bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LIN28 expression and function in medulloblastoma
Authors: Maklad Ahmed , Sedeeq Mohammed , Wilson Richard , Heath John A. , Gueven Nuri , Azimi Iman
Published: May 2022

Purpose Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant paediatric brain tumour. Current treatment modalities are not completely effective and can lead to severe neurological and cognitive adverse effects. In addition to urgently needing better treatment approaches, new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are required to improve the therapy outcomes of MB patients. The RNA binding proteins, LIN28A and LIN28B, are known to regulate invasive phenotypes in many different cancer types. However, the expression and function of these proteins in MB had not been studied to date. Methods This study identified the expression of LIN28A and LIN28B in MB patient samples and cell lines and assessed the effect of LIN28 inhibition on MB cell growth, metabolism and stemness. Results LIN28B expression was significantly upregulated in MB tissues compared to normal brain tissues. This upregulation, which was not observed in other brain tumours, was specific for the aggressive MB subgroups and correlated with patient survival and metastasis rates. Functionally, pharmacological inhibition of LIN28 activity concentration dependently reduced LIN28B expression, as well as the growth of D283 MB cells. While, LIN28 inhibition did not affect the levels of intracellular ATP, it reduced the expression of the stemness marker CD133 in D283 cells, and sphere formation of CHLA-01R cells. LIN28B, which is highly expressed in human cerebellum during the first few months after birth, subsequently decreased with age. Conclusion The results of this study highlight the potential of LIN28B as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for MB and opens the possibility to utilise LIN28 as a pharmacological target to suppress MB cell growth and stemness.
Identification of Lilium ledebourii antiproliferative compounds against skin, bone, and oral cancer cells
Authors: Partovi Nastaran , Kumleh Hassan Hassani , Mirzajani Ebrahim , Farhadpour Mohsen
Published: May 2022

Cancers are one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and in spite of the progress in anticancer drug development, it is still imperative to find novel natural medicines. Therefore, this study was aimed at the evaluation of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity induction via Lonicera nummularifolia, Lilium ledebourii, Campsis radicans and Parthenocissus quinquefolia extracts. Each extract was treated on G292, A431, and KB cancer cell lines, which compared to the HGF-1 normal cell line. From the MTT assay, all extracts significantly enhanced the cell death rate in three cancer cell lines more than the HGF-1 line. Based on evidence from the cell cycle, MTT and apoptosis tests, the Methanolic extract of L. ledebourii bulbs exhibited a considerable efficacy on apoptosis induction in the cancer cell lines. It seems that the mode of action for L. ledebourii Methanolic extract is due to the increased BID/MAPK14 expression and the decreased MDM2/BCL2/MYC expression, which lead to activation of the p53 protein-induced apoptosis. The crude extract was separated into fractions by preparative HPLC and effective fraction was characterized by Triple-Quad LC/MS connected to the UHPLC system. Overall, the findings suggest that L. ledebourii is a promising source of bioactive compounds, which are proven natural anticancer compounds.
Sonar Data Classification using Neural Network Trained by Hybrid Dragonfly and Chimp Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Mousavipour F. , Mosavi M. R.
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes a hybrid Dragonfly Algorithm (DA) for training Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Network (MLP NN) to design the classifier for solving complicated problems and distinguishing the real target from liars’ targets in sonar applications. Due to improving the cost computation and reducing the waste of time, a modified low-cost DA is designed for evaluation. To assess the accuracy of the technique, some well-known meta-heuristic trainers include Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA), DA, and Chimp Optimization Algorithm (ChoA) compared to show the accuracy of similar algorithms. DA and ChoA algorithms have remarkable features and a hybrid algorithm of them is proposed. The performance of the proposed classifier will be evaluated by two standard benchmark datasets. The results show that the modified hybrid DA-ChoA has 15% less time consuming and 4% better performance rather than the original dragonfly method.
MRC2 overexpression combined with intronic hypomethylation: potential predictors for glioma
Authors: Hua Shi , Cheng Yanhao , Zhang Moxuan , Dai Chao , Li Hongyan , Wang Wenlai , Lu Yucheng
Published: May 2022

Purpose
MRC2 aberrantly expressed in malignant tumors had been reported in multiple researches, but not in glioma. This study mainly to explore the effect of DNA methylation on the MRC2 expression, and the mechanism of MRC2 regulating the biological function of glioma cells.
Methods
In this study, the differentially expressed gene MRC2 was found after large-scale screening of glioma whole genome sequencing data. Logistic regression analysis was used to scale the correlation between MRC2 expression and clinical characteristics; immunohistochemistry and Western blot verified the expression of MRC2 in normal brain and glioma. The correlation between DNA methylation and MRC2 expression was examined by Pearson correlation coefficient (r). ROC, Cox and Kaplan-Meier approach for quantifying MRC2 expression on disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Gene enrichment analysis (GSEA) predicted glioma related signal pathways that may be activated by high expressed MRC2. Expression and methylation data were obtained from TCGA, CGGA and GTEx,
Results
MRC2 was highly expressed in glioma, and the expression was not related to gender, age, radiotherapy, but related to recurrence, tumor grade, chemotherapy, IDH_mutation, and 1p19q_codeletion. The up-regulation of MRC2 expression was related to the hypomethylation of 9 CpG sites located in MRC2 promoter and intron 1 region, both together led to a poor prognosis. GSEA predicted six pathways could activated by highly expressed MRC2, these pathways mainly regulated the proliferation and invasion in glioma. Co-expressed genes of MRC2 could be found in each pathway, and they were functionally consistent with MRC2 in influencing prognosis.
Conclusion
It was not only DNA hypomethylation that affects the expression of MRC2, hypomethylation of CpG site in promoter and first intron region had the similar regulatory function. Up-regulated MRC2 could activated six signal pathways mainly regulated the proliferation and invasion, and led to poor prognosis in glioma. Thereby, MRC2 could be seen as a novel molecular target for glioma.
Spatial Classification algorithm (Modified-ID3) to identify OLR anomaly preceding M≥6.0 earthquakes-A case study on the vicinity of the 26 December 2004 earthquake
Authors: Jeyaraman Ramya , Natarajan Venkatanathan
Published: May 2022

The Megathrust 9.1Mw earthquake in Sumatra – Andaman region on 26 December 2004 was the deadliest earthquake of the 21st century. The study region comprises ten earthquakes that occurred within a 75-km radius of the 26 December 2004 earthquake from 1991 to 2021. To explore the spatial characteristics of the Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) the grid comprising 11° × 11° was considered, which is roughly 15, 00,000 sq. km for a 12-month period before the earthquake, which is computed retrospectively by taking the event date as a base date. A novel “Modified-ID3” (M-ID3) is a spatial classification algorithm, applied to analyze the OLR flux spatially and it is categorized into two leagues, a) “Macro dimension League” (MaDL) and b) “Micro dimension League” (MiDL). The grid dimensions 11° × 11°, 9°×9°, and 7°×7° belong to MaDL, while MiDL grid dimensions are 5°×5° and 3°×3°. To compare the different grid dimensions, the OLR values of the grids are normalized. From the spatial analysis, the anomalous variations in MiDL were observed before 1 to 3 months prior to the occurrence of earthquakes. Also, it is found that the earthquakes have occurred when the OLR flux value crosses the critical value for both leagues and also, and the MiDL was found to be greater than MaDL. The pattern of OLR anomaly significantly differs spatially for prior and post scenario of 26 December 2004 earthquake. The OLR scenario for the recent past, the time period starting from 30-11-2020 to 30-11-2021 were analyzed and the observation of OLR anomalous flux is found at south-east region of study area. Hence, the authors inferred that the OLR could be considered a potential candidate as a precursor to identifying the probable location, magnitude, and time of impending earthquakes.
Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis as the First Sign of Thyrotoxicosis- A Rare Case Report from Somalia
Authors: Mohamed Hawa Nuradin , Ghedi Abdi Karim Ahmed , Ozturk Sevgi , Jeele Mohamed Osman Omar , Bashir Ahmed Muhammad
Published: May 2022

Background: Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis (THPP) is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism and is marked by thyrotoxicosis, hypokalemia, and paralysis. It is the most commonly acquired form of periodic paralysis. It has been most commonly reported in Asian subjects, with limited information on the black population. This is precipitated by strenuous exercise, high carbohydrates, stress, infection, alcohol, albuterol, and corticosteroid therapy. Case Presentation: We present a 29-year-old male patient admitted from the emergency department with a complaint of sudden onset of paralysis after a high carbohydrate meal. Laboratory investigations showed low potassium chloride 1.8 mEq/l, TSH 0.006 miu/l, T3 3.2 ng/ml. T4 13.5 ng/ml. Potassium chloride infusion and antithyroid drugs were given. Conclusion: To prevent deadly consequences (cardiac and respiratory), it is critical to diagnose THPP early and treat the electrolyte imbalance that is precipitated by strenuous exercise and high carbohydrate meals.
Prevalence, associated factors and psychosocial consequences of infertility among women of childbearing age in Guinea: Case of a cross-sectional study with an analytical aim carried out in the five municipalities of Conakry city in 2021
Authors: Leno Niouma Nestor , Kadio Kadio Jean-Jacques Olivier , Camara Alioune , Bley Zézé Charles Romuald , Ehora Djaky Armande Olivia , Aganaye Adoum , Delamou Alexandre
Published: May 2022

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of infertility among women of childbearing age, to identify its explanatory factors and to assess its psychosocial consequences among victims. Methods: This was a 6-month cross-sectional study from 18 June to 18 November 2021 involving 4,910 women of childbearing age (15-49 years) in the five municipalities of Conakry. Medians were used to summarise quantitative variables, and proportions were used to summarise categorical variables. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with infertility (p-value ≤ 0.05). GHQ-28 questionnaire items were used to assess the psychosocial impact of infertility in female victims. Results: The overall prevalence of infertility was 17.8% (5.40% primary and 12.4% secondary infertility). Risk factors associated with infertility were non-education (AOR: 6.146; CI: [4.961 - 7.614]), sexually transmitted infections (AOR: 2.461; CI: [1.997 - 3.033]), (AOR: 3.141; CI: [2.291 - 4.307]), salpingitis (AOR: 4.766; AOR: [3.165 - 7.177]), ovarian cystectomies (AOR: 3.286; CI: [2.008 - 5.376]), uterine myomas (AOR: 3.141; CI: [2.291 - 4.307]) and induced abortions (AOR: 3.372; CI: [2.556 - 4.448]). Social stress, feelings of spousal rejection, anxiety, insomnia, somatic injury, depression and psychosocial dysfunction were the main psychosocial consequences of infertility in the women who experienced it. Conclusion: This study showed the importance of the problem of infertility among women of childbearing age in Conakry. It also helped to understand the need to set up and/or strengthen prevention and care interventions (medical and psychosocial) for victims of infertility. Another study taking into account the clinical and Para clinical explorations of women and men improved the understanding of the phenomenon of infertility in Guinea.
Light and zinc application treatment regulates yield and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) formation in fragrant rice
Authors: shuochen Jiang , lihe Zhang , xiangru Tang , bin Du
Published: May 2022

Background: Improving the yield and aroma content of fragrant rice is the focus of fragrant rice research. Light (L) and Zinc (Zn) management generally cause regulations in the 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) accumulation in fragrant rice. In addition, Zn promotes rice growth and improves rice yield, which has the potential to compensate for the negative impact of low light on fragrant rice yield. However, the potential of Zn to improve fragrant rice yield and 2AP content under shading conditions has not been verified.Methods: Field experiments were conducted in the rice season (May-September) in 2019 to 2021. Two light i.e., normal light (NL) and low light (LL) and four Zn levels i.e., 0 kg Zn ha−1 (N0), 1 kg Zn ha−1 (Zn1), 2 kg Zn ha−1(Zn2), and 3 kg Zn ha−1 (Zn3), which applied at booting stage was set up. The grain yield, 2AP contents, Zn content in polish rice, photosynthesis related indicators, MDA content, antioxidant enzyme activity and the biochemical parameters related to 2AP formation were investigated.Results: Shading reduced yield by 8.74% and increased 2AP content by 24.37%. In addition, shading reduced net photosynthetic rate (Pn), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT), and increased proline, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid (P5C), proline dehydrogenase (PDH), △1-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid synthetase (P5CS), malondialdehyde (MDA). With increasing Zn application levels, yield, 2AP, Zn content in polish rice, Pn, proline, P5C, GABA, PDH, P5CS, SOD, CAT and POD increased, and MDA decreased. Significant L and Zn interaction effect on 2AP content was detected, and both shading and increasing Zn application increased the 2AP content.Conclusion: Shading can increase the 2AP content but reduce the yield of fragrant rice. Increasing Zn application under shading conditions can further promote the biosynthesis of 2AP, but the effect of improving yield is limited.
Age and Cervical flexorshelp diagnosedegenerative cervical myelopathy
Authors: Pan Shixin , Liu Chong , Chen Jiarui , Chen Liyi , Liang Tuo , Ye Yongqing , Zhan Xinlin
Published: May 2022

Objective: To evaluate the relationship betweenage and cervical paraspinal muscles (PSM) and degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM);to establish a diagnostic model for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM)with age and Cervical flexors.Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 100 patients with DCM taken at The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University and Wuzhou Red Cross Hospitalbetween December 2018 and June 2020 was performed.C2-C7 Cobb's angle,disc degeneration,endplate degeneration,fatty infiltration and morphology of paraspinal muscles (PSMs)were measured.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were established to evaluate the value of diagnostic methods. Fisher’s discriminant model was taken to establish a diagnostic model for DCM. Kappa value was calculated to compare different diagnostic models.Results: The multivariate analysis results showed that age and cervical flexors were potential risk factors for DCM.The ability to diagnose DCM alone and in combination using ROC curve method was assessed, showing that the combination of the two indicators had the best diagnostic effect. Fisher's discriminant was used to establish a diagnostic model. Using leave-one-out cross-validation,the diagnostic equation was got:y1=0.33x1+10.302x2-24.139; y2=0.259x1+13.605x2-32.579. Comparison of this diagnostic model and other diagnostic toolsshowed that this diagnostic model performed better (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 81.3%, accuracy 72.5%), Kappa value 0.363, p=0.011.Conclusion: Age and cervical flexors were potential risk factors for DCM.In this study, a diagnostic model for the diagnosis of DCM was developed using Fisher's discriminant method, combining age and cervical flexors.
The relationship between lung fibrosis, epidermal growth factor receptor and disease outcomes in Covid-19 pneumonia: A postmortem evaluation
Authors: Dülger Seyhan Us , Mutlu Nazmi , Ceylan İlkay , Özhan Erhan
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the severity of fibrosis in the lung tissue and Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) positivity in patients who died due to Covid-19 pneumonia, demographic characteristics, comorbidities, biochemistry values, and treatments they receive. Fifty patients who died with Covid 19 pneumonia were included in the study. Demographic data of the patients, laboratory tests, thorax computerized tomography findings, comorbidities, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), intubation times and treatments given were noted. Postmortem Tru-cut lung biopsy was performed. EGFR positivity was examined and grouped as negative, mild, moderate and severe. Data analyzed statistically. EGFR involvement were negative in 11 (22%), mild in 20 (40%), moderate in 13 (26%), severe in 6 (12%) patients. The mean C-reactive protein (CRP), d.dimer and mean length of stay in the ICU were found to be statistically different between the groups (respectively p=0.024; p= 0.003; p=0.016). Methylprednisolone usage dose and presence of comorbidity did not differ significantly in EGFR involvement (respectively, p=0.79; p=0.98). CRP and d.dimer values ​​can be a guide for the severity of pulmonary fibrosis that may develop in severe Covid-19 pneumonia patients . The dose of methylprednisolone used does not make a significant difference in the severity of fibrosis. Clinical Trials.gov identifier date and number: 01/13/2022 NCT05290441
Anti-inflammatory activity of non-selective PDE inhibitor aminophylline on the lung tissue and respiratory parameters in animal model of ARDS
Authors: Kosutova Petra , Mikolka Pavol , Mokra Daniela , Calkovska Andrea
Published: May 2022

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common complication of critical illness characterized by lung inflammation, epithelial and endothelial dysfunction, alveolar-capillary leakage, and worsening respiratory failure. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of non-selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor aminophylline. New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups: animals with respiratory failure defined as PaO2/FiO2 ratio (P/F) below < 26.7 kPa, and induced by saline lung lavage (ARDS), animals with ARDS treated with intravenous aminophylline (1 mg/kg; ARDS/AMINO), and healthy ventilated controls (Control). All animals were oxygen ventilated for an additional 4 h and respiratory parameters were recorded regularly. Post mortem, the lung tissue was evaluated for oedema formation, markers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor, TNFα, interleukin (IL)-1β, -6, -8, -10, -13, -18), markers of epithelial damage (receptor for advanced glycation end products, RAGE) and endothelial injury (sphingosine 1-phosphate, S1P), oxidative damage (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS, 3-nitrotyrosine, 3NT, total antioxidant capacity, TAC). Aminophylline therapy decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, markers of epithelial and endothelial injury, oxidative modifications in lung tissue, reduced lung oedema, and improved lung function parameters compared to untreated ARDS animals. In conclusion, non-selective PDE inhibitor aminophylline showed a significant anti-inflammatory activity suggesting a potential of this drug to be a valuable component of ARDS therapy.
Unique deep-sea bacterial assemblages thriving on different organic matters delivered via in-situ incubators
Authors: Li Jianyang , Dong Chunming , Lai Qiliang , Huang Zhaobin , Zhou Donghui , Gong Linfeng , Wang Guangyi , Shao Zongze
Published: May 2022

Background
The transport of organic matters to the deep sea constantly occurs in global oceans and in accompany with simultaneous microbial remineralization. However, little is known about the impact of fast sinking organic complex on oceanic deep ecosystem and its interactions with microbes throughout the process of sinking and settling on the sea bottom. In this report, to observe the response of indigenous microorganisms to the newly input of organic matters, we developed a series of deep-sea in-situ incubators loaded on the seabed and seamount with various organic substrates of plant and animal origins.
Results
The bacterial diversity at the OTU level varied in accordance to organic substrates and geographic locations, but the functional groups are generally similar. The bacteria of Marinifilaceae were revealed as the key member; in addition, other key decomposers including Spirochaetaceae, Psychromonadaceae, Vibrionaceae, Moritellaceae, and Fusobacteriaceae were also recruited in most assemblages with varied abundance accordingly. Interestingly, nitrogen fixation inside the assemblages occurred in the process of polysaccharide decomposing. The microbial co-occurrence analysis revealed that nutrient availability and energy transfer determine relationships cooperation or competition. Within the assemblages stimulated by substrates short of nitrogen sources, the microbial network was dominated by cooperative relationships, whereas competition relationships overwhelmed the communities thriving on proteinous substrates.
Conclusions
These in-situ observations revealed a unique bacterial assemblage in decomposing diverse newly input organic matters, which may constitute the microbial pumps involved in carbon, sulphur, and nitrogen cycles in oceanic interior.
Media screen time use and mental health in school aged children during the pandemic
Authors: Hmidan Amira , Seguin Diane , Duerden Emma G.
Published: May 2022

Children’s screen time use has increased significantly during the pandemic. Extended school closures and heightened parent stress are associated with children’s behavioural difficulties and time spent watching screens. This cross-sectional longitudinal survey study examined the association between screen time and internalizing and externalizing behaviours in school-aged children (6–12 years) at two time points over the 2020–2021 academic school year. Parents (n = 108) completed survey measures on their parenting styles, stress levels, along with their child’s patterns of screen time and emotional and behavioural difficulties. Children’s average daily screen time was 4.42 hours (SE = 19.04) at baseline and 3.93 hours (SE = 16.35) at 1-year follow up, with no significant change across the school year (p = .12). Increased screen time was associated with a greater incidence of internalizing behaviours in children (p = .03). Children who spent more time on screens and who were in households with parents reporting higher stress levels had increased internalizing behaviours (p = .001). Parent stress was positively associated with children’s externalizing behaviours (p < .001). Children’s screen time use has remained high during the pandemic and is associated with internalizing behaviours. Targeted family intervention plans focused on reducing parent stress and screen time use may aid in improving children’s mental health during the ongoing pandemic.
Performance Evaluation of Viral Transport Medium Produced by BRiCM for Reliable Sample Collection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Razu Mamudul Hasan , Monir Bayzid Bin , Moniruzzaman Md. , Sarkar Sawgotom , Akhter Sonia , Kamal Sabiha , Hasan Md. Abu , Afroze Mirola , I Khandaker Md Sharif Uddin , Khan Mala
Published: May 2022

A Viral Transport Medium (VTM) was developed following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA, standard operating procedure (SOP) DSR-052-05 with necessary improvisation, was used for storing COVID-19 swab specimens. Considering Bangladesh's present supply chain and storage condition, improvisation was essential for extending sample storage time while retaining efficiency. In-house VTM was produced using Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) supplemented with 1% Bovine serum albumin V (BSA), 0.5 µg /ml of Gentamicin Sulfate, and 100 µg/ml of Fluconazole. The produced VTM composition, quality, sterility, specificity, and efficiency were verified in-house and through an independent contract research organization (CRO). An accelerated stability study projected that under the recommended temperature (4°C), it would remain stable for one year and preserve samples for over a month. The Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) test detected the targeted N gene and ORF1ab gene from VTM stored sample. Our VTM is equally effective as Sansure Biotech VTM in keeping SARS-CoV-2 RNA specimen detectable in rRT-PCR (100% sensitivity and specificity in random and blinded samples). In an import-dependent developing country like Bangladesh, this VTM will ease the fight against pandemics and the supply chain bottleneck of medical and diagnostic equipment caused by it.
Prognostic value of pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters in advanced high- grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Morales Daniela Travaglio , Poggio Mónica Coronado , Cabrerizo Carlos Huerga , García Itsaso Losantos , Pozo Cristina Escabias del , Hernandez Carmen Lancha , Marina Sonia Rodado , Gadea Luis Domínguez
Published: May 2022

Background: Patients with advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) have a poor prognosis. Hence there have been attempts to find prognostic markers to identify patients with higher risk of relapse. Radiomic features have been proved as an emerging tool in different neoplasms. However, in ovarian cancer very few studies have investigated the role of metabolic parameters at diagnosis. The aim of our work was to assess the prognostic value of pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT quantitative metabolic parameters in patients with advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer. A review of 47 patients diagnosed of advanced high grade serous ovarian cancer between 2016 and 2020 in our center was performed, evaluating pretreatment 18F-FDG-PET/CT metabolic parameters: maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), total lesion glycolysis (TLG) and metabolic tumoral volume (MTV). The images were evaluated and quantitative parameters were obtained semiautomatically classifying VOIs as target, non target and total according to SULmax. Clinical data of relapse/progression and final status (exitus/alive) was collected. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated. Optimal cutoff values with receiver operating characteristic curve/median values were used. Correlation between metabolic parameters and DFS/OS was made using univariate and survival-curves analysis. Results: Median DFS was 18 months (2.55-55) and OS 33.6 months (2.5-92). MTV total, MTV target, TLG total and TLG target were significantly associated with DFS (p 0.005, 0.011, 0.046 and 0.042 respectively). The survival-curves analysis showed a significant difference of DSF in patients with MTV total >427.8 cm3 and MTV target >434 cm3 versus patients with lower values (18.8 and 15.6 months vs 31 and 30 months, p 0.027 and 0.017 respectively). Patients with higher TLG total and TLG target values tended to have worse DSF, although not statistically significant (p 0.263 and 0.317, respectively). None correlation was found with OS. Conclusion: Pretreatment metabolic parameters MTV total and MTV target have prognostic value in patients with high-grade advanced serous ovarian cancer, being able to predict higher risk of relapse.
Is aggressive care worth it for patients with cancer complicated by pneumonia? Prognostic factors based on pulse oximetry, performance status, and percentage of lymphocytes—a retrospective chart review in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Aramrat Chanchanok , Ratanasiri Thawalrat , Gomutbutra Patama
Published: May 2022

Background: Pneumonia in cancer patients is often problematic in deciding whether to admit and administer antibiotics or pursue a comfort care pathway that may avoid in-hospital death.Aim: to identify factors easily assessed at admission in Thailand’s healthcare context that could serve as prognostic factors for in-hospital death.Design: Using regression analysis to identify the prognostic factors from clinical factors collected at admission. The primary outcome was in-hospital death.Setting/Participants: Data were collected from the electronic medical records of Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand, from 2016 to 2017. Data on adult patients with cancer who were admitted due to pneumonia were reviewed.Results: In total, 245 patients were included, and 146 (59.59%) were male. The median age of the patients was 66 years (IQR: 57-75). A total of 72 (29.39%) patients died during admission. From multivariate logistic regression, prognostic factors for in-hospital death included Palliative Performance Scale ≤ 30 (OR: 8.468, 95%CI: 3.471-20.659), Palliative Performance Scale 40-50% (OR: 2.787, 95%CI: 1.337-5.810), percentage of lymphocyte ≤ 8.0% (OR: 2.101, 95%CI: 1.081-4.081), and pulse oximetry ≤ 90% (OR: 2.008, 95%CI: 1.041-3.873).Conclusions: The in-hospital death rate of cancer patients admitted with pneumonia was approximately 30%. PPS 10-30%, PPS 40-50%, percentage of lymphocytes ≤ 8%, and oxygen saturation < 90% could be prognostic factors for in-hospital death. Further prospective studies are needed to investigate the usefulness of these factors.
Evaluation of elemental profile in distant tissues during tumor progression
Authors: Salles Samella , Salles Rebecca , Pavão Mauro Sérgio Gonçalves , Cardoso Simone Coutinho , Stelling Mariana Paranhos
Published: May 2022

Background: Knowing how cancer develops, progresses, and spreads (metastasis) is required to mobilize the development of new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose and treat cancer. Essential elements present functions in tumor progression, promoting proliferation, migration, among other protumoral cellular processes. Understanding how those elements are related to the processes of tumor progression is of great relevance for research. The study of the elemental profile in distant tissues, which can be modulated by tumor cells to promote metastasis, has not been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the distribution of medium to heavy elements during tumor progression, focusing on the tumor tissue and distant tissues that could be affected. Results: With this work, it was possible to observe significant changes in the concentrations’ distribution of P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe and Cu in distant tissues caused by the presence of tumor cells. It was also possible to detect a greater similarity between tumor tissue (which has the lung as tissue of origin) and a tissue of non-origin, such as the liver, which is an unprecedented result. Moreover, changes in the distributions of concentrations were detected and studied over time for the different tissues analyzed, such as primary tumor, liver and lung, in Control and Tumor groups. Finally, the importance of elements for biological processes of normal cells, as well as tumor cells during tumor progression was also discussed. Conclusions: This work presents as contributions the study of the elemental profile in tumor and distant tissues. Furthermore, this work evaluates several elements of known biological importance (P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn) allowing the study of different biological processes involved in cancer.
Paraoxonase 1 is Independently Associated with Pulmonary Pulse Transit Time at Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Güçlü Aydın , Tur Kağan , Güçlü Kenan
Published: May 2022

Objectives
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and fibrosis are important complications of hemodialysis patients. There is a direct relationship between oxidative stress and PH. Pulmonary pulse transit time (pPTT) is a valuable parameter for determining PH and fibrosis. Paraoxonases (PON1) are potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory enzymes. At this study we aimed to determine relationship between PON1 and echocardiography parameters at hemodialysis patients.
Methods
36 patients on maintenance hemodialysis for at least 3 months are enrolled to the study. Blood samples and echocardiography measurements were taken before and after hemodialysis session.
Results
The mean age is 59,3 ± 13,27 years. Mean hemodialysis duration is 6,2 ± 5,5 years. Post hemodialysis PON1 was higher than pre hemodialysis PON1 (r = 0.967, p < 0.0001). Post hemodialysis PON1 and post hemodialysis pPTT were negatively correlated (r=-0.410, p = 0.009). Pre hemodialysis PON1 and pre hemodialysis pPTT measurements were negatively correlated (r=-0.381, p = 0.014). Post hemodialysis PON1 and post hemodialysis E’ were positively correlated (r = 0.345, p = 0.050). Multiple linear regression analysis was run to predict PON1 from pPTT, creatinine, CRP and PTH, the model predicted relation p < 0,05, R = 0,527, pPTT (p < 0,05) added statistically significant to the prediction and CRP (p = 0,055) is close to statistical significance.
Conclusion
Our study showed first time at the literature that there is an independent correlation between pPTT, an indicator for PH and pulmonary fibrosis, and PON1.
Characteristics and aspects of the oil revenue management models in Iran and the Russian Federation
Authors:   University of Tehran, Tehran, Rasoulinezhad E. , Karimpour M ,   University of Tehran, Tehran
Published: May 2022

Oil revenue management is one of the most important economic issues for Iran and Russia. The importance of studying this issue is due to the fact that in recent years, the national economies of Iran and Russia have become highly dependent on oil revenues, and therefore the mechanism of their domestic economy has become highly sensitive to global fluctuations in oil prices. Therefore, macroeconomic policymakers of the two countries in recent decades have tried to increase the resilience of their national economy in the face of sharp fluctuations in world oil prices. The purpose of this article is to examine the situation of the economies of Iran and Russia during various historical oil shocks and also to discuss the strategies of the two countries in reducing dependence on oil revenues and managing oil revenues as well. The results of the study show that despite the implementation of various policies (such as the establishment of the National Development Fund of Iran in 2010 or the Stabilization Fund in Russia in 2004) both countries have weaknesses in oil revenue management. Therefore, policymakers in both countries should pay more attention to this economic challenge, especially now that they are experiencing the COVID-19 negative consequences as well as fighting Western sanctions.
Determination of optimal parameters of hydrogenous deposit development systems by in-situ borehole leaching method
Authors:   Zabaikalsky State University, Mikhailov А. , Ovseychuk V. ,   Zabaikalsky State University
Published: May 2022

When developing hydrogenous uranium deposits by in-situ well leaching, development systems with different arrangement of technological wells are used. The most common are in-line schemes with transverse or longitudinal arrangement of wells relative to the strike of ore deposits due to their simple construction of technological cells. Less common are schemes with a hexagonal form of technological cell. The object of the study is technological installations for in-situ borehole leaching. The purpose of the study is to scientifically substantiate the possibility of increasing the development efficiency of uranium deposits localized in loose sediments. The research objectives are to establish the optimal parameters of technological cells, allowing to reduce costs and increase the recovery factor of uranium in the productive solution. The research methodology is presented by collected information, mathematical-statistical processing and establishing a link between the parameters of the technological cell and technological and economic parameters of the leaching. The following research methods: mathematical and statistical analysis, modeling processes of in-situ borehole leaching have been used. The described schemes have been tested at the deposits of Khiagda ore field. Experimental work has not revealed any clear advantages of one or the other system in terms of its technological parameters. In order to select the optimal mining option, additional research is required, taking into account the accumulated knowledge about the structure of Khiagda type deposits, which are united in a single ore field by their mining, geological, hydrogeological and technological characteristics. For these purposes, mathematical modeling of the leaching process of hydrogenous ores with averaged characteristics has been carried out. The results of this simulation are presented in this article
Response of Common Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) to Sodium Chloride Concentration in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution
Authors: Xia Jiaqi , Mattson Neil
Published: May 2022

Common ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) is a novel edible succulent plant with savory flavor. It has epidermal bladder cells (EBCs) that store water and sodium chloride (NaCl) located on the epidermis of the leaves and stems. Ice plant is an obligatory halophyte that requires NaCl for optimum growth. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of NaCl on growth of ice plant for hydroponic production as an edible leafy green and to quantify the ability of ice plant to take up NaCl from the environment. Four-week-old seedlings of ice plant were transplanted into hydroponic systems, established for 1 week, and given five NaCl treatments [0 M (control), 0.05 M, 0.10 M, 0.20 M, 0.40 M NaCl]. Sequential destructive harvests to determine plant growth occurred at day 7, 14, and 21 after NaCl treatment. The 0.05 M NaCl had the greatest stimulating effect on biomass, increasing total fresh weight (FW) by 173% and shoot FW by 193% compared with the control plants. The 0.10 M NaCl also had stimulating effect as compared with 0 M, but plants were not as large as those receiving 0.05 M NaCl. The 0.20 M NaCl had little effect on plant growth compared with the control. The 0.40 M NaCl had a strong stunting effect on plant growth. All plants treated with NaCl had less root weight than the control, and higher NaCl concentration resulted in greater reduction in root weight. However, for the 0.05 and 0.10 M treatment, the gain in shoot weight exceeded the loss in root weight. Plants gained or lost water in a faster rate than dry mass, which resulted in larger differences among treatments in FW than in dry weight (DW). Plants treated with higher NaCl concentrations developed fewer, smaller, and thicker leaves but contained more EBCs per unit leaf surface area. There was high Na and Cl accumulation in leaf tissues of all salt-treated plants (e.g., 180,507 mg·kg−1 Na and 125,084 mg·kg−1 Cl in the 0.05 M treatment vs. 13,558 mg·kg−1 Na and 12,991 mg·kg−1 Cl in the 0 M treatment). This indicated potential for bioremediation of saline soil or hydroponic water. Concentrations of macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S) were reduced when plants received increasing NaCl treatments. In general, this study showed that growth of ice plant benefited from 0.05 and 0.10 M NaCl additions to the hydroponic nutrient solution. Ice plant deserves further work on its ability to reduce Na and Cl from accumulating in recirculating hydroponic nutrient solution.
Fabric Containers Increased Irrigation Demand but Decreased Leachate Loss of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Compared With Conventional Plastic Containers During Production of Dwarf Burford Holly
Authors: Million Jeff B. , Yeager Thomas H.
Published: May 2022

Fabric containers (FAB), due to their root-pruning properties, can be used as an alternative to conventional plastic containers (PLA) in container nurseries. Because sidewall evaporation in FAB has been shown to reduce container substrate temperatures, our objective was to determine if FAB would reduce the release rate of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF), resulting in less leachate loss of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) and greater CRF longevity. Dwarf Burford holly were grown in 36-cm-diameter (18-L substrate) FAB or PLA in a bark-peat substrate with incorporated CRF. Spray stake irrigation was routinely adjusted to a target leaching fraction of 25%. Maximum daily substrate temperature, measured 3 cm from southwest-facing container wall, averaged 6 °C lower in FAB than in PLA. For two 31-week experiments where leachate was continuously collected and sampled weekly, FAB reduced leachate N loss by 30% and P loss by 47% despite requiring 66% more irrigation water and collecting 31% more leachate than with PLA. FAB reduced average N loss from 114 to 78 kg·ha−1 and average P loss from 16.0 to 8.6 kg·ha−1. FAB increased plant size by 8% and shoot dry weight by 12% for one experiment but had no effect in the other. We concluded that compared with PLA, the use of FAB can decrease leachate loss of N and P but require considerably more irrigation water to offset water loss via sidewall evaporation.
Promoting Cessation and a Tobacco Free Future: Knowledge and Attitude of Pharmacy Students Regarding Smoking Cessation in a Nigerian University
Authors:   Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Akande-Sholabi Wuraola , Adebisi Yusuff A ,   Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Published: May 2022

Tobacco smoking is a global public health threat and the largest single driver of health inequalities. Currently, there are over a billion smokers worldwide with approximately 80% of the smokers living in low-and-middle-income countries like Nigeria. Knowledge gaps on smoking cessation among pharmacy students might impact the quality of service these future pharmacists would provide in practice. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of pharmacy students regarding smoking cessation in a Nigerian university. A University-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 277 pharmacy students of a Nigerian university using a pretested self-administered questionnaire between August and December 2019. Data were summarised descriptively using IBM SPSS (version 23). Most of the pharmacy students 203 (73.2%) agreed it is the pharmacists’ responsibility to support patients with smoking cessation. The majority of our respondents 226 (81.6%) reported pharmacy students need more training on smoking cessation. Thirty-three (11.9%) pharmacy students knew nicotine does not cause cancer. Less than one-tenth 27 (9.7%) of the pharmacy students were aware of smoking cessation products. Overall, 203 (73.2%) respondents had poor knowledge (score < 60%) and an average positive attitude about smoking cessation. Pharmacy students have suboptimal knowledge about smoking cessation. However, they revealed a positive attitude towards smoking cessation. Therefore, there is a need for educational interventions to address the deficit in smoking cessation knowledge, as well as equip future healthcare providers. Thus, improving the quality of public health especially among smokers in Nigeria.
Cost of Malaria Treatment, Knowledge and Preventive Measure Practices among Undergraduate Students in the University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Ipingbemi Aduke Elizabeth , Aso Ezinne Eke ,   Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Published: May 2022

Malaria is a disease with public health concern and high economic burden in endemic areas. This study assessed the cost of malaria treatment for undergraduate students and university management as well as knowledge of malaria and preventive measures adopted by the students. This study was both retrospective and prospective. Retrospective involved estimating cost of treating malaria for undergraduate students by the university management (provider’s perspective) between May and October 2017. The prospective phase involved use of pre-test structured questionnaire to assess respondents’ frequency of malaria infection, knowledge on malaria and preventive measures. Data was entered into SPSS version 20 and analysed. The total prescriptions retrieved was 15,931 of which 22.7% contained antimalarial. The cost of malaria treatment to the university management was estimated to be ₦9,224,900/USD28,827.80 (mean = ₦2,553.20 ± 1,894.60/USD7.98 ± 5.92) for the 6 months studied. A total of 487 respondents were involved in the prospective study. Mean age of respondents was 20.8 ± 2.5 years old. An average of ₦2,209.10 ± 2,436.90 (USD73.60 ± 7.6) was spent by the students for treatment of malaria out-of-pocket (OOP) by those who sought treatment outside the University Health Service (UHS) centre. The use of insecticide treated net (ITN) was significantly common among females who also had lower incidence of malaria compared to males. Majority (68.9%) of participants had at least one episode of malaria in the last 6 months before the study. The economic burden of malaria to the university and the students is huge and this can be reduced if the students improved on the use of preventive measures against malaria.
THE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY IN SECURING THE LAND BORDER AREA IN ORDER TO PREVENT VIOLATION TO STATE TERRITORY IN THE LAND BORDER OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA (A STUDY IN THE LAND BORDER AREA OF WEST KALIMANTAN PROVINCE-INDONESIA)
Authors:   Indonesian Defence University., Samuel Lumban Toruan Tahan , Yudho Prakoso Lukman ,   Indonesian Defence University., Barnas Rayanda ,   Indonesian Defence University.
Published: May 2022

State border is the main manifestation of territorial sovereignty of a state and it holds such a tremendous role in the delimitation of sovereign boundaries. Therefore, border issues is an important and urgent matter to be well-managed by all the related stakeholders in order to maintain the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia as well as to achieve the national goal. This study aims at analysing the relationship between the threats of territorial violation in the boder area of west Kalimantan, implementation strategy in securing land border area in West Kalimantan. The methodology applied is qualitative research with case study approach. In this study, the involved subjects are those dealing with law enforcement and border area security. They are selected through purpose sampling as adjusted to the researchers needs. The data collection is carried out using several techniques such as interview, observation, and literary studies. This study focuses on the implementation and strategy in securing the land border in West Kalimantan. This research provide some contributions in identifying that the potential of territorial violations in the land border areas of West Kalimantan is relatively high. This is due to the lack of support in terms of appropriate implementation and strategy of security measures in comparison to the ideal situation. For the future studies, it is possible to extend the coverage of the study by involving the related stakeholders into different field or areas.