bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive and Motor Deficits Contribute to Longer Braking Time in Stroke
Authors: Lodha Neha , Patel Prakruti , Shad Joanna M , Casamento-Moran Agostina , Christou Evangelos A
Published: July 2020

Braking is a critical determinant of safe driving that depends on the integrity of cognitive and motor processes. Following stroke, both cognitive and motor capabilities are impaired to varying degrees. The current study examines the combined impact of cognitive and motor impairments on braking time in chronic stroke. METHODS: Twenty stroke survivors and 20 aged-matched healthy controls performed cognitive, motor, and simulator driving assessments. Cognitive abilities were assessed with processing speed, divided attention, and selective attention. Motor abilities were assessed with maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and motor accuracy of the paretic ankle. Driving performance was examined with the braking time in a driving simulator and self-reported driving behavior. RESULTS: Braking time was 16% longer in stroke group compared with the control group. The self-reported driving behavior in stroke group was correlated with braking time (r = -0.53, p = 0.02). The stroke group required significantly longer time for divided and selective attention task and showed significant decrease in motor accuracy. Together, selective attention time and motor accuracy contributed to braking time (R2 = 0.40, p = 0.01) in stroke survivors. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides novel evidence that decline in selective attention and motor accuracy together contribute to slowed braking in stroke survivors. Driving rehabilitation after stroke may benefit from the assessment and training of attentional and motor skills to improve braking during driving.
Improvement Of Surgical Complications Using Single-Lumen Endotracheal Tube Intubation And Artificial Carbon Dioxide Pneumothorax In Esophagectomy: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Chuang Kai-Hao , Lai Hsing-Hua , Chen Yu , Chen Li-Chun , Lu Hung-I , Chen Yen-Hao , Li Shau-Hsuan , Lo Chien Ming
Published: July 2020

Background: Esophageal cancer has a poor prognosis. Surgery is the main treatment but involves a high risk of complications. Some surgical strategies have tried to eliminate complications. Our meta-analysis tried to find the benefits of single-lumen endotracheal tube intubation with carbon dioxide (CO2) inflation. Methods: A systematic search of studies on esophagectomy and CO2 inflation was conducted using PubMed, Medline, and Scopus. The odds ratio of post-operative pulmonary complications and anastomosis leakage were the primary outcomes. The standardized mean difference (SMD) in post-operative hospitalization duration was the secondary outcome. Results: The meta-analysis included four case-control studies with a total of 1503 patients. The analysis showed a lower odds ratio of pulmonary complications in the single-lumen endotracheal tube intubation in the CO2 inflation group (odds ratio: 0.756 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.518 to 1.103]) compared to that in the double-lumen endotracheal tube intubation group, but anastomosis leakage did not improve (odds ratio: 1.056 [95% CI: 0.769 to 1.45])). The SMD in hospitalization duration did not show significant improvement. (SMD: -0.141[95% CI: -0.248 to -0.034]). Conclusions: Single-lumen endotracheal tube intubation with CO2 inflation improved pulmonary complications and shortened the hospitalization duration. However, no benefit in anastomosis leakage was observed.
Network Pharmacology Study Reveals the Mechanism of Astragali Radix in Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Tian Chongmei , Chen Jing-bai , Chen Xiang , Xia Dao-zong
Published: July 2020

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a unique complication of diabetes, could contribute to an increase in mortality. In this study, we predicted and proved the molecular pharmacological mechanism concerning the protective effects of Astragali Radix on DN.
Methods

The same potential target genes from Astragali Radix and DN were analyzed and constructed the protein interaction network. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment-related major targets and signal pathways were performed. The drug-ingredients-target-disease network was visually built using Cytoscape 3.6.1. The beneficial pharmacological activities of quercetin from Astragali Radix were confirmed by CCK-8 assay, determination of antioxidant parameters and Western blotting analysis.
Results

There are 12 bioactive components from Astragali Radix and 56 same targets between Astragali Radix and DN. The GO analysis results showed that the biological processes mainly included protein homodimerization activity. KEGG analysis indicate that the screened targets were most closely linked to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. The drug-ingredients-target-disease network results revealed that the therapeutic effects of Astragali Radix mainly included oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction and apoptosis. During the verification process, quercetin from Astragali Radix could attenuate cytotoxicity, enhance catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and suppress MAPK signaling pathway.
Conclusions

In the current study, network pharmacology with experimental analysis predicted and proved the therapeutic function of Astragali Radix by improving antioxidant capacity and suppressing MAPK signaling pathway, these investigations could provide a new perspective for further exploration of Astragali Radix on DN treatment.
Bardoxolone-Methyl (CDDO-Me) impairs tumor growth and radioresistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells via accumulation of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Hermann C , Lang Simon , Popp Tanja , Hafner Susanne , Steinritz Dirk , Rump Alexis , Port Matthias , Eder Stefan
Published: July 2020

Radiotherapy (RT) represents a common treatment strategy for patients suffering from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, application of RT is immanently limited by radio-sensitivity of normal tissue surrounding the tumor sites. In this study, we used normal human epithelial keratinocytes (NHEK) and OSCC cells (Cal-27) as models to investigate radio-modulating and anti-tumor effects of the synthetic triterpenoid 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9,-dien-28-oic acid methyl ester (CDDO-Me). Nanomolar CDDO-Me significantly enhanced antioxidative heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels in NHEK only and not in the OSCC cell line, as shown by immunoblotting. In the presence of CDDO-Me reactive oxygen species (ROS) were found to be reduced in NHEK when applying radiation doses of 8 Gy, whereas ROS levels in OSCC cells rose significantly even without radiation. In parallel, CDDO-Me was shown to enhance metabolic activity in malignant cells only as indicated by significant accumulation of reducing equivalents NADPH/NADH. Clonogenic survival was left unchanged by CDDO-Me treatment in NHEK but revealed to be abolished almost completely in OSCC cells. The latter effect was confirmed by a CDDO-Me induced significant reduction of OSCC tumor xenograft-growth in-ovo applying the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Our results strongly indicate anti-cancer and radio-sensitizing effects of CDDO-Me treatment in OSCC cells, whereas nanomolar CDDO-Me failed to provoke clear detrimental consequences in non-malignant keratinocytes. We conclude, that the observed differential aftermath of CDDO-Me treatment in malignant OSCC and non-malignant skin cells may be capitalized to broaden the therapeutic range of clinical RT.
MRI-guided Radiotherapy Identifies Early Pseudoprogression of Glioblastoma
Authors: Jones Kolton K , Dooley Sarah , Maziero Danilo , Ford John C , Stoyanova Radka , Goryawala Mohammed , Diwanji Tejan , Mellon Eric A
Published: July 2020

Background The standard glioblastoma treatment paradigm consists of surgery, pre-radiotherapy MRI, six weeks of chemoradiotherapy, followed by post-radiotherapy MRI and continued adjuvant temozolomide. In a significant proportion of patients, post-radiotherapy MRI demonstrates tumor enlargement due to either treatment failure (true progression) or treatment response (pseudoprogression). Recently introduced MRI-guided radiotherapy systems obtain daily MRI of glioblastoma patients, and we hypothesized that progression can be identified early during radiotherapy.Methods Fourteen glioblastoma patients underwent tri-Cobalt-60 MRI-guided radiotherapy in 30 fractions over 6 weeks delivered with concurrent temozolomide. The tumor target volume was delineated on MRI before each of the 30 fractions. The images obtained by the 0.35 T MRI-guided system is shown to be similar to T2-weighted images obtained by a clinical diagnostic MRI-scanner. Hyperintense volumes were measured over time through radiotherapy.Results Four of fourteen patients demonstrated increases of at least 25% and 1.5 cc in T2 hyperintense volume through radiation therapy. This volume expansion correlated with both T2/FLAIR and contrast-enhanced volume expansion on post-radiotherapy diagnostic MRIs. In three of four cases, significant volume growth only started at week three of treatment, with the most prominent changes occurring during weeks four and five. While patient numbers are limited, patients with growth during therapy exhibited excellent survival, consistent with the known improved survival of patients with pseudoprogression.Conclusions Daily MRI acquisition during radiotherapy identifies early pseudoprogression typically starting during week 3 or 4 of treatment. This and other daily MRI techniques during radiotherapy could enable early adaptation of therapy in glioblastoma patients.
Clinical and Radiomic Factors for Predicting Invasiveness in Pulmonary Ground-Glass Opacity.
Authors: Dang YT , Wang RT , Qian K , Lu J , Zhang Y
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To identify the invasiveness of pulmonary ground-glass opacity (GGO) by analysing clinical and radiomic features. Materials and methods: Patients with pulmonary GGOs between 2014 and 2019 were included. Clinical features were collected, and radiomic features were extracted from CT data by 3D Slicer software. Predictors of invasiveness of GGO were selected by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn for each prediction model. Results: A total of 195 GGOs were included in this study. Maximum_diameter, CTR and 2 radiomic features were significant predictors of invasive GGOs. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for prediction models of clinical and radiomic features were 0.84 and 0.809, respectively, and the AUC for the combined prediction model was 0.848. Finally, a nomogram was established for individualized invasiveness prediction. Conclusions: The combination of radiomic features with clinical features can enable differentiation between preinvasive and invasive GGOs. Maximum_diameter>1.3 cm, CTR>0.27 and a higher waveletLHLglcmIdmn were significant factors for predicting invasiveness.
Erythropoietin supports the growth and function of Sca-1+ stem cells and promotes myocardial infarction repair in mice
Authors: Zuo Lin , Li Duan-duan , Ma Xiu-Xia , Shi Shan-Hui , Lü Ding-Chao , Jing Shen , Zhang Wei-Fang , Gao Er-he , Cao Ji-min
Published: July 2020

Background：Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of death in the world-wide population. With the improvement of clinical therapy, the mortality in acute MI cases has been significantly reduced. This study was to demonstrate that erythropoietin (EPO) is an effective supporter for Sca-1+ stem cells (SCs) and can promote the repair of myocardial infarction (MI) partially via way of enhancing Sca-1+ SCs activities. Methods: Darbepoetin alpha (a long-acting EPO analog, EPOanlg) (30 mg/kg) was injected into the border zone of MI in adult mice. Infarct size, cardiac remodeling and performance, cardiomyocytes apoptosis and regenerations and microvessels density were measured. Lin− Sca-1+ SCs were isolated from neonatal and adult mice hearts and were respectively used to identify the colony forming ability and the supporting effect of EPO on these Sca-1+ SCs. Results: Compared to MI alone, EPOanlg reduced the infarct percentage and cardiomyocyte apoptosis ratio and LV chamber dilatation, improved cardiac performance, increased the regenerated cardiomyocyte ratio in the border zone and the numbers of coronary microvessels, while without obvious adverse effects in vivo. In vitro, EPO increased the proliferation, migration and clone formation of Lin- Sca-1+ SCs likely via the EPO receptor and Stat5-p38MAPK signaling. Conclusions: EPO promotes Sca-1+ SCs activities and MI repair. The study enlightens the prospects of Sca-1+ SC supporters in the treatment of MI.
New Immunotherapy Biomarker N-Cadherin Rescue Immunosuppress Caused by PD-L1/IDO-1 in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sun Yi , Guo Ju , Reiter Robert E , Xu Huan , Huang Jiao , Wei Qiang , Yang Lu
Published: July 2020

Background: N-cadherin is a major regulatory factor of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the association and coordination of EMT and neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) with immunosuppression have been reported in several tumor types. Therefore, we hypothesize that N-cadherin may play vital role in this process. Methods: We performed human tissue studies, cell-level explorations and in vivo experiments to determine the statuses of N-cadherin and immune checkpoint proteins (PD-L1 and IDO-1) to verify the co-expression of these biomarkers. Then, we used tumor-bearing mice to test the treatment effect of N-cadherin deletion. Moreover, the mechanism by which N-cadherin regulates PD-L1/IDO-1 expression was also assessed. Results: According to our data, N-cadherin expression is necessary for PD-L1 expression and dramatically increases the expression of IDO-1 through an IFN- response. On the contrary, IDO-1 and PD-L1 can prompt EMT. N-cadherin knockout completely reverses this process. The core mechanism underlying these phenomena is that N-cadherin causes JAK1 to be re-expressed in cells with genomic JAK1 loss via the active EMT/immunosuppression positive feedback loop. Conclusion: These data indicate that N-cadherin can regulate the EMT/immunosuppression positive feed loop. Preclinical research has shown that N-cadherin deletion promotes the development of antitumor responses by decreasing immunosuppression.
Circ_0001686 Promotes Prostate Cancer Progression by Up-Regulating SMAD3/TGFBR2 via miR-411-5p
Authors: Cai Qiliang , Pan Jiancheng , Liang Enli , Zhang Dingrong , Fang Cheng , Yang Zhizhao , Zhou Xiaodong , Quan Changyi , Xin Zhongcheng , Chen Yegang , Niu Yuanjie
Published: July 2020

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies in men. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are known to be the important regulators in cancer progression. However, the role of circRNAs in PCa is yet to be investigated. Therefore, this study focuses on investigating the effect and the underlying molecular mechanisms of hsa_circ_0001686 (circ_0001686) in PCa. Methods: Sample tissues were collected from the PCa patients to carry out the microarray expression profile of the human circRNAs. In addition, the expression levels of circ_0001686, has_miR-411-5p (miR-411-5p), SMAD3, and TGFBR2 were also detected by qRT-RCR. Next, transfection experiments were employed to measure the effect of circ_0001686 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in the PCa cell lines (CWR22RV1and LNCaP). These effects were analyzed using MTT, colony formation, transwell, and scratch wound assays, respectively. The si-circ_0001686 was used as a negative control. Starbase and TargetScan databases were used to predict the putative binding sites among circ_0001686, miR-411-5p, and SMAD3/TGFBR2. The dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to verify these interactions. Furthermore, the levels of SMAD3 and TGFBR2 in CWR22RV1 and LNCaP cells were measured by western blot. Finally, in vivo experiments in the nude mouse model were carried out to strengthen the in vitro findings. Results: The expression of circ_0001686 was markedly up-regulated while the expression of miR-411-5p was down-regulated in PCa cells. Moreover, circ_0001686 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Molecular mechanism exploration revealed that circ_0001686 acts as a sponge of miR-411-5p which affects the downstream target gene SMAD3, and TGFBR2. Both the in vitro and in vivo studies verified that miR-411-5p inhibits cancer growth and metastasis in PCa.Conclusions: The circ_0001686 sequesters miR-411-5p to increase the expression of SMAD3/TGFBR2 which consequently promotes the proliferation, invasion, and migration in PCa cells.
WITHDRAWN: A modified crystal violet assay is comparable to XTT reduction assay for quantification of biofilm formation by Candida albicans
Authors: Qu Yue , Yang Shoufeng , Chen Zhangzhang , Su Feifei
Published: July 2020

Background: The ability of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans to form biofilms, for example on indwelling medical devices, is a major pathogenic mechanism and has been the focus of intense studies in the fungal pathogenesis field. A key research tool used is the quantitative methods for measuring biofilm formation of C. albicans. Objective: We sought to optimize the conventional crystal violet (CV) staining assay for quantification of biofilm formation by C. albicans and evaluate its performance. Methods: Individual modifications included (i) submerge-washing of microplates to remove non-adherent cells, (ii) heat-fixation, (iii) short-term staining for 3 min, (iv) submerge-washing to remove unbound CV dye, and (v) short-term destaining for 15 min were compared with the standard procedure, and those were superior were incorporated. Performance analysis was carried out for the modified CV assay, in comparison to the conventional CV assay and the XTT [2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide] reduction assay. Results: The modified CV assay demonstrated several advantages in quantitative assessment of biofilm formation of C. albicans over the conventional CV assay, including greater accuracy and reproducibility, shorter experimental time and reduced labor intensity, and was at least comparable to the XTT reduction assay.Conclusion: The modified CV method can be used as an alternative to the XTT reduction assay in quantification of biofilm growth by C. albicans.
Age trajectories of disability in instrumental activities of daily living and disability-free life expectancy among middle-aged and older adults in Taiwan: an 11-year longitudinal study
Authors: Liao Wen-Ling , Chang Yu-Hung
Published: July 2020

Objectives
This study aims to identify the age trajectories of disability in instrumental activities of daily life (IADLs) over 11 years and their correlates, and to estimate disability-free life expectancy for identified trajectory groups in middle-aged and older adults.
Methods
We included 3,118 participants aged 50 and over without IADL limitations at baseline from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study in Aging, followed across 1996–2007. We used group-based trajectory models to identify age trajectories of IADL disability, and multiple logistic regressions to examine their correlates. Sullivan method was used to compute IADL disability-free life expectancy for trajectory groups at different ages.
Results
We identified two trajectories groups: 67.7% of participants classified as the late-onset group and 32.3% as the early-onset group. Female (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.93, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.54, 2.41), not being employed (aOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1,08, 1,56), poor/fair self-rated health (aOR: 1.31, 95% CI:1.09, 1.58), hypertension (aOR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.63), diabetes mellitus (aOR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.72, 3.07), arthritis (aOR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.81), stroke (aOR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.04, 4.70), and one-point increase in a 10-item depression scale (aOR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.06) were associated with early-onset of disability, whereas higher education (aOR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.81), regular physical activity (aOR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.93), and participating voluntary or club activities (aOR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.93) related to the late-onset. IADL disability-free life expectancies at 65 years old in the late-onset group were 15.6 years for women and 14.4 for men, respectively, comprising 56.6% and 64.2% of their remaining life, whereas those of the early-onset group were 4.8 and 4.6 years for women and men respectively, comprising 22.5% and 27.2% of remaining life.
Conclusions
Early-onset of IADLs disability may correlate to chronic conditions, and interventions to increase employment, physical activity and social participation are warranted to extend health expectancy.
Long Noncoding RNA ARHGAP5-AS1 Inhibits Migration of Breast Cancer Cell Via Stabilizes SMAD7 Protein
Authors: Wang Chen-Long , Li Jing-Chi , Zhou Ci-Xiang , Ma Cheng-Ning , Wang Di-Fei , Wo Lu-Lu , He Ming , Chen Guo-Qiang , He Jian-Rong , Zhao Qian
Published: July 2020

Background: Tumor metastasis is the main cause of death from breast cancer patients and cell migration plays a critical role in metastasis. Recent studies have shown long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an essential role in the initiation and progression of cancer. In the present study, the role of a LncRNA, ARHGAP5-AS1 in breast cancer was investigated. Methods: Bioinformation was analyzed for the expression of ARHGAP5-AS1. qRT-PCR was conducted to verify the expression of ARHGAP5-AS1 in breast cancer specimens. Transwell migration assays and F-actin staining were utilized to estimate cell migration ability. RNA pulldown assays and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to prove the interaction between ARHGAP5-AS1 and SMAD7. Western blot and immunofluorescence imaging were used to examine the protein levels. Dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to evaluate the activation of TGF-β signaling.Results: Compared to MDA-MB-231 cells, the expression of LncRNA ARHGAP5-AS1(NR_027263) was significantly suppressed in its highly metastatic subtype MDA-MB-231-LM2 cells. Functional study showed ARHGAP5-AS1 could inhibit cell migration via suppression of stress fibers in breast cancer cell lines. Afterwards, SMAD7 was further identified to interact with ARHGAP5-AS1 by its PY motif and thus its ubiquitination and degradation was blocked due to reduced interaction with E3 ligase SMURF1 and SMURF2. Moreover, ARHGAP5-AS1 could inhibit TGF-β signaling pathway due to its inhibitory role on SMAD7. Conclusions: Overall, these findings demonstrate that ARHGAP5-AS1 inhibits breast cancer cell migration and could server as a novel biomarker for breast cancer metastasis and a potent target for the treatment in the future.
Age- and sex-transcriptome analysis provide evidences for the sex biases in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and other respiratory infectious diseases
Authors: Gershoni Moran
Published: July 2020

Age and sex were shown to affect the prevalence and the manifestation of many respiratory infectious diseases. These can be attributed to age and sex related alterations in the immune system and in the lung functions. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, epidemiological studies consistently report that age and sex are major risk factors in both morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19. Thus, understanding age and sex dependent gene expression in the lung and in the immune system can provide mechanical evidences with respects to sex related higher risk of elderly to develop severe complications in respiratory infectious diseases. In this context, sex- and age- transcriptome analysis from hundreds of lung and blood samples, revealed significant downregulation of the lung surfactant and blood innate immune genes, that occur predominantly in elderly men. Depletion in lung surfactant leads to enhanced injury of alveolar epithelium and fibrotic destruction, and recruitment of the innate immune system is essential to control infection of new pathogens like SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, surfactant proteins, which protect the lung from infection, are co-produced with the SARS-CoV-2 host receptor- ACE2, by the AT2 cells. Thus, infection by SARS-CoV-2 is expected to lead to decline in AT2 cells and a loss of surfactant proteins, especially in elderly men.
Identification and Diversity of Bacterial Communities Associated with the Venom Glands of the Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Yang Fan , Yu Jinyong , Chen Siqi , Ning Dongdong , Hassan Babar , Xu Yijuan
Published: July 2020

Background Ant-microbe interactions that naturally occur in the venom microenvironment remain mostly unknown. To best of our knowledge, no research exists that shows the identity and diversity of bacterial communities in the fires ants, and what adaptive advantages that venom-associated microbes might offer to their hosts or that hosts might provide to venom-associated bacteria. This study assessed the diversity and identity of bacteria associated with the venom glands of Solenopsis invicta and compared this community with the bacterial communities of two other stinging ants, Solenopsis geminata and Diacamma rugosum. Results The major phylum associated with the venom glands of S. invicta (workers, alates, and queens) and S. geminata (workers) was Proteobacteria, while Firmicutes were abundant in the venom glands of D. rugosum (workers). Tenericutes were also more abundant in the venom glands of S. invicta queens than in those of workers and alates. The relative abundance of Spiroplasma in S. geminata was significantly higher than those in D. rugosum and S. invicta. A microbial diversity analysis of venom glands of worker ants of Solenopsis species showed that the relative abundances of Bacillus and Lactococcus were higher in Guangxi S. invicta workers than in workers collected from Guangzhou. However, the abundance of Lactococcus in workers of D. rugosum was higher than those in workers of S. geminata from Guangxi and S. invicta collected from Guangzhou. Conclusions This study provides the first insight into the microbiota in the venom glands of S. invicta, S. geminata, and D. rugosum, which might contribute to a more comprehensive view of the role of bacteria in the synthesis or degradation of active venom components in the host. We hypothesized that the differences in bacterial communities of three ant species could be due to the local adaptation of insects along with the coevolution of bacteria and hosts.
The impact of listing on banks’ performance: case study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsharif Mohammad
Published: July 2020

Using quarterly data from 2010 to 2019, this paper investigates the impact of listing status on the performance of the National Commercial Bank (NCB), the largest commercial bank in Saudi Arabia, by applying a combination of financial ratios analysis and efficient frontier analysis with a mix of parametric and non-parametric tests. The overall results show that although the NCB performance is superior compared to their counterparts, this superiority has deteriorated after the bank was listed in 2014. This result was captured by the deterioration in the efficiency measures of NCB, indicating the significance of using the efficient frontier analysis as an additional monitoring tool by the Saudi regulators. The financial ratios analysis also shows that even though the NCB profitability has increased, there is an increase in the bank’s overall risk after being listed. Therefore, Saudi regulators should closely monitor their listed banks as these banks are directed toward high-risk assets.
Prenatal diagnosis of spinal amyotrophy
Authors: E.À. Vinokurova, E.E. Sergovantceva
Published: July 2020

The first regional case of pregnancy management in a patient with a child with spinal muscular atrophy
is presented. In the present pregnancy for the purpose of prenatal diagnosis of spinal amyotrophy at 12 weeks
transabdominal aspiration of chorion villi was performed, followed by molecular genetic research, which
revealed the deletion of exons 7–8 of the SMN 1 gene (survival motor neuron) in the homozygous state. Due to
the unfavorable prognosis abortion was performed for medical reasons. Thus, to reduce the risk of having a child
with spinal muscular atrophy in families with identified mutations in the SMN 1 gene, prenatal DNA diagnosis
of this hereditary pathology is recommended.
A CULTURA ORGANIZACIONAL E SUA INFLUÊNCIA NO DESEMPENHO E MOTIVAÇÃO NO TRABALHO DO SERVIDOR PÚBLICO: ESTUDO DE CASO NA PREFEITURA DE COLOMBO - PR
Authors: Souza Iziel Martins , Bachtold Ciro
Published: July 2020

Resumo: Com o desenvolvimento tecnológico, e pelas características que lhe são próprias, o setor público sofre constantes mudanças nas rotinas e equipes de trabalho. Como consequência, os servidores se defrontam com novas atividades influenciadas pelas alterações na Cultura Organizacional. No setor público, além da política interna, a cultura local existente também influencia na satisfação de servidores e usuários. Por meio de pesquisa exploratória, utilizando a revisão de bibliografia e pesquisa de campo com aplicação de questionário, este artigo tem o objetivo de identificar possíveis influências da Cultura Organizacional no desempenho e motivação no trabalho, em especial considerando características próprias do serviço público. A fundamentação teórica contempla o clima organizacional, a missão, a visão do órgão público e as constantes mudanças em virtude da rotatividade decorrente do sistema eleitoral nos cargos de gestão e na composição dos quadros efetivos e transitórios. De acordo com os autores pesquisados, é possível ampliar a compreensão sobre a influência da Cultura Organizacional nas organizações e seus reflexos na motivação e desenvolvimento das atividades da equipe de trabalho. Ao analisar a cultura organizacional e seus reflexos sobre servidores e usuários, a gestão da instituição pode avaliar a implantação de novas culturas e seus possíveis reflexos, de forma a minimizar custos e desgastes, evitando erros, retrabalho e insatisfação no ambiente de trabalho. De acordo com a maioria dos respondentes, quando há mudança de gestão há uma rotatividade com descontinuidade de equipes e procedimentos, influenciando a satisfação da equipe. Os entrevistados acreditam que a maior parte dos novos gestores tem conhecimento baixo ou parcial do trabalho realizado no setor e não contribui para novas soluções. A pesquisa concluiu que o clima organizacional dependerá da interação do novo gestor com a equipe de trabalho, e que os servidores estão abertos às mudanças, avaliando como benéfica a troca periódica de gestor.Palavras-chave: Clima organizacional. Desempenho no Serviço Público. Motivação. Influência do Servidor Público.
Desain Praktek Pengalaman Lapangan Berbasis KKNI Jurusan Bimbingan dan Penyuluhan Islam Fakultas Dakwah dan Komunikasi UIN Walisongo Semarang
Authors: Umriana Anila
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This article is a result of research with the Developmental Research Approach with the aim to produce the Design of PPL based on KKNI of BPI FDK Department of UIN Walisongo Semarang. The research is devided into two steps, they are pre-development and development. Pre-development consist of the purpose formulating and begining study through need assessment. The development step is conducted by formulating PPL design based on need assessment result. The research restriction is producing prototype product as PPL design with the base of KKNI. The design has two products which has its excellence each. The description of design consists of; definition, purpose, target, time allocation and standard/ criterion. The result of the research is supposed to be the material and suggestion to BPI department in conducting PPL program.

Keywords: PPL design, KKNI, BPI

Abstrak
Artikel ini merupakan hasil penelitian dengan pendekatan Developmental Research dengan model Borg and Gall yang bertujuan menghasilkan desain Praktik Pengalaman Lapangan (PPL) berbasis KKNI pada Jurusan BPI FDK UIN Walisongo Semarang. Hal ini penting dilakukan mengingat adanya perubahan kurikulum 2010 yang berbasis KTSP menjadi kurikulum 2015 yang berbasis KKNI. Tahapan penelitian terbagi menjadi dua, yaitu pra pengembangan dan pengembangan. Tahap pra pengembangan meliputi perumusan tujuan dan studi pendahuluan melalui need assesment. Tahap pengembangan dilakukan dengan merancang desain PPL berdasarkan hasil need assesment. Pembatasan penelitian ini hanya sampai menghasilkan prototipe produk berupa Desain PPL berbasis KKNI. Desain yang dihasilkan ada dua bentuk, yang memiliki keunggulan masing-masing. Deskripsi desain meliputi; Definisi, Tujuan, Target, Alokasi Waktu, dan Standar/Kriteria. Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan sebagai bahan dan masukan bagi Jurusan BPI dalam pelaksanaan program PPL.

Kata kunci: Desain PPL, KKNI, Jurusan BPI

 

 
Hydrogeochemical assessment of spring water resources around Melamchi, Central Nepal
Authors: Khadka Karishma , Rijal Moti Lal
Published: July 2020

Groundwater in the hills and mountains is manifested as springs, the major water sources for people in Nepal's mountainous regions. The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal variations of in-situ groundwater physicochemical parameters, evaluate groundwater hydrochemistry with respect to water types, and identify groundwater chemistry control mechanisms by analyzing spring water. The area's geology is dominated by schist and gneiss. Depression and fracture springs occur widely. The study involved observation of seasonal variations in in-situ physicochemical parameters, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), and temperature, and major ion concentrations – Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3−, Cl−, SO42− – to describe the water's chemical characteristics. The seasonal variations in physicochemical parameters arose mainly from monsoonal precipitation and its interactions with host rocks. Chemical analysis showed that Ca-HCO3 type water dominated, indicating shallow aquifer groundwater processes. The relative abundance of cations was, in order, Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ and of anions HCO3− > Cl− > SO42−. Lithological contributions from the interactions of rocks with water across spring flow networks were the major mechanisms controlling spring water chemistry.
A contact angle study of different greywater sources with hydrophobic membranes
Authors: Ramezanianpour Mohammad , Sivakumar Muttucumaru , Osborn Natalie , Zhang Ying , Kawa Hakim
Published: July 2020

The wetting phenomenon is a major problem in the membrane distillation (MD) process, and it is the main reason that limits MD being used in wastewater reclamation. Active surfactant in the detergents reduces the contact angle between the liquid and the hydrophobic membrane surface, which could result in wetting. Extensive laboratory research was conducted using commercial hydrophobic flat-sheet membranes to identify the impact of anionic surfactants and surface tension forces on these membranes. The aim of this paper is to find a suitable membrane for pure water production from greywater using MD, as well as to provide a relationship between surfactant concentration and the contact angle for different types of membrane. The absorbance of each sample was measured by a spectrophotometer prior to the contact angle test on four different types of hydrophobic membranes. It was concluded that the polypropylene membrane would be unsuitable for the treatment of greywater directly due to the loss of surface tension forces upon the addition of an anionic surfactant. However, the polytetrafluoroethylene membrane could be effective in this process while the concentration of surfactant in the feed source is kept constant. The results from the experimental tests proposed a relationship between the contact angle of a water droplet on the surface of a flat-sheet membrane and the concentration of surfactant in the solution.
Prawo do życia w zdrowym i bezpiecznym środowisku naturalnym
Authors: Krajewski Piotr
Published: July 2020

The environment determines the existence of a man who nowadays is considered to be the main, sometimes the only protagonist of transformations. Man tied its existence with nature, depends upon it, but at the same time conditioned its existence from his good or ill will. He possess the tools and knowledge about the possibilities of its transformation and even annihilation. That is why he occupies a unique position in the universe. Efforts to protect the living environment must be multidirectional and coordinated. It is possible that in future modern biotechnology will be the solution for balanced development, which provides the possibility to exercise control over the economy and scientific research. Decision-making in this area involves the responsibility of international institutions, governments and citizens. Ergo, it is important that the development and use of modern technology, knowledge and skills, are performed in conditions which ensure maximum safety and without any rebounds to humans and their living environment.
Prawnomiędzynarodowa ochrona lasów – wybrane aspekty
Authors: Kosieradzka-Federczyk Agata
Published: July 2020

Problematyka dotycząca ochrony lasów w prawie międzynarodowym jest rozproszona w kilku regulacjach dotyczących różnych aspektów ochrony środowiska. Istniejący stan pokazuje, że akty te wprowadzają przede wszystkim instrumenty ochrony zasadniczego celu konwencji, natomiast ochrona lasów jest traktowana akcesoryjnie. Dotyczy to zarówno konwencji o różnorodności biologicznej, jak również ramowej konwencji narodów zjednoczonych w sprawie zmian klimatu. W tej sytuacji, chociaż ochrona lasów stanowi zagadnienie należące do problemów globalnych, nie znajduje ono prawnomiędzynarodowej ochrony, która gwarantowałaby zrównoważone użytkowanie kompleksów leśnych, a przez to bezpieczne realizowanie funkcji pełnionych przez las.
„Zielone pisanie”, „zielone czytanie”. Humanistyka ekologiczna jako projekt badań literaturoznawczych
Authors: Tomaszewska Wiesława
Published: July 2020

Artykuł omawia jedną z nowych metodologii w badaniach literaturoznawczych, ktorą jest humanistyka ekologiczna. Odwołując się do tekstow teoretycznych, autorka polemicznie analizuje ich głowne idee. W tym duchu komentuje interpretację dzieł literackich, prowadzonych zgodnie z metodologią proponowaną przez humanistykę ekologiczną, skupiając się na szkicu o powieści Antoniego Sygietyńskiego Na skałach Calvados (1884). Wskazuje na „zielone pisanie” jako na stałą praktykę tworcow dzieł literackich, stawiając tezę, że literaturze można przypisać rownież cechę prekursorstwa w dziedzinie ekologii.
Podmiotowość lasu
Authors: Najder-Stefaniak Krystyna
Published: July 2020

Autorka znajduje uzasadnienie dla „praw lasu” w podmiotowym istnieniu ekosystemów. Pojęcie życia pomaga jej zrozumieć, na czym polega podmiotowość ekosystemów. Zauważa, że specyfiką życia jest twórcze trwanie, które łączy trzy wymiary czasu: przeszłość, teraźniejszość i przyszłość. Myślenie o zależnościach w schemacie relacji ekosystemowej pomaga zrozumieć, jak możliwe jest takie twórcze trwanie. Autorka korzysta z pojęcia podmiotu odpowiedzialności, które znajduje u Romana Ingardena w pracy O odpowiedzialności i jej podstawach ontycznych. Bycie podmiotem odpowiedzialności uzasadnia posiadanie praw, które pozwalają przyczyniać się do realizowania prawdy, dobra i piękna. Dzięki aktywności ekosystemu, jakim jest las, mogą być realizowane te trzy wartości uniwersalne.
Koncepcja percepcji środowiska w ujęciu Tima Ingolda
Authors: Koczwara Hanna , Wróblewski Zbigniew
Published: July 2020

Głównym celem artykułu jest rekonstrukcja koncepcji percepcji środowiska w ujęciu Tima Ingolda, szkockiego antropologa kulturowego. W pierwszej części artykułu przedstawiono historyczny i teoretyczny kontekst ujęcia percepcji środowiska oraz dokonano rekonstrukcji podstawowych założeń teoretycznych antropologii środowiska w ujęciu T. Ingolda. Najważniejszymi elementami tego kontekstu są m.in.: ekologiczna koncepcja percepcji J. Gibsona, koncepcja Umweltu Jakoba Johanna von Uexkülla, idee przekształcania i zamieszkiwania środowiska wg. Heideggera, koncepcje ucieleśnionego poznania i umysłu rozszerzonego. Rekonstrukcja koncepcji percepcji środowiska jest skoncentrowana na eksplikacji trzech głównych idei: życie w ruchu, zamieszkanie oraz kształtowanie umiejętności. W części drugiej artykułu przedstawiono aplikację koncepcji percepcji środowiska do studium przypadku: percepcja lasu i ekologiczne podejście do materiału.
Znaczenie przyrody w turystyce
Authors: Latawiec Michał
Published: July 2020

Najczęstszym powodem uprawiania turystyki jest potrzeba kontaktu z przyrodą. Dzieje się tak szczególnie w czasach współczesnych. Naturalna, dzika przyroda jest wypierana przez rozwój gospodarczy i przemysłowy. Rozwój turystyki przyciąga człowieka do przyrody, ale jednocześnie jest przyczyną wzrastającego dla niej zagrożenia. Okazuje się, że między przyrodą i turystyką zachodzi silna relacja wzajemnego oddziaływania. Aby podkreślić relacje zachodzące między przyrodą i turystyką, na początku zostanie opisana przyroda jako cel aktywności turystycznych. Następnie ukazane zostaną oddziaływania turysty na przyrodę, a w końcu podjęta zostanie analiza postrzegania przyrody przez człowieka. Taki układ artykułu umożliwi uwrażliwienie na problemy i dylematy wynikające z rozwoju turystyki i jej wpływu na przyrodę.
O relacji człowiek-przestrzeń-natura-sztuka, czyli pedagogika przeżyć i arteterapia jako źródło inspiracji dla zrównoważonego rozwoju
Authors: Godawa Joanna
Published: July 2020

Celem artykułu jest ukazanie relacji człowieka z przyrodą, które są kluczowe dla powstania i rozwoju pedagogiki przeżyć oraz pedagogiki ekologicznej. Kształtowanie edukacji ekologicznej dla zrównoważonego rozwoju jest jednym ze współczesnych wyzwań polskiej edukacji. Autorka artykułu ukazuje również arteterapię jako dziedzinę mającą wiele związków z przyrodą i środowiskiem naturalnym, będącą niejako swoistą nicią porozumienia łączącą współczesnego człowieka ze światem natury.
Pathophysiological Effects of Sulfur Mustard on Skin and its Current Treatments: Possible Application of Phytochemicals
Authors: Hassanpour Mehdi , Hajihassani Fateme , Abdollahpourasl Mina , Cheraghi Omid , Aghamohamadzade Nasser , Rahbargazi Reza , Nouri Mohammad , Pilehvar-Soltanahmadi Younes , Zarghami Nosratollah , Akbarzadeh Abolfazl , Panahi Yunes , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: July 2020

Background:

Sulfur-(SM) and nitrogen (NM)-based mustards are the mutagenic incapacitating compounds which are widely used in vesicating the chemical warfare and cause toxicity in many organs, especially skin. SM, as a potent vesicating agent, contributes to the destruction of skin in dermis and epidermis layers. The progression of the lesion depends on the concentration of SM and the duration of exposure. Body responses start with pruritus, erythema, edema and xerosis, which lead to the accumulation of immune cells in the target sites and recruitment of mast cells and paracrine-mediated activity. Pro-inflammatory effectors are accumulated in the epidermis, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands resulting in the destruction of the basement membrane beneath the epidermis. There is still no satisfactory countermeasure against SM-induced lesions in clinical therapy, and the symptomatic or supportive treatments are routine management approaches.

Objective:

The current review highlights the recent progression of herbal medicines application in SM-induced injuries through the illustrative examples and also demonstrates their efficacies, properties and mechanism of actions as therapeutic agents.

Conclusion:

Phytochemicals and herbal extracts with anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have been recently shown to hold therapeutic promise against the SM-induced cutaneous complications. The present review discusses the possible application of herbal medicines in the healing of SM-induced injuries.
Discrepant mRNA and Protein Expression in Immune Cells
Authors: Li Jiawei , Zhang Yi , Yang Cheng , Rong Ruiming
Published: July 2020

With the development of single-cell mRNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), researchers have attempted
to identify new methods for performing in-depth studies of immune cells. However, the discrepancies
between the mRNA levels and the levels of surface proteins have confused many researchers.
Here, we report a significant and interesting phenomenon in which the mRNA and protein expression
levels were mismatched in immune cells. We concluded that scRNA-seq should be combined
with other sequencing methods in single-cell studies (e.g., CITE-seq). The simultaneous assessment of
both mRNA and protein expression will enhance the precision and credibility of the results.
Do Drugs Work for ΟΑΒ Following Prostate Cancer Surgery
Authors: Sakalis Vasileios , Gkotsi Anastasia
Published: July 2020

:

There is evidence that post-radical prostatectomy (post-RP) incontinence is not just the insufficiency
of the external urethral sphincter mechanism. Up to a third of men with post-RP incontinence
suffer from bladder dysfunction, namely overactive bladder (OAB). OAB is a complex symptom
syndrome with poorly defined pathophysiology. It causes a significant burden to patients, negatively
affects the quality of their life and its management might be difficult and challenging.

:

The incidence of post-RP OAB ranges from 15.2 to 37.8%. The aetiology is multifactorial and includes
the partial decentralization of the bladder, the detrusor underactivity, the bladder outlet obstruction
and the co-existence with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Post-RP SUI may lead to defunctionalized
bladder and activation of urethrovesical reflex which further deteriorate post-RP continence.
The diagnostic work-up of men with post-RP OAB should aim to identify potential aetiologic factors
and personalize the treatment accordingly.

:

Until now, there is no robust data from literature with regards to post-RP OAB management. It seems
that anticholinergics and PDE5 inhibitors are effective in improving OAB parameters.
Current Strategies and Novel Drug Approaches for Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Ghai Roma , Nagarajan Kandasamy , Arora Meenakshi , Grover Parul , Ali Nazakat , Kapoor Garima
Published: July 2020

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a chronic, devastating dysfunction of neurons in the brain
leading to dementia. It mainly arises due to neuronal injury in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus area
of the brain and is clinically manifested as a progressive mental failure, disordered cognitive functions,
personality changes, reduced verbal fluency and impairment of speech. The pathology behind
AD is the formation of intraneuronal fibrillary tangles, deposition of amyloid plaque and decline in
choline acetyltransferase and loss of cholinergic neurons. Tragically, the disease cannot be cured, but
its progression can be halted. Various cholinesterase inhibitors available in the market like Tacrine,
Donepezil, Galantamine, Rivastigmine, etc. are being used to manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s
disease. The paper’s objective is to throw light not only on the cellular/genetic basis of the disease, but
also on the current trends and various strategies of treatment including the use of phytopharmaceuticals
and nutraceuticals. Enormous literature survey was conducted and published articles of PubMed,
Scifinder, Google Scholar, Clinical Trials.org and Alzheimer Association reports were studied intensively
to consolidate the information on the strategies available to combat Alzheimer’s disease. Currently,
several strategies are being investigated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Immunotherapies
targeting amyloid-beta plaques, tau protein and neural pathways are undergoing clinical trials.
Moreover, antisense oligonucleotide methodologies are being approached as therapies for its management.
Phytopharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals are also gaining attention in overcoming the symptoms
related to AD. The present review article concludes that novel and traditional therapies simultaneously
promise future hope for AD treatment.