bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type 3 Resistant Starch Effect of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) on Fasting Blood Glucose in Diabetes Mellitus Wistar Rat Models
Authors: Widiastini T Ariani , Sakinah Elly Nurus , Nurdian Yudha , Firdaus Jauhar
Published: February 2019

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a condition in which both insulin secretion and insulin sentivity disturbed. One of therapeutic approach of T2DM is through diet modification using resistant starch (RS) that has proven controlling both postprandial and fasting blood glucose. Cassava starch has 28,57% amylose and 51,24% amylopectin that can be increased through autoclaving-cooling process. Therefore, it can resist the digestion proess by amylose enzyme. The aim was to describe the effect of type 3 resistant starch cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) on fasting blood glucose (FBG) in Wistar diabetic rat models. This study was quasy experimental post-test only control group design using 16 Wistar rats divided into 4 groups, KN (normal), K- (DM), P1 (DM + cassava starch diet), and P2 (DM + type 3 RS cassava diet). High fat diet (HFD) and low dose streptozotocin (STZ) used as diabetic agents. Rats fed cassava starch or type 3 RS cassava diet for 28 days. GOD-PAP method used to measure the FBG level. The data analyzed using One Way ANOVA test with p>0,05 as significant value. The result shows no significant differences within experimental groups.

Keywords: cassava, autoclaving-cooling, resistant starch, FBG
The Sensitivity Pattern of Bacteria Against Antibiotics in Urinary Tract Infection Patients at RSD DR. Soebandi Jember
Authors: Syahputra Ryan Ravi Is , Agustina Dini , Wahyudi Septa Surya
Published: February 2019

Urinary tract infection (UTI) was infection by microorganisms in the urinary tract. Treatment of UTI required supportive therapy and adequate antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance was the solution in the treatment of UTI, so it is important to assess the factors of bacterial resistance and strategies to control the incidence of resistance by choosing antibiotics in accordance with the pattern of sensitivity of germs obtained. This study aimed to determine the pattern of bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics in patients with UTI in RSD dr. Soebandi Jember. This research used descriptive research design by taking secondary data that was medical record data of urine culture examination and sensitivity test to antibiotics in UTI patients who have been diagnosed in inpatient and outpatient room RSD dr. Soebandi Jember between the period January 1, 2014 until November 30, 2017. The results of this study obtained 57 samples of urine positive bacteria, which found 18 types of bacteria that caused UTI. Of the 18 types of bacteria, there were 16 Gram negative bacteria and 2 Gram positive bacteria. Five bacteria divided among others E. coli on 24 samples, K. ornithinolytica on 5 samples, K. pneumoniae on 4 samples, B. cepacia on 4 samples, and E. cloacae on 3 samples. The results of bacterial sensitivity to antibiotic pattern showed the highest sensitivity level ie amikacin, fosfomicin, netilmicin, gentamicin, and nitrofurantoin. While the results of patterns of bacterial resistance to antibiotics based on hormonal levels of cephalotin, cephazolin, ampicillin, sulphametoxazole, and trimetoprim.

Keywords: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Bacterial sensitivity, Antibiotics
Cumhuriyetin İlk Heykeltıraşlarından Ratip Aşir Acudoğu: Yaşamı ve Anıtları
Authors: YILMAZ Ercan
Published: February 2019

Ratip Aşir Acudoğu 1898’de İstanbul’da doğmuş ve 1957’de yine İstanbul’da yaşama veda etmiştir. 1918 yılında Sanayii Nefise Mektebi Heykel Şubesi’nde başladığı öğrenimini daha sonra

Almanya’da Münih Güzel Sanatlar Akademisi, Fransa’da Julian Akademisi ve dönemin ünlü heykeltıraşı Bourdelle’in atölyesinde sürdürmüş, 1928’de yurda dönmüştür.

Müstakil Ressamlar ve Heykeltıraşlar Birliği’nin 1928’deki kurucuları arasında yer almış olan

Acudoğu, 1929’da ilk kez Edirne’de başladığı Resim Öğretmenliği görevini daha sonra İstanbul’da

ölümüne dek sürdürmüştür.

Sanat eğitimciliği görevine paralel olarak heykel alanındaki üretkenliğine hiç ara vermeyen sanatçı, yaşamı boyunca pek çok yapıta da imza atmıştır. Bu yapıtlarından en önemlileri Menemen

Kubilay Anıtı, Bolu Atatürk Anıtı (Nejat Sirel ile birlikte), Erzincan İnönü Anıtı ve Ankara Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Atatürk Anıtı’dır.

Ratip Aşir Acudoğu’nun anıt eserleri Cumhuriyet’in ilk yıllarından itibaren, sanatın ve heykelin

ülkenin kültürel gündeminde nasıl önemli bir yer işgal ettiğini gözler önüne sermektedir. Sanatçının yaşam hikayesi ise ilk kuşak Türk heykeltıraşlarının zorlu yaşam koşullarına rağmen tutku ve

adanmışlıkla mesleklerine bağlılıklarının önemli bir göstergesi niteliğindedir. 
Results-Based Forest Conservation Funding: Amazon Fund 10 Years Later, Lessons from the World's Largest REDD+ Program
Authors: Correa Juliano , Van der Hoff Richard , Rajão Raoni
Published: February 2019

Results-Based Funding (RBF) for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) has become an important instrument for channeling financial resources to forest conservation activities. At the same time, much literature on conservation funding is ambiguous about the effectiveness of existing RBF schemes. Many effectiveness evaluations follow a simplified version of the principal-agent model, although in practice the relation between aid providers and funding recipients is much more complex. As a consequence, intermediary steps of conservation funding are often not accounted for effectiveness studies. This research paper aims to provide a nuanced understanding of conservation funding by analyzing the allocation of financial resources for one of the largest RBF schemes for REDD+ in the world: the Brazilian Amazon Fund. As part of this analysis, this study has built a dataset of information on Amazon Fund projects at unprecedented detail in order to accurately reconstruct the allocation of financial resources across different stakeholders (i.e. governments, NGOs, research institutions), geographies and activities. The results show that stakeholders seem to hold preferences with respect to the type of activities that they support, thereby suggesting that project owners exert much influence on how deforestation reduction is to be attained. There are evidences that governmental organizations lack financial additionality of their projects, which renders the growing share of funding to this type of stakeholder particularly worrisome. By contrast, the geographical distribution of financial resources seemed to follow a more focused rationale as financial support tends to concentrate in areas where deforestation threats are highest. Overall, the allocation of the financial resources from the Amazon Fund reflects an arbitrary support of different projects that adopt very diverging theories of change that are not primarily concerned with attaining further deforestation reductions. As projects owners exert influence on funding effectiveness to some extent, the Amazon Fund may either seek to regulate the allocation of financial resources more actively or adopt funding effectiveness evaluations that account for this influence more comprehensively.
First-Principles Prediction of Skyrmionic Phase Behavior in GdFe$_2$ Films Capped by 4$D$ and 5$D$ Transition Metals
Authors: Jekal Soyoung , Danilo Andreas , Phoung Dao , Zheng Xiao
Published: February 2019

In atomic GdFe$_2$ films capped by 4$d$ and 5$d$ transition metals, we show that skyrmions with diameters smaller than 12 nm can emerge. The Dzyaloshinskii--Moriya interaction (DMI), exchange energy, and the magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MCA) energy were investigated based on density functional theory. Since DMI and MCA are caused by spin--orbit coupling (SOC), they are increased with 5$d$ capping layers which exhibit strong SOC strength. We discover a skyrmion phase by using atomistic spin dynamic simulations at small magnetic fields of $\sim$1 T. In addition, a ground state that a spin spiral phase is remained even at zero magnetic field for both films with 4$d$ and 5$d$ capping layers.
Comparing Measures of Community Lineage Diversity across North American Forests
Authors: Dexter Kyle G. , Segovia Ricardo A. , Griffiths Andy
Published: February 2019

Lineage diversity can refer to the number of genetic lineages within species or to the number of deeper evolutionary lineages, such as genera or families, within a community. Community lineage diversity (CLD) is of interest to ecologists, evolutionary biologists, biogeographers, and those setting conservation priorities. Despite its relevance, it is not clear how to best quantify CLD. With North American tree communities as an example, we test which taxonomic and phylogenetic metrics best measure CLD. We find that phylogenetic metrics outperform taxonomic metrics. Faith’s phylogenetic diversity performs well, but is skewed towards the number of lineages in recent time. The best metric is newly derived here, and termed time integrated lineage diversity (TILD). Mapping the lineage diversity of tree communities across the contiguous United States, we find a spatial pattern differing from that of species richness in key areas. The Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes Region, state of Maine, and south-eastern piedmont and coastal plain forests all emerge as areas high in lineage diversity, but relatively lower in species richness. We urge the consideration of lineage diversity, as well as species richness, when setting conservation priorities.
Attitudes of Doctors and Nurses toward Patient Safety Within Emergency Departments of a Saudi Arabian Hospital: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Alzahrani Naif , Jones Russell , Abdel-Latif Mohamed E.
Published: February 2019

Introduction: The attitudes of doctors and nurses toward patient safety is a significant factor in hospital safety climates and medical error rates. Yet, there are very few studies of patient safety attitudes in Saudi hospitals and none conducted in hospital emergency departments. Aims: The current study aims to investigate the discrepancy between the patient safety attitudes of doctors and nurses in a Saudi hospital emergency department. Materials and Method: The study employed a qualitative research designvia semi-structured interviews with Saudi and non-Saudi doctors and nurses working in a Saudi hospital emergency department to determine their attitudes and experiences about the patient safety climate. Results: The findings showed doctors and nurse held some similar safety attitudes, however, nurses reported issues with doctors with respect to their teamwork, communication, and patient safety attitudes. Moreover, several barriers to the patient safety climate were identified such as limits to resources, teamwork, communication, and incident reporting. Conclusion: The findings provide one of the few research contributions to knowledge on the differential patient safety attitudes of Saudi and non-Saudi doctors and nurses and suggest the application of such knowledge would enhance positive patient outcomes in emergency departments.
GC-MS Based Metabolomics to Evaluate Three Commercial Products of Chrysanthemun morifolium Hang-ju in Different Flowering and Processing Stages
Authors: Wei Dandan , Chang Xiangwei , Cao Yaqi , Yan Hui , Shang Erxin , Qian Dawei , Sun Xiaodong , Duan Jin-ao
Published: February 2019

Hang-ju was one of five officinal varieties of Flos chrysanthemum for its edible and potable usage. Besides Flos Chrysanthemum (FL), there were also Bud Chrysanthemum (BC) and Fetal Chrysanthemum (FC) at the early and late stage of buds, respectively, in the consumption market of Hang-ju with higher prices. Whether the quality and efficiency of BC and FC was superior to FL or merely consumption misunderstandings? Three commercial products of Hongxinju, a representive cultivar of Hang-ju were studied with a GC-MS based metabolomics approach, complemented with morphology, contents of moisture and protein and the anti-oxidant activity, to reveal the metabolic alterations of violate components in Hongxinju in different flowering stage and at different processing periods. It revealed that most of the violate components were increased from fresh FC to FL, and the low-boiling fractions, inflammatory methyl arachidonate and air-polluting component of ethylbenzene were declined while the representative components with pungent flavor and cool nature of a-curcumene and (Z,Z,Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, vision improving carotenol of rhodopin and high-boiling fractions were elevated after processed in final FL compared with that in BC and/or FC. Though the content of protein and anti-oxidative capacity of final BC and FC were nearly equal to those of FL, in comprehensive consideration of the representative components related with the efficiency in heat cooling and vision improving, as well as the representative components related with inflammation and air-pollution, final FL was recommended other than BC and FC in the practice of medicine with the yield and quality integrated into account.
Development and Characterization of a Potent Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Blocking Agent
Authors: Jameei Aida , Nagarajan Deepesh , Sarikhani Mohsen , Chandra Nagasuma , Karande Anjali A.
Published: February 2019

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), one of the major pro-inflammatory cytokines, plays a key role in an effective immune response. However, the chronic presence of TNFα can lead to several inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease etc. Inhibition of TNFα by pharmacological inhibitors or antibodies has proven to be effective in palliative treatment to some extent. The aim of this study was to develop an anti-TNFα antibody which may be used as a therapeutic option to inhibit TNFα-mediated cytotoxicity. We characterized several hybridoma clones secreting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to human-TNFα. Four mAbs rescued L929 fibroblast cells from TNFα-triggered cell death and one of these, namely C8 was found to have the highest affinity. To gain insights into the mechanism by which mAb C8 inhibits human TNFα-mediated toxicity, the epitope corresponding to the mAb was delineated. The antigenic determinant was found to comprise of the stretch of amino acids 99-120, of which, 102-104 (QRE) form the core epitope. The observation was supported by bioinformatics analyses of an antigen-antibody complex model. In addition, the binding affinity of mAb C8 to TNFα was found to be comparable with that of Infliximab which is a commercially available anti TNFα mAb.
The Influence of AlN Buffer Layer on the Structural and Chemical Properties of SiC Thin Films Produced by High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Galvão Nierlly , Guerino Marciel , Campos Tiago , Grigorov Korneli , Fraga Mariana , Rodrigues Bruno , Pessoa Rodrigo , Camus Julien , Djouadi Mohammed , Maciel Homero
Published: February 2019

Many strategies have been developed for the synthesis of silicon carbide (SiC) thin films on silicon (Si) substrates by plasma-based deposition techniques, especially plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and magnetron sputtering, due to importance of these materials for microelectronics and related fields. A drawback is the large lattice mismatch between SiC and Si. The insertion of a thin aluminum nitride (AlN) buffer layer between them has been shown useful to overcome this problem. Herein, the high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) technique was used to grow SiC thin films on AlN/Si substrates. Furthermore, the SiC films were also grown on Si substrates. Comparisons of the structural and chemical properties of SiC thin films grown on the two types of substrates allowed us to evaluate the influence of AlN buffer layer on such properties. The chemical composition and stoichiometry of the samples were investigated by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and Raman spectroscopy, while the crystallinity was characterized by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD). Our set of results evidenced the versatility of HiPIMS technique to produce polycrystalline SiC thin films at near room temperature only varying the discharge power. In addition, this study opens up a feasible route for the deposition of crystalline SiC films with a good structural quality using AlN buffer layer.
Numerical Modelling as a Support Tool for River Habitat Studies
Authors: Nones Michael
Published: February 2019

Numerical modelling is becoming a major tool for supporting environmental studies at different scales, thanks to the capability of up-to-date codes in reproducing the natural behaviour in a quite reliable manner. In evaluating the habitat diversity of anthropized rivers, however, many issues are rising because of the intrinsic complexity of the processes involved. Using a reach of the Po River in Italy as a case study, the present works aims to provide an estimate of the changes of the Eco-Environmental Diversity as a response to different constant flow discharges. The goals are achieved by means of two solvers of the iRIC suite, applied in sequence to firstly simulate the fluvial hydrodynamics and subsequently provide an estimate of the habitat conditions. Despite the simplifications intrinsically present in the models and the ones introduced for practical purposes, the results pointed out that the reduction of the flow discharge recently observed can threat the overall biological status of the river. Because of the modelling uncertainties, on the other side, these preliminary outcomes show the need for more research, both in terms of data acquisition and numerical schematization, for adequately evaluate the effects of transient hydrology on the river ecosystems. Moreover, additional field surveys are necessary to calibrate and validate the used model for having sufficiently reliable estimates.
KepoTajwid: Aplikasi Pembelajaran Ilmu Tajwid Berbasis Web Interaktif
Authors: Mutiawani Viska
Published: February 2019

Ilmu Tajwid adalah suatu cabang pengetahuan untuk mempelajari cara-cara pembacaan Al-Qur’an. Al-Qur’an merupakan kitab suci umat beragama Islam. Hukum membaca ayat Al-Qur’an dengan Tajwid adalah fardhu’ain bagi setiap orang Islam (muslim). Namun ilmu Tajwid tergolong ilmu yang sulit khususnya bagi orang yang tidak fasih dalam berbahasa Arab. Berdasarkan hasil survei awal terhadap 31 responden yang beragama Islam, hampir semuanya setuju bahwa ilmu Tajwid merupakan ilmu yang sangat penting dipelajari oleh umat Islam sehingga media belajar yang interaktif serta diikuti dengan penjelasan dan latihan melalui video memberikan kemudahan dalam proses belajar dan meningkatkan minat belajar ilmu Tajwid. Namun referensi belajar ilmu Tajwid yang terpercaya banyak yang menggunakan bahasa Arab sehingga susah dipahami oleh muslim di Indonesia. Oleh karena itu, dibangunlah aplikasi ilmu tajwid yang diberi nama KepoTajwid. Aplikasi ini dikembangkan dengan metode RAD (Rapid Application Development) dan diuji menggunakan metode Black Box testing. Aplikasi ini terdiri dari materi dasar ilmu Tajwid yaitu hukum nun sukun dan tanwin, hukum mim sukun, makharijul huruf, shifatul huruf dalam bentuk teks, gambar, audio dan video.
Sistem Peringatan Dini Banjir Sungai Bengawan Solo Menggunakan Teknologi Internet Of Things (IoT)
Authors: Yoeseph Nanang Maulana , Nugroho Arif Purwo , Nugroho Andri Adi , Saputro Agung Eko
Published: February 2019

Flood disaster is a natural disaster that causes many losses, both soul and meteriil. Bengawan Solo River is one of the rivers that every year experiencing flood disaster. To improve preparedness for flooding in solo bengawan river, a flood early warning system was created using the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. This system consists of a water level detector, using ultrasonic sensors and arduino uno, and iot servers. Information about the water level of the bengawan solo river can be accessed by users through the website and android. Users will get river water level infromation in real time. Warning level can be set independet for each user. Flood warnings are sent using sms and notification messages for android versions.
A Critical Analysis of Software Failure Causes From Project Management Perspectives
Authors:   Amjad Hussain Afzal Zahid,   M.Waji Haider,   Muhammad Shoaib Farooq,   Adnan Abid,   Amjad Ali
Published: February 2019

With the growth of technology, people and companies are more relying on software systems. For that, we need a product/software that is trustworthy, reliable, and economical. It should be maintainable, dependable and useable. If the software is developed with much accuracy, everything is being done by it as planned and the software is set to the market then the success rate will be high. But if there is any bug in the software then not only the software will fail but it will also affect the organizations that are responsible for making it. So the failure of software also has a great impact on the organization. In this research, we are going to present a detailed and critical analysis of all those causes due to which the software fails and the factors that hinder in a project success. We will study the existing software development processes and also analyze how they can helpful in reducing these causes.
Healthy Air, Healthy Brains: Advancing Air Pollution Policy to Protect Children’s Health
Authors: Payne-Sturges Devon C. , Marty Melanie A. , Perera Frederica , Miller Mark D. , Swanson Maureen , Ellickson Kristie , Cory-Slechta Deborah A. , Ritz Beate , Balmes John , Anderko Laura , Talbott Evelyn O. , Gould Robert , Hertz-Picciotto Irva
Published: February 2019

Evidence is growing on the adverse neurodevelopmental effects of exposure to combustion-related air pollution.

Project TENDR (Targeting Environmental Neurodevelopmental Risks), a unique collaboration of leading scientists, health professionals, and children’s and environmental health advocates, has identified combustion-related air pollutants as critical targets for action to protect healthy brain development.

We present policy recommendations for maintaining and strengthening federal environmental health protections, advancing state and local actions, and supporting scientific research to inform effective strategies for reducing children’s exposures to combustion-related air pollution. Such actions not only would improve children’s neurological development but also would have the important co-benefit of climate change mitigation and further improvements in other health conditions.
Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption 3 Years After the Berkeley, California, Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax
Authors: Lee Matthew M. , Falbe Jennifer , Schillinger Dean , Basu Sanjay , McCulloch Charles E. , Madsen Kristine A.
Published: February 2019

Objectives. To estimate changes in sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) and water consumption 3 years after an SSB tax in Berkeley, California, relative to unexposed comparison neighborhoods.

Methods. Data came from repeated annual cross-sectional beverage frequency questionnaires from 2014 to 2017 in demographically diverse Berkeley (n = 1513) and comparison (San Francisco and Oakland; n = 3712) neighborhoods. Pretax consumption (2014) was compared with a weighted average of 3 years of posttax consumption.

Results. At baseline, SSBs were consumed 1.25 times per day (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00, 1.50) in Berkeley and 1.27 times per day (95% CI = 1.13, 1.42) in comparison city neighborhoods. When we adjusted for covariates, consumption in Berkeley declined by 0.55 times per day (95% CI = −0.75, −0.35) for SSBs and increased by 1.02 times per day (95% CI = 0.54, 1.50) for water. Changes in consumption in Berkeley were significantly different from those in the comparison group, which saw no significant changes.

Conclusions. Reductions in SSB consumption were sustained in demographically diverse Berkeley neighborhoods over the first 3 years of an SSB tax, relative to comparison cities. These persistent, longer-term reductions in SSB consumption suggest that SSB taxes are an effective policy option for jurisdictions focused on improving public health.
Traditional Chinese medicine Lingguizhugan decoction treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with spleen-yang deficiency pattern: Study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xu Jing-juan , Wang Rui-rui , You Sheng-fu , Zhang Lei , Zheng Pei-yong , Ji Guang , Liu Bao-cheng
Published: February 2019

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic stress liver injury induced by excessive fat accumulation in liver, which is closely related to insulin resistance (IR). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has showed good curative effects and unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of NADLD, particularly in improving IR, liver function and clinical symptoms. This study will examine the efficacy and safety of Lingguizhugan decoction (LGZG) in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with spleen-yang deficiency pattern, and assess the optimal dosage.
Methods/design: This study is a three-arm, dose-optimization, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 243 NAFLD patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to standard dose Lingguizhugan decoction (SLGD) group, low dose Lingguizhugan decoction (LLGD) group, or the control group. The clinical indicator will be assessed during the 12-week intervention and follow-up 4 weeks. The primary outcome is the percentage of patients whose the decline of HOMA-IR reaches one standard unit. Secondary outcomes include body weight, body mass index, liver function, blood lipid metabolism, blood glucose metabolism, liver-kidney echo ratio, quantitative rating of clinical symptoms and signs, collecting sample(s) from participants, the medical outcomes study(MOS) item short from health survey(SF-36), Self-rating Depressive Scale(SAS), and Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SDS).
Discussion: This study will provide initial evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of LGZG in the treatment of NAFLD with spleen-yang deficiency pattern, meanwhile establish the demonstration technique, and promote its application in community healthcare center. In addition, potential mechanism will be explored based on research of oral and gut microbiota.
Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ID: ChiCTR1800014364. Registered on 01 January 2018. The final protocol version was V3.0.
Keywords: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Traditional Chinese medicine, Lingguizhugan decoction, Randomized, double-blind and controlled trial
A comparative trial of selegiline and zonisamide for disease modifying effects on DAT-SPECT in patients with Parkinson’s disease: study protocol for a prospective multicenter randomized study (DATSZ-PD study)
Authors: Ito Hidefumi , Koh Jinsoo , Shimokawa Toshio , Hamano Toshiaki , Kajimoto Yoshinori , Kaneko Satoshi , Kashiwaya Yoshihiro , Kohno Ryuichi , Nishinaka Kazuto , Ozaki Akihiko , Saiki Hidemoto , Suenaga Toshihiko , Yamashita Hirofumi , Inoue Manabu , Takeshima Takao , Takahashi Makio
Published: February 2019

Background: Therapeutic strategies to prevent degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease have not been developed to date. Although previous non-clinical and clinical studies have shown that selegiline and zonisamide can protect dopamine neurons, their protective action has been clinically evaluated in few studies. In this study, we will compare levodopa/decarboxylase inhibitor (DCI) alone with the combination of levodopa/DCI and selegiline or zonisamide to investigate whether degeneration of dopaminergic neurons could be prevented by the combination therapy in patients with early Parkinson’s disease.
Methods: This multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled study will enroll 180 patients. Sixty patients will be randomly assigned to receive levodopa/DCI alone, 60 patients will be assigned to receive levodopa/DCI and selegiline, and 60 patients will be assigned to receive levodopa/DCI and zonisamide, and followed-up for 1 year. The primary endpoint is the percent change of specific binding ratio (SBR; Southampton’s method) of 123Iodine-labelled N-(3-fluoropropyl) -2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl) nortropane ([123I]FP-CIT) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) (dopamine transporter SPECT, DAT-SPECT) from baseline to the end of one-year follow-up. The secondary endpoints are the percent change of Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (Part II and Part III) scores and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire -39 scores from baseline to post-treatment.
Discussion: This multicenter, randomized controlled study will evaluate the disease-modifying effect of selegiline and zonisamide on degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in patients with Parkinson’s disease based on the percent change of SBR of DAT-SPECT (primary endpoint). If our study findings suggest that selegiline or zonisamide has a disease-modifying effect from the clinical aspect, the long-term efficacy should be evaluated in a larger-scale phase III study. T
Trial Registration: University hospital medical information network (UMIN): UMIN000022533. Registered 30 May 2016, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000025960
Zinc for Infection Prevention in Sickle Cell Anemia (ZIPS): Study Protocol for a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial in Ugandan children with Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Datta Dibyadyuti , Namazzi Ruth , Conroy Andrea L. , Cusick Sarah E. , Hume Heather A. , Tagoola Abner , Ware Russell E. , Opoka Robert O. , John Chandy C.
Published: February 2019

Background

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is the most common inherited hemoglobinopathy worldwide. Infection is a major cause of illness and death in children with SCA, especially in sub Saharan Africa where an estimated 50-90% of affected children die before their fifth birthday. Interventions to reduce the incidence and severity of infections are needed urgently. A high proportion of adults and children with SCA are zinc-deficient, and zinc deficiency leads to impaired immunity and an increased risk of infection. Zinc supplementation has been shown to decrease the risk of infection in adolescents and adults, but there is no data on the effectiveness of zinc for prevention of infection in children <5 years of age with SCA.

Methods/Design

The study will be a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial in which 250 Ugandan children 1.00-4.99 years of age with SCA will receive daily zinc supplementation (10 mg oral dispersible tablet) or identical placebo for 12 months.

Discussion

If this trial shows a reduction in severe or invasive infection incidence, it would be the basis for a multi-site, multi-country clinical trial to assess real-world safety and efficacy of zinc in African children with SCA. Since zinc is safe, inexpensive, and easy to administer, this trial has the potential to improve the health of hundreds of thousands of African children with SCA through reduction of infection-related morbidity and mortality.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03528434. Registered on May 17, 2018
Protocol Version: 1.0. Date: Dec 11, 2017
Sponsor: Indiana University. Sponsor’s protocol identifier: 1712339562
Allogeneic human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells for moderate and severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia in children: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (the MSC-BPD Trial)
Authors: Wu Xian , Xia Yunqiu , Zhou Ou , Song Yan , Zhang Xianhong , Tian Daiyin , Li Qubei , Shu Chang , Liu Enmei , Yuan Xiaoping , He Ling , Liu Chengjun , Li Jing , Liang Xiaohua , Yang Ke , Fu Zhou , Zou Lin , Bao Lei , Dai Jihong
Published: February 2019

Background Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a complex lung pathological lesion secondary to multiple factors, and one of the most common chronic lung diseases with poor prognosis, especially in preterm infants with moderate and severe BPD. However, there is lack of effective therapies for this disease. Stem cell therapy has been shown a promising way for improving lung injury and abnormal alveolarization, and human umbilical cord (hUC) is a good resource for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have demonstrated in some other diseases. We hypothesis that intravenous allogeneic hUC-MSCs is safe and effective for moderate and severe BPD. Methods/design The MSC-BPD trial is a randomized single-center open-label and dose-escalation phase II trial designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of hUC-MSCs in children with moderate and severe BPD. In this study, 57 patients will be enrolled and randomly divided into two intervention groups and one control group. Patients in the intervention groups will be receive a low dose of hUC-MSCs (n=19, 1 million cells/kg) or a high dose of hUC-MSCs (n=19, 5 million cells/kg) in combination with traditional supportive treatments for BPD. The patients in the control group (n=19) will be treated with traditional supportive treatments alone without receiving hUC-MSCs treatment. The primary outcome measures will be the accumulative duration of oxygen therapy. Follow-up assessments will be performed at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 months after interventions. Statistical analyses will evaluate the efficacy of the hUC-MScs treatment. Discussion This study will be the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous hUC-MSCs in children with moderate and severe BPD. Results of the trial will provide a new evidence-based therapy for moderate and severe BPD. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03601416. Registered on 26th July 2018.
Optimum Droplet Size Using a Pulse‐Width Modulation Sprayer for Applications of 2,4‐D Choline Plus Glyphosate
Authors: Butts Thomas R. , Samples Chase A. , Franca Lucas X. , Dodds Darrin M. , Reynolds Daniel B. , Adams Jason W. , Zollinger Richard K. , Howatt Kirk A. , Fritz Bradley K. , Hoffmann W. Clint , Luck Joe D. , Kruger Greg R.
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Model fit increased by predicting optimum droplet sizes for site‐specific scenarios.

Generally, an Extremely Coarse spray would be recommended for a 2,4‐D choline plus glyphosate application.

Site‐specific weed management using PWM sprayers was both manageable and effective.

Weed control reductions were observed as droplet size increased at several site‐years.

Alternative drift reduction efforts must be identified to avoid weed control losses.

The delivery of an optimum herbicide droplet size using pulse‐width modulation (PWM) sprayers can reduce potential environmental contamination, maintain efficacy, and provide more flexible options for pesticide applicators. Field research was conducted in 2016, 2017, and 2018 across three locations (Mississippi, Nebraska, and North Dakota) for a total of 6 site‐years. The objectives were to evaluate the efficacy of a range of droplet sizes (150 µm [Fine] to 900 µm [Ultra Coarse]) using a 2,4‐D choline plus glyphosate pre‐mixture and to create novel weed management recommendations using PWM sprayer technology. A pooled site‐year generalized additive model explained less than 5% of the model deviance, so a site‐specific analysis was conducted. Across the Mississippi and North Dakota sites, a 900‐µm (Ultra Coarse) droplet size maintained 90% of the maximum weed control. In contrast, at the Nebraska sites, droplet sizes between 565 and 690 µm (Extremely Coarse) were almost exclusively required to maintain 90% of the maximum weed control, likely due to weed leaf architecture. Severe reductions in weed control were observed as droplet size increased at several site‐years. Alternative drift reduction practices must be identified; otherwise, weed control reductions will be observed. This research illustrated that PWM sprayers paired with appropriate nozzle–pressure combinations for 2,4‐D choline plus glyphosate pre‐mixture could be effectively implemented into precision agricultural practices by generating optimum herbicide droplet sizes for site‐specific management plans. To fully optimize spray applications using PWM technology, future research must holistically investigate the influence of application parameters and conditions.
A Comparative Analysis of Cytoplasmic Effects on Lint Yield and Fiber Quality between CMS‐D2 and CMS‐D8 Systems in Upland Cotton
Authors: Zhang Jinfa , Abdelraheem Abdelraheem , Stewart James McD.
Published: February 2019

Hybrid vigor has been extensively used in crop production based on cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). In upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), although CMS‐D2 has been extensively studied, the cytoplasmic effects of CMS‐D8 are currently unknown. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of CMS‐D8 cytoplasm using four pairs of reciprocal hybrids between a D8 restorer and four commercial cultivars, in comparison with another four pairs of reciprocal hybrids between a D2 restorer and the same cultivars. Across four crosses in four replicated field tests, the hybrids with D8 cytoplasm averaged 21% lower lint yield (LY), 10% lower lint percentage (LP), 7% lower boll weight (BW), and 11% lower micronaire (MIC) than their reciprocals with upland cytoplasm. However, the two groups of reciprocals had no overall difference for upper half mean length (UHML), uniformity index (UI), fiber bundle strength (STR), fiber elongation (ELO), and short fiber content (SFC). As a comparison, the four hybrids with D2 cytoplasm averaged 3 to 6% lower in LY, LP, BW, and ELO but improved UHML and STR by 7 to 8% and reduced MIC by 4% and SFC by 16% compared with their reciprocals with upland cytoplasm. However, D8 cytoplasm showed no significant negative effect on LY and LP in one test and on BW across the tests. It is concluded that the cytoplasmic effects from the two CMS systems are different, and CMS‐D8 presents a much greater challenge in reducing its large deleterious effects on LY before this CMS system can be used in commercial hybrid seed production.
The effects of Mediterranean oscillation on temperature and precipitation data in Turkey
Authors: Cenk Sezen , Turgay Partal
Published: February 2019

Mediterranean Oscillation (MO) is one of the atmospheric teleconnections that influence climatic variables such as rainfall and temperature. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between Mediterranean Oscillation Index (MOI) and temperature and precipitation characteristics in Turkey. First, the Pearson correlation analysis was carried out between the MOI and climate parameters. Then, the result of correlation analysis was evaluated according to Student's t-test. In this regard, the most significant correlations with MOI and the temperature regime were found in the winter season, whereas the most important relationship between precipitation and MOI was obtained in the summer season. Lag correlation analysis showed that winter MOI is influential on the spring temperature in northwestern Turkey and summer MOI could have an impact on the autumn precipitation. In addition, there are significant winter temperature and summer precipitation differences due to the MOI phases. Finally, the relationship between the MO and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) was also investigated. Accordingly, it was realized that the NAO and MO could have similar effects in the winter season particularly in the western part of Turkey. As a result, the MO could have a significant relationship to the temperature and precipitation regime of Turkey.
Dynamics of urban water supply management of two Himalayan towns in India
Authors: Bharti Neha , Khandekar Neha , Sengupta Prateek , Bhadwal Suruchi , Kochhar Ishaan
Published: February 2019

Many towns in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) are experiencing permanent water crises due to increasing population pressure, urbanization, and poor management of existing water sources. This paper focuses on two towns – Mussoorie and Devprayag in the western IHR – to understand various aspects of the growing water scarcity and urban water management. In the current scenario of a changing climate, natural springs, their main water resource, are drying up. Mussoorie experiences an acute shortage of water in summer, precisely when the town hosts numerous tourists. In Devprayag, religious tourism and in-migration from rural areas contribute to rising demand. The reduced discharge in nearby streams has widened the demand–supply gap. An integrated management of water sources is crucial to solving water problems in Mussoorie and Devprayag. In both towns, little effort has been made towards recharging existing water sources. Detailed planning of the water supply system while being mindful of the floating population, a proper sewage and storm water management system, and rainwater harvesting schemes, are absent. There is an urgent need to adopt a comprehensive approach to solving urban water issues, covering aspects of demand, supply and water resources management in these hill towns for adaptive water management.
Preparation of the USSR for defense in the interwar period (1921–1941), taking into account the generalization of the experience of economic support of the first world war and civil war
Authors: Danilchenko Sergey Leonidovich
Published: February 2019

Shortly after the end of the civil war, the Soviet military-economic thought faced a number of military-economic problems. The interests of the country's defense required a deep analysis of the economic problems of the first world war and the civil war, the development of ways and methods of the most painless and rapid transfer of the entire national economy to the military track, the further development of the military-economic science.
Features of the development of emotional representations of children in the process of familiarization with the nature of their native land
Authors: Skorokhod Elena Vladimirovna
Published: February 2019

The author points out that for the full development of preschool children, psychological and pedagogical conditions are necessary that promote the development of the child's emotional sphere. One of the effective conditions is the use of effective methods of familiarization with the nature of the native land, which contribute to the development of emotional representations. Important conditions for the formation of emotional representations through familiarization with nature are: the organization of direct interaction with objects of nature in the course of observation and practical activity, the creation of situations for the accumulation and expansion of the experience of emotional representations associated with natural phenomena.
Problems and prospects of local government system development in Russia
Authors: Petrosian Tatevik Arturovna
Published: February 2019

The article considers the concept of local self-government, some features and problems of local self-government development in regions in the context of Russia's socio-economic policy, identifies problems in the organization of local self-government and suggests ways to solve them.
Features of the implementation of set expressions with integral component-toponym in mass media sports focus
Authors: Dychinskaia Olga Anatolevna , Segal Natalia Aleksandrovna
Published: February 2019

This article discusses set expressions with a component-toponym used in media texts of sports topics. The source for the analysis was the mass-media Russian-language text on sports taken from the National Corps of the Russian Language.
Head of the choreographic collective as a factor of cultural personality formation
Authors: Zeliuka Olga Andreevna
Published: February 2019

The article reveals the necessary qualities of the head of the choreographic team, pedagogical and psychological aspects. The work also presents the norms of communicative relationships within the choreographic group, on which the pedagogue should base on the formation of the ensemble. Various factors of relationship formation within the team, in particular, the relationship between the teacher and the students, as well as the relations between the students within the team as a whole are considered. The main attention is focused on the generalization of the basic means of realization of the work of the head for the successful formation of the student's cultural personality.
Methods of organizing the research activities of high school students by means of mathematics
Authors: Turdieva Gulbakhor Shaiakhmetovna
Published: February 2019

The article considers the modern method of organizing the research activities of high school students by means of mathematics. The essence of the research activities of high school students is determined and the main features of educational research are presented. The author provides a detailed description of the teacher’s action system, which organizes the research activities of high school students in mathematics lessons. The research work in the modern school is analyzed.
Prevalence of Bone Loss and the Short-Term Effect of Anti-retroviral Therapy on Bone Mineral Density in Treatment-Naïve Male Japanese Patients with HIV
Authors: Yoshino Yusuke , Koga Ichiro , Misu Keita , Seo Kazunori , Kitazawa Takatoshi , Ota Yasuo
Published: February 2019

Background:

There have been few studies have shown the relationship between HIV and low Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in Asian countries. In particular, research on the early impact of anti-HIV drugs on BMD is scarce.

Objective:

We studied the prevalence of bone loss and changes of BMD after the start of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) in Japanese naïve patients with HIV.

Methods:

Male patients with HIV who visited our hospital between 2010 and 2016 were enrolled. Patients underwent BMD analyses before and one year after ART. Changes in BMD after ART initiation were evaluated by paired t-tests. To identify clinical factors affecting BMD after ART initiation based on the BMD change ratio, multiple regression analysis was performed.

Results:

Thirty-one patients were followed up. By employing the T-scores in the lumbar spines and femoral necks, the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis was found to be 38.7-45.2% and 6.2% respectively. There were significant BMD decreases after ART initiation. Use of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) / emtricitabine (FTC), use of Protease Inhibitors (PIs), and low CD4 cell counts were independent risk factors for lumbar spine BMD decrease. Urinary N-terminal telopeptide / creatinine was the independent risk factor for femoral neck BMD decrease.

Conclusions:

Low BMD was prevalent in our study cases. Low CD4 cell counts at the onset of ART initiation, TDF/FTC use, and PI use increased the risk of lumbar spine BMD decrease significantly more, while ART affected femoral neck BMD of patients with higher bone metabolic activity significantly more.