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Background: Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is a perennial cool-season turfgrass commonly utilized in lawns. However, turfgrass quality is affected by abiotic stress. Guided by previous reports demonstrating the critical involvement of MADS-box transcription factors in abiotic stress responses in monocot species such as rice (Oryza sativa) and sheepgrass (Leymis Chinesis), this study specifically focuses on the MADS-box gene family to investigate their potential roles in stress adaptaion mechanisms in Kentucky bluegrass. Although MADS-box genes are well-characterized as regulators of plant growth and development, there is currently limited information on their stress-related functions in this economically important turfgrass species.

Methodology: This study examined the physiological and molecular responses of three Kentucky bluegrass varieties (K.B.G., Arcadia, and Jenny) to salt and drought stress.

Results: Following initial screening tests, Arcadia was more tolerant to drought and salt stress than Jenny and K.B.G. and, therefore, was selected for further analysis. 16 MADS-box genes from transcriptome analysis have been identified in Kentucky bluegrass. GO enrichment analysis revealed that these genes are primarily involved in transcriptional regulation, including RNA polymerase II-related functions and cis-regulatory region binding. To better understand the function of MADS-box genes under drought and salt stress in Arcadia, the expression levels of 16 MADS-box genes were investigated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Furthermore, 12 of the 16 genes except AGL14, MADS1, MADS26, and MADS33 exhibited tissue-specific expression under drought stress, whereas AGL14, AGL66, MADS16, MADS26, MADS33, and MADS56 were significantly upregulated in all tissues under salt stress. The 2-kb upstream promoter regions of the MADS-box genes were bioinformatically analyzed to identify cis-acting regulatory elements, revealing the presence of multiple cis acting elements associated with development, phytohormone signaling, and stress responses. An in-depth comparative analysis of the varieties indicated that Arcadia exhibits greater resistance to drought and salt stress. The expression patterns of MADS-box genes suggest a potential association with drought and salt stress responses, implying that these genes may play a role in observed stress adaptation.

Conclusion: This study identified 16 MADS-box genes in Kentucky bluegrass and revealed Tissue-specific expression patterns in Arcadia under drought and salt conditions. These candidate genes may contribute to stress tolerance, providing a foundation for further research and potential genetic improvement of Kentucky bluegrass for enhanced resistance to abiotic stresses.

The Mulchatna Caribou Herd (MCH) in southwest Alaska has undergone significant demographic fluctuations, with a 94% decline over the past three decades, reducing the population from an estimated 200,000 to 13,000 individuals. This decline and concurrent range contraction, coupled with radio-telemetry and global positioning system (GPS)-collar studies, revealed indications of herd substructure. Females showed fidelity to one of two spatially distinct calving aggregations (designated as east and west), an attribute typically used to define individual herds in Alaska, and to three breeding areas within the greater MCH range (designated east, central, and west). To assess the genetic consequences of the population decline and apparent spatial substructuring, we analyzed genotyping-by-sequencing data from 121 adult female caribou. We found no strong genetic differentiation between east, central, and west subgroups, suggesting that the herd currently functions as a single genetic population despite observed spatial structuring during breeding and calving. In addition, we found no significant levels of inbreeding, likely due to the previously large population size. Overall, our results support the idea that the movement of the MCH is best characterized by a spatially structured but genetically cohesive population, in which connectivity between migratory and nonmigratory groups occurs over a large geographic range.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common hereditary autoinflammatory disease. YouTube is a popular video-sharing platform that both patients and healthcare professionals access for medical information. This study aimed to assess the content, reliability, and quality of the YouTube videos related to FMF. To evaluate video quality and reliability, the Global Quality Scale (GQS) and DISCERN tool were used. Based on GQS scores, videos were categorized into high-, moderate-, and low-quality groups. Four groups were identified in terms of usefulness; useful information, misleading information, useful patient opinion, and misleading patient opinion. The video review was conducted on November 26, 2023. Fifty-three videos that met the inclusion criteria were included in our study. Among these videos, 33 (62.3%) were classified as useful information, 14 (26.4%) as misleading information, two (3.8%) as useful patient opinion, four (7.5%) as misleading patient opinion. Regarding quality, 21 (39.6%) videos were rated as low quality, 13 (24.5%) as moderate quality, and 19 (35.8%) as high quality. Videos uploaded by physicians were significantly more likely to contain useful information (p < 0.001), and demonstrated higher GQS and DISCERN scores compared with other groups (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, respectively). In addition to high-quality videos, there are also lower quality videos on YouTube, which may lead to the spread of misleading information. Therefore, physicians and professional organizations in the field of rheumatology need to make progress in publishing videos according to their quality by collaborating with YouTube and other video sharing sites. Furthermore, encouraging these organizations to share accurate and professionally produced videos on YouTube would benefit healthcare professionals, patients, and their families.

Background: The consumption of eggs in China accounts for over 40% of global egg consumption. Since eggs are a crucial source of daily dietary protein, and are relatively accessible and affordable protein foods, the issue of their food safety needs to be taken seriously. Research in some countries has reported excessively high heavy metal levels in eggs from areas surrounding mining sites. However, the extent of heavy metal contamination in eggs from mining regions in China remains poorly understood.

Methods: The concentrations of heavy metals (chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb)) in eggs from five cities and three mining areas across China were determined by Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Subsequently, the metal concentration was used to evaluate the degree of heavy metal pollution in local eggs, while the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR) were applied to assess the potential health risks of egg consumption.

Results: The results showed that there were significant differences in the concentrations of heavy metals in eggs from different regions, but the overall concentrations (e.g., Cd < 0.05 mg/kg, Pb < 0.02 mg/kg) all complied with China's national food safety standards for eggs. Within the same region, free-range eggs contained higher heavy metal levels than commercial eggs. The heavy metal HIs of eggs in mining areas were higher than those in non-mining areas, and the HIs of eggs in heavy metal polluted areas were higher than those in non-polluted areas, which made free-range eggs relatively riskier than commercial eggs. This study indicates that free-range eggs may pose a higher risk of heavy metal exposure. In the vast rural areas of China, the potential risk of heavy metal pollution caused by free-range egg farming deserves greater attention.

Background: Before undergoing painless gastroscopy, patients are required to fast and no drinking for at least 4 h which is unpleasant for older patients.

Objective: The aim of this study is to increase the preprocedural comfort of older patients by reducing the duration of fasting and no drinking before painless gastroscopy while ensuring safety.

Methods: Older patients aged more than 65 years who underwent painless gastroscopy were randomly allocated to the study group (n = 452) and the control group (n = 452). Those in the study group consumed 250 ml of opaque liquid 4 h prior to painless gastroscopy and 250 ml of water 2 h before the procedure. Those in the control group consumed the same food and water as those in the study group for 6-8 and 4 h, respectively. The primary outcome was patient comfort before the examination. The secondary outcomes included safety, gastroscopy effect and satisfaction in each group. All outcomes were analyzed using both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) approaches.

Results: In the study group, the incidence of thirst, hunger, dizziness, and fatigue before gastroscopy was significantly lower than that in the control group (33.4% vs. 42.7%, 20.1% vs. 28.1%, 3.1% vs. 7.5% and 4.9% vs. 11.7%, respectively; all P < 0.01). However, in the gastroscopic assessments of both groups, only a small fraction of the patients exhibited gastric reflux, gastric fluid or food retention, aspiration pneumonia (2.0% vs. 0.9%, 4.4% vs. 3.1%, 1.5% vs. 1.1%, 0.4% vs. 0.2%, respectively; all P > 0.05).Additionally, there was no difference in visual field clarity between the two groups (1.00 (1.00, 2.00) vs. 1.00 (1.00, 2.00), P > 0.05), but the satisfaction of the study group was significantly greater than that of the control group (97.00 (96.00, 99.00) vs. 93.00 (92.00, 95.00), P < 0.01).

Conclusion: In this random trial of older patients undergoing painless gastroscopy, ingestion of 250 ml opaque liquid 4 h before, followed by 250 ml water 2 h before, improved pre-procedure comfort and patient satisfaction compared with conventional fasting. We observed no statistically significant increase in clinically identified gastric reflux, aspiration, or impaired endoscopic field clarity; however, the incidence of such adverse events was low, and the trial was not powered to exclude small increases in rare but serious complications. Larger studies would be required to definitively establish safety equivalence.

The consumption of energy drinks (EDs) has notably increased, particularly among adolescents and young adults, due to their perceived benefits in enhancing physical and cognitive performance. However, growing evidence points to their potential adverse health effects, raising concerns regarding their safety. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the metabolic impacts of three commercially available EDs on male albino rats. A total of 42 rats were randomly assigned into seven groups (n = 6 per group). The control group received a standard basal diet, while the remaining groups administered the three EDs types (Red Bull, Power Horse, and Black) at doses of 10 or 20 mL/kg body weight, twice daily via oral gavage, over a period of eight weeks. At the end of the experiment, body weight gain, adiposity index, and multiple biochemical and physiological parameters were assessed. Serum analyses were performed to evaluate blood glucose levels, metabolic hormones (insulin and leptin), kidney function markers, liver enzymes, lipid profile, cardiovascular risk index, calcium levels, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone mineral concentration (BMC). The findings revealed that energy drink consumption, particularly at the higher dose (20 mL/kg bw) and with the third EDs type, induced significant adverse effects compared to controls. These included elevated blood glucose, leptin, liver enzymes, lipid profile, cardiovascular risk index, and serum calcium, alongside reduced insulin levels, High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), albumin, globulin, total protein, BMD, and BMC. Histopathological analysis of liver tissues showed evidence of cellular atrophy and structural damage. In conclusion, chronic intake of high doses of EDs may contribute to the development of metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, cardiovascular risk, and osteoporosis. These findings underscore the need for public health awareness and regulation of EDs consumption, especially among vulnerable populations.

Background: IL20RB, interleukin 20 receptor subunit beta, functions as a cytokine receptor subunit coding gene and has been discovered to serve an essential function in human malignancies. However, the link between IL20RB expression, clinical outcomes, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unclear.

Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was utilized to compile data on the IL20RB expression in both normal and ccRCC tissues. The link between IL20RB expression and clinicopathologic characteristics was examined utilizing the TCGA database. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were employed for performing the survival analysis. Furthermore, a protein network involving IL20RB was established using data from the GeneMANIA database. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were undertaken, and the relationship between IL20RB and tumor immune infiltration was examined via single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA). Additional examination of the link between tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIIC) and IL20RB was executed utilizing the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and TISIDB databases. IL20RB expression in tumor specimens was detected through immunohistochemistry (IHC). IL20RB expression levels in tumor cells were confirmed via Western blot analysis. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays evaluated IL20RB's impact on ccRCC cell viability. Wound Healing and Transwell assays assessed IL20RB's influence on ccRCC cell migration.

Results: Peritumor samples exhibited notably reduced IL20RB expression compared to ccRCC samples. IL20RB expression levels correlated markedly with sample classification, lymph node status, tumor differentiation, and disease progression. Enhanced IL20RB expression is linked to poor Disease-Specific Survival (DSS) and Overall Survival (OS) in ccRCC patients (p < 0.01). Subsequently, a significant link was observed between IL20RB overexpression and immunomodulators, chemokines, and a heightened presence of infiltrating Treg, NK CD56 cells, Th1 cells, cytotoxic cells, and T helper cells in ccRCC. IHC showed that the IL20RB level in the adjacent normal tissues was notably diminished relative to that in ccRCC samples. IL20RB suppression through small interfering RNA (siRNA) markedly diminished ccRCC cell proliferation and migration.

Conclusion: Heightened IL20RB expression is linked to a dismal prognosis and infiltration of immune cells in ccRCC, indicating its potential importance in the development of immunotherapeutic strategies.

Background: Sponges harbor complex and diverse microbiomes that contribute to the host's fitness and, ultimately, the health of the ecosystems sponges inhabit.

Methods: Using high-throughput 16S and 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing, we explore the prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities associated with three sympatric Mediterranean demosponges, namely Tethya aurantium, Tethya meloni, and Tethya citrina.

Results: We found species-specific prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities despite the close sympatry of the three Mediterranean Tethya species studied. This offers further support for the phylogenetic nature of the sponge microbiome, where microbial communities reflect the evolutionary ancestry of their host species. These patterns are both present in the eukaryotic and prokaryotic sponge-associated communities, since both display similar levels of host species specificity.

Background: With changes in modern lifestyle, cervical health issues among college students have become increasingly prevalent.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the associations between sedentary behavior (SB), physical activity (PA), and neck pain, disability index, and cervical physiological function in university students.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 126 participants. Self-reported questionnaires were used to assess SB, PA, neck pain (VAS), and the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Objective measurements were taken to evaluate cervical range of motion (ROM), joint position sense (JPS), muscle strength (MS), and muscle endurance (ME). Pearson and Spearman correlations examined the associations between SB, PA, and cervical health indicators. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis tests compared differences between groups with varying SB and PA levels.

Results: Correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between SB and VAS , as well as JPS (extension JPS-E; right rotation JPS-RRot), and significant negative correlations with cervical ROM (extension ROM-E; left rotation ROM-LRot; right rotation ROM-RRot). Moreover, PA was negatively correlated with NDI and positively correlated with cervical flexor strength (CFS) and extensor strength (CES). Comparative analysis of different levels of SB and PA showed that the High-SB & Low-PA group had significantly worse outcomes in NDI, ROM-RRot, JPS-E, and CES.

Conclusion: SB negatively affects cervical health in university students, whereas PA is associated with better neck function indicators. The combined effect of high SB and low PA exacerbates disability index, and further deteriorates cervical physiological function. This study provides empirical evidence for preventive and interventional strategies targeting cervical health issues in university students.