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Differential gene expression and gut microbiota composition in low-altitude and high-altitude goats.Genomics Jun 2024Previous studies have presented evidence suggesting that altitude exerts detrimental effects on reproductive processes, yet the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Our...
Previous studies have presented evidence suggesting that altitude exerts detrimental effects on reproductive processes, yet the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Our study employed two distinct goat breeds inhabiting low and high altitudes, and conducted a comparative analysis of mRNA profiles in testis tissues and the composition of gut microbiota. The results revealed a reduced testis size in high-altitude goats. RNA-seq analysis identified the presence of 214 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the testis. These DEGs resulted in a weakened immunosuppressive effect, ultimately impairing spermatogenesis in high-altitude goats. Additionally, 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing recognized statistically significant variations in the abundance of the genera Treponema, unidentified_Oscillospiraceae, Desulfovibrio, Butyricicoccus, Dorea, Parabacteroides between the two groups. The collective evidence demonstrated the gut and testis played a synergistic role in causing decreased fertility at high altitudes. Our research provides a theoretical basis for future investigations into the reproductive fitness of male goats.
PubMed: 38909906
DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110890 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024The cosmogenic radionuclide Be (T: 53.29 days) and Be (T: 1.39 My), as unique tracers, play an excellent indicative role in atmospheric environmental changes and Earth...
The cosmogenic radionuclide Be (T: 53.29 days) and Be (T: 1.39 My), as unique tracers, play an excellent indicative role in atmospheric environmental changes and Earth surface processes. Currently, their different characteristics and influencing factors in various natural climate environments are still vague. Here, we used a state-of-the-art accelerator mass spectrometry to synchronously measure the ultra-trace Be and Be in aerosols, obtaining the spatial and temporal variability of daily-resolution atmospheric Be and Be in different natural climate regions (n = 11) of China. The survey results show that the Be and Be concentrations in the central/southern regions of China (22-38°N, 85-119°E) in 2020/21 are (0.5-18.7)·10 and (0.4-6.1)·10 atoms·m, respectively, with Be/Be ratios of 0.7-3.3. Except for the Tibetan Plateau, there are differences in the concentration thresholds of Be and Be in various regions, especially in Be concentration. These Be/Be thresholds are consistent in areas with an altitude range of 4-3420 m a.s.l and reach their highest values throughout the spring of the year. The analysis results indicate that both Be and Be are influenced by local meteorological conditions such as rainfall and boundary layer disturbances, while also exhibiting different distribution states. This distribution states is due to the re-suspended soil dust Be interference caused by soil wind erosion to varying degrees in different regions, with an average contribution to aerosol Be of 5.0 ± 2.6 %-24.2 % ± 13.3 %, and is controlled by local annual rainfall (r = 0.8, p < 0.01). Furthermore, unlike the characteristics of Be and Be concentrations influenced by local meteorological conditions, the daily variation of corrected Be/Be exhibits independence from meteorological processes other than stratosphere troposphere transport, and its significant seasonal oscillations indicate changes in atmospheric circulation in the East Asian monsoon region.
PubMed: 38909813
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174146 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024Environmental behaviors of heavy metal in soil are strongly influenced by seasonal freeze-thaw events at the mid-high altitudes. However, the potential impact mechanisms...
Environmental behaviors of heavy metal in soil are strongly influenced by seasonal freeze-thaw events at the mid-high altitudes. However, the potential impact mechanisms of freeze-thaw cycles on the vertical migration of heavy metal are still poor understood. This study aimed to explore how exogenous cadmium (Cd) migrated and remained in soil during the in-situ seasonal freeze-thaw action using rare earth elements (REEs) as tracers. As a comparison, soil which was incubated in the controlled laboratory (25 °C) was employed. Although there was no statistically significant difference in the Cd levels of different soil depths under different treatments, the original aggregate sources of Cd in the 5-10 cm and 10-15 cm soil layers differed. From the distributions of REEs in soil profile, it can be known that Cd in the subsurface of field incubated soil was mainly from the breakdown of >0.50 mm aggregates, while it was mainly from the <0.106 mm aggregates for the laboratory incubated soil. Furthermore, the dissolved and colloidal Cd concentrations were 0.47 μg L and 0.62 μg L in the leachates from field incubated soil than those from control soil (0.21 μg L and 0.43 μg L). Additionally, the colloid-associated Cd in the leachate under field condition was mainly from the breakdown of >0.25 mm aggregates and the direct migration of <0.106 mm aggregates, while it was the breakdown of >0.50 mm and the direct migration of <0.106 mm aggregates for the soil under laboratory condition. Our results for the first time provided insights into the fate of exogenous contaminants in seasonal frozen regions using the rare earth element tracing method.
PubMed: 38909800
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174147 -
Environmental Entomology Jun 2024A study was carried out in 345 water ecosystems (rivers, streams, ditches, lagoons, ponds, puddles, rockpools, and artificial containers) throughout the autonomous...
A study was carried out in 345 water ecosystems (rivers, streams, ditches, lagoons, ponds, puddles, rockpools, and artificial containers) throughout the autonomous community of Galicia (NW Spain) during different seasons between 2020 and 2023. The results revealed the first detections of Anopheles (Anopheles) petragnani Del Vechio, 1939 (n = 185) and Culex (Culex) mimeticus Noè, 1899 (n = 12) in the territory, allowing to update and expand the overall knowledge about their distribution and ecology. The breeding preferences of the species were analyzed considering habitat characteristics (land use, water body type, and degree of insolation), geographical variables (latitude, longitude, and altitude), and physical-chemical water parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids, and turbidity). In addition, the relationship between the occurrence of these species and other mosquitoes present in the study area was discussed. Anopheles petragnani is widely distributed in the region and shows breeding preferences for water bodies of fluvial origin, forest environments, and shaded situations. Culex mimeticus was detected sporadically breeding in a pond and in a river in the south of the region, both in industrial and agricultural land uses, and always exposed to the sun. Although the presence of these species may not currently pose a health risk in the region, it is important not neglecting their study since the adequate characterization of their larval biotopes is relevant regarding vector surveillance and control measures.
PubMed: 38909379
DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvae061 -
The National Medical Journal of India 2023Background Advanced diagnostics are not easily accessible in austere topographical locations. We documented retinal changes in patients with acute mountain sickness...
Background Advanced diagnostics are not easily accessible in austere topographical locations. We documented retinal changes in patients with acute mountain sickness (AMS+) and compared these with asymptomatic individuals (AMS-) with recent induction into high altitude using direct ophthalmoscopy as a screening tool. Methods We evaluated 97 individuals (43 AMS- and 54 AMS+) who were inducted to an altitude 3800 m above sea level by direct ophthalmoscopy after pupillary dilatation, on day 2 of arrival. Results Retinal vein dilatation was seen in 36 (66.7%) AMS+ v. 14 (32.6%) AMS- (p<0.01), hyperaemia of the optic disc in 30 (55.6%) AMS+ v. 14 (32.6%) AMS- (p<0.05), hyperaemia of the optic disc along with retinal vein dilatation in 27 (50%) AMS+ v. 9 (20.9%) AMS- (p<0.01), retinal vein tortuosity in 12 (22.2%) AMS+ v. 3 (7%) AMS- (p<0.02). In AMS+ with retinal vein dilatation 17 (50%) had SpO2 >91% and 19 (79.2%) had SpO2 <91% (p<0.01). An AMS score of >5 was recorded in 25 (69.4%; p<0.001) with venular dilatation and in 19 (52.8%; p<0.001) who were AMS+ with an induction number ≥3 had retinal dilatation. Conclusion Acute hypobaric hypoxia causes retinal venous dilatation, tortuosity and hyperaemia of the optic disc in those with AMS and correlates directly with SpO2 levels. The incidence of retinal vein dilatation increases with frequent re-entry into high altitude and more severe symptoms of AMS. Hence, all those being inducted to high altitude should be screened for retinal vascular changes.
Topics: Humans; Altitude Sickness; Pilot Projects; Ophthalmoscopy; Adult; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Acute Disease; Altitude; Retinal Vein; Retinal Vessels
PubMed: 38909311
DOI: 10.25259/NMJI_358_21 -
Advances in Genetics 2024Regular physical activity promotes health benefits and contributes to develop the individual biological potential. Chronical physical activity performed at moderate and... (Review)
Review
Regular physical activity promotes health benefits and contributes to develop the individual biological potential. Chronical physical activity performed at moderate and high-intensity is the intensity more favorable to produce health development in athletes and improve the gut microbiota balance. The athletic microbiome is characterized by increased microbial diversity and abundance as well as greater phenotypic versatility. In addition, physical activity and microbiota composition have bidirectional effects, with regular physical activity improving microbial composition and microbial composition enhancing physical performance. The improvement of physical performance by a healthy microbiota is related to different phenotypes: i) efficient metabolic development, ii) improved regulation of intestinal permeability, iii) favourable modulation of local and systemic inflammatory and efficient immune responses, iv) efective regulation of systemic pH and, v) protection against acute stressful events such as environmental exposure to altitude or heat. The type of sport, both intensity or volume characteristics promote microbiota specialisation. Individual assessment of the state of the gut microbiota can be an effective biomarker for monitoring health in the medium to long term. The relationship between the microbiota and the rest of the body is bidirectional and symbiotic, with a full connection between the systemic functions of the nervous, musculoskeletal, endocrine, metabolic, acid-base and immune systems. In addition, circadian rhythms, including regular physical activity, directly influence the adaptive response of the microbiota. In conclusion, regular stimuli of moderate- and high-intensity physical activity promote greater diversity, abundance, resilience and versatility of the gut microbiota. This effect is highly beneficial for human health when healthy lifestyle habits including nutrition, hydration, rest, chronoregulation and physical activity.
Topics: Humans; Exercise; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Microbiota; Circadian Rhythm
PubMed: 38908903
DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2024.01.002 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024There are substantial changes in the global drylands owing to climate change and anthropogenic activities. However, this aspect is not adequately explored in the context...
There are substantial changes in the global drylands owing to climate change and anthropogenic activities. However, this aspect is not adequately explored in the context of recent climate change and global warming. Therefore, we analyse the role of water vapour in driving precipitation and corresponding surface greenness in the global deserts using satellite measurements. Statistical techniques such as partial correlation and Randon Forest (RF) are employed to understand the relationship among the physical processes that drive water availability for desert greening. Our analysis shows that water vapour is relatively lower (<25 kg/m) in the deserts than rest of the globe, but comparable to the polar and high-altitude regions. Among the deserts, Thar (25 kg/m) and Sahara (15-20 kg/m) show higher water vapour, in contrast to the American and Gobi deserts (<10 kg/m). Trajectory analysis reveals that water vapour transport from the south Atlantic Ocean is very high (90 kg/m/s) to the Sahel region of Sahara. Similarly, water vapour comes from Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean to Thar, mainly during Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM). There is an increase in water vapour driven by a rise in moisture transport to the American, Arabian, Thar and Sub-Sahara deserts during the period 2003-2020. The rise in moisture transport and associated water vapour in the deserts enhance water availability through precipitation and soil moisture, influencing surface greenness, as illustrated by the partial correlation and RF analyses. Enhanced water vapour and water availability, together with anthropogenic activities such as agriculture and afforestation in the deserts drive greening, which is more pronounced in Thar and Sub-Sahara. This study, thus, reveals the role of atmospheric moisture in regulating the terrestrial water availability and surface greenness in the extreme arid regions on the earth.
PubMed: 38908582
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174111 -
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Jun 2024In this study, the current distribution probability of Ephedra gerardiana (Somalata), a medicinally potent species of the Himalayas, was assessed, and its spatial...
In this study, the current distribution probability of Ephedra gerardiana (Somalata), a medicinally potent species of the Himalayas, was assessed, and its spatial distribution change was forecasted until the year 2100 under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways. Here, we used the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) on 274 spatially filtered occurrence data points accessed from GBIF and other publications, and 19 bioclimatic variables were used as predictors against the probability assessment. The area under the curve, Continuous Boyce Index, True Skill Statistics, and kappa values were used to evaluate and validate the model. It was observed that the SSP5-8.5, a fossil fuel-fed scenario, saw a maximum habitat decline for E. gerardiana driving its niche towards higher altitudes. Nepal Himalayas witnessed a maximum decline in suitable habitat for the species, whereas it gained area in Bhutan. In India, regions of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Sikkim saw a maximum negative response to climate change by the year 2100. Mean annual temperature, isothermality, diurnal temperature range, and precipitation seasonality are the most influential variables isolated by the model that contribute in defining the species' habitat. The results provide evidence of the effects of climate change on the distribution of endemic species in the study area under different scenarios of emissions and anthropogenic coupling. Certainly, the area of consideration encompasses several protected areas, which will become more vulnerable to increased variability of climate, and regulating their boundaries might become a necessary step to conserve the regions' biodiversity in the future.
Topics: Climate Change; Nepal; India; Ecosystem; Bhutan; Ephedra; Environmental Monitoring; Probability; Socioeconomic Factors; Models, Theoretical
PubMed: 38907768
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12824-7 -
Scientific Data Jun 2024We introduce a georeferenced dataset of Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE), Ecosystem Respiration (ER) and meteo-climatic variables (air and soil temperature, air relative...
We introduce a georeferenced dataset of Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE), Ecosystem Respiration (ER) and meteo-climatic variables (air and soil temperature, air relative humidity, soil volumetric water content, pressure, and solar irradiance) collected at the Nivolet Plain in Gran Paradiso National Park (GPNP), western Italian Alps, from 2017 to 2023. NEE and ER are derived by measuring the temporal variation of CO concentration obtained by the enclosed chamber method. We used a customised portable non-steady-state dynamic flux chamber, paired with an InfraRed Gas Analyser (IRGA) and a portable weather station, measuring CO fluxes at a number of points (around 20 per site and per day) within five different sites during the snow-free season (June to October). Sites are located within the same hydrological basin and have different geological substrates: carbonate rocks (site CARB), gneiss (GNE), glacial deposits (GLA, EC), alluvial sediments (AL). This dataset provides relevant and often missing information on high-altitude mountain ecosystems and enables new comparisons with other similar sites, modelling developments and validation of remote sensing data.
PubMed: 38906897
DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03374-1 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024Black carbon (BC) and brown carbon (BrC) over the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau (TP) can significantly influence regional and global climate change as well as glacial...
Black carbon (BC) and brown carbon (BrC) over the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau (TP) can significantly influence regional and global climate change as well as glacial melting. However, obtaining plateau-scale in situ observations is challenging due to its high altitude. By integrating reanalysis data with on-site measurements, the spatial distribution of BC and BrC can be accurately estimated using the random forest algorithm (RF). In our study, the on-site observations of BC and BrC were successively conducted at four sites from 2018 to 2021. Ground-level BC and BrC concentrations were then obtained at a spatial resolution of 0.25° × 0.25° for three periods (including Periods-1980, 2000, and 2020) using RF and multi-source data. The highest annual concentrations of BC (1363.9 ± 338.7 ng/m) and BrC (372.1 ± 96.2 ng/m) were observed during Period-2000. BC contributed a dominant proportion of carbonaceous aerosol, with concentrations 3-4 times higher than those of BrC across the three periods. The ratios of BrC to BC decreased from Period-1980 to Period-2020, indicating the increasing importance of BC over the TP. Spatial distributions of plateau-scale BC and BrC concentrations showed heightened levels in the southeastern TP, particularly during Period-2000. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of the spatio-temporal distribution of light-absorbing carbonaceous aerosol over the TP.
PubMed: 38906307
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174093