bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FX11 limits Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth and potentiates bactericidal activity of isoniazid through host-directed activity
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Gopinath , Kaiser Peggy , Abu Abed Ulrike , Weiner January , Moura-Alves Pedro , Brinkmann Volker , Kaufmann Stefan H. E.
Published: February 2020

Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) mediates interconversion of pyruvate and lactate, and increased lactate turnover is exhibited by malignant and infected immune cells. Hypoxic lung granuloma in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected animals present elevated levels of Ldha and lactate. Such alterations in the metabolic milieu could influence the outcome of host-M. tuberculosis interactions. Given the central role of LDHA for tumorigenicity, targeting lactate metabolism is a promising approach for cancer therapy. Here, we sought to determine the importance of LDHA for tuberculosis (TB) disease progression and its potential as a target for host-directed therapy. To this end, we orally administered FX11, a known small-molecule NADH-competitive LDHA inhibitor, to M. tuberculosis-infected C57BL/6J mice and Nos2−/− mice with hypoxic necrotizing lung TB lesions. FX11 did not inhibit M. tuberculosis growth in aerobic/hypoxic liquid culture, but modestly reduced the pulmonary bacterial burden in C57BL/6J mice. Intriguingly, FX11 administration limited M. tuberculosis replication and onset of necrotic lung lesions in Nos2−/− mice. In this model, isoniazid (INH) monotherapy has been known to exhibit biphasic killing kinetics owing to the probable selection of an INH-tolerant bacterial subpopulation. However, adjunct FX11 treatment corrected this adverse effect and resulted in sustained bactericidal activity of INH against M. tuberculosis. As a limitation, LDHA inhibition as an underlying cause of FX11-mediated effect could not be established as the on-target effect of FX11 in vivo was unconfirmed. Nevertheless, this proof-of-concept study encourages further investigation on the underlying mechanisms of LDHA inhibition and its significance in TB pathogenesis.
Improving translatability of preclinical studies for neuromuscular disorders: lessons from the TREAT-NMD Advisory Committee for Therapeutics (TACT)
Authors: Willmann Raffaella , Lee Joanne , Turner Cathy , Nagaraju Kanneboyina , Aartsma-Rus Annemieke , Wells Dominic J. , Wagner Kathryn R. , Csimma Cristina , Straub Volker , Grounds Miranda D. , De Luca Annamaria
Published: February 2020

Clinical trials for rare neuromuscular diseases imply, among other investments, a high emotional burden for the whole disease community. Translation of data from preclinical studies to justify any clinical trial must be carefully pondered in order to minimize the risk of clinical trial withdrawal or failure. A rigorous distinction between proof-of-concept and preclinical efficacy studies using animal models is key to support the rationale of a clinical trial involving patients. This Review evaluates the experience accumulated by the TREAT-NMD Advisory Committee for Therapeutics, which provides detailed constructive feedback on clinical proposals for neuromuscular diseases submitted by researchers in both academia and industry, and emphasizes that a timely critical review of preclinical efficacy data from animal models, including biomarkers for specific diseases, combined with adherence to existing guidelines and standard protocols, can significantly help to de-risk clinical programs and prevent disappointments and costly engagement.
High spin states of 195Hg
Authors: Fotiades Ν. , Harissopulos S. , Kalfas C. A. , Kossionides S. , Serris M. , Papadopoulos C. T. , Vlastou R. , Fallon P. , Mullins S. M. , Rilley M. A. , Sharpey-Schaffer J. F.
Published: February 2020

High spin states in 195Hg, populated using the 150Nd(48 Ca,3n) reaction, were investigated by γ-ray spectroscopic techniques. Two backbendings are observed in the yrast band considered to be caused by the alignment of a pair of i13/2 and p3/2 neutrons respectively. The strong backbending behaviour observed in the negative parity side band is consistent with the alignment of a pair of i13/2 neutrons. The similarity with the corresponding backbendings in the neighbouring isotopes is impressive.
Statistical mechanics of weakly nonlinear optical multimode gases
Authors: Makris Konstantinos G. , Wu Fan. O. , Jung Pawel S. , Christodoulides Demetrios N.
Published: February 2020

By utilizing notions from statistical mechanics, we develop a general and self-consistent theoretical framework capable of describing any weakly nonlinear optical multimode system involving conserved quantities. We derive the fundamental relations that govern the grand canonical ensemble through maximization of the Gibbs entropy at equilibrium. In this classical picture of statistical photo-mechanics, we obtain analytical expressions for the probability distribution, the grand partition function, and the relevant thermodynamic potentials. Our results universally apply to any other weakly nonlinear multimode bosonic system.
Investigation on compatibility of PLA/PBAT blends modified by epoxy-terminated branched polymers through chemical micro-crosslinking
Authors: Wang Bo , Jin Yujuan , Kang Kai’er , Yang Nan , Weng Yunxuan , Huang Zhigang , Men Shuang
Published: February 2020

In this study, a type of epoxy-terminated branched polymer (ETBP) was used as an interface compati- bilizer to modify the poly lactic acid (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) (PBAT) (70/30) blends. Upon addition of ETBP, the difference in glass transition temperature between PLA and PBAT became smaller. By adding 3.0 phr of ETBP, the elongation at break of the PLA/PBAT blends was found increased from 45.8% to 272.0%; the impact strength increased from 26.2 kJ·m−2 to 45.3 kJ·m−2. In SEM analysis, it was observed that the size of the dispersed PBAT particle decreased with the increasing of ETBP content. These results indicated that the compatibility between PLA and PBAT can be effectively enhanced by using ETBP as the modifier. The modification mechanism was discussed in detail. It proposes that both physical and chemical micro-crosslinking were formed, the latter of which was confirmed by gel content analysis.
Alpha Rhythms Reveal When and Where Item and Associative Memories Are Retrieved
Authors: Martín-Buro María Carmen , Wimber Maria , Henson Richard N. , Staresina Bernhard P.
Published: February 2020

Memories for past experiences can range from vague recognition to full-blown recall of associated details. Electroencephalography has shown that recall signals unfold a few hundred milliseconds after simple recognition, but has only provided limited insights into the underlying brain networks. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has revealed a “core recollection network” (CRN) centered on posterior parietal and medial temporal lobe regions, but the temporal dynamics of these regions during retrieval remain largely unknown. Here we used Magnetoencephalography in a memory paradigm assessing correct rejection (CR) of lures, item recognition (IR) and associative recall (AR) in human participants of both sexes. We found that power decreases in the alpha frequency band (10–12 Hz) systematically track different mnemonic outcomes in both time and space: Over left posterior sensors, alpha power decreased in a stepwise fashion from 500 ms onward, first from CR to IR and then from IR to AR. When projecting alpha power into source space, the CRN known from fMRI studies emerged, including posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and hippocampus. While PPC showed a monotonic change across conditions, hippocampal effects were specific to recall. These region-specific effects were corroborated by a separate fMRI dataset. Importantly, alpha power time courses revealed a temporal dissociation between item and associative memory in hippocampus and PPC, with earlier AR effects in hippocampus. Our data thus link engagement of the CRN to the temporal dynamics of episodic memory and highlight the role of alpha rhythms in revealing when and where different types of memories are retrieved.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOur ability to remember ranges from the vague feeling of familiarity to vivid recollection of associated details. Scientific understanding of episodic memory thus far relied upon separate lines of research focusing on either temporal (via electroencephalography) or spatial (via functional magnetic resonance imaging) dimensions. However, both techniques have limitations that have hindered understanding of when and where memories are retrieved. Capitalizing on the enhanced temporal and spatial resolution of magnetoencephalography, we show that changes in alpha power reveal both when and where different types of memory are retrieved. Having access to the temporal and spatial characteristics of successful retrieval provided new insights into the cross-regional dynamics in the hippocampus and parietal cortex.
Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version psychometric properties in an Item Response Theory polytomous model
Authors: Ferraz Raul Corrêa , Moreira Junior Fernando de Jesus , Vargas Fernanda de , Hoffmeister Fernanda Xavier , Gauer Gabriel José Chittó , Vasconcellos Silvio José Lemos
Published: February 2020

Abstract This study assessed the applicability of the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version in a sample of teenagers confined in socio-educational institutions. Using an Item Response Theory approach, item properties of this instrument were reviewed using the generalized partial credit model. Eight of the original twenty items of the original instrument were discarded due to low discrimination parameters. As expected, the most discriminating items in the assessment of psychiatric traits were those which affective characteristics are more typical in the description of psychopathic traits, and their larger variability among juveniles is reflected in the checklist’s answers. Item anchoring, in turn, determined five anchor levels. Conclusions based on the results are twofold: (a) a shorter version of this measure can offer the same level of information obtained from the full instrument and (b) the measure provides more information on average latent trait levels and is inadequate for clinical use.
Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Impact of Oophorectomy for Ovarian Metastases from Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ursem Carling , Zhou Margaret , Paciorek Alan , Atreya Chloe E. , Ko Andrew H. , Venook Alan , Zhang Li , Van Loon Katherine
Published: February 2020

Background

As survival with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) and imaging modalities improve, detection of ovarian metastases may be increasing. The ovary may serve as a sanctuary site for malignant cells; however, there is a paucity of data regarding the role for oophorectomy.

Methods

This is a single-institution retrospective study of patients with CRC with ovarian metastases from 2009 to 2017. We evaluated patient, disease, and treatment related factors associated with overall survival (OS) from initial diagnosis of metastatic CRC.

Results

Of 108 patients assessed, the median age was 50, 19% had localized disease at initial presentation, 64% had ovarian metastases at initial CRC diagnosis, and 77% underwent oophorectomy. Median OS was 29.6 months across all patients, and it was 36.7 months in patients who underwent oophorectomy versus 25.0 months in patients who did not (hazard ratio [HR] 0.54). In multivariate analysis, the effect of oophorectomy on OS suggested protection but was not statistically significant (HR 0.57). Resection of primary tumor was performed in 71% of patients, which was independently associated with improved OS (HR 0.21). Twelve patients (11%) remained alive at 5 years after diagnosis of metastatic disease.

Conclusion

Although it has been previously reported that patients with CRC with ovarian metastases have poor prognosis, the median OS for this cohort was comparable to existing OS data for patients with metastatic CRC. In patients treated with chemotherapy, we did not find the ovarian metastasis to frequently serve as a sanctuary site of disease. However, we found that in carefully selected patients, oophorectomy may confer a survival benefit.

Implications for Practice

In colorectal cancer (CRC) ovarian metastasis is not necessarily associated with worse prognosis than metastasis to other sites. In carefully selected patients with ovarian metastases from CRC, oophorectomy may confer a survival benefit. Specifically, development of ovarian metastasis early in the disease course, resection of the primary tumor, and limited extraovarian metastatic disease are clinical features that are potentially associated with benefit from oophorectomy. A subset of patients with ovarian metastasis from CRC have potential to become long-term survivors (>5 years).
A simple model for sand–structure interface behaviour
Authors: Mortara Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

This paper deals with the modelling of sand–structure interface behaviour under monotonic loading. In particular, the importance of the stress–dilatancy relationship is highlighted since volumetric behaviour strongly characterises the variation of the normal stress in constant normal stiffness direct shear tests. The procedure for the calibration of constitutive parameters is shown and the model is validated by comparison with different sets of sand–aluminium interface direct shear tests.
NEUROENDOCRINE AND MAST CELLS OF THE SKIN IN THE AREA OF ACUPUNCTURE
Authors: Guryanova E A , Deomidov E S
Published: February 2020

Objective. We studied mast cells and neuroendocrine cells of the skin of adults in the area of the acupuncture points (AP) and outside them. Material and methods. Using the Unna method (polychrome toluidine blue dye), mast cells were detected in the skin. Conducted immunohistochemical study using monoclonal antibodies to neuron-specific enolase and synaptophysin in order to identify neuroendocrine cells. Research results. Analyzed data on the distribution of mast cells in the skin in the area of the acupuncture points in an adult. It was revealed that the distribution of mast cells in the dermis and the hypodermis differs depending on the localization of the acupuncture point. Fat cells take in maintaining homeostasis and regulation of metabolism in the skin. NSE- and synaptophysin-positive cells were detected in the basal layer of the epidermis, in the area of the the muscles that raise the hair, in the area of the hair follicles; in the secretory terminal regions of the sweat glands, as well as outwards from the basement membrane of these regions between the myoepithelial cells. A part of the neuroendocrine cells is in contact with nerve waves. Expression of NSE and synaptophysin depends on AP localization. In AP of the skin of the abdomen and upper limb, a more pronounced expression of NSE and synaptophysin is observed than at the acupuncture points of the skin of the face. The expression of NSE in the structures of the skin in the area of the acupuncture points is more pronounced than the expression of synaptophysin. In the dermis revealed structureless spaces surrounded by mast cells, nerve fibers, blood vessels.
Understanding Sand Control Installation Failures
Authors: Tibbles Raymond , Govinathan Kesavan , Mickelburgh Ian , Jain Samyak , Wassouf Philip
Published: February 2020

The sand control completion is the last step in the well construction. It is the step that turns the well from an expense to a revenue generating asset. While every sand control completion is designed for success, things don't always go to plan during the installation, and the technical and commercial results are sometimes less than perfect. Failures can range from minor issues that can be easily remedied to catastrophic events that put the entire well, and investment, at risk. Regardless of severity, it is critical that all failures are analyzed to determine the root cause, prevent them from being repeated and protect asset value. The success of a sand control installation should not be assumed and can only be confirmed with a thorough review of all available job data.

This paper introduces several case studies of failures that occurred during sand control installations and details the investigative process and techniques used to identify the root causes. Examples include events such as screen/wash-pipe damage, bridging, hole collapse, and packer seal failure. This analysis provides key insights into downhole events and mechanisms that can be used to minimize risk and improve future completions.
Investigation into Emulsion Blockage Removal Using Thermochemical Fluid
Authors: Alade Olalekan , Hassan Amjed , Al Shehri Dhafer , Mahmoud Mohamed , Nakhli Ayman , Bataweel Mohamed
Published: February 2020

A novel approach to exploit thermal energy released from the exothermic reactions of aqueous solution of thermochemical reactants (ammonium chloride and sodium nitrite), in controlling formation damage induced by water-in-oil emulsion have been investigated. Essentially, the technology concerns raising the temperature and pressure of the formation above the kinetic stability of emulsion through the heat and pressure generated insitu from the reaction. From the batch experiments to assess the energetic of the thermochemical reaction, it was observed that the temperature of the system could be raised to ≈170 °C (from 100 °C initial temperature) and pressure of 1600 psia, under controlled conditions. A stable water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion was prepared and used as a damaging fluid. Ultimately, about 72% of the W/O emulsion was removed from the core sample by injecting 1 PV of thermochemical fluids. In addition, the pressure profile, observed during the flooding experiment, shows that no precipitation or damage was induced during the thermochemical flooding. Therefore, it is envisaged that the insitu heat generation can mitigate emulsion blockage problem, and offers advantages over the existing methods considering environmental friendliness and damage removal efficiency.
Impact of social participation on health among middle-aged and elderly adults Evidence from longitudinal survey data in China
Authors: Ma Xinxin , Piao Xiangdan , Oshio Takashi
Published: February 2020

Background: Social participation (SP) is known to have a favourable impact on health. However, studies on this issue have been conducted mainly in advanced countries, and results in China have been mixed. This study examined the impact of SP on health outcomes of middle-aged and elderly adults in China, adjusted for simultaneity and heterogeneity biases.

Methods: In total, 57,417 observations of 28,935 individuals obtained from the population-based, three-wave panel survey, Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), conducted in 2011, 2013, and 2015 were used. The associations between one- or two-wave-lagged SP and health outcomes (mental health, self-rated health [SRH], activities of daily living [ADL], and diagnosed diseases) were examined by linear regression models. Individual-level heterogeneity was addressed by the random-effects estimation method.

Results: SP was found to have a positive impact on mental health and ADL. Specifically, one-wave-lagged SP improved mental health measure (range: 10–70) by 0.820 (standard error [SE]: 0.199, p < 0.001), the basic ADL measure (range: 6–24) by 0.147 (SE: 0.043, p < 0.001), and the instrumental ADL measure (range: 5–20) by 0.159 (SE: 0.035, p < 0.001). In contrast, SP did not significantly affect SRH or diagnosed diseases. The impact of SP differed by SP type; playing Mah-jong (Chinese traditional game), chess, or cards, or going to the community club had the most favourable effect. The impact of SP on health was also greater for women than men and greater for individuals aged 60–69 years than those aged 45–59 years and aged 70 and older.

Conclusions: SP had a positive, albeit selective, impact on health outcomes among middle-aged and elderly adults in China. The results suggest that policy measures to encourage these individuals to engage in SP are needed to enhance their health.
A hybrid cost-sensitive ensemble for heart disease prediction
Authors: Qi Zhenya , Zhang Zuoru
Published: February 2020

Heart disease is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. It includes numerous problems and symptoms. The diagnosis of heart disease is difficult because there are too many factors to analyze. What's more, the misclassification cost could be very high. In this paper, I firstly propose a cost-sensitive ensemble model to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the misclassification cost. The proposed model contains five heterogeneous classifiers: random forest, logistic regression, support vector machine, extreme learning machine and k-nearest neighbor. Then, experiments are done on three datasets from UCI machine learning repository. The highest classification accuracy of 91.74%, highest G-mean of 90.55%, highest precision of 96.11%, highest recall of 89.61% and lowest misclassification cost of 30.32% are achieved by the proposed model according to ten-fold cross validation. The results demonstrate that the performance of the proposed model is superior to those of previously reported classification techniques.
Serum Hepcidin, the Hepcidin/Ferritin Ratio and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Karamzad Nahid , Eftekhari Aziz , Ashrafi-Asgarabad Ahad , Sullman Mark J.M. , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Safiri Saeid
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

To perform a meta-analysis on the relationship type 2 diabetes has with serum
hepcidin and the hepcidin/ferritin ratio.

Methods:

The following databases were searched using all relevant keywords: Web of Science, Medline,
Scopus, Embase and Google Scholar. All studies that examined the relationship type 2 diabetes
has with serum hepcidin or the hepcidin/ferritin ratio were included in this meta-analysis and systematic
review provided, were published in English between 2011 and 2018. A random-effects model was
used to pool the standardized mean difference (SMD).

Results:

The SMD of serum hepcidin among patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy controls were
compared across eight studies (n cases=878; n controls=2306). The pooled SMD of serum hepcidin did not
differ significantly between study groups (SMD: 0.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.29 to 0.35). In
contrast, the serum hepcidin/ferritin ratio was examined across five studies (n cases=229; n controls=1426)
and was found to be negatively associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes (SMD: -0.52; 95% confidence
interval (CI): -0.85 to -0.19). There was no publication bias found for the associations serum
hepcidin (Egger´s test: P =0.97) or the hepcidin/ferritin ratio (Egger´s test: P =0.75) had with type 2
diabetes.

Conclusions:

Although hepcidin has been proposed as a risk marker for type 2 diabetes, our metaanalysis
found that the hepcidin/ferritin ratio was superior to hepcidin alone as a risk marker.
Synthesis, Photophysics and Theoretical Calculation of (E)-2-(benzo[d] thiazol-2-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)acrylonitrile
Authors: Wu Pei-Chieh , Chen Chih-Hsien
Published: February 2020

In this study, a new type of luminogen with aggregation-induced-emission (AIE) behavior
was designed and synthesized. The result of single-crystal X-ray structure showed a planar structure in
which the dihedral angle between two aromatic rings is less than 30o. Moreover, two different intermolecular
hydrogen bond interactions supported the stability of the crystal structure. After the formation
of organic nanoparticles in poor solubility solvent, the emission intensity of the desired product was
increased and the enhancement achieved was 14-fold. This new design of luminogen provided further
understanding of the AIE mechanism.
Pisosterol Induces G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis via the ATM/ATR Signaling Pathway in Human Glioma Cells
Authors: Ferreira Wallax A.S. , Burbano Rommel R. , do Ó. Pessoa Claudia , Harada Maria L. , do Nascimento Borges Bárbara , de Oliveira Edivaldo H. Correa
Published: February 2020

Background:

Pisosterol, a triterpene derived from Pisolithus tinctorius, exhibits potential antitumor
activity in various malignancies. However, the molecular mechanisms that mediate the pisosterol-specific effects
on glioma cells remain unknown.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the antitumoral effects of pisosterol on glioma cell lines.

Methods:

The 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and trypan blue exclusion
assays were used to evaluate the effect of pisosterol on cell proliferation and viability in glioma cells. The effect
of pisosterol on the distribution of the cells in the cell cycle was performed by flow cytometry. The expression
and methylation pattern of the promoter region of MYC, ATM, BCL2, BMI1, CASP3, CDK1, CDKN1A,
CDKN2A, CDKN2B, CHEK1, MDM2, p14ARF and TP53 was analyzed by RT-qPCR, western blotting and bisulfite
sequencing PCR (BSP-PCR).

Results:

Here, it has been reported that pisosterol markedly induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis and decreased
the cell viability and proliferation potential of glioma cells in a dose-dependent manner by increasing the expression
of ATM, CASP3, CDK1, CDKN1A, CDKN2A, CDKN2B, CHEK1, p14ARF and TP53 and decreasing
the expression of MYC, BCL2, BMI1 and MDM2. Pisosterol also triggered both caspase-independent and
caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways by regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and activating caspase-3 and p53.

Conclusions:

It has been, for the first time, confirmed that the ATM/ATR signaling pathway is a critical mechanism
for G2/M arrest in pisosterol-induced glioma cell cycle arrest and suggests that this compound might be a
promising anticancer candidate for further investigation.
Design and Development of Lomustine Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles for Efficient Brain Targeting
Authors: Anand Anupriya , Iyer Bharadhwaj Ramesh , Ponnusamy Chandrasekar , Pandiyan Rajesh , Sugumaran Abimanyu
Published: February 2020

Aim:

The present research work discussed the preparation of lomustine loaded with
chitosan nanoparticles (LNCp) by ionic gelation method with homogenization using the design on
experiments by Box-Behnken design.

Methods:

The nanoparticles are evaluated by particle size, zeta potential, surface morphology, drug
content, entrapment efficiency and in-vitro drug release.

Results:

The FT-IR results support that drug have no interaction with excipients, which are used in
the preparation of nanoparticle. The particle size, drug content and encapsulation efficiency of the
developed nanoparticles ranged from 190 to 255 nm, 80.88% to 94.02%, and 77.12 to 88.74%, respectively.
The drug release rate is diffusion-controlled over 8 hours. The F-value for all of the responses
shows that the models are significant. The p-value, less than 0.05 for all the responses reveals
the significance of the models. Graphical optimisation is done by desirability plot and overlay
plot, which contains optimal values of independent variables with the desirability of 1.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the results suggested that the optimised lomustine loaded chitosan nanoparticles
are useful for brain targeting hence hold the potential for further research and clinical application.
Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Potential of the Poly Herbal Formulation: Identification of Bioactive Factors
Authors: Uddandrao V.V. Sathibabu , Brahmanaidu Parim , Ganapathy Saravanan
Published: February 2020

Background & Objectives:

The present investigation is intended to prepare a Poly Herbal Formulation (PHF) with Piper nigrum (fruits), Terminalia paniculata (bark) and Bauhinia purpurea (bark) and assess their antioxidant and glucose-lowering effects utilizing in vitro models.

Methods:

The individual plant methanolic extracts and PHF are exposed to phytochemical examination and to distinguish the bioactive factors by GC-MS. We assessed the antioxidant properties of individual plant extracts and the PHF by using the DPPH scavenging method, H2O2 scavenging assay, TBARS assay and total antioxidant estimation. Likewise, the anti-diabetic activity was assessed by ɑ-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition and glucose diffusion inhibitory techniques.

Results:

We found that PHF contains a high measure of total phenolics, total flavonoids and tannin compared to individual plant extracts. The GC-MS identified the bioactive components. We also found that PHF had significantly higher antioxidant and glucose-lowering effects than the individual plant concentrates.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, it could be reasoned that due to the nearness of antioxidant components, the PHF has good potential in the administration of hyperglycemia, diabetes and the related state of oxidative stress. This study shows that PHF is superior to individual plant extracts, supporting the conventional PHF concept.
Use of the Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Chatbot App to Promote Stair-Climbing Habits Among Office Workers: Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Piao Meihua , Ryu Hyeongju , Lee Hyeongsuk , Kim Jeongeun
Published: February 2020

Background

Lack of time for exercise is common among office workers given their busy lives. Because of occupational restrictions and difficulty in taking time off, it is necessary to suggest effective ways for workers to exercise regularly. Sustaining lifestyle habits that increase nonexercise activity in daily life can solve the issue of lack of exercise time. Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Chatbot is a messenger app based on the habit formation model that can be used as a tool to provide a health behavior intervention that emphasizes the importance of sustainability and involvement.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Chatbot intervention presented via a messenger app aimed at stair-climbing habit formation for office workers.

Methods

From February 1, 2018, to April 30, 2018, a total of 106 people participated in the trial after online recruitment. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=57) or the control group (n=49). The intervention group received cues and intrinsic and extrinsic rewards for the entire 12 weeks. However, the control group did not receive intrinsic rewards for the first 4 weeks and only received all rewards as in the intervention group from the fifth to twelfth week. The Self-Report Habit Index (SRHI) of participants was evaluated every week, and the level of physical activity was measured at the beginning and end of the trial. SPSS Statistics version 21 (IBM Corp) was used for statistical analysis.

Results

After 4 weeks of intervention without providing the intrinsic rewards in the control group, the change in SRHI scores was 13.54 (SD 14.99) in the intervention group and 6.42 (SD 9.42) in the control group, indicating a significant difference between the groups (P=.04). When all rewards were given to both groups, from the fifth to twelfth week, the change in SRHI scores of the intervention and control groups was comparable at 12.08 (SD 10.87) and 15.88 (SD 13.29), respectively (P=.21). However, the level of physical activity showed a significant difference between the groups after 12 weeks of intervention (P=.045).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that intrinsic rewards are important to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of an intervention. The Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Chatbot program can be a cost-effective method for healthy habit formation.

Trial Registration

Clinical Research Information Service KCT0004009; https://tinyurl.com/w4oo7md
The Use of Internet-Based Health and Care Services by Elderly People in Europe and the Importance of the Country Context: Multilevel Study
Authors: Merkel Sebastian , Hess Moritz
Published: February 2020

Background

Digital health care is becoming increasingly important, but it has the risk of further increasing the digital divide, as not all individuals have the opportunity, skills, and knowledge to fully benefit from potential advantages. In particular, elderly people have less experience with the internet, and hence, they are in danger of being excluded. Knowledge on the influences of the adoption of internet-based health and care services by elderly people will help to develop and promote strategies for decreasing the digital divide.

Objective

This study examined if and how elderly people are using digital services to access health and social care. Moreover, it examined what personal characteristics are associated with using these services and if there are country differences.

Methods

Data for this study were obtained from the Special Eurobarometer 460 (SB 460), which collected data on Europeans’ handling of and attitudes toward digital technologies, robots, and artificial intelligence, including data on the use of internet-based health and social care services, among 27,901 EU citizens aged 15 years or older. Multilevel logistic regression models were adopted to analyze the association of using the internet for health and social care services with several individual and country-level variables.

Results

At the individual level, young age, high education, high social class, and living in an urban area were positively associated with a high probability of using internet-based health and social services. At the country level, the proportion of elderly people who participated in any training activity within the last month was positively associated with the proportion of elderly people using these services.

Conclusions

The probability of using internet-based health and social services and their accompanying advantages strongly depend on the socioeconomic background. Training and educational programs might be helpful to mitigate these differences.
A Questionnaire for Assessing User Satisfaction With Mobile Health Apps: Development Using Rasch Measurement Theory
Authors: Melin Jeanette , Bonn Stephanie Erika , Pendrill Leslie , Trolle Lagerros Ylva
Published: February 2020

Background

Mobile health (mHealth) apps offer great opportunities to deliver large-scale, cost-efficient digital solutions for implementing lifestyle changes. Furthermore, many mHealth apps act as medical devices. Yet, there is little research on how to assess user satisfaction with an mHealth solution.

Objective

This study presents the development of the mHealth Satisfaction Questionnaire and evaluates its measurement properties.

Methods

Respondents who took part in the Health Integrator Study and were randomized to use the Health Integrator smartphone app for lifestyle changes (n=112), with and without additional telephone coaching, rated their satisfaction with the app using the new 14-item mHealth Satisfaction Questionnaire. The ratings were given on a 5-point Likert scale and measurement properties were evaluated using Rasch measurement theory (RMT).

Results

Optimal scoring was reached when response options 2, 3, and 4 were collapsed, giving three response categories. After omitting two items that did not fit into the scale, fit residuals were within, or close to, the recommended range of ±2.5. There was no differential item functioning between intervention group, age group, or sex. The Person Separation Index was 0.79, indicating that the scale’s ability to discriminate correctly between person leniency was acceptable for group comparisons but not for individual evaluations. The scale did not meet the criterion of unidimensionality; 16.1% (18/112) of the respondents were outside the desired range of −1.96 to 1.96. In addition, several items showed local dependency and three underlying dimensions emerged: negative experiences, positive experiences, and lifestyle consequences of using the mHealth solution.

Conclusions

In times where mHealth apps and digital solutions are given more attention, the mHealth Satisfaction Questionnaire provides a new possibility to measure user satisfaction to ensure usability and improve development of new apps. Our study is one of only a few cases where RMT has been used to evaluate the usability of such an instrument. There is, though, a need for further development of the mHealth Satisfaction Questionnaire, including the addition of more items and consideration of further response options. The mHealth Satisfaction Questionnaire should also be evaluated in a larger sample and with other mHealth apps and in other contexts.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03579342; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03579342.
Family Medicine Journal Club: To Tweet or Not to Tweet?
Authors: Al-Imari Lina , Nutik Melissa , Rozmovits Linda , Alvi Ruby , Freeman Risa
Published: February 2020

Background and Objectives: Online journal clubs have recently become popular, but their effectiveness in promoting meaningful discussion of the evidence is unknown. We aimed to understand the learner experience of a hybrid online-traditional family medicine journal club.
Methods: We used a qualitative descriptive study to understand the experience of medical students and residents at the University of Toronto with the hybrid online-traditional family medicine journal club, including perceived useful and challenging aspects related to participant engagement and fostering discussion. The program, informed by the literature and needs assessment, comprised five sessions over a 6-month period. Learners led the discussion between the distributed sites via videoconferencing and Twitter. Six of 12 medical students and 33 of 57 residents participated in one of four focus groups. Thematic data analysis was performed using the constant comparison method.
Results: While participants could appreciate the potential of an online component to journal club to connect distributed learners, overall, they preferred the small group, face-to-face format that they felt produced richer and more meaningful discussion, higher levels of engagement, and a better learning opportunity. Videoconferencing and Twitter were seen as diminishing rather than enhancing their learning experience and they challenged the assumption that millennials would favor the use of social media for learning.
Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that for discussion-based teaching activities such as journal club, learners prefer a small-group, face-to-face format. Our findings have implications for the design of curricular programs for distributed medical learners.
The Association Between Poor Glycemic Control and Health Care Costs in People With Diabetes: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Mata-Cases Manel , Rodríguez-Sánchez Beatriz , Mauricio Dídac , Real Jordi , Vlacho Bogdan , Franch-Nadal Josep , Oliva Juan
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the differences in health care costs according to glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data on health care resource utilization from 100,391 people with type 2 diabetes were extracted from the electronic database used at the Catalan Health Institute. Multivariate regression models were carried out to test the impact of glycemic control (HbA1c) on total health care, hospital admission, and medication costs; model 1 adjusted for a variety of covariates, and model 2 also included micro- and macrovascular complications. Glycemic control was classified as good for HbA1c <7%, fair for ≥7% to <8%, poor for ≥8% to <10%, and very poor for ≥10%.

RESULTS

Mean per patient annual direct medical costs were €3,039 ± SD €6,581. Worse glycemic control was associated with higher total health care costs: compared with good glycemic control, health care costs increased by 18% (€509.82) and 23% (€661.35) in patients with very poor and poor glycemic control, respectively, when unadjusted and by €428.3 and €395.1, respectively, in model 2. Medication costs increased by 12% in patients with fair control and by 28% in those with very poor control (model 2). Patients with poor control had a higher probability of hospitalization than those with good control (5% in model 2) and a greater average cost when hospitalization occurred (€811).

CONCLUSIONS

Poor glycemic control was directly related to higher total health care, hospitalization, and medication costs. Preventive strategies and good glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes could reduce the economic impact associated with this disease.
Predicting 10-Year Risk of End-Organ Complications of Type 2 Diabetes With and Without Metabolic Surgery: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Aminian Ali , Zajichek Alexander , Arterburn David E. , Wolski Kathy E. , Brethauer Stacy A. , Schauer Philip R. , Nissen Steven E. , Kattan Michael W.
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVE

To construct and internally validate prediction models to estimate the risk of long-term end-organ complications and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity that can be used to inform treatment decisions for patients and practitioners who are considering metabolic surgery.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 2,287 patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent metabolic surgery between 1998 and 2017 in the Cleveland Clinic Health System were propensity-matched 1:5 to 11,435 nonsurgical patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 and type 2 diabetes who received usual care with follow-up through December 2018. Multivariable time-to-event regression and random forest machine learning models were built and internally validated using fivefold cross-validation to predict the 10-year risk for four outcomes of interest. The prediction models were programmed to construct user-friendly web-based and smartphone applications of Individualized Diabetes Complications (IDC) Risk Scores for clinical use.

RESULTS

The prediction tools demonstrated the following discrimination ability based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (1 = perfect discrimination and 0.5 = chance) at 10 years in the surgical and nonsurgical groups, respectively: all-cause mortality (0.79 and 0.81), coronary artery events (0.66 and 0.67), heart failure (0.73 and 0.75), and nephropathy (0.73 and 0.76). When a patient’s data are entered into the IDC application, it estimates the individualized 10-year morbidity and mortality risks with and without undergoing metabolic surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The IDC Risk Scores can provide personalized evidence-based risk information for patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity about future cardiovascular outcomes and mortality with and without metabolic surgery based on their current status of obesity, diabetes, and related cardiometabolic conditions.
Knowledge, Perception and Attitude Regarding Generic Medicines among Iraqi Physicians
Authors: Al-Jumaili Ali Azeez , Mahdi Layla Abdullah , Kadhim Dheyaa Jabbar
Published: February 2020

Objectives: The study aim was to explore the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of Iraqi physicians regarding generic and locally manufactured medicines.

Methods: A total of 124 physicians were involved in this cross -sectional study. The convenience sample was collected from five public hospitals in Baghdad. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed and collected in-person. Fisher's Exact Test was used to measure the association between physician years of experience, gender and categorical (perception and knowledge) variables.

Results: Most respondent answers regarding the knowledge of generic medicines were incorrect. Only up to one-third of the participants knew that generic medicines are therapeutically equivalent to brand name medicines (26.6%), as safe as brand name medicines (34.7%) and required to meet similar safety standards as brand name medicines (12.1%). With respect to perception, many physicians had negative perceptions about generic medicines such as viewing generic medicines as lower quality (57.3%) and cause more side effects (41.1%) compared to brand name medicines. Regarding physician attitudes toward generic medicines, about two-thirds (64.5%) of the physicians were willing to prescribe low cost medicines; however, only about half (51.6%) of the physicians reported they offer generic medicines to their patients. Finally, 64.5% of the participants were not comfortable with pharmacist replacing prescribed brand with generic medicines.

Conclusions: In general, Iraqi physicians have negative perceptions and attitudes about generic and locally manufactured medicines. Significant gaps were identified in the knowledge and perceptions among physicians regarding generic medicines especially in relation to efficacy and safety of generic medicines.

 

Article Type: Original Research
Daya Dukung Ketersediaan Air dan Pangan di Kecamatan Sukamaju
Authors: Mulawarman Ade , Paddiyatu Nurhikmah , B Sumarni , Haupea Rabi’atul Adawia
Published: February 2020

Daya dukung merupakan kemampuan lingkungan dalam mendukung kegiatan atau aktivitas penduduk yang hidup di atasnya yang menggunakan ruang untuk kelangsungan hidup. Degradasi lingkungan yang terjadi akibat dampak dari maraknya pembangunan, menimbulkan berbagai upaya peningkatan dalam pemenuhan terhadap ketersediaan air dan pangan sebagai sumber kehidupan. Konversi lahan pertanian menjadi lahan budidaya yang lain atau permukiman menjadikan lahan pertanian tersebut semakin minim pula sebagai penyokong dalam siklus keseimbangan lingkungan. Berbagai riset yang telah dibuktikan bahwa laju pertambahan penduduk atau populasi manusia tidak diiringi dengan pemasokan bahan makanan serta produksi pangan. Oleh karena itu, dalam keberlanjutannya perlu adanya perlindungan serta pengendalian dalam pemanfaatan ruang. Terkait hal tersebut, tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengetahui daya dukung lingkungan dalam aspek ketersediaan air dan pangan berbasis indeks jasa ekosistem di kecamatan Sukamaju, Kabupaten Luwu Utara. Metode analisis yang digunakan yaitu perhitungan dan penentuan daya dukung lingkungan indikatif berbasis jasa ekosistem terdiri dari klasifikasi karakterisitik ekoregion (bentang lahan dan tipe vegetasi alami), serta penutupan lahan, perhitungan dan pembuatan peta layanan/kinerja jasa ekosistem dengan metode penjumlahan berbobot (Simple Additive Weighting). Hasil dari penelitian menunjukkan bahwa jasa ekosistem penyediaan air pada kelas rendah sebesar 92,31% dan kelas tinggi sebesar 0,57% sedangkan untuk jasa ekosistem penyediaan pangan pada kelas rendah sebesar 24,71% dan kelas tinggi sebesar 40.68%.
Fußballturniere als soziale und emotionale Medienevents – Eine empirische Analyse zum Emotionserleben des Fernsehpublikums bei Spielen der deutschen Fußballnationalmannschaft
Authors: Gerke Markus , Mutz Michael
Published: February 2020

TV-Übertragungen der Spiele der deutschen Fußballnationalmannschaft besitzen einen starken emotionalen Erlebniswert für das Publikum. Gerade bei WM- und EM-Turnieren scheinen sich starke Emotionen intensiv und kollektiv aufseiten der TV-Zuschauer_innen Bahn zu brechen. Auf Basis eines repräsentativen Surveys während der Fußball-EM 2016 fragt dieser Beitrag, welche Emotionen vom TV-Publikum während der Spiele erlebt wurden und welche Einflussfaktoren diese bedingen. Der Artikel zeigt, dass das Schauen der Spiele bei der Mehrheit der Zuschauenden mit Emotionen der Freude und Spannung verbunden war. Die Intensität dieser Emotionen hängt neben dem Spielergebnis auch von der Identifikation mit der Nationalelf und vom sozialen Kontext des TV-Schauens ab. Fans und Personen, die ein Spiel gemeinsam mit einer größeren Gruppe anschauten, empfanden stärkere Emotionen. Diese Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die EM 2016 für weite Bevölkerungsteile ein soziales wie emotionales Event war. Sie bestätigen die zentrale Rolle von Fanbindungen für das Emotionserleben und sind konsistent mit Modellen der emotionalen Ansteckung in Gruppen.