Search Results (617)

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular surface disorder that significantly affects vision and quality of life. While artificial tears are the standard first-line therapy, their effectiveness is limited by the complex pathophysiology of DED. This study evaluated DayDrop^® Triple Action, a novel formulation combining hyaluronic acid (HA), ectoine, and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), designed to enhance tear film stability and ocular surface protection. Physicochemical and rheological properties were assessed, including viscosity, pseudoplasticity, and viscoelastic behaviour under dynamic conditions, along with ectoine release over 24 h. An in vitro allergic conjunctivitis model using conjunctival fibroblasts exposed to a pro-allergic cytokine cocktail was employed to examine immunomodulatory effects. DayDrop^® Triple Action demonstrated high viscosity with pronounced pseudoplasticity and stable viscoelasticity, supporting improved mucoadhesion. The formulation provided sustained ectoine release and exhibited a positive immunomodulatory effect, likely linked to ectoine’s preferential hydration mechanism, which stabilizes membranes and reduces inflammatory signalling. These findings suggest that DayDrop^® Triple Action integrates viscoelastic optimization, osmoprotection, and targeted anti-inflammatory action, offering a promising non-pharmacological strategy for managing DED and allergic ocular surface disorders. Full article

High temperature stress is a critical factor affecting the growth and yield of melons (Cucumis melo L.), and improving heat tolerance is therefore crucial for stable production. While the overexpression of the CmDUF239-1 gene is known to improve salt tolerance in melons, its impact on heat tolerance remains unexplored. The role of the CmDUF239-1 gene in enhancing heat tolerance and its underlying mechanisms was investigated in this study. Melon seedlings overexpressing CmDUF239-1 (OEDUF239-1), generated via root transformation, exhibited significantly lower reductions in fresh and dry mass under heat stress compared to controls, indicating enhanced heat tolerance. One day post-stress, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, CAT, APX, and GR) increased significantly in OEDUF239-1, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased. Additionally, proline content and the activity of its synthesizing enzyme (P5CS) rose, whereas the activity of proline dehydrogenase (ProDH) dropped. Transcriptomic and qPCR analyses revealed that CmDUF239-1 overexpression upregulated antioxidant enzyme-related genes (e.g., CmCSD1, CmPOD1) and proline-related genes (e.g., CmP5CS), as well as Heat Shock Protein (HSP) genes (e.g., CmHSP17.6II, CmHSP18.2). In summary, the enhancement of heat tolerance in melon by the CmDUF239-1 gene was mediated through the upregulation of genes involved in antioxidant defense and proline metabolism, together with increased accumulation of HSPs, providing a mechanistic basis for heat-resilient breeding programs. Full article

Cave systems serve as key interfaces connecting surface and underground carbon cycles, and research on their carbon dynamics provides a unique perspective for revealing the mechanisms of carbon transport and transformation in karst critical zones. In this study, we established a multi-factor monitoring framework spanning the atmosphere–soil–cave continuum and associated meteorological conditions, continuously recorded cave microclimate parameters (temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, and cave winds) and CO₂ concentrations across atmospheric–soil–cave interfaces, and employed stable carbon isotope (δ¹³C) tracing in Mahuang Cave, a typical karst cave in southwestern China, from 2019 to 2023. The results show that the seasonal amplitude of atmospheric CO₂ and its δ¹³C is small, while soil–cave CO₂ and δ¹³C fluctuate synchronously, exhibiting “high concentration-light isotope” signatures during the rainy season and the opposite pattern during the dry season. Cave CO₂ concentrations drop by about 29.8% every November. Soil CO₂ production rates are jointly controlled by soil temperature and volumetric water content, showing a threshold effect. The δ¹³C response exhibits nonlinear behavior due to the combined effects of land-use type, vegetation cover, and soil texture. Quantitative analysis establishes atmospheric CO₂ as the dominant source in cave systems (66%), significantly exceeding soil-derived contributions (34%). At diurnal, seasonal, and annual scales, carbon-source composition, temperature and precipitation patterns, ventilation effects, and cave structure interact to control the rhythmic dynamics and spatial gradients of cave microclimate, CO₂ levels, and δ¹³C signals. Our findings enhance the understanding of carbon transfer processes across the karst critical zone. Full article

Self-fluxing Ni-based coatings (NiCrFeBSiC) were deposited through gas-flame spraying and evaluated in three conditions: as-sprayed, flame-remelted, and furnace-heat-treated (1025 °C/5 min). Phase analysis (XRD) revealed FeNi₃ together with strengthening carbides/borides (e.g., Cr₇C₃, Fe₂₃(C,B)₆); post-treatments increased lattice order. Cross-sectional image analysis showed progressive densification (thickness ~805→625→597 µm) and a drop in porosity from 7.866% to 3.024% to 1.767%. Surface roughness decreased from Ra = 31.860 to 14.915 to 13.388 µm. Near-surface microhardness rose from 528.7 ± 2.3 to 771.6 ± 4.6 to 922.4 ± 5.7 HV, while adhesion strength (ASTM C633) improved from 18 to 27 to 34 MPa. Wettability followed the densification trend, with the contact angle increasing from 53.152° to 79.875° to 89.603°. Under dry ball-on-disk sliding against 100Cr6, the friction coefficient decreased and stabilized (0.648 ± 0.070 → 0.173 ± 0.050 → 0.138 ± 0.003), and the counterbody wear-scar area shrank by ~95.6% (0.889 → 0.479 → 0.0395 mm²). Wear-track morphology evolved from abrasive micro-cutting (as-sprayed) to reduced ploughing (flame-remelted) and a polishing-like regime with a thin tribo-film (furnace). Potentiodynamic tests indicated the lowest corrosion rate after furnace treatment (CR ≈ 0.005678 mm·year⁻¹). Overall, furnace heat treatment provided the best structure–property balance (lowest porosity and Ra, highest HV and adhesion, lowest and most stable μ, and superior corrosion resistance) and is recommended to extend the service life of NiCrFeBSiC coatings under dry sliding. Full article

Background: High-temperature stress is one of the major abiotic stresses limiting cotton production. Identifying genetic loci and genes for heat tolerance is crucial for breeding heat-tolerant varieties. Methods: Given the complexity of heat tolerance phenotypes in cotton, this study, which focused on resource materials, identified an A/C SNP mutation at position 5486185 on chromosome D06 within the heat tolerance interval through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of natural Gossypium hirsutum populations. Results: A total of 308 resource materials were identified and evaluated for their heat tolerance phenotypes over two years of field research. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) molecular markers were developed on the basis of the D06-5486185 SNP to characterize the heat tolerance phenotypes of these 308 resource materials. Genotyping for heat tolerance-related traits and agronomic traits was also performed. Materials with the C/C haplotype at position D06-5486185 presented increased heat tolerance (higher pollen viability (PV), leaf area (LA), chlorophyll (Chl) and number of bolls on the third fruit branch (FB3) and a lower number of dry buds (DBs) and drop rate (DR)) without negatively impacting key yield traits. This locus is located in the intergenic region of two adjacent bZIP transcription factor genes (GH_D06G0408 and GH_D06G0409). Expression analysis revealed that the expression levels of these two genes were significantly greater in heat-tolerant accessions (C/C type) than in sensitive accessions and that their expression levels were significantly correlated with multiple heat-tolerant phenotypes. Conclusions: In summary, this study developed a Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) marker associated with heat tolerance in G. hirsutum and identified two key heat tolerance candidate genes. These results provide an efficient marker selection tool and important genetic resources for the molecular breeding of heat-tolerant G. hirsutum, laying an important foundation for further establishing a molecular marker-assisted breeding system for heat tolerance in G. hirsutum. Full article

The evaporation of sessile water drops involves coupled heat and mass transfer and is influenced by temperature, relative humidity, and the nature of the surface on which the drop rests. This work investigates the possibility of using vibration to enhance evaporation kinetics. For this purpose, experiments were conducted with vertical vibration near the resonant frequency. An original experimental device was designed, including a shaker controlled by a signal generator and an amplifier, a high-speed camera, and an adapted lighting system. The amplitude–frequency relationship was first examined to select the resonance frequency. As expected, the evaporation kinetics of two drops—one with vibration at the resonance frequency and the other without vibration—demonstrate that vibration accelerates evaporation and reduces drying time by 20.6% on PTFE substrate and by 23.5% on glass substrate. Full article

Background: Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of non-caseating granulomas, predominantly affecting the lungs and lymph nodes. However, the disease can affect any organ, including the eye, where it most commonly manifests as uveitis and dry eye disease (DED). The Ferning Test (FT), a non-invasive method for tear film analysis, offers insight into tear quality. Through this study, we aimed to evaluate the ability of the FT to diagnose and differentiate DED in patients with sarcoidosis. Methods: The study included a sample of 30 patients, divided into three groups, each consisting of 10 patients: one group of patients with sarcoidosis and dry eye disease (S-DED), one group of patients with DED without other systemic pathologies, and a control group of healthy individuals. Tear film samples were collected from the right eye of each participant, without stimulation, by microcapillarity. A drop of tear was spread on a microscope slide, allowed to dry, and then examined under a microscope to analyze the crystallization pattern. Results: Microscopic analysis revealed a significant difference in the structure and morphology of crystallization, as well as in the number of formed branchings, in sarcoidosis patients compared to patients in the other two groups. This finding suggests a distinct alteration in tear film composition in patients with sarcoidosis. Conclusions: Based on these results, the FT represents a valuable and promising tool for the diagnosis of DED associated with sarcoidosis. Being a non-invasive, easy-to-perform, and inexpensive test, it can be widely implemented in any ophthalmology department, opening perspectives for the test to become an important component among the diagnostic elements of dry eye syndrome in patients with sarcoidosis. Full article

A large population in Africa, particularly West Africa, depends on leafy vegetables such as red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus), Lagos spinach (Celosia argentea), and African eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon) as affordable and readily available sources of nutrition. These vegetables are rich sources of phenolics, minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds, contributing significantly to dietary nutrition and providing an important source of revenue for farmers. However, the temperature rise due to climate change threatens their availability and nutritional value. This study assessed the effects of temperature regimes (23, 30, and 40 °C) on the growth and quality of these vegetables under greenhouse conditions for 48 (A. cruentus and C. argentea) and 54 (S. macrocarpon) days after sowing by measuring biomass (leaf, stem, shoot, root dry weight, root/shoot and leaf area), photosynthetic parameters, pigments, sugars, mineral content, antioxidant activity, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, and free amino acids. Temperature significantly affected biomass, with A. cruentus and C. argentea showing declines of 13.5–32.2% and 5.1–27.8%, respectively, at 40 °C compared to 23 °C, indicating sensitivity to heat stress. Photosynthetic rates increased with a rise from 23 to 30 °C by 2.1–29.2% across all species. Sugar contents remained generally stable, except for notable decreases in glucose and soluble sugars by 43.3% and 40.5%, respectively, in C. argentea between 30 and 40 °C, and a 52.6% reduction in starch in S. macrocarpon from 23 to 40 °C. Mineral nutrient responses varied by species; however, they exhibited similar increases in nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as decreases in calcium and manganese, at higher temperatures. Notably, antioxidant capacity and total phenolic compounds declined significantly in C. argentea (8.1% and 8.0%) and S. macrocarpon (4.7% and 13.3%). In contrast, free amino acid contents increased by 35.2% and 28.8% in A. cruentus and S. macrocarpon, respectively. It was concluded that A. cruentus and C. argentea suffer reduced growth and nutrients at 40 °C, while S. macrocarpon maintains biomass but has some biochemical declines; antioxidant capacity and phenolics drop at high temperatures, free amino acids rise, and 30 °C is optimal for all three. Full article

Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are the mainstay in the treatment of obstructive pulmonary diseases. However, the performance of DPI formulations is highly dependent on the used inhaler device and the patient’s inspiratory effort. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the aerosolization behavior of three commercially available capsule-based DPI medications—formoterol (Foradil^®), glycopyrronium (Seebri^® Breezhaler), and tiotropium (Spiriva^®)—delivered using three different capsule-based inhalers (Aerolizer, Breezhaler, and Handihaler), under varying flow conditions. Methods: The aerodynamic performance of each formulation–inhaler combination was assessed using the Next-Generation Impactor (NGI) and Dosage Unit Sampling Apparatus (DUSA) methodology. Fine particle dose (FPD) and aerodynamic particle size distribution (APSD) were determined at fixed flow rates of 15, 30, 60, and 100 L/min, as well as at inhaler-specific flow rates corresponding to a 4 kPa pressure drop. Chromatographic quantification of active ingredients was performed using validated HPLC methods specific to each drug. Results: The FPD values increased consistently with higher flow rates across all tested formulations and inhalers. At a 4 kPa pressure drop, Aerolizer and Breezhaler achieved significantly higher FPDs compared to Handihaler. Notably, in some instances, non-dedicated inhalers produced greater respirable fractions than the originally intended devices. APSD profiles revealed that drug deposition shifted toward smaller NGI stages at higher inspiratory flows, supporting enhanced deep lung delivery potential under optimal conditions. Conclusions: Device resistance, capsule orientation, and piercing mechanics substantially influence drug aerosolization. Although non-dedicated inhalers may offer improved FPDs in vitro, clinical use should adhere to approved drug–device combinations, as these have been validated for efficacy and safety under real-world conditions. Full article

Public health in a densely populated city is inextricably linked to the state of the urban environment. The microclimate, the condition of water sources and sanitary well-being are just some of the many environmental factors that have a strong influence on people’s health. The presence of urban green spaces and various birds in cities is extremely important, also to create a more favorable psychological atmosphere for the people who live and/or work there. At the same time, it should not be forgotten that the feces of synanthropic birds are a favorable environment for various potentially pathogenic species of microorganisms, including yeasts of the genus Candida. Here, we investigated the culturable, potentially pathogenic ascomycetous yeast microbiome in the fresh and dry feces of five synanthropic birds (Rock Pigeon, European Starling, White Wagtail, Great Tit and House Sparrow). The samples were collected in spring (May 2024). In total, 48 Rock Pigeon, 47 European Starling, 38 White Wagtail, 32 Great Tit and 30 House Sparrow droppings were collected and analyzed. The selective medium Brilliance Candida Agar was used for cultivation. A total of 638 strains were isolated belonging to 9 yeast species (Arxiozyma bovina, Candida albicans, Nakaseomyces glabratus, Clavispora lusitaniae, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, Pichia kudriavzevii, Debaryomyces hansenii and D. fabryi). All detected yeast species were molecularly identified using the ITS rDNA region. The microbiome of potential pathogens in fresh feces proved to be significantly host-dependent. Most pathogenic yeasts (7 species)—A. bovina, C. albicans, N. glabratus, Cl. lusitaniae, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis and P. kudriavzevii—were only detected in fresh feces from pigeons. This list contains five out of six ascomycetous species from the list of critical, high and medium-important yeast pathogens published in the World Health Organization fungal list. Of the potentially pathogenic yeasts, two species were observed in the dry droppings of various birds: C. parapsilosis and P. kudriavzevii. No significant differences in the diversity of culturable pathogens in dry droppings were observed between the different hosts. Fresh droppings from synanthropic birds, especially pigeons (and to a lesser extent dry droppings), therefore pose a health risk. In this study, we did not find any feces from synanthropic birds in which potentially pathogenic ascomycetous yeasts were not detected. To maintain the sanitary safety and well-being of citizens, it is very important to regulate the number of synanthropic birds (primarily pigeons), especially in sensitive areas such as playgrounds, hospital territories, etc. Full article

The effect of humic substances on growth performance, excretion, and the digestive organs was studied in pheasant chickens. Three hundred 1-day-old pheasant chicks were assigned to two equal groups. Chicks in the experimental group were fed diets supplemented with humic substances (5 g/kg). Chickens in the experimental group reached significantly higher average daily weight gains (p ˂ 0.05) in the second phase of rearing (29–49 d) at a significantly better feed conversion ratio (p ˂ 0.05). The supplementation of humic substances led to a significant increase in the average body weight of pheasants at the end of the experiment (p ˂ 0.05), and to a significant increase in average daily weight gains for the entire monitored period (p ˂ 0.05). In the experimental group, significantly higher relative weights of the gizzard (p ˂ 0.05), small intestine (p ˂ 0.05), and jejunum (p ˂ 0.05), along with a significantly larger relative length of the duodenum (p ˂ 0.05), were recorded. A significantly higher concentration of dry matter in the droppings of pheasants was found in the experimental group than in the control group (p ˂ 0.05). According to our results, feeding humic substances had the most beneficial effect on pheasant growth performance during the growing phase. Humic substances can also have a positive effect on the microclimate within the breeding facility. Reductions in the water content of droppings contribute to a reduction in the humidity of the litter, thus limiting the activity of nitrogenic bacteria. Full article

Although beer fermentation has traditionally been carried out with Saccharomyces, the boom in craft brewing has led to the use of non-conventional yeast species for beer production. This group also includes non-Saccharomyces starters, which are commonly used in winemaking and which have different technological characteristics compared to standard representatives of the Saccharomyces genus. One of the important characteristics of the non-Saccharomyces group is the richer enzyme profile, which leads to the production of beverages with different taste and aroma profiles. The aim of this study was to investigate sweet and hopped wort fermentation with seven strains of active dry non-conventional yeasts of Lachancea spp., Metschnikowia spp., Torulaspora spp. and a mixed culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Torulaspora delbrueckii. One ale and one lager active dry yeast strain were used as control strains. The extract consumption, ethanol production, degree of fermentation, pH drop, as well as the yeast secondary metabolites formed by the yeast (higher alcohols, esters and aldehydes) in sweet and hopped wort were investigated. The results indicated that all of the studied types of non-conventional yeasts have serious potential for use in beer production in order to obtain new beer styles. For the purposes of this study, statistical methods, principle component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis were used, thus establishing the difference in the fermentation kinetics of the growth in the studied species in sweet and hopped wort. It was found that hopping had a significant influence on the fermentation kinetics of some of the species, which was probably due to the inhibitory effect of the iso-alpha-acids of hops. Directions for future research with the studied yeast species in beer production are presented. Full article

Nanofertilizers (NFs) and engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly used in agriculture, yet their environmental safety remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the comparative phytotoxicity of zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), and clinoptilolite nanoparticles, three commercial nanofertilizers, and potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) using Lactuca sativa seeds under adapted OECD-208 protocol conditions. Seeds were exposed to varying concentrations of each xenobiotic material (0.5–3% for NFs; 10–50% for NPs), with systematic assessment of seedling survival, root and hypocotyl length, dry biomass, germination index (GI), and median effective concentration (EC₅₀) values. Nanofertilizers demonstrated significantly greater phytotoxicity than engineered nanoparticles despite lower application concentrations. The toxicity ranking was established as NF1 > NF3 > NF2 > NM2 > NM1 > NM3, with NF1 being most toxic (EC₅₀ = 1.2%). Nanofertilizers caused 45–78% reductions in root length and 30–65% decreases in dry biomass compared with controls. GI values dropped to ≤70% in NF1 and NF3 treatments, indicating concentration-dependent growth inhibition. While nanofertilizers offer agricultural benefits, their elevated phytotoxicity compared with conventional nanoparticles necessitates rigorous pre-application safety assessment. These findings emphasize the critical need for standardized evaluation protocols incorporating both physiological and ecotoxicological endpoints to ensure safe xenobiotic nanomaterial deployment in agricultural systems. Full article

Transpiration cooling that utilizes the phase change of a liquid coolant is recognized as an effective thermal protection technique for extreme environments. However, the introduction of phase change within the porous structure brings about challenges, such as vapor blockage, pressure fluctuations, and temperature inversion, which critically influence system reliability. This study conducts numerical analyses of coupled processes of heat transfer, flow, and phase change in transpiration cooling using a Two-Phase Mixture Model. The simulation incorporates a Local Thermal Non-Equilibrium approach to capture the distinct temperature fields of the solid and fluid phases, enabling accurate prediction of the thermal response within two-phase and single-phase regions. The results reveal that under low heat flux, dominant capillary action suppresses dry-out and expands the two-phase region. Conversely, high heat flux causes vaporization to overwhelm the capillary supply, forming a superheated vapor layer and constricting the two-phase zone. The analysis also explains a paradoxical pressure drop, where an initial increase in flow rate reduces pressure loss by suppressing the high-viscosity vapor phase. Furthermore, a local temperature inversion, where the fluid becomes hotter than the solid matrix, is identified and attributed to vapor counterflow and its subsequent condensation. Full article

Water infiltration into soil is a key process in regulating the hydrological cycle and sustaining ecosystem services in high-Andean environments. However, limited information is available regarding its dynamics in these ecosystems. This study evaluated the influence of three types of vegetation cover and soil properties on water infiltration in a high-Andean environment. A double-ring infiltrometer, the Water Drop Penetration Time (WDPT, s) method, and laboratory physicochemical characterization were employed. Soils under forest cover exhibited significantly higher quasi-steady infiltration rates (i_s, 0.248 ± 0.028 cm·min⁻¹) compared to grazing areas (0.051 ± 0.016 cm·min⁻¹) and agricultural lands (0.032 ± 0.013 cm·min⁻¹). Soil organic matter content was positively correlated with i_s. The modified Kostiakov infiltration model provided the best overall fit, while the Horton model better described infiltration rates approaching i_s. Sand and clay fractions, along with K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺, were particularly significant during the soil’s wet stages. In drier stages, increased Na⁺ concentrations and decreased silt content were associated with higher water repellency. Based on WDPT, agricultural soils exhibited persistent hydrophilic behavior even after drying (median [IQR] from 0.61 [0.38] s to 1.24 [0.46] s), whereas forest (from 2.84 [3.73] s to 3.53 [24.17] s) and grazing soils (from 4.37 [1.95] s to 19.83 [109.33] s) transitioned to weakly or moderately hydrophobic patterns. These findings demonstrate that native Andean forest soils exhibit a higher infiltration capacity than soils under anthropogenic management (agriculture and grazing), highlighting the need to conserve and restore native vegetation cover to strengthen water resilience and mitigate the impacts of land-use change. Full article