Search Results (128)

The present work set out to examine the antidiabetic capacity of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) fruit extract through a combined experimental and computational framework. Enzyme inhibition assays were carried out against four metabolic targets, and IC₅₀ values stood at 7.66 ± 0.31 mg/mL for alpha-glucosidase, 5.21 ± 0.18 mg/mL for alpha-amylase, 2.11 ± 0.15 microg/mL for DPP-4, and 9.17 ± 0.54 mg/mL for pancreatic lipase. The extract showed moderate-to-weak activity relative to standard inhibitors acarbose, sitagliptin, and orlistat. Sixteen drug-like phytochemicals obtained from the IMPPAT 2.0 database were docked against the crystal structures of all four tested enzymes (PDB: 8CB1, 5E0F, 2ONC, 1LPB). Alpha-Carotene, Vitamin E, and Spiraeoside emerged as the top-ranked compounds across all targets, with alpha-Carotene recording the strongest binding affinity of −11.1 kcal/mol against pancreatic lipase, which was 4.2 kcal/mol more negative than the positive control orlistat (−6.9 kcal/mol). PLIP-based interaction profiling mapped out hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic contacts, pi-stacking, and salt bridges at the atomic level. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and toxicity screening of alpha-Carotene returned a favourable pharmacokinetic profile with predicted LD₅₀ of 1510 mg/kg (Class 4) and inactivity across most toxicity endpoints. A 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation of the pancreatic lipase-alpha–Carotene complex, alongside the orlistat control, showed stable root mean square deviation (RMSD) (0.15–0.22 nm), a consistent Rg (~1.97 nm), and sustained hydrogen bonding throughout the trajectory. Free-energy landscape analysis revealed a well-defined single energy basin for alpha-Carotene, suggesting a thermodynamically stable binding conformation. These findings lay the molecular basis for using okra phytochemicals as adjunctive agents in diabetes management, though in vivo validation remains necessary. Full article

Superhydrophobic materials have clear potential for mitigating rain/humidity-induced damage to cultural heritage. In the present study, the wetting properties of Paraloid B72 were tailored to achieve superhydrophobicity by incorporating modified calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) nanoparticles (NPs). B72 is a well-established conservation product while CaCO₃ is chemically compatible with calcareous materials commonly found in cultural heritage buildings and objects. Initially, the wettabilities of CaCO₃ NPs, functionalised with caproic (C6), caprylic (C8), lauric (C12), myristic (C14), palmitic (C16), and stearic (C18) acid, were evaluated by measuring water contact angles (CAs) on NP pellets. For NPs with short hydrocarbon chains, CA increased with chain length, from 66.3° for CaCO₃-C6 to 118.0° for CaCO₃-C12 NPs. For NPs with longer chains, CA remained stable and around 118°. Based on these results, CaCO₃-C12 NPs were selected for further investigation and subjected to transmission electron microscopy analysis, which revealed chain-like agglomerates of aggregated nanocrystallites (5–10 nm) forming 40–150 nm polycrystalline NPs. Scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with elemental mapping revealed a homogeneous distribution of Ca, C, and O within the NPs. Next, CaCO₃-C12 NPs were dispersed in B72 solutions and sprayed onto limestone, which was employed as a model calcite-rich substrate. At optimal NP concentration, the resulting composite coating exhibited superhydrophobicity (CA > 150°), while it induced minimal colour alteration to limestone and effective resistance to capillary water absorption. The fluorine-free coating also demonstrated good durability against UV exposure, drop impact, salt attack, freeze–thaw cycles, tape peeling, drop pH variations, and thermal treatment. Full article

Marine concrete is often exposed to multiple aggressive ions, so mechanical deterioration cannot be reliably interpreted using single-ion durability concepts. This study investigates ocean-oriented concretes incorporating high contents of mineral admixtures under coupled sulfate/chloride/carbonate/magnesium actions and develops a pore-structure-based D–P dual-parameter framework linking microstructural descriptors to macroscopic peak stress and peak strain. Three binder systems were designed: ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPC), cement–silica fume concrete (CSC, 20% silica fume), and cement–silica fume–fly ash concrete (CSFC, 20% silica fume + 50% fly ash). Specimens were immersed for 12 and 24 months in four representative binary-salt solutions. Porosity evolution and pore-size-class distributions were quantified by low-field NMR, while pore complexity was characterized using multi-scale fractal dimensions. The results show that mineral admixtures generally refine the pore system and improve the integrity of fine pores; CSFC exhibits the most robust microstructural stability across the tested environments, whereas CSC shows a pronounced degradation of fine-pore structure under CE4. A second-order response surface model built on Z-score normalized fractal dimension (D) and porosity (P) achieves reliable predictability for peak strain (R² = 0.85) and peak stress (R² = 0.79). Global Sobol sensitivity analysis reveals distinct controlling mechanisms: peak strain is predominantly governed by porosity (S_P = 85.9%), whereas peak stress is controlled by the combined effects of porosity, pore complexity, and their interaction (S_P = 42.4%, S_D = 19.8%, S_{D × P} = 37.8%). Local sensitivity mapping further identifies high-sensitivity regimes at extreme pore states, providing mechanistic guidance for mixture optimization. Overall, the proposed D–P framework quantitatively bridges pore volume/geometry evolution and mechanical degradation, offering a practical predictive tool for durability-oriented design of marine concretes under multi-ionic attack. Full article

Background: Therapeutic applications of saline solutions in oral healthcare range from mineral waters to standardized sodium chloride preparations. Despite widespread traditional use, their scientific foundation remains inadequately characterized. This scoping review aimed to systematically map the available evidence for salt-based oral health interventions, characterize study populations and outcomes, and identify research gaps to guide future investigations. Methods: Following JBI methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) were systematically searched for publications from 2000 to 2025. Studies were classified along a spectrum from geological mineral waters to artificial preparations. Narrative synthesis was employed with systematic gap identification. Results: Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria, with a median sample size of 41 participants and a median follow-up of 4 weeks. Evidence distribution revealed concentration on hypersaline Dead Sea derivatives (n = 7, 41%) and European thermal waters (n = 5, 29%), with limited representation of marine-derived (n = 1, 6%) and simple saline solutions (n = 3, 18%). Reported outcomes included periodontal parameters, xerostomia symptoms, viral load, mucositis severity, and dentin hypersensitivity, with variable methodological quality across studies. Heterogeneity in interventions, comparators, and outcome measures precluded direct comparisons. Conclusions: The current evidence base for salt-based oral interventions remains limited and methodologically heterogeneous. While preliminary findings suggest potential applications across multiple clinical domains, small sample sizes, short follow-up periods, and inconsistent outcome measures preclude definitive recommendations. Standardized protocols and adequately powered trials are needed before evidence-based clinical integration. Full article

This study provides a detailed assessment of groundwater salinization in the Quaternary aquifer of the Samba Dia region, Senegal, using an integrated approach that combines hydrochemical, stable isotopic (δ²H, δ¹⁸O), and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) techniques. Fourteen high-resolution ERT profiles, along with comprehensive chemical and isotopic analyses, were performed to identify the main causes of salinity and their spatial distribution. Results show that groundwater salinization in the area is primarily driven by three mechanisms: seawater intrusion, surface salt leaching, and ion exchange. Hydrochemical facies evolution diagrams, ionic ratios, and isotopic signatures helped differentiate marine-influenced zones from inland salinization areas. ERT imaging also mapped the three-dimensional extent and geometry of saline interfaces, confirming zone-specific mixing of seawater and freshwater. The findings indicate that salinization of the coastal aquifer has worsened over the past twenty years, mainly due to human activities and climate variability. This study recommends a sustainable monitoring strategy to support aquifer management, focusing on accurately identifying vulnerable zones and enabling adaptive resource planning in semi-arid Senegal. Full article

The Nezamabad Fault System (NFS) in the Fars area of the Zagros Fold–Thrust Belt represents a persistent, basement-rooted transverse shear zone that fundamentally controls the regional hydrocarbon system. This study integrates seismicity distribution, isopach analysis, and tectono-stratigraphic modeling from the Triassic to the Cenozoic to unravel how recurrent basement reactivation governs trap evolution. Isopach maps reveal a pronounced southwest-thickening asymmetry, with Triassic successions exceeding 1400 m, indicating long-term differential subsidence during four key phases: (1) Triassic syn-rift salt accumulation (Dashtak Formation) forming the primary detachment; (2) Jurassic–Early Cretaceous passive subsidence promoting source rock deposition; (3) Mid-Cretaceous transpression enhancing reservoir dolomitization; and (4) Late Cretaceous–Cenozoic inversion generating hybrid traps. Seismicity analysis of over 240 events confirms the 256-km-long NFS is a crustal-scale structure, with most foci at 10–33 km depth and others extending to 150 km, implying lithospheric stress transfer. This deep-crustal activity has periodically reorganized stress, enhanced fracture permeability, and rejuvenated traps through seismic pumping and cross-scale mechanical coupling. The results demonstrate that hydrocarbons in the Fars area are not a passive outcome of folding but a dynamic expression of lithospheric coupling. The findings establish a predictive framework for identifying analogous basement-influenced petroleum systems in other foreland fold–thrust belts worldwide. Full article

Pockmarks are ubiquitous seafloor depressions formed by the fluid/gas seepage through marine sediments, with implications for geohazards, benthic ecosystems, and climate-related processes. Despite extensive research, the mechanisms controlling the formation and spatial distribution of pockmarks are not completely understood, owing to the diverse and site-specific geo-environmental conditions. In this study, we provide a first review of over 7500 pockmarks mapped across the Mediterranean and Black seas, showing their relationship with depth range, slope gradient, seafloor lithology, proximity to tectonic faults, and sediment thickness. Our analysis reveals that pockmarks are predominantly located at intermediate water depths (100–700 m), with two main clusters around 100–200 and 500–700 m. They are commonly found on gently sloping seafloor (<4°), often clustering around slope breaks. In detail, two slope-related peaks around 1.5° and 3.5° suggest distinct geological settings for pockmark formation: sediment-rich and low-energy environments versus more dynamic slope domains. Fault proximity plays a critical role, with over 40% of pockmarks occurring within 1 km of mapped faults, indicating that structural discontinuities act as preferential fluid pathways. Pockmarks concentrate in areas with moderate Plio-Quaternary sediment thickness (300–600 m), suggesting an optimal window for overpressure generation and fluid expulsion. A strong lithological control is evident: 74% of pockmarks occur on muddy sand or sand-rich substrates. In terms of ongoing to recent seepage/activity, ~27% of pockmarks show evidence of ongoing fluid seepage (e.g., acoustic gas flares, seismic wipeouts), particularly in regions such as the Black Sea, Aegean, and Central Tyrrhenian, where faulting, salt tectonics, or hydrothermal systems enhance permeability. Conversely, pockmarks in the Western Mediterranean appear to be generally inactive and buried. These findings underscore the influence of tectono-sedimentary architecture on seafloor fluid escape and provide essential insight into methane seepage, slope stability, and benthic habitats. This pedagogic review enhances our understanding of pockmark systems and establishes a foundation for future geohazard assessment, climate studies, and marine resource exploration. Full article

Xiaochikan Village, located in Guangdong Province in South China, is one of the few remaining traditional rammed earth dwellings of the Cantonese ethnic group in the Lingnan region. However, the influence of Zhuhai’s subtropical maritime monsoon climate has led to continuous physical and chemical erosion of the rammed earth walls. For example, cracking occurs due to high temperatures and heavy rain, accelerated weathering occurs due to salt spray deposition, and biological erosion occurs due to high humidity and high temperatures. Therefore, two experimental analysis techniques, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS), were used to explore the structural anti-erosion mechanism of the ancient, rammed earth buildings in Xiaochikan Village. The results show that (1) the morphological characteristics of the east and west walls of the rammed earth dwellings in Xiaochikan Village are more similar. The particles on the east wall are regular spherical or polygonal, small, and evenly distributed, while the particles on the west wall are mainly spherical and elliptical, with consistent size and less agglomeration. The surfaces of the particles on both walls are relatively smooth and flat. (2) The core element bases of the four wall samples are consistent, with C, Si, Al, Ca, and Fe as the core, accounting for more than 93%, reflecting the base characteristics of the local alluvial soil “silicate skeleton–carbonate cementation–organic matter residue” and reflecting the “local material” attribute of rammed earth. Except for the south wall sample, the Cl content of the remaining samples exceeds 1%. In the thermal map, Cl shows “pore/interstitial enrichment”, which confirms that the salinization process of marine aerosols with rainwater infiltration and evaporation residue is a common influence of marine climate. (3) The rammed earth walls in Xiaochikan Village consist of three main minerals: Quartz (SiO₂, including alpha-type SiO₂), Calcite (CaCO₃, including synthetic calcite), and Gibbsite (Al(OH)₃). Full article

Plant vacuolar-type Na⁺, K⁺/H⁺ antiporters (NHXs) play important roles in pH and K⁺ homeostasis and osmotic balance under normal physiological conditions. Under salt stress, vacuolar-type NHX enhances salt tolerance by compartmentalizing Na⁺ into vacuoles. However, the ion transport mechanism of vacuolar-type NHX remains poorly understood due to the absence of resolved protein crystal structures. To investigate the ion transport mechanism for vacuolar-type NHX, the three-dimensional structure of rice vacuolar-type NHX1 (OsNHX1) was established through homology modeling and AlphaFold3.0. The OsNHX1 model contains thirteen transmembrane segments according to hydrophobic characteristics and empirical and phylogenetic data. Furthermore, this study validated the OsNHX1 model via functional experiments, revealing a set of key charged amino acids essential for its activity. Mapping these amino acids onto the OsNHX1 model revealed that its pore domain exhibits a transmembrane charge-compensated pattern similar to that of NHE1 while also displaying a distinct charge distribution on either side of the pore domain. Comparative analysis of the key amino acid sites responsible for ion transport in the crystal structure of OsSOS1 and NHE1 revealed that OsNHX1 employs a unique ion transport mechanism. This study will enhance our understanding of the function and catalytic mechanism of OsNHX1 and other plant vacuolar-type NHXs. Full article

Salinization of irrigation areas is a key environmental challenge faced by arid and semi-arid regions worldwide, and the complexity of natural environment and human activities increases the uncertainty of salinization distribution. This study takes the Xiaohaizi Irrigation Area in Kashgar, Xinjiang as the research location. Soil samples were collected before sowing and after harvesting in 2023 and analyzed. Using geostatistics and digital soil mapping techniques, the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of soil salinization in the region were finely characterized. The results showed that the soil salinization in Xiaohaizi Irrigation District was moderate to high, with mean salt contents of 8.29 g/kg in the 0–30 cm layer, 6.16 g/kg at 30–60 cm, and 4.80 g/kg at 60–100 cm before sowing, all indicating moderate to high salinity levels. The salt content showed a surface aggregation distribution with significant differences between different depths. The main ions that affect salinization are SO₄²⁻, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, K⁺, and Na⁺. The 0–30 cm soil layer is mainly composed of mildly saline soil, and the degree of soil salinization decreases with the depth of the soil layer. After harvesting, the overall degree of salinization in the irrigation area intensified, and the spatial distribution of salinization was uneven. The degree of salinization was higher in the northwest and lower in the south. The impact of human activities on surface soil salinization is greater than that on deep soil. The areas where the degree of salinization in the 0–30, 30–60, and 60–100 cm soil layers undergoes transformation account for 57.18%, 33.15%, and 26.9%, respectively. This study reveals the complex dynamics of soil salinization in the Xiaohaizi irrigation area, providing scientific support for soil management and irrigation strategies in the region, and is of great significance for achieving sustainable development of oasis agriculture. Full article

Halophytes such as Salicornia europaea rely on biochemical and structural mechanisms to survive in saline environments. This study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress and structural defense responses in four inland populations—Poland (Inowrocław, Ciechocinek), Germany (Salzgraben-Salzdahlum, Salz), and Soltauquelle (Soltq)—subjected to 0, 200, 400, and 1000 mM NaCl, using non-destructive, image-based approaches. Lipid peroxidation was assessed via malondialdehyde (MDA) detected with Schiff’s reagent, and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation was visualized with 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB). Roots and shoots were analyzed through colour image analysis and quantified using a computer vision system (CVS). MDA accumulation revealed population-specific differences, with Salz tending to exhibit lower peroxidation, characterized by lower L* ≈ 42–43 and higher b* ≈ 37–18 in shoots at 200–400 mM, which may reflect a potentially more effective salt-management strategy. Although H₂O₂ responses deviated from a direct salinity-dependent trend, particularly in the tolerant Salz and Soltq populations, both approaches effectively tracked population-specific adaptation, with German populations displaying detectable basal H₂O₂ levels, consistent with its multifunctional signalling role in salt management and growth regulation. Structural defences were further explored through histochemical mapping and image analysis of pectin and lignin distribution, which revealed population-specific patterns consistent with cell wall remodelling under stress. Non-destructive, image-based methods proved effective for detecting oxidative and structural responses in halophytes. Such a non-destructive, cost-efficient, and reproducible approach can accelerate the identification of salt-tolerant ecotypes for saline agriculture and reinforce S. europaea as a model species for elucidating salt-tolerance mechanisms. Full article

The distribution and quality of the Lower Cretaceous reservoir sandstone units of the Mesozoic–Cenozoic Scotian Basin, offshore eastern Canada, is well known in producing fields but difficult to extrapolate to less-explored areas of the deep-basin floor. Prediction of reservoir risk is complicated by salt tectonism and the strong influence of diagenesis on reservoir quality. This study investigates the burial diagenetic dissolution of detrital K-feldspar in the subarkosic sandstones and the preservation of the resulting secondary porosity. K-feldspar abundance declines with increasing depth, creating secondary porosity, which in open systems is preserved but in closed systems is clogged by carbonates and clays. The distribution of detrital K-feldspar has been simulated using forward stratigraphic modeling and is compared to thermal modeling, fault mapping, and sand distribution to determine the risk due to the reservoir quality, illustrated as common risk segment maps. Sand deposits have the lowest risk of poor reservoir quality along the shelf edge and upper slope of the central and western basin, where growth faulting created an open diagenetic system. This novel combination of petrographic study and forward modeling has applications to other regions where diagenesis has a strong influence on the reservoir quality, such as the Gulf of Mexico. Full article

The energy transition is an issue of fundamental importance in the current global context, as an increasing number of countries are committed to searching for minerals and elements essential for the storage, distribution, and supply of energy derived from new renewable and sustainable sources. In some countries, these elements (such as boron, lithium, and strontium) are considered to be critical raw materials (CRMs) because of their limited occurrence within their own borders and are commonly found in minerals and geothermal–formation waters, especially in brackish to brine waters. In the Italian territory, CRM-rich waters have already been identified by previously published studies (i.e., with mean concentrations in the Salsomaggiore Terme of 390 mg/L of boron, 76 mg/L of lithium, and 414 mg/L of strontium); however, their extraction is hampered by several knowledge gaps. In particular, a comprehensive understanding of the origin, accumulation processes, and migration pathways of these CRM-rich waters is still lacking. These factors are closely linked to the geological framework and evolutionary history of each specific area. To address these gaps, we investigated the Salsomaggiore Structure that is located at the northwestern front of the Apennine in Italy by integrating geological data with hydrogeochemical results. We constructed new preliminary distribution maps of the most significant CRMs around the Salsomaggiore Structure, which can be used in the future for the National Mineral Exploration Program drawn up in accordance with the European Critical Raw Materials Act. These maps, combined with the interpretation of seismic reflection profiles calibrated with surface geology and wells, allowed us to establish a close relationship between water geochemistry/CRM contents and the geological evolution of the Salsomaggiore Structure. This structure can be considered representative of the frontal ranges of the Northwestern Apennine and other mountain chains associated with the foreland basin systems. Full article

Corrosion of refractory materials in NaCl–KCl melts is a major issue affecting the service life of linings in aluminum metallurgy, where these salts serve as the basis for covering and refining mixtures. The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the corrosion resistance of alumina-silicate refractory materials (ASRM) with a high SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio in contact with melts of varying NaCl–KCl ratios. Static crucible corrosion tests were conducted in accordance with the technical specification CEN/TS 15418:2006. Macro- and microscopic analysis, chemical analysis (AAS), and semi-quantitative EDX analysis enabled detailed monitoring of the depth of melt infiltration, microstructural changes, and element distribution within the material. The results demonstrated that as the NaCl content in the melt increased, there was a significant rise in both the depth of infiltration and the degree of material degradation. A linear regression model confirmed a very strong positive correlation between NaCl content and the extent of damage (R² = 0.967). Chemical analysis revealed that the silicon content decreases in the infiltrated zone, while aluminum remains stable, indicating superior corrosion resistance of Al₂O₃ compared to SiO₂. EDX analysis also confirmed increased concentrations of sodium and chlorine in the infiltrated areas, complementing the AAS results and providing more precise mapping of the distribution of corrosion products within the material structure. These findings provide a quantitative basis for optimizing the composition of refractory materials and designing protective strategies to extend their service life under the aggressive operating conditions of aluminum production. Full article

AT-hook motif nuclear-localized (AHL) proteins are pivotal in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Nevertheless, there is limited research on AHL proteins in Malus sieversii. Our study identified 25 AHL genes from the M. sieversii genome, named MsAHL1–MsAHL25. The encoded protein sequences had lengths ranging from 195 to 554 amino acids, molecular weights from 19.17 to 58.53 kDa, and isoelectric points from 4.67 to 10.09. Chromosomal mapping revealed that these 25 genes were unevenly distributed across 10 chromosomes. Collinearity analysis of AHL genes in M. sieversii implied that gene loss might have occurred during its evolution. The phylogenetic tree classified the AHL proteins of M. sieversii into two subfamilies, showing a close relationship with multiple proteins of M. domestica. Promoter analysis indicated that the AHL genes in M. sieversii harbored numerous stress- and hormone-responsive elements, suggesting their potential role in various stress responses. qRT-PCR analysis of six representative MsAHLs under biotic and abiotic stresses demonstrated that the expression of MsAHL13, MsAHL15, and MsAHL17 was significantly upregulated under salt, drought, and cold stresses, while MsAHL01 expression was inhibited under low-temperature stress. All six MsAHLs were induced by the pathogen Valsa mali. Subcellular localization analysis of the specifically expressed protein MsAHL13 showed its nuclear location. Furthermore, luciferase and yeast two-hybrid assays confirmed the in vitro physical interaction between the MsAHL13 and MsMYB1 proteins. This research offers an important theoretical basis for further exploration of the functional mechanisms of this gene family in responding to environmental stresses. Full article