearity, and response speed. This study provided valuable insights into the radiation damage and performance degradation mechanisms of Ga₂O₃-based radiation detectors and offered guidance on improving the reliability and stability of these radiation detectors. Full article

Histone methylation and acetylation play potential roles in plant growth and development through various histone modification (HM) genes. However, studies of HM genes are still limited in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), a globally important oilseed crop. Here, comprehensive identification and investigation of HM genes were performed using the whole genome of peanut, and a total of 207 AhHMs encoding 108 histone methyltransferases, 51 histone demethylases, 16 histone acetylases, and 32 histone deacetylases were identified. Detailed analysis of these AhHMs, including chromosome locations, gene structures, protein motifs, and protein–protein interactions, was performed. Tandem, segmental, transposed, dispersed, and whole-genome duplications were involved in the evolution and expansion of the HM gene families in peanut. Ka/Ks analysis indicated that the AhHMs underwent purifying selection. The expression profiles of the 207 AhHMs were investigated during the pod and seed development stages on the basis of the transcriptome sequencing results. Quantitative real-time PCR confirmed that eight AhHMs were differentially expressed during pod and seed development. These results provide data support for further studying the epigenetic mechanism of peanut histones, deepen the understanding of seed development, and provide a new direction for the cultivation of more high-yield and high-quality peanut varieties. Full article

The current status of multi-mycotoxin contamination in edible and medicinal plants demands urgent development of high-throughput analytical methods for mycotoxin detection. In this study, a reliable and sensitive method for the simultaneous analysis of 73 mycotoxins was established and successfully applied to detect mycotoxins in 260 samples of four dual-purpose plants (lotus seed, coix seed, licorice root, and dried tangerine peel). Sample preparation involved optimized QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) extraction combined with liquid–liquid extraction purification, and an enhanced ion pair library was established to reduce matrix interference and improve the method’s universality. Method validation demonstrated recovery rates ranging from 61.6% to 118.6% for all compounds, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 15%. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.25–12.25 μg/kg and 0.5–25 μg/kg, respectively. Based on the contamination analysis and health risk assessment using Margin of Exposure (MOE) and Hazard Index (HI) methods, we found that multi-mycotoxin contamination is highly prevalent in edible and medicinal plants, with different components being susceptible to invasion by distinct fungal genera. Seed-type plants showed high susceptibility to Aspergillus (53.3%) and Fusarium (22.2%) contamination, with MOE values below 10,000 for aflatoxins indicating potential health risks. Physical state and good storage conditions significantly influenced contamination levels, with fragmented samples showing substantially higher mycotoxin levels. Additionally, mycotoxins with associated biosynthetic metabolic pathways were frequently detected simultaneously in highly contaminated samples. Based on these findings, we recommend implementing strict moisture control during storage, maintaining intact product form where possible, and establishing comprehensive supplier qualification systems. This study provides valuable reference for monitoring mycotoxin contamination in similar plants. Full article

Background: The link between chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and poverty in underdeveloped countries is debated. This study aims to examine socioeconomic inequalities related to NCDs and assess the contributing factors to these disparities. Methods: The study utilized data from the National Health Services Survey in Shaanxi Province for 2003, 2008, and 2013, having 71,766 respondents. The concentration index (CI) was employed to rigorously quantify the degree of socioeconomic inequality in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The CI decomposition identified the contribution of each variable, while the horizontal inequity (HI) index was calculated annually to assess changes in inequality. Additionally, a Probit model was employed to examine the significant determinants contributing to the occurrence of NCDs. Results: The results show a significant increase in NCD prevalence with age, particularly for individuals aged 60 and above, who experienced a 286.55% rise from 2003 to 2013. Higher education levels are associated with decreased NCD prevalence, as evidenced by a 74.13% reduction for those with high school education or above. Additionally, wealthier individuals had a 15.31% lower prevalence of NCDs, indicating that higher socioeconomic status correlates with a reduced likelihood of chronic diseases. Conclusions: The study finds that NCD prevalence significantly increases with age, while higher education levels and greater wealth are associated with reduced prevalence. These findings highlight the need to target older populations and lower socioeconomic groups for effective NCD prevention and management. Policies should focus on improving educational opportunities and socioeconomic conditions to reduce the burden of NCDs, particularly among older and economically disadvantaged groups. Full article

Wavelet-based edge detection methods have evolved significantly over the years, contributing to advances in image processing, computer vision, and pattern recognition. This paper proposes a new local optimal spline wavelet (LOSW) and the dual wavelet of the LOSW. Then, a pair of dual filters can be obtained, which can provide distortion-free signal decomposition and reconstruction, while having stronger denoising and feature capture capabilities. The coefficients of the pair of dual filters are calculated for image edge detection. We propose a new LOSW-based edge detection algorithm (LOSW-ED), which introduces a structural uncertainty–aware modulus maxima (SUAMM) to detect highly uncertain edge samples, ensuring robustness in complex and noisy environments. Additionally, LOSW-ED unifies multi-structure morphology and modulus maxima to fully exploit the complementary properties of low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) components, enabling multi-stage differential edge refinement. The experimental results show that the proposed LOSW and LOSW-ED algorithm has better performance in noise suppression and edge structure preservation. Full article

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious complication of pregnancy linked to endothelial dysfunction and an imbalance in the gut microbiota. While Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) has shown promise in alleviating PE symptoms, the use of live bacteria raises safety concerns. This study explored the potential of pasteurized A. muciniphila (pAKK) as a safer alternative for treating PE, focusing on its effects on endothelial function and metabolic regulation. A PE mouse model was induced via the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME, followed by treatment with either pAKK or live AKK. Fecal metabolomic profiling was performed via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and in vivo and in vitro experiments were used to assess the effects of pAKK on endothelial function and metabolic pathways. pAKK exhibited therapeutic effects comparable to those of live AKK in improving L-NAME-induced PE-like phenotypes in mice, including enhanced gut barrier function and reduced endotoxemia. pAKK also promoted placental angiogenesis by restoring endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and nitric oxide (NO) production. The in vitro experiments further confirmed that pAKK alleviated L-NAME-induced NO reduction and endothelial dysfunction in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Metabolomic analysis revealed that both pAKK and live AKK reversed metabolic disturbances in PE by modulating key metabolites and pathways related to unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, folate, and linoleic acid metabolism. As a postbiotic, pAKK may support existing treatments for preeclampsia by improving gut barrier function, restoring endothelial function, and regulating metabolic dysregulation, offering a safer alternative to live bacteria. These findings highlight the potential clinical value of pAKK as an adjunctive therapy in managing PE. Full article

The source region of the Yellow River (SRYR) serves as a crucial ecological barrier on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in China. In recent decades, the ecological condition of the SRYR has deteriorated, resulting in a state of ecological insecurity. This state of affairs endangers the region’s living environment, aggravates poverty, and seriously hinders the region’s sustainable ecological, social, and economic development. Ecosystems, landscape patterns, ecological carrying capacity (ECC), and drivers interact with each other in the region, shaping the regional ecological pattern’s past, present, and future. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these interactions have yet to be elucidated. Based on the land use type data of the SRYR in China for the last 30 years in seven periods (1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020), and combined with the ecological footprint method, we carried out a study of spatial and temporal changes at the county scale and the source region scale, used the landscape pattern index to describe the changes in ECC, and analyzed the main drivers that affect the ECC of the source region. The results indicate the following: (1) Over the past 30 years, the greatest changes in the area have occurred in grasslands and unused lands. Between 2005 and 2010, a significant conversion of unused lands to grasslands occurred in the SRYR, amounting to 7382.33 km², mainly distributed in Maduo County and Maqin County. (2) The absolute ecological carrying capacity (AECC) of grasslands in the SRYR has shown an upward trend, while that of forests has declined. The ECC of the source region has generally increased, with higher ECC observed in Maqin County, Maduo County, and Xinghai County. (3) The spatial distribution of ECC in the SRYR has shown non-uniform changes, with an increasing trend observed across all county-level areas. The spatial heterogeneity of AECC is high, with minor overall spatial distribution changes. (4) There is a positive correlation between the ECC of the SRYR with SPLIT, PARA_MN, and COHESION (p < 0.05). The impact of landscape pattern indices on ECC ranked as COHESION > PARA_MN > SPLIT. (5) Principal component analysis indicates that the primary driving forces of the SRYR’s ECC are social factors, such as urban population (X₅) and per capita GDP (X₈), with natural factors being less significant than social factors. This research is crucial for maintaining ECC in the SRYR, protecting and restoring the ecological environment, and ensuring the sustainable development of the economy and society. Full article

Gynura formosana Kitam possesses beneficial properties such as heat-clearing, detoxification, and cough suppression, making it a highly nutritious plant with significant economic value. During its growth, the plant’s leaves are prone to infections that can impair stomatal function and hinder growth. Effective identification of stomatal openings and timely application of appropriate chemicals or hormones or indirect environmental adjustments (such as light, temperature, and humidity) to regulate stomatal openings are essential for maintaining the plant’s healthy growth. Currently, manual observation is the predominant method for monitoring stomatal openings of Gynura formosana Kitam, which is complex, labor-intensive, and unsuitable for automated detection. To address this, the study improves upon YOLOv8s by proposing a real-time, high-precision stomatal detection model, Refined GIoU. This model substitutes the original IoU evaluation methods in YOLOv8s with GIoU, DIoU, and EIoU while incorporating the SE (Squeeze-and-Excitation) and SA (Self-Attention) attention mechanisms to enhance understanding of feature representation and spatial relationships. Additionally, enhancements to the P2 layer improve the feature extraction and scale adaptation. The effectiveness of the Refined GIoU is demonstrated through training and validation on a dataset of 1500 images of Gynura formosana Kitam stomata. The results show that the Refined GIoU achieved an average precision (mAP) of 0.935, a recall of 0.98, and an F1-score of 0.88, reflecting an excellent overall performance. The GIoU loss function is better suited to detecting stomatal openings of Gynura formosana Kitam, significantly enhancing the detection accuracy. This model facilitates the automated, real-time monitoring of stomatal openings, allowing for timely control measures and improved economic benefits of Gynura formosana Kitam cultivation. Full article

Enteroviruses have been a historical concern since the identification of polioviruses in humans. Wild polioviruses have almost been eliminated, while multiple species of non-polio enteroviruses and their variants co-circulate annually. To date, at least 116 types have been found in humans and are grouped into the species Enterovirus A–D and Rhinovirus A–C. However, there are few available antiviral drugs, especially with a universal pharmaceutical effect. Here, we demonstrate that peptide P25 from EV-D68 has broad antiviral activity against EV A–D enteroviruses in vitro. P25, derived from the HI loop and β-I sheet of VP1, operates through a conserved hydrophilic motif -R---K-K--K- and the hydrophobic F near the N-terminus. It could prevent viral infection of EV-A71 by competing for the heparan sulfate (HS) receptor, binding and stabilizing virions by suppressing the release of the viral genome. P25 also inhibited the generation of infectious viral particles by reducing viral protein synthesis. The molecular docking revealed that P25 might bind to the pocket opening area, a potential target for broad-spectrum antivirals. Our findings implicate the multiple antiviral effects of peptide P25, including blocking viral binding to the HS receptor, impeding viral genome release, and reducing progeny particles, which could be a novel universal anti-enterovirus drug candidate. Full article