Search Results (26,318)

Background: The study evaluates the immunomodulatory potential of secukinumab (SECU) and honokiol (HONK) in a murine model of allergic asthma complicated by acute lung injury (ALI), with an emphasis on modulating key inflammatory pathways. The rationale is driven by the necessity to attenuate Th17-mediated cytokine cascades, wherein IL-17 plays a critical role, as well as to explore the adjunctive anti-inflammatory effects of HONK on Th1 cytokine production, including IL-6, TNF-α, and Th2 cytokines. Methods: Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administrated to exacerbate pulmonary pathology, followed by administration of SECU, HONK (98% purity, C₁₈H₁₈O₂), or their combination. Quantitative analyses incorporated OVA-specific IgE measurements, differential cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and extensive cytokine profiling in both BALF and lung tissue homogenates, utilizing precise immunoassays and histopathological scoring systems. Results: Both SECU and HONK, when used alone or in combination, display significant immunomodulatory effects in a murine model of allergic asthma concomitant with ALI. The combined therapy synergistically reduced pro-inflammatory mediators, notably Th1 cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, as measured in both BALF and lung tissue homogenates. Conclusions: The combined therapy showed a synergistic attenuation of pro-inflammatory mediators, a reduction in goblet cell hyperplasia, and an overall improvement in lung histoarchitecture. While the data robustly support the merit of a combinatorial approach targeting multiple inflammatory mediators, the study acknowledges limitations in cytokine diffusion and the murine model’s translational fidelity, thereby underscoring the need for further research to optimize clinical protocols for severe respiratory inflammatory disorders. Full article

Background: As a well-known environmental hazard, ambient fine particulate matter (PM_2.5, aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm) has been positively correlated with an increased risk of digestive system diseases, including appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastrointestinal cancer. Additionally, PM_2.5 exposure has been shown to alter microbiota composition and diversity in human and animal models. However, its impact on goblet cells and gut mucus barrier integrity remains unclear. Methods: To address this, 8-week-old male and female interleukin-10 knockout (IL10^−/−) mice, serving as a spontaneous colitis model, were exposed to concentrated ambient PM_2.5 or filtered air (FA) in a whole-body exposure system for 17 weeks. Colon tissues from the PM_2.5-exposed mice and LS174T goblet cells were analyzed using H&E staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and transcriptomic profiling. Results: The average PM_2.5 concentration in the exposure chamber was 100.20 ± 13.79 µg/m³. PM_2.5 exposure in the IL10^−/− mice led to pronounced colon shortening, increased inflammatory infiltration, ragged villi brush borders, dense goblet cells with sparse enterocytes, and lipid droplet accumulation in mitochondria. Similar ultrastructure changes were exhibited in the LS174T goblet cells after PM_2.5 exposure. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a predominantly upregulated gene expression spectrum, indicating an overall enhancement rather than suppression of metabolic activity after PM_2.5 exposure. Integrated enrichment analyses, including GO, KEGG, and GSEA, showed enrichment in pathways related to oxidative stress, xenobiotic (exogenous compound) metabolism, and energy metabolism. METAFlux, a metabolic activity analysis, further substantiated that PM_2.5 exposure induces a shift in cellular energy metabolism preference and disrupts redox homeostasis. Conclusions: The findings of exacerbated gut barrier impairment and goblet cell dysfunction following PM_2.5 exposure provide new evidence of environmental factors contributing to colitis, highlighting new perspectives on its role in the pathogenesis of colitis. Full article

Among the various available synthesis approaches, hydrolytic precipitation offers a simple, cost-effective, and scalable route for producing phase-pure NiO with a controlled morphology and crystallite size. However, the influence of calcination temperature on its crystalline phase, particle size, and antimicrobial activity remains an active field of research. This study aims to investigate the structural, morphological, and antibacterial properties of NiO nanoparticles synthesized via hydrolytic methods and thermally treated at different temperatures. XRD data indicate the presence of the hexagonal crystallographic phase of NiO (space group 166: R-3m), a structural variant less commonly reported in the literature, stabilized under mild hydrolytic synthesis conditions. The average crystallite size increases significantly from 4.97 nm at 300 °C to values of ~17.8 nm at 500–700 °C, confirming the development of the crystal lattice. The ATR-FTIR analysis confirms the presence of the characteristic Ni–O band for all samples, positioned between 367 and 383 cm⁻¹, with a reference value of 355 cm⁻¹ for commercial NiO. The displacements and variations in intensity reflect a thermal evolution of the crystalline structure, but also an important influence of the size of the crystallites and the agglomeration state. The results reveal a systematic evolution in particle morphology from porous, flake-like nanostructures at 300 °C to dense, well-faceted polyhedral crystals at 900 °C. With an increasing temperature, particle size increases. EDS spectra confirm the high purity of the NiO phase across all samples. Additionally, the NiO nanoparticles exhibit calcination-temperature-dependent antibacterial activity, with the complete inhibition of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis observed after 24 h for the sample calcined at 300 °C and over 90% CFU reduction within 4 h. A significant reduction in E. faecalis viability across all samples indicates time- and strain-specific bactericidal effects. Due to its remarkable multifunctionality, NiO has emerged as a strategic nanomaterial in fields ranging from energy storage and catalysis to antimicrobial technologies, where precise control over its structural phase and particle size is essential for optimizing performance. Full article

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, progressive, and incurable disease characterized by an elevated pulmonary blood pressure, extensive remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature, increased pulmonary vascular resistance, and culminating in right ventricular failure. Mitochondrial dysfunction has a major role in the pathogenesis of PAH and secondary right ventricular failure, and its targeting may offer therapeutic benefit. In this study, we provide proof-of-concept for the use of the mitochondrially active drug SUL-150 to treat PAH. PAH was induced in rats by monocrotaline, followed by the placement of an aortocaval shunt one week later. The mitoprotective compound SUL-150 (~6 mg·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹) or vehicle was administered intraperitoneally via osmotic minipump for 28 days, implanted at the time of aortocaval shunt placement. Vehicle-treated PAH rats had dyspnea and showed pulmonary artery remodeling with increased responsiveness to phenylephrine, in addition to remodeling of the intrapulmonary arterioles. SUL-150 administration mitigated the dyspnea and the remodeling responses. Vehicle-treated PAH rats developed right ventricular hypertrophy, fibrosis, and failure. SUL-150 administration precluded cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and inhibited ventricular fibrogenesis. Right ventricular failure in vehicle-treated PAH rats induced mitochondrial loss and dysfunction associated with a decrease in mitophagy. SUL-150 was unable to prevent the mitochondrial loss but improved mitochondrial health in the right ventricle, which culminated in the preservation of right ventricular function. We conclude that SUL-150 improves PAH-associated morbidity by the amelioration of pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular failure and may be considered a promising therapeutic candidate to slow disease progression in pulmonary arterial hypertension and secondary right ventricular failure. Full article

Industrial effluents pose a significant concern because they contain a variety of metals and metalloids that have detrimental effects on the environment. Conventional techniques are widely used in effluent treatment plants (ETPs) to remove metallic pollutants; however, they are less effective, are costly, and generate secondary toxic waste. Mycosorbent would be a sustainable and economical alternative to conventional techniques, as it offers numerous advantages. In this study, we shed light on the development of mycosorbent, which could be potentially applicable in the treatment of industrial effluent. In a competitive (i.e., multimetal system) optimisation study, mycosorbent AD2 exhibited a maximum biosorption capacity of 3.7 to 6.20 mg/g at pH 6.0, with an initial metal ion concentration of 25 mg/L, a contact time of 2 h, at 50 ± 2 °C, and a pH_PZC of 5.3. The metal-removal capacity increased up to 1.23-fold after optimisation. The thermodynamic parameters confirmed that the AD2 mycosorbent facilitated an endothermic, feasible, and spontaneous biosorption process. The FT-IR and SEM characterisation analysis confirmed the adsorption of metals on the surface of the mycosorbent from the aqueous system. This study demonstrated that mycosorbent could be an effective tool for combating metallic pollutants in various industrial effluents. Full article

In civil engineering, with the increasing demand for structural reinforcement and renovation projects, polymer-rich anchoring adhesives have attracted much attention due to their performance advantage of having high strength and have become a key factor in ensuring the safety and durability of buildings. In this study, polymer-rich anchoring adhesives underwent three artificial aging treatments (alkali medium, hygrothermal, and water bath) to evaluate their aging performance. Alkali treatment reduced bending strength by up to 70% (sample 5#) within 500 h before stabilizing, while hygrothermal and water-curing treatments caused reductions of 16–51% and 15–77%, respectively, depending on adhesive composition. Dynamic thermomechanical analysis revealed significant loss factor decreases (e.g., epoxy adhesives dropped from >1.0 to stable lower values after 500 h aging), indicating increased rigidity. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed chemical degradation, including ester group breakage in vinyl ester resins (peak shifts at 1700 cm⁻¹ and 1100 cm⁻¹) and molecular chain scission in unsaturated polyesters. The three test methods consistently demonstrated that 500 h of aging sufficiently captured performance trends, with alkali exposure causing the most severe degradation in sensitive formulations (e.g., samples 5# and 6#). These results can be used to establish quantitative benchmarks for adhesive durability assessment in structural applications. Full article

Interfacial solar evaporation has emerged as a promising strategy for freshwater production, where 3D evaporators offer distinct advantages in heat management and salt rejection. Freeze–thaw cycling is a widely adopted fabrication method for 3D hydrogel evaporators, yet the impact of preparation conditions (e.g., freezing temperature) on their evaporation performance remains poorly understood, hindering rational optimization of fabrication protocols. Herein, we report the fabrication of chitosan-based hydrogel evaporators via freeze–thaw cycles at different freezing temperatures (−20 °C, −40 °C, and −80 °C), leveraging its low cost and environmental friendliness. Characterizations of crosslinking density and microstructure reveal a direct correlation between freezing temperature and network porosity, which significantly influences evaporation rate, photothermal conversion efficiency, and anti-salt performance. It is noteworthy that the chitosan hydrogel prepared at −80 °C demonstrates an excellent evaporation rate in high-salinity environments and exhibits superior salt resistance during continuous evaporation testing. Long-term cyclic experiments indicate that there was an average evaporation rate of 3.76 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ over 10 cycles, with only a 2.5% decrease observed in the 10th cycle. This work not only elucidates the structure–property relationship of freeze–thaw fabricated hydrogels but also provides a strategic guideline for tailoring evaporator architectures to different salinity conditions, bridging the gap between material design and practical seawater desalination. Full article

The functional role of MAPKK genes in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under high-temperature stress remains unexplored, despite their critical importance in stress signaling and yield protection. We characterized StMAPKK1, a novel group D MAPKK localized to plasma membrane/cytoplasm. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed cultivar-specific upregulation in potato (‘Atlantic’ and ‘Desiree’) leaves under heat stress (25 °C, 30 °C, and 35 °C). Transgenic lines overexpressing (OE) StMAPKK1 exhibited elevated antioxidant enzyme activity, including ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD), mitigating oxidative damage. Increased proline and chlorophyll accumulation and reduced oxidative stress markers, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA), indicate improved cellular redox homeostasis. The upregulation of key antioxidant and heat stress-responsive genes (StAPX, StCAT1/2, StPOD12/47, StFeSOD2/3, StMnSOD, StCuZnSOD1/2, StHSFA3 and StHSP20/70/90) strengthened the enzymatic defense system, enhanced thermotolerance, and improved photosynthetic efficiency, with significant improvements in net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (E), and stomatal conductance (Gs) under heat stress (35 °C) in StMAPKK1-OE plants. Superior growth and biomass (plant height, plant and its root fresh and dry weights, and tuber yield) accumulation, confirming the positive role of StMAPKK1 in thermotolerance. Conversely, RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated suppression of StMAPKK1 led to a reduction in enzymatic activity, proline content, and chlorophyll levels, exacerbating oxidative stress. Downregulation of antioxidant-related genes impaired ROS scavenging capacity and declines in photosynthetic efficiency, growth, and biomass, accompanied by elevated H₂O₂ and MDA accumulation, highlighting the essential role of StMAPKK1 in heat stress adaptation. These findings highlight StMAPKK1’s potential as a key genetic target for breeding heat-tolerant potato varieties, offering a foundation for improving crop resilience in warming climates. Full article

In familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD), presenilin 1 (PSEN1) E280A cholinergic-like neurons (ChLNs) induce aberrant secretion of extracellular amyloid beta (eAβ). How PSEN1 E280A ChLNs-eAβ affects microglial activity is still unknown. We obtained induced microglia-like cells (iMG) from human peripheral blood cells (hPBCs) in a 15-day differentiation process to investigate the effect of bolus addition of Aβ42, PSEN1 E280A cholinergic-like neuron (ChLN)-derived culture supernatants, and PSEN1 E280A ChLNs on wild type (WT) iMG, PSEN1 E280A iMG, and sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (SAD) iMG. We found that WT iMG cells, when challenged with non-cellular (e.g., lipopolysaccharide, LPS) or cellular (e.g., Aβ42, PSEN1 E280A ChLN-derived culture supernatants) microenvironments, closely resemble primary human microglia in terms of morphology (resembling an “amoeboid-like phenotype”), expression of surface markers (Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1, IBA-1; transmembrane protein 119, TMEM119), phagocytic ability (high pHrodo™ Red E. coli BioParticles™ phagocytic activity), immune metabolism (i.e., high generation of reactive oxygen species, ROS), increase in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), response to ATP-induced transient intracellular Ca²⁺ influx, cell polarization (cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68)/CD206 ratio: M1 phenotype), cell migration activity according to the scratch wound assay, and especially in their inflammatory response (secretion of cytokine interleukin-6, IL-6; Tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNF-α). We also found that PSEN1 E280A and SAD iMG are physiologically unresponsive to ATP-induced Ca²⁺ influx, have reduced phagocytic activity, and diminished expression of Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2 (TREM2) protein, but when co-cultured with PSEN1 E280A ChLNs, iMG shows an increase in pro-inflammatory phenotype (M1) and secretes high levels of cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. As a result, PSEN1 E280A and SAD iMG induce apoptosis in PSEN1 E280A ChLNs as evidenced by abnormal phosphorylation of protein TAU at residue T205 and cleaved caspase 3 (CC3). Taken together, these results suggest that PSEN1 E280A ChLNs initiate a vicious cycle between damaged neurons and M1 phenotype microglia, resulting in excessive ChLN death. Our findings provide a suitable platform for the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches for the fight against FAD. Full article

In this study, the possibility of using cement bypass dust as a cement additive was investigated. The utilization of cement bypass dust remains a major problem in cement production, as huge amounts of it are stored in landfills. In this study, a hydrothermal treatment is proposed to modify the properties of this dust and to expand its use. Hydrothermal treatment with pure bypass dust and quartz was carried out to achieve a CaO/SiO₂ ratio of 1 to 2. Samples were synthesized at 200 °C for 2, 4, 8, and 24 h. To examine the influence of the hydrothermal treatment on cement properties, a sample with a CaO/SiO₂ ratio of 1, hydrothermally treated for 8 h, was selected. This study employed XRD, XRF, DSC-TG, and isothermal calorimetry. Most of the target synthesis products, e.g., tobermorite and calcium silicate hydrates, formed after 8 h of sample synthesis, during which quartz was added to bypass dust and a CaO/SiO₂ ratio of 1 was achieved. An examination of the composition of the liquid medium following hydrothermal processing showed that almost all chlorine passed into the liquid medium, while some K₂O remained in the solid synthesis product. The synthesized additive is an effective catalyst for the hydration of Portland cement. After a 28-day curing period, specimens incorporating modified bypass dust replacing up to 10% of the Portland cement by weight demonstrated compressive strengths comparable to, or surpassing, those of specimens composed exclusively of Portland cement. Full article

Plant growth is susceptible to abiotic stresses like salt and drought, and Na⁺/H⁺ antiporters (NHXs) play a pivotal role in stress responses. NHX proteins belong to the CPAs (cation/proton antiporters) family with a conserved Na⁺ (K⁺)/H⁺ exchange domain, which is widely involved in plant growth, development, and defense. While NHX genes have been extensively studied in model plants (e.g., Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa), research in other species remains limited. In this study, we identified nine NHX genes in foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and analyzed their systematic phylogeny, gene structure, protein characteristics, distribution of the chromosome, collinearity relationship, and cis-elements prediction at the promoter region. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the members of the SiNHX gene family were divided into four subgroups. RT-qPCR analysis of the SiNHX family members showed that most genes were highly expressed in roots of foxtail millet, and their transcriptional levels responded to salt stress treatment. To determine SiNHX7’s function, we constructed overexpression Arabidopsis lines for each of the two transcripts of SiNHX7, and found that the overexpressed plants exhibited salt tolerance. These findings provide valuable insights for further study of the function of SiNHX genes and are of great significance for breeding new varieties of salt-resistant foxtail millet. Full article

The structural analysis of shelterbelts forms the foundation of their planning and management, yet the scientific and effective quantification of shelterbelt structures requires further investigation. This study developed an innovative heterogeneous analytical framework, integrating three key methodologies: the LeWoS algorithm for wood–leaf separation, TreeQSM for structural reconstruction, and 3D alpha-shape spatial quantification, using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) technology. This framework was applied to three typical farmland shelterbelts in the Ulan Buh Desert oasis, enabling the first precise quantitative characterization of structural components during the leaf-on stage. The results showed the following to be true: (1) The combined three-algorithm method achieved ≥90.774% relative accuracy in extracting structural parameters for all measured traits except leaf surface area. (2) Branch length, diameter, surface area, and volume decreased progressively from first- to fourth-order branches, while branch angles increased with ascending branch order. (3) The trunk, branch, and leaf components exhibited distinct vertical stratification. Trunk volume and surface area decreased linearly with height, while branch and leaf volumes and surface areas followed an inverted U-shaped distribution. (4) Horizontally, both surface area density (Scd) and volume density (Vcd) in each cube unit exhibited pronounced edge effects. Specifically, the Scd and Vcd were greatest between 0.33 and 0.60 times the shelterbelt’s height (H, i.e., mid-canopy). In contrast, the optical porosity (Op) was at a minimum of 0.43 H to 0.67 H, while the volumetric porosity (Vp) was at a minimum at 0.25 H to 0.50 H. (5) The proposed volumetric stratified porosity (Vsp) metric provides a scientific basis for regional farmland shelterbelt management strategies. This three-dimensional structural analytical framework enables precision silviculture, with particular relevance to strengthening ecological barrier efficacy in arid regions. Full article

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) is a brush border enzyme secreted by enterocytes, playing a crucial role in maintaining gut mucosal defense. This study investigated the expression dynamics of IAP in the small intestine of pigs challenged with Escherichia coli (E. coli) K88, compared to healthy controls. Five-week-old pigs (n = 8) were orally administered E. coli K88 at a concentration of 2 × 10⁸ CFU/mL, with a dose of 2 mL per pig at 0 and 24 h. Five days post-challenge, tissue samples from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were collected for mucosal morphometric analysis and evaluation of IAP expression via immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time PCR. The results revealed the presence of IAP on the apical surface of villi throughout the small intestine, along with significantly upregulated IAP expression in E. coli-challenged pigs compared to controls. These findings suggest that Gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli can induce IAP expression, likely through lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, thereby enhancing its enzymatic activity as part of the intestinal defense mechanism. This study provides insight into the protective role of IAP and highlights its potential as a biomarker for assessing gut health and diagnosing enteric infections in animals. Full article

Mineral waters from two tectonically active mountain systems within the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic belt, the Pamir and the Greater Caucasus (Elbrus region), were analyzed for ²²²Rn activity and ²³⁸U concentrations to establish correlations with geological conditions, physicochemical characteristics of water, and to assess the potential health risk associated with ²³⁸U and ²²²Rn. It was found that in mineral waters of the Pamir, the concentrations of ²³⁸U (0.004–13.3 µg/L) and activity of ²²²Rn (8–130 Bq/L) are higher than in the Elbrus area: 0.04–3.74 µg/L and 6–33 Bq/L, respectively. Results indicate that uranium mobility in water is strongly influenced by T, pH, and Eh, but is less affected by the age of host rocks or springs' elevation, whereas radon activity in waters depends on the age of rocks, spring elevation, ²³⁸U content, and values of δ¹⁸O and δ²H in water. This study reveals fundamental geological distinctions governing uranium and radon sources in the mineral waters of these regions. Isotopic evidence (²²²Rn and ³He/⁴He) demonstrates crustal radon sources prevail in Pamir, whereas the Elbrus system suggests mantle-derived components. The U concentrations do not exceed 30 µg/L, and most water samples (94%) showed ²²²Rn activities below 100 Bq/L, complying with the drinking water exposure limits recommended by the World Health Organization and European Union Directive. However, in intermountain depressions of the Pamirs, at low absolute elevations (~2300 m), radon concentrations in water can increase significantly, which requires special attention and study. Full article

Restricting the use of chemical pesticides in forestry requires the search for alternative solutions. These could be volatile organic compounds produced by three investigated species of bacteria (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (ex Fukumoto) Priest, B. subtilis (Ehrenberg) Cohn and B. thuringiensis Berliner), which inhibit the growth of the pathogen F. oxysporum Schltdl. emend. Snyder & Hansen in forest nurseries. The highest inhibition of fungal growth (70%) was observed with B. amyloliquefaciens after 24 h of antagonism test, which had a higher content of carbonyl compounds (46.83 ± 8.41%) than B. subtilis (41.50 ± 6.45%) or B. thuringiensis (34.62 ± 4.77%). Only in the volatile emissions of B. amyloliquefaciens were 3-hydroxybutan-2-one, undecan-2-one, dodecan-5-one and tetradecan-5-one found. In contrast, the main components of the volatile emissions of F. oxysporum were chlorinated derivatives of benzaldehyde (e.g., 3,5-dichloro-4-methoxybenzaldehyde) and chlorinated derivatives of benzene (e.g., 1,4-dichloro-2,5-dimethoxybenzene), as well as carbonyl compounds (e.g., benzaldehyde) and alcohols (e.g., benzyl alcohol). Further compounds were found in the interactions between B. amyloliquefaciens and F. oxysporum (e.g., $\alpha$-cubebene, linalool, undecan-2-ol, decan-2-one and 2,6-dichloroanisole). Specific substances were found for B. amyloliquefaciens (limonene, nonan-2-ol, phenethyl alcohol, heptan-2-one and tridecan-2-one) and for F. oxysporum (propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, heptan-2-one and tridecan-2-one). The amounts of volatile chemical compounds found in B. amyloliquefaciens or in the bacterium–fungus interaction can be used for further research to limit the pathogenic fungus. In the future, one should focus on the compounds that were found exclusively in interactions and whose content was higher than in isolated bacteria. In order to conquer an ecological niche, bacteria increase the production of secondary metabolites, including specific chemical compounds. The results presented are a prerequisite for creating an alternative solution or supplementing the currently used methods of plant protection against F. oxysporum. Understanding and applying the volatile organic compounds produced by bacteria can complement chemical plant protection against the pathogen, especially in greenhouses or tunnels where plants grow in conditions that favour fungal growth. Full article