A survey of knowledge about hepatitis B among new military recruits in China

Background: Hepatitis B is a disease that affects the liver and is caused by the hepatitis B virus(HBV). Hepatitis B is a serious public health problem in China. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge of and behaviours towards the transmission and prevention of hepatitis B of new military recruits in China.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 800 new military recruits. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used to collect information, and 727 questionnaires were returned completed. Analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Of the respondents, 665(91.5%) were male and 62(8.5%) were female. The mean age was 18.9±1.7 years. A total of 608 respondents(83.6%) demonstrated poor knowledge and 119(16.4%) adequate knowledge about HBV. Older age, female and higher education level were statistically associated with a higher mean knowledge score. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age(OR=3.040, 95%CI 1.724–5.359, P<0.001) and gender(OR=1.791, 95%CI 1.325–2.421, P<0.001) were significantly associated with appropriate behavioural practices towards prevention of HBV.Conclusion: Against a backdrop of high HBV prevalence in China, new military recruits had poor knowledge of HBV. New recruits need better education about HBV to assist in reducing and preventing HBV infection.

Pharmacological inhibition of BAP1 recruits HERC2 to competitively dissociate BRCA1-BARD1, suppresses DNA repair and sensitizes CRC to radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is widely used in the management of advanced colorectal cancer(CRC).However,the clinical efficacy is limited by the safe irradiated dose.Sensitizing tumor cells to radiotherapy via interrupting DNA repair is a promising approach to conquering the limitation.The BRCA1-BARD1 complex has been demonstrated to play a critical role in homologous recombination(HR)DSB repair,and its functions may be affected by HERC2 or BAP1.Accumulated evidence illustrates that the ubiquitination-deubiquitination balance is involved in these processes;however,the precise mechanism for the cross-talk among these proteins in HR repair following radiation hasn’t been defined.Through activity-based profiling,we identified PT33 as an active entity for HR repair suppression.Subsequently,we revealed that BAP1 serves as a novel molecular target of PT33 via a CRISPR-based deubiquitinase screen.Mechanistically,pharmacological covalent inhibition of BAP1 with PT33 recruits HERC2 to compete with BARD1 for BRCA1 interaction,interrupting HR repair.Consequently,PT33 treatment can substantially enhance the sensitivity of CRC cells to radiotherapy in vitro and in vivo.Overall,these findings provide a mechanistic basis for PT33-induced HR suppression and may guide an effective strategy to improve therapeutic gain.

Core muscle functional strength training for reducing the risk of low back pain in military recruits:An open-label randomized controlled trial

Background:Core muscle functional strength training(CMFST)has been reported to reduce injuries to the lower extremity.However,no study has confirmed whether CMFST can reduce the risk of low back pain(LBP).Objective:This study identified the effects of CMFST on the incidence of LBP in military recruits.Design,setting,participants and intervention:We performed a prospective,open-label,randomized,controlled study in a population of young healthy male naval recruits from a Chinese basic combat training program.Participants were randomly assigned to either the core group or the control group.In additional to normal basic combat training,recruits in the core group underwent a CMFST program for 12 weeks,while recruits in the control group received no extra training.Main outcome measures:At the beginning of the study and at the 12 th week,the number of participants with LBP was counted,and lumbar muscle endurance was measured.In addition,when participants complained of LBP,they were assessed using the visual analog scale(VAS)and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire(RMDQ).Results:A total of 588 participants were included in the final analysis(295 in the core group and 293 in the control group).The incidence of LBP in the control group was about twice that of the core group over the 12-week study(20.8%vs 10.8%,odds ratio:2.161–2.159,P<0.001).The core group had better lumbar muscle endurance at 12 weeks than the control group([200.80±92.98]s vs[147.00±84.51]s,P<0.01).There was no significant difference in VAS score between groups,but the core group had a significantly lower RMDQ score at week 12 than the control group(3.33±0.58 vs 5.47±4.41,P<0.05).Conclusion:This study demonstrated that the CMFST effectively reduced the incidence of LBP,improved lumbar muscle endurance,and relieved the dysfunction of LBP during basic military training.

Arabidopsis EXO70A1 recruits Patellin3 to the cell membrane independent of its role as an exocyst subunit

The exocyst is a well-known complex which tethers vesicles at the cell membrane before fusion. Whether an individual subunit can execute a unique function is largely unknown. Using yeast-two-hybrid （Y2H） analysis, we found that EXO7oA1 interacted with the GOLD domain of Patellin3 （PATL3）. The direct EXO7OA1-PATL3 interaction was supported by in vitro and in vivo experiments. In Arabidopsis, PATL3-GFP colocalized with EXO7oA1 predominantly at the cell membrane, and PATL3 localization was insensitive to BFA and TryA23. Remarkably, in the exo7oa1 mutant, PATL3 proteins accumulated as punctate structures within the cytosol, which did not colocalize with several endomembrane compartment markers, and was insensitive to BFA. Furthermore, PATL3 localization was not changed in the exo7oe2, PRsec6 or exo84b mutants. These data suggested that EXO7oA1, but not other exocyst subunits, was responsible for PATL3 localization, which is independent of its role in secretory/recycling vesicletethering/fusion. Both EXO7oA1 and PATL3 were shown to bind PI4P and PI（4,5）P2 in vitro. Evidence was obtained that the other four members of the PATL family bound to EXO7oA1 as well, and shared a similar localization pattern as PATL3. These findings offered new insights into exocyst subunitspecific function, and provided data and tools for further characterization of PATL family proteins.

Understory seedlings of Quercus mongolica survive by phenological escape

Understanding understory seedling regeneration mechanisms is important for the sustainable development of temperate primary forests in the context of increasingly intense climate warming events.The poor regeneration of dominant tree species,however,is one of the biggest challenges it faces at the moment.Especially,the regeneration of the shade-intolerant Quercus mongolica seedling is difficult in primary forests,which contrasts with the extreme abundance of understory seedlings in secondary forests.The mechanism behind the interesting phenomenon is still unknown.This study used in-situ monitoring and nursery-controlled experiment to investigate the survival rate,growth performance,as well as nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations and pools of various organ tissues of seedlings for two consecutive years,further analyze the understory light availability and simulate the foliage carbon (C) gain in the secondary and primary forest.Results suggested that seedlings in the secondary forest had greater biomass allocation aboveground,height and specific leaf area (SLA) in summer,which allowed the seedling to survive longer in the canopy closure period.High light availability and positive C gain in early spring and late autumn are key factors affecting the growth and survival of understory seedlings in the secondary forest,whereas seedlings in the primary forest had annual negative carbon gain.Through the growing season,the total NSC concentrations of seedlings gradually decreased,whereas those of seedlings in the secondary forest increased significantly in autumn,and were mainly stored in roots for winter consumption and the following year's summer shade period,which was verified by the nursery-controlled experiment that simulated autumn enhanced light availability improved seedling survival rate and NSC pools.In conclusion,our results revealed the survival trade-off strategies of Quercus mongolica seedlings and highlighted the necessity of high light availability during the spring and autumn phenological periods for shade-intolerant tree seedling recruitment.

How topography and neighbor shape the fate of trees in subtropical forest restoration:Environmental filtering and resource competition drive natural regeneration

The structure of plant communities at local scales depends on both the spatial heterogeneity of abiotic environmental factors and the biotic interactions within the community.However,although environmental filtering due to microtopographic heterogeneity and resource competition among plants caused by spatial variation in tree density and size are considered to be very important in explaining the mechanisms of community assembly,their effects on the processes of individual mortality and recruitment in natural forest regeneration,as well as their relative contributions,are still poorly understood.To address this,we established a 12-ha permanent plot in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest area and measured microtopographic variables such as elevation,slope,aspect,and terrain position index(TPI)using a total station.We monitored the individual mortality and recruitment in forest natural regeneration through repeated surveys at 5-year intervals.We fitted spatial covariance models to jointly use multiple factors from three groups of variables(microtopographic effect,neighborhood density effects,neighborhood size effects)as explanatory variables to analyze their roles in driving the mortality and recruitment of all individual and 12 dominant species in forest natural regeneration at the neighborhood scale.Our results show that:(1)In the crucial early stages of secondary forest restoration,natural regeneration is influenced by a synergy of environmental filtering,due to microtopographic heterogeneity,and resource competition among plants.(2)For distinct species responses,evergreen dominant species'mortality is largely explained by neighborhood effects,while deciduous species are more affected by topographic factors.Furthermore,the adverse effects of larger conspecific trees on younger trees indicate a pattern of competitive pressure leading to mortality among regenerating trees,such pattern emphasis the influence of parent trees on natural regeneration.(3)As trees grow,their interaction with these stressors evolves,suggesting a shift in their resource acquisition strategies and response to neighborhood effects and environmental factors.Despite these changes,the relative importance of topographic factors in determining survival and recruitment success remains constant.This research highlights the importance of considering both environmental and neighborhood effects in forest management,particularly in early secondary forest restoration.

Factors influencing willingness to participate in ophthalmic clinical trials and strategies for effective recruitment

AIM:To explore the factors influencing individuals’willingness to participate in ophthalmic clinical trials.METHODS:A questionnaire survey was conducted from January to April 2021 among patients and their family members at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-sen University,in Guangzhou,China.The survey gathered data on respondents’willingness,demographic and socioeconomic profiles,as well as their reasons and concerns regarding engagement in clinical trials.RESULTS:Of the 1078 residents surveyed(mean age 31.2±13.1y;65.8%females)in Guangzhou,749(69.5%)expressed a willingness to participate in future ophthalmic clinical trials.Specific characteristics associated with greater willingness included a younger age,lower annual income,higher education,prior participation experience,previous ophthalmic treatment,and a better understanding of clinical trials.With the exception of age,these characteristics were significantly linked to a higher willingness.The primary barrier to participation,expressed by 64.8%of those willing and 54.4%of those unwilling,was“Uncertain efficacy”.In terms of motivations,the willing group ranked“Better therapeutic benefits”(35.0%),“Professional monitoring”(34.3%),and“Trust in healthcare professionals”(33.1%)as their top three reasons,whereas the unwilling participants indicated“Full comprehension of the protocol”(46.2%)as the key facilitator.CONCLUSION:This study reveals a substantial willingness to participate in ophthalmic clinical trials and demonstrates the predictive role of demographic and socioeconomic factors.Variations in motivators and concerns between willing and unwilling participants highlight the significance of tailored recruitment strategies.Importantly,the need for and trust in healthcare professionals stand out as powerful motivations,underscoring the importance of enhancing physician-patient relationships,adopting patient-centered communication approaches,and addressing individualized needs to improve accrual rates.

Early life history traits of chub mackerel Scomber japonicus in the Oyashio water revealed by otolith microstructure

Information on survival and growth during the early life stage is essential to understand the mechanism of interannual variations in fish recruitment.Chub mackerel Scomber japonicus is a commercially important pelagic fish widely distributed in the northwestern Pacific.Its catch showed large fluctuations with changes in distribution and migration under climate change and strong fishing.We determined the hatch dates and growth rates of young-of-the-year of chub mackerel through otolith microstructure using samples collected in the Oyashio water in autumn 2018.Results show that the ages of young chub mackerel ranged between 120 and 180 d,and the estimated hatch date lasted from midJanuary to late May with a peak from mid-March to mid-April.Average otolith daily increment width during the early life stages(from hatching to 25 d)showed an increasing trend.Chub mackerel grows slowly in the first 10 d,and then grows faster during the 10thto 25thd.Three groups with dissimilar growth histories and migration routes were identified using unsupervised random forest clustering analysis,but all eventually converge on the same nursery ground.The faster growth of young-of-the-year chub mackerel leads to better recruitment due to the hypothesis of growth-dependent mortality.Most chub mackerels hatched in March and April,the spawning period is longer and earlier,which could lead to strong year classes.These findings on population composition and life history traits of young-of-the-year of chub mackerel provide valuable information on its recruitment processes during the period of stock recovery.

Mesozooplankton distribution and diversity from the Bering Sea shelf to the Chukchi Sea

In recent decades,environmental changes in the Arctic have aroused widespread concern around the world.To better understand ecology issues such as ecosystem dynamics,the Arctic and the subarctic regions were integrated as the“pan-Arctic”region.In this study,mesozooplankton were sampled from the Bering Sea shelf to the northern Chukchi Sea during the 10th Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition in 2019.Based on the species composition and abundance,three geographical communities were identified:the Bering Sea shelf community(BSS),the Bering Strait transitional community(BST),and the Chukchi Sea shelf community(CSS).The BSS was characterized by Bering Sea oceanic species such as Eucalanus bungii;the BST was mainly composed of the pan-Arctic distributed Calanus glacialis,meroplankton of benthos,and neritic species such as Centropages abdominalis;copepods,especially the copepodite of C.glacialis,were predominant in the CSS community.The BSS community structure was strongly affected by the inflow of Bering Shelf Water,while those of BST and CSS were determined by the recruitment of local species.The zooplankton community structure is influenced by both advection and environmental changes such as warming and a prolonged productivity period.Here,it was difficult to distinguish the changes induced by climate change from the effects of the Bering Sea Water.The key to solving this problem is the accumulation of comparable data,which requires continuous monitoring of key species such as C.glacialis and Calanus hyperboreus.

Incidence,characteristics and risk factors for alveolar recruitment maneuver-related hypotension in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection

BACKGROUND Alveolar recruitment maneuvers(ARMs)may lead to transient hypotension,but the clinical characteristics of this induced hypotension are poorly understood.We investigated the characteristics of ARM-related hypotension in patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection.AIM To investigate the characteristics of ARM-related hypotension in patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection.METHODS This was a secondary analysis of the PROtective Ventilation using Open Lung approach Or Not trial and included 140 subjects.An ARM was repeated every 30 min during intraoperative mechanical ventilation.The primary endpoint was ARM-related hypotension,defined as a mean arterial pressure(MAP)<60 mmHg during an ARM or within 5 min after an ARM.The risk factors for hypotension were identified.The peri-ARM changes in blood pressure were analyzed for the first three ARMs(ARM_(1,2,3))and the last ARM(ARMl_(ast)).RESULTS Thirty-four subjects(24.3%)developed ARM-related hypotension.Of all 1027 ARMs,37(3.61%)induced hypotension.More ARMs under nonpneumoperitoneum(33/349,9.46%)than under pneumoperitoneum conditions(4/678,0.59%)induced hypotension(P<0.01).The incidence of hypotension was higher at ARM_(1)points than at non-ARM_(1)points(18/135,13.3%vs 19/892,2.1%;P<0.01).The median percentage decrease in the MAP at ARM1 was 14%.Age≥74 years,blood loss≥150 mL and peak inspiratory pressure under pneumoperitoneum<24 cm H_(2)O were risk factors for ARM-related hypotension.CONCLUSION When the ARM was repeated intraoperatively,a quarter of subjects developed ARM-related hypotension,but only 3.61%of ARMs induced hypotension.ARM-related hypotension most occurred in a hemodynamically unstable state or a hypovolemic state,and in elderly subjects.Fortunately,ARMs that were performed under pneumoperitoneum conditions had less impact on blood pressure.

Patient Recruitment in Clinical Trials: Areas of Challenges and Success, a Practical Aspect at the Private Research Site

Enrolling in clinical trials could be time-sensitive and time-demanding tasks for the research site, especially if it is a private research organization compared to the research conducted at an academic or medical center. Every study differs in various aspects, such as phases, study indication, eligibility criteria, etc. In terms of meeting the enrollment deadline, typically, the study indication and availability of the patient’s population at the geographical area of the research site would decide if the trial could be time-consuming. Patient recruitment and retention are critical for the success of every clinical trial;however, worldwide, this area is facing tremendous pressure and challenges. Globally 55% of clinical trials terminated due to low recruitment, with an average enrollment success rate of 40% for Phase III and IV trials. Over 80% of clinical trial attempts fail to enroll, extending the study and adding new study sites. In the United States, more than 80% of clinical trials fail to achieve targeted patient enrollment, and 30% of study participants discontinue participation. This article reviewed various factors hindering clinical trial recruitment and retention and suggested strategies to make the research site successful.

Exploring the Attractiveness of Companies Branding D&I to Potential Employees in Online Recruitment

Concrete action on diversity and inclusion(D&I)is critical to companies’value creation and brand.Companies that intentionally fail to attract and retain a diverse talent pool will struggle to innovate,compete,and prosper.The advantages of a diverse and inclusive workplace include the reduction of homogenous thinking and an increase in novel ideas and perspectives due to the wealth of talent from diverse backgrounds.Previous studies have focused on the benefits of corporate D&I from a corporate perspective;however,there is scant research on the impact of corporate D&I from employees’perspectives.Resultingly,this study,through an online questionnaire,proposes to examine the impact of employer brand D&I on potential employees in online recruitment channels from the perspective of potential employees.The study results indicate that most Chinese companies still exhibit low levels of D&I during recruitment.This study also included an empirical analysis of 267 valid samples,which showed that:(1)the D&I of employer brand perceptions positively impact job search intentions,behaviour,and decision making.(2)Companies’D&I has the most significant influence on job seekers’decision making,followed by behavioural influence and cognitive influence.(3)The type of job seeker plays a moderating role in the relationship between employer brand perception and job search intention,behaviour,and decision making.(4)Online recruitment’s increasing popularity amplifies employer branding’s effect.Based on the findings,this study suggests how companies can use D&I branding strategies to attract quality talent and increase job seekers’job search intentions.

Utilization of online systems to promote youth participation in research:A methodological study

BACKGROUND Online surveys can align with youth’s increased use of the internet and can be a mechanism for expanding youth participation in research.This is particularly important during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,when inperson interactions are limited.However,the advantages and drawbacks of online systems used for research need to be carefully considered before utilizing such methodologies.AIM To describe and discuss the strengths and limitations of an online system developed to recruit adolescent girls for a sexual health research study and conduct a three-month follow up survey.METHODS This methodology paper examines the use of an online system to recruit and follow participants three months after their medical visit to evaluate a mobile sexual and reproductive health application,Health-E You/Salud iTuTM,for adolescent girls attending school-based health centers(SBHCs)across the United States.SBHC staff gave adolescent girls a web link to an online eligibility and consent survey.Participants were then asked to complete two online surveys(baseline and 3-month follow-up).Surveys,reminders,and incentives to complete them were distributed through short message service(SMS)text messages.Upon completing each survey,participants were also sent an email with a link to an electronic gift card as a thank-you for their participation.Barriers to implementing this system were discussed with clinicians and staff at each participating SBHC.RESULTS This online recruitment and retention system enabled participant recruitment at 26 different SBHCs in seven states across the United States.Between September 2021 and June 2022,415 adolescent girls were screened using the Qualtrics online survey platform,and 182 were eligible to participate.Of those eligible,78.0%(n=142)completed the baseline survey.Participants were racially,geographically,and linguistically diverse.Most of the participants(89.4%)were non-White,and 40.8%spoke Spanish.A total of 62.0%(n=88)completed the 3-month follow-up survey.Limitations of this system included reliance on internet access(via Wi-Fi or cell service),which was not universally available or reliable.In addition,an individual unrelated to the study obtained the survey link,filled out multiple surveys,and received multiple gift cards before the research team discovered and stopped this activity.As a result,additional security protocols were instituted.CONCLUSION Online systems for health research can increase the reach and diversity of study participants,reduce costs for research personnel time and travel,allow for continued study operation when in-person visits are limited(such as during the COVID-19 pandemic),and connect youth with research using technology.However,there are challenges and limitations to online systems,which include limited internet access,intermittent internet connection,data security concerns,and the potential for fraudulent users.These challenges should be considered prior to using online systems for research.

用AP-N_1(或ABR波I)潜伏期检测响度重振

本文对50例平坦型感音神经性聋病人用声反射阈以及AP-N_1潜伏期检查响度重振进行了分析,结果显示:声反射阈重振阳性率为76％,纯音听阈与声反射阈阳性率的关系为:随着听阈的增高声反射阈阳性率下降;耳蜗电图在高声强时AP-N_1潜伏期完全在正常范围的占56％,若以患耳与正常耳在同一阈上dB数比较,则100％小于正常耳,显示重振阳性。如果两指标结合检测,响度重振阳性率也明显提高。我们认为用AP-N_1潜伏期检测响度重振方法可行、理论依据充分,且用它检测响度重振的阳性率明显高于声反射阈。

Effects of environmental variations on the abundance of western winter-spring cohort of neon flying squid(Ommastrephes bartramii) in the Northwest Pacific Ocean

During 1995-2011, annual production of winter-spring cohort of Ommastrephes bartramii for Chinese squidjigging fishery has greatly fluctuated, which is closely related to the environmental conditions on the spawning and fishing grounds. To better understand how squid recruitment and abundance were infuenced by ocean environmental conditions, biological and physical environmental variables including sea surface temperature （SST）, SST anomaly （SSTA）, chlorophyll a （Chl a） concentration and the Kuroshio Current were examined during years with the highest （1999）, intermediate （2005）, and lowest （2009） catches. Catch per unit effort （CPUE） of the squid-jigging vessels was used as an indicator of squid abundance. The results indicated that high SST and Chl a concentration on the spawning ground in 1999 resulted in favorable incubation and feeding conditions for squid recruitment. Whereas the suitable spawning zone （SSZ） in 2009 shifted southward and coincided with low SST and Chl a concentration, resulting in a reduction in the squid recruitment. The small difference of SSZ area in the three years suggested the SSZ provided limited influences on the variability in squid recruitment. Furthermore, high squid abundance in 1999 and 2005 was associated with warm SSTA on the fishing ground. While the cool SSTA on the fishing ground in 2009 contributed to adverse habitat for the squid, leading to extremely low abundance. It was inferred that strengthened intensity of the Kuroshio force generally yielded favorable environmental conditions for O. bartramii. Future research are suggested to focus on the fundamental research oil the early life stage of O. bartramii and mechanism of how the ocean-climate variability affects the squid abundance and spatial distribution by coupling physical model with squid biological process to explore transport path and abundance distribution.

A potential source of recruitment of Acartia pacifica nauplii: viable benthic resting eggs

Many estuarine and coastal planktonic copepods depend on the hatching of benthic resting eggs for recruitment of nauplii to the water column population. The distribution and abundance of viable resting eggs of Acartia pacifica in the Xiamen Bay were determined by the presence of nauplii in the laboratory. The number of viable eggs var/ed temporally and spatially. The maximum number (9.2×10^4m^-2) of viable eggs was in summer. In spring the average abundance of viable eggs was 5.6×10^4 m^-2. The abundances of viable eggs in fall and winter were similar, respectively 2.7×10^4 and 3.3×10^4m^-2, which were the lowest in the year. The numbers of viable eggs inside the stations of the Xiamen Bay were higher than those outside the stations. The viable eggs were found at all depths (0-10 cm),although not in every station. The maximum number did not necessarily occur in the uppermost centimeter of the sediments but often occurred several centimeters below the water-sediment interface. The accumulation of viable eggs in the seabed of a subtropical bay constitutes a potential source of recruitment of nauplii into the pelagic population.

Reduction of recruitment of Acartia pacifica nauplii from benthic resting eggs due to organochlorine pesticides

Many estuarine and coastal planktonic copepods depend on the hatching of benthic resting eggs for recruitment ofnauplii to the water column population. The potential effects of two organochlorine pesticides, hexchloriobinzene （HCH） and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane （DDT）, on the recruitment of A ccu＇tla pacifica nauplii from benthic resting eggs in the seabed of Xiamen Bay were experimentally investigated. The abundance of A. pacifica nauplii hatched from the sediment significantly decreased with the increase of pesticide concentration. Trimmed Spearman-Karber analysis gave sediment 96-h LC50 values were 84.81 ng/g for HCH, and 157.94 ng/g for DDT. The median AI （Al50） was -0.77, which suggested that the combined effect of riCH and DDT showed a weak effect than individual effects. There was a positive relationship between mortality and exposure time in DDT treatment, while the relationship was not significant in HCH treatment. The results suggest that organochlorine pesticides can reduce recruitment of A. pacifica nauplii from benthic resting eggs to planktonic population.

Decline of eucalypt trees in tablelands of New South Wales, Australia

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.

Incidental finding of Zinner syndrome in a Greek military recruit: a case report of a rare clinical entity

Background: Zinner syndrome represents a rare congenital malformation of the urinary tract. It comprises a constellation of Wolffian duct anomalies and is almost exclusively encountered as a classic triad of seminal vesicle cysts, ejaculatory duct obstruction and renal agenesis. Patients can be either asymptomatic or symptomatic. Recently, minimally invasive surgical techniques have emerged, superseding traditional surgery for select symptomatic cases. Our case highlights the finding of a rare clinical syndrome that was incidentally detected during a routine mass screening of military recruits in the Greek Armed Forces.Case presentation: Herein, we present a case of a 19-year-old male who reported having a solitary right kidney when examined in a military training center of Northern Greece. No additional clinical information was available;thus, referral to a tertiary urology department for further investigation ensued. Imaging studies, namely, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, revealed left renal aplasia, multiple left seminal vesicle cysts, and ejaculatory duct obstruction. Laboratory values and urinalysis were within normal range. Semen analysis was significant for cryptozoospermia. Our patient remained asymptomatic during the entire hospitalization. Long-term follow-up was recommended. Nevertheless, he declined further investigation and sought treatment in a private practice setting.Conclusions: This article aims to present the incidental diagnosis of a rare syndrome in a military setting. Population screening conducted in the armed forces permits the identification of undiagnosed diseases that warrant further investigation. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first report of Zinner syndrome in a military recruit and the second case cited of a Greek patient in the published literature. Regular follow-up is the key to timely intervention in conservatively managed cases.

How cushion communities are maintained in alpine ecosystems： A review and case study on alpine cushion plant reproduction

Cushion species occur in nearly all alpine environments worldwide. In past decades, the adaptive and ecosystem-engineering roles of such highly specialized life forms have been well studied. However, the adaptive strategies responsible for cushion species reproductive success and maintenance in severe alpine habitats remain largely unclear. In this study, we reviewed the current understanding of reproductive strategies and population persistence in alpine cushion species. We then present a preliminary case study on the sexual reproduction of Arenaria polytrichoides(Caryophyllaceae), a typical cushion species inhabiting high elevations of the Himalaya Hengduan Mountains, which is a hotspot for diversification of cushion species. Finally, we highlight the limitations of our current understanding of alpine cushion species reproduction and propose future directions for study.