bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managment of sulphur fertilizer in forage sorghum crop cultivated in eutrophic Cambisol with alkaline pH
Authors: Castañon Thiago Henrique Ferreira Matos , Aquino Boanerges Freire de , Silva Edna Maria Bonfim , Lima Izabel Maria Almeida , Damasceno Ana Paula Alves Barreto
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of soil fertilization with sulfur-based fertilizers, sulfate and elemental sulfur forms on biomass production, nutrient characteristics of sorghum and soil chemical properties. The experiment was carried out in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme (four sulfur sources: single superphosphate, agricultural gypsum, elemental sulfur powder and elemental sulfur granulated with bentonite, and four sulfur doses: 0, 40, 80, 120 mgdm-3) using four replications in a completely randomized design, being cultivated in pots under greenhouse conditions. The sorghum was cultivated for a period of 51 days after emergence of the seedlings. The shoot dry mass, shoot macronutrients content, root and soil and pH of the soil were evaluated. There were interactions between sources and sulfur doses in the variables such as shoot dry mass, sulfur in the root, sulfur and calcium in the soil. Elemental sulfur (granulate) showed lower concentrations of phosphorus, sulfur and N:S ratio in the shoot. The concentrations of potassium, calcium and magnesium did not show significant differences, both for the shoot and the root. The pH of the soil was reduced depending on the sources and doses of elemental sulfur. The sources and doses of sulfur did not influence the levels of phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium in the soil. The elemental sulfur in the form of powder is the best source of sulfur for forage sorghum cultivated in soil with alkaline pH.
Residual effect of commonly used herbicides of sugarcane on pre-emergence of peanut cultivars in succession
Authors: Zanardo Henrique Gonzalez , Carrega Willians César , Bacha Allan Lopes , Martins Pedro de Figueiredo Rocha Barbosa , Cesarin Anne Elise , Alves Pedro Luis da Costa Aguiar , Godoy Ignácio José de
Published: October 2019

Studies on the residual effect of herbicides commonly used in sugarcane on peanut crops are essential for crop management due to the expansion of peanut areas on sugarcane fields throughout the country. Therefore, this work evaluates the effect of herbicides commonly used in sugarcane crops on the pre-emergence of five peanut cultivars. The experimental design was a randomized block with treatments in factorial arrangement: 11 (10 herbicides + 1 water control) x 5 (peanut genotypes) in four replications. To evaluate the residual effect, plants that normally emerged at 15 days after application (DAA) were counted and the visual evaluation of plant toxicity was performed at 16, 23 and 30 DAA. At the end of the experiment, dry matter of shoots and roots was measured. According to the results, line 870 and cultivar IAC 503 were tolerant to mesotrione (0.144 a.i. ha-1) in the pre-emergence. However, herbicides sulfentrazone and clomazone caused strong visual symptoms of toxicity, impairing the emergence and development of all genotypes. The herbicides imazapic, 2,4-D, saflufenacil and S-metolachlor, in turn, caused mild visual symptoms of toxicity, but also impaired the emergence and development of all genotypes. Hexazinone, tebuthiuron and amicarbazone applied in pre-emergence caused the death of cultivars. Mesotrione was the only herbicide feasible to the cultivars studied. The genotypes do not react equally to certain products, thus, there is a need for further studies under field conditions to confirm the responses obtained in this study and verify whether the yield potential is affected.
Nitrogen fertilization of maize with enhanced-efficiency fertilizer
Authors: Júnior Luiz Antônio Zanão , Costa Antônio , Júnior Roberto dos Anjos Reis , Laureth Jéssica C. Urbanski
Published: October 2019

Urea fertilizers coated with polymers are used to optimize nitrogen (N) uptake by crops. However, there are many types of polymers that can be used for coating, leading to differences in observed results. Consequently, validation of this technology to guarantee its viability in agriculture is necessary. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of ammonium- and nitrate-N levels in the soil, maize yield and nutritional status, N fertilization efficiency with Policote® urea coating, and different N doses under various soil and climatic conditions. Three field experiments were carried out to compare the performance of common urea with Policote® coated urea. A (2 x 4) + 1 factorial design with two N sources (common urea and Policote® coated urea), four N doses, and a control treatment (without N) was used. The results showed that Nitrate-N levels in the soil were not affected by the treatments. However, the ammonium-N levels was increased with N fertilization. Higher levels of soil ammonium-N contents were observed in treatments with Policote® coated urea. Foliar nitrogen levels were increased linearly with N doses only in one of the experiments. Nitrogen fertilization significantly increased maize yield. Higher yield and N fertilization efficiency were observed in treatments with Policote® coated urea than with common urea.
Interference of speed at cutting height and damage to rootstock in mechanical harvesting of sugarcane
Authors: Martins Murilo Battistuzzi , Testa João Vitor Paulo , Drudi Fernanda Scaranello , Sandi Jefferson , Ramos Carlos Renato Guedes , Lanças Kléber Pereira
Published: October 2019

In the mechanized harvest, the quality of the basal cut becomes one of the most important factors because it is associated with sprouting of the cane field. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of speed at cutting height and damage to the rootstock in function of mechanized harvesting of sugarcane. The variety used was CTC 15, with an average yield of 92.5 t ha-1. The mechanized harvest was conducted without previous burning of the cane field, in an area with a slope of 6% and a spacing of 1.5 meters between rows of planting. Three speeds were selected for movement of the harvester: V1: 3.0, V2: 5.0 and V3: 7.0 km h-1, performed with four replications. The evaluation of the quality of the mechanized harvest in relation to the basal cut was determined with the evaluation of the remaining stumps and the damages caused to rootstocks after the passage of the harvester. The height of cut was measured with a tape measure. For the damages to rootstocks, the chi-square test was applied. The cut height measurements were submitted to ANOVA and the averages were analyzed by Tukey test at 5% probability. The results showed that increase in speed during the operation of mechanized harvesting of sugarcane increased the average height of cut in evaluated treatments, as well as the damages to rootstocks which was higher according to the increase in the speed of the harvester. The increase in the speed of displacement of the sugarcane harvester influenced the height of the cut and the damage to the rootstock.
Quality of Myracrodruon urundeuva seedlings in different container sizes and organic compost proportion
Authors: Paes Ésio de Castro , Fernandes Iara Oliveira , Camilo Geise Bruna da Mata , Pereira Elisângela Gonçalves , Dias Fabiane Pereira Machado , Rocabado Juan Manuel Anda , Nóbrega Júlio César Azevedo
Published: October 2019

Myracrodruon urundeuva, commonly known as black aroeira is a species regularly found in diverse Brazilian biomes, especially in the Caatinga. The species is a timber tree with great quality wood used extensively to construct buildings. The species has chemical components which confer high resistance and protection against pests, thus being used to prepare insecticides as well as cosmetics. Due to its diverse utilization and predatory exploration, the species has become an endangered species. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of organic compost and the size of the containers in the development of M. urundeuva seedlings. The experiment was performed in greenhouse in a factorial scheme 5 x 3, represented by 5 proportions of organic compost: soil (80, 60, 40, 20 and 0% of compost) and 3 container sizes (20x30, 18x22 and 12x18 cm), under a completely randomized statistical design with 5 replicates. The variables evaluated were: neck diameter; seedling height; number of leaves; length of the roots; dry weight of leaves; dry weight of stems; dry weight of the aerial portion; dry weight of roots; height/diameter ratio and Dickson’s quality index. There was significant interaction between treatments for all variables evaluated. When analyzing the containers individually or interacting with compost proportion, the container with volume of 1.335 dm³ was the most adequate for production of aroeira seedlings. Concerning compost proportion alone, the proportion of 40% proportioned the best results for all the evaluated parameters.
NK combinations do not alleviate the effects of salt stress on gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments and growth of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Pinheiro Francisco Wesley Alves , Lima Geovani Soares de , Gheyi Hans Raj , Silva Saulo Soares da , Dias Adaan Sudário , Soares Lauriane Almeida dos Anjos , Nobre Reginaldo Gomes , Fernandes Pedro Dantas
Published: October 2019

The water resources in the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil commonly have high concentrations of salts, compromising the quality of the water used in irrigation. Thus, it is necessary to study the feasibility of using these resources in agriculture. The present study aimed to evaluate gas exchanges, photosynthetic pigments and growth of white cotton cv. BRS 368 RF using irrigation water of different salinity levels and fertilization with combinations of nitrogen and potassium, under greenhouse conditions in the municipality of Campina Grande-PB, Brazil. Treatments were arranged in randomized blocks in a 5 x 4 factorial scheme, with five levels of electrical conductivity of water–ECw (0.7, 2.2, 3.7, 5.2 and 6.7 dS m-1) and four combinations of fertilization with nitrogen and potassium (70/50, 100/75, 130/100, 160/125% of the recommended dose), with three replicates. There was degradation in chlorophyll a and b levels and in cotton growth, but the cultivar BRS 368 RF markedly increased carotenoid biosynthesis at 75 days after sowing. Nitrogen and potassium application in the combination of 100/75% of their respective recommendations led to increase in plant height. The supply of nitrogen in combination with potassium did not alleviate the deleterious effects of salt stress on gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments and growth of cotton.
Evaluation of water shortage crisis in the Middle East and possible remedies
Authors: Bozorg-Haddad Omid , Zolghadr-Asli Babak , Sarzaeim Parisa , Aboutalebi Mahyar , Chu Xuefeng , Loáiciga Hugo A.
Published: October 2019

Water resources in the Middle East region are becoming scarce, while millions of people already do not have access to adequate water for drinking and sanitary purposes. Water resources depletion has become a significant problem in this region that is likely to worsen. Current research by remote sensing analysis indicates a descending trend of water storage in the Middle East region, where agriculture plays a crucial role in socio-economic life. This study introduces an approach quantifying water depletion in the Middle Eastern countries, which are being challenged in the management of their water resources. Furthermore, this paper presents results of a survey assessing the status of water use and supply in Middle Eastern countries and outlines some potential remedies. Specifically, Iran's water use is evaluated and compared with its neighbors'. The water equivalent anomaly (WEA) and total water storage (TWS) depletion are two indexes of water scarcity calculated for Middle Eastern countries surveyed herein. Our analysis reveals that Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Iran are countries with very negative water scarcity indexes. These estimates prove that international cooperation is needed to manage available regional water resources and reverse depletion of natural water sources. It is demonstrated herein that virtual water trade can help remediate regional water shortage in Middle Eastern countries.
Spatial conservation areas for water yield hydrological ecosystem services with their economic values effects under climate change: a case study of Teshio watershed located in northernmost of Japan
Authors: Fan Min , Mawuko Daniel Ocloo , Shibata Hideaki , Ou Wei
Published: October 2019

Water resources prioritization conservation planners are increasingly becoming aware of the economic value of water supply ecosystem services (ESs) under climate changes. Here we assessed how the water yield ES framework is implemented in the current spatial prioritization conservation of the water resources under climate change across the Teshio River watershed. We applied the systematic conservation model to optimize the area for water resources which satisfied the protection targets with and without considering economic values of the water yield provision service. The model indicated that the areas of spatial optimal ES protection for water yield with considering economic values were totally different from those without considering economic values of water resources. The optimal priority conservation areas were concentrated in southwestern, southeastern, and some northern areas of this watershed. These places could guarantee water resources sustainability from both environmental protection and socio-economic development standpoints. Moreover, the spatial priority conservation areas for water yield with economic value from hydro-power electricity production were traded off against the areas for water yield with economic values from resident water-use and irrigation for rice. Therefore, the systematic conservation planning of water yield with economic values under climate changes may provide a useful argument to promote the conservation of water resources.
Integrated model projections of climate change impacts on water-level dynamics in the large Poyang Lake (China)
Authors: Li Yunliang , Zhang Qi , Tao Hui , Yao Jing
Published: October 2019

This study outlines a framework for examining potential impacts of future climate change in Poyang Lake water levels using linked models. The catchment hydrological model (WATLAC) was used to simulate river runoffs from a baseline period (1986–2005) and near-future (2020–2035) climate scenarios based on eight global climate models (GCMs). Outputs from the hydrological model combined with the Yangtze River's effects were fed into a lake water-level model, developing in the back-propagation neural network. Model projections indicate that spring–summer water levels of Poyang Lake are expected to increase by 5–25%, and autumn–winter water levels are likely to be lower and decrease by 5–30%, relative to the baseline period. This amounts to higher lake water levels by as much as 2 m in flood seasons and lower water levels in dry seasons in the range of 0.1–1.3 m, indicating that the lake may be wet-get-wetter and dry-get-drier. The probability of occurrence for both the extreme high and low water levels may exhibit obviously increasing trends by up to 5% more than at present, indicating an increased risk in the severity of lake floods and droughts. Projected changes also include possible shifts in the timing and magnitude of the lake water levels.
Hydrological functioning of cattle ranching impoundments in the Dry Chaco rangelands of Argentina
Authors: Magliano Patricio N. , Mindham David , Tych Wlodek , Murray Francisco , Nosetto Marcelo D. , Jobbágy Esteban G. , Niborski Marcos J. , Rufino Mariana C. , Chappell Nick A.
Published: October 2019

Rainwater harvesting and associated storage is essential for cattle ranching in the drylands of Argentina and elsewhere. This is the first study to attempt to quantify the hydrological inflows and losses from rainwater harvesting impoundments. To address the direct effect of cattle within impoundments, a typical cattle-affected impoundment was instrumented and compared with that of a similar impoundment but without cattle access. Analysis of the storage dynamics with reference to the controlling variables demonstrated the highly episodic nature of the generation of infiltration-excess overland flow that recharged the impoundments. The impoundments experienced 43 and 35% of storage loss to open-water-evaporation for the cattle-affected and control impoundments, respectively. Critically, the cattle-effected impoundment lost only 15% of storage to leakage (after cattle consumption was taken into account), while the control lost 65% of its water to basal leakage. Indeed systems modelling of the rainfall-storage dynamics showed that the cattle-affected impoundment, despite consumption by 300 cows, maintained water in the impoundment (per a unit input of rainfall) for longer than the control (a 65- versus 25-day residence time). These results highlight the unintended beneficial effect of cattle trampling on the floor of the impoundment reducing leakage losses.
Effect of Siberian high and remote forcings on winter precipitation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Fahad Riaz Syed Muhammad , Iqbal M. J. , Khan Farheen
Published: October 2019

In the current literature, little is known about the role of Siberian High (SbH) on precipitation variability over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The technique of centers of action (COA) has been employed here to study the possible impact of SbH on interannual variations in winter precipitation over the kingdom because the COA methodology helps us to find changes in interannual variations of pressure intensity, latitudinal and longitudinal positions of the pressure system using sea-level pressure data. The results show that there are two regions of the kingdom whose precipitation is significantly affected by SbH, the southeast region and the region from northeast to central Saudi Arabia. The precipitation over the southeastern region is significantly influenced by the intensity of SbH as well as its meridional displacement whereas the precipitation variability from northeast to the central kingdom is significantly influenced by the meridional displacement of SbH. The effect of remote forcings of North Atlantic Oscillation and El Niño–Southern Oscillation on precipitation of the kingdom has also been discussed in the paper. The empirical results can be understood by the mechanism of changes and circulations in the atmosphere.
A formação pedagógica de docentes bacharéis na educação superior:
Authors: Barros Conceição de Maria Pinheiro , Dias Ana Maria Iorio
Published: October 2019

Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar contribuições de pesquisas brasileiras sobre formação pedagógica do docente bacharel. Fundamenta-se em autores como Cunha (2004), Masetto (1998) e Tardif (2002). Como metodologia, utilizou-se pesquisa do tipo Estado da Questão (MARCONI; LAKATOS, 2001 e SILVEIRA; NÓBREGA-THERRIEN, 2011), com coleta de dados realizada no Banco de Teses da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, na Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Dissertações e Teses, em periódicos e anais de eventos científicos. Concluiu-se que esse profissional deve possuir conhecimentos pedagógicos e que é necessário o aprofundamento de estudos em busca de soluções para essa situação.
The Influences of Palindromes in mRNA on Protein Folding Rates
Authors: Li Ruifang , Li Hong , Yang Sarula , Feng Xue
Published: October 2019

Background:

It is currently believed that protein folding rates are influenced by protein structure, environment and temperature, amino acid sequence and so on. We have been working for long to determine whether and in what ways mRNA affects the protein folding rate. A large number of palindromes aroused our attention in our previous research. Whether these palindromes do have important influences on protein folding rates and what’s the mechanism? Very few related studies are focused on these problems.

Objective:

In this article, our motivation is to find out if palindromes have important influences on protein folding rates and what’s the mechanism.

Method:

In this article, the parameters of the palindromes were defined and calculated, the linear regression analysis between the values of each parameter and the experimental protein folding rates were done. Furthermore, to compare the results of different kinds of proteins, proteins were classified into the two-state proteins and the multi-state proteins. For the two kinds of proteins, the above linear regression analysis were performed respectively.

Results :

Protein folding rates were negatively correlated to the palindrome frequencies for all proteins. An extremely significant negative linear correlation appeared in the relationship between palindrome densities and protein folding rates. And the repeatedly used bases by different palindromes simultaneously have an important effect on the relationship between palindrome density and protein folding rate.

Conclusion:

The palindromes have important influences on protein folding rates, and the repeatedly used bases in different palindromes simultaneously play a key role in influencing the protein folding rates.
Expression Levels of MicroRNA-125b in Serum Exosomes of Patients with Asthma of Different Severity and its Diagnostic Significance
Authors: Zhao Meizhen , Juanjuan Li , Weijia Fan , Jing Xie , Qiuhua Huang , Hua Zhang , Fuhe Liao , Hao Peng
Published: October 2019

Background:

This study aimed to investigate the expression levels of microRNA (miRNA)-125b in serum
exosomes and its diagnostic efficacy for asthma severity.

Methods:

The study included 80 patients with untreated asthma and 80 healthy volunteers. The patients were divided
into 4 groups according to disease severity: 20 with the intermittent state, 20 with the mildly persistent state, 20 with
the moderately persistent state, and 20 with the severely persistent state. The expression levels of miRNA-125b in
serum exosomes of each group were detected using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction and compared. The
Spearman correlation analysis was used to study the correlation between the expression levels of miRNA-125b in
serum exosomes and asthma severity. The diagnostic efficacy of the expression levels of miRNA-125b in exosomes
for asthma severity was evaluated using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results:

The expression levels of miRNA-125b in serum exosomes of patients with intermittent, mildly persistent,
moderately persistent, and severely persistent asthma were all higher than those in the healthy control group, with
statistically significant differences. The expression levels of miRNA-125b were also statistically significantly different
among patients in each group. The Spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation of the relative
expression of miRNA-125b in serum exosomes with asthma severity. The area under the ROC curve of the diagnostic
efficacy of miRNA-125b in serum exosomes for patients with intermittent, mildly, moderately, and severely persistent
asthma was 0.7770, 0.8573, 0.9111, and 0.9995, respectively.

Conclusion:

The expression levels of miRNA-125b in serum exosomes had a high diagnostic efficacy and might
serve as a noninvasive diagnostic marker for asthma severity.
TPMT Genotype and Adverse Effects of Azathioprine among Jordanian Group
Authors: Mhanna Mohammed , Gharaibeh Munir Garaiba , Rashid Mohammad , Sharab Ahmad , Shehab Mohammad , Zihlif Malek
Published: October 2019

Background:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a common disease affecting many patients. This
disease is treated by azathioprine and TPMT genetic polymorphism affecting the patient’s tolerance. The aim of this
study is to investigate the importance of TMPT genotyping in reducing the incidence of adverse effects of azathioprine.

Methods:

One hundred and forty-one IBD patients were followed for azathioprine Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR).
Patients were genotyped for TPMT*2, TPMT*3A, TPMT*3B, TPMT*3C.

Results:

The frequency of Azathioprine adverse effect was about 35.5%. An association between TPMT genotypes
1/3A and 3B/3B and azathioprine related bone marrow suppression was found (P value ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion:

The findings suggest that there was a significant association between TPMT genotypes 1/3A and 3B/3B
and azathioprine related bone marrow suppression.
Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 in Brain Diseases and Cancers
Authors: Sun Yixin , Sun Jin , He Zhonggui , Wang Gang , Wang Yang , Zhao Dongyang , Wang Zhenjie , Luo Cong , Tian Chutong , Jiang Qikun
Published: October 2019

Background:

Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 (MCT1), an important membrane transport protein, mediates
the translocation of monocarboxylates together with protons across biological membranes. Due to its pathological
significance, MCT1 plays an important role in the progression of some diseases, such as brain diseases and cancers.

Methods:

We summarize the general description of MCT1 and provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of
MCT1 in brain diseases and cancers. Furthermore, this review discusses the opportunities and challenges of MCT1-
targeting drug-delivery systems in the treatment of brain diseases and cancers.

Results:

In the brain, loss of MCT1 function is associated with pathologies of degeneration and injury of the nervous
system. In tumors, MCT1 regulates the activity of signaling pathways and controls the exchange of monocarboxylates
in aerobic glycolysis to affect tumor metabolism, proliferation and invasion. Meanwhile, MCT1 also acts as a
good biomarker for the prediction and diagnosis of cancer progressions.

Conclusion:

MCT1 is an attractive transporter in brain diseases and cancers. Moreover, the development of MCT1-
based small molecule drugs and MCT1 inhibitors in the clinic is promising. This review systematically summarizes
the basic characteristics of MCT1 and its role in brain diseases and cancers, laying the foundation for further research
on MCT1.
Design of Experiment, Preparation, and in vitro Biological Assessment of Human Amniotic Membrane Extract Loaded Nanoparticles
Authors: Shabani Avishan , Atyabi Fatemeh , Khoshayand Mohammad R. , Mahbod Reza , Cohan Reza A. , Akbarzadeh Iman , Bakhshandeh Haleh
Published: October 2019

Background:

Human amniotic membrane grafting could be potentially useful in ocular surface
complications due to tissue similarity and the presence of factors that reduce inflammation, vascularization,
and scarring. However, considerations like donor-derived infectious risk and the requirement
of an invasive surgery limit the clinical application of such treatments. Moreover, the quick depletion
of bioactive factors after grafting reduces the efficacy of treatments. Therefore, in the current
study, the possibility of nano delivery of the bioactive factors extracted from the human amniotic
membrane to the ocular surface was investigated.

Materials and methods:

Nanoparticles were prepared using polyelectrolyte complexation from chitosan
and dextran sulfate. The effect of polymer ratio, pH, and the amount of extract on particle size
and encapsulation efficacy were studied using Box-Behnken response surface methodology.

Results:

The optimum condition was obtained as follows: 4.9:1 ratio of dextran sulfate to chitosan, 600
µL amniotic membrane extract, and pH of 6. The prepared nanoparticles had an average size of 213
nm with 77% encapsulation efficacy. In the release test, after 10 days, approximately 50% of entrapped
bioactive proteins were released from the nanocarriers in a controlled manner. Biological activity assessment
on endothelial cells revealed amniotic membrane extract loaded nanoparticles had a longer
and significant increase in anti-angiogenic effect when compared to the control.

Conclusion:

Our data elucidate the ability of nanotechnology in ocular targeted nano delivery of bioactive
compounds.
Resveratrol as an Adjuvant for Normal Tissues Protection and Tumor Sensitization
Authors: Mortezaee Keywan , Najafi Masoud , Farhood Bagher , Ahmadi Amirhossein , Shabeeb Dheyauldeen , Musa Ahmed E.
Published: October 2019

Cancer is one of the most complicated diseases in present-day medical science. Yearly,
several studies suggest various strategies for preventing carcinogenesis. Furthermore, experiments
for the treatment of cancer with low side effects are ongoing. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy
and immunotherapy are the most common non-invasive strategies for cancer treatment. One
of the most challenging issues encountered with these modalities is low effectiveness, as well as
normal tissue toxicity for chemo-radiation therapy. The use of some agents as adjuvants has been
suggested to improve tumor responses and also alleviate normal tissue toxicity. Resveratrol, a natural
flavonoid, has attracted a lot of attention for the management of both tumor and normal tissue responses
to various modalities of cancer therapy. As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, in
vitro and in vivo studies show that it is able to mitigate chemo-radiation toxicity in normal tissues.
However, clinical studies to confirm the usage of resveratrol as a chemo-radioprotector are lacking.
In addition, it can sensitize various types of cancer cells to both chemotherapy drugs and radiation.
In recent years, some clinical studies suggested that resveratrol may have an effect on inducing cancer
cell killing. Yet, clinical translation of resveratrol has not yielded desirable results for the combination
of resveratrol with radiotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. In this paper, we review
the potential role of resveratrol for preserving normal tissues and sensitization of cancer cells in
combination with different cancer treatment modalities.
Human Dermal Fibroblast: A Promising Cellular Model to Study Biological Mechanisms of Major Depression and Antidepressant Drug Response
Authors: Mesdom Pierre , Colle Romain , Lebigot Elise , Trabado Séverine , Deflesselle Eric , Fève Bruno , Becquemont Laurent , Corruble Emmanuelle , Verstuyft Céline
Published: October 2019

Background:

Human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) can be used as a cellular model relatively easily and without genetic engineering. Therefore, HDF represent an interesting tool to study several human diseases including psychiatric disorders. Despite major depressive disorder (MDD) being the second cause of disability in the world, the efficacy of antidepressant drug (AD) treatment is not sufficient and the underlying mechanisms of MDD and the mechanisms of action of AD are poorly understood.

Objective:

The aim of this review is to highlight the potential of HDF in the study of cellular mechanisms involved in MDD pathophysiology and in the action of AD response.

Methods:

The first part is a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines on the use of HDF in MDD research. The second part reports the mechanisms and molecules both present in HDF and relevant regarding MDD pathophysiology and AD mechanisms of action.

Results:

HDFs from MDD patients have been investigated in a relatively small number of works and most of them focused on the adrenergic pathway and metabolism-related gene expression as compared to HDF from healthy controls. The second part listed an important number of papers demonstrating the presence of many molecular processes in HDF, involved in MDD and AD mechanisms of action.

Conclusion:

The imbalance in the number of papers between the two parts highlights the great and still underused potential of HDF, which stands out as a very promising tool in our understanding of MDD and AD mechanisms of action.
Solvent-mediated Highly Efficient Synthesis of [1,2,4]triazolo/benzimidazoloquinazolinone Derivatives
Authors: Malamiri Fatemeh , Khaksar Samad , Badri Rashid , Tahanpesar Elham
Published: October 2019

Objective:

An efficient and catalyst-free procedure for the synthesis of [1,2,4]triazolo/benzimidazolo
quinazolinones has been developed in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol or deep eutectic solvent(DESs) as a clean reaction
media.

Methods:

All of the obtained products are known compounds and identified by IR, 1HNMR,13CNMR, and
melting points.

Results:

Various products were obtained in good to excellent yields under reaction conditions.

Conclusion:

We have efficiently developed a practical and catalyst-free approach for the synthesis of
[1,2,4]triazolo/benzimidazolo quinazolinones employing TFE as a clean and reusable media.
A Review of Pathway Databases and Related Methods Analysis
Authors: Ghulam Ali , Lei Xiujuan , Guo Min , Bian Chen
Published: October 2019

Pathway analysis integrates most of the computational tools for the investigation of high-level and complex human diseases. In the field of bioinformatics research, biological pathways analysis is an important part of systems biology. The molecular complexities of biological pathways are difficult to understand in human diseases, which can be explored through pathway analysis. In this review, we describe essential information related to pathway databases and their mechanisms, algorithms and methods. In the pathway database analysis, we present a brief introduction on how to gain knowledge from fundamental pathway data in regard to specific human pathways and how to use pathway databases and pathway analysis to predict diseases during an experiment. We also provide detailed information related to computational tools that are used in complex pathway data analysis, the roles of these tools in the bioinformatics field and how to store the pathway data. We illustrate various methodological difficulties that are faced during pathway analysis. The main ideas and techniques for the pathway-based examination approaches are presented. We provide the list of pathway databases and analytical tools. This review will serve as a helpful manual for pathway analysis databases.
Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA): A case study of Nigeria
Authors: Madu Christian N. , Ozumba Benjamin C. , Kuei Chuhua , Madu Ifeanyi E. , Nnadi Valentine E. , Ezeasor Ikenna C. , Eze Hillary I. , Odinkonigbo Uju , Ogbuene Emeka , Ewoh John , Mmom Prince C.
Published: October 2019

Objective:

This paper uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to rank main
actions and their associated task areas outlined in the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA)
in the case of Nigeria. The focus is on three major challenges namely (1) stakeholder inclusiveness,
(2) capacity building and communication and (3) local adaptation.

Methods:

The perceptions of a sample of 26 field disaster management experts on the HFA
were studied and analyzed using AHP. The study found that "Disaster Preparedness" is the
most important expected goal followed by "Risk Assessment and Early Warning."

Results:

Their priority indices are 0.258 and 0.219, respectively. "Local/City Governance"
however, shows poor performance with a priority index of 0.085. Monte Carlo simulation
was further applied to examine the robustness of the AHP assessments.

Conclusion:

The results are indicative of the perceptions of the performance levels attained
and the areas that need improvement.
Rationale and Design of an Evidence Based Tool to Guide Preoperative Evaluation and Management
Authors: Campbell Alex , Ingham David , Mueller Joshua , Henry Timothy , Sharkey Scott , Cummings Michael
Published: October 2019

In the United States, over testing and over treatment are recognized as the cause of both excess cost and patient harm. Healthcare value (defined as “health outcomes achieved relative to the costs of care”) has become a focus to improve the quality and affordability of healthcare. Perioperative evaluation and management of the surgical patient represents a clear opportunity to improve healthcare value. Herein, we describe the rationale for and the development of a standardized clinical decision support tool that has been distributed to over 600 clinicians performing preoperative evaluations. All patients undergoing this evaluation will be tracked, with the intent to publish both healthcare cost and safety outcomes. The use of a perioperative decision support tool is a unique approach to value in healthcare.
Factors Influencing Acceptance of Personal Health Record Apps for Workplace Health Promotion: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study (Preprint)
Authors: Park Hyun Sang , Kim Kwang Il , Soh Jae Young , Hyun Young Ho , Jang Sae Kyun , Lee Sol , Hwang Ga Young , Kim Hwa Sun
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Health care technologies can help improve workers’ health and productivity by supporting workplace health promotion. A personal health record app is used to manage medical data such as results from medical checkups, which facilitates decision making for medical personnel. However, an analysis of users’ technology acceptance is required to provide appropriate services based on personal health record apps.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors influencing the behavioral intention of health experts and workers to use an app in workers’ health centers and to examine differences in their perception of the main variables.

METHODS

The study involved health experts and workers who visited 21 workers’ health centers in Korea to verify a research model in which perceived risk was added to the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, a representative theory of information technology acceptance. After receiving ethical approval from the Korea National Institute for Bioethics Policy, 1050 questionnaires were distributed over 7 weeks with cooperation of the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency. A multiple linear regression analysis and multigroup path analysis were performed to verify the hypotheses, and independent samples t tests were performed to analyze differences between workers’ and health experts’ perception of the main variables.

RESULTS

The analysis included data from 866 respondents (687 workers and 179 health experts). Effort expectancy (beta=.08, P=.03), social influence (beta=.43, P<.001), performance expectancy (beta=.07, P=.008), and facilitating conditions (beta=.13, P<.001) exerted significant positive effects on behavioral intention, whereas perceived risk (beta=–.29, P<.001) exerted a significant negative effect on behavioral intention. Performance expectancy had a significant effect on path differences depending on gender (critical ratio=–3.38) and age (critical ratio=1.97). Workers’ mean scores for the main variables were higher relative to those of health experts for all remaining variables except perceived risk, and significant differences were observed for all remaining variables except facilitating condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Social influence exerted the strongest effect on behavioral intention to use the personal health record app. Consequently, it is necessary to coordinate health promotion activities in the workplace as well as the operational direction of community institutions such as in workers’ health centers to allow workers to manage their own health via continuous use of the app. In addition, the app should be developed based on a requirement analysis of the balance between both interest groups in consideration of differences in perspective between consumers and service providers.
Meeting Kids Where They Are At–A Substance Use and Sexual Risk Prevention Program via Telemedicine for African American Girls: Usability and Acceptability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lopez Cristina , Gilmore Amanda K , Moreland Angela , Danielson Carla Kmett , Acierno Ron
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Rural African American youth lack access to drug and sexual risk–taking prevention programs available in more urban areas. Recent data indicate that rural youth now use substances at higher rates and at younger ages than their urban peers.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the initial usability and acceptability of a low-cost, technology-based approach to delivering effective, culturally tailored, integrated substance use disorder (SUD) and HIV risk behavior prevention programs to African American female youth to inform the use of this intervention via telemedicine for rural youth.

METHODS

Effective SUD prevention strategies and emotion regulation skills were integrated into an existing evidence-based HIV risk reduction program culturally tailored for African American female adolescents—Sisters Informing, Healing, Living, and Empowering (SIHLE)—and delivered to 39 African American female youth via group telehealth. The evaluation of the resulting program, 12-session SIHLEplus, was completed by 27 girls who also completed self-report measures that assessed sexual risk behaviors (eg, number of partners and age of sex initiation), substance use, exposure to traumatic events, and emotion regulation.

RESULTS

The descriptive and qualitative results of the pilot study demonstrate the initial usability and acceptability of delivering evidence-based prevention successfully via telehealth to help address health disparities in this vulnerable population.

CONCLUSIONS

Although more research is needed, the findings from this study suggest that SIHLEplus has demonstrated initial usability and acceptability.
A Web-Based Geolocated Directory of Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) in the United States: Description of CPC Map Methods and Design Features and Analysis of Baseline Data (Preprint)
Authors: Swartzendruber Andrea , Lambert Danielle N
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) are nonprofit organizations that aim to dissuade people considering abortion. The centers frequently advertise in misleading ways and provide inaccurate health information. CPCs in the United States are becoming more medicalized and gaining government funding and support. We created a CPC Map, a Web-based geolocated database of all CPCs currently operating in the United States, to help individuals seeking health services know which centers are CPCs and to facilitate academic research.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the methods used to develop and maintain the CPC Map and baseline findings regarding the number and distribution of CPCs in the United States. We also examined associations between direct state funding and the number of CPCs and relationships between the number of CPCs and state legislation proposed in 2018-2019 to ban all or most abortions.

METHODS

In 2018, we used standard protocols to identify and verify the locations of and services offered by CPCs operating in the United States. The CPC Map was designed to be a publicly accessible, user-friendly searchable database that can be easily updated. We examined the number of CPCs and, using existing data, the ratios of women of reproductive age to CPCs and CPCs to abortion facilities nationally and by region, subregion, and state. We used unadjusted and adjusted negative binomial regression models to examine associations between direct state funding and the number of CPCs. We used unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models to examine associations between the number of CPCs by state and legislation introduced in 2018-2019 to ban all or most abortions. Adjusted models controlled for the numbers of women of reproductive age and abortion facilities per state.

RESULTS

We identified 2527 operating CPCs. Of these, 66.17% (1672/2527) offered limited medical services. Nationally, the ratio of women of reproductive age to CPCs was 29,304:1. The number of CPCs per abortion facility was 3.2. The South and Midwest had the greatest numbers of CPCs. The number of CPCs per state ranged from three (Rhode Island) to 203 (Texas). Direct funding was associated with a greater number of CPCs in unadjusted (coefficient: 0.87, 95% CI 0.51-1.22) and adjusted (coefficient: 0.45, 95% CI 0.33-0.57) analyses. The number of CPCs was associated with the state legislation introduced in 2018-2019 to ban all or most abortions in unadjusted (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06) and adjusted analyses (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.19).

CONCLUSIONS

CPCs are located in every state and particularly prevalent in the South and Midwest. Distribution of CPCs in the United States is associated with state funding and extreme proposals to restrict abortion. Researchers should track CPCs over time and examine factors that influence their operations and impact on public health and policy.
Calibrating Wrist-Worn Accelerometers for Physical Activity Assessment in Preschoolers: Machine Learning Approaches (Preprint)
Authors: Li Shiyu , Howard Jeffrey T , Sosa Erica T , Cordova Alberto , Parra-Medina Deborah , Yin Zenong
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) level is associated with multiple health benefits during early childhood. However, inconsistency in the methods for quantification of PA levels among preschoolers remains a problem.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop PA intensity cut points for wrist-worn accelerometers by using machine learning (ML) approaches to assess PA in preschoolers.

METHODS

Wrist- and hip-derived acceleration data were collected simultaneously from 34 preschoolers on 3 consecutive preschool days. Two supervised ML models, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and ordinal logistic regression (OLR), and one unsupervised ML model, k-means cluster analysis, were applied to establish wrist-worn accelerometer vector magnitude (VM) cut points to classify accelerometer counts into sedentary behavior, light PA (LPA), moderate PA (MPA), and vigorous PA (VPA). Physical activity intensity levels identified by hip-worn accelerometer VM cut points were used as reference to train the supervised ML models. Vector magnitude counts were classified by intensity based on three newly established wrist methods and the hip reference to examine classification accuracy. Daily estimates of PA were compared to the hip-reference criterion.

RESULTS

In total, 3600 epochs with matched hip- and wrist-worn accelerometer VM counts were analyzed. All ML approaches performed differently on developing PA intensity cut points for wrist-worn accelerometers. Among the three ML models, k-means cluster analysis derived the following cut points: ≤2556 counts per minute (cpm) for sedentary behavior, 2557-7064 cpm for LPA, 7065-14532 cpm for MPA, and ≥14533 cpm for VPA; in addition, k-means cluster analysis had the highest classification accuracy, with more than 70% of the total epochs being classified into the correct PA categories, as examined by the hip reference. Additionally, k-means cut points exhibited the most accurate estimates on sedentary behavior, LPA, and VPA as the hip reference. None of the three wrist methods were able to accurately assess MPA.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the potential of ML approaches in establishing cut points for wrist-worn accelerometers to assess PA in preschoolers. However, the findings from this study warrant additional validation studies.
TRIBAL COMMUNITY AND DISASTER RESILIENCE: BAJO COMMUNITY AND THEIR COPING STRATEGY TO CYCLONE IN MUNA BARAT DISTRICT
Authors: Ruslanjari Dina , Dewi Titis Puspita , Puspitasari Anisa Eka
Published: October 2019

Muna Barat District is a prone area to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tidal waves. The cyclone and tidal waves often occur and those two phenomena occur during the transition season (from the dry to the rainy season). This research aims to analyse the vulnerability and capacity related to the readiness of the community of Bajo Tribe to face the cyclone . The method being applied in this research is quantitative descriptive. Furthermore, the village that are selected purposively are those where located on the sea and hit by the cyclone. The sample chosen is the head of family of Bajo Tribe. Vulnerability and capacity are counted with Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) weighting in determining the priority scale or the most preferred alternative choice. The result of this research is Tiga, Bero, Tasipi, and Katela Village are categorized as medium vulnerability and Mandike Village has low vulnerability. Tiga, Bero, Tasipi, Mandike, and Katela Village are classified as medium capacity.