With the rapidly aging human population,age-related cognitive decline and dementia are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide.Aging is considered the main risk factor for cognitive decline and acts through alterati...With the rapidly aging human population,age-related cognitive decline and dementia are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide.Aging is considered the main risk factor for cognitive decline and acts through alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota,microbial metabolites,and the functions of astrocytes.The microbiota–gut–brain axis has been the focus of multiple studies and is closely associated with cognitive function.This article provides a comprehensive review of the specific changes that occur in the composition of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in older individuals and discusses how the aging of astrocytes and reactive astrocytosis are closely related to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.This article also summarizes the gut microbiota components that affect astrocyte function,mainly through the vagus nerve,immune responses,circadian rhythms,and microbial metabolites.Finally,this article summarizes the mechanism by which the gut microbiota–astrocyte axis plays a role in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.Our findings have revealed the critical role of the microbiota–astrocyte axis in age-related cognitive decline,aiding in a deeper understanding of potential gut microbiome-based adjuvant therapy strategies for this condition.展开更多
Increasing temperatures and severe droughts threaten forest vitality globally.Prediction of forest response to climate change requires knowledge of the spatiotemporal patterns of monthly or seasonal climatic impacts o...Increasing temperatures and severe droughts threaten forest vitality globally.Prediction of forest response to climate change requires knowledge of the spatiotemporal patterns of monthly or seasonal climatic impacts on the growth of tree species,likely driven by local climatic aridity,climate trends,edaphic conditions,and the climatic adaption of tree species.The ability of tree species to cope with changing climate and the effects of environmental variables on growth trends and growth-climate relationships across diverse bioclimatic regions are still poorly understood for many species.This study investigated radial growth trends,interannual growth variability,and growth-climate sensitivity of two dominant tree species,Pinus tabulaeformis(PT)and Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica(PS),across a broad climatic gradient with a variety of soil properties in temperate Northern China.Using a network of 83 tree ring chronologies(54 for PT and 29 for PS)from 1971 to 2010,we documented that both species maintained constant growth trends at wet sites,while both displayed rapid declines at dry sites.We reported the species-specific drivers of spatial heterogeneity in growth trends,interannual growth variability,and growth-climate relationships.Calculated climatic variables and soil properties were identified as the most critical factors affecting the growth trends and growth-climate relationships.However,climatic variables play more essential roles than soil properties in determining the spatial heterogeneity of the growth-climate relationship.Lower clay content and higher soil nutrient regimes can exacerbate the moisture-related susceptibility of tree growth.Our findings highlight that soil properties emerged as important modulating factors to predict the drought vulnerability of forests in addition to climatic variables.Considering the continued climate warmingdrying trend in the future,both pines will face a more severe growth decline and increase in drought vulnerability at drier sites with lower clayed soil or higher nutrient regimes.展开更多
Warm-wet climatic conditions are widely regarded as conducive to remarkable tree growth,alleviating climatic pressures.However,the notable decline in tree growth observed in the southern edge of boreal forests has hei...Warm-wet climatic conditions are widely regarded as conducive to remarkable tree growth,alleviating climatic pressures.However,the notable decline in tree growth observed in the southern edge of boreal forests has heightened concerns over the spatial-temporal dynamics of forest decline.Currently,attaining a comprehensive grasp of the underlying patterns and their propelling factors remains a formidable challenge.We collected tree ring samples from a network of 50 sites across the Greater Xing'an Mountains.These samples were subsequently grouped into two distinct clusters,designated as Groups A and B.The percentage change of growth(GC,%)and the proportion of declining sites were utilized to assess forest decline.The decline in tree growth within Larix gmelinii forests exhibits significant regional variation,accompanied by temporal fluctuations even within a given region.Group A exhibited a pronounced increase in frequency(59.26%)of occurrences and encountered more severe declines(21.65%)in tree growth subsequent to the 1990s,contrasting sharply with Group B,which observed lower frequencies(20.00%)and relatively less severe declines(21.02%)prior to the 1980s.The primary impetus underlying the opposite radial growth increments observed in Larix gmelinii trees from the interplay between their differential response to temperatures and wetter climatic conditions,which is significantly influenced by varying stand densities.In cold-dry conditions,low-density forests may experience soil water freezing,exacerbating drought conditions and thereby inhibiting tree growth,in Group B.Trees growth in high-density stands is restrained by warm-wet conditions,in Group A.These results provide new insights into the variability at the southern edge of the boreal forest biome with different responses to density and climate.展开更多
Objective:Inflammation in the central nervous system plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of sepsis-associated encephalopathy.This study aims to explore the effects of maresin 1(MaR1),an anti-inflamm...Objective:Inflammation in the central nervous system plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of sepsis-associated encephalopathy.This study aims to explore the effects of maresin 1(MaR1),an anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediator,on sepsis-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment.Methods:Mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups:A sham group(sham operation+vehicle),a cecal ligation and puncture(CLP)group(CLP operation+vehicle),a MaR1-LD group(CLP operation+1 ng MaR1),and a MaR1-HD group(CLP operation+10 ng MaR1).MaR1 or vehicle was intraperitoneally administered starting 1 h before CLP operation,then every other day for 7 days.Survival rates were monitored,and serum inflammatory cytokines[tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-1β,and IL-6]were measured 24 h after operation using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Cognitive function was assessed 7 days after operation using the Morris water maze(MWM)test and novel object recognition(NOR)task.The mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),IL-4,IL-10,and arginase 1(Arg1)in cortical and hippocampal tissues was determined by real-time reverse transcription PCR(RT-PCR).Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression of iNOS,Arg1,signal transducer and activator of transcription 6(STAT6),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARγ),and phosphorylated STAT6(p-STAT6)in hippocampal tissue.Microglia activation was visualized via immunofluorescence.Mice were also treated with the PPARγantagonist GW9662 to confirm the involvement of this pathway in MaR1’s effects.Results:CLP increased serum levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6,and reduced body weight and survival rates(all P<0.05).Both 1 ng and 10 ng doses of MaR1 significantly reduced serum TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 levels,improved body weight,and increased survival rates(all P<0.05).No significant difference in efficacy was observed between the 2 doses(all P>0.05).MWM test and NOR task indicated that CLP impaired spatial learning,which MaR1 mitigated.However,GW9662 partially reversed MaR1’s protective effects.Real-time RTPCR results demonstrated that,compared to the sham group,mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-1β,and iNOS significantly increased in hippocampal tissues following CLP(all P<0.05),while IL-4,IL-10,and Arg1 showed a slight decrease,though the differences were not statistically significant(all P>0.05).Compared to the CLP group,both 1 ng and 10 ng MaR1 decreased TNF-α,IL-1β,and iNOS mRNA expression in hippocampal tissues and increased IL-4,IL-10,and Arg1 mRNA expression(all P<0.05).Immunofluorescence results indicated a significant increase in Iba1-positive microglia in the hippocampus after CLP compared to the sham group(P<0.05).Administration of 1 ng and 10 ng MaR1 reduced the percentage area of Iba1-positive cells in the hippocampus compared to the CLP group(both P<0.05).Western blotting results showed that,compared to the CLP group,both 1 ng and 10 ng MaR1 down-regulated the iNOS expression,while up-regulated the expression of Arg1,PPARγ,and p-STAT6(all P<0.05).However,the inclusion of GW9662 counteracted the MaR1-induced upregulation of Arg1 and PPARγcompared to the MaR1-LD group(all P<0.05).Conclusion:MaR1 inhibits the classical activation of hippocampal microglia,promotes alternative activation,reduces sepsis-induced neuroinflammation,and improves cognitive decline.展开更多
The decline in groundwater level is a key factor contributing to cover collapse in karst areas.In this study,the model tests and numerical simulations are conducted to reveal the breeding process and formation mechani...The decline in groundwater level is a key factor contributing to cover collapse in karst areas.In this study,the model tests and numerical simulations are conducted to reveal the breeding process and formation mechanism of cover collapse sinkholes caused by the decline of groundwater level in karst area.Firstly,the model tests confirm that the decline of groundwater level generates negative pressure at the lower edge of overlying soil.The negative pressure experiences four distinct phases during the groundwater drawdown process:rapid rise,slow decline,rapid decline,and gradual dissipation.The maximum negative pressure is influenced by the particle size distribution of the overlying soil.Then,the numerical simulations are carried out to investigate the change process of negative pressure caused by the loss of fillers in karst pipe.The simulated results indicate that the rate of groundwater decline and the thickness and initial void ratio of the overlying soil can affect the maximum negative pressure.As groundwater level drops,a negative pressure zone forms underground,causing tensile failure in the surrounding soil and creating an arched soil hole,which weakens the support for the overlying soil.This phenomenon can also lead to the collapse of the overlying soil under its self-weight.Groundwater table decline in karst areas can result in both internal and surface collapses.When the overlying soil is thin,internal and surface collapses occur simultaneously.In contrast,for thick overlying soil,internal collapse happens first,followed by a layer-by-layer collapse,ultimately forming sinkholes.Finally,the breeding process and formation mechanism of the Yujiawan Reservoir sinkholes are discussed.Geological conditions and groundwater level decline significantly affect internal collapse in karst areas,requiring careful consideration from on-site engineers.展开更多
The shale revolution has turned the United States from an oil importer into an oil exporter.The success of shale oil production in the U.S.has inspired many countries,including China,to begin the exploitation and deve...The shale revolution has turned the United States from an oil importer into an oil exporter.The success of shale oil production in the U.S.has inspired many countries,including China,to begin the exploitation and development of shale oil resources.In this study,the production curves of over 30,000 shale oil wells in the Bakken,Eagle Ford(EF)and Permian are systematically analyzed to provide reference and guidance for future shale oil development.To find out the most suitable decline curve models for shale oil wells,fifteen models and a new fitting method are tested on wells with production history over 6 years.Interestingly,all basins show similar results despite of their varieties in geological conditions:stretched exponential production decline(SEPD)+Arps model provides most accurate prediction of estimated ultimate recovery(EUR)for wells with over 2 years'production,while the Arps model can be used before the two years'switch point.With the EUR calculated by decline curve analysis,we further construct simple regression models for different basins to predict the EUR quickly and early.This work helps us better understand the production of shale oil wells,as well as provide important suggestions for the choices of models for shale oil production prediction.展开更多
[Objective] The aim was to research relationship between SPAD decline index after full-heading stage （SDIFHS） and productivity of rice. fertilized with nitro- gen in order to provide theoretical and practical refere...[Objective] The aim was to research relationship between SPAD decline index after full-heading stage （SDIFHS） and productivity of rice. fertilized with nitro- gen in order to provide theoretical and practical references for selection and breed- ing of rice varieties. [Method] From 2008 to 2010, 18 mid-season hybrid rice vari- eties were researched every year to explore relationship＇ between SDIFHS and pro- ductivity of rice fertilized with nitrogen. [Result] The productivity of rice fertilized with nitrogen was of extremely significant positive corretation with SDIFHS, because the higher SPAD decline index is, the higher LAI decline index and the transformation ratio of dry matter to spikes in overground plant would be. [Conclusion] The re- search established a new method to predict productivity of rice fertilized with nitro- gen based on SPAD decline index.展开更多
Forest structure and function are subject to risks of growth declines from intensified drought and frequent extreme events related to climate warming.Knowledge of tree growth declines will help anticipate future respo...Forest structure and function are subject to risks of growth declines from intensified drought and frequent extreme events related to climate warming.Knowledge of tree growth declines will help anticipate future responses of forests to climate change.In this study,we investigated tree growth declines over the last four centuries in a juniper forest on the eastern Tibetan Plateau.By analyzing the radial growth trajectories of individual trees,we identified two events of intense growth decline,one in 1817–1830 and the other in 1969–1999 over the past four centuries.The intensity of the recent decline was unprecedented in the period under study.Ring-width chronology showed a positive correlation with self-calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Indices and a negative correlation with mean monthly temperatures in May and June.The recent intensified growth decline may have been due to temperatureinduced frequent droughts in the study area.Our findings suggest that trees in this juniper forest may face a higher risk of growth decline and even mortality under continued climate warming.展开更多
Cognitive decline is a common complication after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass（CPB）,but as such no pharmacological therapy has been shown to be efficacious in preventing the decline.However,gastrodin h...Cognitive decline is a common complication after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass（CPB）,but as such no pharmacological therapy has been shown to be efficacious in preventing the decline.However,gastrodin has been shown to have multi-pharmacological effects on neurological functions.We undertook this study to test the hypothesis that gastrodin would potentially prevent CPB-associated neurocognitive decline.We randomly assigned 200 patients undergoing mitral valve replacement surgery to receive either gastrodin（40 mg/kg） or saline after the induction of anesthesia and subsequently evaluated cognitive function before surgery,at discharge,and at 3rd month after surgery by using a battery of five neurocognitive tests,or adverse effects of gastrodin postoperatively.Neurocognitive decline in postoperative function was defined as a drop of 1 SD or more in the scores on tests of any one of the four domains of cognitive function.Cognitive decline occurred in 9% of the patients in the gastrodin group in contrast to 42% in the control group（P〈0.01） at discharge.Cognitive outcome could be determined at 3rd month in 87 patients in the gastrodin group and 89 in the control group.Cognitive decline was detected in 6% in the gastrodin group and 31% in the control group（P〈0.01）.The incidences of possible adverse effects were similar between two groups.These results indicate that gastrodin is an effective and a safe drug for the prevention of neurocognitive decline in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement surgery with CPB.展开更多
Eucalyptus species are the native and major plant group in Australian landscapes. Since European settlement, eucalypt trees heavily decline in the tablelands .of New South Wales. Tree recruitment bog down and the land...Eucalyptus species are the native and major plant group in Australian landscapes. Since European settlement, eucalypt trees heavily decline in the tablelands .of New South Wales. Tree recruitment bog down and the landscape ecosystem hardly recovers to the original state. This paper introduces the history of eucalypt trees and native shrubs decline, analyzes reasons of seedling recruitment decrease in this region, such as clearing, grazing, fire, competition from exotic species, dieback, insects, drought and so on, and summarizes the probable conditions of eucalypt tree recruitment, such as suitable conditions of seedling survival, sufficient seed supply, keep from predation, suitable germination conditions, non-grazed environment, mechanical treatment, weed control, fire regime, disease control etc, lending suggests how to preserve and encourage eucalypt trees recruitment in the area.展开更多
Production decline analysis has been considered as an important method to obtain the flow parameters, reservoir properties and original gas in place. Although advanced Blasingame production decline analysis methods fo...Production decline analysis has been considered as an important method to obtain the flow parameters, reservoir properties and original gas in place. Although advanced Blasingame production decline analysis methods for vertical wells, fractured wells and horizontal wells are widely used, limited study has conducted on Blasingame production decline type curves for multi-fractured horizontal well(MFHW). Based on the perpendicular bisection(PEBI) grids, a numerical model was developed and the solution was obtained using control volume finite element method and the fully implicit method. Blasingame production decline-type curves of the infinitely conductive MFHW were plotted through computer programming. A field case was presented to analyse and verify the model developed. Five flow regimes, including early formation linear flow, early radial flow, compound linear flow, transient flow and pseudo-radial flow, are recognized. Fracture spacing is the main factor that affects early radial flow, compound linear flow and transient flow, the distance from the well to the circular boundary affects the pseudo-radial flow, and the type curves are also significantly affected by the formation permeability, fracture number and fracture half-length. The validation of field case suggests that the Blasingame production decline type curves proposed in this work can be applied to the production decline analysis for MFHW in tight gas reservoirs.展开更多
Progressive rising population of diabetes and related nephropathy, namely, diabetic kidney disease and associated end stage renal disease has become a major global public health issue. Results of observational studies...Progressive rising population of diabetes and related nephropathy, namely, diabetic kidney disease and associated end stage renal disease has become a major global public health issue. Results of observational studies indicate that most diabetic kidney disease progresses over decades; however, certain diabetes patients display a rapid decline in renal function, which may lead to renal failure within months. Although the definition of rapid renal function decline remained speculative, in general,it is defined by the decrease of estimated glomerular filtration rate(e GFR) in absolute rate of loss or percent change. Based on the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes 2012 clinical practice guidelines, a rapid decline in renal function is defined as a sustained declinein e GFR of 】 5 m L/min per 1.73 m2 per year. It has been reported that potential factors contributing to a rapid decline in renal function include ethnic/genetic and demographic causes, smoking habits, increased glycated hemoglobin levels, obesity, albuminuria, anemia, low serum magnesium levels, high serum phosphate levels, vitamin D deficiency, elevated systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity values, retinopathy, and cardiac autonomic neuropathy. This article reviews current literatures in this area and provides insight on the early detection of diabetic subjects who are at risk of a rapid decline in renal function in order to develop a more aggressive approach to renal and cardiovascular protection.展开更多
This study investigated the pH/temperature decline of beef carcasses in a typical Chinese abattoir and color development as pH declined during rigor onset. A natural cubic spline model was used to model the pH/tempera...This study investigated the pH/temperature decline of beef carcasses in a typical Chinese abattoir and color development as pH declined during rigor onset. A natural cubic spline model was used to model the pH/temperature decline for those carcasses which passed through pH 6.0. Six of the 97 carcasses that exhibited a high （-〉6.10） ultimate pH （pHu） （darkcutting） in the M. Iongissimus lumborum （LL） were sampled, along with the same numbers of normal pHu and intermediate pHu carcasses （5.40-5.79; 5.80-6.10, respectively）, to examine color development within 24 h postmortem. It was shown that 66.7% of the modeled carcasses were outside the ideal pH/temperature window with a temperature@pH6.0 lower than ideal, suggesting the need for acceleration of the pH decline. The stable and low a^＊, b^＊ and chroma values of high pHu beef within the first 12 h indicated dark-cutting beef might be detected earlier than expected.展开更多
Based on dynastic period division and AMS ^14 C dating performed on the sedimentary layers at Zhongba and Yuxi sites,and also the analysis of Na,Ca and Mg of 201 sedimentary samples from Zhongba site and that of Ca an...Based on dynastic period division and AMS ^14 C dating performed on the sedimentary layers at Zhongba and Yuxi sites,and also the analysis of Na,Ca and Mg of 201 sedimentary samples from Zhongba site and that of Ca and Na in 47 sedimentary samples from Yuxi by using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry（ICP）,we found that there were 35 time periods when the contents of Ca and Na were reversely correlated,i.e.whenever the content of Ca was the highest,the content of Na was the lowest,and vice versa. Among them,there were 21 time periods when the content of Ca was the highest,and Na was the lowest,indicating that there were about 21 prosperous periods of ancient salt production at Zhongba site since 3000BC.Other 14 time periods with the peak values of Na while the low values of Ca indicate 14 declined periods of salt production at Zhongba site since 3000BC.The conclusion obtained from the reverse relationship between Ca and Na contents in this paper is consistent with that＂the salt production at Zhongba site started in the new stone age,developed in the Xia and Shang dynasties,reached at the heyday in periods from the Western Zhou to the Han Dynasties,maintained stable to develop in the Tang and the Song dynasties,and gradually declined after the Song Dynasty because the sea salt were conveyed into Sichuan region,however,still had production in the 1970s-1980s＂,educed from archeological exploration.All the above mentioned results indicate that there is a reverse relationship obviously between the contents of Na and Ca in sediments at Zhongba site for ancient salt production,which can be used to reveal the process of rise and decline of ancient salt industry at Zhongba site.展开更多
A quantitative description of a long-term series of aquatic environmental factors and their spatial distributions was generated using measured data from the Jiaojiang Estuary from 1982 to 2011. The aquatic environment...A quantitative description of a long-term series of aquatic environmental factors and their spatial distributions was generated using measured data from the Jiaojiang Estuary from 1982 to 2011. The aquatic environmental factors included suspended matter, salinity, and nutrients. Based on these factors, the aquatic ecosystem health in the Jiaojiang Estuary over the last 30 years was analyzed. The results indicated that the suspended matter concentration in the estuary was mainly affected by the amounts of suspended sediment and solid waste, with the value fluctuating over a long period, and the range of high concentration expanded continually; the salinity was mainly affected by precipitation and surface water resources, showing an overall decreasing trend, and the region with low salinity moved seaward and toward the reclamation areas; and the nutritional status, mainly affected by discharge of industrial wastewater and domestic sewage, was satisfactory in the 1980s and 1990s, but the status became severe in recent years. Reclamation had a great influence on these three factors： high reclamation strength led to a significant increase in the suspended matter concentration and a deterioration of the nutritional status, and the reclamation rate was negatively related with the salinity in the estuary. There was a significant positive correlation between the health status of the aquatic ecosystem and salinity, with a correlation coefficient of 0.93. The correlation coefficient between the health status and nutritional status was -0.71, while the correlation between the suspended matter concentration and health status was not as significant as that of the other two factors. The dynamics of the aquatic environment could be divided into four stages： sustainable health from the 1980s to the 1990s, continued deterioration from 2000 to 2003, improvement from 2004 to 2005, and secondary deterioration from 2006 to 2011. The Jiaojiang Estuary is faced with imminent environmental pressure at present.展开更多
Assessing the vulnerability of forest ecosystems in the climate change context is a challenging task as the mechanisms that determine this vulnerability cannot be directly observed.Based on the ecological interrelatio...Assessing the vulnerability of forest ecosystems in the climate change context is a challenging task as the mechanisms that determine this vulnerability cannot be directly observed.Based on the ecological interrelationships between forests and climate,the present review focused on providing current information about vulnerability assessments of cork oak(Quercus suber L.)forests in the Mediterranean basin,especially,in the Kroumirie region(northwest Tunisia),currently under historic extreme drought conditions.From comparing recent findings in this region,we synthesized data on cork oak decline and mortality collected during the historic drought years 1988–1995 period.Climate change impacts cork forest decline,with special interest shown in elevated temperatures and drought;cork oak forest regeneration,and the adaptation of the Kroumirie forest to climate change,are reviewed herein.The studied region has been influenced largely by frequent prolonged drought periods,especially from 1988 to 1995.Droughts were found to consistently have a more detrimental impact on the growth and mortality rates of cork oak populations.Cork oak mortality was recorded for up to 63,622 trees.In the future,more research studies and observational data will be needed,which could represent an important key to understand ecosystem processes,and to facilitate the development of better models that project climate change impacts and vulnerability.The study is useful for researchers and forestry decision makers to develop the appropriate strategies to restore and protect ecosystems,and to help anticipate potential future droughts and climate change.展开更多
Recent emerging research on intestinal microbiota and its contribution to the central nervous system during health and disease has attra cted significant attention.Age-related intestinal microbiota changes initiate br...Recent emerging research on intestinal microbiota and its contribution to the central nervous system during health and disease has attra cted significant attention.Age-related intestinal microbiota changes initiate brain aging and age-related neurodegenerative disorders.Aging is one of the critical predisposing risk factors for the development of neurodegenerative diseases.Maintaining a healthy gut microbiota is essential for a healthy body and aging,but dys biosis could initiate many chro nic diseases.Understanding the underlying mechanisms of gut microbiota alterations/dys biosis will help identify biomarkers for aging-related chro nic conditions.This review summarizes recent advances in micro biota-neurodegenerative disease research and will enhance our unde rstanding of gut microbiota dys biosis and its effects on brain aging.展开更多
Eutrophication has become a serious concern in many lakes, resulting in cyanobacterial blooms. However, the mechanism and pathways of cyanobacteria decline are less understood. To identify and define the growth and de...Eutrophication has become a serious concern in many lakes, resulting in cyanobacterial blooms. However, the mechanism and pathways of cyanobacteria decline are less understood. To identify and define the growth and decline of Microcystis blooms in Taihu Lake of China, and to illuminate the destination of surface floating blooms, we investigated the biomass distribution and variations in colony size, morphology, and floating velocity from October 2008 to September 2009. The results showed that the Microcystis bloom declined in response to biomass decrease, colony disaggregation, buoyancy reduction, and increased phytoplankton biodiversity, and these indicative parameters could be applied for recognition of the development phases of the bloom. Three major decline pathways were proposed to describe the bloom decline process, colony disaggregation （Pathway I）, colony settlement （Pathway II）, and cell lysis in colonies （Pathway III）. We proposed a strategy to define the occurrence and decline of Microcystis blooms, to evaluate the survival state under different stress conditions, and to indicate the efficiency of controlling countermeasures against algal blooms.展开更多
BACKGROUND Decreased ovarian reserve function is an ovarian hypofunction disease that occurs in women before 40 years of age,leading to a decline in fertility and perimeno-pausal symptoms,such as irregular menstruatio...BACKGROUND Decreased ovarian reserve function is an ovarian hypofunction disease that occurs in women before 40 years of age,leading to a decline in fertility and perimeno-pausal symptoms,such as irregular menstruation,amenorrhea,infertility,de-creased libido,and autonomic nervous dysfunction.Fenmatong(FMT)is a com-pound mixture of estradiol tablets and estradiol didroxyprogesterone tablets,which can improve ovarian reserve function by supplementation of exogenous estrogen.However,this treatment has also been shown to cause breast pain,gastrointestinal discomfort,irregular vaginal bleeding,and changes in sexual desire.In severe cases,FMT can promote the development of breast cancer,endometrial cancer,and venous embolic disease.AIM To observe the effects of Kuntai capsules and FMT on endocrine indexes and uterine artery blood circulation in patients with decreased ovarian reserve func-tion.METHODS Patients(130)with decreased ovarian reserve function,who were treated in our hospital from May 2018 to May 2020,were divided into two groups:The FMT group,in which patients were treated with FMT,and the observation group,in which patients were treated with Kuntai capsules.Chinese medicine symptom scores,uterine artery blood flow parameters,ovarian ultrasound test indexes,pictorial blood loss assessment chart(PBAC)scores,and hormone levels were recorded,and total effective rates were calculated for both groups.RESULTS The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the FMT group(P<0.05).After treatment,primary symptoms,including low menstrual volume,delayed menstruation,red color and thick consistency of menses,di-zziness,palpitation,weakness at the waist and knee,insomnia and excessive dreaming,irritability,and dryness and astringency of the pudendal canal in the observation group decreased,and scores for primary and secondary symptoms in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the FMT group(P<0.05).The systolic peak flow rate(PSV),end-diastolic flow rate(EDV),ovarian diameter,sinus follicle count,and resistance index(RI)of the uterine arteries in the observation group and FMT group increased after treatment.Notably,the PSV,EDV,ovarian diameter,and antral follicle count in the observation group were higher than those in the FMT group,whereas the RI in the observation group was lower than that in the FMT group(P<0.05).The PBAC scores in the observation and FMT groups increased after treatment,with that in the ob-servation group becoming significantly higher than that in the FMT group(P<0.05).After treatment,estradiol(E2)and anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH)levels increased,whereas follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)levels decreased in the observation group and FMT group;E2 and AMH levels became significantly higher and FSH levels became significantly lower in the observation group than in the FMT group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Compared with FMT,Kuntai capsules promoted uterine artery blood circulation,improved menstruation,relieved symptoms,regulated endocrine function,and improved curative effects.展开更多
基金supported by the Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem Innovation Foundation,No.22HHXBSS00047(to PL)Graduate Science and Technology Innovation Project of Tianjin,No.2022BKY173(to LZ)Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Bureau Foundation,No.20201194(to PL).
文摘With the rapidly aging human population,age-related cognitive decline and dementia are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide.Aging is considered the main risk factor for cognitive decline and acts through alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota,microbial metabolites,and the functions of astrocytes.The microbiota–gut–brain axis has been the focus of multiple studies and is closely associated with cognitive function.This article provides a comprehensive review of the specific changes that occur in the composition of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in older individuals and discusses how the aging of astrocytes and reactive astrocytosis are closely related to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.This article also summarizes the gut microbiota components that affect astrocyte function,mainly through the vagus nerve,immune responses,circadian rhythms,and microbial metabolites.Finally,this article summarizes the mechanism by which the gut microbiota–astrocyte axis plays a role in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.Our findings have revealed the critical role of the microbiota–astrocyte axis in age-related cognitive decline,aiding in a deeper understanding of potential gut microbiome-based adjuvant therapy strategies for this condition.
基金funded by the National Key Research and Development Plan of China(No.2022YFE0127900)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.32071558,32171559)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation Key Project of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,China(No.2023ZD23)the Hulunbuir Science and Technology Plan Project(No.SF2022001)the Fundamental Research Funds of CAF(CAFYBB2023ZA002).
文摘Increasing temperatures and severe droughts threaten forest vitality globally.Prediction of forest response to climate change requires knowledge of the spatiotemporal patterns of monthly or seasonal climatic impacts on the growth of tree species,likely driven by local climatic aridity,climate trends,edaphic conditions,and the climatic adaption of tree species.The ability of tree species to cope with changing climate and the effects of environmental variables on growth trends and growth-climate relationships across diverse bioclimatic regions are still poorly understood for many species.This study investigated radial growth trends,interannual growth variability,and growth-climate sensitivity of two dominant tree species,Pinus tabulaeformis(PT)and Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica(PS),across a broad climatic gradient with a variety of soil properties in temperate Northern China.Using a network of 83 tree ring chronologies(54 for PT and 29 for PS)from 1971 to 2010,we documented that both species maintained constant growth trends at wet sites,while both displayed rapid declines at dry sites.We reported the species-specific drivers of spatial heterogeneity in growth trends,interannual growth variability,and growth-climate relationships.Calculated climatic variables and soil properties were identified as the most critical factors affecting the growth trends and growth-climate relationships.However,climatic variables play more essential roles than soil properties in determining the spatial heterogeneity of the growth-climate relationship.Lower clay content and higher soil nutrient regimes can exacerbate the moisture-related susceptibility of tree growth.Our findings highlight that soil properties emerged as important modulating factors to predict the drought vulnerability of forests in addition to climatic variables.Considering the continued climate warmingdrying trend in the future,both pines will face a more severe growth decline and increase in drought vulnerability at drier sites with lower clayed soil or higher nutrient regimes.
基金National Nature Science Foundation of China(No.32371871)。
文摘Warm-wet climatic conditions are widely regarded as conducive to remarkable tree growth,alleviating climatic pressures.However,the notable decline in tree growth observed in the southern edge of boreal forests has heightened concerns over the spatial-temporal dynamics of forest decline.Currently,attaining a comprehensive grasp of the underlying patterns and their propelling factors remains a formidable challenge.We collected tree ring samples from a network of 50 sites across the Greater Xing'an Mountains.These samples were subsequently grouped into two distinct clusters,designated as Groups A and B.The percentage change of growth(GC,%)and the proportion of declining sites were utilized to assess forest decline.The decline in tree growth within Larix gmelinii forests exhibits significant regional variation,accompanied by temporal fluctuations even within a given region.Group A exhibited a pronounced increase in frequency(59.26%)of occurrences and encountered more severe declines(21.65%)in tree growth subsequent to the 1990s,contrasting sharply with Group B,which observed lower frequencies(20.00%)and relatively less severe declines(21.02%)prior to the 1980s.The primary impetus underlying the opposite radial growth increments observed in Larix gmelinii trees from the interplay between their differential response to temperatures and wetter climatic conditions,which is significantly influenced by varying stand densities.In cold-dry conditions,low-density forests may experience soil water freezing,exacerbating drought conditions and thereby inhibiting tree growth,in Group B.Trees growth in high-density stands is restrained by warm-wet conditions,in Group A.These results provide new insights into the variability at the southern edge of the boreal forest biome with different responses to density and climate.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation (81601728,31500726)the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province (2021JJ41002),China。
文摘Objective:Inflammation in the central nervous system plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of sepsis-associated encephalopathy.This study aims to explore the effects of maresin 1(MaR1),an anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediator,on sepsis-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment.Methods:Mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups:A sham group(sham operation+vehicle),a cecal ligation and puncture(CLP)group(CLP operation+vehicle),a MaR1-LD group(CLP operation+1 ng MaR1),and a MaR1-HD group(CLP operation+10 ng MaR1).MaR1 or vehicle was intraperitoneally administered starting 1 h before CLP operation,then every other day for 7 days.Survival rates were monitored,and serum inflammatory cytokines[tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-1β,and IL-6]were measured 24 h after operation using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Cognitive function was assessed 7 days after operation using the Morris water maze(MWM)test and novel object recognition(NOR)task.The mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),IL-4,IL-10,and arginase 1(Arg1)in cortical and hippocampal tissues was determined by real-time reverse transcription PCR(RT-PCR).Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression of iNOS,Arg1,signal transducer and activator of transcription 6(STAT6),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARγ),and phosphorylated STAT6(p-STAT6)in hippocampal tissue.Microglia activation was visualized via immunofluorescence.Mice were also treated with the PPARγantagonist GW9662 to confirm the involvement of this pathway in MaR1’s effects.Results:CLP increased serum levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6,and reduced body weight and survival rates(all P<0.05).Both 1 ng and 10 ng doses of MaR1 significantly reduced serum TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 levels,improved body weight,and increased survival rates(all P<0.05).No significant difference in efficacy was observed between the 2 doses(all P>0.05).MWM test and NOR task indicated that CLP impaired spatial learning,which MaR1 mitigated.However,GW9662 partially reversed MaR1’s protective effects.Real-time RTPCR results demonstrated that,compared to the sham group,mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-1β,and iNOS significantly increased in hippocampal tissues following CLP(all P<0.05),while IL-4,IL-10,and Arg1 showed a slight decrease,though the differences were not statistically significant(all P>0.05).Compared to the CLP group,both 1 ng and 10 ng MaR1 decreased TNF-α,IL-1β,and iNOS mRNA expression in hippocampal tissues and increased IL-4,IL-10,and Arg1 mRNA expression(all P<0.05).Immunofluorescence results indicated a significant increase in Iba1-positive microglia in the hippocampus after CLP compared to the sham group(P<0.05).Administration of 1 ng and 10 ng MaR1 reduced the percentage area of Iba1-positive cells in the hippocampus compared to the CLP group(both P<0.05).Western blotting results showed that,compared to the CLP group,both 1 ng and 10 ng MaR1 down-regulated the iNOS expression,while up-regulated the expression of Arg1,PPARγ,and p-STAT6(all P<0.05).However,the inclusion of GW9662 counteracted the MaR1-induced upregulation of Arg1 and PPARγcompared to the MaR1-LD group(all P<0.05).Conclusion:MaR1 inhibits the classical activation of hippocampal microglia,promotes alternative activation,reduces sepsis-induced neuroinflammation,and improves cognitive decline.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,China(Grant No.ZR2020QE110)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,China(Grant No.52104089).
文摘The decline in groundwater level is a key factor contributing to cover collapse in karst areas.In this study,the model tests and numerical simulations are conducted to reveal the breeding process and formation mechanism of cover collapse sinkholes caused by the decline of groundwater level in karst area.Firstly,the model tests confirm that the decline of groundwater level generates negative pressure at the lower edge of overlying soil.The negative pressure experiences four distinct phases during the groundwater drawdown process:rapid rise,slow decline,rapid decline,and gradual dissipation.The maximum negative pressure is influenced by the particle size distribution of the overlying soil.Then,the numerical simulations are carried out to investigate the change process of negative pressure caused by the loss of fillers in karst pipe.The simulated results indicate that the rate of groundwater decline and the thickness and initial void ratio of the overlying soil can affect the maximum negative pressure.As groundwater level drops,a negative pressure zone forms underground,causing tensile failure in the surrounding soil and creating an arched soil hole,which weakens the support for the overlying soil.This phenomenon can also lead to the collapse of the overlying soil under its self-weight.Groundwater table decline in karst areas can result in both internal and surface collapses.When the overlying soil is thin,internal and surface collapses occur simultaneously.In contrast,for thick overlying soil,internal collapse happens first,followed by a layer-by-layer collapse,ultimately forming sinkholes.Finally,the breeding process and formation mechanism of the Yujiawan Reservoir sinkholes are discussed.Geological conditions and groundwater level decline significantly affect internal collapse in karst areas,requiring careful consideration from on-site engineers.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52374043)the Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52234003)。
文摘The shale revolution has turned the United States from an oil importer into an oil exporter.The success of shale oil production in the U.S.has inspired many countries,including China,to begin the exploitation and development of shale oil resources.In this study,the production curves of over 30,000 shale oil wells in the Bakken,Eagle Ford(EF)and Permian are systematically analyzed to provide reference and guidance for future shale oil development.To find out the most suitable decline curve models for shale oil wells,fifteen models and a new fitting method are tested on wells with production history over 6 years.Interestingly,all basins show similar results despite of their varieties in geological conditions:stretched exponential production decline(SEPD)+Arps model provides most accurate prediction of estimated ultimate recovery(EUR)for wells with over 2 years'production,while the Arps model can be used before the two years'switch point.With the EUR calculated by decline curve analysis,we further construct simple regression models for different basins to predict the EUR quickly and early.This work helps us better understand the production of shale oil wells,as well as provide important suggestions for the choices of models for shale oil production prediction.
基金Supported by Southuest China Rice Innovation System and Crop High-yielding Project by Science and Technology (2011BAD02A05) Transformation Project of Agricultural Fruits into Capitals (2006GB2F000256)+2 种基金Sichuan Academic Leaders Training FundSichuan Rice Cultivation Key ProjectSichuan Financial Distribution Project~~
文摘[Objective] The aim was to research relationship between SPAD decline index after full-heading stage （SDIFHS） and productivity of rice. fertilized with nitro- gen in order to provide theoretical and practical references for selection and breed- ing of rice varieties. [Method] From 2008 to 2010, 18 mid-season hybrid rice vari- eties were researched every year to explore relationship＇ between SDIFHS and pro- ductivity of rice fertilized with nitrogen. [Result] The productivity of rice fertilized with nitrogen was of extremely significant positive corretation with SDIFHS, because the higher SPAD decline index is, the higher LAI decline index and the transformation ratio of dry matter to spikes in overground plant would be. [Conclusion] The re- search established a new method to predict productivity of rice fertilized with nitro- gen based on SPAD decline index.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China project(No.31330015)
文摘Forest structure and function are subject to risks of growth declines from intensified drought and frequent extreme events related to climate warming.Knowledge of tree growth declines will help anticipate future responses of forests to climate change.In this study,we investigated tree growth declines over the last four centuries in a juniper forest on the eastern Tibetan Plateau.By analyzing the radial growth trajectories of individual trees,we identified two events of intense growth decline,one in 1817–1830 and the other in 1969–1999 over the past four centuries.The intensity of the recent decline was unprecedented in the period under study.Ring-width chronology showed a positive correlation with self-calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Indices and a negative correlation with mean monthly temperatures in May and June.The recent intensified growth decline may have been due to temperatureinduced frequent droughts in the study area.Our findings suggest that trees in this juniper forest may face a higher risk of growth decline and even mortality under continued climate warming.
基金supported partly by grants from the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China (No. 30271255)the Natural Sciences Foundation of Hubei Province, China (No. 2006ABB023)
文摘Cognitive decline is a common complication after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass（CPB）,but as such no pharmacological therapy has been shown to be efficacious in preventing the decline.However,gastrodin has been shown to have multi-pharmacological effects on neurological functions.We undertook this study to test the hypothesis that gastrodin would potentially prevent CPB-associated neurocognitive decline.We randomly assigned 200 patients undergoing mitral valve replacement surgery to receive either gastrodin（40 mg/kg） or saline after the induction of anesthesia and subsequently evaluated cognitive function before surgery,at discharge,and at 3rd month after surgery by using a battery of five neurocognitive tests,or adverse effects of gastrodin postoperatively.Neurocognitive decline in postoperative function was defined as a drop of 1 SD or more in the scores on tests of any one of the four domains of cognitive function.Cognitive decline occurred in 9% of the patients in the gastrodin group in contrast to 42% in the control group（P〈0.01） at discharge.Cognitive outcome could be determined at 3rd month in 87 patients in the gastrodin group and 89 in the control group.Cognitive decline was detected in 6% in the gastrodin group and 31% in the control group（P〈0.01）.The incidences of possible adverse effects were similar between two groups.These results indicate that gastrodin is an effective and a safe drug for the prevention of neurocognitive decline in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement surgery with CPB.
基金This study was supported by CSC (Chinese Scholarship Communi ), CSIRO and Australia-China Council
文摘Eucalyptus species are the native and major plant group in Australian landscapes. Since European settlement, eucalypt trees heavily decline in the tablelands .of New South Wales. Tree recruitment bog down and the landscape ecosystem hardly recovers to the original state. This paper introduces the history of eucalypt trees and native shrubs decline, analyzes reasons of seedling recruitment decrease in this region, such as clearing, grazing, fire, competition from exotic species, dieback, insects, drought and so on, and summarizes the probable conditions of eucalypt tree recruitment, such as suitable conditions of seedling survival, sufficient seed supply, keep from predation, suitable germination conditions, non-grazed environment, mechanical treatment, weed control, fire regime, disease control etc, lending suggests how to preserve and encourage eucalypt trees recruitment in the area.
基金Project(2013CB228005)supported by the National Basic Research Program of China
文摘Production decline analysis has been considered as an important method to obtain the flow parameters, reservoir properties and original gas in place. Although advanced Blasingame production decline analysis methods for vertical wells, fractured wells and horizontal wells are widely used, limited study has conducted on Blasingame production decline type curves for multi-fractured horizontal well(MFHW). Based on the perpendicular bisection(PEBI) grids, a numerical model was developed and the solution was obtained using control volume finite element method and the fully implicit method. Blasingame production decline-type curves of the infinitely conductive MFHW were plotted through computer programming. A field case was presented to analyse and verify the model developed. Five flow regimes, including early formation linear flow, early radial flow, compound linear flow, transient flow and pseudo-radial flow, are recognized. Fracture spacing is the main factor that affects early radial flow, compound linear flow and transient flow, the distance from the well to the circular boundary affects the pseudo-radial flow, and the type curves are also significantly affected by the formation permeability, fracture number and fracture half-length. The validation of field case suggests that the Blasingame production decline type curves proposed in this work can be applied to the production decline analysis for MFHW in tight gas reservoirs.
文摘Progressive rising population of diabetes and related nephropathy, namely, diabetic kidney disease and associated end stage renal disease has become a major global public health issue. Results of observational studies indicate that most diabetic kidney disease progresses over decades; however, certain diabetes patients display a rapid decline in renal function, which may lead to renal failure within months. Although the definition of rapid renal function decline remained speculative, in general,it is defined by the decrease of estimated glomerular filtration rate(e GFR) in absolute rate of loss or percent change. Based on the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes 2012 clinical practice guidelines, a rapid decline in renal function is defined as a sustained declinein e GFR of 】 5 m L/min per 1.73 m2 per year. It has been reported that potential factors contributing to a rapid decline in renal function include ethnic/genetic and demographic causes, smoking habits, increased glycated hemoglobin levels, obesity, albuminuria, anemia, low serum magnesium levels, high serum phosphate levels, vitamin D deficiency, elevated systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity values, retinopathy, and cardiac autonomic neuropathy. This article reviews current literatures in this area and provides insight on the early detection of diabetic subjects who are at risk of a rapid decline in renal function in order to develop a more aggressive approach to renal and cardiovascular protection.
基金supported by the Shandong Province Natural Science Fund,China(ZR2015CQ013)the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System(beef)(CARS-37)+2 种基金the General Financial Grant from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2016M592229)the Special Fund for Innovation Team of Modern Agricultural Industrial Technology System in Shandong Province(SDAIT-09-09)the funds of Shandong“Double Tops”Program,China(SYL2017XTTD12)
文摘This study investigated the pH/temperature decline of beef carcasses in a typical Chinese abattoir and color development as pH declined during rigor onset. A natural cubic spline model was used to model the pH/temperature decline for those carcasses which passed through pH 6.0. Six of the 97 carcasses that exhibited a high （-〉6.10） ultimate pH （pHu） （darkcutting） in the M. Iongissimus lumborum （LL） were sampled, along with the same numbers of normal pHu and intermediate pHu carcasses （5.40-5.79; 5.80-6.10, respectively）, to examine color development within 24 h postmortem. It was shown that 66.7% of the modeled carcasses were outside the ideal pH/temperature window with a temperature@pH6.0 lower than ideal, suggesting the need for acceleration of the pH decline. The stable and low a^＊, b^＊ and chroma values of high pHu beef within the first 12 h indicated dark-cutting beef might be detected earlier than expected.
基金The Key Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.90411015 University Doctoral Foundation of China, Grand No.20050284011+2 种基金 The Prior study project for Key Basic Scientific Issue of Nanjing University, Grand No. 0209005206 Open Foundation of the State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology from the Institute of Earth Environment, CAS, No.SKLLQG0503 Foundation of Modern Analyses Center of Nanjing University, No.0209001309.
文摘Based on dynastic period division and AMS ^14 C dating performed on the sedimentary layers at Zhongba and Yuxi sites,and also the analysis of Na,Ca and Mg of 201 sedimentary samples from Zhongba site and that of Ca and Na in 47 sedimentary samples from Yuxi by using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry（ICP）,we found that there were 35 time periods when the contents of Ca and Na were reversely correlated,i.e.whenever the content of Ca was the highest,the content of Na was the lowest,and vice versa. Among them,there were 21 time periods when the content of Ca was the highest,and Na was the lowest,indicating that there were about 21 prosperous periods of ancient salt production at Zhongba site since 3000BC.Other 14 time periods with the peak values of Na while the low values of Ca indicate 14 declined periods of salt production at Zhongba site since 3000BC.The conclusion obtained from the reverse relationship between Ca and Na contents in this paper is consistent with that＂the salt production at Zhongba site started in the new stone age,developed in the Xia and Shang dynasties,reached at the heyday in periods from the Western Zhou to the Han Dynasties,maintained stable to develop in the Tang and the Song dynasties,and gradually declined after the Song Dynasty because the sea salt were conveyed into Sichuan region,however,still had production in the 1970s-1980s＂,educed from archeological exploration.All the above mentioned results indicate that there is a reverse relationship obviously between the contents of Na and Ca in sediments at Zhongba site for ancient salt production,which can be used to reveal the process of rise and decline of ancient salt industry at Zhongba site.
基金supported by the Soft Science Research Project of the Zhejiang Association for Science and Technology(Grant No.KX12E-17)the Research Project of the Zhejiang Environmental Protection Bureau(Grant No.2012A033)
文摘A quantitative description of a long-term series of aquatic environmental factors and their spatial distributions was generated using measured data from the Jiaojiang Estuary from 1982 to 2011. The aquatic environmental factors included suspended matter, salinity, and nutrients. Based on these factors, the aquatic ecosystem health in the Jiaojiang Estuary over the last 30 years was analyzed. The results indicated that the suspended matter concentration in the estuary was mainly affected by the amounts of suspended sediment and solid waste, with the value fluctuating over a long period, and the range of high concentration expanded continually; the salinity was mainly affected by precipitation and surface water resources, showing an overall decreasing trend, and the region with low salinity moved seaward and toward the reclamation areas; and the nutritional status, mainly affected by discharge of industrial wastewater and domestic sewage, was satisfactory in the 1980s and 1990s, but the status became severe in recent years. Reclamation had a great influence on these three factors： high reclamation strength led to a significant increase in the suspended matter concentration and a deterioration of the nutritional status, and the reclamation rate was negatively related with the salinity in the estuary. There was a significant positive correlation between the health status of the aquatic ecosystem and salinity, with a correlation coefficient of 0.93. The correlation coefficient between the health status and nutritional status was -0.71, while the correlation between the suspended matter concentration and health status was not as significant as that of the other two factors. The dynamics of the aquatic environment could be divided into four stages： sustainable health from the 1980s to the 1990s, continued deterioration from 2000 to 2003, improvement from 2004 to 2005, and secondary deterioration from 2006 to 2011. The Jiaojiang Estuary is faced with imminent environmental pressure at present.
基金This work was funded by the National Research Institute for Rural Engineering,Waters,and Forestry,Tunisia.
文摘Assessing the vulnerability of forest ecosystems in the climate change context is a challenging task as the mechanisms that determine this vulnerability cannot be directly observed.Based on the ecological interrelationships between forests and climate,the present review focused on providing current information about vulnerability assessments of cork oak(Quercus suber L.)forests in the Mediterranean basin,especially,in the Kroumirie region(northwest Tunisia),currently under historic extreme drought conditions.From comparing recent findings in this region,we synthesized data on cork oak decline and mortality collected during the historic drought years 1988–1995 period.Climate change impacts cork forest decline,with special interest shown in elevated temperatures and drought;cork oak forest regeneration,and the adaptation of the Kroumirie forest to climate change,are reviewed herein.The studied region has been influenced largely by frequent prolonged drought periods,especially from 1988 to 1995.Droughts were found to consistently have a more detrimental impact on the growth and mortality rates of cork oak populations.Cork oak mortality was recorded for up to 63,622 trees.In the future,more research studies and observational data will be needed,which could represent an important key to understand ecosystem processes,and to facilitate the development of better models that project climate change impacts and vulnerability.The study is useful for researchers and forestry decision makers to develop the appropriate strategies to restore and protect ecosystems,and to help anticipate potential future droughts and climate change.
基金the College of Pharmacy,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry,King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabiapartly the grants from The American Heart Association,No.17AIREA33700076/ZAS/2017the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health,No.R01NS112642(to ZAS)。
文摘Recent emerging research on intestinal microbiota and its contribution to the central nervous system during health and disease has attra cted significant attention.Age-related intestinal microbiota changes initiate brain aging and age-related neurodegenerative disorders.Aging is one of the critical predisposing risk factors for the development of neurodegenerative diseases.Maintaining a healthy gut microbiota is essential for a healthy body and aging,but dys biosis could initiate many chro nic diseases.Understanding the underlying mechanisms of gut microbiota alterations/dys biosis will help identify biomarkers for aging-related chro nic conditions.This review summarizes recent advances in micro biota-neurodegenerative disease research and will enhance our unde rstanding of gut microbiota dys biosis and its effects on brain aging.
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program (973 Program)(No. 2008CB418002)the National Major Programs of Water Body Pollution Control and Remediation (Nos. 2009ZX07104-005,2009ZX07106-001)
文摘Eutrophication has become a serious concern in many lakes, resulting in cyanobacterial blooms. However, the mechanism and pathways of cyanobacteria decline are less understood. To identify and define the growth and decline of Microcystis blooms in Taihu Lake of China, and to illuminate the destination of surface floating blooms, we investigated the biomass distribution and variations in colony size, morphology, and floating velocity from October 2008 to September 2009. The results showed that the Microcystis bloom declined in response to biomass decrease, colony disaggregation, buoyancy reduction, and increased phytoplankton biodiversity, and these indicative parameters could be applied for recognition of the development phases of the bloom. Three major decline pathways were proposed to describe the bloom decline process, colony disaggregation （Pathway I）, colony settlement （Pathway II）, and cell lysis in colonies （Pathway III）. We proposed a strategy to define the occurrence and decline of Microcystis blooms, to evaluate the survival state under different stress conditions, and to indicate the efficiency of controlling countermeasures against algal blooms.
文摘BACKGROUND Decreased ovarian reserve function is an ovarian hypofunction disease that occurs in women before 40 years of age,leading to a decline in fertility and perimeno-pausal symptoms,such as irregular menstruation,amenorrhea,infertility,de-creased libido,and autonomic nervous dysfunction.Fenmatong(FMT)is a com-pound mixture of estradiol tablets and estradiol didroxyprogesterone tablets,which can improve ovarian reserve function by supplementation of exogenous estrogen.However,this treatment has also been shown to cause breast pain,gastrointestinal discomfort,irregular vaginal bleeding,and changes in sexual desire.In severe cases,FMT can promote the development of breast cancer,endometrial cancer,and venous embolic disease.AIM To observe the effects of Kuntai capsules and FMT on endocrine indexes and uterine artery blood circulation in patients with decreased ovarian reserve func-tion.METHODS Patients(130)with decreased ovarian reserve function,who were treated in our hospital from May 2018 to May 2020,were divided into two groups:The FMT group,in which patients were treated with FMT,and the observation group,in which patients were treated with Kuntai capsules.Chinese medicine symptom scores,uterine artery blood flow parameters,ovarian ultrasound test indexes,pictorial blood loss assessment chart(PBAC)scores,and hormone levels were recorded,and total effective rates were calculated for both groups.RESULTS The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the FMT group(P<0.05).After treatment,primary symptoms,including low menstrual volume,delayed menstruation,red color and thick consistency of menses,di-zziness,palpitation,weakness at the waist and knee,insomnia and excessive dreaming,irritability,and dryness and astringency of the pudendal canal in the observation group decreased,and scores for primary and secondary symptoms in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the FMT group(P<0.05).The systolic peak flow rate(PSV),end-diastolic flow rate(EDV),ovarian diameter,sinus follicle count,and resistance index(RI)of the uterine arteries in the observation group and FMT group increased after treatment.Notably,the PSV,EDV,ovarian diameter,and antral follicle count in the observation group were higher than those in the FMT group,whereas the RI in the observation group was lower than that in the FMT group(P<0.05).The PBAC scores in the observation and FMT groups increased after treatment,with that in the ob-servation group becoming significantly higher than that in the FMT group(P<0.05).After treatment,estradiol(E2)and anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH)levels increased,whereas follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)levels decreased in the observation group and FMT group;E2 and AMH levels became significantly higher and FSH levels became significantly lower in the observation group than in the FMT group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Compared with FMT,Kuntai capsules promoted uterine artery blood circulation,improved menstruation,relieved symptoms,regulated endocrine function,and improved curative effects.
