River width and depth as key factors of diurnal activity energy expenditure allocation for wintering Spot-billed Ducks in the Xin'an River Basin

Rivers are important habitats for wintering waterbirds.However,they are easily influenced by natural and human activities.An important approach for waterbirds to adapt to habitats is adjusting the activity time and energy expenditure allocation of diurnal behavior.The compensatory foraging hypothesis predicts that increased energy expenditure leads to longer foraging time,which in turn increases food intake and helps maintain a constant energy balance.However,it is unclear whether human-disturbed habitats result in increased energy expenditure related to safety or foraging.In this study,the scan sample method was used to observe the diurnal behavior of the wintering Spot-billed Duck(Anas poecilorhyncha) in two rivers in the Xin’an River Basin from October 2021 to March 2022.The allocation of time and energy expenditure for activity in both normal and disturbed environments was calculated.The results showed that foraging accounted for the highest percentage of time and energy expenditure.Additionally,foraging decreased in the disturbed environment than that in the normal environment.Resting behavior showed the opposite trend,while other behaviors were similar in both environments.The total diurnal energy expenditure of ducks in the disturbed environment was greater than that in the normal environment,with decreased foraging and resting time percentage and increased behaviors related to immediate safety(swimming and alert) and comfort.These results oppose the compensatory foraging hypothesis in favor of increased security.The optimal diurnal energy expenditure model included river width and water depth,which had a positive relationship;an increase in either of these two factors resulted in an increase in energy expenditure.This study provides a better understanding of energy allocation strategies underlying the superficial time allocation of wintering waterbirds according to environmental conditions.Exploring these changes can help understand the maximum fitness of wintering waterbirds in response to nature and human influences.

Effects of serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores on ankylosing spondylitis patients with sleep disorder

BACKGROUND Patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS)frequently suffer from comorbid sleep disorders,exacerbating the burden of the disease and affecting their quality of life.AIM To investigate the clinical significance of serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores in patients with AS complicated by sleep disorders.METHODS A total of 106 AS patients with comorbid sleep disorders were included in the study.The patients were grouped into the desirable and undesirable prognosis groups in accordance with their clinical outcomes.The serum levels of inflammatory factors,including C-reactive protein,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,interleukin(IL)-6,tumour necrosis factor-αand IL-1β,were measured.Disease activity scores,such as the Bath AS functional index,Bath AS disease activity index,Bath AS metrology index and AS disease activity score,were assessed.The health index was obtained through the Short Form-36 questionnaire.RESULTS The study found significant associations amongst serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores in AS patients with comorbid sleep disorders.Positive correlations were found between serum inflammatory factors and disease activity scores,indicating the influence of heightened systemic inflammation on disease severity and functional impairment.Conversely,negative correlations were found between disease activity scores and health index parameters,highlighting the effect of disease activity on various aspects of healthrelated quality of life.Logistic regression analysis further confirmed the predictive value of these factors on patient outcomes,underscoring their potential utility in risk assessment and prognostication.CONCLUSION The findings demonstrate the intricate interplay amongst disease activity,systemic inflammation and patientreported health outcomes in AS patients complicated by sleep disorders.The results emphasise the need for comprehensive care strategies that address the diverse needs and challenges faced by these patients and underscore the potential relevance of serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores as prognostic markers in this patient population.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Migraine Frequency and Severity in Neurology

Objective: This systematic review examines the impact of lifestyle factors on migraine frequency and severity through a comprehensive analysis of lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, sleep patterns, stress, mental health, and environmental influences. Methods: We thoroughly searched Google Scholar, PUBMED, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using keywords related to migraines and lifestyle factors. Keywords incorporated the Boolean operator “and” to narrow search results. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we identified, screened, and evaluated studies for inclusion, resulting in nine studies meeting the eligibility criteria. Results: A total of 4917 records were initially identified from Scopus (2786), PubMed (854), and Web of Science (1277). Following deduplication, 3657 records underwent title screening, with 382 additionally screened by abstract. Ultimately, 88 full-text articles were assessed, resulting in 9 studies meeting eligibility for qualitative synthesis: 7 prospective and 2 retrospective studies. Our findings highlight the multifaceted role of lifestyle factors in migraine pathophysiology and management. Dietary habits, such as high-calorie, high-fat, and gluten-containing diets were linked to migraine triggers. Moderate physical activity showed beneficial effects on migraine management, while intense exercise could exacerbate symptoms. Poor sleep hygiene and insomnia were strongly associated with increased migraine frequency and severity. Chronic stress and poor mental health significantly contributed to migraine exacerbation, with stress management techniques proving beneficial. Environmental factors, including light, sound, weather changes, and allergens, were also identified as significant migraine triggers. Conclusions: Personalized lifestyle modifications, tailored to individual patient profiles, are crucial in managing migraines. Evidence-based recommendations include balanced diets, moderate physical activity, improved sleep hygiene, stress management techniques, and environmental adaptations.

Activity Data and Emission Factor for Forestry and Other Land Use Change Subsector to Enhance Carbon Market Policy and Action in Malawi

Activity data and emission factors are critical for estimating greenhouse gas emissions and devising effective climate change mitigation strategies. This study developed the activity data and emission factor in the Forestry and Other Land Use Change (FOLU) subsector in Malawi. The results indicate that “forestland to cropland,” and “wetland to cropland,” were the major land use changes from the year 2000 to the year 2022. The forestland steadily declined at a rate of 13,591 ha (0.5%) per annum. Similarly, grassland declined at the rate of 1651 ha (0.5%) per annum. On the other hand, cropland, wetland, and settlements steadily increased at the rate of 8228 ha (0.14%);5257 ha (0.17%);and 1941 ha (8.1%) per annum, respectively. Furthermore, the results indicate that the “grassland to forestland” changes were higher than the “forestland to grassland” changes, suggesting that forest regrowth was occurring. On the emission factor, the results interestingly indicate that there was a significant increase in carbon sequestration in the FOLU subsector from the year 2011 to 2022. Carbon sequestration increased annually by 13.66 ± 0.17 tCO2 e/ha/yr (4.6%), with an uncertainty of 2.44%. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is potential for a Carbon market in Malawi.

Vascular dysfunctions and platelet activations by arsenic: two major contributing factors to cardiovascular disease

Arsenic in drinking water is a worldwide health problem that is associated with cardiovascular disease, but the cause is currently unknown. In order to examine whether arsenic affects vasomotor tone in blood vessels, we investigated the effect of arsenic on agonist-induced vasorelaxation and vasoconstriction using the isolated rat aortic rings in in vitro organ bath system. Treatment with inorganic arsenite (AsⅢ) inhibited acetylcholine-induced relaxation of aortic rings by inhibiting production of nitric oxide in endothelium.

Effect of atorvastatin and clopidogrel on inflammatory factors, blood coagulation and platelet activation in patients with acute cerebral infarction

Objective: To investigate the effects of atorvastatin combined with clopidogrel on inflammatory factors, coagulation and platelet activation in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Methods: A total of 140 cases patients with acute cerebral infarction who were confirmed by clinical and imaging diagnoses were randomly divided into treatment group (70 cases) and control group (70 cases). Both groups were treated routinely before treatment. The observation group was treated with clopidogrel and atorvastatin, while the control group was treated with aspirin and atorvastatin. The changes of inflammatory factors, coagulation function and platelet activation index before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. Result: Before treatment, the levels of serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), coagulation parameters prothrombin time(PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), coagulation index of platelets platelet -membrane glycoprotein (CD62p), lysosomal granular membrane glycoprotein (CD63), platelet-monocyte aggregates (PMA), coagulation parameters were not statistically significant. After treatment, the levels of sICAM-1, CD62p, CD63, PMA and FIB in both groups decreased and the levels of TGF-β, PT and APTT increased. The levels of sICAM-1, FIB, CD62p, CD63 and PMA in the observation group were (370.32±37.13) ng/mL, (1.97±0.21) g/L, (1.38±0.14)%, (0.22±0.02)%, and (18.47+1.85)% respectively, which were lower than those in the control group ((410.47±42.32) ng/mL, (2.58±0.26) s, (2.67±0.27)%, (0.35±0.03)% and (22.87±2.91)%)While the levels of TGF-β, PT and APPT were (231.53±23.52) ng/mL, (15.42±1.53) s, (37.31±3.54) s were higher than the control group ((218.56±22.17) ng/mL, (12.32±1.27) s and (29.89±3.01)s)And the differences were significant. Conclusion: Atorvastatin combined with clopidogrel treatment can effectively relieve the inflammatory response, reduce the release of inflammatory cytokines, improve blood coagulation and inhibit platelet aggregation in patients with acute cerebral infarction. So it deserves further clinical promotion.

Effect of ciliary neurotrophic factor on activation of astrocytes in vitro

Objective To observe the activating effect of ciliary neurotrophic factor （CNTF） on astrocyte in vitro. Methods Astrocytes cultured purely from newborn rats. Cerebral cortex was raised in normal and serum deprivation condition with different concentrations （in ng/ml： 0, 2, 20, or 200） of CNTF. After cultured for 24 h, the shape and the cell cycle of astrocytes were examined by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometer, respectively. Results The immunoactivity of glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） and the nuclear size of astrocytes were increased when CNTF was applied, whether cells were cultured in medium with or without serum. CNTF promoted astrocytes to enter the cell cycle in medium with serum, but had no this effect in medium without serum. Conclusion In medium without serum, astrocytes could differentiate into activated state ceils with CNTF application, but could not proliferate; in medium with serum, astrocytes could proliferate with aid of CNTF.

Activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 attenuates periapical inflammation and bone loss

Hypoxia（low oxygen level） is an important feature during infections and affects the host defence mechanisms. The host has evolved specific responses to address hypoxia, which are strongly dependent on the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1（HIF-1）.Hypoxia interferes degradation of HIF-1 alpha subunit（HIF-1α）, leading to stabilisation of HIF-1α, heterodimerization with HIF-1 beta subunit（HIF-1β） and subsequent activation of HIF-1 pathway. Apical periodontitis（periapical lesion） is a consequence of endodontic infection and ultimately results in destruction of tooth-supporting tissue, including alveolar bone. Thus far, the role of HIF-1 in periapical lesions has not been systematically examined. In the present study, we determined the role of HIF-1 in a wellcharacterised mouse periapical lesion model using two HIF-1α-activating strategies, dimethyloxalylglycine（DMOG） and adenovirusinduced constitutively active HIF-1α（CA-HIF1 A）. Both DMOG and CA-HIF1 A attenuated periapical inflammation and tissue destruction. The attenuation in vivo was associated with downregulation of nuclear factor-κappa B（NF-κB） and osteoclastic gene expressions. These two agents also suppressed NF-κB activation and subsequent production of proinflammatory cytokines by macrophages. Furthermore, activation of HIF-1α by DMOG specifically suppressed lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage differentiation into M1 cells, increasing the ratio of M2 macrophages against M1 cells. Taken together, our data indicated that activation of HIF-1 plays a protective role in the development of apical periodontitis via downregulation of NF-κB, proinflammatory cytokines, M1 macrophages and osteoclastogenesis.

Rapid mitogen-activated protein kinase activation by transforming growth factor α in wounded rat intestinal epithelial cells

AIM To define signaling events initiating healing after intestinal epithelial injury, activation of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways was assessed after wounding using an in vitro model. METHODS Proteins isolated from wounded monolayers of nontransformed intestinal epithelial cells (IEC 6) were analyzed for tyrosine phosphorylation and MAPK expression by Western blot. Extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1, ERK2, and Raf 1 activities were assessed by immune complex kinase assays. RESULTS Tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins including ERK1 was substantially increased 5 minutes after injury. Another MAPK, c Jun N terminal protein kinase (JNK), was also activated after wounding. Conditioned medium from wounded but not intact IEC 6 monolayers resulted in increased activity of ERK1, ERK2, and Raf 1 kinase. Wound conditioned medium stimulated proliferation of subconfluent IEC 6 cells compared with conditioned medium from intact IEC 6 cultures and contained higher amounts of transforming growth factor (TGF) α than supernatants of confluent IEC 6 cultures. Activation of ERK1 and ERK2 was partially inhibited by neutralizing anti TGF α. CONCLUSION Wounding of intestinal epithelial cells results in activation of Raf 1, ERK1, ERK2, and JNK1 MAPKs and subsequent cell proliferation in vitro. Activation of ERK1 and ERK2 is mediated in part by TGF α.

Expression of tissue factor in pancreatic adenocarcinoma is associated with activation of coagulation

AIM： To study expression of tissue factor （TF） in pancreatic cancer and its role in the development of thromboembolism.METHODS： TF expression was studied in eight human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines by Northern blot and indirect immunofluorescence. Expression of alternatively spliced TF （asTF） was assessed by RT-PCR. In addition, TF expression was determined by immunofluorescence in pancreatic tissues of 19 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma （PCa）, 9 patients with chronic pancreatitis （CP） and 20 normal controls. Plasma samples （30 PCa-patients, 13 CP-patients and 20 controls） were investigated for soluble TF levels and coagulation activation markers [thrombin-antithrombin Ⅲ complex （TAT）, prothrombin fragment 1 ＋ 2 （F1 ＋ 2）]. RESULTS： All pancreatic carcinoma cell lines expressed TF （8/8） and most of them expressed asTF （6/8）. TF expression at the protein level did not correlate with the differentiation of the carcinoma cell line. All but two pancreatic cancer tissue samples stained positive for TF （17/19）. In all samples of CP weak staining was restricted to pancreatic duct cells, whereas only a few subendothelial cells were positive in 9/20 of normal controls. TF and TAT levels in PCa patients were significantly elevated compared to controls whereas elevated F1 ＋ 2 levels did not reach statistical significance compared to controls. In CP patients TAT and F1 ＋ 2 levels proved to be significantly elevated compared to controls, although TAT elevation was less pronounced than in PCa patients. CONCLUSION： We conclude that in addition to the upregulated expression of TF on the cell membrane, soluble TF might contribute to activation of the coagulation system in pancreatic cancer.

Aberrant activation of nuclear factor of activated T cell 2 in lamina propria mononuclear cells in ulcerative colitis

AIM:To investigate the role of nuclear factor of activated T cell 2(NFAT2),the major NFAT protein in peripheral T cells,in sustained T cell activation and intractable inflammation in human ulcerative colitis(UC). METHODS:We used two-dimensional gel-electrophoresis, immunohistochemistry,double immunohistochemical staining,and confocal microscopy to inspect the expression of NFAT2 in 107,15,48 and 5 cases of UC, Crohn's disease(CD),non-specific colitis,and 5 healthy individuals,respectively. RESULTS:Up-regulation with profound nucleo- translocation/activation of NFAT2 of lamina propria mononuclear cells(LPMC)of colonic mucosa was found specifically in the affected colonic mucosa from patients with UC,as compared to CD or NC(P<0.001,Kruskal- Wallis test).Nucleo-translocation/activation of NFAT2 primarily occurred in CD8+T,but was less prominent in CD4+T cells or CD20+B cells.It was strongly associated with the disease activity,including endoscopic stage (τ=0.2145,P=0.0281)and histologic grade(τ=0.4167, P<0.001). CONCLUSION:We disclose for the first time the nucleo-translocation/activatin of NFAT2 in lamina propria mononuclear cells in ulcerative colitis.Activation of NFAT2 was specific for ulcerative colitis and highly associated with disease activity.Since activation of NFAT2is implicated in an auto-regulatory positive feedback loop of sustained T-cell activation and NFAT proteins play key roles in the calcium/calcineurin signaling pathways,our results not only provide new insights into the mechanism for sustained intractable inflammation,but also suggest the calcium-calcineurin/NFAT pathway as a new therapeutic target for ulcerative colitis.

Activation of JAK-STAT pathway is required for platelet-derived growth factor-induced proliferation of pancreatic stellate cells

AM: To clarify the role of Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induced proliferation in activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). METHODS: PSCs were isolated from rat pancreas tissue, and used in their culture-activated, myofibroblast-like phenotype. STAT-specific binding activity was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Activation of Src, JAK2, STAT1, STAT3, and ERK was determined by Western blotting using anti-phosphospecific antibodies. Cell proliferation was assessed by measuring the incorporation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine. RESULTS: PDGF-BB induced STAT-specific binding activity, and activation of Src, JAK2, STAT1, STAB, and ERK. Ethanol and acetaldehyde at clinically relevant concentrations decreased basal activation of JAK2 and STAT3. PDGF-induced activation of STAT1 and STAT3 was inhibited by a Src inhibitor PP1 and a JAK2 inhibitor AG490, whereas PDGF-induced activation of ERK was inhibited by PP1, and not by AG490. PDGF-induced proliferation was inhibited by PP1 and AG490 as well as by STAT3 antisense oligonucleotide. CONCLUSION: PDGF-BB activated JAK2-STAT pathway via Src-dependent mechanism. Activation of 3AK2-STAT3 pathway, in addition to ERK, may play a role in PDGF-induced proliferation of PSCs.

Review of Factors Influencing Active Components of Lonicera japonica Thunb.

Lonicera japonica Thunb. is a typical medicinal and edible plant in China. It has antibacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-endotoxin, and anti-inflammatory effects, etc. Its pharmacological action is closely related to its active components. Based on the results of previous studies, this paper summarized the effects of variety, origin, cultivation conditions, pruning, harvesting period and processing methods on the active components of L. japonica , in the hope of providing theoretical guidance for high-yield and high-quality cultivation of L. japonica.

Bromate removal by activated carbon adsorption:material selection and impact factors study

Studies are conducted by using activated carbon process aimed at bromate removal from the raw water.Screening of activated carbon for bromate removal was performed in different activated carbons.GAC Merck possesses the highest iodine number and surface area,the highest number of basic groups and Vmeso,thereby contains the highest adsorption velocity and adsorption capacity.Impact factors of bromate removal on activated carbon were studied.Through static absorption experiments we studied the effect of adsorption time,pH,temperature,anions and organic matter on bromate removal.With the decrease of pH,removal of bromate enhanced,suggests that it may be possible to increase bromate reduction through pH control.The increase of temperature will be favorable to adsorption of bromate on activated carbon.Anions and organic matter can inhibit the adsorption of bromate on activated carbon through competing active sites.Bromate removal can be improved by controlling key water quality parameters.

Aberrant activation of latent transforming growth factor-β initiates the onset of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis

There is currently no effective medical treatment for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis(TMJ-OA) due to a limited understanding of its pathogenesis. This study was undertaken to investigate the key role of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)signalling in the cartilage and subchondral bone of the TMJ using a temporomandibular joint disorder(TMD) rat model, an ageing mouse model and a Camurati–Engelmann disease(CED) mouse model. In the three animal models, the subchondral bone phenotypes in the mandibular condyles were evaluated by μCT, and changes in TMJ condyles were examined by TRAP staining and immunohistochemical analysis of Osterix and p-Smad2/3. Condyle degradation was confirmed by Safranin O staining, the Mankin and OARSI scoring systems and type X collagen(Col X), p-Smad2/3 a and Osterix immunohistochemical analyses. We found apparent histological phenotypes of TMJ-OA in the TMD, ageing and CED animal models, with abnormal activation of TGF-βsignalling in the condylar cartilage and subchondral bone. Moreover, inhibition of TGF-β receptor I attenuated TMJ-OA progression in the TMD models. Therefore, aberrant activation of TGF-β signalling could be a key player in TMJ-OA development.

DNA-dependent activator of interferon-regulatory factors inhibits hepatitis B virus replication

AIM： To investigate whether DNA-dependent activator of interferon-regulatory factors （DAI） inhibits hepatitis B virus （HBV） replication and what the mechanism is. METHODS： After the human hepatoma cell line Huh7 was cotransfected with DAI and HBV expressing plas- mid, viral protein （HBV surface antigen and HBV e an- tigen） secretion was detected by enzyme-linked immu- nosorbent assay, and HBV RNA was analyzed by real- time polymerase chain reaction and Northern blotting, and viral DNA replicative intermediates were examined by Southern blotting. Interferon regulatory factor 3 （IRF3） phosphorylation and nuclear translocation were analyzed via Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining respectively. Nuclear factor-KB （NF-KB） activity induced by DAI was detected by immunofluorescence staining of P65 and dual luciferase reporter assay. Tran- swell co-culture experiment was performed in order to investigate whether the antiviral effects of DAI were dependent on the secreted cytokines. RESULTS： Viral protein secretion was significantly re- duced by 57% （P 〈 0.05）, and the level of total HBV RNA was reduced by 67% （P 〈 0.05）. The viral core particle-associated DNA was also dramatically down- regulated in DAI-expressing Huh7 cells. Analysis of involved signaling pathways revealed that activation of NF-KB signaling was essential for DAI to elicit antivi- ral response in Huh7 cells. When the NF-KB signaling pathway was blocked by a NF-KB signaling suppressor （I~：B^-SR）, the anti-HBV activity of DAI was remarkably abrogated. The inhibitory effect of DAI was indepen- dent of IRF3 signaling and secreted cytokines. CONCLUSION： This study demonstrates that DAI can inhibit HBV replication and the inhibitory effect is asso- ciated with activation of NF-KB but independent of IRF3 and secreted cytokines.

Effects of the Ratio of Lysine to Digestible Energy Level in the Diet on the Expression and Activity of Transcription Factors Involved in Lipogenesis in Rongchang Pigs

This study was conducted to determine the effects of varying the ratio of lysine to digestible energy level On the activity and gene expression of the transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ （PPAR-γ） and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-or and -β （C/EBP-α and C/EBP-β） to better understand the regulatory mechanisms controlling adipogenesis in fat and muscle tissue of the Rongchang pig. A total of 144 castrated Rongchang pigs weighing approximately 20 kg were used in a 2 ×2 factorial design experiment. Diets were formulated to contain a high （14.22 MJ/kg） or low （13.11 MJ/kg） digesti- ble energy （DE） level. Within each energy level, pigs were fed diets containing a high lysine： DE ratio （0.67,0. 53, or 0. 42） or a low lysine ： DE ratio （0.49,0.38 ,or 0.30） during the periods from 20 to 50 kg, 50 to 80 kg, and 80 kg to slaughter, respectively. Each diet was fed to six replicate pens, each containing nine pigs. When the pigs reached average live weights of 20,35,60, and 90 kg ,one pig from each of the replicates was chosen at random and slaughtered.Samples of back fat and longissimus dorsi muscle were collected for the assessment of transcriptional factor. The results showed that feeding a high DE level significantly increased （ P 〈 0.05 ） the expression of PPAR-T at 60 and 90 kg in muscle and at 35,60, and 90 kg in back fat. Energy level also significantly increased the expression of C/EBP-fl at 35 and 60 kg in both muscle and back fat （ P 〈 0.05 ）. Higher dieta- ry lysine increased the expression of C/EBP-fl in muscle at 35 and 90 kg （ P 〈 0.05）, but decreased the expression in back fat at 35 （P = 0.03 ） and 90 kg （P = 0.09）. The lysine level increased the expression of PPAR-3~ in muscle at 60 kg only. Energy level and lysine content had no significant effects on promote the activity of PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, or C/EBP-β either in muscle or in back fat at any level of the body weights tested. Collectively, these data indicated that dietary energy density and lysine level were equally important for lipid deposition in muscle tissue, whereas dietary energy density was more important than lysine level for fat deposition in fat tissue.

Study on the Spreading of Environmental Impact of Human Being' s Activities and Its Crucial Factors in Upper Minjiang River

This paper focuses on the historical transition of human being's activities and the eco-environment in the upper reaches of Minjiang River. The history is divided into 4 periods, each with its own feature. During the period of nomad immigration, the top-line of the subalpine forest was forced downward by the expanding subalpine meadow. During the period of farming nationality immigration, the bottom-line of middle mountain forest had moved upward forced by the needs for land or timber of the increasing population in the valley basia During the period of the early exploiting, the focus resource was the timber. The total output was limited, comparing with the later period, because of the bad accessibility. But it was large enough to impact the forest ecosystem of the deforesting area. The recent 50 years is the crucial period of economic development and eco-environment degradation. This paper points out that the impact of human being's activities for environment lies on 3 factors: 1) physical features control the location and tendency eco-environmental change; 2) population and productivity control the scale and speed of eco-environmental change; 3) regional accessibility controls the time and location of eco-environmental change.

Characterization and risk factors for unexplained female infertility in Sudan:A case-control study

BACKGROUND Female infertility with unknown causes(unexplained)remains one of the mysteries in the reproductive health field,where the diagnostic evidence is still weak and the proposed treatments still work with unknown methods.However,several studies have proposed some possible causes and risk factors for unexplained female infertility.AIM To characterize and identify factors associated with unexplained infertility in Sudanese women.METHODS A matched(age and body mass index)case-control study was conducted from March 2021 to February 2022.The study samples were 210 women with unexplained infertility(UI)and 190 fertile women of reproductive age who were attending the maternity hospitals and fertility clinics in Khartoum,Sudan.The risk factors of unexplained infertility were identified using a structured,pretested questionnaire containing information on socio-demographic variables,anthropometrics,clinical diagnosis of infertility,behavioral factors,physical activity assessment,diversity,and consumption of different food groups by the study participants.RESULTS The results showed a higher proportion of women diagnosed with UI were residents of rural areas than controls(21.4%vs 11.1%,P<0.05),and previous miscarriages and/or abortions were more common in fertile women compared with infertile women(13.16%vs 5.71%,P<0.05).Additionally,infertile women had a significantly(P<0.05)higher proportion of family history of infertility(explained and unexplained)compared with controls.Finally,after controlling for the effects of potentially confounding variables using multivariable logistic regression analysis,only marital status,family history of infertility,use of modern contraceptives,smoking,caffeine consumption,physical activity level,meals consumed,other vitamin-A-rich fruits and vegetables,and other vegetables were found to be significant(P<0.05)factors associated with unexplained infertility among Sudanese women.CONCLUSION Married women with a family history of infertility who smoke and consume a high amount of caffeine,who live a sedentary lifestyle,and who consume more than two meals free of vitamin-Arich fruits and/or vegetables and/or other vegetables per day are at the highest risk of developing unexplained infertility.

Prospective Cohort Investigation on Physical Activity of Osteoporosis Outcomes(PAOPO)in Jidong:Objectives,Study Design,and Baseline Characteristics

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the prospective association between physical activity(PA),independently or in conjunction with other contributing factors,and osteoporosis(OP)outcomes.Methods The Physical Activity in Osteoporosis Outcomes(PAOPO)study was a community-based cohort investigation.A structured questionnaire was used to gather the participants’sociodemographic characteristics.Bone mineral density(BMD)measurements were performed to assess OP outcomes,and the relationship between BMD and OP was evaluated within this cohort.Results From 2013 to 2014,8,471 participants aged 18 years and older were recruited from Tangshan,China’s Jidong community.Based on their PA level,participants were categorized as inactive,moderately active,or very active.Men showed higher physical exercise levels than women across the activity groups.BMD was significantly higher in the very active group than in the moderately active and inactive groups.Individuals aged>50 years are at a higher risk of developing OP and osteopenia.Conclusion The PAOPO study offers promising insights into the relationship between PA and OP outcomes,encouraging the implementation of PA in preventing and managing OP.