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The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024Plant phenology is influenced by a combined effect of phylogeny and climate, although it is yet unclear how these two variables work together to change phenology. We...
Plant phenology is influenced by a combined effect of phylogeny and climate, although it is yet unclear how these two variables work together to change phenology. We synthesized 107 previously published studies to examine whether phenological changes were impacted by both phylogeny and climate changes in various geographical settings globally. Phenological observation data from 52,463 plant species at 71 sites worldwide revealed that 90 % of phenological records showed phylogenetic conservation. i.e., closely related species exhibited similar phenology. To explore the significant and non-significant phylogenetic conservation between plant phenophases, our dataset comprises 5,47,000 observation records from the four main phenophases (leaf bud, leaf, flower, and fruit) from 52,453 plant species aggregated together. Three-dimensional geographical distribution (altitude, latitude, and longitude) data analysis revealed that plant phenology may exhibit phylogenetic signals at finer special scales (optimal environmental conditions) that vanish in high altitude and latitude regions. Additionally, climatic sensitivity analysis suggested that phylogenetic signals were associated with plant phenophases and were stronger in the regions of ideal temperature (7-18 °C) and photoperiod (10-14 h) and weaker in harsh climatic conditions. These results show that phylogenetic conservation in plant phenological traits is frequently influenced by the interaction of harsh climatic conditions and geographical ranges. This meta-analysis enhances our knowledge of predicting species responses over geographic gradients under varied climatic conditions.
PubMed: 38906301
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174083 -
Journal of Thermal Biology Jun 2024Yaks adapt to extremely low temperatures, but they are more susceptible to heat stress (HS). The adaptive mechanisms with crucial plasma protein markers regulating the...
Yaks adapt to extremely low temperatures, but they are more susceptible to heat stress (HS). The adaptive mechanisms with crucial plasma protein markers regulating the response to HS remain elusive. In this study, data-independent acquisition proteomics were used to evaluate the thermal adaptability under chronic HS and thermal-neutral conditions. As a result, yaks increased body temperatures and respiratory rates in response to HS. Eight differential proteins mainly related to vasodilatation were decreased by HS, but another four proteins associated with blood oxygen delivery were presented at higher levels. Complement and coagulation cascades pathway was activated by HS, and more proteins were upregulated to protect against inflammation and oxidative stress by higher levels of antioxidant proteins. It is likely that yaks react to HS with enhancement of immunomodulation, anti-oxidation, and blood oxygen delivery, which is conducive to taking appropriate environment and nutrition management strategies to get healthy and high-performing yaks in low-altitude regions during summer.
PubMed: 38906049
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103879 -
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces... Jul 2024The prevalence of icing in nature has become a significant threat to human work and life, prompting the development of more energy-efficient active/passive combination...
The prevalence of icing in nature has become a significant threat to human work and life, prompting the development of more energy-efficient active/passive combination anti-icing/deicing technologies. In order to overcome the disadvantage of the poor durability of superhydrophobic surfaces, lubricated surfaces inspired by nepenthes have been preferred. In this study, a paraffin and silicone oil-infused photothermal foam (PSIPF) with excellent overall performance was prepared using polypyrrole (PPy) as a photothermal conversion material, a mixture of silicone oil and paraffin as a lubricating fluid, and melamine foam (MF) as a carrier. The surface adhesive strength is less than 20 kPa at -20 °C, the melting time is only 1018 s at an irradiance of 200 W/m and -20 °C (0.2 sun), and surface droplets do not freeze within 1 h at -10 °C. Furthermore, the surface exhibits excellent mechanical durability and stability, maintaining optimal lubrication properties following repeated cycles of icing/deicing, water rinsing, and immersion for 2 days in acid and alkaline conditions. This photothermal lubricated surface with excellent anti-icing/deicing properties at low temperatures and in weak-light environments provides a wider range of applications for equipment at high latitudes and high altitudes.
PubMed: 38904776
DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c01790 -
PeerJ 2024Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe complication that can lead to fatalities in multiple trauma patients. Nevertheless, the incidence rate and early...
Incidence, mortality, and predictive factors associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome in multiple trauma patients living in high-altitude areas: a retrospective study in Shigatse.
BACKGROUND
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe complication that can lead to fatalities in multiple trauma patients. Nevertheless, the incidence rate and early prediction of ARDS among multiple trauma patients residing in high-altitude areas remain unknown.
METHODS
This study included a total of 168 multiple trauma patients who received treatment at Shigatse People's Hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2021. The clinical characteristics of the patients and the incidence rate of ARDS were assessed. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to identify potential risk factors for ARDS, and the predictive effects of these risk factors were analyzed.
RESULTS
In the high-altitude area, the incidence of ARDS among multiple trauma patients was 37.5% (63/168), with a hospital mortality rate of 16.1% (27/168). Injury Severity Score (ISS) and thoracic injuries were identified as significant predictors for ARDS using the logistic regression model, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.75 and 0.75, respectively. Furthermore, a novel predictive risk score combining ISS and thoracic injuries demonstrated improved predictive ability, achieving an AUC of 0.82.
CONCLUSIONS
This study presents the incidence of ARDS in multiple trauma patients residing in the Tibetan region, and identifies two critical predictive factors along with a risk score for early prediction of ARDS. These findings have the potential to enhance clinicians' ability to accurately assess the risk of ARDS and proactively prevent its onset.
Topics: Humans; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Male; Female; Incidence; Retrospective Studies; Middle Aged; Adult; Risk Factors; Altitude; Multiple Trauma; Hospital Mortality; Injury Severity Score; China; Thoracic Injuries; Intensive Care Units
PubMed: 38903881
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17521 -
Autoimmunity Dec 2024Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease, and understanding its genetic and molecular basis is crucial for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
BACKGROUND
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease, and understanding its genetic and molecular basis is crucial for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to explore the association between polymorphisms (rs2227284, rs2243267, rs2243270, and rs2243283) and RA risk.
METHODS
The four polymorphisms were genotyped in 493 RA patients and 493 healthy controls using Agena MassARRAY. Logistic regression analysis calculated odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to estimate the relationship between polymorphisms and RA risk.
RESULTS
Overall analysis revealed that rs2243267 (GG vs. CC: OR = 0.26, FDR- = .032; Recessive: OR = 0.27, FDR- = .048) and rs2243270 (AA vs. GG: OR = 0.26, FDR- = .024; Recessive: OR = 0.27, FDR- = .024) were associated with a decreased risk of RA. Stratified analysis indicated that rs2243267 and rs2243270 were correlated with reduced RA risk in female, smoking, BMI <24, and drinking population; rs2227284 was associated with a decreased RA risk in BMI <24 and drinking population. Moreover, rs2243267 and rs2243270 were significantly associated with reduced ACPA positivity.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that polymorphisms (rs2227284, rs2243267, and rs2243270) act as protective factors for RA in the Chinese Han population.
Topics: Humans; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Female; Interleukin-4; Male; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Middle Aged; Case-Control Studies; Adult; Genotype; Alleles; Gene Frequency; Odds Ratio; Genetic Association Studies; Risk Factors; Aged
PubMed: 38902969
DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2024.2364684 -
Nature Reviews. Disease Primers Jun 2024Millions of people visit high-altitude regions annually and more than 80 million live permanently above 2,500 m. Acute high-altitude exposure can trigger high-altitude... (Review)
Review
Millions of people visit high-altitude regions annually and more than 80 million live permanently above 2,500 m. Acute high-altitude exposure can trigger high-altitude illnesses (HAIs), including acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE). Chronic mountain sickness (CMS) can affect high-altitude resident populations worldwide. The prevalence of acute HAIs varies according to acclimatization status, rate of ascent and individual susceptibility. AMS, characterized by headache, nausea, dizziness and fatigue, is usually benign and self-limiting, and has been linked to hypoxia-induced cerebral blood volume increases, inflammation and related trigeminovascular system activation. Disruption of the blood-brain barrier leads to HACE, characterized by altered mental status and ataxia, and increased pulmonary capillary pressure, and related stress failure induces HAPE, characterized by dyspnoea, cough and exercise intolerance. Both conditions are progressive and life-threatening, requiring immediate medical intervention. Treatment includes supplemental oxygen and descent with appropriate pharmacological therapy. Preventive measures include slow ascent, pre-acclimatization and, in some instances, medications. CMS is characterized by excessive erythrocytosis and related clinical symptoms. In severe CMS, temporary or permanent relocation to low altitude is recommended. Future research should focus on more objective diagnostic tools to enable prompt treatment, improved identification of individual susceptibilities and effective acclimatization and prevention options.
Topics: Humans; Altitude Sickness; Altitude; Acclimatization; Brain Edema; Pulmonary Edema; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Hypoxia
PubMed: 38902312
DOI: 10.1038/s41572-024-00526-w -
Nature Reviews. Disease Primers Jun 2024
Topics: Humans; Altitude Sickness; Altitude
PubMed: 38902247
DOI: 10.1038/s41572-024-00532-y -
Phlebology Jun 2024The aim of this study was to understand the prevalence of chronic venous disease (CVD) of lower limbs in young men at high-altitude in Xizang, and to provide prevention...
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to understand the prevalence of chronic venous disease (CVD) of lower limbs in young men at high-altitude in Xizang, and to provide prevention measures.
METHODS
The convenient sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among males aged 18 to 40 above an altitude of 3000 meters in Xizang in April 2023. The contents of the questionnaire included basic information, symptoms of CVD of lower limbs, protection status and training needs. Multivariate logistic regression model was calculated to evaluate the risk factors for CVD.
RESULTS
A total of 350 survey questionnaires were received, and 326 valid samples were collected. The prevalence of CVD of lower limbs (C1-C6) was 37.42% (95%CI: 32.17%-42.68%), the ratio of C0 to C5 were 62.58%, 27.30%, 3.07%, 4.60%, 2.15% and 0.31%, respectively, no one reached C6. The top three symptoms of CVD were lower limb fatigue (18.10%), heaviness (15.34%) and pain (13.19%). 46.01% of respondents were unaware of CVD, and 12.88% of respondents did not have any protective measures of CVD. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age (OR = 1.076, 95%CI: 1.018-1.137, = .009), preference for spicy food (OR = 1.747, 95%CI: 1.083-2.818, = .022), unbalanced diet (OR = 1.877, 95%CI: 1.049-3.358, = .034) and physical exercise (OR 0.610, 95%CI: 0.377-0.986, = .044) were the independent risk factors for CVD.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provided data on the prevalence of CVD in young men at high-altitude and the risk factors for CVD. The findings of this study may facilitate the development of individualized clinical assessments and targeted prevention programs.
PubMed: 38901455
DOI: 10.1177/02683555241263920 -
High Altitude Medicine & Biology Jun 2024Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a prevalent adverse cardiovascular event at high-altitude environments. Prolonged exposure to high altitudes may result in myocardial...
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a prevalent adverse cardiovascular event at high-altitude environments. Prolonged exposure to high altitudes may result in myocardial injury, which is associated with poor clinical outcomes. This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics of myocardial injury in patients with PH at high altitude. Consecutive patients admitted to a general tertiary hospital at the altitude of 3,650 m were selected into this retrospective study. Clinical and biochemical data were collected, as well as based on cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and echocardiography, patients were divided into myocardial injury group and non-myocardial injury group. A total of 231 patients were enrolled, among whom 29 (12.6%) had myocardial injury. We found that body mass index, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, and serum level of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) in myocardial injury group were significantly higher than non-myocardial injury group. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that cTnI has a significant positive correlation with CK-MB and lactic dehydrogenase instead of aspartate aminotransferase. A receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to demonstrate that CK-MB could significantly predict the occurrence of myocardial injury with an area under the curve of 0.749, and a level of 3.035 (sensitivity = 59.3%, specificity = 90.5%) was optimal cutoff value. The incidence of myocardial injury in highlanders with PH is significant. CK-MB, as a convenient and efficient marker, has been found to be closely associated with cTnI and plays a predictive role in the occurrence of myocardial injury with PH in individuals exposed to high altitude.
PubMed: 38900692
DOI: 10.1089/ham.2023.0075 -
Pest Management Science Jun 2024The range of Glires is influenced by human activities and climate change. However, the extent to which human activities and environmental changes have contributed to...
BACKGROUND
The range of Glires is influenced by human activities and climate change. However, the extent to which human activities and environmental changes have contributed to this relationship remains unclear. We examined alterations in the distribution changes and driving factors of the Himalayan marmot, plateau pika, and plateau zokor on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) using the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model and a geographical detector (Geodetector).
RESULTS
The MaxEnt model showed that the contribution rates of the human footprint index (HFI) to the distribution patterns of the three types of Glires were 46.70%, 58.70%, and 59.50%, respectively. The Geodetector results showed that the distribution pattern of the Himalayan marmot on the QTP was influenced by altitude and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The distribution patterns for plateau pikas and plateau zokors were driven by HFI and NDVI. Climate has played a substantial role in shaping suitable habitats for these three Glires on the QTP. Their suitable area is expected to decrease over the next 30-50 years, along with their niche breadth and overlap. Future suitable habitats for the three Glires tended to shift toward higher latitudes on the QTP.
CONCLUSION
These findings underscore the impacts of environmental and human factors on the distribution of the three Glires on the QTP. They have enhanced our understanding of the intricate relationships between Glires niches and environments. This can aid in identifying necessary interventions for developing effective early warning systems and prevention strategies to mitigate Glires infestations and plague epidemics on the QTP. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
PubMed: 38899513
DOI: 10.1002/ps.8250