Search Results (3,684)

Skeletal muscle development is a critical economic trait in livestock, governed by myogenic satellite cell regulation. Integrins mediate mechanical anchorage to the ECM and enable ECM–intracellular signaling. CIB2, as an EF-hand-domain protein involved in mechanotransduction, shows significant developmental regulation in goat muscle. Although the role of CIB2 in skeletal muscle growth is poorly characterized, we observed pronounced developmental upregulation of IB2 in postnatal goat muscle. CIB2 expression increased >20-fold by postnatal day 90 (P90) compared to P1, sustaining elevation through P180 (p < 0.05). Functional investigations indicated that siRNA-mediated knockdown of CIB2 could inhibit myoblast proliferation by inducing S-phase arrest (p < 0.05) and downregulating the expression of CDK4/Cyclin D/E. Simultaneously, CIB2 interference treatment was found to decrease the proliferative activity of goat myogenic satellite cells, yet it significantly promoted differentiation by upregulating the expression of MyoD/MyoG/MyHC (p < 0.01). Mechanistically, CTCF was identified as a transcriptional repressor binding to an intragenic region of the CIB2 gene locus (ChIP enrichment: 2.3-fold, p < 0.05). Knockdown of CTCF induced upregulation of CIB2 (p < 0.05). RNA-seq analysis established CIB2 as a calcium signaling hub: its interference activated IL-17/TNF and complement cascades, while overexpression suppressed focal adhesion/ECM–receptor interactions and enriched neuroendocrine pathways. Collectively, this study identifies the CTCF-CIB2–integrin α7β1–PI3K/AKT axis as a novel molecular mechanism that regulates the balance of myogenic fate in goats. These findings offer promising targets for genomic selection and precision breeding strategies aimed at enhancing muscle productivity in ruminants. Full article

The rational design of high-performance Cu-SSZ-13 catalysts with enhanced low-temperature activity represents a critical challenge for meeting stringent Euro VII emission standards in diesel aftertreatment systems. Elevating Cu loading can theoretically improve catalytic performance; however, one-time ion exchange using common CuSO₄ solution makes it hard to accomplish high Cu-ion contents. Herein, we demonstrate that the conventional ion-exchange method, adopting Cu(CH₃COO)₂ as precursor in NH₄-SSZ-13 zeolite with a low Si/Al ratio (≈6–7), can achieve higher Cu content while maintaining superior dispersion of active sites. Comprehensive characterizations reveal a dual incorporation mechanism: canonical Cu²⁺ ion exchange and unique adsorption of the [Cu(CH₃COO)]⁺ complex. In the latter case, the surface-adsorbed [Cu(CH₃COO)]⁺ ions form high-dispersion CuO_x species, while the framework-confined ones convert to active Z[Cu²⁺(OH)]⁺ ions. The Cu(CH₃COO)₂-exchanged Cu-SSZ-13 catalyst exhibits superior low-temperature SCR activity and hydrothermal stability to its CuSO₄-exchanged counterpart, making it particularly suitable for close-coupled SCR applications. Our findings provide fundamental insights into Cu speciation control in zeolites and present a scalable, industrially viable approach for manufacturing next-generation SCR catalysts capable of meeting future emission regulations. Full article

Flavonoids serve as crucial plant antioxidants in drought tolerance, yet their antioxidant regulatory mechanisms within mycorrhizal plants remain unclear. In this study, using a two-factor design, trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) seedlings in the four-to-five-leaf stage were either inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae or not, and subjected to well-watered (70–75% of field maximum water-holding capacity) or drought stress (50–55% field maximum water-holding capacity) conditions for 10 weeks. Plant growth performance, photosynthetic physiology, leaf flavonoid content and their antioxidant capacity, reactive oxygen species levels, and activities and gene expression of key flavonoid biosynthesis enzymes were analyzed. Although drought stress significantly reduced root colonization and soil hyphal length, inoculation with F. mosseae consistently enhanced the biomass of leaves, stems, and roots, as well as root surface area and diameter, irrespective of soil moisture. Despite drought suppressing photosynthesis in mycorrhizal plants, F. mosseae substantially improved photosynthetic capacity (measured via gas exchange) and optimized photochemical efficiency (assessed by chlorophyll fluorescence) while reducing non-photochemical quenching (heat dissipation). Inoculation with F. mosseae elevated the total flavonoid content in leaves by 46.67% (well-watered) and 14.04% (drought), accompanied by significantly enhanced activities of key synthases such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), 4-coumarate:coA ligase (4CL), and cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H), with increases ranging from 16.90 to 117.42% under drought. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that both mycorrhization and drought upregulated the expression of PtPAL1, PtCHI, and Pt4CL genes, with soil moisture critically modulating mycorrhizal regulatory effects. In vitro assays showed that flavonoid extracts scavenged radicals at rates of 30.07–41.60% in hydroxyl radical (•OH), 71.89–78.06% in superoxide radical anion (O₂^•−), and 49.97–74.75% in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Mycorrhizal symbiosis enhanced the antioxidant capacity of flavonoids, resulting in higher scavenging rates of •OH (19.07%), O₂^•− (5.00%), and DPPH (31.81%) under drought. Inoculated plants displayed reduced hydrogen peroxide (19.77%), O₂^•− (23.90%), and malondialdehyde (17.36%) levels. This study concludes that mycorrhizae promote the level of total flavonoids in trifoliate orange by accelerating the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, hence reducing oxidative damage under drought. Full article

The Sichuan Basin is a natural-gas-exploiting area with intensive agriculture activities. However, the spatial and temporal distribution of atmospheric methane concentration and the relationships with intensive agriculture and natural gas extraction activities are not well investigated. In this study, a long-term (2003–2021) dataset of column-averaged dry-air mole fraction of methane (XCH₄) over the Sichuan Basin and adjacent regions was built by integrating multi-satellite remote sensing data (SCIAMACHY, GOSAT, Sentinel-5P), which was calibrated using ground station data. The results show a strong correlation and consistency (R = 0.88) between the ground station and satellite observations. The atmospheric CH₄ concentration of the Sichuan Basin showed an overall higher level (around 20 ppb) than that of the whole of China and an increasing trend in the rates, from around 2.27 ppb to 10.44 ppb per year between 2003 and 2021. The atmospheric CH₄ concentration of the Sichuan Basin also exhibits clear seasonal changes (higher in the summer and autumn and lower in the winter and spring) with a clustered geographical distribution. Agricultural activities and natural gas extraction contribute significantly to atmospheric methane concentrations in the study area, which should be considered in carbon emission management. This study provides an effective way to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of atmospheric CH₄ concentration and related factors at a regional scale with natural and human influences using multi-source satellite remote sensing data. Full article

This study evaluated the inhibitory efficacy of sulphur dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, copper sulphate pentahydrate, chlorine-based formulations, a chlorine-free formulation, ethanol, and acetic acid against Cladosporium cladosporioides, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium expansum. An in vitro inhibition test was employed to investigate the inhibitory properties. The results demonstrated different sensitivities of filamentous fungi to the inhibitors. All tested substances displayed fungicidal properties. Sulphur dioxide (40% NH₄HSO₃ solution) inhibited growth at a 4% v/v concentration. No minimum effective concentration was established for H₂O₂; only a 30% w/v solution inhibited P. expansum. CuSO₄·5H₂O completely inhibited fungal growth at 5% w/v solution, with 2.5% w/v also proving effective. For the chlorine-based product, 40% w/v solution (48 g∙L⁻¹ active chlorine) had the most substantial effect, though it only slowed growth, and NaClO solution completely inhibited growth at 2.35 g NaClO per 100 g of product (50% w/v solution). FungiSAN demonstrated fungicidal effects; however, the recommended dose was insufficient for complete inhibition. Ethanol exhibited the lowest efficacy, while the inhibitory threshold for CH₃COOH was found to be a 5% v/v solution. The findings of this study may serve as a basis for informed decision-making when selecting the most suitable product, depending on specific application conditions. Full article

Using light-emitting diodes (LEDs), we examined how different light wavelengths influence the hypersensitive response (HR) in tobacco plants infected with Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst). Pst-infiltrated plants exhibited greater resistance to Pst infection under green and blue light compared to white and red light, as indicated by reduced HR-associated programmed cell death, lower H₂O₂ production, and up to 64% reduction in membrane damage. During the late stage of HR, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities peaked under green and blue LEDs, with 5- and 10-fold increases, respectively, while superoxide dismutase activity was higher under white and red LEDs. Defense-related genes CHS1, PALa, PR1, and PR2 were more strongly induced by white and red light. The plants treated with green or blue LEDs during Pst infection prompted faster degradation of phototoxic Mg-porphyrins and exhibited smaller declines in F_v/F_m, electron transport rate, chlorophyll content, and LHCB expression compared to those treated with white or red LEDs. By contrast, the induction of the chlorophyll catabolic gene SGR was 54% and 77% lower in green and blue LEDs, respectively, compared to white LEDs. This study demonstrates that light quality differentially affects Pst-mediated HR, with green and blue light more effectively suppressing HR progression, mainly by reducing oxidative stress through enhanced antioxidative capacity and mitigation of photosynthetic impairments. Full article

Background: DEAD/H box 5 (DDX5) serves as a transcriptional coactivator for several transcription factors including E2F1, the primary target of the tumor suppressor pRB. E2F1 physiologically activated by growth stimulation activates growth-related genes and promotes cell proliferation. In contrast, upon loss of pRB function due to oncogenic changes, E2F1 is activated out of restraint by pRB (deregulated E2F1) and stimulates tumor suppressor genes such as ARF, which activates the tumor suppressor p53, to suppress tumorigenesis. We have recently reported that DDX5 augments deregulated E2F1 activity to induce tumor suppressor gene expression and apoptosis. During the analyses, we noted that over-expression of E2F1 increased DDX5 expression, suggesting a feed forward loop in E2F1 activation through DDX5. Objective: We thus examined whether the DDX5 gene is a target of deregulated E2F1. Method: For this purpose, we performed promoter analysis and ChIP assay. Result: The DDX5 promoter did not possess typical E2F binding consensus but contained several GC repeats observed in deregulated E2F1 targets. Insertion of point mutations in these GC repeats decreased responsiveness to deregulated E2F1 induced by over-expression of E2F1, but scarcely affected responsiveness to growth stimulation. ChIP assays showed that deregulated E2F1 induced by over-expression of E2F1 or expression of E1a, which binds pRB and releases E2F1, bound to the DDX5 gene, while physiological E2F1 induced by growth stimulation did not. Conclusions: These results suggest that the DDX5 gene is a target of deregulated E2F1, generating a feed forward loop mediating tumor suppressive E2F1 activity. Full article

In the last decades, numerous approaches have been explored for the cross-coupling of biaryl building blocks depending on the presence of boron sources. In fact, these changes have been catalyzed by transition metal complexes. This review focuses on the progress of the last decade in transition metal-catalyzed C–X borylation and direct C–H borylation, with emphasis on nickel-catalyzed C–H borylation, as effective and affordable protocols for the borylation of aryl substrates. In addition, Suzuki-type cross-coupling by activation of C–H, C–C, or C–N bonds is also reported. This study then offers an overview of recent advances for the synthesis of bi- and multi-aryls found in synthetic molecular complexes and natural products using the transition metal-catalyzed one-pot Miyaura-type C–X and C–H borylation–Suzuki coupling sequence. Full article

The sustainable recovery of valuable metals such as Cu and Co from ores is a pressing need considering environmental and economic challenges. Therefore, this study evaluates the effectiveness of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as alternative leaching agents for Cu and Co extraction. Four DESs were prepared using choline chloride (ChCl) as a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and oxalic acid (OA), ethylene glycol (EG), urea (U) and thiourea (TU) as hydrogen bond donors (HBDs). Leaching experiments were conducted with DESs supplemented with 30 wt.% water at varying temperatures, various solid-to-liquid ratios, and time durations. The ChCl:OA DES demonstrated the highest leaching efficiencies among the DESs tested on pure CuO and CoO, achieving 89.2% for Cu and 92.4% for Co (60 °C, 400 rpm, 6 h, −75 + 53 µm particle size, and 1:10 solid-to-liquid ratio). In addition, the dissolution kinetics, analysed using the shrinking core model (SCM), showed that the leaching process was mainly controlled by surface chemical reactions. The activation energy values for Cu and Co leaching were 46.8 kJ mol⁻¹ and 51.4 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively, supporting a surface chemical control mechanism. The results highlight the potential of ChCl:OA as a sustainable alternative for metal recovery. Full article

Koshu wine, produced from the indigenous Japanese grape Vitis vinifera L. cv. Koshu exhibits a lower pH than other white wines, hindering malolactic fermentation (MLF) by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Here, we aimed to isolate LAB strains capable of performing MLF under these challenging conditions to improve wine quality. Sixty-four Oenococcus oeni and one Lactobacillus hilgardii strain were isolated from Koshu grapes and wines that had undergone spontaneous MLF. MLF activity was assessed under varying pH, SO₂, and ethanol conditions in modified basal medium (BM) and Koshu model wine media. Expression of stress-related genes was analyzed using real-time PCR. Carbon source utilization was evaluated via API 50CH assays. All isolates degraded malic acid and produced lactic acid at 15 °C and pH 3.2 in BM without reducing sugars. Seven strains, all identified as O. oeni, demonstrated MLF activity at pH 3.0 in modified BM lacking added reducing sugars or tomato juice. Six wine-derived strains tolerated up to 12% ethanol, whereas the grape-derived strain was inhibited at 10%. In a synthetic Koshu wine model (13% ethanol, pH 3.0), wine-derived isolates exhibited higher MLF activity than commercial starter strains. In high-performing strains, mleA was upregulated, and most isolates preferred fructose, arabinose, and ribose over glucose. These findings suggest that indigenous O. oeni strains from Koshu wine possess unique stress tolerance and metabolic traits, making them promising candidates for region-specific MLF starter cultures that could enhance Koshu wine quality and terroir expression. Full article

Canvas paintings are prone to biodeterioration due to their complex chemical composition, which can support fungal growth even under controlled conditions. This study evaluated the susceptibility of common synthetic restoration materials—Lascaux glues (303 HV, 498 HV), Acrylharz P550, BEVA 371, Laropal A81, and Regalrez 1094—to degradation by fourteen xerotolerant/xerophilic fungal strains. All tested Aspergillus and Penicillium species extensively colonized, especially artificially aged materials. FTIR-PAS analysis revealed chemical changes in carbonyl and C–H bonds in Laropal A81 and Regalrez 1094 colonized by Aspergillus spp. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging showed thinning of Lascaux glues and deformation of Regalrez 1094. Transcriptomic profiling of A. puulaauensis grown on Lascaux 498 HV and Regalrez 1094 identified altered expression of genes coding for esterases and oxidases, enzymes involved in synthetic polymer degradation. Esterase activity assays using 4-nitrophenol-based substrates confirmed significant enzymatic activity correlating with the presence of ester bonds. These findings highlight the vulnerability of synthetic restoration materials, specifically Laropal A81, Regalrez 1094, and Lascaux glues, to extremophilic fungi thriving in environments with low water activity. The results emphasize the urgent need for specific knowledge on fungi and their metabolic pathways to use/develop more durable conservation materials and strategies to protect cultural heritage objects from biodeterioration. Full article

The catalytic decomposition of CH₄ is a promising method for producing high-purity CO_x-free hydrogen. A Ni-Al-LDH catalyst synthesized via coprecipitation was modified with alkali metals (Mg, La, Ca, or Li) through reconstruction to enhance catalytic activity and resistance to deactivation during catalytic methane decomposition (CMD). The catalysts were evaluated by two activation methods: H₂ reduction and direct heating with CH₄. The MgNA-R catalyst achieved the highest CH₄ conversion (65%) at 600 °C when reduced with H₂, attributed to a stronger Ni-Al interaction. Under CH₄ activation, LaNA-C achieved a 55% conversion at the same temperature, associated with a smaller crystallite size and higher reducibility due to La incorporation. Although all catalysts deactivated due to carbon deposition and/or sintering, LaNA-C was the only sample that could resist deactivation for a longer period, as La appears to have a protective effect on the active phase. Post-reaction characterizations revealed the formation of graphitic and filamentous carbon. Raman spectroscopy exhibited a higher degree of graphitization and structural order in LaNA-C, whereas SEM showed a more uniform distribution of carbon filaments. TEM confirmed the presence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with encapsulated Ni particles in La-promoted samples. These results demonstrate that La addition improves the catalytic performance under CH₄ activation and carbon structure. This finding offers a practical advantage for CMD processes, as it reduces or eliminates the need to use hydrogen during catalyst activation. Full article

This study investigates the effects of samarium (Sm) promotion on the catalytic activity of 5 weight percent Ni catalysts for partial oxidation of methane (POM)-based hydrogen production supported on a Si-Al mixed oxide (10SiO₂+90Al₂O₃) system. Several 5% Ni-based catalysts supported on silica–alumina was used to test the POM at 600 °C. Sm additions ranged from 0 to 2 wt.%. Impregnation was used to create these catalysts, which were then calcined at 500 °C and examined using BET, H₂-TPR, XRD, FTIR, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, and TGA methods. Methane conversion (57.85%) and hydrogen yield (56.89%) were greatly increased with an ideal Sm loading of 1 wt.%, indicating increased catalytic activity and stability. According to catalytic tests, 1 wt.% Sm produced high CH₄ conversion and H₂ production, as well as enhanced stability and resistance to carbon deposition. Nitrogen physisorption demonstrated a progressive decrease in pore volume and surface area with the addition of Sm, while maintaining mesoporosity. At moderate Sm loadings, H₂-TPR and XRD analyses showed changes in crystallinity and increased NiO reducibility. Sm incorporation into the support and its impact on the ordering of carbon species were indicated by FTIR and Raman spectra. The optimal conditions to maximize H₂ yield were successfully identified through optimization of the best catalyst, and there was good agreement between the theoretical predictions (87.563%) and actual results (88.39%). This displays how successfully the optimization approach achieves the intended outcome. Overall, this study demonstrates that the performance and durability of Ni-based catalysts for generating syngas through POM are greatly enhanced by the addition of a moderate amount of Sm, particularly 1 wt.%. Full article

Background: This study presents an innovative approach to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction based on a comprehensive analysis of clinical, immunological and biochemical markers using mathematical modelling and machine learning methods. Baseline data include indices of humoral and cellular immunity (CD59, CD16, IL-10, CD14, CD19, CD8, CD4, etc.), cytokines and markers of cardiovascular disease, inflammatory markers (TNF, GM-CSF, CRP), growth and angiogenesis factors (VEGF, PGF), proteins involved in apoptosis and cytotoxicity (perforin, CD95), as well as indices of liver function, kidney function, oxidative stress and heart failure (albumin, cystatin C, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), C-reactive protein (CRP), cholinesterase (ChE), cholesterol, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR)). Clinical and behavioural risk factors were also considered: arterial hypertension (AH), previous myocardial infarction (PICS), aortocoronary bypass surgery (CABG) and/or stenting, coronary heart disease (CHD), atrial fibrillation (AF), atrioventricular block (AB block), and diabetes mellitus (DM), as well as lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity level), education, and body mass index (BMI). Methods: The study included 52 patients aged 65 years and older. Based on the clinical, biochemical and immunological data obtained, a model for predicting the risk of premature cardiovascular aging was developed using mathematical modelling and machine learning methods. The aim of the study was to develop a predictive model allowing for the early detection of predisposition to the development of CVDs and their complications. Numerical methods of mathematical modelling, including Runge–Kutta, Adams–Bashforth and backward-directed Euler methods, were used to solve the prediction problem, which made it possible to describe the dynamics of changes in biomarkers and patients’ condition over time with high accuracy. Results: HLA-DR (50%), CD14 (41%) and CD16 (38%) showed the highest association with aging processes. BMI was correlated with placental growth factor (37%). The glomerular filtration rate was positively associated with physical activity (47%), whereas SOD activity was negatively correlated with it (48%), reflecting a decline in antioxidant defence. Conclusions: The obtained results allow for improving the accuracy of cardiovascular risk prediction, and form personalised recommendations for the prevention and correction of its development. Full article

Efficient detection of toxic and flammable vapors remains a major technological challenge, especially for environmental and industrial applications. This paper reports on the fabrication technology and gas-sensing properties of nanostructured Ga₂O₃/GaS_0.98Se_0.02. The β-Ga₂O₃ nanowires/nanoribbons with inclusions of Ga₂S₃ and Ga₂Se₃ microcrystallites were obtained by thermal treatment of GaS_0.98Se_0.02 slabs in air enriched with water vapors. The microstructure, crystalline quality, and elemental composition of the obtained samples were investigated using electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The obtained structures show promising results as active elements in gas sensor applications. Vapors of methanol (CH₃OH), ethanol (C₂H₅OH), and acetone (CH₃-CO-CH₃) were successfully detected using the nanostructured samples. The electrical signal for gas detection was enhanced under UV light irradiation. The saturation time of the sensor depends on the intensity of the UV radiation beam. Full article