Search Results (9,408)

Pathological states associated with metabolic stress, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), hypoxia, ischemic stroke, and migraine, are considered elevated risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the mechanism underlying the effect of these conditions on the progression of AD remains largely unknown. Here, we determine how metabolic stress associated with spreading depolarization (SD)—a hallmark of stroke, hypoxia, TBI, and migraine—modulates amyloid β (Aβ42) aggregation kinetics through dynamic changes in extracellular space (ECS). To achieve this, we used ThT fluorescence to determine how the formation of different Aβ42 aggregate species depends on Aβ42 concentrations. Based on this input, we build a multiscale computational framework that integrates volume regulation, including its dependence on neuronal ion homeostasis, and Aβ42 aggregation kinetics. Our model predicts that neuronal swelling during SD accelerates aggregation, where the impact of metabolic stress is highly dependent on the timing relative to aggregation progression and the initial monomer concentration. At low monomer concentrations, early SD events promote off-pathway oligomer formation, while at higher concentrations they rapidly drive fibril formation to saturation. In the absence of mature fibrils, recurrent metabolic stress events further amplify oligomer accumulation, whereas pre-existing fibril nuclei suppress oligomer formation at the expense of fibril nucleation and growth. Increasing the intensity of metabolic stress prolongs ECS shrinkage and enhances oligomer formation. These findings reveal a mechanistic link between SD-induced microenvironmental changes and Aβ aggregation dynamics, providing a quantitative framework for understanding how acute brain injury and metabolic stress may contribute to early AD pathogenesis. Full article

Anaerobic digestion of kitchen waste (KW) for biogas production has significant promise both economically and environmentally. However, low biogas production and fluctuating methane concentration remain key challenges that need to be overcome to make this a viable solution. This study implements a two-stage evaluation framework to link temperature-dependent microbial characteristics with process optimization. First, high-throughput sequencing was performed across a wide temperature gradient (25 °C, 37 °C, 45 °C, 50 °C, 55 °C, and 60 °C) to characterize the baseline microbial community screening and succession trajectories of methanogenic archaea. Based on the identified thermophilic transition threshold, five batch anaerobic reactors were subsequently configured under the target thermophilic condition (50 ± 1 °C) with substrate-to-inoculum (S/I) ratios calculated on a volatile solids (VS) basis (1:0, 1.5:1, 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2) to evaluate the biomethane potential, organic removal rates, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) conversion. The results showed that an optimal S/I ratio of 1:1 was crucial for maximizing methane production performance, achieving the highest cumulative biogas yield of 1494.07 mL/g VS and methane yield of 746.28 mL/g VS. Notably, Methanoculleus and Candidatus Methanoplasma were identified as the core functional methanogens enriched at high-temperature stages. Both genera are obligate hydrogenotrophic methanogens that consume H₂ and CO₂ as substrates, and their enrichment plays a vital syntrophic role in alleviating intermediate acid accumulation and maintaining steady methanogenesis. This study provides clear theoretical insights and experimental data supporting the efficient thermophilic utilization of KW via precise microbial load balancing. Full article

The mammalian respiratory system stands as a frontline barrier, constantly exposed to environmental insults, balancing defensive immunity with gas exchange. Historically considered sterile, the lung harbors a dynamic, low-biomass microbiome that evolves continuously in response to pulmonary pathologies. Accumulating evidence underscores that respiratory health and structural recovery are not autonomous but are critically integrated with distal microbial systems, especially the intestinal tract, through the gut–lung axis (GLA). This review characterizes the GLA as a bidirectional communication highway fueled by immune pathways, microbial metabolites, and direct microbial translocations. During acute or chronic injuries, such as COVID-19, COPD, asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and lung cancer, the gut microbiota serves as a remote metabolic “rheostat”. It delivers pivotal signaling molecules, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and tryptophan metabolites (indoles), that could shape the local microenvironment in which the respiratory epithelium undergoes functional repair or maladaptive, fibrotic remodeling. Mechanistically, gut-derived butyrate enhances mitochondrial activity in alveolar epithelial cells, while resident progenitors, such as Alveolar Type 2 (AT2) cells, depend on intact mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation for proper regenerative differentiation. Conversely, critical lung illness disrupts this homeostasis via a “pathological circuit,” where severe pulmonary inflammation drives gut permeability, fecal dysbiosis, and the subsequent translocation of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs, such as LPS) or gut-associated bacteria back into the pulmonary circulation. This review highlights the systemic nature of lung regeneration, which likely depends heavily on intestinal health through the GLA. Ultimately, leveraging these remote microbial networks through precision postbiotic supplementation, dietary priming, or microbiota transplantation represents a crucial frontier in precision medicine to promote definitive alveolar repair. Full article

Obesity is an escalating global health challenge, driven by adipose tissue dysfunction characterized by adipocyte hypertrophy, chronic low-grade inflammation and impaired insulin signaling, which together promote insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis and cardiovascular disease. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a dietary phenolic phytochemical abundant in coffee, tea, fruits and vegetables, has attracted considerable interest as a modulator of adipocyte biology and metabolism. This review summarizes in vitro and in vivo evidence of the effects of CGA on adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, thermogenesis, inflammation and glucose homeostasis. In vitro studies employing murine and human adipocyte and progenitor cell models demonstrate that CGA attenuates adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation via downregulation of adipogenic transcription factors (PPARγ, C/EBPα) and lipogenic enzymes (FASN, ACC, SREBP 1c), alongside activation of AMPK, Shp2–Erk1/2 and Wnt–β catenin signaling. Several reports further show that CGA promotes browning of white adipocytes and enhances thermogenic and mitochondrial gene expression. Complementary in vivo studies in diet-induced obesity and diabetes models reveal that CGA reduces body weight gain, adiposity, adipocyte size and hepatic steatosis, improves lipid profiles, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in metabolic tissues. Collectively, current preclinical evidence supports CGA as a multifaceted modulator of adipose tissue function and whole-body metabolic homeostasis; however, rigorously designed, long-term clinical trials are required to establish its efficacy and safety in humans. Full article

Globally, approximately 1.4 billion hectares of land are affected by soil salinity, necessitating effective and field-applicable remediation strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance, ion regulation, physiological responses, and phytodesalination potential of ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) under field conditions with varying salinity levels in coastal Taiwan across winter and spring seasons. Soil salinity and sodicity across the three experimental fields (low, moderate, and high) were characterized using electrical conductivity (EC), exchangeable Na, the Na/K ratio, and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP). Plant performance and salt removal efficiency were evaluated through field cultivation and biochemical analysis. Ice plant could successfully grow and produce harvestable biomass across all salinity levels, although growth and biomass declined with increasing soil salinity. Pronounced seasonal differences were observed in both plant performance and salt removal efficiency. Winter conditions, characterized by lower temperature and reduced evaporative demand, favored biomass accumulation and Na uptake, resulting in substantially higher phytodesalination capacity, with estimated NaCl removal of approximately 1256–1826 kg ha⁻¹ per cropping cycle. In contrast, spring conditions with higher temperatures, longer sunshine duration, and increased evapotranspiration significantly reduced biomass production and Na removal efficiency. Correspondingly, osmolytes such as proline, ononitol, and D-pinitol, along with total phenolic content (TPC), were significantly elevated in spring-grown plants, suggesting enhanced osmotic adjustment and antioxidant defense. However, the variation in the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values suggested that the plant’s antioxidant capacity was not solely a function of total phenolic content but resulted from complex interactions among different antioxidant compounds under heightened environmental stress. Overall, this field study provides strong empirical evidence that M. crystallinum is a highly salt-tolerant species with significant, season-dependent phytodesalination potential. Winter cultivation is particularly effective for the sustainable management and amelioration of coastal salt-affected agricultural soils. Full article

Chloride (Cl⁻) is an essential micronutrient for plants that supports multiple physiological functions throughout plant growth and development. Its effects are strongly concentration-dependent: low Cl⁻ availability promotes beneficial physiological processes, whereas excessive accumulation can induce cytotoxicity. In plants, the movement of Cl⁻ across plasma and organellar membranes is primarily mediated by three principal channel and transporter families: chloride channels (CLC), aluminum-activated malate transporters (ALMT), and slow anion channel-associated homologs (SLAC/SLAH). These families differ in gating mechanisms, ion selectivity, transport properties, and subcellular localization. This review synthesizes current knowledge of plant chloride transport proteins, with emphasis on their phylogenetic distribution, structural organization, and functional diversification. We summarize their core physiological roles in stomatal regulation, water-use efficiency, nutrient uptake, ion homeostasis, growth modulation, and abiotic stress tolerance. We also discuss how their activities are regulated by post-translational modifications, notably phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, as well as by ion concentrations, pH shifts, and phytohormone signaling. Unlike earlier reviews that primarily focused on individual transporter families or specific stress responses, this work provides an integrated framework linking structure–function relationships with regulatory networks. It also evaluates recent advances in high-resolution structural biology, electrophysiological approaches, and in vivo imaging techniques. Furthermore, we delineate current technical bottlenecks and unresolved questions, such as the molecular determinants of substrate specificity and potential cross-talk among transporter families, and propose future directions for crop improvement. By integrating structural, physiological, and regulatory perspectives, this review aims to serve as a valuable reference and stimulate interdisciplinary research on plant chloride biology. Full article

Heavy metal stress severely impairs global agricultural productivity, a challenge exacerbated by rising industrial activities. To mitigate chromium (Cr) toxicity in crops, this study evaluated the potential of seed priming with four distinct acids, ascorbic acid (AA), citric acid (CA), nitric acid (NA), and salicylic acid (SA), on broad bean (Vicia faba L.) seedlings exposed to 50 ppm Cr(VI). Cr(VI) exposure alone severely compromised development, reducing root and shoot fresh biomass by 47% and 52.3% and lengths by 60.8% and 62.19%, respectively. This growth inhibition was mirrored by a massive drop in total soluble sugars (over twofold in shoots and threefold in roots) and a twofold spike in toxic hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation. However, acidic priming agents effectively protected the seedlings from this oxidative crisis. The co-application of these effectors limited the inhibitory effects of Cr(VI), increasing biomass up to twofold and reducing H₂O₂ levels by around 32% in roots and 26% in shoots. This reduction in oxidative damage subsequently alleviated cellular stress, restoring protein content (by up to 70.72% in shoots under AA) and bringing catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities back toward baseline levels, reducing them by more than 50% compared to the unprimed Cr(VI) control. Notably, regarding bioaccumulation, only AA priming significantly limited heavy metal uptake, reducing chromium accumulation by 36.5% in roots and 26.5% in shoots. This unique protection is likely linked to a potential chemical reduction of mobile Cr(VI) near the root boundaries and the regulation of internal osmoprotectant systems. These findings suggest that seed priming with these effectors, especially AA, offers a highly scalable, low-cost, and sustainable strategy for enhancing crop tolerance in heavy-metal-polluted soils. Full article

Plant bioreactors offer low production costs, high biosafety, and facile scalability, making tomato an excellent platform for the expression of bioactive proteins. Lactoferrin (LF) possesses a wide range of biological activities; however, its production using microbial expression systems is limited by inherent drawbacks. These limitations can potentially be overcome through tomato-based heterologous expression. Nevertheless, studies investigating the biological activity of LF produced in tomato expression systems remain scarce, and validation using animal cell models has been relatively limited. In this study, the human lactoferrin (hLF) gene was codon-optimized, and the recombinant plasmid pSlhLF was constructed and introduced into tomato plants via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation to generate positive transgenic lines. Molecular analyses confirmed that hLF was expressed in all examined tomato tissues, with the highest expression level detected in fruits. Most transgenic lines exhibited significantly increased transcript levels of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, in vitro cell assays demonstrated that tomato-derived hLF promoted the proliferation of H₂O₂-treated human fetal lung fibroblasts (HFL-1 cells) and reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. These findings suggest that hLF expressed in tomato may exert its antioxidant activity, at least in part, through the direct scavenging of ROS. Full article

This research addresses the critical safety issue of harmful gas influx during tunnel excavation through unconventional gas-bearing structures. It focuses on six tunnels affected by shale gas influx along the Zhangnan Expressway of northwestern Hunan, China. The research reveals the geochemical characteristics, distribution patterns, and accumulation mechanisms of harmful gas in the shale formations of northwestern Hunan. The research adopts an integrated approach of “geological background analysis—multi-parameter testing—comprehensive evaluation”. It is based on geological and borehole data, field geological surveys, as well as laboratory and field tests. The research systematically analyzes the gas-bearing structural characteristics, geochemical parameters, and reservoir physical properties of the shale gas area in the Zhangnan Expressway. The geological regularities are summarized. The results show that the Longmaxi Formation of the Silurian system and the Qixia Formation of the Permian system serve as source rocks in the tunnel sites. The reservoirs are characterized by ultra-low porosity and permeability, with limited late-stage hydrocarbon generation potential. The gas-related hazard during tunnel construction and operation is primarily associated with the release of existing free and adsorbed gas. According to the calculation standards for absolute gas emission rates during construction, three tunnels are classified as micro-gas tunnels and three as non-gas tunnels. Two accumulation patterns are proposed: the self-sourcing composite accumulation pattern with micro-scale migration, and the accumulation pattern of self-generated and self-storage type of water pressure confinement. Enhanced monitoring, ventilation, and grouting sealing are recommended. This study develops an integrated “geology—testing—evaluation” assessment method for shale-gas-bearing tunnels. It provides important guidance for controlling harmful gas hazards in such tunnels and guaranteeing the sustainable development of tunnel construction. Full article

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a radiotherapeutic modality that enables tumor-targeted cell killing. The nuclear capture reaction between boron-10 (¹⁰B) and low-energy thermal neutrons produces high linear energy transfer (LET) particles (α-particles and recoiling lithium nuclei), each of which have short path lengths within the diameter of a single mammalian cell. The deposited energy creates clustered DNA double-strand breaks that are cytotoxic in these tumor cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissues. This advantage makes BNCT a highly attractive treatment modality compared to conventional radiotherapy. Nevertheless, despite its theoretical precision, the clinical translation of BNCT remains constrained by suboptimal tumor-selective boron delivery; insufficient intracellular accumulation; and heterogeneous biodistribution profiles associated with conventional small-molecule-based boron agents, such as boronophenylalanine (BPA) and sodium borocaptate (BSH). While the development of new accelerator-based neutron sources (ABNSs) has renewed interest in BNCT, effective ¹⁰B delivery remains a major challenge. To address this, nanomedicine has been steadily on the rise in cancer research. In recent years, nanocarrier-based delivery systems have emerged as a transformative alternative delivery strategy. Nanodrugs offer several advantages over conventional small-molecule drugs, such as improved solubility, increased plasma half-life, enhanced permeability and retention in tumors, and active targeting, as well as decreased systemic toxicity and drug resistance. In recent years, nanocarrier-based delivery systems have emerged as a transformative strategy for ¹⁰B delivery. In this focused review, we will discuss various types of nanocarriers used for boron drug delivery that enhance boron loading efficiency and evaluate what enables their selective delivery to and accumulation within tumor cells. Full article

The extreme Antarctic environment offers unique living conditions. The organisms inhabiting Antarctica have a specific metabolism through which they overcome the challenges of large temperature amplitudes, long periods of light or darkness, and intense UV radiation. Microorganisms are ubiquitous in Antarctica and have been the subject of intensive research in recent decades. In this manuscript, two yeast species were isolated from Antarctic habitats and identified as Dioszegia sp. AL₁₀₅ (AL₁₀₅) and Bannozyma sp. AL₁₀₄ (AL₁₀₄). The cultivation of these two species under submerged conditions were evaluated. The strain AL₁₀₄ managed to accumulate over 7 g/L biomass for 96 h. For the first time, the cytotoxic activity of the obtained yeast extracts on malignant cell lines has been studied. The obtained methanol and acetone extracts showed different cytotoxicity when used to treat different malignant cell lines, with maximal values of IC₅₀ = 113 ± 8.2 established for the HUT-78 line with AL₁₀₄. The methanol extracts of both yeast species exhibited low antibacterial activity against Staphyloccocus aureus, MRSA, and Escherichia coli. Additionally, the methanol extract of AL₁₀₅ inhibited the biofilm formation of MRSA to a higher extent than the methanol extract from AL₁₀₄. Antioxidant activities were determined by using HPSA, HRSA, and NOSA tests. The chemical characterization of the extracts showed the presence of various lipids—CoQ₁₀, triglycerides, phosphatidylethanolamine, and ceramide. It is likely that the interaction between the different bioactive molecules can explain the observed cytotoxicity. The current new studies have proven that Antarctic yeasts are a potential source of biologically active molecules with the potential for future biomedical research. Full article

The growing demand for construction materials has intensified concerns regarding natural sand depletion and the accumulation of industrial waste. Among these wastes, oil-contaminated sand (OCS) generated from petroleum-related activities presents environmental challenges while also offering potential for beneficial reuse. Previous studies have reported that low OCS contents can enhance workability and improve mechanical properties, highlighting its potential as a sustainable construction material. This study investigates the feasibility of incorporating OCS as a partial replacement for natural sand in 3D concrete printing (3DCP). Three mixes containing 0%, 0.5%, and 1% OCS were evaluated in terms of flowability, setting behaviour, printability, rheological response, hydration behaviour, mechanical performance, anisotropic response, and microstructural characteristics. The results showed that OCS incorporation had only a limited influence on flowability, while both the initial and final setting times exhibited noticeable delays. The maximum printable layers reached from 19 for the control mixture to 22 and 26 layers for the 0.5% and 1% OCS mixes, respectively, accompanied by reduced settlement and structural deformation. Rheological analysis revealed higher static yield stress and structuration rates for the OCS-modified mixes, contributing to enhanced buildability and geometric stability. Hydration calorimetry showed comparable heat-flow behaviour between the control and OCS-modified mixes, suggesting only a limited influence of OCS on cement hydration kinetics. The incorporation of OCS improved the compressive strength of the printed mixes and reduced compressive anisotropy, while SEM observations revealed a denser and more homogeneous microstructure, particularly for the 0.5% OCS mix. Thus, the findings indicate that low-level incorporation of oil-contaminated sand is a viable strategy for improving the printability and performance of 3D-printed concrete, promoting the sustainable reuse of contaminated industrial waste. Full article

The persistent accumulation of tetracycline (TC) antibiotics in aquatic environments poses severe ecological and public health risks, necessitating the development of multifunctional platforms capable of simultaneous detection and degradation. Herein, we report magnetically recoverable plasmonic Fe₃O₄/Cu₂O-Ag nanocomposites (NCs) that integrate visible-light-driven photocatalysis with ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection. Hierarchical flower-like Fe₃O₄ nanocrystals were employed as magnetic supports, followed by in situ growth of Cu₂O nanocrystals and controlled deposition of Ag nanocrystals. The optimized composite (FCA-2) exhibited enhanced visible-light absorption (E_g = 1.86 eV), suppressed electron–hole recombination, and improved photocurrent response, which were attributed to Schottky barrier formation at the Cu₂O-Ag interface and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effects. Under simulated solar irradiation, FCA-2 NCs achieved 91.79% degradation of TC within 60 min, following pseudo-first-order kinetics (k = 20.37 × 10⁻³ min⁻¹). Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations revealed that optimal Ag loading maximized plasmonic “hot spot” density, thereby enhancing electromagnetic field intensity and SERS performance. The FCA-2 substrate enabled ultrasensitive TC detection with a limit of detection of as low as 10⁻¹⁰ M. Moreover, the superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ core allowed for rapid magnetic separation and sustained performance over multiple SERS–photocatalysis cycles, with negligible signal attenuation after 30 days. This work presents a rational strategy for constructing plasmonic magnetic NCs that synergistically couple photocatalytic remediation, ultrasensitive sensing, and magnetic recyclability, offering significant potential for integrated environmental monitoring and sustainable water treatment applications. Full article

This study elucidates the biochemical mechanisms by which extreme high-altitude environments are associated with the remodeling of the skeletal muscle flavor profile in sheep. Using Bayinbuluke (high-altitude) and Turpan Black (low-altitude) sheep, we integrated volatilomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to map flavor precursor networks. Odor activity value analysis revealed that high-altitude meat exhibited sub-threshold suppression of animal off-flavors, such as p-cresol, while significantly amplifying premium fruity esters. Targeted metabolomics attributed this sensory inversion to a structural shift in the precursor pool, specifically the enrichment of highly reactive polyunsaturated fatty acids, L-cysteine, and rhamnose. Multi-omics integration demonstrated that cold and hypoxic stresses are associated with metabolic reprogramming. The synergistic downregulation of the GPAT3 gene and APOC3 protein was associated with redirected lipid flux, suggesting a mechanism for functional fatty acid accumulation. Simultaneously, the pronounced upregulation of the CTH gene, potentially driven by antioxidant defense needs, coincided with substantial L-cysteine accumulation. Correlation networks suggested that this precursor shift is negatively correlated with off-flavor generation, possibly via competitive thermal degradation. In conclusion, extreme ecological stress is associated with convergent metabolic reprogramming, contributing to the reconstruction of the flavor precursor pool to alter the characteristic lipid aroma of plateau meat. While these findings provide a comprehensive structural blueprint of plateau meat characteristics, the proposed mechanisms remain hypothetical and warrant future functional and sensory validation. Full article

Forest aboveground live biomass carbon storage (hereafter referred to as “forest carbon storage”) is an important indicator of forest vegetation carbon sequestration, and its spatial patterns and associated factors are highly heterogeneous. Identifying these variations can improve the understanding of carbon accumulation in complex mountain forests and support fine-scale carbon assessment in similar ecosystems. The results showed the following. (1) The total forest carbon storage in the study area was 3.75 × 10⁶ t C, with a carbon density of 44.83 t C·hm⁻². Pinus massoniana and hard broad-leaved tree species were the main contributors, and carbon storage peaked at the mature forest stage. (2) Carbon storage exhibited significant spatial clustering (Moran’s I = 0.312), with high-value areas concentrated within the national nature reserve and low-value areas distributed in regions with frequent human activities. (3) The GWR model outperformed the ordinary least squares model, with R² increasing to 0.88 and residual spatial autocorrelation reduced by 42.22%. (4) The positive effect of stand volume increased from northeast to southwest, the effect of stand age differed between eastern and western areas, and shrub layer height, soil depth, and slope exhibited region-specific positive and negative effects, with significant interactions among factors. Full article