bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of a New Nutraceutical Formulation in Patients with Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease (SUDD): a Prospective Observational Study
Authors: D'Amico Ferdinando , Fiorini Giulia , Tursi Antonio , Saracino Ilaria Maria , Pavoni Matteo , Danese Silvio , Vaira Dino 
Published: January 2020

Background and Aim: Symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating and altered bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea) attributed to diverticula in the absence of macroscopic mucosal alterations. There is no consensus about management of these patients. DIVER-100®, an association of natural active ingredients may be effective in the treatment of patients with SUDD. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DIVER-100® in patients with SUDD.
Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study to evaluate the efficacy of DIVER-100® in consecutive patients with SUDD, confirmed by radiology or endoscopy. All patients were treated with DIVER-100® 2 capsules/day 10 days per month, for 3 months. The primary endpoint was the clinical remission rate, defined as the reduction of abdominal pain and bloating, improvement of bowel habits and prevention of acute diverticulitis (AD). The secondary endpoint was the rate of adverse events.
Results: One hundred and one patients were consecutively enrolled at the Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Unit, Sant’Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy. DIVER-100® was effective in inducing remission of symptoms in 12 patients (11.9%) at 3 months and in 10 patients (9.9%) at 6 months. DIVER-100® significantly reduced abdominal pain and bloating in 45.5% and 57.4% of patients respectively (p <0.001) after 3 months. No episodes of AD and no adverse events related to DIVER--100® were recorded at month 6 in the study population.
Conclusions: DIVER-100® is a safe and effective nutraceutical compound in obtaining remission and symptom relief in SUDD patients. Further randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm these preliminary data.
Сandidate SNP-markers of rheumatoid arthritis that can significantly alter the affinity of the TATA-binding protein for human gene promoters
Authors: Chadaeva I. V. , Rasskazov D. A. , Sharypova E. B. , Drachkova I. A. , Oshchepkova E. A. , Savinkova L. K. , Ponomarenko P. M. , Ponomarenko M. P. , Kolchanov N. A. , Kozlov V. A. 
Published: January 2020

Rheumatoid polyarthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with autoantibodies, including antibodies to citrullant antigens and proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, which are involved in the induction of chronic synovitis, bone erosion, followed by deformity. Immunopathogenesis is based on the mechanisms of the breakdown of immune tolerance to its own antigens, which is characterized by an increase in the activity of T-effector cells, causing RA symptomatology. At the same time, against the background of such increased activity of effector lymphocytes, a decrease in the activity of a number of regulatory cells, including regulatory T-cells (Treg) and myeloid suppressor cells, is recorded. There is reason to say that it is the change in the activity of suppressor cells that is the leading element in RA pathogenesis. That is why only periods of weakening (remission) of RA are spoken of. According to the more powerful female immune system compared to the male one, the risk of developing RA in women is thrice as high, this risk decreases during breastfeeding and grows during pregnancy as well as after menopause in proportion to the level of sex hormones. It is believed that 50 % of the risk of developing RA depends on the conditions and lifestyle, while the remaining 50 % is dependent on genetic predisposition. That is why, RA fits the main idea of postgenomic predictive-preventive personalized medicine that is to give a chance to those who would like to reduce his/her risk of diseases by bringing his/her conditions and lifestyle in line with the data on his/her genome sequenced. This is very important, since doctors consider RA as one of the most frequent causes of disability. Using the Web service SNP_TATA_Z-tester (http://beehive.bionet.nsc.ru/cgi-bin/mgs/tatascan_fox/start.pl), 227 variants of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the human gene promoters were studied. As a result, 43 candidate SNP markers for RA that can alter the affinity of the TATA-binding protein (TBP) for the promoters of these genes were predicted.
Do years of teaching experience make a difference for teachers working in Abu Dhabi government schools?
Authors: Dickson Martina , McMinn Melissa , Kadbey Hanadi 
Published: January 2020

In Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, subject teachers of English medium in government schools are recruited from overseas and have a wide range of years of teaching experience. Research is divided into whether or not years of experience necessarily translates into a positive correlation with student-centred classroom practice such as the use of hands-on learning and inquiry-based approaches to learning in science. Abu Dhabi is in the process of dramatically overturning its education system, resulting in at times challenging teaching environments. Teachers working here are in the unique situation of being part of a rapidly developing education system and face similar challenges regardless of their years of experiences. This study surveys 249 expatriate English medium teachers to explore how their number of years of experience varies with their classroom practice, teaching beliefs and confidence levels. Although teachers with more experience were far more likely to express confidence in their own abilities (self-efficacies), we found the classroom practices of those between five and ten years of experience aligned most closely with inquiry-based, student-centred learning approaches applied in Abu Dhabi classrooms.
Keywords: Yearsâ€™ teaching experience, classroom practice, reform.
The perceptions of the students about the English Language Test implemented as a component of university entrance exam
Authors: Gunes Sevim 
Published: January 2020

This study aims to reveal studentsâ€™ perceptions about the Foreign (English) Language Test implemented as a component of University Entrance Exam. There were two groups as the participants of the study: the first group included pre-service English teachers studying in the English language teaching (ELT) Department and the second group consisted of cram school students preparing for the English Language Test. A questionnaire was implemented to both groups in order to reveal their perceptions about the English Language Test. The data derived from the questionnaires were analysed in a descriptive way through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and the results were presented in a comparative manner. The results revealed that the rate of pre-service English teachers who think that English Language Test should include all of the language skills is higher than the rate of cram school students. In addition to that most of the pre-service English teachers are not pleased with the content of the test as they have faced with the problems related to the language skills after the onset of studying in ELT Department.
Keywords: Studentsâ€™ perceptions, education policy, English language test.
Pemanfaatan Tanaman Obat Keluarga di Kelurahan Tanah 600, Medan
Authors: Karo-Karo Ulina 
Published: January 2020

Pemanfaatan Tanaman Obat Keluarga (TOGA) tidak hanya sebagai bumbu masakan dan obat, tetapi jika ditekuni dengan sepenuh hati akan memberi nilai kepuasan, bahkan sebagai penopang kehidupan. Penelitian kualitatif dengan metode ‘Individual’s life history’ pada satu keluarga yang telah memanfaatkan tanaman obat sejak lama di Tanah 600 Kecamatan Medan Marelan. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui pengalaman satu keluarga yang berhasil memanfaatkan tanaman obat keluarga sebagai sumber pendapatan keluarga. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan teknik pengamatan dan wawancara mendalam. Penelitian dilakukan pada periode Februari-April 2009. Informan adalah Mak Intan, dilengkapi dengan keterangan suami, anak, menantu dan orang lain yang mengenal Mak Intan. Analisis data dilakukan dengan teknik ‘on going analysis’. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemanfaatan TOGA memerlukan pengetahuan, perjuangan untuk mengembangkan TOGA dan keinginan-keinginan. Pengetahuan diperoleh tidak hanya dari warisan keluarga dan membaca tetapi dapat ditingkatkan dengan adanya pujian dan jalinan kerja, baik dengan Dinas Kesehatan atau teman seprofesi. Perjuangan pengembangan TOGA dimulai dengan tahap jamu gendong, mengikuti pameran, dan pembuatan jamu instan. Pemanfaatan TOGA akan memberikan nilai ekonomis, nilai keindahan, dan nilai kepuasan.Kata kunci: Tanaman obat keluarga, pemanfaatan, pengobatan, pengembangan usahaAbstractFamily Crops Medicine (TOGA) is used as culinary spices and medicine, at present it also can be utilized as earnings. If learned seriously, it also gives a satisfactory value. This study is a qualitative research using ‘individual’s life history’ method. Family utilized TOGA for long time in tanah 600 District Marelan Medan was selected. The aim of this study is to know the experience of a family that successfully utilized TOGA as a health treatment and family earnings. Data was collected by observation and in-depth interviews. Research was conducted during February to April 2009. Informant is an old woman called mak Intan. Information from her husband, son in law and anyone knowing mak Intan were also obtained. Data was analyzed by “ongoing analysis” technique. The result indicates that TOGA utilization requires knowledge and strong willingness to develop TOGA. The knowledge is not only obtained from family legacy and readings, but also cooperated with health district office or colleagues. The struggle to develop TOGA is started from backpacking herbal medicine, attending exhibition and making instant herbal medicine. Utilization of TOGA will provide economic, esthetic and satisfactory values.Key words : Family corps medicine, utilization, treatment, development
Impact of Asphaltenes on Contact-Angle Variations and Surface Topography and Composition
Authors: Ratnakar Ram R. , Mantilla Cesar A. , Dindoruk Birol 
Published: January 2020

Summary
The asphaltene precipitation affects the rock/fluid interaction in a live-oil reservoir, which has a significant effect on oil recovery and flow in the production network. In this work, we examine the changes in interfacial properties (such as contact angle between the live-oil, brine, and quartz system) as well as surface topography and compositions caused by asphaltene precipitations that are related to pressure-depletion processes.
The experimental method is based on the pendant-drop-shape method using a high-resolution camera for quantitative image analysis and a high-resolution digital-pressure transducer in a high-pressure high-temperature fluid cell. The contact angle with quartz was measured in the presence of deionized water as the surrounding medium at isothermal condition. The experiments were conducted in a pressure-depletion fashion, where pressure is decreased in steps capturing the asphaltene onset pressure (AOP). At each pressure stage, sufficient time was given to stabilize the contact angle.
The transient experimental contact-angle data for a system containing a live oil, brine, and quartz is presented. In particular, we
Show that the time of stabilization and contact angle decreases at sequential pressure steps, except near the vicinity of AOP where they have a sharp jump signifying the effect of asphaltene precipitation Use the solubility-parameter approach for asphaltene modeling to predict asphaltene precipitation from live oil at pressures between the saturation point and AOP Relate the amount of precipitation with change in interfacial properties, such as interfacial tension (IFT) and contact angle Use image-analysis techniques such as scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to analyze the topography and composition of the quartz surface after asphaltene deposition to supplement our observation
Despite that asphaltene effects on wettability alteration have been proposed, this is the first experimental evidence that pressure-depletion-driven asphaltene precipitation alters the contact angle at realistic reservoir conditions (high-pressure high-temperature live oils). These data can be used as a basis to establish the benchmark data, model calibration for managing and preventing remediation asphaltene problems, and to design the proper facility and operating conditions for efficient recovery and operational processes.
Water-Based Drilling Fluid Containing Bentonite/Poly(Sodium 4-Styrenesulfonate) Composite for Ultrahigh-Temperature Ultradeep Drilling and Its Field Performance
Authors: Liu Jingping , Dai Zhiwen , Xu Ke , Yang Yuping , Lv Kaihe , Huang Xianbin , Sun Jinsheng 
Published: January 2020

SummaryThe rapidly increasing global oil/gas demand and gradual depletion of shallow reservoirs require the development of deep oil/gas reservoirs and geothermal reservoirs. However, deep drilling suffers from drilling-fluid failures under ultrahigh temperature, which cause serious accidents such as wellbore collapse, stuck pipe, and even blowouts. In this study, we revealed the role of polymeric additives in improving the ultrahigh-temperature tolerance of bentonite-based drilling fluids, aiming to provide practical and efficient solutions to the failure of drilling fluids in severe conditions. By adding poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) to the original drilling fluid containing bentonite, significant fluid loss—as a consequence of bentonite-particle flocculation causing drilling-fluid shear-stress reduction and high-permeability mud—is successfully suppressed even at temperature as high as 200°C. This drilling fluid containing PSS was applied in the drilling of high-temperature deep wells in Xinjiang province, China, and exhibited high effectiveness in controlling accidents including overflow and leakage.NOTE: A supplementary file is available in the Supporting Information section.
Biomechanical evaluation of strategies for adjacent segment disease after lateral lumbar interbody fusion: is the extension of pedicle screws necessary?
Authors: Liang Ziyang , Cui Jianchao , Zhang Jiarui , He Jiahui , Tang Jingjing , Ren Hui , Ye Linqiang , Liang De , Jiang Xiaobing 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is a well-known complication after interbody fusion. Pedicle screw-rod revision possesses sufficient strength and rigidity. However, is a surgical segment with rigid fixation necessary for ASD reoperation? This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effect of different instrumentation on lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) for ASD treatment.
Methods: A validated L2~5 finite element (FE) model was modified for simulation. ASD was considered the level cranial to the upper-instrumented segment (L3/4). Bone graft fusion in LLIF with bilateral pedicle screw (BPS) fixation occurred at L4/5. The ASD segment for each group underwent a) LLIF + posterior extension of BPS, b) PLIF + posterior extension of BPS, c) LLIF + lateral screw, and d) stand-alone LLIF. The L3/4 range of motion (ROM), interbody cage stress and strain, screw-bone interface stress, cage-endplate interface stress, and L2/3 nucleus pulposus of intradiscal pressure (NP-IDP) analysis were calculated for comparisons among the four models.
Results: All reconstructive models displayed decreased motion at L3/4. Under each loading condition, the difference was not significant between models a and b, which provided the maximum ROM reduction (73.8% to 97.7% and 68.3% to 98.4%, respectively). Model c also provided a significant ROM reduction (64.9% to 77.5%). Model d provided a minimal restriction of the ROM (18.3% to 90.1%), which exceeded that of model a by 13.1 times for flexion-extension, 10.3 times for lateral bending and 4.8 times for rotation. Model b generated greater cage stress than other models, particularly for flexion. The maximum displacement of the cage and the peak stress of the cage-endplate interface were found to be the highest in model d under all loading conditions. For the screw-bone interface, the stress was much greater with lateral instrumentation than with posterior instrumentation.
Conclusions: Stand-alone LLIF is likely to have limited stability, particularly for lateral bending and axial rotation. Posterior extension of BPS can provide reliable stability and excellent protective effects on instrumentation and endplates. However, LLIF with the use of an in situ screw may be an alternative for ASD reoperation.
FGF21 Attenuates Neurodegeneration though Modulating Neuroinflammation and Oxidant-stress
Authors: Kang Kai , Xu Pengfei , Wang Mengxia , Chunyu Jian , Sun Xu , Ren Guiping , Xiao Wei , li deshan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
It is reported that FGF21 can repair nerve injury, but the specific mechanism is less studied. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of FGF21 on neurodegeneration and possible mechanisms of the aging and diabetic mice, which were susceptible to Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Methods
The diabetic mice and aging mice were used to study the effects of FGF21 on neurodegeneration and possible mechanisms. These mice were administrated with PBS, FGF21 or metformin once daily for 4 or 6 months. Then the mechanism was verified in SH-SY5Y cells. The relative gene expressions for neurodegeneration were assessed by Quantitative Real Time-PCR, Western blot and others.
Results
FGF21 inhibited the loss of nerve cells and intracellular edema around hippocampus in diabetic mice and aging mice. In vivo results revealed that administration of FGF21 led to suppress the aggregation of Tau and β-Amyloid 1-42 , which resulted in apoptosis in nerve cells. Meanwhile, FGF21 significantly reduced the expression of NF-κB, IL6 and IL8 (p<0.05) and enhanced anti-oxidant enzymes (p<0.05) in diabetic mice. In addition, the phosphorylation of AKT and AMPKα was increased by FGF21 treated in diabetic mice, which were considered as anti-inflammation and anti-oxidant stress pathway. The relative gene expressions of neurodegeneration were also demonstrated in aging mice, which showed similar trends with diabetic mice. In vitro experiment showed that the aggregation of Tau and β-Amyloid 1-42 was increased by LPS in SH-SY5Y cells, and FGF21 inhibited the aggregation.
Conclusion
As shown above, FGF21 attenuated neurodegeneration by reducing neuroinflammation and oxidant stress though regulating the NF-κB pathway and AMPKα/AKT pathway, which enhanced the protective effect on mitochondria in nerve cells.
Key words : FGF21, diabetes, neurodegeneration, inflammation, oxidant stress.
Procalcitonin and C-reactive Protein Perform Better Than Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Count Ratio on Evaluation of Hospital Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Zheng Nan , HAN YI 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Early diagnosis and severity evaluation are key factors to achieve improved outcomes of hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP). We are constantly in search of more sensitive and specific biomarkers to improve timely diagnosis and survival.Methods: 593 cases of adult patients were enrolled into this retrospective cohort study to determine neutrophil-lymphocyte count ratio (NLCR), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum lactate level and APACHE (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) II score at the admission of ICU. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to diagnosis: non-infection and HAP. Discriminant analysis was applied to which marker or what composition of markers performed better regarding to the diagnostic value and severity evaluation. The diagnostic value of each individual biomarker was assessed by construction of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calculation of the area under each ROC curves (AUROC). Multivariate analysis was also applied to detect most appropriate prognostic factors.Results: Remarkable differences were observed on NLCR, PCT, CRP and APACHE II scores between non-infection and HAP group. Regarding to discriminant ability of severe infection, the AUROC of NLCR (0.56; 95%CI 0.52-0.61) was not comparative with any of other single markers such as PCT (0.63; 95% CI 0.59-0.68), CRP (0.60; 95% CI 0.54-0.67), or APACHE II score (0.68; 95% CI 0.64-0.73). Compared to the single biomarkers, APACHE II score presented higher discriminant ability with greater AUROC. Besides, AUROC of the composite biomarker PCT-CRP-NLCR (0.66; 95% CI 0.61-0.70) was significantly greater than any of the single biomarkers, and its discriminant ability was comparable to APACHE II score.Conclusions: NLCR is not comparable to other single biomarkers such as PCT, CRP, or APACHE II score regarding to diagnosis or to severity evaluation of HAP. Composite biomarkers can prompt early diagnosis and severity evaluation with improved accessibility, especially the composition of PCT-CRP-NLCR.
Difference in autonomic nervous effect of blue light depending on the angle of incidence on the eye
Authors: Yuda Emi , Yoshida Yutaka , Ueda Norihiro , Hayano Junichiro 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective: Blue light has been attributed to the adverse biological effects caused by the use of smartphones and tablet devices at night. However, it is not realistic to immediately avoid nighttime exposure to blue light in the lifestyle of modern society, so other effective methods to reduce the unwanted influences should be investigated. Earlier studies reported that inferior retinal light exposure causes greater melatonin suppression than superior retinal exposure. We examined whether the autonomic responses to blue light depends on the angle of incidence on the eye. Results: In eight healthy subjects, blue light from organic electroluminescent lighting device (15.4 lx at subjects’ eye) was exposed from 6 angles (0º, 30º, 45º, 135º, 150º, and 180º) for 5 min each with a 10-min interval of darkness. After adjusting the order effect of angles, however, no significant difference was detected in autonomic indices of heart rate variability with the angle of incidence, except that the exposure from 45º caused lower heart rate than exposures from 0º, 150º, and 180º. Further researches on the physiological properties of the biological effects of blue light are needed to control and reduce the health risks of using blue-light-emitting devices.
Restless leg syndrome among Sudanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case-control study
Authors: Mirghani Hyder Osman 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objectives: There is an increasing awareness about the association of the restless leg syndrome (RLS) with type 2 diabetes, the present study assessed RLS and its associations among patients with diabetes. Results: This case-control study conducted among 160 subjects (eighty-two patients with diabetes and 78 controls) attending a diabetic clinic in Omdurman, Sudan during the period from June 2018 to September 2019. A structured questionnaire based on restless syndrome, demographic data, and diabetes complications was used. The neck circumference was measured to assess adiposity, and a blood sample was taken for the glycated hemoglobin estimation.There were 82 patients with type 2 diabetes and 78 controls matched for age and sex, the restless syndrome was higher among patients with diabetes (31.7% vs. 10.3%%) with significant statistical difference, P-<0.05, A direct positive relationship was found between restless leg syndrome and diabetic neuropathy (Wald =5.48, P-value=0.019, 95% CI 1.70-410.76, no relationship was found between RLS, diabetic retinopathy, HbA1 c , sex, and neck circumference, P-values (0.757, 0.804, 0.317, and 0.361 respectively). RLS was prevalent among patients with type 2 diabetes and related to diabetic neuropathy, no relationship was found between restless syndrome, age, sex, neck circumference, HbA1 c , and retinopathy.