scholarly journals Selective logging enhances ecosystem multifunctionality via increase of functional diversity in a Pinus yunnanensis forest in Southwest China

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaobo Huang ◽  
Shuaifeng Li ◽  
Jianrong Su
Keyword(s):  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Significant Positive Correlation ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Selective Logging ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Pinus Yunnanensis ◽  
Ecosystem Multifunctionality

Abstract Background The impacts of selective logging on ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) remain largely unexplored. In this study, we analyzed the response of nine variables related to four ecosystem functions (i.e. nutrient cycling, soil carbon stocks, decomposition, and wood production) to five selective logging intensities in a Pinus yunnanensis-dominated forest. We included a control group with no harvest to evaluate the potential shifts in EMF of the P. yunnanensis forests. We also assessed the relationship between above- and belowground biodiversity and EMF under these different selective logging intensities. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on EMF using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. Results Individual ecosystem functions (EFs) all had a significant positive correlation with selective logging intensity. Different EFs showed different patterns with the increase of selective logging intensity. We found that EMF tended to increase with logging intensity, and that EMF significantly improved when the stand was harvested at least twice. Both functional diversity and soil moisture had a significant positive correlation with EMF, but soil fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) had a significant negative correlation with EMF. Based on SEM, we found that selective logging improved EMF mainly by increasing functional diversity. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that selective logging is a good management technique from an EMF perspective, and thus provide us with potential guidelines to improve forest management in P. yunnanensis forests in this region. The functional diversity is maximized through reasonable selective logging measures, so as to enhance EMF.

scholarly journals Selective logging enhances ecosystem multifunctionality via increase of functional diversity in a Pinus yunnanensis forest in Southwest China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaobo Huang ◽  
Shuaifeng Li ◽  
Jianrong Su
Keyword(s):  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Significant Positive Correlation ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Selective Logging ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Pinus Yunnanensis ◽  
Ecosystem Multifunctionality

Abstract Background: The impacts of selective logging on ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) remain largely unexplored. In this study, we analyzed the response of nine variables related to four ecosystem functions (i.e. nutrient cycling, soil carbon stocks, decomposition, and wood production) to five selective logging intensities in a Pinus yunnanensis-dominated forest. We included a control group with no harvest to evaluate the potential shifts in EMF of the P. yunnanensis forests. We also assessed the relationship between above- and belowground biodiversity and EMF under these different selective logging intensities. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on EMF using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. Results: Individual ecosystem functions (EFs) all had a significant positive correlation with selective logging intensity. Different EFs showed different patterns with the increase of selective logging intensity. We found that EMF tended to increase with logging intensity, and that EMF significantly improved when the stand was harvested at least twice. Both functional diversity and soil moisture had a significant positive correlation with EMF, but soil fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) had a significant negative correlation with EMF. Based on SEM, we found that selective logging improved EMF mainly by increasing functional diversity. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that selective logging is a good management technique from an EMF perspective, and thus provide us with potential guidelines to improve forest management in P. yunnanensis forests in this region. The functional diversity is maximized through reasonable selective logging measures, so as to enhance EMF.

scholarly journals Thinning enhances ecosystem multifunctionality via increase of functional diversity in a Pinus yunnanensis natural secondary forest

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaobo Huang ◽  
Shuaifeng Li ◽  
Jianrong Su
Keyword(s):  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Significant Positive Correlation ◽  
Secondary Forest ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Thinning Intensity ◽  
Natural Secondary Forest ◽  
Pinus Yunnanensis ◽  
Ecosystem Multifunctionality

Abstract Background: The impacts of thinning on ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) remain largely unexplored. In this study, we analyzed nine variables related to four ecosystem functions (nutrient cycling, soil carbon stocks, decomposition, and wood production) under five thinning intensities. We included a control group to evaluate the shift in EMF of a Pinus yunnanensis natural secondary forest. We also assessed the relationship between above- and belowground biodiversity and EMF under these different thinning intensities. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on EMF with the structural equation model (SEM). Results: We found that EMF tended to increase with thinning intensity, and that thinning significantly improved EMF except the low intensity of thinning. Individual ecosystem functions (EFs) all had a significant positive correlation with thinning intensity. Different EFs showed different patterns with the increase of thinning intensity: the nutrient cycling and the soil carbon stock of thinning three times and five times were significantly greater than other thinning intensities and control group; decomposition correlated directly to the increase of thinning intensity; the wood production of the fourth thinning was greatest. Thinning intensity had a significant positive correlation with functional diversity and soil moisture. Both functional diversity and soil moisture had a significant positive correlation with EMF, but soil fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) had a significant negative correlation with EMF. Based on SEM, we found that thinning improved EMF mainly by increasing functional diversity. Conclusion: Our study both demonstrates that thinning is a good management technique from an EMF perspective, and provides an input to improve management of a P. yunnanensis natural secondary forest.

Anti carbamylated protein antibodies as a diagnostic marker in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its association with disease activity

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Magda Medhat Awad El debsy ◽  
Mervat Mohammed Abdul Hakim ◽  
Henaz Farouk Khaled ◽  
Hala Mohamed Abd El Sabour Sabbah
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Significant Positive Correlation ◽  
Diagnostic Marker ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Larsen Score ◽  
Function Tests

Abstract Background Despite the diagnostic contribution of anti-citrullinated protein( anti-CCP) antibody and rheumatoid factor (RF), approximately one-third of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain seronegative .Anti-carbamylated protein (Anti-Carp) antibodies have been attracting increasing attention as a new diagnostic marker of RA. Objective evaluate levels of anti-carp antibodies in RA patients in order to detect its role as a diagnostic marker and its possible association with disease activity and severity. Methods This study included thirty adult patients with clinical evidence of rheumatoid arthritis and thirty healthy matched age and sex as controls. All underwent history taking, clinical examination, assessment of disease activity with modified Disease Activity28 (DAS28), Laboratory investigations including Complete blood count (CBC), erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Liver function tests, Kidney function tests, Serum uric acid, RF, anti CCP Ab, anti-Carp Ab and radiographic Assessment with Larsen score. Results Plasma levels of anti-Carp Ab were significantly higher in patients than control group (p > 0,001) with sensitivity of 73.33% and specificity of 100%.it showed significant positive correlation with CRP (r = 0.37 )(p < 0.05) as a marker of activity of RA and also there was significant positive correlation with RF and ACPA (r = 0.45)(r = 0.48) (p < 0.05) respectively as a diagnostic marker for RA. Plasma levels of anti-Carp Ab were higher in patients with more joints damage and erosions as assessed by Larsen radiological score as there was a highly significant correlation between Larsen score and serum Anti-Carp(r = 0.61)(p < 0.001).. Conclusion serum Anti–Carp antibody level was higher in RA patients which serve as a diagnostic marker for RA, also its significant correlation with CRP and Larsen score may serve as a marker for disease progression and severity.

Association of Vitamin D Status with Semen Parameters and Male Reproductive Hormones in Egyptian Infertile Men

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Doaa Abou-Taleb AE ◽  
◽  
Mahran AM ◽  
Mahmoud MA ◽  
Gaber MA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Significant Positive Correlation ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Male Reproduction ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Infertile Men

Background: Although vitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed in human sperm, little is known about the role of vitamin D (Vit. D) in male reproduction. Our objective was to assess Vit. D levels both in serum and seminal fluid and to establish the relation between serum and seminal Vit. D levels, semen parameters, male sex hormones and serum calcium level in Egyptian infertile men. Patients and Methods: We conducted a prospective case control study including 30 healthy fertile males as a control group and 60 male patients with infertility of unknown etiology. Semen samples were collected and semen parameters were evaluated. Also, seminal Vit. D level was measured. Blood samples were taken as serum levels of Vit. D, calcium, testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) were estimated. Results: There was significant decrease of both serum and seminal Vit. D level in groups of male infertility compared to control group. A significant positive correlation was found between serum and seminal Vit. D levels in different study groups. Also, significant positive correlation between serum Vit. D level and non-progressive sperm motility. Conclusion: Our results support the role of Vit. D in semen parameters and male fertility status.

scholarly journals Echocardiographic Assessment of Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity as a New Diagnostic Parameter for Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction

QJM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M A S Ammar ◽  
A M Elshazly ◽  
M F Ismail ◽  
H G M Helmy
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Value ◽  
Significant Positive Correlation ◽  
Pulse Wave ◽  
Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Diagnostic Parameter ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Echocardiographic Assessment

Abstract Background The association between increased arterial stiffness and Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (DD) has been well characterized, suggesting a close interaction between the arterial system and the left ventricle. Aortic pulse-wave velocity (PWV) is a measure of aortic stiffness, and it has an established prognostic role in cardiovascular diseases and in the general population. Aim Evaluation of aortic PWV assessed by echocardiography as a new diagnostic parameter for LV DD by correlation with current echocardiographic LV DD indices, and also evaluation of aortic PWV prognostic value in patients with DD by correlation with Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Methods This study was conducted at Ain-Shams and Helwan University hospitals from December 2017 to December 2018. It included 100 subjects aged from 55 to 60 years; they were divided into two groups, 1st group (case group): 80 patients with asymptomatic LV DD with preserved ejection fraction ≥50%, 2nd group (control group): 20 patients with normal diastolic function. All patients were subjected to full history and thorough physical examination. BNP, ECG and full echocardiography with assessment of aortic PWV were done. Results A total of 100 patients were enrolled, 38 (47.5%) males in case group vs. 9 (45%) in control group. Hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia were significantly higher in case vs. control (P-values: <0.001, 0.005, 0.002 respectively). Aortic PWV has significant positive correlation with both age and body mass index (r = 0.422, r = 0.847 respectively with P < 0.001 for both). Aortic PWV has significant positive correlation with E/e’ (r = 0.957, P < 0.001), tricuspid regurge velocity (r = 0.941, P < 0.001), and left atrial volume index (r = 0.947, P < 0.001), but it has significant negative correlation with septal e’ (r=-0.970, P < 0.001) and lateral e’ (r=-0.932, P < 0.001). Aortic PWV has significant positive correlation with plasma BNP level (r = 0.958, P < 0.001). Aortic PWV was significantly higher in case vs. control group with mean values (15.5±1.32 vs. 10.11±0.78 m/s respectively; P < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve for aortic PWV to detect DD was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.76–0.98; P < 0.001) and the optimal cutoff point of 12.5 m/s produced 92.3% sensitivity and 75.0% specificity (the positive and negative predictive values were 93.5 and 72.7%, respectively with an accuracy of 89.0%). Conclusion Echocardiographic assessment of aortic PWV appears not only to be a highly sensitive, reliable, easy, rapid and practical parameter for LV DD detection but also has a promising prognostic value in patients with LV DD.

Study of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among chronic kidney disease patients by Controlled attenuation parameter

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Mahrous Salem ◽  
Sahar Mahmoud Shawky ◽  
Maha Abd Elmoneim Behairy ◽  
Ahmed Fouad Helmy
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Significant Positive Correlation ◽  
Liver Steatosis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Attenuation Parameter ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Ckd Stage ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract Background/Aim Preliminary data suggest an association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was evaluate the frequency of NAFLD and its associated risk factors among nondiabetic CKD patients not on dialysis. METHODS A total of 40 subjects were enrolled in the study. Group A (30) Pre dialysis non-diabetic CKD patiens and Group B (10) normal subjects matched for age and sex as a control group. Liver stiffness measurement was used to detect liver fibrosis and CAP (controlled attenuation parameter) was used to detect and quantify liver steatosis (Fibroscan®). NAFLD was defined by CAP values ≥238 dB/m. RESULTS Results of the current study showed that CKD stage III was present in 17 patients (56.7%) and CKD stage IV in 9 patients (30%) and CKD stage V in in 4 patients (13.3%). The total frequency of presence of steatosis (CAP values ≥238 dB/m) whatever degree was significantly higher in CKD group than control; More than (53%) of CKD patients have NAFLD, and (30%) of control group have NAFLD. The severity of liver steatosis was negatively correlated with GFR, Hb and HDL, and positively correlated with Creatinine, BUN, CRP, Cholesterol, TG, LDL, SGPT, SGOT, FBG and HBA1C. There was significant relation between steatosis and CKD etiology. (82.3%) of Patients with hypertension have Steatosis, (33.3%) of Patients with reflux nephropathy have steatosis, (16.7%) of Patients had other causes have steatosis, while patients had renal stones have no steatosis. There was significant positive correlation between fibrosis degree and age of CKD patients and also significant positive correlation between steatosis and fibrosis among CKD patients. The study showed significant positive correlation between SGPT and fibrosis degree. The results suggest a high prevalence of NAFLD in non-diabetic CKD patients. The severity of liver steatosis is negatively correlated with kidney function; there was significant correlation between CKD stage and other risk factors of hepatic steatosis

scholarly journals Multitrophic functional diversity predicts ecosystem functioning in experimental assemblages of estuarine consumers

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan S Lefcheck ◽  
J. Emmett Duffy
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Food Web ◽  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Functional Traits ◽  
Ecosystem Functioning ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Experimental Investigations

The use of functional traits to explain biodiversity effects on ecosystem functioning has attracted intense recent interest, yet very few a priori manipulations of functional diversity have been attempted to date, especially from a food web perspective. Here, we simultaneously manipulated multiple functional traits of estuarine grazers and predators within multiple levels of species richness to test whether species richness or functional diversity is a better predictor of ecosystem functioning in multitrophic estuarine food webs. Community functional diversity better predicted the majority of ecosystem responses based on results from generalized linear mixed effects models. Structural equation modeling revealed that this outcome was independently attributable to functional diversity of both trophic levels, with stronger effects observed for predators. Functional complementarity was also important, as species with different combinations of traits influenced different ecosystem functions. Our study is the first to extend experimental investigations of functional diversity to a multilevel food web, and demonstrates that functional diversity is more effective than species richness in predicting ecosystem functioning in a food web context.

scholarly journals Study the association between IL-17 level and autoimmune antibodies in hypo and hyper thyroidisms patients

2019 ◽  
pp. 1967-1976
Author(s):  
Marwah F. Fadhil ◽  
Shaima R. Ibraheem ◽  
Abdul Al-Kareem A. Al-Kazaz
Keyword(s):  
Significant Positive Correlation ◽  
Feedback Inhibition ◽  
Thyroid Tissue ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Endocrine Gland ◽  
Hormone Production ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Autoimmune Antibodies ◽  
Hypothyroid Patients ◽  
Hyperthyroid Patients

     The current study included measuring the level of IL-17A and IL-17F and some autoimmune antibodies related to the thyroid gland in case of  hypo and hyperthyroid in Iraqi patients to evaluate the correlation between all the measured parameters in this study.The study has been carried out in AL-Kindey Endocrine Gland and Diabetic Center in Baghdad during the period between February 2018 and May 2018, included:  88 patients were divided into three groups, The first group composed of 30 patients of Hypothyroidism that included (26) of them were females, (4) of them males. The second group composed of 30 of patients  of Hyperthyroidism  that included (20) of them were females, (10) of them were males . and second groups were conducted with hypo and hyperthyroidism respectively.While the third group composed of  28 of healthy individuals (Control) that composed of (25) of them were females, (3) of them were males was represented as control .The results revealed a  significant (P < 0.05) correlation between TSH concentration and age in patients groups. When the age is more than 40 years, the concentration of TSH was noticed to be higher than that in patients aged less than 40 years. The results show that the level of antibodies was significantly increased (P<0.01) in hypo and hyperthyroid patients in comparison with the control group. At the same time the level of Anti-TG antibodies was higher significantly in the hypothyroid patients than its level in hyperthyroid patients group. No significant differences have been found between hypo and hyperthyroid patients in the level of Anti-TPO and Anti TSH-R antibodies. But its noticed that the higher level of Anti-TPO Ab. was found in the hypothyroid group where as higher level of Anti TSH-R Ab. was found in the hyperthyroid group and simultaneously both types were significantly higher than their levels in the control group As well as the results demonstrated a highly significant increase (P< 0.01) in the levels of IL-17 Types (A and F) in hypo and hyperthyroid patients with bias toward the comparison with the control group. The statistical study showed a significant negative correlation between the level of TSH and Anti-TG levels (r= -0.33). While a significant positive correlation between the level of Anti-TG and level of IL-17F (r= 0.39) in hypothyroid patients.  Also in hypothyroid patients, there is a significant positive correlation between the level of Anti-TPO and IL-17A (r= 0.33). In conclusion: The positive correlation between IL-17F and Anti-TG and between IL-17A and Anti- TPO in hypothyroid patients refer to increase in the concentration of IL-17 may lead to increase the thyroid autoantibodies, which affect thyroid tissue potency, decreasing thyroid hormone production, according to feedback inhibition loop.

scholarly journals Free Fatty Acids and Biochemical Changes in Iraqi patients with Chronic Renal Failure

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 654-662
Author(s):  
Baghdad Science Journal
Keyword(s):  
Renal Failure ◽  
Chronic Renal Failure ◽  
Total Protein ◽  
Significant Positive Correlation ◽  
Kidney Tissue ◽  
Biochemical Changes ◽  
Ionized Calcium ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dialysis Patients ◽  
Positive Correlation

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is progressive irreversible destruction of kidney tissue by disease which, if not treated by dialysis or transplant, will result in patient's death. This study was carried out on 30 patients (17 male and 13 female) with chronic renal failure. The aim of this research was studied the changes in the level of total protein ,albumin, calcium ,ionized calcium, phosphorous , iron ,ALP, LDH ,CK and FFA in patients with CRF before and after hemodialysis .The obtained results have been compared with 30 healthy subjects as control group (18male and 12 female). The results showed that there was significant increase in the level of calcium ,ionized calcium, phosphorous ,iron ,ALP,LDH,CK and FFA ,while there was a significant decrease in the level of total protein ,albumin before hemodialysis comparison to control group . Non significant changes was observed in the level of total protein ,albumin, calcium ,ionized calcium, phosphorous and significant increase in the level of iron ,ALP,LDH,CK and FFA after hemodialysis as compared to control group. This study shows significant positive correlation between FFA and each of albumin and total protein in pre and post-dialysis patients ,and a significant positive correlation with calcium and non significant with ionized calcium in pre-dialysis patients where as there were non significant correlation with calcium and a significant negative correlation with ionized calcium in post-dialysis patients. The conclusion of this study is hemodialysate composition (concentration of electrolytes, free –ionized calcium and some other plasma constituents), the increase concentration of other biochemical changes after renal dialysis because of amissibility a much of amounts of body fluids, and the change in acidosis status may be affect on the correlation between FFA and other parameters used in this study.

The relationship between depression and menopause symptoms: The PATH Model

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ensiyeh Jenabi ◽  
Bita Fereidooni ◽  
Salman Khazaei ◽  
Ronak Hamzehei ◽  
Leili Tapak
Keyword(s):  
Trait Anxiety ◽  
State Anxiety ◽  
Significant Positive Correlation ◽  
Menopausal Symptoms ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Path Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
The Relationship

Background: To date, no study has been performed on the relationship between depression and perimenopausal symptoms using the Path model in Iran. Objective: This study aims to assess the relationship between depression and menopause symptoms using the PATH model. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for 4 months in 2019 and 332 menopausal women enrolled in 14 public health centers. Data collection instruments included questionnaires of demographic characteristics, anxiety instrument, Menopause Rating Scale, and the Beck Depression short Inventory (BDI-S). The hypothesized mediators were assessed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The model included depression symptoms (dependent variable), anxiety (mediators), number of alive children (moderator), and menopausal symptoms (independent variable). Analyses were conducted by SPSS 16 and AMOS 20. Results: There was a significant positive correlation between menopause symptoms with total anxiety (Rs=0.52), state anxiety (Rs=0.47), trait anxiety (Rs=0.46), and depression (Rs=0.54). Depression had a significant positive correlation with total anxiety (Rs=0.64), trait anxiety (Rs=0.58), and state anxiety (Rs=0.59). Also, the total mediating effect of total anxiety and depression and the total moderating effect of the number of alive children were significant on menopause symptoms. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, there is an association between depression and menopausal symptoms. Therefore, health providers should pay more attention to the psychological health of women during the period of perimenopausal. The predictor factors should be considered in both intervention and clinical assessment of menopause women.

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