Search

Beyond the specific cognitive capacities like numerical or verbal intelligence and cognitive speed, the so‐called soft skills, namely, psychological capacities, have become highly important in modern life. This is the first representative study on the distribution of work‐relevant psychological capacities in the general population. We investigate capacities in different age groups, gender, and their relation with basic sociodemographics. A representative sample of 2531 people aged 14–95 years was investigated concerning work‐relevant psychological capacities with the mini self‐rating for psychological activities and participation (Mini‐ICF‐APP‐S). The strongest capacities in young people were mobility, flexibility, proactivity, contact to thirds, and group interaction. Other capacities were stronger in midlife (30–59 years), such as adjustment to rules and routines, planning and structuring, decision making and judgement, application of competence and knowledge, assertiveness, dyadic relationships, endurance, and self‐care. Women reported better dyadic relationship capacities, and men felt more assertive. The study provides, for the first time, representative data on a broad range of psychological capacities according to an internationally validated capacity concept. Good psychological capacities occur not primarily in youth, but especially in midlife and older age. Regarding demographic change, this implies older people are highly competent in the working world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bitter fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var. vulgare) is a commercial subspecies of fennel that is widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and perfume industries. Despite the economic importance of this crop and a growing demand for its products, most farmers cultivate local bitter fennel populations that are not necessarily high-yielding. Genetic variation in bitter fennel and relevant heritability studies have suggested that selection can be an efficient breeding method to increase bitter fennel yield. This experiment was conducted in the College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, Pakdasht, Iran, from 2010 to 2014. Fifty fennel populations from different parts of Iran were collected and assessed for their maturity habit, life span, seed yield, essential oil content, and essential oil yield in a five-year field experiment. Results showed that these fennel populations, based on their maturity habits, comprised three distinctive groups of early, intermediate, and latematuring, requiring 120, 175, and 230 days from seedling emergence to seed harvest, respectively. The life span of the fennel populations ranged from three to four years. In general, fennel populations in arid regions with extreme temperatures in summer and winter were earlymaturing and had shorter life spans. Populations in humid or semihumid regions with a rather temperate climate were late- or intermediate-maturing and had longer life spans. These observations showed how the causes of growth limitation such as extreme seasonal temperature changes, water accessibility, and competition for sunlight have shaped the phenological features of these fennel populations. During the first three years of the study, considering the minimum life span of all populations, essential oil yield among the early-maturing fennels ranged from 2.5 to 104.6 L ha-1 year-1 (average 26.1±0.1). The essential oil yield ranged from 10.1 to 152.2 L ha-1 year-1 (average 67.7± 1) in intermediate-maturing fennels and from 7.5 to 160.9 L ha-1 year-1 (average 46.4±0.2) in late-maturing fennels. Populations with four and five-year life spans had a dramatic decrease in yield after the third year, although they produced considerable amounts of green biomass. Regarding average values in three years, the highest essential oil yield a mong early-maturing fennels occurred in the Fasa population (51.4 L ha-1), among intermediate-maturing fennels in the Meshkin Shahr and Moqhan populations (140.5 and 124.9 L ha-1, respectively), and among late-maturing fennels in the Sari population (52.1 L ha-1). Identifying high-yielding early- and intermediate-maturing populations provides a platform for further evaluations on high-yielding fennel populations with stable performance in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Individuals constantly exert inhibitory control over their thoughts and behaviors to plan actions that compete with habits and impulses. Cognitive inhibition enhances the selection of task-relevant stimuli and is closely related to neural changes that occur across the lifespan. Since few studies have focused on the entire lifespan, this study aimed to assess cognitive inhibition abilities in a sample of 425 healthy participants (age range: 7–88 years) using the Stroop task. The participants were grouped according to age into children, adolescents, young adults, adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults. A series of ANOVAs considered Group as the independent variable and Performance indices as the dependent variables. The children did not show an interference effect (Stroop effect), likely due to the lack of an automated reading process as a consequence of ongoing brain maturation. Adolescents and young adults performed significantly faster than older adults did. The results indicate that response speed reaches its peak during adolescence and young adulthood and then slightly decreases until older age. Nevertheless, when compared with the other groups, only older adults showed significant differences in the Stroop effect, suggesting that inhibitory abilities remain relatively consistent throughout adulthood but rapidly worsen in recent years due to the physiological decline in cognitive and brain functioning associated with aging.

This paper is devoted to studying in R n × (0 , T) (n ≥ 1) the Cauchy problem for a semilinear heat equation with source term f (x) non-rarefied at infinity, subjected to zero initial data. To such a problem, the novelty of this work lies in: (a) similar to no source case, non-rarefaction of f at infinity brings about its classical solution blowing up in a finite time T ⁎ > 0 ; (b) we derive the optimal upper and lower bound on the life span T ⁎. This may throw some light on studies of life span. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary macronutrients regulate life span and aging, yet little is known about their evolutionary effects. Here, we examine the evolutionary response of these traits in decorated crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus) maintained on diets varying in caloric content and protein-to-carbohydrate ratio. After 37 generations, each population was split: half remained on the evolution diet, and half switched to a standardized diet. Crickets lived longer and aged slower when evolving on high-calorie (both sexes) and carbohydrate-biased (females only) diets and had lower baseline mortality on high-calorie (females only) diets. However, on the standardized diet, crickets lived longer when evolving on high-calorie diets (both sexes), aged slower on high-calorie (females only) and carbohydrate-biased (both sexes) diets, and had lower baseline mortality on high-calorie (males only) and protein-biased (both sexes) diets. Life span was longer, and baseline mortality was lower when provided with the evolution vs. the standardized diet, but the aging rate was comparable. Moreover, life span was longer, aging slower (females only), and baseline mortality was lower (males only) compared to our evolved baseline, suggesting varying degrees of dietary adaptation. Collectively, we show dietary components influence the evolution of life span and aging in different ways and highlight the value of combining experimental evolution with nutritional geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the obstacles to the adoption of electric vehicles as a future pollution-free transport solution is that the energy sources (batteries) have not yet become sustainable through a long-life span under the specific operating conditions. The problem that arises is that high temperatures inside the batteries represent a safety risk and have negative effects on the battery life span, which imposes the use of thermal management systems. The present article aims to analyze, by numerical methods, the effect of the use of a fireproof composite resin on the efficiency of the thermal management system, specifically on the degree of battery sustainability (measured by the effect on the life span). Five constructive variants are proposed and thermally analyzed. Based on the measured temperatures, the intensity of the chemical reactions that occur in a 18650-type Li-ion cell was calculated, and conclusions related to the impact on the life span were drawn. It has been found that the use of a fireproof composite resin leads to an increased heat transmission towards the outer environment and an increase in the life span by 22.2% compared to that noted for conventional air cooling. The results also recommend the use of heat exchangers associated with flame retardant resins, which leads to a 20.6% improvement in the heat transfer capacity of the battery's thermal management system. When comparing the solutions in which the flame-retardant resin is used, the results show that adding 3 wt.% of nanomaterial leads to a significant life span increase of 11.7% when compared to the results for the resin-only case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of mathematical models capable of predicting the lifespan of animals is growing. However, there are no studies that compare the predictive power of different sets of parameters depending on the age of the animals. The aim of the present study is to test whether mathematical models for life span prediction developed in adult female mice based on immune, redox, and behavioral parameters can predict life span in old animals and to develop new models in old mice. For this purpose, 29 variables, including parameters of immune function, redox state, and behavioral ones, were evaluated in old female Swiss mice (80 ± 4 weeks). Life span was registered when they died naturally. Firstly, we observed that the models developed in adults were not able to accurately predict the life span of old mice. Therefore, the immunity (adjusted R2 = 73.6%), redox (adjusted R2 = 46.5%), immunity-redox (adjusted R2 = 96.4%), and behavioral (adjusted R2 = 67.9%) models were developed in old age. Finally, the models were validated in another batch of mice. The developed models in old mice show certain similarities to those in adults but include different immune, redox, and behavioral markers, which highlights the importance of age in the prediction of life span. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large conductance, calcium, and voltage‐active potassium channels (BKCa) were originally discovered in Drosophila melanogaster as slowpoke (slo). They are extensively characterized in fly models as ion channels for their roles in neurological and muscular function, as well as aging. BKCa is known to modulate cardiac rhythm and is localized to the mitochondria. Activation of mitochondrial BKCa causes cardioprotection from ischemia–reperfusion injury, possibly via modulating mitochondrial function in adult animal models. However, the role of BKCa in cardiac function is not well‐characterized, partially due to its localization to the plasma membrane as well as intracellular membranes and the wide array of cells present in mammalian hearts. Here we demonstrate for the first time a direct role for BKCa in cardiac function and cardioprotection from IR injury using the Drosophila model system. We have also discovered that the BKCa channel plays a role in the functioning of aging hearts. Our study establishes the presence of BKCa in the fly heart and ascertains its role in aging heart function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting the construction of Internet democratic politics in China requires an understanding of how multimodal connectedness can enhance citizens’ political participation. This study introduces the Orientations-Stimuli-Reasoning-Orientations-Responses (O-S-R-O-R) model, explaining the pathway from multimodal connectedness to political participation through “multimodal connectedness—political news attention/political news use—interpersonal political discussion—political trust—political participation.” Analyzing data from 2,379 participants in the context of Internet democratic politics, the study finds that the mediating variables fully mediate the relationship between multimodal connectedness and political participation. While political news attention promotes political participation, political trust has a significant negative impact. The study also compares the model across three age groups: young (18–29 years), middle-aged (30–39 years), and elderly (40–60 years). For the young and middle-aged groups, political news attention negatively impacts political participation, likely due to the fragmentation and distraction caused by real-time messages. Among the elderly, political trust negatively affects political participation, indicating a complex scenario where they are passionate about politics but lack adequate participation channels.

Abstract Self-control is a personality dimension that is associated with better physical health and a longer lifespan. Here, we examined (1) whether self-control is associated with buccal and saliva DNA-methylation (DNAm) measures of biological aging quantified in children, adolescents, and adults, and (2) whether biological aging measured in buccal DNAm is associated with self-reported health. Following preregistered analyses, we computed two DNAm measures of advanced biological age (principal-component PhenoAge and GrimAge Acceleration) and a DNAm measure of pace of aging (DunedinPACE) in buccal samples from the German Socioeconomic Panel Study (SOEP-G[ene], n = 1058, age range 0–72, M age = 42.65) and saliva samples from the Texas Twin Project (TTP, n = 1327, age range 8–20, M age = 13.50). We found that lower self-control was associated with advanced biological age in older adults (PhenoAge Acceleration β = − .34, [− .51, − .17], p

Considering the growing demand for plant trait data and taking into account the lack of trait data from Eastern Europe, especially from its steppic region, we launched a new Ukrainian Plant Trait Database (UkrTrait v. 1.0) aiming at collecting all the available plant trait data from Ukraine.To facilitate further use of this database, we linked the trait terminology to the TRY Plant Trait Database, Thesaurus of Plant Characteristics (TOP) and Plant Trait Ontology (TO). For taxa names, we provide the crosswalks between the Ukrainian checklist and international sources, i.e. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, World Checklist of Vascular Plants (World Checklist of Vascular Plants (World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP), World Flora Online (WFO) and Euro+Med PlantBase. We aim to integrate our data into the relevant global (TRY Plant Trait Database) and pan-European (FloraVeg.EU) databases. The current version of the database is freely available at the Zenodo repository and will be updated in the future.Until now, plant traits for the Ukrainian flora were scattered across literature, often focusing on single species and written mainly in Ukrainian. Additionally, many traits were in grey literature or remained non-digitised, which rendered them inaccessible to the global scientific community. Addressing this gap, our Ukrainian Plant Trait Database (UkrTrait v. 1.0) represents a significant step forward. We compiled and digitised plant traits from local Ukrainian literature sources. Furthermore, we performed our own field and laboratory measurements of various plant traits that were not previously available in literature. In the current version of the UkrTrait, we focus on vascular plant species that are absent from the other European trait databases, with emphasis on species that are representative for the steppe vegetation. Traits assembled from literature include life span (annuals, biennials, perennials), plant height, flowering period (flowering months), life form (by Raunkiaer), plant growth form and others. Our own measured traits include seed mass, seed shape, leaf area, leaf nitrogen concentration and leaf phosphorus concentration. The current version, i.e. UkrTrait v. 1.0, comprises digitised literature data of 287,948 records of 75 traits for 6,198 taxa and our own trait measurements of 2,390 records of 12 traits for 388 taxa.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) is one of the newest ways to light up outdoor areas such as streets, stadiums, airports, military bases, harbors, and high mast towers. The main reason for the high focus is power consumption with better brightness. Even though LEDs have so many benefits, researchers should focus on better managing temperatures as the main reason behind the failure of LEDs is overheating. In this article, modern research trends like using heat pipes filled with nanofluids, ionic winds, spray cooling, use of fins, refrigerants, and oil cooling are focused on and discussed concerning LEDs, solar stills, electric vehicle batteries, and different heat transfer devices to develop a new way to handle the heat from higher-wattage LEDs. There is a research thrust in the field of more than one nanoparticle in the base fluid, and its proportions are not analyzed during LEDs cooling study using a heat pipe. It is necessary to control the heat using a more effective technique. Heat pipe with nanofluid is a more efficient, compact, and cost-effective cooling device o reduce LED failure due to higher heat flux. Hence, it is promising to use nanofluid-filled heat pipes to serve the purpose of the life span enhancement of LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-control is a personality dimension that is associated with better physical health and a longer lifespan. Here, we examined (1) whether self-control is associated with buccal and saliva DNA-methylation (DNAm) measures of biological aging quantified in children, adolescents, and adults, and (2) whether biological aging measured in buccal DNAm is associated with self-reported health. Following preregistered analyses, we computed two DNAm measures of advanced biological age (principal-component PhenoAge and GrimAge Acceleration) and a DNAm measure of pace of aging (DunedinPACE) in buccal samples from the German Socioeconomic Panel Study (SOEP-G[ene], n = 1058, age range 0–72, Mage = 42.65) and saliva samples from the Texas Twin Project (TTP, n = 1327, age range 8–20, Mage = 13.50). We found that lower self-control was associated with advanced biological age in older adults (PhenoAge Acceleration β = −.34, [−.51, −.17], p <.001; GrimAge Acceleration β = −.34, [−.49, −.19], p <.001), but not young adults, adolescents or children. These associations remained statistically robust even after correcting for possible confounders such as socioeconomic contexts, BMI, or genetic correlates of low self-control. Moreover, a faster pace of aging and advanced biological age measured in buccal DNAm were associated with self-reported disease (PhenoAge Acceleration: β =.13 [.06,.19], p <.001; GrimAge Acceleration: β =.19 [.12,.26], p <.001; DunedinPACE: β =.09 [.02,.17], p =.01). However, effect sizes were weaker than observations in blood, suggesting that customization of DNAm aging measures to buccal and saliva tissues may be necessary. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that self-control is associated with health via pathways that accelerate biological aging in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major goal of healthy aging is to prevent declining resilience and increasing frailty, which are associated with many chronic diseases and deterioration of stress response. Here, we propose a loss‐or‐gain survival model, represented by the ratio of cumulative stress span to life span, to quantify stress resilience at organismal level. As a proof of concept, this is demonstrated by reduced survival resilience in Caenorhabditis elegans exposed to exogenous oxidative stress induced by paraquat or with endogenous proteotoxic stress caused by polyglutamine or amyloid‐β aggregation. Based on this, we reveal that a hidden peptide ("cryptide")—AbaPep#07 (SETYELRK)—derived from abalone hemocyanin not only enhances survival resilience against paraquat‐induced oxidative stress but also rescues proteotoxicity‐mediated behavioral deficits in C. elegans, indicating its capacity against stress and neurodegeneration. Interestingly, AbaPep#07 is also found to increase cost‐free longevity and age‐related physical fitness in nematodes. We then demonstrate that AbaPep#07 can promote nuclear localization of SKN‐1/Nrf, but not DAF‐16/FOXO, transcription factor. In contrast to its effects in wild‐type nematodes, AbaPep#07 cannot increase oxidative stress survival and physical motility in loss‐of‐function skn‐1 mutant, suggesting an SKN‐1/Nrf‐dependent fashion of these effects. Further investigation reveals that AbaPep#07 can induce transcriptional activation of immune defense, lipid metabolism, and metabolic detoxification pathways, including many SKN‐1/Nrf target genes. Together, our findings demonstrate that AbaPep#07 is able to boost stress resilience and reduce behavioral frailty via SKN‐1/Nrf‐governed transcriptional reprogramming, and provide an insight into the health‐promoting potential of antioxidant cryptides as geroprotectors in aging and associated conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Considering the growing demand for plant trait data and taking into account the lack of trait data from Eastern Europe, especially from its steppic region, we launched a new Ukrainian Plant Trait Database (UkrTrait v. 1.0) aiming at collecting all the available plant trait data from Ukraine. To facilitate further use of this database, we linked the trait terminology to the TRY Plant Trait Database, Thesaurus of Plant Characteristics (TOP) and Plant Trait Ontology (TO). For taxa names, we provide the crosswalks between the Ukrainian checklist and international sources, i.e. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, World Checklist of Vascular Plants (World Checklist of Vascular Plants (World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP), World Flora Online (WFO) and Euro+Med PlantBase. We aim to integrate our data into the relevant global (TRY Plant Trait Database) and pan-European (FloraVeg.EU) databases. The current version of the database is freely available at the Zenodo repository and will be updated in the future. New information: Until now, plant traits for the Ukrainian flora were scattered across literature, often focusing on single species and written mainly in Ukrainian. Additionally, many traits were in grey literature or remained non-digitised, which rendered them inaccessible to the global scientific community. Addressing this gap, our Ukrainian Plant Trait Database (UkrTrait v. 1.0) represents a significant step forward. We compiled and digitised plant traits from local Ukrainian literature sources. Furthermore, we performed our own field and laboratory measurements of various plant traits that were not previously available in literature. In the current version of the UkrTrait, we focus on vascular plant species that are absent from the other European trait databases, with emphasis on species that are representative for the steppe vegetation. Traits assembled from literature include life span (annuals, biennials, perennials), plant height, flowering period (flowering months), life form (by Raunkiaer), plant growth form and others. Our own measured traits include seed mass, seed shape, leaf area, leaf nitrogen concentration and leaf phosphorus concentration. The current version, i.e. UkrTrait v. 1.0, comprises digitised literature data of 287,948 records of 75 traits for 6,198 taxa and our own trait measurements of 2,390 records of 12 traits for 388 taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The large conductance, calcium, and voltage‐active potassium channels (BKCa) were originally discovered in Drosophila melanogaster as slowpoke (slo). They are extensively characterized in fly models as ion channels for their roles in neurological and muscular function, as well as aging. BKCa is known to modulate cardiac rhythm and is localized to the mitochondria. Activation of mitochondrial BKCa causes cardioprotection from ischemia–reperfusion injury, possibly via modulating mitochondrial function in adult animal models. However, the role of BKCa in cardiac function is not well‐characterized, partially due to its localization to the plasma membrane as well as intracellular membranes and the wide array of cells present in mammalian hearts. Here we demonstrate for the first time a direct role for BKCa in cardiac function and cardioprotection from IR injury using the Drosophila model system. We have also discovered that the BKCa channel plays a role in the functioning of aging hearts. Our study establishes the presence of BKCa in the fly heart and ascertains its role in aging heart function.

AbstractThe Clouded Apollo, Parnassius mnemosyne is a charismatic West Palaearctic butterfly, threatened in some European countries and listed in Appendix IV of the Habitats’ Directive. We investigated a large lowland population of the species inhabiting a complex of irregularly coppiced light forest and adjacent wet meadows in the anthropogenic landscape in the valley of the Narew river in NE Poland. A mark-release-recapture (MRR) method was used over 4 years to estimate population size, adult catchability, daily survival and lifespan. The beginning and length of the flight period (which lasted 4–6 weeks) differed over the years and was clearly related to weather conditions (temperature, sunshine) in April, i.e. the most important period for larval development. The seasonal population size varied from 555 to 942 adults. In contrast to some previous studies, the sex ratio turned out to be well balanced, although the catchability of males was significantly higher than that of females in each year. The quality of the wings deteriorated during the season in both sexes, but it was generally better in the case of females, which indicates that they are less active. Inter-seasonal variation in the lifespan (6.36–12.45 days) is more difficult to interpret, but it is worth noting that individuals lived the longest in the coldest and least sunlit flight period. The temporal fragmentation index (i.e. the ratio of flight-period length to adult lifespan) also varied (3.37–5.97) but was generally relatively low, which suggests that there is no threat of reduction of the effective population size at the moment. Nevertheless, the investigated population may be at risk of decline due to the observed intensification of meadow use and especially the possible conversion of grasslands into cornfields.

Abstract Background Scholars demand more focus on context-related factors of health literacy as the management of health information is seen as a social practice. One prominent factor is social support that is expected to be particularly relevant for persons vulnerable for low health literacy. It was shown that health literacy can differ across the life span and especially older people have been demonstrated to be vulnerable for low health literacy. Therefore, health literacy and the relation of social support on health literacy in different age groups should be investigated. Methods In a German nationwide survey 2,151 adults were interviewed face-to-face. General comprehensive health literacy was measured with the HLS19-Q47 which differentiates single steps of health information management – access, understand, appraise, and apply. Social support was measured with the Oslo 3 Social Support Scale. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed for all respondents and for five age groups. Results Health literacy is relatively low in all age groups but particularly low among old-old people (76 + years). Also, the youngest adults (18–29 years) have slightly lower health literacy than middle-aged adults. On average, health literacy is higher among people with higher social support but this association varies between age groups. It tends to be quite strong among younger adults (18–45 years) and young-old persons (65–75 years) but is weak among older middle-aged (46–64 years) and old-old persons. The association also differs between steps of information management. It is stronger for accessing and applying information but there are differences in age groups as well. Conclusions Social support is a relevant aspect to improve individuals’ health literacy and therefore should be addressed in interventions. However, it is necessary to differentiate between age groups. While both young adults and particularly old-old persons are challenged by health information management, young adults can strongly profit from social support whereas it can barely compensate the low health literacy of old-old persons. In addition, different challenges in information management steps in different age groups need to be considered when designing health literacy interventions. Thus, target group specific services and programs are needed.

The Clouded Apollo, Parnassius mnemosyne is a charismatic West Palaearctic butterfly, threatened in some European countries and listed in Appendix IV of the Habitats' Directive. We investigated a large lowland population of the species inhabiting a complex of irregularly coppiced light forest and adjacent wet meadows in the anthropogenic landscape in the valley of the Narew river in NE Poland. A mark-release-recapture (MRR) method was used over 4 years to estimate population size, adult catchability, daily survival and lifespan. The beginning and length of the flight period (which lasted 4-6 weeks) differed over the years and was clearly related to weather conditions (temperature, sunshine) in April, i.e. the most important period for larval development. The seasonal population size varied from 555 to 942 adults. In contrast to some previous studies, the sex ratio turned out to be well balanced, although the catchability of males was significantly higher than that of females in each year. The quality of the wings deteriorated during the season in both sexes, but it was generally better in the case of females, which indicates that they are less active. Inter-seasonal variation in the lifespan (6.36-12.45 days) is more difficult to interpret, but it is worth noting that individuals lived the longest in the coldest and least sunlit flight period. The temporal fragmentation index (i.e. the ratio of flight-period length to adult lifespan) also varied (3.37-5.97) but was generally relatively low, which suggests that there is no threat of reduction of the effective population size at the moment. Nevertheless, the investigated population may be at risk of decline due to the observed intensification of meadow use and especially the possible conversion of grasslands into cornfields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scholars demand more focus on context-related factors of health literacy as the management of health information is seen as a social practice. One prominent factor is social support that is expected to be particularly relevant for persons vulnerable for low health literacy. It was shown that health literacy can differ across the life span and especially older people have been demonstrated to be vulnerable for low health literacy. Therefore, health literacy and the relation of social support on health literacy in different age groups should be investigated. Methods: In a German nationwide survey 2,151 adults were interviewed face-to-face. General comprehensive health literacy was measured with the HLS19-Q47 which differentiates single steps of health information management – access, understand, appraise, and apply. Social support was measured with the Oslo 3 Social Support Scale. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed for all respondents and for five age groups. Results: Health literacy is relatively low in all age groups but particularly low among old-old people (76 + years). Also, the youngest adults (18–29 years) have slightly lower health literacy than middle-aged adults. On average, health literacy is higher among people with higher social support but this association varies between age groups. It tends to be quite strong among younger adults (18–45 years) and young-old persons (65–75 years) but is weak among older middle-aged (46–64 years) and old-old persons. The association also differs between steps of information management. It is stronger for accessing and applying information but there are differences in age groups as well. Conclusions: Social support is a relevant aspect to improve individuals' health literacy and therefore should be addressed in interventions. However, it is necessary to differentiate between age groups. While both young adults and particularly old-old persons are challenged by health information management, young adults can strongly profit from social support whereas it can barely compensate the low health literacy of old-old persons. In addition, different challenges in information management steps in different age groups need to be considered when designing health literacy interventions. Thus, target group specific services and programs are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The auto industry aims to deliver cost-effective, efficient vehicles to meet customer needs. They are utilizing aluminum to lower expenses, enhance durability, and lighten vehicles. Currently, the industry is developing a high-speed blow forming (HSBF) technique--a faster version of the aluminum thermoforming process, superplastic forming (SPF). HSBF allows the rapid creation of aluminum bodywork or structural parts at high temperatures using pressurized gas. It can produce up to 25 parts per hour, significantly faster than SPF, which only produces 4 parts per hour. The primary objective of this project is to select and characterize a seal that can increase the production rate to 120 parts per hour by allowing the sheet to flow into the mold, especially during the initial stages of the forming process, where most of the deformation occurs. Several test benches were developed to assess the performance and durability of the selected high-temperature seals under conditions that imitate the HSBF process. During the tests, low air pressures are applied to a gasket-enclosed cavity and the resulting mass-flow leakage is measured. The temperature of the mold is kept constant at approximately the superplastic temperature of the aluminum alloy. Through testing, we derived leakage mass flow curves based on cycle count, showcasing the superior sealing ability and longevity of packing seals in HSBF conditions. The seals displayed good durability and sealing performance under HSBF operational conditions, sustaining over 3000 cycles. Moreover, the seals attained a leakage mass flow rate of around 0.3 g/s•m•bar, nearly ten times below the target application limit of 2 g/s•m•bar, confirming their superior performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common factor that contributes to aging is the loss of proteostasis, resulting in an excess amount of non-functional/damaged proteins. These proteins lead to various age-associated phenotypes such as cellular senescence and dysfunction in the nutrient-sensing pathways. Despite the various factors that can contribute to aging, it is still a process that can be changed. According to recent advances in the field of biology, the ability to alter the pathways that are involved in aging can improve the lifespan of a person. Autophagy is a process that helps in preserving survival during stressful situations, such as starvation. It is a common component of various anti-aging interventions, including those that target the insulin/IGF-1 and rapamycin signaling pathways. It has been shown that altered autophagy is a common feature of old age and its impaired regulation could have significant effects on the aging process. This review aims to look into the role of autophagy in aging and how it can be used to improve one's health.

This article explores the connection between emotional intelligence (EI) and mental health stigma. It emphasizes the importance of emotions in decision-making, adaptive responses, and social well-being, while also highlighting the negative impact of suppressing or denying emotions on mental health. The evidence presented in the article demonstrates the link between EI and psychopathologies such as depression, stress, and anxiety. The article concludes by discussing the importance of promoting emotional regulation and positive mental health literacy to decrease stigma and prevent the development of mental disorders. The authors acknowledge the limited research in this area and call for further exploration, particularly in situations involving significant life challenges. They believe that this research topic will be beneficial to individuals with varying levels of expertise and contribute to better mental health worldwide. [Extracted from the article]

The development of mathematical models capable of predicting the lifespan of animals is growing. However, there are no studies that compare the predictive power of different sets of parameters depending on the age of the animals. The aim of the present study is to test whether mathematical models for life span prediction developed in adult female mice based on immune, redox, and behavioral parameters can predict life span in old animals and to develop new models in old mice. For this purpose, 29 variables, including parameters of immune function, redox state, and behavioral ones, were evaluated in old female Swiss mice (80 ± 4 weeks). Life span was registered when they died naturally. Firstly, we observed that the models developed in adults were not able to accurately predict the life span of old mice. Therefore, the immunity (adjusted R2 = 73.6%), redox (adjusted R2 = 46.5%), immunity-redox (adjusted R2 = 96.4%), and behavioral (adjusted R2 = 67.9%) models were developed in old age. Finally, the models were validated in another batch of mice. The developed models in old mice show certain similarities to those in adults but include different immune, redox, and behavioral markers, which highlights the importance of age in the prediction of life span.

Background: Grip strength is used to estimate whole-body strength for health surveillance purposes. Explosive strength is considered important, yet economic measures able to detect early deterioration of neuromuscular capabilities are lacking. Whether handgrip maximum rate of force development (GRFD) or whole-body strength tests are better predictors of lower body power than handgrip maximum strength (GFmax) and their trajectories throughout the life span are unknown. Hypothesis: GRFD should be more closely related to lower body power than GFmax, and its trajectories over the life span should more closely follow that of lower body power. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Level of Evidence: Level 2b. Methods: A total of 613 healthy participants aged 20 to 91 years were tested for countermovement jump peak power, GFmax, handgrip rate of force development, and midthigh pull peak force (MTP). Cubic splines and linear models were built for age trajectories, generalized additive models for quintile curves, and linear regression was used to assess predictive quality. Results: Peak power (Pmax) declined linearly to 60% of young adult level, with GRFD, GFmax, and MTP remaining stable up to age 50 years and then declining more sharply to 52% to 71% of young adult levels. Trajectories were similar for male and female participants. GRFD (β = 0.17) and MTP (β = 0.08) were worse predictors of Pmax than GFmax (β = 0.24) in models adjusted for age, sex, lean body mass, and vigorous physical activity levels. Conclusion: GRFD was not superior to maximum strength in predicting lower body power. For health surveillance purposes, it therefore appears that GFmax tests are more economical and equally good predictors of lower body explosive strength at older age. The data provided can be used as norm values for healthy subjects. Clinical Relevance: Incorporating countermovement jump testing for early detection of declines in explosive capabilities might be advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have examined whether the benefits of education for health differ across sociodemographic subgroups. We investigated whether educational attainment is associated with cardiovascular health, as measured by the Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) score, and whether the association differs by demographic characteristics. Data were obtained from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study (N=8,759 participants; mean age=63.8).We used linear regression analyses with interactions by sex, race, childhood socioeconomic status (SES), and geography. Socially vulnerable groups (i.e., men from low childhood SES backgrounds, White people from low childhood SES backgrounds, Black people from low childhood SES backgrounds) benefitted less from each additional year of education than socially advantaged groups in predicting LS7 scores. However, we did not find evidence that differential returns extended to every group. Findings suggest that the inequalities present in the education system may further exacerbate the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged.

In this study, we show with the help of a simple model that an increase of the retirement age has a negative impact on the distribution of pension benefits in the Bismarckian as well in the Beveridgean pension system. In both systems, the distribution of pension benefits will change in favour of high-income earners. Additionally, we show that the increasing gap in the life expectancies of low and high-income earners will increase inequality. Both results are a consequence of the positive relationship between the socio-economic status and life expectancy of a person. These important insights are often ignored by the promoters of pension reforms.

Birth cohorts are those among observational studies that provide understanding of the natural history and causality of diseases since early in life. Discussions during an International Association for Dental Research symposium in London, United Kingdom, in 2018, followed by a workshop in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2019, concluded that there are few birth cohort studies that consider oral health and that a broader discussion on similarities and differences among those studies would be valuable. This article aims to 1) bring together available long-term data of oral health birth cohort studies from the low, middle, and high-income countries worldwide and 2) describe similarities and differences among these studies. This work comprises 15 studies from all 5 continents. The most studied dental conditions and exposures are identified; findings are summarized; and methodological differences and similarities among studies are presented. Methodological strengths and weaknesses are also highlighted. Findings are summarized in 1) the negative impact of detrimental socioeconomic status on oral health changes over time, 2) the role of unfavorable patterns of dental visiting on oral health, 3) associations between general and oral health, 4) nutritional and dietary effects on oral health, and 5) intergenerational influences on oral health. Dental caries and dental visiting patterns have been recorded in all studies. Sources of fluoride exposure have been documented in most of the more recent studies. Despite some methodological differences in the way that the exposures and outcomes were measured, some findings are consistent. Predictive models have been used with caries risk tools, periodontitis occurrence, and permanent dentition orthodontic treatment need. The next steps of the group's work are as follows: 1) establishing a consortium of oral health birth cohort studies, 2) conducting a scoping review, 3) exploring opportunities for pooled data analyses to answer pressing research questions, and 4) promoting and enabling the development of the next generation of oral health researchers.

Ufmylation is a recently identified small ubiquitin-like modification, whose biological function and relevant cellular targets are poorly understood. Here we present evidence of a neuroprotective role for Ufmylation involving Autophagy-related gene 9 (Atg9) during Drosophila aging. The Ufm1 system ensures the health of aged neurons via Atg9 by coordinating autophagy and mTORC1, and maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) activity. Neuron-specific expression of Atg9 suppresses the age-associated movement defect and lethality caused by loss of Ufmylation. Furthermore, Atg9 is identified as a conserved target of Ufm1 conjugation mediated by Ddrgk1, a critical regulator of Ufmylation. Mammalian Ddrgk1 was shown to be indispensable for the stability of endogenous Atg9A protein in mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells. Taken together, our findings might have important implications for neurodegenerative diseases in mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Parental age can have considerable effects on offspring phenotypes and health. However, intergenerational effects may also have longer term effects on offspring fitness. Few studies have investigated parental age effects on offspring fitness in natural populations while also testing for sex‐ and environment‐specific effects. Further, longitudinal parental age effects may be masked by population‐level processes such as the selective disappearance of poor‐quality individuals. Here, we used multigenerational data collected on individually marked Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis) to investigate the impact of maternal and paternal age on offspring life span and lifetime reproductive success. We found negative effects of maternal age on female offspring life span and lifetime reproductive success, which were driven by within‐mother effects. There was no difference in annual reproductive output of females born to older versus younger mothers, suggesting that the differences in offspring lifetime reproductive success were driven by effects on offspring life span. In contrast, there was no association between paternal age and female offspring life span or either maternal or paternal age and male offspring life span. Lifetime reproductive success, but not annual reproductive success, of male offspring increased with maternal age, but this was driven by between‐mother effects. No paternal age effects were found on female offspring lifetime reproductive success but there was a positive between‐father effect on male offspring lifetime reproductive success. We did not find strong evidence for environment‐dependent parental age effects. Our study provides evidence for parental age effects on the lifetime fitness of offspring and shows that such effects can be sex dependent. These results add to the growing literature indicating the importance of intergenerational effects on long‐term offspring performance and highlight that these effects can be an important driver of variation in longevity and fitness in the wild.

Objective: To explore the anti-aging function and mechanism of pond turtle protein-derived peptides (PTPDP) on Drosophila melanogaster. Methods: PTPDP were obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of turtle meat. Nutrients content, molecular weight distribution and amino acid composition of PTPDP were determined. D. melanogaster were fed with 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8% PTPDP. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), along with the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined to analyze the anti-aging function of PTPDP. The anti-aging mechanism was explored by measuring the expression of antioxidant genes (Sod1, Sod2 and Cat) and lifespan-related genes (mth and Rpn11) in female D. melanogaster fed with 0.8% PTPDP. Results: The enzymatic hydrolysis products of turtle meat were mainly composed of small molecule peptides less than 1000 Da. PTPDP were rich in amino acids with antioxidant activity, such as glycine, glutamic acid and proline. In the survival experiment, the average lifespans of female and male D. melanogaster were significantly prolonged by 18.92% and 9.37% (P

Finding out the hereditary predisposition to seizures in response to specific external stimuli is important for understanding the causes of epileptiform conditions, developing new methods for their prevention and therapies. In the water vole, individuals with convulsive seizures are found both in natural and laboratory conditions. The data of long-lasting maintenance and breeding of water voles in vivarium conditions were analyzed in order to establish a hereditary predisposition to convulsive seizures, and the influence of sex and age on their development. In the vivarium, seizures are provoked by handling and are observed in 2.4 % of voles caught in the natural population with cyclic fluctuations in abundance. Seizures are observed more often in individuals caught in the phases of decline and depression of abundance than in individuals caught in the phases of rise or peak. Convulsive states are probably an element of adaptive behavior formed in the predator-prey system. In natural conditions, individuals predisposed to convulsive seizures may have a selective advantage when under increasing pressure from predators. Convulsive seizures in response to handling were noted in 29.8 % of descendants of captive-bred water voles. The proportion of such individuals increased significantly if one or both parents had convulsive states, which indicates the presence of a hereditary predisposition to seizures. In parent–offspring pairs, a significant correlation was found between the average age of onset of the first seizures in parents and their offspring, r = 0.42, p < 0.01. The minimum age of registration of seizures in the water vole is 39 days, the maximum is 1105 days, and the median is 274 days. Predisposition to seizures is not related to sex. Genes that control the occurrence of seizures have a pleiotropic effect on life span, since individuals with seizures live longer in vivarium conditions than individuals with a normal phenotype. The water vole can serve as a suitable model object for studying the nature of convulsive states and the evolution of longevity.

The gut microbiota is increasingly considered to play a key role in human immunity and health. The aging process alters the microbiota composition, which is associated with inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased tissue function, and increased susceptibility to age-related diseases. It has been demonstrated that plant polysaccharides have beneficial effects on the gut microbiota, particularly in reducing pathogenic bacteria abundance and increasing beneficial bacteria populations. However, there is limited evidence of the effect of plant polysaccharides on age-related gut microbiota dysbiosis and ROS accumulation during the aging process. To explore the effect of Eucommiae polysaccharides (EPs) on age-related gut microbiota dysbiosis and ROS accumulation during the aging process of Drosophila, a series of behavioral and life span assays of Drosophila with the same genetic background in standard medium and a medium supplemented with EPs were performed. Next, the gut microbiota composition and protein composition of Drosophila in standard medium and the medium supplemented with EPs were detected using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis and quantitative proteomic analysis. Here, we show that supplementation of Eucommiae polysaccharides (EPs) during development leads to the life span extension of Drosophila. Furthermore, EPs decreased age-related ROS accumulation and suppressed Gluconobacter, Providencia, and Enterobacteriaceae in aged Drosophila. Increased Gluconobacter, Providencia, and Enterobacteriaceae in the indigenous microbiota might induce age-related gut dysfunction in Drosophila and shortens their life span. Our study demonstrates that EPs can be used as prebiotic agents to prevent aging-associated gut dysbiosis and reactive oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term "quarterlife crisis" is associated with difficulties transitioning to adulthood that are accompanied by feelings of panic, loss, and uncertainty. However, we argue that this experience could vary largely depending on the sociocultural context and requires delving into nuances to understand and appreciate the lived experiences of the young population transitioning in different contexts. The aim of this study is to explore young people's experiences of quarterlife crises triggered from interactions with the social environment, taking into consideration both British and Indian contexts. Our participants are 22-30 years of age from the UK (n=16) and India (n=8) who self-define as having experienced difficulties "finding one's place in the world." Data were generated through photo-elicitation and timeline interviewing and analysed with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. We focus here on one of the themes derived from this project: "perceived standards and unfulfilled expectations," which involves the sub-themes of playing catch up, feeling responsible, and living up to social expectations. We consider our findings in light of Robinson and Smith's (2010) theory of early adult crisis. Our study adds detail and subtlety with respect to ways in which young people experience threats to their self-worth as a central feature of quarterlife crisis within individualist and collectivist cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Parasitoids are the natural enemies of many pests. Using parasitoids is a valuable method for controlling pests. However, to effectively use parasitoids, it is necessary to understand their optimal living conditions. Scutellista caerulea Fonscolombe (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is an important enemy of pestiferous scale, Parasaissetia nigra Nietner (Hemiptera: Coccidae). To identify the optimal conditions for the population growth of S. caerulea, we assessed how temperature, photoperiod, and supplementary nutrition affected its development and reproduction. Our results revealed that the most suitable conditions for the population growth of S. caerulea was at 30 to 33 °C, with 12 to 14 h of daily light, and the provision of sucrose or honey as supplemental diet. These results provide a reference for the indoor rearing of S. caerulea. Scutellista ciruela Fonscolombe has a significant controlling effect on the rubber tree pest, Parasaissetia nigra Nietner. To identify the optimal conditions for the population growth of S. caerulea, we assessed how temperature, photoperiod, and supplementary nutrition affected its development and reproduction. The results demonstrated that the number of eggs laid and parasitism rates of S. caerulea were the highest at 33 °C. The developmental rate of S. caerulea was the fastest and the number of emerged adults the highest. The number of eggs laid and the parasitism rates increased when the light duration increased within a day. Females did not lay any eggs when the whole day was dark. At a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D), the developmental duration was the shortest and the number of emerged adults was the highest. Adult life span was the longest under a 12:12 (L:D) photoperiod. During the adult stage, supplementary nutrition, such as sucrose, fructose, honey, and glucose, increased the life span of S. caerulea. The life span of S. caerulea was longer when provided with a supplementary diet of sucrose or honey, compared to other tested diets. The results suggested that the most suitable conditions for S. caerulea's population growth were the following: 30 to 33 °C, with 12 to 14 h of daylight, and the provision of sucrose or honey as supplemental diet for the adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common factor that contributes to aging is the loss of proteostasis, resulting in an excess amount of nonfunctional/damaged proteins. These proteins lead to various age-associated phenotypes such as cellular senescence and dysfunction in the nutrient-sensing pathways. Despite the various factors that can contribute to aging, it is still a process that can be changed. According to recent advances in the field of biology, the ability to alter the pathways that are involved in aging can improve the lifespan of a person. Autophagy is a process that helps in preserving survival during stressful situations, such as starvation. It is a common component of various anti-aging interventions, including those that target the insulin/IGF-1 and rapamycin signaling pathways. It has been shown that altered autophagy is a common feature of old age and its impaired regulation could have significant effects on the aging process. This review aims to look into the role of autophagy in aging and how it can be used to improve one's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Racial/ethnic and sex/gender disparities in sleep duration have been documented in adolescence and adulthood. Identifying racial/ethnic and sex/gender differences in sleep duration trajectories from adolescence to adulthood can inform interventions on the developmental periods individuals are most at risk for short sleep duration. We examined racial/ethnic and sex/gender differences in self-reported sleep duration trajectories from adolescence to adulthood using data from waves I, III, IV, and V of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (1994–2018; n  = 12,593). Multigroup growth mixture modeling was used to enumerate sleep duration trajectories from adolescence to adulthood. There were 3 common trajectory types across race/ethnicity and sex/gender groups: 1) consistent increasing short sleepers (i.e. increasing probability of short sleep into adulthood) (67.3%); 2) late-onset short sleepers (i.e. no probability of short sleep duration in adolescence until adulthood) (20.2%); and 3) early-onset short sleepers (i.e. declining probability of short sleep duration from adolescence into adulthood) (12.5%). The prevalence of the consistent-increasing trajectory was highest among Black male respondents, while late onset was highest among White female respondents and early onset greatest among Latinx male respondents. Findings underscore the need to intervene in early adolescence to prevent short sleep duration in adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In eusocial termites, successful pairing is an essential element of dispersal and distribution after the departure of alates from natal colonies. Two situations could arise during the pairing process: mixed-sex pairs and same-sex pairs. However, most previous studies focused on mixed-sex pairs, overlooking groups formed by same-sex pairings, especially potential fecundity (the total number of oocytes or ovarioles), oogenesis and the development stage of oocytes of females in female–female pairs, and spermatogenesis and testis development of males in male–male pairs. In this study, through experimentation, we investigated the reproductive ability of virgin dealates based on various pairing types as mentioned above. We found that the life spans of virgin dealates can cover 1 yr or even more when they establish a nest with a partner, which is more than 10-fold longer than the life span of individuals establishing a colony alone. After 1 yr of pairing, the potential fecundity of virgin same sex dealates did not degenerate significantly compared with newly emerged dealates, including the number of ovarioles, size of testis, oogenesis, and the development stage of the oocytes. Moreover, when individuals of same-sex pairings experimentally changed into mixed-sex pairs after 1 yr, the eggs produced in the colony hatched into larvae. These findings suggest that dealates which through same-sex pairs retain fecundity after 1 yr have more reproductive potential than dealates that failed to pair with heterosexuals, shedding light on the ecological significance of homosexual behaviors in terms of the successful extension and fecundity of eusocial termites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical demography is generally concerned with the changing economic, social and normative contexts of human behaviour and health outcomes. To most historical demographers, the "genetic" component of behaviour and health is either unknown or assumed to be constant. However, several studies point at the shift over time in the relative importance of environment and genes: in periods and social groups with strong normative or economic constraints on behaviour, the "genetic potential" is often not realized. Therefore, to some extent, the waning of environmental constraints on heritability plays a role in changes in demographic outcomes over time. Determining the relative importance of heritability versus shared environment in historical populations for which only genealogies are available poses a challenge. Kin may live in different periods, and in different cultural and social settings. This explorative paper analyses the association between heights of conscripted relatives, as well as their life span. I estimate how the associations are affected by respectively genetic relatedness, shared historical period and shared social and geographical environment. Furthermore, I make a distinction between kin related via the mother versus kin related via the father. All kinds of kin are involved in the analysis: (half, full and twin) brothers, fathers, grandfathers, uncles and cousins. The data consist of about 3,000 men culled from Texel island genealogies, which also include descendants of families who had left the island. Life span has a weak, but still discernible, genetic element. The heritability of height is much stronger, especially at age 19/20. The correlations of mother's kin with her son's heights are stronger than those of her husband's kin. The analysis does not yield a consistent effect of a protective environment on kin correlations in either height or life span. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase of longevity is intended to reduce involuntary culling rates, not extend the life span, and it reflects the ability of animals to successfully cope with the environment and disease during production. Sire model, animal model and repeatability animal models were used to estimate the (co) variance components of longevity and fertility traits. Six longevity and thirteen fertility traits were analysed, including herd life (HL), productive life (PL), number of days between first calving and the end of first lactation or culling (L1); number of days between first calving and the end of the second lactation or culling (L2); number of days between first calving and the end of the third lactation or culling (L3); number of days between first calving and the end of the fourth lactation or culling (L4); age at first service, age at first calving (AFC), the interval from first to last inseminations in heifer (IFLh), conception rate of first insemination in heifer, days open (DO), calving interval, gestation length, interval from calving to first insemination (ICF), interval from first to last inseminations in cow (IFLc), conception rate of first insemination in cow, calving ease (CE), birth weight, and calf survival. The estimated heritabilities (±SE) were 0.018 (±0.003), 0.015 (±0.003), 0.049 (±0.004), 0.025 (±0.003), 0.009 (±0.002) and 0.011 (±0.002) for HL, PL, L1, L2, L3 and L4, respectively. Strong correlations were appeared in HL and PL; the genetic and phenotypic correlation coefficients were 0.998 and 0.985, respectively. There were high genetic and phenotypic correlations which were observed in L1 and L2, L2 and L3, L3 and L4, respectively. All fertility traits of heifer showed medium to high heritability, while the cow showed low heritability. All heifer fertility traits had low genetic associations with longevity traits, ranging from −0.018 (L2 and IFLh) to 0.257 (L3 and AFC). Most of the fertility traits showed negative correlations with longevity traits in different parities, and we recommend DO, ICF, IFLc and CE as indirect indicators of longevity traits in dairy cows, but we also need to take into account the differences between parities.

BackgroundMahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) is a commercially and ecologically important fish species that is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical waters. Biological attributes and reproductive capacities of mahi-mahi make it a tractable model for experimental studies. In this study, life development of cultured mahi-mahi from the zygote stage to adult has been described.ResultsA comprehensive developmental table has been created reporting development as primarily detailed observations of morphology. Additionally, physiological, behavioral, and molecular landmarks have been described to significantly contribute in the understanding of mahi life development.ConclusionRemarkably, despite the vast difference in adult size, many developmental landmarks of mahi map quite closely onto the development and growth of Zebrafish and other warm-water, active Teleost fishes.

Introduction. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary disease with genetic heterogeneity and clinical polymorphism. Expanding the range of knowledge about the characteristics of the course of the disease in different regions is important to achieve the goal of improving the quality and life expectancy.Purpose. Comparative analysis of the features of the course of CF in the subjects of the Southern Federal District, Stavropol Territory.Methods. Data from the National Register of Patients of the RF MV 2016 were used. Results: there are clinical and genetic features between the regions of the Southern Federal District and the Stavropol Territory of the North Caucasus Federal District and in general with the Russian Federation. Analysis of the data showed differences in indicators: the proportion of patients aged ≥ 18 is the lowest in the Republic of Crimea (14.9%), in the Rostov region the lowest average age of patients (9.0 ± 6.3), and the lowest age of diagnosis 2.2 ± 3.1 years. Late terms of diagnosis were revealed in the Stavropol Territory (4.0 ± 8.0 years), but here there is one of the highest average age of CF patients (14.1 ± 11.5), the proportion of adult patients (23.3%) and the lowest allelic frequency of F508del, which is determined by the high number of patients with a “soft” genotype. There is a high proportion of patients with an undetermined genotype. A low proportion of two identified genetic variants of the CFTR gene is registered in patients of the Republic of Crimea. A low frequency of Burkholderia cepacia complex and Achromobacter spp was revealed, and a high infection with non-tuberculous mycobacteria was revealed in the Rostov region. FEV1 in children and adults was lower in Rostov Region and Stavropol Territory. In all regions, there is a discrepancy between the seeding of flora and azithromycin therapy and the severity of the genotype with the use of pancreatic enzymes.Conclusions. Analysis of the data of the registry, which allows substantiating the need to study the regional characteristics of the course of CF in order to differentiate the planning of measures to improve the quality of medical care for patients with CF.

Regular HIV testing is an essential component of the HIV prevention and care cascade. Sexual minority males (SMM) account for most new HIV infections in the US and testing rates among SMM vary substantially across the lifespan. Research has largely overlooked the developmental context of HIV testing. The current study compared correlates of HIV testing among adolescents (aged 13–17; n = 1,641), emerging adults (aged 18–29; n = 50,483), early adults (aged 30–39; n = 25,830), middle adults (aged 40–64; n = 25,326), and late adults (65 and older; n = 1,452) who were recruited online. Overall, HIV testing rates were lowest among adolescent SMM. Having condomless anal sex in the past 3-months was a consistentpredictor of HIV testing across all age cohorts.The association between relationship status and frequency of HIV testing varied across ages. Being in a non-monogamous relationship (versus single) was associated with more frequent HIV testing among adolescent and emerging adult SMM , while being in a monogamous relationship (versus single) was associated with lower odds of HIV testing among early, middle, and late adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental age can have considerable effects on offspring phenotypes and health. However, intergenerational effects may also have longer term effects on offspring fitness. Few studies have investigated parental age effects on offspring fitness in natural populations while also testing for sex‐ and environment‐specific effects. Further, longitudinal parental age effects may be masked by population‐level processes such as the selective disappearance of poor‐quality individuals. Here, we used multigenerational data collected on individually marked Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis) to investigate the impact of maternal and paternal age on offspring life span and lifetime reproductive success. We found negative effects of maternal age on female offspring life span and lifetime reproductive success, which were driven by within‐mother effects. There was no difference in annual reproductive output of females born to older versus younger mothers, suggesting that the differences in offspring lifetime reproductive success were driven by effects on offspring life span. In contrast, there was no association between paternal age and female offspring life span or either maternal or paternal age and male offspring life span. Lifetime reproductive success, but not annual reproductive success, of male offspring increased with maternal age, but this was driven by between‐mother effects. No paternal age effects were found on female offspring lifetime reproductive success but there was a positive between‐father effect on male offspring lifetime reproductive success. We did not find strong evidence for environment‐dependent parental age effects. Our study provides evidence for parental age effects on the lifetime fitness of offspring and shows that such effects can be sex dependent. These results add to the growing literature indicating the importance of intergenerational effects on long‐term offspring performance and highlight that these effects can be an important driver of variation in longevity and fitness in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A massive demand for rubber-based goods, particularly gloves, was sparked by the emergence of the COVID-19 epidemic worldwide. This resulted in thousands of tons of gloves being scrapped due to the constant demand for the items, endangering our environment in a grave way. In this work, we aimed to focus on the utilization of waste nitrile gloves (r-NBR) as a component blended with natural rubber (NR). The life span and other related properties of the blend can be improved by proper control of the chemical recipe. This study assessed three types of crosslinking systems, namely sulfur (S), peroxide (DCP), and mixed sulfur/peroxide (S/DCP) systems. The results indicate that choosing S/DCP strongly affected the tensile strength of the blend, especially at relatively high contents of r-NBR, improving the strength by 40–60% for cases with 25–35 phr of r-NBR. The improvement depended on the crosslink types induced in the blends. It is interesting to highlight that the thermal resistance of the blends was significantly improved by using the S/DCP system. This indicates that the life span of this blend can be prolonged by using a proper curing system. Overall, the S/DCP showed the best results, superior to those with S and DCP crosslinking systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhyzopertha dominica is one of the most important stored grain pests that seriously damage rice and wheat. At present, the method of controlling stored grain pests mainly relies on insecticide fumigation. However, the excessive use of pesticides not only leaves pesticide residues, with harmful effects on human health and the environment, but also induces insect resistance. Ozone is a strong oxidant with the characteristics of easy decomposition and without residue. Although ozone has been widely used in the food industry in recent years, research on the control of stored grain pests is limited. In this research, we used ozone treatment to control R. dominica adults and explore the molecular mechanisms that affect them. Here, we found that ozone treatment on R. dominica adults could decrease life span and increase malondialdehyde (MDA) content, as well as reduce activity of total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Using RNA-seq technology, we identified 641 genes that were differentially expressed between ozone-treated and control R. dominica adults [fold-change of ≥ 2 (q-value < 5%)]. When comparing ozone treatment with control R. dominica adults, 330 genes were significantly upregulated and 311 were downregulated. RT-qPCR confirmed that 11 genes were differentially expressed in ozone-treated and control R. dominica adults. These genes were involved in insect cuticle protein and antioxidant system. This research showed that ozone treatment could reduce the lifespan of R. dominica through antioxidant system. It is an environmentally benign method for the control of stored grain pests and has great development potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]