Effects Of Stress Research Articles

Effect of Wellbore Orientation and Axial Stress on Hydraulic Fracture Initiation and Propagation in Lushan Shale with Inclined Bedding Planes

Effect of Wellbore Orientation and Axial Stress on Hydraulic Fracture Initiation and Propagation in Lushan Shale with Inclined Bedding Planes

Unraveling the rationale and conducting a comprehensive assessment of AdipoRon (adiponectin receptor agonist) as a candidate drug for diabetic nephropathy and cardiomyopathy prevention and intervention-a systematic review.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a widespread chronic disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, leading to severe complications such as diabetic cardiomyopathy and nephropathy, significantly affecting patient health and quality of life. The complex mechanisms underlying these complications include chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysregulation. Diabetic cardiomyopathy, marked by structural and functional heart abnormalities, and diabetic nephropathy, characterized by progressive kidney damage, are major contributors to the increased morbidity and mortality associated with T2DM. AdipoRon, a synthetic adiponectin receptor agonist, has shown potential in preclinical studies for mimicking the beneficial effects of endogenous adiponectin, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and improving lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function. This systematic review evaluates the therapeutic potential of AdipoRon, focusing on its impact on diabetic cardiomyopathy and nephropathy. Through a comprehensive literature search and analysis, we highlight AdipoRon's role in ameliorating cardiovascular and renal complications in various animal models and cellular systems. The findings underscore the urgent need for translational clinical studies to validate AdipoRon's efficacy and safety in human populations, aiming to advance this promising therapeutic approach from experimental models to clinical application, potentially offering new hope for improved management of diabetic complications.

Non-suicidal self-injury trajectories among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of parenting dimensions and stress reactions

BackgroundThe literature on the trajectories of NSSI behavior during the pandemic is scarce and mainly short-term. Furthermore, studies have not explored the buffering mechanisms that may have altered risk trajectories during this vulnerable period. This study aims to analyze the univariate change of NSSI during adolescence and to examine the alteration of the univariate growth due to the time-varying effect of COVID-19-related stress, parenting dimensions (i.e., positive and negative parenting), and their interaction. MethodsParticipants included 830 Italian adolescents (44.2 % females; Mage = 14.52; SD = 0.80), who participated in at least one time point of data collection, from a three-wave longitudinal study (T1: from December 2019 to January 2020; T2: December 2020; T3: December 2021). ResultsThe Latent Growth Curve Analyses show a linear increase in NSSI over time. In regards to time-varying, at T1, the results highlight that higher levels of negative parenting are associated with higher levels of NSSI at the same time point. Instead, at T2, results show that pandemic stress is associated with higher levels of NSSI at T2. Regarding the interaction effect, positive parenting significantly buffered the effect of COVID-19 stress on NSSI at both T2 and T3. LimitationsOnly some dimensions of parenting style (i.e., positive and negative parenting) are included. ConclusionsThis study attempts to deepen the trajectory of NSSI behavior during the two years of the pandemic and examine the changes caused by the time-varying effects, thus providing suggestions for designing programs to prevent engagement in NSSI.

The Influence of Motivation and Work Stress on the Performance of PT Karya Bakti Metalasri Employees

This research aims to determine the effect of motivation and work stress on employee performance at PT Karya Bakti Metalasri Surabaya (Surabaya and Jakarta branches). The method used is quantitative research with associative causal type and data processing using SPSS version 25. There are 96 samples in this research with the employee criteria being employeeswho work at the DKI Jakarta and Surabaya branches of PT Karya Bakti Metalasri obtained through the census method. The data collection technique in this research uses a questionnaire whose validity and reliability have been tested. The method used is multiple linear regression. The results of this research show that through the F Test (simultaneous test) carried out, it can be concluded that work motivation and work stress have an impact on the performance of PT Bakti Metalasri employees. Through the T Test (partial test), the Work Motivation variable is able to directly influence employee performance. Likewise, the Job Stress variable is able to directly influence employee performance. Furthermore, based on the R-Square Test, the two independent variables, namely Work Motivation and Work Stress, were able to explain the dependent variable Employee Performance by 73.5% at PT. Karya Bakti Metalasri.

Relationship between metabolic indices and milk yield in Saanen goats exposed to heat stress in semi-tropical climates

This study aimed to determine the effects of heat stress on 30 Saanen goats of different ages (young, middle-aged, and old). The average temperature and humidity values during the trial were 27.82 °C and 40.65%, respectively. Statistically significant differences in pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (SS), and temperature humidity index (THI) were found between months (P < 0.05). Beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) values were found to be statistically significant in the young and middle-aged group (P < 0.05), with the highest in the middle-aged group obtained in June (0.65 mmol/L). Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and urea (BUN) were significantly different (P < 0.05) in all age groups, whereas creatinine values showed no significant differences between groups. Significant positive relationships were found between body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS), as well as pulse rate (PR) and daily average daily milk yield (DAMY) (P < 0.01). A positive correlation was also found between the respiratory rate (SS) and pulse rate (P < 0.01). As a result, although attempts have been made to prevent the decrease in productivity with applications for animals under heat stress, the optimal strategy may be to address the source of the problem. Issues that cause heat accumulation in the body should be identified and necessary arrangements should be made in the shelter to distribute heat to ensure that animals are less affected. Shaded areas should be provided in cases of stress caused by heat. An appropriate structural arrangement for temperature, humidification, and ventilation systems, as well as the provision of abundant fresh drinking water, would also be beneficial.

Dynamic characteristics of compacted landfill waste material from cyclic triaxial tests

This study conducted a series of cyclic and monotonic triaxial tests on reconstituted landfill waste material from a closed landfill site in Sydney, Australia, to assess its dynamic behaviour under various testing conditions. Specifically, the effects of cyclic deviatoric stress, loading frequency, and effective confining stress on the cumulative plastic axial strain, resilient modulus, and damping ratio under undrained cyclic loading conditions were investigated. Results indicated that the plastic deformation, resilient modulus, and material damping are significantly influenced by dynamic stress and confining stress, with a lesser impact from loading frequency. Notably, as the number of loading cycles increased, the cumulative plastic axial strain and resilient modulus exhibited an increase, whereas the damping ratio decreased. Furthermore, increasing cyclic deviatoric stress led to an increase in both cumulative plastic axial strain and damping ratio, while an increase in confining stress resulted in a decrease in these parameters. Conversely, the resilient modulus showed an increase with rising cyclic deviatoric stress and confining stress. The influence of loading frequency on cumulative plastic axial strain and resilient modulus was minor, and its effect on the damping ratio was rather negligible. The study observed that initial loading cycles caused rearrangement and reorientation of waste components and the mobilisation of fibres with tensile forces as loading progressed, suggesting that these landfill waste samples behaved comparably to fibrous soil with randomly distributed fibres. Through nonlinear regression analysis, an empirical relationship for cumulative plastic axial strain incorporating cyclic deviatoric stress, confining stress, number of cycles, and frequency was derived. This research contributes valuable insights into the behaviour of compacted landfills as railway subgrades, providing a foundation for informed decision-making in the design of transport infrastructure over closed landfill sites.

Do vitamins change the morphophysiological characteristics of sweet pepper grown under irrigation with saline water?

The exogenous application of vitamins in plants has been highlighted by the increase in plant vigor, increase in reproductive rates, and greater resistance to edaphoclimatic adversities. Based on the hypothesis that the application of B-complex vitamins can change the morphophysiological characteristics of vegetables and mitigate the effects of abiotic stresses, the objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of the application of B-complex vitamins on pepper crops submitted to irrigation. with saline water. Five treatments were performed, with the control, as follows: irrigation with water and without application of vitamins; irrigation with saline solution and without application of vitamins; irrigation with saline solution and application of vitamin thiamine (NaCl+B1); irrigation with saline solution and application of vitamin niacin (NaCl+B3); and, irrigation with saline solution and application of vitamin pyridoxine (NaCl+B6). The use of saline water during irrigation had significant effects on net photosynthesis, water use efficiency and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, when compared to the control treatment, irrigated with water, with no differences in transpiration characteristics and relative content. of chlorophyll. It was observed that the exogenous application of vitamins mitigates the effects caused by irrigation with saline water in pepper seedlings, attenuating the loss of dry weight and reducing the stress on photosynthetic mechanisms, increasing photosynthetic activity and decreasing the deleterious effects of salinity on the accumulation of dry weight.

Effect of Heat Stress during Reproductive Stage on Plant Growth, Total Biomass Production and their Correlation with Grain Yield in Rice

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is highly sensitive to high temperature during its reproductive stages. This study aims to elucidate the effects of heat stress during reproductive stage on plant growth, total dry matter accumulation, and their correlation with grain yield in diverse rice genotypes. A field experiment in split plot design was conducted at G.B.P.U.A.&amp; T., Pantnagar during rainy season 2022-23, where high temperature stress was imposed on 15 rice genotypes during reproductive stage (after panicle initiation till maturity) using a polytunnel. The results showed that heat stress lead to reduction in dry matter accumulation and harvest index in 10 genotypes, although with different magnitude. The genotypes were screened into tolerant and susceptible based on yield reduction by comparing with the genotype N-22, which was used as a check for heat stress. It was observed that the genotypes, IET 29415, MTU-1282, MTU-1121, NLR-40042 and US-314 maintaining higher biomass and HI under heat stress conditions were able to maintain grain yield. The identified genotypes with better performance under heat stress conditions offer valuable genetic resources for breeding programs aimed at improving heat tolerance in rice.

Neurocytokine blood profile of veterans of modern combat conflicts with post-traumatic stress disorder

The formation of post-stress disorders in veterans of modern military conflicts is due to the peculiarities of the mutual influence of mental and immuno-endocrine processes aimed at maintaining the stability of the body in conditions of chronic activation of physiological systems through a process known as allostasis. The purpose of the study was to study the levels of stress mediators of hypothalamic-pituitary and adrenal origin, the cytokine profile of blood of veterans of modern wars with PTSD. 38 veterans of a special military operation in Ukraine with a diagnosis according to ICD 10: PTSD (F43.1) took part in the study. The diagnosis was verified on the basis of neuropsychological and pathopsychological examination. The comparison group included 30 veterans of the Chechen military campaign of the same age. The levels of stress hormones in the blood were determined by ELISA using the following method: ACTH (IBL, Germany); norepinephrine (Cloud-Clone, China); cortisol (HemaMedica, Russia); dihydroepiandrosterone (DBC, Canada). The blood cytokine profile was determined using a multiplex analysis using the Bio-Plex test system (MERZ, Germany). Evidence of the accumulation of “allostatic load” during the formation of PTSD in SVO veterans was an increase in the blood concentrations of ACTH, norepinephrine, and cortisol, which are plastic constants of the catatoxic strategy of adaptation to the effects of prolonged combat stress. Allostatic reactions in PTSD included changes in the cytokine profile of the blood in the form of increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL- 1β, IL-6, IL-12 TNFα) and decreased anti-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, TGF-β, IL-2). This neuroinflammatory status may be associated with the development of psycho-behavioral symptoms of PTSD. The formation of maladaptive changes with the accumulation of “allostatic load” was clinically expressed in the form of PTSD and was accompanied by changes in the neurocytokine blood profile in the form of increased levels of ACTH, norepinephrine, cortisol, IL-lβ, IL-6, IL-12 TNFα, against the background of a decrease in the concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone, TGF-β, IL-4, IL-10, IL-2, which generally reflects the prevalence of the catatoxic adaptation strategy in combatants.

Effects of different water stresses under subsurface infiltration irrigation on eggplant growth and water productivity

Soil moisture deficiency limits eggplant growth and affects the yield and quality. Identifying an appropriate deficit irrigation strategy to enhance irrigation water productivity is an urgent task. Additionally, the dynamic response of eggplants to water stress at various phenological stages needs further clarification. In this study, eggplants were used as experimental materials, with field capacity (FC) (Senyigit et al.) serving as the irrigation standard. Two levels of deficit irrigation treatments (60 % FC and 50 % FC) were applied at three key phenological stages of eggplant (seedling stage, flowering and fruiting, and prime fruit stage). A randomized block design was used with non-deficit irrigation (80 % FC) during the phenological stages as the control (W1), resulting in seven treatments, each with three replicates. The results showed that at the same phenological stage, plant height, stem diameter, leaf area index (LAI), dry matter accumulation, total fresh root weight, total root length, total root surface area, and total root volume decreased as the irrigation threshold was lowered. The content of vitamin C, soluble sugars, souble proteins, and crude fiber increased as the irrigation threshold decreased. Leaf photosynthetic parameters (photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci)) were positively correlated with the irrigation threshold. The W1 treatment had the highest yield (89.1 t·ha−1 in 2018; 88.8 t·ha−1 in 2019), followed by the W2 treatment (86.1 t·ha−1 in 2018; 85.6 t·ha−1 in 2019). Water deficit during the prime fruit stage (W6, W7) had the most significant impact on yield. W1 had the highest water productivity (19.4 kg·m−3 in 2018; 19.2 kg·m−3 in 2019), with no significant difference from W2 (19.4 kg·m−3 in 2018; 19.0 kg·m−3 in 2019). Using the Jensen function, the water sensitivity of eggplants at different phenological stages was ranked as follows:prime fruit stage > flowering and fruiting stage > seedling stage. Path analysis indicated that dry matter accumulation, single fruit weight, and single plant yield were important indicators affecting yield. Considering irrigation amount, eggplant growth, fruit yield and quality, and water productivity, the optimal deficit irrigation thresholds for eggplants in arid regions are determined to be 60 % FC during the seedling stage, 60 % FC during the flowering and fruiting stage, and 80 % FC during the prime fruit stage. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for precision agricultural irrigation practices.

Effect of peening with fine iron-sulfide particles on the rotating bending fatigue properties of low alloy steel and formation of iron-sulfide layer

Low alloy steels were subjected to peening with fine iron sulfide particles (FeS-peening) under ambient conditions to transfer a layer of such particles, which can improve seizure resistance and sliding properties, and thus enhance the fatigue characteristics of the steel. This process was performed without the use of aqueous Na2S2O3 and the specimens were assessed using electron probe microanalysis and rotating bending fatigue tests. Treated specimens exhibited higher fatigue limits as a result of high degree of compressive residual stress generated on the steel surface. The effects of residual stress on the fatigue limit were quantitatively investigated using a modified Goodman diagram. Sample cross-sections were observed using electron backscattered diffraction, which confirmed that FeS-peening formed fine surface grains. Grain refinement was determined to be at least partly responsible for the improved fatigue properties of the steel following FeS-peening.

Air Pollution Effects on Mental Health Relationships: Scoping Review on Historically Used Methodologies to Analyze Adult Populations

Air pollution’s effects on physical health, especially cardiovascular and respiratory, are well known. Exposure to air pollution may damage every organ and cell in the human body. New evidence is emerging showing that air pollution adversely affects human mental health. Current research suggests that high air pollution levels have long-term mental health effects, such as reduced mental capacity and increased cognitive decline, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Objectives: This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the methods used in epidemiological literature to ascertain the existence of links between outdoor particulate matter (PM) and multiple adverse mental health (MH) effects (depression, anxiety, and/or stress). A better understanding of the practical research methodologies could lead to improved air quality (AQ) management and enhanced well-being strategies. Methods: This paper undertakes a scoping review. PubMed and EMBASE databases from 2010 to 2024 were searched for English-language human cohort observational studies stating methodologies used in analyzing the link between outdoor particulate matter (ultrafine (UFT) (&lt;0.1 μm), fine (&lt;2.5 μm), and course (&lt;10 μm)) and mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress) in adults (&gt;18 years), excluding vulnerable populations (i.e., elderly, children, and pregnant women). The study focuses on urban, suburban areas, and rural areas. Results: From an initial search of 3889 records, 29 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. These studies spanned various countries and employed robust quantitative methodologies to assess AQ and MH. All included studies investigated the impact of PM on mental health, with some (n = 19/65.52%) also examining nitrogen oxides (NOx), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO). Depression was the most frequently studied outcome (n = 10/34.48%), followed by anxiety and depression (n = 6/20.69%), and anxiety, stress, and depression, and stress (n = 4/13.79%, each). Depression, anxiety, and stress together were examined in a single study (n = 1/3.45%). Standardized questionnaires involving psychological scales such as Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) (n = 7/24.14%) and The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) (n = 3/10.34%) for depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD) (n = 2/6.90%) for anxiety were commonly used MH tools. 27 out of 29 studies found a significant negative impact of air pollution on mental health, demonstrating a solid consensus in the literature. Two studies did not find a significant correlation. The results consistently indicated that higher levels of air pollution were associated with increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusion: Of the 3889 identified studies, 29 were suitable for inclusion in the scoping review per inclusion criteria. The results show the most preferred methods in assessing air quality and mental health in relevant studies, providing a detailed account of each method’s strengths and limitations used in studies. This scoping review was conducted to assist future research and relieve the decision-making process for researchers aiming to find a correlation between air quality and mental health. While the inclusion criteria were strict and thus resulted in few studies, the review found a gap in the literature concerning the general adult population, as most studies focused on vulnerable populations. Further exploration of the methodologies used to find the relationship between air quality and mental health is needed, as reporting on these outcomes was limited.

Multiple-biomarker approach in the assessment of bisphenol A effect on the grooved carpet clam Ruditapes decussatus (Linnaeus, 1758)

BackgroundBisphenol A (BPA), a plastic additive monomer, is among the most highly produced chemicals worldwide, and is broadly used in many industries, such as food and beverage containers, milk bottles, and paper products. Previous studies demonstrated that BPA has potential toxicity to aquatic organisms, causing endocrine disturbance and behavioural disorders. The current work aimed to determine the toxic impacts of BPA on the edible marine clam Ruditapes decussatus considering a multi-biomarker approach (mortality, biochemical studies, DNA strand breaks using comet assay, and histopathological examinations with semi-quantitative and quantitative histopathological analyses). The clams were exposed under laboratory conditions to three concentrations of BPA (0 “control”, 1, and 5 µg/L) for a period of 21 days. After the exposure period, BPA impacts were assessed in the digestive gland as a versatile and environmentally relevant organ for ecotoxicological studies.ResultsIn BPA-treated clams, mortality (10%) occurred only at the highest BPA concentration (5 µg/L). Biochemical impairments were detected in a concentration-dependent manner as a consequence of BPA exposure. There were significant increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, while catalase (CAT) activity was significantly reduced. Our results revealed that BPA induced neurotoxicity in R. decussatus, as evidenced by the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, DNA damage was strongly induced as BPA levels increased. Additionally, our results have been affirmed by alterations in digestive gland tissues at BPA treatments, which consequently can impair the clam’s ability for food absorption; these alterations included mainly atrophic and necrotic digestive tubules, epithelial cell vacuolization, hemocyte infiltration, and intertubular fibrosis. Based on the data obtained from the semi-quantitative and quantitative histopathological analyses, the exposure of the clam’s digestive gland to BPA with concentrations of 1 and 5 µg/L for 21 days showed significant histopathological alterations compared with the control clams.ConclusionThe multi-biomarker approach used in the current study proved to be a useful tool for assessing the impact of diphenylmethane compounds, such as BPA. Water-borne BPA causes oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, and deleterious effects on the clam digestive gland; all of these could deteriorate clam performance and health, causing tissue dysfunction.

Fracture Evolution during CO2 Fracturing in Unconventional Formations: A Simulation Study Using the Phase Field Method

With the introduction of China’s “dual carbon” goals, CO2 is increasingly valued as a resource and is being utilized in unconventional oil and gas development. Its application in fracturing operations shows promising prospects, enabling efficient extraction of oil and gas while facilitating carbon sequestration. The process of reservoir stimulation using CO2 fracturing is complex, involving coupled phenomena such as temperature variations, fluid behavior, and rock mechanics. Currently, numerous scholars have conducted fracturing experiments to explore the mechanisms of supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2)-induced fractures in relatively deep formations. However, there is relatively limited numerical simulation research on the coupling processes involved in CO2 fracturing. Some simulation studies have simplified reservoir and operational parameters, indicating a need for further exploration into the multi-field coupling mechanisms of CO2 fracturing. In this study, a coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical fracturing model considering the CO2 properties and heat transfer characteristics was developed using the phase field method. The multi-field coupling characteristics of hydraulic fracturing with water and SC-CO2 are compared, and the effects of different geological parameters (such as in situ stress) and engineering parameters (such as the injection rate) on fracturing performance in tight reservoirs were investigated. The simulation results validate the conclusion that CO2, especially in its supercritical state, effectively reduces reservoir breakdown pressures and induces relatively complex fractures compared with water fracturing. During CO2 injection, heat transfer between the fluid and rock creates a thermal transition zone near the wellbore, beyond which the reservoir temperature remains relatively unchanged. Larger temperature differentials between the injected CO2 fluid and the formation result in more complicated fracture patterns due to thermal stress effects. With a CO2 injection, the displacement field of the formation deviated asymmetrically and changed abruptly when the fracture formed. As the in situ stress difference increased, the morphology of the SC-CO2-induced fractures tended to become simpler, and conversely, the fracture presented a complicated distribution. Furthermore, with an increasing injection rate of CO2, the fractures exhibited a greater width and extended over longer distances, which are more conducive to reservoir volumetric enhancement. The findings of this study validate the authenticity of previous experimental results, and it analyzed fracture evolution through the multi-field coupling process of CO2 fracturing, thereby enhancing theoretical understanding and laying a foundational basis for the application of this technology.

Effects of ammonia nitrogen stress on the physiological, biochemical, and metabolic levels of the gill tissue of juvenile four-finger threadfin (Eleutheronema tetradactylum)

In this study, the impact of ammonia nitrogen stress on juvenile four-finger threadfin in pond culture was examined. The 96-hour median lethal concentration (LC50-96h) and safe concentration of ammonia nitrogen were assessed in juveniles with a body weight of 7.4 ± 0.6 g using ecotoxicological methods. The study design included a stress group exposed to LC50-96h levels of ammonia nitrogen and a control group without ammonia nitrogen exposure. To examine the physiological, biochemical, and metabolic effects of ammonia nitrogen on gill tissue, gill tissue samples were collected after 12, 24, 48, and 96 h of stress, with a resumption of treatment after 48 h. Compared to the control group, ammonia nitrogen adversely affected juvenile four-finger threadfin, with LC50-96h and safe concentration values of 20.70 mg/L and 2.07 mg/L, respectively. Exposure to ammonia nitrogen resulted in substantial gill damage, including fusion of lamellae, epithelial cell loss, and proliferation of chlorine-secreting cells. This tissue damage persisted even after a 48-h recovery period. Ammonia nitrogen stress triggered an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and malondialdehyde levels in gills, indicating oxidative stress from 12 h onwards. Although enzyme activity decreased over time, oxidative stress persisted even after recovery, suggesting an ongoing need for antioxidant defense. Metabolomics analysis showed significant alterations in 423 metabolites under ammonia nitrogen stress. Key metabolites such as L-arginine, taurine, 20-hydroxyarachidonic acid, 11,12-dihydroxy-5Z, 8Z, and 14Z eicosotrienic acid followed an increasing trend; uridine, adenosine, L-glutathione, and thymidine 5′-triphosphate followed a decreasing trend. These changes reflect metabolic adaptations to stress. In enriched metabolic pathways, the main differential pathways are membrane transport, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. After 48 h, significant differences were observed in 396 metabolites compared to the control group. Notably, L-arginine, choline, and L-histidine increased, while linoleic acid, adenosine, and glutathione decreased. Amino acid and lipid metabolism pathways were key affected pathways. Under ammonia nitrogen stress, juvenile four-finger threadfin increased the synthesis of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids to cope with low temperatures and bolster immune function by consuming spermidine. This adaptation helps to clear peroxides generated during fatty acid synthesis, thereby protecting cells from oxidative damage. This study provides insights for pond aquaculture and breeding of ammonia nitrogen-tolerant fish strains.

Effects of Low-Temperature Stress on Physiological Characteristics and Microstructure of Stems and Leaves of Pinus massoniana L.

Pinus massoniana L. is one of the most important conifer species in southern China and is the mainstay of the forest ecosystem and timber production, yet low temperatures limit its growth and geographical distribution. This study used 30-day-old seedlings from families of varying cold-tolerance to examine the morphological traits of needles and stems, chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics, protective enzymes, and changes in starch and lignin under different low-temperature stresses in an artificial climate chamber. The results showed that the seedlings of Pinus massoniana exhibited changes in phenotypic morphology and tissue structure under low-temperature stress. Physiological and biochemical indexes such as protective enzymes, osmoregulatory substances, starch, and lignin responded to low-temperature stress. The cold-tolerant family increased soluble sugars, starch grain, and lignin content as well as peroxidase activity, and decreased malondialdehyde content by increasing the levels of actual photochemical efficiency (ΦPSII), electron transport rate (ETR), and photochemical quenching (qP) to improve the cold tolerance ability. This study provides a reference for the selection and breeding of cold-tolerant genetic resources of Pinus massoniana and the mechanism of cold-tolerance, as well as the analysis of the mechanism of adaptation of Pinus massoniana in different climatic regions of China.

Gut microbiome and antibiotic resistance genes in plateau model animal (Ochotona curzoniae) exhibit a relative stability under cold stress

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) carried by gut pathogens may pose a threat to the host and ecological environment. However, few studies focus on the effects of cold stress on intestinal bacteria and ARGs in plateau animals. Here, we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing and gene chip technique to explore the difference of gut microbes and ARGs in plateau pika under 4 °C and 25 °C. The results showed that tetracycline and aminoglycoside resistance genes were the dominant ARGs in pika intestine. Seven kinds of high-risk ARGs (aadA-01, aadA-02, ermB, floR, mphA-01, mphA-02, tetM-02) existed in pika’s intestine, and cold had no significant effect on the composition and structure of pika’s intestinal ARGs. The dominant phyla in pika intestine were Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Cold influenced 0.47 % of pika intestinal bacteria in OTU level, while most other bacteria had no significant change. The diversity and community assembly of intestinal bacteria in pika remained relatively stable under cold conditions, while low temperature decreased gut microbial network complexity. In addition, low temperature led to the enrichment of glycine biosynthesis and metabolism-related pathways. Moreover, the correlation analysis showed that eight opportunistic pathogens (such as Clostridium, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, etc.) detected in pika intestine might be potential hosts of ARGs.

Anhysteretic strains in ferroelectric ceramics under electromechanical loading

This study investigates anhysteretic strains in PZT ceramics. The anhysteretic curves are associated with a stable balanced state of polarization in the domain structure, excluding dissipative effects related to mechanisms such as domain wall pinning. Anhysteretic measurements are representative of an -ideal- scenario in which the material would undergo no energy loss due to dissipative processes, focusing on the stable and reversible aspects of the domain configuration. The different methodologies employed to measure deformations under electromechanical loading are presented, leading to the introduction of digital image correlation (DIC) as the chosen technique, recognized for its ability to capture detailed information on transverse and longitudinal strain. The article then describes a procedure developed to obtain anhysteretic strain and anhysteretic polarisation for different levels of compressive loadings. The subsequent presentation of the results of the transverse and longitudinal strain analyses provides valuable insights into the reversible and irreversible behavior of the material. They can be used as a basis for the thermodynamical modelling approaches grounded on separating reversible and irreversible contributions or as a validation of existing models describing anhysteretic behavior. The compressive stress affects both the shape of hysteretic and anhysteretic curves. The anhysteretic curve represents a stable equilibrium in the domain structure. Compressive stress reduces strain by affecting the pinning of domain walls. These points justify the interest in studying the effect of compressive stress on the anhysteretic behavior of ferroelectrics.

Comparison of Festuca glauca 'Uchte' and Festuca amethystina 'Walberla' Varieties in a Simulated Extensive Roof Garden Environment.

One of the most effective means of increasing urban green areas is the establishment of roof gardens. They have many positive properties and ecological functions, such as filling empty spaces with plants, protecting buildings, dust retention and air cleaning. In the case of extensive constructions, mostly Sedum species are used, planted as carpet-like "grass" sods or by installing modular units as plugs; however, with the use of other plant genera, the efficiency of ecological services could be increased by expanding the diversity. Festuca taxa have good drought resistance, and these plants tolerate temperature alterations well. Their application would increase the biodiversity, quality and decorative value of roof gardens. Experiments were carried out on nursery benches imitating a roof garden, with the use of modular elements intended for Sedum species, which facilitate the establishment of green roofs. In our trial, varieties of two European native species, Festuca glauca Vill. 'Uchte' and F. amethystina L. 'Walberla', were investigated. In order to find and determine the differences between the cultivars and the effects of the media (leaf mold and rhyolite tuff), we drew inferences after morphological (height, circumference, root weight, fresh and dry weight) and physiological tests (peroxidase and proline enzyme activity). We concluded that F. glauca 'Uchte' is recommended for roof garden conditions, planted in modular elements. Although the specimens were smaller in the medium containing fewer organic components than in the version with larger amounts, they were less exposed to the effects of drought stress. This can be a key factor for survival in extreme roof gardens or even urban conditions for all plants.

Angiotensin II as a Vasopressor for Perioperative Hypotension in Solid Organ Transplant.

During the perioperative period of transplantation, patients experience hypotension secondary to the side effects of anesthesia, surgical stress, inflammatory triggering, and intraoperative fluid shifts, among others causes. Vasopressor support, in this context, must reverse systemic hypotension, but ideally, the agents used should benefit allograft function and avoid the adverse events commonly seen after transplantation. Traditional therapies to reverse hypotension include catecholamine vasopressors (norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and phenylephrine), but their utility is limited when considering allograft complications and adverse events such as arrhythmias with agents with beta-adrenergic properties. Synthetic angiotensin II (AT2S-[Giapreza]) is a novel vasopressor indicated for distributive shock with a unique mechanism of action as an angiotensin receptor agonist restoring balance to an often-disrupted renin angiotensin aldosterone system. Additionally, AT2S provides a balanced afferent and efferent arteriole vasoconstriction at the level of the kidney and could avoid the arrhythmic complications of a beta-adrenergic agonist. While the data, to date, are limited, AT2S has demonstrated safety in case reports, pilot studies, and small series in the kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplant populations. There are physiologic and hemodynamic reasons why AT2S could be a more utilized agent in these populations, but further investigation is warranted.