bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH AGAMA TERHADAP KEBAHAGIAAN GENERASI MILENIAL DI INDONESIA DAN SINGAPURA
Authors: Mahfud Choirul , Amalia Rosa , Putra Daryl , Tibet Nafisha , Muqorobin Hanif , Zabihullah Fayad , Khoirunnisa Difa
Published: April 2024

Happiness is not only related to money or wealth, but it can be influenced by religion. This article has a focus and purpose of exploring the views of the Indonesian and Singaporean people regarding the notion of happiness. This article also aims to see how respondents know the understanding of religion, the causes of human hearts that are sad or happy, and know the scientific basis of religion as a path to happiness. Also, to know how to be religious to achieve happiness. Qualitative and quantitative research is the research methods used in this paper—material obtained from guidelines, articles, and survey results. This paper's result is that human life's primary goal is to achieve prosperity and happiness in this world and the hereafter. The achievement of these two main goals must be based on religion because happiness belongs only to Allah. The results showed an influence between Islamic religious activities carried out on the happiness of the millennial generation in Indonesia and Singapore. Humans must uphold religious values to achieve this happiness because religion gives meaning to life. Happiness refers to a healthy heart to relate to Allah SWT as the owner of life. Being close to Him can make a heart calm and happy.
GENEALOGI WALISONGO DALAM KITAB ULAMA NUSANTARA: STUDI KOMPARATIF KITAB TARIKH AL-AULIA’ DENGAN AHLA AL-MUSAMARAH
Authors: Fuadi Moh Ashif
Published: April 2024

Wacana pembahasan perbandingan genealogi Walisongo dalam karya ulama nusantara mengundang perhatian untuk dikaji. Tulisan ini membahas kajian genealogi walisongo dalam turast pesantren melalui kitab Ahlā al-Musāmarah fī Hikāyāt al-Auliyā’ al-‘Asyrah karya Syekh Abul Fadhol Senori dan kitab Tarikh Auliya’ karya KH. Bisri Mustofa. Mereka berdua merupakan dua ulama’ Nusantara yang karyanya membahas tentang para wali di Jawa.  Penelitian ini tergolong penelitian kepustakaan (library research) dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Hasil dari penelitian memperlihatkan bayaknya persamaan genealogi Walisongo antara kitab Ahlā al-Musāmarah fī Hikāyāt al-Auliyā’ al-‘Asyrah karya Syekh Abul Fadhol Senori dengan Kitab Tarikh Auliya’ karya KH. Bisri Mustofa baik dari segi nama tokoh maupun toponimnya. Namun juga terdapat sedikit perbedaan genealogi Walisongo dari masing-masing kitab tersebut. Keduanya merupakan kitab karya kiai pesantren pesisir pantai utara yang cukup produktif dalam menghasilkan kitab kuning khas pesantren.
LIVING QUR’AN TRADISI ISLAM NUSANTARA: KAJIAN TERHADAP TRADISI PELET BETTENG PADA MASYARAKAT PROBOLINGGO
Authors: Musolli Musolli , Zayyadi Ach , Maziya Ika
Published: April 2024

This thinking is based on a phenomenon that develops and thrives in the people of Probolinggo Regency, where every woman who is pregnant and enters a particular month must be prayed for through the rokat pelet betting activity. This study aims to understand the Rokat Pellet betting tradition that occurs in the people of Probolinggo Regency from the perspective of the living Qur'an. This research uses a qualitative with phenomenology, a research procedure that produces descriptive data in written or spoken words from the people observed. The results showed that the tradition of rokat pellet betting produced a persuasive-cultural approach model to sow Islam to the community. The tradition of rokat pelet betting is a phenomenon of the living Qur'an for four reasons; first, as a form of gratitude for personal piety; second, as a medium to strengthen ukhuwah and silaturrahmi (brotherhood and affection); third, as a symbol of the request for safety to the unborn baby; fourth, as a syi'ar media based on the culture of the archipelago.
Sufism and Religious Moderation in Counter Radicalism
Authors: Bindaniji Muhamad , Fuadi Moh Ashif
Published: April 2024

The discourse of religious moderation is still an interesting discussion, especially among academics. Some circles greeted religious moderation with a positive and negative responses. This study aims to formulate the concept of religious moderation based on other approaches or not the same as in general, such as Sufism, renewal of thought, secularization, and local wisdom. Through the library research method strengthened by interviews, observations, and sources of written documents, whether articles, books, or online news, this research concluded that Sufism could prevent radical behavior because it is precisely radical inward, in contrast to extremists who are radically patterned outwards. Second, the enlightenment of religious thought, mainly carried out by the Nahdlatul Ulama circle, plays a strategic position in stemming radical thinking. Third, the accusations of religious moderation that are considered projects of religious secularization are very unfounded and excessive because they do not fit the context of space and time. Fourth, one of the moderate indicators is to appreciate local wisdom, not that it means that you must like or follow the existing traditions and culture.
Covid-19; Hoax and Efforts to Prevent it from the Perspective of Islamic Law
Authors: Teguh Mulyo A Mufrod
Published: April 2024

The development of an era or what is commonly known as globalization indicates progress in all fields, such as technology, transportation, information, and communication. These advances certainly impact all aspects of life in the world, making it easier to actualize. The consequence of this convenience is the frequent dissemination of hoax information on social media. Thus, this paper will discuss the review of Islamic law related to hoaxes and their prevention efforts in the Covid-19 case study. This study uses a descriptive-analytical approach, which describes a review of Islamic law related to hoaxes and how to prevent them in the millennial era. The results of this study, we must refer to the Qur'an because it is a preventive measure to deal with the reporting of hoax news, Allah condemns someone who brings false news, and in the Qur'an, it is explained so that Muslims always tell the truth and based on facts, every Muslim must be patient and critically examine the information that emerges.
Relasi Studi Islam Pendekatan MIT dan Nalar Kitab Kuning MUFADA Mahasiswa: Telaah Fenomenologis-Antropologis
Authors: Fauzi Moh Nur , Junadi Syafi' , Manshur Ali , Lestari M Budi
Published: April 2024

This study aims to unravel the relationship between Multidisciplinary Interdisciplinary Transdisciplinary Islamic studies and the study of the yellow book of IAI Darussalam Banyuwangi students who are members of the MUFADA institution. MUFADA is a forum for students and students of IAI Darussalam who concentrate on understanding the yellow book and are active in various places in society. MUFADA is an interesting religious phenomenon to study because it is an institution that gives voice to the students in responding to conditions in the current era. This research is qualitative in nature and uses interviews, observation and literature studies. The approach used is phenomenological-anthropological by focusing on several important points, first, how IAI Darussalam students approach understanding the yellow book; second, how is the relationship between MIT's approach to the study of the yellow book at the MUFADA institution; third, how is the phenomenological-anthropological relationship between MUFADA and IAI Darussalam, Islamic Boarding Schools, and the Community. The results of this study indicate that the approach used by IAI Darussalam (MUFADA) students in understanding the yellow book is contextual and relational with various approaches to modern social science which is appreciated at the IAI Darussalam college.
Kinship Relations between the Founder of Muhammadiyah and the Founder of NU: Analysis of the Breed Lineage of Sultan Hadiwijaya
Authors: Abidin Zainul , Liza Fitri , Fahmi Ari Khairurrijal
Published: April 2024

The focus of this research is to identify the genealogy of the two founders, namely the founder of Muhammadiyah and the founder of NU, who are related to Sultan Hadiwijaya. This study aims to find out the genealogy of the two founders to Sultan Hadiwijaya and reveal their kinship. The method used in this study is a qualitative method using a historical approach. Primary data sources are obtained from literature on the genealogy of the founder of Muhammadiyah and the founder of NU. Secondary data sources are obtained from other literature relevant to the research problem. The data analysis method is descriptive-genealogy analysis by describing the genealogy of the founder of Muhammadiyah and the founder of NU through the breedage of Sultan Hadiwijaya and analyzing their kinship. The results showed that the two founders were cousins of the lineage of Sultan Hadiwijaya. The existence of family relations between the two figures is expected to strengthen the brotherhood of Muhammadiyah and NU citizens. The implication of this research is that an understanding of the kinship between the founder of Muhammadiyah and the founder of NU with Sultan Hadiwijaya can strengthen cooperation between the two organizations as well as strengthen brotherhood among its members, which in turn can enrich our insight into the history and dynamics of Islam in Indonesia.
Advancing Islamic Education: Fostering Multicultural Values through the Implementation of Islamic Religious Education
Authors: Ulumuddin Ulumuddin , Aisyah Siti Nur , Hakim Lukman , Khoir Abu , Suhermanto Suhermanto
Published: April 2024

This research aims to analyze the development of Islamic education by implementing the values of Multicultural Islamic religious education in madrasas. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach and a case study type of research. Data collection techniques used participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The data analysis technique uses the Miles and Huberman model: data display, data reduction, and concluding. The research results show that multicultural Islamic education is a response to the development of population diversity in Islamic educational institutions and demands for equal rights for each group. All students, regardless of groups such as gender, ethnicity, race, culture, social strata and religion, have the right to receive the same education. Implementing Islamic religious education in developing the value of Islamic education institutions at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Ihyaul Islam Pajarakan includes institutional, curriculum, and personnel aspects. This research provides implications regarding the importance of multicultural values in Islamic education, which can help increase students' awareness and understanding of cultural diversity and universal Islamic values.
Hassan Hanafi's Reformation in The Islamic World
Authors: Rufaiqoh Elok , Sumbulah Umi , Nuruddin Ahmad , Hanisyi Asmad , Arifin Zainal
Published: April 2024

This research analyzes Hassan Hanafi's liberation thoughts: Al-Turats wa Al Tajdid, hermeneutics of liberation, and the Islamic left. The method used in this research is library research with a descriptive-analytic method, namely using interpretive analysis of books by Hassan Hanafi as primary data and articles, research journals, and other scientific works related to the research object as secondary data. The research results show that Al Turats Wa Tajdid is a significant project in the revival of Islam. This Hanafi idea changed the concept of Islamic theology from theocentric to anthropocentric. The second is Hassan Hanafi's hermeneutics of liberation using three methods: 1) Historical-Criticism, 2) Eidetic-Conciusness, and 3) Practical-Conciusness. The third is the movement for the liberation of Islamic thought called the "Islamic Left". This movement is intended to fight colonialism, Zionism, and Western hegemony, as well as the oppressive ruling elite, as well as against ignorance and confinement. This research makes a significant contribution in inspiring readers to follow the renewal of Hanafi thought, which elevates Islamic theology as a driver of social change and solutions to social problems, as well as changing the Islamic theology curriculum to focus on social reality rather than just God.
Clinical evidence and potential mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine for refractory heart failure: a literature review and perspectives
Authors: Guo Liuli , Yang Zhihua , Feng Wenshuai , Liu Yiman , Li Zhenzhen , Zhuang Pengwei , Ren Ming
Published: April 2024

Refractory heart failure (RHF), or end-stage heart failure, has a poor prognosis and high case fatality rate, making it one of the therapeutic difficulties in the cardiovascular field. Despite the continuous abundance of methods and means for treating RHF in modern medicine, it still cannot meet the clinical needs of patients with RHF. How to further reduce the mortality rate and readmission rate of patients with RHF and improve their quality of life is still a difficult point in current research. In China, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used and has accumulated rich experience in the treatment of RHF due to its unique efficacy and safety advantages. Based on this, we comprehensively summarized and analyzed the clinical evidence and mechanism of action of TCM in the treatment of RHF and proposed urgent scientific issues and future research strategies for the treatment of RHF with TCM, to provide reference for the treatment of RHF.
Advances in artificial intelligence in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy
Authors: Yi Chenyuan , Niu Geng , Zhang Yinghuai , Rao Jing , Liu Guiqin , Yang Weihua , Fei XingZhen
Published: April 2024

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), also referred to as Graves’ ophthalmopathy, is a medical condition wherein ocular complications arise due to autoimmune thyroid illness. The diagnosis of TAO, reliant on imaging, typical ocular symptoms, and abnormalities in thyroid function or thyroid-associated antibodies, is generally graded and staged. In recent years, Artificial intelligence(AI), particularly deep learning(DL) technology, has gained widespread use in the diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmic diseases. This paper presents a discussion on specific studies involving AI, specifically DL, in the context of TAO, highlighting their applications in TAO diagnosis, staging, grading, and treatment decisions. Additionally, it addresses certain limitations in AI research on TAO and potential future directions for the field.
Therapeutic advances in obesity management: an overview of the therapeutic interventions
Authors: Roomy Moody Al , Hussain Kainat , Behbehani Hawraa M. , Abu-Farha Jenna , Al-Harris Rayan , Ambi Aishwarya Mariam , Abdalla Mohammed Altigani , Al-Mulla Fahd , Abu-Farha Mohamed , Abubaker Jehad
Published: April 2024

Obesity has become a global epidemic in the modern world, significantly impacting the global healthcare economy. Lifestyle interventions remain the primary approach to managing obesity, with medical therapy considered a secondary option, often used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications. In recent years, there has been a proliferation of newer therapeutic agents, revolutionizing the treatment landscape for obesity. Notably, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), such as semaglutide, liraglutide, and the recently approved dual GLP-1/GIP RAs agonist tirzepatide, have emerged as effective medications for managing obesity, resulting in significant weight loss. These agents not only promote weight reduction but also improve metabolic parameters, including lipid profiles, glucose levels, and central adiposity. On the other hand, bariatric surgery has demonstrated superior efficacy in achieving weight reduction and addressing overall metabolic imbalances. However, with ongoing technological advancements, there is an ongoing debate regarding whether personalized medicine, targeting specific components, will shape the future of developing novel therapeutic agents for obesity management.
Interaction between MARK3 (rs11623869), PLCB4 (rs6086746) and GEMIN2 (rs2277458) variants with bone mineral density and serum 25-hidroxivitamin D levels in Mexican Mestizo women
Authors: Aparicio-Bautista Diana I. , Jiménez-Ortega Rogelio F. , Becerra-Cervera Adriana , Aquino-Gálvez Arnoldo , de León-Suárez Valeria Ponce , Casas-Ávila Leonora , Salmerón Jorge , Hidalgo-Bravo Alberto , Rivera-Paredez Berenice , Velázquez-Cruz Rafael
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Understanding the genetic factors contributing to variations in bone mineral density (BMD) and vitamin D could provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. This study aimed to evaluate the association of single nucleotide variants in MARK3 (rs11623869), PLCB4 (rs6086746), and GEMIN2 (rs2277458) with BMD in Mexican women.

Methods

The gene-gene interaction was evaluated in these variants in serum 25(OH)D levels and BMD. A genetic risk score (GRS) was created on the basis of the three genetic variants. Genotyping was performed using predesigned TaqMan assays.

Results

A significant association was found between the rs6086746-A variant and BMD at the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine, in women aged 45 years or older. However, no association was observed between the variants rs11623869 and rs2277458. The rs11623869 × rs2277458 interaction was associated with total hip (p=0.002) and femoral neck BMD (p=0.013). Similarly, for vitamin D levels, we observed an interaction between the variants rs6086746 × rs2277458 (p=0.021). GRS revealed a significant association with total hip BMD (p trend=0.003) and femoral neck BMD (p trend=0.006), as well as increased vitamin D levels (p trend=0.0003). These findings provide evidence of the individual and joint effect of the MARK3, PLCB4, and GEMIN2 variants on BMD and serum vitamin D levels in Mexican women.

Discussion

This knowledge could help to elucidate the interaction mechanism between BMD-related genetic variants and 25OHD, contributing to the determination of the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and its potential implications during early interventions.
Optimizing treatment outcomes: immune tolerance induction in Pompe disease patients undergoing enzyme replacement therapy
Authors: Chen Hui-An , Hsu Rai-Hseng , Fang Ching-Ya , Desai Ankit K. , Lee Ni-Chung , Hwu Wuh-Liang , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Kishnani Priya S. , Chien Yin-Hsiu
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Pompe disease, a lysosomal storage disorder, is characterized by acid α-glucosidase (GAA) deficiency and categorized into two main subtypes: infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD) and late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD). The primary treatment, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human GAA (rhGAA), faces challenges due to immunogenic responses, including the production of anti-drug antibody (ADA), which can diminish therapeutic efficacy. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of immune tolerance induction (ITI) therapy in cross-reactive immunologic material (CRIM)-positive Pompe disease patients with established high ADA levels.

Method

In a single-center, open-label prospective study, we assessed ITI therapy’s efficacy in Pompe disease patients, both IOPD and LOPD, with persistently elevated ADA titers (≥1:12,800) and clinical decline. The ITI regimen comprised bortezomib, rituximab, methotrexate, and intravenous immunoglobulin. Biochemical data, biomarkers, ADA titers, immune status, and respiratory and motor function were monitored over six months before and after ITI.

Results

This study enrolled eight patients (5 IOPD and 3 LOPD). After a 6-month ITI course, median ADA titers significantly decreased from 1:12,800 (range 1:12,800-1:51,200) to 1:1,600 (range 1:400-1:12,800), with sustained immune tolerance persisting up to 4.5 years in some cases. Serum CK levels were mostly stable or decreased, stable urinary glucose tetrasaccharide levels were maintained in four patients, and no notable deterioration in respiratory or ambulatory status was noted. Adverse events included two treatable infection episodes and transient symptoms like numbness and diarrhea.

Conclusion

ITI therapy effectively reduces ADA levels in CRIM-positive Pompe disease patients with established high ADA titers, underscoring the importance of ADA monitoring and timely ITI initiation. The findings advocate for personalized immunogenicity risk assessments to enhance clinical outcomes. In some cases, prolonged immune suppression may be necessary, highlighting the need for further studies to optimize ITI strategies for Pompe disease treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02525172; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02525172.
Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum (L) and molasses (M) on nutrient composition, aerobic stability, and microflora of alfalfa silage in sandy grasslands
Authors: Peng Wen , Zhang Liyuan , Wei Manlin , Wu Baiyila , Xiao Ming , Zhang Runze , Ju Ji , Dong Chenyang , Du Liu , Zheng Yongjie , Bao Meili , Bao Hailin , Bao Xiaoping
Published: April 2024

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and molasses on the nutrient composition, fermentation quality, bacterial count, aerobic stability, and microflora of alfalfa silage in sandy grasslands. The experimental treatments included control (CK), 106 CFU/g Lactobacillus plantarum (L), 5% molasses (M), and 106 CFU/g Lactobacillus plantarum + 5% molasses (LM). The nutrient composition, fermentation quality, bacterial count, aerobic stability, and microflora were determined after 14 days and 56 days of ensiling, respectively. The results showed that the addition of L, M, and LM reduced dry matter loss (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content, and increased water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and ether extract (EE) content, compared to the CK group. Meanwhile, more lactic acid (LA) and accelerated fermentation were observed, causing the pH value to drop below 4.5 in the L, M, and LM groups after 56 days of ensiling. The addition of L, M, and LM promoted lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and inhibited yeast. The addition of L significantly increased the content of acetic acid (AA). In terms of microflora, the addition of L, M, and LM made Firmicutes become the dominant bacterial phylum earlier, while Lactobacillus, Weissella, and Pediococcus had a higher abundance. According to the result of Pearson's correlation, there is a very significant negative correlation between pH value and Lactobacillus (P < 0.01) and a very significant positive correlation between pH value and Lactococcus, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, and Leuconostoc (P < 0.01), which may be inhibited by Lactobacillus under the decreased pH value. The results of the prediction of microbial genes indicated that the addition of M could enhance the carbohydrate metabolism and membrane transport metabolism, which may contribute to LA production by LAB metabolism. In general, L, M and LM all improved the fermentation quality and reduced the loss of nutrients to varying degrees, but considering the fermentation quality, the overall effects of M and LM were better than L. M and LM are recommended to be used as silage additives in the process of alfalfa silage in sandy grasslands to improve the quality.
The efficacy of electroacupuncture for cervical nerve edema and movement disorder caused by the brachial plexus injury: a case report
Authors: Wang Chao , Liu Yingjun , Li Lu , Zhang Haijuan , Ye Ziyu , Zhao Linfang
Published: April 2024

The brachial plexus injury (BPI) is one of the most severe types of peripheral nerve injuries, often caused by upper limb traction injury. In clinic, the surgery is widely used to treat the BPI. However, surgery may need to be performed multiple times at different stages, which carries risks and brings heavy economic burden. In non-surgical treatment, splinting, local injection of corticosteroids, and oral corticosteroids can achieve significant short-term benefits, but they are prone to recurrence and may cause complications of mechanical or chemical nerve damage. In this report, we present a case of a 46-year-old female patient with BPI. The patient had difficulty in raising, flexing and extending of the left upper limb, and accompanied with the soreness and pain of neck and shoulder. After 3 months of EA treatment, a significant reduction in the inner diameter of the left C5 to C7 root at the outlet of brachial plexus nerve was detected by musculoskeletal ultrasound, and the soreness and pain in the left neck and shoulder were significantly reduced. The soreness and pain in the left neck and shoulder did not recur for 2 years.

Case summary

The patient is a 46-year-old female with BPI. She experienced difficult in lifting, flexing and extending of the left upper limb, which accompanied by soreness and pain in the left neck and shoulder. After 3 months of EA treatment, the patient's pain and limb's movement disorder was improved. After 2 years of follow-up, the patient's left neck and shoulder showed no further pain.

Conclusion

EA has shown satisfied efficacy in BPI, improving limb restrictions and relieving pain in patients for at least 2 years.
Effect of Refractance Window™ and oven drying on physicochemical and sensory properties of peach (Prunus persica L.) surplus
Authors: Largo-Avila Esteban , Rico-Rodríguez Fabián , Peñaloza-Figueroa Jeanine Kathleen , López-Padilla Alexis
Published: April 2024

Currently, approximately 34% of fruit is lost and wasted in emerging economies due to inefficient post-harvest processes, technological shortcomings, lesser valorization of surpluses, and byproducts. Peach (Prunus persica L.) is a fruit with a good yearly growth rate but higher postharvest losses in Colombia. One way to take advantage of this type of product is through the application of drying processes that increase its shelf life and its inclusion in the food chain. Refractance Window Drying (RWD) is a fourth generation drying technique implemented by the food industry in the last few decades and has been applied to several dehydrated food products. This study compared the effects of different drying methods on the physical and sensory properties of peaches surplus. Treatments consisted of (i) peaches were sliced (1, 2, and 3 mm thickness) and dried using RWD at 86°C, (ii) peach pulp mixed with maltodextrin (MD) (0.12–0.33 kg of MD/kg of sample) and RWD (RWD-MD), and (iii) conventional oven drying (OD) at 60°C (3 mm thick) dried for 24 h. The study found that the drying method significantly (p < 0.05) affected the texture, color, and general taste of peaches. The results showed that processing treatments combined with different drying conditions affected the physical properties of the peach. RWD in slices reduced water content to 0.05 kg H2O/kg in 40 min, showing fewer effects on color attributes. A surface response analysis on RWD showed good correlations for water activity (R2 = 0.8652–0.9894) and moisture content (R2 = 0.7048–0.9826). A higher diffusion coefficient (1.63 × 10−6 m2 s−1) was observed for RWD in slices with 3 × 10−3 m of thickness; however, for RWD-MD, differences in diffusion coefficients were present for the lowest MD addition (0.12 kg/kg), vitamin C was not detected on the dried slices, and higher concentration of β-carotene (175.88 μg/100 g) was found on the thinner slices. Principal component analysis showed that RWD in the slices was the most suitable drying process, followed by OD. Sensory analysis showed good acceptability for RWD slices after 30 days of storage.
Case report: Report of a rare encounter: metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the thyroid
Authors: Xu Siyi , Xu Jiawei , Yu Chengdong , Zeng Ying , Tang Lei , Tang Mu , Yu Tenghua , Sun Zhengkui , Zhang Xiaofang
Published: April 2024

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common renal tumor, with lung, bone, and liver being the primary sites of metastasis. Thyroid metastasis, on the other hand, is relatively uncommon. Metastatic tumors in the thyroid gland typically manifest as multiple or isolated nodules, which can be easily overlooked due to the lack of specific clinical and imaging features. However, the identification of thyroid metastasis suggests the presence of systemic metastasis and is indicative of a poor prognosis for patients. In this paper, we present two cases of thyroid metastasis following nephrectomy, with the objective of enhancing understanding among medical community regarding the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid metastasis originating from renal cell carcinoma. By raising awareness about this phenomenon, we emphasize the importance of early detection and diagnosis to improve patient prognoses. The implementation of standardized treatment protocols at the earliest possible stage is also emphasized. Through this research, we aim to contribute to the early identification and management of thyroid metastasis in patients with renal cell carcinoma, ultimately leading to improved outcomes.
TP53 co-mutations in advanced lung adenocarcinoma: comparative bioinformatic analyses suggest ambivalent character on overall survival alongside KRAS, STK11 and KEAP1 mutations
Authors: Frille Armin , Boeschen Myriam , Wirtz Hubert , Stiller Mathias , Bläker Hendrik , von Laffert Maximilian
Published: April 2024

Background

Recently, we could show that the co-mutations of KRAS + KEAP1, STK11 + KEAP1 and KRAS + STK11 + KEAP1 lead to a significantly shorter median overall survival (mOS) in patients with lung cancer across treatments by analyzing multiple dataset. TP53, a tumor suppressor gene, plays a crucial role in regulating cell cycle progression. Its mutations occur in approximately 40-50% of non-small lung cancer (NSCLC). Co-occurrence of all four mentioned mutations has been a matter of debate for years. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of these four mutations and the influence of the different co-mutational patterns on survival.

Methods

We present a comparative bioinformatic analysis and refer to data of 4,109 patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Results

Most of the mutations within the LUAD belong to TP53-only (29.0%), quadruple-negative (25.9%) and KRAS-only (13.4%). Whereas TP53-mutations seem to have protective effects in the context of further KEAP1- and KRAS + KEAP1-alterations (improved mOS), their role seems contrary if acquired in an already existing combination of mutations as KRAS + STK11, KRAS + STK11 + KEAP1 and STK11 + KEAP1. TP53 co-mutations had a negative influence on KRAS-only mutated LUAD (mOS reduced significantly by more than 30%).

Discussion

These data underline the need for complex mutational testing to estimate prognosis more accurately in patients with advanced LUAD.
Circulating tumour DNA detects somatic variants contributing to spatial and temporal intra-tumoural heterogeneity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Payne Karl F. B. , Brotherwood Peter , Suriyanarayanan Harini , Brooks Jill M. , Batis Nikolaos , Beggs Andrew D. , Gendoo Deena M. A. , Mehanna Hisham , Nankivell Paul
Published: April 2024

Background

As circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) liquid biopsy analysis is increasingly incorporated into modern oncological practice, establishing the impact of genomic intra-tumoural heterogeneity (ITH) upon data output is paramount. Despite advances in other cancer types the evidence base in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains poor. We sought to investigate the utility of ctDNA to detect ITH in HNSCC.

Methods

In a pilot cohort of 9 treatment-naïve HNSCC patients, DNA from two intra-tumoural sites (core and margin) was whole-exome sequenced. A 9-gene panel was designed to perform targeted sequencing on pre-treatment plasma cell-free DNA and selected post-treatment samples.

Results

Rates of genomic ITH among the 9 patients was high. COSMIC variants from 19 TCGA HNSCC genes demonstrated an 86.9% heterogeneity rate (present in one tumour sub-site only). Across all patients, cell-free DNA (ctDNA) identified 12.9% (range 7.5-19.8%) of tumour-specific variants, of which 55.6% were specific to a single tumour sub-site only. CtDNA identified 79.0% (range: 55.6-90.9%) of high-frequency variants (tumour VAF>5%). Analysis of ctDNA in serial post-treatment blood samples in patients who suffered recurrence demonstrated dynamic changes in both tumour-specific and acquired variants that predicted recurrence ahead of clinical detection.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that a ctDNA liquid biopsy identified spatial genomic ITH in HNSCC and reliably detected high-frequency driver mutations. Serial sampling allowed post-treatment surveillance and early identification of treatment failure.
Organic fertilizer substituting 20% chemical N increases wheat productivity and soil fertility but reduces soil nitrate-N residue in drought-prone regions
Authors: Zhang Jun , Li Shuang , Jiang Peipei , Wang Rongrong , Guo Jinhua , Xiao Huishu , Wu Jinzhi , Shaaban Muhammad , Li Youjun , Huang Ming
Published: April 2024

Organic fertilizer substitution is an effective measure for increasing both the quantity and quality of wheat grain while reducing chemical fertilizer input. However, the effects of reducing nitrogen (N) fertilizer combined with organic fertilizer substitution on grain yield, grain protein content and protein yield, plant N accumulation and translocation, N use efficiency, soil fertility, N apparent surplus and nitrate-N residue in rain-fed drought-prone areas remains limited. In this study, field experiments were conducted over four consecutive seasons (2019-2023) at two sites with four treatments: zero N application (ZN), farmer N application (FN), reduced 20% N of FN (RN), and organic fertilizer substituting 20% N of RN (OSN). The results showed that compared with the ZN treatment, the FN, RN and OSN treatments increased grain yield and its components, grain protein content and protein yield, aboveground N accumulation at the anthesis and maturity stages, pre-anthesis N translocation, post-anthesis N accumulation, N use efficiency, soil fertility. Compared with RN and FN, OSN increased grain yield by 17.12% and 15.03%, grain protein yield by 3.31% and 17.15%, grain N accumulation by 17.78% and 15.58%, and N harvest index by 2.63% and 4.45% averaged across years and sites, respectively. Moreover, OSN increased the contents of organic matter, total N, available P and available K in both 0-20 and 20-40 cm soil layers, decreased N apparent surplus and nitrate-N residue in 0-100 cm, and pH in both 0-20 and 20-40 cm soil layer. Fundamentally, this study suggests that integrating a 20% reduction N from conventional farmer practices with the utilization of organic fertilizer to replace 20% of the chemical N fertilizer (OSN) represents an effective strategy. This approach shows promise in enhancing wheat grain yield, grain protein yield, and N use efficiency. Additionally, it supports the improvement of soil fertility while simultaneously reducing soil nitrate-N residues and the apparent surplus of N in rain-fed drought-prone regions.
Yoga, a mindfulness therapy to prevent PTSD as to encompass athletes’ performance
Authors: Bucea-Manea-Țoniș Rocsana , Păun Dan Gh.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Yoga is one of the physical and mental activities used in elite sports training for risk prevention and medical rehabilitation in case of injuries caused by overtraining or accidents. This study examined the opinions of Romanian elite athletes and coaches on the feasibility of incorporating yoga practice into training regimens for purposes of injury prevention and medical recovery.

Methods

This study surveyed a group of 500 athletes, coaches, and medical personnel from three universities in Romania, all of which are part of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport (PES). An online survey was administered which evaluates athletes’ experience of yoga integration in pre/post training and its positive effects on reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The data were then analyzed with a structural equation model utilizing SmartPLS software.

Results

According to the survey, Romanian athletes use yoga both before and after competitions to improve their focus, balance, muscle, and joint elasticity, foster a winning mindset, control their emotions and PTSD, visualize their competition performance, and see themselves as winners. The survey also found that yoga is seen as useful for cardiac rehabilitation, neuropathic pain, pulmonary disease, orthopedic illness, muscle strain, and managing symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Conclusion

This study contributes to enhancing athletes’ mindfulness and health, offering valuable insights to trainers and athletes interested in incorporating yoga into professional sports activity. The results support the notion that yoga integration in training activity promises to positively influence athletes’ performance and reduce collateral side effects of competitions. The results are also in line with the objectives of the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030 (GAPPPA) - with the theme of “being more efficient to prevent than to treat” – which places special emphasis on the demands for certain programs and services, sports coverage, and healthy workplace initiatives. The study further indicates that Romanian elite athletes and coaches support the use of yoga is an effective method for enhancing athletic training and medical therapy for post-traumatic illnesses and stress disorders.
Social intuition: behavioral and neurobiological considerations
Authors: Jellema Tjeerd , Macinska Sylwia T. , O’Connor Richard J. , Skodova Tereza
Published: April 2024

Social intuition is instrumental in bringing about successful human interactions, yet its behavioral and neural underpinnings are still poorly understood. We focus in this article on the automatic, involuntary, nature of social intuition, rather than on higher-level cognitive and explicit Theory-of-Mind processes (which contribute to rendering social intuition meaningful in real-life situations). We argue that social-affective implicit learning plays a crucial role in establishing automatic social intuition. These implicit learning processes involve associations between the perception of other’s bodily articulations, concurrent events, and the consequences or outcomes in terms of subsequent actions, affective valences and visceral states. The traditional non-social implicit learning paradigms do not allow one to draw conclusions about the role of implicit learning processes in social intuition, as they lack these vital characteristics typically associated with human actions. We introduce a new implicit learning paradigm, which aims to fill these gaps. It targets agile, rapid, social-affective learning processes, involving cue contingencies with a relatively simple structure, unlike the very complex structures that underpin the traditional tasks. The paradigm features matching social and non-social versions, allowing direct comparison. Preliminary data suggest equal performance of TD (typically-developed) and ASC (autism spectrum conditions) groups on the non-social version, but impaired implicit learning in ASC on the social version. We hypothesize that this reflects an anomalous use of implicitly learned affective information in ASC when judging other people. We further argue that the mirror neuron mechanism (MNM), which is part of the Action Observation Network, forms an integral part of the neural substrate for social intuition. In particular as there are indications that the MNM supports action anticipation, and that implicitly learned information can trigger MNM activation, which both seem vital to a social intuition ability. The insights that can be derived from comparing the performances of TD and ASC individuals on (non)social implicit learning tasks, and the implications for the role of MNM activation, are discussed.
Premenstrual syndrome: new insights into etiology and review of treatment methods
Authors: Modzelewski Stefan , Oracz Aleksandra , Żukow Xawery , Iłendo Kamila , Śledzikowka Zofia , Waszkiewicz Napoleon
Published: April 2024

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder affecting women of reproductive age, with an estimated global prevalence of 47.8%, with severe symptoms occurring in 3-8%, significantly affecting daily functioning. GABA conductance and changes in neurosteroid levels, particularly allopregnanolone, are suspected to play a substantial role in the disorder’s etiology. In this paper, we provide an overview of recent reports on the etiology and recognized therapeutic approaches, encompassing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Our examination includes studies on SSRIs, hormonal agents, neurosteroids, supplementation, and therapeutic roles. We aim to determine the most favorable treatment regimen by comparing medication effects and alternative methods. The treatment of PMS is crucial for enhancing the quality of life for affected women. Medications used in PMS treatment should be individually selected to achieve the best therapeutic effect, considering the clinical situation of the patients.
Field Assessment of Lamium album in Reducing Mycotoxin Biosynthesis in Winter Wheat Infected by Fusarium culmorum
Authors: Uwineza Pascaline Aimee , Kwiatkowska Maria , Gwiazdowski Romuald , Stępień Łukasz , Bryła Marcin , Waśkiewicz Agnieszka
Published: April 2024

Fungicides play a crucial role in conventional agriculture for disease control, but their prolonged use raises health and environmental concerns. Fusarium culmorum (F. culmorum), a major wheat pathogen causing Fusarium head blight (FHB) and Fusarium crown rot (FCR), poses significant mycotoxigenic threats. The application of natural plant extracts has been proven to fight against phytopathogenic fungi. This study aimed to a field experiment that was carried out at the Field Experimental Station of the Institute of Plant Protection—National Research Institute in Winna Góra, Poland, during the 2022/2023 season to evaluate the potential of Lamium album (L. album) flower extract as a foliar spray against mycotoxigenic fungi in two winter wheat varieties: Arkadia and Julius. The supercritical carbon dioxide extraction method (SC-CO2) was employed to obtain the L. album flower extract. Ergosterol (ERG) and mycotoxin accumulation in the harvested wheat grains were analyzed using chromatography-based methods. The results demonstrated a notable reduction in ERG content in the field plots treated with L. album flower extract, from 26.07 µg/g (control group) to 8.91 µg/g (extract-treated group) for Arkadia and from 70.02 µg/g (control group) to 30.20 µg/g (extract-treated group) for Julius. The treatment with L. album reduced mycotoxin biosynthesis in both varieties, with deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) production significantly decreased. Additionally, Arkadia exhibited greater resistance to Fusarium infection, and the antifungal effect of L. album was more pronounced than in the Julius variety, which proved to be more sensitive. In conclusion, L. album flower extract exhibited promising antifungal effects in field experiments to fight against F. culmorum in winter wheat varieties, suggesting a potential alternative to synthetic fungicides. However, as complete prevention of mycotoxin contamination was not achieved, further research is warranted to optimize extract concentrations and conduct long-term analyses to consider this plant extract as a sustainable control agent.
Reactive Oxygen Species and Salicylic Acid Mediate the Responses of Pear to Venturia nashicola Infection
Authors: Liu Yi , Zheng Xinru , Zhou Peng , Song Yuqin , Li Liulin
Published: April 2024

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and salicylic acid (SA) are essential signaling molecules in plant cells that participate in responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Changes in ROS and SA signals during interactions between pear and the pear scab pathogen Venturia nashicola remain unclear. Herein, we analyzed the roles of ROS in the signal transduction pathway of pear scab resistance using the highly resistant Huangguan and susceptible Xuehua cultivars of pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd). Protoplasts, calluses, and leaves were obtained from 14-year-old pear trees and treated with V. nashicola for different periods. The results showed that ROS rapidly accumulated in protoplasts of both cultivars within a 120-min treatment period, but the fluorescence intensity of ROS differed between cultivars. The H2O2 content in fruit-derived calluses of Huangguan peaked at 48 h post-infection at levels 1.85 times higher than those in Xuehua. Induction of H2O2 by V. nashicola in Huangguan was more intense than in Xuehua over a 96-h treatment period. At 96 h post-infection, the malondialdehyde content in leaves of Huangguan was significantly lower than in Xuehua, while the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, and the relative expression levels of PbMnSOD, PbPOD, and PbCAT genes were higher in Huangguan than Xuehua. V. nashicola infection also caused a continuous increase in the leaf SA content of Huangguan, which was 6.76 times higher than in Xuehua at 96 h post-infection, and V. nashicola exposure upregulated the expression of PbPAL, PbICS, PbPR1, and PbPR5. In summary, both ROS and SA participated in the responses of pear trees to V. nashicola infection and played vital roles in the signal transduction pathway of pear scab resistance.
The Development of Multi-Resistant Rice Restorer Lines and Hybrid Varieties by Pyramiding Resistance Genes against Blast and Brown Planthopper
Authors: Deng Zhao , Qin Peng , Liu Kaiyu , Jiang Nan , Yan Tianze , Zhang Xuanwen , Fu Chenjian , He Guangcun , Wang Kai , Yang Yuanzhu
Published: April 2024

Rice blast, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, and brown planthopper (BPH) infestation are two of the most destructive problems of rice production in China. The development of multi-resistant varieties is widely recognized as the most efficient and environmentally friendly approach to controlling crop diseases and pests. Functional molecular markers (FMMs) have been developed from functional variants in the genic region associated with trait variation, greatly enhancing the efficiency of identifying and pyramiding valuable genes in crop breeding. In this study, two FMMs and a multiplex PCR amplification system were developed for two major broad-spectrum BPH resistance genes, Bph6 and Bph9. With the assistance of FMMs in the multi-resistant rice restorer-line development pipeline, two lines (Huahui7713 and Huahui3006) with blast and BPH resistance were developed by pyramiding three resistance genes Pigm, Bph6 and Bph9. Two new hybrid rice varieties, Weiliangyou7713 and Xuanliangyou3006, derived from Huahui7713 and Huahui3006, have been developed and commercialized in China. Weiliangyou7713 and Xuanliangyou3006 exhibit enhanced resistance to both blast and BPH, while maintaining optimal yield and grain quality. The adoption of Weiliangyou7713 continues to expand, now being cultivated on a large scale, which is promising for its future role in reducing the dependence on chemical fungicides and pesticides in rice production. This suggests that the implementation of Huahui7713 and Huahui3006 in targeted breeding programs could be highly beneficial for developing rice varieties with strong resistance to blast and BPH.