Search Results (36)

The present study incorporates age- and length-based methods to estimate the stock status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the inland fisheries of Lake Nasser, Egypt. In 2021, a total of 570 specimens were sampled to determine the length–weight relationships, condition factor, maturity schedules, age structure and growth parameters. The age estimations were quite accurate, suggesting a lifespan of 5 years. Females attained 50% maturity at a length of 27.85 cm and age of 2.30 years, while males attained maturity at 29.93 cm and 2.45 years. The von Bertalanffy model best described growth parameters using the Bayesian approach. Length-based reference points produced from aLBI indicate a close association between length at initial maturity (L_mat = 29.3 cm) and optimal harvest length (L_opt = 30.8 cm). The Froese indicators indicate that all the proportions of mature fish (P_mat = 44.8%), fish of optimum size (P_opt = 35.6%), and big spawners (P_mega = 18.1%) were below sustainability targets. The results indicate that non-selective fishing gear is responsible for growth and recruitment overfishing by harvesting fish at, or below, maturity. The integrated Bayesian–aLBI approach offers a rigors and transparent assessment for inland fisheries with limited data and support for size-based management actions to rebuild the Nile tilapia stock in Lake Nasser. Full article

Background: Anti-dsDNA is an important biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although several assays for anti-dsDNA antibody detection are routinely used, standardization remains limited, and differences have been reported. This study aimed to compare five methods for anti-dsDNA antibody detection and to estimate their association with complement consumption. Methods: A total of 149 samples submitted for routine laboratory testing were collected and tested on five platforms: Crithidia luciliae indirect immunofluorescence test (CLIFT), addressable laser bead immunoassay (ALBIA), a high-avidity (HA) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), chemiluminescent immunoassay (CIA), and a novel particle-based multi-analyte technology (PMAT). Complements C3 and C4 were available for a subset of the total samples. Results: Correlation between anti-dsDNA assays ranged from 0.94 (CIA and PMAT) to 0.65 (ALBIA and CLIFT). The AUC from the ROC analysis using CLIFT as a reference was 0.95 for PMAT, 0.94 for CIA, 0.93 for ELISA, and 0.86 for ALBIA. The highest sensitivity relative to CLIFT at a fixed specificity of 94.4% was 84.7% for CIA and ELISA, 76.3% for PMAT, and 42.4% for ALBIA. Correlation between anti-dsDNA and C3 ranged from −0.81 for ELISA to −0.51 for ALBIA. Conclusions: Different anti-dsDNA detection methods showed varying diagnostic performance and correlation and varying agreement with CLIFT and complement consumption. ELISA, CIA, and PMAT showed high correlation to each other and to CLIFT and were in strong concordance with low C3 levels. In contrast, ALBIA revealed lower clinical performance and correlation with CLIFT and complement consumption. Full article

Road construction has historically played a pivotal role in infrastructure development, addressing society’s growing mobility needs. Selecting sub-base and base layer aggregates requires materials that are mechanically durable, compliant with engineering standards, cost-effective, and sustainable. Locally sourcing aggregates enhances economic efficiency while reducing the environmental impact. In Southeastern Anatolia, particularly in Diyarbakır, extensive investments in roads, highways, and high-speed rail have increased the demand for high-quality aggregates. Karacadağ basalt, a locally abundant volcanic rock, offers a promising alternative. Its use not only reduces raw material costs but also aids in rehabilitating surface agricultural lands, supporting sustainable urban development and resource conservation. This study assesses the suitability of Karacadağ basalt as a sub-base and base material for highway construction. Two mixtures, namely PMT (Primary Mixture Type) and PMAT (Primary Mixture Alternative Type), were prepared and tested by the Ninth Regional Directorate of Highways using standardized methods including sieve analysis, methylene blue index, Los Angeles abrasion, Weather Resistance, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests. Results indicate that Karacadağ basalt meets all relevant Turkish Highways Technical Specifications. These findings highlight the material’s potential as a sustainable, locally sourced aggregate for infrastructure applications, while suggesting that further testing across diverse quarry sites could enhance reliability and promote wider adoption. Full article

The ten-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River aims to restore aquatic biodiversity and rebuild fishery resources. Megalobrama skolkovii, a key species in the basin, was investigated using 2024 data to provide a preliminary assessment of its population structure, stock dynamics, and early recovery. Age analysis (n = 243) showed that 1–6-year-olds were dominated by fish aged 3 (35%), with few older than 4, indicating moderate structural truncation. Growth parameters modeled by the von Bertalanffy Growth Function yielded L_∞ = 61.89 cm and k = 0.25 year⁻¹, with a weight–growth inflection age of 4.4 years. Natural mortality (M = 0.48 year⁻¹) was estimated using Pauly’s empirical formula, and total mortality (Z = 0.55 year⁻¹) was estimated from the catch curve analysis. While fishing mortality (F) was statistically indistinguishable from zero, a plausible low-intensity fishing scenario was explored to assess potential impacts of residual activities. Length-based indicators (LBIs) showed P_mat = 46.05%, P_opt = 9.51%, and P_mega = 6.88%, suggesting reproductive recovery but incomplete structural restoration. These preliminary findings reveal an asymmetrical recovery trajectory, whereby physiological improvements and enhanced recruitment have occurred, yet full structural restoration remains incomplete. This underscores the need for continued, long-term conservation and monitoring to support population resilience. Full article

A high-fat diet (HFD) can lead to obesity and skeletal muscle atrophy. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) improves obesity and increases skeletal muscle mass. This study examined whether SG prevented skeletal muscle atrophy in a diet-induced rat obesity rat model. First, 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent surgical (sham-operated or SG) and dietary (standard, high-fat diet, or same pair feeding as SG [PF]) interventions without exercise. In the second experiment, treadmill exercise was added for 4 weeks post-SG (SG + Ex). In the third experiment, rats received an adiponectin receptor agonist (AdipoRon) injection. The HFD induced weight gain and decreased muscle fiber area. SG + Ex reversed these levels, followed by increases in adiponectin in the blood and skeletal muscle and myoblast determination protein 1 (MyoD) and decreased peri-muscular adipose tissue (PMAT) mass, but SG alone did not. No similar changes were observed in the PF group, with or without exercise. Injection of AdipoRon had a similar effect on skeletal muscle and PMAT as SG + Ex. The combination of SG and exercise, but not calorie restriction alone, had better impacts on skeletal muscle and PMAT than SG or exercise alone. Full article

Rubus is a genus of small berry-producing shrubs, valued for their medicinal properties and as a food source. This genus is a large, globally distributed group that includes over 700 species. Despite numerous plastid and nuclear genomes having been reported for Rubus, there is a notable lack of research on its mitogenomes. We utilized PMAT to assemble the mitogenomes of six Rubus species according to long-read HiFi reads and annotated them through homologous alignment. Subsequently, we compared their characteristic differences within Rubus mitogenomes. The complete mitogenomes of R. parviflorus, R. spectabilis, R. idaeus, R. armeniacus, and R. caesius all exhibit master circle structures, with lengths ranging from 360,869 bp to 447,754 bp. However, R. chamaemorus displays a double-circle structure composed of two small circular molecules, spanning 392,134 bp. These mitogenomes encode a total of 54–61 genes, including 33–34 PCGs, 17–24 tRNAs, and 3 rRNA genes. Compared to the other five Rubus species, R. chamaemorus has fewer sequence repeats. These six species exhibit similar codon usage patterns. A large number of gene transfers were detected between organellar genomes of six Rubus species. Additionally, two phylogenetic trees were constructed using 31 mitogenomes and 94 chloroplast genomes, revealing a minor conflict within Rubus. Overall, this study clarifies the mitogenome characteristics of Rubus and provides valuable insights into the evolution of the genus. Full article

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease of small ruminants that severely threatens rural livelihoods and global food security. Under the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs), the international animal health community has set the ambitious goal of eradicating PPR by 2030. However, significant disparities persist in the progression of PPR control across regions. This scoping review assesses the setbacks, deviations, and progress of 42 countries in Eastern, Western, and Northern Africa, as well as West Eurasia, toward achieving official freedom-from-PPR status. Progress was evaluated across key areas using the stepwise PPR Global Control and Eradication Strategy (GCES) approach and the PPR Monitoring and Assessment Tool (PMAT). The eligibility criteria included PubMed peer-reviewed studies, FAO/WOAH reports, presentations, guidelines, and country/region-specific PPR control plans from 2014 through 2024. The data are generated using qualitative and quantitative analyses, including spatial mapping and GCES stepwise progress evaluation. The findings reveal that many (31%) countries in the assessed regions remain in Stage 1 of the Progressive Stepwise Approach, whereas 59.5% have reached Stages 2 and 3, and only 4.8% are in Stage 4. Countries in Western Eurasia have achieved significant progress towards PPR control, with countries achieving PPR-free status, whereas, compared to Eastern and Northern Africa, the Western African region remains in the early control stages due to infrastructure gaps and resource constraints. Additionally, the recent suspension of PPR-free status in Romania, Greece and Hungary following disease emergence underscored vulnerabilities in historically free countries. The analysis results reiterate the critical role of regional collaboration, surveillance tools, and the integration of wildlife monitoring in advancing PPR control. These insights provide actionable pathways to addressing persistent barriers, highlighting the importance of adaptable, evidence-based approaches in achieving the global goal of PPR eradication by 2030. Full article

Astrocytes actively participate in neurotransmitter homeostasis by bidirectional communication with neuronal cells, a concept named the tripartite synapse, yet their role in dopamine (DA) homeostasis remains understudied. In the present study, we investigated the kinetic and molecular mechanisms of DA transport in cultured striatal astrocytes of adult rats. Kinetic uptake experiments were performed using radiolabeled [³H]-DA, whereas mRNA expression of the dopamine, norepinephrine, organic cation and plasma membrane monoamine transporters (DAT, NET, OCTs and PMAT) and DA receptors D1 and D2 was determined by qPCR. Additionally, astrocyte cultures were subjected to a 24 h treatment with the DA receptor agonist apomorphine, the DA receptor antagonist haloperidol and the DA precursor L-DOPA. [³H]-DA uptake exhibited temperature, concentration and sodium dependence, with potent inhibition by desipramine, nortriptyline and decynium-22, suggesting the involvement of multiple transporters. qPCR revealed prominent mRNA expression of the NET, the PMAT and OCT1, alongside lower levels of mRNA for OCT2, OCT3 and the DAT. Notably, apomorphine significantly altered NET, PMAT and D1 mRNA expression, while haloperidol and L-DOPA had a modest impact. Our findings demonstrate that striatal astrocytes aid in DA clearance by multiple transporters, which are influenced by dopaminergic drugs. Our study enhances the understanding of regional DA uptake, paving the way for targeted therapeutic interventions in dopaminergic disorders. Full article

Astrocytes are crucial in the regulation of neurotransmitter homeostasis, and while their involvement in the dopamine (DA) tripartite synapse is acknowledged, it necessitates a more comprehensive investigation. In the present study, experiments were conducted on primary astrocyte cultures from the striatum and cortex of neonatal rats. The pharmacological intricacies of DA uptake, including dependence on time, temperature, and concentration, were investigated using radiolabelled [³H]-DA. The mRNA expression of transporters DAT, NET, PMAT, and OCTs was evaluated by qPCR. Notably, astrocytes from both brain regions exhibited prominent mRNA expression of NET and PMAT, with comparatively lower expression of DAT and OCTs. The inhibition of DA uptake by the DAT inhibitor, GBR12909, and NET inhibitors, desipramine and nortriptyline, impeded DA uptake in striatal astrocytes more than in cortical astrocytes. The mRNA expression of NET and PMAT was significantly upregulated in cortical astrocytes in response to the DA receptor agonist apomorphine, while only the mRNA expression of NET exhibited changes in striatal astrocytes. Haloperidol, a DA receptor antagonist, and L-DOPA, a DA precursor, did not induce significant alterations in transporter mRNA expression. These findings underscore the intricate and region-specific mechanisms governing DA uptake in astrocytes, emphasizing the need for continued exploration to unravel the nuanced dynamics of astrocytic involvement in the DA tripartite synapse. Full article

Certain life stressors having enduring physiological and behavioral consequences, in part by eliciting dramatic signaling shifts in monoamine neurotransmitters. High monoamine levels can overwhelm selective transporters like the serotonin transporter. This is when polyspecific transporters like plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT, Slc29a4) are hypothesized to contribute most to monoaminergic signaling regulation. Here, we employed two distinct counterbalanced stressors—fear conditioning and swim stress—in mice to systematically determine how reductions in PMAT function affect heterotypic stressor responsivity. We hypothesized that male heterozygotes would exhibit augmented stressor responses relative to female heterozygotes. Decreased PMAT function enhanced context fear expression, an effect unexpectedly obscured by a sham stress condition. Impaired cued fear extinction retention and enhanced context fear expression in males were conversely unmasked by a sham swim condition. Abrogated corticosterone levels in male heterozygotes that underwent swim stress after context fear conditioning did not map onto any measured behaviors. In sum, male heterozygous mouse fear behaviors proved malleable in response to preceding stressor or sham stress exposure. Combined, these data indicate that reduced male PMAT function elicits a form of stress-responsive plasticity. Future studies should assess how PMAT is differentially affected across sexes and identify downstream consequences of the stress-shifted corticosterone dynamics. Full article

Background: The usefulness of myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs) and myositis-associated autoantibodies (MAAs) for the assessment of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) is acknowledged, but laboratory standardization remains a challenge. We detected MSAs/MAAs by multi-analytic line immunoassay (LIA) and particle-based multi-analyte technology (PMAT) in a multicenter cohort of patients with IIMs. Methods: We tested the sera from 411 patients affected with definite IIM, including 142 polymyositis (PM), 147 dermatomyositis (DM), 19 cancer-associated myositis, and 103 overlap myositis syndrome (OM), and from 269 controls. MSAs/MAAs were determined by 16Ags LIA in all sera, and anti-HMGCR by ELISA in 157/411 IIM sera and 91/269 control sera. The analytical specificity of LIA/HMGCR ELISA was compared with that of PMAT in 89 MSA+ IIM sera. Results: MSAs/MAAs were positive in 307/411 (75%) IIM patients and 65/269 (24%) controls by LIA (Odds Ratio 9.26, 95% CI 6.43–13.13, p < 0.0001). The sensitivity/specificity of individual MSAs/MAAs were: 20%/100% (Jo-1), 3%/99.3% (PL-7), 4%/98.8% (PL-12), 1%/100% (EJ), 0.7%/100% (OJ), 9%/98% (SRP), 5.6%/99.6% (TIF1γ), 4.6%/99.6% (MDA5), 8%/96% (Mi-2), 1.5%/98% (NXP2), 1.7%/100% (SAE1), 4%/92% (Ku), 8.5%/99% (PM/Scl-100), 8%/96% (PM/Scl-75), and 25.5%/79% (Ro52). Anti-HMGCR was found in 8/157 (5%) IIM patients and 0/176 (0%) controls by ELISA (p = 0.007). Concordance between LIA/HMGCR ELISA and PMAT was found in 78/89 (88%) samples. Individual MSAs detected by LIA were associated with IIM subsets: Jo-1 with PM and OM, PL-12 with OM, Mi-2, TIF1γ, and MDA5 with DM, SRP with PM, and PM/Scl-75/100 with OM (p < 0.001 for all). Conclusions: Since MSAs are mostly mutually exclusive, multi-specific antibody profiling seems effective for a targeted clinical-serologic approach to the diagnosis of IIMs. Full article

Anti-RuvBL1/2 autoantibodies have recently been detected in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and scleromyositis overlap syndromes. These autoantibodies exhibit a distinct speckled pattern in an indirect immunofluorescent assay on Hep-2 cells. We report the case of a 48 year old man with facial changes, Raynaud’s phenomenon, puffy fingers, and muscle pain. A speckled pattern on Hep-2 cells was identified, but the conventional antibody testing was negative. Based on the clinical suspicion and the ANA pattern, further testing was sought demonstrating anti-RuvBL1/2 autoantibodies. Hence, a review of the English literature was performed to define this newly emerging clinical–serological syndrome. With the one here reported, a total of 52 cases have been described to date (December 2022). Anti-RuvBL1/2 autoantibodies are highly specific for SSc and are associated with SSc/PM overlaps. Apart from myopathy, gastrointestinal and pulmonary involvement are frequently observed in these patients (94% and 88%, respectively). Full article

(1) Background: Myositis specific antibodies (MSA) are important diagnostic biomarkers. Among the rarest and most challenging MSA are anti-OJ antibodies which are associated with anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS). In contrast to the other tRNA synthetases that are targets of ASS autoantibodies (e.g Jo-1, PL-7, PL-12, EJ, KS, Zo), OJ represents a macromolecular complex with several ribonucleoprotein subunits. Therefore, the choice of the antigen in autoantibody assays can be challenging. (2) Methods: We collected two independent cohorts with anti-OJ antibodies, one based on a commercial line immunoassay (LIA) (n = 39), the second based on protein immunoprecipitation (IP) (n = 15). Samples were tested using a particle-based multi-analyte technology (PMAT) system that allows for the simultaneous detection of antibodies to various autoantigens. For the detection of anti-OJ antibodies, two different antigens were deployed (KARS, IARS) on PMAT. The reactivity to the two antigens KARS and IARS was analyzed individually and combined in a score (sum of the median fluorescence intensities). (3) Results: In the cohort selection based on LIA, 3/39 (7.7%) samples were positive for anti-KARS and 7/39 (17.9%) for anti-IARS and 14/39 (35.9%) when the two antigens were combined. In contrast, in samples selected by IP the sensitivity of anti-KARS was higher: 6/15 (40.0%) samples were positive for anti-KARS, 4/15 (26.7%) for anti-IARS and 12/15 (80.0%) for the combination of the two antigens. 18/39 (46.2%) of the LIA samples generated a cytoplasmic IIF pattern (compatible with anti-synthetase antibodies), but there was no association with the antibody levels, neither with LIA nor with PMAT. (4) Conclusions: The combination of IARS and KARS might represent a promising approach for the detection of anti-OJ antibodies on a fully automated platform. Full article

Background: Schlemm’s canal (SC) targeted procedures constitute a promising therapy for open angle glaucoma (POAG), safer and less invasive. However, little attention was paid to the intraocular pressure (IOP) variation in patients receiving these procedures, which is the risk factor for POAG progression. This study is to evaluate the IOP variation in eyes with POAG after modified canaloplasty (MC) and microcatheter assisted trabeculotomy (MAT). (2) Methods: POAG with good IOP in office hours after MC or MAT and age-matched normal subjects were recruited in this prospective coherent study. IOP in sitting and supine positions and 24-h IOP was measured. Aqueous vein and blood reflux into the SC were examined. (3) Results: Among 20 normal subjects, 25 eyes with MC eyes and 30 eyes with MAT were recruited in this study. Aqueous veins are frequently located in the inferior nasal quadrants in all groups. No pulsatile signs were observed in an aqueous vein in the MAT group but they were observed in 68% of the MC group. Blood reflux in the SC could be seen in all the operated eyes. The IOP in the sitting position was not significant different among groups (p = 0.419). Compared to normal, the IOP increased dramatically after lying down for 5 min in the MC and MAT groups (PMC vs. normal = 0.003, PMAT vs. normal = 0.004), which is similar for IOP change after lying down for 60 min (PMC vs. normal < 0.001, PMAT vs. normal < 0.001). In terms of diurnal IOP, subjects were stable in the MAT group (p < 0.01), variable in the normal group (p = 0.002), and most fluctuant in MC group (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: MC and MAT reduce the IOP but present aberrant short-term IOP regulation, which should be paid attention to in clinical settings. Full article

The circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion in the pineal gland is highly conserved in vertebrates. Melatonin levels are always elevated at night. Acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase (ASMT) is the last enzyme in the regulation of melatonin biosynthesis (N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine-melatonin). S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is an important methyl donor in mammals and can be used as a substrate for the synthesis of melatonin. Methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) catalyzes the synthesis of SAM from methionine and ATP and has a circadian rhythm. CircRNA is an emerging type of endogenous noncoding RNA with a closed loop. Whether circRNAs in the pineal gland can participate in the regulation of melatonin synthesis by binding miRNAs to target mat2a as part of the circadian rhythm is still unclear. In this study, we predicted the targeting relationship of differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs based on the results of rat pineal RNA sequencing. Mat2a siRNA transfection confirmed that mat2a is involved in the synthesis of melatonin. Circ-ERC2 and miR-125a-5p were screened out by software prediction, dual-luciferase reporter experiments, cell transfection, etc. Finally, we constructed a rat superior cervical ganglionectomy model (SCGx), and the results showed that circ-ERC2 could participate in the synthesis of melatonin through the miR-125a-5p/MAT2A axis. The results of the study revealed that circ-ERC2 can act as a molecular sponge of miR-125a-5p to regulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland by targeting mat2a. This experiment provides a basis for research on the circadian rhythm of noncoding RNA on pineal melatonin secretion. Full article