bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two Novel Thermotolerant Methane Oxidizers from a Tropical Natural Gas Field in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Tajul , Hossain Maqsud , Tabassum Naushin , Haque Mahir Amer , Reza Hasan Mahmud , Øvreås Lise
Published: February 2022

Aerobic thermotolerant methane oxidizers utilize methane as a sole carbon and energy source, and predominantly they are associated with the phylum Proteobacteria. Here we present two further new strains (HGS-45: coccusshaped and HGF-47: rod-shaped and vibrioid) of thermotolerant obligate proteobacterial methanotrophic bacteria, which were isolated from an abandoned tropical natural gas field wet soil sample in the northeast of Bangladesh. Strains are Gram-negative, nonmotile, and capable of growth on methane and methanol as their energy sources. Isolates are thermotolerant and could grow up to 52oC, optimally at 42oC, but show no growth at 55 or 15oC. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses and phylogenetically, HGS-45 is most closely related to the obligate Type Ib methanotroph Methylococcus capsulatus of the family Methylococcaceae, whereas HGF-47 is affiliated to Type IIa methanotroph Methylocystis sp. of the family Methylocystaceae and possesses Type II intracytoplasmic membrane (ICM) systems. Genes of particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) and the methanol dehydrogenase (MDH) were detected by PCR. Southern-blot analyses of genomic DNA from both strains were positive, implying the aerobic biological oxidation process from methane to methanol by the pMMO. Each strain presumably represents a novel species. Furthermore, both strains will increase our knowledge of thermotolerant methanotrophic proteobacterial diversity, cohabitation, and their participation to global carbon cycles as well as signifying biological methane sinks in the terrestrial natural gas field ecosystems.
Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 38, Number 2, December 2021, pp 63-71
Impacts of Water Quality on Finfish and Shellfish Biodiversity in the River Meghna
Authors: Islam MM , Hossain A , Mandal SC
Published: February 2022

Fish biodiversity largely depends on different environmental factors including water quality parameters. The current study was conducted to investigate the impacts of water quality variables on fish biodiversity at upstream and downstream of the river Meghna in dry and rainy season in 2011. Twelve water samples and 66 fish samples were collected from 2 different sampling stations of the river Meghna during the study period where 61 were finfish species and 5 were shellfish species. The number of finfish and shellfish catch at upstream in both dry and rainy seasons were significantly higher than that of downstream (p<0.01). Shannon-Weiner index and species richness were determined where significantly higher Shannon-Weiner index was observed at upstream in dry season than that of downstream (p<0.01) and similar species richness was observed at upstream and downstream in both of the seasons. Significant correlation was observed between physicochemical parameters and the fish biodiversity indices. The obtained results suggested that the changes in environmental parameters of water including conductivity, pH, DO, BOD had significant impacts on Shannon-Wiener indices at downstream which indicate the water quality detarioration. This findings have the implications in designing polices to sustain the finfish and shellfish biodiversity and to mitigate the environmental changes in the river Meghna.
Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 31(1): 19-27, 2022 (January)
Response and Outcome of Moderate Dose Adrenocorticotropic Hormone in the Treatment of West Syndrome
Authors: Chandra Mahua , Saha Narayan , Sarkar Provat Kumar , Nahar Sumi Most Samsun , Sarker Shyamal , Haque Nazmul , Mistry Banita
Published: February 2022

Background: West Syndrome (WS) consist of a triad of epileptic spasms, hypsarrhythmia on EEG and arrest or regression of psychomotor development. Although ACTH has been found to be effective in the treatment of WS, questions remain regarding the optimum dosage, type of ACTH, duration of therapy, and its comparative efficacy with other treatment options.

Objective: To assess the response and outcome of treatment with moderate dose (100 IU/m2) ACTH in children of west syndrome.

Methodology: This was a prospective observational study and done over 1-year period (July 2017 to June 2018) in Pediatric Neurology OPD, National Institute of Neuroscience and Hospital (NINS&H), Dhaka among the patients with West syndrome. All study participants were treated with moderate dose ACTH (100 unit/m2) (I/M) and treatment completed within 12 weeks. Patients were followed up at 2, 4, 6 and 12 WKs of treatment.

Results: Total 52 cases were for enrolled. In this study it was found that complete cessation of spasm 21/50 (42%), ≥50% reduction of spasm 12/50 (24%), <50% reduction of spasm 8/50 (16%) and non-responder 9/50 (18%). At the end point of 12 weeks observation resolution of hypsarrhythmia occurred in 19/50 (38%) cases. About 78.0% patients developed any kind of the adverse effect.

Conclusion: Moderate dose ACTH is effective in cessation of spasm and resolution of hypsarrhythmia in the studied children.

Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, July 2021, Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 108-112
MRI Evaluation of Cervical Carcinoma Stage II at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka City
Authors: Ahmed Rokshana , Ahmed Shaifur , Alim Md Abdul , Haque Zerin , Ferdous Noor E , Nahar Mst Nazmun
Published: February 2022

Background: Diagnosis of clinical staging is very crucial for the management of cervical carcinoma.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the MRI and clinical staging of IIA and IIB cervical carcinoma.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Radiology & Imaging at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh with the collaboration of Obstetrics and Gynecology unit as well as the Department of Pathology of Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2010 to June 2012 for a period of two years. All patients with MRI examination who had given the written permission for the use of their data for research purposes at the time of their scan were selected as study population. The cervix and vagina were visually inspected for superficial evidence of the extent of tumor. Biopsied were not routinely performed since patients were usually referred only after a biopsy and had confirmed the diagnosis of invasive carcinoma. Assessments of the extent of tumor, parametrial extension, lymph nodes were evaluated. Then the findings of MRI clinical examination, surgical findings and histopathological reports were recorded on a preformed data sheet. Finally, the diagnostic effectiveness of MRI staging and clinical FIGO staging were evaluated against the surgico-histopathological reports.

Result: A total number of 30 patients were recruited for this study. The mean age with SD of the study population were 57.82±13.34 years. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of MRI of the detection of IIA of cervical carcinoma was 80.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 90.9% and 93.33% respectively. However, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of clinical examination of the detection of IIA of cervical carcinoma was 84.34%, 63.86%, 84.87%, 45.86% and 67.44% respectively.

Conclusion: In conclusion the diagnostic validity of MRI for the detection of carcinoma cervix stage IIA is better than clinical examination.

Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, July 2021, Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 113-117
Effect of Ultrasound Therapy in the management of Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Authors: Bikash Baral Aparajeya Bivab , Rahman Sohely , Islam SM Mazharul , Happy Bijoya Dey , Hojaifa Musa Muhammad , Saha Ripon Kumar , Nag Palash
Published: February 2022

Background: Chronic non-specific low-back pain (NSLBP) has become one of the main causes of disability in the adult population around the world. Therapeutic ultrasound is frequently used by physiatrists in the treatment of LBP and is one of the most widely used electro-physical agents in clinical practice.

Objective: To see the effects of ultrasound therapy (UST) in the patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Methodology: This randomized control trial was performed in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of Dhaka Medical College Hospital during the period from December 2014 to May 2015. Patients presented with chronic nonspecific LBP in an age between 18 and 55 years of both sexes attending in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka were included as study population. A total of 80 patients presented with chronic nonspecific LBP who had fulfilled the selection criteria were taken as study population. They were divided into two groups named as treatment group (Group A) and control group (Group B). Each group had 40 patients. During follow up 8 patients (4 patients from each group) were lost. Final analysis was done with data collected from 72 patients. Patients of group A were given UST, NSAIDS, exercises and ADL instructions whereas patients of group B were given same treatment except UST.

Result: In both groups female were predominant than male. Most of the patients were in 31 – 40 years age group. Mostly housewives suffered from NSLBP. All patients were from either poor or middle-class family. Mean (±SD) duration of pain was 11.3 (±12.5) months and 11.7 (±8.7) months in group A and group B respectively. Sedentary life style and repetitive lifting are the major risk factors in both groups. Character of pain was mostly dull in both groups, severity of pain was mostly moderate and relieving factor was mostly rest in both groups. Prolonged standing and prolonged sitting were the major aggravating factors in both groups. VAS and ODI were reduced gradually in both groups.

Conclusion: Ultrasound therapy has a significant role in the management of chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, July 2021, Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 122-125
Association of Demographic Profiles with RT-PCR Test Results for Covid-19 Patients during First Wave of Pandemic: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study from Dedicated Laboratory of Manikgonj District of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Imtiaz , Akhtaruzzaman Muhammod , Samad Khurshida , Quadir Rukhsana , Rabin Nadia
Published: February 2022

Background: RT-PCT test for Covid-19 is the most widely used test during the pandemic.

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to see the status of RT-PCR test for Covid-19 during first wave of pandemic in Bangladesh at a dedicated hospital outside Dhaka city.

Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology at Colonel Malek Medical College, Manikgonj, Bangladesh from November 2020 to April 2021 for a period of six months. The suspected cases of covid-19 patients or patients who had the history of contact with the confirmed cases of Covid-19 patients were advised by the clinician to do the test. RT-PCR for Covid-19 test was performed and results were recorded with their age and gender.

Results: A total number of 6678 cases were recruited for this study. The mean age with SD of positive and negative were 42.6±17.32 years and 40.98±18.78 years respectively (p=0.023). The male and female ratio was 1.8:1 (p=0.004). Out of 668 positive cases of Covid-19 patients most of them were from urban area which was 464(9.1%) cases during this pandemic (p=0.000). Out of 675 cases of having history of travel, Covid-19 was positive in 43(6.4%) cases. Again, 6003 patients were without travel history and among these 625(10.4%) cases were Covid-19 RT-PCR positive (p=0.001).

Conclusion: In conclusion young adult male patients are most commonly suffering with Covid-19 infection.

Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, July 2021, Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 132-136
Efficacy and Safety of Misoprostol for Prevention of Post-Partum Haemorrhage: A Comparative Study
Authors: Akter Selina , Hossain Khan Md Shahadat , Khatun Kashifa , Nahar Shamsun , Akter Shimul
Published: February 2022

Background: Post-partum haemorrhage condition is a serious condition after delivery.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to see the efficacy and safety of misoprostol for the prevention of post-partum haemorrhage.

Methodology: This analytic cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2006 to June 2006 for a period of six months. Pregnant women who were admitted in MMCH during the above period and were expected to have vaginal delivery and women at term with singleton pregnancy were included as study population. Women were divided into 2 groups. Women were in the group A who were treated with misoprostol and women who were treated with oxytocin were in group B. Blood loss during delivery was estimated subjectively by the attending obstetrician.

Results: A total number of 100 women were recruited for this study of which 50 women were in the group A and the rest of 50 women were in group B. In this study majority of the patients were belonged to age group 20 to 25 years in both the groups. In oxytocin group 2.0% have developed nausea, 4.0% patients have developed shivering. None have developed vomiting, diarrhoea, temperature. In misoprostol group 10.0% patients have developed nausea, 18.0% patients have developed shivering, 4.0% patients have developed rise of temperature, none have developed diarrhoea, vomiting. The differences were statistically significant. In this study 4.0% patients from oxytocin group and 2.0% patient from misoprostol group required blood transfusion.

Conclusion: In conclusion less amount of blood loss is found in misoprostol group than oxytocin group.

Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, July 2021, Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 152-155
Status of Postpartum Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka
Authors: Susan Zobaida Sultana , Bulbul Surayea , Nayeem Abu
Published: February 2022

Background: Timing of insertion, counseling, provider training and institutional support are critical factors for intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD) use during the postpartum period.

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the rate of acceptation, discontinuation, expulsion, infection and displacement of PPIUCD after vaginal delivery and cesarean section along with other complications among the study population.

Methodology: This was a prospective observational study done in Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital from July 2015 to June 2016 among the pregnant women who delivered healthy baby by normal vaginal delivery and cesarean section. Data was collected by a structured questionnaire. Women who gave informed consent and who gave birth of healthy baby without complications were included. Women who had premature ruptured membrane with chorioamnionitis, pelvic inflammatory disease intrauterine fetal death or who did not give consent were excluded.

Result: In this study, only 8.4% gave consent for this method, 77.1% had regular follow up after this method. Only 5.05% had removal and 1.8% had spontaneous expulsion. 10.5% had lower abdominal pain and 4.13% had per vaginal bleeding after this method.

Conclusion: This study showed that post-partum intrauterine contraceptive devices insertion rate is low even in a tertiary center, which means, there is a lot of space for counseling the target population in our country. On the contrary, follow up rate was quite high which means that people are being concerned about this health care service. Similarly, the removal rate was also satisfying with minimum expulsion rate.

Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, July 2021, Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 165-168
Perinatal Outcome in Preterm Caesarean Section at a Teaching Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Khanam Rebeka , Ara Gulshan , Dhar Jayanti Rani , Haque Nasreen
Published: February 2022

Background: Preterm caesarean section gives different perinatal outcomes.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to observe the different perinatal outcomes among the pregnant women with preterm caesarean section.

Methodology: This prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Obstetric & Gynaecology at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, Bogra, Bangladesh from January 2007 to December 2007 for a period of one year. Women with the gestational age between 32 to 36 completed weeks who were selected for delivery by caesarean section were selected as study population. Most of the pregnant women were brought to the hospital with poor condition. Actually the patients were managed on emergency basis. With the improvement of general condition of the patients, in consultation with anaesthetic department and paediatric department patients were managed accordingly and the perinatal outcomes were recorded.

Result: A total number of 100 pregnant women were recruited for this study. In this study most of the pregnant women were in the age group of 15 to 25 years which was 60(60.0%) cases. Birth weight below 1.5 kg was in 15.0% cases. However, 72.0% babies had shown APGAR score within 4 to 7 at 5 minute. APGAR score more than 7 was present in 18.0% babies. In this study incidence of other diseases associated with prematurity was in 39(39.0%) cases and perinatal asphyxia was in 25(25.0%) cases. Among the women undergone preterm caesarean sections about 92(92.0%) cases were giving live birth and 8(8.0%) cases were reported still birth; however, subsequent neonatal death occurred in 27(27.0%) cases.

Conclusion: In conclusion most common perinatal outcomes of preterm caesarean section is live birth with prematurity and perinatal asphyxia.

Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, July 2021, Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 169-172
Studi Susut Energi Pada Penyulang Perunggu Gardu Induk Sutami
Authors: Samsurizal Samsurizal , Fauji Hanif
Published: February 2022

Power shrinking events in the distribution network are unavoidable events, but the amount of power shrinking that occurs can still be overcome or suppressed to a minimum for that is the need to prevent the onsanion of large amounts of shrinking by means of maintenance and repair of distribution system equipment, the calculation of power shrink is carried out by quantitative method where the data retrieved is the peak current time data. From the results of the study conducted in The Bronze Purgator obtained a daily average shrinkage value of 5.37%, and the calculation result was obtained that the average energy shrinkage that occurred within a month was 3981,717 kWh.
Entre Dos Tierras aúna academia y sociedad para dar a conocer el patrimonio arqueológico en los Montes de Toledo
Authors: Ruiz Taboada Arturo
Published: February 2022

Entre Dos Tierras nace con la voluntad de divulgar el patrimonio arqueológico de los Montes de Toledo y concienciar a la población de la importancia que tiene su protección y conservación. Además, pretende responder a una serie de preguntas en torno al conocimiento de la Edad del Bronce en el interior peninsular. Para ello, se centra en el análisis del poblamiento y el arte esquemático en la comarca natural de Los Montes de Toledo y sus territorios limítrofes, usando como herramienta la excavación de alguno de los yacimientos más representativos. El primero seleccionado ha sido el Montón de Trigo, localizado en la sierra de Los Yébenes (Toledo).
El Diccionariu de a fala transfiere los resultados de un trabajo de documentación de las hablas fronterizas de la Raya
Authors: Sánchez Izquierdo Irene , Valeš Miroslav
Published: February 2022

El Diccionariu de a fala: lagarteiru, mañegu, valverdeñu fue publicado en septiembre de 2021 y es el resultado de cinco años de trabajo lexicográfico en tres comunidades de la frontera hispano-portuguesa: Eljas, San Martín de Trevejo y Valverde del Fresno (Cáceres). Está enmarcado dentro del proyecto FRONTESPO (Frontera España-Portugal: documentación lingüística y bibliográfica), llevado a cabo desde 2015 por investigadores vinculados a diferentes universidades de toda la Península Ibérica a partir, principalmente, de la realización de entrevistas en el territorio y contando con la participación comunitaria. El diccionario, con sus 13.000 entradas, es el más grande de fala. Se ha publicado en forma de libro, pero también está disponible para la descarga libre.
PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN APRESIASI SASTRA SISWA SMP MELALUI MODEL INVESTIGASI KELOMPOK
Authors: Krismelinda Krismelinda , Andayani Widya , Hartati Rita , Siregar Tiarnita M.S. , Simorangkir Imelda Malawaty
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to apply an effective learning model in increasing the ability to appreciate literature while at the same time increasing the interest and ability of the students of SMP Negeri 14 Binjai towards literary works. The research conducted was Classroom Action Research (CAR) with the research subject of 25 grade IX students of SMP Negeri 14 Binjai in the 2020/2021 academic year. The object of this research is the ability of students to rewrite the contents of the story (rewrite), retell the story (retell), and conclude the moral message as well as relate it to student life (reflection). The learning process to appreciate literature is carried out in two cycles through four stages, namely: the action planning stage, the action implementation stage, the observation stage, and the analysis and reflection stage. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the students' ability to appreciate literature increases, this is indicated by the increase in the results of the three tests (rewrite, retell, reflection) of students at the end of each cycle. The average value of students' appreciation of literature has increased in each cycle, namely: 1) in the initial survey as many as 7 students (28%) of the total students who achieved a complete score, with an overall average score of 62.76; 2) in the first cycle, 15 students (60%) achieved a complete score, with an average overall score of 66.88; 3) in the second cycle there was a drastic increase in student mastery, namely a total of 25 students (100%) achieving a complete score with an average value of 78.8.
COVID-19 pandemic, driving test and road safety during outbreak
Authors: Mungmngpuntipantip Rujittika , Wiwanitkit Viroj
Published: February 2022

We would like to share our ideas regarding the publication entitled “Exemption of behind-the-wheel driving test for novice young drivers: A serious public health concern (Bari et al, 2020).” Bari et al. (2020) stated that “While the decision was made to address the backlog of driving tests created by the COVID-19 pandemic, and also to practice social distancing (Taylor, 2020), many public health experts are now concerned that this decision will have catastrophic consequences on road safety.” Research suggests that a driving test that monitors both driver performance and behavior (Lee, 2008) is a good test and one that advances road safety. Whether a driving test can be exempted in some special circumstances is an interesting question.
New Deal in Road Safety: Why we need NGOs
Authors: Brondum Lotte , Sakashita Chika , Man Liz , Motta Valeria
Published: February 2022

Road safety has been receiving increasing global attention, for example: the inclusion of road safety in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adoption of resolution 74/299 “Improving global road safety”; Stockholm Declaration (2020) reflecting the recommendations of the Academic Expert Group of the 3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety. Recognising that the target to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50% was not met in the First Decade of Action for Road Safety (Decade of Action) 2011–2020, the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development made a pledge in September 2019 to make the new decade one of action and delivery. On 28 October 2021, the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 (the Global Plan) was launched to guide Member States in the implementation of key actions to improve road safety with the target to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by at least 50% by 2030 (WHO & UN Regional Commissions, 2021). The Global Plan calls on governmental agencies as the primary responsibility holder in delivering a safe road transport system and implementing the required road safety actions to achieve the global target of 50% reduction in deaths and injuries by 2030. The Global Plan also calls on other actors — nongovernment organisations (NGOs), academia, youth, funders, private sector and UN agencies — as important contributors. NGOs are groups organised independently from governments at a local, national or international level to serve a certain cause such as road safety. NGOs exist to drive actions and bring improvements on a societal issue, and, in the field of road safety, NGOs drive road safety actions to protect people from being killed or seriously injured in our ubiquitous use of the road transport system.
The Water-Use of Mining Towns and Their Villages in Medieval Hungary: The Example of Kremnica
Authors: Vadas András
Published: February 2022

The paper addresses the long-term impact of mining towns and the villages under the authority of these towns on the waterscapes in the northern mining area of the medieval Kingdom of Hungary (presentday Slovakia). The paper focuses on the privileging practices of the settlers of villages founded by burghers of a medieval mining town, Kremnica. The paper argues that analysing Kremnica’s practice in settling the towns’ surroundings may on the one hand shed light on the privileges of the settlers of the town itself, and on the other, be crucial to understanding a previously neglected environmental impact of mining in pre-modern times. The paper argues that while charters of privilege provided to mining towns seldom refer to the freedom to exploit water, the towns’ settlers did use the waterways to their benefit. In arguing for this the paper discusses the freedoms of the settlers’ villages of Kremnica in the fourteenth–fifteenth centuries. The freedom of settlers – or the leading of the settling process – led to an increased pressure on waterways in mining town areas that had lasting consequences on the landscapes of these regions.
Revolution in the Town Halls: The Formation of Czechoslovakia, the Battle for the Town Halls and Power Transition in the Municipal Authorities of Moravian Towns after 1918
Authors: Popelka Petr
Published: February 2022

The study deals with the process of a power transition in Moravian nationally mixed towns after the First World War. The formation of Czechoslovakia was accompanied not only by the takeover of central political authorities, but necessarily also by a power transition at the regional level. The study takes particular note of the complicated process of the taking control of municipal councils in key Moravian towns, which were, until the formation of Czechoslovakia, in most cases under the decisive influence of the German bourgeoisie. Unlike in the Austro-Hungarian era, when the question of the composition of self-governments had been entirely in the hands of the local voters, the interest of the central institutions of the new state as well as of the political parties was now reflected in municipal affairs. In the process of the power transfer, the merging of municipalities played a very important role, being carried out in the post-war reality to serve as a means of solving the complex national-political situation in nationally mixed areas.
Review of Uncertainty Modeling for Optimal Operation of Integrated Energy System
Authors: Fan Hong , Wang Cuiying , Liu Lu , Li Xuan
Published: February 2022

The operation of the integrated energy system will be affected by uncertainties, leading to sub-optimal design decisions. Accurate and effective modeling of these uncertainties is essential to ensure the optimal integration of renewable energy in the integrated energy system. This article first gives the basic optimal operation model of the integrated energy system, and analyzes various uncertain factors in the optimal operation of the integrated energy system. The source side mainly considers the intermittent and volatility of renewable energy output. The load side mainly considers the uncertainty of load forecast errors. The network side mainly considers the characteristics of equipment under variable conditions, equipment failures, and the uncertainty of the coupling of multi-energy flow systems. The energy storage side mainly considers the uncertainty of mobile energy storage grid connection and virtual energy storage participation in demand response. The multi-energy trading market mainly considers the uncertainty of market trading methods and market operation mechanisms. Then, various integrated energy system uncertainty modeling techniques and solving methods are summarized. Finally, it looks forward to the future research directions and challenges faced by the optimal operation of the integrated energy system under the influence of uncertainty.
The Midwife Toad Challenge After (Half) a Century
Authors: Arntzen Jan W.
Published: February 2022

The evolutionary biologist Paul Kammerer (1880–1926) purportedly demonstrated that environmentally induced character states are carried over to the next generation(s), therewith providing evidence for Lamarckian evolution. Kammerer’s work is generally seen as contentious but has also been valued as daring and insightful, and Kammerer has been heralded as an academic forebear of epigenetics. Most of the more pertinent of Kammerer’s experiments on amphibians and the sea squirt have either been invalidated by replications that failed, or have been dismissed as virtually impossible. An experiment on color pattern change in the fire salamander stands out because it has been confirmed, but only with data for within a generation, so that Kammerer’s claim concerning the inheritance of acquired character states still awaits confirmation. To facilitate and encourage replicate studies, I draw attention to species and populations that would be most practical and promising to work with, for those that are into the challenge.
Cold Kit Labeling: The Future of 68Ga Radiopharmaceuticals?
Authors: Lepareur Nicolas
Published: February 2022

Over the last couple of decades, gallium-68 (68Ga) has gained a formidable interest for PET molecular imaging of various conditions, from cancer to infection, through cardiac pathologies or neuropathies. It has gained routine use, with successful radiopharmaceuticals such as somatostatin analogs ([68Ga]Ga-DOTATOC and [68Ga]GaDOTATATE) for neuroendocrine tumors, and PSMA ligands for prostate cancer. It represents a major clinical impact, particularly in the context of theranostics, coupled with their177Lu-labeled counterparts. Beside those, a bunch of new68Ga-labeled molecules are in the preclinical and clinical pipelines, with some of them showing great promise for patient care. Increasing clinical demand and regulatory issues have led to the development of automated procedures for the production of68Ga radiopharmaceuticals. However, the widespread use of these radiopharmaceuticals may rely on simple and efficient radiolabeling methods, undemanding in terms of equipment and infrastructure. To make them technically and economically accessible to the medical community and its patients, it appears mandatory to develop a procedure similar to the well-established kit-based99mTc chemistry. Already available commercial kits for the production of68Ga radiopharmaceuticals have demonstrated the feasibility of using such an approach, thus paving the way for more kit-based68Ga radiopharmaceuticals to be developed. This article discusses the development of68Ga cold kit radiopharmacy, including technical issues, and regulatory aspects.
Single Molecule Real-Time Sequencing and Traditional Cultivation Techniques Reveal Complex Community Structures and Regional Variations of Psychrotrophic Bacteria in Raw Milk
Authors: Du Bingyao , Meng Lu , Liu Huimin , Zheng Nan , Zhang Yangdong , Zhao Shengguo , Wang Jiaqi
Published: February 2022

In this study, we investigated the species composition and diversity of psychrotrophic bacteria in raw milk from Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Chongqing, and Hunan provinces in China using traditional cultivation and PacBio Single Molecule Real-Time sequencing methods. The isolated psychrotrophic bacteria were highly diverse, which composed of 21 genera and 59 species. Pseudomonas accounted for 58.9% of the total genera while Stenotrophomonas and Enterococcus were also highly represented (above 5.0%). In particular, P. azotoformans occurred at a level of 16.9% and P. paralactis, P. lactis, E. faecalis, and P. marginalis were present in relatively high proportions (above 4.0%). Regional differences were found significantly among the test regions except samples from Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia were similar. Additionally, differences were observed between days in Henan, Anhui, and Jiangsu samples. Therefore, control strategies must be implemented on regional and season basis.
Inhibition of NEK7 Suppressed Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Mediating Cancer Cell Pyroptosis
Authors: Yan Zilong , Da Qingen , Li Zhangfu , Lin Qirui , Yi Jing , Su Yanze , Yu Guanyin , Ren Qingqi , Liu Xu , Lin Zewei , Qu Jianhua , Yin Weihua , Liu Jikui
Published: February 2022

NIMA-related kinase 7 (NEK7) is a serine/threonine kinase involved in cell cycle progression via mitotic spindle formation and cytokinesis. It has been related to multiple cancers, including breast cancer, hepatocellular cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. Moreover, NEK7 regulated the NLRP3 inflammasome to activate Caspase-1, resulting in cell pyroptosis. In the present study, we investigated whether NEK7 is involved in cell pyroptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Interestingly, we found that NEK7 was significantly related to expression of pyroptosis marker GSDMD in HCC. We found that NEK7 expression was significantly correlated with GSDMD expression in bioinformatics analysis, and NEK7 expression was significantly co-expressed with GSDMD in our HCC specimens. Cell viability, migration, and invasion capacity of HCC cell lines were inhibited, and the tumor growth in the xenograft mouse model was also suppressed following knockdown of NEK7 expression. Mechanistic studies revealed that knockdown of NEK7 in HCC cells significantly upregulated the expression of pyroptosis markers such as NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD. Coculture of HCC cells stimulated hepatic stellate cell activation by increasing p-ERK1/2 and α-SMA. Knockdown of NEK7 impaired the stimulation of HCC cells. Therefore, downregulation of NEK7 inhibited cancer–stromal interaction by triggering cancer cell pyroptosis. Taken together, this study highlights the functional role of NEK7-regulated pyroptosis in tumor progression and cancer–stromal interaction of HCC, suggesting NEK7 as a potential target for a new therapeutic strategy of HCC treatment.
FNC: An Advanced Anticancer Therapeutic or Just an Underdog?
Authors: Fayzullina Daria , Kharwar Rajesh Kumar , Acharya Arbind , Buzdin Anton , Borisov Nicolas , Timashev Peter , Ulasov Ilya , Kapomba Byron
Published: February 2022

Azvudine (FNC) is a novel cytidine analogue that has both antiviral and anticancer activities. This minireview focuses on its underlying molecular mechanisms of suppressing viral life cycle and cancer cell growth and discusses applications of this nucleoside drug for advanced therapy of tumors and malignant blood diseases. FNC inhibits positive-stand RNA viruses, like HCV, EV, SARS-COV-2, HBV, and retroviruses, including HIV, by suppressing their RNA-dependent polymerase enzymes. It may also inhibit such enzyme (reverse transcriptase) in the human retrotransposons, including human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). As the activation of retrotransposons can be the major factor of ongoing cancer genome instability and consequently higher aggressiveness of tumors, FNC has a potential to increase the efficacy of multiple anticancer therapies. Furthermore, FNC also showed other aspects of anticancer activity by inhibiting adhesion, migration, invasion, and proliferation of malignant cells. It was also reported to be involved in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, thereby inhibiting the progression of cancer through different pathways. To the date, the grounds of FNC effects on cancer cells are not fully understood and hence additional studies are needed for better understanding molecular mechanisms of its anticancer activities to support its medical use in oncology.
Targeted Phototherapy by Niobium Carbide for Mammalian Tumor Models Similar to Humans
Authors: Liu Zhao , Jiang Shan , Tian Yuhang , Shang Haitao , Chen Kexin , Tan Haoyan , Zhang Lei , Jing Hui , Cheng Wen
Published: February 2022

Background

In the past few decades, nanomaterial‐mediated phototherapy has gained significant attention as an alternative antitumor strategy. However, its antitumor success is majorly limited to the treatment of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice. In fact, no studies have been previously conducted in this area/field on clinically‐relevant big animal models. Therefore, there is an urgent need to conduct further investigation in a typical big animal model, which is more closely related to the human body.

Results

In this study, niobium carbide (NbC) was selected as a photoactive substance owing to the presence of outstanding near-infrared (NIR) absorption properties, which are responsible for the generation of NIR‐triggered hyperthermia and reactive oxygen species that contribute towards synergetic photothermal and photodynamic effect. Moreover, the present study utilized macrophages as bio‐carrier for the targeted delivery of NbC, wherein phagocytosis by macrophages retained the photothermal/photodynamic effect of NbC. Consequently, macrophage-loaded NbC ensured/allowed complete removal of solid tumors both in nude mice and big animal models involving rabbits. Meanwhile, two‐dimensional ultrasound, shave wave elastography (SWE), and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) were used to monitor physiological evolution in tumor in vivo post-treatment, which clearly revealed the occurrence of the photoablation process in tumor and provided a new strategy for the surveillance of tumor in big animal models.

Conclusion

Altogether, the use of a large animal model in this study presented higher clinical significance as compared to previous studies.
The Prognostic Value of Sarcopenia in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients and the Development and Validation of a Novel Nomogram for Predicting Survival
Authors: Sun Qian , Cui Jialin , Liu Wenjie , Li Jianyong , Hong Ming , Qian Sixuan
Published: February 2022

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) occurs frequently in the elderly, of whom the prognosis is dismal. Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalized skeletal muscle disorder associated with an increased possibility of adverse outcomes. This study aims to explore the prognostic value of sarcopenia in AML patients and develop a novel prognostic model.

Methods

A total of 227 AML patients were enrolled. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis before treatment. Sarcopenia was diagnosed by low muscle quantity. Cox proportional hazard regression model were applied to verify prognostic variables for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). A novel prognostic model of nomogram was developed and validated by ‘R’.

Results

Forty-one (18.1%) patients were defined as sarcopenia. The median age of the sarcopenic group was significantly greater than the non-sarcopenic group (median 70 vs. 64 years, P = 0.001). Sarcopenic patients showed significantly less height (P = 0.002), weight (P <0.001), Body Mass Index (P <0.001), Fat Mass (P = 0.017), Fat-free Mass (P <0.001), Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass (P <0.001), Skeletal Muscle Index (P <0.001), Fat-free Mass Index (P <0.001), and hemoglobin level (P = 0.025) than the non-sarcopenic ones. Patients in the sarcopenic group also showed a statistically shorter OS and DFS (median OS: 13.7 vs. 55.6 months, P = 0.003; median DFS: 12.5 months vs. not reached, P = 0.026). ELN high risk [Hazard Ratio (HR): 1.904, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.018–3.562, P = 0.044), sarcopenia (HR: 1.887, 95% CI: 1.071–3.324, P = 0.028), and reduced-intensity regimens (HR: 3.765, 95% CI: 1.092–12.980, P = 0.036) were independent predictors for OS in multivariate analysis. A nomogram for predicting OS was constructed using the above three factors. The c index, calibration plots and decision curve analyses (DCA) showed better discrimination, calibration, and net benefits of the nomogram than the ELN model.

Conclusion

Sarcopenia was common and had an inferior prognosis in AML and needs more attention in clinical practice.
Intensity Modulated High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy Using Patient Specific 3D Metal Printed Applicators: Proof of Concept
Authors: Sohn James J. , Polizzi Mitchell , Kang Sang-Won , Ko Woo-Hyeong , Cho Yong-Hyun , Eom Keun-Yong , Chung Jin-Beom
Published: February 2022

Purpose

In high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, an anisotropic dose distribution may be desirable for achieving a higher therapeutic index, particularly when the anatomy imposes challenges. Several methods to deliver intensity-modulated brachytherapy (IMBT) have been proposed in the literature, however practical implementation is lacking due to issues of increased delivery times and complicated delivery mechanisms. This study presents the novel approach of designing a patient-specific inner shape of an applicator with 3D metal printing for IMBT using an inverse plan optimization model.

Methods

The 3D printed patient-specific HDR applicator has an external shape that resembles the conventional brachytherapy applicator. However, at each dwell position of the HDR source, the shielding walls in the interior are divided into six equiangular sections with varying thicknesses. We developed a mathematical model to simultaneously optimize the shielding thicknesses and dwell times according to the patient’s anatomical information to achieve the best possible target coverage. The model, which is a bi-convex optimization problem, is solved using alternating minimization. Finally, the applicator design parameters were input into 3D modeling software and saved in a 3D printable file. The applicator has been tested with both a digital phantom and a simulated clinical cervical cancer patient.

Results

The proposed approach showed substantial improvements in the target coverage over the conventional method. For the phantom case, 99.18% of the target was covered by the prescribed dose using the proposed method, compared to only 58.32% coverage achieved by the conventional method. For the clinical case, the proposed method increased the coverage of the target from 56.21% to 99.92%. In each case, both methods satisfied the treatment constraints for neighboring OARs.

Conclusion

The study simulates the concept of the IMBT with inverse planning using the 3D printed applicator design. The non-isotropic dose map can be produced with optimized shielding patterns and tailored to individual patient’s anatomy, to plan a more conformal plan.
The Effects and Underlying Mechanisms of Hepatitis B Virus X Gene Mutants on the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Pu Rui , Liu Wenbin , Zhou Xinyu , Chen Xi , Hou Xiaomei , Cai Shiliang , Chen Liping , Wu Jianfeng , Yang Fan , Tan Xiaojie , Yin Jianhua , Wang Xin , Cao Guangwen
Published: February 2022

We aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which hepatitis B virus X (HBx) mutations increase the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and identify novel putative therapeutic targets. Wild-type HBx (WT-HBx) and four HBx mutants (M1, A1762T/G1764A; M2, T1674G+T1753C+A1762T/G1764A; M3, C1653T+T1674G+A1762T/G1764A; and Ct-HBx, carboxylic acid-terminal truncated HBx) were delivered into Sleeping Beauty (SB) mouse models. The HCC incidence was higher in the M3-HBx- and Ct-HBx-injected SB mice. M3-HBx had a stronger capacity of upregulating inflammatory cytokines than other HBx variants. Ectopic expression of M3-HBx and Ct-HBx significantly increased proliferation and S phase proportion of HepG2 and HeLa cells, compared to WT-HBx. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI1) and cell division cycle 20 (CDC20) were identified as novel effectors by cDNA microarray analysis. M3-HBx and Ct-HBx significantly upregulated the expression of PAI1 and CDC20 in HepG2 and HeLa cells as well as the livers of SB mice. Silencing PAI1 attenuated the effects of M3-HBx and Ct-HBx on the growth of HepG2 and HeLa cells. PAI1, an important player bridging the HBx mutants and HCC, should be a promising candidate as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in HBV-related HCC.
Morphological and Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Three Species of Five-Needle Pines: Insights Into Phenotypic Evolution and Phylogeny
Authors: Li Xiang , Cai Kewei , Zhao Qiushuang , Li Hanxi , Wang Xuelai , Tigabu Mulualem , Sederoff Ronald , Ma Wenjun , Zhao Xiyang
Published: February 2022

Pinus koraiensis, Pinus sibirica, and Pinus pumila are the major five-needle pines in northeast China, with substantial economic and ecological values. The phenotypic variation, environmental adaptability and evolutionary relationships of these three five-needle pines remain largely undecided. It is therefore important to study their genetic differentiation and evolutionary history. To obtain more genetic information, the needle transcriptomes of the three five-needle pines were sequenced and assembled. To explore the relationship of sequence information and adaptation to a high mountain environment, data on needle morphological traits [needle length (NL), needle width (NW), needle thickness (NT), and fascicle width (FW)] and 19 climatic variables describing the patterns and intensity of temperature and precipitation at six natural populations were recorded. Geographic coordinates of altitude, latitude, and longitude were also obtained. The needle morphological data was combined with transcriptome information, location, and climate data, for a comparative analysis of the three five-needle pines. We found significant differences for needle traits among the populations of the three five-needle pine species. Transcriptome analysis showed that the phenotypic variation and environmental adaptation of the needles of P. koraiensis, P. sibirica, and P. pumila were related to photosynthesis, respiration, and metabolites. Analysis of orthologs from 11 Pinus species indicated a closer genetic relationship between P. koraiensis and P. sibirica compared to P. pumila. Our study lays a foundation for genetic improvement of these five-needle pines and provides insights into the adaptation and evolution of Pinus species.