Search Results (6,418)

The Xinding Basin is located in the high-heat-flow geothermal anomaly zone in the north-central part of China. Revealing the geothermal origin mechanism of the basin is of great significance for filling the measurement gap in heat flow values in China and providing a scientific basis for the evaluation and utilization of regional geothermal resources. Based on the hydrogeochemical characteristics of thermal reservoirs and borehole data in the Xinding Basin, this paper analyzes water–rock interaction process between geothermal water and heat reservoirs and discusses the types of geothermal systems in the basin. The results indicate that the fault structures in the basin are well-developed. The hydrochemical type of typical geothermal fields is dominated by the Cl·SO₄-Na type. Geothermal water is mainly immature water and receives recharge from shallow cold water with relatively rapid circulation. The discovered magma intrusion residues in the basin indicate that sections of the upper mantle with a shallow burial depth serve as the dynamic heat sources for regional thermal reservoirs. Intense extensional stretching in the Cenozoic Era resulted in high terrestrial heat flow values and an upward arching phenomenon of the Curie isothermal surface in the basin. Neotectonic movement is active in the basin. The regional geothermal reservoirs in the Xinding Basin occur in the glutenite beds of the Cenozoic Erathem and the rock formations of the New Archaean Erathem. The thick-layered Cenozoic loose sediments serve as the thermal cap rocks in this area. An efficient heat-convergent geothermal system integrating a heat source, heat channel, thermal reservoir, and cap rock (the “four-in-one” system) has promoted the formation of geothermal resources in the Xinding Basin. Full article

Although salt acclimation is a recognized strategy for improving crop salt tolerance, its specific role in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of salt acclimation on enhancing salt tolerance in tomato seedlings through physiological and transcriptomic analyses. Here, we found that T3 acclimation treatment (irrigation with 14 mL of 7.5 g L⁻¹ NaCl solution per plant) effectively conferred enhanced salt tolerance in tomato seedlings, with plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, and soluble protein content increasing by 4.52, 5.13, 3.16, 10.78, 11.85, and 25.96%, respectively, compared with the control. T3 treatment also reduced oxidative damage and ionic stress, as evidenced by reduced electrolyte leakage, lower malondialdehyde content, and a decreased root Na⁺/K⁺ ratio, while simultaneously boosting antioxidant enzyme activities. Membership function analysis confirmed T3 as the optimal treatment, with a 9 d duration consistently benefiting multiple cultivars. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that salt acclimation upregulated genes associated with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, lignin catabolic process, and peroxidase activity, suggesting that these pathways might mediate acclimation-induced salt tolerance through promoting lignin biosynthesis to reduce Na⁺/K⁺ ratio and enhancing reactive oxygen species’ scavenging capacity to maintain cellular homeostasis. Our results indicate that tomato seedlings acclimated with 14 mL of 7.5 g L⁻¹ NaCl solution per plant for 9 d significantly improves salt tolerance through coordinated physiological adjustments and transcriptional reprogramming. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that impairs plant growth and induces oxidative stress. In this study, we compared the physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of two durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) cultivars, Razek and Chili, to Cd stress. Seedlings were exposed to 0, 5, and 50 µM Cd (Cd²⁺; supplied as CdCl₂) under controlled hydroponic and Petri assay conditions. Cd reduced radicle elongation, biomass accumulation, and water uptake in both cultivars, but the relative inhibition of growth was lower in Razek than in Chili, indicating a better capacity to maintain growth under Cd stress. This was accompanied by milder oxidative stress symptoms and more stable antioxidant enzyme activity, particularly for catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Gene expression analyses revealed that Razek maintained a higher expression of antioxidant and stress-related genes under acute Cd stress, while Chili exhibited pronounced downregulation. Histochemical analyses showed increased H₂O₂ accumulation and lignin deposition in Chili roots, suggesting a stronger stress response. Notably, Chili also showed a sharp depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) under high Cd concentrations, with limited upregulation of GSH synthesis and phytochelatin-related genes. Together, these findings indicate that Razek activates more efficient detoxification, redox regulation, and hormonal signaling pathways under Cd stress, indicating its potential suitability for cultivation in slightly Cd-contaminated soils. Full article

A species of the genus Tetracera has been used as herbal medicine in traditional Indian Tetracera loureiri medicine. Tetracera loureiri, a plant from the Dilleniaceae family is considered one of the most valuable herbs in Thailand and is native to Southeast Asia. However, the anti-obesity effects of Tetracera loureiri extract have not been reported. In this study, we screened the effect of EtOH extract on lipid accumulation in a 3T3-L1 adipocyte model at various concentrations using Oil Red O staining, and the results were visualized under a light microscope. The fractionation of the soluble CH₂Cl₂ and EtOAc fractions from the EtOH extract revealed that both fractions significantly inhibited lipid accumulation in adipocytes at 2.5, 5, and 10 μg/mL, compared to n-hexane, n-BuOH, and aqueous extracts. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the CH₂Cl₂ and EtOAc extract led to the phytochemical investigation of 10 secondary metabolites (1–10), and the structure of these compounds was identified using various spectroscopic methods. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit adipogenesis at a concentration of 2.5, 5, and 10 μM compared with positive control (Orlistat 100 μg/mL); in particular, compounds 1–3, 5, and 7–8 showed 57.39 ± 6.98, 19.35 ± 4.53%, 75.81 ± 1.75%, 17.61 ± 1.62%, 19.83 ± 5.27 and 14.66 ± 3.85% reduction in fat accumulation at 10 μMm in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, respectively. The activity of these compounds also inhibited the secretion of adiponectin and leptin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, suggesting their role in disrupting adipocyte function and metabolic regulation. Therefore, the results herein provide experimental evidence supporting the potential of Tetracera loureiri extracts as an anti-obesity therapeutic agent. Full article

To meet the challenge of microbial contamination of food, smart packaging materials with active controlled-release functions have become a research hotspot. In this study, a humidity-responsive antimicrobial composite film was constructed by introducing cinnamaldehyde@β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes (CIN@β-CD ICs) into a konjac glucomannan/polyvinyl alcohol/lithium chloride (KGM/PVA/LiCl) matrix. Characterization results showed that the CIN@β-CD ICs formed a dense structure through hydrogen bonding, which enhanced the thermal stability, mechanical strength (tensile strength: 20.83 MPa) and surface hydrophilicity (water contact angle < 60°) of the film. The film acted as a humidity-triggered release system for CIN, enabling controlled antimicrobial delivery: at high humidity (98% RH), the film rapidly swelled and accelerated the release of CIN, with a cumulative release rate of 87.29% over 7 days, whereas the release slowed significantly at low humidity (43% RH). The antimicrobial activity of the released CIN was strongly influenced by ambient humidity, with the effect enhanced under high humidity conditions. It is noteworthy that the film containing 0.2% ICs exhibited the optimal antimicrobial performance among the formulations studied. This study elucidates a mechanism for humidity-triggered release through multicomponent synergism, which provides a feasible strategy for the design of environmentally friendly, smart packaging materials with high antimicrobial activity. Full article

Control of process-related impurities is of critical importance for developing an efficient and suitable synthetic process of an active pharmaceutical ingredient. In the study of a key intermediate of silodosin (KIS), two process-related impurities including the benzaldehyde impurity (BAI) and indole impurity (IDI) were prepared and fully characterized to determine their downstream fate. Under optimized conditions, BAI was formed in a yield of ~48% by treating KIS with 10% hydrogen peroxide at 60 °C. Interestingly, BAI would not be expected to be the major product under the apparent Baeyer–Villiger oxidative condition. Furthermore, by adding 20 mM FeCl₃ into the above 10% hydrogen peroxide solution, IDI became the major product in a yield of ~43% under this Fenton reaction-like condition. The probable formation mechanism of IDI was discussed and validated in the context of certain structurally similar substrates. Full article

Background/Objectives: Soil salinization and alkalization critically limit global agricultural production. This study aimed to investigate the differential response mechanisms of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) varieties to saline and alkaline stresses at the seedling stage. Methods: Seedlings of a salt-tolerant variety, Huayouza 62 (H62), and a non-salt-tolerant variety, Xiangyou 15 (X15), were exposed to saline (NaCl:Na₂SO₄ = 1:1) and alkaline (Na₂CO₃:NaHCO₃ = 1:1) stresses. An integrated analysis combining physiology, biochemistry, transcriptomics, and metabolomics was conducted to systematically elucidate their differential stress responses. Results: (1) H62 maintained favorable photosynthetic and carbon–nitrogen homeostasis. Notably, under saline and alkaline stresses, the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) in H62 showed a significant increasing trend, whereas it was inhibited in X15. (2) Alkaline stress triggered more differential genes than saline stress, with H62 exhibiting broader transcriptional up-regulation in carbon–nitrogen metabolism. (3) Metabolomic profiling showed that H62 accumulated more beneficial metabolites than X15 under both stresses, such as phenolic acids, amino acids, and their derivatives. (4) In multi-omics analysis, key genes in starch–sucrose and amino acid metabolism in H62 were up-regulated to accumulate osmolytes, enabling an efficient defense network. However, X15’s responses were disordered. Conclusions: H62 leverages robust transcriptional reprogramming to coordinate carbon–nitrogen metabolism, constituting a multidimensional defense network. This study provides potential physiological indicators, candidate genes, and metabolite markers associated with short-term saline–alkaline stress responses, laying a foundation for further exploration of stress response mechanisms. Full article

Eye drops derived from human blood components (Eye Drops of Human Origin—EDHO) have proven effective in reducing ocular pain associated with severe keratopathies. Among these, Cord Blood Serum (CBS) is particularly promising for its high content of growth and neurotrophic factors. This study evaluated the ability of CBS to modulate inflammatory and nociceptive activation in the human conjunctival epithelial cell (HCEC) line exposed to hyperosmotic stress. CBS batches were characterized for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) content and classified as CBS_high (levels > 18.0 ng/mL) or CBS_low (levels < 10.0 ng/mL). HCECs were exposed to NaCl (450 mOsm/L) with or without 5% CBS. Cell viability was evaluated, and the expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II (HLA-DR) (a marker of immune activation) and Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) (a nociceptive ion channel responsive to osmotic stress) was assessed via Real Time PCR (RT-PCR). CBS significantly improved HCEC viability under hyperosmotic stress. Exposure to NaCl alone upregulated HLA-DR and TRPV-1 expression. Both CBS preparations attenuated these responses, producing comparable reductions in HLA-DR mRNA and decreasing TRPV-1 expression. Partial reversal of CBS effects by the pan-neurotrophin receptor inhibitor K252a supported neurotrophin involvement. CBS reduces hyperosmolarity-driven inflammation and nociception via HLA-DR and TRPV1 downregulation, supporting its role as a bioactive tear substitute in neuroinflammatory ocular surface disease. Full article

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease for which current chemotherapeutic options are limited by systemic toxicity (such as hepato-nephrotoxicity, arrhythmia, nausea, vomiting) and difficult administration regimens. Pentamidine (PTM), although effective, exhibits severe dose-limiting adverse effects. Polymeric micelles based on Pluronic^® F127 (F127) offer an attractive strategy to improve PTM delivery by enhancing solubility, reducing cytotoxicity, and enabling controlled release. Here, we developed PTM-loaded F127 polymeric micelles and performed a multidisciplinary evaluation combining physicochemical characterization, in vitro biological assays, and gene expression profiling. Dynamic light scattering, UV–visible absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy, and NMR confirmed micelle formation, PTM–polymer interactions, and temperature-dependent assembly. PTM-loaded micelles exhibited biorelevant nanoscale dimensions and preserved stability under physiological conditions. Biological assays demonstrated that F127 micelles markedly reduced PTM cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 macrophages while maintaining potent antileishmanial activity against Leishmania major promastigotes. RT-qPCR analysis revealed modulation of key pathways involved in redox homeostasis, oxidative stress, calcium regulation, apoptosis-like responses, and drug resistance, suggesting that micellar encapsulation influences both PTM bioavailability and parasite stress responses. Overall, PTM-loaded F127 micelles significantly improved the therapeutic index of PTM in vitro. These findings support the potential of F127 polymeric micelles as a promising nanocarrier platform for safer and more effective CL therapy. Full article

The rise of multidrug-resistant enteric pathogens and increased demand for antibiotic alternatives have intensified efforts to find reliable, safe, and effective probiotics. This study reports the isolation, characterization, and assessment of the probiotic potential of five Enterococcus strains isolated from the feces of healthy goats aged 7–9 months raised under conventional management. Following an initial screening of 57 lactic acid bacteria, 5 isolates (Enterococcus faecium, E. hirae, E. faecalis, Enterococcus sp., and Streptococcus lutetiensis) were chosen based on their catalase-negative, non-motile, and non-hemolytic characteristics, in addition to their high tolerance to gastric (pH 2.0) and intestinal (pH 8.0, 0.3–1.5% bile salt) stress. In simulated gastric juice, survival rates reached 89.05% (E5) and 85.03% (E3), while in intestinal juice, survival peaked at 78.01% (E4). All strains thrived in 4% NaCl and maintained at least 8 Log₁₀ CFU/mL after 12 h of exposure to 1.5% porcine bile salt. Cell surface hydrophobicity (0.78–93.85%) and auto-aggregation (23–91%) properties were strain-dependent, but exceeded the thresholds required for efficient gut colonization. Co-aggregation assays demonstrated over 45% binding with E. coli and S. typhimurium, suggesting a strong potential to displace pathogens. Cell-free supernatants created inhibition zones measuring 15.02 mm against E. coli and 11.04 mm against S. flexneri, while maintaining activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Antibiotic testing indicated that all strains were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and florfenicol. No β-hemolysis or mobile resistance genes were found, supporting the initial safety findings. This study reveals that Enterococcus isolates from goats display a unique combination of gastrointestinal survivability and broad-spectrum antipathogenic activity and, therefore, are promising candidates for the development of next-generation probiotic strains for use in livestock (and, potentially, humans). Further in vivo validation and genome-based safety assessments are warranted. Full article

Aligned with circular bioeconomy principles, which aim to establish closed-loop systems that maximize resource utilization and renewal while minimizing waste, this study developed and characterized innovative catalysts derived from waste almond shells. These shells were carbonized and functionalized to create active surfaces containing Lewis and Brønsted acid sites. Modification was achieved through treatment with ZnCl₂ to introduce Lewis acid (LA) sites and with sulfuric acid to generate Brønsted acid (BA) sites. Detailed instrumental analyses enabled assessment of catalyst morphology, textural parameters, and surface functional groups. A physical mixture of the two catalysts was used to convert glucose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), yielding a maximum HMF yield of 76.8%. The results indicate that the collaborative action of Lewis and Brønsted acid sites, along with oxygen-containing surface groups, contributes to catalyst efficiency. These insights facilitate targeted catalyst optimization by adjusting surface texture and functional groups. Full article

NaClO₃ is a major by-product of the chlor-alkali industry. Establishing a corrosion damage prediction method for 316L stainless steel (316L SS) in NaClO₃ and NaCl cooperative environments is crucial for maintaining the service safety of chlor-alkali equipment. Electrochemical tests were conducted to obtain the reaction kinetic parameters of 316L SS in NaClO₃ and NaCl environments. Based on COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2.290 simulation, the pitting corrosion behavior of 316L SS in a saturated NaCl and NaClO₃ solution at 90 °C and the effect of by-product NaClO₃ concentration on corrosion damage evolution were investigated. The simulated pitting depth of 316L SS in a saturated NaCl environment at 90 °C for 30 days was 18.7 μm, and the average pitting depth of the immersion experiment was approximately 21.1 μm, indicating that the simulated pitting depth was in good agreement with the experimental results. Furthermore, the potential, maximum current density and active-state dissolution of the metal were analyzed in NaCl and NaClO₃ solutions. After adding NaClO₃, the maximum potential, maximum current density and concentration of Cr(OH)₂⁺ decreased by more than 41.5%, 86.4% and 91.2%, respectively. Both the tendency for pitting initiation and the pitting propagation rate of 316L SS were significantly reduced. It is noted that NaClO₃ inhibits pitting of 316L SS in saturated NaCl environments. Full article

Traditional polysaccharide extraction suffers from low efficiency and high energy consumption, while deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are promising sustainable solvents. This study used DES ChCl-LA (1:2) with ultrasonic assistance to extract polysaccharides from red alga A.taxiformis. Optimized via single-factor experiments and response surface methodology (350 W, 1:30 g/mL, 75 °C), the yield reached 11.28% ± 0.50% (1.5 times higher than that obtained by water extraction). Structural characterization revealed that the DES extract was an acidic polysaccharide, mainly composed of galactose (89.2%), glucose (4.9%), xylose (4.9%), and glucuronic acid (1.0%), with a weight-average molecular weight of 99.88 kDa. Density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations showed that ChCl-LA enhanced galactose solubility via stronger hydrogen bonding (−25.33 vs. −5.06 kcal/mol for water). Notably, the immunological activity of the DES-extracted polysaccharide was significantly compromised compared to the water-extracted counterpart (p < 0.05). At a concentration of 0.25 mg/mL, the water-extracted polysaccharide-treated group exhibited a 33.98% higher neutral red phagocytosis rate in macrophages, a nitric oxide (NO) secretion level of 34.14 μmol/L (94.98% higher) compared with the DES-extracted polysaccharide group, as well as significantly higher secretion levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The observed disparity in bioactivity is likely due to the distinct chemical profiles resulting from the two extraction methods, including the significantly reduced molecular weight and potential alterations of sulfation degree, monosaccharide composition, and protein content in the DES-extracted polysaccharide. This mechanistic perspective is supported by the relevant literature on the structure–activity relationships of polysaccharides. This study demonstrates the potential of ChCl-LA and elucidates the complex effects of extraction methods on polysaccharide’s structure and function, thereby informing the high-value utilization of A. taxiformis in functional foods. Full article

Seawater electrolysis offers a promising route for sustainable hydrogen production in coastal areas, leveraging solar energy while reducing freshwater consumption. Yet, chloride-induced corrosion severely limits conventional electrodes such as titanium, which depend on passive titanium dioxide films and display minimal hydrogen evolution reaction activity (|i₀,H₂| ≈ 0.001–0.01 A/m²). Here, we report for the first time the use of copper-based coordination compounds—a triazole-derived polymer (CC_Cu) and a Prussian Blue Analogue (CuHCF)—as dual-function electrodes combining corrosion resistance with electrocatalytic activity. Structural integrity was verified by FTIR, TGA, XRD, and SEM/EDS analyses. Electrochemical tests in 0.5 M NaCl, interpreted using mixed potential theory, revealed corrosion potentials (E_corr) of −40 mV versus Standard Hydrogen Electrode (CuHCF) and −23 mV versus Standard Hydrogen Electrode (CC_Cu), and corrosion current densities of 0.259 and 0.379 A/m², respectively. Both exhibited hydrogen evolution reaction exchange current densities significantly higher than titanium (0.019 A/m² for CuHCF and 0.062 A/m² for CC_Cu). CuHCF achieved a Tafel slope of 222 mV/dec, comparable to NiMoP alloys and carbon steel. Complementary density functional theory calculations elucidated how metal–ligand interactions and electronic redistribution govern both catalytic performance and degradation. These findings introduce a new concept of semi-electrocatalysts, where copper coordination compounds act as structurally adaptive, low-cost materials bridging corrosion resistance and hydrogen evolution in seawater systems. Full article

Hard carbon is widely recognized as a viable anode candidate for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to its electrochemical advantages, yet simultaneously enhancing specific capacity and rate capability, arising from insufficient plateau capacity, remains a long-standing challenge. Herein, we present a strategy for fabricating ZnCl₂-modified hard carbon (HCMZ-X) using waste macadamia shells and ZnCl₂ as a multifunctional structural modifier through a facile high-temperature carbonization. This approach effectively expands the graphite interlayer spacing to 0.394 nm, reduces microcrystalline size, and induces abundant closed pores, synergistically improving sodium-ion storage kinetics within the hard carbon framework. Mechanistic investigations confirm an “adsorption-intercalation-filling” storage mechanism. Hence, the optimized HCMZ-3 delivers a high reversible capacity of 382.05 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.05 A g⁻¹, with the plateau region contributing approximately 70%, significantly outperforming that of unmodified hard carbon (262.64 mAh g⁻¹). Remarkably, it achieves stable rate performance, delivering 190 mAh g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹, along with excellent cycling stability, retaining over 90% after 500 cycles. By rational pore-structure modulation rather than excessive surface activation, this cost-effective method utilizing agricultural waste and ZnCl₂ dual-functional modification partially alleviates the intrinsic energy-density limitation of hard carbon anodes, advancing the development of high-performance, eco-friendly anodes for scalable energy storage systems. Full article