bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of the Specialized Proresolving Mediator in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Wei Xiao-jing , Li Xi-xi , Sun Hui , Qiu Ru-qing , Yu Xue-fan
Published: May 2022

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons, leading to a relentless paralysis of skeletal muscles and eventual respiratory failure. Neuroinflammation is one of the hallmarks of ALS and may contribute to motoneurons degeneration. Accumulating evidence suggests that chronic inflammation resulting from insufficient resolution, a process operated by specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). However, whether resolution of inflammation is impaired in ALS is not known. The objective of this study was to investigate the levels of SPMs in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of ALS patients, and to explore the roles of SPMs in clinical features of ALS. Fourty-one patients with ALS, and 73 patients with non-inflammatory neurological diseases were enrolled in this study. Pro-resolving mediators including resolvin D1 (RvD1), maresin 1 (MaR1) and lipoxinA4(LxA4) levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines levels were analyzed by cytometric beads array (CBA). Our results showed serum RvD1 levels were decreased, whereas CSF RvD1 levels were significantly increased in ALS patients compared to controls. Serum RvD1 was also negatively correlated to disease progression rate (DPR), and positively correlated with forced vital capacity (FVC). The present preliminary study allows hypothesizing impaired resolution of inflammation in patients with ALS, confirming the emerging role of bioactive lipids in this disease.
Structure-Function characterization of an aldo-keto reductase involved in detoxification of the mycotoxin, deoxynivalenol
Authors: Abraham Nadine , Schroeter Kurt L. , Zhu Yan , Chan Jonathan , Evans Natasha , Kimber Matthew S. , Carere Jason , Zhou Ting , Seah Stephen YK
Published: May 2022

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin, produced by filamentous fungi such as Fusarium graminearum, that causes significant yield losses of cereal grain crops worldwide. One of the most promising methods to detoxify this mycotoxin involves its enzymatic epimerization to 3-epi-DON. DepB plays a critical role in this process by reducing 3-keto-DON to 3-epi-DON. DepBRleg from Rhizobium leguminosarum is a member of the new aldo-keto reductase family, AKR18, and it has the unusual ability to utilize both NADH and NADPH as coenzymes, albeit with a 40-fold higher catalytic efficiency with NADPH compared to NADH. Structural analysis of DepBRleg revealed the putative roles of Lys-217, Arg-290, and Gln-294 in NADPH specificity. Replacement of these residues by site-specific mutagenesis to negatively charged amino acids compromised NADPH binding with minimal effects on NADH binding. The substrate-binding site of DepBRleg is larger than its closest structural homolog, AKR6A2, likely contributing to its broad specificity towards a range of aldehydes and ketones, including the mycotoxin, patulin. DepBRleg produced 3-epi-DON and DON in diastereomeric ratios of 67.2% and 32.8% respectively. The modeled ternary complex suggests that 3-keto-DON can adopt two binding modes to facilitate 4-pro-R hydride transfer to either the re- or si-face of the C3 ketone.
Mifepristone combined with ethacridine lactate for the third-trimester stillbirth induction: a 5-year experience from Shanghai
Authors: Xue Rui-Hong , Yao Yong-Li , Huang Run-Jie , Ma Jue , Zhang Lin
Published: May 2022

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of mifepristone combined with ethacridine lactate for induction of stillbirth in the third-trimester.Methods: All women who had a stillbirth in late pregnancy (≥28 weeks) except for eugenics in an university-based maternity center from September 2016 to September 2021 were included in our study. The methods of induction of stillbirth and their complications were analyzed in different groups.Results: We identified 5-year deliveries in the hospital, 122 women experienced a stillbirth, among whom 38 stillbirths resulted from eugenics induction and were excluded, 84 cases were included in our analyses. We analyzed the methods of induction in these 84 cases, 51(60.71%) cases accepted intra-amniotic ethacridine lactate induction, among whom 48(94.12%) cases had a successful induction. The ethacridine lactate induction group showed no increased risks in complications(5.88%, 3/51), compared with non-ethacridine lactate group(12.12%, 4/33)(P=0.097, OR, 0.27, 95%CI, 0.05 to 1.27). No statistical difference in induction failure was found between different ethacridine dosage groups (P=0.48, OR, 2.46, 95%CI, 0.21 to 28.89).Conclusions: Mifepristone combined with ethacridine lactate is a safe and effective induction method for stillbirth in the third-trimester.
Efficacy and Safety of Over-the-Wire Technique versus Direct Catheter Insertion Technique in Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter Placement: A Randomized-Controlled Study
Authors: Teichgräber Ulf , Kasikci Deniz , Mack Verena
Published: May 2022

Purpose To assess the effectiveness and safety of the over-the-wire (OTW) technique as compared to the direct catheter insertion (DCI) technique in ultrasound (US) guided peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) placement with fluoroscopic catheter tip location.Methods In a non-inferiority randomized-controlled study, 60 PICCs were implanted by an interventional radiologist into the basilic, cephalic, or brachial vein of the mid-upper arm. The effectiveness as primary endpoint was measured by implantation time. Placement accuracy was detected as secondary endpoint by tip location under chest x-ray, whereas safety was measured by the rate of periprocedural and early complications occurring within two weeks. Results Implantation time of 8.34 ± 2.14 minutes applying the OTW technique showed to be significantly more time-consuming than DCI technique with 5.530.96 minutes (p<0.001). The results for the secondary endpoints were not allowing a statistically significant statement due to the patient number. The exploratory analysis showed however no significant difference (p=0.3) regarding tip placement accuracy between both insertion techniques (optimal tip localization of 100% with the DCI technique; 97% with the OTW technique). Periprocedural bleeding events from the introducer occurred in 26.7% of the patients with OTW technique towards not considerable bleeding in the DCI group (p=0.003). Conclusion For US-guided fluoroscopic PICC insertion in adults, the DCI technique was superior as compared to the OTW technique in terms of procedure time.Trial registration NCT 04303052
Serum biomarker panel diagnostics in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: the clinical utility of soluble interleukins, IFN-γ, TNF-α and PD-1/PD-L1 in comparison to established serum tumor markers
Authors: Dorman Klara , Gerckens Miriam , Kruger Stephan , Krueger Kimberly , Mayer Zsuzsanna , Rupp Alexander , Zhang Danmei , Weiss Lena , Westphalen C. Benedikt , Haas Michael , Guenther Michael , Ormanns Steffen , Klawonn Frank , Werner Jens , Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Heinemann Volker , Boeck Stefan , Holdenrieder Stefan
Published: May 2022

Purpose
Novel biomarkers to better predict outcome and select the best therapeutic strategy for the individual patient are necessary for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
Methods
Using a panel assay, multiple biomarkers (IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, CEA, CA 199, CYFRA 21 − 1, HE4, PD-1 and PD-L1 levels) were measured in serum samples of 162 patients with resected, locally advanced and metastatic PDAC in this retrospective single-center study. Optimal cut-off values to differentiate prognostic subgroups with significantly different overall survival (OS) were determined by receiver operator characteristics and Youden Index analysis. Marker levels were assessed before start of chemotherapy and correlated with OS by univariate and multivariate Cox analysis.
Results
Median OS for resected patients was 28.2 months, for locally advanced patients 17.9 months and for patients with metastatic disease 8.6 months. CYFRA 21 − 1 and IL-8 discriminated metastatic from locally advanced patients best (AUC 0.85 and AUC 0.81, respectively). In univariate analyses, multiple markers showed prognostic relevance in the various subgroups. However, multivariate Cox models comprised only CYFRA 21 − 1 in the resected group (HR 1.37, p = 0.015), IL-10 in locally advanced PDAC (HR 10.01, p = 0.014), as well as CYFRA 21 − 1 and CA 19 − 9 in metastatic PDAC (p = 0.008 and p = 0.010) as independent prognostic marker for overall survival.
Conclusion
IL-10 levels may have independent prognostic value in locally advanced PDAC, whereas CYFRA 21 − 1 levels are prognostic after PDAC surgery. CYFRA 21 − 1 and IL-8 have been identified to best discriminate metastatic from locally advanced patients.
Finite element analysis of zero-crossing temperature of long Fabry-Perot cavity
Authors: Shang Junjuan , Zhu Xianwei , Ma Junya , Song Hongfang , Zhou Peilin , Hu Jiandong , Yuan Zhihua , Zhang Mengjiao
Published: May 2022

A Fabry-Perot (F-P) cavity with a low thermal noise limit 7.8×10-17 is investigated. The spacer aperture is composed of three holes, where a long and small hole in the middle, a shorter and larger hole on each side. The FS mirrors are placed in the larger holes of the spacer aperture, the FS rings are mounted on the end face of the spacer, and FS mirrors, aperture and FS rings are coaxial. It enables the cavity zero-crossing temperature easily tuning to above room temperature. In the meantime, with this design the machining error has little effect on the zero-crossing temperature of the cavity. In addition, it is convenient for manufacturing of long F-P cavity.
Remimazolam besylate for the sedation of postoperative patients with invasive mechanical ventilation in the ICU: a prospective dose-response study
Authors: Chen Xiaoyan , Zhang Jiancheng , Yuan Shiying , Huang Haiyan
Published: May 2022

Background: This single-center study aims to determine the effective dose and safety of remimazolam besylate for the sedation of postoperative patients with invasive mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: Mechanically ventilated patients admitted to the ICU after surgery were included. The Narcotrend index (NTI) was used to assess the depth of sedation, and the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) was also recorded. Remimazolam besylate was administered initially at a loading dose of 0.02 mg/kg, followed by a gradual increase of 0.005 mg/kg each time until targeted depth of sedation was achieved (NTI 65–94). A maintenance dose of remimazolam besylate was administered starting at 0.2 mg/kg/h, followed by increments or subtractions of 0.05 mg/kg each time until a satisfactory depth of sedation was achieved and maintained for at least 30 minutes. The demographic data, anesthesia, surgery types, hemodynamics and respiratory parameters were recorded. Results: Twenty-three patients were included for this study eventually over a year. A satisfactory depth of sedation could be achieved by a single intravenous infusion of remimazolam besylate at a loading dose of 0.02–0.05 mg/kg followed by a pump maintenance dose of 0.20–0.35 mg/kg/h. There were no significant changes in hemodynamic and respiratory parameters within 10 minutes after administration of remimazolam besylate. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between NTI and RASS for assessing sedation (r = 0.721, P＜0.001). NTI showed a prediction probability of RASS score of 0.817. Conclusions: Remimazolam besylate was effective for mild/moderate sedation of postoperative invasively mechanically ventilated patients in ICU, while maintaining excellent respiratory and hemodynamic stability. The NTI could be used as a good tool for the objective evaluation of the depth of sedation and agitation. Trial registration: ChiCTR2100043752. Retrospectively registered 27 February 2021.
Microbiome network in the pelagic and benthic offshore systems of the northern Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Scicchitano Daniel , Martire Marco Lo , Palladino Giorgia , Nanetti Enrico , Fabbrini Marco , Dell'Anno Antonio , Rampelli Simone , Corinaldesi Cinzia , Candela Marco
Published: May 2022

BackgroundBecause of their recognized global importance, there is now the urgent need to map diversity and distribution patterns of marine microbial communities. Even if available studies provided some advances in the understanding the biogeographical patterns of marine microbiomes at the global scale, their degree of plasticity at the local scale it is still underexplored, and functional implications still need to be dissected. In this scenario here we provide a synoptical study on the microbiomes of the water column and surface sediments from 19 sites in a 130 km2 area located 13.5 Km afar from the coast in the North-Western Adriatic Sea (Italy), providing the finest-scale mapping of marine microbiomes in the Mediterranean sea. Results Pelagic and benthic microbiomes in the study area showed sector specific-patterns and distinct assemblage structures, corresponding to specific variations in the microbiome network structure. While maintaining a balanced structure in term of provided ecosystem services (e.g., hydrocarbon degradation and nutrient cycling), sector-specific patterns of over-abundant modules - and taxa - were defined, with the South sector (the closest to the coast) characterized by microbial groups of terrestrial origins, both in the pelagic and the benthic realms. Conclusions By the granular assessment of the marine microbiome changes at the local scale, we have been able to highlight the admission of terrestrial microorganisms in the marine microbiome networks, as a possible natural process characterizing eutrophic coastal area. This raises the question about the biological threshold for terrestrial microorganisms to be admitted in the marine microbiome networks, without disturbing the ecological balance.
Clinical features of resected gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Ito Shunichi , Taniguchi Kiyoaki , Suzuki Kazuomi , Egawa Hiroto
Published: May 2022

Background: Due to improvements in diagnostic technology, the incidence of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine neoplasms has increased gradually. Therefore, it is important to understand their clinical manifestations and management. The aims of this study were to investigate the clinical features of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine neoplasms and to evaluate the outcomes of patients in our institute.Methods: Between April 1965 and December 2020, patients with a diagnosis of gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms undergoing surgery in our institute were recruited. Clinical data were collected retrospectively.Results: Twenty-four gastric neuroendocrine neoplasm patients were recruited. Ten patients had lymphovascular invasion and seven patients had lymph node metastasis. There was a significant difference in the overall survival rate between those with and without lymph node metastasis. The significant risk factor for lymph node metastasis was lymphatic invasion.Conclusions: Positive lymph node metastasis influenced overall survival. Lymphatic invasion was the most important risk factor for lymph node metastasis.
Low MAGI3 expression promotes Wnt/β-catenin signaling to mediate metastasis and rapalogs resistance of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: HE JUNQI , Gu Siyu , Liu Hua , Zhang Lijie , Lu Wenxiu , Zhao Chunjuan , Fa Pengyan , Wang Haibo , Cao Xuedi , Yang Yang , Yang Ying , Qin Qiong , Yang Xiaomei , Song Ran , Huang Lian , Feng Duiping
Published: May 2022

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is considered a fatal malignancy with poor overall survival, but the efficacy of the currently available strategies is limited. Hence, a better understanding of the detailed mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of RCC and more effective treatment strategies were urgently required. In this study, we found that MAGI3 was low-expressed, and associated with metastasis of ccRCC by screening and validating from multi-central cohorts. Low MAGI3 level was correlated with advance stage, grade and poor survival of ccRCC in several independent cohorts, revealing that MAGI3 might be employed as a biomarker in predicting prognosis of ccRCC. By both ectopic expression and knockdown of MAGI3 assays, we found that MAGI3 could inhibit the migration, invasion, and metastasis of ccRCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we revealed that the C-tail of β-catenin binding with MAGI3 facilitated its N-tail to release from intramolecular interaction of β-catenin, and reinforced the association between β-catenin and GSK-3β, thereby, promoted GSK3β-mediated β-catenin phosphorylation, and ubiquitin-proteasome degradation, subsequently attenuates Wnt/β-catenin activation in ccRCC. Our results also demonstrated that MAGI3 conferred ccRCC cell sensitivity to Everolimus through Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and the combination of Wnt inhibitors synergistically increased the sensitivity of ccRCC cells to rapalogs. Therefore, this is a first report of a synthetic lethal interaction between inhibition of mTOR/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in ccRCC, revealing a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of advanced ccRCC patients by combined therapy of mTOR inhibitors (rapalogs) with Wnt inhibitors or upregulation of MAGI3 expression.
α2-Fraction and Haptoglobin as Biomarkers for Disease Activity in Oligo- And Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Zeller Ludwig , Tyrrell Pascal N , Wang Stella , Fischer Nadine , Haas Johannes-Peter , Hugle Boris
Published: May 2022

Objectives: Unlike in adult rheumatology, for most forms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) no reliable biomarkers currently exist to assess joint and disease activity. However, electrophoresis is frequently found changed in active juvenile arthritis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the α2-fraction of serum electrophoresis and its main components as biomarkers for JIA, categories extended/persistent oligoarthritis and seronegative polyarthritis, in comparison with the conventionally used erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Methods: Serum samples and clinical data from 181 patients with JIA were collected. Serum electrophoresis and α2-fraction and its components were determined using standard methods. Relationship between calculated α2-fraction of serum electrophoresis (CA2F) and its components, acute-phase parameters and cJADAS27 was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and linear regression modelling, adjusting for confounding effects. Results were confirmed in a second cohort with 223 serum samples from 37 patients, using a mixed model to account for repeated measures.Results: Compared to ESR and CRP, CA2F showed higher correlation to cJADAS27, in particular for persistent oligoarthritis. Of the three components of the α2-fraction, haptoglobin showed the highest correlation to cJADAS27. Regression analysis demonstrated higher ability to predict cJADAS27 for CA2F, and especially for haptoglobin as a component thereof, than for CRP and ESR. Conclusion: Compared to conventional methods, α2-fraction of serum electrophoresis and specifically, haptoglobin show higher correlations with disease activity in common subtypes of JIA, representing excellent candidates as biomarkers for disease activity. Further studies are necessary to determine diagnostic value and correlations in other subtypes.
Radiologic Assessment of Instability in Stand-Alone Cervical Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Cage
Authors: Erok Berrin , Kıbıcı Kenan , Atca Ali Onder
Published: May 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Key Drivers Influencing Tribal Communities to become Open Defecation Free: Case of Dantewada District, Chhattisgarh in India
Authors: Pathak Paritosh , Adlakha Amit , Pandey Prashant , Kaur Divneet
Published: May 2022

The Swachh Bharat Mission has been successful in improving the sanitation condition across the nation in a very short span of time. The key approach adopted by the Government of India (GOI) was primarily Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) also termed as Community Approached to Total Sanitation (CATS). This paper attempts to identify the key drivers behind collective behaviour change of the tribal communities in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. In the study 102 respondents were selected randomly and interviewed across different open defecation free (ODF) villages through a questionnaire. The data was then analysed through SPSS which reveals that Supportive Environment, Institutional and Social Support, Personal Necessity, Issues with Open Defecation, Enhanced Awareness and Social Enforcement are the key drivers in improving the sanitation condition and making the district open defecation free. The study has practical policy implications which can help the implementing bodies to work for this cause more effectively.
Immature platelet fraction predicts early marrow recovery in febrile neutropenia
Authors: Salvador Christina , Meryk Andreas , Hetzer Benjamin , Bargehr Caroline , Kropshofer Gabriele , Meister Bernhard , Anliker Markus , Crazzolara Roman
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Febrile neutropenia secondary to chemotherapy is one of the most critical complications in cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to determine if an increase in the percentage of immature platelet fraction (IPF%) might predict early neutrophil recovery following cytostatic-dependent aplasia.Methods: A retrospective cohort study compared serial complete blood counts and the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) following induction chemotherapy for Ewing sarcoma. The measurements were taken on a Sysmex XE-2100 instrument. A total of 114 paired samples from 11 children after the first cycle of chemotherapy were analyzed to test if an increase in the IPF% anticipated the CRP peak and recovery of neutrophil count.Results: The nadir of neutrophils, reticulocytes and platelets was reached at 9.7 ± 1.5, 11.0 ± 1.7 and 11.9 ± 0.9 days (mean ± SD), respectively, after start of induction chemotherapy. Still in severe neutropenia, IPF% was the first parameter that significantly increased and anticipated the CRP peak (11.9 ± 1.6 days, mean ± SD). The IPF% continuously increased (maximum = 6.56% ± 2.8%, mean ± SD) and peaked at 12.2 ± 1.4 days (mean ± SD) after commencement of chemotherapy. Compared to neutrophil recovery (14.6 ± 1.4 days, mean ± SD), the IPF% peak was anticipated by 2.4 days (p = 0.0085).Conclusion: IPF% increased significantly at > 48 hours before neutrophil recovery in patients treated with chemotherapy. IPF% is an inexpensive parameter and may be valuable in the management of febrile neutropenia.
Resveratrol attenuates hydrogen peroxide-induced injury of rat ovarian 1 granulosa-lutein cells by resisting oxidative stress via the SIRT1/Nrf2/ARE 2 signaling pathway
Authors: Cai Minghui , Wang Jiao , Sun Haijuan , Guo Qi , Zhang Chi , Yao Haixu , Zhao Chen , Jia Yuhan , Zhu Hui
Published: May 2022

Background: The ovarian granulosa-lutein cells injury and apoptosis induced by oxidative stress may be responsible for female luteal phase deficiency. The antioxidant function of resveratrol has been confirmed, however, its effect on the expression of antioxidant enzymes and regulatory mechanism in ovarian granulosa-lutein cells remains unclear. Results: The H2O2 treatment induced the primary ovarian granulosa-lutein cells injury shown as decreased cell viability, impaired cellular morphology, decreased levels of progesterone and estradiol. The H2O2 treatment also exacerbated cell apoptosis demonstrated as more apoptotic cells stained by Hoechst staining, decreased level of anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2 and increased level of pro-apoptosis protein Bax. These effects of cell injury and apoptosis induced by H2O2 can be ameliorated by resveratrol. Resveratrol also alleviated oxidative stress induced by H2O2 supported by decreased superoxide anion and cellular total ROS, decreased levels of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl, increased total antioxidant capacity and biological activity of SOD. Western blot results demonstrated resveratrol reversed the H2O2-induced decrease in levels of antioxidant enzymes containing ARE sequences and activated SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway. Further treatment by siRNA-Nrf2 suggested resveratrol was unable to activate the expression of antioxidant enzymes under a condition of inhibition of Nrf2. Conclusions: In conclusion, these results indicated that resveratrol attenuated oxidative stress to protect H2O2-induced rat ovarian granulosa-lutein cells injury and apoptosis via SIRT1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.
A technique for a more accurate and convenient in coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction of acromioclavicular joint dislocation
Authors: Yu Yun-fei , Yan Song-he , Liu Xiao-fen , Wu Mao
Published: May 2022

Background: The Tight-Rope technique, as a widely accepted strategy for the treatment of acromioclavicular(AC) joint dislocation, is undergoing constant improvement due to the disadvantages of complex operation, long learning curve, reliance on clinical experience and auxiliary equipment, etc. The purpose of this study was to propose a simple and cost-effective improved Tight-Rope technique for reconstructing coracoclavicular(CC) ligament for the treatment of acute AC joint dislocations. Methods: This was a retrospective single-center study conducted between January 2015 and March 2021, involving 23 adult patients with Rockwood Type 3 AC joint dislocations. We performed minimally invasive reconstruction of CC ligament using an improved single-tunnel adjustable Tight-Rope system assisted with a portable Kirchner wire positioning technique and the nice knot. Clinical outcomes of the length of incision, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, post-operative and the number of intraoperative fluoroscopy were assessed using the preoperative and final follow-up Constant Murley system score and postoperative complications such as infection, redislocation, implant loosening, fracture, and hardware pain. Results: 23 patients were followed up from 12 to 18 months. The length of incision was an average of (1.84±1.08) cm. The operative time was an average of (54.61±9.36) min. The intraoperative blood loss was an average of (14.57±9.76) ml. The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy was an average of (11.22±2.68). In these cases, 1 patient had loose internal fixation, 1 patient had postoperative coracoid process fracture, while no complications such as wound infection, internal fixation failure or fracture were found in the other cases. The mean constant score was (37.91 ± 10.26) preparatively, compared to (93.39 ± 6.06) at the final follow-up evaluation. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study proposes a simple, accurate and cost-effective technique with a short learning curve for anatomic reconstruction of acute AC joint dislocations. The preliminary clinical and radiographic results of this technique have been very encouraging.
Increased HDL, ApoA1 and decreased Atherogenic Indices after Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Ozener Onur , Mayir Burhan , Yilmaz Esin , Yilmaz Necat
Published: May 2022

PurposeOxidative stress (OS) and dysregulation of lipid metabolism are thought to be pathophysiological mechanisms linking high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) dysfunction to obesity. The aim of this study is to determine the dynamic changes in HDL-C functionality and possible changes in atherogenic risk indices in patients after sleeve gastrectomy (SG).MethodsThis is a prospective study in which 30 patients who underwent SG for morbid obesity were evaluated preoperatively (preop) and postoperatively (postop). Preoperative and postoperative atherogenic risk indices were calculated, and serum paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) and apolipoprotein-A1 (Apo-A1) and platelet activating factor acetyl hydrolase (PAF-AH) levels were measured to evaluate the change in HDL-C function. In addition, the amount of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), which is the indicator of OS, was measured.ResultsWe observed improvements in atherogenic risk indices after SG and dynamically measurements of HDL-C functionality. Most importantly, statistically significant increases in HDL-C and HDL-C-associated Apo-A1 levels were seen as early as 6 months after surgery. In addition, triglycerides (TGs), PON-1 levels and also atherogenic risk indices decreased statistically significantly within 6 months. While there was no statistically significant change in blood total cholesterol (TC) and Ox-LDL levels, similarly, PAF-AH levels in HDL-C structure did not show any statistically significant change after SG. ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, there is no study in the literature that examines dynamic changes in atherogenic risk indices, PON-1, Apo-A1 and Ox-LDL parameters with SG. Presently, this preliminary study supports the role of SG in the treatment of obesity-related HDL-C dysfunctionality.
Comparative Study of Single Biological Neuron model with a proposed Artificial Neuron model
Authors: Panda Sashmita
Published: May 2022

In an attempt to propose a closer model of a single biological neuron, various artificial neural models have been reported in the literature. Many articles are available on artificial neurons which tried to mimic a single biological neuron but those models are unable to produce the spiking patterns of a real biological neuron. Hence there is further scope to develop and investigate alternative improved spiking neural models which will better represent the activities of a biological neuron. With this motivation, much modification is done in an artificial neuron model in order to generate the spike patterns that a real biological neuron produces. The proposed modified single artificial neuron model exhibits the activities of a biological neuron. Modeling of a spiking bio-neuron is still an important exercise in view of possible applications of the underlying features in the areas of neuromorphic engineering, cognitive radio, and spiking neural networks
The use of hydromulching increases yield and quality of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) by improving soil physicochemical and biological properties
Authors: Romero-Muñoz Miriam , Gálvez Amparo , Amor Francisco del , Albacete Alfonso , López-Marín Josefa
Published: May 2022

We hypothesized that organic liquid mulching formulations called hydromulching can be used in sustainable agricultural production through its direct influence on physicochemical and biological soil properties to improve crop yield and quality. To test this hypothesis, artichoke plants were grown using three hydromulching treatments, rice hulls (RH), wheat straw (WS), and mushroom substrate (MS), and two control treatments, soil covered with polyethylene (PE) and bare soil (BS). Hydromulched soils showed an increase in organic matter, organic carbon, moisture, and mineral contents of K+, P, Cu2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+, particularly in the MS-covered soil. Importantly, plant water relationships were superior in all mulching treatments giving rise to the improvement of crop yield and the most important physical quality parameters in artichoke, namely color, firmness, and size. Furthermore, the content of some important nutrient elements in artichoke (K+ and N) were greater in RH and MS treatments, while sugar concentrations were higher in BS compared to the other treatments. Our data demonstrate that hydromulching is a sustainable alternative to plastic mulching that regulates plant hydric status and soil moisture and fertility, thus improving yield and physical quality characteristics of artichoke heads, and maintaining their chemical and nutritional quality over bare soil.
Response Surface Mesh with the Outer Input Method
Authors: Duarte Francisco Daniel Filip
Published: May 2022

Artificial intelligence in general and optimization tasks applied to the design ofvery efficient structures rely on response surfaces to forecast the output of functions, and are vitalpart of these methodologies. Yet they have important limitations, since greater precisions requiregreater data sets, thus, training or updating larger response surfaces become computationallyexpensive or unfeasible. This has been an important bottle neck limitation to achieve morepromising results, rendering many optimization and AI tasks with a low performance.To solve this challenge, a new methodology created to segment response surfaces is herebypresented. Differently than other similar methodologies, this algorithm named outer input methodhas a very simple and robust operation, generating a mesh of near isopopulated partitions ofinputs which share similitude. The great advantage it offers is that it can be applied to any dataset with any type of distribution, such as random, Cartesian, or clustered, for domains with anynumber of coordinates, significantly simplifying any metamodel with a mesh ensemble.This study demonstrates how one of the most known and precise metamodel denominatedKriging, yet with expensive computation costs, can be significantly simplified with a responsesurface mesh, increasing training speed up to 567 times, while using a quad-core parallelprocessing. Since individual mesh elements can be parallelized or updated individually, its fasteroperational speed has its speed increased.
A Review and Analysis of Horticultural Substrate Characterization by Sieve Analysis
Authors: Bartley Paul C. , Fonteno William C. , Jackson Brian E.
Published: May 2022

The physical, hydrological, and physico-chemical properties of horticultural substrates are influenced by particle shape and size. Sieve analysis has been the predominate method used to characterize the particle size distribution of horticultural substrates. However, the literature shows a diversity of techniques and procedures. The effects of agitation time and sample size on particle size distributions of soilless substrates were evaluated for several measures of sieve analysis, including sieve rate (a calculation of the percentage of material passed for each unit time of agitation), distribution median, sd, mass relative span, skewness, and kurtosis. To obtain the standard sieve rate (0.1%/min), pine bark, peat, perlite, and coir required agitation times of 4 minutes and 47 seconds, 7 minutes and 18 seconds, 10 minutes, and 11 minutes, respectively. However, there was concern that unwanted particle breakdown may occur during the particle size analysis of some materials. Therefore, a sieve rate (0.15%/min) for more friable materials was also determined. As a result, the endpoint of sieving was reached sooner for pine bark, peat, perlite, and coir, at 3 minutes and 10 seconds, 4 minutes and 42 seconds, 5 minutes and 14 seconds, and 6 minutes and 24 seconds, respectively. Increasing agitation time resulted in decreased distribution median, sd, and skewness for all materials. Sample sizes half and twice the volume of the recommended initial volume sieved did not change particle size distributions. For more precise characterization of particle size distributions when characterizing substrate components, agitation times and sample sizes should be specified for each material or collectively for all materials to ensure consistency and allow comparisons between results.
Pod shattering incidence in relation to seed dispersal and maximum harvest delay in soybean genotypes
Authors: Krisnawati Ayda , Soegianto Andy , Waluyo Budi , Kuswanto
Published: May 2022

The efforts to minimize the pod shattering incidence in soybean can be done by the use of resistant variety and the determination on the limit of harvest delay. The study aims to evaluate the pod shattering resistance and to determine the maximum limit for harvest delay in soybean. Sixteen soybean genotypes were planted during the dry season 2019. After plants reached the F8 phase, ten randomly sample plants were taken from each plot. The examination for the effect of the harvest delay on the pod shattering incidence was based on the simulation on the pot. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. Pod shattering on each fertile node and seed dispersal were observed for twenty days. The number of fertile nodes, number of pods per fertile node, and pod shattering on the fertile node varied between genotypes. The highest number of pods where found at the third node (7.50a ± 4.26) and fourth node (7.44a ± 4.23) from the lower part of the stem. Pod shattering in the nodes at the lower part of the stem (17 % ± 4.96 %) was higher than in the nodes at the middle (8% ± 6.86%), and upper part of the stem (3% ± 3.79%). The evaluation for pod shattering resistance resulted in two very resistant genotypes, ten resistant, two moderately resistant, one susceptible, and one very susceptible genotype. The seed dispersal of very resistant and resistant genotypes ranged from 0 - 8.55%, the moderately resistant genotypes were 12 – 15%, and the susceptible and very susceptible genotypes were between 23.72 – 48.65%. The harvest delay in resistant or very resistant genotypes could be done 20 days after maturity, meanwhile in susceptible and very susceptible genotypes, the harvest delay should not exceed three days after maturity
Genetic diversity and inoculation of plant-growth promoting diazotrophic bacteria for production of Eucalyptus urophylla seedlings
Authors: Sousa Fabiano Gama de , Mielke Kamila Cabral , Caldeira Dany Roberta Marques , Baldani Vera Lúcia Divan , Baldani José Ivo , Silva Roberlan Ferreira da , Balbinot Ernando , Klein Vanderley Antônio Chorobura
Published: May 2022

The study of diversity and the established relationship between plants and endophytic bacteria contribute significantly to the plant development. This study aimed to isolate, identify plant-growth promoting diazotrophic bacteria from Eucalyptus urophylla plants and evaluate the plant seedling response to inoculation with selected strains. The study was conducted from July 2017 to August 2018 set up in a greenhouse in a completely randomized experimental design with 17 treatments and 16 replicates, with 12 strains isolated from E. urophylla, four standard bacteria and one control (not inoculated with bacteria). Twelve strains were isolated from the eucalyptus rhizosphere using the N-free semisolid media and the 16 rRNA sequencing identified species closely related to Nitrospirillum amazonense, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pantoea agglomerans, Herbaspirillum frisingense and Ideonella dechloratans. All strains were able to produce indol compounds and the presence of the nifH gene (nitrogen fixation) was demonstrated by PCR analysis. There was a significant effect of the strain inoculation on the height, diameter, root dry matter, root length, root area surface and volume of the seedling plant. The strains L1E, L4E - Azospirillum amazonense and L7E - Stenotrophomonas maltophilia presented high values variables of height, diameter, root dry matter, root length, root area surface and volume. Many of the bacterial strains were able to promote plant growth either by root morphology changes or biomass accumulation in root and shoots. Therefore, there is a biotechnological potential of these plant-growth promoting diazotrophic bacteria strains to be applied as inoculants to improve growth of eucalyptus seedlings. This fact opens new opportunities to establish forests with economically viable and environmentally sustainable technologies
Agronomic performance of soybean in crop rotation systems
Authors: Piletti Lígia Maria Maraschi da Silva , Souza Luiz Carlos Ferreira de , Secretti Mateus Luiz , Ortiz Thiago Alberto , Costa Annanda Mendes , Neto Antonio Luiz Viegas , Junior Izidro dos Santos de Lima
Published: May 2022

Crop rotation consists of alternating plant species cultivation in the same agricultural land, aiming to provide nutrient replenishment in the soil through organic matter deposition, as well as mitigating the soil degradation caused by agricultural practices. However, due to the short list of known crops suitable for such application, a selection of species to be inserted to the system is of critical importance. The objective of this research was to study the agronomic performance of soybean in crop rotation systems. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of UFGD, Dourados-MS, in two cropping seasons: 2013/2014 and 2014/2015; using a randomized block design with thirteen treatments and four replications. Treatments consisted of crop rotation systems in two soybeans cropping seasons. Corn, brachiaria, canola, wheat, forage turnip, safflower, crotalaria, niger, crambe, white oat, vetch and sunflower were the selected species to be inserted in the rotation systems. Six variables were analyzed: plant height, height of first pod insertion, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, mass of 1000 grains and grain yield. All collected data was submitted to analysis of variance and the means comparisons were analyzed by the Scott-Knott test (5%). This study revealed that crop rotation is an agricultural technique that favors the grain yield of soybean. Furthermore, during autumn and winter, fallowing is not recommended for soybean cultivation
The effects of fertirrigation and Azospirillum brasilense inoculation on photosynthetic compounds of Agave angustifolia
Authors: Rosales Domitila Jarquín- , Valle José Raymundo Enríquez-del , Osorno Juan José Alpuche- , Ortiz Gerardo Rodríguez- , Martin Meredith P , Angeles Gisela Virginia Campos-
Published: May 2022

Agave angustifolia is the most important species of the genus Agave in Oaxaca, Mexico for its use as raw material for the production of mescal. However, research is lacking on the best agricultural methods for growing this species, including on the most effective fertilizer rates and on the use on bacterial inoculation. Our objective was to evaluate the production of photosynthetic compounds in A. angustifolia plants originating from seeds when they were fertilized by irrigation and inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense. An experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with a 3×2 factorial arrangement, with the type of irrigation factor at three levels: 1) water; 2) a Steiner nutrient solution composed of N, P, K and micronutrients at 50%; and 3) the nutrient solution at 100%. Subsequently, each irrigation group was separated into two subgroups to evaluate them under the effect of the second factor, inoculation with A. brasilense: 1) inoculated plants; 2) control plants not inoculated for a total of six treatments with 20 plants (replications) per treatment. In each treatment we quantified Chlorophyll a, b and total, Rubisco, and sugars content in foliar samples, as well as the acidity attributed to malic acid at 8:00 and 16:00 hours. We found that plants fertilized and inoculated had bigger leaves with higher amount of Chlorophyll a, b and total and higher amounts of sugars and Rubisco compared to both plants unfertilized and without inoculation and to plants with just fertilization or just inoculation alone. Furthermore, the highest acidity value attributed to malic acid occurred during the first hours of the morning, in the plants of all treatments, but more noticeable in those plants fertirrigated with more nutrient solution (100%) and inoculated with A. brasilense. We therefore advise using both fertilization and inoculation for greater growth and accumulation of photosynthetic compounds in A. angustifolia
Essential oils from different Citrus species and evaluation of their in vitro antibacterial, antiacetylcholinesterase, anti-inflammatory and antifungal activities
Authors: Oliveira Anne Caroline da Silva Duarte , Fernandes Cassia Cristina , Vieira Tatiana Manzini , Crotti Antônio Eduardo Miller , Souza João Matias de , Martins Carlos Henrique Gomes , Miranda Mayker Lazaro Dantas
Published: May 2022

Essential oils (EOs) from Citrus are not only economic, eco-friendly and natural alternatives to chemical preservatives but also have other biological applications. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of Citrus species (EOs from C. limonia, C. latifolia, C. sinensis and C. deliciosa fruit peel) to evaluate their in vitro antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium botulinum and Bacillus cereus. The chemotaxis model, which was used for evaluating their anti-inflammatory activity, showed that EOs exhibited effective results when the dose was 100 µg/mL. Regarding all antimicrobial activities, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of EOs were calculated by the broth microdilution method on 96-well microplates. EOs showed satisfactory antifungal activity against Malassezia furfur (MIC values between 32.5 and 62.5 µg/mL). Citrus deliciosa, whose MIC = 95.8 µg/mL, inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) more selectively. All EOs from Citrus spp. fruit peel showed good antibacterial activity against Yersinia enterocolitica (MIC = 62.5 µg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 62.5 µg/mL), mainly the EO from C. deliciosa whose MIC values were 50 µg/mL for both. EOs were moderately active against Clostridium botulinum, Bacillus cereus and Listeria monocytogenes since MIC values ranged from 100 μg/mL to 400 μg/mL. Both GC-FID and GC-MS analyses revealed that the single major constituent determined in EOs is the terpene limonene. EOs from Citrus may be important active ingredients of several products to prevent bacterial growth in food, to attack the fungus that causes seborrheic dermatitis and to treat inflammatory processes. In short, the promising antiacetylcholinesterase activity of EOs under evaluation was attributed to the high concentration of the monoterpene limonene
Does the application of herbicides with distinct mechanisms of action change enzymatic activity and grain yield of Clearfield® canola?
Authors: Concato Ani Carla , Galon Leandro , Sutorillo Nathália Tafarel , Tamagno Wagner Antonio , Paula Maicon Ody de , Vanin Ana Paula , Alves Carla , Silva Jessica Dias Gomes da , Concenço Germani , Perin Gismael Francisco , Kaizer Rosilene Rodrigues
Published: May 2022

Herbicides have a high potential for phytotoxicity and generate oxidative stress, even on tolerant crops. The canola hybrid Hyola 571 CL obtained through Clearfield® technology shows tolerance to imidazolinones. Given the importance of this hybrid, this work assessed the effect of using herbicides with different mechanisms of action on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, ALA-D, gas exchange, and grain yield of canola hybrid tolerant to imidazolinones. Treatments applied to Hyola 571 CL canola hybrid were: control without herbicides, diclosulam, imazaquim, sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone + diuron pendimenthalin, flumioxazin, imazethapyr + imazapic, imazapic + imazapyr, imazethapyr, imazamox, nicosulfuron, chlorimuron, netsulfuron-methyl, iodosulfuron, and pyroxsulam. Seven, 14, 21, and 28 days after application we assessed herbicide phytotoxicity to canola. Antioxidant enzyme systems, variables related to plant physiology, and grain yield of Hyola 571 CL were also determined. It was observed that the hybrid, even tolerant, showed sensitivity to herbicides. Pendimethalin, flumioxazin, chlorimuron-ethyl, metsulfuron-methyl, and iodosulfuron were the most harmful to Hyola 571 CL. Commercial mixtures by [imazethapyr + imazapic] and [imazapic + imazapyr], as well as imazamox, were the most selective ones. Catalase was inhibited by most treatments. Sulfentrazone promoted the greatest negative interference along with its mixture with diuron and nicosulfuron, chlorimuron, and metsulfuron-methyl. The hybrid showed sensitivity to herbicides and the differences in gas exchange rates and other analyzes for the types of treatment do not result in productivity.