Search Results (24,844)

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder driven by complex interactions between protein aggregation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and cellular dysfunction. Among plant-derived compounds, curcumin has emerged as one of the most extensively studied polyphenols due to its broad spectrum of biological activities. This review provides a critical synthesis of the mechanistic, preclinical, and clinical evidence on curcumin in AD. Experimental studies consistently demonstrate that curcumin modulates key pathogenic processes, including neuroinflammatory signaling, oxidative stress, and amyloid-β aggregation, with more limited evidence for effects on tau pathology. While in vitro studies offer detailed mechanistic insights, in vivo models provide more integrated evidence, including improvements in cognitive performance and reductions in pathological markers. Despite this strong preclinical foundation, the clinical evidence remains limited and inconsistent. Randomized controlled trials have not demonstrated clear therapeutic efficacy, with outcomes strongly influenced by formulation, bioavailability, and study design. Poor solubility, rapid metabolism, and limited brain exposure remain key translational barriers. In response, increasing attention has been directed toward formulation strategies and structurally related compounds. Emerging curcuminoids, such as bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), are discussed as potential next-generation candidates. Preliminary evidence suggests that BDMC may modulate oxidative stress, autophagy, astrocyte senescence, and amyloid-related processes, although the data remain largely preclinical. Overall, curcumin represents a mechanistically rich and preclinically promising multi-target compound but with unresolved translational limitations. Future research should prioritize pharmacokinetic optimization, formulation-dependent validation, and exploration of novel curcuminoid strategies to bridge the gap between experimental findings and clinical application in AD. Full article

Voltage source converters (VSCs), together with their inner current and outer power/voltage control loops, are fundamental building blocks in the modern, converter-dominated power systems, particularly within high-voltage DC (HVDC) frameworks. Selecting effective control methods for VSCs is essential to ensure the stability, power quality, and dynamic performance of HVDC grids. This paper seeks to advance the current body of research by delivering an in-depth, consistent, unified framework and systematic examination of VSC control architectures within HVDC networks. It thoroughly explores various control strategies for VSCs interfacing with HVDC grids, such as grid-following and grid-forming strategies, with particular emphasis on both stationary ($\alpha \beta$) and synchronous (dq) reference frames. Moreover, the paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the theoretical underpinnings and decoupled control strategies, like the feedforward decoupling of the d- and q-axis currents in the dq frame and the inherently decoupled structure of the αβ frame. Additionally, advanced filtering techniques, including Moving Average Filter (MAF), Cascaded Delayed Signal Cancellation (DSC), and LCL filters, are analyzed. In addition, harmonic mitigation strategies, like parallel/multiple resonant (PR) terms in the αβ frame and cascaded notch filters in the dq frame, are presented. Furthermore, precise power control approaches and synchronization methods are discussed in detail. Also, this paper presents a detailed comparison of the performance characteristics of phase-locked loop (PLL) and frequency-locked loop (FLL) in response to grid frequency variations. Moreover, this paper proposes circuit representations and VSC models in both synchronous and stationary reference frames. The simulation results corroborate the theoretical insights discussed in the paper under various operational conditions, including initial responses, grid disturbances, three-phase-to-ground temporary fault scenarios, harmonic distortions, and load imbalances, in terms of overshoot, settling time, active- and reactive-power fluctuation reduction, voltage unbalance factor, total harmonic distortion, and post-fault convergence time, all evaluated in accordance with the limits defined in EN-50160. This comprehensive comparison of the presented control strategies facilitates researchers in identifying the most appropriate controller depending on their specific application requirements. Full article

Anoplophora glabripennis is a destructive forest pest. Elaeagnus angustifolia attracts A. glabripennis for feeding and oviposition, but its gum encapsulates and kills the eggs, functioning as a dead-end trap tree. However, the olfactory mechanisms by which A. glabripennis recognizes E. angustifolia volatiles remain unclear. In this study, we analyzed the antennal transcriptome of female adult A. glabripennis exposed to E. angustifolia volatiles. Ten OBP genes were significantly up-regulated in response to the volatiles, including six Classic OBPs and four Minus-C OBPs (log₂ fold changes: 1.02–3.01). qRT-PCR showed AglaOBP1/2/3 were highly and specifically expressed in the antennae, suggesting key olfactory roles. Static molecular docking showed that all three OBPs bound 22 E. angustifolia volatiles, each displaying the highest affinity for (+)-Longifolene, with AglaOBP1 exhibiting the strongest binding. Nevertheless, 200 ns MD simulations revealed a shift: the AglaOBP3–(+)-Longifolene complex displayed the greatest structural stability, not AglaOBP1. MM/PBSA corrected the initial docking screen and confirmed that AglaOBP3 had the strongest thermodynamic binding affinity for (+)-Longifolene (ΔG_bind = −30.94 ± 2.57 kcal·mol⁻¹). This study provides novel molecular insights into the olfactory recognition of E. angustifolia volatiles in A. glabripennis, laying a foundation for future functional validation and sustainable pest management. Full article

Urban–rural fringes within contaminated regions frequently exhibit severe socio-environmental fragmentation and territorial stigmatization. This study evaluates the implementation of a Successional Agroforestry System (SAFS) in the “Land of Fires” (Southern Italy), which is conceptualized as a multifunctional socio-ecological infrastructure. Adopting a six-year longitudinal case study design (2019–2025), the research utilizes the Gioia methodology to triangulate retrospective field records and systematic monitoring with iterative qualitative narratives. Semi-quantitative and retrospective ecological evaluations indicate that the established multi-layered vertical stratification improved proxy indicators of structural complexity and soil functionality. Estimated soil surface coverage increased from 5.0 ± 1.2% to 85.0 ± 4.3%, while proxy vegetation density rose from 4.8 ± 1.2 to 36.4 ± 4.7 plants/m² (p < 0.001). Beyond these biophysical trends, the intervention catalyzed a “narrative inversion,” transitioning the site from a stigmatized wasteland to a socio-ecological hub that fostered a significant increase in community engagement (from 6.2 ± 1.4 to 34.8 ± 6.5 participants per event). By integrating agroecological practices with the EcoFoodFertility framework, the project highlights the potential of localized interventions to support primary environmental prevention strategies aligned with a One Health paradigm. The findings suggest that this SAFS represents a scalable model for territorial re-signification, offering transferable insights for aligning ecological restoration with social innovation in degraded peri-urban landscapes in accordance with Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) and European Green Deal objectives. Full article

KCTD proteins exhibit significant structural complexity, arising from their modular organization, oligomerization, and intricate biological partnerships. Although their biological importance has been assessed for two decades, the biochemical basis of their activities is only partially understood. This is certainly due to the limited structural information that was available until a few years ago. Fortunately, some recent insightful structural studies and the advent of machine-learning-based approaches are rapidly changing the scenario. By surveying the literature and structural databases and integrating this information with ad hoc 3D-structure predictions, we provide a detailed view of the structural biology of these proteins at different levels: individual domains, full-length oligomers, functional hetero-oligomers formed by different family members, and complexes with functional partners. Collectively, these surveys and analyses provide insights into the family’s evolutionary history and its structure–function relationships. The family-wide coverage of structural information also indicates the extent to which structural similarities are reflected in functional analogies. Finally, the potential functional implications of the intricate architecture of these multimeric proteins and the tendency of their members to hetero-oligomerize are discussed from a functional perspective. Full article

Resistant starch type 3 (RS3) exhibits physiological benefits in regulating post-meal blood sugar levels and enhancing gut microbiota balance. In this study, mung bean starch was isolated and modified through debranching, annealing (ANN) and heat-moisture treatment (HMT). The multi-scale structures investigated by SEM, FT-IR, and XRD unveiled the formation of short-range ordered, helix, and crystalline structures. Notably, RS3 formed through debranching and HMT exhibited both a remarkably high RS content of 54.71% and a low estimated glycemic index (eGI) of 51.78. Statistical evaluation through correlation and stepwise regression analyses suggested that short-range molecular order was the primary factor associated with the resistance of RS3 to enzymatic hydrolysis, while the chain length of B-chains exerted secondary yet notable influences. This work provided novel insights into the interplay between processing methodologies, ordered molecular structures, and starch digestibility resistance. Full article

We present a theoretical study focused on the photoelectron spectrum of near-infrared (NIR) laser-driven ionization of hydrogen atoms by attosecond pulse trains composed of several HHs of the former. We analyze the effects of increasing the intensity of the NIR probe laser to account for the interference of multiple quantum pathways arising from mainbands formed in ionization by the attosecond pulse train within the strong-field approximation (SFA) beyond the commonly used first-order perturbative (in the NIR laser intensity) reconstruction of attosecond beating by interference of two-photon transitions (RABBIT). The structure of the energy bands formed in the photoelectron spectrum is governed by quantum interferences of the photoelectron wave packet released within one optical cycle of the NIR probe laser field—intracycle interference—and by the number of active high harmonic components, leading to higher-order Fourier contributions as a function of the NIR–XUV relative phase delay. We show that Fourier terms can be interpreted in terms of well-defined semiclassical trajectories. Our results demonstrate a significant departure from the standard two-path quantum-interference RABBIT picture, showing that both the phase-dependent oscillations of mainbands and sidebands and the extracted phase delays depend strongly on the probing laser intensity. The predictions of the SFA reveal that the above-threshold ionization bands exhibit systematic splitting and oscillation patterns as a function of the NIR intensity. SFA predictions are compared with results obtained within ab initio solutions of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE), showing an excellent agreement, which evidences the minor effect of the Coulomb potential of the remaining ion on the escaping photoelectron for high energy above-threshold ionization. The precise study of the SFA reference phases is essential for the determination of the effect of the Coulomb potential on the escaping photoelectron for what these findings provide new insights into attosecond chronoscopy in the strong-field regime. Full article

This paper presents the structural characterization of zinc coatings on S235JR steel elements. The study offers a novel and comprehensive assessment of zinc coatings applied to profiled steel elements through hot-dip galvanizing. It examines coatings formed under real industrial production conditions, providing practical insight into their behavior on complex geometries. The characterization includes metallographic, mechanical, diffraction, and tribological tests. Metallographic observations revealed the layered structure of zinc coatings, consisting of the η, ζ, δ, and Γ phases, each with varying chemical compositions and microhardness. All coatings exhibited similar resistance to damage initiation; however, microscopic analysis revealed differences in their subsequent degradation. The thickest coating showed earlier formation of adhesive cracks, indicating increased stress concentration and a faster progression of damage. Full article

The YABBY family consists of plant-specific transcription factors that regulate organ polarity and reproductive development. As a member of this family, CRABS CLAW (CRC) plays crucial roles, but its molecular mechanism in oilseed rape stigma development remains unclear. In this study, we identified YABBY genes in four Brassicaceae species. The results showed that CRC proteins are highly conserved in structure, but their cis-acting elements vary among species. To explore its function, we performed transcriptome sequencing on an oilseed rape CRC-deficient mutant (sd). The transcriptome data revealed multiple changes in the sd mutant. Specifically, brassinosteroid (BR) signaling factors were downregulated. Sugar transporters and auxin-related genes showed abnormal expression. Furthermore, pro-senescence and programmed cell death (PCD) genes were upregulated, whereas the classic senescence pathway remained unchanged. Based on these findings, we propose a potential mechanism. The loss of CRC disrupts BR signaling, sugar transport, and calcium homeostasis. This disruption triggers non-classic death of stigma papilla cells, which hinders pollen tube penetration and reduces seed set. Notably, increasing environmental humidity partially rescued the seed set, likely by delaying cell death. Although these transcriptomic insights warrant further experimental validation, this study provides valuable clues and genetic resources for future research on reproductive development in oilseed rape. Full article

Juvenile hormone (JH) analog insecticides are widely used in pest management because of their ability to disrupt insect growth and metamorphosis; however, the molecular mechanisms linking endocrine disruption to metabolic dysregulation remain incompletely understood. In addition to their established roles in diapause and developmental regulation, JH signaling pathways have also been implicated in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In the present study, we investigated the effects of two JH analogs, pyriproxyfen and hydroprene, on the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, with particular emphasis on lipid metabolic regulation and the function of midgut-enriched fatty acid-binding protein gene (Mg-FABP). Bioassays were performed to evaluate insecticidal activity, and transcriptomic analyses were conducted to identify differentially expressed genes associated with endocrine signaling and lipid metabolism. Functional characterization of Mg-FABP was further performed using RNA interference (RNAi) and Oil Red O staining assays. In addition, the tertiary structure of LmMg-FABP was predicted using AlphaFold 3, and molecular docking analyses were carried out to investigate its interactions with fatty acid ligands. Both pyriproxyfen and hydroprene caused approximately 70% mortality in locust nymphs and induced significant transcriptional changes in pathways related to hormone signaling and lipid metabolism. Transcriptomic analysis revealed pronounced downregulation of Mg-FABP following JH analog exposure. RNAi-mediated silencing of Mg-FABP significantly reduced lipid droplet accumulation in the fat body, indicating that Mg-FABP plays an essential role in lipid transport and metabolic homeostasis in L. migratoria. Structural analyses further demonstrated that LmMg-FABP possesses a conserved tertiary structure highly similar to FABP homologs from other insect species. Molecular docking identified key amino acid residues involved in fatty acid binding and suggested that hydrophobic interactions are critical for ligand stabilization within the binding cavity. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that pyriproxyfen and hydroprene disrupt insect development not only through endocrine imbalance but also through perturbation of Mg-FABP-associated lipid metabolic pathways. This study provides new mechanistic insight into the coordinated interaction between hormonal signaling and lipid metabolism during JH analog exposure and identifies FABP-mediated lipid transport as a potential molecular target for the development of more selective insect growth regulators. Full article

Cardamine hupingshanensis (C. hupingshanensis) is an important dietary source of selenium for humans due to its remarkable capacity for selenium hyperaccumulation. As core components of the SCF (SKP1–Cullin–F-box) ubiquitin ligase complex, F-box proteins play vital roles in plant responses to environmental stress, such as salt and drought. However, information regarding the F-box gene family in C. hupingshanensis and its potential functions in regulating responses to abiotic stress remains limited. In this study, members of the F-box gene family in C. hupingshanensis were identified through sequence alignment. Comprehensive bioinformatic analyses, including analyses of physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, subcellular localization, conserved motifs and domains, gene structure, chromosomal distribution, promoter cis-elements, and gene duplication events, were performed using TBtools and associated online resources. In particular, a total of 548 F-box genes were identified and classified into nine distinct groups based on phylogenetic analysis. Protein sequence analysis predicted 15 conserved motifs and 18 distinct domains across the identified F-box proteins. Promoter analysis suggested the presence of 32 different cis-elements that may be potentially associated with growth, development, hormone signaling, and abiotic stress responses. Furthermore, 283 collinear gene pairs were detected within the C. hupingshanensis genome, providing insights into the possible expansion of this gene family. Quantitative real-time PCR was employed to examine the tissue-specific expression levels of F-box genes in various organs, as well as their expression profiles in response to exogenous selenium, salt, osmotic stress, and abscisic acid treatment. The results indicated that 11 ChFBX genes responded to exogenous selenium, salt, osmotic stress, or abscisic acid. Notably, transgenic plants overexpressing ChFBX171 displayed heightened sensitivity to salt stress during seed germination. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive identification and characterization of 548 F-box genes in C. hupingshanensis and offers valuable insights into the potential role of ChFBX genes, particularly ChFBX171, in mediating responses to abiotic stress. Full article

This study examines the dynamic relationship between financial development and total energy production in emerging market economies (EMEs) using a balanced panel of 20 countries over the period 2000–2020. Unlike much of the existing literature that focuses on energy consumption or specific energy types, this paper conceptualises total energy production as an aggregate supply-capacity indicator that captures infrastructure investment, capital intensity, and long-run energy system expansion. Employing a panel autoregressive distributed lag model with the Pooled Mean Group (ARDL–PMG) estimator, the analysis distinguishes between long-run equilibrium relationships and heterogeneous short-run adjustment dynamics. The results reveal a stable long-run reciprocal relationship between financial development and total energy production, suggesting that deeper financial systems are associated with higher energy production capacity over time, while expansion in energy production is also linked to financial deepening. Short-run dynamics, however, are asymmetric, indicating the presence of adjustment frictions and investment lags in capital-intensive energy sectors. Robustness checks using a two-step System GMM estimator confirm the qualitative consistency of the main findings after accounting for potential endogeneity and simultaneity. Overall, the results highlight the importance of financial system development in supporting aggregate energy supply expansion in EMEs, while underscoring the need to account for transitional constraints and differing adjustment speeds across sectors and countries. The findings offer policy-relevant insights for aligning financial development with energy infrastructure investment during periods of structural transformation. Full article

Schools in Sweden support multilingual students’ language and knowledge development in various ways, including through pedagogical collaboration among multiple professionals. Despite the recognized benefits, however, little is known about how such pedagogical collaboration is understood and practiced by classroom teachers in Sweden. The purpose of the present study is to deepen the understanding of how teachers in the early years of schooling collaborate with heritage language teachers, Swedish as a second language teachers, and special educational needs teachers, in order to support language and knowledge development in second language learners. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 Swedish teachers working in the early years of schooling, i.e., from reception year to Grade 3. The interviews were analyzed thematically. Results showed that teachers generally perceive collaboration with other professionals as beneficial. They conceptualized varying forms of pedagogical collaboration, encompassing frequent and flexible collaboration with close colleagues, interdependent collaboration with heritage language teachers (often complicated by structural constraints), and regular, structured collaboration within the student health team. Identified opportunities associated with pedagogical collaboration included the provision of holistic support for second language learners, as well as opportunities for professional development and collegial support. At the same time, several challenges were highlighted, including time-related and structural constraints that hinder collaboration, as well as language barriers and the influence of individual characteristics. Student health teams were highlighted as important for integrating expertise; however, limited teacher insight and the infrequent inclusion of Swedish as a second language teachers were reported to result in multilingual perspectives being overlooked. This study therefore recommends greater consideration of multilingual expertise in assessments of special educational needs and calls for further research on the role of student health teams in supporting second language learners. Full article

Mitochondrial Lon peptidase 1 (LONP1) is an ATP-dependent AAA⁺ (ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities) protease that has emerged as a key regulator of mitochondrial proteostasis, with functions extending beyond protein quality control. In addition to degrading misfolded and oxidized proteins, LONP1 coordinates mitochondrial DNA maintenance, metabolic remodeling, and stress-responsive signaling. Recent structural and functional advances have expanded the biological significance of LONP1 beyond protein quality control, highlighting its roles in mitochondrial metabolism, genome maintenance, and stress responses. LONP1 dysregulation is increasingly implicated in cancer, metabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, and aging, where it exerts context-dependent effects on cell survival and disease progression. In cancer, LONP1 supports metabolic plasticity, redox adaptation, and therapeutic resistance, whereas in degenerative conditions, its decline contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction and tissue damage. Here, we synthesize recent insights into the structure, mechanisms, and biological functions of LONP1 and discuss their implications for human disease. We further discuss emerging therapeutic strategies and key challenges for targeting LONP1 in human disease. Full article

The ongoing Palestinian conflict, particularly the escalation in Gaza since October 2023, has raised pressing concerns regarding human rights and international justice. This study explores how university students in northern Spain perceive the situation in Palestine, analyzing their levels of knowledge, emotional responses, and critical positioning. Using a mixed-method approach based on an online questionnaire and the Grid Elaboration Method, data were gathered from 147 students enrolled in education-related programs. The findings reveal three core themes in students’ representations of the conflict: resistance as a form of national identity, humanitarian suffering of civilians, and structural injustice perpetuated by global power dynamics. Gender and academic background influenced discursive emphasis, with Social Education students showing more politicized perspectives and women focusing more on Palestinian dignity and resistance. These insights underscore the potential of higher education to foster critical thinking, empathy, and engagement with international conflicts, and highlight the role of universities in cultivating a culture of peace and human rights. Full article