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PeerJ 2024Elevational gradients constitute excellent systems for understanding the mechanisms that generate and maintain global biodiversity patterns. Climatic gradients...
Elevational gradients constitute excellent systems for understanding the mechanisms that generate and maintain global biodiversity patterns. Climatic gradients associated with elevation show strong influence on species distribution in mountains. The study of mountains covered by the same habitat type is an ideal scenario to compare alternatives to the energy hypotheses. Our aim was to investigate how changes in climatic conditions along the elevational gradient drive - and -diversity of four taxa in a mountain system located within a grassland biome. We sampled ants, spiders, birds and plants, and measured climatic variables at six elevational bands (with 10 sampling sites each) established between 470 and 1,000 masl on a mountain from the Ventania Mountain System, Argentina. Species richness per site and -diversity (turnover and nestedness) between the lowest band and upper sites were estimated. For most taxa, species richness declined at high elevations and energy, through temperature, was the major driver of species richness for ants, plants and birds, prevailing over productivity and water availability. The major -diversity component was turnover for plants, spiders and birds, and nestedness for ants. The unique environmental conditions of the upper bands could favour the occurrence of specialist and endemic species.
Topics: Biodiversity; Animals; Grassland; Altitude; Ants; Birds; Argentina; Spiders; Plants; Climate; Ecosystem
PubMed: 38915387
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17375 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the respiratory distress condition known as COVID-19. This disease broadly affects... (Review)
Review
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the respiratory distress condition known as COVID-19. This disease broadly affects several physiological systems, including the gastrointestinal, renal, and central nervous (CNS) systems, significantly influencing the patient's overall quality of life. Additionally, numerous risk factors have been suggested, including gender, body weight, age, metabolic status, renal health, preexisting cardiomyopathies, and inflammatory conditions. Despite advances in understanding the genome and pathophysiological ramifications of COVID-19, its precise origins remain elusive. SARS-CoV-2 interacts with a receptor-binding domain within angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). This receptor is expressed in various organs of different species, including humans, with different abundance. Although COVID-19 has multiorgan manifestations, the main pathologies occur in the lung, including pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, and secondary bacterial pneumonia. In the post-COVID-19 period, different sequelae may occur, which may have various causes, including the direct action of the virus, alteration of the immune response, and metabolic alterations during infection, among others. Recognizing the serious adverse health effects associated with COVID-19, it becomes imperative to comprehensively elucidate and discuss the existing evidence surrounding this viral infection, including those related to the pathophysiological effects of the disease and the subsequent consequences. This review aims to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the impact of COVID-19 and its long-term effects on human health.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; Pandemics
PubMed: 38911850
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1363572 -
Ecology and Evolution Jun 2024Dams worldwide have significantly altered the composition of riparian forests. However, research on the functional traits of dominant herbs experiencing flooding stress...
Dams worldwide have significantly altered the composition of riparian forests. However, research on the functional traits of dominant herbs experiencing flooding stress due to dam impoundment remains limited. Given the high plasticity of leaf traits and their susceptibility to environmental influences, this study focuses on riparian herbs along the Three Gorges Hydro-Fluctuation Zone (TGHFZ). Specifically, it investigates how six leaf physiological traits of leading herbs-carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and their stoichiometric ratios-adapt to periodic flooding in the TGHFZ using cluster analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple comparisons, Pearson correlation analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA). We categorized 25 dominant herb species into three plant functional types (PFTs), noting that species from the same family tended to fall into the same PFT. Notably, leaf carbon content (LCC) exhibited no significant differences across various PFTs or altitudes. Within riparian forests, different PFTs employ distinct adaptation strategies: PFT-I herbs invest in structural components to enhance stress resistance; PFT-II, mostly comprising gramineous plants, responds to prolonged flooding by rapid growth above the water; and PFT-III, encompassing nearly all Compositae and annual plants, responds to prolonged flooding with vigorous rhizome growth and seed production. Soil water content (SWC) emerges as the primary environmental factor influencing dominant herb growth in the TGHFZ. By studying the response of leaf physiological traits in dominant plants to artificial flooding, we intend to reveal the survival mechanisms of plants under adverse conditions and lay the foundation for vegetation restoration in the TGHFZ.
PubMed: 38911496
DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11533 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
World Journal of Clinical Cases Jun 2024Photoaging, a result of chronic sun exposure, leads to skin damage and pigmentation changes. Traditional treatments may have limitations in high-altitude areas like...
BACKGROUND
Photoaging, a result of chronic sun exposure, leads to skin damage and pigmentation changes. Traditional treatments may have limitations in high-altitude areas like Yunnan Province. Intradermal Col Ι injections stimulate collagen production, potentially improving skin quality. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of this treatment for photoaging.
AIM
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intradermal type Ι collagen (Col Ι) injection for treating photoaging.
METHODS
This prospective, self-controlled study investigated the impact of intradermal injections of Col Ι on skin photodamage in 20 patients from the Yunnan Province. Total six treatment sessions were conducted every 4 wk ± 3 d. Before and after each treatment, facial skin characteristics were quantified using a VISIA skin detector. Skin thickness data were assessed using the ultrasound probes of the Dermalab skin detector. The Face-Q scale was used for subjective evaluation of the treatment effect by the patients.
RESULTS
The skin thickness of the right cheek consistently increased after each treatment session compared with baseline. The skin thickness of the left cheek significantly increased after the third through sixth treatment sessions compared with baseline. The skin thickness of the right zygomatic region increased after the second to sixth treatment sessions, whereas that of the left zygomatic region showed a significant increase after the fourth through sixth treatment sessions. The skin thickness of both temporal regions significantly increased after the fifth and sixth treatment sessions compared with baseline ( < 0.05). These findings were also supported by skin ultrasound images. The feature count for the red areas and wrinkle feature count decreased following the treatment ( < 0.05). VISIA assessments also revealed a decrease in the red areas after treatment. The Face-Q-Satisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall and Face-Q-Satisfaction with Skin scores significantly increased after each treatment session. The overall appearance of the patients improved after treatment.
CONCLUSION
Intradermal Col Ι injection improves photoaging, with higher patient satisfaction and fewer adverse reactions, and could be an effective treatment method for populations residing in high-altitude areas.
PubMed: 38899303
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i16.2713 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a pathology with different symptoms in which the organism is not adapted to the environment that occurs under the special environment of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a pathology with different symptoms in which the organism is not adapted to the environment that occurs under the special environment of high altitude. Its main mechanism is the organism's tissue damage caused by acute hypobaric hypoxia. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory focuses on the holistic concept. TCM has made remarkable achievements in the treatment of many mountain sicknesses. This review outlines the pathogenesis of AMS in modern and traditional medicine, the progress of animal models of AMS, and summarizes the therapeutic effects of TCM on AMS.
METHODS
Using the keywords "traditional Chinese medicine," "herbal medicine," "acute mountain sickness," "high-altitude pulmonary edema," "high-altitude cerebral edema," "acute hypobaric hypoxia," and "high-altitude," all relevant TCM literature published up to November 2023 were collected from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, and the key information was analyzed.
RESULTS
We systematically summarised the effects of acute hypobaric hypoxia on the tissues of the organism, the study of the methodology for the establishment of an animal model of AMS, and retrieved 18 proprietary Chinese medicines for the clinical treatment of AMS. The therapeutic principle of medicines is mainly invigorating qi, activating blood and removing stasis. The components of botanical drugs mainly include salidroside, ginsenoside Rg1, and tetrahydrocurcumin. The mechanism of action of TCM in the treatment of AMS is mainly through the regulation of HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway, inhibition of inflammatory response and oxidative stress, and enhancement of energy metabolism.
CONCLUSION
The main pathogenesis of AMS is unclear. Still, TCM formulas and components have been used to treat AMS through multifaceted interventions, such as compound danshen drip pills, Huangqi Baihe granules, salidroside, and ginsenoside Rg1. These components generally exert anti-AMS pharmacological effects by inhibiting the expression of VEGF, concentration of MDA and pro-inflammatory factors, down-regulating NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, and promoting SOD and Na + -K + -ATPase activities, which attenuates acute hypobaric hypoxia-induced tissue injury. This review comprehensively analyses the application of TCM in AMS and makes suggestions for more in-depth studies in the future, aiming to provide some ideas and insights for subsequent studies.
PubMed: 38895636
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1393209 -
Ecology and Evolution Jun 2024Plant-pollinator interactions are constrained by floral traits and available pollinators, both of which can vary across environmental gradients, with consequences for...
Plant-pollinator interactions are constrained by floral traits and available pollinators, both of which can vary across environmental gradients, with consequences for the stability of the interaction. Here, we quantified how the pollination ecology of a high-mountain hummingbird-pollinated plant changes across a progressively more stressful environmental gradient of the Venezuelan Andes. We compared pollination ecology between two populations of this plant: Piedras Blancas (PB) and Gavidia (GV), 4450 and 3600 m asl, respectively. We hypothesised that self-compatibility might be higher at the higher altitude site, however we found that flowers showed similar capacities for self-compatibility in both localities. Seed production by flowers exposed to natural pollinators was significantly higher in the lower locality, where we also found higher nectar quality, larger flowers and increased frequencies of pollinator visitations. Interestingly, the population energy offered in the nectar was the same for both localities due to the higher density and floral aggregation found in the higher altitude population. Our study demonstrates how two plant populations in different environmental conditions have different pollination ecology strategies. Pollinator visitations or their absence result in trait associations in one population that are independent in the other. These population differences are not explained by differences in pollinator assembly, but by environmental heterogeneity.
PubMed: 38895562
DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11553