Search Results (21,761)

H-NS (histone-like nucleoid-structuring protein) is a global regulator affecting diverse bacterial processes. This study aimed to elucidate the regulatory role of H-NS in the virulence of Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), particularly in relation to capsule synthesis and anchoring. A clinically isolated ST11-KL64 strain of K. pneumoniae FK6741 with low virulence was used. The role of H-NS was evaluated using colony morphology, the string test, viscosity measurement, capsule quantification, transmission electron microscopy, growth curve, biofilm assay, a mouse infection model, transcriptomic analysis, and RT-qPCR. Deletion of hns converted FK6741 into a hypermucoid phenotype in the positive string test; capsule quantification and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed increased polysaccharide chains but a reduced and tightly bound capsule. The mutant was initially found to grow slowly but formed stronger biofilms. In vivo, it displayed reduced virulence but induced stronger inflammation. Molecular assays revealed upregulation of capsule synthesis genes (galF, wzi, wcaJ, and wzc) and downregulation of wabG, which is involved in capsule anchoring. H-NS represses capsule synthesis genes, limiting capsule formation in K. pneumoniae. In contrast, loss of H-NS downregulates wabG, a key gene involved in GalA-mediated capsule anchoring, resulting in unstable surface attachment and loss of capsular polysaccharides. Consequently, these unanchored polysaccharides fail to confer effective protection, resulting in reduced bacterial virulence. Full article

This study examines the effect of vanadium addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of low-cost powder metallurgy Ti-4Al-2Fe-3Cu alloys. Alloys with and without 6 wt.% V were fabricated by hot extrusion of blended elemental powders followed by vacuum heat treatment. Microstructural analysis revealed that the base alloy exhibits a coarse lamellar α/β structure, while vanadium addition promotes a refined basketweave morphology with a significantly higher β-phase fraction, increasing from 28.1% to 46.2%. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirmed preferential partitioning of Fe, Cu, and V into the β phase. Mechanical testing showed that the addition of 6 wt.% V markedly enhances strength, increasing yield strength and ultimate tensile strength from 1122 MPa and 1214 MPa to 1291 MPa and 1349 MPa, respectively, while maintaining comparable tensile ductility (~3.5%). The strength improvement is attributed to α-plate refinement, increased β-phase fraction, and solid-solution strengthening of the β phase. These results demonstrate that vanadium addition is an effective approach for improving the strength of low-cost PM titanium alloys without compromising ductility. Full article

Objectives: Rhizoma Coptidis alkaloids (RCAs) have been proven highly promising in diabetes therapy. However, poor solubility, low bioavailability, and a lack of an effective delivery strategy are major hurdles to improving clinical outcomes. Herein, mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles were employed to deliver RCA orally to enhance anti-diabetic effects. Methods: The RCA-loaded nanoparticles (RCA NPs) were prepared using the emulsion solvent diffusion method. The physicochemical properties of RCA NPs were characterized by morphology, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, drug loading, and drug release. Pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution were determined by UPLC-MS/MS. The hypoglycemic effect was evaluated in a type 2 diabetes mouse model. To illustrate potential mechanisms of action, the expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related genes and their proteins was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results: The prepared RCA NPs were spherical in structure, with a particle size of approximately 145 nm and a sustained drug release profile (approximately 50% within 24 h). Compared with RCAs, RCA NP bioavailability increased approximately 2.2-fold, and the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory effects were significantly improved. The better outcome might be due to upregulation of expression and phosphorylation levels within the IRS1/PI3K/AKT/GLUT4 signal pathway in liver tissues. Conclusions: RCA NPs hold great potential for further clinical translation. Full article

Background/Objectives: The popliteus muscle (PM) plays a crucial role in stabilizing the posterolateral aspect of the knee. However, its layered structure and innervation are not well understood due to its location, size, and proximity to neighboring anatomical features. This study aimed to clarify the layered morphology, intramuscular innervation, and fiber-type composition of the PM, providing anatomical insights for clinical interventions. Methods: We examined 32 lower extremities from sixteen formalin-embalmed cadavers using a multimodal approach that included gross dissection, Sihler’s staining, ultrasonography, and histochemical analysis. Results: On average, 2.8 ± 1.1 branches of the tibial nerve entered the PM, with a consistently high-density entry zone located at 56–64% of the muscle length. Sihler’s staining and ultrasonographic analyses revealed a distinct separation between the superficial and deep layers across the central tendon, each exhibiting compartmentalized intramuscular branching territories. The superficial layer was primarily composed of type IIx fibers and exhibited a larger pennation angle, while the deep layer was richer in type IIA fibers with a smaller pennation angle. These findings illustrate that the PM functions as a dual motor unit rather than a uniform structure. Conclusions: The PM exhibits a distinct compartmentalized organization, functioning as a multifunctional motor unit. The identification of specific intramuscular entry zones and the organization of muscle layers provide strong anatomical evidence for improved targeting in neuromuscular-modulating interventions. This enhances the precision, safety, and efficacy of clinical strategies aimed at addressing posterior knee stability and pathologies related to the posterolateral complex (PLC). Full article

This research examines the structural evolution and functional performance of urban spatial expansion in Changchun, Northeast China. Utilizing an integrated framework of the Adjusted Sprawl Index, Gaussian two-step floating catchment area (Gaussian 2SFCA) accessibility modeling, and XGBoost-SHAP machine learning, the study identifies a decoupled growth pattern where land development and infrastructure construction proceed without a corresponding increase in population density, reflecting a structural-demographic divergence. Empirical results demonstrate that land expansion reached a significant peak between 2015 and 2020, followed by a transition toward morphological equalization and stabilization after 2020. This process manifests as asynchronous urbanism, where the strategic deployment of physical infrastructure frameworks systematically precedes the functional integration of essential social services. The analysis reveals the emergence of localized service-value misalignment clusters in peripheral zones. The phenomenon represents a deviation from the traditional monocentric paradigm toward McCann’s framework of modern urban economics, as high residential valuations are sustained by social capital and institutional expectations despite physical service gaps. Within these clusters, the club realm and private enclosure function as critical forward-looking mechanisms, where the presence of influential groups signals future social and infrastructural investment. A negative interaction effect between property management levels and regional accessibility confirms that these private governance structures effectively substitute for maturing public resources. These findings suggest that future development should prioritize the functional integration of social systems over mere material expansion. Full article

The acquisition of high-quality three-dimensional (3D) models of cultural relics often relies on expensive scanning equipment or multi-view image capture, which limits large-scale deployment in real-world heritage conservation scenarios. Large-scale water impoundment in the Three Gorges region has resulted in the permanent submergence of numerous cultural relics and archaeological remains. For many of these artifacts, only a single two-dimensional image remains as the sole visual record, posing significant challenges for reconstructing their original three-dimensional geometry and appearance. This limitation renders traditional multi-view reconstruction and physical scanning methods infeasible. To address this challenge, we propose a generative framework for reconstructing high-fidelity 3D digital models of Chinese Three Gorges cultural relics from a single two-dimensional (2D) image. Building upon recent advances in generative 3D representation learning, the proposed method adopts a transformer-based image-to-triplane architecture to infer an implicit 3D representation directly from a single RGB image. A vision transformer encoder is employed to extract global and local visual features, which are subsequently projected into a compact triplane representation through a cross-attention-based decoder. The reconstructed triplane features are further decoded by a neural radiance field (NeRF) to synthesize dense geometry and appearance, enabling accurate mesh extraction and novel-view rendering. To enhance robustness under in-the-wild conditions, the model implicitly estimates camera parameters during inference without relying on explicit calibration information. The proposed method is evaluated on a dataset of Chinese Three Gorges cultural relics, covering diverse artifact categories and visual styles. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework is capable of producing structurally coherent and visually consistent 3D reconstructions from a single image, effectively preserving key morphological characteristics of cultural relics under limited data conditions. Compared with existing single-image and multi-view reconstruction baselines, the proposed framework exhibits better reconstruction accuracy, visual consistency, and generalization capability. This study provides an efficient and scalable solution for the digital reconstruction of cultural relics and offers a practical pathway for large-scale 3D digitization of heritage artifacts from archival images. This work provides a practical solution for the digital reconstruction of submerged heritage artifacts and contributes to the application of generative 3D modeling techniques in cultural heritage preservation and restoration. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dementia remains one of the major global health challenges of the modern era. Researchers worldwide continue to seek effective therapeutic strategies to combat this neurodegenerative condition. Silymarin is a natural compound with strong neuroprotective and antioxidant properties that holds great potential for dementia management; however, its poor aqueous solubility and limited ability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) have restricted its clinical application. This study focused on the formulation and evaluation of a heparin–pullulan silymarin liposomal (HPSL) nano-gel to enhance the neuroprotective efficacy of silymarin, with potential for improved brain targeting effects. Methods: The HPSL nano-gel was synthesized using the thin-film hydration technique and optimized based on entrapment efficiency, particle size distribution, zeta potential, and in vitro release kinetics. The neuroprotective efficacy of the HPSL nano-gel was evaluated in mice using behavioral evaluations, biochemical quantification of oxidative stress markers, evaluation of cholinergic enzyme activity and detailed histopathological examination of brain tissues. Results: Morphological characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed a uniform nano-scale structure. The optimized formulation (HPSL-3) exhibited a particle size of 406.07 ± 19.33 nm, zeta potential of −23.72 ± 7.64 mV and an entrapment efficiency of 73.53 ± 12.05%, indicating good colloidal stability and efficient drug loading. The in vitro release profile followed non-Fickian diffusion kinetics, suggesting sustained drug release behavior. Behavioral studies in scopolamine-induced amnesic mice (elevated plus maze, hole board, and light/dark paradigms) demonstrated significant (p ≤ 0.001) improvements in learning and memory retention. Biochemical analyses showed increased levels of ChAT, SOD, CAT, and GSH, along with decreased AChE and MDA levels, supporting the neuroprotective potential of the formulation. Histopathological evaluation revealed marked attenuation of neuronal degeneration, inflammation, and edema (HAI = 4) compared to the scopolamine-treated group (HAI = 11). Conclusions: Overall, the HPSL-2 formulation effectively enhanced silymarin delivery across the BBB, demonstrating potent antioxidant, neuroprotective, and cholinergic modulatory effects. These findings suggest that HPSL-2 represents a promising nano-carrier system for the management of dementia and other oxidative-stress-related neurological disorders. Full article

This work examined the development of amylose–lipid complexes in green banana flour (Musa × paradisiaca) incorporated with virgin coconut oil (VCO), focusing on their spectral, thermal, and in vitro digestibility characteristics. Firstly, the native banana flour was analyzed for apparent amylose content using a spectrophotometric assay. To facilitate amylose–lipid complexation, both hot-pressed and cold-pressed VCO were incorporated into the banana flour under controlled thermal conditions, after which amylose–lipid interactions were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy for spectral features and differential scanning calorimetry for thermal behavior. The banana flour exhibited an AAC of 26.40 ± 0.002%. GCMS analysis of FAME derivatized VCO detected medium- to long-chain fatty acids, including octanoic (C8:0), decanoic (C10:0), dodecanoic (C12:0), tetradecanoic (C14:0), and hexadecanoic acids (C16:0) stearic acid (C18:0) and oleic acid (C18:1). FTIR coupled with multivariate analysis and Raman spectra confirmed lipid incorporation/retention in green banana flour through characteristic O–H, C–H, and C=O bands. While DSC revealed distinct endothermic transitions at 89.56 ± 2.17 °C (ΔHₘ = 0.8587 ± 0.1014 J g⁻¹) for hot-pressed VCO and 89.18 ± 0.98 °C (ΔHₘ = 0.6267 ± 0.0777 J g⁻¹) for cold-pressed VCO, consistent with the melting of V-type amylose–lipid complexes. Morphological analysis revealed that thermal treatment transformed native banana flour from irregular granular structures into an amorphous matrix via starch gelatinization, whereas subsequent incorporation of VCO promoted aggregation. In vitro enzymatic digestion showed a slight reduction in starch hydrolysis in VCO-treated samples. The incorporation of an exogenous lipid, such as VCO, into green banana flour promotes the formation of thermally stable amylose–lipid complexes that reduce enzymatic digestibility. Full article

Afrotropical inland waters remain poorly studied for rotifer diversity. Here, we provide new distribution data from Botswana and connect these local patterns to continental-scale biogeography using an Africa–Europe occurrence dataset. In Botswana, we analyzed rotifer species richness, functional traits, and environmental drivers using 37 samples from 15 water bodies spanning natural and anthropogenic habitats. We recorded 107 rotifer taxa: 92 identified to species or subspecies level and 14 to genus. Seventy taxa (~65%) are new records for Botswana, and one species, Donneria sudzukii, is reported for the first time in Africa. Physicochemical gradients explained community structure, with the first two constrained RDA axes accounting for 40.7% and 23.7% of variation. Axis 1 captured a mineralization gradient linked to total dissolved solids and temperature, whereas Axis 2 reflected oxygen concentration and pH. Traits tracked these gradients: warmer, more mineralized waters were associated with specific trophi types, compact body shapes, and intermediate body sizes, whereas less mineralized, better oxygenated sites were related to smaller taxa and alternative feeding morphologies. To place these trait–environment relationships in a broader geographic context, we then analyzed an Africa–Europe dataset (67,170 records) to quantify latitudinal patterns in thermal classes and morphological traits (geometric body shape and trophi type). Diversity showed clear latitudinal structuring: warm-water genera clustered at low latitudes, only Kellicottia and Didymodactylos had mean distributions above 50° N, and bdelloid families were associated with higher latitudes. Morphological traits also varied with latitude, with trilateral truncated pyramid body shapes and malleoramate trophi occurring closest to the equator. Overall, by combining new species-level data from Botswana with continent-scale occurrence patterns, we link local community assembly to macroecological structure in rotifer functional and biogeographical organization. Full article

Anthurium (Araceae) is one of the most species-rich Neotropical genera, yet its infrageneric classification remains unresolved. This study tests the monophyly of the morphologically defined Anthurium sect. Pachyneurium diagnosed by rosulate habit, involute prefoliation, and absence of a collective vein with a focus on Brazilian species. Using target capture sequencing (Angiosperms353 probe set), we generated a phylogenomic dataset for 35 Anthurium species (18 from sect. Pachyneurium) and conducted maximum likelihood and coalescent-based analyses. Our results demonstrate that sect. Pachyneurium is not monophyletic as traditionally circumscribed. Brazilian species previously assigned to the section are recovered in three geographically structured and strongly supported lineages: Amazonian, Atlantic Forest, and Caatinga/Cerrado. The Atlantic Forest lineage is unexpectedly resolved as sister to A. coriaceum (sect. Urospadix), revealing an evolutionary relationship not predicted by morphology. Divergence-time estimates place the origin of crown Anthurium in the Paleocene (~62 Ma), with diversification of the Brazilian lineages occurring during the Miocene (20–3 Ma), coinciding with major geoclimatic events in South America. Our findings indicate that key diagnostic morphological characters are homoplastic and provide a phylogenomic framework for revising the infrageneric classification of Anthurium. By identifying evolutionarily distinct lineages, this study also contributes to prioritizing conservation efforts in threatened Neotropical biomes. Full article

Low-temperature stress profoundly impairs rice root physiology and reshapes rhizosphere microbial communities. This 2023–2024 study examined its effects on Oryza sativa var. japonica across key growth stages. All treatments significantly suppressed root morphology and function, with the greatest reductions under combined tillering–booting stress (T3), followed by tillering (T1) and booting (T2). Strain DN428 exhibited a stronger cold tolerance than SJ10, with milder declines in root traits. Low-temperature stress elevated soil organic matter and total nitrogen while decreasing available phosphorus and potassium, leading to notable shifts in the microbial community structure and metabolic pathways. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis identified lacZ, fucK, and rafA in the MEbrown module as potential regulators of varietal cold responses. Mechanistically, yield loss in DN428 was mainly linked to the suppression of microbial gene expression, while in SJ10 it was associated with broader declines in microbial diversity and functional potential. Both varieties experienced yield reductions, accompanied by decreased root activity and nitrogen uptake. These findings underscore the necessity of a “gene–microbe–function” strategy to enhance microbial metabolism and optimize root–soil interactions under cold stress. Full article

Growing concerns about environmental pollution and the sustainability of conventional nanomaterial synthesis have accelerated interest in plant-based routes for nanoparticle production. This review provides an in-depth analysis of more than 290 peer-reviewed research and review articles published between 2010 and 2025, extracted from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, on the green synthesis of metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles using plant extracts, with particular emphasis on their characterization and application in water treatment. Plant-derived phytochemicals serve as natural reducing and stabilizing agents, enabling nanoparticle formation without hazardous reagents. Key physicochemical characterization techniques, including UV–Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, are evaluated for their roles in confirming nanoparticle structure, morphology, surface chemistry, and optical behavior. The review focuses on water purification applications, highlighting adsorption and photocatalytic degradation as the most extensively investigated removal pathways. Particular attention is given to widely studied material classes such as silver, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron-based nanoparticles, which demonstrate effective removal of heavy metals, synthetic dyes, pesticides, and pharmaceutical residues. Current limitations related to synthesis reproducibility, mechanistic understanding, stability, and scalability are critically discussed. The review concludes by identifying priority research directions, including standardized synthesis protocols, deeper chemical analysis of plant extracts, and the integration of green nanoparticles into immobilized and membrane-based systems to advance their practical implementation in sustainable water treatment technologies. Full article

Background: Gefitinib (Gef) is a first-line epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor for NSCLC, but its clinical application is limited by poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability. Methods: A self-assembled gefitinib nanosuspension (GG-NS) incorporating genistein (Gen) was rapidly developed and optimized via hammer acoustic resonance (HAR) technology. Systematic optimization was conducted using a high-throughput HAR-based process, with particle size, PDI, and zeta potential as key evaluation parameters. Structural and morphological characteristics were analyzed using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermal analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. In vitro dissolution behavior and cytotoxicity against A549 lung cancer cells were evaluated. Results: Optimal GG-NS with Z-Ave = 223.50 ± 1.53 nm, PDI = 0.239 ± 0.031 and zeta potential = −24.10 ± 0.47 mV was successfully prepared. The nanosuspension remained physically stable for up to five months at both 4 °C and 25 °C. Compared with the raw drugs, GG-NS enhanced the dissolution of gefitinib and genistein in water by 3.76-fold and 13-fold, respectively. In addition, GG-NS showed significantly enhanced cytotoxicity against A549 cells, with a 33.8% higher inhibition rate than the physical mixture after 72 h. Conclusions: This study demonstrates, for the first time, that HAR technology enables the rapid fabrication of a self-assembled GG-NS with improved dissolution performance, physicochemical stability, and in vitro anticancer activity, highlighting its promise as an efficient and scalable formulation strategy for poorly soluble anticancer drugs. Full article

Wheat Fusarium crown rot (FCR), predominantly caused by Fusarium species, is a devastating fungal disease that severely threatens global wheat production. In this study, we combined phytopathological assays, molecular techniques, and bioinformatic analyses to systematically identify the causal agents of FCR in Xinjiang and to screen for potential biocontrol bacteria. A total of 296 fungal isolates were obtained from 195 FCR samples, collected from Yumin County and Xinhe County. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses revealed that Fusarium culmorum was the predominant pathogen, accounting for 73.6% of the total isolates. To evaluate the resistance of local wheat cultivars, F. culmorum XN22-1, a highly virulent strain from Xinhe County, was inoculated to 30 wheat varieties. The results demonstrated that most cultivars lacked resistance to FCR, with the exception of three varieties—Xinchun 19, Xinchun 50, and Youpi 23, which showed a mid-resistance. Given the scarcity of resistant cultivars, we focused on biological control. To control FCR, Pseudomonas aeruginosa J-7, exhibiting broad-spectrum antagonistic activity, was successfully isolated from rhizosphere soil based on the analysis of healthy rhizosphere soil microbial diversity. Subsequently, pot experiments showed that P. aeruginosa J-7 could significantly reduce the disease incidence and lower the disease index of wheat FCR. Furthermore, whole-genome sequencing, in-plate metabolite analysis, and observation on inhibition of spores and mycelium revealed that P. aeruginosa J-7 mediates its biocontrol activity primarily through the production of phenazine and siderophores, which collectively inhibit conidial germination and cause structural damage to the mycelium. This study not only clarifies the composition of FCR pathogens in Xinjiang but also provides a promising biocontrol agent and new strategic insights for the management of wheat crown rot. Full article

Background: Myricetin (MYR) is a natural flavonol with antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cardioprotective activities. Still, its pharmaceutical use is limited by very low aqueous solubility (~16.6 µg/mL) and poor oral bioavailability (<10%). This study aimed to enhance the solubility and potentially improve the bioavailability of MYR by developing an amorphous nanofibrous delivery system. Methods: Electrospinning was applied to fabricate MYR-loaded nanofibers using polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP30), and the influence of key processing parameters on MYR solubility was evaluated. Nanofibers produced under selected electrospinning conditions were characterized in terms of morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and physicochemical properties. Results: X-ray powder diffraction confirmed complete amorphization of MYR within the BB5 fiber structure (distance: 12 cm, voltage: 25 kV, flow rate: 1.5 mL/h). FTIR analysis indicated hydrogen-bonding interactions between MYR hydroxyl groups and PVP30 carbonyl groups, contributing to stabilization of the amorphous form. SEM images revealed homogeneous, defect-free fibers with diameters below 400 nm, although localized MYR agglomerates were observed. Solubility and release studies demonstrated a characteristic spring-and-parachute effect, enabling rapid MYR release and maintenance of a supersaturated state. Enhanced solubility resulted in significantly improved antioxidant activity in DPPH and CUPRAC assays compared with crystalline MYR. Conclusions: Electrospun PVP30 nanofibers represent a promising platform for improving the solubility, dissolution behavior, and functional activity of poorly soluble bioactive compounds such as myricetin, supporting their potential application in pharmaceutical formulations. Full article