Changes In Levels Research Articles

Creep deformation monitoring of landslides in a reservoir area

Effective utilization of reservoirs facilitates the distribution of water resources in both time and space, providing strong support for the sustainable growth of the economy and society. However, the periodic water level fluctuations of a reservoir during its operation may lead to geological hazards such as landslides. Here, we conducted a comparative analysis of the deformation processes of reservoir and non-reservoir landslides in the Jilintai area between 2017 and 2022 using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology and wavelet analysis. Results show that more unstable locations were found on shaded slopes with a soil moisture of 6–10% than on sunny ones with a soil moisture of 15–19%. Both reservoir and non-reservoir landslides showed continuous and prolonged creep displacement over time. The deformation curve of the reservoir landslides displayed a step-like trend, whereas it was a linear trend without the discernible acceleration period for the non-reservoir landslides. Furthermore, the wavelet analysis revealed that the deformation of reservoir landslides follows a one-year period, almost synchrony with reservoir level changes. The results from this work deepen our understanding of kinematic processes of reservoir and non-reservoir landslides, which is crucial for reasonable and effective landslide monitoring and prevention.

Habitable planet to sustainable civilization: Global climate change with related clean energy transition reliant on declining critical metal resources

It took nearly four billion years after the birth of the Earth to make our planet habitable in terms of marine and terrestrial environment, resources, and life. This was made possible because of Earth’s unique tectonic system of recycling of critical elements through plate tectonics and subduction. However, with the spiraling growth in population and fast depletion of metallic resources, modern civilization is facing a severe energy crisis, in addition to the challenges to environment and life posed by anthropogenic activities and climate change. Here we present an outline of the evolutionary tectonic and geodynamic history of Earth from its birth into a habitable planet. We briefly address the current challenges that humans face in the fields of energy, environment, resources, and climate towards achieving sustainability of our modern civilization. We also evaluate the paradox of Net Zero targets, particularly in terms of the fast depletion of non-renewable critical metals required for alternate energy, as well as the threat of increasing ‘graveyards’ from green energy toxic waste enveloping the globe. We alert the unsound concepts being propagated, as viewed from a geological scale and geoscience perspective, on global warming and sea level changes. Our study emphasizes the need for a holistic logical and well-integrated scientific approach, rather than a one-dimensional climate science view, to effectively address the challenges of the planet’s sustainability.

Individualized Perioperative Hemodynamic Management Using Hypotension Prediction Index Software and the Dynamics of Troponin and NTproBNP Concentration Changes in Patients Undergoing Oncological Abdominal Surgery.

Abdominal oncologic surgeries pose significant risks due to the complexity of the surgery and patients' often weakened health, multiple comorbidities, and increased perioperative hazards. Hypotension is a major risk factor for perioperative cardiovascular complications, necessitating individualized management in modern anesthesiology. This study aimed to determine the dynamics of changes in troponin and NTproBNP levels during the first two postoperative days in patients undergoing major cancer abdominal surgery with advanced hemodynamic monitoring including The AcumenTM Hypotension Prediction Index software (HPI) (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) and their association with the occurrence of postoperative cardiovascular complications. A prospective study was conducted, including 50 patients scheduled for abdominal cancer surgery who, due to the overall risk of perioperative complications (ASA class 3 or 4), were monitored using the HPI software. Hypotension was qualified as at least one ≥ 1 min episode of a MAP < 65 mm Hg. Preoperatively and 24 and 48 h after the procedure, the levels of NTproBNP and troponin were measured, and an ECG was performed. We analyzed data from 46 patients and found that 82% experienced at least one episode of low blood pressure (MAP < 65 mmHg). However, the quality indices of hypotension were low, with a median time-weighted average MAP < 65 mmHg of 0.085 (0.03-0.19) mmHg and a median of 2 (2-1.17) minutes spent below MAP < 65 mmHg. Although the incidence of perioperative myocardial injury was 10%, there was no evidence to suggest a relationship with hypotension. Acute kidney injury was seen in 23.9% of patients, and it was significantly associated with a number of episodes of MAP < 50 mmHg. Levels of NTproBNP were significantly higher on the first postoperative day compared to preoperative values (285.8 [IQR: 679.8] vs. 183.9 [IQR: 428.1] pg/mL, p < 0.001). However, they decreased on the second day (276.65 [IQR: 609.4] pg/mL, p = 0.154). The dynamics of NTproBNP were similar for patients with and without heart failure, although those with heart failure had significantly higher preoperative concentrations (435.9 [IQR: 711.15] vs. 87 [IQR: 232.2] pg/mL, p < 0.001). Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery showed a statistically significant increase in NTproBNP. This study suggests that advanced HPI monitoring in abdominal cancer surgery effectively minimizes intraoperative hypotension with no significant NTproBNP or troponin perioperative dynamics, irrespective of preoperative heart failure.

Three-year study of DNA cytosine methylation dynamics in transplanted Malbec grapevines

DNA cytosine methylation, an epigenetic mechanism involved in gene regulation and genome stability, remains poorly understood in terms of its role under changing environmental conditions. Previous research using methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) markers in a Vitis vinifera L. cv. Malbec clone showed vineyard-specific DNA methylation polymorphism, but no change in overall methylation levels. To complement these findings, the present study investigates the intra-seasonal epigenetic dynamics between genetically identical plants grown in different vineyards through a transplanting experiment. Cuttings of the same clone, showing differential methylation patterns imposed by the vineyard of origin (Agrelo and Gualtallary), were cultivated in a common vineyard (Lunlunta). Using high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection, the quantification of global DNA 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) levels revealed relatively low overall 5-mC percentages in grapevines, with higher levels in Agrelo (5.8%) compared to Gualtallary plants (3.7%). The transplanted plants maintained the 5-mC levels differences between vineyards (9.8% vs 6.2%), which equalized in subsequent seasons (7.5% vs 7%). Additionally, the study examined 5-mC polymorphism using MSAP markers in Lunlunta transplanted plants over three seasons. The observed differences between vineyards in MSAP patterns during the initial growing season gradually diminished, suggesting a reprogramming of the hemimethylated pattern following implantation in the common vineyard. In contrast, the non-methylated pattern exhibited greater stability, indicating a potential memory effect. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the dynamic nature of DNA methylation in grapevines under changing environmental conditions, with potential implications for crop management and breeding strategies.

Seismic resilience assessment of extended pile shaft supported coastal bridges considering scour and uniform corrosion effects

The resilience-informed assessment for coastal highway bridges exposed to multiple hazards plays a crucial role in the decision-making process for their operation, maintenance, and management during the bridge’s long-term service period. This study performs a seismic resilience assessment for a coastal reinforced concrete (RC) bridge under the combined effects of scour and uniform corrosion. Toward this goal, an extended pile shaft supported coastal RC bridge is taken as the benchmark and fifteen scenarios are generated to cover three regular scour conditions and five different corrosion levels. To inform the bridge management, the probabilistic distribution of the bridge service time corresponding to different corrosion levels is developed. Subsequently, the finite element model (FEM) for each scenario of the benchmark coastal highway RC bridge is developed, involving the soil-pile interaction and considering the uncertainty of structural and geotechnical parameters, as well as earthquake ground motions. The failure mode of the corroded extended pile shaft is identified as a flexural failure by comparing their flexural and shear capacities. Finally, a resilience loss ratio is proposed in this study for the first time to quantify the impacts of corrosion level and scour depth changes on seismic resilience across different ground motion intensities. Results indicate that both the seismic fragility and resilience decrease as the corrosion intensifies over time. Specifically, at a given intensity measure (IM) level, the resilience loss ratio increases as the corrosion level intensifies. For the studied benchmark bridge, the scour significantly increases the structural fundamental period, consequently reducing the curvature demand on the pile shaft. As a result, the scour generally decreases the failure probability and the earthquake-induced functionality loss for the extended pile shaft. As scour depth increases, the resilience loss of the bridge at a given corrosion level decreases.

Increase in physical activity is associated with an increase in sleep efficiency, but not with improvement in symptoms of PTSD: analysis of longitudinal data in trauma-affected refugees

BackgroundIn trauma-affected refugees with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), research on physical activity is scarce. Knowing more about the relation between physical activity and PTSD symptoms may provide insight into physical activity as a possible target in the treatment of PTSD. The aim of the present study was to examine whether baseline and change in level of physical activity from baseline to end of treatment were related to, respectively, baseline and change in PTSD symptoms, quality of life, sleep quality, and sleep efficiency in trauma-affected refugees.MethodsLongitudinal data from a randomized controlled trial were analysed with multiple linear regression. Level of physical activity and sleep efficiency were measured with actigraphy and symptoms of PTSD, sleep quality, and quality of life were measured with self-report questionnaires.ResultsA higher level of physical activity was significantly associated with better baseline sleep quality, borderline associated with quality of life, but not with symptoms of PTSD, or sleep efficiency. Furthermore, an increase in level of physical activity was significantly associated with improvement in sleep efficiency. Change in level of physical activity was not significantly associated with improvement in PTSD symptoms, quality of life, or sleep quality.ConclusionThe novelty of the current study lies in the finding of no relation between a change in level of physical activity and a change in symptoms of PTSD. The results point to a complex relation between sleep, physical activity and PTSD and point towards a need for studies on these relations to provide effective interventions in trauma-affected refugees.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ID (NCT02761161), April 27, 2016.

Prefabricated shouldered abutments enable successful restoration of molar crowns on implants.

This retrospective study evaluated the effect of selected clinical and patient factors on survival, success, and peri-implant bone level changes of locking taper implants supporting molar crowns on Bicon's prefabricated shouldered abutments. A total of 234 patients, who received 274 single molar crowns supported by locking taper implants were included in this retrospective study. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess overall implant survival, prostheses survival, and success. Crowns were either monolithic (resin based) or bilayered (milled fiber-reinforced composite coping veneered with indirect composite). Early and late changes in marginal bone levels were plotted and analyzed with equivalence testing to compare the effects of different factors on crestal bone levels. At 9.5 years after implant surgery, the implant survival probability was 94.2%, the probability of prosthesis survival was 91.4%, and the probability of prosthetic success was 90.4%. Neither the use of different crown materials, nor the choice of monolithic versus bilayered crown construction, significantly affected the probability of prosthetic success. Marginal bone levels, on average, trended downwards towards the top of the implant within the first 2 years after functional loading, and remained stable on average, since then. Factors affecting bone levels included the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which precluded early implant bone loss; and subcrestal implant placement, which was linked to significantly higher long-term bone levels. The implant and abutment system studied resulted in high implant and prosthetic survival rates, regardless of prosthetic material used, with stable bone levels over time.

Efficacy and safety of enavogliflozin vs. dapagliflozin as add-on therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus based on renal function: a pooled analysis of two randomized controlled trials

BackgroundWe assessed the efficacy and safety of enavogliflozin (0.3 mg), a newly developed SGLT-2 inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus based on kidney function via pooled analysis of two 24-week, randomized, double-blind phase III trials.MethodsData from 470 patients were included (enavogliflozin: 0.3 mg/day, n = 235; dapagliflozin: 10 mg/day, n = 235). The subjects were classified by mildly reduced (60 ≤ eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m², n = 247) or normal eGFR (≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m², n = 223).ResultsIn the mildly reduced eGFR group, enavogliflozin significantly reduced the adjusted mean change of HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose levels at week 24 compared to dapagliflozin (− 0.94% vs. −0.77%, P = 0.0196). Enavogliflozin exhibited a more pronounced glucose-lowering effect by HbA1c when combined with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors than that observed in their absence. Enavogliflozin showed potent blood glucose-lowering effects regardless of renal function. Conversely, dapagliflozin showed a significant decrease in the glucose-lowering efficacy as the renal function decreased. Enavogliflozin showed a higher urinary glucose excretion rate in both groups. The homeostatic model assessment showed that enavogliflozin markedly decreased the insulin resistance. The blood pressure, weight loss, or homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function values did not differ significantly between enavogliflozin and dapagliflozin. Adverse events were similar between both drugs.ConclusionsThe glucose-lowering efficacy of enavogliflozin is superior to that of dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with mild renal function impairment; this is attributed to its potent urinary glucose excretion-promoting ability. The emergence of new and potent SGLT-2 inhibitors is considered an attractive option for patients with inadequate glycemic control and decreased renal function.Trial registrationNot applicable (pooled analysis).

Zuogui Pill Promotes Neurite Outgrowth by Regulating OPN/ IGF-1R/PTEN and Downstream mTOR Signaling Pathway.

Zuogui pill (ZGP) is the traditional Chinese medicine for tonifying kidney yin. Clinical and animal studies have shown that ZGP effectively enhances neurologic impairment after ischemic stroke, which may be related to promoting neurite outgrowth. This investigation aimed to prove the pro-neurite outgrowth impact of ZGP and define the underlying molecular pathway in vitro. The major biochemical components in the ZGP were investigated using UPLC-QTOF-MS. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was employed to stimulate SH-SY5Y cells to develop into mature neurons, followed by oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation damage (OGD/R). Then the cells were supplemented with different concentrations of ZGP, and cell viability was identified by CCK-8. The neurites' outgrowth abilities were detected by wound healing test, while immunofluorescence staining of β-III-tubulin was used to label neurites and measure their length. Western blot was employed to discover the changes in protein levels. ZGP improved the cell viability of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells following OGD/R damage, according to the CCK-8 assay. Concurrently, ZGP promoted neurite outgrowth and improved neurite crossing and migration ability. Protein expression analysis showed that ZGP upregulated the expression of GAP43, OPN, p-IGF-1R, mTOR, and p-S6 proteins but downregulated the expression of PTEN protein. Blocking assay with IGF-1R specific inhibitor Linstinib suggested IGF-1R mediated mTOR signaling pathway was involved in the pro-neurite outgrowth effect of ZGP. This work illustrated the molecular mechanism underpinning ZGP's action and offered more proof of its ability to promote neurite outgrowth and regeneration following ischemic stroke.

Restrained Mitf-associated autophagy by Mulberroside A ameliorates osteoclastogenesis and counteracts OVX-Induced osteoporosis in mice

Bone and mineral metabolism homeostasis accounts for the maintenance of normal skeletal remodeling. However, with aging and changes in hormone levels, over-activated osteoclasts disrupt homeostasis, induce osteoporosis, and even cause osteoporotic fractures, leading to an enormous economic burden. Despite the rapid development of pharmacological therapy for osteoporosis, safer and more effective treatments remain to be explored. Here, we demonstrate that Mulberroside A (Mul-A), a natural component extracted from mulberry bark and branches, effectively suppresses osteoclastogenesis in vitro and counteracts bone loss caused by ovariectomy (OVX). The mechanism underlying this effect involves the repression of autophagic flux during osteoclastogenesis by Mul-A, which can be attributed to the restrained expression of microphthalmia-related transcription factor (Mitf) and its nuclear translocation. Importantly, Mitf overexpression partially reverses the inhibitory effects of Mul-A on autophagy and osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, applying two autophagy agonizts, rapamycin and Torin 1, attenuates the osteoclastogenic regulatory role of Mul-A. Collectively, our study demonstrates that Mul-A damages osteoclast differentiation and ameliorates osteoporosis caused by estrogen deficiency by modulation of Mitf-associated autophagy, indicating its therapeutic potential against osteoporosis.

A Simple, Fast, Sensitive LC-MS/MS Method to Quantify NAD(H) in Biological Samples: Plasma NAD(H) Measurement to Monitor Brain Pathophysiology.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a cofactor in redox reactions and an essential mediator of energy metabolism. The redox balance between NAD+ and NADH affects various diseases, cell differentiation, and aging, and in recent years there has been a growing need for measurement techniques with improved accuracy. However, NAD(H) measurements, representing both NAD+ and NADH, have been limited by the compound's properties. We achieved highly sensitive simultaneous measurement of NAD+ and NADH under non-ion pairing, mobile phase conditions of water, or methanol containing 5 mM ammonium acetate. These were achieved using a simple pre-treatment and 7-min analysis time. Use of the stable isotope 13C5-NAD+ as an internal standard enabled validation close to BMV criteria and demonstrated the robustness of NAD(H) determination. Measurements using this method showed that brain NAD(H) levels correlate strongly with plasma NAD(H) levels in the same mouse, indicating that NAD(H) concentrations in brain tissue are reflected in plasma. As NAD(H) is involved in various neurodegenerative diseases and cerebral ischemia, as well as brain diseases such as mitochondrial myopathies, monitoring changes in NADH levels in plasma after drug administration will be useful for development of future diagnostics and therapeutics.

Evidence of the change in ploidy levels in the plantlets established from endosperm culture of Persian shallot (Allium hirtifolium)

Evidence of the change in ploidy levels in the plantlets established from endosperm culture of Persian shallot (Allium hirtifolium)

Combining FAIMS based glycoproteomics and DIA proteomics reveals widespread proteome alterations in response to glycosylation occupancy changes in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Protein glycosylation is increasingly recognized as a common protein modification across bacterial species. Within the Neisseria genus O-linked protein glycosylation is conserved yet closely related Neisseria species express O-oligosaccharyltransferases (PglOs) with distinct targeting activities. Within this work, we explore the targeting capacity of different PglOs using Field Asymmetric Waveform Ion Mobility Spectrometry (FAIMS) fractionation and Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA) to allow the characterization of the impact of changes in glycosylation on the proteome of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. We demonstrate FAIMS expands the known glycoproteome of wild type N. gonorrhoeae MS11 and enables differences in glycosylation to be assessed across strains expressing different pglO allelic chimeras with unique substrate targeting activities. Combining glycoproteomic insights with DIA proteomics, we demonstrate that alterations within pglO alleles have widespread impacts on the proteome of N. gonorrhoeae. Examination of peptides known to be targeted by glycosylation using DIA analysis supports alterations in glycosylation occupancy occurs independently of changes in protein levels and that the occupancy of glycosylation is generally low on most glycoproteins. This work thus expands our understanding of the N. gonorrhoeae glycoproteome and the roles that pglO allelic variation may play in governing genus-level protein glycosylation.

A 30-year trend of dairy consumption and its determinants among income groups in Iranian households.

Milk and dairy products provide essential nutrients and have the potential to prevent chronic diseases, thus reducing healthcare costs. However, there is a lack of consistent and updated data on dairy consumption trends in Iran. This study aims to analyze the trends in dairy consumption among Iranian households from 1991 to 2021, focusing on household-level determinants across different expense groups. The study uses data from the Iranian Household Expenditure and Income Survey conducted annually from 1991 to 2021 to analyze households' dairy consumption. The data includes values and expenses of food and non-food items purchased in the previous month, as well as demographic characteristics of household members. The households were categorized into 10 deciles based on their gross expense. The econometric model used weighted mean per capita milk, yogurt, cheese, and total dairy consumption based on milk equivalent for each decile. The model takes into account changes in income, prices, household composition, education level, occupation, and residency area using panel data. Data preparation and model estimation were performed using RStudio and STATA17 software. Based on the findings, in 1991, per capita milk, yogurt, and cheese consumption were 26.77 kg, 16.63 kg, and 2.42 kg, respectively. By 2021, these figures changed to 22.68 kg, 11.06 kg, and 3.79 kg, reflecting a decrease in milk and yogurt consumption but an increase in cheese consumption. Family size was positively correlated with yogurt consumption and head of the household spouse's job score were positively correlated with milk, yogurt and cheese consumption. Also, the presence of under five-year-old children and older adults members (over the age of 60) in the household was inversely related with yogurt and cheese consumption. Female-headed households tended to purchase more cheese, while their milk purchase level was significantly lower. Residing in urban areas was negatively related to milk, while cheese and total dairy consumption was higher in urban areas. The findings highlight the importance of targeted dairy subsidy interventions and educational programs to improve dairy consumption in Iranian households, especially among vulnerable groups. This will require urging policymakers and food system stakeholders for effective strategies that address macro-level factors to promote dairy consumption.

Alteration of DNA methyltransferases by eribulin elicits broad DNA methylation changes with potential therapeutic implications for triple-negative breast cancer.

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease with limited treatment options. Eribulin, a chemotherapeutic drug, induces epigenetic changes in cancer cells, suggesting a unique mechanism of action. Materials & methods: MDA-MB 231 cells were treated with eribulin and paclitaxel, and the samples from 53 patients treated with neoadjuvant eribulin were compared with those from 14 patients who received the standard-of-care treatment using immunohistochemistry. Results: Eribulin treatment caused significant DNA methylation changes in drug-tolerant persister TNBC cells, and it also elicited changes in the expression levels of epigenetic modifiers (DNMT1, TET1, DNMT3A/B) in vitro and in primary TNBC tumors. Conclusion: These findings provide new insights into eribulin's mechanism of action and potential biomarkers for predicting TNBC treatment response.

Impact of Heat on Soil Water Repellency in Forest Soils from Different Depths using Water-Repellent Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) Forest Soil

ome soils under plant species, such as casuarina, pine, eucalyptus, cedar, and cypress, show water- repellent conditions. Wildfires are common in forests dominated by these plant species as they produce highly flammable debris. The heat generated during wildfires alters soil characteristics, including soil water repellency (SWR). The responses of SWR to heat can differ depending on the heating temperature and the soil depth. This study aimed to examine the effects of different heating temperatures on SWR through a soil profile using Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) forest soil in Japan. Soil samples were collected from four different depths (0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20 cm). Soils were exposed to heat with seven heating temperatures (TH) (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 350° C) separately for 1 h using a programmable muffle furnace. The degree (contact angle) and the persistence of SWR in both heated and non-heated samples were measured using the molarity of an ethanol droplet test and the water drop penetration time (WDPT) test, respectively. In non-heated soils, the 0-5 cm layer showed the highest SWR (contact angle ~110°; WDPT≥3600 s). SWR decreased with depth to be non-repellent at 15-20 cm (contact angle≤90°; WDPT≤1 s). In heated samples, SWR of 0-5, 5-10, and 10-15 cm layers decreased with increasing TH, while the selection from 15-20 cm was non-repellent in all treatments. Soils of 0-5 cm depth showed extreme SWR (WDPT=≥3600 s) up to 200° C and became non-repellant at 250° C, while those of 5-10 cm showed extreme SWR up to 150° C, severe SWR (WDPT~1350 s) at 200° C, and became non- repellent at 250° C. The soils from 10-15 cm showed severe SWR (WDPT~2100 s) at TH of 50° C and became non-repellent at 100° C. Results revealed that upper soil layers with higher SWR required higher TH to become non-repellent, and soils from lower layers with lower SWR became non-repellent at lower TH. Further experiments are necessary to identify the changes in molecular levels of organic matter in response to the impacts of heat on SWR. &#x0D; Keywords: Cryptomeria japonica, Laboratory heating, Soil water repellency, Wildfires

Land subsidence in Beijing: response to the joint influence of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project and ecological water replenishment, observed by satellite radar interferometry

ABSTRACT The South-to-North Water Diversion Project Middle Route (SNWD-MR) annually diverts hundreds of millions of cubic meters of water from the Danjiangkou Reservoir to Beijing, significantly impacting the regional groundwater cycle. To conserve water resources, the government has implemented ecological water replenishment (EWR) in some water systems. This study aimed to study the coupled process of groundwater dynamics and land subsidence (LS) in Yongding River (YDR) basin (Beijing section) following the implementation of the SNWD-MR and EWR. First, an Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) time series technique was used to detect spatial and temporal distributions of surface displacement between 2015 and 2020 based on satellite images from Sentinel-1A/B. The results indicated a predominant LS deceleration trend during the InSAR observation period. The area with subsidence velocity below 20 mm/yr decreased significantly by 18.6% after SNWD-MR and EWR (from 2016 to 2020). Then, groundwater level fluctuations during the InSAR observation period were analyzed using groundwater measurement well data. Over 60% of these wells showed a rebound in groundwater levels after the implementation of SNWD-MR and EWR. The polynomial distribution lag model (PDL) revealed the association between LS and groundwater level changes, depicting both short- and long-term lag effect. The results showed significant spatial and temporal heterogeneity on the short- and long-term response between groundwater level change and regional subsidence. In addition, we calculated the differential subsidence slope based on the InSAR-derived LS and analyzed its impact on the river slope after SNWD-MR and EWR. The results show that two sections with significant severe differential subsidence slope occur between 0 and 14,000 m and between 54,000 and 78,000 m along the YDR. The slope change caused by LS may reduce the conveyance capacity of surface canals, and more attention should be paid in those two sections. These findings have an important scientific significance for management strategy for LS control against the background of SNWD-MR and EWR.

Exploring candidate biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis through cardiovascular and cardiometabolic serum proteome profiling.

RA patients are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, influenced by therapies. Studying their cardiovascular and cardiometabolic proteome can unveil biomarkers and insights into related biological pathways. This study included two cohorts of RA patients: newly diagnosed individuals (n=25) and those with established RA (disease duration >25 years, n=25). Both cohorts were age and sex-matched with a control group (n=25). Additionally, a longitudinal investigation was conducted on a cohort of 25 RA patients treated with methotrexate and another cohort of 25 RA patients treated with tofacitinib for 6 months. Clinical and analytical variables were recorded, and serum profiling of 184 proteins was performed using the Olink technology platform. RA patients exhibited elevated levels of 75 proteins that might be associated with cardiovascular disease. In addition, 24 proteins were increased in RA patients with established disease. Twenty proteins were commonly altered in both cohorts of RA patients. Among these, elevated levels of CTSL1, SORT1, SAA4, TNFRSF10A, ST6GAL1 and CCL18 discriminated RA patients and HDs with high specificity and sensitivity. Methotrexate treatment significantly reduced the levels of 13 proteins, while tofacitinib therapy modulated the expression of 10 proteins. These reductions were associated with a decrease in DAS28. Baseline levels of SAA4 and high levels of BNP were associated to the non-response to methotrexate. Changes in IL6 levels were specifically linked to the response to methotrexate. Regarding tofacitinib, differences in baseline levels of LOX1 and CNDP1 were noted between non-responder and responder RA patients. In addition, response to tofacitinib correlated with changes in SAA4 and TIMD4 levels. In summary, this study pinpoints molecular changes linked to cardiovascular disease in RA and proposes candidate protein biomarkers for distinguishing RA patients from healthy individuals. It also highlights how methotrexate and tofacitinib impact these proteins, with distinct alterations corresponding to each drug's response, identifying potential candidates, as SAA4, for the response to these therapies.

The impact of income level on skeletal muscle health in rural Chinese older residents: a study of mediating effects based on dietary knowledge.

China's rural residents have basically solved the problem of subsistence, but due to aging, the prevalence of sarcopenia (abbreviated as sarcopenia) has been increasing year by year, especially the skeletal muscle health of the rural older residents has not been sufficiently paid attention to, so analyses of the impact of income level on the skeletal muscle health of the older people in rural areas of China are of great practical significance. Based on the annual data of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) in 2006, 2009, and 2011, we introduced the mediator variable of dietary knowledge and used the Probit model regression, mediation effect model, and instrumental variable regression to assess the skeletal muscle health status of the rural older people in China and explore the mechanism of the influence of the income level on the skeletal muscle health of the rural older residents in China. The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of income level on the skeletal muscle health status of older adults living in rural areas of China and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. By analyzing the findings of this study, our aim is to establish a correlation between the economic status and skeletal muscle health of older adults in rural communities, as well as elucidate the influence of income level and dietary knowledge on their skeletal muscle health. Through the attainment of these objectives, we hope to provide valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing skeletal muscle health among the rural older population in China. Based on our research findings, it can be inferred that there was a significant association between the financial status of rural older adults and their skeletal muscle health. Additionally, the prevalence of sarcopenia was lower among individuals with higher income levels, and there was a negative correlation between the prevalence of sarcopenia and the level of dietary knowledge among rural older individuals. The knowledge of dietary knowledge level of rural older people plays a mediating role in the income level and the prevalence of sarcopenia. Moreover, with the change in income level and the increase in age, the change in skeletal muscle health status showed obvious heterogeneity, in which the effect on the relatively younger (65-70 years old) samples was greater. Therefore, sustained income growth remains an effective way to improve the skeletal muscle health of older rural residents. At the same time, improving dietary knowledge and dietary quality among the older people is important in preventing a decline in muscle strength and physical function and in preventing the onset of sarcopenia.

Integrated Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analysis Identifies Novel Regulatory Genes Associated with Plant Growth Regulator-Induced Astringency in Grape Berries.

Astringency influences the sensory characteristics and flavor quality of table grapes. We tested the astringency sensory attributes of berries and investigated the concentration of flavan-3-ols/proanthocyanidins (PAs) in skins after the application of the plant growth regulators CPPU and GA3 to the flowers and young berries of the "Summer Black" grape. Our results showed that CPPU and GA3 applications increase sensory astringency perception scores and flavan-3-ol/proanthocyanidin concentrations. Using integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analysis, differentially expressed transcripts and proteins associated with growth regulator treatment were identified, including those for flavonoid biosynthesis that contribute to the changes in sensory astringency levels. Transient overexpression of candidate astringency-related regulatory genes in grape leaves revealed that VvWRKY71, in combination with VvMYBPA1 and VvMYC1, could promote the biosynthesis of proanthocyanidins, while overexpression of VvNAC83 reduced the accumulation of proanthocyanidins. However, in transient promoter studies in Nicotiana benthamiana, VvWRKY71 repressed the promoter of VvMYBPA2, while VvNAC83 had no significant effect on the promoter activity of four PA-related genes, and VvMYBPA1 was shown to activate its own promoter. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of sensory astringency formation induced by plant growth regulators in grape berries.