Effect of exposure to ambient PM2.5 pollution on the risk of respiratory tract diseases： a meta-analysis of cohort studies

The International Agency for Research on Cancer and the World Health Organization have designated airborne particulates, including particulates of median aerodynamic diameter 〈 2.5 gm （PM2.5）, as Group 1 carcinogens. It has not been determined, however, whether exposure to ambient PM2.5 is associated with an increase in respiratory related diseases. This meta-analysis assessed the association between exposure to ambient fine particulate matter （PM2.5） and the risk of respiratory tract diseases, using relevant articles extracted from PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. In results, of the 1,126 articles originally identified, 35 （3.1%） were included in this meta-analysis. PM2.5 was found to be associated with respiratory tract diseases. After subdivision by age group, respiratory tract disease, and continent, PM2.5 was strongly associated with respiratory tract diseases in children, in persons with cough, lower respiratory illness, and wheezing, and in individuals from North America, Europe, and Asia. The risk of respiratory tract diseases was greater for exposure to traffic-related than non-traffic-related air pollution. In children, the pooled relative risk （RR） represented significant increases in wheezing （8.2%）, cough （7.5%）, and lower respiratory illness （15.3%）. The pooled RRs in children were 1.091 （95%CI： 1.049, 1.135） for exposure to 〈 25 gg/m3 PM2.5, and 1.126 （95%CI： 1.067, l. 190） for exposure to 〉 25 gg/m3 PM2.5. In conclusion, exposure to ambient PM2.5 was significantly associated with the development of respiratory tract diseases, especially in children exposed to high concentrations of PM2.5.

Brood sex ratio in the Yellow-bellied Prinia(Prinia flaviventris)

Background:The adjustment of sex ratios in birds can occur at the egg and nestling stages. Previous studies showed that the sex ratio was affected by environmental factors and parental condition; it may result in seasonal and ecosystem differences.Methods:In this study, the brood sex ratio of the Yellow-bellied Prinia(Prinia flaviventris) in the Nonggang area, Guangxi, southwestern China, was investigated during the breeding season from May to June in 2013 using PCR amplification from whole-genome DNA extracted from blood samples. A total of 31 nests of Yellow-bellied Prinia, including 132 brood fledglings and 31 pairs, were sampled.Results:The results showed that the brood sex ratio of the Yellow-bellied Prinia was 1:1, and sex ratios of different nests were evenly distributed within the study area. No significant relationship was found between parental quality and nest characteristics with the brood sex ratio.Conclusions:The present study indicated that no brood sex ratio bias in the Yellow-bellied Prinia highlighted the complexity of sex ratio adjustment in birds. In spite of our negative results, the lack of an association between brood sex ratio and parental quality and environmental factors in the Yellow-bellied Prinia provides valuable information on the adjustment of sex ratios in birds.

Trophic Niche Shifts in Mountain Feirana Frogs under Human-mediated Habitat Transformations

Urbanization can induce environmental changes, disturbing habitat transformation process, and resulting in niche shift of species and local extinctions. Amphibians have experienced worldwide population declines, with ha bitat loss acting as one of the most disruptive causes. How amphibian species response to changing habitats could be reflected in their utilization and assimilation of resources. Using stable isotopes, we explored trophic niche variation between natural and transformed habitats for three closely related frog species in the genus Feirana(F. quadranus, F. taihangnica and F. kangxianensis). Our results indicated that the δ~(13)C value was negatively correlated with body size(snout-vent length) and the δ~(15)N value increased along with the ontogenetic process. The δ~(13)C values were significantly different among habitat types, and the variation of δ~(15)N values was relatively limited in different disturbed gradients. Urban groups displayed broader trophic niche width than both rural and natural groups. When species in sympatry, their resource utilization and trophic niche overlap probability were more similar in rural habitats than their natural counterparts. Our findings would be conducive to understand trophic niche and function variation in amphibians during the urbanization process, allowing for effective predictions of ecological consequences of habitat transformation. This study can also provide insight into conservation strategies for mountain amphibians in the Anthropocene.

Multidimensional diversity of bird communities across spatial variation of land cover in Zoige on the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Background:Spatial variation of land cover can result in the changes of community similarities and biotic homog-enization,whereby the increasing similarity would reduce the adaptive capacity of biotic assemblages to further disturbance,and degenerate ecosystem services they offer.However,it remains scarce to integrate multidimensional diversity for unveiling how variations in land cover may influence the patterns and processes of biotic homogeniza-tion in the Anthropocene.In this study,we examined how spatial variation of land cover could alter taxonomic,phy-logenetic and functional homogenization of bird communities simultaneously in a compound ecosystem of Zoige Marsh on the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.Acting as the largest alpine marsh and peatland in the world,Zoige Marsh has undergone great changes in the land cover pattern due to climate change and anthropogenic activities.Methods:We conducted transect surveys for bird communities over six years(2014‒2019)during breeding sea-sons in four main land cover types(meadow,woodland,village and marsh),representing the spatial variation of land covers in the study area.We compared multidimensional diversity(taxonomic,phylogenetic and functional diver-sity)among land covers to assess the effects of spatial variation in land cover type on bird communities,particularly whether this variation has homogenized biotic communities.Results:Bird communities during breeding seasons were different and complementary in the four land covers.Taxonomic,phylogenetic and functional similarities were significantly lower in meadow than in the other three types,i.e.woodland,village and marsh.However,when we controlled for the effects of taxonomic similarities,the pattern of phylogenetic similarities almost reversed,with the highest standardized effect size(SES)phylogenetic similarity in meadow;and we found no significant difference in SES functional similarity among land covers.Conclusions:Our results suggest that spatial variation of land cover can play a crucial role in regulating multiple dimensions of bird diversity in Zoige Marsh.The findings indicate that taxonomic,phylogenetic and functional homogenization of bird communities may differently response to the variation of land covers.It thus highlights not only the relative roles of different land covers in maintaining biodiversity and community structures of birds,but also the urgency of retarding ecosystem degradations on the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 in hematological malignancies and its clinical applications

Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1(MALAT1)is a well-established oncogenic long non-coding RNA,the higher expression of which is strongly correlated with cancer events such as tumorigenesis,progression,metastasis,drug resistance,and treatment outcome in solid cancers.Recently,a series of studies has highlighted its potential role in hematological malignancies in terms of these events.Similar to solid cancers,MALAT1 can regulate various target genes via sponging and epigenetic mechanisms,but the miRNAs sponged by MALAT1 differ from those identified in solid cancers.In this review,we systematically describe the role and underlying mechanisms of MALAT1 in multiple types of hematological malignancies,including regulation of cell proliferation,metastasis,stress response,and glycolysis.Clinically,MALAT1 expression is related to poor treatment outcome and drug resistance,therefore exhibiting potential prognostic value in multiple myeloma,lymphoma,and leukemia.Finally,we discuss the evaluation of MALAT1 as a novel therapeutic target against cancer in preclinical studies.

Transcranial Magneto-Acoustic Stimulation Attenuates Synaptic Plasticity Impairment through the Activation of Piezo1 in Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model

The neuropathological features of Alzheimer’s disease include amyloid plaques.Rapidly emerging evidence suggests that Piezo1,a mechanosensitive cation channel,plays a critical role in transforming ultrasound-related mechanical stimuli through its trimeric propeller-like structure,but the importance of Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction in brain functions is less appreciated.However,apart from mechanical stimulation,Piezo1 channels are strongly modulated by voltage.We assume that Piezo1 may play a role in converting mechanical and electrical signals,which could induce the phagocytosis and degradation of Aβ,and the combined effect of mechanical and electrical stimulation is superior to single mechanical stimulation.Hence,we design a transcranial magneto-acoustic stimulation(TMAS)system,based on transcranial ultrasound stimulation(TUS)within a magnetic field that combines a magnetoacoustic coupling effect electric field and the mechanical force of ultrasound,and applied it to test the above hypothesis in 5xFAD mice.Behavioral tests,in vivo electrophysiological recordings,Golgi–Cox staining,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,immunofluorescence,immunohistochemistry,real-time quantitative PCR,Western blotting,RNA sequencing,and cerebral blood flow monitoring were used to assess whether TMAS can alleviate the symptoms of AD mouse model by activating Piezo1.

福建省两栖、爬行动物更新名录

区域物种编目及适时更新是生物多样性研究和保护实践的必要前提。本文基于福建省全省网格化的野外调查,并整合文献资料(截至2021年12月),更新了该省现生本土两栖、爬行动物名录。本名录共收录两栖动物2目9科29属55种、爬行动物2目25科72属126种。其中,分别有4种两栖动物和2种爬行动物是福建省特有种;24种两栖动物和18种爬行动物的模式产地位于福建省。与《福建省两栖动物区系及地理区划》和《福建省爬行动物区系及地理区划》的物种名录相比,本名录新增物种22种,删除8个物种,修订64个物种的名称。有6种爬行动物被列为国家I级重点保护动物,分别有5种两栖动物和25种爬行动物被列为II级保护动物。10种两栖动物被《中国生物多样性红色名录•脊椎动物(第四卷):两栖动物》评估为受胁物种(2种极危,1种濒危,7种易危,分别占两栖动物物种数的3.64%、1.82%和12.73%);41种爬行动物被《中国生物多样性红色名录•脊椎动物(第三卷):爬行动物》评估为受胁物种(11种极危,15种濒危,15种易危,分别占物种数的8.73%、11.90%和11.90%)。

Topographic heterogeneity and temperature amplitude explain species richness patterns of birds in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Large-scale patterns of species richness have gained much attention in recent years; however, the factors that drive high species richness are still controversial in local regions, especially in highly diversified montane regions. The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau （QTP） and the surrounding mountains are biodiversity hot spots due to a high number of endemic montane species. Here, we explored the fac- tors underlying this high level of diversity by studying the relationship between species richness and environmental variables. The richness patterns of 758 resident bird species were summarized at the scale of 1°× 1° grid cell at different taxonomic levels （order, family, genus, and species） and in differ- ent taxonomic groups （Passeriformes, Galliformes, Falconiformes, and Columbiformes）. These rich- ness patterns were subsequently analyzed against habitat heterogeneity （topographical heterogen- eity and land cover）, temperature amplitude （annual temperature, annual precipitation, precipitation seasonality, and temperature seasonality） and a vegetation index （net primary productivity）. Our re- sults showed that the highest richness was found in the southeastern part of the QTP, the eastern Himalayas. The lowest richness was observed in the central plateau of the QTP. Topographical het- erogeneity and temperature amplitude are the primary factors that explain overall patterns of species richness in the QTP, although the specific effect of each environmental variable varies between the different taxonomic groups depending on their own evolutionary histories and ecological require- ments. High species richness in the southeastern QTP is mostly due to highly diversified habitat types and temperature zones along elevation gradients, whereas the low species richness in the cen- tral plateau of the QTP may be due to environmental and energetic constraints, as the central plateau is harsh environment.

Bird diversity and the conservation value of a new Ramsar site:Guangdong Haifeng Wetlands, China

Wetlands are critical habitats for birds.However,wetlands are being degraded at an accelerating rate due to global human activity,and a disproportionate fraction of wetland-dependent bird species are in decline.We evaluated the conservation value of a new Ramsar site,Guangdong Haifeng Wetlands,China,for birds,by comparing bird communities(using line transect data)in 3 different districts:Gongping,Dongguan Lian’anwei and Dahu.We recorded 139 species of birds,including 26 species that are protected at a national level.Dahu had the highest species richness and diversity,whereas Dongguan Lian’anwei had the highest abundance of birds and the lowest species diversity.Finally,Gongping had both the lowest species richness and the lowest abundance.The ende-mism of constituent species differed among districts,and the bird communities were complementary.There were significant seasonal differences in the species richness and the number of individuals.Spring had the highest species richness and diversity.The present study identifies the high conservation value of Haifeng Wetlands for both waterbirds and terrestrial birds.Our findings suggest that conservation efforts in Haifeng Wetlands and other wetlands should focus not only on wintering migratory birds,but also on resident birds.To accomplish effective conservation,we should consider the reserve and surrounding wetlands as a whole,incorporating ecological research,education and local economic development.

Ecological and evolutionary constraints on regional avifauna of passerines in China

Strong correlations between species diversity and climate have been widely observed,but the mechanism underlying this relationship is unclear.Here,we explored the causes of the richness-climate relationships among passerine birds in China by integrating tropical conservatism and diversification rate hypotheses using path models.We found that assemblages with higher species richness southwest of the Salween-Mekong-Pearl River Divide are phylogenetically overdispersed and have shorter mean root distances(MRDs),while species-rich regions northeast of this divide(e.g.,north Hengduan Mountains-south Qinling Mountains)are phylogenetically clustered and have longer MRDs.The results of the path analyses showed that the direct effect of climatic factors on species richness was stronger than their indirect effects on species richness via phylogenetic relatedness,indicating that neither tropical conservatism nor diversification rate hypotheses can well explain the richness-climate relationship among passerines in China.However,when path analyses were conducted within subregions separately,we found that the tropical conservatism hypothesis was well supported in the southwestern Salween-Mekong-Pearl River Divide,while the diversification rate hypothesis could explain the richness-climate relationship well in the northeastern divide.We conclude that the diversity patterns of passerines in different subregions of the Eastern Himalayas-Mountains of Southwest China may be shaped by different evolutionary processes related to geological and climatic histories,which explains why the tropical conservatism or diversification rate hypothesis alone cannot fully explain the richness-climate relationships.