Search Results (3,724)

As urbanization processes are no longer characterized by simple linear expansion but exhibit leaping, edge-sparse, and discontinuous features, spatiotemporally continuous impervious surface coverage data are needed to better characterize urbanization processes. This study utilized GAIA impervious surface binary data and employed spatiotemporal aggregation methods to convert thirty years of 30 m resolution data into 1 km resolution spatiotemporal impervious surface coverage data, constructing a long-term time series annual impervious surface coverage dataset for the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. Based on this dataset, we analyzed urban expansion processes and landscape pattern indices in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, exploring the spatiotemporal response relationships of ecological environment changes. Results revealed that the impervious surface area increased dramatically from 7579.3 km² in 1985 to 37,484.0 km² in 2020, representing a year-on-year growth of 88.5%. Urban expansion rates showed two distinct peaks: 800 km²/year around 1990 and approximately 1700 km²/year during 2010–2015. In high-density urbanized areas with impervious surfaces, the average forest area significantly increased from approximately 2500 km² to 7000 km² during 1985–2005 before rapidly declining, grassland patch fragmentation intensified, while in low-density areas, grassland area showed fluctuating decline with poor ecosystem stability. Furthermore, by incorporating natural and social factors such as Fractional Vegetation Coverage (FVC), Habitat Quality Index (HQI), Land Surface Temperature (LST), slope, and population density, we assessed the vulnerability of urbanization development in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. Results showed that high vulnerability areas (EVI > 0.5) in the Beijing–Tianjin core region continue to expand, while the proportion of low vulnerability areas (EVI < 0.25) in the northern mountainous regions decreased by 4.2% in 2020 compared to 2005. This study provides scientific support for the sustainable development of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration, suggesting location-specific and differentiated regulation of urbanization processes to reduce ecological risks. Full article

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system regulates implantation, placental development, and angiogenesis in eutherian mammals. However, little is known about the changes in this system in equine placenta (chorioallantois; CA) and the endometrium (EN) during pregnancy, or the relationship to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. The current study investigated the expression of the IGF system components, namely the ligands (IGF1 and IGF2), their receptors (IGF1R, IGF2R, and INSR), and their binding proteins (IGFBPs and IGF2BPs) in equine CA at 45 days, 4, 6, 10, and 11 months of gestational age (GA) and immediately postpartum (PP), and in equine EN at 4, 6, 10, and 11 months GA. IGF1 immunolocalization and serum concentrations were also evaluated across gestation. IGF1 mRNA expression in CA increased from day 45 to peak at 6 months and then gradually declined to reach a nadir in PP samples. This profile correlated positively with the VEGF expression profile (r = 0.62, p = 0.001). In contrast, IGF2 expression in CA was not correlated with VEGF (p = 0.14). Interestingly, IGF2 mRNA was more abundant in equine CA than IGF1 (p < 0.05) throughout gestation. Among the IGFBPs investigated in CA, the expression of IGFBP2 and IGF2BP2 was highly abundant (p < 0.05) at day 45 compared to other GAs. Conversely, mRNA expression for IGFBP3 and IGFBP5 was more abundant (p < 0.05) in PP than at all investigated GAs. Immunohistochemistry revealed that IGF1 is localized in the equine chorionic epithelium (cytoplasm and nucleus). IGF1 serum concentrations peaked at 9 months and declined to their lowest levels PP. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a positive correlation between IGF1 and VEGF expression in equine CA during gestation, suggesting that the IGF system plays a crucial role in placental angiogenesis by regulating VEGF. Full article

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element critical for animal growth and immune function. This study investigated the dietary selenium requirement of juvenile large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) through an 8-week feeding trial. Five experimental diets were formulated by supplementing a basal diet with selenium polysaccharides (Se-PS) at 0, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/kg, resulting in analyzed Se concentrations of 0.35, 0.54, 0.71, 0.93, and 1.11 mg/kg, respectively. The results demonstrated that growth performance and feed efficiency improved with increasing dietary selenium, peaking at 0.93 mg/kg before declining at higher levels. Antioxidant enzyme activities—superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)—in serum and liver tissues exhibited a dose-dependent increase, reaching maximal levels at 1.11 mg/kg. Conversely, malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress, progressively decreased in both serum and liver, attaining its lowest concentration at 1.11 mg/kg, though this did not differ significantly from the 0.93 mg/kg group (p = 0.056). Tissue selenium accumulation was highest at these optimal dietary levels. Based on the growth performance, oxidative stress response, and tissue selenium retention, the recommended dietary selenium requirement for juvenile large yellow croaker is 0.93 mg/kg. These findings highlight the importance of optimal Se supplementation in aquafeeds to enhance growth and physiological health in farmed fish. Full article

With the global economic restructuring and the consequent population mobility, urban shrinkage has become a common phenomenon. The Qinling–Daba Mountains, a zone with a key ecological function in China, have long experienced population decline and functional degradation. Clarifying the dynamics and influencing factors of urban shrinkage plays a vital role in supporting the sustainable development of the region. This study, using permanent resident population growth rates and nighttime light data, classified cities in the region into four spatial patterns: expansion–growth, intensive growth, expansion–shrinkage, and intensive shrinkage. It further examined the spatial characteristics of shrinkage across four periods (2005–2010, 2010–2015, 2015–2020, and 2020–2022). A Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model was applied to examine core influencing factors and their spatiotemporal heterogeneity. The results indicated the following: (1) The dominant pattern of urban shrinkage in the Qinling–Daba Mountains shifted from expansion–growth to expansion–shrinkage, highlighting the paradox of population decline alongside continued spatial expansion. (2) Three critical indicators significantly influenced urban shrinkage: the number of students enrolled in general secondary schools (X₅), the per capita disposable income of urban residents (X₇), and the number of commercial and residential service facilities (X₁₂), with their effects exhibiting significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity. Temporally, X₁₂ was the most influential factor in 2005 and 2010, while in 2015, 2020, and 2022, X₅ and X₇ became the dominant factors. Spatially, X₇ significantly affected both eastern and western areas; X₅’s influence was most pronounced in the west; and X₁₂ had the greatest impact in the east. This study explored the patterns and underlying drivers of urban shrinkage in underdeveloped areas, aiming to inform sustainable development practices in regions facing comparable challenges. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) can affect fish health by inducing oxidative stress, but their impact on structural coloration remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations (16 and 160 μg/L) of MPs and nanoplastics (NPs) exposure on growth, oxidative stress and structural coloration in blue strain guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata). Results showed exposure to 160 μg/L MPs significantly reduced specific growth rate of fish compared to controls. Plastic accumulation followed a dose-dependent pattern, especially within gut concentrations. Oxidative stress responses differed between MPs and NPs: 160 μg/L MPs decreased SOD activity in skin and reduced GSH levels, while 160 μg/L NPs increased MDA levels in gut tissues, indicating severe lipid peroxidation. Structural coloration analysis revealed exposure to 160 μg/L MPs decreased lightness and increased yellowness, demonstrating reduced blue coloration. This was accompanied by an increase in skin uric acid content, suggesting that guanine conversion might occur to combat oxidative stress. These findings demonstrate that MPs, particularly at high concentrations, impair growth and induce oxidative stress in guppies. To counteract stress, guanine in iridophores may be converted into uric acid, leading to a decline in structural coloration. This study is the first to reveal that MPs disrupt structural coloration of fish, providing new insights into the ecological risks of plastic pollution on aquatic organisms. Full article

Vaccinium oldhamii, a blueberry species native to Korea, is a deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae family. Its fruit possesses various pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory effects and potential for treating osteoporosis. This study evaluated the effects of five fertilization concentration levels using Multifeed 20 (N:P:K = 20:20:20) on the growth and physiological characteristics of one-year-old V. oldhamii container seedlings. Treatments included 0 g·L⁻¹ (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g·L⁻¹. Increases in stem thickness, root length, and total dry weight were observed in the control, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g·L⁻¹ treatments, whereas growth declined at 2.0 g·L⁻¹. Mortality rates exceeded 15% at concentrations above 1.0 g·L⁻¹. Photosynthetic capacity and chlorophyll content increased with fertilization. However, while growth improved with increasing fertilizer up to a certain level, it declined at the highest concentration. A fertilization rate of 0.5 g·L⁻¹ proved to be the most economically and environmentally efficient for producing healthy seedlings. This study provides the first fertilization threshold for V. oldhamii, offering practical guidance for nursery production and forming a foundation for future domestication strategies. Full article

The southern conifer Agathis australis (D.Don) Lindl. is a large and long-lived species endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand. It is threatened due to past logging activities, pathogen attack and potentially climate change, with increasing severity and frequency of drought and heatwaves across its distribution. Like many large tree species, little is known about the carbon dynamics of this ecologically and culturally significant species. We explored seasonal variations in non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) and growth in trees ranging from 20 to 175 cm diameter at breast height (DBH). NSCs were seasonally stable with no measurable pattern across seasons. However, we found growth rates standardised to basal area and sapwood area (growth efficiency) declined with tree age and stem NSC concentrations (including total NSCs, sugars and starch) all increased as trees aged. Total NSC concentrations were 0.3%–0.6% dry mass for small trees and 0.8%–1.8% dry mass for larger trees, with strong relationships between DBH and total NSC, sugar and starch in stems but not roots. Cumulative growth efficiency across the two-year study period declined as tree size increased. Furthermore, there was an inverse relationship between growth efficiency across the two-year study period and NSC concentrations of stems. This relationship was driven by differences in carbon dynamics in trees of different sizes, with trees progressing to a more conservative carbon strategy as they aged. Simultaneously declining growth efficiency and increasing NSC concentrations as trees age could be evidence for active NSC accumulation to buffer against carbon starvation in larger trees. Our study provides new insights into changing carbon dynamics as trees age and may be evidence for active carbon accumulation in older trees. This may provide the key for understanding the role of carbon processes in tree longevity. Full article

Pork is a major global source of animal protein, and improving both its production efficiency and meat quality is a central goal in modern animal agriculture and food systems. This study investigated post-inflection-point growth patterns in two genetically distinct pig breeds—the lean-type Yorkshire pig (YP) and the fatty-type Qingyu pig (QYP)—with the aim of elucidating breed-specific characteristics that influence pork quality and yield. Comprehensive evaluations of carcass traits, meat quality attributes, nutritional composition, and gene expression profiles were conducted. After the growth inflection point, carcass traits exhibited greater variability than meat quality traits in both breeds, though with distinct patterns. YPs displayed superior muscle development, with the longissimus muscle area (LMA) increasing rapidly before plateauing at ~130 kg, whereas QYPs maintained more gradual but sustained muscle growth. In contrast, intramuscular fat (IMF)—a key determinant of meat flavor and texture—accumulated faster in YPs post inflection but plateaued earlier in QYPs. Correlation and clustering analyses revealed more synchronized regulation of meat quality traits in QYPs, while YPs showed greater trait variability. Gene expression patterns aligned with these phenotypic trends, highlighting distinct regulatory mechanisms for muscle and fat development in each breed. In addition, based on the growth curves, we calculated the peak age at which the growth rate declined in lean-type and fat-type pigs, which was approximately 200 days for YPs and around 270 days for QYPs. This suggests that these ages may represent the optimal slaughter times for the respective breeds, balancing both economic efficiency and meat quality. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing pork quality through precision management and offer theoretical guidance for developing breed-specific feeding strategies, slaughter timing, and value-added pork production tailored to consumer preferences in the modern food market. Full article

Climate extremes threaten the resilience of Eucalyptus plantations, yet hybridization with drought-tolerant species may enhance stress tolerance. This study analyzed xylem anatomical and functional drought responses in commercial Eucalyptus grandis (GG) clones and hybrids: E. grandis × camaldulensis (GC), E. grandis × tereticornis (GT), and E. grandis × urophylla (GU1, GU2). We evaluated vessel traits (water transport), fibers (mechanical support), and wood density (D) in stems and branches. Theoretical stem hydraulic conductivity (k_Stheo), vessel lumen fraction (F), vessel composition (S), and associations with previous hydraulic and growth data were assessed. While general drought responses occurred, GC had the most distinct xylem profile. This may explain it having the highest performance in different irrigation conditions. Red gum hybrids (GC, GT) maintained k_Stheo under drought, with stable F and a narrower vessel size, especially in branches. Conversely, GG and GU2 reduced F and S; and stem k_Stheo declined for a similar F in these clones, indicating vascular reconfiguration aligning the stem with the branch xylem. Almost all clones increased D under drought in any organ, with the highest increase in red gum hybrids. These results reveal diverse anatomical adjustments to drought among clones, partially explaining their growth responses. Full article

Rapid urbanization and demographic shifts present significant challenges to spatial justice in green space provision. Traditional static assessments have become increasingly inadequate for guiding park planning, which now requires a dynamic, future-oriented analytical approach. To address this gap, this study incorporates population dynamics into urban park planning by developing a dynamic evaluation framework for park accessibility. Building on the Gaussian-based two-step floating catchment area (Ga2SFCA) method, we propose the human-population-projection-Ga2SFCA (HPP-Ga2SFCA) model, which integrates population forecasts to assess park service efficiency under future demographic pressures. Using neighborhood-committee-level census data from 2000 to 2020 and detailed park spatial data, we identified five types of population change and forecast demographic distributions for both short- and long-term scenarios. Our findings indicate population decline in the urban core and outer suburbs, with growth concentrated in the transitional inner-suburban zones. Long-term projections suggest that 66% of communities will experience population growth, whereas short-term forecasts indicate a decline in 52%. Static models overestimate park accessibility by approximately 40%. In contrast, our dynamic model reveals that accessibility is overestimated in 71% and underestimated in 7% of the city, highlighting a potential mismatch between future population demand and current park supply. This study offers a forward-looking planning framework that enhances the responsiveness of park systems to demographic change and supports the development of more equitable, adaptive green space strategies. Full article

Manganese (Mn) excess and low pH often coexist in some citrus orchard soils. Little information is known about the underlying mechanism by which raising pH reduces Mn toxicity in citrus plants. ‘Sour pummelo’ (Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck) seedlings were treated with 2 (Mn2) or 500 (Mn500) μM Mn at a pH of 3 (P3) or 5 (P5) for 25 weeks. Raising pH mitigated Mn500-induced increases in Mn, iron, copper, and zinc concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves, as well as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, iron, and zinc distributions in roots, but it mitigated Mn500-induced decreases in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and boron concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves, as well as nutrient imbalance. Raising pH mitigated Mn500-induced necrotic spots on old leaves, yellowing of young leaves, decreases in seedling growth, leaf chlorophyll concentration, and CO₂ assimilation (A_CO2), increase in root dry weight (DW)/shoot DW, and alterations of leaf chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP) transients and related indexes. Further analysis indicated that raising pH ameliorated Mn500-induced impairment of nutrient homeostasis, leaf thylakoid structure by iron deficiency and competition of Mn with magnesium, and photosynthetic electron transport chain (PETC), thereby reducing Mn500-induced declines in A_CO2 and subsequent seedling growth. These results validated the hypothesis that raising pH reduced Mn toxicity in ‘Sour pummelo’ seedlings by (a) reducing Mn uptake, (b) efficient maintenance of nutrient homeostasis under Mn stress, (c) reducing Mn excess-induced impairment of thylakoid structure and PEPC and inhibition of chlorophyll biosynthesis, and (d) increasing A_CO2 and subsequent seedling growth under Mn excess. Full article

Soil salinization severely limits plant growth and productivity. Mulberry (Morus alba L.), an economically and ecologically important tree, is widely cultivated, yet its salt-tolerance mechanisms at the seedling stage remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of two-year-old mulberry (‘Tailai Sang’) seedlings subjected to six NaCl treatments (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 300 mmol L⁻¹) for 28 days. Results showed that growth parameters and photosynthetic gas exchange exhibited dose-dependent declines. The reduction in net photosynthetic rate (Pn) was attributed to both stomatal limitations (decreased stomatal conductance) and non-stomatal limitations, as evidenced by a significant decrease in the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) under high salinity. To cope with osmotic stress, seedlings accumulated compatible solutes, including soluble sugars, proteins, and proline. Critically, mulberry seedlings demonstrated effective ion homeostasis by sequestering Na⁺ in the roots to maintain a high K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in leaves, a mechanism that was compromised above 150 mmol L⁻¹. Concurrently, indicators of oxidative stress—malondialdehyde (MDA) and H₂O₂—rose significantly with salinity, inducing the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX, and GR), which peaked at 150 mmol L⁻¹ before declining under extreme stress. A biomass-based LC₅₀ of 179 mmol L⁻¹ NaCl was determined. These findings elucidate that mulberry salt tolerance is a coordinated process involving three key mechanisms: osmotic adjustment, selective ion distribution, and a robust antioxidant defense system. This study establishes an indicative tolerance threshold under controlled conditions and provides a physiological basis for further field-based evaluations of ‘Tailai Sang’ mulberry for cultivation on saline soils. Full article

Urochloa brizantha (Brizantha) is cultivated under varying altitudinal and management conditions. Twelve full-sun (monoculture) plots and twelve shaded (silvopastoral) plots were established, proportionally distributed at 170, 503, 661, and 1110 masl. Evaluations were conducted 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after establishment. The conservation and integration of trees in silvopastoral systems reflected a clear anthropogenic influence, evidenced by the preference for species of the Fabaceae family, likely due to their multipurpose nature. Although the altitudinal gradient did not show direct effects on soil properties, intermediate altitudes revealed a significant role of CaCO₃ in enhancing soil fertility. These edaphic conditions at mid-altitudes favored the leaf area development of Brizantha, particularly during the early growth stages, as indicated by significantly larger values (p < 0.05). However, at the harvest stage, no significant differences were observed in physiological or productive traits, nor in foliar chemical components, underscoring the species’ high hardiness and broad adaptation to both soil and altitude conditions. In Brizantha, a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in stomatal size and density was observed under shade in silvopastoral areas, where solar radiation and air temperature decreased, while relative humidity increased. Nonetheless, these microclimatic variations did not lead to significant changes in foliar chemistry, growth variables, or biomass production, suggesting a high degree of adaptive plasticity to microclimatic fluctuations. Foliar ash content exhibited an increasing trend with altitude, indicating greater efficiency of Brizantha in absorbing calcium, phosphorus, and potassium at higher altitudes, possibly linked to more favorable edaphoclimatic conditions for nutrient uptake. Finally, forage quality declined with plant age, as evidenced by reductions in protein, ash, and In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility (IVDMD), alongside increases in fiber, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF). These findings support the recommendation of cutting intervals between 30 and 45 days, during which Brizantha displays a more favorable nutritional profile, higher digestibility, and consequently, greater value for animal feeding. Full article

A newly emerging disease affecting Schizolobium parahyba (commonly known as pachaco), termed “decline and dieback,” has been reported in association with the fungal pathogens Fusarium sp. and Botryodiplodia sp. This study assessed the antagonistic potential of two Trichoderma sp. isolates (CEP-01 and CEP-02) against these phytopathogens under controlled laboratory conditions. The effects of three temperature regimes (5 ± 2 °C, 24 ± 2 °C, and 30 ± 2 °C) on the growth and inhibitory activity of two Trichoderma spp. isolates were evaluated using a completely randomized design. The first experiment included six treatments with five replicates, while the second comprised twelve treatments, also with five replicates. All assays were conducted on PDA medium. No fungal growth was observed at 5 ± 2 °C. However, at 24 ± 2 °C and 30 ± 2 °C, both isolates reached maximum growth within 72 h. At 24 ± 2 °C, both Trichoderma spp. isolates exhibited inhibitory activity against Fusarium sp. FE07 and FE08, with radial growth inhibition percentages (RGIP) ranging from 37.6% to 44.4% and 52,8% to 54.6%, respectively. When combined, the isolates achieved up to 60% inhibition against Fusarium sp., while Botryodiplodia sp. was inhibited by 40%. At 30 ± 2 °C, the antagonistic activity of Trichoderma sp. CEP-01 declined (25.6–32.4% RGIP), whereas Trichoderma sp. CEP-02 showed increased inhibition (60.3%–67.2%). The combination of isolates exhibited the highest inhibitory effect against Fusarium sp. FE07 and FE08 (68.4%–69.3%). Nonetheless, the inhibitory effect on Botryodiplodia sp. BIOT was reduced under elevated temperatures across all treatments. These findings reinforce the potential of Trichoderma spp. isolates as a viable and eco-friendly alternative for the biological control of pathogens affecting S. parahyba, contributing to more sustainable disease management practices. The observed inhibitory capacity of Trichoderma sp., especially under optimal temperature conditions, highlights its potential for application in integrated disease management programs, contributing to forest health and reducing reliance on chemical products. Full article

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a clinically and molecularly heterogeneous subtype defined by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. In this study, tumor specimens from 104 TNBC patients were analyzed to characterize molecular and clinicopathological features and to assess the expression and therapeutic potential of four key surface markers: epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), tissue factor (TF), and trophoblast cell surface antigen (TROP2). Multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) demonstrated elevated EGFR and TROP2 expression in the majority of samples. Significant positive correlations were observed between EGFR and TF, as well as between TROP2 and both TF and EpCAM. Expression analyses revealed increased EGFR and TF levels with advancing tumor stage, whereas EpCAM expression declined in advanced-stage tumors. TROP2 and TF expression were significantly elevated in higher-grade tumors. Additionally, EGFR and EpCAM levels were significantly higher in patients with elevated Ki-67 indices. Binding specificity assays using single-chain variable fragment (scFv-SNAP) fusion proteins confirmed robust targeting efficacy, particularly for EGFR and TROP2. These findings underscore the therapeutic relevance of EGFR and TROP2 as potential biomarkers and targets in TNBC. Full article