bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipid Characteristics of Pregnant Women With Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Their Correlation to the Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Li Jingjing , Xu Yajuan , Sun Zongzong , Cai Yanjun , Wang Biao , Zhang Miao , Ban Yanjie , Hou Xiaofeng , Hao Yingqi , Ouyang Qian , Wu Bo , Wang Mengqi , Wang Wentao
Published: April 2021

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) in pregnancy has become an important complication of pregnancy. We used nontargeted lipidomics to compare differential metabolites between women with SCH and healthy women. The metabolic pathways of the differential metabolites were analyzed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. We found: 1. Multivariate analysis revealed 143 lipid molecules with different levels between the SCH group and the control group. Based on fold change, 30 differential lipid metabolites were selected as potential biomarkers. 2. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differential metabolites participate in such pathways as pathogenic Escherichia coli infection response, metabolic pathways, glycerophospholipid metabolism. 3. Correlation analysis showed that sphingomyelin (SM) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) were positively correlated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), while phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and phosphatidylinositol (PI) were negatively correlated with them. And PG was positively correlated with birth weight. The lipid profile of pregnant women with SCH is significantly different from that of healthy pregnant women. Lipid molecules with differential metabolism, such as SM, PE, and PI, might be targets for further investigation of the pathogenesis of SCH in pregnancy and reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Hybrid Deep Learning for Week-Ahead Evapotranspiration Forecasting
Authors: Ahmed A. A Masrur , Deo Ravinesh C , Feng Qi , Ghahramani Afshin , Raj Nawin , Yin Zhenliang , Yang Linshan
Published: April 2021

Reference evapotranspiration (ET) is an integral hydrological factor in soil-plant-atmospheric water balance studies and the management of drought events. This paper proposes a new hybrid-deep learning (DL) approach, combining Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) along with Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), for a multi-step (week 1 to 4) daily-ET forecast. The method also assimilates a comprehensive dataset with 52 diverse predictors, i.e., satellite-derived Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), ground-based datasets from Scientific Information for Landowners (SILO) and synoptic-scale climate indices (CI). To develop a vigorous CNN-GRU model, a feature selection stage entails the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) method implemented to improve the ET forecast model for the three selected sites in Australian Murray Darling Basin. The results demonstrate excellent forecasting capability of the hybrid CNN-GRU model against the counterpart benchmark models, evidenced by a relatively small mean absolute error and high efficiency. Overall, this study shows that the proposed hybrid CNN-GRU model successfully apprehends the complex and non-linear relationships between predictor variables and the daily ET.
Biomarkers of Blood from Patients with Atherosclerosis Based on Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Qian Yongjiang , Zhang Lili , Sun Zhen , Zang Guangyao , Li Yalan , Wang Zhongqun , Li Lihua
Published: April 2021

Background: atherosclerosis is a multifaceted disease characterized by the formation and accumulation of plaques that fix to the arteries and causes some cardiovascular disease and vascular embolism. A range of diagnostic techniques, including selective coronary angiography, stress tests, CT, and nuclear scans allow assessment of cardiovascular disease risk and treatment targets. However, there is not a very simple blood biochemical index or biological target for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis at present. So it would be interesting to find a blood biochemical marker for atherosclerosis.Methods: Three datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were analyzed to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEG) and the results were integrated using Robustrankaggreg algorithm. The genes considered more important by Robustrankaggreg algorithm were put into their own data set and the data set system with cell classification information for verification.Results: 21 possible genes were screened out. Interestingly, we found a good correlation between RPS4Y1, EIF1AY and XIST. In addition, we know the general expression of these genes in different cell types and whole blood cellsConclusions: In this study, we identified BTNL8 and BLNK as having good clinical significance. These results will contribute to the study of the underlying genes involved in the progression of atherosclerosis and provide insights for the discovery of new diagnostic and evaluation methods.
Clinical implementation of a 3D4K-exoscope (Orbeye) in microneurosurgery
Authors: Rösler Judith , Georgiev Stefan , Roethe Anna Lena , Chakkalakal Denny , Acker Güliz , Dengler Nora , Prinz Vincent , Hecht Nils , Faust Katharina , Schneider Ulf , Bayerl Simon , Czabanka Marcus , Misch Martin , Onken Julia , Vajkoczy Peter , Picht Thomas
Published: April 2021

Background Exoscopic surgery promises alleviation of physical strain, improved intraoperative visualization and facilitation of the clinical workflow. In this prospective observational study we investigate the clinical usability of a novel 3D4K-exoscope in routine neurosurgical interventions. Methods Questionnaires on the use of the exoscope were carried out. Exemplary cases were additionally video-documented. All participating neurosurgeons (n=10) received initial device training. Changing to a conventional microscope was possible at all times. A linear mixed model was used to analyze the impact of time on the switchover rate. For further analysis we dichotomized the surgeons in a frequent (n=1) and an infrequent (n=9) user group. A one-sample Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to evaluate, if the number of surgeries differed between the two groups. Results 39 operations were included. No intraoperative complications occurred. In 69.2% of the procedures, the surgeon switched to the conventional microscope. While during the first half of the study the conversion rate was 90%, it decreased to 52.6% in the second half ( p =0.003). The number of interventions between the frequent and the infrequent user group differed significantly ( p =0.007). Main reasons for switching to ocular-based surgery were impaired hand-eye coordination and poor depth perception. Conclusion The exoscope investigated in this study can be easily integrated in established neurosurgical workflows. Surgical ergonomics improved compared to standard microsurgical setups. Excellent image quality and precise control of the camera added to overall user satisfaction. For experienced surgeons, the incentive to switch from ocular-based to exoscopic surgery greatly varies.
Spatial Dynamic Analysis of a Mangeove Patch Based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: A Case Study in Pear Bay in Guangxi, China
Authors: Lin Xin , Li Chungan , Zhou Mei , Liang Wenhai , Li Biao
Published: April 2021

This study investigated the short-term spatial variability of an mangrove patch, located in the Pearl Bay in Guangxi, China. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery covering the period from March 2015 to October 2017 were used and the following models were developed: two annual ultra-high resolution spatial resolution digital orthophoto maps (DOMs), two digital elevation models (DEMs), two digital surface models (DSMs), two canopy height models (CHMs), and a canopy height difference model (d-CHM). Using these models, the spatial dynamics of the extent and canopy height of the patch were analyzed. The resolution of the DOMs was 0.1 m, with an average geometrical error of 0.17 m and a maximum error of 0.44 m. The resolutions of DEMs, DSMs, CHMs, d-CHM were all 1 m. The average elevation errors of CHM in 2015 and 2017 were 0.002 m and -0.001 m, respectively, with maximum absolute errors of 0.034 m and 0.030 m, respectively. The average elevation error of d-CHM was -0.003 m and the maximum absolute error was 0.036 m, and the data quality were rated as good. From 2015 to 2017, the area of the mangrove patch increased from 8.16 ha to 8.79 ha, with an average annual increase of 3.7%. Specifically, the areas of expansion, shrinkage, and maximum seaward expansion were 6356 m2, 19 m2, and 24 m, respectively. The driving factor for the variability was natural processes. Stand canopy height exhibited a particular trend of decrease from northwest to southeast (horizontal; parallel to the seawall) and from the land to the sea (vertically; perpendicular to the seawall). From 2015 to 2017, 88.2% of the patch area showed increased canopy height, with an average increase of 0.78 m and a maximum increase of 3.2 m. In contrast, 11.8% of the patch area showed decreased canopy height with a maximum decrease of 3.1 m. The main reason for the decrease in canopy height was the death of trees caused by serious insect plagues. On the other hand, the reason for the increase in height could be attributed to the natural growth of mangrove trees, but further studies are required to verify the cause. UAV remote sensing has an incomparable advantage over traditional methods in that it provides extremely detailed and highly accurate information for in-depth study of the spatial evolution of mangrove patches, which would significantly contribute towards the protection and management of mangroves.
Characteristics and Methods for Mapping and Evaluating Knowledge Translation Platforms: a Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Schmidt Bey-Marrié , Cooper Sara , Young Taryn , Jessani Nasreen S
Published: April 2021

BackgroundKnowledge translation platforms (KTPs) are intermediary organisations, initiatives or networks whose intent is to bridge the evidence into action divide. Strategies and tools include collaborative knowledge production, capacity building, information exchange and dialogue to facilitate relevant and timely engagement between researchers and decision-makers and other relevant stakeholders. With the wide range of definitions and descriptions of KTPs, there is a need to (a) provide a nuanced understanding of characteristics of KTPs and (b) assess and consolidate research methods used in mapping and evaluating KTPs to inform standardised process and impact evaluation. MethodsThis scoping review will follow the recommended and accepted methods for scoping reviews and reporting guidelines. Eligibility for inclusion is: any conceptual or empirical health-related qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed method studies including (a) definitions, descriptions and models or frameworks of KTPs (including those that do not self-identify as KTPs, e.g. university research centres) and (b) research methods for mapping and/or evaluating KTPs. Searches will be carried out in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, Global Health and Web of Science using search terms and synonyms for ‘knowledge translation platform’ and ‘evidence-informed decision-making’, without any date, language or geographic restrictions. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts. One reviewer will complete data extraction for all included studies, and another will check a sample of 50% of the included studies. All reviewers will be involved in the analysis process. The analysis and synthesis will provide: (a) an understanding of the various characteristics of KTPs; b) insight into characteristics or factors that make them resilient and/or adaptive to facilitate impact (i.e. influence policy and practice); and (c) an overview of the different methods for mapping and evaluating KTPs.DiscussionResults of the three aims above, will permit us to explore enhancing an existing matrix or framework for classifying KTPs or perhaps even developing a new framework for identifying and monitoring KTPs if necessary and relevant. This would be a helpful first step in establishing as well as evaluating KTPs.
Tropical Cyclogenesis Associated with Premonsoon Climatological Dryline over the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Akter Nasreen
Published: April 2021

Tropical cyclones of the Bay of Bengal (BoB) that formed near the synoptic-scale dryline usually intensified over a short distance (~600-800 km) within 3 days and caused severe destruction after landfall. High-resolution simulations of very severe cyclonic storms in association with dryline indicate that the meridional shear aids in the development of a group of linear convective cells that mature as an east-west oriented quasi-linear convective system (QLCS) within the boundary between the dry-moist air masses. The leading edge deep convections are supported by low-level moist southwesterly inflow; however, the typical mid-level mesoscale convective vortex (MCV) associated with these QLCS is unremarkable due to a very narrow trailing stratiform region within the QLCS. Supercells are likely to be organized within the QLCS due to extremely unstable atmospheric conditions resulting from a strong vertical shear of 27-39 m s−1 between 0-6 km and large convective available potential energy of >3000 J kg−1. The vertical shear veering with height causes several numbers of low-level mesovortices having diameters less than 10 km at the leading edge in the different convective stages of the QLCS. The dryline aloft in the BoB produces horizontal positive shear vorticity of the order 10–5 s−1 with higher values in the levels 850-600 hPa. The advection of intense cloud-scale cyclonic vortices (~10–3 s−1) assists and enhances a cyclonic vortex to the rear side of the QLCS that performs as an MCV for cyclogenesis over the BoB.
Comparing downstream testing and costs between exercise stress echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography angiography in patients suspected of having of obstructive coronary artery disease: a retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Madigan Cory , Adams Michael B , Chu Chu-Chiao , Dinkha Laith R , Farrell Samuel J , Hoard Robert T , Keithler Andrea N , Loudermilk Kevin A , Rouse Jessica , Walker Brandon L , Williams Susan G , Wyatt Andrew C , Gore Rosco S , Thomas Dustin M
Published: April 2021

Purpose – To compare overall number of downstream tests and total costs between initial exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) or cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in symptomatic, low to intermediate risk patients suspected of having coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods – This is a retrospective cohort study which initially screened 11,636 symptomatic patients without known CAD who underwent noninvasive evaluation between 2008–2014. Of these, and after applying prespecified exclusion criteria, 1,612 underwent ESE or CCTA. A total of 651 patients were included after performing propensity-matching for known risk factors for CAD. The total number of additional downstream tests over the next five years was determined. The total costs associated with each arm, inclusive of the initial test and all subsequent tests, was calculated using the 2018 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Results – 18.5 percent of patients with a normal ESE result underwent some additional form of cardiac testing over the five years after initial testing compared to 12.8 percent of patients with a normal CCTA. The absolute difference in total number of downstream tests between both study groups was 5.7 percent (p = 0.03). When factoring the costs of the initial test as well as the downstream tests, the ESE group was associated with overall lower costs compared to the CCTA group, 351 United States Dollars (USD) versus 496 USD (p < 0.0001). Conclusion – This study demonstrates that, when compared to CCTA, ESE is associated with a higher total number of downstream tests, but overall lower total costs when chosen as initial testing strategy for suspected CAD.
The Impact of Race, and Insurance Status on Breast Cancer Screening: Results from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data
Authors: Yoda Salamata , Mallow Jennifer , Theeke Laurie A.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Breast cancer is the second major cause of cancer-related death of women in the United States 1, yet current gaps exist in breast cancer screening for minority women 2. The purpose of this study is to address these gaps by assessing the relationships among race, health insurance coverage, and breast cancer screening in a nationally representative sample of women.
Design:

A cross-sectional descriptive analysis of the 2018 BRFSS survey data was used to meet the study purpose. BRFSS participants who declared themselves to be of female sex and who were adults with the age ≥ of 40 years were selected for inclusion.
Methods

Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Exploratory and descriptive analyses were performed, followed by comparative analyses based on the variable type. Relationships between race, insurance status, and mammogram screening were examined. Chi-square, logistic, and multinomial logistic regression were used.
Findings:

The original 2018 BRFSS dataset included 437,436 participants and 145,837 women were selected based on inclusion criteria. Participant age ranged from 40 to 74 years. The majority were White only non-Hispanic (78.1%), reported having a mammogram in the past two years (76.1%), had earned < a 4-year college degree (61.1%), had an annual income of < $75,000 (58.4%) and married (58.2%). Less than half had a healthcare plan through an employer (44.9%) and were employed (40.5%). Participants who had a plan purchased through an employer or union were more likely to have a mammogram in the past two years when compared with other health coverage. Furthermore, White only, non-Hispanics were 1.25 times more likely and Black only, non-Hispanics were 1.98 times more likely to have a mammogram in the past two years compared to participants from other racial and ethnic groups.
Conclusion

The findings of this study provide an additional indication that race, and health insurance status do impact breast cancer screening.
Clinical Relevance:

Knowledge gained from this study can be used by practicing nurses to educate racial and ethnic minority women on the significance of breast cancer screening and prevention.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Using Left-bundle-branch Area Pacing and Coronary Sinus Pacing
Authors: Feng Xiang-Fei , Zhang Rui , Yu Yi-Chi , Liu Bo , Han Ya-Qin , Lu Qiu-Fen , Li Yi-Gang
Published: April 2021

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy via biventricular pacing (BVP) is an established therapy for patients with heart failure. Recently, it has been shown that left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is feasible and may also improve clinical outcomes. In this article, we describe a new technique (sequential LBBAP followed by coronary sinus pacing, designated LOT-CRT) and assess the feasibility of LOT-CRT.Methods: The database of all patients from single centre was reviewed retrospectively. The eligible patients were divided into two groups randomly, LOT-CRT and BV-CRT. The LBBAP lead implanted using our methods. The QRS duration (QRSd) was measured at baseline and during LBBAP, BVP, and LOT-CRT.Results: The study enrolled 11 consecutive heart failure patients with LBBB. LBBAP failed in 1 patient, succeed in 5 patients, while CS leads were implanted successfully in all patients. At baseline, the two groups (5 LOT-CRT cases in group 1, 6 BV-CRT cases in group 2) were matched for QRSd and ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM, 3 cases in group 1, 2 cases in group 2). In group 1, BVP resulted in significant reduction of the QRSd from 158.0 ± 13.0 ms at baseline to 132.0 ± 4.5 ms (P=0.019). Compared with BVP, unipolar LBBAP resulted in further reduction of the QRSd to 123.0 ± 5.7 ms (P < 0.01). However, LOT-CRT resulted in a significantly greater reduction of the QRSd to 117.0 ± 6.7 ms (P < 0.01). In group 2, BVP resulted in significant reduction of the QRSd from 176.7 ±19.7 ms at baseline to 143.3 ±8.2 ms (P=0.011). However, compared with LBBAP, BVP resulted in increase of the QRSd (P >0.05). As compared to the baseline after 3 months of LBBAP, patients in group 1 showed significant improvement in LVEF and NT-proBNP levels (P < 0.01), while patients in group 2 showed non-significant changes in these parameters (P >0.05).Conclusions: The study demonstrates that LOT-CRT is clinically feasible in patients with systolic HF and LBBB. LOT-CRT was associated with significant narrowing of the QRSd and improvement in LV function, especially in patients with ICM.
Attenuated, Symptom-specific Alteration of Structural Covariance in Patients With Somatic Symptom Disorder
Authors: Park Hye Youn , Jang Ye Eun , Sunwoo Leonard , Yoon In-Young , Park Bumhee
Published: April 2021

This study was performed to investigate altered regional gray matter volume (rGMV) and structural covariance related to somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and its phenotypic subtypes. Additionally, this study examined the relationships of structural alteration with cognitive functioning and clinical symptoms. Forty-three unmedicated patients with SSD and thirty normal controls completed psychological questionnaires and neurocognitive tests, as well as brain magnetic resonance imaging. Voxel-based morphometry and structural covariances were compared between groups and between subgroups within the SSD group. Patients with SSD exhibited attenuated structural covariances in the pallidal-cerebellar circuit, as well as regions in the default mode and sensorimotor network, compared to normal controls. The cerebellar rGMVs were negatively correlated with the severity of somatic symptoms. With respect to cognitive functioning, the rGMVs of the right pallidum, left medial orbitofrontal gyrus, and bilateral supramarginal gyrus were correlated with attentional capacity in SSD patients. In subgroup analyses, patients with somatic pain showed denser structural covariances between the bilateral superior temporal pole and left angular gyrus, the left middle temporal pole and left angular gyrus, and the left amygdala and right inferior orbitofrontal gyrus, while patients with headache and dizziness had greater structural covariance between the right inferior temporal gyrus and right cerebellum. The findings revealed the structural alteration involved in SSD; they also suggested that specific brain regions and networks may contribute to different subtypes of SSD.
Competitive ELISA for a serologic test to detect dengue serotype-specific anti-NS1 IgGs using high-affinity UB-DNA aptamers
Authors: Matsunaga Ken-ichiro , Kimoto Michiko , Lim Vanessa Weixun , Vasoo Shawn , Leo Yee Sin , Sun William , Hirao Ichiro
Published: April 2021

Serologic tests to detect IgGs specific to antigens related to viral infections are urgently needed for diagnostics and therapeutics in endemic, epidemic, and pandemic situations. We present a diagnostic method for serotype-specific IgG identification of dengue infection by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using high-affinity unnatural-base-containing DNA (UB-DNA) aptamers. Dengue is a widespread mosquito-borne viral disease, with four categorized serotypes. Using UB-DNA aptamers that bind specifically to each serotype or sub-serotype dengue NS1 protein (DEN-NS1), we developed an ELISA format with an aptamer − antibody sandwich system for dengue diagnostics. We found that IgGs highly specific to DEN-NS1 inhibit the serotype-specific NS1 detection by the ELISA format, inspiring us to develop another competitive ELISA format for serotype-specific IgG detection of dengue infection. Analyses of clinical blood samples from Singaporean patients with primary or secondary infections confirmed the highly specific IgG detection of this format, and the IgG production initially reflected the serotype of the past infection, rather than that of the recent infection. The combination of the ELISA and competitive ELISA using the UB-DNA aptamers allows the diagnosis of both past and current viral infections and will facilitate prompt and specific medical care and vaccine development for infectious diseases.
Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Associated With Leaf Development in Winter Triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) Seedlings
Authors: Wajdzik Katarzyna , Dyda Mateusz , Golebiowska Gabriela Julia , Wędzony Maria
Published: April 2021

The vitality and the development in the seedling stage is crucial in winter cereal’s life cycle, especially before and during winter. It has been reported that rapid seedling establishment and early growth may lead to higher crop yield. Localization of cereal genome regions is not often analysed in the seedling stage. The aim of this study was to identify winter triticale genome regions (QTL) associated with seedling leaves development. Based on ‘Hewo’ x ‘Magnat’ DH lines population genetic map composed of 3539 molecular markers assigned to 20 linkage groups with 4997.4 cM map length, in total 40 loci were identified by a composite interval mapping (CIM). Among them, 22 loci appeared in at least two experiments, were common for all analyzed traits as well as were identified on wheat chromosome 4B and on rye chromosomes 1R, 4R, 5R and 6R. Those loci explained up to 21.7% of phenotypic variation (Qwsl.hm.4R.2) and had LOD value up to 31.1 (Qlsl.hm.5R.1). The results of QTLs of seedling leaves development could be successively associated with QTLs of the freezing and fungal infection seedlings tolerance identified in this mapping population.
Maternal Obesity and the Risk of Congenital Heart Defects: the Mediation Effect of Pregestational Diabetes
Authors: Wu Xiao-Xia , Ge Ru-Xiu , Huang Le , Tian Fu-Ying , Chen Yi-Xuan , Wu Lin-Lin , Niu Jian-Min
Published: April 2021

Background Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defects worldwide. Maternal obesity has been proposed as a risk factor for CHDs, but the results are controversial and inconclusive. Pregestational diabetes (PGDM) is well known as a risk factor for CHDs and is closely related to obesity. However, the effect of PGDM on the association between maternal obesity and CHDs has not been investigated.Objectives We aimed to explore the association between maternal obesity and CHDs and to further evaluate the mediation effect of PGDM on this association.Methods We involved 53708 mother-infant pairs with deliveries between 2017 and 2019 from the Birth Cohort in Shenzhen (BiCoS). Mothers were categorized into four groups: the underweight group (BMI < 18.5), normal weight group (18.5 ≤ BMI < 24), overweight group (24 ≤ BMI < 28) and obesity group (BMI ≥ 28). To evaluate the association between BMI and CHDs, we fit multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for maternal age, maternal education level, mode of conception, parity, GDM and offspring sex. Mediation analysis was used to confirm the mediation effect of PGDM on the association between maternal obesity and CHDs.Results The proportion of obese individuals in the BiCoS was 2.11%. Overall, 372 (0.69%) infants were diagnosed with CHDs. The prevalence of CHDs in underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese individuals was 0.64%, 0.68%, 0.72% and 1.24%, respectively. Maternal obesity was associated with an increased risk of CHDs (OR=1.97, 95% CI 1.14–3.41). The offspring of women with PGDM were 6.88 times (95% CI 4.11–11.53) more likely to have CHDs than the offspring of mothers without PGDM. The mediation effect of PGDM on the association between maternal obesity and CHDs was significant (OR=1.18, 95% CI 1.06–1.32). The estimated mediation proportion was 24.83%.Conclusion Our findings suggested that maternal obesity was associated with CHDs and that PGDM partially mediated the association between maternal obesity and CHDs.
Soil Nutrients and Maize Yields Responses to Agroforestry Tree Post-fallows Management in Tanzania
Authors: Vyamana Vincent G. , Chamshama Shabani A.O. , Andrew Samora Macrice
Published: April 2021

Agriculture forms a backbone of many countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) thus has the potential to contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, agriculture in the SSA is characterized by low production due to soil fertility depletion. Use of appropriate low input agricultural technologies may increase production and benefit smallholder farmers through increased productivity in already degraded land. A field experiment was established to assess tree coppice intercropping of Albizia harveyi and Albizia versicolor for soil fertility and maize yield improvements in Morogoro, Tanzania. Tree fallows of A. versicolor aged three years increased significantly soil organic Carbon, Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium. Yields of maize grain, cobs and stover in maize fields intercropped with A. versicolor were significantly higher than those with A. harveyi. Fields with continuous maize cropping had the least yields of grain, cobs and stover. The studied agroforestry tree species are recommended for rotational woodlots and short rotation coppice systems to enhance agricultural productivity for achieving SDGs.
Vertebral body height changes in acute symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures treated with vertebral cement augmentation. Which factors affect vertebral body height?
Authors: Payo-Ollero Jesús , Llombart-Blanco Rafael , Villas Carlos , Alfonso Matías
Published: April 2021

Changes in vertebral body height depend on various factors which were analyzed in isolation and not as a whole. The aim of this study is to analyze what factors might influence restoration of vertebral body height after vertebral augmentation. We analyzed 48 patients (108 vertebrae) with osteoporotic vertebral fractures underwent vertebral augmentation when conservative treatment proved unsatisfactory. Analyses were carried out at the time of the fracture, during surgery (pre-cementation and post-cementation), at first medical check-up (6 weeks post-surgery) and at last medical check-up. Average vertebral height was measured and differences from preoperative values calculated at each timepoint. Pearson correlation coefficient and linear multivariable regression were carried out at the different timepoints. The time since vertebral fracture was 60.4 ± 41.7 days. Patients’ average age was 70.9 ± 9.3-years. The total follow-up was 1.43 ± 1-year. After vertebral cementation there was an increase in vertebral body height of + 0.3cm (13.6%). During post-operative follow-up, there was a progressive collapse of the vertebral body and pre-surgical height was reached. The factors that most influenced vertebral height restoration were: grade III collapse, intervertebral-vacuum-cleft (IVVC), and use of a flexible trocar before cement augmentation. The factor that negatively influenced vertebral body height restoration was location in the thoracolumbar spine.
Matrix metalloproteinases, purinergic signaling, and epigenetics, hubs in the spinal neuroglial network following nerve injury.
Authors: Luca Ciro De , Virtuoso Assunta , Maggio Nicola , Cerasuolo Michele , Colangelo Anna Maria , Lavitrano Marialuisa , Papa Michele
Published: April 2021

The neuroglial network characterizes synaptic transmission and accounts for both cellular elements (neurons and glia) and neural extracellular matrix (nECM) roles. Glial cells, neuron, and nECMnetwork is strongly interconnected, in physiological and pathological conditions as shownin several neurodegenerative diseases. Purinergic activation and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) remodeling of the spinal cord is pivotal in maladaptive plastic changes following peripheral nerve injury (PNI). To understand how purinergic and MMPs inhibition may modulate and potentially reverse the neuroglial network failure, we used the spared nerve injury (SNI) model of the sciatic nerve. Molecular and morphological analysis of astrocytic and microglial activation, purinergic and neurotrophic receptors, Histone Deacetylase (HDAC)1, HDAC2 were analyzed to define the pathways in response to the purinergic and MMPs inhibition. The data suggest complex protein interconnections, which are not passively influenced by epigenetics but actively contribute to modify the transcriptomics machinery. The present study contributes to unveiling the spinal network consistency and ultimately encourages new paths for targeted treatments in neurological diseases with benefits of neuroprotection, plasticity, and functional recovery.
Novel Variants in HFM1 Lead to Male Infertility Due to Non-obstructive Azoospermia
Authors: Tang Dongdong , Lv Mingrong , Gao Yang , Cheng Huiru , Li Kuokuo , Xu Chuan , Geng Hao , Li Guanjian , Shan Qunshan , Wang Chao , He Xiaojin , Cao Yunxia
Published: April 2021

Background Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe form of male infertility. More than half of the NOA patients were idiopathic for their etiology, in whom it’s difficult to retrieve sperm despite the application of microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (microTESE). Therefore, we conducted to this study to identify the potential genetic factors responsible for NOA, and investigate the sperm retrieval rate of microTESE for the genetic defected NOA.Methods One NOA patient from a consanguineous family (F1-II-1) and fifty NOA patients from non-consanguineous families were included in the study. Semen analyses, chromosome karyotypes, screening of Y chromosome microdeletions, sex hormone testing, and subsequent testicular biopsy were performed to categorize NOA or obstructive azoospermia. Potentialgenetic variants were identified by whole exome sequencing (WES),and confirmed by Sanger sequencing in F1 II-1. The candidate genes were screened in the other fifty NOA patients. Further experiments including quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to verify the effects of gene variation on gene expression.Results Normal somatic karyotypes and Y chromosome microdeletions were examined in all patients. Hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) of the testicular tissues suggested meiotic arrest, and a novel homozygous HFM1 variant (c.3490C>T: p.Q1164X) was identified in F1 II-1. Furthermore, another homozygous HFM1 variant (c.3470G>A: p.C1157Y) was also verified in F2 II-1 from the fifty NOA patients. Significantly decreased expression levels of HFM1 mRNA and protein were observed in the testicular tissues of these two mutants compared with controls. MicroTESE was performed in these two patients, while no sperm were retrieved. Conclusions Our study identified two novel homozygous variants of HFM1 that are responsible for spermatogenic failure and NOA, even microTESE can not contribute to retrieve sperm in these patients.
B7-H2 Expression in Human Salivary Gland Epithelial Cells Affects Saliva Secretion in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Li Ping , Jin Yi , Zhao Rui , Xue Zhonghui , Ji Juan
Published: April 2021

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of exocrine gland. In pSS, permanent activation of the adaptive immune system is obvious. Lymphocyte co-stimulation plays an important part in inflammation and immunotherapy. Co-stimulator ligands (B7-H2) are significant costimulatory molecules. The interaction of B7-H2, with its sole receptor ICOS, promotes T cell differentiation, effector responses and activation. Our study found that B7-H2 is up-regulated in salivary gland, saliva and serum of pSS patients. B7-H2 expression in saliva have negatively correlated with saliva weight. Overexpression of B7-H2 into human salivary gland epithelial (HSGE) cells, increased the activity of p65 (phosphorylated at S536) and decreased the expression of AQP5. Furthermore, up-regulated B7-H2 induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in HSGE cell lines. These results suggest the expression of B7-H2 can decrease the secretion of saliva, increase the quantity of dental caries and reduce lifespan of patients of pSS.
The Extent of Pollinator Sharing Among Fig Trees in Southern China
Authors: Yu Hui , Liao Yaolin , Cheng Yufen , Fushi Ke , Yongxia Jia , Compton Steve
Published: April 2021

Background: The obligate mutualism between fig trees (Ficus, Moraceae) and pollinating fig wasps (Agaonidae) is a model system for studying co-evolution due to its perceived extreme specificity, but recent studies have reported a number of examples of trees pollinated by more than one fig wasp or sharing pollinators with other trees. This makes pollen flow between species and hybridization more likely. We reared pollinator fig wasps from figs of 13 Chinese fig tree species trees and established their identity using genetic methods in order to investigate the extent to which are they were supporting more than one species of pollinator.Results: Our results showed 1) pollinator sharing was frequent among closely-related dioecious species (where pollinator offspring and seeds develop on different trees), but not monoecious species and 2) that where two pollinator species were developing in figs of one host species there was usually one fig wasp that was far rarer than the other. An exception was F. triloba, where its two pollinators were equally abundant. Conclusions: Our results suggest that host expansion events where pollinators reproduce in figs other than those of their usual hosts are not uncommon among fig wasps associated with dioecious hosts. Because closely related trees typically have closely related pollinators that have a very similar appearance, the extent of pollinator-sharing has probably been underestimated. Any pollinators that enter female figs carrying heterospecific pollen could potentially generate hybrid seed, and the extent of hybridization and its significance may also have been underestimated.
Aridity Indices to Assess Desertification Susceptibility: A Methodological Approach Using Gridded Climate Data
Authors: Santos Janaína Cassiano dos , Lyra Gustavo Bastos , Abreu Marcel Carvalho de , Oliveira-Júnior José Francisco de , Bohn Leonardo , Cunha-Zeri Gisleine , Zeri Marcelo
Published: April 2021

Desertification is a land degradation phenomenon with dire and irreversible consequences, affecting different regions of the world. Assessment of spatial susceptibility to desertification requires long-term series of precipitation (P) and evapotranspiration (PET). An approach to desertification analysis is the use of spatially gridded time series of air temperature and precipitation, derived from spatial interpolation of in situ measurements and available globally. The aim of this article was to estimate the susceptibility to desertification over Southeast Brazil using monthly gridded data from the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC), and from the Global Historical Climatology Network (GHCN). Two indices were used to estimate desertification susceptibility: the aridity index Ia (P/PET) and D (PET/P). Validation of these datasets was performed using in situ observations (1961—2010) from the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) – (68 weather stations). Determination coefficient (r²) and the Willmott’s coefficient of agreement (d) between gridded and observed data revealed satisfactory accuracy and precision for grids of precipitation (r2 > 0.93, d > 0.90), air temperature (r2 > 0.94, d > 0.53) and PET (r2 > 0.93, d > 0.63). Areas susceptible to desertification were identified by the index Ia over the Northern regions of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro states. No areas susceptible to desertification were identified using the index D. However, both indices indicated large areas of dry sub-humid climate, which can be strongly affected by drought conditions. Overall, climate gridded variables presented good precision and accuracy when used to identify areas susceptible to desertification.
Early immune pressure imposed by tissue resident memory T cells sculpts tumour evolution in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Weeden Clare , Gayevskiy Velimir , Trussart Marie , Marceaux Claire , Ribera Nina Tubau , Batey Daniel , Teh Charis , Mitchell Andrew , Antippa Phillip , Leong Tracy , Steinfort Daniel , Irving Louis , Gordon Claire , Swanton Charles , Speed Terence , Gray Daniel , Asselin-Labat Marie-Liesse
Published: April 2021

Tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) provide immune defence against local infection and can inhibit cancer progression. However, it is unclear to what extent chronic inflammation impacts TRM activation and how the immune pressure exerted by TRM affects developing tumours in humans. We performed deep profiling of lung cancers arising in never-smokers (NS) and ever-smokers (ES), finding evidence of enhanced TRM immunosurveillance in ES lung. Only tumours arising in ES patients underwent clonal immune escape, even when evaluating cancers with similar tumour mutational burden to NS patients, suggesting that the timing of immune pressure exerted by TRM is a critical factor in the evolution of tumour immune evasion. Tumours grown in T cell quiescent NS lungs displayed little evidence of immune evasion and had fewer neoantigens with low diversity, paradoxically making them amenable to treatment with agonist of the costimulatory molecule, ICOS. These data demonstrate local environmental insults enhance TRM immunosurveillance of human tissue, shape the evolution of tumour immunogenicity and that this interplay informs effective immunotherapeutic modalities.
Assessing Genetic Variability and Population Structure of Ziziphus Nummularia as Characterized by Phenotypic Traits and SSR Markers with Climatic Distribution
Authors: Uddin Nisar , Muhammad Noor , Ali Niaz , Khan Muhammad Khalil Ullah , Nisar Muhammad , Rooman Muhammad
Published: April 2021

Genus of Ziziphus (family Rhamnaceae), approximately 170 species of prodigious economic and ecological importance. Studies on the genetic diversity within Pakistani Ziziphus species are limited, and to date, no single report on the application of DNA barcoding attempt for identification of Ziziphus species is available in the literature. Therefore, the current study was designed to biogeographic distribution, to assess diversity based on phenotypic traits, SSRs markers, and relationships among Ziziphus nummularia (Burm.f.) Wight & Arn. genotypes. For the first time we use ArcGIS modeling, and their cartographic function for the identification of diversity in climatic variables such as temperature, mean diurnal, humidity, precipitation, and precipitation seasonality and the using of these techniques to determine the important variable which is responsible for the recent distribution of the Ziziphus species. A total of 11 phenotypic traits were noted and have significant phenotypic variation among the traits. The study has used 40 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers for gaining insights into the genetic diversity within 180 genotypes of Z. nummularia. Successful amplification was achieved with 27 SSRs and was applied for understanding the population structure and relationships among the genotypes. A total of 120 alleles were amplified from Z. nummularia genotypes collected from three districts of the Malakand division, alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 6, averaging 4.4286. whereas polymorphism information content (PIC) from 0.332 to 0.794 in locus JSSR-490 and JSSR-97, within mean value was 0.671 per locus, expected heterozygosity (He), was 0.575, observed heterozygosity (Ho), 0.6618 and average gene diversity 0.494. Flow estimates (6.415) indicated frequent gene flow within Z. nummularia genotypes. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed high genetic variability (80%). The genetic relationship inferred from the neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogeny separate genotypes into three clusters and Bayesian model-based STRUCTURE analyses and PCoA analysis resolved all genotypes and indicted that the KP, populations, Swat and Buner, represent excesses of two different migration routes, with one designated from Swat and Dir (L). The overall results indicated the prevalence of genetic variability and relationships among Z. nummularia across geographical boundaries has retained unique alleles and this may facilitate the development of agronomically desirable and genetically improved Ziziphus cultivars and collections that can help achieve efficient conservation.
Distribution of Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria in Aerobic Composting of Swine Manure With Different Antibiotics
Authors: Song Tingting , Li Hongna , Li Binxu , Yang Jiaxun , Sardar Muhammad Fahad , Yan Mengmeng , Li Luyao , Tian Yunlong , Xue Sha , Zhu Changxiong
Published: April 2021

Background: Livestock manure is an important reservoir of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The community structure and bacterial diversity are usually studied using high-throughput sequencing that cannot provide direct evidence for ARB changes. Thus, little is known about the distribution of ARB, especially in the presence of different antibiotics in composting process. In this study, the fate of ARB was investigated in aerobic composting of swine manure, using chlortetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, lincomycin, ciprofloxacin as typical antibiotics. The abundance and species of ARB were analyzed systematically to evaluate their ecological risk at different stages of composting. Results: The absolute abundance of total ARB decreased while the relative abundance showed an increasing trend on Day 2. The relative abundance of lincomycin-resistant bacteria was higher than other ARBs during the whole composting process. The absolute abundance of four ARBs was 9.42×106-2.51×102 CFU/g (lincomycin- > chlortetracycline- > sulfamethoxazole- > ciprofloxacin- > multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria), and they were not completely inactivated at the end of composting. Antibiotics led to a partial proliferation of ARBs including Corynebacterium_1, Sporosarcina, Solibacillus, and Acinetobacter. Especially, Corynebacterium_1, a pathogenic bacterium, was observed in the treatments of chlortetracycline and lincomycin. Conclusion: Among the antibiotics studied, lincomycin showed the highest ecological risk, due to it expanded the range of lincomycin-resistant bacteria at the phyla level (Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria). The principal co-ordinates analysis indicated that the bacterial community structure was primarily associated with the composting stages rather than the antibiotic types. Possible potential hosts and degrading bacteria for ARGs were indicated based on the network analysis. The decrease of culturable Proteobacteria and the increase of culturable Firmicutes (Solibacillus, Bacillus) partially explained the high removal rate of various ARGs in this study. These results provided important information for the control of antibiotic resistance in composting.