Group Size and Composition of Black-and-White Snub-nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) Estimated by Faecesof Sleeping Sites at Baima Snow Mountain

This study was designed to introduce a new method of estimating group size and composition of black-andwhite snub-nosed monkeys （Rhinopithecus bieti ） on the basis of faecal amount at sleeping sites at Mt. Baima Nature Reserve. The monkeys spend nights in the form of one-male, multi-female units （OMUs） and all-male units （AMU）, and their faecal pellets can be classified into three categories： adult males （the largest）, adult females （moderate） and immatures （the smallest） based on their size. Total pellets were counted under sleeping trees used for two nights at Nanren village （99°04′E, 28°34′N, northwest of Yunnan Province, China） in each of four seasons in 2000- 2001. Moreover, data on group composition were collected when the monkeys were passing through an open gully in November 2001. Since the number of adults in OMUs shows a positive significant correlation with the amount of pellets amount in each season, the mean number of feces produced per night per individual is the slope of the regression lines. Thus, group size and composition can be relatively reliably and accurately estimated by the faeces under trees compared with the previous methods of estimation, including the use of monkeys＇ activities and tracks such as broken branches on steep slopes, in deep gorges and under lower visibility. The use of pellets for population estimates displayed 9.4% deviation in regards to population size of adult females. Some causes of the bias were also discussed. The method might be applicable to other monkey groups of this species if their habitats and main foods are similar to those of the study group.

Sleeping Conditions of Older Adults with Delirium Receiving Home Care

We aimed to clarify the sleep status before delirium onset among older adults receiving home care. The sleep status of 21 participants aged ≥65 years was monitored while they slept with a sensor placed under their bedding, after ruling out insomnia and dementia. The incidence of delirium was 28.6%;delirium onset occurred within an average of 2.7 (SD = 12) days after the start of home care among those whose care environment was changed due to hospital discharge or moving. Increased interrupted sleep and activity during sleep indicated that sleep fragmentation occurred before delirium onset. In conclusion, individuals aged ≥65 years and those whose care environment has changed should be screened for delirium because the time to delirium onset is short. Further, interventions to monitor the sleep status and prevent delirium onset should be implemented from the day home care begins.

Left lateral decubitus sleeping position is associated with improved gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND A limited number of studies have demonstrated that sleeping in the left lateral decubitus(LLD)decreases nocturnal reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)compared to right lateral decubitus(RLD)and supine.AIM This systematic review summarizes the association between sleeping in the LLD position and nocturnal reflux in patients with GERD.METHODS Studies published up to July 17,2023,in MEDLINE,EMBASE,and CENTRAL were searched.Eligible studies were randomized and nonrandomized studies assessing the effect of sleeping in LLD compared to RLD and supine in reducing nocturnal reflux in GERD patients.Outcomes include the acid exposure time(AET)(%time in pH<4),acid clearance time(ACT)(in sec/episode),number of reflux episodes,and improvement in N-GSSIQ scores.RESULTS Two nonrandomized studies showed decreased AET and ACT in LLD sleep position in comparison to RLD(mean difference[MD]-2.03[95%CI:-3.62 to-0.45];-81.84[95%CI:-127.48 to-36.20],respectively)and supine position(MD-2.71[95%CI:-4.34 to-1.09];-74.47[95%CI:-116.26 to-32.69],respectively).There was no difference in AET and ACT between RLD sleep position and supine.Furthermore,one randomized controlled trial investigating the use of electronic sleep positional therapy,which increased the duration of LLD sleep and decreased the duration of RLD sleep compared to sham,showed nocturnal symptoms improvement(improved N-GSSIQ score,increased reflux-free nights,and resolution of nocturnal reflux symptoms).CONCLUSION Current evidence suggests that sleeping on the left side could reduce nocturnal reflux and improve GERD-related quality of life,therefore warranting interventions that promote LLD sleep position.

转座子Sleeping Beauty和PiggyBac

近10年来,得益于转座子Sleeping Beauty(SB)和PiggyBac(PB)的发现和完善,转座子作为一种遗传工程工具在脊椎动物的基因遗传研究中得到广泛应用.SB和PB宿主范围极其广泛,从单细胞生物到哺乳动物都能够发挥作用.转座过程需要转座序列和转座酶的存在,类似于"剪切"、"粘贴"的方式.转座子载体系统转座时可携带一段外源DNA序列,利用这一特性可以用于实现目的基因的转移,现已广泛用于转基因动物、基因功能研究、基因治疗等领域.当转座系统与基因捕获技术相结合,不仅可研究插入突变基因的功能,还能通过所携带的报告基因获得捕获基因的表达图谱.作为非病毒载体的SB和PB转座系统,由于具有高容量、高效率和高安全性等优势,并且PB在转座后不留任何足迹,不会造成遗传物质的不可预测改变,在动物基因工程以及基因治疗方面具有诱人的前景.

Sleeping Beauty转座酶转基因小鼠模型的建立

目的建立表达Sleeping Beauty(SB)转座酶转基因小鼠模型,为研究SB转座子在小鼠中的应用提供工具动物。方法利用人的泛素C启动子驱动SB转座酶基因的表达,利用显微注射方法建立C57BL/6J表达SB转座酶的转基因小鼠。PCR鉴定首建鼠的基因型,Western Blot(WB)和免疫组织化学(IHC)检测SB转座酶基因在小鼠生殖腺睾丸中的表达情况,筛选睾丸中高表达SB转座酶的转基因小鼠。结果通过显微注射方式产生了4只首建小鼠,其中3只能稳定传代,利用WB和IHC成功的筛选出一株在睾丸中高表达SB转座酶的转基因小鼠。结论成功建立了睾丸组织中高表达SB转座酶转基因小鼠动物模型,为将SB转座子应用于建立基因修饰小鼠模型提供非常重要的工具动物。

一种包含转座子Sleeping Beauty和PiggyBac的新型多功能载体的构建

DNA转座子作为一种遗传学工具对脊椎动物的转基因、突变体产生、癌基因发现和基因治疗方面都有巨大的贡献.目前,哺乳动物中应用最为广泛、活性最高的DNA转座子为重构于鲑鱼的Sleeping Beauty(SB)转座子和来源于甘蓝蠖度尺蛾(cabbage looper moth Trichoplusia ni)的PiggyBac(PB)转座子.本研究中,我们成功构建了包含PB和SB两种转座子的杂合转座载体,命名为PBSBD.在杂合转座载体中融入了基因捕获框及loxp/Frt元件,用以实现转座过程中的基因捕获和条件性敲除.在HepG2细胞中通过检测报告基因的表达情况及阳性克隆的定位,对构建的杂合转座载体PBSBD进行了活性的初步验证.结果表明,PBSBD能够有效被2种转座酶识别,并能检测到报告基因的表达.本研究所构建的杂合转座载体PBSBD结合2种转座酶,可以应用于大规模筛选突变基因和研究基因功能.并且该杂合转座载体还可以利用SB转座酶的邻近转座特性,结合载体内所包含的loxp/Frt元件用以邻近区域DNA片段的条件性敲除,研究大片段DNA在生物体中的作用.

Sleeping Beauty转座子介导敲低PEX2转基因载体的构建

目的借助Sleeping Beauty(SB)转座系统在小鼠肝脏中稳定过表达原癌基因MYC诱导小鼠肝癌形成,并在SB转座子pT3EF1α-c-Myc基础上构建可在小鼠体内敲低PEX2的重组转基因载体。方法借助水动力法尾静脉注射(Hydrodynamic tail vein injection,HTVI)和SB转座子系统向小鼠肝脏导入携带目的基因MYC的转座子质粒,诱导小鼠肝癌形成。以载体为模板,分别扩增U6-shNC、U6-shPEX2序列,通过T4连接获得目标载体pT3EF1α-c-MycshNC、pT3EF1α-c-Myc-shPEX2。结果 (1)实验组小鼠成功诱导出肝癌。(2)经酶切和测序等方法鉴定,构建质粒完全正确。(3)细胞瞬时转染实验质粒pT3EF1α-c-Myc-shPEX2及其对照质粒pT3EF1α-c-Myc-shNC,确定在小鼠肝癌细胞Hepa1-6中实验组质粒可以降低PEX2的mRNA水平。结论借助HTVI技术和SB转座系统过表达c-Myc成功诱导小鼠肝癌形成,并在SB转座子质粒pT3EF1a-c-Myc基础上构建了可在小鼠肝癌细胞Hepa1-6中敲低PEX2基因的重组转基因载体。

Sleeping on an Anti-Wrinkle Pillow Reduces Facial Wrinkles: Results from an Anatomical Study

Background: A special pillow was designed to redistribute mechanical stress during sleeping in order to slow down the formation of facial skin wrinkles. Objective: To investigate whether sleeping on a specially designed pillow reduces facial skin wrinkles. Participants and Methods: A 28-day pilot study was carried out in which fifteen healthy female volunteers aged 23 - 55 years (mean age 35. 6 ± 8.5) slept on an antiwrinkle pillow. Evaluation of facial wrinkles was conducted before commencing the study (T0), following at 14 days (T14), and at 28 days (T28) when the study ended. Wrinkle density was assessed by computerized analysis of 2D images of participants’ faces. Results: A statistically significant decrease in wrinkle density was detected while smiling around both eyes, around the right eye in a relaxed facial expression, on average in all observed facial areas, around the left periorbital area in participants who predominantly slept on their left side of the body, but not on the frontal area. Limitations: A 3D camera could be used to better visualize and analyze wrinkle density. Conclusions: Sleeping on the specially designed pillow reduces facial wrinkles.

Sleeping of a Complex Brain Networks with Hierarchical Organization

The dynamical behavior in the cortical brain network of macaque is studied by modeling each cortical area with a subnetwork of interacting excitable neurons. We characterize the system by studying how to perform the transition, which is now topology-dependent, from the active state to that with no activity. This could be a naive model for the wakening and sleeping of a brain-like system, i.e., a multi-component system with two different dynamical behavior.

The Contribution of Tanzanian National Parks in Controlling the Vectors of Sleeping Sickness

This paper summarises efforts to control Sleeping sickness [Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT)] by Tsetse flies and Trypanosomiaisis (T & T) control for the 7 consecutive years although started a decade ago in Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA). These efforts are critical for curbing HAT incidences and HAT epidemics. HAT cases have had profound negative impacts on human health, affecting local residents and international travel as well as tourism industry resulting into human and animal health burden and reduction in tourism income. Understanding the current efforts is essential in the proper planning and decision making on developing effective control strategy against T & T control. In this paper, we summarize the recent efforts in the control of T & T in National Parks and discuss the constraints faced. The information will enable TANAPA and other concerned authorities to make informed decision on optimal ways of controlling HAT in National Parks. The results show that much control efforts have so far concentrated in Serengeti, Ruaha, Tarangire and Katavi National Parks where tsetse fly challenges are high. A total 21,143 (average 3020) Insecticide Treated Targets (ITT) were deployed in different areas in the parks and 82,899 (average 20,725) cars entering these parks were sprayed from 2007/2008 to 2014/2015 and 2007/2008 to 2010/2011 respectively. Deployed ITTs lead to a drastic reduction of FTDs of the two dominant tsetse species to 1.3 and 1.4 of G. swynnertoni and G. pallidipes respectively, and the decline was significant at P = 0.011. The major challenges faced include tsetse re-invasion in controlled areas;resurgence of HAT cases when control efforts are relaxed, ITT maintenance and inadequate health education programs. The control strategy should be continuous and scaled up as failure to implement an effective and sustainable system for HAT control will increase the risk of new epidemic that would impede tourism development.

The Effect of Rice Flour for Amelioration of Sleeping in Social Isolated Mice

In an era where the health-damaging effects of wheat flour (gluten) are increasingly recognized, rice flour has become an important alternative for many people, yet its psychophysiological effects remain largely unknown. Here, we report the potential beneficial effects of rice flour for sleep disturbances in stressed mice. Four-week-old male ddY mice were reared in social isolation for 4 weeks. The control group was reared in a social group. Rice flour was given orally in food to isolated mice at a dose of 2.5 w/w% and 5.0 w/w% for 4 weeks from the start of isolation rearing. MF food was given to the control group. Pentobarbital-induced (40 mg/kg, i.p.) time to sleep induction and righting reflex was measured to determine the effects of rice flour on sleep behavior. Blood samples were obtained after the experiments, and serum corticosterone was measured. Sections from the prefrontal cortex and the brainstem were isolated to measure serotonin, dopamine and interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations. We found that the administration of rice flour dose-dependently improved time to sleep and reduced sleep time in socially isolated mice. Blood corticosterone concentrations, which increased after isolation stress, were decreased after the administration of rice flour. Serotonin and dopamine concentrations in the prefrontal cortex which decreased after isolation stress improved after the administration of rice flour. Brainstem IL-6 concentrations increased after isolation stress, but decreased dose-dependently after rice flour administration. Our results suggest that rice flour reverses sleep disturbances in mice induced by social isolation.

A Novel Innovative Sleeping Mattress Could Possibly Save Lives and the National Economy: Small but Solid Evidence from a Medical Perspective

The RAND Corporation reported that insufficient sleep causes an economic loss of $138 billion (2.92% of GDP) in Japan every year. In this study, we investigated the sleep improvement effect of a novel innovative sleeping mattress called “AiR SI” (Nishikawa Co., Ltd.) to find a simple method to solve the problem of sleep deprivation. We conducted a 2-week randomized, open-label, crossover, self-controlled study in 14 healthy adults in their 30s to 50s (control: 1 week, AiR SI: 1 week), with sleep quality as the primary endpoint as well as salivary components (cortisol, melatonin) and autonomic nervous function (sympathetic nerve, parasympathetic nerve) as secondary endpoints. Trends toward improvement in sleep were suggested for all the endpoints, regardless of differences in the subject background. The results suggested that the use of AiR SI for 1 week not only improved sleep but normalized both the endocrine and autonomic functions as well. We conclude that, by using a sleeping mattress with a high sleep improvement effect, the user may easily achieve higher labor productivity and have a lower mortality risk. Eliminating sleep deprivation with a sleeping mattress may lead to a reduction in national economic losses and ultimately produce significant economic effects.

Effects of different sleeping patterns on academic performance in medical school students

In the past, efforts have been made to determine the influence of sleep quantity and its deprivation, on functioning efficiency of human beings. However, determination of sleeping patterns that could improve intellectual performance has been largely neglected. This study is designed to discover the effects of different sleeping patterns on academic performance among medical students. A descriptive study was carried out in King Edward Medical University in Lahore, Pakistan during a six-month time span from May 11th, 2011 to September 30th, 2011. Of the total population of 1350 students in King Edward Medical University, 591 undergraduates were included in the study. A questionnaire designed on sleeping patterns and academic performance was distributed in May 2011. What was described as outstanding students were greater in number in group 4 (7/19) 36.8% and group 6 (6/19) 31.6%. Above average students with sleeping patterns were in group 4 (13/37) 35.1% and group 6 (10/37) 27%. Average students were shown to have sleeping patterns of group 4 (11/25) 44% and group 6 (7/25) 28%. Below average students were shown to have sleeping patterns of group 4 (3/3) 100%. Most of our students had a reduction in the total amount of sleeping hours throughout the years. Midnight to 6 o’clock in the morning with an afternoon nap was the sleeping pattern that was most commonly seen in all groups. We concluded that different sleeping patterns do not affect the performance of medical students in the academic prospective. Many other factors may be involved in the lack of significant achievement, in order to prove that the sleeping patterns are not related to the academic performance, and more data would need to be collected.

LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE IN THE SLEEPING CAR——TEACHING NON—FINITE V—ING FORM

INTRODUCTION For Chinese students of English,grammar learning is so important that their textbooks inevitably entail grammar sections organized in a linear way.These students treat grammar learning as the stepping stone on their way of English learning.They hope to have a good command of grammar both for their present learning and for their further studies.For their present learning,their linguistic knowledge is tested and assessed through

The Impact of Aggressive Behaviour, Sleeping, and Fatigue on Road Traffic Crashes as Comparison between Minibus/Van/Pick-up and Commercial Taxi Drivers

No study has been conducted to determine the relationship between RTC （road traffic crashes） and depression, anxiety and stress scale （DASS-21）, tiredness, fatigues and sleeping. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of aggressive driver behaviour, fatigue and sleeping on RTC comparison between commercial taxi and minibus/van/pick-up cars drivers. A cross-sectional study included a representative sample of 2,300 drivers of which 1,786 drivers （77.6%） agreed to participate. The Manchester DBQ （Driver Behaviour Questionnaire） was used to measure the aberrant driving behaviours leading to accidents. The study is based on the measurement using the depression anxiety stress scales （DASS-21）. Participants completed a DASS-21 questionnaire with items related to socio-demographic information, BMI （body mass index）, driving experience, fatigue, sleeping, adherence to traffic laws （including speed limits and wearing seat belt）, and drivers＇ driving records. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed. In a representative sampling, the age distribution of the participants ranged from 25 to 65 years with the mean age 38.3±10.2 and the mean annual mileage （km） per month was 14,587±1,741 （p 〈 0.001）. There was a significant difference found between both group minibus/van/pick-up and commercial taxi drivers regarding of their age group （p 〈 0.001）, education （p = 0.003）, history of accident （p = 0.003）, seat belt use （p = 0.022） time of accident （p = 0.005）; crossing red light （p 〈 0.001）, excessive speed limits （p = 0.002）, BMI group （p = 0.022）, physical activity （p = 0.003）, annual mileage in km （p 〈 0.001）, number of working days （p = 0.010） and hours （p = 0.030）; number of sleeping hours （p = 0.025）, CD music listening （p = 0.010）, mobile phone use （p = 0.001）, soft drinking （p = 0.002） and cigarette smoking habit （p 〈 0.001）. When the history of RTC was assessed, minibus/van/pick-ups were more likely to be involved in accidents compared to commercial taxi drivers and there was a highly statistically significant difference between both groups. Furthermore, minibus/van/pick-up drivers have more sleeping disorders and fatigue severity compared to commercial taxi drivers. This study revealed that minibus/van/pick-up drivers exhibited more depression, anxiety and stress symptoms compared to commercial taxi drivers. DASS-21 variables were found to contribute significantly to the explanation of the RTC involvement rate. Chronic fatigue and acute sleepiness, and overtime or heavy work-load on car drivers significantly increases the risk of a car crash which a car occupant can be injured or killed. Reductions in RTC may be achieved if fewer people drive when they have fatigue or are sleepy or have been deprived of sleep or drive during rush hours.

Alternating sleeping arrangements as a coping strategy for snorers and their bed partners—A prospective study

Background: Despite overwhelming evidence for gender differences in sleep quality as well as gender-specific changes of sleep parameters with respect to habitual sleeping arrangements, studies on snorers and their bed partners have ignored the influence of individual quality of sleep as a potential co-factor. Objective: The objective of this study was to record subjective and objective sleep parameters and to analyze the effects of alternating of sleeping arrangements in snorers and their bed partners. Methods: Habitual snorers and their bed partners were recruited via newspaper articles not stating the exact purpose of the study. Both filled out a 90-day sleep diary. During this time, we recorded subjective and objective sleep parameters in the snorers and their bed partners via wrist actigraphy and sleep diaries for 14 days. For statistical analysis, we used two-sided t-tests and Spearman’s Rho. Results: The dataset included 45 snorers (11 females) and 45 bed partners (34 females) with a mean age of 47 ± 13 and 43 ± 12 years. Screening for sleep apnea yielded snoring without OSAS, mild-, moderate- and severe OSAS in 27 (60%), eight (18%), three (7%) and six (15%) snorers. PSQI total scores were significantly lower in snorers than in bed partners (4 ± 2 vs. 6 ± 4, p = 0.002). We could not find a significant correlation between subjective and objective sleep latency and efficiency. Couples who changed their sleeping arrangement were significantly younger than those who habitually slept alone or together (p = 0.01). Subjective sleep parameters of snorers or bed partners were not related to the number of consecutive nights spent either together or apart. Conclusions: Our study confirmed the weak correlation of subjective and objective sleep parameters in pairs with snoring problems. Couples changing their sleeping arrangement were the youngest among the whole group, but their separation of sleeping arrangements did not improve subjective sleep parameters.

Sleeping Beauty定位器

春天美景当前，踏青之时，偶尔也免不了会犯些迷糊：把车停在偏僻的地方，天黑以后却找不到它；又或者光顾着各种造型拍拍拍，却不记得包包丢哪儿了……Sleeping Beauty定位器绝对是你出门必不可少的一项装备。

How Harmful a Lack of Sleeping Is to Your Health

词数:356阅读难度:建议阅读时间:4分钟Through his work,he’s determined that people who don’t get enough sleep tend to be less healthy and have lower energy levels than those who get the recommended amount of shut eye per night.After analyzing the results of 20 separate studies,he’s found a strong correlation between how much people sleep and how

Correlation between blood pressure changes and AMS, sleeping quality and exercise upon high-altitude exposure in young Chinese men

Background: Excessive elevation of arterial blood pressure(BP) at high altitude can be detrimental to our health due to acute mountain sickness(AMS) or some AMS symptoms. This prospective and observational study aimed to elucidate blood pressure changes induced by exposure to high-altitude hypoxia and the relationships of these changes with AMS prevalence, AMS severity, sleep quality and exercise condition in healthy young men.Methods: A prospective observational study was performed in 931 male young adults exposed to high altitude at 3,700 m(Lhasa) from low altitude(LA, 500 m). Blood pressure measurement and AMS symptom questionnaires were performed at LA and on day 1, 3, 5, and 7 of exposure to high altitude. Lake Louise criteria were used to diagnose AMS. Likewise, the Athens Insomnia Scale(AIS) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS) were filled out at LA and on day 1, 3, and 7 of exposure to high altitude.Results: After acute exposure to 3,700 m, diastolic blood pressure(DBP) and mean arterial blood pressure(MABP) rose gradually and continually(P【0.05). Analysis showed a relationship with AMS for only MABP(P【0.05) but not for SBP and DBP(P】0.05). Poor sleeping quality was generally associated with higher SBP or DBP at high altitude, although inconsistent results were obtained at different time(P【0.05). SBP and Pulse BP increased noticeably after high-altitude exercise(P【0.05).Conclusions: Our data demonstrate notable blood pressure changes under exposure to different high-altitude conditions: 1) BP increased over time. 2) Higher BP generally accompanied poor sleeping quality and higher incidence of AMS. 3) SBP and Pulse BP were higher after high-altitude exercise. Therefore, we should put more effort into monitoring BP after exposure to high altitude in order to guard against excessive increases in BP.