A Copula-based spatiotemporal probabilistic model for heavy metal pollution incidents in drinking water sources.

Water pollution incidents pose a significant threat to the safety of drinking water supplies and directly impact the quality of life of the residents when multiple pollutants contaminate drinking water sources. The majority of drinking water sources in China are derived from rivers and lakes that are often significantly impacted by water pollution incidents. To tackle the internal mechanisms between water quality and quantity, in this study, a Copula-based spatiotemporal probabilistic model for drinking water sources at the watershed scale is proposed. A spatiotemporal distribution simulation model was constructed to predict the spatiotemporal variations for water discharge and pollution to each drinking water source. This method was then applied to the joint probabilistic assessment for the entire Yangtze River downstream watershed in Nanjing City. The results demonstrated a significant negative correlation between water discharge and pollutant concentration following a water emergency. The water quantity-quality joint probability distribution reached the highest value (0.8523) after 14 hours of exposure during the flood season, much higher than it was (0.4460) during the dry season. As for the Yangtze River downstream watershed, five key risk sources (N1-N5) and two high-exposure drinking water sources (W3-W4; AEI=1) should be paid more attention. Overall, this research highlights a comprehensive mode between water quantity and quality for drinking water sources to cope with accidental water pollution.

A novel strategy to enhance inhibition of Hela cervical cancer by combining Lentinus ß-glucan and autophagic flux blockage.

Lentinus ß-D-glucan (LNT), derived from artificially cultured mushrooms of Lentinus edodes, shows an important yet incompletely understood biological functions in cancer. In this work, the chemical structure of the refined LNT comprising a ß-D-(1, 6)-branched ß-D-(1,3)-glucan was further clarified via 1D- and 2D-NMR with high resolution, and its drug resistance resulted from autophagy in human cervical cancer (CC) Hela cells besides its anti-cancer function were revealed in vitro and in vivo. In detail, LNT destroyed cellular homeostasis by significantly increasing the intracellular Ca2+ levels and promoted autophagic flux in vitro Hela cells, which was found to at least partially depend on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR-mediated pathway by up-regulating LC3-II levels and down-regulating the expression of p62, PI3K, p-Akt, and mTOR in Hela cells-transplanted BALB/c nude mice. In particular, LNT-induced autophagy led to a drug resistance against LNT-induced proliferation inhibition and apoptosis in Hela cells, and the co-treatment of autophagy inhibitors and LNT significantly enhanced the inhibition of Hela cells and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the combination of LNT and autophagy inhibitors will be a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce the resistance and improve the prognosis of CC patients in the clinical.

Phosphine-Catalyzed [4 + 1] Annulation of ß'-Acetoxy Allenoate with α-Alkylidene Succinimides: Access to Functionalized Spirosuccinimide Derivatives.

A phosphine-catalyzed [4 + 1] annulation of ß'-acetoxy allenoate with α-alkylidene succinimides is described. This method demonstrates the nucleophilic dialkylation and cyclization of α-alkylidene succinimides, resulting in the formation of functionalized spirosuccinimide derivatives. The reaction exhibits a wide substrate scope and yields ranging from moderate to excellent under the optimized conditions. In addition, the biological evaluation indicates that the cycloadduct 3u presents satisfied inhibitory activities for three human cancer cell lines (HCT116, A549, and HepG2).

Stability of gross primary productivity and its sensitivity to climate variability in China.

Identifying the stability and sensitivity of land ecosystems to climate change is vital for exploring nature-based solutions. However, the underlying mechanisms governing ecosystem stability and sensitivity, especially in regions with overlapping ecological projects, remain unclear. based on Mann-Kendall, stability analysis method, and multiple regression method, this study quantified the stability and sensitivity of gross primary productivity (GPP) to climate variables [temperature, vapor pressure deficit (VPD), soil moisture, and radiation] in China from 1982 to 2019. Our findings revealed the following: (1) GPP demonstrated an increased trend with lower stability in Eastern regions, whereas a decreasing trend with higher stability was observed in Western and Southwest China. Notably, the stability of GPP was highest (74.58%) in areas with five overlapping ecological projects: Grain to Green, Natural Forest Resource Protection Project, Three-River Ecological Conservation and Restoration Project, Return Grazing to Grassland Project, and Three-North Shelter Forestation Project. (2) In regions with minimal or no overlapping ecological projects, temperature and radiation jointly dominated GPP variations. In contrast, water-related factors (VPD and soil moisture) significantly affected GPP in areas with multiple overlapping ecological projects. (3) In the southwestern and northeastern regions, GPP exhibited the highest sensitivity to climate change, whereas, in the eastern coastal areas and Tibet, GPP showed low sensitivity to climate change. In the Loess Plateau, where five ecological projects overlap extensively, carbon sinks primarily demonstrate a monotonic increasing trend, high stability, and low sensitivity to climate change. This study aimed to assess the stability of the land ecosystems and delineate their sensitivity to climate changes, thereby laying the groundwork for understanding ecosystem resilience.

A marker-free genetic manipulation method for Glaesserella parasuis strains developed by alternately culturing transformants at 37°C and 30°C.

BACKGROUND: Glaesserella parasuis (G. parasuis) is the causative agent of Glässer's disease, which causes significant economic losses in the swine industry. However, research on the pathogenesis of G. parasuis has been hampered by the lack of a simple and efficient marker-free knockout system. RESULTS: In this study, a marker-free knockout system was developed for G. parasuis using a temperature-sensitive vector. By alternating the incubation of transformants at 30°C and 37°C, we optimized the screening process for this system. The system was successfully applied to knockout the KanR cassette from JS0135ΔnanH::KanR, achieving a knockout efficiency of 90% in the final round of screening. To confirm that temperature variation was a key factor, we proceeded with knocking out the nanH and apd genes in the CF7066 strain. The knockout efficiency reached up to 100%, with the shortest screening time being only four days. The knockout of the nanH gene resulted in a significant reduction in the growth vitality of the strains, while the knockout of the apd gene led to an approximate 56% improvement in the adhesion rate. Additionally, we observed that the expression of recombinant genes in transformants was higher at 30℃ than at 37℃, with the recC gene being upregulated approximately 7-fold. In contrast, there was almost no difference in the expression of recombinant genes between 30℃ and 37℃ in the wild-type strains. This discrepancy was likely due to an elevated copy number of target plasmids at 30℃, which may have resulted in the enhanced expression of recombinant genes. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this newly developed gene knockout system for G. parasuis presents a valuable tool for advancing research on this organism.

Preparation of Difluoromethylated Benzothiophene by Visible-Light-Mediated Alkyne Difunctionalization Reaction.

An efficient method for the preparation of difluoromethylated benzothiophenes via visible-light-mediated alkyne difunctionalization was developed. In this method, inexpensive sodium difluoromethanesulfinate (HCF2SO2Na) was used as the fluorine source, and a variety of benzothiophene derivatives were obtained in moderate to excellent yield under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, the reaction operation is simple and easy to scale up.

The influence of modified Qing E Formula on the differential expression of serum exosomal miRNAs in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients.

Objective: Although guidelines support the efficacy of Modified Qing' E Formula (MQEF) in treating postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP), its underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This retrospective investigation aims to elucidate MQEF's impact on serum exosomal miRNA expression in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients and to explore potential therapeutic mechanisms. Methods: Following ethical approval and registration, postmenopausal osteoporosis patients aged 50-85 years, meeting the diagnostic criteria were randomly selected and received MQEF decoction supplementary therapy. Serum samples were collected pre- and post-treatment, followed by isolation and sequencing of exosomal miRNAs. Differential miRNAs in serum exosomes were identified, and bioinformatics analysis was conducted to discern the principal exosomal miRNAs involved in MQEF's effects on PMOP and the associated signaling pathways. Results: Eighteen clinical blood samples were collected. A total of 282,185 target genes were detected across the three groups. 306 miRNAs exhibited altered expression in serum exosomes of PMOP patients, while MQEF intervention resulted in changes in 328 miRNAs. GO enrichment analysis revealed the immune and endocrine systems was pertained. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated associations between PMOP occurrence and MQEF treatment with cytokine interactions, oxidative phosphorylation, and the renin-angiotensin system. Intersectional analysis identified 17 miRNAs, including 2 consistent trends. miR-3188 as a potentially pivotal miRNA implicated in both PMOP occurrence and MQEF treatment. Conclusion: This study constitutes the first randomized, retrospective clinical exploration confirming that MQEF demonstrates regulatory influence over exosomal miRNA expression in PMOP patients' serum, its impact likely involves modulation of the immune and endocrine systems, as well as the renin-angiotensin system.

Effect of a Multicomponent Exercise Intervention on Recovery of Walking Ability in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether multicomponent exercise (MCE) is more effective than single exercise in improving walking ability in patients with stroke. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL from the establishment of each database to February 2024 was performed. A combination of medical subject headings and free-text terms relating to stroke and exercise were searched. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials treating stroke survivors with MCE were included. The control groups received conventional treatments such as conventional treatment or no intervention or sham training; the experimental groups received MCE. The outcome measures were walking endurance, gait speed, and balance ability. DATA EXTRACTION: The data extraction form was completed by 2 independent reviewers. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized controlled trials. Review manager 5.4 software was used for data analysis. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were used to supplement the results with higher heterogeneity. The preferred reporting project for systematic reviews and meta-analyses 2020 guidelines were followed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Twelve studies were included. Meta-analyses found that compared with the control group, the MCE significantly affected gait speed (mean difference=0.11; 95% CI, 0.06-0.16; I2=0%), but the effect on balance ability was not statistically significant. Subgroup analysis showed that MCE (≥60min) was effective in improving walking endurance. These results suggest that MCE improves walking endurance and walking speed in patients with stroke. CONCLUSIONS: MCE helps improve the gait speed of stroke survivors. Prolonging the MCE time may have a better effect on improving the walking endurance of patients with stroke.

Role of superfine grinding in whole-purple-wheat flour. Part II: Impacts of size reduction on dough properties, bread quality and in vitro starch digestion.

This study aimed to enhance bread functionality while maintaining its organoleptic attributes by employing superfine grinding and purple wheat, through characterizing dough properties, bread quality attributes, and in vitro starch digestibility. Compared with dough made from commercial-superfine-whole-wheat flour, the superfine-whole-purple-wheat dough was less strong, comparably extensible, and higher in gassing power during mixing, moulding and proofing, respectively. The subsequent bread quality analysis of crumb grain features and texture indicated that the bread made from superfine-whole-purple-wheat flour was more porous and softer with a larger specific volume (3.21 ± 0.20 cm3/g) than that made from commercial-superfine-whole-wheat flour (2.30 ± 0.17 cm3/g). Additionally, the superfine-whole-purple-wheat bread had a significantly slower glucose release (k = 0.0048 min-1) during in vitro starch digestion as compared to the superfine-whole-wheat bread (k = 0.0065 min-1). Therefore, this study demonstrates that using superfine-whole-purple-wheat flour leads to bread with desirable quality attributes and potential health benefits compared to conventional whole-wheat flour.

Proteomics profiling reveals lipid metabolism abnormalities during oogenesis in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss.

Background: Unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL) is a clinical dilemma in reproductive fields. Its diagnosis is mainly exclusionary after extensive clinical examination, and some of the patients may still face the risk of miscarriage. Methods: We analyzed follicular fluid (FF) from in vitro fertilization (IVF) in eight patients with URPL without endocrine abnormalities or verifiable causes of abortion and eight secondary infertility controls with no history of pregnancy loss who had experienced at least one normal pregnancy and delivery by direct data-independent acquisition (dDIA) quantitative proteomics to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). In this study, bioinformatics analysis was performed using online software including g:profiler, String, and ToppGene. Cytoscape was used to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and ELISA was used for validation. Results: Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the DEPs are involved in the biological processes (BP) of complement and coagulation cascades. Apolipoproteins (APOs) are key proteins in the PPI network. ELISA confirmed that APOB was low-expressed in both the FF and peripheral blood of URPL patients. Conclusion: Dysregulation of the immune network intersecting coagulation and inflammatory response is an essential feature of URPL, and this disequilibrium exists as early as the oogenesis stage. Therefore, earlier intervention is necessary to prevent the development of URPL. Moreover, aberrant lipoprotein regulation appears to be a key factor contributing to URPL. The mechanism by which these factors are involved in the complement and coagulation cascade pathways remains to be further investigated, which also provides new candidate targets for URPL treatment.

Towards sustainable upcycling of side streams of purple bread wheat using dry fractionation: Enhancing bioactive compounds and reducing harmful elements.

Side streams from milling result in significant food wastage. While highly nutritious, their harmful elements raise concerns. To repurpose these side streams safely, this study designed a dry fractionation technique for anthocyanin-rich purple bread wheat. Four fractions - from inner to outer layers: flour, middlings, shorts and bran - alongside whole-wheat flour were obtained and examined by microstructure, antioxidant activity, anthocyanin profiles, and essential and harmful minerals. Across the four investigated cultivars, both anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity increased from inner to outer layers. In comparison to flour, cyanidin-3-glucoside concentrations in middlings, shorts and bran were 2-5 times, 3-9 times, and 6-19 times, respectively. Concentrations of Cr, Ni, Sr and Ba progressively increased from inner to outer layers, Pb and Se exhibited uniform distribution, while Al was more concentrated in inner layers. These findings indicate that the fractionation technique is effective in deriving valuable ingredients from underexploited side streams, especially bran.

Bone Marrow Adipose Tissue as a Critical Regulator of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis - A Concise Review.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a major health problem affecting millions of women worldwide. PMOP patients are often accompanied by abnormal accumulation of bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT). BMAT is a critical regulator of bone homeostasis, and an increasing BMAT volume is negatively associated with bone mass reduction or fracture. BMAT regulates bone metabolism via adipokines, cytokines and the immune system, but the specific mechanisms are largely unknown. This review emphasizes the impact of estrogen deficiency on bone homeostasis and BMAT expansion, and the mechanism by which BMAT regulates PMOP, providing a promising strategy for targeting BMAT in preventing and treating PMOP.

The role of cytolethal distending toxin in Glaesserella parasuis JS0135 strain infection: Cytotoxicity, phagocytic resistance and pathogenicity.

Glaesserella parasuis is an important porcine pathogen that commonly colonizes the upper respiratory tract of pigs and is prone to causing Glässer's disease under complex conditions. As yet, the disease has led to serious economic losses to the swine industry worldwide. Studies so far have found that several virulence factors are associated with the pathogenicity of G. parasuis, but the pathogenic mechanism is still not fully understood. Cytolethal distending toxin (CDT), a potential virulence factor in G. parasuis, is involved in cytotoxicity, serum resistance, adherence to and invasion of host cells in vitro. Here, to further investigate the pathogenic role of CDT during G. parasuis infection in vitro and in vivo, a double cdt1 and cdt2 deletion mutant (Δcdt1Δcdt2) without selectable marker was first generated in G. parasuis JS0135 strain by continuous natural transformations and replica plating. Morphological observation and lactate dehydrogenase assay showed that the Δcdt1Δcdt2 mutant was defective in cytotoxicity. Additionally, the Δcdt1Δcdt2 mutant was more susceptible to phagocytosis caused by 3D4/2 macrophages compared to the wild-type JS0135 strain. Moreover, by focusing on clinical signs, necropsy, bacterial recovery and pathological observation, we found that the deletion of cdt1 and cdt2 genes led to a significant attenuation of virulence in G. parasuis. Taken together, these findings suggest that as an important virulence factor, CDT can significantly affect the pathogenicity of G. parasuis.

Surface display of the COE antigen of porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus on Bacillus subtilis spores.

Porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) infects pigs of all ages by invading small intestine, causing acute diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration with high morbidity and mortality among newborn piglets. However, current PEDV vaccines are not effective to protect the pigs from field epidemic strains because of poor mucosal immune response and strain variation. Therefore, it is indispensable to develop a novel oral vaccine based on epidemic strains. Bacillus subtilis spores are attractive delivery vehicles for oral vaccination on account of the safety, high stability, and low cost. In this study, a chimeric gene CotC-Linker-COE (CLE), comprising of the B. subtilis spore coat gene cotC fused to the core neutralizing epitope CO-26 K equivalent (COE) of the epidemic strain PEDV-AJ1102 spike protein gene, was constructed. Then recombinant B. subtilis displaying the CLE on the spore surface was developed by homologous recombination. Mice were immunized by oral route with B. subtilis 168-CLE, B. subtilis 168, or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as control. Results showed that the IgG antibodies and cytokine (IL-4, IFN-γ) levels in the B. subtilis 168-CLE group were significantly higher than the control groups. This study demonstrates that B. subtilis 168-CLE can generate specific systemic immune and mucosal immune responses and is a potential vaccine candidate against PEDV infection.

Prospective Comparison of 2D and 3D T2-Weighted Imaging in Multiparametric MRI for Assessing Muscle Invasion Accuracy Using VI-RADS in Bladder Cancer.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) is an essential sequence for assessing the staging of bladder cancer. This study aimed to compare the image quality and diagnostic performance of three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) T2WI in diagnosing muscle invasion of bladder cancer using Vesical Imaging Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2022 and May 2023, 101 participants with bladder cancer underwent multiparametric MRI including 3D and 2D T2WI. Two radiologists independently reviewed 2D and 3D T2WI, evaluating image quality and muscle invasion based on VI-RADS scoring. The paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test assessed the differences between 2D and 3D T2WI. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) were utilized to compare the diagnostic performance. RESULTS: 3D T2WI demonstrated significantly superior overall image quality scores with less artifacts than 2D T2WI. Compared to 2D T2WI, 3D T2WI categories had significantly higher AUC for both readers (reader 1: 0.937 vs. 0.909, p = .02; reader 2: 0.923 vs.0.884, p = .04). The VI-RADS score of 3D MR protocol had higher accuracy than 2D MR protocol (reader 1: 0.931 vs. 0.921, p = .02; reader 2: 0.931 vs. 0.911, p = .02). However, there were no significant differences in AUC values of VI-RADS categories between 2D and 3D MR protocol (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In assessing muscle invasion of bladder cancer, 3D T2WI exhibited superior overall image quality and diagnostic performance than 2D T2WI. However, 3D T2WI did not significantly improve the diagnostic performance of VI-RADS.

Yeast ß-glucan-based nanoparticles loading methotrexate promotes osteogenesis of hDPSCs and periodontal bone regeneration under the inflammatory microenvironment.

The regeneration of absorbed alveolar bone and reconstruction of periodontal support tissue are huge challenges in the clinical treatment of periodontitis due to the limited regenerative capacity of alveolar bone. It is essential to regulate inflammatory reaction and periodontal cell differentiation. Based on the anti-inflammatory effect of baker's yeast ß-glucan (BYG) with biosafety by targeting macrophages, the BYG-based nanoparticles loading methotrexate (cBPM) were fabricated from polyethylene glycol-grafted BYG through chemical crosslinking for treatment of periodontitis. In our findings, cBPM promoted osteogenesis of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) under inflammatory microenvironment, characterized by the enhanced expression of osteogenesis-related Runx2 and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (MAPK/Erk) pathway in vitro. Animal experiments further demonstrate that cBPM effectively promoted periodontal bone regeneration and achieved in a better effect of recovery indicated by 19.2 % increase in tissue volume, 7.1 % decrease in trabecular separation, and a significant increase in percent bone volume and trabecular thickness, compared with the model group. Additionally, cBPM inhibited inflammation and repaired alveolar bone by transforming macrophage phenotype from inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2. This work provides an alternative strategy for the clinical treatment of periodontitis through BYG-based delivery nanoplatform of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Reduced field-of-view DWI based on deep learning reconstruction improving diagnostic accuracy of VI-RADS for evaluating muscle invasion.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether reduced field-of-view (rFOV) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with deep learning reconstruction (DLR) can improve the accuracy of evaluating muscle invasion using VI-RADS. METHODS: Eighty-six bladder cancer participants who were evaluated by conventional full field-of-view (fFOV) DWI, standard rFOV (rFOVSTA) DWI, and fast rFOV with DLR (rFOVDLR) DWI were included in this prospective study. Tumors were categorized according to the vesical imaging reporting and data system (VI-RADS). Qualitative image quality scoring, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and ADC value were evaluated. Friedman test with post hoc test revealed the difference across the three DWIs. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to calculate the areas under the curve (AUCs). RESULTS: The AUC of the rFOVSTA DWI and rFOVDLR DWI were higher than that of fFOV DWI. rFOVDLR DWI reduced the acquisition time from 5:02 min to 3:25 min, and showed higher scores in overall image quality with higher CNR and SNR, compared to rFOVSTA DWI (p < 0.05). The mean ADC of all cases of rFOVSTA DWI and rFOVDLR DWI was significantly lower than that of fFOV DWI (all p < 0.05). There was no difference in mean ADC value and the AUC for evaluating muscle invasion between rFOVSTA DWI and rFOVDLR DWI (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: rFOV DWI with DLR can improve the diagnostic accuracy of fFOV DWI for evaluating muscle invasion. Applying DLR to rFOV DWI reduced the acquisition time and improved overall image quality while maintaining ADC value and diagnostic accuracy. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The diagnostic performance and image quality of full field-of-view DWI, reduced field-of-view (rFOV) DWI with and without DLR were compared. DLR would benefit the wide clinical application of rFOV DWI by reducing the acquisition time and improving the image quality. KEY POINTS: Deep learning reconstruction (DLR) can reduce scan time and improve image quality. Reduced field-of-view (rFOV) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with DLR showed better diagnostic performances than full field-of-view DWI. There was no difference of diagnostic accuracy between rFOV DWI with DLR and standard rFOV DWI.

Deciphering the inhibitory mechanisms of betanin and phyllocactin from Hylocereus polyrhizus peel on protein glycation, with insights into their application in bread.

Protein glycation closely intertwines with the pathogenesis of various diseases, sparking a growing interest in exploring natural antiglycation agents. Herein, high-purity betacyanins (betanin and phyllocactin) derived from Hylocereus polyrhizus peel were studied for their antiglycation potential using an in vitro bovine serum albumin (BSA)-glucose model. Notably, betacyanins outperformed aminoguanidine, a recognized antiglycation agent, in inhibiting glycation product formation across different stages, especially advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Interestingly, phyllocactin displayed stronger antiglycation activity than betanin. Subsequent mechanistic studies employing molecular docking analysis and fluorescence quenching assay unveiled that betacyanins interact with BSA endothermically and spontaneously, with hydrophobic forces playing a dominant role. Remarkably, phyllocactin demonstrated higher binding affinity and stability to BSA than betanin. Furthermore, the incorporation of betacyanins into bread dose-dependently suppressed AGEs formation during baking and shows promise for inhibiting in vivo glycation process post-consumption. Overall, this study highlights the substantial potential of betacyanins as natural antiglycation agents.

Gut microbiome is associated with personality traits of free-ranging Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana).

Recent studies have emphasized that there is a strong link between the gut microbiome and the brain that affects social behavior and personality in animals. However, the interface between personality and the gut microbiome in wild primates remains poorly understood. Here, we used high-throughput sequencing and ethological methods in primate behavioral ecology to investigate the relationship between gut microbiome and personality in Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana). The behavioral assessment results indicated three personality dimensions including socialization, shyness, and anxiety. There was significant variation in alpha diversity only for shyness, with a significantly lower alpha diversity indices (including Shannon, Chao1, and PD) for bold individuals than for shy individuals. Using regression models to control for possible confounding factors, we found that the relative abundance of three genera, Akkermansia, Dialister, and Asteroleplasma, was significantly and positively correlated with the sociability scores in the macaques. In addition, Oscillospiraceae exhibited a positive correlation with scores for Shy Dimension. Furthermore, we found that the predicted functional genes for propionate and pyruvate, porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolic pathways related to animal behavior, were significant enriched in shyness group. We propose that the gut microbiome may play an important role in the formation of personality of Tibetan macaques.

Examining trends and variability of PM2.5-associated organic and elemental carbon in the megacity of Beijing, China: Insight from decadal continuous in-situ hourly observations.

Organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) play pivotal roles in impacting human health, air quality, and climate change dynamics. Long-term monitoring datasets of OC and EC in PM2.5 are indispensable for comprehending their temporal variations, spatial distribution, evolutionary patterns, and trends, as well as for assessing the effectiveness of clean air action plans. This study presents and scrutinizes a comprehensive 10-year hourly dataset of PM2.5-bound OC and EC in the megacity of Beijing, China, spanning from 2013 to 2022. Throughout the entire study period, the average concentrations of OC and EC were recorded at 8.8 ± 8.7 and 2.5 ± 3.0 µg/m3, respectively. Employing the seasonal and trend decomposition methodology, specifically the locally estimated scatter plot smoothing method combined with generalized least squares with the autoregressive moving average method, the study observed a significant decline in OC and EC concentrations, reducing by 5.8 % yr-1 and 9.9 % yr-1 at rates of 0.8 and 0.4 µg/m3 yr-1, respectively. These declining trends were consistently verified using Theil-Sen method. Notably, the winter months exhibited the most substantial declining trends, with rates of 9.3 % yr-1 for OC and 10.9 % yr-1 for EC, aligning with the positive impact of the implemented clean air action plan. Weekend spikes in OC and EC levels were attributed to factors such as traffic regulations and residential emissions. Diurnal variations showcased higher concentrations during nighttime and lower levels during daytime. Although meteorological factors demonstrated an overall positive impact with average reduction in OC and EC concentrations by 8.3 % and 8.7 %, clean air action plans including the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (2013-2017) and the Three-Year Action Plan to Win the Blue Sky War (2018-2020) have more contributions in reducing the OC and EC concentrations with mass drop rates of 87.1 % and 89.2 % and 76.7 % and 96.7 %, respectively. Utilizing the non-parametric wind regression method, significant concentration hotspots were identified at wind speeds of ≤2 m/s, with diffuse signals recorded in the southwestern wind sectors at wind speeds of approximately 4-5 m/s. Interannual disparities in potential source regions of OC and EC were evident, with high potential source areas observed in the southern and northwestern provinces of Beijing from 2013 to 2018. In contrast, during 2019-2022, potential source areas with relatively high values of potential source contribution function were predominantly situated in the southern regions of Beijing. This analysis, grounded in observational data, provides insights into the decadal changes in the major atmospheric composition of PM2.5 and facilitates the evaluation of the efficacy of control policies, particularly relevant for developing countries.