Altitude In Tibet Research Articles

Combined endovascular interventions for pulmonary embolism at high altitude in Tibet.

Managing pulmonary embolism (PE) at extremely high altitudes poses unique challenges due to harsh environmental conditions and limited healthcare resources. This study retrospectively analyzed Tibetan PE patients in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combined endovascular interventional therapy in high-altitude areas. The average altitude of long-term residence for Tibetan patients was 3,863.4 ± 317.4 m, with an average age of 62.0 ± 16.0 years, and the time from computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) diagnosis to interventional treatment averaged 2.8 ± 2.2 days. The operation time for these patients was 106.1 ± 22.2 min, and the intraoperative dose of alteplase used was 23.3 ± 5.0 mg. All 9 patients reported profound remission of dyspnea and chest pain after endovascular interventions. The heart rate (p < 0.05) and respiratory rate (p < 0.001) of all enrolled patients were significantly decreased, and the peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) was significantly increased (p < 0.05) after interventions. No severe complications, such as bleeding, occurred in any patient. This study demonstrated the potential clinical benefits and feasibility of combined endovascular interventional therapy for treating acute PE in extreme high-altitude regions.

Myopia prevalence and ocular biometry in children and adolescents at different altitudes: a cross-sectional study in Chongqing and Tibet, China

ObjectiveTo investigate the differences in myopia prevalence and ocular biometry in children and adolescents in Chongqing and Tibet, China.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe study included children and adolescents aged 6–18 years in Chongqing,...

Seed, Germination, and Seed-Reserve Traits of Ephedra saxatilis Differ Along Different Altitudinal Gradients in Tibet, China

Ephedra saxatilis, an important medicinal plant species belonging to the genus Ephedra, grows at a wide range of altitudes in Tibet, China. Collect seeds with different altitude gradients at low altitude (3500–4000 m), medium altitude (4000–4500 m), and high altitude (4500–5000 m), and study the effects of different altitude gradients on seed morphological traits, germination parameters, Seedling morphology, the morphological changes in the process of seed germination and uncracked seeds, 11 biochemical variables related to seed storage. Use correlation analysis to test the relationship between these variables. The process of seed germination is divided into five stages. Seeds that did not change color in stage III did not continue to grow. Seeds from low altitudes had significantly higher percentage of germination, and water contents and reducing sugars contents, but longer germination time. Seeds from high altitudes, however, had higher Xanthophyll, soluble phenolic, and ash contents. Among the examined biochemical variables, the germination rate at different altitudes was positively correlated with vitamin E, water content, and total flavonoid and soluble protein contents. Seedling growth state is divided into five stages. Our results confirm that seed differed significantly across different altitudinal gradients. Seeds of E. saxatilis from low altitudes had a survival advantage over those from medium and high altitudes.

Physical fitness of Tibetan adolescents at different high altitudes in Tibet, China: A comparative study.

High altitude hypoxic environment has a certain negative impact on physical fitness of adolescents. We aimed to understand the physical fitness status of Tibetan adolescents in different high-altitude areas in Tibet, China. Physical fitness items, such as grip strength, standing long jump, sit and reach, 50 m dash, 1000 m run for boys, and 800 m run for girls were tested on 3806 Tibetan adolescents by using stratified whole group sampling method in class units. The mean age of the participants was (15.51 ± 1.69) years for Tibetan males and (15.54 ± 1.69) years for females. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and other methods were used to make cross-sectional comparisons of physical fitness performance of Chinese Tibetan adolescents in different high-altitude regions. The standing long jump scores of boys (203.37 ± 28.36) were higher than that of girls (152.97 ± 19.46) and the lowest standing long jump scores of adolescents in Shigatse region (166.39 ± 35.04). The highest level of sit and reach was found among boys (10.69 ± 5.34) in Nyingchi and the lowest level of sit and reach was found among girls (8.42 ± 5.84) in Shigatse. Shigatse region adolescents had the lowest performance in 50 m dash (9.09 ± 1.72) while the best performance in 1000 m run (266.23 ± 35.82) and 800 m run (245.40 ± 27.92). There is variability in the physical fitness of Tibetan adolescents in different high-altitude regions of Tibet, China. Targeted physical fitness interventions should be carried out for Tibetan adolescents in different high-altitude regions. The focus should be on improving the endurance quality of Tibetan adolescents in Lhasa and the lower limb muscle strength, flexibility, and speed quality of adolescents in Shigatse.

Regional variation in growth status: A cross-sectional survey among Tibetan adolescents living at three different high altitudes in Tibet, China.

To explore the regional and age variation in growth status and age-by-site interaction effect on the growth status among Chinese Tibetan adolescents at different altitudes in Tibet, China. The research was conducted in three regions of Tibet, China: Nyingchi (average altitude 3100 m), Lhasa (average altitude 3650 m), and Nagqu (average altitude 4500 m). A total of 3817 Chinese Tibetan adolescents aged 12-18 years were tested for height, weight, chest circumference, and waist circumference. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the growth status of Chinese Tibetan adolescents. Two-way ANOVA was used to explore the age-by-site interaction effect on the growth status of Chinese Tibetan adolescents. The height, weight, and chest circumference of Chinese Tibetan adolescents in Nagqu are the lowest among the three cities. Age and site have an interaction effect influence on the growth status of Chinese Tibetan adolescents (p < .01). The growth indicators (height, weight, chest circumference, WC) of Chinese Tibetan adolescents differed with altitudes. Policies to improve the growth status of Chinese Tibetan adolescents in Nagqu are urgently needed.

The Multistage 20-Meter Shuttle Run Test Reference Values for Tibetan Children and Adolescents in Tibet, China.

Objective: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) reference data for Tibetan (Zang ethnicity) children and adolescents at high altitudes in Tibet of China are lacking. The present study aimed to develop sex- and age-specific 20mSRT norms for Chinese Tibetan children and adolescents at high altitudes. Method: A total of 4667 participants from Lhasa (3650 m), Nagqu (4500 m), and Amdo (4700 m) were selected by a stratified random cluster sampling method in two stages. The 20 m SRT test was used to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness. The 20 m SRT norms were developed by the lambda, mu, and sigma method (LMS). Results: The 20 m SRT laps, completed stages/minutes, and the speed at the last complete stage of Chinese Tibetan children and adolescents aged 7–18 years increased with age. Conclusion: Given the importance of CRF for children and adolescents’ health, the government should strengthen the monitoring of the CRF of Tibetan children and adolescents in high-altitude areas, strengthen physical education curriculum reform, and increase the level of physical activity in order to improve the level of CRF in children and adolescents.

Prevalence of Congenital Heart Disease at Extremely High Altitudes in Tibet and the Establishment of a New Free Treatment Model

Background: This study aimed to illustrate the prevalence of CHD by screening children in extremely high-altitude areas (over 4000 m to even 5000 m above sea level) and explore an aid model for early diagnosis and treatment for the Tibetan population. Methods: A total of 2242 students from different schools in Ngamring County, Xigaze city, Tibet from September 2019 to September 2020 were selected for screening. The students were examined through the inquiry of their current medical history and family history, cardiac auscultation and a physical examination, in order to screen out the suspected cases of CHD, and then the suspected cases were confirmed by cardiac color ultrasound examinations. After that, positive patients were be transferred to Shandong Province for free treatment. Results: The prevalence of CHD among children in Ngamring County was 3.70% (83 cases), which is the highest incidence rate ever reported. The most common type of CHD was patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), accounting for 55.42% of the total number of cases screened, followed by atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD), accounting for 28.92% and 12.05%, respectively. The prevalence of CHD in children at high altitude was significantly higher than that in children at low altitude. The children with CHD were transferred to Shandong Province for surgery, the operations were successful and their recoveries went well. Conclusions: The results show that high altitude is closely related to the prevalence of CHD, and the incidence in Ngamring County is much higher than that in previous reports.

Rhizosphere Bacterial Community Response to Continuous Cropping of Tibetan Barley.

Long-term continuous cropping influences the nutrient of soil and microbiome of the rhizosphere, resulting in the yield decrease of crops. Tibetan barley is a dominant cereal crop cultivated at high altitudes in Tibet. Its growth and yield are negatively affected by continuous cropping; however, the response of the rhizosphere microbial community to continuous cropping remains poorly understood. To address this question, we investigated the bacterial community structure and conducted predictive functional profiling on rhizosphere soil from Tibetan barley monocropped for 2–6 years. The results revealed that long-term continuous cropping markedly decreased total nitrogen and available nitrogen in rhizosphere soil. Illumina high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes indicated that the bacterial community was altered by continuous cropping; operational taxonomic units (OTUs), Shannon index, and Faith Phylogenetic Diversity decreased with increasing monocropping duration. Relative abundances of family Pseudomonadaceae, Cytophagaceae, and Nocardioidaceae were significantly increased, while those of Chitinophagaceae and Sphingomonadaceae were significantly decreased (all p < 0.05). Besides, continuous cropping significantly increased the abundance of bacteria associated with chemoheterotrophy, aromatic compound degradation, and nitrate reduction (p < 0.05). Generalized boosted regression model analysis indicated that total nitrogen was the most important contributor to the bacterial community diversity, indicating their roles in shaping the rhizosphere bacterial community during continuous cropping. Overall, continuous cropping had a significant impact on the structure of bacterial communities in rhizosphere soil of Tibetan barley, and these results will improve our understanding of soil bacterial community regulation and soil health maintenance in Tibetan barley farm systems.

Clinical and etiological characteristics of community-acquired pneumonia at high altitudes in Tibet, China.

Clinical and etiological characteristics of community-acquired pneumonia at high altitudes in Tibet, China.

An evaluation of urine and serum iodine status in the population of Tibet, China: No longer an iodine-deficient region.

Iodine is a critical trace element for the synthesis of thyroid-related hormones, and either low or high iodine status can lead to thyroid dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the iodine status of the Tibetan population. From September 2016 to August 2018, we enrolled 1499 healthy adults from three areas of varying altitudes in Tibet. Urine iodine concentrations (UICs), adjusted UICs, and serum iodine concentrations (SICs) were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The median UIC, adjusted UIC, and SIC was 137.9 μg/L, 118.4 µg/gCr, and 58.3 μg/L, respectively. Of the participants, 30.4% had UICs <100 µg/L, 63.0% had UICs ranging from 100 to 300 µg/L, and 9.6% had UICs >300 µg/L. The correlation between UIC, adjusted UIC, and SIC was good (r > 0.65, P < 0.01). The SICs were more stable than the UICs, and were not associated with age or sex. The prevalence of clinical hyperthyroidism, clinical hypothyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, positive thyroid peroxide antibody, positive thyroglobulin antibody, either positive and both positive was 0.5%, 1.3%, 1.7% and 17.9%, 9.3%, 6.5%, 12.5%, and 2.5%, respectively. The prevalence of almost all thyroid disorders was higher in women than in men. This multicenter cross-sectional study found that the human iodine status of adults in Tibet was considered adequate, based on the World Health Organization's criteria.

Technique and Practice on Temperature Control and Crack Prevention for RCC Dam at High Altitude in Tibet

The dam in the DG Hydropower Station is currently the world’s highest roller compacted concrete gravity dam. The temperature control and crack prevention of concrete under special climatic conditions have become a key technical problem in dam construction. To avoid temperature cracks in the dam, the proportion of raw materials is determined in accordance with casting time, climatic conditions, and raw material performance parameters. Furthermore, the concrete mix ratio is optimized, and concrete with high cracking resistance, relatively low hydration heat, optimal VC value, and good rolling and bleeding properties is prepared. It effectively prevents the occurrence of temperature cracks in dams and solves the technical problem of temperature control and crack prevention for RCC dam construction in high-altitude areas.

Comparison and Selection of Thermal Insulation Materials for RCC Dam Construction in Dry and Cold Valleys at High Altitudes in Tibet

Effective temperature preservation and moisture retention measures are key techniques in ensuring concrete quality and preventing cracks formation in RCC dams and the concrete surface in the middle reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in dry and cold river valleys. Insulation and moisture retention effect, construction technology, and cost of pasting polystyrene board, spraying foam polyurethane, and rubber plastic sponge insulation membrane on the dam concrete surface were compared and analyzed to determine the thermal insulation material with the best temperature preservation, best moisture retention effect, and high applicability. Finally, the rubber plastic sponge, which matched the trim strip process, was determined as the best insulation material. It features temperature preservation, moisture preservation, no secondary cleaning after removal, good appearance, and high secondary utilization rate. The results of dam overwintering monitoring and uncovering inspection in 2019 showed that the internal and external temperature differences and surface humidity indexes of concrete were within the design index value, and cracks were absent. The purpose of temperature control and crack prevention of dam concrete was achieved, and the material has high application value.

Probiotic fermented feed improved the production, health and nutrient utilisation of yellow-feathered broilers reared in high altitude in Tibet

ABSTRACT 1. Probiotic fermented feed (PFF) has been widely used in poultry production. The current study was designed to investigate whether PPF could alleviate the negative effects of hypoxia on yellow-feathered broilers reared at high altitude on the Tibet Plateau. 2. A total of 480, one-day-old male Lingnan yellow-feathered broilers were divided into four treatment groups with six replicates, each containing 20 broiler chickens. Broilers in the four groups were offered either a basal diet (without antibiotics) or test diets containing 5, 10 and 15% of PFF respectively. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. 3. Birds fed the 10% PFF diet exhibited increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) on d 28 and 56, body weight (BW) on d 56, total tract apparent digestibility (TTAD) of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and gross energy (GE). Feeding diets supplemented with 10% PFF increased (P < 0.05) digestive activity and gut development in duodenum and jejunum. Supplementation with 10% or 15% PFF significantly increased (P < 0.05) the caecal populations of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria spp. and decreased (P < 0.05) caecal E. coli and Salmonella spp. on d 28 and 56. 4. The ADG and BW on d 56, protease activity in duodenum on d 56 and jejunum on d 28 and 56, villus height and villi absorptive area in duodenum and jejunum and caecal Bifidobacteria spp. showed a quadratic (P < 0.05) dose response as supplemental PFF level increased. The TTAD of DM and CP and caecal Lactobacilli spp. increased linearly with PFF level. The caecal populations of E. coli and Salmonella spp. decreased linearly with PFF level. 5. In conclusion, addition of PFF in broiler diets had the potential to improve production performance, nutrient utilisation, intestinal digestive function and caecal microflora in yellow broiler chickens raised at high altitude.

不同海拔高度农牧民对气候变化的感知与适应

不同海拔高度农牧民对气候变化的感知与适应

Activated sludge culture domestication at high altitudes in Tibet of China

Activated sludge culture domestication at high altitudes in Tibet of China

Mental Rotation Effect on Adult Immigrants with Long-term Exposure to High Altitude in Tibet: An ERP Study

Human spatial manipulation ability is sensitive to high-altitude (HA) environment. The present study aimed to investigate the electrophysiological basis of spatial manipulation ability on adult immigrants with long-term HA exposure using the mental rotation (MR) task and the ERP approach. Toward this end, we explored the MR effect in individuals who immigrated to HA areas for three years compared with individuals who lived in low altitude areas. We found that the reaction time related to the MR effect was significantly slower in the HA group than that of the low-altitude group. The ERP component analysis further indicated that the rotation-related negativity (RRN) amplitude was highly corresponding to the MR effect in each group, the RRN amplitude was significantly larger in the HA group than the low-altitude group related to each rotation angle condition. The brain topographical map further showed that only the right hemisphere regions instead of the bilateral hemisphere regions involved into the MR effect in the HA group, which was different to the low-altitude group. Together, these findings might collectively suggest that the mental resource was insufficient as a result of HA exposure which can be reflected on the RRN amplitude, which may help understanding the neural basis of spatial ability change from the long-term HA exposure.

Performance and characterization of the microbial community structures in the activated sludge from wastewater treatment plant at high altitudes in Tibet of China

Performance and characterization of the microbial community structures in the activated sludge from wastewater treatment plant at high altitudes in Tibet of China

Prevalence and composition of CHD at different altitudes in Tibet: a cross-sectional study.

The prevalence of CHD has been well described worldwide except in Tibet. This study aimed to illustrate the prevalence and composition of CHD in Tibetan children according to altitude. Methods and results In the first part, we prospectively recruited 7088 unselected Tibetan children (4-17 years) from south-west Tibet. The total prevalence of CHD increased from 4.6/1000 below 4200 m to 13.4/1000 above 4700 m, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.3:3.1. The total prevalence and female prevalence of patent ductus arteriosus increased more than 10-fold. Females living above 4700 m had exceptionally high prevalence of patent ductus arteriosus (14.9/1000). The prevalence of atrial septal defect was comparable among different altitudes (3.3-3.8/1000). The prevalence of ventricular septal defect was 1.3/1000 below 4700 m, and no cases were found above this altitude. In the second part, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 383 CHD children in Tibet and 73 children at lower altitudes. The percentage of isolated ventricular septal defect decreased from 54.8 to 3.1%, and the percentage of isolated patent ductus arteriosus increased from 8.2 to 68.4% with elevation. Children living below 4200 m (10.4-13.7%) had a larger proportion of complex CHD than those above this altitude (2.0-3.1%). Of the 20 Tibetan children with complex CHD, 14 (70.0%) lived below 4200 m. A wide variation in CHD prevalence and composition existed in Tibetan children among different altitudes.

River Culture and Water Issue: An Overview of Sapta-Koshi High Dam Project of Nepal Activity

Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali are main three big rivers of Nepal flowing from east, middle and western part of Nepal. Each river has its own history, culture and tradition, which is alike with most of other ancient river civilizations. Among them Koshi is the biggest river and its culture is known as the oldest one in Nepal. Varahakshetra, Chatara, Pindeswara and Ramdhuni of Nepal and Simheswor and Tarasthan of Bihar India are the centre of pilgrims and civilization in Koshi River basin. Because of its destructive nature, we cannot find the archaeological remains of old civilization at Sapta Koshi valley. However, Kichakbadh, Rajabirat Kshetra and Bideha are some of the famous centers of civilization near Koshi basin. This river is said the Kausiki Mata in ancient Samskrit texts. According to the Pauranic text of Hindus, it is originated from the sweat of Parvati and she is known as Parvati in religious aspect. Because of its destructive nature, people were always afraid from its flood and therefore, people planned to make dams in Koshi River from long ago. In this process Saptakoshi high dam project was prepared from the side of India at British India period. The main center of making this dam was in Nepal and more benefit goes to the Indian side from this project. Therefore, Koshi high dam project is in conflict between these countries. However, we can make a plan of a high dam based on equal benefit for the people of both countries and we can fulfill the necessities of the people of this region. This is one of the best ways of using unused resources and controlling harm from the flood of Koshi River. Arun River, the main branch of Saptakoshi originates from 7000 meters high altitude in Tibet and flows towards south. Different branches of Saptakoshi are originated from different mountains with different names and they are flowing towards southeast, southwest and direct south.

Effects of Rhodiola on production, health and gut development of broilers reared at high altitude in Tibet.

Rhodiola has long been used as a traditional medicine to increase resistance to physical stress in humans in Tibet. The current study was designed to investigate whether Rhodiola crenulata (R. crenulata) could alleviate the negative effects of hypoxia on broiler chickens reared in Tibet Plateau. The effect of supplementing crushed roots of R. crenulata on production performance, health and intestinal morphology in commercial male broilers was investigated. Dietary treatments included CTL (basal diet), Low-R (basal diet + 0.5% R. crenulata) and High-R (basal diet + 1.5% R. crenulata). In comparison with broilers fed the control diet, Low-R had no effect on production performance while High-R significantly decreased average daily feed intake at d14, 28 and 42, body weight at d28 and 42 and gut development. Ascites induced mortality did not differ among treatments. Nevertheless Low-R significantly reduced non-ascites induced mortality and total mortality compared with broilers fed CTL and High-R diets. Broilers fed the High-R diet had significantly increased blood red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels at 28d compared with other treatments. Our results suggest that supplementation with Rhodiola might reduce the effects of hypoxia on broilers and consequently decrease mortality rate.