Search Results (1,501)

Anomalopsychidae Flint, 1981, is a small family of caddisflies comprising two genera: the monotypic Anomalopsyche Flint, 1967, and Contulma Flint, 1969, including 31 described species grouped into the cranifer and spinosa species groups. The genus Contulma is distributed across Costa Rica, the Andes, and the mountainous areas of Brazil and Chile, with six species recorded in Brazil, primarily from the Atlantic Forest biome in the southeastern region. In this study, we describe and illustrate a new species of Contulma from the Cerrado biome of São Paulo State, representing the first record of the genus in this biome. Male specimens were collected using Malaise traps in a stream within a protected area. The new species is distinguished by the presence of both a strongly sclerotized dorsomesal process and a strongly dorsolateral process on tergum IX and by an extremely deep cleft in the posteromesal process of sternum IX, dividing it into two narrow, digitated lobes. Based on its unique combination of characters, the new species cannot be placed unambiguously in either of the species groups. Consequently, C. assisensis sp. nov. is here treated as incertae sedis within Contulma. With this addition, seven species of Contulma are now known from Brazil, most of which are recorded from the Atlantic Forest (6 spp.), especially in the mountainous areas of southeastern Brazil. The discovery of this new species in the Cerrado highlights the underestimated diversity of the genus in Brazil and underscores the importance of regional taxonomic studies for addressing biogeographic and diversity knowledge gaps. The identification key provided enables the differentiation of the seven Contulma species now known from Brazil. Full article

K-Rev Interaction Trapped protein-1 (KRIT1) is a scaffold protein that forms functional protein complexes involved in physiologically important signaling networks. While it is primarily recognized for its association with Cerebral Cavernous Malformations (CCMs), KRIT1 may also play critical roles in tumor formation and the acquisition of malignant phenotypes, regulating cell adhesion, cytoskeletal dynamics, and angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the role of KRIT1 in cancer cell migration and metastasis, with a focus on identifying novel interacting proteins and characterizing the intracellular signaling pathways activated upon its loss. By using a yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified Kinesin Family Member 1C (KIF1C), a protein involved in regulating podosome and invadopodium elongation, as a novel binding partner of KRIT1, and the interaction was confirmed in melanoma and epithelial cancer cells. In silico docking and interaction interface analyses supported the KRIT1–KIF1C interaction, providing structural insight into the binding mode as shown experimentally. We also found that SRC and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation, as well as Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) expression, represent additional pathways affected by the loss of KRIT1. This study confirms our earlier hypothesis that KRIT1 functions as a tumor suppressor and uncovers a compelling link between its loss and enhanced cancer aggressiveness. Full article

Mucins are highly glycosylated proteins that form the structural basis of mucus and represent a key component of innate immunity at mucosal surfaces, particularly in the respiratory tract. Beyond their mechanical barrier function, mucins actively participate in pathogen trapping, regulation of mucociliary clearance, modulation of inflammatory responses, and maintenance of epithelial homeostasis. Dysregulation of mucin synthesis, composition, or transport contributes to mucus hypersecretion, impaired airway clearance, and chronic inflammation in respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis. This review summarizes current insights into mucin biology, including their biosynthesis, structure, classification, and regulation, with emphasis on the gel-forming mucins MUC5AC and MUC5B. The role of mucins in mechanical protection, host–pathogen interactions, control of inflammation, and coordination of innate immune responses is reviewed. Attention is given to the interplay between mucins, immune cells, and microbial communities in maintaining airway barrier integrity. The article further examines mucoactive therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring mucus barrier function. Expectorants, mucolytics, mucoregulators, and mucokinetic agents are reviewed with respect to their mechanisms of action and clinical relevance. Established drugs, including N-acetylcysteine, carbocysteine, dornase alfa, ambroxol, and hypertonic solutions, are considered alongside emerging molecular targets such as NF-κB-dependent regulation of mucin expression, calcium-activated chloride channels, MARCKS-mediated mucin exocytosis, purinergic signaling pathways, and NO/cGMP signaling. Non-pharmacological approaches, including airway clearance techniques and respiratory rehabilitation, are covered concisely. Conclusions: Overall, this review highlights mucins as dynamic regulators of innate immunity and underscores the need for mechanism-based, personalized mucoactive therapies to improve outcomes in chronic inflammatory airway diseases. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide with complex pathogenesis and no approved specific therapy. Siraitia grosvenorii is a widely used medicinal and edible herb, yet its efficacy and underlying mechanisms against MAFLD remain poorly defined. This study explored the protective effects and potential mechanisms of aqueous extract of Siraitia grosvenorii (AESG) on MAFLD. Based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-linear trap quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) analysis, 38 components in AESG were tentatively assigned, with tetracyclic triterpene saponins being the most abundant. In high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MAFLD mice, AESG significantly attenuated body weight gain, reduced plasma total cholesterol (T-CHO) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, and dramatically decreased hepatic triglyceride (TG) accumulation from 0.0141 mmol/g in the model group to 0.0063 mmol/g in the low-dose AESG group, corresponding to a reduction of 55.00%. AESG also alleviated plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, and improved hepatocyte steatosis. Furthermore, AESG restored HFD-induced gut dysbiosis by enriching beneficial bacteria including Akkermansia and suppressing harmful bacteria such as Ruminococcus. In free fatty acids (FFA) stimulated HepG2 cells, AESG suppressed de novo lipogenesis via downregulating Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN), Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC) and Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein 1c (SREBP1c), and enhanced antioxidant capacity via activating the Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2)/Heme Oxygenase 1 (HO-1)/Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) pathway, thereby attenuating lipid accumulation and oxidative stress. In conclusion, AESG ameliorates MAFLD by inhibiting lipogenesis, improving oxidative stress, and regulating gut microbiota. These findings support Siraitia grosvenorii as a promising natural dietary intervention for MAFLD prevention and adjuvant therapy. Full article

Sodium metal batteries (SMBs) are promising energy storage systems, yet their practical application is hindered by unstable solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) and safety issues associated with flammable electrolytes. Although the flame-retardant solvent trimethyl phosphate (TMP) is widely used in rechargeable batteries, its application in SMBs remains constrained due to uncontrolled and accumulated parasitic reactions with sodium metal anodes. Here, we propose a novel synergistic strategy that combines a fluorinated additive (FEC) with a low-cost, high-concentration NaClO₄ to stabilize the electrode–electrolyte interface in TMP-based electrolytes. This approach enables the formation of a robust, NaF-rich SEI while restructuring the Na⁺ solvation sheath to coordinately trap TMP molecules, thereby suppressing parasitic reactions between sodium metal and TMP. As a result, the Na|Na₃(VOPO₄)₂F cell achieves exceptional cycling stability with 89.04% capacity retention over 1000 cycles at 1C. This work provides a cost-effective and practical pathway toward safe and long-lasting SMBs using non-flammable phosphate electrolytes. Full article

In the present work, the blackening process of Panax quinquefolius L. (PQ) was systematically investigated at temperatures of 70–90 °C, relative humidities (RHs) of 70–85%, and treatment times of 0–14 days. Ginsenoside compositions and transformation pathways were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography coupled with ion trap time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-IT-TOF-MS/MS). The results demonstrated that blackening treatment significantly increased total saponin content from 2.72% to 5.73% after being treated at 80 °C and 70% RH for 12 days, accompanied by the highest conversion efficiencies for newly generated ginsenosides Rk1 (8.89 mg/g) and Rg5 (17.69 mg/g). Furthermore, compared with untreated PQ saponins (PQS), the blackened PQ saponins treated under optimal conditions (BPQS) exhibited superior 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation (ABTS⁺) radical scavenging activities, with IC₅₀ values of 0.2999 mg/mL and 0.2640 mg/mL, respectively, as well as stronger reducing power. Meanwhile, BPQS exhibited higher cytotoxicity toward HepG2 cells and effectively inhibited cell survival and proliferation by promoting the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, including caspase 3 and caspase 9. Our findings indicate that BPQS may be a functional ingredient suitable for use in dietary supplements and disease chemoprevention. Full article

To overcome the inherent limitations of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), specifically the rapid recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and its confined light absorption range, a sulfur-doped g-C₃N₄ (S-g-C₃N₄) photocatalyst was developed in this work. The photocatalytic performance and its catalytic mechanism for rhodamine B (RhB) degradation were systematically investigated. Material characterization and performance tests revealed that S doping can narrow the band gap of g-C₃N₄ and effectively enhance the separation and transport efficiency of charge carriers. The as-prepared catalyst demonstrated excellent activity under simulated sunlight, achieving nearly complete degradation of 10 mg/L RhB within 15 min. Moreover, it exhibited robust stability across a pH range of 6 to 11 and in the presence of coexisting anions (Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, CO₃²⁻), with negligible activity loss after five consecutive cycles. Radical trapping experiments verified that ∙OH radicals served as the primary active species, with h⁺ playing a secondary role in the degradation process. This work provides practical guidance for designing durable g-C₃N₄-based photocatalysts with high performance for organic wastewater treatment. Full article

Secondary electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (SESI-MS) has emerged as a powerful technique for the real-time, non-invasive analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in complex matrices, such as exhaled breath and microbial volatilomes. However, its transition to routine application is hindered by significant challenges in absolute quantification, unambiguous identification, and standardization. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these limitations and the emerging solutions proposed to overcome them. Matrix effects, including gas-phase ion suppression and C-trap competition, are examined alongside mitigation strategies such as spectral stitching and standard addition. To enhance quantification stability, advanced standard delivery systems and dynamic quality control protocols are evaluated. The identification bottleneck—stemming from the absence of chromatographic separation—is addressed through the use of curated databases and advanced fragmentation techniques, such as incremental quadrupole acquisition to resolve overlapping spectra (IQAROS), to resolve isobaric interferences. Furthermore, the role of chemometrics in extracting biological fingerprints is discussed. Finally, the need for harmonized reporting standards and multicenter validation is emphasized to ensure cross-study reproducibility. Resolving these methodological gaps is essential for the clinical and industrial translation of SESI-MS. Full article

Photocatalytic H₂O₂ synthesis emerges as a promising green substitute for the energy-intensive anthraquinone process, yet its efficiency is limited by rapid charge recombination and limited surface active sites in bulk polymeric semiconductors. Herein, we report a topology-directed strategy to tailor the interlayer interactions of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), yielding ultrathin nanosheets with optimized electronic structures. The resulting catalyst exhibits an exceptional H₂O₂ production rate of 1.34 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ under visible light, surpassing bulk g-C₃N₄ by a factor of 2.48. Water contact angle measurements confirm the superior hydrophilicity of the engineered nanosheets, facilitating interfacial mass transfer, while in situ FTIR and EPR spectroscopies unravel that the abundant exposed active sites optimize the adsorption configuration of the key *OOH intermediate and promote the generation of •O₂⁻ and •OH radicals. Regarding charge transfer dynamics, in situ EPR trapping experiments and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) reveal that the attenuated interlayer coupling induces a robust internal electric field, effectively suppressing carrier recombination and prolonging the exciton lifetime by a factor of 1.249. This work establishes a quantitative structure–activity relationship between interlayer engineering and exciton dynamics, offering a reliable protocol for the rational design of high-performance molecular photocatalysts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Osteoporosis is a progressive systemic skeletal disease, with male osteoporosis emerging as a critical global concern due to high morbidity and mortality from fractures. This study investigated the anti-osteoporotic potential of CGAC—a herbal mixture of Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, Glycine max (L.) Merr., Angelica gigas Nakai, and Cnidium officinale Makino—and its underlying mechanisms in an orchiectomized (ORX) mouse model. Methods: C57BL/6J mice underwent ORX for 8 weeks, followed by CGAC administration (250 and 500 mg/kg) for an additional 8 weeks. Molecular mechanisms were further validated using MG63 osteoblastic and RAW 264.7 osteoclast assays. Results: ORX induced severe osteoporotic phenotypes, including significant reductions in bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular microarchitecture. Notably, at the time point examined, ORX was associated with a suppressed bone remodeling state, reflected by reductions in both TRAP-positive osteoclasts and ALP-positive osteoblasts, together with lower serum BALP, CTX-1, and Gla/Glu-OC ratio. Conversely, CGAC normalized this stagnant state and restored physiological remodeling. This was accompanied by reduced marrow fat accumulation through the AMPK signaling axis, which upregulated Runx2 and downregulated PPAR-γ. In vitro results confirmed that CGAC promoted osteoblast differentiation and mineralization while suppressing RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. These actions suggest that CGAC may be involved in regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Conclusions: Overall, CGAC is a promising therapeutic candidate for male osteoporosis, offering pharmacological benefits particularly relevant to aging populations. Full article

Highly polar M-mol-X (M = alkali metal, mol = molecule, X = halogen) insertion complexes have been predicted to offer potential practical applications, including molecular interactions with light, ion-pair induced isomerization, etc. In the present work, the insertion complexes of the seven-membered, fused bicyclic norcaradiene and its monocyclic isomer trapped in Li-I, Na-I, and K-I counterion pairs were investigated using ab initio methods. The structures, stability, polarities, and simulated infrared spectra are analyzed and the effects of the insertion on the norcaradiene to cycloheptatriene isomerization process are examined. Furthermore, an uncommon bond between iodine and a fully substituted carbon atom is reported upon and hypothesized to be catalyzed by the presence of the cation in the insertion complexes. Full article

The thermal history of petroliferous basins controls the thermal evolution of source rocks and the diagenetic evolution of reservoirs. However, although various thermal events are common in such basins, previous studies have largely focused on the outcomes of thermal anomalies rather than systematically evaluating the spatiotemporal extent of their thermal effects. This oversight has impeded accurate assessment of source rock maturation and the timing of hydrocarbon accumulation. This study takes the Baiyun Deep Water Area in the Pearl River Mouth Basin as a case study, aiming to identify types of thermal events and systematically evaluate the extent of their impacts using geologic thermometers, numerical simulations, and measured data. Magmatic activity and hydrocarbon charging are two widely distributed types of thermal events in this area. Apatite fission track (AFT) data reveal two magmatic underplating events in the southern part of the area at 20 Ma and 10 Ma, which led to a rapid increase in vitrinite reflectance (R_o) in the overlying strata. COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2 simulations of the B6-1 diapir show that its thermal impact extends laterally up to 10 km, with the Wenchang Formation source rocks within 2 km of the diapir rapidly heating to 310 °C and reaching over-maturity. Abnormally high homogenization temperatures recorded by saline inclusions associated with hydrocarbon inclusions provide evidence of thermal anomalies induced by hydrocarbon charging. By reconstructing the trapping depths of these inclusions, the timing of their formation was determined. Comparison with normal burial-thermal histories indicates that their homogenization temperatures are 20–30 °C higher than the ambient formation temperatures. Current thermal anomalies in the Enping Formation reservoir of Well K18-1, caused by ongoing hydrocarbon charging, were simulated using COMSOL. The results show that hydrocarbon charging only causes mild thermal anomalies confined to the reservoir and adjacent strata, with a temperature increase of about 29 °C. Present-day measured vitrinite reflectance data further confirm that hydrocarbon charging does not lead to an increase in R_o. Clarifying the types and effects of thermal events is essential for accurately reconstructing the thermal evolution of source rocks and the history of hydrocarbon accumulation. This study provides a new methodology for geothermal field research in petroliferous basins. By integrating AFT, R_o, and fluid inclusion analyses, we reveal past thermal events, and through numerical simulation, quantify the spatiotemporal influence of magmatic activity and hydrocarbon charging on the geothermal field. Full article

Recent years have witnessed growing interest in CO₂ and in the possibility of injecting it into the Earth’s crust for multiple purposes. In addition to the fact that pure CO₂ is already present in some geological formations, the most debated is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), which aims to capture and trap CO₂ through water-assisted reactions that promote its precipitation; moreover, proposed technological improvements to geothermal plants foresee the use of pure CO₂ as a working fluid and energy carrier for electricity generation in terms of MWh. These applications require detailed knowledge and a deep understanding of CO₂ behaviour under non-standard conditions. Upon entering the Earth’s crust, CO₂ is subjected to progressively increasing temperature and pressure. The resulting effects are not limited to a reduction in intermolecular distance; they also include changes in molecular geometry, as well as in chemical and thermodynamic behaviour. For instance, a dipole moment may arise even in the gaseous phase as intermolecular distances decrease. Moreover, CO₂ typically reaches supercritical conditions at depths of approximately 700 m. It is therefore necessary to account for both phase transitions and variations in molecular structure, as these can significantly influence the surrounding environment and the stoichiometric relationships with other substances. In this work, a steady-state column was simulated, representing CO₂ injection down to a depth of 5 km, assuming an average geothermal gradient of 30 °C/km and nine different initial pressures, so nine different steady state columns. The results highlight the presence of a wedge-shaped region acting as a barrier for stepwise-equilibrated CO₂: the computed CO₂ column profiles avoid this region. This wedge includes part of the liquid–gas boundary under subcritical conditions, as well as the Widom lines above the critical point. It effectively separates two supercritical regimes, namely gas-like and liquid-like domains. In this context, the present work provides insights into the Widom region—possibly extending into subcritical conditions—and into these two distinct regimes. This may have implications for the solvent capacity of CO₂ for ionic species. Ultimately, the initial pressure appears to determine the behaviour of CO₂ at depth. Full article

This study investigates the electro-thermal ageing (ETA) behaviour of neat polyamide-6 (PA6) and PA6/barium titanate (BTO) nanocomposites. Time–to–breakdown measurements were performed at 333 K, 353 K, and 373 K at field strengths between 50 and 90 kV/mm to assess the impact of nanofiller level on lifetime to failure. The ageing experiment showed that moderate amounts of nanofiller improved the electro-thermal endurance while excessive filler addition (20 wt.%) led to faster breakdown. The Dissado–Montanari–Mazzanti (DMM) model was used to evaluate the ageing parameters for neat PA6 and PA6/10 wt.% BTO across all three temperatures. Neat PA6 and PA6/10 wt.% BTO both showed nearly identical activation enthalpy (H/k) values, indicating that the intrinsic thermally activated ageing mechanism of PA6 is preserved in the nanocomposite. Variations in the field-sensitivity parameters (C/k and b) align with an interpretation involving changes in charge transport and interfacial trapping introduced by the addition of BTO. Furthermore, analysis of all filler concentrations confirmed that 1–10 wt.% BTO maintains or slightly improves the time to breakdown, while 20 wt.% significantly accelerated the ageing process. This research forms part of the research programme of DPI, project #852. Full article