Spatiotemporal changes of gross primary productivity and its response to drought in the Mongolian Plateau under climate change

Gross primary productivity(GPP)of vegetation is an important constituent of the terrestrial carbon sinks and is significantly influenced by drought.Understanding the impact of droughts on different types of vegetation GPP provides insight into the spatiotemporal variation of terrestrial carbon sinks,aiding efforts to mitigate the detrimental effects of climate change.In this study,we utilized the precipitation and temperature data from the Climatic Research Unit,the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index(SPEI),the standardized precipitation index(SPI),and the simulated vegetation GPP using the eddy covariance-light use efficiency(EC-LUE)model to analyze the spatiotemporal change of GPP and its response to different drought indices in the Mongolian Plateau during 1982-2018.The main findings indicated that vegetation GPP decreased in 50.53% of the plateau,mainly in its northern and northeastern parts,while it increased in the remaining 49.47%area.Specifically,meadow steppe(78.92%)and deciduous forest(79.46%)witnessed a significant decrease in vegetation GPP,while alpine steppe(75.08%),cropland(76.27%),and sandy vegetation(87.88%)recovered well.Warming aridification areas accounted for 71.39% of the affected areas,while 28.53% of the areas underwent severe aridification,mainly located in the south and central regions.Notably,the warming aridification areas of desert steppe(92.68%)and sandy vegetation(90.24%)were significant.Climate warming was found to amplify the sensitivity of coniferous forest,deciduous forest,meadow steppe,and alpine steppe GPP to drought.Additionally,the drought sensitivity of vegetation GPP in the Mongolian Plateau gradually decreased as altitude increased.The cumulative effect of drought on vegetation GPP persisted for 3.00-8.00 months.The findings of this study will improve the understanding of how drought influences vegetation in arid and semi-arid areas.

Development of a new cerebral ischemia reperfusion model of Mongolian gerbils and standardized evaluation system

Background:The Mongolian gerbil is an excellent laboratory animal for preparing the cerebral ischemia model due to its inherent deficiency in the circle of Willis.However,the low incidence and unpredictability of symptoms are caused by numerous complex variant types of the circle.Additionally,the lack of an evaluation system for the cer-ebral ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)model of gerbils has shackled the application of this model.Methods:We created a symptom-oriented principle and detailed neurobehavioral scoring criteria.At different time points of reperfusion,we analyzed the alteration in locomotion by rotarod test and grip force score,infarct volume by triphenyltetrazo-lium chloride(TTC)staining,neuron loss using Nissl staining,and histological charac-teristics using hematoxylin-eosin(H&E)straining.Results:With a successful model rate of 56%,32 of the 57 gerbils operated by our method harbored typical features of cerebral I/R injury,and the mortality rate in the male gerbils was significantly higher than that in the female gerbils.The suc-cessfully prepared I/R gerbils demonstrated a significant reduction in motility and grip strength at 1 day after reperfusion;formed obvious infarction;exhibited typi-cal pathological features,such as tissue edema,neuronal atrophy and death,and vacuolated structures;and were partially recovered with the extension of reperfu-sion time.Conclusion:This study developed a new method for the unilateral common carotid artery ligation I/R model of gerbil and established a standardized evaluation system for this model,which could provide a new cerebral I/R model of gerbils with more practical applications.

Argа-Bilig theory in traditional Mongolian medicine:a theoretical and practical perspective

The concept of Arga and Bilig serves as a foundational principle in both ancient Mongolian philosophy and traditional Mongolian medicine (TMM). Arga, symbolized by brightness and associated with qualities of fire and activity, complements Bilig, symbolized by darkness and representing attributes of water and stillness. Together, these opposing forces permeate all aspects of existence, from the genesis of parenthood to the interplay of day and night. Understanding Arga-Bilig is crucial for diagnosing and treating diseases, as it illuminates the source of imbalance within the body. This review provides an overview of the significance of Arga-Bilig in Mongolian philosophy and its application in TMM, emphasizing the dynamic interplay of these opposing forces and their role in maintaining balance and harmony within the body.

Aging Mongolian pine plantations face high risks of drought-induced growth decline:evidence from both individual tree and forest stand measurements

Discerning vulnerability differences among different aged trees to drought-driven growth decline or to mortality is critical to implement age-specific countermeasures for forest management in water-limited areas.An important species for afforestation in dry environments of northern China,Mongolian pine(Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica Litv.)has recently exhibited growth decline and dieback on many sites,particularly pronounced in old-growth plantations.However,changes in response to drought stress by this species with age as well as the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.In this study,tree-ring data and remotely sensed vegetation data were combined to investigate variations in growth at individual tree and stand scales for young(9-13 years)and aging(35-52 years)plantations of Mongolian pine in a water-limited area of northern China.A recent decline in tree-ring width in the older plantation also had lower values in satellited-derived normalized difference vegetation indices and normalized difference water indices relative to the younger plantations.In addition,all measured growth-related metrics were strongly correlated with the self-calibrating Palmer drought severity index during the growing season in the older plantation.Sensitivity of growth to drought of the older plantation might be attributed to more severe hydraulic limitations,as reflected by their lower sapwood-and leaf-specific hydraulic conductivities.Our study presents a comprehensive view on changes of growth with age by integrating multiple methods and provides an explanation from the perspective of plant hydraulics for growth decline with age.The results indicate that old-growth Mongolian pine plantations in water-limited environments may face increased growth declines under the context of climate warming and drying.

A review of geophysical studies on the Mongolian Plateau

The Mongolian Plateau in Central Asia is an intracontinental tectonic system far from active plate boundaries.Despite its distance from these boundaries,the plateau is characterized by intense crustal deformation accompanied by voluminous Cenozoic volcanism and active modern seismicity.However,the intraplate deformation mechanism has long been debated owing to the scarcity of observations and contradictions between different results.In recent years,growing geophysical studies have been conducted on the Mongolian Plateau,providing constraints on its lithospheric structure and dynamics.Here,we review the geophysical research on the Mongolian Plateau over the last decade,including seismological,geodetic,gravity,magnetotelluric,and geodynamic aspects.This review aims to(a)describe crustal and mantle structures based on multiscale seismic images;(b)describe deformation patterns based on seismic anisotropy,focal mechanisms,and global positioning system(GPS)observations;and(c)discuss the mechanisms behind intraplate deformation,volcanism,and seismic activity across the Mongolian Plateau.Seismic images show that the crustal structure of the plateau has significant east-west differences.Several blocks in the western Mongolian Plateau have thick crusts,including the Altai Mountains,Hovsgol Rift,and Hangay Dome.The lithospheric deformation across the Mongolian Plateau has strong lateral variation,with NE-SW shortening in the Altai Mountains and W-E or NW-SE shear deformation in the Hangay Dome region and the eastern part.The varied deformation may result from the superposition of multiple mechanisms,including far-field stress in the Altai Mountains,mantle upwelling,and mantle flow in the Hangay Dome region.However,it is difficult to identify the geodynamics of the formation of the entire Mongolian Plateau because the deformation is too complicated,and the present models are not sufficient and are always partial.Overall,this review encompasses recent advances in seismic observations of the Mongolian Plateau,illuminates the heterogeneities in the crust and mantle structure and deformation of the plateau,and discusses the mechanisms behind the deformation,magmatism,and seismicity.

Flooding(or breaching)of inter-connected proglacial lakes by cascading overflow in the arid region of Western Mongolia(Mt.Tsambagarav,Mongolian Altai)

This study investigates the glacial lake outburst flood(GLOF)hazards in the Tsambagarav mountain range in Western Mongolia,focusing on the Khukhnuruu Valley and its interconnected proglacial lakes.Over the last 30 years,significant glacier retreats,driven by rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns,have led to the formation and expansion of several proglacial lakes.Fieldwork combined with satellite data and meteorological analysis was used to assess the dynamics of glacier and lake area changes,with particular focus on the flood events of July 2021.The research reveals a substantial reduction in glacier area,particularly in the Khukhnuruu E complex,where glacier area decreased by 19.3%.The study highlights the influence of increasing temperatures and summer precipitation,which have accelerated ice melt,contributing to the expansion and eventual breaching of lakes.Additionally,lake area changes were influenced by the steepness of the terrain,with steeper slopes exacerbating peak discharge during floods.Of the studied seven lakes(Lake 1 to Lake 7),Lake 1 experienced the most dramatic reduction,with a decrease in area by 73.51%and volume by 84.84%,followed by Lake 7.This study underscores the region's vulnerability to climate-induced hazards and stresses the need for a comprehensive early warning system and disaster preparedness measures to mitigate future risks.

Impacts of climate change and human activities on vegetation dynamics on the Mongolian Plateau, East Asia from 2000 to 2023

The Mongolian Plateau in East Asia is one of the largest contingent arid and semi-arid areas of the world.Under the impacts of climate change and human activities,desertification is becoming increasingly severe on the Mongolian Plateau.Understanding the vegetation dynamics in this region can better characterize its ecological changes.In this study,based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer(MODIS)images,we calculated the kernel normalized difference vegetation index(kNDVI)on the Mongolian Plateau from 2000 to 2023,and analyzed the changes in kNDVI using the Theil-Sen median trend analysis and Mann-Kendall significance test.We further investigated the impact of climate change on kNDVI change using partial correlation analysis and composite correlation analysis,and quantified the effects of climate change and human activities on kNDVI change by residual analysis.The results showed that kNDVI on the Mongolian Plateau was increasing overall,and the vegetation recovery area in the southern region was significantly larger than that in the northern region.About 50.99%of the plateau showed dominant climate-driven effects of temperature,precipitation,and wind speed on kNDVI change.Residual analysis showed that climate change and human activities together contributed to 94.79%of the areas with vegetation improvement.Appropriate human activities promoted the recovery of local vegetation,and climate change inhibited vegetation growth in the northern part of the Mongolian Plateau.This study provides scientific data for understanding the regional ecological environment status and future changes and developing effective ecological protection measures on the Mongolian Plateau.

Origin and Common Application of Mongolian Diet Therapy

This paper mainly introduces the origin of Mongolian medicine diet therapy,classic works of Mongolian medicine diet therapy and clinical conventional diet therapy through literature research,to provide a certain reference for giving reasonable diet therapy for clinical patients and improving treatment and prognosis research.

Current Status of Mongolian Medicine Treatment for Breast Hyperplasia

Through literature and clinical research,the current status of Mongolian medicine treatment for breast hyperplasia is discussed,such as oral administration of Mongolian medicine for treatment,oral administration of Mongolian medicine combined with external application for treatment,combination of Mongolian medicine acupuncture therapy and oral administration of Mongolian medicine for treatment,integrated treatment of Mongolian and Western medicine,and combination therapy of Mongolian and traditional Chinese medicine,providing new ideas and choices for clinical research.

Basic philosophy of three essences theory in traditional Mongolian medicine

Traditional Mongolian medicine(TMM)integrates Tibetan and Chinese medicine with indigenous Mongolian practices,focusing on the balance of three core essences:Khii,Shar,and Badgan,derived from the Five Elements-earth,water,fire,wind,and space.These essences regulate both physical and psychological processes,and their imbalance,often caused by diet,behavior,or environment,leads to disease.TMM utilizes holistic diagnostic methods such as pulse diagnosis,visual inspection,and lifestyle evaluation to identify imbalances of three essences.Treatments include herbal remedies,dietary adjustments,behavior modification,and accessory therapies like moxibustion and massage to restore balance.This mini review examines the philosophical underpinnings,diagnostic techniques,and therapeutic strategies to Khii,Shar,and Badgan,highlighting their importance in both traditional and modern integrative healthcare.

Meta-Analysis of Efficacy and Safety of Mongolian Medical Warm Acupuncture in the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation

Objective:To systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of Mongolian medical warm acupuncture in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation(LDH).Methods:CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,Pubmed,Embase,Cochrane Library,and other databases were searched.The randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on the treatment of LDH with Mongolian medical warm acupuncture were manually searched in the Chinese Journal of Ethnic Medicine,Chinese Journal of Mongolian Medicine,Journal of Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities,and Journal of Inner Mongolia Medical University.The search time limit was from January 2000 to October 2023.RevMan5.4 software was used to analyze the included and excluded literature.Results:A total of 8 RCTs involving 1,042 patients with LDH were included,with 551 patients in the observation group and 491 patients in the control group.The results of the meta-analysis showed that a total of 8 randomized controlled trials were included in the treatment of LDH with Mongolian medical warm acupuncture compared with simple acupuncture(RR=1.18,95%CI=[1.12,1.23],P<0.00001).Conclusion:The total effective rate of Mongolian medical warm acupuncture for LDH is higher than that of simple acupuncture.However,due to the low quality of the literature included in this study,multi-dimensional,large sample size,and more rigorous clinical randomized trials are needed for further verification in the future.

Practicability Evaluation and Improvement of Bloodletting Model Mold in Mongolian Medicine Teaching

According to the problems such as low level and depth of experimental teaching research of Mongolian medicine in higher vocational colleges, lack of applicable teaching model mold, lack of students practical operation in time, and single teaching, the development direction and ideas of bloodletting model mold in Mongolian medicine in vocational Mongolian medicine teaching were proposed to provide valuable reference for the experimental teaching reform of traditional therapy of Mongolian medicine and the teaching reform and development ideas of Mongolian medicine and other traditional medicine.

Abrupt change of winter temperature over the Mongolian Plateau during 1961-2017

Studying the abrupt change of winter temperature(ACWT)over the Mongolian Plateau(MP,including Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and State of Mongolia)is of great significance for understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of temperature and the mechanism of global climate change.Monthly temperature data during 1961–2017was collected,and the abrupt change point was determined by the Mann–Kendall test and sliding ttest,to analyze the characteristics and causes of ACWT.The results showed that(a)The winter temperature has rapidly increased with a trend of 0.41℃/10a,which was significantly higher than that of the rest area of Chinese mainland,indicating that climate change in the MP was more sensitive to global warming.(b)The abrupt change point occurred in 1988,with temperature of-15.5℃and-14.1℃before and after abrupt change,respectively.The ACWT in 50°N was 1–3 years later than that in 40°N,and the isotherms of different temperatures moved northward by 10–200 km,especially-16℃isotherms moved approximately 200 km northward after 1988.(c)The Arctic Oscillation(AO)and Mongolian High(MH)anomaly affects winter temperature over the MP.When the AO is unusually strong,the MH and East Asian winter monsoon are weak,and southerly winds prevail in most regions,which is not conducive to the cold air developing southward,leading to higher winter temperature in the MP.Overwise,abnormally northerly winds prevail and temperature is low.Meanwhile,the abrupt change time of AO occurred in 1987 before winter temperature.It shows that the AO indirectly causes winter temperatures to rise by influencing the MH and is also the main driving factor of ACWT.

Advances in Basic Theory Research of Mongolian Medicine and Prospects of Its Combination with Systems Biology Research

This paper sorted out the relevant literature on the basic theory of Mongolian medicine,explored the research methods and ideas of the basic theory of Mongolian medicine,and elaborated the idea of combining systems biology to study part of the basic theory of Mongolian medicine.Through searching classic works and research papers in academic journals,this paper sorted out and summarized the research progress of the basic theory of Mongolian medicine and the existing problems in the current research,analyzed its characteristics,combined with systems biology methods to systematically explain some content in the basic theory,reveal its scientific connotation,and provide a basis for further research.

Protective Effects of Mongolian Medicine Borantunggal on Rats with Chronic Renal Insufficiency

[Objectives]To observe the protective effects of Mongolian medicine Borantunggal on rats with chronic renal insufficiency.[Methods]Male Wister rats were gavaged with 50 mg/kg/d adenine for 12 consecutive weeks,and were intervened with positive control drug Niaoduqing and three groups of different doses of Mongolian medicine Borantunggal.The rats general state,such as body posture,hair color,activity status,renal function,thyroid gland,adrenal gland,and gonadal hormone levels,expression levels of inflammatory mediators,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and nuclear factor-κB(P65)in renal tissue,and histopathological changes of rat kidney were observed before and after treatment.[Results]The recovery of the general state of rats with chronic renal insufficiency in the low dose group after intervention with Mongolian medicine Borantunggal was the most obvious.Compared with the model group,the level of CRE in the low dose Mongolian medicine group decreased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with the normal group,the 24-h urinary protein in the low dose Mongolian medicine group had a declining trend,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The urea level in low,medium and high dose Mongolian medicine groups showed a declining trend,and the effect of low dose Mongolian medicine was better.Compared with the model group,the feed intake of the low dose Mongolian medicine group had an increasing trend,while P and TCHO also had a declining trend.Compared with the model group,the levels of LH and COR in the low,medium and high dose Mongolian medicine groups decreased significantly,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The levels of T,T3 and T4 were significantly increased,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05),and the effect of low dose Mongolian medicine was better.Compared with the model group,the levels of IL-6,TNF-αand HIF-1 in the low,medium and high dose Mongolian medicine groups were significantly reduced,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The levels of TGF-β1 and Ang II in the low dose Mongolian medicine group were significantly reduced,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The level of TGF-β1 in the medium and high dose Mongolian medicine groups decreased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The expression of NF-κB P65 andα-SMA proteins in the low dose Mongolian medicine group showed a declining trend,which was better than Niaoduqing.[Conclusions]Mongolian medicine Borantunggal has significant protective and preventive effects on rats with adenine-induced chronic renal insufficiency.In particular,the dose of 0.31 kg/d had the most significant protective effect.Its action mechanism may be related to regulating hormone levels in the body,improving renal function,reducing renal inflammatory response,reducing the"three highs"in the kidney,and inhibiting renal tubular epithelial cell-to-mesenchymal transition and deposition of extracellular matrix(ECM).

Effect of Mongolian Vinegar Soaked Licorice on Liver Fibrosis Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride Combined with High-fat Diet in Rats

[Objectives]To determine the improvement effect of vinegar soaked licorice on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl_(4))combined with high-fat diet in rats.[Methods]Subcutaneous injection of 40%-60%CCl_(4)olive oil solution(0.3 mL/100 g)combined with a high-fat diet was used for 5 weeks to establish the rat model with liver fibrosis.After the modeling,the rats were divided into a low dose(0.8 g/kg),a medium dose(2.5 g/kg),a high dose(5 g/kg)group,a colchicine(1.5 mg/kg)positive group,and a vinegar group(2 mL/kg).The serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)levels in the rats were measured automatically.The serum hyaluronic acid(HA)was detected by radioimmunoassay,and the serum laminin(LN)and procollagen type III peptide(PIIIP)levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay.Liver histopathological morphological changes were observed by HE and Masson staining,and expressions of cytochrome CYP2E1 and transcription factor Nrf2 were detected by immunohistochemistry.[Results]The rat liver fibrosis model was established successfully at the 6~(th)week.Compared with the model group,the levels of ALT,AST,HA,LA,PIIIP,CYP2E1 and Nrf2 of all the examined indexes in the dosing group were decreased(P<0.05).As shown in the pictures of liver pathological tissue sections,the liver fibrosis was significantly alleviated in the positive group and the 3 administration groups.[Conclusions]Vinegar soaked licorice can significantly improve the liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride combined with high-fat diet in rats,and the effect of the high-dose group was similar to that of the positive group.

Application of Molecular Biology Technology in Identification of Modern Mongolian Medicine

The application of molecular biology technology in the identification and quality control of Mongolian medicine is increasing gradually,and it provides a new method for identifying fake and inferior products and confused products of Mongolian medicine.In this paper,the application and prospect of molecular biology technology(such as DNA barcoding and PCR molecular identification technique)in the identification of crude Mongolian medicine were reviewed.

Antidepressant Effect of Mongolian Pharmaceutical Betel Shisanwei Ingredient Pills and Its Improvement Effect on Depressive Syndromes

[Objectives]To analyze the effect of Mongolian pharmaceutical Betel Shisanwei Ingredient Pills in the clinical treatment of patients with depression.[Methods]From June 2020 to May 2021,64 patients with depression who received treatment in Inner Mongolia Minzu University were selected to participate in this study.These patients were randomly numbered from 1 to 64,and then divided into two groups according to the principle of odd or even number.Patients with odd number were regarded as the reference group,and treated by western medicine fluoxetine;patients with even number were regarded as the study group,and treated by Mongolian pharmaceutical Betel Shisanwei Ingredient Pills.The therapeutic effects of the two groups of patients were compared.[Results]Before treatment,there was no significant difference in the scores of patients'depressive syndromes between the two groups(P>0.05).After treatment,there were two significant changes in comprehensive score of depressive symptoms in both groups.Compared with before treatment,the data of the same group after treatment decreased significantly.Comparison between the two groups showed that the score of patients'depressive syndromes in the study group(13.28±5.49)was significantly lower than that in the reference group(18.46±6.51),and the overall response rate of treatment in the study group(96.88%,31/32)was obviously higher than that in the reference group(75.00%,24/32),showing statistically significant differences(P<0.05).[Conclusions]In the treatment of depression,Mongolian medicine therapy can significantly improve the depressive syndromes in patients,with more prominent curative effects,and is worthy of promotion and application.

Progress in the Application of Network Pharmacology in Mongolian Medicine Research

This paper summarizes the status quo of Mongolian medicine research,the basic research ideas and contents of network pharmacology,the latest development of network pharmacology technology in the field of Mongolian medicine research,the application progress,future development direction and existing problems in the research of Mongolian medicine,so as to provide new ideas and new methods for the scientific research of traditional medicine.

Discussion on Professor Ba Jigemude's Research Methods of the History of Mongolian Medicine

The research methods of the history of Mongolian medicine refer to the general and special methods used in the understanding and research of the history of Mongolian medicine,as well as the methods of expression and compilation of the research achievements of the history of Mongolian medicine.There are not only analysis and generalization,abstractness and concreteness,deduction and induction,historical and logical methods,but also traditional philology methods such as textual research,exegesis and collation,as well as new methods such as field investigation method,empirical method,measurement method,comparison method,and oral account method.In the actual research process,a variety of methods are often used comprehensively.This paper mainly discusses the methods used by Professor Ba Jigemude in the study of the history of Mongolian medicine,and uses specific cases to analyze and summarize the formation and development of the history of ancient traditional medicine.