Does higher demand for medicinal plants lead to more harvest? Evidence from the dual trade of Nardostachy jatamansi and Fritillaria cirrhosa and Tibetan people’s harvesting behavior

IntroductionAs the demand for herbal medicines is surging worldwide, regions of medicinal plants are vulnerable to large-scale and unsustainable exploitation for commercial trade and use. Yet, we still lack the understanding about the relationship between indigenous people harvesting and trade practices of medicinal plants and their influencing factors for possible intervention measures.MethodsHere, we combined qualitative and quantitative methods to survey traders (N = 20) and local harvesters (N = 923) from nine Tibetan townships in Hongyuan county, Sichuan Province, on the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan plateau in China. Specifically, we elucidated the local value chain of medicinal plants trade and harvest of Nardostachy jatamansi and Fritillaria cirrhosa, and explored the factors influencing harvester’s willingness to harvest these plants. Furthermore, we empirically tested the constructs of the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation -Behavior) in predicting the sustainable harvesting behavior of medicinal plants.Results and DiscussionOur results revealed that the trade characteristics of N. jatamansi and F. cirrhosa were contrasting, and the sustainability of the former species was largely dependent on the latter one. Importantly, the traders’ practices were affected by the supply, while the harvesters’ willingness to harvest were mainly influenced by harvest incomes, past harvesting experience, and grassland tenure. Finally, though motivation was not directly affecting harvesting behavior, the harvesters’ ecological worldview indirectly affected their harvesting behavior, particularly through the mediation of the level of compliance of village rules and customs. Overall, our results provided crucial insights for the conservation and sustainable management of the valuable wild medicinal plants

Systematic Identification of Culture Conditions for Induction and Maintenance of Naive Human Pluripotency

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) of mice and humans have distinct molecular and biological characteristics, raising the question of whether an earlier, “naive” state of pluripotency may exist in humans. Here we took a systematic approach to identify small molecules that support self-renewal of naive human ESCs based on maintenance of endogenous OCT4 distal enhancer activity, a molecular signature of ground state pluripotency. Iterative chemical screening identified a combination of five kinase inhibitors that induces and maintains OCT4 distal enhancer activity when applied directly to conventional human ESCs. These inhibitors generate human pluripotent cells in which transcription factors associated with the ground state of pluripotency are highly upregulated and bivalent chromatin domains are depleted. Comparison with previously reported naive human ESCs indicates that our conditions capture a distinct pluripotent state in humans that closely resembles that of mouse ESCs. This study presents a framework for defining the culture requirements of naive human pluripotent cells.Simons Foundation (Grant SFLIFE 286977)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant RO1-CA084198)National Science Foundation (U.S.). Graduate Research FellowshipJerome and Florence Brill Graduate Student Fellowshi

Methylprednisolone as Adjunct to Endovascular Thrombectomy for Large-Vessel Occlusion Stroke

Importance It is uncertain whether intravenous methylprednisolone improves outcomes for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion (LVO) undergoing endovascular thrombectomy. Objective To assess the efficacy and adverse events of adjunctive intravenous low-dose methylprednisolone to endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke secondary to LVO. Design, Setting, and Participants This investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was implemented at 82 hospitals in China, enrolling 1680 patients with stroke and proximal intracranial LVO presenting within 24 hours of time last known to be well. Recruitment took place between February 9, 2022, and June 30, 2023, with a final follow-up on September 30, 2023.InterventionsEligible patients were randomly assigned to intravenous methylprednisolone (n = 839) at 2 mg/kg/d or placebo (n = 841) for 3 days adjunctive to endovascular thrombectomy. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary efficacy outcome was disability level at 90 days as measured by the overall distribution of the modified Rankin Scale scores (range, 0 [no symptoms] to 6 [death]). The primary safety outcomes included mortality at 90 days and the incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 48 hours. Results Among 1680 patients randomized (median age, 69 years; 727 female [43.3%]), 1673 (99.6%) completed the trial. The median 90-day modified Rankin Scale score was 3 (IQR, 1-5) in the methylprednisolone group vs 3 (IQR, 1-6) in the placebo group (adjusted generalized odds ratio for a lower level of disability, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.96-1.25]; P = .17). In the methylprednisolone group, there was a lower mortality rate (23.2% vs 28.5%; adjusted risk ratio, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.71-0.98]; P = .03) and a lower rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (8.6% vs 11.7%; adjusted risk ratio, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.55-0.99]; P = .04) compared with placebo. Conclusions and Relevance Among patients with acute ischemic stroke due to LVO undergoing endovascular thrombectomy, adjunctive methylprednisolone added to endovascular thrombectomy did not significantly improve the degree of overall disability.Trial RegistrationChiCTR.org.cn Identifier: ChiCTR210005172

Using Multisource Data to Assess PM2.5 Exposure and Spatial Analysis of Lung Cancer in Guangzhou, China

Elevated air pollution, along with rapid urbanization, have imposed higher health risks and a higher disease burden on urban residents. To accurately assess the increasing exposure risk and the spatial association between PM2.5 and lung cancer incidence, this study integrated PM2.5 data from the National Air Quality Monitoring Platform and location-based service (LBS) data to introduce an improved PM2.5 exposure model for high-precision spatial assessment of Guangzhou, China. In this context, the spatial autocorrelation method was used to evaluate the spatial correlation between lung cancer incidence and PM2.5. The results showed that people in densely populated areas suffered from higher exposure risk, and the spatial distribution of population exposure risk was highly consistent with the dynamic distribution of the population. In addition, areas with PM2.5 roughly overlapped with areas with high lung cancer incidence, and the lung cancer incidence in different locations was not randomly distributed, confirming that lung cancer incidence was significantly associated with PM2.5 exposure. Therefore, dynamic population distribution has a great impact on the accurate assessment of environmental exposure and health burden, and it is necessary to use LBS data to improve the exposure assessment model. More mitigation controls are needed in highly populated and highly polluted areas

Potassium superoxide oxygen generation rate and carbon dioxide absorption rate in coal mine refuge chambers

The effects of the molding pressure of a KO2 oxygen plate and the initial concentration of CO2 on the oxygen generation rate, the oxygen generation efficiency, and the carbon dioxide absorption rate were studied using a YES-300 hydraulic press to alter the pressure when forming the oxygen plate used in a coal mine refuge chamber. In addition, changes in the initial concentration of CO2 used in the closed-box model were made by adjusting the CO2 supply system, and a CD-7 multi-function parameter instrument was employed to monitor and record the changes of O2 and CO2 concentration in the closed-box model. Results indicate that the oxygen generation rate of KO2 oxygen plates, the oxygen generation efficiency, and the carbon dioxide absorption rate decrease when there is an increase in the pressure used to mold the oxygen plates, but those values increase when the initial CO2 concentration increases. When the initial concentration of CO2 in the closed-box model is 3.5% and the forming pressure is 10 kN, the average oxygen generation rate of 15 g KO2 oxygen plate is 11.88 × 10−3 L/min, the oxygen generation efficiency is 80.3%, and the average CO2 absorption rate is 11.0 × 10−3 L/min. Compared with the condition where the initial CO2 concentration is 1.5%, the results show that average oxygen generation rate of oxygen plates increases by 88.9%, the oxygen generation efficiency increases by 88.9%, and the CO2 absorption rate increases by 100%. Keywords: Potassium superoxide, Oxygen generation rate, Oxygen generation efficiency, Carbon dioxide absorption rate, Concentratio

Impact of Anchoring Groups on the Photocatalytic Performance of Iridium(III) Complexes and Their Toxicological Analysis

Three different iridium(III) complexes, labelled as Ir1–Ir3, each bearing a unique anchoring moiety (diethyl [2,2′-bipyridine]-4,4′-dicarboxylate, tetraethyl [2,2′-bipyridine]-4,4′-diylbis(phosphonate), or [2,2′-biquinoline]-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid), were synthesized to serve as photosensitizers. Their electrochemical and photophysical characteristics were systematically investigated. ERP measurements were employed to elucidate the impact of the anchoring groups on the photocatalytic hydrogen generation performance of the complexes. The novel iridium(III) complexes were integrated with platinized TiO2 (Pt–TiO2) nanoparticles and tested for their ability to catalyze hydrogen production under visible light. A H2 turnover number (TON) of up to 3670 was obtained upon irradiation for 120 h. The complexes with tetraethyl [2,2′-bipyridine]-4,4′-diylbis(phosphonate) anchoring groups were found to outperform those bearing other moieties, which may be one of the important steps in the development of high-efficiency iridium(III) photosensitizers for hydrogen generation by water splitting. Additionally, toxicological analyses found no significant difference in the toxicity to luminescent bacteria of any of the present iridium(III) complexes compared with that of TiO2, which implies that the complexes investigated in this study do not pose a high risk to the aquatic environment compared to TiO2

Environmental Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Farmland Soils near Highways: A Case Study of Guangzhou, China

Recently, the rapid growth in vehicle activity in rapidly urbanized areas has led to the discharge of large amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into roadside soils and these compounds have gradually accumulated in the soil, which poses a serious threat to national food security and public health. However, previous studies did not clearly investigate the seasonal differences in PAH pollution of roadside soil by different highways. Therefore, based on field investigations, this study collected 84 soil surface samples to compare the pollution characteristics of 16 PAHs in farmland soils located near different roads in different seasons in Guangzhou, China. The results showed that the concentration of Σ16PAHs in farmland soils in spring (with a mean value of 258.604 μg/kg) was much higher than that in autumn (with a mean value of 157.531 μg/kg). There are differences in the PAH compositions in spring (4 ring > 3 ring > 5 ring > 6 ring) and autumn (4 ring > 5 ring > 6 ring > 3 ring). The proportion of 4–6 ring PAHs was much higher than 2–3 ring PAHs in both seasons. The spatial differences were significant. The sampling areas with higher concentrations of 16 PAHs were Tanbu Town, Huadu District (TB), Shitan Town, Zengcheng District (ST), and Huashan Town, Huadu District (HS), while the lowest concentration was in Lanhe Town, Nansha District (LH). The results of the diagnostic ratios showed that the main source of soil PAHs consists of a mixed source from petroleum and biomass combustion. The results from the total pollution assessment method and Nemerow index method indicated that the pollution levels of PAHs in the farmland soils indicated weak contamination. Our study provides a scientific basis for the prevention and control of soil pollution in farmlands near highways

Design of a new type of mine rescue relay cabin

This paper presents the design of an innovative mine emergency rescue relay cabin, and investigates a detailed comparison of existing shelter facilities, their function, service object, structures, size, and system components with the newly designed mine emergency rescue relay cabin. Air-tightness test indicated a test chamber relief rate of 26 Pa/min, which meets the design requirements. Furthermore, respirator replacement test showed an average time of 73.7 s to replace a respirator. The air cover air supply test indicated an air supply rate of 220 L/min, which is sufficient for the staff replacing the respirator in the emergency rescue relay cabin. The total air supply volume is 9680 L, which can be supplied via two compressed air cylinders of 40 L, pressurized to15 MPa. Keywords: Relay cabin site selection, System and structure, Air tightness, Air cover air suppl

Transcriptome Profiling Unveils Key Genes Regulating the Growth and Development of Yangzhou Goose Knob

Goose is one of the most economically valuable poultry species and has a distinct appearance due to its possession of a knob. A knob is a hallmark of sexual maturity in goose (Anser cygnoides) and plays crucial roles in artificial selection, health status, social signaling, and body temperature regulation. However, the genetic mechanisms influencing the growth and development of goose knobs remain completely unclear. In this study, histomorphological and transcriptomic analyses of goose knobs in D70, D120, and D300 Yangzhou geese revealed differential changes in tissue morphology during the growth and development of goose knobs and the key core genes that regulate goose knob traits. Observation of tissue sections revealed that as age increased, the thickness of the knob epidermis, cuticle, and spinous cells gradually decreased. Additionally, fat cells in the dermis and subcutaneous connective tissue transitioned from loose to dense. Transcriptome sequencing results, analyzed through differential expression, Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), and pattern expression analysis methods, showed D70-vs.-D120 (up-regulated: 192; down-regulated: 423), D70-vs.-D300 (up-regulated: 1394; down-regulated: 1893), and D120-vs.-D300 (up-regulated: 1017; down-regulated: 1324). A total of 6243 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, indicating varied expression levels across the three groups in the knob tissues of D70, D120, and D300 Yangzhou geese. These DEGs are significantly enriched in biological processes (BP) such as skin morphogenesis, the regulation of keratinocyte proliferation, and epidermal cell differentiation. Furthermore, they demonstrate enrichment in pathways related to goose knob development, including ECM–receptor interaction, NF-kappa B, and PPAR signaling. Through pattern expression analysis, three gene expression clusters related to goose knob traits were identified. The joint analysis of candidate genes associated with goose knob development and WGCNA led to the identification of key core genes influencing goose knob development. These core genes comprise WNT4, WNT10A, TCF7L2, GATA3, ADRA2A, CASP3, SFN, KDF1, ERRFI1, SPRY1, and EVPL. In summary, this study provides a reference for understanding the molecular mechanisms of goose knob growth and development and provides effective ideas and methods for the genetic improvement of goose knob traits

Comparison of Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy with and without Foraminoplasty for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A 2-Year Follow-Up

Background. Both transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy with foraminoplasty (TF PELF) and transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy without foraminoplasty (TF PELD) were developed for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients. However, the safety and effectiveness between the TF PELF and TF PELD have not been investigated. Methods. Of the included 140 LDH patients, 62 patients received TF PELF (PELF group) and 78 patients received TF PELD (PELD group). The operation time, the duration of staying at the hospital, and complication incidences were recorded. All patients were followed up for 2 years, where low back and leg visual analogue scale (VAS) pain ratings and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were compared between the 2 groups before and after surgery. Modified Macnab criterion was estimated for all patients at postoperative 2 years. Results. There were no significant difference of the operation time, number of days staying at the hospital, and the incidence of complications between the 2 groups (P>0.05). Two cases in the PELF group and 1 case in the PELD group received a second surgery due to unrelieved symptoms postoperatively. Low back and leg VAS and ODI scores decreased in both groups after operation (P0.05). Six patients in the PELF group and 3 patients in the PELD group did not continue the follow-up; thus, only 131 patients completed Macnab evaluation. The satisfactory rate was reported as 80.4% in the PELF group and 90.7% in the PELD group (P>0.05). Conclusions. This study suggested that the safety and effectiveness of TF PELF are comparable to TF PELD for LDH patients