Changes In Composition Research Articles

Exploring the role of FAT genes in Solanaceae species through genome-wide analysis and genome editing.

Plants produce numerous fatty acid derivatives, and some of these compounds have significant regulatory functions, such as governing effector-induced resistance, systemic resistance, and other defense pathways. This study systematically identified and characterized eight FAT genes (Acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterases), four in the Solanum lycopersicum and four in the Solanum tuberosum genome. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into four distinct groups, exhibiting conserved domain structures across different plant species. Promoter analysis revealed various cis-acting elements, most of which are associated with stress responsiveness and growth and development. Micro-RNA (miRNA) analysis identified specific miRNAs, notably miRNA166, targeting different FAT genes in both species. Utilizing clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9)-mediated knockout, mutant lines for SlFATB1 and SlFATB3 were successfully generated and exhibited diverse mutation types. Biochemical evaluation of selected mutant lines revealed significant changes in fatty acid composition, with linoleic and linolenic acid content variations. The study also explored the impact of FAT gene knockout on tomato leaf architecture through scanning electron microscopy, providing insights into potential morphological alterations. Knocking out of FAT genes resulted in a significant reduction in both trichome and stoma density. These findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of FAT genes in Solanaceous species, encompassing genetic, functional, and phenotypic aspects.

A One-Dimensional Computational Model to Identify Operating Conditions and Cathode Flow Channel Dimensions for a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

A one-dimensional computational model has been developed that can be used to identify operating conditions for the cathode side of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell such that both the inlet and outlet relative humidity is equal to 100%. By balancing the calculated pressure drop along the cathode side flow channel with the change in molar composition, inlet conditions for the cathode side can be identified with the goal of avoiding channel flooding. The channel length, height, width and the land-to-channel width ratio are input parameters for the model so that it might be used to dimension the cathode flow field. The model can be used to calculate the limiting current density, and we are presenting unprecedented high values as a result of the high pressure drop along the flow channels. Such high current densities can ultimately result in a fuel cell power density beyond the typical value of 1.0–2.0 W/cm2 for automotive fuel cells.

Eutrophication constrains driving forces of dissolved organic carbon biodegradation in metropolitan lake systems

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) components can be highly variable in aquatic ecosystems, and play a pivotal role in the global carbon cycles. To comprehend potential effects of nutrient enrichment on portion of DOC biodegradability (%BDOC), we conducted an extensive investigation on 26 urban lakes in a major metropolitan area in subtropical China in a small gradient of trophic levels from mesotrophic to light and middle eutrophic. In addition to field measurements on lake ambient conditions and laboratory analysis of DOC characteristics, we conducted a 28-day temperature-controlled incubation experiment, in which %BDOC of lake waters was determined. In the mesotrophic waters, %BDOC ranged from 0.6 to 41.4 % (11.2 ± 8.9 %). The %BDOC levels spanned from 5.2 to 20.2 % (10.7 ± 4.0 %) in the light eutrophic waters, and the %BDOC ranged from 2.7 to 35.0 % (13.7 ± 8.4 %) in the middle eutrophic waters. We found a significant change in DOC chemical composition across the study lakes characterized by shifting of trophic levels. Although the experiment found significant changes in the factors that can influence %BDOC, a significant difference was not observed in %BDOC among the three trophic levels. The %BDOC was primarily influenced by the inherent DOC concentration and aromaticity, with eutrophication leading to the varied driving factors of %BDOC in lake systems. We show that most of the lake water DOC was stable. The findings indicate the intricate interplay between biological metabolism and nutrient availability governing %BDOC dynamics in urban lake ecosystems.

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis NKU FB3-14 attenuates loperamide-induced constipation through regulation of gut microbiota

Abstract Objectives Constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal issue, and the efficacy of probiotics in alleviating constipation has been well proved. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis NKU FB3-14 on loperamide- induced constipation by focusing on improving intestinal barrier function and modulating gut microbiota composition Materials and Methods The constipated model mice induced by loperamide were treated with NKU FB3-14, and the laxative effect was assessed based on the fecal water content, first black stool time and gastrointestinal transit rate. Gastrointestinal regulatory peptides in serum, intestinal neurotransmitter and inflammatory cytokines in colon tissues were measured using ELISA kits. Changes of gut microbiota composition were analyzed through 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing identification. Additionally, HPLC detection was performed to quantify short chain fatty acids levels in feces Results Treatment with NKU FB3-14 led to increase the fecal water content, shorten the first black stool time and improve small intestine transit rate. Motilin and substance-P significantly decreased in the model group, and only motilin increased in FB3-14 group; somatostatin and vasoactive intestinal peptide were decreased in model mice and both increased in FB3-14 group; 5-HT levels in the colon tissue were upregulated following NKU FB3-14 treatment. Histological examination revealed thinner colonic mucosa in the model group along with significant in TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-17 levels form the colon tissues which were all relieved by NKU FB 3-14 treatment. Furthermore, NKU FB3-14 intervention resulted in reduced abundance of Desulfobacterota and Desulfovibrio while increasing the abundance of Ruminococcaceae and Eubacterium; higher level of butyric acid was observed in feces Conclusions In summary, our findings demonstrated that NKU FB3-14 treatment significantly enhanced the intestinal motility, regulated the expression levels of gastrointestinal regulatory peptides, prevented damage to colonic barriers as well as ameliorated gut microbiota imbalance associated with loperamide-induced constipation.

Dynamics of spontaneous flora of the Peter the Great BotanicaL Garden

About 30 years ago, the species composition of herbaceous plants on the territory of the Peter the Great Botanical Garden was studied. It has changed over the years, and it is necessary to give assessment to this process. Currently, the problem of the appearance and dispersal of invasive plant species, most of which are “escapees” from cultivation, is quite acute in Russia and beyond. The purpose of the research is to identify and analyze changes in the species composition of the spontaneous flora of herbaceous plants in the Peter the Great Botanical Garden over the past 30 years. The objectives of the study included assessing changes in the number of certain alien plant species and their invasive potential. As a result of the inventory, 355 species of vascular plants from 54 families were identified in the modern spontaneous flora of the botanical garden. Among them, the indigenous fraction comprises 248 plant species (70.3%). Compared to 1994, the number of species in the flora of the botanical garden increased by 20%. There was an increase in the group of species escaped from cultivation by 50%, but their abundance does not yet cause concern and only 4 species are recognized as potentially invasive on the territory of the botanical garden.

Evaluating the efficacy of ecological restoration of fish habitat in coastal waters of Lake Ontario

Ecological restoration is a common strategy applied to degraded wetlands and tributaries in large lakes. As resources are typically limited for restoration, it is essential to ensure that such efforts achieve associated goals. Using both discrete and continuous methods, we evaluated the efficacy of ecological restoration efforts on fish habitat within Canada's largest city, Toronto (Cell 2 and Embayment D of Tommy Thompson Park) relative to a control site (Toronto Islands). First, we used a long-term electrofishing dataset (i.e., discrete) to examine catch and community composition relative to restoration status. Catch for northern pike (Esox lucius) remained constant at both restoration sites, and catch of invasive common carp (Cyprinus carpio) decreased at Embayment D, indicating that exclusion barriers may be effective. Restoration was less effective for largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans) as catches remained similar after restoration at Cell 2, but decreased within Embayment D. We also found that relative abundance for coldwater species at both restoration sites decreased post-restoration, with increases in warmwater species at Cell 2 and coolwater species at Embayment D. Next, we used a long-term acoustic telemetry dataset (i.e., continuous sampling) with three focal species: largemouth bass, northern pike, and invasive common carp. Based on telemetry, we found that restoration efficacy was species-specific, with largemouth bass present before and after ecological restoration (particularly in spring, which may be associated with spawning), but clear reductions in use of the restored areas for common carp and northern pike. Exclusion barriers, while effective at blocking common carp, appeared to also negatively influence access for northern pike. Using both discrete and continuous methods longitudinally and across both treatment and control sites provided complementary information on the efficacy of restoration works within Toronto Harbour, with electrofishing data highlighting changes in fish community composition while acoustic telemetry provided continuous information on timing and duration of habitat use.

Soil eDNA biomonitoring reveals changes in multitrophic biodiversity and ecological health of agroecosystems

Soil health is integral to sustainable agroecosystem management. Current monitoring and assessment practices primarily focus on soil physicochemical properties, yet the perspective of multitrophic biodiversity remains underexplored. Here we used environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to monitor multitrophic biodiversity in four typical agroecosystems, and analyzed the species composition and diversity changes in fungi, bacteria and metazoan, and combined with the traditional physicochemical variables to establish a soil health assessment framework centered on biodiversity data. First, eDNA technology detected rich multitrophic biodiversity in four agroecosystems, including 100 phyla, 273 classes, 611 orders, 1026 families, 1668 genera and 1146 species with annotated classification, and the relative sequence abundance of dominant taxa fluctuates tens of times across agroecosystems. Second, significant differences in soil physicochemical variables such as organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN) and available phosphorus (AP) were observed among different agroecosystems, nutrients were higher in cropland and rice paddies, while heavy metals were higher in fish ponds and lotus ponds. Third, biodiversity metrics, including α and β diversity, also showed significant changes across agroecosystems, the soil biota was generally more sensitive to nutrients (e.g., OM, TN or AP), while the fungal communities were mainly affected by heavy metals in October (e.g., Cu and Cr). Finally, we screened 48 sensitive organismal indicators and found significant positive consistency between the developed eDNA indices and the traditional soil quality index (SQI, reaching up to R2 = 0.58). In general, this study demonstrated the potential of eDNA technology in soil health assessment and underscored the importance of a multitrophic perspective for efficient monitoring and managing agroecosystems.

Study on three-dimensional porous carbon fiber-MWCNTs-PEG phase change materials and its photo/electricity-thermal conversion performance

Solar energy, as a crucial green energy source, attracted significant attention. Phase change materials (PCMs) addressed the intermittency issue by storing and releasing latent heat. This study innovatively combined carbon fibers (CFs), phenolic resin, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to create high-loading (>86 %) and high-enthalpy composite CF-based phase change materials (CFPCMs), with melting and freezing enthalpies of 156.6 J/g and 148.6 J/g. CFPCMs demonstrated excellent photothermal and electrothermal properties. The lightweight, porous CFs structure stabilized the PCMs matrix, enhancing its performance while facilitating the reuse of waste CFs products, thus contributing to environmental protection.

3D X-ray Tomography Analysis of Mg–Si–Zn Alloys for Biomedical Applications: Elucidating the Morphology of the MgZn Phase

Temporary metal implants, made from materials like titanium (Ti) or stainless steel, can cause metabolic issues, raise toxicity levels within the body, and negatively impact the patient’s long-term health. This necessitates a subsequent operation to extract these implants once the healing process is complete or when they are outgrown by the patient. In contrast, medical devices fabricated from absorbable alloys have the advantage of being biodegradable, allowing them to be naturally absorbed by the body once they have fulfilled their role in facilitating tissue healing. Among the various absorbable alloy systems studied, magnesium (Mg) alloys stand out due to their biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior. The existing literature on absorbable Mg alloys highlights the effectiveness of silicon (Si) and zinc (Zn) additions in improving mechanical properties and controlling corrosion susceptibility; however, there is a lack of comprehensive quantitative morphological analysis of the intermetallic phases within these alloy systems. The quantification of the complex morphology of intermetallic particles is a challenging task and has significant implications for the micromechanical properties of the alloys. This study, therefore, aims to introduce a robust set of morphometric parameters for evaluating the morphology of intermetallic phases within two as-cast Mg alloys with Si and Zn additions. X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) was used to capture the 3D tomographic data of the alloys, and a novel pair of morphological parameters (ratio of convex hull to particle volume and convex hull sphericity) was applied to the 3D tomographic data to assess the MgZn phase formed in the two alloys. In addition to the impact of composition, the effect of solidification rate on the morphological parameters was also studied. Furthermore, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to gather detailed 2D microstructural and compositional information on the intermetallics. The comprehensive characterization reveals that the morphological complexity and size distribution of the MgZn phase are influenced by both compositional changes and the solidification rate. However, the change in MgZn intermetallic particle morphology with size was found to follow a predictable trend, which was relatively agnostic of the chosen casting conditions.

Long-term directional changes in urban bird communities of Mar del Plata City, Argentina

Urban environments have been characterized by their temporal stability of resources, which could promote stability in bird composition. Several studies have found that bird communities in urban environments persist over the years, showing a similar species composition in the short term. However, studies analyzing continuous changes in urban communities over the long term are scarce. This study aimed to analyze the stability or directional changes (instability) in bird communities along an urban gradient. Bird counts were conducted in urban, suburban, and periurban areas over 8-10 years in 2002-2019. Changes in species composition were analyzed over periods ranging from one year to the next, to changes from one year to the seventeenth. Urban bird communities were more similar between years than suburban and periurban communities. Compositional changes were greater as time lags increased, indicating directional compositional shifts. The magnitude of these changes was similar across the urban gradient. The Chimango Caracara (Milvago chimango), the Picazuro Pigeon (Patagioenas picazuro), the Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus), and the Red-bellied Thrush (Turdus rufiventris) significantly increased their abundances during the period, while the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) significantly decreased its abundance. Regional changes in species abundance, urban vegetation succession, and biotic interactions could explain the changes in bird communities.

FP1.1 - The relationship between tumour necrosis, the tumour microenvironment, systemic inflammation, body composition and survival in patients with operable colon cancer. Does tumour necrosis drive systemic inflammation and cachexia?

Abstract Introduction The prognostic value of the systemic inflammatory response and its incorporation into the definition of cancer cachexia (GLIM) is now established. However, the basis of the relationship between the tumour, its environment and the systemic inflammatory response is not clear. The aim of the present study is to examine this hypothesis in greater detail. Methods A total of 473 patients were included. Host and tumour characteristics were assessed including tumour cell signaling pathways, CT derived body composition and systemic inflammation (as assessed by SIG). Categorical variables were analysed using χ2 test for linear-by-linear association, or χ2 test for 2 by 2 tables. Survival analysis was carried out using univariate Cox regression. Results Tumour necrosis was associated with age (p<0.01), tumour location (p<0.01), T-stage (p<0.001), margin involvement (p<0.05), SIG (p<0.001), SMI (Martin, p<0.01), SMI (Dolan, p<0.01), SMD (Dolan, p<0.05) and 5-year survival (p<0.001). No association was found between tumour necrosis and signalling markers of the IL-6/JAK/ STAT and NF-KB pathways. On univariate survival analysis age (p<0.001), ASA (p<0.001), T-stage (p<0.001), N-stage (p<0.001), tumour budding (p<0.05), venous invasion (p<0.01), adjuvant therapy (p<0.01), margin involvement (p<0.001), necrosis (p<0.01), SIG (p<0.001), MUST (p<0.001), BMI (p<0.05), sub cutaneous obesity (p<0.001), visceral obesity (p<0.05), Sarcopenia (Martin, p<0.05), Sarcopenia (Dolan, p<0.01), Myosteatosis (Dolan, p<0.05) GMS (p<0.001), Ki67 (p<0.01) and TSP (p<0.01) were independently associated with overall survival. Conclusion There is a clear association between tumour necrosis, the SIR and body composition in patients with colon cancer. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that tumour necrosis and the subsequent inflammatory response results in profound changes in body composition.

Characterization of CrMnNi Steel Powders Obtained via Gas Atomization

To obtain a successful product during additive manufacturing, the powder as a raw material must have the high quality. The purpose of this work is to investigate CrMnNi steel powders obtained by inert gas atomization with nickel content: 3, 6, and 9 wt% and to identify dependencies between the powder size and morphology, solidification structure, and change in chemical composition and thermophysical properties. Particle size distribution is measured by a laser scattering analyzer: d50 value are 82.02, 69.32, and 75.54 μm for powders with 3, 6, and 9 wt%, respectively. Surface tension (ST) measurements are made by maximum bubble pressure method: for steels with 3, 6, and 9 wt% at temperature 1500 °C, ST is 1.01, 1.07, and 1.15 mN m−1, respectively. It is found that the change in particle size affects the chemical composition, the content of the ferromagnetic phase and secondary dendritic arm‐spacing. Changes in the content of elements such as S, O, N, and Mn are determined, depending on the diameter of the particles. The influence of changes in content of S, O, and N on the thermophysical properties such as ST is investigated.

Changing plant phosphorus acquisition strategies in relation to altered soil phosphorus fractions after wetland drainage

Abstract Plant phosphorus (P) acquisition strategy is considered to be an intrinsic driver behind plant succession. However, variations in plant P acquisition strategies in connection to soil P fraction changes after wetland drainage remain unclear. To address this issue, here we conducted a study in six distinct wetlands that experienced long‐term (>20 years) artificial drainage, with the adjacent waterlogged wetlands as a control. We analysed plant community composition, biomass and soil P fractions, and identified three plant P acquisition strategies based on soil acid phosphatase activity, plant P resorption efficiency, and soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) content. We found that soil calcium‐bound P (PCa) and enzyme‐extractable P (Penzyme) were key factors influencing plant P acquisition. Soil PCa correlated negatively with acid phosphatase activity but positively with AMF content. Soil Penzyme negatively impacted P resorption efficiency. The wetlands were categorised into three types based on the change in plant richness and composition, with each exhibiting distinct plant P acquisition strategies. These changes in strategies after drainage corresponded with shifts in soil P fractions. Overall, our study highlights the role of soil P fractions in explaining plant P acquisition strategies after wetland drainage, suggesting P regulations on plant succession and ecosystem services. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

The Effect of Tillage Systems and Weed Control Methods on Grain Yield and Gluten Protein Compositional and Content-Related Changes in Hybrid Bread Wheat

The use of simplified tillage systems and weed control methods using reduced herbicide doses in wheat production technology is one of the basic requirements of sustainable agriculture in terms of obtaining high-quality grain of this species. The aim of three-year field studies was to determine the yield and quality characteristics of hybrid wheat grain depending on two tillage systems (CT and RT) and four weed control methods: mechanical (M) and mechanical–chemical, using recommended herbicide doses (MH100) and doses reduced by 25 and 50% (MH75, MH50). A comparable grain yield, number of grains per spike, weight of one thousand wheat grains, and amount of gluten and ω gliadin subunits (GLI) were obtained in the RT and CT systems. The CT system increased protein content (by 15.2 g kg−1) and the increase in the sum of gluten protein fractions was higher for glutenins (GLU) and their LMW and HMW subunits (from 20.9 to 29.8%). The application of the method with the recommended herbicide dose (MH100), compared to M and MH50, resulted in an increase in grain yield by 0.89 and 1.04 t ha−1, respectively, as well as in the sum of GLI (by 8.4 and 12.3%) and GLU (by 13.7 and 25.3%). The application of the herbicide dose reduced by 25% (MH75) compared to the recommended dose (MH100), especially in the RT system, did not cause a significant decrease in protein content and the amount of GLI and GLU, while reducing grain yield (by 0.26 t ha−1) and the amount of gluten (by 3.1%).

Alcoholysis-induced changes in cell wall surfaces: Structural insights for the effective delignification of lignocellulosic biomass

Alcoholysis (organosolv delignification)-induced changes in cell wall surfaces were investigated to verify whether structural assessments are required for effective delignification. Softwood blocks of Cryptomeria japonica were subjected to alcoholysis at 100–150 °C, which gradually decreased their lignin content. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the emergence of amorphous mesh structures on the intercellular side and their transformation into spherical particles with increasing temperature. In addition, warty layers changed from uneven structures into spherical particles on the lumen side of tracheids. These particles produced in cell walls under harsh alcoholysis conditions, damaging the cell wall layers on both sides. Confocal laser scanning microscopy identified that they were mainly lignin eluted by alcoholysis. Alcoholysis at 130 °C providing the largest specific surface area showed intermediate stages of growth into spherical particles but allowed complete delignification when combined with NaClO2 bleaching. Therefore, the role of the spherical particles, which has so far been debatable, was clarified as causing damage rather than a bleaching accelerant. Focusing only on compositional changes while ignoring structural ones leads to the incorrect identification of optimal conditions that remove lignin but damage the cell walls. Our findings demonstrate that structural considerations are required for effective and noninvasive delignification.

Pressure and distance measurements under temperature interference by using impedance change of spiral conductive polymer composite

To realize the compressive-pressure and non-contacting-distance measurements in the curved-interlayer-structure of modern-industrial-equipment under temperature-interference, the influences of temperature on the impedance-variations of the spiral conductive polymer composite (which possesses the tunneling-effect-based-conduction, the intrinsically-flexibility and the ability to induce eddy-current-effect) caused by the pressure and distance are studied. The pressure/distance-impedance-property repeatability increases with the increment of experimental-times, and the pressure/distance-impedance-characteristic is monotonically decreasing/increasing. When the temperature increases from 10 °C to 40 °C, the normalized-impedance-amplitude attenuates/increases and the normalized-impedance-angle raises/decreases under the same pressure/distance, and the sensitivities for the pressure/distance-impedance-property increases. The measurement system based on the two-levels-interpolation is developed and tested under temperature-interference. The testing-results show that the pressure-measurement-error is 8 % F.S. (0–0.65 MPa) and the distance-measurement-error is 5 % F.S. (0–2 mm). The results lay the foundation on revealing the distance/pressure/temperature-sensing-mechanisms of spiral composite, and verify the feasibility of using the spiral composite to measure the pressure/distance under different temperatures.

Characterization of the Bacillus cereus spore killed by plasma-activated water (PAW)

Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) spore is one of the most easily contaminated bacterial spores. Plasma-activated water (PAW) has emerged as a potential method for microbial inactivation. The exterior pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (DPA) of spores was released after PAW oxidative stresses. The broken inner membrane and partially hydrolyzed cortex were represented. Some spores’ architecture changed from a full and plump surface to these with wrinkles and indentations and even the shape shifted from oval to partly elongated irregular contraction. The detached exosporium, the devoid content, and the distinctly ruptured multilayer structure were exhibited. Young’s modulus indicated that PAW may cause a body with reduced elasticity. The multiple resistances toward NaClO, NaCl, heat, UV, H2O2, and lysozyme uncovered that the compromise in the spore coat, the loss of the integrity of inner membrane permeability, the denatured proteins, the unsaturated DNA, the degradation of α/β-type small acid-soluble proteins (SASPs) and part inactivation of cortex lytic enzymes occurred. The changes in fatty acid compositions, lipid peroxidation, protein loss, and the inhibited activity of ATPase as well as the degraded and collapsed representative DNA/DPA/proteins Raman spectrum peaks also further confirmed the potential sites for spore death by PAW.

Investigating characteristic fingerprints and volatile flavor compound variations during the fermentation of Guangxi bamboo shoot using HS-GC-IMS and HS-SPME-GC-MS

Fermentation assumes a crucial role in the flavor formation of Guangxi fermented bamboo shoots (GFBS). However, the dynamics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during GFBS fermentation remain poorly understood. Thus, we used HS-GC-IMS and HS-SPME-GC-MS to investigate the changes in VOCs composition during GFBS fermentation, providing clear differentiation for the fermentation stages of GFBS. We identified 96 VOCs by GC-MS and 26 VOCs by GC-IMS, among which 11 VOCs were concurrently detected by both methods. Most of these VOCs were produced during the early and mid-fermentation stages. In addition, 24 VOCs were marker VOCs of GFBS during different fermentation stages. Notably, acetic acid, nonenal, (+)-beta-cedrene, 2-pinene, 2, 6-dimethylpyrazine, and trimethylbenzene can be used as markers for the late fermentation of GFBS. These results not only illuminate the complex changes in VOCs, but also provide valuable insights for enhancing fermentation techniques to enhance the flavor quality of GFBS.

Changes in the Fatty Acid Composition of Vegetable Oils Affect the Feeding Behavior, Feed Preference, and Thermoregulatory Responses of Sheep

This research evaluated the effects of energy supplementation on sheep’s feeding behavior, feed preference, and thermoregulatory responses using technical cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) and different vegetable oils with different unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) compositions. The experiment was completely randomized with five treatments: a mixture of CNSL (0.5%) + vegetable oils [canola (high in monounsaturated fatty acids—MUFA), and corn, soybean, sunflower, or cottonseed oil (high in polyunsaturated fatty acids-PUFA) at 1.5%] based on total diet dry matter, with eight replications. Forty uncastrated male sheep, with an average initial BW of 24.44 ± 1.5 kg, were evaluated for 70 days. The CNSL + vegetable oil blend did not affect DM and neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) intake (p > 0.05). However, diets with canola oil resulted in higher SFA intake (p < 0.05) than other oils. The canola oil + CNSL blend led to a higher intake of UFA and MUFA and lower PUFA intake than other oil blends (p < 0.05). Sheep fed canola oil ruminated fewer boli per day than those fed soybean and sunflower oils. Using three sieves (pef1.18) reflected in higher sheep aNDF intake. Respiratory frequency and surface temperature of sheep were lower before feeding than 3 h after, without effects of the type of oil. Higher serum creatinine and cholesterol levels were observed in sheep fed CNSL with corn and canola oils compared to other oils. Serum calcium was lower in sheep fed CNSL with soybean and canola compared to sunflower and corn. Including CNSL with vegetable oils with different FA compositions did not affect physiological and thermographic variables. However, sheep showed better diet selectivity and lower bolus rumination with higher MUFA (canola oil) content. Including CNSL with canola oil in sheep diets is recommended, as it increases dietary energy content, enhances diet selectivity, reduces PUFA intake, and does not impact animal health.

Radiocarbon dating of the natural groundwater in the Ob-Zaisan folded region (Russia)

Groundwater in the Ob-Zaisan folded region (Russia) has significant differences in the stable isotope composition of oxygen and hydrogen, which cannot be explained by the geographical and relief features of the region. A probable reason for these differences could be climatic changes in the study area over the past tens of thousands of years. The method of the radiocarbon dating can be perfectly suited in order to determine such small geological ages. The dating of waters using 14C data gives an understanding of their residence time. It will make it possible to differentiate periods of recharge and accumulation of water in aquifers and track the changes of the water stable isotope composition over time. The estimated water age ranges from 650 to 19,000 years. The enrichment of δD and δ18O values with the decreasing of the water age indicates a gradual warming of the Novosibirsk region climate. These results logically complement the meteorological observations over the last century and may be useful for paleoclimate reconstructions of the region.