Seasonal variation in non-volatile flavor substances of fresh tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) by integrated lipidomics and metabolomics using UHPLC-Q-Exactive mass spectrometry.

Harvest season exerts great influence on tea quality. Herein, the variations in non-volatile flavor substances in spring and summer fresh tea leaves of four varieties were comprehensively investigated by integrating UHPLC-Q-Exactive based lipidomics and metabolomics. A total of 327 lipids and 99 metabolites were detected, among which, 221 and 58 molecules were significantly differential. The molecular species of phospholipids, glycolipids and acylglycerolipids showed most prominent and structure-dependent seasonal changes, relating to polar head, unsaturation and total acyl length. Particularly, spring tea contained higher amount in aroma precursors of highly unsaturated glycolipids and phosphatidic acids. The contents of umami-enhancing amino acids and phenolic acids, e.g., theanine, theogallin and gallotannins, were increased in spring. Besides, catechins, theaflavins, theasinensins and flavone/flavonol glycosides showed diverse changes. These phytochemical differences covered key aroma precursors, tastants and colorants, and may confer superior flavor of black tea processed using spring leaves, which was verified by sensory evaluation.

Irregular seasonality of respiratory syncytial virus infection persists in 2023 in Osaka, Japan.

Objectives: Owing to the nonpharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection was nearly absent in 2020. An unusual epidemic size and irregular seasonal pattern were observed worldwide in 2021. In Osaka, Japan, after disrupting the regular pattern of RSV infection dynamics (before the COVID-19 pandemic, RSV epidemics typically start in summer and peak around fall), the epidemic size of RSV infection returned to normal in 2022. However, the epidemic onset timing remained irregular in 2022 and 2023. This study investigated whether the onset of the RSV infection epidemic in 2023 was predictable using previous seasonal patterns. Methods: The weekly number of RSV infection cases obtained from sentinel pediatric sites between 2007 and the 15th week of 2023 was modeled using the time series susceptible-infected-recovered model. Forecasting of the remainder of 2023 was conducted based on estimated transmission parameters. Results: None of the estimated transmission rates from previous years successfully forecast the epidemic onset in 2023. Only the transmission rate estimated in the early part of 2023 captured the trend for that year, indicating irregular seasonal transmission rates. Conclusions: It is still hard to forecast RSV epidemics because of the changed landscape due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The seasonality of RSV infection dynamics has not returned to pre-pandemic level in 2023. Cautious attention to future RSV dynamics in Japan is warranted because further changes may occur in the near future.

Impact of parametric seasonal variations on water quality in the Crocodile River and Inyaka Dam in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.

This study assessed seasonal variations in water quality and their impact on the Inyaka Dam and Crocodile River in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. A total of 206 water samples were collected across four seasons to analyse parameters including pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), temperature, Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), phosphate (PO4 3-), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N), E. coli, total coliforms, faecal streptococci, and Bifidobacteria. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation identified major pollutants and their seasonal variations, while cluster analysis grouped water quality by parameter fluctuations. Findings indicated that water quality in both the Inyaka Dam and the Crocodile River exceeded permissible limits. In the Inyaka Dam, summer rainfall (202.68 mm) spurred microbial growth, including E. coli and Bifidobacteria, while winter saw elevated levels of PO4 3-, EC, Fe, and NO3-N. The Crocodile River exhibited its poorest water quality in summer, with high levels of conductivity, turbidity, Fe, Mn, and NO3-N, driven largely by rainfall. Winter pollution in the river was marked by E. coli, PO4 3-, total coliforms, NO3-N, and Bifidobacteria. The study highlights significant pollution in the Crocodile River, particularly in summer, linked to rainfall and effluent discharges. Microbial pollution persisted across seasons, influenced by both weather and point-source contamination. The winter season exacerbated water quality deterioration in the Crocodile River due to reduced flow, while Inyaka Dam's winter pollution was attributed to lake stratification.

Seasonal variability of microplastic contamination in marine fishes of the state of Gujarat, India.

Seasonal variation in microplastics abundance, occurrence, and distribution in pelagic and demersal fishes was observed in this study during December 2021 to November 2022. One hundred percent presence of microplastic in inedible (gut and gills) tissue, while 82% and 54% in edible tissue (muscle) of pelagic and demersal fishes respectively were seen. Post-monsoon period showed high prevalence of microplastics followed by monsoon and the least during pre-monsoon in both pelagic and demersal fishes. In pelagic fishes, the edible tissue had microplastics abundance of 1.56 to 13.34 numbers per 10 g of tissue whereas inedible tissue had 3.36 to 16.67 numbers per 10 g of tissue. In demersal fishes, the edible tissue had microplastics abundance of 1.04 to 5.26 numbers per 10 g of tissue while it was 2.67 to 8.34 numbers per 10 g of inedible tissue. There was significant variation in abundance of microplastic in edible and inedible tissue of all the fishes (Mann-Whitney test, p < 0.05). The most dominant microplastics size was 0.005-0.05 mm followed by 0.05-0.5 mm and the least of greater than 0.5 mm in pelagic and demersal fishes respectively. Taking microplastic shape into consideration, the most dominant was fiber followed by fragment and the film in inedible tissue of all the fishes. The edible tissue of all the fishes had only fiber in them (100% occurrence). The dominance of blue color microplastics was observed followed by red, green, yellow, and orange at least in edible as well as inedible tissues of the fishes. More than 99% microplastics polymer observed in this study include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS); only less than 1% was unidentified. This is the first study done on seasonal variation of microplastic in the marine fish population of Gujarat waters, Northeast Arabian Sea. The study highlights the nature of micro-pollutant in marine environments, emphasizing the need for comprehensive monitoring and management strategies.

Biofilm-mediated interactions between plastics and radiocesium in coastal environments.

A ubiquitous distribution of plastic debris has been reported in aquatic and terrestrial environments; however, the interactions between plastics and radionuclides and the radioactivity of environmental plastics remain largely unknown. Here, we characterize biofilms developing on the surface of plastic debris to explore the role of plastic-associated biofilms as an interaction medium between plastics and radiocesium (137Cs) in the environment. Biofilm samples were extracted from plastics (1-50 mm in size) collected from two contrasting coastal areas in Japan. The radioactivity of plastics was estimated based on the 137Cs activity concentration of the biofilms and compared seasonally with surrounding environmental samples (i.e., sediment and sand). 137Cs traces were detected in biofilms with activity concentrations of 21-1300 Bq·kg-1 biofilm (dry weight), corresponding to 0.04-4.5 Bq·kg-1 plastic (dry weight). Our results reveal the interaction between 137Cs and plastics and provide evidence that organic and mineral components in biofilms are essential in 137Cs retention in environmental plastics. Given the ubiquitous distribution of plastic debris in the environment, more attention should be directed to bioaccumulation and the radioecological impacts of plastic-associated radionuclides on ecosystems.

Unveiling Priority Emerging PFAS in Taihu Lake Using Integrated Nontarget Screening, Target Analysis, and Risk Characterization.

Amidst tightening regulations, the proliferation of next-generation per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) necessitates a deeper understanding of their environmental fate and potential risks. Here, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of PFAS in the water and sediment of Taihu Lake, incorporating both nontarget and target screening, seasonal and geographical variation analysis, and risk prioritization. A total of 58 PFAS from 13 classes were identified, revealing complex PFAS contamination. In addition to short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and sulfonates (PFSAs), bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Ntf2) and perfluoro-2,5-dimethyl-3,6-dioxo-heptanoic acid (C7 HFPO-TA) exhibited relatively high concentrations in water, with median values of 21.7 and 5.72 ng/L, respectively. Seasonal and geographical variation analysis revealed elevated levels of C7 HFPO-TA, Ntf2, and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) in the northeastern areas, suggesting transport via water diversion project. Multicriteria risk prioritization identified four high priority PFAS (Ntf2, C7 HFPO-TA, PFHxA, and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)) in water and two high priority PFAS (hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) and PFHxA) in sediment. Overall, this study revealed Ntf2 and C7 HFPO-TA as priority PFAS in Taihu Lake, underscoring the urgent necessity of evaluating risks associated with these emerging PFAS.

Changes in the Epidemiological Features of Influenza After the COVID-19 Pandemic in China, the United States, and Australia: Updated Surveillance Data for Influenza Activity.

BACKGROUND: There has been a global decrease in seasonal influenza activity since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe influenza activity during the 2021/2022 season and compare it to the trends from 2012 to 2023. We also explored the influence of social and public health prevention measures during the COVID-19 pandemic on influenza activity. METHODS: We obtained influenza data from January 1, 2012, to February 5, 2023, from publicly available platforms for China, the United States, and Australia. Mitigation measures were evaluated per the stringency index, a composite index with 9 measures. A general additive model was used to assess the stringency index and the influenza positivity rate correlation, and the deviance explained was calculated. RESULTS: We used over 200,000 influenza surveillance data. Influenza activity remained low in the United States and Australia during the 2021/2022 season. However, it increased in the United States with a positive rate of 26.2% in the 49th week of 2022. During the 2021/2022 season, influenza activity significantly increased compared with the previous year in southern and northern China, with peak positivity rates of 28.1% and 35.1% in the second week of 2022, respectively. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the dominant influenza virus genotype in China was type B/Victoria, during the 2021/2022 season, and accounted for >98% (24,541/24,908 in the South and 20,543/20,634 in the North) of all cases. Influenza virus type B/Yamagata was not detected in all these areas after the COVID-19 pandemic. Several measures individually significantly influence local influenza activity, except for influenza type B in Australia. When combined with all the measures, the deviance explained values for influenza A and B were 87.4% (P<.05 for measures of close public transport and restrictions on international travel) and 77.6% in southern China and 83.4% (P<.05 for measures of school closing and close public transport) and 81.4% in northern China, respectively. In the United States, the association was relatively stronger, with deviance-explained values of 98.6% for influenza A and 99.1% (P<.05 for measures of restrictions on international travel and public information campaign) for influenza B. There were no discernible effects on influenza B activity in Australia between 2020 and 2022 due to the incredibly low positive rate of influenza B. Additionally, the deviance explained values were 95.8% (P<.05 for measures of restrictions on gathering size and restrictions on international travel) for influenza A and 72.7% for influenza B. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza activity has increased gradually since 2021. Mitigation measures for COVID-19 showed correlations with influenza activity, mainly driven by the early stage of the pandemic. During late 2021 and 2022, the influence of mitigation management for COVID-19 seemingly decreased gradually, as the activity of influenza increased compared to the 2020/2021 season.

Overlooked Trace Molecules in Organic Aerosol Revealed by Gas Chromatography-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry.

Molecular characterization of organic aerosol (OA) is crucial for understanding its sources and atmospheric processes. However, the chemical components of OA remain not well constrained. This study used gas chromatography-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (GC-Orbitrap MS) and GC-Quadrupole MS (GC-qMS) to investigate the organic composition in PM2.5 from Xi'an, Northwest China. GC-Orbitrap MS identified 335 organic tracers, including overlooked isomers and low-concentration molecules, approximately 1.6 times more than GC-qMS. The "molecular corridor" assessment shows the superior capability of GC-Orbitrap MS in identifying an expansive range of compounds with higher volatility and oxidation states, such as furanoses/pyranoses, di/hydroxy/ketonic acids, di/poly alcohols, aldehydes/ketones, and amines/amides. Seasonal variations in OA composition reflect diverse sources: increased di/poly alcohols in winter are derived from indoor emissions, furanoses/pyranoses and heterocyclics in spring and summer might be from biogenic emissions and secondary formation, and amides in autumn are probably from biomass burning. Integrating partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and potential source contribution function (PSCF) models, the source similarities and differences are further elucidated, highlighting the role of local emissions and transport from southern cities. This study offers new insights into the OA composition aided by the high mass resolution and sensitivity of GC-Orbitrap MS.

Temporal dynamics in gastrointestinal helminth infections of sympatric mouse lemur species (Microcebus murinus and Microcebus ravelobensis) in Northwestern Madagascar.

Madagascar's lemur populations are declining in dwindling habitats due to anthropogenic expansion and changing climatic conditions. Gastrointestinal parasites can be important indicators to assess the health status of threatened species. However, parasites, hosts and the environment are connected in complex interactions. The present study aimed to disentangle the impact of seasonal and several host-specific factors (sex, species, age, reproductive status, and body mass) on endoparasitism in two small-bodied, co-occurring lemur species (Microcebus murinus and Microcebus ravelobensis) in the Ankarafantsika National Park. Helminth prevalence and egg shedding intensity was investigated via copromicroscopic examination of 810 fecal samples that were obtained from 178 individuals across an 11-month period with a longitudinal approach via repeated captures in a 30.6 ha forest area. Both mouse lemur hosts shed seven morphologically distinct egg types (assigned to Subulura baeri, unidentified Enterobiinae, Spirura sp., Lemuricola sp., two Hymenolepididae spp., one unidentified ascarid). Postmortem examination of two deceased individuals enabled assignment of adult worms to egg morphotypes of S. baeri, Spirura sp. and one Hymenolepididae sp., supported by molecular analysis. A significant seasonal variation was observed in the occurrence of the three most common helminth species S. baeri (total prevalence 71%), unidentified Enterobiinae (46%) and Spirura sp. (38%), with a higher likelihood of infection with advancing dry season. Neither host species, sex nor reproductive status had a significant effect on gastrointestinal helminth infections. Host body mass showed pronounced seasonal changes but did not differ significantly between infected and non-infected individuals. The pathogenic effects of gastrointestinal helminths therefore likely remained within compensable limits in the studied mouse lemur populations. Our findings highlight the prominent influence of seasonal changes on helminth communities. The results of combined morphologic and genetic approaches can furthermore help to overcome limitations of parasite identification via copromicroscopy by linking egg morphology to DNA sequences.

Viral etiology of febrile respiratory syndrome among patients in Liaoning Province, China.

BACKGROUND: Febrile respiratory syndrome (FRS) is often associated with viral infections. The aim of this study was to identify the viral pathogens responsible for FRS in Liaoning Province, China. METHODS: We tested eight respiratory viruses, namely, influenza virus (IFV), rhinovirus (RV), human adenovirus (HAdV), human bocavirus (HBoV), human parainfluenza virus (HPIV), human coronavirus (HCoV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV), using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0, and the data were plotted using RStudio 4.2.1 software. RESULTS: IFV was the most frequently identified pathogen, followed by RV, HAdV, HBoV, HPIV, HCoV, RSV, and HMPV. RSV/HBoV coinfection occurred most frequently among the mixed cases. The rate of respiratory virus detection was highest in children under one year of age and decreased significantly with age. Seasonal trends showed a peak in virus detection during the winter months. CONCLUSIONS: IFV is the leading cause of FRS in Liaoning Province, China, with single-virus infections prevailing over coinfections. Observations indicate a differential virus detection rate across age groups and seasons, highlighting the need for focused preventive strategies to mitigate the transmission of respiratory viruses, particularly among susceptible populations in the colder season.

Seasonal variation in the stomach microbiota of two sympatrically breeding Pygoscelis penguin species at Signy Island, South Orkney Islands.

The gut microbiomes of Antarctic penguins are important for the fitness of the host birds and their chicks. The compositions of microbial communities in Antarctic penguin guts are strongly associated with the birds' diet, physiological adaptation and phylogeny. Whilst seasonal changes in food resources, distribution and population parameters of Antarctic penguins have been well addressed, little research is available on the stability or variability of penguin stomach microbiomes over time. Here, we focused on two Pygoscelis penguin species breeding sympatrically in the maritime Antarctic and analysed their stomach contents to assess whether penguin gut microbiota differed over three austral summer breeding seasons. We used a high-throughput DNA sequencing approach to study bacterial diversity in stomach regurgitates of Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarctica) penguins that have a similar foraging regime on Signy Island (South Orkney Islands). Our data revealed significant differences in bacterial alpha and beta diversity between the study seasons. We also identified bacterial genera that were significantly associated with specific breeding seasons, diet compositions, chick-rearing stages and sampling events. This study provides a baseline for establishing future monitoring of penguin gut microbiomes in a rapidly changing environment.

Vitamin D Deficiency-A Public Health Issue in Children.

BACKGROUND: 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency is a global health concern, particularly in pediatric populations, with implications for musculoskeletal health and overall well-being. This study aimed to evaluate serum 25(OH)D levels in a pediatric population and assess the prevalence of deficiency and insufficiency. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 741 pediatric patients (2-17 years old) who visited an urban hospital for children for acute respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions in the span of 2 years. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the prevalence of deficiency and insufficiency, seasonal variations, and correlations with age and daylight exposure. RESULTS: Of the 739 pediatric patients analyzed, a substantial proportion exhibited insufficient (31.80%) or deficient (36.54%) serum 25(OH)D levels. While younger age groups generally had higher mean 25(OH)D levels, a negative correlation was observed between 25(OH)D levels and age. Sunlight exposure variations did not significantly impact serum 25(OH)D levels. Despite diverse daylight exposure patterns, there were no significant differences between longer and shorter daylight periods. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the high prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency and insufficiency in the pediatric population, emphasizing the need for public health monitoring and targeted supplementation strategies. Findings underscore the importance of regular consultations with healthcare providers to ensure optimal 25(OH)D levels in children, with potential implications for revising current sufficiency thresholds. Addressing 25(OH)D deficiency is crucial for promoting musculoskeletal health and overall well-being in children.

Sources of PM2.5 exposure misclassification in three Finnish register-based study populations and the impact on attenuation of health effect estimates.

Air pollution is a leading environmental health risk factor. The risk estimates, primarily based on air pollution epidemiology, are sensitive to exposure misclassification, which can result in underestimation. To address some of these challenges, our aim is to investigate how the length of the period over which the exposure is averaged, trends in long-term PM2.5 concentrations, and the seasonal variability are associated with each other. Furthermore, we assess the impact of residential relocation on exposure levels and quantify random exposure misclassification due to modelling and its impact on the attenuation of effects with respect to averaging time. We used nested air quality modelling across Finland, gridded population, and address histories from three study populations: the MATEX pregnancy and preschool children cohorts, as well as the FINPARK study's individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and their controls, to estimate PM2.5 exposures. The prediction error was estimated by comparing modelled concentrations to observations and by using previous estimates for random monitoring instrument error. Due to the decreasing trend in PM2.5 concentrations, exposure levels rose progressively with longer averaging times, increasing by up to 28 % over a 16-year period. The shorter the exposure period, the more pronounced the seasonal effects: pregnant mothers' trimester-specific exposures were 13-22 % higher for trimesters ending in spring and 10-16 % lower for those ending in autumn compared to the average for the entire pregnancy. Residential relocation had a relatively minor impact on the exposure levels of the preschool children and adult FINPARK study population, but this effect was possibly partly masked by the decreasing trend. The results indicated that using predicted concentrations led to random exposure misclassification and potentially attenuated health effects. This effect became more notable when increasing the length of the exposure period from 3 months to 5 years, doubling the underestimation ratio from 1.5 to 3.1.

Seasonal variation of total and bioavailable 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in the healthy adult Slovenian population.

Objective: The aim of our study was to compare the total 25(OH)D fraction, the bioavailable vitamin fraction, and the free vitamin D fraction in spring and fall in a group of healthy individuals. Methods: In our study, we collected blood samples from healthy participants at the end of both summer and winter, and measured serum levels of albumin, DBP, and 25(OH)D. Utilizing these data, we calculated the percentage of free and bioavailable vitamin D. Our cohort comprised 87 participants, with a male-to-female ratio of 14:73, aged 35.95 ± 12.55 years, ranging from 19 to 70 years. We employed the chemiluminescence method to determine the vitamin 25(OH)D levels, the ELISA method was utilized to determine DBP levels, the albumin BCP Assay was performed using the ADVIA biochemical analyzer (Siemens) and an online calculator was used to determine the free and bioavailable 25(OH)D levels. Results: Our findings indicate significantly lower 25(OH)D levels in winter (44.13 ± 17.82 nmol/L) compared to summer (74.97 ± 22.75 nmol/L; p < 0.001). For vitamin D binding protein there was no significant difference from summer (236.2 ± 164.39 mg/L) to winter (239.86 ± 141.9 mg/L; p = 0.77), albumin levels were significantly higher in summer (49.37 ± 4.15 g/L vs. 47.97 ± 3.91 g/L, p = 0.01), but the magnitude of the change may not be large enough to be solely responsible for the stability of vitamin D levels throughout the year. In the winter season a significantly lower calculated bioavailable 25(OH)D vitamin (7.45 ± 5.66 nmol/L against 13.11 ± 8.27 nmol/L; p < 0.001) was observed, and the free fraction also showed a significant decrease (17.3 ± 12.9 pmol/L versus 29.7 ± 19.1 pmol/L; p < 0.0001). We observed a moderately positive correlation between 25(OH)D and bioavailable percentage in winter (r = 0.680; p < 0.001), in contrast with a lower positive association in summer (r = 0.343; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our data suggest a positive correlation between total and bioavailable 25(OH)D levels. In addition to the statistically significant variation in 25(OH)D between the two observation periods, there was an additional variation in the free vitamin D percentage. The summertime synthesis of vitamin D in the skin could contribute directly to the free fraction of vitamin D. Standardizing the measurement of free 25(OH)D and clinical studies is necessary to establish reference values before these methods can be implemented in clinical practice.

Root Endophytic Microorganisms Contribute to the Attribute of Full-Year Shooting in Woody Bamboo Cephalostachyum pingbianense.

Cephalostachyum pingbianense (Hsueh & Y.M. Yang ex Yi et al.) D.Z. Li & H.Q. Yang is unique among bamboo species for its ability to produce bamboo shoots in all seasons under natural conditions. Apart from the physiological mechanism, information regarding the effects of endophytic microorganisms on this full-year shooting characteristic is limited. We hypothesize that root endophytic microorganisms will have a positive impact on the full-year bamboo shooting characteristic of C. pingbianense by increasing the availability or supply of nutrients. To identify the seasonal variations in the root endophytic bacterial and fungal communities of C. pingbianense, and to assess their correlation with bamboo shoot productivity, the roots of C. pingbianense were selected as research materials, and the 16S rRNA and ITS rDNA genes of root endophytic microorganisms were sequenced using the Illumina platform. Following this sequencing, raw sequencing reads were processed, and OTUs were annotated. Alpha and beta diversity, microbial composition, and functional predictions were analyzed, with correlations to bamboo shoot numbers assessed. The results showed that seasonal changes significantly affected the community diversity and structure of root endophytic microbes of C. pingbianense. Bacterial communities in root samples from all seasons contained more nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, with members of the Burkholderiales and Rhizobiales predominating. The relative abundances of ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the autumn sample were significantly higher than in other seasons. Correlation analysis revealed that the bamboo shoot productivity was significantly and positively correlated with bacterial functions of nitrogen fixation, arsenate detoxification, and ureolysis, as well as with symbiotrophic fungi, ectomycorrhizal fungi, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. At the genus level, the bacterial genus Herbaspirillum and the fungal genera Russula, unclassified_f_Acaulosporaceae, and unclassified_f_Glomeraceae were found to have a significant positive correlation with bamboo shoot number. Our study provides an ecological perspective for understanding the highly productive attribute of C. pingbianense and offers new insights into the forest management of woody bamboos.

Carbohydrate accumulation patterns in mangrove and halophytic plant species under seasonal variation.

This study investigates the impact of carbohydrate accumulation in mangrove and halophytic plants on their response to abiotic stress. Using soil analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy, key species (Sueda nudiflora, Aeluropus lagopoides, Avicennia marina) were examined for seasonal changes in sugar content (reducing sugars, total soluble sugars, starch). The elevated carbohydrate levels may serve as an indication of the plant's ability to adapt to different environmental conditions throughout the year. This accumulation enables plants to adapt to variations in their environment, assuring their survival and functionality during periods of environmental fluctuation. Halophytic plants' sugar content peaked during the monsoon, suggesting biotic adaptations. The mangrove Avicennia marina had year-round sugar levels. PCA and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis revealed sugar accumulation trends across species and seasons. Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis revealed correlations between soil characteristics and sugar content, suggesting plant-microbe interactions. K-means clustering and correlation analysis of FT-IR data revealed sugar composition and resource allocation trade-offs. These findings shed light on the role of carbohydrate metabolism in enabling coastal plants to endure stress. Gaining insight into these mechanisms can enhance sustainable agriculture in challenging environments and shed light on plant adaptations to evolving environmental conditions, especially biotic interactions.

Assessment of pesticide residues: a comprehensive analysis of seasonal trends and health implications.

This study assessed the presence of eight pesticide residues in the Indus River, Mianwali, Pakistan, focusing on three sampling sites (S1, S2, and S3) in water, sediment, and the fish species Cyprinus carpio during both dry and wet seasons. Analysis was conducted using gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. Results indicated elevated pesticide concentrations in both seasons, with levels of 0.84 and 0.62 µg/L in water, 12.47 and 9.21 µg/g/dw in sediment, and 17.33 and 12.17 µg/g/ww in fish, with higher concentrations observed during the dry season. Cypermethrin and carbofuran were the primary pesticides detected in water, while endosulfan and cypermethrin were dominant in sediment and fish tissue, often exceeding standard safety thresholds. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis revealed stronger correlations between sediment and fish muscle, with varying associations among pesticides across seasons. The Hazard Index (HI) surpassed 1 in both seasons, signaling potential health risks to humans. These findings underscore the substantial risk agricultural pesticides pose to the aquatic ecosystem and food chain, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices and stricter regulations to minimize pesticide use and encourage eco-friendly pest management strategies.

Heavy metal pollution in commonly consumed fish species: seasonal variations and health risks.

This study examined the concentrations of seven heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Ni, and Mn) in the muscle tissue of six commonly consumed fish species (Cyprinus carpio, Labeo rohita, Wallagu attu, Hypophthalmicthys molitrix, Channa punctuate, and Puntius sophore) from the River Indus in the Mianwali district Pakistan. Samples were collected during both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons to assess the potential human health risks associated with these heavy metals. The levels of metals were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis. The results showed varying concentrations of heavy metals in the fish samples (mg/kg), ranging from 10.17-2.06 for Pb, 41.83-12.54 for Cu, 417.04-41.93 for Zn, 2.06-0.46 for Cr, 0.86-0.08 for Cd, 4.33-1.43 for Ni, and 50.16-8.74 for Mn. Notably, metal concentrations were generally higher during the pre-monsoon season, with Pb consistently exceeding standard limits in the muscle tissue of all fish species. ANOVA analysis revealed significant variations in heavy metal concentrations among different fish species. While the current consumption rate poses no significant health risks, ongoing monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in fish and their environmental sources is crucial to ensure consumer safety and sustainable aquatic ecosystems.

Comparison of flea diversity in the burrows of Richardson's ground squirrels (Urocitellus richardsonii) in urban and rural sites in central Saskatchewan, Canada.

Spatial and temporal differences in the relative abundance of arthropod vectors are important factors that influence the risk of disease for mammalian hosts. Seasonal changes in the diversity and abundance of fleas (Siphonaptera) in Richardson's ground squirrel (Urocitellus richardsonii) burrows were studied at two sites in central Saskatchewan. A total of 225 fleas (151 at an urban site and 74 at a rural site) were collected. Flea prevalence differed among seasons at the urban site but not at the rural site. Of the nine flea species detected (eight at the urban site and six at the rural site), Oropsylla rupestris, O. bruneri, O. labis, O. tuberculata, and Aetheca wagneri are vectors of Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague. The presence and abundance of some fleas differed between sites and seasons. Neopsylla inopina and O. rupestris were the most abundant species at the urban site during the spring and summer, respectively, while O. bruneri was the most abundant species at the rural site. Our findings may have implications for the management of the black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) in southwestern Saskatchewan because they coexist with U. richardsonii, are hosts for Oropsylla, and are at great risk of plague exposure/infection.

Seasonal Study Chemical Profiles and Bioactivities of Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig Essential Oils: Nematicidal, Insecticidal, Phytotoxic, Antifungal Potentials, and Molecular Docking Insights.

Hedychium coronarium plant has attracted considerable attention from researchers due to its diverse phytochemical composition and potential therapeutic applications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profile and biological attributes of H. coronarium essential oils collected during different seasons in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. The essential oils were extracted from the rhizomes using hydrodistillation with a Clevenger-type apparatus yielding between 0.07% to 0.38% (w/w). The major compounds identified by GC-MS analysis exhibited seasonal variations and included 1,8-cineole (26.6-38.5%), coronarin E (11.9-18.8%), α-pinene (5.00-14.9%), α-terpineol (4.2-9.3%), (E)-ß-caryophyllene (1.2-9.7%), and linalool (0.4-2.9%). To illustrate the variations in oil composition, visualization techniques such as heat map and PCA were employed. The essential oils demonstrated potential biological activity in all tests conducted. The molecular modeling study indicated that the potential mechanism may be associated with acetylcholinesterase. Consequently, this study contributes to the development of novel natural pesticides.