bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dampak Kebijakan Perdagangan terhadap Pengembangan Industri Biodiesel Indonesia
Authors: Purba Helena Juliani , Sinaga Bonar Marulitua , Novianti Tanti , Kustiari Reni
Published: January 2020

English
Indonesian government has been promoting development of palm oil based biodiesel industry through the so-called biodiesel mandatory policy. Biodiesel is a renewable energy and low emission. Palm oil and its derivative products are the most important contributors of foreign exchange in 2017. Trade policy is required to accelerate the achievement of biodiesel industry development in Indonesia. The study is intended to analyze the impacts of trade policy (export tax by Indonesian government and import restriction by the European Union) on the development of Indonesia’s biodiesel industry. The analysis used econometrics model in the form of simultaneous equations system consisting of 27 structural and 9 identity equations, estimated using the 2SLS (Two Stage Least Squares) method. This research used annual time series data 1991–2015. The result shows that both the export tax policy by Indonesian government and palm oil import ban by European Union have positive impacts on Indonesia's biodiesel industry but do have negative impacts on the foreign exchange revenues. The negative impacts on foreign exchange revenues can be avoided by replanting policy. Whenever the European Union imposes palm oil import ban policy; then, it is suggested that Indonesian government imposes the domestic market obligation and replanting policy.

Indonesian
Indonesia sedang melakukan upaya pengembangan biodiesel yang bersumber dari minyak sawit dalam kebijakan mandatori biodiesel. Biodiesel adalah sumber energi terbarukan dan rendah emisi. Minyak sawit dan produk turunannya adalah penyumbang devisa negara terbesar pada tahun 2017. Kebijakan perdagangan diperlukan untuk mempercepat pencapaian pengembangan industri biodiesel Indonesia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis dampak kebijakan perdagangan (pajak ekspor oleh pemerintah Indonesia dan pembatasan impor oleh Uni Eropa) terhadap pengembangan industri biodiesel Indonesia. Analisis menggunakan model ekonometrik dalam bentuk sistem persamaan simultan terdiri dari 27 persamaan struktural dan 9 persamaan identitas yang diestimasi dengan metode Two Stage Least Squares (2SLS) menggunakan data series tahunan 1990–2015. Hasil penelitian memperlihatkan bahwa kebijakan pajak ekspor oleh pemerintah Indonesia maupun larangan impor oleh Uni Eropa berdampak positif bagi perkembangan industri biodiesel Indonesia, namun berdampak negatif terhadap penerimaan devisa Indonesia. Dampak negatif terhadap penerimaan devisa dapat diatasi dengan kebijakan peremajaan kelapa sawit (replanting). Manakala Uni Eropa melakukan pelarangan impor minyak sawit, maka disarankan Pemerintah Indonesia menerapkan kebijakan domestic market obligation dan replanting.
Muhammad Shalih As-Samarani (1820-1903 M): Representasi Dakwah Islam Nusantara dalam Kajian Akademis
Authors: Khairi Miftahuddin , Misbah Aflahal
Published: January 2020

The aim of this paper is to understand how the da’wa of Islam Nusantara by Muhammad Shalih as-Samarani is represented in academic works. Data of this paper are 18 academic manuscripts dated from 2015 to date. This paper finds that there are two strands of representations about the Islam Nusantara of Muhammad Shalih as-Samarani; the dominant narrative and the ‘other alternative’. Both narratives present as-Samarani as different actor. The first narrative present as-Samarani as a mufassir (interpreter of the Qur’an) and the second narrative present as-Samarani as a person who has deep knowledge on multiple disciplines such as fiqh, orthodox tasawwuf, and education. However, both narratives share one thing in common; they present as-Samarani as a Sufi Muslim who contributed greatly to the dialogue between Islamic teachings and elements of local wisdoms.Keywords: academic works, as- Samarani, and representation of Islam Nusantara.
Multi-Well Poroelastic Pressure Interference Analysis: Towards Real-Time Fracture Diagnostics
Authors: Manchanda Ripudaman , Elliott Brendan , Seth Puneet , Sharma Mukul
Published: January 2020

Traditionally, time-consuming, numerical simulations are used to calculate and interpret poroelastic pressure changes induced by hydraulic fractures. In this work, we develop and apply semi-analytical models to calculate the poroelastic pressure signature and estimate the geometry of the propagating fracture. The speed of the analytical forward model allows us to apply inverse models (which require the forward model to be run hundreds of times) to compute the fracture geometry in near-real-time.

A 3-D, semi-analytical model is developed to calculate reservoir deformation, stress shadow, and pressure changes around multiple hydraulic fractures. The model is extended and combined with an inversion algorithm to calculate the geometry of the propagating fracture for a measured poroelastic pressure signature recorded in a monitoring well. The model is then applied to a real field scenario with a treatment well and a fractured monitoring well where the pressure signature measured in the monitoring wells is used to estimate the dimensions of the propagating fractures in several fracturing stages.

The analytical model presented here is shown to be very accurate for predicting the stress shadow of multiple propagating fractures. This model is used to quantify the impact of various operational unknowns on the poroelastic pressure signature. We consider scenarios where the pressure change in the monitoring well is measured through isolated fractures in the monitoring well. We demonstrate the impact of the number of propagating fractures, their length, height, net pressure, and the monitoring well fracture geometry on the observed pressure change. Based on this understanding, an inversion algorithm is developed to convert the recorded poroelastic pressure into the dimensions of the propagating fractures and the dimensions of the monitoring fractures. Finally, the method is used to interpret poroelastic pressure measurements recorded in a pair of wells in the Delaware basin to estimate fracture dimensions.

In this work, we showcase the development and application of a novel semi-analytical model to interpret poroelastic pressure signatures observed in isolated monitoring well fractures. The application of the new method to estimate fracture dimensions is shown using a newly developed inversion algorithm. The efficient computations provide clear evidence that the developed workflow can be used for near-real-time fracture diagnostics.
Intra-Well Frac-Driven Interactions FDIs: Types, Causes, Consequences and Diagnostic Value Learnt from Actual BH Data
Authors: Daneshy Ali
Published: January 2020

Frac-Driven Interactions (FDI)s are the most pressing topic of discussion within the fracturing community at the present time. The findings of this paper are based on review of BH pressure and temperature data collected in multiple wells during active fracturing operations. Detailed examination of the data revealed similarities between inter- and intra-well interactions, including presence of fracture shadowing as well as temporary and long term frac/frac connections. The cause of most frac/frac connections was poor cement quality that resulted in migration of some of the injected fluid into the passive well segment. In many such cases the volume of migrated fluid was small with minor effect on fracturing results. In some others the migrated fluid rate was high enough to cause reactivation of one or more passive fractures.

The surprising results included fluid migration from the active fracture into the passive well segment that started and stopped abruptly while active fracturing was still in progress. This unusual behavior, called reverse screen-out and reported for the first time in fracturing literature, appears to be caused by near wellbore blockage of sand which was being carried by the migrating fluid towards the passive well segment. These events were associated with build-up of sand plugs inside the passive well segment caused by sand flowback during the shut-in period. The paper shows how even a very small volume of sand can cause formation of a sand plug. Frequency of reverse screen-out was about 20% of the nearly 300 frac stages in the three wells reviewed for this paper.

Paper also shows how analysis of intra-well FDIs can be used as a diagnostic tool for determination of the effectiveness of the individual stages of the created fractures. This feature allows faster evaluation of the effectiveness of new materials and techniques by comparing the differences in adjacent fracture stages performed with and without the changes.
RAD50 predicts the prognosis of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Wangrui , Xu Wenhao , Chen Yuyan , Gu Liugen , Sun Xiaolei , Qu Yuanyuan , Huang Haineng , Zhang Hailiang , Ye Dingwei , Liu Xiaojuan
Published: January 2020

Background Increasing evidence indicates that RAD50, which is involved in the DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair process, is also involved in cancer outcomes. However, its role in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.Aim This study was designed to investigate the expression of RAD50 and its prognostic value in HCC patients.Method A total of 207 patientswith HBV-associated HCCfrom two cohorts (107 and 100 patientsfrom the Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University of Nationalities and the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, respectively) were enrolled in the current study.The distribution of the categorical clinical-pathological data and the levels of RAD50 expression were compared with a χ 2 test. IHC staining of RAD50 was performed.A partial likelihood test based onunivariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was developed to address the influence of independent factors on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The Oncomine online database was used to analyse and validate the differential expression of RAD50. The Kaplan-Meier method and a log-rank test were performed to assess the influence of RAD50 on survival at different levels.Results RAD50 was highly expressed in HCC tissues compared to normal tissues and was significantly correlated with OS in the TCGA cohort. The validation analysis indicated that significantly increased levels of RAD50 were expressed in HCC tissues in the two independent cohorts, AHYMUN and AHNTU. In addition, HCC patients with elevated RAD50 expression levels showed poor OS and DFSin the AHYMUN cohort and decreased OS and DF Sin the AHNTU cohort. Furthermore, four datasets obtained from the Oncomine database validated the analysis of the differential expression of RAD50 in HCC tumours and normal tissues.Discussion In our study, we demonstrated that RAD50 was positively correlated with poor prognosis in HCC patients in the TCGA cohort. Our study also suggested that increased RAD50 expression in HBV-related HCC is a marker of poor prognosis. In this study, the analysis of the data form the two cohorts supported our hypothesis and clearly demonstrated thehigh expression of RAD50 in tumour tissues from HCC patients, which results inincreases in the HCC recurrence rate and poor overall survival.
Biomechanical evaluation of strategies for adjacent segment disease after lateral lumbar interbody fusion: is the extension of pedicle screws necessary?
Authors: Liang Ziyang , Cui Jianchao , Zhang Jiarui , He Jiahui , Tang Jingjing , Ren Hui , Ye Linqiang , Liang De , Jiang Xiaobing
Published: January 2020

Background: Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is a well-known complication after interbody fusion. Pedicle screw-rod revision possesses sufficient strength and rigidity. However, is a surgical segment with rigid fixation necessary for ASD reoperation? This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effect of different instrumentation on lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) for ASD treatment. Methods: A validated L2~5 finite element (FE) model was modified for simulation. ASD was considered the level cranial to the upper-instrumented segment (L3/4). Bone graft fusion in LLIF with bilateral pedicle screw (BPS) fixation occurred at L4/5. The ASD segment for each group underwent a) LLIF + posterior extension of BPS, b) PLIF + posterior extension of BPS, c) LLIF + lateral screw, and d) stand-alone LLIF. The L3/4 range of motion (ROM), interbody cage stress and strain, screw-bone interface stress, cage-endplate interface stress, and L2/3 nucleus pulposus of intradiscal pressure (NP-IDP) analysis were calculated for comparisons among the four models. Results: All reconstructive models displayed decreased motion at L3/4. Under each loading condition, the difference was not significant between models a and b, which provided the maximum ROM reduction (73.8% to 97.7% and 68.3% to 98.4%, respectively). Model c also provided a significant ROM reduction (64.9% to 77.5%). Model d provided a minimal restriction of the ROM (18.3% to 90.1%), which exceeded that of model a by 13.1 times for flexion-extension, 10.3 times for lateral bending and 4.8 times for rotation. Model b generated greater cage stress than other models, particularly for flexion. The maximum displacement of the cage and the peak stress of the cage-endplate interface were found to be the highest in model d under all loading conditions. For the screw-bone interface, the stress was much greater with lateral instrumentation than with posterior instrumentation. Conclusions: Stand-alone LLIF is likely to have limited stability, particularly for lateral bending and axial rotation. Posterior extension of BPS can provide reliable stability and excellent protective effects on instrumentation and endplates. However, LLIF with the use of an in situ screw may be an alternative for ASD reoperation.
Effects of aquatic physical intervention on fall risk, working memory and hazard-perception as pedestrians in older people: a pilot trial
Authors: Nissim Michal , Livny Abigail , Barmatz Caroline , Tsarfaty Galia , Berner Yitshal , Sacher Yaron , Giron Jonathan , Ratzon Navah Z.
Published: January 2020

Background: Normal aging is associated with balance, mobility and working memory decline that increase fall risk and influence activity of daily living functions. Mounting evidence suggests that physical activity is beneficial for decreasing aging effects. Previous studies have focused on land-based physical activity. Research concerning the aquatic environment is scarce. The primary objectives of this three arm intervention pilot study were to examine the effects of an aquatic physical intervention program on balance, gait, fall risk and working memory among community-dwelling older individuals. The secondary objective was to examine the effects of an aquatic physical intervention program on safety of street–crossing among community-dwelling older individuals. Methods: Forty-two healthy participants aged 65 or older were enrolled into one of three intervention groups: aquatic physical intervention (API) (N=13), on-land physical intervention (OLPI) (N=14) or non-physical intervention (NPI) (N=15). The intervention took place from 2018 until 2019 at Tel-Aviv University, Sheba medical center and Reich Center. The protocol included 30-minute sessions twice a week for 12 weeks. Balance, gait and fall risk were assessed by the Tinneti test, working memory abilities were assessed by digit span and Corsi blocks tests and simulated safe streets-crossing was assessed by the hazard perception test for pedestrians.Testing and data collection was conducted at baseline, after six weeks and 12 weeks of intervention. All members of the professional team involved in evaluating participants were blind to the intervention group to which participants were allocated. Results: The differences in Tinetti balance (F(2,39)=10.03, p<0.01), fall risk (F(2,39)=5.62, p0>.05), digit span forward (F(2,39)=8.85, p<0.01) and Corsi blocks forward (F(2,39)=3.54, p<0.05) and backward (F(2,39)=6.50, p<0.05) scores after 12 weeks between the groups were significant. The API group showed improved scores. The differences in hazard perception test for pedestrians scores after 12 weeks of intervention between the groups were marginally significant (F(2,39)=3.13, p=0.055). The API group showed improved scores. Conclusions: These findings may affect experts working with the elderly population when making decisions concerning therapeutic prevention interventions for the deficiencies of elderly patients. Older adults practicing aquatic physical activity could contribute to their increased safety. Trial registrationTrial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov Registry NCT03510377. Date of registration: 10/31/2017
KLF4 alleviates cerebral vascular injury by ameliorating vascular endothelial inflammation and regulating tight junction protein expression following ischemic stroke
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Wang Lu , Han Zhenxiang , Dong Jing , Pang Defang , Fu Yuan , Li Longxuan
Published: January 2020

Background Although inflammatory cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and anti-inflammation factor- kruppel-like transcription factor (KLF) 4 have all been reported to be induced after cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS), the close temporal and spatial relationship between expressions of CAMs and KLF4 following CIS, and whether and how CAMs and KLF-4 contribute to development of CIS-induced vascular injury are still unclear. Methods Here, we first examined the correlation between serum levels of CAMs/KLF4 and infarct volume in acute CIS patients. Then, we determined relationship between CAMs and KLF4 in mice after focal cerebral ischemia. Finally, we investigated the mechanism of KLF4 in protecting against oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced brain endothelial cell injury. Results Our results demonstrated that patients with moderate to severe CIS had higher serum levels of three CAMs including E-selectin, inter-cellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) but lower levels of KLF4 at 48 hours after acute event as compared to patients with minor CIS. The expression levels of three CAMs as well as KLF4 all correlated well with the infarct volume in all the CIS subjects at that time. Although the expressions of three CAMs and KLF4 were all induced in the ischemic hemisphere following focal cerebral ischemia, but the peak timing and distribution patterns of their expression were different: the induction of KLF4 lagged behind that of the CAMs in the ischemic penumbra, furthermore, the dual immunofluorescent studies displayed that high expression of KLF4 was always associated with relatively less cerebral vascular endothelial inflammation response in the ischemic hemisphere, and vice versa. Mechanistic analyses revealed that KLF4 alleviated CIS-induced cerebral vascular injury by regulating endothelial expressions of CAMs, nuclear factor-kB and tight junction proteins. Conclusions These data indicate that KLF4 confers vascular protection against cerebral ischemic injury, suggesting that circulating CAMs and KLF4 might be used as potential biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke, and also providing a new proof of concept and potential targets for future prevention and treatment of CIS.
Unveiling synapse pathology in spinal bulbar muscular atrophy by genome-wide transcriptome analysis of purified motor neurons derived from disease specific iPSCs
Authors: Onodera Kazunari , Shimojo Daisuke , Ishihara Yasuharu , Yano Masato , Miya Fuyuki , Banno Haruhiko , Kuzumaki Naoko , Ito Takuji , Okada Rina , Herculano Bruno de Araujo , Ohyama Manabu , Yoshida Mari , Tsunoda Tatsuhiko , Katsuno Masahisa , Doyu Manabu , Sobue Gen , Okano Hideyuki , Okada Yohei
Published: January 2020

Spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is an adult-onset, slowly progressive motor neuron disease caused by abnormal CAG repeat expansion in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. Although ligand (testosterone)-dependent mutant AR aggregation has been shown to play important roles in motor neuronal degeneration by the analyses of transgenic mice models and in vitro cell culture models, the underlying disease mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated because of the discrepancy between model mice and SBMA patients. Thus, novel human disease models that recapitulate SBMA patients’ pathology more accurately are required for more precise pathophysiological analysis and the development of novel therapeutics. Here, we established disease specific iPSCs from four SBMA patients, and differentiated them into spinal motor neurons. To investigate motor neuron specific pathology, we purified iPSC-derived motor neurons using flow cytometry and cell sorting based on the motor neuron specific reporter, HB9 e438 ::Venus , and proceeded to the genome-wide transcriptome analysis by RNA sequences. The results revealed the involvement of the pathology associated with synapses, epigenetics, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in SBMA. Notably, we demonstrated the involvement of the neuromuscular synapse via significant upregulation of Synaptotagmin, R-Spondin2 (RSPO2), and WNT ligands in motor neurons derived from SBMA patients, which are known to be associated with neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation and acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering. These aberrant gene expression in neuromuscular synapses might represent a novel therapeutic target for SBMA.
Excellent multi-stakeholder acceptability and reimbursable costs in a pilot pragmatic trial of an evidence-based physical activity counseling intervention for patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Huebschmann Amy G. , Glasgow Russell E , Leavitt Ian M , Chapman Kristi , Rice John D , Lockhart Steven , Stevens-Lapsley Jennifer E , Reusch Jane EB , Dunn Andrea L , Regensteiner Judith G
Published: January 2020

Background: Physical activity (PA) improves important health outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), including physical function. We iteratively adapted the implementation strategies of pragmatic and evidence-based PA counseling programs to meet primary care stakeholders’ needs, resulting in the “Be ACTIVE” program. In a pilot randomized pragmatic trial, we evaluated the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of Be ACTIVE. Methods: Formative activities involved engaging multi-level stakeholders (patients, clinicians, coaches) to tailor implementation strategies for Be ACTIVE to the primary care context, while taking care to preserve the core “functions” of Be ACTIVE. Be ACTIVE included: a PA tracker (FitBit©), six theory-informed PA counseling phone calls, and three in-person clinician visits. Sedentary patients with T2D from two academic primary care clinics were randomized to Be ACTIVE vs. enhanced usual care. We used mixed methods to assess implementation outcomes of feasibility and acceptability among multi-level stakeholders, including costs. Objective effectiveness outcomes included PA (primary outcome, steps/week), physical function (secondary outcomes, including Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)), and behavioral PA predictors. Results: Multi-level stakeholders were engaged in formative activities to design a feasible pragmatic intervention. Fifty patients were randomized to Be ACTIVE or enhanced usual care. Acceptability was >90% for patients and clinic staff. In-person visits were fully reimbursed, and counseling costs of ~$90/patient would be reimbursable by Medicare. Pre-post PA increased by ~11% absolute in the Be ACTIVE group and by ~6% in controls (group difference: 1574 ± 4391 steps/week, p = 0.72) — less than the clinically important threshold of 4200 steps/week. Be ACTIVE participants’ physical function improved more than controls (SPPB: +0.9 ± 0.3 versus -0.1 ± 0.3, p = 0.01, changes >0.5 points are clinically important for preventing falls), and for PA predictors of self-efficacy (p=0.02) and social-environmental support (p<0.01). Conclusions: In this pilot trial, Be ACTIVE was feasible and highly acceptable to stakeholders and yielded significant improvements in objective physical function consistent with lower fall risk, while changes in PA were less than anticipated. Be ACTIVE may need adaptation or longer duration to clinically improve PA outcomes. Further optimizing the implementation strategies for sustainability is also needed.
Fouling of externally attached radio transmitters in an African river
Authors: Jacobs Francois Jakob , Weyl Olaf Lawrence Friedrich , Ulvan Eva Marita , Hay Clinton , Naesje Tor Fredrik
Published: January 2020

Fouling of externally attached tags is an important consideration in long term tagging studies as it may affect fish behaviour and well-being. Two externally attached radio transmitters on African tigerfish Hydrocynus vittatus were covered with short grown green algae, after the fish were recaptured 49 and 64 days after tagging in the Kavango River, Namibia. This is the first observation of fouling on external radio transmitters from any African river which highlights the importance of conducting studies that evaluate the various behavioural effects resulting from tagging.
Assessment of anti Rabies post-vaccinal immunity in domestic carnivores pets in low resources setting
Authors: Koffl Yao Mathurin , KOUAKOU Kouamé Casimir , N Kouamé Valère KOUAKOU , Kouadio Léonce , Gnabro Hugues Privat Godji , Assemian Krou Hermann , Kouassi Lou Sué Antoinette , COUACY-HYMANN Emmanuel
Published: January 2020

Objective Rabies is a zoonotic disease transmissible to humans mainly by dogs. It is a vaccine preventable disease. In Ivory Coast, canine rabies is a prioritary and notifiable animal disease since 1962. Evaluation of post-vaccination immunity against rabies was undertaken between 2003 and 2009 by an immunoenzymatic test Platelia Rabies II ELISA Kits (Bio-Rad). We aim to investigate anti Rabies vaccination efficacy in Ivory Coast, using data obtained purposely for antibody quantification prior to international movement of pets. Results A total of 527 dogs and cats sera were analyzed. Generally cats had developed higher level of post vaccinal immunity than dogs. We have found that more than 95.80% (114/119) of cats had a serum with antibodies titer above 0.5 EU /ml so like 74.75% (n = 305) of dogs. Undetectable or insufficient level of seroconversion was noted either in the canine specie (25.25%) or in cats (4.2%). Multivaccined Dogs, older than 4 years, represented the most important group (62.25%) of seronegative dog population. Associated with vaccination, serological results were used as data based-evidence in compliance with official requirements governing free movements of pets from rabies-infected to rabies-free european countries. Keywords : Ivory Coast, Rabies, ELISA, post-vaccinal immunity, dogs, cats
Effect of different drying temperatures on the rehydration of the fruiting bodies of Yu Muer (Auricularia cornea) and screening of browning inhibitors
Authors: Chen Yanqi , Lv Zhiwen , Liu Zhirun , Li Xiao , Li Changtian , Sossah Frederick Leo , Song Bing , Li Yu
Published: January 2020

In this study, the color of the dry fruiting bodies, drying ratio, amino acids, and total phenolics, which are of nutritional or commercial interest, were compared among different drying temperature treatments. The effect of rehydration methods and color protection reagents on the fruiting body-color, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, and browning inhibition rate were evaluated. The results showed that drying with hot air at 65°C was quickest and resulted in a better color without compromising the drying ratio and rehydration ratio of the fruiting bodies. Furthermore, some reactions that occurred under high temperatures increased the content of protein, amino acids, and total phenolics. Soaking after boiling was the most suitable rehydration method, leading to the lowest PPO activity (39.87±1.35 U/g). All of the four analyzed color protection reagents could significantly inhibit the browning of Yu Muer fruiting bodies under room temperature water rehydration conditions.
Moving a neodymium magnet promotes migration of magnetic tracer and increases the monitoring counts on the skin surface of sentinel lymph node in breast cancer
Authors: Makita Masujiro , Manabe Eriko , Kurita Tomoko , Takei Hiroyuki , Nakamura Seigo , Kuwahata Akihiro , Sekino Masaki , Kusakabe Moriaki , Ohashi Yasuo
Published: January 2020

Background : We thought that moving a small neodymium magnet would promote migration of the magnetic tracer to the sentinel lymph node (SLN). Higher monitoring counts on the skin surface before incision help us detect SLNs easily and successfully. The aim of the present study was to verify enhancement of the monitoring count on the skin surface in SLN detection by the magnet movement in sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) using superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles. Methods: After induction of general anesthesia, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were injected sub-dermally into the subareolar area or peritumorally. The neodymium magnet was moved over the skin from the injection site to the axilla to promote migration of the magnetic tracer without massage. A total of 62 patients were enrolled from February 2018 to November 2018; 13 cases were given 20 times magnet movement (Group A), 8 cases were given 1-min magnet movement (Group B), 26 cases were given a short (about 5 min) interval from injection to 1-min magnet movement (Group C), and 15 cases were given a long (about 25 min) interval before 1-min magnet movement by the magnetometer’s head (Group D). In all cases, sentinel node biopsy was conducted using both the radioisotope (RI) and SPIO methods. The monitoring counts on the skin surface were measured by a handheld magnetometer and compared among the 4 groups. Changes in the monitoring count by interval and by magnet movement were evaluated. Results: The identification rates of the SPIO and RI methods were 100% and 95.2%, respectively. The mean monitoring counts of Group A, B, C, and D were 2.39 μT, 2.73 μT, 3.15 μT, and 3.92μT, respectively (p<0.0001; Kruskal-Wallis test) . The monitoring counts were higher with longer magnet movement and with the insertion of an interval. Although there were no relationships between the monitoring count on the skin surface and clinicopathologic factors, magnet movement influenced strongly on the monitoring count on the skin surface. Conclusion: Moving a small neodymium magnet is effective for promoting migration of a magnetic tracer and increasing monitoring counts on the skin surface.
The Combination of Serum Biomarker (CA-125, FASN, and GLS) as a Predictor Suboptimal Cytoreduction in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Winarno Gatot Nyarumenteng Adhipurnawan , Hidayat Yudi Mulyana , Soetopo Setiawan , Krisnadi Sofie Rifayani , Tobing Maringan Diapari Lumban , Rauf Syahrul
Published: January 2020

Purpose. Cytoreduction has an important role in improving the survival rate of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients. The use of preoperative CA-125 as an optimal predictor cytoreduction in patients with ovarian cancer is still controversial. This study aimed to assess the ability of preoperative serum CA125, FASN and GLS as a predictor of cytoreductive surgery in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). This observational-analytic cross-sectional study included 109 women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) between 2017-2019, who had serum CA-125, GLS, FASN measured preoperatively and underwent cytoreductive surgery.
Result. The average value of serum CA-125, FASN, and GLS in the suboptimal cytoreduction were higher than the optimal cytoreduction group. The cut off point (COP) of CA-125 was 248.55 (p=0.0001) with 73.2% sensitivity and 73.6% specificity, FASN was 0.445 (p=0.017) with 62.5% sensitivity and 60.4% specificity, and GLS was 22.895 (p=0.0001) with 73.2% sensitivity and 75.5% specificity. The COP value of CA-125 and GLS combined was 29.16 (p=0.0001) with sensitivity 82.1% and spesificity 73.6%, while the COP of CA-125, GLS, and FASN combined was 0.83 (p=0.0001) with 87.5% sensitivity and 73.6% specificity. If the value of biomarker serum more than COP will more likely have suboptimal cytoreductive surgery.
Conclusion. The role of CA125, FASN and GLS levels in predicting suboptimal cytoreductive surgery for patients with ovarian cancer seems questionable. However, the combination of CA-125 and GLS or CA-125, FASN and GLS are able to increase the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy classification to predict suboptimal cytoreductive surgery.
Clostridioides difficile ribotype distribution in a large teaching hospital in Serbia
Authors: Korać Miloš , Rupnik Maja , Nikolić Nataša , Jovanović Milica , Tošić Tanja , Malinić Jovan , Mitrović Nikola , Marković Marko , Vujović Ankica , Peruničić Sanja , Bojović Ksenija , Djordjević Vladimir , Barać Aleksandra , Milošević Ivana
Published: January 2020

Background: The global epidemic of nosocomial diarrhea caused by Clostridioides ( Clostridium) difficile started in 2003, with high mortality rates and emergence of a new hypervirulent strain NAP1/BI/027. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of ribotype 027 and other C. difficile ribotypes in a Serbian University Hospital, to compare the temporal variability of ribotypes three years apart, as well as to compare clinical, demographic and laboratory characteristics and disease outcome among patients infected with 027 and non-027 ribotype. This was a prospective observational study addressing four months time intervals during 2014/2015 and 2017/2018. Results: Ribotyping was performed in 64 non-duplicate C.difficile strains. Ribotype 027 was the most prevalent, and was detected in 53 (82.8%) patients (43/45 and 10/19 patients in 2014-2015 and 2017/2018, respectively). Other detected ribotypes were 001/072 in 4 (6,3%), 002 in 4 (6,3%), 014/020 in 2 (3,1%) and 176 in 1 (1,5%) patient. The percentage of patients infected with ribotype 027 significantly decreased during the three-year period, from 95.6% to 52.6% ( p <0.001). Ribotype 027 infection was associated with fluoroquinolone treatment more frequently than infection with other ribotypes [33 (62.3%) vs. 2 (18.2%), p= 0.010)]. Severe C.difficile infection was diagnosed more often in patients with detected ribotype 027 compared to those infected with non-027 ribotypes (p=0.006). No significant difference in the mortality and recurrence rates was found between patients infected with ribotype 027 and those infected with other ribotypes [10/53 (18.8%) vs. 2/11 (18.2%), p=0.708, and 10/35 (28.6%) vs. 0/2 (0%), p=1.000, respectively]. Conclusion: C. difficile ribotype 027 was the most prevalent ribotype among patients in a large Serbian hospital, but there is a clear decreasing trend.
Neurotransmitter and tryptophan metabolite concentration changes in the Complete Freund’s adjuvant model of orofacial pain
Authors: Cseh Edina K , Veres Gábor , Körtési Tamás , Polyák Helga , Nánási Nikolett , Tajti János , Párdutz Árpád , Klivényi Péter , Vécsei László , Zádori Dénes
Published: January 2020

BackgroundThe neurochemical background of the evolution of headache disorders, including migraine, still remains partially undiscovered. Accordingly, our aim was to further explore the neurochemical profile of Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced orofacial pain, involving finding the shift point regarding small molecule neurotransmitter concentrations changes vs. that of the previously characterized migraine-related neuropeptides. The investigated neurotransmitters consisted of glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid, noradrenalin and serotonin. Furthermore, in light of its influence on glutamatergic neurotransmission, we measured the level of kynurenic acid (KYNA) and its precursors in the kynurenine (KYN) pathway (KP) of tryptophan metabolism. Methods The effect of CFA was evaluated in male Sprague Dawley rats. Animals were injected with CFA (1 mg/ml, 50 µl/animal) into the right whisker pad. We applied high-performance liquid chromatography to determine the concentrations of the above-mentioned compounds from the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) and somatosensory cortex (ssCX) of rats. Furthermore, we measured some of these metabolites from the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma as well. Afterwards, we carried out permutation t-tests as post hoc analysis for pairwise comparison. Results Our results demonstrated that 24 h after CFA treatment, the level of glutamate, KYNA and that of its precursor, KYN was still elevated in the TNC, all diminishing by 48 h. In the ssCX, significant concentration increases of KYNA and serotonin were found. Conclusion Based on our previous findings, the elevation of KYNA may attenuate glutamate-mediated pain processing which may serve as a novel therapeutic target in headache disorders as well. Furthermore, the current findings draw attention to the limited time interval where medications can target the glutamatergic pathways because there is a clear transition to peptide mediated pain processing even from 24 h after CFA application.
Gut Microbial Dysbiosis in Individuals with Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Mendez Roberto , Watane Arjun , Farhangi Monika , Cavuoto Kara M. , Leith Tom , Budree Shrish , Galor Anat , Banerjee Santanu
Published: January 2020

Background: Autoimmune diseases have been associated with changes in the gut microbiome. In this study, the gut microbiome was evaluated in individuals with dry eye and bacterial compositions were correlated to dry eye (DE) measures. We prospectively included 13 individuals with who met full criteria for Sjögren’s (SDE) and 8 individuals with features of Sjögren’s but who did not meet full criteria (NDE) for a total of 21 cases as compared to 21 healthy controls. Stool was analyzed by 16S pyrosequencing, and associations between bacterial classes and DE symptoms and signs were examined. Results: Results showed that Firmicutes was the dominant phylum in the gut, comprising 40-60% of all phyla. On a phyla level, subjects with DE (SDE and NDE) had depletion of Firmicutes (1.1-fold) and an expansion of Proteobacteria (3.0-fold), Actinobacteria (1.7-fold), and Bacteroidetes (1.3-fold) compared to controls. Shannon’s diversity index showed no differences between groups with respect to the numbers of different operational taxonomic units (OTUs) encountered (diversity) and the instances these unique OTUs were sampled (evenness). On the other hand, Faith’s phylogenetic diversity showed increased diversity in cases vs controls, which reached significance when comparing SDE and controls (13.57 ± 0.89 and 10.96 ± 0.76, p=0.02). Using Principle Co-ordinate Analysis, qualitative differences in microbial composition were noted with differential clustering of cases and controls. Dimensionality reduction and clustering of complex microbial data further showed differences between the three groups, with regard to microbial composition, association and clustering. Finally, differences in certain classes of bacteria were associated with DE symptoms and signs. Conclusions: In conclusion, individuals with DE had gut microbiome alterations as compared to healthy controls. Certain classes of bacteria were associated with DE measures. These findings set the foundation for gut microbiome modulation as a potential therapeutic approach for DE.
Survival and regeneration ability of clonal common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.) after a single herbicide treatment in natural open sand grasslands
Authors: Bakacsy László , Bagi István
Published: January 2020

Background: Invasive species are a major threat to biodiversity, human health, and economies worldwide. The cost of the damages and the fight against them exceeds 9.6–12.7 billion euros annually for European Union. The Pannonic open sand grasslands represent important endemic habitats in European Union and are threatened by the spread of several invasive plant species. Among them, the common milkweed Asclepias syriaca L. has already transformed large areas of natural vegetation and endangered the others. The need for management of alien plants is urgent in both agricultural and protected areas. Herbicide treatment may be a cost-effective method for controlling the extended stand of milkweed even in protected areas. Therefore, this study monitored the herbicide treatment effects on A. syriaca before, during, and after treatment in a strictly protected UNESCO biosphere reserve near Fülöpháza from 2011 to 2017. The entire stand was treated with glyphosate in May 2014. We used simple data processing methods to follow the fate of individual shoots. Results: The 7-year data showed that treatment was successful for a short term (the year of treatment and the following year). The number of A. syriaca shoots in the stand decreased following herbicide treatment, with 73% of the shoots dying. In the first year after treatment, the number of shoots decreased continuously as herbicides were translocated by rhizomatic roots, thereby damaging dormant bud banks. Conclusions: The surviving buds adjusted to the number of emerging shoots in the years after treatment, and growth of the milkweed stand appeared to show a slow regeneration for a longer-term period. We concluded that the successful control of A. syriaca after herbicide treatment depends on continuous management (e.g., further point spraying) of treated areas to suppress possible regrowth during subsequent seasons. Therefore, periodic control is highly recommended because one-time treatment is insufficient.
Incidence, risk factors and outcomes of early postoperative hyperglycemia in surgical patients: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ssentongo Paddy , Lewcun Joseph A. , Ssentongo Anna E. , Soybel David I.
Published: January 2020

Background Early postoperative hyperglycemia is common and associated with poor postoperative outcomes. We aimed to estimate the pooled incidence, risk factors and clinical outcomes of early postoperative hyperglycemia in men and women globally. Method and analysis We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies published before January 1, 2020, reporting the incidence of postoperative hyperglycemia. We will search the following databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, OVID (HEALTH STAR), OVID (MEDLINE), Joana Briggs Institute EBF Database and Web of Science. No age, geographical location, study-design or language limits will be applied. This protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. Two reviewers (JAL, AES) will independently screen citations, abstracts and will identify full-text articles for inclusion, extract data and evaluate the quality and bias of included studies. Discrepancies will be resolved by consensus or consultation with a third researcher (PS). The risk of bias of included studies will be evaluated by the appropriate Cochrane risk of bias tool. The primary outcome will be the overall incident rate of postoperative hyperglycemia. Secondary outcomes are the risk factors and clinical outcomes of postoperative hyperglycemia. We will use the random-effects model with a logit transformation of proportions for the pooling of studies. We will assess the between-study heterogeneity using the I 2 statistic, and Cochrane’s Q statistic (significance level < 0.05). We will perform subgroup meta-analyses to look at geographical differences in the incidence of postoperative hyperglycemia and conduct a meta-regression analysis, using study level median age, year of publication, study level gender proportions, the proportion of type 2 diabetes, mean body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists and type of surgical procedure. We will report the probability of postoperative hyperglycemia as a measure of incidence rate, relative risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals to report the effects of the risk factors and postoperative outcomes. The Egger’s test and funnel plots will be used to assess publication bias.
Metabolic and evolutionary engineering of diploid yeast for the production of first-and second-generation ethanol
Authors: Sun Yang , Xue Qian , Hou Junyan , Kong Meilin , Li Xiaowei , He Boyang , Jin Mingjie , Lei Zhipeng , Shi Shuobo , Cao Limin
Published: January 2020

Background: Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been widely used in the fermentation of plant-derived sugars to produce ethanol, called first-generation (1G) bioethanol, but made an impact on global food markets. Significant efforts have been therefore to employ non-food lignocellulosic feedstocks for bioethanol production, known as second-generation (2G) bioethanol. However, S. cerevisiae cannot naturally utilize xylose, a major component in lignocellulosic hydrolysates, and it has low tolerance to common carboxylic acid inhibitors present in lignocellulosic hydrolyzates. Metabolic engineering and evolutionary engineering have shown great power in strain improvement, which were also adopted here to solve these limiting factors in developing 2G bioethanol.Results: An efficient expression of a six-gene cluster, including XYL1/XYL2/XKS1/TAL1/PYK1/MGT05196, was achieved in the evolved S. cerevisiae diploid strain A21Z, showing the ability to use mixed glucose and xylose. The engineered strain A21Z expressing the six-gene cluster displayed a high xylose consumption after 96 h, reaching 90.7% of the theoretical yield in ethanol production. To investigate its industrial characteristics, A31Z was obtained by direct evolution of A21Z under the treatment of industrial hydrolysate from wheat straw. Under different fermentation conditions with 1G and 2G feedstock candidates, A31Z showed a markedly improved xylose fermentation performance. A31Z could produce more ethanol and less glycerol compared to the control Angel from corn starch during 120 h, with a final ethanol production at 122.32 g/L. The ability to produce higher ethanol production was also found under the fermentation using carbon source from hydrolysis of Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS) or whole corn.Conclusions: Here, we report an effective strategy to improve xylose fermentation with an evolutionary engineering in the industrial S. cerevisiae diploid strain A31Z. This study demonstrated that a constructed A31Z has the higher xylose consumption and efficient ethanol production in mixed glucose and xylose with acetate. A31Z also gave a good ethanol production in 1G and 2G industrial feedstocks, indicating its significant contribution in the transition stage from the 1st generation to the 2nd generation bioethanol.