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N6-methyladenosine (m6A), an RNA post-transcriptional modification, plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis. Cattle-yaks are interspecific hybrid offsprings of yak and cattle, and male cattle-yaks are sterile. This study aims to investigate the role of m6A modification in male cattle-yak infertility. Herein, testicular tissues were analyzed via histological observations, immunohistochemical assays, reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays. The results revealed that male cattle-yaks presented smaller testes (5.933 ± 0.4885 cm vs. 7.150 ± 0.3937 cm), with only single cell layers in seminiferous tubules, and weakened signals of m6A regulators such as METTL14 (methyltransferase-like 14), ALKBH5 (alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent hydroxylase homolog 5), FTO (fat mass and obesity-associated protein), and YTHDF2 (YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein F2), both at the RNA and protein levels, compared with those of yaks. Altogether, these findings suggest that m6A modification may play a crucial role in male cattle-yak sterility, providing a basis for future studies.

Adiponectin is an important adipokine involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, but its secretion and potential role in regulating glucose utilization during ovarian development remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the mechanism and effects of follicle-stimulating hormones (FSHs) on adiponectin secretion and its following impact on glucose transport in the granulosa cells of rat ovaries. A range of experimental techniques were utilized to test our research, including immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, ELISA, histological staining, real-time quantitative PCR, and transcriptome analysis. The immunohistochemistry results indicated that adiponectin was primarily located in the granulosa cells of rat ovaries. In primary granulosa cells cultured in vitro, both Western blot and immunofluorescence assays demonstrated that FSH significantly induced adiponectin secretion within 2 h of incubation, primarily via the PKA signaling pathway rather than the PI3K/AKT pathway. Concurrently, the addition of the AdipoR1/AdipoR2 dual agonist AdipoRon to the culture medium significantly stimulated the protein expression of GLUT1 in rat granulosa cells, resulting in enhanced glucose absorption. Consistent with these in vitro findings, rats injected with eCG (which shares structural and functional similarities with FSH) exhibited significantly increased adiponectin levels in both the ovaries and blood. Moreover, there was a notable elevation in mRNA and protein levels of AdipoRs and GLUTs following eCG administration. Transcriptomic analysis further revealed a positive correlation between the expression of the intraovarian adiponectin system and glucose transporter. The present study represents a novel investigation, demonstrating that FSH stimulates adiponectin secretion in ovarian granulosa cells through the PKA signaling pathway. This mechanism potentially influences glucose transport (GLUT1) and utilization within the ovaries.

Ecosystem services (ESs) are the cornerstone of human well-being. On the Tibetan Plateau and in its subregions, understanding the effects of the spatiotemporal continuity in the trade-offs/synergies of ESs, and identifying their drivers, is crucial for ecosystem conservation and sustainable development. In this study, we investigated the spatiotemporal variation of four ESs (WY, water yield; SR, soil retention; HQ, habitat quality; CS, carbon sequestration) on the Tibetan Plateau, in 2000–2020. We introduced a new indicator (RESI, Index of the relationships between ESs) to measure the trade-offs/synergies among ESs and their magnitudes, and used GeoDetector to analyze the drivers of ESs and their relationships. The following results were obtained: (1) The four ESs exhibited similar geographical characteristics, being higher in the southeast and lower in the northwest. The spatiotemporal variation of WY and SR was similar to the precipitation trend. WY, SR and CS increased significantly (p

Hibernating mammals confront seasonal and harsh environmental shifts, prompting a cycle of pre-hibernation feeding and subsequent winter fasting. These adaptive practices induce diverse physiological adjustments within the animal’s body. With the gut microbiota’s metabolic activity being heavily reliant on the host’s diet, this cycle’s primary impact is on this microbial community. When the structure and composition of the gut microbiota changes, corresponding alterations in the interactions occur between these microorganisms and their host. These successive adaptations significantly contribute to the host’s capacity to sustain relatively stable metabolic and immune functions in severe environmental conditions. A thorough investigation into the reciprocal interplay between the host and gut microbiota during hibernation-induced adaptive changes holds promise for unveiling new insights. Understanding the underlying mechanisms driving these interactions may potentially unlock innovative approaches to address extreme pathological conditions in humans.

Many studies have shown roles for endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)/unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling cascades with ovarian folliculogenesis, and oocyte maturation. In this study, we investigated seasonal changes in ERS and ovarian steroidogenesis in the muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) during the breeding season (BS) and non-breeding season (NBS). There were noticeable seasonal variations in the weight and size of muskrat ovaries with values higher in the BS than that in NBS. The circulating luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), 17β-estradiol, and progesterone of the female muskrats were higher during the BS. The RNA-seq data of ovaries during different seasons revealed 2580 differentially expressed genes, further analysis showed a prominent enrichment of ERS-related pathways and ovarian steroidogenesis pathway. Immunohistochemical results showed that GRP78 and steroidogenic enzymes (P450scc, 3β-HSD, P450c17, and P450arom) existed in the various kinds of cells in muskrat ovaries during the BS and NBS. In ovaries from the BS, the mRNA levels of P450scc, P450arom, P450c17, and 3β-HSD were considerably higher. Furthermore, the expression levels of oxidative stress-related genes (SOD2, CAT, and GPX1) and UPR signal genes (Bip/GRP78, ATF4, ATF6, and XBP1s) were increased strikingly higher during the BS in comparison with the NBS. However, the mRNA levels of CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and caspase-3 had no considerable difference between the BS and NBS. Taken together, these results suggested that UPR signaling associated with the seasonal changes in ovarian steroidogenesis is activated in the BS and the delicate balance in redox regulation is important for seasonal reproduction in the muskrats.

Wind erosion is recognized as one of the main environmental issues and seriously threatens ecosystem services in the Yarlung Zangbo River basin (YZRB), southern Tibetan Plateau. Exploring the spatiotemporal dynamics and drivers of wind erosion is crucial for improving regional ecosystem services and sustainable development. This study was conducted to examine the spatiotemporal patterns of soil wind erosion modulus (SWEM) in YZRB from 1990 to 2020 by using the revised wind erosion equation (RWEQ) and to identify the influence of climate change and anthropogenic activities on wind erosion dynamics. The results showed that temporally, the overall SWEM presented a significant downward trend (−0.912 t·hm−2·a−1) and a continuous downward trend in the key implementation areas of ecological engineering. Spatially, the severe area of wind erosion is mainly concentrated in the flat and broad river valley, where sand sources are widely distributed. Significant SWEM differences were found among various land use/cover (LULC) types. Exceeding 90% reduction rates in SWEM occurred in forests, grasslands, and cultivated land. Additionally, the influence analysis showed that climate change was the dominant factor driving the variations in wind erosion due to the reduction of wind speed. By contrast, the contribution of anthropogenic activities is relatively less, accounting for 43.50% of wind erosion change, which closely matches the transfer of LULC to grassland and forest land with the implementation area of ecological engineering projects. This study provides useful information on the driving mechanism of wind erosion, prevention service changes, and determining priority zones for desertification prevention in YZRB. We suggest that eco-restoration activities should be endorsed in the future, as well as the adaptive management that is required to control wind erosion and improve ecosystem services and human well-being for people in the YZRB region.

BackgroundThe mechanism of cuproptosis has recently been reported in lipoylated proteins of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Besides, the role of copper was previously recognized in cancer progression. We evaluated the prognostic value of cuproptosis-related gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsRemarkable genes were selected both in differential expression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis from ninety-six cuproptosis-related genes using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The relationships between clinical characteristics and gene expression were performed with Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and logistic regression. Clinicopathologic factors correlated with overall survival in HCCs conducting univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2) and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases were utilized to verify the results. Furthermore, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) identified the potential key pathways that dominate cuproptosis in HCC.ResultsElevated ATP7A, SLC25A3, SCO2, COA6, TMEM199, ATP6AP1, LIPT1, DLAT, PDHA1, MTF1, ACP1, FDX2, NUBP2, CIAPIN1, ISCA2 and NDOR1 expression, as well as declined AOC1, FDX1, MT-CO1, and ACO1 expression were significantly emerged in HCC tumor tissues and were significantly associated with HCCs poor survival. The expressions of screened cuproptosis-related genes were prominently related to clinical features. GSEA analysis reported many key signaling pathways (such as natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, TCA cycle, glutathione metabolism, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, Notch signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway, and metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome p450) were differentially enriched in HCCs with varying degrees of cuproptosis-related genes expression.ConclusionsThe twenty cuproptosis-related genes might be utilized as new candidate prognostic biomarkers for HCC.

The Spermophilus dauricus, the wild Daurian ground squirrel, is known to exhibit seasonal breeding behavior. Although the importance of gut microbiota in animal digestion, metabolism, and immunity is well-established, the correlation between gut microbiota and seasonal breeding in this species remains inadequately explored. In the present study, using metagenomic sequencing technology, the compositions and functions of the gut microbiota of wild Daurian ground squirrels in different breeding seasons were explored. The dominant gut microbial phyla were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The Firmicutes were predominant in the breeding season, whereas Bacteroidetes were predominant in the non-breeding season. At the genus level, Lactobacillus accumulated during the breeding season, whereas Odoribacter and Alistipes increased during the non-breeding season. GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome) annotations indicated that genes in gut samples were highly associated with metabolic functions. The differential expression gene analysis showed that genes related to the phosphotransferase system, cysteine, and methionine metabolism were highly expressed during the breeding season, whereas the non-breeding season upregulated genes were enriched in starch and sucrose metabolism and bacterial chemotaxis pathways. In conclusion, this study could provide a reference for investigating gut microbiota in seasonal breeding animals and offer new insight into gut microbial function.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) plays an important role in the steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in the testis through its receptors PAC1, VPAC1, and VPAC2. In this study, we investigated the seasonal expressions of PACAP, PAC1, VPAC1, VPAC2, luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), and CYP17A1 in the testis of the male muskrat during the breeding season and the non-breeding season. Histologically, we found the presence of Leydig cells, Sertoli cells and all kinds of germ cells in the testis during the breeding season but only Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and primary spermatocyte during the non-breeding season. The immunohistochemical localizations of PACAP and VPAC1 were identified in the Leydig cells, spermatogonia and spermatozoa during the breeding season while only in Leydig cells and spermatogonia during the non-breeding season, and PAC1 and VPAC2 were localized in the Leydig cells in both seasons, in which LHR, StAR, 3β-HSD and CYP17A1 were also expressed. Meanwhile, protein and mRNA expression levels of PACAP, PAC1, VPAC1, VPAC2, LHR, FSHR, StAR, 3β-HSD and CYP17A1 in the testis during the breeding season were significantly higher than those during the non-breeding season. These results suggested that PACAP may involve in the regulation of, steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis via an endocrine, autocrine or paracrine manner in the testis of the muskrat.

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the nutrition, metabolism, and immune function of the host animal. The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is a typical seasonal breeding animal. The present study performed a metagenomic analysis of cecum contents from muskrats in the breeding and non-breeding seasons. The results indicated that the breeding muskrats and non-breeding muskrats differed in gut microbiota structure and function. During the breeding season, the relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes, genus Prevotella, and genus Alistipes increased, while the relative abundance of phylum Firmicutes and phylum Actinobacteria decreased. The muskrat gut microbiota was enriched in the metabolism-related pathways, especially amino acid and vitamin metabolism, and genetically related metabolites in the breeding season. We presumed that the muskrat gut microbiota might seasonally change to secure reproductive activity and satisfy the metabolic demands of different seasons. This study could explore potential mechanisms by which gut microbiota affects reproduction. Moreover, this study may provide a new theoretical basis for the management of muskrat captive breeding.

G-protein-coupled receptor 41 (GPR41) and G-protein-coupled receptor 43 (GPR43) are important short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) receptors. Previous studies indicated that GPR41 and GPR43 are involved in the secretion of gastrointestinal peptides, and glucose and lipid metabolism, and are closely related to obesity and type II diabetes, and other diseases. The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between the GPR41 and GPR43 and seasonal breeding, and provide new prospects for further exploring the nutritional needs of breeding. We identified the localization and expression levels of GPR41 and GPR43 in the colon of the wild ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus) both in the breeding season and non-breeding season. The histological results revealed that the lumen diameter of the colon had obvious seasonal changes, and the diameter of the colonic lumen in the non-breeding season was larger than that in the breeding season. Immunohistochemical staining suggested GPR41 and GPR43 have expressed in the simple layer columnar epithelium. In addition, compared with the breeding season, the mRNA and protein expression levels of GPR41 and GPR43 in the colon were higher during the non-breeding season. In general, these results indicated GPR41 and GPR43 might play a certain role in regulating seasonal breeding.

The goal of this study is to explore the relationship between altered circulating adiponectin concentration, ovarian tissue morphology, ovarian steroidogenesis, and sex hormone production in ovaries of wild ground squirrels. The ovarian mass differed significantly during the breeding and non-breeding seasons, and the circulating estradiol and progesterone concentrations were significantly higher in the breeding season, while the circulating adiponectin level was significantly lower. The expression levels of gonadotropin receptors (FSHR and LHR) and steroidogenic enzymes (StAR, P450scc, P450arom, and 3β-HSD) were significantly higher during the breeding season. Comparing the ovarian transcriptome data of wild ground squirrels between the two periods, we found that some differentially expressed genes were enriched for ovarian steroidogenesis and the adipocytokine signaling pathway, which correlated with our present results. Notably, the MAPK signaling pathway was also enriched and its related genes (Erk1, p38 Mapk, Jnk) were up-regulated by qPCR during the non-breeding season. These findings suggested that adiponectin may be involved in the regulation of seasonal changes in the ovarian function of wild ground squirrels, possibly by acting on the MAPK signaling pathway to regulate sex steroidogenesis in the ovaries.

This paper concentrates on addressing fractional inequalities for exponential type convex functions. By means of exponential-type convexity, we firstly establish Hermite-Hadamard (HH) type inequalities for fractional integrals with exponential kernels. Secondly, based on the discovered fractional identity by separating [a; b] to n equal subintervals, and the fact that the twice derivative in absolute value is exponential type convex, we present multipoint-based HH inequalities, which cover the trapezoid- and Bullen-type inequalities for n = 1 and 2, correspondingly. During the period, some numerical examples with graphs are provided to show the validity of the deduced inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondria are the main organelles for mammalian energy metabolism and have been implicated in the regulation of germ cell maintenance and spermatogenesis. However, little is known about the changes in the mitochondria of the testis of seasonal breeders. Here, we characterized the seasonal changes in the mitochondria in the testis of the wild ground squirrels. Increased testicle weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, and sperm count were observed in the wild ground squirrels at the breeding season. RNA-seq analysis of the wild ground squirrel testes revealed that mitochondrial-related genes were expressed differentially between the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Immunohistochemical staining showed that key mitophagy factors including PINK1, MFN2, and PARKIN were highly expressed in various cell types of testis during the breeding season. In addition, the abundance and enzymatic activities of mitochondrial-localized antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and Catalase were decreased in the testis during the breeding season, suggesting a tightly controlled redox balance at least partially facilitated by mitophagy during the seasonal breeding. Taken together, our study reveals that mitochondrial autophagy and oxidative stress may be implicated in the seasonal reproductive recrudescence of the wild ground squirrels, which deepens our understanding of the mitochondrial regulation of seasonal reproductivity in wildlife and provides new insights into the development of potential therapeutic interventions of male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]