Combination of diethylpropion with dietary intervention results in body weight and fat loss with preserved muscle mass in obese patients.

Combining pharmacotherapy with lifestyle intervention is recommended for obese class II patients who fail lifestyle therapy and for obese class I patients. Diethylpropion, an obesity medication, has been approved for use in Indonesia, which is an Asia-Pacific country. This retrospective study aimed to assess the short-term effects of diethylpropion on weight and fat loss in obese patients in Indonesia. Secondary data were collected from 142 patients' medical records with a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 who underwent short-term diethylpropion treatment for 84 days between January 2022 and November 2023 at the Kimia Farma Nutrition Clinic in Bandung, Indonesia. Blood pressure, body weight, height, waist circumference, and body composition were assessed at each follow-up visit to determine the fat and muscle mass. Patients were prescribed diethylpropion 25 mg 3 times daily every 2 weeks together with dietary intervention. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the changes in body weight, skeletal muscle, fat mass, and waist circumference after the diethylpropion therapy. Mann-Whitney test was used for the relation between age, sex, and body mass index with weight loss on the last day of follow-up. Simple linear regression analysis was also performed to identify the correlation between weight loss and therapy duration. This study showed body weight reduction of up to 9.5 ±â€…3 kg (10 ±â€…0.0%) (P = .008) on 84 days of treatment. Significant fat loss 11.5 ±â€…4.6 kg (20.5 ±â€…0.0%) (P = .005) was also reported in our study without significant loss of muscle mass -2.4 ±â€…4.6 kg (3.6 ±â€…1.3%) (P = .58). Waist circumference was insignificantly reduced by 5.6 ±â€…0.0 cm (4.9 ±â€…2.8%) (P = .21) after 84 days of diethylpropion therapy. This study revealed no significant changes in patient systolic and diastolic pressures despite showing mild increases after 70 days. The combination of diethylpropion and an appropriate diet resulted in weight loss accompanied by significant fat loss and preserved muscle mass without an increase in blood pressure during the 12-week treatment period.

Unconventional gas-phase synthesis of biphenyl and its atropisomeric methyl-substituted derivatives.

The biphenyl molecule (C12H10) acts as a fundamental molecular backbone in the stereoselective synthesis of organic materials due to its inherent twist angle causing atropisomerism in substituted derivatives and in molecular mass growth processes in circumstellar environments and combustion systems. Here, we reveal an unconventional low-temperature phenylethynyl addition-cyclization-aromatization mechanism for the gas-phase preparation of biphenyl (C12H10) along with ortho-, meta-, and para-substituted methylbiphenyl (C13H12) derivatives through crossed molecular beams and computational studies providing compelling evidence on their formation via bimolecular gas-phase reactions of phenylethynyl radicals (C6H5CC, X2A1) with 1,3-butadiene-d6 (C4D6), isoprene (CH2C(CH3)CHCH2), and 1,3-pentadiene (CH2CHCHCHCH3). The dynamics involve de-facto barrierless phenylethynyl radical additions via submerged barriers followed by facile cyclization and hydrogen shift prior to hydrogen atom emission and aromatization to racemic mixtures (ortho, meta) of biphenyls in overall exoergic reactions. These findings not only challenge our current perception of biphenyls as high temperature markers in combustion systems and astrophysical environments, but also identify biphenyls as fundamental building blocks of complex polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as coronene (C24H12) eventually leading to carbonaceous nanoparticles (soot, grains) in combustion systems and in deep space thus affording critical insight into the low-temperature hydrocarbon chemistry in our universe.

Improving Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of 6061 Al Alloys via Differential Speed Rolling and Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation.

This study explores the combined potential of severe plastic deformation (SPD) via differential speed rolling (DSR) and plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) to enhance the material performance of 6061 Al alloys. To this end, DSR was carried out at a roll-speed-ratio of 1:4 to obtain ~75% total thickness reduction and a final microstructure of <1 µm. The rest of the samples were annealed to obtain various grain sizes of ~1, ~25, and ~55 µm. Through DSR, the hardness of the material increased from ~64 to ~102 HV. Different grain sizes altered the plasma behavior which further influence the growth of the coating layer, where the fine grain size produced a compact structure beneficial for corrosion protection. This synergy offers tailored materials ideal for high-performance applications across diverse industries, combining enhanced bulk properties from DSR with optimized surface attributes from PEO.

Strong Association of Metabolic Parameters with ADMA and VCAM-1 in Normo-Weight Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is linked to obesity. Subjects with MetS who have normo-weight potentially show higher mortality and morbidity. Purpose: This study aims to reveal the critical essential metabolic parameters associated with endothelial dysfunction in MetS subjects with normo-weight compared to obese. Patients and Methods: The study was designed using a case-control approach. Ninety-nine MetS subjects (34 Normo-weight and 65 obese) from the urban population were enrolled in this study. The components of MetS are based on NCEP/ATP III criteria. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) as markers for endothelial dysfunction were measured in both groups. Results: Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were higher in the normo-weight group (143.38 ± 79.8 mg/dL) compared to the obese group (120.89 ± 46.5 mg/dL). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels in the normo-weight group were lower (42.82 ± 10.1 mg/dL) compared to obesity (45.74 ± 9.3 mg/dL), while triacylglycerol (TAG) levels were higher in the obese (197.25 ± 110.5 mg/dL) compared to the normo-weight group (167.03 ± 98.4 mg/dL), although the differences were statistically not significant (all p > 0.05). The difference between ADMA and VCAM-1 levels was statistically not significant in both groups. Correlation between MetS components with endothelial dysfunction parameters shows that metabolic parameters correlate strongly. Interestingly, a stronger correlation between FBG and ADMA was observed in normo-weight (r = 0.519) compared to obese groups (r = 0.445). In addition, TAG consistently shows a significant correlation with ADMA and VCAM-1 in normo-weight groups. Conclusion: Metabolic parameters, especially FBG and TAG, correlate strongly with endothelial dysfunction parameters in normo-weight subjects with metabolic syndrome.

A novel technique for implementing the finite element method in a shallow water equation.

We presented a novel approach to investigate the two-dimensional shallow water equation in its primitive form. Its employs the P1NC-P1 element pair to simulate various cases: standing waves, dam-break planar, and wave absorbing with embedded radiation boundary conditions. Unlike the conventional method, we approximate the free surface variable using a conformal basis P1 whereas the velocity potential is approximated using a non-conformal basis, P1NC. Thus, for each case, the weak form needs to be reformulated as well as the discrete form. The resulting scheme is a first-order ordinary differential system and solved by Crank Nicholson. The mass matrix in the momentum equation contains the multiplication between the two bases, which computed by the mass lumping. So, our method is explicit, flexible and easy to implement. Validation using standing waves demonstrated first-order accuracy, free from numerical damping and convergent to the analytical solution. Dam-break simulation result shown an agreement with ANUGA software. Our scheme's flexibility is demonstrated when it can mimic wave absorbing simulation employing embedded radiation boundary conditions. The reflection at the boundary seems small enough, thus can be neglected. All these findings have shown the robustness and capability of our scheme to predict accurate results for various shallow water flow problems.•A novel technique for solving 2D SWE in primitive form•It is explicit, flexible, easy to implement, accurate, and robust•Our approach is suitable for coastal/oceanographic simulations.

Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder on Hematological Profile of Male Wistar Rats.

Background: Indonesia is a country with high biodiversity of more than 20,000 plant species, and 35% of them are identified as having health benefits. Moringa oleifera is one plant that almost all of its parts have been used as nutritional supplements and traditional medicines. Moringa leaves contain nutrients, antioxidants, and bioactive substances that have anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and anti-anemia properties. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the hematological effect of Moringa leaf powder in male Wistar rats under normal conditions. Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats strain (Rattus norvegicus) 9-10 weeks old and 250-275 grams were divided into four groups (n=6), normal as a control group and three other groups were given Moringa leaf powder at doses 200, 400, and 800 mg/kgBW during 12 weeks. Blood samples at week 12 were administered to determine blood count. Results: The results of this study showed differences between the various doses of Moringa leaf powder for each hematological profile. These differences were more significant for MCH parameters that indicated a decrease in the D800 group compared with the control group. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study revealed that the consumption of Moringa leaf powder for 12 weeks did not have a significant change in the hematological profile, except for the MCH value that revealed a modification.

Moldflow Simulation and Characterization of Pure Copper Fabricated via Metal Injection Molding.

Metal injection molding (MIM) is a representative near-net-shape manufacturing process that fabricates advanced geometrical components for automobile and device industries. As the mechanical performance of an MIM product is affected by green-part characteristics, this work investigated the green part of pure copper processed with MIM using the injection temperature of ~180 °C and injection pressure of ~5 MPa. A computational analysis based on the Moldflow program was proposed to simulate the effectivity of the process by evaluating the confidence of fill, quality prediction, and pressure drop of three distinctive regions in the green part. The results showed that the ring and edge regions of the green parts showed localized behavior, which was related to processing parameters including the position of the gate. A microstructural observation using scanning electron microscopy and a 3D X-ray revealed that both the surface and body matrix consisted of pores with some agglomeration of micro-pores on the edges and ring part, while any critical defects, such as a crack, were not found. A microhardness analysis showed that the three regions exhibited a reasonable uniformity with a slight difference in one specific part mainly due to the localized pore agglomeration. The simulation results showed a good agreement with the microstructures and microhardness data. Thus, the present results are useful for providing guidelines for the sound condition of MIM-treated pure copper with a complex shape.

Effect of Ultrasonic Frequency on Structure and Corrosion Properties of Coating Formed on Magnesium Alloy via Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation.

This study explores the application of ultrasonic vibration during plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) to enhance the corrosion resistance of magnesium (Mg) alloy. To this end, three different ultrasonic frequencies of 0, 40, and 135 kHz were utilized during PEO. In the presence of ultrasonic waves, the formation of a uniform and dense oxide layer on Mg alloys is facilitated. This is achieved through plasma softening, acoustic streaming, and improved mass transport for successful deposition and continuous reforming of the oxide layer. The oxide layer exhibits superior protective properties against corrosive environments due to the increase in compactness. Increasing ultrasonic frequency from 40 to 135 kHz, however, suppresses the optimum growth of the oxide layer due to the occurrence of super-soft plasma swarms, which results in a low coating thickness. The integration of ultrasonic vibration with PEO presents a promising avenue for practical implementation in industries seeking to enhance the corrosion protection of Mg alloys, manipulating microstructures and composition.

New Insight on In Vitro Biological Activities of Sulfated Polysaccharides from Ulvophyte Green Algae.

Green algae are natural bioresources that have excellent bioactive potential, partly due to sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) which are still rarely explored for their biological activities. There is currently an urgent need for studies exploring the anticancer biological activity of SPs extracted from two Indonesian ulvophyte green algae: the sulfated polysaccharide of Caulerpa racemosa (SPCr) and the sulfated polysaccharide of Caulerpa lentillifera (SPCl). The method of isolating SPs and their assessment of biological activities in this study were based on previous and similar studies. The highest yield sulfate/total sugar ratio was presented by SPCr than that of SPCl. Overall, SPCr exhibits a strong antioxidant activity, as indicated by smaller EC50 values obtained from a series of antioxidant activity assays compared to the EC50 values of Trolox (control). As an anti-obesity and antidiabetic, the overall EC50 value of both SPs was close to the EC50 of the positive control (orlistat and acarbose). Even more interesting was that SPCl displayed wide-ranging anticancer effects on colorectal, hepatoma, breast cancer cell lines, and leukemia. Finally, this study reveals new insights in that SPs from two Indonesian green algae have the potential to be promising nutraceuticals as novel antioxidative actors, and to be able to fight obesity, diabetes, and even cancer.

Using comics in teaching mathematics to improve junior high school students' disaster awareness.

Students' awareness of disasters is vital, especially for those living in disaster-prone areas, so it needs to be developed during the learning. One strategy to increase students' awareness is integrating the concept of disaster awareness in learning, such as using mathematical comics based on disaster contexts. This study aimed to examine the improvement of junior high school students' awareness of disasters through mathematical comics. It also compared the improvement of awareness of the urban and rural students. This study employed a quantitative approach with a pre-test-post-test control group design. The population was all Year 7 students in one of the junior high schools in Banda Aceh (urban area) and one of the junior high schools in Aceh Besar (rural area), Indonesia. The samples were of two classes (experimental and control) in each school, which are selected randomly. Data were collected through a disaster awareness questionnaire and analysed by t-test. Contribution: This study showed that using mathematics comics in different schools with varying conditions resulted in the different levels of disaster awareness-raising. Students' disaster awareness in the urban experimental class was better on three of the four indicators, namely, pre-disaster awareness, false disaster awareness, and after disaster awareness, compared to the control class. Meanwhile, the rural experimental class did better on one of the four indicators, namely, disaster education awareness, than the control class. This study implies that comics can increase disaster awareness and the need for further research.