bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the development status and provision with fixed assets of the metallurgical industry of Ukraine
Authors: Bondarenko N. , Nesterova A.
Published: July 2021

The metallurgical industry is important for Ukraine in strategic perspective, primarily for the development of economic situation of the country, the social sphere, as well as the issue of national security of Ukraine. The metallurgical industry generates more than 30% of GDP, and 40% of foreign exchange earnings in the economy are provided by this industry. However, under modern conditions, domestic metallurgical enterprises are unable to meet the challenges of the global crisis, especially ferrous metals overproduction, falling demand for low-quality metallurgical products, increasing number of competitors in world markets. A separate issue is fixed assets that are the leading factor in the successful operation of the production process. This paper is devoted to the investigation of the development status of metallurgical industry in Ukraine and its provision with fixed assets under modern economic conditions. In particular, the issue concerning the number of economic entities in the field of metallurgical industry of Ukraine and the number of employees at these enterprises and the factors influencing this indicator are highlighted in this paper. The dynamics of metallurgical enterprises sales, the structure of metallurgical production and the structure of foreign trade in terms of the papers of metal products sales are analyzed. Since the state of the metalworking industry can also be considered in terms of the enterprises provision with fixed assets, which maintain stable technological cycle, the rhythm of production and its quality, the essence of the term «fixed assets» is investigated in the scientific literature and indicators of the state and efficiency of fixed assets at the enterprises of Ukraine metalworking industry are analyzed. On the basis of the carried out investigations, we have come to the conclusion that this industry has a number of problems. Particular attention is paid to the reduction of employees number with relatively small fluctuations in the number of business entities in the metallurgical industry, which can cause a shortage of labor resources. In addition, despite the increase in the level of capital and capital efficiency and, consequently, the reduction of capital intensity, the issue of technologically obsolete, and therefore inconsistent with modern conditions of economic activity equipment, remains important at present.
Challenging norms of gender and language
Authors: Umbal Pocholo , Takhtaganova Nadia
Published: July 2021

In this special issue of Toronto Working Papers in Linguistics, we engage in this productive and growing conversation by bringing together ongoing work on gender-inclusive language as well as the linguistic practices among trans and non-binary communities. Each of these papers offers a unique perspective on the ever-diversifying nuances of language, and together challenge established norms of language use and research practices.
供电企业电力营销管理的现状与对策分析
Authors: 李 景
Published: July 2021

近些年社会对电能需求量不断增大，我国电力事业也得到越来越广泛的关注。随着电力市场改革不断深入，电力企业经济利益受到不同程度影响。为了进一步优化供电服务，需要加强提升企业供电质量，做好企业品牌形象树立，提升电力营销管理水平，推动企业长远发展。
Metatheory of linguistics in its time and social environment
Authors:   Institute of Philology of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Tyshchenko K. M.
Published: July 2021

The article opens the problem with its historical review (A. Losev, Viach. Ivanov, F. Rossi-Landi, B. Porshnev) and highlights the author’s two-dimensional metatheory of 1989, the reasons for its emergence coming mainly from the needs of didactics, its public defence in 1992 and its analytical criticism in professional, educational and media spheres. The real two-dimensional space, measured semiologically and epistemologically, was modelled in the exposition of the Linguistic Educational Museum at Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv in 1992. The first systemic textbook « The Basics of Linguistics» of 2007 was also based on the same metatheory (incorporating ideas of T. Milewski, J. Horecký, J. Dubois and Ch. Hockett). The article then focuses on the circumstances that opened the third and fourth dimensions of the linguistic metatheoretical space. Their synthesis is described as a 4-dimensional space of the Linguistic Metatheory Мεγας. The four axes of this space correspond to the two previously discussed in the metatheory-1989 (Мς semiology, Мε epistemology), and two others new-seized (Мγ gnoseology, Мα aspectology). The following meta-theoretical features are located on the named axes: Мς — SDITW (ethnolanguages/ Sprachen, dialects, idiolects, texts, words); Мε — FBNHR (facts, branches, unities, theories1/ doctrines, regularities); Мγ — OEUYA (problems, methods, arguments, hypothesis/ theories2, aprobation); Мα — QLPGV (accumulation, langue, parole, genesis, evolution). Thus, a huge metatheoretical space is obtained, ready for the unambiguous placement of any fragment of linguistic knowledge in it. Every input study topic of linguistics obtains 4–5 marks, the research knowledge has more of them. This system can be also offered as an alternative to the arbitrarly chosen basis in improving semantic classifications such as UDC.
Towards a typology of language situations in historical sociolinguistics. The language situation in Kholmshchyna and Pidliashshia in 1815-1915
Authors:   Ivan Franko National University in Lviv, Matsiuk H. P.
Published: July 2021

The article seeks to study a new period in the typological characteristics of language situations related to the functions of the Ukrainian language. The purpose of the article is to analyze the changes in the language situation and the causal interaction of social functions of languages used by the indigenous Ukrainian population on the outskirts of ethnically Ukrainian territory of Kholmshchyna and Pidliashshia in 1815–1915. In order to reach this goal, the author reveals the political factors that led to a variety of language situations, communicative practices, and assimilation processes. The analysis is based on the results of interdisciplinary research on the history, politics, and culture of Kholmshchyna and Pidliashshia, as well as the works on historical sociolinguistics. The sources of analysis include travel records, memoirs, and documents, to which the method of sociolinguistic interpretation and reinterpretation is applied, as well as comparative and biographical methods, elements of discourse analysis. The results testify to three geopolitical influences that changed the directions of development of the language situation: the transition of territories within the Kingdom of Poland to the Russian Empire in 1815; military actions on the territory of Kholmshchyna and Pidliashshia during the First World War in 1914– 1915; the arrival of the new occupation authorities in 1915. In early 20th century, there was a decrease in the number of native speakers of the Ukrainian language: after the permitted conversion from Orthodoxy to the Roman Catholic faith under the tsarist law of 1905 and in connection with the deportation in 1915. Communicative practices of Ukrainians in different spheres of life included a combination of languages: colloquial Ukrainian and Polish, literary Polish, Russian and occasionally Ukrainian, Church Slavonic with Ukrainian and Russian pronunciations, and the German language. Based on the assimilative interaction of the languages, it might be suggested that the life of Ukrainians took place in the face of Polonization. This was particularly a manifestation of the resistance of the Polish and non-Polish population to the tsarist government as an occupation after the uprisings of 1831 and 1863–64, and after 1875, and Russification as a result of the planned conversion of Greek Catholics to Orthodoxy, the creation of new educational institutions and separation on the basis of Lublin and Siedlce Voivodeships
Adaptation of the tool to measure parenting self-efficacy (topse) in Bangladesh
Authors: Ferdowshi Nafiza , Imran Mostak Ahamed , Trishna Tasmim Alam
Published: July 2021

Measuring parental self-efficacy has influenced the children and their environment for reaching optimal development. The current study aimed to adapt the Tool to Measure Parenting Self-Efficacy (TOPSE) scale and to determine its psychometric properties for using in the context of Bangladesh. A total of 180 mothers of children aged 0 to 6 years were conveniently selected for this study. The TOPSE and Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem scale were used as measuring instruments. Collected data were analyzed to determine psychometric properties by using Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, item analysis, and factor analysis. TOPSE had acceptable internal consistency (Coefficient alpha=0.89) and test-retest reliability (r=0.96). The convergent validity of TOPSE showed a highly positive correlation (r=0.91) with the Bangla Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem scale. The factor analysis resulted in 4 factors with Eigenvalues > 1, explaining 87% of the variances and the four factors showed Cronbach’s coefficient values ranging from 0.50 to 0.99. TOPSE has reasonably good psychometric properties. Further research may wish to require to see the implication of TOPSE in evaluating parenting programs in Bangladesh.

Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(2): 169-177, 2021 (July)
Anatomical changes in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under aluminium stress condition
Authors: Samad Rifat , Rashid Parveen , Karmoker JL
Published: July 2021

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of aluminium (Al) toxicity on the anatomical changes in the root, stem and leaf of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) plants grown in sand culture. Toxicity of Al reduced the length of primary root and the number of lateral roots of chickpea than that of the control. Aluminium decreased the size and number of vessels in the root of chickpea. Larger area of sclerenchyma cells was noticed in the stem of Al-stressed plant. Number of palisade parenchyma was reduced in the leaf of chickpea. Aluminium treatment caused closure of stomata. Increased number of trichomes in chickpea leaves was also reported due to aluminium.

Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(2): 187-196, 2021 (July)
Variedades de Olivo (Olea europaea L.) de importancia económica de los departamentos Tacna y Moquegua
Authors: Casilla García Martín Eloy , Blas Angulo Mario Jesús , Catunta Mamani Noel , Chaparro-Aguilar Edgar
Published: July 2021

En las regiones Tacna y Moquegua existen variedades de olivo (Olea europaea L.) no caracterizadas y por ende desconocidas para la población olivicultora. Por ejemplo, la mayoría de las veces las variedades Sevillana y Empeltre son las que son cultivadas por ser las conocidas, dejando de lado otras variedades. En este trabajo se exponen quince variedades de O. europaea L. de importancia económica; las que se identificaron y describieron considerando 24 caracteres morfológicos, que corresponden a hojas (cuatro), frutos (diez) y endocarpios (diez). Se tomaron 35 muestras por variedad y se consideraron las características morfológicas en hojas (forma, tamaño, relación longitud-anchura (L/A), curvatura longitudinal), frutos (presencia y tamaño de lenticelas, diámetro, forma, simetría, forma del ápice, cavidad peduncular y lugar de inicio de envero) y en el endocarpio (forma, simetría, tamaño, posición del diámetro transversal máximo, superficie, número de surcos, distribución de surcos fibrovasculares y terminación del ápice), determinándose que las 15 variedades presentaron caracteres morfológicos diferentes.
Karakterisktik Faktor Risiko Hipertensi di Makassar Tahun 2017
Authors: Nurhikmawati Nurhikmawati , Ananda Syatirah Rizky , Idrus Hasta Handayani , Wisudawan Wisudawan
Published: July 2021

Hypertension is a manifestation of hemodynamic imbalance disorders of the cardiovascular system, which is the pathophysiology is multi-factor, so it cannot be explained by only one single mechanism. According to the American Heart Association (AHA) 2017, hypertension is a silent killer where symptoms can vary from person to person and the symptoms almost similar with other disease. This study aims to determine the characteristics of the risk factors on hypertension in Makassar in 2017. This study used a descriptive study. The samples were all hypertensive patients who were admitted to the Puskesmas Tabaringan, Jumpandang Baru, Layang, Andalas, Makkasau, Maccini Sawah, Mamajang, Pertiwi, Jongaya, Kassi-kassi, Batua, Tamangapa, Sudiang, Tamalanrea, Makassar from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017 as many as 1,528 who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sampling technique used was accidental sampling. From 1,528 research subjects, it was found that the most were aged> 50 years as many as 872 people (57.05), with the most sex are female about 956 people (62.57%). Subjects who had a family history of hypertension were 756 people (49.47%). Most jobs were in the very heavy category about 656 people (42.94%). In addition, 875 people (57.27%) rarely consume salt, and 844 people (55.23%) consume more foods containing fat. In this sample, it was also found that most hypertensive patients were included in the passive smoking category as many as 1,002 people (65.58%). From the lifestyles who have hypertension, there are more who never consume alcohol as many as 1,478 people (96.72%). Subjects who experienced hypertension and were obese were 861 people (56.35%), and sample who rarely exercised were 1,104 people (72.25%). In addition, 877 subjects who had hypertension were found to have never experienced mendengkur (57.4%). Most people with hypertension in Makassar are aged> 50 years, women, do not have a family history of hypertension, work is classified as very heavy category, rarely consume salt, often consume fat, smoke passive, never consume alcohol, obesity, rarely exercise, and never experiencing snoring.
Profil Mikrobiota Saluran Cerna Pada Anak, Dewasa, Berbagai Suku dan Ras
Authors: Kurniawan Dzulfachri , Makmun Armanto , Zulfahmidah Zulfahmidah , Aisyah Windy Nurul
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose: Microbiota is defined as a collection of microorganisms that live in the host's body, which can consist of bacteria, archae, viruses, and other eukaryotes. Microbiota in humans is also found in the skin, lungs, urinary tract, oral cavity, although the digestive tract plays a role in contributing to the highest number of microbiota in humans. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the various profiles of the gastrointestinal microbiota in children, adults, various ethnicities and races. Methods: This study uses a narrative review method. The data sources of this study come from literature obtained via the internet in the form of research results from national and international journals in 2010-2020 such as Elsevier, Clinical Key, Pubmed, Biomed Research International, Nature Journal, PLOS Computational Biology, PNAS Journal dan American Society For Microbiology. Results: From several collections of journals related to microbiota, many studies reveal that the two bacterial phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are found in a higher proportion in humans in general followed by Prevotella, Actinobacteria and Bifidobacterium. Whereas in children the microbiota is more dominated by Bacteroidetes / Bifidobacterium and not a few studies have found Clostridium in children. It is no different from ethnicities and races from other countries in that the findings of general microbiota are almost the same. Various microbiota also can be built from the environment, geography, ethnicity and culture. Conclusion: The variability of the microbiota in the human tract is very diverse, it is related to various factors, namely age, genetics, metabolic, diet, diet, lifestyle, environment, geography, ethnicity, culture and socio-economy.
VITAL STATISTICS AND THE CROW INDEX AMONG THE INDIGENOUS POPULATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SAKHA (YAKUTIA)
Authors: Danilova A. L. , Sukhomiasova A. L. , Yakovleva A. E. , Maksimova N. R.
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Natural selection in humans is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. It can be assessed using selected genetic and demographic parameters, namely, vital statistics, the Crow index, or the total selection index and its components. Aim: To study vital statistics and the Crow index among post-menopausal indigenous women in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) living in different economic zones. Methods: The sample consisted of 347 post-menopausal indigenous women from 15 districts of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The districts were merged into Central, Arctic, and Western regions. The Crow index and its components was calculated. Regional variations in the studied characteristics were assessed using nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: We observed statistically significant differences in the reproductive indicators across the regions. The lowest pressure of natural selection (Itot) was experienced by the ethnic minorities from the Arctic region (0,407) compared to the Yakuts (0,395) from this region and their counterparts from the Central (0,407) and Western (0,457) regions. Conclusions: Despite wide spread of family planning the indigenous ethnic groups of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) demonstrate high fertility. In all studied groups, the component associated with differential fertility exceeds the component associated with differential mortality. Economic, social, and cultural factors significantly influence reproductive patterns.
Agreement between Scheimpflug Camera and the Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography Measurements in Keratometry and Higher-order Aberrations
Authors: Gim Yujin , Jun Roo Min , Han Kyung Eun
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the compatibility of corneal curvature and astigmatism, and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) measured by the Scheimpflug camera Pentacam HR and the swept-source optical coherence tomography ANTERION.Methods: This prospective study included normal subjects with no ophthalmic history. Steep keratometry (K), flat K, astigmatism and its axis of the anterior and posterior surfaces, total corneal power, and HOAs using the two instruments were compared. To compare the mean values of the measurements, a paired t-test was used. Bland-Altman analysis was applied to assess the agreement between the two devices.Results: Fifty-three eyes of 53 subjects were evaluated. There were statistically significant differences for steep K, astigmatism, and vector J0, J45 in the anterior surface and total corneal power between the two devices (p < 0.05). There were also significant differences in the most of the keratometric values of the posterior corneal surface (p < 0.05) except J0 (p = 0.410). Both devices showed strong positive correlations in steep K, flat K, astigmatism (r > 0.81, p < 0.001) with wide ranges of a 95% limit of agreement. Vectoral components were significantly correlated (r > 0.78, p < 0.001) with narrow 95% limit of agreement, except J45 of the posterior surface (r = 0.39, p = 0.004). In the corneal HOAs, there were statistically significant differences in the vertical coma, horizontal trefoil, spherical aberration, and root mean square of each fifth- and sixth-order Zernike coefficient (p = 0.043, p = 0.041, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Other HOAs showed moderate to strong positive correlations (r > 0.37, p < 0.05). Most HOAs, except for the horizontal trefoil, showed clinically acceptable agreements. The total root mean square of HOAs was not significantly different between the two devices (p = 0.122).Conclusions: Most of the keratometric values cannot be used interchangeably. However, the vectoral component of astigmatism showed clinically good agreement. Several HOAs have statistically significant differences; however, almost all HOAs showed acceptable agreements, except for the horizontal trefoil.
MATIA PORTILLA, F. J. Y LÓPEZ DE LA FUENTE, G. (2019). De la intimidad a la vida privada y familiar. Un derecho en construcción. Valencia: Tirant lo Blanch. (Recensión)
Authors: Carmona Contreras Ana
Published: July 2021

Recensión de la obra: MATIA PORTILLA, F. J. Y LÓPEZ DE LA FUENTE, G. (2019). De la intimidad a la vida privada y familiar. Un derecho en construcción. Valencia: Tirant lo Blanch.
ARNALDO ALCUBILLA, E. Y CANOSA USERA, R. (2020). El derecho constitucional ante el COVID-19. Las diferentes respuestas en el ámbito comparado. Madrid: Cardenal Cisneros y Wolters Kluwer. (Recensión)
Authors: Pendás Prieto Pablo
Published: July 2021

Recensión de la obra: ARNALDO ALCUBILLA, E. Y CANOSA USERA, R. (2020). El derecho constitucional ante el COVID-19. Las diferentes respuestas en el ámbito comparado. Madrid: Cardenal Cisneros y Wolters Kluwer.
Effects of Smartphone Overuse on Academic Delay Behavior by Some Dental Hygiene Students: The Mediating and Moderating Effects of Sleep Disorder Characteristics
Authors:   Dept. of Dental Hygiene, Silla University, Associate professor, Jang Kyeung-Ae , Lee Hye-Jin ,   2 Institute of Basic Science for Well-Aging, Youngsan University, Senior researcher
Published: July 2021

Objectives: This study examines the mediating and moderating effects of characteristics of sleep disorders on the impact of smartphone overuse on academic delay in dental hygiene students. Methods: A survey was conducted from October 19 to November 27, 2020, targeting 164 dental hygiene students in Busan and Daejeon. The analysis method used the SPSS 26.0 program. Results: As a result of analyzing the characteristics of sleep disorders, it was found that as the characteristics of sleep disorders increased, the influence of excessive use of smartphones on academic delay behavior increased (p<.001). Sleep disorder characteristics were found to partially mediate smartphone overuse and academic delay behavior, indicating that the sleep disorder characteristics were significant. Conclusions: This study explores the relationship between smartphone use and the sleeping habits of dental hygiene students and the impact of these factors on academic performance
Factors Related to Checkup of National Cancer Screening Support Project Targets Supported by Public Health Centers
Authors:   Dept. of Dental Hygiene, Kyungwoon University, Professor, Lee Ji-Yeoun , Jeong Young-Hee ,   Dept. of Dental Hygiene, dongju college, Professorr
Published: July 2021

Objectives: The factors related to cancer screening examinations were analyzed to improve the utilization rate of the cancer screening system of the health center cancer screening support targets. Methods: The collected data were subjected to the chi-square test and multiple linear regression advancing method using the SPSS 23.0 statistical program. Results: 50% of all 100 respondents were examinees. In addition, 64% of people were aware of the health center cancer screening support system, and the cancer screening rate of the group recognized by broadcast, SMS, or phone was significantly higher. In the cancer screening rate for each cancer-related information-seeking pathway, TV information channels and neighbors were significantly lower, experts were significantly higher, and experts trusting groups were significantly higher. Cancer-related information-seeking groups considered experts such as doctors and pharmacists factors influencing the cancer screening of health center cancer screening support targets, age 65 or younger, groups recognized by broadcasting on cancer management programs, groups without jobs, and health center-SMS phone. The group that recognized the cancer screening support project was influential. Conclusions: Those eligible for cancer screening support at public health centers need close communication through education and promotion, including more direct contact with experts through public health centers.
The Development of Islamic Education and Strengthening of National Education System of Indonesia
Authors: Latief Suryawahyuni , Sari Yeasy Agustina , Yusuf Muhammad , Armila Armila , Hidayat Riyan Erwin
Published: July 2021

This article aims to analyze the development of Islamic education in Indonesia and efforts to strengthen it in the national education system. This type of research is descriptive qualitative. The study of literature by focusing on terms of peeling, summarizing and collecting a literature, then the authors provide an analysis of the data that has been collected. The results showed that during the pre-independence era religious education was not only not recognized but also not included in the education system, it was even suspected of being a place to incite and fight the invaders. At the time of independence it did not yet have a role because the government still tended to be controlled by nationalist and secular groups, if there were Islamic groups, Islam was still more abangan. Thus the New Order government continuously fostered the quality of madrasa education so that in 1975 a joint decree (SKB) was issued by three ministers on Improving the Quality of Education in Madrasas, where the SKB of the three ministers had advantages and disadvantages. So that the solution of this weakness is the government is trying to make breakthroughs to restore the function of the madrasa as a place to print religious leaders, namely by opening an alternative Madrasah Aliyah named Madrasah Aliyah Special Program (MAPK). Henceforth, this MAPK was changed to Madrasah Aliyah Religious (MAK) which focuses and strengthens the field of Islamic education. There are two strengthening of Islamic education in the national education system, namely strengthening Islamic educational institutions, and strengthening religious subjects in all schools both under the auspices of the Ministry of Religion and other Ministries.

Keywords: National Education System of Indonesia, Development of Islamic Education, Strengthening National Education System
Quality of life after extended lymph node dissection for colon cancer
Authors: Shelygin Yu. A. , Muratov I. I. , Sushkov O. I. , Shakhmatov D. G. , Saifutdinova K. R. , Shunin E. M. , Romanova E. M. , Achkasov S. I.
Published: July 2021

Aim: to evaluate the effect of the lymphadenectomy (LD) level on the quality of life (QoL) in patients who underwent laparoscopic colon resection for colon cancer.

Patients and methods: the study included 86 patients who underwent surgery for colon cancer from January 2018 to August 2020. The patients were randomized in 2 groups: the main group — with D3 lymphadenectomy — 41 patients and the control group — with D2 — 45 patients. Two validated QoL questionnaires (QLQ-C30 v. 3.0, QLQ-CR29 v. 2.1) of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) were applied by the patients on the day before the surgery and on the 30th day after the surgery and were used for the further analysis.

Results: there were no significant differences between the groups in gender, age, weight, height, BMI, assessment of functional and physical status according to the ASA and ECOG scales, incidence of comorbidities, tumor site, type and volume surgical of procedures. Regardless of the level of lymphadenectomy, the significant improvement in QoL after surgery was obtained (pQoLD3 = 0.005, pQoLD2 = 0.023) in both groups. The significant increase in the incidence of diarrhea by 2.65 times was detected after laparoscopic right hemicolectomies with extended lymphadenectomy (p = 0.042). Also, there was a significant 2.45 fold increase in the risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED) after D3 lymphadenectomy in the patients who underwent laparoscopic resections of the left colon in the early postoperative period (p = 0.031).

Conclusion: the analysis of physical, social functioning and symptomatic scales has established that in patients who underwent colon resection for cancer of the left colon erectile dysfunction occurred to a greater extent after D3 LD, whereas diarrhea was more likely to develop after resection of the right colon with D3 LD than with D2 LD.
“Cold” polypectomy for colorectal polyps: prospective randomized trial
Authors: Toporkova O. S. , Veselov V. V. , Vaganov Yu. E. , Nagudov M. A. , Majnovskaya O. A. , Chernyshov S. V.
Published: July 2021

Background: endoscopic electroexcision is the standard technique for the removal of colorectal polyps. However, it is associated with the postoperative morbidity. In order to reduce the incidence of complications, “cold” excision seems to be an alternative option.

Aim: to improve the results of endoscopic treatment for patients with colorectal polyps.

Patients and methods: from September 2019 to September 2020, 160 patients ≥ 18 years old (80 in each group), who underwent endoscopic removal of colorectal polyps ≤ 10 mm in size by cold excision (132 lesions) and traditional polypectomy (129 lesions), were included in a prospective randomized trial. All removed specimens were studied histologically with an assessment of the resection margins (R0/R1). The analysis of the postoperative complications after endoscopic polypectomy and the incidence of Rx resection after removal of polyps by both techniques was done.

Results: the compared groups were homogenous in the number of patients, gender, age, and comobridities. There were no significant differences in the number of removed polyps, their site and the type according to endoscopic classifications. The operation time was significantly higher in the conventional polypectomy group compared with the “cold” one (p = 0.0001). There were no significant differences in the intraoperative complications rate between the two groups (p = 0.06). There were no postoperative complications in the “cold” group. In the control group postoperative complications occurred after 12 out of 129 polyps removal (p = 0.001). The univariate analysis showed that a risk factor for the development of postoperative complications after conventional polypectomy is the lack of submucosal lifting (OR: 15.3, 95% CI: 1.9-125.6, p = 0.01). Histopathology of the removed specimens showed that in both groups most of the procedures were considered as R0 resections (54% in the main group, 56.4% in the control group, p = 0.8). The polyp size ≤ 4 mm identified as a risk factor for R1, Rx resection (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3–4.7, p = 0.007).

Conclusion: “cold” polypectomy is an effective and safe method and may be recommended as an alternative technique for the removal of non-pedunculated colorectal polyps ≤ 10 mm.
Leakage of colorectal anastomosis: the role and possibilities of visualisation (review)
Authors: Berezovskaya T. P. , Myalina S. A. , Daineko Ya. A. , Nevolskikh A. A. , Ivanov S. A.
Published: July 2021

In the literature review, the problem of colorectal anastomosis leakage is considered with an emphasis on the role and capabilities of radiology, including methodological features, diagnostic effectiveness and characteristic manifestations at various times after surgery, also controversial and unresolved issues of the use of various methods of radiation research are noted.
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: what has been known for 125 years of research? (review)
Authors: Savelyeva Tatiana A. , Pikunov D. Yu. , Kuzminov A. M. , Tsukanov A. S.
Published: July 2021

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an extremely rare autosomal dominant hereditary disease characterized by the growth of hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract, mucocutaneous pigmented macules and an increased risk of malignant neoplasms of various localizations. In most cases the development of PJS is associated with the presence of a mutation in the STK11 gene, but not all patients have this mutation. This review presents the historical aspects of the first data on PJS, considers the clinical manifestations of the disease, current diagnostic methods, as well as recent knowledge about the genetic causes, about the risk of malignant neoplasms in patients with PJS, existing guidelines for screening and treatment of patients with PJS. However, the presence of a number of unresolved issues in genetics, monitoring and treatment indicates the need for further research.
Clinical and Molecular Correlates of NLRC5 Expression in Patients With Melanoma
Authors: Lv Lei , Wei Qinqin , Wang Zhiwen , Zhao Yujia , Chen Ni , Yi Qiyi
Published: July 2021

NLRC5 is an important regulator in antigen presentation and inflammation, and its dysregulation promotes tumor progression. In melanoma, the impact of NLRC5 expression on molecular phenotype, clinical characteristics, and tumor features is largely unknown. In the present study, public datasets from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and cBioPortal were used to address these issues. We identify that NLRC5 is expressed in both immune cells and melanoma cells in melanoma samples and its expression is regulated by SPI1 and DNA methylation. NLRC5 expression is closely associated with Breslow thickness, Clark level, recurrence, pathologic T stage, and ulceration status in melanoma. Truncating/splice mutations rather than missense mutations in NLRC5 could compromise the expression of downstream genes. Low expression of NLRC5 is associated with poor prognosis, low activity of immune-related signatures, low infiltrating level of immune cells, and low cytotoxic score in melanoma. Additionally, NLRC5 expression correlates with immunotherapy efficacy in melanoma. In summary, these findings suggest that NLRC5 acts as a tumor suppressor in melanoma via modulating the tumor immune microenvironment. Targeting the NLRC5 related pathway might improve efficacy of immunotherapy for melanoma patients.
PAK1 Mediates Bone Marrow Stromal Cell-Induced Drug Resistance in Acute Myeloid Leukemia via ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Banban , Jia Ruinan , Li Wei , Zhou Ying , Guo Dongmei , Teng Qingliang , Du Shenghong , Li Mingying , Li Wěi , Sun Tao , Ma Daoxin , Ji Min , Ji Chunyan
Published: July 2021

Background

Chemoresistance is emerging as a major barrier to successful treatment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) protect leukemia cells from chemotherapy eventually leading to recurrence. This study was designed to investigate the role of p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) in AML progression and chemosensitivity, highlighting the mechanism of stroma-mediated chemoresistance.

Methods

The GEPIA and TCGA datasets were used to analyze the relationship between PAK1 mRNA expression and various clinical parameters of AML patients. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined to evaluate the role of PAK1 on chemosensitivity in AML by silencing PAK1 with shRNA or small molecular inhibitor. Human BMSC (HS-5) was utilized to mimic the leukemia bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) in vitro, and co-culture model was established to investigate the role of PAK1 in BMSC-mediated drug resistance.

Results

p21-activated kinase 1 high expression was shown to be associated with shorter overall survival in AML patients. The silence of PAK1 could repress cell proliferation, promote apoptosis, and enhance the sensitivity of AML cells to chemotherapeutic agents. More importantly, BMSCs induced PAK1 up-regulation in AML cells, subsequently activating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. The effect of BMSC-mediated apoptotic-resistance could be partly reversed by knock down of PAK1.

Conclusion

p21-activated kinase 1 is a potential prognostic predictor for AML patients. PAK1 may play a pivotal role in mediating BMM-induced drug resistance, representing a novel therapeutic target in AML.
Stem Cell Therapies for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Smith Jayden A. , Nicaise Alexandra M. , Ionescu Rosana-Bristena , Hamel Regan , Peruzzotti-Jametti Luca , Pluchino Stefano
Published: July 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination and axonal degeneration. MS patients typically present with a relapsing-remitting (RR) disease course, manifesting as sporadic attacks of neurological symptoms including ataxia, fatigue, and sensory impairment. While there are several effective disease-modifying therapies able to address the inflammatory relapses associated with RRMS, most patients will inevitably advance to a progressive disease course marked by a gradual and irreversible accrual of disabilities. Therapeutic intervention in progressive MS (PMS) suffers from a lack of well-characterized biological targets and, hence, a dearth of successful drugs. The few medications approved for the treatment of PMS are typically limited in their efficacy toactiveforms of the disease, have little impact on slowing degeneration, and fail to promote repair. In looking to address these unmet needs, the multifactorial therapeutic benefits of stem cell therapies are particularly compelling. Ostensibly providing neurotrophic support, immunomodulation and cell replacement, stem cell transplantation holds substantial promise in combatting the complex pathology of chronic neuroinflammation. Herein, we explore the current state of preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the use of stem cells in treating PMS and we discuss prospective hurdles impeding their translation into revolutionary regenerative medicines.
Cardiac, Macro-, and Micro-Circulatory Abnormalities in Association With Individual Metabolic Syndrome Component: The Northern Shanghai Study
Authors: Zhao Fang , Yang Rong , Maimaitiaili Rusitanmujiang , Tang Jiamin , Zhao Song , Xiong Jing , Teliewubai Jiadela , Chi Chen , Blacher Jacques , Li Jue , Xu Yawei , Jiang Yan , Zhang Yi , Li Weiming
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study investigated the association of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components with cardiac, macro-, and micro-circulatory abnormalities in an elderly Chinese population.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using data for 1,958 participants from the Northern Shanghai Study aged over 65 years without a history of cardiovascular disease. MS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III in 2005 (NCEPIII 2005). Asymptomatic cardiovascular impairment parameters, including the left ventricle mass index (LVMI), peak transmitral pulsed Doppler velocity/early diastolic tissue Doppler velocity (E/Ea), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), ankle-brachial index (ABI), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), arterial plaque, and urinary albumin–creatinine rate (UACR), were evaluated.

Results: LVMI, E/Ea, cf-PWV, and the proportion of UACR > 30 mg/g exhibited increasing trends while ABI exhibited a decreasing trend according to the number of MS components (all p for trend < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that MS was significantly associated with LV hypertrophy (LVH), LV diastolic dysfunction, arteriosclerosis, and microalbuminuria (all p < 0.001). Central obesity and high blood pressure were associated with all cardiovascular abnormalities (all p < 0.05), whereas elevated plasma glucose was associated with arteriosclerosis and microalbuminuria (both p < 0.001). In addition, high triglyceride levels were associated with microalbuminuria (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: MS is significantly associated with cardiac, macro-, and micro-circulatory abnormalities in elderly Chinese. Moreover, the presence of individual MS components may have specific prognostic significance.
Impacts of Electric Road Systems on the German and Swedish Electricity Systems—An Energy System Model Comparison
Authors: Olovsson Johanna , Taljegard Maria , Von Bonin Michael , Gerhardt Norman , Johnsson Filip
Published: July 2021

This study analyses the impacts of electrification of the transport sector, involving both static charging and electric road systems (ERS), on the Swedish and German electricity systems. The impact on the electricity system of large-scale ERS is investigated by comparing the results from two model packages: 1) a modeling package that consists of an electricity system investment model (ELIN) and electricity system dispatch model (EPOD); and 2) an energy system investment and dispatch model (SCOPE). The same set of scenarios are run for both model packages and the results for ERS are compared. The modeling results show that the additional electricity load arising from large-scale implementation of ERS is mainly, depending on model and scenario, met by investments in wind power in Sweden (40–100%) and in both wind (20–75%) and solar power (40–100%) in Germany. This study also concludes that ERS increase the peak power demand (i.e., the net load) in the electricity system. Therefore, when using ERS, there is a need for additional investments in peak power units and storage technologies to meet this new load. A smart integration of other electricity loads than ERS, such as optimization of static charging at the home location of passenger cars, can facilitate efficient use of renewable electricity also with an electricity system including ERS. A comparison between the results from the different models shows that assumptions and methodological choices dictate which types of investments are made (e.g., wind, solar and thermal power plants) to cover the additional demand for electricity arising from the use of ERS. Nonetheless, both modeling packages yield increases in investments in solar power (Germany) and in wind power (Sweden) in all the scenarios, to cover the new electricity demand for ERS.
A New Field Instrument for Leaf Volatiles Reveals an Unexpected Vertical Profile of Isoprenoid Emission Capacities in a Tropical Forest
Authors: Taylor Tyeen C. , Wisniewski Wit T. , Alves Eliane G. , Oliveira Junior Raimundo C. , Saleska Scott R.
Published: July 2021

Both plant physiology and atmospheric chemistry are substantially altered by the emission of volatile isoprenoids (VI), such as isoprene and monoterpenes, from plant leaves. Yet, since gaining scientific attention in the 1950’s, empirical research on leaf VI has been largely confined to laboratory experiments and atmospheric observations. Here, we introduce a new field instrument designed to bridge the scales from leaf to atmosphere, by enabling precision VI detection in real time from plants in their natural ecological setting. With a field campaign in the Brazilian Amazon, we reveal an unexpected distribution of leaf emission capacities (EC) across the vertical axis of the forest canopy, with EC peaking in the mid-canopy instead of the sun-exposed canopy surface, and moderately high emissions occurring in understory specialist species. Compared to the simple interpretation that VI protect leaves from heat stress at the hot canopy surface, our results encourage a more nuanced view of the adaptive role of VI in plants. We infer that forest emissions to the atmosphere depend on the dynamic microenvironments imposed by canopy structure, and not simply on canopy surface conditions. We provide a new emissions inventory from 52 tropical tree species, revealing moderate consistency in EC within taxonomic groups. We highlight priorities in leaf volatiles research that require field-portable detection systems. Our self-contained, portable instrument provides real-time detection and live measurement feedback with precision and detection limits better than 0.5 nmolVI m–2leaf s–1. We call the instrument ‘PORCO’ based on the gas detection method: photoionization of organic compounds. We provide a thorough validation of PORCO and demonstrate its capacity to detect ecologically driven variation in leaf emission rates and thus accelerate a nascent field of science: the ecology and ecophysiology of plant volatiles.
Associations Between Genotype and Peripheral Complement Proteins in First-Episode Psychosis: Evidences From C3 and C4
Authors: Chen Yu , Zhao Zhenguo , Lin Fen , Wang Lifang , Lin Zheng , Yue Weihua
Published: July 2021

Schizophrenia is a common neuropsychiatric disorder with complex pathophysiology. Recent reports suggested that complement system alterations contributed to pathological synapse elimination that was associated with psychiatric symptoms in schizophrenia. Complement component 3 (C3) and complement component 4 (C4) play central roles in complement cascades. In this study, we compared peripheral C3 and C4 protein levels between first-episode psychosis (FEP) and healthy control (HC). Then we explored whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at C3 or C4 genes affect peripheral C3 or C4 protein levels. In total, 181 FEPs and 204 HCs were recruited after providing written informed consent. We measured serum C3 and C4 protein levels using turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay and genotyped C3 and C4 polymorphisms using the Sequenom MassArray genotyping. Our results showed that three SNPs were nominally associated with schizophrenia (rs11569562/C3: A > G, p = 0.048; rs2277983/C3: A > G, p = 0.040; rs149898426/C4: G > A, p = 0.012); one haplotype was nominally associated with schizophrenia, constructed by rs11569562–rs2277983–rs1389623 (GGG, p = 0.048); FEP had higher serum C3 and C4 (both p < 0.001) levels than HC; rs1389623 polymorphisms were associated with elevated C3 levels in our meta-analysis (standard mean difference, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.30 to 0.71); the FEP with CG genotype of rs149898426 had higher C4 levels than that with GG genotypes (p = 0.005). Overall, these findings indicated that complement system altered in FEP and rs149898426 of C4 gene represented a genetic risk marker for schizophrenia likely through mediating complement system. Further studies with larger sample sizes needs to be validated.
Identification of MX2 as a Novel Prognostic Biomarker for Sunitinib Resistance in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wei Yuang , Chen Xinglin , Ren Xiaohan , Wang Bao , Zhang Qian , Bu Hengtao , Qian Jian , Shao Pengfei
Published: July 2021

Background

Antiangiogenic agents that specifically target vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), such as sunitinib, have been utilized as the standard therapy for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients. However, most patients eventually show no responses to the targeted drugs, and the mechanisms for the resistance remain unclear. This study is aimed to identify pivotal molecules and to uncover their potential functions involved in this adverse event in ccRCC treatment.

Methods

Two datasets, GSE64052 and GSE76068, were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the limma package in R software. The gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted using clusterProfiler package. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was built using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. Kaplan—Meier survival curves were plotted using R software. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the MX2 and pathway expression in RCC cell lines. Sunitinib-resistant cell lines were constructed, and loss-of-function experiments were conducted by knocking down MX2. All statistical analyses were performed using R version 3.6.1 and SPSS 23.0.

Results

A total of 760 DEGs were derived from two datasets in GEO database, and five hub genes were identified, among which high-level MX2 exhibited a pronounced correlation with poor overall survival (OS) in sunitinib-resistant ccRCC patients. Clinical correlation analysis and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) on MX2 showed that the upregulation of MX2 was significantly related to the malignant phenotype of ccRCC, and it was involved in several pathways and biological processes associated with anticancer drug resistance. qRT-PCR and Western blotting revealed that MX2 was distinctly upregulated in sunitinib-resistant RCC cell lines. Colony formation assay and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay showed that MX2 strongly promoted resistant capability to sunitinib of ccRCC cells.

Conclusion

MX2 is a potent indicator for sunitinib resistance and a therapeutic target in ccRCC patients.