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The low efficiency of the microbial gasification of coal limits the application of bio-coal bed methane technology. The co-fermentation of coal and biomass provides a new approach for improving the degradation rate of coal. In this study, a co-fermentation system comprising five different coal orders with five microalgae was constructed in the laboratory, and the methanogenic characteristics of coal–algae co-fermentation and its microbiological mechanism were systematically investigated in terms of gas production, soluble organic matter, and microbial community characteristics. The results showed that the combination of lignite and Nannochloropsis exhibited optimal methane production, with a methane yield of 26.43 mL/g coal. Biogenic methane yields for lignite–Porphyra and anthracite–Porphyra were 23.43 mL and 21.28 mL, respectively, demonstrating the potential for algae to enhance gas production even in high-rank coals. pH monitoring revealed that algal species played a critical role in the acidification process. Dunaliella caused a continuous pH decrease, reaching 3.76 by day 30, while Nannochloropsis maintained a neutral pH of 6.95, optimizing the fermentation environment. Significant differences in soluble organic matter were observed between the lignite and anthracite fermentation systems, with lignite systems producing more volatile fatty acids, including acetic and butyric acids. Microbial community analysis revealed that Methanosarcina, an acetic acid-utilizing methanogen, was dominant in lignite and anthracite systems, while Syntrophomonas played a key role in lignite–Nannochloropsis co-fermentation. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing coal microbial gasification and selecting appropriate algal species to enhance methane production efficiency. Full article

17 pages, 3238 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic LPCVD and PECVD Growth of β-Ga₂O₃ Thin Films for High-Sensitivity and Low-Dose Direct X-Ray Detection

by Lan Yang, Dingyuan Niu, Yong Zhang, Xueping Zhao, Xinxin Li, Jun Zhu and Hai Zhang

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(17), 1360; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15171360 (registering DOI) - 3 Sep 2025

Abstract

Ultra-wide bandgap β-Ga₂O₃ is a promising low-cost alternative to conventional direct X-ray detector materials that are limited by fabrication complexity, instability, or slow temporal response. Here, we comparatively investigate β-Ga₂O₃ thin films grown on c-sapphire by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) and plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD), establishing a quantitative linkage between growth kinetics, microstructure, defect landscape, and X-ray detection figures of merit. The LPCVD-grown film (thickness ≈ 0.289 μm) exhibits layered coalesced grains, a narrower rocking curve (FWHM = 1.840°), and deep-level oxygen-vacancy-assisted high photoconductive gain, yielding a high sensitivity of 1.02 × 10⁵ μC Gy_air⁻¹ cm⁻² at 20 V and a thickness-normalized sensitivity of 3.539 × 10⁵ μCGy_air⁻¹ cm⁻² μm⁻¹. In contrast, the PECVD-grown film (≈1.57 μm) shows dense columnar growth, higher O/Ga stoichiometric proximity, and shallow-trap dominance, enabling a lower dark current, superior dose detection limit (30.13 vs. 57.07 nGy_air s⁻¹), faster recovery, and monotonic SNR improvement with bias. XPS and dual exponential transient analysis corroborate a deep-trap persistent photoconductivity mechanism in LPCVD versus moderated shallow trapping in PECVD. The resulting high-gain vs. low-noise complementary paradigm clarifies defect–gain trade spaces and provides a route to engineer β-Ga₂O₃ thin-film X-ray detectors that simultaneously target high sensitivity, low dose limit, and temporal stability through trap and electric field management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanostructured Semiconductors: Design, Synthesis, Optoelectronic and Electronic Device Applications)

19 pages, 3297 KB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Growth Regulators Promote Petaloidy and Modulate Related Gene Expression in Ornamental Pomegranate

by Yan Huo, Fei Lu, Lili Mu, Han Yang, Wenjie Ding, Zhaohe Yuan and Zunling Zhu

Horticulturae 2025, 11(9), 1059; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11091059 (registering DOI) - 3 Sep 2025

Abstract

Double-petal ornamental pomegranate presents for its enhanced ornamental value. Thus, cultivation techniques that promote petaloidy while modulating related gene expression are desired. To screen out the efficient treatments of plant growth regulator and key genes that enhance petaloidy, this study treated the flower buds of double- and single-petal ornamental pomegranate varieties with different concentrations of plant growth regulators naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), abscisic acid (ABA), and ethephon (ETH) and quantified the number of petalized stamens (NOPSs) and the number of petals (NOPs) in both varieties. Furthermore, we investigated the expression levels of the genes flavin-containing monooxygenase (YUC), IAA-amino acid hydrolase (ILR1),indole-3-acetic acid-amido synthetase (GH3.17), auxin transporter (LAX2), auxin response factor (ARF), auxin-induced in root cultures protein (AIR12), jasmonic acid-amido synthetase (JAR1), and ABA stress ripening-induced protein (ASR) under the different treatments and analyzed their role in regulating relevant phenotypic traits. Plant growth regulator experiments demonstrated that NAA (10 mg/L) significantly increased the number of petalized stamens (NOPSs) and petals (NOPs), MeJA (100 mg/L) significantly increased the number of petalized stamens, while neither ABA nor ETH induced this morphological shift. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that NAA upregulated ILR1, LAX2, ARF, and JAR1 in the stamens of single-petal flowers (StSi) and double-petal flowers (StDo) and petals of single-petal flowers (PeSi) and double-petal flowers (PeDo), with their expression levels strongly positively correlated with NOPS in both single- and double-petal flowers and NOP in double-petal flowers. MeJA upregulated ILR1, GH3.17, LAX2, ARF, and JAR1 in StDo and PeDo and was strongly positively correlated with NOPS and NOP in double-petal flowers. Consequently, NAA (10 mg/L) and MeJA (100 mg/L) were efficient treatments, and ILR1, GH3.17, LAX2, ARF, and JAR1 were identified as key genes in NAA- and MeJA-mediated petaloidy in ornamental pomegranates. Our results provide theoretical support for identifying the formation mechanism and improving industrial cultivation techniques for double-petal pomegranates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Omics Technologies and Regulatory Mechanisms of Ornamental Plants)

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16 pages, 3929 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Compressive Behavior of CFRP-Confined Pre-Damaged Pinus sylvestris var. mongolia Composited Wooden Column

by Sheng Peng, Wei Lou, Yifan Qiao, Lanyu Liu, Huacheng Liu and Dongping Wu

Buildings 2025, 15(17), 3173; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15173173 - 3 Sep 2025

Abstract

In China, most of the ancient wooden structure mortise and tenon buildings, under the long-term upper load, have columns with surface surfaces that have varying degrees of damage, which need to be repaired and strengthened urgently, but the theory related to CFRP, mortise size, and pre-damage simulation still needs to be deeply studied. To investigate the effects of CFRP reinforcement layers, cross-sectional area of concealed tenons as the projected area after installation, and tenon engagement length as the axial length after installation on the axial compressive mechanical properties of pre-damaged quad-segment spliced Pinus sylvestris var. mongolia composited wooden columns, axial compression failure tests were conducted on 10 specimens following pre-damage simulation and CFRP strengthening. The experimental program yielded comprehensive data, including observations, mechanical analyses, load-displacement curves, load-strain curves, ultimate load-bearing capacities, ductility coefficients, and stiffness values. The results demonstrate that with consistent tenon cross-sectional area and engagement length, increasing CFRP layers from 1 to 3 raises the ultimate bearing capacity from 472.3 kN to 620.3 kN and improves the ductility coefficient from 4.67 to 7.95, clearly indicating that CFRP reinforcement significantly enhances axial compressive performance while effectively mitigating brittle failure. When maintaining constant CFRP layers and tenon cross-sectional area, extending the tenon engagement length from 30 mm to 90 mm elevates the bearing capacity from 494.95 kN to 546.3 kN and boosts the ductility coefficient from 5.58 to 7.95. In contrast, with fixed CFRP layers and engagement length, expanding the tenon cross-sectional area from 360 mm² to 810 mm² produces only marginal bearing capacity improvement from 548.2 kN to 556.2 kN with ductility coefficients ranging between 4.67 and 5.56, conclusively revealing that tenon engagement length has substantially greater influence on mechanical properties than cross-sectional area. The optimal axial compressive performance configuration combines 3 CFRP layers, an 810 mm² tenon cross-section, and a 90 mm engagement length. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)

15 pages, 4502 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Comprehensive QR Code Protection and Recovery System Using Secure Encryption, Chromatic Multiplexing, and Wavelength-Based Decoding

by Paola Noemi San Agustin-Crescencio, Leobardo Hernandez-Gonzalez, Pedro Guevara-Lopez, Oswaldo Ulises Juarez-Sandoval, Jazmin Ramirez-Hernandez and Eduardo Salvador Estevez-Encarnacion

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(17), 9708; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179708 (registering DOI) - 3 Sep 2025

Abstract

QR codes (Quick Response) were originally developed by the automotive industry to enable rapid data exchange and have since evolved into versatile tools for commercial applications, such as linking to products or websites. However, the scope of their adoption has expanded into sensitive domains including financial, corporate, and governmental sectors. In order to address increasing security concerns, this work proposes a novel three-layer protection scheme. First, data confidentiality is ensured through encryption—in this study, symmetric AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption is used as an example, though any encryption algorithm can be employed. Second, a multiplexing technique is employed to integrate two independent dichromatic QR codes into a single printed chromatic structure. Third, the recovery of each dichromatic code is achieved through the controlled incidence of specific wavelengths, not only providing improved channel separation but also functioning as a physical access control mechanism. This physical layer restricts unauthorized reading. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Intelligent Software Methodologies, Tools, and Techniques)

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21 pages, 6957 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the Role of Resveratrol in Regulating the Intestinal Function of Megalobrama amblycephala via m⁶A Methylation

by Zhengyan Gu, Qiaoqiao Mu, Linjie Qian, Yan Lin, Wenqiang Jiang, Siyue Lu, Linghong Miao and Xianping Ge

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8587; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178587 (registering DOI) - 3 Sep 2025

Abstract

Resveratrol (RES), a natural polyphenol with lipid metabolism-regulating properties, also demonstrates remarkable efficacy in strengthening intestinal barrier integrity. In order to elucidate the mechanism by which RES ameliorates intestinal damage and lipid metabolism disturbances in Megalobrama amblycephala under a high-fat (HF) diet, a conventional diet (CON), an HF diet (HF), or an HF diet supplemented with 0.6, 3, or 6 g/kg RES (HF + 0.06%, 0.3%, or 0.6% RES) was fed to fish. After 8 weeks, RES supplementation in the HF diet significantly improved the growth performance and alleviated hepatic lipid deposition. Microbiota profiling revealed RES improved intestinal barrier function by reducing α-diversity, Actinobacteria and Bosea abundances, and enriching Firmicutes abundance. RES also maintained the integrity of the intestinal physical barrier and inhibited the inflammatory response. MeRIP-seq analysis indicated that RES modulated intestinal mRNA m⁶A methylation by upregulating methyltransferase-like 3 (mettl3) and downregulating fat mass and obesity-associated gene (fto) and Alk B homolog 5 (alkbh5). Combined RNA-seq and MeRIP-seq data revealed that RES alleviated endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) by upregulating the m⁶A methylation and gene level of heat shock protein 70 (hsp70). Correlation analyses identified significant associations between intestinal microbiota composition and ERS, tight junction, and inflammation. In summary, RES ameliorates lipid dysregulation via a synergistic mechanism involving intestinal microbiota, m⁶A modification, ERS, barrier function, and inflammatory response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genomics)

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21 pages, 2283 KB

Open AccessArticle

Recovery Dynamics of Photosynthetic Performance and Antioxidant Defense in Resurrection Plants Ramonda serbica and Ramonda nathaliae After Freezing-Induced Desiccation

by Bekim Gashi, Fitim Kastrati, Gergana Mihailova, Katya Georgieva, Eva Popova, Erzë Çoçaj, Kimete Lluga-Rizani and Qëndrim Ramshaj

Plants 2025, 14(17), 2760; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14172760 - 3 Sep 2025

Abstract

Resurrection plants such as Ramonda serbica and Ramonda nathaliae are gaining scientific attention due to their exceptional ability to withstand extreme drought and cold. This study is the first to evaluate the changes in photosynthetic activity, antioxidant defense, and the role of protective proteins during the early hours of recovery of these species after freezing-induced desiccation. Specimens collected from natural habitats where temperatures dropped below −10 °C were rehydrated under controlled conditions, and measurements were taken at multiple time points from 1 h up to 7 days after recovery. Both species demonstrated a gradual increase in photosynthesis, with the CO₂ assimilation rate significantly improving after 24 h and reaching full restoration by day 7. This recovery aligned with increases in relative water content and stomatal conductance. Photosystem II efficiency was fully restored within 72 h. Notably, R. nathaliae exhibited higher thermal dissipation during stress than R. serbica. Antioxidant activity peaked between 1 and 3 h of rehydration and returned to baseline by day 7. Additionally, early rehydration stages triggered the accumulation of stress-related proteins such as dehydrins, early light-inducible proteins, small heat shock proteins, and fatty acid amide hydrolase. These results provide valuable insights into the desiccation–rehydration mechanisms of Ramonda species, demonstrating that they fully recover physiological functions within seven days and highlighting species-specific stress responses during early rehydration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology and Metabolism)

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22 pages, 729 KB

Open AccessReview

Creatine Supplementation Combined with Exercise in the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes: Effects on Insulin Resistance and Sarcopenia

by Ewelina Młynarska, Klaudia Leszto, Kinga Katańska, Aleksandra Prusak, Anna Wieczorek, Paulina Jakubowska, Jacek Rysz and Beata Franczyk

Nutrients 2025, 17(17), 2860; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17172860 - 3 Sep 2025

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism, with skeletal muscle being a major site of systemic glucose disposal. This review examines the bidirectional relationship between T2D and sarcopenia, and synthesizes current evidence on how skeletal muscle deterioration and insulin resistance interact to disrupt glucose homeostasis. We summarize molecular mechanisms by which physical exercise enhances glucose uptake via insulin-dependent and insulin-independent pathways, and review the ergogenic and metabolic effects of creatine monohydrate (CrM). We also evaluate studies combining CrM supplementation with resistance or aerobic training and their effects on glycaemic control, muscle mass and function. Overall, combined exercise and creatine supplementation show potential to improve glucose regulation and attenuate muscle loss in older adults and people with T2D. Available data indicate that CrM is well tolerated in healthy and clinical populations when used at recommended doses, with no consistent evidence of adverse renal or hepatic effects. Further large randomized trials are needed to define optimal dosing, training modalities and long-term benefits for metabolic outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise, Diet and Type 2 Diabetes)

14 pages, 1329 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biopolymer Paperboard Impregnation Based on Chitosan and Nanocellulose with Addition of Caffeine and Gallic Acid

by Joanna Młodziejewska, Magdalena Woźniak, Anna Sip, Renata Dobrucka and Izabela Ratajczak

Coatings 2025, 15(9), 1034; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15091034 - 3 Sep 2025

Abstract

In this study, the preparation and detailed characterization of a chitosan (CHT) impregnation system modified with cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and enriched with bioactive compounds—caffeine (CAF) and gallic acid (GA)—applied to the surface of unbleached paperboard were described. Their mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break, and bursting strength), structural features, and surface barrier parameters (water absorption) were evaluated. The antibacterial activity of the formulations comprising 1% chitosan (1% CHT), 1% chitosan with 1% caffeine (1% CHT/1% CAF), and 1% chitosan with 1% gallic acid (1% CHT/1% GA)—applied to enhance the functionality of the coated paperboard—was additionally assessed. The incorporation of cellulose nanofibrils into the coating matrix markedly improved the mechanical performance of the paperboard, particularly in terms of puncture resistance and elongation at break, while all modified coatings retained high burst strength. Impregnations containing gallic acid or caffeine showed similar mechanical characteristics but improved flexibility without compromising structural integrity. Chitosan solutions containing gallic acid and solutions containing caffeine exhibited activity against the tested Gram-positive (S. aureus, L. monocytogenes) and Gram-negative (E. coli, P. aeruginosa) bacterial strains. Antibacterial analysis showed moderate activity against Gram-positive strains and strong inhibition of Gram-negative bacteria, with the 1% CHT/1% GA impregnation giving the largest zone of growth inhibition around the sample—19 mm in the agar diffusion test—indicating the strongest suppression of E. coli. It was found that incorporation of nanocellulose into the chitosan matrix significantly reduces water uptake by treated paperboard surface, which is critical in the context of food packaging. The best result—Cobb₆₀ value of 32.85 g/m²—was achieved for the 1% CHT/1% CNF formulation, corresponding to an 87% reduction in water absorption compared to the uncoated control. The results obtained in this study indicate a promising potential for the use of these impregnation systems in sustainable packaging applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Coatings and Films for Food Packing and Storage, 2nd Edition)

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31 pages, 1536 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Economy Development, Environmental Regulation, and Green Technology Innovation in Manufacturing

by Ku Liang and Yujie Hu

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7955; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177955 (registering DOI) - 3 Sep 2025

Abstract

The development of the digital economy has become a significant driving force for the innovation of green technology in the manufacturing sectors. Green technology innovation in the manufacturing sectors is not only a key engine for realizing economic green transformation and achieving the goal of achieving peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, but also an important path for cultivating new quality productivity. Based on Schumpeter’s endogenous growth theory, in this study, we constructed an analytical model with a unified framework of digital economic development and environmental regulation, systematically explored the mechanism of digital economic development with respect to green technological innovation in the manufacturing sectors and the moderating effect of environmental regulation, and carried out empirical research based on panel data at the provincial level and the level of the subdivided manufacturing sectors in China. We found that the development of the digital economy promotes green technology innovation in the manufacturing industry. However, according to the theory of increasing marginal information costs, it shows a significant nonlinear relationship. Absorptive capacity is the key means of support that manufacturing enterprises can leverage to improve their level of green technological innovation. Environmental regulation plays a crucial role in guiding green technological innovation in the manufacturing sectors. A further heterogeneity analysis showed that the development of the digital economy exerts a stronger positive impact on green technological innovation in cleaner-production-oriented manufacturing sectors and those located in regions with more advanced financial regions and in technology-intensive industries. This study provides theoretical support for understanding the driving mechanisms of green technological innovation in the manufacturing sector against the backdrop of the digital economy, offering practical implications for optimizing environmental regulation policies and enhancing the level of green development in manufacturing. Full article

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19 pages, 5076 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Low-Temperature-Induced Changes in Rice Panicle Architectures and Their Robustness in Extremely Cold-Tolerant Cultivars

by Masato Kisara, Aisha Ahmad Abu and Atsushi Higashitani

Plants 2025, 14(17), 2759; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14172759 - 3 Sep 2025

Abstract

Low-temperature (LT) stress remains a challenge in rice cultivation and breeding. Despite global warming, cold waves cause damage to rice plants, particularly during pollen development. LTs during early panicle formation worsen pollen formation defects, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the effects of low temperatures (19.0 °C and 18.5 °C) throughout reproductive growth on the panicle architecture and fertility of 28 japonica rice varieties with different LT tolerances. LT-sensitive varieties like Sasanishiki and conventional LT-tolerant varieties like Hitomebore showed increased spikelet densities on basal branches, whereas extremely LT-tolerant varieties like Tohoku 234 maintained a stable panicle architecture. RNA sequencing of the early panicles revealed LT-induced expression of stress response genes in all varieties. Compared with Hitomebore and Sasanishiki, in Tohoku 234, the expression of genes involved in flowering and sugar metabolism—such as OsGI and OsTOC1—showed stepwise induction with decreasing temperatures, while the expression of genes related to the cell cycle exhibited stepwise suppression. In addition, 24 genes with variety-specific expression patterns were identified. These findings suggested that LTs during the early reproductive stage increased spikelet numbers, along with total anther numbers, which may reduce the pollen formation capacity within each anther in LT-susceptible varieties. This study offers insights into rice’s LT tolerance mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Functioning Under Abiotic Stress)

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21 pages, 4044 KB

Open AccessArticle

Water-Mediated Competitive Adsorption and Desorption of CO₂ and CH₄ in Coal Seams Under Different Phase States: A Molecular Simulation Study

by Ping Guo, Hanlin Chen, Yunlong Zou, Liming Zhang, Changguo Jing, Bin Wu and Lei Wen

Processes 2025, 13(9), 2829; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13092829 - 3 Sep 2025

Abstract

Unconventional natural gas development requires a deeper insight into how CH₄ and CO₂ adsorb and diffuse in the pores of coal seams. Graphene (GRA) is frequently employed in microscopic mechanism simulations on coal surfaces because its structure closely resembles that of the coal seam matrix. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to systematically investigate the diffusion, adsorption, and desorption behaviors of CH₄ and CO₂ within the pore system of hydrated graphene under three representative temperature and pressure conditions: 190 K-6 MPa, 298 K-0.1 MPa, and 320 K-8 MPa. The results show that heatinfg and depressurization significantly enhance the diffusion ability of gas molecules and promote their desorption from the graphene surface. Low temperature and high pressure are conducive to the formation of a stable adsorption layer, and more hydrogen bond structures are formed between CO₂ and water. However, under high-temperature conditions, this ordered structure is significantly weakened. The density distribution further reveals the spatial distribution characteristics of water molecules and gases and their evolution trends with changes in temperature and pressure. This research is conducive to a deeper understanding of the multiphase behavior of coalbed methane and its regulatory mechanism, providing theoretical support for the gas storage and displacement processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)

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18 pages, 4146 KB

Open AccessArticle

Paeonol Ameliorates Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia via Suppressing Proliferation and NF-κB—In Silico and Experimental Studies

by Han-Young Lee, Min-Seong Lee and Byung-Cheol Lee

Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(9), 1322; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18091322 - 3 Sep 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent urological disorder in aging men, characterized by the enlargement of prostate epithelial and stromal cells, which leads to lower urinary tract symptoms. Paeonol, a bioactive compound derived from Moutan Cortex (Paeonia suffruticosa), exhibits multiple pharmacological properties; however, its therapeutic potential in BPH remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of paeonol in BPH treatment using network pharmacology and in vivo experiments. Methods: Network pharmacology and molecular docking were conducted to identify potential targets of paeonol against BPH. For the in vivo study, testosterone-induced BPH rat models were employed, and efficacy was evaluated through prostate weight assessment, histological examination, and the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis of prostate tissues. Results: In silico analysis revealed key signaling pathways involved in apoptosis, proliferation, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)–protein kinase B (Akt), and inflammation. Paeonol administration significantly reduced prostate weight, volume, and histological hyperplasia in BPH rats. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that paeonol may suppress dihydrotestosterone production by inhibiting 5α-reductase 2 (5AR2) and the androgen receptor (AR), while also downregulating local growth factors, alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (Akt1), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and glutathione reductase (GR) expression. Conclusions: These findings provide novel insights into the multitargeted therapeutic potential of paeonol in BPH by inhibiting 5AR and AR and suppressing proliferation via NF-κB and Akt pathway modulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacotherapy of Diseases Affecting Urinary Tract)

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19 pages, 4961 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ferrate-Modified Biochar Boosts Ryegrass Phytoremediation of Petroleum and Zinc Co-Contaminated Soils

by Xinyu Wang, Guodong Zheng, Zhe Liu and Jie Li

Processes 2025, 13(9), 2827; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13092827 - 3 Sep 2025

Abstract

Phytoremediation is widely acknowledged as a viable method for soil remediation; however, its efficacy remains limited in soils co-polluted with petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals. To overcome this constraint, the present study explored an innovative approach utilizing ferrate-modified biochar (FeBC) to augment phytoremediation efficiency. Experimental findings revealed that ferrate treatment markedly modified the physicochemical characteristics of biochar, yielding thinner, smoother-surfaced structures with pronounced iron enrichment. At a 5% application rate alongside ryegrass cultivation, FeBC exhibited superior remediation performance, achieving 52.0% degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons (notably within the meso-aggregate fraction) and a 19.2% decline in zinc bioavailability via immobilization, thereby reducing zinc uptake in ryegrass tissues. Furthermore, FeBC amendment induced significant shifts in rhizosphere soil biochemistry and microbial ecology, characterized by diminished catalase activity but elevated urease and alkaline phosphatase activities. Phospholipid fatty acid profiling indicated a substantial rise in bacterial biomass (encompassing both Gram-positive and Gram-negative groups), particularly in meso- and micro-aggregates, whereas soil bacterial α-diversity declined markedly, accompanied by distinct compositional changes across aggregate size fractions. These results offer mechanistic insights into the synergistic interaction between FeBC and ryegrass in co-contaminated soil rehabilitation, the aggregate-dependent distribution of remediation effects, and microbial community adaptations to FeBC treatment. Collectively, this study advances the understanding of ferrate-modified biochar’s role in phytoremediation enhancement and clarifies its operational mechanisms in petroleum-zinc co-contaminated soil systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Application of Biotechnology in Environmental Remediation)

24 pages, 3956 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Stepwise Salinity Elevation on Nitrogen Removal and Microbial Properties of Morphologically Distinct Anammox Sludge

by Keying Sun, Huining Zhang, Kefeng Zhang, Jianqing Ma, Zhengmin Pan and Shuting Zhang

Water 2025, 17(17), 2611; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17172611 - 3 Sep 2025

Abstract

The anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process offers potential for saline wastewater treatment but is hindered by salt inhibition. This study investigates the salt tolerance mechanisms of granular (R1), biofilm-carrier (R2), and floccular (R3) sludge in up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors under 0–20 [...] Read more.

{NH}_{4}^{+}

-N) removal at 20 g/L NaCl due to structural stability and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) adaptation (shift from hydrophobic proteins to polysaccharides). Microbial analysis revealed a transition from Planctomycetes/Proteobacteria to salt-tolerant Pseudomonadota, with Candidatus_Kuenenia replacing Candidatus_Brocadia as the dominant anaerobic ammonium oxidation bacteria (AnAOB) (reaching 14.5% abundance in R1). Genetic profiling demonstrated coordinated nitrogen metabolism: Hzs/Hdh inhibition (>85%) and NirBD/NrfAH activation (0.23%) elevated

{NH}_{4}^{+}

-N, while NarGIV/NapA decline (1.10%→0.58%) increased nitrate nitrogen (

{NO}_{3}^{-}

-N). NxrB/NirSK maintained low nitrite nitrogen (

{NO}_{2}^{-}

-N), and GltBD upregulation (0.43%) enhanced osmoregulation. These findings underscore the superior resilience of granular sludge under high salinity, linked to microbial community shifts and metabolic adaptations. This study provides critical insights for optimizing anammox processes in saline environments, emphasizing the importance of biomass morphology and microbial ecology in mitigating salt inhibition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)

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