bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ingestion of Bifidobacterium longum changes miRNA levels in the brains of mice
Authors: DeVries Laura , Horstman Cara , Fossell Marie , Carlson Clayton
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between the microbiota of the gastrointestinal (GI) system and relative gene expression of miRNAs and mRNAs in the brain. C57BL/6 mice and Balb/c mice are fed Bifidobacterium longum, a well-characterized probiotic bacterial species shown to change behavior and improve sociability of Balb/c mice. After feeding, RNA was extracted from whole brains and PCR arrays were utilized to determine changes in the gene expression of brain-specific miRNAs. The results of these PCR arrays reveal that the relative gene expression of mmu-mir-652-3p is sensitive to B. longum probiotic treatment in C57BL/6 mice. qPCR was performed to measure expression of Dab1, an mRNA target of this miRNA. Dab1 expression is also dependent on B. longum. The goal of this study is to further understand the relationship between the gut microbiota and its impacts on neurological gene expression and brain function.
Association between early viral LRTI and subsequent wheezing development, a meta-analysis and sensitivity analyses for studies comparable for confounding factors
Authors: Kenmoe Sebastien , Bowo-Ngandji Arnol , Kengne-Nde Cyprien , Ebogo-Belobo Jean Thierry , Mbaga Donatien Serge , Mahamat Gadji , Demeni Emoh Cynthia Paola , Njouom Richard
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Consideration of confounding factors about the association between Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTI) in childhood and the development of subsequent wheezing has been incompletely described. We determined the association between viral LRTI at ≤ 5 years of age and the development of wheezing in adolescence or adulthood by a meta-analysis and a sensitivity analysis including comparable studies for major confounding factors.

Methods

We performed searches through Pubmed and Global Index Medicus databases. We selected cohort studies comparing the frequency of subsequent wheezing in children with and without LRTI in childhood regardless of the associated virus. We extracted the publication data, clinical and socio-demographic characteristics of the children, and confounding factors. We analyzed data using random effect model.

Results

The meta-analysis included 18 publications (22 studies) that met the inclusion criteria. These studies showed that viral LRTI in children ≤ 3 years was associated with an increased risk of subsequent development of wheezing (OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 2.4–3.9). The risk of developing subsequent wheezing was conserved when considering studies with comparable groups for socio-demographic and clinical confounders.

Conclusions

When considering studies with comparable groups for most confounding factors, our results provided strong evidence for the association between neonatal viral LRTI and the subsequent wheezing development. Further studies, particularly from lower-middle income countries, are needed to investigate the role of non-bronchiolitis and non-HRSV LRTI in the association between viral LRTI in childhood and the wheezing development later. In addition, more studies are needed to investigate the causal effect between childhood viral LRTI and the wheezing development later.

Trial registration

Review registration: PROSPERO, CRD42018116955;https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42018116955.
Deep sequencing of DNA from urine of kidney allograft recipients to estimate donor/recipient-specific DNA fractions
Authors: Belkadi Aziz , Thareja Gaurav , Dadhania Darshana , Lee John R. , Muthukumar Thangamani , Snopkowski Catherine , Li Carol , Halama Anna , Abdelkader Sara , Abdulla Silvana , Mahmoud Yasmin , Malek Joel , Suthanthiran Manikkam , Suhre Karsten
Published: April 2021

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage kidney failure, but transplanted allograft could be affected by viral and bacterial infections and by immune rejection. The standard test for the diagnosis of acute pathologies in kidney transplants is kidney biopsy. However, noninvasive tests would be desirable. Various methods using different techniques have been developed by the transplantation community. But these methods require improvements. We present here a cost-effective method for kidney rejection diagnosis that estimates donor/recipient-specific DNA fraction in recipient urine by sequencing urinary cell DNA. We hypothesized that in the no-pathology stage, the largest tissue types present in recipient urine are donor kidney cells, and in case of rejection, a larger number of recipient immune cells would be observed. Extensive in-silico simulation was used to tune the sequencing parameters: number of variants and depth of coverage. Sequencing of DNA mixture from 2 healthy individuals showed the method is highly predictive (maximum error < 0.04). We then demonstrated the insignificant impact of familial relationship and ethnicity using an in-house and public database. Lastly, we performed deep DNA sequencing of urinary cell pellets from 32 biopsy-matched samples representing two pathology groups: acute rejection (AR, 11 samples) and acute tubular injury (ATI, 12 samples) and 9 samples with no pathology. We found a significant association between the donor/recipient-specific DNA fraction in the two pathology groups compared to no pathology (P = 0.0064 for AR and P = 0.026 for ATI). We conclude that deep DNA sequencing of urinary cells from kidney allograft recipients offers a noninvasive means of diagnosing acute pathologies in the human kidney allograft.
An observational study of engineering online education during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Asgari Shadnaz , Trajkovic Jelena , Rahmani Mehran , Zhang Wenlu , Lo Roger C. , Sciortino Antonella
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic compelled the global and abrupt conversion of conventional face-to-face instruction to the online format in many educational institutions. Urgent and careful planning is needed to mitigate negative effects of pandemic on engineering education that has been traditionally content-centered, hands-on and design-oriented. To enhance engineering online education during the pandemic, we conducted an observational study at California State University, Long Beach (one of the largest and most diverse four-year university in the U.S.). A total of 110 faculty members and 627 students from six engineering departments participated in surveys and answered quantitative and qualitative questions to highlight the challenges they experienced during the online instruction in Spring 2020. Our results identified various issues that negatively influenced the online engineering education including logistical/technical problems, learning/teaching challenges, privacy and security concerns and lack of sufficient hands-on training. For example, more than half of the students indicated lack of engagement in class, difficulty in maintaining their focus and Zoom fatigue after attending multiple online sessions. A correlation analysis showed that while semi-online asynchronous exams were associated with an increase in the perceived cheating by the instructors, a fully online or open-book/open-note exams had an association with a decrease in instructor’s perception of cheating. To address various identified challenges, we recommended strategies for educational stakeholders (students, faculty and administration) to fill the tools and technology gap and improve online engineering education. These recommendations are practical approaches for many similar institutions around the world and would help improve the learning outcomes of online educations in various engineering subfields. As the pandemic continues, sharing the results of this study with other educators can help with more effective planning and choice of best practices to enhance the efficacy of online engineering education during COVID-19 and post-pandemic.
The economic burden of cervical cancer in Eswatini: Societal perspective
Authors: Ngcamphalala Cebisile , Östensson Ellinor , Ginindza Themba G.
Published: April 2021

Background

Cervical cancer imposes considerable economic burden on societies and individuals. There is lack of evidence regarding this from the developing world and particularly from sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the study aimed to estimate the societal costs of cervical cancer in Eswatini.

Materials and methods

The cost of illness study (CoI) was applied using national specific clinical and registry data from hospitals, registries and reports to determine the prevalence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer in Eswatini in 2018. Cost data included direct medical costs (health care utilization in inpatient and outpatient care), direct non-medical costs (patient costs for traveling) and indirect costs based on productivity loss due to morbidity (patient time during diagnosis and treatment) and premature mortality.

Results

The estimated total annual cost for cervical cancer was $19 million (ranging between $14 million and $24 million estimated with lower and upper bounds). Direct cost represented the majority of the costs at 72% ($13.7 million) out of which total pre-cancerous treatment costs accounted for 0.7% ($94,161). The management of invasive cervical cancer was the main cost driver with costs attributable to treatment for FIGO III and FIGO IV representing $1.7 million and $8.7 million respectively. Indirect costs contributed 27% ($5.3 million) out of which productivity loss due to premature mortality represented the majority at 67% ($3.5 million).

Conclusion

The economic burden of cervical cancer in Eswatini is substantial. National public health prevention strategies with prophylactic HPV vaccine and screening for cervical lesions should therefore be prioritized to limit the extensive costs associated with cervical cancer.
Development and validation of the Trauma-Related Cognitions Scale
Authors: Valdez Christine E. , London Melissa J. , Gregorich Steven E. , Lilly Michelle M.
Published: April 2021

Cognitive theories suggest the manner in which individuals process trauma-related information influences posttraumatic sequelae. Interpretations about trauma can be maladaptive and lead to cognitive distortions implicated in the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through the processes of overaccommodation and assimilation. Alternatively, adaptive interpretations about trauma through the process of accommodation can lead to post-trauma resilience and recovery. The Trauma-Related Cognitions Scale (TRCS) provides a measure of beliefs associated with these cognitive processes. The TRCS was developed over the course of four phases. During Phase 1, 94 items derived from previously validated trauma cognition/beliefs measures were aggregated with 40 items developed by the authors. Phase 2 investigated the TRCS factor structure by fitting exploratory factor analysis (EFA) models to data from a non-clinical sample, resulting in a reduced 69-item TRCS representing four factors: the three theoretical cognitive processes of overaccommodation, assimilation, and accommodation, and an additional optimism factor. Phases 3 and 4 fit confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models of the 69-item TRCS in a new non-clinical and a clinical sample, respectively, and further validation analyses were conducted. Initial evidence suggests the TRCS is a valid and reliable measure of trauma beliefs. Continued validation can determine its utility in both research and clinical contexts.
COVID-19 preparedness at health facilities and community service points serving people living with HIV in Sierra Leone
Authors: Parmley Lauren E. , Hartsough Kieran , Eleeza Oliver , Bertin Akopon , Sesay Bockarie , Njenga Amon , Toure Mame , Egesimba Ginika , Bah Haja , Bayoh Alex , Yakubu Abdulraheem , Morrison Ellen A. B. , Michaels-Strasser Susan
Published: April 2021

After a decade of civil war and the 2014–2016 West African Ebola outbreak, Sierra Leone now faces the COVID-19 pandemic with a fragile health system. As was demonstrated during Ebola, preparedness is key to limiting a health crisis’ spread and impact on health systems and ensuring continued care for vulnerable populations including people living with HIV (PLHIV). To assess COVID-19 preparedness and inform interventions to ensure continuity of HIV services at health facilities (HFs) and community service points (CSPs), we conducted site readiness assessments in Freetown, the epicenter of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. Data were collected at nine high-volume HIV HFs and seven CSPs in April 2020, a month after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. CSPs comprised three community drop-in centers providing HIV counseling and testing services as well as HIV prevention services (e.g., condoms and lubricants) for key and priority populations and four community-based support groups serving PLHIV. At the time of assessment, CSPs did not provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) but were considered potential sites for expansion of differentiated service delivery (DSD)—a client-centered approach to HIV care—in the context of COVID-19. Overall, 5/9 HFs had trained staff on use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and prevention of COVID-19 transmission. Most had access to masks (5/9) and gloves (7/9) for management of suspected/confirmed COVID-19 cases, and 4/9 HFs had triage procedures for isolation of suspected cases. Conversely, few CSPs had access to masks (2/7) or gloves (2/7) and no staff were trained on PPE use or COVID-19 transmission. 7/9 HFs had adequate ART stock for multi-month dispensing though few had procedures for (3/9) or had trained staff in providing DSD (2/9). Among CSPs where measures were applicable, 2/4 had procedures for DSD, 1/3 had staff trained on DSD and none had adequate ART stock. Identification of gaps in COVID-19 preparedness is a critical step in providing support for infection control and modified service delivery. Findings from this assessment highlight gaps in COVID-19 preparedness measures at sites supporting PLHIV in Sierra Leone and indicate CSPs may require intensive supervision and training to ensure HIV services are uninterrupted while minimizing COVID-19 risk, especially if used as sites to scale up DSD.
Fostering green economies in Africa through green marketing strategies for environmental sustainability: An overview
Authors: Nyagadza Brighton
Published: April 2021

A trendy issue amongst African businesses is employment of strategic green marketing strategies to maximize the visibility of environmental sustainability, in sync with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 15. This short essay has synthesized and reviewed literature relating to green marketing and environmental sustainability in Africa, as well as revealed potential gaps for future research. This literature review was conducted using keywords such as green marketing, social responsibility and environmental sustainability guiding the systematic search process. It is recommended that African countries and associated business organizations employ green marketing strategies so as to raise awareness of environmental sustainability.
Estimation of salivary ferritin in children with childhood caries – a cross sectional study
Authors: Kotian Niharika , Gurunathan Deepa
Published: April 2021

Objective: Early childhood caries is the presence of dental caries in a child upto seventy one months of age. Saliva plays a major role in maintaining good oral health. The composition of saliva acts as a marker for oral health and the salivary proteins help in modulating the oral microflora in the oral cavity. Some salivary biomarkers help in detecting caries risk and can also predict their prognosis. Ferritin is one of the major biomarkers present in the saliva which acts as an iron binding protein and also as a monitoring tool in children suffering from iron deficiency. The ferritin levels are in increased in serum as well as in saliva to balance the deficiency of iron in the body. Material and methods: Sixty children were selected for the study aged between three to six years. The saliva sample was collected using standard spit method in a sterile container and Ferritin was tested in the samples by Chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay(CMIA). Results: Salivary ferritin was found to be higher in the saliva of children with early childhood caries(mean value= 5.867) than in children without early childhood caries(mean value= 3.412). Conclusion: A direct association is present between salivary ferritin levels and dental caries. Increased level of ferritin is observed in children with Early childhood caries. Clinical relevance: The level of salivary ferritin is found to be raised in the present study in children with Early childhood caries. The exact mechanism is although not known it can be assumed that the children with early childhood caries might have deficiency of iron which has led to the increased amount of salivary ferritin in the saliva.
 
Keywords
Salivary ferritin; Early childhood caries; Salivary proteins; Saliva; Iron deficiency
In-vitro efficacy of two spectrophotometer-based shade matching systems for color matching of ceramics after artificial accelerated aging
Authors: Alqahtani Fawaz
Published: April 2021

Objective: The objective of the present invitro study was to verify the efficacy of two spectrophotometer-based shade matching systems for color matching of ceramics after artificial accelerated aging (AAA). Material and Methods: : The ceramics used were porcelain laminated veneers. Seventy standard-shaped discs (thickness x diameter: 0.5 mm x 10 mm) of B1 shades were used. Based upon the type of resin cement used, the specimens were divided into seven groups (10/group). The following light-cured cements were used: RelyX-Veneer (L-RV), Variolink-Veneer (L-VV), and VariolinkEsthetic (L-VE). The dual-cured cements were: RelyX Ultimate (D-RU), RelyX-Unicem (D-RC), and Variolink-Esthetics DC (D-VE). The control group consisted of ceramic only. All specimens were thermocycled in water for 3,500 cycles between 5 o C -55 o C, with dwell times of 30 s in each bath and a transfer time of 10 s between baths. All specimens were thermocycled in water for 3,500 cycles between 5 o C and 55 o C, and color measurement was done using the VITA Easyshade and ColorEye spectrophotometers. Baseline color reading was performed 24-hours after cementation. Differences in color (DE) of EasyShade and ColorEye before and after AAA were determined and compared statistically. Group comparisons were done using the paired t-tests. Level of significance was set at P< 0.05. Results: The mean differences in color (DE) values obtained from EasyShade spectrophotometer for light- and dual-cured cements, were  0.843±0.89 (Lc1), 4.11±0.69 (Lc2) and 0.833±0.47 (Lc3); and 2.22±0.64 (Dc1), 3.37±0.83 (Dc2) and 0.38±0.92 (Dc3), respectively. The mean differences in color (DE) values obtained from ColorEye spectrophotometer for light- and dual-cured cements, were 0.68±0.86 (Lc1), 4.55±0.83 (Lc2) and 2.68±0.26 (Lc3); and 2.06±0.84 (Dc1), 1.8±1.08 (Dc2) and 0.96±0.71 (Dc3), respectively. There was no significant difference in the mean DE values among the groups. Conclusion: The VITA Easyshade and ColorEye shade matching systems are comparable in terms of their efficacy for color matching of cerammics after AAA.
 

Keywords
Artificial accelerated aging; Color matching; In vitro; Porcelain veneer; Spectrophotometer.
EFFECT OF BLASTING ON THE STABILITY OF LINING DURING EXCAVATION OF NEW TUNNEL NEAR THE EXISTING TUNNEL
Authors: Tran Tuan Minh , Nguyen Quang Huy
Published: April 2021

In recent years, experimental and numerical researches on the effect of blasting pressure on the stability of existing tunnels was widely obtained. However, the effect of the blasting pressure during excavation a new tunnel or expansion old tunnels on an existing tunnel has disadvantages and still unclear. Some researches were carried out to study the relationship of the observed Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) on the lining areas along the existing tunnel direction, due to either the lack of in situ test data or the difficulty in conducting field tests, particularly for tunnels that are usually old and vulnerable after several decades of service. This paper introduces using numerical methods with the field data investigations on the effect of the blasting in a new tunnel on the surrounding rock mass and on the existing tunnel. The research results show that not only predicting the tunnel lining damage zone under the impact of blast loads but also determination peak maximum of explosion at the same time at the surface of tunnel working.
Metodologia Desenvolvida para o Posicionamento Geodésico de Zona Especial Aeroportuária: Estudo de Caso do Aeroporto Internacional do Recife/Guararapes - Gilberto Freyre
Authors: Camilo Neto Raimundo Nonato , Seixas Andréa de
Published: April 2021

A Zona Especial do Aeroporto (ZEA) é uma região de diretrizes específicas que procura compatibilizar a legislação de uso e ocupação do solo municipal com as orientações referentes ao Plano de Proteção do Aeródromo regulamentado por legislação Federal. Com o crescimento e adensamento das edificações no entorno de Aeroportos se faz necessário um controle posicional e dimensional das obras visando atender as legislações em vigor. Este trabalho tem o objetivo de apresentar uma metodologia desenvolvida para o posicionamento geodésico de Zona Especial Aeroportuária usando como estudo de caso o Aeroporto Internacional do Recife/Guararapes-Gilberto Freyre. Para a localização dos Vértices Virtuais dos cruzamentos das vias que compõem a poligonal da ZEA foram implantados pontos de referência empregando o método de posicionamento GNSS (Relativo Estático), definindo em seguida um Sistema Geodésico Local para a determinação de pontos-objeto delimitadores de meios-fios empregando o método de posicionamento GNSS/RTK e identificação dos eixos das vias e respectivas interseções. Ao final deste trabalho são determinados os Vértices Virtuais de um trecho da poligonal da ZEA com a análise qualitativa de gabarito e identificação de áreas de conflitos, indicando recomendações quanto aos critérios posicionais adequados à implantação de empreendimentos no entorno do Aeroporto. O posicionamento GNSS dos pontos de referência em módulo atingiu um desvio padrão na ordem ≤ 11mm, com erro de fechamento da rede dos triângulos formados com discrepância máxima na horizontal de 9mm e na vertical de 29mm. Os pontos-objeto determinados com GNSS/RTK alcançaram um desvio padrão em módulo na ordem ≤ 18 mm.
Valuation of CO2 Emissions Reduction from Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects in Africa: A Case Study of Burkina Faso
Authors: Seutche Rice Verouska Nono , Sawadogo Marie , Ngassam Firmin Nkamleu
Published: April 2021

Burkina Faso like many other African countries hosts many renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) projects that are not registered to the clean development mechanism (CDM), but which could represent potential CDM opportunities. This study seeks to determine these projects’ impact on the level of CO2 emissions in the country, and to determine their CDM potential by quantifying their carbon emissions reduction, using approved CDM methodologies adapted to the projects. 21 RE projects and 7 EE projects were considered, and all proven to be additional. Results revealed that, 68709.424 MWh and 9430.446MWh were saved and displaced by the EE and RE projects respectively annually, accounting for 48157.668 tCO2e emissions reduced annually. This accounts for a 63.12% emissions reduction from the baseline scenario and represents a huge potential for the CDM, ready to be harnessed. The total amount of emissions reduced could generate about 48157.668 Certified Emissions Reduction (CERs) yearly. Considering a carbon price of $10/tCO2e and a 10-year fixed crediting period starting from 2020 would imply a total revenue of $4815766.8 in 2030 from the CERs , which will increase the sector’s attractiveness to investors. Policies promoting the registration of these projects to the CDM are essential to boost the development of more of such projects in the country/ region, which will benefit from the sustainable development the CDM offers, while contributing to the achievement of its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions.
Znakowanie żywności wolnej od GMO w polskim systemie prawa żywnościowego
Authors: Kowalska Aleksandra , Kowalski Jarosław
Published: April 2021

Przedmiotem badań było znakowanie żywności wolnej od GMO w celu określenia istoty znakowania żywności i pasz w odniesieniu do wykorzystania GMO podczas ich wytwarzania. W artykule dokonano analizy dogmatycznej przepisów ustawy z 13 czerwca 2019 r. o oznakowaniu produktów wytworzonych bez wykorzystania organizmów genetycznie zmodyfikowanych jako wolnych od tych organizmów na tle regulacji prawa UE. Zastosowano następujące metody badawcze: analizę aktów normatywnych, analizę źródeł literaturowych, analizę dokumentów wtórnych (sprawozdań, raportów). W opracowaniu omówiono problemy wynikające ze stosowania inżynierii genetycznej w uprawie roślin i hodowli zwierząt, dokonano przeglądu regulacji UE dotyczących GMO oraz szczegółowo przeanalizowano nowe przepisy dotyczące znakowania żywności wolnej od GMO w Polsce. Realizacja prawa do informacji poprzez znakowanie żywności tworzy podstawę dokonywania przez konsumentów świadomych wyborów i ma zasadnicze znaczenie dla zapewnienia im wysokiego poziomu ochrony życia, zdrowia i interesów ekonomiczno-społecznych. Ujednolicenie informacji o specyfice produktów wolnych od GMO w nowej ustawie sprawia, że przekaz jest jasny i przejrzysty, co może wpłynąć na budowanie zaufania między konsumentami i producentami żywności i pasz.
The position of mayor within local authority relations in Hungary and Poland in a comparative perspective
Authors: Rajca Lucyna
Published: April 2021

The study aims to compare the position of Hungarian and Polish mayors in horizontal relations of power, considering the changes taking place in this area over the last few years. The article presents the institutional and legal conditions of local leadership in Hungary and Poland, as well as the role of councils with regard to the executive body. It also describes the systems of election to legislative bodies, which is one of the factors influencing the status of councils and relations within a local authority. The results of the analyses show that there are differences in the positions of Hungarian and Polish mayors and that the relations within local authorities in both countries have been affected by convergent and divergent trends. The study uses the comparative method and an institutional-legal approach, as well as the historical method.
Atividade inseticida e repelente de extrato e pó de sementes de Anethum graveolens e Azadirachta indica frente ao Sitophilus zeamais
Authors: Albiero Bruna , Freiberger Gláucia , Vanin Adriana Biasi
Published: April 2021

Sitophilus zeamais conhecido como gorgulho do milho é uma praga que afeta a qualidade de grãos armazenados. O uso de inseticidas químico é o método mais utilizado para o controle desta praga causando impactos ao meio ambiente. Neste sentido, meios menos agressivos são avaliados para o controle de insetos por meio de plantas com compostos de interesse, como extratos, que possuem metabólitos secundários que atuam na defesa das plantas. Portanto, o objetivo foi avaliar o potencial inseticida e repelente de plantas presentes na região Sul. A mortalidade e repelência de adultos S. zeamais foi avaliada em placas de Petri contendo grãos de milho tratados com extrato e pó de Anethum graveolens L. (endro) e Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (nim) em condições de laboratório. Todos os tratamentos afetaram a sobrevivência dos insetos. O melhor resultado foi para o extrato de A. graveolens, que apresentou DL50 = 139,16 μL/placa, menor valor dentre os tratamentos. A dose de 0,25 g de pó de endro/10 g de milho causo 100% dos insetos dos insetos, conferindo potencial inseticida. Quanto a repelência, o extrato de A. graveolens atingiu o maior Índice de Preferência (I.P.) repelindo 100% dos insetos na dose de 1,35 μL/cm². O pó de A. graveolens repeliu a partir de 0,15 g e o extrato de A. indica foi repelente nas doses de 2,29 μL/cm² e 3,95 μL/cm², e atraente nas menores, 0,64 μL/cm² e 1,37 μL/cm². A utilização de extratos e pó de endro e nim constituem uma alternativa de controle sobre o gorgulho do milho.
Distribution and invasive potential of the black-tufted marmoset Callithrix penicillata in the Brazilian territory
Authors: Do Vale Caroline Almeida , Menini Neto Luiz , Prezoto Fábio
Published: April 2021

Biological invasions are one of the greatest existing threats to biodiversity. Invasive species can cause economic and environmental damage. Callithrix penicillata is naturally found in the Brazilian savanna and Caatinga. Its introduced populations have become a conservation problem due to its high occupancy potential, native fauna predation, competition with native primates, congeners and hybridization. We used Species Distribution Modeling (SDM) through the Maxent software in this study in order to identify areas with a higher probability of C. penicillata occurrence. The AUC value was close to 1 (AUC=0.966), with a curve value close to 1. Through the Jackknife test we observed that temperature seasonality was the variable most related to distribution (AUC=0.86), which agrees with other studies that show climatic variables influencing primate distribution. The Atlantic Forest in the Southeast and South regions of Brazil was indicated as susceptible to invasion by C. penicillata. The marmoset C. penicillata has become a successful invader of Atlantic Forest areas, causing depreciation in many native species and other problems. However, biological invasions might be mitigated or even extinguished through successful interventions and management.
Biochemical responses in lettuce subjected to salinity and the application of purple lettuce extract
Authors: Deuner Cristiane , Meneghello Géri Eduardo , Castellanos César Iván Suarez , Borges Carolina Terra , Deuner Sidnei
Published: April 2021

Antioxidants are substances that present in low concentrations, compared to the oxidizable substrate, significantly delay or inhibit the oxidation of the substrate, which can be induced by several stress factors, such as salinity. The purple varieties of lettuce have high antioxidant activity because of the large amount of anthocyanins they possess. The objective of this study was to analyze biochemical responses in lettuce seedlings submitted to saline stress and to the application of aqueous extract of leaves of purple lettuce. Seeds of lettuce, cv. Regina, which were cultivated in polystyrene trays, being submitted to irrigation with extracts of purple lettuce and saline solutions during the early stages of seedling development. The parameters evaluated were: chlorophyll index, flavonoids, anthocyanins and nitrogen balance, sodium content, osmotic potential, hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation and enzyme activity superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase. The extract of purple lettuce leaves is efficient to reduce oxidative stress in lettuce seedlings, in saline environment.
Registro de petróleo em poríferos e cnidários durante o impacto agudo de derramamento no Nordeste brasileiro em 2019
Authors: Cerqueira Walter Ramos Pinto , Batista Rayssa Nascimento , Santos Valéria Oliveira dos , Barbarino Jeane de Lima , Quaglio Gabriel dos Santos , Reis Paulo Henrique Santos das Mercês
Published: April 2021

Toneladas de petróleo atingiram centenas de localidades ao longo da costa nordestina brasileira entre agosto e dezembro de 2019. A mídia enfatizou o impacto apenas para os vertebrados de grande porte ou com apelo midiático, e algumas pesquisas acadêmicas foram feitas com foco em espécies de interesse comercial, não contemplando outras espécies que também podem ter sido afetadas, em especial os invertebrados bentônicos sésseis ou de pouca mobilidade. Este trabalho teve como objetivos conferir a existência de resquícios de óleo em uma praia urbana da cidade após a limpeza feita por voluntários e funcionários de órgãos governamentais e investigar a ocorrência de petróleo em algumas espécies de poríferos e cnidários comuns nos afloramentos rochosos do litoral de Salvador. Após a limpeza feita por voluntários e órgãos governamentais. Os exemplares coletados foram identificados e necropsiados sob lupa. Como resultado das observações de campo verificou-se que, mesmo após a limpeza, a praia continuava apresentando diversos vestígios de óleo na areia, nas rochas e também nas algas. Foram identificadas quatro espécies de Porifera (Amphimedon viridis, Cinachyrella apion, Cliona varians e Desmapsamma anchorata) e quatro de Cnidaria (Bellactis ilkaliaseae, Bunodosoma cangicum, Palythoa caribaeorum e Zoanthus sociatus), sendo encontrados vestígios de petróleo na espongiocele de D. anchorata e na faringe de B. ilkaliaseae. Tais registros ampliam o número de taxa afetados pelo impacto agudo após o evento de derramamento de óleo no Nordeste em 2019.
Physicochemical characterization, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of pulp, peel, endocarp and food paste developed with buriti pulp and waste (Mauritia flexuosa L.)
Authors: Cardoso Fabiana Costa , Costa Ana Paula Da Silva , Crispino Ana Carolina Silva , Silva Anna Paula Rocha e , Oliveira Johnatt Allan Rocha de
Published: April 2021

Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L) is an Amazonian fruit with high potential to be used as a source of bioactive compounds and healthy food preparations due to its attractive yellow / orange color. The purpose of this paper was to verify the physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in pulp, endocarp, peels, and three food paste developed with Buriti pulp and waste. In addition to the centesimal composition of the fractions of the fruit and the preparations, analyzes of vitamin C, phenolic compounds, carotenoids and antioxidant activity were also carried out. The following values were observed for the fractions of the fruit: vitamin C (48.44-55.22 mg/100 g), carotenoids (6.05-21.03 mg/100g), Total phenolics (19.31-33.30 mg GAEq/100g) and antioxidant activity (111.24-190.43 µmol TE/g DM), for all analyzed parameters, the highest values were observed for the peel. As for the formulations, it was found that the good attributes of the peel interfered in the formulation C, which presented the highest yields of vitamin C (21.22 mg/100g), carotenoids (13.99 mg/100g), Total phenolics (21.45 mg GAEq/100g) and antioxidant activity (82.34-130.52 µmol TE/g DM). Thus, it is verified that buriti has a great nutritional potential for direct consumption or to be used in the formulation of confectionery products, including the use of its peels in formulations.
Effects of thermal processing on fatty acids, phytosterols and other chemical properties of black table olives
Authors: Dias-Martins Amanda Mattos , Cappato Leandro Pereira , Trombete Felipe Machado , Silva Tatiana Labre , Gamallo Ormindo Domingues , Keller Laura Monteiro , Augusta Ivanilda Maria , Saldanha Tatiana
Published: April 2021

Black table olives are a popular food and highly appreciated for its taste, typically used in pizzas, salads and other meals. Among the compounds present in this food are the bioactive lipids like monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and phytosterols, related to the prevention of the occurrence of some chronic diseases. Pasteurization may be applied to black table olives aiming to ensure its microbiological quality, but this processing can cause undesired degradation of thermosensitive organic compounds. This work aimed to evaluate the changes that occur in chemical properties, fatty acids profile, and phytosterols in Azapa black table olives after pasteurization. The olives were treated at 80 °C for 5 min, which achieved a lethality factor F62.4ºC equal 40 min. Fatty acids and phytosterols determination were carried out using a Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). Other components were analyzed by physicochemical determinations. The results demonstrate that Azapa black table olives are a source of unsaturated fatty acids (72.33g.100-1g) and total phytosterols (137.4 mg.100-1g), substances associated with beneficial health effects. Pasteurization did not promote chemical changes (p>0.05) in total protein, lipids, ash content, acidity, pH, and total chlorides in the samples, except for moisture content that had 4.1% of reduction. The fatty acid composition also was not affected (p>0,05). However, phytosterol levels were affected (p<0.05) by thermal processing, with a decrease of about 24.6% of campesterol, 16.8% of β-sitosterol, and 60.9% of stigmasterol. Data suggest that thermal processing used to treat Azapa black olives must be optimized to minimize this negative effect.
Reflexões acerca do uso das Tecnologias Digitais da Informação e Comunicação na formação inicial docente de uma turma de licenciatura em EaD
Authors: Alves Manoel Messias Santos , Ferrete Anne Alilma Silva Souza , Santos Willian Lima
Published: April 2021

O objetivo central deste artigo consistiu em analisar o uso das Tecnologias Digitais da Informação e Comunicação (TDIC), enquanto recursos didático-pedagógicos no processo de formação inicial docente em uma turma do Curso de Licenciatura em Ciências Biológicas, modalidade Educação à Distância (EaD), da Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS). Buscamos também identificar aspectos da cultura digital dos licenciandos e investigar suas percepções acerca do uso das tecnologias no tocante a atividade docente. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de abordagem quali-quantitativa e com viés descritivo, tendo como público-alvo a participação de 22 (vinte e dois) acadêmicos, em sua maioria na fase de conclusão do curso. No que refere aos principais resultados, embora a maioria dos participantes tenha demonstrado possuir níveis satisfatórios e avançados de conhecimentos e habilidades acerca da utilização das TDIC em seu cotidiano, assim como uma concordância unânime de que essas tecnologias, desde que utilizadas adequadamente, contribuem de maneira significativa para a aprendizagem dos educandos, constatou-se também a prevalência de algumas limitações que comprometem a ênfase de abordagens didático-pedagógicas voltadas a implementação das tecnologias digitais, em que 27% dos participantes relataram ausência dessas abordagens tecnológicas durante sua formação mediante a uma série de fatores relacionados desde a carência de interesse e de capacitação dos professores e tutores, até mesmo a ausência de recursos e desmotivação dos próprios acadêmicos.
Extract of bacterial strain isolated from cave in the eastern Amazon induces selective cytotoxicity on tumor line of murine melanoma
Authors: Dos Santos Raulem Santana , Albino Ulisses Brigatto , Paludo Katia Sabrina , Silva Simone Yasue Simote , Oliveira Marilene Nunes , Santos Darlisson de Alexandria , Marinho Andrey Moacir do Rosário , Marinho Patricia Barbosa , Lima Tatiani da Costa , Dos Santos Grazieli de Fátima Neves , Sequinel Giovana , Silva Sebastião da Cruz
Published: April 2021

Cancer is one of the most deadly diseases in the world, being related to the disordered growth of defective cells which produces harmful substances to the body. In this context, one of the great challenges of science is finding an effective bioactive compound for treating of this disease and microorganisms from restrictive environments, such as caves, are indicated as a promising source of these compounds. The objective of this work was to evaluate the extracts cytotoxic effects obtained from cultures of two bacterial strains isolated from Pedra da Cachoeira cave, Altamira-PA, located in a preserved forest fragment in the Eastern Amazon. Bacteria were identified by DNA sequencing analysis encoding ribosomal RNA. The choice of the ideal period of microbial development, aiming at the biocompounds production, was based in a kinetic study realized from a growth curve. Organic extracts were produced after 30 hours (stationary phase) and 40 hours (decline phase) of cultivation, obtaining four extracts by liquid - liquid partition of culture medium and four extracts from the bacterial cells. In vitro cytotoxicity tests were performed with B16F10 tumor cells using the MTT method. From the phylogenetic analyzes of the DNA sequences of both strains, a cluster with the species Bacillus subtilis was verified. The extracts obtained were subjected to cytotoxic assays and their cell viability was evaluated based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (IC50) and selectivity index (IS), with the CV26AI30H extract having an IC50 value of 83.99 and IS greater than 4.70.
Brand in focus: Activating adolescents’ persuasion knowledge using disclosures for embedded advertising in music videos
Authors: van Reijmersdal Eva A. , Opree Suzanna J. , Cartwright Robert F.
Published: April 2021

Many artists and music labels rely on partnerships with brands to pay for the production costs of their music videos. In exchange, the brands are featured in those videos. To enhance the transparency of these embedded forms of advertising, sponsorship disclosures are required. However, it remains unknown what the content of these disclosures in music videos should be to enhance sponsor transparency for adolescents. We examined how disclosure type affected adolescents’ conceptual and attitudinal persuasion knowledge. In addition, effects on responses toward the brand, music video, and artist were examined. An experiment (N = 279, ages 14–17) showed that none of the tested disclosures enhanced adolescents’ conceptual persuasion knowledge. However, disclosures explaining that the embedded brand helped pay for the production cost of the video led to lower attitudinal persuasion knowledge and, consequently, to more positive attitudes toward the brand, video, and artist, and to increased intentions to purchase the brand.
Pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis presenting with Streptococcus intermedius brain abscess
Authors: Mintz Judy L. , Jameson Morghan B. , Akinseye Leah , Los Evan A.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Report a novel case of new-onset type 1 diabetes in a pediatric patient presenting with DKA and concurrent Streptococcus intermedius brain abscess.

Case presentation

The following case report is that of a previously healthy 12 year-old girl presenting with new-onset type 1 diabetes with mild diabetic ketoacidosis and subsequently found to have a brain abscess. Over the course of her hospital stay, she developed seizures and was found to have a 1.3 × 1.0 × 1.2 cm right frontal parasagittal mass culture-positive for S. intermedius. Neurologic symptoms were unmasked once insulin treatment was initiated and ketosis improved, supporting the relationship between therapeutic ketosis and the management of medication-refractory epilepsy.

Conclusions

This case both supports the relationship between therapeutic ketosis and the management of medication-refractory epilepsy and highlights the need to carefully consider comorbid conditions in patients with DKA and new onset neurological symptoms.
Identification of Novel Cross-Talk between the Neuroendocrine and Autonomic Stress Axes Controlling Blood Pressure
Authors: Elsaafien Khalid , Kirchner Matthew K. , Mohammed Mazher , Eikenberry Sophia A. , West Chloe , Scott Karen A. , de Kloet Annette D. , Stern Javier E. , Krause Eric G.
Published: April 2021

The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) controls neuroendocrine axes and the autonomic nervous system to mount responses that cope with the energetic burdens of psychological or physiological stress. Neurons in the PVN that express the angiotensin Type 1a receptor (PVNAgtr1a) are implicated in neuroendocrine and autonomic stress responses; however, the mechanism by which these neurons coordinate activation of neuroendocrine axes with sympathetic outflow remains unknown. Here, we use a multidisciplinary approach to investigate intra-PVN signaling mechanisms that couple the activity of neurons synthesizing corticotropin-releasing-hormone (CRH) to blood pressure. We used the Cre-Lox system in male mice within vivooptogenetics and cardiovascular recordings to demonstrate that excitation of PVNAgtr1apromotes elevated blood pressure that is dependent on the sympathetic nervous system. Next, neuroanatomical experiments found that PVNAgtr1asynthesize CRH, and intriguingly, fibers originating from PVNAgtr1amake appositions onto neighboring neurons that send projections to the rostral ventrolateral medulla and express CRH type 1 receptor (CRHR1) mRNA. We then used anex vivopreparation that combined optogenetics, patch-clamp electrophysiology, and Ca2+imaging to discover that excitation of PVNAgtr1adrives the local, intra-PVN release of CRH, which activates rostral ventrolateral medulla-projecting neurons via stimulation of CRHR1(s). Finally, we returned to ourin vivopreparation and found that CRH receptor antagonism specifically within the PVN lowered blood pressure basally and during optogenetic activation of PVNAgtr1a. Collectively, these results demonstrate that angiotensin II acts on PVNAgtr1ato conjoin hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity with sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction in male mice.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe survival of an organism is dependent on meeting the energetic demands imposed by stressors. This critical function is accomplished by the CNS's ability to orchestrate simultaneous activities of neurosecretory and autonomic axes. Here, we unveil a novel signaling mechanism within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus that links excitation of neurons producing corticotropin-releasing-hormone with excitation of neurons controlling sympathetic nervous system activity and blood pressure. The implication is that chronic stress exposure may promote cardiometabolic disease by dysregulating the interneuronal cross-talk revealed by our experiments.