bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemoradiation versus Oesophagectomy for Locally Advanced Oesophageal Cancer in Chinese Patients: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jia Ruinuo , Yin Weijiao , Li Shuoguo , Li Ruonan , Yang Junqiang , Shan Tanyou , Zhou Dan , Wang Wei , Wan Lixin , Zhou Fuyou , Gao Shegan
Published: January 2019

Background: Surgery is the gold standard treatment for local advanced disease, while definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (DCRT) is recommended for those who are medically unable to tolerate major surgery or medically fit patients who decline surgery. The primary aim of this trial is to compare the outcomes in Chinese oesophageal squamous cell cancer patients with locally advanced resectable disease who have received either surgery or DCRT.
Methods/design: One hundred ninety-six patients with T1bN+M0 or T2-4aN0-2M0 oesophageal squamous cell cancer will be randomized to the DCRT group or the surgery group. In the DCRT group, patients will be given intensity modulation radiation therapy (IMRT) with 50 Gy/25 fractions and basic chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) regimens. In the surgery group, patients will receive neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) and standard oesophagectomy. Five years of follow-up will be scheduled for patients. The primary endpoints are 2-year/5-year overall survival; the secondary endpoints are 2-year/5-year progression-free survival, treatment-related adverse events and the patients’ quality of life. The main evaluation methods include oesophagoscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography and biopsy, oesophageal barium meal, CT, PET-CT, blood tests, and questionnaires.
Discussion: The preponderant oesophageal cancer pathology type is dramatically different in western Caucasian and Asian oesophageal cancer patients: Caucasian patients present with 80% adenocarcinomas, and Asians patients present with 95% squamous cell carcinomas. This phenomenon needs more in-depth studies to elucidate the differences in these populations. Based on the results of this study, we will show whether DCRT will benefit patients more than oesophagectomy. It will contribute more evidence to the management of oesophageal squamous cell cancer.
Scorpion venom peptide, BmK AGAP as an adjuvant to lidocaine in sciatic nerve block causes dose-dependent increase intensity of sensory block and prolog duration of analgesia in rat.
Authors: Kampo Sylvanus , Zhou	R0 Tingting , Wen Qing-Ping
Published: January 2019

Background: Various analgesics adjuvants, including opioids, have been tested and demonstrated to be clinically beneficial when added to local anesthetics in an attempt to increase the duration of analgesia with the risk of various adverse effects. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that scorpion venom peptide, BmK AGAP as an adjuvant to lidocaine causes dose-dependent increase intensity of sensory block and prolong duration of analgesia.
Method: We performed partial sciatic nerve ligation on 60 rats to induce a rapid onset and long-lasting mechanical allodynia. Equal volume (600µl) of preservative-free lidocaine (0.5%) and BmK AGAP (2 or 1 mg/kg) were prepared with saline (0.9%). The rats were randomly allocated into five groups. Group A (n=12) received saline as the negative control; Group B (n=12) received equal volume of lidocaine and saline; Group C (n=12) received lidocaine and BmK AGAP (1 mg/kg); Group D (n=12) received lidocaine along with BmK AGAP (2 mg/kg) and Group E (n=12) sham. We operated on the rats representing the sham group (n=12) and the sciatic nerve exposed but not ligated. The von Frey filaments were used to assessed mechanical allodynia in rats.
Results: The data showed that rats from the lidocaine group exhibited increased 12.51g of PWT. The rats from the BmK AGAP (1 mg/kg) group exhibited increased 13.67g of PWT, whereas the rats from the BmK AGAP (2mg/kg) group exhibited increased 14.78g of PWT compared with the baseline PWT. There was a prolonged duration of increased paw withdrawal threshold in rats that were supplemented with BmK AGAP compared with rats that received lidocaine injection alone. We realized a significant (P< 0.0001) prolonged duration of increased paw withdrawal threshold in rats that were supplemented with BmK AGAP (2 mg/kg) compared with rats that received BmK AGAP (1 mg/kg).
Conclusion: This study finding suggests scorpion venom peptide, BmK AGAP to be a potent analgesic adjuvant. BmK AGAP as an adjuvant to lidocaine in sciatic nerve block increase the intensity of sensory block and prolongs perioperative analgesia without significant adverse effects.
Keywords: Scorpion venom peptide, BmK AGAP, nerve block, adjuvant, perioperative analgesia
Fetus as a patient: legal collisions of critical conditions in obstetrics and neonatology
Authors: Mitkinov Oleg Eduardovich , Gorbachev V. I.
Published: January 2019

There is a joint work of the National Medical Chamber and the Investigative Committee of Russia on a draft special article in the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, within the framework of which they will investigate the cases of medical workers. The proposed revision of the Article 124 raised objections from the medical community. The main issue is the legitimacy to consider the unborn child a subject of criminal law. There are serious disagreements in the legal and medical communities on the question of when the right to life arises. The legal status of a born child should be defined in the relevant regulations, the development of which should involve public organizations of professional specialists.
Information Significance of the qSOFA Scale for Current Clinical Medicine. Literature Review
Authors: Rudnov Vladimir Aleksandrovich , Astafeva M. N.
Published: January 2019

Active development of resuscitation and intensive care, establishment of departments and established clinical practice to understand the extreme heterogeneity of patients in critical conditions. One of the tools to reduce the number of errors and make an informed decision, depending on the situation. One of the shortcomings in the consciousness of scoring systems is their relative unwieldiness, the need for mandatory implementation of certain laboratory studies, which requires additional equipment and time. Therefore, attempts were made to create values based on clinical criteria or minimums. To such belongs the “early alarm” scale of the rapid SOFA.
The purpose of this publication was to assess the information significance of the qSOFA scale and determine its role for emergency and critical states, through analysis of literature data.
Conclusion. The qSOFA scale is designed to determine the risk of developing organ-system dysfunction, predicting the outcome of a critical condition and determining the location of the treatment delivery, not inferior to the sensitivity syndrome of the SVR, with respect to the prognosis of the outcome of sepsis in pacities with suspected infection, significantly exceeds its specificity.
Hypervolemia as one of the predictors of poor outcome in the patients at the resuscitation and intensive care unit
Authors: Orlov Yuriy Petrovich , Govorova N. V. , Glushchenko A. V. , Nejfeld M. S. , Gorst I. A.
Published: January 2019

Objective: to assess three-day positive water balance when conducting fluid therapy and to evaluate its impact on the survival of patients hospitalized in the ICU with a diagnosis of polytrauma.
Methods. In a retrospective study included data 2 groups: I group — transferred to other offices with improved status (n = 20), group II — ICU deaths (n = 20) in the period up to 30 days. The average period of patient in the ICU in II group amounted to 14.5 ± 7.1 days. The average age of the patients was 49.8 ± 0.6 years, 27 patients were age under 60 years old, 13-over 60 years. Patients included in the sample, there were only diagnosed with multiple trauma, hypovolemic shock, with no effect on volemic load and the need to use vazopressors. When aggregating establish probability p < 0.05, studentʼs applied t-test, Wald–Wolfowitz criteria, Mann–Whitney and Kolmogorov–Smirnov, ROC curve analysis and analysed the odds ratio and relative risk of death for each group of patients.
The results. Found that the average value of a positive water balance for three days was statistically significantly higher in the deceased patients (5427.2 ± 1040.3 ml) than in survivors (3345 ± 1268 ml). In patients with a large amount of the positive balance of water for 3 days mortality risk is observed in 5.1 times greater (95% CI [0.773–0.992] in p < 0.005) than among patients, a positive water balance, which in total for 3 nights was less 4075 ml.
Conclusion. In patients with a large amount of positive water balance (more 4075 ml) for 3 days of stay in ICU mortality risk is observed in 5.1 times more common than among patients whose water balance for 3 days was less 4075 ml. Using the three-day figure is a positive water balance can be accurate to 96.7 % define an adverse outcome severely traumatized patients (p < 0.05, 95% CI [0.773–0.992]).
One-lung ventilation management for thoracic surgeries in pediatric oncology
Authors: Martynov L. A. , Matinyan Nune
Published: January 2019

Treatment of children with mediastinal and lung tumors is an urgent problem in both surgery and anesthesiology. Main goal is to grant optimal conditions for the surgery — collapse of the lung on the side of the operation, while maintaining adequate oxygenation and efficient transport of oxygen to the tissues. The choice of devices for carrying out one-lung ventilation is the most important factor determining the safety of the patient.
Aim. To increase the efficiency and safety of anesthesia for thoracic surgeries in children due to the use of bronchial blockers for one-lung ventilation.
Materials and methods. 70 surgeries were performed (38 — thoracoscopic, 32 — thoracotomies) in 70 patients. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Study Group (BB) (n = 56) — one-lung ventilation was performed using bronchial blocker; Control group (DLT) (n = 14) — one-lung ventilation was performed using a double-lumen tube. Ventilation parameters, hemodynamics, the incidence of complications in the perioperative and postoperative periods were recorded.
Results. A much less prolonged intubation of the trachea time in BB group was found compared to the DLT group (55.36 ± 26.34 sec versus 97.0 ± 7.09 sec, respectively, p < 0.0001) and a lower frequency of repositioning (0.2 ± 0.4 and 0.57 ± 0.51, respectively, p = 0.04). In patients with bronchial blockers, less complications were recorded, such as postoperative aphonia and sore throat.
Conclusion. An analysis of obtained results allows the assertion that bronchial blockers demonstrate greater efficacy in comparison with double-lumen tubes. They provide faster intubation than DLT, irrespective of the side of the surgery, allow complete collapse of the lung with a less frequent need for repositioning. The introduction of a new method of one-lung ventilation with the use of bronchial blockers in children will improve the results of surgeries by providing adequate conditions for the surgical team, reducing the length of stay of patients in the intensive care unit during the postoperative period due to the reduction in complications such as trauma of the main bronchi, aphonia and sore throat.
Structural and functional relationship of consciousness and the unconscious (anesthesia) in the focus of cognitive impairment
Authors: Gritsuk Stanislav Fiodorovich
Published: January 2019

Consciousness is one of the main factors of human existence. It gives life meaning and at the same time it is the most mysterious phenomenon of the Universe. Why do we perceive colors and shapes this way when we see them? How is all this connected with the processes taking place in the brain? Our usual research methods donʼt work here. Consciousness by judging the case anomaly, which we need to integrate into our vision of the world, but we do not know how? It doesnʼt hang out outside the physical world like something extra. Itʼs underlying.
General anesthetics remain one of the most prominent known pharmacological discoveries, however, despite more than a century of research, the unitary mechanism through which they act to cause reversible loss of consciousness remains a mystery. The current neurophysical paradigm considers the brain as a computer machine performing classical deterministic I/O operations. The linear structure helps to simplify perhaps the most complex biological system. General anesthesia affects brain function at all levels, including neural membranes, ion channels, receptors, neurotransmitters, brain blood flow and metabolism. Fully unexplored pathogenesis and scope of anesthetics do not allow to formulate a pathogenetically sound approach to the problem of postoperative cognitive dysfunction, as well as the development of effective prevention and treatment. Anaesthetics can subtly alter the dynamics of protein and interaction at the molecular level, and lead to changes in the rate of neuronal suppression and unconsciousness. In the human brain, cytoskeletal filaments, 25 nanometers in diameter (microtubules), are present in neurons and are involved in the fact that they play an important role in the functioning of neurons and the brain and suggest that they generate cognitive brain functions such as memory, consciousness and POCD.
Current Issues in Carcinogenesis
Authors: Vysotskaya Irina Viktorovna , Letyagin V.P. , Shabanov M.A. , Kirsanov V.Yu. , Kim E.A. , Levkina N.V.
Published: January 2019

The review presents current data on the major pathogenetic mechanisms underlying uncontrolled growth and dissemination of tumor and its resistance to conventional treatment. Cell genetic instability associated with accumulation of mutations in genes controlling cell growth and differentiation is a key factor in tumor proliferation. Due understanding and detailed analysis of carcinogenesis processes provide the basis for creation of new anticancer drugs which in turn enables optimization and individualization of cancer treatment.
Factors Associated with Efficient Harvesting and Engraftment of Auto-Transplants in Multiple Myeloma Patients
Authors: Kostroma Ivan Ivanovich , Zhernyakova A.A. , Chubukina Zh.V. , Semenova N.Yu. , Zapreeva I.M. , Tiranova S.A. , Bessmeltsev S.S. , Chechetkin A.V. , Gritsaev S.V.
Published: January 2019

Background. The success of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) depends on the speed of transplant engraftment which in turn is affected by the count of harvested and infused hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Aim. To identify predictors of auto-HSCT efficacy in multiple myeloma (MM) patients under introduction of new drugs at the phase of HSC induction and mobilization. Materials & Methods. The results of auto-transplant harvesting and engraftment were retrospectively analyzed in 75 MM patients during 112 auto-HSCTs. Auto-transplants were harvested using cyclophosphamide and vinorelbine combined with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) without plerixafor. Conditioning regimen included melphalan 200 mg/m2 or 140 mg/m2, and combination of tiothepa with melphalan. All patients received subcutaneous injections of G-CSF in post-transplantation period. Transplant engraftment was assessed according to absolute neutrophil count of ≥ 0.5 x 109/L, and thrombocyte count of ≥ 20 x 109/L. Results. It is established that the predictors of a high CD34+ cell count in auto-transplant are a single previous induction regimen (p = 0.0315) and administration of cyclophosphamide in mobilization regimen (p = 0.0001). Transplant engraftment period is determined by auto-HSCT serial number and amount of infused CD34+ cells. Hematopoiesis regeneration after the second auto-HSCT was accelerated by more frequent use of Mel140 (p = 0.001). Conclusion. Auto-transplant quality and engraftment period in MM patients primarily depend on the efficacy of induction therapy and the intensity of HSC mobilization regimen. Therefore, induction therapy and mobilization regimen need to be tailored to an individual patient, MM prognostic variant, probability of response to standard induction regimens, and the number of planned auto-HSCTs.
Clinical and Hematological Predictors of Response to First-Line Therapy in Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Samarina S.V. , Nazarova E.L. , Minaeva N.V. , Zotina E.N. , Paramonov I.V. , Gritsaev S.V.
Published: January 2019

Aim. To assess the prognostic value of clinical and hematological parameters used by hematologists for risk stratification in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and to justify the need for discovering new prognostic factors. Methods. The trial included 101 patients (48 men and 53 women) with newly diagnosed DLBCL at the age of 18-80 years (median age 58 years). The patients received R-CHOP as first-line therapy. Depending on their response all patients were stratified into 4 groups: with complete response (CR; n = 58), partial response (PR; n = 15), resistance to first-line therapy (n = 19), and early relapses (ER; n = 9). Median follow-up was 22 months (range 2-120 months). Results. In terms of age influence on the efficacy of R-СНОР as first-line therapy no significant differences were established in regard to response in patients younger and older than 65 years. Statistically significant differences were observed while analyzing two parameters of International Prognostic Index (IPI; disease stage and extranodal lesions) and B-symptoms in the CR and therapy-resistant groups. With respect to the same parameters no significant differences were found in the CR and ER groups. Median 2-year disease-free survival was not achieved in patients with CR. In patients with PR it was 12 months. Median 2-year overall survival in patients with CR, PR, and ER was not achieved, and in patients with therapy-resistant DLBCL it was 10 months. Conclusion. Results of the trial confirm prognostic value of factors applied for risk stratification in DLBCL. However, variability of clinical course of the disease, especially with a low IPI score, suggests the need for new prognostic parameters associated with the course of DLBCL.
Prognostic Value of the PRAME Gene Expression in T-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Authors: Penskaya E.A. , Misyurin Vsevolod Andreevich , Misyurina A.E. , Kravchenko S.K. , Gorenkova L.G. , Plastinina L.V. , Tikhonova V.V. , Finashutina Yu.P. , Lyzhko N.A. , Kasatkina N.N. , Kesaeva L.A. , Solopova O.N. , Misyurin A.V.
Published: January 2019

Background. T-cell lymphomas (T-CL) represent a heterogeneous group of malignant lymphoproliferative disorders characterized by unfavorable prognosis. The cancer-testis PRAME gene is notable for its spontaneous expression in transformed cells as observed in solid tumors, B-cell lymphoproliferative and chronic myeloproliferative diseases. Activity and clinical significance of PRAME in T-CL was not studied before, which determines the relevance and provides ground for the present trial. Aim. To assess the clinical significance of the PRAME gene expression in T-CL. Materials & Methods. PRAME gene expression level was measured in samples of lymph nodes, blood, and bone marrow from 35 T-CL patients. Among them 3 patients received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and 6 patients received autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A correlation was established between the PRAME expression in bone marrow and peripheral blood with morphological markers of disseminated disease with bone marrow lesions and leukemic blood. PRAME expression level was correlated with survival parameters and tumor proliferative activity (Ki-67). Results. PRAME activity was observed in 21 (60 %) patients. PRAME hyperexpression is associated with advanced stages of disease (p = 0.0734), bone marrow lesions (p = 0.0289), leukemic blood (p = 0.0187), worsening of the overall survival (OS) (p = 0.0787) and event-free survival (EFS) (p = 0.7185), also after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (p = 0.2661 for OS and p = 0.0452 for EFS), and with a high Ki-67 expression level (p = 0.0155). Conclusion. PRAME expression in T-CL is often observed and related with unfavorable clinical prognosis.
Chemical Amendments of Dryland Saline–Sodic Soils Did Not Enhance Productivity and Soil Health in Fields without Effective Drainage
Authors: Birru Girma A. , Clay David E. , DeSutter Thomas M. , Reese Cheryl L. , Kennedy Ann C. , Clay Sharon A. , Bruggeman Stephanie A. , Owen Rachel K. , Malo Douglas D.
Published: January 2019

Core Ideas

The amount of land impacted by salinity or sodicity is increasing worldwide.

Precision conservation can be used to target corrective treatments to problem areas.

Chemical amendments did not enhance soil health or plant productivity in northern Great Plains soils that did not have effective drainage systems.

The application of chemical amendments as preventative treatment in tile drained North America northern Great Plains fields did not improve soil health (water infiltration and microbial diversity) and either reduced or did not increase crop yields.

These results were partially attributed to high subsoil bulk densities and low drainable porosities.

A common restoration treatment for saline–sodic soils involves improving soil drainage, applying soil amendments (e.g., CaSO4, CaCl2, or elemental S), and leaching with water that has a relatively low electrical conductivity. However, due to high subsoil bulk densities and low drainable porosities, these treatments many not be effective in glaciated dryland systems. A 3‐yr field study conducted in three model systems determined the impact of chemical amendments (none, CaCl2, CaSO4, and elemental S) on plant growth, microbial composition, temporal changes in electrical conductivity (ECe), and the relative sodium content (%Na). Chemical amendments (i) either reduced or did not increase maize (Zea mays), soybean (Glycine max), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) yields; (ii) did not increase water infiltration or microbial biomass as determined using the phospholipid‐derived fatty acid (PLFA) technique; and (iii) did not reduce ECeor %Na. These results were attributed to high bulk densities and low drainable porosities that reducing the drainage effectiveness in the model backslope and footslope soils, the presence of subsurface marine sediments that provided a source for sodium and other salts that could be transported through capillary action to the surface soil, high sulfate and gypsum contents in the surface soil, and relatively low microbial biomass values. The results suggests that an alternative multistep saline sodic soil restoration approach that involves increasing exchangeable Ca+2through enhanced microbial and root respiration and increasing transpiration and soil drainage by seeding full season deep rooted perennial vegetation should be tested.
Productivity, Andrographolide, and NPK Content Influenced with Organics and Inorganics in Kalmegh
Authors: Jat R.S. , Gajbhiye N.A.
Published: January 2019

Core Ideas

Integrated use of castor cake 2.5 t and NPK 80:30:50 kg ha–1with split application of N (50% at TP and 50% in two splits at 25 and 40 DAP) produced highest dry herbage yield.

Combined use of castor cake 2.5 t and NPK 80:30:50 kg ha–1(50% N at TP and 50% at 25 DAP) recor–ded highest quality in terms of andrographolide content.

Increased supply of NPK either through organics or inorganics showed positive and linear increase in andrographolide content.

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculataNees) is being used since centuries in Asia as an alternative medicine to cure various health ailments. However, the quality, efficacy, and safety are major challenges due to lack of standard production protocols. A study was conducted with organic and inorganic nutrient sources, and split application of N to increase the herbage yield and quality as well, while maintaining/improving the soil fertility. Castor cake 2.5 t ha−1recorded highest plant height, branches, and plant N and K content, whereas, P content was higher with vermicompost 7.5 t ha−1. Application of NPK 80:30:50 kg ha−1with or without split application of N increased plant height and branches per plant, and plant NPK content. Interaction effects showed that combined use of castor cake 2.5 t ha−1along with NPK 80:30:50 kg ha−1and 2/3 split application of N recorded significantly higher herbage yield (8.1 t ha−1), and andrographolide content (24.2 mg g−1). Positive and linear regression [N (R2= 0.64), P (R2= 0.40) and K (R2= 0.16)], and significant correlation [N (r= 0.80) P (r= 0.63) and K (r= 0.40)] atP= 0.01 were found between NPK applied and andrographolide content in plants. Vermicompost 7.5 t ha−1and NPK 80:30:50 kg ha−1(50% N in 2–3 splits) improved soil NPK content. Thus, integrated use of castor cake 2.5 t ha−1along with NPK 80:30:50 kg ha−1(N in 2/3 split applications) found optimum to harvest maximum commercial produce of better quality and improved soil fertility.
Potential of annual forages in the Northern Great Plains
Authors: Meccage Emily , Carr Patrick M. , Bourgault Maryse , McVay Kent , Boss Darrin
Published: January 2019

Annual forages are a good option for many farmers and ranchers in the Northern Great Plains, particularly when traditional forage sources are in short supply. Not only do they provide increased production per acre compared with perennial forages, but they also provide a quality forage source for livestock. While there are potential nutritional benefits to be gained by including non‐traditional species in the forage mix, nitrates and other potential toxins need to be considered. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/637.
Biomass Production and Nutrient Removal of Energy Cane Genotypes in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Boschiero Beatriz Nastaro , de Castro Sergio Gustavo Quassi , da Rocha Adolpho Emanuel Quintela , Franco Henrique Coutinho Junqueira , Carvalho João Luís Nunes , Soriano Hugo Lyra , dos Santos Jorge Alves , Bressiani Jose Antonio , Kölln Oriel Tiago
Published: January 2019

Energy cane (Saccharum spp.) is an alternative for biomass production to meet demands for high yield and fiber content feedstock for bioenergy production. However, there is limited research data and information available for this crop that was recently introduced in Brazil. The focus of this study was to evaluate the biomass production and mineral composition of energy cane genotypes to understand their productivity and define nutrient management practices according to nutrient removal. The experiment was conducted in northeastern Brazil during plant cane and first ratoon crop cycles and evaluated six energy cane and one sugarcane (cultivar most grown in the region) genotype. Depending on genotype and crop cycle, energy cane dry biomass production ranged from 43 to 63 Mg ha−1 and was greater than that of sugarcane, ranging from 25 to 51 Mg ha−1. Energy cane allocated a greater amount of dry biomass in dry leaves and tops than sugarcane. Overall, 1 Mg of fresh energy cane required 1.5 kg of N, 0.32 kg of P, 5.1 kg of K, 0.6 kg of Mg, 0.5 kg of S, 5.7 g of B, 1.4 g of Cu, 6.3 g of Mn, and 4.7 g of Zn. Macronutrient removal by some energy cane genotypes was higher than that by sugarcane due to greater biomass production. Energy cane has the potential for greater dry biomass production than sugarcane, but it also removes a larger amount of nutrients. The recommendation of an amount of nutrients needed for energy cane production is a key issue for the establishment of this crop as a raw material for bioenergy production in Brazil.
Assessment of Soil Loss using Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE): A Remote Sensing and GIS Approach
Authors: Kadam Ajaykumar , Umrikar B. N. , Sankhua R. N.
Published: January 2019

A comprehensive methodology that combines Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), Remote Sensing data and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques was used to determine the soil loss vulnerability of an agriculture mountainous watershed in Maharashtra, India. The spatial variation in rate of annual soil loss was obtained by integrating raster derived parameter in GIS environment. The thematic layers such as TRMM [Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission] derived rainfall erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), GDEM based slope length and steepness (LS), land cover management (C) and factors of conservation practices (P) were calculated to identify their effects on average annual soil loss. The highest potential of estimated soil loss was 688.397 t/ha/yr. The mean annual soil loss is 1.26 t/ha/yr and highest soil loss occurs on the main watercourse, since high slope length and steepness. The spatial soil loss maps prepared with RUSLE method using remote sensing and GIS can be helpful as a lead idea in arising plans for land use development and administration in the ecologically sensitive hilly areas.
Circular-linear model of the force of dry friction
Authors: Ragulskis K. , Bubulis A. , Maskeliūnas R. , Paškevičius P. , Ragulskis L.
Published: January 2019

In the numerical methods taking into account the force of dry friction numerical approximation is used when performing calculations. Circular-linear approximation for the local transition region is recommended. Results of numerical calculations are presented. The advantages of using this proposed representation are seen from the obtained results presented in this paper.
Metabolomic Biomarkers in Gynecology: A Treasure Path or a False Path?
Authors: Govorov Igor , Sitkin Stanislav , Pervunina Tatyana , Moskvin Alexey , Baranenko Denis , Komlichenko Eduard
Published: January 2019

Omic-technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics)
have become more important in current medical science. Among them, it is metabolomics that
most accurately reflects the minor changes in body functioning, as it focuses on metabolome –
the group of the metabolism products, both intermediate and end. Therefore, metabolomics is
actively engaged in fundamental and clinical studies and search for potential biomarkers. The
biomarker could be used in diagnostics, management and stratification of the patients, as well
as in prognosing the outcomes. The good example is gynecology, since many gynecological
diseases lack effective biomarkers. In the current review, we aimed to summarize the results
of the studies, devoted to the search of potential metabolomic biomarkers for the most common
gynecological diseases.
Dietary Approaches to Attain Fish Health with Special Reference to their Immune System
Authors: Magrone Thea , Russo Matteo A. , Jirillo Emilio
Published: January 2019

Fish despite their low collocation in the vertebrate phylum possess a complete immune system. In
teleost fish both innate and adaptive immune responses have been described with melanomacrophage centers
(MMCs) equivalent to mammalian germinal centers. Primary lymphoid organs are represented by the thymus and
kidney, while spleen and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues act as secondary lymphoid organs. Functions of
either innate immune cells (e.g., macrophages and dendritic cells) or adaptive immune cells (T and B lymphocytes)
will be described in detail, even including their products, such as cytokines and antibodies. In spite of a
robust immune arsenal, fish are very much exposed to infectious agents (marine bacteria, parasites, fungi, and
viruses) and, consequentially, mortality is very much enhanced especially in farmed fish. In fact, in aquaculture
stressful events (overcrowding), microbial infections very frequently lead to a high rate of mortality. With the aim
to reduce mortality of farmed fish through the reinforcement of their immune status the current trend is to administer
natural products together with the conventional feed. Then, in the second part of the present review emphasis
will be placed on a series of products, such as prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics, β-glucans, vitamins, fatty
acids and polyphenols all used to feed farmed fish. With special reference to polyphenols, results of our group
using red grape extracts to feed farmed European sea bass will be illustrated. In particular, determination of cytokine
production at intestinal and splenic levels, areas of MMCs and development of hepatopancreas will represent
the main biomarkers considered. All together, our own data and those of current literature suggests that natural
product administration to farmed fish for their beneficial effects may, in part, solve the problem of fish mortality
in aquaculture, enhancing their immune responses.
A Metabonomics Approach to Drug Toxicology in Liver Disease and its Application in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Su Guangyue , Wang Haifeng , Bai Jiao , Chen Gang , Pei Yuehu
Published: January 2019

Background:

The progression of liver disease causes metabolic transformation in vivo and thus affects
corresponding endogenous small molecular compounds. Metabonomics is a powerful technology which is able to
assess global low-molecular-weight endogenous metabolites in a biological system. This review is intended to provide
an overview of a metabonomics approach to the drug toxicology of diseases of the liver.

Methods:

The regulation of, and relationship between, endogenous metabolites and diseases of the liver is discussed
in detail. Furthermore, the metabolic pathways involved in drug interventions of liver diseases are reviewed. Evaluation
of the protective mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in liver diseases using metabonomics is also reviewed.
Examples of applications of metabolite profiling concerning biomarker discovery are highlighted. In addition,
new developments and future prospects are described.

Results:

Metabonomics can measure changes in metabolism relating to different stages of liver disease, so metabolic
differences can provide a basis for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of various diseases.

Conclusion:

Metabonomics has great advantages in all aspects of the therapy of liver diseases, with good prospects
for clinical application.
Using Sodium Hydride and Potassium Carbonate as Bases in Synthesis of Substituted 2-Amino-4-aryl-7-propargyloxy-4H-chromene-3-carbonitriles
Authors: Thanh Nguyen D. , Hai Do S. , Bich Vu T.N. , Hien Pham T.T. , Duyen Nguyen T.K. , Mai Nguyen T. , Dung Tran T. , Van Hoang T.K. , Toan Vu N. , Toan Duong N. , Dang Le H.
Published: January 2019

Aims and Objective:

1-Alkynes are the important precursors for the CuAAC click chemistry. The
hybrid of 1,2,3-triazole ring to the chromene ring and sugar moiety could bring some remarkable biological
properties. Propargyl derivatives are usually used in the click chemistry. This article reported the synthesis of
2-amino-4-aryl-7-propargyloxy-4-aryl-4H-chromene-3-carbonitriles using propargyl bromide as alkylation
agent and the use of potassium carbonate and sodium hydride as bases in the conversion of 2-amino-4-aryl-7-
hydroxy-4-aryl-4H-chromene-3-carbonitriles into corresponding propargyl ethers in Williamson’s ether
synthesis.

Materials and Methods:

The use of CTAB for the synthesis of benzylidene malononitriles and anhydrous potassium
carbonate as a catalyst in absolute ethanol in the synthesis of 2-amino-7-hydroxy-4H-chromene-3-
carbonitriles is an efficient and simple synthetic method. Propargyl ether compounds of these 4H-chromene-3-
carbonitriles were obtained from the alkylation reaction by propargyl bromide. Two procedures were applied:
K2CO3 as a base in acetone solvent (Procedure A) and NaH as a base in DMF solvent (Procedure B). The
single-crystal X-ray structure of propargyl ether 5e has been studied.

Results:

The use of K2CO3 and NaH as bases in the Williamson’s ether synthesis from 2-amino-7-hydroxy-4Hchromene-
3-carbonitriles showed that Procedure B was the better route and gave ethers in the higher yields. 2-
Amino-4-aryl-7-propargyloxy-4-aryl-4H-chromene-3-carbonitriles were obtained from corresponding 7-
hydroxy-4H-chromene-3-carbonitriles. Yields of ethers 5a-i were 70−89% and 80−96%, respectively depending
on the used procedures.

Conclusion:

The described methods are simple, clean and environmentally friendly alternatives for the preparation
of 2-amino-4-aryl-7-hydroxy-4H-chromene-3-carbonitriles. The conditions for the transformation of
these compounds into propargyl ethers include dried DMF as a solvent, NaH as a base and reaction time of 2 h
at the room temperature. A series of 2-amino-4-aryl-7-hydroxy-4-aryl-4H-chromene-3-carbonitriles were
obtained based on investigated reaction condition.
Optimization of Brinzolamide Loaded Microemulsion using Formulation by Design Approach: Characterization and In-vitro Evaluation
Authors: Gohil Riyaz , Patel Asha , Pandya Tosha , Dharamsi Abhay
Published: January 2019

Background:

The clinical application of Brinzolamide, a drug used in the treatment of
glaucoma is limited due its poor aqueous solubility. Microemulsion based ocular delivery can be an
effective means to improve its solubility and in turn the bioavailability.

Objective:

The main objective of the present work was optimization and characterization of Brinzolamide
loaded microemulsion for the treatment of glaucoma.

Method:

The solubility of Brinzolamide in various oils and surfactants was checked in order to
identify components of microemulsion. Pseudo-ternary phase diagram using Prosim software was
plotted to identify microemulsion existence area. D-optimal mixture design was used for optimization
of microemulsion. The optimized formulation consisted of Isopropyl myristate, Tween-80 and
Transcutol-P as surfactant and co-surfactant respectively, and water. The chosen critical responses
were droplet size, zeta potential, nepheloturbidimetric unit, and viscosity.

Results:

The selected optimal composition shows favorable features, such as droplet size (41.69
nm), Zeta potential (-9.496 mV), Viscosity (170.8 cps), Transparency (1.483 NTU) and pH (7.646)
that are suitable for ocular delivery. Moreover, a prolonged drug release (78.08 % within 7 hour)
was found in in-vitro experiments. By and large the formulation was found to be safe and nonirritant
as proven by the ocular irritation study.

Conclusion:

Our study illustrated potential of Brinzolamide loaded microemulsion for ocular delivery
for the treatment of glaucoma.
Pengaruh Pemberian Ekstrak Sarang Semut (Myrmecodia sp.) Terhadap Fertilitas Telur Ayam
Authors: Lisnanti Ertika Fitri , Mukmin Amiril , Fitriyah Nur
Published: January 2019

Tujuan dari penelitian ini ialah untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemberian ekstrak sarang semut terhadap peningkatan fertilitas telur ayam. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan metode eksperimen dengan rancangan acak lengkap pola faktorial (RALF). Faktor I = level pemberian ekstrak umbi sarang semut yang terdiri dari 2 level yaitu L1(10 mg/kg BB) dan L2 (20 mg/kg BB), sedangkan Faktor II = durasi pemberian ekstrak umbi sarang semut yang terdiri dari 3 level yaitu D0 (0 hari/minggu), D3 (3 hari/minggu) dan D5 (5 hari/minggu). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa berdasarkan analisa statistik diketahui terdapat interaksi yangÂ  nyata (P<0,05) antara kombinasi perlakuan level pemberianÂ  dan durasi pemberian ekstrak umbi sarang semut terhadap fertilitas telur ayam. Pemberian ekstrak sarang semut pada level 10 mg/kg BB dengan durasi pemberian selama 5 hari/minggu (LID5) secara sinifikan mampu meningkatkan fertilitas telur ayam (97,58%) jika dibandingkan dengan perlakuan yang lain (L2D3 = 94,38%; L2D5 = 94,32%; L1D3 = 93,28%; L2D0 = 92,90%; dan L1D0 = 2,84%). Kesimpulan yang dapat diambil ialah untuk dapat meningkatkan fertilitas telur ayam, level dan durasi pemberian ekstrak sarang semut harus tepat karena jika tidak, nilai peningkatannya tidak akan optimal, sekalipun dengan level dan durasi pemberian yang lebih tinggi.
Kualitas Semen Cair Sapi Peranakan Ongole Menggunakan Pengencer CEP-3 Kuning Telur pada Media Simpan yang Berbeda
Authors: Rosary Risky Amalia , Kuswati Kuswati , Susilawati Trinil
Published: January 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pengencer CEP-3 kuning telur terhadap kualitas semen cair sapi Peranakan Ongole (PO) pada media simpan yang berbeda. Penelitian dilaksanakan di Laboratorium Lapang Fakultas Peternakan Universitas Brawijaya pada bulan Agustus sampai September 2017. Materi penelitian yang digunakan yaitu semen segar sapi Peranakan Ongole (PO) berumur 2 tahun ditampung menggunakan vagina buatan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah eksperimental laboratorium dengan 5 perlakuan yaitu P0 (media simpan refrigerator suhu 5 oC), P1 (media simpan termos kosong suhu 28 oC), P2 (media simpan termos berisi es batu suhu 0 oC), P3 (media simpan termos berisi air es suhu 9 oC), dan P4 (media simpan termos berisi air sumur suhu 25 oC) masing-masing perlakuan menggunakan 10 ulangan apabila terdapat perbedaan yang nyata dilanjutkan dengan uji Jarak Duncan. Hasil analisis ragam pada penyimpanan hingga jam ke-8 menunjukkan berbeda sangat nyata (P<0,01) terhadap motilitas dan viabilitas sedangkan pada rataan persentase abnormalitas tidak nyata. Total spermatozoa motil tertinggi yaitu P0, P2, P3, P1 dan P4 tetapi tidak dapat digunakan untuk IB. Berdasarkan penelitian tersebut, maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa Penggunaan media simpan termos belum mampu mempertahankan motilitas spermatozoa sebaik media refrigerator lebih dari 2 jam, hal ini ditunjukkan oleh perlakuan 0 (P0) dengan hasil terbaik terhadap motilitas spermatozoa selama penyimpanan pada suhu 5 oC. kualitas semen cair yang terbaik pada media simpan termos adalah dengan menggunakan termos berisi es batu suhu 0 oC (P2) 33,00 Â± 4,83%. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian disarankan dilakukan pengulangan penelitian menggunakan semen segar dengan motilitas > 70 % dikemas didalam dan tanpa straw.
The Dynamics of the Classical Reformed Liturgy in the Netherlands: Its Texts and and their History
Authors: Jong Klaas-Willem de
Published: January 2019

In this article, I present a project that recently emerged at the Protestant Theological University (PThU: NL Amsterdam-Groningen). It focuses on the classical reformed liturgy in the Netherlands, its texts, rituals and their history, especially in the 16th and early 17th centuries. The collection of these texts, passed on through generations, is known as, among others, The Liturgy. I demonstrate it has been observed since the middle of the 17th century that The Liturgy is not a collection of prayers and forms of which the extent and the texts can be clearly defined. Still, a critical edition of The Liturgy has not yet been produced. I argue that a critical edition with attention to its origins, its various releases, its reception in the Netherlands Reformed Church and its effects on other liturgies is needed for an in-depth study of the history of both the reformation period and the reformed liturgy. Subsequently, I outline the method to produce such an edition. Because of the complexity of the matter, each part – for example a form or a collection of prayers – needs to be studied separately. Nevertheless, for each part similar steps have to be taken in which the involved scholars can work together. The critical edition of a part can be published in its own right. The final result is a merging of the releases into a critical edition of The Liturgy as a whole.
Experiment rond de Tafel. Over Willem Barnards Onderzoek van het Sacramentele
Authors: Postma Eward
Published: January 2019

The Dutch poet, minister and essayist Willem Barnard (1920–2010) greatly contributed to the artistic and theological exploration of fundamental questions on sacramentality. This article concentrates on the way Barnard addresses the paradox that sacraments are human acts. It starts out from his explorations of religious drama and argues that they are in Barnards works a key to a sacramentality, in particular of the Eucharist, that is intentionally performed, embodied and experienced. Central to Barnards explorations and a stimulus for his further theological reflection is the establishment of a ‘sacramental lab’ in the 1950’s (‘Nocturnen’). Barnard thus develops a concept of liturgy as ‘drama’ that includes theological reflection on ‘community’, ‘participation’ and the making of liturgical rituals. Moreover, the artistic perspective of drama enables him to thematize both the continuity and discontinuity between God’s acts and human acts.
Requiem. Resonanzen katholischer Totenliturgie in Vergangenheit und Gegenwart
Authors: Quartier Thomas
Published: January 2019

Liturgical music at Roman-Catholic funerals has a very diverse character in contemporary Western society, especially in a strongly secularized country like the Netherlands. The spectrum covers the favorite music of the deceased as well as traditional chants. But how is it possible that people still frequently opt for the Requiem, even outside the classical liturgical context? In this article, we explore the concepts of experience and meaning with regard to the Requiemmass. Which kind of experience belongs to this type of liturgical chant? And which meaning is ascribed to it? Using the resonance-theory of Hartmut Rosa, we distinguish a liturgical horizontal dimension (shared experience) and a vertical dimension (religious meaning). Diagonal resonance refers to the liturgical elements of singing. By referring to striking examples from the history of Christian worship, we show that experience and meaning of liturgical chant always depended on its context. It changed; meaning differed from experience and covered it again. For contemporary liturgical practice it would therefore be too simple to only speak about an experiential dimension of the Requiem and no longer about its meaning. The aim must be to combine a personalized meaning with the tradition of ecclesial liturgy.
PARTICIPATORY MEDICINE AND THE “DIFFICULT” PATIENT (Preprint)
Authors: Denzler Brenda
Published: January 2019

UNSTRUCTURED

Participatory medicine was made for patients like me -- that is, for “difficult” patients. Every difficult patient is difficult in their own way and for their own reasons. Seldom do those reasons include a deliberate desire to be difficult, and often those reasons could be mitigated by receiving medical care in a more participatory environment.

I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) in 2009, after enjoying a lifetime of pretty good health. My oncologist said this would enable me to withstand the rigors of cancer treatment more easily. However, we were soon to discover that my health had masked something that would actually make my treatment very difficult: a raging case of medical PTSD stemming from back-to-back hospitalizations at age 5, the second one nearly fatal. I was quietly terrified of doctors and profoundly mistrustful of the medical world in general.
Voters (Dis)-Believing Digital Political Disinformation in Gubernatorial Election of DKI Jakarta 2016-2017
Authors: Parahita Gilang Desti
Published: January 2019

Some studies, with regards to the salience of digital disinformation, have focused on investigating the tendency to believe disinformation by looking at a single cluster of factors. This study reveals factors ranging from multiple clusters, such as socioeconomic status, political partisanship, diversity of media exposure, trust in the media, and the digital fluency of the voters. The Gubernatorial Election of DKI Jakarta during 2016-2017 provided a context for examining the correlation between these factors and the (dis)-belief of digital political disinformation among the voters. In the election, the incumbent governor, Basuki Tjahja Purnama, was falsely accused of being a communist, which is still a dirty word in Indonesia, by his opponent. A survey was conducted for this research, collecting completed questionnaires from 191 citizens of DKI Jakarta who had voting rights and could access the online and digital disinformation. The null hypothesis was that socioeconomic status, political partisanship, diversity of media exposure, trust in the media and digital fluency did not influence the citizens’ perceptions towards digital political information. However, the regression analysis found that the null hypothesis should be rejected. Of those predictors, political partisanship had the highest significant correlation with those perceptions.