Search Results (19,934)

Despite being crucial for sustainable pavement construction, the widespread application of hot recycled asphalt mixtures in high-grade surface courses is hindered by concerns over their long-term performance, particularly regarding cracking resistance and moisture stability. This study systematically evaluates the road performance of hot central plant recycling (HCPR with 30% RAP) and hot in-place recycling (HIPR with 80% RAP) mixtures, benchmarked against virgin hot mix asphalt (SMA-13), through comprehensive laboratory simulations. The enhancing effect of basalt fibers (BFs) was thoroughly investigated. Results revealed a significant performance trade-off; while the recycled mixtures exhibited superior high-temperature stability (e.g., an 80.7% increase in dynamic stability for HIPR), their cracking resistance substantially decreased with higher RAP content (e.g., reductions of 60.8% in low-temperature flexural strain and 22.1% in intermediate-temperature fracture energy for HIPR). Both recycled mixtures also showed susceptibility to moisture damage, evidenced by stripping in Hamburg wheel-tracking tests. The incorporation of BFs effectively mitigated these deficiencies. It comprehensively improved the performance, enabling the HCPR mixture to meet specifications for severely cold regions and elevating the HIPR mixture to compliance level for cold regions. Furthermore, BF significantly enhanced rutting resistance under coupled hydrothermal conditions. These findings demonstrate that basalt fiber reinforcement can bridge the performance gap of recycled mixtures, thereby expanding their application scope and providing a robust technical basis for selecting and optimizing recycling strategies in high-grade pavement engineering. Full article

Intestinal dysbiosis has been linked to metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM typically follows a prediabetic stage, during which insulin resistance develops. During the early stages of T2DM, its development can be corrected, thus potentially preventing or delaying the onset of the disease. This secondary, exploratory, cross-sectional comparison study aimed to contrast the gut microbiome of individuals with elevated fasting blood glucose to that of individuals with glucose levels within the normal range. This study involved 65 older adults (ages 76–83 years) enrolled from the randomized controlled trial entitled the “Generation 100 Study”, all of whom consented to provide their gut microbiome samples. We employed a high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene to obtain metagenomic microbial profiles for all participants. These profiles were then correlated with clinical measures. Overall, microbial alpha diversity was significantly reduced in the high glucose group. We have also observed distinct patterns of microbial beta diversity between high and normal glucose groups. At the phylum level, we found that Synergistes, Elusimicobia, Euryarchaeota, Verrucomicrobia, and Proteobacteria were all significantly decreased in participants with high blood glucose. Additionally, P. copri (ASV 909561) was significantly elevated (10-fold increase) in the high glucose groups, suggesting that it may serve as an early T2DM marker. In contrast to prior reports on the Fusobacterium genus, we found that it was significantly increased in the normal glucose group, with a significant 151-fold increase compared to the high glucose group. Directly linking gut microbiota profiles with clinical indicators such as fasting blood glucose and T2DM diagnosis allows the identification of specific microbial features associated with glucose dysregulation, providing preliminary population-level evidence to guide future translational research. Our results indicate significant changes in the microbiome that may provide valuable insights for early intervention in pre-diabetic states. Full article

Agaricus subrufescens Peck is a nutrient-rich edible fungi with a distinctive flavor, but most varieties are sensitive to cadmium (Cd), making cadmium contamination common during cultivation. Currently, excessive fertilizer uses and increased solid waste are exacerbating cadmium contamination in soils. Since A. subrufescens utilize agricultural residues like straw and livestock manure as cultivation substrates, Cd can be adsorbed readily, leading to secondary accumulation. In this study, the toxic effects of and response mechanisms to different Cd concentrations with respect to mycelial growth, heavy metal accumulation, and antioxidant systems of A. subrufescens were systematically investigated. The results indicated that the mycelia exhibited Cd accumulation capacity, with accumulation levels positively correlated with stress concentration. At a Cd concentration of 5 mg/L, the intracellular Cd concentration in the mycelia reached approximately 800 mg/kg. As the Cd concentration increased, the efficiency of Cd uptake by mycelia correspondingly decreased. Cadmium stress (≥0.5 mg/L) significantly inhibited mycelial growth and induced morphological abnormalities, with the mycelia exhibiting yellowing. Furthermore, Cd induced dose-dependent oxidative stress. Hydrogen peroxide and MDA levels peaked at a Cd concentration of 2 mg/L, reaching 2.26 μmol/g and 8.98 nmol/g, respectively, indicating heightened lipid peroxidation. Low concentrations of Cd (≤2 mg/L) promoted increases in ASA and GSH activity. SOD, POD, GR, and APX activities significantly increased, with the ASA-GSH cycle synergistically scavenging ROS. CAT activity remained persistently inhibited, APX/GR activity was suppressed, and total sugar metabolism was disrupted, leading to the collapse of antioxidant defenses. In summary, depending on the Cd concentration, A. subrufescens mycelia exhibit markedly different responses at low versus high concentrations. This study provides a foundation for further research into the application of edible fungi in heavy metal-resistant cultivation. Full article

Background/Objective: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, and chronic hyperglycemia. Exercise is a cornerstone of non-pharmacological therapy, yet the optimal modalities by which different exercise prescriptions improve metabolic outcomes remain unclear. This review synthesizes evidence on the metabolic effects of aerobic, resistance, high-intensity interval (HIIT), and combined training in individuals with T2DM. Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched up to March 30, 2025. A total of 26 articles were included. Articles were selected based on studies conducted on human participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, involving structured exercise interventions, and reporting at least one outcome related to insulin function or glycemic control. Results: This review identified five exercise programs that can improve metabolic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Evidence levels varied across the 26 studies (n = 20–98), so intensity ranges should be interpreted as indicative rather than prescriptive. Aerobic training was the primary intervention, and evidence from 13 studies (8–48 weeks) showed that moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic training (approximately 50–85% of maximum heart rate or 50–75% of VO₂max) was generally associated with improvements in β-cell function, insulin sensitivity, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Strength training (approximately 40–50% to <3RM, 12 weeks) was linked to better glycemic parameters in some studies, though effects on insulin resistance were inconsistent. Most studies indicated that combined aerobic training (60–85% of maximum heart rate) with resistance or other complementary exercise modalities for 8–24 weeks tended to improve HbA1c, fasting glucose, and insulin sensitivity. High-intensity interval training (HIIT, ≥85% of maximum heart rate, 8 weeks) was also associated with enhanced insulin sensitivity, β-cell function, and basal insulin levels. Conclusion: Different exercise modalities improve metabolic health through complementary mechanisms involving enhanced glucose transport, mitochondrial function, anti-inflammatory effects, and increased muscle mass. Tailoring exercise prescriptions based on individual capacity and metabolic targets may optimize outcomes in T2DM management. Full article

Paratuberculosis (Johne’s disease) is a chronic enteric infection of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), leading to significant economic losses in livestock production. While the solute carrier family 11 member 1 (SLC11A1) gene has been implicated in resistance to intracellular pathogens in several species, its role in ovine paratuberculosis remains largely uncharacterized. The present study investigated whether polymorphic variation in the SLC11A1 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) (GT)_n microsatellite is associated with resistance or susceptibility to MAP infection in sheep. A total of 138 sheep from three breeds (Karagouniki, Boutsika, and Chios) were genotyped. Gene expression analysis was subsequently performed on a subset of 53 animals, which comprised rigorously phenotyped MAP-resistant (n = 18) and MAP-sensitive (n = 35) individuals from the Karagouniki breed. Four predominant alleles, (GT)₂₁, (GT)₂₂, (GT)₂₃, and (GT)₂₄, were identified. The (GT)₂₁ and (GT)₂₃ alleles were significantly enriched among resistant sheep, while (GT)₂₂ and (GT)₂₄ were more frequent in sensitive animals (χ² = 12.4, p = 0.006; Cramér’s V = 0.38). No significant differences in basal SLC11A1 mRNA expression were detected between phenotypic groups. These findings extend previous GWAS results in sheep by providing the first allele-level evidence linking SLC11A1 3′UTR microsatellite polymorphisms to paratuberculosis resistance in sheep. Although limited by sample size and single-breed representation, the results offer a foundation for future functional and genomic selection studies aimed at enhancing disease resilience in small ruminants. Full article

The complex life cycle, high reproductive potential and ability to quickly develop resistance to insecticides are key factors contributing to the destructiveness of the peach–potato aphid (Myzus persicae Sulzer) among pest species. Monitoring its population dynamics at a large scale allows us to better understand M. persicae biology and take relevant measures for pest management. For this purpose, reliable molecular tools are needed. Based on the analysis of 128,362 microsatellite loci, we developed four multiplex assays including 49 comprehensively characterised SSR markers. Internal validation confirmed the species specificity and low genotyping error (e_a = 0.8%, e_l = 0.99%, e_obs = 22.7%) of the assays. A total of 194 alleles were identified (mean = 4 alleles per locus, range = 2–8 alleles per locus) within a group of 365 aphid accessions collected in the Vysočina region (Czechia). The studied aphid population showed the typical characteristics expected of the species with clonal or partially clonal reproduction (heterozygote excess, negative F_IS, moderate-to-high linkage disequilibrium (LD), and distortion of the H-W equilibrium for most of the loci), and did not exhibit any stratification on a spatiotemporal level. Owing to the high discriminatory power of the markers, we discovered that the population sample was founded upon a small number of fundatrices, as only five dominating lineages comprising over 70% of all accessions were identified. In conclusion, this study identified a significant number of new high-quality markers with the high discriminatory power necessary for revealing the population structure and dynamics of M. persicae, which holds considerable potential in both general biological and agricultural research. Full article

Extracellular glutathione (GSH) is degraded on the cell surface, in which the γ-glutamyl residue is removed to generate cysteine–glycine (Cys–Gly) dipeptides that are subsequently transported to the cytoplasm. Carnosine dipeptidase 2 (CNDP2) is a cytoplasmic enzyme that hydrolyzes Cys–Gly and plays an important role in maintaining intracellular cysteine (Cys) homeostasis. CNDP2-mediated hydrolysis of Cys–Gly promotes Cys mobilization and contributes to the replenishment of intracellular GSH levels. CNDP2 is frequently overexpressed in various cancers and has been implicated in tumor cell proliferation and progression. This mechanism may enhance cancer cell survival by causing resistance to oxidative stress, which indicates that CNDP2 is a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Although bestatin (BES) has been identified as a CNDP2 inhibitor, its limited specificity and suboptimal drug-like properties have limited its therapeutic potential. In this study, we performed an in silico screen of a small-molecule compound library and identified KKL-35 as a novel CNDP2-binding molecule. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations suggested that KKL-35 interacts within the catalytic pocket. Biochemical assays confirmed that it inhibits CNDP2 enzymatic activity, albeit with lower potency compared with BES. Despite its modest intrinsic activity, KKL-35 exhibits favorable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, which are characterized by a low topological polar surface area (TPSA), reduced molecular flexibility, and well-balanced lipophilicity. This positions it as an attractive and tractable starting point for lead optimization. Taken together, these findings establish KKL-35 as a validated CNDP2 inhibitor and a promising lead compound for the development of more selective therapeutics targeting CNDP2-mediated cancer cell metabolism. Full article

Forecasting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is critical for public health, yet most models neglect the interconnected nature of agricultural systems. Focusing on ciprofloxacin resistance in Campylobacter jejuni—a leading foodborne pathogen in poultry—this study aims to develop a probabilistic framework for identifying high-risk environmental conditions. We employed a graph-based machine learning and Bayesian approach, integrating and discretizing data from international databases. An exploratory classification with XGBoost and SVC was followed by core analysis using a Generalized Naive Bayes (GNB) model for feature selection and a Bayesian Network (BN) to uncover conditional dependencies. The GNB model identified pesticides, land use, and precipitation as key features. The BN revealed a complex web of interactions, showing that resistance probability is highly context-dependent. Precipitation was a critical effect modifier; for example, expanded land use correlated with an 18.3% increase in resistance probability during dry conditions but a 73.7% decrease during wet periods. Scenarios with low and high precipitation were associated with high risk, indicating multiple environmental pathways. Our results demonstrate that Bayesian networks can effectively model the complex, non-linear relationships driving AMR. Ciprofloxacin resistance emerges from system-wide interactions rather than isolated factors. This approach provides a valuable framework for generating hypotheses and supports the development of early-warning systems for targeted antimicrobial stewardship in poultry production. Full article

Yellow leaf disease (YLD) has been the most severe disease threatening areca palm, commonly known in areca palm cultivation. However, it has not yet been systematically studied in terms of the relationship between infected plants and the structure of rhizosphere microbial communities. In order to systematically study the impact of YLD on the rhizosphere fungi of the areca palm, we implemented high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the microbial community structure and diversity under different disease conditions. The results indicate that as the severity of the disease increases, the diversity of the fungal community diminishes, with species abundance and richness initially decreasing before subsequently increasing, while phylogenetic diversity increases, and significant changes occur in the structure of the soil fungal community. At the phylum level, the dominant fungal phyla in the rhizosphere of areca palm are Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. At the genus level, the dominant genera are Sarocladium, Roussoella, Penicillium, etc., and their relative abundance increases with the severity of the disease. LEfSe analysis revealed that Archaeorhizomyces, Codinaea, and Albifimbria serve as indicator species for healthy areca palms, with their relative abundance trends consistent with changes in Alpha diversity. FUNGuild prediction results indicated that the fungal nutrient type structures of the three rhizosphere samples were highly similar, with saprotrophs being the absolutely dominant type. With the increase in the severity of the disease, the number of harmful fungi in the soil (such as Plectosphaerella, Fusarium, etc.) increases, thereby limiting the sustainable development of the soil. Network analysis indicates that beneficial microbial communities such as Stachybotrys and Roussoella exhibit extensive negative interactions. Therefore, the YLD of areca palm significantly alters the structure and diversity of the rhizosphere fungal community. Simultaneously, some beneficial microorganisms may be recruited by the areca rhizosphere to resist the invasion of YLD by improving the rhizosphere environment and enhancing plant immunity, such as Trechispora, Saitozyma, and Marasmiellus. This experiment is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the study of the rhizosphere microecology of the areca palm, the exploration of excellent biocontrol resources, and the green control of YLD in the areca palm. Full article

This study compared velocity-based training (VBT) with percentage-based training (PBT) on acceleration (30-m sprint) and explosive power in high school triple jump athletes. Twelve male national-level athletes were randomized (1:1, concealed allocation; blinded assessors) to VBT (n = 6) or PBT (n = 6). Both groups completed identical lower-body resistance training three times per week for eight weeks; the VBT group additionally received real-time barbell-velocity feedback with velocity-loss (VL) based set termination (15–20%). Performance was assessed using 30-m sprint, standing long jump (SLJ), standing triple jump (STJ), and vertical jump (VJ) at pre- and post-test. Statistical analysis included baseline-adjusted ANCOVA and effect sizes (Hedges’ g). VBT improved 30-m sprint (−1.08%, d = 0.89), SLJ (+2.07%, d = 1.02), STJ (+1.64%, d = 0.63), and VJ (+6.01%, d = 1.39; all p < 0.001). PBT also improved SLJ (+1.03%, d = 0.69; p < 0.001) and showed a moderate, statistically significant within-group gain in STJ (+0.56%, d = 0.72; p = 0.001), while improvements in 30-m sprint and VJ were modest. Between-group effects favored VBT across all outcomes. These preliminary findings suggest that VBT may provide more targeted neuromuscular adaptations than PBT, particularly in explosive movements relevant to triple jump performance. However, due to the modest sample size and limited precision, the results should be interpreted with caution and confirmed in larger, adequately powered randomized trials. Nevertheless, this study offers practical insight into load prescription for youth jump athletes and represents one of the first randomized trials to directly compare VBT and PBT in this population. Full article

Background: Antibiotic drug resistance is a serious global health problem that threatens therapeutics against infectious diseases. As antibiotics become less effective every year, our objective was to evaluate the adjuvant activity of methanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera seed combined with antibiotics of clinical use against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from street food samples searching for a new alternative to treat infectious diseases commonly treated with antibiotics. Methods: Secondary metabolites of M. oleifera seeds were obtained through maceration (methanol 80%) and detected following qualitative phytochemical assays. MIC, MBC and tolerance level were determined using microdilution tests. Antimicrobial activity was tested by sensitivity analysis, and the adjuvant activity was explored in combination with twelve antibiotics against the E. coli samples. Results: Alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and polyphenols were detected. MIC and MBC values ranged from 31.3 to 62 mg/mL and 62–125 mg/mL, respectively. The extract showed low antimicrobial activity against the multidrug-resistant E. coli, but the inhibitory capacity of ampicillin, cephalexin, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was significantly increased when combined with the plant extract. In contrast, the activity of ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, tetracycline, polymyxin, and nalidixic acid decreased with the extract. Conclusion: Methanolic extracts of M. oleifera seeds represent a potential adjuvant for beta-lactams in the face of the growing problem of global antimicrobial resistance. This study represents the first steps in exploring the adjuvant capacity of plants against resistant environmental pathogens in Mexico. Full article

Wheat blast, caused by Pyricularia oryzae Triticum lineage (PoTl), is one of the most destructive and significant fungal diseases affecting wheat crops. The stability of the G143A mutation in the cytB gene, which confers resistance to Quinone outside inhibitor fungicides (QoIs) in PoTl isolates, has not been extensively studied. This study was conducted to evaluate the stability of fungicide resistance, fitness, and competitive ability of the QoI-resistant (R) PoTl isolates group over nine and five consecutive transfer cycles in vitro and in vivo, respectively, without fungicide exposure. No changes in azoxystrobin sensitivity were observed in either the QoI-resistant or sensitive (S) PoTl isolate groups after the successive transfer cycles in vitro and in vivo. The mycelial growth of the QoI-R PoTl isolate group remained stable, while the conidial germination capacity increased over time. For the QoI-resistant isolates, leaf and head disease, conidial production, and the latent period on wheat leaves did not change between the first and fifth infection cycles. In each transfer cycle, the highest levels of leaf and head disease, as well as the largest quantities of conidia collected from wheat leaves, were observed in isolate mixtures. Also, the G143A mutation responsible for QoI resistance remained stable after five transfer cycles of the QoI-resistant (0S:100R) isolate on wheat leaves. Our findings indicate that the G143A mutation remains stable, and there are adaptive benefits in QoI-R PoTl isolates. We discuss the ecological implications of the wheat blast population’s adaptation and PoTl QoIs resistance stability in wheat-cropping areas in Brazil. Full article

Currently, information remains limited regarding how controlled gelatinization alters structure and functional properties of rice starch intended for rice noodle-making. The objective of this research is to understand the effect of partial gelatinization on structural and physicochemical attributes of rice starch from an elite variety Zhenguiai specifically for rice noodle production and their relations to digestion properties. Starch samples partially gelatinized at 60–76 °C were analyzed for crystalline fraction, amylose content (AC), swelling power, gelatinization properties and in vitro enzymatic digestibility, and compared with native starch. The results demonstrated substantial variations in relative crystallinity (RC), AC, swelling power, gelatinization transition temperatures and gelatinization enthalpy (ΔH). As the partial gelatinization temperature increased, the proportion of rapidly digestible starch (RDS) rose, whereas the contents of slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) declined. Correlation analyses between starch digestibility and other properties indicated that RDS was significantly positively correlated with both the onset (r = 0.936, p < 0.05) and peak (r = 0.895, p < 0.05) gelatinization temperatures but negatively correlated with RC (r = −0.954, p < 0.01), AC (r = −0.888, p < 0.05), and ΔH (r = −0.992, p < 0.01). Furthermore, RS demonstrated positive correlations with AC (r = 0.872, p < 0.05) and ΔH (r = 0.974, p < 0.01) while showing negative correlation with gelatinization onset temperature (r = −0.971, p < 0.01). Additionally, SDS exhibited a significant positive correlation with RC (r = 0.838, p < 0.05). These findings identify potential applications of partial gelatinization in guiding the development of modified starches with optimized physicochemical and digestibility properties, such as maintaining high levels of AC and RS, for the production of premium rice noodles. Full article

Bacterial canker of kiwifruit, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), poses a serious threat to the global kiwifruit industry. Although flavonoids are widely recognized as natural antibacterial compounds, the transcriptional regulatory networks controlling their synthesis in kiwifruit and their relationship with production of downstream antibacterial metabolites remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified the transcription factor AcMYB5 as a key mediator of salicylic acid (SA) signaling that activates flavonoid biosynthesis and enhances resistance to Psa. Comparative analysis between the resistant cultivar ‘Jinkui’ and the susceptible cultivar ‘Hongyang’ revealed that Psa infection induced a rapid accumulation of endogenous SA, accompanied by a decrease in jasmonic acid (JA) levels in ‘Jinkui’. From a pool of SA-induced candidate genes, we identified AcMYB5, which is rapidly up-regulated by SA and encodes a nuclear localization protein. Overexpression of AcMYB5 in susceptible kiwifruit significantly enhanced resistance to Psa. Mechanistically, AcMYB5 directly binds to and activates the promoter of the chalcone isomerase (AcCHI), a key structural gene in the flavonoid pathway, leading to a marked increase in total flavonoid content. Notably, AcMYB5 did not activate any other genes in the flavonoid synthesis pathway in our assays, underscoring its target specificity. Our findings reveals a novel AcMYB5-AcCHI module that finely tunes flavonoid-mediated defense responses, offering valuable genetic targets and strategic insights for kiwifruit-resistant breeding. Full article

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have emerged as globally concerning environmental contaminants, posing serious threats to ecosystem health and public safety. This systematic review summarizes global research trends on ARGs across three key aspects: (i) identification and distribution in river and lake ecosystems, (ii) sources and environmental behaviors, and (iii) ecological and human health risks. Concentration data of ARGs in various rivers and lakes across China were compiled to reveal their spatial distribution patterns. The analysis of ARGs sources and environmental behaviors provides essential insights for designing effective mitigation strategies. Furthermore, this review highlights the potential ecological and human health hazards of ARGs and discusses limitations and improvement directions of current risk assessment methodologies. The main findings indicate that ARGs are widely present in rivers and lakes across China; higher abundances occur in eastern and southern regions compared with central–western and northern areas, such as 4.93 × 10²–8.10 × 10³ copies/mL in Qinghai Lake and 6.7 × 10⁷–1.76 × 10⁸ copies/mL in Taihu Lake. The environmental behaviors of ARGs are highly complex, involving multiple mechanisms and influenced by climatic conditions, nutrient levels, and additional environmental factors. Based on these findings, future efforts should prioritize long-term site-specific monitoring, evaluate their prolonged impacts on aquatic ecosystems, and develop integrated risk assessment models to support evidence-based environmental management. Full article