Abstract: Enclosure is playing an important role in the storage of soil organic carbon (SOC) and root biomass accumulation in desert steppe. However, plant community types are complex and diverse in desert steppe of Inner Mongolia, northern China. This study analyzed relationships between plant communities and surface soil organic carbon stock (SOCS) in a desert steppe environment of Inner Mongolia. Total root biomass for S. breviflora, K. cristata, L. chinensis, S. krylovii, C. ammannii and A. mongolicum were 268.00, 731.71, 356.16, 305.73, 229.21 and 299.74 g/m2, respectively. Average SOC for S. breviflora, K. cristata, L. chinensis, S. krylovii, C. ammannii and A. mongolicum were 7.54, 11.75, 8.40, 7.14 6.07 and 7.17 g/kg, respectively. The upper 0-10 cm soil contained the highest amounts of root biomass and SOC, both of which gradually decreased with soil depth. Total SOCS for the six different types of plant communities ranged from 2.77 to 4.49 kg/m2 at 0-30 cm soil depth. SOC correlated positively with root biomass, clay and silt content and negatively with sand content over the 0-30 cm interval. Stratification ratios (SRs) of SOC increased with soil depth for different plant communities (except C. ammannii and A. mongolicum). This indicates better soil quality associated with S. breviflora, K. cristata, L. chinensis and S. krylovii, communities. Due to their influence on SOC distribution and soil properties, root systems are a key factor in grassland restoration. Root systems of plant communities in desert steppe environments also appear to represent major carbon sinks.

In the paper, motivated by the generating function of the Catalan numbers in combinatorial number theory and with the aid of Cauchy's integral formula in complex analysis, the authors generalize the Catalan numbers and its generating function, establish an explicit formula and an integral representation for the generalization of the Catalan numbers and corresponding generating function, and derive several integral formulas and combinatorial identities.

Appendix ATable S1. Results of the WS-CNN classifier for post-HI spike transient identification in experimental data (entire 6 hours – 13 layers) Trained and validated on Sheep No. No. of patterns in the Train and Validation Dataset Tested on Sheep No. No. of patterns in the Test-set TP hits TN hits FP hits FN hits Sensitivity [%] Selectivity [%] Precision [%] Accuracy [%] 2,3,4,5,6,7 4567 1 443 152 269 1 21 87.9 99.6 99.3 95.0 1,3,4,5,6,7 4751 2 259 110 149 0 0 100 100 100 100 1,2,4,5,6,7 4731 3 279 81 196 0 2 97.6 100 100 99.3 1,2,3,5,6,7 3372 4 1638 824 806 8 0 100 99.0 99.0 99.5 1,2,3,4,6,7 4088 5 922 454 466 1 1 99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8 1,2,3,4,5,7 4466 6 544 231 312 1 0 100 99.7 99.6 99.8 1,2,3,4,5,6 4085 7 925 209 714 2 0 100 99.7 99.1 99.8 Overall performance of the 13 layers WS-CNN in the entire 6 hours 99.03±1.66

El quiste odontogénico ortoqueratinizado es una entidad reconocida desde 1981. Es una lesión poco frecuente, rara, asintomática, con predilección por el sexo masculino. Se presenta con mayor frecuencia en la mandíbula, en la región de los molares y la rama mandibular. No está asociado al síndrome de Gorlin-Goltz; sin embargo, se han reportado casos donde se ha evidenciado una transformación neoplásica en su capa epitelial. Radiográficamente, se observa imagen radiolúcida unilocular, no produce expansión de corticales óseas y por lo general está asociado con dientes impactados. Histológicamente, posee un epitelio ortoqueratinizado, un prominente estrato granuloso y células basales cúbicas con poca tendencia a tener núcleos polarizados. Inmunohistoquímicamente, demuestra que posee poco potencial de proliferación y actividad celular, lo que explica su poca recurrencia después de la cirugía, por lo que se sugieren alternativas de tratamiento conservadoras. Es una lesión quística no agresiva con características bien definidas; si se trata a tiempo, puede mejorar el pronóstico del paciente.En este artículo tiene como objetivo describir las principales características del QOO y su diferenciación con el queratoquiste odontogénico.Palabras claves: Quiste odontogénico ortoqueratinizado, odontogénico, queratina, queratoquiste odontogénico.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a tumor occurs only in 0.05% of all head and neck tumors. We report a multisystemic approach combining study methods and collaboration with radiologist of a 16-years old male patient, diagnosed with a JNA measured 2x3x5 cm with retarded diagnosis who received endoscopic surgery management

There are various complications of PICC, bloodstream infection is well known, but the formation of guidewire knots during PICC insertion is rarely reported. Considering the risk of vascular injury in our case, surgical guidewire removal was performed. Although rare, it is necessary to recognize proper treatment for these complications.

Pretilachlor is a chloracetanilide herbicide whose acute intoxication in humans via ingestion has been rarely reported. We report a case of suicidal ingestion of the herbicide with similar clinical manifestations of organophosphate toxicity. Awareness among clinicians regarding such mimickers is the key to proper management of the patient.

We report a case of a 62-year-old-woman with a 17 year-history of axial and peripheral spondyloarthritis associated to a crohn disease, treated with tumor necrosis alpha inhibitors, who developed an asymetric retrobulbar optic neuritis that promptly responded to a high dose of steroids. Key Words: optic neuritis, crohn disease, spondyloarthritis

Aim: To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of severe COVID-19 adult patients, with the exploration of risk factors for mortality in the hospital. Methods: This study included 20 adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in the ICU of DHQ Hospital Faisalabad (Pakistan) and were categorized into the survival group and death group according to the outcome. We retrieved demographics, clinical manifestations and signs, laboratory indicators, treatment measures, and clinical outcomes from the medical record, and summarized the clinical characteristics and outcomes of these patients. Results: The average age of patients was 70 ± 12 years, of which 40% were male. They were admitted to the ICU 11 days after the onset of symptoms. The most common symptoms on admission were cough (19 cases, 95%), fatigue or myalgia (18 cases, 90%), fever (17 cases, 85%), and dyspnea (16 cases, 80%). Eleven (55%) patients had underlying diseases, of which hypertension was the most common (11 cases, 55%), followed by cardiovascular disease (4 cases, 20%), and diabetes (3 cases, 15%). Six patients (30%) received invasive mechanical ventilation and continuous renal replacement therapy and eventually died. Acute heart injury was the most common complication (19 cases, 95%). Ten (50%) patients died between 2 and 19 days after admission to the ICU. Compared to dead patients, the average body weight of surviving patients was lower (61.70± 2.36 vs 68.60±7.15, P = 0.01), Glasgow Coma Scale score was higher (14.69±0.70 vs 12.70±2.45, P = 0.03), with fewer concurrent shocks (2 vs 10, P = 0.001) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (2 vs 10, P = 0.001). Conclusion: The mortality rate is high in patients with critical COVID-19 disease. Lower Glasgow Coma Scale, higher body weight, and decreased lymphocyte count appear to be potential risk factors for the death of COVID-19 patients in the ICU.

Aujeszky’s disease in cattle is caused by Suid herpes virus 1. The natural infection has been reported worldwide in bovine species and it is connected to direct and indirect contact with infected suids, which represent the main reservoir of the disease. Here is reported the first documented outbreak of Aujeszky’s disease in cattle in Sicily (Italy). Severe itching and nonspecific neurological symptoms were the main reported clinical signs. No characteristic gross and histological features were reported rather than cutaneous lesions caused by excessive pruritus and hyperaemia, haemorrhages and inflammation in the central nervous system. Diagnosis was confirmed by real time PCR and immunohistochemistry on the nervous tissue. The route of infection remained unknown, but serological data observed in pigs living in close cohabitation with cattle revealed a circulation of a wild strain of the virus in the area. This study contributes to a better knowledge of this disease in an aberrant host and suggests the need of increase the prophylaxis control plans in specific breeding contexts.

Asthma assessment by spirometry is challenging in children as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) is frequently normal at baseline. Bronchodilator (BD) reversibility testing may reinforce asthma diagnosis but FEV1 sensitivity in children is controversial. Ventilation inhomogeneity, an early sign of airway obstruction, is described by the upward concavity of the descending limb of the forced expiratory flow-volume loop (FVL)s, not detected by FEV1. The aim was to test the diagnosis ability of FVL shape indexes as β-angle and forced expiratory flow at 50% of the forced vital capacity (FEF50)/peak expiratory flow (PEF) ratio, to identify asthmatics from healthy children in comparison to “usual” spirometric parameters. Seventy-two asthmatic children and twenty-nine controls aged 8 to 11 years were prospectively included. Children performed forced spirometry at baseline and after BD inhalation. Parameters were expressed at baseline as z-scores and BD reversibility as percentage of change reported to baseline value (Δ%). Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated and sensitivity and specificity at respective thresholds reported. Asthmatics presented significantly smaller zβ-angle, zFEF50/PEF and zFEV1 (p≤0.04) and higher BD reversibility, significant for Δ%FEF50/PEF (p=0.02) with no difference for Δ%FEV1. zβ-angle and zFEF50/PEF exhibited better sensitivity (0.58, respectively 0.60) than zFEV1 (0.50), and similar specificity (0.72). Δ%β-angle showed higher sensitivity compared to Δ%FEV1 (0.72 vs 0.42), but low specificity (0.52 vs 0.86). Quantitative and qualitative assessment of FVL by adding shape indexes to spirometry interpretation may improve the ability to detect an airway obstruction, FEV1 reflecting more proximal while shape indexes peripheral bronchial obstruction.

ABSTRACT Background: Necrotizing pneumonia (NP) is a severe complication of community-acquired pneumonia. The impact of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) on the epidemiology of NP in children has not been formally assessed. Patients and methods: Medical records of children <18 years admitted with NP to two pediatric hospitals in Italy between 2005 through 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The following 4 periods were defined: 2005-2010 (pre-PCV13), 2011-2013 (early post-PCV13), 2014-2016 (intermediate post-PCV13), and 2017-2019 (late post-PCV13). Results: Forty-three children (median age, 44 months) were included. Most of them (93%) were previously healthy. No differences in age, sex, season of admission, comorbidity, clinical presentation, or hospital course were identified between pre-PCV13 and post-PCV13 periods. A significant decrease in the rate of NP-associated hospitalizations was found between the early (1.5/1000 admissions/year) and the intermediate (0.35/1000 admissions/year) post-PCV13 period (p=0.001). Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common agent detected in both periods (pre-PCV13: 11/18, 61%; post-PCV13: 13/25, 52%). Serotype 3 was the most common strain in both periods (pre-PCV13: 3/11, 27%; post-PCV13; 4/13, 31%). There were no changes in the bacterial etiology over time, but most patients with Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus infection were admitted during the post-PCV13 period. Conclusions: The hospitalization rate for NP in children decreased a few years after the implementation of PCV13 immunization in Italy. However, an increased trend in admissions was found thereafter. S. pneumoniae was the most frequent causal agent in both pre- and post-PCV13 periods. Pneumococcal serotypes were mainly represented by strain 3.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR RESPONSEWe thank Dr. Del Giglio et al. for their comments. As it was stated in our paper1, our primary goal was to describe our approach and procedural details to MIAVR by way of RALT. For further reading we would also like to draw attention to our video tutorial regarding RALT-MIAVR2. Nevertheless, we would like to congratulate Dr. Del Giglio and his colleagues for their significant contribution to the field of minimally invasive aortic valve treatment3 4 56.We completely agree with Dr. Del Giglio et al. that our statement regarding preoperative CT-scanning being mandatory is somehow misleading. However, other colleagues also consider a preoperative CT scan obligatory for RALT-MIAVR7 providing important additional information over TEE8. Three-dimensional reconstructed multidetector CT images allow virtual planning of the exposure leading to a reduced ischemia time and a reduced conversion rate9. It has also been shown that systematic preoperative CT screening in MIMVS is associated with lower risk of postoperative stroke and a trend towards lower operative mortality10. Although we agree with Dr. Del Giglio et al. that CT assessment is helpful at the beginning, it remains accommodating throughout the complete learning curve and thereafter. Andre Plass et al.11 wrote that preoperative planning with multi-slice CT leads to an improved mental preparation and to an efficient and accurate surgical strategy including the choice of the optimal ICS. In their Letter to the Editor , Dr. Del Giglio et al. wrote that surgical access site selection does not require a CT scan, that the third ICS is the right one in most cases and that the surgeon could easily change to the second ICS from the same skin incision. We agree that changing ICS is easily possible, yet it also means added surgical damage and this should be avoided whenever possible. An automated method determining the closest ICS to the STJ as the optimal incision location for MIAVR has already been introduced12. A novel MIAVR tool that combines 3D imaging with quantitative planning measures has also been described13. The access angle is strongly associated with procedure complexity13 and with CPB time, x-clamping time and access difficulty13. Moodley et al.14 reported that mandatory CT-screening of the chest, abdomen and pelvis revealed significant subclinical aorto-iliac atherosclerosis resulting in a change in surgical approach in 21% of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients scheduled for MIMVS (Figures 1 through 3). Regarding the interpreting and reconstructing of CT scans we agree with Dr. Del Giglio et al. that this means technological skills, time and financial resources. But with transcatheter cardiac procedures becoming more popular, it is important for the society of surgeons to master all aspects of case planning, which not only includes analysis and measurement but also the reconstruction of CT scans. As pointed out by Dr. Del Giglio et al. MIAVR has to reproduce the gold-standard conventional procedure in terms of safety, effectiveness and especially operative times through a respectful approach; yet in our opinion, preoperative non-invasive CTA screening in every patient scheduled for a RALT-MIAVR procedure remains crucial.In view of truly MIAVR, we believe that arterial and venous central cannulation both at the same time through the same incision does not reduce surgical trauma and could lead to central working port obstruction or significant narrowing. We believe that peripheral cannulation of the femoral vasculature is as safe and reproducible as central cannulation if the individualized anatomical characteristics allow for it. When carrying out percutaneous femoral arterial cannulation, we never perform a blind puncture of the femoral vessels. We prefer to have zoomed-in snapshots from our reconstructed CT scans on display in the OR to accurately puncture the CFA as displayed in figures 1 and 2 for example. Data set published by Eugene A. Grossi et al.15, suggest that if in older patients a femoral perfusion technique is chosen, preoperative evaluation of the aorta and distal vasculature would demonstrate that a given patient would not be at increased neurological risk15. This would include CTA of the aorta with runoff and TEE evaluation of the descending aorta15. They also published that RAP is associated with an increased risk of stroke in patients with severe PVD and should be reserved for selected patients without significant atherosclerosis. Such a thoughtful screening approach has been used also by Murphy and associates16 in robotic mitral valve surgery for example15. M. Murzi et al.17 were able to show that the use of RAP in MIMVS was associated with a higher incidence of neurological complications in older patients (>70 years old) with atherosclerotic burden compared with AAP. Still, their study had several limitations as it was based on a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing consecutive MIMVS over a 12-year period and potential bias might have been present17. The observational retrospective analysis of K. Bedeir et al.18 proved that femoral artery cannulation may be associated with increased stroke rates in isolated mitral valve surgery and that antegrade arterial cannulation (direct aortic or axillary cannulation (figure 2)) may be preferable in MIAVR. However, their consensus was that these preliminary data should trigger a larger-scale randomized prospective trial to confirm or refute these findings18.In pursuance of reducing hemolysis during CPB19, body temperature is maintained at around 34°C and DO2-guidance (goal-directed-perfusion). This is also helpful in regard to optimal venous drainage as it allows the surgeon1,2, to safely reduce the calculated pump flow. Furthermore, we augment venous drainage with the use of vacuum assistance (−20 to −35 mmHg) to decompress the right heart1. On one hand, R.K. Mathews et al.20 were not able to show a significant increase in hemolysis or sub-lethal red blood cell membrane damage, associated with the use of augmented venous drainage. On the other hand, D. Goksedef et al.21 showed that based on their results, negative suction at 80 mmHg may cause greater hemolysis than non-vacuum-assisted drainage or vacuum-assisted drainage at 40 mmHg. For this reason, we try to keep the vacuum assistance between 0 and -35 mmHg. Besides, it has been proved that application of a controlled, negative low pressure to the venous return does not cause hemolysis worse than gravitational CPB22.At last, Dr. Del Giglio et al. reported concerns about our SLL-PEEP (maximum 20 cmH2O) technique to inflate the left lung which pushes the aorta towards the surgical access. It is true that increased airway pressure or the application of high tidal volumes may cause damage or disruption of alveolar epithelial cells, by generating transpulmonary pressures that exceed the elastic properties of the lung parenchyma above its resting volume23. It has been demonstrated that the duration of mechanical stress defined as the stress versus time product affects the development of pulmonary inflammatory response23. However, in a recent meta-analysis of postoperative pulmonary complications after intraoperative ventilation, only a high driving pressure was associated with an increased incidence24. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that in an apneic patient on CPB, the elevation of the PEEP-level of 5 to 20 cmH2O without a resulting change of driving pressure has any significant negative effect on pulmonary outcome.In summary, we agree with the important points addressed by Del Giglio et al. Central cannulation and its AAP is possible without the need for preoperative CT scanning. However, for the sake of MIAVR (no rib resection, no IMA sacrifice) we prefer peripheral percutaneous cannulation. For such a RAP cannulation strategy, there is sufficient convincing literature that preoperative CTA scanning should be considered.

We are interested in defining new energy functionals and solving them by using the variational approach method. That is, we aim to define a new class of elastic curves in the three-dimensional ordinary space. We further improve an alternative method to find critical points of the bending energy functionals acting on a class of magnetic curves. Then, we classify these critical curves as elastic magnetic curves of the Frenet-Serret vector family. Moreover, we investigate the dynamics of the elastic magnetic curves of ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic models and discuss their numerical and analytical analysis.

Beijing genotype Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains associate with increased virulence, resistance, and/or higher transmission rates. This study describes a specific Beijing strain predominantly identified in the Panamanian province of Colon with one of the highest incidence of tuberculosis in the country. Retrospective Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive-Unit/Variable-Number of Tandem Repeats analysis of 42 isolates collected between January-August 2018, allowed to identify a cluster (Beijing A) with 17 (40.5%) Beijing isolates. Subsequent prospective strain-specific PCR based surveillance from September 2019 to March 2020, confirmed the predominance of the Beijing A strain (44.1%) in this province. Whole genome sequencing revealed higher-than-expected diversity within the cluster, suggesting long-term prevalence of this strain and low number of cases caused by recent transmission. The Beijing A strain belongs to the Asian African 3 (Bmyc13, L2.2.5) branch of the modern Beijing sublineage, with their closest isolates corresponding to cases from Vietnam, probably introduced in Panama between 2000 and 2012.

There is some evidence that West Nile virus (WNV), which causes encephalomyelitis in equids, is an emerging disease in Europe. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the seroprevalence of West Nile virus in equids in European countries between 2001 and 2018. Two electronic databases, PubMed and Scopus, were searched for relevant publications published from 2001 to 2018 using predetermined keywords. A total of 1484 papers was initially found. After applying the eligibility criteria, 39 papers were finally included in the systematic review. Analysis of 28,089 equids from 16 European countries revealed a pooled seroprevalence of 8% (95% CI 5–12%, P<0.001, I2 = 99.3%) in Europe. The pooled seroprevalence was slightly higher in Mediterranean basin countries than other countries and when calculated for samples collected between 2001 and 2009 compared to 2010 to 2018. Differences in study design (e.g. sampling associated with recent outbreaks of WNV) contributed to a high degree of variability among studies. Further studies with harmonized study design and reporting of the results are recommended to better estimate and monitor European seroprevalence of West Nile virus in equids.

The objective of this study is to establish new sufficient criteria for the oscillation of the 2nd-order neutral equation $\left( r\left( z^{\prime }\right) ^{\alpha }\right) ^{\prime }\left( t\right) +q\left( t\right) x^{\beta }\left( \sigma \left( t\right) \right) =0,$ where $t\geq t_{0}$ and $z\left( t\right) =x\left( t\right) +px\left( \tau \left( t\right) \right) $%. We improve the known criteria by establishing a new relationship between the solution $x$ and the corresponding function $z$. To show the importance of our results, we provide two examples.

In recent years, hydrogeologists have paid more and more attention to the discharge of submarine groundwater(SGD), which is a typical and important process of the interaction between seawater and groundwater in coastal areas, tidal flats and estuaries. As an important sources of water and chemical materials to ocean, SGD affects the global water cycle and coastal ecological environment. SGD also influence the transport path of pollutants from land to the sea. Therefore, it affects the local and global circulation of coastal groundwater and seawater. Since it usually occurs in aquifer, it is easily overlooked by the researchers. In addition, due to the uncertainty of SGD in time and space, it is difficult to be measured accurately. Aiming at recently study, this paper will discuss the research process, research method, research field and environmental significance of SGD on the coast of the Huanghai and the Bohai. Based on the analysis of the existing research results, some suggestions on improving SGD investigation are put forward.

Objective To determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and service modification on obstetric outcomes. Design: Single centre retrospective study Setting: Royal Bolton Hospital, United Kingdom. Population or Sample: Obstetric population in the prepandemic and pandemic periods. Methods Data on Obstetric services and pregnancy outcomes of women during the pandemic was compared to those of women prior to the pandemic and introduction of service modification. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with data comparison between both groups done using nonparametric Chi-square test. Main Outcome Measures: Comparable perinatal and maternal outcomes. Results There was no significant difference in the induction of labour rates (38.8% pre-pandemic vs 38.3% pandemic, p= 0.78), use of epidural anaesthesia in labour (13.2% prepandemic vs 15.9% pandemic, p= 0.06), instrumental deliveries (13.0% prepandemic vs 12.3% pandemic, p= 0.56) and caesarean sections (28.9% prepandemic vs 31.7% pandemic, p= 0.09). There was significant reduction in the use of general anaesthesia for caesarean sections (8.9% vs 4.9%, p= 0.03) as well as antenatal admissions during the pandemic (23.9% vs 18.5%, p= <0.0001). The number of antenatal growth scans performed during the pandemic was significantly increased (18.5% vs 20.1%, p= <0.003). The perinatal outcome in both periods are comparable, with no significant difference in the rates of preterm birth, stillbirth, early neonatal deaths and neonatal unit admissions. Conclusions Despite changes in obstetric care following the pandemic, pregnant women were able to access care with no significant adverse impact on obstetric outcomes. Keywords Coronavirus, COVID-19, Service modification, Obstetric outcome.

Despite a substantial effect of reference evapotranspiration (ETref) in irrigation practices and hydrological processes, trends and the causes of such trends in ETref are scarcely investigated in Bangladesh. The spatiotemporal trends in ETref, climatic factors influencing the variations in ETref were investigated based on daily climate datasets from 18 sites during 1980-2017. Modified Mann-Kendall, linear regression, Morlet wavelet analysis (MWA) and cross wavelet transform model were employed to appraise temporal variations in ETref and the influential climatic variables. The empirical Bayesian kriging model was used to understand the spatial variations of ETref on the annual and seasonal time scales. The stepwise regression and partial correlation coefficient (PCC) were adopted to identify factors influencing the variations in ETref. The analysis showed a decrease in annual (-1.19 mm/year) and seasonal (-0.40 mm/decade for pre-monsoon, -0.47 mm/decade for post-monsoon, -0.50 mm/decade for winter) ETref except for monsoon in Bangladesh which is similar to “evapotranspiration paradox” observed in some locations. Results of trend analysis also revealed that though a rise in mean temperature (MT), a significant decline in sunshine duration (SD) and wind speed (WS) are the major causes of the decrease in ETref. Spatially, the higher annual ETref was found in the southwestern region while the lower ETref was detected in the northwestern region. The significant periods of 1-3 and 3-5-year cycles were detected in the annual and seasonal ETref. The results exhibited a significant coherence between ETref with climatic variables at various time-frequency bands. Stepwise regression and PCC showed that the effect of climatic variables on ETref differs on the annual and seasonal scales whereas MT, RH, and SD mainly attributed to the variations ETref in Bangladesh. These outcomes are anticipated to be beneficial for irrigation designing a sustainable water practice considering the effects of climate change and anthropogenic contributions.

Polyploidization has played a critical role in the evolution of several major organism groups, including vertebrates, but much of our knowledge of the evolution of polyploids comes from allopolyploid and often rediploidized lineages, which partly reflects the difficulty of obtaining genotype data from polysomic genomes. We combined several contemporary methods to develop markers for single nucleotide polymorphisms compatible with simultaneous ploidy estimation and high throughput genotyping, and analyzed these data with recent software developments that accept polysomic data. We demonstrate the utility of this combination to develop genetic resources for polysomic species by applying it to the ploidy-variable and polysomic white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus), an imperiled species under conservation management in the Pacific Northwest. We introduce a primer and probe set for 325 SNP markers for use with the ‘Genotyping-by-thousands’ (GT-seq) method, and provide updated scripts that incorporate a function to estimate ploidy from each individual using read count data. We examine the reliability of tetrasomic inheritance in a large sample of paleo-octoploid individuals and the expected Mendelian inheritance patterns in known cross families. We then demonstrate our ability to use these data to infer parentage, relatedness, and other population genetic parameters. Our combined process thus improves the accessibility of genetic information to facilitate future investigations of white sturgeon and is expected to be widely applicable to other polyploid species.

In this study, we present a de novo genome assembly of Gymnocypris przewalski using long‐read PacBio sequencing technology with Genome-wide high throughput chromosome conformation capture correction. The assembly resulted in a high sequence contiguity and accuracy with 23 chromosomes and a genome size of 945 Mb. This work is the first chromosome‐level genome study of Schizothoracine fishes from the Qinghai-tibet plateau (QTP). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the species differentiation events between G. przewalskii and Cyprinus carpio occurred at 24.06 Mya ago, which reveals geographic isolation of Schizothoracine fishes in QTP lift; the unique gene analysis found that most of these genes enriched in membrane transport and immune defensive pathways such as ABC transporters, bile secretion and cell adhesion molecules. Moreover, this genome resource is a key to understanding evolutionary adaptation to high altitudes, disentangling complex evolutionary histories, and will be useful for research on species diversity and resource conservation of Schizothoracine fishes on the QTP.

Gradient Forests is a machine learning algorithm that is gaining in popularity for studying the environmental drivers of genomic variation and for incorporating genomic information into climate change impact assessments. Here we provide the first experimental evaluation of the ability of ‘genomic offsets’ - a metric of climate maladaptation derived from Gradient Forests - to predict organismal responses to environmental change. We used high-throughput sequencing, genome scans, and several methods (including Gradient Forests) to identify candidate loci associated with climate adaptation in balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera L.). Individuals collected throughout balsam poplar’s range also were planted in two common garden experiments. We used Gradient Forests to relate candidate loci to environmental gradients and to predict the expected magnitude of response (i.e., the genetic offset) of populations when transplanted from their “home” environment to the new environments in the common gardens. We then compared the predicted genetic offsets to measurements of population performance in the common gardens. We found the expected inverse relationship between genetic offset and performance in the common gardens: populations with larger predicted genetic offsets performed worse in the common gardens than populations with smaller offsets. Also, genetic offset better predicted performance in the common gardens than did ‘naive’ climate distances. Our results provide preliminary evidence that genomic offsets may provide a first order estimate of the degree of expected maladaptation of populations exposed to rapid environmental change.

Chronic pelvic pain caused by Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome: Case report and discussionAffes Fatma Zahra, Resident in obstetrics and gynaecology¹, Frikha Hatem, Resident in obstetrics and gynaecology¹, Menjli Sana, Physician assistant in obstetrics and gynaecology¹, Karoui Abir, Physician assistant in obstetrics and gynaecology¹, Mahjoub Sami, Professor in obstetrics and gynaecology¹, Chanoufi Mohamed Badis, Professor in obstetrics and gynaecology¹,Abouda Hassine Saber, Associate Professor in obstetrics and gynaecology¹Author’s affiliations:¹Departement of Gynaecology « C » Centre de maternité et de néonatologie de TunisName and contact details:Affes Fatma ZahraEmail: fatmazahra310@gmail.comPhone : +216 21444833Address : Centre de maternité et de néonatologie de Tunis 1007 La Rabta Tunis, Tunisia.Introduction:HWW Syndrome also known as OHVIRA (obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenisis) is a rare genitourinary anomaly that occurs in females. It is classified as class III Mullerian dygenisis.(1) This condition involves uterus didelphys and blind hemivagina associated with ipsilateral renal agnenisis. It represents 5% of total Mullerian dysgenisis(2). The onset of symptoms usually begins after the menarche. Abdominal and pelvic pain are the most commun symptoms. The diagnosis is difficult because of the infrequency of the syndrome and requires precise imaging to evaluate uterine cervical and vaginal morphology. Early detection and treatment of the syndrome can relieve the symptoms, improve the quality of life and prevent serious complications.(3) We present here a case of investigation and management this condition with pelvic pain in young female.Presentation of case:A 15 year-old female was referred to our university hospital with complaint of pain in the lower abdomen on the right side. She reported that she has the same chronic pain since her first menses at the age of twelve. She described her pain as mild in the first episodes then increasing gradually with each subsequent menstrual cycle. Her menstrual cycles were irregular with moderate bleeding. She haven’t had any sexual intercourse before.Physical examination revealed a tender lump in the pelvic region on the right side of midline. Secondary sex growth was normal but the vaginal examination was not done.Ultrasound examination of the pelvis was first performed exhibiting uterus didelphys. The right uterine cavity and cervical canal showed a collection suggestive of hematometra and hematocervix, the vagina was also dilated containing hypoechoic collection. The left uterine cavity and cervix were normal with homogenous endometrium. Both ovaries were normal.We performed an ultrasound of the abdomen searching urinary tract anomaly, and it revealed the agenesis of the right kidney with mild compensatory hypertrophy of the left kidney.MRI of the abdomen and the pelvis confirmed the findings of the ultrasound examination: The right kidney was absent in the right renal fossa with mild compensatory hypertrophy of the left kidney. Normal left uterus with its own corpus and cervix, the right uterus cavity was stretched and contained hypodense material and was connected to a cystic mass by its cervical canal obstructing the vagina.A diagnosis of uterus didelphys with right hematometra, hematocervix and hematocolpos with right renal agenesis suggestive of the Herlyn-Werner-Wanderlich syndrome was made.Surgical intervention was planned. We first performed vaginoscopy under general anesthesia that showed a small vagina, normal cervix and uterus with one ostium. Septoplasty was prepared but was not possible because of the small size of the vagina, the septum was thick and profound. We decided to puncture the hematocolpos to evacuate the blood and relieve the pain. The puncture was difficult because of the thickness of the blood clots so infusion of saline serum was first done then the puncture was easier, and 300 cc of blood was evacuated. The patient did well postoperatively and we decided then to inject medroxyprogesterone acetate every three months to prevent the accumulation of the blood in the right uterus and vagina. Further evaluation showed an asymptomatic patient, and ultrasound did not show any blood accumulation in the uterus or the blind vagina.Discussion:Herlyn Werner Wanderlich syndrome is a rare congenital defect in the development of genitourinary tract. It is characterized by uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivagina due to lateral non-fusion of mullerian duct with asymmetric obstruction. It is associated to renal agenesis ipsilateral to the obstructed vagina.(4)This syndrome was described for the first time in 1971 by Herlyn and Werner. Then in 1976 renal aplasia with bicornuate uterus and simple vagina in the presence of an isolated hematocervix was described by Wunderlich.(5)This kind of anomaly was classified to two types: type I a completely obstructed vagina and type II an incompletely obstructed vagina.(3)The clinical presentation depends on the type of obstruction, it usually consists on severe dysmenorrhea starting after the menarche. The pain typically increases due to the volume of the hematometrocolpos when the vagina is completely obstructed however incomplete obstruction may be the origin of intermittent and mild symptoms. (6)Besides hematometra, complete obstruction causes hematosalpinx as well as bleeding in the periadnexal and peritoneal space. Endometriosis may also occur as a consequence of the blood reflux in the peritoneal cavity and progress casing pelvic adhesions and infertility.(3)Few cases of acute abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge or acute retention of urine has been reported.(7) Rarely, spontaneous perforation of the obstructed vagina may occur leading to pyocolpos and pelvic inflammatory disease and also septic shock.(8)The diagnosis of the Mullarian duct anomalies can be done using HSG, US, 3D US and MRI.(9) Conventional ultrasonography can detect the hematocolpos and help to identify the type of the Mullarian duct anomalies because it displays the features of the external uterine contour.(10) MRI is the gold standard for diagnosis with higher sensitivity in detecting the uterine morphology and the continuity of the vagina, thickness and localization of the vaginal septum.(7) However, the agreement between the 3D US and MRI has been also shown in several studies in the evaluation of this type of anomalies.(11)HSG was used before the development of MRI and US, its ability is limited because it is unable to display the external contour of the uterus. (9)Laparoscopy is not necessary nowadays for the diagnosis thinks to the advanced imaging technologies and it is reserved only if the diagnosis isn’t clear after imaging. (12)Currently, the main treatment of the OHVIRA syndrome is full resection of the vaginal septum in order to achieve the continuity of vagina.(13) Vaginoplasty can be performed in single stage where the resection of the vaginal septum is complete or in two stages: draining the hematocolpos first then resection of the septum.(8) Infection, anatomic distortion and incomplete previous resection were the main indication of two stages vaginoplasty.(14) Laparoscopy doesn’t seem to be required for the surgical management in most cases.(14)However, Fauchin and al reported a case of hemiuterus with absent cervix where the vaginoplasty was not possible, the treatment was a laparoscopic hemi-hysterectomy with salpingectomy.(15) Rarely, hemi hysterectomy may be also considered in case of recurrent stenosis.(7)Hysteroscopic resection of the septum under transabdominal guidance has also been reported in order to preserve the integrity of the hymen.(16)When postponement of surgery is needed for young adolescents, amenorrhea can be maintained by the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues.(13)Conclusion:OHVIRA syndrome is the most common obstructive Mullarian duct anomaly diagnosed after menarche in young adolescent. It is responsible of cyclic pain. It is usually treated with vaginoplasty and drainage of the hematocolpos. In case of recurrent stenosis or difficult septum resection, unilateral hysterectomy is the treatment of choice.Acknowledgements:We would like to express our appreciation to our department team for their valuable assistance.Disclosure of interest:No conflicts of interest.Contribution to authorship:Dr Affes Fatma Zahra: Initial diagnostics end treatment of the patient and case report manuscript.Dr Frikha Hatem: Initial diagnostics and treatment of the patient and case report manuscript.Dr Menjli Sana: Initial diagnostics and treatment of the patient.Dr Karoui Abir: Initial diagnostics and treatment of the patient.Dr Chanoufi Mohamed Badis: Initial diagnostics and treatment of the patient.Dr Mahjoub Sami: Intitial diagnostics and treatment of the patient.Dr Abouda Hassine Saber: Initial diagnostics and treatment of the patient.Details of Ethics ApprovalNot applicableFunding:We don’t have any external funding.Consent for publication:A consent was signed by the parents of the patient.References1. 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