Search Results (3,311)

Since Pt cocatalysts play an important role in photocatalytic H₂ evolution, it is necessary to track Pt over Pt/g-C₃N₄ catalysts during the evolution process to understand the associated photocatalytic deactivation behavior. In this study, bulk g-C₃N₄ (CN) and oxidized g-C₃N₄ (OCN) catalysts containing a Pt cocatalyst were prepared to investigate photocatalytic deactivation behavior through tracking changes in the catalytic properties of the Pt cocatalyst and g-C₃N₄ surface during photocatalytic H₂ evolution. While CN catalysts show a lower photocatalytic activity than OCN catalysts, the former exhibit high resistance to catalytic deactivation with a lower deactivation rate than the latter. The high photocatalytic activity of OCN catalysts is caused by the highly dispersed Pt species on chemically oxidized g-C₃N₄ with abundant O-containing functional groups, relating to the excellent separation efficiency of photogenerated electron/hole pairs. During the evolution process, highly dispersed Pt species over fresh OCN are easily and rapidly agglomerated into large Pt nanoclusters due to its exfoliated thin-layered g-C₃N₄ structure, whereas the three-dimensional multi-layered g-C₃N₄ structure of CN catalysts hinders the agglomeration of Pt over the CN catalyst. In addition, during the photocatalytic H₂ evolution, the O-containing functional groups on the OCN catalyst significantly disappear, which causes a weak metal/support interaction and, eventually, fast photocatalytic deactivation due to the agglomeration of Pt. Full article

Remediating cadmium (Cd) contamination in aquatic and terrestrial environments has become an urgent environmental priority. Biochar has been widely employed for heavy metal removal due to its wide availability, strong adsorption capacity, and potential for recycling agricultural waste. In this study, samples of alkali–Fe-modified biochar (Fe@NaOH-SBC, Fe@NaOH-HBC, and Fe@NaOH-MBC) were prepared from agricultural wastes (ginger straw, Sichuan pepper branches, and kiwi leaves) through NaOH and FeCl₃·6H₂O modification. A comprehensive characterization confirmed that the alkali–Fe-modified biochar exhibits a higher specific surface area, richer functional groups, and successful incorporation of the iron oxides Fe₃O₄ and α-FeOOH. The fitting parameter qmax from the Langmuir model indicates that the alkali–Fe modification of carbon significantly enhanced its maximum capacity for Cd²⁺ adsorption. Furthermore, a synergistic effect was observed between iron oxide loading and alkali modification, outperforming alkali modification alone. Furthermore, a 30-day soil incubation experiment revealed that the application of alkali–Fe-modified biochar significantly increased soil pH, SOM, and CEC while reducing the available cadmium content by 13.34–33.94%. The treatment also facilitated the transformation of highly bioavailable cadmium species into more stable, less bioavailable forms, thereby mitigating their potential entry into the food chain and the associated human health risks. Moreover, short-term spinach seed germination experiments confirmed that treatments with varying additions of alkali–Fe-modified biochar mitigated the inhibition of seed physiological processes by high concentrations of available cadmium to varying degrees. Overall, this study provides a sustainable and effective strategy for utilizing agricultural waste in the remediation of cadmium-contaminated water and soil systems. Full article

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are transmembrane proteins crucial for signal transduction in eukaryotes, responding to diverse extracellular signals. Researchers have found and systematically summarized 14 distinct types of GPCRs in fungi but their distribution among numerous fungal species remained largely unexamined. Additionally, three families of mammalian homologs (Rhodopsin, Glutamate, and Frizzled) have been found in previous studies, but they are not included in the systematic classification of fungal GPCRs. Our study establishes a unified classification of 17 GPCR classes in fungi, combining 14 fungal and 3 mammalian previously recognized groups, and classifies 28,294 GPCRs across 1357 fungal species, significantly expanding the scale of GPCRs in fungi and demonstrating their broader distribution. We found that mammalian homologs are notably more prevalent in Early Diverging Fungi (EDF), whereas the previous 14 classes are predominantly found in Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. The most abundant class detected in fungi was Pth11-like GPCRs, exclusively found in Pezizomycotina and involved in fungal pathogenicity. Our analysis suggested that Pezizomycotina ancestor possessed an extensive array of Pth11-like GPCRs, but over time, some species underwent considerable reductions in these GPCRs in conjunction with genome contractions. Utilizing a custom-built convolutional neural network (CNN) for the identification of fungal GPCRs, we identified several putative novel fungal GPCRs. Predicted interactions between these prospective new GPCRs and G-alpha proteins, as simulated by AlphaFold Multimer, provided additional support for their functional relevance. In conclusion, our work defines the first large-scale, unified classification of fungal GPCRs, reveals lineage-specific expansions and contractions, and uncovers previously unrecognized GPCR candidates with potential functional roles in fungal signaling. Full article

Biogenic synthesis of gold nanoparticles using plant extracts has been widely explored for biomedical applications due to its eco-friendly and cost-effective nature. In this study, gold nanoparticles were phytoformulated using an ethanolic extract of dwarf copper leaf. Their physicochemical properties, antineoplastic activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, and bactericidal efficacy against selected pathogenic microorganisms were systematically evaluated. The phyto-synthesized AuNPs show potential as an antineoplastic agent, significantly dropping the viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cells when administered at higher concentrations. Comprehensive characterization revealed that the phyto-formulated AuNPs were predominantly spherical with sizes ranging from 15–38 nm as observed by TEM, while XRD analysis confirmed their crystalline nature. Furthermore, FT-IR analysis determined the plant extract’s functional groups, which served as both reducing and stabilizing agents during synthesis. Additionally, the phyto-formulated AuNPs showed bactericidal efficacy against several microorganisms, including Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Serratia species. Particularly, the phyto-formulated AuNPs were effective against B. cereus and Serratia species. The present results showed that the phyto-formulated AuNPs could be used in biomedical contexts for bactericidal action and medication delivery. By using this cost-effective and eco-friendly nanobiotechnology method, AuNPs can enhance drug delivery and efficacy with lower toxicity effects associated with conventional chemotherapies. Full article

Jasmonate-ZIM domain (JAZ) proteins act as repressors in the jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway and also function as plant-specific proteins participating in plant growth and development, stress response, and defense. In our study, a total of 25 JAZ genes were identified in B. rapa based on their conserved domains. First, the primary characteristics were surveyed, including the lengths of the CDS and proteins, molecular weights, and isoelectric points. Next, a phylogenetic tree of JAZ proteins among B. rapa, A. thaliana, O. sativa, B. oleracea, and B. napus was constructed, which revealed that these proteins cluster into four groups based on sequence homology rather than by species. Synteny analysis of JAZ genes among these species demonstrated that the highest number of collinear pairs was found between B. rapa and B. napus. Most BrJAZ genes were highly expressed in root, stem, and leaf. Moreover, the expression levels of BrJAZ1a and BrJAZ6b were induced by drought, high salt, black rot, and MeJA. Over-expressed these genes in A. thaliana lines enhanced their tolerance to drought and high salt stress, which was associated with higher enzymatic activities of SOD and POD. Both BrJAZ1a-GFP and BrJAZ6b-GFP were localized in the nucleus. Full article

Urban green spaces play a vital role in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration and storage. However, accurately quantifying their carbon sink capability remains challenging due to complex vertical structures and spatial heterogeneity. This study proposes a comprehensive inventory framework integrating multi-source LiDAR (UAV and Backpack) with a phenology-based complementary strategy to quantify carbon dynamics across three nested scales: green space types, plant communities, and species. Two key indicators—Carbon Sequestration Efficiency (CSE) and Carbon Density (CD)—were used to evaluate both the dynamic and static aspects of carbon sink function. The results reveal a clear asynchrony between CSE and CD across scales. No single plant type performed best in both dimensions, indicating a trade-off between growth efficiency and biomass accumulation. Hierarchical clustering identified distinct plant groups with divergent carbon sink strategies, supporting nuanced vegetation selection. The dual-indicator and dual-platform approach proposed in this study advances our existing understanding of the carbon sequestration capacity of urban green spaces and provides a robust methodological foundation for data-driven low-carbon urban ecological planning. Full article

Woody debris decomposition is a key process in forest ecosystem material cycles, with invertebrate communities playing a vital role. Distinct physicochemical properties of woody debris types lead to varying effects on these communities. Taking woody debris in Saihanba’s Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations, Betula platyphylla natural secondary forests, and larch–birch mixed forests (northern China) as objects, we collected woody debris-inhabiting invertebrates via hand-sorting. We studied how tree species (larch/birch), forest types (pure/mixed), and decay stages (I–V) collectively regulate invertebrate community assembly. Results showed significant differences in woody debris physicochemical properties across these factors. Phytophagous groups dominated early decay stages (I–III) and decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with reduced wood density. In contrast, saprophagous and predatory groups increased with decay, correlated with higher TN and were more abundant in mixed than pure forests. NMDS indicated significant community differences among tree species/forest types in early decay, converging later. PLS-PM further confirmed functional groups’ response pathways to woody debris characteristics. Thus, preserving woody debris integrity and diversity in plantations is crucial for maintaining invertebrate diversity, promoting nutrient cycling, and enhancing forest ecosystem functions. Full article

Sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) is a commercially important mariculture species in northern China. Papilla number has been recognized as a key economic trait in sea cucumbers. Notably, significant variation in papilla count exists among different populations. The genetic mechanisms controlling papilla development are not fully understood. In this study, 72 individuals from six geographically distinct sea cucumber populations (Group N1) and 35 individuals from their offspring (Group N2) were analyzed using reduced-representation genome sequencing (RRGS) and whole-genome resequencing (WGS), respectively. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and selective sweep analysis were conducted to identify the biological pathways and genetic basis underlying variation in papilla number. The GWAS analysis identified two single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci on chromosomes 4 and 14 in the Group N1 that were significantly associated with papilla number. Within the vicinity of two SNPs, 48 genes were annotated as putative candidate genes, six of which have been reported to be associated with growth in A. japonicus or other aquatic animals. Selective sweep analysis identified 23 candidate genes in the JZ vs. YT within Group N1 and 39 candidate genes in the G1 vs. G3 within Group N2. Notably, functional enrichment analysis revealed that the Calcium signaling pathway was significantly enriched in both Group N1 and Group N2. This pathway has been demonstrated to regulate key cellular processes such as cell proliferation and differentiation through the activation of downstream signaling cascades. The intersection of results from parental Group N1 and progeny Group N2 yielded a total of six key biological pathways, including biological process, cellular process, cellular anatomical entity, cellular component, membrane, and binding. Collectively, our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying papilla number variation in A. japonicus and provide valuable insights for genomic selection in breeding programs. Full article

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), which contains heavy metals such as Al, Fe, Mg, and Mn, among others, induces cognitive dysfunction through oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and impaired mitochondria. This study evaluated the neuroprotective effects of a 40% ethanol extract of Polygonum multiflorum (EPM) on PM_2.5-induced cognitive dysfunction in a mouse model. Behavioral assessments demonstrated attenuated learning and memory impairment following EPM treatment. Redox homeostasis was restored through increased expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) and decreased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) in the EPM group. Mitochondrial function was attenuated, as indicated by recovery of mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels. EPM inhibited neuroinflammation by downregulating the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway and maintaining blood–brain barrier integrity through the upregulation of tight junction proteins. It modulated neuronal apoptosis through the JNK pathway, reducing the accumulation of amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau. Synaptic plasticity was preserved through upregulation of BDNF/TrkB signaling and cholinergic neurotransmission via regulation of acetylcholine (ACh), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). To standardize EPM, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirmed the presence of the bioactive compound, tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside (TSG). These findings suggest that EPM may be a promising functional food candidate for mitigating PM_2.5-related cognitive impairments. Full article

The foraging environment is a critical source of microbes for wild birds, yet its role in shaping the gut microbiota of sympatric crane species remains poorly understood. This study investigated this relationship in the Yellow River Delta wetland by analyzing the microbial communities of paired foraging environments and fecal samples from Common Cranes (Grus grus) and White Cranes (Grus leucogeranus) via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Significant inter-group differences in alpha diversity (ACE, Chao1, Shannon, Simpson) indicated strong environmental filtering effects. Beta diversity (PCoA) revealed pronounced segregation between foraging and fecal samples (PC1 = 25.0%), underscoring a significant microbial turnover between the environment and the gut. Dominant phyla included Proteobacteria (24.6–37.4%), Firmicutes (4.8–29.0%), and Actinobacteriota (12.4–23.3%). LEfSe identified genus-level biomarkers highly specific to sample type and host, including Ligilactobacillus (12.1% in Common Crane feces) and Cryobacterium (9.2% in White Crane feces). SourceTracker analysis indicated that >70% of gut microbial sources remained unknown, suggesting a vast uncharacterized environmental reservoir. Functional prediction highlighted group-specific adaptations, such as elevated amino acid transport metabolism in Common Cranes (9.8% vs. 7.1%; p < 0.05), potentially linked to local dietary resources. Our findings demonstrate that the gut microbiota of cranes is synergistically shaped by host-specific factors and the unique saline–alkaline foraging environment of the wetland. Full article

Natural fibers are increasingly used as sustainable, lightweight, and low-cost alternatives to glass fibers in polymer composites. However, their inherent hydrophilicity and surface polarity limit compatibility with non-polar polymer matrices. Both gas/solid and plasma fluorination modify only the surface of lignocellulosic materials. Mild conditions are mild, with reactivity governed by fluorine concentration, temperature, and material composition. Surface energy is typically assessed through contact-angle measurements and surface analytical techniques that quantify changes in hydrophobicity and chemical functionalities. In wood, fluorination proceeds preferentially in lignin-rich regions, making lignin a key component controlling reactivity and the spatial distribution of fluorinated groups. Natural fibers follow the same logic as for flax, which is a representative example of lignin content. Applications of fluorinated bio-based materials include improved moisture resistance, enhanced compatibility in composites, and functional surfaces with tailored wetting properties. Scalability depends on safety, cost, and process control, especially for direct fluorination. Durability of the treatment varies with depth of modification, and environmental considerations include the potential release of fluorinated species during use or disposal. Full article

Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), a DNA fragment mixture, exerts biological effects via adenosine A2A receptor and salvage pathway activation. Here, Paeonia lactiflora-derived PDRN (Peony PDRN) is proposed as a plant-based alternative to salmon-derived PDRN. While P. lactiflora is known for its medicinal properties, the biological functions of Peony PDRN have not been characterized. To validate and optimize its efficacy, we systematically compared the biological activities of three molecular weight groups of Peony PDRN (high, medium, and low) using in vitro assays and clinical studies. The low-molecular-weight fraction (Low-Peony PDRN) markedly enhanced skin cell proliferation and migration, upregulated extracellular matrix-related genes (COL1A1, COL5A1, ELN, and FBN1), and promoted keratinocyte differentiation and epidermal barrier formation by increasing COL7A1, IVL, FLG, and OCLN expression. It also reduced reactive oxygen species levels and suppressed key inflammatory mediators. Clinically, topical application of Low-Peony PDRN for 2 weeks markedly reduced transepidermal water loss in a sodium lauryl sulfate-induced skin damage model, enhancing barrier recovery (n = 10). Periorbital skin elasticity improved after 4 weeks of treatment (Approval No. Intertek IRB-202505-HR(1)-0001, 20 June 2025). These results indicate that Low-Peony PDRN is a promising plant-derived biomaterial of pharmacological and cosmetic significance, with potential to address skin aging. Full article

Objectives: The repurposing of existing drugs as anticancer agents has attracted attention in cancer drug discovery. This study aimed to examine the anticancer efficacy of rosiglitazone (RSG) against cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: The effect of RSG on the viability of KKU-100 CCA cells was examined. The possible molecular targets were identified using proteomic analysis and verified by a series of cell-based assays. Furthermore, the expression of PPARγ protein in CCA tissues was also assessed. Results: RSG exhibited a cytotoxic effect against KKU-100 cells. Proteomic analysis demonstrated a significant different expression protein pattern of the 100 μM RSG-treated group compared to the control group. Significant alteration of several proteins was found, including the up-regulation of calcium-binding, cytoskeletal, and metabolic proteins, concomitant with the down-regulation of antioxidant enzymes. Detailed analyses revealed that RSG induced apoptosis in CCA cells, accompanied by increased caspase 3/7 activities, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and disruption of mitochondrial function. RSG altered the expressions of annexin A1 and antioxidant enzymes, according to Western blot analysis. GW9662, a PPARγ antagonist, did not affect the viability and apoptosis of KKU-100 cells caused by RSG. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that PPARγ expression in CCA patients was associated with sex, but not with other common clinicopathological parameters. Its expression did not correlate with patients’ overall survival time. Conclusions: RSG induced apoptotic cell death in CCA cells, which was accompanied by increased ROS levels and impaired antioxidant defense. Its apoptosis-inducing effect is independent of PPARγ activation. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of RSG for CCA treatment. Full article

The long-term monoculture of Eucalyptus plantations in southern China has raised ecological concerns, prompting a shift towards mixed-species plantations as a sustainable alternative. This study investigates the mechanisms by which companion tree species enhance soil functionality in subtropical red soil regions. A field experiment compared a pure Eucalyptus (CK) plantation with three mixed-species plantations: Eucalyptus × Mytilaria laosensis (A × M), Eucalyptus × Magnolia hypolampra (A × H), and Eucalyptus × Michelia gioii (A × X). Comprehensive soil analyses were conducted at three soil depths (0–20 cm, 20–40 cm, and 40–60 cm) to assess chemical properties, enzyme activities, and humus components, and soil organic carbon (SOC) molecular structure was characterized by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), with the relationships quantified using structural equation modeling (SEM) to test predefined causal hypotheses. The results showed that A × H significantly boosted topsoil fertility (e.g., OM: 46.61 g/kg), while A × M enhanced the recalcitrant organic carbon (ROC: 35.29 g/kg), indicating superior carbon sequestration potential. The FTIR analysis revealed species-specific alterations in SOC chemistry, such as increased aromatic compounds in A × H/A × X. The SEM analysis demonstrated that the latent variable “Humus” (reflected by LOC and ROC) directly and positively influenced the latent variable “Soil Fertility” (reflected by pH, OM, and AP; path coefficient: 0.62). In contrast, the latent variable “Organic Components” (reflected by specific FTIR functional groups) exhibited a significant direct negative effect on “Soil Fertility” (−0.41). The significant pathway from “Organic Components” to “Enzymatic Activity” (0.55*) underscored the role of microbial mediation. The study concludes that mixed plantations, particularly with Mytilaria laosensis (A × M), improve soil health through an “organic input–microbial enzyme response–humus formation” pathway, offering a scientific basis for sustainable forestry practices that balance productivity and ecological resilience. Full article

Background/Objectives: Both HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy contribute to dyslipidemia and abnormal body fat distribution in people living with HIV (PLWH). Exercise training is an effective intervention to protect against these metabolic changes. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the impact of exercise training on lipid metabolism in PLWH. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the effect of high-intensity functional circuit training on the plasma lipidome of PLWH and HIV-negative subjects (control). Methods: PLWH (n = 13) and control (n = 14) were submitted to 8 weeks of exercise training. Body composition, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters were measured. Plasma was obtained in a fasting state for lipidomic analysis. Results: Anthropometric and biochemical parameters revealed lower levels of leptin, HDL-C, body fat %, and BMI combined with elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) and Homeostasis Model Assessment of β-cell function (HOMA_beta) in PLWH when compared to control subjects that persisted from baseline to post-exercise training. Nonetheless, contrasting levels of adiponectin, fasting insulin, and phosphatidylcholine-containing lipids observed at baseline were equalized after training in PLWH. In control subjects, significant reductions in concentrations of triglycerides alongside phosphatidylinositol and glycosylated ceramides were observed post-exercise training. By contrast, PWLH displayed an increase in diglycerides, acylcarnitines, and free cholesterol levels after exercise training, together with decreased concentrations of free fatty acids, cholesteryl esters, and glycosylated ceramides. Conclusions: In addition to specific lipidome alterations in each group, particularly driven by improved insulin resistance in PLWH, this study showed concomitant modulation of several glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids, suggesting health-promoting effects of short-term exercise training. Collectively, these modulated lipid species represent interesting targets for future lipidomic-based studies evaluating not only the effects of exercise training but also the molecular mechanisms resulting in a healthier plasma lipidome profile. Full article