bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of safety and efficacy of Karallief® Easy ClimbTM, an herbal extract blend for supporting joint health: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Rajendran Krishna , Vieira Karen F. , Ramaswamy Rajendran , Koffie Robert M. , Rajendran Ravikumar , Berger Trisha R. , Bharadwaja Ramachandra , Deep Dheeraj Kumar , Venkateshwarlu Kudiganti
Published: December 2020

Background: Osteoarthritis is common among the aging population worldwide. The current techniques to manage osteoarthritis focus on relieving pain and slowing the progression of the disease. Herbal or natural supplements have shown promise in achieving both these treatment goals. Two new proprietary herbal extract blends, Karallief® Easy ClimbTM (KEC) and herbal extracts with glucosamine (HEG), are combinations of several natural products shown to be effective in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The current study tested the efficacy and safety of KEC and HEG versus a placebo control.Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study. A total of 120 patients were divided into 3 groups and were given KEC, HEG and Placebo in the ratio 1:1:1. Treatment results were assessed using the 30 second chair stand test, WOMAC test, knee flexion test and joint space measurement using X-rays of the knee joint.Results: The study found that the herbal supplements HEG and KEC significantly reduced osteoarthritis-related knee pain and increased joint mobility and were safe to use during 120 days of treatment. Both supplements resulted in an improvement in the 30 second chair stand test results, WOMAC pain scores, knee flexion, and joint space width as measured by X-ray, as compared to the placebo.Conclusions: Natural supplements such as HEG and KEC improve knee osteoarthritis symptoms and can be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with osteoarthritis.
Study of association and prognostic correlation of cardiac troponin I estimation in acute decompensated heart failure patients
Authors: Tripathi Sunil Kumar , Mishra Vikas A. , Kinare Amit B. , Tripathi Vishwa Deepak , Sharma Ravi Shankar
Published: December 2020

Background: Heart failure is a major public health problem since last few decades affecting significant number of people worldwide. Acute decompensated heart failure is a major cause of hospitalization in elderly people with a high mortality rate. Heterogeneity and non-specificity of symptoms makes diagnosis of heart failure by clinical presentation alone more challenging. Aim of current study was to investigate troponin biomarkers in diagnosis, prognosis and management of acute decompensated heart failure.  Methods: Present study was a prospective observational study conducted on 100 patients at Department of Cardiology, Superspeciality hospital, NSCB medical college Jabalpur and Department of cardiology Superspeciality hospital, SS medical college Rewa from October 2019 to August 2020. Patients were investigated for clinical, echocardiographic parameters and NYHA classification. Cardiac functions were analyzed by color doppler echocardiography. Results: According to study findings, 65.2% of TnI positive patients were males whereas 34.8% were females. Mean age of TnI positive group was observed to be higher. Majority of troponin positive patients were in NYHA class IV. Recurrent hospitalization was observed more in TnI positive group. Logistic regression analysis depicted systolic blood pressure reduced significantly (p<0.001) on follow up study in TnI positive patients, FBS was significantly more in TnI positive patients (131.4+42.9 mg/dl) (p=0.049). LVID was significantly more in TnI positive patients (p=0.022). Reduction in EF was statistically significant (p=0.03) at the three months follow up study.  Conclusions: A positive prognostic correlation was established between ADHF and troponin positivity, large prospective randomized trials are necessary to recommend quantitative troponin I determination in all patients of acute decompensated heart failure for prognosis and guiding therapy.
Management and Environmental Safety from Fire Disasters in a Fire Response Village Model
Authors: Rahmatullah M Febby , Lukita W Ayusta , Budiarsih Budiarsih
Published: December 2020

One of the causes of the fire disaster is the density of the population which causes social and economic damage. For this reason, studies are needed to detect potential disasters from an early age. Disaster management models and systems need to be created and developed to overcome the fire disaster in the village of Jambangan Surabaya. This study focuses on how the regulation and community awareness model against fire disasters can create a good environment. The method used is descriptive analytical method and a multi-disciplinary approach by applying a comparative legal approach and case studies as well as appropriate technology based on social engineering designs that are used to analyze all the implementation of environmental structuring policies and public awareness by maximizing the potential of human and natural resources. The results of the study found that the community awareness model with the title fire response village was able to make the community adaptive and responsive in facing potential fires, disaster management and post-fire recovery.
The Effect of Bank Capacity and Loan to Deposit Ratio on Profitability and Credit Risk
Authors: Steven Steven , Toni Nagian
Published: December 2020

This research aims to analyze the effect of bank scale and Loan to Deposit Ratio toward profita-bility within the credit risk as moderating variable in banking companies that listed on 2014-2018 Indonesia Stock Exchange. The population of this research include of banking companies that has listed on 2014-2018 Indonesia Stock Exchange. The sampling technique used purposive sam-pling, in order to obtain 28 companies within 5 years of observations to 140 observations. The data analysis used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The data analysis technique was done by residual test. The results of this research showed that bank scale has posi-tive and significant influence on profitability, loan to deposit ratio has no influence on profitabil-ity, the risk of bank is unable to moderate the effect of bank scale on profitability and the risk of bank is unable to moderate the effect of loan to deposit ratio on profitability. The scale of bank and loan to deposit ratio can explain the profitability of 27.3% while the other 72.7% was ex-plained by other variables outside of study. It is recommended for companies to increase supervi-sion of asset management, thus the scale of bank will be better and maintain the balance of LDR based on Indonesian Bank regulation number 15/ 7/ PBI / 2013 Article 10 of 78-92% with the aim of increasing profitability.
Humanization Ethics in the Novel Merindu Baginda Nabi by Habiburrahman El Shirazy
Authors: Novala Muhamad Fajar , Suyitno Suyitno , Suhita Raheni
Published: December 2020

Currently, dehumanization had occurred in all aspects of people's lives. This caused in many action of crimes against humanity committed by unscrupulous members of society who were not based on morals and religion. The decline in the values of humanization could not be ignored. Therefore, it was necessary to have a solution to overcome it. One of the efforts to overcome this dehumanization was through literary works, namely novels. Because in the novel the author presented an inspiring story with imaginative language, so that the reader was immersed in the novel's story. In addition, the novel contained many values of life that could serve as examples for ethical behavior through the stories of the characters. This study aimed to describe and explain the prophetic ethics of humanization in the novel of Merindu Baginda Nabi by Habiburrahman El Shirazy. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative method. The data source in this research was Merindu Baginda Nabi novel. Data collection techniques in this study by using documentation study techniques. The validity of the data in this study used the theoretical triangulation technique. The data analysis technique in this study used interactive data analysis techniques. The results of the study found that there are four forms of humanization prophetic ethics found in the novel, namely maintaining brotherhood, seeing someone completely or totally, removing hatred, and eliminating forms of violence. The results of this research could be used to strengthen the character of human values for the nation's next generation of people who were starting to fade.
Holistic University Website Management: People, Technology and Processes
Authors: Al-Hawari Feras
Published: December 2020

The fact that a university website is developed and managed primarily in-house entails addressing multiple challenges to enhance the product quality, organization productivity, and customer satisfaction. Therefore, this paper introduces a holistic approach to website management that incorporates three key elements of software management: people, technology, and processes. Accordingly, a multidisciplinary team structure with distinctly outlined leadership, roles, skills, and responsibilities is proposed to manage websites effectively. Besides, an appropriate technology stack is identified to develop a website that is content-based, has a flat content structure, is not interactive, and does not require complex workflows. Furthermore, suitable project management, software development, and website business processes are adopted to produce high-quality services while satisfying time and cost constraints. Finally, applicable evaluation methods and key performance indicators are suggested to assess the effectiveness of the adopted business processes and the quality attributes of the website.
Biopesticides Activity of the Extracts of Three Medicinal Plants in the Developmental Stages of Malaria Vector, Anopheles Gambiae Giles (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Ileke Kayode David , Mobolade Adesina Jacobs , Adeoye Adebimpe Olabisi , Olabimi Omotayo Isaac
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose: The insecticidal potential of Carica papaya (male and female species), and Spondias mombin were tested against the developmental stages of the malaria vector; Anopheles gambiae in the laboratory at an ambient condition.
Materials and Methods: Methanolic leaves extracts of S. mombin and C. papaya (male and female species) were carried out using cold extraction method. The extracts were evaporated and concentrated using a rotary evaporator under low pressure to make solvent-free. The An. gambiae larvae and pupae were exposed to 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5% concentrations of the plant methanolic extracts for 24 hours and their mortality was recorded.
Results: Results indicated that C. papaya (male species) caused significantly higher mortality of the An. gambiae larvae and pupae than the other plant extract tested (p< 0.05). It caused 100% larval mortality and 95% pupal mortality at 0.5% concentration. However, it was observed that the larvae were more susceptible to the extracts of all the plants tested. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance and log probit analysis.
Conclusion: All the three medicinal plants screened in this work showed high potency to induce mortality of both the larval and pupal stages of the malaria vector and could consequently be used to reduce malaria prevalence in the endemic areas of Nigeria.
El incidente de reparación integral oficioso de la Ley 1098 de 2006: ¿es realmente favorable para los menores de edad?
Authors: Gaviria Cardona Alejandro
Published: December 2020

El artículo 197 de la Ley 1098 de 2006, buscando la protección del interés superior del menor de edad, consagra para los jueces penales el deber de iniciar, de manera oficiosa, el incidente de reparación integral, siempre que haya sentencia condenatoria en contra de un mayor de edad, la víctima sea un menor de edad y su representante no lo inicie. El presente artículo analiza si el deber consiste solo en iniciar dicho incidente o, por el contrario, en tramitarlo hasta el final. Igualmente, se determina el alcance del fallo o del desinterés del representante de la víctima menor de edad, es decir, se establece si la decisión que pone fin al incidente hace tránsito a cosa juzgada, máxime en aquellos eventos en los cuales la víctima no formuló, de manera expresa, una pretensión resarcitoria de perjuicios o hubo una manifestación, tácita o expresa, de desistimiento.
Wybrana współczesna polska terminografia z zakresu nauk humanistycznych – przegląd, próba syntezy
Authors: Woźniak-Wrzesińska Ewelina
Published: December 2020

Celem artykułu jest zaprezentowanie polskich słowników terminologicznych z zakresu nauk humanistycznych. Po scharakteryzowaniu stanu badań, sposobu gromadzenia danych oraz metod jego opisu przechodzę do części deskryptywnej, w której opisuję kilka parametrów zebranych słowników specjalistycznych.
Family mediation as a form of alternative dispute resolution in Poland
Authors: Rynkowska Dorota
Published: December 2020

For years, mediation has been unused as an institutionalised form of dispute resolution. The introduction of methods for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) into social life, including the use of impartial mediation in the practice of the Polish justice system, signals some social change. The practice and procedure of mediation is of particular importance in cases regarding close relationships between people. This article explains and promotes family mediation as a form of ADR. Experience shows that mediation in family matters brings a number of benefits to conflicted parties and the justice system.

 

Keywords: Conflict, dispute, mediation, family.
Distance learning system, learning programming languages by using mobile applications
Authors: Salama Ramiz , Uzunboylu Huseyin , Alkaddah Bashar
Published: December 2020

E-learning involves the use of a computer or electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone) in some way to provide training, educational or learning material. E-learning can involve a greater variety of equipment than online training or education, for as the name implies, â€˜onlineâ€™ involves using the Internet or an Intranet. CD-ROM and DVD can be used to provide learning materials. Distance education provided the base for e-learningâ€™s development. E-learning can be â€˜on demandâ€™. It overcomes timing, attendance and travel difficulties. Today, colleges and university students find themselves with obligations beyond that of getting a degree. Jobs and family commitments make equal demands on their time. Having the option of taking online classes and studying on their own time is critically important. At the same time, many state institutions are unable to accommodate all those who want to take classes on campus, escalating the demand for online learning. The aim of this project is the development of learning management system for all purpose and all courses. You can be as a teacher and upload your course materials to all students in our e-learning system, you can write an article to all students and teachers also. With our e-learning system you are online every time, you can get messages from all students and teacher, without e-mail, just by your username in our system. If you are a student, our e-learning system will be your school. You can study any course that is available. You can make a discussion with another student and your teacher by using comments, you can compile your code and share the result with others by social media links. You can upload any file like quizzes answers and share the link in comment with other students. This system provides you with knowledge about our e-learning system and which tools that we used. The online courses may be unfamiliar to many students and teachers;threfore,this system may be help you to try a new teaching technology with learning management system.In this e-system, we have mentioned about Teacher and student features, these features will make you more attractive to go on and create your courses and start teaching your student, or to join other teacher classes and start learning, this e-system will help you to understand how we make the e-learning system by messages or comments, also how you can compile your code with built-in online compiler. Finally, lifelong learning must now be a part of everyoneâ€™s career plans. In todayâ€™s job market, taking online courses help workers remain competitive and they donâ€™t need to take time off from their jobs to do this. Therefore, our e-learning system provide all facilities to taking online course and be in your community to learn without boring.

 

Keywords: Online learning, digital ocean, android studio, Paiza. IO, mobile app.
Empirical study of the effect of type of family and extra lesson on students’ academic performance
Authors: Udokang Anietie Edem , Odeyemi Joseph Bamidele
Published: December 2020

Extra lesson for students has been adopted by schools and families in Nigeria to enhance academic performance. The study was undertaken to investigate the effect of type of family and type of extra lesson on students’ academic performance. The students’ academic performance was from test administered jointly by the teachers and enumerators on 1,191 students in 24 randomly selected schools, eight each from the three senatorial districts. The effects of type of family, extra lesson and interaction between family and extra lesson were determined using a two-way analysis of variance. The result indicates that type of family (p-value = 0.021) and type extra lesson (p-value=0.001) have a significant effect on students’ academic performance, but the interaction between the two factors (p-value=0.081) does not have significantly effect. Further investigation revealed that students from monogamy family performed significantly better than those from polygamous families. Also, students involve in holiday lesson and home lesson did significantly better than those participating in school extra lesson. It is important that parents should have more time for their wards after school hours instead of transferring their responsibilities to the teachers by extending the school hours because of extra lesson.

 

Keywords: Extra lesson, family, academic performance, students’ enrolment, analysis of variance.
TELEVISION CULTURE AND PERCEPTION OF REALITY IN DON DELILLO’S WHITE NOISE AND MILAN OKLOPDŽIĆ’S VIDEO
Authors: Stamenković Slađana
Published: December 2020

In media studies, the concept of television culture is one of the most prominent phenomena. Its influence on the behavioral patterns of the audience has been a topic of a heated discussion among theoreticians since the 80s. Moreover, the extent to which television content is able to affect people’s perception of reality is the key question in two novels presented in this paper. Don DeLillo’s White Noise and Milan Oklopdžić’s Video both explore the influence of modern mass media on the individuals and their perception of reality, as well as their interpersonal relationships. This paper aim at comparing and contrasting the depiction of television culture as a dominant factor which influences the way the audience perceives reality. Both novels discuss the potency of television programmes and the possibility of passive masses who absorb the broadcast without processing the emitted information. By depicting the society of the late 20th century, these novels offer an insight into the core of television culture and the mechanisms of its influence on the audience.
RANCANGAN BALANCED SCORECARD DALAM PENCAPAIAN SASARAN STRATEGIK
Authors: Wijaya Natalia , Irwanto Andry
Published: December 2020

Introduction: This study to help the company evaluate the implementation strategies its is intended to design performance measurement using balanced scorecard in a light brick manufacturing company.Methods: This study uses uses qualitative in collecting data methods for designing Balanced ScorecardResults: The results showed that the company had a vision, mission, and strategy in making light bricks but it had not yet been translated into action. In the financial perspective the company driven by strategic goals in the form of increased revenue and cost efficiency. On the perspective of its target customers is the improvement of product quality and customer service as well as the reputation and image of the company. On the internal perspective is production planning, partnerships with suppliers, market and customer service capacity. The learning and growth perspective on implementation of corporate values, development of human resources, and development of an integrated information system is its target.Conclusion and suggestion: Balanced scorecard design is expected to assist companies in implementing it properly.
ANXIETAS AND COPING MECHANISM OF THE FINAL SEMESTER NURSING STUDENTS IN THE SITUATION OF COVID-19
Authors: Ekayamti Endri
Published: December 2020

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic which hit 215 countries has an impact on all aspects of life for the world community, including Indonesia. One of the most significant impacts is the world of education. The government policy towards education is to do distance learning or learning from home. This changing learning system raises various problems, especially for nursing students. Competencies that must be mastered by nursing students, especially at the final level, apart from a cognitive perspective, are also abilities in the psychomotor field and skills where this ability is obtained by laboratory practice and the ability to provide direct nursing care to patients in the hospital. This change raises its own problems for student psychology, students have feelings of anxiety and worry about their studies. Students also questioned whether they can graduate at the specified time. This study aims to analyze the relationship between anxiety and coping mechanisms in final semester nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study used a descriptive correlational design with a cross sectional approach. The population is students of the Akper Pemkab Ngawi in the final semester of the 2018/2019 academic year, the sampling technique used is total sampling with a total of 110 respondents. The anxiety instrument used is the STAI measurement scale and the scale of the coping mechanism. The statistical test used is the Pearson correlation. Results: The results obtained were that there was a significant relationship between anxiety and the coping mechanism used by students with a value of p = 0.007 for the state anxiety scale and p = 0.000 for the trait anxiety scale.  Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the final semester student anxiety during the Covid-19 pandemic is more towards momentary anxiety, where this could have happened because the feeling of uncertainty in their study was related to the covid-19 pandemic
EDITORIAL TEAM
Authors: Editorial Team JoViN
Published: December 2020

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Advanced Complex Analysis of the Thermal Softening of Nitrided Layers in Tools During Hot Die Forging
Authors: Krawczyk Jakub , Widomski Paweł , Kaszuba Marcin
Published: December 2020

This article is devoted to the issues of thermal softening of materials in the surface layer of forging tools. The research covers numerical modeling of the forging process, laboratory tests of tempering of nitrided layers and the analysis of tempering of the surface layer of tools in the actual forging process. Numerical modeling was supported by measuring the temperature inside the tools with a thermocouple inserted into the tool to measure the temperature as close to the surface as possible. The modeling results confirmed the possibility of tempering the die material. The results of laboratory tests made it possible to determine the influence of temperature on tempering at different surface layer depths. Numerical analysis and measurement of surface layer microhardness of tools revealed the destructive effect of temperature during forging on the tempering of the nitrided layer and on the material layers located deeper below the nitrided layer.
Investments in Braskem Green Polymers: Extraordinary Profits or Decarbonization of the Environment?
Authors: Leal Ferreira Hellvig Eliana , Flores-Sahagun Thais H. S
Published: December 2020

Braskem is the only company in the world that produces green polyethylenes (HDPE – high density polyethylene and LLDPE – linear low density polyethylene) derived from the dehydration of sugarcane ethanol. Although the performance of green and fossil nominally same polyethylenes are equivalent, commercial clients may use blends of up to 51% of green polyethylenes and 49% of fossil polyethylenes and still have the right to use the I’m greenTM label which appeals to environmental conscious consumers and places these companies in a noticeable position. The Annual Income Statement - AISs from 2010, when Braskem started production of green PE, until 2018, show there was growth of revenues. Despite of the production of polyethylenes have continued stable and the number of green polyethylenes patents have decreased since 2014, the profits with the BRKM5 stocks increased. There is no transparency of how carbon credits were gained and in the AIS. Investments in securities in the Brazilian financial market (BRKM5 and carbon credits) are much more attractive than the investment in new patents, because they generate greater gains (268% increase in the average share price of BRKM5 from 2012 to 2018) and do not require large investments in R&D.
The Complex Approach in Risk Assessment and its Application at Machinery Safety Management
Authors: Pačaiová Hana , Andrejiova Miriam , Balážiková Michaela , Tomašková Marianna , Gazda Tomas , Hijj Jan , Salaj Lukas
Published: December 2020

Even though the rules for free movement of machinery within the European Union market have existed for more than 30 years, accidents related to their activities have constantly been achieving significant value. When designing the machine, a designer must stem from risk assessment, whereas all stages of its life cycle and ways of its use must be taken into consideration. In industrial operations, there is old machinery, which, although fulfilling its function reliably, the safety level is not in accordance with the developing requirements for their safe operation. The proposed methodology of assessment of the machinery safety condition comes out from the presupposition of the right application of steps of risk assessment and their reduction mainly by means of implementation of both effective and efficient preventive measures. The aim of the research applied in 3 operations, was to verify the method of machinery safety management. The created methodology based on 19 requirements for safety evaluates the level of the actual measures by means of the so-called criterion of current status and total efficiency of measures. Its output is the assessment of the efficiency level of implemented safety of each machine as well as of the whole operation.
What might it cost to increase soil organic carbon using no-till on U.S. cropland?
Authors: Sperow Mark
Published: December 2020

BackgroundExisting research provides estimates of the biophysical potential for increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) stock, however additional research is needed to enhance our understanding of the economic potential for agricultural soils to offset or help reduce CO2 emissions. This study derives the marginal cost to increase SOC sequestration by combining SOC sequestration potential estimates developed using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) factors with an existing payment scheme that was designed to increase no-till (NT) adoption on U.S. cropland. The marginal costs of increasing SOC is a function of the amount of SOC that could be increased through NT and the expected cost to landowners of changing management to use NT.ResultsThe variability in SOC sequestration rates due to different land-use, management histories, climate, and soils, combined with the 48 unique payment rates to adopt NT, yield over 5,000 unique marginal cost values for increasing SOC sequestration. Nearly 95 percent of the biophysical potential SOC sequestration increase on U.S. cropland (2802 Tg CO2 from 140.1 Tg CO2 yr-1 for twenty years) could be captured for less than $100 Mg-1 CO2. An estimated 64 to 93 percent of the biophysical potential could be captured for less than the low and high estimated costs to capture CO2 for geologic storage of $36.36 to $86.06 Mg-1 CO2, respectively.ConclusionsDecreasing tillage intensity through adoption of no-till agriculture offers a cost-effective way to offset a portion of increasing global CO2 emissions. This research demonstrates that increasing SOC stocks through NT adoption can offset CO2 emissions at a lower cost than some other options for preventing CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
Advantages of zinc isotopes as a new dietary proxy in marine ecology
Authors: McCormack Jeremy , Szpak Paul , Bourgon Nicolas , Richards Michael P. , Hyland Corrie , Méjean Pauline , Hublin Jean-Jacques , Jaouen Klervia
Published: December 2020

In marine ecology, dietary interpretations of faunal assemblages often rely on nitrogen isotopes as the main or only applicable trophic level tracer. We investigate geographic variability and trophic level isotopic discrimination factors of a new tracer, bone 66Zn/64Zn ratios (δ66Zn value), and compared it to collagen nitrogen and carbon stable isotope (δ15N and δ13C) values. Focusing on ringed seals (Pusa hispida) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from multiple Arctic archaeological sites, we investigate trophic interactions between predator and prey over a broad geographic area. All proxies show variability among sites, influenced by the regional food web baselines. However, δ66Zn shows a significantly higher homogeneity among different sites. We observe a clear trophic spacing for δ15N and δ66Zn values in all locations, yet δ66Zn may more reliably record trophic levels between U. maritimus and prey species than δ15N. δ66Zn analysis allows a more direct dietary comparability between spatially and temporally distinct locations than what is possible by δ15N and δ13C analysis alone. When combining all three proxies a more detailed and refined dietary analysis is possible.
A common East Asian-specific ALDH2 mutation causes obesity and insulin resistance: therapeutic effect of reducing toxic aldehydes by ALDH2 activation
Authors: Chang Yi-Cheng , Lee Hsiao-Lin , Yang Wenjin , Hsieh Meng-Lun , Liu Cai-Cin , Lee Tung-Yuan , Huang Jing-Yong , Nong Jiun-Yi , Li Fu-An , Chuang Hsiao-Li , Ding Zhi-Zhong , Su Wei-Lun , Chueh Li-Yun , Tsai Yi-Ting , Chen Che-Hong , Mochly-Rosen Daria , Chuang Lee-Ming
Published: December 2020

Obesity and type 2 diabetes have reached pandemic proportion. In particular, the population with diabetes is expected to rise rapidly in East and South Asia. ALDH2 (acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2, mitochondrial) is the key metabolizing enzyme of acetaldehyde and other toxic aldehydes, such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). A missense mutation, Glu504Lys of ALDH2 (denoted as the ALDH2*2 allele) is prevalent in 560 million East Asians, resulting in reduced ALDH2 enzymatic activity. We found that Aldh2*2/*2 homozygous knock-in (KI) mice mimicking human Glu504Lys mutation were prone to develop diet-induced obesity, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and fatty liver on a high-fat high-sucrose diet compared with controls. The Aldh2 KI mice demonstrated reduced energy expenditure and thermogenesis. Proteomic analyses of the brown adipose tissue (BAT) of the Aldh2 KI mice identified increased 4-HNE-adducted proteins involved in fatty acid oxidation and electron transport chain. Fatty acid oxidation rate and mitochondrial electron transport activity were reduced in the BAT of the Aldh2 KI mice, which explained the decrease in thermogenesis and energy expenditure. AD-9308 is a water-soluble prodrug of a potent and highly selective ALDH2 activator AD-5591. In vitro, AD-5591 enhanced both WT and mutant ALDH2 enzymatic activities. AD-9308 allosterically activates ALDH2 mainly by partially blocking the substrate exit tunnel, thereby accelerating the substrate-enzyme collision. In vivo, AD-9308 treatment reduced serum 4-HNE levels, ameliorated diet-induced obesity and fatty liver, and improved glucose homeostasis in both Aldh2 WT and KI mice dose-dependently. Our data highlight the therapeutic potential of reducing toxic aldehyde levels by activating ALDH2 for treating metabolic diseases.
Incentive-based Electricity Demand Response effectively and vulnerable friendly reduce peak load during hot spell
Authors: Wang Zhaohua , Lu Bin , Wang Bo , Zhao Wenhui , Zhang Bin , Qiu Yueming
Published: December 2020

The world is experiencing climate changes characterized by global warming, and energy conservation policies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions are attracting increasing attention. Heating is one of the most important factors that contribute to the peak load of power consumption throughout the year. Incentive-based electricity demand response (EDR) policies can serve as an important regulation tool during energy system operations, especially in countries with a regulated power market like China. However, whether people will sacrifice comfort to respond to such a policy during hot spells or not and what will the impact be on vulnerable groups, are still unclear. To answer these questions, large-scale EDR trials involving more than 150,000 households were conducted in southwestern China during continuous extreme high temperatures. Households’ 15-min electricity consumption data, hourly meteorological data, and matched survey data were integrated to estimate the regulatory effect of this EDR policy and the discrepancies in response behaviors among urban and rural households, as well as households with children and the elderly. We found that this incentive based EDR policy is similar with price based policy, which can effectively reduce the peak load, however with little adverse effect on vulnerable groups. Temperature rise during a hot spell will slightly decrease the reduction effect. The energy-saving potential for urban households was higher than that of rural households. Households with children did not respond to the EDR policy, while the elderly response proved to be more positive during a hot spell. In addition, repeated and frequent implementation of this policy did not result in attenuation of the regulatory effect on power consumption. This is one of the few energy conservation options will have undergone multiple trials before promotion on a large scale in China, and the results can serve as a reference for countries with similar regulated power markets. Although, no direct harm is done to vulnerable groups, before deploy it nationwide, vulnerable groups still need to be considered to avoid exacerbating existing energy injustices or creating new energy injustices through transfer payment.
Evaluating probabilistic population forecasts
Authors: Keilman Nico
Published: December 2020

We demonstrate how a probabilistic population forecast can be evaluated, when observations for the predicted variables become available. Statisticians have developed various scoring rules for that purpose, but there are hardly any applications in population forecasting literature. A scoring rule measures the distance between the probability distribution of the predicted variable, and the actual outcome. We use scoring rules that reward accuracy (the outcome is close to the expected value of the prediction) and sharpness (the predictive distribution has low variance, which makes it difficult to hit the target).We evaluate probabilistic population forecasts for France, the Netherlands, and Norway. For all three countries, we use results from the UPE-project ("Uncertain Population of Europe"). We inspect prediction intervals for population size in the period 2004-2019 and 3000 sample paths for population pyramids for the year 2010. For the Netherlands and for Norway, we compare the UPE-results with findings from the official probabilistic population forecast by Statistics Netherlands (2001-2019) and from a probabilistic forecast for Norway (1997-2019). All forecasts were computed using the cohort-component method and stochastically varying parameters for fertility, mortality and migration. We show that the UPE-forecasts for the Netherlands and for Norway performed better than the other forecasts for these two countries. The error in the jump-off population caused a bad score for the French forecast.We evaluate the 3000 UPE-simulations of the age and sex composition predicted for the year 2010. When normalized for population numbers in each age-sex category, the predictions for the Netherlands received the best scores, except for the oldest old. The age pattern for the Norwegian score reflects the under-prediction of immigration after the enlargement of the European Union in 2005.
Comparison of sonographic fetal weight estimation formulas in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Warshafsky Chelsie , Ronzoni Stefania , Quaglietta Paula , Weiner Eran , Zaltz Arthur , Barrett Jon , Melamed Nir , Aviram Amir
Published: December 2020

Background: Estimation of fetal weight (EFW) by ultrasound is useful in clinical decision-making. Numerous formulas for EFW have been published but have not been validated in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). The purpose of this study is to compare the accuracy of EFW formulas in patients with PPROM, and to further evaluate the performance of the most commonly used formula - Hadlock IV.Methods: A retrospective cohort study of women with singleton gestations and PPROM, admitted to a single tertiary center between 2003-2017 from 220/7-330/7 (n=565). All women had an EFW within 14 days of delivery by standard biometry (biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length). The accuracy of previously published 21 estimated EFW formulas was assessed by comparing the Pearson correlation with actual birth weight, and calculating the random error, systematic error, proportion of estimates within 10% of birth weight, and Euclidean distance.Results: The mean gestational was 26.8±2.4 weeks at admission, and 28.2±2.6 weeks at delivery. Most formulas were strongly correlated with actual birth weight (r>0.9 for 19/21 formulas). Mean systematic error was -4.30% and mean random error was 14.5%. The highest performing formula, by the highest proportion of estimates and lowest Euclidean distance was Ott (1986), which uses abdominal and head circumferences, and femur length. However, there were minimal difference with all of the first 10 ranking formulas. The Pearson correlation coefficient for the Hadlock IV formula was strong at r=0.935 (p<0.001), with 319 (56.5%) of measurements falling within 10%, 408 (72.2%) within 15% and 455 (80.5%) within 20% of actual birth weight. This correlation was unaffected by gender (r=0.936 for males, r=0.932 for females, p<0.001 for both) or by amniotic fluid level (r=0.935 for mean vertical pocket <2 cm, r=0.943 for mean vertical pocket ≥2cm, p<0.001 for both). Conclusions: Most formulas accurately calculated EFW in patients with PPROM, but the Ott (1986) formula ranked highest, thus it may be the preferred formula to use in this population.
Single-stage posterior-only debridement, decompression, allograft bone using titanium mesh and interbody fusion for the treatment of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis complicated with psoas abscesses
Authors: Wu Wence , Li Zhechen , Lin Renqin , Wang Shenglin , Lin Jianhua
Published: December 2020

Background: To explore the clinical safety and efficacy of single-stage posterior-only debridement, decompression, allograft bone using titanium mesh and interbody fusion combined for the treatment of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis complicated with psoas abscesses.Methods: A total of 38 patients diagnosed with thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis complicated with psoas abscesses underwent surgery via single-stage posterior-only debridement, decompression, allograft bone using titanium mesh and interbody fusion from January 2010 to September 2016 were enrolled in the study. The clinical efficacy of the approach was assessed based on parameters including operating time, blood loss, Cobb angle, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Frankel grade, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP).Results: The surgery duration was 224.4 ± 71.1 min with a blood loss of 731.8 ± 585.8 ml. The Cobb angle was corrected from 16.0 ± 15.4° preoperatively to 8.1 ± 7.4° postoperatively (P < 0.001, t = -4.38), and returned to a level of 11.0 ± 8.5° at the final follow-up (P = 0.002, t = 3.38). Back pain was relieved, with the mean preoperative VAS of 3.5 ± 1.1 decreased to 0.7 ± 0.8 postoperatively (P < 0.001, t = 23.21) and then to 0.6 ± 0.5 at the final follow-up (P < 0.001, t = 17.07). Neurological function was improved in various degrees and psoas abscesses disappeared in all patients. The ESR and CRP decreased gradually after surgery and returned to normal at the final follow-up in all patients. All patients achieved bone fusion thoroughly and no recurrence of TB or surgical related complications was found at the final follow-up. Conclusion: Single-stage posterior-only debridement, decompression, allograft bone using titanium mesh and interbody fusion is a safe and effective approach for the management of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis complicated with psoas abscesses.
Urdu Version of Oswestry Disability Index; A Reliability and Validity Study
Authors: Amjad Fareeha , Bandpei Mohammad Ali Mohseni , Gilani Syed Amir , Ahmad Ashfaq , Waqas Muhammad , Hanif Asif
Published: December 2020

Background:Although Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is broadly used in clinical and research settings for assessing the disability level in patients with lumbar radiculopathy but it has not been translated into Urdu language according to the pre-established translation guidelines as well as the validity and reliability of ODI Urdu version has not been tested yet. The aim of this study was to translate ODI in native Urdu language (ODI-U) according to recommended guidelines and to measure its psychometric properties in Urdu speaking patients suffering from lumber radiculopathy. Methods: The ODI-U was developed through previously described translation procedures. 108 participants were recruited, out of which 54 were healthy and 54 were patients of lumber radiculopathy. ODI-U was filled by all participants. However, the patients were administered through ODI-U and visual analogue scales for disability (VAS disability) and pain intensity (VAS pain) at baseline and after 3 days. Reliability was investigated through test-retest method, internal consistency, standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC) at 95% confidence level. ODI-U was assessed for exploratory factor analysis, construct (convergent and discriminative) validity and content validity. Alpha level <0.05 was considered statistically significant and psychometric standards were evaluated contrary to priori hypothesis.Results: The culturally adapted ODI-U revealed excellent test-retest reliability for total score (ICC=0.95) and for all item (ICC=0.72-0.98). Cronbach’s alpha of 0.89 showed excellent internal consistency and a moderate correlation between ODI-U total score and each item was observed through spearman’s correlation coefficient (r=0.51 to 0.76). One factor structure was created for ODI-U explaining 52.5% variance. There was no floor and ceiling effect of total ODI-U score showing good content validity. The discriminative validity was assessed by independent sample t-test which indicated significant difference in ODI-U total score between healthy and patients (P<0.001). The convergent validity was evaluated through Pearson’s correlation showing moderate correlation between ODI-U and VAS pain (r=0.49) as well as VAS disability (r=0.51).Conclusion: ODI-U showed adequate psychometric properties. ODI-U was found to be a reliable and a valid tool to measure the level of disability in Urdu-speaking patients with lumber radiculopathy.
Use of Extended View Ultrasound Imaging Results in Reliable Measurement of Transversus Abdominis Muscle Size in Three Dimensions During Relaxation and a Hollowing Contraction
Authors: Johnson Aaron , Adams Lauren , Kho Jade , Green Daniel , Pace Nicolas , Mitchell Ulrike
Published: December 2020

Background: The strength and size of core muscles, including the abdominal muscles, are crucial to proper function in most activities. Therefore, it is important to reliably assess these characteristics. Our primary objective was to determine if the length, thickness and cross-sectional area of the transversus abdominis (TrA) can be visualized independently from the internal and external abdominal oblique muscles using extended field of view ultrasound imaging at rest and with contraction and to establish its intra- and inter-tester reliability. Methods: Twenty-six individuals were recruited to participate in the study (20 F, 6 M), average age 24.0 years (SD 9.4), height 170.7 cm (SD 8.6) and weight 63.9 kg (SD 9.0). From this total number of participants, two groups of 16 randomly selected participants were assessed to determine intra- and inter-tester reliability respectively. Extended field of view ultrasound images were obtained at three vertebral levels during rest and contraction in the side lying position for both the right and left sides of the trunk. Results: Excellent intra-tester and inter-tester reliability was seen (ICC range of 0.972 to 0.984). The overall average percent SEM for all measurements and locations was approximately 4%. The overall average minimal difference for the thickness measurement for the resting and contraction conditions combined were as follows: intratester 0.056 (0.014) cm and intertester 0.054 (0.017) cm, for area intratester 0.287 (0.086) cm2 and intertester 0.289 (0.101) cm2 and for length intratester 0.519 (0.097) cm and intertester 0.507 (0.085) cm. Conclusions: Extended field of view ultrasound imaging is an effective method of reliably capturing clear images of the TrA during rest and contraction. It provides an efficient mechanism for the analysis of TrA morphology by being able to measure the cross-sectional area, thickness, and length on one image. This methodology is recommended for studies investigating TrA function and training.