Advances in Extraction Protocols, Degradation Methods, and Bioactivities of Proanthocyanidins.

Proanthocyanidins, natural polyphenolic compounds abundantly present in plants, exhibit diverse bioactivities, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. These bioactivities are intricately linked to the degree of polymerization of these compounds. Through a comprehensive analysis of recent domestic and international research, this article synthesizes the latest advancements in the extraction process, degradation methods, as well as the biological activities and underlying mechanisms of proanthocyanidins. Furthermore, future research endeavors should prioritize the refinement of extraction techniques, the elucidation of bioactive mechanisms, and the development of formulations with enhanced potency. This will maximize the utilization of proanthocyanidins across diverse applications.

The antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from Armillaria gallica.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of Armillaria gallica polysaccharides. It explored whether Armillaria gallica polysaccharides (AgP) could prevent HepG2 cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage. The results demonstrated that HepG2 cells were significantly protected by AgP, and efficiently suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HepG2 cells. Additionally, AgP significantly decreased the abnormal leakage of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) caused by H2O2, protecting cell membrane integrity. It was discovered that AgP was also found to regulate the activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA), thus protecting cells from oxidative damage. According to the flow cytometry analysis and measurement of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 activities, AgP could modulate apoptosis-related proteins and attenuate ROS-mediated cell apoptosis.

GC-biased gene conversion drives accelerated evolution of ultraconserved elements in mammalian and avian genomes.

Ultraconserved elements (UCEs) are the most conserved regions among the genomes of evolutionarily distant species and are thought to play critical biological functions. However, some UCEs rapidly evolved in specific lineages, and whether they contributed to adaptive evolution is still controversial. Here, using an increased number of sequenced genomes with high taxonomic coverage, we identified 2191 mammalian UCEs and 5938 avian UCEs from 95 mammal and 94 bird genomes, respectively. Our results show that these UCEs are functionally constrained and that their adjacent genes are prone to widespread expression with low expression diversity across tissues. Functional enrichment of mammalian and avian UCEs shows different trends indicating that UCEs may contribute to adaptive evolution of taxa. Focusing on lineage-specific accelerated evolution, we discover that the proportion of fast-evolving UCEs in nine mammalian and 10 avian test lineages range from 0.19% to 13.2%. Notably, up to 62.1% of fast-evolving UCEs in test lineages are much more likely to result from GC-biased gene conversion (gBGC). A single cervid-specific gBGC region embracing the uc.359 allele significantly alters the expression of Nova1 and other neural-related genes in the rat brain. Combined with the altered regulatory activity of ancient gBGC-induced fast-evolving UCEs in eutherians, our results provide evidence that synergy between gBGC and selection shaped lineage-specific substitution patterns, even in the most constrained regulatory elements. In summary, our results show that gBGC played an important role in facilitating lineage-specific accelerated evolution of UCEs, and further support the idea that a combination of multiple evolutionary forces shapes adaptive evolution.

High-frequency sectoral carbon and environmental analysis based on monthly input-output tables compilation during 2018-2021.

This paper proposes a process for updating monthly input-output tables with monthly macroeconomic statistics and published input-output tables. Reasonable assumptions are set up and 48 monthly input-output tables are prepared from 2018 to 2021 with the combination of the row range series method and nonlinear mathematical planning. The Weaver-Thomas composite index is used to analyze the role of the sector in the economic network, and the sectoral correlation indicators are used to analyze the correlation change of the sector's monthly electricity emissions to show an environmental application effect of the monthly input-output table. The results show that the monthly input-output tables can be prepared with acceptable accuracy, and they can reveal the sectoral network structure changes and sectoral carbon emissions changes in continuous monthly time series. The proposed approach contributes for the compilation of high-time-frequency input-output tables, so as to support high-frequency industrial environmental impact analysis.

Exploring the potential of ume-derived proanthocyanidins: novel applications for blueberry preservation.

Proanthocyanidins (PCs) extracted from ume have many well-known functional properties. The aim of this study was to explore a novel natural food preservative using ume plum pulp proanthocyanidins (UPPP). The crude product of PCs from ume plum was obtained by using ethanol as extraction solvent and ultrasonic-assisted extraction, and then the pure product of UPPP was obtained by purification with AB-8 resin. The bacteriostatic ability of UPPP and the freshness preservation effect on blueberry were analyzed. The results showed that UPPP had a high inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus (MIC of 1.563 mg/mL) and Escherichia coli (MIC of 3.125 mg/mL). Findings revealed that, in comparison to 0.02% potassium sorbate, blueberries treated with a high concentration of UPPP in a dipping treatment displayed superior quality maintenance after 7 days of storage at 4°C. Importantly, analysis of the various metrics showed that treatment with UPPP was significantly better compared to blueberries treated with 0.02% potassium sorbate. For example, the decay rate, weight loss, and total number of colonies of blueberries treated with 0.02% potassium sorbate were 55.56, 3.48%, and 4.24 ± 0.07 log CFU/mL, whereas the values of the above indexes for blueberries treated with 25 mg/mL of UPPP were 22.22, 3.09%, and 3.10 ± 0.17 log CFU/mL, respectively. Conversely, blueberries that were not dipped in any preservative displayed signs of deterioration as early as the 3rd day of the storage period, highlighting the potential of UPPP as a valuable method for preserving fruits and vegetables. Therefore, UPPP holds great promise as an innovative natural food preservative, effectively enhancing food safety, quality, and extending shelf-life.

How robust are current narratives to deal with the urban energy-water-land nexus?

Current energy, water, and land (EWL) nexus research treats all resources equally, causing bias in complicated nexus studies. To make the analysis robust, we consider resource endowment and significance. Here, we provide a methodological framework where the urban industrial resource nexus strength is constructed and assign weights to resources according to policies, describing resource efficiency and representing it in ternary diagrams to assess the urban industrial nexus innovatively. Results showed that energy drives urban development under all weights, with energy resource efficiency exceeding 60%. From consumption-based accounting, energy continues to dominate most industries under physical weightings but emphasizes the significance of water and land. While, under economic weightings, land supplants energy's dominance in specific sectors. Setting weights helps understand resource interaction, establish synergy based on urban development objectives, and minimize robustness. Our findings provide quantitative evidence for assessing urban resource efficiency to highlight priority sectors for intervention in urban decision-making.

Effect of Eleutheroside E on an MPTP-Induced Parkinson's Disease Cell Model and Its Mechanism.

This research investigated the effects of eleutheroside E (EE) on the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease cell model and its mechanism. Methods: To create a cell model of Parkinson's disease, MPTP (2500 µmol/L) was administered to rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells (PC-12) to produce an MPTP group. Selegiline (50 µmol/L) and MPTP had been administered to the positive group beforehand. The eleutheroside E group was divided into low-, medium-, and high-concentration groups, in which the cells were pretreated with eleutheroside E at concentrations of 100 µmol/L, 300 µmol/L, and 500 µmol/L. Next, MPTP was added to the cells separately. The CCK-8 method was used to measure the cell survival rate. Apart from the CCK-8 method, mitochondrial membrane potential detection, cell reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, and other methods were also adopted to verify the effect of low, medium, and high concentrations of eleutheroside E on the MPTP-induced cell model. Western blot analysis was used to detect changes in the expression of intracellular proteins CytC, Nrf2, and NQO1 to clarify the mechanism. The results are as follows. Compared with the MPTP group, the survival rates of cells at low, medium, and high concentrations of eleutheroside E all increased. The mitochondrial membrane potential at medium and high concentrations of eleutheroside E increased. The ROS levels at medium and high concentrations of eleutheroside E decreased. Moreover, the apoptosis rate decreased and the expression levels of the intracellular proteins CytC, Nrf2, and NQO1 were upregulated. Conclusion: Eleutheroside E can improve the MPTP-induced apoptosis of PC-12 cells by increasing the mitochondrial membrane potential and reducing the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, the apoptosis of cells is regulated by the expression of CytC, Nrf2, and NQO1 proteins.

Potential benefits of public-private partnerships to improve the efficiency of urban wastewater treatment.

For emerging economies lacking public budgets, continuous improvement of urban wastewater treatment efficiency (UWTE) requires effective government supervision of wastewater treatment infrastructures (WTIs) and participation of private capital seeking to profit-maximising. However, to what extent this public-private partnership (PPP) model, aimed at a reasonable sharing of benefit and risk, in delivering WTIs can improve the UWTE is unknown. We evaluated the impact of the PPP model on the UWTE by collecting data from 1303 urban wastewater treatment PPP projects in 283 prefecture-level cities in China from 2014 to 2019 and used data envelopment analysis and Tobit regression model. The UWTE was significantly higher in prefecture-level cities that introduced the PPP model in the construction and operation of WTIs, particularly those with a feasibility gap subsidy, competitive procurement, privatised operation, and non-demonstration. Moreover, the effects of PPPs on UWTE were limited by the economic development level, marketisation, and climatic conditions.

A Review of the Research Applications of Centipeda minima.

Centipeda minima is a traditional Chinese medicine with wide applications and diverse pharmacological effects. Scholars have conducted extensive studies on its relevant clinical applications, especially its remarkable efficacy in cancer treatment. This paper thoroughly investigates the chemical composition and identification, pharmacological effects, and toxicity, along with the safety of Centipeda minima, so as to lay the foundation for corresponding clinical applications and product development. Furthermore, as global scholars have conducted extensive research on such clinical applications and made significant progress, the future development and utilization of Centipeda minima's active ingredients to create novel drugs are of great clinical significance.

Cellular Antioxidant Properties of Ischnoderma Resinosum Polysaccharide.

A predominant polysaccharide isolated from Ischnoderma resinosum underwent evaluation for its capacity to scavenge free radicals and its potential antioxidant properties at a cellular-oriented level. This proved that Ischnoderma resinosum polysaccharide (IRP) remarkably curtailed AAPH-induced erythrocyte hemolysis through the inhibition of the generation of ROS (p < 0.05). Rather, it caused the restoration of intracellular antioxidant enzyme (SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT) activities at an acceptable pace and the silencing of intracellular MDA formation, as well as the rescaling of LDH leakage. Furthermore, a model of oxidative stress in HepG2 cells was established by adopting 400 µM of hydrogen peroxide, which suggested that IRP manifests promising antioxidant activity. Notably, after the intervention of IRP in the H2O2-induced HepG2 cells, there was a statistical elevation in cell survivability (p < 0.05). IRP diminished the morphological alterations in the nucleus and decreased the secretion of ROS (p < 0.05), with a dose-dependent abrogation of apoptosis (p < 0.05). Consequently, IRP, which was isolated and purified, was able to scavenge free radicals and possessed favorable antioxidant activity that could dampen the occurrence of oxidative stimulation and effectively alleviate the AAPH-induced erythrocyte hemolysis and H2O2-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells. This provides a basis and theoretical reference for the development and utilization of IRP as a natural antioxidant, with emphasis on the exploitation of environmentally friendly and cost-effective antioxidants.

Rapid detection of InDel within the KDM3B gene in five sheep breeds using the mathematical expectation (ME) method.

Lysine demethylase 3B (KDM3B), a candidate gene associated with bone formation and growth, and differentiation of osteoblast, might affect the animal growth traits. Herein, the insertion/deletion (InDel) of the KDM3B gene was quickly detected in 882 sheep from five breeds using the mathematical expectation (ME) method. The results showed that there were two genotypes of 7-bp variation in KDM3B, including II (insertion/insertion) and ID (insertion/deletion), and the frequency of two genotypes varied among the five sheep breeds. Association analysis results demonstrated that the 7-bp indel was significantly associated with chest depth of LFT sheep (P = 0.012), and body weight (P = 0.006), body height (P = 0.030), chest depth (P = 0.043), chest circumference (P = 0.016), abdominal width (P = 0.035) and height at hip cross (P = 0.022) in LXBH sheep. Moreover, II genotype was the predominant genotype with excellent consistency in sheep growth traits (P < 0.05). Collectively, the above results suggest that this locus can be used as an effective molecular marker to improve the sheep growth traits and provide a scientific basis for the development of sheep breeding.

The Therapeutic Effect of Coriolus versicolor Fruiting Body on STZ-Induced ICR Diabetic Mice.

Coriolus versicolor is a natural drugs which has many pharmacological effects such as antitumor and enhanced immune activity. This paper studies the therapeutic effect of Coriolus versicolor fruiting body (CVFB) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) diabetic mice, the STZ solution was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 150 mg/kg after fasting the mice, and ICR mice with fasting blood glucose >16.7 mmol/l were selected for research. Metformin was the positive control, and the dose of CVFB powder (1000 mg/kg, 2000 mg/kg, and 4000 mg/kg) for 28 consecutive days by gavage. The serum and liver of mice were collected for relevant index content testing. The results showed that CVFB can control or reduce the fasting blood glucose of mice and accelerate the rate of glucose metabolism, can reduce the levels of total cholesterol (T-CHO), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in mice, and regulate the abnormal symptoms of blood lipid metabolism commonly found in diabetes. It can increase the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) antioxidant enzymes and enhance the ability of antioxidative stress in diabetic mice. In the H&E staining and apoptosis experiments of pancreatic tissue, CVFB can greatly reduce the inflammatory factors present in islets, increase the islet cells, and reduce the apoptotic rate caused by diabetes. All data confirmed the therapeutic effect of CVFB on diabetic ICR mice. The present study provides a scientific basis for the development of drugs for the prevention and treatment of diabetes, it is of great significance to the in-depth study of Coriolus versicolor.

The m6 A reader MhYTP2 regulates MdMLO19 mRNA stability and antioxidant genes translation efficiency conferring powdery mildew resistance in apple.

N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) reader protein plays an important role in trichome morphology, developmental timing and morphogenesis in Arabidopsis. However, the function of m6 A readers in plant-microbe interaction remains unclear. Here, a Malus YTH-domain family protein MhYTP2 was initially characterized as an m6 A reader. MhYTP2 overexpression increased mRNA m6 A modification level and translation efficiency. The m6 A in the exon regions appeared to destabilize the mRNAs, whereas m6 A in the untranslated regions positively correlated with the associated mRNA abundance. MhYTP2 overexpression enhanced apple powdery mildew resistance, possibly by rapidly degrading the bound mRNAs of MdMLO19 and MdMLO19-X1 and improving the translation efficiency of the antioxidant genes. To conclude, the results shed light on the apple m6 A profile, the effect of MhYTP2 on m6 A profile, and the m6 A roles in MdMLO19 and MdMLO19-X1 mRNAs stability and glutamate dehydrogenase 1-like MdGDH1L mRNA translation efficiency.

Urban ecological transition: The practice of ecological civilization construction in China.

Ecological civilization construction is an essential means of achieve sustainable development in China. It promotes not only the decoupling of environmental degradation from economic development, but additionally the coupling of positive ecological development with economic development. Presently, most of the research on ecological civilization focuses on its indices and evaluation methods. However, there exist some gaps such as the use of incomplete scientific indicators, and insufficient practice caused by inadequate sample size. In this study, we first take the evaluation framework for ecological civilization pilot areas combined with academic research to construct a comprehensive framework and indicator system. Second, we calculate the Coupling Coordination Degree (CCD) for each of the pilot areas based on the entropy weight and identify typical industries that promote the coupling of ecology and economy. Third, we use the Relative Development Coefficient (RDC) to measure the development of ecology and economy between 2014 and 2019, and study the different kinds of development models for cities. Results of the study found that the regional economy is highly positive correlated with CCD, indicating a mutually reinforcing relationship between economic development and ecological development. Further, the RDC reveals that the level of urban ecological development is relatively higher at the stage of decoupling and coordination with economic system. Finally, strategic emerging industries are a common element in pilot areas with a high level of ecological development, as they offer higher economic output without the ecological degradation associated with traditional industries.

Potential Role of Fiscal Decentralization on Interprovincial Differences in CO2 Emissions in China.

Spatial differences in CO2 emissions must be taken into account in CO2 mitigation. In this work, a spatial within-between logarithmic mean Divisia index decomposition model was developed by using cluster analysis to evaluate the potential role of fiscal decentralization in driving interprovincial differences in CO2 emissions in China. The results revealed that the direct impact of fiscal decentralization emerged as a major emission driver after 2009. The differences of provincial CO2 emissions from the national average can be mainly attributed to emission differences between the distinct provincial clusters. The direct and indirect impacts of fiscal decentralization contributed to the shaping of differences in CO2 emission between provinces and their provincial cluster average, and between provincial cluster average and the national average. Reducing the differences in CO2 emission between distinct provincial clusters should be considered a breakthrough for the Chinese government. The provinces with CO2 emissions below the national average and above the average emissions of its provincial cluster still have the potential for further mitigation. Optimizing the expenditure authority of the central and provincial governments and improving the energy efficiency of the provincial fiscal expenditure are the two effective ways to further promote CO2 mitigation.

On the accuracy of official Chinese crop production data: Evidence from biophysical indexes of net primary production.

With rapid economic growth and urbanization, self-sufficiency in crop production has become central to China's agriculture policy. Accurate crop production statistics are essential for research, monitoring, and planning. Although researchers agree that China's statistical authority has considerably modernized over time, China's economic statistics have still been viewed as unreliable and often overstated to meet growth targets at different administrative levels. Recent increases in crop production reported by national statistics have also come under increasing scrutiny. This paper investigates crop production data quality from a planetary boundary perspective-comparing net primary production (NPP) harvested obtained from national statistics with satellite-driven NPP estimates that are supported by detailed observation of land cover, combined with observations on physical factors that limit plant growth. This approach provides a powerful means to check the plausibility of China's grain production statistics at different administrative levels that can generate insights about their discrepancies and can contribute to improved crop production measurements. We find some evidence of potential misreporting problems from the lower administration level where the risk of manipulation of statistics is higher. We also find problems from provincial-level major grain producers. These values can also affect the national totals. Although the numbers are affected by large uncertainties, we find that improving the spatial resolution of key agricultural parameters can greatly improve the reliability of the indicator that in turn can help improve data quality. More reliable production data will be vital for relevant research and provide better insights into food security problems, the carbon cycle, and sustainable development.

Toward low-carbon development: Assessing emissions-reduction pressure among Chinese cities.

Assessing emissions-reduction pressure among Chinese cities is a critical task for local governments formulating and implementing environmental policies. From the perspectives of carbon intensity and carbon inequality, this study develops an improved carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions-reduction index to quantify emissions-reduction pressure on 284 cities in China. Results indicate that driven by the decrease of overall carbon intensity and the rise of inter-city carbon inequality, emissions-reduction pressure on 41.38% of provinces and 49.65% of cities was greater than the overall national level; emissions-reduction pressure on 52.35% of cities exceeded the provincial average level. The central government determines national emissions-reduction pressure by adjusting carbon-inequality tolerance between cities and determines carbon-inequality preference based on population and economic output principles. These determinations become benchmarks for local governments' CO2 emissions-reduction pressure. Provinces and cities that exceed benchmarks become foci for promoting energy savings, emissions reduction, and low-carbon development in the future.

Analysis of urban carbon metabolism characteristics based on provincial input-output tables.

To identify the key contributors of urban carbon emissions as well as the acting paths, it is necessary to analyze the carbon flows from a systematic perspective. Thus, the concept of urban carbon metabolism was introduced in this paper and correspondingly input-output analysis (IOA) and ecological network analysis (ENA) were combined to conduct the carbon metabolism analysis. Concretely speaking, the urban IO table was compiled based on the provincial one and then the direct and embodied urban carbon flows were accounted. Subsequently, the carbon metabolic network model was established, through which the characteristics of the metabolic network were further analyzed to better reveal the contributors and influencing factors of carbon emissions. Dongguan, a city famous as the "factory of the world", was chosen as the case. The results indicate that the total direct and embodied carbon flows were mainly concentrated in manufacture. Manufacture was found to be major factors affecting other compartments through indirect interplay. A trophic hierarchical structure was found, where compartments can be classified into primary producers, secondary producers, primary consumers and secondary consumers according to their metabolic characteristics in use of energy. Electricity, gas & water were defined as secondary producer, and its self-induced carbon flows accounted for more than 95% of the carbon flow conversion within this compartment. By further comparing the metabolic characteristics in Dongguan with that of Guangdong Province and other cities, measures were suggested to heighten energy utilization efficiency and promote positive interactions among compartments to promote the carbon emission reduction in Dongguan.

Comprehensive Analysis of Hybrid Surgery and Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in Cervical Diseases: A Meta-Analysis.

To investigate the outcomes and reliability of hybrid surgery (HS) versus anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylosis and disc diseases.Hybrid surgery, combining cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) with fusion, is a novel treatment to multilevel cervical degenerated disc disease in recent years. However, the effect and reliability of HS are still unclear compared with ACDF.To investigate the studies of HS versus ACDF in patients with multilevel cervical disease, electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Pubmed, Cochrane library, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched. Studies were included when they compared HS with ACDF and reported at least one of the following outcomes: functionality, neck pain, arm pain, cervical range of motion (ROM), quality of life, and incidence of complications. No language restrictions were used. Two authors independently assessed the methodological quality of included studies and extracted the relevant data.Seven clinical controlled trials were included in this study. Two trials were prospective and the other 5 were retrospective. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that HS achieved better recovery of NDI score (P = 0.038) and similar recovery of VAS score (P = 0.058) compared with ACDF at 2 years follow-up. Moreover, the total cervical ROM (C2-C7) after HS was preserved significantly more than the cervical ROM after ACDF (P = 0.000) at 2 years follow-up. Notably, the compensatory increase of the ROM of superior and inferior adjacent segments was significant in ACDF groups at 2-year follow-up (P < 0.01), compared with HS.The results demonstrate that HS provides equivalent outcomes and functional recovery for cervical disc diseases, and significantly better preservation of cervical ROM compared with ACDF in 2-year follow-up. This suggests the HS is an effective alternative invention for the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylosis to preserve cervical ROM and reduce the risk of adjacent disc degeneration. Nonetheless, more well-designed studies with large groups of patients are required to provide further evidence for the benefit and reliability of HS for the treatment of cervical disk diseases.

Food production in China requires intensified measures to be consistent with national and provincial environmental boundaries.

Meeting increasing food demands in an environmentally sustainable manner is a worldwide challenge. Applying life cycle analysis to different scenarios, we show that a 47-99% reduction in phosphorus emissions, nitrogen emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, bluewater consumption and cropland use is needed for China's food production in 2030 to be within national and provincial environmental boundaries. Basic strategies like improving food production efficiency, optimizing fertilizer application, reducing food loss and waste and shifting diets are currently insufficient to keep environmental impacts within national boundaries-particularly those concerning nitrogen. However, intensifying these strategies and reallocating food production from the northern to the southern provinces could keep environmental impacts within both national and provincial boundaries. We conclude that the environmental sustainability of China's food production requires radical and coordinated action by diverse stakeholders.