The stationary wavelet transform as an efficient reductor of powerline interference for atrial bipolar electrograms in cardiac electrophysiology

[EN] Objective :The most relevant source of signal contamination in the cardiac electrophysiology (EP) laboratory is the ubiquitous powerline interference (PLI). To reduce this perturbation, algorithms including common fixed-bandwidth and adaptive-notch filters have been proposed. Although such methods have proven to add artificial fractionation to intra-atrial electrograms (EGMs), they are still frequently used. However, such morphological alteration can conceal the accurate interpretation of EGMs, specially to evaluate the mechanisms supporting atrial fibrillation (AF), which is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Given the clinical relevance of AF, a novel algorithm aimed at reducing PLI on highly contaminated bipolar EGMs and, simultaneously, preserving their morphology is proposed. Approach: The method is based on the wavelet shrinkage and has been validated through customized indices on a set of synthesized EGMs to accurately quantify the achieved level of PLI reduction and signal morphology alteration. Visual validation of the algorithm¿s performance has also been included for some real EGM excerpts. Main results: The method has outperformed common filtering-based and wavelet-based strategies in the analyzed scenario. Moreover, it possesses advantages such as insensitivity to amplitude and frequency variations in the PLI, and the capability of joint removal of several interferences. Significance: The use of this algorithm in routine cardiac EP studies may enable improved and truthful evaluation of AF mechanisms.Research supported by grants DPI2017-83952-C3 MINECO/AEI/FEDER, UE and SBPLY/17/180501/000411 from Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha.Martinez-Iniesta, M.; Ródenas, J.; Rieta, JJ.; Alcaraz, R. (2019). 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Analysis of soil texture using terrasar x-band sar

International audienceIn this paper, it is proposed to use TERRASAR-X data for analysis and estimation of soil surface texture. Our study is based on experimental campaigns carried out over a semi-arid area in North Africa. Simultaneously to TERRASAR-X radar acquisitions, ground measurements (texture, soil moisture and roughness) were made on different test fields. A strong correlation is observed between soil texture and a processed signal from two radar images, the first acquired just after a rain event and the second corresponding to dry soil conditions, acquired three weeks later. An empirical relationship is proposed for the retrieval from radar signals of clay content percent. Soil texture mapping is proposed over the study site, which includes bare soils and olive groves

In vitro efficacy of some plant aqueous extracts against two species of Lasiodiplodia associated to mango decline in Burkina Faso

Mango decline is a serious disease in production areas in Burkina Faso. The aim of this study was to contribute to the management of the disease through the use of plant aqueous extracts. Antifungal activities of Azadirachta indica, Calotropis procera, Gmelina arborea, Jatropha curcas, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and the synthetic fungicide (Mancozeb) were tested against Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae associated to mango decline in Burkina Faso. Three different concentrations of leaf extracts which 25%, 50%, 75% and 500 ppm of Mancozeb were tested for their antifungal activity in vitro. The results showed that leaf extracts have an inhibitor effect on the growth of the two Lasiodiplodia species. The aqueous extract of G. arborea was the most effective with average inhibition rates of L. theobromae of 42.62%, 73.84% and 74.23% respectively with the concentrations of 25 g/l, 50 g/l and 75 g/l. The aqueous extract of A. indica against L. pseudotheobromae showed maximum percentage inhibition with 50 g/l of 63.10% and with 75 g/l of 72.02%. Mancozeb completely inhibits the mycelial growth of both species of fungi. Ours findings showed that aqueous extracts from plants could be tried for the eco-friendly management of mango decline pathogens.Keywords: Antifungal, plants extract, Lasiodiplodia spp., mango decline, Burkina Faso

MYOD-1 in normal colonic mucosa : role as a putative biomarker?

Background DNA methylation of promoter-associated CpG islands of certain genes may play a role in the development of colorectal cancer. The MYOD-1 gene which is a muscle differentiation gene has been showed to be significantly methylated in colorectal cancer which, is an age related event. However the role of this gene in the colonic mucosa is not understood and whether methylation occurs in subjects without colon cancer. In this study, we have determined the frequency of methylation of the MYOD-1 gene in normal colonic mucosa and investigated to see if this is associated with established colorectal cancer risk factors primarily ageing. Results We analysed colonic mucosal biopsies in 218 normal individuals and demonstrated that in most individuals promoter hypermethylation was not quantified for MYOD-1. However, promoter hypermethylation increased significantly with age (p < 0.001 using regression analysis) and this was gender independent. We also showed that gene promoter methylation increased positively with an increase in waist to hip (WHR) ratio – the latter is also a known risk factor for colon cancer development. Conclusions Our study suggests that promoter gene hypermethylation of the MYOD-1 gene increases significantly with age in normal individuals and thus may offer potential as a putative biomarker for colorectal cancer

Gestion durable des terres agricoles dans la commune rurale de Sanankoroba, cercle de Kati

Summary The rural commune of Sanankororba located in the circle of Kati in Mali, is characterized by a very great diversity of natural ecosystems, which host resources such as soil, vegetation, water. These elements constitute the main wealth of the commune whose agricultural activities occupy the majority of the population and provide them with the essential of their means of existence. However, for several decades, there has been a continuous degradation of agricultural land mainly due to demographic pressure, harmful agricultural practices and climatic hazards. It is in this context that the present study has set the objective of analyzing the techniques of conservation of agricultural land used in the rural commune of Sanankoroba in order to contribute to their sustainable management. The methodological approach adopted focused on the documentary review and the analysis of quantitative and qualitative survey data. The data collected in February 2021 was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis using SPSS 20.00 and Excel 2016 software and discourse content analysis. The results of the study show an overexploitation of the land, which seriously threatens the soil resources of the commune. The agricultural land conservation techniques used by the peasants of the commune are erosion control measures (different kinds of stone barriers, grassy strips, earthen bunds), fallowing, the use of mineral fertilizers and organic manure. It appears that the sustainable management of agricultural land in the rural commune of Sanankororba requires the popularization of environmentally friendly agricultural techniques and inputs and better support for farmers.Résumé&nbsp; La commune rurale de Sanankororba située dans le cercle de Kati au Mali, est caractérisée par une très grande diversité d’écosystèmes naturels, qui hébergent des ressources telles que les sols, la végétation, les eaux. Ces éléments constituent la principale richesse de la commune dont les activités agricoles occupent la majeure partie de la population et lui fournissent l’essentiel de ses moyens d’existence. Cependant, depuis quelques décennies, on assiste à une dégradation continue des terres agricoles en raison surtout de la pression démographique, des partiques agricoles néfastes et des aléas climatiques. C’est dans ce contexte que la présente étude s’est fixée comme objectif d’analyser les techniques de conservation des terres agricoles utilisées dans la commune rurale de Sanankoroba en vue de contribuer à leur gestion durable. L’approche méthodologique adoptée a porté sur la revue documentaire et l’analyse des données d’enquêtes quantitatives et qualitatives. Les données collectées en février 2021 ont fait l’objet d’une analyse statistique descriptive à l’aide des logiciels SPSS 20.00 et Excel 2016 et d’une analyse de contenu des discours. Les résultats de l’étude montrent une surexploitation des terres, qui menace sérieusement les ressources pédologiques de la commune. Les techniques de conservation des terres agricoles adoptées par les paysans de la commune portent sur les mesures de lutte antiérosive (cordons pierreux, barrières en cailloux, bandes enherbées, diguettes en terre), la jachère, l’utilisation des engrais minéraux et de la fumure organique. Il resort que la gestion durable des terres agricoles dans la commune rurale de Sanankororba nécessite la vulgarisation des techniques et intrants agricoles respectueux de l’environnement et un meilleur accompagnement des exploitants

Gestion durable des terres agricoles dans la commune rurale de Sanankoroba, cercle de Kati

Summary The rural commune of Sanankororba located in the circle of Kati in Mali, is characterized by a very great diversity of natural ecosystems, which host resources such as soil, vegetation, water. These elements constitute the main wealth of the commune whose agricultural activities occupy the majority of the population and provide them with the essential of their means of existence. However, for several decades, there has been a continuous degradation of agricultural land mainly due to demographic pressure, harmful agricultural practices and climatic hazards. It is in this context that the present study has set the objective of analyzing the techniques of conservation of agricultural land used in the rural commune of Sanankoroba in order to contribute to their sustainable management. The methodological approach adopted focused on the documentary review and the analysis of quantitative and qualitative survey data. The data collected in February 2021 was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis using SPSS 20.00 and Excel 2016 software and discourse content analysis. The results of the study show an overexploitation of the land, which seriously threatens the soil resources of the commune. The agricultural land conservation techniques used by the peasants of the commune are erosion control measures (different kinds of stone barriers, grassy strips, earthen bunds), fallowing, the use of mineral fertilizers and organic manure. It appears that the sustainable management of agricultural land in the rural commune of Sanankororba requires the popularization of environmentally friendly agricultural techniques and inputs and better support for farmers.Résumé&nbsp; La commune rurale de Sanankororba située dans le cercle de Kati au Mali, est caractérisée par une très grande diversité d’écosystèmes naturels, qui hébergent des ressources telles que les sols, la végétation, les eaux. Ces éléments constituent la principale richesse de la commune dont les activités agricoles occupent la majeure partie de la population et lui fournissent l’essentiel de ses moyens d’existence. Cependant, depuis quelques décennies, on assiste à une dégradation continue des terres agricoles en raison surtout de la pression démographique, des partiques agricoles néfastes et des aléas climatiques. C’est dans ce contexte que la présente étude s’est fixée comme objectif d’analyser les techniques de conservation des terres agricoles utilisées dans la commune rurale de Sanankoroba en vue de contribuer à leur gestion durable. L’approche méthodologique adoptée a porté sur la revue documentaire et l’analyse des données d’enquêtes quantitatives et qualitatives. Les données collectées en février 2021 ont fait l’objet d’une analyse statistique descriptive à l’aide des logiciels SPSS 20.00 et Excel 2016 et d’une analyse de contenu des discours. Les résultats de l’étude montrent une surexploitation des terres, qui menace sérieusement les ressources pédologiques de la commune. Les techniques de conservation des terres agricoles adoptées par les paysans de la commune portent sur les mesures de lutte antiérosive (cordons pierreux, barrières en cailloux, bandes enherbées, diguettes en terre), la jachère, l’utilisation des engrais minéraux et de la fumure organique. Il resort que la gestion durable des terres agricoles dans la commune rurale de Sanankororba nécessite la vulgarisation des techniques et intrants agricoles respectueux de l’environnement et un meilleur accompagnement des exploitants

Non-Invasive Haemoglobin Estimation in Patients with Thalassaemia Major

Objectives: This study aimed to validate pulse CO-oximetry-based haemoglobin (Hb) estimation in children and adults with thalassaemia major (TM) and to determine the impact of different baseline variables on the accuracy of the estimation. Methods: This observational study was conducted over a five-week period from March to April 2012. A total of 108 patients with TM attending the daycare thalassaemia centre of a tertiary care hospital in Muscat, Oman, were enrolled. Spot (Sp) Hb measurements were estimated using a Pronto-7® pulse CO-oximetry device (Masimo Corp., Irvine, California, USA). These were compared to venous samples of Hb using the CELL-DYN Sapphire Hematology Analyzer (Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Park, Illinois, USA) to determine the reference (Ref) Hb levels. A multivariable linear regression model was used to assess the impact of baseline variables such as age, gender, weight, height, Ref Hb and blood pressure on the Hb estimations. Results: Of the 108 enrolled patients, there were 54 males and 54 females with a mean age of 21.6 years (standard deviation [SD] = 7.3 years; range: 2.5–38 years). The mean Ref Hb and Sp Hb were 9.4 g/dL (SD = 0.9 g/dL; range: 7.5–12.3 g/dL) and 11.1 g/dL (SD = 1.2 g/dL; range: 7.5–14.7 g/dL), respectively. The coefficient of determination (R2) was 21% with a mean difference of 1.7 g/dL (SD = 1.1 g/dL; range: −0.9–4.3 g/dL). In the multivariable model, the Ref Hb level (P = 0.001) was the only statistically significant predictor. Conclusion: The Pronto-7® pulse CO-oximetry device was found to overestimate Hb levels in patients with TM and therefore cannot be recommended. Further larger studies are needed to confirm these results

Use of quercetin in animal feed : effects on the P-gp expression and pharmacokinetics of orally administrated enrofloxacin in chicken

Modulation of P-glycoprotein (P-gp, encoded by Mdr1) by xenobiotics plays central role in pharmacokinetics of various drugs. Quercetin has a potential to modulate P-gp in rodents, however, its effects on P-gp modulation in chicken are still unclear. Herein, study reports role of quercetin in modulation of P-gp expression and subsequent effects on the pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin in broilers. Results show that P-gp expression was increased in a dose-dependent manner following exposure to quercetin in Caco-2 cells and tissues of chicken. Absorption rate constant and apparent permeability coefficient of rhodamine 123 were decreased, reflecting efflux function of P-gp in chicken intestine increased by quercetin. Quercetin altered pharmacokinetic of enrofloxacin by decreasing area under curve, peak concentration, and time to reach peak concentration and by increasing clearance rate. Molecular docking shows quercetin can form favorable interactions with binding pocket of chicken xenobiotic receptor (CXR). Results provide convincing evidence that quercetin induced P-gp expression in tissues by possible interaction with CXR, and consequently reducing bioavailability of orally administered enrofloxacin through restricting its intestinal absorption and liver/kidney clearance in broilers. The results can be further extended to guide reasonable use of quercetin to avoid drug-feed interaction occurred with co-administered enrofloxacin or other similar antimicrobials.Peer reviewedFinal Published versio

Epigenetics as a mechanism driving polygenic clinical drug resistance

Aberrant methylation of CpG islands located at or near gene promoters is associated with inactivation of gene expression during tumour development. It is increasingly recognised that such epimutations may occur at a much higher frequency than gene mutation and therefore have a greater impact on selection of subpopulations of cells during tumour progression or acquisition of resistance to anticancer drugs. Although laboratory-based models of acquired resistance to anticancer agents tend to focus on specific genes or biochemical pathways, such 'one gene : one outcome' models may be an oversimplification of acquired resistance to treatment of cancer patients. Instead, clinical drug resistance may be due to changes in expression of a large number of genes that have a cumulative impact on chemosensitivity. Aberrant CpG island methylation of multiple genes occurring in a nonrandom manner during tumour development and during the acquisition of drug resistance provides a mechanism whereby expression of multiple genes could be affected simultaneously resulting in polygenic clinical drug resistance. If simultaneous epigenetic regulation of multiple genes is indeed a major driving force behind acquired resistance of patients' tumour to anticancer agents, this has important implications for biomarker studies of clinical outcome following chemotherapy and for clinical approaches designed to circumvent or modulate drug resistance

Arthroscopic Treatment of Shoulder Stiffness With Rotator Cuff Repair Yields Similar Outcomes to Isolated Rotator Cuff Repair

Purpose To compare patient-reported and surgical outcome measures in patients with and without secondary shoulder stiffness (SSS) undergoing rotator cuff repair (RCR). Methods Patients undergoing rotator cuff repair from 2014 to 2020 with complete patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) by the short-form 12 survey (SF-12) were retrospectively reviewed to identify if operative intervention for SSS was performed alongside the RCR. Those patients with operative intervention for SSS were propensity matched to a group without prior intervention for stiffness by age, sex, laterality, body mass index, diabetes mellitus status, and the presence of a thyroid disorder. The groups were compared by rotator cuff tear (RCT) size, surgical outcomes, further surgical intervention, rotator cuff retear rate, postoperative range of motion (ROM), and SF-12 results at 1 year after surgery. Delta values were calculated for component scores of the SF-12 and ROM values by subtracting the preoperative result from the postoperative result. Results A total of 89 patients with SSS were compared to 156 patients in the control group at final analysis. The patients in the SSS group experienced a significant improvement in the delta mental health component score (MCS-12) of the SF-12 survey that was not seen in the control group (P = .005 to P = .539). Both groups experienced significant improvement by the delta physical health component score (PCS-12) of the SF-12 survey (SSS: 7.68; P \u3c .001; control: 6.95; P \u3c .001). The SSS group also experienced greater improvement of their forward flexion (25.8° vs 12.9°; P = .005) and external rotation (7.13° vs 1.65°; P = .031) ROM than the control group. Conclusions Operative intervention of SSS at the time of RCR has equivalent postoperative SF-12 survey outcome scores when compared to patients undergoing RCR without preoperative stiffness despite those patients having lower preoperative scores. Level of Evidence Level III retrospective comparative study