Search Results (2,242)

A comprehensive understanding of the evolution and phase transitions of hydrometeors during the development of tropical cyclones (TCs) is essential for advancing research on the mechanisms of TC intensity change. In this study, utilizing the Weather Research and Forecasting numerical model, we simulate the evolution of Super Typhoon Nangka (No. 1511), explore the relationship between the TC intensity variations and the internal hydrometeor distribution, and examine the secondary circulation characteristics. The results indicate that the total content of hydrometeor particles increased during the intensification of Typhoon Nangka. Ice-phase particles expanded outward radially as the typhoon intensified, while liquid-phase particles contracted inward. Ice-phase hydrometeor distributions varied in conjunction with TC intensity variations, whereas liquid-phase hydrometeor variations were closely related to the complex dynamic–thermodynamic–microphysical processes within the typhoon. The spatial pattern of the secondary circulation exhibits high consistency with the distribution of hydrometeor particles. Low-level radial inflow, upper-level radial outflow, and middle-level vertical updrafts played dominant roles in regulating the distribution and transport of particles at different stages. The intensification of Typhoon Nangka was primarily driven by water vapor convergence and the latent heat released by ascending liquid-phase particles near the eyewall, while the stagnation of its intensification was mainly attributed to the resistance exerted by descending ice-phase particles from upper levels and the heat consumption associated with their melting. These findings provide a foundation for better understanding how hydrometeors modulate TC intensity variations and offer valuable insights into energy conversion mechanisms during hydrometeor phase transitions under the influence of secondary circulations. Full article

The use of antioxidants in the dermatocosmetic industry has become increasingly popular to help protect and stabilize other sensitive active ingredients, prolonging the effectiveness and durability of the cosmetic product. Grape pomace, as the main by-product generated through winemaking, and Polygonum cuspidatum, concentrate bioactive metabolites with high antioxidant activity. Hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from grape pomace (Merlot and Feteasca Neagra varieties) and the root and flower of Japanese knotweed, respectively, alone and in mixtures, were characterized, and preliminary assays were conducted for their incorporation in two gel-based cosmetic formulations. The characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of catechin, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, resveratrol, and kaempferol. The hydroalcoholic extract of P. cuspidatum flower and root was found to have the highest content of total phenolic compounds (10.920 ± 0.268 mg GAE/mL, respectively, 4.751 ± 0.072 mg GAE/mL), and the highest antioxidant activity (expressed as DPPH Radical Scavenging Capacity, IC₅₀) by 28.04 ± 1.12 µg GAE/mL and 83.91 ± 1.13 µg GAE/mL, respectively. Catechin was the most abundant polyphenol found in pomace extract (687.87 mg/kg). The type and the concentration of the plant extract used in dermatocosmetic gel formulations influenced their antioxidant activity. Encapsulation of P. cuspidatum flower extract in liposomes prior to their incorporation into the gel formulation demonstrated the role of liposomes in enhancing the stability and modulation of phenolic compound delivery. It is worth noting that this dermatocosmetic formulation, which contains the flower extract of P. cuspidatum, was the subject of a pending patent application. Full article

This study investigated the Yongning Fortress ruins in Taiyuan through a comprehensive analytical approach employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), laser particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and ion chromatography (IC). The research focused on elucidating the disturbance mechanisms and environmental impacts induced by the root systems of five representative herbaceous species on rammed earth structures. The results demonstrated distinct, species-specific disturbance patterns. Melica roots created three-dimensional network damage, Artemisia capillaris primarily caused deep root penetration, Fallopia aubertii exhibited coupled physical–chemical effects, Convolvulus arvensis induced shallow horizontal expansion damage, while Cirsium formed a heterogeneous structure characterized by dense taproots and loose lateral roots. Environmental conditions, particularly moisture content, significantly influenced disturbance intensity. All root activities led to common deterioration processes, including particle rounding, gradation degradation, and formation of organic–mineral composites. Notably, vegetation markedly altered soluble salt distribution patterns, with Cirsium increasing total salt content to 3.7 times that of undisturbed rammed earth (0.48%), while sulfate ion concentration (1.16 × 10⁻³) approached hazardous thresholds. The study established a theoretical framework linking plant traits, disturbance mechanisms, and environmental response, and proposed risk-based zoning strategies for preservation. These outcomes provide significant theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the scientific conservation of rammed earth heritage sites. Full article

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) lack estrogen, progesterone, and express little, if any, HER2 receptors on their surface. No targeted therapies exist for this aggressive form of breast cancer. A library of enriched fractions from marine organisms was screened in a multi-parametric cytotoxicity assay using MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 TNBC cells, grown as spheroids (3D cultures). Spheroids better resemble tumors and are considered more clinically predictive. The assay measures apoptosis via the cleavage of caspase 3/7, viability via DNA content, and loss of membrane integrity via 7AAD staining at 24 h of treatment. Fractions were also tested in a traditional 2D MTT assay at 72 h. A fraction from the sponge Aplysina was active in the 3D assay. Aplysinamisine I was identified as the compound responsible for the activity. Aplysinamisine I induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-268 spheroids with an IC₅₀ of 2.9 ± 0.28 µM at 24 h. This novel activity is the most potent for the compound to date. Its IC₅₀ in the MTT assay at 72 h is >80 µM. Striking synergy with Taxol™ is shown in both cell lines. Proteomic analysis led to a differential protein expression profile. Through bioinformatics, this profile led to the hypothesis that the inhibition of nucleophosmin is the potential mode of action of the compound. However, initial studies show only a modest decrease in nucleophosmin expression in spheroids treated with aplysinamisine I. Full article

This work studies the underexplored potential of Ilex guayusa and demonstrates the influence of geographical (locations: A, B, C) and ontogenetic (young: 0; old: 2) factors on its biochemical profile. The total phenolic content (TPC) was consistently higher than the total flavonoid content (TFC) in all samples, with the highest values for site B: B2 for TPC (77.91 μg GAE/mg extract) and B0 for TFC (6.77 μg QE/mg extract). GC–MS identified 29 metabolites, and clustering analysis grouped samples B and C as rich in phenols and flavonoids, while site A was richer in alcohols, aldehydes, and hydrocarbons. Antioxidant potential was demonstrated, with B2 being the most active in ABTS (TEAC value of 0.3885 (mg/g dw)), whereas A2 and C2 showed the strongest activity in DPPH (0.0968 and 0.1850 (mg/g dw), respectively). No sample exhibited hemolysis and α-amylase inhibition; however, α-glucosidase inhibition was observed with the best activity for B0 (IC₅₀ = 68.05 µg/mL). Molecular docking, ADME, and correlation analyses indicated that B0 had the highest TFC, DPPH, and α-glucosidase inhibition values, while B2 showed the highest TPC and ABTS activity. Overall, the promising antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity combined with low toxicity highlights and expands the therapeutic and applicative potential of the species. Full article

Ficus lindsayana is recognized for its medicinal properties, with previous studies highlighting the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of its latex (FLtA) and root (FRE) extracts. Harvesting these plant parts, however, raises ecological concerns. This study evaluates the phytochemical profiles, safety, and biological activities of F. lindsayana leaf (FL) extracts as more sustainable alternatives. Leaves were extracted using hot water (FLA) and 80% ethanol (FLE), yielding 32.9% and 11.4%, respectively. Metabolomic and targeted HPLC-MS/MS analyses revealed distinct phytochemical compositions. FLE was enriched in flavonoid aglycones and lipophilic compounds, while FLA contained higher levels of polar phenolics. FLA showed greater total phenolic and flavonoid contents and stronger antioxidant activity, with an SC₅₀ of 159 μg/mL for the DPPH assay. In contrast, FLE demonstrated more pronounced anti-inflammatory activity. In LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, FLE significantly reduced nitric oxide production and iNOS expression at both the protein and mRNA levels. FLE also reduced IL-6 secretion in a dose-dependent manner without affecting TNF-α, suggesting selective cytokine modulation. Both extracts exhibited low cytotoxicity (IC₂₀ > 800 µg/mL in most cell types), non-hemolytic properties, and no mutagenic activity in the Drosophila wing spot assay. Compared to root and latex extracts, FLE ranked second in anti-inflammatory potency (FRE > FLE > FLA = FLtA). FLE, therefore represents a promising candidate, combining potent bioactivity with environmental responsibility and supporting the further development of F. lindsayana leaf-derived products for use in functional foods or botanical therapeutics. Full article

This study presents a green, single-step method for synthesizing nanocomposites based on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), using sodium citrate as a mild reducing and stabilizing agent. AuNPs were generated from chloroauric acid (HAuCl₄) directly on the surface of graphene oxide (GO), which was simultaneously reduced to RGO. Structural characterization via Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), High Resolution TEM (HRTEM) and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) confirms spherical AuNPs (10–60 nm) distributed on RGO sheets, with indications of nanoparticle aggregation. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analysis support these findings, suggesting colloidal instability with higher RGO content. Biological evaluation demonstrates dose-dependent cytotoxicity in HaCaT keratinocytes, with IC₅₀ values (half maximal inhibitory concentration) decreasing as RGO content is increased. At moderate dilutions (1–25 µL/100 µL), the composites show acceptable cell viability (>70%). Antibacterial assays reveal strong synergistic effects against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis, with sample RGO/Au 0.500/0.175 g/L showing complete E. coli inhibition at low Au content (0.175 g/L). The composite retained activity even in protein-rich media, suggesting potential for antimicrobial applications. These findings highlight the potential of RGO/AuNPs composites as multifunctional materials for biomedical uses, particularly in antimicrobial coatings and targeted therapeutic strategies. Full article

The increasing demand for red wines, supported by their complex sensory features and rich biochemical composition, has encouraged cultivation in non-traditional viticultural regions. This study investigates the antioxidant potential and volatile composition of three red grape cultivars (Feteasca neagra, Merlot, and Pinot noir) cultivated in the Tarnave Vineyard, Romania, a region historically dedicated to white wines but now increasingly favorable to red varieties due to climate change. Antioxidant capacity, assessed via DPPH, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, identified Feteasca neagra as the most potent (IC₅₀: 115.32 µg/mL; FRAP: 13.45 mmol TE/L). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling identified 61 volatile compounds, with Pinot noir showing the highest concentration (99,018.57 µg/L). Multivariate analysis (ANOVA, PCA) confirmed significant varietal differences and terroir-specific influences on wine composition. Pinot noir was characterized by high levels of higher alcohols, esters, and lactones, yielding a floral and fruity aroma, while Feteasca neagra exhibited intense color, high flavonoid content (notably malvidin-3-glucoside), and vanilla–herbal notes. Merlot presented a balanced sensory profile with significant phenolic acid content. These findings highlight the chemical and sensory potential of the Tarnave Vineyard for premium red wine production. Full article

This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of the wood essential oil from Juniperus morrisonicola Hayata (Jm-EO), an endemic conifer in Taiwan. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed a sesquiterpenoid-rich profile, with cedrol, widdrol, and thujopsen comprising over 55% of the total essential oil content. Jm-EO exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in vitro, notably inhibiting nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages (IC₅₀ = 12.9 μg/mL). Among the major constituents, widdrol demonstrated the most potent anti-inflammatory activity (IC₅₀ = 24.7 μM), followed by thujopsene and cedrol, representing the first report of widdrol’s anti-inflammatory activity. Jm-EO also showed cytotoxic effects against HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells (IC₅₀ = 41.5 μg/mL at 48 h) and achieved complete inhibition of Laetiporus sulphureus at 100 ppm. These findings suggest that Jm-EO is a promising natural resource with potential applications in anti-inflammatory drug development and as an eco-friendly wood preservative. Full article

Oxidative stress (OS) is known to cause severe liver injury in weaning piglets; however, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain poorly understood. In this study, we employed a diquat (DQ)-induced OS model in weanling piglets and performed single-cell transcriptome sequencing of liver tissue to elucidate the key molecular and cellular events involved in OS-induced hepatic damage. First, piglets were treated with 12 mg/kg DQ and the same amount of saline, and the histopathology, biochemical indicators, and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of piglets were analyzed. Mouse hepatocytes were used to verify the mechanism of differentially expressed genes, including STAT3 knockdown/overexpression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection and apoptosis assay. DQ exposure caused significant oxidative damage in the liver of piglets, which was manifested as decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (p < 0.05), glutathione (GSH) consumption (p < 0.05) and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). Cell type-specific responses were revealed by scRNA-seq, with hepatocytes showing the most pronounced transcriptomic alterations (752 genes up-regulated and 918 genes down-regulated). The expression of STAT3 was up-regulated in hepatocytes (p < 0.05) and down-regulated in B cells. The functional enrichment of macrophages involved FOXO/MAPK signaling and OS pathways. In vitro experiments showed that DQ treatment (IC50 = 125.8 μmol/L) led to an increase in ROS content and apoptosis, STAT3 silencing aggravated ROS and apoptosis (p < 0.05), and STAT3 overexpression alleviated ROS and apoptosis (p < 0.05). STAT3 activation increases HO-1 and Bcl-2, while inhibiting Bax and shifting the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio toward cell survival. It has been shown that DQ induces OS and apoptosis in a cell type-dependent manner, in which STAT3 plays a key regulatory role in antioxidant defense and cell survival. Targeting STAT3 may be a therapeutic strategy for DQ-induced hepatotoxicity. Full article

In the Amazonian piedmont, cacao-based agroforestry systems (cAFSs) were significantly influenced by the soil’s physical, hydraulic, and structural characteristics, which largely determined agricultural productivity. A total of 122 plots with cocoa-based agroforestry systems measuring 1000 m² were randomly selected from different farms located in the Amazonian foothills in the department of Caquetá. Different variables related to soil physics and hydrology, as well as production, were determined for each plot. Soil characteristics explain 33% of the total variance in cocoa yield. Sand content (71.2%) correlated positively with yield, while clay (22.62%) and silt (23.99%) correlated negatively. Three soil types were identified: sandy loam (high productivity, yield 1129.07 g) and two variants of sandy clay loam (lower yield, 323.97 g). Hydraulic properties were important, with total porosity of 56.04% and hydraulic conductivity of 20.45 mm h⁻¹. The CCN-51 and ICS-60 clones performed better in sandy loam soils, while ICS-95 and TSH-565 adapted better to sandy clay loam soils with medium stability. The physical and hydric soil properties are crucial factors that directly influence cocoa productivity in agroforestry systems of the Amazon piedmont, where the appropriate selection of clones according to soil characteristics is fundamental to optimize crop productivity and sustainability. Full article

Diabetes mellitus is a characteristic metabolic disorder with diverse complications. α-Amylase and α-glucosidase, as key digestive enzymes regulating blood glucose, are important targets for diabetes prevention and management through their inhibition. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of six porphyrin compounds (TAPP, TCPP, THPP, Cu–TCPP, Fe–TCPP, Ni–TCPP) on two enzymes through in vitro inhibition assays, spectroscopic experiments, and molecular docking techniques. All six compounds effectively inhibited the activities of both enzymes. For α-amylase, the inhibitory potency (IC₅₀ = 13.03–245.04 μg/mL) followed the order TAPP > THPP > TCPP > Fe–TCPP > Ni–TCPP > Cu–TCPP. All six compounds exhibited more potent inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 0.24–25.43 μg/mL), with potency in the order of THPP > Ni–TCPP > Fe–TCPP > TCPP > Cu–TCPP > TAPP. Fluorescence quenching experiments revealed that all compounds statically quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of both enzymes (with Fe–TCPP exhibiting static-dominant mixed quenching against α-amylase), indicating complex formation. These interactions significantly altered the enzymes’ conformations, the microenvironments of Tyr/Trp residues, and secondary structure content, consequently reducing their catalytic activity. By examining the inhibitory impact of porphyrin compounds on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, this research establishes a vital experimental and theoretical basis for diabetes therapeutics. Full article

In cold and arid regions, the mechanical properties and influencing mechanisms of the root–soil interface during the thawing stage remain poorly understood. This study focuses on Alhagi sparsifolia root–clayey sand composites to investigate the effects of temperature (−10 °C to 25 °C), initial soil water content (4–12%), and naturally varying root diameter (4.50–5.05 mm) on root pullout behaviour, and integrates endoscopic macro-observation, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), soil water migration tests, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques to reveal the dominant influencing mechanisms. Key findings reveal the following: (1) An increase in soil water content from 4% to 12%, and a temperature rise from −10 °C to 25 °C led to a maximum reduction in the average peak pullout force (F_T) of roots exceeding 95%. (2) There is a non-monotonic relationship between root diameter and pull-out force, which can be attributed to two distinct failure modes: a newly observed failure mode known as root bark peeling, occurring under high soil moisture conditions (≥8%), and a commonly observed failure mode referred to as partial soil detachment, occurring under low soil moisture conditions (≤6%). (3) The coupling effects of temperature and water content reveal that the increase in temperature predominantly contributes to strength loss (>63%) during the ice–water phase transition (−10 °C to 0 °C), while soil water content primarily influences root pullout behaviour in the liquid water stage (5 °C to 25 °C). (4) As the temperature rises, in soils with low water content (4–6%), the reinforcing effect of roots appears to stabilize at −1 °C, whereas in soils with high water content (8–12%), stabilization occurs only beyond 5 °C. These findings enhance the understanding of root–soil interactions in thawing environments and provide a theoretical basis for soil bioengineering techniques aimed at slope stabilization in cold and arid regions. Full article

Propolis, a natural bee-derived product rich in diverse phytochemicals with potential therapeutic benefits, remains underexplored in Algeria. This study investigated the molecular profile, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity of propolis sourced from two bioclimatically distinct Algerian regions (humid subtropical Batna and hot desert Biskra) using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Significant regional variations were observed, with propolis extract 2 (PE2) exhibiting a higher bioactive content, including a constituent not previously reported in propolis. Antioxidant assays (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), ferric reducing antioxidant power, and phenanthroline) demonstrated that PE2 consistently outperformed propolis extract 1 and the reference standards (DPPH IC₅₀: 27.74 µg/mL; FRAP: 5.16 µg/mL). Antibacterial testing demonstrated potent bactericidal effects, particularly for PE2, with minimum inhibitory concentration values equivalent to the minimum bactericidal concentrations required against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (18.75 µg/mL) and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (133 µg/mL). Molecular docking identified nine bioactive compounds with high KEAP1 binding affinity, with 1,3-O-caffeoyl-dihydrocaffeoylglycerol (first time reported in propolis) showing the strongest binding affinity (−11.02 Kcal/mol). In silico pharmacokinetic predictions further verified its drug-like properties. These findings suggest the tested Algerian propolis samples, as a source of natural alternative antioxidants and antimicrobials, provide a basis for future research in drug discovery and development. Full article

Dark matter dominates the matter content of the Universe, yet its particle nature remains elusive. Among the promising multi-messenger astronomy dark matter candidates are weakly interacting massive particles and superheavy dark matter, both of which may manifest themselves in cosmic ray, $\gamma$-ray, and neutrino signatures through annihilation or decay. Here, we explore potential multi-messenger signals from these candidates in galaxy clusters of the Shapley Supercluster—one of the most massive known structures in the local Universe (located at a distance of ∼200 Mpc and containing over ${10}^{16}{M}_{\odot }$ of dark matter). Using the CLUMPY code, we model $\gamma$-ray and neutrino fluxes for weakly interacting massive particle masses between 0.1 and 100 TeV across various final states, comparing the predictions with the sensitivities of current and forthcoming observatories, including CTAO, IceCube, and KM3NeT. For superheavy dark matter scenarios with masses from ${10}^{19}$ to ${10}^{28}$ eV, we employ HDMSpectra code to compute ultra-high-energy cosmic ray proton and neutrino fluxes in the ranges available for observations using present (Pierre Auger Observatory, IceCube, KM3NeT) and future (GRAND, GCOS, etc.) instruments. Full article