bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The three month's dietary brown rice intervention has not significantly decreased levels of CRP, TNF- α, and IL6 of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Nugroho Fajar Ari , Kusumastuty Inggita , Cempaka Anggun Rindang , Latif Atifa Nafia Hasantie , Handayani Dian
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The increased quantities of inflammatory biomarkers such as C-Reactive Proteins (CRP), Tumour Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been reported to be associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, brown rice is an alternative dietary food source that is known to have many health benefits including high fibre content. In addition to fibre, brown rice is also reported to have moderate amounts of proteins, unsaturated lipids, several minerals, and a lot of bioactive substances that are highly beneficial to health. This study aims to prove the role of brown rice dietary intervention in the reduction of inflammatory biomarkers in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Design and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a post-test conducted on 18 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In the intervention phase I, all type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were given brown rice diet for 3 months and followed by a phase II intervention, in which white rice diet was given to the other group of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients for 3 months. Serum was collected at the end of each intervention stage and then serum for Tumour Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukin-6 and C-Reactive Proteins were analysed by the ELISA method. Statistical analysis of the t-test was conducted in order to determine the differences between the two groups allocated in the study. Results: At the end of the study, it was found that the levels of C-Reactive Protein, Tumour Necrosis Factor-α, and Interleukin-6 after the brown rice intervention was given to type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, it showed a decreasing trend compared to the white rice intervention although not significantly different (p = 0.6, p = 0.63, p = 0.59, respectively). Conclusions: This study concluded that the administration of brown rice dietary intervention to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for 3 months was able to reduce Tumour Necrosis Factor-α, C-Reactive Proteins, and Interleukin-6 however, the reduction was not significant to influence policy change.
The effects of exclusive breastfeeding booklets on mothers’ knowledge in providing exclusive breastfeeding in Mataram City, Indonesia
Authors: Katmawanti Septa , Paramita Farah , Kurniawan Agung , Sharoni Siti Khuzaimah A , Fauzi Rosuzeita , Pratiwi Intan Gumilang , Samah Dea Aflah , Audina Yassinda Thasia , Wahyuni Oktavia Sri , Adisa Meyralda Dara , Rahmani Alinda
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding is the simplest and healthiest infant feeding method that, directly or by extraction, uses only breast milk with the exception to drops or syrups containing vitamins, mineral supplements or medicines. This practice helpprevents malnutrition among toddlers and provide essential dietary values for subsequent growth and development, especially in the first 6 months. However, Mataram has the lowest coverage of exclusive breastfeeding in West Nusa Tenggara province in 2018. This exposure increased by 70.30% from 2017-2018, but has not achieved the 80% national target. The low coverage was caused by mothers’ inadequate knowledge. Therefore, the present research aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of booklets as a promotional medium for exclusive breastfeeding towards increasing the knowledge of breastfeeding mothers.

Design and Methods: The research method involved the conduction of pre- and post tests (before and after the booklet was distributed) on 50 respondents by voluntary sampling. This sampling refers to a probability technique that provides equal opportunities for each population element selected as a member of the sample, while the participants were chosen using consecutive sampling technique

Results: The results showed the average values of the pre- and post- tests at 72 and 77, respectively.

Conclusions: Therefore, it is concluded that the booklet is effective in increasing mothers' knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding.
The implementation of code blue by nurses as first responders in outpatient and inpatient rooms at Malang Indonesia Hospital
Authors: Suharsono Tony , Sunarmi Sunarmi , Ida Nur , Khirria Bella Nove , Asrin Nazla , Ulya Ikhda
Published: February 2023

Introduction: In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (IHCA) is a frequent occurrence that necessitates prompt and appropriate assistance to improve survival rates. Nurses in public care rooms and outpatients are expected to be first responders to IHCA until an activated hospital code blue team arrives. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the implementation of code blue response by nurses in outpatient and hospital inpatient rooms in Malang.

Design and Methods: This is a quantitative study that uses observational methods with a cross-sectional approach comprising of 109 inpatient and outpatient care room nurses from 9 hospitals in Malang. The implementation of code blue was measured by a simulated case of adult cardiac arrest in a hospital inpatient room.

Results: The nurses involved were 67.0% female, where the majority have a D3 education qualification (57.7%), with more than ten years working experience (45%). Furthermore, 83.5% of nurses work in regular care rooms and 16.5% come from outpatient rooms. The results showed that the implementation of code blue by nurses in regular care and inpatient rooms was 66.7% and 65.9%, respectively in the insufficient categories. In addition, the Mann-Whitney U test obtained a p-value of 0.929.

Conclusions: In conclusion, there was no significant difference in the implementation of code blue that occurred in the inpatient and outpatient rooms. Further studies were recommended to observe code blue events directly and take samples with balanced proportions.
Applicability of Tanaka–Johnston, Moyers, and Bernabé and Flores–Mir Mixed Dentition Analyses in School-going Children of Sri Ganganagar City, Rajasthan (India)
Authors: Kakkar Ashish , Verma Kanika Gupta , Jusuja Purshottam , Juneja Suruchi , Arora Nishtha , Singh Shobhit
Published: February 2023

Background:

The orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning are the fundamental goals during the mixed dentition period. Numerous methods have been proposed till date such as Nance method, Moyer's method, Staley–Kerber and Tanaka–Johnston's method, and Bernabé and Flores–Mir method.

Aim:

The aim of the study is to determine the mesiodistal widths of the lower permanent canines and premolars from Tanaka–Johnston, Moyers, and Bernabé E and Flores–Mir C mixed dentition analysis and to determine the correlation coefficients and the new prediction equation for Sri Ganganagar population.

Setting and Design:

A total of 3572 children were clinically examined from the contemporary population of Sri Ganganagar city and Outpatient Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. A total of 150 individuals were randomly selected for the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were designated as “study samples.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 150 children aged 11–16 years of Sri Ganganagar city were randomly selected. The mesiodistal width of permanent incisors, canines, premolars, and molars was measured with the help of digital vernier caliper with an accuracy of ±0.01 mm. The measurements of canines and premolars were summed up and compared with those derived from Tanaka and Johnston equations, Moyers probability tables, and Bernabé and Flores-Mir equations.

Statistical Analysis:

The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics Windows version “20.0” using Student'st-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results:

All the three methods overestimated the actual sum of permanent canine and premolars in both the arches in our population. The correlation coefficients and the new regression equations were derived for both maxilla and mandible in males and females for Sri Ganganagar population.

Conclusion:

The predicted values obtained from all the three methods overestimated the actual values.
Management of Subgingival Root Fracture with Decoronation and Orthodontic Extrusion in Mandibular Dentition
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Verma Neha , Parashar Sachin
Published: February 2023

Incidence of horizontal root fracture in permanent dentition is relatively uncommon with reported incidence being <7%. Treatment and prognosis of such injuries vary with the location of fracture line. More apical the fracture lines more likely the favorable outcome. Treatment includes immobilization for 2–4 weeks and root canal treatment to allay any chance of failure. Subgingival root fracture with possible bacterial contamination and insufficient crown height require multidisciplinary approach for the successful treatment and help patients to retain their natural dentition. In cases of extreme mobility of coronal fragment, endodontic treatment, decoronation, and orthodontic extrusion provides clinicians easy and conservative treatment option to functionally and esthetically rehabilitate the fractured tooth. This case report describes similar treatment plan in the management of subgingival root fracture in two different cases involving mandibular lateral incisor and mandibular premolar.
Rehabilitation with Fixed Prosthodontics Associated with Removable Partial Prosthesis
Authors: Melo Sá Tassiana Cançado , Rodrigues Limeira Francisco Ivison , Alpino Rodrigues Ricardo Antonio , Melo de Sá Júlio Celso , de Magalhães Cláudia Silami , Moreira Allyson Nogueira , Yamauti Monica
Published: February 2023

Dental implants are a common and successful option for the rehabilitation of edentulous areas. However, there are some limitations to their use. The present clinical report describes a 5-year follow-up of maxillary rehabilitation using an attachment-retained removable partial denture (RPD) associated with fixed partial denture (FPD) units as an alternative to orthodontic treatment associated with orthognathic surgery and dental implant placement. Rehabilitation with fixed prosthodontics associated with a removable partial prosthesis was proposed. For greater precision and stability, a gold attachment was prepared. The patient was very satisfied with the rehabilitation and has been clinically followed for 5 years. In cases where the use of dental implants and/or conventional FPDs is limited or not indicate the association between an FPD and an RPD by means of attachments remains an important alternative to conventional clasp-retained RPDs.
The Pterygoid Hamulus Syndrome – An Important Differential in Orofacial Pain
Authors: Kende Prajwalit , Aggarwal Neha , Meshram Vikas , Landge Jayant , Nimma Vijaylaxmi , Mathai Paul
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this review was to document cases of pterygoid hamulus (PH) syndrome and to describe the various etiology, differential diagnosis, and management strategies so far reported in literature. Here, we also present two case reports of PH syndrome. A comprehensive search in PubMed/Medline database was done using MeSH terms such as “Pterygoid Hamulus,” “Pterygoid Hamulus Syndrome,” and “Hamular Bursitis” using various Boolean operators such as “AND” and “OR”. Till date, 31 cases of this entity including the present cases have been found. Conservative management was followed in the earlier reported cases; however, most cases were treated by surgical resection.
Prosthetic Lip with the Retentive Attachment for a Unilateral Cleft Lip Patient
Authors: Singh Khushboo , Prabhu Nayana , Balkrishanan Dhanasekar , Narayana Aparna I. , Pradeep S.
Published: February 2023

Patients afflicted with congenital cleft lip defect experience disfigured facial esthetics and lack of oral competency that could reduce the speech intelligibility. Rehabilitation of such cosmetic deformities condition often encountered with dental abnormalities becomes the challenge. When surgical treatment is not desired, prosthetic reconstruction turns out to be an economical option. This clinical treatment describes the fabrication of a maxillary lip prosthesis supported by a cast partial denture retained with magnetic attachment in a cleft lip patient. The use of intraoral magnets placed labially on the cast partial denture and on the counterpart of the prosthesis improved the retention. Moreover, the biomedical-grade silicone prosthesis used to blend closely with the patient's skin shade fulfilled the esthetic needs.
Clinical and Radiographic Success of Three Adhesive Restorative Materials in Primary Molar Proximal Lesions
Authors: Inthihas S. K. , G. Nirmala S. V. S. , Rudhravarm Venkata Ratnakumar
Published: February 2023

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic success of primary molar proximal lesions in 4–8 years children restored with three adhesive restorative materials followed up for 12 months.

Materials and Methods:

This study was carried out on 102 primary molars of 51 children in the age range of 4–8 years. In all the participants, Class II lesions were restored and randomly allocated into three material groups as giomer group, nano-ionomer group, and light-cured glass-ionomer cement (LC-GIC) group based on the restorative material used. All the restorations were evaluated and scored according to federation dentaire internationale (FDI) criteria for clinical and radiographic success rate at 3, 6, and 12 months' interval. Data were formulated in a predesigned format and were subjected to statistical analysis using the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference observed among the restorative material groups to all the properties of FDI criteria. The overall success rates of restorative materials at 3, 6, and 12 months' interval were as follows: giomer – 100%, 100%, and 94.1%; nano-ionomer – 97%, 94%, and 85.3%; and LC-GIC – 100%, 94%, and 88.2%.

Conclusion:

The highest clinical success rate was found for the giomer group followed by LC-GIC group and the least for the nano-ionomer group, whereas the highest radiographic success rate was found for giomer as well as LC-GIC group and the least for nano-ionomer group.
Caries Risk Factors among Children Aged 3–5 Years Old in Indonesia
Authors: Laksmiastuti Sri Ratna , Astoeti Tri Erri , Sutadi Heriandi , Budiardjo Sarworini B.
Published: February 2023

Background:

Dental caries is the most common oral disease in children. Dental caries is a multifactorial disease both etiologic factor and risk factor. Other factors that could not find in clinical examination or radiograph, but contribute to the disease are assumed as risk factor. A child as an un independent individual will be influenced by external risk factor, especially from the mother. Mother is an important figure for children character building. Risk factor detection is an essential effort to decrease the prevalence of dental caries.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to identify caries risk factor in children aged 3–5 years old in Indonesia.

Setting and Design:

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using a universal sampling protocol.

Methods:

Subject is 248 pairs of mother and children. Clinical examination and questionnaire interview are applied on the subject.

Statistical Analysis:

The association between caries risk factors and caries cases on children were tested using bivariate analysis, followed by identifying the most dominant factors using logistic regression multivariate analysis.

Results:

Each caries risk factor has a significance level which could distinct to children's caries case. After multivariate logistic regression, maternal attitude and how to drink milk bottle were the most risk factors to childhood caries (odds ratio: 3.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–11.01 and 7.69; 95% CI: 1.84–32.13 respecting).

Conclusions:

Many risk factors contribute to childhood caries, originated from both children themselves and mothers. Caries risk factor identification is an important role in preventing childhood caries.
A Case of Cornual Pregnancy after Ipsilateral Salpingectomy for Isthmic Pregnancy
Authors: Banzai Chiaki , Matsumoto Akina , Higeta Daisuke , Shinozaki Yu , Murata Tomomi , Mitsushita Junji , Soda Masayuki
Published: February 2023

The patient was a 32-year-old woman, gravida three, para one with one prior cesarean section. She became pregnant spontaneously, but the pregnancy implanted in the isthmus of the right fallopian tube, and therefore, she underwent laparoscopic right salpingectomy. Eight months later, another spontaneous pregnancy occurred. the patient experienced abdominal pain and an ultrasound examination revealed a hematoma around the right cornual region. A wedge-shaped incision was made in the cornual pregnancy using monopolar cauterization, and the myometrium was sutured with a single nodule suture. We report a case of spontaneous cornual pregnancy after ipsilateral salpingectomy for an isthmic pregnancy.
A Prospective Observational Study on Short-term Functional Outcomes of Primary Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in the Indian Population
Authors: Chitten Jojin Jose , Arora Manit , Bathla Gaurav
Published: February 2023

Background:

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is becoming more popular for specific indications globally with good functional outcomes reported. There is no study, to the authors’ knowledge, on the outcomes of RSA in the Indian population. The present study aimed to fill the void.

Methodology:

A prospective observational study on the functional outcomes using University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Constant scores in the first 27 consecutive patients who underwent RSA in a tertiary care hospital between 2019 and 2020 were assessed in periodic intervals up to a maximum of 1-year follow-up.

Results:

Twenty-seven patients underwent unilateral primary RSA and were included with a median age of 71 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 66–76). There was a statistically significant improvement in both the functional scores over the study duration. At a follow-up time of 6 months (n = 27 patients), the median improvement in UCLA score was 17 points (IQR: 12–19) and Constant shoulder score of 52 points (IQR: 47–60). Thirteen of these patients were followed up further up to 1 year, with a median improvement in UCLA score of 13 points (IQR: 21–25) and Constant shoulder score of 56 points (IQR: 49.50–66.50) from the preoperative scores. All 27 implants were radiographically stable. There was 7.4% complication rate; one scapular notching was noticed at the end of 1-year follow-up and one glenosphere dissociation in the immediate postoperative period.

Conclusion:

RSA provides consistent improvements in functional outcome measures in the Indian population with a low complication rate. Further studies with larger patient cohorts and longer follow-ups are needed to validate these findings.
Does Subscapularis Insufficiency in Patients with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome Correlate with Proximal Migration of Humerus? A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Dhanjani Bharat , Jain Gunjar , Tank Shekhar , Krishna Anant , Kumar Manoj , Kumar Vinod
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

To evaluate the correlation between subscapularis insufficiency and functional subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS).

Patients and Methods:

Twenty patients with nonstructural subacromial impingement with at least one positive clinical test including Neer’s, Hawkins Kennedy, and Codman drop arm test, were recruited for this observational study. Subscapularis weakness was evaluated clinically via Gerber lift-off test, Bear Hug test and by Belly Press test, and by dynamometer, and its insufficiency was confirmed by evaluating changes in muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Subscapularis weakness was then matched with radiological parameters of proximal migration of shoulder, namely upward migration index (UMI) and Acromiohumeral interval (AHI) on X-ray and MRI, respectively.

Results:

A significant association (P < 0.05) was seen between subscapularis insufficiency and radiological parameters of SAIS, namely UMI and AHI.

Conclusion:

There exists a significant positive correlation between subscapularis insufficiency and proximal migration of humerus. Patients with clinical and radiological signs of subacromial impingement and without any evidence of structural abnormality should be investigated for an underlying subscapularis insufficiency.
Is Posterior Tibial Slope and Mechanism of Failure Crucial for an Anatomically Reconstructed Primary Hamstring Graft Anterior Cruciate Ligament?
Authors: Supreeth Sam , Al Barwani Aliya , Al Manei Khalid , Al Ghanami Suwailim , Shanmugasundaram Saseendar , Kotnoor Vijay Kumar
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) failure is multifactorial with tibial slope identified as a crucial risk factor. The aim was to examine relation between lateral posterior tibial slope (LTPS) and failed ACL primary reconstruction by negating the associated risk factors such as tunnel position, gender, and graft types based on the mechanism of failure.

Materials and Methods

Our retrospective study included 102 patients, diagnosed as failed primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The LPTS was measured on lateral radiographs and the tunnel position assessed by magnetic resonance imaging on both femoral, tibial side by two musculoskeletal radiologists. We compared the slopes in patients based on their mechanism of failure.

Results

The mean LPTS in patients with anatomically placed tunnel (9.28° ± 3.5°; range, 4°–18°) was significantly higher than the rest (7.7° ± 2.9°; range, 3°–15°; P = 0.01). There was a significant association of higher tibial slope in graft rupture due to contact mechanism of failure (P = 0.02). LPTS was not significantly associated with noncontact mechanism of failure.

Conclusion

LTPS is a significant risk factor for failure in hamstring graft reconstructed ACL patients with optimally placed tunnels. LPTS ≥10° increases the risk of hamstring graft failure due to contact mechanism.
Differences in Hospital Length of Stay and Cost of Hospitalization Between Income Levels in Patients Hospitalized for Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Sleiman Anthony G. , Milto Anthony J. , Beason Austin M. , Scaife Steven L. , Bitar Youssef El
Published: February 2023

Introduction

There has been an increase in volume and cost of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Performing procedures in high-volume inpatient centers and outpatient centers can help limit costs while preserving quality. This study aims to identify whether a difference in length of stay (LOS) and cost exists between income levels in patients hospitalized for TSA and reverse TSA (R-TSA) to identify potential disparities.

Methodology

NIS data defined by ICD-10 codes for patients diagnosed with primary shoulder osteoarthritis undergoing TSA or R-TSA between 2016 and 2019 were collected. Demographic, social, and comorbidity data were collected and stratified by income quartile.

Results

Patients had R-TSA (n = 173,695) more frequently than TSA (n = 149,075). The mean age was greater for R-TSA (71.8) than TSA (67.0) and increased by income quartile (P < 0.0001). Among TSA, LOS (days) decreased Q1 (1.50) to Q2 (1.40) and then remained consistent Q2–Q4. Among R-TSA, LOS decreased Q1 (1.67) to Q2 (1.64) to Q3 (1.62) and then increased in Q4 (1.65) (P = 0.03). The lowest income quartile had the highest cost in R-TSA and the second highest in TSA (P < 0.0001). By location, the percentage of urban teaching hospitals increased by income quartile, while the percentage of rural hospitals decreased by quartile (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Low-income shoulder arthroplasty patients had the longest LOS, high costs, and account for vast majority of rural cases. R-TSA had higher costs and LOS across income quartiles than TSA. Continued attention needs to be placed on the disparities in resource utilization for upper extremity arthroplasty among patients of different socioeconomic status.
Corporate Governance and Firm Performance: Evidence from Microfinance Institutions in Tanzania
Authors: Solomon Saimon , Makuya Victoria
Published: February 2023

This study examined the impact of corporate governance on the performance of a firm. Two elements of corporate governance were involved namely the  board of directors composition and audit committee composition which were assessed to find out their relations to Microfinance Institutions' (MFIs)  financial performance. This study was done to contribute specific insights to the relationship and influence of corporate governance on firm performance  especially due to limited literature in Tanzania. The study used a cross-sectional design, in which data were collected at a single point in  time. Quantitative data were collected from 80 CEOs/Managers of MFIs under study. The study found that most of the respondents, which is equivalent to  66.2%, had the title of managers or supervisors and 17.4% were the CEOs/Directors. Moreover, MFIs agreed to have boards with independence  (M=4.48, SD=0.49) and gender diversity (M=4.67, SD=0.41). Moreover, MFIs agreed to have an audit committee with members who had  accounting/auditing/finance expertise. The findings from regression results further show that the relationship was significant between board  composition (board independence and gender and geographical diversity) and audit committee composition (educational background and experience in  microfinance issues) with the firm’s performance. The study concludes that corporate governance influences the financial performance of MFIs in  Tanzania. The study recommends that MFIs and policymakers should ensure that the board of directors is characterised by independence and gender  and geographic diversity. Also, the audit committee should comprise members who are experts in microfinance to enhance performance.
Impact of Different Concentration of Thorn Apple (Datura stramonium) Extract on Growth, Histopathology and Blood Profiles Response to Sub- Lethal Exposure of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Juveniles
Authors: Olusola S. E. , Ayebidum O. V. , Amubieya A. V. , Amulejoye F. D.
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the toxic effects of Datura stramonium leaves extract on growth, histopathology and blood profiles of Oreochromis niloticus juveniles. Datura stramonium leaves extract of various concentrations were prepared at 0.00 (control), 0.002, 0.02 and 0.2 ml/L for 28 days and 10 days withdrawal in triplicate. Twenty (20) Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings (6.05±0.01g) were randomly distributed into each experimental bowl containing 45 L of treatment concentrations. Biological evaluation, blood profiles parameters, and histology of the exposed fish were determined. The result shows an increase within the weight gain and the weight gain was higher in the exposed groups expect TAL 4 than the control. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) among the treatments. The haematological response to D. stramonium exposures shows that the values of packed cell volume and haemoglobin were higher in the exposed groups compared to the control while the white blood cell, neutrophils, and lymphocytes decrease as the concentration of the plant increases and were lower than the control. The result revealed a higher value of total protein and albumin in the exposed groups compared to the control. There were decreased in the values of ALT and AST when compared to the control and the values of total protein, albumin, ALT and AST after 10 days of withdrawal show a similar trend in values obtained before the experiment. The result of histopathology shows no observable lesions were observed in control group while there were moderate alterations in gills, liver and the intestine of the exposed groups. This investigation revealed that continuous use of the D. stramonium leaves extract in the aquatic environment will affects the growth, blood profiles and histopathology of the exposed fish.
Availability and Energy Generation Potential of Cattle Rumen Content collected from Vegetable Market Abattoir in Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Ihoeghian N. A. , Amenaghawon A. N. , Ezemonye L. I. , Onyemaboru C. A.
Published: February 2023

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a proven technology for treating biomass materials with a view of producing bioenergy and recovering nutrients. Cattle rumen content (CRC) is an example of a waste biomass material that can be a viable feedstock for AD process. This paper accesses the availability and energy generation potential of cattle rumen content (CRC) collected from vegetable market abattoir in Benin City, Nigeria for a ten-year data of slaughtered cattle in Nigeria. Data obtained revealed that an average 99581.303 Metric tons of dry matter from CRC is generated per annum and with a theoretical biomethane yield of 444.90 ml/gVS can potentially generate 420 GW (gigawatts) in form of biomethane annually in Nigeria through the AD process. When compared with other renewable energy sources in Nigeria, it potentially meets 6.44 % supply from other renewable energy sources, and exceeds energy currently being generated from wind and solar sources combined. Anaerobic digestion if deployed is an effective technology to harness the potential that CRC presents Nigeria as a country for affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), clean water sanitation and sustainable communities (SDG 6 and 11), and zero hunger (SDG 2) through soil nutrient enhancement.
Hypaphorine ameliorates lipid accumulation and inflammation in a cellular model of non alcoholic fatty liver by regulating p38/JNK and NF κB signaling pathways
Authors: Wei Chaoyu , Zhou Wei
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of hypaphorine in a cellular model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Methods: Palmitic acid (PA) was used to induce a NAFLD phenotype in hepatocytes. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays. Inflammatory response was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effect of hypaphorine on lipid accumulation was evaluated using Oil Red O staining and triglyceride kits. Activation of p38/c–Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and NF-κB pathways were analyzed by immunoblot assay.Results: Hypaphorine significantly improved cell viability (p < 0.01), suppressed inflammatory response (p < 0.01), and reduced lipid accumulation (p < 0.01) in PA-treated hepatocytes. Hypaphorine ameliorated lipid accumulation and inflammation in PA-treated hepatocytes by targeting p38/JNK and NF-κB pathways.Conclusion: Hypaphorine may serve as a therapeutic target in NAFLD. However, in vivo studies to validate this finding are required.
Identification of key genes and active components of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of colorectal cancer based on bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Xiang Lidi , Ke Kongliang , Miao Chundi , Sun Jiajia , Zhang Luqing
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To investigate the bio-active components and key targets of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) through bioinformatics analysis.Methods: An AM action network was constructed after taking intersection of the target genes in AM and CRC-related genes. After that, Protein-Protein Interaction analysis, Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the intersected genes. Then, the differential genes in GSE70772 and GSE113513 datasets were screened separately and intersected with genes from the PPI analysis to obtain the key targets.Results: After intersection with potential targets of AM and CRC-related genes, 105 genes were screened by PPI analysis. Then, 20 genes were identified as potential target genes of AM in GSE70772 and GSE113513 datasets. These genes were intersected with the 105 genes. Finally, a key gene called MET was identified as the key target of action of AM in the treatment of CRC, and methylnissolin (MOL000380) was the active component of AM.Conclusion: MET a potential key target gene of AM, whose active component is methylnissolin, in the treatment of CRC. Thus, the findings of this study may provide a scientific basis for the further development of AM for the treatment of CRC.
Effect of atorvastatin combined with interventional therapy for acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Gao Yan , Zhang Yongli , Xi Yan , Chen Yan , Wang Xiling , Wang Xiling
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the coronary thrombolytic effect of atorvastatin plus percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction.Methods: From April 2019 to October 2020, 88 patients with acute myocardial infarction who were treated in Zhangqiu District People's Hospital were randomly assigned to receive either PCI (conventional group) or PCI plus atorvastatin (combined group). Myocardial injury index, TnI, and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) were used to determine myocardial injury, while serum cTnI was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) levels were determined by immunosuppression method. Cardiac ultrasound was used to measure and compare the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) before and after treatment in the two groups. Blood lipid levels were determined before and after drug administration, respectively, while the levels of highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were determined using a colorimetric method. Total cholesterol (TC) and triacylglycerol (TG) were assessed by an enzymatic method, while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was determined using a biochemical method. Serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), c-reactive-protein (CRP), and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were evaluated in an automatic biochemical analyzer. The incidence of adverse reactions during treatment, including creatinine elevation, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal reactions and their frequencies were computed.Results: The combined group exhibited significantly lower levels of myocardial injury indices when compared with the conventional group (p < 0.05). Atorvastatin plus PCI resulted in significantly higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and lower left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) as well as left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) in patients when compared with PCI alone group (p < 0.05). After treatment, the combined group showed significantly healthier levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) compared with the conventional group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Atorvastatin plus PCI mitigates myocardial injury and lowers cardiac function, lipid indices, serum B type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive-protein (CRP), and interleukin (IL)-6 levels. It also reduces the incidence of adverse events during treatment. Thus, this therapeutic strategy has potentials for application in the management of acute myocardial infarction.
Effect of combined administration of carboprost tromethamine and ergometrine on uterine atony-induced postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Zhang Yinru , Jin Ruihua , Wang Tengfei , Luo Jinyan
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of the combined use of carboprost tromethamine and ergometrine in the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage induced by uterine atony.Methods: A total of 66 pregnant women with postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony who were treated in Fuyang Women's and Children's Hospital from February 2019 to January 2022 were randomly and equally assigned to control and combination groups, respectively, based on the order of admission. The control group was treated with 0.2 mg of ergometrine maleate via intramuscular injection in the buttocks. In the combination group, the patients were also given 250 μg of carboprost tromethamine via cervical injection in addition to ergometrine. The two groups were compared in terms of volume of postpartum vaginal bleeding and hemoglobin levels, coagulation function index, clinical effectiveness and incidence of adverse reactions.Results: There was a significant difference in total treatment effectiveness between the two groups (69.70 vs 90.91%; ꭓ2 = 4.694, p = 0.03) with the combination group showing higher effectiveness. The volume of bleeding in the combination group at 2 h and 24 h after delivery were significantly lower than the corresponding values for the control group (p < 0.05). Comparison at 24 h postpartum showed significantly lower hemoglobin level in the combination group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Posttreatment levels of prothrombin time (PT) and thrombin time (TT) in the two groups were lower than the pre-treatment values, but the post-treatment levels in the combination group were lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Combined administration of carboprost tromethamine and ergometrine may be a viable treatment strategy for uterine atony-induced postpartum hemorrhage. It has acceptable level of safety. However, further clinical trials are required prior to application in clinical practice.
Central-Local Government Coordination During the COVID-19 Response: A Case Study Analysis of Jordan and Morocco
Authors: Alshoubaki Wa'ed , Zemrani Aziza
Published: February 2023

This study seeks to understand the coordination of national and subnational governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan and Morocco. Utilizing a case study analysis strategy, this study provides a better understanding of the governmental response to the COVID-19 crisis in light of the relationship between the national and subnational levels of government. The examination of the two case studies, namely, Jordan and Morocco, was conducted through a document analysis strategy that implemented the READ approach. The results illustrate that pandemic management occurred through coordination between the central government, which is responsible for formulating response policies, and the subnational government, which is responsible for implementing these policies. Jordan formulated and institutionalized its response to the pandemic through the activation of Defense Law No. 13 of 1992. The governorates and municipalities worked together to implement the defense orders. Similarly, the government in Morocco established national response policies, and the local and territorial levels were responsible for executing these policies.
Political Business Cycle in Local Governments in Transition and Developing Economies. Literature Review and Empirical Study for Poland
Authors: Filipiak Beata Zofia , Kluza Krzysztof K.
Published: February 2023

Theory of political business cycles in democratic systems indicates that politicians have an incentive to operate with different economic instruments to acquire voters or secure re-election. Such phenomena also take place on the local government level, with incumbents manipulating the scale of expenditures, investments, or the amount of debt raised before elections. In this article, we focus on the analysis of local government investment as it is one of the most flexible parts of the budget so there is a strong incentive to use it as an election support instrument. Based on the panel data for the three full electoral cycles in Poland, we check the existence of the relationship between investment budget sizes and the phase of the electoral cycle. The results of the analysis show that even as a single explanatory variable, the election cycle is a significant factor explaining the behaviour of local public investments. It causes fluctuations of local investments by over 20% around their average level. This confirms the existence of a strong political budget cycle in Polish local governments. As this also provides evidence of political rent seeking, our findings provide a general rationale for limiting the number of office terms for incumbents in local authorities.
How does Decentralization Affect the Performance of Municipalities in Urban Environmental Management in the Philippines?
Authors: Nishimura Kenichi
Published: February 2023

This study explored the factors that affect the environmental management performance of municipalities in the Philippines, which have expanded their environmental policy authority through decentralization. Individual case studies have shown that in order for a municipality that has expanded its authority over environmental policy in the process of decentralization to effectively implement this policy, it is important that the mayor take political initiative to overcome financial and technical constraints and encourage the effective participation of stakeholders. In response to these arguments, this study examines each of the following four questions – whose policy input improves local government performance, whether local government performance improves when mayors have frequent contact with stakeholders, whether the frequent contact with external political actors affect the performance of local governments, and whose financial support increases local government performance – using statistical analysis on the results of a large-scale local government survey in the Philippines. It was revealed that financial inputs from the private sector and a frequent contact with the neighboring local governments have a positive correlation with high environmental management performance, while close relationships with various stakeholders and strong financial support from the central government departments have a negative correlation, and the mayor's policy initiative has no effect.
Innovation in Public Services: The Case of Moroccan Government
Authors: Benaddi Hanane , Hannad Yaâcoub , Kettani Elyoussfi El , Askour Mohamed
Published: February 2023

Public service innovation and New public Management’ are two domains of research that have been developed independently. However, they share a common concept that is ‘Public service’. To improve the efficiency of public services, understanding the public value delivered to citizens is essential. Business model innovation allows evaluating the value created for consumers and pinpoint exactly citizen’s needs and expectations. This paper presents a new approach to innovate public services and identify opportunities to enhance public service delivery. The 5W1H business model allows to analyze public services, how are they created, who are their consumers, when and where are they provided and what public value are delivered. We support our argument with findings from a study conducted by the Moroccan Ministry of Administration and Public Service Reform. The results indicate that the classification of public services according to the public value is a baseline for improving the process of their delivery and the need for serious reflection to strengthen the digital transformation of administrative procedures.
Co-production and Citizens’ Satisfaction with Public Services: The Case of Environmental Public Services in China
Authors: Li Chunsheng , Wu Jinpeng , Zhang Huiming , Han Zhiming
Published: February 2023

This study investigates the impact of co-production on citizens’ satisfaction with environmental public services. Using survey data from China, the findings demonstrate that co-production can increase citizens’ satisfaction with environmental public services. Contrary to existing explanations, there is a significant difference between satisfaction with central and local governments in China. Co-production has positively increased citizens’ satisfaction with the effectiveness of environmental governance in local governments, and this has only partially positively increased for the central government. The findings demonstrate that co-production can optimize the structure of public services to increase citizens’ satisfaction with public services.
Sub-sovereign Fiscal Rules in Poland in Comparison with Measures Adopted in the US, China, and Selected EU Countries
Authors: Czekaj Mirosław , Postuła Marta
Published: February 2023

Measures to increase debt sustainability and related creditworthiness play an important role in sovereign fiscal policy. The establishing of fiscal rules delimits fiscal policy through specific limits for particular budget aggregates. Fiscal rules in Poland were analyzed against measures applied in European Union countries, with emphasis on changes due to COVID-19. Also differences in fiscal rules at the regional and local level in the United States, China, and Poland are described. Conclusions from the research lead to the identification of a relationship between the restrictiveness of the rules and possibilities to maintain budget balance and prevent excessive indebtedness. Important conclusions may be also drawn from different reactions for crisis in the fiscal rules area – from relaxing the rules to wide use of special fund or financial vehicles – which were crucial states reply to fiscal burdens.
Freedom of Expression and Misinformation Laws During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Szentgáli-Tóth Boldizsár , Gál Kristóf , Kálmán Kinga , Toplak Jurij
Published: February 2023

This article assesses the European Court of Human Rights’ possible responses to post-COVID-19 misinformation laws. These laws are intended to protect society but may become dangerous weapons if used by governments wishing to silence opponents. We identify four categories of speech restrictions that appeared during the COVID-19 pandemic. We then present the recent misinformation laws from Council of Europe member states as well as various potential arguments when cases appear before the Court, and assess their potential weight. We also analyze the expected post-pandemic development of the European Convention on Human Rights’ Article 10 jurisprudence.
Procedural Aspects of the Usage of Local Water Resources in Connection with the Marketing of Natural Mineral Waters and Spring Waters: Comments on the Provisions of the EU Law and Polish Law
Authors: Całka Edyta , Gratkowska-Żmuda Dominika
Published: February 2023

According to EU law, proper water management is to ensure enduring and sustainable development taking into account the economic use of water resources and the availability of water in adequate quality and quantity. Within the framework of proper water management in the EU Member States, the use of local water resources for economic purposes involves state intervention in the form of granting of a permit (water-law permit or licence) for the exploitation of water intakes located in a given geographical area. However, obtaining such a permit does not entitle the undertaking to market the extracted waters as natural mineral waters or spring waters. To be able to use groundwater in bottling industry, national authorities must assess and classify the water. Of crucial importance are full water tests, which include the analysis of organoleptic, chemical and physico-chemical properties and microbiological examination of the water. As for natural mineral waters, the undertaking must also apply for official recognition of the water. The recognition procedure does not apply to spring waters.