bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Course and therapeutic approaches for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors:   M. Gorky Donetsk National Medical University, PYLAEVA E. A. , BAGRIY A. E. ,   M. Gorky Donetsk National Medical University, MYKHAILICHENKO E. S. ,   M. Gorky Donetsk National Medical University, ANDREEVA E. A. ,   Railway Clinical Hospital of Donetsk station
Published: July 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) are often combined and often burden each other. The purpose was to compare demographic, clinical, laboratory and ultrasound characteristics of patients with NAFLD and the presence or absence of type 2 diabetes mellitus during prospective follow-up. Material and methods. 56 patients with NAFLD (18 men and 37 women) aged 57.7 (6.2) years were under observation. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (31 patients with NAFLD and DM2) and group 2 (32 patients with NAFLD without DM2). General clinical and biochemical blood tests and ultrasound examinations of the liver were performed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of follow-up in all patients (ultrasound device Aplio 500 (TOSHIBA, Japan). The liver structure was evaluated using the recommendations of R.V. Eifler (2013); S. Saadeh (2002). The program MedStat 4.0 was used for statistical processing of the material. Results. Overweight, arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, elevated levels of AST and ALT were detected in group 1 more often than in group 2 (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups in the frequency and severity of clinical manifestations of NAFLD, in the average values of alkaline phosphatase and GGT concentrations (all p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant relationship between the increase in aminotransferase levels by 2 or more times and the glycosylated hemoglobin levels (χ2 = 8.53, p < 0.01), the DM2 duration (χ2 = 6.71, p < 0.05), the presence of retinopathy and/or nephropathy (χ2 = 5.92, p < 0.05). Among the patients of the group 1, the ultrasound examination significantly more often revealed an increased liver echogenicity, multiple drain hyperechoic changes and its diffuse lesion (all p < 0.05). Conclusions. NAFLD in patients with DM2 has a number of clinical, laboratory and ultrasound features compared with patients with NAFLD without diabetes.
Mit Tropenhelm in Thüringen. Rezeption und Repräsentation Albert Schweitzers in Weimar seit 1960
Authors: Noeske Jannik
Published: July 2022

Das Albert-Schweitzer-Denkmal in Weimar wurde 1968 aufgestellt und gilt als weltweit erstes Denkmal zu Ehren des Arztes, Theologen und Pazifisten (1875-1965), der durch sein Wirken in Lambaréné (Gabun) weltweit berühmt geworden ist. Das Denkmal ist Ausdruck einer spezifischen Begeisterung und Unterstützung für Albert Schweitzer in der DDR. Diese war gut organisiert und staatlich verankert. Insbesondere die Block-CDU und ihr Vorsitzender Gerald Götting bemühten sich um die Popularisierung Schweitzers in der DDR. Das Denkmal des Bildhauers Gerhard Geyer von 1968 allerdings kann im Lichte seiner rassifizierenden Bildsprache als Teil einer kolonialistischen Ikonographie in der Schweitzer-Rezeption gewertet werden. Diese ist allerdings kein spezifisch ostdeutsches Phänomen. In Weimar, einem Schaufenster des Staatssozialismus, finden das Denkmal und eine Albert-Schweitzer-Gedenkstätte einen erinnerungspolitischen Kontext, der sich bis heute im Kern erhalten hat. Gleichwohl ist das Wissen über die Geschichte der Schweitzer-Rezeption in Weimar und in der DDR weitestgehend begrenzt.
Zwischen anti-imperialistischem Anspruch und politischer Wirklichkeit. Die Reproduktion kolonialrassistischer Strukturen in dem Amo-Forschungsprojekt der 1960er Jahre und der Statue „Freies Afrika“ in Halle a.d. Saale
Authors: Hamann Raja-Léon , Schubert Jan Daniel
Published: July 2022

Debatten um Kolonialität haben sich in der Vergangenheit zumeist ausschließlich auf die Kontinuitäten westlicher Kolonialismen und Imperialismen konzentriert. Dies trifft, wenn auch in unterschiedlicher Weise, sowohl auf postkoloniale als auch auf dekoloniale Diskurse zu. Ausgehend von einer Kritik der Vernachlässigung nicht-westlicher Kolonialismen sind in den letzten Jahren jedoch vermehrt Ansätze entwickelt worden, die post- und dekoloniale mit postsozialistischen Perspektiven verbinden. Das Anliegen dieses Artikels ist es, diese Debatten für den Kontext der (ehemaligen) DDR fruchtbar zu machen und mit Hilfe der daraus gewonnen Einsichten eine kritische Untersuchung der diplomatischen Beziehungen zwischen der DDR und der Republik Ghana unter Kwame Nkrumah vorzunehmen. Unsere konkreten empirischen Bezugspunkte sind das in den 1960er Jahren verfolgte Forschungsprojekt an der Universität Halle-Wittenberg zum Schwarzen Aufklärungsphilosophen Anton Wilhelm Amo sowie die im gleichen Kontext geschaffene und noch heute im öffentlichen Raum der Stadt Halle a.d. Saale befindliche Plastik „Freies Afrika“. Die Analyse dieser Phänomene offenbart die Ambivalenz sozialistischer kolonialer Logiken, die den Annäherungen zwischen der DDR und Ghana eingeschrieben waren.
Investigation of Potential Brain Microbiome in Alzheimer’s Disease: Implications of Study Bias
Authors: Westfall Susan , Dinh Duy M. , Pasinetti Giulio Maria
Published: July 2022

Background: Dysbiotic microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract promotes and aggravates neurodegenerative disorders. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been shown to correlate to dysbiotic bacteria and the immune, metabolic, and endocrine abnormalities associated with abnormal gut-brain-axis signaling. Recent reports also indicate that brain dysbacteriosis may play a role in AD pathogenesis. Objective: To evaluate the presence and differences of brain-region dependent microbiomes in control and AD subjects and the contribution of study bias. Methods: Two independent cohorts of postmortem AD brain samples were collected from separate locations, processed with different extraction protocols and investigated for the presence of bacterial DNA indicative of a brain microbiome with V4 16S next generation sequencing. Results: In both cohorts, few differences between the control and AD groups were observed in terms of alpha and beta diversities, phyla and genera proportions. Independent of study in both AD and control subjects the most abundant phyla were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Variations in beta diversity between hippocampal and cerebellum samples were observed indicating an impact of brain region on the presence of microbial DNA. Importantly, differences in alpha and beta diversities between the two independent cohorts were found indicating a significant cohort- and processing-dependent effect on the microbiome. Finally, there were cohort-specific correlations between the gut microbiome and subject demographics indicate that postmortem interval may have a significant impact on brain microbiome determination. Conclusion: Regardless of the study bias, this study concludes that bacterial DNA can be isolated from the human brain suggesting that a brain microbiome may exist; however, more studies are required to understand the variation in AD.
Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Lipopolysaccharide as Mediators Between Gut Dysbiosis and Amyloid Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Marizzoni Moira , Cattaneo Annamaria , Mirabelli Peppino , Festari Cristina , Lopizzo Nicola , Nicolosi Valentina , Mombelli Elisa , Mazzelli Monica , Luongo Delia , Naviglio Daniele , Coppola Luigi , Salvatore Marco , Frisoni Giovanni B.
Published: July 2022

Background: Metagenomic data support an association between certain bacterial strains and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but their functional dynamics remain elusive. Objective: To investigate the association between amyloid pathology, bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs: acetate, valerate, butyrate), inflammatory mediators, and markers of endothelial dysfunction in AD. Methods: Eighty-nine older persons with cognitive performance from normal to dementia underwent florbetapir amyloid PET and blood collection. Brain amyloidosis was measured with standardized uptake value ratio versus cerebellum. Blood levels of LPS were measured by ELISA, SCFAs by mass spectrometry, cytokines by using real-time PCR, and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction by flow cytometry. We investigated the association between the variables listed above with Spearman’s rank test. Results: Amyloid SUVR uptake was positively associated with blood LPS (rho ≥ 0.32, p ≤ 0.006), acetate and valerate (rho ≥ 0.45, p < 0.001), pro-inflammatory cytokines (rho ≥ 0.25, p ≤ 0.012), and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction (rho ≥ 0.25, p ≤ 0.042). In contrast, it was negatively correlated with butyrate (rho ≤ –0.42, p ≤ 0.020) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 (rho ≤ −0.26, p ≤ 0.009). Endothelial dysfunction was positively associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines, acetate and valerate(rho ≥ 0.25, p ≤ 0.045)and negatively with butyrate and IL10 levels (rho ≤ −0.25, p ≤ 0.038). Conclusion: We report a novel association between gut microbiota-related products and systemic inflammation with brain amyloidosis via endothelial dysfunction, suggesting that SCFAs and LPS represent candidate pathophysiologic links between the gut microbiota and AD pathology.
Human Gut Microbiota in Health and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Szablewski Leszek
Published: July 2022

Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in human health and disease. The alterations in the composition of gut microbiota may cause the onset of certain human pathologies. One of these is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). High-fat diets, administration of antibiotics, lack of probiotics and/or prebiotics in diet increase the risk of AD. On the other hand, modulation of the composition of gut microbiota may decrease the risk of AD and be able to slow down the progression of AD.
Relationship Between the Gut Microbiota and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: González Cordero Elisa Marina , Cuevas-Budhart Miguel Angel , Pérez Morán Diana , Trejo Villeda Miguel Angel , Gomez-Del-Pulgar Ga-Madrid Mercedes
Published: July 2022

Background: In recent years, scientific research on the gut microbiota and their relationship with some diseases, including neurological ones, has notably increased. As a result of these investigations, the so-called gut-brain axis arises. Despite its influence on the evolution and development of cognitive impairment, the gut-brain axis is little defined and demonstrated. Objective: To provide the best scientific evidence available on the relationship between the gut microbiota and Alzheimer’s disease. Method: Systematic and narrative review of the information generated in the last 5 years in national and international databases, in English and Spanish. Results: Eight observational studies were selected, carried out in humans and, therefore, suitable for inclusion in this review. Conclusion: The results of these studies support the hypothesis that there is a relationship between the gut microbiota and cognitive disorders through the gut-brain axis. However, today, there is a substantial lack of human studies, especially clinical trials, which makes it difficult to formulate clinical recommendations on this topic.
Vascular Cognitive Impairment and the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Li Sinian , Shao Yiming , Li Kanglan , HuangFu Changmei , Wang Wenjie , Liu Zhou , Cai Zhiyou , Zhao Bin
Published: July 2022

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), the second most common cause of dementia in elderly people, is a term that refers to all forms of cognitive disorders that can be attributed to cerebrovascular disease such as manifestations of discrete infarctions, brain hemorrhages, and white matter lesions. The gut microbiota (GM) has emerged recently as an essential player in the development of VCI. The GM may affect the brain’s physiological, behavioral, and cognitive functions through the brain-gut axis via neural, immune, endocrine, and metabolic pathways. Therefore, microbiota dysbiosis may mediate or affect atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular disease, and endothelial dysfunction, which are the predominant risk factors for VCI. Moreover, the composition of the GM includes the bacterial component lipopolysaccharides and their metabolic products including trimethylamine-N-oxide and short-chain fatty acids. These products may increase the permeability of the intestinal epithelium, leading to systemic immune responses, low-grade inflammation, and altered signaling pathways that are associated with the pathogenesis of VCI. In this review, we discuss the proposed mechanisms of the GM in the maintenance of VCI and how it is implicated in acquired metabolic diseases, particularly in VCI regulation.
Gut Microbiota Alterations and Cognitive Impairment Are Sexually Dissociated in a Transgenic Mice Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Cuervo-Zanatta Daniel , Garcia-Mena Jaime , Perez-Cruz Claudia
Published: July 2022

Background: Normal aging is accompanied by cognitive deficiencies, affecting women and men equally. Aging is the main risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with women having a higher risk. The higher prevalence of AD in women is associated with the abrupt hormonal decline seen after menopause. However, other factors may be involved in this sex-related cognitive decline. Alterations in gut microbiota (GM) and its bioproducts have been reported in AD subjects and transgenic (Tg) mice, having a direct impact on brain amyloid-β pathology in male (M), but not in female (F) mice. Objective: The aim of this work was to determine GM composition and cognitive dysfunction in M and F wildtype (WT) and Tg mice, in a sex/genotype segregation design. Methods: Anxiety, short term working-memory, spatial learning, and long-term spatial memory were evaluated in 6-month-old WT and Tg male mice. Fecal short chain fatty acids were determined by chromatography, and DNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were used to determine GM differences. Results: We observed sex-dependent differences in cognitive skills in WT mice, favoring F mice. However, the cognitive advantage of females was lost in Tg mice. GM composition showed few sex-related differences in WT mice. Contrary, Tg-M mice presented a more severe dysbiosis than Tg-F mice. A decreased abundance of Ruminococcaceae was associated with cognitive deficits in Tg-F mice, while butyrate levels were positively associated with better working- and object recognition-memory in WT-F mice. Conclusion: This report describes a sex-dependent association between GM alterations and cognitive impairment in a mice model of AD.
Periodontal Inflammation in Relation to Cognitive Function in an Older Adult Danish Population
Authors: Kamer Angela R. , Morse Douglas E. , Holm-Pedersen Poul , Mortensen Erik L. , Avlund Kirsten
Published: July 2022

Inflammation plays a significant role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Studies have shown that systemic, peripheral infections affect AD patients. Cognitive dysfunction is a consistent finding in AD and periodontal disease is a chronic, peripheral infection often resulting in tooth loss. We hypothesized that older adults with periodontal inflammation (PI) or many missing teeth would show impaired cognition compared to subjects without PI or with few missing teeth, and among subjects with PI, those with many missing teeth would show impaired cognition compared to those with few missing teeth. The effect of PI/tooth loss on cognitive function [measured by Digit Symbol (DST) and Block Design (BDT) tests] was assessed in 70-year old Danish subjects. We found: 1) subjects with PI obtained lower mean DST scores compared to subjects without PI (p < 0.05); 2) subjects with many missing teeth had lower mean DST and BDT scores compared to subjects with few missing teeth (p < 0.05); 3) the association of PI with DST and BDT scores was dependant on the number of missing teeth (interaction: p = 0.03 and p = 0.06); and 4) education and previous cognitive scores (age 50) were important covariates. Subjects with PI had significantly lower adjusted mean DST scores compared to subjects without PI. However for adjusted BDT, the significance held only for subjects with few missing teeth. No difference in the adjusted DST and BDT scores was seen between subjects with many missing teeth compared to those with few missing teeth. These results support the hypothesis that PI may affect cognition.
Oral Inflammation, Tooth Loss, Risk Factors, and Association with Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Singhrao Sim K. , Harding Alice , Simmons Tal , Robinson Sarita , Kesavalu Lakshmyya , Crean StJohn
Published: July 2022

Periodontitis is a polymicrobial chronic inflammatory disease of tooth-supporting tissues with bacterial etiology affecting all age groups, becoming chronic in a subgroup of older individuals. Periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola are implicated in the development of a number of inflammatory pathologies at remote organ sites, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The initial inflammatory hypothesis proposed that AD hallmark proteins were the main contributors of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. This hypothesis is expanding to include the role of infections, lifestyle, and genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of AD. Periodontal disease (PD) typifies a condition that encompasses all of the above factors including pathogenic bacteria. These bacteria not only are the source of low-grade, chronic infection and inflammation that follow daily episodes of bacteremia arising from everyday tasks such as brushing, flossing teeth, chewing food, and during dental procedures, but they also disseminate into the brain from closely related anatomical pathways. The long-term effect of inflammatory mediators, pathogens, and/or their virulence factors, reaching the brain systemically or otherwise would, over time, prime the brain’s own microglia in individuals who have inherent susceptibility traits. Such susceptibilities contribute to inadequate neutralization of invading agents, upon reaching the brain. This has the capacity to create a vicious cycle of sustained local inflammatory milieu resulting in the loss of cytoarchitectural integrity and vital neurons with subsequent loss of function (deterioration in memory). The possible pathways between PD and AD development are considered here, as well as environmental factors that may modulate/exacerbate AD symptoms.
Global solutions to coupled (Navier-)Stokes Newton systems in R3
Authors: Hillairet M. , Sabbagh L.
Published: July 2022

We consider the motion of spherical particles in the whole space [Formula: see text] filled with a viscous fluid. We show that, when modelling the fluid behavior with an incompressible Stokes system, solutions are global and no collision occurs between the spheres in finite time.
A system for biomedical audio signal processing based on high performance computing techniques
Authors: Muñoz-Montoro Antonio Jesús , Revuelta-Sanz Pablo , Villalón-Fernández Alberto , Muñiz Rubén , Ranilla José
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a noninvasive portable prototype is presented for biomedical audio signal processing. The proposed prototype is suitable for monitoring the health of patients. The proposed hardware setup consists of a cost-effective microphone, multipurpose microcontroller and computing node that could be a mobile phone or general-purpose computer. Using parallel and high-performance techniques, this setup allows one to register and wirelessly multicast the recorded biomedical signals to computing nodes in real time. The developed prototype was used as a case study to estimate the heart rate (HR) from the captured biomedical audio signal. In this regard, the developed algorithm for estimating HR comprises three stages: preprocessing, separation, and HR estimation. In the first stage, the signal captured by the microphone is adapted for processing. Subsequently, a separation stage was proposed to alleviate the acoustic interference between the lungs and heart. The separation is performed by combining a non-negative matrix factorization algorithm, clustering approach, and soft-filter strategy. Finally, HR estimation was obtained using a novel and efficient method based on the autocorrelation function. The developed prototype could be used not only for the estimation of the HR, but also for the retrieval of other biomedical information related to the recording of cardiac or respiratory audio signals. The proposed method was evaluated using well-known datasets and compared with state-of-the-art algorithms for source-separation. The results showed that it is possible to obtain an accurate separation and reliable real-time estimation in terms of source separation metrics and relative error in the tested scenarios by combining multi-core architectures with parallel and high-performance techniques. Finally, the proposed prototype was validated in a real-world scenario.
Frontal Atrophy and Executive Dysfunction Relate to Complex Numbers Impairment in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Howard Erica , Ballinger Samantha , Kinney Nikolas G. , Balgenorth Yvonne , Ehrhardt Annabess , Phillips Jeffrey S. , Irwin David J. , Grossman Murray , Cousins Katheryn A.Q.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Previous research finds a range of numbers impairments in Parkinsonian syndromes (PS), but has largely focused on how visuospatial impairments impact deficits in basic numerical processes (e.g., magnitude judgments, chunking). Differentiation between these basic functions and more complex numerical processes often utilized in everyday tasks may help elucidate neurocognitive and neuroanatomic bases of numbers deficits in PS.

Objective:

To test neurocognitive and neuroanatomic correlates of complex numerical processing in PS, we assessed number abilities, neuropsychological performance, and cortical thickness in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and Lewy body spectrum disorders (LBSD).

Methods:

Fifty-six patients (LBSD = 35; PSP = 21) completed a Numbers Battery, including basic and complex numerical tasks. The Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), letter fluency (LF), and Judgment of Line Orientation (JOLO) assessed global, executive, and visuospatial functioning respectively. Mann-Whitney U tests compared neuropsychological testing and rank-transformed analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) compared numbers performance between groups while adjusting for demographic variables. Spearman’s and partial correlations related numbers performance to neuropsychological tasks. Neuroimaging assessed cortical thickness in disease groups and demographically-matched healthy controls.

Results:

PSP had worse complex numbers performance than LBSD ( F = 6.06, p = 0.02) but similar basic numbers performance ( F = 0.38, p > 0.1), covarying for MMSE and sex. Across syndromes, impaired complex numbers performance was linked to poor LF (rho = 0.34, p = 0.01) but not JOLO (rho = 0.23, p > 0.05). Imaging revealed significant frontal atrophy in PSP compared to controls, which was associated with worse LF and complex numbers performance.

Conclusion:

PSP demonstrated selective impairments in complex numbers processing compared to LBSD. This complex numerical deficit may relate to executive dysfunction and frontal atrophy.
Design optimization of consequent-pole PMSM by ON/OFF method and multi-objective evolutionary algorithms
Authors: Sun Zhen , Watanabe Kota , Xu Xiaozhuo
Published: July 2022

Consequent-pole permanent magnet synchronous machines (CP-PMSMs) have attracted considerable interest because they can save considerable permanent magnets and provide acceptable torque performance. The aim of this paper is to discover the full design space potential of the CP-PMSM by optimizing the topology of iron poles. ON/OFF method is used to manage the design region, finding the trade-off relationship between the average torque and torque ripple is the optimization targets. To this end, the topology of iron poles will be optimized by redistributing the iron and air material over the design region. A set of Delaunay mesh-based evolutionary operators is proposed and formulated to apply multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) to the formulated problem. The resulting topologies and convergence of two MOEAs are presented, and the optimization results are discussed.
Sizing by SQP optimization of an electrical drive: Application to a switched capacitor connected to a permanent magnet synchronous generator
Authors: Diarra Zié Drissa , Chazal Hervé , Gerbaud Laurent , Garbuio Lauric
Published: July 2022

The paper deals with the design by optimization in pre-sizing step of a drive system that combines a switched capacitor system and a permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM). The sizing of the converter and the machine are considered strongly dependent due to the series quasi-resonant topology. The system modelling is based on a semi-analytical approach validated by finite element (FE) simulations. It involves an analytical modelling of the electrical machine and a numerical time solving of the electrical circuit sub-model because of the natural switching events of diodes. The optimization is carried out by SQP (Sequential Quadratic Programming). The model gradients are computed combining mathematical laws, symbolic derivation and automatic differentiation. Finally, trade-offs and gains on the machine power density, the magnet volume and the efficiency are investigated through a Pareto approach.
Use of platelet-rich fibrin a backbone in facial plastic surgery and wound healing: A review of literature
Authors: Saluja Harish M. , Sachdeva Shivani , Kawsankar Kedar , Dadhich Anuj , Shah Seemit , Singh Mukund
Published: July 2022

Platelet aggregates has been used in surgery for many years. The primary goal of these ‘Autologous Preparation’ was to aggregate platelets and their growth factors and to convey it to a surgical site, to improve healing only. The latest research work shows that the PRF also can be used for Protection of Graft, neo-angiogenesis, vascularization locally and release of various growth factors apart from healing. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is considered as the new generation of platelet concentrate. “Choukroun’s PRF” or Leucocyte PRF (L-PRF) is the new development, which was first developed by Choukroun’s et al. in 2001 as an ‘Autologous biomaterial.’ A systematic literature search was performed to identify relevant articles that describes the use of PRF, through PubMed and Scopus databases. The focus of this article is to explore the role of PRF in esthetic facial surgery.
Production of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor receptor- IgG1 Fc domain fusion protein expressed by genetically CHO- DG44 cells
Authors: Nguyen Thao Thi Thanh , Ta Giang Huong , Le Le Thi Thu , Vo Thao Thanh Nguyen , Pham Tram Thi Kim , Nguyen Quan Dang
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND:

TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor-alpha) plays a vital role in the human immune system. However, abnormal activity and overexpression of TNF-α are some of the causes of allergic and autoimmune diseases. Inhibiting the activity of this molecule is one of the novel pathologies for these diseases. The development of this recombinant protein is expected to reduce the financial burden of treating inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

OBJECTIVE:

The study’s objective was to generate and evaluate the biological activity of TNFR-Fc, construct of fusions an extracellular part TNF-α receptor (p75) and an Fc fragment of human immunoglobulin G1, expressed from the CHO-DG44 cell system.

METHODS:

The recombinant TNFR- Fc plasmid was constructed and identified by PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, and sequencing. A stable cell line for expression of TNFR-Fc was selected by limiting dilution cloning. Structural characterization, the binding affinity of TNFR-Fc to TNF-α, the neutralizing the cytotoxic activity- induced TNF-α, and the TNF-α-induced apoptosis suppression of TNFR- Fc were analyzed by SDS/PAGE Western blotting, ELISA, WST assay, Immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry.

RESULTS:

Preliminary analysis of the structural characteristics showed that TNFR-Fc is a low- glycosylated protein and perhaps in dimeric form. Furthermore, the recombinant TNFR-Fc can interact with its ligand TNF-α with a dissociation constant Kd 0.25±0.03μM equivalent to that of the original drug, Etanercept. We also demonstrated that TNFR-Fc expressed from CHO-DG44 was able to neutralize TNF-α- induced cytotoxic activity and inhibited p53-related apoptosis in vitro, similar to Etanercept.

CONCLUSIONS:

These data collectively suggested that TNFR-Fc potently blocks TNF-α, which could be a novel therapeutic strategy for cytokine-driven diseases.
Aloe vera ameliorates hyperlipidemia, enhances endogenous antioxidant activity and regulates liver function in high fat diet fed mice
Authors: Dibal Nathan Isaac , Buba Fatimah , Chiroma Samaila Musa , Goni Zainab Muhammad , Kilobas Hyelamada Edward , Sheriff Hassan , Jason Ugbeji Kuma , Kwaha Tuwanga Joseph , Andrew Judge , Muhammed Ayuba , Garba Hassana Shuaibu , Falnyi Zhetu Gabriel , Muhammad Ahmad Abubakar
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND: Prolonged high fat diet consumption was reported to cause metabolic disorders including obesity, NAFLD and insulin resistance. NAFLD is one of the common causes of liver failure with lipid accumulation and inflammation as the major driving forces for its progression. OBJECTIVE: The study was aimed at evaluating the benefits of Aloe vera supplementation on lipid profiles, antioxidant properties, liver function as well as the histology of liver, heart and brain on high fat diet induced toxicity in BALB/c mice. METHODS: Eighteen mice were divided into three groups (n = 6). Group 1 received normal diet (Vital feed), group 2 received high fat diet (HFD) i.e. 70 g of normal diet plus 30 g of margarine, while group 3 received high fat diet plus Aloe vera (HFD+AV) i.e. 100 g of HFD plus 20 g of Aloe vera gel. The mice were fed for 10 weeks and euthanized thereafter. The liver function, lipid profiles, antioxidant properties as well as liver, brain and heart histology were evaluated. RESULTS: The levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the HFD treated mice compared to the control. Liver catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in HFD+AV treated mice compared to the control and HFD treated mice. The liver of HFD+AV treated mice showed normal architecture while those of HFD treated mice showed numerous hepatic vacuoles indicative of fat droplets. CONCLUSIONS: Aloe vera supplementation regulated liver function and prevents hyperlipidemia. The resultant effect increased antioxidant activities thereby preventing liver injury and brain damage.
Clinical outcomes and gestational age based prediction of pneumatosis intestinalis in preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Garg P.M. , Paschal J.L. , Ansari M.A.Y. , Sonani H. , Grey C. , Chan S. , Varshney N. , Hillegass W.
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND: To determine the clinical implications and gestation age-specific diagnostic predictability of pneumatosis in preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). METHODS: A retrospective study on abdominal radiographs comparing clinical and radiological information in infants with and without pneumatosis. RESULT: Our findings disproved our hypothesis. Pneumatosis was seen more frequently in infants with higher gestational age [28.4 (26.1–32.4) vs. 26.4 (24.3–29) weeks; p < 0.001] and birth weight [1110 (762–1768) vs. 770 (645–1022) grams; p < 0.001] and were more likely delivered vaginally (39.1% vs. 21.7%, p = 0.01). Portal venous gas was seen frequently on radiographs (10.3% vs. 0%, p < 0.001), but not pneumoperitoneum (20.7% vs. 36.7%, p = 0.02). Infants with pneumatosis frequently developed acute kidney injury, with higher serum creatinine (16.5% vs. 4.5%, p = 0.02) and frequent oliguria (12.9% vs. 2.7 %; p = 0.043) and had higher C-reactive protein levels at 24 and 96 hours (p < 0.002). Receiver operating curves for pneumatosis showed GA >28 weeks and birth weight > 1000 gm to have a sensitivity of 58.6% and specificity of 72.5%. CONCLUSION: Contrary to our hypothesis, infants who developed pneumatosis during NEC were more mature with a higher gestational age and birth weight than those who did not.
Cross-cultural translation, adaptation and validation of the consultation and relational empathy (Care) scale into Hindi among spinal cord injury population
Authors: Mohan Meenakshi , Deb Roumi
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The treatment outcome is influenced by the relationship between health care providers and patients. So far, there is no validated tool/scale in Hindi which can be used in the Indian population to gather data on empathy and holistic care provided by the healthcare professionals during their consultation. The primary goal of the study is to translate and cross-culturally adapt the CARE scale to Hindi. Also, to determine its content validity and reliability so that further research can be done on the Hindi speaking Spinal Cord Injury population. METHODS: The study was conducted in three phases, namely Translation-Cultural Adaptation, Content Validity, & Reliability. The CARE measure was translated into Hindi and qualitative and quantitative content validation through the expert opinion and the content validity ratio (CVR) method was tested on a purposive sample of 30 spinal cord injury (SCI) individuals in two rehabilitation centres in New Delhi, India. Item analysis was conducted (on 50 SCI individuals) to determine internal consistency reliability. RESULTS: The Hindi CARE measure high has high internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.924). CVR and qualitative review done by the panels of experts validated the content of the CARE measure. CONCLUSION: The CARE measure- Hindi version is a validated and reliable tool to be used in Hindi speaking Spinal Cord Injury population context. Further work is required to establish test-retest reliability and studies on bigger sample size.
Nowcasting short-term indicators with machine learning methods
Authors: Fröhlich Markus
Published: July 2022

The monthly European Union (EU) harmonized Short-term Business Statistics (STS) represents one of the most important sources for the assessment of the European economy. Timeliness of STS is of fundamental importance for policy makers to be able to react adequately to sudden economic changes. In the past time lags between reference periods and release dates have been quite considerable. However, European countries selected various approaches to shorten release times like optimizing the short-term statistics sample or increasing efforts to access and integrate administrative data. In this paper different machine learning algorithms for early estimation of missing survey data are evaluated in order to further improve timeliness of Austrian STS data and to increase granularity of early estimates as well. Currently a multivariate time series model is used for early estimation of economic indexes for the highly aggregated level of Total Industry and Construction. This model could be adapted to the level of NACE-Divisions with the exception of a few Divisions with small populations. The quality of the results could be improved for several NACE-Divisions and variables with machine learning methods. However, for the prediction of a few branches with small populations alternative methods have to be developed.
Economic support to European households in the aftermath of COVID-19. A cross-country comparative analysis based on quarterly sector accounts
Authors: Coli Alessandra , Espuelas Ángel Panizo , Tsigkas Orestis
Published: July 2022

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, governments in European countries adopted a wide range of containment measures to prevent the spread of the virus. These measures led to unprecedented short-term economic loss for national economies, to which governments responded with support measures targeting both households and businesses. In this article, we argue that official statistics are a key source for robust comparisons of the economic impact of COVID-19 and subsequent support measures across countries. In particular, we use Eurostat’s quarterly non-financial sector accounts and supplementary information provided by countries to estimate and compare the support received by households in 18 European countries. We focus our analysis on the second and third quarter of 2020, when national economies in Europe were impacted mostly by the containment measures. The results show some heterogeneity in the type and extent of support provided. Interestingly, while in some countries support interventions were far from making up for the loss of income, in others they far outweighed it.
Working together to ‘Get Every One in the Picture’ in Asia and the Pacific
Authors: Sejersen Tanja Brøndsted , Harvey Chloe Mercedes , Nahmias Petra
Published: July 2022

For almost a decade, countries and development partners in Asia and the Pacific have worked together to improve civil registration and vital statistics across the region. The regional initiative to ‘Get Every One in the Picture’ has had widespread support from countries and an increasing number of development partners who are also providing assistance and guidance to countries. This article looks at how this initiative has fostered coordination at the national, sub-regional and regional level and highlights some of the impact and improvements seen in civil registration and vital statistics in Asia and the Pacific. Collaboration at the national, regional and global level has been key to the improvements made to CRVS and this paper outlines the structures supporting collaboration and the challenges and successes of this collaboration.
Scanner data processing in a newest version of the PriceIndices package
Authors: Białek Jacek
Published: July 2022

Scanner data can be obtained from a wide variety of retailers (supermarkets, home electronics, Internet shops, etc.) and provide information at the level of the barcode, i.e. the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN, formerly known as the EAN code). After cleaning data and unifying product names, products should be carefully classified (e.g. into the COICOP 5 level or below), matched, filtered, and aggregated. These procedures often require creating new IT or writing custom scripts (R, Python, Mathematica, SAS, others). One of new challenges connected with scanner data is the appropriate choice of the index formula. The article discusses a new R package, i.e. PriceIndices, which is used to process scanner data and to calculate bilateral and multilateral price indices, along with their window extensions. The assumptions for the construction of the package were such that it would serve both practitioners and scientists through a multitude of methods and their parametrization. The main purpose of the article is to present the utility of the package in the field of analyzing the dynamics of scanner prices.
Clustering method of unbalanced large data density based on dynamic grid
Authors: Wang Yang
Published: July 2022

In order to effectively ensure the clustering quality of unbalanced big data density, improve the clustering accuracy of unbalanced big data density and shorten the clustering time of unbalanced big data density, an unbalanced big data density clustering method based on dynamic grid is proposed. This paper analyzes the definition and characteristics of dynamic grid, and expounds the clustering method based on density and dynamic grid. Build a dynamic grid of unbalanced big data through unbalanced big data database. Consider a single spatial object, divide the unbalanced big data dynamic grid, and calculate the cell density of the unbalanced big data dynamic grid. Dynamic grid technology is adopted to realize unbalanced large data density clustering. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has good clustering effect, which can effectively improve the clustering accuracy of unbalanced big data and shorten the clustering time of unbalanced big data density.
ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ СТАНУ ДАМБИ ДНІСТРА ЕЛЕКТРИЧНИМИ ТА ЕЛЕКТРОМАГНІТНИМИ МЕТОДАМИ (РАЙОН С. ПОБЕРЕЖЖЯ ІВАНО-ФРАНКІВСЬКОЇ ОБЛАСТІ)
Authors: Kuzmenko E. D. , Mandryk O. M. , Mykhailyuk R. Y.
Published: July 2022

На сьогодні все більше актуальним постає питання ефективності методів моніторингу стану інженерних споруд та геологічних умов їх застосування. При цьому як невід’ємна складова досліджень розглядаються методи неруйнівного контролю, а саме геофізичні методи. У науково-технічній літературі можна знайти дедалі більше публікацій щодо застосування геофізичних методів в інженерній та екологічній геології при дослідженні дамб річок, ставків, технічних споруд – хвостосховищ та штучних озер. У статті розглянуті результати застосування окремих електричних та електромагнітних методів дослідження дамби лівого берега Дністра, яка є основною захисною спорудою населеного пункту Побережжя та прилеглих до нього сільськогосподарських земель від затоплення та розмиву паводковими водами. При цьому вирішувались задачі: деталізація геологічного розрізу дамби за електричними властивостями, оцінка аномалій напружено-деформованого стану дамби.Проведено дослідження методом вертикальних електричних зондувань (ВЕЗ) на постійному струмі, який полягає у послідовних вимірах параметрів електричного поля струмів, які пропускаються через гірську породу, при зміні положення живильних та приймальних електродів. Фізичним обґрунтуванням методу ВЕЗ є диференціація гірських порід за електричним опором із глибиною. Наявність достовірного геологічного розрізу поряд з аналізом кривих ВЕЗ дає змогу скласти модель відповідності літології гірських порід та електричного опору.Були отримані три типи кривих вертикального електричного зондування, притаманні різним за фізичними уявленнями розрізам гірських порід. І тип – криві, що розташовані біля підніжжя дамби, ІІ тип – криві, що розташовані на дамбі і відображають розріз підстилаючих порід та порід дамби в зоні аномальних напружень, тобто криві в зоні надлишкових силових навантажень, ІІІ тип – криві, що розташовані на дамбі і відображають фонові значення розрізу, утвореного підстилаючими породами та насипним ґрунтом без дії силових навантажень Дністра. За результатами досліджень зроблено висновок, що напружено-деформований стан в електричних фізичних властивостях не відображається.Також проведено дослідження дамби методом природного імпульсного електромагнітного поля Землі (ПІЕМПЗ).На основі проведеного аналізу досліджень методом ПІЕМПЗ у цілому слід вважати, що дамба на визначених ділянках перебуває в стані динамічного тиску з боку Дністра і під дією додаткових механічних напружень. Відповідно існує небезпека прориву дамби під час повені. Недостатньо укріпленим представляються береги потічка Вовченець. Тому в майбутньому слід проводити регулярні режимні спостереження дамби р. Дністер в районі с. Побережжя, заклавши тим самим основу моніторингових досліджень.
TINDAK PIDANA PENCURIAN DAN KEKERASAN YANG MENGAKIBATKAN HILANGNYA NYAWA SESEORANG ( Putusan Kasus No. 56/Pid.B/2020/Pn.Tbt)
Authors: Syafira Jesycha Aulia , Ginting Jody Anggara
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT

 

Criminal demonstrations that result in the absence of other people's existence is one of the issues that often arises among local people, these demonstrations ignore the standards that apply in the public arena, become strict standards and certain standards. The crime of theft with violence causes the loss of another person's life which is a problem that often arises among citizens. This behavior violates the right to live in accordance with existing social norms, namely religious norms and customs as well as violations of norms. determined by criminal law. Qualitative and normative legal studies derived from primary and secondary law as well as tertiary legal materials. The nature of this research is descriptive analysis. The results of Decision 56 / Pid.B / 2020 / PN.Tbt show that the crime of theft and violence resulted in the death of the convict Yuda Pratama who was sentenced at the Tebing Tinggi District Court. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison by paying court fees, and was declared a true right without convincing legal evidence that he was guilty of committing a crime.

Keywords: Theft and Violence and Murder

 

ABSTRAK

 

Demonstrasi kriminal yang berakibat pada tidak adanya eksistensi orang lain merupakan salah satu isu yang sering muncul dikalangan lokal, demonstrasi tersebut mengabaikan standar yang berlaku di arena publik, menjadi standar ketat dan standar tertentu.  Kejahatan pencurian dengan kekerasan menyebabkan hilangnya nyawa orang lain yang suatu permasalahan yang kerap timbul di  kalangan warga . Perilaku ini melanggar hak untuk hidup sesuai dengan norma sosial yang ada yaitu norma agama dan adat istiadat serta pelanggaran norma. ditentukan oleh hukum pidana. Studi hukum kualitatif dan  normatif  yang berasal dari hukum primer dan sekunder serta bahan hukum tersier. Sifat penelitian ini adalah analisis deskriptif. Hasil Putusan 56 / Pid.B / 2020 / PN.Tbt menunjukkan bahwa tindak pidana pencurian dan kekerasan mengakibatkan kematian terpidana Yuda Pratama yang dijatuhi hukuman di Pengadilan Negeri Tebing Tinggi. Dia divonis 12 tahun penjara dengan membayar biaya perkara,dan dinyatakan sebagai hak yang benar tanpa bukti hukum yang menyakinkan bersalah melakukan tindak Pidana.

Kata Kunci: Pencurian dan Kekerasan dan Pembunuhan
TINJAUAN YURIDIS KEDUDUKAN SAKSI VERBALISAN DALAM PERKARA PIDANA
Authors: Yonea Gremy Meika , Saragih Dwi Putri , Siburian Ira Prawati , Rumapea Mazmur Septian
Published: July 2022

Saksi Verbalisan dikenal juga sebagai Saksi Penyidik merupakan Penyidik yang akhirnya dijadikan sebagai Saksi karena sebuah perkara pidana, ini disebabkan Terdakwa memberikan pernyataan apabila Berita Acara Pemeriksaan (BAP) dihasilkan dalam keadaan tertekan atau terpaksa. Dapat dikatakan, Terdakwa membantah kebenaran akan BAP atau membatalkan keterangan yang ada dalam BAP yang sudah dibuat Penyidik yang bersangkutan, agar menjawab bantahan Terdakwa. Saksi Verbalisan dapat dihadirkan oleh Penuntut Umum. Dalam penulisan artikel ini, menggunakan metode pengumpulan data melalui metode penelitian studi kepustakaan dan penelitian kepustakaan. Metode kualitatif digunakan untuk menganalisis data dan menghasilkan data analisis deskriptif saksi verbalisan dalam perkara pidana sangat penting dilakukan sebagai sebuah petunjuk yang digunakan majelis hakim untuk memutuskan perkara pidana yang akan dijatuhkan terhadap terdakwa dan saksi verbalisan mempunyai nilai pembuktian yang bebas dan tidak mampu berdiri sendiri seperti alat bukti lainnya yang ditetapkan dalam pasal 184 KUHAP. Kata Kunci : KUHAP, Saksi Verbalisan
TRADEMARK IMPERSONATION: REGULATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Authors: Rusdiana Shelvi
Published: July 2022

Intellectual property rights are created or arise from an idea to create a product or process that can be useful for human life. Intellectual property rights are also legal protection given to the results of human thought that are useful and have economic value. Understanding intellectual property itself requires comprehensive knowledge of what can be the object of intellectual property protection. A brand is an intellectual property identifier of a product or service owned by a company or individual. Violation related to registered trademark rights in Indonesia is an act that is against the applicable positive law. This study analyzes the regulation, legal protection of registered trademarks and dispute resolution. The research method used is a normative juridical research method using secondary data in the form of regulations related to brands and the results of previous studies. The results of this study indicate that a violation in the form of imitation of a registered mark can be subject to imprisonment and a fine. There are 2 (two) ways of resolving disputes regarding the imitation of the registered mark: filing a claim for compensation and terminating all activities related to the use of the mark. The lawsuit is submitted to the commercial court and can take arbitration or other alternative dispute resolution.