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Bladder cancer (BCa) is one of the most common malignancies of the urinary tract worldwide. Cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of treatment for muscle-invasive and advanced disease and has substantially improved clinical outcomes, yet primary and acquired resistance frequently leads to treatment failure and disease recurrence. Classical mechanisms, including altered drug uptake and efflux and detoxification by glutathione or metallothioneins, account for only part of this phenotype. Recent work in BCa increasingly points to cisplatin resistance as a multilayered cellular adaptation involving coordinated changes in drug handling, stress responses, and cell-death control. Drawing primarily on studies published between January 2020 and April 2025, while incorporating selected foundational studies from the preceding decade, this review maps cisplatin resistance in BCa within a structured "cell membrane and tumor microenvironment-cytoplasm-nucleus and chromatin-organelles" framework. Particular emphasis is placed on the interaction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell programs with stromal and immune signals at the membrane level; on metabolic rewiring, ferroptosis regulation, and stress-activated signaling cascades in the cytoplasm; on reinforced DNA damage response pathways and RNA- or chromatin-directed epigenetic remodeling in the nucleus; and on the resetting of apoptotic, autophagic, and mitophagic thresholds at the organelle level. Across these compartments, recurrent regulatory nodes and signaling axes are outlined, and areas are delineated where mechanisms are supported by convergent in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence versus those that remain primarily exploratory. By viewing cisplatin resistance in BCa as an integrated and dynamic network spanning cellular compartments, this multilayered synthesis aims to refine current mechanistic concepts and to provide a rationale for biomarker development and combination strategies designed to prevent or overcome cisplatin resistance.

The prognosis of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is closely related to the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) size. However, the associations between LVEDD, pre-admission risk factors, admission biochemical markers, and medication use warrant further investigation. The prognostic impact of LVEDD evaluation within 24 hours of admission in STEMI patients has not been extensively studied. We analyzed the association between LVEDD measurements within 24 hours of admission and a composite endpoint of cardiovascular events and mortality in 664 STEMI patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients were categorized into three groups based on LVEDD size. Multiple regression models examined the relationship among pre-admission factors, biochemical markers, medication use, and LVEDD. Composite endpoint events occurred in 249 patients. A larger admission LVEDD was associated with a higher risk of endpoint events (hazard ratio (HR) 1.032; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.004-1.061]; P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.027), especially when LVEDD exceeded 47 mm (HR 1.605, 95% CI [1.185-2.174], P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.002) and 54 mm (HR 1.647, 95% CI [1.027-2.643], P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.039). Multivariate regression identified independent factors influencing composite endpoint events and LVEDD, including Killip classification &#x2265;2, obesity, use of vasoactive drugs, pre-admission history of cardiomyopathy, NT-proBNP, uric acid, albumin, and the use of spironolactone, diuretics, and digoxin (All P values < 0.05). LVEDD measurement within 24 hours of admission is crucial for predicting composite endpoint events in STEMI patients. An elevated risk is observed in patients with LVEDD greater than 47 mm, which is further amplified when LVEDD surpasses 54 mm. Identifying independent factors influencing LVEDD and clinical outcomes provides valuable insights for clinical management.

Prior research has reported differential roles of valence and arousal in guiding memory and attention. However, few studies have systematically examined how these affective dimensions interact across their full spectrum in audiovisual contexts, particularly when multiple images varying in emotional content are simultaneously present. To address this, we used a recognition memory paradigm in which participants viewed arrays of images representing all combinations of positive/negative valence and low/high arousal. Slightly before and during image presentation, music conveying an emotional tone, also varying in valence and arousal, was played. Memory accuracy was assessed in a later recognition phase. We further employed simple eye-tracking measures to explore how visual attention is influenced by image and music valence and arousal. Results revealed that high image arousal increases fixation duration, whilst high music arousal decreases fixation duration. Memorisation likelihood was not influenced by a four-way interaction of image and music valence and arousal, but mainly by an interaction of image valence and arousal, differently depending on music arousal. In high music arousal, all images except low arousal positive images, were memorised regardless of valence. In low arousal music, we observed that memorisation likelihood was mainly driven by high image arousal, but only paired with negative image valence was memorisation significantly higher compared to other image types. Discrimination accuracy was not observed to be influenced by image valence and arousal, but positive high arousal music significantly improved memory discrimination. By systematically manipulating both valence and arousal of images and music, we highlight how the interaction of these unimodal affective qualities can facilitate or hinder memory.

Specialized suction feeders independently evolved in several odontocete (toothed whale) lineages, with paradigmatic examples in sperm whales and beaked whales. Although little is known about feeding behavior in most cetacean species, many studies have identified morphological correlates of feeding ecology, such as skull shape. Here, we develop a suction specialization index (SSI) to quantify the extent of suction specialization in 68 extant odontocete taxa. This metric incorporates 10 morphological characters historically associated with suction feeding, including skull and hyoid osteology, dentition, and soft tissue structures. Our analyses show that both SSI and individual morphological characters reliably distinguish suction-feeding odontocetes from other taxa. Reduced dentition, non-occluding teeth/jaws, specialized palate, and weak jaw adductors were the strongest predictors. The blunt, wide rostrum was the weakest predictor. The distribution of SSI in the morphospace demonstrates that lineages of suction-feeding odontocetes specialize without converging on skull shape. Our results suggest that quantifying specialization across a suite of morphological predictors can provide a robust framework for reconstructing feeding ecology in extinct taxa. Our findings also highlight the interplay of convergence and constraint in vertebrate feeding systems, ultimately contributing to a broader understanding of how specializing on feeding behavior (e.g., suction) manifests across many different forms.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects the quality of life (QOL) and daily functioning of young women. Dietary and nutritional intake are a suggested approach to alleviate PMS symptoms However, lifestyle factors of female students, such as living alone or dietary restrictions, may exacerbate PMS symptoms. This study investigated the relationship between PMS symptoms and eating behaviors among female university and graduate students, identifying dietary behavior factors that may exacerbate or alleviate these symptoms. An online survey was targeted female university and graduate students aged 18 to under 25. The questionnaire included basic information, PMS symptoms, and eating behaviors. PMS symptoms were assessed using the Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS/PMDD) Questionnaire. Eating behaviors were evaluated using the Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Eating behavior scores across PMS severity groups were compared using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey-Kramer tests. Among the 164 participants, the "Severe PMS group" had a significantly higher "Total" score (p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.04) than the "Moderate PMS" (Cohen's d = 0.907) and the "No/Mild PMS" (Cohen's d = 0.886) groups. And the "Severe PMS group" had a significantly higher sub-score "Hunger and satiety" on the Eating Behavior Questionnaire than the "Moderate PMS" (Cohen's d = 1.039) and the "No/Mild PMS" (Cohen's d = 0.915) groups. PMS severity was associated with eating behaviors, particularly hunger and satiety, suggesting that foods that promote fullness or stabilize blood sugar levels may help alleviate PMS symptoms. Addressing eating behaviors, alongside nutritional intake, may be an effective approach to managing PMS symptoms. However, establishing a causal relationship between these factors requires longitudinal research.

Nuclear medicine is a critical specialty involving the use of radioactive materials for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Nurses working in these departments are frequently exposed to ionizing radiation, placing them at occupational risk. Despite the availability of safety guidelines, the extent of nurses' awareness of and adherence to radiation protection protocols remains uncertain. This study was conducted to assess the level of radiation safety awareness among nurses in nuclear medicine departments across Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 19 January to 24 March 2025 using a structured, self-administered questionnaire distributed via online platforms. A total of 233 registered nurses participated and met the predefined inclusion criteria. The data were analyzed using SPSS, focusing on descriptive statistics and inferential tests to evaluate awareness, knowledge, and protective practices. Most nurses demonstrated moderate-to-good general awareness of radiation safety. However, gaps were identified in specific areas, including knowledge of dose limits, use of personal dosimeters, and formal training. Notably, over half of the participants had not received structured radiation safety education, and adherence to protective practices, such as exposure time, distance, and shielding, was inconsistent. Institutional support was found to be present in many settings; however, protocol enforcement varied widely. The study reveals a need for enhanced, continuous radiation safety training and stronger institutional enforcement to ensure consistent protective practices among nurses in nuclear medicine. Improving awareness and compliance is essential for both staff safety and quality patient care.

Neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) is a critical determinant of long-term patency of vein grafts following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The development of neointima is influenced by hemodynamic conditions. Our previous studies have demonstrated that four and a half LIM domain protein 1 (FHL1) effectively attenuates neointimal formation in vein grafts under normal flow conditions. However, the role of FHL1 in low-flow hemodynamic environments remains unclear. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying NIH in low-flow settings is essential for improving low-flow vein graft outcomes. The vein graft model was established in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, with low blood flow induced by ligation of the internal carotid artery. Then eointimal area was quantified using histological staining, while the expression of neointimal markers was assessed via immunofluorescence analysis. FHL1-knockout SD rats and SD rats with adenovirus-mediated FHL1 overexpression were used to evaluate the progression of NIH under low-flow conditions. Following internal carotid artery ligation, the mean blood flow velocity in the vein grafts decreased immediately (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.0001), resulting in a significant increase in the neointimal area at 28 days post-surgery (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). In FHL1-knockout rats under low-flow conditions, NIH was further exacerbated (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), accompanied by marked downregulation of mature smooth muscle cell markers (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05) and decreased proliferative activity (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.0001), reduced inflammatory mediators (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.0001), and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.01). Conversely, FHL1 overexpression in low-flow grafts led to a reduction in neointimal thickening (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05), promoted phenotypic maturation of neointimal cells (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05), and suppressed proliferative activity (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05), MAPK pathway activation (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.01), and inflammatory responses (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.01). In low-flow vein grafts, FHL1 may promote favorable vascular remodeling by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby attenuating neointimal cell phenotype switching and mitigating vascular inflammation.

Badminton is a physically demanding sport requiring a combination of aerobic endurance, anaerobic power, agility, and explosive strength. Repeated sprint training (RST) has emerged as a time-efficient strategy for improving physical performance, but its comprehensive effects on badminton players are not fully elucidated. Twenty-eight male collegiate badminton players were randomly assigned to either a repeated sprint training group (RST; n = 14) or a high-intensity interval training group (HIIT; n = 14). In addition to regular skill-based badminton practice, the RST group performed 30-m all-out running sprints twice per week (2-3 sets of 6 &#xd7; 30 m, 30 s passive recovery between sprints and 2 min active recovery between sets) over 8 weeks. The HIIT group completed standard badminton training combined with running-based high-intensity intervals prescribed around 90% HR_max. Before and after the intervention, all participants were assessed for aerobic capacity ( V &#x2d9; O2max, v V &#x2d9; O2max, first and second ventilatory thresholds), anaerobic power (Wingate peak power (PP), mean power (MP), fatigue index), repeated sprint ability (6 &#xd7; 30-m sprints: ideal time (IS), total time (TS), performance decrement), agility (modified T-test), and lower-limb power (countermovement and spike jumps).Results: All participants completed the study, and no significant baseline differences were found between groups (p > 0.121). Significant main effects of time and group &#xd7; time interactions were observed for V &#x2d9; O2max, v V &#x2d9; O2max, VT1, PP, MP, modified agility T-test, and spike jump height. The RST group showed greater post-intervention improvements in these variables than the HIIT group (all p &#x2264; 0.002), whereas the HIIT group demonstrated significant but smaller gains in V &#x2d9; O2max, v V &#x2d9; O2max, VT1, PP, and spike jump height (p < 0.05). Significant time effects were also found for IS, TS, VT2, and countermovement jump height, with both groups improving after training (all p < 0.05), particularly in the RST group.Conclusion: An 8-week, twice-weekly 30-m RST program added to standard badminton training proved effective for concurrently improving aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, repeated sprint ability, agility, and lower limb explosive power in collegiate male badminton players. These findings suggest that this specific RST protocol is a potent and time-efficient training modality for enhancing the multifaceted physical fitness required for badminton performance.

Icriomastax Enderlein, 1912, stat rev. historically treated as a subgenus of Ischnotoma Skuse, 1890, has remained taxonomically neglected since the description of its last species in 1945. Here, we provide a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the group, based on a matrix with 153 morphological characters across 61 taxa. Parsimony analyses under equal and implied weighting consistently recovered Icriomastax as a monophyletic group, supporting its elevation to full genus status. In contrast, Ischnotoma and Holorusia Loew, 1863 were recovered as paraphyletic, and the position of Is. (Neotipula) remained unstable, reinforcing the need for a broader review of Ischnotoma sensu lato. Additionally, we describe five new species: Icriomastax catia sp. nov., Icriomastax coscaroni sp. nov., Icriomastax craigi sp. nov., Icriomastax lopesae sp. nov., and Icriomastax monnei sp. nov. These results provide a new and consistent taxonomic framework and highlight the relevance of morphology-based systematics for underexplored lineages in Tipulidae. Our results raise questions about Southern Hemispheric diversification patterns in Tipulidae and offer a basis for future integrative studies combining morphological and molecular data.

Our understanding of Late Jurassic sauropod faunas heavily relies on the fossil record of the northern hemisphere. During the last two decades, paleontological fieldwork in the Oxfordian-Kimmeridgian Ca&#xf1;ad&#xf3;n Calc&#xe1;reo Formation of Argentina has yielded several sauropod remains. Here we present a new taxon, Bicharracosaurus dionidei gen. et sp. nov., represented by a partial vertebral column and a fragment of the ilium. Anatomical as well as histological evidence suggest that the new specimen represents an adult individual. The posterior dorsals of Bicharracosaurus show great similarity with isolated mid- to posterior dorsal vertebrae previously referred to a diplodocid (MPEF-PV 1324) from the same formation. Some characters that supported a diplodocid position of the isolated vertebrae (pleurocoels with anteroventral fossa, dorsal margin of the pleurocoel angular and at the level of the neural canal) are also present in Bicharracosaurus. The phylogenetic position of Bicharracosaurus was tested using two recent datasets that include a large sample of basal eusauropods and basal neosauropods. The overall evidence supports a position of Bicharracosaurus within Macronaria with several analyses and diagnostic characters suggesting brachiosaurid affinities. Given the incomplete nature of the isolated vertebrae MPEF-PV 1324, their position is unstable across several analyses, but they show close affinities with either Bicharracosaurus or Diplodocidae. Despite the similarities between Bicharracosaurus and Tehuelchesaurus benitezii, a macronarian from the same formation, only in some of the phylogenetic results these two species were recovered as closely related, whereas in most analyses, Tehuelchesaurus formed a clade with Janenschia robusta as basal macronarians or non-neosauropod eusauropods. In addition, several diagnostic characters of Bicharracosaurus are absent in Tehuelchesaurus and vice versa. Our results also show that other putative macronarian taxa have incongruent positions depending on the dataset, even when controlling for taxonomic scope hindering our understanding of the early evolution of the clade.

Antimicrobial resistance remains a major global challenge and has increased interest in plant-derived compounds as alternative or complementary therapeutic agents. This study evaluated the in vitro antibacterial activity of ethanol-extracted Piper betle L. or betel leaf (EPB), Bauhinia scandens L. stem (EBS), and Chromolaena odorata leaf (ECO) against common mastitis-associated pathogens. The three herbal samples were prepared through ethanol extraction followed by freeze-drying. Antibacterial activity was assessed using disc diffusion assays at two extract concentrations. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined through broth microdilution. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the inhibitory and bactericidal performance of the extracts. The extracts showed distinct antibacterial profiles. EPB and EBS produced the strongest inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), while ECO displayed weaker activity. In agreement with diffusion results, EPB and EBS had the lowest MIC and MBC values for S. aureus, and both showed bactericidal MBC/MIC ratios. Activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) was limited; measurable inhibition was observed only for EPB, and all extracts required substantially higher MIC and MBC concentrations compared with S. aureus. None of the extracts demonstrated meaningful activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Across assays, inhibition zone size showed a negative correlation with MIC values, indicating consistency between diffusion and broth-based methods. EPB and EBS demonstrated promising antibacterial activity against S. aureus, suggesting potential use as plant-based candidates for controlling Gram-positive mastitis pathogens. Their limited effects on Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) indicate they may be best suited for targeted rather than broad-spectrum applications. Further phytochemical characterization and in vivo studies are warranted to evaluate their therapeutic potential in livestock health management.

Scaling is an important step for achieving accurate participant-specific models when studying human motion. Scaling a generic musculoskeletal model using OpenSim is time consuming, depends on the user expertise, and requires a static pose. Recently, AddBiomechanics introduced automatic scaling of the participant-specific models independent of user expertise and static pose. However, its validation is limited to synthetic data. In this exploratory study, we compared models scaled via AddBiomechanics and OpenSim against models scaled based on magnetic resonance images (MRI). We performed an optical motion capture experiment in which we recorded walking at 0.8 m/s, 1.2 m/s, and 1.6 m/s, followed by an MRI scan of the lower extremities for 10 participants (M/F). We scaled the model using OpenSim, AddBiomechanics, and using the MRI data. In OpenSim, it was necessary for some participants to lock certain joint coordinates before scaling to avoid unrealistic postures. To evaluate the different models, we performed inverse kinematics for the three different walking trials of each participant and analyzed the joint angle trajectories and overall average root mean square error (RMSE) between the measured markers and virtual markers of the models scaled with OpenSim, AddBiomechanics and MRI. For those participants where we did not lock coordinates in the OpenSim model, the average marker RMSE was 1.657 cm for the OpenSim model, compared to 1.585 cm with AddBiomechanics and 1.471 cm for the MRI-based model. For the participants where we locked coordinates, the RMSE was 1.588 cm for the OpenSim model, compared to 1.725 cm with AddBiomechanics and 1.439 cm for the MRI-based model. The joint angles were similar, with the largest difference for the models with locked coordinates, where the maximum difference was 9.2&#xb0; (ankle angle). Our exploratory study suggests that AddBiomechanics offers a practical alternative to OpenSim, showing comparable accuracy with no meaningful differences, while requiring less time and user effort.

Where a high prevalence of Asian-type DEL (RHD*01EL.01) occurs, simple, rapid, and accurate tests are required to screen patients and donors. Discriminating between Asian-type DEL and RHD*01N.01 (true D-phenotype) is essential to reduce anti-D alloimmunization. This study aimed to develop a simple, and rapid test to detect Asian-type DEL in serologically D- individuals in a Thai population. In this study, we simplified the performance of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with a lateral flow assay procedure (PCR-LF), providing a rapid and more sensitive detection of the PCR product and validated it for the identification of Asian-type DEL in samples with a serologically D- phenotype. In contrast to conventional PCR with agarose gel electrophoresis (PCR-AGE), any PCR products were detected by the lateral flow assay within 10 minutes. This assay accelerates the PCR work schedule and reduces post-PCR detection steps. PCR-LF, PCR-AGE, and Sanger-sequencing assays showed concordant results. The developed PCR-LF assay was more sensitive than an existing PCR-AGE assay for the RHD 1227A allele. The estimated time to perform a PCR-LF assay is 2 hours after DNA extraction compared to the 3 hours 30 minutes for PCR-AGE. PCR-LF was developed to detect Asian-type DEL. This method being rapid and easy to perform would be useful for identifying the Asian-type DEL which serological methods are unable to detect. This could improve blood transfusion management and for the selection of the right blood products to prevent anti-D alloimmunization.

Sleep quality and physical activity (PA) are modifiable behaviors that may influence the cognitive functioning and academic performance of university students. However, evidence focusing specifically on male students in Middle Eastern settings remains limited. To examine the associations between sleep quality, PA, and academic performance among male university students. In this cross-sectional study, 130 male undergraduates from Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Arabic Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Arabic International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI). Academic performance was assessed via self-reported cumulative grade point average (GPA; 5-point scale). Sleep quality was classified as good (PSQI &#x2264; 5) or poor (PSQI >&#xa0;5), and PA was categorized as low, moderate, or high according to IPAQ scoring guidelines. Group differences in GPA were examined via one-way ANOVA and independent-samples t tests. Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression were used to explore independent associations between sleep, PA, and GPA, adjusting for age and BMI. The participants had a mean age of 21.7&#xa0;&#xb1;&#xa0;1.6 years and a mean BMI of 25.2&#xa0;&#xb1;&#xa0;6.1 kg/m2; 65.4% were classified as having poor sleep quality. The PA levels were approximately evenly distributed (low, 33.1%; moderate, 33.1%; high, 33.8%). The overall mean GPA was 3.01&#xa0;&#xb1;&#xa0;0.48, and it differed significantly across PA categories (F(2,127) = 83.55, p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001, &#x3b7;p 2 = 0.57; low 2.57&#xa0;&#xb1;&#xa0;0.32, moderate 3.00&#xa0;&#xb1;&#xa0;0.31, high 3.45&#xa0;&#xb1;&#xa0;0.33) and between good and poor sleepers (t(86) = 4.98, p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001; 3.28&#xa0;&#xb1;&#xa0;0.45 vs 2.87&#xa0;&#xb1;&#xa0;0.43, Cohen's d = 0.93). In the regression analysis (R 2 = 0.64, p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001, f2 = 1.78), higher PA (B = 0.43, p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001) and better sleep quality (lower PSQI; B = -0.04 per point, p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001) independently predicted higher GPA, whereas BMI was not a significant predictor. Poor sleep quality is highly prevalent and, together with insufficient PA, is associated with lower academic performance among male university students. Despite the limitations of a cross-sectional, single-gender design, campus-based interventions that promote both sleep hygiene and regular PA may contribute to improved academic outcomes in this population.

Vegetation regeneration enhances soil carbon sequestration in degraded karst ecosystems. However, how succession influences soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions and enzyme activities remains poorly understood in Southwest China's karst landscapes. We examined three successional stages (grassland, shrubland, and secondary forest) in Pingtang County, Guizhou Province. We quantified SOC fractions, enzyme activities, and their drivers using random forest modeling, partial correlation, and structural equation modeling.SOC content increased significantly from grassland to secondary forest, with forest soils containing 76.74% more SOC than grasslands (P < 0.05). Mineral-associated organic carbon dominated all successional stages (51.75-58.81% of total SOC), while microbial biomass carbon increased most during succession (63.84%). Particulate organic carbon remained stable across succession (P > 0.05). &#x3b2;-1,4-glucosidase and cellobiohydrolase activities increased with succession, while dehydrogenase and catalase activities decreased. Random forest analysis identified carbon fractions as the dominant predictor of SOC variance (38%). Partial correlation analysis confirmed significant relationships between SOC, carbon fractions, and enzyme activities. Structural equation modeling showed that carbon fractions had the strongest direct effect on SOC accumulation, while soil nutrients had the largest total effect through indirect pathways, regulating enzyme activities and carbon fraction dynamics. These findings elucidate the pathways through which soil nutrients regulate SOC accumulation during karst vegetation succession, advancing understanding of carbon dynamics in degraded karst ecosystems.

Plesiosaurs were a clade of Mesozoic aquatic reptiles exhibiting high diversity in neck length. Although their body sizes have long attracted scientific and public attention, mass estimates grounded in rigorous skeletal reconstructions are notably lacking. Existing data often rely on historical museum mounts or outdated illustrations from old literature, casting doubt on their reliability. The body masses of many species also remain unknown to date. To bridge this knowledge gap, the present study employs a hybrid paradigm: (1) establish a standardized protocol for accurate skeletal reconstruction of plesiosaurs, with particular emphasis on deriving ribcage morphology from dorsal rib orientation; (2) uniformly apply this protocol to build multiple plesiosaur models spanning multiple clades, whose body masses are estimated using the cross-sectional method, a recently developed volumetric-density approach for mass estimation; and (3) identify reliable skeletal mass proxies by means of regression analysis. Regression models were also employed to estimate the dimensions of unpreserved skeletal elements. Model fit and predictive accuracy were assessed using sample-size corrected Akaike Information Criterion values and per cent prediction errors, respectively. Rigorous body reconstructions were developed for 27 taxa covering all major plesiosaur clades, with body mass estimates ranging from 79 kg to 12,824 kg. This range sufficiently captures the size diversity seen across most plesiosaurs. These reconstructions were used to evaluate the performance of various skeletal elements as body size proxies. Among the tested metrics, trunk length and the mean volume of dorsal vertebral centrum were identified as the most robust predictors of plesiosaur body mass. Critiques of the hybrid approaches often focus on inconsistent modeling criteria and limited taxonomic sampling. The present framework seeks to mitigate these concerns through uniform reconstruction standards applied across multiple plesiosaur clades. Potential uncertainties in soft-tissue restoration and limitations of the mass equations are explicitly addressed. By providing both rigorous skeletal reconstructions and practical mass-estimation tools, this work narrows the knowledge gap regarding the body masses of Mesozoic aquatic reptiles, and facilitates subsequent biomechanical and macroevolutionary studies on plesiosaurs.

The startle reflex is an involuntary response to a sudden, highly intense stimulus. Previous research has primarily focused on the early stages of the startle reflex, specifically examining the impact of emotional pictures on early responses such as the Probe P3 component. However, it remains unclear whether emotions affect the later stages of startle reflex processing. Furthermore, the influence of emotions on neural oscillations, such as theta and alpha waves, has not been sufficiently studied in this context. This study involved 27 participants (N = 27) and used emotional pictures (positive, negative, and neutral) together with a startle probe, combined with event-related potential (ERP) and event-related oscillation (ERO) analyses, to investigate the effects of emotions on both the early and later stages of the startle reflex. The ERP results demonstrate that when applying the sudden sound stimuli, the negative picture condition evokes the smallest Probe P3 component and LPP, followed by the positive and neutral picture condition. More specifically, negative images reduced Probe P3 and LPP amplitudes compared with positive and neutral images, indicating sustained emotional modulation from early attentional to later processing stages. The ERO results show that early theta and alpha oscillations in the frontocentral region significantly differ between conditions, while the theta and alpha oscillations are largest when the sudden sound stimuli is applied in the negative picture condition, followed by the positive and neutral picture condition. These findings demonstrate that emotions exert sustained modulatory effects on both early and later stages of startle reflex processing, as reflected in ERP components and oscillatory neural activity. Together, the ERP and ERO results provide converging evidence for the neural dynamics underlying emotion-modulated startle responses.

Soil salinity is a major constraint to plant productivity, yet halophytes have evolved diverse strategies to tolerate excess salt. Azima sarmentosa, a woody halophyte native to Southeast Asia, thrives in saline, calcium-poor soils, but its underlying tolerance mechanisms remain insufficiently described. This study investigated anatomical, physiological, and biochemical traits associated with salinity tolerance across a natural salinity gradient. Soils, stems, mature leaves, and young leaves were analyzed using ion quantification, scanning electron microscopy Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (SEM-EDS/EDX), synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and multivariate analyses (correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA)) to characterize Ca-, Na-, and metabolic-related responses. Despite low soil Ca2+, plants maintained high Ca2+/Na+ ratios and produced abundant Ca-oxalate (CaOx) crystals in leaves and stems, indicating selective calcium uptake and biomineralization. SEM-EDS/EDX confirmed Ca-rich deposits and bicellular salt glands on both leaf surfaces, while SRXTM visualized their three-dimensional distribution within tissues. Young leaves accumulated high levels of proline, phenolics, and flavonoids, supporting osmotic adjustment and antioxidant protection. FT-IR spectra corroborated the presence of phenolic functional groups. Correlation analysis and PCA revealed a strong antagonism in trait associations: Ca-related variables clustered with pigments, proline, flavonoids, whereas Na+/Cl- grouped with EtOH-derived phenolics, highlighting a divergence between Ca-driven protection and Na-linked stress. A. sarmentosa withstands salinity through an integrative, calcium-centered strategy involving selective Ca2+ uptake, CaOx biomineralization, salt secretion, and metabolic defenses. Unlike halophytes that rely mainly on sodium sequestration, this species exhibits a distinctive Ca-based adaptation. CaOx formation not only immobilizes Ca2+ but also incorporates CO2-derived oxalate, linking ionic regulation with carbon cycling and broadening the ecological significance of calcium-mediated salt tolerance.

Stomata are ancient anatomical structures on leaves that regulate the exchange of water vapor, oxygen, and carbon dioxide between plants and the atmosphere. Acting as valve-like gateways between internal tissues and the external environment, stomata may function as locally interacting networks. Theoretical and experimental evidence suggests that local interactions among neighboring stomata influence their function and spatial arrangement. From this perspective, analyzing stomatal distributions as networks may yield novel insights into observed spatial patterns and their generative mechanisms. We hypothesize that variability in stomatal arrangements arises from shared underlying rules, with observed diversity reflecting an epiphenomenon. To test this, we employed a multi-species, two-site approach to assess potential convergences in stomatal distribution. A network-based framework enabled us to reduce individual-level variability and analyze stomatal patterns as interacting systems. Our results show that, across species and environments, stomatal spatial configurations consistently align with a null model linking minimum spanning tree (MST) length to stomatal density. Although a variety of patterns were present, over-dispersed arrangements predominated. These findings suggest that physical constraints during stomatal development could impose limits on the range of viable spatial configurations that can evolve.