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Students face several challenges when transitioning to a new school level. This necessitates an exploration of the personal features supporting their adjustment, which may provide valuable insights for intervention programs and counseling services at institutions. We employed a sample of 9th- to 10th-grade high school students (N = 255) and 1st- to 2nd-year university students (N = 320) and adopted a longitudinal design to examine the relation between their social problem-solving, life satisfaction and school well-being and how they change in a new institutional environment during the first year. The participants answered the Hungarian version of the Social Problem-Solving Inventory--Revised, the Negative Problem Orientation Questionnaire, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the School Well-being Questionnaire. The results revealed a similar pattern in social problem-solving and negative problem orientation among high school and university students. Positive problem orientation decreased while negative problem orientation and avoidance increased. Negative orientation toward social problems significantly affected life satisfaction and well-being in school. This study then discussed the implications of these findings for interventions supporting students' social problem-solving and well-being.

This study examined the effects of conservation management strategies, including traditional grazing, on marsh vegetation invaded by false indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa L.) Fine‐scale methods were employed to analyze vegetation in stands subjected to combined treatments (mowing and grazing) as well as in untreated invaded stands. Vegetation composition and diversity were evaluated using four key metrics: compositional diversity (CD), local distinctiveness (LD), association (AS), and realized species combinations (NRC). Results revealed that the combined treatment led to significantly increased CD (5.366 ± 0.394) and LD (6.41 ± 0.668), despite the presence of the invasive species. Conversely, untreated invaded vegetation exhibited lower CD (3.756 ± 0.755) and LD (4.079 ± 0.93). Additionally, AS and NRC values were higher in treated stands, although the differences were not statistically significant. Notably, the characteristic areas of all functions did not differ significantly between treated and untreated stands. These findings suggest that combining management strategies, such as mowing and traditional grazing, effectively limits A. fruticosa invasion and supports marsh ecosystem diversity by promoting the coexistence of native species. Continuous management, particularly grazing, is crucial, as cessation of these practices may lead to rapid reinvasion by the invasive species and a subsequent loss of native biodiversity. Overall, this study highlights the importance of proactive management strategies in combating invasive species and conserving marshland biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report a rapid and accurate optical method for detecting cells from liquid samples in a label-free manner. The working principle of the method is based on the interference of parts of a conical laser beam, coming from a single-mode optical fiber directly, and reflected from a flat glass surface. The glass is functionalized by antibodies against the cells to be detected from the liquid sample. Cells bound to that surface modify the reflected beam, and hence, change the resulting interference pattern, too. By registering and interpreting the variation in the image, the presence of cells from the sample can be detected. As for a demonstration, cell suspensions from a U937 cell line were used in glass chambers functionalized by antibodies (TMG6-5 (mIgG1)) to which the cells specifically bind. The limit of detection (LOD) of the method was also estimated. This proof-of-concept setup offers a cost-effective and easy-to-use way of rapid and specific detection of any type of cells (including pathogens) from suspensions (e.g., body fluids). The possible portability of the device predicts its applicability as a rapid test in clinical diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The autophagosomal SNARE STX17 (syntaxin 17) promotes lysosomal fusion and degradation, but its autophagosomal recruitment is incompletely understood. Notably, PtdIns4P is generated on autophagosomes and promotes fusion through an unknown mechanism. Here we show that soluble recombinant STX17 is spontaneously recruited to negatively charged liposomes and adding PtdIns4P to liposomes containing neutral lipids is sufficient for its recruitment. Consistently, STX17 colocalizes with PtdIns4P-positive autophagosomes in cells, and specific inhibition of PtdIns4P synthesis on autophagosomes prevents its loading. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that C-terminal positively charged amino acids establish contact with membrane bilayers containing negatively charged PtdIns4P. Accordingly, Ala substitution of Lys and Arg residues in the C terminus of STX17 abolishes membrane binding and impairs its autophagosomal recruitment. Finally, only wild type but not Ala substituted STX17 expression rescues the autophagosome-lysosome fusion defect of STX17 loss-of-function cells. We thus identify a key step of autophagosome maturation that promotes lysosomal fusion. Abbreviations: Cardiolipin: 1',3'-bis[1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho]-glycerol; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; GST: glutathione S-transferase; GUV: giant unilamellar vesicles; LAMP1: lysosomal associated membrane protein 1; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; PA: 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate; PC/POPC: 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine; PG: 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol); PI: L-α-phosphatidylinositol; PI4K2A: phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase type 2 alpha; PIK3C3/VPS34: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3; POPE/PE: 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine; PS: 1-stearoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine; PtdIns(3,5)P2: 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1"-myo-inositol-3',5'-bisphosphate); PtdIns3P: 1,2- dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-myo-inositol-3'-phosphate); PtdIns4P: 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1"-myo-inositol-4'-phosphate); SDS-PAGE: sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; STX17: syntaxin 17. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: From the viewpoint of production, reproduction is very important in the life of a dairy farm cattle since there is no production without reproduction. This manuscript describes whether the presence of a cavity in the corpus luteum 31–42 days after breeding may have an influence on pregnancy outcomes in dairy cattle. Several observations have been made speculating about whether cavitary corpora lutea limit pregnancy success, but only a few quantitative assessments and no large-scale evaluations have been made to prove the risk of a possible reduced pregnancy rate. After evaluating a large number of cases/observations, our study concludes that cavitary corpora lutea is considered an 'enemy' for open cows. Cavitary corpora lutea are commonly observed during the estrous cycle in bovines. Since the quality of the corpus luteum (CL) is extremely important during embryo transfer when embryos are implanted into the recipient, the ultrasonographic examination of the CL is becoming more and more important in terms of the outcome of the procedure. In the present study, a total of 2477 ultrasonographic transrectal diagnoses were performed, and data were collected between the years of 2018 and 2020 in a large-scale Holstein Friesian dairy farm in Hungary. In 91.1% (n = 2257) and in 8.9% (n = 220) of the cases, compact CLs and cavitary CLs, respectively, were diagnosed at pregnancy diagnosis. The presence of a cavitary CL on the ovary at pregnancy diagnosis increased the odds of remaining open after pregnancy by 21 times compared to the presence of a compact CL (OR = 21.0, p < 0.001) in the cows. The presence of cavitary CL was not influenced either by month or season. Ovarian cysts were detected in 196 cases (8.0%) in the examined animals. The presence of a cavitary CL decreased by 9 times when an ovarian cyst was also diagnosed (OR = 9.0, 1.6% vs. 9.5%, p < 0.001). The presence of an ovarian cyst decreased the odds of established pregnancy by 81 times (OR = 81.1, p < 0.001). Based on our results, the presence of a cavitary CL between days 31 and 42 after artificial insemination is associated with a smaller chance of conception in Holstein Friesian cows. The presence of an ovarian cyst decreases the occurrence of cavitary CL and the chance of conception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key question in plant invasion biology is why invasive plants are more competitive in their introduced habitat than in their native habitat. Studies show that invasive species exhibit allelopathy, influencing other plants by releasing chemicals. Research on allelopathy uses in vitro tests, investigating effects on seed germination and seedling development. Although soil plays a role in modifying allelopathic effects, observations with soil are rare and almost nothing is known about the root development of test plants developing in soil and the effects of allelopathic compounds on root architecture. Our study evaluates the allelopathic effects of false indigo-bush (Amorpha fruticosa L.) and common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.) on oilseed rape growth as a model plant. The rhizotron system was used to study the effect of morphology and root architecture. Leaf–soil mixtures at 0.5%, 1%, and 5% concentrations were used. Shoot and root development was strongly inhibited at 5%. But there was no difference between the allelopathy of the two species, and the application of lower concentrations did not show any effect, demonstrating that soil has a significant modifying effect on their allelopathy. Our results highlight that the development of roots growing in the soil is also worth investigating in connection with allelopathy, which can strengthen the ecological importance of allelochemicals during successful invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global spread of invasive plant species threatens biodiversity significantly, with a particularly high presence of invasives in the Asteraceae family. This is partly due to their wide use as ornamental plants and their rapid reproduction and allelopathy. The Indian blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella) is a native North American species widely used as an ornamental plant and has become invasive in other countries. Although it contains bioactive compounds, its allelopathic impact on other plants has been largely unexplored. We conducted in vitro tests on oilseed rape (Brassica napus) germination and early growth to assess blanket flower's allelopathy. Seeds were exposed to aqueous extracts at three different concentrations (10%, 20%, and 40%). The 40% extract significantly inhibited germination during the treatment. All three concentrations inhibited root growth, with the 40% treatment showing this effect from the second day. In contrast, the extracts promoted significantly shoot elongation. Fresh weight of seedlings was not affected by the extract, but the 10% treatment resulted in higher mass. These findings provide evidence of blanket flower's allelopathic effects, shedding light on its invasive potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by a negative perception of others. Previous studies have revealed deficits and biases in facial emotion recognition. This study investigates the behavioural and electrophysiological correlates underlying facial emotion processing in individuals with BPD. Methods: The present study was conducted between July 2012 and May 2014. In an emotion classification task, unmedicated female patients with BPD as well as healthy women had to classify faces displaying blends of anger and happiness while the electroencephalogram was recorded. We analyzed visual event-related potentials (ERPs) reflecting early (P100), structural (N170) and categorical (P300) facial processing in addition to behavioural responses. Results: We included 36 women with BPD and 29 controls in our analysis. Patients with BPD were more likely than controls to classify predominantly happy faces as angry. Independent of facial emotion, women with BPD showed enhanced early occipital P100 amplitudes. Additionally, temporo-occipital N170 amplitudes were reduced at right hemispherical electrode sites. Centroparietal P300 amplitudes were reduced particularly for predominantly happy faces and increased for highly angry faces in women with BPD, whereas in healthy volunteers this component was modulated by both angry and happy facial affect. Limitations: Our sample included only women, and no clinical control group was investigated. Conclusion: Our findings suggest reduced thresholds for facial anger and deficits in the discrimination of facial happiness in individuals with BPD. This biased perception is associated with alterations in very early visual as well as deficient structural and categorical processing of faces. The current data could help to explain the negative perception of others that may be related to the patients' impairments in interpersonal functioning., Introduction Patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have a biased and more negative perception of others. According to the DSM-5 model, (1) this may impair their empathy and thus contribute [...]