Prosocial propensity and water-saving behaviour: a study in Jordan and Germany / Propensión prosocial y comportamiento de ahorro de agua: un estudio en Jordania y Alemania

This study investigates how a prosocial propensity, an inherent human attribute characterized by the willingness to incur personal costs for the benefit of others, functions as the foundation of water-conservation behaviour in Jordan and Germany — countries with starkly different water availability. We utilized survey data from university students and applied item response theory and linear regression. The prosocial propensity was indicated in line with previous studies via Honesty-Humility. However, against our expectations, the relationship between prosocial propensity and water-saving behaviour was not observed in Jordan ( N  = 428), a nation facing severe water scarcity. In contrast, in Germany ( N  = 540), where water is relatively abundant, our findings demonstrate a weak but clear relation between prosocial propensity and water-saving behaviour. The results suggest that a prosocial propensity manifests itself under some circumstances in water-saving behaviour but that this relation might depend on the local and cultural context. Thus, the study underscores the complexity of behaviours towards natural resources as they intersect with personality, cultural backgrounds and resource availability

Sustainability certification in the digital era: a qualitative analysis of sustainability reports across product categories

The food industry faces growing pressure to align sustainability goals with the rapid advance of digital technologies. This study explores how digitalization supports and transforms sustainability certification practices across diverse food product categories. Novelty lies in examining the interplay between digital technologies and sustainability reporting intensity, offering insights into how firms communicate and operationalize sustainability commitments. A qualitative content analysis was conducted on the sustainability reports of 21 companies using MAXQDA software, assessing the frequency and depth of reporting on sustainability focus topics and digital tools applied. The study includes multiple food product categories, such as coffee and tea, chocolate, grain products, dairy products, beverages, meat and fish, and tropical fruits. Results show that larger firms and those with higher turnover report more frequently and comprehensively on sustainability and digitalization. Three clusters of companies were identified, each reflecting shared sustainability challenges rather than specific product categories. The findings suggest that the relevance of digital technologies is more closely linked to addressing these cross-cutting sustainability challenges, and that high-value product segments provide the most promising starting points for integrating digital technologies into certification processes

Intestinal dysbiosis associated with non-nutritive sweeteners intake: an effect without a cause?

Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are present in various commercial articles, from foodstuffs to oral hygiene products. Despite their alleged safety, mounting evidence indicates that NNS intake is associated with an alteration of intestinal bacterial populations (dysbiosis) in animals and humans. Since NNS are commercialized based on the assumption that they are not metabolized by human cells and negligible effect on bacterial, the insurgence of dysbiosis associated with NNS intake remains unexplained. The current review aims to assess the effect of selected NNS (acesulfame potassium, advantame, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, stevia, and sucralose) on the human intestinal microbiota. Findings from this review suggests that NNS intake is linked not only to alterations in human physiology but also to modifications of bacterial biochemistry, including the hindrance of quorum sensing pathways, in a species-specific manner. Moreover, there were suggestions that NNS could also affect the biology of phages, namely by binding to the active sites of proteins involved in the infection process and altering the induction rate of prophages. The studies gathered in the present review provide a framework for understanding how NNS might be connected to dysbiosis, both directly through alterations in bacterial biochemistry and indirectly through impaired phage activity

Digital innovations and institutional barriers in agricultural input subsidy programmes in sub‐Saharan Africa: evidence from Nigeria

Motivation: Agricultural input subsidy programmes are crucial for improving agricultural productivity in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). However, there is little empirical evidence on how second‐generation input subsidy programmes (SISPs) based on information and communication technology (ICT) are implemented and the institutional challenges that undermine their effectiveness. Purpose:  This article assesses the implementation of ICT‐based SISPs and their challenges in SSA using the Nigerian e‐wallet input subsidy programme as a case study. We draw on a conceptual framework that integrates the national innovation system (NIS), contingency theory, and new institutional economics. Approach and methods: We analysed expert interviews and participatory qualitative data from Process Net‐Maps and focus group discussions (FGDs) using content and Process Net‐Map analyses. Findings: The results show that over 20 public, private and community actors were involved in implementing the e‐wallet SISP across five stages. The programme increased private‐sector participation, reduced corruption, improved recipient targeting, and speeded up input delivery compared to first‐generation input programmes. However, weak institutional arrangements (such as poor funding, restricted institutional collaborations, and stakeholder capability gaps) undermined the innovation aspect of the e‐wallet SISP. The programme also faced five main challenges: policy inconsistency, poor information flow and weak reporting, moral hazards such as “round‐tripping,” input leakage and diversion, and elite capture. The study concludes that institutional constraints, rigid organizational structures, and a narrow focus on solving first‐generation programme challenges limited the ability of actors to adapt to new and evolving challenges. Policy implications: Effective SISPs and input policies require supportive institutional environments that allow actors from all sectors to function effectively. Programmes should thus be designed and managed with flexible and organic structures that foster collaboration among private, public, and community stakeholders. Continuous, stage‐specific evaluations and smart governance tools, such as real‐time mobile data collection and buy‐back initiatives, can strengthen monitoring, input tracking, accountability, and input use incentives.Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung 10.13039/50110000234

Regulation of Klotho production by mineralocorticoid receptor signaling in renal cell lines

Through the mineralocorticoid receptor, aldosterone controls extracellular volume and arterial blood pressure by stimulating Na⁺ absorption and K⁺ secretion in epithelial cells of the kidney, colon, and several glands. Hyperaldosteronism promotes fibrosis and inflammation in epithelial and non-epithelial tissues, thereby favoring loss of kidney and heart function. Mineralocorticoid receptor blockade therefore gains relevance especially in renal and cardiac disease. Kidney-derived Klotho is a powerful anti-aging protein with anti-fibrosis and anti-inflammatory effects providing cardio- and nephroprotection. We wondered whether Klotho expression and production is influenced by mineralocorticoid receptor agonists and antagonists. Using four renal cell lines, Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK), normal rat kidney, subtype 52E (NRK-52E), human kidney 2 (HK2) cells, and primary renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTECs), and the four most frequently prescribed mineralocorticoid receptor blockers, spironolactone, eplerenone, finerenone, and esaxerenone, we assessed Klotho gene expression by qRT-PCR and Klotho protein by Western blotting. Aldosterone and eplerenone did not significantly affect Klotho expression in either cell line. Spironolactone enhanced Klotho expression in MDCK and NRK-52E cells and downregulated Klotho in HK2 cells and RPTECs. Novel non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone downregulated Klotho expression in MDCK, NRK-52E, and low-dose finerenone in HK2 cells. To conclude, common mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are characterized by highly diverse effects on Klotho in four renal cell lines. Further studies are needed to define the role of mineralocorticoid receptor blockade for Klotho production.This research received no external funding

Miscanthus‐derived products for material applications: can they contribute to greenhouse gas emission mitigation?

Miscanthus is a particularly promising lignocellulosic biomass as it can also grow under marginal conditions and can be used for a wide range of products including energy and material applications. The latter, including applications in the construction, textile, chemical, or agricultural sector, is becoming increasingly relevant today. In general, it is hypothesised that biobased products are advantageous in terms of their greenhouse gas (GHG) performance when compared to conventional—in particular fossil—alternatives. To investigate this, the life cycle assessment methodology is typically applied. However, assessments are subject to uncertainty and variability due to assumptions and methodological choices. Given the increasing interest in miscanthus‐derived material applications, this study aims to draw more general conclusions about their GHG performance and relative mitigation potential. This should support a better understanding of their contribution to climate change mitigation objectives and guide the selection of promising products or product groups. A systematic review of peer‐reviewed literature was conducted. In total, 20 studies reporting on 188 comparisons of the GHG performance of miscanthus‐derived and alternative products were assessed. Most comparisons indicated potential GHG mitigation through miscanthus‐derived products, with the majority ranging between 20% and 100% savings. Key parameters defining the relative performance include the selection of the reference product, consideration of soil carbon changes, changes in product and process design, as well as the incorporation of indirect Land Use Change (iLUC) impacts. Overall, we conclude that miscanthus‐derived material applications have the potential to contribute to GHG emission mitigation if iLUC effects are minimised. Given the limited availability of agricultural land, miscanthus‐derived products with high absolute GHG mitigation potential per unit of biomass used and long product lifetime are preferable. For future development, potential environmental trade‐offs need to be monitored.Universität Hohenheim 10.13039/100009613Horizon 2020 Framework Programme 10.13039/10001066

Viroid ecology in hops (Humulus lupulus L.): high prevalence in commercial systems but low presence in wild populations

Introduction: Hop (Humulus lupulus L.), a vital crop in the brewing industry, is increasingly threatened by infections caused by viroids and viruses. The extensive use of vegetative propagation in hop cultivation facilitates the accumulation and dissemination of these pathogens. However, little is known about their prevalence and ecological behavior in non-commercial settings. This study provides a comprehensive overview of viroid and virus infections across Germany, with particular attention to their occurrence and potential transmission across commercial, settlement, and wild hop populations. Methods: Between 2020 and 2023, 418 hop leaf samples from commercial (n = 345), settlement (n = 29), and wild (n = 44) populations were collected. Viroid and virus detection was performed using RT-PCR and PCR. To investigate possible cross-species transmission and sequence variation, HSVd-positive samples from hops and nearby grapevines were further analyzed via Sanger sequencing. Results: Viroid screening revealed that the citrus bark cracking viroid (CBCVd; Cocadviroid rimocitri) was confined to commercial hop cultivation. This study also marks the first confirmed detection of hop stunt viroid (HSVd; Hostuviroid impedihumuli) in commercial hop fields in Germany. Virus screening showed that hop latent virus (HpLV; Carlavirus latenshumuli) and american hop latent virus (AHpLV; Carlavirus americanense) were exclusively found in commercial hops. Hop mosaic virus (HpMV; Carlavirus humuli) was detected across all three groups—commercial, settlement, and wild populations. Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV; Nepovirus arabis) and apple mosaic virus (ApMV; Ilarvirus ApMV) were identified in both commercial and wild hops but were absent from settlement samples. Overall, commercial hop populations exhibited the highest pathogen burden, frequently harboring multiple viroid and virus infections. These findings underscore the importance of using certified, pathogen-free planting material, implementing early detection strategies, and updating plant passport regulations to include high-risk pathogens. While prevalence estimates reflect risk-based sampling from key production regions, the study provides a solid basis for enhancing pathogen surveillance and improving preventive measures in hop cultivation.The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. This research was funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), Germany under grant number 2818714A19, managed by the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE). Additional funding was provided by the Ministry of Nutrition, Rural Areas, and Consumer Protection Baden-Württemberg under the 2023/2024 funding line Kap. 0803 Tit. Gr. 84

Development of new inhibitors directed against key enzymes of human pathogens

Infectious diseases are one of the biggest threats to global health. The unpredictable emergence and rapid spread of viral infections, as well as the increasing frequency of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial infections, are particularly challenging due to the lack of adequate treatment options. To address these limitations, the rapid development of novel pharmaceuticals directed against essential, highly conserved enzymes of human pathogens is of urgent need. Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is an approach to de novo drug design. After identifying simple, low-molecular-weight molecules (fragments) that bind the target protein, selective, high-affinity lead compounds must be developed through optimization. The objectives of this study include investigating potential inhibitors of two proteins, the papain-like protease (PLpro) of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and a bacterial respiratory enzyme, the Na+-translocating NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (NQR), as well as methods to support the fragment-to-lead optimization process. The PLpro is a key enzyme of SARS-CoV-2 that ensures viral replication and suppresses the antiviral immune response. It is responsible for the proteolytic processing of the non-structural proteins 1-3 (nsp1-3) of the viral polyproteins, which are important for the replication and transcription complex. Correct formation of this complex is essential for replication of the viral genome and transcription of structural genes. Furthermore, the PLpro antagonizes the interferon stimulated antiviral response through specific cleavage of the interferon stimulated gene 15 (ISG15). ISG15 is conjugated to host and viral proteins during viral infection to promote the immune response and disrupt the proper function of viral proteins. Preventing polyprotein processing and ISG15 cleavage by inhibiting the PLpro represents a promising therapeutic option for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The PLpro cleavage activity in presence of the hop-derived compounds xanthohumol (XN), isoxanthohumol (IX), 6-prenylnaringenin (6PN), and 8-prenylnaringenin (8PN) was determined in fluorescence-based assays using the peptide Z-RLRGG-AMC, or ISG15-rhodamine and reveals inhibition by all four compounds. Western blot analysis of interferon β treated Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) cell lysates validates the inhibition of ISG15 cleavage through IXN. Antiviral activity of XN and 6PN is shown in infection models using Caco-2 cells. Therefore, these hop-derived compounds are promising starting points for developing new antiviral drugs. The NQR is a central enzyme in the energy metabolism of bacteria, including pathogens such as Vibrio cholerae, and multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. By coupling the oxidation of NADH with the reduction of ubiquinone, it translocates sodium ions or protons from the cytoplasm in the periplasm. Through this translocation, electrochemical gradients, the sodium or proton motive force are generated across the cytoplasmic membrane. These motive forces are required for several metabolic processes, like substrate uptake, ATP synthesis, motility, or drug efflux by multidrug-resistant (MDR) efflux pumps. Interrupting the binding of NADH and, consequently, the generation of the electrochemical gradients could be a promising approach for developing novel antibiotics and new treatment options for multidrug-resistant pathogens. The compound [1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]methanol (CPTM) was selected from the fragments identified during a crystallographic screening against the NqrF subunit of V. cholerae. The fragment binds in the part of the NADH-binding pocket where the adenosine residue of the NADH usually binds. It inhibits the NADH-oxidizing activity of the NqrF subunits of V. cholerae, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa, as well as the NQR complex of V. cholerae in a mixed mode of inhibition, with a significantly stronger inhibitory effect on the NQR complex. In growth assays, CPTM exhibited antibacterial activity against V. cholerae, and multidrug-resistant strains of K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa. In a combinatorial treatment, the efficacy of erythromycin increases when combined with CPTM in V. cholerae and K. pneumoniae but decreases in P. aeruginosa. The inhibition by occupying the NADH-binding pocket and the identification of the promising inhibitor CPTM are basis for structure-based optimization to develop antibacterial agents. Specific NQR inhibition opens the door to combinatorial therapy options for multidrug-resistant pathogens, which could restore the efficacy of current antibiotics. In FBDD, the identification of initial hits is followed by an optimization to improve their affinity, specificity, and physicochemical properties through fragment growing, merging, or linking strategies. To support single steps of the subsequent analysis to identify the candidates with improved properties, many computational tools are available. EvaMol is a software that integrates several of these tools to cover the entire evaluation. It prepares a receptor and the database of input molecules, obtained by the optimization. In the following docking step, the best-fitting pose of each molecule is calculated. Then, two independent scoring algorithms assess the binding of the docked molecules. Finally, physicochemical properties and ligand efficiency metrics are calculated. This helps to prioritize the candidate molecules with the most promising features and accelerates fragment-to-lead development in early drug discovery. Overall, the findings of this study lay the foundation for the development of novel antiviral and antibacterial pharmaceuticals and provide a tool to facilitate the optimization process in FBDD pipelines. This contributes to the urgent need for novel treatments caused by infectious diseases.Infektionskrankheiten sind eine der größten Herausforderungen für die globale Gesundheit. Das unvorhersehbare Auftreten und die rasche Ausbreitung von Virusinfektionen sowie die zunehmende Häufigkeit antimikrobieller Resistenzen bei bakteriellen Infektionen stellen eine besondere Herausforderung dar, da geeignete Behandlungsmöglichkeiten fehlen. Um diesen Einschränkungen entgegenzuwirken, ist die schnelle Entwicklung neuer Arzneimittel, die gegen essenzielle, hochkonservierte Enzyme humaner Pathogene gerichtet sind, dringend notwendig. Fragment-basierte Wirkstoffentdeckung (engl. Fragment-based drug design = FBDD) ist eine Möglichkeit für das De novo Design von Medikamenten. Nach der Identifizierung einfacher, niedermolekularer Moleküle (Fragmente), die das Zielprotein binden, müssen durch Optimierung selektive, hochaffine Leitverbindungen entwickelt werden. Zu den Zielen dieser Arbeit gehört die Untersuchung potenzieller Inhibitoren zweier Proteine, der Papain-artigen Protease (PLpro) des Schweren Akuten Respiratorischen Syndrom Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) und eines bakteriellen Atmungsenzyms, der Na+-translozierenden NADH:Ubichinon Oxidoreduktase (NQR), sowie die Entwicklung von Methoden zur Optimierung von Fragmenten zu Leitstrukturen. Die PLpro ist ein Schlüsselenzym in SARS-CoV-2, das die virale Replikation gewährleistet und die antivirale Immunantwort unterdrückt. Es ist verantwortlich für die proteolytische Prozessierung der nicht-strukturellen Proteine 1-3 (nsp1-3) der viralen Polyproteine, die für den Replikations- und Transkriptionskomplex wichtig sind. Die korrekte Bildung dieses Komplexes ist für die Replikation des viralen Genoms und die Transkription struktureller Gene unerlässlich. Des Weiteren wirkt die PLpro der interferonstimulierten antiviralen Antwort durch spezifische Abspaltung des interferon-stimulierten Gens 15 (ISG15) entgegen. ISG15 wird während der Virusinfektion an Wirts- und Virusproteine gebunden, um die Immunantwort zu fördern und die richtige Funktion der viralen Proteine zu stören. Die Polyproteinprozessierung und ISG15 Abspaltung durch Inhibition des PLpro zu verhindern, stellt eine vielversprechende therapeutische Option für die Coronavirus-Krankheit 2019 (COVID-19) dar. Die PLpro proteolytische Aktivität wurde in Gegenwart der aus Hopfen gewonnenen Verbindungen Xanthohumol (XN), Isoxanthohumol (IX), 6-prenylnaringenin (6PN) und 8-prenylnaringenin (8PN) in fluorenzenzbasierten enzymatischen Tests unter Verwendung das Peptids Z-RLRGG-AMC oder ISG15-Rhodamin bestimmt und zeigt eine Hemmung durch alle vier Verbindungen. Eine Western-Blot-Analyse von mit Interferon β behandelten humanen embryonalen Nierenzelllysaten (HEK) bestätigt die Hemmung der ISG15-Spaltung durch IXN. Die antivirale Aktivität von XN und 6PN hat sich in Infektionsversuchen in humanen Zellen der Caco-2 Zelllinie bestätigt. Daher sind diese aus Hopfen gewonnenen Verbindungen vielversprechende Ausgangspunkte für die Entwicklung neuer antiviraler Medikamente. Die NQR ist ein zentrales Enzym im Energiestoffwechsel von Bakterien, einschließlich Krankheitserregern wie Vibrio cholerae sowie multiresistenten Klebsiella pneumoniae und Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Durch die Kopplung der Oxidation von NADH mit der Reduktion von Ubichinon transloziert es Natriumionen oder Protonen aus dem Zytoplasma in das Periplasma. Durch diese Translokation werden elektrochemische Gradienten, die Natrium- oder Protonenantriebskraft über die Zytoplasmamembran erzeugt. Diese Antriebskräfte werden für viele metabolische Prozesse wie z.B. die Aufnahme von Substraten, die ATP-Synthese, für die Motilität oder das Herausschleusen von Medikamenten durch Multiresistenz (MDR) vermittelnde Effluxpumpen benötigt. Die Unterbrechung der Bindung von NADH und somit der Erzeugung elektrochemischer Gradienten könnte ein vielversprechender Ansatz für die Entwicklung neuer Antibiotika und neuer Behandlungsmöglichkeiten für multiresistente Pathogene sein. CPTM wurde von den Fragmenten ausgewählt, die während eines kristallographischen Screenings gegen die NqrF Untereinheit aus V. cholerae identifiziert wurden. Das Fragment bindet in dem Teil der NADH-Bindungstasche, in dem normalerweise der Adenosin-Rest des NADH bindet. Es inhibiert die NADH-oxidierende Aktivität der NqrF-Untereinheiten aus V. cholerae, K. pneumoniae und P. aeruginosa, sowie den NQR-Komplex aus V. cholerae weder rein kompetitiv noch allosterisch, sondern auf eine gemischte Inhibitionsart, wobei der inhibitorische Effekt auf den NQR-Komplex stärker ist als auf die isolierten NqrF Untereinheiten. In Wachstumsversuchen zeigte CPTM antibakterielle Aktivität gegen V. cholerae sowie gegen multiresistente Stämme von K. pneumoniae und P. aeruginosa. Bei einer Kombination von CPTM mit anderen Antibiotika erhöht sich die Wirksamkeit von Erythromycin in Gegenwart von CPTM gegenüber V. cholerae und K. pneumoniae, erniedrigt jedoch gegenüber P. aeruginosa. Die Inhibition durch Besetzung der NADH-Bindungstasche und die Identifizierung des vielversprechenden Inhibitors CPTM bilden die Grundlage für die strukturbasierte Optimierung zur Entwicklung antibakterieller Wirkstoffe. Die spezifische Inhibition der NQR eröffnet Möglichkeiten für kombinierte Therapien gegen multiresistente Krankheitserreger, wodurch die Wirksamkeit aktueller Antibiotika wiederhergestellt werden könnte. Nach der Identifizierung der ersten Treffer erfolgt bei der FBDD eine Optimierung durch Vergrößerung des ursprünglichen Moleküls, sog. Fragment Wachstum, oder durch Zusammenführung und Verknüpfung mehrerer Moleküle, um deren Affinität, Spezifität und physikochemischen Eigenschaften zu verbessern. In der nachfolgenden Suche nach geeigneten und potenziell besseren Wirkstoffkandidaten, stehen zahlreiche unterschiedliche computergestützte Verfahren zur Verfügung. Um diese Computer gestützten Verfahren zu automatisieren und die Identifikation verbesserter Moleküle zu erleichtern, wurde eine Software -EvaMol- entwickelt, die mehrere dieser Verfahren integriert, und so eine Bewertung neuer Wirkstoffkandidaten zulässt. EvaMol bereitet die strukturellen Daten des analysierten Proteins sowie eine Datenbank, die mögliche Wirkstoffmoleküle enthält, für die Analyse vor. Im Folgenden werden über sog. molekulares Docking die optimale Position und Konformation jedes Moleküls berechnet. Anschließend bewerten zwei unabhängige Algorithmen die Bindung der so gedockten Moleküle, um deren Affinität abzuschätzen. Schließlich werden physikochemische Eigenschaften und Kennzahlen zur Effizienz der Bindung dieser Moleküle berechnet. Dieses Verfahren hilft bei der Priorisierung der Wirkstoffkandidaten mit den vielversprechendsten Eigenschaften und beschleunigt so die Entwicklung von Fragmenten zu Leitstrukturen in der frühen Arzneimittelforschung. Insgesamt legen die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit den Grundstein für die Entwicklung neuer antiviraler und antibakterieller Arzneimittel und bieten eine Software, die den Optimierungsprozess in FBDD-Pipelines erleichtert. Dies trägt dazu bei, den dringenden Bedarf an neuen Behandlungsmethoden für Infektionskrankheiten zu decken

Role of iron and TfR1 in the application of high‑dose ascorbate against pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest tumor diseases with an urgent need for new therapy options. At the same time, the use of high‑dose vitamin C in cancer treatment has been investigated for decades. Despite promising in vitro and in vivo data and initial clinical studies, there is a need for optimization with regard to an ideal treatment regimen and suitable patient population for the use of high‑dose vitamin C. The aim of the present study was to evaluate for the first time the combination of high‑dose vitamin C with the administration of iron in three human pancreatic cancer cell lines and to determine the exact cell death mechanism. While the investigated cell lines showed a high susceptibility to ascorbate treatment, the combination treatment with FeCl3 generally led to a reduction in the ascorbate effect and in the formation of reactive oxygen species. The ascorbate‑induced cell death showed no signs of apoptosis but clear ferroptotic properties. Furthermore, treatment of the tumor cells with FeCl3 was accompanied by reduced expression of TfR1, preventing an increase in the intracellular labile iron pool. The present study provided valuable information on the mechanism of action of high‑dose vitamin C in pancreatic cancer, whereby a combination treatment with ferric iron in the context of tumor therapy is not recommended based on these data

Bioenergy potential of Europe's perennial and biennial wildflowers: a combustion performance benchmark

The European Commission prioritizes addressing environmental issues like agrobiodiversity loss within a thriving bioeconomy's defossilization. This study investigates eight native European herbaceous flowering wild plant species (WPS) like common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) and wild teasel (Dipsacus fullonum L.) as co‐substrates for pellet combustion, aiming for more biodiversity‐friendly bioenergy cropping systems. A long‐term field trial in southwest Germany examined dry matter (DM) yield and biochemical composition's influence on combustion properties for these WPS and two common bioenergy crops, Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus Greef et Deuter) and Sida (Sida hermaphrodita L. var. Rusby), over two growing seasons. All eight WPS showed suitable combustion properties, comparable to Sida, with significantly higher ash melting temperatures than Miscanthus. This is largely attributed to elevated calcium (5.6–15.3 mg g−1 DM) and magnesium (0.6–2.4 mg g−1 DM) contents. A consistent WPS biomass composition is suggested by no significant year effect. Additionally, lower SO2 and HCl fugacity indicated more environmentally friendly combustion than Miscanthus. However, only a few WPS matched Miscanthus's high DM yield (6.0–12.3 Mg ha−1). This underscores the need for broader WPS investigation to find effective combined solutions for bioenergy and rural environmental protection.Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung 10.13039/50110000234