Land use and land-use change in the Rocky Mountain west

Private land-use decisions can have important effects on private and public welfare. Market-based policies to regulate land use have the potential to move the privately-optimal allocation of land closer to what is socially optimal. To implement these policies in the Rocky Mountain states, it is necessary to understand the effects of private net returns on landowner choices. Two types of models are estimated to investigate these effects. The first is a conditional logit model. Here, parcel-level land-use choices are modeled in response to net returns, land quality, and other variables. The second is an area base model estimated using county aggregate land-use data. A generalized least squares model is estimated to adjust for heteroskedasticity that results from the specification. Land-use shares and transitions are dependent variables, while net returns, land quality, temperature, elevation, precipitation, and hospitality sector sales are the independent variables. For the aggregate land-use transition model, a specification that normalized net returns on range net returns returned all of the expected results. Results for both types of models suggest that it is necessary to control for land-use heterogeneity in this region by adding variables such as temperature, precipitation, and elevation. The Rocky Mountain region has more heterogeneous conditions than most other regions of the United States. With its vast areas of relatively low-value range land, this region offers promise for low-cost land conversion policies, but further research is necessary to understand the influence of a heterogeneous environment on land-use decisions

Risk Factors and Autoimmunity in Diet - A Narrative Review of Literature

Introduction   The role of dietary factors in modulating immune function and influencing the risk and progression of autoimmune diseases has recently gained increasing attention. Western-style dietary factors, rich in processed foods, saturated fatty acids, and refined sugars, have been implicated in promoting systemic low-grade inflammation and contributing to gut dysbiosis, while anti-inflammatory diets may offer protective benefits. Better understanding of diet and its impact on the immune system may offer new therapeutic avenues to explore in the near future.   Materials and Methods   A literature review was performed using four major scientific databases: PubMed, Elsevier, Web of Science, and Scopus. A total of 72 research and review articles relevant to the topic were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. The selection criteria were based upon  key words: autoimmune diseases, diet, inflammation, gut microbiota, micronutrients, Western diet, Mediterranean diet, omega-3 fatty acids.   Basic Results   Diets high in processed foods, saturated fatty acids, and high-glycemic index foods contribute to the development and maintenance of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Conversely, diets rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, fibers, and omega-3 fatty acids, promote immune tolerance and maintain the balance between anty- and proinflammatory factors.    Conclusions   Nutritional interventions may serve as supportive strategies for prevention and management of autoimmune diseases. Understanding dietary risk factors and implementing targeted nutritional modifications in the future could improve patients’ outcomes.&nbsp

Liver Disease and Central Nervous System Dysfunction: Linking the Two - A Narrative Review

Introduction: Liver dysfunction can significantly impact the central nervous system (CNS), leading to neuropsychiatric complications such as hepatic encephalopathy (HE). HE, a potentially reversible condition, results from the accumulation of toxins, particularly ammonia, which a diseased liver fails to detoxify, affecting brain function. It is commonly associated with chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis but can also occur acutely in cases of fulminant liver failure. Purpose of Research: This review aims to explore the mechanisms linking liver dysfunction to brain impairment in HE and to summarize recent findings on liver disease's effects on CNS dysfunction. Materials and Methods: The review synthesizes findings from 45 studies on HE pathogenesis and treatment, published between 2003 and 2024. These studies, sourced from PubMed and Scopus, focus on mechanisms including ammonia toxicity, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter imbalance. Basic Results: HE pathogenesis is multifactorial, with systemic metabolic disturbances causing complex interactions among neurotoxic ammonia buildup, chronic neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter imbalances. Traditional therapies like lactulose and rifaximin primarily target ammonia reduction, while newer treatments, including ammonia scavengers, anti-inflammatory agents, and antioxidants, address specific pathogenic pathways. The gut-liver-brain axis, involving gut microbiota's role in CNS functioning, presents promising avenues for adjunctive treatment. Conclusions: Addressing HE requires a multifaceted approach, including ammonia reduction, inflammation control, and neurotransmitter balance restoration. Traditional therapies remain central to HE management, but emerging treatments and modulation of gut microbiota may enhance outcomes and improve quality of life for patients with liver disease-related brain dysfunction

Risk Factors and Autoimmunity in Diet - A Narrative Review of Literature

Introduction   The role of dietary factors in modulating immune function and influencing the risk and progression of autoimmune diseases has recently gained increasing attention. Western-style dietary factors, rich in processed foods, saturated fatty acids, and refined sugars, have been implicated in promoting systemic low-grade inflammation and contributing to gut dysbiosis, while anti-inflammatory diets may offer protective benefits. Better understanding of diet and its impact on the immune system may offer new therapeutic avenues to explore in the near future.   Materials and Methods   A literature review was performed using four major scientific databases: PubMed, Elsevier, Web of Science, and Scopus. A total of 72 research and review articles relevant to the topic were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. The selection criteria were based upon  key words: autoimmune diseases, diet, inflammation, gut microbiota, micronutrients, Western diet, Mediterranean diet, omega-3 fatty acids.   Basic Results   Diets high in processed foods, saturated fatty acids, and high-glycemic index foods contribute to the development and maintenance of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Conversely, diets rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, fibers, and omega-3 fatty acids, promote immune tolerance and maintain the balance between anty- and proinflammatory factors.    Conclusions   Nutritional interventions may serve as supportive strategies for prevention and management of autoimmune diseases. Understanding dietary risk factors and implementing targeted nutritional modifications in the future could improve patients’ outcomes.