bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of the Effects of Drought Stress on Plants: A Systematic Approach
Authors: Bijalwan Priyanka , Sharma Meenakshi , Kaushik Prashant
Published: February 2022

Each year, the global population and agriculture suffer critical agricultural output losses as a result of severe drought devastation. Physiological drought occurs when plants are unable to extract water from the soil, even though it is available in the root zone. Apart from having a significant effect on plant physiology, drought stress has the effect of reducing crop yield. Drought stress influences plant metabolism both directly and indirectly. Drought stress alters the morpho-anatomical, physiological, and biochemical composition of plants, thereby decreasing transpiration water loss and increasing the efficiency with which plants use their water. Constant water loss through transpiration, combined with previously lost water, results in leaf water deficits. Nonetheless, drought stress has a wide variety of effects, ranging from lesions to confusion. Plant health is harmed when their ability to absorb water and nutrients, interact with their environment, and breathe is harmed. Apart from oxidative damage to plants, it may also result in cell death, which can occur under certain conditions when cells are exposed to their environment. Drought induces a plethora of physiological and molecular changes in plants, the majority of which assist them in adapting to the harsh environment. To mitigate drought's adverse effects, we must first gain a better understanding of how drought affects plant physiology. The purpose of this research is to better understand how drought affects plant development by examining the causes and effects of drought stress.
MRI-GAN: MRI and Tissues Transfer Using Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Khaled Afifa
Published: February 2022

We study the brain segmentation by dividing the brain into multiple tissues. Given possible brain segmentation by deep, machine learning can be efficiently exploited to expedite the segmentation process in the clinical practice. To accomplish segmentation process, a MRI and tissues transfer using generative adversarial networks is proposed. Given the better result, we propose the transfer model using GAN. For the case of the brain tissues, white matter (WM), gray matter (GM) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are segmented. Empirical results show that this proposed model significantly improved segmentation results compared to the stat-of-the-art results. Furthermore, a dice coefficient (DC) metric is used to evaluate the model performance.
The Influence Characteristics of Open-Pit Coal Mining on Groundwater Level in Baorixile
Authors: Chen Lei , Du Wenfeng , He Yunlan , Wang Qiangmin , Zhao Wei , Cao Zhiguo
Published: February 2022

Abstract: In the context of extensive high-intensity mining in open-pit coal mines, the temporal and spatial changes of the groundwater level and the range of disturbance caused by the mining activities remain unclear, and the traditional hydrological observation methods are insufficient in obtaining accurate and real-time groundwater monitoring data under the open-pit mining conditions. To address these challenges, the construction of an automatic groundwater observation network to obtain long-term groundwater level dynamic monitoring data via wireless remote transmission, integrated with hydrological background value survey, open-pit coal mine production and drainage data, meteorological data, and hydrogeological data, will reveal the temporal and spatial change characteristics of groundwater under open-pit coal mining conditions and disturbances radius and area of influence on groundwater. The results show: 1) The drainage operation during the open-pit mining caused the drop of groundwater level and forming of a cone of depression, with maximum drawdown of the central groundwater level at 60 m. The disturbance mainly occurred in the mining area where the maximum groundwater disturbance radius was 8 km, and the disturbance area accounted for 66.7% of the mining area. and 10% of the hydrogeological units; 2) The range of groundwater level drop within the disturbance radius is closely related to the distance from the open-pit coal mine and the drainage volume. The closer the distance to the open-pit coal mine and the greater the drainage volume led to the greater the groundwater level drop; 3) The change characteristics of dynamic curve of groundwater can be divided into 3 types (weather-affected, unaffected and mining-affected). Therefore it is of great significance for groundwater resources protection and ecological restoration in open-pit coal mines to conduct automatic monitoring of groundwater, and study the influence of open-pit coal mining on groundwater by establishing a three-dimensional observation network of groundwater in open-pit mines.
Novel Protein-Protein Interactions Highlighting the Crosstalk between Hypoplastic Left-Heart Syndrome, Ciliopathies and Neurodevelopmental Delays
Authors: Karunakaran Kalyani B , Gabriel George C , Balakrishnan N , Lo Cecilia W , Ganapathiraju Madhavi K
Published: February 2022

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a severe congenital heart disease (CHD) affecting 1 in 5,000 newborns. We constructed the interactome of 74 HLHS-associated genes identified from a large-scale mouse mutagenesis screen, augmenting it with 408 novel protein-protein interactions (PPIs) using our High-precision Protein-Protein Interaction Prediction (HiPPIP) model. The interactome is available on a webserver with advanced search capabilities (http://severus.dbmi.pitt.edu/wiki-HLHS). 364 genes including 73 novel interactors were differentially regulated in tissues/iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes of HLHS patients. Novel PPIs facilitated the identification of TOR signaling and endoplasmic reticulum stress modules. 60.5% of the interactome consisted of housekeeping genes that may harbor large-effect mutations and drive HLHS etiology but show limited transmission. Network proximity of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and liver carcinoma-associated genes to HLHS genes suggested a mechanistic basis for their comorbidity with HLHS. Interactome genes showed tissue-specificity for sites of extracardiac anomalies (placenta, liver and brain). The HLHS interactome shared significant overlaps with the interactomes of ciliopathy and microcephaly-associated genes, with the shared genes respectively enriched for genes involved in intellectual disability and/or developmental delay, and neuronal death pathways. This supported the increased burden of ciliopathy variants and prevalence of neurological abnormalities observed among HLHS patients with developmental delay and microcephaly respectively.
Application of Granular Biocomposites Based on Homogenised Peat for Absorption of Oil Products
Authors: Irtiseva Kristine , Mosina Marika , Tumilovica Anastasija , Lapkovskis Vjaceslavs , Mironovs Viktors , Ozolins Jurijs , Stepanova Valentina , Shishkin Andrei
Published: February 2022

Among the various methods for collecting oil spills and oil products, including from the water surface, one of the most effective is the use of sorbents. In this work, three-component bio-based composite granular adsorbents were produced and studied for oil products pollution collection. A bio-based binder made of peat, devulcanised crumb rubber from used tyres, and part fly ash as cenospheres were used for absorbent production. The structure, surface morphology, porosity, mechanical properties, and sorption kinetics of the obtained samples were studied. Composite hydrophobicity and sorption capacity to oil products such as diesel fuel (DF) and motor oil (MO) were determined. The obtained pellets are characterised by a sufficiently pronounced ability to absorb oil products such as DF. As the amount of CR in the granules increases, the diesel absorption capacity increases significantly. The case of 30-70-0 is almost 3 times higher than the granules from homogenised peat. The increase in q is due to two factors: pronounced surface hydrophobicity of the samples (Θ = 152°) and a heterogeneous porous granule structure. The presence of the cenosphere in the biocomposite reduces its surface hydrophobicity while increasing the diesel absorption capacity. Relatively rapid realisation of the maximum saturation by the MO was noted. In common, the designed absorbent shows up to 0.7 g·g-1 sorption capacity for MO and up to 1.55 g·g-1 sorption capacity for diesel. A possible mechanism of DF absorption and the limiting stages of the process approximated for different kinetic models are discussed. The Weber-Morris diffusion model is used to primarily distinguish the limiting effect of external and internal diffusion of adsorbate on the absorption process
Examination the abc conjecture using some functions.
Authors: Fujino Seiji
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we discuss the negative consequence of the weak abc conjecture. Namely, we derive that the weak abc conjecture is not true. Additionally, we show that the strong abc conjecture is not true.
Hydrogen Ion Dynamics as the Fundamental Link Between Neurodegenerative Diseases and Cancer. Its Application to the Therapeutics of Neurodegenerative Diseases with Special Emphasis in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Harguindey Salvador , Alfarouk Khalid , Polo Orozco Julián , Reshkin Stephan J , Devesa Jesús
Published: February 2022

The pH-related metabolic paradigm has rapidly grown in cancer research and treatment. In this contribution, this recent oncological perspective has been laterally for the first time in order to integrate neurodegeneration within the energetics of the cancer acid-base conceptual frame. At all levels of study, molecular, biochemical, metabolic and clinical, the intimate nature of both processes appears to be opposite mechanisms occurring at the far ends of a physiopathological intracellular pH/extracellular pH (pHi/pHe) spectrum. This wide-ranged original approach now permits an increase in our understanding of these opposite processes, cancer and neurodegeneration, and, as a consequence, allows to propose new avenues of treatment based upon the intracellular and microenvironmental hydrogen ion dynamics regulating and deregulating the biochemistry and metabolism of both cancer and neural cells. Under the same perspective, the etiopathogenesis and special characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) becomes an excellent model for the study of neurodegenerative diseases and, utilizing this pioneering approach, we find that MS appears to be a metabolic disease even before an autoimmune one. Also within this paradigm, several important aspects of MS, from mitochondrial failure to microbiota functional abnormalities, are analyzed in depth.
Fungi in Veterinary Medicine: Alternaria, Dermatophytes and Malassezia Pay the Bill!
Authors: Martins Luís
Published: February 2022

Fungi kingdom comprises ubiquitous forms of life with 1.5 billion years, mostly phytopathogenic and commensal for humans and animals. However, in the presence of impaired conditions fungi may cause disease by intoxicating, infecting or sensitizing with allergy. Different genera may be implicated as etiological agents for humans and animals, with Alternaria, Aspergillus, dermatophytes like Microsporum and Trichophyton, and Malassezia as the commonly implicated. Alternaria and Malassezia stand as the most commonly associated to either allergy or infection, immediately followed by Aspergillus, while dermatophytes are usually associated to ring worm skin infection. Research in veterinary field is not much but necessary.
Validation Study of the Revised Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS): A Cross-Sectional Survey in Poland
Authors: Panczyk Mariusz , Iwanow Lucyna , Dobrowolska Beata , Borowiak Ewa , Dyk Danuta , Grochans Elżbieta , Kozieł Dorota , Kózka Maria , Kulik Halina , Lewko Jolanta , Mcsherry Wilfred , Gotlib Joanna , Jaworski Mariusz
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to analyse selected psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS), among them the applicability of the dimensions of spiritual care in nursing, i.e. spirituality, spiritual care, religiosity and personalized care, to Polish conditions. Poland-wide multicentre study with a cross-sectional validation design. The study was conducted between March and June 2019. Seven Polish Nursing Faculties accepted the invitation to participate in the study. Representative sample of 853 nurses enrolled in MSc (postgraduate) programs in nursing. After translation and cultural adaption of the SSCRS, the instrument underwent a full psychometric evaluation with theoretical relevance using (exploratory, confirmatory factor analysis), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), reliability (test−retest analysis), construct validity (correlation analysis), criterion-related validity (convergent and discriminant validity) analysis. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that Polish version of the SSCRS was a three-factor model with “Activity-centred spiritual care” (9 items), “Emotional support-centred spiritual care” (5 items) and “Religiosity” (3 items) domains. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the whole scale was 0.902, and the alpha values for the individual domains were 0.898, 0.873 and 0.563, respectively. The three domains mentioned above seemed to provide the entire picture of spiritual care perceived subjectively by Polish MSc in nursing students. This study demonstrated a substantial degree of similarity in the selected psychometric characteristics of the Polish version of SSCRS and the original scale.
Mengubah Sampah Organik Menjadi Eco Enzym Multifungsi: Inovasi di Kawasan Urban
Authors: Budiyanto Cucuk Wawan , Yasmin Annisa , Fitdaushi Annona Nura , Rizqia Asa Qubaila Sitta Zidna , Safitri Avona Rara , Anggraeni Devita Nurul , Farhana Kharimah Heba , Alkatiri Maryam Quatly , Perwira Yoga Yudha , Pratama Yoshan Ardhi
Published: February 2022

The waste in urban areas was the concern in the KKN UNS Membangun. Around 80% of the total amount of waste generated is dominated by organic waste which is only seen as waste that has no economic value. Therefore, the community service activity of KKN UNS Membangun Desa Kelompok 37. Sangkrah Village was carried out in the form of socialization and training in the manufacture of eco-enzyme multipurpose liquid. Organic waste can be processed into eco enzyme which is useful as a cleaning liquid, wound treatment, and plant fertilizer. Socialization activities and training on the manufacture of eco-enzyme multipurpose liquid were carried out offline in Sangkrah Village, Pasar Kliwon District, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia by implementing strict health protocols. Socialization activities and training on the making of eco enzyme were attended by representatives of the residents to prevent crowds. This activity aims to make the Sangkrah Village community able to utilize organic waste so that it can be used and even can add to the economic value of the surrounding community.
The Study of Karst Desertification Maros Pangkep Based on Landsat 8 OLI Imagery
Authors: Budiyanto Eko , Purnomo Nugroho Hari , Muzayanah Muzayanah , Kurniawati Aida , Prasetyo Ketut , Maginta Nastiti Sigra Dewi
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to examine the spectral imagery of Landsat 8 OLI  that can determine the level of tropical karst desertification Maros Pangkep South Sulawesi. The study method is based on the characteristics of spectral imagery of Landsat 8 OLI. Spectral characteristic analysis was conducted based on derivative index values of Landsat 8 OLI of single-channel spectral values, index spectral values, maximum values, mean, minimal index, and spatial analysis. The results showed that spectral imagery of Landsat 8 OLI can be used as the identifier of the desertification process, that is in band 5 whose maximum value is indicated by the spectral value of vegetation. The karst desertification level in the study area showed that 0.3% of the regions were strongly desertified or 0,97 km2 , 4.1% of medium desertified or 12,03  km2, 16.7% were mildly desertified or 49,17 km2, and 78.9% were not desertified or 232,57 km2. Observation results for image accuracy shows that strongly desertified areas of land use are mining and cement industries, the medium desertified areas are utilized for marble mining, the mildly desertified areas are utilized for agricultural land, and not desertified areas land are being utilized for tropical rain forest is still dense.
Identification of Kampung Naga Cultural Potential in Supporting The Realization of Geopark Galunggung
Authors: Darmawan Cahya , Fadjarajani Siti , Hilman Iman
Published: February 2022

Geopark Galunggung is a platform that accommodates geodiversity,biodiversity and cultural diversity in Tasikmalaya Regency.Kampung Naga is part of the Geopark Galunggung development area.The method used in this study is a qualitative descriptive method.Data collection techniques by observation, interviews, documentation studies and literature studies.The purpose of this study is to identify and inventory the cultural potential that exists in the Geopark Galunggung area so as to produce a dossier manuscript of the Geopark Galunggung.The results of the study classify cultural potential into two, namely tangible potential including (1) Cultural heritage objects including Sanusantara heirlooms; (2) Cultural heritage buildings include Kampung Naga Traditional House, Bumi Ageung, Bale Patemon,Assalam Mosque,Kujang Heritage Monument,Saung lisung,rice barn; (3) There is no cultural heritage structure at the research site; (4) Cultural heritage sites include the Pangsolatan site and the Lumbung site; (5) The cultural conservation area covers the entire area kampung Naga. As well as intangible potential consisting of (1) Traditions and Oral Expressions; (2) Performing arts such as terebang gembrung,terebang sajak,angklung buhun; (3) Customs include traditional ceremonies, marak, hajat karya; (4 )Community knowledge includes community farming systems, availability of homestays, Tour Guides Association,Community UMKM; (5) Proficiency in traditional woven bamboo crafts. These tangible and intangible potentials still exist today because they are preserved and passed on to the next generation.
Earthquake Mitigation Based on Local Wisdom : The Vernacular Architecture Concept of Dasan Beleq Traditional House in North Lombok - Indonesia
Authors: Susanthi Yuli , Meisandy Riyo Rosi , Nisa Alinda
Published: February 2022

Lombok Regency is one of the zones with a high earthquake hazard potential in Indonesia. However, as an area located in that city, Dasan Beleq Hamlet, Gumantar village did not get any physical damage by the disaster in 2018. The customary system and local wisdom in building houses applied by the society supported their houses to have earthquake resistance. This study aimed to investigate the local wisdom portrayed in the Dasan Beleq traditional houses for earthquake mitigation purposes. This research was a descriptive qualitative study conducted from September to December 2020. The result showed that the local wisdom of the traditional houses was represented by their materials and construction techniques. Techniques for connecting ropes and pegs between poles, roof, poles, and floors were arranged using natural resources and settled semi-permanently based on some believed rules of building earthquake-resistant houses. The people also maintained the local wisdom and customary values by applying some special guidelines and rituals in the process of building their houses.
Penggunaan Promo Dalam Pembelian Makanan Melalui Jasa Grabfood Menurut Hukum Islam
Authors: Pratiwi Atika Asa
Published: February 2022

Pembelian makanan melalui jasa GrabFood merupakan salah satu bentuk muamalah baru di Indonesia yang diperbolehkan. Pembelian makanan melalui jasa GrabFood terdapat dua metode pembayaran, yaitu tunai dan non tunai (OVO). Promo dalam pembelian makanan melalui jasa GrabFood, seringkali lebih banyak dengan pembayaran non tunai (OVO). Penelitian ini menunjukkan penggunaan promo potongan harga dalam pembelian makanan melalui jasa GrabFood menurut hukum Islam. Penggunaan promo potongan harga dalam pembelian makanan melalui jasa GrabFood dengan metode tunai diperbolehkan namun jika menggunkaan metode non tunai (OVO) menurut fikih tidak diperkenankan karena penempatan uang OVO masih di bank konvensional sehingga tidak sesuai dengan prinsip Syariah.
The Discrepancy in the Posterior Boundary of Necrotic Lesion Between Axial and Oblique Axial Slices of MRI in Patients with Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Ikemura Satoshi , Motomura Goro , Kawano Koichiro , Hamai Satoshi , Fujii Masanori , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: February 2022

Background:

Little is known concerning differences in assessment of anteroposterior osteonecrotic lesion of the femoral head (ONFH) between the axial plane parallel to the body axis (axial) and the axial plane parallel to the femoral neck axis (oblique axial) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study aimed to compare the posterior boundary of necrotic lesions between the axial and oblique axial planes on MRI.

Methods:

This study retrospectively reviewed 120 consecutive hips in 71 patients (47 males and 24 females; mean age, 42 years) with ONFH, for which both axial and oblique axial MRI slices were available. The posterior boundaries of the necrotic lesions were calculated as the ratio of posterior intact circumference to anteroposterior circumference of the femoral head using mid-axial and mid-oblique axial MRI slices. The necrotic angles, calculated using the modified Kerboul method, were compared between cases with progression and nonprogression of collapse.

Results:

The mean posterior intact ratio in the axial slice was 49.2% (range, 8.6 to 85.1%), while that in the oblique axial slice was 33.5% (7.5 to 79.2%). The posterior intact ratio in the oblique axial slice significantly decreased compared to that in the axial slice (p < 0.0001). In cases with progression of collapse, the mean necrotic angle was significantly larger in the oblique axial slice than in the axial slice (p < 0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity of the necrotic angle with regard to the prognosis of the femoral head were both higher when using the oblique axial slice (sensitivity: 88.4%, specificity: 82.3%) than when using the axial slice (sensitivity: 85.1%, specificity: 62.0%). The posterior intact ratio at a mean of 6.8 mm superior to the mid-axial slice corresponded to that of the mid-oblique axial slice.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that the posterior boundaries of necrotic lesions differ between axial and oblique axial slices, and examination of the oblique axial MRI slice might be more suitable for predicting the prognosis of the femoral head.

Level of Evidence:

Diagnostic-Investigating a diagnostic test. Level IV (Case series)
Diagnosis and Management of Glenohumeral Arthritis in the Active Adult
Authors: Garvick Sarah , Bates Nathan , Jensen C. Taylor , Sisson Caroline , Wooten Aaron
Published: February 2022

Glenohumeral arthritis can significantly impact quality of life, most notable in highly active patients. A linear approach to management based on age alone negates factors that impact patient goals such as pain control, joint function, and joint preservation. Diagnostics should use X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging to provide information about severity of disease and inform treatment plans, including surgical approaches. Although surgical intervention in young adults has previously been controversial, after nonoperative interventions, such as medications, physical therapy, and intra-articular injections, have failed, many studies support arthroplasty to control pain and maximize function throughout their life span.
Interior Alaska DoD training land wildlife habitat vulnerability to permafrost thaw, an altered fire regime, and hydrologic changes
Authors: Douglas Thomas , Jorgenson M. , Genet Hélène , Marcot Bruce , Nelsen Patricia
Published: February 2022

Climate change and intensification of disturbance regimes are increasing the vulnerability of interior Alaska Department of Defense (DoD) training ranges to widespread land cover and hydrologic changes. This is expected to have profound impacts on wildlife habitats, conservation objectives, permitting requirements, and military training activities. The objective of this three-year research effort was to provide United States Army Alaska Garrison Fort Wainwright, Alaska (USAG-FWA) training land managers a scientific-based geospatial framework to assess wildlife habitat distribution and trajectories of change and to identify vulnerable wildlife species whose habitats and resources are likely to decline in response to permafrost degradation, changing wildfire regimes, and hydrologic reorganization projected to 2100. We linked field measurements, data synthesis, repeat imagery analyses, remote sensing measurements, and model simulations focused on land cover dynamics and wildlife habitat characteristics to identify suites of wildlife species most vulnerable to climate change. From this, we created a robust database linking vegetation, soil, and environmental characteristics across interior Alaska training ranges. The framework used is designed to support decision making for conservation management and habitat monitoring, land use, infrastructure development, and adaptive management across the interior Alaska DoD cantonment and training land domain.
Dormancy Breaking Treatments in Northern Wild Rice (Zizania palustris L.) Seed Suggest a Physiological Source of Dormancy
Authors: McGilp Lillian , Semington Aaron , Kimball Jennifer
Published: February 2022

Dormancy is a limiting factor for breeding in northern wild rice (NWR; Zizania palustris L). This study developed a dormancy curve and tested a combination of scarification and hormone treatments, across three timepoints, for their ability to break dormancy in NWR and produce viable seedlings and plants. A dormancy curve was established across 9 months post-harvest, which showed maximum germination (95 %) by 17 weeks post-harvest and high germination (≥81 %) through the rest of the testing period. Next, dormancy breaking treatments were tested. At 1 week post-harvest, few seeds germinated (≤ 15 %) across all treatment combinations. However, sulfuric acid increased germination shortly after harvest (5.8 %), compared to water (0.5 %) and NaClO (0 %) but resulted in stunted seedlings, all but one of which died shortly thereafter. At 7 weeks, sulfuric acid treated seeds did not result in significantly higher germination than water and maximum germination was still below 15%. By 11 weeks post-harvest, the water treatments had the highest germination and resulted in the most viable plants, indicating that dormancy had begun to break naturally and exceeded the effect of the other scarification treatments. Hormonal treatments had no significant effect on germination or seed viability and no strong conclusions could be drawn about their effect on seedling or plant health. Due to the inability of early germinated seed to consistently produce viable plants and the increase in germination following sufficient cold storage, it is likely that NWR seed has intermediate or deep physiological dormancy.
SMARCB1 regulates a TFCP2L1-MYC transcriptional switch promoting renal medullary carcinoma transformation and ferroptosis resistance
Authors: Vokshi Bujamin , Davidson Guillaume , Helleux Alexandra , Rippinger Marc , Haller Alexandre , Gantzer Justine , Baltzinger Philippe , Thouvenin Jonathan , Bouarich-Bourimi Rachida , Manriquez Valentina , Zaidi Sakina , Msaouel Pavlos , Su Xiaoping , Lang Hervé , Tricard Thibault , Lindner Véronique , Surdez Didier , Kurtz Jean-Emmanuel , BOURDEAUT Franck , Tannir Nizar , Davidson Irwin , Malouf Gabriel
Published: February 2022

Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is an aggressive tumour driven by bi-allelic loss of SMARCB1 and tightly associated with sickle cell trait. However, the cell-of-origin and oncogenic mechanism remain poorly understood. Using single-cell sequencing of human RMC, we defined transformation of thick ascending limb (TAL) cells into three RMC cell states along an epithelial-mesenchymal gradient by loss of renal epithelial transcription factors TFCP2L1, HOXB9 and MITF and gain of MYC and NFE2L2-associated oncogenic and ferroptosis resistance programs. We describe the molecular basis for this transcriptional switch that is reversed by SMARCB1 re-expression repressing the oncogenic and ferroptosis resistance programs leading to ferroptotic cell death. Ferroptosis resistance links TAL cell survival with the high extracellular medullar iron concentrations associated with sickle cell trait, an environment propitious to the mutagenic events associated with RMC development. This unique environment may explain why RMC is the only SMARCB1-deficient tumour arising from epithelial cells, differentiating RMC from rhabdoid tumours arising from neural crest cells.
Effectiveness of Hypnosis for the Prevention of Anxiety During Coronary Angiography (HYPCOR Study): a prospective randomized study
Authors: Vuillaume Laure Abensur , Gentilhomme Charles , Weber Sandrine , Msc Nadia Ouamara , Bayard Julien , Valla Mathieu , Khalife Khalife , Goetz Christophe , Guler Nazmine
Published: February 2022

Background – Coronary angiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. This procedure is nevertheless a source of anxiety given the inconvenience caused by its invasiveness but also due to the consequences linked to the discovery of potential diseases.Aim - The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of hypnosis on reducing patient anxiety prior to coronary angiography.Methods – A total of 169 patients with non-urgent indications of coronary angiography and no history of prior coronary angiography were randomized to a hypnosis or control group. Patients in the hypnosis group underwent a hypnosis session with posthypnotic suggestions in self hypnosis, while those in the control group had a conversational interview with the hypnotherapist. The primary endpoint was the level of anxiety prior to the exam assessed by the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y A).Results - Performing a hypnosis session did not translate into a significant decrease in anxiety prior to the procedure. Age, trait anxiety, state anxiety the day before and belief that hypnosis works in general were associated with anxiety prior to the procedure. There was no adverse effect secondary to hypnosis. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups for the occurrence of complications due to the procedure.Conclusion - In the present study, performing a hypnosis session upstream of a coronary angiography, did not reduce the state anxiety measured immediately before the intervention. In all cases, the hypnotic experience seems to be positive for the patient, which encourages further research efforts.Trial registration - The research protocol was registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov registry (NCT02818101; 29/06/2016) and with the ANSM (IDRCB 2016-A00205-46; 02/02/2016).
Association of Inferior Division MCA Stroke Location With Populations With Atrial Fibrillation Incidence
Authors: Kim Ganghyun , Vitti Emilia , Stockbridge Melissa D. , Hillis Argye E. , Faria Andreia V.
Published: February 2022

Background and Aim: Anatomical features of Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) bifurcation favors larger emboli entering the inferior rather than superior division. As cardiac source emboli are on average larger than arterial source emboli, we hypothesize that patients with atrial fibrillation have infarcts that involve more temporal and parietal lobes than frontal lobes.Methods: From 1,849 patients admitted with evidence of acute or early subacute ischemic stroke on diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI), 482 affected exclusively the “lobar” MCA (sparing the lenticulostriates). They were classified as “frontal predominant” (n=105) or “temporoparietal predominant” (n=197) if at least 75% of the infarct affected the frontal lobe or the temporal and parietal lobes, respectively. Differences between stroke location (frontal or temporoparietal), sex, and race were analyzed by Chi-square test. Results: Men were more likely than women, and white people were more likely than black people to have temporoparietal strokes versus frontal strokes. Patients with confirmed diagnosis of atrial fibrillation have more temporoparietal strokes, compared to frontal strokes.Conclusion: MCA ischemic strokes occur more often in temporoparietal areas in men and in white patients, populations with known elevated incidence of atrial fibrillation. Patients with confirmed diagnosis of atrial fibrillation have more temporoparietal strokes, compared to frontal strokes. Results align with the hypothesis that large emboli (mostly from cardiac source) are more likely to cause temporoparietal strokes in the MCA territory, compared to frontal strokes. This association can help guide search for the most likely etiology of infarcts.
The changes of extrapyramidal network studied by Diffusion tensor imaging in WD patients after 5 years of copper excluding treatment
Authors: ZHOU Xiang-xue , QIN Hao-ling , LIAO Jian , XIAO Xia
Published: February 2022

Objective: To evaluate the changes of extrapyramidal network in Wilson disease (WD) patients after 5 years of copper excluding treatment using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Methods: 50 patients with WD, including 41 with cerebral type and 9 with hepatic type, and 10 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Neurological symptoms were scored using the modified Young Scale. Patients with cerebral type WD were divided into four subgroups: those with (1) hypokinesia, (2) parkinsonism, (3) mouth and throat dystonia, and (4) psychiatric symptoms. All study subjects underwent DTI of the brain. Five regions of interest (ROIs) were chosen. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and fiber volumes between ROIs were determined. After 5 years of copper excluding treatment, DTI review was performed.Results: After 5 years of copper excluding treatment, the volumes of fibers between the globus pallidus (GP) and the putamen (PU), the GP and the caudate nucleus (CA), the substantia nigra (SN)and the PU, the SN and the thalamus (TH), the PU and the TH, the TH and the CA, the TH and the cerebellum were also significantly higher in WD patients (P=0.013,0.040,0.037, 0.021,0.042, 0.038, 0.019). The volumes of fibers between the SN and the PU were higher in WD patients of group 3 after therapy (P=0.027). FA values of the fibers between the GP and the PU, the GP and the CA were significantly higher in WD patients of group 4 after therapy (P=0.026, 0.047). FA values of the fibers between the GP and the CA in WD patients with hepatic type were higher in WD patients after therapy (P=0.019).Conclusions: After the treatment with metal chelating agent, the damage of extrapyramidal neural network connection fibers in WD patients were repaired to a certain extent. Different types of WD patients have different responses to copper excluding treatment.
Effects of a Six-week Pedometer-based Walking Programme on Physical Activity Level, Body Composition and Antioxidant Level in Breast Cancer Survivors: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ezuma A. D. , Ibeneme S. C. , Fortwengel G. , Myezwa H. , Ajidahun A. T. , Ezeome E. , Lasebikan A. , Obiekwe C , Nnamani A. , Okoye I. , Onodugo T.A.O
Published: February 2022

Background: Breast cancer risk is associated with body composition indices especially waist-hip ratio-≥0.85 (which defines central adiposity), body mass index ≥30Kg/m2 (which defines obesity), percentage body fat mass-≥25Kg/m2 (which defines general adiposity), and physical inactivity (defined as <600(MET-min/week or ≤7999 step counts/day). Physical inactivity promotes inflammatory micro-environment, oxidative stress and diminish antioxidant (superoxide dismutase) level, similar to adiposity but unlike physical activity. Therefore, a pedometer-based walking programme may improve body composition, physical activity and Superoxide dismutase levels in breast cancer survivors, thus preventing breast cancer recurrence. Methods: This study is a single-blind randomized controlled trial involving 80 participants from the Oncology Clinic, who were consecutively stratified according to their baseline physical activity level (MET-min/week), and step count/day obtained using a Fitbit Charge HR pedometer. The experimental group received an intervention programme to improve physical activity level by setting weekly targets of additional 1500 steps to the baseline value, while the control group did not change their physical activity tasks for the duration of the study. Data were collected with the short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire at baseline and the 6th week, and weekly from the Fitbit server/data centre, which receives transmitted data from the pedometer customised to each participant. Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, and independent t-test at p<0.05, one-tailed test. Results: There was a significant increase in step counts/day (p=0.0002), physical activity level(MET-min/week) (p=0.006), and Superoxide dismutase level(p=<.0001), with a decrease in waist-Hip Ratio (p=0.002), and percentage body fat mass (p=0.01), unlike the body mass index (p=0.09) in the intervention group compared to control.Conclusion: Physical activity, Superoxide dismutase level and body composition may be improved through a pedometer-based walking programme and possibly the prognosis of breast cancer recurrence. Trials Registration number: PACTR202001542824141.
Direct Comparison of Low-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy Versus Radical Prostatectomy Using the Surgical Definition of Biochemical Recurrence for Patients with Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer
Authors: Tsumura Hideyasu , Tanaka Nobumichi , Oguchi Tomohiko , Owari Takuya , Nakai Yasushi , Asakawa Isao , Iijima Kazuyoshi , Kato Haruaki , Hashida Iwao , Tabata Ken-ichi , Satoh Takefumi , Ishiyama Hiromichi
Published: February 2022

Background: We compared the oncological outcomes of patients who received seed brachytherapy (SEED-BT) with those who received radical prostatectomy (RP) for intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Methods: Candidates were patients treated with either SEED-BT (n=933) or RP (n=334). One-to-one propensity score matching was performed to adjust the patients’ backgrounds. We compared the biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free rate using the Phoenix definition (prostate-specific antigen [PSA] nadir plus 2 ng/mL) for SEED-BT and the surgical definition (PSA cut-off value of 0.2 ng/mL) for RP. We also directly compared the BCR-free rates using the same PSA cut-off value of 0.2 ng/mL for both SEED-BT and RP. Results: In the propensity score-matched analysis with 214 pairs, the median follow-up treatment was 96 months (range 1–158 months). Fifty-three patients (24.7%) were treated with combined SEED-BT and external-beam radiotherapy. Forty-three patients (20.0%) received salvage radiotherapy after RP. Comparing the BCR-free rate using the above definitions for SEED-BT and RP showed that SEED-BT yielded a significantly better 8-year BCR-free rate than did RP (87.4% vs 74.3%, hazard ratio [HR]: 0.420, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.273–0.647). Comparing the 8-year BCR-free rate using the surgical definition for both treatments showed no significant difference between the two treatments (76.7% vs 74.3%, HR: 0.913, 95% CI: 0.621–1.341). SEED-BT had a significantly better 8-year salvage hormonal therapy-free rate than did RP (92.0% vs 85.6%, HR 0.528, 95% CI: 0.296–0.942, P = 0.030). The 8-year metastasis-free survival rates (98.5% vs 99.0%, HR: 1.382, 95% CI: 0.313–6.083, P = 0.668) and overall survival rates (91.9% vs 94.6%, HR 1.353, 95% CI: 0.690–2.650) did not significantly differ between the treatments. Conclusions: The BCR-free rates did not significantly differ between patients treated with SEED-BT and those treated with RP for intermediate-risk prostate cancer even when they were directly compared using the surgical definition for BCR. SEED-BT and RP can be adequately compared for oncological outcomes.
Growth hormone induces TNF-α in podocytes and contributes to monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation: Implications in Diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Pasupulati Anil Kumar , Nishad Rajkishor , Mukhi Dhanunjay , Kethavath Srinivas , Raviraj Sumathi , Motrapu Manga , Kurukuti Sreenivasulu
Published: February 2022

Diabetes shortens the life expectancy by more than a decade, and the excess mortality in diabetes is correlated with the incidence of kidney disease. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease. In human biopsies and experimental models of DKD, macrophage accumulation predicts the severity of kidney damage. The mechanism of macrophage accumulation in diabetic glomeruli, however, is unknown. Increased growth hormone (GH) levels in type 1 diabetes and acromegalic patients had deleterious effects on glomerular biology. GH-treated mice had significant podocyte injury, glomerulosclerosis as well as increased macrophages. This study investigated if human podocytes injured by a GH stimulus contributed to macrophage accumulation. Following GH treatment, TNF-α signaling was increased in podocytes, as determined by RNA-seq analysis. Conditioned media from GH-treated human podocytes induced differentiation of THP1 monocytes to macrophages. Depleting the TNF-α in conditioned media with neutralizing antibodies diminished the effect of conditioned media from GH-treated podocytes on monocytes. Conditioned media from GH-treated primary podocytes with depleted TNF-α levels fail to elicit monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation. Mice administered with GH displayed glomerular accumulation of macrophages, podocyte injury, and proteinuria. Renal biopsies from DKD patients demonstrated activated TNF-α signaling, macrophage accumulation, and fibrosis. Together, this study suggests TNF-α secreted by podocytes under the influence of GH could contribute to macrophage accumulation, thus eliciting adverse renal inflammation and impaired function. Our study suggests targeting GH and/or TNF-α signaling could be a therapeutic approach to combat DKD.
Biosorption of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution by pristine and CaCl2-modified erythromycin production residues
Authors: Sun Xining , Li Dongsheng , Zhang Zengqiang
Published: February 2022

In this study, the adsorptive removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] from aqueous solutions by the pristine and salt-treated（CaCl2）erythromycin production residue (EPRs and SEPRs) were investigated. Batch experiments were carried out to determine the effect of contact time, sorbent dosage, pH, initial Cr concentration, and temperature on Cr(VI) sorption by EPRs and SEPRs. The highest adsorptive removal capacities were achieved at the pH equal to 1.0, and the maximum adsorption capacities for EPRs and SEPRs at optimized conditions were 21.74 and 35.24 mg g-1, respectively. Moreover, thermodynamic results indicated that Cr sorption by EPR/SERPs was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic under the given conditions. Langmuir model fitted well with the experimental data. The pseudo-second order could better describe the adsorptive removal kinetics and the process involving rate-controlling step is much complex involving both boundary layer and intra-particle diffusion processes. Furthermore, adsorption-coupled-reduction process was believed as the main mechanism of Cr(VI) removal by EPRs and SEPRs. Both adsorbents could be considered as promising low-cost biosorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous systems.
Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Study of Physiological Ventricular Rhythm Resetting in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure: Rationale and Design
Authors: JIANG Zhixin , YANG Wen , WU Tian , LV Yiting , GENG Jie , HU Jingwen , ZHOU Xiujuan , Shan qijun
Published: February 2022

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) frequently co-exist. HF may present in 20-30% of AF patients. Both AF and HF facilitate the occurrence and aggravate the prognosis of each other, which significantly affects the quality of life and increases mortality. This paper describes the rationale and the design of the trial 'Prospective randomized controlled clinical study of physiological ventricular rhythm resetting in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure' and the need to improve the treatment of the patients with AF and HF.
Methods

This study is a registry-based, prospective, randomized, parallel, single-center trial. The primary aim is to determine whether the physiological ventricular rhythm resetting (atrioventricular node ablation with physiological LBBP) can improve clinical outcomes (all-cause mortality or rehospitalization for HF) compared with medical rate control. A total of 110 patients will be enrolled in the trial and followed up for 1 year.
Summary

The cardioversion of AF is a major treatment for AF patients with HF. However, the recurrence rate of atrial fibrillation ablation is high and part of these patients are not suitable for ablation, which raised the difficulty to treat such patients. Some observational studies found that AVNA with physiological pacing could improve the prognosis of these patients. Thus, results from this trial may influence future treatment strategies and guidelines specific to AF patients with HF.
Isolation and Identification of an Endophytic Bacteria Bacillus sp. K-9 Exhibiting Biocontrol Activity Against Potato Common Scab
Authors: Shuang Ma , Wang Yanjie , Teng Wang , Jin Guanghui
Published: February 2022

Potato scab is an important soil-borne disease that can significantly reduce the quality and economic value of potatoes. The purpose of this study was to isolate, screen and identify endophytic bacteria that have antagonistic and control effects on potato scab disease, and to determine the control effect and yield traits of the selected strains on potato scab disease in field conditions. A bacterial strain K-9 was isolated from the junction between scab spot and healthy epidermis of potato tuber. The K-9 strain was identified as a new species of Bacillus sp. through morphological, physiological and biochemical characterization, and 16S rDNA and gyrB gene sequence analysis. The diameter of the inhibition zone of strain K-9 against Streptomyces scabies on the YME plate was 3.82 cm. The K-9 strain could inhibit eight types of crop pathogens, with the highest inhibition rate (70.39%) against another soil-borne potato disease （potato black scurf）. In the field test, the control effect of K-9 strain against potato scab was not significantly different from that of mixed bacteria or chemical agents, but the disease index and the scab index in the K-9 treatment were significantly lower than in the control. The potato yield in the K-9 treatment was 12.44% higher than the control. In summary, the K-9 strain can prevent not only potato scab, but also increase potato yield. Therefore, the endophytic bacterial K-9 strain may be a potential biological control agent.