Saved Queries

by Guoping Zhang, Muhammad Sajjad, Shijiang Pu, Chao Song, Fangling Luo, Kang Luo, Yue Xu, Hongjia Zhang and Yun Zheng

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1377; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111377 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Red Fruit Ginseng (Campanumoea lancifolia), widely cultivated in Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Guangxi, in China, is valued for its sweet-tasting fruit and medicinal potential. In this study, leaves of the Yunnan Maguan variety were used as explants to establish an efficient tissue culture system for callus induction, adventitious bud regeneration, and rooting. Different combinations of cytokinins and auxins were tested to determine the optimal balance of plant growth regulators (PGRs). Our results indicated that when the combined concentration of kinetin (KT) and 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) in the primary culture medium was lower than 1.0 mg/L, callus induction was the most effective, with treatments of 0.5 mg/L KT + 0.2 mg/L 6-BA and 0.2 mg/L KT + 0.8 mg/L 6-BA showing higher induction rates compared to other groups. During the subculture, 0.5 mg/L 6-BA promoted vigorous adventitious bud growth, while higher levels inhibited development. For rooting, 0.5 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) combined with 0.2 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) induced the highest root number and healthiest plantlets, outperforming indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The optimized protocol resulted in over 80% explant survival and produced vigorous seedlings suitable for acclimatization. This leaf-derived regeneration method provides a reliable approach for large-scale propagation, conservation, and potential pharmacological applications of Red Fruit Ginseng, contributing to the sustainable utilization and commercial development of this valuable medicinal plant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection The State-of-the-Art Propagation and Breeding Techniques for Horticulture Crops)

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20 pages, 1629 KB

Open AccessReview

Galectin-3: A Multitasking Protein Linking Cardiovascular Diseases, Immune Disorders and Beyond

by Mariarosaria Morello, Gisella Titolo, Saverio D’Elia, Silvia Caiazza, Ettore Luisi, Achille Solimene, Chiara Serpico, Andrea Morello, Francesco Natale, Paolo Golino, Plinio Cirillo and Giovanni Cimmino

Targets 2025, 3(4), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/targets3040034 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

In recent decades, the novel role of Galectin-3 (Gal-3) in both physiological and pathological conditions has emerged. Gal-3 is a key protein involved in immunity, inflammation, cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Its physiological role is crucial for the regulation of these cellular functions. In pathological settings, elevated levels of Gal-3 are associated with diseases such as cancer, heart failure, and fibrotic diseases, making it an important diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in these conditions. It seems that Gal-3 acts as a bridge between different diseases. Because of its pro-inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic properties, it connects atherosclerosis and cancer, regulating inflammation, cell proliferation, immune evasion, angiogenesis and survival in both diseases. Specifically, in atherosclerosis, Gal-3 promotes plaque formation by driving inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid deposition, and vascular cell migration. In cancer, Gal-3 influences tumor growth and metastasis by modulating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, increasing cell survival, and enhancing cell–matrix and cell–cell interactions. Moreover, by stimulating fibroblasts, Gal-3 favors matrix deposition and tissue fibrosis that together with the inflammatory properties contributes to adverse ventricular remodeling leading to heart failure. Finally, taking into account its role in pathogen recognition and immune cells (B and T cells) modulation, Gal-3 might be a critical factor in host defense, disease progression, and the development of autoimmune conditions. Thus, targeting Gal-3 might be a promising therapeutic strategy to pursue for management of different pathological scenarios. Full article

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26 pages, 11992 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Growth Regulatory Factor Gene Family in Helianthus annuus and Functional Analysis of HaGRF2c

by Shiyu Yun and Xin Zhang

Plants 2025, 14(22), 3484; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14223484 - 14 Nov 2025

Abstract

Growth regulatory factors (GRFs) are sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription factors that play pivotal roles in regulating plant growth and development, and in enhancing plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Although genome-wide structural and evolutionary studies have mapped and analyzed GRF genes in different plant species, knowledge of their characteristics and functions in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) remains limited. In this study, we used bioinformatics analyses and transgenic experiments to systematically analyze the structure and function of these genes. A total of 17 HaGRF genes were identified and classified into four distinct clades, with members of the same clade sharing conserved exon-intron structures and domain architectures. All HaGRFs were predicted to localize to the nucleus, which was experimentally verified for HaGRF2c, HaGRF3, and HaGRF8c. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated tissue-specific expression and stress-responsive profiles among the HaGRF genes. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that several HaGRF genes were significantly induced under polyethylene glycol and NaCl stress. Additionally, ectopic expression of HaGRF2c in Arabidopsis enhanced growth and conferred greater drought tolerance, supporting its dual functions in regulating growth and in adapting to stress. In summary, this research elucidates the evolutionary relationships, conserved structural characteristics, expression patterns, and roles of the HaGRF gene family in sunflowers. These findings not only deepen our understanding of the biological functions of GRF transcription factors in sunflowers but also provide valuable candidate genes for improving yield and stress resistance in H. annuus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology)

13 pages, 849 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Evaluation of the Digestive Enzyme Inhibition, Protein, and Starch Components of Ten Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. Accessions

by Queeneth A. Ogunniyi, Ada F. Molokwu, Abraham O. Nkumah, Abdullahi A. Adegoke, Olaniyi A. Oyatomi, Omonike O. Ogbole, Oluwatoyin A. Odeku, Joerg Fettke and Michael T. Abberton

Plants 2025, 14(22), 3483; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14223483 - 14 Nov 2025

Abstract

Digestive enzymes play a crucial role in carbohydrate hydrolysis and subsequent glucose absorption, and their inhibition can contribute to improved glycemic regulation. Legumes, with their inherent enzyme-inhibitory properties, offer a natural approach for achieving this. In this study, accessions of M. uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc, an underutilized legume, were evaluated in vitro for their α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, as well as their protein, amylose, and resistant starch contents. The results revealed significant variation among the accessions. PI 174827 01 SD (IC₅₀ = 23.29 ± 0.01 µg/mL) and PI 173901 01 SD (IC₅₀ = 24.60 ± 0.01 µg/mL) demonstrated strong inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. Protein content ranged from 13.81 to 27.08%w/w d.w., with PI 180437 01 SD showing the highest percentage. Total starch content ranged from 27.48 to 54.70%w/w d.w., amylose from 27.05 to 48.13%w/w d.w., and resistant starch from 5.89% to 7.09%w/w d.w., with PI 174827 01 SD exhibiting both higher amylose and resistant starch contents. These findings suggest that M. uniflorum accessions possess enzyme-inhibitory and nutritional components that could be harnessed to develop functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals for the management of diabetes and obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)

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15 pages, 12698 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis Decodes Heat Stress-Induced Metabolic Shifts in Gilt Granulosa Cells

by Peng Tang, Xiangyu Si, Xun Xie, Xiaomei Liu, Jianzhen Huang, Yun Shi and Chao Yin

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(11), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12111087 - 14 Nov 2025

Abstract

While previous studies have extensively demonstrated that summer heat stress (HS) impairs oocyte quality via follicular granulosa cell (GC) mediation, the molecular mechanisms underlying HS-induced GC-mediated oocyte damage—particularly at the multi-omics level—remain poorly understood. This study integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of GCs from gilts under seasonal thermal stress (winter CON vs. summer HS) to elucidate GC-mediated regulatory networks affecting oocyte quality. Non-targeted metabolomics identified 45 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs, p < 0.05), with 69% being lipids/lipid-like molecules enriched in pathways such as glycerophospholipid metabolism, choline metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, the adipocytokine signaling pathway, and the sphingolipid signaling pathway. Parallel transcriptomics revealed 9085 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, Padj < 0.05), ‌of which the predominant genes were associated with lipid metabolism, hormone synthesis, and cellular senescence pathways. Cross-omics integration highlighted significant correlations between DAMs and DEGs, particularly for lysoPC(20:4) and 1-hexadecyl-2-eicosatrienoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, which showed co-regulation with 69 and 48 genes, respectively. Notably, candidate genes like TMEM94, SLIT3, DACT3, and CEBPD, were identified as key regulators of GCs metabolic reprogramming. This study demonstrates for the first time that in vivo HS compromises oocyte developmental competence by disrupting the GC metabolic activities, particularly through lipid metabolism and associated pathways. The identified metabolic signatures and regulatory genes offer mechanistic insights into seasonal infertility and potential biomarkers for thermo-protective strategies in swine reproduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intestinal Homeostasis and Its Regulatory Role in Animal Growth and Development)

19 pages, 1459 KB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Characterization of DDX23 5′ UTR Regulatory Elements and Their Targeting by LNA-Modified Antisense Oligonucleotides

by Polina Kamzeeva, Nikita Shepelev, Veronika Zabbarova, Vladimir Brylev, Alexey Chistov, Dmitriy Ryazantsev, Erik Kot, Darya Novopashina, Maria Rubtsova and Andrey Aralov

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 11047; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262211047 - 14 Nov 2025

Abstract

Translation of mRNAs is a tightly regulated process in gene expression. In mRNA, the 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR) controls ribosome recruitment and frequently contains structured elements that modulate translation efficacy. This study investigates stable structural motifs within the 5′ UTR of DDX23 mRNA, encoding a protein relevant for anticancer therapy, as potential regulators and targets for antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Despite bioinformatic predictions and transcriptomic validations suggesting RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) formation, comprehensive structural analysis using a light-up assay and CD, UV, and NMR spectroscopy revealed that most putative rG4-forming sequences do not fold into stable rG4 structures, although one of them exists in an equilibrium between rG4 and an alternative, likely hairpin, conformation. Reporter assays using a robust G4 stabilizer also argue against the significant regulatory role of rG4s in DDX23 mRNA translation. Instead, we identified and characterized a stable hairpin structure with potential regulatory function. Based on these findings, we designed fully locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified ASOs to target this hairpin and regions flanking the upstream open reading frame (uORF) and start codon of the coding sequence. A reporter assay demonstrated that cap-proximal targeting achieved robust translation inhibition up to 80%. In contrast, targeting the efficiently translated uORF was ineffective, presumably due to steric hindrances from the ribosomal complex. The study yields crucial design principles for translation-regulating ASOs: avoid targeting regions shielded by efficient uORF translation and carefully tune ASO-RNA duplex stability to surpass endogenous structures without disrupting regulatory mechanisms. These findings provide insights into the regulation of DDX23 expression and establish a framework for developing ASO-based therapeutics with broad implications for mRNA targeting in anticancer applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Nucleic Acids: Therapeutic Potential and Applications, 2nd Edition)

13 pages, 2311 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Characterization of CesA10 and CesA11 Genes Involved in Cellulose Biosynthesis in Sugarcane

by Yi Xu, Nameng Qi, Yi Han, Liying Cai, Xue Wang, Heyang Shang, Qing Zhang and Jisen Zhang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 11046; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262211046 - 14 Nov 2025

Abstract

Cellulose is the primary component of plant cell walls, and its content is linked to the strength of plant stems. The cellulose synthase genes (CesA) are crucial for regulating cellulose biosynthesis. To examine the characteristics and functions of CesA genes in sugarcane, our study conducted a genome-wide analysis of the Saccharum officinarum LA-Purple genome. The results identified 10 CesA genes in the S. officinarum genome, which could be grouped into six categories. SoCesA10, SoCesA11, and SoCesA12 are clustered within the same subclass as genes involved in secondary cell wall synthesis in rice and Arabidopsis. Further transcriptome analysis of stems at different stages and sections showed that SoCesA10, SoCesA11, and SoCesA12 were highly expressed during mature stages. Among these, SoCesA10 and SoCesA11 showed differences in expression between species and organs. Their gene functions were also validated in rice, revealing that the expression of SoCesA10 and SoCesA11 was positively correlated with cellulose content. In summary, this study identified key cellulose biosynthesis genes, SoCesA10 and SoCesA11, in sugarcane and preliminarily confirmed their functions in rice, providing a foundation for breeding sugarcane with improved lodging resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Plant Sciences)

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19 pages, 6358 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biomarker Identification via Spatial Transcriptomics Profiling of Colorectal Cancer and Colorectal Cancer with Liver Metastasis Stem Cells

by Minho Lee, Seoin Han, Hak Chun Kim, Yujun Jung, Jeong-An Gim, Chang-Jin Kim and Dongjun Jeong

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 11045; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262211045 - 14 Nov 2025

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) demonstrates favorable clinical outcomes when diagnosed at an early stage; however, the prognosis declines substantially following recurrence or distant metastasis. Increasing evidence indicates that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are pivotal contributors to tumor recurrence, metastatic dissemination, and therapeutic resistance. The present study aimed to identify CSC-associated biomarkers through spatial transcriptomic profiling of normal colonic mucosa, primary CRC, and liver metastatic tissues, and to evaluate their functional relevance in CRC progression. Spatial transcriptomic analysis revealed that CCN2 was preferentially enriched within CSC clusters of primary CRC tissues, whereas APOC2 was predominantly upregulated in liver-metastatic CSCs. Functional validation of CCN2 was performed by establishing CCN2-knockout HCT116 cell lines using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Loss of CCN2 expression markedly attenuated cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and oxaliplatin resistance compared with control cells. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis of tissue microarrays demonstrated a significant positive correlation between CCN2 expression and CSC markers SOX2 and Nestin. Collectively, these findings suggest that CCN2 functions as a central regulator of stemness and malignant potential in CRC and may represent a promising therapeutic target to prevent recurrence and metastasis. Additional mechanistic studies are warranted to further elucidate the molecular pathways of CCN2 and to validate the role of APOC2 in liver-metastatic CRC stem cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies of Colorectal Cancer)

16 pages, 645 KB

Open AccessArticle

Early Screen Exposure and Preadolescent Outcomes: A Longitudinal Follow-up on Dysregulation, Academic Achievements, and Capacity to Be Alone

by Luca Cerniglia and Silvia Cimino

Children 2025, 12(11), 1544; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12111544 - 14 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: Previous longitudinal evidence suggested that screen exposure at age 4 was associated with dysregulation symptoms and lower academic achievement up to age 8. Yet, it remains unclear whether these effects persist in preadolescence and extend to higher-order developmental outcomes such as the capacity to be alone, a marker of self-regulation and autonomy within the developmental psychopathology framework. Aim: This follow-up study re-contacted the original cohort at age 12 (T3) to examine whether early screen time predicted dysregulation, academic achievement, and capacity to be alone, testing the mediating role of dysregulation at ages 6 (T1) and 8 (T2), and the moderating role of maternal scaffolding at age 4. Methods: A community sample of N = 323 children and their mothers, previously assessed at T0–T2, was re-evaluated at T3 (mean age = 12.2 years, SD = 0.7). At T0, screen exposure and maternal scaffolding were measured using the StimQ (PIDA subscale). Dysregulation at T1–T3 was assessed with the Teacher Report Form (TRF). Academic achievement in mathematics and literacy was rated by teachers using the Teacher Academic Ratings. At T3, children also completed the Capacity to Be Alone Scale for Children (CBASC). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) tested longitudinal direct, indirect, and moderated pathways, adjusting for sex, maternal education, and socioeconomic status. Results: Screen time at age 4 was associated with elevated dysregulation at T1 and T2, which in turn mediated poorer mathematics and literacy outcomes and reduced capacity to be alone at age 12 (all p < 0.01). Maternal scaffolding buffered early dysregulation but did not prevent long-term academic or self-regulatory impairments. Conclusions: Findings indicate that early excessive screen use contributes to a cumulative cascade of dysregulation, undermining both academic achievement and the developmental capacity to be alone by preadolescence. Preventive strategies should integrate screen-time guidelines with parental scaffolding interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Screen Time on Children’s Mental, Social, and Cognitive Health)

15 pages, 2008 KB

Open AccessArticle

Calcium Reduces Fruit Abscission in Persimmon by Targeting Cell Wall Integrity

by Andrés Marzal, Julia Morales, Amparo Primo-Capella, Almudena Bermejo, Amparo Martínez-Fuentes and Ana Quiñones

Plants 2025, 14(22), 3482; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14223482 - 14 Nov 2025

Abstract

In the Mediterranean region, the persimmon cultivar ‘Rojo Brillante’ may experience up to four waves of fruit drop. The first is a physiological event during fruit set that is common in woody species, while the subsequent waves are induced by rising temperatures and prolonged summer water stress. These summer drops represent the main limiting factor, leading to yield losses of up to 90%. Organ abscission is a complex process regulated by genetic, hormonal, nutritional, and environmental factors. We hypothesise that calcium (Ca) plays a protective role in the abscission zone (AZ) by inhibiting cell wall-degrading enzymes such as polygalacturonase (PG) and pectin methylesterases (PMEs). Calcium applications every 15 days from anthesis onwards significantly reduced fruit drop. Treatments preserved polar auxin transport—through DkPIN1 expression—and inhibited stage C of the abscission process, decreasing the relative expression of the DkIDL6 gene in the AZ. Moreover, PME and PG activities were significantly lower in Ca-treated fruits, confirming the stabilising effect of calcium on AZ integrity. In summary, pre-anthesis calcium sprays reduced premature fruit drop by about 30% under heat–drought stress by down-regulating key abscission genes (DkIDL6, DkPG20, DkPME41) and preserving cell wall integrity and fruit firmness, supporting the use of Ca treatments as a climate-smart approach to stabilise persimmon yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Physiology and Crop Production)

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14 pages, 1926 KB

Open AccessArticle

Skin Whitening Effect and Molecular Mechanism of Phenyllactic Acid (PLA) Derived from Limosilactobacillus reuteri Culture Broth

by Ki-Min Kim, Seo-Yeon Shin, Nu-Ri Song, Jae-Hee Byun, Seon-Ju Kim, Sun Oh Kim and Kyung-Mok Park

Cosmetics 2025, 12(6), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12060258 - 14 Nov 2025

Abstract

Skin hyperpigmentation is primarily regulated by melanogenesis, in which tyrosinase and related enzymes play pivotal roles. Probiotics have recently been attracting attention as a cosmetic ingredient due to their skin-friendly and eco-friendly properties. In particular, microbial metabolites, known as postbiotics, are gaining attention for their superior safety, stability, and efficacy compared with probiotics. In this study, we investigated the whitening effect and molecular mechanisms of phenyllactic acid (PLA), a metabolite derived from Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) culture broth. In B16F10 melanoma cells, the effects of PLA were evaluated by measuring melanin content, cellular tyrosinase activity, enzyme kinetics, and the expression of melanogenesis-related proteins. PLA significantly inhibited melanin production and cellular tyrosinase activity in α-MSH–stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells without inducing cytotoxicity. PLA downregulated tyrosinase-related proteins such as TRP-1 and TRP-2, and competitively inhibited tyrosinase. The inhibition constants (Ki) for L-tyrosine and L-DOPA were 12.63 mM and 0.68 mM, respectively. These findings suggest that PLA, a postbiotic derived from lactic acid bacteria, may serve as a safe and effective whitening ingredient, providing a scientific basis for the development of functional skin-whitening cosmetics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Cosmetics in 2025)

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17 pages, 5291 KB

Open AccessArticle

Klf5a in Endoderm Promotes Pharyngeal Cartilage Morphogenesis

by Wanqiu Li, Zeyao Zhu, Ou Sha and Xia Wang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 11044; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262211044 - 14 Nov 2025

Abstract

Pharyngeal cartilage, derived from neural crest cells (NCCs), undergoes complex morphogenesis driven by signals from the pharyngeal endoderm. However, the molecular mechanisms governing NCC proliferation and differentiation in response to endoderm-derived signals remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the role of klf5a, a zinc-finger transcription factor expressed in pharyngeal endodermal pouches, in zebrafish pharyngeal cartilage development. Knockdown of klf5a using morpholinos minimally affected cranial NCC specification and migration but significantly impaired their proliferation and differentiation in the pharyngeal region. Notably, klf5a deficiency reduced expression of fgfbp2b, a modulator of FGF signaling, in the pharyngeal endoderm. Co-injection of klf5a mRNA rescued the cartilage defects, but injection of fgfbp2b mRNA alone failed to restore normal cartilage morphogenesis, suggesting that fgfbp2b is not the sole mediator of klf5a’s effects. These findings indicate that klf5a regulates endodermal signaling to direct NCC-derived pharyngeal cartilage formation, likely through multiple downstream targets including fgfbp2b. This study provides insights into the complex molecular network underlying craniofacial development and highlights potential therapeutic targets for craniofacial disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Biology)

20 pages, 1011 KB

Open AccessReview

In Vitro Culture of Avian Primordial Germ Cells: Established Methods and Future Directions

by Jehan Nayga, Elen Gócza, Eszter Várkonyi and Bence Lázár

Biology 2025, 14(11), 1597; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14111597 - 14 Nov 2025

Abstract

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the unipotent precursors of sperm and ova, responsible for transmitting hereditary information across generations. Their ability to be isolated and cultured in vitro has opened new horizons for avian biotechnology, species conservation, and fundamental developmental research. In birds, the unique migratory pattern of PGCs—originating in the epiblast and traveling via the bloodstream to the gonads—enables their collection and manipulation during embryogenesis. Long-term in vitro culture systems have been successfully established in chickens, where defined media allow for stable proliferation and genetic modification. Applications include germline chimeras, generation of transgenic lines, recombinant protein production, and cryobanking of genetic resources. However, translating these advances to other species remains challenging due to interspecies variability in signaling requirements. Recent work in geese, ducks, quails, and zebra finches underscores the need for tailored media formulations and a better understanding of molecular regulation. This review summarizes established techniques, highlights key interspecies differences, and outlines future directions for the standardization and expansion of avian PGC culture systems to support conservation and biotechnology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biotechnology)

16 pages, 2704 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Operational Stability of the Hydro-Turbine Governing System for Three-Turbine Shared Tailwater Tunnel

by Dong Liu, Yanbo Xue, Jiejie Lv and Xiaoqiang Tan

Water 2025, 17(22), 3262; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17223262 - 14 Nov 2025

Abstract

As a key power source for peak regulation and frequency control, hydropower units frequently adjust their output to maintain grid stability. In shared tailrace tunnel systems, hydraulic coupling between units significantly influences system stability. This study investigates a three-unit system with a common tailrace tunnel, establishes its mathematical model, and employs linear stability analysis to examine its stability characteristics under small disturbances. The research focuses on the impacts of total power output and power allocation strategies on system stability. Key findings reveal that (1) the stable domain of each unit decreases with greater penstock water inertia, and the instability of any single unit propagates through hydraulic coupling, causing system-wide instability; (2) the control parameters of individual units primarily affect their own stability, with negligible cross-unit impact, and the system’s overall stable domain is determined by the unit with the smallest stability region when uniform parameters are adopted; (3) increasing the total power output reduces system stability, and equally distributing power among units is more conducive to stable operation than concentrating it on a single unit. These results provide a theoretical basis for the optimized dispatch and stability control of multi-unit hydropower systems with shared hydraulic structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Status of Operation and Management of Hydropower Station)

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27 pages, 792 KB

Open AccessReview

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): History, Current Concerns, and Future Outlook

by Ryuichi Mashima

Molecules 2025, 30(22), 4415; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30224415 - 14 Nov 2025

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) involve multiple per- and polyfluorinated compounds that are widely used globally. Legacy PFAS, including PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS, were manufactured before 2000 in various industrialized nations, then gradually phased out in accordance with the Stockholm Convention. Due to the substantial accumulation of these legacy PFAS compounds, their concentrations in drinking water are regulated in some countries. This review first summarizes the historical background of PFAS, followed by a description of their chemical properties. The clinical manifestations of legacy PFAS in humans, such as dyslipidemia, attenuated immune function, and chronic kidney disorders, are also summarized. Emerging PFAS involve Gen-X and F-53B as well as numerous newly developed chemicals with their associated precursors/metabolites, including volatile PFAS. Research on these emerging PFAS compounds in the environment continues to grow, building a substantial body of evidence about their effects. The chemical structure of emerging PFAS shows a wide variety: they could contain ether, ester, sulfoneamide, and other halogen atoms rather than fluorine. Volatile PFAS involve the fluorotelomer 6:2 FTOH and other short-chain PFAS compounds, which are best measured by GC-MS. This review also briefly summarizes the assay for total oxidizable precursors of PFAS, an LC-MS-based assay for an emerging assay that will be used for a quantitative estimation of total PFAS, including emerging PFAS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Treatment and Analysis of PFAS in Environmental Pollution)

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