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Geophagy is common in extant nonhuman primate species, but the exact reasons for it across species remain unclear. Previous diet studies on Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) were only focused on organic materials (plants and small animals). There are no reports on R. bieti exhibiting geophagy in the field before this study. This study was carried out at Xiangguqing in the Baimaxueshan Nature Reserve from June 2008 to May 2009. We recorded the behavior of geophagy and collected samples of soil consumed by the monkeys there and analyzed their content in a laboratory. We identified a total of eight sites where the monkeys consumed soil in the home range during the study period. The total time spent ingesting soil was 13,690 seconds. 20 adult males, 34 adult females except lactating mothers, and 12 immatures without infants were seen to eat soil throughout this study. Average time spent in soil-eating bouts differed significantly among age/sex classes. This study suggests that particular age/sex classes or individuals in certain states of society and health will predictably display a behavioral pattern of geophagy. Our data indicate that geophagy in R. bieti is best explained as a response to nutrient deficiency, as soil consumed by the monkeys was significantly higher in calcium, copper, zinc, iron, manganese, and sodium. Although R. bieti consumes ironrich soil, control samples that were not consumed also had high levels of iron, suggesting that high altitude alone is not a sufficient explanation for geophagy in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-band high-temperature superconducting (HTS) bandpass filter (BPF) using a quadruple-mode resonator is realized in this paper. The resonator consists of a half-wavelength uniform impedance resonator, an open stub in a symmetrical plane, and two spiral open stubs at the two sides of the symmetrical plane. Distinct characteristics of the quadruple-mode resonator are investigated by using even/odd mode theory, and the design graphs are given to analyze the dual-band filter. A dual-band HTS BPF with central frequencies of 1.8 GHz for GSM applications and 2.4 GHz for wireless local area network applications is designed using the proposed quadruple-mode resonator, which is fabricated by depositing YBCO films on a 0.5-mm-thick MgO substrate. Its size occupies only 13 mm \times 17 mm. Measured results demonstrate that an insertion loss within the passbands is less than 0.25 dB. In addition, a transmission zero is achieved in-between two passbands, and two transmission zeros are realized in the upper stopband of the higher passband, which improve the skirt selectivity and stopband characteristics of the filter. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Although sex-biased dispersal has profound effects on the viability of small and isolated populations resulting from habitat change and anthropogenic disturbance, the direction and strength of sex-biased dispersal in the endangered Sichuan snub-nosed monkey ( Rhinopithexus roxellana) remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated dispersal patterns of R. roxellana using 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci. Using noninvasive methods we obtained 337 fecal samples from individuals residing in four multilevel troops that inhabit the Shennongjia Nature Reserve (SNR). Our study site contains an isolated population of approximately 1,000 Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys located in the easternmost distribution of the species' range. Our results indicated that the mean coefficient of relatedness among troop members was low (mean relatedness ± SE = 0.038 ± 0.025). However, the mean relatedness of monkeys residing in the same troop was significantly higher than the mean relatedness of monkeys belonging to different troops, suggesting that some members of the same troop were closely relatived. Sex-biased dispersal tests revealed that dispersal in R. roxellana was male-biased. Moreover, analysis of isolation-by-distance indicated that the correlation between pairwise genetic distance and geographical distance was positive for females, while it was negative for males. These data suggest that males tended to disperse further than females, although these values were not statistically significant. Considering previous field data collected on Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys from other sites, we suggest that mating competition among males and female mate choice represent the major causes of male-biased dispersal in R. roxellana. Am. J. Primatol. 76:72-83, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primate home range sizes can vary tremendously as a consequence of the analytical technique chosen to estimate home range. This is exemplified by a recent dataset on free ranging snub-nosed monkeys ( Rhinopithecus bieti) in Northwest Yunnan, China. Our findings show that the grid cell method cannot substitute for the minimum convex polygon (MCP) method and vice versa. MCP-based estimates are far too large, especially when the form of the home range is irregular due to forays into peripheral areas. Here, we propose an adjusted polygon method, whereby unsuitable and never visited areas are clipped out from the polygon, thus producing more accurate results. Compared to the grid cell method, the adjusted MCP is much more robust when the number of group relocations is limited; MCP turned out to be the method of choice for calculation of monthly and seasonal home ranges. The grid cell method on the other hand yielded the most precise estimates for total or annual home ranges. The style of ranging exhibited by a given primate taxon or population determines which analytical procedures should be applied to estimate home range size, and we would stress the need for thorough evaluation of the pros and cons of home range estimators before conducting field work and analysing data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The size of primate 'harems' varies considerably, both inter- and intra-specifically. Previous studies have shown that females prefer high-quality males and that high-quality males are superior in inter-male competition, leading to them having a larger harem size. Based on eleven years of observations of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti), we documented longitudinal stability in the distribution of harem sizes between 2010 and 2020. These demographic properties are the outcome of male and female social investment decisions that affect their reproductive performance and success. Male reproductive success was positively related to harem size, while constraints on individual social benefits and social investments limited harem size. Our findings advance our understanding of the socioecological determinants of harem size variation in polygynous primates. We used long-term data on the variation in harem size in Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys to research the effects of harem size on reproductive success and the ratio of grooming received to given (RGRG). The results suggest that harem holders derive reproductive benefits commensurate with harem size, whereas the females' reproductive success is unaffected by harem size. Males of larger harems groomed less and had higher RGRG than males of smaller harems. In the case of females, grooming given increased, and RGRG decreased with an increase in harem size. The males' reproductive success seems to be a driver of harem size maximization. From the females' perspective, dwindling social benefits appear to set the upper limit for harem enlargement. We also showed that males of monogamous units ('single-female harems') invested more into grooming their female, presumably to prevent unit disintegration and loss of mating privileges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few data on the daily ranging distances of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys ( Rhinopithecus bieti). We fitted 1 adult male from a natural group at Jinsichang in China’s Yunnan Province with a global positioning system (GPS) collar and tracked him from December 2003 to October 2004 to estimate the daily ranging distances of the group. The total acquisition rate of the GPS collar was 82.2%, which indicates that one can use GPS collars to track the species efficiently in high-altitude, temperate, coniferous forest. We obtained group locations or fixes at 5 predetermined times during the day. The sleeping sites of the subjects are the key points to estimate the day range. We compared 2 measures of day range: the 2-point straight-line displacement and the multipoint cumulative daily ranging distance. Straight-line displacement between 2 consecutive mornings or 2 consecutive evenings can substitute for that between the morning sleeping site and the evening sleeping site. In general, the group does not move at night. The 2 measures of day range yielded different results. The multipoint cumulative daily ranging distance was the method of choice to measure their daily travel costs. The minimum required number of fixes per day was 3. Per statistical evidence, the number of full-day group follows per month influences the estimate of day range of the group and ≥10 d is required to obtain a reliable estimate; 5 d per month might not be enough. We dealt mainly with the methodologic aspects of day range calculations. We did not address functional aspects on the estimate of day range, viz. the influence of vegetation, food distribution patterns, climate change, seasonality, and the monkey group itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The golden monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) is one of the most endangered primate species due to its dramatically shrinking distribution during the past 400 years. Its populations are restricted to three isolated regions, Qinglin (QL), Sichuan/Gansu (SG), and Shennongjia (SNJ) in China. As with other snub-nosed monkeys in China and Vietnam, the biology and evolution of this species is still poorly known. To assess genetic differentiation and explore the relationships among populations of golden monkeys from different geographic locations, 379 bp of mitochondrial DNA control region (CR) hypervariable segment I (HVI) was studied from 60 individuals. Twelve haplotypes were identified from seven populations within the three regions. Haplotype diversity was high (0.845), whereas nucleotide diversity among all haplotypes was low (0.0331). The most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) among mtDNA haplotypes was estimated to have lived approximately 0.48–0.32 million years ago. None of the haplotypes is shared among any of the three regions. Phylogenetic analysis and AMOVA revealed clear and significant phylogeographic structure between the three regions. However, only SG contained haplotypes of the two main clades, indicating either incomplete random sorting of haplotypes or a complex history with phases of population subdivisions and merging of populations. The phylogeographic structure implies that R. roxellana should be regarded as separate management units (MUs) for each of the three regions. It is likely that recent phylogeographic history has shaped the pattern of genetic differentiation observed in the golden monkey and that its populations have suffered significant demographic fluctuation. Am. J. Primatol. 69:1195–1209, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A differential dual‐polarized patch antenna with broadband, high isolation, and low cross‐polarization level for 5G base station is presented. The antenna is composed of the radiating element, feeding structure, and reflector. The radiating element is designed with four identical smaller quasi‐trapezoidal patches to achieve a wider bandwidth, which is capacitively driven by two trapezoidal feeding patches. Impedance matching of antennas can be adjusted by tuning the size of quasi‐trapezoidal patches in the feeding portion. Finally, a prototype antenna is fabricated based on the simulated model. The measured bandwidth of the proposed antenna is about 27.8% (3.19–4.22 GHz) with VSWR<1.5, and the port isolation is better than 39.5 dB over the whole operating band. Furthermore, the proposed antenna has a stable gain of 8.55 ± 0.8 dBi and a low cross‐polarization level (<−33 dB) within the operating band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple tunable bandpass filter (BPF) with constant 3‐dB absolute bandwidth using folded slotline uniform impedance resonators (UIRs) is proposed. The tunable BPF consists of a pair of coupled folded slotline UIR, where the varactor diode elements are loaded to control its center frequency. Measured results show that a wide tuning range from 1.76 to 2.35 GHz with constant 3‐dB absolute bandwidth (ABW) of 310 ± 10 MHz is realized. Meanwhile, a pair of transmission zeros (TZs) are generated aside both sides of the passband due to the coupling between source and load, which improves the selectivity of the passband. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact quadruple-mode square ring loaded resonator (SRLR) is proposed in this letter. Distinct mode splitting characteristics of the quadruple-mode SRLR are investigated and explained by using even- and odd-mode analysis. It results to excite four resonant modes which are applied to produce two pairs of transmission poles for dual-band bandpass filter (BPF) design. Based on the unique characteristics of the proposed SRLR, a miniaturized dual-band BPF operating at 2.45 GHz and 5.20 GHz for WLAN applications was designed and fabricated. Multiple transmission zeros are generated to improve the selectivity of the filter. Measurements are in good agreement with the simulations. Also, the circuit size occupies only 0.11\lambdag\times 0.23\lambdag, where \lambdag is the guided wavelength at the center frequency of the first passband. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Eight‐element dual‐band multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna covering 3400–3600 MHz and 4800–5000 MHz for fifth‐generation (5G) smartphone is presented. The proposed MIMO antenna is constituted by four sets of dual‐band hybrid antenna pairs and the distance between two elements of each antenna pairs is only 0.045λg. Short‐circuited stub is loaded to the feedline of slot antenna for improving isolation. Desired isolation greater than 12 dB for the lower band and 15 dB for the higher band are realized. The proposed dual‐band eight‐element antenna array is fabricated and measured, and a good agreement between the simulation and measurement is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact quad‐channel high‐temperature superconducting diplexer based on stub‐loaded square ring resonator (S‐LSRR) is proposed. The proposed resonator consists of a square ring with symmetrically loaded two open‐circuited stubs and provides four resonant modes for quad‐channel applications. Even‐ and odd‐mode methods are applied to analyze the S‐LSRR. Analytical study shows that four resonant modes of one S‐LSRR can be designed in two pairs and applied to construct two of four channels of the designed diplexer. A square patch is added to the resonator for providing an additional parameter to tune the resonant modes. Based on the proposed resonator, a quad‐channel diplexer with center frequencies of 2.4, 3.2, 3.9, and 5.6 GHz is designed. For demonstration, the diplexer is fabricated on 2‐in‐diameter 0.5 mm‐thick MgO wafer with double sided YBa2Cu3Oy films and measured at 77 K. Good agreement between the simulation and measurement is obtained. The diplexer has a compact size of 0.25 λg × 0.45 λg, where λg is guided wave length at the center frequency of first channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a compact dual‐band bandpass filter (BPF) is developed using a hybrid resonant structure, which consists of a microstrip stub‐loaded dual‐mode resonator and a slotline stub‐loaded dual‐mode resonator. These two resonators, both having two controllable resonant modes and one transmission zero (TZ), are analyzed and used to construct two desired passbands of a dual‐band BPF. Multiple TZs are generated by introducing a source‐load coupling, thus improving the selectivity of the passbands. Then, the dual‐band BPF is reshaped to configure a compact diplexer. The inherent TZs of the two proposed resonators are designed to improve the frequency property and port isolation of the diplexer. Finally, a dual‐band BPF and a diplexer with the lower and upper passbands centered at 2.45 and 3.45 GHz, respectively, are designed, fabricated, and measured to verify the proposed structure and method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A balanced bandpass filter (BPF) with a novel coupling scheme and source‐loaded coupling (SLC) technique is proposed. The J‐inverter is directly connected to the source or load, and the single‐band cell (SBC) is fed by the J‐inverter. Meanwhile, the J‐inverter is also coupled to a resonator. Equivalent differential‐mode (DM) and common‐mode (CM) circuits are presented, and their ideal frequency responses under DM and CM are also provided. Furthermore, the SBC equals paralleled short‐ and open‐circuited stubs in DM and equals two paralleled open stubs in CM. To validate the design concept, a four‐pole balanced BPF working at 2.66 GHz with fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 13.8% is designed and fabricated. Three transmission zeros (TZs) are generated, and the upper stopband suppression level reaches 34 dB. Meanwhile, a high CM rejection level attains 54 dB within the DM passband. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wideband bandpass filter (BPF) based on two dual‐mode stub‐loaded stepped‐impedance resonators (SLSIRs) with mixed electric and magnetic coupling (MEMC) is proposed. Magnetic coupling is realized by using a transmission line, open end‐coupling and inter‐digital‐coupling provide a weak and a strong electric coupling, respectively. Due to the canceling effect of MEMCs, together with its harmonic effect, four transmission zeros (TZs) aside the passband are created and the selectivity of the filter is therefore highly improved. To verify the proposed design, a four‐pole wideband BPF operating at 3.35 GHz with 3 dB fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 32.96% is designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured minimum insertion loss is 0.95 dB, and the passband return loss is better than 11 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hainan gibbons are among the world's most critically endangered primates, with a remaining population of only 35 individuals distributed across 5 social groups in the Bawangling Branch of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, China. Habitat conversion and forest fragmentation over the past 40 years have reduced their geographical distribution by 95%. In the absence of a quantitative assessment of the availability of remaining suitable habitat, it is unclear whether this species can survive to the end of this century. We used behavioral observations, ArcGIS, remote sensing, stereo optical imagery, and MaxEnt modeling to identify patterns of Hainan gibbon range use and compare changes in the distribution of suitable forest types and areas of forest fragmentation over the past 20 years (2000–2020). The results indicate that the combined range of the 5 extant Hainan gibbon groups totaled 14.89 km2. The home range of the smallest group (Group E, 3 individuals) was 1.51 km2, which likely represents the minimum home range size for this species. The remaining area of highly suitable and moderately suitable habitat totals 26.9 km2. However, habitat connectivity across the gibbon range is very low (less than 0.5), limiting the ability of Hainan gibbons to move between forest patches. The results of this study indicate that the availability of suitable habitat in Bawangling is insufficient to allow for future Hainan gibbon population growth. Therefore, immediate action must be taken to restore, reforest, and establish ecological corridors to reconnect areas of suitable habitat for these critically endangered gibbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex-biased dispersal is common in group-living animals. Due to differences in local demographic and environmental factors, sex-biased dispersal presents many irregular patterns. In this study, a habituated, individually identified Yunnan snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus bieti group was observed over 9 years; 192 dispersal events, including 97 male dispersal events (25 natal dispersal and 72 secondary dispersal) and 95 female dispersal events (34 natal dispersal and 61 secondary dispersal) were observed. Males and females showed different dispersal paths, dispersal ages, and dispersal patterns. Females had 2 dispersal paths, whereas males had 4 paths. In terms of age of dispersal, the male age of natal dispersal was younger than for females. Males prefer single dispersal, whereas females prefer parallel dispersal. Our study indicates that the dispersal pattern of R. bieti should be classified as a bisexual dispersal pattern. The differences in dispersal path, average age at dispersal, and dispersal path pattern indicate that Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys may still retain a loose matrilineal social system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel single‐feed filtering dielectric resonator antenna (FDRA) using fusion design method and the microstrip‐slot coupled feeding structure. Two pairs of slotlines are elaborately designed and perpendicularly loaded on the coupling slot to provide two radiation nulls at the edges of the passband. Therefore, a compact DRA with a quasi‐elliptic function bandpass response is constructed without extra filter circuits. Furthermore, two radiation nulls can be individually controlled through changing the length of the corresponding slotlines. For proving the effectiveness of the design, a prototype FDRA operation at 3.45 GHz is fabricated and measured. The measured results show that the peak realized gain is 5.84 dBi and the ‐10dB impedance bandwidth is 10.29% (3.29 ‐ 3.65 GHz). The proposed FDRA not only has good performance, but also has simple design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Astragaloside IV is an active ingredient derived from traditional Chinese medicine. • Astragaloside IV ameliorates indomethacin-induced intestinal inflammation in rats. • Astragaloside IV inactivates NLRP3 inflammasome and decrease the secretion of IL-1β and IL-18. The administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause significant intestinal alteration and inflammation and lead to the occurrence of inflammatory diseases resembling duodenal ulcers. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a glycoside of cycloartane-type triterpene isolated from the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. (family Fabaceae), and has been used for ameliorating the NSAID-induced inflammation in the small intestine. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of AS-IV on indomethacin (IND)-induced inflammation in the small intestine of rats and its underlying mechanisms. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, transmission and scanning electron microscopy were carried out to observe the surface morphology and ultrastructure of the small intestinal mucosa. Immunofluorescence and ELISA tests were employed to detect the expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and NF-κB proteins, as well as inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18, to uncover potential molecular mechanisms responsible for mitigating small intestinal inflammation. The results demonstrated that AS-IV significantly decreased the ulcer index, improved the surface morphology and microstructure of the small intestinal mucosa, and increased mucosal blood flow. Molecular docking revealed a strong and stable binding capacity of AS-IV to NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and NF-κB proteins. Further experimental validation exhibited that AS-IV markedly decreased levels of IL-1β and IL-18, and inhibited the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and NF-κB. Our data demonstrate that AS-IV ameliorates IND-induced intestinal inflammation in rats by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and reducing the release of IL-1β and IL-18, thereby representing a promising therapy for IND-induced intestinal inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huang-Qi-Jian-Zhong-Tang (HQJZT) is a canonical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula that has been widely used in both the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, including gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and chronic atrophic gastritis, in China. In the present study, we investigated the gastroprotective potential of HQJZT in a rat model of indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric ulcer and explained the biochemical, cellular, and molecular mechanisms involved. Observations were conducted at the macroscopic level to ascertain the ulcer index (UI) and the curative index (CI). Histopathological examinations were conducted, and a microscopic score (MS) was computed. The gastric juice volume, total acidity, pH value, and pepsin activity were quantified. Antioxidant and oxidative parameters were assessed, namely GSH, CAT, SOD, and MDA content. The RFLSI Pro instrument was employed to measure the blood flow within the gastric mucosa continuously. The mRNA levels of the inflammatory cytokines were assessed using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Molecular docking was employed to examine the interaction between representative active components of HQJZT and the binding sites associated with the NF-κB and STAT signaling pathways. The protein expression and localization of p-JAK, p-STAT, p-IκBβ, and p–NF–κB were evaluated through immunofluorescence analysis. The administration of HQJZT treatment demonstrated a significant reduction in gastric lesions induced by IND, leading to a notable decrease in the UI. Additionally, HQJZT treatment significantly decreased gastric juice volume, acidity, and pepsin activity, accompanied by increased pH value. IND-treated stomachs exhibited severe hemorrhagic necrosis, submucosal edema, and epithelial cell destruction. However, the administration of HQJZT effectively counteracted these pathological changes. Furthermore, HQJZT administration significantly increased blood flow to the gastric mucosa. HQJZT enhanced antioxidant defenses and modulated oxidative stress by increasing SOD, CAT, and GSH activities while reducing MDA levels. Moreover, HQJZT reversed IND-induced increases in mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the representative active components of HQJZT could bind to the NF-κB and STAT signaling pathways. In addition, immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that HQJZT markedly attenuated the phosphorylation of IκΒβ, NF-κB, JAK, and STAT. The therapeutic and protective effect of HQJZT on gastric ulcers is attributed to its ability to suppress gastric acid secretion, enhance antioxidative defenses and blood flow, mitigate proinflammatory cytokines, and inhibit the activation of NF-κB and STAT signaling pathways. HQJZT modulates inflammation and oxidative stress via NF-κB and STAT signaling pathways on IND-induced gastric ulcers in rats. [Display omitted] • HQJZT exerts anti-ulcer effects by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional Chinese medicine formula Lizhong Pill (LZP) and its herbal constituents are frequently utilized in Asian (China, Saudi Arabia, India, Japan, etc.) and some European (Russia, Sweden, UK, etc.) nations to treat various gastrointestinal ailments. This study aimed to investigate the protective impact and potential mechanism of LZP against indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. Using a biochemical kit, we investigated the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in rat serum, as well as pepsin in rat stomach tissue, using an IND-induced rat model of gastric mucosal injury. Various imaging tools, including HE staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were used to examine the gastric mucosa's surface morphology and ultrastructure. Furthermore, molecular docking was employed to predict the binding capacity of the primary bioactive components of LZP to the critical molecular protein targets in the IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways. At the same time, immunofluorescence was used to determine the protein expressions of CASP3, VCAM1, MAPK15, MMP3, IL-17RA, and TNFR1. The present study demonstrates that LZP (3.75 and 7.50 g/kg) significantly reduces the gastric mucosal injury index induced by IND. This effect is evidenced by the improved morphology, surface, and structure of the gastric mucosa, as determined by HE, SEM, and TEM findings. Additionally, 3.75 and 7.50 g/kg LZP intervention significantly increased SOD and CAT contents and inhibited pepsin and GST activities. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the small molecular components of LZP can bind spontaneously to crucial proteins involved in the IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways, including MAPK15, MMP3, VCAM1, and CASP3. The immunofluorescence findings proved that LZP (3.75 and 7.50 g/kg) can inhibit the protein expressions of MAPK15, MMP3, VCAM1, CASP3, IL-17RA, and TNFR1. Our investigation findings demonstrate that LZP can potentially ameliorate IND-induced damage to the gastric mucosa by inhibiting IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways. These results offer encouraging support for using alternative medicine to manage drug-induced gastric mucosal injury. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huang-Qi-Jian-Zhong-Tang (HQJZT) is a well-known traditional Chinese herbal formulation. This study aimed to investigate the duodenoprotective properties of HQJZT against Indomethacin (IND)-induced duodenal ulceration in rats, and the mechanisms involved, particularly through NF-κB and STAT signaling pathways. Our results showed that HQJZT completely protected the duodenal mucosa from ulceration caused by IND, as indicated by improved macroscopic and histological appearances. There was a significant decrease in ulcer index and microscopic score, an increase in villus height and crypt depth, and a normalization of the tissue architecture of the duodenum in rats following HQJZT treatment. Blood flow into the duodenal mucosa was significantly increased after HQJZT administration. HQJZT significantly increased PGE 2 and NO levels in the duodenal mucosa. A significant reduction in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was observed in the duodenal mucosa under treatment with HQJZT. Mechanistically, the administration of HQJZT significantly lowered the duodenal protein expression of inflammation-related genes, including p-NF-κB and p-IκBβ, compared with the ulcer control group. Furthermore, the STAT signaling pathway-related protein markers p-JAK and p-STAT were significantly reduced in the HQJZT (1.30 and 2.60 g/kg) groups. As a result of these findings, HQJZT alleviates duodenal mucosal ulcers caused by IND. A protective effect of HQJZT on duodenal ulcers is attributed to its ability to improve mucosal blood flow, stimulate the production of cytoprotective mediators, minimize proinflammatory cytokines, and block the activation of NF-κB and STAT signaling pathways. [Display omitted] • Huang-Qi-Jian-Zhong-Tang (HQJZT) is a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription. • HQJZT could accelerate the healing of indomethacin-induced duodenal ulcers in rats. • HQJZT protects against duodenal ulceration by affecting NF-κB and STAT signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of China's 24-28 primate species are threatened with extinction. Habitat reduction and fragmentation are perhaps the greatest threats. We used published data from a conservation genetics study of 5 endangered primates in China (Rhinopithecus roxellana, R. bieti, R. brelichi, Trachypithecus francoisi, and T. leucocephalus); distribution data on these species; and the distribution, area, and location of protected areas to inform conservation strategies for these primates. All 5 species were separated into subpopulations with unique genetic components. Gene flow appeared to be strongly impeded by agricultural land, meadows used for grazing, highways, and humans dwellings. Most species declined severely or diverged concurrently as human population and crop land cover increased. Nature reserves were not evenly distributed across subpopulations with unique genetic backgrounds. Certain small subpopulations were severely fragmented and had higher extinction risk than others. Primate mobility is limited and their genetic structure is strong and susceptible to substantial loss of diversity due to local extinction. Thus, to maximize preservation of genetic diversity in all these primate species, our results suggest protection is required for all sub-populations. Key priorities for their conservation include maintaining R. roxellana in Shennongjia national reserve, subpopulations S4 and S5 of R. bieti and of R. brelichi in Fanjingshan national reserve, subpopulation CGX of T. francoisi in central Guangxi Province, and all 3 T. leucocephalus sub-populations in central Guangxi Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Burmese snub-nosed monkey ( Rhinopithecus strykeri) is one of the most recently discovered primate species, and occurs only along the border of Myanmar and China. Its ecology is largely unknown owing to its harsh and remote habitat. However, study of this new species can contribute to our understanding of how primates adapt to a high-altitude lifestyle. We here describe our preliminary study of a group of R. strykeri, using a mix of direct observation and camera traps, at Pianma, Yunnan, China. From May 2013 to May 2014, we conducted direct observation and deployed 30 camera traps to examine the social characteristics of R. strykeri, estimate group home range via the modified minimum convex polygon method, and estimate the vertical range used. We achieved direct observation on 8 days and obtained 222 camera trap images triggered by the passing of R. strykeri. The cameras captured five one-male, multifemale units and one all-male unit. We observed fusion of units without aggression during both direct observation and camera trapping, suggesting that R. strykeri lives in a multilevel society, similarly to the other members of the genus. The ratio of adults to immatures was high relative to stable populations of Rhinopithecus, suggesting the population is in decline. We estimated the group's home range to be 22.9 km and found that R. strykeri occurred at 2400-3300 m. Our work shows that camera traps can be used effectively to survey rare primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many areas of South Asia and Southeast Asia, macaques inhabiting agricultural landscapes are considered serious crop pests by local farmers. In Nepal, for example, the expansion of monocultures, increased forest fragmentation, the degradation of natural habitats, and changing agricultural practices have led to a significant increase in the frequency of human-macaque conflict. In order to more fully understand the set of factors that contribute to macaque crop raiding, and the set of preventive measures that can be put in place to avoid human-macaque conflict, we examined patterns of crop raiding by a group of 52 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in the Kavrepalanchok district, Nepal. We present data on macaque inflicted crop damage in 172 agricultural plots (each plot measuring 380 m2) from August to October 2019. Our results indicate that farmland invasions by macaques were principally affected by crop type (maize was preferred over rice), nearness of farmland to both the forest edge and the major travel route used by the macaques, and the mitigation efforts applied by farmers to discourage crop raiding. We found that as the proportion of maize farmland in the most direct path from the macaque's main travel route to nearby crop raiding sites increased, the amount of maize damage decreased. This is likely explained by the fact that macaques traveling across several adjacent maize fields encounter multiple farmers protecting their crops. We estimated that the financial cost to individual farmer households of macaque maize and rice raiding was on average US$ 14.9 or 4.2% of their annual income from cultivating those two crops. As human-macaque conflict is one of the most critical challenges faced by wildlife managers in South Asia and Southeast Asia, studies of macaque crop raiding behavior provide an important starting point for developing effective strategies to manage human-macaque conflict while promoting both primate conservation and the economic well-being of the local community. [Display omitted] • In rural Nepal, crop raiding by macaques reduced farmer income by 4.2%. • Crop type and distance from farm fields to the forest edge affected crop raiding. • Planting buffer crops and collective monitoring are recommended to reduce crop loss. • A program of natural forest restoration is needed in rural areas of Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz, a traditional Chinese medicine, contains atractylenolide I (ATR-I), which has potential anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of ATR-I for indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric mucosal lesions and its underlying mechanisms. Noticeable improvements were observed in the histological morphology and ultrastructures of the rat gastric mucosa after ATR-I treatment. There was improved blood flow, a significant decrease in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and IL-18, and a marked increase in prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) expression in ATR-I-treated rats. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in the mRNA and protein expression levels of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (caspase-1), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in rats treated with ATR-I. The results show that ATR-I inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway and effectively alleviates local inflammation, thereby improving the therapeutic outcomes against IND-induced gastric ulcers in rats.

Background: Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of many retinal diseases. However, only a few systematic bibliometric studies have been conducted. This study aims to visualize research hotspots and developmental trends in oxidative stress in the retina from 2013 to 2023 by analyzing bibliometric data., Methods: We retrieved papers on oxidative stress in the retina published between 2013 and 2023 from the Web of Science Core Collection. The data were visually analyzed using CiteSpace and VOSviewer software., Results: The total number of 2100 publications were included in the analysis. An overall increasing trend in the number of publications is observed between 2013 and 2023. Chinese publications were the most contributive, but United States publications were the most influential. Shanghai Jiao Tong University was the most active and prolific institution. Antioxidants was the most productive journal, while Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity were the journals with the most-cited articles. Kaarniranta K, from Finland, was the most productive and influential author. Examination of co-cited references revealed that researchers in the field are primarily focused on investigating the molecular mechanisms, preventive strategies, and utilization of antioxidants to address retinal oxidative damage. Diabetic retinopathy, endothelial growth factor, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal degeneration, antioxidant response, retinal ganglion cells, and genes are the research hotspots in this field. Metabolism, sodium iodate, and system are at the forefront of research in this field., Conclusion: Attention toward retinal oxidative stress has increased over the past decade. Current research focuses on the mechanisms of retinal diseases related to oxidative stress and the experimental study of antioxidants in retinal diseases, which may continue to be a trend in the future., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection is a crucial element in chronic gastritis progression towards precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) formation and, potentially, gastric cancer; however, screening for and eliminating H pylori has several challenges. This study aimed to assess the present research status, prominent themes, and frontiers of H pylori-related PLGC and to provide impartial evaluations of the developmental trends in this domain. This study extracted articles and review papers concerning H pylori-related PLGC published from 2013 to 2023 from the Web of Science Core Collection. The data was analyzed and visualized using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. The study encompassed 1426 papers, with a discernible upward trend in publications between 2013 and 2023. China emerged as the most productive country, whereas the United States exerted the greatest influence. Baylor College of Medicine was the most prolific institution. World Journal of Gastroenterology featured the highest number of published papers, whereas Gastroenterology was the most frequently cited journal. Kim N. from South Korea was the most prolific author. Co-cited literature pertained to various aspects such as gastritis classification, H pylori infection management, gastric cancer prevention, and managing patients with PLGC. Future research will focus on the Kyoto classification, cancer incidence, and gastric intestinal metaplasia. The results of this study indicate a persistent increase in attention directed toward H pylori-associated PLGC. The research emphasis has transitioned from molecular mechanisms, epidemiology, monitoring, and diagnosis to clinical prevention and treatment methodologies. The forthcoming research direction in this area will concentrate on controlling and preventing malignant PLGC transformation., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

We used long-term data on the variation in harem size in Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys to research the effects of harem size on reproductive success and the ratio of grooming received to given (RGRG). The results suggest that harem holders derive reproductive benefits commensurate with harem size, whereas the females' reproductive success is unaffected by harem size. Males of larger harems groomed less and had higher RGRG than males of smaller harems. In the case of females, grooming given increased, and RGRG decreased with an increase in harem size. The males' reproductive success seems to be a driver of harem size maximization. From the females' perspective, dwindling social benefits appear to set the upper limit for harem enlargement. We also showed that males of monogamous units ('single-female harems') invested more into grooming their female, presumably to prevent unit disintegration and loss of mating privileges.

Sex-biased dispersal is common in group-living animals. Due to differences in local demographic and environmental factors, sex-biased dispersal presents many irregular patterns. In this study, a habituated, individually identified Yunnan snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus bieti group was observed over 9 years; 192 dispersal events, including 97 male dispersal events (25 natal dispersal and 72 secondary dispersal) and 95 female dispersal events (34 natal dispersal and 61 secondary dispersal) were observed. Males and females showed different dispersal paths, dispersal ages, and dispersal patterns. Females had 2 dispersal paths, whereas males had 4 paths. In terms of age of dispersal, the male age of natal dispersal was younger than for females. Males prefer single dispersal, whereas females prefer parallel dispersal. Our study indicates that the dispersal pattern of R. bieti should be classified as a bisexual dispersal pattern. The differences in dispersal path, average age at dispersal, and dispersal path pattern indicate that Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys may still retain a loose matrilineal social system., (© The Author(s) (2021). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Editorial Office, Current Zoology.)

The appearance of tourists brings about behavioural changes in some primates. Primate behavioural responses to human activities can reflect their survival strategy. Little is known about how the behaviour of Rhinopithecus bieti changes in the presence of tourists. Here we provide the first detailed description of interactions between a provisioned group of R. bieti and tourists at Xiangguqing in Baimaxueshan Nature Reserve from July 2012 to June 2013. We found that R. bieti had different response rates to the 5 most common human actions (shout, photograph, offer food, clap, and wave). Results indicated that R. bieti expresses 10 behavioural reactions (threat, escape, vigilance, warning, panic, alliance, attack, foraging, approach, and staring) to tourists' actions. On the whole, most of the monkeys' responses were unfriendly or hostile; a small number were neutral and affiliative. Behavioural responses were also significantly different among the different age/sex classes. Immature individuals engaged in more affiliative behaviours than adult individuals, and adult males tended towards more hostile behaviours. The behaviour of R. bieti towards tourists showed both tension and adaptability. Scientific management of provisioned monkey groups and strict regulation of tourist behaviour is needed in order to protect the animals from the negative effects of tourism-related disturbance., (© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

The activity budgets of primates reflect their survival strategy. Despite existing data on the activity budgets of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti), little is known about how activity budgets vary between age-sex classes. This study provides the first detailed activity budgets subdivided by age-sex class, based on observations of the largest habituated group of R. bieti at Xiangguqing in Baimaxueshan Nature Reserve. This study was conducted from June 2008 to May 2009. We found that adult females spent more time feeding (44.8%) than adult males (39.5%), juveniles (39.1%) and infants (14.2%). Females allocated significantly more time to feeding than to any other activity. Adult males allocated more time to miscellaneous activities (12.5%) than adult females (3.8%). Juveniles allocated less time to grooming than adults. Infants were being groomed 6.9% of the time, the highest proportion among all age-sex classes. Adults spent more time feeding, while immature individuals allocated more time to moving and other activities. There are several reasons why activity budgets can vary by age-sex class: (1) differential reproductive investment between males and females; (2) developmental differences among the age categories, and (3) social relationships between members of different age-sex classes, particularly dominance. These variations in activity budgets among the different age-sex classes may become a selective pressure in this species., (© 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Temperate forests are characterized by pronounced climatic and phenological seasonality. Primates inhabiting such environments experience prolonged resource scarcity and low ambient temperatures in winter and are expected to adjust time allocation and foraging behavior so as to maintain their energy balance. We analyzed the activity scheduling of a group of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) based on data collected over 20 months in the high-altitude (>3000 m) Samage Forest, Baimaxueshan Nature Reserve, PRC. The forest consists of evergreen conifers and oaks and deciduous broadleaf trees. The diet varied seasonally, with young leaves preferentially exploited in spring and fruits in summer. The monkeys subsisted on readily available fallback resources (mainly lichens) in winter [Grueter et al. in (Am J Phys Anthropol 140:700-715, 2009)]. We predicted that this switch to a relatively low-quality diet would prompt an increase in feeding effort and decrease in moving effort. We found that the monkeys spent significantly more time feeding in winter than in the other seasons. The monthly time devoted to feeding was also negatively correlated with temperature and positively with percentage of lichens in the diet. Time spent on moving did not vary among seasons or with temperature, but day-journey length was found to be longer on hotter days. Time spent resting was lower in winter and under colder conditions and was also negatively correlated with time spent feeding, indicating that resting time is converted into feeding time during times of ecological stress. These results indicate a strong effect of seasonality on time allocation patterns, constraints on inactivity phases, and the prevalence of an energy-conserving foraging strategy in winter, when costs of thermoregulation were high and the availability of preferred food was low.

How a nonhuman primate mother responds to her dead infant is an indication of maternal behavior and perspectives on death. Here we describe three cases of a mother's response toward her dead infant in Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) at Baimaxueshan Nature Reserve in Yunnan, China. The mother, whose infant died at 1 month of age, showed strong maternal affection to the corpse and carried it for 4 days. A mother with a stillborn infant showed similar maternal behavior to her dead offspring, but only held it for 1 day. The mother of an aborted infant abandoned the carcass without carrying it or displaying other forms of maternal behavior. Our results suggest that the mother-infant bond in the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey is strongly influenced by the infants' age. Postdeath infant-carrying behavior could be affected by the combined action of reproductive hormones and the emotional response of the mother. This manuscript represents the first detailed report of a mother carrying her dead infant in this endangered monkey species.

The Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) is characterized by a larger home range and group size than other colobine species. We investigated variations in home range size of a free-ranging group of R. bieti from 1998 to 2007 in the Baimaxueshan National Nature Reserve in Yunnan, China. Group size increased from 160 to 450 over the 10 years. Results also showed a home range shift and yearly home range expansion, although this expansion was very limited. The study group covered a 33.78-km(2) area during the 10-year period, with some areas abandoned and others used repeatedly. The yearly home range increase stopped in 2004 and decreased thereafter. Despite increasing group size usually being coupled with larger yearly home range (>30 km(2)), the group confined itself within a relatively small and stable area (<18 km(2)) during 2005-2007, with a significant portion of their accessible home range discarded. Consequently, the study group showed the highest recorded population density among extant groups of R. bieti. Reasons why the group settled into a substantially smaller home range area remain unclear., (Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.)