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Authors = Xinping Li

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24 pages, 4254 KiB  
Article
Strength and Micro-Mechanism of Guar Gum–Palm Fiber Composite for Improvement of Expansive Soil
by Junhua Chen, Yuejian Huang, Aijun Chen, Xinping Ji, Xiao Liao, Shouqian Li and Ying Xiao
Fibers 2025, 13(8), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib13080104 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 152
Abstract
This study investigates the improvement effect and micro-mechanism of guar gum and palm fibers, two eco-friendly materials, on expansive soil. The study uses disintegration tests, unconfined compressive strength tests, triaxial compression tests, and SEM analysis to evaluate the enhancement of mechanical properties. The [...] Read more.
This study investigates the improvement effect and micro-mechanism of guar gum and palm fibers, two eco-friendly materials, on expansive soil. The study uses disintegration tests, unconfined compressive strength tests, triaxial compression tests, and SEM analysis to evaluate the enhancement of mechanical properties. The results show that the guar gum–palm fiber composite significantly improves the compressive and shear strength of expansive soil. The optimal ratio is 2% guar gum, 0.4% palm fiber, and 6 mm palm fiber length. Increasing fiber length initially boosts and then reduces unconfined compressive strength. Guar gum increases unconfined compressive strength by 187.18%, further improved by 20.9% with palm fibers. When fiber length is fixed, increasing palm fiber content increases and then stabilizes peak stress and shear strength (cohesion and internal friction angle), improving by 27.30%, 52.1%, and 12.4%, respectively, compared to soil improved with only guar gum. Micro-analysis reveals that guar gum enhances bonding between soil particles via a gel matrix, improving water stability and mechanical properties, while palm fibers reinforce the soil and inhibit crack propagation. The synergistic effect significantly enhances composite-improved soil performance, offering economic and environmental benefits, and provides insights for expansive soil engineering management. Full article
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17 pages, 5077 KiB  
Article
Genomic Features and Tissue Expression Profiles of the Tyrosinase Gene Family in the Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)
by Yanchao Liu, Pan Liu, Tong Ren, Yang Gao, Ziman Wang, Junxian Zhu, Chen Chen, Liqin Ji, Xiaoyou Hong, Xiaoli Liu, Chengqing Wei, Xinping Zhu, Zhangjie Chu and Wei Li
Genes 2025, 16(7), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16070834 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 305
Abstract
In farmed animals, body color is not only an ecological trait but also an important trait that influences the commercial value of the animals. Melanin plays an important role in the formation of body color in animals, while the tyrosinase (TYR) gene family is [...] Read more.
In farmed animals, body color is not only an ecological trait but also an important trait that influences the commercial value of the animals. Melanin plays an important role in the formation of body color in animals, while the tyrosinase (TYR) gene family is a group of key enzymes that regulate melanogenesis. The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is one of the most important reptiles in freshwater aquaculture. However, the potential role of the TYR gene family in the body color formation of P. sinensis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression and conservation of the TYR gene family in relation to body color variation in P. sinensis. Three core members of this gene family were identified from the P. sinensis genome. Following identification, the genomic features were analyzed. They shared similar physicochemical properties and conserved domains. Chromosome mapping showed that the three genes of P. sinensis were all located on the autosomes, while phylogenetic and collinearity analysis suggested that the protein functions of the three genes in the studied species were highly conserved. Amino acid sequence alignment indicated high conservation among the three TYR gene family proteins (TYR, TYRP1, and DCT) in multiple critical regions, particularly in their hydrophobic N-/C-terminal regions and cysteine/histidine-rich conserved domains. The qRT-PCR revealed that the TYR and DCT genes were highly expressed in the eyes of individuals with different body colors. The expression levels of TYR and TYRP1 genes in the skin were significantly higher in dark-colored individuals than in light-colored ones (p < 0.05). These results will lay the groundwork for functional studies and breeding programs targeting color traits in aquaculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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19 pages, 3537 KiB  
Article
Cultivated Land Suitability Prediction in Southern Xinjiang Typical Areas Based on Optimized MaxEnt Model
by Yilong Tian, Xiaohuang Liu, Hongyu Li, Run Liu, Ping Zhu, Chaozhu Li, Xinping Luo, Chao Wang and Honghui Zhao
Agriculture 2025, 15(14), 1498; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15141498 - 12 Jul 2025
Viewed by 284
Abstract
To ensure food security in Xinjiang, scientifically conducting land suitability evaluation is of significant importance. This paper takes an arid and ecologically fragile region of southern Xinjiang—Qiemu County—as an example. Based on the optimized Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model, 14 multi-source environmental variables including [...] Read more.
To ensure food security in Xinjiang, scientifically conducting land suitability evaluation is of significant importance. This paper takes an arid and ecologically fragile region of southern Xinjiang—Qiemu County—as an example. Based on the optimized Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model, 14 multi-source environmental variables including climate, soil, hydrology, and topography are integrated. The ENMeval package is used to optimize the model parameters, and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis is employed to screen key variables. The spatial distribution of land suitability and the dominant factors are systematically assessed. The results show that the model AUC values for the mountainous and plain areas are 0.987 and 0.940, respectively, indicating high accuracy. In the plain area, land suitability is primarily influenced by the soil sand content, while in the mountainous region, the annual accumulated temperature plays a leading role. The highly suitable areas are mainly distributed in the northern plains and parts of the southern mountains. This study clarifies the suitable areas for land development and environmental thresholds, providing a scientific basis for the development of land resources in arid regions and the implementation of the “store grain in the land” strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence and Digital Agriculture)
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14 pages, 2172 KiB  
Article
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of the Chinese Three-Keeled Pond Turtle (Mauremys reevesii)
by Chenyao Zhou, Haoyang Xu, Haiyang Liu, Jipeng Li, Wei Li, Xiaoyou Hong, Chen Chen, Liqin Ji, Xinping Zhu, Bo Zhao and Xiaoli Liu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(12), 5614; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26125614 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 436
Abstract
To investigate the genetic diversity and structure of farmed Chinese three-keeled pond turtles (Mauremys reevesii), we performed whole-genome resequencing on 238 individuals from eight farms across six Chinese regions. Genetic diversity indices (nucleotide diversity π, inbreeding coefficient FHOM, polymorphism [...] Read more.
To investigate the genetic diversity and structure of farmed Chinese three-keeled pond turtles (Mauremys reevesii), we performed whole-genome resequencing on 238 individuals from eight farms across six Chinese regions. Genetic diversity indices (nucleotide diversity π, inbreeding coefficient FHOM, polymorphism information content PIC, observed heterozygosity Ho), principal component analysis (PCA), phylogenetic reconstruction, and population structure analysis were integrated. The results revealed that the Guangdong Maoming (MM) and Anhui Wuwei (WW) populations exhibited the highest genetic diversity (MM: PIC = 0.149, Ho = 0.299; WW: PIC = 0.144, Ho = 0.287), while the Guangdong Huizhou (HZ) and Hunan Changhan (CH) populations showed the lowest diversity due to elevated inbreeding coefficients (HZ: FHOM = 0.043; CH: FHOM = 0.041). Low genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.00043–0.04758) indicated limited population divergence. However, PCA and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that MM and Guangxi Pingxiang (PX) populations formed distinct genetic clusters, suggesting that management differences might contribute to their genetic uniqueness. Admixture analysis identified K = 2 (based on the lowest cross-validation error) as the optimal ancestral cluster number, with MM and PX populations displaying admixed genetic backgrounds while others showed homogeneous compositions. Conservation priorities should focus on preserving MM and PX’s unique genetic resources, introducing genetic material to high-inbreeding populations, and establishing interregional breeding networks. This study provides genomic insights for germplasm conservation and sustainable utilisation of M. reevesii. Full article
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14 pages, 4918 KiB  
Article
Response Mechanism of Soil Microbial Characteristics to Different Land-Use Types in China
by Gang Ma, Yantao Hu, Yangyang Zhang, Yaoguang Han, Keyi Li, Hongtao Jia and Xinping Zhu
Land 2025, 14(6), 1229; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061229 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 473
Abstract
Deciphering the responses of soil properties to land-use changes is of great importance for sustainable management in biogeochemically sensitive zones. This investigation examines the impacts of agricultural conversion on soil-microbial dynamics across four land-use patterns in western Xin-jiang, China: native grassland (NG), two-year [...] Read more.
Deciphering the responses of soil properties to land-use changes is of great importance for sustainable management in biogeochemically sensitive zones. This investigation examines the impacts of agricultural conversion on soil-microbial dynamics across four land-use patterns in western Xin-jiang, China: native grassland (NG), two-year paddy field (PF), one-year corn-rice rotation field (RF), and two-year sorghum field (SF). The results indicate that different land-use types significantly altered soil properties: NG retained superior soil structure, with significantly higher porosity and organic carbon (p < 0.05). Microbial communities differed distinctly across land uses. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria ranked SF > RF > PF > NG, contrasting with Bacteroidota trends. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) revealed divergent structures of soil microbial communities under different land-use types. The results of correlation analysis and structural equation models (SEM) showed that land use could indirectly affect bacterial diversity through its influence on soil physicochemical properties, highlighting that land-use-driven shifts in bulk density, porosity, and carbon content critically shape microbial dynamics, particularly in bacteria. These results underscore the sensitivity of soil properties to land-use practices and offer actionable insights for optimizing soil quality and sustainability in vulnerable regions. Full article
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19 pages, 5211 KiB  
Article
Alterations in the Temporal Variation and Spatial Distribution of Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability Following Electromagnetic Pulse Radiation: A Study Based on Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
by Kexian Wang, Haoyu Wang, Ji Dong, Li Zhao, Hui Wang, Jing Zhang, Xinping Xu, Binwei Yao, Yunfei Lai and Ruiyun Peng
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(6), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15060577 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 446
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have suggested that electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can induce openings in the blood–brain barrier (BBB). However, the temporal variation and spatial distribution of BBB permeability after EMP radiation are difficult to assess using conventional histopathological approaches. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging [...] Read more.
Background: Previous studies have suggested that electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can induce openings in the blood–brain barrier (BBB). However, the temporal variation and spatial distribution of BBB permeability after EMP radiation are difficult to assess using conventional histopathological approaches. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is a valuable tool for the in vivo evaluation of BBB permeability. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the temporal variation and spatial distribution of BBB permeability after EMP radiation in rats using DCE-MRI. Methods: The dose of EMP was estimated through simulations utilizing a digital rat model comprising 16 distinct brain regions. Then, the changes in BBB permeability of the different rat brain regions at different time points (3 h and 24 h) after EMP radiation were evaluated using quantitative DCE-MRI. Furthermore, the spatial difference in BBB permeability was assessed 3 h after exposure. Finally, the dose–effect relationship between the electric field strength and the BBB permeability was also investigated. Results: The results demonstrated that the changes in the values of volume transfer constant (ΔKtrans) significantly increased in several rat brain regions at 3 h after 400 kV/m EMP radiation. These changes vanished 24 h after exposure. Meanwhile, no significant spatial differences in BBB permeability were observed after EMP radiation. Moreover, Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive linear relationship between BBB permeability and the electric field strength within an external electric field strength range of 0 to 400 kV/m at 3 h after EMP radiation. Conclusions: EMP radiation can induce a reversible increase in BBB permeability in rats. Moreover, no significant differences in BBB permeability were found across different brain regions. Additionally, the degree of BBB permeability was positively correlated with the regional electric field strength of EMP radiation within an external electric field strength range of 0 to 400 kV/m at 3 h after EMP radiation. These results indicate the promising potential of employing EMP for transient openings in the BBB, which could facilitate clinical pharmacological interventions via drug delivery into the brain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of MRI in Brain Diseases)
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14 pages, 2597 KiB  
Article
Planting Strategy Optimization Can Increase Maize Yield by Delaying Leaf Senescence and Improving Photosynthetic Capacity
by Li Zhao, Xinrong Duan, Xinping Zhang, Xin Zhang, Linzhuan Song, Pei Chen, Min Liang, Chang Zhang and Chuangyun Wang
Agronomy 2025, 15(5), 1099; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15051099 - 30 Apr 2025
Viewed by 487
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of different planting density and row spacing configurations on maize corn yield, leaf photosynthetic parameters, and senescence characteristics; to reveal the purpose of the physiological mechanism of row density interaction regulatsving maize yield; and to clarify [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of different planting density and row spacing configurations on maize corn yield, leaf photosynthetic parameters, and senescence characteristics; to reveal the purpose of the physiological mechanism of row density interaction regulatsving maize yield; and to clarify the optimal planting combinations for optimizing population structure, delaying leaf senescence, and improving light energy utilization efficiency. In doing so, this study provides a theoretical basis and technical guidance for increasing corn yield, the sustainable development of the maize industry, and improved yield production in Shanxi Province. An experiment was conducted with a two-factor randomized block design, with three planting densities of 60,000 plants/hm2 (D1), 67,500 plants/hm2 (D2), and 75,000 plants/hm2 (D3) in the main area and four-row spacings of 40 + 40 cm, 40 + 80 cm, 50 + 50 cm, and 80 + 80 cm in the secondary area. The maize kernel yield, leaf photosynthetic parameters, malondialdehyde content, and anti-aging key enzyme activities were measured in 2023 and 2024. The results show that with the increase in planting density, the net photosynthetic rate of maize leaves gradually decreased, and the transpiration rate gradually increased. At the same time, too high or too low density will accelerate the aging of maize leaves, which is manifested by the increase in MDA (malondialdehyde) content and the decrease in SOD (superoxide dismutase) and CAT (catalase) activities. The best row spacing configuration performance is 40 + 80 cm, which is conducive to the ventilation and light transmission of maize plants, improves the efficiency of light energy utilization, slows down the aging of plant leaves, and thus promotes maize growth, development, and yield enhancement. The interaction effect between two intercropping maize factors significantly affects corn yield, with a medium density of 67,500, where 6000 is the most effective. Thus, 67,500 plants/hm2 combined with a row spacing of 40 + 80 cm significantly increases corn yield. This combination obtained the highest net photosynthesis, SOD, and CAT of 24.33 µmol·m−2·s−1, 32.54 U·mg−1 and 1038.99 U·g−1, and the lowest transpiration rate and MDA content of 3.47 mmo·m−2·s−1 and 108.95 µmo·L−1, resulting in the highest maize yield of 13,916.46 kg/hm2. In summary, a density of 67,500 plants/hm2 and 40 + 80 cm row spacing is the best combination, improving light energy utilization efficiency, delaying the leaf senescence process, and increasing the yield, which can provide a theoretical reference for the planting pattern of maize in Shanxi Province. Full article
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18 pages, 19701 KiB  
Article
N-Doped Modified MoS2 for Piezoelectric–Photocatalytic Removal of Tetracycline: Simultaneous Improvement of Photocatalytic and Piezoelectric Properties
by Donghai Yuan, Chao Guo, Yuting Ning, Xinping Fu, Xiuqing Li, Xueting Xu, Chen Wang, Yingying Kou and Jun Cui
Water 2025, 17(9), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17091296 - 26 Apr 2025
Viewed by 506
Abstract
Piezoelectric and photocatalytic technologies use mechanical and light energy to decompose environmental contaminants, demonstrating a beneficial synergistic impact. This investigation employs a two-step hydrothermal-calcination technique to synthesize N-doped MoS2 photocatalytic materials. The ideal catalyst, N-MoS2-3, utilizing the synergistic effect of [...] Read more.
Piezoelectric and photocatalytic technologies use mechanical and light energy to decompose environmental contaminants, demonstrating a beneficial synergistic impact. This investigation employs a two-step hydrothermal-calcination technique to synthesize N-doped MoS2 photocatalytic materials. The ideal catalyst, N-MoS2-3, utilizing the synergistic effect of piezoelectric–photocatalysis processes, attained a TC degradation rate of 90.8% in 60 min. The kinetic constant (0.0374 min−1) is 1.75 times greater than the combined rates of single photocatalysis and piezoelectric catalysis, indicating a notable synergistic impact. The material has 80% degradation efficiency after five cycles, indicating its remarkable resilience. Mechanistic investigations reveal that nitrogen doping establishes an internal electric field by modulating the S-Mo-S charge distribution. Photogenerated electrons move to generate •O2, while holes accumulate internally. The ultrasound-induced piezoelectric polarization field interacts with the photogenerated electric field in reverse, thereby synergistically improving carrier separation efficiency and facilitating redox processes. This study emphasizes the viability of non-metal doping as a method for modifying the properties of two-dimensional materials, offering a novel approach to enhance the synergistic attributes of piezoelectric and photocatalytic processes. This technology possesses significant promise for environmental restoration through the utilization of solar and mechanical energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Urban Water Management)
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26 pages, 21510 KiB  
Article
The Study on the Effect of Waterborne Epoxy Resin Content on the Performance of Styrene–Butadiene Rubber Modified Micro-Surface Mixture
by Lihua Zhao, Wenhe Li, Chunyu Zhang, Xinping Yu, Anhao Liu and Jianzhe Huang
Polymers 2025, 17(9), 1175; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17091175 - 25 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 435
Abstract
Conventional micro-surfacing materials often delaminate, crack, or peel. These defects shorten pavement life. High-performance polymer-modified mixtures are essential for rapid pavement maintenance. We added waterborne epoxy resin (WER) at different dosages to styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) to create a composite-modified micro-surfacing mixture. A series [...] Read more.
Conventional micro-surfacing materials often delaminate, crack, or peel. These defects shorten pavement life. High-performance polymer-modified mixtures are essential for rapid pavement maintenance. We added waterborne epoxy resin (WER) at different dosages to styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) to create a composite-modified micro-surfacing mixture. A series of laboratory comparative tests were conducted to investigate the effect of WER content on the overall performance of the WER-SBR micro-surfacing mixture. In addition, the microstructure of the mixtures was observed to analyze the mechanism by which the composite-modified emulsified asphalt enhances material performance, and the optimal WER dosage was determined. The results showed that higher WER content improved abrasion and rutting resistance but gains plateaued above 6% WER. Below 9% WER, mixtures showed good water stability; at 3–6% WER, they also maintained skid and low-temperature crack resistance. Notably, when the WER content was approximately 6%, the WER-SBR micro-surfacing mixture showed significantly reduced abrasion damage after exposure to freeze–thaw cycles, moisture, and salt spray conditions. SEM images confirmed that 6% WER creates a uniform asphalt film over aggregates, boosting mixture performance. Therefore, we recommend 6% WER. This study has developed a WER-SBR composite-modified emulsified asphalt micro-surfacing product with excellent overall performance. It holds significant practical value for extending pavement service life and improving road service quality. Full article
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22 pages, 5342 KiB  
Article
A Hybrid DSCNN-BiLSTM Model for Accurate Wind Turbine Temperature Prediction
by Xinping Li, Zhihui Qi, Zhengrong Zhou and Jun Hu
Processes 2025, 13(4), 1143; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041143 - 10 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 575
Abstract
The temperature variations in wind turbine motors and gearboxes are closely related to their health status, making accurate temperature prediction essential for operational monitoring and early fault detection. However, conventional deep learning-based temperature prediction methods, such as recurrent neural networks (RNN) and convolutional [...] Read more.
The temperature variations in wind turbine motors and gearboxes are closely related to their health status, making accurate temperature prediction essential for operational monitoring and early fault detection. However, conventional deep learning-based temperature prediction methods, such as recurrent neural networks (RNN) and convolutional neural networks (CNN) and their hybrid models, often face challenges in capturing both local feature dependencies and long-term temporal patterns in complex, nonlinear temperature fluctuations. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a hybrid model based on depthwise separable convolutional neural networks (DSCNNs) and bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) networks. The DSCNN module enhances feature extraction from temperature signals, while the BiLSTM module captures long-term dependencies, improving prediction accuracy and robustness. Experimental validation using temperature data from a wind farm in Shaanxi, China, demonstrates that the proposed model outperforms existing deep learning approaches, achieving superior prediction accuracy, better adaptability to temperature fluctuations, and greater robustness in handling complex nonlinear dynamics. Furthermore, the proposed model provides an effective solution for early fault detection in wind turbines, including both mechanical faults (e.g., gearbox wear, bearing overheating) and electrical faults (e.g., winding short circuits, overload conditions), contributing to more reliable condition monitoring in industrial applications. Full article
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14 pages, 2999 KiB  
Article
Downregulated Expression of miR-200c-3p in Plasma Exosome as a Potential Biomarker in Takayasu’s Arteritis
by Lihong Du, Chenglong Fang, Biqing Huang, Xiaofeng Zeng, Jing Li and Xinping Tian
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(7), 2881; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26072881 - 22 Mar 2025
Viewed by 577
Abstract
Our previous work identified several differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in plasma exosomes from Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK) patients. This study aimed to validate these findings and explore the correlation between DEmiRNAs and clinical parameters in untreated TAK. Plasma exosomes were isolated from 30 untreated [...] Read more.
Our previous work identified several differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in plasma exosomes from Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK) patients. This study aimed to validate these findings and explore the correlation between DEmiRNAs and clinical parameters in untreated TAK. Plasma exosomes were isolated from 30 untreated TAK patients and 20 healthy controls. qPCR was used to quantify miR-34a-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-22-3p, miR-200c-3p, and miR-21-5p expression. Correlations between miRNA levels, clinical data, inflammation markers, and T helper cell frequencies were analyzed. The target genes of validated DEmiRNAs were identified using mirDIP, and pathway enrichment analysis was performed using GO/KEGG. The effect of validated DEmiRNAs on the MAPK pathway and proliferation in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) was investigated in vitro. Only miR-200c-3p expression was validated as significantly downregulated in plasma exosomes from untreated TAK patients. Lower miR-200c-3p levels correlated negatively with ITAS-2010 scores and were associated with relapsed disease. MiR-200c-3p levels also negatively correlated with circulating Th17.1 cell frequencies. In vitro, the TAK exosome treatment activated ERK1/2 and JNK pathways and promoted HAEC proliferation, which was inhibited by the miR-200c-3p mimic. The pathway enrichment analysis showed that the MAPK pathway may be involved. This study confirms the reduced miR-200c-3p expression in plasma exosomes from TAK patients, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for vascular inflammation. MiR-200c-3p may exert protective effects in TAK by suppressing MAPK pathway activation and EC proliferation. Full article
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25 pages, 11367 KiB  
Article
An mRNA Vaccine for Herpes Zoster and Its Efficacy Evaluation in Naïve/Primed Murine Models
by Linglei Jiang, Wenshuo Zhou, Fei Liu, Wenhui Li, Yan Xu, Zhenwei Liang, Man Cao, Li Hou, Pengxuan Liu, Feifei Wu, Aijun Shen, Zhiyuan Zhang, Xiaodi Zhang, Haibo Zhao, Xinping Pan, Tengjie Wu, William Jia and Yuntao Zhang
Vaccines 2025, 13(3), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13030327 - 19 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1700
Abstract
Background/Objectives: An overwhelming burden to clinics, herpes zoster (HZ), or shingles, is a painful disease that occurs frequently among aged individuals with a varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection history. The cause of shingles is the reactivation of dormant VZV in the dorsal root ganglia/cranial [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: An overwhelming burden to clinics, herpes zoster (HZ), or shingles, is a painful disease that occurs frequently among aged individuals with a varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection history. The cause of shingles is the reactivation of dormant VZV in the dorsal root ganglia/cranial nerves of the human body. Patients with HZ experience sharp, intense, electric shock-like pain, which makes their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) extremely low. Methods: Various mRNA constructs were designed based on intracellular organelle-targeting strategies and AI algorithm-guided high-throughput automation platform screening and were then synthesized by in vitro transcription and encapsulated with four-component lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Immunogenicity was evaluated on a naïve mouse model, long-term mouse model, and VZV-primed mouse model. Safety was evaluated by a modified “nestlet shredding” method for potential adverse effects induced by vaccines. Comparison between muscular and intradermal administrations was conducted using different inoculated approaches as well. Results: The best vaccine candidate, CVG206, showed robust humoral and cellular immune responses, durable immune protection, and the fewest adverse effects. The CVG206 administered intradermally revealed at least threefold higher humoral and cellular immune responses compared to intramuscular vaccination. The manufactured and lyophilized patch of CVG206 demonstrated good thermal stability at 2–8 °C during 9 months of storage. Conclusions: The lyophilized mRNA vaccine CVG206 possesses remarkable immunogenicity, long-term protection, safety, and thermal stability, and its effectiveness could even be further improved by intradermal administration, revealing that CVG206 is a promising vaccine candidate for HZ in future clinical studies. Full article
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19 pages, 3101 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Past Range Shifts and Niche Dynamics of Giant Pandas Since the Last Interglacial
by Yadong Xu, Xiaoan Liu, Aimei Yang, Ziyi Hao, Xuening Li, Dan Li, Xiaoping Yu and Xinping Ye
Animals 2025, 15(6), 801; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060801 - 12 Mar 2025
Viewed by 689
Abstract
Understanding the response of species to past climate change provides great opportunities to know their adaptive capacity for resilience under future climate change. Since the Late Pleistocene, dramatic climate fluctuations have significantly impacted the distribution of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). However, [...] Read more.
Understanding the response of species to past climate change provides great opportunities to know their adaptive capacity for resilience under future climate change. Since the Late Pleistocene, dramatic climate fluctuations have significantly impacted the distribution of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). However, how the spatial distribution and climatic niche of giant pandas shifted in response to past climate change remain poorly understood. Based on the known distribution records (fossil and present day) and the most updated climate projections for the Last Interglacial (LIG; ~120 ka), Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; ~22 ka), Mid-Holocene (MH; ~6 ka), and the present day, we predicted and compared the distribution and climatic niche of giant pandas. The results show that giant pandas have undergone a considerable range contraction (a 28.27% reduction) followed by a marked range expansion (a 75.8% increase) during the LIG–LGM–MH period, while its climatic niche remained relatively stable. However, from the MH to the current, both the distribution area and climatic niche of giant pandas have undergone significant changes. Our findings suggest that the giant panda may adjust its distribution to track stable climatic niches in response to future climate change. Future conservation planning should designate accessible areas for giant pandas and adjust priority conservation areas as needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecology and Conservation)
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20 pages, 1694 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Optimal Control Strategy of CCUS Technology Innovation in Coal Power Stations Under Environmental Protection Tax
by Chang Su, Xinxin Zha, Jiayi Ma, Boying Li and Xinping Wang
Systems 2025, 13(3), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13030193 - 10 Mar 2025
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 894
Abstract
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology is an essential technology for achieving low-carbon transformation and upgrading of the coal power industry. This study applies optimal control theory to analyze the dynamic optimization of CCUS technological innovation investment in coal power stations under [...] Read more.
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology is an essential technology for achieving low-carbon transformation and upgrading of the coal power industry. This study applies optimal control theory to analyze the dynamic optimization of CCUS technological innovation investment in coal power stations under environmental protection tax. A dynamic control model is constructed to analyze the investment decisions of firms at system steady-state equilibrium, and numerical simulations are performed. The study shows that under both profit maximization and social welfare maximization conditions, a distinct saddle-point steady-state; the environmental protection tax affects technological innovation investment in coal power stations, which in turn affects electricity prices; the learning rate of knowledge accumulation also impacts technological innovation investment: under the social welfare maximization condition, the investment levels in technological innovation, technology, and knowledge accumulation are higher than those under profit maximization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological Innovation Systems and Energy Transitions)
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24 pages, 2536 KiB  
Article
THz Waves Improve Spatial Working Memory by Increasing the Activity of Glutamatergic Neurons in Mice
by Lequan Song, Zhiwei He, Ji Dong, Haoyu Wang, Jing Zhang, Binwei Yao, Xinping Xu, Hui Wang, Li Zhao and Ruiyun Peng
Cells 2025, 14(5), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14050370 - 3 Mar 2025
Viewed by 958
Abstract
Terahertz (THz) waves, a novel type of radiation with quantum and electronic properties, have attracted increasing attention for their effects on the nervous system. Spatial working memory, a critical component of higher cognitive function, is coordinated by brain regions such as the infralimbic [...] Read more.
Terahertz (THz) waves, a novel type of radiation with quantum and electronic properties, have attracted increasing attention for their effects on the nervous system. Spatial working memory, a critical component of higher cognitive function, is coordinated by brain regions such as the infralimbic cortex (IL) region of the medial prefrontal cortex and the ventral cornu ammonis 1 (vCA1) of hippocampus. However, the regulatory effects of THz waves on spatial working memory and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the effects of 0.152 THz waves on glutamatergic neuronal activity and spatial working memory and the related mechanisms were investigated in cell, brain slice, and mouse models. Cellular experiments revealed that THz waves exposure for 60 min significantly increased the intrinsic excitability of primary hippocampal neurons, enhanced glutamatergic neuron activity, and upregulated the expression of molecules involved in glutamate metabolism. In brain slice experiments, THz waves markedly elevated neuronal activity, promoted synaptic plasticity, and increased glutamatergic synaptic transmission within the IL and vCA1 regions. Molecular dynamics simulations found that THz waves could inhibit the ion transport function of glutamate receptors. Moreover, Y-maze tests demonstrated that mice exposed to THz waves exhibited significantly improved spatial working memory. Multiomics analyses indicated that THz waves could induce changes in chromatin accessibility and increase the proportion of excitatory neurons. These findings suggested that exposure to 0.152 THz waves increased glutamatergic neuronal activity, promoted synaptic plasticity, and improved spatial working memory, potentially through modifications in chromatin accessibility and excitatory neuron proportions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cells of the Nervous System)
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