bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key Factors Affecting Lecturer Productivity To Conduct Research
Authors: Harahap Hadry , Andriani Dewi , ES. Dedi Purwana , Susita Dan Dewi
Published: September 2020

The effectiveness of higher education institutions must be measured in terms of research productivity, the ability to produce new knowledge in the form of research and publications. In this case, lecturers as academic staff are expected to have a high level of capacity, commitment, integrity and responsibility to achieve the stated teaching and learning goals. Then, the global challenges that must be faced increasingly demand the role of lecturers to be able to further improve their work performance to conduct research and publish it in reputable international journals such as Scopus Idexed and others. Lecturers are one of the important factors for creating competent university graduates, and the main role of tertiary institutions is teaching, research and community service and is directed to expand knowledge and open new avenues of science and technology. This study aims to analyze  the factors that influence the productivity of lecturers producing international scientific articles at Private Universities using Structural Equation Modeling. The data used are primary data by conducting surveys with a total of 310 respondents, and the analysis used includes validity, reliability, multiple linear regression, multiple tests, and hypothesis testing. The results showed that the positive direct effect of transformational leadership style and communication on lecturer productivity. Both of these exogenous variables, transformational leadership style has a path coefficient value of py1 of 0.201 and CR (tcount) of 3.715, while the communication variable proves to be the most dominant influence on productivity as an endegent variable, 5,132.
Recognition criteria and application of lake eutrophication evaluation based on set pair analysis
Authors: Yuan Shi man , Li Fan xiu
Published: September 2020

The set pair analysis evaluation method has been applied to evaluate water quality. However, in real-life applications, because traditional assessing methods usually yield extreme results and are of poor resolution, a hybrid recognition criterion, entropy weight and set pair analysis model is established. The concepts and calculated methods of assessment grade fuzzy characteristic and confidence criterion were proposed in order to solve the problem of determination of the magnitude of lake eutrophication. And the weight value was calculated by entropy weight method and finally got the evaluation grade as a confidence interval based on confidence level. Compared with the set pair analysis based on triangular fuzzy number method (SPA(TFN)) and the improved set pair analysis method (ISPA), the evaluating results of this model are more reasonable and its resolving power is higher. This study offer new insights and possibility to carry out an efficient way for lake eutrophication status evaluation. The study also provides scientific reference in lake risk management for local and national governmental agencies.
The Forecasting Natural Gas demand in a region with seven models and evaluating their accuracy using as criteria five types of errors/residuals
Authors: Stathakis E. , Stambologlou E.
Published: September 2020

The modeling of Natural Gas (NG) demand differs significantly from the demand for electricity in terms of the determinants that affect it, as all fields of economic activities in a modern economy are directly related to electricity but not to NG. But NG is the second energy type after electricity used in all countries in percentages greater than 10% in average terms. NG is going to be installed in the Region of East Macedonia-Thrace (REMTH) the next years. So, we consider it is worth to predict the NG demand in REMTH using eight deterministic forecasting models. In order to do it we used a dataset of 20 years concerning two Greek regions to which the NG is used that period and through them we built the eight forecasting models aiming to find the NG demand in the REMTH. In order to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of them we used four types of statistical errors, Mean Error (ME), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and Mean Absolute Scale Error (MASE). These are the most widely used measures of evaluating the accuracy of deterministic predictive models, due to their advantages of scale-independency and interpretability. When  each of them is used alone has the significant disadvantage to produce infinite or undefined values for zero or close-to-zero actual values. In order to address this disadvantage, we propose a way to use the same time all of them measuring the accuracy of a model used to forecast the demand of Natural Gas in the Greek region EMTH. The innovation of this paper is that for NG demand forecasting were used seven different models and they are evaluated regarding their reliability /accuracy using five types of residuals or statistical errors
Caractérisation hydrologique et morpho-sédimentaire d’une zone de dragage en lagune Ebrié et risques de contamination de la nappe d’Abidjan : cas du secteur lagunaire Abatta- Bingerville
Authors: AKA Ané Maurice , KOUAME Aka Ferdin , Albéric AKA Charles
Published: September 2020

The main objective of this study is to assess the impacts of dredging on the Abidjan aquifer in the Bingerville sector. The data acquisition campaigns take place in July 2019. They consisted in the collection of morphobathymetric, hydrological and sedimentological data in the study area where catchment fields are located at most four (4) kilometers away. The physicochemical and microbiological analysis of the waters in this sector of the Ebrié lagoon has shown that they are of poor quality and therefore unsuitable for all domestic and consumer uses. Thus, any intrusion into the Abidjan aquifer would be synonymous with pollution of the aquifer water, the treatment of which would prove to be very expensive. The conductivity levels, especially at the bottom of the water (≥ 4m deep), are therefore higher than the WHO potability standard (2006) which is <2500 µS / cm. In addition, the bathymetric surveys obtained have highlighted topographic backgrounds with depressions of 4 to 5 m in general. However in dredging areas depths of more than 15 m have been observed. To assess the speed of sedimentation in order to assess the sanding capacity of dredged areas, this bathymetric map was superimposed on that of 1975 produced by TASTET. This superimposition highlights sedimentary movements with very significant sedimentation rates ranging from 1.7 to 1.9 m / s.
Effects of Aggressive Movies on Children’s Aggressive Behaviour
Authors: Amoah Charles Agyei , Ampong Emmanuel
Published: September 2020

This study was about effects of aggressive movies on children’s aggressive behaviour. Forty (40) pupils were randomly selected from Korle Abansoro Primary School, Koforidua, Eastern Ghana, to participate in the study. An adapted version of peer nomination instrument for aggression designed by Crick & Grotpeter in 1995 was used to acquire the data. Half the participants watched an aggressive movie while the other half watched non-aggressive movie for thirty minutes each after which the participants were assessed using the aggressive behavioral checklist or scale. The independent ‘t’ test was used to analyze the results. Two of the hypotheses were confirmed while the other two were rejected. This indicated that children who watched an aggressive movie exhibited more aggressive behavior than children who watched non-aggressive movie and males were not more aggressive than females. Two of the findings were consistent with previous findings. The implication of these results was discussed.
Using Constructivist Approach to Enhance Understanding of Mole Concept among Second Year Students in Chemistry at Adobewura Senior High School in Ashanti Region, Ghana
Authors: Baah Kennedy Ameyaw , Owusu Ansah Frank , Amoako Stephen Kwame , Boachie Solomon , Kwarteng Christian
Published: September 2020

The aim of the research was to use constructivist approach to enhance performance of second year elective science students of Adobewura in mole concept. In order to achieve this, the researcher employed the following research questions; What methods do teachers use to teach mole concept and to what extent can constructivist approach be used to help students understand mole concept. Action research was used since action research is a way of assessing result while operating. Purposive sampling was used to select 30 students for the study. Data were collected through tests (pre-intervention and post-intervention tests). The scores of the pre and post intervention tests were compared and result analyzed. The analyzed results indicated that students’ performance had improved remarkably after the implementation of all the intervention. For instance, when the researcher implemented the demonstration techniques, 23 students scored marks within 41-90 representing 76.67% while 23.33% scored between 41-30. No student scored marks less than 30 marks.  Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that there are a lot of performance enhancements in using constructivist approach in teaching and learning mole concept at Adobewura SHS since it improves conceptual understanding and also there is a positive effect on students’ attitudes of mole concept. The researcher recommends that the use of constructivist approach in teaching and learning chemistry at the Senior High School should be encouraged by Curriculum developers and education implementers for students should have a hands-on experience with mole concept in learning chemistry.

 

Keywords: Constructivist, Mole Concept, Demonstration, Purposive sampling, Intervention
School Committee Program to Improve Teacher's Performance in the District of Cipayung City Administration East Jakarta (CIPP Model Evaluation Research)
Authors: Udit  , Zulela  , Boeriswati Endry
Published: September 2020

This research aims to evaluate the school committee program in improving the performance of Elementary School teachers in Cipayung sub-district. Method used evaluation study method with CIPP model. The results showed; (1). Context, the purpose of establishing a school committee consisting of channeling, responsible, transparent, accountable, and democratic. But there are no specific schedules to absorb the aspirations of the community, (2). Input, the implementation of recruitment of members of Cipayung Subdistrict School Committee is not fully done through the procedures established by the legislation, the Electoral Committee of prospective members of Cipayung Subdistrict School Committee is not formed and established by the principal but by members of the school committee of Cipayung Subdistrict, (3) Process, implementation of the function of the school committee, the implementation of the school committee duties, and the implementation of the school committee's role has been good, but schools have not maximally worked with the business and industrial World, (4) Product, performance enhancement consisting of better education services, completion of tasks, professionals in carrying out their roles and functions and improving student achievement. Conclusion has not been a similarity of concept of work and there are differences of perception about role and function of school committee.
KASABACH-MERRIT syndrome triggered by vaccination
Authors: Batali S. , Aguenaou H. , Barkat A.
Published: September 2020

Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is a rare disorder of the newborn or very young child which combines a rapidly expanding red-purple vascular tumor and a hematological syndrome dominated by major thrombocytopenia and more moderate consumption of fibrinogen and coagulation. This syndrome is always considered serious due to hemorrhages related to coagulopathy. Imaging confirms the diagnosis and searches for deep locations. Therapeutic management must be early, multidisciplinary, adapting the benefits to therapeutic risks in order to improve the prognosis. We report the case of a KASABACH-MERRITT Syndrome on a preexisting thigh angioma triggered by vaccination in a female infant treated with angiogenesis SIROLIMUS, to focus on the cause and effect relationship between vaccination and SKM in the light of literature.
Retrospective Evaluuation of the Outcomes in the Patients with Chiari's Malformation Undergoing Surgical Treatment
Authors: Kaya İsmail , Cingöz İlker Deniz , Yüceer Nurullah
Published: September 2020

Introduction and Objectives: We aimed at evaluating retrospectively effects of surgery on the clinical symptoms and signs and imaging parameters in the patients with Chiari's malformation undergoing surgical treatment.

Materials and Methods: Medical charts and radiological images of the patients with Chiari's Malformation type I who had surgical treatment between January 2008 and July 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were classified as those having good (in whom the symptoms disappeared or reduced), stabilized (with preoperative symptoms persisting without any progression), or poor (with preoperative symptoms progressing in the postoperative period) outcomes.

Findings: All patients underwent FMD, Cl laminectomy and duraplasty. Seventeen subjects underwent removal of arachnoid adhesions, 10 subjects underwent opening of the fourth ventricle, and one subject underwent subpial resection. Of the patients, 28 were female and 11 were male with ratio of females to males being 25:1. The youngest patient was 5 years old and the eldest one was 51 years old, and mean age of the patients was 3231 ± 3131 years. The subjects were divided in two groups based on presence or absence of associated syringomyelia: those with syringamyelia (Group 1, n = 15) and those without syringomyelia (Group 2, n = 24). Postoperatively, in the Group 1 (SM 1- CM) 10 (66.7%) patients had good, 3 (20%) had stabilized and 2 (133%) patients had poor surgical outcomes. In the Group 2, 23 (918%) subjects had good and 1 (4.2%) subject had stabilized outcomes. For the Group 2, rate of recovery was higher than in the Group 1 (918% and 66.7%, respectively; Pearson's chi-square test, P = 0.014). Rate of recovery in 21 subjects with degree of tonsillar herniation being more than 11 mm (95.2%) was statistically significantly higher than 18 subjects with degree of tonsillar herniation being less than 11 mm (72.2%) (Pearson's chi-square test, P = 0.047).

Results: FMD is a safe and efficient surgical method for the Chiari malformations with or without associated syringomyelia. The subjects without associated syringomyelia benefited more from the surgery. Complications related to CSF may be reduced using additional tissue glues. Studies with greater number of cases should be conducted on the effect of degree of tonsillar herniation on surgical outcomes.
Early Appraisal of Option B+ In Tiko Health District- Cameroon
Authors: Tassang Andrew , T Nana Njamen , Assop  , Thierry Tassang , CJ Njamen Nana , Paulette Ngum Fru , Nchang Cho Frederick
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Cameroon in 2014 had a HIV prevalence rate of 4.6 %. It is estimated that about 90% of new infections occur as a result of heterosexual relations. In 2010 in Cameroon, 7,300 babies were estimated to be born HIV positive due to mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Faced with these realities, Cameroon has been stepping up its response steadily from Option A then B and now Option B+. To have an early appraisal of the Option B+ approach as far as the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) is concerned in the Tiko health district- Cameroon.

Methodology: This cross-sectional hospital based study was carried out in Tiko from the 1st of December 2015 to the 31st of August 2016. With the use of a questionnaire, a total of 111 women whose infants underwent the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at six weeks were surveyed. Univariate and bivariate data analysis were performed with CDC- Epi-Info 7.2.2.6.

Results: Out of 111 women included in this study, only 2 (1.8%) babies had a positive PCR test. Two cases of infected babies were realised in the study, 1 in each of the first two trimesters of pregnancy. It could probably be due to the fact that, these women got infected while they were already pregnant or maybe before their introduction to the Option B+. However, the infectious rate was similar to that of women on tritherapy. Interventions like the use of Antiretroviral (ART) drugs by infected pregnant women, safe delivery practices and safe infant feeding helped reduce the risk of transmission to infants (from 40% to 5%).

Conclusion: The infection rate of 1.8 % is similar to those of women who are on tritherapy in many studies. Despite the fact that the implementation of option B+ looks more onerous, the long term benefits as far as cost effectiveness is concerned looks laudable. Thus this strategy should be adopted in resource restricted countries.
Shiite Geopolitics Contemporary Shiite Geopolitical Theories and Terms
Authors: Safi Bayan Al
Published: September 2020

Ideological doctrinal theories were developed specifically for Shiite geopolitics as the basis for the implementation of the Iranian expansionist strategy and attempts to make the Iranian sectarian project successful by controlling the countries located in its vital area. In the first decade of the Islamic revolution, Shiite geopolitical theories were based on Iran's outing its geographical borders and turning it into the axis of the Islamic world. Thus, Tehran took a liberty of reaching out to social, cultural and sectarian components in other countries with the aim of building Muslim Shiite regimes under the leadership of Iran.

The paper examines the manifestation of the return of geopolitics in the 21st century, in particular, the Iranian Shiite geopolitics. The expansion of Shiite political Islam, especially after the Iranian role demonstrated the terrorist-armed aspect of sectarianism.
The Relationship between Conflict Management Styles and Organizational Effectiveness: A Case Study of Herat Municipality
Authors: Ataee Mohammad Asif
Published: September 2020

The general aim of this study is to “examining the relationship between conflict management styles and effectiveness in Herat Municipality in Afghanistan”. The methodology of the research is Descriptive – correlation, and it is practical in terms of aim. The method of sampling in this research is simple random sampling and the sample size is 140 (Female, N= 21 and Male, N= 119) employees of the Herat Municipality. The data gathering tools are the standard questionnaire of conflict management styles and a standard questionnaire of organizational effectiveness. For analyzing data SPSS 22 software is used. According to the results of this study, it can be seen that managers in conflict management in the Herat Municipality use more cooperation and reconciliation strategies. Compromise style also has many effects. The use of these styles signifies the constructive use of conflict. While the use of avoidance style does not affect conflict management, on the other hand, the use of competition style in conflict management has the opposite effect. Since there has been no research on this subject in Afghanistan so far, this research is a novel and new research in this regard that can provide the reader with new information about the topic, especially in Herat province. On the other hand, this research is the beginning of more research in this field for other researchers.
Hematological And Biochemical Blood Changes In Chronic Tendinitis Thoroughbred Race Horses
Authors: S.K Tmumen, , Abdalmula Anwar M. , Alnagar Fahima A.
Published: September 2020

Tendon injury is the most important veterinary reason for wastage of thoroughbred racehorses. Clinical diagnosis of tendon injuries is confirmed by a combination of clinical, ultrasonographic or post mortem examination of the injured limb. In addition, measurement of hematological and biochemical blood parameters are an important tool that aid health assessment and decision-making in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of the injured tendon. Therefore, the lack of information or misinterpretation of these parameters may affect the accuracy of disease diagnosis and then lead to poor treatment. The present study was conducted to evaluate the levels of some hematological and biochemical parameter in the blood of thoroughbred horses affected by chronic tendinitis and compared with normal horses. Blood samples were collected from 15 healthy thoroughbred horses (8 stallions and 7 mares) and 21 tendinitis thoroughbred horses (11 stallions and 10 mares); and the levels of 18 blood parameters were determined. The tendinitis horses had higher number of erythrocytes and thrombocytes, higher values of packed cell volume (PCV) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV); lower enzyme activity of creatine kinase (CK), lower values of lactic acid (LA), icteric index and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and lower numbers of band neutrophils than the normal horses. The chronic tendinitis mares had higher number of thrombocytes and lower values of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme activity, lactic acid, plasma proteins, MCHC and lower numbers of white blood cells (WBC) than the normal mares. The chronic tendinitis stallions had higher levels of lactic acid, plasma proteins, MCV, and higher numbers of erythrocytes and thrombocytes,; and lower values of icteric jaundice, MCHC, band neutrophils than the normal horses. No significant differences were reported when tendinitis mares were compared with tendinitis males. However, normal mares showed higher levels of plasma proteins than normal stallions. The results obtained by this study can be used as useful index to diagnose and treat chronic tendinitis in horses.
Assessing the Impact of Parents’ Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health Knowledge on Sexual Health Education by Parents in the Asutifi (North and South) Districts of Ghana
Authors: Adjei Evelyn Serwaa , Baah Kennedy Ameyaw
Published: September 2020

Parent’s involvement in adolescent sexual health education has been identified as one of the effective ways of reducing sexual risk behaviour among adolescents. However, a number of factors may prevent parents from carrying out adolescent sexual health education. Four hundred and twenty-four (424) parents/guardians, including 180 males and 244 females were randomly selected from the Asutifi north and south districts of the Brong- Ahafo region of Ghana for the cross- sectional study. Self-administered and interviewer-administered questionnaires consisting of demographic characteristics, parent’s knowledge on adolescent sexual health, socioeconomic factors, cultural factors and practice of sexual health education were the measures for the study. Literate respondents had self-administered questionnaire while illiterate respondents had interviewer administered questionnaires. Interviewers translated the questionnaire from the English language to the local language (Twi) for illiterate respondents to ensure better understanding of the questions. 86.1% of the surveyed parents practice adolescent sexual health education. Females as well as married parents were found to practice sexual health education (SHE) more than male and unmarried parents respectively. Two variables remained significant after controlling for relevant demographic and other factors. These included parent’s knowledges on adolescent sexual health (OR=2.35; 95% CI 1.34-4.09) and parents’ level of education (OR= 3.47; 95% CI 1.27-9.45). Government agencies in collaboration with stake holders should develop policies that will ensure that parents are given the necessary training that will boost both their level of education and knowledge on adolescent sexual health.
Management Education – The Semitic and Indo-European Languages: Arabic, Russian, Spanish languages.
Authors: Allegra Stefania
Published: September 2020

The ability to work in more tasks in every field life it’s hard goal to achieve. I can affirm with proof that you need to train constantly for it. It means that you have to train the mind and the action through the same direction. I’ve been trained myself in this task as personal experience of life. Since I was twenty I’ve held many important and hard tasks that have changed my mind results.

It’s the same in the field of learning, studying and teaching foreign languages. If you don’t train quite every day your memorization, it’s quite impossible to learn a foreign language. A professional professor in foreign languages is normally used to teach one, two languages or sometimes more, and it’s difficult in any case.

According to my experience I got the special training to teach in contemporary more languages, I mean at the same time, to switch more languages, so it happens that I teach more languages in the same day and even in the same hour, without any difficulty. It’s possible only because my mind is always well trained.

It’s for example, when you change language, you must remember all skills, in contemporary with other languages, it’s so when I teach English, German, French, Russian, Arabic, Italian, etc.. It’s not easy to train the mind in this way, but you can succeed if you do the right training.

It’s important to be conscious about the power of the mind, when we want to learn a foreign language. It’s not easy but you must focus in hard training to get true results.

The mistake is to think to learn a language without passion just for a duty, in this way you will never learn it; it’s the first step in helping the memorization. Then you will find the next step to follow the training of memorization.
Applying Lessons from the U.S. Indian Child Welfare Act to Recently Passed Federal Child Protection Legislation in Canada
Authors: Hahn Hayley , Caldwell Johanna , Sinha Vandna
Published: September 2020

Indigenous children are overrepresented in child protection systems in the United States and to an even greater degree in Canada. Canada has recently passed federal child welfare legislation, Bill C-92, with the goal of affirming the rights of Indigenous Peoples and establishing guidelines with respect to child and family services for Indigenous children. The aim of this article is to contribute to ongoing discussions about the recently passed Canadian legislation, drawing on lessons learned in the United States context. The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), passed in the United States in 1978, has created a legislative paradigm, which in some cases has been bolstered by state-level provisions. The ICWA can provide helpful lessons to consider in Canada as the new legislation is implemented and amended over time. Specifically, we examine elements of the ICWA related to accessibility and compliance with the law, along with deeper analysis of state-level statutes related to adoption provisions in light of the phenomenon of transracial adoption of Indigenous children. As reactions to the Canadian federal law have been mixed, this policy analysis may be supportive of conversations regarding its further development, particularly related to funding and enforcement. On a broader level, considerations of Indigenous community jurisdiction over child and family policies within our discussion are relevant to various settler-colonial contexts.
Zinc Administration Affects Bronchial Mucosal NF-κB p105/p50, p-NF-κB p65, IL-8, and IL-1β of Zinc-deficient Rats
Authors: Ranuh Reza Gunadi , Darma Andy , Athiyyah Alpha Fardah , Latifolia Ergia , Setyoningrum Retno Asih , Hidajat Boerhan , Hidayati Siti Nurul , Endaryanto Anang , Sandra Ferry , Sudarmo Subijanto Marto
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Risk of acute respiratory infections in children less than 5 years of age is up to 95%. Zinc deficiency is one of the main risk factors. This study aimed to explore the effect of zinc on the bronchial mucosae inflammatory status expressed by nuclear factor (NF)-κB p105/p50, NF-κB p65, interleukin (IL)-8, and IL-1β.METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: normal zinc diet group without zinc supplementation (Z1), normal zinc diet group with zinc supplementation (Z2), zinc deficient diet group without zinc supplementation (Z3), and zinc deficient diet group with zinc supplementation (Z4). NF-κB p105/p50, p-NF-κB p65, IL-8, and IL-1β were measured by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS: The inflammatory status of bronchial mucosae between Z1 and Z2 groups showed no difference (p=0.055). However, the inflammatory status of bronchial mucosae between Z3 and Z4 groups showed significant difference (p<0.01). Multivariate factorial design showed that zinc supplementation was beneficial when given to zinc deficient diet group with regard to decrease p-NF-κB p65, IL-8 and IL-1β levels (p<0.001) and increase dendritic cell (p=0.022).CONCLUSION: Zinc administration under conditions of zinc deficiency affects the inflammatory status, as shown by the decrease of p-NF-κB p65, IL-8 and IL-1β and the increase of NF-κB p105/p50.KEYWORDS: zinc, NF-κB, p105/p50, p65, IL-8, IL-1β, rat
Renal Function in Children with β-Thalassemia Major Treated with Iron Chelating Agent
Authors: Siregar Olga Rasiyanti , Siregar Rosmayanti Syafriani , Lubis Bidasari
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Thalassemia is a disorder of inherited blood and inticated by the abnormal hemoglobin. Transfusion and iron chelation are part of thalassemia management. Iron chelating agent reduces complications due to the excess iron as a result of repeated transfusions, hence, increasing the survival rate. However, prolonged intake of iron chelating agent may increase the risk of renal function impairment. To date, evaluation of renal function in children with β-thalassemia in Medan has never been reported. The objective of this study was to evaluate renal function and other factors in children with β-thalassemia.METHODS: Fourty-five children with β-thalassemia was recruited in this study. Renal function, represented by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)and serum ferritin levels were examined. The measurement of eGFR was using Schwartz method.RESULTS: Decreased eGFR observed in some the children (2 patients) with β-thalassemia major treated with iron chelating agent. None of the factors examined had association with serum creatinine level. Children's age and duration of iron chelating agent intake had positive correlation with their eGFR (r=0.506, p<0.001 and r=0.518, p<0.001, respectively). However, serum ferritin levels was not a predictor for renal function impairment.CONCLUSION: Most of children with β-thalassemia major treated with iron chelating agent have normal renal function, nevertheless, decreased renal function is observed in few children. Highlighted, renal function examinations should be performed routinely as iron chelating agent administration is a long-term therapy in children with β-thalassemia major.KEYWORDS: β-thalassemia major, renal function, serum ferritin levels, iron chelating agent
Lactobacillus plantarum IS-20506 Probiotic Restores Galectin-4 and Myosin-1a Expressions in Duodenum, Jejunum and Ileum of Lipopolysaccharide-induced Rats
Authors: Ranuh Reza Gunadi , Athiyyah Alpha Fardah , Darma Andy , Riawan Wibi , Surono Ingrid Suryanti , Sandra Ferry , Sudarmo Subijanto Marto
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Galectin-4 and Myosin-1a are important proteins for normal intestinal brush border structure and composition. Damage of these proteins by inflammation may alter digestion, absorption and barrier function. Probiotic has been widely known in maintaining gut health. However, the molecular mechanism of Lactobacillus plantarum IS-2056 probiotic in repairing intestinal brush border is not well defined. Therefore, current study was conducted by investigating the Galectin-4 and Myosin-1a expressions in a rodent model.METHODS: Male Wistar rats were induced with/without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and treated with/without L. plantarum IS-2056 probiotic. On the seventh day, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were collected and analyzed with western blot and immunohistochemistry for Galectin-4 and Myosin-1a expressions.RESULTS: Rats administrated with L. plantarum IS-2056 probiotic showed significant increase of Galectin-4 and Myosin-1a expressions in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum compared to the control group (p<0.05). While in control group, Galectin-4 level tended to increase in more distal of intestinal segment and Myosin-1a level tended to decrease in more distal intestinal segment.CONCLUSION: L. plantarum IS-20506 probiotic may facilitate the repairment of damaged intestinal brush border as demonstrated by significant restoration of Galectin-4 and Myosin-1a expressions in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of LPS-induced rats.KEYWORDS: Lactobacillus plantarum, IS-20506, probiotic, galectin-4, myosin-1a, duodenum, jejunum, ileum
Ethionamide Alters Thyroid Receptor Gene Expression in Rats' Muscle
Authors: Lesmana Ronny , Setiawan Setiawan , Efza Ferdyan , Pratiwi Yuni Susanti , Iqbal Gilang Muhamad Nur , Goenawan Hanna , Sylviana Nova , Supratman Unang
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Ethionamide usage as one of the drug regimens still becomes a challenge due to high numbers of patients developing hypothyroid. Ethionamide had been associated with the inhibition of thyroid hormone (TH) synthesis and interestingly, ethionamide (C8H10N2S)-induced hypothyroidism is supported by its similar structure with thioamides, propythiouracil (C7H8N2S). However, hypothyroidism is not solely caused by its production, it could be caused by signaling alteration. Therefore, knowing that important TH action is determined via genomic pathway, alteration of this receptor could bring serious clinical problem. Unfortunately, there is limited study about the regulation of ethionamide and its connection on TH genomic signaling especially thyroid hormone receptor (TR) gene expression in soleus, gastrocnemius and cardiac muscle.METHODS: Thirty-eight rats were divided into control, ethionamide and propylthiouracyl groups. After 12-week treatment, rat were sacrificed, then gastrocnemius, soleus and cardiac muscles were dissected out, snap freezed using liquid nitrogen, and stored in -80oC until use. RNA was extracted and run for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).RESULTS: In soleus muscle, ethionamide stimulated TR mRNA expressions and deiodinase compared to control group. In contrast, TRα1 gene expression was not affected by ethionamide administration. In gastrocnemius muscle, only TRβ1 gene and Dio2 gene expressions that were significantly increased compared to control group. In cardiac muscle, ethionamide significantly stimulated all the thyroid hormone receptor isoform and iodothyronine deiodinase gene expression compared to the control group.CONCLUSION: Long ethionamide treatment upregulates TR gene expressions and deiodinase in soleus and cardiac muscle, there is different expression pattern of soleus, gastrocnemius and cardiac muscle after ethionamide stimulation.KEYWORDS: ethionamide, hypothyroid, TRα1, TRα2, TRβ1, TRβ2
Nutrigenetics, Nutrigenomics and Precision Nutrition
Authors: Meiliana Anna , Wijaya Andi
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Since our conception to death, we were permanently exposed to nutrition. Indeed, food intake is the key of the environmental factor that modulates our gene. Nutrigenomics focus on how common dietary chemicals altering an individual’s genetic makeup including genome, proteome, and metabolome. While nutrigenetics refer to how the genetic variation gives different responses to nutrients.CONTENT: Nutrigenomics applied the high-throughput genomic-related tools to find out the influence of nutrients on the genes’ expression. While nutrigenetics (nutritional genetics) focus on the heterogenous response of gene variants to nutrients and dietary factors. Application nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics, integrated with system biology result in a precision nutrition as a relevant precise personal dietary change recommendation, thus will increase the motivation and sustain to whom the intervention is being delivered.SUMMARY: Individual diet recommendation is not simple. Many factors and tools should be involved adequately. The application of integrated -omics approaches, together with nutrigenomic and nutrigenetics for novel biomarker discovering and precision nutrition tailoring were expected to develop a healthier lifestyle and behavior.KEYWORDS: nutrigenetics, nutrigenomics, precision nutrition, metabolomics, system biology
Iron Administration Affects Cardiac Calcium Channel Expression in Mice: The Role of Cardiac Calcium Channel Expression in The Heart of Iron Overload Mice Model
Authors: Syamsunarno Mas Rizky Anggun Adipurna , Rakhimullah Alif Bagus , Gamayani Uni , Kurabayasi Masahiko , Iso Tatsuya , Safitri Ratu , Panigoro Ramdan
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Iron-overload cardiomyopathy (IOC) is a major comorbidity in patients with chronic repetitive blood transfusion due to myocardial iron uptake that facilitated by calcium channels. As cardiac compensatory mechanism to IOC, we hypothesized the cardiac calcium channels expression would be increased and involved in cardiomyopathy progressivity. This study was aimed to investigate the gene expression of calcium channels in the heart of the iron overload mice model.METHODS: Mice were divided into three groups according to iron administration doses 0, 0.1, and 0.3 mg/day. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured for the representation of cardiovascular outcomes. The heart tissues were harvested. Further mRNA levels of L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) and T-type calcium channels (TTCCs) were examined using semi-quantitative PCR. The expressions of cardiac calcium channels and blood pressure among the three groups were compared.RESULTS: The expressions of TTCCs in the two iron-injected groups were higher than the control group (p=0.018). The expressions of LTCCs were not different (p=0.413) among groups. SBP, DBP, and MAP of the iron-injected group were lower than the control group (p=0.025, p=0.011, and p=0.008, respectively).CONCLUSION: Iron administration affects the expression of TTCCs but not the LTCCs, accompanied by decreasing of systolic and diastolic blood pressure.KEYWORDS: cardiomyopathy, iron overload, L-type calcium channel, T-type calcium channel.
Effect of Croton caudatus Geiseler Aqueous Root Extract on Reproductive and Biochemical Parameters in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Dasiman Razif , Abd Malek Mastura , Bahari Ebby Anuar , Zakaria Fatin Nadzirah , Hashim Nina Keterina , Samsuddin Afiqah , Daud Kamalru Azman , Sham Fatimah , Amom Zulkhairi
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Croton caudatus Geiseler (CCG), a local herb that empirically has been used as traditional medicine for malaria, fever, convulsions, and rheumatic arthritis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CCG on reproductive and biochemical parameters in male Wistar rats.METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar male rats were divided randomly into four groups, which were treated with CCG aqueous root extract at the concentration of 0-16 mg/kg, via oral gavage. After 21 days of treatment, blood, sperm, and testes were harvested for analyses. Sperm parameters were evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analyser (Hamilton Thorne Sperm Analyzer), and morphometric analyses of histological changes were performed.RESULTS: CCG extract at 8 and 16 mg/kg significantly (p<0.05) increased the total sperm count, concentration, and motility; whereby, only 16 mg/kg significantly decreased the percentage of abnormal sperm morphology. Testosterone hormones levels were the highest in 4 mg/kg CCG but were slightly decreased in 8 and 16 mg/kg CCG. The histological results showed a significant increase in the germinal epithelial height, decrease of lumen size at 16 mg/kg of CCG extract. No significant changes of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatinine levels in serum from all CCG extract groups. However, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level in 8 mg/kg CCG was elevated, and the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was decreased in all CCG extract groups.CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the CCG extract at 4 mg/kg has the potential to enhance spermatogenesis activity within the seminiferous tubules in rats without any hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity effect on the liver and kidney.KEYWORDS: Croton caudatus Geiseler, rats, spermatogenesis, seminiferous tubules, testis, testosterone
Hypothalamic Microinflammation: New Paradigm In Obesity And Metabolic Disease
Authors: Meiliana Anna , Dewi Nurrani Mustika , Wijaya Andi
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Hypothalamus is the master regulator of body’s systemic homeostasis including energy balance, body temperature, sleep, blood pressure, and circadian rhythms. This review article will highlight the shifting of the old paradigm of obesityinflammation-metabolic syndrome, which was focused on visceral organs and systemic inflammation, into a new model involving microinflammation in the master regulator of endocrine system, i.e., hypothalamus.CONTENT: Since the early stage of over-nutritional conditions and aging process, microinflammation in hypothalamus has started to emerge, due to the activation of several proinflammatory signaling pathways, especially the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-mediated nuclear transcriptional programs. Together with intracellular organelle stress signals, these pathways develop a chronic microinflammatory environment in the hypothalamus leading to obesity and metabolic disorders.SUMMARY: Hypothalamic inflammation has been noted not only as an important driver of impaired energy balance, but also contribute in altered neurocircuit functions and promote obesity-associated metabolic impairment.KEYWORDS: hypothalamus, inflammation, metabolism, obesity, metabolic syndrome
Correlation between Suppression of Tumorigenicity-2 with Left Ventricular Geometry, Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Quality of Life in Systolic Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Gunadi Johan , Rampengan Starry Homenta , Pangemanan Janry Antonius , Panda Agnes Lucia , Lampus Nancy , Hasbullah Hasjim
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders and is the final stage of every heart disease, marked by decreased functional capacity and patients’ quality of life (QoL). Suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (ST2) is a biomarker depicting heart fibrosis and remodeling that altered left ventricular geometry, which in turn decreases left ventricular contractility, decreases functional capacity, and ultimately affects the QoL of the HF patient.METHODS: An observational study was conducted with a cross-sectional approach involving 60 patients with systolic heart failure. Left ventricular geometry, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), ST2 level, and other biomarkers were examined, continued by QoL assessment.RESULTS: The ST2 level (33.25±23.55 ng/mL) was negatively correlated with LVEF (r=-0.257; p=0.024) and was positively correlated with QoL (r=0.255; p=0.05). The LVEF was negatively correlated with QoL (r=-0.224; p=0.031). However, no significant correlation was found between left ventricular geometry with ST2 level or patients’ QoL.CONCLUSION: Elevated ST2 levels are correlated with decreased LVEF and worse QoL in systolic heart failure subjects. Therefore, ST2 together with LVEF can be used as prognostic tools for patients with HF.KEYWORDS: heart failure, ST2, left ventricular geometry, left ventricular ejection fraction, quality of life
IR Bagendit Paddy Leaves Extract Improves Liver Cell Morphology and Reduces The Activity of Transaminase Enzymes After Lead Exposure in Rat
Authors: Santosa Budi , Sunoko Henna Ria , Sukeksi Andri , Zulaikhah Siti Thomas
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Lead (Pb) was known as one of systemic toxic agent. In the body, lead may be deactivated by the metallothioneins. Paddy leaves contain metallothioneins, sugars and pythosterols, and studies have shown the pharmacological activity of rice leaves on the protective effect of lead-induced rats against kidney function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of IR Bagendit paddy leaves extract as hepatoprotective agent.METHODS: Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups: one control and three treatment groups. Control and treatment groups were exposed to lead of 0.5 g/kg body weight (BW)/day and then the treatment groups were administered with paddy leaves extract of 0.2; 0.4; and 0.8 g/kg BW/day per oral for 8 weeks. On the last day of the 8th week, body weight was measured and the numbers of normal, degenerative and necrotic liver cells were examined with hematoxylin-eosin staining. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) were measured as liver function parameter. Difference of variables between control and treatment groups were examined by Friedman test.RESULTS: There was no association in different BW between groups. The normal liver cells are higher in treatment than control group (p<0.001) and necrotic liver cells are lower in treatment than control group (p≤0.001). There was no association in degenerative liver cells between groups (p=0.153). The activity of transaminase enzymes are lower in treatment than control group (p<0.001).CONCLUSION: IR Bagendit Paddy leaves extract reveals hepatoprotective activity by improving liver cells morphology and reducing the activity of transaminase enzymes after lead exposure.KEYWORDS: paddy leaves extract, liver normal cell, necrotic cell, transaminase enzymes
Produção de Soja e Milho do Mato Grosso: Análise do Número de Berços Mínimos para Atender as Possíveis Demandas no Porto de Santarém (PA)
Authors: Bender Juliane Érika Cavalcante , Da Silva Ana Paula Magalhães
Published: September 2020

A região do Mato Grosso (MT), apesar de possuir grande potencial agrícola, não detém um cenário ideal para o transporte de grãos, visto que grande parte destes são escoados para Porto de Santos, utilizando o transporte rodoviário para sua exportação. Deste modo, propõem-se a investigação de um novo corredor, estabelecido pelo início da operação da ferrovia EF-170 em conjunto com a hidrovia Tapajós-Teles Pires. Prevendo o aumento das movimentações de graneis em razão do início da operação da rota, o objetivo é determinar o número mínimo de berços no Porto de Santarém (PA) de forma a atender a demanda futura da área de influência. São criados quatro cenários operacionais possíveis, empregando a produção do ano de 2019 como cenário atual, uma estimativa de produção para 2025 e os índices operacionais do porto. O método utilizado se mostrou satisfatório, porém as pesquisas devem ser aprofundadas a fim de determinar a melhor solução para o porto em questão no caso de implantação do novo corredor.