Search Results (191)

A novel Fe-based alloy, designated as AMSD, was designed using a machine-learning-assisted high-throughput strategy, and it was successfully fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing without crack formation. This work systematically investigated the effects of post-process cooling rates on the microstructure and mechanical performance of the LPBF-fabricated AMSD alloy. After solution treatment at 1200 °C for 2 h, two cooling conditions, namely air cooling (AC) and water quenching (WQ), were applied, followed by aging at 500 °C for 24 h. It was found that the as-built (AB) alloy exhibited a typical cellular structure, epitaxial columnar grains, and a continuous intercellular segregation network. Post-processing eliminated the segregation network and promoted a more homogeneous microstructure with multiscale precipitates. Compared with AC condition, WQ preserved a finer and denser population of grain-boundary borides and achieved a superior strength–ductility balance, with a UTS of 1072 ± 15 MPa and an elongation of 18.2 ± 0.3% achieved. In contrast, the AC sample exhibited a higher UTS of 1436 ± 45 MPa but lower ductility. These results demonstrate that post-process cooling rates play a key role in regulating precipitate evolution and mechanical performance in LPBF Fe-based alloys. Full article

The weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) is an important indicator of sow reproductive performance, yet the mechanisms underlying post-weaning anestrus in Tibetan sows remain unclear. In this study, multiparous Tibetan sows were classified into an estrus group (FQ) and an anestrus group (WQ) based on estrus status after weaning. Serum reproductive hormones, hematological parameters, gut microbiota (16S rRNA sequencing), and fecal metabolites (untargeted metabolomics) were analyzed. Compared with the FQ group, the WQ group showed significantly lower estradiol (E₂) and higher progesterone (P) levels (p < 0.01), along with a decreased proportion of neutrophils and an increased proportion of lymphocytes (p < 0.05). No significant differences in alpha diversity were observed, whereas PLS-DA revealed differences in microbial community structures between groups. LEfSe analysis indicated that Methanobrevibacter and Acinetobacter were enriched in the FQ group, whereas Muribaculaceae and Prevotella were enriched in the WQ group. Differential metabolites were mainly involved in amino acid and lipid metabolism and enriched in pathways related to steroid hormone biosynthesis, oocyte maturation, and tryptophan metabolism. These findings suggest that post-weaning anestrus may be associated with endocrine imbalances, immune changes, and gut microbiota–metabolite interactions. They may provide a basis for future studies in Tibetan pig breeding and genetic improvement. Full article

L-carnitine is a crucial quaternary ammonium compound widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, and feed industries. Microbial biosynthesis of L-carnitine, compared with chemical synthesis, offers milder conditions, higher stereoselectivity, and a lower environmental impact. However, highly efficient strains and mechanistic insights into the bioconversion of γ-butyrobetaine (γBB) to L-carnitine remain limited. This study focuses on strain WQ-1, a newly screened strain capable of converting γBB to L-carnitine. Based on morphological, physiological, and phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA and housekeeping genes, the strain was identified as Ensifer sp. WQ-1. Under the condition of 30 °C, initial pH 8.5, 10% inoculum, 6 g/L initial γBB, shake-flask fermentation reached molar conversion rate of 88%. In a 5 L bioreactor fed-batch fermentation, the L-carnitine titer achieved 13.98 g/L with a 78.7% molar conversion rate. Genomic analysis revealed a 6.97 Mb genome harboring 6568 protein-coding genes, including candidates for quaternary ammonium transport, CoA-dependent transformation, and transcriptional regulation. Comparative transcriptomics identified 58 differentially expressed genes, highlighting the significant upregulation of genes related to acyl-CoA activation, dehydrogenation, carnitine metabolism, and thioester hydrolysis in the presence of γBB. Multi-omics analyses support a putative CoA-dependent metabolic pathway for conversion of γBB to L-carnitine in Ensifer sp. WQ-1. Full article

Quantifying the mixture effects on humans exposed remains challenging because mixture components are correlated and may act bidirectionally by exhibiting nonlinear dose-response relationships, which may contribute to subclinical organ dysfunction. The liver is a vital organ in the body with broad functions, making it vulnerable to injury as it is the first organ exposed to circulating toxicants, which can precipitate hepatic damage. Our study’s objective was to evaluate the combined and component-specific associations of a multi-chemical exposure mixture of heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (dioxins), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (furans), with liver biomarkers, and to compare concentration-based results with the toxic equivalent (TEQ) potency of the weighted results for dioxin-like compounds. In an unweighted analytic sample of U.S. adults from NHANES 2003–2004 with 947 complete cases, we examined heavy metals (cadmium, lead, and mercury), PCBs (12 congeners), dioxins (7 congeners), and furans (10 congeners) in relation to eight liver biomarkers (albumin, ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, LDH, total bilirubin, and total protein). We applied multi-exposure linear regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, quantile g-computation (qgcomp), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), with parallel TEQ-based models using WHO 2005 TEFs for dioxin-like PCBs, dioxins, and furans. Across mixture methods, the mixture structure was chemically sparse, with a limited set of recurring contributors. Total bilirubin showed the most consistent positive mixture association across qgcomp and BKMR and persisted under TEQ weighting, with prominent PCB- and dioxin-like contributions (notably PCB81/PCB TEQs and dioxin-related components). Albumin demonstrated inverse mixture patterns in BKMR and TEQ-BKMR, with dioxin-like components (notably Dioxin3 and Dioxin3_TEQ) repeatedly emerging as key drivers. For ALT, ALP, AST, GGT, LDH, and total protein, overall mixture effects were frequently attenuated or null in qgcomp despite structured component weights, indicating bidirectional sub-mixtures and internal counterbalancing. BKMR PIPs similarly concentrated on a small number of dominant predictors (e.g., lead for ALP, mercury for ALT, PCB28 for AST, and cadmium and PCB189 for LDH), while interaction summaries provided limited evidence of stable non-additivity. Using multiple complementary mixture methods, we identified outcome-specific mixture patterns suggesting hepatobiliary vulnerability. TEQ concordance supports toxicological relevance of the dioxin-like axis, while metals and non–dioxin-like mechanisms likely contribute additional pathways. Full article

Previous research has found an association between PM_2.5 exposure and worsening depression; however, studies specifically examining the harmful effects of individual PM_2.5 components are relatively limited. This national survey enrolled individuals aged 45 and older in mainland China, collecting personal data and assessing depression. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10). Monthly exposure to PM_2.5 and its seven components—black carbon (BC), organic matter (OM), nitrate (NO₃⁻), sulfate (SO₄²⁻), ammonium (NH₄⁺), soil particles (SOIL), and sea salt (SS)—was matched to each participant’s residence. Linear mixed-effects models (LMEs) assessed the association between single pollutants and depression score, while weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression examined the effect of mixed exposure and identified the contribution of each component. Modifying effects of social activity and green space were also evaluated. A total of 9725 participants were included. In single-exposure models, each interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM_2.5 (29.18 μg/m³), BC (2.25 μg/m³), OM (7.18 μg/m³), SOIL (6.04 μg/m³), and SS (0.14 μg/m³) was significantly associated with an increase in depression score of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.59, 1.20), 0.71 (95% CI: 0.42, 1.09), 0.94 (95% CI: 0.61, 1.26), 0.51 (95% CI: 0.38, 0.63), and 0.53 (95% CI: 0.33, 0.73) points, respectively. In mixed-exposure models, each IQR increase in the mixture of all components was associated with a 1.104-point rise in depression score (95% CI: 0.901, 1.307), with BC having the largest weight (33.6%), followed by SOIL (28.59%) and SS (25.05%). The harmful effects of PM_2.5 and specific components on depression were lower among those who participated in social activities or lived in areas with higher levels of green space (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the harmful effects of PM_2.5 on depression may be influenced by its components, and that social activity and green space could reduce the risk of depression associated with PM_2.5 and its components. Full article

This paper introduces a q-deformed extension of the Lindley distribution. This extension is obtained by replacing the classical exponential with the q-exponential function from Tsallis non-extensive statistical techniques. This transformation offers more control over the tail behavior of the distribution, providing a transition between exponential and power-law decay patterns. Such flexibility is particularly useful when modeling right-skewed data with excess kurtosis, where classical models may not adequately describe heavy-tailed and highly skewed data. We derive several key properties, including the quantile function, expressed by the Lambert–Tsallis function Wq, the raw and incomplete moments, the probability-weighted moments, and the Tsallis entropy. The distribution of order statistics is also investigated. For parameter estimation, we employ several frequentist methods and conduct extensive Monte Carlo simulation studies to assess and compare their performance. Finally, applications to real-world datasets show that the q-deformed Lindley model is practically superior and more flexible than the classical Lindley distribution and other well-known models. Full article

High-alkali coal can cause slagging and fouling and impact the operational lifespan of the boilers. Traditional single-indicator methods often yield inconsistent results when evaluating the slagging risk of high-alkali coal. In this study, six coal samples were selected and systematically analyzed for their slagging characteristics using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and ash morphology analysis. Furthermore, a comprehensive evaluation model was constructed by integrating the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) with the entropy weight method. Additionally, based on images of ash morphology, the fractal dimension (D) was introduced as a quantitative indicator to predict slagging tendency through crack characteristics. The results show that TF, ZD, and KB samples, which are rich in alkaline oxides (CaO, Fe₂O₃, Na₂O, K₂O), form low-melting-point eutectic silicates during combustion, resulting in significant melting and agglomeration with wide cracks between aggregates, indicating a strong slagging tendency. Their fractal dimensions (D) range from 1.81 to 1.92. In contrast, HM and WQ samples, dominated by SiO₂ and Al₂O₃, form high-melting-point mullite and quartz, showing loose ash morphology with uniformly distributed cracks and a weak slagging tendency, with D values of 1.68 and 1.75, respectively. A significant negative correlation was observed between D and the E-TOPSIS model (y = 3.54 − 1.72x). Therefore, fractal analysis allows for rapid assessment of slagging risk without the need for complex chemical testing. This study provides valuable insights for predicting the slagging tendency of high-alkali coal during combustion. Full article

Phthalates (PAEs) are ubiquitous endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), but their association with early pregnancy loss (gestational age ≤ 12 weeks) remains controversial. This study enrolled pregnant women aged 20–45 years in Zunyi City, China, and included 107 cases and 349 controls following propensity score matching. Logistic regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were employed to investigate associations between urinary phthalate metabolites and early pregnancy loss. We found that monoethyl phthalate (MEP), mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), monooctyl phthalate (MOP), mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), and mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) were associated with spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy, with corresponding odds ratios (ORs; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of 1.62 (1.26–2.09), 1.49 (1.07–2.09), 1.64 (1.26–2.12), 1.78 (1.27–2.50), 2.63 (1.90–3.64), 1.41 (1.11–1.79), and 5.39 (3.53–8.25). Non-linear dose–response relationships were observed between exposure to MMP, MEP, MEHP, MOP, monobenzyl phthalate (MBZP), MEOHP, MEHHP, and mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (MECPP) and early pregnancy loss (non-linear p < 0.05; overall p < 0.05). Co-exposure to multiple phthalate metabolites was also linked to a significantly non-linear elevation in the risk of early pregnancy loss (OR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) of 1.92 (1.76–2.15). Among these metabolites, MMP, MOP, MEOHP, and MECPP make the largest contribution to the correlation. In summary, our findings indicate that exposure to phthalate esters during early pregnancy is associated with early pregnancy loss, with MMP, MOP, MEOHP, and MECPP as the primary contributors. However, these results are based on a single urine sample, and caution is warranted when interpreting the findings. Full article

Parabens, a prevalent class of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are ubiquitous in consumer products; however, their role in linking pediatric allergic phenotypes remains poorly understood. This case-control study analyzed paraben levels in urine and indoor dust as proxies for internal and external exposures and investigated their associations with allergic rhinitis only (AR Only), asthma only (AS Only), and comorbidities (AR&AS) among children in Shanghai. The concentrations for each of four paraben compounds were quantitatively measured, and multi-pollutant frameworks—including Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) and Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression—were employed to characterize the mixture exposure and risk. Propylparaben (PrP) was detectable in 100% of urine samples and over 90% of dust samples, and the concentrations ranked the highest out of the four compounds in both samples. Benzylparaben (BzP) was detected in >70% of urine samples and over 50% of dust samples at relatively lower levels. Urinary PrP exhibited significantly positive associations with all phenotypes (OR in 2.18–2.92) and BzP with the AR&AS Comorbidity (OR = 3.55, 95% CI: 1.32–9.55). Dust-borne PrP was associated with AR Only (OR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.16–4.43), indicating a potential “Portal of Entry” effect via direct nasal deposition. According to BKMR and WQS analyses, urinary PrP and BzP emerged as two primary risk drivers. Using interaction analysis, an additive synergistic effect was observed between urinary PrP and BzP with parental history of allergy, suggesting heightened vulnerability to paraben exposure in genetically predisposed subgroups. In conclusion, children with respiratory allergies were associated with higher exposure to PrP and BzP and exhibited higher susceptibility in those with a parental history of allergy. Full article

Background: Although there is substantial research into individual nutrients during pregnancy, such as folate, iron, and vitamin D, little is known about the impact of mixtures of essential nutrients. We investigated the associations between mixtures of maternal essential minerals and vitamin concentrations and child cognition and executive functions at age 7. Methods: Data from 348 mother–child pairs in the Growing up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes birth cohort with both plasma nutrient and neurodevelopmental outcome data were used. Gestational fasting plasma samples between 26 and 28 weeks of gestation were analyzed for 10 essential minerals and 12 B and D vitamers. Child cognition and executive functions at 7 years were assessed using the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence 2nd Edition (WASI-II) [n = 331] and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function 2nd Edition (BRIEF-2) [n = 348], respectively. Generalized weighted quantile sum regression (gWQS) was used to investigate the associations between nutrient mixtures and child cognitive executive function scores. Single-nutrient analysis using covariate-adjusted multivariable regressions was performed as a sensitivity analysis. Results: A one-quartile increase in the positively weighted nutrient mixture index was associated with higher block design T-scores (β = 2.17, 95% CI: 0.03, 4.31). Additionally, the negatively weighted mixture was associated with lower block design (β = −2.25, 95% CI: −4.92, 0.41, p = 0.02) and perceptual reasoning (β = −1.94, 95% CI: −5.17, 1.29, p = 0.04) scores in boys only. We found no association between the nutrient mixture and BRIEF-2 subscale T-scores. Conclusions: In this study, we found that a positively weighted nutrient mixture index of maternal gestational minerals and vitamins was associated with a greater ability in children to analyze and understand abstract visual items. Full article

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic syndrome caused by elevated levels of uric acid (UA) serum, posing a significant threat to human health. Lactic acid bacteria degrade or adsorb UA precursors such as purine nucleosides and metabolites. By inhibiting intestinal nucleoside absorption, UA synthesis is reduced and HUA alleviated. A total of 60 fermented food samples and 20 soil samples were collected for screening. Strains were selected based on their inosine and guanosine degradation efficiency, and all degradation assays were performed in triplicate (n = 3). We isolated a strain that efficiently degrades inosine and guanosine at rates of 93.99% and 98.88%, respectively. This strain was identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus (P. pentosaceus) via 16S rDNA sequencing and named WQ-30. Whole-genome assembly yielded one chromosome and one plasmid, with 1705 coding sequences. The key gene rihC, encoding a nucleoside hydrolase, was identified through gene functional annotation. Heterologous expression and purification confirmed that RihC was approximately 36 kDa. Recombinant RihC exhibited optimal nucleoside hydrolase activity at pH 7 and 37 °C. This study provides a promising strain for functional food development and a mechanistic basis for the application of P. pentosaceus with purine nucleoside degradation and UA-lowering activities. Full article

Trouble sleeping has become a global public health challenge. However, the relationship between organophosphate flame retardant (OPFR) exposure and trouble sleeping remains unclear. This study integrated epidemiological analysis, network toxicology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and adverse outcome pathway (AOP) construction to identify OPFRs linked to trouble sleeping and attempted to elucidate underlying molecular mechanisms. We analyzed cross-sectional data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2013–2018) involving 4585 eligible adults. Logistic regression confirmed dibutyl phosphate (DBuP) as significantly correlated with trouble sleeping. Restricted cubic splines (RCSs) revealed a significant non-linear, J-shaped relationship between dibutyl phosphate (DBuP) levels and trouble sleeping. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) analysis determined that DBuP accounted for the majority contribution (58.23%) to the observed effects within exposure mixtures. These findings indicated that DBuP, a metabolite of tributyl phosphate (TnBP), was closely related to trouble sleeping, suggesting that the environmental health risks of TnBP may be jointly contributed to by itself and DBuP. We used network analysis to identify five core target genes (PPARG, MMP9, PTGS2, APP, EGFR) that interact with DBuP and its parent compound TnBP. Molecular docking predicted binding poses of TnBP and DBuP toward these five core targets; all showed moderate binding affinity (ΔG ≤ −5.0 kcal/mol) except MMP9, which exhibited weak binding. Molecular dynamics simulations further supported this putative binding. Enrichment analysis highlighted inflammatory response pathways. Ultimately, we elucidated the process from molecular exposure to trouble sleeping by constructing an AOP framework. In conclusion, we proposed that TnBP and DBuP may contribute to trouble sleeping through multi-target interactions, primarily through PPARG-driven inflammatory dysregulation. These findings suggest a potential link between OPFR exposure and trouble sleeping, providing insights that warrant further mechanistic investigation. Full article

Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) is a major pest of alfalfa. We combined mitochondrial COI and CytB gene sequences to characterize the genetic diversity of 20 geographic populations of H. postica across Xinjiang, China, and to elucidate their lineage relationships at both regional and global scales. We found that Nucleotide diversity (Pi) was markedly higher in western Xinjiang populations (Pi > 0.016), specifically Wusu (0.023), Tekes (0.023), Jinghe (0.023), Wenquan (0.021), Bole (0.021), Habahe (0.020), Nilka (0.020), Tacheng (0.019), Toli (0.018), Altay (0.017), Emin (0.016), Xinyuan (0.016), and Zhaosu (0.016), whereas central Xinjiang populations exhibited substantially lower diversity (Pi < 0.014), including Shawan (0.014), Qitai (0.011), Jimsar (0.007), Urumqi (0.004), Hutubi (0.003), Fukang (0.001), and Manas (0.001). Pairwise F_ST analysis revealed pronounced genetic divergence between the western Xinjiang group (Altay, Bole, Wenquan, Tacheng, Emin, Toli, Nilka, Xinyuan, Tekes, Zhaosu) and the central Xinjiang group (Qitai, Urumqi, Fukang, Habahe, Hutubi, Jimsar, Shawan, Manas). At the global level, H. postica can be divided into two major phylogroups: the Western and Eastern lineages. All Xinjiang populations belong to the Eastern lineage. Haplotype network analysis identified two distinct sublineages, western and central Xinjiang, with H2 and H26 as their respective dominant shared haplotypes; both are unique to China. Both maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian phylogenetic trees robustly support the central Xinjiang lineage as a distinct clade. Neutrality tests provided strong evidence of recent demographic expansion across the Xinjiang H. postica population as a whole (Fu’s Fs = −21.987, p < 0.05), with particularly pronounced signals in Hutubi (HTB: Tajima’s D = −1.966, Fu’s Fs = −0.781, p < 0.05), Jimsar (JMSE: Tajima’s D = −2.176, Fu’s Fs = −0.962, p < 0.01), and Wenquan (WQ: Fu’s Fs = −11.159, p < 0.01). Our results reveal a clear phylogeographic split within Xinjiang H. postica populations, comprising western and central sub-lineages, with the western sub-lineage likely representing ancestral lineage. The western Xinjiang sub-lineage appears to be shaped primarily by mountainous topography, whereas the central Xinjiang sub-lineage likely results from the combined effects of piedmont plain geography and infection with the endosymbiont Wolbachia strain wHypera4. Full article

Semi-open impeller sewage pumps are widely used for transporting solid-laden fluids due to their anti-clogging properties. However, unlike extensive research on clear water conditions, the specific mechanisms governing pressure instabilities under solid–liquid two-phase flows remain underexplored. This study investigates the unsteady flow field and pulsation characteristics of a Model 80WQ4QG pump using unsteady CFD simulations based on the Standard k−ϵ turbulence model and the Eulerian–Eulerian multiphase model. The effects of flow rate, particle size, and volume fraction were systematically analyzed. Results indicate that the blade-passing frequency (95 Hz) dominates the pressure spectra, with the volute tongue and impeller outlet identified as the most sensitive regions. While increased flow rates weaken fluctuations at the volute tongue, the presence of solid particles significantly amplifies them. Specifically, compared to single-phase flow, the pulsation amplitudes at the volute tongue increased by 68.15% with a 3.0 mm particle size and by 97.73% at a 20% volume fraction. Physically, this amplification is attributed to the intensified momentum exchange between phases and the enhanced turbulent flow disturbances induced by particle inertia at the rotor–stator interface. These findings clarify the particle-induced flow instability mechanisms, offering theoretical guidelines for optimizing pump durability in multiphase environments. Full article

Most animal welfare (AW) assessment protocols have been developed for intensive production systems and European cattle, raising concerns about their applicability in the tropics. To compare the results obtained by using the welfare quality (WQ) assessment for fattening cattle in the dry tropics, relevant modifications were implemented in 20 cattle production units (PUs) during the dry (DS) and rainy (RS) seasons. Regarding the principle of good feeding, only during the RS, between 20% and 25% of the farms maintained their animals in the acceptable and good categories, compared to the DS, where all PUs were classified as unacceptable (p < 0.04). Under the “Appropriate Behavior” principle, only 15% and 60% of the PUs maintained their animals at good and acceptable levels, respectively, in the RS, but not in the DS (p < 0.001). Conversely, during the DS, better scores were obtained for the measures and criteria in the Good housing group, with 45%, 50%, and 5% of PU classified as acceptable, good, and excellent, respectively, while for the RS, only 15%, 30%, and 5% reached these levels (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, under the “Good Health” principle, better animal health scores were observed during the RS, with 20%, 30%, and 50% of farms classified as acceptable, good, and excellent, compared to the DS, where only 70% and 10% of farms maintained their animals at good and excellent levels (p < 0.01). It is concluded that better animal welfare (AW) indicators were recorded during the RS, and the adjustments we applied to the conventional WQ protocol comprised a modification for the criterion that included the prolonged absence of thirst as well as adding six new indicators (measures) to the principles of housing, health, and behavior, which are considered essential for evaluating AW in cattle that are managed under extensive conditions by season. Full article