bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PLANTAS ALIMENTÍCIAS NÃO CONVENCIONAIS NA CULTURA POMERANA
Authors: Sell Léia Beatriz , Bubolz Rafaella Peglow , Theis Joan da Silva , Durigon Jaqueline
Published: February 2023

No município de São Lourenço do Sul, RS, as plantas alimentícias não convencionais (PANC) possuem importância cultural entre agricultores(as) agroecológicos(as) de origem pomerana. O artigo busca contribuir para o resgate e registro dos nomes populares das PANC na língua pomerana, além de compreender os significados e construir as grafias desses. Partindo de uma lista de espécies conhecidas localmente, foram realizadas consultas aos(as) agricultores(as) e sistematizados os nomes populares relatados. A grafia e interpretação das partes que compunham cada nome foram realizadas com apoio da literatura e com informações das autoras. Foram encontrados um total de 86 nomes populares em pomerano, correspondentes a 50 táxons. O processo local de valorização das PANC e dos aspectos culturais envolvidos, contribui para a manutenção dos saberes locais sobre as plantas alimentícias não convencionais, os quais são fundamentais para a conservação da agrosociobiodiversidade e das práticas agroecológicas.
AGROECOLOGIA
Authors: Marchetti Fabio Frattini , Cassia Santos Araújo Lopes Keila , Guyot Marina , Sorrentino Marcos , Rogério Lopes Paulo
Published: February 2023

A agricultura industrial no Brasil tem levado ao aumento dos gases do efeito estufa e contribuído para o aquecimento global, em especial nos últimos anos. Por outro lado, o país possui uma diversidade biológica, social e cultural que, aliada ao manejo de base agroecológica, adquire potencial para aumentar a resiliência dos sistemas produtivos frente aos distúrbios provocados pelas alterações do clima. A partir dos acúmulos nos diferentes campos da agroecologia, ressalta-se o papel crucial da participação dos diferentes setores da sociedade comprometidos com sociedades sustentáveis para o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas multicêntricas, que exijam do estado e das instituições a responsabilidade para o alcance da segurança e soberania alimentar, para conservação da biodiversidade, construção e fortalecimento de agroecossistemas resilientes, bem como à mitigação e adaptação às mudanças climáticas.
AGROECOLOGIA E ODS
Authors: Costa Cesar Renato Ferreira , Sguarezi Sandro Benedito
Published: February 2023

A espécie humana, pré-histórica e extrativista, competidora da natureza e ecocêntrica em seus primórdios, perverte sua lógica na modernidade com o modo de produção capitalista, tornando-se antropocêntrica e tendendo ao estresse da biosfera e à destruição do planeta. Instituições como a ONU, para reverter o cenário apocalíptico, propõem os ODS (Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável) na Agenda 2030. A Ciência da Agroecologia, reconhecida como suporte a uma proposta alternativa ao modo de produção capitalista, propõe elementos, mesmo na diversidade. Este artigo, com revisão sistemática da literatura, apresenta elementos da Agroecologia e reflete a possibilidade de transição agroecossitêmica, desde o caos à um modo de produção econômica, social e ambientalmente sustentáveis. A Agroecologia parece ser base científica eficaz na transição do agroecossistema, mas lacunas precisam ser preenchidas até que o equilíbrio entre a espécie humana e a natureza, que sustenta a vida planetária, seja recuperado.
ANÁLISE INTEGRADA EM SISTEMAS AGROFLORESTAIS DO ASSENTAMENTO CELSO LÚCIO EM UBERLÂNDIA (MG)
Authors: Pereira Silva Rafael , Nery Fernandes Vasconcelos Bruno , Silva Siquieroli Ana Carolina
Published: February 2023

Sistemas Agroflorestais (SAFs) são agroecossistemas de características únicas devido às particularidades dos agricultores que os implementam e manejam. Dessa maneira, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma análise integrada de indicadores socioculturais e econômicos de três agricultores do assentamento Celso Lúcio (Uberlândia/MG), a fim de relacionar o perfil dos agricultores e as características ecológicas de seus respectivos agroecossistemas. Para tal, realizou-se um diagnóstico sociocultural e econômico dos agricultores, caracterizou-se os SAFs a partir de critérios técnicos previamente estabelecidos em visitas técnicas a campo, e coletou-se amostras para análise química dos solos dos SAFs e áreas circundantes de pastagem. Os SAFs manejados frequentemente apresentaram valores quantitativos e qualitativos mais satisfatórios na recuperação do solo e refletiram as condições socioculturais e econômicas dos agricultores.
DESENVOLVIMENTO DO CAFÉ (Coffea arabica L.) SOB SISTEMA AGROFLORESTAL EM BREJO DE ALTITUDE NA REGIÃO SEMIÁRIDA
Authors: Da Silva Gerson João , Romão Ana Paula Soares , Barreto Paulo César Carneiro , Barreto Laís Leite , Araujo Alexandre Eduardo de
Published: February 2023

O modelo atual de produção cafeeira na maioria dos países é baseado em monocultivo a pleno sol, embora o café seja originário do subbosque das florestas equatoriais da Etiópia e evolutivamente esteja adaptado ao sombreamento. Objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar o desenvolvimento vegetativo, desempenho produtivo e adaptação de cultivares de cafeeiro em sistema agroflorestal em brejo de altitude na região semiárida. Foram estudadas 12 cultivares de Coffea arabica L. O experimento foi conduzido em uma área com aléias de gliricídia. Foram avaliados os caracteres: altura da planta, números de ramos plagiotrópicos e diâmetro do caule. Entre cafeeiros de pequeno porte, apenas a cultivar Catiguá MG1 apresentou diferença estatística para diâmetro do caule no primeiro período de avaliação, e Catiguá MG3 no quinto período. Em relação à produção, a cultivar Acauã teve maior peso da colheita. Entre as cultivares de porte alto, não foi identificado nenhuma diferença estatística para os caracteres avaliados.
Análisis de estrategias del e-commerce en el sector textil: Caso Dimatex
Authors: Laverde Yepes Laura Natalia , Redondo Méndez Andrea Carolina , Hernández Vargas Paula Andrea
Published: February 2023

La presente investigación analiza las diferentes estrategias del e-commerce que se pueden implementar en la empresa Dimatex. El tipo de investigación tuvo un enfoque cualitativo, es decir, se recogió información sobre el sector textil y la importancia del e-commerce a través de los años. El método utilizado fue un de estudio de caso, es decir, se analizó el proceso por el cual ha transcurrido la empresa Dimatex en sus años en el mercado, y así mismo se analizó los beneficios que la implementación del e-commerce le podía brindar a la empresa; posteriormente, se estudió diferentes estrategias y las claves del e-commerce. El alcance de este proyecto es propositivo y analítico, porque con la información que se recolectó se realizó una propuesta específica y porque se buscó dichas estrategias mediante el análisis de las diferentes variables, buscando relacionar aquellas estrategias que mejor se adecuan a Dimatex. Se analizaron estrategias del e-commerce en el sector textil para la realización de sus actividades, estrategias como la creación de la página web, el uso de las técnicas SEM (search engine marketing), SEO (search engine optimization) y SMO (social media optimization), el marketing de afiliación, el uso constante de las redes sociales, el e-mail marketing y por último el blog empresarial. El resultado de la investigación permitió identificar que, para Dimatex, las estrategias correctas a implementar son el blog empresarial, la creación de la página web y el uso constante de las redes sociales.
Pendampingan Legalitas Usaha Umkm untuk Meningkatkan Kredibilitas Masyarakat Desa Karanganom
Authors: Muhammad Anasrulloh  , Kadeni Kadeni , W Maria Agatha Sri , S Imam Sukwatus
Published: February 2023

Kelembagaan hal yang perlu diperhatikan karena akan berpengaruh terhadap citra dan kredibilitas masyarakat, masyarakt akan lebih yakin ketika melakukan aktivitas ekonomi atau bertransaksi dengan pelaku UMKM yang mempunyai legalitas kelembagaan yang jelas. Pelaku UMKM di desa tersebut kurang begitu memperhatikan pentingnya legalitas NIB (Nomor Induk Berusaha), sehingga masih banyak pelaku UMKM di desa karanganom yang belum memahami pentingnya pendaftaran usahanya dan masih banyak pelaku BUMDes dikaranganom yang belum memahami pengelolaannya, oleh karena pelaku UMKM memerlukan pendampingan dalam pembuatan NIB dan pengelolaan BUMDes di desa karanganom. Agar dapat mengikuti harapan Pemerintah, salah satu solusi yang bisa dilakukan oleh akademisi dan mahasiswa akademis yaitu Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat dalam Program KKN mahasiswa dengan melakukan sosialisasi peningkatan literasi dan pendampingan mengenai legalitas usaha dan pengelolaan untuk pelaku UMKM dan BUMDes Desa Karanganom. Tahapan yang dilakukan dalam pengabdian ini dengan teknik Presentasi, demonstrasi dan praktik. Paparan materi disampaikan di Aula utama Kantor Desa Karanganom, sedangkan pendampingan dalam pembuatan NIB dari rumah ke rumah peserta melalui program terintegrasi dengan mahasiswa yang melaksanakan Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) kelompok Desa Karanganom Tim A.  Kegiatan ini diikuti oleh kurang lebih 65 orang dari unsur pelaku UMKM yang terdaftar di desa karanganom dan 24 orang mahasiswa/I dari Universitas Bhineka PGRI
Pendampingan Dasar Pembukuan serta Dasar Pajak pada Komunitas Otomotif UMKM
Authors: Randhy Nugroho  , Madjid Suhirman , Hagabean Ananta
Published: February 2023

Problematika dasar usaha dengan skala UMKM adalah tingginya fokus pada penjualan dan kecenderungan mengabaikan aspek bisnis lainnya. Oleh karena itu, kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini mencoba untuk memberikan pemahaman dasar terkait aspek bisnis lainnya yakni dasar pembukuan akuntansi serta dasar pajak untuk komunitas UMKM. Kegiatan dilakukan bersama mitra Ford Everest Club Indonesia Chapter Bekasi Raya dengan metode ceramah interaktif selama 1 (satu) hari. Kami menemukan bahwa partisipan masih mengalami kesulitan mendasar terkait pemahaman dan eksekusi dari sisi pembukuan dan pajak. Kegiatan ini diharapkan dapat mendukung UMKM untuk tumbuh dengan pemahaman dan keterampilan dasar dalam aspek pembukuan dan perpajakan sebagai aspek strategis yang krusial untuk keberlangsungan usaha.
Pelatihan Perencanaan dan Pengelolaan Keuangan Yang Efektif dan Efisien Pada UMKM di Kabupaten Sorong Papua Barat Daya
Authors: LESTARI BEKTI WIJI , Bintari Wisang Candra , Zain Evi Mufrihah , Lewenussa Ramli , Andjar Febry Jein , Rawi Rais Dera Pua
Published: February 2023

Tujuan pengabdian ini adalah untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan pengelolaan keuangan yang efektif dan efisien. Untuk mengubah pola piker pelaku UMKM bahwa perencanaan dan pengelolaan keuangan yang efektif dan efisien sangat penting dilakukan dalam UMKM. Metode pelaksanaan dalam pengabdian ini terbagi menjadi tiga tahapan, yaitu  tahap awal, tahap inti dan tahap akhir. Pada tahap awal terdapat tiga bagian dalam kegiatan tahap awal ini, yaitu (1) observasi dan survei lapangan; (2) kelengkapan administrasi; dan (3) merancang kegiatan inti serta menyusun materi pelatihan. Dari informasi awal yang diperoleh bahwa UMKM yang ada di Kabupaten Sorong sudah membuat sebuah perencanaan dan pengelolaan keuangan, namun yang dilakukan belum maksimal dan belum sesuai dengan yang ditetapkan oleh OJK yaitu perencanaan dan pengelolaan keuangan yang efektif dan efisien. UMKM yang ada di kabupaten sorong belum mampu melakukan pencatatan keuangan secara efektif. Pengabdian Kepada masyarakat tentang Perencanaan dan Pengelolaan keuangan yang efektif dan efisien yakni pelaku UMKM mengupayakan agar ibu-ibu lebih memahami  pentingnya pengelolaan keuangan pada keberlangsungan UMKM dan keuangan keluarga.
Model Pembelajaran RADEC (Read, Answer, Discuss, Explain, and Create) Ditinjau dari Perspektif Pembentukan Profil Pelajar Pancasila
Authors: Sutantri Nursida , Sopandi Wahyu , Wahyu Wawan , Latip Abdul
Published: February 2023

Kebijakan kurikulum merdeka menekankan pada pengembangaan profil pelajar pancasila pada diri siswa melalui proses pembelajaran yang dilaksanakan oleh guru dan peserta didik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan penerapan model pembelajaran RADEC dalam pembelajaran kimia untuk membentuk profil pelajar pancasila pada diri peserta didik. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif dengan melibatkan satu orang guru dan 34 peserta didik kelas XII MIPA yang melaksanakan pembelajaran kimia materi sel volta. Instrumen penelitian berupa lembar observasi kemunculan profil pelajar pancasila yang digunakan oleh observer sebagai acuan dalam mengobservasi proses pembelajaran. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa secara umum profil pelajar pancasila yaitu Beriman dan Bertaqwa kepada Tuhan yang Maha Esa dan Berakhlak Mulia, Berkebinekaan global, Gotong royong, Mandiri, Bernalar kritis dan Kreatif teridentifikasi mengalami kenaikan dari pertemuan pertama sampai pertemuan keempat pembelajaran serta sintak model pembelajaran RADEC dapat memfasilitasi pembentukan serta pengembangan profil pelajar pancasila sesuai karakteristik karakter dan jenis aktivitas pembelajarannya. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa model pembelajaran RADEC sebagai salah satu model pembelajaran yang dapat diimplementasikan oleh guru jika ditinjau dari perspektif pembentukan profil pelajar pancasila.
Keakurasian Metode Shooting untuk Menyelesaikan Masalah Kondisi Batas pada Persamaan Sturm-Liouville
Authors: Habibah Ummu , Mulyanti Nielda Alifah
Published: February 2023

Pada penelitian ini dibahas keakurasian metode shooting/tembakan untuk menyelesaikan masalah kondisi batas Dirichlet pada persamaan Sturm-Liouville yang berbentuk persamaan diferensial orde dua, dengan kondisi batas Dirichlet. Persamaan Sturm-Liouville diselesaikan numerik menggunakan metode shooting. Simulasi numerik dilakukan dengan beberapa nilai  (ukuran langkah). Keakurasian metode shooting diperoleh dengan cara dibandingkan solusi numeriknya terhadap solusi eksak, serta dibandingkan dengan solusi numerik menggunakan metode beda hingga. Hasil simulasi menunjukkan bahwa metode tembakan (shooting) menghasilkan solusi numerik yang lebih baik untuk mengaproksimasi masalah kondisi batas pada persamaan Sturm-Liouville dibandingkan metode beda hingga karena menghasilkan kesalahan numerik yang lebih kecil.
IgA Nephropathy: New Aspects in Pathophysiology and Pathogenesis
Authors: Berthoux Francois , Mohey Hesham , Maillard Nicolas , Mariat Christophe
Published: February 2023

Knowledge of the pathophysiology of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) has progressed significantly, with this disease being clearly identified as an autoimmune disease with a peculiar autoantigen (galactosedeficient IgA1 [Gd-IgA1]), specific autoantibodies (IgG and IgA1 anti-glycans), and formation followed by mesangial deposition of circulating immune complexes with the involvement of other players, such as mesangial transferrin receptor (TfR), monocyte Fcα receptor (CD89), and glomerular transglutaminase 2 (TG2). The pathogenesis still requires additional clarifications in order to explain the initiation of the disease and to establish the respective role of genetics, environment, and hazard concordance in the cascade of events/steps. The clinical application of this new knowledge is spreading slowly and includes possible measurement of serum Gd-IgA1, IgG anti-Gd-IgA1, IgA anti-Gd-IgA1, soluble CD89, and soluble TfR in the urine of patients with IgAN.
Mathematical modeling and simulation of SEIR model for COVID-19 outbreak: A case study of Trivandrum
Authors: M Aakash , C Gunasundari , Al-Mdallal Qasem M.
Published: February 2023

In this study, we formulated a mathematical model of COVID-19 with the effects of partially and fully vaccinated individuals. Here, the purpose of this study is to solve the model using some numerical methods. It is complex to solve four equations of the SEIR model, so we introduce the Euler and the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method to solve the model. These two methods are efficient and practically well suited for solving initial value problems. Therefore, we formulated a simple nonlinear SEIR model with the incorporation of partially and fully vaccinated parameters. Then, we try to solve our model by transforming our equations into the Euler and Runge–Kutta methods. Here, we not only study the comparison of these two methods, also found out the differences in solutions between the two methods. Furthermore, to make our model more realistic, we considered the capital of Kerala, Trivandrum city for the simulation. We used MATLAB software for simulation purpose. At last, we discuss the numerical comparison between these two methods with real world data.
Influence of intra-abomasal administration of L-DOPA on circulating catecholamines and feed intake in cattle
Authors: Valente Eriton E. L. , Klotz James L. , Egert-McLean Amanda M. , Costa Gustavo W. , May John B. , Harmon David L.
Published: February 2023

Dopamine has multiple physiological functions including feed intake control in which it can act as an anorectic or orexigenic agent. This study had the objective to evaluate intra-abomasal administration of L-DOPA (levodopa; L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) from -Mucuna prurienson circulating catecholamines, indicators of energy metabolism and feed intake in cattle. Eight Holstein steers (340 ± 20 kg) fitted with ruminal cannula were used in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin Square design experiment. Intra-abomasal infusion of L-DOPA at 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg BW was carried out for seven days and blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, 120, 240 and 480 min from L-DOPA infusion on day 7. The area under the curve (AUC) of plasma L-DOPA and free dopamine increased quadratically with the administration of L-DOPA. However, the AUC of plasma total dopamine had a positive linear response with the increase of L-DOPA. Conversely, the serum 5-hydroxytriptophan (5-HTP), plasma serotonin, serum serotonin, serum tyrosine, plasma glucose and plasma free fatty acids were not affected by the intra-abomasal infusion of L-DOPA. The circulating concentration of the epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, glucose and free fatty acids did not change with L-DOPA infusion. It can be concluded that intra-abomasal L-DOPA administration produced a strong increase in circulating dopamine with no change in energy metabolites and feed intake in cattle.
An analysis of lateralized neural crest marker expression across development in the Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus
Authors: Gross Joshua B. , Berning Daniel , Phelps Ayana , Luc Heidi
Published: February 2023

The biological basis of lateralized cranial aberrations can be rooted in early asymmetric patterning of developmental tissues. However, precisely how development impacts natural cranial asymmetries remains incompletely understood. Here, we examined embryonic patterning of the cranial neural crest at two phases of embryonic development in a natural animal system with two morphotypes: cave-dwelling and surface-dwelling fish. Surface fish are highly symmetric with respect to cranial form at adulthood, however adult cavefish harbor diverse cranial asymmetries. To examine if lateralized aberrations of the developing neural crest underpin these asymmetries, we used an automated technique to quantify the area and expression level of cranial neural crest markers on the left and right sides of the embryonic head. We examined the expression of marker genes encoding both structural proteins and transcription factors at two key stages of development: 36 hpf (∼mid-migration of the neural crest) and 72 hpf (∼early differentiation of neural crest derivatives). Interestingly, our results revealed asymmetric biases at both phases of development in both morphotypes, however consistent lateral biases were less common in surface fish as development progressed. Additionally, this work provides the information on neural crest development, based on whole-mount expression patterns of 19 genes, between stage-matched cave and surface morphs. Further, this study revealed ‘asymmetric’ noise as a likely normative component of early neural crest development in natural Astyanax fish. Mature cranial asymmetries in cave morphs may arise from persistence of asymmetric processes during development, or as a function of asymmetric processes occurring later in the life history.
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells transplantation delays the onset of hyperglycemia in the RIP-B7.1 mouse model of experimental autoimmune diabetes through multiple immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory responses
Authors: Lachaud C. C. , Cobo-Vuilleumier N. , Fuente-Martin E. , Diaz I. , Andreu E. , Cahuana G. M. , Tejedo J. R. , Hmadcha A. , Gauthier B. R. , Soria B.
Published: February 2023

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disorder specifically targeting pancreatic islet beta cells. Despite many efforts focused on identifying new therapies able to counteract this autoimmune attack and/or stimulate beta cells regeneration, TD1M remains without effective clinical treatments providing no clear advantages over the conventional treatment with insulin. We previously postulated that both the inflammatory and immune responses and beta cell survival/regeneration must be simultaneously targeted to blunt the progression of disease. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSC) exhibit anti-inflammatory, trophic, immunomodulatory and regenerative properties and have shown some beneficial yet controversial effects in clinical trials for T1DM. In order to clarify conflicting results, we herein dissected the cellular and molecular events derived from UC-MSC intraperitoneal administration (i.p.) in the RIP-B7.1 mouse model of experimental autoimmune diabetes. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) transplantation of heterologous mouse UC-MSC delayed the onset of diabetes in RIP-B7.1 mice. Importantly, UC-MSC i. p. transplantation led to a strong peritoneal recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) followed by multiple T-, B- and myeloid cells immunosuppressive responses in peritoneal fluid cells, spleen, pancreatic lymph nodes and the pancreas, which displayed significantly reduced insulitis and pancreatic infiltration of T and B Cells and pro-inflammatory macrophages. Altogether, these results suggest that UC-MSC i. p. transplantation can block or delay the development of hyperglycemia through suppression of inflammation and the immune attack.
Novel compound heterozygous variants in the USH2A gene associated with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa without hearing loss
Authors: Huang Yanxia , Yuan Lamei , He Guiyun , Cao Yanna , Deng Xiong , Deng Hao
Published: February 2023

Background: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of progressive inherited retinal dystrophies characterized by the primary degeneration of rod photoreceptors and the subsequent loss of cone photoreceptors because of cell death. It is caused by different mechanisms, including inflammation, apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy. Variants in the usherin gene (USH2A) have been reported in autosomal recessive RP with or without hearing loss. In the present study, we aimed to identify causative variants in a Han-Chinese pedigree with autosomal recessive RP.

Methods: A six-member, three-generation Han-Chinese family with autosomal recessive RP was recruited. A full clinical examination, whole exome sequencing, and Sanger sequencing, as well as co-segregation analysis were performed.

Results: Three heterozygous variants in the USH2A gene, c.3304C>T (p.Q1102*), c.4745T>C (p.L1582P), and c.14740G>A (p.E4914K), were identified in the proband, which were inherited from parents and transmitted to the daughters. Bioinformatics analysis supported the pathogenicity of the c.3304C>T (p.Q1102*) and c.4745T>C (p.L1582P) variants.

Conclusions: Novel compound heterozygous variants in the USH2A gene, c.3304C>T (p.Q1102*) and c.4745T>C (p.L1582P), were identified as the genetic causes of autosomal recessive RP. The findings may enhance the current knowledge of the pathogenesis of USH2A-associated phenotypes, expand the spectrum of the USH2A gene variants, and contribute to improved genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, and disease management.
A pilot study exploring the association of bronchial bacterial microbiota and recurrent wheezing in infants with atopy
Authors: Tang Wei , Zhang Lei , Ai Tao , Xia Wanmin , Xie Cheng , Fan Yinghong , Chen Sisi , Chen Zijin , Yao Jiawei , Peng Yi
Published: February 2023

Background

Differences in bronchial microbiota composition have been found to be associated with asthma; however, it is still unclear whether these findings can be applied to recurrent wheezing in infants especially with aeroallergen sensitization.

Objectives

To determine the pathogenesis of atopic wheezing in infants and to identify diagnostic biomarkers, we analyzed the bronchial bacterial microbiota of infants with recurrent wheezing and with or without atopic diseases using a systems biology approach.

Methods

Bacterial communities in bronchoalveolar lavage samples from 15 atopic wheezing infants, 15 non-atopic wheezing infants, and 18 foreign body aspiration control infants were characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The bacterial composition and community-level functions inferred from between-group differences from sequence profiles were analyzed.

Results

Both α- and β-diversity differed significantly between the groups. Compared to non-atopic wheezing infants, atopic wheezing infants showed a significantly higher abundance in two phyla (Deinococcota and unidentified bacteria) and one genus (Haemophilus) and a significantly lower abundance in one phylum (Actinobacteria). The random forest predictive model of 10 genera based on OTU-based features suggested that airway microbiota has diagnostic value for distinguishing atopic wheezing infants from non-atopic wheezing infants. PICRUSt2 based on KEGG hierarchy (level 3) revealed that atopic wheezing-associated differences in predicted bacterial functions included cytoskeleton proteins, glutamatergic synapses, and porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism pathways.

Conclusion

The differential candidate biomarkers identified by microbiome analysis in our work may have reference value for the diagnosis of wheezing in infants with atopy. To confirm that, airway microbiome combined with metabolomics analysis should be further investigated in the future.
Rosette formation by Plasmodium vivax gametocytes favors the infection in Anopheles aquasalis
Authors: Salazar Alvarez Luis Carlos , Carneiro Barbosa Vanessa , Vera Lizcano Omaira , Baia da Silva Djane Clarys , Gonçalves Santana Rosa Amélia , Fabbri Camila , Paoluci Pimenta Paulo Filemon , Monteiro Wuelton Marcelo , Albrecht Letusa , Guimarães de Lacerda Marcus Vinicius , Trindade Maranhão Costa Fabio , Costa Pinto Lopes Stefanie
Published: February 2023

Plasmodium vivax is a public health problem and the most common type of malaria outside sub-Saharan Africa. The capacity of cytoadhesion, rosetting, and liver latent phase development could impact treatment and disease control. Although the ability to P. vivax gametocyte develop rosetting is known, it is not yet clear which role it plays during the infection and transmission process to the mosquito. Here, we used ex vivo approaches for evaluate the rosetting P. vivax gametocytes capacity and we have investigated the effect of this adhesive phenotype on the infection process in the vector Anopheles aquasalis mosquito. Rosette assays were performed in 107 isolates, and we have observed an elevated frequency of cytoadhesive phenomena (77,6%). The isolates with more than 10% of rosettes have presented a higher infection rate in Anopheles aquasalis (p=0.0252). Moreover, we found a positive correlation between the frequency of parasites in rosetting with the infection rate (p=0.0017) and intensity (p=0.0387) in the mosquito. The disruption of P. vivax rosette formation through mechanical rupture assay confirmed the previously findings, since the paired comparison showed that isolates with disrupted rosettes have a lower infection rate (p<0.0001) and intensity (p=0.0003) compared to the control group (no disruption). Herein we have demonstrated for the first time a potential effect of the rosette phenomenon on the infection process in the mosquito vector An. aquasalis, favoring its capacity and intensity of infection, thus allowing the perpetuation of the parasite cycle life.
IFN-γ production by brain-resident cells activates cerebral mRNA expression of a wide spectrum of molecules critical for both innate and T cell-mediated protective immunity to control reactivation of chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Suzuki Yasuhiro , Lutshumba Jenny , Chen Kuey Chu , Abdelaziz Mohamed H. , Sa Qila , Ochiai Eri
Published: February 2023

We previously demonstrated that brain-resident cells produce IFN-γ in response to reactivation of cerebral infection with Toxoplasma gondii. To obtain an overall landscape view of the effects of IFN-γ from brain-resident cells on the cerebral protective immunity, in the present study we employed NanoString nCounter assay and quantified mRNA levels for 734 genes in myeloid immunity in the brains of T and B cell-deficient, bone marrow chimeric mice with and without IFN-γ production by brain-resident cells in response to reactivation of cerebral T. gondii infection. Our study revealed that IFN-γ produced by brain-resident cells amplified mRNA expression for the molecules to activate the protective innate immunity including 1) chemokines for recruitment of microglia and macrophages (CCL8 and CXCL12) and 2) the molecules for activating those phagocytes (IL-18, TLRs, NOD1, and CD40) for killing tachyzoites. Importantly, IFN-γ produced by brain-resident cells also upregulated cerebral expression of molecules for facilitating the protective T cell immunity, which include the molecules for 1) recruiting effector T cells (CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11), 2) antigen processing (PA28αβ, LMP2, and LMP7), transporting the processed peptides (TAP1 and TAP2), assembling the transported peptides to the MHC class I molecules (Tapasin), and the MHC class I (H2-K1 and H2-D1) and Ib molecules (H2-Q1, H-2Q2, and H2-M3) for presenting antigens to activate the recruited CD8+ T cells, 3) MHC class II molecules (H2-Aa, H2-Ab1, H2-Eb1, H2-Ea-ps, H2-DMa, H2-Ob, and CD74) to present antigens for CD4+ T cell activation, 4) co-stimulatory molecules (ICOSL) for T cell activation, and 5) cytokines (IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18) facilitating IFN-γ production by NK and T cells. Notably, the present study also revealed that IFN-γ production by brain-resident cells also upregulates cerebral expressions of mRNA for the downregulatory molecules (IL-10, STAT3, SOCS1, CD274 [PD-L1], IL-27, and CD36), which can prevent overly stimulated IFN-γ-mediated pro-inflammatory responses and tissue damages. Thus, the present study uncovered the previously unrecognized the capability of IFN-γ production by brain-resident cells to upregulate expressions of a wide spectrum of molecules for coordinating both innate and T cell-mediated protective immunity with a fine-tuning regulation system to effectively control cerebral infection with T. gondii.
Molecular characterization of invasive Neisseria meningitidis isolates collected in Lithuania (2009-2019) and estimation of serogroup B meningococcal vaccine 4CMenB and MenB-Fhbp coverage
Authors: Sereikaitė Emilija , Plepytė Rūta , Petrutienė Aurelija , Stravinskienė Dovilė , Kučinskaitė-Kodzė Indrė , Gėgžna Vilmantas , Ivaškevičienė Inga , Žvirblienė Aurelija , Plečkaitytė Milda
Published: February 2023

Neisseria meningitidis causes invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), which is associated with significant mortality and long-term consequences, especially among young children. The incidence of IMD in Lithuania was among the highest in European Union/European Economic Area countries during the past two decades; however, the characterization of meningococcal isolates by molecular typing methods has not yet been performed. In this study, we characterized invasive meningococcal isolates (n=294) recovered in Lithuania from 2009 to 2019 by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and typing of antigens FetA and PorA. The more recent (2017-2019) serogroup B isolates (n=60) were genotyped by analyzing vaccine-related antigens to evaluate their coverage by four-component (4CMenB) and two-component (MenB-Fhbp) vaccines using the genetic Meningococcal Antigen Typing System (gMATS) and Meningococcal Deduced Vaccine Antigen Reactivity (MenDeVAR) Index methods, respectively. The vast majority (90.5%) of isolates belonged to serogroup B. MLST revealed a predominance of clonal complex 32 (74.02%). Serogroup B strain P1.19,15: F4-28: ST-34 (cc32) accounted for 64.1% of IMD isolates. The overall level of strain coverage by the 4MenB vaccine was 94.8% (CI 85.9-98.2%). Most serogroup B isolates (87.9%) were covered by a single vaccine antigen, most commonly Fhbp peptide variant 1 (84.5% of isolates). The Fhbp peptides included in the MenB-Fhbp vaccine were not detected among the analyzed invasive isolates; however, the identified predominant variant 1 was considered cross-reactive. In total, 88.1% (CI 77.5-94.1) of isolates were predicted to be covered by the MenB-Fhbp vaccine. In conclusion, both serogroup B vaccines demonstrate potential to protect against IMD in Lithuania.
Reverse cardiac remodeling in patients undergoing combination therapy of transcatheter mitral valve repair
Authors: Yokoyama Hiroaki , Ruf Tobias Friedrich , Geyer Martin , Tamm Alexander R. , Da Rocha E Silva Jaqueline Grace , Gößler Theresa Ann Maria , Zirbs Julia , Schwidtal Ben , Münzel Thomas , von Bardeleben Ralph Stephan
Published: February 2023

Aims

For patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation (MR), different kinds of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) exist, targeting the leaflets, annulus, and chordae. The concomitant combination (COMBO) therapy of TMVrs is rarely used as treatment, and there are very few publications about this therapeutic strategy. We evaluated the effect of COMBO-TMVr on the cardiac left chambers and clinical data, including survival.

Methods

We included 35 patients at high risk who underwent concomitant sequential transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) and another TMVr for severe MR in our hospital between March 2015 and April 2018. Of these, 13 had adequate follow-up transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) up to around 1 year after the procedure.

Results

Survival for all patients was 83% at 1 year, 71% at 2 years, and 63% at 3 years, respectively. In the 13 patients with adequate TTE follow-up, M-TEER plus either Cardioband (n = 4), Carillon Mitral Contour System (n = 7), or Neochord (n = 2) were used, respectively. Ten patients had secondary, and three patients primary MR. After 1 year, changes [median (Q1, Q3)] of left ventricular (LV) end-systolic diameter of −9.9 cm (−11.1, 0.4), LV end-diastolic diameter of −3.3 cm (−8.5, 0.0), LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) of −17.4 mL (−32.6, −0.4), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) of −13.5 mL (−15.9, −3.2), LV mass of −19.5 g (−24.2, −7.6), and left atrial volume (LAV) index (LAVi) of −16.4 mL (−23.3, −11.3) were observed. A significant reduction was also seen in the change ratios of LVESV, LVEDV, LV mass, and LAVi, respectively.

Conclusion

We found that COMBO therapy of TMVr seems feasible and may support reverse remodeling of left cardiac chambers during 1 year after the procedure in a cohort of patients at high risk.
Burden and trend of cardiovascular diseases among people under 20 years in China, Western Pacific region, and the world: An analysis of the global burden of disease study in 2019
Authors: Zhang Yue , Lin Changjian , Liu Ming , Zhang Wei , Xun Xiaoyun , Wu Jinyi , Li Xiaopan , Luo Zheng
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a global public health concern, but its disease burden and trend have been poorly studied in people younger than 20 years. This study aimed to fill this gap by evaluating the CVD burden and trend in China, Western Pacific Region, and the world from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

We applied the 2019 Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) analytical tools to compare the incidence, mortality, and prevalence of CVD, years lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost (YLLs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) among people younger than 20 years from 1990 to 2019 in China, the Western Pacific Region, and the world. The trends of disease burden between 1990 and 2019 evaluated using the average annual percent change (AAPC) and the 95% uncertainty interval (UI) were reported.

Results

Globally, in 2019, there were 2.37 (95% UI: 1.82 to 3.05) million incidence of CVD, 16.85 (95% UI: 12.56 to 22.03) million prevalence of CVD, and 74386.73 (95% UI: 64543.82 to 86310.24) deaths due to CVD among people under 20 years of age. The trends for DALYs decreased among children and adolescents in China, Western Pacific Region, and the world (AAPC = −4.29, 95% CI: −4.38% to −4.20%; AAPC = −3.37, 95% CI: −3.48% to −3.26%; AAPC = −2.17, 95% CI: −2.24% to −2.09%; p < 0.001, respectively) between 1990 and 2019. With the increase in age, the AAPC values of mortality, YLLs, and DALYs showed a notable downward trend. The AAPC values of mortality, YLLs, and DALYs in female patients were significantly greater than those in male patients. For all subtypes of CVD, the AAPC values showed a downward trend, with the largest reduction observed for stroke. From 1990 to 2019, a decline in the DALY rate for all CVD risk factors was observed, with a significant decrease in environmental/occupational risk factors.

Conclusion

Our study shows a decline in the burden and trend of CVD among people younger than 20 years, which reflects the success in reducing disability, premature death, and the early incidence of CVD. More effective and targeted preventive policies and interventions aimed at mitigating preventable CVD burden and addressing risk factors from childhood are urgently needed.
High triglyceride–glucose index is associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes in Chinese acute coronary syndrome patients without diabetes mellitus who underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents
Authors: Zhang Yong , Chu Chao , Zhong Zhong , Luo Yong-bai , Ning Fei-fei , Guo Ning
Published: February 2023

Background

Previous research has supported the association between the triglyceride–glucose index (TyG index) and the incidence and prognosis of cardiovascular disease. However, the association between the TyG index and the prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) without diabetes mellitus (DM) who underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DESs) has not been thoroughly investigated, and these patients may easily be neglected. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the TyG index and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in Chinese ACS patients without DM who underwent emergency PCI with DES.

Methods

The total number of ACS patients without DM who underwent emergency PCI with DES for this study was 1650. Ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) ×fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL)/2] is the formula used to calculate the TyG index. According to the TyG index, we classified the patients into two groups. The frequency of the following endpoint events was calculated and compared between the two groups: all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non-fatal ischemia stroke, ischemia-driven revascularization and cardiac rehospitalization.

Results

After a median of 47 months of follow-up [47 (40, 54)], 437 (26.5%) endpoint events were recorded in total. The TyG index was further demonstrated to be independent of MACCE by multivariable Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.493; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.230–1.812; p<0.001). The TyG index≥7.08 group had a considerably greater incidence of MACCE (30.3% vs. 22.7% in the TyG index<7.08 group, p<0.001), cardiac death (4.0% vs. 2.3% in the TyG index<7.08 group, p=0.047), and ischemia-driven revascularization (5.7% vs. 3.6% in the TyG index<7.08 group, p=0.046) than the TyG index<7.08 group. Between the two groups, there was no discernible difference in all-cause death (5.6% vs. 3.8% in the TyG index<7.08 group, p=0.080), non-fatal MI (1.0% vs. 0.2% in the TyG index<7.08 group, p=0.057), non-fatal ischemic stroke (1.6% vs. 1.0% in the TyG index<7.08 group, p=0.272), and cardiac rehospitalization (16.5% vs. 14.1% in the TyG index<7.08 group, p=0.171).

Conclusion

For ACS patients without DM who received emergency PCI with DES, the TyG index might be an independent predictor of MACCE.
Establishment and validation of a nomogram model for predicting distant metastasis in medullary thyroid carcinoma: An analysis of the SEER database based on the AJCC 8th TNM staging system
Authors: Chen Zhufeng , Mao Yaqian , You Tingting , Chen Gang
Published: February 2023

Objective

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) patients with distant metastases frequently present a relatively poor survival prognosis. Our main purpose was developing a nomogram model to predict distant metastases in MTC patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective study based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Data of 807 MTC patients diagnosed from 2004 to 2015 who undergone total thyroidectomy and neck lymph nodes dissection was included in our study. Independent risk factors were screened by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis successively, which were used to develop a nomogram model predicting for distant metastasis risk. Further, the log‐rank test was used to compare the differences of Kaplan-Meier curves of cancer-specific survival (CSS) in different M stage and each independent risk factor groups.

Results

Four clinical parameters including age > 55 years, higher T stage (T3/T4), higher N stage (N1b) and lymph node ratio (LNR) > 0.4 were significant for distant metastases at the time of diagnosis in MTC patients, and were selected to develop a nomogram model. This model had satisfied discrimination with the AUC and C-index of 0.894, and C-index was confirmed to be 0.878 through bootstrapping validation. A decision curve analysis (DCA) was subsequently made to evaluate the feasibility of this nomogram for predicting distant metastasis. In addition, CSS differed by different M stage, T stage, N stage, age and LNR groups.

Conclusions

Age, T stage, N stage and LNR were extracted to develop a nomogram model for predicting the risk of distant metastases in MTC patients. The model is of great significance for clinicians to timely identify patients with high risk of distant metastases and make further clinical decisions.
Wind energy-harvesting technologies and recent research progresses in wind farm control models
Authors: Desalegn Belachew , Gebeyehu Desta , Tamrat Bimrew , Tadiwose Tassew
Published: February 2023

In order to sustain the overall competitiveness of the wind power industry, unrelenting focus is required on working toward the advancement of enabling technologies and research studies that are associated with wind farm systems. First, wind farm technologies that include various turbine generator systems coupled with different power transmission configurations have enormous impact in determining the quality of wind power production. In addition, modern wind farms are expected to implement robust power control algorithms to meet more advanced requirements of electricity generation. Accordingly, this study explores the statuses of wind energy harvesting technologies and wind farm control strategies by discussing their recent and future impact on transforming the wind power industry. Doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind energy harvesting technology is well-matured and has exhibited an excellent track-record in past and recent experiences, but its capability of being further scalable for large-scale power production is limited as it is largely incompatible with high-voltage power transmission networks. On the other hand, permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)-based technology is making significant advancements to attain the maximum possible efficiency level in greatly facilitating larger scale power generation, although the construction of bulky and costly power transmission systems is required. In this regard, future technological advances in the wind farm industry are expected to reasonably optimize the design and cost of high-voltage power transmission systems. Similarly, an increasing number of research studies are introducing a number of power optimization-based control models to create an ideal integration of the aforementioned wind farm technologies so as to ultimately enhance the reliability of electricity production by maintaining the systems’ safety. Yet, additional work is still expected to be undertaken in the future for a more extended evaluation of the performances of many different control models under a similar environment.
Spillover effect of energy intensity reduction targets on carbon emissions in China
Authors: Pang Guoqing , Ding Ziqi , Shen Xiaoyan
Published: February 2023

Since the reform and opening-up, China has made remarkable achievements in economic growth, but also led to a substantial increase in carbon emissions. The Chinese government has actively formulated energy intensity reduction targets and taken carbon emission reduction measures. The paper investigates the impact of energy intensity reduction targets on carbon emissions using a dynamic spatial Durbin model based on panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2019. The results show that energy intensity reduction targets promote the reduction of local carbon emissions, but have a positive spillover effect on carbon emissions in adjacent regions. Meanwhile, green technology innovation has a non-linear moderating effect between energy intensity reduction targets and carbon emissions. Energy intensity reduction targets promote carbon emission reduction when green technology innovation is less than a threshold, while the promotion effect disappears when green technology innovation exceeds a threshold. The mechanism analysis shows that energy consumption structure is a channel through which energy intensity reduction targets affect carbon emissions in both local and adjacent regions. Further research found that peer competitive pressure promotes carbon emission reduction and alleviates pollution spillover, while central assessment pressure increases carbon emissions and aggravates pollution spillover. Based on the above findings, this study provides suggestions for policymakers aiming at carbon emission reduction by implementing target management policies and optimizing target management systems.