Search Results (4,719)

Growing awareness of sustainable development and green consumer concerns is driving the market expansion for green agriculture products. E-commerce live streaming gives rural enterprises a new channel through scenario-building and interaction, while agro-tourism integration combines resources to generate a variety of promotion scenarios. This study examines the effects of external stimuli, including social networks, resource endowment, infrastructure, and the characteristics of e-commerce streamers, on the perception, trust, perceived value, and purchase intention of green consumption. It is based on the SOR (Stimulus–Organism–Response) theoretical model and focuses on e-commerce live streaming in the agriculture-tourism integration scenario. According to a structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis of 350 consumer questionnaires, these external stimuli primarily influence purchase intention through perceived value, trust, and green consumption cognition, with resource endowment having the most significant impact. The effects of infrastructure on perceived value and streamer attractiveness on green consumption cognition are not statistically significant. This research not only broadens the use of the SOR model in the emerging field of agritourism integration but also offers rural businesses theoretical backing and useful guidance to maximize e-commerce live marketing and enhance agritourism integration. Full article

The complex microenvironment of wounds, along with challenges such as microbial infections, tissue damage, and inflammatory responses during the healing process, renders wound repair a complex medical issue. Owing to their ease of administration, effective outcomes, and painless application, biomacromolecule-based wound dressings have become a focal point in current clinical research. In recent years, hydrogels, microneedles, and electrospun nanofibers have emerged as three novel types of wound dressings. By influencing various stages of healing, they have notably enhanced chronic wound healing outcomes and hold considerable potential for wound repair applications. This review describes the preparation methods, classification, and applications of hydrogels, microneedles, and electrospun nanofibers around the various stages of wound healing, clarifying the healing-promoting mechanisms and characteristics of the three methods in different stages of wound healing. Building upon this foundation, we further introduce smart responsiveness, highlighting the application of stimuli-responsive wound dressings in dynamic wound management, aiming to provide insights for future research. Full article

Ascorbic acid (AA) plays a multidimensional role in human physiological and pathological processes, and the detection of its urinary concentration facilitates the diagnosis of metabolic or kidney diseases. Visual detection exhibits minimal reliance on instrumentation and is suitable for on-site analysis in routine settings. Current visual colorimetric detection methods typically rely on enzymatic or nanozyme-based catalysis. Organic neutral radicals bearing unpaired electrons represent a class of materials exhibiting intrinsic responsiveness to redox stimuli. The tris (2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) methyl (TTM) radical has attracted widespread attention for its adjustable optical properties and sensitive response to external redox stimuli. We synthesized a novel radical TTM-DMODPA and applied it for non-catalytic colorimetric detection of AA. It not only enables quantitative AA measurement via UV-vis spectroscopy (linear range: 1.25–75 μmol/L, LOD: 0.288 μmol/L) but also facilitates instrument-free visual detection using smartphone cameras (linear range: 0–65 μmol/L, LOD: 1.46 μmol/L). This method demonstrated satisfactory performance in the measurement of AA in actual urine samples. Recovery rates ranged from 97.8% to 104.1%. Consequently, this work provides a portable and effective method for assessing AA levels in actual urine samples. Full article

The worldwide agriculture industry is facing increasing problems due to rapid population increase and increasingly unfavorable weather patterns. In order to reach the projected food production targets, which are essential for guaranteeing global food security, innovative and sustainable agricultural methods must be adopted. Conventional approaches, including traditional breeding procedures, often cannot handle the complex and simultaneous effects of biotic pressures such as pest infestations, disease attacks, and nutritional imbalances, as well as abiotic stresses including heat, salt, drought, and heavy metal toxicity. Applying phytohormonal approaches, particularly those involving hormonal crosstalk, presents a viable way to increase crop resilience in this context. Abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellins (GAs), auxin, cytokinins, salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), ethylene, and GA are among the plant hormones that control plant stress responses. In order to precisely respond to a range of environmental stimuli, these hormones allow plants to control gene expression, signal transduction, and physiological adaptation through intricate networks of antagonistic and constructive interactions. This review focuses on how the principal hormonal signaling pathways (in particular, ABA-ET, ABA-JA, JA-SA, and ABA-auxin) intricately interact and how they affect the plant stress response. For example, ABA-driven drought tolerance controls immunological responses and stomatal behavior through antagonistic interactions with ET and SA, while using SnRK2 kinases to activate genes that react to stress. Similarly, the transcription factor MYC2 is an essential node in ABA–JA crosstalk and mediates the integration of defense and drought signals. Plants’ complex hormonal crosstalk networks are an example of a precisely calibrated regulatory system that strikes a balance between growth and abiotic stress adaptation. ABA, JA, SA, ethylene, auxin, cytokinin, GA, and BR are examples of central nodes that interact dynamically and context-specifically to modify signal transduction, rewire gene expression, and change physiological outcomes. To engineer stress-resilient crops in the face of shifting environmental challenges, a systems-level view of these pathways is provided by a combination of enrichment analyses and STRING-based interaction mapping. These hormonal interactions are directly related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action). This review emphasizes the potential of biotechnologies to use hormone signaling to improve agricultural performance and sustainability by uncovering the molecular foundations of hormonal crosstalk. Increasing our understanding of these pathways presents a strategic opportunity to increase crop resilience, reduce environmental degradation, and secure food systems in the face of increasing climate unpredictability. Full article

Neuroinflammation, driven by activated microglia, contributes to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Extracellular vesicles mediate intercellular communication and influence immune responses. Chrysin, a natural flavone found in fruits and propolis, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects. This study explored the immunomodulatory potential of chrysin-loaded EVs (EVs-Chry) derived from BV2 microglial cells. BV2 cells were treated with chrysin for 24 h to assess cytotoxicity and proliferation. EVs were isolated from treated and untreated cells, characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, and applied to naïve BV2 cells prior to LPS stimulation. Effects on cell morphology, migration, cytokine expression (IL-1β, IL-6), inflammasome activity (caspase-1), and apoptosis-related protein Bcl-xL were investigated. Our results show that EVs-Chry significantly reduced LPS-induced cell proliferation, restored resting microglial morphology, and reduced migratory capacity. Furthermore, co-treatment with EVs-Chry and LPS reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and caspase-1 expression while enhancing anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL levels, indicating a shift toward an anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective micro-glial phenotype. Together, our results demonstrated that EVs-Chry have neuroprotective effects on LPS-induced microglial activation and modulate microglial responses to inflammatory stimuli, attenuating pro-inflammatory signaling and promoting cellular homeostasis. These findings support the therapeutic potential of EVs-Chry in the context of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. Full article

In this study, we conducted two steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) studies to develop a practical brain–computer interface (BCI) system for communication and control applications. The first study introduces a novel visual stimulus paradigm that combines checkerboard patterns with flickering circles configured in single-, double-, and triple-layer forms. We tested three flickering frequency conditions: a single fundamental frequency, a combination of the fundamental frequency and its harmonics, and a combination of two fundamental frequencies. The second study utilizes personalized visual stimuli to enhance SSVEP responses. SSVEP detection was performed using power spectral density (PSD) analysis by employing Welch’s method and relative PSD to extract SSVEP features. Commands classification was carried out using a proposed decision rule–based algorithm. The results were compared with those of a conventional checkerboard pattern with flickering squares. The experimental findings indicate that single-layer flickering circle patterns exhibit comparable or improved performance when compared with the conventional stimuli, particularly when customized for individual users. Conversely, the multilayer patterns tended to increase visual fatigue. Furthermore, individualized stimuli achieved a classification accuracy of 90.2% in real-time SSVEP-based BCI systems for six-command generation tasks. The personalized visual stimuli can enhance user experience and system performance, thereby supporting the development of a practical SSVEP-based BCI system. Full article

The insular cortex has emerged as a key region implicated in a wide array of cognitive, emotional, and sensory processes. The anterior part of the insula (AIC) is central to emotional awareness, decision-making, and interoception, while the posterior insula (PIC) is more associated with somatosensory processing. The insula acts as a functional hub within the salience network and integrates homeostatic, affective, and cognitive information; thus, its role in different mental disorders seems to be prominent. Altered structure and connectivity of the insular cortex are evident in several psychiatric conditions. In schizophrenia, reductions in insular volume—especially on the left—correlate with hallucinations, emotional dysregulation, and cognitive deficits. Bipolar and major depressive disorders exhibit AIC volume loss and aberrant connectivity patterns linked to impaired affect regulation and interoceptive awareness. Anxiety disorders show functional hyperactivity of the insula, especially in response to fear-inducing stimuli, though findings on structural changes are mixed. Overall, growing evidence underscores the insular cortex’s central role in psychiatric pathophysiology and highlights its potential as a target for future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Full article

Chronic visceral pain, a significant contributor to morbidity in the United States, affects millions and results in substantial economic costs. Despite its impact, the mechanisms underlying disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBIs), such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), remain poorly understood. Visceral hypersensitivity, a hallmark of chronic visceral pain, involves an enhanced pain response in internal organs to normal stimuli. Various factors like inflammation, intestinal hyperpermeability, and epigenetic modifications influence its presentation. Emerging evidence suggests that persistent colonic stimuli, disrupted gut barriers, and altered non-coding RNA (ncRNA) expression contribute to the pathophysiology of visceral pain. Additionally, cross-sensitization of afferent pathways shared by pelvic organs underpins the overlap of chronic pelvic pain disorders, such as interstitial cystitis and IBS. Central sensitization and viscerosomatic convergence further exacerbate pain, with evidence showing IBS patients exhibit hypersensitivity to both visceral and somatic stimuli. The molecular mechanisms of visceral pain involve critical mediators such as cytokines, prostaglandins, and neuropeptides, alongside ion channels like transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs). These molecular insights indicate potential therapeutic targets and highlight the possible use of TRPV1 antagonists and ASIC inhibitors to mitigate visceral pain. This review explores the neurophysiological pathways of visceral pain, focusing on peripheral and central sensitization mechanisms, to advance the development of targeted treatments for chronic pain syndromes, particularly IBS and related disorders. Full article

In the rapidly evolving field of biomedical engineering, hydrogels have emerged as highly versatile biomaterials that bridge biology and technology through their high water content, exceptional biocompatibility, and tunable mechanical properties. This review provides an integrated overview of both natural and synthetic hydrogels, examining their structural properties, fabrication methods, and broad biomedical applications, including drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, wound healing, and regenerative medicine. Natural hydrogels derived from sources such as alginate, gelatin, and chitosan are highlighted for their biodegradability and biocompatibility, though often limited by poor mechanical strength and batch variability. Conversely, synthetic hydrogels offer precise control over physical and chemical characteristics via advanced polymer chemistry, enabling customization for specific biomedical functions, yet may present challenges related to bioactivity and degradability. The review also explores intelligent hydrogel systems with stimuli-responsive and bioactive functionalities, emphasizing their role in next-generation healthcare solutions. In modern medicine, temperature-, pH-, enzyme-, light-, electric field-, magnetic field-, and glucose-responsive hydrogels are among the most promising “smart materials”. Their ability to respond to biological signals makes them uniquely suited for next-generation therapeutics, from responsive drug systems to adaptive tissue scaffolds. Key challenges such as scalability, clinical translation, and regulatory approval are discussed, underscoring the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and continued innovation. Overall, this review fosters a comprehensive understanding of hydrogel technologies and their transformative potential in enhancing patient care through advanced, adaptable, and responsive biomaterial systems. Full article

Marine biomass represents a valuable yet underexploited resource for the development of high-value biomaterials. Recent advances have highlighted the significant potential of marine-derived polysaccharides, proteins, and peptides in biomedical applications, most notably in drug delivery and wound healing. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current research on the extraction, processing and pharmaceutical valorization of these biopolymers, with a focus on their structural and functional properties that allow these materials to be engineered into nanocarriers, hydrogels, scaffolds, and smart composites. Key fabrication strategies such as ionic gelation, desolvation, and 3D bioprinting are critically examined for their role in drug encapsulation, release modulation, and scaffold design for regenerative therapies. The review also covers preclinical validation, scale-up challenges, and relevant regulatory frameworks, offering a practical roadmap from sustainable sourcing to clinical application. Special attention is given to emerging technologies, including stimuli-responsive biomaterials and biosensor-integrated wound dressings, as well as to the ethical and environmental implications of marine biopolymer sourcing. By integrating materials science, pharmaceutical technology and regulatory insight, this review aims to provide a multidisciplinary perspective for researchers and industrial stakeholders seeking sustainable and multifunctional pharmaceutical platforms for precision medicine and regenerative therapeutics. Full article

Abiotic stress can reprogram the gametophytic pathway; the mechanisms by which floral bud pre-treatment influences microspore embryogenesis initiation remain unclear. In this study, we use bisulfite sequencing, sRNA-seq, and RNA-seq to analyze the dynamic changes in rice microspores under different cold treatment durations. Our results showed that a 10-day cold treatment is essential for CXJ microspore embryogenesis initiation. DNA methylation levels showed a slight change at CG, CHG, and CHH sites under cold treatment. The number of both hyper- and hypomethylated DMRs increased over cold treatment, with more hypermethylated DMRs at 5 and 10 dpt. Hypermethylated DMRs were more frequently in the TSS region compared to hypomethylated DMRs. The proportion of 24 nt sRNAs increased upon cold stress, with more downregulated than upregulated sRNAs at 10 dpt. The number of DMR target DEGs increased from 5 to 10 dpt. Promoter hypomethylation at the CHH site was more frequently associated with DEGs. These outcomes suggested that the RdDM pathway participates in the initiation of rice ME. GO analysis indicated that DMR target DEGs at 10 dpt were enriched in responses to chemical stimuli, biological processes, and stress responses. An auxin-related gene, OsHOX28, was further identified. Its upregulation, potentially mediated by the RdDM pathway, may play a crucial role in the initiation of rice ME. This study provides more information on epigenetic mechanisms during rice ME. Full article

The development of multifunctional conductive hydrogels with rapid self-healing capabilities and powerful sensing functions is crucial for advancing wearable electronics. This study designed and prepared a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–borax hydrogel incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and biomass carbon nanospheres (CNPs) as dual-carbon fillers. This hydrogel exhibits excellent conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and self-recovery properties. Serving as a highly sensitive piezoresistive sensor, it efficiently converts mechanical stimuli into reliable electrical signals. Sensing tests demonstrate that the CNT/CNP/PVA–borax hydrogel sensor possesses an extremely fast response time (88 ms) and rapid recovery time (88 ms), enabling the detection of subtle and rapid human motions. Furthermore, the hydrogel sensor also exhibits outstanding cyclic stability, maintaining stable signal output throughout continuous loading–unloading cycles exceeding 3200 repetitions. The hydrogel sensor’s characteristics, including rapid self-healing, fast-sensing response/recovery, and high fatigue resistance, make the CNT/CNP/PVA–borax conductive hydrogel an ideal choice for multifunctional wearable sensors. It successfully monitored various human motions. This study provides a promising strategy for high-performance self-healing sensing devices, suitable for next-generation wearable health monitoring and human–machine interaction systems. Full article

Microbial contamination is a global concern with impacts on a variety of industries ranging from marine to biomedical applications. Recent research on hydrophilic polymer-based coatings is focused on combining antifouling polymers with nanomaterials to enhance mechanical, optical, and stimuli-responsive properties, yielding colour changing, self-healing, and super hydrophilic materials. This study combines the hydrophilic and antifouling properties of vitamin B5 analogous methacrylamide (B5AMA)-based polymers with stimuli-responsive anthocyanin-dye-loaded cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to develop antifouling materials with colour changing capabilities upon bacterial contamination. Poly(B5AMA)-grafted CNCs were prepared through surface-initiated photoiniferter reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (SP-RAFT) polymerization and characterized through proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR), transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), and X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) to confirm the formation of surface-grafted polymer chains. The bare CNCs and poly(B5AMA)-grafted CNCs were loaded with anthocyanin dye and evaluated for pH-dependent colour changing capabilities. Interestingly, anthocyanin-loaded CNCs demonstrated vibrant colour changes in both solution and dried film form upon bacterial contamination; however, limited colour changing capabilities of the composites, specifically in dried film form, were attributed to the enhanced dispersibility and antifouling capabilities of the polymer-coated CNCs. Full article

Prejudices, particularly those related to social biases, are shaped by various cognitive and sensory mechanisms. This study investigates the interaction between olfactory perception and propensity and implicit or explicit prejudices through three experimental protocols in a metaverse condition. Experiment 1 examines the impact of five different odors on proxemic behavior when interacting with individuals from stigmatized social groups. Experiment 2 integrates electroencephalography (EEG) to analyze the neural correlates of prejudice-related responses to olfactory stimuli. Experiment 3 explores implicit biases through the Implicit Association Test (IAT) in relation to different fragrances, without employing virtual reality. The proposed protocol is expected to demonstrate a significant relationship between olfactory cues, linked to social relationships, and implicit or explicit prejudices, with variations based on individual differences. These insights will contribute to psychological, neuroscientific, and social interventions, offering new perspectives on the unconscious mechanisms of bias formation. Additionally, this study highlights the potential of virtual reality and olfactory stimuli as innovative tools for studying and addressing social biases in controlled environments. Full article

Increased epithelial and endothelial permeability, along with dysregulated inflammatory responses, are key aspects of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) pathophysiology, which not only impact the lungs but also contribute to detrimental organ crosstalk with distant organs, ultimately leading to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)—the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with lung injury (LI) and ARDS. It is predominantly manifested by hypoxemic respiratory failure and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, which cannot be fully attributed to cardiac failure or hypervolemia, but rather to alveolo-capillary barrier dysfunction, dysregulated systemic and pulmonary inflammation, immune system abnormalities, and mechanical stimuli-related responses. However, these pathological features are not uniform among patients with ARDS, as distinct subphenotypes with unique biological, clinical, physiological, and radiographic characteristics have been increasingly recognized in recent decades. The severity of ARDS, clinical outcomes, mortality, and efficacy of applied therapeutic measures appear significant depending on the respective phenotype. Acknowledging the heterogeneity of ARDS and defining distinct subphenotypes could significantly modify therapeutic strategies, enabling more precise and targeted treatments. To address these issues, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed using predefined keywords related to ARDS pathophysiology, subphenotypes, and personalized therapeutic approaches. Optimizing the identification and characterization of discrete ARDS subphenotypes—based on clinical, biological, physiological, and radiographic criteria—will deepen our understanding of ARDS pathophysiology, promote targeted recruitment in prospective clinical studies to define patient clusters with heterogeneous therapeutic responses, and support the shift toward individualized treatment strategies. Full article