Science Foundation Research Articles

Targeted Screening, Distribution and Sources of Antibiotics in Drinking Water Sources and its Risk Assessment in Sichuan Province, China.

The misuse of antibiotics has led to frequent detection of antibiotics in the environment and triggered a series of environmental pollution problems. As the upper reaches of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, Sichuan Province has a large population, and the safety of its drinking water is of great importance to the local and even downstream areas. In this study, ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used for targeted screening 41 antibiotics from 4 categories including tetracyclines, sulfonamides, macrolides, and quinolones in 35 water sources in Sichuan Province, China. Results showed that 30 antibiotics existed in the water samples. The total concentration of antibiotics (∑30 antibiotics) was 0.03-33.09 ng·L-1, with sulfonamide antibiotics exhibiting the highest concentration. In terms of different types of water sources, the concentration of ∑30 antibiotics showed the trend of in the river type (8.15 ± 10.18 ng·L-1) > the lake and reservoir type (2.62 ± 1.60 ng·L-1) > the groundwater type (0.33 ± 0.31 ng·L-1). Veterinary antibiotics predominated in the groundwater and river type sources, while veterinary-agricultural antibiotics dominated in the lake and reservoir type sources. The order of ∑30 antibiotics concentration of in water sources from different economic zones showed that in the South Sichuan Economic Zone > Chengdu Plain Economic Zone > Northeast Sichuan Economic Zone > Panxi Economic Zone > Northwest Sichuan Ecological Demonstration Zone. Cluster analysis showed that antibiotics in water sources mainly originated from human medical treatment, breeding and agricultural use. The risk evaluation indicated that there were no high-risk points in the study area, and most of the points were at the no-risk to low-risk levels. The results supplied data and a scientific foundation for implementing a tiered and zoned water resource management strategy for controlling antibiotic pollution.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Potential of Tocotrienols: An Update.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) poses a significant threat to visual health among the elderly, necessitating urgent preventive measures as the global population ages. Extensive research has implicated oxidative stress (OS)-induced retinal damage as a primary contributor to AMD pathogenesis, prompting investigations into potential therapeutic interventions. Among the various nutrients studied for their potential in AMD risk reduction, antioxidants have shown promise, with initial findings from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study suggesting a correlation between antioxidant supplementation and decreased AMD progression. This article explores the scientific foundation supporting the therapeutic efficacy of tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) as a viable candidate for slowing AMD progression, based on interventional studies. AMD is characterized by OS, inflammation, dysregulated lipid metabolism, and angiogenesis, all of which TRF purportedly addresses through its potent anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, antiangiogenic, and antioxidant properties. The review underscores TRF's promising attributes, aiming to deepen understanding of AMD pathogenesis and advocate for TRF-based pharmacological interventions to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Given the pressing need for effective AMD treatments, TRF represents a promising avenue for intervention, offering hope for improved vision outcomes and enhanced quality of life for individuals affected by this debilitating condition.

Plant-Derived B-CGT Hydrogel Accelerates Diabetic Wound Healing Through Multitarget Modulation of Inflammation, Angiogenesis, and Tissue Remodeling

Diabetic wound healing presents significant challenges due to impaired angiogenesis, chronic inflammation, and cellular dysfunction. Building on previous research, this study further explores the potential of a plant-derived glucosyloxybenzyl 2-isobutylmalates (B-CGT) hydrogel in promoting diabetic wound healing. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses suggest that B-CGT may regulate key mechanisms, such as apoptosis, inflammation, and matrix remodeling, through core targets including SIRT1, CASP8, and MMP8. In vivo studies further demonstrated that B-CGT hydrogel significantly accelerated wound closure in diabetic mice, enhanced angiogenesis, promoted collagen deposition, and achieved immune balance by modulating macrophage polarization, thereby shifting the inflammatory environment toward a repair state. Moreover, B-CGT hydrogel significantly improved the wound microenvironment by upregulating VEGF expression and exerting antioxidant effects. By combining theoretical predictions with experimental validation, this study elucidates the multi-target synergistic regulatory mechanisms of B-CGT hydrogel. These findings provide new research directions for addressing immune imbalance and angiogenesis defects in diabetic wound healing and lay a scientific foundation for the optimization and application of chronic wound treatment strategies.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Construction of Core Germplasm in Populations of Acorus tatarinowii Based on SNP Markers

Acorus tatarinowii is a natural medicinal plant integral to traditional aromatic therapies. It is commonly employed in the treatment of depression, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease due to its significant medicinal and aromatic properties. However, the genetic diversity of wild A. tatarinowii resources has declined due to over-exploitation and habitat destruction. This study aims to assess the genetic diversity of the natural populations of A. tatarinowii, establish a core germplasm bank, explore its genetic richness and uniqueness, prevent genetic erosion, and identify beneficial genes. In this study, for the first time, 429A. tatarinowii samples from 40 populations were analyzed for genetic diversity and population structure using Hyper-Seq technology. A total of 4,772,850 high-quality Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and 1,563,000 Insertions and Deletions (InDels) variant loci were identified, with C/T as the predominant variant type and a Ts/Tv ratio of 1.079. Annotation of these loci indicated that the majority of variants occurring in intergenic regions, accounting for 50.59% of the total. Moreover, the heterozygosity, nucleotide diversity, and FST of A. tatarinowii suggested low genetic diversity within this species within the populations. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that the population variation of A. tatarinowii is mainly caused by the variation between populations (72.06%), while the variation within populations only contributes a small part (27.94%) Through NJ tree, PCA, and ADMIXTURE analyses, the 429A. tatarinowii samples were classified into five subgroups, with some genetic exchange observed. A total of 7,163 high-quality polymorphic SNPs were identified, and a core germplasm consisting of 85 samples was established, achieving genotype retention rates similar to those of the original germplasm. This indicates that a smaller number of germplasm resources can effectively represent the majority of the genetic diversity. Additionally, PCA analysis further confirmed the representativeness and validity of the constructed core germplasm resources. Furthermore, the DNA fingerprints of the 429 accessions were established using the most effective combinations of 26 SNP markers, which served as specific markers to effectively distinguish all samples. In conclusion, these findings offer valuable insights into the genetic structure of A. tatarinowii, facilitating the identification of high-quality genes and providing a scientific foundation for the development of breeding programs and conservation strategies for A. tatarinowii.

Characterization of preclinical models to investigate spinal cord stimulation for neuropathic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Despite advancements in preclinical and clinical spinal cord stimulation (SCS) research, the mechanisms of SCS action remain unclear. This may result from challenges in translatability of findings between species. Our systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42023457443) aimed to comprehensively characterize the important translational components of preclinical SCS models, including stimulating elements and stimulation specifications. Databases (Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and WikiStim) were searched on October 5, 2023, identifying 78 studies meeting the search criteria. We conducted a post hoc meta-analysis, including subgroup analyses and meta-regression, to assess SCS efficacy on mechanical hypersensitivity in rats subjected to neuropathic pain. Although monopolar electrodes were predominantly used as stimulating elements until 2013, quadripolar paddle and cylindrical leads gained recent popularity. Most research was conducted using 50 Hz and 200 µs stimulation. Motor threshold (MT) estimation was the predominant strategy to determine SCS intensity, which was set to 71.9% of MT on average. Our analysis revealed a large effect size for SCS (Hedge g = 1.13, 95% CI: [0.93, 1.32]) with similar magnitudes of effect between conventional (≤100 Hz) and nonconventional SCS paradigms while sham SCS had nonsignificant effect size. In addition, different stimulation intensity, frequency, and electrode design did not affect effect size. The risk of bias was assessed using Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation criteria and was unclear, and only the frequency subgroup analysis showed publication bias. In summary, our review characterizes the critical components of preclinical SCS models and provides recommendations to improve reproducibility and translatability, thereby advancing the scientific foundation for SCS research.

Integrating physiological, metabolome and transcriptome revealed the response of maize seeds to combined cold and high soil moisture stresses.

Combined cold and high moisture stress (CHS) is a prevalent abiotic stress during maize sowing in northeast China, severely affecting the growth of seedlings and seed germination. However, the mechanism underlying seed growth responses to CHS remains unclear. We used Jidan441 (JD441, CHS-resistant) and Jidan558 (JD558, CHS-sensitive) as experimental materials. Treatments of 5-day cold (4°C, CS), high moisture (25%, gravimetric water content, HH), and CHS were initiated at sowing, followed by a return to normal growth conditions (20°C during light/ 15°C during dark, 15%) at 7 days after sowing (DAS). CS, HH, and CHS decreased seed root length and surface area. The reduction in root length and surface area in JD441 due to CHS was less severe than in JD558. We found that the difference between CHS and control in JD441was less than that in JD558 at transcriptional and metabolic levels at 7 DAS. After CHS removal, JD441 exhibited a greater increase in α-amylase activity and antioxidant content than JD558, which facilitated starch decomposition and the rapid removal of O2 - and H2O2 in seeds. The rapid recovery of soluble sugar and soluble protein in JD441 helped maintain osmotic balance. Amino acids and genes related to amino acid metabolism were upregulated in response to combined stress in JD441, whereas they were downregulated in JD558. In conclusion, the stress tolerance of JD441 was attributed to its efficient recovery ability from CHS. This study provides a scientific foundation for exploring seed stress tolerance pathways and developing cold and high-moisture-tolerant hybrids.

Photo(electro)catalytic Water Splitting for Hydrogen Production: Mechanism, Design, Optimization, and Economy

As an energy carrier characterized by its high energy density and eco-friendliness, hydrogen holds a pivotal position in energy transition. This paper elaborates on the scientific foundations and recent progress of photo- and electro-catalytic water splitting, including the corresponding mechanism, material design and optimization, and the economy of hydrogen production. It systematically reviews the research progress in photo(electro)catalytic materials, including oxides, sulfides, nitrides, noble metals, non-noble metal, and some novel photocatalysts and provides an in-depth analysis of strategies for optimizing these materials through material design, component adjustment, and surface modification. In particular, it is pointed out that nanostructure regulation, dimensional engineering, defect introduction, doping, alloying, and surface functionalization can remarkably improve the catalyst performance. The importance of adjusting reaction conditions, such as pH and the addition of sacrificial agents, to boost catalytic efficiency is also discussed, along with a comparison of the cost-effectiveness of different hydrogen production technologies. Despite the significant scientific advancements made in photo(electro)catalytic water splitting technology, this paper also highlights the challenges faced by this field, including the development of more efficient and stable photo(electro)catalysts, the improvement of system energy conversion efficiency, cost reduction, the promotion of technology industrialization, and addressing environmental issues.

Thermal analysis of exciter rolling bearing based on heat flow coupling

Purpose This study aims to investigate the temperature rise characteristics of vibrating rolling bearings under the influence of the polarization force of unbalanced eccentric blocks. A thermal-fluid-solid mechanics coupled finite element model is established to analyze the effects of different loads and rotational speeds on bearing temperature to prevent overheating, wear and thermal damage. Design/methodology/approach A thermal-fluid-solid mechanics coupled finite element model of the vibrating rolling bearing is developed based on the principles of heat transfer. Finite element analysis software is used to conduct numerical simulations and study the temperature distribution of the bearing system under different loads and speeds. The model’s accuracy is verified by experimentally measuring the actual temperature of the bearing under the same working conditions. Findings This study successfully established a thermal-fluid-solid mechanics coupled finite element model of a vibrating rolling bearing, verifying its accuracy and reliability. The research results provide an essential reference for optimizing bearing design, preventing overheating and extending service life. Research limitations/implications By analyzing the temperature rise characteristics under various load and rotational speed conditions, the law governing the internal temperature distribution of bearings is revealed. This finding offers a theoretical foundation for comprehending the thermal behavior of bearings. Practical implications This study offers a scientific foundation for the maintenance and fault diagnosis of shaker rolling bearings, aiding in the timely identification and resolution of thermal damage issues. Through the optimization of bearing design and usage conditions, the equipment’s lifespan can be prolonged, maintenance expenses can be minimized and production efficiency can be enhanced. Originality/value A thermal-fluid-solid mechanics coupled finite element model of a vibrating rolling bearing was established, considering the interaction of multiple physical fields. The influence of the polarization force from the unbalanced eccentric block on the bearing temperature is analyzed in detail, which is close to the actual working conditions. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2024-0396/

Cloning and functional characterization of sesquiterpene synthase genes from Inonotus obliquus using a Saccharomyces cerevisiae expression system.

Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom) is a large medicinal and edible fungus that contains a wealth of bioactive terpenoids. However, the detection of certain low-abundance sesquiterpenoids remains a challenge due to limitations in extraction and analytical techniques. Furthermore, the synthase genes responsible for the biosynthesis of the identified terpenoids have not yet been clearly elucidated. To address this, our study combined transcriptome mining with yeast heterologous expression to investigate the synthase genes involved in sesquiterpenoid production in I. obliquus. We successfully identified eight sesquiterpene synthase genes and one farnesyltransferase. Among these, only cis-β-farnesene, synthesized by IoTPS2, had been previously detected before in the sclerotium of I. obliquus, while the other nine sesquiterpenoids-including neoisolongifolene-8-ol, β-longipinene, vetiselinenol, isolongifolene, 7,8-dehydro-8a-hydroxy-, 4a,8b,10b,11a-tetramethylbicyclo[6.3.0]undec-1-en-5-one, 6,11-oxido-acor-4-ene, β-maaliene, neointermedeol, and longifolenaldehyde-were discovered for the first time. This research provides a critical scientific foundation for expanding the known repertoire of sesquiterpenoids and their corresponding synthase genes in I. obliquus.

Assessing groundwater artificial recharge suitability in the Mi River basin using GIS, RS, and FAHP: a comprehensive analysis with seasonal variations

The escalating depletion and irrational exploitation of global groundwater resources have led to severe ecological and environmental repercussions and exacerbated water scarcity. Therefore, effective, sustainable management remains urgent to ensure the security and balance of water resources. This study utilized an integrated approach that combines Geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process to assess the suitability of artificial recharge in the Mi River watershed, creating 14 thematic layers. FAHP is a crucial tool for assigning relative weights to these layers, enabling a comprehensive assessment of the suitability of artificial recharge. The study area was categorized into five suitability classes with notable seasonal variations. During the wet season, the areas were rated as follows: 5.80%, very good; 35.24%, good; 41.96%, moderate; 16.11%, poor; 0.89%, very poor. These percentages during the dry season changed to 11.02% (very good), 39.80% (good), 34.39% (moderate), 10.39% (poor), and 4.39% (very poor). The central basin regions were deemed less suitable for artificial recharge. The model's accuracy was validated by analyzing receiver operating characteristic curves derived from a dataset of 29 wells. This study provides a scientific foundation for sustainable groundwater management within the Mi River watershed and substantiates the effectiveness of GIS and FAHP in evaluating artificial recharge potential. Future research should improve data accuracy to increase model precision and extend its applicability to various geographical and environmental settings.

Contamination Characterization, Toxicological Properties, and Health Risk Assessment of Bisphenols in Multiple Media: Current Research Status and Future Perspectives

Bisphenols (BPs) are ubiquitous environmental endocrine disruptors that cause various human health hazards and pollute water, soil, and the atmosphere to varying degrees. Although various studies have investigated the pollution characteristics and health hazards of BPs in different media, a systematic review of BPs in the broader environmental context is still lacking. This study highlights the pollution characteristics, detection methods, and risk assessment status of BPs by combining relevant studies from both domestic and international sources, and their environmental distribution characteristics are summarized. The results show that BP pollution is a widespread and complex global phenomenon. Bisphenol A (BPA) remains the predominant component of BPs, which can damage the nervous and reproductive systems. At present, high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry are the main detection methods used for BPs. BPs can also damage the reproductive system, leading to germ cell apoptosis and ovarian damage. Future research should focus on expanding the BP testing repertoire, advancing rapid detection techniques, elucidating toxic mechanisms, conducting comprehensive safety assessments, and developing systematic health risk assessment methods. These efforts will provide a scientific foundation for preventing and controlling emerging pollutants.

A bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most cited articles on corticospinal tract regeneration from 2004 to 2024

ObjectiveHere, bibliometric and visual analytical techniques were employed to assess the key features of the 100 most cited publications concerning corticospinal tract (CST) regeneration.MethodsResearch was conducted within the Web of Science Core Collection to pinpoint the 100 most cited publications on CST regeneration. From these, comprehensive data encompassing titles, authorship, key terms, publication venues, release timelines, geographic origins, and institutional affiliations were extracted, followed by an in-depth bibliometric examination.ResultsThe 100 most cited publications were all published between 2004 and 2024. These seminal papers amassed an aggregate of 18,321 citations, with individual citation counts ranging from 83 to 871 and a median of 136 citations per paper. Schwab M. E., stood out as the most prominent contributor, with significant authorship in 9 of the 100 papers. The United States dominated the geographical distribution, accounting for 49 of the articles. With 17 publications, the University of California System led the institutional rankings. A thorough keyword analysis revealed pivotal themes in the field, encompassing the optic nerve, gene expression, CST integrity and regeneration, diffusion tensor imaging, myelin-associated glycoproteins, inhibitors of neurite outgrowth, and methods of electrical and intracortical microstimulation.ConclusionThis investigation provides a bibliometric analysis of CST regeneration, underscoring the significant contribution of the United States to this field. Our findings unveiled the dynamics and trends within the field of CST regeneration, providing a scientific foundation for advancing clinical applications. Building on this analysis, the clinical application of CST regeneration should be optimized through interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling the exploration and validation of a variety of therapeutic approaches, including the use of neurotrophic factors, stem cell therapies, biomaterials, and electrical stimulation. Concurrently, additional clinical trials are necessary to test the safety and efficacy of these therapeutic methods and develop assessment tools for monitoring the recovery of patients. Furthermore, rehabilitation strategies should be refined, and professional education and training should be provided to enhance the understanding of CST regeneration treatments among both medical professionals and patients. The implementation of these strategies promises to enhance therapeutic outcomes and the quality of life of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Effectiveness of Nurse-led Brief Intervention to Reduce the Risky Use of Alcohol and Tobacco Use Among Older Adults: Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial from India.

India has witnessed a gradual increase in substance use among the elderly, driven by the country's aging population and evolving demographic trends. There remains a lack of scientific foundation regarding the efficacy of brief intervention among older adults in the context of low- and middle-income countries. The current study explored the effectiveness of nurse-led brief intervention to reduce risky substance use patterns among the elderly in the Indian context. The present study is a pilot randomized trial with assessments conducted before and after the intervention at 4-week intervals. The Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) was used to detect changes in risky substance use, and the intervention was based on the ASSIST Brief Intervention Protocol. The study setting was a government-funded elderly citizen club, which was conveniently selected. Out of the 80 contacted participants, 60 subjects were enrolled, evenly divided between intervention and control groups. The mean age of the sample was 69.80 years (SD = 4.2). Although there was some difference in post-follow-up scores, we did not observe a significant benefit for the brief intervention in reducing risky substance use among the elderly in this setting (P > .05). The study demonstrated a reduction in risky substance use patterns among the elderly population in both the intervention and control groups. Future trials should adopt rigorous methodological approaches to provide robust clinical evidence for implementing similar interventions aimed at enhancing the well-being of elderly individuals in this setting.

Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Provides Insight into Spatiotemporal Expression Patterns of Pivotal Genes During Critical Growth Stages in Min Pig Breed

The growth and development of animals are dynamic processes characterized by fluctuations. Min pigs, a local breed renowned for their superior meat quality, present an intriguing yet poorly understood relationship between this quality and their growth and development patterns. To elucidate this relationship, we employed a multi-faceted approach that included comparative transcriptomics, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), selection pressure analysis of key genes, and three-dimensional protein structure simulations. Our findings revealed that 150 days (150 d) of age represented a pivotal turning point in the growth and development of Min pigs. Thirteen key genes exhibiting significant differential expression between early and late growth stages were identified. Notably, the CDK2 gene demonstrated specific high expression in the hind limb muscles and adipose tissues during the later growth stages. Comparative analysis with the African warthog revealed that while the CDK2 protein structure remained conserved, base mutations in upstream and downstream non-coding regions resulted in strong positive selection pressure on the CDK2 gene. These results suggest that CDK2 plays a crucial role in defining the spatiotemporal characteristics of meat development during the domestication of Min pigs. This study provides critical insights into the growth and development patterns of domestic pigs and offers a robust scientific foundation for improving meat quality traits through domestication.

Thermal‐Oxidative Aging Behavior and Factors of Polystyrene‐Based Thermoplastic Elastomers‐Based Automotive Interior Skin

ABSTRACTCompared to traditional polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), and thermoplastic olefin (TPO) materials, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) offer advantages of complete recyclability, absence of plasticizers and solvents, superior mechanical properties, pleasing tactile characteristics, low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions, and cost‐effective processing. Making it an exceptional choice for environmentally friendly automotive skin materials. The automotive skin is frequently subjected to harsh conditions, such as high temperatures and oxygen exposure during use, presenting a significant durability challenge. Therefore, this study focuses on polystyrene (PS)‐based thermoplastic elastomers (TPE‐S) as the subject and investigates the influence of molecular weight, PS content, and chain structure in the blend on the mechanical properties of TPE‐S using an accelerated thermal‐oxidative aging method. Meanwhile, the changes of TPE‐S during the aging process are discussed via molecular weight, crystalline structure, molecular chain structure, microphase separation structure, and tactile sensation, providing a scientific foundation for guiding the selection of TPE‐S in automobile skin and heat oxidative aging resistance ability.

Theoretical principles of ensuring the safety of a person who agreed to provide assistance to law enforcement agencies in Ukraine on the basis of a conspiracy

The legal regulation of ensuring the safety of individuals performing tasks related to operational and investigative activities within the framework of criminal proceedings is a matter of great concern. Informal cooperation with law enforcement agencies is inherently dangerous, particularly for the person who has agreed to assist in carrying out operational and investigative tasks. This is why many developed countries have special programs to protect such individuals. In Ukraine, however, this remains a serious problem, as the issue of ensuring the safety of individuals who have agreed to cooperate with law enforcement agencies under the principles of confidentiality is not adequately addressed by legislative and regulatory acts. Additionally, there is a lack of scientific foundation to develop appropriate changes and additions to the legislation or to create new normative legal acts. Therefore, the goal of this article is to develop theoretical principles to ensure the safety of individuals who have agreed, under the principles of confidentiality, to assist law enforcement agencies in Ukraine. The implementation of the set goal involves solving a number of tasks: 1) determining the basic legal provisions that regulate and define the concepts of «security» and «ensuring security»; 2) developing relevant amendments to legislation, creating new legal acts to research specific risks to citizens’ economic security associated with a decrease in income during the imposition of martial law; 3) analyzing and defining human security in detail, including a more nuanced classification of types of such security; 4) conducting research on individual mechanisms of state regulation of the level of citizens’ economic security during the imposition of martial law. The article, for the first time, distinguishes between measures to ensure the security of a person who has agreed, on the basis of conspiracy, to provide assistance to law enforcement agencies in preventing threats and measures to overcome them. As a conclusion, it is proposed that measures to overcome threats to individuals should be presented not only in the norms of the Laws of Ukraine «On ensuring the safety of persons involved in criminal proceedings» and «On operational-search activity», but also in a separate chapter of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine «Ensuring the safety of persons involved in criminal proceedings and engaged in carrying out its tasks». The addition of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine with such a chapter should be carried out with the simultaneous improvement and «synchronization» of the provisions of the above-mentioned laws with the norms of criminal procedural legislation. This scheme could lead to a significant improvement in the state of legislative regulation of the security of various categories of individuals, including covert employees. Among other things, the mentioned chapter of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine should define: grounds for applying security measures; criteria for assessing the reality of the threat (in this case, the fact of disclosing the data of a covert employee should be considered a sufficient criterion); the obligation of the investigator, prosecutor, investigative judge, court to make a decision on the application of the specified measures in necessary cases; the procedure for their application; and the entities that should take security measures.

Bimetallic synergy in non-precious metal Mn/Ba-SSZ-13 zeolite for improving NOx storage capacity at low temperatures.

Pd-zeolite is considered one of the most promising passive NOx adsorber (PNA) materials for NOx purification in diesel vehicles during cold start. Nevertheless, the scarcity and high cost of the precious metal Pd restrict the industrialisation of Pd-zeolites as PNA. This work developed a bimetallic Mn and Ba co-modified SSZ-13 as non-precious metal PNA material. The results of the orthogonal experiments demonstrated that 0.5Ba3Mn-SSZ-13 exhibits an exceptional NOx storage capacity (255 μmol/gcat.). The physicochemical properties, active adsorption sites and NOx adsorption mechanism are deeply analyzed to illustrate the bimetallic synergistic effect between Mn and Ba. The findings demonstrate that the addition of Ba results in the formation of greater quantities of Mn4+ (MnO2) in lieu of Mn3+ (Mn2O3) within the 0.5Ba3Mn-SSZ-13. Moreover, it demonstrates that Mn3+ (Mn2O3) has a higher affinity for NO, NO2 and NO3- than of Mn4+ (MnO2) through density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Concurrently, the introduction of Ba increases the adsorption sites for nitrate and nitrite species in 0.5Ba3Mn-SSZ-13, thereby enhancing the NOx storage capacity of the zeolite. This work offers novel insights and a scientific foundation for the synthesis of non-metallic PNA materials, which will facilitate the substantial advancement of materials that comply with ultra-low emission regulations in the near future.

Sustainability in Public Lighting: The Methodology for Identifying Environmentally Optimal Solutions in Replacement Planning—A Case Study

The urban public lighting system plays a fundamental role in enhancing safety and shaping the nocturnal identity of the city. Efficient lighting is also a key factor in reducing energy consumption and lowering atmospheric emissions. In the context of sustainable development goals, increasing attention is being directed towards the energy, social, economic, and environmental benefits associated with the adoption of LED lighting systems. This paper aims to assess the environmental impacts of two different public outdoor lighting replacement planning scenarios. The methodology employed in this study calculates the environmental impacts using a life cycle approach, incorporating data from the Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) of the lighting systems. It involves a systematic census and categorization of lighting fixtures based on their installation year to determine both their quantity and average efficiency. This methodology, applied to a case study, demonstrates that it is possible to reduce the CO2-equivalent emissions by approximately 7% depending on the technical and environmental performance of the fixtures and the timing of their replacements. These results provide a scientific foundation for supporting both the preparation of planning tools by governance entities and the technical and economic feasibility of designing and implementing interventions aimed at improving the environmental performance of public lighting. These efforts could contribute to achieving climate neutrality, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Genetic Diversity Analysis of Wild Cordyceps chanhua Resources from Major Production Areas in China

This study investigated the genetic diversity and genomic variation in wild Cordyceps chanhua populations from four regions in China—Dazhou, Sichuan (ICD); Lu’an, Anhui (ICL); Taizhou, Zhejiang (ICT); and Yixing, Jiangsu (ICY)—to elucidate genetic differentiation patterns and provide a scientific foundation for resource conservation and sustainable utilization. Whole-genome resequencing was performed, yielding high-quality sequencing data (Q20 > 98%, Q30 > 94%, coverage: 93.62–95.79%) and enabling the detection of 82,428 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 12,517 insertion–deletion markers (InDels). Genomic variations were unevenly distributed across chromosomes, with chromosome chrU05 exhibiting the highest SNP density (5187.86), suggesting a potential hotspot of genetic diversity. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that all samples belonged to the C. chanhua lineage but revealed significant genetic differentiation among regions. Population structure analysis, supported by structure analysis and PCA, identified two distinct subgroups (G1 and G2) closely associated with geographic origins, reflecting the influence of both environmental and geographic factors on genetic differentiation. These findings underscore the substantial interregional genetic diversity in C. chanhua populations, highlighting the importance of tailored conservation strategies and region-specific germplasm utilization. The study provides critical genomic insights to support marker-assisted breeding, regional cultivation optimization, and the sustainable development of C. chanhua resources.

Psyllium: A Nutraceutical and Functional Ingredient in Foods.

Psyllium is an excellent natural source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. It has been used as a nutraceutical and functional ingredient in foods. Many efforts have been made to understand and improve its physicochemical, biological, and functional properties to promote its food applications. This manuscript reviews and discusses the current knowledge of psyllium, focusing on its health benefits, utilizations as a functional additive in foods and hydrogel delivery carrier, approaches to modify its molecular and chemical structures, nonfood utilizations, and potential side effects and toxicity. Perspectives on future research and development of psyllium are also provided. This review may serve as a scientific foundation for improved food application of psyllium to enhance human health and food quality.