Search Results (3,055)

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity threatens global food security and agricultural sustainability. Transcription factors (TFs) act as master regulators of the complex molecular networks involved in Cd detoxification. This review provides a focused synthesis of the molecular mechanisms governing Cd tolerance in plants, encompassing antioxidant defense, Cd chelation and sequestration, Cd uptake and transport, signal transduction, and damage repair pathways. We highlight the pivotal roles of key TFs in these specific processes, such as OsMYB45 in antioxidant defense, OsIRO2 in regulating chelation and storage, OsNAC5 in modulating Cd transport, and OsE2F in facilitating the repair of DNA and protein damage. Furthermore, we evaluate the potential of harnessing these TF-mediated regulatory mechanisms for developing low-Cd rice varieties. By delineating precise correlations between specific TFs and detoxification pathways, this review proposes actionable molecular strategies to mitigate Cd contamination, thereby contributing to ecological and food safety. Full article

Background and Objectives: Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) is a life-threatening vascular disease with limited effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Although endothelial barrier dysfunction represents an early event in TAAD pathogenesis, the role of endothelial tight junction proteins remains largely undefined. In this study, we systematically explored the function of claudin-5 (CLDN5), an endothelial-specific tight junction sealing protein, in TAAD through integrated bioinformatic, clinical, and experimental approaches. Materials and Methods: In the study, we combined bioinformatic analysis of the CLDN5 gene with clinical and cellular investigations. The clinical cohort included 44 patients with thoracic aortic dissection (TAAD) and 41 healthy controls. Plasma CLDN5 levels were measured by ELISA. Cellular studies involved treating human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and performing CLDN5 knockdown, with barrier function assessed using transendothelial electrical resistance and permeability assays. Results: Plasma CLDN5 was significantly elevated in TAAD patients (14.20 ± 1.394 ng/mL) compared to controls (6.061 ± 0.8208 ng/mL, p < 0.05) and showed strong diagnostic potential with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.7877 (95% CI: 0.6897–0.8857). In cellular experiments, TNF-α treatment induced the release of CLDN5 fragments into the supernatant and reduced membrane CLDN5. Furthermore, CLDN5 knockdown directly impaired endothelial barrier function. Conclusions: Our findings identify CLDN5 as a promising circulating biomarker for TAAD diagnosis and provide new insights into TAAD pathogenesis, offering potential diagnostic strategies. Full article

Drug-induced agranulocytosis is a rare but life-threatening adverse reaction associated with numerous non-chemotherapy drugs. Management relies on immediate drug withdrawal, infection control, and, in selected patients, administration of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). This review summarizes current knowledge on the determinants of epidemiology, clinical presentation, hematologic and biologic features, comorbidities, and outcomes influencing the decision to introduce G-CSF in drug-induced agranulocytosis. Evidence from observational studies and meta-analyses suggests that G-CSF shortens neutropenia duration and hospitalization, although its impact on mortality remains uncertain. The decision to use G-CSF should consider initial neutrophil count, presence of severe infection or sepsis, age, and comorbidities. Despite the accumulated experience, randomized controlled trials are still lacking, and treatment algorithms remain empirical. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is widely used in the treatment of autoimmune rheumatologic diseases due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. However, long-term HCQ therapy carries a risk of irreversible retinal toxicity caused by drug accumulation in the retinal pigment epithelium. The early identification of preclinical retinal changes is essential to prevent permanent visual impairment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCT-A) have emerged as key imaging modalities for the detection of structural and microvascular biomarkers of HCQ retinopathy. A narrative review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed database, focusing on studies published between January 2017 and February 2025. Search terms included “hydroxychloroquine” and “optical coherence tomography.” Eligible studies evaluated HCQ-related retinal toxicity using OCT and/or OCT-A in human subjects. Data were extracted regarding study population characteristics, treatment duration, cumulative HCQ dose, daily dose normalized to real body weight, and reported imaging findings. Results: We identified 223 scientific papers of which 88 studies met the inclusion criteria. Structural OCT parameters—particularly alterations in the ellipsoid zone, outer nuclear layer, and retinal pigment epithelium—were consistently associated with early HCQ toxicity, often preceding functional impairment. OCT-A studies demonstrated microvascular alterations, including reduced vessel density and foveal avascular zone enlargement, though interpretation may be confounded by underlying autoimmune-disease-related vasculopathy. Conclusions: HCQ retinopathy is a potentially vision-threatening condition associated with the cumulative dose, treatment duration, and patient-specific risk factors. OCT and OCT-A provide complementary structural and vascular biomarkers that aid in the detection of subclinical retinal toxicity. The integration of quantitative and automated OCT-derived metrics may improve screening strategies, facilitate early diagnosis, and support personalized care in patients receiving long-term HCQ therapy. Full article

Huizhou covered bridges represent a unique and irreplaceable component of China′s architectural heritage, yet they are increasingly threatened by flash floods. In the Huizhou region, complex mountainous terrain, concentrated intense rainfall, and structural aging jointly exacerbate flood damage risks. Existing flood risk assessment approaches often prioritize external hydrodynamic hazards or assume linear additive effects, overlooking the complex interactions among inherent structural and physical attributes. To address this limitation, this study integrates Random Forest (RF) and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to develop a flood risk assessment framework capable of capturing both nonlinear relationships and configurational (asymmetric) causal mechanisms. Based on field investigations of 89 covered bridges and 116 documented damage cases from 2020 to 2024, the RF model identifies six key risk factors (ACC = 0.79, AUC = 0.87), several of which exhibit pronounced nonlinear and threshold effects. Building on these results, fsQCA further reveals eight equivalent configurational pathways leading to covered bridge damage (solution coverage = 0.66, solution consistency = 0.94), highlighting multiple causal combinations rather than a single dominant driver. The results demonstrate that the disaster resilience of covered bridges emerges from interactions among structural characteristics, management conditions, and spatial scale attributes, rather than from any individual factor alone. Accordingly, this study advocates a shift in protection strategies from conventional “one-size-fits-all” structural reinforcement toward risk-pattern-oriented, precision-based non-structural interventions. By combining predictive modeling with configurational causal analysis, this research provides a system-level understanding of flood-induced damage mechanisms and offers actionable insights for flood risk mitigation and sustainable conservation of covered bridge heritage in Huizhou and comparable regions worldwide. Full article

Background/Objectives: Teacher burnout represents a complex cognitive-emotional syndrome characterized by the interplay between mental exhaustion and emotional dysregulation, threatening educational sustainability during crisis periods. This study employed comprehensive behavioral data analysis to investigate burnout syndrome patterns among Greek teachers during the COVID-19 educational crisis, aiming to identify risk factors and resilience patterns through multiple analytical approaches that capture the syndrome’s multidimensional nature. Methods: A cross-sectional study examined primary and secondary school teachers in Western Greece during the autumn of 2021. Stratified random sampling ensured representativeness across school levels, geographic locations, and employment types. Participants completed the Greek-adapted Maslach Burnout Inventory for Educators, which measured emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. Behavioral data analysis integrated traditional statistical methods with advanced pattern recognition techniques, including classification trees for non-linear relationships, association analysis for behavioral patterns, and cluster analysis for profile identification. Results: The majority of teachers experienced high stress with inadequate coping capabilities. Classification analysis achieved high accuracy in predicting burnout severity, identifying emotional exhaustion as the primary predictor. Deputy teachers demonstrated severe cognitive-emotional strain compared to permanent colleagues across all dimensions, with dramatically reduced personal accomplishment and minimal resources. Association analysis revealed that combined low support and high workload more than doubled burnout risk. Three distinct profiles emerged: Resilient teachers, characterized by older age and permanent employment; At-Risk teachers, showing early warning signs; and Burned Out teachers, predominantly young and in precarious employment. Remote teaching, exceeding half of the workload, significantly increased strain. Multiple regression confirmed emotional exhaustion as the dominant syndrome predictor. Conclusions: Behavioral data analysis revealed complex cognitive-emotional patterns constituting burnout syndrome during educational crisis. Employment precarity emerged as the fundamental vulnerability factor, with young deputy teachers facing dramatically higher syndrome probability compared to supported senior permanent teachers. The syndrome manifests through cascading processes where cognitive overload triggers emotional exhaustion, subsequently reducing personal accomplishment. These findings provide an evidence-based framework for early syndrome identification and targeted interventions addressing both cognitive and emotional dimensions of teacher burnout. Full article

Calanthe aristulifera is an endangered terrestrial orchid that has historically suffered from severe illegal poaching. However, little is understood regarding population dynamics for remaining C. aristulifera populations. This study presented the first record on the size, reproduction rate, and insect visitors of C. aristulifera populations on an oceanic island from 2021 to 2025, to identify threatening factors and provide conservation implications. Throughout the study period, complete absence of fruit set of C. aristulifera was found (natural fruit set ratio: 0%). This reflects the reproductive failure as an on-going threatening factor, regardless of the yearly variations in total number of C. aristulifera individuals (198–253) and flowering rate (62.2–87.4%). The known pollinators (Eucera nipponensis and Lasioglossum occidens) were undetected near C. aristulifera populations, which coincided with complete reproductive failure. Insects like Callipora lata, Episyrphus balteatus, and Bibio tenebrosus visited to C. aristulifera flowers, but direct field and photographic observations showed no pollinia removal by such insects. Overall results highlight that conservation programs should adopt management practices to attract effective pollinators to C. aristulifera populations. Ex situ conservation may also be an option to facilitate in vitro propagation experiments, and help the remaining C. aristulifera to avoid severe reproductive constraints. Full article

Uranium production tailing ponds in Kamyanske (Ukraine) are objects of increased radioecological danger. Violation of the stability and integrity of containment dams threatens the uncontrolled spread of radionuclides. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively assess the factors affecting the technical condition and environmental safety of the Sukhachivske tailing dam. The study included a visual inspection and detailed geophysical work using the natural pulse electromagnetic field of the Earth (NPEMFE) method. This method was chosen to identify hidden filtration paths and stress zones in the body of the earth dam. An analysis of the spatial distribution of waterlogging, filtration, and fissuring in the hydraulic structure was performed. Based on the results of the NPEMFE survey, six zones with varying degrees of waterlogging and stress–strain states of the structure were identified. The presence of externally unmanifested filtration paths and suffusion areas was established, and a tectonic scheme of fracture development in the dam body was compiled. A correlation was found between the dominant azimuths of crack extension (70–79° and 350–359°) and the directions of regional tectonic lineament zones, at the intersection of which the tailing pond is located. It has been established that modern tectonic movements along fault zones create zones of permeability, which serve as primary pathways for water filtration and further development of suffusion. This conclusion introduces a new tectonic feature for risk diagnosis and monitoring of similar hydraulic structures. Full article

Wetlands characterized by the presence of rare and endangered reed plant communities are seriously threatened by hydrological changes and pollution caused by human activity, e.g., drainage, river regulation, and conversion to agricultural land. Despite numerous studies of wetland communities, the “volume of ecological niche” based on Ellenberg indices, i.e., the ecological preferences of vascular plant species, has rarely been analyzed at the level of entire plant communities. Properly defined indicators of microclimatic and habitat factors (ranges of environmental conditions), appropriate for individual rush and sedge communities (specific communities), are very important for the sustainable management of ecosystems and potential restoration processes in renaturation activities. Therefore, a comprehensive floristic and habitat assessment of wetland communities of the Phragmitetea class was conducted in a Natura 2000 site in southeastern Poland (name and number of the Natura 2000 site—Wolica Valley PLH060058), located within the East European Lowland. The communities were analyzed in the context of the variability of individual Ellenberg indices and designated ecological hypervolumes. These were typical rush communities occurring in wet and fertile soils with a neutral or alkaline pH. The microclimatic conditions were typical for these habitats. The studied communities differ in terms of the variability of Ellenberg ecological indices. Some of them are characterized by low ecological niches, while others are characterized by larger ones. The volume of determined multidimensional hypervolumes allowed us to distinguish two communities (Phragmitetum australis and Caricetum rostratae) to have greater generality compared to the others. They can occur in a greater variety of environmental conditions than other communities that require more specific conditions. Other phytocenoses with low hypervolume values (hypervolumes more than 10 times smaller than mentioned before) were distinguished by high habitat specialization. In turn, the analysis of the overlapping of hypervolumes allowed us to group communities into four clusters with similar ranges of Ellenberg indices’ values: (1) Caricetum distichae and Caricetum gracilis; (2) Glycerietum maximae, Iridetum pseudoacori, Caricetum appropinquatae, and Phalaridetum arundinaceae; (3) Phragmitetum australis and Caricetum rostratae; and (4) Caricetum acutiformis, Caricetum vesicariae, and Caricetum elatae. Full article

Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. The kidney is among the organs most susceptible to sepsis-induced injury, and acute kidney injury frequently develops in this context, thereby markedly increasing mortality in affected patients. With continued advances in research, a more comprehensive understanding has been achieved regarding the clinical risk factors, pathophysiological mechanisms, therapeutic responses, and renal recovery processes associated with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI). These advances have strengthened the capacity for prevention, early detection, and effective management of SA-AKI. Despite this progress, substantial gaps remain in the overall understanding of SA-AKI pathogenesis, including the complex interplay among pathophysiological mechanisms and the extensive cross-regulation of multiple signaling pathways. Consequently, SA-AKI remains a major clinical challenge and imposes a substantial global healthcare burden. There is therefore an urgent need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of SA-AKI and to identify more effective therapeutic strategies. Unlike previous reviews that primarily focused on individual mechanisms or isolated therapeutic targets, the present review synthesizes the most recent evidence on SA-AKI. Particular emphasis is placed on its pathogenic processes, associated molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, and emerging therapeutic targets. Special attention is given to the hierarchical relationships among distinct mechanisms during disease progression and their implications for clinical translation. This review aims to inform clinical practice and to identify future research directions, thereby providing valuable insights for both researchers and clinicians in this field. Full article

With the integration of information and communication systems, cyberattacks threaten the normal operation of the power grid. As a critical function, state estimation in the power monitoring and control system is an attractive target for attackers. There are two typical cyberattacks—false data injection attack (FDIA) and network parameter attack (NPA)—that produce incorrect state estimation results, threatening the control and operation of the power system. This paper introduces the first theoretical framework for analyzing the topology robustness of state estimation against FDIA, NPA, and coordinated FDIA+NPA, quantifying the inherent tolerance to injected errors under the DC model. Novel contributions include the following: (1) derivation of analytical bounds on relative state errors for FDIA and similar expressions for NPA and coordinated attacks; (2) proof that sensor measurements, network topology, and branch parameters are key factors influencing robustness, with larger robustness factor amplifying errors in dense or partially measured systems; and (3) validation through extensive MATPOWER simulations on IEEE 14-, 30-, 57-, 118-, and 300-bus systems, confirming bound tightness across scales. These insights enable preventive grid design to enhance resilience against cyber-physical threats. Full article

Although scholarship has long called for attention to the intersection of race and gender in workplace harassment, the experiences of Black Americans remain insufficiently theorized. Existing frameworks often assume harassment to be gender-based in ways that center White women’s victimization, leaving limited conceptual space to understand how Black women and Black men are targeted. In this essay, we synthesize research on racialized sex-based harassment (RSBH) to illustrate how harassment directed at Black Americans is shaped by cultural narratives that simultaneously sexualize, criminalize, and devalue them. Specifically, we introduce sociohistorical archetypes (e.g., Jezebel, Mammy, Sapphire, Mandingo, Brute, Uncle Tom) as cultural mechanisms through which RSBH is enacted, rationalized, and normalized within organizational contexts. We argue that RSBH functions as a mechanism for enforcing racialized gender hierarchy: it draws on sociohistorical meanings attached to Black femininity and masculinity to mark certain identities as inherently available, threatening, or subordinate. We further review evidence linking RSBH to psychological distress, social identity threat, physiological strain, and career stagnation, as well as factors that shape vulnerability and adaptation. By conceptualizing RSBH as a patterned and predictable form of identity-based harm, grounded in the lasting impact of sociohistorical archetypes, rather than a variation of generalized sexual harassment, this work advances theories of harassment and race in organizations. We conclude by outlining implications for measurement, organizational policy, and intervention efforts aimed at disrupting the reproduction of racialized gender inequality at work. Full article

Underground coal mining-induced subsidence threatens farmland resources and ecological sustainability in coal–grain overlapping regions with high groundwater tables, making concurrent mining and reclamation a critical management need. Previous studies have not systematically compared the integrated effects of mining sequence, extraction method, and panel optimization on subsidence control and reclamation efficiency in such regions. This study designed six mining schemes, integrating these three technical factors to investigate spatiotemporal subsidence evolution and the performance of deep digging–shallow filling reclamation. Findings reveal that mining design synergistically regulates short-to-mid-term subsidence: deep–thin seam-first skip mining eliminates initial severe subsidence damage, while shallow-thick seam-first sequential mining induces the most severe early-stage ecological disturbance. After a full extraction of both coal seams, long-term surface damage converges to 2374 ha (1509 ha severe damage), dictated by total extracted coal volume and inherent geological conditions. Reclamation efficiency depended on earthwork availability and terrain adaptability, with the optimal scheme achieving a reclamation rate of 65.00%. The findings identify mining strategies that balance subsidence mitigation and farmland restoration, providing actionable insights for sustainable mining in high-groundwater coal–grain overlapping regions. Full article

Bt Cry toxins remain the cornerstone of transgenic crop protection against Lepidopteran pests, yet field-evolved resistance, particularly in invasive species such as Spodoptera frugiperda and Helicoverpa armigera, can threaten their long-term efficacy. This review presents a comprehensive and unified mechanistic framework that synthesizes current understanding of Bt Cry toxin modes of action and the complex, multilayered regulatory mechanisms of field-evolved resistance. Beyond the classical pore-formation model, emerging evidence highlights signal transduction cascades, immune evasion via suppression of Toll/IMD pathways, and tripartite toxin–host–microbiota interactions that can dynamically modulate protoxin activation and receptor accessibility. Resistance arises from target-site alterations (e.g., ABCC2/ABCC3, Cadherin mutations), altered midgut protease profiles, enhanced immune regeneration, and microbiota-mediated detoxification, orchestrated by transcription factor networks (GATA, FoxA, FTZ-F1), constitutive MAPK hyperactivation (especially MAP4K4-driven cascades), along with preliminary emerging findings on non-coding RNA involvement. Countermeasures now integrate synergistic Cry/Vip pyramiding, CRISPR/Cas9-validated receptor knockouts revealing functional redundancy, Domain III chimerization (e.g., Cry1A.105), phage-assisted continuous evolution (PACE), and the emerging application of AlphaFold3 for structure-guided rational redesign of resistance-breaking variants. Future sustainability hinges on system-level integration of single-cell transcriptomics, midgut-specific CRISPR screens, microbiome engineering, and AI-accelerated protein design to preempt resistance trajectories and secure Bt biotechnology within integrated resistance and pest management frameworks. Full article

Sustained abiotic stress severely impairs fruit crop growth and development. As plants’ primary environmental sensing organ, fruit tree roots experience disrupted morphogenesis and physiological functions, reducing yield, lowering fruit quality, and threatening orchard ecosystem stability. Abiotic stress is diverse: water deficit from drought, extreme temperature fluctuations, and salinization-induced ion imbalance, heavy metal accumulation, or nutrient disorders. Its complexity requires synergistic and crosstalk regulation of multiple root-specific signaling modules and pathways in root stress perception and transduction. When responding to stress, roots activate hormone, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and calcium ion (Ca²⁺) signaling. These pathways mediate early stress recognition and regulate downstream gene expression and physiological metabolic reprogramming via transcription factors (TFs) and other regulators, determining stress tolerance and adaptability. Using typical abiotic stresses as models, this review outlines the composition, activation mechanisms, specificity, and synergistic effects of root-specific signaling modules/pathways, along with modern biotechnologies for decoding these modules and current research limitations, aiming to reveal the root signal network’s integration mode. Full article