Search Results (1,349)

Low salinity tolerance during germination and early seedling establishment limits large-scale cultivation of halophytes for forage, food, restoration, and conservation purposes. This study evaluates the potential of redox priming to enhance salt tolerance in the perennial C₄ halophyte grass Urochondra setulosa, which could be used as a revegetation and phytoremediation crop for coastal saline lands. Fresh seeds were found to be non-dormant with ~90% mean final germination (MFG) in distilled water. Redox priming, including hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), melatonin (MT), sodium nitroprusside (SNP; a nitric oxide donor), and ascorbic acid (AsA), significantly accelerated the germination rate index (GRI) and reduced mean germination time (MGT) without altering MFG under non-saline conditions. Salinity severely suppressed germination, as unprimed seeds reached only ~1% MFG with ~99% germination reduction (GR) and near-zero germination stress tolerance index (GSTI) at 200 mM NaCl. All priming treatments significantly improved MFG, GRI, and GSTI and decreased GR, with H₂O₂ priming showing the highest amelioration. Ungerminated seeds from all treatments recovered ~90% germination capacity in water, indicating enforced dormancy owing to osmotic constraints. Salinity did not impair growth in unprimed seedlings. However, MT priming uniquely enhanced total length, leaf area, and seedling vigor index (SVI) at 200 mM NaCl, while MT and SNP priming resulted in the highest chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. Multivariate analyses confirmed MT’s consistent superiority across traits under stress. Thus, H₂O₂ priming optimizes germination, while MT priming improves seedling vigor and offers a practical, targeted strategy to improve early-stage salinity tolerance in U. setulosa for coastal revegetation and sustainable saline agriculture. Full article

Heracleum sosnowskyi is considered to be a dangerous invasive plant species that has successfully naturalized within a variety of plant communities across numerous countries. As a result of its superior competitiveness, the alien species is able to displace the indigenous species from their native habitats, thus changing the ecosystems and decreasing biodiversity. The phytochemicals present in the H. sosnowskyi aqueous extracts were revealed using GC/MS and HPLC/DAD/TOF techniques. Isopsoralen, methoxsalen, (iso)pimpinellin and/or bergapten were determined to be major compounds in the leaf, inflorescence and root extracts. Glutaric, quinic, linolenic, (iso)chlorogenic and other polyphenolic acids were identified in the extracts. Furthermore, a number of furanocoumarins, including hermandiol, bakuchicin, candinols (A and C) and candibirin F, and coumarins, umbelliferone and yunngnins (A and B), were identified in the roots. Additionally, the presence of flavonoids, including astragalin, quercetin 7,3,4-trimethyl ether, nicotiflorin and rutin, has been detected in the flower and leaf extracts. Allelopathic effects of H. sosnowskyi aqueous extracts were tested on four model plants, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and three native Lithuanian meadow herbs, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), timothy (Phleum pratense L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.), using the Petri dish method. H. sosnowskyi flower and leaf extracts demonstrated the strongest inhibitory effects on the germination and growth of the tested plant seeds. At the highest relative concentrations, 0.5 and 1.0, extracts of Sosnowsky’s hogweed inflorescences inhibited timothy seedling growth by 95.47% (from 19.64 ± 2.57 mm to 0.89 ± 0.73 mm) and 100%, respectively. The leaf extracts exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects on white clover seedlings. The highest relative concentrations tested (0.5 and 1.0) suppressed clover seedling growth by 94.66% (from 41.22 ± 2.53 mm to 2.20 ± 0.63 mm) and 100%, respectively. Additionally, the germination rate and vigor index of model plants were assessed. The research is of significance for the regulation and monitoring of the spreading of aggressive H. sosnowskyi plants. Moreover, it is important for the development of natural herbicides based on active phytotoxic compounds from these plants. Full article

This paper examines the impacts of formal and informal environmental regulations on inclusive green development in 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2021 within the context of the digital economy. Inclusive green development is quantified using the Inclusive Green Total Factor Productivity Index. The findings reveal that formal regulations significantly promote inclusive green development through the “innovation compensation” and “employment promotion” effects, whereas informal regulations hinder such development due to the “compliance cost” effect imposed on enterprises. The digital economy amplifies the “compliance cost” and “employment suppression” effects of formal regulations, it reduces the compliance costs associated with informal regulations by enhancing information transparency. Spatial effect analysis further shows that stringent regulations may prompt enterprises to relocate to regions with looser regulatory environments, forming “pollution havens” that degrade environmental quality in surrounding areas. These negative spillover effects outweigh any potential local economic and social benefits. Full article

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by dysregulated immune responses that promote alveolar bone destruction. Targeting inflammatory signaling pathways has therefore become an important area of investigation. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and bone-protective effects of Magnolia kobus DC. extract (MKE) in a ligature-induced periodontitis rat model. Rats were assigned to five groups (n = 5 per group): non-ligature control, ligature control, doxycycline (20 mg/kg), MKE 100 mg/kg, and MKE 400 mg/kg, and treated orally for eight weeks. Periodontal damage and alveolar bone loss were assessed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), gingival index, and tooth mobility. Micro-CT analysis demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in alveolar bone loss, as evidenced by a significant decrease in the cementoenamel junction–alveolar bone crest (CEJ–ABC) distance and reduced furcation involvement in MKE-treated groups compared with the ligature control group, while tooth mobility scores were significantly improved. Serum levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cyclooxygenase-2 were significantly decreased, while nuclear factor kappa-B signaling was suppressed in gingival tissue. The extract also significantly reduced matrix metalloproteinases 3, 8, 9, and 13, and increased collagen type I and II expression. In summary, MKE exerted anti-inflammatory and bone-protective properties, effectively reducing alveolar bone loss and maintaining periodontal structure. These findings support MKE’s potential application as a natural anti-inflammatory and bone-protective agent and as a functional food ingredient for periodontitis prevention and treatment, meriting further clinical evaluation. Full article

As shale gas development extends into deeper formations, the unclear brittle-ductile transition (BDT) mechanism and low fracturing efficiency have emerged as critical bottlenecks, posing challenges to the sustainable and economical utilization of this clean energy resource. This study, focusing on the Liangshang Formation shale of Sichuan Basin’s Pingye-1 Well, pioneers a paradigm shift by identifying Poisson’s ratio ($\mathsf{\nu }$) as the master variable governing this transition. Triaxial tests reveal that $\mathsf{\nu }$ systematically increases with depth, directly regulating the failure mode shift from brittle fracture to ductile flow. Building on this, we innovatively propose the Poisson’s Ratio-regulated Energy-based Brittleness Index (PNE-BI) model. This model achieves a decoupled diagnosis of BDT by quantifying how ν intrinsically orchestrates the energy redistribution between elastic storage and plastic dissipation, utilizing ν as the sole governing variable to regulate energy weighting for rapid and accurate distinction between brittle, transitional, and ductile states. Experiments confirm the $\mathsf{\nu }$-dominated energy evolution: Low $\mathsf{\nu }$ rocks favor elastic energy accumulation, while high $\mathsf{\nu }$ rocks (>0.22) exhibit a dramatic 1520% surge in plastic dissipation, dominating energy consumption (35.9%) and confirming that $\mathsf{\nu }$ enhances ductility by reducing intergranular sliding barriers. Compared to traditional multi-variable models, the PNE-BI model utilizes $\mathsf{\nu }$ values readily obtained from conventional well logs, providing a transformative field-ready tool that significantly reduces the experimental footprint and promotes resource efficiency. It guides toughened fracturing fluid design in ductile zones to suppress premature closure and optimizes injection rates in brittle zones to prevent fracture runaway, thereby enhancing operational longevity and minimizing environmental impact. This work offers a groundbreaking and sustainable solution for boosting the efficiency of mid-deep shale gas development, contributing directly to more responsible and cleaner energy extraction. Full article

To address the challenges of low land use efficiency, soil degradation, and high management costs in Ilex asprella cultivation, this study established an I. asprella–Grona styracifolia intercropping system and systematically evaluated its effects on soil nutrient cycling, microbial communities, and crop growth. Field experiments were conducted in Yunfu City, Guangdong Province, with monoculture (LCK for I. asprella, DCK for G. styracifolia) and three intercropping densities (HDT, LDT, MDT). Combining 16S rRNA sequencing and metagenomics, we analyzed the functional profile of the rhizosphere microbiome. The results showed that intercropping significantly increased the biomass of G. styracifolia, with the medium-density (MDT) treatment increasing plant length and fresh weight by 41.2% and 2.4 times, respectively, compared to monoculture. However, high-density intercropping suppressed the accumulation of medicinal compounds. In terms of soil properties, intercropping significantly enhanced soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and available nitrogen (AN) in the rhizosphere of both plants. Specifically, AN in the I. asprella rhizosphere increased by 18.9%. Soil urease and acid phosphatase activities were also elevated, while pH decreased. Microbial analysis revealed that intercropping reshaped the rhizosphere microbial community structure, significantly increased the Shannon diversity index of bacteria in the G. styracifolia rhizosphere, and enhanced the complexity of the microbial co-occurrence network. Metagenomic analysis further confirmed that intercropping enriched functional genes related to carbon fixation, nitrogen cycling (nitrogen fixation, assimilatory nitrate reduction), and organic phosphorus mineralization (the phoD gene), thereby driving the transformation and availability of soil nutrients. These findings demonstrate that the I. asprella–G. styracifolia intercropping system, particularly at medium density, effectively improves soil fertility and land use efficiency by regulating rhizosphere microbial functions, providing a theoretical basis for the sustainable ecological cultivation of I. asprella. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics have emerged as contaminants of global concern, posing potential threats to ecosystem security and organismal health. To investigate the individual and combined toxicity of microplastics (PS-MPs) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX), we conducted a 120 h acute exposure experiment using embryo–larval zebrafish as a toxicological model. Our findings demonstrate that both PS-MPs and SMX can induce neurodevelopmental toxicity in embryo–larval zebrafish during embryonic development. Notably, PS-MPs and SMX exerted a significant synergistic effect. PS-MPs 1 µm in diameter were restricted to the chorion surface of pre-hatching zebrafish, whereas post-hatching, PS-MPs accumulated mainly in the gut and gills, with accumulation levels increasing progressively with exposure duration. Individual exposure to PS-MPs or SMX reduced spontaneous locomotion, decreased heart rate, and shortened body length in embryo–larval zebrafish. In addition to exacerbating these effects, coexposure further increased the incidence of malformations such as pericardial effusion and spinal curvature. PS-MPs and SMX significantly decreased the levels of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in zebrafish while also suppressing acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and increasing acetylcholine (ACh) levels. Moreover, upon coexposure at high concentrations, PS-MPs and SMX acted synergistically to reduce the levels of DA and GABA. The downregulation of key neurodevelopmental genes (elavl3, gap43, and syn2a) and related neurotransmitter pathway genes indicates that PS-MPs and SMX impaired structural development and functional regulation of the nervous system. An integrated biomarker response (IBR) index confirmed that PS-MPs and SMX significantly enhanced developmental neurotoxicity during early neurodevelopment in embryo–larval zebrafish through synergistic effects. Our study provides critical toxicological evidence for the scientific assessment of the ecological risks posed by microplastic–antibiotic cocontamination. Full article

Selective inhibition of CYP17A1 17,20-lyase is critical for treating hyperandrogenic disorders without the cortisol-depleting side effects of non-selective drugs like abiraterone. We evaluated tanshinones from Salvia miltiorrhiza as potential selective inhibitors using biochemical assays and computational modeling. Dihydrotanshinone (DT) emerged as the superior candidate; at 10 µM, it inhibited 17,20-lyase activity by 56.6% while preserving >93% of 17α-hydroxylase activity. This yields a selectivity index of 8.67, drastically outperforming abiraterone (0.73). Furthermore, DT displayed minimal off-target inhibition of CYP21A2 (14.9%) compared to abiraterone (29.8%). Molecular modeling suggests DT’s efficacy arises from a unique, functionally disruptive binding pose rather than superior thermodynamic affinity. Consequently, DT is validated as a potent natural product lead. Its dual selectivity over 17α-hydroxylase and CYP21A2 establishes the tanshinone scaffold as a promising candidate for developing safer therapies that suppress androgens while sparing cortisol biosynthesis. Full article

Modular multilevel converter (MMC) is widely employed in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems for the long-distance renewable energy transmission, where the larger submodule (SM) capacitors significantly increase its size, weight and cost. Conventional capacitor voltage fluctuation suppression methods, such as composite harmonic injection (CHI) strategies, can achieve lightweight MMC. However, these approaches often neglect the dynamic constraints between harmonic injection parameters and their coupled effect on modulation wave, which not only leads to suboptimal global solutions but also increases the risk of system overshoot. Therefore, this paper proposes a comprehensive CHI parameters optimization method to minimize capacitor voltage fluctuations, thereby allowing for a smaller SM capacitor. First, the analytical expression of SM average capacitor voltage is developed, incorporating the injected second-order harmonic circulating current and third-order harmonic voltage. On this basis, an objective function is defined to minimize the sum of the fundamental and second-order harmonic components of the average capacitor voltage, with the harmonic injection parameters and modulation index as optimization variables. Then, these parameters are optimized using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, where their constraints are set to prevent modulation wave overshoot and additional power loss. Finally, the optimization method is validated through a ±500 kV, 1500 MW MMC-HVDC system under various power conditions in PSCAD/EMTDC (version 4.6.3). In addition, simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve a 13.33% greater reduction in SM capacitance value compared to conventional strategies. Full article

Background: As a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, cisplatin frequently induces acute kidney injury (AKI), which severely compromises patient survival and limits its clinical use. While the natural flavonoid diosmetin (Dio) shows promise in mitigating cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, its clinical translation is challenged by poor solubility, low bioavailability, and incompletely elucidated mechanisms. This study aimed to overcome these limitations by developing a novel drug delivery system using the microalgae Dunaliella salina (D. salina, Ds) to load Dio (Ds-Dio), thereby enhancing its efficacy and exploring its therapeutic potential. Methods: We first characterized the physicochemical properties of Ds and Dio, and then Ds-Dio complex was synthesized via co-incubation. Its nephroprotective efficacy and safety were systematically evaluated in a cisplatin-induced mouse AKI model by assessing renal function (serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen), injury biomarkers, histopathology, body weight, and organ index. The underlying mechanism was predicted by network pharmacology and subsequently validated experimentally. Results: The novel Ds-Dio delivery system has been successfully established. In the AKI model, Ds-Dio significantly improved renal function and exhibited a superior protective effect over Dio alone; this benefit is attributed to the enhanced bioavailability provided by Ds carrier. In addition, Ds-Dio also demonstrated safety performance, with no evidence of toxicity to major organs. Network pharmacology analysis predicted the involvement of PI3K/AKT pathway, which was experimentally verified. Specifically, we confirmed that Ds-Dio alleviates AKI by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway, resulting in concurrent suppression of NF-κB-mediated inflammation and activation of NRF2-dependent antioxidant responses. Conclusions: This study successfully developed a microalgae-based drug delivery system, Ds-Dio, which significantly enhances the nephroprotective efficacy of Dio against cisplatin-induced AKI. The nephroprotective mechanism is associated with modulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, resulting in the simultaneous attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Full article

Aging-associated facial hyperpigmentation is driven not only by enhanced melanogenesis but also by dermal senescence and deterioration of the dermal–epidermal junction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether monopolar radiofrequency (MRF) monotherapy can improve aging-related facial hyperpigmentation by simultaneously suppressing melanogenic signaling and restoring senescence-associated dermal alterations. We assumed that deep dermal heating induced by MRF would modulate fibroblast senescence and basement membrane integrity, thereby indirectly regulating melanocyte activity. In a retrospective review of 26 Asian women, MRF treatment significantly decreased multiple pigmentation parameters, including melanin level, hyperconcentration, and Hemi Melasma Area and Severity Index (hemi-MASI) scores, while concurrently reducing wrinkles, pores, and enhanced overall skin texture without inducing inflammation. Complementary ex vivo experiments using ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated human skin demonstrated that MRF markedly reduced pro-melanogenic markers (α-MSH, MC1R, MITF, TYR, TRP1/2), restored collagen type IV expression at the basement membrane, decreased senescence-associated genes (p16, p21), and upregulated protective heat shock proteins (HSP70/47). Together, these findings suggest that MRF improves aging-associated hyperpigmentation by both suppressing melanogenesis and rejuvenating the senescent dermal microenvironment. MRF may serve as an effective non-invasive treatment option for pigmentation disorders in aging skin. Full article

Supply–demand balance in wind–solar dominant energy transition is challenged by the volatility of wind–solar power. Complementarity of wind–solar power has been introduced to suppress this volatility. Although multiple indices have been developed to quantify complementarity, a quantitative index with explicit physical meaning remains lacking. Additionally, complementarity’s temporal stability, which is imperative for wind–solar site selection, is unclear. In this study, these knowledge gaps are closed through developing a Daily Complementarity Index of wind–solar generation (DCI) and a nuanced national assessment of complementarity in China. The results of the comparison of our index with existing indices and site validation confirm the reasonability of the DCI and its improvements in interpretability. The average DCI of China ranges from 0.06 to 0.88, with a pronounced low-DCI zone across the Sichuan Basin and Chongqing municipality, and a high–DCI zone along the Three-North Shelterbelt. Temporally, the complementarity of wind–solar power in China follows a slight increase trend (3.96 × 10⁻⁵ year⁻¹), with evident seasonal characteristics, in which the highest and lowest are 0.37 and 0.17, respectively. This study introduces an effective tool for quantifying complementarity, and these findings can offer valuable reference for China’s renewable energy transition. Full article

Juniperus communis L. is a conifer widely used in traditional European medicine for the management of inflammatory disorders. However, its effects on oxidative stress and inflammation remain incompletely characterized. The present study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of an ethanolic needle extract of J. communis using in vitro assays and an in vivo model of acute inflammation induced by turpentine oil in rats. Phytochemical profiling by HPLC–DAD–ESI–MS revealed a polyphenol-rich extract dominated by flavonols, flavanols, and hydroxybenzoic acids, with quercetin derivatives and taxifolin as major constituents. In vitro analyses demonstrated radical-scavenging and reducing capacities, exceeding or comparable to reference antioxidants in DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, ferric-reducing, and nitric oxide scavenging assays. In vivo, both therapeutic and prophylactic administration of the extract significantly attenuated oxidative and nitrosative stress, as evidenced by reductions in total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, nitric oxide, 3-nitrotyrosine, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, alongside restoration of total antioxidant capacity and thiol levels. These effects were concentration-dependent. Concomitantly, inflammatory signaling was suppressed, with decreased NF-κB activity and reduced levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18. These results support the use of these extracts, whose benefits have been observed in traditional medicine, providing scientific support for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of J. communis extract. Full article

The increasing contamination of agricultural soils with microplastics (MPs) represents an emerging environmental challenge. While conventional plastics such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) persist for decades, biodegradable alternatives like polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) are promoted as eco-friendly solutions. However, their environmental safety for crop plants and soil microbiota remains poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the effects of LDPE and PBAT microplastics (1% w/w) on the growth and physiological state of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivated in soil, either alone or in combination with the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and the plant-beneficial fungus Trichoderma citrinoviride. Growth parameters (root and shoot length and mass), germination index, chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activity, and lipidomic profiles of wheat were assessed. PBAT stimulated biomass accumulation but simultaneously triggered oxidative stress and remodeled membrane phospholipids, indicating physiological disturbance. T. citrinoviride enhanced wheat growth and mitigated oxidative stress under non-contaminated conditions; however, its beneficial effect was generally suppressed in the presence of PBAT and/or 2,4-D. The results suggest that, despite its biodegradability, PBAT may pose a higher phytotoxic potential than conventional LDPE, particularly by altering oxidative balance and membrane lipid composition in wheat. Full article

The Norway spruce (Picea abies) is a forest resource whose by-products contain bioactive compounds such as galactoglucomannan (GGM), catechin, and epicatechin, recognized for their antioxidant and chemopreventive potential. Within a food-related valorization context, we evaluated the antiproliferative, antimetastatic, genotoxic, and antimalarial activities of the Norway spruce by-product extract (NSBE). Considering its chemical composition and multifunctional bioactive profile, NSBE is investigated for its potential application as a functional food ingredient. NSBE exhibited concentration-dependent antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects two cancer cell lines (A549 and HCT-8), reducing cell adhesion by 33.96% in A549 cells and 40.15% in HCT-8 cells, and suppressing clonogenic capacity by up to 90% and 75%, respectively. The extract preserved basal chromosomal integrity and demonstrated a cytoprotective effect at 10 µg GAE/mL, reducing cisplatin-induced genotoxicity. Additionally, in antiplasmodial assays, NSBE showed potent inhibition of two Plasmodium falciparum strains: W2 (chloroquine-resistant) and 3D7 (chloroquine-sensitive) strains, with IC₅₀ values below 3.5 µg GAE/mL. This activity was supported by a selectivity index (SI) of 13, exceeding the recommended threshold for natural antimalarial candidates. Altogether, these findings highlight the NSBE as a sustainable and multifunctional food ingredient with relevant antiproliferative and antiplasmodial properties, supporting its cytoprotective and chemopreventive potential within a functional food framework. Full article