bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Niveles de Lisina y Treonina digestible en dietas Sorgo-pasta de Soya para cerdos en crecimiento.
Authors: López M. , Figueroa J. L. , González M. J. , Miranda L. A. , Zamora V. , Cordero J. L.
Published: October 2019

Se evaluó el efecto de diferentes niveles de lisina y treonina en dietas sorgo-pasta de soya para cerdos en crecimiento, sobre el comportamiento productivo, las carácterísticas de la canal y la concentración de nitrógeno de la urea plasmática (NUP). En el experimento 1 se evaluaron cinco niveles de lisina digestible (0,67; 0,75; 0,83; 0,91 y 0,99 %) durante cuatro semanas. Se utilizaron 50 cerdos machos castrados con peso promedio inicial de 22,34 ± 3,45 kg. En el experimento 2 se evaluaron cinco niveles de treonina digestible (0,42; 0,47; 0,52; 0,57 y 0,62%) durante seis semanas. Se utilizaron 50 cerdos (25 machos castrados y 25 hembras) con peso promedio inicial de 24,02 ± 3,73 kg. Los animales fueron distribuidos en un diseño experimental completamente al azar con cinco repeticiones y dos cerdos por unidad experimental. Las variables de respuesta evaluadas en ambos experimentos fueron: consumo diario de alimento (CDA), ganancia diaria de peso (GDP), conversión alimenticia (CA), ganancia de carne magra (GCM), peso final (PF), grasa dorsal (GD), porcentaje de carne magra (%CM), área del músculo longissimus (AML) y NUP. Las variables medidas semanalmente (CDA, GDP y CA), fueron analizadas con PROC MIXED de SAS; las otras variables fueron analizadas con PROC GLM. La comparación de medias se realizó con la prueba de Tukey, y se utilizaron contrastes ortogonales para detectar efectos lineales, cuadráticos y cúbicos. El mejor nivel de lisina digestible para CDA y GDP fue 0,75%; para CA fue 0,91%, y para PF fue de 0,99%. El análisis de contrastes mostró efecto cúbico del nivel de lisina sobre CDA, lineal para CA y cuadrático para AML, %CM y NUP. Los niveles de treonina digestible no afectaron las variables de respuesta productiva, ni las características de la canal; sólo se observó una reducción lineal del NUP al aumentar la treonina digestible. Los machos castrados también redujeron el NUP al aumentar el nivel de treonina digestible en la dieta. Estos resultados indican que el nivel de lisina digestible afecta de manera diferente las variables productivas, las características de la canal, y la concentración de nitrógeno uréico en plasma; y que el nivel de treonina digestible no afecta las variables analizadas aunque se reduce el NUP en cerdos en crecimiento al aumentar la treonina digestible en la dieta.
Estimativa das distâncias genéticas e componentes principais em bovinos de corte no Brasil.
Authors: Souza J. C. , Perotto D. , Abrahão J. J. , Freitas J. A. , Ferraz Filho P. B. , Weaber R. L. , Lamberson W. R.
Published: October 2019

O objetivo desse trabalho foi estimar os componentes principais e as correlações entre o peso ao nascer (PN), aos 205 (P205), 365 (P365), 550 (P550) e aos 730 (P730) dias de idade para 2237 animais, provenientes do IAPAR, utilizando análise multivariada. A raça dos touros inclusos no programa foram: Nelore, Guzerá, Red Angus, Marchigiana e Limousin e das vacas: Nelore, ½ Guzerá x ½ Nelore, ½ Red Angus x ½ Nelore, ½ Marchigiana x ½ Nelore, ½ Simmental x ½ Nelore, ¾ Nelore x ¼ Red Angus, and ½ Red Angus x ¼ Guzerá x ¼ Nelore. O menor valor encontrado para as correlações foi entre PN e P730 dias, 0,22; e o maior, entre P365 e P550, 0,73. O primeiro componente principal (PC1) justificou 56%; o primeiro e o segundo (PC2), 72%; os três primeiros PC justificaram 87% e, os quatro primeiros PC 95%. O procedimento MANOVA permitiu separar os componentes de variância de cada par. O teste de Wilk"s Lambda indicou uma diferença significativa na distância entre as raças das vacas baseando se no desempenho dos bezerros. Matrizes pertencentes aos grupos ½ Marchigiana x ½ Nelore e ½ Simental x ½ Nelore tiveram comportamento materno mais próximos, (0,058) ao passo que matrizes Nelore e ½ Simental x ½ Nellore foram as que apresentaram maior distância (2,738). Utilizando o procedimento MANOVA é possível separar a variância para cada tratamento dos cinco avaliados permitindo a separação e estimativa das co-variâncias entre eles. O uso de análise multivariada na seleção de gado de corte através dos componentes principais permite a geração de indices precisos, ponderando as variáveis econômicas a serem selecionadas. O uso da arvore permitiu uma melhor visualização das respostas, no caso, do desenvolvimento das progênies de acordo com o grupo racial das matrizes.
Utilização de adubação orgânica em pastagem de Capim-buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris cv. Molopo).
Authors: Edvan R. L. , Santos E. M. , Vasconcelos W. A. , Souto Filho L. T. , Borburema J. B. , Medeiros G. R. , Andrade A. P.
Published: October 2019

Objetivou-se analisar e comparar com outras fontes de adubo o efeito da digesta de bovinos sobre características estruturais, morfogênicas e de produção do capim buffel. O estudo foi conduzido na Estação Experimental do Instituto Nacional do Semi-Árido, localizado em Campina Grande, PB, Brasil. Utilizou-se um pasto de capim-buffel cultivar Molopo, já estabelecido. A área experimental foi dividida em 24 parcelas com 4 m² cada, sendo utilizado um delineamento de blocos completos ao acaso, arranjado em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo. Os tratamentos consistiram da utilização de digesta ou esterco bovino (5 e 10 toneladas de matéria seca/ha para ambos) e adubação química 200 kg/ha da fórmula 40:10:40. Não houve interação entre a adubação e época de corte (p>0,10). Para a adubação houve efeito (p
Comportamento de clones de pennisetum submetidos a períodos de restrição hídrica controlada.
Authors: Santos M. C. S. , Lira M. A. , Tabosa J. N. , Mello A. C. L. , Santos M. V. F.
Published: October 2019

O experimento foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação no Instituto Agronômico de Pernambuco e objetivou avaliar clones de Pennisetum sp. submetidos a diferentes níveis de tempo de supressão da reposição hídrica. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial, sendo quatro clones de Pennisetum sp. e quatro níveis de estresse hídrico (0, 7, 14 e 21 dias sem irrigação), com 3 repetições. Foram estimadas a evapotranspiração, a percenta-gem e a produção de matéria seca (MS), a eficiência de uso de água, a altura média das plantas, o número de perfilhos basais, os sintomas de estresse hídrico nas plantas, o número de plantas rebrotadas e de perfilhos basais após estresse. O maior tempo de supressão da reposição hídrica reduziu mais a evapotranspiração do que a produção de matéria seca, tendo a eficiência de uso de água valores de 449 e 591 g de água por g de matéria seca nos tratamentos com 21 dias de déficit hídrico e sem estresse hídrico, respectivamente. Sete dias sem irrigação elevaram o teor de MS de 25,11% para 53,07% e de 29,25% para 46,89%, nos clones Australiano e HV 241, respectivamente, não tendo produzido mudanças significativas (p>0,05) nos dois outros clones. Dentre os clones avaliados, o Australiano e o HV 241 apresentam maior produção de massa seca quando sujeitas a estresse hídrico moderado.
Isolamento visual ou espacial em ruminantes.
Authors: Santana Júnior H. A. , Cardoso E. O. , Silva F. F. , Marques J. A. , Mendes F. B. L. , Abreu Filho G.
Published: October 2019

A produção animal em sistemas intensivos tem se ampliado no mundo, sempre visando à elevação de índices produtivos e retorno econômico, respectivamente. Essa verticalização da pecuária tem provocado algumas adaptações de manejo e também nas instalações, que tem alterado o comportamento dos animais, oriundo das restrições tanto visual como espacial do indivíduo. Na pecuária leiteira, a criação de bezerros em baias individuais é um exemplo dessa verticalização, tornando então uma prática comum em muitos países. Sabendo que os bovinos são animais sociais que mostram alta disponibilidade para formar vínculo social com outros indivíduos da mesma espécie, alguns órgãos têm implantado legislações para garantir um mínimo de conforto para esses animais. Um estudo sistemático das preferências sociais dos animais e os efeitos calmantes do animal companheiro de familiaridade diferente são necessários para documentar a resposta à separação. Objetivou-se com esta revisão, apresentar e discutir o efeito do isolamento espacial e/ou visual sobre as respostas produtivas e comportamentais de animais ruminantes.
O ESTÁGIO CURRICULAR OBRIGATÓRIO COMO POSSIBILIDADE DE RESSIGNIFICAR A PRÁTICA DOCENTE: APRENDIZAGEM DE FUNÇÕES DE 1º GRAU NO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL
Authors: Araujo Iris Tuty Dalcanale , Catafesta Simone , Oliveira Fátima Peres Zago de , Hoeller Solange Aparecida de Oliveira , Piehowiak Ruy
Published: October 2019

Esse trabalho apresenta relato da experiência do Estágio Supervisionado II, do Curso de Matemática-Licenciatura do Instituto Federal Catarinense – Câmpus Rio do Sul, realizado na Escola de Educação Básica Paulo Zimmermann de Rio do Sul/SC, em uma turma de 8ª série do Ensino Fundamental, de julho a agosto de 2012. O objetivo do estágio foi aplicar os saberes/conhecimentos adquiridos na formação acadêmica, relacionando teoria e prática, enquanto que o objetivo relacionado ao conteúdo foi o aprendizado dos alunos sobre função de 1º grau. As etapas metodológicas aplicadas foram: diferenciação de equação, expressão e função, plano cartesiano, conceitos e construção de gráficos, com pesquisa e levantamento de dados extraclasse e avaliação. Desse modo, o contexto abordado permitiu a compreensão de propostas que podem auxiliar professores e alunos a compreenderem melhor o conceito, características e aplicações de funções, enfatizando a importância de trabalhar temas relacionados à realidade do aluno, contextualizados e possibilitando a interpretação dos conceitos matemáticos.
Implementation Strategy and Cost of Mozambique’s HPV vaccine demonstration project
Authors: Soi Caroline , Babigumira Joseph B. , Chilundo Baltazar , Muchanga Vasco , Matsinhe Luisa , Gimbel Sarah , Augusto Orvalho , Sherr Kenneth
Published: October 2019

Background Cost is as an important determinant of health program implementation. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the implementation strategy of Mozambique’s school-based HPV vaccine demonstration project. We sought to estimate the total cost of the program and the cost per fully immunized girl (FIG), and to project the total cost of implementing a similar immunization program at the national level. Methods We collected primary data through document review, participatory observation, and key informant interviews with project implementers at the central offices of the national immunization program, provincial and district health directorates, and in health facilities. We used a combination of micro-costing methods— the identification and measurement of resources quantities and valuation by application of unit costs, and gross costing—the consideration of resource bundles as they apply to the number of FIGs. We extrapolated the cost per FIG to the HPV-vaccine-eligible population of Mozambique under current guidelines to demonstrate the projected total annual cost for a similarly executed HPV vaccine program. Results The total cost of the Mozambique HPV vaccine demonstration project was $523,601. The mean cost per FIG was $72 (95% CI: $62 - $83) in year one, $38 (95% CI: $37 - $40) in year two, and $54 (95% CI: $49 - $61) for years one and two. The mean cost per FIG with the third HPV vaccine dose excluded from implementation was $60 (95% CI: $50 - $72) in year one, $38 (95%CI: $31 - $46) in year two, and $48 (95%CI: $42 - $55) for years one and two. The projected annual cost of a two-dose vaccine program targeting all 10-year-old girls in the country was $18,156,549 ($15,865,384 - $20,748,196). The main cost drivers in the analysis were vaccine price, number of doses administered per recipient, program startup costs, and the costs of demand creation. Conclusion National adaptation and scale-up of Mozambique’s school-based HPV vaccine strategy would result in substantial costs. To achieve national-level HPV vaccine roll out and sustainability, stakeholders will need to negotiate vaccine prices and achieve better efficiency in startup activities and demand creation.
Stakeholder views on the acceptability of Human Infection Studies in Malawi
Authors: Kapumba Blessings M. , Jambo Kondwani , Rylance Jamie , Gmeiner Markus , Sambakunsi Rodrick , Parker Michael , Gordon Stephen B. , Gooding Kate
Published: October 2019

Background: Human infection studies (HIS) are valuable in vaccine development. Deliberate infection, however, creates challenging questions, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) where HIS are new and ethical challenges may be heightened. Consultation with stakeholders is needed to support contextually appropriate and acceptable study design. We examined stakeholder perceptions about the acceptability and ethics of HIS in Malawi, to inform decisions about planned pneumococcal challenge research and wider understanding of HIS ethics in LMIC.
Methods: We conducted 6 deliberative focus groups and 15 follow-up interviews with research staff, medical students, and community representatives from rural and urban Blantyre. We also conducted 5 key informant interviews with clinicians, ethics committee members and district health government officials.
Findings: Stakeholders perceived HIS research to have potential population health benefits, but they also had concerns, particularly related to safety of volunteers and negative community reactions. Acceptability depended on a range of conditions related to procedures for voluntary and informed consent, inclusion criteria, medical care or support, compensation, regulation, and robust community engagement. These conditions largely mirror those in existing guidelines for HIS and biomedical research in LMICs. Stakeholder perceptions pointed to potential tensions, for example balancing equity, safety and relevance in inclusion criteria.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest HIS research could be acceptable in Malawi, provided certain conditions are in place. Ongoing assessment of participant experiences and stakeholder perceptions will be required to strengthen HIS research during development and roll-out.
Key words: Human Infection Studies, pneumococcal, Malawi, acceptability, ethics
Changes in Determinants and Equity of Family Planning Utilization after the Implementation of a National Health Insurance Policy in Indonesia: A Secondary Analysis of The 2012-2016 National Socio-Economic Survey of Indonesia
Authors: Nasution Siti Khadijah , Mahendradhata Yodi , Trisnantoro Laksono
Published: October 2019

Background: The Indonesian government has been implementing the National Health Insurance Policy (Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional-JKN) since 2014. The utilization of family planning service is one of the programs to increase maternal and child health status that is included in the benefit package in JKN. This study aimed to describe determinants and to evaluate JKN based on equity indicators, especially in family planning services.
Methods: Data were obtained from the 2012-2016 National Socio-Economic Survey (SUSENAS) of Indonesia. Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) and Long-acting contraceptives (LACs) use were used as indicators to evaluate family planning utilization. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were used to analyze the data. Respondents were married women between 15 and 49 years of age.
Results: There was no progress in CPR after the implementation of JKN. At the national level, CPR decreased within five years (2012-2016). Decreasing in urban areas and in the group that does not have health insurance were more than in rural areas and in the group that has health insurance. Utilization of non-LACs, especially injection (56%-57%) and pill (21%-24%), were still high within 2012-2016. At the national level, LACs use increased 3.18% between 2012-2016 (15.54%-18.72%). Increasing in urban areas and in the group that has subsidized health insurance were more than in rural areas and in the group that does not have subsidized. In 2016, the geography factor (rural-urban) and household economic status associated negatively with the use of overall contraceptive method (p<0.05). Conversely, all the determinants were positively associated with LACs use (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Up to 2016, the JKN program did not increase CPR. Conversely, the JKN program obtained only small increases in LACs use. LACs use in rural areas is less than in urban areas. JKN program can increase LACs use in the group that has subsidized health insurance. CPR and LACs coverage could increase through health system improvement, and the societal norms approach. Health system improvement is operationalized through improving supply-side and regulations, increasing coordination among multiple agencies in the family planning program.
Keywords: Equity, National Health Insurance, Family Planning, Indonesia
Cytokeratin 7-Negative and GATA Binding Protein 3-Negative Breast Cancers: Clinicopathological Features and Prognostic Significance
Authors: Lu Shaolei , Yakirevich Evgeny , Wang Li Juan , Resnick Murray B , Wang Yihong
Published: October 2019

Cytokeratin 7 (CK7) and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3) are considered as immunohistochemical hallmarks of breast cancers; however, there are breast tumors lacking these markers. Clinicopathological characterization of CK7 negative breast cancer has not been addressed previously and similar studies on GATA3 negative tumors are limited. This study included 196 consecutive cases of Nottingham Grade 3 breast cancers with 159 cases of Grade 1 and Grade 2 tumors for comparison. CK7 and GATA3 expression was correlated with patient’s age, histological type, pathological grade and stage, hormone receptor status, molecular subtype and overall survival. CK7 negativity was seen in 13% of Grade 3, 9% of Grade 2, and 2% of Grade 1 cases (P=0.0457). Similarly, 28% of Grade 3, 5% of Grade 2 and 2 % of Grade 1 cases were GATA3 negative (P<0.0001). CK7 negative tumors did not show association with other clinicopathological parameters. GATA3 negative tumors were enriched in the basal-like molecular subgroup and were associated with negative estrogen receptor (ER) and negative progesterone receptor (PR) statuses. Both CK7 and GATA3 expression showed no association with overall survival in patients with Grade 3 tumor. This is the first study to characterize CK7 negative breast tumors in the context of clinicopathology.
Group B Streptococcus detection in pregnant women: comparison of real-time PCR assay, culture, and the Xpert GBS rapid test
Authors: Vieira Laura , Perez Amanda Vilaverde , Machado Monique M , Kayser Michele L , Vettori Daniela V , Alegretti Ana Paula , Ferreira Charles Francisco , Vettorazzi Janete , Valério Edimárlei G
Published: October 2019

Background Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is one of the most important causative agents of neonatal sepsis. As administration of prophylactic antibiotics during labor can prevent GBS infection, routine screening for this bacterium in prenatal care before the onset of labor is recommended. However, many women present in labor without having undergone such testing during antenatal care, and the turnaround time of detection methods is insufficient for results to be obtained before delivery. Methods Vaginal and anorectal specimens were collected from 270 pregnant women. Each sample was tested by Xpert GBS, PCR, and culture for GBS detection. Results The overall prevalence of maternal GBS colonization was 30.7% according to Xpert GBS, 51.1% according to PCR, and 14.3% according to cultures. Considering the PCR method as the reference, the Xpert GBS had a sensitivity of 53% and specificity of 93%. Positive Xpert GBS results were associated with marital status (married or cohabitating) and with prematurity as a cause of neonatal hospitalization. Positive cultures were associated with ischemic–hypoxic encephalopathy requiring therapeutic hypothermia. Conclusions Combined enrichment/PCR and the Xpert GBS rapid test found a high prevalence of GBS colonization. The Xpert GBS technique gives faster results and could be useful for evaluating mothers who present without antenatal GBS screening results and are at risk of preterm labor, thus allowing institution of prophylactic antibiotic therapy. Trial Registration: The study was approved by the institutional Research Ethics Committee (CAAE: 59688316.0.0000.5327)
Adult HIV/AIDS Patients’ Level of Satisfaction on Pharmaceutical Service: Institutional Prospective Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Girmay Adey , Tilahun Zelalem , Akele Muluemebet Zinabu , Huluka solomon Assefa
Published: October 2019

Objective : Patients are essential sources of information to assess the accessibility and effectiveness of pharmaceutical care. Patients’ perception and satisfaction on the care they received has direct influence on treatment adherence. This study was thus aimed to assess HIV/AIDS patients’ level of satisfaction on the pharmaceutical services provided in Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. An institution based cross sectional study was conducted from April 16, 2018 to May 16, 2018 in Zewditu Memorial Hospital.
Result: Among the total 285 participants enrolled in the study, 172(60.4%) of them were females and the mean age of the participants was 42.5±9.8. The participants of this study received ART service for a mean duration of 7.3±3.5 years. In this study, 26.7%, 13.7%, 38.6%, 13% and 8.1% of the study participants rated the overall satisfaction to the ART pharmaceutical service as excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor, respectively. Participants who were provided information about drug-drug and drug-food interaction were 2.72 times more likely to be satisfied than those who weren’t provided (AOR=2.72, 95%CI : 1.13-6.54).
Inhibition of autophagy triggers melatonin-induced apoptosis in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Zhou Nan , Wei Zixuan , Qi Zengxin
Published: October 2019

Background: Autophagy is considered to beanother restorative focus for the treatment of brain tumors. Although several research have demonstrated that melatonin induces autophagy in colon cancer and hepatoma cells, there has not been any direct evidence of whether melatonin is capable of inducing autophagy in human glioma cells.
Results: In the present research, we report that melatonin or its agonist, agomelatine, induced autophagy inA172 and U87-MG glioblastoma cells for a concentration-and time-dependent way, whichwas significantly attenuated by treatment with luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist. Furthermore, by suppressing autophagy at the late-stage with bafilomycin A1 and early stage with 3-MA, we found that the melatonin-induced autophagy was activated early, and the autophagic flux was complete. Melatonin treatment alone did not induce any apoptotic changes in the glioblastoma cells, as measured by flow cytometry. Western blot studies confirmed that melatonin alone prominently upregulated the levels of Beclin 1 and LC3 II, which was accompanied by an increase in the expression of Bcl-2, whereas it had no effect on the expression of Bax in the glioblastoma cells. Remarkably, co-treatment with 3-MA and melatonin significantly enhanced the apoptotic cell population in the glioblastoma cells, along with a prominent decrease in the expression of bcl-2 and increase in the Bax expression levels, which collectively indicated that the disruption of autophagy triggers the melatonin-induced apoptosis in glioblastoma cells.
Conclusions: These results provide information indicating that melatonin may act as a common upstream signal between autophagy and apoptosis, which may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for glioma.
Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on sports performance for two profiles of athletes (power and endurance) (COMPETE): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
Authors: Grandperrin Yohan , Grosprêtre Sidney , Nicolier Magali , Gimenez Philippe , Haffen Emmanuel , Bennabi Djamila
Published: October 2019

Background Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is promising for improving motor and cognitive performance. Nevertheless, its mechanisms of action are unclear and need to be better characterised according to the stimulated brain area and the type of exercise performed.Methods/design This is a double-blind cross-over study, organised into two parts: the first is to assess the effects of tDCS on explosive performance (jump task) and the second is to assess the effects on endurance performance (cycling time trial task). Participants, who are recreationally active or athletes (cyclists, parkour practitioners), will receive two active tDCS sessions (over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right motor cortex) and one sham tDCS session (part A) or two daily tDCS sessions (one active sequence and one sham) over five days (part B). Motor and cognitive performance will be compared before and after the tDCS sessions (part A) and before and after the first session, after the last session and at day 12 and day 30 of each tDCS sequence (part B).Discussion This study investigates the acute and long-term effects of tDCS on the motor and cognitive performance in healthy subjects. It will try to evaluate if tDCS could be considered as a neuroenhancement technology according to the physical task investigated (endurance versus explosive).
Study Protocol: Optimization of the surgical and medical management of diabetic foot infections
Authors: Waibel Felix WA , Berli Martin , Catanzaro Sabrina , Sairanen Kati , Schöni Madlaina , Böni Thomas , Burkhard Jan , Holy Dominique , Huber Tanja , Bertram Maik , Laeubli Karin , Frustaci Dario , Rosskopf Andrea , Botter Sander , Uçkay Ilker
Published: October 2019

Background: Few studies address the appropriate duration of antibiotic therapy for diabetic foot infections (DFI); with or without amputation. We perform two randomized clinical trials (RCT) to reduce the antibiotic use and associated adverse events in DFI. Methods: We hypothesize that shorter durations of post-debridement systemic antibiotic therapy are non-inferior (10% margin, 80% power, ɑ 5%) to existing (long) durations and perform two unblinded RCTs with a total of 400 DFI episodes (randomization 1:1) from 2019 to 2022. The primary outcome for both RCT is “remission of infection” after a minimal follow-up of two months. The 1 st RCT allocates the amputations in two arms of 50 patients each: 1 vs. 3 weeks of antibiotic therapy for residual osteomyelitis (positive microbiological samples of the residual bone stump); or 1 vs. 4 days for remaining soft tissue infection. The 2 nd RCT randomizes the conservative approach in two arms with 50 patients each: 10 vs. 20 days of antibiotic therapy for soft tissue infections; and 3 vs. 6 weeks for osteomyelitis. All participants have professional wound debridement, adequate off-loading, angiology evaluation, and a concomitant surgical, re-educational, internist and infectiology care. During the surgeries, we collect tissues for BioBanking and future laboratory studies. Discussion: Both parellel RCT will enable to prescribe less antibiotics for DFI; for a conservative therapy and after amputation. Trial registration: ClinicalTrial.gov NCT04081792. Registered on 4 th September 2019. Protocol version : 2 (15 th July 2019)
The effect of an educational intervention to improve tuberculosis infection control among nurses in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Akande Patrick Aboh
Published: October 2019

Background: Nurses are particularly vulnerable to acquiring TB because they are in the frontline of patient care. There is inadequate implementation of cost-effective TB infection control (TBIC) measures at most health facilities. Training has been shown to be effective in improving the knowledge and work practices of nurses. This study sought to utilize a mixed-approach educational intervention to improve the TBIC-related knowledge and practices of nurses in two secondary health facilities in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 200 (100 each in the intervention and comparison groups). Baseline data was collected in May 2014. This was followed by training of the nurses in the intervention group. After 6 months, the second wave of data was collected and the nurses in the comparison group also received the training after this. The final wave of data collection took place 12 months after the commencement of the study. Mean scores of the nurses were determined and comparison made between both groups at different time points using independent t -test. Results: The nurses in both groups were statistically comparable in their socio-demographic characteristics and baseline mean knowledge (68.6% and 67.7%) and practice scores (79.1% and 80.6%) respectively. After the intervention group received the training, there were appreciable improvements in the post-intervention scores of the group at 6 months (knowledge-85.9%; practice-98.5%), which were significantly different from those of the comparison group (knowledge-69.5%, practice-78.8%). A large effect size was demonstrated in the improvement in knowledge score in the intervention group at 6 months compared with the other group (Cohen’s d = 1.7). Similarly, there were improvements in the scores of the nurses in the comparison group at 12 months after the group had also received the training (knowledge-88.2%, practice-93.5%). At this point, the mean scores between both groups were no longer significantly different. Conclusions: The improvement in post-intervention scores implies that the mixed-approach educational intervention adopted in this study was effective in improving TBIC among the nurses. It also underscores the importance of continuous training/retraining of nurses and other healthcare workers in improving and sustaining TBIC at health facilities.
Identification of miRNA-mRNA associations in hepatocellular carcinoma using hierarchical integrative model
Authors: Varghese Rency S. , Zhou Yuan , Barefoot Megan , Poto Cristina Di , Balla Abdalla Kara , Oliver Everett , Sherif Zaki A. , Kumar Deepak , Kroemer Alexander H. , Tadesse Mahlet G. , Ressom Habtom
Published: October 2019

Background : The established role miRNA-mRNA regulation of gene expression has in oncogenesis highlights the importance of integrating miRNA with downstream mRNA targets. These findings call for investigations aimed at identifying disease-associated miRNA-mRNA pairs. Hierarchical integrative models (HIM) offer the opportunity to uncover the relationships between disease and the levels of different molecules measured in multiple omic studies. Results: mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq data were acquired by analysis of tumor and normal liver tissues from 30 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We analyzed the data using HIM and identified 157 significant miRNA-mRNA pairs in HCC. The majority of these molecules have already been independently identified as being either diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic biomarker candidates for HCC. These pairs appear to be involved in processes contributing to the pathogenesis of HCC involving inflammation, regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, and metabolism. For further evaluation of our method, we analyzed miRNA-seq and mRNA-seq data from TCGA network. While some of the miRNA-mRNA pairs we identified by analyzing both our and TCGA data are previously reported in the literature and overlap in regulation and function, new pairs have been identified that may contribute to the discovery of novel targets. Conclusion: The results strongly support the hypothesis that miRNAs are important regulators of mRNAs in HCC. Furthermore, these results emphasize the biological relevance of studying miRNA-mRNA pairs.
Wheat Variety Response to Seed Cleaning and Treatment after Fusarium Head Blight Infection
Authors: Pinto José Guilherme Cesário Pereira , Munaro Lucas Berger , Jaenisch Brent Robert , Nagaoka Alberto Kazushi , Lollato Romulo Pisa
Published: October 2019

Core Ideas

We evaluated wheat stand and yield response to seed cleaning and treatment.

Seed was sourced from a season with severe head scab infestation.

Seed cleaning increased stand count, yield, and test weight.

Varieties responded to seed cleaning differently depending on yield potential.

Seed treatment increased grain yield and 1000‐kernel weight.

Wheat yield response to seed cleaning and chemical treatment is inconsistent and may reflect the nature of the seed used for sowing. Thus, yield responses might exist after severe incidence of Fusarium head blight (FHB). Our objective was to evaluate seed cleaning and seed treatment effects on three wheat varieties with different levels of tolerance to FHB after a season with severe FHB infection. Field experiments occurred during the 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 growing seasons in Manhattan, KS. The treatment structure was a 3 × 3 × 2 complete factorial in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The treatments consisted of three wheat varieties (‘Everest’, moderately tolerant to FHB; and ‘WB Grainfield’ and ‘SY Wolf’, moderately susceptible to FHB), three seed cleaning intensities (gravity table, air screen, and control), and two seed treatments (insecticide + fungicide vs. control). Seed cleaning increased stand count, yield, and test weight. For yield, however, there was a significant variety × seed cleaning interaction: the variety WB Grainfield responded to seed cleaning (∼4.1 Mg ha−1 under the gravity table), whereas the other varieties did not. Seed treatment increased grain yield (+0.3 Mg ha−1) and 1000‐kernel weight. Protein concentration was inversely proportional to grain yield, and Everest had the highest protein concentration (∼13%) in comparison with WB Grainfield and SY Wolf, even when corrected for the same yield level. These results suggest that seed treatment can increase grain yield when using seed from a season with severe FHB infestation, but yield responses to seed cleaning are variety specific.
Better Together: Water Treatment Residual and Poor‐Quality Compost Improves Sandy Soil Fertility
Authors: Clarke Catherine E. , Stone Wendy , Hardie Ailsa G. , Quinton John N. , Blake Lynsay I. , Johnson Karen L.
Published: October 2019

Water treatment residual (WTR) is an underused clean water industry byproduct, generally disposed to landfill. This study assesses the benefits and risks of ferric‐WTR as a soil amendment or co‐amendment for plant growth in a nutrient‐poor sandy soil. A 12‐wk pot trial tested the efficacy of WTR and a locally available, low‐quality, municipal compost as single (1, 5, and 12.5% dry mass) and co‐amended treatments (1:1 WTR/compost ratio, at 2, 10, and 25%) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth in a sandy soil. The low total N content of the compost and low WTR P and K contents resulted in significantly lower (up to 50% lower, p < 0.05) plant biomass in single amendments compared with the control, whereas the highest co‐amendment produced significantly higher plant biomass (33% higher, p < 0.05) than the control. This positive co‐amendment effect on plant growth is attributed to balanced nutrient provision, with P and K from the compost and N from the WTR. Foliar micronutrient and Al levels showed no toxic accumulation, and co‐amended foliar Mn levels increased from near deficient (20 mg kg−1) to sufficient (50 mg kg−1). Total WTR metals were well below maximum land application concentrations (USDA). Trace element bioavailability remained the same (Ni, Cu, and Hg) or significantly decreased (B, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Zn, As, and Cd; p < 0.05) during the pot trial. These results suggest, within this context, that a WTR–compost co‐amendment is a promising soil improvement technology for increasing crop yields in sandy soils.

Core Ideas

Iron (Fe) water treatment residual (WTR) is a byproduct of potable water production.

Wheat biomass increased by 33% when poor‐quality compost and Fe‐WTR were combined.

Combined amendments and control outperformed single amendments of compost and WTR.

Bioavailable metals measured after the pot trial did not increase.

Co‐application of compost with WTR may counter the negative effects of P sorption.
Variability of Ergovaline and Total Ergot Alkaloid Expression among Endophytic Tall Fescue Cultivars
Authors: Leanne Dillard S. , Smith S. Ray , Hancock Dennis W.
Published: October 2019

Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum[Schreb.] Darbysh.) is one of the most widely grown grasses in the United States. Most plants are infected with an endophyte,Epichloë coenophialaBacon and Schardl. This endophyte produces high concentrations of ergot alkaloids, which cause fescue toxicosis in livestock. The economic losses to the US livestock industry are estimated to be approximately $1 billion annually. The objectives were to evaluate the variability in total ergot alkaloid concentrations ([TEA]) and ergovaline concentrations ([E]) in leaf blades and sheaths, and whole tillers from cultivars containing different wild‐type and novel endophytes across two seasons and environments. This study was conducted in 2012 and 2014 at two sites: Watkinsville, GA and Lexington, KY. There was no location effect for [TEA] or [E] in whole tillers. Measurements in 2012 showed no ergovaline‐producing tillers for cultivars infected with MaxQ or MaxQ II. Cultivars BarOptima Plus E34 and IS‐FTF 31‐UArk9 produced tillers expressing ergovaline but at lesser levels than endophyte‐infected KY 31. In leaf blades, [TEA] and [E] were greater in 2012 than 2014 at both sites for KY 31 (1861 and 402 vs. 1473 and 135 µg kg–1, respectively). Large variability can occur in KY 31, BarOptima Plus E34, and IS‐FTF 31‐UArk9 for ergot alkaloid content over years, within seasons, and between cultivars. This research indicates the importance of testing fields for ergot alkaloid content to determine risk from grazing and hay feeding.
Predicting Annual Mean Profile Soil Moisture from Soil Particle‐Size Distributions on a Small‐Scale Hillslope on the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Yang Xianlong , Yang Qian , Lu Yongli
Published: October 2019

Soil water content (SWC) varies notably over time and space due to soil heterogeneity, climatic conditions, vegetation, and topography. To restore vegetation rationally in arid and semiarid regions, it is important to have an accurate and rapid estimation of annual mean soil water content (AMSWC). Research on predicting of profile AMSWC from routinely available soil parameters, however, is still underrepresented in the literature. Our objective was to explore the ability of pedotransfer functions to accurately predict profile AMSWC from routinely available soil particle‐size distributions (PSDs) for a small‐scale hillslope on the Chinese Loess Plateau. The SWCs in soil profiles from 0‐ to 400‐cm depths were measured regularly at 30 monitoring sites on a typical hillslope during the growing seasons in 2014 and 2015. A total of 750 soil samples were taken from the same soil layers (0–400 cm) of these sites and their PSDs were determined using a laser diffraction technique. The results indicated that AMSWC increased exponentially (P < 0.001) with the clay (R2 = 0.632), silt (R2 = 0.480), and fractal dimensions (R2 = 0.616), however, they decreased exponentially (P < 0.001) with the sand content (R2 = 0.572). Using clay content as a predictor variable, the model established separately for each 100 cm depth soil sample resulted in a higher R2 (0.915), lower mean error (ME, 0.120%), and lower root mean squared error (RMSE, 0.999%), than the model of the whole 0‐ to 400‐cm soil depth (R2 = 0.830, ME = 0.199%, RMSE = 1.262%). These results showed that profile AMSWC at hillslope was able to be well‐estimated from routinely available soil clay content data. The model established separately for each 100‐cm depth soil sample performed well at predicting AMSWC on a small‐scale hillslope on the Chinese Loess Plateau. Our study proposed a precise and rapid method for estimating profile AMSWC at hillslope, serving for the optimization of soil water management and vegetation construction in dry regions.
Estratégias na Geração de Energia Elétrica no Pará e a Promoção de Estruturas Tecnológicas e Mecanismos Competitivos (2014-2017)
Authors: Alão Antônio Armando , Borges Fabricio Quadros
Published: October 2019

Este estudo objetiva analisar a postura estratégica do governo federal na geração de energia elétrica no estado do Pará, entre 2014 e 2017. No Pará, observa-se que as ações estratégicas desenvolvidas pelo governo brasileiro, cada vez mais atribuem aos paraenses o papel de fornecedor de energia hídrica. Nessa perspectiva, esta investigação colaborou a uma visão aprofundada da capacidade que estas ações estratégicas no segmento de geração de eletricidade têm de promover possibilidades de desenvolvimento no estado paraense. Na metodologia deste estudo foi realizada primeiramente uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental que identificou ações estratégicas do governo federal junto ao segmento de geração de eletricidade no Pará e as classificou a partir de suas possíveis contribuições à promoção de estruturas tecnológicas e de mecanismos competitivos no Pará. Em seguida, através da ferramenta Matriz de SWOT, realizou-se um exame destas ações estratégicas, de maneira a identificar suas forças, fraquezas, oportunidades e ameaças. A investigação concluiu que as ações estratégicas do governo federal realizadas no setor elétrico paraense, no período analisado, não foram capazes de gerar mecanismos competitivos e estruturas tecnológicas promotores de melhorias no padrão de vida.
Facilitação de Valor, Valor de Uso e Satisfação de Clientes como Determinantes da Intenção de Recompra no Contexto de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior
Authors: Milan Gabriel Sperandio , Cunha Lidiane Campos da , Eberle Luciene , De Toni Deonir , Olea Pelayo Munhoz
Published: October 2019

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi o de desenvolver, testar e validar um Modelo Teórico que contemplasse os construtos determinantes da Intenção de Recompra. O estudo foi desenvolvido no contexto de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior (IES) localizada na Serra Gaúcha. Aplicou-se um estudo quantitativo, por meio de uma pesquisa do tipo survey com 316 alunos. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio da técnica da Modelagem de Equações Estruturais. Os resultados evidenciaram que a Facilitação de Valor influencia positivamente o Valor de Uso e a Satisfação de Clientes, que o Valor de Uso influencia positivamente a Satisfação de Clientes e a Intenção de Recompra e, a Satisfação de Clientes influencia positivamente a Intenção de Recompra. Além disso, foi evidenciado o efeito da moderação do tempo de curso do aluno na relação entre o Valor de Uso e a Intenção de Recompra, contribuindo para a literatura existente em um contexto educacional.
A nemzetközi migráció mozgatórugói: elmélet és empíria. Áttekintés
Authors: József Golovics
Published: October 2019

A nemzetközi migráció komplex jelenség, ennek megfelelően okait és befolyásoló tényezőit a társadalomtudományok különböző irányzatai is sokszínű módon, illetve szemléletben értelmezik, elemzik. Jelen tanulmányban ezen irányzatokról adunk egy rendszerezett, kritikai áttekintést. Bemutatjuk és értékeljük a napjainkban domináns migrációs elméleteket, így a makroökonómiai és mikroökonómiai irányzatokat, utóbbi továbbfejlesztett modelljeit és bizonyos behaviorista megközelítéseket. Emellett kitérünk a migráció új közgazdaságtanára, valamint a hálózatelméleti irányzatra is. Az elméletek mellett szisztematikusan feldolgozzuk a vonatkozó empirikus irodalmakat: széles körű áttekintést adunk a migráció okait és az áramlások jellemzőit aggregált adatokkal vizsgáló kutatásokról, illetve a szelekció kérdését mikroszinten, egyedi adatokkal elemző munkákról.
A Random Forest Model to Predict the Activity of a Large Set of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors Solely Based on a Set of Simple Fragmental Descriptors
Authors: Shamsara Jamal
Published: October 2019

Background:

The Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (sEH) is a ubiquitously expressed enzyme in various tissues. The inhibition of the sEH has shown promising results to treat hypertension, alleviate pain and inflammation.

Objective:

In this study, the power of machine learning has been employed to develop a predictive QSAR model for a large set of sEH inhibitors.

Methods:

In this study, the random forest method was employed to make a valid model for the prediction of sEH inhibition. Besides, two new methods (Treeinterpreter python package and LIME, Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations) have been exploited to explain and interpret the model.

Results:

The performance metrics of the model were as follows: R2=0.831, Q2=0.565, RMSE=0.552 and R2 pred=0.595. The model also demonstrated good predictability on the two extra external test sets at least in terms of ranking. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients for external test set 1 and 2 were 0.872 and 0.673, respectively. The external test set 2 was a diverse one compared to the training set. Therefore, the model could be used for virtual screening to enrich potential sEH inhibitors among a diverse compound library.

Conclusion:

As the model was solely developed based on a set of simple fragmental descriptors, the model was explained by two local interpretation algorithms, and this could guide medicinal chemists to design new sEH inhibitors. Moreover, the most important general descriptors (fragments) suggested by the model were consistent with the available crystallographic data. The model is available as an executable binary at http://www.pharm-sbg.com and https://github.com/shamsaraj.
Curcumin Activates the Nrf2 Pathway and Induces Cellular Protection Against Oxidative Injury
Authors: Ashrafizadeh Milad , Ahmadi Zahra , Mohammadinejad Reza , Farkhondeh Tahereh , Samarghandian Saeed
Published: October 2019

:

Curcumin is a naturally occurring polyphenol that is isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric). This medicinal compound has different biological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antineoplastic, and anti-inflammatory. It also has therapeutic effects on neurodegenerative disorders, renal disorders, and diabetes mellitus. Curcumin is safe and well-tolerated at high concentrations without inducing toxicity. It seems that curcumin is capable of targeting the Nrf2 signaling pathway in protecting the cells against oxidative damage. Besides, this strategy is advantageous in cancer therapy. Accumulating data demonstrates that curcumin applies four distinct ways to stimulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, including inhibition of Keap1, affecting the upstream mediators of Nrf2, influencing the expression of Nrf2 and target genes, and finally, improving the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. In the present review, the effects of curcumin on the Nrf2 signaling pathway to exert its therapeutic and biological activities has been discussed.
Activation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid (TRPV) 4 as a Therapeutic Strategy in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Atobe Masakazu
Published: October 2019

Transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) 4 belongs to the TRPV subfamily of TRP ion
channels. TRPV4 channels play a critical role in chondrocytes and thus TRPV4 is an attractive target of
Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritis Drugs (DMOADs). Initial investigations of small molecules by Glaxo
Smith Klein (GSK) as both agonists and antagonists via oral/intravenous administration have led to the
use of existing agonists as lead compounds for biological studies. Our recent results suggest that local
injection of a TRPV4 agonist is a potential treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). This review briefly summarizes
updates regarding TRPV4 agonists based on recent advances in drug discovery, and particularly
the local administration of TRPV4 agonists.