bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting plasmodium α-tubulin-1 to block malaria transmission to mosquitoes
Authors: Zhang Genwei , Niu Guodong , Hooker–Romera Diana , Shabani Sadeq , Ramelow Julian , Wang Xiaohong , Butler Noah S. , James Anthony A. , Li Jun
Published: March 2023

Plasmodium ookinetes use an invasive apparatus to invade mosquito midguts, and tubulins are the major structural proteins of this apical complex. We examined the role of tubulins in malaria transmission to mosquitoes. Our results demonstrate that the rabbit polyclonal antibodies (pAb) against human α-tubulin significantly reduced the number of P. falciparum oocysts in Anopheles gambiae midguts, while rabbit pAb against human β-tubulin did not. Further studies showed that pAb, specifically against P. falciparum α-tubulin-1, also significantly limited P. falciparum transmission to mosquitoes. We also generated mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAb) using recombinant P. falciparum α-tubulin-1. Out of 16 mAb, two mAb, A3 and A16, blocked P. falciparum transmission with EC50 of 12 μg/ml and 2.8 μg/ml. The epitopes of A3 and A16 were determined to be a conformational and linear sequence of EAREDLAALEKDYEE, respectively. To understand the mechanism of the antibody-blocking activity, we studied the accessibility of live ookinete α-tubulin-1 to antibodies and its interaction with mosquito midgut proteins. Immunofluorescent assays showed that pAb could bind to the apical complex of live ookinetes. Moreover, both ELISA and pull-down assays demonstrated that insect cell-expressed mosquito midgut protein, fibrinogen-related protein 1 (FREP1), interacts with P. falciparum α-tubulin-1. Since ookinete invasion is directional, we conclude that the interaction between Anopheles FREP1 protein and Plasmodium α-tubulin-1 anchors and orients the ookinete invasive apparatus towards the midgut PM and promotes the efficient parasite infection in the mosquito.
Comparison of the left and right ventricular size and systolic function of low-risk fetuses in the third trimester: Which is more dominant?
Authors: Zhu Chen , Li Man , Xu Cheng-Jie , Ding Meng-Juan , Xiong Yu , Liu Rui , Ren Yun-Yun
Published: March 2023

Objective

To quantify fetal cardiovascular parameters utilizing fetal-specific 2D speckle tracking technique and to explore the differences in size and systolic function of the left and right ventricles in low-risk pregnancy.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed in 453 low-risk single fetuses (28+0–39+6 weeks) to evaluate ventricular size [i.e., end-diastolic length (EDL), end-systolic length (ESL), end-diastolic diameter (ED), end-systolic diameter (ES), end-diastolic area, end-systolic area, end-diastolic volume (EDV), and end-systolic volume (ESV)] and systolic function [i.e., ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), cardiac output per kilogram (CO/KG), and stroke volume per kilogram (SV/KG)].

Results

This study showed that (1) the reproducibility of the interobserver and intraobserver measurements was good to excellent (ICC 0.626–0.936); (2) with advancing gestation, fetal ventricular size and systolic function increased, whereas right ventricular (RV) EF decreased and left ventricular (LV) EF was not significantly changed; (3) LV length was longer than RV length in diastole (2.24 vs. 1.96 cm, P < 0.001) and systole (1.72 vs. 1.52 cm, P < 0.001); (4) LV ED-S1 and ES-S1 were shorter than the RV ED-S1 and ES-S1 (12.87 vs. 13.43 mm, P < 0.001; 5.09 vs. 5.61 mm, P < 0.001); (5) there were no differences between the LV and RV in EDA or EDV; (6) the mean EDV ratio of right-to-left ventricle was 1.076 (95% CI, 1.038–1.114), and the mean ESV ratio was 1.628 (95% CI, 1.555–1.701); (7) the EF, CO and SV of the LV were greater than the RV (EF: 62.69% vs. 46.09%, P < 0.001; CO: 167.85 vs. 128.69 ml, P < 0.001; SV: 1.18 vs. 0.88 ml, P < 0.001); (8) SV and CO increased with ED-S1 and EDL, but EF was not significantly changed.

Conclusion

Low-risk fetal cardiovascular physiology is characterized by a larger RV volume (especially after 32 weeks) and greater LV outputs (EF, CO, SV, SV/KG and CO/KG).
Surgical management of aortic regurgitation secondary to Behcet's disease
Authors: Hu Hai-Ou , Zhang Chen-Han , Spadaccio Cristiano , Tang Bing , Li Cheng-Nan , Qiao Zhi-Yu , Zheng Tie , Zhu Jun-Ming , Sun Li-Zhong
Published: March 2023

Background

Aortic regurgitation (AR) related to Behcet's disease (BD) is rare, but usually fatal. Perivalvular leakage (PVL) is high if AR related to BD treated with regular AVR. In this study, we report the surgical management of AR secondary to BD.

Methods

Between September 2017 and April 2022, 38 patients with AR secondary to Behcet's disease had surgery in our center. 17 patients did not have a BD diagnosis before surgery, 2 of them were diagnosed during surgery and received Bentall procedure. The remaining 15 patients received conventional AVR. 21 patients were diagnosed as BD before surgery, all of them received modified Bentall procedures. All patients were followed up by regular outpatient visits, transthoracic echocardiogram and CT angiography were performed to evaluate the aorta and aortic valve.

Results

Seventeen patients did not have a BD diagnosis at the time of surgery. Out of them, 15 patients received conventional AVR, and a total of 13 patients suffered PVL after surgery. Twenty-one patients had a BD diagnosis before surgery. They received modified Bentall procedures and IST and steroids were given both pre- and post-surgery. In this group treated with Bentall procedure no patient suffered PVL during follow up.

Conclusions

PVL is a complex scenario after conventional AVR for AR in BD. Modified Bentall procedure seems superior to isolated AVR in these cases. The use of IST and steroids before and after surgery in combination with modified Bentall procedure could have a role in effectively reducing PVL.
Relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular comorbidity, causation or co-occurrence: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Min , Chao Ce , Mei Kun , Di Dongmei , Qian Yongxiang , Wang Bin , Zhang Xiaoying
Published: March 2023

Background

In recent years, the incidence rates of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and heart disease (HD) have noticeably increased worldwide. Previous studies have found that patients with RA are more likely to develop HD, while the cause and effect have still remained elusive. In this study, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to indicate whether there was a potential association between RA and HD.

Methods

Data of RA, ischemic heart disease (IHD), myocardial infarction (MI), atrial fibrillation (AF), and arrhythmia were based on the genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset. No disease group was intersected. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used to calculate MR estimates, and sensitivity analysis was performed.

Results

The primary MR analysis showed that genetic susceptibility to RA was significantly associated with the risk of IHD and MI, rather than with AF and arrhythmia. Besides, there was no heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy between the primary and replicated analyses. There was a significant correlation between RA and the risk of IHD (odds ratio (OR), 1.0006; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.000244–1.00104; P = 0.001552), meanwhile, there was a significant correlation between RA and the risk of MI (OR, 1.0458; 95% CI, 1.07061–1.05379; P = 0.001636). The results were similar to those of sensitivity analysis, and the sensitivity analysis also verified the conclusion. Furthermore, sensitivity and reverse MR analyses suggested that no heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy or reverse causality was found between RA and cardiovascular comorbidity.

Conclusion

RA was noted to be causally associated with IHD and MI, rather than with AF and arrhythmia. This MR study might provide a new genetic basis for the causal relationship between RA and the risk of CVD. The findings suggested that the control of RA activity might reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Conventional and genetic associations between resting heart rate, cardiac morphology and function as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging: Insights from the UK biobank population study
Authors: Ma Yao , Qi Mengyao , Li Kexin , Wang Yuan , Ren Fuxian , Gao Dengfeng
Published: March 2023

Aim

To examine the direction, strength and causality of the associations of resting heart rate (RHR) with cardiac morphology and function in 20,062 UK Biobank participants.

Methods and results

Participants underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and we extracted CMR biventricular structural and functional metrics using automated pipelines. Multivariate linear regression adjusted for the main cardiovascular risk factors and Two-sample Mendelian Randomization analyses were performed to assess the potential relationship, grouped by heart rate and stratified by sex. Each 10 beats per minute increase in RHR was linked with smaller ventricular structure (lower biventricular end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume), poorer left ventricular (LV) function (lower LV ejection fraction, global longitude strain and global function index) and unhealthy pattern of LV remodeling (higher values of myocardial contraction fraction), but there is no statistical difference in LV wall thickness. These trends are more pronounced among males and consistent with the causal effect direction of genetic variants interpretation. These observations reflect that RHR has an independent and broad impact on LV remodeling, however, genetically-predicted RHR is not statistically related to heart failure.

Conclusion

We demonstrate higher RHR cause smaller ventricular chamber volume, poorer systolic function and unhealthy cardiac remodeling pattern. Our findings provide effective evidence for the potential mechanism of cardiac remodeling and help to explore the potential scope or benefit of intervention.
Community social barriers to non-technical aspects of flood early warning systems and NGO-led interventions: The case of Pakistan
Authors: Shah Ashfaq Ahmad , Ullah Ayat , Khan Nasir Abbas , Khan Abid , Tariq Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman , Xu Chong
Published: March 2023

Floods are the most common natural hazard in Pakistan, and research on flood risk management is continuously growing to improve policies for effective flood risk management. One of the critical determinants of effective food risk management is better communication of flood risks through the Flood Early Warning System. FEWS have been implemented widely; however, not all at-risk residents have been prompted to take immediate action in response to these alerts. This research looks at community social barriers to the non-technical aspects of FEWS and what Non-Governmental Organizations could do to address these gaping holes. This study used data from a field survey carried out in the four most severely affected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province to explore gaps in non-technical aspects of flood early warning systems in Pakistan. The data were acquired through a comprehensive, structured questionnaire (600 household heads in total-150 HHs from each region) and focus group discussions with community leaders and elders (FGDs = 6), NGOs professionals (FGDs = 2) along with more casual exchanges over the phone. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. The survey results found that most sampled respondents reported a lack of access to necessities, failure to heed flood alerts, misreading alerts, and poor connection between producers and consumers challenges under warning distribution and communication. Similarly, the critical challenges reported under the preparedness component were the exclusion of social groups from emergency preparedness, uncustomary contingency plans, and lack of political will. Furthermore, the key challenges included limited resources, risk perceptions, and a sense of belonging to ancestral lands under the response capability component. This paper finds that NGOs serve as a bridge between local communities and key disaster management institutions by tailoring solutions to individual community needs, educating necessary authorities about disaster risk reduction, facilitating communication among susceptible populations and authorities, and raising awareness through campaigns. Based on these results, we suggest authorities improve FEWS by improving communication infrastructures, translating early warnings into local languages, and developing a two-way information exchange system between stakeholders and contemporary emergency response plans.
Translating contemporary scientists’ knowledge and practice into classrooms: Scalable design supporting identity work
Authors: Vamvakas Mary , Tytler Russell , White Peta J.
Published: March 2023

There are new demands on science education for students moving into uncertain futures, including engagement with scientific practices, and understanding of the nature of science and scientists’ work. Furthermore, there is increasing recognition of and interest in the construct of identity as a powerful way of looking at students’ engagement with science studies and futures. In Australia there has been policy-level curriculum advocacy focused on finding practical ways to represent scientists, their research practices and specialist knowledge as a powerful context for learning. Research into partnerships shows this has strong identity outcomes and pedagogies that privilege student active engagement with scientific practices. As part of an ongoing research program investigating the possibilities for a more thorough and scalable representation of contemporary science research practices in classrooms, this paper reports on (a) a survey of science teachers probing their beliefs and practices regarding representation of contemporary science, and (b) the identity entailments of producing and evaluating online resources that represent scientists working in key contemporary areas. The survey identifies that teachers are overwhelmingly positive about representing contemporary science and the varied ways they do that, but also identifies a range of structural barriers resulting in low levels of this practice. We describe the design principles process by which scientists’ practices are translated into classroom learning sequences that engage students with scientists’ backgrounds and motivations, research design and data analysis, and ethical and wider framings of scientific research. Preliminary trialing of the resources (previously reported) shows enhanced student engagement with contemporary, societally relevant scientific knowledge and practices. In this paper we interpret these experiences as identity forming and agency-developing. We argue in the paper that the construction and availability of such resources is a potentially powerful way of engaging students with: the practices of contemporary science; the motivations and living reality of scientists; and the societal and personal relevance of science to students’ lives. Engagement with such resources that involve students in actively generating and responding to contemporary concerns we argue is a more powerful way of introducing science ideas and providing identity-shaping opportunities than current established practices identified in the survey.
Efficacy and safety of a 4-year combination therapy of growth hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue in pubertal girls with short predicted adult height
Authors: Dotremont Hilde , France Annick , Heinrichs Claudine , Tenoutasse Sylvie , Brachet Cécile , Cools Martine , De Waele Kathleen , Massa Guy , Lebrethon Marie-Christine , Gies Inge , Van Besien Jesse , Derycke Christine , Ziraldo Mathieu , De Schepper Jean , Beauloye Véronique , Verhulst Stijn , Rooman Raoul , den Brinker Marieke
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To improve adult height in pubertal girls with a poor height prediction, treatment with growth hormone (GH) can be used in combination with a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa), to delay closure of the growth plates. However, there are few studies to support this practice, and they show conflicting results. The objective of this trial is to assess the safety and efficacy of this combination treatment in early pubertal girls with a short predicted height, in comparison with matched controls.

Design, patients, and methods

We designed an open-label, multicenter, interventional case-control study. Early pubertal girls with predicted adult height (PAH) below -2.5 SDS, were recruited in tertiary care centers in Belgium. They were treated for four years with GH and GnRHa. The girls were followed until adult height (AH) was reached. AH vs PAH, AH vs Height at start, and AH vs Target Height (TH) were evaluated, as well as safety parameters. Control data were assembled from historical patient files or from patients who preferred not to participate in the study.

Results

Sixteen girls with mean age ( ± SD) at start of 11.0 years (± 1.3) completed the study protocol and follow-up. Their mean height ( ± SD) increased from 131.3 ± 4.1 cm (-2.3 ± 0.7 SDS) at start of treatment to 159.8 ± 4.7 cm (-1.1 ± 0.7 SDS) at AH. In matched controls, height increased from 132.3 ± 4.2 cm (-2.4 ± 0.5 SDS) to 153.2 ± 3.4 cm (-2.1 ± 0.6 SDS) (p<0.001). AH surpassed initial PAH by 12.0 ± 2.6 cm in treated girls; and by 4.2 ± 3.6 cm in the controls (p<0.001). Most treated girls reached normal adult height (>-2SD) (87.5%) and 68.7% reached or superseded the target height (TH), which was the case in only a minority of the controls (37.5% and 6.2%, respectively) (p= 0.003 and 0.001). A serious adverse event possibly related to the treatment, was a fracture of the metatarsals.

Conclusion

A four-year GH/GnRHa treatment in early pubertal girls with a poor PAH seems safe and results in a clinically relevant and statistically significant increase in AH compared with matched historical controls.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT00840944.
Emerging trends and hot spots in subacute thyroiditis research from 2001 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Xu Cheng , Jiang Rui , Liu Jiang-yu
Published: March 2023

Background

Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is the most prevalent self-limiting thyroid disease that causes pain, accounting for about 5% of all clinical thyroid disorders. Numerous clinically noteworthy results have been published in this area over the last 20 years. However, no article has comprehensively assessed the relevant literature yet. We conducted a bibliometric analysis of SAT to provide light on the dynamic nature of scientific advancement and aid researchers in gaining a global perspective while examining research core themes and hotspots.

Methods

SAT-related articles and reviews from 2001 to 2022 were retrieved from the Science Citation Index-Expanded of Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). We analyzed current research trends and hotspots in this area using CiteSpace and Vosviewer.

Results

A total of 568 studies associated with SAT research were published in 282 academic journals by 2,473 authors in 900 institutions from 61 countries/regions. The United States was a crucial link in inter-country/region collaboration and was the most frequently involved country in international cooperation. The University of Missouri System was the top organization, and Braley-Mullen H. was the most productive researcher. Thyroid published the most papers, with 36 publications. The most co-cited article was “Clinical features and outcome of subacute thyroiditis in an incidence cohort: Olmsted County, Minnesota, study” (by Fatourechi V., 2003). The clustered network and timeline view of keywords showed that the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of SAT were the research core themes during the past 20 years. Analysis of keyword bursts indicated that the clinical characteristic and the influence of COVID-19 on SAT appeared to be the current research hotspots.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis conducted a thorough review of the SAT research. The clinical characteristics and the genetic background of SAT under the influence of COVID-19 are current research hotspots. However, there is still a need for further study and global collaboration. Our findings can aid researchers in understanding the current status of SAT research and immediately pinpoint new directions for further investigation.
Role of sphingolipid metabolites in the homeostasis of steroid hormones and the maintenance of testicular functions
Authors: Wang Defan , Tang Yedong , Wang Zhengchao
Published: March 2023

With the acceleration of life pace and the increase of work pressure, the problem of male infertility has become a social problem of general concern. Sphingolipids are important regulators of many cellular processes like cell differentiation and apoptosis, which are ubiquitously expressed in all mammalian cells. Various sphingolipid catabolic enzymes can generate multiple sphingolipids like sphingosine-1-phosphate and sphingomyelin. Present studies have already demonstrated the role of steroid hormones in the physiological processes of reproduction and development through hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis, while recent researches also found not only sphingolipids can modulate steroid hormone secretion, but also steroid hormones can control sphingolipid metabolites, indicating the role of sphingolipid metabolites in the homeostasis of steroid hormones. Furthermore, sphingolipid metabolites not only contribute to the regulation of gametogenesis, but also mediate damage-induced germ apoptosis, implying the role of sphingolipid metabolites in the maintenance of testicular functions. Together, sphingolipid metabolites are involved in impaired gonadal function and infertility in males, and further understanding of these bioactive sphingolipids will help us develop new therapeutics for male infertility in the future.
A trusted decision fusion approach for the power internet of things with federated learning
Authors: Li Wenjing , Zhang Nan , Liu Zhu , Ma Shiqian , Ke Huaqiang , Wang Jinfa , Chen Ting
Published: March 2023

The power Internet of Things generates a large amount of data at any time, which can be transformed into precise decisions with the help of artificial intelligence approaches. However, the owners of electricity data with boundaries are often concerned with data leakage. Therefore, when building models that feed big data into deep learning artificial intelligence approaches for precise decision-making within the power Internet of Things, it is essential to ensure the data’s security. This paper proposes a framework for model training and decision making system applied to the field of power IoT, which consists of two parts: data security sharing and hierarchical decision making. The proposed framework utilizes a homomorphic encryption-based federated learning approach to protect private data from leakage. In addition, data augmentation and transfer learning are used to address the issue of insufficient local training data. Moreover, the framework attempts to incorporate the specialized nature of traditional manual decision-making in the power field by fusing expert and model values after stratifying the requirements. Experiments are conducted to simulate the decision requirements in the field of power Internet of Things (e.g., electrical material identification), using image recognition as an example. The experimental results show that the proposed models can achieve high accuracy rates and the fusion approach is feasible.
Post irradiation examination of a uranium-zirconium hydride TRIGA fuel element
Authors: Keiser Dennis , Jue Jan-Fong , Rice Francine , Woolstenhulme Eric
Published: March 2023

Low-enriched (LEU) U-ZrH fuel, with a235U content less than 20% of the total uranium, is being evaluated for possible use in different types of reactors, including space nuclear systems, light water reactors (LWRs) and micro-reactors. As a result, it is beneficial to better understand the macrostructural and microstructural changes that occur in this fuel during irradiation. This paper reports the results of the post irradiation examination of an LEU U-ZrH fuel element (30 wt.% U, <20% 235U) using neutron radiography, precision gamma scanning, chemical analysis, optical metallography and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy, where the fuel element was irradiated in a Training, Research, Isotope, General Atomics (TRIGA) reactor. Results of microstructural characterization indicated some dehydriding and cracking of the U-ZrH fuel occurred during irradiation; an axial and radial burnup gradient existed in the fuel during irradiation, as measured by gamma scanning and chemical analysis; negligible microstructural changes transpired during irradiation, based on comparison of irradiated and as-fabricated U-ZrH fuel microstructures; and, negligible, fission product-rich, phases could be resolved in a U-ZrH fuel that was irradiated to a calculated 20% depletion of 235U.
Application of signal processing techniques and intelligent classifiers for high-impedance fault detection in ensuring the reliable operation of power distribution systems
Authors: Varghese P Rini , Subathra M. S. P. , George S. Thomas , Kumar Nallapaneni Manoj , Suviseshamuthu Easter Selvan , Deb Sanchari
Published: March 2023

High-impedance fault (HIF) is always a threat and the biggest challenge in the power transmission and distribution system (PTDS). For a PTDS to operate effectively, HIF diagnosis is essential. However, given the HIF’s nature and the involved complexity, detection, identification, and fault location are difficult. This will be even more complicated in conventional PTDSs as they are inefficient and highly vulnerable. Given the importance and urgent need for HIF diagnosis in PTDS, this study reviews state-of-the-art HIF phenomenon and detection techniques and proposes the use of “various signal processing techniques for fault feature extraction” and “ different classifiers for identifying HIF.” First, HIF current/voltage signals are analyzed using signal processing techniques, which include the discrete wavelet transform (DWT), pattern recognition, Kalman filtering, TT transform, mathematical morphology (MM), S transform (ST), fast Fourier transform (FFT), principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and wavelet transforms, such as dual-tree, maximum overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT), and lifting wavelet transform (LWT). Second, the various HIF and non-HIF faults are classified using intelligent classifiers. The intelligent classifiers include artificial neural networks (ANNs), probabilistic neural networks (PNNs), genetic algorithms (GAs), fuzzy logic, adaptive neuro-fuzzy interface system, support vector machine (SVM), extreme learning machine (ELM), adaptive resonance theory, random forests (RFs), decision trees (DTs), and convolution neural networks (CNNs). In addition to the comparative discussion of various classifier techniques, their evaluation criterion and performance are prioritized. Third, this review also studied different test systems, such as radial distribution network, mesh distribution network, IEEE 4 node, IEEE 13 node feeder, IEEE 34 node feeder, IEEE 39 node feeder, IEEE 123 node feeder, Palash feeder, and test microgrid systems, to assess the pertinence of various HIF detection schemes and the behavior along with methods to locate the HIF. Overall, we believe this review would serve as a comprehensive compendium of advanced techniques for HIF diagnosis in different test systems.
Study on the irrigation uniformity of impact sprinkler under low pressure with and without aeration
Authors: Qureshi Waqar Ahmed , Xiang Qingjiang , Xu Zhengdian , Fan Zhizun
Published: March 2023

The distribution of water deteriorates when the operating pressure of an impact sprinkler (IS) decreases to some level. The aeration jet method is utilized to form an aeration impact sprinkler (AIS), aiming to improve the uniformity of water distribution under low pressure. Based on the structures of a 20PY2 impact sprinkler, an IS and AIS with the same sprinkler discharge were studied under operating pressures range between 150 and 250 kPa. A square test zone was formed by the four sprinklers, and the combined irrigation experiment was conducted under windless conditions. The results showed that the water loss ranged from 3% to 9.5% in all 18 test schemes. The coefficient of uniformity (CU) and distribution uniformity (DU) were used to quantify the degree of uniformity. The AIS had an approximately 3%–7% greater CU than the IS, which resulted in the CU reaching the specified value in the IS standard when the sprinkler functioned under low operating pressure. A linear relationship was found between the CU and DUlq. The uniformity of water distribution clearly changed with the operating pressure (150 kPa, 200 kPa, and 250 kPa) but decreased slightly with the increase in combination spacing (1 R, 1.1 R, and 1.2 R). In addition, the results of field experiment were compared with those of the simulation developed from a single sprinkler indoor experiment based on the water distribution radial curve. The simulated coefficient of uniformity was highly consistent with the experimental data and had an error of <7%. A sprinkler water jet with the aeration method was proven to be a feasible solution to reduce the operating pressure.
Variation characteristics of rainfall erosivity in tropical China and its impact on river sediment load
Authors: Lu Xudong , Chen Jiadong , Guo Jianchao , Qi Shi
Published: March 2023

Rainfall erosivity is one of the important factors leading to soil and water erosion, affecting the intensity of soil erosion and the variation of river sediment load. This work aimed to explore the distribution and variation characteristics of rainfall erosivity in the Nandu River Basin in tropical China and to clarify the effect of rainfall erosivity on sediment load variation. The daily rainfall data of 13 meteorological stations in the Nandu River Basin during 1971–2020 were used to calculate the rainfall erosivity of the river basin by using the rainfall erosivity model based on the daily rainfall. The analyses were conducted using the Mann-Kendall non-parametric trend/abrupt test, wavelet analysis, inverse distance weighted interpolation and other research methods to determine the temporal and spatial fluctuation patterns of rainfall erosivity and sediment load. The annual mean rainfall erosivity in the Nandu River Basin during 1971–2020 was 16,497.67 MJ mm·ha−1·h−1, which showed an upward trend. The distribution of rainfall erosivity was concentrated from July to September. Except spring, the variation of rainfall erosivity in summer, autumn and winter showed an upward trend. Spatially, rainfall erosivity showed a decreasing trend from south to north. The variation coefficient of each meteorological station ranged from 0.24 to 0.43, showing high regional variability. The correlation between rainfall erosivity and erosive rainfall in the basin was the highest, followed by altitude and latitude. From 1980 to 2020, the sediment load in the Nandu River Basin showed an overall upward trend, with obvious periodic changes. The main change period was 25 years, and the sediment load had a large inter-annual variation. Taking the period before the inflection point of the double accumulation curve of sediment load and rainfall erosivity as the base period, since 2009, the river sediment load increased by 46.36% compared with the base period. The influence of the variation of rainfall erosivity on sediment load is −22.23%, and that of human activities on sediment load is 122.23%. These findings can provide a scientific reference for soil erosion model prediction, soil and water conservation and environmental management in tropical basins of China.
Antagonistic and synergistic interactions dominate GHGs fluxes, soil properties and yield responses to biochar and N addition
Authors: Jia Xiaoyu , Yan Weiming , Ma Hongze , Shangguan Zhouping
Published: March 2023

Applying biochar to soil has been advocated as an effective measure to improve soil fertility and increase carbon (C) sequestration. Biochar is often co-applied with nitrogen (N) fertilizers in agricultural ecosystems, however, the interactive effects of biochar and N addition (BN) on soil greenhouse gases (GHGs) fluxes, soil C and N fractions, and yield has not been investigated. Here, we manipulated a global meta-analysis to explore the effects of biochar and N addition and their interaction on the GHGs, soil C and N fractions, and yield by assembling 75 articles. Results indicate that across all studies, biochar, N, and BN additions all increased soil CO2 emissions (8.5%–29.6%), yield (4.2%–58.2%), soil organic C (SOC, 1.8%–50.4%), dissolved organic C (DOC, 2.7%–30.0%), and total N (TN, 6.8%–15.6%), but had no significant effect on CH4 fluxes. Biochar addition reduced N2O emissions (−21.3%), global warming potential (GWP, −19.8%), greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI, −28.2%), NH4+ (−17.8%) and NO3− (−10.7%), whereas N addition increased these indexes. The interaction effects of BN on CO2 and N2O emissions, GWP, TN, and NH4+ contents were antagonistic, while CH4 emissions, DOC, MBC, NO3−, and yield exhibited synergistic responses. Notably, soil GHGs responses varied depending on geo-climatic factors, edaphic properties, biochar and N treatment parameters, and experimental scenarios. These findings indicate that the co-addition of biochar and N has the potential to mitigate climate change and improve yield, providing a valuable reference for the improvement of climate-smart agriculture.
A comprehensive evaluation of the spatiotemporal variation of CO2 and its driving forces over China
Authors: Jin Xiaolong , Deng Xueliang , Chen Jian , Zhu Song , Huo Yanfeng , Dai Rui , Xu Qianqian , Cao Ming , Wu Yue
Published: March 2023

With the improved accuracy and high spatiotemporal resolution, satellite remote sensing has provided an alternative way for monitoring the variations of CO2 in remote areas where field observations are inadequately sampled but the emissions of CO2 are increasing rapidly. Based on CO2 estimates from satellite remote sensing and the atmospheric tracer transport model, this study assessed the spatiotemporal patterns of atmospheric CO2 and its driving forces across China. Results show a consistent increase in CO2 at all levels of the troposphere, with the growth rate exceeding 2.1 ppm/year. Among them, the near surface witnessed obvious spatial heterogeneity with the highest concentrations of CO2 occurring in East China and the lowest in Northwest China. This strong spatial differentiation disappeared with increase in altitude and is replaced by a distinct south–north gradient difference at the upper troposphere. With regard to vertical variations, the concentration and growth rates of CO2 at the lower troposphere are generally higher than those at the upper troposphere. The driving mechanism analysis indicates that the variation of CO2 at the near surface is primarily caused by anthropogenic and biogenic activities, while air motion dominates the distribution of CO2 at the upper troposphere. The findings of the present study could provide a valuable reference for understanding regional carbon cycles and formulating carbon emission reduction strategies on a national scale.
Eating smart: Free-ranging dogs follow an optimal foraging strategy while scavenging in groups
Authors: Sarkar Rohan , Bhowmick Anirban , Dasgupta Debsruti , Banerjee Rounak , Chakraborty Poushali , Nayek Abhijit , Sreelekshmi R. , Roy Aritra , Sonowal Rituparna , Mondal Amartya Baran , Bhadra Anindita
Published: March 2023

Foraging and acquiring of food is a delicate balance between managing the costs (both energy and social) and individual preferences. Previous research on solitarily foraging free-ranging dogs showed that they prioritise the nutritionally highest valued food, but do not ignore other less valuable food either, displaying typical scavenger behaviour. We conducted a similar experiment on 136 groups of dogs with the same set-up to see the change in foraging strategies, if any, under the influence of social cost like intra-group competition. We found multiple differences between the strategies of dogs foraging alone versus in groups with competition playing an implicit role in the dogs’ decision making when foraging in groups. Dogs continually assessed and evaluated the available resources in a “patch,” transitioning from random foraging to systematic foraging with time and more information. Dogs in groups used an, “eat first, sample afterwards” strategy whereas individual dogs sampled thoroughly before eating. Additionally, dogs in groups were quicker and more likely to respond to the experimental set-up and eat from it. The dogs adjusted their behaviour in terms of effort and time allocated according to the quality of the “patch.” Foraging in groups also provided benefits of reduced individual vigilance. The various decisions and choices made lend support to the optimal foraging theory wherein the dogs harvested the nutritionally richest patch possible with the least risk and cost involved but were willing to compromise if that was not possible. This underscores the cognitive, quick decision-making abilities and adaptable behaviour of these dogs, which is likely to have influenced the process of dog domestication.
Challenges of genetic diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism in a major tertiary care center in Lebanon
Authors: Salman Doaa O. , Mahfouz Rami , Bitar Elio R. , Samaha Jinane , Karam Pascale E.
Published: March 2023

Background: Inborn errors of metabolism are rare genetic disorders; however, these are prevalent in countries with high consanguinity rates, like Lebanon. Patients are suspected, based on a combination of clinical and biochemical features; however, the final confirmation relies on genetic testing. Using next generation sequencing, as a new genetic investigational tool, carries several challenges for the physician, the geneticist, and the families.

Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed the clinical, biochemical, and genetic profile of inborn errors of metabolism suspected patients, seen at a major tertiary care center in Lebanon, between 2015 and 2018. Genetic testing was performed using next generation sequencing. Genotype-phenotype correlation and diagnostic yield of each testing modality were studied.

Results: Out of 211 patients genetically tested, 126 were suspected to have an inborn error of metabolism. The diagnostic yield of next generation sequencing reached 64.3%. Single gene testing was requested in 53%, whole exome sequencing in 36% and gene panels in 10%. Aminoacid disorders were mostly diagnosed followed by storage disorders, organic acidemias and mitochondrial diseases. Targeted testing was performed in 77% of aminoacid and organic acid disorders and half of suspected storage disorders. Single gene sequencing was positive in 75%, whereas whole exome sequencing diagnostic yield for complex cases, like mitochondrial disorders, reached 49%. Good clinical and biochemical correlation allowed the interpretation of variants of unknown significance and negative mutations as well as therapeutic management of most patients.

Conclusion: Tailoring the choice of test modality, by next generation sequencing, to the category of suspected inborn errors of metabolism may lead to rapid diagnosis, shortcutting the cost of repeated testing. Whole exome sequencing as a first-tier investigation may be considered mainly for suspected mitochondrial diseases, whereas targeted sequencing can be offered upon suspicion of a specific enzyme deficiency. Timing and modality of gene test remain challenging, in view of the cost incurred by families.
Going to scale—From community-based to population-wide genetic improvement and commercialized sheep meat supply in Ethiopia
Authors: Mueller Joaquin , Haile Aynalem , Getachew Tesfaye , Santos Bruno , Rekik Mourad , Belay Berhanu , Solomon Dawit , Yeheyis Likawent , Rischkowsky Barbara
Published: March 2023

Community-based breeding programs (CBBPs) have shown, at pilot scale, to be effective and beneficial in achieving genetic progress and in improving livelihoods of smallholder communities. In Ethiopia 134 sheep and goat CBBPs were operational producing their own improved rams and bucks. Based on experience the implementation of further programs is possible with appropriate private and public support. A different challenge is the efficient dissemination of the improved genetics produced in current CBBPs to create population-wide economic impact. We present a framework applied to the Ethiopian Washera sheep breed to meet this challenge. We propose the establishment of a genetic improvement structure that supports a meat commercialization model based on the integration of community-based breeding program cooperatives, client communities and complementary services such as fattening enterprises. We calculated that the recently established 28 community-based breeding programs in the Washera breeding tract can provide genetically improved rams to 22% of the four million head. To reach the whole population 152 additional CBBPs are needed. We simulated the genetic improvements obtainable in the current 28 CBBPs assuming realized genetic progress in CBBPs of a similar breed and calculated the expected additional lamb carcass meat production after 10 years of selection to be 7 tons and the accumulated discounted benefit 327 thousand USD. These benefits could be increased if the CBBPs are linked to client communities by providing them with improved rams: additional meat production would be 138 tons with a value of 3,088 thousand USD. The total meat production of the existing Washera CBBPs was calculated at 152 tons and the joint meat production of CBBPs if integrated with client communities would be 3,495 tons. A full integration model, which includes enterprises purchasing lambs for fattening, can produce up to 4,255 tons of meat. We conclude that Washera CBBPs cooperatives can benefit from a higher level of organization to produce population-wide genetic improvement and economic benefits. Unlike in the dairy and chicken industries, for low input sheep and goat smallholder systems the proposed commercialization model puts breeder cooperatives at the center of the operation. Cooperatives need to be capacitated and supported to become fully functional business ventures.
Pedigree and genome-based patterns of homozygosity in the South African Ayrshire, Holstein, and Jersey breeds
Authors: Visser Carina , Lashmar Simon Frederick , Reding Jason , Berry Donagh P. , van Marle-Köster Esté
Published: March 2023

The erosion of genetic diversity limits long-term genetic gain and impedes the sustainability of livestock production. In the South African (SA) dairy industry, the major commercial dairy breeds have been applying estimated breeding values (EBVs) and/or have been participating in Multiple Across Country Evaluations (MACE). The transition to genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) in selection strategies requires monitoring of the genetic diversity and inbreeding of current genotyped animals, especially considering the comparatively small population sizes of global dairy breeds in SA. This study aimed to perform a homozygosity-based evaluation of the SA Ayrshire (AYR), Holstein (HST), and Jersey (JER) dairy cattle breeds. Three sources of information, namely 1) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes (3,199 animals genotyped for 35,572 SNPs) 2) pedigree records (7,885 AYR; 28,391 HST; 18,755 JER), and 3) identified runs of homozygosity (ROH) segments were used to quantify inbreeding related parameters. The lowest pedigree completeness was for the HST population reducing from a value of 0.990 to 0.186 for generation depths of one to six. Across all breeds, 46.7% of the detected ROH were between 4 megabase pairs (Mb) and 8 Mb in length. Two conserved homozygous haplotypes were identified in more than 70% of the JER population onBos taurusautosome (BTA) 7. The JER breed displayed the highest level of inbreeding across all inbreeding coefficients. The mean (± standard deviation) pedigree-based inbreeding coefficient (FPED) ranged from 0.051 (±0.020) for AYR to 0.062 (±0.027) for JER, whereas SNP-based inbreeding coefficients (FSNP) ranged from 0.020 (HST) to 0.190 (JER) and ROH-based inbreeding coefficients, considering all ROH segment coverage (FROH), ranged from 0.053 (AYR) to 0.085 (JER). Within-breed Spearman correlations between pedigree-based and genome-based estimates ranged from weak (AYR: 0.132 between FPED and FROHcalculated for ROH <4Mb in size) to moderate (HST: 0.584 between FPEDand FSNP). Correlations strengthened between FPEDand FROHas the ROH length category was considered lengthened, suggesting a dependency on breed-specific pedigree depth. The genomic homozygosity-based parameters studied proved useful in investigating the current inbreeding status of reference populations genotyped to implement genomic selection in the three most prominent South African dairy cattle breeds.
Identification of immune related molecular subtypes and prognosis model for predicting prognosis, drug resistance in cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hu Dongzhi , Zhang Zijian , Zhang Yongjing , Huang Kangni , Li Xiaoxue
Published: March 2023

Background: One of the features of tumor immunity is the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, TME gene signatures were used to define the characteristics of Cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC) immune subtypes and construct a new prognostic model.

Methods: Single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was used to quantify pathway activity. RNA-seq of 291 CESC were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database as a training set. Microarray-based data of 400 cases of CESC were obtained from the Gene Expression Compilation (GEO) database as an independent validation set. 29 TME related gene signatures were consulted from previous study. Consensus Cluster Plus was employed to identify molecular subtype. Univariate cox regression analysis and random survival forest (RSF) were used to establish the immune-related gene risk model based on the TCGA data set of CESC, and the accuracy of prognosis prediction was verified by GEO data set. ESTIMATE algorithm was used to perform immune and matrix scores on the data set.

Results: three molecular subtypes (C1, C2, C3) were screened in TCGA-CESC on account of 29 TME gene signatures. Among, C3 with better survival outcome had higher immune related gene signatures, while C1 with worse prognosis time had enhanced matrix related features. Increased immune infiltration, inhibition of tumor related pathways, widespread genomic mutations and prone immunotherapy were observed in C3. Furthermore, a five immune genes signature was constructed and predicted overall survival for CESC, which successfully validated in GSE44001 dataset. A positive phenomenon was observed between five hub genes expressions and methylation. Similarly, high group enriched in matrix related features, while immune related gene signatures were enriched in low group. Immune cell, immune checkpoints genes expression levels were negatively, while most TME gene signatures were positively correlated with Risk Score. In addition, high group was more sensitive to drug resistance.

Conclusion: This work identified three distinct immune subtypes and a five genes signature for predicting prognosis in CESC patients, which provided a promising treatment strategy for CESC.