bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESPON PETANI TERHADAP PELAKSANAAN DISPLAI PADI GOGO VUB PADA LAHAN SUB OPTIMAL DI SULAWESI SELATAN
Authors: Sunanto Sunanto , Rauf Abd Wahid
Published: July 2019

RESPON PETANI TERHADAP PELAKSANAAN DISPLAI PADI GOGO VUB PADA LAHAN SUB OPTIMAL DI SULAWESI SELATAN Farmers Response on VUB “Gogo” Rice Display on Sub-Optimal Landin South Sulawesi Sunanto * dan Abd. Wahid Rauf Balai Pengkajian Teknologi Pertanian (BPTP) Sulawesi Selatan *Kontak penulis: sunanto_bptpsulsel@yahoo.co.id The Gogo rice is a food crop that contributes to food self-sufficiency. Food demand, especially rice continues to increase along with population growth. Because of the higher food needs and the narrowness of fertile land, due to the land conversion function. So the utilization of sub-optimal lands / landed with appropriate food crops. The potency of thesub-optimal area in South Sulawesi is 274,549 hectares. The purpose of this research is to know how sub-optimal land used and farmer appraisal to gogo rice. This research was conducted in Wajo and Jeneponto Regencies from January to December 2017. The research used survey method and display of gogo rice plant NSV of Agricultural Research Agency in the field. The number of farmers taken as a sample of 80 farmers.The technique of collecting data by interview method and observation of vegetative and generations of display gogo rice plant. The collected data are then tabulated and then analyzed descriptively and test the agreement and business feasibility. The activities of rice farming on sub-optimal land are done by farmers that have the productive age. Theapplication of rice farming technology to suboptimal land has not been intensive yet. Display gogo rice plant VUB resulted from Agricultural Research Agency appropriate to be planted with / out sub-optimal land of dry land and irrigated rice fields limited. Understanding farmers on superior gogo rice are not optimal (77.50%). Farmer's preference to superior gogo farmers. Rice farming of farmers provides income(implicative). Rp 4.575.000/ha, (explicit). Rp 7.245.000/ha and R/C (implicative ) 1.62 and (explicit ) 2.53.Keywords: upland rice; VUB; land; sub optimal.
NILAI BUDAYA PADA SISTEM USAHATANI POLA ‘DUSUN’ SUKU KANUM DI KAMPUNG YANGGANDUR KABUPATEN MERAUKE
Authors: Susanty Puji , Musa Yunus , Rahmadanih Rahmadanih , Bulkis Sitti
Published: July 2019

­­NILAI BUDAYA  PADA SISTEM USAHATANI  POLA ‘DUSUN’ SUKU KANUM  DI KAMPUNG YANGGANDUR KABUPATEN MERAUKE    The Cultural Values on  ‘Dusun’ Pattern Farming System of The “Kanum” Tribe in Yanggandur Village Merauke Regency                    Puji Susanty*, Yunus Musa, Rahmadanih, Sitti Bulkis                                *Politeknik Pertanian Yasanto, Merauke                                   (email: pujisusanti74@gmail.com) Abstract“Dusun” is a specific area of the traditional land in Kanum Tribe, which been chosen as place for farmer to cultivated as rural areas for families or in Kanum Tribes Group  Society that been inherite from generation to generation.  This research aimed to describe the cultural values in managing the farming system of “dusun” pattern carried out  by indigenous community of Kanum Tribe. The research was conducted in Yanggandur Village, Merauke Regency.  Qualitative approach and  snowball sampling method were applied  to collect the data through interviews from  informants. In order to analyze the data it applied data reduction techniques, presentation and  conclusion as well as verification. From the research, it was indicated that the prime food crop that cultivated by Kanum Tribe in the “dusun” are ‘kumbili’.  The  Kanum Tribe still actively managed the farming system of “dusun” pattern because the “kumbili” farming system contained the cultural values which they had inherited from generation to generation. The cultural values contained in “kumbili” cultivation were the safety and religious value, the wisdom and  mutual cooperation value, and the responsibility value.Keywords: cultural value; “dusun” pattern farming; Kanum Tribe.
Halal Food di Era Revolusi Industri 4.0: Prospek dan Tantangan
Authors: Zahrah Aminatuz , Fawaid Achmad
Published: July 2019

Teknologi yang semakin canggih membuat beberapa teknologi kecerdasan buatan mulai bermunculan di segala aspek, termasuk dalam industri makanan halal. Tulisan ini berupaya untuk mengetahui bagaimana Industri makanan halal di era Revolusi Industri 4.0?  Apa dampak Revolusi Industri 4.0 terhadap keberadaan makanan halal di Indonesia? Pada era Revolusi Industri 4.0, pebisnis sangat mudah dalam mengelola makanan halal baik proses maupun penjualanya yakni melalui mesin kompleks, laboratorium lengkap, modern halal valley, alat dan aplikasi kecerdasan buatan. Semua ini berdampak terhadap keberadaan makanan halal di Indonesia yang semakin terkenal, penjualannya yang lebih efisien dan lebih luas, proses pemesanan dan produksi yang lebih efektif, pembaruan menu yang lebih cepat, dan pasar yang lebih terbuka, sehingga industri makanan halal pun semakin dituntut untuk memiliki daya saing.
Post-operative Orthopedic Infection with Monomicrobial Leclercia adecarboxylata
Authors: Mayfield Cory K. , Haglin Jack M. , Konda Sanjit R. , Tejwani Nirmal C. , Egol Kenneth A.
Published: July 2019

Case:

An 65-year-old immunocompetent female developed aLeclercia adecarboxylatainfection following the repair of closed olecranon fracture.L. adecarboxylatais associated with polymicrobial infections, infections in immunocompromised patients and penetrating or open wounds. Following speciation, intravenous ceftriaxone was started. Two weeks later, the patient presented with leukopenia and neutropenia. Per infectious disease recommendations, the patient was switched to intravenous ertapenem with resolution of both infection and neutropenia. The olecranon fracture went on to heal fully.

Conclusions:

This case describes a rare postoperative monomicrobial infection withL. adecarboxylatain an immunocompetent host following musculoskeletal trauma and identifiesL. adecarboxylataas a potential emerging hospital-acquired pathogen following orthopedic surgery.
Team Approach: Modern-Day Prostheses in the Mangled Hand
Authors: Delarosa Matthew , Gaston R. Glenn , Loeffler Bryan , Monroe Brian , Rumfelt Stacy
Published: July 2019

» Early prosthesis fitting enhances prosthesis acceptance and utilization.

» Establishing a relationship early with the team can improve surgical planning and expedite postoperative care.

» Targeted muscle reinnervation performed in the acute phases of care can greatly improve neuroma pain control and prosthesis functionality.

» There is a high rate of mental health issues at various times during treatment. A high suspicion for these problems is paramount in effective treatment.

» Peer-driven support has been instrumental in successful recovery in these devastating injuries.
Surgical Management of the Spastic Forearm, Wrist, and Hand: Evidence-Based Treatment Recommendations
Authors: Rhee Peter Charles
Published: July 2019

» The surgical approach for the patient with a spastic upper limb must be individualized and goal-focused.

» An injury to the central nervous system can lead to spinal reflex hyperexcitability with exaggerated muscle activation in response to quick stretch stimuli (i.e., spasticity).

» Surgical treatment options are dependent on the potential for function in the spastic upper limb.

» If volitional motor control is present, spastic motor units can be lengthened or released while preserving function.

» In the absence of volitional motor control, spastic muscles can be divided, released, or denervated with selective neurectomies.
Genetic diversity and population structure of black cottonwood (Populus deltoides) revealed using simple sequence repeat markers
Authors: Chen Cun , Chu Yanguang , Ding Changjun , Su Xiaohua , Huang Qinjun
Published: July 2019

Background: Black cottonwood (Populus deltoides) is one of the keystone forest tree species, and has become the main breeding parents in poplar hybrid breeding. However, the genetic diversity and population structure of the introduced resources are not fully understood.
Results: In the present study, five loci containing null alleles were excluded and 15 pairs of SSR (simple sequence repeat) primers were used to analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of 384 individuals from six provenances of P. deltoides. Ultimately, 108 alleles (Na) were detected; the expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.070 to 0.905, and the average locus polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.5354. The provenance ‘Was’ had the lowest genetic diversity, while ‘Que’, ‘Lou’, and ‘Ten’ provenances had high genetic diversity, with Shannon's information index (I) above 1.0. The mean coefficient of genetic differentiation (Fst) and gene flow (Nm) were 0.129 and 1.931 respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 84.88% of the genetic variation originated from individuals. Based on principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and STRUCTURE cluster analysis, clones distributed in Mississippi River Basin were roughly classified as one group, while those distributed in the St. Lawrence River Basin and Columbia River Basin were classified as another group. The cluster analysis based on the population level showed that provenance ‘Iow’ had a smaller gene flow and higher degree of genetic differentiation compared with the other provenances, and was classified into one group. There was no significant relationship between genetic distance and geographical distance.
Conclusions: P. deltoides resources have high genetic diversity and there is a moderate level of genetic differentiation among provenances. Geographical isolation and natural conditions may be the main factors causing genetic differences among individuals; however, the genetic variation among provenances has no clear correlation with their geographical locations. Clones reflecting population genetic information can be selected to build a core resource bank, which could provide effective protection and promote the scientific utilization of the P. deltoids resource, laying a solid foundation for poplar breeding.
Mortality Predicted by different Hematological Malignancy types, Bacteremia, and Lack of Chemotherapy at Kinshasa University Clinics
Authors: LONGO-MBENZA Benjamin , Nkanga Mireille Solange Nganga , Matoumona Yolande Voumbo , Mokondjimobe Etienne , Abena Ange Antoine , Silou Jacques , Ngwidiwo Jacques Bikaula
Published: July 2019

Objective To identify environmental, pollutant metals, epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and able to predict case fatality among patients with anemia and hematological malignancy (HM). Methods This was a retrospective cohort study in black patient’s ≥ 20 years managed for recurrent fever, infections, anemia, and bacteremia between 2009 and 2015 at Kinshasa University Clinics, DRC. The outcomes such as incident HM and case fatality were assessed using univariate means, standard errors, relative risk (RR) and multivariate proportional Hazard ratio (HR) by Cox regression analysis, while Log-Rank test was performed for comparisons by Kaplan Meier curves (means, 95% CI, and median survival). Results Out of 105 incident HM patients (Male: Female ratio = 1), 57.1% (n= 60) experienced case fatality, There was no association between gender, residence, ethnicity, fever and mortality. There was a significant univariate association between age ≥ 55 years, serum chromium, serum cadmium, serum iodine, serum mercury, rainy season, hemolytic anemia, HM, bone pain, elevated Erythrocyte sedimentation, splenomegaly, abdominal pain, neutropenia, El Nino years, combined local dry season + global climate variability/El Nino, thrombocytopenia, multi-transfusions, bacteremia, lack of chemotherapy, and mortality. After adjusted for confounders using Cox regression models, only incident HM (HR = 16.8; 95% CI, P< 0.0001), Lack of chemotherapy (HR = 6.9, 95% CI, P< 0.002), and Bacteremia (HR= 4.2; 95% CI, P= 0.020) were the most significant and independent predictors of mortality. A separate analysis for HM patients, the mortality rates did not vary (P> 0.05) across HM sub-types: 71.4% (n= 10/14) in multiple myeloma, 84.3% (n= 15/18) in acute myeloid leukemia, 70% (n= 7/10) in myelodysplastic syndromes, 80% (n= 8/10) in chronic myeloid leukemia, 33.3% (n= 2/6) in acute myeloid leukemia, and 80% (n= 4/5) in acute lymphoid leukemia. Conclusion HM is a major cause of morbidity and mortality with epidemic rates explained by lack of chemotherapy, and recurrent bacteremia among Bantu patients facing aging, climate change, rainy seasons, and lack of palliative care.
Imidafenacin, a novel antimuscarinic agent, is alternative to antimuscarinic agents in patients with overactive bladder syndrome:An updated systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wu Jia-Pei , Peng Liao , Zeng Xiao , Li Hao , Shen Hong , Luo De-yi
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Previous study included limited number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and compared limited parameters post the treatment of imidafenacin and other anticholinergic drugs (ADs) for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) and controversy about the superiority of those ADs still remains. We aim to update the evidence and provide better clinical guidance.

Methods

A systematic search in PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrial.gov, and Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted from January 2007 to April 2019. Meta-analysis of all published RCTs comparing imidafenacin with other ADs in patients with OAB was performed. The primary outcomes were the changes in OAB symptoms and OAB Symptom Score (OABSS). Secondary outcomes included adverse events (AEs) and dropout rate related to AEs.

Results

A total of 6 studies including 7 RCTs involving 1,430 patients with mean follow-up of 23.43 weeks were included. All ADs improved OAB symptoms. In regard to efficacy, those drugs had similar efficacy in voids, urgency episodes, urgency incontinence episodes, incontinence episodes and in OABSS. However, Imidafenacin had a better performance in the reduction of nocturia episodes (MD=-0.24, 95%CI -0.44 to-0.04, P=0.02). Moreover, Imidafenacin was associated with statistically lower dry mouth rate (RR=0.87, 95%CI 0.75-1.00, P=0.04), lower constipation rate (RR=0.68, 95%CI 0.50-0.93, P=0.01) and lower AE-related withdrawal rate (RR=0.51, 95%CI 0.29-0.89, P=0.02). There was no significant difference in terms of other complications.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Imidafenacin was comparable with other ADs in the treatment of OAB. Moreover, imidafenacin presented lower dry mouth rate, lower constipation rate and higher adherence and persistence.
The effect of internal limiting membrane peeling to normal retinal function evaluated by microperimetry-3
Authors: Qi Yue , Wang Zengyi , You Qisheng , Liang Xida , Yu Yanping , Liu Wu
Published: July 2019

Background

To evaluate the effect of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling to the function of retina surrounding macular holes (MH) by microperimetry-3(MP-3).

Methods

This is a prospective, cohort study which included 44 eyes of 44 patients with MHs who were treated by 23-gauge 3-port pars plana vitrectomy and ILM peeling with air tamponade. Color fundus photography, retinal optical coherence tomography and MP-3 were used 1 week before and 1, 4 months after operation. In MP-3 examination, a customized follow-up pattern with 45 spots in the central 8° visual field was used. The spots corresponding to the retina surrounding macular holes were selected for comparison of pre- and post-operative function. Results All eyes had achieved an anatomical success at the last follow-up. BCVA (logMAR) significantly improved both in 1 and 4 months after surgery (1.06±0.40 versus 0.53±0.30 and 0.31±0.24, P<0.01). The mean retinal sensitivity (MRS) (in dB) of the retina surrounding macular hole significantly increased 1 and 4 months after ILM peeling: pre-operative 23.46±3.01 dB versus post-operative 26.25±2.31 dB (u=-4.88, P<0.01) in 1 month and 27.14±2.45 dB (t=-6.29, P<0.01) in 4 months. Patients with increased MRS are significantly younger than patients with deceased MRS (59.72±3.22 years versus 65.60±8.19 years, P<0.01). After ILM peeling, the increasing extent of MRS was significantly higher in inferior and nasal retina than that in superior and temporal retina both in 1 and 4 months (P<0.05).

Conclusion

ILM peeling in normal retina will not decrease the retinal function in a short-term after surgery.
Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels and affecting factors among preconception fertile women
Authors: Fan Haiyan , Hui Lingyun , Yan Xiaoting , Hou Wei , Bai E , Wang Li , Yu Xuewen
Published: July 2019

Background
Recent study found that vitamin D before conception was considered as a potential additional determinant for achieving pregnancy and live births. The study aimed to evaluate the serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and its affecting factors among preconception fertile women.

Methods
This cross-sectional study enrolled 410 women aged 22-44 years who attended a preconception genetic counseling clinic from January 2018 to May 2019. Sociodemographic characteristics and reproductive history of women were collected, and height and weight were measured. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was assayed with chemiluminescence immunoassay. Descriptive statistics were used to examine serum 25(OH)D concentration, and socio-demographic characteristics and reproductive history among preconception women. Determinants of vitamin D deficiency and it’s affecting factors were assessed using χ2 test.

Results
Findings showed 84.4% of women had serum 25(OH)D concentration below 20 ng/mL. Women working indoors, without a history of childbirth, and young women aged 22-30 years had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels compared with those non-working individuals, giving birth to a live infant, and between 31-44 years (all P<0.05). The 25(OH)D levels were the lowest in winter than in spring, summer, and autumn (all P<0.001). Women had a RR of 3.472 (95% CI: 1.319 to 9.141) in winter to develop vitamin D deficiency. Seasonal variation in serum 25(OH)D levels was not present in non-working individuals and women aged 31-44 years.

Conclusions
Vitamin D deficiency is common among preconception women especially young women and working women, which propose to screen serum 25(OH)D on preconception evaluation and emphasize need vitamin D supplements and get sunshine exposure.
Quality of life and the prevalence of urinary incontinence after surgical treatment for gynecologic cancer
Authors: Nakayama Noriko , Tsuji Tetsuya , Aoyama Makoto , Fujino Takafumi , Liu Meigen
Published: July 2019

Purpose

To examine the rates, causes, and impact on quality of life (QOL) of urinary storage symptoms after gynecologic cancer surgery.

Methods

A questionnaire survey, including Japanese-language versions of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7), was distributed to gynecologic cancer patients who underwent hysterectomy between 2008 and 2013.

Results

Of the 145 patients analyzed, 49 (33.8%) had urinary incontinence (UI) pre-surgery and 76 (52.4%) had UI post-surgery, including 34 (35.4%) first-time UI patients, with a significant difference between pre- and post-surgery. Of the 49 subjects with UI pre-surgery, 43 (87.7%) had stress incontinence, while of the 76 patients with UI post-surgery, 44 (57.1%) had stress incontinence, and 24 (31.2%) had mixed incontinence. Seven (4.8%) subjects had overactive bladder (OAB) pre-surgery, whereas 19 (13.1%) had OAB symptoms post-surgery (including 15 first-time OAB patients), with a significant difference between pre- and post-surgery. IIQ-7 scores were markedly higher for patients with mixed incontinence post-surgery than for those with stress incontinence, indicating a lower QOL. Logistic regression analysis identified the number of Cesarean sections and days of urinary bladder catheterization as risk factors for postoperative UI.

Conclusions

UI and OAB rates were higher after gynecologic cancer surgery than in the general female population. The mixed incontinence rate was markedly higher post-surgery; QOL was low for such patients due to the combination of urgency and stress incontinence. Multiple Cesarean sections and urinary bladder catheterization post-surgery were risk factors for post-surgical UI.
Prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse in women, associated factors and impact on quality of life in rural Pakistan: population-based study.
Authors: Jokhio Abdul Hakeem , rizvi raheela mohsin , Mcarthur Christine
Published: July 2019

Background

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a gynecological condition resulting from pelvic floor dysfunction in women. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse associated factors, duration and impact on women's quality of life in rural Pakistan.

Methods

A large population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in which a three stage random sampling strategy was applied: randomly selected health centres and randomly selected Lady Health Workers from each health centre who then interviewed a random sample of women in their households. The interview used a structured questionnaire to collect symptom data. Female gynaecologists then conducted a clinical examination at the local health centres on women who reported symptoms of prolapse to verify and grade pelvic organ prolapse using Baden-Walker classification system.

Results

Among the 5064 women interviewed (95.8% response rate), 521 women had clinically confirmed POP, a prevalence of 10.3% (95% CI 9-11%). Among women with POP 37.8% had grade III or IV prolapse. The highest rate of POP (25%) was found in women aged 36-40 years and a rate of 77.2% was found in women of parity 4 or more. Among women with POP, 60.8% reported their quality of life as greatly or moderately affected; 44.3% had it for more than 5 years; and 78.7% never consulted a doctor.

Conclusions

Pelvic organ prolapse is highly prevalent in rural Pakistan and impacts on women’s everyday lives and remains mainly untreated. Measures should be taken to provide health care services to reduce this burden of disease among women.
Can Apela be a Novel Target in the Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia?
Authors: Acik Didar Yanardag , Bankir Mehmet , Baylan Filiz Alkan , Aygün Bilal
Published: July 2019

Background: It has been shown that bcl2, bcl-XL and mcl-1 protein levels are high in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells, and resultantly, apoptosis does not occur chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. Apelin and apela are two peptide ligands for a class A G-protein coupled receptor called apelin receptor. Studies have shown that apella inhibits apoptosis by inhibiting apoptotic proteins and activating anti-apoptotic proteins. Proteins and genes involved in apoptosis are valuable for targeted cancer therapy. We hypothesized that serum levels may be increased in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia based on the antiapoptotic effect of apelin. We compared serum apelin levels of healthy volunteers and patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We aimed to draw attention to a new molecule worthy of research in targeted cancer treatment.
Methods: 42 untreated CLL patients and 41 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Serum Apela levels were measured by by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits (Dhanghai Sunred Biological Technology co. Ltd), automated ELISE reader (Thermo Scientific, FİNLAND) and computer program (Scanlt for Multiscan F.C.2.5.1) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Statistical analysis was made by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows 20 (IBM SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) ve MedCalc programs. Apela and variables related to CLL were correlated with Spearman correlation anlysis test. ROC analysis and Youden index method were used to determine a cut off point for apela. All p-values were 2-sided with statistical significance at 0.05 alpha levels.
Results: In our study, we found that serum apela levels were significantly higher in patients with CLL.
Conclusions: This study highlights that apela targeting may be a potential therapeutic option for treating CLL.
Keywords: Apela; apelinergic system; chronic lymphocytic leukaemia; apoptosis
Liquid biopsy in early breast cancer. A preliminary report
Authors: RULLI ANTONIO , ANTOGNELLI CINZIA , SIGGILLINO ANNAMARIA , TALESA VINCENZO , SVITLANA ZAYIK , IZZO LUCIANO , MESSINEO DANIELA , LUDOVINI VIENNA , COVARELLI PIERO
Published: July 2019

Background

Liquid biopsy (LB) is a technique that utilizes circulating biomarkers from cancer patients to provide information regarding the genetic landscape of the cancer. LB is emerging as an alternative and complementary diagnostic and prognostic tool to surgical biopsy and is expected to provide the tool for the implementation of precision oncology in clinical settings. In fact, it may contribute to enhance understanding of tumor heterogeneity and permitting the dynamic monitoring of treatment responses and genomic variations. Thus, LB is a promising method for the management of cancer, including breast cancer (BC), whose incidence in Italy is progressively increasing. Previous studies focused mainly on patients with advanced-stage BC. In the present study we evaluated the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), the quantity of cell free tumor DNA (cftDNA) and the analysis of the mutational profile of DNA from CTCs (ctcDNA) and cftDNA in early stage BC patients.

Methods

Matched pre- and post-surgery blood samples were collected from 47 early stage BC patients. CTCs enumeration was done using Isoflux system, molecular profile of ctcDNA and cftDNA was performed with the Spotlight 59 Panels kit on a MiSeq Illumina instrument.

Results

Eighty percent of samples was CTCs-positive, while healthy controls were all CTCs-negative. Forty-four patients provided a pre-surgery and 21 post-surgery sample. By comparing the number of CTCs post-surgery with that of pre-surgery, we found that 66% of patients showed a decreased number of CTCs, 14% of patients continued to have the same number of CTCs, while, interestingly, 19% of patients showed an increased number of CTCs. NGS of ctcDNA and cftDNA showed that 52% of samples had mutations in 9 genes (TP53, CDKN2A, FBXW7, PTPN11, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, IDH1, ALK) and in 5 genes (PIK3CA, APC ALK, KRAS, TSC1), respectively, with KRAS and ALK overlapping and TP53 being the most frequently mutated gene in ctcDNA analysis.

Conclusions

LB could facilitate early detection of minimal residual disease, aiding in the initiation of adjuvant therapy to prevent recurrence and progression towards metastasis, enhance individualized treatment and longitudinal screening, thus improving the clinical management and outcome of patients with early BC.
Vasculogenic mimicry as a poor diagnostic and prognostic indicator in patients with malignant‎ melanoma: A ‎systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhenhua , Imani Saber , Shasaltaneh Marzieh Dehghan , Hosseinifard Hossein , Linglin Zou , Fan Yu , Wen QingLian
Published: July 2019

Background Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a brand-new tumor microvascular model of non-endothelial cells, is proposed as an important therapeutic target in malignant melanoma (MM). We performed a systematic review to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostics accuracy of VM for overall survival of MM patients.
Methods The quality of the included studies was assessed by QUADAS-2 tool. Diagnostic capacity of VM variables were pooled by the Meta-Disc software in term of sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC).
Results A retrospective observational study was conducted based on ‎ten studies including 978 clinically melanoma patients with proportion (P). VM+ melanoma cells are associated with poor prognosis in 38% of MM group (P = 0.35, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.27-0.42, P-value < 0.001). The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.82 (95% CI: 0.79-0.84) and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.66-0.71), respectively. Furthermore, the pooled PLR, NLR, and DOR were 2.56 (95% CI: 1.94-3.93), 0.17 (95% CI: 0.07-0.42), and 17.75 (95% CI: 5.30-59.44), respectively. Also, the AUC of SROC was 0.63, indicating the highly conserving of VM as a biomarker‎. Importantly, subgroup results suggested that VM+ tumor was significantly accurate prognostics biomarkers when diagnosed by CD31-/PAS+ staining methods in Asian MM samples (P-value > 0.001).
Conclusions Our finding supports the VM+ tumor as a promising prognostic biomarker and effective adjuvant therapeutic strategy in prognostics of Asian MM patients.
Cell Cycle Arrest and Autophagy Induced by Compound Kushen Injection in sw620 and sw480 Colorectal Cancer Cells with p53 Mutation
Authors: Sun Jie , Wang Di , Zhang Yu , Mu Qing , Li Mei , Hou Xiaoli , Chen Jingyi , Yu Xin , Wang Shaojie , Yu Weidong
Published: July 2019

Background

Compound Kushen Injection (CKI) has been clinically used in China for 15 years to treat various types of solid tumors, including colorectal cancer. Here we examine cell cycle arrest, induced autophagy, and mutant p53 pathways perturbed by CKI in colorectal cancer cells. We and other groups have shown that CKI alters p53 gene expression patterns and suppresses proliferation in colorectal cancer cells.

Methods

We measured the effect of CKI on cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and autophagy in sw480 and sw620 colorectal cancer cells in vitro, and carcinogenesis and the progression of azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate-induced colorectal cancer in ICR mice in vivo. We also used RNA sequencing to analyze mRNA expression altered by CKI, and further validated the expression of mutant p53 and several genes in the cell cycle pathway using reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR and western blotting. Using network pharmacology (BATMAN-TCM database), we have also predicted the active ingredients in CKI involved in regulating the expression of mutant p53.

Results

We show evidence that CKI significantly suppressed proliferation and cell cycle progression, and induced autophagy of sw480 and sw620 cells in vitro; it also inhibited the development of inflammatory colorectal cancer in vivo. We also show that the down-regulated expression of mutant p53 and adjustments in several key genes related closely to cell-cycle progression. Furthermore, N-oxysophocarpine, lupenone, and geranylacetone were predicted to be the active ingredients of CKI involved in the down-regulated expression of mutant p53.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that CKI likely acts as a potential anti-cancer therapeutic agent that targets the cell cycle pathway, suggesting a key role in the development of a novel subsidiary therapeutic approach against mutant p53 in patients with colorectal cancer.
Rural-Urban Differences in Meeting Physical Activity Recommendations and Health Status in Cancer Survivors in Central Pennsylvania
Authors: Mama Scherezade K. , Bhuiyan Nishat , Foo Wayne , Segel Joel E. , Bluethmann Shirley M. , Winkels Renate M , Wiskemann Joachim , Calo William , Lengerich Eugene J. , Schmitz Kathryn H.
Published: July 2019

Background: This study explored rural-urban differences in meeting physical activity (PA) recommendations and health status in cancer survivors in central Pennsylvania and associations between PA and health status.
Methods: Cancer survivors (N=2,463) were identified through a state cancer registry and mailed questionnaires assessing PA and health status. Rural-urban residence was based on county of residence at diagnosis. Participants self-reported frequency and duration of leisure-time PA and were classified as: 1) meeting aerobic recommendations (≥150 minutes/week), 2) muscle-strengthening recommendations (≥2 times/week), 3) both aerobic and muscle-strengthening recommendations, or 4) neither recommendation. Logistic regression models examined associations between rural-urban residence and meeting PA recommendations and associations between PA and health status, adjusting for cancer type, gender and income.
Results: Nearly 600 (N=591, 24.0%) cancer survivors returned completed questionnaires (rural 9.5%, urban 90.5%). Half (50.0%) of rural cancer survivors reported no leisure-time PA compared to 35.2% of urban cancer survivors (p=.020), and urban cancer survivors were 2.6 times more likely to meet aerobic PA recommendations (95% CI: 1.1-6.4). Odds of reporting good physical and mental health were 2.3 times higher among survivors who reported meeting aerobic recommendations compared to those who did not meet PA recommendations (95% CI: 1.1-4.5), adjusting for rurality and covariates.
Conclusions: Results demonstrate persistent rural-urban differences in meeting PA recommendations in cancer survivors and its association with self-reported health. These findings underscore the need for interventions to increase PA in rural cancer survivors in an effort to improve health status and reduce cancer health disparities in this population.
Mortality by colon, lung, esophagus, prostate, cervix and breast cancers in Brazilian capitals, 2000 to 2015: a multilevel analysis
Authors: RODRIGUES NÁDIA CRISTINA PINHEIRO , O’Dwyer Gisele , Andrade Mônica Kramer de Noronha , Monteiro Denise Leite Maia , Reis Inês Reis Nascimento , Frossard Vera Cecília , Gerardi Alyssa , Rodrigues Roberto Pinheiro , Lino Valéria Teresa Saraiva
Published: July 2019

Background. In Brazil, cancer is the second most common cause of death, and the most incident types of cancer are prostate, breast, lung, colon and rectum. This study aimed to analyze the role of period, geographic and socio demographic factors in cancer-related mortality by prostate, breast, cervix, colon, lung and esophagus cancer in Brazilians capitals from 2000 to 2015.
Methods. Data from 2005-2015 cancer mortality and resident population were collected from Information Technology Department of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DATASUS), the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) and the Brazilian Mortality Information (SIM). State capitals were the study’s analytic units. A multilevel Poisson model was used to estimate the adjusted risk of cancer mortality (prostate, breast, cervix, colon, lung and esophageal cancers). The adjusted models included the following variables as fixed effects: age, Gross Domestic Product, region, year squared and year of death.
Results. A statistically significant difference was found between mortality rates by gender for colon, lung and esophageal cancers. The highest mortality rates were observed in the older age group, especially for prostate and lung cancers, which values were higher than 100 deaths per 100,000. Comparing with those aged 40-59 years, men older than 59 years showed 47 times higher mortality risk for prostate cancer, 8-9 times higher for lung or colon cancers and four times higher for esophageal cancer. Compared with those aged 40-59 years, women older than 59 years old showed 5-7 times higher mortality risk for esophageal, lung or colon cancers and 2-3 times higher for breast or cervix cancers.
Conclusions. Colon cancer mortality rate increased from 2000 to 2015 for both genders, while breast and lung cancers mortality increased over the period only for women. In both genders, the highest mortality risk for lung and esophageal cancers was observed in Southern capitals. Northern capitals had a lower risk of death by prostate and breast cancer and a higher risk of death by cervix cancer.
Weight Management Merits Attention in women with infertility: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Association of Anthropometric Indices with Hormonal Imbalance in a Ghanaian Population
Authors: Owiredu William K.B.A. , Ofori Peter Ntim , Turpin Cornelius Archer , Obirikorang Christian , Acheampong Emmanuel , Anto Enoch Odame , Owiredu Eddie-Williams , Adu Evans Asamoah
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study determined the association of anthropometric indices with hormonal imbalance among infertile women in a Ghanaian population.

Results

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels (18.47 vs 8.67, p-value =0.002), and luteinisation hormone (LH) (12.43 vs 8.01, p-value =0.044) were higher in women with primary infertility compared to women presenting with secondary infertility. WC and WHtR showed significant negative partial correlation with prolactin in both primary and secondary infertile women. Also a significant negative partial correlation was observed between BMI and prolactin in secondary fertility only. WHR showed a positive association with LH in both primary and secondary infertility. WHR also showed significant positive correlation to LH/FSH ratio in secondary infertility whereas BAI showed a negative correlation to LH/FSH ratio. In a correlation analysis of anthropometric measures with hormonal profile and aetiology of infertility as a fixed factor indicated that the association between anthropometric indices and fertility hormones is largely dependent on the aetiology of infertility.
Effects of Prophylactic Swallowing Exercises on Dysphagia and Quality of Life in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Receiving (Chemo) Radiotherapy. The Redyor Study: Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial.
Authors: Guillen-Sola Anna , Bofill-Soler Neus , Marco Ester , Pera-Cegarra Oscar , Foro Palmira
Published: July 2019

Background: Squamous carcinoma of the head and neck (HNC) has a high incidence in our context. Although therapeutic radiotherapy protocols try to preserve swallowing function and essential speech organs, dysphagia is a frequent symptom in the acute and long-term phases, due to the toxic effects of therapies needed to confront the illness. Some studies have shown prophylactic oropharyngeal exercises to be quite useful in improving swallowing function after completion of chemo-radiation therapy (CRT) protocols; others have focused on their use to prevent or minimize post-CRT swallowing dysfunction. Patients’ quality of life deteriorates greatly during CRT, with a peak of maximum intensity during the days immediately after finishing CRT treatment. Afterwards, function gradually improves, although scope or timeframe remains undetermined. Available evidence suggests that exercise therapy prior to oncological treatment could potentially improve deglutition and quality of life; however, a randomized study is needed to confirm this observation.
Design/Methods: The Redyor singe-blind randomized clinical trial is designed to compare the effect of prophylactic oropharyngeal exercises on quality of life, dysphagia, and sustainability to the length of rehabilitative treatment. At enrollment, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Both groups follow the protocol described here, although one group begins the training 2 weeks before initiating CRT and the other group just after finishing the therapy. Both groups will complete standard swallow therapy for training submental muscles involved and 3 sets of 5 inspiratory and expiratory repetitions using the Orygen Dual® valve, with a progressive weekly increase in workload.
Discussion: This ongoing clinical trial, registered in 2016, is based on the hypothesis that undergoing a pre-radiotherapy rehabilitation (pre-habilitation) program will have greater benefits (less decrease in quality of life, less delay in swallowing parameters, and less severe dysphagia) compared to post-CRT rehabilitation. The primary objective is to assess dysphagia severity and evaluate quality of life due to swallowing dysfunction in HNC patients. Secondary objectives are to assess the correlation between a clinical variable and instrumental parameters in this period
Internal limiting membrane insertion technique combined with nerve growth factor injection for large macular hole
Authors: Zhang Luyi , Li Xiaoxia , Yang Xiaoli , Shen Yu , Wu Miaoqin
Published: July 2019

Background: The study was proposed to determine whether nerve growth factor (NGF) combined with an internal limiting membrane (ILM) insertion was effective in the large idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (iFTMH) therapy.
Methods: A subset of 18 eyes (July 2015-October 2017) diagnosed as the large iFTMH were enrolled in this study. The subjects were treated using ILM insertion technique alone (ILM group) or ILM combined with NGF injection (NGF group) and the follow-up period was 6 months. Macular hole closure rates, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, improvements using ETDRS), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings were analyzed at 1st, 3rd, and 6th months postoperatively.
Results: We found that macular holes in both groups fully closed. In comparison to ILM insertion group, the NGF group had better BCVA at the 3rd month (48.00 ± 2.392 vs 58.22 ± 2.957, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.159 to 18.29). The mean external limiting membrane (ELM, 422.2 ± 96 vs 674.9 ± 103.6, 95% CI: -47.26 to 552.8) and ellipsoid zone (EZ, 496.7 ± 101.6 vs 766.7 ± 111.8, 95% CI: -50.29 to 590.4) defects were significantly smaller in the NGF group at the 6th month in the follow-up examination. Complete recovery of ELM and EZ was observed in the NGF group in one eye of a patient and two eyes of two patients, respectively. In comparison, one eye’s ELM and another eye’s EZ were completely recovered in the ILM insertion group.
Conclusion: Our results indicated that ILM insertion with NGF injection might be an effective technique for the initial surgical treatment of eyes with large MHs. The proposed approach yielded better recovery of the photoreceptor layers and consequently might have superior postoperative visual acuity.
Forecasting hydrologic parameters using linear and nonlinear stochastic models
Authors: Nozari Hamed , Tavakoli Fateme
Published: July 2019

One of the most important bases in the management of catchments and sustainable use of water resources is the prediction of hydrological parameters. In this study, support vector machine (SVM), support vector machine combined with wavelet transform (W-SVM), autoregressive moving average with exogenous variable (ARMAX) model, and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models were used to predict monthly values of precipitation, discharge, and evaporation. For this purpose, the monthly time series of rain-gauge, hydrometric, and evaporation-gauge stations located in the catchment area of Hamedan during a 25-year period (1991–2015) were used. Out of this statistical period, 17 years (1991–2007), 4 years (2008–2011), and 4 years (2012–2015) were used for training, calibration, and validation of the models, respectively. The results showed that the ARIMA, SVM, ARMAX, and W-SVM ranked from first to fourth in the monthly precipitation prediction and SVM, ARIMA, ARMAX, and W-SVM were ranked from first to fourth in the monthly discharge and monthly evaporation prediction. It can be said that the SVM has fewer adjustable parameters than other models. Thus, the model is able to predict hydrological changes with greater ease and in less time, because of which it is preferred to other methods.
Amyloid β Binds to Albumin-Associated Lrp-Like Plasma O-Glycoproteins: Albumin Prevents Inhibition of Binding by LDL
Authors: Karthi Sreedevi , Sumitha K. C. , Geetha Mandagini , Appukuttan Padinjaradath S.
Published: July 2019

Background: Albumin was reported to engage nearly 95% of plasma Amyloid β (Aβ)
and to reverse Aβ fibril formation in brain.

Objective: Since O-glycosylated LRP family of receptors capture Aβ in brain we compared Aβ
binding to electrophoretically purified albumin and to O-glycoproteins AOP1 and AOP2 that
adhere noncovalently to plasma albumin.

Methods: Strength of Aβ-protein interaction was measured as fluorescence increase in Fluorescentlabeled
Aβ (F-Aβ) resulting from conformational changes. Alternatively, differential segregation of
free and protein-bound Aβ in Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation (DGUC) was also examined.

Results: Fluorescence enhancement in F-Aβ was significantly greater by AOP1 and AOP2 than by
known Aβ reactants α -synuclein and β -cyclodextrin, but nil by albumin. In DGUC Aβ migrated
with the O-glycoproteins but not with albumin. Free O-glycoproteins unlike their albumin-bound
forms were blocked by LDL from capturing F-Aβ. Associated albumin did not affect Aβ binding of
O-glycoproteins. De-O-glycosylation of AOP1/AOP2 enhanced their Aβ binding showing that
peptide sequences at O-glycosylated regions were recognized by Aβ. Unlike albumin, AOP1 and
AOP2 were immunologically cross-reactive with LRP. Albumin sample used earlier to report
albumin-Aβ interaction contained two O-glycoproteins cross-reactive with human LRP and equal in
size to human AOP1 or AOP2.

Conclusion: Unlike albumin, albumin-bound O-glycoproteins, immunologically cross-reactive
with LRP, bind plasma Aβ. These O-glycoproteins are potential anti-amyloidogenic therapeutics if
they inhibit Aβ aggregation as other Aβ reactants do. Circulating immune complexes of albuminbound
O-glycoproteins with O-glycoprotein-specific natural antibodies can bind further to LRP-like
membrane proteins and are possible O-glycoprotein transporters to tissues.
Expression and Interactions of Kinetoplastid Kinetochore Proteins (KKTs) from Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Shan Fangzhen , Diwu Yating , Yang Xiao , Tu Xiaoming
Published: July 2019

Background:

Kinetochores are the macromolecular protein complex that drives
chromosome segregation by interacting with centromeric DNA and spindle microtubules in
eukaryotes. Kinetochores in well studied eukaryotes bind DNA through widely conserved
components like Centromere Protein (CENP)-A and bind microtubules through the Ndc80
complex. However, unconventional type of kinetochore proteins (KKT1-20) were identified in
evolutionarily divergent kinetoplastid species such as Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei), indicating
that chromosome segregation is driven by a distinct set of proteins. KKT proteins are comprised of
sequential α-helixes that tend to form coiled-coil structures, which will further lead to
polymerization and misfolding of proteins, resulting in the formation of inclusion bodies.

Results and Conclusion:

We expressed and purified the stable KKT proteins with Maltose Binding
Protein (MBP) fusion tag in E. coli or Protein A tag in Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293T
cells. Furthermore, we identified interactions among KKT proteins using yeast two-hybrid system.
The study provides an important basis for further better understanding of the structure and function
of KKT proteins.