Search Results (54)

This study compares the streamflow simulation performance of a semi-distributed hydrological model, DWAT (Dynamic Water Resources Assessment Tool), and two conceptual models, PRMS and TANK, across three watersheds in the Republic of Korea representing mountainous (Okdong-gyo), mixed-use (Wonbu-gyo), and urbanized (Daegok-gyo) conditions. All models were calibrated and validated using identical hydroclimatic datasets and evaluation periods to ensure a fair comparison. Model performance was evaluated using nine statistical metrics (R², NSE, LogNSE, KGE, RMSE, MAE, RE, VE, and RSR), supplemented by low-flow analysis based on a Q90 threshold and non-parametric statistical tests. DWAT exhibited the most stable and highest overall performance across all watersheds, with particularly strong results in the urbanized Daegok-gyo basin (NSE = 0.85, R² = 0.88). The TANK model performed best in the mixed-use Wonbu-gyo basin (NSE = 0.82, R² = 0.83), whereas PRMS showed a systematic tendency to underestimate streamflow, especially under high-flow and low-flow conditions. Statistical comparisons using Friedman and post hoc Dunn tests confirmed that performance differences among models were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Overall, the results demonstrate that hydrological model performance strongly depends on watershed characteristics and provide a quantitative and statistically supported basis for selecting appropriate runoff simulation models according to basin type. Full article

Obesity, marked by excessive white adipose tissue (WAT) accumulation, worsens metabolic disorders, and inducing WAT browning is a promising therapy. This study examined the synergistic effects of moderate-intensity aerobic training and resveratrol (RES) on WAT browning and its underlying mechanisms in obese male rats. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into a normal diet control group (n = 8) and a high-fat-diet modeling group (n = 32), with the rats in the latter group being further divided randomly in groups of eight into a high-fat group; a high-fat, exercise group; a high-fat, RES group; and a high-fat, exercise-combined-with-RES group. The rats in the exercise intervention groups underwent moderate-intensity aerobic treadmill exercise for one hour daily, six days a week, while those in the RES groups received a 50 mg/kg/d RES solution via gavage before exercise, once daily, six days a week. Both interventions lasted eight weeks. Results: The combined intervention synergistically suppressed weight gain and visceral fat accumulation. WAT browning was enhanced, evidenced by upregulated UCP1 and CIDEA expression. Mitochondrial biogenesis was activated via the SIRT1-PGC-1α-NRF-1-TFAM pathway, accompanied by elevated mitochondrial enzyme activity and improved lipid mobilization (reduced serum free fatty acids and triglycerides). Conclusions: The combination of aerobic exercise and RES promotes WAT browning and lipolysis by enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and stimulating mitochondrial thermogenesis through the modulation of the SIRT1-PGC-1α-NRF-1-TFAM pathway. Full article

Angkor Wat is the supreme masterpiece of Khmer architecture, built by King Sūryavarman II during the 12th century A.D. Jane Przyluski hypothesized that Angkor Wat was the tomb of King Sūryavarman II. On the other hand, George Cœdès thought that Angkor Wat complex was habitation in the form of a celestial palace. According to Henri Parmentier, though the buildings and constructions in Angkor Wat temple complex are majestic, they are geometrically out of place. The temple complex is non-symmetrical, as the complex’s center is left-aligned. The above controversial opinions inspire a deep examination of the geometric system of the architectural and structural design of Angkor Wat. This research investigates the architectural planning and frame structures of Angkor Wat stone temple complex using a Hindu grid system. The study was based on field survey data of the temple complex and Hindu ancient texts, specifically the Vāstu Śāstra. PhotoModeler Pro5 and Polycam for iOS-4.0.5 were utilized to render three-dimensional (3D) images of the entire temple complex. The analysis finds the geometric code (suitable module) used in the planning of 2.75 m × 2.75 m in the metric system (1 Phyeam 1 Hat 1 Thnob in) the local Cambodian measuring system). The geometric code (2.75 m × 2.75 m) highlights the design diagram and construction of the temple complex. The research also unveiled the use of a center-shifting technique where the vertical axis running through the center is deliberately left-aligned, to avoid numerical fractions occurring in the grid modules. The technique gives rise to the asymmetry of the temple complex. The findings led to understanding the symbolic meaning of spatial organization of the layout and plan of Angkor Wat design, which was meant to be a suitable residence for the god on earth, the king, and his citizens. Moreover, it also means the final abode of King Sūryavarman II after his death, represented by the image of Lord Viṣṇu. Full article

Background/Objectives: The relationship between diet, micronutrient supplementation, and metabolic regulation emphasizes the potential of nutritional strategies to address obesity and related disorders. Certain vitamins have the potential to enhance thermogenesis and metabolic health. However, the impact of multivitamin supplementation on white adipose tissue (WAT) browning, the gut microbiome (GM), and metabolic function is not well understood. This study investigated the effects of multivitamin supplementation on obesity-related metabolic dysfunction in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or a low-fat diet (LFD). Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to group 1: control chow diet (CHD); 2: control HFD; 3: multivitamin-supplemented HFD (Mv-HFD); 4: control LFD; or 5: multivitamin-supplemented LFD (Mv-LFD). Diets, either supplemented with multivitamins A, D, B₁, B₅, and C or non-supplemented, were administered for 12 weeks. Metabolic parameters, adipose tissue browning, and the GM composition were analyzed. Results: The Mv-HFD significantly reduced weight gain, adipose tissue mass, blood glucose levels, and insulin resistance induced by an HFD. Additionally, it increased energy expenditure and thermogenic gene expression in WAT. Both the Mv-HFD and Mv-LFD improved the GM composition by increasing beneficial bacteria. Conclusions: Multivitamin supplementation improved metabolic health by potentially promoting WAT browning, enhancing energy expenditure, and modulating the GM composition. These findings suggest that multivitamins could offer a promising strategy for combating obesity and associated metabolic dysfunction. Full article

In mammals, exposure to low temperatures induces white adipose tissue (WAT) browning and alters lipid metabolism to promote thermogenesis, thereby maintaining body temperature. However, this response varies across different adipose depots. In this study, Hezuo pigs were exposed to either room temperature (23 ± 2 °C) or low temperature (−15 ± 2 °C) for periods of 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 5 d, 10 d, and 15 d. Inguinal fat (IF) and perirenal fat (PF) were collected and analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, transmission electron microscopy, RT-qPCR, and RNA-seq. Following cryoexposure, our results demonstrated a significant increase in adipocyte number and a corresponding decrease in cross-sectional area in both IF and PF groups from 24 h to 10 d. While adipocyte numbers were elevated at 12 h and 15 d, these changes were not statistically significant. Moreover, lipid droplets and mitochondria were more abundant, and the mRNA expression levels of thermogenic genes UCP3 and PGC-1α were significantly higher compared to the control group during the 24 h-10 d cold exposure period. No significant changes were observed in the other groups. RNA-seq data indicated that the lipid metabolism of IF and PF peaked on day 5 of low-temperature treatment. In IF tissue, lipid metabolism is mainly regulated by genes such as FABP4, WNT10B, PCK1, PLIN1, LEPR, and ADIPOQ. These genes are involved in the classical lipid metabolism pathway and provide energy for cold adaptation. In contrast, in PF tissue, genes like ATP5F1A, ATP5PO, SDHB, NDUFS8, SDHA, and COX5A play roles within the neurodegenerative disease pathway, and PF tissue has a positive impact on the process related to degenerative diseases. Further investigation is needed to clarify the functions of these candidate genes in lipid metabolism in Hezuo pigs and to explore the genetic mechanisms underlying the cold-resistance traits in local pig populations. Full article

Benthic diatoms are being used as indicators to assess the biological quality of surface waters in Kosovo. The Klina River is the left tributary of the White Drin River Basin, with a length of 69 km. The study assessed the level of surface water quality in the Klina River using 12 diatomic indices calculated with the Omnidia program. For this purpose, three stations monitored the river Klina in the autumn of 2021 to conform to international standards. A total of 88 diatom taxa were identified, with the dominant species being Rhoicosphenia abbreviata (C. Agardh) Lange-Bertalot, Gyrosigma acuminatum (Kützing) Rabenhorst, Cocconeis placenula Ehrenberg, Gomphonema minutum (Ag.) Agardh f. minutum, Gomphonema clavatum Ehr, Meridion circulare (Greville) C.A. Agardh, Cocconeis pediculus Ehrenberg, Diatoma vulgaris Bory, and Nitzschia dissipata (Kützing) Grunow ssp. dissipata etc. This study assessed the surface water quality in the Klina River using diatom indices, indicating that the river is in good to moderate ecological condition. Environmental variables such as hydrogen ion concentration (pH) and dissolved oxygen (DO) had significant positive correlations (<0.01) with the biological diatom index (IBD), Descy’s pollution metric (Descy), Sladeček’s pollution metric (SLA), the European index (CEE), and Watanabe’s Index (WAT), while the total suspended solids (TSS) also showed a strong negative significant correlation (<0.01) with the generic diatom index (IDG), Indice Diatomique Artois Picardie (IDAP), the eutrophication pollution index (EPI-D), the trophic diatom index (TDI), the Pampean diatom index (IDP), and Steinberg and Schiefele’s index (SHE). Total phosphorus (TP), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) presented a significant negative correlation (<0.05) with the IBD, Descy, SLA, CEE, and WAT indices. Our findings provide insights for organizations dealing with the state of the environment and water protection in Kosovo, and these results can be used as a starting point for assessing the ecological quality of water and monitoring environmental pollution in the Kosovo region. Full article

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities, including visceral obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. In this regard, visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT) plays a critical role, influencing energy metabolism, immunomodulation, and oxidative stress. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are key players in these processes within vWAT. While second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) have significantly improved treatments for mental health disorders, their chronic use is associated with an increased risk of MetS. In this study, we explored the impact of SGAs on ADSCs to better understand their role in MetS and identify potential therapeutic targets. Our findings reveal that olanzapine disrupts lipid droplet formation during adipogenic differentiation, impairing insulin receptor endocytosis, turnover, and signaling. SGAs also alter the endolysosomal compartment, leading to acidic vesicle accumulation and increased lysosomal biogenesis through TFEB activation. PKCζ is crucial for the SGA-induced nuclear translocation of TFEB and acidic vesicle formation. Notably, inhibiting PKCζ restored insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, normalized receptor turnover, and improved downstream signaling following olanzapine treatment. This activation of PKCζ by olanzapine is driven by increased phosphatidic acid synthesis via phospholipase D (PLD), following G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling activation. Overall, olanzapine and clozapine disrupt endolysosomal homeostasis and insulin signaling in a PKCζ-dependent manner. These findings highlight SGAs as valuable tools for uncovering cellular dysfunction in vWAT during MetS and may guide the development of new therapeutic strategies to mitigate the metabolic side effects of these drugs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adipsin, an adipokine, is known to play an important role in maintaining the function of pancreatic beta cells in mice. This study aimed to investigate whether adipsin could be a circulating biomarker for evaluating the function of beta cells in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: Plasma adipsin concentrations were measured using immunoassay in three distinct subject groups: normoglycemia, T2D without insulin treatment (T2D-w/o-insulin), and T2D treated with insulin (T2D-with-insulin). Adipsin expressions were evaluated in three distinct mouse groups: normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD with streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NA). Results: The T2D-with-insulin group exhibited a significant decrease in plasma adipsin concentration (3.91 ± 1.51 μg/mL) compared to the T2D-w/o-insulin group (5.11 ± 1.53 μg/mL; p < 0.001), whereas the T2D-w/o-insulin group showed a significantly increased plasma adipsin concentration compared to the normoglycemia group (4.53 ± 1.15 μg/mL). Plasma adipsin concentration was positively correlated with fasting C-peptide level (p < 0.001), 2-h C-peptide level (p < 0.001), and 2-h C-peptidogenic index (p < 0.001) in the diabetic groups. HFD mice showed a significant increase in pancreatic islet size, plasma insulin and adipsin levels, as well as adipsin expression in white adipose tissue (WAT) compared to ND mice. In contrast, the insulin-deficient T2D model (HFD-STZ-NA) demonstrated a marked reduction in pancreatic islet size, plasma insulin and adipsin concentrations, and adipsin expression in WAT compared to the HFD mice. Conclusions: plasma adipsin may be useful for evaluating pancreatic beta cell function in patients with T2D. Full article

The concept of the water footprint (WF) has not adequately explored the combined effects of climate change and salinity. For this aim, the effects of future climate conditions on tomato WF irrigated with moderately saline water (EC = 2.9 dS m⁻¹) were examined, considering an expected increase in salinity reaching 5.9 dS m⁻¹ by 2050. Reference evapotranspiration (ETo), effective rainfall (ER), tomato crop evapotranspiration (ETc), leaching requirement (LR), net irrigation requirement (NIR), and tomato yield were estimated using CropWat and AquaCrop models. The blue (WFBlue), green (WFGreen), gray (WFGray), and total WF (TWF) were calculated. Results showed that ETo, ETc, and ER are expected to increase, while tomato yields will show a slight decrease. NIR is expected to increase depending on climate change scenarios and the increasing salinity of water irrigation. Calculated WF components showed significant increases, which consequently led to an increase in WFT exceeding the Tunisian national and regional levels by 15% and 18% between 2023 and 2050 under two scenarios, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. The results highlighted the importance of WF for developing adaptation strategies to manage limited water resources, while advanced research on a large scale based on smart assessment tools is required to find best practices for water use reduction. Full article

During aging, subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) thickness and the adipogenic potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) decline. Poly-D,L-lactic acid (PDLLA) fillers are commonly used to restore diminished facial volume. Piezo1 increases polarizing macrophages towards the M2 phenotype, which promotes the secretion of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), thereby increasing ASC survival. This study evaluated whether PDLLA enhances adipogenesis in ASCs by modulating M2 polarization in an in vitro senescence model and in aged animals. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced senescent macrophages showed decreased Piezo1, which was upregulated by PDLLA. CD163 (an M2 marker) and FGF2 were downregulated in senescent macrophages but were upregulated by PDLLA. We evaluated whether reduced FGF2 secretion from senescent macrophages affects ASCs by applying conditioned media (CM) from macrophage cultures to ASCs. CM from senescent macrophages decreased ERK1/2 and proliferation in ASCs, both of which were restored by CM from PDLLA-stimulated senescent macrophages. Adipogenesis inducers (PPAR-γ and C/EBP-α) were downregulated by CM from senescent macrophages but upregulated by CM from PDLLA-stimulated senescent macrophages in ASCs. Similar patterns were observed in aged animal adipose tissue. PDLLA increased Piezo1 activity, M2 polarization, and FGF2 levels. PDLLA also enhanced ERK1/2, cell proliferation, PPAR-γ, and C/EBP-α expression, leading to increased adipose tissue thickness. In conclusion, our study showed that PDLLA increased adipose tissue thickness by modulating adipogenesis. Full article

We investigated the influence of sex and the age of obesogenic diet initiation on the obesity phenotypes at a later age. C57Bl mice started the Cafeteria Diet (CafD, with increased fat and carbohydrates, ad libitum, from 7 weeks of age (7CafD, pre-puberty) or 17 weeks of age (7CafD, post-puberty) while control C57Bl mice were fed regular chow. At 27 weeks of age, 7CafD males (n = 9) compared to 17CafD males (n = 7) had lower body weight, white adipose tissue (WAT) relative weight, and plasma cholesterol levels, and a higher expression of thermogenic genes in WAT and brown adipose tissue (BAT), and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and insulin signalling genes in muscles. The 7CafD females (n = 8), compared to 17CafD females (n = 6), had higher plasma triglyceride levels and hepatic glycogen content, but lower insulin sensitivity and hepatic expression of FAO and insulin signalling genes. The 7CafD females, compared to 7CafD males, had more WAT, and a reduced expression of FAO genes in muscles and thermogenic genes in WAT. The 17CafD females, compared to 17CafD males, had lower plasma leptin and insulin levels, and higher insulin sensitivity and expression of insulin signalling genes in the liver and muscles. Thus, the initiation of the obesogenic diet before puberty led to a more adaptive metabolic phenotypes in males, and after puberty, in females. Full article

The present study investigated the ¹H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectra of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) produced using the EVObooster device. The analyzed HRW has pH = 7.1 ± 0.11, oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) of (−450 ± 11) mV, and a dissolved hydrogen concentration of 1.2 ppm. The control sample was tap water filtered by patented technology. A 600 NMR spectrometer was used to measure NMR spectra. Isotropic 1H nuclear magnetic shielding constants of the most stable clusters (H₂O)_n with n from 3 to 28 have been calculated by employing the gauge-including-atomic-orbital (GIAO) method at the MPW1PW91/6-311+G(2d,p) density function level of theory (DFT). The HRW chemical shift is downfield (higher chemical shifts) due to increased hydrogen bonding. More extensive formations were formed in HRW than in control filtered tap water. The exchange of protons between water molecules is rapid in HRW, and the ¹H NMR spectra are in fast exchange mode. Therefore, we averaged the calculated chemical shifts of the investigated water clusters. As the size of the clusters increases, the number of hydrogen bonds increases, which leads to an increase in the chemical shift. The dependence is an exponential saturation that occurs at about N = 10. The modeled clusters in HRW are structurally stabilized, suggesting well-ordered hydrogen bonds. In the article, different processes are described for the transport of water molecules and clusters. These processes are with aquaporins, fusion pores, gap-junction channels, and WAT FOUR model. The exponential trend of saturation shows the dynamics of water molecules in clusters. In our research, the chemical shift of 4.257 ppm indicates stable water clusters of 4–5 water molecules. The pentagonal rings in dodecahedron cage H₃O⁺(H₂O)₂₀ allow for an optimal arrangement of hydrogen bonds that minimizes the potential energy. Full article

Adipose tissue plays a crucial role in regulating metabolic homeostasis, and its dysfunction in obesity leads to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). White adipose tissue (WAT) primarily stores energy as lipids, while brown adipose tissue (BAT) regulates thermogenesis by dissipating energy as heat. The process of browning involves the transdifferentiation of WAT into brown-like or beige adipocytes, which exhibit a similar phenotype as BAT. The browning of WAT is an attractive approach against obesity and T2D, and the activation of the energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been shown to play a role in browning. Carnosic acid (CA), a polyphenolic diterpene, found in many plants including rosemary, is reported to possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperglycemic properties. The limited evidence available indicates that CA activates AMPK and may have anti-obesity and antidiabetic potential; however, the effects in adipocyte browning remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to examine the effects of CA on the markers of adipocyte browning. The treatment of 3T3L1 adipocytes with CA activated AMPK, reduced lipid accumulation, and increased the expression of browning protein markers (UCP-1, PGC-1α, PRDM16, and TFAM) and mitochondrial biogenesis. The use of compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, significantly attenuated the effects of CA, indicating AMPK involvement. These studies demonstrate that CA can activate AMPK and stimulate the browning of white adipocytes. Future animal and human studies are required to examine the effects of CA in vivo. Full article

Tahitian bridal veil (Gibasis pellucida) and small-leaf spiderwort (Tradescantia fluminensis) are both invasive species in natural areas throughout Florida. However, very little is known regarding herbicide control. To provide land managers with herbicidal control options for both species, postemergence herbicides were evaluated for efficacy in a greenhouse to identify herbicide options that control both species under similar settings. Four herbicides, including triclopyr acid, triclopyr amine + 2,4-D amine, triclopyr amine, and glufosinate were applied at standard label rates and compared to a non-treated control group for efficacy. Visual control ratings were taken at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after treatment (WAT), and shoot dry weights (WAT 8) and regrowth dry weights (WAT 12) were determined. Triclopyr (acid and amine) generally provided the most consistent control of both species as evidenced by the visual control ratings and shoot dry weight data which showed reductions of 76% to 89% in shoot biomass at trial conclusion. Triclopyr + 2,4-D reduced shoot dry weights by 52% to 54% and was the least effective when considering the control of both species. Full article

Adipose tissue encompasses various types, including White Adipose Tissue (WAT), Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT), and beige adipose tissue, each having distinct roles in energy storage and thermogenesis. Vitamin D (VD), a fat-soluble vitamin, maintains a complex interplay with adipose tissue, exerting significant effects through its receptor (VDR) on the normal development and functioning of adipocytes. The VDR and associated metabolic enzymes are widely expressed in the adipocytes of both rodents and humans, and they partake in the regulation of fat metabolism and functionality through various pathways. These encompass adipocyte differentiation, adipogenesis, inflammatory responses, and adipokine synthesis and secretion. This review primarily appraises the role and mechanisms of VD in different adipocyte differentiation, lipid formation, and inflammatory responses, concentrating on the pivotal role of the VD/VDR pathway in adipogenesis. This insight furnishes new perspectives for the development of micronutrient-related intervention strategies in the prevention and treatment of obesity. Full article