bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NRF2 metagene signature is a novel prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer
Authors: O'Cathail Séan Micheal , Wu Chieh-Hsi , Lewis Annabelle , Holmes Chris , Hawkins Maria A , Maughan Tim
Published: August 2019

Background NRF2 overexpression confers poor prognosis in some cancers but its prognostic role in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unknown. As a transcription factor, we hypothesise a signature of NRF2 regulated genes could act as a prognostic biomarker in CRC and reveal novel biological insights.Methods Using known NRF2 regulated genes, differentially expressed in CRC, we defined a signature of NRF2 pathway expression using principal component analysis and Cox proportional hazard models and tested it in four independent mRNA datasets, profiled on three different mRNA platforms.Results 36 genes comprised the final NRF2 signature. 1360 patients were included in the validation. High NRF2 was associated with worse disease free survival (DFS) and/or overall survival (OS) in all datasets: (GSE14333 HR=1.55, 95% C.I 1.2–2.004, p = 0.0008; GSE39582 HR=1.24, 95% C.I 1.086–1.416, p = 0.001; GSE87211 HR=1.431, 95% C.I 1.06–1.93, p = 0.056; MRC FOCUS trial HR=1.14, 95% C.I 1.04–1.26, p = 0.008). In multivariate analyses, NRF2 remained significant when adjusted for stage and adjuvant chemotherapy in stage I-III disease, and BRAF V600E mutation and sidedness in stage IV disease. NRF2 expression was particularly enriched in Consensus Molecular Subtype (CMS) 4.Conclusion For the first time, NRF2 is shown to be a consistent, robust prognostic biomarker across all stages of colorectal cancer with additional clinical value to current known prognostic biomarkers. High NRF2 signalling in CMS 4 further refines the molecular taxonomy of CRC, a new biological insight, suggesting avenues of further study.
Antibody-guided Chromatin Tagmentation (ACT-seq)
Authors: Carter Benjamin , Zhao Keji , Ku Wai Lim , Kang Jee Youn , Tang Qingsong
Published: August 2019

ACT-seq is a streamlined method for mapping genome-wide distributions of histone tail modifications, histone variants, and chromatin-binding proteins in a small number of or single cells. ACT-seq utilizes a fusion of Tn5 transposase to Protein A that is targeted to chromatin by a specific antibody, allowing chromatin fragmentation and sequence tag insertion specifically at genomic sites presenting the relevant antigen. The Tn5 transposase enables the use of an index multiplexing strategy (iACT-seq), which enables construction of thousands of single-cell libraries in one day by a single researcher without the need for drop-based fluidics or visual sorting. The protocol described here is intended for use with bulk-cell samples. The single-cell iACT-seq protocol is separate.
Challenges of Establishing Native versus Exotic Status of Herbarium Specimens
Authors: Noyszewski Andrzej K. , Anderson Neil O. , Smith Alan G. , Kilian Andrzej , Dalbotten Diana , Ito Emi , Timm Anne , Pellerin Holly
Published: August 2019

In cases where invasive species are presumed to be strictly exotic, the discovery that the species is also native can be disconcerting for researchers and land managers responsible for eradicating an exotic invasive. Such is the case with reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), for which decades of misinformation led to the call for nationwide control of this species in the United States. However, native populations were first reported by LaVoie and then later confirmed by Casler with molecular analyses. This, coupled with the discovery by Anderson that this species has been used in weavings by Native Americans for centuries, also made the native forms of interest for protection. Identifying the native status of historic, herbarium specimens via molecular analyses is of great interest to determine localities of native populations for confirmation with extant specimens. Genetic-based methods describing DNA polymorphism of reed canary grass are not well developed. The goal of the presented research is to assess the utility of genomic DNA obtained from historic (herbaria) and extant (fresh) tissue of reed canarygrass and the application of using Diversity Arrays Technology sequencing low density for genetic population studies.
Polyploidy as a Management Strategy for Invasive Species
Authors: Leonhardt Kenneth W.
Published: August 2019

Most invasive species are prolific seed-producing landscape ornamental plants that have been introduced to non-native habitats with limited or no natural controls on their reproduction and spread. Techniques for converting prolific seed-producing landscape ornamentals into sterile or nearly sterile forms are available. Oryzalin and colchicine have been used to double chromosomes, resulting in autotetraploids with reduced fertility and potential parent plants of sterile triploids. Guard cell measurements and flow cytometry have been used to determine ploidy conversion and identify polyploids. Complete sterility has been achieved in three species of shower trees (Cassia sp.), and up to a 95% reduction in seed production has been achieved in royal poinciana (Delonix regia) and african tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata). Monkey pod (Albizia saman) crosses have produced triploid progeny to evaluate for sterility.
Parthenocarpic Cucumber Cultivar Evaluation in High-tunnel Production
Authors: Guan Wenjing , Maynard Elizabeth T. , Aly Bronwyn , Zakes Julie , Egel Daniel S. , Ingwell Laura L.
Published: August 2019

Fresh-consumed parthenocarpic cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are a popular and high-value crop sold in local food markets. The parthenocarpic plant characteristics and climbing growth habit make cucumbers an ideal crop for high-tunnel production. Major types of parthenocarpic cucumbers include Beit alpha and mini, Dutch greenhouse, American slicer, and Japanese. Information regarding yield performance, plant growth, and disease resistance of the four types grown in high-tunnel conditions is limited. In this study, 16 parthenocarpic cucumber cultivars from the four major types were evaluated in high tunnels at three locations in Indiana and Illinois during Spring 2018. Plants were pruned to a single stem that was supported on a string. At all locations, the cultivars that had the most total yields were Beit alpha and mini, although their total yields were not always significantly higher than that of all the others. However, Beit alpha and mini cucumbers had high percentages of unmarketable fruit, mainly because of insect feeding damage and mechanical injuries on the skins that led to scarred fruit. Dutch greenhouse cultivars had relatively lower marketable yields at two of the three locations where there was a high percentage of misshaped fruit. ‘Tasty Green’ Japanese cucumber consistently had the lowest yields at all three locations. This cultivar also produced the most side shoot growth and, therefore, more pruning waste. The Japanese types ‘Tasty Jade’ and ‘Taurus’ had yields comparable to those of other cultivars, and they were more tolerant to two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae). However, ‘Tasty Jade’ was the cultivar most susceptible to powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii and Golovinomyces cichoracearum). ‘Corinto’ American slicer cucumber had relatively high yields at two of the three locations. This cultivar also had the highest percentage of marketable fruit. Information provided in the study is readily useful for growers using high tunnels when selecting parthenocarpic cucumber cultivars. It is also valuable for seed companies wishing to breed new cultivars adaptive for high-tunnel production.
User Preferences for Accessing Publically Available Turfgrass Cultivar Performance Data
Authors: Yue Chengyan , Wang Jingjing , Watkins Eric , Xie Yiqun , Shekhar Shashi , Bonos Stacy A. , Patton Aaron , Morris Kevin , Moncada Kristine
Published: August 2019

Identifying sources of turfgrass cultivar performance data can be difficult for many consumers. Currently, the best source for data of this type is the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP). Unfortunately, these data are made public in a format that is not readily usable for most consumers. Ideally, turfgrass cultivar data would be available in an easily accessible database. We conducted an online survey to investigate user preferences for accessing publically available turfgrass performance data in the United States. We found users desire a turfgrass cultivar performance database that allows for the identification of cultivars best adapted and tolerant to environmental stresses. The information on turfgrass mixtures and blends is also important to most users. Users’ sociodemographic backgrounds, such as gender, education, occupation, and experience in the turf industry, affected their attitudes toward information provided in the turfgrass database. Turfgrass consumers need the new database to provide information on identifying turfgrass options that are resource efficient and endophyte resistant. Turfgrass breeders, researchers, and extension specialists use the turfgrass database to compare different turfgrasses cultivars to do further analysis. The results of this study provide important implications on how an updated turfgrass cultivar performance database and platform can fulfill the different needs of turfgrass researchers, extension personnel, breeders, and stakeholders.
Panpsychism, Conceivability, and Dualism Redux
Authors: Htut Maung Hane
Published: August 2019

In contemporary philosophy of mind, the conceivability argument against physicalism is often used to support a form of dualism, which takes consciousness to be ontologically fundamental and distinct from physical matter. Recently, some proponents of the conceivability argument have also shown interest in panpsychism, which is the view that mentality is ubiquitous in the natural world. This paper examines the extent to which panpsychism can be sustained if the conceivability argument is taken seriously. I argue that panpsychism’s ubiquity claim permits a strong reading or a weak reading. This presents a dilemma. On the one hand, the strong reading, which is typically characterised as a form of monism, is undermined by the conceivability argument. On the other hand, the weak reading, while compatible with the conceivability argument, turns out just to be a special case of dualism. I also show that the related position of panprotopsychism cannot provide a tenable monist position because it too cannot withstand the challenge of the conceivability argument. Therefore, if the conceivability argument is taken seriously, then we are committed to a dualist metaphysics, regardless of whether or not we accept the ubiquity claim.
Ni la muerte pudo con la existencia y el sentir: una aproximación desde la psicología humanista
Authors: Beltrán Sastre Andrea Juliana
Published: August 2019

El propósito del presente artículo es revisar el rol del psicólogo humanista frente a las problemáticas latinoamericanas con sus auténticas expresiones culturales, con el fin de hacer un acercamiento a la forma de intervención preestablecida, dentro de una amalgama de sentires e historias que conforman esta región. Empezamos por abordar las pisadas de la psicología humanista en este continente, para después tomar el ritual mortuorio como ejemplo y explicar los alcances y retos que le quedan a la psicología humanista por abordar y defender.
Editorial
Authors: Londoño Adriana
Published: August 2019

La fortaleza de una publicación científica como Criterios, no se encuentra solamente en los reconocimientos que desde las bases de indexación nacional e internacional se realizan a los procesos editoriales, otorgando la indexación a la revista, sino en la capacidad de repensar y encaminar las políticas y directrices editoriales de la publicación
Modeling the impact of agricultural crops on the spatial and seasonal variability of water balance components in the Lake Tana basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Tigabu Tibebe B. , Wagner Paul D. , Hörmann Georg , Fohrer Nicola
Published: August 2019

The Lake Tana basin hosts more than three million people and it is well known for its water resource potential by the Ethiopian government. The major economic activity in the region is agriculture, but the effect of agricultural crops on water resources is poorly understood. Understanding the crop water interaction is important to design proper water management plans. Therefore, the primary objective of this research is to investigate the effect of different agricultural crops on the spatial and seasonal variability of water balance components of Gilgelabay, Gumara, and Ribb catchment areas of Lake Tana basin, Ethiopia. To this end, the hydrologic model SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) was used to simulate the water fluxes between 1980 and 2014. The water balance components, which were mapped for each hydrologic response unit, indicated the spatial variations of water fluxes in the study. Cereal crops like teff and millet had significant effect in enhancing groundwater recharge, whereas leguminous crops like peas had significant impact in increasing runoff generation. Moreover, the model outputs showed that the total streamflow is dominated by baseflow and about 13%, 9%, and 7% of the annual rainfall goes to the deep aquifer system of Gilgelabay, Gumara, and Ribb catchment areas, respectively.
Performance of ANN, SVM and MLH techniques for land use/cover change detection at Sultan Marshes wetland, Turkey
Authors: Kesikoglu M. Hayri , Atasever U. Haluk , Dadaser-Celik Filiz , Ozkan Coskun
Published: August 2019

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems that provide services ranging from flood control to climate change mitigation. Wetlands are also critical habitats for the survival of numerous plant and animal species. In this study, we used satellite remote sensing techniques for classification and change detection at an internationally important wetland (Ramsar Site) in Turkey. Sultan Marshes is located at the center of semi-arid Develi closed basin. The wetlands have undergone significant changes since the 1980s due to changes in water flow regimes, but changes in recent years have not been sufficiently explored yet. In this study, we focused on the changes from 2005 to 2012. Two multispectral ASTER images with spatial resolution of 15 m, acquired on June 11, 2005 and May 20, 2012, were used in the analyses. After geometric correction, the images were classified into four information classes, namely water, marsh, agriculture, and steppe. The applicability of three classification methods (i.e. maximum likelihood (MLH), multi-layer perceptron type artificial neural networks (ANN) and support vector machines (SVM)) was assessed. The differences in classification accuracies were evaluated by the McNemar's test. The changes in the Sultan Marshes were determined by the post classification comparison method using the most accurate classified images. The results showed that the highest overall accuracy in image classifications was achieved with the SVM method. It was observed that marshes and steppe areas decreased while water and agricultural areas expanded from 2005 to 2012. These changes could be the results of water transfers to the marshes from neighboring watershed.
Features of modern Internet Media as a substantive component of training
Authors: Alekseeva Tamara Valentinovna
Published: August 2019

The article is devoted to the selection and updating of the training content of future media industry specialists. Since the rapid transformation of traditional media dictates the need to clarify and modernize the concepts of the media industry, updating of the substantive component of training is a priority for educational activities. Analyzing the processes of mass media development, the author considers a number of specific features underlying the principles of online media functioning; explores the concept of interaction between online media and the modern consumer; structural and technological transformations affecting the principles of content creation and associated with monetization. The questions discussed in the article will allow participants in the learning process to understand the multidimensionality of the modern mass media and to set guidelines for further research.
Psychological and pedagogical support of families raising children with disabilities
Authors: Serenej Viktoriya Viktorovna
Published: August 2019

The article describes the main difficulties of child-parent relations in families where children with disabilities are raised, the content of psychological and pedagogical support of families raising children with disabilities is revealed. The purpose and main tasks of psychological and pedagogical support of families with children with disabilities are formulated. Stages of psychological and pedagogical support of the family raising children with disabilities, and also the main directions of work with a family within the Centers of early help and support are designated.
Cooperative foraging of Paratemnoides nidificator (Balzan, 1888) (Pseudoscorpiones: Atemnidae) on two species of ants (Hymenoptera:Formicidae) in the tropical dry Forest, Colombian Caribbean
Authors: Torres Richard A. , Bedoya Roqueme Edwin , Tovar Marquéz José
Published: August 2019

Dos nuevos casos de forrajeo cooperativo por parte de Paratemnoides nidificator (Balzan, 1888) en hormigas Atta cephalotes (Linnaeus, 1758) y Dolichoderus bispinosus (Oliver, 1792) son documentados. Estos eventos se observaron en la localidad de Santa Inés, municipio de San Marcos, departamento de Sucre, Caribe Colombiano. Esto representa el primer registro de este comportamiento de búsqueda de alimento en estas especies de hormigas por esta especie social de pseudoescorpiones. Se incrementa el número de especies conocidas como presas y que forman parte de la dieta de este pseudoescorpión.
Respuestas del maíz que indican que el paclobutrazol es una sustancia que induce mayor actividad genética
Authors: Velázquez- Alcaraz Teresa De Jesús , Díaz-Valdés Tomás , Ayala-Tafoya Felipe , Yáñez Juárez Moisés Gilberto , Partida- Ruvalcaba Leopoldo , Medina López Raymundo , López-Orona Carlos A.
Published: August 2019

El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar el efecto que produce el Paclobutrazol (PBZ) en la actividad genética de los cultivares de maíz Puma 1076, 30P49 y DK2020 a través de la evaluación de las variables de respuesta verdor, altura de planta, diámetro del tallo, longitud y ancho de hoja, peso y volumen de 1000 granos, contenido de proteína y rendimiento de grano por hectárea. El diseño experimental fue bloques completos al azar con cinco repeticiones en dos experimentos realizados durante los ciclos agrícolas 2008-2009 y 2009-2010; en el primer ciclo se utilizaron parcelas de cuatro surcos de 40 m de largo, donde se aplicaron 200 kg de N ha-1; mientras que en el segundo experimento la longitud de las parcelas fue de 5,0 m y se fertilizó con 250 kg de N ha-1. Las dosis de PBZ fueron 150, 300 y 450 mg L-1 de agua al exponerse la cuarta, sexta y octava hoja verdadera, respectivamente. Los resultados indicaron que el PBZ indujo mayor actividad genética, ya que la síntesis de proteínas y de otros componentes de células, tejidos y órganos es un proceso que depende de la transcripción de mensajes del ADN en el ARNm, de la síntesis de aminoácidos, del transporte de aminoácidos por el ARNt y de la unión de aminoácidos por la enzima Peptidil Transferasa, lo que conlleva a la traducción de mensajes en proteínas estructurales y activas (enzimas), para formar más células y sustancias que constituyen a éstas y, en consecuencia, ocasionar más rendimiento de grano por hectárea.
Estrategias de educación ambiental para promover la conservación del pato de torrente Merganeta armatta colombiana en dos instituciones educativas rurales del municipio de Salento, Quindío, Colombia
Authors: López-Londoño Juan Ernesto , Botero-Botero Álvaro
Published: August 2019

El pato de torrente  (Merganetta armata) se encuentra distribuido en la región Andina, en todo el continente suramericano. Esta especie presenta requerimiento específico de hábitat, como aguas libres de contaminación, vegetación ribereña abundante y baja presencia de humanos, lo que lo hace altamente vulnerables a los impactos antrópicos. Esto hace que las comunidades ribereñas cumplan un papel importante en la conservación de la especie y de los ecosistemas ribereños. Por ello, se diseñó e implementó una estrategia de educación ambiental para promover la conservación del pato de torrente M. armata colombiana en dos sedes rurales de la Institución Educativa Boquía, en el municipio de Salento (Quindío). Se trabajó con niños y niñas hijos de campesinos de las veredas Cócora y Palo Grande, donde se realizó un diagnóstico previo sobre los conocimientos básicos de los niños acerca de la especie, encontrándose que en general los niños desconocían el pato de torrente y solo estaban familiarizados con el estereotipo de los patos asociados a lagos. A partir de dicho diagnostico se diseñó una cartilla base de trabajo sobre diversos aspectos de la ecología, biología y conservación del pato de torrente, la cual acompañó la realización de cuatro jornadas de trabajo en cada centro educativo. Asociado a esto, se implementaron como refuerzos educativos carteleras, infografías y pato desafíos (juegos). Al evaluar la estrategia, se concluyó que los niños reconocieron la especie, su ecología y sus amenazas. Solo se presentó dificultad en la compresión de la dieta de la especie.
Immune Modulation of Asian Folk Herbal Medicines and Related Chemical Components for Cancer Management
Authors: Patanapongpibul Manee , Chen Qiao-Hong
Published: August 2019

Various exciting immunotherapies aiming to address immune deficiency induced
by tumor and treatment hold promise in improving the quality of life and survival
rate of cancer patients. It is thus becoming an important and rewarding arena to develop
some appropriate immune modulators for cancer prevention and/or treatment. Exploitation
of natural products-based immune modulators is of particular imperative because the
potential of numerous traditional herbal medicines and edible mushrooms in boosting
human immune system has long been verified by folklore practices. This review summarizes
the immune modulations of various herbal medicines and edible mushrooms, their
crude extracts, and/or key chemical components that have been, at least partly, associated
with their cancer management. This article also tabulates the origin of species, key
chemical components, and clinical studies of these herbal medicines and edible mushrooms.
Dyslipidaemias and Cardiovascular Disease: Focus on the Role of PCSK9 Inhibitors
Authors: Panagiotopoulou Olga , Chiesa Scott T. , Tousoulis Dimitrios , Charakida Marietta
Published: August 2019

Genetic, experimental and clinical studies have consistently confirmed that inhibition of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) can result in significant lowering of LDL-C and two fully human PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies have received regulatory approval for use in highrisk patients. Co-administration of PCSK9 with statins has resulted in extremely low LDL-C levels with excellent short-term safety profiles. While results from Phase III clinical trials provided significant evidence about the role of PCSK9 inhibitors in reducing cardiovascular event rates, their impact on mortality remains less clear. PCSK9 inhibitor therapy can be considered for high-risk patients who are likely to experience significant cardiovascular risk reduction.
Polyoxometalates in Biomedicine: Update and Overview
Authors: Čolović Mirjana B. , Lacković Milan , Lalatović Jovana , Mougharbel Ali S. , Kortz Ulrich , Krstić Danijela Z.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are negatively charged metal-oxo clusters of
early transition metal ions in high oxidation states (e.g., WVI, MoVI, VV). POMs are of interest in
the fields of catalysis, electronics, magnetic materials and nanotechnology. Moreover, POMs were
shown to exhibit biological activities in vitro and in vivo, such as antitumor, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic.

Methods:

The literature search for this peer-reviewed article was performed using PubMed and
Scopus databases with the help of appropriate keywords.

Results:

This review gives a comprehensive overview of recent studies regarding biological activities
of polyoxometalates, and their biomedical applications as promising anti-viral, anti-bacterial,
anti-tumor, and anti-diabetic agents. Additionally, their putative mechanisms of action and molecular
targets are particularly considered.

Conclusion:

Although a wide range of biological activities of Polyoxometalates (POMs) has been
reported, they are to the best of our knowledge not close to a clinical trial or a final application in
the treatment of diabetes or infectious and malignant diseases. Accordingly, further studies should
be directed towards determining the mechanism of POM biological actions, which would enable
fine-tuning at the molecular level, and consequently efficient action towards biological targets and
as low toxicity as possible. Furthermore, biomedical studies should be performed on solutionstable
POMs employing physiological conditions and concentrations.
Active Amyloid-β Vaccination Results in Epigenetic Changes in the Hippocampus of an Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Mouse Model
Authors: Lardenoije Roy , van den Hove Daniël L.A. , Jung Sophie E. , Havermans Monique , Blackburn Peter , Liu Bin , Rutten Bart P.F. , Lemere Cynthia A.
Published: August 2019

Background:

While evidence accumulates for a role of epigenetic modifications in the
pathophysiological cascade of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyloid-β (Aβ)-targeted active immunotherapy
approaches are under investigation to prevent or slow the progression of AD. The impact of Aβ active
vaccines on epigenetic markers has not been studied thus far.

Objective:

The current study aims to establish the relationship between active immunotherapy with a
MER5101-based vaccine (consisting of Aβ1-15 copies conjugated with a 7 aa spacer to the diphtheria
toxoid carrier protein, formulated in a Th2-biased adjuvant) and epigenetic DNA modifications in the
hippocampus of APPswe/PS1dE9 mice.

Methods:

As we previously reported, immunotherapy started when the mice were 10 months of age and
behavioral testing occurred at 14 months of age, after which the mice were sacrificed for further analysis
of their brains. In this add-on study, global levels of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, and
DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) were determined using quantitative immunohistochemistry, and
compared to our previously analyzed immunization-induced changes in AD-related neuropathology and
cognition.

Results:

Active immunization did not affect global DNA methylation levels but instead, resulted in decreased
DNA hydroxymethylation and DNMT3A levels. Independent of immunization, inverse correlations
with behavioral performance were observed for levels of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation,
as well as DNMT3A, while Aβ pathology and synaptic markers did not correlate with DNA methylation
levels but did positively correlate with DNA hydroxymethylation and levels of DNMT3A.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that active Aβ vaccination has significant effects on the epigenome in
the hippocampus of APPswe/PS1dE9 mice, and suggest that DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation
may be involved in cognitive functioning.
Simultaneous Determination of Eight Potential Q-Markers in Zishen Tongguan Capsules Based on UHPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Liu Shun , Wang Xun , Zou Kaiping , Liu Wei , Li Cunyu , Zheng Yunfeng , Zhou Qinmei , Peng Guoping
Published: August 2019

Background:

Zishen Tongguan (ZSTG) capsules were prepared at the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing
University of Chinese Medicine and have been proven to be clinically effective for treating pyelonephritis and benign
prostatic hyperplasia. However, the quality standards are not ideal; a comprehensive study of the “quality markers”
(Q-markers), the chemicals inherent in traditional Chinese medicine and its preparations, has not been carried out.

Experimental Methods:

In this paper, a sensitive and specific ultra-high-performance liquid chromatographictandem
mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous determination of eight
potential Q-markers of ZSTG, including timosaponin A3, berberine, jatrorrhizine, phellodendrine, palmatine, mangiferin,
neomangiferin, and timosaponin BII. A Kromasil 100-3.5 C18 column was used with a mobile phase of 0.2%
formic acid with acetonitrile, and gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min was achieved in 13 minutes and used
for separation. Detection was performed in positive/negative mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM).

Results:

The analytical method was validated in terms of the sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, repeatability,
stability and recovery. The method established here was successfully applied to study the potential Q-markers in 8
batches of commercial samples, which demonstrated its use in improving the quality control of ZSTG.

Conclusion:

The developed method had high repeatability and accuracy and was suitable for the simultaneous analysis
of multiple Q-markers, which may provide a new basis for the comprehensive assessment and overall quality
control of ZSTG.
Rapid Anti-Depressant Relief by Ketamine: Exploring A Complex Mechanism of Action
Authors: Blum Kenneth , Pappas Todd C. , Clifton Bryan , Baron David , Madigan Margaret A. , Lott Lisa , Moran Mark , Clifton Cannon , Worrich Scott , Clarke Ervey , Boyett Brent , Bowirrat Abdalla , Gold Mark S.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Suicide rates and narcotic overdose have doubled since 2000.
At least 30 percent of people with major depression are Treatment-Resistant (TR) and
require novel therapeutics. ketamine at low doses has been shown in clinical trials to
induce a rapid, short-lived anti-suicide and anti-depressant effect.

Objective:

To review the potential mechanism of action of ketamines’ alleviation of
depressive symptoms from both animal and available human literature.

Methods:

This is a synthesis of information from papers listed in PUBMED Central.
Although not exhaustive, this review highlights the most compelling work in the field
related to this remarkable clinical rapid anti-depressant effect.

Results:

While there have been several theories and with some scientific evidence to
date, the conclusion here is that currently, an exact and acceptable mechanism of
action (MOA) for ketamines’ rapid anti-depressant effect is not apparent. The MOA of
this compound with psychoactive abuse potential at a higher dosage and acute antidepressive
effect in the most resistant patients is unknown.

Discussion:

Possible MOAs reviewed, include dopamine receptor modulation through
epigenetic neuroadaptation via specific D1/D2 antagonism, D1 activation using optogenetic
stimulation, and the role of D2/D3 availability in the ketamine therapeutic action.

Conclusion:

Unraveling MOA could guide the development of other unique Psychoplastogens
capable of rapidly promoting structural and functional neural plasticity in
cases of TR Major Depressive Episodes (MDE) and unipolar Major Depression Disorder
(MDD).
PENDIDIKAN DI INDONESIA MEMPRIHATINKAN
Authors: Sujarwo Sujarwo
Published: August 2019

Pendidikan adalah hal pokok yang akan menopang kemajuan suatu bangsa. Kemajuan suatu bangsa dapat diukur dari kualitas dan sistem pendidikan yang ada. Tanpa pendidikan, suatu negara akan jauh tertinggal dari negara lain.  Kualitas pendidikan di Indonesia pada dewasa ini sangat memprihatinkan. Ini dibuktikan di antaranya oleh data UNESCO (2000) tentang peringkat Indeks Pengembangan Manusia (Human Development Index), yaitu komposisi dari peringkat pencapaian pendidikan, kesehatan, dan penghasilan per kepala yang menunjukkan bahwa indeks pengembangan manusia Indonesia makin menurun. Di antara 174 negara di dunia, Indonesia menempati urutan ke-102 pada 1996, ke-99 pada 1997, ke-105 pada 1998, dan ke-109 pada 1999. Selain itu, bukti nyata dari kemerosotan pendidikan di Indonesia adalah terjadinya tawuran, tingkat pelajar maupun mahasiswa. Aksi tawuran yang biasanya dipicu masalah sepele, dampaknya sangatlah besar. Masyarakat di seluruh dunia akan menyaksikan lewat media cetak maupun elektronik amburadulnya pendidikan di Indonesia.
Aplikasi Interaktif Perkalian dengan Excel
Authors: Choirul Choirul
Published: August 2019

Pembelajaran matematika membutuhkan beberapa strategi dan media alternatif untuk membuat pembelajaran lebih menarik. Terlebih bagi siswaSD, masih sangat diperlukan penggunaan media pembelajaran secara intensif.Dalam hal ini komputer dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai media pembelajaran yang dapat meningkatkan semangat dan daya tarik siswa. Oleh karenanya penguasaan TIK, yaitu komputer sangat diperlukan bagi seorang guru. Hal ini sejalan dengan Permendiknas nomor 16 tahun 2007 yang menyatakan bahwa salah satu kompetensi pedagogik yang harus dikuasai guru adalah memanfaatkan TIK untuk kepentingan pembelajaran.
Anemia Gizi Besi, Pencegahan dan Penanggulangannya
Authors: Auliana Rizqie
Published: August 2019

Kejadian anemia masih menjadi persoalan gizi dan kesehatan yang serius di Indonesia. Anemia atau dikenal juga sebagai anemia gizi besi (AGB) merupakan masalah kesehatan masyarakat yang banyak ditemukan di berbagai negara maju maupun di negara yang sedang berkembang termasuk Indonesia. Anemia bahkan merupakan masalah kesehatan utama yang menimpa hampir separuh anak-anak di negara berkembang seperti Indonesia. Di Indonesia program suplementasi tablet besi (Fe) pada ibu hamil untuk pencegahan anemia telah berlangsung sekitar 30 tahun, namun anemia gizi besi ibu hamil masih cukup besar yaitu mencapai 24,5% (Riskesdas 2007). Berdasarkan hasil Survei Kesehatan Rumah Tangga (SKRT), prevalensi anemia defisiensi besi di Indonesia pada ibu hamil sebesar 63,5% tahun 1995, turun menjadi 40,1% pada tahun 2001 dan pada tahun 2007 turun menjadi 24,5% (Riskesdas, 2007). Prevalensi anemia pada remaja putri sebesar 26,50%, wanita usia subur (WUS) 26,9%, ibu hamil 40,1% dan anak balita 47,0% (Depkes, 2008). WHO (2011) memperkirakan jumlah penderita anemia mencapai angka 2 milyar atau sekitar 30% dari populasi masyarakat dunia.
Vigilancia centinela para el virus del oeste del nilo en culicidos y aves domésticas en el departamento de Córdoba
Authors: Jaramillo Manolo , Peña José , Berrocal Luis , Komar Nicholas , González Marco , Ponce César , Ariza Katiuska , Máttar Salim
Published: August 2019

El virus del Oeste del Nilo (VON) género Flavivirus, familia Flaviviridae, es mantenido en la naturaleza en un ciclo enzoótico ave-mosquito-ave. Las aves son los hospederos amplificadores primarios. Humanos y caballos son hospederos incidentales finales. En humanos las infecciones se manifiestan como enfermedad febril autolimitada. También puede presentarse encefalitis o meningoencefalitis. El virus se ha establecido en Norte América y se ha documentado su circulación en México, Jamaica, República Dominicana, Guadalupe, Cuba, Puerto Rico, El Salvador y recientemente en Colombia. Se realizó una vigilancia centinela en culícidos y aves domésticas para hacer un seguimiento a la circulación en el departamento de Córdoba e identificar que especies de mosquitos estaban infectadas con el virus. Se analizaron 4942 mosquitos en 99 pooles por la técnica Vec TestTM (Medical System, Inc. Camarillo, CA) y 162 sueros de aves de corral fueron enviadas al Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases Fort Collins, USA, para ser analizadas por MAC-ELISA y debido a las reacciones cruzadas que se dan entre el VON y otros virus del serocomplejo de la encefalitis japonesa se utilizó el test de reducción de la neutralización en placa (PRNT). No se obtuvieron mosquitos o aves positivos.
Clinical Outcomes of Pneumonia and Other Comorbidities in Children Aged 2-59 Months in Lilongwe, Malawi: Protocol for the Prospective Observational Study “Innovative Treatments in Pneumonia”
Authors: Ginsburg Amy Sarah , May Susanne , Nkwopara Evangelyn , Ambler Gwen , McCollum Eric D , Mvalo Tisungane , Phiri Ajib , Lufesi Norman
Published: August 2019

Background

Pneumonia is the leading infectious cause of death worldwide among children below 5 years of age. Clinical trials are conducted to determine optimal treatment; however, these trials often exclude children with comorbidities and severe illness.

Conclusions

Given the paucity of data from Africa, African-based research is necessary to establish optimal management of childhood pneumonia in malaria-endemic settings in the region. An expanded evidence base that includes children with pneumonia and other comorbidities, who are at high risk for mortality or have other complications and are therefore typically excluded from childhood pneumonia clinical trials, can contribute to future iterations of the World Health Organization Integrated Management of Childhood Illness guidelines.

Methods

The study enrolled 1000 children with pneumonia presenting to the outpatient departments of Kamuzu Central or Bwaila District Hospitals in Lilongwe, Malawi, who were excluded from concurrent randomized controlled clinical trials investigating fast breathing and chest indrawing pneumonia and who met the inclusion criteria for this prospective observational study. Each child received standard care for their illnesses per Malawian guidelines and hospital protocol and was prospectively followed up with scheduled study visits on days 1, 2 (if hospitalized), 6, 14 (in person), and 30 (by phone). Our primary objectives are to describe the clinical outcomes of children who meet the inclusion criteria for this study and to investigate whether the percentages of children cured at day 14 among those with either fast breathing or chest indrawing pneumonia and comorbidities such as severe malaria, anemia, severe acute malnutrition, or HIV are lower than those in children without these comorbidities in the standard care groups in concurrent clinical trials. This study was approved by the Western Institutional Review Board, Malawi College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee, and the Malawi Pharmacy, Medicines and Poisons Board.

Objective

This prospective observational study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of children aged 2-59 months with both pneumonia and other comorbidities in a malaria-endemic region of Malawi.

Results

The Innovative Treatments in Pneumonia project was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1105080) in April 2014. Enrollment in this study began in 2016, and the primary results are expected in 2019.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/13377
Childrens' and Parents' Willingness to Join a Smartphone-Based Emergency Response Community for Anaphylaxis: Survey
Authors: Khalemsky Michael , Schwartz David G , Silberg Tamar , Khalemsky Anna , Jaffe Eli , Herbst Raphael
Published: August 2019

Background

Medical emergencies such as anaphylaxis may require immediate use of emergency medication. Because of the low adherence of chronic patients (ie, carrying anti-anaphylactic medication) and the potentially long response time of emergency medical services (EMSs), alternative approaches to provide immediate first aid are required. A smartphone-based emergency response community (ERC) was established for patients with allergies to enable members to share their automatic adrenaline injector (AAI) with other patients who do not have their AAI at the onset of anaphylactic symptoms. The community is operated by a national EMS. In the first stage of the trial, children with food allergies and their parents were invited to join.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the factors that influence the willingness to join an ERC for a group of patients at risk of anaphylaxis.

Methods

The willingness to join an ERC was studied from different perspectives: the willingness of children with severe allergies to join an ERC, the willingness of their parents to join an ERC, the willingness of parents to enroll their children in an ERC, and the opinions of parents and children about the minimum age to join an ERC. Several types of independent variables were used: demographics, medical data, adherence, parenting style, and children's autonomy. A convenience sample of children and their parents who attended an annual meeting of a nonprofit organization for patients with food allergies was used.

Results

A total of 96 questionnaires, 73 by parents and 23 by children, were collected. Response rates were approximately 95%. Adherence was high: 22 out of 23 children (96%) and 22 out of 52 parents (42%) had their AAI when asked. Willingness to join the community was high among parents (95%) and among children (78%). Willingness of parents to enroll their children was 49% (36/73). The minimum age to join an ERC was 12.27 years (SD 3.02) in the parents’ opinion and 13.15 years (SD 3.44) in the children’s opinion.

Conclusions

Parents’ willingness to join an ERC was negatively correlated with parents’ age, child’s age, and parents’ adherence. This can be explained by the free-rider effect: parents who carried an AAI for their young child, but had low adherence, wanted to join the ERC to get an additional layer of emergency response. Children’s willingness to join the community was positively correlated with age and negatively correlated with the child’s emotional autonomy. Parents’ willingness to enroll their children in an ERC was positively correlated with child’s age and negatively correlated with parents’ adherence: again, this can be explained by the aforementioned free-rider effect. Parents’ and children’s opinions about the minimum age to join an ERC were negatively correlated with protective parenting style and positively correlated with monitoring parenting style.
Monitoring of Vedolizumab Infusion Therapy (MOVE-IT) Response With Fecal Inflammation Markers, Ultrasound, and Trough Serum Level in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: Protocol for a Multicentric, Prospective, Noninterventional Study
Authors: Cording Jimmi , Blömacher Margit , Wiebe Berit Inga , Langhorst Jost , Kucharzik Torsten , Sturm Andreas , Schreiber Stefan , Helwig Ulf
Published: August 2019

Background

Vedolizumab has been shown to induce clinical remission in patients with active ulcerative colitis. Treatment with anti-integrin vedolizumab leads to clinical remission in 16.9% and clinical response in 47.1% of cases after 6 weeks. However, in clinical practice, no decision to discontinue or continue vedolizumab therapy is made until 14 weeks at the earliest.

Objective

The aim of this study is to develop an algorithm for optimizing vedolizumab administration in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis by calculating the probability of clinical response at week 14, on the basis of the data from week 6.

Methods

This is a prospective, single-arm, multicentric, noninterventional, observational study with no interim analyses and a sample size of 35 evaluable patients.

Results

The enrollment started in August 2018 and was still open at the date of submission. The study is expected to complete in September 2020.

Conclusions

The early identification of patients who are responding to an integrin antibody is therapeutically beneficial. At the same time, patients who are not responding can be identified earlier. The development of a therapeutic algorithm for identifying patients as responders or nonresponders can thus help prescribing physicians avoid ineffective treatments and stop these very early.
Childrens' and Parents' Willingness to Join a Smartphone-Based Emergency Response Community for Anaphylaxis: Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Khalemsky Michael , Schwartz David G. , Silberg Tamar , Khalemsky Anna , Jaffe Eli , Herbst Raphael
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Medical emergencies such as anaphylaxis may require immediate use of emergency medication. Because of the low adherence of chronic patients (ie, carrying anti-anaphylactic medication) and the potentially long response time of emergency medical services (EMSs), alternative approaches to provide immediate first aid are required. A smartphone-based emergency response community (ERC) was established for patients with allergies to enable members to share their automatic adrenaline injector (AAI) with other patients who do not have their AAI at the onset of anaphylactic symptoms. The community is operated by a national EMS. In the first stage of the trial, children with food allergies and their parents were invited to join.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the factors that influence the willingness to join an ERC for a group of patients at risk of anaphylaxis.

METHODS

The willingness to join an ERC was studied from different perspectives: the willingness of children with severe allergies to join an ERC, the willingness of their parents to join an ERC, the willingness of parents to enroll their children in an ERC, and the opinions of parents and children about the minimum age to join an ERC. Several types of independent variables were used: demographics, medical data, adherence, parenting style, and children's autonomy. A convenience sample of children and their parents who attended an annual meeting of a nonprofit organization for patients with food allergies was used.

RESULTS

A total of 96 questionnaires, 73 by parents and 23 by children, were collected. Response rates were approximately 95%. Adherence was high: 22 out of 23 children (96%) and 22 out of 52 parents (42%) had their AAI when asked. Willingness to join the community was high among parents (95%) and among children (78%). Willingness of parents to enroll their children was 49% (36/73). The minimum age to join an ERC was 12.27 years (SD 3.02) in the parents’ opinion and 13.15 years (SD 3.44) in the children’s opinion.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents’ willingness to join an ERC was negatively correlated with parents’ age, child’s age, and parents’ adherence. This can be explained by the free-rider effect: parents who carried an AAI for their young child, but had low adherence, wanted to join the ERC to get an additional layer of emergency response. Children’s willingness to join the community was positively correlated with age and negatively correlated with the child’s emotional autonomy. Parents’ willingness to enroll their children in an ERC was positively correlated with child’s age and negatively correlated with parents’ adherence: again, this can be explained by the aforementioned free-rider effect. Parents’ and children’s opinions about the minimum age to join an ERC were negatively correlated with protective parenting style and positively correlated with monitoring parenting style.