Diverse Activities Research Articles

Research Progress in the Field of Hydrogen Sulfide Donors in the Last Five Years.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) serves as the third gasotransmitter, crucial in various physiological processes involving its production and metabolism. Elevated levels of H2S can result in acute or chronic poisoning, whereas lower concentrations are involved in regulating diverse physiological and pathological activities within the human body. Moreover, it actively participates in maintaining normal cellular function by exerting cell protection and anti-apoptotic effects. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted to explore the physiological significance of H2S and its potential applications in developing prodrugs. To further unravel the biological and clinical potential of H2S, H2S donors have gained widespread utilization. These compounds facilitate our understanding of the specific functional aspects governed by H2S and hold promise as potential therapeutic agents. Therefore, it is necessary to study H2S as a delivery vehicle at the cellular and in vivo levels. This review provides an overview of advancements made over the past five years regarding H2S donors and their applications in biology, encompassing indirectly released donors of carbonyl sulfide (COS), directly released small molecule donors, Nanocomposite scaffolds, and hydrogels.

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of febrifugine in rat plasma determined by UPLC-MS/MS

AbstractFebrifugine, a potent quinazolinone compound derived from the Chinese herb Chang Shan (Dichroa febrifuga), exhibits diverse biological activities and has demonstrated anti-tumor effects by functioning as focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitors. In this study, our objective was to establish a quantitative UPLC-MS/MS method and investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of febrifugine in rats following intravenous and oral administration routes. The rat tail vein was used for the collection of blood samples at designated time intervals following intravenous (2.0 mg kg−1) and oral (6.0 mg kg−1) administrations. Plasma samples were pretreated with acetonitrile as a protein precipitant and methylcytisine as an internal standard. Febrifugine concentration in rat plasma was determined using the UPLC-MS/MS method, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using drug and statistics (DAS) software version for statistical analysis. The linear range of febrifugine in rat plasma was 1.5–1,500 ng mL−1, meeting the precision, recovery, and stability requirements for determination purposes. Febrifugine had a half-life (t1/2) of 3.2 ± 1.6 h after administered via intravenous route, while t1/2 was 2.6 ± 0.5 h after oral administration. The developed UPLC-MS/MS method is facile to operate while adhering to rigorous methodological verification standards, rendering it suitable for investigating the pharmacokinetics of febrifugine; and bioavailability was determined as 45.8%.

Palladium-Catalyzed Dual-Tasked ortho-C-H Borylation of Aryl Iodides.

The Pd-catalyzed ortho-C-H borylation of aryl iodides has been developed through maleimide-relayed C-H activation. In this reaction, the ipso-positions and ortho-C-H bonds of aryl iodides are alkylated and borylated, respectively, providing a new strategy for C-H borylation. The reaction exhibits a broad substrate scope and represents a modular synthetic method for functionalized 3-aryl succinimides, which are essential structural motifs in organic compounds with diverse biological activities. Furthermore, the boronate group can be further manipulated, and the practical utility of the reaction has been demonstrated. This work also introduces a new strategy for ipso, ortho-difunctionalization of aryl halides via C-H activation.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Vateria indica L. oleo-gum resin (white dammar) essential oil

White dammar is an oleo-gum resin obtained from Vateria indica L. (Dipterocarpaceae) and is known to possess diverse biological activities. This study examines the chemical composition, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of essential oil extracted from white dammar. The chemical constituents of essential oil were identified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and flame ionization detection (FID). A total of 18 compounds constituting 97.15% of the oil were identified, which consist of β-caryophyllene (36.32%), α-humulene (14.31%), β-humulene (9.73%), caryophyllene oxide (8.28%), allo-aromadendrene (5.63%) and junenol (5.1%). The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil obtained was measured by means of disc diffusion assay, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal/fungal concentrations (MBC/MFC). The highest antimicrobial activity was shown against Bacillus cereus (MIC/MBC = 31.2/62.5 μg/mL) and also Staphylococcus aureus (MIC/MBC = 62.5/125 μg/mL), whereas only a moderate level of activity was recorded against Salmonella typhi (MIC/MBC = 125/250 μg/mL), Vibrio cholerae, MRSA (MIC/MBC = 250/500 μg/mL) and Candida albicans (MIC/MFC = 125/250 μg/mL). Antioxidant activity was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays; IC50 value, of 29.42 μg/mL and FRAP value, of 166.5 ± 2.2 μmol Fe2+/g indicated that the essential oil exhibited adequate antioxidant activity. These results substantiate the possible medicinal application of white dammar as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent.

Optimizing acromioclavicular joint management: A case series on minimally invasive TightRope with double endobutton fixation

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation constitutes 40% of shoulder injuries, impacting patients across diverse activities. The Rockwood Staging System guides assessment, prompting exploration of the novel TightRope with double endobutton fixation technique to restore AC joint function. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of the TightRope with double endobutton fixation technique in 20 cases of AC joint dislocation, emphasizing its potential advantages over conventional methods. A case series involving 20 AC joint dislocation cases underwent comprehensive evaluation, including follow-ups and radiological assessments. Surgical interventions were performed using the TightRope with double endobutton fixation technique. The average age was 44.5 years, with a notable prevalence of severe dislocations (Classes V and VI). Surgical interventions demonstrated efficiency, with a brief hospital stay. The innovative technique yielded excellent outcomes, with 90% achieving high Constant–Murley scores. TightRope with double endobutton fixation emerges as a promising, minimally invasive strategy for AC joint dislocation, exhibiting potential in minimizing post-operative complications and expediting recovery. The study advocates for individualized interventions and emphasizes the need for further exploration of long-term implications.

Stable Diversity but Distinct Metabolic Activity of Microbiome of Roots from Adult and Young Chinese Fir Trees

The tree-associated microbiome is vital for both individual trees and the forest ecosystem. The microbiome is dynamic; however, it is influenced by the developmental stages and environmental stresses experienced by host trees. Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) is an economically important tree species in the subtropical regions of China. This study investigated the diversity of microbial communities, including bacteria and fungi, in the roots and bulk soil of young (2 years old) and old (46 years old) Chinese fir. It specifically examined the functional characteristics of these microbial communities. Through a non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis, we examined differences in microbial community structures among root and soil samples of Chinese fir. Evaluations using α-diversity metrics (Chao1, Shannon, Pielou, etc.) confirmed significant differences in diversity and structure between soil and root samples but high similarity between young and old tree samples. A network analysis identified key bacterial and fungal genera, such as Burkholderia and Russula, which play pivotal roles in the microbiome structure. We also demonstrated significant variations in microbial metabolic functions, such as dioxin and benzoic acid degradation metabolic pathways, which might relate to stress alleviation for tree fitness. Additionally, for the detection of endophytic microorganisms in Chinese fir seeds, only small amounts (less than 10%) of fungal endophytes and bare bacterial endophytes were identified. In summary, this study revealed that the stable structure of the rhizosphere microbiome was established in the early stage of tree life in Chinese fir, which mostly originated from surrounding soil rather than seed endophytes. The associated microbial metabolic activity naturally decreased with tree aging, implicating the tree microbial dynamics and the need for the addition of an actively functional synthetic community for tree fitness.

Developmental Toxicity of Alkylated PAHs and Substituted Phenanthrenes: Structural Nuances Drive Diverse Toxicity and AHR activation

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a diverse class of chemicals that occur in complex mixtures including parent and substituted PAHs. To understand the hazard posed by complex environmental PAH mixtures, we must first understand the structural drivers of activity and mode of action of individual PAHs. Understanding the toxicity of alkylated PAHs is important as they often occur in higher abundance in environmental matrices and can be more biologically active than their parent compounds. 104 alkylated PAHs were screened from 11 different parent compounds with emphasis on substituted phenanthrenes and their structurally dependent toxicity differences. Using a high-throughput early life stage zebrafish assay, embryos were exposed to concentrations between 0.1 to 100 μM and assessed for morphological and behavioral outcomes. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is often implicated in the toxicity of PAHs and the induction of cytochrome P4501A (cyp1a) is an excellent biomarker of Ahr activation. Embryos were evaluated for cyp1a induction using a fluorescence reporter line. Alkyl and polar phenanthrene derivatives were further assessed for spatial cyp1a expression and Ahr dependence of morphological effects. In the alkyl PAH screen 35 (33.7%) elicited a morphological or behavioral response and of those 23 (65%) also induced cyp1a. 31 (29.8%) of the chemicals only induced cyp1a. Toxicity varied substantially in response to substitution location, the amount of ring substitutions and alkyl chain length. Cyp1a induction varied by parent compound group and was a poor indicator of morphological or behavioral outcomes. Polar phenanthrenes were more biologically active than alkylated phenanthrene derivatives and their toxicity was not dependent upon the Ahr2, Ahr1a or Ahr1b when tested individually, despite cyp1a induction by 50% of polar phenanthrenes. Our results demonstrated that induction of cyp1a did not always correlate with PAH toxicity or Ahr dependence and that the type and location of phenanthrene substitution determined potency.

Design and synthesis of piperine-based photoaffinity probes for revealing potential targets of piperine in neurological disease.

Piperine (PIP) has attracted extensive attention due to its diverse biological activities. In this study, we developed two photoaffinity probes PIP-1 and PIP-2, which are biologically safe and retain PIP's bioactivity, to investigate its protein targets in vivo. Using in situ labeling and cell imaging, we were able to effectively detect and visualize the drug targets of PIP with our probes. Additionally, a series of protein targets of PIP were fished using PIP-2 through proteome profiling, with further validation suggesting that TGFβ1 might be a potential target involved in PIP's effects on neurological diseases. These findings demonstrate that PIP-2 is a valuable tool for identifying the targets of PIP.

Gender diversity and daily steps: Findings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study

PurposeTo examine the association between multiple dimensions of gender diversity and physical activity (daily steps) in a diverse national sample of early adolescents in the United States. MethodsThis study analyzed Year 2 data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (N = 6038, Mage=12.0 years). Linear regression models were used to estimate the associations of gender diversity across multiple measures (transgender identity, felt gender, gender expression, gender non-contentedness) with daily step count measured by wrist-worn Fitbit devices. ResultsIn this sample of early adolescents, 49.7 % were assigned female at birth, 39.4 % were from racial/ethnic minority groups, and 1 % to 16.9 % identified as gender diverse, depending on the measure used. Transgender identity was associated with 1394 (95 % confidence interval 284–2504) fewer steps per day compared to cisgender identity after adjusting for all covariates. Greater gender diversity, as measured by felt gender and gender non-contentedness, was also associated with lower daily steps. ConclusionsTransgender and gender-diverse adolescents engage in less physical activity than their cisgender peers. This research has important implications for public health and policies focused on supporting physical activity among transgender and gender-diverse early adolescents.

Protective Effects of Antcin H Isolated from Antrodia cinnamomea Against Neuroinflammation in Huntington's Disease via NLRP3 Inflammasome Inhibition.

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of a CAG trinucleotide repeat in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. When the CAG repeat exceeds 36, it results in the accumulation of the mutant HTT (mHTT) protein in neurons and glial cells. Key pathological mechanisms in HD include excitotoxicity, energy dysfunction, impaired mitochondrial function, increased oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multimeric protein complex element of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1, which regulates interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 secretion. The NLRP3 inflammasome plays an important role in inflammatory reactions and is involved in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. We have previously demonstrated high NLRP3 inflammasome expression levels in the striatum of R6/2 mice (a transgenic HD mouse model). Systematic administration of an NLRP3 inhibitor (MCC950) to R6/2 mice suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome, decreased IL-1β and reactive oxygen species production, and reduced neuronal toxicity, suggesting protective effects against HD. Antrodia cinnamomea is an indigenous medicinal fungus in Taiwan, which shows diverse medicinal and pharmacological activities, but its effects in HD are not well understood. Herein, we report that systematic administration of Antcin-H isolated from A. cinnamomea to R6/2 mice suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-1β production, and reduced neuronal toxicity. Most importantly, oral administration of Antcin-H reduced disease progression by increasing neuronal survival, reducing neuroinflammation during an extended lifespan, and improving motor dysfunction in R6/2 mice. Taken together, our data suggest that Antcin-H has therapeutic potential for treating HD.

Natural products as drug leads: exploring their potential in drug discovery and development.

Natural products have been pivotal in drug discovery, offering a wealth of bioactive compounds that significantly contribute to therapeutic developments. Despite the rise of synthetic chemistry, natural products continue to play a crucial role due to their unique chemical structures and diverse biological activities. This study reviews and evaluates the potential of natural products in drug discovery and development, emphasizing the integration of traditional knowledge with modern drug discovery methodologies and addressing the associated challenges. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed/MedLine, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library, covering publications from 2000 to 2023. Inclusion criteria focused on studies related to natural products, bioactive compounds, medicinal plants, phytochemistry, and AI applications in drug discovery. Data were categorized into source, extraction methods, bioactivity assays, and technological advances. The current review underscores the historical and ongoing importance of natural products in drug discovery. Technological advancements in chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques have improved the isolation and structural elucidation of bioactive compounds. AI and machine learning have streamlined the identification and optimization of natural product leads. Challenges such as biodiversity sustainability and development complexities are discussed, alongside innovative approaches like biosynthetic engineering and metagenomics. Natural products remain a vital source of novel therapeutic agents, providing unique chemical diversity and specific biological activities. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods is essential for maximizing the potential of natural products in drug discovery. Despite existing challenges, ongoing research and technological advancements are expected to enhance the efficiency and success of natural product-based drug development.

PENGEMBANGAN KOMPETENSI MATEMATIKA MELALUI KEGIATAN KEBHINEKAAN

This research discusses the development of mathematical competence through diversity activities, focusing on student learning through the Nusantara Module in the Independent Student Exchange Program in the Tumpang Valley. The background of this research is rooted in the importance of improving the quality of mathematics education and strengthening the values of diversity in the university environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Nusantara Module in improving the understanding and mathematical skills of students from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The research method used is a qualitative approach with interview, observation, and documentation analysis techniques. The results showed that learning through the Nusantara Module succeeded in building a deep understanding of mathematics and problem-solving skills among students, while appreciating cultural diversity. In addition, there is an increase in active participation, creativity, and enthusiasm for student learning in the context of diversity. In conclusion, the Nusantara Module in the context of the Independent Student Exchange Program not only improves mathematical competence, but also strengthens understanding of the values of diversity and cross-cultural cooperation. These findings provide the basis for the development of diversity-based learning strategies in higher education, supporting students' academic and social growth in a multicultural atmosphere.

In-silico based Designing of benzo[d]thiazol-2-amine Derivatives as Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Agents.

Benzo[d]thiazoles represent a significant class of heterocyclic compounds renowned for their diverse pharmacological activities, including analgesic and antiinflammatory properties. This molecular scaffold holds substantial interest among medicinal chemists owing to its structural versatility and therapeutic potential. Incorporating the benzo[d]thiazole moiety into drug molecules has been extensively investigated as a strategy to craft novel therapeutics with heightened efficacy and minimized adverse effects. The aim of the present research work was to design, synthesize and characterize the new benzo[d]thiazol-2-amine derivatives as potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents. The synthesis of the presented benzo[d]thiazol-2-amine derivatives was performed by condensing-(4-chlorobenzylidene) benzo[d]thiazol-2-amine with a number of substituted phenols in the presence of potassium iodide and anhydrous potassium carbonate in dry acetone. IR spectroscopy, 1HNMR spectroscopy, 13CNMR spectroscopy and Mass spectroscopy methods were used to characterize the structural properties of all 13 newly synthesized derivatives. The molecular properties of these newly synthesized derivatives were estimated to study the attributes of drug-like candidates. Benzo[d]thiazol-2-amine derivatives were molecularly docked with selective enzymes COX-1 and COX-2. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of synthesized compounds were evaluated by using albino rats. Findings of the research suggested that compounds G3, G4, G6, G8 and G11 possess higher binding affinity than diclofenac sodium, when docking was performed with enzyme COX-1. Compounds G1, G3, G6, G8 and G10 showed lower binding affinity than Indomethacin when docking was performed with enzyme COX-2. In vitro evaluation of the COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibitory activities was performed for synthesized compounds. Compounds G10 and G11 exhibited significant COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibitory action with an IC50 value of 5.0 and 10 μM, respectively. Using the hot plate method and the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model, the synthesized compounds were screened for their biological activities, including analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Highest analgesic action was exhibited by derivative G11 and the compound G10 showed the highest anti-inflammatory response. Inhibition of COX may be considered as a mechanism of action of these compounds. It was concluded that synthesized derivatives G10 and G11 exhibited significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect; therefore, the said compounds may be subjected to further clinical investigation for establishing these as future compounds for the treatment of pain and inflammation.

Comparative study on physicochemical characterization and immunomodulatory activities of neutral and acidic Lycium barbarum polysaccharides

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are recognized as key bioactive constituents of Lycium barbarum with diverse biological activities. However, current research on LBPs is largely confined to crude extracts, offering limited insight into the structural properties underlying their biological effects. In this study, we separated crude LBP into acidic LBP (ALBP) and neutral LBP (NLBP), which exhibited distinct physicochemical properties. ALBP, consisting of 76.18 % galacturonic acid (GalA), demonstrated crystallinity, thermal stability and gelatinous characteristics. In contrast, NLBP, with only 3.16 % GalA, displayed a more porous structure and superior fluidity. Furthermore, functional analysis revealed that NLBP exhibited enhanced immunoregulatory effects by activating dendritic cells and repolarizing macrophages. In a B16F10 melanoma-bearing C57BL/6 J mice model, NLBP significantly inhibited tumor growth with an inhibition rate of 66.7 % through macrophage repolarization. The findings highlight the distinct biological effects of NLBP and ALBP, providing a theoretical foundation for the refined utilization of LBP.

Advancements in benzotriazole derivatives: from synthesis to pharmacological applications

Benzotriazole derivatives have emerged as significant compounds in medicinal chemistry due to their diverse pharmacological activities and unique structural properties. This review discusses the various synthetic strategies employed to develop these derivatives, including solvent-free techniques for N-alkylation and the synthesis of N-acyl benzotriazoles. Characterization methods such as infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy confirm the successful formation of metal-benzotriazole complexes. The pharmacological profiles of benzotriazole derivatives reveal their potential as antimicrobial agents, particularly against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, some derivatives exhibit potent antiprotozoal activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii, as well as analgesic effects that surpass those of standard drugs. Antioxidant studies highlight superior free radical scavenging abilities in certain benzotriazole-substituted compounds, while anti-inflammatory derivatives demonstrate activity comparable to common anti-inflammatory medications. Furthermore, significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger positions these compounds as promising alternatives in addressing prevalent health challenges. The findings underscore the importance of benzotriazole derivatives in drug discovery and their potential in combating issues such as antibiotic resistance and oxidative stress.

Plant litter crust enhances nitrogen accumulation by regulating microbial diversity and urease activity in semi-arid sandy soils

Plant litter plays a crucial role in regulating soil nitrogen (N) cycling in dryland ecosystems. However, the mechanisms by which plant litter crust drives microbial community composition to influence N levels in sandy soils remain unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of litter crust on sandy soil microhabitat characteristics (temperature, moisture, and porosity), microbial diversity and composition, urease activity, and soil N variables (total-N, nitrate-N, and ammonium-N) across different stages of litter crust development (including early-, mid-, and post-term) in a field setting. We found that litter crust promotes bacterial and fungal alpha diversity in sandy soils, leading to a shift in bacterial community composition from oligotrophs (i.e., Actinobacteria) to copiotrophs (i.e., Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes), and a shift in fungal community composition dominance from Ascomycota to Basidiomycota. Litter crust enhances the complexity and stability of bacterial and fungal co-occurrence networks in sandy soils, especially in early- and mid-term stages of crust development. Additionally, litter crust increases nitrification (aerobic ammonia oxidation) and decreases denitrification (nitrate reduction) in these soils. Notably, the increase in soil moisture and urease activity, along with the decrease in soil temperature due to litter crust, effectively promotes N accumulation in sandy soils. Our results demonstrate that N levels during the litter crust period are mainly influenced by a combination of bacterial beta diversity and fungal alpha diversity at the 0–5 cm depth, and bacterial alpha diversity along with soil properties (i.e., soil variables and urease activity) at the 5–10 cm depth. Overall, our results reveal that litter crust contributes to N accumulation in sandy soils by regulating bacterial and fungal community composition and diversity, as well as by buffering soil temperature and soil moisture, and enhancing urease activity. These findings provide new insights into the critical role of soil microbes in maintaining N functions during litter crust development in semi-arid sandy ecosystems.

Deciphering the biophysical aspects of the interaction of 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene with ribonuclease A: spectroscopic and computational studies.

Drug-receptor interaction is an important aspect in drug action, drug discovery, and pharmacological aspects. The molecule 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene known as resveratrol is a natural polyphenol and exhibits diverse biological activities. Ribonuclease A catalyses the degradation of RNA by its ribonucleolytic activity. The report presents the binding interaction of resveratrol with RNase A using experimental and theoretical techniques. Experimental studies revealed the interaction strength of 104M-1 order with a single binding site. Resveratrol quenched the ribonuclease A fluorescence with a quenching constant of 104M-1 range. The accessible fraction of the fluorophore was found to be 0.75 besides non-radiative energy transfer from ribonuclease A to resveratrol. The donor-acceptor distance was 2.14nm from FRET calculations. No visible changes in the protein structure was evident from the circular dichroism studies. The interface residues involved in the interaction were obtained from docking studies. Further, the participation of the active site residues, His 12, His 119, and Lys 41 with interaction indicates the location of resveratrol near to the active site of ribonuclease A and indicates its possible potential to inhibit the ribonuclease A activity. The RMSD of less than 3Å indicates stable conformation of protein in the complex. The protein RMSF value in the complex less than 3Å shows no deviation of protein residues over time and thus suggests no conformational variation in the protein after binding.

Literature review: Opportunities with phytobiotics for health and growth of pigs

Abstract Phytobiotics are plant-derived rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolics, organosulfur compounds, terpenes, and aldehydes. Phytobiotics can be classified based on their origin or chemical structure, with the main categories being essential oils, oleoresins, and herbs and spices. Phytobiotics have gained interest due to their positive effects on animal health, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties resulting in improved growth performance. This review explores the mode of action of phytobiotics based on their bioactive compounds and highlights their impacts on intestinal health and growth performance in pigs. The inclusion of phytobiotics in pig diets has shown promise in mitigate negative impacts caused by environmental and dietary challenges by reducing inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, enhancing intestinal barrier function, and exhibiting antimicrobial properties against pathogens like Escherichia coli. Collectively, phytobiotics showed a diverse biological activity through different mode of actions, resulting in improved growth performance and overall health in pigs, making phytobiotics a valuable feed additive in pig nutrition and production.

Spatial heterogeneity analysis between street network configurations and various service activities: evidence from the Wuhan metropolitan area

China’s economic growth is increasingly being driven by the contemporary service industry in the context of a new economy. This study aims to examine the spatial heterogeneous relationship between various service industry activities and street network design configurations by integrating multisource big data and geospatial analysis to provide insightful implications for human-centered design for compact cities by taking the case study of an inland megacity in central China, Wuhan. Street configurations under the walking/driving modes including closeness, betweenness, severance and efficiency, are characterized from the perspective of spatial design network analysis and angular distance to effectively reflect network shapes and subjective perceptions when navigating through the streets. The point-like, point-axis and ring patterns of various service activities are identified using the kernel density estimation (KDE). Then two sets of densities are analyzed to investigate whether various service activities are spatially associated with specific street metrics and whether spatial stratified heterogeneity exists. The results show that severance and efficiency are two promising indicators to represent the human-scale street design besides the conventional street centrality indices. The spatial mismatch is mainly observed between street metrics and the tourism sector whereas spatial clusters are detected in other types of service activities. Diverse service activities have distinct location preferences for street designs under different transport modes. The walking mode values global closeness and betweenness, while the driving mode values severance and efficiency.

Visualizing Dynamic Weak Interaction Networks of Fluorine Atoms within Proteins via NMR.

The utilization of fluorine probes in protein research has advanced our understanding of the nature of macromolecules. The diverse activities of proteins are governed by intricate weak interaction networks, yet the experimental detection presents a challenge. Herein, we have developed an NMR analytical method based on quantum coherent operations to characterize the weak chemical bonds of fluorine atoms within proteins that are bound to metal fluorides or labeled with fluorinated amino acids. Our approach offers a fast-screening method for identifying a weak interaction network without requiring crystallization.