N or P availability constrains plant growth in tropical and subtropical regions, and may influence plant hydraulic system that mediated forest vulnerability to drought. Although the effects of N/P availability on plant hydraulic traits have drawn much attention, most studies neglected the hydraulic failure threshold, and were limited to single species using fertilization experiments. This study aimed to fill this gap by examining how variation in the relative availability of N/P, as reflected by foliar N:P ratios, influences plant hydraulic failure threshold across a broad range of species by collecting published data and doing field experiments. The results demonstrated that increasing P availability would decrease the hydraulic safety margin (increase hydraulic failure risk) by regulating the leaf area: stem area ratio and vessel wall reinforcement. Forest drought-induced mortality was predicted to increase with increasing temperature; however, this study suggests N deposition-driven decreases in P availability would potentially alleviate this trend.

COVID-19--a viral infectious disease--has quickly emerged as a global pandemic infecting millions of people with a significant number of deaths across the globe. The symptoms of this disease vary widely. Depending on the symptoms an infected person is broadly classified into two categories namely, asymptomatic and symptomatic. Asymptomatic individuals display mild or no symptoms but continue to transmit the infection to otherwise healthy individuals. This particular aspect of asymptomatic infection poses a major obstacle in managing and controlling the transmission of the infectious disease. In this paper, we attempt to mathematically model the spread of COVID-19 under various intervention strategies. The impact of various factors, such as the presence of asymptotic individuals, lockdown strategies, social distancing practices, quarantine, and hospitalization, on the disease transmission is extensively studied. We consider SEIR type epidemiological models, incorporated with social contact matrix representing contact structures among different age groups of the population. Numerical simulation of the model shows the dependence of the second wave on the lockdown and its exit policies during the first wave.

Arthropod communities globally are declining while undergoing taxonomic and functional homogenization, with agricultural activity being a strong contributory factor. Here we use DNA metabarcoding to quantify how variation in climate, agricultural intensity, and plant community composition shape spatiotemporal variation in a metacommunity of > 10,000 arthropod species sampled from 29 Malaise traps across 15 sites in southern Ontario, Canada. Local variation in plant community composition and canopy cover best explained arthropod community dissimilarity. Climatic variables followed closely as explanatory factors, driven primarily by seasonal variation in temperature. The proportion of agricultural land at the landscape scale had no detectable effect. Our results suggest that plant community composition, microclimate, and seasonality structured the arthropod metacommunity to considerable degree, factors that are rarely incorporated into assessments of biodiversity loss due to agriculture. We conclude that habitat restoration on marginal lands is likely an effective strategy for promoting arthropod biodiversity in agroecosystems.

Background: The occurrence of nasal polyps is related to mucosal barrier damage. The role of MG53, an important epithelial repair regulator, in nasal polyps remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of MG53 in nasal epithelial repair. Methods: We divided the patients into the following three groups (n=15 each): chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and septal deviation (control). We performed qRT-PCR and western blotting to determine the expression of MG53, TGF-β1, Smad2/3, zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1), and collagen-a1 (Col-a1) in nasal tissues and human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs). HNECs were cultured to investigate the regulatory role of MG53 and the TGF-β1/Smad pathway in the repair of nasal epithelial cells. Results: We found that the expression of MG53, TGF-β1, Smad2/3, ZO-1, and Col-a1 was upregulated in the CRSsNP group, whereas it was downregulated in the CRSwNP group. In the HNECs of nasal polyps, the expression of TGF-β1, Smad2/3, ZO-1, and Col-a1 was downregulated after overexpressed MG53, whereas this was reversed by the knockdown of MG53. Additionally, we found that TGF-β1 stimulation resulted in significantly upregulated MG53 expression, which was impeded by TGF-β1 inhibitors. MG53 expression facilitated proliferation, promoted the secretion of Col-a1, and inhibited apoptosis in HNECs. Conclusion: MG53 inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad pathway and fibrosis, enhanced the proliferation of nasal epithelial cells, and supported nasal epithelial repair. The results of this study provide a new therapeutic regimen for the treatment of nasal polyps. Keywords: epithelial repair; mitsugumin53; nasal polyps; tight junction; TGF-β1/Smad.

Allergen specific Immunotherapy (ASIT) is the only systemic treatment for “type I hypersensitivity”, however, undesirable minor to severe allergic reactions are often witnessed during the course of therapy. Moreover, there are huge variations in the sensitivity of different patients to an allergen and the composition of allergenic extracts available for ASIT. For a better predictability of clinical outcome in ASIT and minimization of side effects, several combinatorial therapies have been devised which involve administration of allergen extracts with immunomodulatory or suppressive cytokines like TGF-β, IL-35 & IL-10. Recently, different endogenous specialized proresolving lipid mediators such as Lipoxins, Resolvins, Maresins and Protectins have shown promise as therapeutic agents in the resolution of allergic inflammation. Another growing concern is the problem of “Polyallergy”, which is basically a sensitivity of atopic individuals to two or more allergens. The precise diagnosis of polyallergy stands as a major challenge for clinicians, before they can initiate ASIT methodically. In this regard, Component Resolved Diagnosis (CRD) has emerged as a unique technological solution for detecting polyallergy, which can replace conventional serum specific IgE assays in near future. However, data interpretation in CRD is bit complex and ambiguous. In this review, we have provided the schematics of a prospective strategy, employing unique IgE epitope based allergen fragment arrays, which can enhance the resolution and predictability of CRD. We further suggest a technology for selecting a subset of novel hypoallergen molecules for delivering precise and thoroughly standardized ASIT with minimal side effects.

Global declines in structurally complex habitats are reshaping both land and seascapes in directions that may change how biological communities respond to warming. Here, we test whether the widespread loss of kelp habitats through overgrazing by sea urchins changes fish community structure in directions that systematically alter warming sensitivity. We use simulations and comparisons of communities from 5996 sites across 19 ecoregions to test for thermal diversity shifts related to habitat. We find that the realized thermal affinities and ranges of fishes from kelp and urchin barrens differ, but only in regions with high initial response diversity. Fish communities in warm-temperate barrens host relatively more warm-affinity species than neighbouring kelp beds, highlighting that urchin herbivory can exacerbate tropicalization processes. By contrast, relatively cool-affinity species colonize cool-temperate barrens and explain apparent lags with ocean warming in these locations. Evidently, urchins are agents of ecological change with implications for climate resilience.

Spatial correlation plays an important role in spatial economics. However, there is still room for improvement of this method. We address the question of whether the correlation may be trivial consequence of the trends that are entirely unrelated to spatial adjacency. Application of this analysis to selected economic data demonstrates that some trends are not sufficient to account for spatial correlation properties. Then we modify the spatial adjacency matrix using the detrended cross-correlation analysis method for stock data. The modified spatial matrix is introduced to spatial Dubin model. Application of this method to stock data demonstrates that the spatial DCCA coefficient matrix is an optional method.

A dynamical predator-prey model with constant prey harvesting, proportional harvesting in predator has been studied. The square root functional response also has been incorporated in the system to describe the prey herd behavior, assuming the average handling time is zero. The existence and the local stability of equilibria of the system have been discussed. It is examined that, two types of bifurcation occur in the system. The two types of bifurcations have been analyzed, and it has been found by analyzing the saddle-node bifurcation that, there is a maximum sustainable yield . At >(1/4) , the prey population will abolish from the system and then extinction of the predator population will happen. But if 0

In order to find out the mechanism of how salicylic acid signal recruit soil microorganisms to explain their cooperate resistance to Fusarium wilt disease in watermelon plants. In this experiment, we have examined the soil microbial diversity at three different sampling times after salicylic acid application by metagenomic sequencing using Illumina HiSeq platform. The results showed that the incidence of Watermelon Fusarium Wilt was significantly lower than control group after SA application. Collectively, our results indicated that SA signal may activate the immune signal in watermelon plants by mediating rhizosphere microbial community to cooperate enhancing resistance to disease. Notably, SA signal have highly increased the distribution of resistance genes from GH (Glycoside Hydrolases) and PL (Polysaccharide Lyases) after 3 days post inoculation of FON1, and those corresponding resistance genes may came from Proteobacteria because its highest relative abundance. Therefore, our results suggested that the induced resistant observed in watermelon against Fusarium wilt might be a case of cooperate resistance dependent on salicylic acid signal to recruit soil microorganisms.

In this article, we have investigated the two-dimensional MHD steady boundary layer flow of a viscous magneto-micropolar liquid via an extending area. The impact of heat source /sink, and chemical reaction are considered. The governing equations are modeled in Cartesian coordinate system. Using the suitable similarity transformations, the partial differential equations system is changed into the nonlinear ordinary differential equations system. The resulting system of equations is solved through mathematical renowned software Mathematica. The impact of diverse parameters on microrotation, concentration, temperature and velocity are examined via graphs. The present study reveals that, the velocity is arising function of Soret number, Richardson number and Grashof number. It is mentioned that the greater velocity is located in the case of Newtonian liquid as in contrast to the micropolar liquid. In the absence of chemical reaction parameter the velocity is more. It is physically justified that, when the chemical reaction increases in the fluid medium, the velocity of the liquid reduces. It is also found that radiation parameter, chemical reaction parameter and Hartmann number augment the temperature. The current study leads many applications in poro and magneto mechanics.

A document by Abdul Rehman Arshad. Click on the document to view its contents.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test could be positive for a second time in some cases, after recovery from their first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) episode. However, causes of this re-positive test has not been fully understood. In this paper, the original studies with re-positive COVID-19 patients in their study population were discussed. Methods: Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched and the retrieved records underwent title/abstract and full-text screenings. Three independent researchers extracted the data of the studies. Results: The systematic search yielded 16 case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies. Data of 10,475 patients were included; 489 (4.67%) of them classified as re-positive. The female percentage and mean age for re-positive and non-re-positive groups were 56.82% and 50.0 ± 18.0, and 55.91% and 46.6 ± 17.1, respectively. The rate of symptom presentation upon second positive test turned out to be 20.0%, with the most common symptoms being cough (68.2%), fever (31.8%), and fatigue (22.7%). Hypertension (15.9%) accounted for the most common underlying disease in the re-positive group. In 33/46 (71.7%) of the re-positive patients, computed tomography (CT) abnormalities were resolved to some extent. Conclusion: A re-positive SARS-CoV-2 test is possible within a few weeks after recovery, although it does not necessarily indicate a re-infection. Other reasons could lead to a re-positive test such as reactivation of the virus that persisted in the body from the previous COVID-19 episode and testing errors. Clinical features such as symptoms and imaging could assist in identifying re-infections.

Objective to evaluate the desire for parenthood and reproductive outcomes following fertility-sparing treatment for invasive cervical cancer including Vaginal Radical Trachelectomy (VRT), Radical Hysterectomy (RH) and chemoradiotherapy. Design Retrospective cohort study Setting Tertiary referral center in the Netherlands Population patients <45 years with invasive cervical cancer desiring to maintain reproductive potential. Methods Clinicopathologic and reproductive outcomes were retrieved from medical files and postal questionnaires for patients treated between 2009 – 2020. Main outcome measures Survival, recurrences, fertility and pregnancy outcomes Results 75 patients were identified of whom 34 underwent VRT, 9 RH and 32 had (chemo)radiotherapy. 26 patients started fertility preservation (FP) procedures of whom 23 (88.5%) successfully preserved fertility. After a median follow-up of 49 months, 5 patients developed recurrent disease and died. Reproductive outcomes were available for 58 patients of whom 89.6% maintained their desire for parenthood. Following VRT, 15 patients conceived 21 pregnancies which resulted in 15 live-births, yielding a pregnancy rate of 61.9% and live-birth rate of 75.0%. Following RH or (chemo)radiotherapy, 3 surrogate pregnancies were established (21.4%) using frozen-thawed oocytes (n=2) and ovarian tissue fragments (n=1) with good neonatal outcomes. Conclusions Many cervical cancer patients maintain the desire to become parents after cancer treatment. Vaginal Radical Trachelectomy and Fertility Preservation enable young women with invasive cervical cancer to become a parent after cancer treatment. Structural and timely fertility counseling is of the essence when attempting fertility-sparing treatment and should be available to all. Keywords cervical cancer / oncofertility / trachelectomy / fertility preservation / surrogacy

Nitrogen (N), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) deficiency all result in the decrease of chlorophyll density (CH.D) in cucumber leaf, but it is difficult to differentiate N/Mg/K-deficient leaves using CH.D. New indicators based on CH.D distribution features of cucumber leaf were proposed to simultaneously diagnose N/Mg/K-deficient cucumber plants. CH.D distribution map of cucumber leaves in N/Mg/K-deficient and control groups were determined non-destructively using hyperspectral image data. Compared with control group leaves, a decrease in CH.D could be observed on the whole area of N-deficient leaves, Mg-deficient leaves presented pixels with low CH.D between main leaf vein, and pixels with low CH.D could be observed at the border of K-deficient leaves. Distribution features were extracted from the CH.D distribution map and were employed to diagnose N/Mg/K-deficient leaves simultaneously, with the diagnostics rates of 96.67%. The result indicated that CH.D distribution features have potential for simultaneous diagnosing N/Mg/K-deficient leaves in practical applications.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of complications associated with CI. Design: Retrospective descriptional study wherein data of surgeries done during April 1994 - March 2016 was analysed. Setting: Hospital Participants: Patients who underwent cochlear implant. Outcome measures: Complications were recorded as surgical and non-surgical; latter were further classified as major and minor. Results: 1236 surgeries were performed on 933 pediatric patients (06 months-18 years) and 79 adults. The cause of the deafness was congenital (90.91%), idiopathic (8.30%), and meningitis (0.79%). No speech impairment was seen in eight (0.86%) children. Bilateral profound hearing impairment was common in 99.41% patients. In addition, Mondini’s deformity (n=05), auditory neuropathy (n=10), adenoid hypertrophy (n=05) and tongue tie (n=10) were seen in children. Previous CI was reported in 29.46%. Delayed milestones were seen in 13.39%. Hypertension (14.29%) and diabetes mellitus (15.18%) were seen in adult patients. There was history of consanguinity in 60.02% patients. Right cochlear implantation (47.43%), left (31.42%) and Bilateral implantation (21.15%) were done. Reimplantation was required 2.96% patients. Surgeries were performed by two surgeons, 55.34% and 41.50% surgeries respectively, and as a team (3.16%). All pediatric patients had uneventful postoperative period. There were 17 (1.68%) complications in adults; permanent facial nerve paresis (n=04) and flap necrosis (02) were major complications (n=08); labyrynthitis (n=04) and wound infection (n=04) were the minor complications (n=09). Conclusion: CI is a safe procedure for restoration of hearing loss and the complications are within the acceptable limits.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the 10-year secular trends in the incidence of microtia and/or anotia from 2008 to 2017 using nationwide population-based data. Study design: A cross-sectional study Setting: Taiwan Participants: Patient data were retrieved from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Dataset, after identifying 1,152 children aged ≤1 year with a first-time diagnosis of microtia or anotia between January 2008 and December 2017. The annual microtia-anotia incidence rate was the sum of new microtia-anotia cases in a year divided by total infant population in the year. Method: We used the annual percent change (APC) to study the secular trend in microtia-anotia incidence rate. Results: The annual incidence rate of microtia-anotia averaged across the 10-year period was 57.7 per 100,000 infants (standard deviation=8.6). The annual incidence rates of microtia and anotia were 53.3 and 4.4 per 100,000 infants, respectively, during this period. Furthermore, female infants had a higher incidence than males (63.3 vs. 52.4 per 100,000). The incidence of microtia-anotia gradually decreased between 2008 and 2017 with an APC of -5.64% (95% CI= -9.31%~-1.18%, p=0.004). Since 2011, females had a significantly higher annual incidence rate of microtia-anotia than males. Conclusions: The incidence of microtia-anotia was 57.7 per 100,000 infants in Taiwan, which declined during the study period 2008-2017. The female-to-male incidence ratio was 1.21:1.

Keywords Flexible nasendoscopy, COVID-19, upper aerodigestive tract, aerosol generating procedure Objectives Flexible nasendoscopy (FNE) is an invaluable multi-disciplinary tool for upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) examination. During the COVID-19 pandemic concerns were raised that FNE had the potential of generating aerosols resulting in human cross-contamination when performed on SARS-COV2 carriers. ENT UK issued guidelines restricting FNE to essential cases, specifying that FNE should be performed in a well-ventilated room, preferably with a monitor screen and wearing enhanced PPE. We surveyed ENT UK members and Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) members to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on FNE practice of the UADT. Design An observational internet-based survey Setting FNE practice in community clinics, outpatient departments, inpatient wards, ICUs, emergency departments and operating theatres. Participants UK-based ENT surgeons and speech and language therapists using FNE in clinical practice. Main outcome measures Frequency, indication and local guidelines of FNE of the UADT before, during and emerging from the COVID-19 first peak. Results 314 responses: 82% from ENT clinicians, 17% from SLTs and 1% from nurse practitioners (NP) and physician associates (PA). Overall, there has been a large reduction in the volume and indications for FNE during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic with limited recovery by mid-August. Cancer and airway assessments were impacted less. A wide range of FNE protocols are reported varying in choice of endoscope, extent of PPE and sterilization methods. Recommended practice appears influenced predominantly by local factors. The majority of services used reusable endoscopes manually cleaned with Tristel wipes or sent for central sterilization at non-uniform intervals, while a minority of services exclusively used single-use video-endoscopes. When there was no dedicated AGP rooms, centers managed with simple window opening and a widely variable room “down-time” between patients. Endoscope preference reflected user familiarity. ENT trainees expressed a preference for single-use video capturing endoscopes for continuing service models. Conclusion Despite guidance, local practice of FNE remains interrupted and highly variable nationally. A collaborative approach is required to re-introduce FNE safely across UK healthcare setting to ensure timely diagnosis and optimal patient care.

Background: Serum 25(OH)-Vitamin D3 (VitD3) deficiency during infancy has been associated with asthma. The potential therapeutic role of VitD3 given in the airways and its interference with the allergen and Rhinovirus was the objective of this study. Methods: In two cohorts of children with and without asthma, serum levels of the C-reactive protein (CRP) were correlated to Serum VitD3 and in peripheral blood T cell inhibitor marker Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) mRNA was analyzed. In a murine model, VitD3 was given intranasally in vivo and in vitro to lung cells with allergen and Rhinovirus. Results: In the cohorts of pre-school age children without (control) asthma, CRP and VitD3 levels inversely correlated. In preschool asthmatic children that did not receive VitD3 supplementation as infant had more episode of asthma exacerbation associated with high CRP serum level. In peripheral blood cells from control but not asthmatic children with higher serum levels of VitD3 had lower PD1 mRNA levels. In murine model, OVA intranasal challenge induced Innate Lymphoid Cells type 2 (ILC2)-associated markers and Eosinophils in BALF and VitD3 inhibited lung inflammation and ILC2 markers. Furthermore, VitD3 given intranasally, induced CD4+T cells and reduced PD1, T regulatory cells in the lung. Similarly, VitD3 had a suppressive role on CD4+PD1+ T cells involved in T cell exhaustion in the airways in the absence of ST2 after Rhinovirus infection. Conclusion: These data support an inhibitory role of VitD3 on T cell exhaustion after allergen and rhinovirus infection that is relevant for pediatric asthma.

The calamity of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), COVID-19, is still a global human tragedy. To date, no specific antiviral drug or therapy has been able to break the widespread of SARS-CoV2. It has been generally believed that stimulating protective immunity via universal vaccination is the individual strategy to manage this pandemic. Achieving an effective COVID-19 vaccine requires attention to the immunological and non-immunological standpoints that mentioned in this article. Here, we try to introduce the considerable immunological aspects, potential antigen targets, appropriate adjuvants as well as key points in the various stages of COVID-19 vaccine development. Also, the principal features of the preclinical and clinical studies of pioneering COVID-19 vaccine candidates were pointed out by reviewing the available information. Finally, we discuss the key challenges in the successful design of the COVID-19 vaccine, and address the most fundamental strengths and weaknesses of common vaccine platforms.

The identification of asymptomatic, non-severe presymptomatic, and severe presymptomatic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in patients may help optimize risk-stratified clinical management and improve prognosis. This single-center case series from Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital, China, included 2,980 patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized between February 4, 2020 and April 10, 2020. Patients were diagnosed as asymptomatic (n=39), presymptomatic (n=34), and symptomatic (n=2,907) upon admission. This study provided an overview of asymptomatic, presymptomatic, and symptomatic COVID-19 patients, including detection, demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. Upon admission, there was no significant difference in clinical symptoms and CT image between asymptomatic and presymptomatic patients for diagnosis reference. The mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the differential diagnosis model to discriminate presymptomatic patients from asymptomatic patients was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.81-0.98). The severe and non-severe presymptomatic patients can be further stratified (AUC = 0.82). The two-step risk-stratification model based on 10 laboratory indicators on admission can facilitate early identification of asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 and predict illness severity for appropriate clinical management. Moreover, single-cell data analyses revealed that the CD8+T cell exhaustion contributed to the progression of COVID-19.

Mus musculus is a valuable laboratory model more than a century and in the worldwide studies have been done about it. There are three main subspecies Mus musculus with the scientific name (Mus musculus musculus, Mus musculus domesticus, Mus musculus castaneus) with worldwide distribution. There are several theories about the origin of subspecies Mus musculus one of which Iran is referred to as the origin. To study Bioinformatics and phylogenetic species Phylogeography complex Mus musculus mtDNA sequence was 1730, including 1330 D-loop sequences and 400 sequences of cytochrome b, and c (310 cytochrome b sequences and 90 sequences of cytochrome c), Using the mitochondrial sequences, performed phylogenetic analyzes and draw trees and were examined the subspecies Mus musculus. The amino acid sequences of cytochrome b and c three-dimensional shapes were analyzed by using phylogenetic and Bioinformatics software. Population genetic analyzes showed that Iran is an origin of complex Mus musculus, and haplotypes were identified by evolutionary paths and ancestral haplotype was examined in Iran. Bioinformatics amino acid analysis results showed that cytochrome b is cytochrome variable and subunits of cytochrome c have the fewest changes. As part of the cytochrome b, which is located in the cytoplasm of the cell is significantly more amino acid changes. The results showed that the protected areas are not exclusive to D-loop and different cytochrome regions have protected areas. Using cytochrome b and c amino acids changes in each subspecies and it can be used as reliable indicators for detection and a stable model to identifying the subspecies Mus musculus.

Negligence in healthcare system paves to become major cause for occurrence and recurrence of most infectious diseases. Leptospirosis is one among those neglected 17 tropical infections listed by WHO. Leptospirosis is epidemic in tropical country like India and prevalent throughout the nation. About 60% of human infections are of zoonotic origin and 75% of these infections are emerging and re-emerging. The pathogenic infection gets transmitted to humans by animals via infected water bodies (indirect transmission) or by direct contact with them. From the inferred data it can be concluded that people of different occupations namely irrigation/ agricultural people, sewage workers, fishermen, volunteers for natural disasters, people involved in fresh water sports are susceptible to indirect transmission. In case of direct/ indirect transmission via animals, veterinary healthcare service providers, butchers, animal caretakers, etc., are susceptible for acquiring the infection. Being zoonosis, the intervention or policy making for controlling the infection must be multi-sectorial and holistic. ‘One Health Concept’ is a holistic approach, which has been in practice dating back to Hippocrates period and now gaining popularity. The concept encompasses human, animal and environmental health equally and facilitates in controlling infection by either controlling two or all the factors. The study will review on imparting one health concept as a suitable approach for tackling against the Leptospirosis infection since this approach could possibly hinder the transmission cycle of the infection that is almost believed to be impossible to manage. This review extensively discusses about the major research gap that needs to be addressed immediately to apply one health approach to control leptospirosis and how to bring out relevant information with the limited available data. The key inference area of transmission and one health approach to control leptospiral infection is proposed and the repercussions discussed in detail.

Background: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is an inborn error of immunity characterized by disturbed immunoglobulin production. Despite of the terrain with severe antibody deficiency, autoantibody-mediated autoimmune phenomena belong to the most frequent autoimmune manifestation. However, many unresolved issues such as prevalence, clinical relevance and origin of autoantibodies detected in CVID patients receiving immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IRT) make the diagnostics of autoimmune complications difficult. Methods: A prospective observational study evaluating the spectrum of 38 different autoantibodies in 38 CVID patients receiving IRT, and in the immunoglobulin solutions used for IRT. Results: The study reveals a high prevalence of anti-GAD (55.3%) and anti-TPO (68.4%) autoantibodes in the cohort of 38 CVID patients on regular IRT. However, the titers of anti-GAD (3.22 vs. 22 kU/L, p≤0.0001) and anti-TPO (109.7 vs. 713 kU/L, p≤0.0001) were significantly lower compared to the newly diagnosed T1D and AIT patients. Moreover, none of the CVID patients with detectable antibodies manifested with T1D and only three patients became suspected of having AIT. A high quantity of anti-GAD (3.24-24.48 kU/L) and anti-TPO (123.6-156.55 kU/L) autoantibodies was found in immunoglobulin solutions for IRT. Conclusions: The study finds a very high prevalence of anti-GAD and anti-TPO autoantibodies in CVID patients receiving regular IRT. Nevertheless, the presence of anti-GAD and anti-TPO is not associated with the manifestation of the respective autoimmune disease. As the high titers of both anti-GAD and anti-TPO were also found in the therapeutics used for IRT, we suggest that the therapeutic immunoglobulins are the source of this false positivity.

Understanding the effects of climate change on plant phenological dynamics and growth patterns is critical for predicting climatic changes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). We used data over 21 years (1997 to 2017) for four dominant species on the QTP, namely Astragalus laxmannii (legume), Artemisia scoparia (forb), Kobresia humilis (sedge), Stipa purpurea (grass), and examined the relationships among climatic changes, plant phenology, growth pattern, and biomass. Most phenological periods in Stipa purpurea and Artemisia scoparia were delayed, whereas in Astragalus laxmannii, they were advanced. Soil temperature and maximum air temperature were the most important drivers. There were trade-offs between reproductive phenology and vegetative phenology, as well as between the length of the rapid growth period and the intrinsic growth rate. The impacts of the phenological or growth processes were species-specific. Our findings provide evidence of long-term changes and are of great significance for improving the accuracy of models.