Opposite Trend Research Articles

Morpho-molecular evaluation for developmental competence of oocytes retrieved through transvaginal ovum pick-up from FSH-stimulated Tharparkar donor cows (Bos indicus).

The study was conducted on indigenous Tharparkar cow (Bos indicus) to evaluate FSH stimulation on follicular attributes, oocyte recovery and morpho-molecular developmental competence parameters concerning oocyte quality. A total of 20 OPU sessions were performed, which included 10 sessions in each FSH stimulated at the dose of 130 µg divided into four sub-doses and non-stimulated. Findings on the size of follicles having ≥6 mm showed a significantly higher, however an opposite trend was observed in the case of smaller sized follicle (<6 mm) between stimulated and non-stimulated respectively. The stimulated cows had a significantly higher number as well as the percentage of oocytes of Grade A, having a diameter ≥120 µm and BCB+VE as compared to the non-stimulated cows. The relative mRNA expression profile of GDF9, BMP15, PCNA and BCL-2 genes was higher and BAX was lower in the FSH-stimulated cow. These results indicated that FSH stimulation before OPU in Bos indicus cows has a significant impact on follicle size, oocyte yield, recovery, and their quality with respect to COC's, diameter and BCB+VE oocytes. Further, a significant increase in the relative mRNA expression levels of GDF9, BMP15 and PCNA genes in the FSH-stimulated group suggests that FSH plays a key role in modulating the expression of these important candidate genes and thus influencing oocyte quality. The higher mRNA expression of BCL-2 genes and concomitantly lower expression of BAX gene in FSH Stimulated cows indicates the protective role of these genes and preventing programmed cell death and thus promoting cell survival, quality and embryo development.

Effects of carbon support ozonation on the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formate and syngas in a flow cell on Pd nanostructures

Pd convers electrochemically CO2 into formate at the most positive known potentials but with low activity. Additionally, Pd is CO selective at more negative potentials, but is poisoned by the strongly bound CO∗ intermediate. Improving the activity and stability of Pd-based electrocatalysts holds promise for improving the electrochemical production of formic acid. Herein, we studied the effects of carbon support and its ozonation on the selectivity of electrochemical CO2 reduction on Pd. The ozone treatment is found to improve the activity and formate selectivity at low overpotentials on single-walled carbon nanotube-supported catalysts with partial current densities up to −12 mA cm−2 in 0.5 M KHCO3 at potentials of −0.35 V and −0.45 V (vs. RHE). At more negative potentials, the catalysts become more selective towards CO and an opposite trend for CO-selectivity and ozonation duration is demonstrated. Unfortunately, the materials show deactivation in the form of decreased formate selectivity and increased hydrogen and CO evolution, especially when supports treated with ozone for a longer duration. The results and possible mechanisms are discussed based on previous findings and the physicochemical characterizations of the prepared catalysts. This work shows that a simple ozone treatment of carbons changes the efficiency of CO2 electroreduction.

Age-dependent immune profile in healthy individuals: an original study, systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe circulatory peripheral immune system is the most convenient approach for determining an individual’s immune status. Due to various reasons, while previous studies have addressed the critical impact of age, most individual studies did not analyze immunosenescence in a systemic manner, which complicates the possibility of building a reference range for age-dependent immune profiles for effective immune monitoring. To address this gap, this study analyzed a group of healthy individuals to establish age-specific reference ranges of the healthy circulatory immune profile, and a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to validate the findings and create generalizable immune cell reference ranges.ResultsOur study recruited a total of 363 healthy Taiwanese adults (median age 42 years [IQR 30, 62], age range 21 to 87 years, 43.3% male), including 158 under 40 years old, 127 between 40–64 years old, and 78 over 64 years old. Significant age-related alterations were observed in both adaptive and innate immune cell subsets. CD8 + T cells decreased and CD4/CD8 ratio increased, with notable increases in NK cells. CD4 + T cells were less impacted by aging, while CD8 + T cells significantly lost CD28 and increased CD31 expression with age. A clear reverse trend in naïve and memory subsets of CD4 + and CD8 + T cells was observed. Detailed reference ranges for immune cell subsets in healthy Taiwanese adults were established. A systematic review included 7,425 adults and a meta-analysis of 12 eligible studies confirmed our findings in Taiwan, enhancing generalizability.ConclusionsCombined with previous studies and original data through a systematic review and meta-analysis, we highlighted and quantified significant immune profile differences between older and younger individuals. The sex and age-specific reference ranges for peripheral immune cell subsets can serve as a basis for effective immune monitoring of various aging-related illnesses.

Composition of non-HDL cholesterol and residual cardiovascular risk in secondary prevention

Abstract Background Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and is a recommended secondary prevention treatment target. However, the composition of non-HDL-C, that is, the relative contribution of remnant cholesterol (remnant-C) and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), is not considered for cardiovascular risk prediction. Purpose To examine ASCVD risk by composition of non-HDL-C. Methods Based on the Western Denmark Heart Registry, we established a cohort of patients with ischemic heart disease, including patients with acute coronary syndrome or stable angina pectoris, undergoing coronary angiography for evaluation of coronary artery disease between 2011 and 2020. A complete lipid panel within 1 year after coronary angiography on statin treatment was required. Patients with triglycerides &amp;gt;4.5 mmol/L were excluded. Exposures were remnant-C, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and composition of non-HDL-C. The latter was defined as remnant-C of non-HDL-C, and LDL-C of non-HDL-C, in percentages. Cox regression analyses obtained adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for myocardial infarction, ASCVD (myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and cardiovascular death), and all-cause death occurring from 1 year after coronary angiography to end of follow-up November 1, 2022. Results The secondary prevention cohort included 42,341 statin-treated patients (67.7% were men; median [IQR] age 66 [58-73] years). During median 4.1 years of follow-up, 3,846 patients developed ASCVD. Per 1 mmol/L increase in remnant-C, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C, the aHR for ASCVD was 1.41 (95% CI 1.28-1.55), 1.12 (95% CI 1.08-1.17), and 1.17 (95% CI 1.13-1.21), respectively (Figure 1). The relative contribution of remnant-C and LDL-C was median (IQR) 24.6% (18.5-33.1) and 75.4% (66.9-81.5) of non-HDL-C, respectively. When remnant-C constituted a larger percentage of non-HDL-C (and LDL-C a lower percentage), the aHR for ASCVD showed a linear increase in risk whereas the opposite trend was observed for LDL-C (Figure 2). Thus, per 10% increase in remnant-C of non-HDL-C, the aHR of ASCVD was 1.06 (95% CI 1.03-1.09) compared to 0.94 (95% CI 0.91-0.97) per 10% increase in LDL-C of non-HDL-C. Results were comparable for myocardial infarction and all-cause death, and by age, sex, and other clinically relevant subgroups. Conclusions The composition of non-HDL-C is strongly associated with ASCVD risk, with the risk escalating as remnant-C constitutes a larger percentage, and LDL-C a smaller percentage, of non-HDL-C. These findings challenge current guidelines and demonstrate the value of considering composition of non-HDL-C in clinical practice for more accurate risk assessment.Figure 1Figure 2

Effects of Dietary Ferroporphyrin Supplementation on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Response, and Oxygen-Carrying Capacity in Gibel Carp (Carassius auratus gibelio)

An eight-week experiment was conducted to study the effects of dietary ferroporphyrin (FPR) supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune response, and oxygen-carrying capacity in gibel carp. The results demonstrated that the addition of FPR increased the moisture content of the whole fish body. Supplementation with 0.01% FPR significantly increased the plasma albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), and total cholesterol (TC) contents. The addition of 0.03% and 0.04% FPR significantly increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, respectively, while the glucose (GLU), TC, and total triglyceride (TG) levels showed opposite trends. In terms of antioxidant capacity, the 0.03% and 0.04% dietary FPR supplementation increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) exhibited an opposite trend to MDA levels. The supplementation of 0.03% of FPR resulted in a notable reduction in mRNA expression levels of nrf2, keap1, cat, and gpx. Regarding immunity, 0.01% FPR supplementation down-regulated the expression levels of il-1β mRNA, while 0.02% FPR down-regulated il-6 and nf-κb expression levels. Furthermore, 0.02% FPR supplementation significantly up-regulated the il-10 mRNA expression levels. In terms of oxygen-carrying capacity, high levels of FPR (0.03% and 0.04%) were found to influence the epo and vegf mRNA expression. In conclusion, the incorporation of dietary 0.01–0.02% FPR improved the immune system of gibel carp without affecting their antioxidant and oxygen-carrying capacity. However, supplementation with higher levels of FPR (0.03–0.04%) led to decreased antioxidant and oxygen-carrying capacity.

Prenatal exposure to phthalates and children’s mental health trajectories: Rhea Cohort, Greece

Abstract Background Accumulating evidence suggests that phthalate exposure affects neurodevelopment, including emotional and behavioral outcomes. Our aim was to investigate if prenatal phthalate exposure affects the developmental course of internalizing and externalizing symptoms from early childhood to adolescence. Methods Concentrations of seven phthalate metabolites were measured in first-trimester maternal spot urine samples, and DEHP, and high and low molecular weight phthalate concentrations were calculated (HMW and LMW, respectively). Mothers reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms via the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at 4 years and the Child Behavior Checklist at 6, 11 and 15 years. Group-Based Trajectory Modeling was used to classify 546 participants of the Rhea Cohort (Crete, Greece) into 4 distinct groups (Stable low, Stable high, Low-Increasing, and High-Decreasing symptoms). We evaluated the association of prenatal phthalate exposure with the odds of an adverse (Stable high, Low-Increasing, and High-Decreasing) internalizing and externalizing symptom trajectory in 150 children using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression (reference group: stable low). Results Only for girls, exposure to DEHP and HMW phthalates was associated with higher odds of being grouped in an adverse internalizing symptoms trajectory (OR [95%CI]: 1.52 [1.03, 2.25] and 1.57 [1.03, 2.39], respectively). Regarding externalizing symptoms, interactions with gender emerged for DEHP (p = 0.024) and HMW (p = 0.028) phthalates, and increased odds of being grouped into an adverse trajectory were observed in girls, whereas boys showed the opposite trend, albeit none reached statistical significance. Conclusions The findings suggest programming effects of prenatal phthalate exposure on the developmental course of emotional symptoms in girls. Further research is needed to clarify the association between in utero phthalate exposure and behavioral symptoms. Key messages • Phthalate exposure is linked to adverse trajectories of emotional symptoms, emerging from preschool age and up to adolescence. • Phthalate effect on internalizing and externalizing symptoms varies by gender.

Health status by time of arrival among Ukrainian refugees in Norway

Abstract Background Over 75000 refugees from Ukraine have come to Norway since February 2022. Previous studies show that the refugees have poor health for several domains, and reports suggest that those fleeing Ukraine at later stages have even poorer health. However, more systematic knowledge is lacking. This study aimed to measure self-reported health in a sample of adult refugees from Ukraine according to month of arrival to Norway in 2022. Methods Data were collected via an online, digital questionnaire, in a cross-sectional study design between 28.10.22 - 31.01.23. Recruitment was via multiple potential physical and social media contact points, including asylum reception centres, municipalities, non-profit organisations, and Facebook groups for refugees in Norway. The survey included self-reported health outcomes: overall health, oral health, presence of long-term illnesses or disabilities, and a short version of Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-5). Results Among 727 respondents, 82% were female, 65% aged 30-49 years, 69% had higher education and 53% responsibility for children in Norway. 383 arrived February-April (T1), 200 May-August (T2) and 144 September-December (T3). Compared to T1, later periods had higher proportions of males, a younger age distribution and lower proportions with higher education. Proportions reporting poor/very poor overall health, presence of long-term illness, and long-term disability were highest in T3. Oral health and HSCL-5 showed an opposite trend, with lower proportions reporting poorer health in both later periods. Respondents in T3 were still more likely to report poor health and long-term illnesses after adjusting for sex, age and education. Conclusions Respondents arriving later in 2022 generally reported poorer long-term health, but less psychological distress than those arriving earlier. These findings may help to inform planning of health services to refugees from Ukraine, especially in areas receiving large numbers of refugees. Key messages • Refugees from Ukraine arriving earlier to host countries appear to have generally better health compared to those arriving later. • Refugee health services should plan and scale accordingly when large numbers of refugees are expected as a result of international crises.

Experiences of discrimination in Finnish healthcare services

Abstract Background It has been found that foreign-born people report more discrimination than the general population. This study examines experiences of discrimination in Finnish healthcare, with a focus on individuals with a foreign background. Methods Two nationally representative cross-sectional data sets were used: MoniSuomi (n = 7838; response rate 44.1%) and Healthy Finland Surveys (n = 28154; response rate 46.3%). The outcome variable, experiences of discrimination, was predicted by means of stepwise logistic regression models covering (1) socioeconomic factors, (2) factors related to healthcare service need and use, and (3) migration-related factors. Results In healthcare services, migrants experienced discrimination more than twice as frequently as the general population (8.9% versus 3.6%, 95% CI = 8.0-9.8, 3.2-4.1). According to regression models, relevant factors were insufficient income, being female, studying as the main occupation and poor mental and physical health. Foreign background was not independently associated with discrimination. However, higher educational attainment, chronic disease, and use of occupational healthcare services increased the likelihood of experiencing discrimination only among those of foreign background and showed the opposite trend for the general population. All migration-related factors increased the risk of discrimination. Conclusions The findings underline the need for training on explaining the service system, overcoming language barriers, and working with forced migrants. The occupational healthcare workforce would particularly benefit from these interventions. The results inform the development of professionals’ training. Key messages • Migrants experience higher levels of discrimination in healthcare compared to the general population. Multiple factors explain this difference. • Healthcare professionals require training to better inform patients about the service system, to improve communication and to address the situation of forced migrants.

Exploring the dynamics of alcohol use, poverty and the role of social context in Athens, Greece

Abstract Background A body of research conducted across diverse national context, including the United Kingdom, Russia, Denmark and Norway, shows a robust link between poverty and increased alcohol related harm, even after accounting for different drinking patterns. This paper examines the unexplored relationship between poverty and alcohol use in Athens, Greece, focusing on alcohol’s impact related to the familial and social life of individuals and whether this system is affected by poverty. Methods This is a 2021 cross-sectional study, with 300 adult participants of mean age 45.8. We administered four questionnaires. The participants were equally distributed above and below the poverty threshold, sampled randomly. The latter were beneficiaries of social services. The data analysis established two scoring variables: the level of dysfunction from alcohol use and the level of strength of family ties. We computed their correlation and multiple linear regressions to assess their relationships. Results Individuals not residing in poverty exhibit a higher frequency of alcohol use (81.9%) than their counterparts (57.1%), however, those living in poverty tend to consume greater quantities of alcohol per occasion (p &amp;lt; 0.001) and reported elevated levels of dysfunction within familial and social interactions. Conclusions This study indicates that different consumption patterns are tied to diverse socioeconomic strata, with binge drinking behaviours specifically linked to financial hardship. Also, alcohol related dysfunction and family and social dynamics are affected by poverty. Our findings show that as dysfunction attributed to alcohol use increases, participants socialize less and report lower levels of well-being. In contrast those with balanced family ties and social encounters exhibit the opposite trend. This study warrants further exploration in cities in Southern Europe. Key messages • To mitigate alcohol use, policies empowering social and familial connections are of high importance. • Uncovering poverty as a factor for binge drinking can inform prevention strategies.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Association Between Sex Hormones and Body Mass Components Among Men Adults: Results From a Large Population-Based Study.

As the human body ages, adverse body composition status such as sarcopenia and obesity become obvious phenotypes which can cause numerous health problems. We aimed to comprehensively investigate the association of sex hormones and body mass components in adult men of various age groups. We analysed national representative population data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Generalized linear model regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between sex hormones (total testosterone [TT], bio-available testosterone [BT], sex hormone-binding globulin [SHBG], estradiol [E2] and testosterone to estradiol ratio [T/E ratio]) and body mass components (weight, body mass index (BMI), total lean mass, appendicular lean mass, bone mineral content, total fat and trunk fat). The collection and testing time of blood samples were not fixed and there was no strict fasting, but in subsequent analysis we used statistical methods to minimize the impact of random testing. After screening for inclusion and exclusion, 3759 male participants aged 20-85 years old were included in this study. Higher levels of TT, SHBG, BT and T/E ratios were significantly associated with higher total lean mass, appendicular lean mass and bone mineral content, while lower weight, BMI, total fat and trunk fat. For E2 levels in men, we found an opposite trend, with higher E2 levels significantly associated with lower total lean mass and appendicular lean mass, and higher weight, BMI, total fat and trunk fat. Notably, in subgroup analysis, the results showed that there were significant interaction effects of age and smoking history in the association between sex hormones and body mass components. Higher TT levels, BT levels, SHBG levels and T/E ratios are associated with lower body weight and improved body composition in young adult men (characterized by higher lean body mass, higher bone density and lower fat mass). The relationship is especially pronounced among relatively young, nonsmoking men.

Structural, rheological and thermal properties of crude palm oil obtained in pressed, sifted and clarification stages using ultrasound-assisted

Abstract Crude palm oil (CPO) is commonly used in the oil industry. This study presents a comparison of the structural, rheological, and thermal properties of clarified CPO (CCPO) sample obtained using the conventional method and ultrasound-assisted (UA)-treated samples. These samples were obtained in the pressed (press liquor, PL), sifted (sifted liquor, SL), and clarification (outlet sludge, OS) stages. The frequencies used for the UA-treated samples were 40 and 80 kHz for 30 min. The PL and SL samples exhibited higher resistance to oxidative deterioration and nutritional quality than the CCPO sample did. The maximum oil extractability percentage (OEP) of the UA-treated samples relative to that of CCPO was 7.4 %. The bleachability index (DOBI) values of the UA-treated samples were higher (between 2.06 and 2.58) than that of the CCPO sample (1.43). However, the viscosity (η) displayed opposite trend. The thermal stability did not exhibit consistent patterns with increasing frequency.

Tooth eruption status and bite force determine dental microwear texture gradients in albino rats (Rattus norvegicus forma domestica).

Dental microwear texture analysis (DMTA) is widely applied for inferring diet in vertebrates. Besides diet and ingesta properties, factors like wear stage and bite force may affect microwear formation, potentially leading to tooth position-specific microwear patterns. We investigated DMTA consistency along the upper cheek tooth row in young adult female rats at different growth stages, but with erupted adult dentitions. Bite forces for each molar (M) position were determined using muscle cross-sectional areas and lever arm mechanics. Rats were categorized into three size classes based on increasing skull length. Maximum bite force increased with size, while across all size classes, M3 bite force was almost 1.4 times higher than M1 bite force. In size class 1, M1 and M2 showed higher values than M3 for DMTA complexity, height, and volume parameters, while in size class 3, M1 had the lowest values. Comparing the same tooth position between size classes revealed opposing trends: M1 and M2 showed, for most parameters, decreasing roughness and complexity from size class 1-3, while M3 displayed the opposite trend, with size class 1 showing lowest, and either size class 2 or 3 the highest roughness and complexity values. This suggests that as rats age and M3 fully occludes, it becomes more utilized during mastication. DMTA, being a short-term diet proxy, is influenced by eruption and occlusion status changes. Our findings emphasize the importance of bite force and ontogenetic stage when interpreting microwear patterns and advise to select teeth in full occlusion for diet reconstruction.

Transcription Factors Are Involved in Wizened Bud Occurrence During the Growing Season in the Pyrus pyrifolia Cultivar ‘Sucui 1’

Background: Flowers are important plant organs, and their development is correlated with yield in woody fruit trees. For Pyrus pyrifolia cultivar ‘Sucui 1’, the research on how DNA methylation accurately regulates the expression of TFs and affects the specific regulatory mechanism of flower bud wizening will help reduce wizened buds. Methods: Here, the DNA methylomes and transcriptomes of two types of flower buds from the Pyrus pyrifolia cultivar ‘Sucui 1’ were compared. Results: 320 differentially expressed transcription factors (TFs), in 43 families, were obtained from the wizened bud transcriptome versus the normal bud transcriptome. Most were members of the AP2/ERF, bHLH, C2H2, CO-like, MADS, MYB, and WRKY families, which are involved in flower development. As a whole, the methylation level of TFs in the ‘Sucui 1’ genome increased once flower bud wizening occurred. A cytosine methylation analysis revealed that the methylation levels of the same gene regions in TFs from two kinds of buds were similar. However, differentially methylated regions were found in gene promoter sequences. The combined whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and RNA-Seq analyses revealed 162 TF genes (including 164 differentially methylated regions) with both differential expression and methylation differences between the two flower bud types. Among them, 126 were classified as mCHH-type methylation genes. Furthermore, the transcriptional down regulation of PpbHLH40, PpERF4, PpERF061, PpLHW, PpMADS6, PpZF-HD11, and PpZFP90 was accompanied by increased DNA methylation. However, PpbHLH130, PpERF011, and PpMYB308 displayed the opposite trend. The expression changes for these TFs were negatively correlated with their methylation states. Conclusions: Overall, our results offer initial experimental evidence of a correlation between DNA methylation and TF transcription in P. pyrifolia in response to bud wizening. This enriched our understanding of epigenetic modulations in woody trees during flower development.

The Investigation of Overflow Water-Powered Projectile-Assisted Injection Molded Short-Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene

Water-powered projectile-assisted injection molding (W-PAIM) is a novel injection molding technology that has been recently developed based on the ripe water-assisted injection molding (WAIM). Fiber orientation pattern and residual wall thickness (RWT) are two crucial factors determining the quality of W-PAIM parts composed of short fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (SFRTCs). However, limited work has been conducted on W-PAIM of SFRTC parts, which restricts its application process. In this work, an intensive investigation of W-PAIM parts composed of short fiber-reinforced polypropylene was conducted via a newly lab-developed W-PAIM platform. The results indicated that fibers were quite well oriented in the region extending from the core zone to the water channel, especially in the water channel zone, but randomly aligned in a small region near the mold wall. Nevertheless, fibers in the water channel zone of W-PAIM part were highly oriented, presenting an opposite alignment trend in fiber orientation compared to that in the water channel zone of the WAIM part as reported earlier. These disparities in fiber orientation between W-PAIM and WAIM parts were primarily attributed to the strong flow fields generated by projectile penetration. Additionally, the influence of three main processing parameters that significantly affected the projectile penetration on these two crucial factors was also investigated using the single-factor method. It was discovered that water injection delay time constituted the primary factor affecting the projectile penetration process, and reducing this time could greatly increase the relative thickness of the ordered area and the uniformity of RWT. More importantly, within the value range of the tested processing parameters, increased water pressure, elevated melt temperatures, and shorter water injection delay time could simultaneously improve fiber orientation and the uniformity of RWT in W-PAIM parts, which may improve the properties of W-PAIM parts and enlarge their application scope. This work provides a comprehensive guide for the fabrication of W-PAIM parts of SFRTCs.

Unraveling the paradox of soil erosion and conservation: Insights from China

Analyzing the drivers of soil conservation (SC) service is crucial for ecosystem restoration. However, previous studies often overlook the relationship between soil erosion and SC. In this study, we applied the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model to analyze the spatiotemporal trends and driving forces of SC service across China from 1990 to 2019. The results indicate that both soil erosion and SC service have exhibited overall increasing trends over the past 30 years. The average SC amount increased 21.3 % from 1990s to 2010s. The average total SC amount and capacity were 229.95 billion t a−1 and 242.91 t ha−1 a−1, respectively. Spatial analysis reveals significant regional variability, with 26.6 % of the land area experiencing fluctuations in SC, these regions contribute to 87.5 % of the total SC amount in the country. We developed a classification system with six patterns to assess the impacts of climate change and human activities on SC. Patterns dominated by climate change exhibit consistent trends in soil erosion and SC service, whereas those dominated by human activities show opposite trends. When climate change and human activities interact, the relationship becomes more complex. Climate change has the most significant influence on SC alterations, affecting 77.1 % of areas with SC changes, while human activities also play a notable role. Although regions primarily impacted by human activities account for only 1.8 % of the total area, they represent 45,200 km2. The remaining 21.1 % of areas are influenced by both climate change and human activities, highlighting the importance of human activities in 22.9 % of areas with SC changes. These findings underscore the synergistic effects of climate change and human activities on SC in China, providing a foundation for future research and the development of targeted SC strategies.

Nearsighted empathy: exploring the effect of empathy on distance perception, with eye movements as modulators

Empathy, a cornerstone of social interaction, involves shared representation, eliciting vicarious emotions. However, its influence on shared perceptual representations, particularly in foundational domains such as distance perception, remains unexplored. In this study, we introduce a novel adaptation of the empathy for pain task to investigate empathy’s influence on distance perception. We also examine how two personality traits, trait empathy and alexithymia, modulate this relationship. Utilizing eye-tracking technology, we examine how attention allocation to different facial and bodily features affects empathy’s impact on distance perception. Our findings indicate that empathy biases individuals to perceive targets as closer, with trait empathy reinforcing this effect and alexithymia attenuating it. Furthermore, we demonstrate that heightened attention to eyes and face correlates with perceiving targets as closer, while attention to hand shows the opposite trend. These results underscore the broader influence of empathy beyond shared emotions, revealing its capacity to alter perceptual processes. By elucidating the interplay between personality traits and visual inputs in shaping these alterations, our study offers valuable insights for future research exploring the role of shared representation in empathy across various perceptual domains.

Age, Growth, Sex Composition, and Diet of the Burbot, Lota lota, the Only Freshwater Species of the Family Lotidae in the Amur (Heilongjiang) River, Northeast China

Information about the population structure, including the age and sex composition, growth characteristics, and diet of fish, is essential for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fish stock. The burbot, Lota lota, is the only freshwater species of the family Lotidae in the Amur (Heilongjiang) River catchment located in northeastern China. Information on the biological characteristics and data on the population structure of this fish from the Amur River are scarce. To study these factors in burbot, Lota lota, in the Amur River of China, 749 specimens from four sampling areas were taken and analyzed in October 2022, January 2023, and May 2023. The ages of the sampled fish ranged from 1+ to 7+ years. The female/male ratio was 1.04:1, and body length and mass varied from 175 to 595 mm and 73.5 to 1958.7 g, respectively. The length–weight regression parameter b value was estimated as 2.80. The parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth model were L∞ = 596, K = 0.221, and t0 = −0.771 for all sampled fish; L∞ = 625, K = 0.208, and t0 = −0.756 for females; and L∞ = 584, K = 0.219, and t0 = −0.980 for males. The analysis of the stomach contents showed fish to be the major source of nutrition across all areas and sampling periods. In January, the secondary prey of burbots in the Huma reach of the upper Amur River was aquatic insect larvae, while, in the Tongjiang and Fuyuan reaches of the middle Amur River, the secondary prey was shrimp. The mean stomach fullness index and rate of empty stomachs differed with the sampling area, with the greatest proportion of empty stomachs observed in the Luobei reach of the middle Amur River, and the lowest in the Tongjiang and Fuyuan reaches. The mean stomach fullness index showed the opposite trend. In the Huma reach, the contributions of fish to the diet and the mean stomach fullness index were significantly higher in May than in October and January. The study provides the first detailed information on the population age and sex structure, growth patterns, and feeding ecology of burbots from the Amur River, China. The results will aid in formulating management strategies and regulations for local populations of burbots in the Amur River, China.

Bovine bone meal combined with dephenolized cottonseed protein is an effective fishmeal substitution in Trachinotus ovatus feed: A comprehensive evaluation of growth, muscle quality, and intestinal digestion physiology

To investigate the feasibility of substituting fishmeal (FM) with a combination of bovine bone meal (BBM) and dephenolized cottonseed protein (DCSP), a mixture (consisting of 60 % BBM and 40 % DCSP) was used to replace varying FM levels in Golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) feed. Five isoproteic (47 %) and isolipidic (12 %) experimental diets were formulated, with FM levels set at 30 %, 24 %, 18 %, 12 %, and 6 % (namely Control, FM24, FM18, FM12, and FM6). To compensate for the reduced FM content, BBM and DCSP were used as substitutes, and DL-methionine and L-lysine were added to maintain the dietary amino acid balance. Following a 63-day trial, results showed that the growth of FM24, FM18 and FM12 groups did not exhibit significant differences compared to the Control group, while those of FM6 group considerably decreased. The biochemical composition of whole fish did not display significant differences among the five groups, while the muscle protein contents of the FM12 group were higher than the Control group. Most of the muscle texture properties were positively modified in the FM 12 and FM 6 groups. With the substitution ratio increase, the contents of serum total protein, albumin, total amino acids, and cholecystokinin were elevated, while serum peptide YY contents decreased. In addition, intestinal trypsin, NaK-ATPase, and alkaline phosphatase activities in FM18, FM12, and FM6 groups decreased, and lipase activities exhibited the opposite trend. The transcription levels of genes related to amino acid-sensing receptors (asct2 and snat2) were down-regulated with increasing dietary FM substitutions, while the expression levels of appetite regulation factors (pept1, cck, and ghrl) were up-regulated. In conclusion, the FM content in the diet of T. ovatus can be reduced to 12 % through the utilization of a combination of BBM and DCSP, with no adverse effects observed on growth performance, biochemical composition, or muscle texture.

The GRAS transcription factor PtrPAT1 of Poncirus trifoliata functions in cold tolerance and modulates glycine betaine content by regulating the BADH-like gene

Abstract GRAS, termed after GAI (gibberellic acid insensitive), RGA (repressor of GA1), and SCR (scarecrow), is a plant-specific transcription factor crucial for plant development and stress response. However, understanding of the functions played by the GRAS members and their target genes in citrus is limited. In this study, we identified a cold stress-responsive GRAS gene from Poncirus trifoliate, designated as PtrPAT1, by yeast one-hybrid library screening using the promoter of PtrBADH-l, a betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH)-like gene. PtrPAT1, belonging to the PAT1 subfamily, was localized in the nucleus and plasma membrane, exhibited transactivation activity and showed a remarkable upregulation under cold stress. Overexpression of PtrPAT1 elevated BADH activity, increased glycine betaine (GB) accumulation and conferred enhanced cold tolerance in transgenic tobacco plants compared with wild type, while downregulation in trifoliate orange by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) resulted in opposite trends. Furthermore, the activities of two antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were significantly increased in the overexpression plants, but remarkably decreased in the VIGS line, consistent with accumulation patterns of the reactive oxygen species (ROS). PtrPAT1 was demonstrated to interact with and activate the PtrBADH-l promoter through the putative PAT1-binding motif with the core sequence of TTTCATGT, indicating that PtrBADH-l is a target gene of PtrPAT1. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PtrPAT1 positively affects cold tolerance through the regulation of GB biosynthesis by modulating PtrBADH-l expression.

Multi-scale analysis of nutrient and environmental dynamics in Hongfeng Lake Southwest China

Traditional linear correlation analysis may not fully capture the true relationship between these variables. Therefore, multi-scale running correlation analysis, such as time-dependent intrinsic correlation (TDIC) and continuous wavelet transform based on Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT), provides valuable insights into local correlations and the evolving relationship between nutrients and environmental factors over time. In this study, we investigated seven environmental factors and four water quality nutrient indicators in deep lakes on the Yungui Plateau in southwestern China. The results revealed that there may be strong correlations between environmental factors and nutrient levels during certain periods, while opposite trends may emerge at other times. These variations in correlation could be attributed to uncertain physical processes, spatial heterogeneity, or the impact of different climatic factors on local hydrological processes. Wavelet analysis indicated that changes in environmental factors lag behind those in nutrient levels, particularly on a cycle of about 12 months. This suggests that changes in environmental factors align with natural patterns after the water body has been polluted. These conclusions underscore the complexity and dynamic nature of the relationship between environmental factors and nutrient levels in water bodies, highlighting the importance of employing advanced analysis techniques to capture this complexity.