bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amelioration of soil acidity by the application of maize straw ash in mixed soil
Authors: Hossain Md Bayazid , Khan Md Harunor Rashid , Khanom Sayma , Hossain Shahid Akhtar 
Published: July 2021

A pot experiment was conducted in the net house to evaluate the growth and yield response of two vegetables as influenced by the application of maize straw ash in mixed soil. The vegetables were White Malabar Spinach (Basella alba L.) and Red Malabar Spinach (Basella rubra L.). The mixing of acid soil with calcareous soil was done at 3:1 ratio. Maize straw ash was applied at different rates such as T2 (1 ton/ha), T3 (2 ton/ha) and T4 (3 ton/ha). The control as T1 received no amendment. Plant height, base diameter and fresh weight of the Spinach were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased from the control treatment. All the studied growth parameters attained significant improvement for the T3 (2 ton/ha) among all treatments in both the varieties of Malabar. Nutrient contents (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) of Red Malabar Spinach increased significantly for ash treatments and the highest increment of the N, P, S, Na, Ca, Mg and Zn were obtained by the T3 treatment. For White Malabar Spinach, all the nutrients were increased significantly for T3 compared to the control, except for the N (insignificant increase) and Ca (decrease). The application of maize straw ash at the rate of 2 ton/ha (T3) increased plant growth, yield and nutrient contents in both the varieties of Malabar which might be attributed that, the maize straw ash can be considered as an amendment for the improvement of crop growth that may also have lasting effect on soil quality as well as economic and eco-friendly.
Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(2): 207-219, 2021 (July)
Prognostic factors in colorectal cancer
Authors: Kit O. I. , Gevorkyan Yu. A. , Soldatkina N. V. , Timoshkina N. N. , Kharagezov D. A. , Kaymakchi D. O. , Poluektov S. I. , Dashkov A. V. , Gudtskova T. N. 
Published: July 2021

Aim: to evaluate prognostic factors in colorectal cancer.Material and methods: published data (publications in PubMed, Scopus, eLIBRARY databases) and own results of treatment of 47 patients with T2-4N0-2M0 colon cancer in 2017–2018. The following prognostic factors were studied: metastasis in regional lymph nodes, tumor site, CEA level, KRAS and BRAF mutation status, microsatellite instability, MUSASHI2, p53, VEGF.Results: a correlation between tumor progression and the status of regional lymph nodes demonstrated significant differences (p = 0.038): in N0, the risk of progression was 3.8%, in N1 — 14.9%, in N2 — 43.6%. Statistical processing of the results did not reveal significant differences between groups of patients without and with cancer generalization by their age, gender, tumor site, type of lymph node dissection, T stage, differentiation of adenocarcinoma, levels of CEA, mutations of KRAS, MSI, p53, MUSASHI2, VEGF. We used these prognostic factors to determine biological features of the tumor, its aggressiveness and treatment approaches.Conclusions: the status of regional lymph nodes remains the main factor in determining the prognosis of a colon tumor and in the medical therapy appointment. Molecular genetic factors are currently of great importance for determining tactics in personalized medical treatment.
Plasma LOX-Products and Monocyte Signaling Is Reduced by Adjunctive Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor in a Phase I Clinical Trial of Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Jøntvedt Jørgensen Marthe , Nore Kristin G. , Aass Hans Christian D. , Layre Emilie , Nigou Jérôme , Mortensen Rasmus , Tasken Kjetil , Kvale Dag , Jenum Synne , Tonby Kristian , Dyrhol-Riise Anne Ma 
Published: July 2021

IntroductionEicosanoids and intracellular signaling pathways are potential targets for host-directed therapy (HDT) in tuberculosis (TB). We have explored the effect of cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor (COX-2i) treatment on eicosanoid levels and signaling pathways in monocytes.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from TB patients included in a randomized phase I clinical trial of standard TB treatment with (n=21) or without (n=18) adjunctive COX-2i (etoricoxib) were analyzed at baseline, day 14 and day 56. Plasma eicosanoids were analyzed by ELISA and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), plasma cytokines by multiplex, and monocyte signaling by phospho-flow with a defined set of phospho-specific antibodies.ResultsLipoxygenase (LOX)-derived products (LXA4 and 12-HETE) and pro-inflammatory cytokines were associated with TB disease severity and were reduced during TB therapy, possibly accelerated by adjunctive COX-2i. Phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, NFkB, Erk1/2, and Akt in monocytes as well as plasma levels of MIG/CXCL9 and procalcitonin were reduced in the COX-2i group compared to controls.ConclusionCOX-2i may reduce excess inflammation in TB via the LOX-pathway in addition to modulation of phosphorylation patterns in monocytes. Immunomodulatory effects of adjunctive COX-2i in TB should be further investigated before recommended for use as a HDT strategy.
Neuropeptide Y Plays an Important Role in the Relationship Between Brain Glucose Metabolism and Brown Adipose Tissue Activity in Healthy Adults: A PET/CT Study
Authors: Zhang Qiongyue , Miao Qing , Yang Yehong , Lu Jiaying , Zhang Huiwei , Feng Yonghao , Wu Wei , Zhu Xiaoming , Xiang Boni , Sun Quanya , Guan Yihui , Li Yiming , Zuo Chuantao , Ye Hongying 
Published: July 2021

IntroductionBrown adipose tissue (BAT) becomes the favorite target for preventing and treating metabolic diseases because the activated BAT can produce heat and consume energy. The brain, especially the hypothalamus, which secretes Neuropeptide Y (NPY), is speculated to regulate BAT activity. However, whether NPY is involved in BAT activity’s central regulation in humans remains unclear. Thus, it’s essential to explore the relationship between brain glucose metabolism and human BAT activity.MethodsA controlled study with a large sample of healthy adults used Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to noninvasively investigate BAT’s activity and brain glucose metabolism in vivo. Eighty healthy adults with activated BAT according to the PET/CT scan volunteered to be the BAT positive group, while 80 healthy adults without activated BAT but with the same gender, similar age, and BMI, scanning on the same day, were recruited as the control (BAT negative). We use Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) to analyze the brain image data, Picture Archiving &amp; Communication System (PACS), and PET/CT Viewer software to calculate the semi-quantitative values of brain glucose metabolism and BAT activity. ELISA tested the levels of fasting plasma NPY. The multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the correlation between brain glucose metabolism, the level of NPY, and the BAT activity in the BAT positive group.Results(1) Compared with controls, BAT positive group showed significant metabolic decreases mainly in the right Insula (BA13a, BA13b) and the right claustrum (uncorrected P &lt;0.01, adjusted BMI). (2) The three brain regions’ semi-quantitative values in the BAT positive group were significantly lower than the negative group (all P values &lt; 0.05). (3) After adjusting for age, gender, BMI, and outside temperature, there was a negative correlation between brain metabolic values and BAT activity (all P values &lt; 0.05). However, after further adjusting for NPY level, there were no significant differences between the BA13b metabolic values and BAT activity (P&gt;0.05), while the correlation between the BA13a metabolic values and BAT activity still was significant (P&lt; 0.05).ConclusionsRegional brain glucose metabolism is closely related to healthy adults’ BAT activity, which may be mediated by NPY.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Protein PE6 (Rv0335c), a Novel TLR4 Agonist, Evokes an Inflammatory Response and Modulates the Cell Death Pathways in Macrophages to Enhance Intracellular Survival
Authors: Sharma Neha , Shariq Mohd , Quadir Neha , Singh Jasdeep , Sheikh Javaid A. , Hasnain Seyed E. , Ehtesham Nasreen Z. 
Published: July 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M. tb) is an intracellular pathogen that exploits moonlighting functions of its proteins to interfere with host cell functions. PE/PPE proteins utilize host inflammatory signaling and cell death pathways to promote pathogenesis. We report thatM. tbPE6 protein (Rv0335c) is a secretory protein effector that interacts with innate immune toll-like receptor TLR4 on the macrophage cell surface and promotes activation of the canonical NFĸB signaling pathway to stimulate secretion of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-12, and IL-6. Using mouse macrophage TLRs knockout cell lines, we demonstrate that PE6 induced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines dependent on TLR4 and adaptor Myd88. PE6 possesses nuclear and mitochondrial targeting sequences and displayed time-dependent differential localization into nucleus/nucleolus and mitochondria, and exhibited strong Nucleolin activation. PE6 strongly induces apoptosisviaincreased production of pro-apoptotic molecules Bax, Cytochrome C, and pcMyc. Mechanistic details revealed that PE6 activates Caspases 3 and 9 and induces endoplasmic reticulum-associated unfolded protein response pathways to induce apoptosis through increased production of ATF6, Chop, BIP, eIF2α, IRE1α, and Calnexin. Despite being a potent inducer of apoptosis, PE6 suppresses innate immune defense strategy autophagy by inducing inhibitory phosphorylation of autophagy initiating kinase ULK1. Inversely, PE6 induces activatory phosphorylation of autophagy master regulator MtorC1, which is reflected by lower conversion of autophagy markers LC3BI to LC3BII and increased accumulation of autophagy substrate p62 which is also dependent on innate immune receptor TLR4. The use of pharmacological agents, rapamycin and bafilomycin A1, confirms the inhibitory effect of PE6 on autophagy, evidenced by the reduced conversion of LC3BI to LC3BII and increased accumulation of p62 in the presence of rapamycin and bafilomycin A1. We also observed that PE6 binds DNA, which could have significant implications in virulence. Furthermore, our analyses reveal that PE6 efficiently binds iron to likely aid in intracellular survival. RecombinantMycobacterium smegmatis(M. smegmatis) containingpe6displayed robust growth in iron chelated media compared to vector alone transformed cells, which suggests a role of PE6 in iron acquisition. These findings unravel novel mechanisms exploited by PE6 protein to subdue host immunity, thereby providing insights relevant to a better understanding of host–pathogen interaction duringM. tb infection.
Deep Sequencing of T-Cell Receptors for Monitoring Peripheral CD8+ T Cells in Chinese Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated With the Anti–PD-L1 Antibody
Authors: Sheng Jin , Wang Huadi , Liu Xiao , Deng Yunyun , Yu Yingying , Xu Pengfei , Shou Jiawei , Pan Hong , Li Hongsen , Zhou Xiaoyun , Han Weidong , Sun Tao , Pan Hongming , Fang Yong 
Published: July 2021

Background: Atezolizumab, a high-affinity engineered human anti–PD-L1 antibody, has produced a clinical benefit for patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, associated with T-cell regulation, the immunomodulatory effect of PD-L1 blockade and its biomarker in peripheral immunity remains elusive.Methods: In a prospective cohort with 12 Chinese advanced NSCLC patients who received atezolizumab 1,200 mg every 3 weeks as a second-line treatment, blood samples were obtained before and 6 weeks after atezolizumab initiation, and when disease progression was confirmed. Patients were classified into a response or progression group according to response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) 1.1. Fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients were stained with antihuman CD3, CD8, and PD-1 antibodies for flow cytometry analysis. T-cell receptor (TCR)-β chains of CD8+ T cells were analyzed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) at the deep level. Diversity, clonality, and similarity of TCR have been calculated before and after treatment in both groups.Results: Clonal expansion with high PD-1 expression was detected in all patients’ peripheral CD8+ T cells before the treatment of atezolizumab. Unlike the progression group, the diversity of TCR repertoire and singletons in the TCRβ pool increased over time with atezolizumab administration, and the TCR repertoire dynamically changes in the response group. The percentage of CD8+ PD-1high terminal exhausted T cells declined in the response group after the PD-L1 blockade. Two patterns of TCR changes among patients who received PD-L1–targeted immunotherapy were observed.Conclusions: Deep sequencing of the T-cell receptors confirmed the existence of CD8+ PD-1high T cells with an exhaustion phenotype in Chinese NSCLC patients. Our study demonstrated that efficient anti–PD-L1 therapy could reshape the TCR repertoire for antitumor patients. Furthermore, singleton frequency may help us select patients who are sensitive to anti–PD-L1 immunotherapy.
A Comparative Efficacy Study of Robotic Priming of Bilateral Approach in Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Li Yi-chun , Lin Keh-chung , Chen Chia-ling , Yao Grace , Chang Ya-ju , Lee Ya-yun , Liu Chien-ting 
Published: July 2021

Background:Stroke survivors can remain impaired in body functions, activity, and participation. A novel rehabilitation regimen is required to obtain scientific evidence and to help clinicians determine effective interventions for stroke. Mirror therapy (MT) and bilateral upper limb training (BULT) are based on the tenet of bilateral movement practice; however, the additional effect of bilateral robotic priming combined with these two therapies is unclear.Objectives:This study examined the effects of two hybrid therapies, robotic priming combined with MT and robotic priming combined with BULT, in stroke survivors.Methodology:The study randomized 31 participants to groups that received robotic priming combined with MT (n= 15) or robotic priming combined with BULT (n= 16). Outcome measures included the Fugl–Meyer Assessment (FMA), the revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment (rNSA), the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI), and accelerometer data.Results:Both groups showed statistically significant within-group improvements in most outcome measures. Significant between-group differences and medium-to-large effect sizes were found in favor of the group that received robotic priming combined with MT based on the FMA distal part subscale scores, FMA total scores, and accelerometer data.Conclusion:Robotic priming combined with MT may have beneficial effects for patients in the improvements of overall and distal arm motor impairment as well as affected arm use in real life. Additional follow-up, a larger sample size, and consideration of the effect of lesion location or different levels of cognitive impairment are warranted to validate our findings in future studies.Clinical trial registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03773653.
Linear Energy Transfer Incorporated Spot-Scanning Proton Arc Therapy Optimization: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Li Xiaoqiang , Ding Xuanfeng , Zheng Weili , Liu Gang , Janssens Guillaume , Souris Kevin , Barragán-Montero Ana M. , Yan Di , Stevens Craig , Kabolizadeh Peyman 
Published: July 2021

PurposeTo integrate dose-averaged linear energy transfer (LETd) into spot-scanning proton arc therapy (SPArc) optimization and to explore its feasibility and potential clinical benefits.MethodsAn open-source proton planning platform (OpenREGGUI) has been modified to incorporate LETd into optimization for both SPArc and multi-beam intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) treatment planning. SPArc and multi-beam IMPT plans with different beam configurations for a prostate patient were generated to investigate the feasibility of LETd-based optimization using SPArc in terms of spatial LETd distribution and plan delivery efficiency. One liver and one brain case were studied to further evaluate the advantages of SPArc over multi-beam IMPT.ResultsWith similar dose distributions, the efficacy of spatially optimizing LETd distributions improves with increasing number of beams. Compared with multi-beam IMPT plans, SPArc plans show substantial improvement in LETd distributions while maintaining similar delivery efficiency. Specifically, for the liver case, the average LETd in the GTV was increased by 124% for the SPArc plan, and only 9.6% for the 2-beam IMPT plan compared with the 2-beam non-LETd optimized IMPT plan. In case of LET optimization for the brain case, the SPArc plan could effectively increase the average LETd in the CTV and decrease the values in the critical structures while smaller improvement was observed in 3-beam IMPT plans.ConclusionThis work demonstrates the feasibility and significant advantages of using SPArc for LETd-based optimization, which could maximize the LETd distribution wherever is desired inside the target and averts the high LETd away from the adjacent critical organs-at-risk.
N-Acetylcysteine Reduces the Pro-Oxidant and Inflammatory Responses during Pancreatitis and Pancreas Tumorigenesis
Authors: Minati Marie-Albane , Libert Maxime , Dahou Hajar , Jacquemin Patrick , Assi Mohamad 
Published: July 2021

Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, appears to be a main driver of pancreatic cancer when combined with Kras mutations. In this context, the exact redox mechanisms are not clearly elucidated. Herein, we treated mice expressing a KrasG12D mutation in pancreatic acinar cells with cerulein to induce acute pancreatitis. In the presence of KrasG12D, pancreatitis triggered significantly greater redox unbalance and oxidative damages compared to control mice expressing wild-type Kras alleles. Further analyses identified the disruption in glutathione metabolism as the main redox event occurring during pancreatitis. Compared to the wild-type background, KrasG12D-bearing mice showed a greater responsiveness to treatment with a thiol-containing compound, N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Notably, NAC treatment increased the pancreatic glutathione pool, reduced systemic markers related to pancreatic and liver damages, limited the extent of pancreatic edema and fibrosis as well as reduced systemic and pancreatic oxidative damages. The protective effects of NAC were, at least, partly due to a decrease in the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by acinar cells, which was concomitant with the inhibition of NF-κB(p65) nuclear translocation. Our data provide a rationale to use thiol-containing compounds as an adjuvant therapy to alleviate the severity of inflammation during pancreatitis and pancreatic tumorigenesis.
UNIFICATION OF SENSOR NETWORKS TO CREATE A MULTI- PROTOCOL IoT
Authors: Бородин В.В. , Петраков А.М. , Шевцов В.А. , Талаев А.Д. , Кузьменко Д.С. 
Published: July 2021

Рассмотрены варианты объединения разнородных сетей на нескольких уровнях: приложений, шлюзов и сенсоров. Отмечены характерные положительные черты и недостатки мультипротокольных сетей при каждом варианте объединения. Предложен вариант комплексного объединения, при котором используется интеграция сетей на различных уровнях.
Different options for combining heterogeneous networks on several layers (applications, gateways, and sensors) are considered. Specific positive features and disadvantages of multiprotocol networks are noted for each version of network combining. The variant of complex network combination (with the integration of networks at different levels) is proposed.
Методика оценки возможности распределения (выделения) полос частот для одночастотных систем
Authors: Yakimenko V.S. 
Published: July 2021

A technique of estimating the possibility of distribution (allocation) of frequency bands for single-frequency systems is proposed. The technique provides the valueof the radio-frequency spectrum unavailable for singlefrequency systems in the specified territorial area and frequency band according to the conditions of electromagnetic compatibility with existing radioelectronic equipment. A system of criteria for evaluating the possibility of allocating frequency bands for singlefrequency systems is proposed.
Предложена методика оценки возможности распределения (выделения) полос частот для одночастотных телекоммуникационных систем. Методика предусматривает определение величины адиочастотного спектра (РЧС), недоступного для одночастотных систем в заданном территориальном районе и полосе частот по условиям электромагнитной совместимости (ЭМС) с существующими радиоэлектронными средствами (РЭС). При этом учитывается групповое помеховое воздействие радиоэлектронных средств одночастотных систем на существующие РЭС. Предложена система критериев оценки достаточности доступной части спектра для удовлетворения потребностей в этом ресурсе одночастотных систем.
Методика расчетной оценки ЭМС радиоэлектронных средств с направленными антеннами в зоне Френеля
Authors: Kupin M.N. , Chervyakov I.V. , Kolesnikov E.P. 
Published: July 2021

Based on experimental studies, it is proposed a procedure for evaluation of electromagnetic compatibility of radio-electronic devices with directional antennas when antennas of these devices are placed at a short distance from each other in the Fresnel zone.
На базе экспериментальных исследований предлагается методика оценки электромагнитной совместимости (ЭМС) радиоэлектронных средств (РЭС) с направленными антеннами при размещении антенн этих РЭС на малом расстоянии друг от друга (в зоне Френеля).
Infección por Bartonella henselae como presentación de fiebre de origen desconocida en niños peruanos
Authors: Miranda-Choque Edwin , Candela-Herrera Jorge 
Published: July 2021

Objetivo. Describir los casos por infección por Bartonella henselae como presentación de fiebre de origen desconocida (FOD) en el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño (INSN) de Perú. Material y métodos. Estudio de serie de casos de niños atendidos en el INSN en el año 2012. Se definió infección por B. henselae si el caso presentaba serología positiva. Resultados. En el año 2012 se diagnosticaron 26 casos de FOD, de los cuales 12 fueron por infección por B. henselae. De estos 12, 6 fueron masculinos, con una mediana para la edad de 5 años (RIQ 3,5-4,0); 11 tenían una historia de exposición a gatos; 6 tuvieron lesión lineal ocasionada por el gato. Dentro de los exámenes de laboratorio, 4 de 12 tuvieron leucocitosis; 5 presentaron una PCR mayor de 10. El examen ecográfico reveló que 8 de 12 presentaron lesiones hipoecoicas en bazo; existió coinfección con otras infecciones; 2 casos tuvieron manifestación articular y 1, convulsión. Conclusión. Se concluye que los casos de FOD por infección por B. henselae en niñ os, están relacionados con exposición a gatos y lesiones hipoecoicas en bazo e hígado, con una evolución de la enfermedad con pronóstico bueno.