Search Results (247)

Background/Objectives: Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic drug widely used for acute confusional state, psychotic disorders, agitation, delirium, and aggressive behavior. Methods: The toxicity of haloperidol was studied using zebrafish (ZF) embryos as a model organism. Dechorionated embryos were exposed to various concentrations of haloperidol (0.5–6.0 mg/L). The lethal dose concentration was estimated and was found to be 1.941 mg/L. Results: The impact of haloperidol was dose-dependent and significant from 0.25 mg/L. Haloperidol induced several deformities at sublethal doses, including abnormal somites, yolk sac edema, and skeletal deformities. Haloperidol significantly affected heart rate and blood flow and induced pericardial edema and hyperemia in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting its influence on heart development and function. Embryos exposed to haloperidol during their ontogenetic development had smaller body length and eye surface area than non-exposed ones in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: It was found that haloperidol significantly affects the behavior of the experimental organisms in terms of mobility, reflexes to stimuli, and adaptation to dark/light conditions. Full article

To determine optimal light conditions for Hopea hainanensis Merr. & Chun seedling growth, this study examined growth and physiological parameters under four shading treatments (0%, 30%, 60%, and 90% irradiance reduction) over 12 months. Shading significantly affected the growth adaptability of seedlings. As shading increased, height, leaf traits (area, length, width), and light saturation point all initially increased, peaked at 30% shading, and then decreased. Conversely, basal diameter, leaf thickness, the maximum net photosynthetic rate, net photosynthetic rate, photosynthetic quantum efficiency, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance progressively declined as shading increased. Biomass accumulation (in stems and roots), dark respiration rate, and light compensation point exhibited a U-shaped response to shading, being minimized under low or moderate shading. All shading treatments significantly reduced biomass and photosynthetic performance compared to controls. Multivariate analysis identified 0%–30% shading as optimal for cultivation, with 30% shading enhancing photomorphogenic responses while maintaining photosynthetic efficiency. The study findings suggest a novel seedling cultivation protocol for nursery use, in which initial establishment occurs under 30% shading to maximize vertical elongation, followed by the progressive reduction in shading to stimulate radial growth and optimal biomass partitioning. This approach mimics natural canopy gap dynamics, effectively mimicking natural regeneration in tropical rainforest ecosystems. Full article

Drone-view object detection models operating under low-light conditions face several challenges, such as object scale variations, high image noise, and limited computational resources. Existing models often struggle to balance accuracy and lightweight architecture. This paper introduces ELS-YOLO, a lightweight object detection model tailored for low-light environments, built upon the YOLOv11s framework. ELS-YOLO features a re-parameterized backbone (ER-HGNetV2) with integrated Re-parameterized Convolution and Efficient Channel Attention mechanisms, a Lightweight Feature Selection Pyramid Network (LFSPN) for multi-scale object detection, and a Shared Convolution Separate Batch Normalization Head (SCSHead) to reduce computational complexity. Layer-Adaptive Magnitude-Based Pruning (LAMP) is employed to compress the model size. Experiments on the ExDark and DroneVehicle datasets demonstrate that ELS-YOLO achieves high detection accuracy with a compact model. Here, we show that ELS-YOLO attains a mAP@0.5 of 74.3% and 68.7% on the ExDark and DroneVehicle datasets, respectively, while maintaining real-time inference capability. Full article

The circadian clock is a self-sustaining oscillator with a period of approximately 24 h, enabling organisms to anticipate daily recurring events, such as sunrise and sunset. Since the circadian period is not exactly 24 h and the environmental day length varies throughout the year, the clock must be periodically reset to align an organism’s physiology with the natural light/dark cycle. This synchronization, known as entrainment, is primarily regulated by nocturnal light, which can be replicated in laboratory settings using a 15 min light pulse (LP) and by assessing locomotor activity. An LP during the early part of the dark phase delays the onset of locomotor activity, resulting in a phase delay, whereas an LP in the late dark phase advances activity onset, causing a phase advance. The clock gene Period 2 (Per2) plays a key role in this process. To investigate its contributions, we examined the effects of Per2 deletion in neurons versus astrocytes using glia-specific GPer2 (Per2/GfapCre) knockout (KO) and neuronal-specific NPer2KO (Per2/NesCre) mice. All groups were subjected to Aschoff type II protocol, where an LP was applied at ZT14 or ZT22 and the animals were released into constant darkness. As control, no LP was applied. Phase shift, period, amplitude, total activity count, and rhythm instability were assessed. Our findings revealed that mice lacking Per2 in neurons (NPer2) exhibited smaller phase delays and larger phase advances compared to control animals. In contrast, mice with Per2 deletion specifically in glial cells including astrocytes (GPer2) displayed normal clock resetting. Interestingly, the absence of Per2 in either of the cell types resulted in a shorter circadian period compared to control animals. These results suggest that astrocytic Per2 is important for maintaining the circadian period but is not required for phase adaptation to light stimuli. Full article

Background/Objective: The Rs1 exon-1-del rat (Rs1KO) XLRS model shows normal retinal development until postnatal day 12 (P12) when small cystic spaces start to form in the inner nuclear layer. These enlarge rapidly, peak at P15, and then collapse by P19. These events overlap with eye opening at P12–P15. We investigated whether new light-driven retinal activity could contribute to the appearance and progression of schisis cavities in this rat model of XLRS disease. Methods: For dark rearing (D/D), mating pairs of Rs1KO strain were raised in total darkness in a special vivarium at UC Davis. When pups were born, they were maintained in total darkness, and eyes were collected at P12, P15, and P30 (n = 3/group) for each of the D/D and cyclic light-reared 12 h light–12 h dark (L/D) Rs1KO and wild-type (WT) littermates. Eyes were fixed, paraffin-embedded, and sectioned. Tissue morphology was examined by H&E and marker expression of retinoschisin1 (Rs1), rhodopsin (Rho), and postsynaptic protein 95 (Psd95) by fluorescent immunohistochemistry. H&E-stained images were analyzed with ImageJ version 1.54h to quantify cavity size using the “Analyze Particles” function. Results: Small intra-retinal schisis cavities begin to form by P12 in the inner retina of both D/D and L/D animals. Cavity formation was equivalent or more pronounced in D/D animals than in L/D animals. We compared Iba1 (activation marker of immune cells) distribution and found that by P12, when schisis appeared, Iba1⁺ cells had accumulated in regions of schisis. Iba1⁺ cells were more abundant in Rs1KO animals than WT animals and appeared slightly more prevalent in D/D- than L/D-reared Rs1KO animals. We compared photoreceptor development using Rho, Rs1, and Psd95 expression, and these were similar; however, the outer segments (OSs) of D/D animals with Rho labeling at P12 were longer than L/D animals. Conclusions: The results showed that cavities formed at the same time in D/D and L/D XLRS rat pups, indicating that the timing of schisis formation is not light stimulus-driven but rather appears to be a result of developmental events. Cavity size tended to be larger under dark-rearing conditions in D/D animals, which could be due to the decreased rate of phagocytosis by the RPE in the dark, allowing for continued growth of the OSs without the usual shedding of the distal tip, a key mechanism behind dark adaptation in the retina. These results highlight the complexity of XLRS pathology; however, we found no evidence that light-driven metabolic activity accounted for schisis cavity formation. Full article

In informal economic contexts, migrant entrepreneurs have been extolled as highly resilient and adaptable. This study critically investigates the adverse psychological foundations inherent in such enterprises, focusing on how dark triad personality traits emerge in the leadership orientations of marginal migrant entrepreneurs. Following a qualitative ethnographic approach, this research engaged 10–15 migrant employees through participant observation, field notes, and semi-structured interviews in an informal economic context. Thematic analysis revealed five dominant patterns: narcissistic leadership with entitlement and emotional disrespect; Machiavellian behavior of manipulation and deception; psychopathic detachment in emotional callousness; absence of light triad actions such as empathy, humility, and selflessness; and moral disengagement through rationalizations such as “everyone does it” or system blame. Migrant business owners prefer to rationalize their exploitative acts as being necessary for economic survival, thus legitimizing immoral conduct and suppressing moral self-regulation. The findings indicate that marginality not only drives entrepreneurial innovation, but also has the potential to create exploitative inclinations that are institutionally and morally unchecked. Solving this issue requires not only mere psychological awareness, but also systematic reforms that foster ethical robustness and emotional sensitivity. This study ultimately asserts the need to reframe migrant entrepreneurship discourse, including both ethical and psychological accountability. Full article

Circadian rhythms (CRs) are a key biological system regulating physiological processes such as metabolism, cell growth, DNA repair, and immunity, adapting to environmental changes like the light/dark cycle. Governed by internal clocks, it modulates gene expression through feedback loops involving Clock Genes (CGs), with the cycle initiated by CLOCK–BMAL1 and NPAS2–BMAL1 heterodimers. Disruptions in circadian rhythms have been linked to diseases including metabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, and cancer. CIPC (CLOCK-interacting pacemaker) has been studied as a negative regulator of the CLOCK–BMAL1 complex, focusing on its role in cancer, particularly leukemias. Public datasets and bioinformatics tools were used to examine CIPC gene expression in healthy patients and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) samples. Our analysis revealed significant overexpression of CIPC in AML compared to healthy tissues (p < 0.0001 ****). Additionally, survival analysis indicated significant differences in overall survival based on CIPC expression, with a log-rank test p-value = 0.014, suggesting that CIPC expression may affect overall patient survival. Altered CIPC expression may contribute to leukemogenesis by inhibiting circadian genes, which are often disrupted in leukemia. Furthermore, CIPC interacts with oncogenic pathways, including the MAPK/ERK pathway, which is essential for cell proliferation. Additional studies are needed to validate these findings and explore the detailed role of CIPC in cancer development. Full article

Light variability is a key environmental stressor influencing the physiology and productivity of marine macroalgae. This study examined the ecophysiological and biochemical responses of Lessonia spicata (Ochrophyta) during a natural light deprivation event caused by a solar eclipse. We measured the in vivo chlorophyll a (Chla) fluorescence, photoinhibition, and photosynthetic capacity, along with the pigment content, phenolic compound accumulation, and antioxidant capacity, to evaluate short-term photosynthetic adjustments. Dark-adapted conditions during the eclipse peak led to reduced photosynthetic and biochemical activity, while post-eclipse recovery involved the increased accumulation of photosynthetic pigments and photoprotective compounds. Carotenoids showed high antioxidant potential under eclipse exposure, contrasting with declines in chlorophyll content and productivity under pre-eclipse high irradiance. This study provides valuable insights into the rapid acclimation mechanisms of Lessonia spicata to transient light stress, highlighting its sensitivity and resilience to sudden shifts in solar irradiance. These findings contribute to the broader field of marine macroalgal photobiology and stress physiology, enhancing our understanding of how intertidal brown algae adapt to dynamic environmental conditions. Full article

Respiration rates in insects are critical for survival and environmental adaptation, being influenced by developmental stages, environmental conditions, and the regulation of mitochondrial protein-coding genes. However, methods for field-based measurements in small-sized insects remain limited. In this study, we established a portable photosynthesis system to quantify respiration rates in five small-sized insects (body length < 8 mm): Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis citricidus, Tuta absoluta, Tribolium castaneum, and Bactrocera dorsalis. We tested its effectiveness across life stages and under diverse treatments, including light/dark cycles, insecticides, temperature shifts, starvation, mitochondrial inhibitors, and RNA interference. The system exhibited high sensitivity and reproducibility rates, revealing stage-specific respiration patterns. Various treatments, as well as expression changes in mitochondrial protein-coding genes, significantly affected respiration rates. This study validates the portable system as a reliable tool for insect respiration studies and highlights regulatory networks associated with respiratory plasticity. These findings enhance experimental methodologies and advance our understanding of insect adaptation to environmental stressors and pest control strategies. Full article

This Technical Note presents the design and implementation of a low-cost modular growth chamber developed to keep mother plants under controlled environmental conditions for vegetative propagation. The system was conceived as an accessible alternative to expensive commercial equipment, offering reproducibility and adaptability for small-scale and research-based cultivation. The proposed chamber integrates thermal insulation, LED lighting, forced ventilation through the implementation of extractors, a recirculating irrigation system with double filtration, and a sensor-based environmental monitoring platform operated via an Arduino UNO microcontroller. The design features a removable tray that serves as a support for the mother plant, an observation window covered by a movable dark acrylic that prevents the passage of external light, and a vertical structure that facilitates optimal space utilization and ergonomic access. Functionality was conducted using a Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni mother plant maintained for 30 days under monitored conditions. Environmental parameters—temperature, relative humidity, and illuminance—were recorded continuously. The plant showed vegetative development through new shoot emergence and the growth in height of the plant, and despite a loss in foliage expansion, it confirmed the chamber’s capacity to support sustained growth. Although no statistical replication or control group was included in this preliminary evaluation, the system demonstrates technical feasibility and practical utility. This chamber provides a replicable platform for future experimentation and propagation studies. Complete technical specifications, schematics, and component lists are provided to enable replication and further development by other researchers. The growth chamber design aligns with the goals of open-source agricultural innovation and supports knowledge transfer in controlled-environment plant propagation technologies. Full article

Dark adaptometry is a non-invasive functional test that assesses the retina’s ability to recover sensitivity in low-light conditions following photobleaching. This review explores the physiological mechanisms underlying dark adaptation (DA), including photopigment regeneration and the critical role of the retinal pigment epithelium in the visual cycle. We detail clinical protocols for dark adaptometry using modern instruments such as the AdaptDx, highlighting methodological advances that improve testing efficiency and reproducibility. The clinical utility of dark adaptometry is examined across a range of inherited and acquired retinal disorders, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Stargardt disease, diabetic retinopathy (DR), cone–rod dystrophy (CRD), vitamin A deficiency, and congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB). Dark adaptometry has emerged as a sensitive biomarker capable of detecting functional deficits before structural changes are evident, making it a valuable tool for early diagnosis and monitoring disease progression. However, limitations such as age-related variability, patient compliance, and lack of standardization remain challenges to broader clinical adoption. Continued refinement of dark adaptometry protocols and instrumentation is essential to maximize its diagnostic potential in ophthalmic practice. Full article

Euglena gracilis is a metabolically versatile microalga capable of thriving under photoautotrophic (light, no ethanol), mixotrophic (light with 1% v/v ethanol), and heterotrophic (dark with 1% v/v ethanol) conditions. Here, we applied untargeted LC-MS metabolomics (Agilent 1290 LC, 6545XT QTOF-MS; Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, California, USA) to investigate its trophic-mode-dependent metabolic adaptations and assess its biotechnological potential. Metabolites were separated on a C18 column and analyzed in both positive and negative ion modes. Multivariate analyses (PCA and sPLS-DA) revealed clear and reproducible metabolic separations among growth modes (p < 0.001). Photoautotrophic cultures were enriched in phenolic acids, flavonoids, and lipid classes associated with oxidative stress protection. Mixotrophy induced a broader spectrum of upregulated metabolite classes, including saccharolipids, macrolactams, and triterpenoids, reflecting a hybrid metabolism combining photosynthesis and ethanol utilization. Heterotrophic cultures showed elevated levels of polyamines and amino acids (e.g., putrescine, proline), indicative of redox regulation and stress adaptation in dark, ethanol-rich conditions. Class-level comparisons identified distinct and shared metabolite categories, with photoautotrophy favoring antioxidant biosynthesis and mixotrophy supporting metabolic diversity. These findings provide metabolite-level insights into the extraordinary plasticity of E. gracilis and offer a framework for optimizing cultivation strategies to enhance the targeted production of high-value bioproducts. Full article

In this study, the perception of phosphenes was used as a surrogate identifier for stimulation sites for use in retinal-degenerative diseases. We aimed to investigate the influence of adaptation, electrode montage, and direction of view on electrically induced phosphenes. We developed a practical methodology to assess non-invasive ocular electrical stimulation, addressing specific areas in the retina. Phosphene thresholds were identified under light and dark adaptation for non-invasive transorbital electrical stimulation. The location and extent characterized the morphology of electrically induced retinal phosphenes for five directions of view and for seven electrode montages in 62 participants. Our results indicated the lowest phosphene thresholds under light adaptation. Cumulative charts of phosphenes visualized the location of phosphene hot spots and their focality for the investigated directions of view and electrode montages. Under consistent light adaptation, we found changes in electrode montage generated stronger changes in the phosphenes’ morphology and distribution. Adjusting the electrodes in the orbital vicinity was more effective than changing the direction of view to shift the phosphene hot spot location to a pathological region to induce neuronal activity there. In this study, we established the first practical methodology to adapt non-invasive transorbital electrical stimulation to address specific areas in the retina. Full article

The detection of fish freshness is crucial for ensuring food safety. This study addresses the limitations of traditional detection methods, which rely on laboratory equipment and complex procedures, by proposing a smartphone-based detection method, termed FreshFusionNet, that utilizes a pitaya peel pH intelligent indicator film in conjunction with multimodal deep learning. The pitaya peel indicator film, prepared using high-pressure homogenization technology, demonstrates a significant color change from dark red to yellow in response to the volatile alkaline substances released during fish spoilage. To construct a multimodal dataset, 3600 images of the indicator film were captured using a smartphone under various conditions (natural light and indoor light) and from multiple angles (0° to 120°), while simultaneously recording pH values, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and total viable count (TVC) data. Based on the lightweight MobileNetV2 network, a Multi-scale Dilated Fusion Attention module (MDFA) was designed to enhance the robustness of color feature extraction. A Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN) was then used to model dynamic patterns in chemical indicators across spoilage stages, combined with a Context-Aware Gated Fusion (CAG-Fusion) mechanism to adaptively integrate image and chemical temporal features. Experimental results indicate that the overall classification accuracy of FreshFusionNet reaches 99.61%, with a single inference time of only 142 ± 40 milliseconds (tested on Xiaomi 14). This method eliminates the need for professional equipment and enables real-time, non-destructive detection of fish spoilage through smartphones, providing consumers and the food supply chain with a low-cost, portable quality-monitoring tool, thereby promoting the intelligent and universal development of food safety detection technology. Full article

The dominant low-light object detectors face the following spectral trilemma: (1) the loss of high-frequency structural details during denoising, (2) the amplification of low-frequency illumination distortion, and (3) cross-band interference in multi-scale features. To resolve these intertwined challenges, we present UMFNet—a frequency-guided detection framework that unifies adaptive frequency distillation with inter-band attention coordination. Our technical breakthroughs manifest through three key innovations: (1) a frequency-adaptive fusion (FAF) module employing learnable wavelet kernels (16–64 decomposition basis) with dynamic SNR-gated thresholding, achieving an 89.7% photon utilization rate in ≤1 lux conditions—2.4× higher than fixed-basis approaches; (2) a spatial-channel coordinated attention (SCCA) mechanism with dual-domain nonlinear gating that reduces high-frequency hallucination by 37% through parametric phase alignment (verified via gradient direction alignment coefficient ${\rho }_G$ = 0.93); (3) a spectral perception loss combining the frequency-weighted structural similarity index measure (SSIM) with gradient-aware focal modulation, enforcing physics-constrained feature recovery. Extensive validation demonstrates UMFNet’s leadership: 73.1% mAP@50 on EXDark (+6.4% over YOLOv8 baseline), 58.7% on DarkFace (+3.1% over GLARE), and 40.2% on thermal FLIR ADAS (+9.7% improvement). This work pioneers a new paradigm for precision-critical vision systems in photon-starved environments. Full article