bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Genetic Variability and Trait Associations in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Germplasms for Targeted Breeding Strategies
Authors: Mandalapu Himakara Datta , Yadu Shubham , Nandedkar Kanushree , Rawte Suman , Saxena Ritu R. , Saxena Ravi R. , Chandra Mandapelli Sharath
Published: December 2024

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a pivotal legume crop with substantial contributions to global food security and agricultural sustainability due to its high protein content, adaptability and nitrogen-fixing ability. The efficiency of breeding programs in enhancing chickpea productivity and resilience relies heavily on understanding and utilizing genetic variability within the germplasm. This study investigates the extent of genetic variability among forty-three chickpea genotypes, focusing on key traits such as number of pods (NPP), biological yield (BY), harvest index (HI), days to flowering (DTF), days to maturity (DTM), that influence yield and other agronomic characteristics. Analysis of variance showed significant variability among genotypes for various traits. Higher phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) compared to genotypic coefficients (GCV) indicated the presence of environmental influence, particularly for traits like number of pods per plant (NPP) and biological yield (BY). High heritability was observed for days to flowering (DTF) and maturity (DTM), while genetic advance as percent of mean (GAM) varied, indicating additive gene action for some traits. Correlation and path analysis revealed positive relationships between plot yield and traits such as Days to Flowering (DTF), plant height (PH), and harvest index (HI). Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis indicated significant genetic diversity, grouping genotypes into clusters and identifying top performers like GJG1801 and NBEG 924. This study emphasizes the importance of genetic variability in breeding programs, aiding in the selection of elite genotypes for targeted traits improvement.
Investigation of Antifungal Susceptibility Profile in Fungi Isolated from Patients with Chronic Wounds: A Focus on Venous Ulcers
Authors: Auler Marcos Ereno , Stricker Marcella Bordinhão Batista , Mainardes Rubiana Mara , Oliveira Camila Freitas de , Ruiz Luciana da Silva , Gandra Rinaldo Ferreira , Miyahara Carine Teles Sangaleti
Published: December 2024

Background: The complexity and challenges in managing patients with chronic wounds, combined with high morbidity rates, make this condition a significant public health issue. The polymicrobial presence of microorganisms, particularly fungi, in these wounds poses a major challenge for understanding the infectious process and defining therapeutic approaches.
Aims: This study investigated, over the course of one year, the presence of fungi in 30 clinical samples collected from 10 patients with chronic wounds caused by venous ulcers and characterized the susceptibility profile to the antifungal agents amphotericin B and fluconazole using the microdilution method following the EUCAST protocol.
Results: We observed that 30% of the patients had positive fungal cultures, with Candida tropicalis (67%) being the most frequently isolated species, followed by Candida guilliermondii (33%). The highest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for fluconazole were observed in Candida guilliermondii (4 mg/L), while for amphotericin B (0.5 mg/L), MIC values did not differ significantly between the isolated species.
Conclusion: Our findings indicate that fungi can be present in chronic venous ulcer wounds and may impair the healing process. We demonstrated the persistent presence of yeasts in 30% patients with chronic wounds caused by venous ulcers, suggesting that they may negatively impact the healing process. Performing microbiological laboratory tests and monitoring antifungal susceptibility profiles are important for implementing appropriate therapeutic strategies and aiding in the clinical management of these patients.
Enhancing Germination Efficiency of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus spp.) Seeds under Varied Climatic Conditions in East Nimar, Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Dubey Sharda , Mandle Vishal , Birla Shubham , Sharde Rahul
Published: December 2024

The current study sought to identify optimal pre-treatment approaches for increasing seed germination percentage and vigor. Regardless of the therapies. The experiment was set up in randomized block design (RBD), with three replications. The nursery experiment was carried out in 2024 at the School of Agriculture Science, Dr. C.V. Raman University in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. Dragon fruit seeds from seven treatments were pretreated with various pretreatments, viz. T1 Darkness + water soaking 12 hours; T2 Darkness + water soaking 24 hours; T3 Continuous light (24 hours) + water soaking 12 hours. T4 Continuous light (24h) + water soaking for 24 hours, T5 Alternating light (12h light/12h dark) + water soaking for 12 hours T6 alternating light (12h light/12h dark) + water soaking for 24 hours, T7 Control (without pretreatment) to examine the impacts on germination %, germination value, mean germination time, and seedling vigour index. Seeds pre-treated with T-6 Alternating light (12h light/12h dark) + water soaking 24 hours had the highest average germination percentage (94.66%), while control had the lowest germination percentage (78.66%) when compared to other pre-treatments among all treatments, and the highest average mean germination value (9.57), while T7 Control had the lowest mean germination value (6.71). Seeds were pre-treated with T7 control recorded average highest mean germination time 21.21 days, while T6 Alternating light (12h light/12h dark) + water soaking 24 hours showed lowest mean germination time as compared to other pre-treatments among all treatments, When compared to other pre-treatments, T7 control had the lowest mean seedling vigor index (694.09) across all treatments.
Dual-targeting and excretable ultrasmall SPIONs for T1-weighted positive MR imaging of intracranial glioblastoma cells by targeting the lipoprotein receptor-related protein
Authors: Du Chengjuan , Liu Xianping , Hu Hui , Li Huiming , Yu Luodan , Geng Daoying , Chen Yu , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2020

A multifunctional targeted nanoprobe composed of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with surface-conjugated Angiopep-2 was successfully constructed for targeted MR imaging of intracranial glioblastoma.
Combined inhalation exposure to retail insecticides for preschoolers and children based on household usage patterns
Authors: Kim Joo-hyon , Hwang Moon-young , Kwon Myunghee
Published: February 2020

Environmental contextSafeguarding the quality of residential indoor air depends on exposure assessment of potential contaminants. Using online survey responses from households in Korea, and focusing on those households containing preschoolers, we created a database of exposure, characterising household insecticide usage patterns. Evaluating the combined inhalation exposure to insecticides available in retail markets will support efforts to improve residential indoor air quality and the health and safety of all inhabitants.
AbstractTo accurately assess the health risks associated with the use of retail insecticides, we developed a database for the combined inhalation exposure to insecticides available in retail markets of preschoolers and children based on household usage patterns. This database presents the usage characteristics for each product, which includes its use frequency, per application duration, per application quantity and concurrent use with other insecticidal products as useful exposure factors. The 1932 household insecticides identified in the online product survey contained 184 different active ingredients, which included deltamethrin, d-phenothrin, phthalthrin, hydramethylnon, permethrin, chloropyrifos and cyhalothrin. A total of 5015 survey respondents, which included 385 respondents with 416 infants, 688 respondents with 809 toddlers and 821 respondents with 1040 children were surveyed. Among the insecticides included in the subset, 224 products contained deltamethrin and 205 products contained d-phenothrin as the predominant active ingredient. Among the families with infants, multiple insecticidal products were used in combination to eliminate or control mosquitos, cockroaches and house flies (88/385 respondents or 22.9%). For families with infants, toddlers and children, the total mean exposure amounts for all household insecticides were 4622.5, 5537.3 and 3515.0g month−1 in the summer. The results of the present study substantially contribute to the state of knowledge regarding the combined inhalation exposure to retail insecticides of preschoolers and children.
Exact Distance Query in Large Graphs through Fast Graph Simplification
Authors: Liu Jun , Pan Yicheng , Hu Qifu
Published: February 2020

Shortest path distance query is one of the most fundamental problems in graph theory and applications. Nowadays, the scale of graphs becomes so large that traditional algorithms for shortest path are not available to answer the exact distance query quickly. Many methods based on two-hop labeling have been proposed to solve this problem. However, they cost too much either in preprocessing or query phase to handle large networks containing as many as tens of millions of vertices. In this paper, we propose a novel $k$-hub labeling method to address this problem in large networks with less preprocessing cost while keeping the query time in the microsecond level on average. Technically, two types of labels are presented in our construction, one for distance queries when the actual distance is at most $k-2$, which we call local label, and the other for further distance queries, which we call hub label. Our approach of $k$-hub labeling is essentially different from previous widely used two-hop labeling framework since we construct labels by using hub network structure. We conduct extensive experiments on large real-world networks and the results demonstrate the higher efficiency of our method in preprocessing phase and the much smaller space size of constructed index compared to previous efficient two-hop labeling method, with a comparatively fast query speed.
Cellulose synthase interactive1- and microtubule-dependent cell wall architecture is required for acid growth in Arabidopsis hypocotyls
Authors: Xin Xiaoran , Lei Lei , Zheng Yunzhen , Zhang Tian , Pingali Sai Venkatesh , O’Neill Hugh , Cosgrove Daniel J , Li Shundai , Gu Ying
Published: February 2020

Auxin-induced cell elongation relies in part on the acidification of the cell wall, a process known as acid growth that presumably triggers expansin-mediated wall loosening via altered interactions between cellulose microfibrils. Cellulose microfibrils are a major determinant for anisotropic growth and they provide the scaffold for cell wall assembly. Little is known about how acid growth depends on cell wall architecture. To explore the relationship between acid growth-mediated cell elongation and plant cell wall architecture, two mutants (jia1-1 and csi1-3) that are defective in cellulose biosynthesis and cellulose microfibril organization were analyzed. The study revealed that cell elongation is dependent on CSI1-mediated cell wall architecture but not on the overall crystalline cellulose content. We observed a correlation between loss of crossed-polylamellate walls and loss of auxin- and fusicoccin-induced cell growth in csi1-3. Furthermore, induced loss of crossed-polylamellate walls via disruption of cortical microtubules mimics the effect of csi1 in acid growth. We hypothesize that CSI1- and microtubule-dependent crossed-polylamellate walls are required for acid growth in Arabidopsis hypocotyls.
5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound: The Combination of the Two Techniques to Optimize the Extent of Resection in Glioblastoma Surgery
Authors: Della Pepa Giuseppe Maria , Ius Tamara , La Rocca Giuseppe , Gaudino Simona , Isola Miriam , Pignotti Fabrizio , Rapisarda Alessandro , Mazzucchi Edoardo , Giordano Carolina , Dragonetti Valentino , Chiesa Silvia , Balducci Mario , Gessi Marco , Skrap Miran , Olivi Alessandro , Marchese Enrico , Sabatino Giovanni
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

The survival benefit in maximizing resection in glioblastomas (GBMs) has been demonstrated by numerous studies. The true limit of infiltration of GBMs has been an overwhelming obstacle, and several technological advances have been introduced to improve the identification of residual tumors.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether the integration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) with microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) improves residual tumor identification and has an impact on the extent of resection (EOR), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS).

METHODS

A total of 230 GBM procedures were retrospectively studied. Cases were stratified according to the surgical procedure into 4 groups: 5-ALA- and CEUS-guided surgeries, 5-ALA-guided surgeries, CEUS-guided surgeries, and conventional microsurgical procedures.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing conventional microsurgical procedures showed the worst EORs compared to the assisted techniques (5-ALA and CEUS procedures). Both 5-ALA and CEUS techniques improved the EOR compared to conventional microsurgical procedures. However, their combination gave the best results in terms of the EOR (P = .0003). The median EOR% and the number of supramarginal resections are hence superior in the 5-ALA + CEUS + group compared to the others; this observation had consequences on PFS and OS in our series.

CONCLUSION

In terms of the EOR, the best results can be achieved through a combination of both techniques, where the 5-ALA-guided procedure is followed by a final survey with CEUS. Compared with other intraoperative imaging techniques, CEUS is a real-time, readily repeatable, safe, and inexpensive technique that provides valuable information to the surgeon before, during, and after resection.
The impact of transmission control measures during the first 50 days of the COVID-19 epidemic in China
Authors: Tian Huaiyu , Liu Yonghong , Li Yidan , Wu Chieh-Hsi , Chen Bin , Kraemer Moritz U.G. , Li Bingying , Cai Jun , Xu Bo , Yang Qiqi , Wang Ben , Yang Peng , Cui Yujun , Song Yimeng , Zheng Pai , Wang Quanyi , Bjornstad Ottar N. , Yang Ruifu , Grenfell Bryan T. , Pybus Oliver G. , Dye Christopher
Published: February 2020

Respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) appeared in China during December 2019. Attempting to contain infection, China banned travel to and from Wuhan city on 23 January and implemented a national emergency response. Here we evaluate the spread and control of the epidemic based on a unique synthesis of data including case reports, human movement and public health interventions. The Wuhan shutdown slowed the dispersal of infection to other cities by an estimated 2.91 days (95%CI: 2.54-3.29), delaying epidemic growth elsewhere in China. Other cities that implemented control measures pre-emptively reported 33.3% (11.1-44.4%) fewer cases in the first week of their outbreaks (13.0; 7.1-18.8) compared with cities that started control later (20.6; 14.5-26.8). Among interventions investigated here, the most effective were suspending intra-city public transport, closing entertainment venues and banning public gatherings. The national emergency response delayed the growth and limited the size of the COVID-19 epidemic and, by 19 February (day 50), had averted hundreds of thousands of cases across China.

One sentence summary

Travel restrictions and the national emergency response delayed the growth and limited the size of the COVID-19 epidemic in China.
Effectiveness of airport screening at detecting travellers infected with 2019-nCoV
Authors: Quilty Billy , Clifford Sam ,   CMMID nCoV working group, Flasche Stefan , Eggo Rosalind M.
Published: February 2020

As the number of novel coronavirus cases grows both inside and outside of China, public health authorities require evidence on the effectiveness of control measures such as thermal screening of arrivals at airports. We evaluated the effectiveness of exit and entry screening for 2019-nCoV infection. In our baseline scenario, we estimated that 46.5% (95%CI: 35.9 to 57.7) of infected travellers would not be detected, depending on the incubation period, sensitivity of exit and entry screening, and the proportion of cases which are asymptomatic. Airport screening is unlikely to detect a sufficient proportion of 2019-nCoV infected travellers to avoid entry of infected travellers. We developed an online tool so that results can be updated as new information becomes available.
DisCovER: distance- and orientation-based covariational threading for weakly homologous proteins
Authors: Bhattacharya Sutanu , Roche Rahmatullah , Bhattacharya Debswapna
Published: February 2020

Motivation

Threading a query protein sequence onto a library of weakly homologous structural templates remains challenging, even when sequence-based predicted contact or distance information is used. Contact- or distance-assisted threading methods utilize only the spatial proximity of the interacting residue pairs for template selection and alignment, ignoring their orientation. Moreover, existing threading methods fail to consider the neighborhood effect induced by the query-template alignment.

Results

We present a new distance- and orientation-based covariational threading method called DisCovER by effectively integrating information from inter-residue distance and orientation along with the topological network neighborhood of a query-template alignment. Our method first selects a subset of templates using standard profile-based threading coupled with topological network similarity terms to account for the neighborhood effect and subsequently performs distance- and orientation-based query-template alignment using an iterative double dynamic programming framework. Multiple large-scale benchmarking results on query proteins classified as hard targets from the Continuous Automated Model Evaluation (CAMEO) experiment and from the current literature show that our method outperforms several existing state-of-the-art threading approaches; and that the integration of the neighborhood effect with the inter-residue distance and orientation information synergistically contributes to the improved performance of DisCovER.

Availability

https://github.com/Bhattacharya-Lab/DisCovER

Contact

bhattacharyad@auburn.edu
A helical assembly of human ESCRT-I scaffolds reverse-topology membrane scission
Authors: Flower Thomas G. , Takahashi Yoshinori , Hudait Arpa , Rose Kevin , Tjahjono Nicholas , Pak Alexander , Yokom Adam L. , Liang Xinwen , Wang Hong-Gang , Bouamr Fadila , Voth Gregory A. , Hurley James H.
Published: February 2020

The ESCRT complexes drive membrane scission in HIV-1 release, autophagosome closure, MVB biogenesis, cytokinesis, and other cell processes. ESCRT-I is the most upstream complex and bridges the system to HIV-1 Gag in virus release. The crystal structure of the headpiece of human ESCRT-I comprising TSG101:VPS28:VPS37B:MVB12A was determined, revealing an ESCRT-I helical assembly with a 12 molecule repeat. Electron microscopy confirmed that ESCRT-I subcomplexes form helical filaments in solution. Mutation of VPS28 helical interface residues blocks filament formationin vitroand autophagosome closure and HIV-1 release in human cells. Coarse grained simulations of ESCRT assembly at HIV-1 budding sites suggest that formation of a 12-membered ring of ESCRT-I molecules is a geometry-dependent checkpoint during late stages of Gag assembly and HIV-1 budding, and templates ESCRT-III assembly for membrane scission. These data show that ESCRT-I is not merely a bridging adaptor, but has an essential scaffolding and mechanical role in its own right.
Spreading depressions and periinfarct spreading depolarizations in the context of cortical plasticity
Authors: Sadowska Maria , Mehlhorn Clemens , Średniawa Władysław , Szewczyk Łukasz M. , Szlachcic Aleksandra , Urban Paulina , Winiarski Maciej , Jabłonka Jan A.
Published: February 2020

Studies of cortical function-recovery require a comparison between normal and post-stroke conditions that lead to changes in cortical metaplasticity. Focal cortical stroke impairs experience-dependent plasticity (ExDP) in the neighboring somatosensory cortex and usually evokes periinfarct depolarizations (PiDs) – a spreading depression-like waves. Experimentally induced spreading depressions (SDs) affect gene expression and some of these changes persist for at least 30 days. However, such changes are not stroke-specific: migraine patients had prolonged protein changes after a single SD episode during migraine aura. This study investigates whether non-stroke depolarizations impair cortical ExDP similarly to the stroke.

ExDP was induced in rates with SDs or PiDs by a month of contralateral partial whiskers deprivation. Cortical activity was mapped by [14C]-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) incorporation during stimulation of spared and contralateral homotopic whiskers. We found that whiskers deprivation after SDs resulted in normal cortical representation enlargement suggesting that SDs and PiDs depolarization have no influence on ExDP cortical map reorganization. PiDs and the MMP-9, −3, −2 or COX-2 proteins which are assumed to influence metaplasticity in rats after stroke were compared between the SDs induced by high osmolarity KCl solution and the PiDs following cortical photothrombotic stroke (PtS). We found that none of these factors directly caused cortical post-stroke metaplasticity changes. The only significant difference between stoke and induced SD was a greater imbalance in interhemispheric activity equilibrium after stroke. The interhemispheric interactions modified by stroke may therefore be a promising target for future studies of post-stroke ExDP and for convalescence studies.

Highlights

Post-stroke metaplasticity changes in an injured hemisphere are not a consequence of spreading depolarizations

None of the monitored proteins (MMP-2, -3, -9; COX-2) cause modifications in poststroke cortical plasticity

Spreading depressions have a prolonged, global influence on the functioning of both hemispheres and of the thalamus

Impaired interhemispheric interactions may underlie the post-stroke metaplasticity changes in the injured hemisphere
Functional and structural consequences of epithelial cell invasion byBordetella pertussisadenylate cyclase toxin
Authors: Angely Christelle , Ladant Daniel , Planus Emmanuelle , Louis Bruno , Filoche Marcel , Chenal Alexandre , Isabey Daniel
Published: February 2020

Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whopping cough, produces an adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA) that plays a key role in the host colonization by targeting innate immune cells which express CD11b/CD18, the cellular receptor of CyaA. CyaA is also able to invade non-phagocytic cells, via a unique entry pathway consisting in a direct translocation of its catalytic domain across the cytoplasmic membrane of the cells. Within the cells, CyaA is activated by calmodulin to produce high levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and alter cellular physiology. In this study, we explored the effects of CyaA toxin on the cellular and molecular structure remodeling of A549 alveolar epithelial cells. Using classical imaging techniques, biochemical and functional tests, as well as advanced cell mechanics method, we quantify the structural and functional consequences of the massive increase of intracellular cyclic AMP induced by the toxin: cell shape rounding associated to adhesion weakening process, actin structure remodeling for the cortical and dense components, increase in cytoskeleton stiffness, and inhibition of migration and repair. We also show that, at the low concentrations that may be foundin vivoduringB. pertussisinfection, CyaA impairs the migration and wound healing capacities of the intoxicated alveolar epithelial cells. Our results suggest that the CyaA, beyond its major role in disabling innate immune cells, might also contribute to the local alteration of the epithelial barrier of the respiratory tract, that is an hallmark ofpertussis.
Xpo7 negatively regulates Hedgehog signaling by exporting Gli2 from the nucleus
Authors: Markiewicz Łukasz , Uśpieński Tomasz , Niedziółka Sylwia M. , Niewiadomski Paweł
Published: February 2020

Dynamic bidirectional transport between the nucleus and the cytoplasm is critical for the regulation of many transcription factors, whose levels inside the nucleus must be tightly controlled. Efficient shuttling across the nuclear membrane is especially crucial with regard to the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, where the transcriptional signal depends on the fine balance between the amounts of Gli protein activator and repressor forms in the nucleus. The nuclear export machinery prevents the unchecked nuclear accumulation of Gli proteins, but the mechanistic insight into this process is limited. We show that the atypical exportin Xpo7 functions as a major nuclear export receptor that actively excludes Gli2 from the nucleus and controls the outcome of Hh signaling. We show that Xpo7 interacts with several domains of Gli2 and that this interaction is dependent on SuFu, a key negative regulator of Hh signaling. Our data pave the way for a more complete understanding of the nuclear shuttling of Gli proteins and the regulation of their transcriptional activity.
Immunoglobulin switch-like recombination regions implicated in the formation of extrachromosomal circular 45S rDNA involved in the maternal-specific translation system of zebrafish
Authors: Breit Timo M. , Rauwerda Han , Pagano Johanna F. B. , Ensink Wim A. , Nehrdich Ulrike , Spaink Herman P. , Dekker Rob J.
Published: February 2020

Cellular translation is essential to all life on earth and in recent years we have reported on the discovery of a unique dual translation system in zebrafish. In this system, a maternal-type variant shows absolute expression in eggs and is progressively replaced during embryogenesis by a somatic-type variant. There are several translation system components, all with a non-coding RNA part, that show this dual characteristic: snRNA, snoRNA, rRNA, RNaseP, tRNA, and SRP-RNA.

To produce sufficient ribosomes during oogenesis, zebrafish amplify their 45S locus (18S-5.8S-28S tandem repeat) by means of extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) organized in extrachromosomal rDNA circles (ERCs). Although this cellular process is discovered quite some time ago, still little is known about the mechanisms involved. Yet, because only the 45S maternal-type (45S-M) rRNA is expressed during oogenesis, the zebrafish genome provides a rare opportunity to compare an ERC 45S locus to a non-ERC 45S locus.

In this study, we analyzed the genomic composition of the 45S-M and 45S-S (somatic-type) loci in combination with ultra-long read Nanopore sequencing of ERCs present in total DNA isolated from zebrafish eggs.

We discovered 45S-M flanking sequences that were absent in the 45S-S locus and showed high homology to immunoglobulin (Ig) switch regions. Also, several other unique G-quadruplex DNA containing regions were found in the 45S-M locus. Some of those auxiliary regions showed different sizes in the sequenced ERCs, although within each ERC they appear to have identical sizes. These results point to a two-step system for ERC synthesis in zebrafish oogenesis: first the 45S-M repeat is excised from the chromosome into an ERC by recombination that uses the flanking Ig switch-like regions, after which the initial ECR is multiplied and extended into many ECRs with a varying number of 45S-M repeats.
Genome Detective Coronavirus Typing Tool for rapid identification and characterization of novel coronavirus genomes
Authors: Cleemput Sara , Dumon Wim , Fonseca Vagner , Abdool Karim Wasim , Giovanetti Marta , Alcantara Luiz Carlos , Deforche Koen , de Oliveira Tulio
Published: February 2020

Genome Detective is a web-based, user-friendly software application to quickly and accurately assemble all known virus genomes from next generation sequencing datasets. This application allows the identification of phylogenetic clusters and genotypes from assembled genomes in FASTA format. Since its release in 2019, we have produced a number of typing tools for emergent viruses that have caused large outbreaks, such as Zika and Yellow Fever Virus in Brazil. Here, we present The Genome Detective Coronavirus Typing Tool that can accurately identify novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) sequences isolated in China and around the world. The tool can accept up to 2,000 sequences per submission and the analysis of a new whole genome sequence will take approximately one minute. The tool has been tested and validated with hundreds of whole genomes from ten coronavirus species, and correctly classified all of the SARS-related coronavirus (SARSr-CoV) and all of the available public data for 2019-nCoV. The tool also allows tracking of new viral mutations as the outbreak expands globally, which may help to accelerate the development of novel diagnostics, drugs and vaccines.

Availability

Available online:https://www.genomedetective.com/app/typingtool/cov

*

Contact

koen@emweb.beanddeoliveira@ukzn.ac.za

Supplementary information

Supplementary data is available online.
Abnormal expression of GABAAreceptor sub-units and hypomotility upon loss ofgabra1in zebrafish
Authors: Reyes-Nava Nayeli , Yu Hung-Chun , Coughlin Curtis R. , Shaikh Tamim H. , Quintana Anita M.
Published: February 2020

We used whole exome sequencing (WES) to determine the genetic etiology of a patient with a multi-system disorder characterized by a seizure phenotype. WES identified a heterozygousde novomissense mutation in theGABRA1gene (c.875C>T).GABRA1 encodes the alpha subunit of the Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid receptor A (GABAAR). The GABAAR is a ligand gated ion channel that mediates the fast inhibitory signals of the nervous system and mutations in the sub-units that compose the GABAAR have been previously associated with human disease. To understand the mechanisms by whichGABRA1regulates brain development, we developed a zebrafish model ofgabra1deficiency.gabra1expression is restricted to the nervous system and behavioral analysis of morpholino injected larvae suggests that the knockdown ofgabra1results in hypoactivity and defects in the expression of other sub-units of the GABAAR. Expression the human GABRA1 protein in morphants partially restored the hypomotility phenotype. In contrast, the expression of the c.875C>T variant did not restore these behavioral deficits. Collectively, these results represent a functional approach to understand the mechanisms by which loss of function alleles cause disease.
Fe-S protein assembly involves bipartite client binding and conformational flexibility in the CIA targeting complex
Authors: Kassube Susanne A. , Thomä Nicolas H.
Published: February 2020

The cytosolic iron sulfur (Fe-S) assembly (CIA) pathway is required for the insertion of Fe-S clusters into cytosolic and nuclear client proteins, including many DNA metabolism proteins. The molecular mechanisms of client protein recognition and Fe-S cluster transfer remain unknown. Here we report crystal structures of the CIA targeting complex and cryo-EM reconstructions of the complex bound either to the DNA replication factor primase or the DNA helicase DNA2. The structures, combined with biochemical, biophysical and yeast complementation assays, reveal an evolutionarily conserved, bipartite client binding mode facilitated by the structural flexibility of the MMS19 subunit. The primase Fe-S cluster is located ∼70 Å away from the catalytic cysteine in the CIA targeting complex, pointing to a conformationally dynamic mechanism of Fe-S cluster transfer. Altogether, our studies suggest a model for Fe-S cluster insertion and thus provide a mechanistic framework to understand the biogenesis of critical DNA replication and repair factors.
A new species of Clinodiplosis Kieffer (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) associated with Cecropia sp. (Urticaceae) in Brazil
Authors: Proença Barbara , Maia Valéria Cid
Published: February 2020

Clinodiplosis cecropiae Proença & Maia a new species of Cecidomyiidae (Insecta: Diptera) is described and illustrated herein (larva, pupal exuviae, male and female). Samples of gall and host plant were collected in Amazon Rainforest areas, in Monte Negro municipality, Rondônia state, Brazil. The galler was obtained by rearing in laboratory. The specimens were mounted on microscope slides. The type material is deposited in the Cecidomyiidae collection of Museu Nacional/Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. The new species induces globoid galls on stems of Cecropia sp. (Urticaceae). This is the first record of a Clinodiplosis species inducing galls on Urticaceae plants.
First record of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Bivalvia, Mytilidae) in Brazil
Authors: Belz Carlos Eduardo , Simone Luiz Ricardo L. de , Silveira Júnior Nelson , Baggio Rafael Antunes , Gernet Marcos De Vasconcellos , Birckolz Carlos João
Published: February 2020

The genus Mytilus comprises a large number of bivalve mollusk species distributed throughout the world and many of these species are considered invasive. In South America, many introductions of species of this genus have already taken place, including reports of hybridization between them. Now, the occurrence of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis is reported for the first time from the Brazilian coast. Several specimens of this mytilid were found in a shellfish growing areas in Florianópolis and Palhoça, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Morphological analysis of the shells and molecular analysis through sequencing of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) confirmed the taxonomic identification. The species is known for its great invasive potential and can become a major environmental problem for seafood business and coastal communities, as it can compete and even hybridize with local species.
Using tilapia skin (Oreochromis niloticus) as an occlusive biological curative in equine wounds:
Authors: Silva Sofia Cicolo da , Ríspoli Vívian Fratti Penna , Graner Cesar , Sá Lilian Rose Marques de , Belli Carla Bargi , De Zoppa André Luís Do Valle
Published: February 2020

Tilapia skin is being already use in humans and wild animals present burning wounds and showed a great result. The objective is to evaluate if tilapia skin used as an occlusive curative improves equine wound healing in two horses present chronic wound. Both animals are males, adults, both of breed Mangalarga Marchador South America. Every seven days wound we measured, photographed, biopsied for histopathological analysis, cleaned and tilapia curative was changed. Image J software was used to measure wound area. Tilapia skin as an occlusive biological factor seemed to improve healing process, wounds present an area reduction and clinical improvement during 35 days treatment, even though is still waiting for complete wound healing. In equine tilapia skin curative seemed to speed up healing process and allowed reduced curative change from every two days to once a week. This implies in decrease animal´s stress, less pain and treatment cost reduction since we used less bandage amount. Beside that tilapia skin industrial waste. Furthermore, it allowed avoid using antibiotics, which reduces environment pollution and there´s no antibiotic resistance issues.
Os usos internacionais do conceito de campo jurídico [trad. de Lucas e Silva Batista Pilau]
Authors: Dezalay Yves
Published: February 2020

Referência ao artigo original Dezalay, Yves Les usages internationaux du concept de champ juridique. Actes de la Recherche em Sciences Sociales, 2013/5, n. 200.
Resolution, access, and waiting time for specialties in different models of care
Authors: Mori Natália Leite Rosa , Olbrich Neto Jaime , Spagnuolo Regina Stella , Juliani Carmen Maria Casquel Monti
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the treatment demands coming from primary health care units and, based on that, the demand for referrals to medical specialties in reference services. This study is justified by the scarcity of scientific literature on the subject. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study using secondary data on the treatments and referrals made by the primary health care units, throughout 2014, in a municipality of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The total population treated in 2014 was considered, resulting in 411,177 treatments. RESULTS: Out of all treatments performed, the percentage of referrals was of 4.42%, showing that 95,58% of the problems did not need to be referred to another service. A number of 8,897 referrals were made, to 6,850 users, who were mostly women (60.74%). The mean of referrals per patient was 1.3 (min. 1 and max. 8), and 1,604 patients (23.5%) were referred at least twice. CONCLUSIONS: Primary health care services have been responsible for a large number of treatments, whereas the demand for referrals has decreased, suggesting that such services have established themselves as a gateway to the health system and achieved the expected solvability, although the waiting time for some specialties is very long.
Lateral movement and angular illuminating non-uniformity corrected TSOM image using Fourier transform
Authors: Peng Renju , Jiang Jie , Hao Jialin , Qu Yufu
Published: February 2020

Through-focus scanning optical microscopy (TSOM) is a high-efficient, low-costed, and nondestructive model-based optical nanoscale method with the capability of measuring semiconductor targets from nanometer to micrometer level. However, some instability issues resulted from lateral movement of the target and angular illuminating non-uniformity during the collection of through-focus (TF) images restrict TSOM’s potential applications so that considerable efforts are needed to align optical elements before the collection and correct the experimental TSOM image before differentiating the experimental TSOM image from simulated TSOM image. An improved corrected TSOM method using Fourier transform is herein presented in this paper. First, a series of experimental TF images are collected through scanning the objective of the optical microscopy, and the ideally simulated TF images are obtained by a full-vector formulation. Then, each experimental image is aligned to its corresponding simulated counterpart before constructing the TSOM image. Based on the analysis of precision and repeatability, this method demonstrates its capability to improve the performance of TSOM, and the promising possibilities in application of online and in-machine measurements.
The Handinhand School: Dealing with Adversity within a Multicultural Context
Authors: Bar Shalom Amira
Published: February 2020

The Hand in Hand bilingual school in Jerusalem operates against the broader background of the Arab-Israeli conflictand the unequal relations between Jewish and Arab citizens in the State of Israel. Drawing on multicultural educational models, the School seeks to ensure that all groups are visible and respected and to develop a curriculum that reflectsthe culture of all the students and their families. Against the dominant model of segregated education in Israel, the School creates intercultural space. In recent years, the School has been the target of several attacks. The article describes the work of the author, a counselor at the School, in responding to these attacks and in enhancing the resilience of the School community. Structured staff meetings enabled the educators to express themselves, support each other, and receive tools for coping in multicultural classrooms in a conflicted society.
Norbert G. Pikuła, Katarzyna Jagielska, Katarzyna Białożyt (red.), Rynek pracy, kariera zawodowa. Wyzwania dla edukacji,Wydawnictwo Naukowe „Śląsk”, Katowice 2016, ss. 181
Authors: Adamczyk Dariusz
Published: February 2020

Recenzja
Społeczny model niepełnosprawności – analiza krytyczna
Authors: Twardowski Andrzej
Published: February 2020

The aim of this article is to provide a description and analysis of the social model of disability, and how it has developed during the past 40 years. In the first part of article the author presents the origins and basic tenets of the social model of disability emphasizing its key elements: the distinction between impairment and disability and the phenomenon of social oppression. Next, he describe the benefits of the social model. In the remainder of this article, the author analyze the main weaknesses of the social model of disability. The paper concludes with some reflections on the need to change in understanding of disability.
Der Dreißigjährige Krieg als Motor der Staatsbildung? Heeresverfassung und Herrschaftsverdichtung in Europa in der ersten Hälfte des 17. Jahrhunderts
Authors: Querengässer Alexander
Published: February 2020

Der 400. Jahrestag des Beginns des Dreißigjährigen Krieges brachte eine Reihe neuer Publikationen hervor, die mitunter alte Thesen aufwärmten. So bekräftigte Johannes Burkhardt sein Modell vom Dreißigjährigen Krieg als „Staatsbildungskrieg“. Der vorliegende Aufsatz diskutiert die Probleme, die mit diesem Modellbegriff einhergehen. Der Dreißigjährige Krieg wird hierbei sowohl als Schubgeber als auch Hemmnis für den Staatsbildungsprozess analysiert. Demnach lassen sich die Aufstände der Vereinigten Niederlande und Böhmens nicht als Staatsbildungsversuche verstehen, sondern als Abspaltungsprozesse aus althergebrachten Dynastieverbänden. Desweiteren werden unter Staatsbildung auch innere Prozesse, ein Ausbau der Verwaltung und eine zunehmende herrschaftlich-staatliche Durchdringung verstanden. Vor und während des Dreißigjährigen Krieges lässt sich dagegen eine Schwächung des frühmodernen Staates ausmachen, welche in vielen Ländern auf die konfessionellen Spaltungen des 16. Jahrhunderts zurückzuführen war. Bestenfalls kam es im Dreißigjährigen Krieg zur Wiederherstellung einer Form frühneuzeitlicher Staatlichkeit, wie sie Frankreich bereits unter den Valois-Königen und das Reich unter Karl V. gekannt hatten.
Vom „Kindersegen“ zur „Familienplanung“? Eine Wissensgeschichte reproduktiven Entscheidens in der Moderne 1890–1990
Authors: Heinemann Isabel
Published: February 2020

Ab wann galt biologische Reproduktion in modernen westlichen Gesellschaften als Gegenstand einer bewussten Entscheidung und nicht länger als „Schicksal“ oder „Fluch“? Ist die Entscheidbarkeit von Fortpflanzung vielleicht gerade ein Kennzeichen von modernen Gesellschaften? Der Artikel untersucht das Zusammenspiel dreier Faktoren, welche, so die Ausgangshypothese, die Entscheidbarkeit von Reproduktion überhaupt erst ermöglichen: Es sind dies erstens Wissen über Empfängnis und Familienplanung, zweites rechtliche Normen, die eine bewusste Steuerung der Fortpflanzung zulassen, und drittens familiale Werte/Geschlechternormen, die vor allem Frauen Handlungsräume für Fortpflanzungsentscheidungen eröffnen. Reproduktives Entscheiden selbst wird verstanden als bewusster Vorgang der Wahl zwischen zwei oder mehreren Alternativen nach einer Phase der Reflexion. Der Beitrag geht aus von der US-Gesellschaft der „Hochmoderne“ (1890–1990), diskutiert jedoch auch Querverbindungen zu anderen westlichen Gesellschaften. Als Quellen dienen Expertinnen- und Expertendiskurse, rechtliche Rahmensetzungen und individuelle Entscheidungsnarrative. Am Ende steht eine Periodisierung der sich verändernden Rahmenbedingungen, Praxen und Legitimationsdiskurse reproduktiven Entscheidens im 20. Jahrhundert. Es zeigt sich einerseits, dass die Optionen reproduktiven Entscheidens in der Moderne durch Wissen, Technologie und veränderte Normen und Werte erwartungsgemäß ansteigen. Zugleich erweist sich aber auch die Persistenz von Faktoren wie Expertenwissen, traditionellen Familienwerten und vor allem den Ungleichheitskategorien Race, Class und Gender, welche die Entscheidungsspielräume für Frauen, Paare und Familien gerade in der Moderne nachhaltig einschränken.
Predictors of behaviour change for unhealthy sleep patterns among Indian dental students
Authors: Sharma Ankur , Jain Meena , Nahar Vinayak K. , Sharma Manoj
Published: February 2020

Objective

The present study aimed at determining predictors of sleep behaviour change among dental students using the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behaviour change in India.

Methods

This study was conducted among 535 students of a dental college in India. Predictors of sleep behaviour change were assessed using a validated 30-item questionnaire. Theoretical predictors of sleep behaviour were modelled using multiple linear regression.

Results

The response rate was 95.10%. A total of 449 of 535 students filled in the form, out of which 127 (28.30%) were inadequate sleepers. Inadequate sleep behaviour showed a strong preponderance within the male population (81.9%). The percentage of inadequate sleepers was highest in second year undergraduates and those obtaining between 60 and 69.9% marks in previous exams. For the initiation model, the standardised regression coefficients (β) for the three constructs – participatory dialogue, behavioural confidence and change in physical environment were 0.050 [p = 0.579, 95% (confidence interval)CI: −0.039 to 0.070], 0.213 (p = 0.019, 95% CI: 0.029–0.320) and 0.062 (p = 0.496, 95% CI: −0.073 to 0.149), respectively. For the sustenance model, β for emotional transformation, practice for change and changes in social environment was 0.192 (p = 0.047, 95% CI: 0.002–0.250), 0.175 (p = 0.091, 95% CI: −0.024 to 0.318) and 0.046 (p = 0.623, 95% CI: −0.094 to 0.157), respectively.

Conclusion

Improving behavioural confidence and bringing about emotional transformation were significant predictors for a reduction in inadequate sleep behaviour in dental students. Working on these predictors may improve sleep behaviours in dental students.
Optical wavefront shaping based on functional metasurfaces
Authors: Wei Qunshuo , Huang Lingling , Zentgraf Thomas , Wang Yongtian
Published: February 2020

Regarded as a kind of smart surfaces, metasurfaces can arbitrarily tailor the amplitude, phase, and polarization of light. Metasurfaces usually consist of subwavelength nanoantenna or nanoresonator arrays, which are delicately designed and processed. As an ultrathin, miniaturized versatile wavefront modulation device, metasurfaces have great information capacity and can arouse the future development of highly integrated micronano optoelectronic systems. Exploiting the advantages of ultrasmall pixels, flexible design freedom, low loss, and easy processing properties, metasurfaces provide potential feasibility and new perspectives for a plethora of applications. Here we review the research progress of metasurfaces for holographic displays, polarization conversion, active modulation, linear and nonlinear wavefront modulation, and prospect the future development trend of metasurfaces.
Gut dysbiosis and serotonin: intestinal 5-HT as a ubiquitous membrane permeability regulator in host tissues, organs, and the brain
Authors: Szőke Henrik , Kovács Zoltán , Bókkon István , Vagedes Jan , Szabó Attila Erdőfi , Hegyi Gabriella , Sterner Martin-Günther , Kiss Ágnes , Kapócs Gábor
Published: February 2020

The microbiota and microbiome and disruption of the gut-brain axis were linked to various metabolic, immunological, physiological, neurodevelopmental, and neuropsychiatric diseases. After a brief review of the relevant literature, we present our hypothesis that intestinal serotonin, produced by intestinal enterochromaffin cells, picked up and stored by circulating platelets, participates and has an important role in the regulation of membrane permeability in the intestine, brain, and other organs. In addition, intestinal serotonin may act as a hormone-like continuous regulatory signal for the whole body, including the brain. This regulatory signal function is mediated by platelets and is primarily dependent on and reflects the intestine’s actual health condition. This hypothesis may partially explain why gut dysbiosis could be linked to various human pathological conditions as well as neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.