Search Results (1,448)

Selenium, a crucial trace element for human health, plays a vital role in maintaining well-being. Its insufficiency can cause various diseases, highlighting the need for adequate selenium intake in daily diets. Honey, containing diverse selenium compounds, serves as a beneficial selenium supplement. By leveraging the distinctive physicochemical properties of honey, we employed reactive extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (EESI-MS) to rapidly analyze the presence of both organic selenium (selenomethionine) and inorganic selenium (sodium selenite) in diluted honey samples. We successfully identified selenomethionine (SeMet) and sodium selenite. Calibration curves constructed for SeMet and sodium selenite demonstrated excellent linear relationships within the concentration range of 0.5 to 50 µg/L. The limits of detection (LOD) for SeMet and sodium selenite were determined to be 2.94 µg/kg and 5.18 µg/kg, respectively, while the limits of quantification (LOQ) were 9.52 µg/kg and 17.4 µg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, spiked recoveries ranged from 90.6% to 105%. The average analysis time is 2 min. This study presents a precise, rapid, and convenient method for selenium determination in diluted honey. Given the limited sample size in this preliminary study, future research with larger cohorts is required to validate our findings. Full article

This study aimed to identify the optimal concentration of seaweed extract (SE) for enhancing growth, photosynthetic traits, antioxidant activity, and bioactive compound accumulation in Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) plants cultivated in a fully controlled plant factory. Basil plants were foliar-sprayed twice weekly with five SE concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mL·L⁻¹), while untreated plants served as controls. After 28 days of transplanting, plant growth parameters, photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll pigments, antioxidant activity, and the concentrations of phenolic acids and rosmarinic acid (RA) were analyzed. Moderate SE concentrations (1.0–2.0 mL·L⁻¹) significantly enhanced plant growth, chlorophyll a, carotenoid levels, DPPH radical scavenging, and total flavonoid content relative to control. The 2.0 mL·L⁻¹ treatment produced the highest total phenolic content (1.88-fold increase over the control) and was associated with elevated benzoic acid, rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol, along with reduced trans-cinnamic acid, indicating activation of the phenylpropanoid pathway. Moreover, all SE treatments significantly increased RA accumulation. These findings demonstrate that SE is an effective, sustainable biostimulant for Thai basil, with 2.0 mL·L⁻¹ as the optimal concentration for maximizing growth and phytochemical production. Full article

Objectives: Bisphenol A (BPA), a prototypical environmental endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), is ubiquitously present in environmental matrices and biological fluids. Dietary ingestion and inhalation exposure to BPA can induce testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Pfaffia glomerata (Pg), a perennial herb of the Amaranthaceae family, against BPA-induced reproductive system injury. Methods: Potential targets and molecular mechanisms were predicted through network pharmacology. Physiological indicators, histopathological changes, serum biochemical parameters, and Western blot analysis were used to systematically evaluate the ameliorative effects of Pg and elucidate its mechanisms. Results: Our network pharmacology analysis identified core targets of Pg in attenuating reproductive system injury, including PTPN11, PIK3CA, JAK2, PIK3R1, PDGFRB, and others. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis indicated that these key targets primarily regulate steroid metabolism, enhance antioxidant capacity, and modulate signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT, Fc epsilon RI, and cAMP. In vivo studies demonstrated that all Pg dose groups showed significant improvement in BPA-induced histopathological injury to testicular tissues. BPA exposure increased serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) while decreasing testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (PROG) levels. Furthermore, BPA elevated serum levels of the testicular marker enzymes acid phosphatase (ACP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) but reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels; all these effects were significantly reversed with Pg treatment. Western blot results showed that compared with the model group, high-dose Pg significantly upregulated the expression of phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT), phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), and Bcl-2, while downregulating Cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that Pg may attenuate BPA-induced reproductive system injury by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, upregulating the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and inhibiting the activation of the apoptotic effector Caspase-3. The study provides a new theoretical basis for the development of novel natural drugs or health products. Full article

This study investigates torsional vibration characteristics in an aged coastal car ferry propulsion system using theoretical calculations based on the Matrix method alongside experimental measurements. While the measured torsional vibration at the propeller shaft remained within the limits, it was significantly higher than the calculated values, particularly at the 5th harmonic order excited by engine combustion. Negative torque peaks observed during transient clutch engagement caused gear hammering. Structural vibration analysis identified potential gearbox defects, such as wear or misalignment. Multiple torsional vibration calculation models were developed considering various degrees of degradation of the aged rubber blocks and viscous torsional damper. A model assuming that the damping capacity of damper drops to about 1%, corresponding to the specified values at 125 °C, produced results that closely reproduced the measured vibration characteristics. The finding, confirmed by an actual inspection, identifies viscous oil leakage and deterioration of the damper as the primary cause of excessive vibration. Prompt replacement of the viscous oil is recommended to improve torsional vibration behavior. Full article

The reliable corpus of Buddhist sutras translated by Zhi Qian 支謙 serves as an important reference benchmark for determining the authenticity of Buddhist sutras from the Three Kingdoms 三國 period to the pre-Jin period (220–265 CE). The Bimo shi Mulian jing 弊魔試目連經 (The Sūtra of Māra Testing Maudgalyāyana) is currently included in the Taishō Tripiṭaka as an individual sutra. Since the start of block-printing of Buddhist canons, this sutra has been attributed to Zhi Qian of the Wu 吳 State in the Three Kingdoms period and included in the ruzangmu 入藏目 (“list [of texts] admitted to the canon”) of various editions of the Tripitaka. However, historical investigation reveals significant complexity and controversy surrounding its title, attributed translator, and its entries in different ancient catalogs. A systematic examination of historical Buddhist catalogs (jinglu 經錄) demonstrates that, during the times of Dao’an 道安 and Sengyou 僧祐, the sutra was given different names and recorded as a scripture with an unknown translator. During the time of Fajing 法經 in the Sui 隋 Dynasty, the sutra first appeared in the annotations of the sutra catalog under the name Bimo shi Mulian jing, and the translator was not recorded. By the time of Fei Zhangfang 費長房 in the Sui Dynasty, the sutra was first attributed to Zhi Qian, yet it was not included in the ruzangmu 入藏目. Finally, Zhisheng 智昇 in the Tang 唐 Dynasty integrated a great deal of information and attributed the sutra to Zhi Qian under the name Bimo shi Mulian jing and included it in the ruzangmu of Hinayana sutras 小乘入藏目 (List of Hinayana Sutras Admitted to the Canon). Zhisheng’s record has been followed to the present day. Furthermore, critical analysis of Fei Zhangfang’s methodology in attributing this sutra to Zhi Qian, when combined with linguistic evidence, confirms that this sutra was neither translated by Zhi Qian of the Three Kingdoms period nor produced earlier than the Western Jin 西晉 Dynasty (265-316 CE). This study’s analysis of both the canonical inclusion process and the attributed translator of the Bimo shi Mulian jing demonstrates how Buddhist catalogs—exemplified by Fei Zhangfang’s Lidai sanbao ji 曆代三寶紀 (Records of the Three Treasures Throughout the Successive Dynasties)—systematically constructed false translator attributions, while simultaneously underscoring the imperative to re-evaluate so-called “authoritative records” within the Chinese Buddhist canon through integrated multidisciplinary methodologies combining Buddhist catalog criticism with linguistic analysis. Full article

In saline soil, legumes are restricted in their growth potential by osmotic stress, ion toxicity, and oxidative damage. We evaluated five halotolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria and selected Pseudomonas putida RT12 for its exceptional EPS production, tolerance to 600 mM NaCl, strong biofilm development, and plant growth-promoting traits (ACC-deaminase 2.86 µM·mg⁻¹; IAA 144 µM·mL⁻¹). RT12 was evaluated on two varieties of peas (peas2009 and 9800-10) with and without inoculation at 0, 75, and 150 mM NaCl concentrations. RT12 markedly protected growth under severe salinity: at 150 mM, shoot length rose to 23.13 cm (peas2009) and 17.44 cm (9800-10), in contrast to 11.18 cm and 12.32 cm in uninoculated specimens; root length and dry weight demonstrated comparable recovery (root length increased from 11.00 to 22.25 cm; dry weight of peas2009 from 0.15 to 0.17 and 0.41 to 0.71 g). RT12 sustained photosynthesis (total chlorophyll increased from 43.5 to 54.5), enhanced relative water content (to 94.1% and 97.2%), elevated osmolytes (total soluble proteins rose from 7.34 to 18.12 µg·g⁻¹ FW; total soluble sugars increased from 19.1 to 41.3 mg·g⁻¹ FW), and augmented antioxidant activities (catalase increased from 2.11 to 4.70; superoxide dismutase rose from 1.20 to 4.83; peroxidase increased from 0.08 to 0.18), while reducing malondialdehyde/hydrogen peroxide levels. RT12 was significant as it inhibited the accumulation of Na⁺ (from 23.95 to 16.32 mg·g⁻¹ DW), elevated K⁺ levels (from 17.76 to 29.12 mg·g⁻¹ DW), and restored the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio to normal (from 0.74 to 1.59) in inoculated plants compared to non-inoculated ones. A multivariate analysis linked growth protection to ionic homeostasis, osmotic control, and the detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS). RT12 is a promising bioinoculant for cultivating peas in saline-affected soils. Full article

Prunella vulgaris L. (PV) is a versatile plant with medicinal and culinary applications globally. Its mature fruit-spikes (red-brown) are the primary source of traditional medicine and herbal tea. However, large-scale cultivation and harvesting inevitably leads to the unintended inclusion of immature green fruit-spikes, which are considered substandard medicinal parts. To explore the medicinal and nutraceutical potential of green fruit-spikes, our study systematically compared green and red-brown samples. The distinctions between the two fruit-spikes were characterized by determination of total water-soluble extract content, comprehensive chemical difference analysis, and quantitation of six phenolic acids, including Danshensu, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, protocatechualdehyde, salviaflaside, and rosmarinic acid. Additionally, variations in antioxidant activity were evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assays. As a result, 106 compounds were identified from the PV samples. Green spikes exhibited higher total water extract yield and contents of the six phenolic acids than the red-brown ones. Moreover, green samples showed greater accumulations of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and triterpenes. Concomitantly, stronger antioxidant activity was displayed in green spikes in both assay models. Caffeic acid, danshensu, rosmarinic acid, and protocatechualdehyde were identified as major contributors by Pearson correlation analysis. Our findings reveal that green fruit-spikes possess advantages in accumulating specific chemical profiles and exhibiting antioxidant activity, highlighting their untapped pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potential. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diabetic cardiomyopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often progresses silently, manifesting as diastolic dysfunction or subtle systolic impairment despite preserved ejection fraction (EF). Detecting these changes early is critical to prevent symptomatic heart failure. This study assessed the prevalence of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction and impaired global longitudinal strain (GLS) in T2DM patients with preserved EF and identified related risk factors. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 232 adults with T2DM and EF > 50% at a tertiary hospital. Standard transthoracic and speckle-tracking echocardiography were used to evaluate LV diastolic function and GLS. Logistic regression identified predictors of myocardial dysfunction. Results: LV diastolic dysfunction was found in 53.9% of patients, while 13.4% showed impaired GLS (>–17.9%). Independent predictors of diastolic dysfunction were age ≥ 60 years (OR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.25–5.07, p = 0.010) and diabetes duration of 5–10 years (OR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.46–6.40, p = 0.003). Reduced GLS was independently associated with male sex (OR = 2.45, p = 0.040) and the presence of diastolic dysfunction (OR = 3.14, p = 0.010). Conclusions: Subclinical myocardial dysfunction is common in Vietnamese T2DM patients with preserved EF. Both diastolic dysfunction and reduced GLS may occur independently or together, influenced by age, sex, and diabetes duration. Incorporating GLS into echocardiographic evaluation may enhance early detection and support tailored cardiovascular risk management in this high-risk group. Full article

This study aims to explore teachers’ perceptions and students’ strategies when integrating AI-mediated informal digital learning of English tools (AI-IDLE) into career ESL writing instruction. This case study involved six university instructors and over 300 students in an English writing course. Although AI-IDLE has broadened English access beyond classrooms, existing research on writing skills often neglects students’ diverse strategies that correspond to their professional aspirations, as well as teachers’ perceptions. The data included a demographic questionnaire, think-aloud protocols for real-time assessment of cognitive processes during the task, and semi-structured interviews for teachers’ validation. Findings reveal three major student strategies: (1) explicit genre understanding, (2) student-driven selection of digital multimodal tools—such as Grammarly, ChatGPT, Canva with Magic Write, and Invideo—to integrate text with images, sound, and layout for improved rhetorical accessibility, and (3) alignment with students’ post-graduation career needs. Students’ work with these AI tools demonstrated that when they created projects aligned with professional identities and future job needs, they became more aware of how to improve their writing; however, the teachers expressed hopes and doubts about the tools’ effectiveness and authenticity of the students’ work. Suggestions to use AI-IDLE to improve writing were provided. Full article

AI text-to-video systems, such as OpenAI’s Sora, promise substantial efficiency gains in media production but also pose risks of biased outputs, opaque optimization, and deceptive content. Using the Orientation–Stimulus–Orientation–Response (O-S-O-R) model, we conduct an empirical study with 209 Chinese new media professionals and employ structural equation modeling to examine how information elaboration relates to AI knowledge, perceptions, and adoption intentions. Our findings reveal a knowledge paradox: higher objective AI knowledge negatively moderates elaboration, suggesting that centralized information ecosystems can misguide even well-informed practitioners. Building on these behavioral insights, we propose a blockchain-based governance framework that operationalizes five mechanisms to enhance oversight and trust while maintaining efficiency: Expert Assessment DAOs, Community Validation DAOs, real-time algorithm monitoring, professional integrity protection, and cross-border coordination. While our study focuses on China’s substantial new media market, the observed patterns and design principles generalize to global contexts. This work contributes empirical grounding for Web3-enabled AI governance, specifies implementable smart-contract patterns for multi-stakeholder validation and incentives, and outlines a research agenda spanning longitudinal, cross-cultural, and implementation studies. Full article

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) exhibit a complex relationship with depression, anxiety disorders, and oral behaviors. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the differences in oral behaviors among subgroups of TMD-related pain and patients with varying levels of anxiety and depression. Methods: A total of 120 patients diagnosed with TMD according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD), completed the Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), and Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-8 (JFLS-8). Associations were examined using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Spearman’s correlation; logistic regression and multivariable linear regression were performed (p < 0.05). Results: In univariate analyses, several item-level OBs were more prevalent with higher anxiety, including nocturnal bruxism, sleep positions exerting jaw pressure, daytime grinding, and gum chewing (p = 0.007, 0.041, 0.011, and 0.014, respectively). A modest difference among pain subgroups was observed for sleep position (p = 0.044). In multivariable models, anxiety was independently associated only with nocturnal bruxism (OR = 2.95; 95% CI: 1.30–6.67; p = 0.010), whereas depression showed no independent associations. Pain intensity remained the sole predictor of total OBC scores (Coef = 1.829; 95% CI: 0.51–3.15; p = 0.007). No independent effects were detected for TMD subgroups. Conclusions: Psychosocial factors appeared related to OBs in univariate analyses, but these associations were explained by confounding influences. After adjustment, pain intensity and anxiety emerged as key determinants. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive TMD management integrating pain control with behavioral strategies. Full article

This study addresses structural distortions in the IMO Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) for short-voyage training vessels and proposes corrective strategies combining denominator adjustments with controllable pitch propeller (CPP) mode optimization. Using 2024 operational data from a training ship, we computed monthly and annual CII values, identifying significant inflation when time-at-sea fractions are low due to extensive port stays. Two correction methods were evaluated: a hybrid denominator approach converting port-stay CO₂ to equivalent distance, and a Braidotti functional correction. The CPP operating maps for combination and fixed modes revealed a crossover point at approximately 12 kn (~50% engine load), where the combination mode shows superior efficiency at low speeds and the fixed mode at higher speeds. The hybrid correction effectively stabilized CII values across varying operational conditions, while the speed-band CPP optimization provided additional reductions. Results demonstrate that combining optimized CPP mode selection with hybrid CII correction achieves compliance with required standards, attaining a B rating. The integrated framework offers practical solutions for CII management in short-voyage operations, addressing regulatory fairness while improving operational efficiency for training vessels and similar ship types. Full article

Offshore Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is emerging as a critical strategy for achieving net-zero emissions, offering significant storage potential in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs and deep saline aquifers while leveraging existing offshore infrastructure. This review summarizes recent advances in capture, transport, utilization, and storage technologies in the offshore industry. Case studies including Sleipner, Gorgon, and Northern Lights illustrate both the technical feasibility and the operational, economic, and regulatory challenges associated with large-scale deployment. While post-combustion capture and pipeline transport remain the most technologically mature approaches, significant uncertainties continue to exist regarding the logistics of marine transportation, reservoir integrity, and the robustness of monitoring frameworks. Policy and regulatory complexity, coupled with high capital costs and public acceptance issues, continue to constrain commercial viability. This review highlights that offshore CCUS holds significant promise but requires advances in monitoring technologies, cost reduction strategies, and harmonized international governance. Future research should focus on integrating CCUS with hydrogen production and renewable energy systems to accelerate large-scale deployment. Full article

This study investigated the metabolomic profiles and molecular basis of hybrid male sterility (HMS) in dzo (the male F1 hybrid offspring of taurine cattle (Bos taurus, ♂) × domestic yak (Bos grunniens, ♀)). In total, 147 co-different metabolites were identified between liver and testis tissues. Metabolomics analysis linked testis-specific abnormal citrate cycle and phenylalanine metabolism to dzo male infertility. Specifically, α-ketoglutaric acid, L-malic acid, and succinic acid were specific elevated in dzo testes, but not significantly different in liver. The testis-specific metabolite phenyllactate was reduced in dzo. Moreover, genes encoding α-ketoglutarate-dependent oxygenases were dysregulated only in dzo testes, including histone demethylations and RNA m⁶A modifications. Reactive oxygen species and m⁶A content were significantly decreased in dzo testes. Multiomics data showed that testis-specific metabolic abnormalities in dzo were linked to upregulated IDH3A and IDH3G, and downregulated testis-specific OGDHL and PDHA2. MiRNA-15b targeting to IDH3A was downregulated in dzo testes. The promoter of PDHA2 was hypermethylated and showed lower chromatin accessibility in dzo testes. Notably, testis-specific LDHC downregulation was also associated with lower phenyllactate in dzo testes, which could be an outcome of male infertility. Overall, this study provides comprehensive insights into the citrate cycle as a key pathway associated with dzo sterility, shedding light on the potential mitochondrial–nuclear incompatibility pertinent to addressing this HMS challenge. Full article

Mentha essential oils (EOs), renowned for their distinctive aromas and diverse biological activities, represent a key focus in phytochemical and pharmacological research. While numerous reviews have documented the general properties of mint EOs, a systematic and critical synthesis of recent advances linking chemotypic diversity to biosynthetic mechanisms and evidence-based health benefits remains lacking. This review aims to address this gap by comprehensively analyzing the structural variability of EOs across major Mentha species, elucidating the chemotype-dependent enzymatic and genetic regulation within the plastidial methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway, and evaluating preclinical and clinical evidence supporting their health-promoting activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive, respiratory, cognitive-enhancing, and anticancer effects. By integrating findings from cutting-edge transcriptomic and genomic studies, we highlight how genetic variations and epigenetic factors influence monoterpene biosynthesis and ultimately shape bioactivity profiles. Furthermore, we critically assess challenges related to EO standardization, bioavailability, and clinical translation, and propose interdisciplinary strategies, such as metabolic engineering, nano-delivery systems, and structured clinical trial designs to overcome these barriers. This review not only consolidates the current understanding of Mentha Eos, but also provides a forward-looking perspective on their potential applications in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and personalized health products. Full article