Search Results (456)

The open reading frame 3 (ORF3) protein of the swine hepatitis E virus (SHEV) is a critical virulence factor implicated in viral infection, yet its precise mechanisms remain poorly understood. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression during viral infections by functioning as miRNA sponges. This study aimed to identify key circRNAs and construct a potential circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network associated with the viral infection pathway in HepG2 cells expressing genotype IV SHEV ORF3. Based on our previous high-throughput circRNA and transcriptome sequencing data from HepG2 cells with adenovirus-mediated ORF3 overexpression, we screened for differentially expressed circRNAs and mRNAs linked to viral infection pathways. Using bioinformatic tools, we predicted miRNAs targeted by these mRNAs and those that could bind to the circRNAs, ultimately constructing a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network with Cytoscape. We identified 31 differentially expressed circRNAs and 7 mRNAs (HSPA8, HSPA1B, EGR2, CXCR4, SOCS3, NOTCH3, and ZNF527) related to viral infection. A potential ceRNA network comprising 32 circRNAs, 23 miRNAs, and the 7 mRNAs was constructed. Core circRNAs, including ciRNA203, circRNA14936, and circRNA5562, may act as miRNA sponges to regulate the expression of these mRNAs. This network suggests a novel mechanism by which SHEV ORF3 might modulate host cell functions to facilitate viral infection. Full article

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a globally distributed zoonosis triggered by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus), impacting humans and an extensive array of mammalian intermediate hosts. EGR-01664 is the major egg antigen of E. granulosus, but almost nothing is currently known about the function of EGR-01664 from E. granulosus. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the E. granulosus EGR-01664 gene (GenBank ID: 36337379), and the recombinant EGR-01664 protein was expressed successfully. Next, the transcription of the EGR-01664 gene across various developmental stages of E. granulosus was analyzed. Its spatial expression patterns in adult worms and protoscoleces were characterized using both quantitative PCR (qPCR) and immunofluorescence assays. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory effects of rEGR-01664 on cell proliferation, nitric oxide production, and cytokine secretion were examined by co-culturing the recombinant protein with canine PBMCs. Results: The rEGR-01664 could be recognized by sera from dogs infected with E. granulosus. Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) localization revealed the protein’s presence in the epidermis of protoscoleces, the adult epidermis, and some parenchymal tissues. qPCR revealed that EGR-01664 mRNA levels were significantly higher in protoscoleces compared to adults (p < 0.0001). At a concentration of 20 μg/mL, rEGR-01664 could significantly activate the transcription and expression of IL-10, TGF-β1, IL-17A, and Bax in canine PBMCs. However, with an increase in concentration, it inhibited the expression of IFN-γ, Bcl-2, GSDMD, IL-18, and IL-1β. These results suggest that the EGR-01664 gene plays a crucial role in the development, parasitism, and reproduction of E. granulosus. In vitro studies have shown that rEGR-01664 protein regulates the immune regulation function of canine PBMCs, suggesting its potential as a vaccine adjuvant or immunotherapy target. Conclusions: EGR-01664 may modulate canine PBMC functions to regulate host immune responses, thereby facilitating our understanding of how E. granulosus EGR-01664 contributes to the mechanism of parasitic immune evasion. Full article

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) is a hereditary condition caused by the duplication of the PMP22 gene. Overexpression of peripheral myelin protein 22 in Schwann cells leads to myelin sheath defects and axonal loss. We have produced a cell model to facilitate studies of the molecular mechanisms involved in PMP22 accumulation and clearance. Our model is a stably transfected, clonal, immortalised human Schwann cell line with overexpressed levels of PMP22 fusion protein. A control-transfected cell line (vector lacking PMP22) was also produced. PMP22-transfected cells had reduced levels of mitosis, with the PMP22 fusion protein concentrated in punctate aggregates in the cytoplasm and expressed at the plasma membranes, which were often irregular and spindly. In contrast, control cells (control-transfected and parent cell lines) generally had smooth and regular plasma membrane morphology. Culturing in the presence of NRG1 and forskolin lead to upregulation of markers of myelination potential in the control cells. These markers were more variable in the cells stably transfected with PMP22, including decreased levels of transcripts of SOX10, JUN, S100B and NGFR, but increased levels of MPZ and EGR2 compared to controls. Using proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID2), several hundred proteins were identified in the proximity of the overexpressed PMP22, of which 291 significant proteins were only detected in the proximity of PMP22 and not in that of control pull-downs. Among the most significantly enriched PMP22-interacting proteins were integrins alpha-2 (ITGA2) and alpha-7 (ITGA7), which play a role in myelination via their interactions with the extracellular matrix. The presence of ITGA2 in just the PMP22-transfected fraction was confirmed by western blot. Some of the proteins were associated with several enriched molecular pathways, including molecular transport and protein trafficking, and may represent potential therapeutic targets for CMT1A by promoting the degradation and enhanced trafficking of PMP22. Full article

The study of molecular mechanisms underlying late-life depression (LLD) is increasingly important in light of population aging. To date, LLD-related molecular brain changes remain poorly understood. Furthermore, environmental factors such as climate change and geography contribute to LDD risks. One overlooked factor might be deuterium—a stable hydrogen isotope—whose concentration in drinking water can vary geographically (~90–155 ppm) and alter the incidence of mood disorders. Conversely, potential effects of natural variations in deuterium content in drinking water on LLD symptoms and brain gene expression remain unknown. We conducted Illumina gene expression profiling in the hippocampi and prefrontal cortexes of 18-month-old C57BL/6J mice, a model of LLD-like behaviors, compared to 3-month-old controls. Separately, aged mice were allowed to consume deuterium-depleted (DDW, ~90 ppm) or control (~140 ppm) water for 21 days and were studied for LLD-like behaviors and Illumina gene expression of the brain. Naïve old mice displayed ≥2-fold significant changes of 35 genes. Housing on DDW increased their hedonic sensitivity and novelty exploration, reduced helplessness, improved memory, and significantly altered brain expression of Egr1, Per2, Homer1, Gadd45a, and Prdx4, among others. These genes revealed significant alterations in several GO-BP and KEGG pathways implicated in inflammation, cellular stress, synaptic plasticity, emotionality, and regeneration. Additionally, we found that incubation of primary neuronal cultures in DDW-containing buffer ameliorated Ca²⁺ influx and mitochondrial potential in a toxicity model, suggesting the involvement of mitochondrial mechanisms in the effects of decreased deuterium levels. Thus, aging induced profound brain molecular changes that may at least in part contribute to LLD pathophysiology. Reduced deuterium intake exerted modest but significant effects on LLD-related behaviors in aged mice, which can be attributed to, but not limited by ameliorated mitochondrial function and changes in brain gene expression. Full article

Distant hybridization is key to trait innovation and speciation, with Cyprinidae hybrid phylogeny helping to clarify diversification mechanisms. Yet, a major gap persists in Cyprinidae studies: the stabilization mechanisms of interspecific distant hybrid lineages. To address this, we systematically analyzed the molecular phylogeny of seven Cyprinidae distant hybrid lineages and their parental species, using an integrative genetic framework encompassing four mitochondrial genes (Cytb, COI, 16S rRNA, D-loop) and five nuclear genes (EGR2b, IRBP2, RAG1, RAG2, RH2). Homologous sequences of 41 representative Cyprinidae species (85 samples) were retrieved from GenBank to supplement the dataset. Phylogenies were reconstructed from concatenated sequences, complemented by haplotype networks. Intra-/interspecific divergence was quantified using two mitochondrial genes (COI, Cytb) and two nuclear (RAG1, RH2). The results showed that these hybrid lineages exhibited variation patterns analogous to other Cyprinidae species. Both ML and BI trees reconstructed exhibited congruent topologies with high support (bootstrap/BPP > 80%), resolving genus/species-level relationships. While most hybrids clustered intermediately between their parental species, they typically displayed maternal affinity. A notable exception was the 2nNCRC (a homodiploid hybrid from Cyprinus carpio ♀ × Megalobrama amblycephala ♂), which displayed convergent evolution toward Carassius auratus. COI-based K2P genetic distance analysis revealed 2nNCRC had a much closer relationship with C. auratus (0.0119) than with its parents (0.1249 to C. carpio, 0.1552 to M. amblycephala). These nine genes elucidate the genetic relationships between Cyprinid hybrid lineages and progenitors, serving as pivotal molecular markers for parentage tracing and genetic dissection of distant hybridization mechanisms. The integrated mitochondrial–nuclear marker system in this study advances understanding of cytonuclear coadaptation and the stabilization of interspecific distant hybrid lineages in Cyprinidae. Specifically, it provides a precise tool for parentage tracing, Cyprinid germplasm conservation, and targeted regulation of hybrid breeding—laying a foundation for exploring hybrid speciation and developing elite aquaculture germplasms. Full article

Tight gas reservoirs are characterized by low porosity, low permeability, and strong heterogeneity. CO₂ flooding, as an important approach for enhancing gas recovery while achieving carbon sequestration, is often restricted by gas channeling. Based on the sandstone reservoir parameters of the Shihezi Formation in the Ordos Basin, a two-dimensional fracture–matrix coupled numerical model was developed to systematically investigate the effects of fracture number, fracture inclination, fracture width, injection pressure, and permeability contrast on gas breakthrough time and sweep efficiency. A second-order regression model was further established using response surface methodology (RSM). The results show that a moderate fracture density can extend breakthrough time and improve sweep efficiency, while permeability contrast is the fundamental factor controlling gas channeling risk. When the contrast increases from 0.7 to 9.9, the breakthrough efficiency decreases from 88.5% to 68.9%. The response surface analysis reveals significant nonlinear interactions, including the coupled effects of fracture number with fracture width, injection pressure, and inclination angle. Under the optimized conditions, the breakthrough time can be extended to 46,984 h, with a corresponding sweep efficiency of 87.7%. These findings provide a quantitative evaluation method and engineering optimization guidance for controlling CO₂ channeling in tight gas reservoirs. Full article

Improving the efficiency of spark-ignited (SI) engines while simultaneously reducing emissions remains a critical challenge in meeting global energy demands and increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Lean burn combustion is a proven strategy for increasing efficiency in SI engines. However, the air dilution level is limited by the mixture’s ignition ability and poor combustion efficiency and stability. A promising method to extend the dilution limit and ensure stable combustion is the implementation of an active pre-chamber combustion system. The pre-chamber spark-ignited (PCSI) engine facilitates stable and rapid combustion of very lean mixtures in the main chamber by utilizing high ignition energy from multiple flame jets penetrating from the pre-chamber (PC) to the main chamber (MC). Together with the increase in efficiency by dilution of the mixture, nitrogen oxide (NO_X) emissions are lowered. However, at peak efficiencies, the NO_X emissions are still too high and require aftertreatment. The use of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) as a dilutant might enable simple aftertreatment by using a three-way catalyst. This study experimentally investigates the use of EGR as a dilution method in a PCSI engine fueled by methane and analyzes the benefits and drawbacks compared to the use of air as a dilution method. The experimental results are categorized into three sets: measurements at wide open throttle (WOT) conditions, at a constant engine load of indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) of 5 bar, and at IMEP = 7 bar, all at a fixed engine speed of 1600 rpm. The experimental results were further enhanced with numerical 1D/0D simulations to obtain parameters such as the residual combustion products and excess air ratio in the pre-chamber, which could not be directly measured during the experimental testing. The findings indicate that air dilution achieves higher indicated efficiency than EGR, at all operating conditions. However, EGR shows an increasing trend in indicated efficiency with the increase in EGR rates but is limited due to misfires. In both dilution approaches, at peak efficiencies, aftertreatment is required for exhaust gases because they are above the legal limit, but a significant decrease in NO_X emissions can be observed. Full article

This study presents a comparative investigation of combustion and emission characteristics in a two-stroke MAN 5S35ME-B9.5 marine diesel engine equipped with a Controllable Pitch Propeller and an Exhaust Gas Recirculation system. Experimental data were obtained from both factory shop tests conducted under the IMO NOx Technical Code 2008 E2 cycle and sea trials performed onboard the T/S Baek-Kyung. Engine performance was evaluated under Tier II-FB, ecoEGR, and Tier III modes, focusing on specific fuel oil consumption, peak cylinder pressure, exhaust gas temperature, and regulated emissions. Results indicate that Tier III achieved the greatest NOx abatement, reducing emissions by up to 76.4% (1464 to 346 ppm), but with penalties of 16.8% higher SFOC and 45.2% higher CO₂ concentration. EcoEGR provided a more favorable compromise, reducing NOx by 52.3% while limiting SFOC increases to ≤15.4% and CO₂ increases to ≤30.9%. Strong correlations were observed between NOx, Pmax, and exhaust gas temperature, reaffirming fundamental trade-offs, while O₂ and CO correlations showed greater variability under sea operation. Despite operational scatter, sea trial results reproduced the key patterns observed in shop tests, confirming robustness across conditions. Overall, this correlation-based analysis provides quantified evidence of performance–emission trade-offs and offers a practical foundation for optimizing CPP-equipped two-stroke engines under varying EGR strategies. Full article

Diesel engines power much of the heavy-duty equipment used in underground mines, where exhaust emissions pose acute environmental and occupational health challenges. However, predicting the amount of air required to dilute these emissions is difficult because exhaust mass flow and pollutant concentrations vary nonlinearly with multiple operating parameters. We apply deep learning to predict the total exhaust mass flow and carbon monoxide (CO) concentration of a six-cylinder gas–diesel (dual-fuel) turbocharged KAMAZ 910.12-450 engine under controlled operating conditions. We trained artificial neural networks on the preprocessed experimental dataset to capture nonlinear relationships between engine inputs and exhaust responses. Model interpretation with Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) identifies torque, speed, and boost pressure as dominant drivers of exhaust mass flow, and catalyst pressure, EGR rate, and boost pressure as primary contributors to CO concentration. In addition, symbolic regression yields an interpretable analytical expression for exhaust mass flow, facilitating interpretation and potential integration into control. The results indicate that deep learning enables accurate and interpretable prediction of key exhaust parameters in dual-fuel engines, supporting emission assessment and mitigation strategies relevant to underground mining operations. These findings support future integration with ventilation models and real-time monitoring frameworks. Full article

This study aimed to compare blood samples from Yili horses with outstanding and average performance in 5000 m races through transcriptome sequencing, identify key differentially expressed genes, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, as well as related enriched pathways, and elucidate their regulatory networks. This study used six healthy four-year-old Yili stallions as subjects, divided into an excellent group (E group, n = 3) and an ordinary group (O group, n = 3) based on their 5000-m race performance. Blood RNA-Seq technology was used to analyze differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs. A total of 2298 mRNAs, 264 lncRNAs, and 215 circRNAs were identified as differentially expressed. Key genes such as EGR1, FOSB, MRPL1, LOC100049811, SIRPB2, and CYTB regulate athletic performance. These genes and their associated RNAs synergistically participate in energy metabolism, protein homeostasis, and muscle remodeling processes, revealing the molecular mechanisms influencing athletic performance and providing important references for identifying candidate genes associated with equine athletic performance. Full article

Extensive green roofs (EGRs) are increasingly recognized as multifunctional components of urban green infrastructure. In recent years, interest is growing in the use of native grassland species as alternatives to conventional green roof plants, both to enhance ecological function and to support biodiversity conservation. This study evaluated the performance of six native grassland species on extensive green roofs by assessing their growth characteristics (cover, survival, and flowering) throughout a single growing season (May–November 2024). We used three different substrates that differed in nutrient level: a nutrient-rich reused substrate, a mixed substrate, and a nutrient-poor perlite-based substrate. The results indicated that most species successfully established across all substrate types, although patterns in growth and mortality varied. Substrate nutrient levels strongly influenced early growth, but their long-term effects may diminish as nutrient dynamics stabilize over time. These findings suggest that native grassland species represent promising alternatives to conventional green roof plants in Japan, with several species showing strong adaptability to EGR conditions. Substrate nutrient management is essential for balancing plant growth, biodiversity, and maintenance requirements. This study contributes to improving the ecological performance and long-term sustainability of green roofs in urban environments. Full article

Hydrogen is a promising alternative fuel for internal combustion engines due to its high specific energy, fast flame speed, and carbon-free combustion. In dual-fuel operation, it offers a practical route to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while remaining compatible with existing engine hardware. This work evaluates how the hydrogen energy substitution ratio (HSR = 50, 70, and 90%) influences spray dynamics, combustion characteristics, and emissions in a heavy-duty compression ignition engine. Simulations are validated against experiments and use a URANS RNG k–ε framework with a hybrid combustion model: the Eddy Dissipation Concept (EDC) coupled with detailed kinetics (111 species, 768 reactions) for auto-ignition and diffusion burning of diesel, and a G-equation for propagation of a hydrogen-rich premixed flame. The results reveal clear spray–combustion linkages. At HSR 50, the higher Weber number induces stronger breakup, yielding a smaller Sauter mean diameter and higher number-averaged droplet velocity; at HSR 90, the spray is more stable and less atomized, with larger droplets and a shorter vapor penetration length. Increasing the HSR reduces unburned hydrocarbons (UHCs) by more than 50% from HSR 50 to HSR 90 while modestly altering combustion phasing (a later CA50 and a shorter burn duration due to faster hydrogen flame propagation). The validated model provides a practical tool for optimizing dual-fuel settings and HSR–EGR–SOI trade-offs to balance efficiency and emissions. Full article

Extensive green roofs (EGRs) are recognized as a promising passive cooling strategy due to their low areal mass, yet their thermal performance is strongly influenced by water availability. While prior studies have focused primarily on continuous irrigation or small-scale modules, the response of EGRs to temporary irrigation outages remains underexplored. This study presents a full-scale experimental investigation on an industrial roof segment in Dubnica nad Váhom, Slovakia, conducted during summer 2024. The thermal behavior of an EGR was compared to a conventional reflective flat roof (RR) and a roof with a hydroaccumulative layer covered with photovoltaic panels (PV). The experiment analyzed an unplanned irrigation interruption and the subsequent recovery, selecting representative three-day intervals from each phase. During non-irrigated periods under peak solar radiation, evapotranspiration (ET) was minimal, resulting in increased heat flux into the interior. After irrigation resumed, ET accounted for nearly 70% of net solar radiation, reducing interior heat flux to 32% of the non-irrigated value. Heat gain reductions between irrigated and non-irrigated days were 1% for RR, 38% for PV, and 68% for EGR, correlating with energy consumed for ET. These results highlight that active irrigation substantially enhances the cooling performance of EGRs, demonstrating their potential as an effective adaptation measure for buildings under extreme summer conditions. Full article

In the breeding of farm animals, music serves as an environmental enrichment factor that can improve the mood and welfare level of animals. However, it is not clear whether pigs receiving different modes of musical stimulation can improve cognitive performance. This study aimed to explore the extent to which different music stimulation methods affect the cognitive ability-related behaviors and neural substances of weaned piglets by providing them with various music stimuli. Fifty-four piglets were randomly divided into three groups: control group (C Group), continuous music group (CM group), and intermittent music group (IM group). The CM group received half an hour of music stimulation in the morning and afternoon of each day when the piglets were active, the IM group was given a cross-stimulation mode between the music playing time and the music pause time, and the C group had a music player installed in the enclosure, but no music was played, and the test period was 3 d. The results of the study showed the following: (1) Compared with piglets in the C group, piglets in the CM and IM groups showed more exploring behavior and less aggressive behavior (p < 0.05), while the playing behavior of piglets in the CM and IM groups was significantly higher than those in the C group (p < 0.05). (2) Compared with the CM group, the expression of cognition-related DCX, BDNF, and EGR1 genes in hippocampal tissues of the IM group was significantly higher (p < 0.05), and the expression of CREB was significantly lower (p < 0.05). (3) Western blot results showed that the protein expression of neural tissue development and cognitive-related genes (DCX and BDNF) in the hippocampal tissues of the IM group was significantly higher (p < 0.05), and the protein expression of EGR1 was highly significant (p < 0.01), compared with the CM group. These findings may indicate that intermittent music patterns can improve the cognitive abilities of weaned piglets regarding the surrounding physical and social environmental cognitive abilities. Full article

To achieve the goal of climate neutrality set by the European Union, it is important to find an efficient strategy to simultaneously lower nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and particle emissions. When a portion of exhaust gas is reintroduced back into the combustion chamber, it reduces the combustion temperature. This reduces NO_X emissions but has a negative impact on CO and particle emissions due to the lower concentration of O₂. Reducing the combustion temperature can also indirectly influence particle formation. By including an oxygen-rich alternative fuel, CO emissions are reduced by 28% and 33% at 60 and 90 Nm, respectively. To further reduce particle emissions, which have significant health risks, acoustic waves are introduced to achieve better filtration through conventional DPFs that filter particles with larger diameters. With 21 kHz of acoustic frequency and 0% EGR, a 6% increase in large particles is observed. With moderate rise in the recirculation percentage, a higher combined efficiency of EGR and acoustic waves is observed. With 21 kHz acoustic frequency and 10% EGR, a 73% increase in larger particles is observed at lower loads and a 32% increase at higher loads is observed. Simultaneous emission reduction can be achieved by combining the benefits of using oxygen-rich fuel, acoustics, and EGR at a moderate rate. Full article