Changes In Patterns Research Articles

A Binned Multilevel Regression Fitting Method for Monitoring Geladandong Glacier Elevation Changes from ICESat-2 Data

ABSTRACT Studying glacier changes is essential for understanding global glacier mass balance, patterns in climate change, and the potential consequences they may have. The glaciers of Geladandong Mountain serve as a crucial water source for the Yangtze River and its downstream regions. Any changes in the glacier at the river source will directly impact the ecological environment and water recycling process downstream. This study presents an approach for monitoring Geladandong Mountain glacier elevation changes using ICESat-2 data combined with a Binned Multilevel Regression Fitting Method (BMRFM). We analysed multi-year ICESat-2 data, considering various topographic features, to understand glaciers’ annual and seasonal elevation changes. Our research reveals significant spatial heterogeneity in glacier elevation changes, influenced by altitude, slope, and aspect factors. It demonstrates the effectiveness of ICESat-2 in glacier monitoring, offering insights into the impacts of climate change on glacier dynamics. Moreover, the results indicate a predominant trend of ongoing melting at lower altitudes, with a small amount of accretion at higher elevations. Over the last two decades, the overall elevation change rate is −0.23 ± 0.12 metres per year. Seasonal analysis shows substantial glacier thickening from April to August, primarily due to increased precipitation offsetting elevated temperatures. This study offers a robust method for monitoring glaciers using satellite data, thereby advancing the precision and reliability of glacier research.

Effects of Perforated Plates on Shock Structure Alteration for NACA0012 Cascade Configurations

To alleviate the shock boundary layer interaction adverse effects, various active or passive flow control strategies have been investigated in the literature. This research sheds light on the behavior of perforated plates as passive flow control techniques applied to NACA0012 airfoils in cascade configurations. Two identical perforated plates with shallow cavities underneath are accommodated on the upper and lower surfaces of each airfoil in the cascade arrangement. Six different cascade arrangements, including a baseline configuration with no control applied, are additively manufactured, with different perforated plate orifice sizes in the range of 0.5–1.2 mm. A high-speed wind tunnel with Schlieren optical diagnosis and wall static pressure taps is used to investigate the changes in the shock waves pattern triggered by the perforated plates. Steady 3D density-based numerical simulations in Ansys FLUENT are conducted for further analysis and validation. In the cascade configuration, the perforated plates alter the shock structure, and the strong normal shock wave is replaced by a weaker X-type shock structure. Eventually, a 1% penalty in overall total pressure loss is induced by the perforated plates because of the negative loss balance between the reduced shock losses and the enhanced viscous losses. Further studies on perforated plate geometrical features are needed to improve this outcome in a cascade arrangement.

Characteristics and Driving Factors of Energy Balance over Different Underlying Surfaces in the Qinghai Plateau

The study of the surface energy balance characteristics of different ecosystems in the Qinghai Plateau is of great significance for a deeper understanding of land surface processes, the water cycle, and global climate change. This study aims to compare the seasonal variations in energy balance and partitioning of four typical ecosystems on the Qinghai Plateau—swamp meadows, subalpine mountain meadows, alpine shrublands, and alpine deserts. Mantel analysis and path analysis were used to explore the regulatory mechanisms of meteorological elements on energy fluxes and the Bowen ratio (β). The results showed the following: (1) Net radiation (Rn), sensible heat flux (H), and latent heat flux (LE) all exhibited a single-peak pattern of change, and the energy partitioning was closely related to the hydrothermal conditions. Swamp meadows and subalpine mountain meadows were dominated by LE throughout the year and the growing season, while H dominated in the non-growing season. Meanwhile, alpine shrublands and alpine deserts were dominated by H throughout the year. (2) β reflected the characteristics of turbulent fluxes variations and the moisture level of the underlying surface. Swamp meadows and subalpine mountain meadows were relatively moist, with the value of β all being less than 1. Alpine shrublands and deserts were comparatively arid, with the values of β all exceeding 1. The energy closure rate ranged from 48% to 90%, with better energy closure conditions observed during the growing season compared to the non-growing season. (3) Meteorological factors collectively regulated the variations in energy fluxes and its partitioning, with H and LE being primarily influenced by Rn, relative humidity (RH), and soil moisture (Ms). β was significantly affected by RH, Ms, and the saturated vapor pressure deficit (VPD). The sensitivity of the ecosystems to changes in fluxes increased with decreasing moisture, especially in alpine deserts, with Ms, VPD and RH being the most affected. Swamp meadows were significantly associated with air temperature (Ta), soil temperature (Ts), and wind speed; subalpine mountain meadows with Ta and Ts; and alpine shrublands with Ta. These results provided a basis for further analyses of the energy balance characteristics and partitioning differences of different ecosystems on the Qinghai Plateau.

Anterior Slope-Modifying Osteotomies Alter the Length Change Behavior of the Superficial Medial Collateral Ligament: A Biomechanical Study.

Increased tibial slope has been shown to lead to higher rates of anterior cruciate ligament graft failure. A slope-decreasing osteotomy can reduce in situ anterior cruciate ligament force and may mitigate this risk. However, how this procedure may affect the length change behavior of the medial ligamentous structures is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of anterior slope-modifying osteotomies on the medial ligamentous structures. It was hypothesized that (1) decreasing the tibial slope would lead to shortening of the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL), (2) while the fibers of the posterior oblique ligament (POL) would be unaffected. Descriptive laboratory study. Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric knee specimens underwent anatomic dissection to precisely identify the medial ligamentous structures. The knees were mounted in a custom-made kinematics rig with the quadriceps muscle and iliotibial tract loaded. An anterior slope-modifying osteotomy was performed and fixed using an external fixator, which allowed modification of the wedge height between -15 and +10 mm in 5-mm increments. Threads were mounted between pins positioned at the anterior, middle, and posterior parts of the tibial and femoral attachments of the sMCL and POL. For different tibial slope modifications, length changes between the tibiofemoral pin combinations were recorded using a rotary encoder as the knee was flexed between 0° and 120°. All sMCL fiber regions shortened with slope reduction (P < .001) and lengthened with slope increase (P < .001), with the anterior sMCL fibers more affected than the posterior sMCL fibers. A 15-mm anterior closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy (ACWHTO) resulted in a 6.9% ± 3.0% decrease in the length of the anterior sMCL fibers compared with a 3.6% ± 2.3% decrease for the posterior sMCL fibers. A 10-mm anterior opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (AOWHTO) increased anterior sMCL fiber length by 5.9% ± 2.3% and posterior sMCL fiber length by 1.6% ± 1.0%. The POL fibers were not significantly affected by a slope-modifying osteotomy. Tibial slope-modifying osteotomies changed the length change pattern of the sMCL such that an AOWHTO increased whereas an ACWHTO decreased the sMCL strain. This effect was most pronounced for the anterior fibers of the sMCL. The length change pattern of the POL remained unaffected by slope-modifying osteotomy. Surgeons should be aware that anterior tibial slope-modifying osteotomies affect the biomechanics of the sMCL. After an extensive ACWHTO, patients may develop a medial or anteromedial instability, while an AOWHTO may overconstrain the medial compartment.

Analysis of changes in serum calcium and magnesium levels during plateletpheresis on different apheresis machines in healthy donors: A cross-sectional study

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The most common observed complication of plateletpheresis procedure is hypocalcemia due to citrate’s chelation of free calcium. Magnesium is also affected by citrate infusion. We have evaluated the impact of plateletpheresis on the total serum calcium (Ca++) and magnesium (Mg++) levels of the donor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty-seven healthy plateletpheresis donors were included in the study. Samples were collected from the donor at 0 min (baseline), 30 min, and 60 min, at the end of the procedure and 30 min after completion of the procedure. The pattern of changes in serum Ca++ and serum Mg++ levels at different time points for different apheresis machines (Fenwal Amicus, Fresenius COM.TEC, Spectra Optia, and Hemonetics MCS+) was studied. RESULTS: A significant decline in serum Ca++ and serum Mg++ levels from baseline to the end of the procedure was observed. This decline was observed maximum for Hemonetics MCS+. The baseline values were regained 30 min after completion of the procedure. Difference from baseline values 30 min after the procedure was lowest in amicus in the case of serum Ca++ and COM.TEC in case of serum Mg++. Twenty donors (14.60%) experienced adverse donor reactions. CONCLUSION: Serum calcium and serum magnesium levels decreased transiently during the procedure and regained normal values after 30 min of the completion of the plateletpheresis procedure on all four apheresis machines (whether based on continuous or intermittent centrifugation). Hence, it is concluded from our study that plateletpheresis is a well-tolerated and safe procedure.

5174 A longitudinal retrospective cohort study on the application of the Superimposition by translation and rotation (SITAR) model to estimate body composition growth trajectory in Korean children and adolescents during puberty

Abstract Disclosure: S. Kim: None. S. Kim: None. J. Suh: None. Introduction: In addition to adulthood, pediatricians have noted a growing emphasis on research concerning sarcopenic obesity. Studies in this field have expanded beyond basic BMI-related inquiries, actively delving into investigations based on body fat mass (BFM) and fat-free mass (FFM). However, limited research has systematically analyzed the acquisition of body composition during children and adolescence based on longitudinal data. Objective: This study aims to assess the acquisition of weight, FFM, and BFM during the pubertal growth of Korean children and adolescents. Methods: This study utilized mixed longitudinal body measurement and body composition data, employing bioelectrical impedance analysis, from 4,641 height measurements (2,204 for boys and 2,437 for girls) obtained from 361 individuals (170 boys and 191 girls) among Korean children and adolescents aged 7 to 18. The SITAR (the Superimposition by Translation and Rotation) model, a shape-invariant growth curve model, was used to estimate a reference height velocity curve during pubertal growth. Results: The SITAR methodology allowed us to investigate the timing, magnitude, and intensity of adolescent weight, FFM, and BFM gain. The results revealed significant differences in growth trajectories between boys and girls, with boys exhibiting a persistent elevation in FFM and a pattern of ascent followed by a decline in BFM, while girls show an increase in BFM and a deceleration in FFM growth. In Korean boys, the peak weight velocity (PWV) occurred at a mean age of 12.41 years, with a rate of 8.19 kg/year. Peak fat-free mass velocity (PFV) was observed at a mean age of 9.69 years, with a rate of 7.60 kg/year, and peak body fat mass velocity (PBV) at a mean age of 12.70 years, with a rate of 2.67 kg/year. In Korean girls, the mean age of PWV was 11.28 years, with a velocity of 6.33 kg/year. PFV occurred at a mean age of 12.33 years, with a rate of 4.86 kg/year, and PBV at a mean age of 11.13 years, with a rate of 2.72 kg/year. The ages of peak velocities of height (PHV), PWV, PFV, and PBW positively correlated. Conclusions: This study is the first to apply the SITAR model to examine the acquisition of body composition in Korean children and adolescents. Future research should delve into exploring the connections between various disease groups during childhood and adolescence and the patterns of change in body composition. Presentation: 6/1/2024

GAIT PATTERN INVESTIGATIONS OF BIONIC PIEZOELECTRIC ROBOT

The development of micro-robots based on bionic motion has garnered increasing attention with the advancement of bionic technology. These micro-robots can be employed in various tasks, such as military applications, disaster search and rescue, in vivo drug delivery, minimally invasive surgery, and tumor treatment. Robot joint motion is commonly achieved through actuators, which encompass motor, hydraulic, or pneumatic components that often carry excessive weight. To achieve the goal of miniaturizing robotic mechanisms, innovative actuators need to be developed. This study focuses on designing a four-limbed micro-robot that utilizes piezoelectric actuators. Automatic Dynamic Analysis of the Mechanical System is employed to investigate the kinematic aspects of the micro-robot’s motion, and finite element analysis is also used to obtain the resonant characteristics of the limbs actuated by piezoelectric bimorphs. The results indicate that the gait pattern of a piezoelectric robot changes according to the walking strategy and the robot dimension. The forward travel speed varies depending on the gait pattern, and adjustments in gait design can reduce the up/down oscillation and right/left offset. The robot’s travel speed increases with both trunk and limb length, although longer thigh and leg lengths might lead to greater offset and vertical oscillation. The resonant frequency and mode shapes change with the limb structure and affect the limb motion style. By adjusting the driving frequency of the bimorph actuators, the gait pattern can be manipulated. The information presented in this study contributes to a deeper understanding of micro-robot design.

Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar dan Berfikir Kritis PAKBP dengan Model PBL Berbantuan Media Audio Visual Fase B Kelas IV SDN Sawahan

The implementation of the "Merdeka Belajar" (Freedom to Learn) Curriculum faces various challenges, including in terms of curriculum implementation and adjustment. These challenges include changes in student learning patterns, the broader role of teachers, and efforts to meet the established educational standards. In the context of the Merdeka Curriculum, Catholic religious education in Indonesia focuses on developing students' understanding of religion, moral values, and Catholic spirituality, while also emphasizing the Pancasila student profile.The Merdeka Curriculum has also had impacts and posed challenges at SD Negeri Sawahan Surakarta regarding students' academic performance or learning outcomes. For example, in the cognitive aspect, when studying the Grade IV lesson on Developing My Abilities, the students' learning outcomes were unsatisfactory. Out of a total of 6 students, around 4 (67%) scored below the Minimum Completeness Criteria (KKM), which was set at 75. In this classroom action research, the researcher focuses on the dimension of critical thinking, based on the importance of building strong character and mental attitudes in the younger generation, especially in facing complex global challenges. Creative thinking skills will result in more effective learning and develop higher reasoning abilities that can be used to solve various problems in learning. Students with creative thinking skills tend to have high intrinsic motivation, strong drive, self-confidence, and better thinking abilities. In this model, the teacher acts as a facilitator who helps students develop deep understanding and relevant skills through motivation, stimulating questions, and support for meaningful learning experiences. PBL focuses on common everyday problems, and its process involves problem identification, data collection, and the use of data to solve problems. The primary goal of PBL is to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and knowledge acquisition, helping to improve students' learning outcomes and critical thinking skills in the topic of developing self-abilities in Grade IV at SD Negeri Sawahan, Surakarta.

Simulating runoff changes and evaluating under climate change using CMIP6 data and the optimal SWAT model: a case study

This study examines the influence of climate change on hydrological processes, particularly runoff, and how it affects managing water resources and ecosystem sustainability. It uses CMIP6 data to analyze changes in runoff patterns under different Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP). This study also uses a Deep belief network (DBN) and a Modified Sparrow Search Optimizer (MSSO) to enhance the runoff forecasting capabilities of the SWAT model. DBN can learn complex patterns in the data and improve the accuracy of runoff forecasting. The meta-heuristic algorithm optimizes the models through iterative search processes and finds the optimal parameter configuration in the SWAT model. The Optimal SWAT Model accurately predicts runoff patterns, with high precision in capturing variability, a strong connection between projected and actual data, and minimal inaccuracy in its predictions, as indicated by an ENS score of 0.7152 and an R2 coefficient of determination of 0.8012. The outcomes of the forecasts illustrated that the runoff will decrease in the coming years, which could threaten the water source. Therefore, managers should manage water resources with awareness of these conditions.

Spatio-temporal pattern change of LULC and its response to climate in the Loess Plateau, China

Exploring land use/cover (LULC) change is essential for the sustainable development of ecologically fragile areas. The main objective of this study was to clarify the characteristics and differences in the spatiotemporal changes of LULC on the Loess Plateau (LP) based on the transfer matrix and land use dynamics and to quantitatively describe the impact of natural factors on LULC using a geodetector. The results indicated that the overall LULC change in the LP was characterized by a decrease in the area of cropland, grassland, and bare land, and an increase in the area of woodland and built-up land. This trend shows a clear phase-change characteristic around 2000. LULC changes were primarily affected by human activities in the southeastern agricultural region. The project of returning farmland to forest and grassland had a great impact on LULC change in the central region. Vegetation was sensitive to temperature and precipitation, and the impact of LULC change was significantly higher than that in the humid region in the northwest arid region. NDVI, PRE, and TEM were determined to be the main contributors to LULC changes in the LP. These results provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development of LP.

Quantifying Asymmetric Gait Pattern Changes Using a Hidden Markov Model Similarity Measure (HMM-SM) on Inertial Sensor Signals.

Wearable gait analysis systems using inertial sensors offer the potential for easy-to-use gait assessment in lab and free-living environments. This can enable objective long-term monitoring and decision making for individuals with gait disabilities. This study explores a novel approach that applies a hidden Markov model-based similarity measure (HMM-SM) to assess changes in gait patterns based on the gyroscope and accelerometer signals from just one or two inertial sensors. Eleven able-bodied individuals were equipped with a system which perturbed gait patterns by manipulating stance-time symmetry. Inertial sensor data were collected from various locations on the lower body to train hidden Markov models. The HMM-SM was evaluated to determine whether it corresponded to changes in gait as individuals deviated from their baseline, and whether it could provide a reliable measure of gait similarity. The HMM-SM showed consistent changes in accordance with stance-time symmetry in the following sensor configurations: pelvis, combined upper leg signals, and combined lower leg signals. Additionally, the HMM-SM demonstrated good reliability for the combined upper leg signals (ICC = 0.803) and lower leg signals (ICC = 0.795). These findings provide preliminary evidence that the HMM-SM could be useful in assessing changes in overall gait patterns. This could enable the development of compact, wearable systems for unsupervised gait assessment, without the requirement to pre-identify and measure a set of gait parameters.

Skin organoid transplantation promotes tissue repair with scarless in frostbite.

Frostbite is the most common cold injury and is caused by both immediate cold-induced cell death and the gradual development of localized inflammation and tissue ischemia. Delayed healing of frostbite often leads to scar formation, which not only causes psychological distress but also tends to result in the development of secondary malignant tumors. Therefore, a rapid healing method for frostbite wounds is urgently needed. Herein, we used a mouse skin model of frostbite injury to evaluate the recovery process after frostbite. Moreover, single-cell transcriptomics was used to determine the patterns of changes in monocytes, macrophages, epidermal cells and fibroblasts during frostbite. Most importantly, human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) -derived skin organoids combining with gelatin-hydrogel were constructed for the treatment of frostbite. The results showed that skin organoid treatment significantly accelerated wound healing by reducing early inflammation after frostbite and increasing the proportions of epidermal stem cells. Moreover, in the later stage of wound healing, skin organoids reduced the overall proportions of fibroblasts, significantly reduced fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition by regulating the integrin α5β1-FAK pathway, and remodeled the extracellular matrix (ECM) through degradation and reassembly mechanisms, facilitating the restoration of physiological ECM and reducing the abundance of ECM associated with abnormal scar formation. These results highlight the potential application of organoids for promoting the reversal of frostbite-related injury and the recovery of skin functions. This study provides a new therapeutic alternative for patients suffering from disfigurement and skin dysfunction caused by frostbite.

Musculoskeletal Health Problems Among the Loom Weavers of Sirajganj District, Bangladesh

Land use change is increasing in West Nusa Tenggara province, especially in Bima district. This condition occurs because people who make land use change patterns that are utilized as agricultural areas for corn commodities. The limited agricultural land in Bima Regency with the potential for good selling prices of corn commodities is a major factor in land use change, this has an impact on flood disaster vulnerability. This study aimed to determine the condition of the livelihood assets of seasonal corn farmers in the Bima district. The research method used a descriptive presentative statistical approach. The sample in this study amounted to 97 respondents who were taken in 8 districts with flood vulnerability, namely Sanggar, Madapangga, Palibelo, Woha, Belo, Monta, Sape, and Lambu. Random sampling was used to determine the respondents. The results showed that the condition of the livelihood assets of seasonal corn farmers in Bima District from 8 flood-prone villages is dominated by human resources, where the average percentage value is 83%. This is followed by physical assets at 81% and natural and financial resources at 71%, while the lowest is social assets with a percentage value of 69%. The farmer livelihood assets with high percentage values in each flood-prone area are human resources in Sanggar, natural resources in Palibelo, financial and physical in Sape, and social assets in Palibelo and Woha. The pentagon of livelihood assets does not form a triangle, so it can be concluded that there is inequality between assets. The lack of agricultural land owned by farmers encourages the use of land cover as corn farmland. This can be seen from the use of land by farmers that is not their own, resulting in environmental damage that causes flood vulnerability. Keywords: Land use change, Livelihood assets, Flood Disaster

Pattern of IgM and IgG changes depending on the pathological process duration in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis

Pattern of IgM and IgG changes depending on the pathological process duration in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis

Models and observations agree on fewer and milder midlatitude cold extremes even over recent decades of rapid Arctic warming.

An apparent increase in observed cold extremes over recent decades in the northern midlatitudes has been reported, in contrast to robust decreases predicted by climate models. This discrepancy has led to suggestions that models fail to accurately simulate changes in weather patterns caused by Arctic warming. Here, we show that the observed frequency and intensity of midlatitude cold extremes have strongly decreased since 1990 and are consistent with modeled trends. The previously reported increase in cold extremes was overestimated due to an artifact of changing data coverage. We also show that the fraction of land with observed cold extreme increases over recent decades is consistent with model internal variability on top of a near-uniform forced reduction in cold extremes across the midlatitudes. Our results provide strong evidence of a decrease in midlatitude cold extremes over recent decades and consistency between models and observations.

Effects of testosterone and metformin on the GlycanAge index of biological age and the composition of the IgG glycome.

With aging, the body's ability to maintain regular functions declines, increasing susceptibility to age-related diseases. Therapeutic interventions targeting the underlying biological changes of aging hold promise for preventing or delaying multiple age-related diseases. Metformin, a drug commonly used for diabetes treatment, has emerged as a potential gerotherapeutic agent due to its established safety record and preclinical and clinical data on its anti-aging effects. Glycosylation, one of the most common and complex co- and post-translational protein modifications, plays a crucial role in regulating protein function and has been linked to aging and various diseases. Changes in immunoglobulin G (IgG) glycosylation patterns have been observed with age, and these alterations may serve as valuable biomarkers for disease predisposition, diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and overall health assessment. In this study, we analyzed the IgG glycosylation patterns of white men from Europe, aged 29-45years, under treatment with metformin, testosterone, metformin plus testosterone, and placebo (trial registration number NCT02514629, 2013/07/04), and investigated the longitudinal changes in glycosylation over time. We observed statistically significant differences in the IgG glycome composition between participants on testosterone therapy and placebo, with decreased agalactosylation and increased galactosylation and sialylation. However, metformin therapy did not result in statistically significant changes in glycosylation patterns. These findings contribute to our understanding of the impact of therapeutic interventions on IgG glycosylation and confirm the value of IgG glycosylation as a significant biomarker, capable of assessing biological age using the GlycanAge index and providing insight into overall health compared to chronological age.

Systematic Review of Consumer Price Index Methods and Software: Evidence from ASEAN Countries and Scholarly Research

This comprehensive systematic review provides an in-depth analysis of consumer price index (CPI) methods and software use in Asian countries. The study looks at the practises used by countries to calculate CPI, with an overwhelming preference for monthly calculations, reflecting the dynamic economic growth of the region. The use of household expenditure surveys and weighting sources ensures that CPI accurately captures changes in consumer spending patterns and the relative importance of different goods and services. Applications of CPI in Asian countries cover a wide range, including indexation of wages, pensions and social security contributions, as well as its central role as a main indicator for monetary policy decisions, macroeconomic modelling and various analytical purposes. The systematic review highlights various calculation methods for CPI, including the Carli index, the Laspeyres index, the chained Jevons index and the Dutot index, each of which has different strengths and weaknesses that affect the accuracy and reliability of CPI's measurements. In terms of software, the study encounters a range of applications, including Microsoft Excel, SAS, STATA, R, Python, EViews and SPSS, each offering versatile capacities for statistical analysis and econometric modelling. In addition, the study explores potential software alternatives such as Gretl, Julia, EpiData, GNU Octave, Tableau, Matplotlib, Seaborn and QGIS, whose suitability for CPI calculations should be considered. The research findings highlight the importance of transparent and accurate CPI calculations in shaping effective policy decisions. Policy makers can use these findings to refine CPI measurements to enable well-informed strategies to steer the economy. The study suggests avenues for future research that include assessing specific impacts of CPI calculations, further developing software tools, and incorporating consumer perceptions into CPI development.

Elucidating the role of DNA methylation in low-salinity adaptation of the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus

The swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus holds significant economic value in the aquaculture industry in China. Salinity is an important environmental factor that affects its growth and susceptibility to diseases. DNA methylation, a well-studied epigenetic mechanism, plays a pivotal role in the stress response of organisms. Herein we performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) to assess changes in DNA methylation patterns in P. trituberculatus gill tissues before and after exposure to low-salinity stress. Overall, 33,712 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were screened and 3546 functional genes were identified, many of which were notably enriched in pathways related to, for example, proteolysis and amino acid metabolism. By integrating WGBS and previous RNA-seq data, we identified 187 overlapping genes between differentially expressed genes and differentially methylated genes. Our findings reveal molecular mechanisms via which DNA methylation participates in low-salinity adaptation by regulating gene expression. Moreover, our data provide preliminary evidence of the substantial role of DNA methylation in facilitating salinity adaptation in P. trituberculatus and contribute to a systematic understanding of the mechanisms underpinning low-salinity adaptation in this species.

Changes in the radial growth patterns of two dominant tree species in north-central China under climate warming

The radial growth pattern of alpine coniferous trees in the mid-high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere has an unstable and inconsistent response to climate warming. Understanding the growth trends of trees in the past and future is crucial for forest cultivation against the background of climate change. Thus, we used traditional dendroclimatological methods to analyze the radial growth patterns and stability in response to climate change of the two dominant species on Guancen Mountain and concluded that: (1) the radial growth of Larix principis-rupprechtii was more sensitive than that of Picea meyeri to climatic factors; (2) before and after the abrupt temperature change, the major controlling climatic factors for the radial growth of the two dominant species were spring precipitation and mean temperature, respectively; (3) before the abrupt temperature change, the radial growth of L. principis-rupprechtii was affected by the mean temperature in autumn, while that of P. meyeri was restricted by the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index in spring; after the abrupt temperature change, the major controlling climate factors of L. principis-rupprechtii and P. meyeri were winter drought and the combination of water and heat in summer, respectively; and (4) after the abrupt temperature change, the interannual basal area increments of the two species followed an upward trend, however, the radial growth rate of both species decreased after detrending, and the growth and development of both species were seriously stressed by drought. Under the background of climate warming, to explore the coping situation of different tree species in the same habitat, to provide theoretical and mechanism support for the future cultivation of forests according to local conditions, and to provide suggestions for the "greening" problem fundamentally.

Inflammatory and cardiovascular markers in placenta following SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy: A Swedish prospective cohort study

IntroductionMaternal SARS-CoV-2 infection can affect pregnancy outcome, but the placental response to and the effect of timing of infection is not well studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the placental levels of inflammatory and cardiovascular markers in pregnancies complicated by SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to non-infected pregnancies, and to investigate whether there was an association between time point of infection during pregnancy and placental inflammatory and cardiovascular protein levels. MethodsPlacental samples from a prospectively recruited pregnancy cohort of SARS-CoV-2-infected (n = 53) and non-infected (n = 50) women were analysed for 177 inflammatory and cardiovascular proteins, using an antibody-based proximity extension assay. In the SARS-CoV-2-infected group, half of the women were infected before 20 weeks of gestation, and five women were hospitalised for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Single-protein analyses were performed with linear mixed effects models, followed by Benjamini-Hochberg correction for multiple testing. Multi-protein analyses were performed using principal component analysis and machine learning algorithms. ResultsThe perinatal outcomes and the placental levels of inflammatory or cardiovascular proteins in women with SARS-CoV-2 infection were similar to those in non-infected women. There were no differences in inflammatory or cardiovascular protein levels between early and late pregnancy SARS-CoV-2 infection, nor any linear correlations between protein levels and gestational age at time of infection. DiscussionWomen with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy without clinical signs of placental insufficiency have no changes in inflammatory or cardiovascular protein patterns in placenta at time of birth regardless of the timing of the infection.