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Search Results (1,170)

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23 pages, 1789 KiB  
Review
Multi-Enzyme Synergy and Allosteric Regulation in the Shikimate Pathway: Biocatalytic Platforms for Industrial Applications
by Sara Khan and David D. Boehr
Catalysts 2025, 15(8), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15080718 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 405
Abstract
The shikimate pathway is the fundamental metabolic route for aromatic amino acid biosynthesis in bacteria, plants, and fungi, but is absent in mammals. This review explores how multi-enzyme synergy and allosteric regulation coordinate metabolic flux through this pathway by focusing on three key [...] Read more.
The shikimate pathway is the fundamental metabolic route for aromatic amino acid biosynthesis in bacteria, plants, and fungi, but is absent in mammals. This review explores how multi-enzyme synergy and allosteric regulation coordinate metabolic flux through this pathway by focusing on three key enzymes: 3-deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase, chorismate mutase, and tryptophan synthase. We examine the structural diversity and distribution of these enzymes across evolutionary domains, highlighting conserved catalytic mechanisms alongside species-specific regulatory adaptations. The review covers directed evolution strategies that have transformed naturally regulated enzymes into standalone biocatalysts with enhanced activity and expanded substrate scope, enabling synthesis of non-canonical amino acids and complex organic molecules. Industrial applications demonstrate the pathway’s potential for sustainable production of pharmaceuticals, polymer precursors, and specialty chemicals through engineered microbial platforms. Additionally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of inhibitors targeting pathogenic organisms, particularly their mechanisms of action and antimicrobial efficacy. This comprehensive review establishes the shikimate pathway as a paradigmatic system where understanding allosteric networks enables the rational design of biocatalytic platforms, providing blueprints for biotechnological innovation and demonstrating how evolutionary constraints can be overcome through protein engineering to create superior industrial biocatalysts. Full article
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21 pages, 2004 KiB  
Review
Interplay of Oxidative Stress, Autophagy, and Rubicon in Ovarian Follicle Dynamics: Orchestrating Ovarian Aging
by Kiyotaka Yamada, Masami Ito, Haruka Nunomura, Takashi Nishigori, Atsushi Furuta, Mihoko Yoshida, Akemi Yamaki, Kanto Shozu, Ippei Yasuda, Sayaka Tsuda, Tomoko Shima and Akitoshi Nakashima
Antioxidants 2025, 14(8), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14080919 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 477
Abstract
Organ functions generally decline with age, but the ovary is a prototypical organ that undergoes functional loss over time. Autophagy plays a crucial role in maintaining organ homeostasis, and age-related upregulation of the autophagy inhibitor protein, Rubicon, has been linked to cellular and [...] Read more.
Organ functions generally decline with age, but the ovary is a prototypical organ that undergoes functional loss over time. Autophagy plays a crucial role in maintaining organ homeostasis, and age-related upregulation of the autophagy inhibitor protein, Rubicon, has been linked to cellular and tissue dysfunction. This review describes how granulosa cell autophagy supports follicular growth and oocyte selection and maturation by regulating cellular energy metabolism and protein quality control. We then introduce the role of selective autophagy, including mitophagy or lipophagy, in steroidogenesis and cellular remodeling during luteinization. In aged ovaries, Rubicon accumulation suppresses autophagic flux, leading to diminished oxidative-stress resilience and enhanced DNA damage. Moreover, impaired autophagy drives the accumulation of ATP citrate lyase, which correlates with poor oocyte quality and reduced ovarian reserve. Following fertilization, oocytes further upregulate autophagy to provide the energy required for blastocyst transition. Conversely, in infertility-related disorders, such as premature ovarian insufficiency, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome, either deficient or excessive autophagy contributes to disease pathogenesis. Both autophagy inhibitors (e.g., Rubicon) and activators (e.g., Beclin1) could be emerging as promising biomarkers for assessing ovarian autophagy status. Therapeutically, Rubicon inhibition by trehalose in aged ovaries and autophagy suppression by agents such as hydroxychloroquine in polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis hold potential. Establishing robust methods to evaluate ovarian autophagy will be essential for translating these insights into targeted treatments. Full article
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20 pages, 2804 KiB  
Article
Energetic Variational Modeling of Active Nematics: Coupling the Toner–Tu Model with ATP Hydrolysis
by Yiwei Wang
Entropy 2025, 27(8), 801; https://doi.org/10.3390/e27080801 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 225
Abstract
We present a thermodynamically consistent energetic variational model for active nematics driven by ATP hydrolysis. Extending the classical Toner–Tu framework, we introduce a chemo-mechanical coupling mechanism in which the self-advection and polarization dynamics are modulated by the ATP hydrolysis rate. The model is [...] Read more.
We present a thermodynamically consistent energetic variational model for active nematics driven by ATP hydrolysis. Extending the classical Toner–Tu framework, we introduce a chemo-mechanical coupling mechanism in which the self-advection and polarization dynamics are modulated by the ATP hydrolysis rate. The model is derived using an energetic variational approach that integrates both chemical free energy and mechanical energy into a unified energy dissipation law. The reaction rate equation explicitly incorporates mechanical feedback, revealing how active transport and alignment interactions influence chemical fluxes and vice versa. This formulation not only preserves consistency with non-equilibrium thermodynamics but also provides a transparent pathway for modeling energy transduction in active systems. We also present numerical simulations demonstrating the positive energy transduction under a specific choice of model parameters. The new modeling framework offers new insights into energy transduction and regulation mechanisms in biologically related active systems. Full article
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15 pages, 2817 KiB  
Article
Dysfunction of Autophagy in Adipose Tissue Macrophages Regulated via FoxO1 in Obesity-Related Severe Acute Pancreatitis
by Xin Ling, Zewen Zhang, Lihui Lin, Xianwen Guo and Zhen Ding
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7206; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157206 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 217
Abstract
Adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) play important roles in the progression of obesity-related severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). This study aimed to investigate the alterations of autophagic flux within ATMs, as well as the possible regulatory mechanisms. Obese mice were induced via high-fat diets. SAP [...] Read more.
Adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) play important roles in the progression of obesity-related severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). This study aimed to investigate the alterations of autophagic flux within ATMs, as well as the possible regulatory mechanisms. Obese mice were induced via high-fat diets. SAP was triggered using caerulein and lipopolysaccharide. Inflammatory injuries within pancreatic and adipose tissue were assessed. Autophagic flux, along with the expression of autophagosome-located soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins, were examined in ATMs. RNA-sequencing was performed to identify the possible regulatory factor, which was further validated. The results showed that obesity exacerbated inflammatory injuries. ATMs in obesity-related SAP exhibited impaired autophagic flux characterized by reduced autophagosome–lysosome fusion. Expression of autophagosome-located SNARE proteins decreased in ATMs. RNA-sequencing identified Forkhead box as the differentially expressed transcription factor associated with autophagy. The expression and transcriptional activity of Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) decreased. The inhibition of FoxO1 exacerbated SNARE proteins’ suppression and autophagic flux impairment, while the activation of FoxO1 showed the opposite effect. In conclusion, obesity-induced impaired autophagic flux and autophagosome–lysosome fusion in ATMs are potentially regulated via autophagosome-located SNARE proteins and the transcription factor FoxO1. The impaired autophagic flux in ATMs aggravated inflammatory injuries of obesity-related SAP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
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20 pages, 2635 KiB  
Article
Regulation of CH4 and N2O Emissions by Biochar Application in a Salt-Affected Sorghum Farmland
by Yibo Zhao, Wei Yang, Zhongyi Qu, Liping Wang, Yixuan Yang and Yusheng Hao
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1592; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151592 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 251
Abstract
The ameliorative mechanism of biochar in reducing soil greenhouse gas emissions in arid saline farmland remains unclear. A two-year field study in sorghum farmland in China’s Hetao Irrigation District was conducted to assess the influence of corn straw-derived biochar on GHG emissions and [...] Read more.
The ameliorative mechanism of biochar in reducing soil greenhouse gas emissions in arid saline farmland remains unclear. A two-year field study in sorghum farmland in China’s Hetao Irrigation District was conducted to assess the influence of corn straw-derived biochar on GHG emissions and explore the role of soil physicochemical properties in regulating GHG fluxes. Four different biochar application rates were tested: 0 (CK), 15 (C15), 30 (C30), and 45 t hm−2 (C45). Compared to CK, C15 reduced CH4 emissions by 15.2% and seasonal CH4 flux by 77.0%. The N2O flux followed CK > C45 > C30 > C15 from 2021 to 2022. C15 and C30 significantly decreased GWP, mitigating GHG emission intensity. Biochar application enhanced sorghum grain yield. Soil temperature was the primary determinant of CH4 flux (total effect = 0.92). In the second year, biochar’s influence on CH4 emissions increased by 0.76. Multivariate SEM identified soil moisture (total effect = −0.72) and soil temperature (total effect = −0.70) as primary negative regulators of N2O fluxes. C40 lead to salt accumulation, which increases CH4 emissions but inhibits N2O emissions. Averaged over two years, GWP under C15 and C30 decreased by 76.5–106.7% and 5.3–56.1%, respectively, compared to CK. Overall, the application of biochar at a rate of 15 t hm−2 significantly reduced CH4 and N2O emissions and increased sorghum yield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
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28 pages, 2931 KiB  
Review
Remote Sensing-Based Phenology of Dryland Vegetation: Contributions and Perspectives in the Southern Hemisphere
by Andeise Cerqueira Dutra, Ankur Srivastava, Khalil Ali Ganem, Egidio Arai, Alfredo Huete and Yosio Edemir Shimabukuro
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(14), 2503; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17142503 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 455
Abstract
Leaf phenology is key to ecosystem functioning by regulating carbon, water, and energy fluxes and influencing vegetation productivity. Yet, detecting land surface phenology (LSP) in drylands using remote sensing remains particularly challenging due to sparse and heterogeneous vegetation cover, high spatiotemporal variability, and [...] Read more.
Leaf phenology is key to ecosystem functioning by regulating carbon, water, and energy fluxes and influencing vegetation productivity. Yet, detecting land surface phenology (LSP) in drylands using remote sensing remains particularly challenging due to sparse and heterogeneous vegetation cover, high spatiotemporal variability, and complex spectral signals. Unlike the Northern Hemisphere, these challenges are further compounded in the Southern Hemisphere (SH), where several regions experience year-round moderate temperatures. When combined with irregular rainfall, this leads to highly variable vegetation activity throughout the year. However, LSP dynamics in the SH remain poorly understood. This study presents a review of remote sensing-based phenology research in drylands, integrating (i) a synthesis of global methodological advances and (ii) a systematic analysis of peer-reviewed studies published from 2015 through April 2025 focused on SH drylands. This review reveals a research landscape still dominated by conventional vegetation indices (e.g., NDVI) and moderate-spatial-resolution sensors (e.g., MODIS), though a gradual shift toward higher-resolution sensors such as PlanetScope and Sentinel-2 has emerged since 2020. Despite the widespread use of start- and end-of-season metrics, their accuracy varies greatly, especially in heterogeneous landscapes. Yet, advanced products such as solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence or the fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation were rarely employed. Gaps remain in the representation of hyperarid zones, grass- and shrub-dominated landscapes, and large regions of Africa and South America. Our findings highlight the need for multi-sensor approaches and expanded field validation to improve phenological assessments in dryland environments. The accurate differentiation of vegetation responses in LSP is essential not only for refining phenological metrics but also for enabling more realistic assessments of ecosystem functioning in the context of climate change and its impact on vegetation dynamics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Remote Sensing in Agriculture and Vegetation)
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15 pages, 1599 KiB  
Article
Visual Representations in AI: A Study on the Most Discriminatory Algorithmic Biases in Image Generation
by Yazmina Vargas-Veleda, María del Mar Rodríguez-González and Iñigo Marauri-Castillo
Journal. Media 2025, 6(3), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia6030110 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 404
Abstract
This study analyses algorithmic biases in AI-generated images, focusing on aesthetic violence, gender stereotypes, and weight discrimination. By examining images produced by the DALL-E Nature and Flux 1 systems, it becomes evident how these tools reproduce and amplify hegemonic beauty standards, excluding bodily [...] Read more.
This study analyses algorithmic biases in AI-generated images, focusing on aesthetic violence, gender stereotypes, and weight discrimination. By examining images produced by the DALL-E Nature and Flux 1 systems, it becomes evident how these tools reproduce and amplify hegemonic beauty standards, excluding bodily diversity. Likewise, gender representations reinforce traditional roles, sexualising women and limiting the presence of non-normative bodies in positive contexts. The results show that training data and the algorithms used significantly influence these trends, perpetuating exclusionary visual narratives. The research highlights the need to develop more inclusive and ethical AI models, with diverse data that reflect the plurality of bodies and social realities. The study concludes that artificial intelligence (AI), far from being neutral, actively contributes to the reproduction of power structures and inequality, posing an urgent challenge for the development and regulation of these technologies. Full article
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20 pages, 4729 KiB  
Article
Cis-Palmitoleic Acid Regulates Lipid Metabolism via Diacylglycerol Metabolic Shunting
by Wenwen Huang, Bei Gao, Longxiang Liu, Qi Song, Mengru Wei, Hongzhen Li, Chunlong Sun, Wang Li, Wen Du and Jinjun Shan
Foods 2025, 14(14), 2504; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14142504 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 383
Abstract
Obesity and related metabolic disorders are closely linked to dysregulated lipid metabolism, where the metabolic balance of diacylglycerol (DAG) played a pivotal role. Although cis-palmitoleic acid (cPOA) exhibits anti-obesity effects, its efficacy varies across dietary conditions, and its molecular mechanisms [...] Read more.
Obesity and related metabolic disorders are closely linked to dysregulated lipid metabolism, where the metabolic balance of diacylglycerol (DAG) played a pivotal role. Although cis-palmitoleic acid (cPOA) exhibits anti-obesity effects, its efficacy varies across dietary conditions, and its molecular mechanisms remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the dose-dependent regulatory effects of cPOA on DAG metabolic shunting in db/db mice, employing lipidomics, pathway analysis, and gene/protein expression assays. Under a basal diet, low-dose cPOA (75 mg/kg) inhibited DAG-to-triglyceride (TAG) conversion, reducing hepatic lipid accumulation, while medium-to-high doses (150–300 mg/kg) redirected DAG flux toward phospholipid metabolism pathways (e.g., phosphatidylcholine [PC] and phosphatidylethanolamine [PE]), significantly lowering body weight and adiposity index. In high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice, cPOA failed to reduce body weight but alleviated HFD-induced hepatic pathological damage by suppressing DAG-to-TAG conversion and remodeling phospholipid metabolism (e.g., inhibiting PE-to-PC conversion). Genetic and protein analyses revealed that cPOA downregulated lipogenic genes (SREBP-1c, SCD-1, FAS) and upregulated fatty acid β-oxidation enzymes (CPT1A, ACOX1), while dose-dependently modulating DGAT1, CHPT1, and PEMT expression to drive DAG metabolic shunting. Notably, DAG(36:3, 18:1–18:2) emerged as a potential biomarker for HFD-aggravated metabolic dysregulation. This study elucidated cPOA as a bidirectional regulator of lipid synthesis and oxidation, improving lipid homeostasis through dose-dependent DAG metabolic reprogramming. These findings provide novel insights and strategies for precision intervention in obesity and related metabolic diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Bioactive Compounds in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion)
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18 pages, 2311 KiB  
Article
A Rapid Method for Identifying Plant Oxidative Stress and Implications for Riparian Vegetation Management
by Mizanur Rahman, Takashi Asaeda, Kiyotaka Fukahori, Md Harun Rashid, Hideo Kawashima, Junichi Akimoto and Refah Tabassoom Anta
Environments 2025, 12(7), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12070247 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 585
Abstract
Native and invasive plants of the riverain region undergo a range of environmental stresses that result in excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a relatively stable and quickly quantifiable way among different ROS. The herbaceous species [...] Read more.
Native and invasive plants of the riverain region undergo a range of environmental stresses that result in excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a relatively stable and quickly quantifiable way among different ROS. The herbaceous species including Artemisia princeps, Sicyos angulatus, and Solidago altissima were selected. The H2O2 and photosynthetic pigment of leaves were measured, soil samples were analyzed to quantify macronutrients such as total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and soil moisture, and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was also recorded at different observed sites of Arakawa Tarouemon, Japan. The H2O2 concentration of S. altissima significantly increased with high soil moisture content, whereas A. Princeps and S. angulatus significantly decreased with high soil moisture. In each species, H2O2 was negatively correlated with chlorophyll a (chl a) and chlorophyll b (chl a). When comparing different parameters involving TN, TP, PPFD, and soil moisture content with H2O2 utilizing the general additive model (GAM), only soil moisture content is significantly correlated with H2O2. Hence, this study suggests that H2O2 would be an effective biomarker for quantifying environmental stress within a short time, which can be applied for riparian native and invasive plant species vegetation regulation. Full article
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22 pages, 3999 KiB  
Review
The Role of Lactate in Immune Regulation: A Metabolic Rheostat via Transporters, Receptors, and Epigenetic Modifiers
by Eun Jung Choi, Yoon Young Jang, Eun Joo Choi and Chang Joo Oh
Cells 2025, 14(14), 1096; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14141096 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 674
Abstract
Lactate, once regarded as a metabolic byproduct, is now recognized as a critical immunometabolic regulator that shapes immune responses in both physiological and pathological contexts. This review examines how lactate accumulation occurs across diverse disease settings, including cancer, sepsis, and diabetes, through mechanisms [...] Read more.
Lactate, once regarded as a metabolic byproduct, is now recognized as a critical immunometabolic regulator that shapes immune responses in both physiological and pathological contexts. This review examines how lactate accumulation occurs across diverse disease settings, including cancer, sepsis, and diabetes, through mechanisms such as hypoxia, mitochondrial dysfunction, and pharmacologic intervention. We then explore how lactate modulates immunity via four integrated mechanisms: transporter-mediated flux, receptor signaling (e.g., GPR81), context-dependent metabolic rewiring, and histone/protein lactylation. Particular emphasis is placed on the dichotomous effects of endogenous versus exogenous lactate, with the former supporting glycolytic effector functions and the latter reprogramming immune cells toward regulatory phenotypes via redox shifts and epigenetic remodeling. The review also highlights how the directionality of lactate transport, and the metabolic readiness of the cell determine, whether lactate sustains inflammation or promotes resolution. After analyzing emerging data across immune cell subsets and disease contexts, we propose that lactate serves as a dynamic rheostat that integrates environmental cues with intracellular metabolic and epigenetic programming. Understanding these context-dependent mechanisms is essential for the rational design of lactate-targeted immunotherapies that aim to modulate immune responses without disrupting systemic homeostasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cellular Immunology)
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16 pages, 2652 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Effect of Floating Treatment Wetlands Planted with Sesuvium portulacastrum on the Dynamics of Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen, CO2, and N2O in Grouper Aquaculture Systems
by Shenghua Zheng, Man Wu, Jian Liu, Wangwang Ye, Yongqing Lin, Miaofeng Yang, Huidong Zheng, Fang Yang, Donglian Luo and Liyang Zhan
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(7), 1342; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13071342 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 253
Abstract
Aquaculture expansion to meet global protein demand has intensified concerns over nutrient pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) are proven for water quality improvement, their potential to mitigate GHG emissions in marine aquaculture remains poorly understood. This study [...] Read more.
Aquaculture expansion to meet global protein demand has intensified concerns over nutrient pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) are proven for water quality improvement, their potential to mitigate GHG emissions in marine aquaculture remains poorly understood. This study quantitatively evaluated the dual capacity of Sesuvium portulacastrum FTWs to (a) regulate dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and (b) reduce CO2/N2O emissions in grouper aquaculture systems. DIN speciation (NH4+, NO2, NO3) and CO2/N2O fluxes of six controlled ponds (three FTW and three control) were monitored for 44 days. DIN in the FTW group was approximately 90 μmol/L lower than that in the control group, and the water in the plant group was more “oxidative” than that in the control group. The former groups were dominated by NO3, with lower dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and N2O concentrations, whereas the latter were dominated by NH4+ during the first 20 days of the experiment and by NO2 at the end of the experiment, with higher DIC and N2O concentrations on average. Higher primary production may be the reason that the DIC concentration was lower in the plant group than in the control group, whereas efficient nitrification and uptake by plants reduced the availability of NH4+ in the plant group, thereby reducing the production of N2O. A comparison of the CO2 and N2O flux potentials in the plant group and control group revealed that, in the presence of FTWs, the CO2 and N2O emissions decreased by 14% and 36%, respectively. This showed that S. portulacastrum FTWs effectively couple DIN removal with GHG mitigation, offering a nature-based solution for sustainable aquaculture. Their low biomass requirement enhances practical scalability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Geochemistry: The Processes of Water–Sediment Interaction)
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23 pages, 10215 KiB  
Article
A Simplified Sigmoid-RH Model for Evapotranspiration Estimation Across Mainland China from 2001 to 2018
by Jiahui Fan, Yunjun Yao, Yajie Li, Lu Liu, Zijing Xie, Xiaotong Zhang, Yixi Kan, Luna Zhang, Fei Qiu, Jingya Qu and Dingqi Shi
Forests 2025, 16(7), 1157; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16071157 - 13 Jul 2025
Viewed by 271
Abstract
Accurate terrestrial evapotranspiration (ET) estimation is crucial for understanding land–atmosphere interactions, evaluating ecosystem functions, and supporting water resource management, particularly across climatically diverse regions. To address the limitations of traditional ET models, we propose a simple yet robust Sigmoid-RH model that characterizes the [...] Read more.
Accurate terrestrial evapotranspiration (ET) estimation is crucial for understanding land–atmosphere interactions, evaluating ecosystem functions, and supporting water resource management, particularly across climatically diverse regions. To address the limitations of traditional ET models, we propose a simple yet robust Sigmoid-RH model that characterizes the nonlinear relationship between relative humidity and ET. Unlike conventional approaches such as the Penman–Monteith or Priestley–Taylor models, the Sigmoid-RH model requires fewer inputs and is better suited for large-scale applications where data availability is limited. In this study, we applied the Sigmoid-RH model to estimate ET over mainland China from 2001 to 2018 by using satellite remote sensing and meteorological reanalysis data. Key driving inputs included air temperature (Ta), net radiation (Rn), relative humidity (RH), and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), all of which are readily available from public datasets. Validation at 20 flux tower sites showed strong performance, with R-square (R2) ranging from 0.26 to 0.93, Root Mean Squard Error (RMSE) from 0.5 to 1.3 mm/day, and Kling-Gupta efficiency (KGE) from 0.16 to 0.91. The model performed best in mixed forests (KGE = 0.90) and weakest in shrublands (KGE = 0.27). Spatially, ET shows a clear increasing trend from northwest to southeast, closely aligned with climatic zones, with national mean annual ET of 560 mm/yr, ranging from less than 200 mm/yr in arid zones to over 1100 mm/yr in the humid south. Seasonally, ET peaked in summer due to monsoonal rainfall and vegetation growth, and was lowest in winter. Temporally, ET declined from 2001 to 2009 but increased from 2009 to 2018, influenced by changes in precipitation and NDVI. These findings confirm the applicability of the Sigmoid-RH model and highlight the importance of hydrothermal conditions and vegetation dynamics in regulating ET. By improving the accuracy and scalability of ET estimation, this model can provide practical implications for drought early warning systems, forest ecosystem management, and agricultural irrigation planning under changing climate conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Meteorology and Climate Change)
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39 pages, 1388 KiB  
Review
Neuroprotective Effects of Metformin Through the Modulation of Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress
by Sarah Reed, Equar Taka, Selina Darling-Reed and Karam F. A. Soliman
Cells 2025, 14(14), 1064; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14141064 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 822
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown that individuals with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases and type 2 diabetes share several risk factors. Meanwhile, the antidiabetic drug metformin offers promising neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, [...] Read more.
Epidemiological studies have shown that individuals with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases and type 2 diabetes share several risk factors. Meanwhile, the antidiabetic drug metformin offers promising neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, two significant factors in neurodegenerative diseases. This review examines the mechanisms by which metformin mitigates neuronal damage. Metformin reduces neuroinflammation by inhibiting microglial activation and suppressing proinflammatory cytokines. It also triggers the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) pathway to combat oxidative stress, an essential regulator of antioxidant defenses. These outcomes support the possible neuroprotective roles of metformin in type 2 diabetes-related cognitive decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Metformin’s therapeutic potential is further supported by its capacity to strengthen the blood–brain barrier’s (BBB’s) integrity and increase autophagic flux. Metformin also offers several neuroprotective effects by targeting multiple pathological pathways. Moreover, metformin is being studied for its potential benefits beyond glycemic control, particularly in the areas of cognition, Alzheimer’s disease, aging, and stroke management. Evidence from both clinical and preclinical studies indicates a complex and multifaceted impact, with benefits varying among populations and depending on underlying disease conditions, making it an appealing candidate for managing several neurodegenerative diseases. Full article
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18 pages, 1870 KiB  
Article
Flowering and Morphology Responses of Greenhouse Ornamentals to End-of-Day Blue-Dominant Lighting with Different Phytochrome Photostationary States
by Yun Kong, Qingming Li, David Llewellyn and Youbin Zheng
Agronomy 2025, 15(7), 1649; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15071649 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 333
Abstract
To investigate whether blue-dominant spectra from end-of-day (EOD) lighting can regulate crop morphological and flowering responses, chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium; obligate short day), geranium (Pelargonium × hortorum; day neutral), calibrachoa (Calibrachoa × hybrida; facultative long day), and gerbera ( [...] Read more.
To investigate whether blue-dominant spectra from end-of-day (EOD) lighting can regulate crop morphological and flowering responses, chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium; obligate short day), geranium (Pelargonium × hortorum; day neutral), calibrachoa (Calibrachoa × hybrida; facultative long day), and gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii; facultative short day) plants were grown under different light-emitting diode (LED) spectrum treatments from January to April 2020, in Guelph, Canada. The spectrum treatments were (1) no EOD lighting, (2) narrowband blue from LEDs (B), (3) a combination of narrowband blue, red, and far-red LEDs with a photon flux ratio of 47:3:1 (blue:red:far-red; BRFR). The B and BRFR treatments ran daily from 0.5 h to 4.5 h after dusk. Compared to the control without EOD lighting, chrysanthemum flower initiation was completely inhibited under BRFR. Flowering time was slightly delayed, but flower bud number increased under B. Side branch number, leaf area, and main stem length and diameter increased under B and BRFR. In the geranium B and BRFR did not affect flowering, but increased side branch number and length and diameter of the main stem. Both spectrum treatments promoted earlier flowering in the calibrachoa, but BRFR produced more flower buds. The calibrachoa aerial dry biomass and main stem length increased under B and BRFR. The gerbera leaf chlorophyll index and leaf thickness increased under BRFR. Both spectrum treatments increased the gerbera flower bud size, despite having little effect on flowering time. In all species, at least one of the LED treatments increased canopy size. Therefore, low levels of B or BRFR can be potentially used for EOD lighting to regulate the flowering and morphology of potted ornamentals. Full article
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16 pages, 5320 KiB  
Article
Response Mechanism of Carbon Fluxes in Restored and Natural Mangrove Ecosystems Under the Effects of Storm Surges
by Huimin Zou, Jianhua Zhu, Zhen Tian, Zhulin Chen, Zhiyong Xue and Weiwei Li
Forests 2025, 16(7), 1115; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16071115 - 5 Jul 2025
Viewed by 225
Abstract
As climate change intensifies the frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events, such as storm surges, understanding how extreme weather events alter mangrove carbon dynamics is critical for predicting the resilience of blue carbon ecosystems under climate change. Mangrove forests are generally recognized [...] Read more.
As climate change intensifies the frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events, such as storm surges, understanding how extreme weather events alter mangrove carbon dynamics is critical for predicting the resilience of blue carbon ecosystems under climate change. Mangrove forests are generally recognized for their resilience to natural disturbances, a characteristic largely attributed to the evolutionary development of species-specific functional traits. However, limited research has explored the impacts of storm surges on carbon flux dynamics in both natural and restored mangrove ecosystems. In this study, we analyzed short-term responses of storm surges on carbon dioxide flux and methane flux in natural and restored mangroves. The results revealed that following the storm surge, CO2 uptake decreased by 51% in natural mangrove forests and increased by 20% in restored mangroves, while CH4 emissions increased by 14% in natural mangroves and decreased by 22% in restored mangroves. GPP is mainly driven by PPFD and negatively affected by VPD and RH, while Reco and CH4 flux respond to a combination of temperature, humidity, and hydrological factors. NEE is primarily controlled by GPP and Reco, with environmental variables acting indirectly. These findings highlight the complex, site-specific pathways through which extreme events regulate carbon fluxes, underscoring the importance of incorporating ecological feedbacks into coastal carbon assessments under climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Forest Carbon, Water Use and Growth Under Climate Change)
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