bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successive Waves of COVID 19: Confinement Effects on Virus-Prevalence with a Mathematical Model
Authors: Abdalla Soliman , Bakhshwain Duaa , Shirbeeny Waleed , Bakhshwain Ahmad , Bahabri Fatema , Bakhshwin Abdulaziz , Alsagaf Samar
Published: October 2020

Background A pandemic outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID 19) incidence data are largely available online. Until August 17, COVID 19 has hit more than 22 million individuals all over the globe. So, it is urged to get clear information about the prevalence of the virus. Therefore, one can manipulate easily a suitable mathematical model to fit these published data. Methods We propose a mathematical model that considers the total population, in 25 countries, either infected by COVID-19 or confined (safe) during the period from November 17, 2019, to August 17, 2020. The model considers the total population as a complex number; the imaginary part is the number of infected individuals and the real part is the number of confined individuals. This classification combined with mathematical treatments leads to a transmission dynamics of the virus to be as wave-like motion. The virus can hit any country either by one wave or by successive waves (up to eleven waves). Findings We find net discrimination between the twenty-five countries investigated in this report. The immediate response to the first attack is a substantial parameter to determine whether the epidemic attack will be in one wave or it can be in successive waves. For example, the best case such as individuals in China was hit by one wave while the individuals in the USA were attacked by nine waves; it the worst case all over the globe. In addition, the model differentiates between the daily reproduction numbers (Rd0) and the median reproduction number (R0). We have found that Rd0 decreases exponentially with time from high values down to zero at the wave maximum point; and R0 varies from a country to another. For example, the virus hit individuals in Germany in R0 = 1·39 (96% CI 1·01–3·87) and in the USA R0 = 3·81 (91% CI 1·71–5·15). We have found that twice the virus has hit both the USA and Iran. The great protestation of black matter lives in the USA and the great assemblage of the new Iranian year, on March 21, 2020, have been the cause of the second epidemic attack in both countries.Interpretation Our results show that COVID-19 transmission depends on the prompt reaction against the first viral-wave. The reaction depends on both the social behaviour of individuals and on the swift system-decision by the governmental decision maker (s). The Chinese strictly follow the decision-maker and therefore the virus hit by only one wave; while in the USA, the system-decision was different and the American-responses were different, therefore ten waves followed the first wave.
Individual function of the ancestral prohormone convertase PC1/3 in Tribolium larval growth and moulting highlights major evolutionary changes between beetle and fly neuroendocrine systems
Authors: Fritzsche Sonja , Hunnekuhl Vera Sophie
Published: October 2020

Background: The insect neuroendocrine system acts in the regulation of physiology, development and growth. Molecular evolution of this system hence has the potential to allow for major biological differences between insect groups. Two prohormone convertases, PC1/3 and PC2, are found in animals and both function in the processing of neuropeptide precursors in the vertebrate neurosecretory pathway. Whereas PC2-function is conserved between the fly Drosophila and vertebrates , ancestral PC1/3 was lost in the fly lineage and has not been functionally studied in any protostome. Results: In order to understand its original functions and the changes accompanying the gene loss in the fly, we investigated PC1/3 and PC2 expression and function in the beetle Tribolium castaneum. We found that PC2 is broadly expressed in the nervous system, whereas surprisingly, PC1/3 expression is restricted to specific cell groups in the posterior brain and suboesophageal ganglion. Both proteases have parallel but non-redundant functions in adult beetles’ viability and fertility. Female infertility following RNAi is caused by a failure to deposit sufficient nutritive material to the developing oocytes. Larval RNAi of both genes produced moulting defects where the larvae were not able to shed their old cuticle and became ‘locked-in’. Unexpectedly, PC1/3 RNAi larvae went through supernumerary larval moults despite minimal to zero weight gain. Conclusions: Our results indicate a yet unknown molecular mechanism for the coupling of moulting and growth in insect larvae. Conservation of the evolutionary ancient PC1/3 gene in most insect groups suggests conserved function and that its loss in dipterans may have been accompanied by major changes in the coordination of larval growth and moulting.
Utilization of Chest Tube in Pediatric Caustic Injuries: A New Method for Esophageal Stenting
Authors: Hosseinpour Hamidreza , Salimi Maryam , Shahriarirad Reza , Esfandiari Samira , Pooresmaeel Fatemeh , Foroutan Hamidreza
Published: October 2020

Background: The management of caustic esophageal burns in the pediatric population has changed over the years, while the most optimal management with regards to effectiveness, availability, and cost-beneficent stays controvertible. Herein, along with describing the features of caustic injury, we described how to utilize a chest tube for esophageal stenting in pediatrics.Methods: Data regarding the etiology, treatment, and complications of caustic injury pediatrics during 10 years was collected retrospectively. Furthermore, data regarding the patient’s follow-up who underwent esophageal chest tube (ECT) were collected. The ECT was prepared by carving a narrowed section in the chest tube while maintaining the radiopaque section. The ECT will then be positioned from the cricopharyngeal and exited through the nostril and fixed on the patients’ cheek.Results: Data from 57 patients with an average age of 2.5 years was collected. The most common cause of esophageal burn appertained to alkaline agents (89%). Twenty-nine patients (50.8%) recovered with dilatation alone, 16 ones needed esophageal repair, and ECT was inserted for 7 patients. None of the 7 ECT cases required gastrostomy or jejunostomy.Conclusion: The ECT method introduced in our study can be used as a broadly available, economic, and easy-use facility for esophageal stenting, particularly in developing countries and emergency departments which have limited access to modern equipment. Further multicenter studies with higher volume patients are required for further deployment of this method.
MALAT1 Induces Fibroblast Activation to Promote Cancer Progression via Blunting Autophagic Flux and Instigating IL-6 Secretion in Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Zhen-qiang , Wang Xin-jing , Zhang Tian-qi , Su Li-ping , Liu Bingya , Zhu Zheng-gang , Li Chen
Published: October 2020

BackgroundAutophagy defection contributes to inflammation dysregulation, which plays an important role in gastric cancer (GC) progression. Various studies have demonstrated that long noncoding RNA could function as novel regulators of autophagy. However, the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms by which blockage of autophagy caused by long noncoding RNAs develops cancer progression remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of the long noncoding RNA MALAT1 in the autophagy related inflammation dysregulation of GC progression and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.MethodsThe effect of MALAT1 on autophagy in GC cells was analysed by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. The role of MALAT1 in regulating inflammation dysregulation was evaluated by ELISA, qPCR and immunoblotting. Bioinformatic prediction, RNA immunoprecipitation-qRCP and immunofluorescence were performed to identify the competitive binding relationship among MALAT1, ELAVL1 and PTEN 3'-UTRs.The chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was performed to examine STAT3 interaction in the MALAT1 promoter region. Immunoblotting was performed to identify the PTEN/AKT/mTOR and SQSTM1/NF-kb mediated pathways altered by MALAT1. The influence of MALAT1 on fibroblasts activation were determined both in in vitro and in vivo.ResultsWe found that the long noncoding RNA MALAT1 could promote interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion in GC cells by blocking autophagic flux. Moreover, IL-6 induced by MALAT1 could activate normal to cancer-associated fibroblast conversion. The interaction between GC cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumour microenvironment could facilitate cancer progression. Mechanistically, MALAT1 overexpression destabilized the PTEN mRNA in GC cells by competitively interacting with the RNA-binding protein ELAVL1 to activate the AKT/mTOR pathway for impairing autophagic flux. As the consequence of autophagy inhibition, SQSTM1 accumulation promotes NF-κB translocation to elevate IL-6 expression. Furthermore, STAT3 induced by IL-6 is responsible for upregulation of MALAT1 in GC.ConclusionsOverall, these results demonstrated that intercellular interaction between GC cells and fibroblasts was mediated by autophagy inhibition caused by increased MALAT1 that promote GC progression, providing novel prevention and therapeutic strategies for GC.
Interfering With Hyaluronic Acid Metabolism Suppresses Glioma Cell Proliferation by Regulating Autophagy
Authors: Yan Tao , Chen Xin , Zhan Hua , Yao Penglei , Wang Ning , Yang He , Zhang Cheng , Wang Kaikai , Sun Jingxian , Dong Yu , Lu Enzhou , Zheng Xingzhi , Zhang Ruotian , Wang Xiaoxiong , Ma Jichao , Gao Ming , Ye Junyi , Wang Xinzhuang , Teng Lei , Liu Huailei , Zhao Shiguang
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe tumor microenvironment plays an important role in tumor progression. Hyaluronic acid (HA), an important component of the extracellular matrix in the tumor microenvironment, abnormally accumulates in a variety of tumors. Whereas the role of abnormal HA metabolism in glioma remains unclear. MethodsThe expression level of hyaluronic acid (HA) was analyzed by ELISA assay and proteins such as HAS3, CD44, P62, LC3, CCND1 and CCNB1 were measured with Western blot analysis. The cell viability and proliferation were measured by MTT and KI67 immunofluorescence staining respectively. Autophagic vesicles and autophagosomes were quantified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and GFP-RFP-LC3 fluorescence analysis respectively. Cell cycle was analyzed by flowcytometry and Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to detect expression levels of HA, Ki67, HAS3 and CD44 in human and mouse tumor tissues. Lentivirus constructed HAS3 and CD44 knockout stable glioma cells were transplanted to BALB/C nude mice for in vivo experiments. 4-Methylumbelliferone (4MU) was also used to treat glioma bearing mice for verifing its anti-tumor ability. The expression curve of HAS3, CD44 and the disease-free survival (DFS) curves for HAS3, CD44 in patients with LGG and GBM was performed based on TCGA database. ResultsAs shown in the present study, HA, hyaluronic acid synthase 3 (HAS3) and a receptor of HA named CD44 are expressed at high levels in human glioma tissues and negatively correlated with the prognosis of patients with glioma. Silencing HAS3 or blocking CD44 inhibited the proliferation of glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanism was attributed to the inhibition of autophagy flux and further maintaining glioma cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. More importantly, 4-Methylumbelliferone (4-MU), a small competitive inhibitor of UDP with the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB), also inhibited the proliferation of glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. ConclusionApproaches that interfere with HA metabolism by altering the expression of HAS3 and CD44 and the administration of 4-MU potentially represent effective strategies for glioma treatment.
Elevated Expression of Glycerol-3-phosphate Phosphatase as a Biomarker of Poor Prognosis and Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lounis Mohamed Amine , Ouellet Veronique , Péant Benjamin , Caron Christine , Li Zhenhong , Madiraju S.R Murthy , Prentki Marc , Masson Anne Marie Mes , Saad Fred
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe limitations of the biomarker prostate-specific antigen (PSA) necessitate the pursuit of biomarkers capable of better identifying high-risk prostate cancer (PC) patients in order to improve their therapeutic management and outcome. Aggressive prostate tumors characteristically exhibit high rates of glycolysis and lipogenesis. Glycerol 3-phosphate phosphatase (G3PP), also known as phosphoglycolate phosphatase (PGP), is a recently identified mammalian enzyme, shown to play an important role in the regulation of glucose metabolism, lipogenesis, lipolysis and cellular nutrient excess detoxification. We hypothesized that G3PP is involved in cancer cell growth and assessed the association of its expression with PC patient prognosis. MethodsUsing immunohistochemical staining we assessed the epithelial expression of G3PP in two different radical prostatectomy cohorts with a total of 1797 patients, for whom information on biochemical recurrence (BCR), metastasis and mortality is available. Association between biomarker expression, biochemical recurrence (BCR), bone metastasis and prostate cancer specific survival was established using log-rank and multivariable Cox regression analyses.ResultsHigh expression of G3PP prostate cancer epithelial cells is associated with an increased risk of BCR, bone metastasis and prostate cancer specific mortality. Multivariate analysis revealed high G3PP expression in tumors as an independent predictor of BCR and bone metastasis development. ConclusionsHigh G3PP expression in tumor from patients eligible for prostatectomies is a new and independent prognostic biomarker of poor prognosis and aggressive prostate cancer specifically for recurrence, bone metastasis and mortality.
Long Non-Coding RNA TMEM220-AS1 Suppressed Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating the miR-484/MAGI1 Axis as a Competing Endogenous RNA
Authors: Cao Cong , Li Jun , Li Guangzhi , Hu Gaoyu , Deng Zhihua , Huang Bing , Yang Jing , Li Jiequn , Cao Song
Published: October 2020

BackgroundLong non-coding RNA has a considerable regulative influence in multiple biological processes. Nevertheless, the role of TMEM220-AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.MethodsWe used the TCGA database to analyze differentially expressed lncRNAs. qRT-PCR was used to verify the results in a large population. Afterwards, in vitro effects of TMEM220-AS1 on HCC cells were determined by CCK-8, EdU, Flow cytometry experiment and transwell assays in HCC cells. We adopted qRT-PCR, western blot to identify epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, we adopted bioinformatics analysis, western blot, dual luciferase reporter gene assay and RIP to investigate underlying molecular mechanisms of TMEM220-AS1 function. Finally, the function of TMEM220-AS1 was verified in vivo.ResultsTMEM220-AS1 was remarkably decreasedin HCC. It was demonstrated that malignant phenotypes and EMT of HCC cells were promoted by knocking TMEM220-AS1 down both in vivo and in vitro. TMEM220-AS1, which was detected distributing mainly in the cytoplasm, worked as a miRNA sponge to sponge miR-484 and promote the level of MAGI1, therefore curbed malignant phenotypes of HCC cells.ConclusionsIn conclusion, downregulation of TMEM220-AS1promotes HCC through miR-484/MAGI1 axis.
Longitudinal CTCs gene expression analysis on metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients treated with docetaxel reveals new potential prognosis markers
Authors: Pereira-Veiga Tais , González-Conde Miriam , León-Mateos Luis , Piñeiro-Cid Roberto , Abuín Carmen , Muinelo-Romay Laura , Martínez-Fernández Mónica , Iglesias Jenifer Brea , González Jorge García , Anido Urbano , Aguín-Losada Santiago , Cebey Víctor , Costa Clotilde , López-López Rafael
Published: October 2020

Background:CTCs have extensively used for the monitoring and characterization of metastatic prostate cancer, but their use in the clinic is still very scarce. Besides, the resistance mechanisms linked to prostate cancer treatment remain unclear. Liquid biopsies represent the most promising alternative due to the complexity of biopsying bone metastasis and the duration of the disease. Prostate cancer can last from a few months to many years, where the primary tumour does not represent the molecular features of the advanced stage. Methods:We performed a prospective longitudinal study in CTCs from 20 castration-resistant prostate cancer patients treated with docetaxel. For that, we used CellSearch® technology and a custom gene expression panel with qRT-PCR using a CTCs negative enrichment approach.Results:We found that CTCs showed a hybrid phenotype during the disease, where epithelial features were associated with the presence of ≥ 5 CTCs/7.5 mL of blood, while high relative expression of the gene MYCL was observed preferentially in the set of samples with < 5 CTCs/7.5 mL of blood. At baseline, patients whose CTCs had epithelial features showed an early progression. After 1 cycle of docetaxel, high relative expression of ZEB1 indicated worse outcome, while KRT19 and KLK3 high expression predisposed the patients to a worse prognosis at clinical progression.Conclusions:In the present work we describe biomarkers with clinical relevance for the prediction of early response or resistance in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. Besides, we question the utility of targeted isolated CTCs and the use of a limited number of markers to define the CTCs population.
Morocco’s External Performance: An Empirical Assessment of Export Competitiveness Determinants
Authors: Labrar Sara , Elmarhoum Adil
Published: October 2020

The objective of this article is to study the external competitiveness of Morocco. To do so, we first make a sectoral analysis of Moroccan international trade. This analysis reveals the sectors and products in which Morocco should specialize, as well as the products in which Morocco has a strong export potential. Then, we study the impact of the introduction of price and cost competitiveness indicators in the export's equations of Armington (1969). Using a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) estimated over the period 1988-2017. The principal results confirm that Moroccan external competitiveness can’t be measured only by the price factor. We also show that the competitiveness is also reflected with other factors like cost of production and quality.JEL Classification : C22, F14, F13, O55
The Dynamics and Sources of Technical Efficiency of the Manufacturing Industries in Bangladesh
Authors: Emran Sheikh Jafar , Moniruzzaman Md.
Published: October 2020

This paper aims to analyze the dynamics of technical production efficiency of the manufacturing sector in Bangladesh using the cross-sectional data collected under the Survey of Manufacturing Industries (SMI) conducted in 2006 and 2012. Based on the dynamics of mean efficiency scores among the industries derived using Stochastic Frontier Analysis(SFA) techniquewith Cobb-Douglas technology with half-normal distribution during the considered period three most efficiency gainer industries are ((i) Jute textile,(ii) Dying and bleaching of textiles, and(iii) Bidies respectively. On the other hand, under SFA specification with Translog production function top three efficiency gainers are (i) Jute textile,(ii) Bidies, and(iii) Fish, Crustaceans and Molluses respectively. Under constant returns to scale in Data Envelopment Analysis(DEA), based on the mean efficiency score top three efficiency gainers are(i) Fibre textile,(ii) Embroidery of textile and apparel, and(iii) Wooden furniture and fixture respectively while undervariable returns to scale top three gainers are(i) Fibre textile,(ii) Embroidery of textile and apparel, and(iii) Wooden furniture and fixture respectively. Whatever technique we employ, we find that most cases garments or garments related industries remain among top performers in terms of efficiency gain. This indicates that garments industries have improved significantly in terms of efficiency to survive in world competition. Moreover, our results suggest that firm characteristics, location factors as well as ownership features are more important jointly rather than individually to enhance efficiency. Locational and ownership characteristics jointly, in most cases, are also not so influential in pulling the efficiency measures up. However, the firm characteristics are very important in raising the technical efficiency of the firms, especially in case of stochastic frontier analysis. And firm characteristics shows stronger impacts in interaction with other locational and/or ownership characteristics.
Integration of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy into the ERAS protocol for Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Bao Yang , Dai Xin , Zhao Deming , Ye Xin , Yao Yao , Kong Lingling , Gui Yang , Gao Qihong
Published: October 2020

Objective We integrated neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) into the protocol for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in the management of gastric cancer. This study was aimed at investigating the feasibility and effectiveness of this combined approach. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with gastric cancer undergoing cancer treatment at our Department from January 2016 to June 2019. All patients were compliant with the ERAS protocol perioperatively and were divided into an ERAS group and an ERAS + NAC group for the study. The following parameters were compared between the two groups: TNM staging, the choice of the surgical approach, estimated blood loss, operating time, placement of drainage and catheter, the volume of fluid resuscitation in surgery, the volume of fluid resuscitation on the first postoperative day, time to postoperative ambulation, time to first postoperative flatulence, time to first clear liquid diet, time to puree and soft food diet, time of catheter removal, length of hospitalization after surgery, length of hospitalization, complications, mortality, and 30-day readmission rate. Results This study involved 198 patients who were separated into an ERAS group with 143 patients and an ERAS + NAC group with 55 patients. In comparison with the ERAS group, patients in the ERAS + NAC group were not only pathologically diagnosed with later TNM-stage cancers but were also more likely to undergo total gastrectomy. Further comparison revealed no significant differences in all perioperative parameters related to ERAS. In the ERAS group, the length of hospitalization after surgery was 7.5±5.4 days with a range of 3 to 50 days, the length of hospitalization was 12.5±5.5 days with a range of 9 to 56 days, the incidence rate of complications was 11.2%, and the 30-day readmission rate was zero. In the ERAS + NAC group, the LOHAS was 6.9±3.2 days (4-16 days), the LOH was 11.8±3.1 days (5-21 days), and the complication rate was 10.9%. Both groups had zero 30-day readmission rates and zero deaths. Conclusion The ERAS protocol can be feasibly and effectively applied to gastric cancer patients with later TNM stages. Moreover, NAC can be integrated into the ERAS protocol for patients with advanced gastric cancer.
A nomogram to predict prognosis after surgery for young patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Xingchen , Bi Xinyu , Zhao Jianjun , Li Zhiyu , Zhou Jianguo , Huang Zhen , Zhang Yefan , Zhao Hong , Cai Jianqiang
Published: October 2020

Background Only few studies have been evaluated the clinical characteristics and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in young patients. The purpose of this study is to identify prognostic factors and develop an efficient and practical nomogram to predict cancer-specific survival in young patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods Four-hundred-and-forty-one young patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who had undergone surgery from 2004-2015 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The competing risk model, Lasso and Cox regression were used to screen prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival, and a prognostic nomogram was established using these factors. Thirty-nine young patients with hepatocellular carcinoma from the National Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science were used to validate our model. To further evaluate the predictive performance of our model, the concordance index was calculated and the calibration curves were drawn. The clinical usefulness was evaluated by decision curve analysis(DCA). Finally, all patients were grouped by our nomogram. The survival of different risk groups was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the differences among survival curves were compared by the log-rank test.Results The median survival times of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results training group and the external National Cancer Center validation group were 41 and 52 months, respectively. Histological grade, tumor size, Alpha-fetoprotein, T stage, and M stage were selected as independent factors for cancer-specific survival, and a prognostic nomogram was established. The concordance indices of the training and external validation groups were 0.76 (95% CI, 0.72 to 0.80) and 0.92 (se=0.085), respectively. The calibration plots showed good agreement. Decision curve analysis revealed that our nomogram resulted in a better clinical net benefit than the AJCC 7th edition and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging systems. Patients were divided into two risk groups according to the cut-off value of 125 of the total points from our nomogram. Kaplan-Meier plots for cancer-specific survival were performed using the log-rank test, the p-value of which was <0.001.Conclusions The practical nomogram resulted in a more-accurate prognostic prediction for young hepatocellular carcinoma patients after curative liver resection.
Outcome of Chondroblastoma Treated With Intralesional Curettage and Autogenous Iliac Bone Graft: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Yang Lei , Yang Panyi , Wang Daoxi , Yang Xiaodong , Li Lang , Tang xueyang
Published: October 2020

BackgroundChondroblastoma is a rare benign tumor mainly occurred in epiphyses and apophyses of long bones, and usually affects the young people. The primary treatment for chondroblastoma is intralesional curettage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical result of patients suffering chondroblastoma treated with intralesional curettage, electrocauterization of the cavity and autogenous iliac bone grafting. MethodsFrom January 2000 to January 2010, 15 patients with chondroblastoma were treated with intralesional curettage and electrocauterization of the cavity, and 14 of them received autogenous iliac bone grafting. After operation, patients were immobilized with splint for 4 weeks and followed up for at least 10 years. The recurrence was examined by clinical manifestation and X ray. The clinical outcome included complications and the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS).ResultsTotally, 15 patients with chondroblastoma were enrolled in our study, including 9 males and 6 females, with a mean age of 13 years old (range from 8 to 21 years). The most common chief compliant were pain and limited joint motion, others including local swelling and increased skin temperature. The mean duration of symptom was 5 months (range from 2-14 months). Tumors mostly affected the proximal humerus (7/15), distal femur (4/15), proximal femur (1/15), proximal tibia (2/15) and femoral head (1/15). With a mean follow up of 12years (range from 10-16 years) , two patients had complications of upper limb shortening and one patient suffered re-operation due to tumor recurrence. The mean postoperative MSTS was 28.1 (range, 24 to 30) points, which was significantly higher than the preoperative score of 17.6 (range, 12 to 21) points.ConclusionsThorough curettage with electrocauterization and autogenous iliac bone grafting has good functional outcomes in the treatment of chondroblastoma, but still has a low risk of recurrence and complications.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, retrospective case series.
The DEDO Forest Conservation Culture a Means to Conserves the Ororo (Ekebergia Capensis) Tree.
Authors: Shoddo Getaneh Haile
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe forest people around the world through their indigenous knowledge contribute to the sustainable management of forests. This article argues that the Sheka people in southwestern Ethiopia by their ecological knowledge, values, and spiritual use could manage the Ororo tree (Ekebergia capensis). The Ororo tree (Ekebergia capensis) is one of the most important endemic tree species in the Sheka zone southwestern Ethiopia and, at the same time, one of the most endangered species. MethodsData collected on the indigenous ecological knowledge of the Sheka people and how the Ororo tree could be managed and conserved through the DEDO culture documented and the spiritual connection between the Ororo trees and the Sheka people traditional belief system measured. ResultsThe findings revealed that through their traditional forest-related knowledge, the Sheka people conserve and manage a single larger tree called Ororo. The Ororo tree is a special type of tree that has cultural and spiritual attachments that are presently non-existent. This unique forest conservation practice has been referred to as the DEDO culture. Thus, The culture of DEDO described in this article shows that it still exists in every element of local forest protection, and management Ororo tree (Ekebergia capensis). As the study clearly shows, the DEDO culture is productive and efficient for forest management, and this useful culture has demonstrated its significance in the protection of various forest types and tree species, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity.ConclusionThus, The culture of DEDO described in this article shows that it still exists in every element of local forest protection, and management Ororo tree (Ekebergia capensis). As the study clearly shows, the DEDO culture is productive and efficient for forest management, and this useful culture has demonstrated its significance in the protection of various forest types and tree species, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity.
Artificial Neural Network Model to Predict Post-Hepatectomy Early Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma without Macroscopic Vascular Invasion
Authors: Mai Rong-yun , M.M. Jie Zeng , Meng M.M. Wei-da , Lu Hua-ze , Liang Rong , Lin Yan , Wu Guo-bin , Li Le-qun , Ma Liang , Ye Jia-zhou , Bai Tao
Published: October 2020

Background: The accurate prediction of post-hepatectomy early recurrence (PHER) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is of great significance in determining postoperative adjuvant treatment and monitoring. This research aimed to develop and validate an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict PHER in HCC patients without macroscopic vascular invasion.Methods: 903 patients who underwent curative liver resection for HCC were collected. They were randomly divided into a derivation cohort (n = 679) and a validation cohort (n = 224). The ANN model was then developed in the derivation cohort and verified in the validation cohort.Results: The morbidity of PHER in the derivation and validation cohorts was 34.8% and 39.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that hepatitis B virus DNA load, γ-glutamyl transpeptadase, α-fetoprotein, tumor diameter, tumor differentiation, microvascular invasion, satellite nodules and blood loss were significantly associated with PHER. Incorporating these factors, the ANN model had greater discriminatory abilities than conventional Cox model, existing recurrence models and commonly used staging systems for predicting PHER. Stratification into two risk groups indicated a statistically significant discrepancy in recurrence-free survival curves. Conclusion: The ANN model has a significant advantage in predicting PHER for HCC patients without macroscopic vascular invasion when compared to other models and staging systems.
Usefulness of Monitoring Circulating Tumor Cells as a Therapeutic Biomarker in Melanoma with BRAF Mutation
Authors: Okuyama Ryuhei , Kiniwa Yukiko , Nakamura Kenta , Mikoshiba Asuka , Ashida Atsuko , Akiyama Yasuyuki , Morimoto Atsushi
Published: October 2020

Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are non-invasive biomarkers that could be used to characterize changes in tumors. In this study, we monitored the number of CTCs, as well as the BRAF genotype of individual CTCs. Methods: CTCs were isolated from peripheral blood using a high-density dielectrophoretic microwell array, followed by labeling with melanoma-specific markers (MART-1 and/or gp100) and a leukocyte marker (CD45). Results: Examination of patients with stage 0–III melanoma detected CTCs even in patients with early disease (stage 0 or I). Next, we analyzed CTCs in five patients with stage IV melanoma during treatment with BRAF/MEK inhibitors. The number of CTCs fluctuated in association with the drug response in four of the five patients, suggesting that the total number of CTCs usually reflected the drug response. Interestingly, one of those patients had CTCs with seven different BRAF genotypes, and the mutated CTCs disappeared upon treatment with BRAF/MEK inhibitors, except for those harboring BRAFA598V.Conclusions: CTCs are present even in the early stage of melanoma, and the number of CTCs seems to reflect drug response during treatment with BRAF/MEK inhibitors. Furthermore, genetic heterogeneity of BRAF may contribute to drug resistance of BRAF/MEK inhibitor. Our findings demonstrate the usefulness of CTC analysis in melanoma for monitoring targeted therapies and understanding mechanism of drug resistance.
Risk factors of mortality for intensive care COVID-19 patients: A retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Gu Yanli , Wang Donghui , Chen Cen , Lu Wanjun , Liu Hongbing , Lv Tangfeng , Song Yong , Zhang Fang
Published: October 2020

Aims: To identify the risk factors of mortality for coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU), we conducted a retrospective analysis.Methods: The demographic characteristics, laboratory findings and chest X-ray data of COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU of Huoshenshan Hospital from February 10 to April 10, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Student's t test and chi-square test were used to compare continuous variables, categorical variables respectively. Logistic regression model was used to seek risk factors of mortality.Results: A total of 57 patients (38 males and 19 females) were included in this retrospective study, including 20 patients in deceased group and 37 patients in surviving group. Leukocyte count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, eosinophil count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), urea nitrogen, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), arterial partial pressure of oxygen/oxygen concentration (PaO2/FiO2) and imaging findings were statistically different between the two groups. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified IL-6 and PaO2/FiO2 as independent risk factors of mortality. The area of under curves (AUC) of IL-6 and PaO2/FiO2 were 0.9 (95%CI:0.823-0.977, p<0.0001) and 0.865 (95%CI:0.774-0.956, p<0.0001) respectively. The cut-off value of IL-6 was 25.69 pg/mL, the sensitivity was 95% and the specificity was 75.7%, while the cut-off value of PaO2/FiO2 was 167.79 mmHg, the sensitivity was 75.7% and the specificity was 85%.Conclusion: Clinicians should pay enough attention to IL-6 and PaO2/FiO2, especially when IL-6>25.69 pg/ml and PaO2/FiO2<167.79 mmHg, and take active intervention measures as early as possible.
Synthesis and identification of 1,1,3,3-tetra-[1,2-dihydro-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-3-oxopyrazole]propane
Authors: Babadeev D. V. , Stroganova E. A.
Published: October 2020

Pyrazole derivatives are of practical value as analytical reagents, dyes and medicinal substances. It is known that 1,2-dihydro-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenylpyrazol-3H-one (antipyrine) and its bidentate derivatives are good analytical reagents for d-metal ions (Cd2+, Fe3+, Sc3+, Ti4+, Zn2+, Co2+, etc.). The chelating ability of bi-, tri- and tetradentate antipyrine derivatives make them promising organic ligands for the synthesis of organometallic coordination polymers. Therefore, synthesis of new tetradentate derivatives of 1,2-dihydro-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-3Hpyrazole-one seems to be a highly relevant research task. The aim of this work was to synthesize and study a new substance – 1,1,3,3-tetra-[1,2-dihydro-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-3-oxopyrazole]propane (tetraantipyryl-propane). A review of existing methods for the synthesis of antipyrine derivatives through condensation of 1,2-dihydro-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-one with aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes was carried out. A method was developed for the preparation and purification of 1,1,3,3-tetra-[1,2-dihydro-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-3-oxopyrazole]propane by the reaction of electrophilic substitution of the protonated form of propandial (malonic dialdehyde) in the aromatic ring of the oxopyrazole heterocycle with a yield of 17.1%. The resulting compound is a white crystalline substance, readily soluble in organic polar and non-polar solvents, but insoluble in water. The purity of the recrystallized synthesis product was confirmed by measuring its melting point and conducting a qualitative reaction with sodium nitrite to detect an unsubstituted oxopyrazole cycle in the reaction substrate. The structure of 1,1,3,3-tetra-[1,2-dihydro-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-3-oxopyrazole]propane was established by mass spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy.
Regulation of the activity of adenylate cyclases by hydrogen peroxide in pea root cells Infected with pathogens and a mutualist
Authors: Kuzakova O. V. , Lomovatskaya L. A. , Romanenko A. S. , Goncharova A. M.
Published: October 2020

This study examines the effect of a range of exogenous concentrations of hydrogen peroxide on the activity of transmembrane and soluble adenylate cyclases (EC 4.6.1.1) contained in root cells of pea seedlings infected with one of the following: Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. Viciae, Pseudomonas syringae pv. Pisi, and Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus. The results showed that the pool of intracellular H2O2 increased when pea roots were infected with bacteria regardless of type. The study analysed the concentration of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate, a product of the adenosine triphosphate cyclization reaction catalyzed by transmembrane and soluble adenylate cyclases. The concentration of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate increased when infected with either Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae or Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. Sepedonicus; however, the concentration decreased by 20% when infected with Pseudomonas syringae pv. Pisi. The in vitro activity of soluble and transmembrane adenylate cyclases from pea root cells inoculated with Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae was H2O2 dose-dependent: 100 nM of H2O2 reduced the activity of soluble and transmembrane adenylate cyclases slightly, while 26 µM inhibited their activity by 50–60%. When infected with Pseudomonas syringae pv. pisi, the reduction in the activity of soluble and transmembrane adenylate cyclases was independent of the concentrations of H2O2 in the range investigated. When infected with Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus, 100 nM of H2O2 inhibited the activity of transmembrane adenylate cyclases, although enhancing the activity of soluble adenylate cyclases. On the contrary, concentrations of H2O2 of 2.6 and 26 µM increased the activity of transmembrane adenylate cyclases and inhibited the activity of soluble adenylate cyclases. It can be concluded that the specific concentration of second messengers in plant cells depends on the specificity of the biotic stressor and forms, inter alia, by their mutual influence on the components of other plant signaling systems.
Determination of phenolic compounds in water-ethanol extracts of Populus tremula L. leaves using high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Kotsupiy O. V. , Zagurskaya Yu. V. , Ufimtsev V. I.
Published: October 2020

The analytical task of determining the phenolic compound content of water-ethanol extracts of Populus tremula L. (common aspen) leaves is complicated by the heterogeneity of compound groups having different polarities and appearing in varying concentrations. The purpose of the present work is to study the conditions of solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography used to analyse the content of different groups of phenolic compounds in water-ethanol extracts of leaves from the P. tremula plant. In order to facilitate the derivation of phenolic compounds, an exhaustive extraction process was carried out using ethanol. Solid-phase extraction was carried out using a Diapak C16 cartridge, after which the eluates were passed through a membrane filter having a pore diameter of 0.45 μm. The high-performance liquid chromatography method was used to determine the content of phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosides, as well as salicin and individual flavonoid glycoside components: hyperoside, rutin, astragalin and two unidentified flavonoid glycosides in aqueous (analyte 1) and aqueous-alcoholic fractions (analyte 2) in two systems along the gradient elution. The requirement of analysing the primary aqueous eluate together or in parallel with the main aqueous-alcoholic fraction in the preparation of P. tremula leaf extracts for high-performance liquid chromatography using solid-phase extraction cartridges was substantiated. For separating the extract to determine the hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acid content, it is preferable to use system 2; for determining the phenologlycoside (salicin) content, system 1 is more effective. Flavonoid glycosides (hyperoside, rutin, astragalin and two unidentified flavonoids) make the most significant contribution to the difference between the aqueous and aqueous-alcoholic fractions.
New functional copolymers of 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole with allylamine
Authors: Prozorova G. F. , Emel’yanov A. I. , Korzhova S. A.
Published: October 2020

New water-soluble functional copolymers based on 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole and allylamine were synthesized under the action of free-radical initiation conditions and azobisisobutyric acid dinitrile. Сopolymers of various compositions with a molecular weight of 1287–30204 Da were obtained by varying reaction conditions. The structure, molecular weight and physicochemical properties of the copolymers were determined using elemental analysis, IR and NMR 1H-spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, potentiometric and turbidimetric titration, as well as dynamic light scattering and thermogravimetric analysis. It was established that the obtained copolymers, exhibiting the properties of high-resistance organic semiconductors, are characterized by a specific electrical conductivity of 10-13 – 10-14 S/cm and high resistance to thermal destruction (up to 260–280 °C). These copolymers are promising as stabilizing polymer matrices in the formation of biologically active water-soluble hybrid organic-inorganic nanocomposites.
PENGETAHUAN MAHASISWA INSTITUT AGAMA ISLAM NEGERI KERINCI TENTANG TEORI ASAL USUL MANUSIA
Authors: Ferry Dharma , Santosa Tomi , Kamil Dairabi
Published: October 2020

Evolusi adalah salah satu cabang ilmu biologi yang mengkaji tentang perubahan struktur dari makhluk hidup. Evolusi dipopulerkan pertama kali oleh ilmuwan Inggris, Charles Darwin. Ada beberapa kontroversi dalam beberapa teori evolusi ini, salah satunya adalah teori asal-usul manusia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengetahuan mahasiswa jurusan Biologi dan Pendidikan Agama Islam tentang asal usul manusia. Penelitian menggunakan jenis penelitian kualitatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan fenomena. Informan penelitian ini adalah mahasiswa jurusan biologi dan Pendidikan Agama Islam. Teknik pengumpulan berupa wawancara dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa mahasiswa biologi dan mahasiswa Pendidikan Agama mengetahui asal usul manusia secara sains dan agama. Pengetahuan mahasiswa biologi dari segi sains menyatakan bahwa (1) asal usul manusia berasal dari nenek moyang yang sama dengan kera, (2) asal usul manusia dari makhluk hidup sebelumnya, sedangkan dari segi agama menyatakan bahwa asal usul manusia dari tanah. Pengetahuan mahasiswa Pendidikan Agama dari segi sains menyatakan bahwa (1) Asal usul menusia itu berasal dari nenek moyang yang sama dengan kera, (2) asal usul manusia itu berasal makhluk hidup sebelumnya, (3) Asal usul manusia berasal dari manusia sebelumnya, sedangkan dari segi agama menyatakan bahwa (1) Asal usul manusia itu berasal dari tanah, (2) Asal usul manusia itu berasal dari Nabi Adam dan Hawa
PENGARUH KEAKTIFAN SISWA DALAM KEGIATAN PRAMUKA TERHADAP KEPEDULIAN LINGKUNGAN PESISIR
Authors: Ikhwanudin Ikhwanudin , Ikhrom Ikhrom , Hayati Nur
Published: October 2020

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui pengaruh keaktifan siswa kelas X MA NU Nurul Huda dalam kegiatan Pramuka terhadap kepedulian lingkungan pesisir. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif, dengan teknik pengambilan sampel secara random. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode expost facto. Jumlah populasi sebanyak 144 siswa, kemudian diambil sampel dengan taraf kesalahan 5% dari populasi dengan jumlah 108 siswa. Teknik pengumpulan data dengan metode dokumentasi dan angket. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah teknik analisis regresi sederhana, dengan tahapan analisis instrument dan pengujian hipotesis. Analisis terdiri dari dua tahap yaitu uji validitas dan uji reliabilitas. Sedangkan pengujian hipotesis melalui lima tahapan, yaitu uji keberartian korelasi, uji koefisien korelasi pada regresi linier sederhana, koefisien determinasi, persamaan regresi serta uji keberartian dan kelinieran regresi. Analisis hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara keaktifan siswa kelas X MA NU Nurul Huda Semarang dalam kegiatan Pramuka (X) dengan kepedulian lingkungan pesisir (Y). Nilai kontribusi pengaruh keaktifan siswa MA NU Nurul Huda Semarang terhadap kepedulian lingkungan pesisir adalah sebesar 12%.
UNIT KEGIATAN BELAJAR MANDIRI (UKBM)
Authors: Septiana Reni , Listyono Listyono , Ismail Ismail
Published: October 2020

Sistem Kredit Semester diselenggarakan melalui pengorganisasian pembelajaran variatif dan pengelolaan waktu belajar yang fleksibel. Pengorganisasian pembelajaran variatif melalui penyediaan unit-unit pembelajaran utuh setiap mata pelajaran dikenal dengan Unit Kegiatan Belajar Mandiri atau UKBM. UKBM merupakan hal yang baru, sehingga penerapan UKBM memberikan perubahan dalam proses belajar mengajar serta pola pikir peserta didik dan pendidik. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menganalisis penerapan Unit Kegiatan Belajar Mandiri mata pelajaran biologi kelas X lintas minat SMA N 1 Kendal tahun pelajaran 2018/2019 berdasarkan Standar Nasional Pendidikan dan analisis SWOT. Penelitian ini adalah jenis penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan observasi, wawancara, angket, dan dokumentasi. Uji keabsahan data menggunakan teknik triangulasi. Teknik analisis data meliputi pengumpulan data, reduksi, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Analisis data menggunakan Standar Nasional Pendidikan dan analisis SWOT. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa penerapan Unit Kegiatan Belajar Mandiri mata pelajaran biologi kelas X lintas minat SMA N 1 Kendal tahun pelajaran 2018/2019 dari tahap persiapan, pelaksanaan, dan evaluasi sudah sesuai dan memenuhi Standar Nasional Pendidikan. Kekuatan dari penerapan UKBM lebih banyak dibandingkan dengan kelemahannya yaitu perencanaan pembelajaran yang baik sesuai dan memenuhi SNP serta UKMB dapat meningkatkan motivasi belajar peserta didik. Kelemahan UKMB adalah peserta didik dengan kecepatan belajar lambat merasa waktu terlalu singkat. Peluang dari penerapan UKBM juga lebih banyak dibandingkan dengan ancaman sehingga keberadaan UKMB dapat terus dikembangkan untuk membantu peserta didik belajar.