bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus Source and Availability Modulate the Rhizosphere Bacterial Community Assembly in Common Bean
Authors: Chiaramonte Josiane Barros , Vargas-Hoyos Harold Alexander , Costa Lilian Simara Abreu Soares , Rossmann Maike , Silva Daiana Alves , Bulgarelli Davide , Mendes Rodrigo
Published: August 2020

Background

Phosphorus (P) availability is the main nutritional factor that limits crops yields in tropical soils due to edaphic processes that lead to P immobilization after mineral fertilization. Considering the potential of the rhizosphere microbiome to transform insoluble P into forms readily available for plant uptake, in this study is proposed that plants with contrasting P uptake efficiency, growing under depleted amounts of P are able to shape distinct bacterial communities in the rhizosphere enriching taxa specialized in P mobilization.
Methods

We selected two common bean genotypes contrasting in P efficiency uptake and grew them in a soil with a gradient of two different sources of P, triple superphosphate (TSP) or rock phosphate Bayovar (RPB). The rhizosphere bacterial community was assessed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Data analyses focused in describing the structure of the bacterial communities, identification of OTUs differentially enriched in different treatments, functional metagenomic prediction and cooccurrence network.
Results

P sources and levels resulted in different rhizosphere bacterial community structure. A high number of differentially enriched OTUs were observed under P depleted conditions in the P-inefficient genotype, mainly belonging to Actinobacteria phylum. The P-inefficient genotype did not show significant differences in the rhizosphere bacterial community assembly growing in different P sources. Predicted metagenome profiles showed the enrichment of bacterial functions involved in P mobilization, in the rhizosphere of the P inefficient genotype cultivated in P depleted conditions. The network analysis revealed that in the rhizosphere of the P-inefficient genotype under P depleted conditions the bacterial community has a higher number of nodes and edges, higher average degree and clustering coeficient when compared to the treatment with optimal P level.
Conclusion

Our data showed that the uptake of exogenous input resulted in the assembly of a P-competent microbiome in the P-inefficient genotype compared to the efficient one, supporting the hypothesis that the selective pressure for the P uptake engages P-inefficient genotypes in symbiotic relationships with the soil microbiome. These results will pave the way for future experimentation aiming at explore the contribution of this P-competent microbiome to plant growth and development in a range of soil type.
Assessment of Novice Learners in a Novel High-fidelity Simulation-Based Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Education Program
Authors: TONG Li , HU Wen-jie , ZHU Yan-Ping , CAO Lu , LI Ying-Hui , ZHANG Ning , CAI Chang-jie , KUANG Ming
Published: August 2020

Background: This study aimed to design a suitable integrated extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) curriculum and assessed the impact of this a high-fidelity simulation-based education module on novice learners.Methods: An ECMO training curriculum was developed by well-trained and experienced ECMO experts that incorporated simulation modules to train multidisciplinary health care professionals. Pre- and post-participation questionnaires were used to determine the effects on the knowledge, ability, and confidence level of the participants. A five-point Likert scale was used to assess the participants regarding the ECMO practical test.Results: The study enrolled 37 participants (10 doctors, 27nurses). 67.6% (25/37) of trainees didn’t have ECMO experience. All two questionnaires were completed by 37 participants. A five-point Likert scale on practical test was finished by 4 ECMO experts. All participants passed the written and practical tests. All the responding participants thought the curriculum was useful in improving their perception of their overall knowledge and their ability to perform the required critical performance criteria on simulated ECMO. 91.9% (34/37) trainees thought that they invested more in active learning during the whole course; 60% (22/37) of them achieved a good level of technical evaluation. On the other hand, 67.6% (25/37) of the trainees have shown a good self-confidence in the priming course; however, 43.2% (16/27) trainees still needed to strengthen their overall competence in ECMO management. Conclusions: The integration of traditional teaching and high-fidelity simulation teaching can effectively improve the ECMO monitoring level and management skills of novice learners, but whether this training mode can be successfully transferred to the clinical field needs further research and confirmation.
Development of PREPARE (PREdicting PAtients’ Long-Term Outcome for REcovery): A Practically Usable Prediction Model for Quality of Life of ICU Survivors
Authors: Wubben Nina , Boogaard Mark van den , Ramjith Jordache , Bisschops Laurens LA , Frenzel Tim , Hoeven Johannes G van der , Zegers Marieke
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND Though numbers of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivors have been increasing, using data on patient-reported long-term physical and mental functioning post-ICU during ICU admission is rare. Individualised information about long-term quality of life (QoL) supports ICU physicians’ decision making and empowers patients to better manage their disease during ICU admission and recovery and rehabilitation. We aimed to develop a prediction model for ICU survivors’ change in QoL one year after ICU admission. METHODS This is a sub-study of an ongoing multicenter prospective cohort study (MONITOR-IC study), in which long-term outcomes of ICU patients are measured up to five years after ICU admission. Adult patients admitted ≥12hrs to the ICU between July 2016 and January 2019 were included. Moribund patients were excluded. Multivariable linear regression and best subsets regression analysis (SRA) were used for building the prediction model. Change in QoL after one year was quantified using the EuroQol five-dimensional (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire (Dutch range: -0.446–1), and Short-Form 36 (SF-36, range: 0-100). Models were internally validated RESULTS Data on 1308 ICU survivors was used to build the PREdicting PAtients’ long-term outcome for Recovery, PREPARE, prediction model. The best model contained 33 predictors, using the EQ-5D. Explained variance (R2) was 58.0%. Using SRA, we reduced the number of predictors to 5 (R2=55.3%): QoL before admission; sex; Clinical Frailty Scale; a cerebral embolism, occlusion, bleeding or infarction prevalent at or within one hour of admission; and having been admitted to the ICU from the operating room, from the same hospital’s nursing ward. The prediction model using the EQ-5D to quantify QoL had better predictive performance than the best SF-36 model (R2=40.6%).CONCLUSIONS We developed PREPARE, a prediction model for ICU survivors’ QoL one year after ICU admission that is practically usable due to the small number of predictors, measurable within the first 24 hours of admission. The next step is to test and evaluate the use of this prediction model in conversations between ICU physicians and patients and their families to ultimately improve patient outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03246334 on August 11, 2017.
Horizontal Transfer Mediated Proliferation of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in High-Fat Diet Induced Obesity Mice
Authors: Wang Rui , Chen Dawei , Wang Fang , Fan Xiuqin , Fan Chaonan , Tang Tiantian , Li Ping , Yang Mengyi , Zhao Yunfeng , Qi Kemin
Published: August 2020

Background

Infections caused by pathogens carrying antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are triggering a global health crisis. Human gut microbiota is an important reservoir of ARGs, which can not only be exchanged inside the symbiotic microbiota, but can also be horizontally transferred to opportunistic pathogens. A dysbiotic gut microbiota has been associated with obesity and other metabolic disorders, which has also been described as the most unneglected global health problem. Many studies have focused on the effects of antibiotics and other exogenous chemical on the fate of ARGs, but little is known about the effect of obesity induced dysbiotic gut microbiota on the fate of ARGs.
Results

This study addressed the significant proliferation of ARGs and the dramatical change of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in high-fat diet induced obesity (DIO) mice, which the ermB and tnpA-03 genes mostly increased, demonstrating that DIO alone could enrich the abundance of ARGs. A clear increase of serine and tyrosine in the feces showed a significant positive correlation with the dominant genes of DIO groups (ermB and tnpA-03), suggesting that serine and tyrosine might enhance DNA transposition (tnpA-03) by nucleophilic attacking a phosphorus atom of a backbone phosphate group and ultimately significantly amplified the ARGs. Additionally, ermB has been frequently found in obesity-associated Lactobacillus, which might contribute to the sharp increase of ARGs and dramatical change of MGEs in the DIO mice. Finally, procrustes analysis showed the explanatory variables of the MGEs, the metabolites, and the microbial communities for the ARGs accounted for 94.3%, 53.4%, and 68.1%, respectively.
Conclusion

This study demonstrated that DIO significantly enhanced the abundance of ARGs and dramatically changed MGEs in mouse gut microbiota. MGEs were the most direct factor affecting ARGs, and microbiota were the main driver of the proliferation of ARGs in the DIO mice.
MicroRNA-133a-5p Promotes Angiogenesis of Endothelial Progenitor Cells via TRIM59/Id1 in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Teng Lichen , Wu Jian , Li Huiling , Wang Huiyan , Wang Ying , Yu Ming , Zhu Yu , Su Yajuan
Published: August 2020

Background: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in tumor angiogenesis and growth. Our previous study has indicated that over-expressed inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation 1 (Id1) in EPCs could promote EPCs proliferation, migration, and adhesion. In this study, we assessed the effect of MicroRNAs (miRNAs) on EPCs migration and angiogenesis and its signaling pathway in patients suffered from ovarian cancer (OC).Methods: We cultured peripheral circulating EPCs derived from 32 OC patients and 20 healthy control subjects, respectively. The miRNA profiles of EPCs in ovarian cancer patients were compared with that in healthy control subjects, and aberrantly expressed miRNAs in both groups were identified via miRNA microarray and clustering analysis. Among these miRNAs, miR-133a-5p was considered as one of the most important miRNAs, which biological function in EPCs has been investigated. Bioinformatic analysis combined with knockdown and overexpression of miR-133a-5p were used to identify its target protein.Results: An obviously downregulated expression level of miR-133a-5p has been seen in EPCs with ovarian cancer patients. Downregulated expression level of miR-133a-5p has been seen in ovarian cancer tissues and ovarian cancer cells (SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3). Downregulated of miR-133a-5p can increase TRIM59 expression, moreover, downregulated of miR-133a-5p further induce migration and angiogenesis via increase VEGF and Id1 in EPCs. MiR-133a-5p pro-angiogenesis would be diminished by TRIM59 knockdown. Additionally, increased TRIM59 also can promote EPCs migration and angiogenesis.Conclusions: The study found that miR-133a-5p was an important upstream factor regulated Id1/VEGF expression. Additionally, functional studies have revealed that TRIM59 was a direct target protein of miR-133a-5p, and TRIM59 silencing attenuated the role of miR-133a-5p in angiogenesis and Id1/VEGF expression. So we proposed that miR-133a-5p would be a new target for OC therapy.
Effect of EGR1-Mediated LncRNA HOTAIR on MRP1 Gene Expression and MDR in Lung Cancer
Authors: Shao Shuli , Du Yang , Zhu Shaowei , Zhang Weiwei , Zhang Zhenzhu , Sun Yingning , Cui Tingting , Liu Xianglu , Feng Yunjianan , Liu Chang
Published: August 2020

Background: Multi-drug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) plays critical roles in the multi-drug resistance (MDR) of cancer cells, and its expression is regulated by several transcription factors. However, the effects of EGR1 on MRP1 expression and MDR in lung cancer cells remain unknown.Methods: The expression of Transcription factors EGR1 and lncRNA HOTAIR in Non-small cell lung cancer were detected by using qRT-PCR, at the same time, Western Blot was used to detect the expression of transcription factor EGR1. MTT assay, Flow Cytometry and Observation with laser confocal microscope assay were used to explore the role of EGR1 and lncRNA HOTAIR in Non-small cell lung cancer cells. ChIP PCR assay and Luciferase reporter assays were used to demonstrate the molecular biological mechanism of EGR1 and lncRNA HOTAIR in Non-small cell lung cancer.Results: We found that EGR1 could bind to the MRP1 promoter at site -53/-42 bp and thereby regulate MRP1 expression. EGR1 knock-down reduced MRP1 expression, while EGR1 overexpression increased it. Knockdown of EGR1 increased the drug sensitivity to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), Toosendanin (TSN), and cisplatin (DDP), reduced the efflux ability of Rho-123, and induced apoptosis of drug-resistant lung cancer cells A549/DDP, while EGR1 overexpression had the opposite effects. Further, we demonstrated that lncRNA HOTAIR mediated the effects of EGR1 on MRP1 and MDR via sponging of miR-6807-3p. Moreover, we showed that miR-6807-3p exerts its function by targeting the EGR1 3'UTR. Conclusions: We revealed the role and molecular mechanisms of the novel HOTAIR/miR-6807-3p/EGR1 axis in the regulation of MRP1 expression and MDR in lung cancer cells. Our findings identify EGR1 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for MDR in human lung cancer.
In the Absence of Effective Malaria Parasite Sentinel System: A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Prevalence of Plasmodium Spp Infection and Malaria Among Patients at Federal Medical Centre Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria.
Authors: Olaosebikan V. Oluwatosin , Alabi Olatunji , Hussaini Kabiru , Ojo A. Abiodun
Published: August 2020

Background: Local knowledge of the prevalence, burden and features of diseases as well as effective disease surveillance system to identifying population at risk are important at achieving malaria elimination of the National Malaria Strategic Plan (2014-2020). Methods: The study utilized a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive data collected from January to December, 2018 to determine the prevalence of malaria parasite infection and prevalent Plasmodium spp infection among different age groups and sexes among patients attending Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State,Nigeria . We analysed secondary data of hospital records of 5,645 feverish patients attending general out patients’ department and medical laboratory department at the study area. Blood samples from the patients were collected and examined using thin and thick-blood smear slides technique for the presence or absence of parasites. Stained slides were examined using two levels of examination by trained microscopists and WHO certified expert microscopists as validators. Results: The prevalence of malaria parasite in the study area was 17.1%. P.falciparum was the most prevalent species of malaria parasite (99.69%) among the positive cases in the study area, while P.malariae was identified in 3 of the positive slides representing 0.31% case. Malaria positivity was highest (52.49%) among children aged 0-10years. Test of association between malaria positivity and patients’ age was statistically significant (p<0.05). Among patients who tested positive to malaria parasite, more than half (53.37%) of them were females. Conclusion: Presence of Plasmodium malariae may be indicative of trans-border transmission of the disease due to the proximity of the study area to international border and thus calls for effective malaria parasite surveillance system and further inter boarder research.
Reaction of Cotton Genotypes to Meloidogyne Incognita Race 3 and Selection Ofisolates With High Reproductive Rate in Cotton
Authors: Pires Ely , Antes Vanessa Aparecida , Domiciano Gisele Pereira , Souza Caio Felipe de Barros , Lima Edriana Araújo , Furlanetto Cleber
Published: August 2020

Background: Among the pathogens that reduce cotton productivity in Brazil, Meloidogyne incognita is one of the most important as it causes severe yield losses and is widespread. The most recommended methods for control of this species are the use of resistant cultivars and crop rotation systems. In Brazil, M. incognita races 3 and 4 have already been reported as cotton parasites but the race 3 is the most commonly found and widely disseminated.This work aimed at selecting virulent and aggressive populations of M. incognita race 3 for testing sources of resistance to this nematode in cotton genotypes.Results: The three isolates of M. incognita race 3 were important for screening of resistant cotton genotypes. The isolate from Umuarama was the most aggressive followed by Moreira Sales and Iporã. The genotypes CD 05-419, CD 05-945, CD 05-1087 and CD 05-1170 showed good performance against M. incognita race 3 in both greenhouse and field conditions.Conclusions: The cotton genotypes CD05-945, CD05-1170, CD05-1087 and CD05-419 will be selected for future work involving tests for resistance against other important cotton pathogens. Those genotypes can also be used as source of genes for resistance to nematodes in cotton breeding programs. The search for virulent and aggressive M. incognita isolates was very important when screening for resistance in cotton germplasm.
The Status of International Collaboration in Writing Specialised Articles on Water Pollution, Air Pollution and Solid Waste Management
Authors: Tirgar Aram , Aghalari Zahra , Sillanpää Mika
Published: August 2020

BackgroundConducting research and writing articles in the three specialised fields of environmental health, air pollution, water pollution and solid waste management through collaboration between Iranian and international researchers lead to information exchange, science advancement and environmental problem-solving. This study therefore aimed to determine the status of international collaboration in writing specialised articles on water and air pollution and solid waste management.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over twelve years (2008-2019) by reviewing all articles published in the fields of air pollution, water pollution and solid waste management in five specialised environmental health journals. All articles were downloaded after visiting the journal site. The full text of the articles was reviewed and articles that matched the purpose of the study were included in it. Data were collected using a researcher-made checklist. The information included in the checklist was the number of articles published and the status of the authors' participation in terms of number, gender, country and continent in each of the fields of water pollution, air pollution and solid waste management. Statistical analysis of data was performed using a T-test. VOS viewer software was used to visualise the data and chart the extent of the international authors' involvement with Iranian researchers from different continents and countries.ResultsA review of 1,679 articles in 135 editions of five specialised environmental health journals revealed that 883 of the articles were in the fields of water and air pollution and solid waste management and 123 of the articles were written by international researchers. The top continents concerning collaboration in writing articles with Iran were Asia, Africa and Europe, respectively, with 70, 22, and 19 articles. In all three fields, India had the highest scientific participation with Iran. The gender distribution of the authors in these 123 articles with the participation of international authors showed that of the 406 authors, 35.7% were female and 65.3% were male and, for articles with just Iranian authors, 28.6% were female and 72.4% were male. The T-test for comparing the mean number of male and female authors in each article with and without the participation of international researchers showed no significant difference.ConclusionsBased on their findings and comparisons with other research on the amount of scientific contributions by international researchers in other countries, it was found that the extent of international participation in the compilation of articles on water pollution, air pollution and solid waste management was large. However, given the low proportion of European and American collaboration in articles, it seems necessary to adopt ways to attract more researchers from advanced countries in the fields of air pollution, water pollution and solid waste management.
Effect of Crosstalk Between Th17 and Th9 Cells on the Activation of Dermal Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Systemic Sclerosis and Regulation of Tanshinone IIA
Authors: liu mengguo , li ming , fu wenwen
Published: August 2020

Background: To evaluate the effect of T helper 17 (Th17) cells and Th9 cells on the activation of dermal vascular smooth muscle cells (DVSMCs) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and regulation of tanshinone IIA. Methods: The expression of interleukin 17 receptor (IL-17R) and interleukin 9 receptor (IL-9R) in the skin of SSc patients was assessed by immunofluorescence. The expression of IL-9 and IL-9R mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of SSc patients were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The proportion of Th9 cells in PBMCs of SSc patients was sorted by flow cytometry. The effect of IL-9 on the differentiation of Th17 and IL-17 on that of Th9 was detected by flow cytometry. The proportion of Th9 and Th17 cells in SSc patients was detected by flow cytometry. The level of collagen I, III, α-SMA, IL-9R, IL-17R, JNK, P38, and ERK were analyzed using Western blot (WB).Results: Th9 cells were highly expressed in SSc. IL-9 stimulated the differentiation of immature T cells into Th17 cells. IL-17 induced the differentiation of immature T cells into Th9 cells. Tanshinone IIA inhibited the differentiation of immature T lymphocytes into Th17 and Th9. WB showed that the combined action of IL-17 and IL-9 upregulated the inflammation and proliferation of DVSMCs. Anti-IL17, anti-IL9, and tanshinone IIA inhibited the functional activation of DVSMCs.Conclusions: The current results suggested that Th17 and Th9 cells induced the activation of DVSMCs in SSc through crosstalk in vitro, and tanshinone IIA inhibited the process.
Distinct Expression and Prognostic Values of GATA Transcription Factor Family in Human Ovarian Cancer.
Authors: Zhou Quan , Huai-jie Yang , Man-Zhen Zuo , Tao Ya-ling
Published: August 2020

Accumulated studies have provided controversial evidences of expression patterns and prognostic value of the GATA transcription factor family in human ovarian cancer. In the present study, we accessed the distinct expression and prognostic roles of 7 individual members of GATA family in ovarian cancer (OC) patients through Oncoming analysis, CCLE analysis, the Kaplan–Meier plotter (KM plotter) database, cBioPortal and Metascape. Our results indicated that GATA1, GATA3, GATA4 and TRPS1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in OC than normal samples. High expression of GATA1, GATA2, and GATA4 were significantly correlated with better overall survival (OS), while increased GATA3 and GATA6 expression were associated with worse prognosis in OC patients. GATA1, GATA2, GATA3 and GATA6 were closely related to the diﬀerent clinicopathological features of OC. The genetic variation and interaction of the GATA family may be closely related to the pathogenesis and prognosis of OC, and the regulatory network composed of GATA family genes and their neighboring genes are mainly involved in Notch signaling pathway, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation and Hippo signaling pathway. Our results might be beneficial for the better understanding of heterogeneity and complexity in the molecular biology of ovarian cancer, and paving a way for more accurate prediction of the prognosis of patients with OC.
Evaluating the effectiveness of in-service training program of Amhara Public Health Institute Dessie Branch, Northeast Ethiopia: a concurrent nested mixed quantitative/qualitative facility based cross sectional study
Authors: Husen Seid Legesse , Marefiaw Tefera Alemu , Hailie Mulugeta Tasew , Ayalew Birtukan Shiferaw , Reta Zerfie Tadesse , Desalew Semagn Amare , Temesgen Minwuyelet Maru
Published: August 2020

Background

In-service training programs should be evaluated and modified regularly to provide quality health services. However, in Ethiopia, there is no published evidence about its effectiveness. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness of in-service training program of Amhara Public Health Institute Dessie Branch (APHI) using the Kirkpatrick model.
Methods

In October 2019, a concurrent nested mixed quantitative/qualitative, facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 107 stakeholders from 22 randomly selected east Amhara government health facilities. The qualitative part also involved all this key stakeholder interviews. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire through face to face interview. Epi data manager and Microsoft Excel 2016 software’s were used for data entry and analysis respectively. The major qualitative findings were narrated and summarized based on thematic areas to supplement the quantitative findings.
Results

A total of 107 laboratory professionals working in 22 health facilities were interviewed with a response rate of 97.3%. At reaction level, 82.1% of participants strongly agreed/agreed with the course structure, training contents and learning tools. Likewise, 85.4% of them strongly agreed/agreed on trainer's knowledge and their communication skills. Besides, 93.1% of them stated an improvement in knowledge and skills after attending training. Yet, only 65.6% of participants transferred their knowledge and skills in to practice. Regarding the training set ups and environment, 45.1% of the respondents strongly disagreed/disagreed with the training hall, toilet, café, financial process, accommodation perdiem and, tea & snacks.
Conclusion and recommendations:

Generally speaking, the laboratory in-service training program of APHI was more or less effective. Our finding suggests regular monitoring and evaluation of training events based on a standard set of performance indicators. Furthermore, the institute is mandated to create a conducive learning environment and well established training set ups for trainees.
Early Monitoring of Infliximab Serum Trough Levels Predicts Long-Term Therapy Failure in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Feito Ana Martínez , Navarro-Compán Victoria , Hernández-Breijo Borja , Olariaga-Mérida Eva , Peiteado Diana , Villalba Alejandro , Nuño Laura , Monjo Irene , Diego Cristina , Pascual-Salcedo Dora , Nozal Pilar , Balsa Alejandro , Plasencia-Rodriguez Chamaida
Published: August 2020

Background: The aim of our study is to evaluate whether serum infliximab trough levels (ITL) during the early stages of treatment are predictive of long-term clinical failure in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).Methods: Longitudinal observational study involving 81 patients with axSpA recruited from the SpA-Paz cohort and monitored during infliximab therapy. Serum ITL were measured at baseline, week 2 (W2), W6 and W12 of treatment. Disease activity was assessed by the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) at baseline, W24 and W54, and every 6 months thereafter until therapy failure. Non-clinically important improvement was defined by ΔASDAS<1.1. The association between serum ITL levels at W12 and clinical outcomes (non-improvement at W52, drug survival and drop-out due to secondary inefficacy) was investigated through logistic regression models and Kaplan Meier curves. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to determine the best cut-off for serum ITL. Results: Out of the 81 patients, 45 (56%) did not achieve clinical improvement at W52. These patients had lower serum ITL at W12 compared to those who improved: ITL [median (IQR)]: 4.1(0.9-8.3) µg/ml vs 7.1(4.3-11.3)µg/ml, respectively; p=0.007). A cut-off of ITL<6.7µg/mL at W12 was significantly associated with: i) not achieving clinical improvement at W52 (OR: 2.3; 95%CI: 1.3-3.9); ii) shorter drug survival (5.0 years (95% CI: 3.8-6.2) vs 7.6 years (95% CI: 4.8-6.9); p=0.04); and iii) higher drop-out rates due to secondary inefficacy (OR: 3.5; 95%CI: 1.2-10.2). Conclusions: Serum ITL<6.7 µg/mL at W12 were associated with long-term clinical failure in patients with axSpA, especially due to secondary inefficacy.
Melatonin Dependent Modulation in microRNAs Relative Expression Pattern and Levels of cfDNA in Mature Oocytes of Unexplained Infertile Patients.
Authors: Khan Haroon Latif , bhatti Shahzad , abbas Sana , Kaloglu Celal , Qurat-ul-ain Syeda , Khan Yousaf Latif , Hassan Zahira , Aydin Hikmet Hakan , Turhan Nilgün Öztürk , Bousnane Nour El Houda , Yildiz Aysegul , Saruhashi Isadora
Published: August 2020

BackgroundIntrafollicular melatonin maintains the DNA integrity of granulosa cells and protects them against apoptosis. This ubiquitous indoleamine compound serves as a potent free radical scavenger. It reduces oxidative stress and modulates DNA damage response, which improves oocyte's quality with a higher fertilization rate.Methods:This prospective study was designed to investigate the antioxidant property of intrafollicular melatonin and its impact on IVF outcome parameters by exploring the relative expression of five microRNAs (miR-663b, miR-320a, miR-766-3p, miR-132-3p, and miR-16-5p) and levels of cfDNA by real-time PCR in unexplained infertile patients. We collected 425 follicular fluid (ff) samples containing mature oocytes from 295 patients undergoing IVF. Results:Patients were sub-grouped based on intrafollicular melatonin concentration (Group A; ≤ 30 pg/mL, Group B; >70 to ≤110 pg/mL), Group C; >111 to ≤ 385 pg/mL). Our results showed that patients with ≤ 30 pg/mL intrafollicular melatonin levels have a significantly higher cfDNA levels and lower relative expression of miR-663b, miR-320a, miR-766-3p, miR-132-3p, and miR-16-5p compared to other subgroups (p<0.001). Similarly, they have a low fertilization rate and a reduced number of high-quality day 3 embryos. For the probability of obtaining a good quality embryo, miRNAs had AUC value of 0.89 [95% Cl; 0.71; 0.93] with 87% sensitivity and 83 % specificity (p = 0.001), whereas cfDNA have AUC value 0.76 [cut-off points, 95% Cl: 0.61, 0.67; 0.85] along with 82.4 % senstivity and 66.7 % specificity.Conclusion:Conclusively, our study provided evidence that melatonin's antioxidant capability significantly impacts cfDNA concentration and miRNAs relative expression profile in the follicular microenvironment for optimal oocyte development and embryo quality. Therefore, it may be a potent non-invasive diagnostic tool to select high-quality day 3 embryos with such promise.
New Insight Into Rumen Methanogen Function: a Barrier Blocking Trimethylamine From Entering the Host Body
Authors: Zhou Yang , Wei Jin , Xie Fei , Mao Shengyong , Cheng Yanfen , Zhu Weiyun
Published: August 2020

Background: Trimethylamine (TMA) is the precursor of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which has been known to promote human cardiovascular disease. Methanomassiliicoccales (Mmc), TMA-utilizing methanogens, may function as a TMA barrier for the host in the rumen. This study aimed to investigate the role of Mmc in rumen TMA elimination and the effect of choline addition in the diet on the rumen TMA and TMAO concentrations in the plasma and milk of dairy cows.Results: Three experiments, 2 rumen in vitro fermentation trials and 1 dairy cow in vivo trial, were conducted. Four groups were set in Experiment 1: control, nitroglycerin (NG, a methanogen inhibitor), TMA (0.69 mg/mL), and TMA + NG. The methanogenic activity was completely inhibited in the NG group, and no methane production was observed in the NG and TMA + NG groups. The TMA content hardly reduced in the TMA + NG group (0.66 mg/mL) after 2 d of incubation; in contrast, it reduced by 47.2% in the TMA group. Methanogen 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the relative abundance of Mmc increased in the TMA group (P = 0.005), which was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction testing. Two taxa (Group 9 sp. ISO4-G1 and Group 10 sp.) at the species level mainly contributed to the increase in the relative abundance of Mmc. Four groups were set in Experiment 2: control, NG, choline (choline chloride, 1.0 mg/mL), and choline + NG. Choline was completely degraded in 24 h, and the TMA content reached the peak point in the fermentation culture. The TMA content in the choline + NG group did not reduce after the occurrence of the peak point. In contrast, the TMA content in the choline group started to decrease after 24 h, corresponding to the rapid increase in methane production. Eight mid-lactating, rumen-fistulated Holstein cows were randomly assigned to the control (n = 4) or choline (n = 4) group in Experiment 3: In the choline group, the cows were gradually supplemented with 100–250 g/(cow·d) of choline chloride over 4 weeks. In the choline group, TMA accumulated in the rumen fluid, and the abundance of Mmc 16S rRNA gene and choline-degrading bacterial cutC gene increased in the rumen content (P < 0.050). The TMAO content in the plasma and milk of the dairy cows was approximately 10 times higher in the choline group than in the control at day 28.Conclusion: Rumen Mmc functioned as a TMA barrier for the host. The increase in dietary choline caused more TMA to enter the host body, resulting in higher TMAO deposition in the milk of the dairy cows. It should be noted that TMAO-rich milk might degrade food safety. Moreover, it should be discreet to mitigate rumen methane emission by inhibiting the rumen methanogen activities, which might destroy the rumen TMA barrier.
Interaction between amorolfine and voriconazole against Fusarium species
Authors: Liang Pin , Song Jiquan , Liu Qin
Published: August 2020

Background: Fusarium species are environmentally ubiquitous fungi capable of causing diverse superficial, locally invasive, or disseminated infections, making them important pathogens. Compared with antibacterial drugs, the types of antifungal drugs are still limited, and the adverse reactions are significant. Therefore, novel treatments against Fusarium spp. are an urgent need.Results: Here we investigated the interaction of amorolfine combined with voriconazole on Fusarium spp. Our study demonstrated that amorolfine in combination with voriconazole could inhibited the Fusarium spp. significantly. Galleria mellonella was also used as a model to show the interaction of the two-drug combination in vivo against Fusarium spp.; larval survival rates were significantly higher after treatment with the amorolfine-voriconazole combination compared to the monotherapy group.Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate that voriconazole combined with amorolfine has a synergistic effect against Fusarium spp. infection and may be an effective method for antifungal therapy.
Does Financial Liberalization Lead to Poverty Alleviation? New Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Onuka Onwuka Ifeanyi , Odinakachukwu Nwadiubu Anthony
Published: August 2020

The study examined anew the empirical question of whether financial liberalization induces poverty alleviation. There is a theoretical expectation that liberalizing the financial market will lead to greater savings mobilization, greater access to credit facilities and poverty alleviation. Using a time-series data spanning 38 years (1980-2018), the study analyzed the effect of financial liberalization on credit availability to the private sector, the manufacturing sector especially the small & medium enterprises and the agricultural sector in Nigeria. The Bounds testing approach to co-integration employed within the framework of Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (ARDL) was used to generate the coefficients. The coefficient of financial liberalization-though positive in all the parameter estimates, it is not significant. This lead us to the conclusion that despite the advantages of financial liberalization, its benefits is yet to bring about significant positive increases or changes in the volume of credit to the private sector and in poverty alleviation. Inferring upon this, we deduced that the continued liberalization of the financial system though indicating a positive long run impact on financial widening (or financial deepening as the case may be), its manifestation on quantum of credit to the private sector and on poverty alleviation is yet to be realized in Nigeria. The study recommended, amongst others, that government should re-think and re-tool the process in ways that will generate stability in the financial system and unleash the potentials of the process to generate greater savings and ultimately greater investment in the real sectors of the economy.
Lahares secundarios en el volcán Popocatépetl: El lahar Nexpayantla del 4 de febrero, 2010
Authors: Zaragoza Gabriela , Caballero-García Lizeth , Capra Lucia , Nieto-Torres Amiel
Published: August 2020

Los lahares secundarios representan una de las mayores amenazas en volcanes activos o en estado de quietud, por lo tanto, es importante estimar la frecuencia, distribución y los mecanismos disparadores en diferentes volcanes para establecer escenarios de peligro.

En este trabajo se analizó el lahar ocurrido el día 4 de febrero del 2010, en la barranca Nexpayantla, ubicada en el sector NW del volcán Popocatépetl. Para ello, se realizó un estudio geomorfológico y textural del depósito, así como de la precipitación y de imágenes de satélite tipo ASTER para delimitar el área de inundación y el mecanismo disparador. Los datos mostraron que este evento se generó por una precipitación de 100 mm/día e inició como una corriente fluvial, que se transformó en un flujo de escombros y finalizó como una corriente diluida. Su transformación, de corriente fluvial a flujo de escombros, se debió a la incorporación de sedimentos por erosión laminar y procesos de remoción en masa que ocurrieron en la barranca, asociados al mismo evento de precipitación. En contraste, su dilución a una corriente fluvial fue por la rápida sedimentación relacionada con cambios en la geometría del cauce, el alto contenido de troncos de árboles y el bajo contenido de material fino. La reproducción del evento mediante simulaciones numéricas permitió calcular que su profundidad pudo alcanzar 1.7 m. Al comparar la distribución del depósito en campo y del lahar en las imágenes de satélite, se observó que el depósito representa sólo el 68 % del área total de inundación del evento. Asimismo, el análisis de la lluvia indicó que una precipitación de igual magnitud a la que disparó el lahar Nexpayantla, tiene un periodo de retorno de 27 años. Finalmente, trabajos enfocados en la caracterización de lahares secundarios en el volcán Popocatépetl permitirán establecer escenarios que incluyan casos como el aquí estudiado.
Limites e desafios de um mundo sob o signo da precariedade
Authors: Pires Lenin Santos
Published: August 2020

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} A resenha se pauta pela leitura e interpretação do livro, buscando captar noções presentes no mesmo tais como desigualdade, conflito, precariedade, indagando como estas dimensões e representações ensejam ideologias e práticas políticas de exclusão de atores sociais considerados indesejados nas sociedades ocidentais.
De alianzas, contextos y biografías. Una experiencia académica “internacional” con Brasil desde el noroeste Argentino
Authors: Godoy Mariana Inés
Published: August 2020

En este ensayo procuro hacer un ejercicio de reflexividad sobre un recorrido de formación académica y en investigación en el campo de la antropología jurídica y la administración de conflictos, que estuvo especialmente marcado por experiencias de vinculación con parte de la academia brasileña. Viniendo de provincias del noroeste argentino, lejos de los grandes centros académicos y urbanos, estas experiencias de vínculo internacional muestran un contexto de una relativa expansión de los sistemas de becas doctorales en Argentina y del financiamiento en ciencia y técnica en general. Al mismo tiempo, permiten pensar en cierta dinámica en los equipos de investigación que también animan movimientos disciplinares. Estas alianzas internacionales, que tienen componentes de inversión académica aunque también de índole afectiva, se alimentan y se consolidan en esos escenarios de crecimiento. De igual manera,actúan compensando movimientos inversos de retracción de la inversión en el sistema científico, permitiendo sostener e incentivar la producción, y adquiriendo el sentido de resistencias políticas a esos escenarios adversos.
O chapéu-panamá nas ruas cariocas: um ensaio sobre seus significados e usos
Authors: Couto Caroline Peres
Published: August 2020

A investigação a respeito do uso do chapéu-panamá, por ser um adereço que se conecta a elementos culturais duradouros, desafiou a pesquisa a se reter sob a “ontologia de profundidade” (MILLER, 2013) no nível discursivo dos entrevistados, e a tensionar as ideias mobilizadas no senso comum com os conceitos antropológicos e arqueológicos correlatos, tais como de personalidade, apresentação de si, função e estilo. A dualidade do símbolo-chapéu permite-o transitar nos imaginários, tanto por um mundo marginal como por um mundo sofisticado, e nos leva a insights interessantes para pensar os seus usos e significados produzidos no presente. Além do mais, ancestrais fazendeiros, figuras do cinema e da música, lembrados por seus inseparáveis (e sedutores) chapéus, compõem parte de um repertório memorial bastante ilustrativo, fazendo desse adereço um elemento primordial de passado idílico e, prioritariamente, um símbolo de identidade de universos masculinos.
Contexto e normatividade: a formação antropológica no Brasil e no exterior
Authors: Schiocchet Leonardo
Published: August 2020

Com base no meu próprio projeto de pesquisa mais amplo entre árabes, sobretudo refugiados (palestinos, sírios e iraquianos), no Líbano (2005-2010), Brasil (2011-2013), Dinamarca (2013-2015), Palestina e Áustria (2015-2019), este breve ensaio exploratório na forma de testemunho compara a pesquisa acadêmica e em especial o fazer antropológico, no Brasil e fora dele. Meu eixo principal de análise aqui é a relação entre contexto e normatividade acadêmica, que serve de base para discussões sobre o campo institucional da pesquisa antropológica no Brasil em perspectiva comparada e da normatividade do campo acadêmico em escala global. Além disso, contribui a informar e/ou preparar acadêmicos brasileiros para estágios de pesquisa no exterior, oferecendo conhecimento de base para ajustar currículos e expectativas para outros contextos para além do brasileiro.
Sobre lo político y la política en jóvenes candidatos a diputaciones en elecciones presidenciales 2018
Authors: González Sancho Roy
Published: August 2020

Este artículo se deriva de una investigación realizada en el Observatorio Político Electoral Juvenil (OPEJ) del Centro Agenda Joven de la UNED. Su objetivo es analizar las nociones de la política y las percepciones de la política en 7 personas candidatas a diputaciones en las elecciones de febrero de 2018. Parte de un enfoque cualitativo, con un alcance interpretativo y sigue la estructura de un ensayo científico. Algunos de los resultados indican diferencias entre las posturas externadas por las personas entrevistadas derivadas del tipo de ingreso a la participación política, las posibilidades de acción y las restricciones dentro de las estructuras partidarias.
INSTITUIÇÃO PARA IDOSOS:
Authors: Bins Ely Vera Helena Moro , Masson Olivier
Published: August 2020

A partir do resultado de 4 pesquisas em diferentes países e instituições para idosos, relacionou-se as necessidades espaciais de Hunt (1991) com os 4 componentes de acessibilidade. Evidenciam-se poucas soluções espaciais que contemplam as necessidades informativas e sociais e os componentes orientação espacial e comunicação, devido ao conhecimento específico exigido.
ANÁLISE DA USABILIDADE DE UMA PISTOLA SEMIAUTOMÁTICA
Authors: Arruda Filho Moisaniel Pimentel , Barros Rubenio Dos Santos , Campos Lívia Flávia De Albuquerque
Published: August 2020

A pesquisa visa explorar os déficits apontados ultimamente pela mídia brasileira acerca da ”pistola PT 840, da Taurus”, principal ferramenta utilizada pelos agentes de segurança pública do país. A partir disso, utilizou-se técnicas da ergonomia e o do design para investigar minuciosamente os problemas de usabilidade, levantando, também, a percepção dos agentes sobre as suas pistolas. Ao final, apontou-se as principais falhas e os perfis de agentes que apresentam mais insatisfação e descontentamento com a PT 840 da Taurus.
AVALIAÇÃO DA CONFORMIDADE COM O WEB CONTENT ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES (WCAG)
Authors: Souza Edson Rufino de , Mont’Alvão Cláudia
Published: August 2020

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar etapas de uma pesquisa que estudou a relação entre uma técnica de avaliação de acessibilidade – a verificação de conformidade de sítios eletrônicos com o WCAG 2.0 – com as características do perfil do avaliador. Para este fim, preliminarmente foram feitos dois estudos exploratórios: primeiro com diferentes perfis de expertise de avaliadores e roteiro predeterminado e segundo com avaliador com alto nível de expertise e roteiro livre, sendo predefinida apenas a técnica a ser utilizada. Os estudos indicaram (1) a confirmação de uma alta relação de um perfil mais aderente aos conhecimentos sobre acessibilidade e tecnologias web com os resultados da avaliação e (2) a possibilidade de interpretações equivocadas da aplicação de uma técnica sem predefinição de todos os passos a serem seguidos. A partir disso, com roteiro predefinido a partir do documento WCAG-EM 1.0, foi feito um terceiro estudo, apenas com voluntários avaliadores com nível adequado de conhecimento e experiência relacionados à acessibilidade, recrutados por meio de questionário on-line. Dos 83 respondentes, houve 62 respostas válidas e 25 preencheram os critérios para serem considerados aptos à etapa de avaliação de acessibilidade. Dentre estes, nove voluntários realizaram avaliações individuais pela técnica estudada segundo roteiro predefinido, e os resultados foram comparados entre si. Houve muitas inconsistências de entendimento e na maneira de informar os problemas, destacando-se de forma significativa um dos avaliadores que teve melhor autoavaliação em relação aos demais. Os resultados confirmaram a importância do perfil do avaliador para a efetividade da técnica de verificação de conformidade.
MÉTODOS DE PROJETO DE INTERIORES NO BRASIL
Authors: De Oliveira Gilberto Rangel , Mont’Alvão Claudia
Published: August 2020

A atividade de projeto de interiores (ou design de interiores) apresenta especificidades próprias enquanto o uso de uma metodologia projetual. No presente trabalho realizou-se pesquisa descritiva junto aos profissionais e os usuários que contrataram esta prestação de serviço. Faz-se uma análise do processo e de que forma a ergonomia costuma ser aplicada. O resultado propõe um método de projeto de interiores inédito para o desenvolvimento da atividade.
ERGONOMIA, CARGA MENTAL DE TRABALHO, RISCOS E PREVENÇÃO DE ACIDENTES
Authors: Santos Myriam Britto dos
Published: August 2020

Em uma pesquisa descritiva e de estudo de campo, buscou-se avaliar quais indicadores de carga mental (CM) de trabalho são predominantes para a produção de acidentes em uma tarefa de microtomia podendo representar fonte de sofrimento psíquico. O suporte metodológico da pesquisa envolveu a elaboração de um questionário adaptado do método L.E.S.T.