Metabolism and cryo-sensitivity of domestic cat (Felis catus) and cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) spermatozoa

Teratospermia (ejaculation of ≥ 60% structurally abnormal spermatozoa) is prevalent among felids facing extinction risk, including the cheetah. This trait also occurs in certain domestic cat populations, providing a valuable research model. Multiple components of sperm function are disrupted in teratospermic cats, and even structurally normal spermatozoa from these ejaculates may be functionally compromised. Teratospermic ejaculates are highly sensitive to damage during cryopreservation, limiting the success of genome resource banking programs for species conservation. Although both teratospermia and cryopreservation are linked to disruptions in multiple energy-dependent sperm processes, the metabolism of these cells has not been investigated. This project explored how cellular metabolism of domestic cat and cheetah spermatozoa is influenced by species physiology, teratospermia, and sperm cryopreservation. The project scope was divided into four studies that collectively examined the two main energy-producing pathways in spermatozoa, i.e., glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Each study compared three animal populations: normospermic cat, teratospermic cat, and cheetah. First, rates of glycolytic and oxidative substrate utilization were correlated to standard metrics of sperm function. Second, the influence of exogenous substrate availability and glycolytic enzyme activity was investigated. Third, mitochondrial activity and the role of oxidative metabolism were assessed. Lastly, sperm metabolic function was examined after cryopreservation and postthaw processing.enzyme activity was essential for sperm function, but, unexpectedly, the importance of this pathway appeared to be linked to glycerol rather than glucose metabolism. Sperm oxidative metabolism was severely compromised in the cheetah, and comparison with the teratospermic cat proved this defect to be species-specific. Spermatozoa from both species experienced metabolic damage during cryopreservation. Post-thaw processing recovered a metabolicallynormal sperm subpopulation in the cat, but cheetah spermatozoa remained functionally compromised. Collectively, these studies provided key insight into metabolism and cryosensitivity of felid spermatozoa and highlighted the importance of domestic animal models for wildlife research. Patterns of substrate utilization were similar in spermatozoa of the cat and cheetah, including an unexpected lack of glucose uptake. However, rates of sperm pyruvate uptake and lactate production were reduced in the teratospermic cat and cheetah compared to the normospermic cat. Lactate production predicted ejaculate quality in each study. Glycolyti

Metabolism and cryo-sensitivity of domestic cat (Felis catus) and cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) spermatozoa

Teratospermia (ejaculation of ≥ 60% structurally abnormal spermatozoa) is prevalent among felids facing extinction risk, including the cheetah. This trait also occurs in certain domestic cat populations, providing a valuable research model. Multiple components of sperm function are disrupted in teratospermic cats, and even structurally normal spermatozoa from these ejaculates may be functionally compromised. Teratospermic ejaculates are highly sensitive to damage during cryopreservation, limiting the success of genome resource banking programs for species conservation. Although both teratospermia and cryopreservation are linked to disruptions in multiple energy-dependent sperm processes, the metabolism of these cells has not been investigated. This project explored how cellular metabolism of domestic cat and cheetah spermatozoa is influenced by species physiology, teratospermia, and sperm cryopreservation. The project scope was divided into four studies that collectively examined the two main energy-producing pathways in spermatozoa, i.e., glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Each study compared three animal populations: normospermic cat, teratospermic cat, and cheetah. First, rates of glycolytic and oxidative substrate utilization were correlated to standard metrics of sperm function. Second, the influence of exogenous substrate availability and glycolytic enzyme activity was investigated. Third, mitochondrial activity and the role of oxidative metabolism were assessed. Lastly, sperm metabolic function was examined after cryopreservation and postthaw processing.enzyme activity was essential for sperm function, but, unexpectedly, the importance of this pathway appeared to be linked to glycerol rather than glucose metabolism. Sperm oxidative metabolism was severely compromised in the cheetah, and comparison with the teratospermic cat proved this defect to be species-specific. Spermatozoa from both species experienced metabolic damage during cryopreservation. Post-thaw processing recovered a metabolicallynormal sperm subpopulation in the cat, but cheetah spermatozoa remained functionally compromised. Collectively, these studies provided key insight into metabolism and cryosensitivity of felid spermatozoa and highlighted the importance of domestic animal models for wildlife research. Patterns of substrate utilization were similar in spermatozoa of the cat and cheetah, including an unexpected lack of glucose uptake. However, rates of sperm pyruvate uptake and lactate production were reduced in the teratospermic cat and cheetah compared to the normospermic cat. Lactate production predicted ejaculate quality in each study. Glycolyti

Racial Disparities in Air Pollution Burden and COVID-19 Deaths in Louisiana, USA, in the Context of Long-Term Changes in Fine Particulate Pollution

Black Americans in Louisiana are disproportionately dying from COVID-19, and environmental disparities may be contributing to this injustice. While Black communities in Louisiana\u27s industrialized regions (e.g., Cancer Alley, Calcasieu Parish) have been overburdened with pollution for decades, this disparity has not been evaluated by using recent data. Here, we explore statewide relationships among air pollution burden, race, COVID-19 death rates, and other health/socioeconomic factors. Measures of pollution burden included satellite-derived particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations and health risks from toxic air pollution (i.e., respiratory hazard [RH] and immunological hazard [IH], estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency). In addition, we evaluate changes in emissions and ambient concentrations of fine PM(2.5)in Louisiana over the past few decades. Our overall goal was to better understand Louisiana\u27s burden of air pollution in the context of COVID-19. By all measures, a higher burden of air pollution was associated with larger percentages of Black residents and increased unemployment across Louisiana census tracts. Across parishes, higher COVID-19 death rates were associated with increased RH and IH and larger percentages of Black residents. These associations were not driven by diabetes, obesity, smoking, age, or poverty. Industrial sources comprised more of Louisiana\u27s PM(2.5)in 2017 versus 1990, as vehicle contributions declined 75% whereas industrial emissions remained about the same overall (despite variation in the interim). Ambient concentrations of PM(2.5)decreased statewide from 2000 to 2015, but subsequently increased in south Louisiana, concurrent with an upward trend in industrial emissions. Our findings highlight the critical need to address Louisiana\u27s pollution disparities and to recognize air pollution exposure as a risk factor for COVID-19

General Chemistry Students’ Cognitive Engagement During Intermolecular Interactions Activity Involving Sodium Ions, Chloride Ions and Water

In chemistry, three-dimensional models are used to help students understand advanced topics. Understanding what causes an increase in cognitive load is critical because a greater cognitive load is often related to three-dimensional models. To understand cognitive load in relation to models, students were given both a virtual simulation to complete and three-dimensional models to use. Question four of the activity was further analyzed and broken down into smaller sections based on the molecules involved. With the three-dimensional modeling kits, the students were given water molecules, sodium ions, and chloride ions. The students were asked to figure out if certain molecules interacted with each other and what interactions took place between them. The students then used this kit to model various interactions that occurred in question four of the exercise. They subsequently completed a chart on a worksheet related to this task. EEG data was taken directly from the scalp by a 16-channel Electrocap. Results will include Pope Engagement Index data and a comparison of what parts of the brain were active when completing each section of question four

General chemistry students’ cognitive engagement and what they attend to during a three-dimensional modeling activity focused on chemical and physical properties of coordination complexes

In chemistry, three-dimensional models are being used to help students comprehend advanced topics within the subject. Because a greater cognitive load is often related to three-dimensional models, learning what raises the cognitive load and determining the best way to measure it is critical. From there, steps can be taken to help lower the cognitive load and make the material easier for students to comprehend. To understand cognitive load concerning models, students were presented with physical three-dimensional models of various coordination complexes and asked to determine bond angles, the metal present in the complex, polarity, and to draw possible isomers and the most favorable interactions that would occur if a counter ion was present. Students simultaneously completed a worksheet related to the physical tasks. Tobii Glasses 2 were used to track eye fixations and visits while students completed the exercise, and an electroencephalogram (EEG) cap was used to determine what parts of the brain were most active to measure cognitive load. Results discussed will include the relationship between average engagement index and fixation duration/visit count and how it relates to cognitive load, as well as a comparison of how fixation duration/visit count varied between two years of students when the activity instructions were changed from year to year

Measuring success in life via components of social and emotional intelligence and quality of life

Children must be motivated enough to understand that a high quality of life is obtainable. The purpose of this study was to examine if success, as indicated by life satisfaction or a high quality of life, can be attained by way of emotional intelligence. The problem is whether emotional and/or social intelligence is a true survival technique towards a perceived level of happiness. This research study consisted of 96 college freshmen. Their consent for participation in the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue-SF) was the survey used as an attempt to measure comparatively independent common personality variables and to measure the global trait emotional intelligence. The survey consisted of a 30 item questionnaire whose results were capable of evaluating the participants` feelings about himself or herself. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was used to measure life`s satisfaction. This subjective survey measures at least three components of well being: positive affective appraisal, negative affective appraisal, and life satisfaction. Life satisfaction can be assessed specific to a particular domain of life (e.g., work, family) or globally. The SWLS consists of 5 items that are completed by the individual whose life satisfaction is being measured

Racial Disparities in Air Pollution Burden and COVID-19 Deaths in Louisiana, USA, in the Context of Long-Term Changes in Fine Particulate Pollution

Black Americans in Louisiana are disproportionately dying from COVID-19, and environmental disparities may be contributing to this injustice. While Black communities in Louisiana\u27s industrialized regions (e.g., Cancer Alley, Calcasieu Parish) have been overburdened with pollution for decades, this disparity has not been evaluated by using recent data. Here, we explore statewide relationships among air pollution burden, race, COVID-19 death rates, and other health/socioeconomic factors. Measures of pollution burden included satellite-derived particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations and health risks from toxic air pollution (i.e., respiratory hazard [RH] and immunological hazard [IH], estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency). In addition, we evaluate changes in emissions and ambient concentrations of fine PM2.5 in Louisiana over the past few decades. Our overall goal was to better understand Louisiana\u27s burden of air pollution in the context of COVID-19. By all measures, a higher burden of air pollution was associated with larger percentages of Black residents and increased unemployment across Louisiana census tracts. Across parishes, higher COVID-19 death rates were associated with increased RH and IH and larger percentages of Black residents. These associations were not driven by diabetes, obesity, smoking, age, or poverty. Industrial sources comprised more of Louisiana\u27s PM2.5 in 2017 versus 1990, as vehicle contributions declined 75% whereas industrial emissions remained about the same overall (despite variation in the interim). Ambient concentrations of PM2.5 decreased statewide from 2000 to 2015, but subsequently increased in south Louisiana, concurrent with an upward trend in industrial emissions. Our findings highlight the critical need to address Louisiana\u27s pollution disparities and to recognize air pollution exposure as a risk factor for COVID-19

Toxic air pollution and concentrated social deprivation are associated with low birthweight and preterm Birth in Louisiana

Previous studies indicate that pollution exposure can increase risks of adverse birth outcomes, but Black communities are underrepresented in this research, and the potential moderating role of neighborhood context has not been explored. These issues are especially relevant in Louisiana, which has a high proportion of Black residents, an entrenched history of structural racism, the most pounds of toxic industrial emissions annually, and among the nation’s highest rates of low birthweight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), and infant mortality. We investigated whether air pollution and social polarization by race and income (measured via the index of concentration at the extremes [ICE]) were associated with LBW and PTB among Louisiana census tracts ( n = 1101) using spatial lag models. Data sources included 2011–2020 birth records, U.S. Census Bureau 2017 demographic data, and 2017 respiratory hazard (RH) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Both RH and ICE were associated with LBW ( z = 4.4, P < 0.0001; z = −27.0, P < 0.0001) and PTB ( z = 2.3, P = 0.019; z = −16.7, P < 0.0001), with no interaction. Severely polluted tracts had 25% higher and 36% higher risks of LBW and PTB, respectively, versus unpolluted tracts. On average, 2166 low birthweight and 3583 preterm births annually were attributable to pollution exposure. Tracts with concentrated social deprivation (i.e. low ICE scores) had 53% higher and 34% higher risks of LBW and PTB, respectively, versus intermediate or mixed tracts. On average, 1171 low birthweight and 1739 preterm births annually were attributable to concentrated deprivation. Our ecological study found that a majority of adverse birth outcomes in Louisiana (i.e. 67% of LBW and PTB combined) are linked to air pollution exposure or disadvantage resulting from social polarization. These findings can inform research, policy, and advocacy to improve health equity in marginalized communities

Pre- and postnatal effects of experimentally manipulated maternal corticosterone on growth, stress reactivity and survival of nestling house wrens

Corticosterone plays a central role in maintaining homeostasis, promoting energy acquisition, and regulating the stress response in birds. Exposure to elevated levels of corticosterone during development can profoundly alter offspring behaviour and physiology, but the effects of elevated maternal corticosterone on offspring development remain poorly understood. We tested two competing hypotheses concerning the effect of maternally derived corticosterone on growth and development of free-living house wrens: (i) elevated maternal corticosterone causes damaging effects on nestling phenotype and fitness (collateral damage hypothesis) and (ii) increased maternal corticosterone enhances offspring fitness by preparing nestlings for the environment experienced by their mother (environmental/maternal-matching hypothesis). We used a non-invasive means to increase maternal corticosterone by providing females with corticosterone-injected mealworms prior to and during egg production in the absence of any overt pre-natal maternal stress. To disentangle pre- and post-natal effects of this elevation in maternal corticosterone, we cross-fostered young in two experiments: (i) nestlings of control and experimental females were reared by unmanipulated, natural females in a uniform maternal environment; (ii) a split-brood design that enabled us to assess the interaction between the mother’s corticosterone treatment and that of the nestlings. There were significant pre-natal effects of increased maternal corticosterone on nestling growth and survival. Offspring of females experiencing experimentally increased corticosterone were heavier and larger than offspring of control females. There also was a significant interaction between maternal corticosterone treatment and the corticosterone treatment to which young were exposed within the egg in their effect on nestling survival while in the nest; experimental young exhibited greater survival than control young, but only when reared by control mothers. There was also a significant effect of maternal corticosterone treatment on nestling stress reactivity and, in both experiments, on the eventual recruitment of offspring as breeding adults in the local population. These patterns are broadly consistent with the environmental/maternal-matching hypothesis, and highlight the importance of disentangling pre- and post-natal effects of manipulations of maternal hormone levels on offspring phenotype. A plain language summary is available for this article