Accumulation Area Research Articles

Intravascular ICG-enhanced NIRF-IVUS imaging to assess progressive atherosclerotic lesions in excised human coronary arteries

Indocyanine green (ICG)-enhanced intravascular near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging enhances the information obtained with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) by visualizing pathobiological characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques. To advance our understanding of this hybrid method, we aimed to assess the potential of NIRF-IVUS to identify different stages of atheroma progression by characterizing ICG uptake in human pathological specimens. After excision, 15 human coronary specimens from 13 adult patients were ICG-perfused and imaged with NIRF-IVUS. All specimens were then histopathologically and immunohistochemically assessed. NIRF-IVUS imaging revealed colocalization of ICG-deposition to plaque areas of lipid accumulation, endothelial disruption, neovascularization and inflammation. Moreover, ICG concentrations were significantly higher in advanced coronary artery disease stages (p < 0.05) and correlated significantly to plaque macrophage burden (r = 0.67). Current intravascular methods fail to detect plaque biology. Thus, we demonstrate how human coronary atheroma stage can be assessed based on pathobiological characteristics uniquely captured by ICG-enhanced intravascular NIRF.

Influence of Plant Spacing and Bio-fertilizers on Yield and Yield Attributing Characters of Rain-fed Soybean at Damazin in Blue Nile State, Sudan

This study had the objective of evaluating the effect of biofertilizers on the performance of soybean plants under different planting spacing. It was conducted during the summer seasons of 2018 and 2019at one site at Demonstration Farm of Damazin Agricultural Research Station, Sudan. The different plant spacing designated as D1, D2, and D3 (5, 10, and 15 cm between plants) under three types of bio-fertilizers as Rhizobacteria (B1), Azotobacter (B2), Bacillus (B3) and control (B0). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD) with three replications as split-plots trail. The result revealed that the improvement due to the application of fertilizers with wider, spacing D3 stimulated plant growth and caused an increase in dry matter accumulation and high leaf area and gave the higher number of pods and seeds/pod, particularly at inoculation with B1 and B2 bacteria. While sowing seeds inoculated with B1or B2 under closer spacing resulted in higher seed yield per unit area. To achieve optimum results in soybean variety Sudan 1, the crop may be sown in plant spacing of 10cm with inoculation seeds with B1or B2 to achieve a high plant population per unit area to obtain higher seed yield.

Evolution of Sequence Stratigraphy and Paleogeography, Case Study: M2 Member of the Muara Enim Formation

Sequence stratigraphy related to accommodation space as an area of potential sediment accumulation that is influenced by fluctuations in sea level and subsidence of the basin floor. Paleogeography, on the other hand, is the study of physical geographic features and their evolution throughout geological periods. The aim of this work is to shed light on the relationship between paleogeographic evolution and sequence stratigraphy, as well as coal accumulation in the South Sumatra Basin. The method used are geophysical logs and cores analysis to determine the system tracts, types of system tracts, and stratigraphic sequences, lithofacies and sedimentary facies analysis, paleogeographic analysis using modified single-factor and multi-factor and them mapped using IDW as a geostatistical method. The results indicate that the study area comprises four system tracts, namely TST-1, HST-1, TST-2 and HST-2. In TST-1 and TST-2, the rate of peat formation is balanced with the rate of accommodation space formation, resulting in continuous and very thick coal accumulation. In HST-1 and HST-2, the rate of accommodation space formation exceeds the rate of peat formation, leading to continuous coal accumulation that is quite thick to very thick. Sequence 1 consists of lagoon and tidal/mouth/distal bar paleogeographic unit with sand/shale ratio range 0.217 to 0.247. Sequence 2 consists of lagoon paleogeographic units with sand/shale ratio range 0.046 to 0.05.

Soil Localized Leaching and Reclamation with Gypsum and Sulfuric Acid: A Case Study of Pistachio Orchard, Kerman-Iran

ABSTRACT Localized leaching method is a new reclamation leaching technique. Localized leaching method by using drip tapes allows water to be applied directly to the areas of salt accumulation. This study applied localized leaching method on a sandy loam soil in a pistachio orchard in Kerman, Iran to evaluate the impact of three treatments: adding gypsum soil remediation (G), soil remediation with sulfuric acid (SA) andirrigation water (IW) on soil remediation. Three treatments (IW, G and SA) in four repetitions were used to remove soluble salts from the Main Active Root Zone (MARZ) in a pistachio orchard which irrigated by a subsurface irrigation system. The localized leaching method consist of two T-tape pipelines at a distance of 40 cm located on both sides of the tree rows. Soil sampling was carried out before and after leaching from soil unit profiles with 80 cm (Length) × 120 cm (Depth) with 20 cm intervals. Concentrations of sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) cations, and electrical conductivity (EC) were examined before and after leaching process. Results revealed that application of G-treatment compared to IW-treatment and SA-treatment led to more leaching of Na and Mg from the soil by 61% and 50%, respectively. The amount of leached Ca in both G-treatment and SA-treatments was less than that of IW-treatment. The leaching efficiency of total soluble salts for G, IW and SA treatments were 58%, 56% and 45%, respectively. Gypsum application could be recommended as a soil amendment. In addition, the localized leaching technique offers water-saving potential opposed to traditional leaching methods which applying water to the entire field.

Air quality in a revitalized special economic zone at the center of an urban monocentric agglomeration

In this study, we have examined the air quality within a revitalized, post-industrial urban area in Łódź, Poland. The use of Dron technology with mobile measurement equipment allowed for accurate assessment of air quality (particulate matter and gaseous pollutants) and factors influencing air quality (wind speed and direction) on a local scale in an area of 0.18 km2 and altitudes from 2 to 50 m. The results show that the revitalization carried out in the Lodz special economic zone area contributed to eliminate internal air pollution emitters through the use of ecological and effective heat sources. The exceedances permissible concentration values were local, and concerned mainly the higher measurement zones of the troposphere (more than 30 m above ground level). In the case of gaseous pollutants, higher wind speeds were associated with a decrease in the concentration of SO2 and an increase in H2S concentration. In both cases, the wind contributed to the occurrence of local areas of accumulation of these gaseous pollutants in the spaces between buildings or wooded areas.

Seismic Prediction Technology for Channel Sand Body of Fuyu Oil Layer in Xinmin Area, Southern Songliao Basin

The Fuyu reservoir in Xinmin area is a delta plane-front facies deposit, and the channel sand body in this area is the main reservoir of oil and gas. Due to the complex sedimentary environment, the sand body shows great variation in thickness and distribution. In this study, the method of combining well vibration, model forward modeling and stratum slicing are used to predict the sandstone bodies of different thickness successfully. Especially for the thin sand body with a thickness of less than 5 meters, this study found that the GR curve can effectively distinguish sandstone and mudstone through the intersection analysis of logging curves, and applied the GR curve co-simulation inversion technology to perform fine characterization. In addition, the study also reveals that the northeastward twisting fault zone in Xinmin area is a favorable accumulation area of the reservoir, which provides a new direction for oil and gas exploration. This study not only improves the accuracy of sandstone prediction, but also provides a valuable reference for oil and gas exploration under similar complex geological conditions.

Petroleum system assessment of the Beni Suef Basin, Western Desert, Egypt

Within the northwestern Desert of Egypt, the Beni Suef Basin is one of the most significant hydrocarbon basins. After over 50 years of exploration and production, the main challenge today is to locate new areas that are prolific to oil and gas production. The study aims to identify potential drilling locations by integrating geochemical methods, 1D and 2D basin modelling, well log analysis, seismic interpretation, and hydrocarbon migration pathways. Results show that the Lower Kharita shale contain both oil and gas generating kerogen with generating potential that ranges from fair to very good. The source rocks within the Lower Kharita are mature (main oil window) and have a transformation ratio of up to 60% based on 1D basin modeling. The modelled 2D vitrinite reflectance map showed that hydrocarbon generation occurred at depths greater than 10850 ft (3306 m) with vitrinite reflectance values greater than 0.65% in both the northern and southern parts of the Beni Suef Field. Two main reservoirs were studied. The lower Bahariya and upper Kharita reservoirs are composed of well to moderately sorted sandstone. The subsurface structural maps, reservoirs, source, and charge modeling maps have been constructed to show the migration pathways and accumulation areas. There are three accumulation areas identified. The first accumulation area is located in the high structure up-dip section of the major normal fault, and migration direction is from northwest. The second and third accumulation areas are located in the low structure and down-dip from the normal fault, with migration of hydrocarbons from southeast. The latter two areas should be tested by drilling in the future.

An adaptive cycle resilience perspective to understand the regime shifts of social-ecological system interactions over the past two millennia in the Tarim River Basin

Socio-ecological systems (SESs) in arid regions have experienced multiple transformations throughout history due to human activities and natural forces. However, few studies have used the resilience cycle model to explain the resilience status and determinants of SESs over the past two millennia. This study proposes the adaptive cycle resilience (ACR) perspective to investigate regime shifts of socio-ecological system interactions in the Tarim River Basin (TRB) over the past two millennia. An ACR framework combining a piecewise linear regression model (PLR), ACR theory, and physical resilience models has been built to assess and quantify socio-ecological system resilience. Key indicators such as climate variability, settlement numbers, war frequency, glacier accumulation, and oasis area changes are identified and quantified to evaluate SESs adaptability and transformability. Glacier accumulation serves as a proxy for long-term climate change, while oasis area changes reflect the direct impact of human activities and environmental feedback on ecosystem productivity. Population and war indicators provide insights into social system stability and the impact of conflicts on SESs dynamics. The findings reveal that the 7th century and 1850s are critical points of regime shifts in the ACR. 200s BC-350s AD and 700s AD-900s AD are in the forward loop (r-K) period of the ACR. 350s AD-700s AD and 900s AD-1850s AD are the adaptive resilience backward loop (Ω-α) phase. Assessing the historical socio-ecological system resilience and identifying key transition points can inform proactive measures to mitigate potential regime shifts. Combining historical data with resilience theory provides a deep understanding of the ACR of SESs and their driving factors. This enriches the theoretical understanding of SESs and offers a robust case study for future resilience assessments and scenario analyses in arid regions.

A quantitative image analysis platform for assessing trophoblast differentiation

Immunofluorescence microscopy is extensively used in characterization of trophoblast differentiation in vitro. However, such data is primarily used to confirm the presence of protein markers or qualitatively compare levels of protein markers across experimental conditions. Imaging data, when processed and analyzed appropriately can provide quantitative and spatial information, and provide biological insight. Towards this end, here we present MATroph, an open-source MATLAB-based computational tool to process images generated by immunofluorescent microscopy. MATroph automatically executes a series of image processing operations, including the classification of red, blue, and green channels from images, background extraction, morphological operations, and image filtering. From the isolated blue channels corresponding to nuclear staining, this tool generates numerical values for cell number. Additionally, relative levels and spatial location of proteins are obtained by mapping red and green channel pixels to blue pixels by assigning minimum pixel distance between the blue and other color objects. Thus, this tool provides information about intracellular protein accumulation areas. Additionally, this tool can also classify cells as single cells or part of colonies, and extract information on protein levels for each; this is particularly useful for quantitative studies on extravillous trophoblast maturation. We provide a user-guide to analyze the relative levels of markers relevant to human trophoblast stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. Importantly, MATroph is composed of a simple MATLAB algorithm, and its implementation requires minimal expertise in programming.

Spatial heterogeneity, terminus environment effects and acceleration in mass loss of glaciers and ice caps across Greenland

Greenland's peripheral glaciers and ice caps (GICs) contribute significant amounts of meltwater to the oceans but also affect local economies and livelihoods. Here we created multi-temporal geodetic elevation change datasets to compute mass changes for 6149 glaciers around the entire periphery of Greenland. These glaciers have lost a total of at least 276 ± 55 Gt of ice, or 0.76 ± 0.15 mm sea level equivalent, from their ablation areas between 1978 and 2015. If we assume no mass loss within accumulation areas, then the mean mass balance has been at least −0.10 ± 0.02 m w.e. yr−1. In general, west Greenland glaciers have had a more negative mass balance and experienced accelerated mass loss since 2006 (x 2.7 in south west region, x 5.6 in central west region). Conversely, east Greenland glaciers have generally experienced a decrease in the rate of mass loss. Lake-terminating glaciers have experienced the most negative mass balance, exacerbated by the occurrence of debris cover. These findings quantify great spatial heterogeneity, give context to the recent history of mass loss from GICs, and suggest the importance of including local glacier properties within glacier evolution models.

Revisiting the strategy for marine litter monitoring within the european marine strategy framework directive (MSFD)

Marine litter and non-degradable plastic pollution is of global concern. Regular monitoring programs are being established to assess and understand the scale of this pollution. In Europe, the goal of the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) is to assess trends in Good Environmental Status and support large-scale actions at the regional level. Marine litter monitoring requires tailored sampling strategies, protocols and indicators, that align with specific objectives and are tailored for local or regional needs. In addition, the uneven spatial and temporal distributions of marine litter present a challenge when designing a statistically powerful monitoring program. In this paper, we critically review the existing marine litter monitoring programs in Europe. We discuss the main constraints, including environmental, logistical, scientific, and ethical factors. Additionally, we outline the critical gaps and shortcomings in monitoring MSFD beaches/shorelines, floating litter, seafloor litter, microplastics, and harm. Several priorities must be established to shape the future of monitoring within the MSFD. Recent developments in analytical approaches, including optimizing protocols and sampling strategies, gaining a better understanding of the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of litter and its implications for survey design and replication, and the inclusion of newly validated methodologies that have achieved sufficient technical readiness, must be considered. Although there are well-established methods for assessing beaches, floating and seafloor litter, it will be necessary to implement monitoring schemes for microplastics in sediments and invertebrates as robust analytical methods become available for targeting smaller particle size classes. Furthermore, the inclusion of indicators for entanglement and injury to marine organisms will have to be considered in the near future. Moreover, the following actions will enhance the effectiveness of monitoring efforts: (1) creating an inventory of accumulation areas and sources of specific types of litter (e.g., fishing gear), (2) monitoring riverine inputs of litter, (3) monitoring atmospheric inputs including microplastics, (4) accidental inputs during extreme weather events, and (5) studying how species at risk may be transported by litter. We provide recommendations to support long-term, effective, and well-coordinated marine litter monitoring within the MSFD to achieve a comprehensive and accurate understanding of marine litter in EU waters. This will allow the development of measures to mitigate the impacts of marine pollution and eventually to evaluate the success of the respective measures.

FLAW DEFECTION ANALYSE OF THE SURFACE OF ACRYLIC BASE PLASTICS

This study examines the possibility of assessing the quality of removable orthopedic devices by measuring the smoothness of their surfaces and detecting microscopic defects. The methodology involves comparing standard samples of the base material with samples that have been intentionally defective, using defectoscopy techniques for analysis. Initially, twenty samples of basic acrylic plastic were selected: half of them were perfectly machined to dental standards and the other half were intentionally scratched with sandpaper. These samples were then examined by macrophotography and analyzed using Image J software for quantitative image measurement. This analysis provided numerical data on the polished surface's quality, focusing on metrics such as the total number of defects, and the average size and perimeter of these defects. Statistical evaluation through the JUSP program compared the two sets of samples, highlighting significant differences between them. From the most prominent data points provided by Image J, conclusions were made regarding the surface quality of the acrylic plastic and how it is affected by specific mechanical imperfections. This method of using optical flaw detection offers a new way to clinically evaluate the quality of detachable orthopedic devices (like base plastic) in terms of their susceptibility to bacterial buildup, which could lead to inflammation in the prosthetic bed's mucosal lining. The use of flaw detection analysis allows for a general assessment of the quality of the material surface polishing, detection of surface defects in its structure that may occur during the production stage or during operation, thereby preventing areas of biofilm accumulation. Light-optical flaw detection in the experiment proved its effectiveness and makes us pay attention to the prospects of its improvement and wider implementation in clinical practice.

Assessment of methods for reconstructing Little Ice Age glacier surfaces on the examples of Novaya Zemlya and the Swiss Alps

Climate change since the end of the Little Ice Age (LIA) has driven observed glacier volume loss, significantly contributing to the rise of global sea level. The related calculation of volume change requires knowledge of glacier surfaces from at least two points in time, usually represented by two digital elevation models (DEMs). These are typically derived from photogrammetric techniques using stereo images, but such images do not go back to the LIA. Accordingly, several techniques have been developed to reconstruct LIA glacier surfaces from historic outlines and modern DEMs. Here we first evaluate various surface interpolation methods by replicating modern glacier surfaces from outline elevation points and analyse elevation differences and uncertainties. Secondly, we investigate different GIS-based methods for LIA surface reconstruction including a new method that is based on up-scaling of recent glacier-specific elevation change data and works also for ice caps without lateral moraines. The methods were tested on 90 glaciers (covering 643 km2) in southern Novaya Zemlya and 266 glaciers (524 km2) in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland. As in previous studies, we also found that the Natural Neighbor and Topo to Raster interpolation methods in ESRI's ArcGIS performed best for glacier surface reconstruction and that all methods are challenged by replicating the variable surface curvature of glaciers. The new reconstruction method shows the smallest mean difference to the reference dataset (RMSE of 26.7 vs. 39.8 m). The often neglected small surface lowering in the accumulation area can increase the derived glacier volume changes by 30–50 % and should thus be considered whenever possible. Applying the up-scaling method to both test regions revealed that elevation change rates over the last two decades (−0.8 m a−1 for Novaya Zemlya and -1.14 m a−1 for the Bernese Alps) were much higher than from 1850 until today (−0.13 m a−1 and -0.22 m a−1, respectively).

Assessing geomorphological changes in coastal lagoon inlet using geospatial tools: A case study Moulay Bousselham lagoon, Morocco

Coastal monitoring is crucial for coastal management and both sustainable progress and environmental protection. This study aims to assess the morphodynamic changes undergone by an inlet, sandpits, and adjacent beaches of Moulay Bousselham lagoon (Morocco Atlantic coast), considered a RAMSAR site of significant biodiversity. Firstly, a Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) is applied to monitor shoreline evolution between 1949 and 2021, based on the End Point Rate (EPR) and Linear Regression Rate (LRR) methods, with the study area divided into south and north sides. Secondly, we mapped sandpit areas in the lagoon using recent satellite images and historical aerial photos covering a period of 75 years (1949–2024) within a GIS (Geographic Information System) environment. As a result, the average annual accretion rates on the north side, comprising 735 transects (1.45 km length), are +3.23 m/year (EPR) and +3.26 m/year (LRR). Additionally, the accretion phenomenon is observed in 117 transects, while erosion is recorded in 618 transects with −0.73 m/year and −0.81 m/year for EPR and LRR methods, respectively. The south side, comprising 1085 transects (2.46 km length), shows average annual erosion rates of −0.99 m/year (EPR) and −0.76 m/year (LRR) concerning the south part of the entrance inlet, with 278 transects showing accretion and 807 transects indicating erosion. Moreover, flood-dominated deltas (sandpit) mapping shows significant changes in the sandpit areas at the entrance inlet and inside the lagoon, with the area of accumulation increasing from around 155662,57 m2 in 1949 to 306020,22 m2 in March 2024. Inlet width measurements reveal fluctuations over time, from 53 m in 1949 to 177 m by 1988, reflecting dynamic coastal processes. However, by March 2024, the width decreased to 30 m, indicating sediment blockage and intense siltation. This analysis revealed that these sedimentation trends are mainly controlled by southward-directed littoral transport and the change in inlet position induced by several factors, including tidal currents, wave energy and river flow, particularly during winter seasons and extreme events (marine submersions and flooding). This article will help us to understand the relationship between the evolution of the coastline and its immediate influence on sediment supply to the lagoon.

Micro-cracks evolution process and borehole stability analysis in deep pebbly sandstone based on THM coupling method

The heterogeneity of pebbly sandstone is strong due to the random distribution of gravel particles, resulting in unique mechanical behaviors and failure patterns under high temperature and high pressure. It poses significant challenges to exploring and developing oil and gas resources in deep pebbly sandstone reservoirs. Thus, to investigate the impact of high pressure, high temperature, and gravel distribution on the strength characteristics and failure patterns of pebbly sandstone, based on typical samples from the Tarim Basin, a numerical model that accurately represents the distribution of gravel particles in pebbly sandstone was built. Lastly, a Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical coupling model for pebbly sandstone boreholes was established to quantify the influence of the difference coefficient of in-situ stress and gravel volume fraction. The results show that during the rupturing process of pebbly sandstone, the micro-cracks initiation occurs and expands around the gravel, forming a shear-type fracture. At the same time, several secondary cracks are formed inside the rock. With increasing confining pressure, the number of secondary cracks decreases. The fracture morphology is complex in concentrated gravel distribution, whereas a single fracture dominates the failure pattern in uniform distribution. The micro-cracks are more likely to occur in the gravel areas around the borehole during drilling, resulting in the gravel accumulation areas prioritizing collapse rather than in the direction of minimum horizontal in-situ stress, significantly reducing the safe density window. The safety density window decreases with the increase of the gravel volume but increases when the gravel volume fraction is higher than 20%. The research results provide valuable guidance for efficient and safe drilling in pebbly sandstone formations.

Thermal, dosimetric and thermo-mechanical characterization of ABS and PLA polymer materials via plastic injection molding for innovative bolus materials in radiotherapy applications

The impact of radiation on polymer materials, and consequently on their mechanical and physical properties, is a burgeoning field of research. This research assesses the dosimetric, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) materials developed through plastic injection molding as possible alternatives to commercial bolus used in radiotherapy. The materials were thoroughly compared with the commercial bolus material, EXAFLEX, by various tests such as Hounsfield Unit (HU) Analysis, Radiation Transmittance, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The research indicates that ABS and PLA materials have similar radiological qualities to EXAFLEX, showing constant surface and accumulation area doses. Minor differences are seen deeper inside the phantom, indicating a stable tissue equivalency. ABS demonstrated strong resistance to radiation-induced chemical modifications, but PLA exhibited susceptibility to molecular changes. The TMA findings showed that radiation caused a decrease in softening temperatures and an increase in the coefficient of thermal expansion for both ABS and PLA, indicating changes in their thermal stability and mechanical characteristics after irradiation. The study highlights the potential of ABS and PLA materials made through plastic injection molding as efficient and safety substitutes for commercial bolus materials, particularly for large area irradiation. This requires more research into their clinical uses and consequences.

The use of portable abdominal bioimpedance analyzer Yscope in the assessment of abdominal obesity.

Obesity, especially abdominal obesity, is strongly correlated with metabolic and other health risks. Diagnosis and assessment of obesity is important in clinical and routine preventive practice. From the point of view of risk, it is necessary to distinguish not only the area of fat tissue accumulation, but also its type. The aim of the study was to use a new portable abdominal bioimpedance analyzer, which is intended for the area of abdominal adipose tissue, as part of the evaluation of the body structure of a selected group of volunteers with a focus on the differentiation of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue and to assess its usefulness in practice. Body composition was analyzed using a portable abdominal bioimpedance analyzer Yscope (PA-BIA) in combination with a bioimpedance device InBody 970 (high-frequency bioelectrical impedance/HF-BIA). Eighty-three volunteers at the age of 24.92±7.24 years with representation of both sexes participated in the study. Abdominal fat did not differ significantly between the sexes, women reached an average value of 2.01±1.14 kg, men 2.22±1.60 kg (p>0.05). Gender differentiation was manifested in the case of visceral fat (p<0.01) and visceral fat area (p<0.01), the values of which were lower in women than in men. In the case of subcutaneous fat, we found the opposite trend of values in relation to gender, where lower values were achieved by men, but there were no significant differences (p>0.05). Visceral fat was most correlated with abdominal fat (r=0.86) and waist circumference (r=0.85), subcutaneous fat had the strongest positive correlations with abdominal fat (r=0.93) and with body fat mass (r=0.93). PA-BIA in combination with HF-BIA makes it possible to determine the representation of subcutaneous and visceral fat in the abdominal area, which the conventional MFS-BIA method does not allow. When evaluating body composition, significant gender differentiation is confirmed, which is an important factor affecting different health risks related to gender and the representation of different types of fat tissue localized and accumulated in different parts of the body.

#1950 Burosumab activity on osteomalacia—a TIO case report

Abstract Background and Aims Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic disorder caused by a tumor (PMT), usually of small size and benign, secreting FGF23. FGF23 suppresses the reabsorption of phosphate and the synthesis of 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D in the proximal tubular cells of the kidney; consequently, affected patients develop hypophosphatemia and osteomalacia, resulting in bone pain and pathological fractures. The treatment of choice is the surgical resection of the tumor, but when the latter is not detected or cannot be removed, phosphate salts and active vitamin D can be employed to improve TIO symptoms. Burosumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against FGF23 introduced for the treatment of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, has recently been tested for the treatment of TIO non-surgical patients with encouraging results, even if few data are currently available. Method Starting from January 2021, a 56M patient affected by TIO without identified PMT has been treated with burosumab at the dosage of 1 mg/kg s.c. every 4 weeks. Results Before the introduction of burosumab, his blood exams showed hypophosphatemia (1.9 mg/dL), low 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D levels (15 pg/mL) and hyperparathyroidism (81 pg/mL) secondary to previous administrations of phosphate salts. He also reported widespread bone pain, suspect of multiple fractures and pseudofractures, confirmed by whole skeleton bone scintigraphy (BS) as numerous areas of pathological accumulation in the ribs, sacrum, bilateral femur, right proximal tibia, sternoclavicular joint and vertebral bodies. After the initiation of burosumab, serum phosphate, PTH and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D levels gradually normalized. The patient also reported an improvement in bone pain, and later BS described a notable and continuous reduction in pathological accumulations, which almost completely disappeared after 24 months, confirming the absence of new fractures and the improvement of existing ones. Conclusion Therefore, burosumab is suggested as an alternative treatment for non-surgical TIO patients, especially since, unlike conventional therapy with phosphate salts and active vitamin D, its therapeutic action seems to contribute to the further improvement of osteomalacia.

Forage accumulation and nutritive value in extensive, intensive, and integrated pasture-based beef cattle production systems

Context A challenge for the livestock sector is to improve the production and nutritive value of forage grasses through sustainable management strategies. Aims This study evaluated the impact of management on the productive and nutritive value of five pasture-based production systems: irrigated pasture with 600 kg nitrogen (N) ha−1 (IP600); rainfed pasture with 400 kg N ha−1 (RP400); rainfed pasture with 200 kg N ha−1 (RP200); silvopastoral with 200 kg N ha−1 (SP200); and degraded pasture without N fertilisation (DP0). Methods During two experimental years, samples were collected pre- and post-grazing to determine forage and nutritional parameters. Land-saving effects and efficiencies of N fertilisation and water use were calculated. Key results For C4 grasses, forage mass accumulation was greater for IP600 and RP400. IP600 also presented the greatest leaf area index and crude protein concentration, whereas DP0 presented the lowest values of both. For C3 grasses in the IP600 treatment, greater forage mass accumulation and leaf area index were found in winter than in autumn; all nutritional characteristics were not affected by season of the year. For land-saving effect, and N- and water-use efficiencies, IP600, RP400 and RP200 presented higher values than DP0 and SP200. Conclusions More intensified systems with proper management allowed better productive and nutritional characteristics than degraded pasture or silvopasture, especially during seasons with greater precipitation or when irrigated. Implications Intensification practices make better use of natural resources (water and land) and agricultural inputs (N fertiliser) to ameliorate the effects of seasonality and improve quality and productivity of tropical grasses in pasture-based livestock production systems.

Impact of climate change and genetic development on Iowa corn yield

The vulnerability of corn yield to high temperature and insufficient rainfall in the US mid-west is widely acknowledged. The impact of extreme weather and genetic development on corn yield is less well known. One of the main reasons is that the multicollinearity in the variables can lead to confounding results. Here we model the impact of climate and genetic development by employing an elastic net regression model to address the multicollinearity issue. This allows us to develop a more robust multiple regression model with higher predictive accuracy. Using granular data for Iowa from 1981-2018, we find that corn yield is vulnerable to high mean summer temperatures particularly in July, a widening diurnal temperature range in June and dry summer conditions (due to extremely low rainfall) from June-August. We find that overall climate impact reduced average annual yield by 0.7%. We also find that genetic development which led to earlier planting dates, widening duration of the reproductive interval, higher growing degree day accumulation and larger net planted area had a beneficial impact on the Iowa corn yield during 1981-2018 resulting in an average annual yield improvement of 1.8% per annum. This provides a basis for optimism that these genetic developments and management practices will continue to adapt and improve in the future to counter the impact of climate change on corn yield. We have also modelled the impact of future climate change using the latest climate projections from the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC AR6). These climate projections show that the average temperature during the growing season (MayO-October) will increase by 2.4 -2.9 o C by mid-century while the average spring temperature (March and April) will increase by a relatively slower 1.9 -2.3 o C by mid-century. Additionally, climate projections show that both temperature and rainfall will also become more extreme in the future with the changes varying from spring to summer. Our results show that, just due to climate change alone in Iowa corn yield will decline between 1.4-1.7% per annum until mid-century (or 1.2-2.1% per annum until the late twenty first century).