bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLINICAL EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF KUSTHADI CHURNA WITH UDUMBARADI TAILA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF KARNINI YONIVYAPAD W.S.R. TO CERVICAL EROSION
Authors: Ranju Kumari *Chaurasia , Jain C.M. , Pushplatha B. , Bharathi K.
Published: July 2020

Karnini yonivyapad is one of the gynaecological disorders described in Ayurveda under the umbrella of the Yonivyapad. According to the signs and symptoms, it is more nearer to the benign lesion cervical erosion, which occurs due to the replacement of the stratified squamous epithelium of the portio-vaginalis by the columnar epithelium of endocervix. The treatment is designed to destruct the columnar epithelium by any method and to promote the re-epithelization of the squamous tissues. Keeping this point in view, the present clinical trial is taken up with the aim of clinical evaluation of efficacy of Kusthadi churna with Udumbaradi taila in the management of Karnini yonivyapad (cervical erosion). Kusthadi churna along with Yonipichu with Udumbaradi taila group-A, and group-B only Udumbaradi taila yonipichu, and results were assessed on the basis of the epithelization of erosion and improvement in the symptoms. The study reveals that the mixed therapy group showed better results than the group of single drug.
Antonio José Augusto: excelência, compromisso, coragem
Authors: Amorim Humberto
Published: July 2020

Apresentação do dossiê "Música brasileira: construção, permanências e apropriações", com breve relato sobre a vida e a contribuição de Antonio José Augusto.
Forma, significação e identidade nacional nos Quartetos de cordas de Villa-Lobos
Authors: Arcanjo Júnior Loque
Published: July 2020

Resenha de Salles, Paulo de Tarso. Os quartetos de cordas de Villa-Lobos: forma e função. São Paulo: EDUSP, 2018. 344 p., ilustr., ex. music., bibliogr. ISBN 978-85-314-1718-4.
Pedagogia Empresarial e os seus espaços de formação
Authors: Oliveira Hugo Leite , Mendes Márcia Cristiane Ferreira
Published: July 2020

Este estudo teve como objetivo refletir sobre a atuação formal e não formal do Pedagogo e as atribuições do Pedagogo Empresarial. Compreende-se que o pedagogo pode atuar em vários espaços além daquele historicamente destinado ao professor: a sala de aula. Para tal, o aporte metodológico da pesquisa deu-se a partir da abordagem qualitativa (GHEDIN; FRANCO, 2011), amparada em pesquisa bibliográfica e de campo, que teve como suporte uma entrevista (MINAYO, 2013), esta foi tomada como base para relacionar as experiências do Pedagogo nas empresas. Como subsídio teórico recorremos aos estudos de Libâneo (2010), Tardif (2012), Holtz (2006), Ribeiro (2010), Trevisan e Lameira (2003) e Setubal (2010). Conclui-se que o Pedagogo tem galgado notoriedade em outros espaços que vão além dos limites do ambiente escolar, e tem suscitado discussões salutares que poderão trazer retorno para a formação e para todos os cenários que este possa atuar.
A contribuição do Programa de Residência Pedagógica para o aperfeiçoamento profissional e a formação docente
Authors: Oliveira Neto Benjamim Machado de , Pereira Anny Gabrielle Gomes , Pinheiro Alexsandra Alves de Souza
Published: July 2020

O relatório visa descrever o relato de experiência das atividades do programa de Residência Pedagógica, do curso de Licenciatura Plena de Pedagogia, da Faculdade de Educação, Ciências e Letras do Sertão Central (FECLESC), no município de Quixadá. O objetivo é desenvolver um trabalho que aborda a vivência dos residentes em uma instituição Pública de Ensino Infantil, sendo um conjunto de tarefas e situações vivenciadas em uma turma do 2° ano. Nesse sentido, a construção do objeto é um momento ímpar que possibilita ampliar o conhecimento teórico e prático dos bolsistas, que é fundamental para o aperfeiçoamento profissional e a formação docente. Por fim, a prestação de serviço engloba a observação, o planejamento e a regência, bem como o cotidiano dos encontros, o conteúdo e as avaliações que foram produzidas durante o mês de Agosto de 2018 até o período de Junho de 2019.
Cartilha educação e saúde no combate a pandemia da (covid-19)
Authors: Brandenburg Cristine , Silva Maciel Jocyana Cavalcante da , Baron Miriam Viviane , Costa Bartira Ercília Pinheiro da , Fialho Lia Machado Fiuza , Silva Jocyelle Cavalcante da
Published: July 2020

Esta cartilha objetiva divulgar orientações relacionadas a educação e saúde acerca da COVID-19 no contexto de uma possível retomada de aulas presenciais em período de pandemia. No atual momento o retorno gradativo às aulas presenciais necessita de um adequado plano político-educacional para minimizar as perdas educacionais. A questão é relevante pois além da necessidade de empregar medidas para reduzir os prejuízos na aprendizagem, também é necessário que este retorno seja realizado com segurança, evitando a disseminação do vírus (SARS Cov 2), uma vez que a COVID-19 apresenta potencial risco à vida. Em conclusão, sugerimos   transformações de comportamento nas comunidades escolares, respeitando suas particularidades. Estas modificações devem estar ancoradas a princípios de solidariedade, igualdade, equidade e alteridade para a promoção da saúde e o bem-estar social.
Síntesis histórica y estado actual de la pesquería de vieira patagónica Zygochlamys patagonica (King 1832) en la Argentina. Biología, evaluación de biomasa y manejo
Authors: Campodónico Silvana , Escolar Mariana , García Julio , Aubone Aníbal
Published: July 2020

La vieira patagónica Zygochlamys patagonica (King 1832) es un molusco bivalvo que se distribuye alrededor de América del Sur en el área comprendida entre los 36° S en el Océano Atlántico y los 42° S en el Océano Pacífico. Las agregaciones más importantes a nivel comercial se encuentran en el Océano Atlántico a lo largo del frente de talud asociadas a la isobata de 100 m. La pesquería de esta especie en la Argentina se inició formalmente en 1996 con el esfuerzo pesquero de cuatro buques factoría arrastreros. En los últimos años el promedio de desembarques anuales se situó alrededor de las 5.000 t con un valor medio de USD 9.300 la tonelada de callo, cifra que la ubicaron entre las cuatro pesquerías más importantes del país. En el presente trabajo se describen los avances recientes en materia de investigación científica a 22 años de su inicio. Se detallan, además, los aspectos más relevantes en lo que respecta a biología, explotación comercial y evolución de las medidas de administración que llevaron a establecer un sistema de manejo adaptable.
Marcación y recaptura del gatuzo (Mustelus schmitti) en el Ecosistema Costero Bonaerense (Argentina)
Authors: Pérez Marcelo , Braccini Matías , Cousseau María B.
Published: July 2020

El presente trabajo está referido a los primeros resultados obtenidos sobre marcado y recaptura en el gatuzo, Mustelus schmitti, como medio para reconocer sus desplazamientos y migraciones en el Ecosistema Costero Bonaerense (ECB). Este tiburón es relevante no sólo por su gran abundancia a lo largo del ECB sino también por su importancia comercial para la flota pesquera de arrastre argentina. Entre noviembre de 2010 y mayo 2011 se marcaron 2.483 ejemplares cerca de Monte Hermoso, dentro del sector marino conocido como “El Rincón”, utilizando como plataforma una embarcación de la flota artesanal. Se logró recuperar 43 individuos entre 2010 y 2013. A partir del análisis de los individuos recapturados se señalaron los patrones de movimientos, migración, distribución espacial y temporal en el ECB, y además se discutieron y relacionaron dichos patrones con el ciclo de vida. Los resultados pusieron en evidencia la utilización por parte del gatuzo de áreas extensas, mayoritariamente costeras, sin alta afinidad con áreas particulares. Este es el modelo tradicional propuesto para tiburones pequeños como el gatuzo. Sin embargo, la modalidad reproductiva indicaría un ajuste al modelo señalado para grandes tiburones. Por lo tanto, el gatuzo en su comportamiento parece contener aspectos correspondientes a ambas modalidades con fidelidad por los sitios de reproducción pero sin evidencias de filopatría.
Development morphology of Undaria pinnatifida sporophytes (Phaeophyceae, Alariaceae) in Caleta Cordova (Chubut, Argentina)
Authors: Alvarez María Victoria , Boraso Alicia
Published: July 2020

Undaria pinnatifida is an invasive brown algae that has been found on the Argentine coast since 1992. This work aims to follow the ontogeny of sporophytes, from egg fecundation to thallus senility, and thereby contribute to information on the development of the species in San Jorge Gulf. Sporophytes obtained in the laboratory were used to study the first stages of development, while samples collected from field population were used to describe advanced stages. Morphological observations were carried out on fronds, stipes, midrib, sporophylls and holdfasts of thalli at different developmental stages, and they was interpreted related to its functionality. Sporophytes described as typical and distant forms were found, and their location in the coastal zone was determined. Primary growth of sporophyte begins in the intercalar meristoderm located between the frond and the stipe. The upper portion of the intercalar meristem produces a row of small pinnules, and its lower portion is the origin of the lateral stipe ribbons. The thallus area and growth in thickness occur through a meristoderm in the frond surface. Characteristic morphological structures such as gland cells, filaments and trumpet cells, and cryptostomata were observed. Some of the gland cells lead to the formation of hair-filled cryptostomata. This work contributed to increase the knowledge of anatomical characteristics of the thallus at different moments of development of this invasive species.
Stakeholders como Agentes de Mudança Institucional em Ambientes de Regulação Estatal
Authors: Cabral Davi De Paula , Vieira Diego Mota
Published: July 2020

Organizações públicas e privadas estão sujeitas à regulação do Estado através das entidades reguladoras, mas dificilmente as instituições atenderão a todos os interesses. Neste trabalho, o objetivo é caracterizar o comportamento das organizações que buscam provocar mudança institucional para alcançar um status mais favorável. Logo, a abordagem está baseada na teoria de stakeholders conjugada com a teoria de mudança institucional gradual e transformativa. Propõe-se que as organizações reguladas atuam como stakeholders das entidades reguladoras, exercendo influência como agentes de mudança institucional. Não obstante, observa-se que os stakeholders de uma entidade reguladora atuam associados, ampliando sua relevância e capacidade de confrontar as instituições segundo seus interesses. Esse tipo de atuação proporciona vantagens, como a constituição de arenas, em que interesses e expectativas são alinhados, assim como a autorregulação com base na interpretação conveniente das instituições. Além disso, a entidade reguladora também se beneficia ao lidar com um menor número de agentes e interesses. Por fim, quanto maiores os atributos de relevância do stakeholder, maiores suas chances de propor mudanças institucionais, reduzindo as possibilidades de veto e aumentando a discricionariedade na interpretação das regras.
AGENCIA DE LA NIÑEZ EN LA BÚSQUEDA DE SOBERANÍA ALIMENTARIA, EL CASO DE SAN JERÓNIMO AMANALCO
Authors: González Macías María del Rosario , Santos Cervantes Cristóbal
Published: July 2020

La niñez es vulnerable ante las problemáticas alimenticias, sin embargo, tiene menor posibilidad de decisión, participación e información que los adultos. Son mínimas las discusiones de Ciencias Sociales que acercan a la comprensión e inclusión social de la niñez y son limitados los espacios sociales y herramientas brindadas para que participe en diversas alternativas ante problemáticas como el control la industria alimentaria y la desvinculación entre producción y consumo. La investigación-acción se realizó con un enfoque etnográfico, participaron 23 niños y niñas de San Jerónimo Amanalco, Texcoco, Estado de México. El objetivo fue comprender la agencia de la niñez con respecto a sus experiencias, conocimientos y prácticas alimentarias en un espacio rural-urbano, por medio del intercambio de saberes y acciones constructivo-productivas. Existen las condiciones físicas, los conocimientos y la actitud en niños y niñas, para colaborar en procesos de soberanía alimentaria, falta darles las condiciones sociales. Su agencia apoya a la transmisión de la cultura campesina que persiste en los abuelos y puede renovarse mediante esta nueva generación que mantiene lazos con la tierra. En la niñez hay un reconocimiento de la riqueza natural como base de la fase productiva de una alimentación sana, y este proceso productivo es un vínculo identitario con sus antecesores, su entorno físico y su comunidad.
Sources and characteristics of size-resolved particulate organic acids and methanesulfonate in a coastal megacity: Manila, Philippines
Authors: Stahl Connor , Cruz Melliza Templonuevo , Bañaga Paola Angela , Betito Grace , Braun Rachel A. , Aghdam Mojtaba Azadi , Cambaliza Maria Obiminda , Lorenzo Genevieve Rose , MacDonald Alexander B. , Hilario Miguel Ricardo A. , Pabroa Preciosa Corazon , Yee John Robin , Simpas James Bernard , Sorooshian Armin
Published: July 2020

Abstract. A 16-month (July 2018–October 2019) dataset of size-resolved aerosol composition is used to examine the sources and characteristics of five organic acids (oxalate, succinate, adipate, maleate, phthalate) and methanesulfonate (MSA) in Metro Manila, Philippines. As one of the most polluted megacities globally, Metro Manila offers a view of how diverse sources and meteorology impact the relative amounts and size distributions of these species. A total of 66 sample sets were collected with a Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor (MOUDI), of which 54 sets were analyzed for composition. Organic acids and MSA surprisingly were less abundant than in other global regions that are also densely populated. The combined species accounted for an average of 0.80 ± 0.66 % of total gravimetric mass between 0.056 and 18 µm, leaving still 33.74 % of mass unaccounted for after considering black carbon and water-soluble ions and elements. The unresolved mass is suggested to consist of non-water-soluble metals as well as both water-soluble and non-water-soluble organics. Oxalate was approximately an order of magnitude more abundant than the other five species (148.59 ± 94.26 ng m−3 versus others being < 10 ng m−3). Both PMF and correlation analysis is conducted with tracer species to investigate the possible sources for organic acids and MSA. Enhanced biomass burning influence in the 2018 southwest monsoon (SWM18) resulted in especially high levels of submicrometer succinate, MSA, oxalate, and phthalate. Peculiarly, MSA had negligible contributions from marine sources but instead was linked to burning and combustion. Enhanced precipitation during the two SWM seasons (8 June–4 October 2018 and 14 June–7 October 2019) coincided with stronger influence from local emissions rather than long-range transport, leading to notable concentration enhancements in both the sub- and supermicrometer ranges for some species (e.g., maleate and phthalate). While secondary formation via gas-to-particle conversion largely explained submicrometer peaks for all species, several species (i.e., phthalate, adipate, succinate, oxalate) exhibited a prominent peak in the coarse mode, largely owing to their association with crustal emissions (i.e., more alkaline aerosol type) rather than sea salt. Oxalate’s strong association with sulfate in the submicrometer mode supports an aqueous-phase formation pathway for the study region, but also high concentration during periods of low rain and high solar radiation indicates photo-oxidation is an important formation pathway.
The Electrical Activity of Saharan Dust as perceived from Surface Electric Field Observations in Greece
Authors: Daskalopoulou Vasiliki , Mallios Sotirios A. , Ulanowski Zbigniew , Hloupis George , Gialitaki Anna , Tassis Konstantinos , Amiridis Vassilis
Published: July 2020

Abstract. We report on the electric field variations during Saharan dust advection over two atmospheric remote stations in Greece, using synergistic observations of the vertical atmospheric electric field strength (Ez) at ground and the lidar-derived particle backscatter coefficient profiles. Both parameters were monitored for the first time with the simultaneous deployment of a ground-based field mill electrometer and a multiwavelength lidar system. The field mill timeseries are processed to extract the diurnal variations of the Global Electric Circuit and remove fast field perturbations due to peak lightning activity. In order to identify the influence of the elevated dust layers on the ground Ez, we extract a Localized Reference Electric Field from the timeseries that reflects the local fair weather activity. Then, we compare it with the reconstructed daily average behaviour of the electric field and the Saharan dust layers' evolution, as depicted by the lidar system. Reported cases of enhanced vertical electric field for detached pure dust layers suggest the presence of in-layer electric charges. Although higher dust loads are expected to result in electric field enhancement, episodic cases that reduce the electric field are also observed. To quantitatively approach our results, we examine the dependency of Ez against theoretical assumptions for the distribution of separated charges within the electrified dust layer. Electrically neutral dust is approximated by atmospheric conductivity reduction, while charge separation areas within electrically active dust layers are approximated as finite extent cylinders. This physical approximation constitutes a more realistic description of the distribution of charges, as opposed to infinite extent geometries, and allows for analytical solutions of the electric field strength, so that observed electric field variations during the monitored dust outbreaks can be explained.
Improvement in cloud retrievals from VIIRS through the use of infrared absorption channels constructed from VIIRS+CrIS data fusion
Authors: Li Yue , Baum Bryan A. , Heidinger Andrew K. , Menzel W. Paul , Weisz Elisabeth
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Retrieval of semitransparent ice cloud properties from the Visible
Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) satellite sensor on the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP)
and NOAA-20 platforms is challenging due to the absence of infrared (IR)
water vapor and CO2 absorption channels. However, on these platforms,
there is a companion sensor called the Crosstrack Infrared Sounder (CrIS)
that provides these spectral measurements but at a lower spatial resolution (∼15 km at nadir). To mitigate the lack of VIIRS spectral
measurements in these IR absorption channels, recent studies suggest an
approach to supplement VIIRS measurements by fusion of the imager and
sounder data. In particular, Weisz et al. (2017) demonstrate a method to
construct IR water vapor and CO2 absorption channel radiances for VIIRS at 750 m spatial resolution. Based on these constructed channels for both S-NPP and NOAA-20, this study evaluates three cloud properties – cloud mask, cloud thermodynamic phase, and cloud top height – through comparison to the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation/Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIPSO/CALIOP) V4-20 cloud layer products and Moderate Resolution Imaging
Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Collection 6.1 cloud top products. Each of these cloud properties shows improvement with the use of these constructed channel radiances. The major improvement for the
cloud mask is found over polar regions, where the correct cloud detection
percentage increases due to a decrease in missed clouds and/or false detection. For cloud thermodynamic phase, the ice cloud fraction increases over non-polar regions and the combined liquid water and ice cloud discrimination improves in comparison with CALIPSO. The retrieved cloud top height for semitransparent ice clouds increases over non-polar regions and tends to be closer to the true CALIPSO/CALIOP cloud top height. Moreover, the uncertainty of cloud top height retrievals decreases globally for these
clouds.
Radiative transfer simulations and observations of infrared spectra in the presence of polar stratospheric clouds: Detection and discrimination of cloud types
Authors: Kalicinsky Christoph , Griessbach Sabine , Spang Reinhold
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) play an important role for the spatial and temporal evolution of trace gases inside the polar vortex due to different processes, such as chlorine activation and NOy redistribution. As there are still uncertainties in the representation of PSCs in model simulations, detailed observations of PSCs and information on their type (nitric acid trihydrate (NAT), supercooled ternary solution (STS), and ice) are desirable. The measurements inside PSCs by the airborne infrared limb sounder CRISTA-NF (CRyogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescope for the Atmosphere – New Frontiers) during the RECONCILE (Reconciliation of essential process parameters for an enhanced predictability of Arctic stratospheric ozone loss and its climate interactions) aircraft campaign showed a spectral peak at about 816 cm−1. This peak is shifted compared to the peak at about 820 cm−1, which is known to be caused by small NAT particles. To investigate the reason for this spectral difference we performed a large set of radiative transfer simulations of infrared limb emission spectra in the presence of various PSCs (NAT, STS, ice, and mixtures) for the airborne viewing geometry of CRISTA-NF. NAT particles can cause different spectral features in the region 810–820 cm−1. The simulation results show that the appereance of the feature changes with increasing median radius of the NAT particle size distribution from a peak at 820 cm−1 to a shifted peak and, finally, to a step-like feature in the spectrum. Based on this behaviour we defined different colour indices to detect PSCs containing NAT particles and to subgroup them into three size regimes: small NAT (≤ 1.0 μm), medium NAT (1.5–4.0 μm), and large NAT (≥ 3.5 μm). Furthermore, we developed a method to detect the bottom altitude of a cloud by using the cloud index (CI), a colour ratio indicating the optical thickness, and the gradient of the CI. Finally, we applied the methods to observations of the CRISTA-NF instrument during one local flight of the RECONCILE aircraft campaign and found STS and medium sized NAT.
Heterogeneities in biofilms from clinical isolates under flow conditions
Authors: Cardenas Cindy , Rusconi Roberto
Published: July 2020

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The most common sign of presentation of pancreatic cancer is obstructive jaundice, which prevents the drainage of bile into the intestines and it is often associated with decreased survival in patients. Nowadays more than 70% of the patients with biliary obstructive jaundice is treated by biliary stenting; however, biliary stenting disrupts the natural anatomic barrier between the biliary and the gastrointestinal tract, strongly increasing the risk of a bacterial infection. Moreover, duodenal bacteria, by gaining access into the biliary system, can adhere to the stent surface and develop biofilms. Nevertheless, very little is known about the growth of biofilms on the stents and their role in infectious post-operative complications. In particular, the biliary system is an inherently fluid mechanical environment, where the gallbladder provides the driving pressure and the flow rate of the bile going through the ducts depends on the resistance between the gallbladder and the downstream end of the common bile duct. The average flow rate of the bile ranges between approximately 0.5 to 5 ml/min, which depends if the body is fasting or after a meal; this flow rate then corresponds – in the case for example of plastic stents, which are typically 2-4 mm in luminal diameter – to a maximum flow velocity of about 1-40 mm/s and to a shear rate at the inner surface of the stent of 1-80 s-1. Therefore, the mechanical stress induced by the bile flow in the stent is likely to play a significant role in the formation of biofilms, as shown by our data. Six clinically relevant isolates from preoperative biliary stents were selected to be grown inside microfluidic channels at different flow rates, in which bacterial attachment and biofilm dynamics were recorded and quantified. We found that fluid flow largely influences biofilm morphology in all the isolates, for which the conditions of flow and shear stress that trigger heterogeneities in biofilm structure have been determined. These results will help us to improve our understanding of biofilm formation in the presence of fluid dynamic environments and eventually consider optimal parameters of flow in the design of medical devices.
Identifying biofilm regulators as novel targets for antimicrobial drug design
Authors: Dostert Melanie , Belanger Corrie R , Blimkie Travis M , Falsafi Reza , Dhillon Bhavjinder K , Lee Amy HY , Hancock Robert EW
Published: July 2020

Antibiotic treatment regularly fails to cure patients suffering from infections caused by adaptively resistant microbial communities, referred to as biofilms. Even though at least two thirds of all clinical infections are associated with biofilms, there are no biofilm-specific therapies on the market or in clinical trials. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a remarkably antibiotic resistant, nosocomial pathogen and biofilm-former that causes morbidity and mortality especially in cystic fibrosis and immunocompromised patients. This project aims to identify regulatory genes associated with drug resistance in P. aeruginosa biofilms to provide novel biofilm-specific targets for the design of potent drugs. A genome-wide screen of P. aeruginosa burn wound isolate UCBPP-PA14 identified 362 genes involved in biofilm formation, including dozens of regulatory and hypothetical genes. I will discuss regulatory as well as metabolic genes corresponding to the known resistome of antimicrobials.
Better treatment options through a better understanding of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation and biofilm-mediated resistance
Authors: Valentin Jules , Varadarajan Adithi R. , Ahrens Christian H. , van der Mei Henny , Ren Qun
Published: July 2020

Bacteria living in biofilms tolerate much higher antibiotic concentrations compared to planktonic bacteria and can cause chronic infections. Among the most difficult pathogens to treat, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is responsible for many biofilm-related infections and for much of the mortality associated with airway infections in cystic fibrosis. We speculated that there are specific genes responsible for increased antibiotic resistance in biofilms and aimed to identify them in P. aeruginosa. By doing so, a better understanding of biofilm-mediated resistance can be achieved and new bacterial targets can be identified. A P. aeruginosa transposon mutant library was screened to assess the impact on biofilm formation and the biofilm resistance toward antibiotics. Briefly, the biofilm resistance was estimated by following the re-growth of biofilm cells exposed to different concentrations of antibiotics. A few candidates, e. g. the response regulator CbrB, involved in nutrient uptake, have been identified as crucial for biofilm formation and resistance towards antibiotics. Further characterization of these interesting genes has been carried out to explore the underlying mechanism of resistance. Such knowledge can lead to the identification of susceptibility of P. aeruginosa biofilm and help to develop tools to treat persistent infections.
Biofilm formation capacity of S. aureus under diabetic environments
Authors: Fernández Grajera María , Fernández Calderón María Coronada , Pacha Olivenza Miguel A. , Pérez Giraldo Ciro , Gallardo Moreno Amparo M. , González Martín María Luisa
Published: July 2020

Diabetes increases the blood glucose levels above those of healthy individuals and poorly controlled diabetes is associated to ketoacidosis. Different authors have shown evidences that diabetes is linked to a higher risk of developing infections in different parts of the body. Although the reasons why diabetes enhances infection episodes are not entirely clear, different undesired physiological responses under diabetic environments are pointed out as the main causes, for example, inflammatory reactions, poor vascularization, neutrophilic chemotaxis or phagocytosis. However, it has so far not been quantified how high concentrations of glucose and ketone bodies can affect the beginning of the infectious process, i.e. the formation of biofilms.

In this sense, this research will address how the presence of glucose and ketone bodies can alter the biofilm formation capacity of Staphylococcus aureus. The research will be carried out with six different diabetic conditions, including the individual action of both components (glucose and ketone bodies) and the combined action.

The main conclusion of this work is that any studied diabetic condition is able to increase the slime index of S. aureus with respect to control (bacteria grown without diabetic supplements), so the biofilm formation capacity of this bacterium would rise in diabetic people. In addition to the change that can be as high as 400% in glucose concentrations of 1.9 mg/ml, the clustering behavior among the bacteria is also modified at all condition differently.
Electrosynthetized copper based nanoantimicrobials for the inhibition of biofilms
Authors: Hossain Syed Imdadul , Sportelli Maria Chiara , Picca Rosaria Anna , Ditaranto Nicoletta , Cioffi Nicola
Published: July 2020

S. I. Hossain1,3,*, M. C. Sportelli1,2,3, R. A. Picca1,3, N. Ditaranto 1,3, N. Cioffi1,3

1Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy; 2CNR, Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie UOS, Bari, Italy;       3CSGI (Center for Colloid and Surface Science) c/o Dept. Chemistry, via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.

 

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are considered as potential antimicrobial agents due to their improved stability and safety, and longer active period than that of organic nanomaterials, with multi-targeted mechanism of action [1]. Nevertheless, metal NPs can suffer from agglomeration, reducing their antibacterial activity [2]. Cu incorporation in inorganic substrates such as metal oxides or montmorillonite (MMT) plays an important role due to the possibilities of creating an antibacterial nanomaterial with slow release of Cu species in order to obtain a prolonged antibacterial activity. Therefore, CuNPs were synthesized via a rapid electrochemical method using the inorganic micro-powders as carrier. Characterization studies on the nanocomposite were done by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The as-prepared Cu-based nanocomposites could be employed for inhibiting the growth of biofilms.

References

Nanotechnology 25, (2014), 135101

ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 4, (2012), 178–184

Acknowledgements

"Financial support is acknowledged from European Union’s 2020 research 
 and innovation program under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Grant 
 Agreement No. 813439."
Nitrogen and phosphorus removal using fluidized-carriers in a full-scale A2O biofilm system
Authors: Xiao Keke
Published: July 2020

A full-scale biofilm system using fluidized-carriers integrated with anaerobic-anoxic–aerobic process (treatment capacity of 3.75 × 105 m3 d−1) was used for municipal wastewater treatment. The results indicated relatively higher removal efficiencies of 86% total nitrogen (TN), 97% ammonium (NH4-N) and 97% total phosphorus (TP) were achieved, with 0.32 mg L−1 TP, 0.81 mg L−1 NH4-N and 8.07 mg L−1 TN in the effluent, which meet the Class A of Discharge standard of pollutants for municipal wastewater treatment plant (GB18918-2002) of China. The results of microbial analysis indicated that the dominant microorganisms in the suspended sludge were Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes at phylum level and β-Proteobacter at class level. The dominant microorganism in the biofilm was Proteobacteria at phylum level, with γ-Proteobacter (17.5%), β-Proteobacter (14%) and δ-Proteobacter (13.08%) distributed at class levels. The presence of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes in this system may be related with the phosphorus removal. A reddish color biofilm was formed on the surface of fluidized-carriers in the anaerobic tank and showed specific anammox ability, this may be related with the dominance of 0.0278% Planctomycetaceae at family level and 0.0278% Planctomycetales at order level. Besides the denitrification effects, the possible anammox bacteria present in the anaerobic tank might have also contributed to high nitrogen removal efficiency.
Finding the comfort zone: Online-monitoring of electroactive bacteria colonising electrode surfaces with different chemical properties
Authors: Frühauf Hanna , Stöckl Markus , Holtmann Dirk
Published: July 2020

Mechanisms of electron transfer vary greatly within the diverse group of electroactive microorganisms and so does the need to attach to the electrode surface, e.g. by forming a biofilm.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) are well established methods to monitor cell attachment to an electrode surface and have therefore been combined in a flow cell as a screening system. The flow cell, equipped with a transparent indium tin oxide working electrode (ITO WE), allows monitoring of attachment processes in real time with minimal needs for additional biofilm preparation. In preliminary experiments the flow cell was successfully used as microbial fuel cell (MFC) with a potential of +0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl using Shewanella oneidensis as electroactive model organism. [1]

Commonly, graphite-based electrode materials are used in bioelectrochemical systems due to their low costs and high conductivity. However, the hydrophobic and negatively charged surface is not yet optimal for microbial attachment. There are numerous attempts on electrode surface engineering in order to overcome this problem. In the majority of studies the biofilm analysis and evaluation of the attachment takes place at the end of the experiment, neglecting the impacts of the chemical surface properties and initial electrode conditioning during the very beginning of biofilm formation.

To investigate initial attachment and biofilm formation in real-time, the transparent ITO-electrode is coated with polyelectrolytes differing in hydrophobicity and polarity to evaluate their effects on the initial surface colonisation by different electroactive microorganisms. Combining CLSM and EIS, both, surface coverage and electrochemical interaction of electrode-associated bacteria can be assessed.

With this we aim to understand and ease initial steps of biofilm formation to improve efficiency of bioelectrochemical applications, e.g. with regards to start-up time.

 

[1] Stöckl, M., Schlegel, C., Sydow, A., Holtmann, D., Ulber, R., & Mangold, K. M. (2016). Membrane separated flow cell for parallelized electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy to characterize electro-active microorganisms. Electrochimica Acta, 220, 444-452.
Monitoring and quantification of bioelectrochemical biofilms by means of OCT in novel and customized reactor-setups
Authors: Hackbarth Max , Jung Tobias , Reiner Johannes Eberhard , Hille-Reichel Andrea , Wagner Michael , Gescher Johannes , Horn Harald
Published: July 2020

In the last 40 years, bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) have been increasingly discussed within the scope of debates about sustainable energy sources and production of value added chemicals independent of fossil sources. Since the produced current in microbial fuel cells as well as the turnover rates in microbial electrosynthesis cells are dependent on the biocatalysts´ activity, control of the growing biofilm plays a major role in BESs. Moreover, the knowledge about the interplay between biofilm development and electrochemical parameters is crucial for optimizing these sytems.

In the last 3 years, various electroactive biofilms (anodic and cathodic) were cultivated and characterized in a versatile and house made lab-scale flow cell system as well as in a rotating disc biofilm contactor (RDBC). Both systems allow for control of substrate (liquid and gaseous), and nutritional conditions as well as hydrodynamics and other physical parameters. The monitoring of biofilm development was conducted non-invasively by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT). For cathodic biofilms, quantitative analysis of generated 3D OCT data sets revealed a correlation between substratum coverage and measured current density. The increase of substratum coverage led to a decrease of measured current density due to less abiotic redox processes on the cathode surface. A stable current density was achieved when a substratum coverage of 99 % was reached. Furthermore, calculated biofilm accumulation rates could also be correlated with the substratum coverage. The overall biofilm accumulation rate decreased when the substratum was fully covered. Both correlations support the hypothesis that the availability of electrons from the cathode surface is a limiting factor in microbial electrosynthesis.

A 10-liter RDBC was designed to continuously harvest biomass from the electrode to extract intracellularly stored products. In future, this approach could be applied for biotechnological processes. Additionally, the RDBC can be used to obtain reliable mass balances and turnover rates because of its larger scale.
Cadmium selenide formation influences the production and characteristics of extracellular polymeric substances of anaerobic granular sludge
Authors: Lens Piet
Published: July 2020

Feeding cadmium (II) and selenium (IV) simultaneously to anaerobic granular sludge with the aim to synthesize cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanoparticles induces compositional changes in the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) matrix of this sludge. A methanogenic anaerobic granular sludge was repeatedly exposed to Cd(II) (10-50 mg L-1) and selenite (79 mg L-1) for 300 days at pH 7.3 and 30 °C in a fed-batch feeding regime for enrichment of Se reducing bacteria and synthesis of CdSe nanoparticles. EPS fingerprints of the granular sludge, obtained by size exclusion chromatography coupled to a fluorescence detector, showed a significant increase in the intensity of protein-like substances with >100 kDa apparent molecular weight (aMW) upon repeated exposure to Cd(II) and Se(VI). This was accompanied by a prominent decrease in protein-like substances of aMW <10 kDa. The fingerprint of the humic-like substances showed emergence of a new peak with aMW of 13 to 300 kDa in the EPS extracted from the Cd/Se fed granular sludge. Experiments on metal(loid)–EPS interactions showed that the CdSe nanoparticles interact mainly with loosely bound-EPS (LB-EPS). This study showed that the formation of Se(0) and CdSe nanoparticles occurs in the LB-EPS fraction of the granular sludge and repeated exposure to Cd and Se induces compositional changes in the EPS matrix.
Global analyses imply that Stenotrophomonas maltophilia biofilms are phenotypically highly diverse despite a common transcriptome profile
Authors: Alio Ifey , Gudzuhn Mirja , Schölmerich Marie , Pérez García Pablo , Vollstedt Christel , Mamat Uwe , Poehlein Anja , Steinmann Jorg , Kohl Thomas , Streit Wolfgang
Published: July 2020

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is one of the most frequently isolated multidrug resistant opportunistic pathogens. It contributes to disease progression in cystic fibrosis patients and is found in wounds, other infected tissues and on catheter surfaces. Only little is known on key processes linked to biofilm formation of S. maltophilia on a broader basis. Thus the aim of this study was the identification of key processes involved in biofilm formation of S. maltophilia on a global level. Therefore, we analyzed biofilm profiles of 300 globally collected clinical and environmental isolates of the main and recently identified lineages Sgn3, Sgn4 and Sm2 - Sm18 (Groeschel et al., 2020). These data together with the 3D structural analysis of a subset of clinical 40 clinical isolates revealed an unexpectedly high phenotypic variability on a strain specific level. Further transcriptome analysis of seven clinical isolates using biofilm grown cells identified a set of 106 shared and coexpressed genes and roughly 30-35 strain-specific genes. Based on these findings S. maltophilia employs a mostly fermentative growth modus under the biofilm conditions and uptake of iron, phosphorous and other metals appears to be of high relevance. Surprisingly, the transcriptome profiles of biofilm versus planktonic cells revealed that only 8.6% of all genes were differentially regulated when both conditions were compared.  This implies that only relatively few genes contribute to the change from planktonic to biofilm life style. Thereby iron uptake appears to be a key factor involved in this metabolic shift. The transcriptome data generated in this study together with the phenotypic and metabolic analysis represent so far the largest data set on S. maltophilia biofilm versus planktonic grown cells. This study now lays the foundation for the identification of new strategies in fighting S. maltophilia infections in clinical settings.

Ref:  Gröschel et al., 2020 ,The phylogenetic landscape and nosocomial spread of the multidrug-resistant opportunist Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Nature Commun. 2020 Apr 27;11(1):2044. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-15123-0.
Understanding how operating conditions affect biofouling structure in spacer filled membrane filtration channels using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Huisman Kees Theo , Blankert Bastiaan , Bucs Szilard , Vrouwenvelder Johannes S.
Published: July 2020

Abstract

The growth of biofilms, causing biofouling on the membrane and feed spacer surface, is an unavoidable phenomenon in reverse osmosis. Biofouling can lead to unacceptable losses in product quality and quantity, and membrane lifetime. Process conditions such as crossflow velocity and nutrient concentration in the feed water strongly affect the development of biofilms. To improve system performance, understanding the relation between process conditions, biofilm development, and system performance is key. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), is increasingly applied to characterize biofilm structure in-situ and non-destructively. In OCT, near-infrared light is used to capture 2D and 3D images from within optical scattering media. In spacer filled channels with representative biodegradable nutrient conditions in the feed, biofilms often develop heterogeneously and dispersed. In such systems, commonly used structural parameters such as average thickness, average roughness, and average porosity may not be reflected in the system performance.

In this study, biofilm structural and spatial parameters are explored with the objective to link biofouling in spacer filled channels to system performance indicators. For this purpose, biofilms are grown in membrane fouling simulators at different nutrient concentrations and flow rates. Biofilm development on the feed spacer and on the membrane and system performance (pressure drop, transmembrane pressure, rejection) are monitored. Understanding the impact of (i) feed water quality and flow rate on biofilm growth and of (ii) biofilm structure and spatial distribution on system performance will lead to the development of more effective strategies for biofouling control.

Keywords

Biofouling; desalination; drinking water production; reverse osmosis; optical coherence tomography; feed spacer; biofilm structure
Modelling Staphylococcus aureus biofilms on infected chronic wounds
Authors: Cheng Yanyan , De Bank Paul , Bolhuis Albert
Published: July 2020

Chronic wounds, for instance venous, pressure, arterial and diabetic ulcers, are a major health problem throughout the world. Compared with normal wounds, those that take more than four weeks to heal are defined as chronic. Interestingly, the numbers of patients suffering from chronic wounds and the cost for treatment have been increasing during the past two decades. There is increasing evidence that suggests that bacteria infect those chronic wounds and there exist as a biofilm, which affects wound healing and success of treatment. To study biofilms in infected wounds, both in vitro and in vivo biofilm models are important to be developed.

 

In this project, a dynamic ex vivo chronic wound biofilm model for Staphylococcus aureus using a 3D printed chamber and porcine skin was developed. This dynamic model then used to determine antibiotic treatment by using poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) electrospun fibrous mats containing different antibiotics, e.g. tetracycline, gentamicin and fusidic acid. Furthermore, electrospun PCL/silk fibroin scaffolds were also used as carrier of gentamicin. The killing effect of mature S. aureus MRSA 252 growing in the wound model was tested by both viable count and qPCR.

 

The results indicated that this newly designed dynamic model was successful in mimicking single-strain biofilm on infected chronic wounds. Compared with traditional biofilm assays, the flow system generates an air-liquid-solid interface, which more closely approaches to real conditions. Furthermore, results from using electrospun fibrous scaffolds provided strong evidence for their potential in clinical applications to treat infected skin.

 
Identifying meteorological drivers of extreme impacts: an application to simulated crop yields
Authors: Vogel Johannes , Rivoire Pauline , Deidda Cristina , Rahimi Leila , Sauter Christoph Alexander , Tschumi Elisabeth , van der Wiel Karin , Zhang Tianyi , Zscheischler Jakob
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Compound weather events may lead to extreme impacts that can affect many aspects of society including agriculture. Identifying the underlying mechanisms that cause extreme impacts, such as crop failure, is of crucial importance to improve understanding and forecasting. In this study we investigate whether key meteorological drivers of extreme impacts can be identified using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (Lasso) in a model environment, a method that allows for automated variable selection and is able to handle collinearity between variables. As an example of an extreme impact, we investigate crop failure using annual wheat yield as simulated by the APSIM crop model driven by 1600 years of daily weather data from a global climate model (EC-Earth) under present-day conditions for the Northern Hemisphere. We then apply the logistic Lasso regression to predict which weather conditions during the growing season lead to crop failure. We obtain good model performance in Central Europe and the eastern half of the United States, while crop failure years in regions in Asia and the western half of the United States are less accurately predicted. Model performance correlates strongly with annual mean and variability of crop yields, that is, model performance is highest in regions with relatively large annual crop yield mean and variability. Overall, for nearly all grid points the inclusion of temperature, precipitation and vapour pressure deficit is key to predict crop failure. In addition, meteorological predictors during all seasons are required for a good prediction. These results illustrate the omnipresence of compounding effects both between meteorological drivers and different periods of the growing season for creating crop failure events. Especially vapour pressure deficit and climate extreme indicators such as diurnal temperature range and the number of frost days are selected by the statistical model as relevant predictors for crop failure at most grid points, underlining their overarching relevance. We conclude that the Lasso regression model is a useful tool to automatically detect compound drivers of extreme impacts, and could be applied to other weather impacts such as wildfires or floods. As the detected relationships are of purely correlative nature, more detailed analyses are required to establish the causal structure between drivers and impacts.