bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deformation Styles and Multi-Stage Evolution History of a Large Intraplate Strike-Slip Fault System in a Paleozoic Superimposed Basin: A Case Study From the Tarim Basin, NW China
Authors: Neng Yuan , Li Yong , Qi Jiafu , Ma Xiao , Zuo Liang , Chen Ping
Published: June 2022

The complex deformation styles of large intraplate strike-slip fault systems in the multi-stage superimposed basin are hot topics worldwide. This article proposes structural models and evolution processes for such strike-slip fault systems in the Tarim Basin based on high-resolution 3D seismic data and deep wells. Our analyses reveal that strike-slip fault in the Tarim Basin formed with different structural styles in five tectonic layers from the Sinian to the Permian that accompanies the Sinian rift systems and uplift, the Lower–Middle Cambrian reversed faults and salt tectonics, the Ordovician fault-karst systems, the Silurian to the Carboniferous en-echelon transtensional faults, and the Permian volcanic structures. Influenced by the multi-tectonic layers and complex evolution history, the strike-slip faults performed as multi-layer flower structures and various fault types. The evolution history of paleo-uplifts also influenced the distribution characteristics of strike-slip faults, such as X, diamond, and V shapes in the Tabei uplift and T shapes in the Tazhong uplift. The strike-slip faults formed in late Cambrian stage were associated with unconformities, inverted structures, and growth strata in deep layers. The different tectonic evolution models of the Tabei and the Tazhong uplift were built, which shows pre-existing structures, the lithological combinations from the rift basin to the marine basin, and the change of regional tectonic stress from the Cambrian to Permian are controlling factors of the strike-slip fault systems. These models provide a new interpretation method for intraplate strike-slip fault systems worldwide.
Eco-Cultural Niche Breadth and Overlap Within the Cucuteni–Trypillia Culture Groups During the Eneolithic
Authors: Mihu-Pintilie Alin , Gherghel Iulian
Published: June 2022

One of the most applied tools for documenting cultural variability and for tracing cultural trajectories within the environmental context is eco-cultural niche modeling and its associated methodology. The niche breadth characterization quantitatively evaluates the links between a given adaptive system and ecological constraints, which provides valuable information for archeology. For this purpose, in this study, 10 independent climatic and topographic environmental variables were interpolated, and eco-cultural niche modeling techniques were used to determine whether these differences in geographic distributions and niche breadth are consequences of differences in five Cucuteni–Trypillia groups that flourished in Eastern Europe during the Eneolithic (cal. 5,400/5,300–2,800/2,700 BCE). Our results showed that the eco-cultural niches of Cucuteni–Trypillia groups are significantly overlapping, and the expansion trend of the last two cultural groups (Late Eneolithic–cal. 4,100/4,000–2,800/2,700 BCE) into the northeastern steppe regions was not due to ecological niche differences but rather a result of other cultural factors. Furthermore, we highlighted that the first three Cucuteni–Trypillia groups (Early-to-Middle Eneolithic—cal. 5,400/5,300–4,100/4,000 BCE) had slightly more constrained ecological niches in the mid-Holocene ecosystems than the Late Eneolithic groups. The results have significant implications for understanding the geographical range dynamics and distribution of the last great Chalcolithic society of Old Europe and contribute to the characterization of ecological niches they have exploited during the cultural evolutionary process.
Variations in the Suspended Sediment Concentration in Mountain-Type Rivers Flowing Into the Sea in the Past 60 years—Taking Nanliu River in Beibu Gulf as an Example
Authors: Li Shushi , Yang Xialing , Huang Hu , Liang Xixing , Wang Riming , Feng Bingbin
Published: June 2022

Suspended sediment in the water body of rivers flowing into the sea is of great significance to the accumulation process in river basins and change pattern of landforms. In particular, small and medium rivers entering the sea in mountainous areas exhibit the characteristics of both mountains and streams, and the suspended sediment concentration (SSC) greatly contributes to the formation and evolution of deltas. However, scholars rarely give attention to the factors influencing changes in the SSC in small- and medium-sized mountainous rivers, and few studies have examined SSC changes in small- and medium-sized mountainous rivers. Here, based on daily SSC and flow data obtained at the Bobai Station and Changle Station, the percentile method and regression analysis method are employed to analyse the changes in SSC from the Nanliu River to the Beibu Gulf and possible influencing factors. The main research results indicate that 1) the SSC in river water bodies from 1965 to 2020 generally reveals a downwards trend, with significant annual variations. Specifically, the overall trend can be divided into three stages: 1) the SSC is the highest from 1965 to 1971, and the mean yearly SSC reaches 0.25 kg/m3; 2) the SSC is relatively high from 1972 to 2006, and the mean yearly SSC reaches 0.16 kg/m3; and 3) the SSC is the lowest from 2007 to 2020, and the mean yearly SSC reaches 0.11 kg/m3 2) High values of the SSC are mainly concentrated in the flood season, and low SSC values mostly occur in the dry season. The monthly average SSC in the flood season from April to September and the dry season from October to March exhibits the characteristics of a decrease in the flood season and an increase in the dry season. Moreover, the peak SSC value in the watershed obviously occurs out of sync with the peak flow value. Generally, the former precedes the latter. 3) The curve of the flow rate-sediment ratio is an irregular clockwise rhombus. Moreover, the impact of tropical cyclones, land cover changes, regional GDP per capita, and engineering construction are crucial reasons for the observed variations in the SSC in the Nanliu River Basin. In this paper, the obtained research results provide an important guiding significance for the planning and management of water and sediment resources in the Nanliu River and offer a reference for hydrological planning of other river basins discharging into the sea.
Numerical Simulation of Slope–Gully–Stream Sediment Transport Process with Water and Gravity Erosion
Authors: Liu Yan , Yang Zhenyu , Wang Xiekang
Published: June 2022

Soil erosion has become a global problem with serious consequences. It is the source of sediment in rivers, and the subsequent sediment transport is important. Water erosion and gravity erosion, as common forms of soil erosion, have different subsequent sediment transport processes. Numerical simulations can reflect these processes well under different sediment yield types. This study applied the computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method (CFD-DEM) to examine the sediment transport following water erosion and gravity erosion. During the sediment transport process, the solid-phase particles in the gravity erosion case move at a greater speed during the initial stage. In the case of water erosion, a decrease in particle velocity on the slope occurs due to the accumulation of particles. The streamwise velocity distribution of the liquid phase conforms to the logarithmic distribution before the sediment transport process starts. Influenced by the solid-phase particles, the flow velocity near the bottom decreases significantly. The sediment transport rate peak in gravity erosion cases is greater than that in water erosion cases. Furthermore, in water erosion cases, when the slope is steep, there is no peak in the sections located at the inlet and outlet of a gully. The sediment transport rate in river sections shows a step form in the declining process.
Provenance of the Lower Triassic Clastic Rocks in the Southwestern Margin of the South China Craton and Its Implications for the Subduction Polarity of the Paleo-Tethyan Ocean
Authors: Han Chao , Huang Hu , Yang Chenchen , Wang Linxi , Luo Hongwei
Published: June 2022

The southwestern margin of the South China Craton preserves a Late Permian to Early Triassic sedimentary succession, the provenance of which helps to constrain the magmatic history and tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Tethyan Orogen. In this study, we present new detrital zircon U-Pb age, trace element, Hf isotope and whole-rock geochemical composition analyses from the Lower Triassic Qingtianbao Formation, to distinguish the provenance of clastic rocks. The results show that the detrital zircons of the Qingtianbao Formation are characterized by an age spectrum of unimodal, with an age peak of ∼260 Ma, and have a geochemical affinity to within-plate sources. Most of these zircons have positive εHf(t) values (+1.6 to +5.9), similar to those of the Emeishan rhyolites. The whole-rock geochemistry of most clastic samples shows no Nb–Ta anomalies on primitive mantle-normalized elemental diagrams. These features imply a source related to the Emeishan volcanic rocks. Integration of the geologic and provenance records in the southwestern margin of the South China Craton, we suggest that the Paleo-Tethyan Ocean may undergo a unidirectional subduction westward beneath the Indochina Block during the Late Permian–Early Triassic.
Sulfonylurea and Cancer Risk Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Zhao Houyu , Liu Zhike , Zhuo Lin , Shen Peng , Lin Hongbo , Sun Yexiang , Zhan Siyan
Published: June 2022

Background

Current evidence of the association between the use of sulfonylurea and cancer risk is highly conflicting and little evidence of this association is from the mainland Chinese population. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of sulfonylurea use on cancer risk among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of T2DM patients who were new users of sulfonylurea or metformin was conducted using the Yinzhou Regional Health Care Database. A marginal structural Cox model was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of cancer associated with the use of sulfonylurea compared with metformin, with time-varying confounders controlled by inverse probability weighting. Secondary analyses using different glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs) as comparator and sensitivity analyses for potential bias due to latency period, model misspecification, missing data, analyses strategy (intention-to-treat and per-protocol), and diagnosis validation were performed to examine the robustness of the results.

Results

After fully controlling for time-varying confounding, baseline confounding, and competing risk, the use of sulfonylurea was not associated with the risk of any cancer (HR 1.09; 95% CI, 0.93–1.27), compared with the use of metformin. In the secondary analyses, compared with α - glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, glinides, other GLDs except sulfonylure and insulin, and T2DM patients not treated with sulfonylureas, the HRs of the association between sulfonylurea use and cancer risk were 0.92 (95% CI; 0.78–1.08), 0.89 (95% CI; 0.66–1.19), 0.85 (95% CI; 0.71–1.02), 1.04 (95% CI; 0.89–1.22), and 1.07 (95% CI; 0.99–1.16), respectively. The results of analyses for various subgroups, risk of site-specific cancers, cumulative duration, dose-response relationship, and sensitivity analyses of different latency periods and missing data were generally consistent with the findings of the primary analyses.

Conclusion

No association between sulfonylurea use and cancer risk was found in this study after properly controlling biases due to time-varying confounders and other sources. Further studies on the association between sulfonylurea use and the risk of cancer by using data from a Chinese population with higher representativeness are needed.
Identification and Optimization of Contributing Factors for Precocious Puberty by Machine/Deep Learning Methods in Chinese Girls
Authors: Pang Bo , Wang Qiong , Yang Min , Xue Mei , Zhang Yicheng , Deng Xiangling , Zhang Zhixin , Niu Wenquan
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives

As the worldwide secular trends are toward earlier puberty, identification of contributing factors for precocious puberty is critical. We aimed to identify and optimize contributing factors responsible for onset of precocious puberty via machine learning/deep learning algorithms in girls.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed among girls aged 6-16 years from 26 schools in Beijing based on a cluster sampling method. Information was gleaned online via questionnaires. Machine/deep learning algorithms were performed using Python language (v3.7.6) on PyCharm platform.

Results

Of 11308 students enrolled, there are 5527 girls, and 408 of them had experienced precocious puberty. Training 13 machine learning algorithms revealed that gradient boosting machine (GBM) performed best in predicting precocious puberty. By comparison, six top factors including maternal age at menarche, paternal body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio, maternal BMI, screen time, and physical activity were sufficient in prediction performance, with accuracy of 0.9530, precision of 0.9818, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.7861. The performance of the top six factors was further validated by deep learning sequential model, with accuracy reaching 92.9%.

Conclusions

We identified six important factors from both parents and girls that can help predict the onset of precocious puberty among Chinese girls.
Teleost Nonapeptides, Isotocin and Vasotocin Administration Released the Milt by Abdominal Massage in Male Catfish, Clarias magur
Authors: Wisdom K. S. , Bhat Irfan Ahmad , Pathan Mujahidkhan A. , I. Chanu T. , Kumar Pravesh , Babu P. Gireesh , Walke Pravin , Nayak Sunil Kumar , Sharma Rupam
Published: June 2022

In the present work the nonapeptides i.e., isotocin and vasotocin alone or in a combination were tested in C. magur to evaluate their effect on stripping by abdominal massage. Also, we used chitosan-carbon nanotube nanocomposites to conjugate the nonapetides isotocin (abbreviated as COOH-SWCNTCSPeP) and isotocin and vasotocin (COOH-SWCNTCSPePs) with the aim of sustaining the effect for a longer duration. The conjugation of nonapeptides with nanocomposites was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Two experiments were conducted to study the effect of naked (without nanoparticles) and conjugated nonapeptides on the milt release by stripping. Both the experiments consisted of eight treatments which included four naked groups two nanoconjugated groups and two controls. Both naked and nonconjugated formulations were successful in stripping the male catfish. The mRNA expression of selected reproductive genes was analysed to decipher the effect of nanopeptides at the molecular level. Nonapeptide treatment either naked or nanoconjugated, resulted in the upregulation of the transcript level of genes. Histological analysis revealed the concentration of spermatozoa was more in peptide injected groups than in the controls. The synergistic effects of nonapeptides and Ovatide had a positive impact on GSI. Thus, the present formulations were successful in stripping the male catfish to obtain the milt with significant reproductive success. Even though the naked groups perform better but the number of males required to fertilize the eggs in nanoconjuagted groups was smaller making it worth using for the delivery of nonapeptides.
One Tool for Many Jobs: Divergent and Conserved Actions of Androgen Signaling in Male Internal Reproductive Tract and External Genitalia
Authors: Amato Ciro M. , Yao Humphrey H-C. , Zhao Fei
Published: June 2022

In the 1940s, Alfred Jost demonstrated the necessity of testicular secretions, particularly androgens, for male internal and external genitalia differentiation. Since then, our knowledge of androgen impacts on differentiation of the male internal (Wolffian duct) and external genitalia (penis) has been drastically expanded upon. Between these two morphologically and functionally distinct organs, divergent signals facilitate the establishment of tissue-specific identities. Conversely, conserved actions of androgen signaling are present in both tissues and are largely responsible for the growth and expansion of the organs. In this review we synthesize the existing knowledge of the cell type-specific, organ specific, and conserved signaling mechanisms of androgens. Mechanistic studies on androgen signaling in the Wolffian duct and male external genitalia have largely been conducted in mouse model organisms. Therefore, the majority of the review is focused on mouse model studies.
The Clinical Characteristics and Gene Mutations of Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young Type 5 in Sixty-One Patients
Authors: Ge Shenghui , Yang Mengge , Cui Yuying , Wu Jing , Xu Lusi , Dong Jianjun , Liao Lin
Published: June 2022

Aims

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 5 (MODY5), a rare disease, is very easy to be misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes. To get better understanding of the disease, we analyzed the clinical characteristics and gene mutations of MODY5.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang were searched with the following search terms: “MODY5” OR “HNF1B maturity-onset diabetes of the young” OR “maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 5” OR “renal cysts and diabetes syndrome”. Clinical characteristics and gene mutations of MODY5 were analyzed. The demography, clinical characteristics, and blood indicators of patients were described utilizing simple summary statistics. Variables were analyzed by t-test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and Fisher exact test. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used for bi-variate analysis. All tests were two-sided, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 for Windows (SPSS).

Results

A total of 48 literatures were included in this study, including 61 eligible patients and 4 different mutations. Of the 39 patients with available body weight index, 15 (38.46%) were underweight, 21 (53.85%) were normal weight and 3 (7.69%) were overweight or obese. Of the 38 patients with available family history, 25 (65.79%) reported a family history of diabetes. Of the 34 patients with available age of diabetes diagnosis, the median age of diabetes diagnosis was 16.00 years old and 88.24% (30/34) of patients were under 25 years old when they were first diagnosed with diabetes. Renal cysts were presented in 72.41%, hypomagnesemia in 91.67%, and pancreatic dysplasia in 71.88% of the patients. Patients with hepatocyte nuclear factor 1B (HNF1B) deletion had lower serum magnesium, serum creatinine, and higher eGFR than patients with other gene mutations, and the difference was statistically significant.

Conclusions

The young onset of diabetes with low or normal BMI, renal cysts, hypomagnesemia, and pancreatic dysplasia should be recommended to genetic testing in order to differentiate MODY5 from other types of diabetes earlier.
The Impact of Increased Maternal sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio on Motor Outcome of Preterm Infants
Authors: Middendorf Lisa , Gellhaus Alexandra , Iannaccone Antonella , Köninger Angela , Dathe Anne-Kathrin , Bendix Ivo , Reisch Beatrix , Felderhoff-Mueser Ursula , Huening Britta
Published: June 2022

Background

The sFlt-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1)/PlGF (placental growth factor) ratio serves as a clinical biomarker to predict the hypertensive, placenta-derived pregnancy disorder pre-eclampsia which is often associated with placental dysfunction and fetal growth restriction. Additionally elevated levels also indicate an increased risk for prematurity. However, its predictive value for subsequent neonatal neurological outcome has not been studied.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of maternal sFlt-1/PlGF ratio with early motor outcome of preterm infants. Design/Methods: 88 preterm infants (gestational age ≤ 34 + 0) born between February 2017 and August 2020 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Essen in Germany, were included, when the following variables were available: maternal sFlt-1/PlGF levels at parturition and general movement assessment of the infant at the corrected age of 3 to 5 months. The infants were stratified into high and low ratio groups according to maternal sFlt-1/PlGF cut-off values of 85. To investigate the early motor repertoire and quality of spontaneous movements of the infant, the Motor Optimality Score (MOS-R) based on antigravity movements and posture patterns, was applied. In the given age, special attention was paid to the presence of fidgety movements. Linear regressions were run to test differences in infants motor repertoire according to the maternal sFlt-1/PIGF ratio.

Results

Linear regression analysis showed that the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio does not predict the MOS-R score (β=≤0.001; p=0.282). However, children with birth weight below the 10th percentile scored significantly lower (mean 20.7 vs 22.7; p=0.035). These children were 91% in the group with an increased ratio, which in turn is a known predictor of low birth weight (β= -0.315; p <0.001). In the group with a high sFlt-1/PLGF ratio above 85 the mothers of female infants had a lower average sFlt-1/PlGF ratio compared to a male infant (median: 438 in female vs. 603 in male infant, p=0.145).

Conclusions

In our cohort, especially low birth weight, which correlated with an elevated sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, had a negative effect on the outcome in the MOS-R. A direct correlation between an increased ratio and a worse motor outcome was not demonstrated.
Can Digit Ratio (2D:4D) Be Indicative of Predispositions to Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases in Women - Hashimoto Thyroiditis and Graves’ Disease?
Authors: Święchowicz Barbara , Kasielska-Trojan Anna , Manning John T. , Antoszewski Bogusław
Published: June 2022

Hashimoto thyroiditis and Graves’ disease are autoimmune thyroid diseases which occur much more frequently in women than in men. Estrogen receptors are found in the thyroid gland and can modulate the gland’s function. Digit ratio (2D:4D) is thought to be a negative correlate of prenatal testosterone and a positive correlate of prenatal estrogen. This study aimed to examine a relationship between right and left 2D:4D in women with Hashimoto thyroiditis and Graves’ disease. The cross-sectional study included 106 women with autoimmune thyroid disease: 73 women diagnosed with Hashimoto thyroiditis and 33 women with Graves’ disease, together with 70 healthy women as controls. Second and fourth digit length, weight, height were measured directly, and 2D:4D and BMI were calculated. Compared to controls, right and left 2D:4D were significantly higher in women with Hashimoto thyroiditis and lower in women with Graves’ disease, the effects were higher for right 2D:4D. The mean length of right 4D was significantly lower in the examined women with Hashimoto thyroiditis than in Graves’ disease. Higher right and left 2D:4D in women with Hashimoto thyroiditis suggests that prenatal exposure to high levels of estrogens relative to testosterone may play a role in the development of this disease. Lower right and left 2D:4D in women with Graves’ disease suggest a role of high prenatal androgens relative to estrogens in Graves’ disease pathogenesis.
Impact of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components on Clinical Severity and Long-Term Prognosis in Patients With Premature Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Gao Jing , Wang Yuan , Yang Ya-Nan , Wu Xiao-Yuan , Cui Yan , Zou Zhong-He , Cui Zhuang , Liu Yin
Published: June 2022

Background

The effects of metabolic syndrome (MS) on premature myocardial infarction (PMI) are not clear to date. This study aimed to investigate the impact of MS and its components on clinical severity and long-term prognosis in patients with PMI.

Methods

We enrolled 772 patients aged ≤45 years old who were diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) at our hospital consecutively between 2015 and 2020. The patients were divided into an MS group and non-MS group. The parameters of clinical severity were compared using regression analysis. Patients were followed for median of 42 months for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Results

Hyperglycemia was associated with multi-vessel disease [odds ratio(OR)=1.700, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.172-2.464, P=0.005] and Syntax score ≥33 (OR=2.736, 95% CI=1.241-6.032, P=0.013). Increased MACE were observed in the MS group(17.9% vs 10.3%, P=0.004).The Kaplan-Meier curve also showed significant differences (P< 0.001). MS was an independent risk factor for MACE. Of each component of MS, BMI ≥28 kg/m2 (hazard ratio [HR]=2.022, 95% CI =1.213-3.369, P=0.007] and hyperglycemia (HR=2.904, 95% CI=1.847-4.567, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for MACE.

Conclusions

In patients with PMI, 1) hyperglycemia usually indicates more severe lesions; 2) MS as a whole was an independent risk factor for MACE; 3) BMI ≥28.0 kg/m2 and hyperglycemia were associated with MACE.
Effectiveness and Safety of Two Consecutive Cycles of Single Embryo Transfer Compared With One Cycle of Double Embryo Transfer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Peng Yangqin , Ma Shujuan , Hu Liang , Wang Xiaojuan , Xiong Yiquan , Yao Minghong , Tan Jing , Gong Fei
Published: June 2022

Objective

To date, evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of two consecutive cycles of single embryo transfer (2SETs) compared with one cycle of double embryo transfer (DET) has been inadequate, particularly considering infertile women with different prognostic factors. This study aimed to comprehensively summarize the evidence by comparing 2SETs with DET.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases, ClinicalTrails.gov, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched up to March 22, 2022. Peer-reviewed, English-language randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (OS) comparing the outcomes of 2SETs with DET in infertile women with their own oocytes and embryos were included. Two authors independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and bias assessment. The Mantel–Haenszel random-effects model was used for pooling RCTs, and a Bayesian design-adjusted model was conducted to synthesize the results from both RCTs and OS.

Main Results

Twelve studies were finally included. Compared with the DET, 2SETs were associated with a similar cumulative live birth rate (LBR; 48.24% vs. 48.91%; OR, 0.97; 95% credible interval (CrI), 0.89–1.13, τ2 = 0.1796; four RCTs and six observational studies; 197,968 women) and a notable lower cumulative multiple birth rate (MBR; 0.87% vs. 17.72%; OR, 0.05; 95% CrI, 0.02–0.10, τ2 = 0.1036; four RCTs and five observational studies; 197,804 women). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant increase in cumulative LBR (OR, 1.33; 95% CrI, 1.29–1.38, τ2 = 0) after two consecutive cycles of single blastocyst transfer compared with one cycle of double blastocyst transfer. Moreover, a lower risk of cesarean section, antepartum hemorrhage, preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal intensive care unit admission but a higher gestational age at birth and birth weight were found in the 2SETs group.

Conclusion

Compared to the DET strategy, 2SETs result in a similar LBR while simultaneously reducing the MBR and improving maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. The 2SETs strategy appears to be especially beneficial for women aged ≤35 years and for blastocyst transfers.
Necessity of Routinely Testing the Proximal and Distal Ends of Exposed Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve During Monitored Thyroidectomy
Authors: Huang Hsiao-Yu , Lien Ching-Feng , Wang Chih-Chun , Wang Chien-Chung , Hwang Tzer-Zen , Shih Yu-Chen , Wu Che-Wei , Dionigi Gianlorenzo , Huang Tzu-Yen , Chiang Feng-Yu
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) is a useful tool to evaluate the function of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in thyroid surgery. This study aimed to determine the necessity and value of routinely testing the proximal and distal ends of RLN.

Methods

In total, 796 patients undergoing monitored thyroidectomies with standardized procedures were enrolled. All 1346 RLNs with visual integrity of anatomical continuity were routinely stimulated at the most proximal (R2p signal) and distal (R2d signal) ends after complete RLN dissection. The EMG amplitudes between R2p and R2d signals were compared. If the amplitude of R2p/R2d ratio reduction (RPDR) was over 10% or loss of signal (LOS) occurred, the exposed RLN was mapped to identify the injured point. Pre- and post-operative vocal cord (VC) mobility was routinely examined with video-laryngofiberscope.

Results

Nerve injuries were detected in 108 (8%) RLNs, including 94 nerves with incomplete LOS (RPDR between 13%-93%) and 14 nerves with complete LOS. The nerve injuries were caused by traction in 80 nerves, dissecting trauma in 23 nerves and lateral heat spread of energy-based devices in 5 nerves. Symmetric VC mobility was found in 72 nerves with RPDR ≤50%. The occurrence of abnormal VC mobility (weak or fixed) was 14%, 67%, 100%, and 100% among the different RPDR stratifications of 51%-60%, 61%-70%, 71%-80%, and 81-93%, respectively. Of the 14 nerves with complete LOS, all showed fixed VC mobility. Permanent VC palsy occurred in 2 nerves with thermal injury.

Conclusion

Routinely testing the proximal and distal ends of exposed RLN helps detect unrecognized partial nerve injury, elucidate the injury mechanism and determine injury severity. The procedure provides accurate information for evaluating RLN function after nerve dissection and should be included in the standard IONM procedure.
Benchmarking Marine Energy Technologies Through LCA: Offshore Floating Wind Farms in the Mediterranean
Authors: Pulselli Riccardo Maria , Maccanti Matteo , Bruno Morena , Sabbetta Alessio , Neri Elena , Patrizi Nicoletta , Bastianoni Simone
Published: June 2022

Floating wind turbines are a valid option for offshore wind farms in the Mediterranean, where the sea-floor falls off rapidly with distance from the coastline. The present study concerns a Life Cycle Assessment of the environmental performance of two types of floating wind turbine. Greenhouse gas emissions of two standard models (raft-buoy and spar-buoy, 154 m rotor diameter, 6 MW installed power) were estimated in terms of Global Warming Potential (t CO2eq) with the aim of determining a benchmark for evaluating the performance of similar offshore wind farms. Thus, the aim of the paper was to create a benchmark for the design of innovative technologies, such as those developed by specialist companies, and to verify the validity of new designs and technologies in terms of avoided greenhouse gas emissions. The results show that the Carbon Intensity of Electricity of a single floating wind turbine varies in the range 26–79 g CO2eq·kWh−1, averaging 49 g CO2eq·kWh−1, in line with other studies of offshore wind turbines and other renewable energy sources (such as onshore wind and photovoltaic). Extension of our study to the whole life cycle, including manufacturing, assembly and installation, maintenance and material replacement and a hypothetical decommissioning and end-of-life, showed that wind farms are among the most promising marine renewable energy technologies for the Mediterranean.
Current State of Microplastic Pollution Research Data: Trends in Availability and Sources of Open Data
Authors: Jenkins Tia , Persaud Bhaleka D. , Cowger Win , Szigeti Kathy , Roche Dominique G. , Clary Erin , Slowinski Stephanie , Lei Benjamin , Abeynayaka Amila , Nyadjro Ebenezer S. , Maes Thomas , Thornton Hampton Leah , Bergmann Melanie , Aherne Julian , Mason Sherri A. , Honek John F. , Rezanezhad Fereidoun , Lusher Amy L. , Booth Andy M. , Smith Rodney D. L. , Van Cappellen Philippe
Published: June 2022

The rapid growth in microplastic pollution research is influencing funding priorities, environmental policy, and public perceptions of risks to water quality and environmental and human health. Ensuring that environmental microplastics research data are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) is essential to inform policy and mitigation strategies. We present a bibliographic analysis of data sharing practices in the environmental microplastics research community, highlighting the state of openness of microplastics data. A stratified (by year) random subset of 785 of 6,608 microplastics articles indexed in Web of Science indicates that, since 2006, less than a third (28.5%) contained a data sharing statement. These statements further show that most often, the data were provided in the articles’ supplementary material (38.8%) and only 13.8% via a data repository. Of the 279 microplastics datasets found in online data repositories, 20.4% presented only metadata with access to the data requiring additional approval. Although increasing, the rate of microplastic data sharing still lags behind that of publication of peer-reviewed articles on environmental microplastics. About a quarter of the repository data originated from North America (12.8%) and Europe (13.4%). Marine and estuarine environments are the most frequently sampled systems (26.2%); sediments (18.8%) and water (15.3%) are the predominant media. Of the available datasets accessible, 15.4% and 18.2% do not have adequate metadata to determine the sampling location and media type, respectively. We discuss five recommendations to strengthen data sharing practices in the environmental microplastic research community.
Research and Application of the Mode Decomposition-Recombination Technique Based on Sample-Fuzzy Entropy and K-Means for Air Pollution Forecasting
Authors: Niu Chunhua , Niu Ziqi , Qu Zongxi , Wei Lili , Li Yutong
Published: June 2022

Practical forecasting of air pollution components is important for monitoring and providing early warning. The accurate prediction of pollutant concentrations remains a challenging issue owing to the inherent complexity and volatility of pollutant series. In this study, a novel hybrid forecasting method for hourly pollutant concentration prediction that comprises a mode decomposition-recombination technique and a deep learning approach was designed. First, a Hampel filter was used to remove outliers from the original data. Subsequently, complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) is employed to divide the original pollution data into a finite set of intrinsic mode function (IMF) components. Further, a feature extraction method based on sample-fuzzy entropy and K-means is proposed to reconstruct the main features of IMFs. In conclusion, a deterministic forecasting model based on long short-term memory (LSTM) was established for pollutant prediction. The empirical results of six-hourly pollutant concentrations from Baoding illustrate that the proposed decomposition-recombination technique can effectively handle nonlinear and highly volatile pollution data. The developed hybrid model is significantly better than other comparative models, which is promising for early air quality warning systems.
Total Nitrogen Stock in Soil Profile Affected by Land Use and Soil Type in Three Counties of Mollisols
Authors: Li Meng , Han Xiaozeng , Li Lu-Jun
Published: June 2022

Soil total nitrogen is the major indicator of soil fertility and quality in agricultural ecosystems. However, few comparative studies investigated the spatial patterns of soil total nitrogen density (STND) in deep soils of different land uses and soil types. Therefore, our study aimed to identify the influence of environmental factors on spatial variability in STND by comparing the STND spatial patterns of different land uses and soil types in a typical Mollisols in northeast China. Results showed that land use types did not significantly affect STND, but the soil types did. The STND was more heterogeneous above 60 cm than that in subsoil, and no significant changes in STND were found in the same land use or soil type. The STND had a significant correlation with SOC, soil BD and pH regardless of land use or soil type. The STND in the soil profile (100 cm) and top 20 cm was fitted using a mathematical model. The results provided insights into nitrogen cycle and stock in similar areas in northeast China.
Reproductive Senescence in Two Lemur Lineages
Authors: Kappeler Peter M. , Pethig Leonie , Prox Lea , Fichtel Claudia
Published: June 2022

The relationship between age and reproductive performance is highly variable across species. Humans and some cetaceans exhibit an extreme form of reproductive senescence in that female reproduction ceases years or even decades before average life expectancy is reached. However, neither the existence of reproductive senescence in some taxa nor its absence in others is fully understood. Comparative data from other long-lived mammals may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the evolution of menopause, but data from wild primates, in particular, are scarce. We therefore investigated age-related female reproductive performance in two wild sympatric populations of Malagasy primates: Verreaux’s sifakas (Propithecus verreauxi) and redfronted lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons), which have a maximal longevity of more than 20 years. Based on 25 years of long-term demographic data, we extracted information on reproductive output of 38 female Verreaux’s sifakas and 42 female redfronted lemurs. We modeled variation in female reproductive performance and interbirth intervals as a function of age, the number of adult females within a group to account for female competition, and rainfall as a proxy for annual variation in food availability. We also compared our results for these two species with data on captive populations of the same two genera that are buffered from fluctuations in environmental variables. Our analyses disclosed statistical evidence for reproductive senescence in three out of four populations (captive Coquerel’s sifakas, wild redfronted lemurs, and captive red lemurs) but not for wild Verreaux’s sifakas. Compared to wild populations, reproductive senescence was therefore not less pronounced in captive animals, even though the latter are buffered from environmental adversities. In wild redfronted lemurs, mothers were more likely to give birth in years with more rainfall, but neither the number of co-resident females, nor annual rainfall did predict variation in the probability of giving birth in wild Verreaux’s sifakas. Thus, our study contributes valuable comparative information on reproductive senescence in a basal group of primates, and offers insights into the modulating effects of environmental, social and phylogenetic factors on patterns and dynamics of age-specific female reproduction.
Theropod Tridactyl Tracks Across the Triassic–Jurassic Boundary in Southern Africa: Implications for Pedal Morphology Evolution
Authors: Abrahams Miengah , Bordy Emese M. , Knoll Fabien , Farlow James O.
Published: June 2022

The end-Triassic mass extinction events mark a pivotal period in archosaur history, and have been proposed to contribute to the rise and dominance of dinosaurs throughout the Mesozoic. In southern Africa, the Triassic–Jurassic boundary is contained within the richly fossiliferous fluvio-lacustrine-aeolian deposits of the upper Stormberg Group in the main Karoo Basin. Due to an absence of high-resolution radioisotopic age constraints, the exact placement of the boundary remains difficult. The Stormberg Group theropod osteological record is limited to scarce, fragmentary material; therefore, the abundant Norian–Pliensbachian tridactyl tracks attributed to theropods are vital for unraveling theropod dinosaur evolutionary trends in southwestern Gondwana. This study considers over 200 upper Stormberg Group tridactyl tracks assigned to the Kayentapus-Grallator-Anchisauripus-Eubrontes (K-GAE) plexus, to quantify their morphological variation across a time span of ∼35 million years. Our findings show that within the upper Stormberg Group, and across the Triassic–Jurassic boundary, the younger tracks become larger, have a decreased mesaxony and a reduced digit III projection. This reduced emphasis of the medial digit is also observed across the K-GAE plexus, and for the individual ichnotaxa across time in the main Karoo Basin, e.g., Eubrontes tracks become less mesaxonic and have a reduced digit III projection higher up in the stratigraphy. This suggests that these morphological trends are not simply linked to size but may reflect a change in autopod morphology through time, which has implications for pedal functionality. Furthermore, being morphologically distinct from contemporaneous North American K-GAE tracks (e.g., reduced elongation and mesaxony, no correlation between digit divarication angles and size), these southern African footprints warrant further investigation.
Evaluation of Cropland System Resilience to Climate Change at Municipal Scale Through Robustness, Adaptability, and Transformability: A Case Study of Hubei Province, China
Authors: Yan Mingyan , Yang Bohan , Sheng Siyu , Fan Xiangyu , Li Xiaoyun , Lu Xinhai
Published: June 2022

A cropland system is one of the most sensitive socio-ecological systems to climate change, such as drought and flood. Facing frequent extreme weather events worldwide, how to improve cropland system resilience to climate change (CSRCC) and thus ensure food production has been concerned. Although a small number of studies have attempted to evaluate CSRCC through single or multiple indicators, few studies have considered the perspective of the three basic capacities of resilience (i.e., robustness, adaptability, and transformability), which could ignore the dynamic characteristics of cropland system resilience against shocks within a certain period. Therefore, this study first constructs an evaluation index system from the three capacities of system resilience. Then, taking Hubei province, China, as a case and comprehensively using the methods of Delphi, AHP, and TOPSIS to assess the spatio-temporal characteristics of CSRCC at the municipal scale from 2011 to 2018. On this basis, the regional disparities of CSRCC are analyzed by using the Theil coefficient. The results show that the CSRCC of Hubei province fluctuates on a downward trend, with the lowest in 2017 and the highest in 2013. Most municipalities have witnessed a pattern of fluctuated decline, except for a few ones in the plains, such as Wuhan and Jingmen. Generally, municipalities in the plains have greater scores, while some municipalities in the southern and eastern hilly regions show higher adaptability and transformability. In addition, adaptability contributes the least to the CSRCC at the municipal scale. At last, indicator selection against different research objects, influencing mechanism of CSRCC, and policy implications are discussed. This study is expected to provide a reference for the practice in sustainable management and utilization of cropland systems.
Analysis of Competitive Endogenous Mechanism and Survival Prognosis of Serum Exosomes in Ovarian Cancer Patients Based on Sequencing Technology and Bioinformatics
Authors: Li Xia , Wang Yurong , Xu Chunju , Reheman Xirenguli , Wang Yuxi , Xu Rong , Fan Jiahui , Huang Xueying , Long Linna , Yu Siying , Huang He
Published: June 2022

Background: We determined the competitive endogenous in serum exosomes of ovarian cancer patients via sequencing technology and raw signal analysis. We performed an in-depth study of the potential mechanisms of ovarian cancer, predicted potential therapeutic targets and performed survival analysis of the potential targets.

Methods: Serum exosomes from three ovarian cancer patients were used as the experimental group, serum exosomes from three patients with uterine fibroids were used as the control group, and whole transcriptome analysis of serum exosomes was performed to identify differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs in ovarian cancer. The miRcode database and miRNA target gene prediction website were used to predict the target genes. Cytoscape software was used to generate a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network of competitive endogenous mechanism of serum exosomes in ovarian cancer, and the R language was used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of the target genes. Finally, the TCGA website was used to download clinical and expression data related to ovarian cancer, and the common potential target genes obtained previously were analyzed for survival.

Results: A total of 117 differentially expressed lncRNAs as well as 513 differentially expressed mRNAs (p < 0.05, |log2 fold change (FC)|≥ 1.0) were obtained by combining sequencing data and raw signal analysis, and 841 predicted target genes were reciprocally mapped by combining the data from the miRcode database and miRNA target gene prediction website, resulting in 11 potential target genes related to ovarian cancer (FGFR3, BMPR1B, TRIM29, FBN2, PAPPA, CCDC58, IGSF3, FBXO10, GPAM, HOXA10, and LHFPL4). Survival analysis of the above 11 target genes revealed that the survival curve was statistically significant (p < 0.05) for HOXA10 but not for the other genes. Through enrichment analysis, we found that the above target genes were mainly involved in biological processes such as regulation of transmembrane receptor protein kinase activity, structural molecule activity with elasticity, transforming growth factor-activated receptor activity, and GABA receptor binding and were mainly enriched in signaling pathways regulating stem cell pluripotency, bladder cancer, glycerolipid metabolism, central carbon metabolism of cancer, and tyrosine stimulation to EGFR in signaling pathways such as resistance to enzyme inhibitors.

Conclusions: The serum exosomal DIO3OS-hsa-miR-27a-3p-HOXA10 competitive endogenous signaling axis affects ovarian cancer development and disease survival by targeting dysregulated transcriptional pathways in cancer.
Exploration of the Mechanisms of Differential Indole Alkaloid Biosynthesis in Dedifferentiated and Cambial Meristematic Cells of Catharanthus roseus Using Transcriptome Sequencing
Authors: Zhou Pengfei , Chen Mingxiang
Published: June 2022

Catharanthus roseus produces terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) of high medicinal importance. The current research focuses on finding an efficient production system such as cell suspension cultures for high TIA concentrations. Catharanthus roseus cambial meristematic cells (CMCs) offer multiple advantages over dedifferentiated cells (DDCs) regarding growth, homogeneity, and shear resistance. Our lab has established a CMC culture system induced by C. roseus cambium. We determined the concentrations of TIAs in CMCs and DDCs. CMCs produced significantly higher concentrations of total alkaloids, vindoline, vinblastine, catharanthine, and ajmalicine as compared to DDCs. We then performed Illumina HiSeq transcriptome sequencing of CMCs and DDCs and explored the differential transcriptomic signatures. Of the 96,004 unigenes, 9,564 were differentially expressed between the 2 cell suspension types. These differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in 137 KEGG pathways. Most importantly, genes from the indole alkaloid biosynthesis and the upstream pathways i.e., tryptophan metabolism, monoterpenoid biosynthesis, tropane, piperidine, and pyridine alkaloid biosynthesis, and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis showed differential transcriptomic signatures. Remarkably, the expression of genes associated with plant hormone biosynthesis, signaling, and MAPK signaling pathways was relatable to the different TIA concentrations in CMCs and DDCs. These results put forward multiple target genes, transcription factors, and regulators to develop a large-scale TIA production system using C. roseus CMCs.