High Stature Research Articles

Causal relationships between height and weight with distal tibia microarchitecture and geometry in adult female twin pairs.

Higher stature and lower weight are associated with increased risk of fracture. However, the pathophysiology for the associations of height and weight with bone microarchitecture and geometry is unclear. We examined whether these associations were consistent with causation and/or with shared familial factors. In this cross-sectional study of 566 female twins aged 26-76yr, a regression analysis for twin data, Inference about Causation by Examination of FAmilial CONfounding (ICE FALCON), was used for testing causation. The bone microarchitecture and geometry of the distal tibia was assessed using HR-pQCT and the StrAx1.0 software. Higher stature was associated with larger total bone cross-sectional area (CSA), lower total bone volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), larger cortical CSA, thinner cortices, higher porosity of the total cortex, compact cortex, outer and inner transitional zone (TZ), lower cortical vBMD, and larger medullary CSA (regression coefficients (β) ranging from -.37 to .60, all p<.05). Using ICE FALCON, the cross-pair cross-trait associations attenuated toward zero after adjusting for the within-individual association (absolute values of β ranging from .05 to .31, all p<.001). Higher weight was associated with higher total bone vBMD, larger cortical CSA and thicker cortices, lower porosity of the total cortex and inner TZ, and higher cortical vBMD (β ranging from -.23 to .34, all p<.001), and thinner trabeculae, higher trabecular number, lower trabecular separation, and higher trabecular vBMD (β ranging from -.31 to .39, all p<.05). Only cortical CSA attenuated toward zero after adjusting for the within-individual association between weight and bone microarchitecture (β = .042, p=.046). Higher stature was associated with a weaker cortical, not trabecular bone traits, whereas higher weight was associated with stronger cortical and trabecular bone traits. The results were consistent with height having a causal effect on weaker cortical bone structure, whereas weight had a casual effect on the larger cortical CSA.

Forensic medical characterization of sudden death in young people with connective tissue dysplasia according to the data of the Bureau of Medical Examinations of Moscow City

BACKGROUND: Sudden death is an urgent problem of modern public healthcare, with prevalence in the Russian Federation. The wide range of causes and data scarcity led to the complexity of diagnosis and interpretation of pathologic changes at autopsy. This study presents an epidemiologic analysis of the causes of sudden death in a young population. AIM: To provide a forensic medical description of cases of sudden death of young people with connective tissue dysplasia using data from forensic autopsies conducted at the Bureau of Medical Examinations of the Moscow City Health Department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample study of 48 corpses of young people aged 18–44 years who died suddenly, was performed based on data from the Forensic Medical Examination Bureau of the Moscow Department of Health. The protocols for examining the corpse at the scene of the incident, medical records were analyzed comprehensively. An extended description of the external and internal examinations of corpses was performed, and materials for histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical studies were collected. RESULTS: Cardiovascular pathologies were the main cause of sudden death in young people. In some cases, an asthenic type was established with the following signs: high stature, elongated chest with an acute epigastric angle, poorly defined subcutaneous fatty tissue, weight less than the age norm, and narrow shoulders. Pathological changes were identified in the sternum, spine, limbs, dental status, and internal organs, which corresponded to connective tissue dysplasia. A correlation was noted between sudden death in young people and asthenic skeletopathy with exposure to extreme factors such as physical stress, psychoemotional stress, and previous infectious diseases. In most cases of sudden death, pathological changes in blood vessels were diagnosed in young people. CONCLUSION: The development of a modern comprehensive scientific and methodological approach is necessary to assess pathomorphological changes in young people who died suddenly.

EVALUACIÓN DEL CICLO FENOLÓGICO Y CARACTERIZACIÓN MORFOLÓGICA DE GENOTIPOS DE QUINUA (Chenopodium quinua Willd.)

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Background: Morphological characterization studies and determination of the phenological cycle of quinoa in Colombia are scarce, which are necessary for the identification of new planting materials. &lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenological cycle of quinoa materials to identify early and late genotypes; study the morphological characteristics to identify discriminatory descriptors for the genetic improvement of this species in the Department of Cauca. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology:&lt;/strong&gt; Fourteen families and three commercial controls (Blanca de Jericó, Aurora, and Tunkahuan) were evaluated in two locations in the department of Cauca under a completely randomized block design with four replications. Twelve phenological stages and 20 morphological descriptors were evaluated. The data were analyzed using an Analysis of Variance and Duncan's Multiple Range Test (p&amp;lt;0.05), in addition, a Multiple Correspondence Analysis was performed. The information was analyzed with the statistical package “R” version 4.3. &lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; It was found that the Flia27 family was the earliest in Silvia and Totoró. The clustering analysis based on the 20 morphological descriptors grouped the 17 genotypes into five groups, differentiating the controls from the rest of the 14 evaluated families. The families were grouped to present an architecture with low stature and easy management, compact panicle form, and simple growth habit, in contrast to what was found in the controls which exhibited high stature, lax panicle, and branching up to the lower third. &lt;strong&gt;Implications:&lt;/strong&gt; It is necessary to study with more homogeneous materials to determine which characteristics exactly are variable depending on the genotype and which show genotypic stability. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Flia27 was the earliest, making it interesting to be included in a quinoa genetic improvement program. The most discriminatory descriptors were leaf shape, leaf margin, and panicle color.&lt;/p&gt;

Association between the GLP1R A316T Mutation and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in French Canadian and Italian Cohorts.

Studies have revealed anthropometric discrepancies in girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) compared to non-scoliotic subjects, such as a higher stature, lower weight, and lower body mass index. While the causes are still unknown, it was proposed that metabolic hormones could play a role in AIS pathophysiology. Our objectives were to evaluate the association of GLP1R A316T polymorphism in AIS susceptibility and to study its relationship with disease severity and progression. We performed a retrospective case-control association study with controls and AIS patients from an Italian and French Canadian cohort. The GLP1R rs10305492 polymorphism was genotyped in 1025 subjects (313 non-scoliotic controls and 712 AIS patients) using a validated TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Associations were evaluated by odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals. In the AIS group, there was a higher frequency of the variant genotype A/G (4.2% vs. 1.3%, OR = 3.40, p = 0.016) and allele A (2.1% vs. 0.6%, OR = 3.35, p = 0.017) than controls. When the AIS group was stratified for severity (≤40° vs. >40°), progression of the disease (progressor vs. non-progressor), curve type, or body mass index, there was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of the polymorphism. Our results support that the GLP1R A316T polymorphism is associated with a higher risk of developing AIS, but without being associated with disease severity and progression.

Agrobiological evaluation of the varieties and cultivars of narrow-leafed fodder lupine

The reserve for increasing the production of high-protein fodder is the cultivation of leguminous crops, including narrow-leafed lupine (L. angustifolius L.). Protein content in the narrow-leafed lupine seeds is 33–35%, in the dry matter of green mass – 17–19%. It is one of the best forecrops for field crops, as it is able to accumulate 150-300 kg/ha of symbiotic nitrogen in its biomass. The research was conducted in the southwestern zone of the Central Region (Bryansk region). The soil of the fields is sod-podzolic loamy with an average fertility level, pH 5.1–5.6. The weather conditions did not quite meet the biological requirements of the crop. The results of the study of the varieties and cultivars of narrow-leafed lupin in the competitive variety trial 2020–2022 on grain and green mass yield, adaptability, alkaloid con tent and duration of the growing season are presented. The Vityaz variety included in the State Variety Register of the Russian Federation in six regions is taken as a standard. The varieties Bryansky kormovoy and Belorozovy 144 are released in all the regions of the country. Grain yield of different varieties and cultivars varied in the range of 1.59–3.74 t/ha during the years of study. The maximum value was obtained for Hybrid 1246 in 2020. SN 39-20 and Hybrid 1246 (2.86 and 2.76 t/ha) stood out in terms of average grain yield over the 3 years of the trial. The adaptability coefficient was 121 and 117%. The alkaloid content in the seeds of these varieties ranged from 0.010 to 0.046%, with an annual average of 0.028%. Less than 0.04% of alkaloids in the seeds were observed in the varieties SBS 56-15-1, Narrow-leafed 53-02 and Hybrid 1314. The duration of the growing season varied in the range of 78–95 days by year of the trial, the calendar maturity date was the end of July – the 2nd ten-day period of August. All of them are in the "very early" group (71–100 days). The minimum maturity date was observed in 2021 and the maximum in 2020. The varieties Belorozovy 144 and Hybrid 1314 have a longer (6–9 days) vegetation period compared to the standard variety Vityaz. They are characterized by high stature and intense lateral branching. The term of technological readiness for harvesting on green mass came in the first ten days of July. All lupine varieties and cultivars studied in the experiment exceeded the standard in green mass yield by 3.1-8.8 t/ha.

ANALYSIS OF VIETNAMESE WOMEN'S BODY SHAPE FROM ANTHROPOMETRIC DATA

This study aims to classify and analyze the body shapes of Vietnamese women aged 18 to 50 using 3D anthropometric data. Research data was collected from 480 females across three regions: North, Central, and South. The five body types result from data analysis involving principal component analysis, K-means cluster analysis, numerical discriminant analysis, ANOVA test, and T-test comparison using SPSS software. Group 1, accounting for 15.23 %, represents the “short, thin, small-shouldered” body type with medium hip height and a bust-waist ratio higher than the hip-waist ratio. Group 2, accounting for 18.36 %, can be described as the “tall, slightly fat and large-shoulders” body type, characterized by high stature and hip height, with a bust-waist ratio smaller than the hip-waist ratio. Group 3, accounting for 35.94 %, falls under the category of the "Medium body type", with an average height stature and a fit body, and a bust-waist ratio equal to the waist-to-hip ratio. Group 4, representing 21.88 %, has a low hip height, a bust-waist ratio higher than the hip-waist ratio, and can be called the “short, fat, medium-shoulder” body type. Finally, group 5, which comprises 8.59 %, embodies the “too fat, average height, big shoulders” body type, featuring low hip height, and a bust - waist ratio higher than the hip-waist ratio. The method of body classification in this study is scientifically sound and reliable. The new research results can serve as a reference for the garment industry while contributing to the goal of building a virtual model library within 3D design software.

An Analysis on the Mandatory Emphasis on CSR by Governments: How Far is this a Viable Solution in Achieving Macroeconomic Goals? is there a Conflict with Business Ethics?

This study investigates the prominence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a suitable solution to achieve various macroeconomic goals and identifies its impact on firms and their activities. CSR describes a firm’s commitment to conduct its activities ethically and establish a requirement to benefit society. CSR typically keeps businesses from creating any negative externalities, which are a big problem for society. This issue has made corporate social responsibility (CSR) a greater priority for businesses of high stature. In order to analyse and comprehend the economic impact of CSR, this research paper uses a qualitative research approach. It also synthesises CSR data from significant Indian companies in order to determine the significance of CSR and make conclusions from it. Thorough analysis and interpretation suggest that although CSR may not lead to immediate gains, it allows long- term economic enhancement and societal improvements like poverty reduction.

The Klinefelter Syndrome and Testicular Sperm Retrieval Outcomes

Klinefelter syndrome (KS), caused by the presence of an extra X chromosome, is the most prevalent chromosomal sexual anomaly, with an estimated incidence of 1:500/1000 per male live birth (karyotype 47,XXY). High stature, tiny testicles, small penis, gynecomastia, feminine body proportions and hair, visceral obesity, and testicular failure are all symptoms of KS. Endocrine (osteoporosis, obesity, diabetes), musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, autoimmune disorders, cancer, neurocognitive disabilities, and infertility are also outcomes of KS. Causal theories are discussed in addition to hormonal characteristics and testicular histology. The retrieval of spermatozoa from the testicles for subsequent use in assisted reproduction treatments is discussed in the final sections. Despite testicular atrophy, reproductive treatments allow excellent results, with rates of 40-60% of spermatozoa recovery, 60% of clinical pregnancy, and 50% of newborns. This is followed by a review on the predictive factors for successful sperm retrieval. The risks of passing on the genetic defect to children are also discussed. Although the risk is low (0.63%) when compared to the general population (0.5-1%), patients should be informed about embryo selection through pre-implantation genetic testing (avoids clinical termination of pregnancy). Finally, readers are directed to a number of reviews where they can enhance their understanding of comprehensive diagnosis, clinical care, and fertility preservation.

Predictors of Improvement in Exercise Tolerance After Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension.

Background Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) improves exercise tolerance and hemodynamic parameters in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. However, it is still unclear which patient characteristics contribute to the improvement in exercise tolerance after BPA in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Methods and Results We retrospectively analyzed 126 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (aged 63±14 years; female, 65%) who underwent BPA without concomitant programmed exercise rehabilitation at Keio University between November 2012 and April 2018. Hemodynamic data and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), as a measure of exercise tolerance, were evaluated before and 1 year after BPA. The clinical characteristics that contributed to improvement in exercise tolerance were elucidated. The 6MWD significantly increased from 372.0 m (256.5-431.3) to 462.0 m (378.8-537.0) 1 year after BPA (P<0.001). The improvement rate in the 6MWD after BPA exhibited a good correlation with age, height, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and 6MWD at baseline (Spearman rank correlation coefficients=-0.28, 0.24, -0.40, and 0.44, respectively). Additional multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that young age, tall height, high mean pulmonary artery pressure, short 6MWD at baseline, and high lung capacity at baseline were significant predictors of the improvement in 6MWD by BPA (standardized partial regression coefficient -0.39, 0.22, 0.19, -0.62, and 0.25, P<0.001, 0.007, 0.011, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). Conclusions BPA without concomitant programmed exercise rehabilitation significantly improves exercise tolerance. This was particularly true in young patients with high stature, high mean pulmonary artery pressure, short 6MWD, and lung capacity at the time of diagnosis.

PS-C01-14: IS SHORT STATURE A PROTECTIVE FACTOR IN AN OVERWEIGHT/OBESE AND HYPERTENSIVE OLD AGE POPULATION?

Objective: Age is the most powerful cardiovascular risk factor. Life expectancy is reduced due to hypertension and obesity. There is little information about height and longevity. Geographically in the human population, the short stature was observed as the island effect. The aim of this study is to know whether the short stature is a protective cardiovascular factor in the overweight/obese and hypertensive old age population. Design &amp; Methods: For this cross-sectional epidemiological study was registered female-male 1145–729 overweight/obese hypertensive patients with an average age of 54.9–59.2 years. The range of age was from 18 to 94 years. Anthropological data, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and central hemodynamics parameters (CHP) were compared between the upper and the under quintile of stature, in each decade, and assessed the difference of them. The CHP was measured with a SphygmoCor System PVX, a validated device employing the high-fidelity technique of applanation tonometry according to established protocols. Patients, when entered at the registration were hypertensive with or without treatment or awareness that had hypertension. Results: The relation females-males were 1.57, similar to the Italian population 1.51 according to the National Institute of Statistics (census 2021) assessed between the 80 s years to the 90 s years. The body mass index of females-males was 30.4–29.7, respectively. When were assessed the first with the fifth quintile of the stature of each decade, the body mass index, SBP, DBP, HR, central aortic pressure, end-systolic pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure does not find a clear statistically significant difference. Obviously, in the upper quintile, the stature and the weight were highest with statistically significant differences. In both sexes with increasing age were observed gradually a population with shorter statures. In this sample the population from the 30 s years to the oldest, the stature decreased in the female group from 162.5 cm to 147.7 cm (difference of 14.8 cm), and in the male group from 176.8 cm to 162.5 cm (difference of 14.3 cm), into both sexes near 2.9 cm by decade. Conclusion: High stature, over time, might cause a pernicious overload of work to the cardiovascular system in subjects with several risk factors at old age. The short stature in subjects of both sexes could be a protective factor in a population of older overweight/obese hypertensive, a fact more evident in the female group than the male group.

ФИЗИЧЕСКОЕ РАЗВИТИЕ ДЕТЕЙ ЧЕЧЕНСКОЙ РЕСПУБЛИКИ ПО РЕЗУЛЬТАТАМ ПРОФИЛАКТИЧЕСКИХ МЕДИЦИНСКИХ ОСМОТРОВ

Significance. Physical development is an important indicator of health of the child population, as it allows us to assess how children are physically developing, whether they have developmental abnormalities or trends towards their development. The Chechen Republic, like any other region of Russia, has its own national, religious, demographic characteristics, living conditions and lifestyle, organization of medical and preventive care, and therefore analyzing the state of physical development of the child population of the republic is of great practical importance. The purpose of the study was to analyze and identify characteristics of physical development of children in the Chechen Republic based on data on preventive medical examinations. Material and methods. Data were extracted from statistical reporting forms #030-PO/o-17 «Information on preventive medical examinations of minors» in the Chechen Republic in 2018 - 2022. In total, data on physical development of 1,727,582 children were studied. Dynamics in individual physical development disorders identified as a result of the examination, both in general and with a breakdown on individual age and gender groups, were analyzed. Results. Preventive medical examinations seldom reveal disorders in physical development of children in the Chechen Republic - on average, only in 1.51% of cases. Among the identified disorders of physical development, underweight (0.55%) and excess body weight (0.47%) were most often diagnosed; 0.22% of children were diagnosed with short stature, and 0.17% with high stature. With age, the share of children with physical development disorders increased. Physical development of girls was worse than that of boys, mainly due to a higher share of children with excess body weight. For the period 2018-2022, the share of children whose physical development was determined as a norm increased from 97.64% to 98.99%. Conclusion. During preventive medical examinations, physical development disorders are hardly diagnosed, which may be due both to the objectively good state of physical development of children in the republic, and the quality of the examinations performed. At the same time, in both cases, preventive medical examinations prove their relevance, purpose and effectiveness, since even in case of their low quality they can identify gross pathology in children.

A INFLUÊNCIA DO TREINAMENTO DE FORÇA DO CORE NO CORPO DE JOGADORES DE BASQUETE

ABSTRACT Introduction Modern basketball is very competitive and enjoyable; it combines several factors. Basketball requires specific physical characteristics such as high stature, which raises the position of the center of gravity, making the stability angle smaller. This compromises stability, especially in sudden speed and direction changes, because it requires a large base opening. The core musculature is intimately involved with body balance; however, there is a lack of studies verifying the impact of specific training of this region on balance in basketball athletes. Objective To explore the influence of core strengthening on the physical fitness of college basketball players. Methods 12 college basketball players were selected and randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group. The experimental group performed core strengthening training, while the control group practiced traditional strength training. After six weeks, physical fitness and basic skills were compared between the groups. Data were statistically treated and discussed confronting the literature. Results Basketball players in the experimental group obtained higher fast dribbling passes and shots than before the experiment (P&lt;0.05), there was no statistically significant difference in several indicators in the control group ( P&gt;0.05); Basketball players in the experimental group had higher fast dribbling passes and shots than the control group (P&lt;0.05), there was no statistically significant difference in approach height between the experimental group and the control group (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion Core strengthening training can improve the physical fitness of college basketball players. Evidence level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the results.

Integrated genomic and transcriptomic analysis reveals genes associated with plant height of foxtail millet

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is an important C4 model crop; however, due to its high-density planting and high stature, lodging at the filling stage resulted in a serious reduction in yield and quality. Therefore, it is imperative to identify and deploy the genes controlling foxtail millet plant height. In this study, we used a semi-dwarf line 263A and an elite high-stalk breeding variety, Chuang 29 to construct an F2 population to identify dwarf genes. We performed transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) using internode tissues sampled at three jointing stages of 263A and Chuang 29, as well as bulk segregant analysis (BSA) on their F2 population. A total of 8918 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from RNA-seq analysis, and GO analysis showed that DEGs were enriched in functions such as “gibberellin metabolic process” and “oxidoreductase activity”, which have previously been shown to be associated with plant height. A total 593 mutated genes were screened by BSA-seq method. One hundred and seventy-six out of the 593 mutated genes showed differential expression levels between the two parental lines, and seven genes not only showed differential expression in two or three internode tissues but also showed high genomic variation in coding regions, which indicated they play a crucial role in plant height determination. Among them, we found a gibberellin biosynthesis related GA20 oxidase gene (Seita.5G404900), which had a single-base deletion at the third exon, leading to the frameshift mutation at 263A. Cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence assay and association analysis proved the single-base deletion in Seita.5G404900 co-segregated with dwarf phenotype in two independent F2 populations planted in entirely different environments. Taken together, the candidate genes identified in this study will help to elucidate the genetic basis of foxtail millet plant height, and the molecular marker will be useful for marker-assisted dwarf breeding.

Synotis nyalamensis (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), a new species from southern Xizang (Tibet), China

Synotis nyalamensis (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), a new species from Nyalam county in southern Xizang (Tibet), China, is described and illustrated. It is most closely similar to S. kunthiana, a species occurring in northwestern India, Nepal, and Pakistan, in having abaxially white-tomentose leaves and cylindric-campanulate capitula, but differs by having higher stature (45–60 vs. 20–40 cm), singular (vs. several) stems, caudate-acuminate (vs. acuminate) leaf tips, prominent (vs. obscure) nerves on abaxial side of leaves, and more disk florets (15–24 vs. 7–12).

Factor analysis of the biomechanical parameters of pole vault run-up and takeoff: exploring sports performance

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore a parameter system and build a linear prediction model to effectively and comprehensively evaluate pole vault performance. The Qualisys motion capture system (200 Hz) and three Kistler force platforms (2000 Hz) were used to collect the athletes’ kinematics and ground reaction force data of run-up and takeoff. Finally, 26 biomechanical parameters of 30 successful vaults of eight athletes were analysed by factor analysis, and linear regression analysis was conducted on the extracted factors. Three factors were extracted by factor analysis: F1, F2, and F3. The mean maximum COM height of the 30 vaults was 4.974 m. The score of F2 and F1 increased by 1, and the maximum COM height increased by 0.131 m and 0.112 m, respectively. The F3 did not participate in the prediction of performance. For the training of coaches and athletes, athletes of a higher stature need to expend more effort to achieve a higher training level. Furthermore, improving the speed, mechanical energy, and horizontal propulsion GRF of run-up and takeoff, as well as optimising the force generation strategy of the three lower limb joints in the takeoff support phase, help to achieve a good pole vault performance.

Reduction of ethylene biosynthesis in sugarcane induces growth and investment in the non-enzymatic antioxidant apparatus.

Lower ethylene production in sugarcane results in plants with higher stature, expression of growth-promoting genes, higher photosynthetic rate, and increased antioxidant compounds. The hormone ethylene is involved in critical processes in sugarcane, such as the growth and accumulation of sucrose. The lack of mutants for ethylene biosynthesis or signaling genes makes it difficult to understand the role of this phytohormone throughout sugarcane development. This study aimed to evaluate the physiology and development of sugarcane plants with low ethylene production. To achieve this goal, we used RNA interference to silence three genes, ScACS1, ScACS2, and ScACS3, encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthases (ACS), responsible for a limiting step of the ethylene biosynthesis pathway. Sugarcane plants with reduced ethylene levels presented increased growth, faster germination of lateral gems, and activation of non-enzymatic antioxidant mechanisms. We observed an augmentation in the expression of ScACO5, which encodes the final enzyme regulating ethylene biosynthesis, and ScERF1, encoding a transcription factor, linked to the ethylene response. The increase in plant height was correlated with higher expression of ScPIF3, ScPIF4, and ScPIF5, which encode for transcription factors related to growth induction. Interestingly, there was also an increase in the expression of the ScGAI gene, which encodes a DELLA protein, a growth repressor. The final content of sucrose in the stems was not affected by the low levels of ethylene, although the rate of CO2 assimilation was reduced. This study reports for the first time the impacts of low endogenous production of ethylene in sugarcane and provides helpful insights on the molecular mechanisms behind ethylene responses.

Relative importance of region, seasonality and weed management practice effects on the functional structure of weed communities in French vineyards

Winegrowers have diversified their weed management practices over the last two decades changing the structure and the composition of weed communities. Complementary to taxonomic studies, trait-based approaches are promising ways for a better understanding of weed community responses to environmental and agronomic filters. In the present study, the impacts of climate, soil characteristics, seasons and weed management practices (chemical weeding, tillage and mowing) were assessed on weed communities from 46 plots in three French wine-growing regions (Champagne, Languedoc and Rhône valley). These agro-environmental gradients structuring weed communities according to their combinations of traits were highlighted using multivariate analysis (RLQ). The impacts of these filters on Community Weighted Means (CWM) and Community Weighted Variance (CWV) of weed communities were analysed using mixed and null modelling. Our results showed that spatio-temporal and weed management practice variables explained from 13% to 48% of the total variance of CWM (specific leaf area, maximum height, seed mass, flowering onset and duration and lateral spread). Region, seasonality and management practices explained 53%, 28% and 19% of CWM marginal variance, respectively. Weed management impacted CWM and CWV through two main gradients: (i) a soil disturbance gradient with high mechanical disturbance of soil in tilled plots and low mechanical disturbance in chemically weeded plots and (ii) a vegetation cover gradient with high vegetation abundance in mowed plots compared to barer soils in tilled and chemically weeded plots. In Languedoc, chemical weeding filtered weed communities with ruderal strategy trait values (low seed mass, small-stature) while mowed communities were more competitive (higher seed mass, higher stature and lower SLA). In Languedoc and Champagne, tillage favoured communities with high seed mass that increases the viability of buried seeds and high lateral spread values associated to the ability to resprout after tillage. This study demonstrated that trait-based approaches can be successfully applied to perennial cropping systems such as vineyards, in order to understand community assembly to better guide weed management practices.

How to Distinguish Marfan Syndrome from Marfanoid Habitus in a Physical Examination-Comparison of External Features in Patients with Marfan Syndrome and Marfanoid Habitus.

Marfan Syndrome (MFS) is a systemic disorder caused by mutations in fibrillin-1. The most common cause of mortality in MFS is dissection and rupture of the aorta. Due to a highly variable and age-dependent clinical spectrum, the diagnosis of MFS still remains sophisticated. The aim of the study was to determine if there exist phenotypic features that can play the role of “red flags” in cases of MFS suspicion. The study population included 306 patients (199 children and 107 adults) who were referred to the Department of Pediatric Cardiology due to suspicion of MFS. All patients underwent complete clinical evaluation in order to confirm the diagnosis of MFS according to the modified Ghent criteria. MFS was diagnosed in 109 patients and marfanoid habitus in 168 patients. The study excluded 29 patients with other hereditary thoracic aneurysm syndromes. Comparative analysis between patients with Marfan syndrome and marfanoid habitus was performed. Symptoms with high prevalence and high positive likelihood ratio were identified (pectus carinatum, reduced elbow extension, hindfoot deformity, gothic palate, downslanting palpebral fissures, lens subluxation, myopia ≥ 3 dioptres remarkably high stature). The differentiation between patients with MFS and marfanoid body habitus is not possible by only assessing external body features; however, “red flags” could be helpful in the screening phase.

EVALUATION OF MARE FAMILIES OF ORLOV’S TROTTER OF UKRAINIAN POPULATION HORSES

It was found that the domestic population of horses of the Orlov’s Trotter breed is 465 individuals, including mares of reproductive age - only 193, which indicates a significant limitation of this breed. The most numerous uterine families by number of successors: Vorozheyka and Fatma (8.3% in the uterine composition), Rumba (7.8% in the uterine composition) and Cadetka (7.3% in the uterine composition). Only 12 mares (6.2%) belong to a small number of uterine families, numbering 1-2 mares (Aristocratka, Kaluga, Pusti, Damochka, Zib, Lelya, Levitsa, Panika, Pika). The analyzed uterine families number from 3 to 10 generations from the ancestor to the representatives of the modern uterine composition. Evaluation of mare families on a set of breeding traits found that the highest liveliness at a classical distance of 1600 m on average characterized mares belonging to the uterine families of Lena (2.11,4 ± 0,65 min), Uh-Kakaya (2.12.2±0,28 min), Dosujaya (2.13,4±0,18 min), Barvikha (2.15,3±0,41 min), Vorojeyka (2.15,7±0,15 min), Cadetka (2.15,8± 0,22 min). The quietest mares belong to the parent families of Povest, Evil, Molodytsa, Kaleria. Mares from the mare families of Lena, Vorojeyka and Molodytsa differ in terms of measurement indicators. They are characterized by high stature, elongated body shape, typical of the harness type of horses, bulky chest. In terms of wrist circumference, all assessed mares do not exceed 20.8 cm, which indicates an insufficient level of skeletal development and, accordingly, is not negatively affected by agility. By dividing into gradations by liveliness classes, it was established that mares of the Orlov’s Trotter breed of the Ukrainian population of liveliness class 2.05 min and more vigorous were not detected. Of all tested mares (76.2 %), only 12.2 % have a high liveliness class of 2.10 min or more. However, mares of low liveliness class (2.30,1 min and quieter) are few - 10.9 %. The predominant number of mares have an average liveliness class of 2.10,1-2.20 min (55.1 %) and 2.20,1-2,30 min (21.8 %). Almost a quarter of mares (23.8 %) remain untested, which negatively affects the selection process. Most mares of high vitality class belong to the parent families: Barvikha, Dan’, Dosuzhaya, Rumba, Uh-Kakaya.

Multiple ovulations between ovarian stimulation treatment and primary ovarian insufficiency

The release of several oocytes during the same menstrual cycle can occur both physiologically and iatrogenic, following ovarian stimulation treatments. Ovarian induction can be achieved either by mild stimulation, in the case of anovulatory or dysovulatory patients, or by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, to obtain a large number of follicles in the In Vitro Fertilization procedure. At this time, the ideal ovarian stimulation treatment is to suppress the pituitary release of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a co-opted regimen with high doses of exogenous follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The physiological process of multiple ovulations can lead to superfertilization (SF). SF is a biological process by which two eggs are fertilized successively, at intervals of a few days apart, both eggs coming from the same ovulation. Among the factors that can lead to superfertilization are mentioned: family history of dizygotic pregnancies (DZ), increased parity, advanced age, high stature of women, a high weight index, the use of oral contraceptives and folic acid. The premenopausal period is characterized by elevated levels of FSH and a low ovarian reserve, both conditions contributing to the development of multiple follicular and DZ pregnancies.