bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A MULTICRITERIA INDEX USING NEURAL NETWORK TO EVALUATE THE POTENTIAL LANDS OF MAIZE
Authors: Habibie Muhammad Iqbal , Nurda Nety
Published: July 2022

The criteria for planting maize should be consistent with sensible and ecological criteria to determine the potential lands. However, there is still a lack of proven methodology for this evaluation. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the parameters that affect the multi-criteria decision of maize, with the aim of a new method on the land suitability analysis. The land suitability analysis proposed was based on GIS-analysis and management parameters such as distance from roads, rivers, slope, LULC, elevation, soil type, NDVI, SAVI, rainfall, and temperature. We have found a sample of 4590 maize in Tuban, East Java, Indonesia. Based on the above criteria, maize has been classified into four groups according to FAO. Moreover, we analyzed was done using Neural Network. Results showed that the integrated AHP with Neural Network to evaluate the lands inferred that 66.7 percent of the study area was classified as highly suitable, 30.2 percent were moderately suitable, and 3 percent were marginally suitable for Maize Cultivation in Tuban Regency. The approach presented in this analysis can be extended in this analysis can be extended to other maize areas also other crops as a decision-making system.
Organização, necessidades nutricionais e suplementação artificial para abelhas Apis Mellifera
Authors: Zangirolami Marcela de Souza , Santos Junior Oscar de Oliveira
Published: July 2022

As abelhas Apis mellifera coletam um conjunto de substâncias da natureza para assegurarem a sua sobrevivência, nomeadamente o néctar, que é a principal fonte em carboidratos e utilizado para produção de energia, o pólen da onde retiram as proteínas, minerais, vitaminas e lipídeos e a água que atua no controle da temperatura e umidade da colmeia. O consumo de carboidratos ocorre em todas as fases do desenvolvimento das abelhas, porém na fase adulta a dieta é quase exclusiva à base destas substâncias, necessitando uma abelha de aproximadamente 4 mg de açúcar por dia para sobreviver. A suplementação artificial fornecida para as abelhas pelos apicultores surgiu como uma prática de sobrevivência e manutenção das atividades da colmeia. Pastas e xaropes de mel, sacarose, açucares invertidos, xaropes de milho de elevado teor em frutose (HFCS) e outros xaropes de frutas são oferecidos como suplemento energético em períodos de escassez de néctar, como em condições climáticas adversas enquanto que dietas proteicas a base de farinha de soja, albumina, farinha de arroz, farinha de milho, entre outras, servem como estratégia para o apicultor aumentar a criação, produzir rainhas, multiplicar comeias, entre outros fatores de interesse. Dessa forma, o trabalho teve como objetivo revisar o estilo de vida e as necessidades nutricionais das abelhas dessa espécie, assim como exemplificar os tipos de suplementos alimentares existentes e em que circunstâncias melhor se aplicam, auxiliando os apicultores na escolha da alimentação mais adequada.
Electro-synthesized composite of polyaniline and gum Arabic for colorimetric ammonia vapor detection
Authors: Freire Gabrielle Albuquerque , Miranda Kelvi Wilson Evaristo , Gonzaga Maria Leônia da Costa , Oliveira Maria Roniele Félix , Castelo Rachel Menezes , Silva Luana Carvalho da , Oliveira Marília de Albuquerque , Alves Carlucio Roberto , Furtado Roselayne Ferro
Published: July 2022

Polyaniline (PAni) is a conductive polymer with colorimetric properties, which can be combined with biopolymers to form novel composite materials. These materials can be used as a colorimetric sensor/indicator in the identification of different kinds of analytes. The present study aimed to develop a film of PAni and gum Arabic (GA) by electrochemical method to evaluate its potential use in a colorimetric sensor for ammonia vapor (NH3). The composite PAni/GA was prepared by electrochemical polymerization on a gold surface using the cyclic voltammetry technique. The stability of the films was evaluated in acid (HCl 0.1 mol L-1) after 25 imaging cycles. Strongly acidified gum arabic solution (pH 0.0) and a sweep speed of 10 mV s-1 caused higher current density in the film formation. The morphology of the films was observed by SEM and the presence of cracks in its structure can favor the entry of gases. The response of the composite in the presence of NH3 was measured using a colorimeter. The PAni/GA composite is a promising and rapid tool for use in colorimetric sensors in the detection of NH3.
Development of Methodology for Detection of Formaldehyde-DNPH in Milk Manager by Central Composite Rotational Design and GC/MS
Authors: Vaz Everton Barbosa , Santos Mario Ferreira Conceição , Jesus Ester Gonçalves de , Vieira Karla Moreira , Osório Vanessa Moreira , Menini Luciano
Published: July 2022

Milk is among the food more consumed by humanity. In this way, a study of its physical-chemical characteristics is justified to analyze if its components are by the legislation and if its hygiene conditions, more precisely the use of formaldehyde as a preservative, are established. The International Agency for Research on Cancer warns that formaldehyde has physicochemical properties that make it carcinogenic when consumed in food. In Brazil, the legislation does not establish minimum values for the presence of formaldehyde in foods of animal origin, and the technique suggested by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply is a qualitative test. With the large consumption of milk by the Brazilian population and because it is a food subject to adulteration. The present work sought to analyze milk in terms of its physical-chemical characteristics (fat, density, freezing point, non-greasy solids, lactose, and proteins) and develop a methodology to analyze formaldehyde derivatized with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine in milk samples using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer.
Male reproductive system alterations by SARS-CoV-2 and its pathophysiology: A review
Authors: Carvalho Matheus dos Santos do Nascimento , Carvalho Marcelo do Nascimento , Lima Jefferson Cavalcante de , Silva Juliane Cabral , Cabral Adriane Borges
Published: July 2022

This integrative literature review aimed to analyze the findings about the SARS-CoV-2 action on the male genital tract. The database used in the search was PubMed, Scielo and Google Scholar with the following descriptors: “Male fertility”, “COVID-19”, “Infertility”, in addition to the use of the Boolean operator (AND). The final sample was 25 baseline studies. The entry of the coronavirus takes place through the interaction of its proteins with ACE-2 and TMPRSS2. Such proteins were identified in the male reproductive system, which explains several clinical findings in patients who were infected. This interaction of the virus with cells prevents the formation of Ang 1-7, which has anti-inflammatory properties, so its reduction would cause local tissue damage in the testicular tissue. Such findings ranged from histological changes with the formation of an inflammatory infiltrate to possible autoimmune orchitis. In addition, there are controversies on certain topics, such as the carriage of the virus in semen and its potential to cause embryological damage. The study showed the different pathophysiological possibilities of the virus in causing changes in male fertility, through the inflammatory effect, direct cytopathological action of the virus, fever, infections of other structures of the reproductive system, direct alterations in the hypothalamic pituitary axis and use of drugs as a treatment. All these results show the complexity of this virus in other systems and its mechanisms, which requires further studies for its full understanding.
Possibilidades de Educação em Ciências na Educação Infantil
Authors: Pucu Suzane Cristina de Carvalho , Franco Zilda Gláucia Elias
Published: July 2022

Este artigo contempla um recorte de um projeto de pesquisa intitulado O Show da Luna como possibilidade de Educação em Ciências na Educação Infantil desenvolvido dentro do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ensino de Ciências e Humanidades da Universidade Federal do Amazonas, no âmbito do Grupo de Estudos e Pesquisa em Educação Infantil. O texto tem como objetivo apresentar as análises relacionadas em como a Educação em Ciências está proposta nos planejamentos das turmas do 2º período (crianças de 5 anos de idade) de uma instituição de Educação Infantil do município de Manaus (AM). A pesquisa é de cunho qualitativo e trata-se de um estudo de caso desenvolvido em uma instituição pública envolvendo quatro educadoras. Foram utilizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, observações in loco e análise documental e de conteúdo dos dados coletados. Os resultados mostram que ainda há uma carência na formação dos educadores da Educação Infantil no sentido de compreender o que é a Educação em Ciências e como ela pode favorecer o desenvolvimento da autonomia, da curiosidade, da criticidade infantil na construção de conhecimentos científicos dentro da instituição escolar utilizando-se de práticas significativas.
A COVID-19 e os efeitos sobre as cadeias do agronegócio: Observações preliminares a partir de uma revisão narrativa
Authors: Ribeiro Vinícius Souza , Leal José Eustáquio Canguçú , Silva Luciano Pereira da , Rocha Alysson Soares da
Published: July 2022

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar, no contexto da COVID-19, o desempenho do agronegócio brasileiro entre 2020 e 2021. Assim como identificar e analisar eventuais impactos negativos sobre as cadeias do agronegócio em um contexto global. Para tanto, fez uso de uma revisão de literatura narrativa acerca do tema, com delimitação de procedimentos e critérios estruturados de pesquisa em duas etapas. Em linhas gerais, a pesquisa aponta que o agronegócio brasileiro apresentou um desempenho econômico comparativamente melhor em relação a outros setores da economia. A prioridade dada pelos governos para o funcionamento das cadeias agroalimentares, associado as não interrupções significativas nas cadeias de suprimento foram fatores incrementais importantes para tal resultado. Contudo, a pesquisa faz uma análise crítica de algumas conclusões da literatura nacional, baseadas estritamente em indicadores econômicos (PIB, exportações, balança comercial, etc.), que apontam que o agronegócio não foi afetado pela pandemia. Estes estudos podem levar a falsa conclusão de que não houveram impactos negativos (ou então que estes não foram significantes) para o setor. Nesse sentido, o artigo elenca alguns impactos negativos sobre cadeias do agronegócio decorrentes das medidas de isolamento. Os efeitos foram discutidos sob a ótica do setor, considerando aspectos específicos dos produtos e da comercialização agrícola. Por fim, propõe que novas investigações busquem isolar os efeitos líquidos da COVID-19 sobre o setor, destacando a importância disso para estruturar cadeias produtivas mais resilientes e responsivas a momentos críticos.
Os efeitos da ingestão precoce do ômega 3 na prevenção da obesidade e de doenças cardiovasculares
Authors: Ribeiro Emanuella Alves , Ferreira Rafaela , Silva Maria Cláudia da
Published: July 2022

Desde a Era Paleolítica, a humanidade já apresentava comportamentos alimentares e hábitos de saúde diversos, porém, a prevalência de posturas contraproducentes das populações nunca atingiu proporções tão alarmantes como no momento atual, propiciando, por consequência desse estilo de vida adotado individual e coletivamente, significativos quadros de obesidade, dislipidemia, doenças cardiovasculares, entre outras Doenças Crônicas Não Transmissíveis (DCNTs), os quais entraram no rol de risco para a saúde do organismo. À vista disso, a presente pesquisa refere-se aos efeitos da ingestão precoce do ômega 3 na prevenção da obesidade e de doenças cardiovasculares, abordando os relevantes mecanismos de ação desses ácidos graxos poliinsaturados n-3 (n-3 PUFAs) nas células do corpo humano, a sua interação com outras reações metabólicas do organismo e a associação do consumo dessas gorduras essenciais com a prevenção de distúrbios pró-inflamatórios e como fator auxiliar para a melhora de casos clínicos de cardiopatia, em especial da doença arterial coronariana, e de obesidade. Consiste em uma revisão da literatura, pautada na abordagem cognitiva de análises científicas, utilizando cerca de 29 estudos, entre eles artigos científicos e livros didáticos, capazes de respaldar os processos metabólicos do ômega-3, utilizando os termos: ômega-3, doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, inflamação, obesidade e doenças cardiovasculares. Diante dos resultados encontrados, é possível estabelecer correlação entre os efeitos benéficos do consumo de ômega-3 com a melhora da modulação hipertrigliceridêmica, o que levou à percepção de que a etiologia, a qual temos controle, para tais patologias mencionadas está fortemente ligada ao histórico do estilo de vida individual e coletivo.
Organizational and methodological aspects of Ukrainian entities’ non-financial reporting during the wartime
Authors:   SESE “The Academy of Financial Management”, KUCHERIAVA Maria
Published: July 2022

Introduction. In the conditions of martial law, the issues of the quality of information support for decision-making both at the state and at the enterprise level are becoming increasingly important. In parallel with solving the issue of spreading the practice of corporate social responsibility among businesses in Ukraine in the context of implementing the sustainable development concept and compliance with EU directives, there is a problem of information support for enterprises under martial law. Problem Statement. In Ukraine, a number of organizational and methodological aspects of forming and submitting non-?nancial reports remain unresolved, including improving the mechanism for collecting and processing data on non-?nancial reports of enterprises through the introduction of an electronic submission format, providing methodological assistance to enterprises in disclosing information. Purpose. To identify key areas for further improvement of organizational and methodological support for the preparation and submission of non-?nancial reports by Ukrainian enterprises under martial law. Methods: bibliographic analysis, analysis, generalization. Results. The study was conducted in stages: the analysis of current changes and initiatives in EU legislation concerning the disclosure of non-?nancial reporting; the study of organizational measures for submission of non-?nancial reports by enterprises, enshrined in EU directive requirements; the formulation of proposals for further improvement of organizational and methodological support for the preparation of reports on the management of Ukrainian economic entities. Conclusions. The hypothesis presented in the paper is proven, but the introduction of electronic format for the submission of non-?nancial reports by enterprises, including in martial law and post-war recovery, is preceded by signi?cant methodological work and the development of institutional support. It should be noted that the introduction of the electronic reporting format as one of the tools to manage martial law risks is only one element of the national infrastructure of non-?nancial reporting, which, according to international practice, includes: methodology of non-?nancial reporting by companies, including reports on Sustainability; methodological support for information disclosure.
Грошові випуски міста Одеса 1917-1919 рр.
Authors: Mironova Irina
Published: July 2022

Мета статті – висвітлити емісію грошових знаків, випущених у місті Одеса в 1917-1919 рр. у періоди її перебування під владою УНР, Добровольчої армії генерала А. Денікіна та радянської влади.

Наукова новизна: встановлено причини, за яких вироблявся випуск різних типів грошових знаків у місті Одеса, а саме: фінансова криза, інфляційні процеси, знецінення та нестача паперових грошей, які почали стрімко розвиватися в місті після Лютневого перевороту 1917 р.; виділено основні етапи та підсумки емісійної політики різних урядів і політичних сил, які перебували в Одесі до 1920 р.

Висновки. Встановлено, що початок емісії місцевих міських грошових випусків було покладено 23 грудня 1917 р. «Положенням про розмінні білети міста Одеси». Наступний період історії грошових випусків Одеси пов’язаний зі вступом до міста Добровольчої армії генерала А. Денікіна та випуском українських казначейських знаків, т. зв. денікінських «лопаток». Встановлено, що денікінці за час першого перебування в Одесі у 1918 – на початку 1919 рр. випустили в обіг десять серій казначейських знаків номіналом у 50 карбованців. Під час першого перебування в Одесі радянської влади (квітень–червень 1919 р.), нею було надруковано та випущено в обіг також десять серій українських казначейських знаків номіналом у 50 карбованців.

Підраховано обсяги емісійної політики місцевої, денікінської та радянської влади в Одесі до початку 1920 р. Так, обсяг місцевої емісії випусків «Розмінних білетів міста Одеси» оцінюється дослідниками у понад 230 млн. руб., денікінської – понад 280 млн. крб., радянської – близько 480 млн. крб. Усього – близько 1 млрд. грошових одиниць. Зростання грошової емісії у місті Одеса призводило до гіперінфляційних процесів і знецінення грошей.

Установлено, що одеські бони та українські казначейські знаки, що випускалися у 1917-1919 рр., продовжували ходіння до залишення міста денікінськими військами у лютому 1920 р.
Історична освіта у дискурсі еволюції державної політики України кінця ХХ – початку ХХІ ст.
Authors: Ignatenko Natalia , Moskalyuk Mykola
Published: July 2022

Метою пропонованої розвідки є дослідження генезису національної історичної освіти у дискурсі еволюції державної політики України на зламі ХХ-ХХІ ст.

Наукова новизна. На основі здобутків сучасної історичної науки визначено й обґрунтовано періодизацію формування історичної освіти в Україні та здійснено історико-ретроспективний аналіз особливостей її розвитку в умовах сучасного державотворення.

Висновки. Проведений історико-ретроспективний аналіз дозволив охарактеризувати політику в галузі історичної освіти на зламі ХХ˗ХХІ ст. як багатовекторну підсистему загальнодержавної політики. Розвиваючись у межах п’яти етапів (І – 1991-1996 рр.; ІІ – 1997-2004 рр.; ІІІ – 2005-2009 рр.; ІV – 2010-2013 рр.; V – 2014-2010 рр.), вона реалізовувалася у двох напрямках: спробах «підлаштувати» традиційну модель освіти до нових умов нового соціокультурного буття; пошуках інших, більш відповідних високотехнологічному суспільству фундаментальних основ історичної освіти. Еволюціонуючи від знаннієвої до компетентнісної парадигми розвитку, історична освіта досліджуваного періоду зазнавала змін як трансформаційного, так, подекуди, й імітаційного характеру. Усі вони знайшли відображення в освітньому законодавстві, нормативно-правових актах, навчальних програмах і підручниках, й у такий спосіб окреслили основні контури сучасного історичного пізнання.

Поряд із тим, практичні інтереси сучасної державної політики щодо консолідації українців як політичної нації, диктують потребу у подальшому реформуванні її концептуальних засад і створення відповідного навчального середовища, в умовах якого молоді українці зможуть не лише оволодіти історичним знанням, а й здатностями застосувати його на практиці – у процесі повсякденного життя й особистісної самореалізації.
Exclusive Breastfeeding Counseling among Postpartum Mother
Authors: Tumani Yuni Kristiani , Enggar Enggar , Rosiyana Ni Made , Lestari Novita
Published: July 2022

Introduction: The coverage of infants receiving exclusive breastfeeding in 2020 is 66.06% (exceeding the 2020 Strategic Plan target of 40%). The coverage of infants receiving exclusive breastfeeding in Central Sulawesi in 2020 is 61.9%. Although the coverage of infants receiving exclusive breastfeeding exceeds the strategic plan target, counseling related to exclusive breastfeeding must still be carried out, because reduced breastfeeding will affect the growth and development of human resources in the future. The Purpose of this community service is to increase mother's knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: outreach activities were carried out to 30 breastfeeding mothers in Loru village using leaflets and banners about exclusive breastfeeding. Results: there is an increase in mother's knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding, where breastfeeding mothers want to give their babies exclusively breast milk. The counseling material was conveyed well, as long as the counseling participants were very active and enthusiastic in the question and answer session, the participants felt happy with this counseling, it was hoped that after counseling on exclusive breastfeeding, the baby's needs during the first 6 months after birth could be met.
Health Education on Stress Levels Facing Changes in Menstrual Patterns among Adolescents
Authors: Purnamayanthi Pande Putu Ondah , Ekajayanti Pande Putu Novi , Adhiestiani Ni Made Egar
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Current health education efforts through counseling are the right and acceptable way to increase young women's knowledge about stress so that it can affect menstrual patterns. Based on the data found, it shows that changes in abnormal menstrual patterns are related to psychological stress. The purpose of this service is to increase respondents' knowledge about how to manage stress when dealing with changes in menstrual patterns. Method: the method used in this service is counseling using Power Point media. which was held at SMA Denpasar with the number of respondents as many as 30 students. The evaluation used is by conducting questions and answers between the presenter and the respondent. Results: the results obtained are that after being given counseling the students better understand how to manage stress levels in dealing with menstrual patterns. From the results of the post test evaluation given, 26 students have understood the health education provided. It is hoped that by doing this counseling the students already have good knowledge and can be applied to everyday life.
An Analytical Method for Determining the Residual Strength of Reinforced Concrete Beam-Slab Specimens
Authors: Wang Yong , Chen Zhenxing , Huang Zhaohui , Gu Aolin , Han Guanxu , Liu Weixin , Zhang Yajun , Zhong Bo
Published: July 2022

This paper proposed one new method to determine the residual ultimate loads of the fire-damaged beam-slab specimens. Based on the conventional yield line method, the stiffness and deflection of the edge beam was considered to establish the theoretical method, and the residual ultimate loads of several beam-slab specimens in the literature were analyzed, and the predicted results were compared to the experimental results. Results show that the conventional simply-supported and fixed-end yield line method tended to underestimate or overestimate the residual ultimate loads of the specimens, and the present method can reasonably predict the ultimate loads of the beam-slab specimens.
Oxidative Stress and Lipid Peroxidation: Prospective Associations Between Ferroptosis and Delayed Wound Healing in Diabetic Ulcers
Authors: Feng Jiawei , Wang Jialin , Wang Yuqing , Huang Xiaoting , Shao Tengteng , Deng Xiaofei , Cao Yemin , Zhou Mingmei , Zhao Cheng
Published: July 2022

Diabetic ulcers are one of the major complications of diabetes, and patients usually suffer from amputation and death due to delayed ulcer wound healing. Persistent inflammation and oxidative stress at the wound site are the main manifestations of delayed wound healing in diabetic ulcers. In addition, chronic hyperglycemia in patients can lead to circulatory accumulation of lipid peroxidation products and impaired iron metabolism pathways leading to the presence of multiple free irons in plasma. Ferroptosis, a newly discovered form of cell death, is characterized by intracellular iron overload and accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides. These indicate that ferroptosis is one of the potential mechanisms of delayed wound healing in diabetic ulcers and will hopefully be a novel therapeutic target for delayed wound healing in diabetic patients. This review explored the pathogenesis of diabetic ulcer wound healing, reveals that oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation are common pathological mechanisms of ferroptosis and delayed wound healing in diabetic ulcers. Based on strong evidence, it is speculated that ferroptosis and diabetic ulcers are closely related, and have value of in-depth research. We attempted to clarify prospective associations between ferroptosis and diabetic ulcers in terms of GPX4, iron overload, ferroptosis inhibitors, AGEs, and HO-1, to provide new ideas for exploring the clinical treatment of diabetic ulcers.
Mitochondrial-Dependent and Independent Functions of PINK1
Authors: Chen Xiusheng , Wang Qi , Li Shihua , Li Xiao-Jiang , Yang Weili
Published: July 2022

PINK1 has been characterized as a mitochondrial kinase that can target to damaged mitochondria to initiate mitophagy, a process to remove unhealthy mitochondria for protecting neuronal cells. Mutations of the human PINK1 gene are also found to cause early onset Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder with the pathological feature of mitochondrial dysfunction. Despite compelling evidence from in vitro studies to support the role of PINK1 in regulation of mitochondrial function, there is still lack of strong in vivo evidence to validate PINK1-mediated mitophagy in the brain. In addition, growing evidence indicates that PINK1 also executes function independent of mitochondria. In this review, we discuss the mitochondrial dependent and independent functions of PINK1, aiming at elucidating how PINK1 functions differentially under different circumstances.
Plant Flavonoid Production in Bacteria and Yeasts
Authors: Isogai Shota , Tominaga Masahiro , Kondo Akihiko , Ishii Jun
Published: July 2022

Flavonoids, a major group of secondary metabolites in plants, are promising for use as pharmaceuticals and food supplements due to their health-promoting biological activities. Industrial flavonoid production primarily depends on isolation from plants or organic synthesis, but neither is a cost-effective or sustainable process. In contrast, recombinant microorganisms have significant potential for the cost-effective, sustainable, environmentally friendly, and selective industrial production of flavonoids, making this an attractive alternative to plant-based production or chemical synthesis. Structurally and functionally diverse flavonoids are derived from flavanones such as naringenin, pinocembrin and eriodictyol, the major basic skeletons for flavonoids, by various modifications. The establishment of flavanone-producing microorganisms can therefore be used as a platform for producing various flavonoids. This review summarizes metabolic engineering and synthetic biology strategies for the microbial production of flavanones. In addition, we describe directed evolution strategies based on recently-developed high-throughput screening technologies for the further improvement of flavanone production. We also describe recent progress in the microbial production of structurally and functionally complicated flavonoids via the flavanone modifications. Strategies based on synthetic biology will aid more sophisticated and controlled microbial production of various flavonoids.
Equine Histoplasmosis in Ethiopia: Phylogenetic Analysis by Sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacer Region of rRNA Genes
Authors: Ameni Gobena , Messele Kebede Alebachew , Zewude Aboma , Girma Abdulla Musse , Asfaw Rahel , Gobena Mesfin Mamo , Kyalo Martina , Stomeo Francesca , Gumi Balako , Sori Teshale
Published: July 2022

Equine histoplasmosis commonly known as epizootic lymphangitis (EL) is a neglected granulomatous disease of equine that is endemic to Ethiopia. It is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum variety farciminosum, a dimorphic fungus that is closely related to H. capsulatum variety capsulatum. The objective of this study was to undertake a phylogenetic analysis of H. capsulatum isolated from EL cases of horses in central Ethiopia and evaluate their relationship with H. capsulatum isolates in other countries and/or clades using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rRNA genes. Clinical and mycological examinations, DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Sanger sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis were used for undertaking this study. Additionally, sequence data of Histoplasma isolates were retrieved from GenBank and included for a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis. A total of 390 horses were screened for EL and 97 were positive clinically while H. capsulatum was isolated from 60 horses and further confirmed with PCR, of which 54 were sequenced. BLAST analysis of these 54 isolates identified 29 H. capsulatum isolates and 14 isolates from other fungal genera while the remaining 11 samples were deemed insufficient for further downstream analysis. The phylogenetic analysis identified five clades, namely, African, Eurasian, North American 1 and 2, and Latin American A and B. The Ethiopian isolates were closely aggregated with isolates of the Latin American A and Eurasian clades, whereas being distantly related to isolates from North American 1 and 2 clades as well as Latin American B clade. This study highlights the possible origins and transmission routes of Histoplasmosis in Ethiopia.
Flagellar Motility During E. coli Biofilm Formation Provides a Competitive Disadvantage Which Recedes in the Presence of Co-Colonizers
Authors: Benyoussef Wafa , Deforet Maxime , Monmeyran Amaury , Henry Nelly
Published: July 2022

In nature, bacteria form biofilms in very diverse environments, involving a range of specific properties and exhibiting competitive advantages for surface colonization. However, the underlying mechanisms are difficult to decipher. In particular, the contribution of cell flagellar motility to biofilm formation remains unclear. Here, we examined the ability of motile and nonmotile E. coli cells to form a biofilm in a well-controlled geometry, both in a simple situation involving a single-species biofilm and in the presence of co-colonizers. Using a millifluidic channel, we determined that motile cells have a clear disadvantage in forming a biofilm, exhibiting a long delay as compared to nonmotile cells. By monitoring biofilm development in real time, we observed that the decisive impact of flagellar motility on biofilm formation consists in the alteration of surface access time potentially highly dependent on the geometry of the environment to be colonized. We also report that the difference between motile and nonmotile cells in the ability to form a biofilm diminishes in the presence of co-colonizers, which could be due to motility inhibition through the consumption of key resources by the co-colonizers. We conclude that the impact of flagellar motility on surface colonization closely depends on the environment properties and the population features, suggesting a unifying vision of the role of cell motility in surface colonization and biofilm formation.
The Type III Secretion Effector CteG Mediates Host Cell Lytic Exit of Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Pereira Inês Serrano , Pais Sara Vilela , Borges Vítor , Borrego Maria José , Gomes João Paulo , Mota Luís Jaime
Published: July 2022

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular bacterium causing ocular and urogenital infections in humans that are a significant burden worldwide. The completion of its characteristic infectious cycle relies on the manipulation of several host cell processes by numerous chlamydial type III secretion effector proteins. We previously identified the C. trachomatis CteG effector and showed it localizes at the host cell plasma membrane at late stages of infection. Here, we showed that, from 48 h post-infection, mammalian cells infected by wild-type C. trachomatis contained more infectious chlamydiae in the culture supernatant than cells infected by a CteG-deficient strain. This phenotype was CteG-dependent as it could be complemented in cells infected by the CteG-deficient strain carrying a plasmid encoding CteG. Furthermore, we detected a CteG-dependent defect on host cell cytotoxicity, indicating that CteG mediates chlamydial lytic exit. Previous studies showed that Pgp4, a global regulator of transcription encoded in the C. trachomatis virulence plasmid, also mediates chlamydial lytic exit. However, by using C. trachomatis strains encoding or lacking Pgp4, we showed that production and localization of CteG are not regulated by Pgp4. A C. trachomatis strain lacking both CteG and Pgp4 was as defective in promoting host cell cytotoxicity as mutant strains lacking only CteG or Pgp4. Furthermore, CteG overproduction in a plasmid suppressed the host cell cytotoxic defect of CteG- and Pgp4-deficient chlamydiae. Overall, we revealed the first chlamydial type III secretion effector involved in host cell lytic exit. Our data indicates that CteG and Pgp4 participate in a single cascade of events, but involving multiple layers of regulation, leading to lysis of host cells and release of the infectious chlamydiae.
Breathe In, Breathe Out: Metabolic Regulation of Lung Macrophages in Host Defense Against Bacterial Infection
Authors: Andrews J. Tucker , Voth Daniel E. , Huang Stanley Ching-Cheng , Huang Lu
Published: July 2022

Lung macrophages are substantially distinct from other tissue-resident macrophages. They act as frontier sentinels of the alveolar-blood interface and are constantly exposed to various pathogens. Additionally, they precisely regulate immune responses under homeostatic and pathological conditions to curtail tissue damage while containing respiratory infections. As a highly heterogeneous population, the phenotypes and functions of lung macrophages with differing developmental ontogenies are linked to both intrinsic and extrinsic metabolic processes. Importantly, targeting these metabolic pathways greatly impacts macrophage functions, which in turn leads to different disease outcomes in the lung. In this review, we will discuss underlying metabolic regulation of lung macrophage subsets and how metabolic circuits, together with epigenetic modifications, dictate lung macrophage function during bacterial infection.
Construction of BHV-1 UL41 Defective Virus Using the CRISPR/Cas9 System and Analysis of Viral Replication Properties
Authors: Dai Haiyue , Wu Jianan , Yang Hongshu , Guo Yongli , Di Haoqing , Gao Mingchun , Wang Junwei
Published: July 2022

Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) is a neurotropic herpesvirus that causes infectious rhinotracheitis and vulvovaginitis in cattle. The virion host shutoff protein encoded by the BHV-1 UL41 gene is highly conserved in the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily. This protein can degrade viral and host messenger RNA (mRNA) to interrupt host defense and facilitate the rapid proliferation of BHV-1. However, studies on the BHV-1 UL41 gene are limited, and BHV-1 defective virus construction using the CRISPR/Cas9 system is somewhat challenging. In this study, we rapidly constructed a BHV-1 UL41-deficient strain using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in BL primary bovine-derived cells. BHV-1 UL41-defective mutants were screened by Western blot analysis using specific polyclonal antibodies as the primary antibodies. During the isolation and purification of the defective strain, a mixed virus pool edited by an efficient single-guide RNA (sgRNA) showed a plaque number reduction. Viral growth property assessment showed that BHV-1 UL41 was dispensable for replication, but the UL41-defective strain exhibited early and slowed viral replication. Furthermore, the BHV-1 UL41-deficient strain exhibited enhanced sensitivity to temperature and acidic environments. The BHV-1 UL41-deficient strain regulated viral and host mRNA levels to affect viral replication.
Plasmodium 6-Cysteine Proteins: Functional Diversity, Transmission-Blocking Antibodies and Structural Scaffolds
Authors: Lyons Frankie M. T. , Gabriela Mikha , Tham Wai-Hong , Dietrich Melanie H.
Published: July 2022

The 6-cysteine protein family is one of the most abundant surface antigens that are expressed throughout the Plasmodium falciparum life cycle. Many members of the 6-cysteine family have critical roles in parasite development across the life cycle in parasite transmission, evasion of the host immune response and host cell invasion. The common feature of the family is the 6-cysteine domain, also referred to as s48/45 domain, which is conserved across Aconoidasida. This review summarizes the current approaches for recombinant expression for 6-cysteine proteins, monoclonal antibodies against 6-cysteine proteins that block transmission and the growing collection of crystal structures that provide insights into the functional domains of this protein family.
Development of an Electronic Frailty Index for Predicting Mortality and Complications Analysis in Pulmonary Hypertension Using Random Survival Forest Model
Authors: Zhou Jiandong , Chou Oscar Hou In , Wong Ka Hei Gabriel , Lee Sharen , Leung Keith Sai Kit , Liu Tong , Cheung Bernard Man Yung , Wong Ian Chi Kei , Tse Gary , Zhang Qingpeng
Published: July 2022

Background

The long-term prognosis of the cardio-metabolic and renal complications, in addition to mortality in patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary hypertension, are unclear. This study aims to develop a scalable predictive model in the form of an electronic frailty index (eFI) to predict different adverse outcomes.

Methods

This was a population-based cohort study of patients diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension between January 1st, 2000 and December 31st, 2017, in Hong Kong public hospitals. The primary outcomes were mortality, cardiovascular complications, renal diseases, and diabetes mellitus. The univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were applied to identify the significant risk factors, which were fed into the non-parametric random survival forest (RSF) model to develop an eFI.

Results

A total of 2,560 patients with a mean age of 63.4 years old (interquartile range: 38.0–79.0) were included. Over a follow-up, 1,347 died and 1,878, 437, and 684 patients developed cardiovascular complications, diabetes mellitus, and renal disease, respectively. The RSF-model-identified age, average readmission, anti-hypertensive drugs, cumulative length of stay, and total bilirubin were among the most important risk factors for predicting mortality. Pair-wise interactions of factors including diagnosis age, average readmission interval, and cumulative hospital stay were also crucial for the mortality prediction. Patients who developed all-cause mortality had higher values of the eFI compared to those who survived (P < 0.0001). An eFI ≥ 9.5 was associated with increased risks of mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.70–2.12; P < 0.0001]. The cumulative hazards were higher among patients who were 65 years old or above with eFI ≥ 9.5. Using the same cut-off point, the eFI predicted a long-term mortality over 10 years (HR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.53–1.90; P < 0.0001). Compared to the multivariable Cox regression, the precision, recall, area under the curve (AUC), and C-index were significantly higher for RSF in the prediction of outcomes.

Conclusion

The RSF models identified the novel risk factors and interactions for the development of complications and mortality. The eFI constructed by RSF accurately predicts the complications and mortality of patients with pulmonary hypertension, especially among the elderly.
Arterial Wave Reflection and Aortic Valve Stenosis: Diagnostic Challenges and Prognostic Significance
Authors: Pagoulatou Stamatia , Adamopoulos Dionysios , Rovas Georgios , Bikia Vasiliki , Müller Hajo , Giannakopoulos Georgios , Mauler-Wittwer Sarah , Licker Marc-Joseph , Stergiopulos Nikolaos , Noble Stéphane
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Arterial wave reflection is an important component of the left ventricular afterload, affecting both pressure and flow to the aorta. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of wave reflection on transvalvular pressure gradients (TPG), a key parameter for the evaluation of aortic valve stenosis (AS), as well as its prognostic significance in patients with AS undergoing a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Materials and Methods

The study population consisted of 351 patients with AS (mean age 84 ± 6 years, 43% males) who underwent a complete hemodynamic evaluation before the TAVR. The baseline assessment included right and left heart catheterization, transthoracic echocardiography, and a thorough evaluation of the left ventricular afterload by means of wave separation analysis. The cohort was divided into quartiles according to the transit time of the backward pressure wave (BWTT). Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 1 year.

Results

Early arrival of the backward pressure wave was related to lower cardiac output (Q1: 3.7 ± 0.9 lt/min vs Q4: 4.4 ± 1.0 lt/min, p < 0.001) and higher aortic systolic blood pressure (Q1: 132 ± 26 mmHg vs Q4: 117 ± 26 mmHg, p < 0.001). TPG was significantly related to the BWTT, patients in the arrival group exhibiting the lowest TPG (mean TPG, Q1: 37.6 ± 12.7 mmHg vs Q4: 44.8 ± 14.7 mmHg, p = 0.005) for the same aortic valve area (AVA) (Q1: 0.58 ± 0.35 cm2 vs 0.61 ± 0.22 cm2, p = 0.303). In multivariate analysis, BWTT remained an independent determinant of mean TPG (beta 0.3, p = 0.002). Moreover, the prevalence of low-flow, low-gradient AS with preserved ejection fraction was higher in patients with early arterial reflection arrival (Q1: 33.3% vs Q4: 14.9%, p = 0.033). Finally, patients with early arrival of the reflected wave (Q1) exhibited higher all-cause mortality at 1 year after the TAVR (unadjusted HR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.17–4.65, p = 0.016).

Conclusion

Early reflected wave arrival to the aortic root is associated with poor prognosis and significant aortic hemodynamic alterations in patients undergoing a TAVR for AS. This is related to a significant decrease in TPG for a given AVA, leading to a possible underestimation of the AS severity.
TGF-β-Containing Small Extracellular Vesicles From PM2.5-Activated Macrophages Induces Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Hu Xiaoqi , Chen Mo , Cao Xue , Yuan Xinyi , Zhang Fang , Ding Wenjun
Published: July 2022

Numerous epidemiological and experimental studies have demonstrated that the exposure to fine particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm, PM2.5) was closely associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Our previous studies revealed that PM2.5 exposure induced cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis. However, the corresponding underlying mechanism remains largely unaddressed. Here, PM2.5-induced cardiotoxicity is presented to directly promote collagen deposition in cardiomyocytes through the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-containing small extracellular vesicles (sEV). The sEV transition may play an important role in PM2.5-induced cardiac fibrosis. Firstly, long-term PM2.5 exposure can directly induce cardiac fibrosis and increase the level of serum sEV. Secondly, PM2.5 can directly activate macrophages and increase the release of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and TGF-β-containing sEV. Thirdly, TGF-β-containing sEV increases the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and collagen III in mouse cardiac muscle HL-1 cells. Finally, TGF-β-containing sEV released from PM2.5-treated macrophages can increase collagen through the activation of the TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling pathway in HL-1 cells from which some fibroblasts involved in cardiac fibrosis are thought to originate. These findings suggest that TGF-β-containing sEV from PM2.5-activated macrophages play a critical role in the process of increasing cardiac collagen content via activating the TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling pathway.
A Polygenic Risk Score Based on a Cardioembolic Stroke Multitrait Analysis Improves a Clinical Prediction Model for This Stroke Subtype
Authors: Cárcel-Márquez Jara , Muiño Elena , Gallego-Fabrega Cristina , Cullell Natalia , Lledós Miquel , Llucià-Carol Laia , Sobrino Tomás , Campos Francisco , Castillo José , Freijo Marimar , Arenillas Juan Francisco , Obach Victor , Álvarez-Sabín José , Molina Carlos A. , Ribó Marc , Jiménez-Conde Jordi , Roquer Jaume , Muñoz-Narbona Lucia , Lopez-Cancio Elena , Millán Mònica , Diaz-Navarro Rosa , Vives-Bauza Cristòfol , Serrano-Heras Gemma , Segura Tomás , Ibañez Laura , Heitsch Laura , Delgado Pilar , Dhar Rajat , Krupinski Jerzy , Delgado-Mederos Raquel , Prats-Sánchez Luis , Camps-Renom Pol , Blay Natalia , Sumoy Lauro , de Cid Rafael , Montaner Joan , Cruchaga Carlos , Lee Jin-Moo , Martí-Fàbregas Joan , Férnandez-Cadenas Israel
Published: July 2022

Background

Occult atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the major causes of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Knowing the underlying etiology of an ESUS will reduce stroke recurrence and/or unnecessary use of anticoagulants. Understanding cardioembolic strokes (CES), whose main cause is AF, will provide tools to select patients who would benefit from anticoagulants among those with ESUS or AF. We aimed to discover novel loci associated with CES and create a polygenetic risk score (PRS) for a more efficient CES risk stratification.

Methods

Multitrait analysis of GWAS (MTAG) was performed with MEGASTROKE-CES cohort (n = 362,661) and AF cohort (n = 1,030,836). We considered significant variants and replicated those variants with MTAG p-value < 5 × 10−8 influencing both traits (GWAS-pairwise) with a p-value < 0.05 in the original GWAS and in an independent cohort (n = 9,105). The PRS was created with PRSice-2 and evaluated in the independent cohort.

Results

We found and replicated eleven loci associated with CES. Eight were novel loci. Seven of them had been previously associated with AF, namely, CAV1, ESR2, GORAB, IGF1R, NEURL1, WIPF1, and ZEB2. KIAA1755 locus had never been associated with CES/AF, leading its index variant to a missense change (R1045W). The PRS generated has been significantly associated with CES improving discrimination and patient reclassification of a model with age, sex, and hypertension.

Conclusion

The loci found significantly associated with CES in the MTAG, together with the creation of a PRS that improves the predictive clinical models of CES, might help guide future clinical trials of anticoagulant therapy in patients with ESUS or AF.
Estimated Cumulative Incidence of Wisdom Tooth Extractions in Privately Insured US Patients
Authors: Schroeder Alan R. , Newman Thomas B. , Girod Sabine , Hashemi Sepehr , Häberle Astrid D.
Published: July 2022

Objective

To determine the cumulative incidence and predictors of third molar (3M, “wisdom teeth”) extractions in the United States.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a US private dental insurance claims database to create a Kaplan-Meier curve for the cumulative incidence of 3M extractions and used Cox proportional hazards to assess associations between sex, geographic region, and extractions.

Results

Between 2007 and 2016, by age 25, ~80% of patients underwent ≥1 tooth extraction and an estimated 50% of patients underwent ≥1 3M extraction. Factors associated with 3M extractions included female sex (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.08, 95% CI 1.07–1.08) and residence in the West (aHR 1.82, 95% CI 1.81–1.85) or South (aHR 1.5, 95% CI 1.49–1.51) geographic regions as compared to the Northeast.

Conclusion

3M extractions are likely the most common surgery performed in US adolescents and young adults. Significant geographic variation suggests that elucidation of the indications for this common procedure is a public health priority.