bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aplikasi Teknologi Induce Spawning (Tis) pada Pemijahan Ikan Air Tawar dalam Upaya Peningkatan Ketersediaan Benih Ikan di Kabupaten Kutai Barat, Kalimantan Timur
Authors: Satyantini Woro Hastuti , Mukti Akhmad Taufiq , Mahasri Gunanti , Mubarak Ahmad Shofy , Isroni Wahyu , Santanamurti Browijoyo
Published: August 2020

Kalimantan Timur (Kaltim) merupakan daerah yang memiliki potensi kelautan dan perikanan prospektif.  Kabupaten Kutai Barat memiliki potensi perikanan berupa perairan umum yang besar untuk dikembangkan.  Konsumsi ikan dari tahun ke tahun mengalami peningkatan, sementara potensi perikanan belum dimanfaatkan dengan optimal.  Kendala dan permasalahan yang menjadi perhatian oleh kelompok mitra hingga saat ini adalah belum banyak petani pembudidaya ikan yang menguasai teknologi budidaya ikan dengan baik dan benar.  Tujuan dari kegiatan ini adalah penerapan dan transfer ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi (ipteks) serta keterampilan dalam aplikasi teknologi pemijahan dan pembenihan ikan melalui penyediaan benih ikan secara mandiri untuk peningkatan produksi ikan air tawar pada kelompok mitra,  Pendekatan metode kegiatan dilakukan melalui beberapa tahapan, yaitu pemetaan kondisi dan permasalahan yang dihadapi oleh kelompok mitra, penyampaian materi terkait  teknologi pembenihan ikan, teknologi penijahan dengan menggunakan teknologi induce spawning (TIS) ikan dalam budidaya ikan air tawar serta monitoring dan evaluasi serta pendampingan pada kelompok mitra.  Hasil kegiatan penijahan dengan TIS memberikan hasil bahwa induk ikan mas dan ikan lele yang disuntik dengan hormon (ovaprim) memijah seluruhnya. Suhu media air terukur 26-28oC.  TIS ini dapat membantu masyarakat dalam penyediaan benih ikan dengan menjaga kualitas benih tetap baik dengan menerapkan cara pembenihan yang baik.
Signification de la protéine équilibrée pour le porc : intérêt et limites
Authors: HENRY Y.
Published: August 2020

Après une première globalisation sur la base de la teneur en protéines du régime, le besoin azoté du porc en croissance a pris une signification composite par la prise en compte des besoins en acides aminés indispensables séparément les uns des autres, pour aboutir finalement à la notion de besoin en protéine équilibrée présentant une composition constante en acides aminés. L’amélioration de l’équilibre en acides aminés, associée à une réduction du taux de protéines dans l’aliment, est désormais rendue possible par la supplémentation à l’aide d’acides aminés industriels : en premier lieu la lysine seule, qui est généralement l’acide aminé le plus limitant des aliments pour porcs, puis la lysine avec les autres acides aminés limitants secondaires (thréonine, tryptophane, méthionine). En dehors de leur caractère limitant, des cas d’excès de certains acides aminés peuvent se présenter : déséquilibre entre acides aminés ramifiés, excès d’arginine, déséquilibre entre les acides aminés neutres qui pourrait expliquer l’effet dépressif d’un taux de protéines excessif sur l’ingestion alimentaire. Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons analysé les limites du concept de la protéine équilibrée : non constance de la composition en acides aminés des protéines fixées, différences dans le devenir métabolique des acides aminés, nécessité de prendre en compte la disponibilité des acides aminés. Par ailleurs, en dehors de l’économie de protéines, les bénéfices à attendre de l’amélioration de l’équilibre en acides aminés s’étendent à l’économie d’énergie alimentaire et à une stimulation de la consommation volontaire d’aliment, ce qui permet de viser tout à la fois un abaissement du coût de l’alimentation et une valorisation optimale des potentialités des génotypes à forte intensité de dépôt de tissus maigres.
Alimentation des volailles : substituts au tourteau de soja. 2. Le tourteau de colza
Authors: LACASSAGNE L.
Published: August 2020

L’incorporation de tourteau de colza "00" (sans acide érucique et à faible taux de glucosinolates) dans l’alimentation du jeune poulet de chair (0 à 3 semaines) se traduit dans 3 cas sur 4 par une baisse de croissance, quelle que soit la dose testée (entre 5 et 20 %). Cette réponse est plus nette lorsque l’aliment est granulé qu’avec une présentation en farine. Pour des animaux de 3 semaines et plus, des taux de 20 % semblent pouvoir être tolérés mais les réponses demeurent assez hétérogènes quel que soit le niveau d’incorporation utilisé. La poulette en croissance (jusqu’à 18 semaines) supporte bien des taux de tourteaux de colza allant jusqu’à 10 % mais il en résulte parfois des réductions de poids de l’oeuf et une augmentation de la mortalité légère. Les nouveaux tourteaux de colza pourraient être distribués aux poules pondeuses jusqu’à des taux de 8 à 9 % sans affecter l’intensité de ponte ni le poids de l’oeuf. Malheureusement, les goûts de poisson induits par la sinapine dès le taux d’utilisation de 5 % freine considérablement l’usage de ces tourteaux pour les poules produisant des oeufs colorés.
Aliments de finition du canard de Barbarie : effets de leurs teneurs en protéines brutes sur les performances et la qualité de carcasse
Authors: LECLERCQ B. , De CARVILLE H.
Published: August 2020

On a comparé, chez le caneton de Barbarie mâle, les effets de régimes de finition (56-84 jours) présentant des teneurs différentes en protéines brutes (130 à 170 g/kg). Des performances satisfaisantes sont obtenues avec une concentration située entre 140 et 150 g par kg. Toutefois, des apports excédentaires tendent encore à améliorer la vitesse de croissance à raison de 0,55 g de gain de poids (56-84 jours) par g supplémentaire de protéines ingérées. Les teneurs en protéines brutes des aliments n’ont exercé aucun effet significatif sur l’état d’engraissement ni sur les rendements en parties comestibles à haute valeur commerciale (filets, cuisses + pilons).
Association de betteraves fourragères à une ration mixte d’ensilages de maïs et de trèfle violet pour vaches laitières
Authors: HODEN A. , MARQUIS B. , DELABY L.
Published: August 2020

Des betteraves fourragères entières ont été distribuées (20 kg/j) en complément d’une ration mixte d’ensilages de maïs et de trèfle violet afin de mettre en évidence leurs effets sur les performances des vaches laitières. Cette association a permis d’améliorer les productions de lait (+ 2 kg/j) et de matière utile (+ 100 g/j matières grasses, + 60 g/j matières protéiques) ainsi que la composition du lait (taux butyreux  : + 2 g/kg, taux protéique : + 1 g/kg). Ces effets positifs sont probablement à attribuer aux modifications d’orientations fermentaires dans le rumen concernant le taux butyreux et au meilleur niveau d’apport énergétique pour la synthèse des protéines. Dans nos conditions d’utilisation, ces betteraves apportées en quantités relativement faibles ont permis d’augmenter le niveau de production permis par la ration de base d’environ 2,5 kg de lait. Leur valorisation énergétique correspond à celle proposée par les nouvelles Tables INRA (1988).
Besoins vitaminiques des ruminants
Authors: WOLTER R.
Published: August 2020

Les ruminants ont la faculté de synthétiser toutes les vitamines B et K dans leur rumen ; par ailleurs, le pâturage leur fournit en abondance des carotènes (pro-vitamines A) et de la vitamine E alors que l’ensoleillement direct ou par l’intermédiaire du foin assure un bon approvisionnement en vitamine D. Traditionnellement, les risques de déficiences se limitaient principalement à la vitamine A en fin d’hiver. Mais à présent, l’intensification des productions animales, l’évolution des modes d’élevage et d’alimentation, les plus grandes exigences concernant la santé et la qualité des productions, imposent de prévoir des supplémentations étendues relatives à l’ensemble des vitamines liposolubles et même à certaines vitamines B en tenant compte d’indications particulières telles que fertilité (A), immunité (A, E), prévention des rétentions placentaires et des myodystrophies (E et Se), des hypocalcémies puerpérales (D), de la Nécrose du cortex cérébral lors d’acidose ruminale (Bl). stimulation de la microflore digestive et lutte contre la cétose (PP).
Un exemple de conservation du patrimoine génétique chez la poule
Authors: RICARD F.H. , PETITJEAN M.J.
Published: August 2020

Une action de conservation génétique a été entreprise sur 4 souches de poules créées à la Station INRA du Magneraud en vue d’être utilisées dans des croisements commerciaux mais dont la sélection selon cette optique a été abandonnée en 1977. Leur nom de code et les principales caractéristiques sont les suivantes : M-22, une Wyandotte blanche à crête simple ; M-33, souche synthétique provenant pour moitié de la race Marans ; M-88, souche synthétique à base des races Wyandotte et Rhode-Island et porteuse du gène de nanisme dw ; P-00, une Leghorn blanche à crête en pois et pondant des œufs à coquille bleutée. Le programme de conservation prévoyait une pression de sélection légère et un contrôle détaillé des performances. Pour la sélection, 50 % des poules contrôlées étaient gardées comme reproductrices sur la base du nombre d’œufs commercialisables pondus à l’âge de 42 semaines. Les résultats observés au cours de 5 générations obtenues de 1981 à 1985 sont présentés et discutés dans le présent article. La meilleure pondeuse s’est révélée être la souche P-00, suivie de la souche M-22. Les 2 souches M-22 et M-33, qui avaient des performances de ponte comparables aux souches nanifiées de reproductrices chair commerciales, pourraient être utilisées dans la production d’un poulet de type « label ». La souche M-33, qui donne des œufs à coquille brun foncé, pourrait intéresser tous ceux qui recherchent une coquille très colorée. La souche M-88 présentait le moins bon taux de ponte et le plus fort pourcentage d’oeufs cassés, mais le poids de l’muf était élevé malgré la présence du gène de nanisme. Un effort avait été entrepris pour améliorer la solidité de la coquille de ses aeufs, il faudrait le poursuivre.
EMERGÊNCIA E CRESCIMENTO INICIAL DE MELANCIA SUBMETIDA A SALINIDADE E DOSES DE ÁCIDO SALICÍLICO
Authors: Nóbrega Jackson Silva , Da Silva Toshik Iarley , Da Silva Ribeiro João Everthon , Vieira Leonardo de Sousa , Andrade Figueiredo Francisco Romário , De Fátima Reynaldo Teodoro , Alcântara Bruno Riselane de Lucena , Dias Thiago Jardelino
Published: August 2020

A melancia é uma olerícola relevante para o Brasil, inclusive para a região Nordeste. No entanto, a sua produção é afetada pelo excesso de sais na água de irrigação dessa região. O ácido salicílico é uma substância que vem sendo utilizada como mitigadora dos efeitos desses estresses sobre as plantas. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o tratamento de sementes com ácido salicílico como atenuante da salinidade sob o crescimento inicial de melancia. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento em blocos casualizados, com esquema fatorial incompleto 5 x 5, sendo cinco concentrações de ácido salicílico (AS - 0,00; 0,15; 0,50; 0,85 e 1,00 mM) e cinco condutividades elétricas da água de irrigação (CEa - 0,50; 1,01; 2,25; 3,49 e 4,00 dS m-1), totalizando 9 combinações geradas através da matriz Composto Central de Box. Foram avaliados a porcentagem e índice de velocidade de emergência, comprimento de raiz, parte aérea e de plântulas e massa seca de plântulas. Não houve efeito significativo para a interação entres os fatores avaliados. O aumento da CEa afetou negativamente a velocidade de emergência, o comprimento e a massa seca de plântulas. A dose de 1,0 mM de ácido salicílico estimulou o crescimento da parte aérea e de plântulas.
Энтропийно устойчивый разрывный метод Галеркина для уравнений Эйлера, использующий неконсервативные переменные
Authors: Криксин Юрий Анатольевич , Kriksin Yury Anatolievich , Тишкин Владимир Федорович , Tishkin Vladimir Fedorovich
Published: August 2020

Предложена консервативная версия энтропийно устойчивого разрывного метода Галеркина для уравнений Эйлера в переменных: плотность, плотность импульса и давление. Для уравнения, описывающего динамику среднего давления в конечном элементе, строится специальная разностная аппроксимация по времени, консервативная по полной энергии. Выполнение энтропийного неравенства и требований к монотонности численного решения обеспечивается специальным ограничителем наклонов. Разработанный метод успешно протестирован на ряде модельных газодинамических задач. В частности, в численном решении задачи Эйнфельдта существенно улучшено качество расчета удельной внутренней энергии.
Анализ свойств генетического кода методом математического моделирования
Authors: Козлов Николай Николаевич , Kozlov Nikolai Nikolaevich , Кугушев Евгений Иванович , Kugushev Evgenii Ivanovich , Энеев Тимур Магометович , Eneev Timur Magometovich
Published: August 2020

Рассматриваются случайные изменения стандартного генетического кода, при которых сохраняется его структура, а также малые вариации генетического кода, в которых структура сохраняется или же изменяется. Обосновывается предположение, что стандартный генетический код наилучшим образом обеспечивает возможность перекрытия генов. Структура и содержание стандартного генетического кода определяется условием максимального суммарного числа допустимых замен, открывающих закрытые рамки считывания, и минимальностью закрытых рамок считывания, для которых такой замены нет. Оценочная вероятность случайного выбора стандартного генетического кода с точки зрения этого критерия, в зависимости от модели численного эксперимента, имеет порядок от $10^{-3}$ до $10^{-6}$.
The Effectiveness of Speed Reading Technique in Improving Students’ Reading Comprehension at Fourth Semesters of English Department
Authors: Wahyudi Mohammad Arief
Published: August 2020

The purpose of the study is to know the effectiveness of Speed Reading Technique in improving the Reading Comprehension of the Fourth Semester students of English Department of STKIP PGRI Bangkalan. This study used Quantitative research. The result of reading speed was the experimental group higher than control group using posttest. The conclusion is the English Department students of STKIP PGRI Bangkalan could use Speed Reading Technique in improving reading comprehension.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TONGUE TWISTERS TO IMPROVE THE STUDENTS’ ABILITY TO PRONOUNCE FRICATIVE CONSONANTS AND LONG VOWELS
Authors: Maulida Lailatul
Published: August 2020

The main factor of failure in mastering speaking encountered by the eighth grade students of SMP Ma’arif 1 Ponorogo  in the academic year of 2014/21015 was dealing with pronunciation. The research was classroom action research that was conducted in two cycles with planning, acting, observing, and reflecting as the stages done in each cycle. The data were collected from the pre-test, test 1 and post-test as the quantitative data and from interviews, observation, and field note as the qualitative data. The data were analyzed by comparing the score of pre-test, test 1 and post-tests and by using interactive model method. The findings showed that the implementation of tongue twister as a teaching technique could improve the students’ pronunciation of fricative consonants and long vowels. In addition, it can be concluded that tongue twisters is an appropriate technique for teaching speaking, especially pronunciation.
Fun Writing Using WebQuest
Authors: Wihastyanang Wardani Dwi
Published: August 2020

This study intended to describe how the process of teaching and learning using WebQuest can develop the ninth graders’ writing ability of report text. The subjects included the 15 ninth graders. The students were taught to be able to write report texts by using WebQuest after they visit the web addresses given in the two cycles of classroom action research. Their writing ability achievement and the information on students’ interaction during the teaching and learning process were attained by overseeing writing products at the end of each cycle and by using observation checklists and field notes. The result indicated that WebQuest was successful in developing the students’ writing ability of report texts. The comparison of the students’ scores in the preliminary study and in Cycle 2 was significantly developed. In preliminary study, the students’ average score was 50.8. While in the cycle two, the students’ score was 76.8.
IMPROVING YOUNG LEARNERS’ LISTENING SKILL BY USING NURSERY RHYMES SONG
Authors: Putri Aprilia Riyana
Published: August 2020

Listening is one of the most important skill in learning language for young learners, because the first way to learn language start from learning how to listen. In learning English, most of young learners in Indonesia found some difficulties to listen directly from the native speaker or from the environment, such as from young learners’ school or from young learners’ family, it happened because English is still as the second language in Indonesia which is not use in daily life. Many media uses by most of schools in Indonesia to improve young leraners’ competencies in English, for example by using some application from smartphone or by using song. Here, the researchers choose nursery rhymes song as an alternative media in improving young learners’ listening skill. The experimental research design was employed. The experimental group was taught using nursery rhymes song while the control group was taught using the conventional method. There are two classes  in the same level at six grade level from SDUT BUMI KARTINI JEPARA participated in this study, they are from maroco and mesir class. The findings indicated that nursery rhymes song significantly improved the students’ listening skill toward learning English. This study concluded that nursery rhymes song is one of media that is very effective for improving young learners’ listening skill because young learners are very happy to learn English while singing the nursery rhymes song.
Experiential Meaning in Welcoming Speech of Asian Games 2018 in Indonesia
Authors: Chalimah Chalimah
Published: August 2020

Assessing the experiential meaning in welcoming speech of Asian Games 2018 in Indonesia is essential to do to get the real face and character of Indonesian people, especially for the person who becomes the representative of all Indonesian people to speak in front of other Asian nations. The research contributes in the linguistic field because the data are investigated through systemic functional linguistics to be described further. The research gap is exploring the data found in the sport context in six kinds of processes. The data show that the speaker uses the material process in the first rank (45%) to show the activities done and the achievement, the second rank is for relational process (25%) that the speaker tends to give positive attribute and good identification for Indonesia and Asian nations. The last rank (15%) is for mental process and (15%) is for behavioral process which state about his feeling and his urge by using words about the intention to live in peace in Asia.
An Error Analysis in the Use of Simple Past Tense on Students’ Final Work at IAIN Kudus
Authors: Setyaningrum Anisah
Published: August 2020

This research aims at identifying, classifying and analyzing the kinds of errors on the use of simple past tense in students’ final work. It is expected to help the lecturers in identifying the students’ most common error in language learning processes, especially in learning simple past tense. Several stages are done in this qualitative research, they are: preparation, data collection, and analyzing the data. As the preparation, the writer try to read some theories and previous studies related to this research. In analyzing the data, Ellis’ theory is used in this research. The techniques in analyzing the data are: identification of error, classification, description, and correction. The result of this research shows that there are four kinds of errors made by students, they are omission 13%, addition 5%,misinformation 31%,and misordering 5%. They mostly make errors in the misinformation of irregular past verb in using The Simple Past Tense.
Improving Students’ Grammar Competences in Writing Descriptive Text Through Community Language Learning (Cll) Method
Authors: Munir AP Muhammad Misbahul
Published: August 2020

This research aims at identifying: (1) whether and to what extent Community Language Learning (CLL) method can improve students’ grammar competences in writing descriptive text, and explain (2) the class situation when Community Language Learning (CLL) method is used in teaching grammar in writing descriptive text. The students in the first year of junior high school have difficulty in their grammar competences that causes many errors in writing descriptive text. The classroom action research was conducted in two cycles. The research findings show that: (1) Community Language Learning (CLL) method can improve the students’ grammar competences in writing descriptive text, and (2) Community Language Learning (CLL) method provides enjoyment to support the effective classroom situation when used to teach grammar in writing descriptive text. This method can be an alternative method for the teacher or the future researchers who will conduct the similar research.
High Rates of Aseptic Loosening After Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty for Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Kienzle Arne , Walter Sandy , von Roth Philipp , Fuchs Michael , Winkler Tobias , Müller Michael
Published: August 2020

Background:

With increasing life expectancy, the demand for knee replacement is continuously rising. Despite the use of antibiotic prophylaxis and improved aseptic surgical techniques, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) still occurs in 1% to 5% of patients after primary arthroplasty. An open question is the influence of PJI and resulting surgical procedures on the occurrence of long-term complications such as aseptic loosening. Patients needing multiple revision surgeries are especially at risk for decreases in bone mass and damage to the medullary cavity. Thus, we theorized that prior surgeries on the affected knee increase the risk of aseptic loosening in patients with PJI.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 100 patients who underwent total knee replacement exchange surgery as a result of PJI. In addition to clinical, paraclinical, and radiographic examination, we assessed comorbidities and the number of prior surgeries.

Results:

Prosthetic survival was drastically decreased after PJI-related revision arthroplasty: during the first 7.3 years after reimplantation, 22% and 16% of all patients had aseptic loosening and recurrent PJI, respectively. The prevalence of aseptic loosening was 27.8% for female and 15.2% for male patients. A significant association between increasing patients’ American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification and prosthetic failure rates was found, as was a strong correlation between number of prior surgeries and aseptic loosening

Conclusions:

In this study, we found notable rates of aseptic loosening and recurrent PJI following PJI-related revision arthroplasty. The difference in the rate of aseptic loosening among male and female patients supports theories of the role of bone metabolism in the development of aseptic loosening. The economic and clinical burdens of prosthetic failure make it paramount to gain a better understanding of bone metabolism in PJI. Additional research should address the need to optimize treatment strategies to increase prosthetic survival.

Level of Evidence:

TherapeuticLevel IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Archaeological Data Recovery (41TR198) and Survey Within the Riverside Oxbow Project Tarrant County, Texas
Authors: Peter Duane , Harrison James
Published: August 2020

This report presents the findings of the survey of 75 acres and the excavation of 28 cubic meters of site 41TR198 (Crooked Oxbow Site) within the Riverside Oxbow Project sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, in partnership with the City of Fort Worth and the Tarrant County Water District. Planned impacts from this proposed project include habitat restoration, channel reestablishment, vegetation plantings, new roads, and sports field construction. The deepest impacts planned for the Area of Potential Effects are one meter and involve the excavation of a shallow lake utilizing the relict oxbow bordering site 41TR198. Impacts planned for the remainder of the project area will be less than one-half meter deep. Overall, the project will attempt to use the existing landscape as much as possible in order to reduce impacts. As a federal agency the USACE is required to undertake cultural resource investigations for their projects in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended through 2001. Since the Tarrant Regional Water District is the landowner and co-sponsor of the project, and a political subentity of the state of Texas, this project was also conducted under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 5040.
Cultural Resource Survey of the U.S. Highway 67 Water Improvement Project, City of Presidio, Presidio County, Texas
Authors: Bury Benjamin , Matchen Paul , Knapp Ashleigh , Quigg Michael
Published: August 2020

The City of Presidio is proposing to upgrade their water distribution system, provide services to the Colonia of Las Pampas, north of Presidio, and improve the overall water system reliability to accommodate these additional demands. Following a review of the proposed undertaking, the Texas Historic Commission (THC) recommended that a cultural resource survey be performed (THC letter dated October 21, 2015). To meet its responsibilities under existing State and Federal statutes, the City contracted TRC Environmental Corporation (TRC) of Austin to conduct the necessary cultural resource survey. Subsequently, TRC archeologists submitted a Texas Antiquities Permit Application to the THC, and Antiquities Permit #7722 was issued to archeologist Benjamin G. Bury, who served as Principal Investigator.

The Area of Potential Effect (APE) consists of approximately 8.18 acres and includes the existing Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) ROW along U.S. 67 and two 0.02 acre parcels adjacent to the ROW that are currently privately owned, but will be acquired by TxDOT as new ROW easements prior to construction. The project will be funded by the Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC). Given the involvement of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) with the BECC, the USEPA is the lead federal agency for this effort.

Fieldwork was conducted on July 26th and July 27th, 2016. The field effort consisted of a systematic pedestrian survey at 15 m (50 ft.) intervals across the APE. Cultural resources documented during the survey included one historic site (41PS1220) and three isolated core reduction flakes that were widely separated and not associated with any other cultural materials. Site 41PS1220 consists of mid-to late-20th century trash left from informal dumping along U.S. 67. The dumping ground has been graded smooth in the last 30 years. Consequently, site materials are in a secondary context. Given these disturbances, TRC recommends that site 41PS1220 is not eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or qualified for nomination as a State Antiquities Landmark (SAL). Additionally, one previously recorded site (41PS346) recorded within the ROW in 1976 was not relocated during the investigation, and has likely been significantly redeposited during previous road maintenance activities. TRC recommends that the portion of site 41PS346 within the U.S. 67 ROW is not eligible for inclusion in the NRHP or qualified for nomination as a SAL. Therefore, TRC recommends the project proceed as planned.
Identifying predictive biomarkers of CIMAvaxEGF success in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients.
Authors: Lorenzo-Luaces Patricia , Sanchez Lizet , Saavedra Danay , Crombet Tania , Elst Wim Van der , Alonso Ariel , Molenberghs Geert , Lage Agustin
Published: August 2020

Background: Immunosenescence biomarkers and peripheral blood parameters are evaluated separately as possible predictive markers of immunotherapy. Here, we illustrate the use of a causal inference model to identify predictive biomarkers of CIMAvaxEGF success in the treatment of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients. Methods: Data from a controlled clinical trial evaluating the effect of CIMAvax-EGF were analyzed retrospectively, following a causal inference approach. Pre-treatment potential predictive biomarkers included basal serum EGF concentration, peripheral blood parameters and immunosenescence biomarkers. The proportion of CD8 + CD28- T cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, CD4/CD8 ratio and CD19+ B cells. The 33 patients with complete information were included. The predictive causal information (PCI) was calculated for all possible models. The model with a minimum number of predictors, but with high prediction accuracy (PCI>0.7) was selected. Good, rare and poor responder patients were identified using the predictive probability of treatment success. Results: The mean of PCI increased from 0.486, when only one predictor is considered, to 0.98 using the multivariate approach with all predictors. The model considering the proportion of CD4+ T cell, basal Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) concentration, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, Monocytes, and Neutrophils as predictors were selected (PCI>0.74). Patients predicted as good responders according to the pre-treatment biomarkers values treated with CIMAvax-EGF had a significant higher observed survival compared with the control group (p=0.03). No difference was observed for bad responders. Conclusions: Peripheral blood parameters and immunosenescence biomarkers together with basal EGF concentration in serum resulted in good predictors of the CIMAvax-EGF success in advanced NSCLC. Future research should explore molecular and genetic profile as biomarkers for CIMAvax-EGF and it combination with immune-checkpoint inhibitors. The study illustrates the application of a new methodology, based on causal inference, to evaluate multivariate pre-treatment predictors. The multivariate approach allows realistic predictions of the clinical benefit of patients and should be introduced in daily clinical practice.
Microbial Community, Biomass and Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil in dry tropics
Authors: Woldemariam Weldesemayat Gorems , Ghoshal Nandita
Published: August 2020

Soil physicochemical and microbial properties can be regarded as an important tool to assess soil quality and health. Studying the soil properties under different land use types is great practical significant for land use and soil management regarding soil carbon dynamics and climate change mitigation. However, the changes in land-use types and their eﬀects on soil physicochemical and microbial properties are largely debated and rather unclear. Four different land use types were used to study soil microbial and soil physico-chemical properties. Soil organic carbon and total nitrogen, soil microbial biomass and microbial diversity were determined by micro kjeldahl method, fumigation and extraction method and FAME GC-Ms, respectively. Among all land use pattern the highest water holding capacity (40.06±0.74%), porosity (0.539±0.011%), soil macro-aggregates (64.16±2.64%), organic carbon (0.84±0.054%), total nitrogen (0.123±0.013%), microbial biomass carbon (570.65±35.05 μg/g) and nitrogen (84.21±3.186 μg/g), basal respiration (3.64±0.064μg/g) and b-glucosidase (809.68±39.7μgμg PNP g-1 dry soil h-1) were found to be under natural forest followed by in decreasing order bamboo plantation, degraded forest and agricultural land. Significant differences were observed among the land use types with microbial biomass carbon and B-glucosidase activity. Furthermore, the correlation of analysis showed that microbial biomass, organic carbon, b-glucosidas activity, total nitrogen, moisture content, porosity, water holding capacity, soil macro aggregates were positively correlated to each other and negatively correlated with bulk density, meso and micro soil aggregates at p<0.05. The PLFA analysis showed that microbial community diversity exhibited distinct patterns among land-use types. The conversions of natural forest to other land use type, the amount of PLFA were reduced significantly. The natural forest had high microbial diversity followed by in decreasing order bamboo plantation, degraded forest and agricultural land. Among the organisms G- bacteria and fungi were showed decreasing order from natural forest, bamboo plantation, degraded forest and agricultural land. The reverse was true for G+ bacteria. The result of this study showed that soil physico-chemical and microbial properties were significantly affected by land use types. Thus bamboo based fallow has the potential for improving soil quality and properties in the short term.
The influence of comorbidity on the severity of COVID-19 disease: A systematic review and analysis
Authors: Zaki Nazar , Mohamed Elfadil Abdalla , Ibrahim Sahar , Khan Gulfaraz
Published: August 2020

Background: A novel form of coronavirus disease (SARS-CoV-2) has spread rapidly across the world. What risk factors influence the severity of the disease is of considerable importance.Aim: This research offers a systematic review and meta-analysis of the correlation between common clinical conditions and comorbidities and the severity of COVID-19.Methodology: Two independent researchers searched Europe PMC, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases for articles related to influence comorbidities have on the progress of the disease. A search engine was also created to screen a further 59,000 articles in COVID-19 Open Research Dataset (CORD-19). Random-effects modeling was used to pool 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and odds ratios (ORs). The significance of all comorbidities and clinical conditions to the severity of the disease was evaluated by employing machine-learning techniques. Publication bias was assessed by using funnel-plots and Egger’s test. Heterogeneity was tested using I2.Results: The meta-analysis incorporated 12 studies spanning 4,101 confirmed COVID-19 patients who were admitted to Chinese hospitals. The prevalence of the most commonly associated co-morbidities and their corresponding odds ratio for disease severity were as follows: coronary heart disease (OR 2.97 [CI: 1.99-4.45], p < 0.0001), cancer (OR 2.65 [CI: 1.12-6.29], p < 0.03), cardiovascular disease (OR 2.89 [CI: 1.90-4.40], p < 0.0001), COPD (OR 3.24 [CI: 1.66-6.32], p = 0.0), and kidney disease (OR 2.2.4 [CI: 1.01-4.99], p = 0.05) with low or moderate level of heterogeneity. The most frequently exhibited clinical symptoms were fever (OR 1.37 [CI: 1.01-1.86], p = 0.04), myalgia/fatigue (OR 1.31 [CI: 1.11-1.55], p = 0.0018), and dyspnea (OR 3.61, [CI: 2.57-5.06], p = <0.0001). No significant associations between disease severity and liver disease, smoking habits, and other clinical conditions, such as a cough, respiratory/ARDS, diarrhea or chest tightness/pain were found. The meta-analysis also revealed that the incubation period was positively associated with disease severity. Conclusion: Existing comorbidities, including COPD, cardiovascular disease, and coronary heart disease, increase the severity of COVID-19. Some studies found a statistically significant association between comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension and disease severity. However, these studies may be biased due to substantial heterogeneity.
Effects of Cytokine Blocking Agents on 30-Day Mortality in Patients Admitted to ICU With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome by SARS-CoV2 Infection: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Coloretti Irene , Busani Stefano , Biagioni Emanuela , Venturelli Sophie , Munari Elena , Sita Marco , Dallara Lorenzo , Tosi Martina , Clini Enrico , Tonelli Roberto , Fantini Riccardo , Mussini Cristina , Meschiari Marianna , Guaraldi Giovanni , Cossarizza Andrea , Alfano Gaetano , Girardis Massimo
Published: August 2020

Background The use of cytokine-blocking agents has been proposed to modulate the inflammatory response in patients with COVID19. Tocilizumab and Anakinra were included in the local protocol as an optional treatment in critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by SARS-CoV2 infection. This cohort study evaluated the effects of therapy with cytokine blocking agents on in-hospital mortality in COVID19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation and admitted to intensive care unit. Methods The association between therapy with Tocilizumab or Anakinra and in-hospital mortality was assessed in consecutive adult COVID19 patients admitted to our ICU with moderate to severe ARDS. The association was evaluated by comparing patients who receive to those who did not receive Tocilizumab or Anakinra and by using different multivariable Cox models adjusted for variables related to poor outcome, for the propensity to be treated with Tocilizumab or Anakinra and after patient matching. Results Sixty-six patients who received immunotherapy (49 Tocilizumab, 17 Anakinra) and 28 patients who did not receive immunotherapy were included. The in-hospital crude mortality was 30,3% in treated patients and 50% in non-treated (OR 0,77, 95% CI 0,56-1,05, p=0,069). The adjusted Cox model showed an association between therapy with immunotherapy and in-hospital mortality (HR 0,35, 95% CI 0,16-0,77, p=0,009). This protective effect was further confirmed in the analysis adjusted for propensity score, in the propensity-matched cohort and in the cohort of patients with invasive mechanical ventilation within 2 hours after ICU admission. Conclusions Although important limitations, our study showed that cytokine-blocking agents seem to be safe and to improve survival in COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU with ARDS and the need of mechanical ventilation.
Covid19 Response in Low-Income Country: The Case of A Lockdown in Zambia
Authors: Muzyamba Choolwe Mphanza
Published: August 2020

Background The onset of the covid19 pandemic has sparked heated debate among scholars on the relevance of lockdowns. There are those in favor of the lockdown and others who are critical of it. However, despite the increased interest in understanding the relevance of lockdowns, there still has not been much focus on its relevance in low income countries like Zambia. Thus with the help of the SRT, we set out to explore and document the local characterization of the lockdown by residents of Lusaka, Zambia.Methods A qualitative study in the form of interviews was conducted in Lusaka, Zambia involving a sample of 68 participants. Due to the lockdown measures that were in place during the study, the interviews were conducted via phone calls and the data collected were later analyzed by use of thematic analysis technique. Results The lockdown was on one hand lauded for slowing down the incidence rates, preventing fatalities, and for protecting the healthcare system from collapse. On the other hand, it was criticized for exacerbating poverty levels, unemployment rates, increasing the rate of mental health problems, aiding gender based violence, and intensifying political repression and corruption. The results speak to the complexity in the characterization of the lockdown as a response to covid19 in Zambia. This observation demonstrates the folly of viewing, applying and characterizing the covid19 lockdown as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach in Zambia.Conclusion Thus rather than definitely establishing the lockdown as an incontestable good, as it is depicted by some scholars or as useless by its critics, our findings instead demonstrate the diversity and complexity in how it is locally viewed by Zambians. The study provides grounds for caution on simplistic and binary characterization of lockdowns. It indicates the need for careful dialog between the designers of lockdowns and citizens in order to tailor such interventions to local realities in context-specific ways. It also shows that though the development of such interventions, all the various and complex elements it embodies must be taken into account in order to realize optimum outcomes.
Transcriptome analysis of developing castor bean seeds and identification of ricinoleic acid biosynthesis genes
Authors: Wu Ziting , Yang Qin , Xu Fei , Ouyang Yi , Geng Xinxin
Published: August 2020

Background Ricinoleic acid is a kind of unsaturated fatty acid in castor oil with wide application value. It is sourced from R. communis seed oil, where it is present in large amounts. However, there is little transcriptomic information on genes related to ricinoleic acid biosynthesis in castor bean.Results In order to better understand the regulation mechanism of ricinoleic acid biosynthesis, immature seeds at three developmental stages (15, 30, and 45 days after pollination) were collected. The results indicated that the accumulation of castor oil and ricinoleic acid increased gradually during seed development, and reached the maximum value at the late stages of seed development (45 days after pollination). Furthermore, RNA sequencing was conducted to analyze the transcriptome of the developing seeds at three developing stages. Totals of 9,875 differentially expressed genes were identified among the three time points. Based on the annotation information, 49 DEGs related to lipid biosynthesis were screened among all DEGs. Through cluster analysis of the 49 DEGs, ten genes with increasing FPKM values from seed development stages S1 to S3 were selected as candidate key enzymes, since they showed similar patterns of increase with castor oil accumulation and ricinoleic acid biosynthesis during seed development. The transcriptomic data of the 10 candidate key enzyme genes was further validated by qRT-PCR. Ultimately, a putative model of key genes correlated with ricinoleic acid accumulation was built.Conclusion Our study identified a series of key genes and revealed the proposed molecular mechanism of ricinoleic acid accumulation in castor seeds through the transcriptional analysis. It broadens our knowledge of ricinoleic acid biosynthesis and castor oil accumulation and also provides a theoretical foundation for the genetic engineering key genes that can improve the ricinoleic acid production in castor bean as well as other plants.
Characteristics and prognostic outcome factors in elderly peritoneal dialysis patients:a prospective observational study
Authors: Ma Xiaoying , Xu HaiPing , Sun FuYun
Published: August 2020

Background: This study aimed to analyze the characteristics, outcomes and prognosis factors of survival in elderly peritoneal dialysis patients, so as to better understand the status of elderly peritoneal dialysis patients and improve their quality of life.Methods: This study was a prospective, observational study that included peritoneal dialysis (PD)patients.Categorizing by age, elderly group aged ≥ 65, younger group aged < 65. Clinical characteristics, survival and transferring to hemodialysis were compared between two groups.Meanwhile, risk factors for death in elderly PD patients were explored.Results: A total of 202 PD patients were enrolled, including 61 in elderly group and 141 in younger group. Among elderly individuals,serum albumin and normalized protein catabolic rate(nPCR) decreased, the incidence of previous cardiovascular, cerebrovascular diseases and Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI) were higher.The major primary disease in elderly patients was diabetic nephropathy, significant differences were found between elderly and younger group(P < 0.01). The mortality in elderly group was substantially higher, 27 patients (44.3%) died in elderly group and 21 patients(14.3%) died in younger group .The 1-year,2-year,3-year,4-year survival rate were 81.97%, 70.49%, 60.66%, 55.74% respectively. Cardiovascular disease was the main cause of death in elderly PD patients. Higher BMI, CCI, and previous ischemic heart disease were risk factors for long-term survival of elderly PD patients. Compared with the younger group, elderly patients were less likely to transfer to hemodialysis: 2 cases (3.3%) in elderly group and 23 cases (16.3%) in younger group. Peritonitis was the primary reason for converting to hemodialysis(HD) in both two groups.Conclusions: Poor nutrition, more complications and diabetic nephropathy were characteristics of elderly PD patients. High BMI, CCI and previous ischemic heart disease were independent predictors of death in elderly PD patients. Cardiovascular disease was the main cause of death in elderly PD patients，while the chief reason of transferring to hemodialysis was peritonitis.
Using Social Media on Mental Health among University Medical Students in Abha City, Southern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alammar Afnan Mastour , Alsaleem Safar A. , Al-Garni Abdulaziz Mohammed , alammar Razan saeed , alhumayed Razan suliman , Alammar Amjad Mastour
Published: August 2020

BackgroundDuring the past 10 years, the rapid development of social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook, Twitter, snap chat, games and so on has caused several profound changes in the way people communicate and interact. SNSs are often defined as Web-based platforms that allow individuals to create their own personal profile and build a network of connections with other users. Today has more than one billion active users. And, it is clear that during the past 10 years, online social networking has caused significant changes in the way people communicate and interact affecting their mental and psychological health .This study aimed to assess social media utilization and its impact on mental health among medical college students in Abha city.MethodA cross sectional approach was used targeting college of medicine students in Abha city. Data were collected using structured questionnaire which developed by the researchers after intensive literature review and experts consultation. The questionnaire was uploaded online using social media platforms by the researchers and their relatives and friends to be filled with all population in Abha city.ResultsThe study included 311 students whose ages ranged from 17 to 29 years old with mean age of 22.8 ± 2.1 years. Female figured 64.6% of the participants and 90.7% of the students were not married. About 28.6% of the students were in the pre-clinical grades and 14.5% were interns. Those who use social media platforms for less than one hour daily were 2.6% of the students while 50.5% use it for 6 hours daily. As for used social media platforms, Snap chat and Twitter were the most used. Poor mental health was detected among nearly half of the students.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the study revealed that medical college students used social media platform intensively with reported high insomnia rate and poor mental health for half of them.