Search Results (40,098)

Rang Chuet is a traditional Thai medicinal plant widely used for detoxification, although the name is applied to several botanically distinct species. This study investigated the ethnopharmacological basis and potential molecular mechanisms underlying this practice by integrating practitioner knowledge, botanical authentication, phytochemical profiling, and molecular docking. Structured interviews were conducted with 30 experienced traditional medicine practitioners from five regions of Thailand to document the therapeutic use and preparation of Rang Chuet. Botanical identification confirmed three species marketed under this name: Crotalaria spectabilis Roth, Curcuma rangjued Saensouk & Boonma, and Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl. Most practitioners used Rang Chuet primarily for detoxification, with C. spectabilis and T. laurifolia being the predominant species. LC–MS/MS analysis identified fifteen phytochemicals, including compounds common to both species, such as apigenin, quercetin, and caffeic acid, together with species-specific constituents including rosmarinic acid and α-spinasterol in T. laurifolia. Molecular docking suggested that selected phytochemicals may interact with xenobiotic-sensing receptors, with α-spinasterol showing favorable binding to the Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) and apigenin and catechin to the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR). However, C. spectabilis is a recognised source of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and because molecular docking cannot distinguish agonist from antagonist activity or establish functional receptor activation, these predicted interactions should not be interpreted as evidence of detoxification efficacy or safety. These findings provide a scientific framework linking traditional knowledge, botanical diversity, phytochemical composition, and potential receptor-mediated mechanisms, and highlight the public health risk of botanical substitution under the shared vernacular name “Rang Chuet.” These findings are hypothesis-generating and warrant future functional and toxicological validation, particularly regarding C. spectabilis. Full article

Modern broiler chickens have been selected for very rapid growth, efficient feed use, and a high proportion of breast muscle. However, the development of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems may not always keep pace with the increasing metabolic demands of rapidly growing tissues. This imbalance may contribute to reduced blood flow, insufficient oxygen delivery, oxidative stress, inflammation, and abnormal muscle regeneration. At the same time, environmental and management factors such as heat stress, high stocking density, poor air quality, unsuitable lighting programs, limited activity, and pre-slaughter stress can further challenge the birds’ ability to maintain normal physiological function. This review explains how cardiovascular health and welfare conditions may interact in the development of breast muscle abnormalities and changes in meat quality. Particular attention is given to impaired circulation, tissue oxygen deficiency, vascular dysfunction, and their possible links with conditions such as wooden breast, white striping, and spaghetti meat. Understanding these relationships may help improve broiler health and welfare while maintaining meat quality and production efficiency. Future research should combine measurements of cardiovascular function, bird behaviour, environmental conditions, muscle health, and meat quality in the same animals over time. Full article

Background: Periplaneta americana residue (PAR) has potential as a sustainable insect-derived feed ingredient. This study evaluated the effects of 3% dietary PAR on growth performance and ovarian function in finishing pigs and screened potential bioactive peptides. Methods: Thirty finishing pigs were assigned to a control diet or a diet containing 3% PAR. Growth traits, serum oxidative and inflammatory indicators, and ovarian histomorphology were assessed in vivo. Multi-omics profiling was integrated with quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays. The properties of selected peptides and their potential interactions with candidate proteins were assessed separately using in silico prediction, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. Results: PAR supplementation increased average daily gain and the ovary-to-body weight ratio and decreased serum malondialdehyde levels and follicular atresia, without significantly affecting feed intake, feed conversion ratio, or inflammatory cytokines. Multi-omics profiling associated PAR supplementation with changes in ovarian metabolism, antioxidant defense, immune regulation, and phosphorylation-related signaling. MGST2 and PPM1K were identified as candidate proteins, and their expression patterns were supported experimentally. Serum peptidomics identified GVSEIQQ as having higher abundance in the PAR group than in the control group, whereas GVEEHETL and PGIPT were detected only in the PAR group. In silico analyses predicted that these peptides were non-toxic, non-allergenic, and potentially antioxidant; these predictions require experimental validation. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggested potential interactions of GVSEIQQ with MGST2 and GVEEHETL with PPM1K. However, these computational findings do not establish direct peptide–protein binding or functional effects in vivo. Conclusions: PAR shows potential as an alternative feed ingredient that may partially replace soybean meal while supporting growth and ovarian condition in finishing pigs. Further biochemical and in vivo studies are required to confirm the biological functions and mechanisms of the identified peptides. Full article

To address challenges associated with the water–food nexus under climate change and population growth, a multifunctional cellulose-based superabsorbent hydrogel (L-CF/CMCAA-1ATP) was developed by incorporating carboxyl-functionalized lotus cellulose fibers (L-CF) derived from waste lotus stems via deep eutectic solvent extraction and spray drying into a carboxymethyl cellulose/acrylic acid/attapulgite hydrogel network. Under optimized conditions, the L-CF/CMCAA-1ATP hydrogel exhibited an equilibrium swelling capacity of 1979 g/g in deionized water and retained 74.37% of absorbed water after 250 min at 75 °C. Soil application significantly improved water-holding capacity (40.11% to 56.55%) and maintained 34.41% water retention after 21 days. Additionally, cumulative nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium losses were reduced by 28.84%, 28.56%, and 42.23%, respectively, after five leaching cycles, with DFT calculations indicating that nutrient retention arises from hydrogen-bonding interactions with carboxyl, hydroxyl, and siloxane groups in the hydrogel network. Agricultural assays demonstrated enhanced maize growth, with chlorophyll content increasing by 21.56% compared with the control. Cell viability remained above 95% at all tested concentrations, confirming low cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate that the L-CF/CMCAA-1ATP superabsorbent hydrogel combines excellent water absorbency, water retention, nutrient conservation, plant growth promotion, and low in vitro cytotoxicity, highlighting its potential as a waste-valorization approach for utilizing agricultural residues and improving water and nutrient management in agriculture. Full article

The conformational preferences of 2-substituted cyclic and acyclic ethers, arising from the anomeric effect, have been analyzed using the Relative Interacting Atomic Energy (RIAE) analysis within Molecular Electron Density Theory framework, using the M06-2X/6-311G(d,p) level. Comparison of the equatorial-axial energy differences of substituted tetrahydropyrans and cyclohexanes enables the proposal of the anomeric τ index, which quantifies the excess axial stabilization of the tetrahydropyrans relative to the corresponding cyclohexane references and provides an operational estimate of the contribution associated with the O–C–X motif. The RIAE analysis reveals two distinct patterns in the distribution of the atomic energy contributions associated with anomeric stabilization, dominated by either intra-atomic or interatomic terms, which correlate with the period of the X atom. Accordingly, the studied compounds can be classified into two groups: Group I, comprising compounds with second-period X elements (X = N, O, and F), in which axial stabilization is dominated by favorable intra-atomic energy contributions within the basin of the anomeric carbon; and Group II, comprising compounds with third- and fourth-period X elements (X = S, Cl, and Br), in which stabilization is primarily associated with favorable interatomic energy contributions between the ether oxygen and the anomeric carbon atoms. This atomic energy-based analysis provides a complementary interpretation of the X-dependent conformational trends and identifies analogous energy contribution patterns in the cyclic and acyclic systems examined. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and a leading cause of advanced liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The disease develops through the interaction of multiple interconnected pathophysiological mechanisms, including insulin resistance, dysregulated lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction, chronic inflammation, gut–liver axis disruption, and progressive fibrogenesis. Betaine, a naturally occurring methyl donor, has been investigated as a potential therapeutic agent because of its diverse metabolic and cytoprotective effects. This review summarizes current knowledge on the mechanisms by which betaine may influence MASLD development and progression. Preclinical studies indicate that betaine improves insulin sensitivity and hepatic lipid homeostasis, reduces oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, preserves mitochondrial function, mitigates inflammatory signaling, and limits hepatic fibrosis. In addition, growing evidence suggests that betaine contributes to the maintenance of gut–liver axis homeostasis, further supporting its beneficial effects on liver function. Although these findings are consistent across preclinical models, clinical evidence remains limited, and the therapeutic efficacy of betaine in patients with MASLD has not yet been established. Further well-designed clinical trials are required to determine its clinical value, optimal therapeutic strategy, and potential role in the management of MASLD. Full article

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic relapsing intestinal inflammatory disorder driven by complex interactions among host genetics, immune dysregulation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. The functional contribution of microbial metabolites beyond short-chain fatty acids and bile acids remains incompletely understood. A critical and unresolved question is whether microbiota-associated amino acid metabolites are merely passive indicators of dysbiosis or active drivers of intestinal inflammation and tissue repair. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the roles of microbiota-associated amino acid metabolites and their derivatives in IBD, highlighting that amino acid metabolites constitute a functionally distinct class of bioactive signaling molecules that operate through four representative metabolic networks: tryptophan metabolism, aspartate-related metabolism, branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism, and arginine–polyamine metabolism. We synthesize recent clinical metabolomic data and identify reductions in tryptophan-derived indoles, glutamate, histidine, and selected BCAAs across IBD clinical cohorts and sample matrices, whereas metabolites such as serine, proline, and polyamine degradation products are frequently elevated or associated with disease activity or therapeutic response. Mechanistically, microbiota-associated amino acid metabolites are implicated in intestinal homeostasis and IBD pathogenesis through multifaceted pathways, including modulation of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity (e.g., cell–cell junction, mucus secretion, and stem cell-driven mucosal repair), innate and adaptive immune responses, host–pathogen interactions, and extraintestinal inflammatory signaling (e.g., systemic inflammation, and brain–gut axis communication). Finally, we highlight current challenges and limitations in achieving a causal understanding of microbiota-associated amino acid metabolic alterations in IBD, particularly regarding their origin, spatial distribution, and functional relevance, as well as their potential utility for disease stratification and treatment-response assessment, and discuss how these insights may inform the future development of next-generation biomarkers and precision therapeutic strategies tailored to individual metabolic phenotypes in IBD. Full article

Ice accretion and wind-induced galloping of auxiliary conductors threaten the operational reliability of electrified railway overhead contact systems. This study develops an integrated numerical framework for simulating ice-shape evolution and galloping responses of a 20.6-mm-diameter auxiliary conductor. Airflow and supercooled droplet trajectories are calculated using the SST k–ω model and the Lagrangian discrete-phase method, respectively. The Makkonen icing theory and Messinger heat-balance model are coupled to predict droplet collection, freezing, and ice growth. The effects of wind speed, droplet median volume diameter, liquid water content, and ambient temperature on ice morphology are investigated. A two-dimensional, two-degree-of-freedom fluid–structure interaction model is further established using an overset mesh and user-defined functions and validated through low-speed wind-tunnel tests. Results show that ice initially forms at the windward leading edge and extends toward both sides. Wind speed increases ice thickness and coverage, droplet size mainly enlarges the icing region, liquid water content promotes ice growth, and lower temperature concentrates ice on the windward surface. Unlike the decaying response of the bare conductor, the crescent-iced conductor exhibits sustained periodic galloping with amplitudes increasing markedly with wind speed. The proposed framework supports icing-risk assessment and anti-galloping design. Full article

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly evaluated as both a functional technology and a socially responsive interaction partner. This study examines how academic staff form trust in educational AI and how that trust contributes to perceived value. Its central contribution is to position perceived anthropomorphism as a mediating mechanism through which perceived animacy and perceived intelligence are translated into perceived empathy. A cross-sectional survey was completed by 236 academic staff members, and the model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The measurement model demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity. A competing-path analysis provided a more differentiated account of the proposed mediation mechanism. In the final competing-path model, Perceived Usefulness remained the strongest predictor of Perceived Value (β = 0.586), while Perceived Intelligence strongly predicted Perceived Usefulness (β = 0.570) and also had a substantial direct effect on Perceived Empathy (β = 0.465). Perceived Anthropomorphism remained positively associated with Perceived Empathy (β = 0.238). The direct effect of Perceived Animacy on Perceived Empathy was not significant (β = 0.104, p = 0.154), whereas its indirect effect through Perceived Anthropomorphism remained significant (β = 0.095, p = 0.006), indicating indirect-only mediation. For Perceived Intelligence, both the indirect effect through Perceived Anthropomorphism (β = 0.057, p = 0.020) and the direct effect on Perceived Empathy were significant, indicating complementary partial mediation. Perceived Usefulness and Trust in AI jointly explained 57.3% of the variance in Perceived Value (R² = 0.573). The findings reveal two complementary routes to valuing educational AI: a functional–cognitive route centered on intelligence and usefulness, and a social–emotional route through which anthropomorphism converts AI features into perceived empathy. Full article

Background: Kinesins are ATP-dependent molecular motors that mediate intracellular transport, cytoskeleton remodeling, and abiotic stress responses in plants. The KIN gene family remains poorly characterized in Prunus mume. This study aimed to explore the evolutionary features and cold-responsive functions of the PmKIN gene family. Methods: A systematic genome‑wide analysis was performed in P. mume. We performed phylogenetic classification, conserved domain detection, gene duplication and selection pressure analysis, cis-element prediction, tissue expression profiling, cold stress expression assay, and protein interaction network prediction. Results: Fifty PmKIN family members were defined and grouped into 10 subfamilies. K14 subfamily contained the largest number of members. All members harbor conserved motor domains, and segmental duplication drove the expansion of this gene family, which was overall constrained by purifying selection. The PmKIN homologous genes were highly conserved among Rosaceae species, including Prunus persica, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus avium, and Malus domestica. Our promoter analysis detected abundant cis-elements for light, hormone, cold, and drought signals in PmKIN genes, especially in the K14 and K7 subfamilies. These genes displayed tissue-biased expression, with roots and stems showing much higher transcript levels than fruits. Under low-temperature stress, the tolerant cultivar appeared to mount a relatively rapid PmKIN upregulation, whereas the sensitive one seemed to show a sluggish response and poor recovery. Three members (PmKIN22/27/35) were suggested to be potentially critical in low-temperature-response regulation. A 285-pair interaction network predicted PmKIN45 as the central hub, and functional predictions imply that PmKIN proteins may be linked to microtubules, hormone pathways, and stress signaling, possibly coordinating growth and low-temperature responses. Conclusions: This work screens candidate genes associated with low-temperature responses in P. mume, providing genetic resources for the molecular breeding of cold-resistant cultivars and expanded cultivation of P. mume and other ornamental horticultural species. Full article

Protein oxidation is a critical factor governing meat quality. Although lotus seedpod proanthocyanidins (LSPC) can inhibit protein oxidation in beef during refrigerated storage, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study investigated the antioxidant activity and conformation impacts of epigallocatechin gallate (ECG), the principal active constituent of LSPC, on myosin from the perspective of molecular interactions. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), molecular docking, and multispectral analyses were applied to characterize ECG–myosin interactions and unravel the mechanism underlying myosin oxidation inhibition. The results showed that ECG exerted a biphasic, dose-dependent effect on myosin conformation and related functional properties. At 10–30 μmol/L, ECG significantly enhanced the radical scavenging capacity of myosin and alleviated oxidative damage to amino acid side chains. Mechanistically, ECG bound spontaneously to myosin via entropy-driven hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interactions, inducing conformational rearrangement characterized by an α-helix-to-β-sheet transition, reduced surface hydrophobicity, and stabilization of secondary and tertiary structures, thereby inhibiting oxidative denaturation of myosin. However, at 40 μmol/L, ECG still retained antioxidant capacity toward myosin, while it increased surface hydrophobicity and reduced fluorescence intensity. These changes further aggravated the structural disorder, led to protein aggregation and microstructure damage, and ultimately caused the instability of myosin. These findings underscore the necessity of optimizing ECG dosage for reliable application in meat processing and provide experimental evidence supporting ECG and LSPC as natural antioxidants for meat systems. Full article

We used a concurrent operant assessment (COA) to evaluate social preferences for individuals with autism spectrum disorder across three comparison conditions: praise versus no interaction, preferred conversation topics versus no interaction, and preferred conversation topics versus praise. First, a multiple stimulus without replacement preference assessment was conducted to identify the preferred conversation topics and interests for all participants. Second, a COA was conducted where participants were able to choose which consequence they wanted to receive while working on an academic task during each comparison condition. We found that five out of six participants allocated more time to the praise side over no interaction, five out of six participants allocated more time to the preferred conversation topics over no interaction, and four out of six participants allocated more time to the preferred conversation topics over praise. The results indicate that social stimuli such as praise and preferred conversation topics may function as preferred stimuli indicating a need for future researchers and clinicians to individualize reinforcers. Thus, a proof-of-concept study is established to evaluate procedures for indicating preferences for types of social interaction. Full article

Robotic gait technologies can deliver intensive, repetitive, task-oriented stepping, but multimodal platforms require careful integration before clinical testing. This concept-level technical proof-of-concept describes Li-Walk^®, an investigational fixed robotic gait-training platform combining a treadmill-synchronized lower-limb exoskeleton, dynamic body-weight support, phase-synchronized infrared-A (IR-A) thermal biofeedback, directional acoustic feedback, a semi-immersive display, camera-derived body representation, and artificial intelligence (AI)-supported therapist guidance. The architecture is defined through subsystem interfaces, implementation status, operational states, explicit risk controls, and a staged validation roadmap. No human participants, patient-level data, bench datasets, or statistical analyses were involved; subsystem factory checks did not characterize integrated performance. The installed exoskeleton has four actuated sagittal axes at the hips and knees, with in-series load cells supplying interaction-force inputs for contingent ipsilateral IR-A cueing under reduced guidance. The integrated AI module combines rule constraints with a case-based design, but has no trained statistical model or clinical cohort database; the therapist retains parameter-setting authority. Live video and avatar modes are implemented, whereas independent thermal monitoring and structured recommendation audit trails remain planned. Trigger thresholds, sampling rates, end-to-end latency, exposure limits, and fault responses remain undocumented or unverified. The contribution is a conceptual integration framework that distinguishes implemented functions, declared specifications, and unverified requirements. Independent mechanical, thermal, software, and human-factors validation, followed by appropriately authorized human studies, is required to establish safety, usability, technical reproducibility, and any incremental rehabilitation benefit. The optional thermal branch requires particular safeguards for impaired thermal sensation and cannot be assumed to add clinical value beyond robotic gait training alone. Full article

Many existing historical narrative experiences still rely on screen-based viewing and limited multimodal interaction, which tends to keep users in a passive receiving role and limits their cognitive understanding, reflective thinking, user engagement, and emotional response. To address this, we designed Vellum of Lies, an immersive tangible user interface for anti-feudal historical narratives. The work integrates physical props, sensors, motion-based input, and projection mapping, organizing the story into continuous interaction nodes that allow users to participate in narrative progression through embodied interaction, including spatial movement, object manipulation, and final choice-making. The final choice mechanism operationalizes Tragic Agency by allowing users to make meaningful choices while constraining their ability to alter the final tragic outcome, with the aim of evoking tension between perceived choice and narrative inevitability. A mixed-methods user experience evaluation (N = 32) compared Vellum of Lies with a video-watching narrative experience. In this small-scale exploratory study, the experimental condition showed significant advantages in the HUQ Overall score, Reflection, the UES-SF Overall score, Aesthetic Appeal, Interest/Enjoyment, Pleasure/Valence, and Arousal, while also showing lower NASA-TLX Overall scores, Mental Demand, and Effort. Other measured subdimensions did not reach statistical significance. These preliminary findings suggest that multimodal tangible interaction may function not only as a presentation technique, but also as a narrative mechanism that coordinates physical input, bodily movement, projected feedback, and constrained choice-making to support selected aspects of understanding, engagement, and emotional reflection in serious historical narratives. Full article

Background/Objectives: High-protein (HP) diets may influence body composition, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function, but their interaction with probiotics remains unclear. This study evaluated the effects of HP feeding, alone or combined with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis, on metabolic, redox, mitochondrial, and plasma amino acid parameters in Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were allocated to standard diet (SD), SD plus probiotics, HP diet, or HP plus probiotics for 10 weeks. Body weight gain, food and energy intake, visceral adiposity, plasma biochemical profile, adipose tissue histology, oxidative stress markers, mitochondrial electron transport chain activity, and plasma amino acids were assessed. Results: Food and energy intake did not differ among groups. HP-fed animals showed lower weight gain, reduced visceral fat, and lower total cholesterol and triglycerides. Probiotics modulated selected redox-related outcomes, including methylglyoxal and sulfhydryl levels, with tissue-specific responses. Complex I activity increased in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, and plasma amino acid profiles were altered, particularly glutamate, leucine, aspartate, alanine, and methionine. Conclusions: HP feeding, with or without probiotics, modulated metabolic, redox, mitochondrial, and amino acid-related parameters in Wistar rats. These findings suggest that HP diets and probiotics may influence cardiometabolic adaptations, although tissue-specific responses and mechanisms require further investigation. Full article