Comprehensive Elemental Profiling of Romanian Honey: Exploring Regional Variance, Honey Types, and Analyzed Metals for Sustainable Apicultural and Environmental Practices.

We investigated the mineral concentrations of 61 honey samples from eight Romanian regions, employing advanced techniques to assess 30 chemical elements. Potassium emerged as the dominant element, showcasing significant variations across geographical locations. Essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and manganese maintained consistent levels, while zinc, copper, and chromium were present in smaller proportions. Critically, lead and cadmium levels exceeded established safety limits in some samples, suggesting potential environmental contamination. Additionally, elevated levels of lithium, strontium, nickel, and aluminum were detected, hinting at possible atmospheric pollution. These findings highlight the importance of regional analysis, as mineral content varied significantly between locations. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed interdependencies among elements, suggesting shared environmental influences. Advanced statistical techniques like hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis effectively captured the impact of geographical origin on honey composition. These insights contribute valuable information for future efforts in honey quality control, traceability systems, and regulatory measures. By providing valuable insights into environmental influences on honey composition, this study informs future research endeavors and paves the way for the development of robust regulatory measures to ensure honey safety for consumers.

Origin differentiation based on volatile constituents of genuine medicinal materials Quisqualis indica L. via HS-GC-MS, response surface methodology, and chemometrics.

INTRODUCTION: Quisqualis indica L. (QIL) has a long history as a traditional Chinese herb in China, but the study of volatile components in QIL from different geographical sources has been relatively rare. OBJECTIVES: To establish an optimal headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) method to comprehensively analyse the volatile component profile and screen quality markers of QIL from different origins. METHODS: Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimise the conditions for headspace analysis. The volatile components of QIL from four main origins of southwest China were analysed and identified by HS-GC-MS. The similarity of all samples of QIL was evaluated by fingerprint. The differences of the volatile components in QIL from different origins were distinguished by chemometrics. RESULTS: According to the optimal conditions of RSM, a total of 31 volatile components were identified, including fatty acids, aldehydes, alcohols, alkyl pyrazines, and other volatile components. Similarity evaluation presented that there were 26 common volatile components with different contents in all samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that QIL from four different origins could be roughly divided into four categories. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) indicated that QIL from different origins had obvious regional characteristics. CONCLUSION: The optimised HS-GC-MS method provided a strategy to rapidly, effectively, and accurately elucidate the volatile component profile of QIL from different origins, and seven important differential components were screened for quality evaluation and origin traceability.

Regionalization and morphological integration in the vertebral column of Eurasian small-bodied newts (Salamandridae: Lissotriton).

Serially homologous structures may have complex patterns of regionalization and morphological integration, influenced by developmental Hox gene expression and functional constraints. The vertebral column, consisting of a number of repeated, developmentally constrained, and highly integrated units-vertebrae-is such a complex serially homologous structure. Functional diversification increases regionalization and modularity of the vertebral column, particularly in mammals. For salamanders, three concepts of regionalization of the vertebral column have been proposed, recognizing one, two, or three presacral regions. Using three-dimensional geometric morphometrics on vertebra models acquired with microcomputerized tomography scanning, we explored the covariation of vertebrae in four closely related taxa of small-bodied newts in the genus Lissotriton. The data were analyzed by segmented linear regression to explore patterns of vertebral regionalization and by a two-block partial least squares method to test for morphological integration. All taxa show a morphological shift posterior to the fifth trunk vertebra, which corresponds to the two-region concept. However, morphological integration is found to be strongest in the mid-trunk. Taken jointly, these results indicate a highly integrated presacral vertebral column with a subtle two-region differentiation. The results are discussed in relation to specific functional requirements, developmental and phylogenetic constraints, and specific requirements posed by a biphasic life cycle and different locomotor modes (swimming vs. walking). Further research should be conducted on different ontogenetic stages and closely related but ecologically differentiated species.

[Analysis of differentiated regional dietary structures of adults aged 18-64 years in 15 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) of China in 2018].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the status of energy and macronutrient intake among adults aged 18 to 64 years old in 15 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities) of China. METHODS: A sample of 9481 adults aged 18-64 years from the data of the China Health and Nutrition Survey in 2018 was analyzed. Three consecutive days of 24 h recalls combined with the weighing of household seasonings were used to collect information on food intake and condiment intake. Food consumption was converted into energy and various nutrient intakes by the China Food Composition Table. RESULTS: The median daily intakes of energy were 1942.28 kcal and 1951.14 kcal in urban and rural areas, 1796.94 kcal, 1972.89 kcal, 1989.61 kcal and 1908.98 kcal in northwest, southwest, southeast and northern regions, respectively. The energy supply ratio of protein and fat were 13.61% and 35.85%, respectively, higher than 12.31% and 34.45% in rural areas, while the energy supply ratio of carbohydrates in urban(49.62%) was lower than that in rural areas(52.18%). The energy supply ratios of fat in the southwest and southeast regions were 38.90% and 36.80%, respectively, while the energy supply ratios of carbohydrates were 47.70% and 47.93%. The main food sources of energy, protein, and fat are different in different regions. The percentage of energy, protein, and fat from animal foods decreased with increasing age groups. The adults with low-income levels had a high intake of carbohydrates but a low intake of protein, and the adults with high-income levels had high proportions of energy, protein and fat from animal food sources. CONCLUSION: The total energy intakes of residents in different regions are relatively ideal, but the dietary structures are still unreasonable, and the energy supply ratios of fat are relatively high, especially in the southwest and southeast regions. The intake and food sources of the three macronutrients are varied in different regions and urban and rural areas. Age and income level affect the food choices of residents.

[The demographic aging of population: regional trends in Russia].

The article considers evolution of research and views on challenges and menaces of demographic aging process in the works of national and foreign scientists. The characteristics of this process in regions of the Russian Federation consist in special diversity of social economic, climatic, geographical and mental conditions in which demographic processes proceed. This determined availability of various types and stages of demographic aging in regions of the Russian Federation as well as opportunities to temper negative consequences of this process.

Regional differentiation based on volatile compounds via HS-SPME/GC-MS and chemical compositions comparison of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds.

Cannabis sativa L., has gained increasing attention due to its potential applications in various fields. However, the compositions of hemp seeds from different producing regions are quite different, significantly affects resource utilization. This work conducted the regional differentiation of hemp seeds from Dongbei, Guangxi, Inner Mongolia and Shanxi in China based on the headspace solid phase micro-extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) and multivariate analysis. Moreover, the chemical composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles of hemp seeds and antioxidant activities of hemp protein isolate were evaluated from above four producing regions. The results showed that hemp seeds had large amounts of fat (24.30-34.65%) and protein (21.87-23.40%) with ideal amino acid and fatty acid profiles and large amounts of volatiles. More than 300 volatile compounds were detected, and 35 key contributors to the unique aroma were finally identified out of 110 volatile compounds with odor activity values (OAVs), including 14 aldehydes, 2 ketones, 4 alcohols, 2 esters, 1 acid, 3 aromatics, 5 terpenes and 4 other compounds. The content of alcohols in all hemp seeds was highest and 16 unique volatiles only found in hemp seeds from Shanxi. Meanwhile, the VIP scores indicated that acetic acid, hexanal, hexan-1-ol and eucalyptol contributed the most to the difference among groups. According to the results of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, the hemp seeds from Shanxi seemed to have the better quality. Therefore, multivariate analysis combined with HS-SPME/GC-MS could effectively distinguish hemp seeds from different producing regions, and thus decipher the geographical characteristics of raw materials.

Climate Change and Vector-Borne Diseases in China: A Review of Evidence and Implications for Risk Management.

Vector-borne diseases have posed a heavy threat to public health, especially in the context of climate change. Currently, there is no comprehensive review of the impact of meteorological factors on all types of vector-borne diseases in China. Through a systematic review of literature between 2000 and 2021, this study summarizes the relationship between climate factors and vector-borne diseases and potential mechanisms of climate change affecting vector-borne diseases. It further examines the regional differences of climate impact. A total of 131 studies in both Chinese and English on 10 vector-borne diseases were included. The number of publications on mosquito-borne diseases is the largest and is increasing, while the number of studies on rodent-borne diseases has been decreasing in the past two decades. Temperature, precipitation, and humidity are the main parameters contributing to the transmission of vector-borne diseases. Both the association and mechanism show vast differences between northern and southern China resulting from nature and social factors. We recommend that more future research should focus on the effect of meteorological factors on mosquito-borne diseases in the era of climate change. Such information will be crucial in facilitating a multi-sectorial response to climate-sensitive diseases in China.

Regional Differentiation and Influencing Factor Analysis of Residents' Psychological Status during the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic in South China.

A scientific understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological status of residents is important for improving medical services and responding to public health emergencies. With the help of some of the most popular network communication tools (including Wechat and Weiboand QQ), online questionnaires were completed by South China citizens during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic based on psychological stress theory and using a comprehensive sampling method. Through cooperation with experts from other institutions, the content of the questionnaire was designed to include interviewees' spatial locations and individual information, identify whether negative emotions were generated, and determine the level of psychological stress and the degree of perception change, etc. According to the data type, mathematical statistics and multiple logistic regression methods were used to examine regional differentiation and influencing factors regarding the psychological stress of residents using 1668 valid questionnaires from 53 municipal administrative units in South China. The results firstly showed that over the whole area there was typical regional differentiation in South China, especially in relation to negative expression and psychological stress, with this feature reflecting the dual urban-rural structure. Secondly, regional differences were obvious. Residents of Hainan showed stronger change of psychological stress than those of the other two provinces. In contrast, Guangdong residents were the least psychological stress, and the concept of a harmonious relationship between human beings and nature was not accepted as well as in the other two provinces. Thirdly, in each province the capital city acted as the regional pole, with greater psychological status. This polarization effect decreased with greater distance, reflecting the theory of growth poles in human geography. Fourthly, gender, education level, occupation, informational correction, and the possibility of infection were notable factors that affected the psychological status of interviewees facing COVID-19. However, the functions were different and were decided by the dependent variable. Lastly, based on conclusions summarized from three perspectives, it was found that regional differentiation, public information, and social structure need to focused upon in order to handle sudden major health issues.

Spatial differentiation of gully clusters based on the regional scale: an example from northeastern China.

Gully erosion represents a serious environmental threat around the world, but their spatial distribution law are unclear at the regional scale. To quantitatively characterize the spatial distribution model of gullies and determine the regularity of regional differentiation, this paper used spatial analyst and statistics method to study the spatial distribution of gullies in 34 sample areas of northeastern China based on interpretations of high-resolution remote sensing images. The results showed that the kernel density could quantitatively describe the continuous spatial clustering of gullies. Gullies in northeastern China had the characteristics of a spatially unbalanced distribution at the scale of the sample area. The average kernel density of the 34 sample areas (Moran's I was 0.43, P¡0.01P < 0.01) also indicated clustering distribution at the regional scale. The horizontal clustering characteristics of gullies exhibited an azonal distribution of being low values in the middle plain and high values on the three mountainous areas. The average kernel density in the southeastern part of the study area was highest (maximum value of 2.38). In the vertical direction, gullies were relatively undeveloped in low- and high-altitude areas, while middle-altitude areas were beneficial to the development of gullies. The effect of height differences on gully development was more significant than altitude. As the height difference increased, gullies tended to be more clustered, which can be expressed by a power function. The results of this study will not only help to understand the regional differentiation characteristics of gullies but will also provide a scientific reference for the study of spatial distribution of gullies in future.

Genetic diversity and ancestry of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) in Dominica revealed by single nucleotide polymorphism markers.

Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), an introduced tree crop in Dominica, is important for foreign exchange earnings from fine or flavour cocoa. The genetic structure of farmed cacao in Dominica was examined to identify varieties for conservation, breeding, and propagation to improve their cocoa industry. Cacao trees (156) from 73 sites over seven geographical regions were genotyped at 192 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Identity, regional differentiation, phylogenetic, multi-variate, ancestry, and core collection analyses were performed. Farmed cacao germplasm had moderate gene diversity (He = 0.320 ± 0.005) from generally unique trees, but cocoa growing regions were genetically similar. Synonymous matching (16.3%) showed that some clonal material was supplied to farmers. Cacao trees were mainly mixed from Amelonado, Criollo, Iquitos, Contamana, and Marañon ancestries, with predominantly Amelonado-Criollo hybrids. Criollo ancestry, linked to fine or flavour cocoa, was found at more than 30% in 28 unique trees. Forty-five trees, containing the SNP diversity of cacao in Dominica, are recommended as a core germplasm collection. This study identifies promising trees for improving cocoa quality; provides genetic evidence that community, regional, or country-wide pooling would not compromise the exclusive fine or flavour cocoa industry; and discusses other implications towards improving the Dominican cocoa industry.

Structural and functional differentiation of a fat body-like tissue adhering to testis follicles facilitates spermatogenesis in locusts.

The fat body is distributed throughout the body of insects, playing the essential role in intermediary metabolism and nutrient storage. However, the function of differentiation of fat bodies adhering to different tissues remains largely unknown. Here, we identified a fat body-like tissue (FLT) surrounding testis follicles and described its features at morphological, cellular and molecular levels. The FLT is morphologically distinguished with the abdominal fat body (FB) and dominated by diploid cells instead of polyploid cells. The transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that the FLT and FB have dramatically different gene expression profiles. Moreover, genes in the cell cycle pathway, which include both DNA replication- and cell division-related genes, were successively active during development of the FLT, suggesting that FLT cells possibly undergo a mitotic cycle rather than an endocycle. Deprivation of the FLT resulted in distortion of the testis follicles, disappearance of sperm bundles, reduction of total sperm number and increase of dead sperm, indicating a critical role of the FLT in the spermatogenesis in testis follicles. The special functional differentiation of the two similar tissues suggested that FLT-FB cells are able to establish a promising system to study mitotic-to-endocycle transition.

Compartmentalization of microbial communities that inhabit the hindguts of millipedes.

The gut lumen of the arthropod detritivore provides hospitable and multifaceted environments for diverse assemblages of microbes. Many microbes, including trichomycetes fungi, bacteria, and archaea establish stable, adherent communities on the cuticular surface secreted by the hindgut epithelium. Regional differences in the surface topography within the hindgut of a given millipede are reflected in differing and diverse microbial assemblages. The spirostreptid millipede Cambala speobia is a detritivore found on the floors of Texas caves. This millipede species has a very circumscribed distribution in North America and a diet confined to the limited litter that accumulates on floors of these caves while the common julid millipede Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus, an introduced European species, feeds on the diverse litter found in organic soils throughout North America. In both millipedes, the gut lumina are inhabited along their entire lengths by microbes, with the highest microbial densities in the hindguts. The anterior third of the hindgut with its distinctive six-fold symmetry is lined by cuticle having fine polarized scales, and the posterior-most third is lined by smooth cuticle. Trichomycetes only inhabit the anterior third of the hindgut, and scattered patches of filamentous bacteria along with their smaller adherent microbes occupy the posterior third. The densest populations of microbes inhabit the central region of the hindgut. Over the cuticular surface of this hindgut region, uniformly distributed indentations mark possible channels for nutrient and water exchange between the hindgut lumen and host hemolymph. Films of microbes are adherent to the cuticle that lines the hindgut while those microbes in the remainder of the gut (i.e., foregut + midgut) represent mostly unattached inhabitants.

Novel tissue units of regional differentiation in the gut epithelium of Drosopbila, as revealed by P-element-mediated detection of enhancer.

We analysed spatial patterns of expression of a lacZ reporter gene in the gut of Drosophila larvae that had been transformed with a P-element-lacZ vector to identify regional differences in gene expression. lacZ-positive epithelial cells formed distinct domains with discrete transverse and longitudinal boundaries along the gut tube. Boundaries were often found at sites at which morphological boundaries were not obvious. The gut epithelium was subdivided into 36 compartments by the boundaries. We refer to these novel compartments as "tissue compartments". The lacZ-positive domain of each strain appeared as a single tissue compartment or as a combination of several tissue compartments. The tissue compartment is considered to be a unit of regional differentiation. The spatial organization of the tissue compartments may represent the "floor plan", determined by genes that control the regional differentiation of this nonsegmental organ.