bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case Study of the Reception of Aristotle in Early Protestantism: The Platonic Idea of the Good in the Commentaries on the Nicomachean Ethics
Authors: Herreros Alfonso
Published: December 2020

The present article examines the philosophical ethics of Protestants teaching in higher education during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and their reception of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, 1.6. Two theses are illustrated. First, the survey of fourteen commentaries shows clear parallels with the medieval interpretation of the Ethics, which the Protestant authors creatively expanded. Thus, the continuity of Protestantism with the earlier tradition of Christian philosophy is substantiated in this specific case for a representative group of authors. Second, over against the prejudices according to which Protestantism simply censured ethics and subsumed it into moral theology, this article shows that, in truth, Aristotle was still the fundamental philosophical reference in a topic as central as the definition of happiness, and that the Platonic “theological” alternative was not considered appropriate for a philosophical discipline.
Anthocyanin Extract from Flowers of Lavender dentate Beats Oxidative Stress In vitro and In vivo
Authors: Gadouche Leila , Saadi Abdelkader , Zerrouki Khayra , Djebli Noureddine , Sendjasni Meryem , Djouder Yasmina , Fellague Fatima Zohra Benali , Benouadah Kheira
Published: December 2020

Free radicals, oxidative stress or antioxidants is more and more often used to explain different pathological disorders and their therapeutic approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of anthocyanin extract obtained by maceration of the flowers of Lavandula dentata in 0.1 % HCl/methanol (v/v) solution on oxidative stress. The antioxidant activity of anthocyanin extract in vitro was evaluated by reduction of iron (FRAP), DPPH and the ß-carotene tests. The in vivo oxidative stress was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 ml/kg of CCl4 and treated orally by 500mg kg/day of the extract. Anthocyanins extract inhibited the free radical DPPH (IC50:1.3 ± 0.23 mg/ml). Lavender extract prevented the oxidation of B carotene (28.34 ± 0.07%) and has an ability to reduce iron (0.736 ± 0.03). Intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 has increased biochemical parameters, which was evidence of oxidative stress in vivo. In contrast, daily oral administration of anthocyanin extract has restored the biochemical parameters. Histopathological examinations of liver stained with haematoxylin and eosin showed loss of hepatic architecture. These injuries observed have been improved by treatment with anthocyanin extract. The findings revealed that anthocyanin extract from lavender possesses a significant antioxidant activity.

Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 19(2): 145-151, 2020 (December)
Buruli ulcer: a new case definition for Victoria
Authors: Betts Juliana M , Tay Ee Laine , Johnson Paul D R , Lavender Caroline J , Gibney Katherine B , O'Brien Daniel P , Globan Maria , Tzimourtas Nectaria , O'Hara Miriam A , Crouch Simon R
Published: December 2020

Laboratory-confirmed infection with Mycobacterium ulcerans is currently notifiable to health departments in several jurisdictions. Accurate surveillance is imperative to understanding current and emerging areas of endemicity and to facilitate research into a neglected tropical disease with poorly-understood transmission dynamics. The state of Victoria currently reports some of the highest numbers of M. ulcerans cases in the world each year, with 340 cases notified in 2018 (an incidence of 5.5 per 100,000 population). In May 2019, a group of clinical, laboratory and public health experts met to discuss a new case definition for the surveillance of M. ulcerans disease in Victoria, incorporating clinical and epidemiological elements. The new case definition supports important public health messaging and actions for residents and visitors to popular tourist areas in Victoria.
Australian National Enterovirus Reference Laboratory annual report, 2019
Authors: Hobday Linda K , Ibrahim Aishah , Kaye Matthew E , Bruggink Leesa , Chanthalavanh Presa , Garcia-Clapes Arnau , Roberts Jason A , Thorley Bruce R
Published: December 2020

Australia monitors its polio-free status by conducting surveillance for cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in children less than 15 years of age, as recommended by the World Health Organization. Cases of AFP in children are notified to the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit or the Paediatric Active Enhanced Disease Surveillance System and faecal specimens are referred for virological investigation to the National Enterovirus Reference Laboratory. In 2019, no cases of poliomyelitis were reported from clinical surveillance and Australia reported 1.34 non-polio AFP cases per 100,000 children, meeting the World Health Organization’s performance criterion for a sensitive surveillance system. The non-polio enteroviruses coxsackievirus A2, coxsackievirus A16, echovirus 9, and enterovirus A71 were identified from clinical specimens collected from AFP cases. Australia also performs enterovirus and environmental surveillance to complement the clinical system focussed on children. In 2019, 175 cases of wild polio were reported, with three countries remaining endemic: Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan.
Investigação acerca dos fatores relacionados com a evação em cursos ead sob a ótica dos tutores
Authors: Andrade Jucimar Casimiro de , Silva Fernando Salvio da , Santana Robson José Silva , Ximenes Dayanna Karla Gonzaga , Silva Murilo Vieira da
Published: December 2020

A educação a distância vem crescendo abruptamente em todo o planeta, logicamente, tal crescimento vem acompanhado de muitos problemas e muitos desafios. Portanto, este trabalho teve por objetivo investigar alguns fatores que podem estar relacionados com a evasão nos Cursos de Ciências Contábeis e Administração em uma IES privada do estado de Pernambuco sob a ótica dos tutores que atuam nesses respectivos cursos. A metodologia utilizada foi a  pesquisa exploratório com utilização de um questionário semi-estruturado aplicado em 13 tutores dos cursos mencionados, caracterizando a pesquisa como um estudo de caso. Os resultados apontaram que dentre os fatores que mais se relacionaram com a evasão no cursos da modalidade EaD, sob o ponto de vista dos tutores, foram: falta de tempo do aluno para se dedicar às atividades EaD, dificuldades financeiras e problemas pessoais. Mais estudos são necessários para melhor entender quais fatores mais explicam a evasão em cursos a distância.
Correlation of lipid and glycaemic profile with oxidative stress in the elderly with or without nontransmissible chronic diseases
Authors: Barbosa Danusa Pereira , Souza Fernanda Gomes , Sarges Érica dos Santos , Prete Ana Cristina Lo , Sousa Chriscia Jamilly Pinto de , Monteiro Marta Chagas , Ribeiro Carolina Heitmann Mares Azevedo
Published: December 2020

Objectives: This study set out to determine whether there are any correlations between lipid and glucose levels and oxidative stress presented by elderly patients with and without nontransmissible chronic diseases (NTCDs). Methods: Serum biochemical concentrations of lipoproteins, glucose and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and nitric oxide) were determined in 44 elderly patients (22 elderly people without NTCDs and 22 elderly people with NTCDs), aged between 60 and 81 years old. Results: The elderly people with NTCDs showed higher LDL concentrations, glucose, and oxidative stress markers than those without NTCDs. There was a positive and significant correlation between the levels of malondialdehyde with the abnormal lipid profile of the elderly without NTCDs and hyperglycaemia presented by elderly people with NTCDs. The total trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity had a negative correlation with the levels of malondialdehyde in the elderly without NTCDs. Another negative correlation was observed between the levels of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde in elderly people with NTCDs. Conclusion: Once oxidative stress and abnormal lipid profile have occurred in both groups, it is suggested that the hyperglycemia present in the group with chronic diseases has been determinant for the increase of the oxidative stress found in this group.
Nutritional and technological potential of whole unripe Bluggoe and Prata-Anã banana flours
Authors: Borsoi Luana Manfioletti , Soares Mariana Guadagnini Lisboa , Silva Amanda Inácia de Souza , Sena Geralda Gillian Silva , Ascheri José Luis Ramírez , Silva Erika Madeira Moreira da
Published: December 2020

The objective of this work was to evaluate the nutritional and technological potential of whole unripe Prata-Anã and Bluggoe flours. Both types of bananas were selected at stage 1 of ripening, including pulp and peel to obtain flour. Determinations of yield, color, chemical composition, resistant starch (RS), antioxidant capacity, total phenolics, tannins, water activity, water absorption, water solubility, oil absorption, and viscosity were carried out. Unripe Prata-Anã and Bluggoe flours presented average yields of 24.2 % and 24.8 %, respectively. The Bluggoe cultivar had a higher pulp content (62.9 %), and Prata-Anã had a higher peel content (41.4 %). A higher RS content and antioxidant capacity for the Prata-Anã cultivar was verified. On the other hand, the Bluggoe cultivar presented a higher fiber content. Prata-Anã WUBF presented higher nutritional and technological application potential. However, both flours require heating during preparation, or pre-cooking, when applied to new food products.
Integrated Marketing Communication Pada Usaha Industrial Internet of Things - Machine Vision
Authors:   Universitas Ciputra Surabaya Indonesia, Teguh Monika , Niantiara Aulialukita ,   Universitas Ciputra Surabaya Indonesia, Hartansa Andrea ,   Universitas Ciputra Surabaya Indonesia
Published: December 2020

In this era, the Indonesian government is committed to increase Indonesia competitiveness position towards other countries. To achieve this goal, the Ministry of Industry spur domestic industries to innovate in the face of Industry 4.0. One company that answers this challenge is Machine Vision that focuses on Industrial Internet of Things. It optimizes modernizes, and digitizes the Indonesian industry to help companies grow, maximize productivity, and promote efficiency in business processes. This new and unique type of business has difficulties that must be overcome, where it must be able to penetrate an unusual market. Therefore, this study discussed the strategy of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) conducted by Machine Vision. This study uses qualitative descriptive research methods with structured interview data collection techniques. The results of this study are, IMC strategy has been contributed positively to Machine Vision with the division of two groups, namely primary and secondary. The positive impact was assessed from the existence of repeat customers and client interest in content on Machine Vision’s social media. But aside from those positive effects, also found several threats in the future.
Public Relations or Humas: How do the public and practitioners perceive it?
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya Malang Indonesia, Kriyantono Rachmat , Anggraini Choiria ,   Universitas Brawijaya Malang Indonesia
Published: December 2020

This study aims to describe the public and practitioner's perceptions of the public relations or Humas profession. Public relations plays a role in maintaining the credibility of the organization which is built from public perceptions. Apart from public relations, this profession is also called humas. However, based on Propechy's Self-Fulfilling Theory, it is possible to have different meanings by the public and practitioners related to these two terms. This study uses a constructivist approach (qualitative) and interview methods to collect data. The number of informants was 200 people in Malang City. The focus of this research is to find perceptions about what public relations or humas is, its functions, its relation to gender, and educational background. This research produces four propositions, namely public and practitioner perceptions of public relations and humas tends to be positive, public relations and humas are considered the same profession, men and women are perceived to be practitioners in this profession, and practitioners should come from the discipline of communication science and public relations. This research contributes to challenge the previous view that public relations is seen as an attempt to manipulate communication messages.
PENGARUH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF TIPE TEAM GAMES TOURNAMENT TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR KIMIA SISWA KELAS X SMAN 1 AMBALAWI
Authors: Munandar Arif Munandar
Published: December 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh model pembelajaran Teams GamesTournament terhadap hasil belajar kimia siswa pada materi konfigurasi elektron di kelas XSMAN 1 Ambalawi tahun pelajaran 2018/2019. Pembelajaran kooperatif tipe TGT terdiridari 5 komponen utama, yaitu: presentasi di kelas, tim (kelompok), game (permainan),turnamnet (pertandingan) dan rekongnisi tim (penghargaan kelompok). Metode yangdigunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode eksperimen semu (quasi experiment).Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Sampelpenelitian ini adalah siswa kelas X IPA 3 sebagai kelas eksperimen yang diberi perlakuanmodel pembelajaran Teams Games Tournament dan siswa kelas X IPA 2 yang diberimetode ceramah. Perolehan nilai rata rata hasil belajar siswa kelas eksperimen adalah 82.52dengan skor tertinggi 100 dan skor terendah sebesar 40 sedangkan pada kelas kontrolmemiliki skor rata-rata sebesar 69.67 dengan skor tertinggi 90 dan skor terendah 55. Teknikanalisis data yang dilakukan untuk uji normalitas adalah uji Kolmogorov-Smirnova dan ujihomogenitas menggunakan uji Levene, dilanjutkan dengan uji hipotesis denganmenggunakan uji Mann Whitney U, hasil uji Mann Whitney U diperoleh nilai signifikansinnyasebesar 0.00, maka 0.00 < 0.05. Hal ini menunjukan bahwa terdapat pengaruh modelpembelajaran kooperatif tipe TGT (teams games tournament) terhadap hasil belajar kimiasiswa pada materi konfigurasi elektron
Streamlining Natural Products Biomanufacturing With Omics and Machine Learning Driven Microbial Engineering
Authors: Ramzi Ahmad Bazli , Baharum Syarul Nataqain , Bunawan Hamidun , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: December 2020

Increasing demands for the supply of biopharmaceuticals have propelled the advancement of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology strategies for biomanufacturing of bioactive natural products. Using metabolically engineered microbes as the bioproduction hosts, a variety of natural products including terpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, and cannabinoids have been synthesized through the construction and expression of known and newly found biosynthetic genes primarily from model and non-model plants. The employment of omics technology and machine learning (ML) platforms as high throughput analytical tools has been increasingly leveraged in promoting data-guided optimization of targeted biosynthetic pathways and enhancement of the microbial production capacity, thereby representing a critical debottlenecking approach in improving and streamlining natural products biomanufacturing. To this end, this mini review summarizes recent efforts that utilize omics platforms and ML tools in strain optimization and prototyping and discusses the beneficial uses of omics-enabled discovery of plant biosynthetic genes in the production of complex plant-based natural products by bioengineered microbes.
Design and Application in Delivery System of Intranasal Antidepressants
Authors: Xu Jingying , Tao Jiangang , Wang Jidong
Published: December 2020

One of the major reasons why depressed patients fail their treatment course is the existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which prevents drugs from being delivered to the central nervous system (CNS). In recent years, nasal drug delivery has achieved better systemic bioavailability and activity in low doses in antidepressant treatment. In this review, we focused on the latest strategies for delivery carriers (or formation) of intranasal antidepressants. We began this review with an overview of the nasal drug delivery systems, including nasal drug delivery route, absorption mechanism, advantages, and limitations in the nasal drug delivery route. Next, we introduced the development of nasal drug delivery devices, such as powder devices, liquid-based devices, and so on. Finally, intranasal delivery carriers of antidepressants in clinical studies, including nanogels, nanostructured lipid, liposomes nanoparticles, nanoemulsions/microemulsion, were summarized. Moreover, challenges and future perspectives on recent progress of intranasal delivery carriers in antidepressant treatments were discussed.
The Role of Blockchains in Multi-Stakeholder Transactive Energy Systems
Authors: Eisele Scott , Laszka Aron , Schmidt Douglas C. , Dubey Abhishek
Published: December 2020

Power grids are undergoing major changes due to rapid growth in renewable energy and improvements in battery technology. Prompted by the increasing complexity of power systems, decentralized solutions are emerging that arrange local communities into transactive microgrids. This paper addresses the problem of implementing transactive energy mechanisms in a distributed setting, providing both privacy and safety. Specifically, we design and implement an automated auction and matching system that ensures safety (e.g., satisfaction of line capacity constraints), preserves privacy, and promotes local trade and market efficiency for transactive energy systems. This design problem is challenging because safety, market efficiency, and privacy are competing objectives. We implement our solution as a decentralized trading platform built on blockchain technology and smart contracts. To demonstrate the viability of our platform, we analyze the results of experiments with dozens of embedded devices and energy production and consumption profiles using an actual dataset from the transactive energy domain.
Enhancing Research in Natural Hazards Engineering Through the DesignSafe Cyberinfrastructure
Authors: Rathje Ellen M. , Dawson Clint , Padgett Jamie E. , Pinelli Jean-Paul , Stanzione Dan , Arduino Pedro , Brandenberg Scott J. , Cockerill Tim , Esteva Maria , Haan Fred L. , Kareem Ahsan , Lowes Laura , Mosqueda Gilberto
Published: December 2020

The DesignSafe cyberinfrastructure (www.designsafe-ci.org) is part of the NSF-funded Natural Hazard Engineering Research Infrastructure (NHERI) and provides cloud-based tools to manage, analyze, understand, and publish critical data for research to understand the impacts of natural hazards. The DesignSafe Data Depot provides private and public disk space to support research collaboration and data publishing through a web interface. The DesignSafe Reconnaissance Portal uses a map interface to provide easy access to data collected to investigate the effects of natural hazards, and the DesignSafe Workspace provides cloud-based tools for simulation, data analytics, and visualization; as well as access to high performance computing (HPC). This paper provides an overview of the DesignSafe cyberinfrastructure and describes specific examples of the use of DesignSafe in research for natural hazards. These examples include electronic data reports that use Jupyter notebooks to allow researchers to interrogate data interactively within the web portal, computational workflows that integrate ensembles of HPC-based simulations and surrogate modeling, and the publication of field research data after natural hazard events that utilize a variety of DesignSafe tools. The paper also provides an overall assessment of current DesignSafe impact and usage, demonstrating how DesignSafe is enhancing research in natural hazards.
GPER1 Silencing Suppresses the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Gastric Cancer Cells by Inhibiting PI3K/AKT–Mediated EMT
Authors: Xu En , Xia Xuefeng , Jiang Chaoyu , Li Zijian , Yang Zhi , Zheng Chang , Wang Xingzhou , Du Shangce , Miao Ji , Wang Feng , Wang Yizhou , Lu Xiaofeng , Guan Wenxian
Published: December 2020

G protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER1) is a membrane estrogen receptor, belonging to the seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors family, and has important biological functions in cancer. However, the functional role of GPER1 in gastric cancer (GC) remain incompletely understood. In the present study, we employed gene set enrichment analysis and discovered that GPER1 expression was concomitant with EMT process and was positively correlated with activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in GC. Knockdown of GPER1 with siRNA suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of AGS and MGC-803 GC cells. Knockdown of GPER1 also downregulated the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and vimentin, upregulated E-cadherin, an epithelial marker, and suppressed expression of the Snail, Slug and Twist1 transcription factors, indicating that knockdown of GPER1 inhibited EMT. Moreover, 740Y-P, a PI3K activator, reversed the effects of GPER1 knockdown on EMT processes. Overexpression of GPER1 with plasmid can further prove these findings. In summary, these data demonstrate that GPER1 inhibition suppresses the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting PI3K/AKT-mediated EMT. Our study elucidated the function of GPER1 in gastric cancer, and we identified PI3K/AKT-mediated EMT as a novel mechanism by which GPER1 contributes to proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer. These data suggest that combining inhibition of GPER1 and PI3K may be a potential therapeutic approach to inhibit gastric cancer metastasis.
DNA-Histone Cross-Links: Formation and Repair
Authors: Pachva Manideep C. , Kisselev Alexei F. , Matkarimov Bakhyt T. , Saparbaev Murat , Groisman Regina
Published: December 2020

The nucleosome is a stretch of DNA wrapped around a histone octamer. Electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds between histones and DNA are vital for the stable organization of nucleosome core particles, and for the folding of chromatin into more compact structures, which regulate gene expression via controlled access to DNA. As a drawback of tight association, under genotoxic stress, DNA can accidentally cross-link to histone in a covalent manner, generating a highly toxic DNA-histone cross-link (DHC). DHC is a bulky lesion that can impede DNA transcription, replication, and repair, often with lethal consequences. The chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin, as well as ionizing and ultraviolet irradiations and endogenously occurring reactive aldehydes, generate DHCs by forming either stable or transient covalent bonds between DNA and side-chain amino groups of histone lysine residues. The mechanisms of DHC repair start to unravel, and certain common principles of DNA-protein cross-link (DPC) repair mechanisms that participate in the removal of cross-linked histones from DNA have been described. In general, DPC is removed via a two-step repair mechanism. First, cross-linked proteins are degraded by specific DPC proteases or by the proteasome, relieving steric hindrance. Second, the remaining DNA-peptide cross-links are eliminated in various DNA repair pathways. Delineating the molecular mechanisms of DHC repair would help target specific DNA repair proteins for therapeutic intervention to combat tumor resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
A Dynamic Role of Mastermind-Like 1: A Journey Through the Main (Path)ways Between Development and Cancer
Authors: Zema Sabrina , Pelullo Maria , Nardozza Francesca , Felli Maria Pia , Screpanti Isabella , Bellavia Diana
Published: December 2020

Major signaling pathways, such as Notch, Hedgehog (Hh), Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo, are targeted by a plethora of physiological and pathological stimuli, ultimately resulting in the modulation of genes that act coordinately to establish specific biological processes. Many biological programs are strictly controlled by the assembly of multiprotein complexes into the nucleus, where a regulated recruitment of specific transcription factors and coactivators on gene promoter region leads to different transcriptional outcomes. MAML1 results to be a versatile coactivator, able to set up synergistic interlinking with pivotal signaling cascades and able to coordinate the network of cross-talking pathways. Accordingly, despite its original identification as a component of the Notch signaling pathway, several recent reports suggest a more articulated role for MAML1 protein, showing that it is able to sustain/empower Wnt/β-catenin, Hh and Hippo pathways, in a Notch-independent manner. For this reason, MAML1 may be associated to a molecular “switch”, with the function to control the activation of major signaling pathways, triggering in this way critical biological processes during embryonic and post-natal life. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the pleiotropic role played by MAML proteins, in particular MAML1, and we recapitulate how it takes part actively in physiological and pathological signaling networks. On this point, we also discuss the contribution of MAML proteins to malignant transformation. Accordingly, genetic alterations or impaired expression of MAML proteins may lead to a deregulated crosstalk among the pathways, culminating in a series of pathological disorders, including cancer development. Given their central role, a better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that regulate the interplay of MAML proteins with several signaling pathways involved in tumorigenesis may open up novel opportunities for an attractive molecular targeted anticancer therapy.
How to Become a Generalist Species? Individual Niche Variation Across Habitat Transformation Gradients
Authors: Liang Dan , Yang Shengnan , Pagani-Núñez Emilio , He Chao , Liu Yang , Goodale Eben , Liao Wen Bo , Hu Junhua
Published: December 2020

Species in transformed habitats, frequently labeled as environmental generalists, tend to show broader niches than species in natural habitats. However, how population niche expansion translates into changes in the niches of individual organisms remains unclear, particularly in the context of habitat transformation. Niche expansion could be a product of individuals having broader niches, greater distances among individuals’ niches, or a combination of both processes. This would challenge the traditional conceptions on niche dynamics, which emphasize the role played by individual specialization (IS). Here, using stable isotopes, we computed total niche width (TNW), its within- and between-individual components (WIC and BIC), and IS (the ratio WIC/TNW), in 13 populations of 6 bird species and 8 populations of 3 frog species in natural and transformed habitats. We confirmed that species had broader niche width in transformed than in natural habitats, yet population niche expansion across habitats was mainly a product of increased distance between individuals. Within each habitat type, increases in TNW were linked to increases in WIC for all habitat types, while relationships between TNW and BIC were found in transformed but not in natural habitats. Hence, both increased individual niche width and increased distance among individuals were apparent within habitats, particularly in transformed ones, where increases in WIC dominated. Neither across or within habitats was niche expansion associated with increasing IS. Therefore, our results overturn traditional conceptions associated with the niche variation hypothesis and illustrate that niche expansion is not invariably associated with increased IS, because the distance between individual’s niches (BIC) can increase, as well as the breadth of those niches (WIC).
Predicting the Disease Risk of Protein Mutation Sequences With Pre-training Model
Authors: Li Kuan , Zhong Yue , Lin Xuan , Quan Zhe
Published: December 2020

Accurately identifying the missense mutations is of great help to alleviate the loss of protein function and structural changes, which might greatly reduce the risk of disease for tumor suppressor genes (e.g., BRCA1 and PTEN). In this paper, we propose a hybrid framework, called BertVS, that predicts the disease risk for the missense mutation of proteins. Our framework is able to learn sequence representations from the protein domain through pre-training BERT models, and also integrates with the hydrophilic properties of amino acids to obtain the sequence representations of biochemical characteristics. The concatenation of two learned representations are then sent to the classifier to predict the missense mutations of protein sequences. Specifically, we use the protein family database (Pfam) as a corpus to train the BERT model to learn the contextual information of protein sequences, and our pre-training BERT model achieves a value of 0.984 on accuracy in the masked language model prediction task. We conduct extensive experiments on BRCA1 and PTEN datasets. With comparison to the baselines, results show that BertVS achieves higher performance of 0.920 on AUROC and 0.915 on AUPR in the functionally critical domain of the BRCA1 gene. Additionally, the extended experiment on the ClinVar dataset can illustrate that gene variants with known clinical significance can also be efficiently classified by our method. Therefore, BertVS can learn the functional information of the protein sequences and effectively predict the disease risk of variants with an uncertain clinical significance.
Impact of Household Cooking Techniques on African Nightshade and Chinese Cabbage on Phenolic Compounds, Antinutrients, in vitro Antioxidant, and β-Glucosidase Activity
Authors: Managa Millicent G. , Shai Jerry , Thi Phan Anh Dao , Sultanbawa Yasmina , Sivakumar Dharini
Published: December 2020

Different household cooking techniques (boiling, steaming, stir frying, and microwave) were tested on the changes of targeted phenolic compounds, antioxidant property (ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP) activity), α-glucosidase activity, antinutritive compounds, and sensory properties in commonly consumed traditional leafy vegetables in Southern Africa, the non-heading Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis) and African nightshade (Solanum retroflexum Dun). Stir frying increased kaempferol-3-O-hydroxyferuloyl-trihexoside, kaempferol-dihexoside, sinapoyl malate, rutin, and isorhamnetin-O-dihexoside in Chinese cabbage leaves, followed by steaming. Similarly, stir frying increased kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, chlorogenic acid, caffeoylmalic acid, and quercetin-3-O-xylosyl-rutinoside in nightshade, followed by steaming. Biomarkers, sinapoyl malate (Chinese cabbage) and caffeoylmalic acid (nightshade), separated the stir frying from the other cooking techniques. Steaming and stir-frying techniques significantly increased the FRAP activity; whereas boiling and microwaving reduced the tannin, oxalate, and phytate contents in both leafy vegetables and steroidal saponins in nightshade. Stir-fried nightshade leaf extract showed the most effective inhibition against α-glucosidase activity, with an IC50 of 26.4 μg ml−1, which was higher than acarbose, a synthetic compound (positive control; IC50 69.83 μg ml−1). Sensory panelists preferred the stir-fried Chinese cabbage and nightshade leaves, followed by steamed, microwaved, and boiled vegetables.
Enteroadsorbent Polymethylsiloxane Polyhydrate vs. Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in the Treatment of Rotaviral Gastroenteritis in Infants and Toddlers, a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Markovinović Leo , Knezović Ivica , Kniewald Tihana , Stemberger Marić Lorna , Trkulja Vladimir , Tešović Goran
Published: December 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare two adjunct therapies in the treatment of childhood rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE). We compared the recommended treatment, probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (BioGaia®), vs. a novel treatment, enterosorbent polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate (Enterosgel®).

Methods: This was an open-label, randomized, clinical controlled trial at the University Hospital for Infectious Diseases (UHID) in Zagreb, Croatia. A total of 149 children aged 6–36 months with acute rotaviral gastroenteritis over a period of <48 h, with no significant chronic comorbidity, were randomized to receive the standard therapy with L. reuteri DSM 17938 (hereafter L. reuteri) or polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate (hereafter PMSPH) therapy, during 5 days. The primary end point was time to recovery in days in both groups. The recovery was defined as absence of fever and vomiting and either the first firm stool, absence of stool for more than 24 h, or return of usual bowel habit.

Results: A total of 75 children were randomized into the L. reuteri group and 74 were randomized into the PMSPH group; after excluding missing data, the data from 65 children in each group were analyzed. There was no significant difference in the treatment efficacy between the two regimens with an estimated median time of recovery of 6 days in both groups (p = 0.754). No significant side effects were observed in either group.

Conclusion: Novel enterosorbent PMSPH had a similar efficacy to probiotic L. reuteri in the treatment of rotaviral gastroenteritis in preschool children.

Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04116307 [October 3, 2019] (retrospectively registered). https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04116307.
Integrative Perinatal Management Enhanced the Advantage of Prenatal Diagnosis on Critical Pulmonary Valve Stenosis: An Observational Preliminary Study
Authors: Li Jiawen , Li Gang , Shi Xiaoqing , Wang Chuan , Duan Hongyu , Zhou Kaiyu , Hua Yimin , Li Yifei
Published: December 2020

Background: Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty (PBPV) is recommended as a first-choice treatment for critical pulmonary stenosis (CPS). A concept of perinatal integrative management has been developed. Unfortunately, the evidence on the advantage of integrative management for CPS during the perinatal period is absent.

Methods: Single-center, observational, preliminary research has been developed, and three groups have been enrolled. There were 42 children with CPS enrolled for this study between January 2014 and December 2017 in our center, and their follow-up duration is at least 1 year. Three groups were set up: the integrative perinatal management group (group I), who received prenatal diagnosis with perinatal management to maintain circulation and an optimized PBPV procedure; the prenatal diagnosis group (group PR), who received a diagnosis of pulmonary stenosis before birth without any monitoring and perinatal management; and the postnatal diagnosis group (group PO), who received the CPS diagnosis after birth.

Result: There were 13 patients enrolled in group I, 11 babies enrolled in group PR, and 18 cases included in group PO. Integrative management helped to put the timing of PBPV in advance. The age for PBPV in group I was 9.38 ± 5.58 days, and groups PR and PO were 24.54 ± 4.87 and 49.11 ± 9.50 days, respectively. The average peak transvalvular gradient (PGs) of the perinatal management group (group I) and prenatal diagnosis group (group PR) remained at a stable level. However, the average PGs of group PO were progressively elevated during follow-up. Moreover, the follow-up data from group I revealed an advantage in RV development and functional restoration. There was no difference among the three groups in the ratio of reintervention and postoperative moderate pulmonary regurgitation during 1-year follow-up (p >0.05).

Conclusion: Prenatal diagnosis helps to improve the outcomes of PBPV. Moreover, perinatal integrative medical management enhances the advantage of prenatal diagnosis. However, this research is still a small-size cohort study, and the limited population number and follow-up duration were the major limitations to expand the conclusions.
Audit of Anesthetic Equipment in Veterinary Clinics in Spain and Portugal
Authors: Redondo Jose I. , Domenech Luis , Mateu Cristina , Bañeres Alfon , Martínez Amalia , Lopes Diana
Published: December 2020

The objective of this retrospective study was to review the results of a 4-year audit performed on anesthetic machines and vaporizers used in veterinary clinics in Spain and Portugal. Data was collected between July 2016 and April 2020. Inspections were carried out by a team of seven veterinarians, using a human-modified system of checks that was adapted to a veterinary practice. The evaluation of each item was noted as “correct” or “incorrect”. The vaporizers' performance was evaluated using a self-calibrating gas analyzer. The vaporizer was classified as “correct” or “incorrect” when the vaporization error was less than or equal to, or more than 20%, respectively. The anesthetic machine was classified as “conforming” if all its components were noted as “correct” and no leaks were detected, or as “non-conforming” if any of the components was noted as “incorrect” or if a leak was detected. If the inspector was able to repair on-site the item malfunctions detected and the machine was fit for use, they issued a final report as “conforming.” On the contrary, if such malfunctions persisted, the final report was “non-conforming,” and a recommendation to remove the machine from service until its final repair was provided. To perform statistical analysis, each inspected item was used as predictor, classification and regression trees were built, and a random forest analysis was performed. A total of 2,001 anesthetic machines and 2,309 vaporizers were studied. After inspection, 42.7 and 26.4% of the machines were non-conforming and conforming, respectively, whereas 30.9% could be repaired in situ. A total of 27.1% of the isoflurane vaporizers and 35.9% of the sevoflurane vaporizers were incorrect. Machine learning techniques showed that the most important variables in the classification of the anesthetic machines as conforming or non-conforming were mostly the scavenger system and the canister, followed some way behind by the APL valve, source of oxygen, reservoir bag, vaporizer, and connections.
Advanced Passenger Movement Model Depending On the Aircraft Cabin Geometry
Authors: Engelmann Marc , Kleinheinz Tim , Hornung Mirko
Published: December 2020

The aircraft cabin and boarding procedures are steadily increasing focus points for both aircraft manufacturers and airlines, as they play a key part in the customer experience. In the German research project AVACON (AdVAnced Aircraft CONcepts), the boarding procedure is assessed using the PAXelerate boarding simulation. As the project demands an increased level of detail concerning the passenger movement model, this publication introduces an improved methodology. Additions to the model include the development of a method capable of describing the passenger walking speed in dependence of the surrounding objects, their proximity as well as the location of other passengers within the cabin. The validation of the model is performed using the AVACON research baseline and an Airbus A320. The model is then applied to an altered version of the Airbus A320 with an extended aisle and to a COVID-19 safe distance scenario. Regarding the results, an extended aisle width delivers boarding times reduced by up to 3%, whereas the COVID-19 assessment delivers a 67% increase in boarding times. Concluding, the integration of the newly developed model empowers PAXelerate to simulate a more detailed boarding process and enables a better understanding of the influence of cabin layout changes to an aircraft’s boarding performance.
Solar Drying of Greenhouse Crop Residues for Energy Valorization: Modeling and Determination of Optimal Conditions
Authors: Pinna-Hernández Maria Guadalupe , Fernández Francisco Gabriel Acien , Segura José Gabriel López , López José Luis Casas
Published: December 2020

Large amounts of crop residue are produced annually in areas such as Almeria (Spain). These residues have elevated moisture and ash contents, and are also very heterogeneous, which hinders their reutilization. With the aim of facilitating biomass utilization in energy recovery-related processes, a model for solar drying was developed. Experiments were performed inside a greenhouse with tomato and pepper residues, following two strategies (hung or stacked residues). The influence of temperature and relative humidity on the residues’ equilibrium moisture was also studied. The results were that a model allowed for determination of the equilibrium moisture as a function of ambient conditions (temperature and relative humidity), with the model’s characteristic parameters being different for each crop residue. Regarding the drying process, the results conform to first-order kinetics, with the values of the kinetic constants varying as a function of the crop residues and their arrangement. The variation in equilibrium moisture as a function of the annual variation in ambient conditions (temperature and relative humidity) in Almería means that it would only be possible to dry crop residues inside greenhouse below a moisture level of 0.43 kgwater/kgdrysolids (30% water content) from April to November.
Differential Influence of No-Tillage and Precipitation Pulses on Soil Heterotrophic and Autotrophic Respiration of Summer Maize in the North China Plain
Authors: Du Kun , Li Fadong , Leng Peifang , Li Zhao , Tian Chao , Qiao Yunfeng , Li Zhaoxin
Published: December 2020

It is important to strengthen the studies on the response of soil respiration components to tillage practices and natural precipitation in cropland. Therefore, soil heterotrophic respiration (RH) and autotrophic (RA) respiration were monitored by a root exclusion method in the North China Plain (NCP). The tillage practices included no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT), and the study periods were the summer maize growth stages in 2018 and 2019. RH, RA, soil water content and temperature were measured continuously for 113 days by an automatic sampling and analysis system. The soil RH values on bright days and rain-affected days were higher under NT in 2018 (14.22 and 15.06 g CO2 m−2 d−1, respectively) than in 2019 (8.25 and 13.30 g CO2 m−2 d−1, respectively). However, the RA values on bright days and rain-affected days were lower under NT in 2018 (4.74 and 4.97 g CO2 m−2 d−1, respectively) than in 2019 (5.67 and 6.93 g CO2 m−2 d−1, respectively). Moreover, NT decreased RH but increased RA compared to CT in 2019. Compared to bright days, the largest increase in both RH and RA after rain pulses was under CT in 2019 (6.75 and 1.80 g CO2 m−2 d−1, respectively). Soil water content and soil temperature were higher in 2018 than in 2019. Moreover, NT increased soil water content and decreased soil temperature on bright days compared to CT in 2019. Furthermore, soil temperature accounted for more variations in RH on bright days and rain-affected days, but soil water content had a greater influence on RA on bright days. However, after precipitation, higher soil water content decreased RA under NT in 2018, while soil water content was positively related to RA under CT in 2019. This study determined the differential response of RH and RA to tillage practices and natural precipitation pulses, and we confirmed that excessively dry soil increases soil carbon loss after rain events in the NCP.
A Strip-Till One-Pass System as a Component of Conservation Agriculture
Authors: Jaskulska Iwona , Romaneckas Kestutis , Jaskulski Dariusz , Wojewódzki Piotr
Published: December 2020

Conservation agriculture has three main pillars, i.e., minimum tillage, permanent soil cover, and crop rotation. Covering the soil surface with plant residues and minimum mechanical soil disturbance can all result from introducing a strip-till one-pass (ST-OP) system. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the ST-OP technology on the management of plant residues, soil properties, inputs, and emissions related to crop cultivation. We compared the effect of a ST-OP system against conventional tillage (CT) using a plough, and against reduced, non-ploughing tillage (RT). Four field experiments were conducted for evaluating the covering of soil with plant residues of the previous crop, soil loss on a slope exposed to surface soil runoff, soil structure and aggregate stability, occurrence of soil organisms and glomalin content, soil moisture and soil water reserve during plant sowing, labour and fuel inputs, and CO2 emissions. After sowing plants using ST-OP, 62.7–82.0% of plant residues remained on the soil surface, depending on the previous crop and row spacing. As compared with CT, the ST-OP system increased the stability of soil aggregates of 0.25–2.0 mm diameter by 12.7%, glomalin content by 0.08 g·kg−1, weight of earthworms five-fold, bacteria and fungi counts, and moisture content in the soil; meanwhile, it decreased soil loss by 2.57–6.36 t·ha−1 year−1, labour input by 114–152 min·ha−1, fuel consumption by 35.9–45.8 l·ha−1, and CO2 emissions by 98.7–125.9 kg·ha−1. Significant favourable changes, as compared with reduced tillage (RT), were also found with respect to the stability index of aggregates of 2.0–10.0 mm diameter, the number and weight of earthworms, as well as bacteria and fungi counts.
Crop and Residue Management Improves Productivity and Profitability of Rice–Maize System in Salt-Affected Rainfed Lowlands of East India
Authors: Sarangi Sukanta K. , Singh Sudhanshu , Srivastava Ashish K. , Choudhary Madhu , Mandal Uttam K. , Lama Tashi D. , Mahanta Kshirendra K. , Kumar Virender , Sharma Parbodh C. , Ismail Abdelbagi M.
Published: December 2020

This study was conducted over 3 years in a salt-affected coastal rainfed lowland ecosystem. Farmers most commonly grow tall rice varieties in the wet season to cope with flash and/or stagnant floods, leading to large amounts of rice residue production. Most of the land remains fallow during the dry season because of increased salinity and scarcity of freshwater for irrigation. The study aims to provide options for increasing cropping intensity through management of crop residues (CR) and soil salinity, conservation of soil moisture, and reduction in production cost. The rice–maize rotation was assessed with rice as the main plot as (1) puddled transplanted rice (PTR) with CR of both rice and maize removed, (2) PTR and 40% CR of both crops retained, (3) dry direct-seeded rice (DSR) with CR of both crops removed, and (4) DSR with 40% CR of both crops retained. Maize in the dry season was supplied with different N levels as sub-plots—control (0 kg N ha−1), 80, 120, and 160 kg N ha−1. DSR, when combined with CR retention (DSR + R), reduced soil salinity. The increase in rice grain yield with CR retention (observed in second and third years) and crop establishment (higher in DSR versus PTR in the third year) was 16 and 24%, respectively. The cost of production increased by 17% (USD 605 ha−1) in PTR compared with DSR (USD 518 ha−1). CR retention reduced irrigation water requirement by 37% and N requirement by 40 kg ha−1 for hybrid maize. When CR was removed (−R), the N requirement for hybrid maize increased to 160 kg N ha−1 compared to when it was partially (40%) retained, where the requirement was 120 kg ha−1 with similar yields. Available N was highest under DSR + R (314 kg ha−1) and lowest under PTR − R (169 kg ha−1), and it also increased with increasing N application up to 120 kg ha−1 (+R) and 160 kg ha−1 (−R). The results of the study hold promise for increasing cropping intensity and farmers’ incomes, with broader implications for increasing productivity on about 2.95 million hectares currently under a rice–fallow system in eastern India, and in coastal areas affected by similar conditions in South and Southeast Asia.