Search Results (4,018)

Early weaning of piglets elicits weaning stress, which in turn induces oxidative stress and consequently impairs growth and development. Hydrogen-rich water (HRW), characterized by selective antioxidant properties, mitigates oxidative stress damage and serves as an ideal intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of HRW on weaned piglets, specifically investigating its impact on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, antioxidant function, intestinal morphology, gut microbiota, and hepatic metabolites. The results demonstrate that HRW significantly increased the average daily feed intake and significantly reduced the diarrhea rate in weaned piglets. Analysis of serum oxidative stress indicators revealed that HRW significantly elevated the activities of total antioxidant capacity and total superoxide dismutase while significantly decreasing malondialdehyde concentration. Assessment of intestinal morphology showed that HRW significantly increased the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Microbial analysis indicated that HRW significantly increased the abundance of Prevotella in the colon. Furthermore, HRW increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Akkermansia, in the jejunum and cecum, while concurrently reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria like Escherichia. Hepatic metabolite profiling revealed that HRW significantly altered the metabolite composition in the liver of weaned piglets. Differentially abundant metabolites were enriched in oxidative stress-related KEGG pathways, including ABC transporters; pyruvate metabolism; autophagy; FoxO signaling pathway; glutathione metabolism; ferroptosis; and AMPK signaling pathways. In conclusion, HRW alleviates diarrhea and promotes growth in weaned piglets by enhancing antioxidant capacity. These findings provide a scientific foundation for the application of HRW in swine production and serve as a reference for further exploration into the mechanisms underlying HRW’s effects on animal health and productivity. Full article

Wildfires have become increasingly frequent and destructive environmental hazards, especially in boreal ecosystems facing prolonged droughts and temperature extremes. This study presents an integrated spatio-temporal framework that combines Spatio-Temporal Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (ST-DBSCAN), Fire Radiative Power (FRP), and the differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (ΔNBR) to characterize the dynamics and ecological impacts of large-scale wildfires, using the extreme 2023 Quebec fire season as a case study. The analysis of 80,228 VIIRS fire detections resulted in 19 distinct clusters across four fire zones. Validation against the National Burned Area Composite (NBAC) showed high spatial agreement in densely burned areas, with Intersection over Union (IoU) scores reaching 62.6%. Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) revealed significant non-linear relationships between FRP and key fire behavior metrics. Higher mean FRP was associated with both longer durations and greater burn severity. While FRP was also linked to faster spread rates, this relationship varied by zone. Notably, Fire Zone 2 exhibited the most severe ecological impact, with 83.8% of the area classified as high-severity burn. These findings demonstrate the value of integrating spatial clustering, radiative intensity, and post-fire vegetation damage into a unified analytical framework. Unlike traditional methods, this approach enables scalable, hypothesis-driven assessment of fire behavior, supporting improved fire management, ecosystem recovery planning, and climate resilience efforts in fire-prone regions. Full article

One of the advantages of the EPR spectroscopy method in assessing structural defects caused by irradiation is the fact that using this method it is possible to determine not only the concentration dependences of the defect structure but to also establish their type, which is not possible with methods such as X-ray diffraction or scanning electron microscopy. Based on the data obtained, the role of variation in the ratio of components in Li₄SiO₄–Li₂TiO₃ ceramics on the processes of softening under high-dose irradiation with protons simulating the accumulation of hydrogen in the damaged layer, as well as the concentration of structural defects in the form of oxygen vacancies and radiolysis products on the processes of high-temperature degradation of ceramics, was determined. It was found that the main changes in the defect structure during the prolonged thermal exposure of irradiated samples are associated with the accumulation of oxygen vacancies, the density of which was estimated by the change in the intensity of singlet lithium, characterizing the presence of E-centers. At the same time, it was found that the formation of interphase boundaries in the structure of Li₄SiO₄–Li₂TiO₃ ceramics leads to the inhibition of high-temperature degradation processes in the case of post-radiation thermal exposure for a long time. Also, during the conducted studies, the role of thermal effects on the structural damage accumulation rate in Li₄SiO₄–Li₂TiO₃ ceramics was determined in the case when irradiation is carried out at different temperatures. During the experiments, it was determined that the main contribution of thermal action in the process of proton irradiation at a fluence of 5 × 10¹⁷ proton/cm² is an increase in the concentration of radiolysis products, described by changes in the intensities of spectral maxima, characterized by the presence of defects such as ≡Si–O, SiO₄³⁻ and Ti³⁺ defects. Full article

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) are highly sensitive to cold, but grafting onto cold-tolerant rootstocks can enhance their low-temperature resilience. This study investigates the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which exogenous vitamin C (Vc) mitigates cold stress in grafted cucumber seedlings. Using cucumber ‘Chiyu 505’ as the scion and pumpkin ‘Chuangfan No.1’ as the rootstock, seedlings were grafted using the whip grafting method. In the third true leaf expansion stage, seedlings were foliar sprayed with Vc at concentrations of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg L⁻¹. Three days after initial spraying, seedlings were subjected to cold stress (8 °C) for 3 days, with continued spraying. After that, morphological and physiological parameters were assessed. Results showed that 150 mg L⁻¹ Vc treatment was most impactive, significantly reducing the cold damage index while increasing the root-to-shoot ratio, root vitality, chlorophyll content, and activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT). Moreover, this treatment enhanced levels of soluble sugars, soluble proteins, and proline compared to control. However, 200 mg L⁻¹ treatment elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) content, indicating potential oxidative stress. For transcriptomic analysis, leaves from the 150 mg L⁻¹ Vc and CK treatments were sampled at 0, 1, 2, and 3 days of cold stress. Differential gene expression revealed that genes associated with photosynthesis (LHCA1), stress signal transduction (MYC2-1, MYC2-2, WRKY22, WRKY2), and antioxidant defense (SOD-1, SOD-2) were initially up-regulated and subsequently down-regulated, as validated by qRT-PCR. Overall, we found that the application of 150 mg L⁻¹ Vc enhanced cold tolerance in grafted cucumber seedlings by modulating gene expression networks related to photosynthesis, stress response, and the antioxidant defense system. This study provides a way for developing Vc biostimulants to enhance cold tolerance in grafted cucumbers, improving sustainable cultivation in low-temperature regions. Full article

Background: Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a prevalent and potentially life-threatening condition caused by rapid exposure to high-altitude hypoxia, affecting pulmonary and neurological functions. Tongqiao Jiuxin Oil (TQ), a traditional Chinese medicine formula composed of aromatic and resinous ingredients such as sandalwood, agarwood, frankincense, borneol, and musk, has been widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders. Clinical observations suggest its potential efficacy against AMS, yet its pharmacological mechanisms remain poorly understood. Methods: The chemical profile of TQ was characterized using UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS. Network pharmacology was applied to predict the potential targets and pathways involved in AMS. A rat model of AMS was established by exposing animals to hypobaric hypoxia (~10% oxygen), simulating an altitude of approximately 5500 m. TQ was administered at varying doses. Physiological indices, oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, GSH), histopathological changes, and the expression of hypoxia- and apoptosis-related proteins (HIF-1α, VEGFA, EPO, Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3) in lung and brain tissues were assessed. Results: A total of 774 chemical constituents were identified from TQ. Network pharmacology predicted the involvement of multiple targets and pathways. TQ significantly improved arterial oxygenation and reduced histopathological damage in both lung and brain tissues. It enhanced antioxidant activity by elevating SOD and GSH levels and reducing MDA content. Mechanistically, TQ downregulated the expression of HIF-1α, VEGFA, EPO, and pro-apoptotic markers (Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, Caspase-3), while upregulated Bcl-2, the anti-apoptotic protein expression. Conclusions: TQ exerts protective effects against AMS-induced tissue injury by improving oxygen homeostasis, alleviating oxidative stress, and modulating hypoxia-related and apoptotic signaling pathways. This study provides pharmacological evidence supporting the potential of TQ as a promising candidate for AMS intervention, as well as the modern research method for multi-component traditional Chinese medicine. Full article

Background/Objectives: Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham. is a flavonoid-rich traditional medicinal plant with established immunomodulatory properties. However, the mechanisms underlying the immunoregulatory and intestinal protective effects of its flavonoid extract (Senecio scandens flavonoids—SSF) remain unclear. This study characterized SSF’s bioactive components and evaluated its efficacy against cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression and intestinal injury. Methods: The constituents of SSF were identified using UHPLC/Q-Orbitrap/HRMS. Mice with CTX-induced immunosuppression were treated with SSF (80, 160, 320 mg/kg) for seven days. Immune parameters (organ indices, lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine, and immunoglobulin levels) and gut barrier integrity markers (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1 protein expression; sIgA secretion; microbiota composition) were assessed. Network pharmacology combined with functional assays elucidated the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Results: Twenty flavonoids were identified in SSF, with six prototype compounds detectable in the blood. The SSF treatment significantly ameliorated CTX-induced weight loss and atrophy of the thymus and spleen. It enhanced splenic T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation by 43.6% and 29.7%, respectively; normalized the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio (1.57-fold increase); and elevated levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IgM, and IgG. Moreover, SSF reinforced the intestinal barrier by upregulating tight junction protein expression and sIgA levels while modulating the gut microbiota, enriching beneficial taxa (e.g., the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Akkermansia) and suppressing pathogenic Alistipes. Mechanistically, SSF activated the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, with isoquercitrin identified as a pivotal bioactive constituent. Conclusions: SSF effectively mitigates CTX-induced immunosuppression and intestinal damage. These findings highlight SSF’s potential as a dual-functional natural agent for immunomodulation and intestinal protection. Subsequent research should validate isoquercitrin’s molecular targets and assess SSF’s clinical efficacy. Full article

In this study, steel fibers were used to improve the mechanical properties of high-strength self-compacting concrete (HSSCC), and its effect on the fracture mechanical properties was investigated by a three-point bending test with notched beams. Coupled with the digital image correlation (DIC) technique, the fracture process of steel-fiber-reinforced HSSCC was analyzed to elucidate the reinforcing and fracture-resisting mechanisms of steel fibers. The results indicate that the compressive strength and flexural strength of HSSCC cured for 28 days exhibited an initial decrease and then an enhancement as the volume fraction (V_f) of steel fibers increased, whereas the flexural-to-compressive ratio linearly increased. All of them reached their maximum of 110.5 MPa, 11.8 MPa, and 1/9 at 1.2 vol% steel fibers, respectively. Steel fibers significantly improved the peak load (F_P), peak opening displacement (CMOD_P), fracture toughness (K_IC), and fracture energy (G_F) of HSSCC. Compared with HSSCC without steel fibers (HSSCC-0), the F_P, K_IC, CMOD_P, and G_F of HSSCC with 1.2 vol% (HSSCC-1.2) increased by 23.5%, 45.4%, 11.1 times, and 20.1 times, respectively. The horizontal displacement and horizontal strain of steel-fiber-reinforced HSSCC both increased significantly with an increasing V_f. HSSCC-0 experienced unstable fracture without the occurrence of a fracture process zone during the whole fracture damage, whereas the fracture process zone formed at the notched beam tip of HSSCC-1.2 at its initial loading stage and further extended upward in the beams of high-strength self-compacting concrete with a 0.6% volume fraction of steel fibers and HSSCC-1.2 as the load approaches and reaches the peak. Full article

Cystic fibrosis produces viscous mucus in the lung that increases bacterial invasion, causing persistent infections and subsequent inflammation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are two of the most common infections in cystic fibrosis patients that are resistant to antibiotics. One antibiotic approved to treat these infections is levofloxacin (LVX), which functions to inhibit bacterial replication but can be further developed into tailorable particles. Nanoparticles are an emerging inhaled therapy due to enhanced targeting and delivery. The extracellular matrix (ECM) has been shown to possess pro-regenerative and non-toxic properties in vitro, making it a promising delivery agent. The combination of LVX and ECM formed into nanoparticles may overcome barriers to lung delivery to effectively treat cystic fibrosis bacterial infections. Our goal is to advance CF care by providing a combined treatment option that has the potential to address both bacterial infections and lung damage. Two hybrid formulations of a 10:1 and 1:1 ratio of LVX to ECM have shown neutral surface charges and an average size of ~525 nm and ~300 nm, respectively. The neutral charge and size of the particles may suggest their ability to attract toward and penetrate through the mucus barrier in order to target the bacteria. The NPs have also been shown to slow the drug dissolution, are non-toxic to human airway epithelial cells, and are effective in inhibiting Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. LVX-ECM NPs may be an effective treatment for pulmonary CF bacterial treatments. Full article

Radiation-induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a significant late complication in dogs receiving radiation therapy for intranasal tumors, particularly with hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). This retrospective case-control study was performed to identify anatomical and dosimetric risk factors for KCS in 15 canine patients treated with IMRT delivered in 4–6 weekly fractions of 8 Gy. Orbital structures were retrospectively contoured, and dose–volume metrics (D50) were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and odds ratios were used to evaluate the associations between radiation dose and KCS development. Six dogs (33%) developed KCS within three months post-treatment. Statistically significant dose differences were observed between affected and unaffected eyes for the eyeball, cornea, and retina. ROC analyses identified dose thresholds predictive of KCS: 13.8 Gy (eyeball), 14.9 Gy (cornea), and 17.0 Gy (retina), with the retina showing the highest odds ratio (28.33). To ensure clinical relevance, KCS was diagnosed based on decreased tear production combined with corneal damage to ensure clinical relevance. This study proposes dose thresholds for ocular structures that may guide treatment planning and reduce the risk of KCS in canine patients undergoing IMRT. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate these thresholds and explore mitigation strategies for high-risk cases. Full article

Landslides are among the most hazardous natural phenomena affecting Greater Abidjan, causing significant economic and social damage. Strategic planning supported by geographic information systems (GIS) can help mitigate potential losses and enhance disaster resilience. This study evaluates landslide susceptibility using logistic regression and frequency ratio models. The analysis is based on a dataset comprising 54 mapped landslide scarps collected from June 2015 to July 2023, along with 16 thematic predictor variables, including altitude, slope, aspect, profile curvature, plan curvature, drainage area, distance to the drainage network, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and an urban-related layer. A high-resolution (5-m) digital elevation model (DEM), derived from multiple data sources, supports the spatial analysis. The landslide inventory was randomly divided into two subsets: 80% for model calibration and 20% for validation. After optimization and statistical testing, the selected thematic layers were integrated to produce a susceptibility map. The results indicate that 6.3% (0.7 km²) of the study area is classified as very highly susceptible. The proportion of the sample (61.2%) in this class had a frequency ratio estimated to be 20.2. Among the predictive indicators, altitude, slope, SE, S, NW, and NDVI were found to have a positive impact on landslide occurrence. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), demonstrating strong predictive capability. These findings can support informed land-use planning and risk reduction strategies in urban areas. Furthermore, the prediction model should be communicated to and understood by local authorities to facilitate disaster management. The cost function was adopted as a novel approach to delineate hazardous zones. Considering the landslide inventory period, the increasing hazard due to climate change, and the intensification of human activities, a reasoned choice of sample size was made. This informed decision enabled the production of an updated prediction map. Optimal thresholds were then derived to classify areas into high- and low-susceptibility categories. The prediction map will be useful to planners in helping them make decisions and implement protective measures. Full article

The magnetic flux leakage (MFL) method is widely acknowledged as a highly effective non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique for detecting local damage in ferromagnetic structures such as steel wire ropes. In this study, a multi-channel MFL sensor module was developed, incorporating a purpose-designed Hall sensor array and magnetic yokes specifically shaped for steel cables. To validate the proposed damage detection method, artificial damages of varying degrees were inflicted on wire rope specimens through experimental testing. The MFL sensor module facilitated the scanning of the damaged specimens and measurement of the corresponding MFL signals. In order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, a comprehensive set of signal processing steps, including channel equalization and normalization, was implemented. Subsequently, the detected MFL distribution surrounding wire rope defects was transformed into MFL images. These images were then analyzed and processed utilizing an object detection method, specifically employing the YOLOv9 network, which enables accurate identification and localization of defects. Furthermore, a quantitative defect detection method based on image size was introduced, which is effective for quantifying defects using the dimensions of the anchor frame. The experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed approach in detecting and quantifying defects in steel cables, which combines deep learning-based analysis of MFL images with the non-destructive inspection of steel cables. Full article

Soil salinization poses a significant constraint to agricultural productivity. However, certain plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can mitigate salinity stress and enhance crop performance. In this study, a bacterial isolate, R-18, isolated from saline-alkali soil in Ningxia, China, was identified as Enterobacter bugandensis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolate was characterized for its morphological, biochemical, and plant growth-promoting traits and was evaluated for its potential to alleviate NaCl-induced stress in maize (Zea mays L.) under hydroponic conditions. Isolate R-18 exhibited halotolerance, surviving at NaCl concentrations ranging from 2.0% to 10.0%, and alkaliphilic adaptation, growing at pH 8.0–11.0. Biochemical assays confirmed it as a Gram-negative bacterium, displaying positive reactions in the Voges–Proskauer (V–P) tests, catalase activity, citrate utilization, fluorescent pigment production, starch hydrolysis, gelatin liquefaction, and ammonia production, while testing negative for the methyl red and cellulose hydrolysis. Notably, isolate R-18 demonstrated multiple plant growth-promoting attributes, including nitrogen fixation, phosphate and potassium solubilization, ACC deaminase activity, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis. Under 100 mM NaCl stress, inoculation with isolate R-18 significantly enhanced maize growth, increasing plant height, stem dry weight, root fresh weight, and root dry weight by 20.64%, 47.06%, 34.52%, and 31.25%, respectively. Furthermore, isolate R-18 improved ion homeostasis by elevating the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in maize tissues. Physiological analyses revealed increased chlorophyll and proline content, alongside reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating mitigated oxidative damage. Antioxidant enzyme activity was modulated, with decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities but increased catalase (CAT) activity. These findings demonstrated that Enterobacter bugandensis R-18 effectively alleviated NaCl-induced growth inhibition in maize by enhancing osmotic adjustment, reducing oxidative stress, and improving ion balance. Full article

To address the freezing damage to tunnel lining caused by frost heaving of the surrounding rock in water-rich tunnels in cold regions, a numerical thermo-mechanical coupling model for tunnel-surrounding rock that considers the anisotropy of frost heave deformation was established by examining overall frost heaves in a freeze–thaw cycle. Using a COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 platform and the sequential coupling method, the temperature field evolution of tunnel-surrounding rock, freezing cycle development, and distribution characteristics of the frost heaving force of a tunnel lining under different minimum temperatures, numbers of negative temperature days, frost heave ratios, and anisotropy coefficients of frost heave deformation were systematically simulated. The results revealed that the response of the temperature field of tunnel-surrounding rock to the external temperature varies spatially with time lags, the shallow surface temperatures and the area around the lining fluctuate with the climate, and the temperature of the deep surrounding rock is dominated by the geothermal gradient. The extent of the freezing cycle and the frost heaving force increase significantly when lowering the minimum temperature. The maximum frost heaving force usually occurs in the region of the side wall and the spring line, and tensile stress is prone to be generated at the spring line; the influence of slight fluctuations in the minimum temperature or the short shift in the coldest day on the frost heaving force is limited. A substantial increase in frost heaving force is observed with higher frost heave ratios; for example, an increase from 0.25% to 2.0% results in a 116% rise at the sidewall. Although the increase in the anisotropy coefficient of frost heave deformation does not change the overall distribution pattern of frost heaving force, it can exacerbate the directional concentration of frost heave strain, which can increase the frost heaving force at the periphery of the top arch of the lining. This study revealed the distribution pattern and key influencing factors of the freezing cycle and frost heaving force for tunnels, providing a theoretical basis and data reference for the frost resistance design of tunnels in cold regions. Full article

This study explores the application of low-power vibrothermography (LVT) for detecting barely visible impact damage (BVID) in carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. Composite specimens with varying impact energies (2.5–20 J) were excited using a single piezoelectric transducer with a nominal centre frequency of 28 kHz, operated at a fixed excitation frequency of 28 kHz. Thermal data were captured using an infrared camera. To enhance defect visibility and suppress background noise, the raw thermal sequences were processed using principal component analysis (PCA) and robust principal component analysis (RPCA). In LVT, RPCA and PCA provided comparable signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), with no consistent advantage for either method across all cases. In contrast, for pulsed thermography (PT) data, RPCA consistently resulted in higher SNR values, except for one sample. The LVT results were further validated by comparison with PT and phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) data to confirm the location and shape of detected damage. These findings demonstrate that LVT, when combined with PCA or RPCA, offers a reliable method for identifying BVID and can support safer, more efficient structural health monitoring of composite materials. Full article

Protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) involves a heterogeneous group of pathologies leading to selective glomerular damage and development of renal disease. ICGN, the main cause of PLN, requires immunosuppressive treatment. However, the scientific evidence in veterinary medicine on immunosuppressive therapeutic schemes in this condition is limited. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical and paraclinical evolution of five dogs with PLN, presumably associated with ICGN, treated with chlorambucil as immunosuppressive monotherapy. Suspected IGCN was established by the presence of a urine protein–creatinine ratio (UPC) ≥ 3 without response to standard therapy, hypoalbuminemia < 2, or progressive azotemia. Patients were treated with a dosage range of chlorambucil from 0.16 to 0.4 mg/kg (mean 0.25 mg/kg) every 24 h as the sole immunosuppressant. In the end, 4/5 patients showed significant clinical improvement, 3/3 had resolution of the nephrotic syndrome, 5/5 had a sustained decrease in UPC values during follow-up and no relevant adverse effects were observed. In this report, chlorambucil proved to be a well-tolerated and potentially effective monotherapy for immune-mediated PLN in dogs. Full article