Effects of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Microplastic Particles on Gut Microbiota Composition and Health Status in Rabbit Livestock.

The widespread use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and its entry into humans and livestock is of serious concern. In our study, we investigated the impact of PVC treatments on physiological, pathological, hormonal, and microbiota changes in female rabbits. Trend-like alterations in weight were observed in the spleen, liver, and kidney in both low (P1) and high dose (P2) PVC treatment groups.

Exploring the Molecular Structure and Treatment Dynamics of Cellulose Fibres with Photoacoustic and Reversed Double-Beam Spectroscopy.

In this study, we explored the structural and chemical modifications of cellulose fibres subjected to chemical and mechanical treatments through an innovative analytical approach. We employed photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) and reversed double-beam photoacoustic spectroscopy (RDB-PAS) to examine the morphological changes and the chemical integrity of the treated fibres. The methodology provided enhanced sensitivity and specificity in detecting subtle alterations in the treated cellulose structure.

Development of a Simple IFN-γ Release Whole Blood Assay for the Assessment of Specific Cellular Immunity in Dogs.

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a zoonotic disease caused by , where increased interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels are associated with controlling the infection and mild to moderate disease. Therefore, monitoring IFN-γ concentrations is essential for monitoring the immune responses in CanL. This study compared a faster, cost-effective IFN-γ release whole blood assay in tubes (WBA-T) with a standardized version (WBA-S) in 41 dogs at different states of infection.

Rank-Related Differences in Dogs' Behaviours in Frustrating Situations.

Dogs are strongly dependent on humans, not only for sustenance, but they also form asymmetrical bonds with us where they rely on assistance from the human partner in the case of difficult situations. At the same time, cohabiting dogs form hierarchies, and their rank strongly influences their behaviour in various social interactions. In this study, we investigated whether high- and low-ranking dogs would behave differently in non-social and social contexts where a formerly available reward suddenly becomes inaccessible.

The Associations of Peer-Rated Popularity and Likeability With Dark Triad Personality Traits in Adolescent Groups.

One of the most significant challenges in adolescence is the pursuit of social acceptance, which can manifest in various forms, including likeability and popularity. Achieving social acceptance is associated with positive outcomes, while its absence is linked to adverse consequences. Existing research into the personality determinants impacting the ability to elicit likeability or gain popularity remains limited, primarily focusing on the influence of Big Five traits.

Anisogamy and sex roles: a commentary.

The origin and maintenance of sex differences in reproductive behavior (often labeled sex roles) have remained controversial topics, and recent meta-analyses and theoretical models have helped to elucidate the processes that generate diverse sex roles. We are glad to see that our study (Mokos et al., 2021) generated a healthy debate, and in agreement with recent commentaries (Janicke, 2024; Lehtonen & Parker, 2024) we call for a more comprehensive approach to understanding sex role evolution.

Connectivity Loss in Experimental Pond Networks Leads to Biodiversity Loss in Microbial Metacommunities.

Habitat fragmentation is among the most important global threats to biodiversity; however, the direct effects of its components including connectivity loss are largely unknown and still mostly inferred based on indirect evidence. Our understanding of these drivers is especially limited in microbial communities. Here, by conducting a 4-month outdoor experiment with artificial pond (mesocosm) metacommunities, we studied the effects of connectivity loss on planktonic microorganisms, primarily focusing on pro- and microeukaryotes.

The lateral thalamus: a bridge between multisensory processing and naturalistic behaviors.

The lateral thalamus (LT) receives input from primary sensory nuclei and responds to multimodal stimuli. The LT is also involved in regulating innate and social behaviors through its projections to cortical and limbic networks. However, the importance of multisensory processing within the LT in modulating behavioral output has not been explicitly addressed.

Temporal and spatial distribution of inorganic fluoride, total adsorbable organofluorine, PFOA and PFOS concentrations in the Hungarian section of the Danube River.

The existing technologies in municipal wastewater treatment plants are ineffective in eliminating persistent fluorine-containing contaminants. At the same time, there is an increasing demand for novel organofluorine compounds, particularly in the production of lithium-ion batteries, as well as in the agrochemical and pharmaceutical sectors for more efficient ingredients. This implies that we must account for ongoing changes in the fluorine levels within riverine environments.

Bioinspired Synthesis of (-)-Hunterine A: Deciphering the Key Step in the Biogenetic Pathway.

A concise, bioinspired, and enantioselective synthesis of (-)-hunterine A, an odd 6/7/6/6/5 pentacyclic natural product, is described. The key step in the synthesis of this complex structure is an interim-template directed 6-exo selective epoxide ring-opening reaction, which is interwoven with a hydrolysis step of the indolenine hemiaminal template to create the unusual 7-membered azepine bridge motif. Our work not only refines the previously proposed biogenetic pathway, but also reveals the possible stereochemical prerequisite of the unique skeletal rearrangement, which provides a vantage point for understanding how (-)-hunterine A is likely to be generated in nature.

Disentangling the Pitfalls of Rotating Disk Electrode-Based OER Stability Assessment: Bubble Blockage or Substrate Passivation?

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst stability metrics derived from aqueous model systems (AMSs) prove valuable only if they are transferable to technical membrane electrode assembly (MEA) settings. Currently, there is consensus that stability data derived from ubiquitous rotating disk electrode (RDE)-based investigations substantially overestimate material degradation mainly due to the nonideal inertness of catalyst-backing electrode materials as well as bubble shielding of the catalyst by evolved oxygen. Despite the independently developed understanding of these two processes, their interplay and relative impact on intrinsic and operational material stability have not yet been established.

Increase in slow frequency and decrease in alpha and beta power during post-learning rest predict long-term memory success.

Formation of episodic memories is linked to cortico-hippocampal interactions during learning, practice, and post-learning rest, although the role of cortical activity itself in such processes remains elusive. Behaviorally, long-term retention of episodic memories has been shown to be aided by several different practice strategies involving memory reencounters, such as repeated retrieval and repeated study. In a two-session resting state electroencephalography (EEG) experiment, using data from 68 participants, we investigated the electrophysiological predictors of long-term memory success in situations where such reencounters occurred after learning.

The discrepancies in parent and teacher reports of children's behavioral inhibition provide domain-specific information about psychopathology and parenting.

Introduction: Behavioral inhibition is a temperamental factor that increases the risk of internalizing disorders. Therefore, the identification of highly inhibited children is of great importance. However, informant discrepancies make this process difficult.

A new species of the vitismin cockroach genus Perspicuus Koubová, 2020 from the Late Cretaceous (Santonian) of Hungary.

Mesozoic amber cockroaches are rare compared to sedimentary imprints and are only known from Myanmar, Lebanon, France, Russia and USA. Perspicuus csincsii sp. n.

An updated checklist for the pseudoscorpion fauna of Hungary (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones).

An updated checklist of the pseudoscorpion fauna of Hungary is presented. Chthonius cf. alpicola Beier, 1951 is newly reported for the country.

A review of short-term weather impacts on honey production.

Beekeeping is an exceptionally weather-sensitive agricultural field. Honey production and pollination services depend on the complex interaction of plants and bees, both of which are impacted by short-term weather changes. In this review, classical and recent research is collected to provide an overview on short-term atmospheric factors influencing honey production, and the optimal and critical weather conditions for bee activity.

Could the transcription factor AtnN coordinating the aspercryptin secondary metabolite gene cluster in Aspergillus nidulans be a global regulator?

Products of dormant secondary metabolite gene clusters of fungal genomes can be exploited for medical purposes as bioactive agents. These clusters can be switched on under oxidative stress and may endow fungi with a versatile chemical armory in a competitive niche. In Aspergillus nidulans, the aspercryptin gene cluster, including the synthase [atnA (AN7884)] and its transcription factor (atnN), was activated under menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB) treatment.

Cognitive flexibility in autism: How task predictability and sex influence performances.

While cognitive flexibility challenges are frequently reported in autistic individuals, inconsistencies in the findings prompt further investigation into the factors influencing this flexibility. We suggest that unique aspects of the predictive brain in autistic individuals might contribute to these challenges, potentially varying by sex. Our study aimed to test these hypotheses by examining cognitive flexibility under different predictability conditions in a sample including a similar number of males and females.

EPIC Technique Spinal Procedure Improves Ocular Motion and Dizziness by Resolving Cranial Nerve VI Palsy.

Unlabelled: This case study demonstrates that craniocervical spinal alignment with the EPIC technique spinal procedure appears to have a potential positive impact on ocular function. This paper will report the case of a patient with cranial nerve VI palsy and dizziness, and the clinical improvements following treatment with the soundwave technology of the EPIC technique spinal procedure [1].

Objective: To report the case of a patient with cranial nerve VI (CN VI) palsy and the clinical changes that occurred after receiving treatment using the EPIC (Evolutionary Percussion Instrument Corrections) technique spinal procedure.