Late Period Research Articles

Nitrogen isotopes of marine oils in the Tarim Basin, China: Implications for the origin of organic matters and the paleoenvironment

Nitrogen isotope compositions (δ15N) of sedimentary rocks are usually used to reconstruct the paleoenvironment and nitrogen (N) biogeochemical cycle. The δ15N values of crude oils inherit the characteristics of relevant source rocks and can well reflect the information of hydrocarbon-forming organisms and environment in ancient water column. However, studies on the δ15N of crude oils are limited due to the low N content. In this study, a new efficient method is applied to the marine oils from the Bashituo (BST) and Halahatang (HLHT) areas of the Tarim Basin to obtain the nitrogenous components (i.e., nonhydrocarbons and asphaltenes) for the achievement of N concentration. The carbon and nitrogen isotopes of these components and the biomarkers of oils were measured. The δ15N values in asphaltenes (δ15NAsp) are significantly heavier than those in nonhydrocarbons (δ15NNSOs) in these oils, which are attributed to the potential directional N transfer and kinetic isotope fractionation during the thermal evolution of organic matters (OM). The δ15NAsp values have significant correlations with OM origin associated parameters and weak correlations with environmental parameters, suggesting that the difference in δ15NAsp values is mainly resulted from biological source rather than redox conditions. The δ15NNSOs values have a closer relationship with the redox condition than biological characteristics, indicating that they have a good response to paleoenvironmental variation in the water column, which is not completely overprinted by the difference of OM origin. Different redox conditions give rise to distinct nitrogen cycles, resulting in various δ15N values. Anammox occurs in the water column of the Early Cambrian dominated by physically stratified conditions with significant isotope fractionation, resulting in relatively heavier δ15N of OM in the BST area. In the Middle–Late Ordovician period, the limited suboxic zone leads to an insignificant positive bias of δ15N caused by partial denitrification in the HLHT oils. The evaluation of δ15N in nitrogenous fractions enables a more comprehensive reconstruction of N cycle for ancient oceans.

Psychological Support during Surgical Treatment of Children Ill with Respiratory Tuberculosis

The objective: to analyze changes in psycho-emotional status of children ill with respiratory tuberculosis (RTB) in the perioperative period while the children were provided with psychological support.Subjects and Methods. 15 respiratory tuberculosis patients aged 7−12 years who received psychological support during surgical treatment were enrolled in the study. The data of psychological examination in the preoperative, early postoperative and late postoperative periods are presented.Results. In the preoperative period, the vast majority of children with respiratory tuberculosis showed a higher level of neuropsychic tension (86.7% of patients) and anxiety (73.3% of patients). When psychological support was provided during surgical treatment, the program of which was based on EMDR approach and mindfulness, in the early postoperative period, there was a significant decrease in the number of children with a high level of neuropsychic tension – from 86.7% to 46.7% (p<0. 01). At the beginning of the late postoperative period, parameters of psychoemotional status in the overwhelming majority of children were within the range of normal values.

Race, Racism, and Ethnicity

This article examines the debates over historiographical uses of the terms race, racism, and ethnicity in the study of the premodern past. It begins with an analysis of conventional approaches to defining race, which understand the concept to be fundamentally modern and reject uses of the term in the study of the premodern world. Such conventional approaches to historicizing race are predicated on problematically essentialist definitions of the term that preclude comparisons of varying types of racisms that manifest across different historical periods. The article spotlights some of the arguments in favor of formulations of race and racism that allow for comparative analyses of premodern instances of racism, relying on the ideas of scholars working in race theory, philosophy of race, and premodern critical race studies. It also puts forward a working model of racism useful for analyzing examples of race-thinking found in Christian texts of the late antique period, focusing specifically on negative significations of blackness. Broadly, the article aims to outline more dynamic and fruitful approaches to conceptualizing race, racism, and ethnicity in the study of the ancient world.

Bringing together macro- and micro-botanical remains in Bronze Age Cyprus: The cases of Alambra-Kato Lakkos and Agios Sozomenos-Ampelia

The integrated analysis of macrobotanical and microbotanical remains has the potential to contribute toward a holistic reconstruction of the interactions of past humans and plants at regional and interregional levels. This paper focuses on the Bronze Age in Cyprus and specifically, on the processing, storage and consumption of plants and plant-based foods, through the study of carbonized seeds and starch granules. The selected samples come from the Bronze Age sites of Agios Sozomenos-Ampelia and Alambra-Kato Lakkos. For the site of Agios Sozomenos-Ampelia, the archaeobotanical material derives from contexts connected with domestic and storage activities dating to the Late Cypriot period (ca. 1340–1200 BCE). All the potsherds originate from pithoi, and therefore are closely connected to food storage. The archaeobotanical samples from Alambra-Kato Lakkos derive from funerary contexts and have been collected from the interior of ceramic grave goods, such as cooking pots, bowls and jugs dating from the Early Cypriot III to the Middle Cypriot II periods (ca 2000–1700 BCE).

Effects of different substrates on the growth and yield of Amorphophallus muelleri

Seven different substrates were prepared by mixing red soil, humus and river sand in different volume ratios and the growth and yield of Amorphophallus muelleri bulbils in different substrates was investigated. The growth of A. muelleri seedlings were tracked during the reproductive period, with measurements taken of indicators such as petiole length, petiole basal diameter and leaf size during the late period of leaf expansion. Number of surviving plants, weights and sizes of corms, and leaf bulbils were recorded after lodging. The results showed that there were differences in the physical and chemical properties of the seven substrates, but all met the growth requirements of A. muelleri. T1 (river sand), T2 (river sand: humus 1:1), T3 (humus), and T7 (river sand: humus: red soil 1:1:1) had higher emergence rates, reaching 95 %. T4 (humus: red soil 1:1) and T7 had better growth, with larger petiole and leaf sizes than other substrates. T3, T4, and T7 had higher yields, with a bulbil yield of 0.30 t hm−2 and a corm yield of 22.06 t hm−2. Compared to the use of a single substrate, whether river sand, humus, or red soil, the proportional mixture of the three test materials improved the physical structure and chemical composition of the substrate, contributing to the growth of A. muelleri. T7 (river sand: humus: red soil 1:1:1) was was found to be the best nursery substrate for A. muelleri.

Anadyr Basin Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element, Chukotka Peninsula, NE Asia

Abstract The Anadyr Basin reflects the tectonic history of the Chukotka and Kamchatka Peninsulas in the late Mesozoic and Cenozoic. It is located at the junction of the Novosibirsk-Chukotka, West Koryak and Koryak-Kamchatka Fold-and-Trust Belts (FTBs) along the NE margin of Eurasia. The basin includes latest Cretaceous - Cenozoic succession that is divided by several unconformities caused by tectonic events within the surrounding thrust belts resulting in several episodes of the basin's inversion, uplift, and erosion. Accordingly, and in the framework of this volume, the basin is described as a composite tectono-sedimentary element (CTSE). Four gas and oil discoveries are known from the onshore part of the basin. The hydrocarbon prospectivity of the area is determined by the presence of latest Cretaceous to Eocene source rocks and Miocene reservoirs. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of geological and geophysical studies as well as exploration work for oil and gas undertaken during the late Soviet period and in more recent times in the Anadyr Basin.

Evaluation of Wildfire Plume Injection Heights Estimated from Operational Weather Radar Observations Using Airborne Lidar Retrievals

AbstractThe vertical distribution of wildfire smoke aerosols is important in determining its environmental impacts but existing observations of smoke heights generally do not possess the temporal resolution required to fully resolve the diurnal behavior of wildfire smoke injection. We use Weather Surveillance Radar‐1988 Doppler (WSR‐88D) dual polarization data to estimate injection heights of Biomass Burning Debris (BBD) generated by fires. We detect BBD as a surrogate for smoke aerosols, which are often collocated with BBD near the fire but are not within the size range detectable by these radars. Injection heights of BBD are derived for 2–10 August 2019, using WSR‐88D reflectivity (Z ≥ 10 dBZ) and dual polarization correlation coefficients (0.2 < C.C < 0.9) to study the Williams Flats fire. Results show the expected diurnal cycles with maximum injection heights present during the late afternoon period when the fire's intensity and convective mixing are maximized. WSR‐88D and airborne lidar injection height comparisons reveal that this method is sensitive to outliers and generally overpredicts maximum heights by 40%, though mean and median heights are better captured (<20% mean error). WSR‐88D heights between the 75th and 90th percentile seem to accurately represent the maximum heights, with the exception of heights estimated during the occurrence of a pyro‐cumulonimbus. Location specific mapping of WSR‐88D and lidar injection heights reveal that they diverge further away from the fire as expected due to BBD settling. Most importantly, WSR‐88D‐derived injection height estimates provide near continuous smoke height information, allowing for the study of diurnal variability of smoke injections.

에도시대 두창의 예방과 치료: 인두법의 수용을 중심으로

This paper explores the introduction of smallpox variolation (人痘法) as a means of addressing the smallpox epidemic during the Edo period in Japan. It also investigates the impact of smallpox variolation on Japanese society during the late Edo period. I begin by outlining the history of smallpox epidemics in Japan. Subsequently, I document the process of introducing and developing smallpox variolation, which was considered a valuable preventive measure against smallpox during that period. While smallpox variolation was introduced in the mid-18th century, it took about half a century for the practice to be effectively implemented. Several physicians attempted variolation during this period, but Ogata Shunsaku (緖方春朔) was renowned as the first to succeed on a large scale, particularly with children. He authored works such as “Shutohissunben (種痘必順辨)” to advocate for the effectiveness of variolation. Additionally, rather than simply adopting the Chinese method of variolation, he developed his own method that took into consideration Japan's unique climate and environment, hoping to enhance the efficacy of variolation. During that time, the prevailing response to the smallpox epidemic focused on diagnosis and treatment using medicine rather than variolation. While Ogata Shunsaku actively practiced variolation, the shogunate established an institution within the medical department tasked with the prevention and treatment of smallpox. This institution propagated the Ikeda-ryu (池田流) method, which specialized in diagnosing and treating smallpox. Despite disparities in approaches, competition between smallpox prevention and treatment catalyzed the accumulation of relevant medical knowledge and experience in Japan during the early 19th century. Initially, variolation was introduced from China; however, over time, researchers experimented with it in various ways, integrating knowledge from Rangaku (蘭學) and cowpox inoculation (牛痘法). Responding to academic and technical developments, Ranpoi (蘭方醫) made diverse attempts at variolation that served as precursors to the eventual adoption of cowpox inoculation. Examining the process of variolation’s introduction and implementation elucidates the characteristics of early 19th-century Japanese medicine that transcended disciplinary boundaries.

The Assessment of the Long-Term Impact of Radiotherapy on Biophysical Skin Properties in Patients after Head and Neck Cancer.

Background and Objectives: Chronic radiotherapy-induced skin injury (cRISI) is an irreversible and progressive condition that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Despite the limited literature available on the assessment of the epidermal barrier in cRISI, there is a consensus that appropriate skincare, including the use of emollients, is the primary therapeutic approach for this group of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biophysical properties of the skin during the late period (at least 90 days) following radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer. Materials and Methods: This was a single-center prospective non-randomized study. It involved the analysis of 16 adult patients with head and neck cancer who underwent RT at the Greater Poland Cancer Center, along with 15 healthy volunteers. The study and control groups were matched for gender and age (p = 0.51). Clinical assessment, based on the LENT-SOMA scale, was conducted for all patients. Evaluation of the skin's biophysical properties included: an analysis of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), and skin visualization using high-frequency ultrasonography (HF-USG). Results: A significantly higher TEWL was observed in the irradiated area compared to the control area in the study group (p = 0.004). However, there was no statistically significant difference in SCH (p = 0.073). Additionally, no significant difference was observed in the values of TEWL and SCH in the irradiated area between the group of patients with and without clinically obvious RISI (p = 0.192 and p = 0.415, respectively). The skin thickness of the irradiated area, assessed by HF-USG, did not differ significantly from the skin thickness of the control area (p = 0.638). Furthermore, no difference in skin thickness was observed in patients with clinical features of cRISI in the irradiated and control areas (p = 0.345). The mean time after RT was 6.1 years. Conclusions: This study marks the first demonstration of epidermal barrier damage in patients in the long term following RT for head and neck cancer. The impairment of the epidermal barrier was observed independently of evident cRISI features. This observation underscores the necessity to recommend appropriate skin care, including the use of emollients, for all patients following RT. We also suggest that HF-USG examination is generally inconclusive in determining the degree of skin damage in the late period after RT.

Impact of Preoperative Symptom Duration on Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Cervical Disc Replacement for Cervical Radiculopathy.

Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. To determine the impact of preoperative symptom duration on postoperative functional outcomes following cervical disc replacement (CDR) for radiculopathy. CDR has emerged as a reliable and efficacious treatment option for degenerative cervical spine pathologies. The relationship between preoperative symptom duration and outcomes following CDR is not well established. Patients with radiculopathy without myelopathy who underwent primary 1- or 2-level CDRs were included and divided into shorter (<6mo) and prolonged (≥6mo) cohorts based on preoperative symptom duration. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) included Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Neck and Arm. Change in PROM scores and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) rates were calculated. Analyses were conducted on the early (within 3mo) and late (6mo-2y) postoperative periods. A total of 201 patients (43.6±8.7y, 33.3% female) were included. In both early and late postoperative periods, the shorter preoperative symptom duration cohort experienced significantly greater change from preoperative PROM scores compared to the prolonged symptom duration cohort for NDI, VAS-Neck, and VAS-Arm. The shorter symptom duration cohort achieved MCID in the early postoperative period at a significantly higher rate for NDI (78.9% vs. 54.9%, P=0.001), VAS-Neck (87.0% vs. 56.0%, P<0.001), and VAS-Arm (90.5% vs. 70.7%, P=0.002). Prolonged preoperative symptom duration (≥6mo) was identified as an independent risk factor for failure to achieve MCID at the latest timepoint for NDI (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.2-6.9, P=0.016), VAS-Neck (OR: 9.8, 95% CI: 3.7-26.0, P<0.001), and VAS-Arm (OR: 7.5, 95% CI: 2.5-22.5, P<0.001). Our study demonstrates improved patient-reported outcomes for those with shorter preoperative symptom duration undergoing CDR for radiculopathy, suggesting delayed surgical intervention may result in poorer outcomes and greater postoperative disability. III.

Nanogranular nature of the CSH gel

Hydration of cementitious materials is accompanied by the formation of calcium hydrosilicates (CSH). Accordingly, the hydration process is completed in the early, middle and late periods, leading to the formation of two types of CSH phases: low density (LD) and high density (HD). Using the nanoindentation method, it was explained nanogranular nature of the CSH gel, which is due to the contact forces of the CSH gel particles for these phases.

Interfacial Effects of Nanostructured Doubly Reentrant Surfaces on the Evolution of Local Concentration and Fluid Flow in an Evaporating Droplet.

Surface modification, such as bioinspired nanostructured doubly reentrant surfaces that have presented superhydrophobic wettability even under low-surface-tension liquid, is a very promising technology for controlling droplet dynamics, heat transfer, and evaporation. In this article, we investigate the interfacial effects of nanostructured doubly reentrant surfaces on the flow behaviors and local concentration evolution during the evaporation of an ethanol/water multicomponent droplet. Using particle image velocimetry (PIV) and novel aggregate-induced emission-based (AIE) techniques, the flow patterns and local concentration distributions on both hydrophobic and nanostructured doubly reentrant surfaces were probed and compared. It is found that in addition to the established Marangoni flow-dominated stage, transition stage, and buoyancy-induced flow-dominated stage, a new transition stage and a rolling stage for the nanostructured doubly reentrant surface are detected in the late evaporation period. Differences in the local concentration distribution evolution occur depending on the hydrophobicity of the surface on which the droplet is placed. For the hydrophobic surface, a nonuniform local concentration distribution exists consistently, with a high water fraction in a shell-shaped region near the liquid-air interface and a secondary concentration gradient within this shell-shaped region. The concentration distribution on the nanostructured doubly reentrant surface evolves in a more complex manner, with a strip-shaped region of high water fraction forming in the intermediate stage and then reorganized by rolling flow in the late stage. Finally, theoretical analysis combining PIV and AIE visualization results reveals that the variations in droplet concentration distributions on surfaces with different hydrophobicities exert a significant impact on evaporative behaviors. These behaviors, in turn, affect the evolution of the local concentration distribution.

Petrogenesis and Tectonic Setting of the Baluogenguole Mafic Dykes, Zongwulong Belt: Implications for Evolution of the Northern East Paleo-Tethys Ocean

The late Paleozoic tectonic setting of the Zongwulong Belt (ZWLB), a significant unit located in the northern Qaidam margin, Qinghai province, remains uncertain. Diabase dykes in the western part of the Zongwulong Belt offer insights into this issue. Field investigations reveal that the dips of the dykes are almost vertical, and they have sharp boundaries with the host rocks. These dykes consist of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and opaque minerals exhibiting a characteristic porphyritic texture and massive structure. Zircon U-Pb dating of the dykes yields a weighted 206Pb/238U age of 289 ± 1 Ma. The dykes exhibit relatively high concentrations of TFeO, K2O + Na2O, and TiO2, while the SiO2 and MgO concentrations are relatively low. They display relative light-over-heavy REE enrichment, and lack negative Nb-Ta and Eu anomalies. The dykes underwent negligible crustal contamination, and experienced extensive fractional crystallization of olivine, clinopyroxene, and Fe-Ti oxides. Originating from the spinel–garnet transition zone at depths of approximately 75 km, the dykes result from garnet facies low-degree melting (5%–10%) in a continental rift setting. Combining these findings with regional geological data, we propose that the ZWLB likely experienced a continental rift in the west and exhibited a narrow oceanic environment in the east in the late Paleozoic period, potentially representing the most distant north branch of the East Paleo-Tethys Ocean.

Baddeleyite U-Pb age and whole-rock geochemical characteristics of ∼ 1670 Ma diabase dyke in the Shennongjia area: Implications for the tectonic setting of northern Yangtze Craton during the late Paleoproterozoic

The Shennongjia Group in the northern margin of the Yangtze Craton consists mainly of thick carbonate rocks interlayered with some intervals of volcanic and terrigenous clastic rocks. With the geochronological achievements in recent years, the depositional age of this group can be constrained into the time span of 1400–1000 Ma at present, belonging to the Mesoproterozoic Ectasian period. It is also a potential candidate interval for the “Undefined System/Period” in the Regional Chronostratigraphic Chart of China. According to the 1:200,000-scale conventional regional geological survey in the ‘1960–1970 s’, at the northwest side of the dominant peak of the Mt. Shennongding, it shows a ring-shaped gabbro-diabase dyke intruded in these Ectasian formations. However, due to the lack of comprehensive studies, there are lots of controversy both about the intrusion time and the tectonic setting of the mafic dyke.In this study, by means of the LA-ICP-MS and SHRIMP method successfully, the baddeleyite from the Banbiyan gabbro-diabase dyke yielded gained the weighted average 207Pb/206Pb age 1668.3 ± 5 Ma (MSWD = 1, N = 53) and 1667.8 ± 7 Ma (MSWD = 0.7, N = 23), respectively. It represents an unambiguous late Paleoproterozoic Statherian Period magmatic event in northern Yangtze Craton. Further, for the first time, it indicates the existence of the geological records prior to ∼ 1.67 Ga in the Shennongjia area.In addition, Banbiyan gabbro-diabase samples have relatively concentrated SiO2 (48.33 % to 49.65 %) and high whole iron content (10.25 % to 12.78 %). They show Na2O + K2O ranging from 2.9 % to 4.64 % and TiO2 from 1.36 % to 1.62 %. All samples are enriched in LILE, e.g., Rb, K, and Ba. The REE pattern shows a moderately right-inclined curve between E-MORB and OIB. These geochemiacal characteristics are agreed with contemporaneous magmatic event in the southwestern Yangtze Craton, indicating a within-plate rifting background and should correspond to the rifting of the Columbia Supercontinent.

Distribution Dynamics of Diplopanax stachyanthus Hand.-Mazz. (Mastixiaceae) and Its Implications in Relict Mastixioid Flora Conservation

Climate is a key driver shaping the distribution pattern of organisms. Cenozoic climate change has led to extensive biota turnover. Untangling the distribution dynamics of a representative lineage of flora can provide deep insights into biodiversity conservation. Diplopanax is a notable relict lineage of the Tertiary mastixioid flora with abundant fossils in the Northern Hemisphere. Diplopanax stachyanthus Hand.-Mazz. is a representative relic lineage of the mastixioid flora, which was once widespread in the Northern Hemisphere of the early Tertiary period, but with only endemic distribution in the (sub)tropical humid forests of East Asia. It offers a unique chance to understand how climatic drivers shape the Boreotropical flora. In this research, we investigated the distribution dynamics of D. stachyanthus at the last glacial maximum (LGM), mid-Holocene (MH), current, and three periods of the future (2041–2060, 2061–2080, and 2081–2100) at four shared socio-economic emissions scenarios pathways. Our results indicated that the Precipitation of the Wettest Quarter (32.6%), the Precipitation of the Driest Quarter (21.2%), and the Precipitation of the Coldest Quarter (17.3%) are the key factors affecting its distribution. The current high suitable distribution areas are primarily in southern China and northern Indo-China. The enforced winter monsoon seasons in East Asia since the late Pliocene period are the key climatic drivers reducing its once widespread distribution in the Northern Hemisphere. Under future scenarios, centroid transfer analysis suggests that its distribution center will shift southwestward, but the potentially suitable habitats in the coastal regions of southern China and northern Indo-China will be lost. These coastal populations should be prioritized for ex situ conservation. Expanding the nature reserve within its long-term stable distribution range in southwest China is an effective strategy for the in situ conservation of the ancient mastixioid flora.

Nutrition adequacy in the late period of the acute phase is associated with a lower risk of 30-day mortality in critically ill patients: A prospective cohort study.

The provision of nutrition support for critically ill patients in the early phase of intensive care unit (ICU) admission plays a vital role in their recovery. However, there is still debate regarding the impact of nutrition adequacy of critical illness phases. We aimed to investigate whether nutrition adequacy in the acute phase (early and late periods) is associated with 30-day mortality in critically ill patients. We prospectively collected nutrition and clinical data from critically ill patients receiving exclusive enteral nutrition (EN) within the first 10 days of ICU admission. EN was classified as adequate when ≥80% of the prescribed EN was administered. Directed acyclic graphs were constructed to identify the minimum set of adjustment variables required to control for confounding factors. The relationships between energy and protein intake and 30-day mortality were assessed using the Cox regression analysis. A total of 119 patients were evaluated (70 years old, 56.3% male, and 68.1% with medical admission). The 30-day mortality rate was 23%. After adjusting for confounders, in the late period (days 5-10), energy adequacy (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.960; 95% CI, 0.937-0.984) and protein adequacy (HR = 0.960; 95% CI, 0.937-0.982) were predictors of 30-day mortality. No associations were observed in the early period (days 1-4) of the acute phase. In critically ill patients, nutrition adequacy (≥80% EN) during days 5-10 in the ICU was associated with a lower risk of 30-day mortality.

The effect of papaverine on tendon healing and adhesion in rats following Achilles tendon repair.

The study aimed to examine the histopathological and biomechanical effects of papaverine administered intraperitoneally and locally on Achilles tendon healing in a rat model. Forty-eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (range, 300 to 400 g) were used in this study conducted between October and November 2022. The rats were divided into three groups, with each group further subdivided into two for sacrifice on either the 15th (early period) or 30th (late period) day after surgery. The first (control) group received no treatment following Achilles tendon repair, while papaverine was intraperitoneally administered every other day for 10 days in the second group and locally in the third group after surgery. On the 15th and 30th days, the rats were sacrificed, and their Achilles tendons were subjected to biomechanical testing and histopathological evaluation. Histopathologically, there were no significant differences among the groups on the 15th day. However, on the 30th day, the locally applied papaverine group exhibited superior histopathological outcomes compared to the control group (p<0.05). Concerning the highest tensile strength values before rupture, the biomechanical assessment showed that the group receiving local papaverine treatment in the early period and both the group with systemic papaverine treatment and the one with local papaverine treatment in the late period displayed a statistically significant advantage compared to the control group (p<0.05). Locally administered papaverine has positive biomechanical effects in the early period and exhibits a positive correlation both histopathologically and biomechanically in the late period. Novel therapeutic options may be provided for patients through these findings.

Vegetation browning trend progressively leading to forest degradation in eastern himalaya in response to climatic and anthropogenic drivers

Vegetation is a major natural resource that plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance. Vegetation in the eastern Himalaya has experienced severe consequences owing to deforestation, fragmentation, land use land cover (LULC) conversion and climate change. Disturbances in vegetation have a close connection to browning trend because they modify the terrestrial ecosystems. Remote sensing derived vegetation indices and the availability of long-term satellite data allowed us to infer greening and browning tendencies across the Northeast Region (NER) of India. The present study has employed almost four decades (1982–2020) of satellite data (i.e. NDVI and LAI) and climate data (precipitation, soil moisture, temperature, solar radiation) to deduce the spatial pattern of greening and browning trends over major vegetation ecosystems, namely forest, grassland and cropland. Statistical metrics such as the Mann–Kendall test (τ) and the Theil–Sen median trend were computed to understand the greening and browning including vegetation degradation. The key findings exhibited that a noticeable large-scale greening trend of forests persisted in the first period (1982–2000) and switched to browning in the latest period (2000–2020). The statistically significant areas of browning trends over forest regions in NER was 5.6% which increased to 10.7–15.6%. The browning trends over grassland were more pronounced in the southernmost part of NER. Such changes were ascribed mostly to persistent warming and declining soil moisture. This was further exacerbated by human-induced LULC change. Over croplands, greening was prominent in Assam in the latest period, whilst other regions switched to browning. Trend analysis gives critical information on temperature-induced moisture stress leading to browning that might have potential implications for the forest, grassland and agriculture ecosystems. Specifically, the areas at Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh showed high risk of forest degradation (i.e. 19% of the total forest area of 1816.54 km2), whereas areas around the Loktak Lake in Manipur exhibited high risk of cropland degradation. The states in the southernmost part of NER showed high risk of grassland degradation. Nearly 20–27% of the areas were identified as high risk of degradation. The study underscores the potential areas of NER where land management strategies need attention in the context of complex climatic factors along the side of anthropogenic influences.

An unusual case of severe asphyxia with the fetal position unexpectedly inverted in a malformed uterus: a case report

BackgroundWe present a severe neonatal consequence due to the unexpected and crucial inversion of the fetal position after sudden termination of tocolysis during early labor of a woman with congenital uterine anomaly. It has been reported that congenital uterine anomalies latently affect the fetal position. The clinical pitfalls in childbirth with uterine anomalies are discussed here on the basis of clinical evidence.Case presentationAt a perinatal medical center in Japan, a 29-year-old Japanese mother who had a history of bicornuate uterus, received tocolysis to prolong her pregnancy for 5 days during the late preterm period after preterm-premature rupture of the membrane. She gave birth to a 2304 g male neonate of the gestational age of 35 weeks and 5 days with severe asphyxia by means of crash cesarean section for fetal sustained bradycardia after sudden termination of tocolysis. We found the fetal position to reverse from cephalic to breech position during early labor. He ended up having severe cerebral palsy after brain cooling against hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy for 3 days. The mechanism of inversion from cephalic to breech position without amnionic fluid remains unclear, although women with a known diagnosis of a uterine anomaly have higher risk of adverse outcomes such as malpresentation.ConclusionsWhen considering the clinical course of this case on the basis of the medical reports, we suspected that uterine anomalies and changes in intrauterine pressure could cause fetal malpresentation and adverse neonatal outcomes.

Some aspects of biomechanics of the operated thoracolumbar junction following two-level corpectomy

Traumatic spinal injuries pose a significant medico-social challenge, with about 60% of all spine fractures occurring at the thoracolumbar junction. Optimizing care for these patients remains a critical issue, despite the development of numerous surgical and conservative treatment methods, with outcomes still far from ideal. A key factor contributing to the consistently high rate of unsuccessful surgical interventions, which lead to stabilization failures in both the early and late postoperative periods, is the disregard of the biomechanical characteristics of the thoracolumbar junction area. Clinical protocols often regulate intervention methods based on the degree and nature of damage to the thoracolumbar spine as a whole. Enhancing the reliability of fixation, while maintaining the number of transpedicular screws, can be significantly achieved by using cross-links and adjusting screw length. The purpose of our study was to investigate the distribution of loads on the metal construct elements and bone structures in the thoracolumbar junction after extensive decompressive-stabilizing interventions. The load was modeled with a backward tilt. A mathematical finite element model of the human thoracolumbar spine segment was developed, incorporating vertebrae Th9-Th11, L2-L5, with Th12-L1 vertebrae removed, as well as elements of the metal construct—interbody support and a transpedicular system. We modeled four variants of transpedicular fixation using both short and long screws that penetrate the anterior surface of the vertebral body, with and without the use of two cross-links. Stress parameters were monitored at 20 control points in the models. Comparative analysis of the results revealed that models including long bicortical screws and two cross-links demonstrated the best biomechanical performance when the torso was tilted backward, effectively reducing stress in critical areas and enhancing the durability and effectiveness of the fixation.