bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective observational study to assess the epidemiological profile of multiple primary cancers in Eastern India
Authors: Maji Suvendu , Ghosh Saurav K. , Jha Jayesh K. , Chaturvedi Vikram
Published: September 2023

Background:

Multiple primary cancers once thought to be rare have become increasingly common as the lifespan of cancer survivors has increased with availability of better and more effective cancer treatment. However, their exact incidence is not known and data on their epidemiological characteristics are not available.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to study the epidemiologic characteristics of multiple primary cancers in the eastern region of India.

Materials and Method:

The study was conducted in the Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical College, Kolkata, from 2017 to 2020 over a period of 3 years. All patients with a diagnosis of second primary as per International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) definition or those developing a second primary within the study period were included for analysis. Data were recorded in form of preformed questionnaires. All the cases were followed up for at least 12 months.

Result:

Fifty cases of multiple primary tumors were identified, out of which 21 were synchronous while rest 29 were metachronous type. The male–female ratio was 1:1.2. The median age at presentation for index malignancy was 50 years. The most common malignancy in the synchronous group was a combination of variety of GI cancers (six cases). In the metachronous category, a combination of reproductive cancers (breast, ovary, cervix, and endometrium) along with Gastrointestinal cancer (GI) cancers (colon, rectum) was most frequently found (eight cases). Definite risk factors for multiple primary tumors were identifiable in 10 cases: arsenic exposure in 5 cases, hereditary in 4 cases, and immunosuppression in 1, while in 8 cases, risk factors were only speculative (radiation 5 cases, chemotherapy 3). At the time of the last follow-up, 36 subjects were alive and 3 dead while the status of 11 subjects was unknown.

Conclusion:

This is the first comprehensive study on multiple primary cancers and the largest so far in India. Our study overcomes the shortcoming of previous case series from our subcontinent. The merits of our study include the use of the most accepted IARC definition, updated staging guidelines with long follow-up, and reliable survival data. Additionally, we could identify risk factors in 50% of our subjects. And our study shows various new combinations of cancers not reported before. Clustering of cases in the young adolescent group (25–49) years is also a new finding. We also highlight the existing ambiguity in the way this entity is defined. Demerits include the loss of follow-up data in a significant number of patients.
Correlation of Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain and Angiographically Derived SYNTAX Score in Patients of Stable Angina Pectoris
Authors: Hardas Suhas , Bhivaskar Shripal , Gujar Hasmukh , Phalgune Deepak Sadashiv
Published: September 2023

Background:

The present study aimed to assess the relationship between global longitudinal strain (GLS) by two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and SYNTAX score (SS) in patients with stable angina pectoris and normal baseline left ventricular (LV) function.

Methods:

Fifty patients aged ≥18 years presented with stable angina pectoris with LV ejection fraction ≥60.0% posted for elective coronary angiography were included in the study. All the patients underwent 2D echocardiography, 2D STE, and coronary angiography. GLS and SSs were calculated. The primary objective was to find the correlation between GLS and SS in assessing the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), whereas the secondary objectives were to find the sensitivity and specificity of GLS to predict critical CAD.

Results:

A significant negative correlation (−0.862, P = 0.001) was observed between GLS and SSs. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of GLS score 16 were 100.0%, 64.0%, 73.5%, 100.0%, and 82.0, respectively, in predicting higher SS (≥22). The mean GLS values were significantly higher in noncritical CAD (16.4 ± 1.1) as compared to critical CAD (12.4 ± 1.3).

Conclusions:

GLS is a useful noninvasive tool to detect the severity of CAD.
Glaucoma Classification using Light Vision Transformer
Authors: Singh Piyush Bhushan , Singh Pawan , Dev Harsh , Tiwari Anil , Batra Devanshu , Chaurasia Brijesh Kumar
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays one of the primary causes of permanent blindness is glaucoma. Due to the trade-offs, it makes in terms of portability, size, and cost, fundus imaging is the most widely used glaucoma screening technique.
OBJECTIVES:To boost accuracy,focusing on less execution time, and less resources consumption, we have proposed a vision transformer-based model with data pre-processing techniques which fix classification problems.
METHODS: Convolution is a “local” technique used by CNNs that is restricted to a limited area around an image. Self-attention, used by Vision Transformers, is a “global” action since it gathers data from the whole image. This makes it possible for the ViT to successfully collect far-off semantic relevance in an image. Several optimizers, including Adamax, SGD, RMSprop, Adadelta, Adafactor, Nadam, and Adagrad, were studied in this paper. We have trained and tested the Vision Transformer model on the IEEE Fundus image dataset having 1750 Healthy and Glaucoma images. Additionally, the dataset was preprocessed using image resizing, auto-rotation, and auto-adjust contrast by adaptive equalization.
RESULTS: Results also show that the Nadam Optimizer increased accuracy up to 97% in adaptive equalized preprocessing dataset followed by auto rotate and image resizing operations.
CONCLUSION: The experimental findings shows that transformer based classification spurred a revolution in computer vision with reduced time in training and classification.
Performance Comparison between SVM and LS-SVM for Rice Leaf Disease detection
Authors: Acharya Snehaprava , Kar T , Samal Umesh Chandra , Patra Prasant Kumar
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION: Automatic detection of rice plant diseases at early stage from its images is quite beneficial over traditional verification methods.
OBJECTIVES: Recent years machine learning (ML) approaches are more efficient in disease classification task. In current generation the statistical machine learning algorithm which shows state-of-arts performance is Support Vector Machine (SVM) and variants of SVM.
METHODS: SVM has an excellent learning performance for linear and non-linear data samples. It works for Quadratic Programming Problems (QPP) due to which it has the drawback of computational complexity. However QPP can be solved linearly with the help of Least Square SVM(LS-SVM) approach. In LS-SVM the epsilon tube and slack variables of SVM are replaced with error variables. The distance is calculated by error square value.
RESULTS: In this research performance comparison is made between SVM and LS-SVM for rice leaf diseases such as Bacterial Leaf Blight (BLB), Brown spot(BS), Leaf smut(LS) and Leaf Blast using two datasets (DS1 and DS2).Accuracy of  LS-SVM is found to be 91.3% and 98.87% for DS1 and DS2 respectively whereas accuracy of SVM is 83.3% and 98.75% for DS1 and DS2 respectively.
CONCLUSION: Performance of LS-SVM outperformed than SVM in terms of accuracy.
Autologous bone marrow infusion via portal vein combined with splenectomy for decompensated liver cirrhosis: A retrospective study
Authors: Liu Bao-Chi , Cheng Ming-Rong , Lang Lin , Li Lei , Si Yan-Hui , Li Ai-Jun , Xu Qing , Zhang Hui
Published: September 2023

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a water-soluble fluorescent dye that is minimally toxic and widely used in gastrointestinal surgery. ICG facilitates anatomical identification of structures (e.g., ureters), assessment of lymph nodes, biliary mapping, organ perfusion and anastomosis assessment, and aids in determining the adequacy of oncological margins. In addition, ICG can be conjugated to artificially created antibodies for tumour markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen for colorectal, breast, lung, and gastric cancer, prostate-specific antigen for prostate cancer, and cancer antigen 125 for ovarian cancer. Although ICG has shown promising results, the optimization of patient factors, dye factors, equipment, and the method of assessing fluorescence intensity could further enhance its utility. This review summarizes the clinical application of ICG in gastrointestinal surgery and discusses the emergence of novel dyes such as ZW-800 and VM678 that have demonstrated appropriate pharmacokinetic properties and improved target-to-background ratios in animal studies. With the emergence of robotic technology and the increasing reporting of ICG utility, a comprehensive review of clinical application of ICG in gastrointestinal surgery is timely and this review serves that aim.
Effect of two surgical approaches on the lung function and prognosis of patients with combined esophagogastric cancer
Authors: Sun Chong-Bing , Han Xiao-Qing , Wang Hao , Zhang Yi-Xuan , Wang Meng-Chun , Liu Yong-Ning
Published: September 2023

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a water-soluble fluorescent dye that is minimally toxic and widely used in gastrointestinal surgery. ICG facilitates anatomical identification of structures (e.g., ureters), assessment of lymph nodes, biliary mapping, organ perfusion and anastomosis assessment, and aids in determining the adequacy of oncological margins. In addition, ICG can be conjugated to artificially created antibodies for tumour markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen for colorectal, breast, lung, and gastric cancer, prostate-specific antigen for prostate cancer, and cancer antigen 125 for ovarian cancer. Although ICG has shown promising results, the optimization of patient factors, dye factors, equipment, and the method of assessing fluorescence intensity could further enhance its utility. This review summarizes the clinical application of ICG in gastrointestinal surgery and discusses the emergence of novel dyes such as ZW-800 and VM678 that have demonstrated appropriate pharmacokinetic properties and improved target-to-background ratios in animal studies. With the emergence of robotic technology and the increasing reporting of ICG utility, a comprehensive review of clinical application of ICG in gastrointestinal surgery is timely and this review serves that aim.
Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer patients with situs inversus totalis: Two case reports and review of literature
Authors: Liu Hong-Bo , Cai Xiao-Peng , Lu Zhao , Xiong Bin , Peng Chun-Wei
Published: September 2023

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a water-soluble fluorescent dye that is minimally toxic and widely used in gastrointestinal surgery. ICG facilitates anatomical identification of structures (e.g., ureters), assessment of lymph nodes, biliary mapping, organ perfusion and anastomosis assessment, and aids in determining the adequacy of oncological margins. In addition, ICG can be conjugated to artificially created antibodies for tumour markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen for colorectal, breast, lung, and gastric cancer, prostate-specific antigen for prostate cancer, and cancer antigen 125 for ovarian cancer. Although ICG has shown promising results, the optimization of patient factors, dye factors, equipment, and the method of assessing fluorescence intensity could further enhance its utility. This review summarizes the clinical application of ICG in gastrointestinal surgery and discusses the emergence of novel dyes such as ZW-800 and VM678 that have demonstrated appropriate pharmacokinetic properties and improved target-to-background ratios in animal studies. With the emergence of robotic technology and the increasing reporting of ICG utility, a comprehensive review of clinical application of ICG in gastrointestinal surgery is timely and this review serves that aim.
Improved Predictions of Human Rib Structural Properties Using Bone
Mineral Content
Authors: Haverfield Z.A. , Hunter R.L. , Kang Y.S. , Patel A.B. , Agnew A.M.
Published: September 2023

Rib fractures are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Improved
methods to assess rib bone quality are needed to identify at-risk populations.
Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) can be used to calculate volumetric bone
mineral density (vBMD) and bone mineral content (BMC), which may be related to
rib fracture risk. The objective of this study was to determine if vBMD and BMC
from QCT predict human rib structural properties. 127 mid-level (5th–7th) ribs
were obtained from adult female (n = 67) and male
(n = 60) postmortem human subjects (PMHS). Isolated rib QCT
scans were performed to calculate vBMD and BMC. Each rib was subsequently tested
to failure in a dynamic simulated frontal impact and structural properties, peak
force (FPeak), percent displacement
(δPeak), linear structural stiffness
(K), and total energy (UTot)
were calculated. vBMD demonstrated no significant differences between sexes
(p > 0.05); however, males had a higher BMC than females
(p < 0.001). Further, sex-specific differences were
observed in all rib structural properties except for
δPeak (p > 0.05). Age had a
significant relationship with both vBMD and BMC (p < 0.001)
but only in females when separated by sex (p < 0.001). vBMD
predicted FPeak, δPeak,
K, and UTot
(R2 = 9.2%–30.9%, p < 0.05)
but was not able to predict δPeak in males.
Similarly, BMC also predicted all rib structural properties, except for
δPeak in males, but explained more meaningful
amounts of variation (R2 = 22.2%–67.7%,
p < 0.001). When predicting rib structural properties,
BMC captures sex-specific variations in bone size that are obfuscated by vBMD
and contribute to the biomechanical response of the rib during mechanical
loading. Incorporating BMC into assessments of injury risk may therefore provide
additional insight into the multifaceted nature of rib bone quality and
differential fracture resistance.
The Impact of Seat Belt Pretensioner Deployment on Forward-Leaning
Occupants
Authors: Hellenbrand Ciboney , Brown J. Fletcher , Goodworth Adam
Published: September 2023

Pyrotechnic seat belt pretensioners typically remove 8–15 cm of belt slack and
help couple an occupant to the seat. Our study investigated pretensioner
deployment on forward-leaning, live volunteers. The forward-leaning position was
chosen because research indicates that passengers frequently depart from a
standard sitting position. Characteristics of the 3D kinematics of
forward-leaning volunteers following pretensioner deployment determines if body
size is correlated with subject response. Nine adult subjects (three female),
ages 18–43 years old, across a wide range of body sizes (50–120 kg) were tested.
The age was limited to young, active adults as pyrotechnic pretensioners can
deliver a notable force to the trunk. Subjects assumed a forward-leaning
position, with 26 cm between C7 and the headrest, in a laboratory setting that
replicated the passenger seat of a vehicle. At an unexpected time, the
pretensioner was deployed. 3D kinematics were measured through a nine-camera
motion capture system with reflective markers on the left and right glabella,
tragus, manubrium, C7, lateral proximal head of humerus, olecranon process,
patella, and lateral malleolus. For uniformity, all pretensioners were of the
same model made by Autoliv and were dual systems (having deployment in the
retractor and outbound anchor). The initial velocity of the trunk (first 50 ms)
was dependent on the body size, with smaller subjects getting pulled back
quicker. Following the first ~160 ms, there was a slight rebound where subjects
briefly moved forward, followed by a period of high intersubject variance in
movement. By isolating the effects of pyrotechnic pretensioner deployment on
live volunteers, this study fills in an important gap in automotive safety
research and may help with evaluating computer models or designing future
restraint systems with advanced sensor technology where pretensioners deploy
prior to significant vehicle deceleration.
Analysis of Kinetic Metrics in Submarining vs Non-Submarining
Conditions for a 6YO Pediatric Human Body Model in Frontal
Impacts
Authors: Williams Bethany , Maheshwari Jalaj
Published: September 2023

Field data has shown that belt-positioning boosters help reduce the risk of
injury to children in a crash. This study builds on prior submarining work
(Slusher et al. 2022) and aims to analyze kinetic metrics (which can be easily
recorded from anthropomorphic test devices in crash tests) in submarining and
non-submarining conditions for a 6-year-old pediatric human occupant in frontal
crashes.
Influence of Pre-Crash Vehicle Maneuvers on Front Passenger Safety
Performance Response
Authors: Dahiya Akshay , Untaroiu Costin
Published: September 2023

Pre-crash vehicle maneuvers are known to affect occupant posture and kinematics,
which consequently may influence injury risks during a collision. In this study,
the influence of pre-crash vehicle maneuvers on the injury risks of front-seated
occupants during a frontal crash was numerically evaluated. A generic buck
vehicle model was developed based on a publicly available FE model, which
included the vehicle interior and the front passenger airbag (PAB). The
pre-crash phase was simulated using specific rigid-body human models with active
joints (GHBMCsi-pre models) developed based on exterior shapes of the simplified
deformable human model (GHBMCsi) representing a 50th male subject. Two pre-crash
maneuvers representing (1) a generic 1g braking and (2) turning-and-braking
scenarios were simulated. Then, the kinematics data of belted GHBMCsi-pre models
were transferred using a developed switch algorithm to the corresponding GHBMCsi
models, which can predict occupant injury risks. Finally, an FMVSS 208 pulse
(NCAP pulse with delta V of 56 km/h) was applied to simulate the in-crash phase.
Injury metrics were recorded for the belted GHBMCsi model to evaluate the
passenger injury risks. Overall, it was concluded that pre-crash braking
decreased the severity of injury sustained by the passenger. The success of the
methodology used in this study, to simulate reasonable and computationally
efficient pre-crash and in-crash phases, suggests using it for more advanced
studies where additional parameters (e.g., BMI, age, etc.) could also be taken
into consideration.
Compared efficacy of two aqueous essences from leaves of Calotropis procera and Crataeva religiosa in the fight against tomato destroyers
Authors: Samb Armanda Amy , Faye Mamecor , Diome Toffène , Sembène Mbacké
Published: September 2023

Tomato has become one of the most consumed vegetables across the world. However, insect attacks check its growth. Chemical  treatments recommended by experts appear to be ineffective, in that insects develop capacities of resistance, needless to evoke the  harmful effect of pesticides on the environment. To limit damage caused by insects, organic fight has been used as an alternative  solution. This work aims to contribute to the understanding of the tomato entomofauna, and the fight against this speculation devastator  insects in Dakar suburban zone. The study was carried out according to a randomised Fisher block mechanism in three  repetitions, with four formulas: T1 (400g/l of essences from fresh leaves of Calotropis procera), T2 (200g/l of essences from fresh leaves of   Crataeva religiosa), T3 (mixed solution), and T0. Results showed that treatment with the mixed solution (T3) appeared to be effective  on winged greenflies and on Chrysodeixis chalcites larvae, but had no impact on Bemisia tabaci, Spodoptera littoralis, and Liriomiza sp. T2  seemed to be more effective against C. chalcites larvae and winged greenflies. The different formulas have no significant effect on  Helicoverpa armigera larvae. T1 was without effect on destroyer insects, but enhances yield.
Modélisation mathématiques du séchage artificiel (sous air chaud) de la pomme de cajou (Anacardium occidentale L.)
Authors: N’guessan Yevi Delphine , Abouo N’guessan Verdier , Akpa Essoh Eric , Kamara Yacouba , Assidjo Nogbou Emmanuel
Published: September 2023

Le séchage est une technique utilisée pour la conservation des produits agricole. Ce travail de recherche visait à étudier le séchage des  pommes de cajou préalablement trempées dans des solutions (mélasse et saccharose) osmotiques afin d’optimaliser le processus. Les  expériences ont été menées à partir d’une matrice composite et le séchage s’est réalisé en suivant la méthode gravimétrique statique. Les valeurs expérimentales ont été ajustées à huit modèles empiriques à l’aide de la méthode du gradient (développée puis implémentée  dans le logiciel MatlabR2016a) afin d’estimer les paramètres et coefficients. Les critères statistiques que sont le coefficient  de corrélation r, l’erreur quadratique moyenne (EQM) et le χ2 ont servi à justifier le choix du modèle d’ajustement idéal. Le séchage a  duré en moyenne 34 heures pour l’ensemble des échantillons trempés dans les solutions (mélasse, saccharose). Le modèle de l’approche  diffusion est retenu et présente les valeurs du r (0,9822 ; 0,9986; 0,9966) les plus élevées et les plus faibles valeurs de χ2    (0,0013 ; 0,0035 et 0,0072) et EQM (0,0019 ; 0,0005 et 0,0003). Le coefficient de diffusion varie de 9,876 E-09 à 7,416 E-08 m²/s et dépend fortement de la température de séchage. L’énergie d’activation est estimée entre 18,548 – 21,430 KJ/ mol.

 

Drying is a technique used to preserve agricultural products. The aim of this research was to study the drying of cashew apples  previously  soaked in osmotic solutions (molasses and sucrose) in order to optimize the process. The experiments were conducted using   a composite matrix and the drying was carried out following the static gravimetric method. The experimental values were fitted to eight   empirical models using the gradient method (developed and then implemented in MatlabR2016a software) to estimate the parameters   and coefficients. The statistical criteria of correlation coefficient r, root mean square error (RMSE), and χ2 were used to justify the   selection of the ideal fitting model. Drying time averaged was 34 hours for all samples soaked in the solutions (molasses, sucrose). The   diffusion approach model is selected and has the highest values of r (0.9822; 0.9986; 0.9966) and the lowest values of χ2 (0.0013; 0.0035   and 0.0072) and MSE (0.0019; 0.0005 and 0.0003). The diffusion coefficient varies from 9.876 E-09 to 7.416 E-08 m²/s and is strongly   dependent on the drying temperature. The activation energy is estimated between 18.548 - 21.430 KJ / mol.
Activité antibactérienne et Constituants chimiques des feuilles de Mareya micrantha (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Okpekon Aboua Timothée , Koffi Konan Léon , Bony François Nicaise , Gono Kpan Nestor , Kpaïbe André Sawa , Amin Christophe N’Cho
Published: September 2023

Mareya micrantha (Euphorbiaceae) est une plante médicinale Ivoirienne utilisée contre la diarrhée, la toux, le téniasis et aussi à des fins  laxatives et abortives. L’objectif de cette étude est de déterminer les principes antibactériens contenus dans ses feuilles. Ainsi,  lesfeuilles,séchées et broyées, ont été macérées dans de l’éthanol pour constituer l’extrait brut éthanolique (FE) qui après contre- extraction a conduit aux sous-extraits hexanique (FEH), chlorométhylénique (FED), acétatique (FEA), butanolique (FEB) et aqueux résiduel  (FEAr). Ces différents extraits ont été évalués sur certaines bactéries responsables d’affections entériques. L’extrait brut FE et  ses sous-extraits FED et FEA ne s’étaient montrés plus actifs que sur Salmonella bongori et Staphylococcus aureus (diamètres d’inhibition  de 12,20 ± 0,80 à 17,10 ± 0,90 mm). Les dérivés de nor-curcubitacine (C1) et de kaempférol (C4), déterminés grâce à leurs  données spectrales (SM, IR, UV, RMN 1D et 2D), sont les principes antibactériens des feuilles de la plante contre Salmonella bongori et  Staphylococcus aureus. Les CMI (320 µg/mL à 730 µg/mL) et CMB (400 µg/mL à 850 µg/mL) mesurées pour ces composés montrent qu’ils  exercent une action bactéricide. Ces données pourraient permettre de justifier l’utilisation en médecine traditionnelle des feuilles  contre les infections entériques.

 

English title: Antibacterial activity and Chemical constituents from Mareya micrantha (Euphorbiaceae)

Mareya micrantha (Euphorbiaceae) is an Ivorian medicinal plant used against diarrhea, cough, tapeworm and also for laxative and  abortive purposes. The aim of this study is to determine the antibacterial principles presented in its leaves. Thus, the leaves, dried and  ground, were macerated in ethanol to constitute the crude ethanolic extract (FE) which after counter-extraction led to the hexane (FEH),  chloromethylene (FED), ethyl acetate (FEA), butanol (FEB) and residual aqueous (FEAr) sub-extract. These different extracts were  evaluated on certain bacteria responsible for enteric diseases. The FE crude extract and its FED and FEA sub-extracts were only shown to  be more active on Salmonella bongori and Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition diameters from 12.20 ± 0.80 to 17.10 ± 0.90 mm). Nor- curcubitacin (C1) and kaempferol (C4) derivatives, determined using their spectral data (MS, IR, UV, 1D and 2D NMR), are the antibacterial  principles of the leaves of the plant against Salmonella bongori and Staphylococcus aureus. The MICs (320 µg/mL to 730  µg/mL) and MBCs (400 µg/mL to 850 µg/mL) measured for these compounds show that they exert a bactericidal action. These data could justify the use in traditional medicine of the leaves against enteric infections.
Dynamique d’occupation des sols de l’ oasis de Fachi dans le désert du Ténéré (Nord-Est du Niger)
Authors: Malam Moussa Dagrama , Tidjani Adamou Didier , Kadaoure Ibrahim , Ambouta Jean-Marie Karimou
Published: September 2023

Le changement climatique et la pression anthropique ont fortement influencé la dynamique de l’occupation des sols dans les systèmes  oasiens. L’oasis de Fachi, située au cœur du désert du Ténéré au Niger, connait des changements dans l’occupation de ses sols qui  impactent la mise en valeur et les caractéristiques de ces ressources. Cet article a pour objectif d’évaluer la dynamique de l’occupation  des sols de l’oasis de Fachi. La méthodologie utilisée a consisté à produire les cartes d’occupations du sol pour les années 1986 et 2019 à partir des images Google Earth, des images Sentinel 2A et LandSat 8 à travers l’interprétation visuelle. Les logiciels Arcgis, QGIS et  ArcMap 10.3 ont servi au traitement des données. Une mission de vérification terrain a permis de valider la carte de 2019. Les résultats  révèlent qu’entre les deux dates, les superficies des palmeraies et des salines ont régressé à cause surtout de l’ensablement. Les  superficies des cultures maraîchères, des sols salés et des bâtiments ont augmenté. L’ensablement et la salinisation sont les principaux  moteurs de changements dans l’occupation des sols. Ces éléments constituent des véritables outils d’aide à la décision dans la  gouvernance des milieux oasiens. 

 

English title: Dynamics of land use of the oasis of Ténéré (Fachi) of the region of agadez, north eastern Niger

 

Climate change and anthropogenic pressure have strongly influenced the dynamics of land use in oasis systems. The oasis of Fachi,  located in the heart of the Ténéré desert in Niger, is experiencing changes in land use that impact the development and characteristics of  these resources. This article aims to evaluate the dynamics of land use in the oasis of Fachi. The methodology used consisted in  producing land cover maps for the years 1986 and 2019 from Google Earth images and Sentinel 2A and LandSat 8 images through visual  interpretation. Arcgis, QGIS and ArcMap 10.3 software were used for data processing. A verification mission validated the maps  produced. The results reveal that between the two dates, the dynamics observed show that the areas of palm groves and saltworks have  regressed mainly due to silting. The areas of vegetable crops, saline soils and buildings have increased. Silting and salinization are the  main drivers of changes in land use. These elements constitute real decision-making tools in the governance of oasis environments.
Dynamique de la biocénose à la lisière forêt-formation herbacée : caractéristiques des espèces recensées à Bombo Lumene (RD Congo) II
Authors: Makumbelo E. Crispin , Lukoki L. Félicien , Belesi K. Honoré , Lungiambudila M. Oscar
Published: September 2023

En ce temps où toute la biodiversité est sérieusement menacée, l’étude de la dynamique permettra, à court terme, une appréciation de  l’état de la forêt. A moyen et long terme, elle disposera des données capables d’envisager des projections pour une utilisation et  conservation durable des ressources et de la biodiversité. L’analyse de la structure et du fonctionnement de la végétation de Bombo  Lumene, à l’issue d’un inventaire floristique dans un échantillon objectif de soixante habitats délimités dans quinze transects à la lisière  forêtformation herbacée, a montré que cet éco-complexe a une abondance, une diversité floristique et biologique élevée.  L’interprétation des données par modélisation a attesté des dispositions particulières à une dynamique en faveur de la forêt. Une gestion  durable permettra sûrement une utilisation durable des ressources et de la biodiversité et une dynamique continue et soutenue  de la biocénose dans ce site.

 

English title: Dynamic of biocoenosis at forest – herbaceous formation edge – Characteristics of species  listed at Bombo Lumene (DR Congo) II

To this time where all biodiversity is seriously threatened, a dynamic study will allow, at short term, an assessment of condition of forest.  At middle and long term, she will arrange data capable to envisage projections for sustainable use and conservation resources and  biodiversity. Analysis of structure and working of Bombo Lumene vegetation, in a row of floristic inventory gather in an objective sample  in sixty permanents settlements determined at fifteen transects at forest-herbaceous formation edge show that this eco-complex have a  high abundance, floristic and specific diversity. Interpretation of data by modelisation attested characteristics of species of this  vegetation attest particulars dispositions at dynamic in favors of forest.
Etude pharmacognosique des feuilles, écorces de racines, écorces de tronc et de la racine entière de Securidaca longipeduncultata Fresen (Polygalaceae), récoltées au Mali
Authors: Dembele Daouda Lassine , Somboro Aimé Ainin , Doumbia Sékou , Diarra Mamadou Lamine , Haïdara Mahamane , Rokia Sanogo
Published: September 2023

Au Mali, les racines de Securidaca longipedunculata sont fortement utilisées et les peuplements de l’espèce se font de plus en plus rares.  Ce travail visait à effectuer une étude comparative des paramètres pharmacognosiques des feuilles, écorces de tronc, écorces de racine  et de la racine entière. Les échantillons ont été analysés pour déterminer les caractéristiques botaniques et physicochimiques. Des  extraits aqueux et organiques ont été préparés pour caractériser les principaux constituants bioactifs par des techniques colorimétriques  et chromatographiques. Les composés majoritaires ont été extraits par ultrasons et quantifiés. Les éléments botaniques  communs étaient des fibres, cristaux d’oxalate de calcium, xylèmes et parenchymes. Des sclérites et fragments d’épiderme étaient  seulement dans les feuilles. Le meilleur rendement d’extraction a été obtenu avec l’éthanol. Les principaux constituants étaient des  tanins, flavonoïdes, coumarines, anthraquinones et saponines dans les feuilles ; des coumarines et saponines dans les écorces de tronc,  écorces de racine et la racine entière. Les constituants majoritaires étaient des saponines triterpéniques dont 1,51 g de précipités enrichis  ont été extraits à partir des écorces de racine. Les feuilles ont qualitativement présenté le plus de constituants bioactifs. Des  investigations sont nécessaires pour évaluer leur efficacité afin de diminuer la pression sur les racines. 

 

English title: Pharmacognostic  study of the leaves, root bark, trunk bark and whole root of Securidaca longipeduncultata Fresen  (Polygalaceae), harvested in Mali

In Mali, the roots of Securidaca longipedunculata are used extensively, and stands of the species are becoming increasingly are becoming  increasingly rare. The aim of this work was to carry out a comparative study of the pharmacognosic parameters of leaves,  trunk bark, root bark and the whole root. Samples were analyzed for botanical and physicochemical characteristics. Aqueous and organic  extracts were prepared to characterize the main bioactive constituents using colorimetric and chromatographic techniques. Major compounds were ultrasonically extracted and quantified. Common botanical elements were fibers, calcium oxalate crystals, xylem and  parenchyma. Sclerites and epidermal fragments were only found in leaves. The best extraction yield was obtained with ethanol. The main  constituents were tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, anthraquinones and saponins in the leaves; coumarins and saponins in the trunk  bark, root bark and whole root. The main constituents were triterpene saponins, of which 1.51 g of enriched precipitates were  extracted from root barks. Leaves qualitatively presented the most bioactive constituents. Further investigations are needed to assess  their effectiveness in reducing pressure on the roots.
Anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities of Saba thompsonii fruit extracts
Authors: Mensah John Kenneth , Thompson Philip Teye
Published: September 2023

Aqueous extracts of the fruits of Saba thompsonii are used topically in ethnomedicine in Ghana for healthy wound healing and wound  repair. The objective of this study was to comparatively assess the methanolic and the diethylether extracts of the plant phytochemicals  for three bioactivities indicative of wound repairs. Using standard laboratory assays involving broth dilution, carrageenan-induced foot  swelling of 7-day old chicks and DPPH radical scavenging, this study assessed the anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant  activities of the methanolic and the diethylether extracts of the fruits of Saba thompsonii. Findings demonstrate that the methanolic  extract of Saba thompsonii is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that suppresses carrageenan induced swelling of chick feet dose- dependently (with concentrations that ranges from 30 mg/kg through 100 mg/kg to 300 mg/kg). The methanolic extract demonstrated  broad-spectrum activity against a panel of clinical isolates of bacterial and fungi pathogens in vitro (with MIC ranges of 25-100 mg/mL).  Furthermore, the methanolic extract displayed a higher overall anti-oxidant status with demonstrable higher free radical scavenging  action in the DPPH radical scavenging assay (IC50 of 416.8) and in the H2O2 scavenging assay (IC50 of 562.1). This methanolic extract’s  enhanced bioactivity likely resulted from its higher phytochemical content relative to that of the diethylether extract. Altogether, the  study supports the ethnomedicinal use of the aqueous extract of the fruits of Saba thompsonii for wound repair.
Prok1 regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in polycystic ovary syndrome via Pi3k/Akt/nf-κ B signaling route
Authors: Li Yanxi , Peng Jun , Huang Yong , Man Yicun , Wen Xin , Yang Xi
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To investigate the regulatory influence of Prok1 on apoptotic and proliferative changes in PCOS, and the implication of Pi3k/Akt/nf-κ B signaling pathway in the process.Methods: Ovarian granulosa cells from a rat model of PCOS were assigned to control and si-Prok1 groups, after cell culture. Then, control lentivirus and Prok1 siRNA lentivirus (50 μL each) were added to the cells to the groups, respectively. Cell cycle ratio and apoptosis in the two groups were determined using flow cytometry, while Pi3k/Akt signal route-linked protein levels were assayed by immunoblot method.Results: The proportions of cells at G0/G1 and S phases of the cell cycle in si-Prok1 group were significantly lower than those in the control group, but G2/M phase cell population was significantly higher, relative to the control (p < 0.01). There was significant down-regulation of protein expressions of cyclin A2 and cycline1 in si-Prok1 group, relative to control group, but p21 protein level was significantly higher in si-Prok1 group (p < 0.05). There was a significantly higher apoptosis in si-Prok1 group. In the si-Prok1 cells, there were significant increases in protein levels of Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-9 and caspase-3, relative to control group, while protein expression levels of Bax, p-Pi3k and p-Akt in si-Prok1 group were significantly lower than the corresponding control values (p < 0.05).Conclusion: si-Prok1 arrests cell cycle, induces apoptotic changes, and inhibits the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells through a mechanism related to the regulation of Pi3k/Akt signaling pathway. Therefore, it might play a potential role in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Sufentanil reduces myocardial apoptosis in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Yao Jianming , Zhang Xiaoyue , Hou Xuemei
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To determine the effect of sufentanil on myocardial apoptosis in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI).Methods: Fifty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to five groups: sham, model, low-dose, moderate-dose, and high-dose. The groups, except sham, underwent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery to establish the MIRI model. The low, moderate, and high-dose groups received intraperitoneal injections of sufentanil at different concentrations. Cardiac function, serum LDH, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were evaluated. The mRNA expression levels of apoptosis genes and protein levels of p38 and p-p38 were assessed in myocardial tissues using various methods while apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay.Results: Compared to sham group, the model group exhibited significant decrease in fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF), increase in CK activity, LDH, and MDA contents, lower SOD activity. Model group also showed increase in mRNA levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and caspase- 3, higher apoptosis, significant increase in protein levels of p38 and p-p38, and higher level of myocardial apoptosis (p < 0.05). High-dose group demonstrated significant increase in FS and EF, decrease in LDH content and CK activity, lower MDA content, higher SOD activity, decrease in mRNA levels of Bcl-2 and caspase-3, lower apoptosis, decrease in protein levels of p38 and p-p38, and lower level of myocardial apoptosis (p < 0.05), when compared with model group.Conclusion: High-dose sufentanil reduces myocardial apoptosis and improves cardiac function, and thus can potentially be developed as a cardioprotective agent.
Cardamonin suppresses glycolysis and induces oxidative stress by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in bladder cancer cells
Authors: Li Ping , Tang Chaopeng , Fu Dian , Xu Xiaofeng , Ge Jingping , Jia Ruipeng
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the effect and underlying mechanisms of action of cardamine on the progression of bladder cancer (BC).Methods: Human bladder epithelium immortalized cell line (SV-HUC-1) and human bladder cancer (BC) cell lines (T24 and UM-UC-3) were used in this investigation. They were treated with cardamine at concentrations of 0, 15, 30, 60 or 120 μmol/L. Cell viability was determined using cell counting kit 8(CCK-8) assay while 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (Edu) assay was used to assess cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation were determined by flow cytometry whereas glucose uptake, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level and lactate production were determined using their respective assay kits. Furthermore, the expression levels of nuclear factor level (erythroidderived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H, quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), protein kinase B (AKT), phosphorylated-AKT (p-AKT), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), p-PI3K, mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (mTOR) and p-mTOR were evaluated by western blot analysis.Results: Cardamine significantly reduced cell viability and inhibited cell proliferation in BC cells in a dose-dependent manner, but did not affect human normal cells. In addition, treatment with the compound induced apoptosis in BC cells; the higher the concentration, the higher the apoptosis level. Besides, cardamine administration suppressed aerobic glycolysis, and decreased the nuclear factor level (Nrf2) level, thereby increasing ROS production in a concentration-dependent manner.Furthermore, it blocked the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal cascade.Conclusion: Cardamine inhibits glycolysis and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and also promotes apoptosis as well as oxidative stress in BC cells. Thus, the compound is a potential therapeutic reagent for BC.
Efficacy of caffeine citrate combined with mechanical ventilation in the treatment of apnea of prematurity and its influence on neurodevelopmental outcomes
Authors: Liu Yingxian , Xie Yanpi , You Chuming , Meng Qiong , Liu Dongjun , Liang Zhenyu
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of caffeine citrate when combined with mechanical ventilation in the treatment of apnea of prematurity and its influence on neurodevelopmental outcomes.Methods: One hundred and sixty (160) premature infants with apnea admitted in Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China were enrolled in this study, and divided into control and study groups. Children in the control group underwent mechanical ventilation combined with aminophylline therapy, while children in the study group were administered mechanical ventilation combined with caffeine citrate. Blood gas and pulmonary function indices, as well as clinical symptom and neurodevelopmental improvements were assessed. Also, the incidence of adverse reactions were recorded during treatment.Results: Blood gas indices including oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) and pulse oxygen saturation (SPO2) levels in the study group were significantly higher, but partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) level was lower (p < 0.05); furthermore, tidal volume, respiratory rate and peak expiratory flow (PEF) in the study group were higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the disappearance time of apnea, invasive mechanical ventilation time and oxygen inhalation time in the study group were shorter than in the control group (p < 0.05). Mental development index (MDI) and psychomotor development index (PDI) values in the study group were significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05), while the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, feeding intolerance, tachycardia and hyperglycemia in the study group was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The combination of caffeine citrate and mechanical ventilation aids improvement in the neurodevelopmental outcome of children, as well as reduction in the incidence of adverse reactions. However, further clinical trials are required prior to application of this strategy in clinical practice.
A comparative study of the efficacy and safety of pure silica gel and chitosan quaternary ammonium salt silica gel in hypertrophic scar treatment
Authors: Wu Shenglin , Jiang Yuan
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To compare clinical efficacy of pure silica gel and chitosan quaternary ammonium salt silica gel (SQASC) in treatment of hypertrophic scars.Methods: Eighty-four patients with hypertrophic scars, who were admitted to hospital, were randomly divided into study group and control group with 42 patients in each group. Study group was treated with SQASC while control group was treated with pure silica gel. Scar scores (Vancouver scar score, VSS), scar aesthetics (Patient and observer scar assessment scale, POSAS), symptom improvement and adverse reactions were compared between groups before and after treatment.Results: Before treatment, there were no differences in VSS and POSAS scores for each aspect between groups. After treatment, VSS and POSAS scores for each aspect in study group were significantly lower than those in control group (p < 0.05). Congestion, itching, pain disappearance and thickness reduction occurred significantly earlier in study group than in control group (p < 0.05). Incidence of adverse reactions in study group was 4.76 %, which was significantly lower than 19.05% in control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Compared with pure silica gel, SQASC effectively alleviates symptoms of hypertrophic scars and aesthetics with fewer adverse effects. In future studies, sample size will be increased and study duration will be extended appropriately.
Embelin enhances the osteogenic potential of LPS-induced periodontal ligament stem cells by activating AMPK and SIRT1
Authors: Wang Lijian , Wu Weidong , Wei Xiaoying
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To investigate the role of embelin in periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in an in vitro model of periodontitis.Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated PDLSCs was used to construct a periodontitis cell model. PDLSCs in the treatment group were pretreated with different concentrations of Embelin, and CCK-8 and TUNEL staining were used to analyze cell viability and apoptosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to evaluate the levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1) while reactive oxygen species levels were assessed by 2',7'- dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining. Subsequently, osteogenic marker, ALP activity and protein expression levels of Runx2, OCN and BMP-2 in PDLSCs were evaluated by western-blot assay; AMPK and SIRT1 levels were also determined using Western blot assay.Results: Embelin pretreatment inhibited PDLSCs apoptosis, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress, but up-regulated ALP, Runx2, OCN, and BMP-2 levels (p < 0.05). In addition, AMPK phosphorylation and SIRT1 protein levels were regulated by embelin (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Embelin exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and osteogenic differentiation effects in LPS-induced PDLSCs cells in vitro by activating AMPK/SIRT1 signaling. Therefore, the compound has potentials for use in the management of periodontitis.
Abietic acid ameliorates pancreatic injury in acute pancreatitis by modulating MAPK pathway
Authors: Ye Hailin , Wang Jun , Mao Jiaodan , Pan Debiao
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To examine the effect of abietic acid (AA) in the treatment of acute pancreatitis (AP) in mice.Methods: C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups: sham, AP, AP + 20 mg/kg AA, and AP + 40 mg/kg AA groups. To induce AP mouse model, the mice received intraperitoneal (IP) injections of cerulein. The extent of pancreatic tissue damage was evaluated by histological examination. Serum ALT, lipase, and amylase levels were determined by commercial kits while TUNEL assay was used to assess the apoptosis of pancreatic cells. The contents of Bax, Caspase-3, Bcl-2, p-ERK/ERK, p-JNK/JNK, and p-P38/P38 in pancreatic tissues were evaluated by western blot while the contents of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, nitrite, MDA, and GSH in the tissues were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.Results: AA relieved pancreatic damage and reduced ALT, lipase, and amylase levels in ceruleintreated AP mouse (p < 0.001). AA repressed apoptosis of pancreatic cells in cerulein-induced AP mouse, and inhibited oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the mice by reducing IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, nitrite, and MDA contents; it also enhanced the levels of GSH in the tissues (p < 0.001). In addition, AA inhibited MAPK pathway activity in the mice (p < 0.001).Conclusion: AA ameliorates pancreatic damage, pancreatic cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in cerulein-induced AP mouse by inhibiting MAPK pathway. This study offers a new potential drug for the management of AP and expands the relevant molecular regulatory mechanisms.