Number Of Nodules Research Articles

Cone-beam computed tomography-guided shape-sensing robotic bronchoscopy vs. electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy for pulmonary nodules.

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) and shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (ssRAB) are minimally invasive technologies for the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has shown to increase diagnostic yield by allowing real-time confirmation of position of lesion and biopsy tool. There is a lack of comparative studies of such platforms using CBCT guidance to overcome computed tomography to body divergence. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic yield of ENB- and ssRAB-guided CBCT for biopsy of pulmonary nodules. We conducted a retrospective comparative study of consecutive patients undergoing ENB-CBCT and ssRAB-CBCT. Navigational success was defined as biopsy tool within lesion confirmed during CBCT. Diagnostic yield was assessed using two methods: (I) presence of malignancy or benign histological findings that lead to a specific diagnosis at the time of bronchoscopy, and (II) longitudinal follow-up of patients with nonspecific benign finding during bronchoscopy. ENB-CBCT was used to biopsy 97 nodules and ssRAB-CBCT was used to biopsy 111 nodules. Median size of the lesion for the ENB-CBCT group was 16.5 mm [interquartile range (IQR), 12-22 mm] as compared to 12 mm (IQR, 9-16 mm) in the ssRAB-CBCT group (P<0.001). Navigational success was 70.1% in ENB-CBCT arm as compared to 83% in ssRAB-CBCT arm respectively (P=0.03). Diagnostic yield was 66% for ENB-CBCT and 89.2% for ssRAB-CBCT (P<0.001) following bronchoscopy; 79.4% for ENB-CBCT and 95.4% for ssRAB-CBCT (P<0.001) with longitudinal follow-up data respectively. Following multivariate regression analysis adjusting for the size of the lesion, distance from the pleura, presence of bronchus sign, number of CBCT spins, and number of nodules, the odds ratio for the diagnostic yield was 4.72 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.05-10.85; P<0.001] in the ssRAB-CBCT group as compared with ENB-CBCT. The overall rate of adverse events was similar in both groups (P=0.77). ssRAB-CBCT showed increased navigational success and diagnostic yield as compared to ENB-CBCT for pulmonary nodule biopsies.

Inhibition of Colon Cancer Xenograft Growth by Celecoxib Analog OSU-03013 Through Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Modulation

OSU-03013 is a Celecoxib analog that dose not inhibit COX-2 expression. OSU-03013 effectively mimics the anti-tumor effects of Celecoxib, however, its exact mechanism in colon cancer (CC) is unknown. SW480 cells were injected subcutaneously into the axilla of nude mice until the volume of the transplanted tumor reached 80 mm3. SW480 cells were inoculated into the tail vein of nude mice to establish a liver metastasis model of CC. OSU-03013 was administered by gavage. The pathology of the tumor tissues was assessed using HE staining and cell apoptosis was measured using TUNEL staining. EMT markers in the tumors were determined using Western Blot, and IL-1β and TNF-α were determined using ELISA. VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 in tumor tissues were measured to assess angiogenesis using immunofluorescence. HE staining was conducted to detect the effect of OSU-03013 on liver metastasis. Western Blot assay was performed to determine the expression of Wnt2, β-catenin and GSK-3β. OSU-03013 reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and inhibited IL-1β and TNF-α production by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. OSU-03013 induced apoptosis of cancer cells in tumor tissues and possessed anti-angiogenic activity. OSU-03013 treatment reduced the number and size of metastatic nodules of cancer cells in liver tissues. OSU-03013 may inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis through the Wnt3a/β-catenin pathway in CC nude mice.

The Compact Root Architecture 2 systemic pathway is required for the repression of cytokinins and miR399 accumulation in Medicago truncatula N-limited plants.

Legume plants can acquire mineral nitrogen (N) either through their roots or via a symbiotic interaction with N-fixing rhizobia bacteria housed in root nodules. To identify shoot-to-root systemic signals acting in Medicago truncatula plants at N deficit or N satiety, plants were grown in a split-root experimental design in which either high or low N was provided to half of the root system, allowing the analysis of systemic pathways independently of any local N response. Among the plant hormone families analyzed, the cytokinin trans-zeatin accumulated in plants at N satiety. Cytokinin application by petiole feeding led to inhibition of both root growth and nodulation. In addition, an exhaustive analysis of miRNAs revealed that miR2111 accumulates systemically under N deficit in both shoots and non-treated distant roots, whereas a miRNA related to inorganic phosphate (Pi) acquisition, miR399, accumulates in plants grown under N satiety. These two accumulation patterns are dependent on Compact Root Architecture 2 (CRA2), a receptor required for C-terminally Encoded Peptide (CEP) signaling. Constitutive ectopic expression of miR399 reduced nodule numbers and root biomass depending on Pi availability, suggesting that the miR399-dependent Pi-acquisition regulatory module controlled by N availability affects the development of the whole legume plant root system.

CD103+ cDC1 Dendritic Cell Vaccine Therapy for Osteosarcoma Lung Metastases.

We generated a CD103+DC vaccine using K7M3 OS cell lysates (cDCV) and investigated its ability to induce regression of primary tumors, established lung metastases, and a systemic immune response. A bilateral tumor model was used to assess cDCV therapy efficacy and systemic immunity induction. K7M3 cells were injected into mice bilaterally. Right-sided tumors received PBS (control) or cDCV. Left-sided tumors were untreated. Tumor growth was compared between the vaccine-treated and untreated tumor on the contralateral side and compared to the control group. The immune cell profiles of the tumors, and tumor-draining lymph nodes (TdLNs) and spleen were evaluated. To determine the efficacy of systemic cDCV therapy against established lung metastases, K7M3 cells were injected intratibially. Leg amputation was performed 5 weeks later. Mice were treated intravenously with PBS or cDCV and euthanized 6 weeks later. Lungs, TdLNs and spleen were collected. The number and size of the lung nodules were quantified. The immune cell profile of tumor, and lymph nodes and spleen were also evaluated. Using this same model, we evaluated the effect of cDCV + anti-CTLA-4. cDCV therapy inhibited the treated and untreated tumors and increased the number of T-cells in these tumors and the lymph nodes compared to control-treated mice. Systemic cDCV therapy administered following amputation decreased the size and number of lung metastases, and increased T-cell numbers in the tumor and lymph nodes. Combining anti-CTLA-4 with cDCV therapy increased cDCV efficacy against lung metastases. Intratumor cDCV generated a systemic immune response inhibiting the growth of both the treated and untreated tumors, with increased T-cells in the tumor and lymph nodes. Systemic cDCV was effective against established lung metastases. Efficacy was increased by anti-CTLA4. cDCVs may provide a novel therapeutic approach for relapsed/metastatic OS patients.

Effects of integrated fertilizer application on selected soil properties and yield attributes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on different soil types

In Ethiopia, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) productivity remains low because of low soil fertility. However, both plant production and soil fertility benefit from integrated application of fertilizers. Thus, this study investigates the effect of integrated application of inorganic, organic and biofertilizers on selected soil properties and yield components of common bean. A field experiment was conducted at three sites in southern Ethiopia, under two consecutive cropping season (2021 and 2022). The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments included three levels of inorganic fertilizer (Triple Superphosphate, TSP), applied at 0, 42.5, and 85 kg TSP ha⁻1 for Kokate; 0, 29, and 58 kg TSP ha⁻1 for Hawassa; and 0, 35.5, and 71 kg TSP ha⁻1 for Alage, tailored to the specific conditions of each site. Additionally, the experiment incorporated three levels of organic inputs 0, 5 t biochar ha⁻1, and 5 t compost ha⁻1 as well as Rhizobium inoculation (HB-429) applied at 500 g ha⁻1. These treatments were designed to assess the combined effects of inorganic, organic and biofertilizers on soil health and crop performance. Results showed that the integrated application of inorganic, and organic fertilizers significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved soil pH, soil organic carbon, and available P compared with the sole fertilizer application plots. Similarly, the integrated use of inorganic, organic and biofertilizers increased nodule numbers, seed weight, grain yield, and biomass yield. We also found that 23 and 24 % higher grain yield were achieved with integrated applications of TSP fertilizer with compost on Hawassa and Alage sites than sole inorganic fertilizer application. On the other hand, the integrated application of TSP fertilizer with biochar increased by 18 % grain yield on Kokate over the sole application of inorganic fertilizer. The highest economic benefit of 69,460 and 63,250 ETB was obtained from the integrated application of TSP fertilizer with compost at Hawassa and Alage sites, respectively. The highest economic benefit for the Kokate site was 53,583 ETB at TSP fertilizer with biochar application. Overall, the study confirms that site-specific integrated soil fertility management appears to be a prerequisite for sustainable and profitable common bean production over sole fertilizer application in southern Ethiopia.

Tyrosylprotein Sulfotransferase Positively Regulates Symbiotic Nodulation and Root Growth.

Posttranslational tyrosine sulfation of peptides and proteins is catalysed by tyrosylprotein sulfotransferases (TPSTs). In Arabidopsis, tyrosine sulfation is essential for the activities of peptide hormones, such as phytosulfokine (PSK) and root meristem growth factor (RGF). Here, we identified a TPST-encoding gene, MtTPST, from model legume Medicago truncatula. MtTPST expression was detected in all organs, with the highest level in root nodules. A promoter:GUS assay revealed that MtTPST was highly expressed in the root apical meristem, nodule primordium and nodule apical meristem. The loss-of-function mutant mttpst exhibited a stunted phenotype with short roots and reduced nodule number and size. Application of both of the sulfated peptides PSK and RGF3 partially restored the defective root length of mttpst. The reduction in symbiotic nodulation in mttpst was partially recovered by treatment with sulfated PSK peptide. MtTPST-PSK module functions downstream of the Nod factor signalling to promote nodule initiation via regulating accumulation and/or signalling of cytokinin and auxin. Additionally, the small-nodule phenotype of mttpst, which resulted from decreased apical meristematic activity, was partially complemented by sulfated RGF3 treatment. Together, these results demonstrate that MtTPST, through its substrates PSK, RGF3 and other sulfated peptide(s), positively regulates nodule development and root growth.

New prognostic model for liver transplantation outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background. Liver transplantation remains a priority treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma in the presence of liver cirrhosis; yet precise outcome prediction post-operation continues to be a complex challenge. Existing prognostic model often overlook patient age and donor type. Enhanced models that incorporate these parameters can improve prediction accuracy and treatment efficacy, which is critically important in the dynamically evolving field of transplantation.Objective. The aim of this study is to develop a prognostic model for liver transplantation outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis.Material and methods. This retrospective study included 69 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma on the background of liver cirrhosis who underwent liver transplantation between May 2010 and December 2022. Of these, 42 patients (61%) received organs from living donors, and 27 (39%) from deceased donors. The study involved analysis of alpha-fetoprotein levels in blood, as well as assessment of radiological (maximum tumor nodule size, number of nodules) and histological parameters (maximum tumor nodule size, number of nodules, presence of vascular invasion). Cox regression model was used to predict recurrence-free survival, and the results for five-year recurrence-free survival, recipient age, and donor type were reused in the Cox model to predict overall survival.Results. Four models for predicting recurrence-free survival and overall survival based on histological and radiological data were developed, demonstrating high prognostic value with C-indexes on training/test data of 0.76/1; 0.73/1; 0.78/0.8; 0.6/0.8 respectively. All models showed recurrence-free survival prediction accuracy comparable to the Milan criteria. The model outcomes are available as a calculator on the website https://nadit.ru/calculate_HCC.Conclusion. The developed prognostic models are vital tools for personalized outcome prediction after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma. To enhance the accuracy of these models, further amalgamation and validation of data from various medical centers, as well as open scientific collaboration, are necessary.

Glycolipopeptide biosurfactant produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. ozaenae BK34: Virtue in germination and growth of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) HC-1 crop

Modern agriculture consumes many persistent and non-biodegradable agrochemicals enhancing production and economy for farmers. Besides, chemical surfactants are used as adjuvant to augment the action of agrochemicals. A toxicity concern of these agrochemicals and adjuvants on life forms and environment cannot be ignored. Microbiologically produced, eco-friendly, biodegradable surfactants could be suggested as an alternative, however, compatibility with plants and beneficial microflora needs to be ascertained before applying them into agriculture. The current study included evaluation of biosurfactant BS34 produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae BK34 towards germination and growth of chickpea [Cicer arietinum (L.)] seeds. The biosurfactant BS34 was characterized as surfactin like glycolipopeptide based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Liquid chromatography-Mass spectrometry characterization. The biosurfactant was found non-phytotoxic during in-vitro germination of chickpea seeds as evident from very high germination index of 187.74 as opposed to the almost negligible germination index of 0.04 shown by highly phytotoxic chemical surfactant. In comparison to control, the biosurfactant seed treatment [1%(w/v)] in an in-vivo study on chickpea increased the plant height by 18%, nodule number by 11.13%, nodule fresh weight by 12.66% shoot weight by 11.20% and root weight by 34.61%. Contrarily, seed treatment by 1% (w/v) sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) inhibited the germination and growth of chickpea seeds again documenting superiority of biosurfactants over their chemical counterparts. Improved seed germination, growth and yield attributes of chickpea crop in presence of non-phytotoxic glycolipopeptide biosurfactant produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. ozaenae BK34 suggests its potential as an alternative to chemical surfactants used in agriculture.

Rhizobial and passenger endophytes alleviates moisture stress in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea)

Moisture stress poses a significant threat to global agriculture, compromising crop yields and food security. In the quest for sustainable solutions, endophytic microorganisms have emerged as promising candidates for enhancing plant resilience to drought. The study's primary goal was to analyse the significance of bacterial endophytes, both rhizobial and passenger endophytes, in alleviating the effects of moisture stress. Here, PEG 6000 was used to test the drought endurance of the ten identified rhizobial and passenger endophytes. Rhizobium pusense S6R2, Enterobacter cloacae S23 and Bacillus tequilensis NBB13 were selected as best performing endophytes as they showed high tolerance of poly ethylene glycol (PEG) and maximum plant growth promoting traits like Indole Acetic Acid, exopolysaccharide production, biofilm formation, 1-aminocyclopropane1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity, siderophore, zinc and phosphorous solubilisation even in PEG induced moisture stress condition. Metabolite analysis revealed that twenty-four significant compounds mostly belong to fatty acyls, amino acids, peptides, polyketides, and benzenoids were found in the root exudates of groundnut treated with endophytes. The best-performing endophytes were used in a pot culture experiment, with groundnut as the test crop. The current study found that co-inoculation of Rhizobium pusense S6R2 and Enterobacter cloacae S23 significantly increased nodule number, growth, photosynthetic pigment, anti-oxidant enzymes, and osmolyte under moisture stressed conditions when compared to other treatments. As a result, co-inoculation of Rhizobium and entophytic bacteria may be recommended as a bio-inoculant for groundnut for moisture stress alleviation after confirming the results in field evaluation.

Characterization of Root Hair Curling and Nodule Development in Soybean-Rhizobia Symbiosis.

Soybean plants form symbiotic nitrogen-fixing nodules with specific rhizobia bacteria. The root hair is the initial infection site for the symbiotic process before the nodules. Since roots and nodules grow in soil and are hard to perceive, little knowledge is available on the process of soybean root hair deformation and nodule development over time. In this study, adaptive microrhizotrons were used to observe root hairs and to investigate detailed root hair deformation and nodule formation subjected to different rhizobia densities. The result showed that the root hair curling angle increased with the increase of rhizobia density. The largest curling angle reached 268° on the 8th day after inoculation. Root hairs were not always straight, even in the uninfected group with a relatively small angle (<45°). The nodule is an organ developed after root hair curling. It was inoculated from curling root hairs and swelled in the root axis on the 15th day after inoculation, with the color changing from light (15th day) to a little dark brown (35th day). There was an error between observing the diameter and the real diameter; thus, a diameter over 1 mm was converted to the real diameter according to the relationship between the perceived diameter and the real diameter. The diameter of the nodule reached 5 mm on the 45th day. Nodule number and curling number were strongly related to rhizobia density with a correlation coefficient of determination of 0.92 and 0.93, respectively. Thus, root hair curling development could be quantified, and nodule number could be estimated through derived formulation.

Effects of Native Rhizobia on Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Production and Soil Properties in Daloa, Center-West of Côte d’Ivoire

The field experiment study was conducted at the experimental station of Jean Lorougnon Guede University in Daloa to evaluate the potential effects of native rhizobia strains on soybean production and soils properties. The experiment was layout in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments include seven native strains, one exotic strain (Bradyrhizobium japonicum IRAT FA3), one synthetic fertilizer NPK 12-22-22 formulation and one negative control (no fertilizer, no inoculation). Agronomic parameters (plant height, plant dry biomass, nodule number plant-1, pod number plant-1, pod weight plant-1, seed yield ha-1) and soil parameters (pH, total nitrogen, orgnanic carbon, organic matter and available phosphorus) were measured. Results showed that all tested native rhizobia enhanced nodules number, plant growth and soybean yield as compared to negative control. Among these native rhizobia, RSC119 and RSC504 induced more nodules than the introduced strain B. japonicum IRAT FA3. RSC119, RSC309 and RSC508 produced more pods and seed yield than the introduced strain B. japonicum IRAT FA3 and the synthetic fertilizer NPK 12-22-22. RSC508 induced the highest pods number plant-1 (102 pods) and seed yield (4.2 t.ha-1). Moreover, these local bacteria had positive effects on soil properties following the soybean’s harvest. Among these bacteria, RSC119 enhanced mostly total nitrogen, organic matter and available phosphorus, then RSC508 significantly reduced soil acidity. This study therefore suggests that local rhizobia are effectiveness and could be use as inoculum to improve soybean productivity and soil properties restoration.

Current clinical practice of prurigo nodularis in Japan: A cross-sectional web-survey among dermatologists.

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with intense pruritic nodules. The unclear patho-etiological mechanisms of PN cause difficulty in disease management; and there is a paucity of information on the current diagnosis and treatment options for PN in Japan. To describe the current management from a dermatologists' perspective we conducted a web-based survey (UMIN Clinical Trial Registry UMIN000047643) in 2022 among dermatologists from a Japanese commercially available physician panel, who had seen at least one patient with PN within the last 3 months. The survey included 117 dermatologists. The dermatologists diagnosed PN mainly by confirming clinical signs and patient interviews, while to assess the severity of PN, the number of pruritic nodules and the degree of itching were primarily utilized. Topical corticosteroids and antihistamines were the most used drugs, as recommended in the current guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of prurigo. Dermatologists' treatment satisfaction decreased with increasing assumed severity of PN; almost 65% dermatologists were not satisfied with the treatment of severe PN. These results suggest the need of more effective medications and diagnostic tools for better management of PN in Japan.

Interactive Effects of Boron and Molybdenum on Nodulation, Growth and Yield of Cowpea under South Gujarat Condition

Background: Cowpea seeds are nutritious component of human diet and being a legume crop, it also improves the soil fertility by increasing the amount of nitrogen in the soil through symbiotic nitrogen fixation. To study the effect of boron and molybdenum on nodulation, growth and yield of cowpea the field experiment was conducted at the Regional Horticultural Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India, during summer season of 2019 and 2021. Methods: The experiment was carried out in a factorial randomized block design with 3 replications. Factor-1 consisted of four levels of seed treatments with molybdenum at 2 mg/l (M1), 4 mg/l (M2), 6 mg/l (M3) for 24 hours prior to sowing including control (M0), where as the second factor was consisted of four levels of boron (B) spray at 2 mg/l (B1), 4 mg/l (B2), 6 mg/l (B3) and control at 30 DAS, 45 DAS and 60 DAS with control. Boron was applied in the form of Boric acid and Molybdenum as ammonium molybdate. Result: The treatment combination of seed treatment of molybdenum @ 2 mg/ l with foliar spray of boron @ 4 mg/ l at 30, 45 and 60 DAS (M1B2) has significantly influenced yield parameters and registered maximum number of clusters per plant (6.50), green pod yield per plant (0.153 kg), green pod yield per net plot (3.98 kg), green pod yield per hectare (12.27 tonne). Seed treatment with different levels of molybdenum has significantly influenced nodulation in cowpea and recorded maximum number of nodules per plant (31.69 at final harvest) and fresh nodule weight (0.230 g/plant) in seed treatment of molybdenum @ 2 mg/ l (M2) among all the treatments at final harvest during all the years of study, including pooled analysis.

Rhizosphere flavonoids alleviates the inhibition of soybean nodulation caused by shading under maize-soybean strip intercropping

The flavonoids produced by legume roots are signal molecules that induce nod genes for symbiotic rhizobium. Nevertheless, the promoting effects of flavonoids in root exudates in intercropping system on soybean nodulation are still unknown. A two years of field experiments was carried with maize soybean strip intercropping, i.e., the interspecific row spacing of 30 cm (MS30), 45 cm (MS45), 60 cm (MS60), and sole soybean/maize:SS/MM, and root interaction, i.e., root no barrier (NB) and root polythene-plastic barrier (PB), to evaluate relationships between flavonoids in root exudates and nodulation. We found that root-root interaction between soybean and maize enhances the nodules number and fresh weight in intercropped soybean. This enhancement increase gradually with expansion of interspecific distance. Proportion of nodules with diameter greater than 0.4cm was higher in intercropped soybean with NB than with PB. The expressions of nodules-related genes (GmENOD40, GmNIN2b and GmEXPB2) were up-regulated. Furthermore, compared with monocropping, isoflavones secretion of soybean roots reduced, flavonoids and flavonols secretion of maize and soybean roots increased under intercropping. The secretion of differential metabolites of flavonoids in the rhizosphere of maize and soybean declined with root barrier. The expressions of GmCHS8 and GmIFS1 in soybean roots were up-regulated and GmICHG was down-regulated under root interaction. The most of the flavonoids and flavonol compounds were positively correlated with nodule diameter. The nodules number, the nodules fresh weight and the proportion of nodules with a diameter greater than 0.2 cm increased in different genotypes of soybean treated with maize root exudate, which promoted the improvement of nitrogen fixation capacity. Therefore, maize-soybean strip intercropping combined with reasonable spacing to enhance the positive effect of underground root interaction, and improve the nodulation and nitrogen fixation capacity of intercropping soybean.

Influence of Different Levels of Hydrogel on Root Nodulation in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

This study investigated the impact of varying levels of hydrogel on the root nodules of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) during Rabi seasons of 2019-20 and 2021-22 at the Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, (U.P). The experimental design was a randomized block design with four levels of hydrogel (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) and two levels of irrigation (one irrigation and two irrigation) and all treatments replicated thrice. Observations on the number of nodules per plant, active nodules, and inactive nodules were recorded at 30, 60, and 90 days after sowing (DAS) and at maturity and analysed using Fisher's ANOVA. The results indicated that hydrogel application significantly affected nodule formation at all growth stages across both years. The highest number of nodules, active nodules, and inactive nodules were recorded in treatment T10 (2 irrigations + 100% hydrogel), followed by T9 (2 irrigations + 75% hydrogel), in both years. The enhanced nodule formation with hydrogel application was attributed to improved water availability to the roots during periods of water scarcity, highlighting hydrogel's role in optimizing nitrogen availability and promoting chickpea growth, which is crucial for enhancing soil fertility.

Biomass Accumulation, Soil Fertility and Energy Use in Seed Crop Systems of Velvet Bean (Mucuna Pruriens L.)

ABSTRACT Seed crop production systems of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L.) were assessed in two field studies for ecosystem services. At flowering stage, long duration genotype Arka Shubra was significantly superior in biomass accumulation (14.61 t ha−1), while 100% recommended NPK + 15 t FYM ha−1 registered significantly higher biomass production (11.74 t ha−1). Biomass availability at harvest was higher in long duration genotypes (7.48–7.75 t ha−1) and the average biomass availability of 6.45 t ha−1 at harvest gives scope for including velvet bean as component crop in cropping systems/fallows. The average soil carbon stocks were estimated at 22.8 t ha−1 at the end of 2 yrs and 12.4 t ha−1 at the end of one crop season. Soil nutrient availability was optimum except for soil test P in pre-, standing and post crop growth periods. Highly significant relations (R 2 = 0.949) were observed between nodule number and available N at harvest. The N availability was more in long duration genotypes (209–215 kg N ha−1) over pre-experimental status. Nutrient addition improved the available N status by 40–185 kg ha−1 over pre-experimental status and control. The nutrient uptake was 4–10% higher in Arka Shubra over other long duration genotypes and 100–200% higher over medium/short duration genotypes at flowering. The recyclable biomass and uptake of NPK are more in long duration genotypes implying huge nutrient recycling potential of the system. Overall, seed crop systems of velvet bean are efficient in resource use and energy use (>2.5 EUE) and ideal components for sustainable land management.

Assessing the Role of Adalimumab in Treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Findings from a Retrospective Study at a Reference Center.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by inflammatory lesions, often leading to scarring. Managing HS can be difficult, requiring biological therapy, specifically adalimumab. A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with HS and treated with the TNF-α inhibitor adalimumab. Data from 21 patients were included in this study. International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4); Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI); pain intensity according to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); and number of nodules, abscesses, and fistulas were assessed. Notably, 47.62% of patients achieved Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response. The mean number of inflamed nodules decreased from 5.62 ± 4.12 to 3 ± 3.46, abscesses decreased from 1.76 ± 2.63 to 0.81 ± 1.4, and fistulas decreased from 2.62 ± 1.86 to 2 ± 1.9 (p < 0.05). The IHS4 score decreased from 19 ± 10.78 to 12.62 ± 11.13 (p = 0.001), DLQI from 15.76 ± 7.73 to 7.43 ± 7.76 (p < 0.001), and VAS from 6.69 ± 1.56 to 3.64 ± 2.65 (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the baseline IHS4 scores between patients who had prior surgery with a mean score of 23.86 ± 9.4 versus non-surgical patients with a mean IHS4 score of 9.29 ± 5.53 (p = 0.001). About half of HS patients responded positively to adalimumab treatment; the use of the drug reduces inflammatory lesions, and pain, and improves quality of life.

Bot fly parasitism in mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata): General patterns and climate influences.

Parasitism is a strong selective pressure, and its study is crucial for predicting the persistence of host species. Mantled howler monkeys are infected by the larvae of the bot fly Cuterebra baeri. This parasitosis produces myiasis and may have negative impacts on host health, although systematic information on the dynamics of this host-parasite relationship is very limited. Currently, all available information on infection patterns of C. baeri comes from a single mantled howler monkey population (Barro Colorado Island, Panama). Therefore, in this study we describe temporal variation in infection patterns for a newly mantled howler monkey population and analyze the relationship between climate and infection likelihood. We assessed the presence of C. baeri nodules in 17 adult individuals in Los Tuxtlas for 10 months through direct observation and compiled data on ambient temperature and rainfall. Most subjects had nodules during the study and there were no differences between sexes in the number of nodules. Nodules were usually located in the neck. Prevalence and abundance of nodules peaked thrice during the study (February, April, and September), a pattern that was very similar to that of parasitism intensity (February, April, and August). Incidence closely tracked these peaks, increasing before and decreasing after them. The likelihood of nodule appearance increased when both mean and minimum temperature decreased in the 24-21 prior days to nodule appearance. It also increased with decreased rainfall in the 5-2 prior days to nodule appearance. Although only three of the eight analyzed climate variables had a significant effect on parasitosis, these results suggest that climate may affect pupal development and the access of larvae to hosts. Besides contributing data on C. baeri parasitism for a new mantled howler monkey population, our study provides novel information on the influence of environmental factors on the dynamics of host-parasite systems.

Relative multi-beneficial effect of MOs on plant health of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. var. PG-186).

The phosphate solubilizing properties of Lysinibacillus macroides ST-30, Pseudomonas pelleroniana N-26, and Bacillus cereus ST-6 were tested for the chickpea crop of the Tarai region of Uttarakhand. These microbially inoculated plants have shown significant (p > 0.05) improvement in the plant health and crop health parameters, viz., root length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, nodule number, nodule fresh weight, nodule dry weight, chlorophyll content, and nitrate reductase. The highest shoot length (46.10 cm) and chlorophyll content (0.57 mg g-1 fresh weight) were observed in ST-30 at 75 DAS with 20 kg P2O5/ha. Similarly, for plant P content, an increase of 90.12% over control was recorded in the same treatment. Treatments consisting of Lysinibacillus macroides ST-30 along with 20 kg/ha P2O5 were found to be most suitable as phosphatic fertilizer. Conclusively, sustainable agriculture practices in the Tarai as well as the field region may be developed based on a strategy of exploring microbial inoculants from the pristine region of the Western Himalayas. The presence and abundance of bacterial inoculants were confirmed through qRT-PCT. We conclude that the effective plant growth-promoting bacterium Lysinibacillus macroides ST-30 broadens the spectrum of phosphate solubilizers available for field applications and might be used together with 20 Kg/ha P2O5.

Lower hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: Impact on treatment eligibility.

This study aimed to compare the determinants and impact of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance rates for people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) versus other chronic liver diseases. A dataset of HCC patients from a UK hospital (2007-2022) was analyzed. The Mann-Whitney U-test compared continuous variables. The χ2 and two-tailed Fisher exact tests compared categorical data. Regression modeling analyzed the impact of MASLD on the size and number of HCC nodules and curative treatment. The Cox proportional hazards model assessed the influence of MASLD on overall survival. A total of 176 of 687 (25.6%) HCC patients had MASLD. Fewer people with MASLD HCC were enrolled in HCC surveillance compared to non-MASLD HCC (38 [21.6%] vs 215 [42.1%], P<0.001). Patients with MASLD HCC were less likely to have been under secondary care (n=57 [32.4%] vs 259 [50.7%], P<0.001) and less likely to have cirrhosis (n=113 [64.2%] vs 417 [81.6%], P<0.001). MASLD was associated with a 12.3-mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.8-14.0mm) greater tumor diameter compared to people without MASLD (P=0.002). Patients with MASLD HCC had 0.62 reduced odds (95% CI 0.43-0.91) of receiving curative treatment compared to non-MASLD HCC (P=0.014). Overall survival was similar for patients with MASLD HCC versus non-MASLD HCC (hazard ratio 1.03, 95% CI 0.85-1.25, P=0.748). Patients with MASLD are less likely to have been enrolled in HCC surveillance due to undiagnosed cirrhosis or presenting with non-cirrhotic HCC. Patients with MASLD HCC present with larger tumors and are less likely to receive curative treatment.