A certified reference material of ricin (CRM-LS-1) was produced by the EuroBioTox consortium to standardise the analysis of this biotoxin. This study established the N-glycan structures and proportions including their loci and occupancy of ricin CRM-LS-1. The glycan profile was compared with ricin from different preparations and other cultivars and isoforms. A total of 15 different oligomannosidic or paucimannosidic structures were identified in CRM-LS-1. Paucimannose was mainly found within the A-chain and oligomannose constituted the major glycan type of the B-chain. Furthermore, the novel primary structure variants E138 and D138 and four different C-termini of the A-chain as well as two B-chain variants V250 and F250 were elucidated. While the glycan proportions and loci were similar among all variants in CRM-LS-1 and ricin isoforms D and E of all cultivars analysed, a different stoichiometry for isoforms D and E and the amino acid variants were found. This detailed physicochemical characterization of ricin regarding the glycan profile and amino acid sequence variations yields unprecedented insight into the molecular features of this protein toxin. The variable attributes discovered within different cultivars present signature motifs and may allow discrimination of the biotoxin’s origin that are important in molecular forensic profiling. In conclusion, our data of in-depth CRM-LS-1 characterization combined with the analysis of other cultivars is representative for known ricin variants. Full article

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is potentially curative for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the post-transplant relapse rate ranges from 40 to 70%, particularly with reduced intensity conditioning, and remains a major cause of treatment failure for these patients due to the limited efficacy of salvage therapy options. Strategies to mitigate this risk are urgently needed. In the past few years, the basic framework of post-transplant maintenance has been shaped by several clinical trials investigating targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and immunomodulatory therapies. Although the practice of post-transplant maintenance in AML has become more common, there remain challenges regarding the feasibility and efficacy of this strategy. Here, we review major developments in post-transplant maintenance in AML, along with ongoing and future planned studies in this area, outlining the limitations of available data and our future goals. Full article

Blood selenium (Se) concentrations differ substantially by population and could be influenced by genetic variants, increasing Se deficiency-related diseases. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with serum Se deficiency in 382 adults with admixed ancestry. Genotyping arrays were combined to yield 90,937 SNPs. R packages were applied to quality control and imputation. We also performed the ancestral proportion analysis. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes was used to interrogate known protein–protein interaction networks (PPIs). Our ancestral proportion analysis estimated 71% of the genome was from Caucasians, 22% was from Africans, and 8% was from East Asians. We identified the SNP rs1561573 in the TraB domain containing 2B (TRABD2B), rs425664 in MAF bZIP transcription factor (MAF), rs10444656 in spermatogenesis-associated 13 (SPATA13), and rs6592284 in heat shock protein nuclear import factor (HIKESHI) genes. The PPI analysis showed functional associations of Se deficiency, thyroid hormone metabolism, NRF2-ARE and the Wnt pathway, and heat stress. Our findings show evidence of a genetic association between Se deficiency and metabolic pathways indirectly linked to Se regulation, reinforcing the complex relationship between Se intake and the endogenous factors affecting the Se requirements for optimal health. Full article

The microstructure–property relationship in poly(methyl methacrylate) PMMA composites is very important for understanding interface phenomena and the future prediction of properties that further help in designing improved materials. In this research, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images of denture PMMA composites with SrTiO₃, MnO₂ and SrTiO₃/MnO₂ were used for fractal reconstructions of particle agglomerates in the polymer matrix. Fractal analysis represents a valuable mathematical tool for the characterization of the microstructure and finding correlation between microstructural features and mechanical properties. Utilizing the mathematical affine fractal regression model, the Fractal Real Finder software was employed to reconstruct agglomerate shapes and estimate the Hausdorff dimensions (HD). Controlled energy impact and tensile tests were used to evaluate the mechanical performance of PMMA-MnO₂, PMMA-SrTiO₃ and PMMA-SrTiO₃/MnO₂ composites. It was determined that PMMA-SrTiO₃/MnO₂ had the highest total absorbed energy value (E_tot), corresponding to the lowest HD value of 1.03637 calculated for SrTiO₃/MnO₂ agglomerates. On the other hand, the highest HD value of 1.21521 was calculated for MnO₂ agglomerates, while the PMMA-MnO₂ showed the lowest E_tot. The linear correlation between the total absorbed impact energy of composites and the HD of the corresponding agglomerates was determined, with an R² value of 0.99486, showing the potential use of this approach in the optimization of composite materials’ microstructure–property relationship. Full article

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is a climate-sensitive and ecologically fragile area. Studying drought and its effects on vegetation over the TP is of great significance for ecological conservation. However, there were large uncertainties in previous studies on the drought characteristics and their impacts on alpine vegetation in this region. This study explored the drought changes and their impacts on alpine vegetation during the growing season over the TP in 1982–2018. The results showed that the TP has experienced a wetting trend in most regions of the TP. Correspondingly, the vegetation has become greener in most areas. The wetting and drying trend in the growing season changed around 1995. Before 1995, the TP experienced an overall drying trend with a spatial pattern of a drying trend in the northern regions and a wetting trend in the southern regions, while it showed an overall wetting trend after 1995, with a reversed spatial pattern to that before 1995. After 1995, wetting and drying trends affected the vegetation in 61% of the TP. However, before 1995, the NDVI presented an increasing trend in most areas of the TP under a drying trend. Therefore, a drying trend was not the primary factor affecting vegetation growth in this period. Instead, changes in the cryosphere induced by warming could be the main factor. In addition, the distribution of vegetation across the TP was primarily influenced by drought intensity, which had the greatest impact on sparse vegetation, followed by meadow and grassland. This study enhances our understanding of the impact of drought changes on alpine vegetation on the TP. Full article

The ever-growing prominence and widespread acceptance of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), particularly those employing thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), have firmly established them as formidable contenders in the field of lighting technology. TADF enables achieving a 100% utilization rate and efficient luminescence through reverse intersystem crossing (RISC). However, the effectiveness of TADF-OLEDs is influenced by their high current density and limited device lifetime, which result in a significant reduction in efficiency. This comprehensive review introduces the TADF mechanism and provides a detailed overview of recent advancements in the development of host-free white OLEDs (WOLEDs) utilizing TADF. This review specifically scrutinizes advancements from three distinct perspectives: TADF fluorescence, TADF phosphorescence and all-TADF materials in host-free WOLEDs. By presenting the latest research findings, this review contributes to the understanding of the current state of host-free WOLEDs, employing TADF and underscoring promising avenues for future investigations. It aims to serve as a valuable resource for newcomers seeking an entry point into the field as well as for established members of the WOLEDs community, offering them insightful perspectives on imminent advancements. Full article

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are particles with a high aspect ratio. Typically, chemically pre-treated CNFs (containing anionic or cationic charged groups) consist of long fibrils (up to 2 μm) with very low thickness (less than 10 nm). Derived from their high aspect ratio, CNFs form strong hydrogels with high elasticity at low concentrations. Thus, CNF suspensions appear as an interesting rheology modifier to be applied in cosmetics, paints, foods, and as a mineral suspending agent, among other applications. The high viscosity results from the strong 3D fibril network, which is related to the good fibrillation of the material, allowing the nanofibrils to overlap. The overlap concentration (c*) was found to vary from ca. 0.13 to ca. 0.60 wt.% depending on the type and intensity of the pre-treatment applied during the preparation of the CNFs. The results confirm the higher tendency for the fibres treated with (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethylammonium chloride (CHPTAC) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO) to form a 3D network, resulting in the lowest c*. For the TEMPO-oxidised CNF suspensions, it was also found that aggregation is improved at acidic pH conditions due to lower charge repulsion among fibrils, leading to an increase in the suspension viscosity as well as higher apparent yield stresses. TEMPO CNF suspensions with a low content of carboxylic groups tend to precipitate at moderately acidic pH values. Full article

Analysis of the heavy fractions in crude oil has been important in petroleum industries. It is well known that heavy fractions such as vacuum gas oils (VGOs) include heteroatoms, of which sulfur and nitrogen are often characterized in many cases. We conducted research regarding the molecular species analysis of VGOs. Further refine processes using VGOs are becoming important when considering carbon recycling. In this work, we attempted to classify compounds within VGOs provided by Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Two VGOs were priorly distillated from Kuwait Export crude and Lower Fars crude. Quantitative analysis was performed mainly using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS). MALDI-TOF-MS has been developed for analyzing high-molecular-weight compounds such as polymer and biopolymers. As matrix selection is one of the most important aspects in MALDI-TOFMS, the careful selection of a matrix was firstly evaluated, followed by analysis using a Kendrick plot with nominal mass series (z*). The objective was to evaluate if this work could provide an effective classification of VGOs compounds. The Kendrick plot is a well-known method for processing mass data. The difference in the Kendrick mass defect (KMD) between C_nH_2n−14S and C_nH_2n−20O is only 0.0005 mass units, which makes it difficult in general to distinguish these compounds. However, since the z* value showed effective differences during the classification of these compounds, qualitative analysis could be possible. The analysis using nominal mass series showed the potential to be used as an effective method in analyzing heavy fractions. Full article

Enhancing the aerobic stability of whole-plant corn silage is essential for producing high-quality silage. Our research assessed the effect of inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis and its modulation of the bacterial and fungal microbial community structure in an aerobic stage of whole-plant corn silage. Following treatment with a distilled sterile water control, Lactobacillus buchneri, and Bacillus licheniformis (2 × 10⁵ cfu/g), whole-plant corn was ensiled for 60 days. Samples were taken on days 0, 3, and 7 of aerobic exposure, and the results showed that inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis improved the aerobic stability of silage when compared to the effect of the control (p < 0.05). Inoculation with Bacillus licheniformis attenuated the increase in pH value and the decrease in lactic acid in the aerobic stage (p < 0.05), reducing the filamentous fungal counts. On the other hand, inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis increased the diversity of the fungal communities (p < 0.05), complicating the correlation between bacteria or fungi, reducing the relative abundance of Acetobacter and Paenibacillus in bacterial communities, and inhibiting the tendency of Monascus to replace Issatchenkia in fungal communities, thus delaying the aerobic spoilage process. Due to the prevention of the development of aerobic spoilage microorganisms, the silage injected with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis exhibited improved aerobic stability. Full article

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been widely utilized as a disinfection strategy to effectively eliminate various pathogens. The disinfection task achieves complete coverage of object surfaces by planning the motion trajectory of autonomous mobile robots and the UVC irradiation strategy. This introduces an additional layer of complexity to path planning, as every point on the surface of the object must receive a certain dose of irradiation. Nevertheless, the considerable dosage required for virus inactivation often leads to substantial energy consumption and dose redundancy in disinfection tasks, presenting challenges for the implementation of robots in large-scale environments. Optimizing energy consumption of light sources has become a primary concern in disinfection planning, particularly in large-scale settings. Addressing the inefficiencies associated with dosage redundancy, this study proposes a dose coverage planning framework, utilizing MOPSO to solve the multi-objective optimization model for planning UVC dose coverage. Diverging from conventional path planning methodologies, our approach prioritizes the intrinsic characteristics of dose accumulation, integrating a UVC light efficiency factor to mitigate dose redundancy with the aim of reducing energy expenditure and enhancing the efficiency of robotic disinfection. Empirical trials conducted with autonomous disinfecting robots in real-world settings have corroborated the efficacy of this model in deactivating viruses. Full article

BBX protein is a class of zinc finger transcription factors that have B-box domains at the N-terminus, and some of these proteins contain a CCT domain at the C-terminus. It plays an important role in plant growth, development, and metabolism. However, the expression pattern of BBX genes in alfalfa under hormonal and salt stresses is still unclear. In this study, we identified a total of 125 BBX gene family members by the available Medicago reference genome in diploid alfalfa (Medicago sativa spp. Caerulea), a model plant (M. truncatula), and tetraploid alfalfa (M. sativa), and divided these members into five subfamilies. We found that the conserved motifs of BBXs of the same subfamily reveal similarities. We analyzed the collinearity relationship and duplication mode of these BBX genes and found that the expression pattern of BBX genes is specific in different tissues. Analysis of the available transcriptome data suggests that some members of the BBX gene family are involved in multiple abiotic stress responses, and the highly expressed genes are often clustered together. Furthermore, we identified different expression patterns of some BBX genes under salt, ethylene, salt and ethylene, salicylic acid, and salt and salicylic acid treatments, verified by qRT-PCR, and analyzed the subcellular localization of MsBBX2, MsBBX17, and MsBBX32 using transient expression in tobacco. The results showed that BBX genes were localized in the nucleus. This study systematically analyzed the BBX gene family in Medicago plants, which provides a basis for the study of BBX gene family tolerance to abiotic stresses. Full article

In the last decade, “expressions” of grape marc spirits aged in wooden barrels of characteristic amber color and complex sensory attributes have been introduced. Yet studies on constituents migrating from the barrel to the beverage are scarce, and their metabolic profile remains unexplored. Furthermore, the literature on the assessment of their antioxidant activity is limited. NMR metabolomics and spectrophotometry have been implemented in 38 samples to elucidate the impact of the aging procedure on the metabolites’ composition and establish whether these beverages exhibit antioxidant activity. Provenance was related to fusel alcohols, esters, acetaldehyde, methanol, saccharides, and 2-phenylethanol, while ethyl acetate and ethyl lactate contributed to discriminating samples of the same winery. Identified metabolites such as vanillin, syringaldehyde, and sinapaldehyde were related to the aging procedure. The maturation in the barrel was also associated with an increase in xylose, glucose, fructose, and arabinose. The antioxidant potential of the aged Greek grape marc spirits resulting from their maturation in oak barrels was highlighted. The metabolic profiling and antioxidant potential of aged Greek grape marc spirits were assessed for the first time. Finally, the enrichment of the aromatic region was noted with the presence of metabolites with a furanic and phenolic ring derived, respectively, from the polysaccharides’ degradation or the thermal decomposition of lignin. Full article

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) can radically change almost every aspect of the human experience. In the medical field, there are numerous applications of AI and subsequently, in a relatively short time, significant progress has been made. Cardiology is not immune to this trend, this fact being supported by the exponential increase in the number of publications in which the algorithms play an important role in data analysis, pattern discovery, identification of anomalies, and therapeutic decision making. Furthermore, with technological development, there have appeared new models of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DP) that are capable of exploring various applications of AI in cardiology, including areas such as prevention, cardiovascular imaging, electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, and many others. In this sense, the present article aims to provide a general vision of the current state of AI use in cardiology. Results: We identified and included a subset of 200 papers directly relevant to the current research covering a wide range of applications. Thus, this paper presents AI applications in cardiovascular imaging, arithmology, clinical or emergency cardiology, cardiovascular prevention, and interventional procedures in a summarized manner. Recent studies from the highly scientific literature demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of using AI in different branches of cardiology. Conclusions: The integration of AI in cardiology offers promising perspectives for increasing accuracy by decreasing the error rate and increasing efficiency in cardiovascular practice. From predicting the risk of sudden death or the ability to respond to cardiac resynchronization therapy to the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism or the early detection of valvular diseases, AI algorithms have shown their potential to mitigate human error and provide feasible solutions. At the same time, limits imposed by the small samples studied are highlighted alongside the challenges presented by ethical implementation; these relate to legal implications regarding responsibility and decision making processes, ensuring patient confidentiality and data security. All these constitute future research directions that will allow the integration of AI in the progress of cardiology. Full article

Cardioembolic stroke accounts for over 20% of ischemic strokes and is associated with worse outcomes than other types of strokes. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common risk factor for cardioembolic stroke. In this narrative review, we present an update about cardioembolic stroke mainly related to AF and atrial cardiopathy. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have revolutionized stroke prevention in patients with AF; however, their efficacy in preventing recurrent embolic stroke of unknown source remains uncertain. Various cardiac monitoring methods are used to detect AF, which is crucial for preventing stroke recurrence. DOACs are preferred over warfarin for AF-related stroke prevention; however, the timing of initiation after acute ischemic stroke is debated. Resuming anticoagulation after intracerebral hemorrhage in AF patients requires careful assessment of the risks. While catheter ablation may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events, its effect on stroke prevention is unclear, especially in heart failure patients. Atrial cardiopathy is the emerging cause of embolic stroke of unknown source, which indicates atrial structural and functional disorders that can precede AF. Future research should focus on refining stroke risk prediction models, optimizing AF detection, understanding the roles of ablation and anticoagulation in stroke prevention, and establishing atrial cardiopathy as a therapeutic target, which could significantly reduce the burden of stroke. Full article

Orchids of the genus Paphiopedilum, also called slippers, are among the most valued representatives of the Orchidaceae family due to their aesthetic qualities. Due to overexploitation, deforestation, and illegal trade in these plants, especially in the vegetative phase, Paphiopedilum requires special protection. This genus is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Their precise identification is of great importance for the preservation of genetic resources and biodiversity of the orchid family (Orchidaceae). Therefore, the main objective of the study was to investigate the usefulness of the DNA barcoding technique for the identification of endangered orchids of the genus Paphiopedilum and to determine the effectiveness of five loci: matK, rbcL, ITS2, atpF-atpH and trnH-psbA as potential molecular markers for species of this genus. Among single locus barcodes, matK was the most effective at identifying species (64%). Furthermore, matK, ITS2, matK + rbcL, and matK + trnH-psbA barcodes can be successfully used as a complementary tool to identify Paphiopedilum orchids while supporting morphological data provided by taxonomists. Full article

The N-terminal portion of the octapeptide angiotensin II (DRVYIHPF; AngII), a vasopressor peptide that favorably binds to, and activates, AngII type 1 receptor (AT₁R), has an important role in maintaining bioactive conformation. It involves all three charged groups, namely (i) the N-terminal amino group cation, (ii) the Asp sidechain anion and (iii) the Arg guanidino cation. Neutralization of any one of these three charged groups results in a substantial reduction (<5%) in bioactivity, implicating a specialized function for this cluster. In contrast, angiotensin A (ARVYIHPF; AngA) has reduced bioactivity at AT₁R; however, replacement of Asp in AngII with sarcosine (N-methyl-glycine) not only restores bioactivity but increases the activity of agonist, antagonist, and inverse agonist analogues. A bend produced at the N-terminus by the introduction of the secondary amino acid sarcosine is thought to realign the functional groups that chaperone the C-terminal portion of AngII, allowing transfer of the negative charge originating at the C-terminus to be transferred to the Tyr hydroxyl-forming tyrosinate anion, which is required to activate the receptor and desensitizes the receptor (tachyphylaxis). Peptide (sarilesin) and nonpeptide (sartans) moieties, which are long-acting inverse agonists, appear to desensitize the receptor by a mechanism analogous to tachyphylaxis. Sartans/bisartans were found to bind to alpha adrenergic receptors resulting in structure-dependent desensitization or resensitization. These considerations have provided information on the mechanisms of receptor desensitization/tolerance and insights into possible avenues for treating addiction. In this regard sartans, which appear to cross the blood–brain barrier more readily than bisartans, are the preferred drug candidates. Full article

(1) Background: Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a flowering plant reported to have anti-obesity, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aims to evaluate the UV-absorbing and antioxidant activities of roselle aqueous extracts (RAE) and test the protective effects of RAE against UV radiation in zebrafish embryos. (2) Methods: DPPH assay and UV-spectrum methods were applied to evaluate the antioxidant and UV-absorbing activities, respectively. The protective effects of RAE were evaluated using fin morphology recording, Kaplan–Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazards regression. Real-time PCR experiments were also applied to detect both the UV- and RAE-induced gene expressions. (3) Results: Our results show that (i) RAE had UV-absorbing abilities and significantly reduced ROS production in vitro; (ii) the mean times of malformed fins in the UV + RAE (36 and 48 ppm) groups were 3.56 and 4.44 days, respectively, and were prolonged compared to those in the UV-only group (3.36 days); (iii) zebrafish in the UV + RAE (36 and 48 ppm) groups were 0.963 and 0.496 (p < 0.001) times more likely to develop to malformed fins, respectively, than those in the UV-only group; and (iv) the RAE treatment led to the 0.19- to 0.62-fold downregulation of the p53, p21, mdm2, and bcl2 gene expressions, compared to the UV-only group. (4) Conclusions: The UV-protective effects of RAE might derive from both the in vitro UV-absorbing activity and in vivo regulation of the p53, p21, mdm2, and bcl2 gene expressions. Full article

Upon reaching deeper levels of extraction, dynamic hazards such as rockburst become more pronounced, with the high energy storage characteristics of rock masses in high-stress environments being the fundamental factor behind rockburst disasters. Additionally, deep-seated mineral extraction commonly involves drilling and blasting methods, where the vibrational energy generated by mining explosions combines with the elastic energy of rock masses, leading to a sudden growth in the risk and intensity of rockburst disasters. This paper, with deep mining at Sanshandao Gold Mine as the focal point, systematically investigates the impact of blasting vibrations on rockburst disasters in deep mines. Initially, based on extensive data on measured geostress considering the tri-arch cross-section form of deep tunnels, the elastic energy storage of the surrounding rocks in deep tunnels was calculated. The results indicate that the maximum energy storage of the surrounding rocks occurs at the bottom of the tunnel, with the peak accumulation position located at a distance of five times the tunnel radius. On this basis, the Map3D numerical simulation analysis was adopted to systematically capture the accumulation behavior and distribution characteristics of disturbance energy. Subsequently, by conducting the dynamic impact experiments with an improved Split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) and monitoring vibration signals at various locations, the paper provides insights into the propagation patterns of impact energy in a long sample (400 mm in length and 50 mm in diameter). Analysis of the scattering behavior of vibrational energy reveals that the combined portion of blasting vibration energy constitutes 60% of the total vibrational energy. Finally, a rockburst disaster evaluation model based on energy accumulations was proposed to analyze the rockburst tendencies around deep tunnels. The results indicated that the disaster-driven energy increased by 19.9% and 12.2% at different places on the roadway. Also, the probability and intensity of a rockburst would be raised. Full article

In this study, we examined over 200-year-old Ginkgo biloba L. specimens under different environmental conditions. The overall aim was to explore which factors influence their vitality and general fitness in urban environments and thus their ability to tolerate stressful habitats. In order to determine this, we used a number of different methods, including histological examinations (stomatal density and size) and physiological measurements (peroxidase enzyme activity), as well as assessing the air pollution tolerance index (APTI). The investigation of the genetic relationships between individuals was performed using flow cytometry and miRNA marker methods. The genetic tests revealed that all individuals are diploid, whereas the lus-miR168 and lus-miR408 markers indicated a kinship relation between them. These results show that the effect of different habitat characteristics can be detected through morphological and physiological responses, thus indicating relatively higher stress values for all studied individuals. A significant correlation can be found between the level of adaptability and the relatedness of the examined individuals. These results suggest that Ginkgo biloba L. is well adapted to an environment with increased stress factors and therefore suitable for use in urban areas. Full article

N-(1,3-Dimethyl butyl)-N′-phenyl-phenylenediamine-quinone (6PPD-Q) is a derivative of the widely used rubber tire antioxidant 6PPD, which was first found to be acutely toxic to coho salmon. Subsequent studies showed that 6PPD-Q had species-specific acute toxicity in fishes and potential hepatotoxicity in mice. In addition, 6PPD-Q has been reported in human urine, demonstrating the potential widespread exposure of humans to this chemical. However, whether 6PPD-Q poses a higher risk to humans than its parent compound, 6PPD, and could cause adverse effects in humans is still unclear. In this study, we utilized two human liver cell models (the human proto-hepatocyte model L02 and the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2) to investigate the potentially differential effects of these two chemicals. Cell viability curve analysis showed that 6PPD-Q had lower IC₅₀ values than 6PPD for both liver cell lines, suggesting higher toxicity of 6PPD-Q to human liver cells than 6PPD. In addition, L02 cells are more sensitive to 6PPD-Q exposure, which might be derived from its weaker metabolic transformation of 6PPD-Q, since significantly lower levels of phase I and phase II metabolites were detected in 6PPD-Q-exposed L02 cell culture medium. Furthermore, pathway analysis showed that 6PPD-Q exposure induced changes in phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis and tyrosine metabolism pathways in L02 cells, which might be the mechanism underlying its liver cell toxicity. Gene expression analysis revealed that exposure to 6PPD-Q induced excessive ROS production in L02 cells. Our results further supported the higher risk of 6PPD-Q than 6PPD and provided insights for understanding the effects of 6PPD-Q on human health. Full article

Developing novel, safe, and efficient proangiogenic drugs is an important approach for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, 4 new compounds, including 3 azaphilones (1–3) and 1 dihydroisocoumarin (4), as well as 13 known compounds (5–17), were isolated from the sea-mud-derived fungus Neopestalotiopsis sp. HN-1-6 from the Beibu Gulf of China. The structures of the new compounds were determined by NMR, MS, ECD, and NMR calculations. Compounds 3, 5, and 7 exhibited noteworthy proangiogenic activities in a zebrafish model at a concentration of 40 μM, without displaying cytotoxicity toward five human cell lines. In addition, some compounds demonstrated antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, with MIC values ranging from 64 μg/mL to 256 μg/mL. Full article

Objective: Both short and long sleep durations are associated with decreased kidney function; however, few studies have examined the relationship between sleep, hydration status, and plain water intake. This study aimed to assess the relationship between sleep quality, hydration status, and plain water intake in pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional study method was used to collect data from 380 pregnant women with regular examinations at the hospital between May 2019 and February 2021. Results: There were statistically significant differences in daily plain water intake (x² = 14.118, p = 0.001), PSQI score (x² = 77.708, p < 0.001), sleep duration (x² = 67.569, p > 0.001), subjective sleep quality (x² = 67.441, p = 0.001), time to fall asleep (x² = 64.782, p < 001), sleep disorders (x² = 70.853, p < 0.001), and daytime dysfunction (x² = 38.441, p < 0.001) among different hydration status groups. Ordinal logistic regression results indicated that the intake of plain water ≥1500 mL/d (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.24~0.67), good subjective sleep quality (OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.07~0.32), short time to fall asleep (OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.14~0.70), 8 h of sleep (OR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.02~0.17), 6–7 h of sleep (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.07~0.54), no sleep disturbance (OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.11~0.89), and high sleep efficiency (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.03~0.79) were factors that were correlated with optimal hydration status. Sleep duration and daytime dysfunction partially mediated the effect of plain water intake on hydration status. The mediating effect of sleep duration was −0.036, accounting for 14.006% of the overall effect. The mediating effect of daytime dysfunction was −0.024, accounting for 9.459% of the overall effect. Conclusion: The hydration status in pregnant women may be affected by daily plain water intake and sleep quality. Full article