bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of genetic diversity and population structure within Staphylococcus chromogenes by multilocus sequence typing
Authors: Huebner Rebeca , Mugabi Robert , Hetesy Gabriella , Fox Lawrence , De Vliegher Sarne , De Visscher Anneleen , Barlow John W. , Sensabaugh George
Published: March 2021

Staphylococcus chromogenes is a common skin commensal in cattle and has been identified as a frequent cause of bovine mastitis and intramammary infections. We have developed a seven locus Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) scheme for typing S. chromogenes. Sequence-based typing systems, such as MLST, have application in studies of genetic diversity, population structure, and epidemiology, including studies of strain variation as a factor in pathogenicity or host adaptation. The S. chromogenes scheme was tested on 120 isolates collected from three geographic locations, Vermont and Washington State in the United States and Belgium. A total of 46 sequence types (STs) were identified with most of the STs being location specific. The utility of the typing scheme is indicated by a discrimination power of 95.6% for all isolates and greater than 90% for isolates from each of the three locations. Phylogenetic analysis placed 39 of the 46 STs into single core group consistent with a common genetic lineage; the STs in this group differ by less than 0.5% at the nucleotide sequence level. Most of the diversification in this lineage group can be attributed to mutation; recombination plays a limited role. This lineage group includes two clusters of single nucleotide variants in starburst configurations indicative of recent clonal expansion; nearly 50% of the isolates sampled in this study are in these two clusters. The remaining seven STs were set apart from the core group by having alleles with highly variable sequences at one or more loci. Recombination had a higher impact than mutation in the diversification of these outlier STs. Alleles with hypervariable sequences were detected at five of the seven loci used in the MLST scheme; the average sequence distances between the hypervariable alleles and the common core alleles ranged from 12 to 34 nucleotides. The extent of these sequence differences suggests the hypervariable alleles may be remnants of an ancestral genotype.
Systemic GFP silencing is associated with high transgene expression in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Hendrix Bill , Hoffer Paul , Sanders Rick , Schwartz Steve , Zheng Wei , Eads Brian , Taylor Danielle , Deikman Jill
Published: March 2021

Gene silencing in plants using topical dsRNA is a new approach that has the potential to be a sustainable component of the agricultural production systems of the future. However, more research is needed to enable this technology as an economical and efficacious supplement to current crop protection practices. Systemic gene silencing is one key enabling aspect. The objective of this research was to better understand topically-induced, systemic transgene silencing in Nicotiana benthamiana. A previous report details sequencing of the integration site of the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) transgene in the well-known N. benthamiana GFP16C event. This investigation revealed an inadvertent co-integration of part of a bacterial transposase in this line. To determine the effect of this transgene configuration on systemic silencing, new GFP transgenic lines with or without the transposase sequences were produced. GFP expression levels in the 19 single-copy events and three hemizygous GFP16C lines produced for this study ranged from 50–72% of the homozygous GFP16C line. GFP expression was equivalent to GFP16C in a two-copy event. Local GFP silencing was observed in all transgenic and GFP16C hemizygous lines after topical application of carbon dot-based formulations containing a GFP targeting dsRNA. The GFP16C-like systemic silencing phenotype was only observed in the two-copy line. The partial transposase had no impact on transgene expression level, local GFP silencing, small RNA abundance and distribution, or systemic GFP silencing in the transgenic lines. We conclude that high transgene expression level is a key enabler of topically-induced, systemic transgene silencing in N. benthamiana.
Machine learning predicts and provides insights into milk acidification rates of Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Karlsen Signe Tang , Vesth Tammi Camilla , Oregaard Gunnar , Poulsen Vera Kuzina , Lund Ole , Henderson Gemma , Bælum Jacob
Published: March 2021

Lactococcus lactis strains are important components in industrial starter cultures for cheese manufacturing. They have many strain-dependent properties, which affect the final product. Here, we explored the use of machine learning to create systematic, high-throughput screening methods for these properties. Fast acidification of milk is such a strain-dependent property. To predict the maximum hourly acidification rate (Vmax), we trained Random Forest (RF) models on four different genomic representations: Presence/absence of gene families, counts of Pfam domains, the 8 nucleotide long subsequences of their DNA (8-mers), and the 9 nucleotide long subsequences of their DNA (9-mers). Vmax was measured at different temperatures, volumes, and in the presence or absence of yeast extract. These conditions were added as features in each RF model. The four models were trained on 257 strains, and the correlation between the measured Vmax and the predicted Vmax was evaluated with Pearson Correlation Coefficients (PC) on a separate dataset of 85 strains. The models all had high PC scores: 0.83 (gene presence/absence model), 0.84 (Pfam domain model), 0.76 (8-mer model), and 0.85 (9-mer model). The models all based their predictions on relevant genetic features and showed consensus on systems for lactose metabolism, degradation of casein, and pH stress response. Each model also predicted a set of features not found by the other models.
Radiation exposure to the urology surgeon during retrograde intrarenal surgery
Authors: park Il woo , Kim Su Jin , Shin Dongseong , Shim Sung Ryul , Chang Hyun Kyung , Kim Chang Hee
Published: March 2021

Retrograde intrarenal surgery is a common procedure that carries a risk of radiation exposure for urologists. This study aimed to measure the amount of radiation that urologists are exposed to during surgery, and to estimate how many procedures can be safely performed by one urologist per year. Variables that affect radiation exposure were also identified. Radiation exposure doses were measured for the eye, neck, chest, arms, and hands of a urologist who performed 226 retrograde intrarenal surgeries. To determine how many procedures could be safely performed per year, the Annual Permissible Occupational Exposure Radiation Dose Guidelines of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements were consulted. Correlations between radiation exposure dose and the patient’s age, sex, body mass index, stone number/burden/laterality/location/Hounsfield unit, and their renal calculi were calculated. The mean surgery and fluoroscopy durations were 83.2 and 5.13 min; the mean tube voltage and current were 68.88 kV and 2.48 mA, respectively. Cumulative radiation doses for the eye, neck, chest, right upper arm, left hand, and right hand were 65.53, 69.95, 131.79, 124.43, 165.66, and 126.64 mSv, respectively. Radiation reduction rates for lead collars and aprons were 97% and 98%, respectively. If the urologists wear only radiation shields and lead apron but do not wear safety glasses during RIRS, the recommended by the ICRP publication 103 is taken into consideration, our results showed that 517 RIRS can be performed per year safely. However, if no protective measures are taken, this number decreases to only 85 RIRS per year. At all measurement sites, significant correlations were observed between the radiation exposure dose and stone numbers and Hounsfield unit values. In conclusion, it is imperative that urologists wear protective gear. Greater effort should be made to reduce radiation exposure when renal calculi have a large number of stones or large Hounsfield unit values.
Kinesthetic engagement in Gestalt evaluation outscores analytical ‘atomic feature’ evaluation in perceiving aging in crystallization images of agricultural products
Authors: Doesburg Paul , Fritz Jürgen , Athmann Miriam , Bornhütter Roya , Busscher Nicolaas , Geier Uwe , Mergardt Gaby , Scherr Claudia
Published: March 2021

There is an increasing interest in a systemic approach to food quality. From this perspective, the copper chloride crystallization method is an interesting asset as it enables an estimation of a sample’s ‘resilience’ in response to controlled degradation. In previous studies, we showed that an ISO-standardized visual evaluation panel could correctly rank crystallization images of diverse agricultural products according to their degree of induced degradation. In this paper we examined the role of contextual sensitivity herein, with the aim to further improve the visual evaluation. To this end, we compared subjects’ performance in ranking tests, while primed according to two perceptional strategies (levels: analytical vs. kinesthetic engagement), according to a within-subject design. The ranking test consisted out of wheat and rocket lettuce crystallization images, exhibiting four levels of induced degradation. The perceptual strategy imbuing kinesthetic engagement improved the performance of the ranking test in both samples tested. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the training and application of such a perceptual strategy in visual evaluation.
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 pandemic) in Nigeria: Multi-institutional survey of knowledge, practices and perception amongst undergraduate veterinary medical students
Authors: Adebowale Oluwawemimo Oluseun , Adenubi Olubukola Tolulope , Adesokan Hezekiah Kehinde , Oloye Abimbola Adetokunbo , Bankole Noah Olumide , Fadipe Oladotun Ebenezer , Ayo-Ajayi Patience Oluwatoyin , Akinloye Adebayo Koyuum
Published: March 2021

The novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic with an increasing public health concern. Due to the non-availability of a vaccine against the disease, non-pharmaceutical interventions constitute major preventive and control measures. However, inadequate knowledge about the disease and poor perception might limit compliance. This study examined COVID-19-related knowledge, practices, perceptions and associated factors amongst undergraduate veterinary medical students in Nigeria. A cross-sectional web survey was employed to collect data from 437 consenting respondents using pre-tested self-administered questionnaire (August 2020). Demographic factors associated with the knowledge and adoption of recommended preventive practices towards COVID-19 were explored using multivariate logistic regression at P ≤ 0.05. The respondents’ mean knowledge and practice scores were 22.7 (SD ± 3.0) and 24.1 (SD ± 2.9), respectively with overall 63.4% and 88.8% displaying good knowledge and satisfactory practice levels. However, relatively lower proportions showed adherence to avoid touching face or nose (19.5%), face mask-wearing (58.1%), and social distancing (57.4%). Being in the 6th year of study (OR = 3.18, 95%CI: 1.62–6.26, P = 0.001) and female (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.11–4.41, P = 0.024) were significant positive predictors of good knowledge and satisfactory practices, respectively. While only 30% of the respondents perceived the pandemic as a scam or a disease of the elites (24.0%), the respondents were worried about their academics being affected negatively (55.6%). Veterinary Medical Students in Nigeria had good knowledge and satisfactory preventive practices towards COVID-19; albeit with essential gaps in the key non-pharmaceutical preventive measures recommended by the WHO. Therefore, there is a need to step up enlightenment and targeted campaigns about COVID-19 pandemic.
Trace mineral supplies for populations of little and large herbivores
Authors: Hollingsworth K. A. , Shively R. D. , Glasscock S. N. , Light J. E. , Tolleson D. R. , Barboza P. S.
Published: March 2021

Copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) are essential trace minerals for the reproduction, growth, and immunity of mammalian herbivore populations. We examined the relationships between Cu, Fe, and Zn in soils, common plants, and hepatic stores of two wild herbivores to assess the effects of weather, sex, and population density on the transfer of trace minerals from soils to mammals during the growing season. Soils, grasses, woody browse, hispid cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were sampled across 19 sites. Concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Zn in grasses and browse species were not correlated with concentrations of those minerals in soils sampled from the same areas. Leaves of woody browse were higher in Cu, lower in Fe, and similar in Zn when compared with grasses. Available concentrations of soils were positively related to liver Cu and Zn in hispid cotton rats, which was consistent with the short lives and high productivity of these small mammals that rely on grass seed heads. Interactions between soil concentrations and weather also affected liver Cu and Fe in deer, which reflected the greater complexity of trophic transfers in large, long-lived, browsing herbivores. Population density was correlated with liver concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Zn in hispid cotton rats, and concentrations of Cu and Fe in deer. Liver Cu was < 5 mg/kg wet weight in at least 5% of animals at two of eight sites for hispid cotton rats and < 3.8 mg/kg wet weight in at least 5% of animals at three of 12 sites for deer, which could indicate regional limitation of Cu for populations of mammalian herbivores. Our data indicate that supplies of trace minerals may contribute to density dependence of herbivore populations. Local population density may therefore influence the prevalence of deficiency states and disease outbreak that exacerbate population cycles in wild mammals.
Outcomes of COVID-19 patients with comorbidities in southwest Nigeria
Authors: Osibogun Akin , Balogun Mobolanle , Abayomi Akin , Idris Jide , Kuyinu Yetunde , Odukoya Oluwakemi , Wright Ololade , Adeseun Remi , Mutiu Bamidele , Saka Babatunde , Osa Nike , Lajide Dayo , Abdus-Salam Ismael , Osikomaiya Bodunrin , Onasanya Oluwatosin , Adebayo Bisola , Oshodi Yewande , Adesola Sunday , Adejumo Olu , Erinoso Olufemi , Abdur-Razzaq Hussein , Bowale Abimbola , Akinroye Kingsley
Published: March 2021

Background

Data on the comorbidities that result in negative outcomes for people with COVID-19 are currently scarce for African populations. This study identifies comorbidities that predict death among a large sample of COVID-19 patients from Nigeria.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of medical records for 2184 laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lagos, southwest Nigeria. Extracted data included age, sex, severity of condition at presentation and self-reported comorbidities. The outcomes of interest were death or discharge from facility.

Results

Most of the cases were male (65.8%) and the median age was 43 years (IQR: 33–55). Four hundred and ninety-two patients (22.5%) had at least one comorbidity and the most common amongst them were hypertension (74.2%) and diabetes (30.3%). The mortality rate was 3.3% and a significantly higher proportion of patients with comorbidities died compared to those with none. The comorbidities that predicted death were hypertension (OR: 2.21, 95%CI: 1.22–4.01), diabetes (OR: 3.69, 95% CI: 1.99–6.85), renal disease (OR: 12.53, 95%CI: 1.97–79.56), cancer (OR: 14.12, 95% CI: 2.03–98.19) and HIV (OR: 1.77–84.15].

Conclusion

Comorbidities are prevalent and the associated risk of death is high among COVID-19 patients in Lagos, Nigeria. Public enlightenment, early identification and targeted care for COVID-19 cases with comorbidities are recommended as the pandemic evolves.
A socio-ecological approach to understanding the factors influencing the uptake of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) in South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Nyaaba Gertrude N. , Olaleye Atinuke O. , Obiyan Mary O. , Walker Oladapo , Anumba Dilly O. C.
Published: March 2021

Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) remains a key cause of poor maternal and neonatal health outcomes, particularly in the African region. Two strategies globally promoted to address MiP require pregnant women in malaria-endemic regions to sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and take at least three doses of intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) during pregnancy. Yet, several multilevel factors influence the effective uptake of these strategies. This study explored the factors for the poor uptake of IPTp and use of ITNs in lower socio-economic communities in Nigeria. We conducted semi-structured interviews (SSI) and focus group discussions (FGD) with a total of 201 key stakeholders in six communities in Ogun State, South-Western Nigeria. Twelve SSIs were conducted with traditional birth attendants (TBAs), faith-based birth attendants and healthcare providers operating in public health facilities. Community leaders (7), pregnant women (30) and 20 caregivers were individually interviewed. Sixteen FGDs were conducted with multi- and first-time pregnant women grouped by location and pregnancy experiences. A thematic approach was used for data analysis. At the individual and social levels, there is a high general awareness of MiP, its consequences and ITNs but low awareness of IPTp, with type of antenatal care (ANC) provider being a key factor influencing access to IPTp. The choice of ANC provider, which facilitates access to IPTp and ITNs, is influenced by the experiences of women, relatives and friends, as well as the attitudes of ANC providers and community perceptions of the type of ANC providers. Concurrent use of multiple ANC providers and ANC providers’ relationships further influence acceptability and coverage for IPTp and ITN use. At the health sector level, there is low awareness about preventive malarial strategies including IPTp among TBAs and faith-based birth attendants, in contrast to high IPTp awareness among public healthcare providers. The findings highlight several factors that influence the utilisation of IPTp services and call for greater synergy and collaboration between the three groups of healthcare providers towards enhancing access to and acceptability of IPTp for improving maternal and child outcomes.
Economic policy uncertainty and presidential approval: Evidence from Latin America
Authors: Gómez-Méndez Myriam , Hansen Erwin
Published: March 2021

This paper analyzes the extent to which economic policy uncertainty affects presidential approval in four Latin American countries (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico). Using panel (time-series cross-sectional) estimation methods, we show that economic policy uncertainty has a negative impact on presidential approval in our sample. A one-standard-deviation increase in the level of economic uncertainty reduces presidential approval by approximately 12 percent. Our results are consistent with the political economy model of Alesina et al. (1993), which shows that voters are less likely to re-elect the incumbent when faced with uncertainty about economic policy. Incumbent competence signalling can exarcerbate this effect.
Changes in the prevalence of self-reported sexually transmitted bacterial infections from 2010 and 2017 in two large European samples of men having sex with men–is it time to re-evaluate STI-screening as a control strategy?
Authors: Marcus Ulrich , Mirandola Massimo , Schink Susanne B. , Gios Lorenzo , Schmidt Axel J.
Published: March 2021

Background/Objectives

Many European countries reported increased numbers of syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia diagnoses among men who have sex with men (MSM) in recent years. Behaviour changes and increased testing are thought to drive these increases.

Methods

In 2010 and 2017, two large online surveys for MSM in Europe (EMIS-2010, EMIS-2017) collected self-reported data on STI diagnoses in the previous 12 months, diagnostic procedures, STI symptoms when testing, number of sexual partners, and sexual behaviours such as condom use during the last intercourse with a non-steady partner in 46 European countries. Multivariate regression models were used to analyse factors associated with diagnoses of syphilis, gonorrhoea/chlamydia, and respective diagnoses classified as symptomatic and asymptomatic. If applicable, they included country-level screening rates.

Results

Questions on STI diagnoses and sexual behaviours were answered by 156,018 (2010) and 125,837 (2017) participants. Between 2010 and 2017, overall diagnoses with gonorrhoea/chlamydia and syphilis increased by 76% and 83% across countries. Increases were more pronounced for asymptomatic compared to symptomatic infections. The proportion of respondents screened and the frequency of screening grew considerably. Condomless anal intercourse with the last non-steady partner rose by 62%; self-reported partner numbers grew. Increased syphilis diagnoses were largely explained by behavioural changes (including more frequent screening). Gonorrhoea/chlamydia increases were mainly explained by more screening and a change in testing performance. A country variable representing the proportion of men screened for asymptomatic infection was positively associated with reporting symptomatic gonorrhoea/chlamydia, but not syphilis.

Discussion/Conclusion

The positive association of country-level screening rates with the proportion of symptomatic infections with gonorrhoea/chlamydia may indicate a paradoxical effect of screening on incidence of symptomatic infections. Treatment of asymptomatic men might render them more susceptible to new infections, while spontaneous clearance may result in reduced susceptibility. Before expanding screening programmes, evidence of the effects of screening and treatment is warranted.
Accuracy of abbreviated protocols for unattended automated office blood pressure measurements, a retrospective study
Authors: Vischer Annina S. , Hug Rebecca , Socrates Thenral , Meienberg Andrea , Mayr Michael , Burkard Thilo
Published: March 2021

Background

Blood pressure measurement (BPM) is one of the most often performed procedures in clinical practice, but especially office BPM is prone to errors. Unattended automated office BPM (AOBPM) is somewhat standardised and observer-independent, but time and space consuming. We aimed to assess whether an AOBPM protocol can be abbreviated without losing accuracy.

Design

In our retrospective single centre study, we used all AOBPM (AOBPM protocol of the SPRINT study), collected over 14 months. Three sequential BPM (after 5 minutes of rest, spaced 2 minutes) were automatically recorded with the patient alone in a quiet room resulting in three systolic and diastolic values. We compared the mean of all three (RefProt) with the mean of the first two (ShortProtA) and the single first BPM (ShortProtB).

Results

We analysed 413 AOBPM sets from 210 patients. Mean age was 52±16 years. Mean values for RefProt were 128.3/81.3 mmHg, for ShortProtA 128.4/81.4 mmHg, for ShortProtB 128.8/81.4 mmHg. Mean difference and limits of agreement for RefProt vs. ShortProtA and ShortProtB were -0.1±4.2/-0.1±2.8 mmHg and -0.5±8.1/-0.1±5.3 mmHg, respectively. With ShortProtA, 83% of systolic and 92% of diastolic measurements were within 2 mmHg from RefProt (67/82% for ShortProtB). ShortProtA or ShortProtB led to no significant hypertensive reclassifications in comparison to RefProt (p-values 0.774/1.000/1.000/0.556).

Conclusion

Based on our results differences between the RefProt and ShortProtA are minimal and within acceptable limits of agreement. Therefore, the automated procedure may be shorted from 3 to 2 measurements, but a single measurement is insufficient.
The long-term impact of restricted access to abortion on children’s socioeconomic outcomes
Authors: Hajdu Gábor , Hajdu Tamás
Published: March 2021

We examine the long-term consequences of restricted access to abortion following a change in the Hungarian abortion law in 1974. Due to a change that restricted access to legal abortions, the number of induced abortions decreased from 169,650 to 102,022 between 1973 and 1974, whereas the number of live births increased from 156,224 to 186,288. We analyze the effects on the adult outcomes of the affected cohort of newborns (educational attainment, labor market participation, teen fertility). We use matched large-scale, individual-level administrative datasets of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (population census 2011; live birth register), and we estimate the effects by comparing children born within a short timespan around the time the law change came into effect. We apply a difference-in-differences approach, building on the special rules of the new law that, despite the severe restriction, still made abortion permissible for selected groups of women. We control for the compositional change in the population of parents, rule out the effect of (unobserved) time trends and other potential behavioral responses to the law change, and draw causal inferences. We find that restricted access to abortion had, on average, a negative impact on the socioeconomic outcomes of the affected cohort of children. Children born after the law change have had worse educational outcomes, a greater likelihood of being unemployed at age 37, and a higher probability of being a teen parent.
A systematic analysis of hypermucoviscosity and capsule reveals distinct and overlapping genes that impact Klebsiella pneumoniae fitness
Authors: Mike Laura A. , Stark Andrew J. , Forsyth Valerie S. , Vornhagen Jay , Smith Sara N. , Bachman Michael A. , Mobley Harry L. T.
Published: March 2021

Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp) is a distinct pathotype that causes invasive community-acquired infections in healthy individuals. Hypermucoviscosity (hmv) is a major phenotype associated with hvKp characterized by copious capsule production and poor sedimentation. Dissecting the individual functions of CPS production and hmv in hvKp has been hindered by the conflation of these two properties. Although hmv requires capsular polysaccharide (CPS) biosynthesis, other cellular factors may also be required and some fitness phenotypes ascribed to CPS may be distinctly attributed to hmv. To address this challenge, we systematically identified genes that impact capsule and hmv. We generated a condensed, ordered transposon library in hypervirulent strain KPPR1, then evaluated the CPS production and hmv phenotypes of the 3,733 transposon mutants, representing 72% of all open reading frames in the genome. We employed forward and reverse genetic screens to evaluate effects of novel and known genes on CPS biosynthesis and hmv. These screens expand our understanding of core genes that coordinate CPS biosynthesis and hmv, as well as identify central metabolism genes that distinctly impact CPS biosynthesis or hmv, specifically those related to purine metabolism, pyruvate metabolism and the TCA cycle. Six representative mutants, with varying effect on CPS biosynthesis and hmv, were evaluated for their impact on CPS thickness, serum resistance, host cell association, and fitness in a murine model of disseminating pneumonia. Altogether, these data demonstrate that hmv requires both CPS biosynthesis and other cellular factors, and that hmv and CPS may serve distinct functions during pathogenesis. The integration of hmv and CPS to the metabolic status of the cell suggests that hvKp may require certain nutrients to specifically cause deep tissue infections.
Deletion of a Golgi protein in Trypanosoma cruzi reveals a critical role for Mn2+ in protein glycosylation needed for host cell invasion and intracellular replication
Authors: Ramakrishnan Srinivasan , Unger Linn M. , Baptista Rodrigo P. , Cruz-Bustos Teresa , Docampo Roberto
Published: March 2021

Trypanosoma cruziis a protist parasite and the causative agent of American trypanosomiasis or Chagas disease. The parasite life cycle in its mammalian host includes an intracellular stage, and glycosylated proteins play a key role in host-parasite interaction facilitating adhesion, invasion and immune evasion. Here, we report that a Golgi-localized Mn2+-Ca2+/H+exchanger ofT.cruzi(TcGDT1) is required for efficient protein glycosylation, host cell invasion, and intracellular replication. The Golgi localization was determined by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy assays. TcGDT1 was able to complement the growth defect ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae nullmutants of its orthologScGDT1but ablation ofTcGDT1by CRISPR/Cas9 did not affect the growth of the insect stage of the parasite. The defect in protein glycosylation was rescued by Mn2+supplementation to the growth medium, underscoring the importance of this transition metal for Golgi glycosylation of proteins.
Macrophage-specific responses to human- and animal-adapted tubercle bacilli reveal pathogen and host factors driving multinucleated cell formation
Authors: Queval Christophe J. , Fearns Antony , Botella Laure , Smyth Alicia , Schnettger Laura , Mitermite Morgane , Wooff Esen , Villarreal-Ramos Bernardo , Garcia-Jimenez Waldo , Heunis Tiaan , Trost Matthias , Werling Dirk , Salguero Francisco J. , Gordon Stephen V. , Gutierrez Maximiliano G.
Published: March 2021

TheMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex (MTBC) is a group of related pathogens that cause tuberculosis (TB) in mammals. MTBC species are distinguished by their ability to sustain in distinct host populations. WhileMycobacterium bovis(Mbv) sustains transmission cycles in cattle and wild animals and causes zoonotic TB,M.tuberculosis(Mtb) affects human populations and seldom causes disease in cattle. The host and pathogen determinants underlying host tropism between MTBC species are still unknown. Macrophages are the main host cell that encounters mycobacteria upon initial infection, and we hypothesised that early interactions between the macrophage and mycobacteria influence species-specific disease outcome. To identify factors that contribute to host tropism, we analysed blood-derived primary human and bovine macrophages (hMϕ or bMϕ, respectively) infected with Mbv and Mtb. We show that Mbv and Mtb reside in different cellular compartments and differentially replicate in hMϕ whereas both Mbv and Mtb efficiently replicate in bMϕ. Specifically, we show that out of the four infection combinations, only the infection of bMϕ with Mbv promoted the formation of multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs), a hallmark of tuberculous granulomas. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that both MPB70 from Mbv and extracellular vesicles released by Mbv-infected bMϕ promote macrophage multinucleation. Importantly, we extended ourin vitrostudies to show that granulomas from Mbv-infected but not Mtb-infected cattle contained higher numbers of MNGCs. Our findings implicate MNGC formation in the contrasting pathology between Mtb and Mbv for the bovine host and identify MPB70 from Mbv and extracellular vesicles from bMϕ as mediators of this process.
Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 3C (EBNA3C) interacts with the metabolism sensing C-terminal binding protein (CtBP) repressor to upregulate host genes
Authors: Ohashi Makoto , Hayes Mitchell , McChesney Kyle , Johannsen Eric
Published: March 2021

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with the development of specific types of lymphoma and some epithelial cancers. EBV infection of resting B-lymphocytes in vitro drives them to proliferate as lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) and serves as a model for studying EBV lymphomagenesis. EBV nuclear antigen 3C (EBNA3C) is one of the genes required for LCL growth and previous work has suggested that suppression of the CDKN2A encoded tumor suppressor p16INK4A and possibly p14ARF is central to EBNA3C’s role in this growth transformation. To directly assess whether loss of p16 and/or p14 was sufficient to explain EBNA3C growth effects, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to disrupt specific CDKN2A exons in EBV transformed LCLs. Disruption of p16 specific exon 1α and the p16/p14 shared exon 2 were each sufficient to restore growth in the absence of EBNA3C. Using EBNA3C conditional LCLs knocked out for either exon 1α or 2, we identified EBNA3C induced and repressed genes. By trans-complementing with EBNA3C mutants, we determined specific genes that require EBNA3C interaction with RBPJ or CtBP for their regulation. Unexpectedly, interaction with the CtBP repressor was required not only for repression, but also for EBNA3C induction of many host genes. Contrary to previously proposed models, we found that EBNA3C does not recruit CtBP to the promoters of these genes. Instead, our results suggest that CtBP is bound to these promoters in the absence of EBNA3C and that EBNA3C interaction with CtBP interferes with the repressive function of CtBP, leading to EBNA3C mediated upregulation.
Plotinus on Care of Self and Soul
Authors: Regnier Daniel
Published: March 2021

Plotinus’ philosophical project includes an important Socratic element. Plotinus is  namely interested in both self-knowledge and care of soul and self.  In this study I examine how through his interpretation of three passages from Plato (Timaeus 35 a, Phaedrus 246 band Theatetus 176 a-b), Plotinus develops an account of the role of care in his ethics.  Care in Plotinus’ ethical thought takes three forms. First of all, care is involved in maintaining the unity of the embodied self.  Secondly, situated in a providential universe, our souls – as sisters to the world soul - take part in the providential order by caring for ‘lower’ realities.  Finally, Plotinus develops an ethics of going beyond virtue, a process which involves care for the higher, potentially divine, self.
Limite, illimitato, prima mescolanza: il ruolo del "Filebo" nel "De animae procreatione in Timaeo" di Plutarco
Authors: Caruso Francesco
Published: March 2021

Recent scholarship has recognized some thematic connections related to onto-cosmological issues between two late Platonic dialogues, such as Philebus and Timaeus, and has tried to explain them in different ways. The aim of this paper is to contribute to such a debate by analysing an ancient exegesis of Timaeus 35a1-b4, that of Plutarch of Chaeronea, which made use of the ontological sections of the Philebus (16c-17a and 23c-27c) in his treatise on the cosmogony of the Timaeus. More specifically, this analysis will show that the notions of ‘limit’ and ‘unlimitedness’ played a decisive role in the shaping of the “essence” of the world-soul according to Plutarch.
Um Fígado Equilibrado é Meio Caminho Andado!
Authors: Pagès Mireia Alemany i , Ramalho-Santos João , Azul Anabela Marisa , Tavares Rui
Published: March 2021

Sabe o que é o fígado? Conhece as muitas coisas importantes que faz, mantendo-nos vivos e saudáveis? Sabia que os hábitos alimentares podem afetar o bem-estar de nosso fígado? Ou que um estilo de vida sedentário pode prejudicá-lo? Provavelmente não sabe, mas uma em cada quatro pessoas no mundo tem Doença do Fígado Gordo Não Alcoólico (FIGNA; NAFLD na sigla inglesa), que pode passar despercebida por muito anos, e resultar em danos graves ao fígado, incluindo cirrose e cancro. Será que é uma dessas pessoas? O acumular excessivo de gordura no fígado é causado por dietas pouco saudáveis e estilos de vida sedentários. Acha que pode estar em risco? Embora estes problemas possam existir em pessoas com um peso ideal, a obesidade e a diabetes de tipo 2 são fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de FIGNA. Então como podemos resolver isto? Conheça melhor o seu fígado com esta banda desenhada, e descubra como tratar e prevenir esta forma de doença hepática! Pense no seu fígado da próxima vez que comer, e não se esqueça de o ajudar, mantendo um estilo de vida ativo. Lembre-se que um fígado equilibrado é meio caminho andado!
La prochaine fois, pensez à ton foie!
Authors: Pagès Mireia Alemany i , Ramalho-Santos João , Azul Anabela Marisa , Tavares Rui
Published: March 2021

Sabe o que é o fígado? Conhece as muitas coisas importantes que faz, mantendo-nos vivos e saudáveis? Sabia que os hábitos alimentares podem afetar o bem-estar de nosso fígado? Ou que um estilo de vida sedentário pode prejudicá-lo? Provavelmente não sabe, mas uma em cada quatro pessoas no mundo tem Doença do Fígado Gordo Não Alcoólico (FIGNA; NAFLD na sigla inglesa), que pode passar despercebida por muito anos, e resultar em danos graves ao fígado, incluindo cirrose e cancro. Será que é uma dessas pessoas? O acumular excessivo de gordura no fígado é causado por dietas pouco saudáveis e estilos de vida sedentários. Acha que pode estar em risco? Embora estes problemas possam existir em pessoas com um peso ideal, a obesidade e a diabetes de tipo 2 são fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de FIGNA. Então como podemos resolver isto? Conheça melhor o seu fígado com esta banda desenhada, e descubra como tratar e prevenir esta forma de doença hepática! Pense no seu fígado da próxima vez que comer, e não se esqueça de o ajudar, mantendo um estilo de vida ativo. Lembre-se que um fígado equilibrado é meio caminho andado!
Zdrowa wątroba przy długim życiu Cię zachowa!
Authors: Pagès Mireia Alemany i , Ramalho-Santos João , Azul Anabela Marisa , Tavares Rui
Published: March 2021

Sabe o que é o fígado? Conhece as muitas coisas importantes que faz, mantendo-nos vivos e saudáveis? Sabia que os hábitos alimentares podem afetar o bem-estar de nosso fígado? Ou que um estilo de vida sedentário pode prejudicá-lo? Provavelmente não sabe, mas uma em cada quatro pessoas no mundo tem Doença do Fígado Gordo Não Alcoólico (FIGNA; NAFLD na sigla inglesa), que pode passar despercebida por muito anos, e resultar em danos graves ao fígado, incluindo cirrose e cancro. Será que é uma dessas pessoas? O acumular excessivo de gordura no fígado é causado por dietas pouco saudáveis e estilos de vida sedentários. Acha que pode estar em risco? Embora estes problemas possam existir em pessoas com um peso ideal, a obesidade e a diabetes de tipo 2 são fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de FIGNA. Então como podemos resolver isto? Conheça melhor o seu fígado com esta banda desenhada, e descubra como tratar e prevenir esta forma de doença hepática! Pense no seu fígado da próxima vez que comer, e não se esqueça de o ajudar, mantendo um estilo de vida ativo. Lembre-se que um fígado equilibrado é meio caminho andado!
GLOBAL COMPETENCE BEGINS IN PRESCHOOL: AN INVESTIGATION OF HOW TO NURTURE EMPATHY IN YOUNG CHILDREN
Authors: Foerch Daniela Fenu
Published: March 2021

Este estudo de pesquisa-ação colaborativa examinou os efeitos da implantação das Rotinas de Pensamento Global e Rotinas de Pensamento no desenvolvimento da empatia, um componente de Competência Global, em crianças pré-escolares. O estudo investiga como estudantes conseguem identificar as próprias emoções e as emoções dos outros e, consequentemente, como buscam lidar com elas. O pre-test Cartões das emoções foi aplicado em uma amostra de 44 pré-escolares, que depois participaram de experiências de aprendizagem em sala de aula, incluindo Pensamento Visível e rotinas de Pensamento Global. Posteriormente, foi aplicado o pós-test Cartões das emoções. O objetivo era examinar a implementação dessas rotinas e seus impactos no desenvolvimento da empatia em pré-escolares, um componente de Inteligência Emocional e de Competência Global. Foi utilizada como abordagem de estudo a pesquisa-ação colaborativa, com documentação de dados quantitativos, que incluem vídeos, fotos, anotações, parecer dos pais, parecer do professor da pré-escola, discussões e reflexões no grupo de estudos e reflexões com o pesquisador, professores e atelierista. Foram também coletados dados quantitativos com estatística descritiva e foram comparados os dados pré e pós-quantitativos. Os principais resultados indicam que (1) os pré-escolares demonstraram aumento no desenvolvimento da empatia e (2) os professores também demonstraram o desenvolvimento da empatia. Os resultados também indicaram (3) uma possibilidade para mudança no sistema disciplinar tradicional comumente implementado nas salas de aula de hoje, com um método mais inovador e construtivo que poderia diminuir os comportamentos negativos em crianças com desafios comportamentais.
PESQUISA EM EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL: POR UMA EPISTEMOLOGIA DA VIDA
Authors: Steuck Eliane Renata , Pereira Vilmar Alves
Published: March 2021

Neste artigo, apresentamos os modos de pensar descritos por Heidegger (2003) em diálogo com os modos de pensar do mundo andino (BERMUDEZ, 2016), para discutir elementos de uma ontoepistemologia ambiental (PEREIRA; FREIRE; SILVA, 2019) e que contribuam para uma pesquisa que pretende compreender as relações entre a filosofia, a felicidade e a Educação Ambiental. Os elementos identificados emergiram da escuta e se caracterizam por terem sido elaborados em diálogo com os interlocutores, a partir de narrativas na perspectiva hermenêutica, estando assim organizadas em três categorias: olhar, compreender e conhecer. Parte da compreensão de que viver em um mundo é participar da impermanência das coisas todas, em um projeto inacabado, de verdades temporais e transitórias. Os resultados apontam para a fecundidade da narrativa hermenêutica como possibilidade de elaboração de elementos para a compreensão do ser no mundo, inserindo-os em um debate ontoepistemológico na Educação Ambiental.
DIVERSIDADE CULTURAL E RELAÇÕES ÉTNICO-RACIAIS NA EDUCAÇÃO
Authors: Carvalho Guilherme Paiva , Silva Eliane Anselmo
Published: March 2021

O artigo analisa a diversidade cultural e as relações étnico-raciais na educação, considerando as políticas educacionais, os programas de formação continuada e as representações de professores/as da rede pública de ensino no Brasil. Na etapa da pesquisa de campo, foram realizadas entrevistas com dois grupos: um grupo formado por profissionais do magistério que leciona em escolas próximas a comunidades quilombolas; e outro grupo de professores/as que realiza cursos de formação continuada. Os resultados mostram a importância de políticas educacionais e da realização de cursos com conteúdos sobre as relações étnico-raciais para o reconhecimento da diversidade cultural na instituição escolar.
Evaluación del aprendizaje del tema componentes invariantes del dato científico en la asignatura metodología de la investigación
Authors: CERDÁN Marcos S. , DI MASSO Ricardo J. , LAPALMA María Alejandra
Published: March 2021

Se evaluó el aprendizaje del tema componentes invariantes del dato científico en el examen final de estudiantes que rindieron la asignatura Metodología de la investigación en la carrera de Medicina Veterinaria de la Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Se utilizó un instrumento especialmente diseñado, conformado por un enunciado consistente en un texto que incluye los elementos vinculados con cada uno de los componentes invariantes del dato científico (entidad, propiedad, estado y procedimiento), una consigna de trabajo y una tabla para completar por parte del estudiante como respuesta. De los 57 estudiantes evaluados el 38,6% respondió correctamente. El 26,3% reconoció la entidad y de ellos el 13,3 % también reconoció la propiedad y su valor, pero no el procedimiento y el 86,7% identificó el procedimiento y el estado, pero no la propiedad. En el 35,1% de los casos correspondientes a estudiantes que no identificaron correctamente la entidad, el 35,0 % identificó la propiedad y el 65,0%, sin reconocer ni la entidad ni la propiedad, indicó correctamente el estado y el procedimiento. Estas inconsistencias ponen de manifiesto la atomización del proceso de razonamiento frente al desafío del problema a abordar, a la vez que evidencian un conocimiento frágil
Las TIC en el diseño de las políticas educativas. El caso de México
Authors: López de la Madrid María Cristina , Flores Guerrero Katiuzka , Tejeda Mercado Cecilia
Published: March 2021

La introducción y uso de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación ha sido un tema de debate recurrente, pues estas tecnologías se han adosado a la vida de más de la mitad de la población mundial. Sin embargo, el uso de la tecnología en el sector educativo no se da en automático, uno de los referentes para orientar los procesos de su introducción han sido las políticas dictadas desde los gobiernos, en donde se plasman acciones, estrategias, objetivos y metas que permiten identificar un camino a seguir definiendo una ruta más tangible y en algunos casos, prospectiva. A partir de lo anterior, el objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar cuáles han sido las principales directrices que han marcado el rumbo de las TIC en la educación en México, y su reflejo en acciones específicas. Para tal efecto, se llevó a cabo un proceso de investigación cualitativo con una revisión sistemática en internet y un análisis documental, con la revisión de Programas Nacionales de Educación, y diversos documentos sobre los principales programas TIC de los últimos 30 años. Se identificaron los ejes recurrentes en cada periodo, así como los desfases y la falta de continuidad de uno a otro programa. Se reconoce la importancia que las políticas educativas han tenido para dirigir el rumbo de uso de las TIC en la educación básica de México, pero también los desfases y carencias que se han presentado en cada sexenio.
“Boots on the ground”: The authority-power dynamic of regional service centers in standards-based reform
Authors: Pak Katie , McLaughlin Jillian , Saldivar Garcia Erica , Desimone Laura M.
Published: March 2021

The current context of standards-based reform has positioned regional service centers (RSCs), intermediary governmental agencies that support state policy implementation in local districts, as a critical source of professional development (PD). In this article, we ask how a governing body that districts often interact with during challenging reform processes manages maintain strong relationships with district and school staff, and thus maintain their image as trustworthy experts on standards implementation. We explore these questions using data from 108 interviews of state, district, and regional administrators in education agencies in Ohio, Texas, and California over a three-year period. We illustrate that by providing districts with (a) differentiated support specific to their unique needs, (b) materials and tools consistent with state content standards, and (c) expertise in supporting students with disabilities and English learners in standards-based environments, RSC staff become, in the words of one state leader, the state’s trusted “boots on the ground.”
Improving Production, Chlorophyll a and Carotenoids Contents of Gracilaria sp. with Liquid Organic Fertilizer from Alginate Waste
Authors: Yudiati Ervia , Djunaedi Ali , Adziana Dea Shinta Kharisma , Nisa Ayunda Ainun , Alghazeer Rabia
Published: March 2021

Chlorophyll is a photosynthetic pigment, used in the food sector as a natural dye in food. Carotenoids is used in the health sector to prevent several disease in humans. The production and pigment contents are influenced by nutrient availability. The aim of this study was to increase the production of chlorophyll a and carotenoids contents in Gracilaria sp. Seaweed obtained from Demak aquaculture ponds, then cultivated in aquarium for 28 days.Alginate from Sargassum sp. waste fertilizer was prepared by adding some compounds, fermented by commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Five different treatments (FB (basal formulation: 75 g alginate waste + 22.5mL molase + 7.5 g S. cerevisiae + 250 mL aquadest)), FBL (basal formulation+100% Lamtoro leaves), FBLU (basal formulation+50%Lamtoro leaves+50% carapace shrimp waste), FBU (Basal formulation + 100% carapace shrimp waste) and control-without fertilizer) was applied. Analysis of pigments was determined using the spectrophotometric method. The research design was CRD with 4 treatments and a control. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis statistical analysis. The result showed that fertilization in culture media could increase the production (DW) and pigment contents. The highest levels of dry weight, chlorophyll a and carotenoids (P<0.05) were resulted from FBLU ie. 6.58 ± 0.07g dry weight; 5.47 mg.L-1 and 0.16 µmol.L-1.The application of organic fertilizer from alginate extract waste to Gracilaria sp. culture media had a significant effect towards growth, dry weight, chlorophyll a and carotenoids pigments content. This inexpensive fertilizer expected to be the solution of green and zero waste management which provide the enviromentally friendly fertilizer.