C:N:P stoichiometry in Australian soils with respect to vegetation and environmental factors

Aims

We estimate organic carbon (C): total nitrogen (N): total phosphorus (P) ratios in soils under Australia’s major native vegetation groups.

Methods

We use digital datasets for climate, soils, and vegetation created for the National Land and Water Resources Audit in 2001. Analysis-of-variance is used to investigate differences in nutrient ratios between ecosystems. Linear discriminant analysis and logistic regression are used to investigate the relative importance of climatic variables and soil nutrients in vegetation patterns.

Results

We find that the N:P and C:P ratios have a greater range of values than the C:N ratio, although major vegetation groups tend to show similar trends across all three ratios. Some apparently homeostatic groupings emerge: those with very low, low, medium, or high N:P and C:P. Tussock grasslands have very low soil N, N:P, and C:P, probably due to frequent burning. Eucalypt woodlands have low soil N:P and C:P ratios, although their total P level varies. Rainforests and Melaleuca forests have medium soil N:P and C:P ratios, although their total P level is different. Heathlands, tall open eucalypt forests, and shrublands occur on soils with low levels of total P, and high N:P and C:P ratios that reflect foliar nutrient ratios and recalcitrant litter.

Conclusions

Certain plant communities have typical soil nutrient stoichiometries but there is no single Redfield-like ratio. Vegetation patterns largely reflect soil moisture but for several plant communities, eucalypt communities in particular, soil N and P (or N:P) also play a significant role. Soil N:P and the presence of Proteaceae appear indicative of nutrient constraints in ecosystems.     

Risk of Narcolepsy Associated with Inactivated Adjuvanted (AS03) A/H1N1 (2009) Pandemic Influenza Vaccine in Quebec

Context

An association between an adjuvanted (AS03) A/H1N1 pandemic vaccine and narcolepsy has been reported in Europe.

Objective

To assess narcolepsy risk following administration of a similar vaccine in Quebec.

Design

Retrospective population-based study.

Setting

Neurologists and lung specialists in the province were invited to report narcolepsy cases to a single reference centre.

Population

Patients were interviewed by two sleep experts and standard diagnostic tests were performed. Immunization status was verified in the provincial pandemic influenza vaccination registry.

Main Outcome Measures

Confirmed narcolepsy with or without cataplexy with onset of excessive daytime sleepiness between January 1^st, 2009, and December 31^st, 2010. Relative risks (RRs) were calculated using a Poisson model in a cohort analysis, by a self-controlled case series (SCCS) and a case-control method.

Results

A total of 24 cases were included and overall incidence rate was 1.5 per million person-years. A cluster of 7 cases was observed among vaccinated persons in the winter 2009–2010. In the primary cohort analysis, 16-week post-vaccination RR was 4.32 (95% CI: 1.50–11.12). RR was 2.07 (0.70–6.17) in the SCCS, and 1.48 (0.37–7.03) using the case-control method. Estimates were lower when observation was restricted to the period of pandemic influenza circulation, and tended to be higher in persons <20 years old and for cataplexy cases.

Conclusions

Results are compatible with an excess risk of approximately one case per million vaccine doses, mainly in persons less than 20 years of age. However, a confounding effect of the influenza infection cannot be ruled out.     

模拟氮沉降对低磷胁迫下马尾松不同家系根系分泌和磷效率的影响

近年来大气氮(N)沉降的增加, 导致森林土壤中有效N含量增加、N:P发生改变, 研究N沉降对低磷(P)胁迫下林木根系分泌和P效率的影响具有重要意义。该文以马尾松(Pinus massoniana)家系作为试验材料, 设置模拟N沉降与同质低P (介质表层与深层均缺P)、异质低P (介质表层P丰富、深层缺P)耦合的二年生盆栽实验, 系统研究了模拟N沉降对低P胁迫下马尾松根系分泌性酸性磷酸酶(APase)活性、有机酸分泌以及P效率的影响。结果表明: (1)同质低P和异质低P下, 模拟N沉降均显著提高了植株N:P化学计量比、增加了P素的相对匮乏程度, 从而诱导根系增加了APase和有机酸的分泌, 而同质低P比异质低P下增加幅度更大, 其中有机酸分泌均与马尾松生长呈正相关关系, 而APase活性与P效率相关性较小; (2)同质低P下, N沉降虽然增加了根系分泌, 但未提高马尾松P素吸收和生长量, 其原因在于, 同质低P下植株N:P过高, 因而植株对N沉降敏感性低; 在异质低P下, 植株表现为N、P共同限制, 因而对N敏感性较高, N沉降增加了根系分泌, 同时提高了N和P吸收效率、增加了生物量; (3)马尾松根系分泌对模拟N沉降的响应存在较大的家系差异。同质低P下, 家系71×20的有机酸分泌和生物量对N沉降的响应幅度较大; 异质低P下, 家系36×29、71×20和73×23对N沉降的响应幅度较大。     

Coupled soil-availability and tree-limitation nutritional shifts induced by N deposition: insights from N to P relationships in Abies pinsapo forests

Background and aims

Interacting effects of atmospheric N deposition on the degree to which tree demand for other nutrients is met by soil supply has seldom been explored in Mediterranean-type ecosystems. We hypothesized that patterns for the relative availability of N and P in soils will be matched by variations in process rates related to soil organic P cycling and by shifts from N to P limitation of tree growth.

Methods

We examined N/P relationships in Mediterranean-fir (Abies pinsapo) forests from two nearby regions differing in N deposition levels.

Results

N pools and transformation rates and the contribution of organic fractions to the labile P pool in soils showed increasing trends toward the pollution source. Phosphomonoesterase activity (PME) in bulk soils, root PME per unit biomass (but not per unit soil volume) and biomass accumulation in P-fertilized root-in-growth cores incubated in situ were also the highest at the sites receiving elevated N deposition, indicating P limitation. In contrast, forest stands in the region farther from the pollutant source were N-limited (preferential root growth in N-rich soil microsites) and showed lower PME activities and higher total fine root biomass.

Conclusions

In the forests under elevated N deposition, higher values for an overall indicator of soil N status matched with indications of an accelerated soil organic P subcycle and P-limitation of tree growth.     

模拟氮沉降对低磷胁迫下马尾松生长和磷效率的影响

近年来大气N沉降日趋严重,导致森林土壤有效N含量增加,N/P发生改变,将会影响低P胁迫下林木的生长发育和P效率.本文以马尾松家系为研究对象,设置模拟N沉降与同质低P(介质表层与深层均缺P)、异质低P(介质表层P丰富、深层缺P)耦合的盆栽试验,研究N沉降对马尾松生长性状以及P吸收和利用效率的影响.结果表明： 同质低P下,模拟N沉降对马尾松生长性状和P效率影响较小,但存在显著的N×家系互作效应,家系40×44和71×20在N沉降后生物量增加,家系36×29和73×23生物量降低;异质低P下,模拟N沉降显著增加了马尾松苗高、生物量以及P吸收效率等,其原因是促进了根系生长和表层土壤中根系分布比例的增加.不同P环境下模拟N沉降对马尾松生长的影响,还与植株N/P有关.同质低P环境下,马尾松植株N/P为13.8,植株对N敏感性低,酸性磷酸酶活性增加,但未改善马尾松生长状况.在异质低P环境中,植株N/P为9.7,模拟N沉降显著增加了苗木生物量和P吸收效率,但未显著改变酸性磷酸酶活性.     

Urinary and Dietary Analysis of 18,470 Bangladeshis Reveal a Correlation of Rice Consumption with Arsenic Exposure and Toxicity

Background

We utilized data from the Health Effects of Arsenic Longitudinal Study (HEALS) in Araihazar, Bangladesh, to evaluate the association of steamed rice consumption with urinary total arsenic concentration and arsenical skin lesions in the overall study cohort (N=18,470) and in a subset with available urinary arsenic metabolite data (N=4,517).

Methods

General linear models with standardized beta coefficients were used to estimate associations between steamed rice consumption and urinary total arsenic concentration and urinary arsenic metabolites. Logistic regression models were used to estimate prevalence odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between rice intake and prevalent skin lesions at baseline. Discrete time hazard models were used to estimate discrete time (HRs) ratios and their 95% CIs for the associations between rice intake and incident skin lesions.

Results

Steamed rice consumption was positively associated with creatinine-adjusted urinary total arsenic (β=0.041, 95% CI: 0.032-0.051) and urinary total arsenic with statistical adjustment for creatinine in the model (β=0.043, 95% CI: 0.032-0.053). Additionally, we observed a significant trend in skin lesion prevalence (P-trend=0.007) and a moderate trend in skin lesion incidence (P-trend=0.07) associated with increased intake of steamed rice.

Conclusions

This study suggests that rice intake may be a source of arsenic exposure beyond drinking water.     

A unifying concept for the dependence of whole-crop N : P ratio on biomass: theory and experiment

Background and Aims

Numerous estimates have been made of the concentrations of N and P required for good growth of crop species but they have not been defined by any unifying model. The aim of the present study was to develop such a model for the dependence of the N : P ratio on crop mass, to test its validity and to use it to identify elements of similarity between different crop species and wild plants.

Methods

A model was derived between plant N : P ratio (R_w) and its dry biomass per unit area (W) during growth with near optimum nutrition by considering that plants consist of growth-related tissue and storage-related tissue with N : P ratios R_g and R_s, respectively. Testing and calibration against experimental data on different crop species led to a simple equation between R_w and W which was tested against independent experimental data.

Key Results

The validity of the model and equation was supported by 365 measurements of R_w in 38 field experiments on crops. R_g and R_s remained approximately constant throughout growth, with average values of 11·8 and 5·8 by mass. The model also approximately predicted the relationships between leaf N and P concentrations in 124 advisory estimates on immature tissues and in 385 wild species from published global surveys.

Conclusions

The N : P ratio of the biomass of very different crops, during growth with near optimum levels of nutrients, is defined entirely in terms of crop biomass, an average N : P ratio of the storage/structure-related tissue of the crop and an average N : P ratio of the growth-related tissue. The latter is similar to that found in leaves of many wild plant species, and even micro-organisms and terrestrial and freshwater autotrophs.Key words: Biomass, growth rate, model, N : P ratio, plant allometry, plant mass, stoichiometry     

模拟氮沉降对低磷胁迫下马尾松无性系细根形态和氮磷效率的影响

根系是植物吸收土壤营养的关键部位, 不同径级根系的形态和功能差异不仅与植株自身的遗传因素有关, 而且受到土壤中营养元素分布和水平的影响。在我国亚热带高氮沉降和酸性红壤磷匮乏及不均一的土壤环境下, 研究林木不同径级根系对外界营养环境变化的响应有利于深入了解林木根系的觅养机制及规律。该文以马尾松(Pinus massoniana)无性系19-5 (高磷效率)和21-3 (低磷效率)为材料, 在同质低磷和异质低磷两种盆栽处理下, 设置3个氮水平(对照、中氮和高氮)的模拟氮沉降实验。结果表明: 1)马尾松无性系苗木的生长受磷环境、氮水平和无性系三因素共同影响, 模拟氮沉降显著促进了异质低磷下马尾松苗高和整株干物质量的增加, 而在同质低磷下氮效应不显著; 在异质低磷、高氮下, 无性系19-5的苗高和整株干物质量分别是无性系21-3的1.1倍和1.6倍。2)马尾松各径级细根长度和表面积随径级增大而减小, 模拟氮沉降促进了直径≤1.5 mm的细根的增生发育, 直径1.5-2.0 mm的细根和>2.0 mm的较粗根无明显变化; 另外, 直径≤1.5 mm的细根长度占总根长的比例保持在90.4%-92.8%范围内, 受氮影响较小。3)模拟氮沉降显著提高了异质低磷下无性系19-5≤1.5 mm的细根长度和表面积, 同时, 其根系氮、磷吸收效率较对照分别高出93.3%和148.4%; 无性系21-3的根系氮、磷吸收效率受氮影响较小; 根系氮、磷利用效率均无显著变化。上述结果表明, ≤1.5 mm的细根的增生发育和氮、磷吸收效率的提高可能是磷高效马尾松无性系应对高氮低磷环境的重要响应机制。     

Effects of simulated nitrogen deposition on fine root morphology,nitrogen and phosphorus efficiency of Pinus massoniana clone under phosphorus deficiency

Aims In forest ecosystems with phosphorus (P) deficiency, the impact of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition on nutritional traits related to N and P uptake potentially affect plant growth and vegetation productivity. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of simulated N deposition on fine root morphological characteristics and effiency of N and P absorption in Pinus massoniana under under low P stress.
Methods Two clones of P. massoniana seedling with different P efficiency (high P efficiency 19-5 vs. low P efficiency 21-3) were used. A two-year pot experiment was applyed with treatments of two P conditions, (i.e. homogeneous low P availability vs. heterogeneous low P availability) and three N deposition levels (0, 30 and 120 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1; i.e., N0, N30, or N120, respectively) .
Important findings 1) The growth of P. massoniana seedling was interactively affected the three factors: simulated N deposition, P condition and genotypes. Simulated N deposition increased the seedling height and dry mass under heterogeneous P deficiency, but did not significantly affect those traits under homogeneous P deficiency. Under heterogeneous P deficiency and N120 treatment, the seedling height and dry mass of clone 19-5 were 1.1 times and 1.6 times higher than that of clone 21-3, respectively. 2) Fine root length and surface area decreased as root diameter increased. N deposition significantly stimulated proliferation of fine root with diameter ≤1.5 mm, while roots with diameters ranged from 1.5 to 2.0 mm and over 2.0 mm were not influenced. The length of fine root ≤1.5 mm in diameter accounted for 90.4%-92.8% of the total root length and was not affected by N deposition. 3) Under the heterogeneous low P condition, clone 19-5 was found to respond to the simulated N deposition with increased root length and surface area in fine-root diameter class of ≤1.5 mm. Additionally, in compared with control, its N and P absorption efficiency were significantly enhanced 93.3% and 148.4%, respectively under N120 treatment. However, the N and P absorption efficiency of clone 21-3 was less affected by the simulated N deposition. The N and P use efficiency had no notable variation. Finally, we found that the proliferation of fine-root ≤1.5 mm in diameter and high N (P) absorption efficiency maybe the adaptive mechanisms of P. massoniana responding to atmospheric N deposition under P deficiency.     

Quantitative Assessment of the Association of COX-2 (Cyclooxygenase-2) Immunoexpression with Prognosis in Human Osteosarcoma: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Numerous studies examining the relationship between Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) immunoexpression and clinical outcome in osteosarcoma patients have yielded inconclusive results.

Methods

We accordingly conducted a meta-analysis of 9 studies (442 patients) that evaluated the correlation between COX-2 immunoexpression and clinical prognosis (death). Pooled odds ratios (OR) and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using the random-effects or fixed-effects model.

Results

Meta–analysis showed no significant association between COX-2 positivity and age, gender, tumor location, histology, stage, metastasis or 90% necrosis. Conversely, COX-2 immunoexpression was associated with overall survival rate (RR=2.12; 95% CI: 1.10–3.74; P=0.009) and disease-free survival rate (RR=1.63; 95% CI: 1.17–2.28; P=0.004) at 2 years. Sensitivity analysis performed by omitting low quality studies showed that the pooled results were stable.

Conclusions

COX-2 positivity was associated with a lower 2-year overall survival rate and disease-free survival rate. COX-2 expression change is an independent prognostic factor in patients with osteosarcoma.     

Association of Trichomonas vaginalis and Cytological Abnormalities of the Cervix in Low Risk Women

Objective

Is Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) an inducing factor for the development of (pre-)cancerous lesions of the cervix?

Design

Cross sectional study.

Setting

Screening healthy Belgian women with low infection risk.

Sample

63,251 consecutive liquid based cervical samples.

Methods

Real time quantitative PCR for presence of TV, 18 HPV types and Pap smear analysis of cytologic abnormalities.

Main Outcome Measures

Association of TV and HPV with cervix dysplasia

Results

The overall prevalence of TV DNA was 0.37%, of low risk HPV 2%, of high risk HPV 13.2%, and 8.8 % had cytological abnormalities. Both LR-HPV and HR-HPV were significantly associated with all cytological abnormalities. Presence of TV was associated with LR- and HR-HPV, ASC-US and HSIL, but not with other abnormalities. All women with TV and HSIL also had HR-HPV, while the latter was present in only 59% of women with TV and ASC-US. Amongst HPV negative women, TV was found in 1.3% of women with ASC-US, but only in 0.03% of women with normal cytology (OR 4.2, CL95% 2.1-8.6). In HR-HPV positive women, presence of TV increased the likelihood of cytological abnormalities somewhat (P=0.05), mainly due to an increase in ASC-US and LSIL, but not HSIL.

Conclusions

We conclude that TV infection is associated with both LR and HR-HPV infection of the cervix, as well as with ASC-US and HSIL. TV is a concomitant STI, but is not thought to be a co-factor in the causation of HSIL and cervical cancer. However, TV may cause false positive diagnoses of ASC-US.     

Evidence that P deficiency induces N feedback regulation of symbiotic N2 fixation in white clover (Trifolium repens L.)

Trifolium repens L. was grown to test the following hypotheses: when P is deficient (i) N2 fixation decreases as a result of the plant's adaptation to the low N demand, regulated by an N feedback mechanism, and (ii) the decrease in the photosynthetic capacity of the leaves does not limit N2 fixation. Severe P deficiency prevented nodulation or stopped nodule growth when the P deficiency occurred after the plants had formed nodules. At low P, the proportion of whole-plant-N derived from symbiotic N2 fixation decreased, whereas specific N2 fixation increased and compensated partially for poor nodulation. Leaf photosynthesis was reduced under P deficiency due to low Vc,max and Jmax. Poor growth or poor performance of the nodules was not due to C limitation, because (i) the improved photosynthetic performance at elevated pCO2 had no effect on the growth and functioning of the nodules, (ii) starch accumulated in the leaves, particularly under elevated pCO2, and (iii) the concentration of WSC in the nodules was highest under P deficiency. Under severe P deficiency, the concentrations of whole-plant-N and leaf-N were the highest, indicating that the assimilation of N exceeded the amount of N required by the plant for growth. This was clearly demonstrated by a strong increase in asparagine concentrations in the roots and nodules under low P supply. This indicates that nodulation and the proportion of N derived from symbiotic N2 fixation are down-regulated by an N feedback mechanism.     

Epidemiological Characterization of Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Cases from 2009 to 2010 in Baguio City,the Philippines

Background

Baguio City, Philippines experienced its first influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 [A(H1)pdm09] case in May 2009. In spite of numerous reports describing the epidemiological and clinical features of A(H1)pdm09 cases, there are no studies about A(H1)pdm09 epidemiology in the Philippines, where year-round influenza activity was observed.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the epidemiological and clinical features of A(H1)pdm09 in pandemic and post-pandemic periods.

Methods

Data were collected under enhanced surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) from January 2009 to December 2010. RT-PCR was used to detect A(H1)pdm09, following the protocol of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The reproduction number was computed as a simple exponential growth rate. Differences in proportional and categorical data were examined using chi-square test or Fishers’ exact test.

Results and Conclusions

The outbreak was observed from week 25 to 35 in 2009 and from week 24 to 37 in 2010. The highest proportion of cases was among children aged 5–14 years. The number of ILI outpatients was 2.3-fold higher in 2009 than in 2010, while the number of inpatients was 1.8-fold higher in 2009. No significant difference in gender was observed during the two periods. The clinical condition of all patients was generally mild and self-limiting, with only 2 mortalities among inpatients in 2009. The basic reproduction number was estimated as 1.16 in 2009 and 1.05 in 2010 in the assumption of mean generation time as 2.6 days. School children played a significant role in facilitating influenza transmission.     

Complex Changes in von Willebrand Factor-Associated Parameters Are Acquired during Uncomplicated Pregnancy

Background

The coagulation protein von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is known to be elevated in pregnancy. However, the timing and nature of changes in VWF and associated parameters throughout pregnancy are not well understood.

Objectives

To better understand the changes in VWF provoked by pregnancy, we studied VWF-associated parameters in samples collected over the course of healthy pregnancies.

Methods

We measured VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), VWF propeptide (VWFpp), Factor VIII (FVIII), and ADAMTS13 activity in samples collected from 46 women during pregnancy and at non-pregnant baseline. We also characterized pregnant vs. non-pregnant VWF multimer structure in 21 pregnancies, and performed isoelectric focusing (IEF) of VWF in two pregnancies which had samples from multiple trimesters.

Results

VWF:Ag and FVIII levels were significantly increased during pregnancy. ADAMTS13 activity was unchanged. VWFpp levels increased much later in pregnancy than VWF:Ag, resulting in a progressive decrease in VWFpp:Ag ratios. FVIII:VWF ratios also decreased in pregnancy. Most pregnancies exhibited a clear loss of larger VWF multimers and altered VWF triplet structure. Further evidence of acquired VWF qualitative changes in pregnancy was found in progressive, reversible shifts in VWF IEF patterns over gestation.

Conclusions

These data support a new view of pregnancy in which VWF can acquire qualitative changes associated with advancing gestational age. Modeling supports a scenario in which both increased VWF production and doubling of the VWF half-life would account for the data observed. We propose that gestation induces a prolongation in VWF survival, which likely contributes to increased total VWF levels and altered VWF structure.     

The Relationship of Walking Intensity to Total and Cause-Specific Mortality. Results from the National Walkers’ Health Study

Purpose

Test whether: 1) walking intensity predicts mortality when adjusted for walking energy expenditure, and 2) slow walking pace (≥24-minute mile) identifies subjects at substantially elevated risk for mortality.

Methods

Hazard ratios from Cox proportional survival analyses of all-cause and cause-specific mortality vs. usual walking pace (min/mile) in 7,374 male and 31,607 female recreational walkers. Survival times were left censored for age at entry into the study. Other causes of death were treated as a competing risk for the analyses of cause-specific mortality. All analyses were adjusted for sex, education, baseline smoking, prior heart attack, aspirin use, diet, BMI, and walking energy expenditure. Deaths within one year of baseline were excluded.

Results

The National Death Index identified 1968 deaths during the average 9.4-year mortality surveillance. Each additional minute per mile in walking pace was associated with an increased risk of mortality due to all causes (1.8% increase, P=10^-5), cardiovascular diseases (2.4% increase, P=0.001, 637 deaths), ischemic heart disease (2.8% increase, P=0.003, 336 deaths), heart failure (6.5% increase, P=0.001, 36 deaths), hypertensive heart disease (6.2% increase, P=0.01, 31 deaths), diabetes (6.3% increase, P=0.004, 32 deaths), and dementia (6.6% increase, P=0.0004, 44 deaths). Those reporting a pace slower than a 24-minute mile were at increased risk for mortality due to all-causes (44.3% increased risk, P=0.0001), cardiovascular diseases (43.9% increased risk, P=0.03), and dementia (5.0-fold increased risk, P=0.0002) even though they satisfied the current exercise recommendations by walking ≥7.5 metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours per week.

Conclusions

The risk for mortality: 1) decreases in association with walking intensity, and 2) increases substantially in association for walking pace ≥24 minute mile (equivalent to <400m during a six-minute walk test) even among subjects who exercise regularly.     

Carbon allocation in Larrea tridentata plant-soil systems as affected by elevated soil moisture and N availability

Background and Aims

Global change will likely express itself in southwestern United States arid lands through changes in amounts and timing of precipitation in response to elevated CO₂ concentrations. In addition, increased nitrogen (N) deposition may occur due to increased urban development. This study addressed the effects of water and N availability on C allocation in arid land soil-plant systems.

Methods

Columns filled with Mojave Desert topsoil containing Larrea tridentata seedlings with two treatment levels each of N and soil moisture were labeled by exposure to ¹³C-enriched CO₂.

Results

Increased soil moisture increased plant biomass, total ¹³C uptake, ¹³C levels in leaves, soil organic matter, and soil respiration, decreased relative C allocation to stems but increased allocation to soil organic matter. Increased soil N availability increased N uptake but decreased C allocation to soil respiration presumably due to decreased substrate supply for microbes. There was no detectable label in carbonate C, suggesting that this pool does not significantly contribute to ecosystem C fluxes.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that increased water availability causes increased C uptake with increased C allocation to soil organic matter in Larrea tridentata-dominated communities while increased N deposition will have a minimal impact on C sequestration.     

Testosterone,Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin and the Metabolic Syndrome in Men: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Background

Low total testosterone (TT) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations have been associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in men, but the reported strength of association varies considerably.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate whether associations differ across specific subgroups (according to age and body mass index (BMI)) and individual MetS components.

Data sources

Two previously published meta-analyses including an updated systematic search in PubMed and EMBASE.

Study Eligibility Criteria

Cross-sectional or prospective observational studies with data on TT and/or SHBG concentrations in combination with MetS in men.

Methods

We conducted an individual participant data meta-analysis of 20 observational studies. Mixed effects models were used to assess cross-sectional and prospective associations of TT, SHBG and free testosterone (FT) with MetS and its individual components. Multivariable adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated and effect modification by age and BMI was studied.

Results

Men with low concentrations of TT, SHBG or FT were more likely to have prevalent MetS (ORs per quartile decrease were 1.69 (95% CI 1.60-1.77), 1.73 (95% CI 1.62-1.85) and 1.46 (95% CI 1.36-1.57) for TT, SHBG and FT, respectively) and incident MetS (HRs per quartile decrease were 1.25 (95% CI 1.16-1.36), 1.44 (95% 1.30-1.60) and 1.14 (95% 1.01-1.28) for TT, SHBG and FT, respectively). Overall, the magnitude of associations was largest in non-overweight men and varied across individual components: stronger associations were observed with hypertriglyceridemia, abdominal obesity and hyperglycaemia and associations were weakest for hypertension.

Conclusions

Associations of testosterone and SHBG with MetS vary according to BMI and individual MetS components. These findings provide further insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms linking low testosterone and SHBG concentrations to cardiometabolic risk.     

Artificial Neural Network Inference (ANNI): A Study on Gene-Gene Interaction for Biomarkers in Childhood Sarcomas

Objective

To model the potential interaction between previously identified biomarkers in children sarcomas using artificial neural network inference (ANNI).

Method

To concisely demonstrate the biological interactions between correlated genes in an interaction network map, only 2 types of sarcomas in the children small round blue cell tumors (SRBCTs) dataset are discussed in this paper. A backpropagation neural network was used to model the potential interaction between genes. The prediction weights and signal directions were used to model the strengths of the interaction signals and the direction of the interaction link between genes. The ANN model was validated using Monte Carlo cross-validation to minimize the risk of over-fitting and to optimize generalization ability of the model.

Results

Strong connection links on certain genes (TNNT1 and FNDC5 in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS); FCGRT and OLFM1 in Ewing’s sarcoma (EWS)) suggested their potency as central hubs in the interconnection of genes with different functionalities. The results showed that the RMS patients in this dataset are likely to be congenital and at low risk of cardiomyopathy development. The EWS patients are likely to be complicated by EWS-FLI fusion and deficiency in various signaling pathways, including Wnt, Fas/Rho and intracellular oxygen.

Conclusions

The ANN network inference approach and the examination of identified genes in the published literature within the context of the disease highlights the substantial influence of certain genes in sarcomas.