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Bis-hydroxylation of Homocitrulline Catalyzed by a Multinuclear Nonheme Iron Oxidative Enzyme during RiPP Biosynthesis
Factors associated with lymphedema after breast cancer surgery: a cross-sectional comparative study from Yazd, Iran
Longitudinal digital speech assessment in progressive supranuclear palsy
Gender and aridity drive essential oil chemodiversity in Tunisian Pistacia lentiscus for tailored bioresource valorisation
Abstract The essential oil composition of Tunisian female and male Pistacia lentiscus leaves from semi-arid to arid bioclimates was investigated across three phenological stages using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-flame ionization detection (GC-MS/FID). Monoterpene hydrocarbons (44.67–60.59%) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (8.18–29.72%) were dominant, with limonene, sabinene, α- and β-pinene, terpinen-4-ol, germacrene D, γ-terpinene and β-caryophyllene as major components. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed significant chemical differentiation based on plant gender and climatic factors. Male samples showed higher α-pinene and β-pinene content while female samples were enriched in limonene and germacrene D. Semi-arid male samples contained more sabinene, terpinene-4-ol and γ-terpinene than the arid samples. Female specimens from semi-arid zone accumulated higher limonene than arid counterparts. Phenological stage had minor effects. Our study provides three novel findings: (1) We examined sex, climate, and phenology together for the first time. (2) Aridity drives a clear chemotype shift in males—semi-arid males produce sabinene/terpinen-4-ol, arid males produce α/β-pinene. (3) In females, aridity causes a 3- to 10-fold limonene reduction while sesquiterpenes persist, revealing a metabolic trade-off. These findings advance understanding of how this Mediterranean shrub adjusts its chemistry to climate and provide a basis for sex- and climate-based harvesting of tailored essential oils.
Phase reconstruction and causality in nano-FTIR signals based on the finite dipole model with Kramers–Kronig relations
The effect of carbon nanotube (CNT) doping on the physical and mechanical properties of eco-friendly, natural resin-modified shellac adhesives in metal–metal bonding
Prediction of ground reaction force waveforms using consumer-grade wearable devices and a convolutional neural network
A lead abellaite–alginate nanocomposite as a contrast agent for post-mortem CT imaging
Effect of silicon carbide nanoparticles on the morphology, rheological properties, and mechanical performance of polyamide 6/nitrile butadiene rubber nanocomposites
Combined effect of Al2O3 microparticle-enhanced cultivation (MPEC) and inoculation strategy on Streptomyces rimosus
Comparative evaluation of geostatistical and machine learning approaches for seasonal mapping of soil salinity in agricultural lands
RT-DETR-based object detection and parameter extraction for wireless signal spectrograms
A multiscale assessment model for mining-induced groundwater disturbance risk to multi-aquifer and its application in disaster reduction
The pathogenic Candida albicans regulates local vaginal epithelial immunity through the NLRP3/IL-1β pathway in VVC/RVVC mouse models
Abstract Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) are among the most common infections of the lower genital tract in reproductive-age women. While host immune mechanisms have garnered increasing attention in these infections, the specific underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we compared the immune responses between VVC and RVVC, investigating the immune mechanisms by which Candida albicans affects the host. We established RVVC mouse models using Candida albicans derived from both VVC and RVVC infections, and assessed changes in infection rates, vaginal epithelial histopathology, and inflammation. Additionally, we infected VK2 human vaginal epithelial cells with Candida albicans for RNA sequencing and established a cell model. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we intervened with an NLRP3 inhibitor and performed qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining to evaluate the expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β. Moreover, we assessed the expression of pro-IL-1β, cleaved caspase-1, GSDMD-NT, and ASC proteins, and conducted PI staining to evaluate changes in membrane permeability and cell injury. Our results showed that Candida albicans -induced changes in IL-1β were associated with both VVC and RVVC, suggesting that NLRP3-mediated IL-1β secretion may contribute to in modulating host immune responses. Notably, PI staining demonstrated an increased proportion of PI-positive cells, and protein analyses showed elevated expression of ASC, cleaved caspase-1, and GSDMD-NT, consistent with inflammasome activation and increased membrane permeability. Compared with the VVC group, epithelial damage was partially alleviated in the RVVC group, although epithelial thickness remained higher than that in the control group.In conclusion, this study suggests that NLRP3/IL-1β-mediated inflammation is associated with the host immune response in both VVC and RVVC. The increased expression of inflammasome-associated proteins, together with increased PI-positive cells, suggests enhanced membrane permeability and inflammasome-associated cell injury following Candida albicans infection. These findings provide new insights into the inflammatory mechanisms underlying these infections.