bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term trends in production and composition of ryegrass-white clover pasture intensively grazed by dairy-beef cattle
Authors: Cosgrove G.P.
Published: March 2021

A measure of pasture persistence is stability of yield and proportion of desirable species over a long period. Long-term data on animal production and pasture yield and composition of old permanent pasture in the Manawatu were examined for trends indicative of persistence. The data were collected from two sets of replicated 1.6-ha farmlets intensively grazed by dairybeef bulls stocked at 7.4 yearlings wintered/ha for 16 of 18 years from 1969-1986, and 11 years from 1978 and 1988, respectively. Annual total LWG, total yield of DM and the yields of ryegrass, white clover and other species showed year-to-year variation. There was no long-term decline in production indicating that for this environment and management system ryegrass and white clover were inherently persistent under intensive grazing at high stocking rates. These results are discussed in the context of anecdotal reports of poor persistence of modern cultivars, with particular emphasis on the effects that high stocking rates, intensive utilisation and defoliation management may have on persistence. Keywords: cattle, grazing, pasture, persistence, ryegrass, white clover
Analysing persistence of grass swards in terms of tiller birth and death
Authors: Matthew C. , Hamilton Sackville
Published: March 2021

A methodology is developed to analyse the contribution to sward persistence of the processes tiller birth and tiller death, and variation in their rate over an annual cycle. The methodology is tested using previously published data for timothy grass (Phleum pratense). The analysis shows that high death rates of timothy tillers in summer present a problem for persistence in that tiller appearance rates required to maintain the tiller population in these conditions require tiller bud site usage statistics that are biologically unlikely in field swards. While it is not suggested that ryegrass has a naturally high tiller death rate in summer as demonstrated here for timothy, where abiotic stresses reduce ryegrass tiller survival, the same principles are likely to apply. Keywords: Leslie matrix, Phleum pratense, population stability, tiller birth rate, tiller survival rate, timothy grass
Some factors affecting the rate of adoption of new herbage cultivars
Authors: Lancashire J.A.
Published: March 2021

Between 1973 and 1983 the number of certified grasses and legumes (excluding lucerne) available to the New Zealand farmer increased from 21 to 37 (Table 11 .l), with a further 5 added to the New Zealand National List during 1984/85. Clearly the high rate at which new cultivars are being released is continuing. Lucerne has followed a similar pattern with 10 cultivars now available compared with only 3 in 1970.
Establishment and management of suitable species in dairy pastures
Authors: Thom E.R. , Thomson N.A. , Clayton D.G.
Published: March 2021

For the success of a new dairy pasture, species and cultivars must be selected to counter the limitations to dairying of existing pasture. After successful establishment, the subsequent management of the pasture must ensure its full potential is expressed. Pasture establishment is a costly operation ($300-5OO/ha) with some element of risk, caused by unpredictable climatic conditions, irrespective of the level of technical expertise adopted.
Establishing and managing improved plants in hill country
Authors: Lambert M.G. , Rhodes A.P. , Barker D.J. , Bircham J.S.
Published: March 2021

Legume introduction by oversowing steep hill country is accepted practice. Grass oversowing is less commonly attempted. Why do farmers choose to oversow, and why is success of oversowing variable? In answering these questions we suggest how success of oversowing might be improved. We also consider the appropriateness of attempting to introduce improved plants to steep hill country, how to go about it, and how to make best use of introduced plants. In this paper, improved plants are taken to mean those cultivars on the National List of Acceptable Herbage Cultivars. In practice, seed of unimproved plants is commonly used. At least 50% of pasture seed mixtures sown in North Island hill country are "bush burn" mixtures, and much of the white clover sown is of permanent pasture origin.
European perspectives on nitrogen fixation and the application of mineral nitrogen
Authors: Mytton L.R.
Published: March 2021

An analysis is made of the main factors influencing nitrogen use in the European Union (EU). The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is identified as a major factor. A brief explanation is given of its functions and of recent reforms which are aimed at reducing overproduction. These reforms should favour more efficient use of nitrogen. The reasons why this is difficult to achieve are explained and the major factors influencing our ability to balance the nitrogen economies of food production are identified. The interrelationship between these factors is then used to predict the impact of CAP reforms on research, on fertiliser use and on the wider use of legumes. Keywords: Common Agricultural Policy, Europe, farm subsidies, legumes, nitrogen cycle, nitrogen fertiliser, nitrogen fixation, over-production, pollution, soil organic matter
White clover ecotype germplasm from the USA for development of New Zealand and overseas cultivars
Authors: Widdup K.H. , Caradus J.R. , Green J. , Pennell Mueller
Published: March 2021

An ecotype collection of 98 populations of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) from pastures in the eastern USA together with five USA Ladino and five New Zealand cultivars were grown in grass swards at Raleigh, North Carolina; Palmerston North and Lincoln, New Zealand. The material was compared for leaf size, cyanogenesis, seasonal growth, % clover cover and persistence. When examined as a single group, the USA ecotypes consisted of a wide range of plant types from small-leaved acyanogenic to large-leaved cyanogenic types. This contrasted with the uniformly large-leaved acyanogenic USA Ladino cultivars which have been the principal cultivars sown in eastern USA. Various selection pressures over time together with introgression between Ladino and resident wild clover types has resulted in a wide array of plant types. At the North Carolina site, USA ecotype material generally demonstrated better growth and persistence compared to the USA Ladino and New Zealand cultivars. The best ecotype plots from the Piedmont (inland region) had 55% clover cover by the third spring compared to 12% cover from the USA cultivar, SRVR and 2% cover from the NZ cultivar, Huia. Selective pressures such as hot summers, viruses, root-feeding pests and other stresses on the local clover types have resulted in ecotype material with improved adaptive features. The USA ecotype collection is an important source of germplasm for development of improved white clovers for the eastern USA. At the New Zealand sites, the USA material demonstrated pooraverage yields compared to NZ cultivars. However, a small set of USA ecotypes showed good recovery following the dry 1995 summer at Lincoln and this material warrants closer examination to determine the adaptive mechanisms involved. As the USA ecotypes show a general lack of adaptation to New Zealand pastures, any desirable features such as heat tolerance, deeper nodal roots or virus resistance uncovered in this material will require hybridisation and backcrossing with selected elite New Zealand material to capture the benefits. Keywords: adaptation, eastern USA, ecotype populations,
White clover breeding for dryland sheep and cattle pastures in Australia
Authors: Ayres J.F. , Caradus J.R. , Lane L.A. , Murison R.D.
Published: March 2021

Despite the potential value of white clover for Australian pastures in the high rainfall zone, there is a lack of adapted cultivars, especially for dryland environments where hot dry conditions in summer limit persistence. A joint NZ AgResearch - NSW Agriculture breeding project is evaluating key groups of world-sourced white clover germplasm characterised by specific criteria; medium leaf/early flowering, high nodal root frequency, taprootedness, stoloniferous/medium leaf and drought tolerance. Results in the first growth cycle indicated that plant spread and herbage yield were associated with these criteria. Results over three growth cycles will be used to identify elite parent genotypes for polycrossing and testing in target dryland environments. Keywords: breeding, drought tolerance, dryland pastures, persistence, Trifolium repens, white clover
Increasing symbiotic potentials in white clover
Authors: Crush J.R. , Caradus J.R.
Published: March 2021

Lines of white clover with higher and lower numbers of nodules were selected from a mutagenised Huia population, and seed was produced from a polycross of both lines. The progeny showed that the lines tended to have either more but smaller nodules, or fewer and larger nodules. In a further experiment, the line with fewer (larger average size) nodules, fixed more nitrogen (N) and grew bigger. Plants with fewer but larger nodules are a good model for efforts to increase the Nfixing capacity of white clover. An empirical screening method was used to obtain 15 genotypes that showed evidence of high mycotrophy. A second experiment confirmed that 5 of these genotypes gave abnormally high responses to mycorrhizal infection. Examination of the roots of these plants showed that the selections did not differ from their parent lines in terms of root length or root hair cylinder diameter. The results tend to confirm published work with spring wheat, which showed that land races and wild types respond more strongly to mycorrhizal infection than high yielding varieties do. Investigation of the mycorrhizal responses of clover ecotypes that are adapted to low phosphorus soils is a priority for future research. Keywords: mycorrhizas, nitrogen fixation, nodulation, symbioses, white clover
The practicalities of managing cultivar change
Authors: Allen Dave
Published: March 2021

Ten years experience from trial-and-error plus some advice, has led to the development of successful base management systems for white clover cultivar-change. These systems are capable of modification according to site and season to maximise seed returns and have reached the point where white clover is now my safest crop. This paper considers crop management requirements necessary from the 'change' decision, some years before inception, through to harvested seed yield. Keywords: crop management, cultivar-change requirements, harvest, seed production, sowing technology, Trifolium repens L., white clover
Factors influencing farmer acceptance and uptake of new white clover cultivars
Authors: Belgrave B.
Published: March 2021

White clover is important to New Zealand pastoral farming yet uptake of new agronomically superior cultivars by farmers is slower than expected. Three main areas which explain why this is occurring are: 1. The need to demonstrate economic benefits due to superior agronomic performance of new cultivars to overcome barriers such as price and farmers satisfaction with existing products. 2. Farmers are influenced by advice of seed retailers/extension personnel, their knowledge of white clover cultivars, local research, and their economic situation. 3. White clover seed quantity and quality has been adversely affected by poor weather conditions at flowering and harvest over the last 3 or 4 years. Seed availability is also being affected by the cultivar change regulations and the changing land use patterns of Canterbury. The problem is magnified by the increasing number of white clovers being grown on a decreasing land base. For greater uptake and use of new white clovers, strategies that deal with all three areas are required. Keywords: buying decision, economic benefit, farmer use, seed availability, white clover
Experiences of ryegrass endophyte on farms on the East Coast of the North Island
Authors: Milne G.D. , Russell A.H. , Russell J.R. , Russell S.W. , Russell P.A.
Published: March 2021

A case study of a Hawke's Bay farm with a history of ryegrass staggers (RGS) and results of a survey of veterinarians from three regions are presented. A RGS outbreak in 1989 on the 'Tunanui' property at Sherenden resulted in the loss of 900 sheep and three cattle, with total costs estimated to be $61,000. There have been no severe outbreaks since then, despite similar climatic conditions occurring. The probable reason for this is a combination of improved awareness of RGS and conscious avoidance of the problems, and the indirect effects of other changes to farm management. The survey of veterinarians showed a rise in the prevalence of ryegrass endophyte related disorders in Manawatu and Waikato between the 1980s and 1990s, but no change for East Coast regions. Veterinarians spend very little time assisting clients with endophyte related problems, despite 41% of clients having problems. It is recommended that veterinarians provide more prevention advice to farmers, and farm management practices that successfully reduce RGS be promoted. Keywords: cattle, deaths, disorders, East Coast, farm, prevalence, remedies, ryegrass staggers, sheep, veterinarians
Deer industry expansion and wealth creation
Authors: Parker W.J. , Loza M.J.
Published: March 2021

The New Zealand deer industry is projected to grow strongly over the next decade with venison and velvet production forecast by some models to increase by 16740 tonnes (67%) and 300 tonnes (60%), respectively, in the next four years alone. Commensurate growth in high paying markets is required to prevent these raw materials becoming commodities with associated downward pressure on prices achieved by the industry. Furthermore, growth in supply will generate increasing volumes of co-products, for which market opportunities need to be developed. The deer industry is thus following the classical technology S curve and requires further innovation to maintain wealth for its participants. The industry has worked with research providers to develop a R&D strategy to counter commodification, by supporting the expansion of the industry into year-round chilled venison products into niche markets and developing new enterprises from deer co-products. DEEResearch was formed to provide research direction and increase effective industry investment into R&D through better coordination of research and a combination of funding directly from the industry and additional funds leveraged from other sources. As a relatively small industry, the deer industry faces the challenge of assembling the critical mass and investment necessary to support expansion. Crown funding is critical to overcoming these constraints and the industry's progressive and united vision is important in securing this. Keywords: Deer industry, research coordination, strategy
Intensive Grazing Management Systems for Deer
Authors: Steven G.
Published: March 2021

Managing pasturesâ€¦
PEMBERDAYAAN KEWIRAUSAHAAN KARANG TARUNA DI KAWASAN BANTARAN SUNGAI BENGAWAN SOLO, LAMONGAN
Authors: Desrina Yusi Irawati  , Nany Suryawati  , Lucia Ina Trisjanti
Published: March 2021

Pesanggrahan Village is a village located on the banks of the Bengawan Solo River, Laren District, Lamongan Regency. In Pesanggrahan Village, there are youth groups, but they have not carried out entrepreneurial activities. Even though one of the goals of the youth organization is to develop an entrepreneurial spirit. This is because members of the youth organization are passive, the management and members are less skilled in starting a business, and lack of funds. Therefore, community service is carried out in the form of providing entrepreneurship knowledge through counseling, discussions to choose the type of business, and starting a simple business. The counseling contains material on entrepreneurial motivation, the benefits of entrepreneurship, home-based entrepreneurship, preparation for opening a business, determining profit, and healthy business space. The business that is being developed by the youth organization is a coffee shop business. The realization of a coffee shop business is carried out by preparing a business place and procuring coffee shop facilities. The result of mentoring youth organizations in pioneering coffee shops is to increase the motivation of young people to become entrepreneurs, open jobs, increase cash for youth organizations, and add supporting facilities in the village sports room.
«Дизайнерские дети» как профилактика инвалидизации общества
Authors: Широкалова Галина Сергеевна
Published: March 2021

Медикализация человеческой жизни расширяет свои возможности и права в сферах, которые были/есть табу в координатах традиционной морали. В статье анализируется проблема конструирования будущего общества через создание «дизайнерских детей», в том числе для предотвращения инвалидизации населения с помощью биомедицинских ГМ-технологий. В отличие от ученых общественное мнение пока не готово к прогнозированию последствий, рассматривая биомедицину только как эффективный способ борьбы с болезнями. На уровне обыденного сознания нет предубеждений к исследованиям в данном направлении, лишь незначительная часть населения задумывается об отдаленных медицинских и социальных последствиях данных операций. В мире всегда существовали «ученые-еретики», работающие вне границ академий и институтов. Сегодня среди них могут быть и «биохакеры», чьи исследования финансируются частными лицами, заинтересованными в результатах для решения собственных целей и проконтролировать их работу не в силах ни один закон, ни одно государство, Среди ученых всегда были люди, готовые рискнуть всем ради нового слова в науке. В средние века они шли на костер, тем более не остановит научный прогресс наказание в несколько лет тюремного срока сегодня. Изменив этические границы для себя, они будут изменять мораль большинства. Пассивность общества сегодня спровоцирует политиков завтра на принятие решений, способствующих дальнейшей десакрализации человеческого тела в самых разных направлениях.
The medicalization of human life expands its capabilities and rights in areas that were / are taboo in the coordinates of traditional morality. The article analyzes the problem of constructing a future society through the creation of “designer children”, including prevention of disability of the population with the help of biomedical GM-technologies. Unlike scientists, public opinion is not yet ready to predict the consequences, considering biomedicine only as an effective way to fight diseases. At the level of everyday consciousness, there are no prejudices towards research in this direction, only a small part of the population thinks about the long-term medical and social consequences of these operations. There have always been “heretic scientists” in the world who work outside the boundaries of academies and institutions. Today, there may be “biohackers” among them, whose research is funded by private individuals interested in the results to achieve their own goals and not a single law, not a single state can control their work. Among scientists there have always been people who are ready to risk everything for a new word in science. In the Middle Ages, they went to the stake, so even less the punishment of several years in prison today can stop scientific progress. By changing ethical boundaries for themselves, they will change the morality of the majority. The passivity of society today will provoke politicians tomorrow to make decisions that contribute to the further desacralization of the human body in various directions.
Organization of medical care for patients with colorectal cancer during coronavirus-19 pandemic (review)
Authors: Chernyshov S. V. , Romanova E. M. , Tarasov M. A. , Frolov S. A. , Rybakov E. G. , Vaganov Yu. E.
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic, with it is rapid increase in new cases and deaths, has caused hospital overload around the world, creating an unprecedented challenge for health systems and requiring the rapid development of reliable and evidence-based guidelines. Moreover, this has led to urgent identification of non-COVID health priorities. The cancer service must be restructured. Diagnosis and treatment for colorectal cancer in the background of the COVID-19 pandemic requires a restrained approach based on the priority of patient care.
Role of the IGF-1 Axis in Overcoming Resistance in Breast Cancer
Authors: Ianza Anna , Sirico Marianna , Bernocchi Ottavia , Generali Daniele
Published: March 2021

Over the last two decades, many studies have demonstrated that the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is involved in a number of patho-physiological processes, as well as in the development of different types of solid tumors, including breast cancer (BC). Preclinical and clinical data showed that IGF-1 receptor (R) is overexpressed and hyper-phosphorylated in several subtypes of BCs. The central implications of this pathway in tumor cell proliferation and metastasis make it an important therapeutic target. Moreover, the IGF-1 axis has shown strong interconnection with estrogen regulation and endocrine therapy, suggesting a possible solution to anti-estrogen resistance. IGF-1R might also interfere with other pivotal therapeutic strategies, such as anti HER2 treatments and mTOR inhibitors; several clinical trials are ongoing evaluating the role of IGF-1R inhibition in modulating resistance mechanisms to target therapies. Our aim is to offer an overview of the most recent and significant field of application of IGF-1 inhibitors and relevant therapeutic strategies, weighing their possible future impact on clinical practice.
A Novel Immune-Related Prognostic Model for Response to Immunotherapy and Survival in Patients With Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zheng Yujia , Tian He , Zhou Zheng , Xiao Chu , Liu Hengchang , Liu Yu , Wang Liyu , Fan Tao , Zheng Bo , Tan Fengwei , Xue Qi , Gao Gengshu , Li Chunxiang , He Jie
Published: March 2021

Lung adenocarcinoma is one of the most malignant diseases worldwide. The immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) have changed the paradigm of lung cancer treatment; however, there are still patients who are resistant. Further exploration of the immune infiltration status of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is necessary for better clinical management. In our study, the CIBERSORT method was used to calculate the infiltration status of 22 immune cells in LUAD patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We clustered LUAD based on immune infiltration status by consensus clustering. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between cold and hot tumor group were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed. Last, we constructed a Cox regression model. We found that the infiltration of M0 macrophage cells and follicular helper T cells predicted an unfavorable overall survival of patients. Consensus clustering of 22 immune cells identified 5 clusters with different patterns of immune cells infiltration, stromal cells infiltration, and tumor purity. Based on the immune scores, we classified these five clusters into hot and cold tumors, which are different in transcription profiles. Hot tumors are enriched in cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, while cold tumors are enriched in metabolic pathways. Based on the hub genes and prognostic-related genes, we developed a Cox regression model to predict the overall survival of patients with LUAD and validated in other three datasets. In conclusion, we developed an immune-related signature that can predict the prognosis of patients, which might facilitate the clinical application of immunotherapy in LUAD.
Meta-Analysis of Peripheral Blood Transcriptome Datasets Reveals a Biomarker Panel for Tuberculosis in Patients Infected With HIV
Authors: Chen Yahong , Wang Qiaowen , Lin Shujin , Lai Jinglan , Lin Jing , Ao Wen , Han Xiao , Ye Hanhui
Published: March 2021

Biomarkers are critical for rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and could benefit patients with AIDS where diagnosis of TB co-infection is challenging. Meta-analysis is an approach to combine the results of the studies with standard statistical method by weighting each study with different sample size. This study aimed to use meta-analysis to integrate transcriptome datasets from different studies and screen for TB biomarkers in patients who were HIV-positive. Five datasets were subjected to meta-analysis on whole-blood transcriptomes from 640 patients infected with HIV. A total of 293 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified as significant (P<0.0001) using the random effective model to integrate the statistical results from each study. DEGs were enriched in biological processes related to TB, such as “Type I interferon signaling” and “stimulatory C-type lectin receptor signaling”. Eighteen DEGs had at least a two-fold change in expression between patients infected with HIV who were TB-positive and those who were TB-negative. GBP4, SERPING1, ATF3 and CDKBN3 were selected as a biomarker panel to perform multivariable logistic regression analysis on TB status and relative gene expression levels. The biomarker panel showed excellent accuracy (AUC>0.90 for HIV+TB) in clinical trial and suggests that meta-analysis is an efficient method to integrate transcriptome datasets from different studies.
Changes in Slight and Extreme Precipitation Events From 1963 to 2017 Over Northern Xinjiang, China
Authors: Li Minggang , Zhao Yong , Li Yang , Zhou Xin , Zhang Shaobo
Published: March 2021

Based on daily measured data from 25 stations in Xinjiang Province from 1963 to 2017, we discuss the statistical characteristics, linear trends, and temporal concentration of slight precipitation (SP) and extreme precipitation (EP) events, and consider relationships between SP and EP events and daily mean temperature. The results show that SP events contribute strongly to the total annual number of wet days, and that EP events contribute strongly to the total annual precipitation amount. In consist with the decrease in SP events and the increase in EP events over the 55-year period, the contribution of SP events to total annual number of wet days has decreased significantly while the contribution of EP events to total annual precipitation amount has increased significantly. SP event usually distributes through most months of the year, whereas EP event usually concentrates in summer (JJA). Influenced by the negative trends for SP events frequency and positive trends of EP events frequency during recent decades, the concentration degree for SP and EP events have significantly increased and decreased, respectively. Distinct differences are found between the relationships of SP events and EP events to daily mean temperature. The daily mean temperature recorded at the stations in Northern Xinjiang on days with SP events was between –35°C and +34°C, and for EP events ranged from –21°C to +30°C. Regionally averaged curves for the change in SP and EP event frequency with temperature have bimodal and unimodal distributions, respectively. Trends for daily mean temperatures and for the frequency of SP events at different temperatures agree well over nearly the entire temperature range, while trends for daily mean temperatures and for the frequency of EP events at different temperatures are not always consistent. These results will help to improve our understanding of the characteristics and variability of precipitation in arid regions within the context of climate warming.
The Role of Learning and Communication Technologies in Online Courses’ Design and Delivery: A Cross-National Study of Faculty Perceptions and Practices
Authors: Meletiou-Mavrotheris Maria , Mavrou Katerina , Rebelo Piedade Vaz
Published: March 2021

This article presents the results of a study, conducted within the scope of the EU-funded project RELOBIE: Reusable Learning Objects in Education, which investigated faculty perceptions and practices regarding the educational use of contemporary and emerging technologies. A cross-national, in-depth online survey of n = 171 faculty members in the four partner countries (Estonia, Cyprus, Norway, Portugal) took place. Seventy-six (n = 76; 44.4%) of these faculty members taught courses which were either offered at-distance (no face-to-face component), or involved a significant online component (blended courses). The study gained some useful insights into online instructors’ perceptions, motivations, and experiences regarding the instructional use of digital videos and other technologies (e.g. subject-specific software, collaboration tools, games, simulations, virtual labs). It also shed some light into both facilitating and inhibiting factors to the effective integration of learning and communication technologies into online courses’ design and delivery.
Why Do They Enroll in This Course? Undergraduates’ Course Choice From a Motivational Perspective
Authors: Lee Hye Rin , von Keyserlingk Luise , Arum Richard , Eccles Jacquelynne Sue
Published: March 2021

Why do students pick various courses? Interdisciplinary research has highlighted the role of structural constraints, normative expectations, and individual motivation as the joint influences of agency and structure in the service of life goals. Here, we examined undergraduates’ reasons for course choices for their most difficult and most important courses. We compared the reasons for non-major vs. major courses, for freshman vs. juniors, and across different disciplines. College students selected courses that fulfilled their major or breadth requirements, particularly in their freshman year. STEM courses were taken more for career development reasons than other disciplines, particularly humanities courses; social sciences courses were taken more for interest than STEM courses; and humanities courses were taken more for intellectual broadening than STEM courses.
The Impact of lncRNAs in Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and In Silico Analyses
Authors: Dieter Cristine , Lemos Natália Emerim , Corrêa Nathalia Rodrigues de Faria , Assmann Taís Silveira , Crispim Daisy
Published: March 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding transcripts that have emerged as one of the largest and diverse RNA families that regulate gene expression. Accumulating evidence has suggested a number of lncRNAs are involved in diabetes mellitus (DM) pathogenesis. However, results about lncRNA expressions in DM patients are still inconclusive. Thus, we performed a systematic review of the literature on the subject followed by bioinformatics analyses to better understand which lncRNAs are dysregulated in DM and in which pathways they act. Pubmed, Embase, and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repositories were searched to identify studies that investigated lncRNA expression in cases with DM and non-diabetic controls. LncRNAs consistently dysregulated in DM patients were submitted to bioinformatics analysis to retrieve their target genes and identify potentially affected signaling pathways under their regulation. Fifty-three eligible articles were included in this review after the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Six hundred and thirty-eight lncRNAs were differentially expressed between cases and controls in at least one study. Among them, six lncRNAs were consistently dysregulated in patients with DM (Anril, Hotair, Malat1, Miat, Kcnq1ot1, and Meg3) compared to controls. Moreover, these six lncRNAs participate in several metabolism-related pathways, evidencing their importance in DM. This systematic review suggests six lncRNAs are dysregulated in DM, constituting potential biomarkers of this disease.
Osteocalcin and Abdominal Aortic Calcification in Hemodialysis Patients: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jia Fengyu , Wang Suxia , Jing Ying , Zhao Hanhui , Rong Peng , Zhang Hongbin , Lu Wenting , Xue Yan , Sun Gang
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To investigate the serum level of osteocalcin (OC), also known as bone Gla protein, in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients and its correlation with abdominal aortic calcification (AAC).

Methods

From July 2017 to February 2020, we enrolled 108 adult MHD patients. Routine fasting blood laboratory tests were performed before the start of the second hemodialysis in a week. Abdominal aortic calcification score (AACs) was assessed within 1 month. Pearson correlation and Logistic regression were used to analyze the data.

Results

The OC level was 231.56 (25.92,361.33) ng/ml, elevating significantly in this group of MHD patients. It had a positive correlation with serum phosphorus (r = 0.511, P = 0.001), intact parathyroid hormone(iPTH) (r = 0.594, P = 0.0001), fibroblast growth factor 23(FGF23) (r = 0.485, P = 0.003) and a negative correlation with age(r = -0.356, P = 0.039). Based on the AACs, patients were divided into two groups. Serum OC level were higher in patients with AACs≥5 (p=0.032). A multiple logistics regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio [OR]1.14, P=0.005) and OC(OR=1.10, P=0.008)were risk factors for high AACs(≥5).

Conclusion

The study implicated that OC elevated significantly in this group of MHD patients.OC is positively correlated with phosphorus, iPTH, FGF23, and a negative correlation with age. OC was a risk factor for vascular calcification in this study, but this study did not classify osteocalcin as c-OC and unOC. Whether unOC is associated more directly with vascular calcification requires further study.
Metformin Strongly Affects Gut Microbiome Composition in High-Fat Diet-Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mouse Model of Both Sexes
Authors: Silamiķele Laila , Silamiķelis Ivars , Ustinova Monta , Kalniņa Zane , Elbere Ilze , Petrovska Ramona , Kalniņa Ineta , Kloviņš Jānis
Published: March 2021

Effects of metformin, the first-line drug for type 2 diabetes therapy, on gut microbiome composition in type 2 diabetes have been described in various studies both in human subjects and animals. However, the details of the molecular mechanisms of metformin action have not been fully understood. Moreover, there is a significant lack of information on how metformin affects gut microbiome composition in female mouse models, depending on sex and metabolic status in well controlled experimental setting. Our study aimed to examine metformin-induced alterations in gut microbiome diversity, composition, and functional implications of high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes mouse model, using, for the first time in mice study, the shotgun metagenomic sequencing that allows estimation of microorganisms at species level. We also employed a randomized block, factorial study design, and including 24 experimental units allocated to 8 treatment groups to systematically evaluate the effect of sex and metabolic status on metformin interaction with microbiome. We used DNA obtained from fecal samples representing gut microbiome before and after ten weeks-long metformin treatment. We identified 100 metformin-related differentially abundant species in high-fat diet-fed mice before and after the treatment, with most of the species relative abundances increased. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in control diet-fed mice. Functional analysis targeted to carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism pathways revealed 14 significantly altered hierarchies. We also observed sex-specific differences in response to metformin treatment. Males experienced more pronounced changes in metabolic markers, while in females the extent of changes in gut microbiome representatives was more marked, indicated by 53 differentially abundant species with more remarkable Log fold changes compared to the combined-sex analysis. The same pattern manifested regarding the functional analysis, where we discovered 5 significantly affected hierarchies in female groups but not in males. Our results suggest that both sexes of animals should be included in future studies focusing on metformin effects on the gut microbiome.
Quality of Life in Men With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Due to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency
Authors: Verhees Myrthe J. M. , Engels Manon , Span Paul N. , Sweep Fred C. G. J. , van Herwaarden Antonius E. , Falhammar Henrik , Nordenström Anna , Webb Emma A. , Richter-Unruh Annette , Bouvattier Claire , Perrière Aude Brac de la , Arlt Wiebke , Reisch Nicole , Köhler Birgit , Rapp Marion , Stikkelbroeck Nike M. M. L. , Roeleveld Nel , Claahsen-van der Grinten Hedi L.
Published: March 2021

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is a disorder of adrenal steroid biosynthesis, leading to hypocortisolism, hypoaldosteronism, and hyperandrogenism. Impaired quality of life (QoL) has been demonstrated in women with CAH, but data on men with CAH are scarce. We hypothesized that disease severity and poor treatment control are inversely associated with QoL. In this study, 109 men (16-68 years) with 21OHD were included. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to measure self-reported QoL domain scores on a 0-100 scale, where higher scores reflect better QoL. QoL domain scores were compared to published data on healthy and chronically ill reference populations from France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Differences in QoL scores among groups of disease severity and treatment control were tested within the study population. Overall, the men with CAH in this study appeared to rate their QoL as good. Median domain scores were 78.6 (IQR: 67.9-85.7) for physical health, 79.2 (IQR: 66.7-87.5) for psychological health, 75.0 (IQR: 58.3-83.3) for social relationships, and 81.3 (IQR: 71.9-90.6) for environment. In general, these scores were similar to WHOQOL-BREF domain scores in healthy references and higher compared to chronically ill reference populations. The domain scores did not differ among genotype groups, but patients with undertreatment or increased 17-hydroxyprogestrone concentrations scored higher on several QoL domains (p<0.05). Patients treated with dexamethasone or prednisone scored higher on the physical health, psychological health, and social relationships domains, but not on the environmental domain. In conclusion, QoL domain scores appeared to be comparable to healthy reference populations and higher compared to patients with a chronic illness. QoL was not influenced by genotype, but undertreatment and use of dexamethasone or prednisone were associated with higher QoL.
Signaling Pathways Involved in Nutrient Sensing Control in Cancer Stem Cells: An Overview
Authors: Robles-Flores Martha , Moreno-Londoño Angela P. , Castañeda-Patlán M. Cristina
Published: March 2021

Cancer cells characteristically have a high proliferation rate. Because tumor growth depends on energy-consuming anabolic processes, including biosynthesis of protein, lipid, and nucleotides, many tumor-associated conditions, including intermittent oxygen deficiency due to insufficient vascularization, oxidative stress, and nutrient deprivation, results from fast growth. To cope with these environmental stressors, cancer cells, including cancer stem cells, must adapt their metabolism to maintain cellular homeostasis. It is well- known that cancer stem cells (CSC) reprogram their metabolism to adapt to live in hypoxic niches. They usually change from oxidative phosphorylation to increased aerobic glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen. However, as opposed to most differentiated cancer cells relying on glycolysis, CSCs can be highly glycolytic or oxidative phosphorylation-dependent, displaying high metabolic plasticity. Although the influence of the metabolic and nutrient-sensing pathways on the maintenance of stemness has been recognized, the molecular mechanisms that link these pathways to stemness are not well known. Here in this review, we describe the most relevant signaling pathways involved in nutrient sensing and cancer cell survival. Among them, Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, mTOR pathway, and Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway (HBP) are critical sensors of cellular energy and nutrient status in cancer cells and interact in complex and dynamic ways.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women’s Reproductive Health
Authors: Phelan Niamh , Behan Lucy Ann , Owens Lisa
Published: March 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the lives of the global population. It is known that periods of stress and psychological distress can affect women’s menstrual cycles. We therefore performed an observational study of women’s reproductive health over the course of the pandemic thus far.

Materials and Methods

An anonymous digital survey was shared by the authors via social media in September 2020. All women of reproductive age were invited to complete the survey.

Results

1031 women completed the survey. Mean age was 36.7 ± 6.6 years (range, 15–54). 693/70% reported recording their cycles using an app or diary. 233/23% were using hormonal contraception. 441/46% reported a change in their menstrual cycle since the beginning of the pandemic. 483/53% reported worsening premenstrual symptoms, 100/18% reported new menorrhagia (p = 0.003) and 173/30% new dysmenorrhea (p < 0.0001) compared to before the pandemic. 72/9% reported missed periods who not previously missed periods (p = 0.003) and the median number of missed periods was 2 (1–3). 17/21% of those who “occasionally” missed periods pre-pandemic missed periods “often” during pandemic. 467/45% reported a reduced libido. There was no change in the median cycle length (28 days) or days of bleeding (5) but there was a wider variability of cycle length (p = 0.01) and a 1 day median decrease in the minimum (p < 0.0001) and maximum (p = 0.009) cycle length. Women reported a median 2 kg increase in self-reported weight and a 30-min increase in median weekly exercise. 517/50% of women stated that their diet was worse and 232/23% that it was better than before the pandemic. 407/40% reported working more and 169/16% were working less. Women related a significant increase in low mood (p < 0.0001), poor appetite (p < 0.0001), binge eating (p < 0.0001), poor concentration (p < 0.0001), anxiety (p < 0.0001), poor sleep (p < 0.0001), loneliness (p < 0.0001) and excess alcohol use (p < 0.0001). Specific stressors reported included work stress (499/48%), difficulty accessing healthcare (254/25%), change in financial (201/19%) situation, difficulties with home schooling (191/19%) or childcare (99/10%), family or partner conflict (170/16%), family illness or bereavement (156/15%).

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the reproductive health of women. The long term health implications of this are yet to be determined and future studies should address this.
The Efficacy and Potential Mechanisms of Metformin in the Treatment of COVID-19 in the Diabetics: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zangiabadian Moein , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Zahmatkesh Mohammad Mahdi , Hajikhani Bahareh , Mirsaeidi Mehdi , Nasiri Mohammad Javad
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common comorbidities among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which may exacerbate complications of this new viral infection. Metformin is an anti-hyperglycemic agent with host-directed immune-modulatory effects, which relieve exaggerated inflammation and reduce lung tissue damage. The current systematic review aimed to summarize the available evidence on the potential mechanism of action and the efficacy of metformin in COVID-19 patients with DM.

Methods

A systematic search was carried out in PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science up to July 30, 2020. The following keywords were used: “COVID-19”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “2019-nCoV”, “metformin”, and “antidiabetic drug”.

Results

Fourteen studies were included in our systematic review. Three of them were observational with 6,659 participants. Decreasing insulin resistance, reduction of some inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α, modulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, and improving neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio are some of the potential mechanisms of metformin in COVID-19 patients with DM. Nine out of fourteen articles revealed the positive effect of metformin on the prognosis of COVID-19 in diabetic or even non-diabetic patients. Moreover, different studies have shown that metformin is more effective in women than men.

Conclusions

The use of metformin may lead to improve the clinical outcomes of patients with mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2, especially in diabetic women. Further observational studies should be conducted to clarify the effects of metformin as a part of the treatment strategy of COVID-19.
Dynamic Interactions Between the Immune System and the Neuroendocrine System in Health and Disease
Authors: Klein John R.
Published: March 2021

The immune system and the neuroendocrine system share many common features. Both consist of diverse components consisting of receptors and networks that are widely distributed throughout the body, and both sense and react to external stimuli which, on the one hand control mechanisms of immunity, and on the other hand control and regulate growth, development, and metabolism. It is thus not surprising, therefore, that the immune system and the neuroendocrine system communicate extensively. This article will focus on bi-directional immune-endocrine interactions with particular emphasis on the hormones of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. New findings will be discussed demonstrating the direct process through which the immune system-derived thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) controls thyroid hormone synthesis and bone metamorphosis, particularly in the context of a novel splice variant of TSHβ made by peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL). Also presented are the ways whereby the TSHβ splice variant may be a contributing factor in the development and/or perpetuation of autoimmune thyroid disease (AIT), and how systemic infection may elicit immune-endocrine responses. The relationship between non-HPT hormones, in particular adipose hormones, and immunity is discussed.