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Baicalin alleviates X-ray radiation-induced intestinal injury by inhibiting GPX4 mediated ferroptosis
Shale oil sweet spot section evaluation based on oil bearing characteristics in Es3L subsection of Bonan subsag in Jiyang depression
Electrospun PVA/pectin nanofibers encapsulating both emulsion and nanoemulsion of Perovskia abrotanoides oil show nanoemulsion superiority for sustainable active packaging applications
Enhanced voltage regulation and current sharing of radial DC microgrids
Abstract DC microgrids are gaining more attention as their control is simpler, their efficiency is higher and they are more reliable. DC microgrid control aims to regulate load voltage at the nominal value and share load among distributed generation units with a certain ratio. This paper presents a control strategy for radial DC microgrids that achieves these two goals accurately and simultaneously. It doesn’t require communication among distributed generators. Only global sensing is required and only one signal is transmitted among DGUs. Tianji Horse Racing Optimization algorithm was used to tune controller parameters. A stability analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of load change on system stability. This control method has much faster dynamic response compared to previously reported methods. MATLAB Simulink was used to build a model for the microgrid to test the proposed control strategy. Its stability was tested by applying sudden load changes. Also, plug-in and plug-out capability was verified. Constant power load was also used to test the proposed control strategy performance. Communication delay effect was also tested.
Sustainable EVA-based hybrid bio-composites derived from agricultural waste for efficient heavy metal removal
Abstract This study investigates ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)-based hybrid bio-composites for the effective removal of Cu 2+ and Pb 2+ ions from aqueous media. Two composites were fabricated via melt blending: C1 (EVA/biochar) and C2 (EVA/sugar beet pulp), utilizing agricultural wastes as functional fillers. Comprehensive characterization using SEM–EDX, FTIR, TGA, and DSC confirmed the successful incorporation of fillers and strong interfacial compatibility within the EVA matrix. Adsorption performance was evaluated by examining the effects of contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial metal concentration. Both composites demonstrated rapid uptake, achieving equilibrium within 30 min for Cu 2+ and 60 min for Pb 2+ . The maximum adsorption capacities reached 250 and 588 mg/g for Cu 2+ , and 97 and 82 mg/g for Pb 2+ using C1 and C2, respectively. Kinetic and isotherm equilibrium behaviors were comprehensively evaluated using both linear and non-linear regression frameworks to thoroughly investigate the underlying adsorption mechanisms. The synergistic integration of the EVA matrix with bio-based fillers significantly enhanced surface functionality, structural integrity, and adsorption efficiency. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of EVA-based hybrid bio-composites derived from agricultural waste as efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective materials for heavy metal removal in water treatment applications.
Identification and characterization of the virome in cell-free DNA from peripheral blood of pregnant women in Shaanxi Province, China
Effect of ethyl methane sulfonate mutagenesis on phenological, yield-related and yield traits in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp)
This study investigated the mutagenic effects of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) on the M₁ generation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) cultivar ‘Wang Kae.’ A total of 275 M₀ seeds were treated with EMS concentrations of 20 mM, 40 mM, and 80 mM (75 seeds per treatment) by soaking for six hours, while 50 untreated seeds served as the control (0 mM). Phenological, yield-related and yield traits were recorded, and data were analysed using Jamovi 2.7.15 and JASP 0.95.4.0 through one-way ANOVA with post hoc contrast, principal component biplot, and cluster analyses. No optimal mutagenic concentration (LD50) was identified. Seed germination and seedling survival rates increased with increasing EMS concentration, ranging from 70.00% and 62.00% in the control (0 mM) to 89.33% and 74.67% at 80 mM, following the trend 0 mM < 20 mM < 40 mM < 80 mM. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed among treatments for all phenological traits, pod length, locule number, seed traits, and yield per plant. Yield was significantly higher (P = 0.047) at 20 mM (61.19 ± 3.34 g) compared to the control. Contrast analysis identified genotypes B33 and D56 as the most productive mutants, with yields of 125.44 g and 111.85 g, respectively. Principal component analysis extracted eighteen components, with the first four cumulatively explaining 50.60% of total variation. Biplot analysis of PC1 and PC2 captured all phenological traits, key seed traits, and yield attributes, highlighting the superior performance of B33 and D56. Cluster analysis partitioned the 190 genotypes into six groups, with B33 and D56 constituting distinct clusters. EMS mutagenesis effectively induced heritable phenotypic variation, with putative superior genotypes identified for advancement to M 2 and evaluation in replicated multi-environment trials toward the development of farmer- and consumer-preferred cowpea varieties.
Preliminary pharmacokinetic investigations of hydroxylated metabolites after controlled inhalative and oral consumption of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)
Abstract The pharmacokinetics of the semisynthetic cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and its 11-nor-carboxy- as well as 11-hydroxy-metabolites has already been the subject of research in various recent publications. However, further metabolism studies showed the presence of other, especially (side-chain-)hydroxylated metabolites in urine and serum. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of these metabolites after oral (25 mg fruit gum) and inhalative (three puffs from vape) consumption, using serum and urine samples from a previous study. Serum (up to 48 h) and urine (up to five days) samples of six participants (three per consumption group) were collected at different time points and analyzed by LC-QqTOF and LC-QqLIT. Three metabolites (M1: side-chain-hydroxylated; M2: hydroxylated on alicyclic moiety; M3: 8-OH-HHC) were further investigated. The peak area ratios of analytes and internal standards were plotted against the time after consumption to obtain pharmacokinetic information. Overall, this study proved the presence of these metabolites in biological samples and provided pharmacokinetic insights for the first time. Differences between serum and urine, oral and inhalative consumption as well as inter-individual differences were observed. The investigated metabolites could partially serve as unambiguous consumption markers for HHC, as they are unlikely to be formed in vivo from corresponding Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) metabolites.
Expansion of the exotic macroalga Batophora occidentalis in Posidonia oceanica meadows and other native benthic habitats
Marine invasive macroalgae can be detrimental to native ecosystems. The exotic green macroalga Batophora occidentalis was first reported in 2020 in Estany des Peix lagoon in Formentera (Spain). In 2023 and 2024, our surveys revealed that it had spread to 100% of the surveyed locations within the lagoon. In 2024, B. occidentalis, reached an average cover of 30% in Cymodocea nodosa meadows and 26% in Caulerpa prolifera meadows, with respective biomasses of 52 g m ⁻ 2 and 44 g m ⁻ 2 , making it the most abundant macrophyte in these two native benthic habitats. We also found exotic B. occidentalis growing epiphytically on the leaves and rhizomes of Posidonia oceanica within the lagoon, with an average cover of 12% in 2023 and 16% in 2024, and a biomass of 3 g m ⁻ 2 in 2024. Notably, it covered nearly 25% of the P. oceanica leaf surface and reached up to five times the weight of individual leaves. Alarmingly, we report the presence of a B. occidentalis specimen on a P. oceanica shoot in a nearby meadow outside the lagoon, signalling a potential spread beyond its current range. Additionally, the exotic macroalgae colonized various natural and hard substrates, including boat hulls, as it was growing on nearly 20% of boats anchored in the only marina in the lagoon. With this study, we aim to encourage prompt action from local and regional governments. We may be witnessing the early stages of a broader expansion of this exotic alga, highlighting a critical moment to implement early management measures such as monitoring, and, where possible, containment within the lagoon.
Wavelet coherence-aware multi-branch deep ensemble for fault identification in centrifugal pumps
Chronic oral cannabidiol delays seizure onset and reduces seizure burden in a mouse model of CLN2 disease
A growing body of literature describes the anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-epileptic properties of the cannabis sativa constituent cannabidiol, suggesting that it might play a useful role in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN2 disease) is a rare pediatric neurodegenerative disorder resulting from an inherited dysfunction of the lysosome. CLN2 disease, and its representative animal models, display neuroimmune response, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and epileptic seizures, and these symptoms are all touted as potential targets of cannabidiol therapeutic benefit. Here, we treated a valid model of CLN2 disease with long-term daily cannabidiol (300 mg/kg) from 1 month of age until disease end stage and evaluated epileptic seizures, lifespan, and markers of neuroimmune response. Chronic cannabidiol treatment significantly delayed or fully eliminated seizures in CLN2 model mice compared to those treated with vehicle only, and the treatment led to a non-significant extension of lifespan. These effects occurred in the absence of any therapeutic benefit to physiological markers of disease such as GFAP, CD68, and cytokine/chemokine reactivity. Taken together, we show that chronic treatment with cannabidiol confers significant anti-seizure benefit to the mouse model of CLN2 disease, and that it does not appear to do so by altering the inflammatory and neuroimmune markers traditionally used to track CLN2 disease progression.
Psychological and structural drivers of farmers’ pro-environmental behavior toward integrated pest management adoption in high-pesticide contexts
Exosomal gene-based predictive model and therapeutic target identification for Alzheimer’s disease: A bioinformatics analysis
Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative central nervous system disorder characterized by progressive cognitive and behavioral impairment. As nanoscale intercellular communication vesicles that carry AD-related pathological molecules, exosomes are promising biomarkers and therapeutic carriers for AD. In this study, we downloaded AD-related gene expression profiles and clinical data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (datasets GSE138260, GSE29378, GSE36980, and GSE5281). Through a series of bioinformatics analyses, clinical predictive model construction, pharmacological network analysis, and molecular docking simulations, we developed an exosomal gene-based predictive model for AD pathogenesis and identified potential pharmacological networks and molecular docking targets for AD treatment. Materials and methods AD-related gene expression and clinical data were retrieved from the GEO database. Bioinformatics analyses, clinical model construction, drug-gene network analysis, and molecular docking were subsequently performed to explore exosomal gene models for predicting AD pathogenesis, as well as potential pharmacological networks and molecular docking targets for AD therapy. Results A five-exosomal-gene predictive model was established, comprising CD44, CXCR4, TUBB, PSMA5, and PSMB3. Pharmacological network analysis of these five genes revealed their significant associations with chelidonine, 2-chloro-1,4-dinitrobenzene, oxazolone, phencyclidine, thioridazine, and etodolac. Further molecular docking simulations identified key binding targets, including R41, Y42, R78, Y79, C77, I88, C97, A98, I96, I72, L70, E67, G103, I91, and T102. Conclusions Our comprehensive analyses successfully established a reliable exosomal gene-based model for predicting AD pathogenesis, and identified relevant pharmacological networks and core molecular docking targets, providing novel insights for AD diagnosis and targeted therapy.
First observation of novel satellites using high-resolution XR-HERFD measurement of Zn Kα emission
Abstract We discover satellites in Zn at emission energies of 8670–8675 eV. The satellite is detected with a significance exceeding 51.6 $$\sigma _{se}$$ per pixel, enabled by the exceptional signal-to-noise ratio of the new dataset and novel technique. We have created the eXtended-range high-energy-resolution fluorescence detection (XR-HERFD) technique and applied it to Zn (Z = 30) using a novel 14-crystal analyser spectrometer. For this current work, data collection developed the first DOSE-S collection macros for Discovery-Onset-Spectrometry-Evolution of new Satellite processes. The energy dependence of the discovered satellite is tracked from the onset of the process at approximately 10791.7 eV through its evolution to higher energies. The satellite exhibits a clear manifold structure, consistent with multiple shake-off processes. We develop and apply Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and independently isolate the manifold of the satellite and prove the incident-energy evolution. We also fit the evolution to theoretical quantum mechanical models of such processes to provide strong confirmation of the physical origin. These findings demonstrate XR-HERFD’s capability to resolve weak many-body features and suggest new opportunities for studying shake processes and the many-body reduction factor $$S_{0}^{2}$$ . By resolving these satellites in what many people believed was a nominally simple $$d^{10}$$ metal and revealing rich many-body behaviour, this work opens a pathway to a physically grounded understanding of many-body effects in X-ray spectroscopy.
The strip-shaped deep white matter hyperintensities may be related to neurodegeneration: A study based on diffusion tensor imaging
Purpose This study investigated the properties of strip-shaped white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) by examining the relationship between their principal axes and maximum diffusion direction, and comparing their diffusion tensor metrics with punctate and early confluent WMHs to explore their pathological features and potential link to chronic axonal injury. Methods Eighty-seven participants with isolated WMHs were included and received diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) using a 3.0-T MR scanner. Lesions were classified by elongation (strip-shaped: ≥ 2; punctate: < 2). We recorded the maximum diffusion direction of punctate, strip-shaped, and early confluent WMHs and evaluated their consistency with the principal axial direction. Additionally, the diffusion tensor metrics of strip-shaped WMHs were measured and compared with those of punctate and early confluent WMHs. Results Among 996 WMHs, 57.5% of strip-shaped lesions showed principal axis alignment with the maximum diffusion direction, significantly higher than punctate (44.7%) and early confluent (42.1%) lesions (P < 0.05). Mixed-effects models showed significant lesion type effects on FA, MD, AD, and RD (all P < 0.05). Post-hoc comparisons revealed that stripe lesions had higher FA but lower MD and RD than confluence lesions (all P < 0.05), with no significant differences between stripe and punctate groups for MD or RD. No AD differences were found among groups. Fiber tracking confirmed alignment in most strip-shaped lesions. Conclusion Strip-shaped WMHs exhibit unique diffusion metrics and fiber alignment, suggesting chronic axonal injury due to neurodegeneration. These findings underscore the importance of morphological and microstructural analysis in understanding WMH heterogeneity and clinical significance.
Thermo-hydraulic and second-law analysis of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger using water, propylene glycol, and glycerol mixtures in the laminar–transition regime
Abstract This study presents a comprehensive experimental investigation of the thermo-hydraulic and second-law performance of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger operating under counter-flow conditions. Water, propylene glycol/water (PG/water), and glycerol/water mixtures at different concentrations were employed as working fluids to evaluate the influence of thermophysical properties on heat-transfer, hydraulic, and exergy characteristics. A total of 105 experimental runs were conducted over a Reynolds number range of 400–4800, covering laminar and transitional flow regimes. The overall heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop, Nusselt number, friction factor, entropy generation, and exergy efficiency were systematically analyzed and compared under identical operating conditions. The results demonstrated that increasing Reynolds number significantly enhances heat-transfer performance, resulting in higher overall heat-transfer coefficients and Nusselt numbers. However, this improvement is accompanied by increased pressure losses and entropy generation, reflecting the thermodynamic trade-off between heat-transfer enhancement and irreversibility. Among the investigated fluids, water exhibited the highest thermal and exergy performance, whereas glycerol/water mixtures produced the lowest performance due to their higher viscosity and associated flow resistance. To provide practical predictive tools, empirical correlations were developed for both the Nusselt number and friction factor based on the complete experimental dataset. The proposed correlations were expressed as Nu = 2.43*Re^0.30*Pr^0.094 and f = 5.47 Re^-0.62*Pr^-0.08, showing satisfactory agreement with the experimental measurements. Validation against established literature correlations confirmed the capability of the proposed models to predict thermal and hydraulic performance within the investigated Reynolds number range. The novelty of the present work lies in the comparative experimental assessment of water, propylene glycol/water, and glycerol/water mixtures under identical operating conditions, together with the simultaneous evaluation of thermal, hydraulic, and second-law performance metrics and the development of predictive correlations based on an extensive experimental database. The findings provide reliable benchmark data and engineering correlations that can support the design, optimization, and exergy-based evaluation of heat exchangers operating with viscous heat-transfer fluids in industrial thermal systems.
Correction: Study on plugging law and plugging removal effect of pre filled screen in natural gas hydrate argillaceous silt reservoir
Long term metal release risk of lithium slag based mine backfill under different pH conditions
Prevalence and associated factors of non-communicable diseases among men: A cross-sectional analysis of Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022 data
Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) increasingly being disproportionately affected. Although anecdotal evidence or reports indicate an increasing number of Kenyan men having NCDs, the prevalence and associated factors are not well understood. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of non-communicable diseases among men in Kenya. Methods Secondary data comprising 14,439 men aged 15–54 years from the 2022 cross-sectional Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) in Kenya were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses in SPSS, version 29. Results Overall, the percentage of men with at least one NCD was 9.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.7–10.2%). Whereas the proportion of participants with multiple NCDs was 1.9 (95% CI: 1.6–2.3). Across NCDs, the highest prevalent NCD was hypertension (3.5% 95%CI:3.1–3.9) followed by depression (2.2% (95%CI:1.9–2.5), anxiety (1.6% (95%CI:1.3–1.9), arthritis (1.4% (95%CI:1.1–1.6), heart disease (1.2% (95%CI:0.9–1.5), diabetes (1% (95%CI:0.8–1.3), lung disease (1% (95%CI:0.7–1.3), and cancer (0.1% (95%CI:0–0.1). In terms of multiple chronic conditions (multimorbidity), the majority of the participants had diabetes and hypertension (0.5% (95%CI:0.3–0.7) followed by hypertension and depression (0.3% (95%CI:0.2–0.4), hypertension and anxiety (0.3% (95%CI:0.2–0.4), and arthritis and depression (0.2% (95%CI:0.1–0.2). Several factors, such as age, region, residence, ethnicity, education level, health status, wealth index, religion, media access, and living a sedentary lifestyle, were found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of NCDs. Conclusion The overall prevalence of NCDs among men is relatively low based on available national data. We found that sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were significantly associated with the prevalence of NCDs. Although causal relationships cannot be inferred from this study, the findings suggest that initiatives such as tailored health education, regular medical checkups, and the promotion of physical activity may be relevant components of broader efforts to support men’s health in relation to non‑communicable diseases (NCDs). Region‑specific policies and culturally sensitive approaches may help address variations in risk factors and observed ethnic disparities. Encouraging healthier lifestyle practices among men of all backgrounds and improving access to integrated healthcare in rural areas may also be important considerations. Further research is needed to explore how media exposure, media content, health messaging, and religious contexts may influence men’s exposure to NCDs in Kenya and other sub-Saharan countries.