Search Results (25,263)

Background: Psoralea corylifolia is a widely used traditional medicinal plant, with its dried mature fruits as the main medicinal part. Flavonoids and coumarins are the primary bioactive compounds of this species. However, the tissue-specific metabolic profiles, gene expression patterns, and potential regulatory factors underlying active compound biosynthesis remain largely uncharacterized across different tissues of P. corylifolia; Methods: In this study, five tissue types (roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits) of P. corylifolia were collected as experimental materials. We performed integrated widely targeted metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis, combined with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), to screen co-expression modules and candidate regulatory factors associated with flavonoid and coumarin accumulation; Results: Distinct tissue specificity was observed at both metabolomic and transcriptomic levels among different tissues, with the most remarkable difference between fruits and other tissues. Signature bioactive compounds including isobavachalcone, bavachin and corylin were specifically and highly accumulated in fruits. Differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis and isoflavonoid biosynthesis pathways. WGCNA revealed that the magenta module was significantly positively correlated with fruit tissues and the contents of the above bioactive metabolites. Six candidate transcription factors were identified from this module and classified into three candidate-priority tiers based on a TF–pathway gene co-expression network (344 edges, |r| ≥ 0.8, p < 0.05) and connectivity metrics. The prioritized hubs were Cluster_22013.0 (C3H-type zinc finger transcription factor) and Cluster_21217.8 (NF-YA; Arabidopsis homolog NFYA9/AT3G20910), with Cluster_9299.0 (Rcd1-like) and Cluster_20910.0 (NAC; Arabidopsis homolog NAC002/AT5G04410) as highly connected positively correlated candidates, while Cluster_31326.1 (bZIP) and Cluster_11436.0 (C2H2) were identified as negatively correlated candidates, with all their significant edges representing negative correlations with pathway genes; Conclusions: This study characterizes tissue-specific metabolic and transcriptomic patterns in P. corylifolia, and identifies candidate co-expression modules and transcription factors associated with flavonoid and coumarin accumulation in fruits. The prioritized TF tiers, including candidate hub and negatively correlated TFs, provide a foundation for future functional studies on the regulation of active compound biosynthesis in P. corylifolia. Full article

Yield losses due to water-deficit (WD) conditions, especially during the reproductive stages of plant development, pose a significant threat to global canola (Brassica napus L.) production. Therefore, it is critical to investigate traits contributing to improved productivity under increased WD conditions. Here we present phenotypic, physiological and transcriptomic changes in response to WD across contrasting canola accessions exhibiting variation in drought resistance-related traits. WD significantly reduced shoot biomass, plant height, harvest index, leaf water content, photosynthetic CO₂ assimilation rate, intrinsic water-use efficiency and carbon isotope discrimination. WD caused 49 to 100% of the seed yield reduction: the minimum seed yield reduction (49.66%) was observed in a doubled-haploid (DH) line, 06-5101.137, while the maximum yield reduction (94.1 to 100%) occurred in the late-flowering DH lines (06.5101.088, 06-5101.306). Seed yield showed a positive correlation (r = 0.35 to 0.97) with shoot biomass, plant height, harvest index, leaf water content, photosynthetic CO₂ assimilation rate, intrinsic water use efficiency and carbon isotope discrimination. However, it showed negative correlations with days to flower, specific leaf weight, root length and root biomass (r = −0.08 to −0.80) across water treatments. The leaf transcriptome analysis of the two parental lines of DH population that exhibit variation for effective water use under well-watered and water-deficient conditions revealed different categories of differentially expressed genes (DEGs): WD-responsive DEGs in BC1329 parental line (1116) and BC9102 (1205) with 754 and 853 DEGs unique to BC1329 and BC9102, respectively, WD-responsive DEGs (906), genotype-dependent DEGs (8465) and genotype × treatment interaction DEGs (353). DEG annotations revealed that the WD-treatment-affected genes were involved in stress responses and growth and development. We further located 235 DEGs within the QTL regions underlying agronomic and physiological performance. Our study provides a conceptual framework for the morphological, physiological and molecular determinants involved in water-use efficiency. Seedlings’ traits with high heritability values, such as shoot biomass, leaf weight, leaf water content and Δ¹³C, serve as proxies for trait-based selection for improved seed yield under both water-limited and non-water-limited conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) has anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective properties associated with activation of the adenosine A_2A receptor (A_2AR). Although hepatoprotective actions of PDRN have previously been described, its potential association with high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)-related inflammatory responses and hepatic macrophage accumulation during acute liver injury (ALI) is not fully understood. This study examined whether PDRN affects HMGB1- and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)-associated responses together with hepatic macrophage accumulation in ALI. Methods: ALI was induced in ICR mice by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) administration. PDRN was administered either alone or together with the selective A_2AR antagonist 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX). Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase were quantified. Histological alterations were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Hepatic macrophage accumulation was assessed by F4/80 immunofluorescence staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to quantify HMGB1, MCP-1, interleukin-10 (IL-10), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and A_2AR. Results: PDRN significantly reduced serum markers of liver injury and attenuated histopathological damage following CCl₄ administration. PDRN treatment also decreased F4/80-positive macrophage accumulation in the hepatic tissue. In addition, PDRN reduced HMGB1 and MCP-1 levels in both the serum and liver tissues while significantly increasing IL-10, cAMP, and A_2AR levels. Conclusions: PDRN attenuated CCl₄-induced ALI and was associated with reduced HMGB1 and MCP-1 levels, decreased hepatic macrophage accumulation, and increased A_2AR/cAMP signaling. These findings suggest that modulation of macrophage-associated inflammatory responses may contribute to the hepatoprotective effects of PDRN. Full article

Background: Stigmasterol (St) holds promise as a natural cholesterol-lowering agent, yet its poor aqueous solubility and low bioaccessibility severely constrain its application in functional foods. Methods: In this study, we exploited whey protein peptides (WPP) with intrinsic cholesterol esterase (CEase) inhibitory activity to construct St-loaded self-assembled nanoparticles. Subsequently, we investigated its physicochemical properties and formation mechanism and evaluated its hypocholesterolemic activity through animal experiments. Results: Driven by non-covalent hydrophobic and hydrogen-bonding interactions, the optimized St-loaded WPP nanoparticles (St@WPP) ((234.47 ± 1.36) nm) achieved a high encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 74.73% ± 2.19%. This nano-encapsulation markedly improved St dispersibility and storage stability, and significantly elevated its bioaccessibility from 9.00% ± 0.14% to 19.41% ± 0.69% after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. St@WPP administration effectively ameliorated dyslipidemia, as evidenced by reduced serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), which may be associated with reduced intestinal cholesterol availability and increased fecal cholesterol content. Moreover, St@WPP alleviated hepatic steatosis, attenuated systemic inflammation, and rebalanced gut microbiota architecture. Conclusions: Collectively, the WPP shell functions as a delivery carrier that improves the water solubility and bioaccessibility of St, thereby broadening its potential for application in low-fat or aqueous-based food systems. The resulting St@WPP exhibits notable cholesterol-lowering activity, positioning it as a promising functional food ingredient with potential benefits for cholesterol management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Repurposing existing drugs may represent a promising strategy for effective cancer therapy. This study was the first to investigate the augmented antitumor therapeutic effect achieved by co-incorporating the NSAID Niflumic acid (NIF) with ceramides into PEGylated cerosomes (NIF-loaded PEG-CERs) in a novel platform that targets specifically the MAPK-ERK signaling pathway and miR-21-5p modulation. Methods: The prepared formulae were statistically optimized utilizing a full factorial design and the optimal formula (C5) was further incorporated into a topical gel and evaluated for ex vivo rat skin permeation, and tested in vivo in a subcutaneous solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC) mice model. Results: The optimal formula (C5) showed tubular elongated morphology with higher EE% (96.71 ± 0.0), lower vesicular size (VS) and PDI values, 292.95 ± 0.78 nm and 0.47 ± 0.0 respectively. A high ZP value (−37.5 ± 0.57 mV) was in accordance with stability results showing good stability of the optimal formula (C5). Permeability studies exhibited 2.02-fold higher skin permeation compared to pure NIF gel. A significant decrease in tumor volume and marked improvement in survival rate in SEC mice were confirmed by downregulation of EGFR, ERK1, ERK2, and miR-21-5p expression. Furthermore, an increase in total antioxidant capacity and caspase-3 levels was observed, accompanied by significant suppression in cyclin D1, MMP-2, COX-2, and MDA levels. Finally, histopathological analysis revealed the superior antitumor effect of C5 gel together with immunohistochemical assay showing the lowest BCL-2-positive staining, indicating the restoration of physiological apoptotic balance. Conclusions: Based on the previous findings, NIF-loaded PEG-CERs offer augmented therapeutic potential for efficient topical skin cancer management in an SEC mice model. Full article

Auxin plays a positive role in plant responses to low-phosphorus stress. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-mediated responses to phosphorus deficiency in alfalfa remain poorly understood. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivar ‘Zhongmu No. 3’ was subjected to two treatments: normal phosphorus (NP, 1000 μM KH₂PO₄) and low phosphorus supplemented with 1 μM IAA (LP + IAA, 10 μM KH₂PO₄). Morphological traits, physiological parameters, transcriptomic profiles, and metabolite accumulation were analyzed at 48 h and 10 days following treatment. Compared with the NP group, plants in the LP + IAA group showed marked changes in growth-related traits. At 48 h, plant height increased by 34%, total root length was 1.24-fold that of the NP group, and lateral root number increased by 23.48%. After 10 days, root fresh weight increased by 28%, total root length was 1.25-fold that of the NP group, lateral root number increased by 36.58%, and root volume increased by 22.2%, whereas plant height, stem diameter, and shoot fresh weight remained comparable to those of the NP group. Root acid phosphatase activity was 114.8% higher than that of the NP group at 48 h. Transcriptome analysis identified 1274 and 2277 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the NP and LP + IAA groups at 48 h and 10 days, respectively. At 48 h, the up-regulated genes were amino phospholipid ATPase 9 and amino alcohol phosphotransferase 1, whereas phosphate transporter 1 and purple acid phosphatase 12 were up-regulated at 10 days. Metabolomic analysis identified 308 and 1296 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) at 48 h and 10 days, respectively. Early responses were enriched in purine metabolism and involved (5′-phosphoribosyl)-5-formamido-4-imidazolecarboxamide (FAICAR), whereas prolonged treatment involved L-aspartic acid, adenine, and cAMP. Integrated analyses identified tryptophan metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and plant hormone signal transduction as major regulatory pathways. CDP-choline accumulation and changes in lipid-remodeling genes further indicated enhanced membrane phospholipid remodeling. Overall, these results provide insight into the morphological, physiological, transcriptional, and metabolic responses of alfalfa to low phosphorus in the presence of exogenous IAA. Full article

Background and Objectives: Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors increase urinary glucose excretion, but the relationship between glycosuria and findings supporting urinary tract infection (UTI) remains unclear. We evaluated associations of SGLT2 inhibitor use with glycosuria, pyuria, UTI-compatible symptoms, and significant urine culture positivity in adults with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 251 adults who reported using every agent in their current oral antidiabetic regimen for at least three months. Blood tests, urinalysis, and midstream urine culture were obtained at a single study visit. SGLT2 inhibitor users and nonusers were compared; contaminated cultures were excluded from culture-based analyses. Multivariable logistic regression examined factors associated with glycosuria and pyuria. Results: Overall, 108 participants (43.0%) used an SGLT2 inhibitor (dapagliflozin, n = 51; empagliflozin, n = 57). Glycosuria was more frequent among users than nonusers (69.4% vs. 39.9%; OR = 3.43; 95% CI, 2.02–5.82; p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, SGLT2 inhibitor use (adjusted OR = 3.14; 95% CI, 1.75–5.63) and each 1% increase in HbA1c (adjusted OR = 1.56; 95% CI, 1.27–1.92) were independently associated with glycosuria. Pyuria and UTI-compatible symptoms did not differ between groups. Among 217 evaluable cultures, significant culture positivity was numerically higher among users, but the estimate was imprecise (9.5% vs. 4.1%; OR = 2.45; 95% CI, 0.79–7.57; p = 0.110). Symptomatic culture positivity was similar (4.2% vs. 4.1%; p = 1.000). Conclusions: SGLT2 inhibitor use and higher HbA1c levels were independently associated with glycosuria. The small number of culture-positive events precludes firm conclusions about culture-based outcomes; these analyses are exploratory and do not demonstrate the presence or absence of an association. Glycosuria alone should not be interpreted as an indicator of UTI. Full article

We investigated the possibility of developing super austenitic stainless steel Avesta SMO 254 X1NiCrMoCuN20-18-7 (EN 10088-4) and austenitic stainless steel X15CrNiSi25-21 (EN 10095) coated with SiC, resulting in the obtainment of a Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) by additive manufacturing (AM) for the upgrade of nozzles for sulfur recovery thermal reactors. One layer of the MMC targets the outer surface of the part that is in constant contact with the flame and the area is subjected to high friction erosion. The Directed Energy Deposition Laser (DED-LB) method has made it possible to produce a high strength-to-weight ratio. The aim is to engage lower-cost material with similar thermal stability and durability in extreme conditions. The robotic unit used for the application allowed for computer control of the positioning, feeding of the SiC particles inside the shielding gas and deposition in the molten pool. After the solidification process, visual testing (VT) and ultrasonic testing (UT) were applied for non-destructive evaluation, checking for disbonding and subsurface imperfections. Then, samples were tested with microhardness measurements, bond strength, microcracking detection, porosity, interface zone assessments and microstructural analysis. The process achieved 0.4 to 0.7 KJ mm⁻¹ heat input with no defects and the intended nozzle surface passed UT and VT. Controlled parameters provided strong metallurgical bonding. Full article

Consecutive warm nights during heatwaves erode the cooling potential of night ventilation (NV), making its effectiveness strongly dependent on both the event and the building conditions. This study quantified the nonlinear effects of heatwave morphology, building thermal mass (TM), and NV strategies on multidimensional thermal responses and identified the operating conditions associated with ventilation performance. Using a 1991–2020 climatological baseline, 36 heatwaves were characterized by eight morphology indicators. A total of 18,000 EnergyPlus simulations examined combinations of three TM levels, two ventilation configurations, window-to-wall ratios (WWRs) ranging from 0.10 to 0.70, openable fraction, and opening schedules. Six indicators captured daytime peaks, persistent overheating, peak temperature lag, nighttime overheating, thermal recovery, and nighttime cooling rate (NCR). Machine learning models were used to identify the governing mechanisms and delineate ventilation strategy regimes. All models achieved R² values above 0.96 under case-level testing, while event-level performance varied across responses. Increasing TM lowered the median daytime peak temperature by 4.5 °C under cross-ventilation but did not improve every response. Predicted daytime peak risk increased sharply when the mean daily minimum temperature exceeded about 27.0 °C. Ventilation configuration also reversed the effects of opening time, duration, and WWR, precluding a single optimum that is independent of heatwave and building conditions. Effective cooling, operationally defined as positive predicted NCR, was generally associated with earlier opening and longer ventilation. Under single-sided ventilation, achieving stable positive predicted NCR generally required ventilation durations longer than approximately 4 h for buildings with low TM and longer than 6 h for those with medium TM. Under cross-ventilation, the corresponding effective domain in the strategy space contracted markedly, and no stable region with positive predicted NCR emerged for buildings with high TM. These findings support a shift from fixed window opening rules to control strategies tailored to heatwave characteristics and building thermophysical properties. The framework provides a basis for natural ventilation operation informed by forecasts, passive cooling retrofits, and thermally resilient building design. Full article

Reliable detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) in water is essential for public health water quality assessments, yet culture-based methods remain challenged by high background flora. This study compared the performance of mPA-C agar and the commercial RAPID’ P. aeruginosa (RAPID PA) agar in (ozone-) treated wastewater effluent and (spiked) swimming pond water and evaluated how presumptive colony colour definitions and confirmation steps affected performance characteristics. mPA-C showed strong matrix dependence and high observer variability due to a broad colour colony variation (of both PA and non-PA). RAPID PA produced clearer and more consistent pigmentation with relatively limited background growth and performed more consistently across matrices. Expanding the presumptive colony colour definition significantly improved sensitivity of RAPID PA with minimal loss of specificity. A quick subculturing step on RAPID PA for visual confirmation further enhanced specificity and markedly reduced false-positive rates. Extended incubation to 48 h increased performance only for swimming ponds. RAPID PA performed more consistently across matrices. Overall, using RAPID PA with expanded colour criteria and subculturing as a low-effort confirmation step enabled effective culture-based detection of P. aeruginosa in high-background-flora water samples. This medium represents a practical and robust alternative for routine monitoring. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) produces an array of virulence factors (VFs), which contribute to its pathogenicity. One of the VFs is the type VII secretion system (T7SS), a protein secretion apparatus present in many Gram-positive bacteria, which plays a major role during the onset of infection. This study aimed to investigate the presence of secreted effector proteins and core structural proteins of the T7SS of S. aureus isolated from raw meat, processed meat products, and veterinary samples of food-producing animals. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatics tools were employed to analyze S. aureus (n = 27) isolates. The results revealed that all 27 isolates investigated harboured various genes encoded by the T7SSb: secreted effector proteins (EsxA and EsxB) and core structural proteins (EssA, EssB, EssC, EsaA, and EsaB). The presence and absence of certain genes were observed, but overall, all these isolates harboured the major protein EssC. The EssC C-terminal found in these isolates was found to be conserved, and they clustered between the EssC1 and EssC3 variants. Ramachandran plot validations and predictions indicated the stability and likely operating conservation of T7SSb proteins. An analysis of protein–protein interactions, transmembrane domains, and secondary structures offered a thorough understanding of T7SSb assembly and how various proteins interact with each other. The results revealed that the isolates contained an array of T7SSb proteins, indicating the presence of proteins associated with various human infections, which highlights the practical application of a continuous surveillance monitoring programme and investigation of S. aureus strains. Full article

An important question in sustainable consumption research is whether consumers’ green consumption orientation (GCO) extends beyond environmentally focused choices and relates to their willingness to purchase other types of ethical products, including those associated with fair trade, labor rights, animal welfare, and corporate social responsibility. Drawing on research on cross-domain ethical consumption and moral self-regulation, this study examines a cross-sectional associative model in which GCO is linked to purchase intentions toward other ethical products through three psychological mechanisms: warm glow, compensatory moral licensing (MLP-C), and identity-consistency mechanism (ICM). The moderating role of personal moral identity (PMI) is also considered. Data from 598 consumer questionnaires indicated a positive association between GCO and purchase intentions toward other ethical products. Warm glow and ICM were associated with positive indirect effects, whereas MLP-C was associated with a negative indirect effect. PMI further altered these relationships by weakening the association between GCO and MLP-C while strengthening the association between GCO and ICM. The robustness of the ICM pathway was further examined through an item-deletion sensitivity analysis, which continued to support the indirect association after two intention-like items were removed. In addition, an exploratory latent profile analysis identified four consumer profiles within the sample, which are interpreted as hypothesis-generating rather than confirmatory. Taken together, the results suggest that cross-domain ethical consumption intentions may reflect the joint influence of emotional rewards and competing forms of moral self-regulation. Given the cross-sectional and self-reported nature of the data, the findings should be interpreted as cross-domain associations between consumption orientation and purchase intentions rather than as evidence of behavioral spillover or causal effects across consumption domains. Full article

Background/Objectives: Compression syndromes of the stylohyoid complex (SHC) encompass neural, arterial, and venous presentations extending beyond classic Eagle syndrome. Symptomatic disease is increasingly recognised as a dynamic neurovascular conflict determined not by styloid process (SP) length alone, but by three-dimensional orientation, vessel and nerve proximity, and positional musculoskeletal interactions. This review synthesises that literature and proposes a phenotype-based framework integrating neural, arterial, venous, and mixed presentations. Methods: This is a narrative, pathophysiologically organised review rather than a systematic or scoping review. Landmark anatomical, clinical, and cohort studies were synthesised alongside systematic reviews, meta-analyses, osteological data, and selected case reports illustrating mechanisms not captured at cohort level. Evidence strength was interpreted by study design, distinguishing pooled estimates from retrospective series and proposed mechanisms. Results: The SHC and adjacent C1 transverse process form a narrow corridor containing the internal jugular vein, carotid arteries, and lower cranial nerves. SP elongation is common, but symptomatic compression depends more on orientation, SP-to-C1 distance, vessel proximity, and dynamic positional factors than on length. Three-dimensional CT angiography/venography is the anatomical cornerstone for defining morphology and vessel relationships, whereas catheter venography with manometry remains the haemodynamic reference standard in selected venous cases. Jugular narrowing is frequent in asymptomatic individuals and is not diagnostic without clinical and haemodynamic correlation. Surgical decompression appears favourable in selected patients, whereas primary endovascular stenting, evaluated only in single-centre observational series, carries a substantial complication profile and should generally be reserved for refractory or combined presentations. Conclusions: SHC compression syndromes are best understood as overlapping neural, arterial, venous, and mixed phenotypes within a dynamic neurovascular corridor. A phenotype-based classification and a cautious “styloidectomy-first” strategy for osseous venous compression are proposed as practical frameworks, but require prospective validation. Full article

Background: The uric acid-to-magnesium (UA/Mg) ratio and frontal QRS-T angle have been associated with coronary artery disease, but their relationships with angiographic coronary disease severity in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remain incompletely characterized. We investigated their associations with the Gensini score in patients with ACS. Methods: This single-center, retrospective observational study included 146 patients with ACS undergoing coronary angiography, including 85 with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 61 with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The primary adjusted analysis evaluated the continuous Gensini score after natural logarithmic transformation using multivariable linear regression with HC3 robust standard errors. Median quantile regression was performed as a sensitivity analysis. A Gensini score ≥ 60 was evaluated as a secondary exploratory binary endpoint using a parsimonious multivariable logistic regression model, with bootstrap internal validation. Results: The UA/Mg ratio (ρ = 0.332; p < 0.001), uric acid-to-HDL cholesterol ratio (UHR) (ρ = 0.232; p = 0.005), and frontal QRS-T angle (ρ = 0.481; p < 0.001) correlated positively with the Gensini score. In the primary adjusted analysis, both the UA/Mg ratio (β = 0.294 per 1-SD increase; p < 0.001) and frontal QRS-T angle (β = 0.225 per 1-SD increase; p < 0.001) were independently associated with higher log-transformed Gensini scores. These associations remained significant in median quantile regression and after additional adjustment for C-reactive protein. Modeling uric acid and magnesium separately provided better model fit than use of the UA/Mg ratio. In the secondary exploratory analysis of a Gensini score ≥ 60, the UA/Mg ratio (OR = 1.86 per 1-SD increase; 95% CI: 1.22–2.95; p = 0.005) and frontal QRS-T angle (OR = 1.54 per 1-SD increase; 95% CI: 1.05–2.30; p = 0.030) remained independently associated with the endpoint. The parsimonious model had an apparent AUC of 0.787 and an optimism-corrected AUC of 0.765 after bootstrap internal validation. Conclusions: Higher UA/Mg ratio and wider frontal QRS-T angle were independently associated with a higher log-transformed Gensini score in the primary continuous-outcome analysis in patients with ACS. However, the UA/Mg ratio did not demonstrate statistical superiority over its individual components, and the secondary binary model showed only moderate discrimination after internal validation. These findings should be considered exploratory and require prospective external validation. Full article

Land-use change affects regional carbon accounting through ecological conversion and the concentration of energy-intensive economic activity. We combined 30 m China Land Cover Dataset maps for 2010, 2015, 2020, and 2025 with provincial socioeconomic and energy statistics to quantify land-use transitions and carbon emissions across nine Yellow River Basin provinces. Construction-land-associated emissions were decomposed using the logarithmic mean Divisia index, factors associated with land expansion were examined using random-forest models, and three 2030 scenarios were evaluated. Construction land expanded by 38.87% from 2010 to 2025, with 71.33% of new construction land converted from cropland and 17.75% from grassland. Net land-use carbon emissions increased by 69.82%, from 1139.06 to 1934.33 million t C. Economic-output density contributed 1144.84 million t C to the increase in construction-land-associated emissions, compared with 576.11 million t C from land expansion, whereas declining energy intensity offset 922.72 million t C. Projected 2030 emissions ranged from 2124.72 million t C under ecological protection to 2866.55 million t C under urban expansion. Construction-land expansion was substantial, but economic-output density made the larger positive contribution to historical emission growth. The projected 2030 estimates depended on the combined trajectories of construction-land demand, economic growth, and energy intensity. These findings highlight the importance of coordinating land-use planning, economic development, and energy-efficiency improvement for sustainable low-carbon transitions. Full article