bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IL-12 Family Cytokines in Cancer and Immunotherapy
Authors: Mirlekar Bhalchandra , Pylayeva-Gupta Yuliya
Published: January 2021

The IL-12 family cytokines are a group of unique heterodimeric cytokines that include IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, IL-35 and, most recently, IL-39. Recent studies have solidified the importance of IL-12 cytokines in shaping innate and adaptive immune responses in cancer and identified multipronged roles for distinct IL-12 family members, ranging from effector to regulatory immune functions. These cytokines could serve as promising candidates for the development of immunomodulatory therapeutic approaches. Overall, IL-12 can be considered an effector cytokine and has been found to engage anti-tumor immunity by activating the effector Th1 response, which is required for the activation of cytotoxic T and NK cells and tumor clearance. IL-23 and IL-27 play dual roles in tumor immunity, as they can both activate effector immune responses and promote tumor growth by favoring immune suppression. IL-35 is a potent regulatory cytokine and plays a largely pro-tumorigenic role by inhibiting effector T cells. In this review, we summarize the recent findings on IL-12 family cytokines in the control of tumor growth with an emphasis primarily on immune regulation. We underscore the clinical implications for the use of these cytokines either in the setting of monotherapy or in combination with other conventional therapies for the more effective treatment of malignancies.
Long-Term Clinical Outcome and Predictive Factors for Relapse after Radiation Therapy in 145 Patients with Stage I Gastric B-Cell Lymphoma of Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Type
Authors: Nam Heerim , Lim Do Hoon , Kim Jae J. , Lee Jun Haeng , Min Byung-Hoon , Lee Hyuk
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of radiation therapy (RT) for stage I gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma and find predictive factors for relapse after RT. This retrospective study included 145 patients without a prior history of treatment, except Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, who were irradiated for stage I gastric MALT lymphoma. The gastric body was the most commonly involved location of the dominant lesion (66.9%), and H. pylori infection at first diagnosis was detected in 61 (42.1%) patients. The median RT dose was 30 Gy (range, 24–40). Seven patients had an autoimmune disease. All patients except one achieved a complete remission at post-treatment endoscopic biopsy after a median of 2 months (range, 1–36). During the median follow-up at 51 months (range, 2–146), 11 patients experienced relapses: in the stomach (n = 5), in a distant site (n = 4), and in both (n = 2). The five-year overall, local relapse-free, distant relapse-free, and relapse-free survival (RFS) rates were 98.6%, 94.0%, 97.1%, and 92.3%, respectively. In multivariate analysis for RFS, the location of MALT lymphoma other than in the gastric body was significantly associated with an increased risk of relapse (hazard ratio 5.85 (95% CI 1.49–22.9), p = 0.011). RT results in favorable clinical outcomes in patients with stage I gastric MALT lymphoma. Tumor location could be a predictive factor for relapse after RT.
Ectopic Expression of Ankrd2 Affects Proliferation, Motility and Clonogenic Potential of Human Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Piazzi Manuela , Kojic Snezana , Capanni Cristina , Stamenkovic Nemanja , Bavelloni Alberto , Marin Oriano , Lattanzi Giovanna , Blalock William , Cenni Vittoria
Published: January 2021

Ankrd2 is a protein known for being mainly expressed in muscle fibers, where it participates in the mechanical stress response. Since both myocytes and osteoblasts are mesenchymal-derived cells, we were interested in examining the role of Ankrd2 in the progression of osteosarcoma which features a mechano-stress component. Although having been identified in many tumor-derived cell lines and -tissues, no study has yet described nor hypothesized any involvement for this protein in osteosarcoma tumorigenesis. In this paper, we report that Ankrd2 is expressed in cell lines obtained from human osteosarcoma and demonstrate a contribution by this protein in the pathogenesis of this insidious disease. Ankrd2 involvement in osteosarcoma development was evaluated in clones of Saos2, U2OS, HOS and MG63 cells stably expressing Ankrd2, through the investigation of hallmark processes of cancer cells. Interestingly, we found that exogenous expression of Ankrd2 influenced cellular growth, migration and clonogenicity in a cell line-dependent manner, whereas it was able to improve the formation of 3D spheroids in three out of four cellular models and enhanced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in all tested cell lines. Conversely, downregulation of Ankrd2 expression remarkably reduced proliferation and clonogenic potential of parental cells. As a whole, our data present Ankrd2 as a novel player in osteosarcoma development, opening up new therapeutic perspectives.
Using an Interaction Parameter in Model-Based Phase I Trials for Combination Treatments? A Simulation Study
Authors: Mozgunov Pavel , Knight Rochelle , Barnett Helen , Jaki Thomas
Published: January 2021

There is growing interest in Phase I dose-finding studies studying several doses of more than one agent simultaneously. A number of combination dose-finding designs were recently proposed to guide escalation/de-escalation decisions during the trials. The majority of these proposals are model-based: a parametric combination-toxicity relationship is fitted as data accumulates. Various parameter shapes were considered but the unifying theme for many of these is that typically between 4 and 6 parameters are to be estimated. While more parameters allow for more flexible modelling of the combination-toxicity relationship, this is a challenging estimation problem given the typically small sample size in Phase I trials of between 20 and 60 patients. These concerns gave raise to an ongoing debate whether including more parameters into combination-toxicity model leads to more accurate combination selection. In this work, we extensively study two variants of a 4-parameter logistic model with reduced number of parameters to investigate the effect of modelling assumptions. A framework to calibrate the prior distributions for a given parametric model is proposed to allow for fair comparisons. Via a comprehensive simulation study, we have found that the inclusion of the interaction parameter between two compounds does not provide any benefit in terms of the accuracy of selection, on average, but is found to result in fewer patients allocated to the target combination during the trial.
Time-Varying Insomnia Symptoms and Incidence of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia among Older US Adults
Authors: Resciniti Nicholas V. , Yelverton Valerie , Kase Bezawit E. , Zhang Jiajia , Lohman Matthew C.
Published: January 2021

There is conflicting evidence regarding the association between insomnia and the onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. This study aimed to evaluate if time-varying insomnia is associated with the development of MCI and dementia. Data from the Health and Retirement Study (n = 13,833) from 2002 to 2014 were used (59.4% female). The Brief Insomnia Questionnaire was used to identify insomnia symptoms which were compiled in an insomnia severity index, ranging from 0 to 4. In analysis, participants’ symptoms could vary from wave-to-wave. Dementia was defined using results from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) global cognitive assessment tool. Respondents were classified as either having dementia, MCI, or being cognitively healthy. Cox proportional hazards models with time-dependent exposure using the counting process (start-stop time) were used for analysis. For each one-unit increase in the insomnia symptom index, there was a 5-percent greater hazard of MCI (HR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.04–1.06) and dementia (HR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.03–1.05), after fully adjusting. Using a nationally representative sample of adults age 51 and older, this study found that time-varying insomnia symptoms are associated with risk of MCI and dementia. This highlights the importance of identifying sleep disturbances and their change over time as potentially important risk factors for MCI and dementia.
Complementary Methods in Cancer Treatment—Cure or Curse?
Authors: Michalczyk Kaja , Pawlik Jakub , Czekawy Izabela , Kozłowski Mateusz , Cymbaluk-Płoska Aneta
Published: January 2021

(1) Background: The prevalence of complementary and alternative methods (CAM) use among oncological patients has been rising constantly over the last few decades and a variety of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods have been developed. Many advertisements promise to relieve side effects of chemotherapy or even to cure the disease, thus encouraging patients to use CAM; (2) Methods: The objective of the study was to determine which patients’ characteristics are associated with the use of complementary medicine during cancer treatment, their pattern of use, and if it has any association with its safety profile. This survey-based prospective multicenter study of 316 patients examined the use of complementary medicine among patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment in cancer centers in Poland between 2017 and 2019; (3) Results: The Chi2 analysis showed that patients’ opinion regarding the safety of unconventional methods is related to the use of CAM (p = 0.00147). Moreover, patients’ thinking that alternative medicine can replace traditional therapy was correlated with his/her education (p = 0.01198). Moreover, we performed univariate and multivariate analysis to determine factors associated with CAM use including sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Finally, we conducted survival analysis of patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment with 42 months of follow-up time of our prospective study. Using Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank analysis, we found no statistical difference in overall survival between the groups that used and did not use any form of CAM (p = 0.211); (4) Conclusions: CAM use is common among patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment and should be considered by medical teams as some agents may interact with chemotherapy drugs and affect their efficacy or cause adverse effects.
An Analysis of Participation and Performance of 2067 100-km Ultra-Marathons Worldwide
Authors: Stöhr Angelika , Nikolaidis Pantelis Theodoros , Villiger Elias , Sousa Caio Victor , Scheer Volker , Hill Lee , Knechtle Beat
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to analyze the number of successful finishers and the performance of the athletes in 100-km ultra-marathons worldwide. A total of 2067 100-km ultra-marathon races with 369,969 men and 69,668 women competing between 1960 and 2019 were analyzed, including the number of successful finishers, age, sex, and running speed. The results showed a strong increase in the number of running events as well as a strong increase in the number of participants in the 100-km ultra-marathons worldwide. The performance gap disappeared in athletes older than 60 years. Nevertheless, the running speed of athletes over 70 years has improved every decade. In contrast, the performance gap among the top three athletes remains persistent over all decades (F = 83.4, p < 0.001; pη2 = 0.039). The performance gap between the sexes is not significant in the youngest age groups (20–29 years) and the oldest age groups (>90 years) among recreational athletes and among top-three athletes over 70 years. In summary, especially for older athletes, a 100-km ultra-marathon competition shows an increasing number of opponents and a stronger performance challenge. This will certainly be of interest for coaches and athletes in the future, both from a scientific and sporting point of view.
The Study of Walking, Walkability and Wellbeing in Immersive Virtual Environments
Authors: Birenboim Amit , Ben-Nun Bloom Pazit , Levit Hila , Omer Itzhak
Published: January 2021

Recent approaches in the research on walkable environments and wellbeing go beyond correlational analysis to consider the specific characteristics of individuals and their interaction with the immediate environment. Accordingly, a need has been accentuated for new human-centered methods to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying environmental effects on walking and consequently on wellbeing. Immersive virtual environments (IVEs) were suggested as a potential method that can advance this type of research as they offer a unique combination between controlled experimental environments that allow drawing causal conclusions and a high level of environmental realism that supports ecological validity. The current study pilot tested a walking simulator with additional sensor technologies, including biosensors, eye tracking and gait sensors. Results found IVEs to facilitate extremely high tempo-spatial-resolution measurement of physical walking parameters (e.g., speed, number of gaits) along with walking experience and wellbeing (e.g., electrodermal activity, heartrate). This level of resolution is useful in linking specific environmental stimuli to the psychophysiological and behavioral reactions, which cannot be obtained in real-world and self-report research designs. A set of guidelines for implementing IVE technology for research is suggested in order to standardize its use and allow new researchers to engage with this emerging field of research.
The Attitudinal Style as Pedagogical Model in Physical Education
Authors: Pérez-Pueyo Ángel , Hortigüela-Alcalá David , Hernando-Garijo Alejandra , González-Víllora Sixto , Sánchez-Miguel Pedro Antonio
Published: January 2021

The continuous changes in the different legislative systems have led to the application of different ways of understanding students and generating learning in them. In this sense, an area such as physical education is not alien to the continuous changes in teaching learning and its teaching has been modified from a behavioural approach to more cognitive perspectives. In this line, the Attitudinal Style concept arises with the intention of responding to this need for evolution, a global approach to teaching, as well as the generation of materials that allow the participation and learning of all types of students, greatly favoring their involvement and/or adaptation. The objective of this study is to present the Attitudinal Style as a pedagogical model within school physical education, analyzing its characteristics, elements and main purposes. A systematic review of narrative character is used, showing the origins and fundamental elements to justify the Attitudinal Style as a pedagogical model. Thus, aspects such as the generation of positive experiences in the students; the rigorous explanation of what is being learned, adaptation to the content, context and students; the work of collaboration and/or cooperation as a means to achieve a group achievement; the transfer of learning; and the application of formative evaluation, make this model of teaching applicable, relevant and necessary in the different educational levels.
An Unrecognized Hazard in E-Cigarette Vapor: Preliminary Quantification of Methylglyoxal Formation from Propylene Glycol in E-Cigarettes
Authors: Azimi Parham , Keshavarz Zahra , Lahaie Luna Marianne , Cedeno Laurent Jose Guillermo , Vallarino Jose , Christiani David C. , Allen Joseph G.
Published: January 2021

Up to 95% of the liquid volume in an e-cigarette consists of propylene glycol. Previous research has shown that propylene glycol can generate diacetyl and formaldehyde when heated. New research shows that propylene glycol can also generate methylglyoxal, an alpha di-carbonyl compound recently shown to cause epithelial necrosis at even lower concentrations than diacetyl, the flavoring chemical associated with bronchiolitis obliterans (“Popcorn Lung”). We analyzed chemical emissions from 13 JUUL pod flavors. Diacetyl and methylglyoxal was detected in 100% of samples with median concentration (range) of 20 µg/m3 (less than limit of quantification: 54 µg/m3) and 4219 µg/m3 (677–15,342 µg/m3), respectively. We also detected acetaldehyde (median concentration: 341 µg/m3) and propionaldehyde (median concentration: 87 µg/m3) in all samples. The recent evidence that methylglyoxal is more cytotoxic to airway epithelial cells than diacetyl makes this an urgent public health concern. Current smokers considering e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool, and never users, who may be under the impression that e-cigarettes are harmless, need information on emissions and potential risks to make informed decisions.
Applications of Hydrogel with Special Physical Properties in Bone and Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Lin Hua , Yin Cuilan , Mo Anchun , Hong Guang
Published: January 2021

Hydrogel is a polymer matrix containing a large amount of water. It is similar to extracellular matrix components. It comes into contact with blood, body fluids, and human tissues without affecting the metabolism of organisms. It can be applied to bone and cartilage tissues. This article introduces the high-strength polymer hydrogel and its modification methods to adapt to the field of bone and cartilage tissue engineering. From the perspective of the mechanical properties of hydrogels, the mechanical strength of hydrogels has experienced from the weak-strength traditional hydrogels to the high-strength hydrogels, then the injectable hydrogels were invented and realized the purpose of good fluidity before the use of hydrogels and high strength in the later period. In addition, specific methods to give special physical properties to the hydrogel used in the field of bone and cartilage tissue engineering will also be discussed, such as 3D printing, integrated repair of bone and cartilage tissue, bone vascularization, and osteogenesis hydrogels that regulate cell growth, antibacterial properties, and repeatable viscosity in humid environments. Finally, we explain the main reasons and contradictions in current applications, look forward to the research prospects in the field of bone and cartilage tissue engineering, and emphasize the importance of conducting research in this field to promote medical progress.
Investigation of the Turbulent Drag Reduction Mechanism of a Kind of Microstructure on Riblet Surface
Authors: Ao Mingrui , Wang Miaocao , Zhu Fulong
Published: January 2021

With the k-ε renormalization group turbulence model, the drag reduction mechanism of three- dimensional spherical crown microstructure of different protruding heights distributing on the groove surface was studied in this paper. These spherical crown microstructures were divided into two categories according to the positive and negative of protruding height. The positive spherical crown micro-structures can destroy a large number of vortexes on the groove surface, which increases relative friction between water flow and the groove surface. With decreasing the vertical height of the spherical crown microstructure, the number of rupture vortexes gradually decreases. Due to the still water area causes by the blocking effect of the spherical crown microstructure, it was found that the shear stress on the groove surface can be reduced, which can form the entire drag reduction state. In another case, the spherical crown microstructures protrude in the negative direction, vortexes can be generated inside the spherical crown, it was found that these vortexes can effectively reduce the resistance in terms of pressure and friction. In a small volume, it was shown that the surface drag reduction rate of spherical crown microstructures protrudes in negative directions can be the same as high as 24.8%.
Oleocanthal Quantification Using 1H NMR Spectroscopy and Polyphenols HPLC Analysis of Olive Oil from the Bianchera/Belica Cultivar
Authors: Starec Martina , Calabretti Antonella , Berti Federico , Forzato Cristina
Published: January 2021

The cultivar Bianchera is an autochthonous variety from the eastern part of northern Italy, but it is also cultivated in the Slovenian and Croatian peninsula of Istria where it is named Belica (Slovenia) and Bjelica (Croatia). The properties of oleocanthal, a natural anti-inflammatory ibuprofen-like compound found in commercial monocultivar extra virgin olive oils, were determined by means of both quantitative 1H NMR (qNMR) and HPLC analyses, where qNMR was identified as a rapid and reliable method for determining the oleocanthal content. The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by means of the Folin–Ciocalteau method and the major phenols present in the olive oils were also quantified by means of HPLC analyses. All these analyses confirmed that the cultivar Bianchera was very rich in polyphenols and satisfied the health claim provided by the EU Commission Regulation on the polyphenols content of olive oils and their beneficial effects on human health.
Oligosilanylated Silocanes
Authors: Meshgi Mohammad Aghazadeh , Pöcheim Alexander , Baumgartner Judith , Jouikov Viatcheslav V. , Marschner Christoph
Published: January 2021

A number of mono- and dioligosilanylated silocanes were prepared. Compounds included silocanes with 1-methyl-1-tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl, 1,1-bis[tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl], and 1,1-bis[tris(trimethylsilyl)germyl] substitution pattern as well as two examples where the silocane silicon atom is part of a cyclosilane or oxacyclosilane ring. The mono-tris(trimethylsilyl)silylated compound could be converted to the respective silocanylbis(trimethylsilyl)silanides by reaction with KOtBu and in similar reactions the cyclosilanes were transformed to oligosilane-1,3-diides. However, the reaction of the 1,1-bis[tris(trimethylsilyl)silylated] silocane with two equivalents of KOtBu leads to the replacement of one tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl unit with a tert-butoxy substituent followed by silanide formation via KOtBu attack at one of the SiMe3 units of remaining tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl group. For none of the silylated silocanes, signs of hypercoordinative interaction between the nitrogen and silicon silocane atoms were detected either in the solid state. by single crystal XRD analysis, nor in solution by 29Si-NMR spectroscopy. This was further confirmed by cyclic voltammetry and a DFT study, which demonstrated that the N-Si distance in silocanes is not only dependent on the energy of a potential N-Si interaction, but also on steric factors and through-space interactions of the neighboring groups at Si and N, imposing the orientation of the pz(N) orbital relative to the N-Si-X axis.
Myricitrin, a Glycosyloxyflavone in Myrica esculenta Bark Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy via Improving Glycemic Status, Reducing Oxidative Stress, and Suppressing Inflammation
Authors: Dua Tarun K. , Joardar Swarnalata , Chakraborty Pratik , Bhowmick Shovonlal , Saha Achintya , De Feo Vincenzo , Dewanjee Saikat
Published: January 2021

The present study evaluated the therapeutic potential of myricitrin (Myr), a glycosyloxyflavone extracted from Myrica esculenta bark, against diabetic nephropathy. Myr exhibited a significant hypoglycemic effect in high fat-fed and a single low-dose streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats. Myr was found to improve glucose uptake by the skeletal muscle via activating IRS-1/PI3K/Akt/GLUT4 signaling in vitro and in vivo. Myr significantly attenuated high glucose (HG)-induced toxicity in NRK cells and in the kidneys of T2D rats. In this study, hyperglycemia caused nephrotoxicity via endorsing oxidative stress and inflammation resulting in the induction of apoptosis, fibrosis, and inflammatory damages. Myr was found to attenuate oxidative stress via scavenging/neutralizing oxidative radicals and improving endogenous redox defense through Nrf-2 activation in both in vitro and in vivo systems. Myr was also found to attenuate diabetes-triggered renal inflammation via suppressing NF-κB activation. Myr inhibited hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis and fibrosis in renal cells evidenced by the changes in the expressions of the apoptotic and fibrotic factors. The molecular docking predicted the interactions between Myr and different signal proteins. An in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) study predicted the drug-likeness character of Myr. Results suggested the possibility of Myr to be a potential therapeutic agent for diabetic nephropathy in the future.
Promising Potential of Crude Polysaccharides from Sparassis crispa against Colon Cancer: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Nowacka-Jechalke Natalia , Nowak Renata , Lemieszek Marta Kinga , Rzeski Wojciech , Gawlik-Dziki Urszula , Szpakowska Nikola , Kaczyński Zbigniew
Published: January 2021

The aim of the present study was to evaluate in vitro the beneficial potential of crude polysaccharides from S. crispa (CPS) in one of the most common cancer types—colon cancer. The determination of the chemical composition of CPS has revealed that it contains mostly carbohydrates, while proteins or phenolics are present only in trace amounts. 1H NMR and GC–MS methods were used for the structural analysis of CPS. Biological activity including anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of CPS was investigated. CPS was found to be non-toxic to normal human colon epithelial CCD841 CoN cells. Simultaneously, they destroyed membrane integrity as well as inhibited the proliferation of human colon cancer cell lines: Caco-2, LS180 and HT-29. Antioxidant activity was determined by various methods and revealed the moderate potential of CPS. The enzymatic assays revealed no influence of CPS on xanthine oxidase and the inhibition of catalase activity. Moreover, pro-inflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenase-2 or lipooxygenase were inhibited by CPS. Therefore, it may be suggested that S. crispa is a valuable part of the regular human diet, which may contribute to a reduction in the risk of colon cancer, and possess promising activities encouraging further studies regarding its potential use as chemopreventive and therapeutic agent in more invasive stages of this type of cancer.
Bacteriophage Therapy of Bacterial Infections: The Rediscovered Frontier
Authors: Düzgüneş Nejat , Sessevmez Melike , Yildirim Metin
Published: January 2021

Antibiotic-resistant infections present a serious health concern worldwide. It is estimated that there are 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections and 35,000 deaths in the United States every year. Such microorganisms include Acinetobacter, Enterobacterioceae, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus and Mycobacterium. Alternative treatment methods are, thus, necessary to treat such infections. Bacteriophages are viruses of bacteria. In a lytic infection, the newly formed phage particles lyse the bacterium and continue to infect other bacteria. In the early 20th century, d’Herelle, Bruynoghe and Maisin used bacterium-specific phages to treat bacterial infections. Bacteriophages are being identified, purified and developed as pharmaceutically acceptable macromolecular “drugs,” undergoing strict quality control. Phages can be applied topically or delivered by inhalation, orally or parenterally. Some of the major drug-resistant infections that are potential targets of pharmaceutically prepared phages are Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Acinetobacter baumannii.
Comparison of Five Oral Cannabidiol Preparations in Adult Humans: Pharmacokinetics, Body Composition, and Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Williams Natasha N. Bondareva , Ewell Taylor Russell , Abbotts Kieran Shay Struebin , Harms Kole Jerel , Woelfel Keith A. , Dooley Gregory P. , Weir Tiffany L. , Bell Christopher
Published: January 2021

Data supporting the physiological effects of cannabidiol (CBD) ingestion in humans are conflicting. Differences between CBD preparations and bioavailability may contribute to these discrepancies. Further, an influence of body composition on CBD bioavailability is feasible, but currently undocumented. The aims of this study were to: (1) compare the pharmacokinetics of five oral CBD preparations over 4 h; (2) examine the relationship between body composition and CBD pharmacokinetics; and, (3) explore the influence of CBD on heart rate variability. In total, five preparations of CBD, standardized to 30 mg, were orally administered to 15 healthy men and women (21–62 years) in a randomized, crossover design. Prior to and 60 min following CBD ingestion, heart rate variability was determined. Body composition was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Peak circulating CBD concentration, time to peak concentration, and area under the curve was superior in a preparation comprising 5% CBD concentration liquid. Fat free mass was a significant predictor (R2 = 0.365, p = 0.017) of time to peak concentration for this preparation. Several heart rate variability parameters, including peak frequency of the high frequency band, were favorably, but modestly modified following CBD ingestion. These data confirm an influence of CBD preparation and body composition on CBD bioavailability, and suggest that acute CBD ingestion may have a modest influence on autonomic regulation of heart rate.
Lenvatinib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Literature Review
Authors: Hatanaka Takeshi , Naganuma Atsushi , Kakizaki Satoru
Published: January 2021

Lenvatinib, which is an oral multikinase inhibitor, showed non-inferiority to the sorafenib in terms of overall survival (OS) and a higher objective response rate (ORR) and better progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A good liver function and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) intermediate stage were the key factors in achieving therapeutic efficacy. The management of adverse events plays an important role in continuing lenvatinib treatment. While sequential therapies contributed to prolonging overall survival, effective molecular targeted agents for the administration after lenvatinib have not been established. Repeated transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) was associated with a decline in the liver function and poor therapeutic response in BCLC intermediate patients. Recently, the Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert (APPLE) Consensus Statement proposed the criteria for TACE unsuitability. Upfront systemic therapy may be better for the BCLC intermediate stage HCC patients with a high tumor burden, while selective TACE will be recommended for obtaining a curative response in patients with a low tumor burden. This article reviews the therapeutic response, management of adverse events, post-progression treatment after Lenvatinib, and treatment strategy for BCLC intermediate stage HCC.
ESG és bankszabályozás : Haladni kell a korral
Authors: Gyura Gábor
Published: January 2021

A környezeti, társadalmi fenntarthatósági és felelős vállalatirányítási (összefog-lalóan: ESG) faktorokra épülő adatok és ezek alapján a vállalatok, illetve az ezek-be való befektetések értékelése mindeddig egy tulajdonképpen teljesen evolutív módon fejlődő, piaci alapú értékelési keretrendszer volt. Az ESG azonban oly-annyira felértékelődött az elmúlt években a tőkepiacon, hogy egyre hangosabbá váltak azok a hangok, amelyek szerint bizonyos aspektusait mégiscsak szabályozni kellene. Különösen így van ez a bankszektorban, ahol – ellentétben a vagyonkezeléssel – az ESG eddig kevésbé került reflektorfénybe. Erre reagálva az uniós bankszabályozásban a következő években fokozatosan megjelenik majd az ESG-szemlélet, így elsősorban a kockázatkezelési elvárásokban és a közzétételi előírásokban, valamint a bankfelügyeletben is. Az új szabályok a kevésbé fejlett piacokon, így a hazai bankok számára is jelentős kihívást jelenthetnek, elsősorban adatgyűjtés terén. Azonban a megfelelés pozitív hozadéka lesz, hogy a hitelintézetek pontosabban láthatják majd, ügyfeleik milyen mértékben működnek fenntarthatóan, mennyire ellenállóak a klímaváltozással és egyéb megatrendekkel, valamint a kapcsolódó, átfogó és mély gazdasági, társadalmi és szabályozási változásokkal szemben.
Válságálló-e a fenntartható befektetés? ESG-részvényportfóliók válságidőszaki teljesítményének vizsgálata
Authors: Szepesi Nóra Judit
Published: January 2021

Az ESG-befektetések mellett gyakran hangoztatott érv, hogy általuk a kevésbé kockázatos és hosszú távon fenntartható működésű cégekbe lehetséges befektetni. A szerző kutatási hipotézise szerint válságidőszakokban a befektetők figyelme az ESG-szempontból jónak minősített részvények felé fordul, s a megnövekedő kereslet hatására az ESG-részvényekből összeállított portfóliók túlteljesítik a piacot, szignifikáns pozitív alfát generálnak. A hipotézis teszteléséhez a szerző hat, különböző ESG-szűrési feltételek mentén kialakított részvényportfólió válságidőszaki alfageneráló teljesítményét vizsgálja 2003. január és 2019. december között három eszközárazó modell segítségével. Az eredmények egyöntetűen a kutatási hipotézis elutasítása mellett szólnak, és egyaránt robusztusok eltérő válságdefiníciók és portfóliókiválasztási küszöbök mentén.
Inequalities in health-related quality of life: repeated cross-sectional study of trends in general practice survey data
Authors: Shah Vishalie , Stokes Jonathan , Sutton Matt
Published: January 2021

Background

After decades of steady progress, life expectancy at birth has stalled in England. Inequalities are also rising, and life expectancy has fallen for females living in the most deprived areas. However, less attention has been given to trends in other measures of population health, particularly health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Aim

To examine trends and inequalities in HRQoL in England between 2012 and 2017.

Design and setting

The authors used nationally representative survey data on 3.9 million adults to examine HRQoL (measured by EQ-5D-5L overall score, plus each of the five health domains — mobility, selfcare, usual activity, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression).

Method

The study explored trends across time, and inequalities by sex, age, and deprivation.

Results

Although HRQoL seemed steady overall between 2012 and 2017, there is evidence of increasing inequality across population subgroups. There was a rise in sex disparity over time, the female–male gap in EQ-5D-5L increased from −0.009 in 2012 to −0.016 in 2017. Trends for the youngest females and those living in the most deprived areas were of the greatest concern. Females in the most deprived regions suffered a 1.3% decrease in HRQoL between 2012 and 2017, compared with a 0.5% decrease for males. The key contribution to the decline in HRQoL, particularly in females, was a 1.5% increase in reported levels of anxiety/depression between 2012 and 2017.

Conclusion

Developing interventions to address these worrying trends should be a policy priority. A particular focus should be on mental health in younger populations, especially for females and in deprived areas.
Impact of corporate social responsibility guidelines 2013 on the extent of the corporate social responsibility activities and disclosures in Pakistan
Authors: Hayat Maqsood , Khan Shehzad
Published: January 2021

The main objective of this study was to examine the impact of CSR guidelines 2013 on the level of corporate social responsibilities (CSR) activities and their disclosure in Pakistan. This study analyzed the voluntary disclosure guidelines impact on various stakeholders of the top companies of the year listed in Pakistan’s stock exchange for the five years (2011-2015). It is found that the introduction of these guidelines 2013 had a positive impact on the overall level of corporate social responsibilities disclosures (CSRD). It was also observed that the overall trends in the level of CSRD increased gradually within the sample period. There need to be continuous a requirement through regulations and local pressures on the firms for engaging in ethical business practices and to disclose that information to government organizations and general public. Corporations can gain both economically and ethically when they take CSR as marketing and public relation opportunity. Finally, corporations can give itself edge by distinguishing its operations from others and therefore gain competitive advantage.
Estimating the role of money supply in determining aggregate investment in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Sohail Alam , Tariq Muhammad , Gul Brekhna
Published: January 2021

This study investigates the role of money supply in determining the Pakistan's aggregate investment for the period 1980-2015. Hodric-Prescott Filter method has been applied for extracting the trend from the data. For estimating the results ordinary least squares method, granger causality test and Vector Autoregression has been used. The results revealed that money supply (M1 and M2) increases the aggregate investment in Pakistan. Other variables such as GDP growth rate and saving also showed a positive and significant association with aggregate investment. However, foreign direct investment remained insignificant. These findings recommended that the State Bank of Pakistan can used both M1 and M2 as an effective instrument of monetary policy for increasing the level of aggregate investment component of aggregate demand in the economy.
Cohort risk sharing in Pakistan: Relative wage and consumption movements over time
Authors: Raza Syed Hassan
Published: January 2021

This study analyzes to which extent the distribution of consumption is affected by the relative wage movement among birth cohorts and education groups. Our empirical design is based on a synthetic panel constructed using repeated cross-sectional data from “Household Integrated Economic Survey of Pakistan.” We limit our analysis to persons aged between 26 to 50 years at the time of survey. To see the evolution of change in income and consumption we measured growth by taking 6, 8- and 10-years’ difference respectively. The findings ascertained there is limited risk-sharing across cohort-education groups in Pakistan, but the measured extent of risk-sharing increases over longer horizons. Furthermore, we observe relatively higher consumption smoothing among the less educated people over the period of ten years. In the university education group, results reveal less consumption smoothing in the shorter, six- and eight-year time periods.  The study concludes that the relative risk-sharing over a decade is better in Pakistan than the shorter growth horizon.
A Study of Socioeconomic Determinants of Anemia among Expecting Mothers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan
Authors: Nawaz Faiza , Mukhtar Muska , Rahman Atta ur
Published: January 2021

One of the instrumental factors contributing towards the GDP of any country is human capital and for a progressive human capital, the main resource is physical and mental health. Females constitute approximately 48% of population of Pakistan, out of which a great number suffer from nutritional deficiency anemia at their reproductive age, which results in an unhealthy child. This study is designed to find the socioeconomic factors that lead to anemia among expecting women. The research design for this study is case control where data was collected from two groups; control group (non-anemic pregnant women) and case group (anemic pregnant women) registered in the Basic Health Unit (BHU) from different areas of Peshawar. Collected data was analyzed using binary logistic regression. Findings revealed that monthly income of household, independent members or number of employed members of the family, gap between children, non-staple food consumption and supplements continuity have significant inverse relationship with anemia, indicating that increase in mentioned variables will decrease the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women of rural areas. The study concluded that anemia being a common grievance amongst pregnant women is mostly caused by low level of monthly income, family size with lower number of employed members, low frequency of non-staple food consumption per week, lack of continuity of iron supplements and poor health seeking behavior. Awareness regarding attainment of education irrespective of gender, government focus on health promotion interventions and more job opportunities can improve health conditions and socioeconomic status of women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Modificación de la técnica de Bernard-Burow en la reconstrucción total del labio inferior: presentación de un caso
Authors: Chaparro Aranguren Enrique Alonso
Published: January 2021

El carcinoma de labio es uno de los más comunes de la cabeza y el cuello. Siendo el tipo histológico más frecuente el carcinoma escamo celular, que afecta predominantemente el labio inferior. Distintas técnicas existen para la reconstrucción de los defectos del labio inferior posterior a la resección de la lesión, sin embargo, preservar la funcionalidad y la estética de esta zona es un desafío, a consecuencia de la posición anatómica que hace que se acumule la saliva retardando el proceso cicatrización.  Se presenta reconstrucción total de labio inferior ampliada hacia mentón utilizando el triángulo de Burow mejorando notablemente los resultados funcionales y estéticos.
Population Density, Habitat Characteristics and Preferences of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Chakwal, Pakistan
Authors: NASEER AMIR , BILAL MUHAMMAD , NASEER UMAR , MUSTAFA NAUREEN , ALLAH RAKHA BUSHRA
Published: January 2021

The Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a least concern carnivore according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2016). However, in Pakistan Red fox is considered as Near Threatened (NT), due to habitat destruction and depletion of food resources. The objective of the study was to identify habitat preferences and population density of Red fox in District Chakwal, Pakistan. Line transect census method was used to estimate the population density of Red fox through direct sighting and indirect method of burrow counting, presence of footprints and scats. A total of 10 transects were carried out at three potential sites: Devi, Photaki and Chumbisurla Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) in Chakwal based on preliminary surveys. Habitat preference was estimated by comparing three different study sites by quadrat method and found that CWS area is preferred habitat for Red fox. A total of 24 plant species were recorded in the study areas, among them Cynodon dactylon is major herb found to provide shelter to Red fox in all study sites based on Importance value Index (I.V.I) at CWS (IVI=208.8) followed by Devi (IVI=185.93) and Photaki (IVI=142.33). The maximum population density of Red fox through direct sighting at CWS having 0.26 individuals/km2 compared to Devi and Photaki having 0.16 and 0.13 individuals/km2, respectively. The indirect estimation method revealed that maximum dens were found in CWS area compared to Devi and Photaki, while footprints and scats were found maximum in Devi and Photaki, respectively. It is concluded that Red fox preferred habitat is CWS site. Habitat destruction and conflicts with fox are causing the population of the Red fox to dwindle in Chakwal, Pakistan.
Overview of modern applications of energy storage systems: part 2
Authors: Mihaylov Vencislav
Published: January 2021

The use of Energy storage systems is becoming more widespread around the world due to the coincidental increase in available intermittent renewable energy. The main uses for energy storage are the balancing of supply and demand and increasing the reliability of the energy grid, while also offering other services, such as, cooling and heating for buildings and enabling the creation and use of portable electric devices and electric vehicles.
Reconfiguración del sujeto insumiso en la nueva normalidad. Mirar no es observar
Authors: Salazar Pérez Robinson
Published: January 2021

La presente reflexión escrita lleva la intención y contenido de explicar la alternativa escogida por el sujeto insumiso ante la Nueva Normalidad. Parte de la premisa argumentada de la existencia de un nuevo espectro social caracterizado por la diversidad cultural, amplio mapa ideológico, diferentes demandas sociales y la imperiosa necesidad de articular fuerzas en un arco convergente. La idea fuerza es sin lugar a dudas la articulación, concepto que definimos y describimos la forma en que debe darse para una acción política de insumisión con la voluntad de todos los colectivos populares. Es claro y así está reseñado, la magnitud del desafío es significativa y encomiable, dado que es impostergable desaprender aprendiendo en el quehacer de la política con perfil transformadora, porque la herencia neoliberal expresada en el individualismo, narcisismo, destrucción de comunidades y aldeas, estragos en los imaginarios colectivos y rituales que dan forma al entramado y lazos sociales deben ser re-armados para dar cuerpo a la nueva lucha. Si la globalización tuvo como fin destruir comunidades y diseñar el individualismo consumidor, la reconfiguración del sujeto insumiso transita por re-lanzar la lucha desde lo comunal a fin de resarcir los hilos asociativos de la densa red de las comunidades.
Teletrabajo y capitalismo de vigilancia
Authors: Roncal Vattuone Ximena
Published: January 2021

El confinamiento generado por la pandemia Covid-19 en marzo de 2020, aceleró el cambio tecnológico, llevando a los gobiernos y a las empresas a definir medidas de distinto tipo, no solo para atender la emergencia sanitaria, sino para continuar con sus actividades durante el aislamiento. Entre las modificaciones organizativas de mayor trascendencia se encuentra el teletrabajo o trabajo en casa, vanagloriado por sus bondades tanto en la autonomía del trabajador, la flexibilidad de horarios como en un mayor equilibrio entre la vida laboral y la vida familiar. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar el teletrabajo y sus principales características en el marco de un capitalismo de vigilancia que implementa mecanismos de control digital exacerbando la vigilancia y el monitoreo de las actividades de los trabajadores. Se revisa a Shoshana Zuboff (2019a, 2019b), Byung Chul Han (2014; 2013) y Michael Foucault (2002) como soportes teóricos para comprender la versión del Capitalismo Digital que transformó los diversos espacios de relacionamiento fundamentalmente la relación capital/trabajo que acrecentó la individualización del trabajo, así como la incorporación de nuevos métodos de control y vigilancia. La metodología que se utiliza es cualitativa con base en la revisión documental y de análisis reflexivo en el que la inmersión del investigador es sensible en la interpretación del mundo social. Con base en el análisis se concluye que las empresas y los empleados digitales han modificado la manera en que trabajadores y empresas se relacionan, transformado el mundo laboral; y que en un escenario de virus y crisis civilizatoria, el ordenamiento de los teletrabajadores se agudiza con los software de monitoreo como métodos de control cada vez más eficaces y sutiles.
TEKNOLOGI SISTEM INTEGRASI TERNAK, TANAMAN, DAN IKAN PADA LAHAN PEKARANGAN DAN TEKNOLOGI PENGOLAHAN BAHAN MAKANAN GUNA PENINGKATAN PENDAPATAN KELUARGA DI DESA CANGKRINGTURI, SIDOARJO
Authors: Sukarjati Sukarjati , Sopandi Tatang , WK Pungky Slamet
Published: January 2021

Objective of KKN-PPM is to overcome the problems encountered in the village Cakringturi that the low incomes, lack of knowledge and understanding of environmental management, especially land yard. The solution to solve the problem is to empower rural communities through land use courtyard with technology integration system of livestock, crops and fish and provide food processing technology skills.Methods: Counseling, Mentoring, Training. Result: K1 program: Land yard citizens have been utilized, Product Probiofish, Aquaponics,  Raising catfish in the pond Bis, The Carambola Fruit Cultivation along the river, Product instant and syrup TOGA, Vertikultur.  K2 program: Competition Fun Cake in early childhood,  Competition Beuty and Hijab Class, Teaching in Early Childhood Educatio. K3 Program : : Tutoring for elementary school children, Work with the community service, Yasinan, tahlilan, & diba'an, Assist Posyandu services. Distribution of poor rice, Visits to polindes,, Decorating in early childhood classrooms, Coordination with Karangtaruna, A visit to the village, Assist village. Conclusion: The entire planning of the program, both the main program, additional, or auxiliary implemented very well and smoothly by all students of KKN PPM 2015. Society and village and community leaders strongly support KKN PPM program and community empowerment  have been successfully carried out.

 

Keywords : Community EmpowermentCatfish in the pond bis, Aquaponics, Vertikultur, Star fruit cultivation, Instant and Syrup Toga.