bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Impact of Exceptional Quality Biosolids Use in Urban Agriculture
Authors: Alvarez‐Campos Odiney , Evanylo Gregory K.
Published: October 2019

Exceptional quality (EQ) biosolids may be used to rehabilitate anthropogenic soils for urban agriculture, but research on the environmental ramifications of applying biosolids at rates to improve such degraded urban soils is scarce. The objective of our study was to compare the impacts of EQ biosolids and inorganic fertilizer applied for rehabilitating anthropogenic soils on potential nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) water quality impairment risk. Three EQ biosolids (composted, air‐dried, and blended with woody mulch) were applied at agronomic N rates twice per year, and once per year at a disturbed land reclamation rate (5× agronomic N rate) for vegetable production to an anthropogenic, low‐fertility subsoil. A heat‐dried EQ biosolids and inorganic fertilizer control were applied at agronomic N rates only. Leachate P was below detection, and soil water‐extractable P concentrations were low. After 2 yr, reclamation rates resulted in soil P saturation ratios greater than the recommended 30% but lower than the 65% limit. The high Fe in biosolids, low soil initial P, and high pH, exchangeable Ca, and clay content, contributed to lower soluble P. Although nitrate N (NO3–N) posed the greatest nutrient leaching risk, lysimeter‐collected mass loading of NO3–N from reclamation rates was not greater than for the inorganic fertilizer. Relatively low NO3–N losses with reclamation rates could be due to denitrification or physical protection of organic N in the high‐clay soil. Our results indicate that reclamation rates of our EQ biosolids to anthropogenic, low‐fertility, clayey subsoils have low potential for N and P water quality impairment.

Core Ideas

Risk of phosphorus (P) loss was low even after high P biosolids applications.

Cumulative nitrate loads were similar between reclamation rates and inorganic fertilizer.

Dissolved organic carbon concentrations increased after biosolids reclamation rates.

Large amounts of soil nitrogen accumulated 2 yr after treatment additions.
The Influence of Concrete Grinding Residue on Soil Physical Properties and Plant Growth
Authors: Luo Chenyi , Wang Zhuangji , Kordbacheh Farnaz , Zhang Yang , Yang Bo , Kim Sunghwan , Cetin Bora , Ceylan Halil , Horton Robert
Published: October 2019

Diamond grinding is a concrete pavement maintenance technique, and concrete grinding residue (CGR) is the byproduct. Concrete grinding residue deposited along roadsides affects soil chemical properties, but impacts of CGR on soil physical properties and plant growth are rarely studied. In this study, a controlled field experiment was performed to determine the influence of CGR on selected soil physical properties (i.e., bulk density [ρb], saturated hydraulic conductivity [Ks], and water infiltrability [It]) and on plant biomass and plant coverage under four application rates (0, 2.24, 4.48, and 8.96 kg m−2). Field measurements were performed before the CGR applications, and 1, 7, and 12 mo after the CGR applications. No significant CGR effects on soil physical properties were detected. The ρb was relatively stable for all of the treatments, whereas some nonsignificant variations (e.g., 10–30% of mean Ks values and mean It values among four CGR rates) were found. Plant biomass with a CGR rate of 2.24 kg m−2 tended to be 10 to 40% larger than biomass in the control treatment, whereas plant biomass with a CGR rate of 8.96 kg m−2 tended to be ∼10% smaller than the control treatment. Concrete grinding residue had no significant effects on plant coverage, richness, Simpson's diversity, and evenness. Thus, CGR applications up to 8.96 kg m−2 did not significantly affect soil physical properties and plant growth in this controlled field study. This study can serve as a reference for results obtained from roadsides in Minnesota and Iowa that receive CGR applications.

Core Ideas

Concrete grinding residue (CGR) was evaluated in a controlled field study.

CGR applications <8.96 kg m−2 did not significantly affect soil physical properties.

CGR applications did not significantly affect plant biomass and community properties.

The results provided a reference for diamond grinding in Minnesota and Iowa.
Introgression of a High Protein Allele into an Elite Soybean Cultivar Results in a High‐Protein Near‐Isogenic Line with Yield Parity
Authors: Prenger Elizabeth M. , Yates Jennifer , Mian M. A. Rouf , Buckley Blair , Boerma H. R. , Li Zenglu
Published: October 2019

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) meal is the largest source of protein meal with essential amino acids. Soybean seed protein is negatively correlated with both yield and oil, complicating the simultaneous improvement of seed protein and yield. A major protein quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome (Chr) 20 was identified in genome‐wide association and bi‐parental population mapping studies. The Chr 20 high‐protein allele from ‘Danbaekkong’ was introgressed into an elite maturity group (MG) VII cultivar, Benning. Two groups of near‐isogenic lines (NILs) of Benning, with or without the Danbaekkong Chr 20 allele, were developed and yield‐tested in two years. The Danbaekkong allele was associated with a significant 33.6 g kg–1 increase in protein and 14.3 g kg–1 decrease in oil (P < 0.05). Average yield of NILs with the Danbaekkong allele were lower than those of NILs without the allele and recurrent parent Benning in both years, but were only significantly lower in 2005 (P < 0.05). Due to its high yield performance, one NIL was yield tested against Benning for two additional years. Combined results from 14 environments over four years revealed yield parity between Benning and Benning high protein (HP), and Benning HP possessed 40.0 g kg–1 more seed protein and 17.3 g kg–1 less oil than Benning. Despite overall yield drag by the Danbaekkong Chr 20 high‐protein allele, we demonstrate that a significant increase in seed protein without associated reduction in yield is possible with breeding and careful progeny selection using this allele.
Potential of the C Genome of Different Variants of Brassica oleracea for the Improvement of Agronomic and Seed Quality Traits of B. napus Canola
Authors: Nikzad Azam , Kebede Berisso , Pinzon Jaime , Bhavikkumar Jani , Yang Rong‐Cai , Rahman Habibur
Published: October 2019

The narrow genetic base of Brassica napus L. canola, especially of its C genome, is an impediment for continued improvement of this crop. We investigated the gene pools of different variants of B. oleracea L. to improve agronomic and seed quality traits of B. napus canola. For this, B. napus canola inbred populations were developed from six interspecific crosses, involving a single B. napus canola line and six accessions of B. oleracea belonging to four variants of this species, following two breeding techniques (F2– and BC1–derived lines). Among these, the population derived from crossing with var. italica gave the greatest seed yield and also had shorter duration of flowering than most of the other populations. The population developed using var. botrytis had the highest seed oil content, and seed yield was comparable with the population developed using var. italica. Populations based on var. capitata had the lowest oil but greater protein content than most of the populations. Several lines from these interspecific crosses exceeded seed yield of the B. napus parent and also had acceptable agronomic and seed quality traits. Comparing the two breeding techniques, the F2–derived population gave greater yield than the BC1–derived population, whereas the BC1–derived population flowered and matured earlier than the F2–derived population. Genetic distance of the inbred lines from the B. napus parent showed positive correlation of r ≥ 0.4 with days to flowering and seed protein content and negative correlation with seed oil content, whereas correlation with seed yield was negative and weak (r = −0.18). Thus, the results showed that the B. oleracea gene pool, especially var. italica and botrytis, can be used to improve spring B. napus canola, as well as to broaden the genetic base of this crop.
Shade Effects on Overseeded Bermudagrass Athletic Fields: II. Rooting, Species Composition, and Traction
Authors: Richardson Michael D. , Mattina Girolamo , Sarno Mauro , McCalla John H. , Karcher Douglas E. , Thoms Adam W. , Dickson Kyley H. , Sorochan John C.
Published: October 2019

Shade from athletic stadium structures can be a significant detriment to turfgrass performance. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of shade on rooting and playing surface stability, measured as traction, on overseeded or non‐overseeded bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) turf. An experiment was established in 2013 on a mature bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. cv. Riviera] turf that was either overseeded with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) or non‐overseeded. Shade structures were installed to create four light level treatments, including 0%, 30%, 60%, or 90% light‐reducing shade cloth. The light treatments resulted in average daily light integrals (DLI) of 40.8, 26.2, 14.8, and 3.3 mol m–2 d–1, respectively. Data were collected on rooting characteristics, species composition, and two forms of traction measurements. Moderate levels of shading (30%) caused a significant decline in rooting characteristics in non‐overseeded turf, while rooting of overseeded turf was not significantly affected until a 60% light reduction. Rotational resistance and peak horizontal force, measurements of athlete traction, were affected by increasing shade in both overseeded and non‐overseeded turf, but the association between traction and a minimum DLI was not conclusive. The persistence of bermudagrass in overseeded turf was significantly reduced at all shade levels studied. This study clearly demonstrates that rooting, bermudagrass persistence and traction of overseeded and non‐overseeded bermudagrass athletic fields are negatively affected by even modest levels of shade.
Quantifying Physical Properties of Three Sphagnum‐Based Growing Media as Affected by Drying–Wetting Cycles
Authors: Turunen M. , Hyväluoma J. , Heikkinen J. , Keskinen R. , Kaseva J. , Koestel J. , Rasa K.
Published: October 2019

Core Ideas

3D imaging and conventional observations revealed growing media physical properties.

Decomposition degree controlled porosity and pore‐size distributions.

Aeration was typically low when the amount of easily available water was sufficient.

Materials shrunk when desorbed but mostly recovered their structure during wetting.

It was shown how moisture retention, aeration, and shrinkage were interlinked.

The suitability of organic materials as growing media in plant production is largely dependent on their physical properties. However, the properties and impacts of different stress factors on Sphagnum‐based materials are not fully understood. This study aimed to quantify differences in water retention, aeration, and pore structure characteristics of three different low‐ or non‐humified Sphagnum‐based growing media using three‐dimensional (3D) X‐ray imaging and conventional physical measurements. In addition, we assessed the impacts of intense drying–wetting cycles on their pore structure. The imaged porosities of the materials differed significantly with decomposition degree. Drying curve observations showed that drying of the materials occurred in three phases with (i) large changes in the air‐filled porosity in the matric potential range 0.2 to 3.2 kPa, (ii) clearly smaller changes at 3.2 to 312 kPa, and (iii) large changes at 312 to 1585 kPa, comparable to the change in the wet end of the drying curves (0.2–3.2 kPa). The aeration of the materials was sufficient for plant growth in the second and third phases, where the amount of easily available water was low. This challenges the suitability of the materials under conditions without regular irrigation. The 3D imaging also revealed how pore‐size distributions shifted toward smaller pore‐size classes with increasing decomposition degree and stress impact of the drying–wetting cycles. However, unexpectedly most of the imaged porosity (≥97%) and height (96–98%) of the samples was recovered during rewetting. Overall, the results demonstrate how the water retention, aeration, and shrinkage properties of growing media are inherently interlinked.
Aprendizagem Empreendedora: conhecendo o passado e vislumbrando o futuro
Authors: Vogt Sérgio , Bulgacov Yara Lucia Mazziotti
Published: October 2019

Os questionamentos que surgiram no campo de estudo do empreendedorismo no final da década de oitenta incentivaram a realização de pesquisas que buscavam o entendimento do aprendizado no processo de empreender. Como resultado, inaugurou-se uma nova temática denominada de Aprendizagem Empreendedora (AE), que trouxe contribuições para a compreensão do empreendedorismo enquanto processo. Para descobrir como estão sendo conduzidos os estudos sobre esse tema no cenário nacional e internacional, realizou-se nesse artigo um levantamento sistemático da produção de conhecimento em diferentes bases acadêmicas de dados. O estudo foi realizado dentro de uma perspectiva histórica, permitindo que os resultados apontassem as possibilidades de pesquisas ainda não exploradas, principalmente no que se refere ao desenvolvimento de aproximações empíricas sobre a aprendizagem empreendedora na esfera nacional. Assim, visto que esse trabalho não olha somente para o passado, mas aponta para o futuro, salienta-se que o entendimento da aprendizagem empreendedora é um processo inacabado no que tange às pesquisas e sugere-se que se busque avançar na compreensão do processo de aprendizagem dos empreendedores investigando-o sob a perspectiva das prática sociais.
Desenvolvimento Sustentável: um discurso em disputa
Authors: Sugahara Cibele Roberta , Rodrigues Eduardo Luiz
Published: October 2019

Presente na agenda global durante praticamente toda a segunda metade do século XX e início do século XXI, e formalmente institucionalizado em 1987 pela Organização das Nações Unidas, o Desenvolvimento Sustentável é hoje uma das maiores preocupações da humanidade e um discurso em constante disputa. O conceito apresenta relação com os conceitos desenvolvimento e sustentabilidade, o Desenvolvimento Sustentável é importante para a compreensão e resolução de problemas enfrentados pela humanidade. A literatura aponta que é um conceito ainda em construção. Este artigo busca apresentar o Desenvolvimento Sustentável enquanto campo de disputa ideologica que enfrenta embates conceituais e políticos. É importante reconhecer que o Desenvolvimento Sustentável não está desvinculado dos níveis de consumo e produção de que trata o seu escopo conceitual. Por isso, as relações de poder rumo ao Desenvolvimento Sustentável precisam desembocar em um agenciamento coletivo. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo é descrever a disputa pelo conceito de Desenvolvimento Sustentável existente entre as teorias da Sustentabilidade Forte e da Sustentabilidade Fraca. Os resultados obtidos foram analisados pelos autores e ajudaram  a traçar um panorama temporal dos embates travados entre estas duas linhas teóricas antagônicas.
Optimization method for joint operation of a double-reservoir-and-double-pumping-station system: a case study of Nanjing, China
Authors: Gong Zhihao , Jiang Xiaohong , Cheng Jilin , Gong Yi , Chen Xing , Cheng Haomiao
Published: October 2019

Double-reservoir-and-double-pumping-station systems are commonly used for irrigation water supply in hilly regions of southern China. An optimization model for this water supply system is proposed to minimize water shortage. The model features few coupling constraints, including available water in the system and pumping volume limited by regional water rights. Dynamic programming was adopted to solve the subsystem and aggregation models. The results with the model and that with the standard operation policy were compared; the total water shortage was reduced by 87.7%, total water replenishment from outside was reduced by 2.2%, and total water spill was reduced by 60.6% for a system in Nanjing, China. The method may provide a reference for optimal operation of water supply systems comprising reservoirs and pumping stations.
In Silico Drug Repositioning for Chagas Disease
Authors: Bellera Carolina L. , Alberca Lucas N. , Sbaraglini María L. , Talevi Alan
Published: October 2019

:

Chagas disease is an infectious tropical disease included within the group of neglected tropical
diseases. Though historically endemic to Latin America, it has lately spread to high-income countries
due to human migration. At present, there are only two available drugs, nifurtimox and benznidazole,
approved for this treatment, both with considerable side-effects (which often result in treatment
interruption) and limited efficacy in the chronic stage of the disease in adults.

:

Drug repositioning involves finding novel therapeutic indications for known drugs, including approved,
withdrawn, abandoned and investigational drugs. It is today a broadly applied approach to develop
innovative medications, since indication shifts are built on existing safety, ADME and manufacturing
information, thus greatly shortening development timeframes. Drug repositioning has been signaled as
a particularly interesting strategy to search for new therapeutic solutions for neglected and rare conditions,
which traditionally present limited commercial interest and are mostly covered by the public
sector and not-for-profit initiatives and organizations.

:

Here, we review the applications of computer-aided technologies as systematic approaches to drug
repositioning in the field of Chagas disease. In silico screening represents the most explored approach,
whereas other rational methods such as network-based and signature-based approximations have still
not been applied.
New Amine and Aromatic Substituted Analogues of Phencyclidine: Synthesis and Determination of Acute and Chronic Pain Activities
Authors: Shokrollahi Maryam , Samadizadeh Marjaneh , Khalili Mohsen , Sobhanian Seyed A. , Ahmadi Abbas
Published: October 2019

Background:

Phencyclidine (PCP, I) is a synthetic drug with remarkable physiological
properties. PCP and its analogues exert many pharmacological activities and interact with some
neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system like particular affinity for PCP sites in
NMDA receptors or dopamine uptake blocking or even both.

Aim and Objective:

The following research, methyl group with electron-donating and dipole
moment characters was added in different positions of phenyl ring along with the substitution of
benzylamine (with many pharmacological effects) instead of piperidine ring of I to produce new
compounds (II-V) of this family with more analgesic activities.

Materials and Methods:

Analgesic activities of these new compounds were measured by tail
immersion and formalin tests for acute and chronic pains, respectively. Also, the outcomes were
compared with control and PCP (10 mg/kg) groups.

Results:

The results indicate that compounds III, IV, and V have more acute and chronic
antinociceptive effects than PCP and compound II which may be concerned with more antagonizing
activities of these new painkillers for the blockage of dopamine reuptake as well as high affinity for
NMDA receptors PCP binding site.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that the benzylamine derivative of phencyclidine with a methyl
group on the benzyl position on phenyl ring (V) is a more appropriate candidate to reduce acute and
chronic (thermal and chemical) pains compared to other substituted phenyl analogs (II-IV) and PCP.
Uptake of [¹⁸F]tetrafluoroborate in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells is Induced after Stimulation of the Sodium Iodide Symporter
Authors: Lehmacher Marc , Stolzenburg Antje , Samnick Samuel
Published: October 2019

Background:

The human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) has been the most important
target in nuclear medicine regarding thyroid-related diseases. Although hNIS-expression can also be
determined in extra-thyroidal tumors, imaging hNIS with positron emission tomography has not
been exploited clinically.

Objective:

Here, we evaluated the accumulation of the novel hNIS-substrate [18F]tetrafluoroborate
([18F]TFB) in the endogenously hNIS-expressing breast cancer cell line MCF-7 after an improved
radiosynthesis and pharmacological stimulation.

Methods:

[18F]TFB was prepared under mild reaction conditions (40°C, 25 min) and its uptake properties
were investigated in MCF-7 cells pretreated with a combination of all-trans retinoic acid plus
methasone-derivatives and compared to the clinically established tracers [131I]iodide and
[99mTc]pertechnetate. Specificity of the tracer accumulation was assessed by inhibition experiments
using NaBF4, KSO3F, KI and KIO3.

Results:

[18F]TFB was obtained with a radiochemical yield of 24.0 ± 6.6 % (n = 17) within 40 min
after high pressure liquid chromatography-separation and with 26.8 ± 6.2 % (n = 13) within 45 min
after adapting the procedure on a synthesis module using higher starting activities (> 10 GBq). After
pharmacological treatment, a 4-fold increase in hNIS-expression on the MCF-7 cell surface was
achieved, resulting in a significantly higher [18F]TFB uptake into the cells (up to 58-fold) as compared
to control experiments. Inhibition studies using various NIS-substrates confirmed the specificity
of [18F]TFB for hNIS.

Conclusions:

[18F]TFB was shown to be a promising hNIS-substrate in our model using the human
MCF-7 breast cancer cell line mandating in vivo evaluations in xenografted studies and in patients.
Identifying Cancer Targets Based on Machine Learning Methods via Chou’s 5-steps Rule and General Pseudo Components
Authors: Liang Ruirui , Xie Jiayang , Zhang Chi , Zhang Mengying , Huang Hai , Huo Haizhong , Cao Xin , Niu Bing
Published: October 2019

In recent years, the successful implementation of human genome project has made people realize that genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors should be combined together to study cancer due to the complexity and various forms of the disease. The increasing availability and growth rate of ‘big data’ derived from various omics, opens a new window for study and therapy of cancer. In this paper, we will introduce the application of machine learning methods in handling cancer big data including the use of artificial neural networks, support vector machines, ensemble learning and naïve Bayes classifiers.
Drug Choices and Advancements for Managing Depression in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Assogna Francesca , Pellicano Clelia , Savini Cinzia , Macchiusi Lucia , Pellicano Gaia R. , Alborghetti Marika , Caltagirone Carlo , Spalletta Gianfranco , Pontieri Francesco E.
Published: October 2019

:

Depression is a frequent non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and may even precede the onset of motor symptoms of parkinsonism. Beyond its negative influence on mood, depression in PD is frequently associated with other neuropsychiatric symptoms and with late-stage complications such as dementia. Despite its profound impact on the quality of life and cognitive functioning in PD, depression in PD is often under-recognized and poorly treated.

:

Pathophysiological studies demonstrated that depression in PD is associated with global dysfunction of interactions between discrete brain areas rather than focal structural or functional abnormalities, and that it is sustained by pathological changes of several neurotransmitter/receptor complexes.

:

In general, all traditional antidepressants and some dopamine agonists have been found to be safe and well-tolerated to treat depressive symptoms in PD, despite initial warning on worsening of parkinsonism. Available data suggest that the time-course of response differs among antidepressants. Efficacy results from clinical trials with antidepressant in PD are, however, rather uncertain, although pooled analysis suggests a moderate benefit. Several issues may critically impact the results of clinical trials with antidepressants in PD, including the correct psychiatric diagnosis, the overlap of symptoms between depression and PD, and the selection of appropriate end-points and rating scales.
Comparative Effectiveness of Agmatine and Choline Treatment in Rats with Cognitive Impairment Induced by AlCl3 and Forced Swim Stress
Authors: Rafi Hira , Ahmad Fahad , Anis Javaria , Khan Ruba , Rafiq Hamna , Farhan Muhammad
Published: October 2019

Aim:

Endogenous agmatine has a significant role in learning and memory processes as a neurotransmitter. Various studies described the physiological role of endogenous agmatine in learning and memory of multiple cognitive tasks suggesting elevated levels of agmatine during the learning process in the rat brain. Dietary intake of choline showed correlation with cognitive functions in human subjects and treatment with choline supplements validated the ability to diminish learning and cognitive impairment dementias.

Methods:

36 Albino rats were equally divided into three groups previously: a) control-water, b) Test I - AlCl3 (100 mg/Kg body weight), and c) Test II - Forced swim stress (FSS) for 14 days. On the next day of AlCl3 and FSS last administration, animals were allocated into further three groups and received the following treatments: a. water was given orally to the control group, b. Agmatine (100 mg/Kg Body Weight) group, and c. Choline (100 mg/Kg Body Weight) group for the next 14 days. Behaviors were assessed in Light/Dark Box, Open Field, Novel Object Recognition Test (NOR), T Maze Test, and Morris Water Maze Test.

Results:

Animals administered with agmatine demonstrated increased time spent in bright areas of light/dark box and square crossed while improved spatial memory in Morris water maze and T maze test and enhanced discrimination of novel object in NOR were observed in learning and memory paradigms along with choline.

Conclusion:

The present study determines that agmatine at the dose of (100 mg/kg body weight) attenuates memory and cognitive impairment in comparison with choline supplements.
SimExact – An Efficient Method to Compute Function Similarity Between Proteins Using Gene Ontology
Authors: Ikram Najmul , Qadir Muhammad Abdul , Afzal Muhammad Tanvir
Published: October 2019

Background:

The rapidly growing protein and annotation databases necessitate the development
of efficient tools to process this valuable information. Biologists frequently need to
find proteins similar to a given protein, for which BLAST tools are commonly used. With the development
of biomedical ontologies, e.g. Gene Ontology, methods were designed to measure
function (semantic) similarity between two proteins. These methods work well on protein pairs,
but are not suitable for protein query processing.

Objective:

Our aim is to facilitate searching of similar proteins in an acceptable time.

Methods:

A novel method SimExact for high speed searching of functionally similar proteins has
been proposed.

Results:

The experiments of this study show that SimExact gives correct results required for protein
searching. A fully functional prototype of an online tool (www.datafurnish.com/protsem.php)
has been provided that generates a ranked list of the proteins similar to a query protein, with a response
time of less than 20 seconds in our setup. SimExact was used to search for protein pairs
having high disparity between function similarity and sequence similarity.

Conclusion:

SimExact makes such searches practical, which would not be possible in a reasonable
time otherwise.
Application of a Deep Matrix Factorization Model on Integrated Gene Expression Data
Authors: Hao Yong-Jing , Hou Mi-Xiao , Gao Ying-Lian , Liu Jin-Xing , Kong Xiang-Zhen
Published: October 2019

Background:

Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) has been extensively used in
gene expression data. However, most NMF-based methods have single-layer structures, which
may achieve poor performance for complex data. Deep learning, with its carefully designed hierarchical
structure, has shown significant advantages in learning data features.

Objective:

In bioinformatics, on the one hand, to discover differentially expressed genes in gene
expression data; on the other hand, to obtain higher sample clustering results. It can provide the
reference value for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Method:

In this paper, we apply a deep NMF method called Deep Semi-NMF on the integrated
gene expression data. In each layer, the coefficient matrix is directly decomposed into the basic
and coefficient matrix of the next layer. We apply this factorization model on The Cancer Genome
Atlas (TCGA) genomic data.

Results:

The experimental results demonstrate the superiority of Deep Semi-NMF method in identifying
differentially expressed genes and clustering samples.

Conclusion:

The Deep Semi-NMF model decomposes a matrix into multiple matrices and multiplies
them to form a matrix. It can also improve the clustering performance of samples while digging
out more accurate key genes for disease treatment.
Protein Secondary Structure Prediction: A Review of Progress and Directions
Authors: Smolarczyk Tomasz , Roterman-Konieczna Irena , Stapor Katarzyna
Published: October 2019

Background:

Over the last few decades, a search for the theory of protein folding has
grown into a full-fledged research field at the intersection of biology, chemistry and informatics.
Despite enormous effort, there are still open questions and challenges, like understanding the rules
by which amino acid sequence determines protein secondary structure.

Objective:

In this review, we depict the progress of the prediction methods over the years and
identify sources of improvement.

Methods:

The protein secondary structure prediction problem is described followed by the discussion
on theoretical limitations, description of the commonly used data sets, features and a review
of three generations of methods with the focus on the most recent advances. Additionally, methods
with available online servers are assessed on the independent data set.

Results:

The state-of-the-art methods are currently reaching almost 88% for 3-class prediction and
76.5% for an 8-class prediction.

Conclusion:

This review summarizes recent advances and outlines further research directions.
Immune-Inflammation in Atherosclerosis: A New Twist in an Old Tale
Authors: Talepoor Atefe Ghamar , Fouladseresht Hamed , Khosropanah Shahdad , Doroudchi Mehrnoosh
Published: October 2019

Background and Objective:

Atherosclerosis, a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease, is triggered by the activation of endothelial cells followed by infiltration of innate and adaptive immune cells including monocytes and T cells in arterial walls. Major populations of T cells found in human atherosclerotic lesions are antigen-specific activated CD4+ effectors and/or memory T cells from Th1, Th17, Th2 and Treg subsets. In this review, we will discuss the significance of T cell orchestrated immune inflammation in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.

Discussion:

Pathogen/oxidative stress/lipid induced primary endothelial wound cannot develop to a full-blown atherosclerotic lesion in the absence of chronically induced inflammation. While the primary inflammatory response might be viewed as a lone innate response, the persistence of such a profound response over time must be (and is) associated with diverse local and systemic T cell responses. The interplay between T cells and innate cells contributes to a phenomenon called immuneinflammation and has an impact on the progression and outcome of the lesion. In recent years immuneinflammation, an old term, has had a comeback in connecting the puzzle pieces of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Conclusion:

Taking one-step back and looking from afar at the players of immune-inflammation may help us provide a broader perspective of these complicated interactions. This may lead to the identification of new drug targets and the development of new therapies as well as preventative measures.
Asteriscus graveolens exhibits Antihypertensive Activity through Activation of Vascular KATP Channels Activation in Rats
Authors: El-Ouady Fadwa , Eddouks Mohamed
Published: October 2019

Objective:

The objective of the study was to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of Asteriscus
graveolens.

Methods:

L-NAME hypertensive and normotensive rats have received orally the aqueous extract of
Asteriscus graveolens aerial parts (AGAPE) (100 mg/kg) during six hours for the acute experiment and
during seven days for the sub-chronic treatment. Thereafter, blood pressure parameters were evaluated.
Concerning the in vitro investigation, the vasorelaxant effect of AGAPE was tested in isolated thoracic
aortic rings.

Results:

AGAPE extract significantly decreased the blood pressure parameters in hypertensive rats.
Moreover, the results revealed that AGAPE exhibited antihypertensive effect through its vasorelaxant
properties. More interestingly, this vasorelaxant activity seems to be probably mediated through activation
of K+ ATP-sensitive (KATP) channels.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrates the antihypertensive activity of aqueous Asteriscus graveolens
extract in hypertensive rats through activation of vascular KATP channels. This finding supports the use
of this plant for the management of hypertension in Morocco.
Evaluation of Salivary Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress Markers in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Fathi Shima , Borzouei Shiva , Goodarzi Mohammad Taghi , Poorolajal Jalal , Ahmadi-Motamayel Fatemeh
Published: October 2019

Background:

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a progressive metabolic disorder.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between antioxidant and oxidative
stress markers in the saliva of patients with type 2 DM and a healthy control group.

Methods:

In this study, 20 patients with diabetes and 20 healthy individuals were evaluated. Salivary
antioxidants markers consisted of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), uric acid (UA), peroxidase and
catalase. Oxidative stress markers included total oxidant status (TOS), malondealdehyde (MDA) and
total thiol (SH). Sialochemical analysis was performed with spectrophotometric assay. All the statistical
analyses were conducted using STATA software.

Results:

TAC decreased significantly in patients with diabetes. Although salivary UA and peroxidase
were lower in patients with diabetes compared to the control group, the difference was not significant.
Salivary catalase in patients with diabetes was significantly lower than that in the control group. MDA
and TOS exhibited significantly higher levels in type 2 DM. SH levels were slightly higher in DM.

Conclusions:

According to the results of the present study, there were some changes in the salivary
levels of some antioxidants and oxidative stress markers in patients with type 2 DM and could be
measured as an indicator of serum changes..
Arum conophalloides Aqueous Extract Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rat; Histopathological, Biochemical, and mir-122 Assessments
Authors: Derakhshanfar Amin , Moayedi Javad , Vahedi Mahjoob , Valizadeh Abouzar
Published: October 2019

Background:

Arum conophalloides (A. conophalloides) is a wild edible delicate plant,
widely used in traditional medicine.

Objective:

This study aimed to examine the effects of A. conophalloides extracts on biochemical,
molecular, and histopathological changes in the rat.

Methods:

Fifty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups (10 each) as follows: G1
or control, received distilled water; G2 and G3, treated with the aqueous extract at doses of 200 and
400 mg/kg; G4 and G5, treated with the hydroalcoholic extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Prior
to and at the end of the experiments, the serum levels of biochemistry parameters and the relative expression
of miR-122 were assessed. Moreover, the liver and kidney tissues were examined microscopically.

Results:

Liver and kidney tissues showed normal structure in all groups. There were no significant
changes in biochemical indices or the expression of miR-122 in the extract-treated groups at the dose
of 200 mg/kg. However, the group that received the aqueous extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg exhibited
a significantly lower level of HDL, LDL, ALT, and ALP in comparison to the control. Additionally,
miR-122 expression in this group exhibited a 10-fold increase (P=0.009).

Conclusion:

The serum level of hepatocyte-specific miR-122 will be more helpful in detecting hepatic
changes in early stages than ALT and AST activity or histopathological evaluations of liver sections.
Our findings highlight the potential hepatotoxicity of A. conophalloides aqueous extract in a rat
model.
Bioszintetikus irhapótló anyag és negatív nyomású sebkezelés együttes alkalmazása áramütés okozta csukló és alkar teljes mélységű égés kezelésére
Authors: Frendl István , Péter Zoltán , Nagy Endre , Turchányi Béla , Juhász István
Published: October 2019

A szerzők áramütés okozta csukló és alkari mély égés kezelését mutatják be, ahol teljes vastagságú bőrhiány alakult ki, paratenonját veszített szabadon lévő inakkal. A lágyrészhiány fedését egy új típusú bioszintetikus irhapótló anyag és negatív nyomású sebkezelés együttes alkalmazásával végezték el. Az eljárással jó esztétikai és funkcionális eredményt értek el. A graft sikeres, gyors beépülését eredményesen segítette a negatív nyomású sebkezelő eszköz együttes alkalmazása.
Sign Construction Based on Heightened Tactile Perception by Persons with Congenital Deafblindness
Authors: Forsgren Goran A.G.C. , Daelman Marlene , Hart Paul
Published: October 2019

Low readability is a main concern regarding communication with persons with congenital deafblindness (Nafstad & Rødbroe, 2015). This is because most of the expressions come from the bodily-tactile modality and are often based on tactile iconicity. It is difficult for a seeing and hearing partner to understand these expressions from the perspective of cultural language.

The goal of this qualitative study is to show the emergence of sign constructions based on heightened tactile perception (Borchgrevink, 2002; Nicholas, 2004). Two videos, each showing one of two participants with congenital deafblindness, were subjected to qualitative micro-analysis. A key focus of this research concerns the combination of exploration and cognitive processing indicated by self-addressed expressions, and how this combination contributes to sign constructions. The linguistic quality of these sign constructions is further examined by detailing handshape, movement and location according to the work by Stokoe, 1960 and Bellugi & Klima, 2001. The results provide support for the proposition of a new sign category based on heightened tactile perception. 

https://doi.org/10.21827/jdbsc.4.31373
Body with Body: Interacting with Children with Congenital Deafblindness in the Human Niche
Authors: Gregersen Anstein
Published: October 2019

In deafblind studies it is commonly and usefully advised that partners interact close and face-to-face with children with congenital deafblindness. While recognizing face-to-face as an important mode of interaction this paper advances the simple idea that an equally important form of togetherness is body-with-body. Body-with-body interactions are here understood as interactions where two bodies are aligned with each other: the paradigmatic form is where the back of the child is aligned with the stomach and chest of his partner. I argue that this mode of togetherness can enable agency for a child with CDB through making as good as possible the conditions for perception and cognition. The body-with-body mode will make possible perception of the partners body in action; perception of some of the partners emotions; enable joint attention; enable skill acquisition and use of equipment, and finally enhance distal perception. 

https://doi.org/10.21827/jdbsc.4.31374
Psychosocial Factors Affecting Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Health Care in China: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ye Tiantian , Xue Jiaolong , He Mingguang , Gu Jing , Lin Haotian , Xu Bin , Cheng Yu
Published: October 2019

Background

Poor quality primary health care is a major issue in China, particularly in blindness prevention. Artificial intelligence (AI) could provide early screening and accurate auxiliary diagnosis to improve primary care services and reduce unnecessary referrals, but the application of AI in medical settings is still an emerging field.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the general public’s acceptance of ophthalmic AI devices, with reference to those already used in China, and the interrelated influencing factors that shape people’s intention to use these devices.

Methods

We proposed a model of ophthalmic AI acceptance based on technology acceptance theories and variables from other health care–related studies. The model was verified via a 32-item questionnaire with 7-point Likert scales completed by 474 respondents (nationally random sampled). Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate item and construct reliability and validity via a confirmatory factor analysis, and the model’s path effects, significance, goodness of fit, and mediation and moderation effects were analyzed.

Results

Standardized factor loadings of items were between 0.583 and 0.876. Composite reliability of 9 constructs ranged from 0.673 to 0.841. The discriminant validity of all constructs met the Fornell and Larcker criteria. Model fit indicators such as standardized root mean square residual (0.057), comparative fit index (0.915), and root mean squared error of approximation (0.049) demonstrated good fit. Intention to use (R2=0.515) is significantly affected by subjective norms (beta=.408; P<.001), perceived usefulness (beta=.336; P=.03), and resistance bias (beta=–.237; P=.02). Subjective norms and perceived behavior control had an indirect impact on intention to use through perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Eye health consciousness had an indirect positive effect on intention to use through perceived usefulness. Trust had a significant moderation effect (beta=–.095; P=.049) on the effect path of perceived usefulness to intention to use.

Conclusions

The item, construct, and model indicators indicate reliable interpretation power and help explain the levels of public acceptance of ophthalmic AI devices in China. The influence of subjective norms can be linked to Confucian culture, collectivism, authoritarianism, and conformity mentality in China. Overall, the use of AI in diagnostics and clinical laboratory analysis is underdeveloped, and the Chinese public are generally mistrustful of medical staff and the Chinese medical system. Stakeholders such as doctors and AI suppliers should therefore avoid making misleading or over-exaggerated claims in the promotion of AI health care products.
Association Between Web-Based Physician Ratings and Physician Disciplinary Convictions: Retrospective Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Liu Jessica Janine , Goldberg Hanna R , Lentz Eric JM , Matelski John Justin , Alam Asim , Bell Chaim M
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Physician rating websites are commonly used by the public, yet the relationship between web-based physician ratings and health care quality is not well understood.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to use physician disciplinary convictions as an extreme marker for poor physician quality and to investigate whether disciplined physicians have lower ratings than nondisciplined matched controls.

METHODS

This was a retrospective national observational study of all disciplined physicians in Canada (751 physicians, 2000 to 2013). We searched ratings (2005-2015) from the country’s leading online physician rating website for this group, and for 751 matched controls according to gender, specialty, practice years, and location. We compared overall ratings (out of a score of 5) as well as mean ratings by the type of misconduct. We also compared ratings for each type of misconduct and punishment.

RESULTS

There were 62.7% (471/751) of convicted and disciplined physicians (cases) with web-based ratings and 64.6% (485/751) of nondisciplined physicians (controls) with ratings. Of 312 matched case-control pairs, disciplined physicians were rated lower than controls overall (3.62 vs 4.00; P<.001). Disciplined physicians had lower ratings for all types of misconduct and punishment—except for physicians disciplined for sexual offenses (n=90 pairs; 3.83 vs 3.86; P=.81). Sexual misconduct was the only category in which mean ratings for physicians were higher than those for other disciplined physicians (3.63 vs 3.35; P=.003)

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians convicted for disciplinary misconduct generally had lower web-based ratings. Physicians convicted of sexual misconduct did not have lower ratings and were rated higher than other disciplined physicians. These findings may have future implications for the identification of physicians providing poor-quality care.
A Donor Utilization Index to Assess the Utilization and Discard of Deceased Donor Kidneys Perceived as High Risk
Authors: Brennan Corey , Husain Syed Ali , King Kristen L. , Tsapepas Demetra , Ratner Lloyd E. , Jin Zhezhen , Schold Jesse D. , Mohan Sumit
Published: October 2019

Background and objectives

An increasing number of patients on the waitlist for a kidney transplant indicates a need to effectively utilize as many deceased donor kidneys as possible while ensuring acceptable outcomes. Assessing regional and center-level organ utilization with regards to discard can reveal regional variation in suboptimal deceased donor kidney acceptance patterns stemming from perceptions of risk.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We created a weighted donor utilization index from a logistic regression model using high-risk donor characteristics and discard rates from 113,640 deceased donor kidneys procured for transplant from 2010 to 2016, and used it to examine deceased donor kidney utilization in 182 adult transplant centers with >15 annual deceased donor kidney transplants. Linear regression and correlation were used to analyze differences in donor utilization indexes.

Results

The donor utilization index was found to significantly vary by Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network region (P<0.001), revealing geographic trends in kidney utilization. When investigating reasons for this disparity, there was no significant correlation between center volume and donor utilization index, but the percentage of deceased donor kidneys imported from other regions was significantly associated with donor utilization for all centers (rho=0.39; P<0.001). This correlation was found to be particularly strong for region 4 (rho=0.83; P=0.001) and region 9 (rho=0.82; P=0.001). Additionally, 25th percentile time to transplant was weakly associated with the donor utilization index (R
2=0.15; P=0.03).

Conclusions

There is marked center-level variation in the use of deceased donor kidneys with less desirable characteristics both within and between regions. Broader utilization was significantly associated with shorter time to transplantation.