Elevation Trends Research Articles

Temporal Estimation of Snow Line Altitude in Glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Icefield Using Google Earth Engine

Abstract. The study analyzes the variability over time of the Snow Line Altitude (SLA) and its correspondence with the Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA) in four glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Icefield (SPI): Perito Moreno, Upsala, Viedma and De los Tres. Using Google Earth Engine and Landsat satellite imagery, an automated algorithm based on the Otsu image segmentation method was developed to analyze the 1985–2023 time series to obtain the Snow Cover Ratio (SCR) and subsequently estimate the SLA using the ALOS World 3D DSM. The study employed the near infrared (NIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands of Landsat images, with the SCR and subsequently the SLA determined using only the NIR band, as well as a band ratio between the NIR/SWIR bands. The results indicated that the Viedma glacier showed a statistically significant positive trend in SLA elevation, while the other three glaciers showed a stationary behavior with high variability. The SLA calculated using the NIR/SWIR bands tended to be higher compared to the NIR band calculation, especially for the Viedma and Upsala glaciers. Comparisons with previous studies (De Angelis, 2014; Popovnin et al., 1999) and recent glaciological measurements from the Inventario Nacional de Glaciares (2015–2022) showed that the SLA derived from the NIR bands aligned more closely with the aforementioned works.

Milder winters would alter patterns of freezing damage for epiphytic lichens from the trans-Himalayas

Trans-Himalayan winters are projected to become milder, with shifting precipitation patterns and freeze-thaw cycles; changing stressors for their lichen communities. Lichens from Antarctica and high latitudes are cryoresistant when dry, but susceptible to cell damage if frozen when wet, or subjected to repeated freeze-thaw events. Little is known regarding cryoresistance in high-elevation, mid-latitude lichens. We collected thalli of nine species of epiphytic lichenized fungi, from three regions of the trans-Himalayas; at ≈ 4000 m, 3400 m and 2400 m elevation. We subjected thalli to differing freezing (continuous − 18 °C and − 36 °C or freeze-thaw cycles in natural daylight) and moisture conditions. Even dry thalli suffered some damage. Frozen wet thalli had greater chlorophyll degradation and reduced chlorophyll content. There were no clear elevational trends in freeze-thaw susceptibility: it caused more damage than continuous freezing. The most freeze-thaw resilient lichens were Dolichousnea longissima (from 4000 m) and Usnea florida (from 2400 m). However, species from coldest sites were most resilient to extreme freezing. Under predicted climate change conditions these sites would experience fewer annual freeze-thaw cycles, annual sub-zero days and frost days. Reduced freezing constraints might allow range expansion of mid-elevation lichens, but increase competitive pressures and temperature stressors impacting high-elevation lichens.

Effects of climate and forest development on habitat specialization and biodiversity in Central European mountain forests

Mountain forests are biodiversity hotspots with competing hypotheses proposed to explain elevational trends in habitat specialization and species richness. The altitudinal-niche-breadth hypothesis suggests decreasing specialization with elevation, which could lead to decreasing species richness and weaker differences in species richness and beta diversity among habitat types with increasing elevation. Testing these predictions for bacteria, fungi, plants, arthropods, and vertebrates, we found decreasing habitat specialization (represented by forest developmental stages) with elevation in mountain forests of the Northern Alps – supporting the altitudinal-niche-breadth hypothesis. Species richness decreased with elevation only for arthropods, whereas changes in beta diversity varied among taxa. Along the forest developmental gradient, species richness mainly followed a U-shaped pattern which remained stable along elevation. This highlights the importance of early and late developmental stages for biodiversity and indicates that climate change may alter community composition not only through distributional shifts along elevation but also across forest developmental stages.

Mapping hydrothermal alteration in regolith using white micas and chlorite as vectors towards gold mineralization

Mineral exploration through regolith-dominated terrains poses a significant challenge to cost-effective exploration techniques. Due to missing surface expression, undercover mineral exploration relies on understanding ore-forming processes and characterizing alteration regimes to decipher suitable vectors towards ore deposits. The work presented focuses on the Archean granite-greenstones of the Yilgarn Craton, east of the Meekatharra area in Western Australia, and characterizes the weathering profiles by understanding metal dispersion mechanisms and identifying mineralogical vectors towards gold mineralization within regolith. Mineral mapping of gold mineralization using TESCAN Integrated Mineral Analyzer and laser ablation ICP-MS shows gold is associated with multiple generations of pyrite, and base metal sulfides and sulfosalts hosted in felsic to intermediate volcanics and volcaniclastics. Intensive weathering generated a thick regolith profile dominated by a leached zone of kaolinitic and micaceous saprolite underlain by a supergene Au-Cu deposit blanket at the base. The supergene deposit is dominated by colloform and framboidal pyrite, with pure microcrystalline Au, chalcocite, bornite, malachite, and alunite. Hyperspectral analyses were used to trace the composition and abundance of chlorite and white mica variations in the host rock and the weathering profile. The mineral assemblage in the hydrothermal alteration halo proximal to and intersecting gold mineralization is dominated by Fe-rich chlorite and Na-rich white mica (paragonite). Fe-rich chlorite and paragonite are spatially tied to elevated Au concentration and trends to Fe-Mg-rich chlorite and K-rich white mica (muscovite) distal to the alteration. The variations in chlorite chemistry were detected mainly in bedrock and saprock. Conversely, the white mica chemistry variations were detected in bedrock and the regolith profile, in which white micas resist intensive weathering. The spectral signatures identified through short-wave and thermal infrared data are verified through X-ray diffraction, mineral chemistry, and bulk geochemical analyses. This distinctive spectral signature of white mica and chlorite is a cost-effective exploration method for regional mapping of mineral systems to identify hydrothermal alteration footprints in the regolith developed over felsic and intermediate rocks.

Bayesian spatio-temporal analysis of dengue transmission in Lao PDR

Dengue, a zoonotic viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, poses a significant public health concern throughout the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). This study aimed to describe spatial–temporal patterns and quantify the effects of environmental and climate variables on dengue transmission at the district level. The dengue data from 2015 to 2020 across 148 districts of Lao PDR were obtained from the Lao PDR National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE). The association between monthly dengue occurrences and environmental and climate variations was investigated using a multivariable Zero-inflated Poisson regression model developed in a Bayesian framework. The study analyzed a total of 72,471 dengue cases with an incidence rate of 174 per 100,000 population. Each year, incidence peaked from June to September and a large spike was observed in 2019. The Bayesian spatio-temporal model revealed a 9.1% decrease (95% credible interval [CrI] 8.9%, 9.2%) in dengue incidence for a 0.1 unit increase in monthly normalized difference vegetation index at a 1-month lag and a 5.7% decrease (95% CrI 5.3%, 6.2%) for a 1 cm increase in monthly precipitation at a 6-month lag. Conversely, dengue incidence increased by 43% (95% CrI 41%, 45%) for a 1 °C increase in monthly mean temperature at a 3-month lag. After accounting for covariates, the most significant high-risk spatial clusters were detected in the southern regions of Lao PDR. Probability analysis highlighted elevated trends in 45 districts, emphasizing the importance of targeted control strategies in high-risk areas. This research underscores the impact of climate and environmental factors on dengue transmission, emphasizing the need for proactive public health interventions tailored to specific contexts in Lao PDR.

Diverging Elevational Patterns of Tree vs. Epiphyte Species Density, Beta Diversity, and Biomass in a Tropical Dry Forest.

There is evidence to suggest that vascular epiphytes experience low competition for resources (light, water, and nutrients) compared to terrestrial plants. We tested the hypothesis that low resource competition may lead to higher nestedness among vascular epiphyte assemblages compared to trees. We studied the species composition and biomass of epiphytes and trees along an elevation gradient in a tropical dry forest in SW Ecuador. Both life-forms were inventoried on 25 plots of 400 m2 across five elevation levels (550-1250 m). Tree species density and total species richness increased with elevation, whereas basal area and biomass did not show significant trends. Epiphyte species density and richness both increased strongly with elevation, in parallel to biomass. Plot-level compositional changes were similarly strong for both life-forms. We attribute elevational increases in the species richness of trees and epiphytes to increasing humidity, i.e., more mesic growth conditions. We attribute the more pronounced elevational increase in epiphyte biomass, species density, and richness-the latter coupled with a higher degree of nestedness-to the greater moisture dependency of epiphytes and relatively low direct competition for resources. Our study provides a first comparison of elevational trends in epiphyte and tree diversity and biomass for a tropical dry forest.

600. DETECTION OF ANASTOMOTIC LEAK THROUGH THE VALUE OF DRAIN FLUID AMYLASE

Abstract Background Anastomotic leak in cervical anastomosis after esophagectomy has consistently been a serious problem. Esophagram has long been utilized to make sure the integrity of anastomosis before starting oral diet. However, the diagnostic accuracy is limited. Drin fluid amylase collected from the cervical anastomotic site is another useful method for its conveniency in specimen collection and the numerical value. But the clinical interpretation varied. The aim of the study was to share the experience in our facility regarding the diagnostic value of esophagram and drain fluid amylase exam. Methods A total of 116 patients with esophageal cancer were reviewed. All patients received open or minimally invasive Mckeown esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis, with or without a neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. For the prediction of leak, esophagram and drain fluid amylase were utilized. Esophagram was arranged on the 7th post operative day. And drain fluid amylase was collected twice on the 3rd and the 7th post operative day. We assumed that presence of an elevating trend of the drain fluid amylase level, and the amylase level on the 7th post operative day being more than 80 IU/L, would suggest an anastomotic leak. Results For the entire cohort, the leakage rate was 18.9% (22/116). 67 patients and 48 patients received esophagram exam and drain fluid amylase testing, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for esophagram were 28.6% and 95%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 40% and 91.9%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy was 88.1%. The diagnostic value of testing drain fluid amylase by using our criteria yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 95%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 75% and 95%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy was 91.7%. Conclusion Comparing with esophagram, testing the drain fluid amylase provided an easier and more accurate way to predict the possible anastomotic leak. The criteria for prediction of leak by using drain fluid amylase were presence of an elevating trend (amylase on POD7 / POD3 >1) and the amylase level on the 7th post operative day being more than 80 IU/L.

Magnetic resonance imaging combined with serum endolipin and galactagoglobin-3 to diagnose cerebral infarction in the elderly with diabetes mellitus.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with serum endothelin and galactagoglobin-3 (Gal-3) can improve the clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus complicated with cerebral infarction. To analyze the clinical value of MRI combined with serum endolipin and Gal-3 for the diagnosis of cerebral infarction in the elderly with diabetes mellitus. One hundred and fifty patients with acute cerebral infarction hospitalized between January 2021 and December 2023 were divided into two groups according to comorbid diabetes mellitus, including 62 and 88 cases in the diabetic and nondiabetic cerebral infarction groups. Serum samples were collected to detect the expression of serum endolipoxins, and Gal-3, and cranial MRI was performed at admission. Differences between the two groups were compared to analyze the diagnostic value of these parameters. Serum endolipin and Gal-3 expression were higher in the diabetic cerebral infarction group (P < 0.05). The arterial wall area, vessel area, normalized wall index, and lumen stenosis rate were higher in the diabetic cerebral infarction group, while the rate of arterial lumen moderate and severe stenosis was 48.39% higher (36.36%, P < 0.05). The percentage of large (29.03%) and multiple infarcts (33.87%) in the diabetic cerebral infarction group was higher (13.64% and 20.45%), and the incidence rate of lacunar infarcts was lower (37.10% vs 65.91%) (P < 0.05). The total incidence of arterial plaque in patients in the diabetic cerebral infarction group was 96.77% higher (69.32%), while the incidence of necrotic lipid core plaque was 58.06% higher (26.14%) (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnosis utility of these techniques. MRI in combination with serum endoglin and Gal-3 had the highest area under the curve, the Yoden index, sensitivity and specificity (P < 0.05). The expression of serum endolipin and Gal-3 in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus with cerebral infarction showed an elevated trend, and the degree of luminal stenosis was severe. MRI predominantly revealed large and multiple infarct foci. This combined index examination can improve the clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus combined with cerebral infarction.

Effects of " Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan " on PM2.5 and Chemical Compositions in Zhengzhou in Polluted Winters

The Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan （APPCAP） was promulgated in China in 2013. To explore the effectiveness of APPCAP on PM2.5 in winter in Zhengzhou, PM2.5 samples were collected in Zhengzhou Monitoring Center during December 2013 and December 2018. The chemical composition of PM2.5 was analyzed, including EC, OC, water soluble ions, and metal elements. Pollution episodes under different stages were selected to investigate the changes in PM2.5 concentration and composition. The results showed that： ① The average concentration of PM2.5 in winter in Zhengzhou decreased from （215.38 ±107.28） μg·m-3 in 2013 to （77.45 ±49.81） μg·m-3 in 2018, with a decrease rate of 64%. ② The concentrations of EC, K+, SO42-, and Cl- decreased by 85%, 80%, 78%, and 72%, respectively, and the decrease rate in OC, NH4+, and NO3- was 50%, 41%, and 32%, respectively. ③ Compared with those in winter of 2013, the ratios of OC/EC in winter of 2018 increased by 2.6 times, and the proportion of secondary organic carbon in OC increased to 57%； meanwhile, values of sulfur oxidation rate and nitrogen oxidation rate increased by 1.5 and 1.0 times, respectively, indicating heavy secondary pollution in Zhengzhou. ④ The mass ratios of NO3-/SO42-increased from 0.8 ±0.2 in 2013 to 2.5 ±1.0 in 2018, indicating that the contribution of mobile sources increased and surpassed fixed sources as the main source in Zhengzhou. ⑤The comparison results of different stages of the heavy pollution process showed that ρ（PM2.5） decreased significantly in 2018 compared with that in 2013, with the peak concentration decreasing by 61%. The main chemical composition changed from OC, NO3-, SO42-, and NH4+ to OC, NO3-, and NH4+. The results indicated that the primary emission source control in Zhengzhou had achieved remarkable effects, but the contribution of secondary generation to PM2.5 showed an elevated trend； thus, the influence of secondary generation requires further attention in the future.

#2368 GHRH levels and AhR expression in CKD patients before and after kidney transplantation

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an irreversible decline in renal function where kidney transplantation (KT) is the optimal therapeutic intervention. We aim to investigate the role and activation of the uremic toxin receptor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in the microvasculature, particularly its implication in the blood-brain barrier impairment. We will also explore the potential role of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) as a biomarker reflecting the resolution of uremia-induced inflammation, early vascular ageing (EVA) phenotype, and potential enhancement in central nervous system (CNS) function post-KT. Method Resistance arteries from KT patients and non-CKD controls were isolated and expression of AhR was analysed by immunohistochemistry. The study used plasma samples from 60 KT patients, and levels of GHRH were measured at baseline and two years after transplantation using ELISA. Results Following KT, our initial findings indicate a decrease in levels of DBP, Lp(a), creatinine, homocysteine, phosphate, and troponin T among KT patients. Conversely, there was an increase in albumin, HBA1c, calcium and NfL post-transplantation. The expression of AhR in the resistance arteries of KT patients (2.6%) was notably lower compared to non-CKD controls (9.7%). Plasma concentrations of GHRH were significantly higher (p &amp;lt; 0.0001) in CKD-5 patients two years post-KT (2.94 ng/mL, IQR 2.60-3.43) compared to baseline (2.32 mg/L, IQR 1.84-3.24). This elevated trend in GHRH levels post-KT was observed in both sexes, with males (p &amp;lt; 0.0001) and females (p 0.0084) showing higher levels—males (3.0 ng/mL, IQR 2.6-3.5) and females (2.8 ng/mL, IQR 2.4-3.5)—compared to baseline level of males (2.4 ng/mL, IQR 1.8-3.2) and females (2.2 ng/mL, 1.9-3.3). No significant difference in GHRH levels was observed when assessing extreme EVA phenotypes based on the presence or absence of calcification or fibrosis. Conclusion Contrary to our initial expectation, the preliminary results indicate a downregulation in AhR expression within resistance vessels of CKD patients, implying modifications in AhR signaling within the uremic environment. The observed alteration in GHRH levels presents a promising avenue for further investigation focusing on its possible application as a biomarker for assessing CNS status in CKD patients undergoing KT. Prospective clinical application could involve the administration of GHRH agonists as a protective measure against cognitive impairment, considering its deficiency in CKD. Such supplementation holds promise to prevent further cognitive morbidity. The modulation in the levels of this hormone has the potential to significantly influence the treatment trajectory of CKD patients and enhance clinical outcomes.

A comparative study of mass balance in the Lambert Glacier and Amery Ice Shelf along the Chinese inland traverse during 2019–2023 using altimetry, gravity, and in-situ observations

Abstract. The new photon-counting laser altimetry satellite ICESat-2 was successfully launched on September 15, 2018 with an unprecedented ice surface elevation measurement accuracy of 2–4 cm. It is meaningful for accurately estimating volumetric changes in the Antarctic Ice Sheet. Cross-validation of different types of data, especially comparison with in-situ data, is important for the ice sheet mass balance results of a new satellite. This paper proposes an elevation-difference method of grid elevation change rate model, based on ICESat-2 ATL11 elevation time series data, to distinguish the linear change trend of ice sheet surface elevation from the elevation change resulting from periodic precipitation. In order to compare the estimated elevation-change rate with the flux computed from in-situ snow stake velocity measurements and GRACE-FO gravity survey data, we made corrections for firn air content, elastic, and glacier isostatic adjustment. Based on the ATL11 data from 2019 to 2023, our results show that the ice sheet change in Basin 11 along the CHINARE traverse is from ~0.019 m yr−1 to ~0.121 m yr−1, and the mass balance in the upstream of the traverse in Basin 11 is ~1.9±0.2 Gt yr−1. It is comparable to ~2.4±1.2 Gt yr−1 from GRACE-FO during the same time period. Furthermore, the flux across traverse-11.9±1.1 Gt yr−1 is comparable to that of ~-9.7±0.9 Gt yr−1 across the same flux gate during 1997–2009 which is calculated based on GNSS-derived ice velocity observations, considering the time period difference and uncertainties.

Low PAPR Filtered OFDM using Modified Selective Mapping

Wireless Communication has been witnessing generational change in the span of eight to ten years since it came in existence. From generation 1G to 3G and from 4G to 5G the telecommunication world has seen significant improvements along with enhanced performance with every passing year. The objective of research is to comprehensive study of Filtered Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (F-OFDM) as a promising waveform option for fifth-generation (5G) communications, distinguished by its capacity to suppress out-of-band emission (OOBE) and accommodate asynchronous transmission. Though there are many advantages but the challenge of a high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) among new waveform candidates can’t be ignored. To address this problem, the selective mapping technique is used as a key method to alleviate the elevated PAPR trend within multicarrier systems. This research put emphasis on applying selective mapping technique to overcome the high PAPR values in an F-OFDM system with different windowed filters such as kaiser, Nuttles blackman harris and Root raised cousine followed by a proposed Modified Selective mapping technique for further improved performance in terms of PAPR for the Filtered OFDM for different window functions in comparison with the conventional OFDM system, SLM F-OFDM system. Furthermore, PAPR performance is evaluated for all the three-system using the different window techniques analyzed for both systems, both with and without the SLM technique and Modified SLM technique to mitigate the PAPR disadvantage of the Filtered OFDM system. Simulation results underscore that F-OFDM enhanced by SLM and MSLM outperforms OFDM across PAPR.

Effectiveness of the triptorelin stimulation test compared with the classic gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test in diagnosing central precocious puberty in girls.

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test is the gold standard for diagnosing central precocious puberty (CPP). Gonadorelin (Relefact) is used for the test but is not always readily available; triptorelin is used as an alternative. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic validity of the triptorelin test compared with the GnRH test in the diagnosis of CPP in girls. This retrospective study included 100 girls with premature thelarche (PT) who underwent a hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis evaluation. In the overall group, 50 girls were tested with intravenous gonadorelin (Relefact) and 50 girls were tested with subcutaneous triptorelin acetate (Decapeptyl). Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were measured at baseline and 30, 45, 60, and 90 minutes after gonadorelin injection or 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after triptorelin injection. Clinical characteristics of age, height, weight, body mass index, and bone age were similar between the 2 groups. The highest LH level was reached 60 minutes after stimulation in both groups. Approximately 20% of the gonadorelin group and 24% of the triptorelin group were diagnosed with CPP (P=0.52). Among those diagnosed with CPP, the mean peak LH concentrations were 8.15 mIU/mL and 9.73 mIU/mL in the gonadorelin and triptorelin groups, respectively. The triptorelin test showed similar trends of LH elevation and diagnostic rate compared with the traditional GnRH test for diagnosing CPP. This suggests that the triptorelin test may be a valid alternative to the GnRH test for differentiating CPP from self-limiting PT. Our study also demonstrated that a triptorelin stimulation test for up to 120 minutes was sufficient to diagnose CPP.

High-Resolution Interannual Evolution of the Dune Toe at a Mesotidal Barrier (Camposoto Beach, SW Spain)

Over recent years, processes related to marine storms, sediment shortages and human intervention have caused the global retreat of many coastal systems and the degradation of their dunes. In this context, changes in the dune toe are commonly used as a proxy to study the interannual shoreline evolution, and it is usually analyzed using orthophotography, while high temporal- and spatial-scale resolution studies of dune toe evolution are not frequent. In this work, a quasi-monthly study of dune toe data was carried out between 2008 and 2018. These data, taken from the RTK-DGPS and UAS systems, were subjected to shoreline analysis, and they showed an average regression rate of −2.30 m/year, a higher value than the one registered until 2008 (1 m/year). This suggests an acceleration in the erosion suffered within the system, which was revealed to be more intense in the northern sector of the study area. Dune toe variability increased over the years, probably due to the presence of washover fans breaking the foredune that were reactivated and expanded during storm events. The ephemeral progradation of the dune toe was also noted, which could be explained with reference to wind events and/or beach nourishment that had been carried out over the studied period. From the analysis of the dune toe elevation, a decrease in this variable was obtained, especially in the areas affected due to washover fans. This finding is supported by the significant correlation of the dune toe elevation and erosion trend, suggesting that the areas where the dune toe was lower are prone to suffering a greater retreat. This correlation provides insight into the future evolution of the barrier, suggesting a state of degradation and a transition to a lower-resilience state.

Woody plant taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity decrease along elevational gradients in Andean tropical montane forests: Environmental filtering and arrival of temperate taxa

Mountains are paramount for exploring biodiversity patterns due to the mosaic of topographies and climates encompassed over short distances. Biodiversity research has traditionally focused on taxonomic diversity when investigating changes along elevational gradients, but other facets should be considered. For first time, we simultaneously assessed elevational trends in taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of woody plants in Andean tropical montane forests and explored their underlying ecological and evolutionary causes. This investigation covered four transects (traversing ca. 2200 m a.s.l.) encompassing 114 plots of 0.1 ha across a broad latitudinal range (ca. 10°). Using Hill numbers to quantify abundance-based diversity among 37,869 individuals we observed a consistent decrease in taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity as elevation increased, although the decrease was less pronounced for higher Hill orders. The exception was a slight increase in phylogenetic diversity when dominant species were over-weighted. The decrease in taxonomic and functional diversity might be attributed to an environmental filtering process towards highlands, where the increasingly harsher conditions exclude species and functional strategies. Besides, the differences in steepness decrease between Hill orders suggest that rare species disproportionately contribute to functional diversity. For phylogenetic diversity the shifting elevational trend between Hill orders indicates a greater than previously considered influence in central Andean highlands of tropical lowlands originated species with strong niche conservatism relative to distantly related temperate lineages. This could be explained by a decreasing presence and abundance of temperate, extratropical taxa towards the central Andes relative to northern or southern Andes, where they are more prevalent.

Nonsignificant elevational trends of soil microbial respiration and temperature sensitivity in a subtropical forest

AbstractSoil carbon (C) cycling plays a critical role in regulating global C budget and atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The ongoing global warming potentially accelerates soil C loss induced by microbial respiration (MR) and makes soil a large C source to the atmosphere. Quantifying the drivers of MR and its response to rising temperature (also called temperature sensitivity, Q10) should be a high priority to improve the modeling and prediction of terrestrial C cycle under global warming. In this study, we applied a standardized soil sampling along nine gradients from 410 to 1080 m in a subtropical forest in southern China. All soil samples were incubated at varying temperature gradients (10–15–20–25–20–15°C) to measure MR and Q10 every day for three weeks. Then all the measured MR was adjusted by the field temperature of each elevation gradient. Our objectives were to examine the response of MR and Q10 to the environmental change induced by elevational gradients in the subtropical forest and then quantify their main drivers. We totally collected 54 abiotic and biotic factors relative to the MR and Q10. Our results showed that the incubated MR increased from low to high elevation. However, a significant elevation trend of the adjusted MR was not examined after adjusting the field temperature of sampling sites, due to the trade‐off between increasing soil C concentration and declining temperature as elevation increased. We further found that the elevational gradients did not cause significant change in Q10. The variation in Q10 was negatively dominated by soil C quality, which declined nonlinearly along the elevation gradients. This study highlights the trade‐off between environment and biotic factors in determining soil C decomposition along elevational gradients. The uncertainty of MR measurements caused by unifying incubated temperature should not be ignored in future model development.

Drug poisoning deaths by occupation and drug type, Massachusetts 2010-2019.

To investigate variation in drug poisoning mortality rates by drug type and occupation in Massachusetts. Death certificates for deaths by drug poisonings occurring between 2010 and 2019 in Massachusetts were coded based on the decedent's occupation. Mortality rates and rate ratios (with all other occupations as the reference group) were calculated based on the occupation of the workers according to drug type. Poisson regression was used to determine significantly elevated mortality rates and trends in drug poisoning deaths by occupation and drug type. The rate of drug poisoning deaths increased from 2010 to 2016 after which they plateaued. With respect to specific substances, fentanyl- and cocaine-related deaths increased throughout the surveillance period. For drug poisoning deaths overall, workers in construction trades (3,017); food preparation and serving (1,116); transportation and material moving (1,062) occupations had the highest number of drug poisoning deaths. When adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and educational attainment, workers in 7 occupations had significantly elevated mortality rate ratios for drug poisonings overall: farming, fishing, and forestry (3.42, P < 0.001); construction trades (2.58, P < 0.001); health care support (1.61, P < 0.001); community and social service (1.60, P < 0.001); food preparation and serving related (1.54, P < 0.001); personal care and service (1.37, P < 0.001); and arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media (1.21, P = 0.010). In many cases, workers in these same occupations had elevated mortality rate ratios for poisonings from specific substances. Health care practitioners and technical occupation workers only had elevated rates for methadone-related poisonings (1.73, P = 0.010). These findings highlight that workers in certain occupations have an elevated risk for drug poisonings and that the patterns differ with respect to the drug type. These findings can be useful for providing services to workers in high-risk occupations and in identifying occupational factors that may be related to the risk of drug poisoning death. While previous research has begun to uncover work-related factors that may contribute to opioid use, further work is needed to identify occupational factors that may contribute to psychostimulant and benzodiazepine use.

Evaluation of plasma canine C-reactive protein concentrations in dogs with otitis media, healthy dogs and dogs with chronic otitis externa.

Otitis is characterised by inflammation of one or more of the structures of the ear. At present, to confirm or exclude otitis media (OM), it is most often necessary to perform a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging. Inflammation is an immune defence response found in many conditions that can be detected and tracked by measuring biological markers of inflammation as the Canine C-reactive protein (CRP). The objective of this study was to determine whether CRP measurement is useful as an adjunctive diagnostic tool in dogs with otitis and whether elevated concentrations correlated with disease severity/presence of OM. Twenty-four client-owned dogs were recruited over 1 year. The dogs were divided into three groups: chronic or recurrent otitis externa (CO), otitis media (OM) and H (healthy). The dogs with otitis underwent a CT scan of the head, measurement of the plasma CRP concentration and evaluation of a 0-3 Otitis Index Score 3 (OTIS3 score). No dog (0%) in group H had an increased CRP value, compared to 20% in the CO group (one of five dogs) and 23% in the OM group (3 of 13 dogs). Plasma CRP concentrations show a statistically significant positive relationship with the OTIS3 score (p = 0.04). Plasma CRP concentration is not reliable as a discriminatory tool in cases of otitis, although there is a trend for elevation in cases with more severe disease. However, a larger study may provide a statistically more reliable correlation between the severity of OM and CRP concentrations.

Circ_0000877 accelerates proliferation and immune escape of non-small cell lung cancer cells by regulating microRNA-637/E2F2 axis.

Recently, circular RNA (circRNA) has become a vital targeted therapy gene for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. CircRNA_0000877 (Circ_0000877) has been researched in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, whether circ_0000877 regulated NSCLC cell progression is still poorly investigated. The research attempted to investigate the influence of circ_0000877 in NSCLC. Circ_0000877 levels in NSCLC tissues and cell lines were determined applying RT-qPCR. Cell functions were evaluated by CCK-8, EdU, flow cytometry, ELISA, and western blot. Gene interactions were predicted by Cirular RNA interactome database and Target Scan website and certified by dual-luciferase reporter, RIP, and RNA pull-down assays. Finally, mice experimental model was established to explore the effects of circ_0000877 on tumor growth in vivo. The elevated trend of circ_0000877 expression was discovered in NSCLC tissues compared to para-carcinoma tissues. The clinicopathological data uncovered that up-regulated circ_0000877 was linked to tumor size, differentiation, and TNM stages of NSCLC patients. Knockdown of circ_0000877 inhibited the proliferation, triggered apoptosis, and prohibited immune escape in NSCLC cells. It was certified that miR-637 was directly interacted with circ_0000877 and targeted by E2F2. Overexpressed E2F2 strongly overturned the functions of circ_0000877 knockdown in NSCLC cells. Mice experimental data demonstrated that circ_0000877 knockdown suppressed tumor growth in vivo. The research demonstrated that circ_0000877 exhibited the promotive effect on NSCLC cells proliferation and immune escape by regulating miR-637/E2F2 axis.

Elevational trends of land surface temperature in the Alborz Mountains within the context of global warming

Elevational trends of land surface temperature in the Alborz Mountains within the context of global warming