bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geomatics and smart tools in Digital Land Resources Mapping and Sustainability of Coastal Agriculture, Egypt
Authors: Zahran Mohamed , Gad Abd-Alla
Published: June 2022

The northwestern coast of Egypt is characterized by an international interest due to its history and magnificent environment. The area was known as being the bread basket during the Greek and Roman periods. Recently, drastic changes in land use resulting in destructing many of water harvesting tools, thus diminution of the agriculture importance. Restoration of the area and planning self-sufficient communities needs to develop a sustainable land resources database for these regions. Multi concept of remote sensing and the Geographic Information System (GIS) permit to store, merge, and manipulate the huge amounts of thematic maps and attribute data. Sentinel satellite image 2018 scenes, covering the study area at the Egyptian northwestern coast, were acquired. ENVI software was used for image processing. A number of 53 topographic maps at scale 1:50000 were used to input GIS thematic layers relevant to land resources, using Arc_GIS 10.2 system. Field investigation was carried out to represent different soil units and collect ground control points. Chemical and physical soil properties were determined to assist soil classification. Soil map was produced including dominant geographic units and soil association. MicroLEIS system was employed to define soil suitability classes to olives, peach, wheat, beans, and sunflower crops. An intelligent module will be added to analyze the digital maps, interact the given data with learning tool (layer) to provide the decision makers with suggested solution not only information. The results showed that the soils are generally characterized by the presence of Calcic, Petrogypsic and Salic horizons. The limiting factors found in the piedmont and coastal plains are salinity, soil depth and texture. These factors decrease the suitability classes to be between S2 and S5.It can be concluded that the digital mapping of land resources using Geographic Information System (GIS) and satellite data preserve in the investment spent in soil and other thematic mapping.
Briefs in Assessing the Adequacy of Health Care Facilities’ Fixed Assets
Authors: Antipova Tatiana , Zhelnin Alexander , Zhelnina Iuliia
Published: June 2022

This work considers some procedures to assess the adequacy of fixed assets for Health Care facilities activity. In terms of effectiveness, equitable distribution examines whether limited resources are directed toward improving the health of the population in the delivery of health care services. Assessing the adequacy of health care resources examines the extent to which resources are used to provide health system outcomes and/or achieve health system goals. The results of such an assessment: on the one hand can prevent waste of limited health care resources, and another hand to increase effectiveness of health care services.
ANALISIS KESIAPAN PENERAPAN REKAM MEDIS ELEKTRONIK (RME)DI RSUP DR. M. DJAMIL PADANG
Authors: Yoga Vesri , Jaka Bestari , Yanti Mendhel
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The use of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) can provide great benefits for health services such as basic service facilities and referrals (hospitals). Currently, RSUP dr. M. Djamil plans to implement services with electronic medical records for services efficiency and improve the quality of services provided for patients, and ensure patient safety. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a readiness assessment before implementing EMR. This will help identify processes and priority scales, as well as help establish operational functions to support the optimization of EMR implementation. Research objectives to analyze the readiness of implementing electronic medical records at RSUP dr. M. Djamil Padang. Methods: The research design used in this research is a case study with a qualitative approach. The research was conducted at the RSUP dr. M. Djamil Padang. The research activity was started from August to October 2020. The informants in this study were selected based on the purposive sampling method. Results: This study shows that organizational culture readiness is quite ready. Knowledge related to the application of EMR has been disseminated to all medical staff and medical support and experience in implementing EMR in the Emergency Room, which was currently running, there were still obstacles, still use manual printouts at the end. Regarding the readiness of governance and leadership, RSUP dr. M. Djamil Padang has a clear vision in implementing EMR. The average informant is optimistic that the change in the manual to electronic medical record system (EMR) can be successfully implemented in RSUP dr. M. Djamil Padang because the EMR can provide benefits for the hospital. The readiness of human resources for medical support is still in a gradual process. For infrastructure readiness, hardware and software can be implemented at RSUP dr. M. Djamil Padang in implementing EMR, although there were still some obstacles, the hospital is optimistic that the implementation of this EMR will run well. Conclusion: EMR implementation readiness still needs to be improved, such as organizational culture readiness, governance and leadership readiness, Human Resources (HR) readiness, and infrastructure readiness.
LncRNA MALAT1 Promotes PPARα/CD36-Mediated Hepatic Lipogenesis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Modulating miR-206/ARNT Axis
Authors: Xiang Juan , Deng Yuan-Yuan , Liu Hui-Xia , Pu Ying
Published: June 2022

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to play crucial roles in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This research sought to explore mechanisms by which lncRNA MALAT1 regulates the progression of NAFLD. Thus, in order to detect the function of MALAT1 in NAFLD, in vitro and in vivo model of NAFLD were established. Then, fatty acid uptake and triglyceride level were investigated by BODIPY labeled-fatty acid uptake assay and Oil red O staining, respectively. The expressions of MALAT1, miR-206, ARNT, PPARα and CD36 were detected by western blotting and qPCR. Dual luciferase, RIP and ChIP assay were used to validate the relation among MALAT1, miR-206, ARNT and PPARα. The data revealed expression of MALAT1 was up-regulated in vitro and in vivo in NAFLD, and knockdown of MALAT1 suppressed FFA-induced lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Meanwhile, MALAT1 upregulated the expression of ARNT through binding with miR-206. Moreover, miR-206 inhibitor reversed MALAT1 knockdown effects in decreased lipid accumulation in FFA-treated hepatocytes. Furthermore, ARNT could inhibit the expression of PPARα via binding with PPARα promoter. Knockdown of MALAT1 significantly upregulated the level of PPARα and downregulated the expression of CD36, while PPARα knockdown reversed these phenomena. MALAT1 regulated PPARα/CD36 -mediated hepatic lipid accumulation in NAFLD through regulation of miR-206/ARNT axis. Thus, MALAT1/miR-206/ARNT might serve as a therapeutic target against NAFLD.
Electron-Beam Irradiated Recombinant Human Collagen-Phosphorylcholine Corneal Implants Retain Pro-Regeneration Capacity
Authors: Simpson Fiona C. , Islam Mohammed Mirazul , Buznyk Oleksiy , Edin Elle , Groleau Marc , Kozak-Ljunggren Monika , Magrelli Federica M. , AbuSamra Dina B. , Argüeso Pablo , Chodosh James , Liszka Aneta , Fagerholm Per , Griffith May
Published: June 2022

Sterilization of biodegradable, collagen-based implants is challenging as irradiation sterilization methods can alter their mechanical properties. Electron beam (EB) irradiation is a terminal sterilization method that has been used for biologically-derived implants. Here, recombinant human collagen type III-phosphorylcholine (RHCIII-MPC) hydrogels were irradiated with EB doses of 17, 19, or 21 kGy and their subsequent biocompatibility and ability to promote regeneration in rabbit corneas was evaluated. Unirradiated hydrogels stored in 1% chloroform in phosphate-buffered saline (C-PBS) were the controls. There were no significant differences between irradiated and non-irradiated samples in optical or physical properties (tensile strength, modulus, elasticity), or the ability to support cell growth. However, irradiated implants were more sensitive to high levels of collagenase than unirradiated controls and the C-PBS implants had increased cell growth compared to EB and controls at 72 h. Corneal implants e-beamed at 17 kGy or e-beamed and subsequently frozen (EB-F) to increase shelf-life showed no adverse biological effects of the irradiation. EB, EB-F, and C-PBS implanted corneas all rapidly re-epithelialized but showed mild neovascularization that resolved over 6 months. The regenerated neo-corneas were transparent at 6 months post-operation. In vivo confocal microscopy confirmed normal morphology for the epithelium, stroma, sub-basal nerves and unoperated endothelium. Histology showed that all the regenerated corneas were morphologically similar to the normal. Immunohistochemistry indicated the presence of a differentiated corneal epithelium and functional tear film. In conclusion, the e-beamed corneal implants performed as well as non-irradiated control implants, resulting in fully regenerated neo-corneas with new nerves and without blood vessels or inflammation that may impede vision or corneal function. Therefore, a complete validation study to establish EB irradiation as an effective means for corneal implant sterilization prior to clinical application is necessary as a next step.
Characterization of an Innovative Biomaterial Derived From Human Wharton’s Jelly as a New Promising Coating for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Fayon Adrien , Helle Deborah , Francius Gregory , Vincourt Jean-Baptiste , Regnault Véronique , Dumas Dominique , Menu Patrick , El Omar Reine
Published: June 2022

The extracellular matrix (ECM) offers the opportunity to create a biomaterial consisting of a microenvironment with interesting biological and biophysical properties for improving and regulating cell functions. Animal-derived ECM are the most widely used as an alternative to human tissues that are of very limited availability. However, incomplete decellularization of these tissues presents a high risk of immune rejection and disease transmission. In this study, we present an innovative method to extract human ECM derived from the Wharton’s jelly (WJ-ECMaa) of umbilical cords as a novel biomaterial to be used in tissue engineering. WJ-ECMaa was very efficiently decellularized, suggesting its possible use in allogeneic conditions. Characterization of its content allowed the identification of type I collagen as its main component. Various other matrix proteins, playing an important role in cell adhesion and proliferation, were also detected. WJ-ECMaa applied as a surface coating was analyzed by fluorescent labeling and atomic force microscopy. The results revealed a particular arrangement of collagen fibers not previously described in the literature. This biomaterial also presented better cytocompatibility compared to the conventional collagen coating. Moreover, it showed adequate hemocompatibility, allowing its use as a surface with direct contact with blood. Application of WJ-ECMaa as a coating of the luminal surface of umbilical arteries for a use in vascular tissue engineering, has improved significantly the cellularization of this surface by allowing a full and homogeneous cell coverage. Taking these results together, our novel extraction method of human ECM offers a very promising biomaterial with many potential applications in tissue engineering such as the one presented direct in vascular tissue engineering. Further characterization of the composition and functionality will help explore the ways it can be used in tissue engineering applications, especially as a scaffold or a surface coating.
NGLY1 Deficiency Zebrafish Model Manifests Abnormalities of the Nervous and Musculoskeletal Systems
Authors: Mesika Aviv , Nadav Golan , Shochat Chen , Kalfon Limor , Jackson Karen , Khalaileh Ayat , Karasik David , Falik-Zaccai Tzipora C.
Published: June 2022

Background: NGLY1 is an enigmatic enzyme with multiple functions across a wide range of species. In humans, pathogenic genetic variants in NGLY1 are linked to a variable phenotype of global neurological dysfunction, abnormal tear production, and liver disease presenting the rare autosomal recessive disorder N-glycanase deficiency. We have ascertained four NGLY1 deficiency patients who were found to carry a homozygous nonsense variant (c.1294G > T, p.Glu432*) in NGLY1.

Methods: We created an ngly1 deficiency zebrafish model and studied the nervous and musculoskeletal (MSK) systems to further characterize the phenotypes and pathophysiology of the disease.

Results: Nervous system morphology analysis has shown significant loss of axon fibers in the peripheral nervous system. In addition, we found muscle structure abnormality of the mutant fish. Locomotion behavior analysis has shown hypersensitivity of the larval ngly1(−/−) fish during stress conditions.

Conclusion: This first reported NGLY1 deficiency zebrafish model might add to our understanding of NGLY1 role in the development of the nervous and MSK systems. Moreover, it might elucidate the natural history of the disease and be used as a platform for the development of novel therapies.
DEAD-ly Affairs: The Roles of DEAD-Box Proteins on HIV-1 Viral RNA Metabolism
Authors: Rao Shringar , Mahmoudi Tokameh
Published: June 2022

In order to ensure viral gene expression, Human Immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) recruits numerous host proteins that promote optimal RNA metabolism of the HIV-1 viral RNAs (vRNAs), such as the proteins of the DEAD-box family. The DEAD-box family of RNA helicases regulates multiple steps of RNA metabolism and processing, including transcription, splicing, nucleocytoplasmic export, trafficking, translation and turnover, mediated by their ATP-dependent RNA unwinding ability. In this review, we provide an overview of the functions and role of all DEAD-box family protein members thus far described to influence various aspects of HIV-1 vRNA metabolism. We describe the molecular mechanisms by which HIV-1 hijacks these host proteins to promote its gene expression and we discuss the implications of these interactions during viral infection, their possible roles in the maintenance of viral latency and in inducing cell death. We also speculate on the emerging potential of pharmacological inhibitors of DEAD-box proteins as novel therapeutics to control the HIV-1 pandemic.
Characterization of the B-Cell Epitopes of Echinococcus granulosus Histones H4 and H2A Recognized by Sera From Patients With Liver Cysts
Authors: Maglioco Andrea , Agüero Facundo A. , Valacco María Pía , Valdez Alejandra Juárez , Paulino Margot , Fuchs Alicia G.
Published: June 2022

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease worldwide distributed, caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus), with an incidence rate of 50/100,000 person/year and a high prevalence in humans of 5-10%. Serology has variable sensitivity and specificity and low predictive values. Antigens used are from the hydatid fluid and recombinant antigens have not demonstrated superiority over hydatid fluid. A cell line called EGPE was obtained from E. granulosus sensu lato G1 strain from bovine liver. Serum from CE patients recognizes protein extracts from EGPE cells with higher sensitivity than protein extracts from hydatid fluid. In the present study, EGPE cell protein extracts and supernatants from cell colonies were eluted from a protein G affinity column performed with sera from 11 CE patients. LC-MS/MS proteomic analysis of the eluted proteins identified four E. granulosus histones: one histone H4 in the cell extract and supernatant, one histone H2A only in the cell extract, and two histones H2A only in the supernatant. This differential distribution of histones could reflect different parasite viability stages regarding their role in gene transcription and silencing and could interact with host cells. Bioinformatics tools characterized the linear and conformational epitopes involved in antibody recognition. The three-dimensional structure of each histone was obtained by molecular modeling and validated by molecular dynamics simulation and PCR confirmed the presence of the epitopes in the parasite genome. The three histones H2A were very different and had a less conserved sequence than the histone H4. Comparison of the histones of E. granulosus with those of other organisms showed exclusive regions for E. granulosus. Since histones play a role in the host-parasite relationship they could be good candidates to improve the predictive value of serology in CE.
Motion Events in L1 and L2 Mapudungun Narratives: Typology and Cross-Linguistic Influence
Authors: Becerra Rodrigo , Osorio Jorge , Cantarutti Ítalo , Llanquinao Gabriel
Published: June 2022

We compare the motion lexicalization patterns produced by L1 and L2 speakers of Mapudungun, an indigenous minority language spoken in Chile and Argentina. According to previous descriptions, the patterns of motion expression in Mapudungun have some characteristics of an equipollently-framed language, which contrast with the usual motion expression in Spanish. The data comprise oral narratives of the picture storybook “Frog, where are you?”, collected from 10 Mapudungun native speakers and 9 Spanish native speakers who are late bilinguals of Mapudungun. We report the general results (comparison of total clauses, translational clauses, types, and tokens) and analyze three general conflation patterns: the encoding of the semantic components of Path and Manner, the conflation of various components into serial verb constructions, and the encoding of Ground. The results show that L2 speakers encoded a significantly lower proportion of Manner verbs and a higher proportion of Path verbs than L1 speakers, used a significantly less diverse inventory of Path and Manner verb types, a significantly lower number of motion serial verb constructions, and a significantly higher number of plus-Ground clauses than L1 speakers, suggesting cross-linguistic influence from Spanish.
Adaptive-Attentive Geolocalization From Few Queries: A Hybrid Approach
Authors: Paolicelli Valerio , Berton Gabriele , Montagna Francesco , Masone Carlo , Caputo Barbara
Published: June 2022

We tackle the task of cross-domain visual geo-localization, where the goal is to geo-localize a given query image against a database of geo-tagged images, in the case where the query and the database belong to different visual domains. In particular, at training time, we consider having access to only few unlabeled queries from the target domain. To adapt our deep neural network to the database distribution, we rely on a 2-fold domain adaptation technique, based on a hybrid generative-discriminative approach. To further enhance the architecture, and to ensure robustness across domains, we employ a novel attention layer that can easily be plugged into existing architectures. Through a large number of experiments, we show that this adaptive-attentive approach makes the model robust to large domain shifts, such as unseen cities or weather conditions. Finally, we propose a new large-scale dataset for cross-domain visual geo-localization, called SVOX.
Intravenous Leiomyomatosis Complicated by Arteriovenous Fistula: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Kan Haoxuan , Cao Yang , Chen Yuexin , Zheng Yuehong
Published: June 2022

Background

Uterine intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL), a rare type of uterine leiomyoma, is defined by the intravascular proliferation of a histologically benign smooth muscle cell tumor. Pelvic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a rare vascular malformation that is most commonly congenital, post-traumatic, or iatrogenic. The link between leiomyomatosis and AVF has received little attention in the medical literature.

Results

We provide a case series of seven patients, four of whom were from our center, who had IVL complicated by a pelvic AVF. The symptoms of right heart failure were noted as swelling in the abdomen and two legs as well as a significant amount of ascites. Coil embolization of AVFs may be beneficial in minimizing bleeding during IVL surgery. A review of all accessible literature published on IVLs from 2000 to 2020 was conducted, and data were retrieved from 78 papers totaling 262 cases. Complications and recurrence were associated with pelvic mass excision and intravascular remnant tumor, respectively.

Conclusion

Intravenous leiomyomatosis combined with AVF aggravates congestion symptoms of surrounding organs. It is worth noting the uncommon combination of AVF and IVL, stressing the importance of a thorough assessment and surgical approach in IVL treatment.
Relevance of Ferroptosis to Cardiotoxicity Caused by Anthracyclines: Mechanisms to Target Treatments
Authors: Zhang Guoxia , Yuan Chao , Su Xin , Zhang Jianzhen , Gokulnath Priyanka , Vulugundam Gururaja , Li Guoping , Yang Xinyu , An Na , Liu Can , Sun Wanli , Chen Hengwen , Wu Min , Sun Shipeng , Xing Yanwei
Published: June 2022

Anthracyclines (ANTs) are a class of anticancer drugs widely used in oncology. However, the clinical application of ANTs is limited by their cardiotoxicity. The mechanisms underlying ANTs-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) are complicated and involve oxidative stress, inflammation, topoisomerase 2β inhibition, pyroptosis, immunometabolism, autophagy, apoptosis, ferroptosis, etc. Ferroptosis is a new form of regulated cell death (RCD) proposed in 2012, characterized by iron-dependent accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. An increasing number of studies have found that ferroptosis plays a vital role in the development of AIC. Therefore, we aimed to elaborate on ferroptosis in AIC, especially by doxorubicin (DOX). We first summarize the mechanisms of ferroptosis in terms of oxidation and anti-oxidation systems. Then, we discuss the mechanisms related to ferroptosis caused by DOX, particularly from the perspective of iron metabolism of cardiomyocytes. We also present our research on the prevention and treatment of AIC based on ferroptosis. Finally, we enumerate our views on the development of drugs targeting ferroptosis in this emerging field.
Clinical Validation of the Impact of Branch Stent Extension on Hemodynamics in ISF-TEVAR Involving LSA Reconstruction
Authors: Hu Jiateng , Li Fengshi , Qiu Peng , Wu Xiaoyu , Pu Hongji , Zhao Zhen , Qin Jinbao , Liu Guang , Jin Shanliang , Lu Xinwu , Liu Xiaobing
Published: June 2022

Background

The study of hemodynamics regarding thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is helpful to improve the surgical efficacy.

Objective

Correlations between hemodynamic changes and branch stent extension length and interference factors for branch stent extension length of in situ fenestration TEVAR (ISF-TEVAR) involving the left subclavian artery (LSA) were evaluated.

Materials and Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed 196 patients with Stanford type B aortic dissection who received in situ laser fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair with LSA fenestration from April 2014 to March 2021. Branch stent extension to the main stent graft was evaluated by the computed tomographic angiography (CTA). Hemodynamic change of LSA was defined as a 20 mmHg interbrachial systolic pressure difference. The factors affecting the extension of the branch stent were also evaluated.

Results

All patients underwent ISF-TEVAR with LSA fenestration, and there was no recurrence during the follow-up. The mean length of the branch stent extension was 10.37 ± 0.34 mm, which was used to divide the patients into long and short groups. Asymptomatic hemodynamic changes (defined as a 20 mmHg interbrachial systolic pressure difference) in LSA were observed in 61 patients undergoing ISF-TEVAR involving LSA fenestration. The Spearman correlation analysis showed extension length of a branch stent >1.5 cm elevated the risk of hemodynamic changes.

Conclusion

Overall, we conclude that branch stent extension length >1.5 cm induced LSA hemodynamic changes. Appropriate shortening of the stent extension length can improve the curative effect of ISF-TEVAR, especially when faced with a type II/III aortic arch and stent angles of <30 degrees.
Combining Nitrogen Isotopes and Redox Proxies Strengthens Paleoenvironmental Interpretations: Examples From Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth Sediments
Authors: Johnson Benjamin W. , Mettam Colin , Poulton Simon W.
Published: June 2022

The history of the nitrogen cycle on Earth is linked to the redox evolution of the surface environment. Many nitrogen cycle fluxes are microbially mediated, and the particular fluxes operating at any given time in an ecosystem depend on the presence, absence or abundance of oxygen. However, interpreting this relationship is complicated as several isotopic fractionations associated with N-cycling are not diagnostic of a particular redox state. Thus, linking nitrogen isotopic analyses with redox-sensitive proxies is essential when interpretating past environments. Specifically, we use concentrations of U, V and Mo, along with Fe-speciation, to augment and contextualize nitrogen isotopic measurements. As an example, we consider samples from the Neoproterozoic Cryogenian period to suggest that there was oxygenated water, with associated aerobic N cycle fluxes. This interpretation is based on positive δ15N values between 4 to 80/00, Fe-speciation data consistent with anoxic bottom water during the Snowball ocean and oxygenated after, and redox-sensitive trace metals indicative of oxic weathering and surface water. Typically, high δ15N values are interpreted to reflect enhanced denitrification. We propose potential causes including a post-Snowball freshwater melt lid that suppressed deep water ventilation and that denitrification occurred more rapidly at high temperatures after the Snowball. These interpretations are buttressed by combined N isotope and redox analyses. This approach is especially useful during times of dynamic redox in the ocean-atmosphere system to interpret biologic isotopic signals.
Discovery of the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous Lamprophyres in Western Songliao Basin of Northeast China and Their Constraint on Regional Lithospheric Evolution
Authors: Yu Taiji , Wang Pujun , Zhang Yan , Gao Youfeng , Chen Chongyang
Published: June 2022

Contrary to the commonly accepted notion that the lithosphere in NE China thinned from the Late Jurassic through to the Early Cretaceous period, we report the discovery of a thickening episode in the backdrop of this long-term thinning. A series of lamprophyre dikes have been recently discovered in the Tuquan Basin of the western Songliao Basin that have been dated to 156.0 ± 2.3 Ma, 132.9 ± 1.2 Ma, and 126.2 ± 2.5 Ma by using the zircon U–Pb technique. These lamprophyres are subdivided into biotite orthoclase lamprophyre (BOL) from the Late Jurassic and quartz magnetite lamprophyre (QML) from the Early Cretaceous. The BOL and QMLs are shoshonite and calc-alkaline in series, are characterized by large amounts of FeOT, TiO2, MgO, and Mg#, and are rich in LREEs and LILEs but poor in HREEs and HFSEs. They have high ratios of (La/Yb)N, La/Ta, La/Nb, Th/Y, Ba/Nb, Ba/Ta, and Ba/Th, and low ratios of Zr/Ba, La/Sm, and Nb/Zr. These features collectively point to the derivation of dike magmas from the partial melting of the enriched lithospheric mantle that had been previously metasomatized by subduction-related fluids. The BOL has high ratios of Rb/Sr (0.42) and K/Yb*1000 (28.3), and low ratios of Ba/Rb (13.5) and Dy/Yb (2.35), suggesting the derivation of magma from a high degree of partial melting of the phlogopite-bearing lherzolite mantle in the spinel–garnet transition zone at a depth of about 60 km. The QMLs have low ratios of Rb/Sr (0.02–0.06) and K/Yb*1000 (8.13–19.73), and high ratios of Ba/Rb (17.6–42.6) and Dy/Yb (3.48–4.09), indicating that the magmas were derived from a low degree of partial melting of the lherzolite mantle in the garnet zone at a depth of ca. 85 km. The younger QML (126.2 ± 2.5 Ma) has a lower Dy/Yb ratio (3.48–3.92) than the older QML (132.9 ± 1.2 Ma), with a Dy/Yb ratio of 4.09 implying that the younger magma was formed at a shallower depth of the mantle (<85 km) than the older one. These observations indicate that in 156–132 Ma, the lithosphere thickened by approximately 25 km at a rate of approximately 1.0 km/Myr. This is used to propose a model of geodynamic evolution in three stages.
Comparison of the Reproductive Outcome Between 2 and 4 mg Daily Doses of Estradiol After Hysteroscopic Adhesiolysis: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis–Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Qiu Dan-Er , Zhang Wan-Lin , Liu Jin , Yang Fang , Miao Ye , Tong Ya-Fei , Xiao Xi-Feng , Wang Xiao-Hong
Published: June 2022

Objective

To investigate the effect of two postoperative doses of estradiol valerate (2 and 4 mg/day) on reproductive outcomes in patients with moderate to severe intrauterine adhesions (IUAs).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary reproductive medical center between January 2018 and December 2019 to compare the reproductive outcomes of two doses of estradiol valerate (2 and 4 mg daily) after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. All patients received adjuvant postoperative treatment with a Foley catheter, hyaluronic acid gel, and medication therapy. Hysteroscopy was repeated every 7 days after surgery. Multivariate regression analysis and propensity score matching (PSM) were performed to minimize intrinsic bias.

Results

A total of 212 patients with moderate to severe IUAs were included: 74 patients received 2 mg of estradiol valerate daily and 138 patients received 4 mg of estradiol daily postoperatively. No significant differences were found in the reproductive outcomes between the two groups, including clinical pregnancy rates. The multivariable regression analyses both before and after PSM also showed that there was no significant difference in the menstrual improvement and clinical pregnancy rates between the two groups.

Conclusions

We suggest the use of a lower dose (2 mg/day) of estradiol valerate as an adjuvant therapy for IUAs to minimize estrogen-related side effects.
Effect of Growth Hormone Treatment on the Concentration of Selected Metabolic Markers in Girls With Turner Syndrome
Authors: Błaszczyk Ewa , Gawlik Jakub , Gieburowska Joanna , Tokarska Agnieszka , Kimsa-Furdzik Małgorzata , Hibner Grzegorz , Francuz Tomasz , Gawlik Aneta
Published: June 2022

Background

As Turner syndrome (TS) predisposes to obesity and metabolic disorders, and their complications, such as cardiovascular diseases, are the main causes of shortened life expectancy in patients with TS, new metabolic markers that could serve as early predictors of dysmetabolic state are sought.

Objective

Assessment of MMP-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-1), MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase-2), MMP-9 (matrix metallopeptidase-9), BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), GDNF (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor), and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) before the onset of growth hormone (GH) therapy and then during GH treatment as well as markers assessment during GH medication in girls with TS to establish marker stability and repeatability, and the impact of GH on markers concentration.

Method

The concentrations of circulating MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, BDNF, GDNF, and VEGF were measured in nine girls with TS before the onset of GH therapy and then after at least 3 months of treatment period. Subsequently, markers concentration was determined in 17 girls during GH medication, with the first determination after at least a 3-month treatment period. The patients’ clinical and biochemical phenotypes were determined by weight, height, BMI, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose concentration.

Results

Comparison of markers concentration revealed a significantly higher concentration of MMP-2 in patients undergoing GH treatment (132.1 ± 42.05) than before the onset of therapy (105.0 ± 45.5, p=0.045). The values of the first measurement of VEGF in girls with TS undergoing GH therapy were significantly higher than those during the second measurement (30.9 ± 33.4 vs. 12.5 ± 11.7, p=0.029). There were no statistically significant differences between the measurements of the remaining markers concentration at any stage of the analysis.

Conclusion

Increase in MMP-2 concentration is visible during GH therapy in comparison to the pre-GH period in girls with TS which demands confirmation in subsequent tests. The role of VEGF requires further studies in the context of carbohydrate-lipid disturbances in girls with TS and its association with GH treatment.
Diabetes Mellitus Diagnosed in Childhood and Adolescence With Negative Autoimmunity: Results of Genetic Investigation
Authors: Lezzi Marilea , Aloi Concetta , Salina Alessandro , Fragola Martina , Bassi Marta , Strati Marina Francesca , d’Annunzio Giuseppe , Minuto Nicola , Maghnie Mohamad
Published: June 2022

Monogenic diabetes is a rare form of diabetes, accounting for approximately 1% to 6% of pediatric diabetes patients. Some types of monogenic diabetes can be misdiagnosed as type 1 diabetes in children or adolescents because of similar clinical features. Identification of the correct etiology of diabetes is crucial for clinical, therapeutic, and prognostic issues. Our main objective was to determine the prevalence of monogenic diabetes in patients with diabetes mellitus, diagnosed in childhood or in adolescence, and negative autoimmunity. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 275 patients diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes at age <18yr in the last 10 years. 8.4% of subjects has negative autoimmunity. Their DNA was sequenced by NGS custom panel composed by 45 candidate genes involved in glucose metabolism disorder. Two novel heterozygous pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants (10,5% of autoantibody negative subjects) were detected: the frameshift variant c.617_618insA in NEUROD1 exon 2 and the missense change c.116T>C in INS exon 2. Our study corroborates previous results of other reports in literature. NGS assays are useful methods for a correct diagnosis of monogenic diabetes, even of rarest forms, highlighting mechanisms of pediatric diabetes pathogenesis.
Does the Expansion of Farmers’ Operation Scale Improve the Efficiency of Agricultural Production in China? Implications for Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Zhang Qing , Razzaq Amar , Qin Jun , Feng Zhongchao , Ye Feng , Xiao Meizhen
Published: June 2022

China’s agricultural development urgently needs dynamic transformation and green transformation, from a traditional extensive mode of production to a moderately intensive mode of production that meets the requirements of the new era, with efficiency improvement as the guide to promote green, low-carbon, and sustainable development. Based on the micro-data of farmers in Hunan province from 2015 to 2020, this paper uses the data envelopment analysis method to measure the cost efficiency of rapeseed production and then decompose the cost-efficiency. The Tobit model is used to analyze the influencing factors and cost-efficiency differentials. First, there is considerable room for improvement in the overall cost efficiency of Chinese rapeseed production. The technical efficiency (TE), allocation efficiency (AE), and cost efficiency (CE) of rapeseed production in the survey area are 0.869, 0.701, and 0.609, respectively. Second, allocative efficiency is an important factor affecting the improvement of cost efficiency. The expansion of farmers’ operation scales does not necessarily improve their allocative efficiency, but increases their input of chemical fertilizer and other elements, which may lead to agricultural non-point source pollution. This is not conducive to sustainable environmental development. Third, the relationship between the cost efficiency of crop production and farmers’ operation scale is of an “inverted U-type” curve. That is to say, with the expansion of farmer operation scale, cost-efficiency shows an “increasing first and decreasing later” trend peaking at (6.67,13.33) hm2. Fourthly, the distinguishing factors which affect cost efficiency show obvious similarities while reserving differences. Finally, we also suggest countermeasures and suggestions from the perspective of R & D investment, industrial support, regional exchange and cooperation, reasonable input of resource factors, and awareness of agricultural green production to promote green and low-carbon development of the rapeseed industry in China.
Early and Late Migrating Avian Individuals Differ in Constitutive Immune Function and Blood Parasite Infections – But Patterns Depend on the Migratory Strategy
Authors: Hegemann Arne , Birberg Cyndi , Hasselquist Dennis , Nilsson Jan-Åke
Published: June 2022

Billions of birds migrate every year. To conduct a successful migration, birds undergo a multitude of physiological adaptions. One such adaptation includes adjustments of immune function, however, little is known about intraspecies (between-individual) and interspecies (between-species) variation in immune modulations during migration. Here, we explore if early and late migrating individuals differ in their immune function, and if such patterns differ among species with short- vs. long-distance migration strategies. We quantified three parameters of baseline (constitutive) innate immune function and one parameter of baseline (constitutive) acquired immune function in 417 individuals of 10 species caught during autumn migration at Falsterbo (Sweden). Early and late migrating individuals differed in lysis and total immunoglobulins (IgY), but the patterns show different directions in long-distance migrants (LDMs) (wintering in Africa) as compared to short-distance migrants (SDMs) (wintering within Europe). Specifically, early migrating LDMs had lower lysis but higher immunoglobulin levels than late migrating individuals. In short distance migrants, there was no difference in lysis between early and late migrating individuals, but immunoglobulin levels were higher in late migrating individuals. We found no correlation between timing of migration and haptoglobin, but LDMs had lower levels of haptoglobin than SDMs. We also found that the prevalence of haemosporidian blood parasite infections decreased in LDMs, but increased in SDMs, as the autumn progressed. Taken together, our study suggests that the investment into immune function depends on the migratory strategy (short- vs. long-distance migrants), and that early and late migrating individuals of a migration strategy might invest differently in baseline immune function, potentially driven by differences in the trade-offs with timing and speed of migration. Our study highlights the potential adaptations of immune function that could help explain trade-offs with other physiological systems, and behavioural responses during migration.
Prevalence and Genetic Analysis of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy in Different Ethnic Groups and Regions in Hainan Island, Southeast China
Authors: Wang Min , Zhang Xiaozhuang , Zhang Yubin , Xiao Meifang
Published: June 2022

Background: There are limited studies on the molecular profile of thalassemia in Hainan, the free trade island in China. Our aim was to reveal the prevalence and molecular mutation spectrum of thalassemia in different ethnic groups and regions of Hainan through a large sample study for the first time.

Methods: A total of 231,596 individuals from 19 cities and counties in Hainan were screened by hematological parameter analysis, and further genetic analysis was performed on individuals with MCV less than 82 fL.

Results: Totally, 31,780 (13.72%) subjects were diagnosed as thalassemia carriers. The overall prevalence of α-thalassemia, β-thalassemia, and α+β-thalassemia were 11.04%, 1.48%, and 1.20%, respectively. We further analyzed the molecular profiles of thalassemia in various ethnic groups and mainly compared the difference between Han and Li. The results showed that the frequency of thalassemia in the Li population (47.03%) was much higher than that in Han (9.37%). Except for β-thalassemia (1.31% of Li vs. 1.47% of Han), the frequencies of α-thalassemia (39.59% of Li vs. 7.35% of Han) and α+β-thalassemia (6.13% of Li vs. 0.56% of Han) in the Li were obviously higher than those in Han. The high-frequent genotypes of α-thalassemia in Han were αα/--SEA (25.55%), -α3.7/αα (22.17%), -α4.2/αα (21.59%), αWSα/αα (8.93%), and -α3.7/-α4.2 (4.17%) and those of Li were -α4.2/αα (17.24%), -α3.7/αα (17.16%), -α3.7/-α4.2 (15.09%), αWSα/αα (9.69%), and αWSα/-α3.7 (8.06%), respectively. The αα/--SEA was the highest genotype of α-thalassemia in Han but only accounted for 1.87% in Li. For β-thalassemia, the top three high-frequent genotypes in both Han and Li were βCD41/42(-TTCT)/βN, β-28(A>G)/βN, and βIVS-Ⅱ-654(C>T)/βN, but the frequency of βCD41/42(-TTCT)/βN in Li (90.96%) was much higher than that in Han (56.32%) and the data reported in other provinces of China. Additionally, the prevalence of thalassemia ranged from 8.16% to 34.35% in Hainan, Wuzhishan, Baoting, Qiongzhong, and Baisha have a higher prevalence than other areas.

Conclusion: Our study revealed the characteristics of ethnic and regional differences in the prevalence of thalassemia in the childbearing age population of Hainan for the first time, indicating that the prevalence of thalassemia among Li nationality is the highest in China. Those findings will be useful for genetic counseling and the prevention of thalassemia.
Improving Genomic Selection for Heat Tolerance in Dairy Cattle: Current Opportunities and Future Directions
Authors: Cheruiyot Evans K. , Haile-Mariam Mekonnen , Cocks Benjamin G. , Pryce Jennie E.
Published: June 2022

Heat tolerance is the ability of an animal to maintain production and reproduction levels under hot and humid conditions and is now a trait of economic relevance in dairy systems worldwide because of an escalating warming climate. The Australian dairy population is one of the excellent study models for enhancing our understanding of the biology of heat tolerance because they are predominantly kept outdoors on pastures where they experience direct effects of weather elements (e.g., solar radiation). In this article, we focus on evidence from recent studies in Australia that leveraged large a dataset [∼40,000 animals with phenotypes and 15 million whole-genome sequence variants] to elucidate the genetic basis of thermal stress as a critical part of the strategy to breed cattle adapted to warmer environments. Genotype-by-environment interaction (i.e., G × E) due to temperature and humidity variation is increasing, meaning animals are becoming less adapted (i.e., more sensitive) to changing environments. There are opportunities to reverse this trend and accelerate adaptation to warming climate by 1) selecting robust or heat-resilient animals and 2) including resilience indicators in breeding goals. Candidate causal variants related to the nervous system and metabolic functions are relevant for heat tolerance and, therefore, key for improving this trait. This could include adding these variants in the custom SNP panels used for routine genomic evaluations or as the basis to design specific agonist or antagonist compounds for lowering core body temperature under heat stress conditions. Indeed, it was encouraging to see that adding prioritized functionally relevant variants into the 50k SNP panel (i.e., the industry panel used for genomic evaluation in Australia) increased the prediction accuracy of heat tolerance by up to 10% units. This gain in accuracy is critical because genetic improvement has a linear relationship with prediction accuracy. Overall, while this article used data mainly from Australia, this could benefit other countries that aim to develop breeding values for heat tolerance, considering that the warming climate is becoming a topical issue worldwide.
A Collaborative Psychiatric-Genetics Inpatient Care Delivery Model Improves Access to Clinical Genetic Evaluation, Testing, and Diagnosis for Patients With Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Shillington Amelle , Lamy Martine , Dominick Kelli C. , Sorter Michael , Erickson Craig A. , Hopkin Robert
Published: June 2022

Neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and global developmental delay are among the most common indications for referral to clinical genetics evaluation; and clinical genetic testing is indicated for people with neurodevelopmental disorders. There are known barriers to care in accessing clinical genetics evaluation for this patient population. We created a collaborative psychiatric–genetics consultation service and psychiatric–genetics outpatient clinic with the goal to improve care delivery to patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. Two years after the launch of this pilot program, our data demonstrate improved access to genetics evaluation with shorter wait times and fewer patients lost to follow-up. Perhaps most importantly, new genetic diagnoses changed medical care for the majority of patients.
Cultural and Social Bias Leading to Prenatal Sex Selection: India Perspective
Authors: Chakravarty Nayan , Dabla Vandana , Sagar Moni , Neogi Sharmila , Markan Mridu , Segan Mehak , Agnani Shilpi , Kapahi Pooja , Neogi Sourav
Published: June 2022

Globally, 23.1 million missing female births have been documented, resulting in an imbalanced sex ratio at birth (SRB) between the late 1990s and 2017, with India accounting for almost half of this missing women population. While the country is progressively taking measures to enhance women's position in society and implementing policies toward augmenting the value of a girl child, some deeply rooted cultural and social beliefs propel a strong son preference, resulting in active daughter discrimination. The continuance of patriarchal norms and inequitable gender roles, resulting in son preference, fertility decrease, and reduction in preferred family sizes, and technical breakthroughs that allow for the identification of the sex of the fetus, is all connected to distortions in the sex ratio at birth. Son preference is a well-documented phenomenon in India, and its implications for skewed gender ratios, female feticide, and higher child mortality rates for girls have piqued researchers' and policymakers' interest. The fundamental factors of son preference as an ideology are less widely investigated. With this objective, an extensive secondary review was conducted of the socio-cultural norms and biases leading to increased prenatal sex selection in India despite the laws against it. The study findings suggest that it is imperative to emphasize the necessity for consistent and collective efforts from all stakeholders: changing the social perception of the value of girls requires collective effort and the equal participation of all stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the local community.