Search Results (5,312)

As globally important ornamental and medicinal plants, orchids exhibit significant differences in the difficulty and pathways of in vitro regeneration. Most orchid species can directly form protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) through the differentiation of shoot tips or other explants, which then regenerate into new plantlets, while some species form callus through explant dedifferentiation followed by PLB differentiation from the callus. At present, the regenerative mechanisms underlying PLB and callus in orchids, as well as the key factors influencing their differentiation, remain poorly elucidated. In this study, seedlings of Dendrobium officinale obtained from aseptic seed germination were used to investigate the effects of explant type, 2,4-D concentration, temperature, light intensity and photoperiod on the induction of PLBs and callus. The results showed that there were no significant differences in callus induction among the tested explants in D. officinale, whereas stem nodal segments were more suitable for PLB induction. For both internodal and nodal segments, the incidence rate of callus formation was higher than that of PLBs. The concentration of 2,4-D influenced the induction direction of the explants; higher concentration promoted PLB induction, while lower concentration was sufficient for callus formation. Low temperature and low light intensity inhibited PLB induction while promoting callus formation in D. officinale. High temperature and intense light partially caused desiccation of explants. A temperature of 25/22 °C (day/night) and a photosynthetic photon flux density of 50 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ were more suitable for callus or PLB induction in D. officinale. A shorter photoperiod favored callus induction, while a longer photoperiod was beneficial for PLB induction. This study reveals the differences in influencing factors for PLB and callus induction in D. officinale, providing important insights for the propagation of orchid seedlings and laying a significant foundation for elucidating the mechanisms of PLB and callus induction. Full article

Phototherapy is a physical treatment modality that utilizes natural or artificial light sources and harnesses radiant energy to treat diseases. Dynamic monitoring of the actual light dose received by tissues is crucial to the success of phototherapy. However, most current phototherapy devices feature bulky and complex hardware and depend on fixed parameters or surface measurements for dose estimation, failing to provide precise, real-time monitoring of light dose distribution that is tailored to individual users, specific treatment sessions, and different body regions. Furthermore, most of these devices are incapable of generating tunable and stable LED light. This study presents a preliminary diffusion equation-based proof-of-concept for a wearable, integrated dual-mode sensing system for real-time dynamic monitoring of tissue light dose and temperature change. The system, controlled by a single-chip microcontroller, rapidly extracts key tissue optical parameters via a custom multi-wavelength LED optical probe and provides real-time feedback on light dose distribution through a dynamic tissue optical simulation model. To expand the monitoring dimensions, the system innovatively integrates a thermal sensor. This sensor enables synchronous monitoring of the temperature field in the treatment area, thereby allowing for an estimation of the combined photothermal effect. The system features a compact design, user-friendly operation, fast and stable communication, and repeatable and reliable detection. With promising clinical application prospects, it holds the potential to evolve into a portable, home-use, safe, effective, wearable, and cost-effective phototherapy device. Full article

Accurately quantifying the driving mechanisms of land surface temperature (LST) is fundamental to developing climate-resilient urban strategies. However, traditional linear models often fail to capture the complex nonlinear interactions and spatial non-stationarity inherent in urban thermal environments, especially when hindered by multicollinearity among morphological indicators. This study proposes a multi-scale spatial explainability attribution framework by integrating an XGBoost machine learning model with SHAP (SHapley Additive Explanations) to decipher the thermal dynamics of Changchun, a representative cold-region city in China. Utilizing a 500 m grid-based dataset, we incorporated 3D urban morphology (BVD), land cover (NDVI, NDWI), and socioeconomic factors. The results indicate that the XGBoost model achieves superior predictive performance (R² = 0.694) compared to traditional OLS models. SHAP global attribution identified Building Volume Density (BVD) as the primary warming driver, as its three-dimensional volume creates “thermal traps” through radiation trapping and reduced ventilation. Notably, NDVI exhibits a significant nonlinear “cooling threshold effect” at 0.3, beyond which its mitigation efficiency stagnates or even reverses due to vegetation fragmentation and heat-induced physiological stress. Furthermore, spatial mapping reveals a distinct “sign reversal” in NDWI’s impact, reflecting the dualistic thermal regulation of water bodies across different urban–rural gradients. These findings suggest that urban thermal management strategies should shift from merely restricting 2D surface occupancy (e.g., Building Density) to a more sophisticated approach focused on precisely controlling 3D volume intensity (BVD). This study provides a “point-to-area” diagnostic tool supporting a transition to spatially targeted urban planning interventions. Full article

The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases highlights the need to develop vascular grafts that match the mechanics of native vascular tissue and offer functional adaptability. This study reports the development and systematic optimization of a shape-memory polyurethane acrylate (PUA)-based photocurable resin for digital light processing (DLP)-based four-dimensional printing (4DP) applications. Resin formulations were designed by controlling hard/soft segment ratios, reactive diluent content, and crosslink density to position the glass transition temperature (T_g) within the physiological range (25–40 °C). Thermomechanical characterization was performed via dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile testing, while a full-factorial Design of Experiments (DoE) approach was applied to optimize DLP process parameters—namely layer thickness, exposure time, and post-curing time. The developed resin formulation yielded a T_g of 38 °C as determined by DMA. Following process optimization, regression models showed high statistical fit (R² > 99%), and experimental validation under optimal conditions (layer thickness: 82.83 µm, exposure time: 11 s, post-curing: 2 min) resulted in an elongation at break of 64.0 ± 3.4%, a Young’s modulus of 10.9 ± 0.1 MPa, and a tensile strength of 6.2 ± 0.3 MPa. The optimized system exhibited thermally triggerable shape memory behavior at near-body temperature, with mechanical properties consistent with natural arterial tissue benchmarks. These findings demonstrate a promising material design strategy for DLP-based 4D-printed vascular structures. Full article

Temperature and salinity are key environmental factors for sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) aquaculture. To better understand the molecular regulation mechanisms of A. japonicus under extreme environmental conditions, we collected metabolomic data from a control group (C: 16 °C, 30 salinity), a heat-stress group (HT: 30 °C, 30 salinity), a hypo-salinity group (LS: 16 °C, 20 salinity), and a heat plus hypo-salinity group (HL: 30 °C, 20 salinity). Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry-based metabolomics was used to measure the changes in endogenous metabolites in the body wall of A. japonicus and detect differential metabolites and associated metabolic pathways. The results of metabolomic profiling identified a total of 349 secondary metabolites, enriched mainly in unsaturated fatty acid metabolism, cAMP signaling pathway, pantothenic acid and coenzyme A biosynthesis, as well as vitamin metabolism. Compared to the control group, levels of amino acids and lipids were enhanced during adaptation to high-temperature stress (HT and HL groups). Levels of pantothenic acid content increased in the LS group compared with its content in the control group, which suggests that stress promoted the TCA cycle in the body of A. japonicus, providing energy for movement. A. japonicus may adjust energy metabolism by altering pathways or adapt to environmental changes by regulating the activities of certain enzymes to maintain life activities and metabolic homeostasis. In response to these stresses, A. japonicus metabolism increased to bolster its antioxidant capacity and maintain cellular homeostasis and organismal stability. These results clarified the complex physiological processes involved in the response to stress and the maintenance of metabolism of the A. japonicus. This study provides novel insights into the metabolic regulation mechanisms that enable A. japonicus to cope with heat and hypo-salinity stresses. Full article

This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the use of water in livestock and poultry nutrition, focusing on both quantitative requirements and quality standards. The review is based on the evaluation and synthesis of the published scientific literature addressing water intake, physiological functions, and quality parameters in farm animals. It summarizes the physiological roles of water in key metabolic processes and examines the primary factors influencing water requirements, including animal species, stage of production, and environmental conditions. Furthermore, the article compiles available data on water intake across major livestock systems and outlines the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics required to ensure animal health and food safety. Water constitutes a large proportion of body weight, ranging from 50% to 95% depending on species, and is essential for nutrient transport, thermoregulation, and waste elimination. Water requirements are highly variable and influenced by multiple interacting factors, such as ambient temperature, humidity, and dietary composition. Ensuring continuous access to adequate quantities of safe, high-quality water is essential for optimizing animal health, productivity, and welfare and should be integrated into routine farm management and regulatory frameworks. Full article

Carbon nanotube (CNT) materials exhibit ultrahigh electrical and thermal conductivity. Upon electrical excitation, CNT-based transparent conductive films (TCFs) can emit far-infrared radiation (FIR) and provide certain physiotherapeutic efficacy, making them ideal candidates for thermotherapy applications. This work systematically tests and analyzes the fundamental physical properties and physiotherapeutic performance of CNT flexible thin-film heaters (TFHs) for potential use in health physiotherapy. Two types of TFHs with different electrode connection modes were fabricated via the prepared TCFs. Experimental characterizations were conducted on their response time, electrothermal performance, and heat transfer characteristics. The results showed that the temperature rise per unit input power for TFH1 was 16.71 °C/W, while that of TFH2 was 4.29 °C/W at the same voltage of 10 V. In addition, the variation trends of maximum temperature with power density were highly consistent for the two films. This demonstrates that TFHs fabricated using the same TCFs exhibit excellent and high electrothermal conversion efficiency as well as outstanding comprehensive electrothermal performance. In addition, smaller L/W ratio leads to lower resistance of TFHs, resulting in a stronger thermal effect under identical applied voltage. After the temperature stabilized, the surface temperature of the TFHs decreased by approximately 5 °C when attached to the human arm, confirming that the heat generated by the TFHs under electrical excitation could be effectively absorbed by the human body. The TFHs emitted rapid FIR upon electrification, and the peak wavelength ranged from 8 to 12 µm, which fell within the range of 6–14 µm that was easily absorbable by the human body. The heat can be rapidly absorbed by the skin and distributed throughout the body via blood circulation, yielding favorable physiotherapeutic efficacy. This study provides key physical parameters for the application of TFHs in wearable medical devices and physiotherapy equipment. Full article

Several studies have shown that supplementation with 100 to 130 mg of 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP)/kg diet acts as a mitigating factor of enteric CH₄ production in ruminants. From an energy perspective, this effect could indicate improved feed energy utilization. Feed additives that reduce the acetate-to-propionate molar ratio and/or CH₄ production generally increase the efficiency of feed energy utilization and can alleviate the negative impact of high ambient heat loads on ruminant productivity. In seeking to test this assumption, the impact of supplementing 3-NOP in growing–finishing diets was evaluated in 24 intact male lambs (31.92 ± 3.77 kg). The experiment lasted 61 days. Treatments consisted of supplementing a total mixed growing–finishing diet (30:70 forage-to-concentrate ratio) with zero or 115 mg 3-NOP/kg diet. Lambs were assigned to 12 pens (two lambs/pen, six replicates per treatment). The temperature–humidity index (THI) during the experiment averaged 83.37 ± 6.4. The inclusion of 3-NOP tended to increase final weight (2.6%, p = 0.06) but increased dry matter intake by 10.6% (p = 0.03), thus decreasing the efficiency of dietary net energy utilization by 2.3% and 3%, respectively (p = 0.04). Lambs fed with 3-NOP showed greater (6.2%, p = 0.04) carcass weight and dressing percentage (3.3%, p = 0.03) without effects on the tissue shoulder composition. Supplemented lambs showed lower gastrointestinal (GIT) fill (9.3%, p = 0.02) and greater (1.3%) empty body weight (EBW, p < 0.01). Visceral organ mass (expressed as g/kg EBW) was not affected by 3-NOP supplementation. It was concluded that supplemental 3-NOP did not improve feed efficiency nor the efficiency of dietary energy utilization, but did improve carcass weight and dressing percentage in lambs fattened under high ambient heat load. The greater carcass weight observed in the present experiment was due mainly to a tendency for a greater final weight (p = 0.06) for 3-NOP lambs, whereas the improvement in dressing percentage was due mainly to a lower (p = 0.02) GIT fill. It is crucial to highlight that this is a pioneering study on the effect of 3-NOP on the productive efficiency of lambs subjected to high ambient heat loads. It is also important to note that enteric methane production was not measured in this experiment. Although the doses used in this experiment have consistently reduced methane production in several studies conducted under favorable climatic conditions, we cannot precisely determine the role of CH₄ production in the dietary net energy efficiency observed in lambs that received 3-NOP. The results presented here provide a basis for future research evaluating the anti-methanogenic and productive responses to the use of 3-NOP under high ambient temperature conditions. Full article

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that may lead to sudden cardiac death. Among the causes, dysfunctions of ion channels involved in the cardiac action potential (specifically in SCN5A and SCN10A genes) are particularly significant. Among diagnosed Brugada patients, fever-induced episodes occur in 20–30% of cases. Fever worsens sodium channel dysfunction, as elevated temperature further reduces their conductance. First clinical manifestation of BrS occurs usually during a febrile episode, especially in young people. We performed a multiparametric examination in addition to genetic analysis. We treated a 19-year-old man presenting with subfebrility. During the patient’s subfebrile episodes, 12-lead ECG recordings revealed ST-segment elevations in leads V1–V3. Notably, the patient remained asymptomatic. Targeted genetic testing of SCN5A did not reveal any disease-causing variants as an underlying cause of the syndrome, but the temperature-inducing effect was demonstrated. The occurrence of the Brugada type 1 pattern has also been observed at subfebrile episodes, although significantly rarely. This case demonstrates that in susceptible patients, even a relatively mild elevation in body temperature can trigger ion channel dysfunctions. Timely diagnosis and follow-up are important in preserving quality of life and preventing fatal outcomes. Full article

Electrohydrodynamic effects can significantly alter transport processes in reacting flows, even when the plasma is weakly ionized. However, predictive modeling of such plasma–flame interactions remains challenging due to the multiscale coupling among charge transport, fluid motion, and chemical kinetics. This study presents a charge-transport closure model to investigate electrohydrodynamic influences on laminar non-premixed flames. A two-dimensional computational framework in cylindrical coordinates is used to simulate plasma-assisted methane–air diffusion flames under weak electric-field conditions representative of practical combustion environments. To represent plasma–flow coupling in a computationally feasible yet physically consistent manner, a charge-transport formulation based on the drift–diffusion approximation is employed. The model solves transport equations for representative positive and negative charge carriers coupled with Poisson’s equation for the electric potential to obtain a self-consistent electric field. This formulation assumes a weakly ionized regime for low-temperature plasma-assisted combustion, in which neutral species dominate the mass and momentum transport, while ionization chemistry is simplified and charge transport primarily influences the flow through electrohydrodynamic body forces and Joule heating. Assuming a weak electric field, the steady flamelet model is applied, in which plasma effects primarily influence scalar transport and local thermal balance rather than inducing significant bulk ionization dynamics. The governing equations are discretized using a high-order compact finite-difference scheme that provides improved resolution of steep gradients in temperature, species concentration, and space-charge density near thin reaction zones. The canonical laminar flame model configuration was validated using the established laminar methane–air diffusion flame benchmark, and steady-state spatial profiles of key transport properties were evaluated. Two-dimensional analysis identified the discharge coupling location as an important factor. The application of discharge in the fuel-air mixing region leads to a clear restructuring of the flame. When the discharge is activated, electrohydrodynamic forcing and ion-driven momentum transfer produce a highly localized, columnar flame with sharp gradients and a confined reaction zone. Compared with the baseline case, the plasma-assisted flame localizes the OH-rich reaction zone, confines the high-temperature region into a narrow column, and enhances downstream H₂O formation. Full article

The hornblende gabbro investigated in this study crops out in northwestern Elazığ, eastern Türkiye, within the Southeastern Anatolian Orogenic Belt (SAOB), where Late Cretaceous ophiolitic, volcanic, plutonic, and metamorphic units are widely exposed. This study examines the petrology, whole-rock geochemistry, Sr–Nd isotopic composition, mineral chemistry, and crystallisation conditions of these gabbroic bodies to constrain their petrogenesis and tectonomagmatic significance. Field observations show that the rock occurs as rounded to sub-rounded blocks with fresh inner cores and altered outer rims. Petrographic and XRD data indicate that the fresh gabbro mainly consists of plagioclase and amphibole, whereas the altered outer rims contain quartz and minor secondary phases. Whole-rock geochemical data classify the samples as low- to medium-K, tholeiitic, and predominantly metaluminous gabbro. Primitive mantle-normalised trace-element patterns display enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements and depletion in high-field-strength elements, whereas chondrite-normalised REE patterns show slight LREE enrichment, relatively flat HREE patterns, and weak Eu anomalies. Sr–Nd isotopic compositions are characterised by positive εNd_(T) values (+4.4 to +5.3) and moderately radiogenic initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.704792–0.705344), indicating a predominantly mantle-derived magma source affected by subduction-related modification, with limited crustal contribution. Mineral chemistry data show that amphiboles belong to the calcic amphibole group and plot in the magnesio-hornblende field. Amphibole thermobarometric calculations yielded temperatures of 873–991 °C and pressures of 1.49–3.26 kbar, corresponding to crystallisation depths of 5.1–15.3 km. Overall, the results indicate that the hornblende gabbro was derived from a mafic magma generated from a spinel lherzolite mantle source and crystallised in a subduction-related tectonomagmatic setting. Full article

The skin–brain axis constitutes a complex, bidirectional network integrating cutaneous sensory, immune, and neuroendocrine systems with central neural circuits involved in emotion regulation, stress responsivity, and social cognition. Advances in psychodermatology and cosmetic science have progressively extended this framework to the emerging field of neurocosmetics, which explores how topical formulations, sensorial properties, and cutaneous neuromodulators may influence psychological well-being, affective states, and perceived stress. The aim of this narrative review is to synthesize current evidence on the biological foundations of the skin–brain axis and to critically examine the implications of these mechanisms for neurocosmetic interventions from a psychological and psychiatric perspective. It describes the biological substrates underlying skin–brain communication, including the cutaneous hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, neuropeptides, neurotrophins, transient receptor potential channels, and endocannabinoid signaling, and examines how these pathways are targeted by neurocosmetic interventions. Particular attention is devoted to neuroactive compounds, such as peptides, cannabinoids, botanicals, and aromatherapeutic molecules, as well as to sensorial strategies involving texture, temperature, and olfactory cues, which may modulate mood, anxiety, and self-perception through peripheral mechanisms. From a psychological and psychiatric perspective, the review discusses the intersection between stress-related skin conditions, body image disturbances, and emotional dysregulation, highlighting how cosmetic practices may influence subjective well-being beyond purely aesthetic outcomes. Methodological limitations of the existing literature, including the heterogeneity of study designs and outcome measures, as well as ethical considerations related to mood- and stress-related claims in cosmetic products, are critically examined. Finally, future research directions are outlined, and a translational framework is proposed to integrate dermatology, neuroscience, and mental health within next-generation cosmetic science. Full article

Human adenovirus type 7 (HAdV-7) is a significant pathogen responsible for viral community-acquired pneumonia in children. To date, no specific antiviral agents have been approved for clinical use against HAdV infections. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) mixtures have shown promising potential in managing viral pneumonia. This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral activity of Yuanzhixingrenheji (YZ), a hospital-prepared TCM formulation from Beijing Children’s Hospital, against HAdV-7. Initial screening of four hospital formulations (Feiyanheji, Qingjieheji, Yindaizhikeheji, and Yuanzhixingrenheji) using a CCK-8 assay revealed that YZ exhibited the lowest cytotoxicity. In vitro, YZ pretreatment and post-infection treatment exhibited dose-dependent antiviral activity against HAdV-7 in A549 cells, significantly suppressing the DBP mRNA level and protein expression while reducing viral genome copies, HAdV-7-GFP fluorescence, hexon fluorescence, and DBP nuclear localization. In the hDSG2^+/+ C57BL/6 mouse model of HAdV-7 infection, YZ effectively mitigated infection-induced body weight loss and substantially reduced viral loads in lung tissue. Furthermore, a clinical retrospective analysis indicated that YZ treatment significantly decreased post-hospitalization serum C-reactive protein levels of pediatric patients with HAdV infection in various disease severities. Compared with conventional treatment, YZ treatment also significantly reduced peak temperature and shortened the duration of fever in children with HAdV infection, supporting its therapeutic potential. In summary, this study provides the first integrated evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical retrospective investigations, demonstrating that the TCM mixture YZ has significant anti-HAdV-7 activity and clinical efficacy. Characterized by a favorable safety profile and low economic burden, YZ is a promising candidate for the treatment of pediatric adenovirus pneumonia. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of heat stress on productive performance, physiology, reproduction, and oxidative status in pregnant New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit does, as well as the potential synergistic effects of curcumin and vitamin D3 (Cur + VD₃) supplementation in alleviating these stress-induced impairments. Eighty multiparous does (12–18 months old) were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design involving two ambient temperatures (indoor vs. outdoor) and two supplementation levels (with or without Cur + VD₃). Outdoor does experienced severe heat stress (THI = 33.22) compared to indoor thermal comfort conditions (THI = 25.13). The supplement (Cur + VD₃) was administered orally at 1 mL/kg body weight. Heat stress significantly decreased body weight, milk yield, litter size, weight at weaning, and behavioral activity. Conversely, rectal temperature, respiration rate, and mortality increased. Supplementation with Cur + VD₃ showed improved body weight, reproductive parameters, milk yield, and behavior, while reducing mortality (0% vs. 5%) compared to treatment without these additives. Physiologically, Cur + VD₃ lowered rectal temperature and respiration rate. In conclusion, combined curcumin and vitamin D₃ supplementation is an effective nutritional strategy to improve heat stress tolerance and maintain productivity in pregnant rabbits exposed to high ambient temperatures. Full article

Global land use is changing rapidly, particularly in the tropics, where human populations have had relatively high growth rates in recent decades. This has resulted in wildlife increasingly living in or using anthropogenic environments, which often have different thermal properties in comparison to natural habitats. For example, materials used for buildings, such as concrete and brick, typically absorb, retain and radiate more heat than vegetated surfaces. The mosaic of man-made and natural areas formed when anthropogenic environments expand is therefore likely to generate microhabitats with different thermal properties. Here, we investigated the association between microhabitats and the body surface temperature of wild banded mongooses (Mungos mungo), a social mammal living in equatorial Uganda. After controlling for the significant effects of air temperature, humidity, time of day and body contact, we found that mongooses had the highest body surface temperatures when present on anthropogenic substrates, such as discarded roofing straw and refuse, while mongooses present on building materials, dead vegetation and bare soil had intermediate body surface temperatures. In contrast, mongooses had the lowest body surface temperatures when present in more natural, vegetated habitats. Although our study is relatively small scale and limited in scope, our results indicate that anthropogenic modifications to natural environments may result in hotter microhabitats, which may in turn impact space use, movement and thermoregulation in wildlife. We hope that our study encourages further research into this understudied but emerging topic. Full article