Distinct Distribution Patterns Research Articles

A potential association between recent increased incidence of breast and uterine body cancers in Japanese women and changes in dietary saturated fat and folate intake: A meta-analysis

Recent increases in breast and uterine body cancers among Japanese women suggest the involvement of some modifiable factors in cancer development, including drinking and smoking habits, which are generally associated with Westernized lifestyles. Using national data on annual cancer incidence, this study examines the associations between recent changes in cancer incident rates and dietary habits. Data on age-specific incidence and mortality rates of breast, uterine body, colon, and lung cancers from 2004 to 2019, as well as annual changes in the intake of animal protein, plant protein, saturated fatty acids, and folate from 2001 to 2019 among Japanese women, were obtained from e-Stat, a portal site of Japanese Government Statistics. The analysis indicates that the incidence rates of breast and uterine body cancers among Japanese women increased from 2004 to 2019, displaying distinct distribution patterns with two peaks for breast cancer and one peak for uterine body cancer. The rising incidence rates of both cancers were positively correlated with annual changes in animal protein and saturated fat intake and inversely correlated with changes in plant protein and folate intake. Health-care professionals should be aware of the notable and characteristic increase in breast and uterine body cancer incidence among Japanese women and emphasize the importance of lifestyle modifications to counteract Westernized dietary habits.

Vertical Distribution Characteristics and Driving Factors of Bacterioplankton and Nitrogen Phosphorus Cycle Genes in Danjiangkou Reservoir

Danjiangkou Reservoir is a critical water source for the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, which harbors a diverse bacterioplankton community with varying depths, and the understanding of its nitrogen and phosphorus cycle and associated driving factors remains limited. In this study, we selected five ecological sites within Danjiangkou Reservoir and conducted metagenomics analysis to investigate the vertical distribution of bacterioplankton communities in the surface, middle, and bottom layers. Furthermore, we analyzed and predicted the function of nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, along with their driving factors. Our findings revealed the dominance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Planctomycetes in the Danjiangkou Reservoir. Significant differences were observed in the structure of bacterioplankton communities across different depths, with temperature （T）, oxidation-reduction potential （ORP）, dissolved oxygen （DO）, and Chla identified as primary factors influencing the bacterioplankton composition. Analysis of nitrogen cycle functional genes identified 39 genes, including gltB, glnA, gltD, gdhA, NRT, etc., which were involved in seven main pathways, encompassing nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, and dissimilatory nitrate reduction. Phosphorus cycle function gene analysis identified 54 genes, including pstS, ppx-gppA, glpQ, ppk1, etc., primarily participating in six main pathways, including organic P mineralization, inorganic P solubilization, and regulatory. Cluster analysis indicated that different depths were significant factors influencing the composition and abundance of nitrogen and phosphorus cycle functional genes. The composition and abundance of nitrogen and phosphorus cycle functional genes in the surface and bottom layers differed and were generally higher than those in the middle layer. Deinococcus, Hydrogenophaga, Limnohabitans, Clavibacter, and others were identified as key species involved in the nitrogen and phosphorus cycle. Additionally, we found significant correlations between nitrogen and phosphorus cycle functional genes and environmental factors such as DO, pH, T, total dissolved solids （TDS）, electrical conductivity （EC）, and Chla. Furthermore, the content of these environmental factors exhibited depth-related changes in the Danjiangkou Reservoir, resulting in a distinct vertical distribution pattern of bacterioplankton nitrogen and phosphorus cycle functional genes. Overall, this study sheds light on the composition, function, and influencing factors of bacterioplankton communities across different layers of Danjiangkou Reservoir, offering valuable insights for the ecological function and diversity protection of bacterioplankton in this crucial reservoir ecosystem.

Exploring the Spatiotemporal Evolution Patterns and Determinants of Construction Land in Mianning County on the Eastern Edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Studying the spatiotemporal evolution and driving forces behind construction land amidst the intricate ecological and geological setting on the eastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau offers invaluable insights for local sustainable development in a landscape transition zone and ecologically fragile area. Using construction land data from four phases, spanning 1990 to 2020, in Mianning County, this study employs methodologies like the Landscape Expansion Index (LEI) and land use transfer matrix to delineate the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of construction land. A comprehensive set of 12 influencing factors across five categories—geomorphology, geological activity, climate, river and vegetation environment, and social economy—were examined. The Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model was then employed to decipher the spatial distribution pattern of construction land in 1990 and 2020, shedding light on the driving mechanisms behind its changes over the three decades. The research reveals distinct patterns of construction land distribution and evolution in Mianning County, shaped by the ecological and geological landscape. Notably, the Anning River wide valley exhibits a concentrated and contiguous development mode, while the Yalong River deep valley showcases a decentralized development pattern, and the Dadu River basin manifests an aggregation development mode centered around high mountain lakes. Over the study period, all three river basins witnessed varying degrees of construction land expansion, transitioning from quantitative expansion to qualitative enhancement. Edge expansion predominantly characterizes the expansion mode, complemented by leapfrog and infilling modes, accompanied by conversions from cropland and forest land to construction land. An analysis of the spatial pattern and drivers of construction land change highlights human-induced factors dominating the Anning River Basin, contrasting with natural factors prevailing in the Yalong River Basin and the Dadu River Basin. Future efforts should prioritize climate change considerations and environmental capacity, aiming for an ecologically resilient spatial pattern of construction land.

P-200 Vitrification induces a deviation in cleavage morphokinetic patterns and transcriptomic signatures along mouse embryo development

Abstract Study question Are there cellular, molecular and/or epigenetic risks associated with cryopreservation that may affect embryo development and compromise the health of future newborns? Summary answer Cryopreservation significantly impacted mice pre-implantation embryo morphokinetics, altered transcriptomic profiles, and cell lineage distribution. However, global DNA methylation remained unaffected by cryopreservation. What is known already Cryopreservation is currently widely used in assisted reproduction. However, epidemiological studies suggest a negative impact in the long-term health of children born after frozen-embryo transfer (FET). Recent population-based register studies have reported: 1) an increased risk of infant mortality from birth up to 1 year of life in singletons conceived using cryopreserved embryos vs natural conceptions; 2) high birth weights for gestational age associated with FET; 3) an increased risk of obstetrical complications in singletons conceived using cryopreserved embryos; 4) a higher incidence of childhood cancer and imprinting disorders associated with FET. Study design, size, duration F1 hybrid (B6/CBA) mice zygotes were collected following uterus dissection (n = 200 embryos/collection), and half of those were vitrified for comparison. Each embryo’s morphokinetics was assessed through time-lapse imaging using GERI, at 37 °C, 6% CO2, 5% O2, up to 105 hours. Extended culture beyond blastocyst stage was also performed. Fresh and cryopreserved blastocysts at E5.0 were cultured up to E9.0-E10 in static conditions (IVC1 and IVC2 medium). Participants/materials, setting, methods Fresh and cryopreserved embryos at several developmental stages were used for: 1) immunofluorescence staining, 2) gene expression analysis through RT-qPCR and 3) single-cell RNAseq. Global methylation activity, cell lineage distribution and single-cell transcriptome were assessed using one of the previously described methodologies. Main results and the role of chance The morphokinetics of preimplantation embryos were examined by tracking the time required to reach 4-cell, 8-cell, compactation, morula, full blastocyst, and expanded blastocyst stage. A comprehensive analysis revealed notable delays in the developmental rhythm of cryopreserved embryos compared to fresh embryos (p < 0.01). Applying single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), transcriptomic profiles were generated for fresh and cryopreserved embryos, covering the zygote to blastocyst stages. Notably, distinct transcriptomic signatures for fresh and frozen embryos emerged within separate clusters at different developmental stages. These findings suggest a potential functional impact of cryopreservation on embryo development. To complement this, gene expression analysis of DNA methyltransferases and MAT enzymes was conducted through RT-qPCR at 8-cell and blastocyst stages. No significant differences were detected between fresh and cryopreserved conditions. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining of nuclear 5mC and DNMT1 in 8-cell embryos and blastocysts demonstrated similar levels between fresh and cryopreserved embryos. Additionally, differential staining of embryonic and extraembryonic cells (OCT4, GATA6 and GATA3) in extended embryos (E9 and E10) revealed distinct cell distribution patterns between fresh and cryopreserved conditions. Limitations, reasons for caution Our research, conducted using a mouse experimental model, has limited applicability to humans due to considerable species differences in embryonic development. Additional research is needed to validate our findings and establish their relevance to human embryos, facilitating translational approaches. Wider implications of the findings Our study highlights a noticeable functional impact of vitrification on mouse embryos. Given the global incorporation of this method in fertility clinics and its potential association with increased disease risks, our findings emphasize the need for increased research to reduce uncertainties regarding the health of children born from cryopreservation methods. Trial registration number Not applicable

A novel 3D imaging approach for quantification of GLUT4 levels across the intact myocardium.

Cellular heterogeneity is a well-accepted feature of tissues, and both transcriptional and metabolic diversity have been revealed by numerous approaches, including optical imaging. However, the high magnification objective lenses needed for high-resolution imaging provides information from only small layers of tissue, which can result in poor cell statistics. There is therefore an unmet need for an imaging modality that can provide detailed molecular and cellular insight within intact tissue samples in 3D. Using GFP-tagged GLUT4 as proof of concept, we present here a novel optical mesoscopy approach that allows precise measurement of the spatial location of GLUT4 within specific anatomical structures across the myocardium in ultrathick sections (5 mm x 5 mm x 3 mm) of intact mouse heart. We reveal distinct GLUT4 distribution patterns across cardiac walls and highlight specific changes in GLUT4 expression levels in response to high fat diet-feeding, and we identify sex-dependent differences in expression patterns. This method is applicable to any target that can be labelled for light microscopy, and to other complex tissues when organ structure needs to be considered simultaneously with cellular detail.

On the measurement of the aerodynamic features of composite structures under subsonic airflow using mathematical modeling and machine learning method

This study investigates the aerodynamic features of functionally graded triply periodic minimal surface (FG-TPMS) structures under subsonic airflow using a combination of mathematical modeling and machine learning methods. The modified supersonic piston theory of Krumhaar is used to quantify the aerodynamic stiffness and damping matrices. Using characteristics and six distinct patterns of volume distribution of FG-TPMS materials in terms of their mechanical qualities, Hamilton’s principle, and parabolic shear deformation theory are used to extract the governing equations of the presented composite structure. After that, the differential quadrature method at the discrete places and Lagrange interpolated polynomials and Kronecker product are used to solve the governing equations in the numerical domain. This study highlights the potential of integrating advanced computational techniques with machine learning to address complex engineering problems. The findings provide valuable insights into the aerodynamic optimization of sandwich structures, paving the way for their more efficient and effective design in aerospace engineering. As an important outcome for related industries, the displacement field along with the Z direction increases by increasing the angle of airflow by approximately 9 % while this value for the X, and Y directions are 7 %, and 6 %, respectively. The proposed methodology offers a powerful tool for engineers and researchers seeking to optimize the performance of advanced composite materials under subsonic airflow conditions.

Effective remediation of agricultural drainage at three influent strengths by bioaugmented constructed wetlands filled with mixture of iron‑carbon and organic solid substrates: Performance and mechanisms

Agricultural drainage containing a large quantity of nutrients can cause quality deterioration and algal blooming of receiving water bodies, thus needs to be effectively remediated. In this study, iron‑carbon (FeC) composite-filled constructed wetlands (Fe-C-CWs) were employed to treat farmland drainage at three pollution levels, and organic solid substrates (walnut shells) and phosphate-accumulating denitrifying bacteria (Pseudomonas sp. DWP1) were supplemented to enhance the treatment performance. The results showed that the Fe-C-CWs exhibited notably superior removal efficiency for total nitrogen (TN, 52.0–58.2 %), total phosphorus (TP, 67.8–70.2 %) and chemical oxygen demand (COD, 56.7–70.4 %) than the control systems filled solely with gravel (28.5–32.5 % for TN, 33.2–40.5 % for TP and 30.2–55.0 % for COD) at all influent strengths, through driving autotrophic denitrification, Fe-based dephosphorization, and organic degradation processes. The addition of organic substrates and functional bacteria markedly enhanced pollutant removal in the Fe-C-CWs. Furthermore, use of FeC and organic substrates and denitrifier inoculation decreased CO2 and CH4 emissions from the CWs, and reduced global warming potential of the CWs at low influent strength. Pollutant removal efficiencies in the CWs were only marginally impacted by the increasing influent loads except for NO3−-N, and pollutant removal mass was largely increased with the increase of influent strengths. The microbial community in the FeC composite-filled CWs exhibited distinct distribution patterns compared to the gravel-filled CWs regardless of the influent strengths, with obviously higher proportions of dominant genera Trichococcus, Geobacter and Ferritrophicum. Keystone taxa associated with pollutant removal in the Fe-C-filled CWs were identified to be Pseudomonas, Geobacter, Ferritrophicum, Denitratisoma and Sediminibacterium. The developed augmented Fe-C-filled CWs show great promises for remediating agricultural drainage with varied pollutant loads.

Exploring the Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Simulating Heritage Corridors for Sustainable Development of Industrial Heritage in Foshan City, China

Industrial heritage serves as a testament to the historical and cultural legacy of industrialization, and its preservation and adaptive reuse are crucial for promoting sustainable urban development. This study explores the spatiotemporal dynamics of industrial heritage in Foshan City, China, and simulates potential heritage corridors to inform effective conservation and revitalization strategies. By employing Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) and Standard Deviational Ellipse (SDE) methods, the research investigates the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of industrial heritage across different historical periods and industrial types. An Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP) is used to construct a hierarchical model of resistance factors, which serves as the basis for simulating potential heritage corridors using the Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model. The results unveil distinct spatiotemporal distribution patterns, with concentrations of industrial heritage in the central Chancheng District and southeastern Shunde District. Two primary potential heritage corridors are identified, and prioritized strategies for their adaptive reuse are proposed. The findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of industrial heritage distribution in Foshan City and provide valuable insights for the conservation, planning, and sustainable development of these significant sites. The study highlights the importance of integrating spatiotemporal analysis and heritage corridor modeling in the decision-making process for industrial heritage revitalization, ensuring the preservation of invaluable industrial history and culture while fostering sustainable urban growth.

Composition of heavy metals in sediment, water, and fish of the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers in two major cities of India.

The rapid industrial development in the Indian capital region has led to significant waste generation, which, despite undergoing treatment prior to disposal, contributes substantially to water body contamination. Given the diverse nature of these wastes and their potential repercussions across the food chain, a study was conducted to evaluate heavy metal contamination levels in the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers of two major cities. Six heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cu, Cr, and Zn) were analyzed in fish, water, and sediment samples by utilizing flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Avanta Σ) from March 2019 to February 2020. Results revealed distinct heavy metal distribution patterns, with Cr > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd > Hg in the Ganga River and Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Cd > Hg in the Yamuna River for fish samples. Additionally, levels of Hg in Cyprinus carpio and Sperata oar from the Ganga River, and Pb, Cd, Hg, and Cr in Salmophasia bacaila and Mystus cavasius from the Yamuna River exceeded WHO/FAO permissible limits. In water samples, the predominant heavy metal sequences were Pb > Cu > Zn > Cr > Cd > Hg for the Ganga River and Cr > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd > Hg for the Yamuna River, with Pb, Cr, Zn, and Cd surpassing WHO standards. Sediment analysis revealed varying heavy metal compositions, with Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Cd > Hg in the Ganga River and Cr > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd > Hg in the Yamuna River. While drinking water and fish from the Ganga River were deemed safe for consumption, those from the Yamuna River were not. Given the toxic nature of heavy metals and their detrimental health impacts, regular monitoring and effective management strategies are imperative.

Diagnostically distinct resting state fMRI energy distributions: A subject-specific maximum entropy modeling study.

Objective Existing neuroimaging studies of psychotic and mood disorders have reported brain activation differences (first-order properties) and altered pairwise correlation based functional connectivity (second-order properties). However, both approaches have certain limitations that can be overcome by integrating them in a pairwise maximum entropy model (MEM) that better represents a comprehensive picture of fMRI signal patterns and provides a system-wide summary measure called energy. This study examines the applicability of individual-level MEM for psychiatry and identifies image-derived model coefficients related to model parameters. Method MEMs are fit to resting state fMRI data from each individual with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and major depression (n=132) and demographically matched healthy controls (n=132) from the UK Biobank to different subsets of the default mode network (DMN) regions. Results The model satisfactorily explained observed brain energy state occurrence probabilities across all participants, and model parameters were significantly correlated with image-derived coefficients for all groups. Within clinical groups, averaged energy level distributions were higher in schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder but lower in bipolar disorder compared to controls for both bilateral and unilateral DMN. Major depression energy distributions were higher compared to controls only in the right hemisphere DMN. Conclusions Diagnostically distinct energy states suggest that probability distributions of temporal changes in synchronously active nodes may underlie each diagnostic entity. Subject-specific MEMs allow for factoring in the individual variations compared to traditional group-level inferences, offering an improved measure of biologically meaningful correlates of brain activity that may have potential clinical utility.

Hygrothermomechanical loading-induced vibration study of multilayer piezoelectric nanoplates with functionally graded porous cores resting on a variable viscoelastic substrate

Harnessing vibrations in multifunctional nanostructured plates is pivotal to next-gen microsystems but necessitates understanding scale effects under multifield loading. Investigated in this work are the forced and unforced vibrations of multilayered piezoelectric nanoplates supported on a variable viscoelastic medium and loaded hygrothermo-electromechanically with functionally graded porous (FGP) cores. The viscoelastic foundation is supposed to demonstrate non-linear changes in both stiffness and damping characteristics in the x-coordinate direction. The goal is to improve the accuracy of the results by using the nonlocal strain gradient theory (NSGT) and the third-order shear deformation assumption (TSDA), which include the effects of hardening and softening materials. The FGP core layer considers four states of porosity distribution patterns. These porosity distributions are expected to change in both the in-plane and thickness directions. The governing partial differential equations resulting from Hamilton's principle can be reduced to a system of algebraic equations by applying the Galerkin method. The parametric studies evaluate the effects of several factors, such as the initial electric voltage, viscoelastic medium parameters, moisture rise, temperature changes, porosity distributions, FG index, nonlocal and strain gradient features, and boundary conditions, on the vibration response. The novelty lies in the incorporation of advanced theories, such as the NSGT and TSDT, which capture size-dependent effects and material hardening/softening phenomena. Additionally, the consideration of four distinct porosity distribution patterns in the FGP core layer provides insights into the influence of porosity gradients on the dynamic response. The proposed model can guide the design and optimization of multifunctional nanostructured plates for applications in next-generation microsystems, energy harvesting devices, and smart structures.

Constitutive type-1 interferons signaling activity in malignant gliomas.

Recent studies revealed a pro-tumor effect of constitutive Type-1 interferons (IFN-I) production and the downstream signaling activity in several malignancies. In contrast, heterogeneity and clinical significance of the signaling activity in gliomas remain unknown. Thus, we aimed to depict the heterogeneity and clinical significance of constitutive Type-1 interferon (IFN-I) production and the downstream signaling activity in gliomas. We utilized multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) on a 364 gliomas tissue microarray from our cohort. Moreover, we conducted bioinformatic analyses on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) databases to investigate the heterogeneity and clinical significance of constitutive IFN-I signaling activity in gliomas. We observed high heterogeneity of the constitutive IFN-I signaling activity among glioma subtypes. Signaling increased with the WHO malignancy grade while decreasing in the gliomas with IDH mutations. Additionally, high IFN-I activity served as an independent predictor of unfavorable outcomes, and global DNA hypermethylation in IDH-mutant gliomas was associated with decreased IFN-I signaling activity. Positive correlations were observed between the IFN-I activity and glioma-associated inflammation, encompassing both anti-tumor and pro-tumor immune responses. Furthermore, the IFN-I activity varied significantly among tumor and immune cells in the glioma microenvironment (GME). Notably, a distinct pattern of IFN-I signaling activity distribution in GME cells was observed among glioma subtypes, and the pattern was independently associated with patient overall survival. Constitutive IFN-I signaling activity varies significantly among glioma subtypes and represents a potential indicator for increased glioma inflammation and unfavorable clinical outcomes.

Relation between soil glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers and temperature in different climatic regions in China

AbstractTemperature variation in the past periods can provide valuable insights into the characteristics and driving mechanisms of current global warming and future changes. Branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (brGDGTs) are commonly used to as a temperature proxy to quantitatively reconstruct past temperature changes. However, it still remains unclear whether the relation between brGDGTs and temperature is influenced by other environmental factors, thereby affecting the accuracy of quantitative reconstructions. A comprehensive analysis of the relation between brGDGTs and temperature across various climate regions can greatly enhance the accuracy of reconstructing past temperature changes. Here, we investigate the distribution patterns of soil brGDGTs using 28 new topsoils collected from altitudes ranging from 2100 to 4000 m.a.s.l. in the Hengduan Mountains in the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau (TP), compiled previously published soil brGDGT data in China. Our results reveal distinct distribution patterns of soil brGDGTs between humid and arid regions. Furthermore, we further investigated the correlation between brGDGT indices and various environmental factors from both altitudinal and regional scales. At the altitudinal scale, brGDGT indices exhibit a stronger correlation with mean annual air temperature (MAAT) in alkaline soils (pH > 7) than that in acidic soils (pH < 7). At the regional scale, this correlation is higher in alkaline soils than that in acidic soils as well and is stronger in humid soils (mean annual precipitation [MAP] > 800 mm) than that in semi‐humid and semi‐arid soil (400 < MAP < 800 mm) and arid soil (MAP < 400 mm). In addition, brGDGT‐inferred temperature is more affected by MAP in humid alkaline soils but less affected in humid acidic soils. Therefore, caution is needed to use suitable brGDGT index for palaeotemperature reconstructions in various climate regions.

Bone bruise distribution predicts anterior cruciate ligament tear location in non-contact injuries.

It is unclear whether different injury mechanisms lead to divergent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear locations. This study aims to analyse the relationship between bone bruise (BB) distribution or depth and ACL tear location. A retrospective analysis of 446 consecutive patients with acute non-contact ACL injury was performed. Only patients with complete ACL tears verified during subsequent arthroscopy were included. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to classify BB location, BB depth, ACL tear location and concomitant injuries (medial/lateral meniscus and medial/lateral collateral ligament). Demographic characteristics included age, gender, body mass index (BMI), type of sport and time between injury and MRI. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of ACL tear location. One hundred and fifty-eight skeletally mature patients met the inclusion criteria. The presence of BB in the lateral tibial plateau was associated with a more distal ACL tear location (β = -0.27, p < 0.001). Less BB depth in the lateral femoral condyle showed a tendency towards more proximal ACL tears (β = -0.14; p = 0.054). Older age predicted a more proximal ACL tear location (β = 0.31, p < 0.001). No significant relationship was found between ACL tear location and gender, BMI, type of sport, concomitant injuries and time between injury and MRI. ACL tear location after an acute non-contact injury is associated with distinct patterns of BB distribution, particularly involving the lateral compartment, indicating that different injury mechanisms may lead to different ACL tear locations. Level III.

Assessment and accumulation of microplastics in the Indian riverine systems: Risk assessment and implications of translocation across the water-to-fish continuum

Microplastic (MP) pollution has engulfed global aquatic systems, and the concerns about microplastic translocation and bioaccumulation in fish and other aquatic organisms are now an unpleasant truth. In the past few years, MP pollution in freshwater systems, particularly rivers and subsequently in freshwater organisms, especially in fish, has caught the attention of researchers. Rivers provide livelihood to approximately 40 % of the global population through food and potable water. Hence, assessment of emerging contaminants like microplastics in rivers and the associated fauna is crucial. This study assessed microplastics (MPs) in fish, sediment and freshwater samples across the third largest riverine system of peninsular India, the Mahanadi River. The number concentrations of MPs measured in water, sediment and fish ranged from 337.5 ± 54.4–1333.3 ± 557.2 MPs/m3, 14.7 ± 3.7–69.3 ± 10.1 MPs/kg. Dry weight and 0.4–3.2 MPs/Fish, respectively. Surprisingly, MPs were found in every second fish sample, with a higher MP number in the gut than in the gills. Black and blue coloured filaments with <0.5 mm size were the dominant MPs with polypropylene and polyethylene polymers in abundance. The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) and the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) studies revealed that the majority of the sampling sites fell in Risk category V (dangerous category). An irregular trend in the MP concentration was observed downstream of the river, though relatively elevated MP concentrations in water and fish samples were observed downstream of the river. t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbour Embedding (t-SNE) unveiled distinct patterns in MP distribution with a higher similarity exhibited in the MPs found in fish gill and gut samples, unlike water and sediment, which shared certain characteristics. The findings in the current study contribute to filling the knowledge gap of MP assessment and accumulation in global freshwater systems and highlight the microplastic contamination and accumulation in fish with its potential implications on human health.

Mapping proteomic composition of excitatory postsynaptic sites in the cerebellar cortex.

Functions of the cerebellar cortex, from motor learning to emotion and cognition, depend on the appropriate molecular composition at diverse synapse types. Glutamate receptor distributions have been partially mapped using immunogold electron microscopy. However, information is lacking on the distribution of many other components, such as Shank2, a postsynaptic scaffolding protein whose cerebellar dysfunction is associated with autism spectrum disorders. Here, we used an adapted Magnified Analysis of the Proteome, an expansion microscopy approach, to map multiple glutamate receptors, scaffolding and signaling proteins at single synapse resolution in the cerebellar cortex. Multiple distinct synapse-selective distribution patterns were observed. For example, AMPA receptors were most concentrated at synapses on molecular layer interneurons and at climbing fiber synapses, Shank1 was most concentrated at parallel fiber synapses on Purkinje cells, and Shank2 at both climbing fiber and parallel fiber synapses on Purkinje cells but little on molecular layer interneurons. Our results are consistent with gene expression data but also reveal input-selective targeting within Purkinje cells. In specialized glomerular structures of the granule cell layer, AMPA receptors as well as most other synaptic components preferentially targeted to synapses. However, NMDA receptors and the synaptic GTPase activating protein SynGAP preferentially targeted to extrasynaptic sites. Thus, glomeruli may be considered integrative signaling units through which mossy fibers differentially activate synaptic AMPA and extrasynaptic NMDA receptor complexes. Furthermore, we observed NMDA receptors and SynGAP at adherens junctions, suggesting a role in structural plasticity of glomeruli. Altogether, these data contribute to mapping the cerebellar 'synaptome'.

Response of sediment microbial communities to the flow effect of the triangular artificial reef: A simulation-based experimental study

Artificial reefs (ARs), as an important tool for habitat restoration, play significant impacts on benthic microbial ecosystems. This study utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) flow simulation to investigate the effects of flow field distribution around ARs on microbial community structure. The results revealed distinct regional distribution patterns of microbial communities affected by different hydrodynamic conditions. Flow velocity and flow regime of water in sediment-water interface shaped the microbial community structure. The diversity and richness in R–HF were significantly decreased compared to other five regions (p < 0.05). At the phyla and OUT levels, most abundant taxa (1>%) showed an enrichment trend in R–HB. However, more than half of differentially abundant taxa were enriched in R–HB, which was significantly correlated with organic matter (OM). Bugbase phenotypic predictions indicated a low abundance of the anaerobic phenotype in R–HF and a high abundance of the biofilm-forming phenotype in R–HB.

Nanoplastics in Water: Artificial Intelligence-Assisted 4D Physicochemical Characterization and Rapid In Situ Detection.

For the first time, we present a much-needed technology for the in situ and real-time detection of nanoplastics in aquatic systems. We show an artificial intelligence-assisted nanodigital in-line holographic microscopy (AI-assisted nano-DIHM) that automatically classifies nano- and microplastics simultaneously from nonplastic particles within milliseconds in stationary and dynamic natural waters, without sample preparation. AI-assisted nano-DIHM identifies 2 and 1% of waterborne particles as nano/microplastics in Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River, respectively. Nano-DIHM provides physicochemical properties of single particles or clusters of nano/microplastics, including size, shape, optical phase, perimeter, surface area, roughness, and edge gradient. It distinguishes nano/microplastics from mixtures of organics, inorganics, biological particles, and coated heterogeneous clusters. This technology allows 4D tracking and 3D structural and spatial study of waterborne nano/microplastics. Independent transmission electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, and nanoparticle tracking analysis validates nano-DIHM data. Complementary modeling demonstrates nano- and microplastics have significantly distinct distribution patterns in water, which affect their transport and fate, rendering nano-DIHM a powerful tool for accurate nano/microplastic life-cycle analysis and hotspot remediation.

Non-gastrointestinal stromal tumor, mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract: a review of tumor genetics, pathology, and cross-sectional imaging findings.

There is a diverse group of non-gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that demonstrate characteristic pathology and histogenesis as well as variable imaging findings and biological behavior. Recent advancements in tumor genetics have unveiled specific abnormalities associated with certain tumors, influencing their molecular pathogenesis, biology, response to treatment, and prognosis. Notably, giant fibrovascular polyps of the esophagus, identified through MDM2 gene amplifications, are now classified as liposarcomas. Some tumors exhibit distinctive patterns of disease distribution. Glomus tumors and plexiform fibromyxomas exhibit a pronounced affinity for the gastric antrum. In contrast, smooth muscle tumors within the GI tract are predominantly found in the esophagus and colorectum, surpassing the incidence of GISTs in these locations. Surgical resection suffices for symptomatic benign tumors; multimodality treatment may be necessary for frank sarcomas. This article aims to elucidate the cross-sectional imaging findings associated with a wide spectrum of these tumors, providing insights that align with their histopathological features.

Riparian woody plant communities in the Romanian Carpathians: Species diversity and community structure of Salix and Hippophaë communities.

Riparian woody plant communities, including shrubs and trees, are essential for maintaining biodiversity, protecting against floods, reducing erosion, and transporting nutrients. However, these habitats are greatly threatened by human activities, particularly agricultural land acquisition, and the introduction of invasive species. This study examined species diversity and interspecific association in riparian woody plant communities along rivers in the Romanian Carpathians. The study focused on communities of Salix purpurea, S. alba, and Hippophaë rhamnoides in mountain regions, with varying sampling efforts at different sites for each species. A total of 174 plant species were found, predominantly herbaceous (77.9%), followed by trees (11.6%) and shrubs (10.5%). While S. alba and S. purpurea communities show high species richness and abundance, S. alba has slightly higher diversity (H' ≈ 2.23, SD = 0.28) than S. purpurea (H' ≈ 1.69, SD = 0.42). Contrarily, significant differences exist between H. rhamnoides and S. alba communities in species richness (p = .007) and Shannon diversity (p = .004). PCA analysis elaborated on distinct distribution patterns of plant associations within habitats S. purpurea community, H. rhamnoides community, and S. alba community. Four invasive species (Oenothera biennis L. and Oxalis stricta L. in S. alba communities, Reynoutria sachalinensis Nakai in both S. purpurea and H. rhamnoides communities, and Erigeron canadensis L. in H. rhamnoides communities) were identified, as requiring conservation efforts. Hemicryptophytes dominate species richness, while microphanerophytes and megaphanerophytes significantly contribute to plant abundance. H. rhamnoides formed Hippophaë rhamnoides dunes (2160) Natura 2000 habitat, while S. alba created galleries within the 92A0 Salix alba and Populus alba habitat. In conclusion, the findings from this study highlight the importance of preserving riparian habitats because their value goes beyond local or regional considerations and extends to the global scale due to their unique characteristics.