bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multitasking device with switchable and tailored functions of ultra-broadband absorption and polarization conversion
Authors: Zhang Hao , He Xinchen , Zhang Dan , Zhang Haifeng
Published: June 2022

We present a multitasking tailored device (MTD) based on phase change material vanadium dioxide (VO2) and photoconductive semiconductor (PS) in the terahertz (THz) regime, thereby manipulating the interaction between electromagnetic waves and matter. By altering the control multitasking device, its room temperature, or pump illumination, we switch the function of absorption or polarization conversion (PC) on and off, and realize the tuning of absorptivity and polarization conversion rate (PCR). Meanwhile, the construction of cylindrical air columns (CACs) in the dielectric provides an effective channel to broaden the absorption bandwidth. For the MTD to behave as a polarization converter with VO2 pattern in the insulating phase (IP), exciting the PS integrated to the proposed device via an optical pump beam, the PCR at 0.82-1.6 THz can be modulated continuously from over 90% to perfectly near zero. When the PS conductivity is fixed at 3×104 S/m and VO2 is in the metal phase (MP) simultaneously, the MTD switched to an absorber exhibits ultra-broadband absorption with the absorptivity over 90% at 0.68-1.6 THz. By varying the optical pump power and thermally controlling the conductivity of VO2, at 0.68-1.6 THz, the absorbance of such a MTD can be successively tuned from higher than 90% to near null. Additionally, the influences of the polarization angle and incident angle on the proposed MTD are discussed. The designed MTD can effectively promote the electromagnetic reconfigurable functionalities of the present multitasking devices, which may find attractive applications for THz modulators, stealth technology, communication system, and so on.
From affinity selection to kinetic selection in Germinal Centre modelling
Authors: Lashgari Danial , Merino Tejero Elena , Meyer-Hermann Michael , Claireaux Mathieu A. F. , van Gils Marit J. , Hoefsloot Huub C. J. , van Kampen Antoine H. C.
Published: June 2022

Affinity maturation is an evolutionary process by which the affinity of antibodies (Abs) against specific antigens (Ags) increases through rounds of B-cell proliferation, somatic hypermutation, and positive selection in germinal centres (GC). The positive selection of B cells depends on affinity, but the underlying mechanisms of affinity discrimination and affinity-based selection are not well understood. It has been suggested that selection in GC depends on both rapid binding of B-cell receptors (BcRs) to Ags which is kinetically favourable and tight binding of BcRs to Ags, which is thermodynamically favourable; however, it has not been shown whether a selection bias for kinetic properties is present in the GC. To investigate the GC selection bias towards rapid and tight binding, we developed an agent-based model of GC and compared the evolution of founder B cells with initially identical low affinities but with different association/dissociation rates for Ag presented by follicular dendritic cells in three Ag collection mechanisms. We compared an Ag collection mechanism based on association/dissociation rates of B-cell interaction with presented Ag, which includes a probabilistic rupture of bonds between the B-cell and Ag (Scenario-1) with a reference scenario based on an affinity-based Ag collection mechanism (Scenario-0). Simulations showed that the mechanism of Ag collection affects the GC dynamics and the GC outputs concerning fast/slow (un)binding of B cells to FDC-presented Ags. In particular, clones with lower dissociation rates outcompete clones with higher association rates in Scenario-1, while remaining B cells from clones with higher association rates reach higher affinities. Accordingly, plasma cell and memory B cell populations were biased towards B-cell clones with lower dissociation rates. Without such probabilistic ruptures during the Ag extraction process (Scenario-2), the selective advantage for clones with very low dissociation rates diminished, and the affinity maturation level of all clones decreased to the reference level.
Effects of Drosophila melanogaster regular exercise and apolipoprotein B knockdown on abnormal heart rhythm induced by a high-fat diet
Authors: Ding Meng , Li Qui Fang , Yin Guo , Liu Jing Lin , Jan Xiao Yi , Huang Ting , Li Ai Chun , Zheng Lan
Published: June 2022

Abnormal heart rhythm is a common cardiac dysfunction in obese patients, and its pathogenesis is related to systemic lipid accumulation. The cardiomyocyte-derived apoLpp (homologous gene in Drosophila of the human apolipoprotein B) plays an important role in whole-body lipid metabolism of Drosophila under a high-fat diet (HFD). Knockdown of apoLpp derived from cardiomyocytes can reduce HFD-induced weight gain and abdominal lipid accumulation. In addition, exercise can reduce the total amount of apoLpp in circulation. However, the relationship between regular exercise, cardiomyocyte-derived apoLpp and abnormal heart rhythm is unclear. We found that an HFD increased the level of triglyceride (TG) in the whole-body, lipid accumulation and obesity in Drosophila. Moreover, the expression of apoLpp in the heart increased sharply, the heart rate and arrhythmia index increased and fibrillation occurred. Conversely, regular exercise or cardiomyocyte-derived apoLpp knockdown reduced the TG level in the whole-body of Drosophila. This significantly reduced the arrhythmia induced by obesity, including the reduction of heart rate, arrhythmia index, and fibrillation. Under HFD conditions, flies with apoLpp knockdown in the heart could resist the abnormal cardiac rhythm caused by obesity after receiving regular exercise. HFD-induced obesity and abnormal cardiac rhythm may be related to the acute increase of cardiomyocyte-derived apoLpp. Regular exercise and inhibition of cardiomyocyte-derived apoLpp can reduce the HFD-induced abnormal cardiac rhythm.
SubsidyExplorer: A decision-support tool to improve our understanding of the ecological and economic effects of reforming fisheries subsidies
Authors: Millage Katherine D. , Saccomanno Vienna R. , Warham Matthew M. , Rubino Laura Lea , Schuhbauer Anna , Sumaila U. Rashid , Costello Christopher
Published: June 2022

The magnitude of subsidies provided to the fishing sector by governments worldwide is immense—an estimated $35.4 billion USD per year. The majority of these subsidies may be impeding efforts to sustainably manage fisheries by incentivizing overfishing and overcapacity. Recognizing the threat these subsidies pose, the World Trade Organization has set a goal of reaching an agreement that would end fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity, overfishing, and illegal fishing. However, negotiations have been hampered by uncertainty around the likely effects of reforming these subsidies. Here we present a novel method for translating a bioeconomic model into an interactive online decision support tool that draws upon real-world data on fisheries subsidies and industrial fishing activity so users can directly compare the relative ambition levels of different subsidy reform options.
Manure management strategies are interconnected with complexity across U.S. dairy farms
Authors: Niles Meredith T. , Wiltshire Serge , Lombard Jason , Branan Matthew , Vuolo Matthew , Chintala Rajesh , Tricarico Juan
Published: June 2022

Among one of the key challenges in dairy production is the management of manure in a way that is beneficial for agricultural production, with minimal environmental and public health impacts. Manure management systems (MMS)—the entire system of handling, storage, and application of manure—are diverse in countries with developed dairy industries such as the United States, enabled by a number of different technologies. The ways in which dairy farmers manage manure is driven by varying tradeoffs, including economic, social, and environmental; however, existing research has not examined the relationships between components of MMS. Here we use data from the National Animal Health Monitoring System’s Dairy 2014 study to explore the ways in which manure handling, storage, and application are related, using a series of logistic regression models and network associations. We found significant associations between how manure is handled, stored, and applied, especially driven by the consistency of manure. For solid manure, we found highly heterogeneous systems, where farmers may have a suite of alternative manure management strategies available to them, and substitution is viable. Conversely, farms using liquid manure systems have very few substitutes in their MMS, suggesting greater investment in certain infrastructures, which are not easily changed. Such findings have important implications for shifting farmers towards management practices with minimal environmental and public health impacts, demonstrating that not all farm systems are easily changed. We highlight these results in light of current policies, which may not fully capture the relationships across the MMS, and suggest that greater financing may be necessary to shift MMS on some farms. Furthermore, we suggest that different MMS have varying tradeoffs across environmental, social, and economic aspects, which demonstrates that MMS are highly individualized to a given farm’s goals and priorities.
What matters most for early childhood development? Evidence from Malda district, India
Authors: Sk Rayhan
Published: June 2022

Background

The early period of a child’s life is considered to be the most important developmental stage throughout the lifespan. Around 250 million children of age below five years in low-and middle- income countries (LMICs) are at risk of not attaining their developmental potential. A cross-sectional case study was conducted to assess the early childhood developmental (ECD) status and to investigate the factors influencing the same in Malda, India.

Methods

Information on 731 pre-school children aged 36 to 59 months was collected in 2018 using a structured questionnaire following a multi-stage, stratified simple random sampling procedure. ECD was measured following the UNICEF’s Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, which monitors early child development in LMICs. A path analysis using structural equation modelling was carried out to examine the relationship between possible associated factors and ECD status.

Results

It has been found that only about 25% of children are developmentally on track of literacy-numeracy domain of ECD. Although, in the other domains, the situation is better. Results of the path analysis revealed that there are certain proximal factors, i.e., home environment, mother’s time for care, having home tuition and attending private pre-school, which are influenced by certain distal factors and subsequently affecting ECD. The total effects revealed that place of residence (urban or rural) affects ECD mostly (Coef. -0.87, p = <0.001) directly or via mothers’ time for stimulating activities, home environment and having home tuition for children. Further, it revealed that private pre-schools (Coef. 0.76, p = <0.001) and home tuition (Coef. 0.43, p = <0.001) also play a significant role in ECD.

Conclusion

Urgent attention from policymakers or other stakeholders is needed to promote ECD for the betterment of children and society of Malda district. In addition to that, special attention needs to be given to the children who belong to Muslim families, socially deprived communities and living in rural areas.
A qualitative exploration of the physical and psychological wellbeing of family carers of veterans in Australia
Authors: Post Dannielle , Barrett Alison , Baker Amy , Kernot Jocelyn , Parfitt Gaynor
Published: June 2022

Family carers of veterans have a tendency not to seek support for their own wellbeing concerns. Understanding the barriers and enablers that family carers face in attending to their own wellbeing and in their caring role generally, is key to supporting family carers of veterans. This qualitative study sought to explore family carers’ experiences and perceptions of their caring role, using semi-structured interviews. Questions were designed to capture concepts related to the barriers and enablers family carers face in attending to their own wellbeing. Twenty-two family carers participated in interviews. Thematic analysis facilitated the identification of key themes including the impact of the caring role; a perceived lack of recognition or appreciation of the caring role; expressed preferences for support; and consideration of the family unit. Findings suggest a need for accessible and multi-faceted support services for family carers of veterans, that target the drivers of physical and psychological wellbeing.
New compounds from heterocyclic amines scaffold with multitarget inhibitory activity on Aβ aggregation, AChE, and BACE1 in the Alzheimer disease
Authors: García Marín Iohanan Daniel , Camarillo López Raúl Horacio , Martínez Oscar Aurelio , Padilla-Martínez Itzia Irene , Correa-Basurto José , Rosales-Hernández Martha Cecilia
Published: June 2022

The preset neurodegenerations in Alzheimer disease (AD) are due to several mechanisms such as amyloidogenic proteolysis, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neurofibrillary tangles, cholinergic dysfunction, among others. The aim of this work was to develop multitarget molecules for the treatment of AD. Therefore, a family of 64 molecules was designed based on ligand structure pharmacophores able to inhibit the activity of beta secretase (BACE1) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) as well as to avoid amyloid beta (Aβ1–42) oligomerization. The backbone of designed molecules consisted of a trisubstituted aromatic ring, one of the substituents was a heterocyclic amine (piperidine, morpholine, pyrrolidine orN-methyl pyrrolidine) separated from the aromatic system by three carbon atoms. The set of compounds was screenedin silicoemploying molecular docking calculations and chemoinformatic analyses. Based on Gibbs free energy of binding, binding mode andin silicopredicted toxicity results, three of the best candidates were selected, synthesized, and evaluatedin vitro;F3S4-m,F2S4-m,andF2S4-p. All three compounds prevented Aβ1–42aggregation (F3S4-m in 30.5%, F2S4-p in 42.1%, and F2S4-m in 60.9%). Additionally, inhibitory activity against AChE (ki 0.40 μM and 0.19 μM) and BACE1 (IC5015.97 μM and 8.38 μM) was also observed for compoundsF2S4-mandF3S4-m, respectively. Despite the BACE IC50results demonstrated that all compounds are very less potent respect to peptidomimetic inhibitor (PI-IV IC503.20 nM), we can still say thatF3S4-mis capable to inhibit AChE and BACE1.
Heat stress modulates the disruptive effects of Eimeria maxima infection on the ileum nutrient digestibility, molecular transporters, and tissue morphology in meat-type chickens
Authors: Ghareeb Ahmed F. A. , Schneiders Gustavo H. , Richter Jennifer N. , Foutz James C. , Milfort Marie C. , Fuller Albert L. , Yuan Jianmin , Rekaya Romdhane , Aggrey Samuel E.
Published: June 2022

Eimeria (E.) maximais one of the most pathogenicEimeriaspp persistently invading the middle jejunum and ileum, damaging the intestinal mucosa of chickens. Heat stress (HS) is a common stressor and equally contributes to inflammation and oxidative stress. We investigated the effect ofE.maximainfection and HS on ileal digestibility, mRNA expression of nutrient transporters, and ileal tissue morphology in broiler chickens. There were four treatment groups: thermoneutral control (TNc), thermoneutral infected (TNi), heat stress control (HSc), and heat stress infected (HSi), 6 replicates each of 10 birds per treatment. Chickens were fed a diet containing 0.2% TiO2. At 6-day-post infection, ileal content and tissue were collected to quantify ileal digestibility of crude protein and fat, mRNA levels of nutrient transporters and histopathology. Growth and feed intake were reduced in all treatment groups, compared with the TNc. Contrary to expectation, the combination of two major stressors (E.maximaand HS) in the TNi group exhibited almost normal digestibility while only the TNi birds expressed severe digestibility depression, compared with the TNc group. The TNi group showed the lowest mRNA expression of the transporters: SGLT1, GLUT2-5-8-10-12, FABP1-2-6, and PEPT1 compared with the other treatment groups. The expression of the absorptive enterocytes’ gene markers (ACSL5, IAP, and SGLT1) supported by the ileal tissue morphology indicated that the TNi group had the highest enterocytic destruction. The expression of oxidative genes (iNOS and CYBB) dramatically increased only in the TNi group compared with the other treatment groups. Our results showed that exposing broiler chickens to HS can mitigate the disruptive effect ofE.maximaon the ileal digestibility and absorption by limiting the parasite-induced tissue injury and suppressing the enterocytic inducible oxidative damage.
BLSTM based night-time wildfire detection from video
Authors: Agirman Ahmet K. , Tasdemir Kasim
Published: June 2022

Distinguishing fire from non-fire objects in night videos is problematic if only spatial features are to be used. Those features are highly disrupted under low-lit environments because of several factors, such as the dynamic range limitations of the cameras. This makes the analysis of temporal behavior of night-time fire indispensable for classification. To this end, a BLSTM based night-time wildfire event detection from a video algorithm is proposed. It is shown in the experiments that the proposed algorithm attains 95.15% of accuracy when tested against a wide variety of actual recordings of night-time wildfire incidents and 23.7 ms per frame detection time. Moreover, to pave the way for more targeted solutions to this challenging problem, experiment-based thorough investigations of possible sources of incorrect predictions and discussion of the unique nature of night-time wildfire videos are presented in the paper.
The impact of a health systems strengthening initiative on child morbidity: The case of the Ghana Essential Health Interventions Program in rural northern Ghana
Authors: Asuming Patrick Opoku , Bawah Ayaga Agula , Kanmiki Edmund W. , Phillips James F.
Published: June 2022

Background

Improving child and maternal health remains a core objective of global health priorities, extending from the millennium development goal (MDG) era to the current focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs). This paper analyses the childhood morbidity effects of the Ghana Essential Heath Interventions Program (GEHIP), a community-based health systems strengthening in rural northern Ghana. GEHIP was a five-year embedded implementation science plausibility trial that implemented a set of health systems strengthening strategies and tested the proposition that their combined effect at the district, subdistrict and community levels could foster effective community engagement and thereby improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Methods

A two stage random sample survey of reproductive-aged women residing in treatment and comparison districts at the GEHIP baseline and end line was used for Heckman Difference-in-differences (DiD) regression models for estimating the incremental effect of GEHIP exposure on three child morbidity conditions (diarrhea, fever and cough), as recalled by maternal respondents in the course of survey interviews.

Results

After controlling for child age and gender, maternal age, education, marital status, health insurance status, religion, ethnicity, occupation and household wealth index, regression results show that GEHIP had a statistically significant 45% reduction in fever (OR = 0.55, CI = 0.31–0.98) and 47% reduction in cough (OR = 0.53, CI = 0.30–0.94), over and above temporal reductions that prevailed in study districts. Although not significant, GEHIP also had 38% reduction in the incidence of diarrhea.

Conclusion

Previous research has shown that GEHIP had a pronounced positive effect with a reduction in mortality. Our results show that household location in GEHIP districts also led to a significant reduction in morbidity due to cough and fever among under-five children. This association is a likely outcome of GEHIP’s impact on the accessibility of primary health care services. Results lend further support to the growing body of evidence that strengthening health systems in rural Africa through the provision of community-based strategies enhances prospects for achieving the United Nations child health SDGs.
Clinical outcomes of gastrointestinal bleeding management during anticoagulation therapy
Authors: Jang Ho-Jun , Lee Dongyoung , Kim Tae-Hoon , Kim Je Sang , Lee Hyun-Jong , Kim Ji Bak , Kim Ji-young
Published: June 2022

Background

Acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is not an uncommon complication of oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy that requires medication cessation. However, drug cessation may cause fatal stroke or systemic embolization in patients at high thromboembolic risk. Here we sought to find an appropriate anticoagulation cessation strategy in cases of GI bleeding during OAC therapy.

Methods

This single-center retrospective cohort analysis was performed between 2010 and 2018. Patients were enrolled if the following three consecutive conditions were met: 1) electrocardiography electrocardiography-proven atrial fibrillation; 2) OAC therapy; and 3) GI bleeding. We divided the drug cessation strategy into the continuation and discontinuation groups. During 1-year follow-up, the rates of major thromboembolic and rebleeding events were calculated.

Results

One hundred and forty-six patients (continuation [n = 54] vs. discontinuation [n = 92] group) were enrolled. Patients in the discontinuation group were more likely to be older (69.8 ± 9.0 yrs vs. 74.9 ± 8.9 yrs, p = 0.001), while patients in the continuation group were more likely to have undergone cardiac valve surgery (51.9% vs. 20.7%, p<0.001). The presence of a mechanical mitral valve was a determinant of continuation strategy (38.9% vs. 7.5%, p<0.001). However, the mean CHA₂DS₂-VASc (3.4±1.3 vs. 4.1±1.6, p = 0.010) and Glasgow-Blatchford (8.0±2.4 vs. 8.9±2.5, p = 0.037) scores were higher in the discontinuation group.

Two major embolic strokes occurred in each group (3.7% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.585). Four of 54 (7.4%) and five of 92 (5.4%) patients had rebleeding events during follow-up (p = 0.632). One embolic event in the continuation group and one rebleeding event in the discontinuation group were fatal. The Glasgow-Blatchford score was a predictor of 1-year rebleeding events (odds ratio [OR], 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68–2.20; p = 0.028). The high CHA₂DS₂-VASc score showed a strong trend (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 0.92–3.20; p = 0.089) in 1-year thromboembolic events.

Conclusion

No single risk factor or drug cessation strategy was attributed to adverse clinical events after GI bleeding. The risk of future thrombotic or rebleeding events should be individualized and controlled for based on a pre-existing stratification system.
Cyclodextrins produced by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase mask beany off-flavors in plant-based meat analogs
Authors: Sakai Kiyota , Sato Yukihide , Okada Masamichi , Yamaguchi Shotaro
Published: June 2022

The widening gap between the supply and demand for meat products has increased the need to produce plant-based meat analogs as protein sources. Meat analogs are principally composed of soy-based textured vegetable proteins. Despite ongoing technical developments, one of the unresolved challenges for plant-based meat analogs is the off-flavor from soy, which limits their consumer acceptability. Among the various methods developed for overcoming this challenge, masking the beany flavors with cyclodextrins (CDs) is an attractive, cost-effective, and safe strategy. However, the current established CD treatment method does not meet the requirement for a clean-label. This study aimed to develop more acceptable off-flavor-masking technologies for plant-based patties for modern clean-label preferences using enzymatic methods. We used the cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGT), “Amano,” as a commercially available food-grade CGT. The CGT-catalyzed reaction in plant-based patties yielded 17.1 g/L CD. As CGT could yield sufficient CD in the patties, we investigated whether CDs produced by CGT could mask the off-flavors released from the plant-based patties. The CGT-treated patties had significantly lower volatilization amounts of the known beany off-flavor-generating compounds compared to the non-treated patties. Moreover, CGT treatment improved the texture of the patties and increased their water- and oil-holding capacity. As CGT is rendered inactive after cooking, it would not be considered an additive. These findings indicated that CDs produced by the CGT reaction could effectively mask off-flavors of meat analogs and improve their physical properties while meeting clean-label requirements.
Phytochemical profiling and cellular antioxidant efficacy of different rice varieties in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells exposed to oxidative stress
Authors: Tyagi Akanksha , Shabbir Umair , Chen Xiuqin , Chelliah Ramachandran , Elahi Fazle , Ham Hun Ju , Oh Deog-Hwan
Published: June 2022

In the present study, white (Baegilmi), brown (hyunmi) and black (chalheugmi) Korean local rice varieties ethanol extracts were analyzed for in-vitro antioxidant assays (ABTS, FRAP and DPPH), cellular antioxidant activities (CAAs) and phenolic phytochemicals content. The highest antioxidant assays, phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanins content were identified among the free fractions of black rice. Phenolic phytochemicals were detected and quantified using the ultra-high-performance liquid tandem chromatography quadrupole flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS2). Which indicated the richness of several phytochemicals like ascorbic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, catechin, epigallocatechin and quercetin in black rice than in other rice samples. The cellular antioxidant activities (CAA) of black rice were found equivalent to that of ascorbic acid, the standard employed in the assay. The CAAs of free fractions were as follows: white rice < brown rice < black rice. These findings are significant for enhancing human health through increased consumption of black and brown rice in the development of functional food products.
Sex-specific tuning of modular muscle activation patterns for locomotion in young and older adults
Authors: Santuz Alessandro , Janshen Lars , Brüll Leon , Munoz-Martel Victor , Taborri Juri , Rossi Stefano , Arampatzis Adamantios
Published: June 2022

There is increasing evidence that including sex as a biological variable is of crucial importance to promote rigorous, repeatable and reproducible science. In spite of this, the body of literature that accounts for the sex of participants in human locomotion studies is small and often produces controversial results. Here, we investigated the modular organization of muscle activation patterns for human locomotion using the concept of muscle synergies with a double purpose: i) uncover possible sex-specific characteristics of motor control and ii) assess whether these are maintained in older age. We recorded electromyographic activities from 13 ipsilateral muscles of the lower limb in young and older adults of both sexes walking (young and old) and running (young) on a treadmill. The data set obtained from the 215 participants was elaborated through non-negative matrix factorization to extract the time-independent (i.e., motor modules) and time-dependent (i.e., motor primitives) coefficients of muscle synergies. We found sparse sex-specific modulations of motor control. Motor modules showed a different contribution of hip extensors, knee extensors and foot dorsiflexors in various synergies. Motor primitives were wider (i.e., lasted longer) in males in the propulsion synergy for walking (but only in young and not in older adults) and in the weight acceptance synergy for running. Moreover, the complexity of motor primitives was similar in younger adults of both sexes, but lower in older females as compared to older males. In essence, our results revealed the existence of small but defined sex-specific differences in the way humans control locomotion and that these are not entirely maintained in older age.
Occurrence and characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. in diseased dogs in Brazil
Authors: Viegas Flávia Mello , Santana Jordana Almeida , Silva Brendhal Almeida , Xavier Rafael Gariglio Clark , Bonisson Cláudia Teixeira , Câmara Júlia Lara Sette , Rennó Mário Cesar , Cunha João Luis Reis , Figueiredo Henrique César Pereira , Lobato Francisco Carlos Faria , Silva Rodrigo Otávio Silveira
Published: June 2022

Staphylococcus pseudintermediusis a major commensal bacterium of the skin and mucosae of dogs and an opportunistic agent responsible for several clinical infections, such as pyoderma, otitis, and surgical wound infections. The emergence of methicillin-resistantS.pseudintermedius(MRSP) has become a problem of great concern in veterinary and human medicine because it is multidrug resistant (MDR) and can also infect humans. This study aimed to identify the occurrence ofStaphylococcusspp. in infected patients and investigate the antimicrobial resistance profiles and molecular structure of MRSP isolates. Samples were obtained from two different veterinary clinics; suggestive colonies were submitted to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry and confirmed at the species level by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequencing of the16S rRNAandrpoBgenes were used in selected samples that were not identified by MALDI-ToF and by the species-specific PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility and PCR detection ofmecAwere performed. MRSP isolates were subjected to multilocus sequence typing. Of all the clinical staphylococci (n = 131), 98 (74.8%) were identified asS.pseudintermedius. Multidrug resistance (resistance to ≥3 classes of antimicrobials) was observed in 63.2% ofS.pseudintermediusisolates, and 24.5% ofS.pseudintermediusisolates were methicillin-resistant. Half of the MRSP isolates were isolated from surgical site infections. Among the ten sequence types (ST) identified, nine were novel. ST71 was the most prevalent and associated with resistance to fluoroquinolones. Prior antimicrobial therapy, hospitalization, and surgical site infections seemed to be risk factors for MRSP acquisition. The present study showed a high rate of MDR staphylococci in infected dogs. MRSP was isolated from different clinical conditions, mainly surgical site infections. Additionally, this is the first study to extensively investigate the population structure of MRSP in Brazil, which revealed the dispersion of CC71 and nine novel ST. These findings raise concerns for both animal and human health due to the zoonotic potential of this species and limited therapeutic options available for MRSP infections.
Growth and development of succulent mixtures for extensive green roofs in a Mediterranean climate
Authors: Di Miceli Giuseppe , Iacuzzi Nicolò , Licata Mario , La Bella Salvatore , Tuttolomondo Teresa , Aprile Simona
Published: June 2022

Green roof systems, aimed at reducing anthropic impact on the environment, are considered environmental mitigation technologies and adopted by many countries across the world to strengthen urban ecosystem services. This study evaluates two mixtures of succulent: one of Crassulaceae and the other of Aizoaceae, used in the creation of a continuous and homogenous plant groundcover in Mediterranean environments. To assess the species mixtures, the parameters plant height, growth index, cover percentage and flowering were observed. Hydrological observations were also carried out to evaluate the rainfall retained by the test system in any given month. All data were subjected to analysis of variance. Growth indicators in the study showed trends characteristic of xeric plants, which tend to slow down in dry, summer climate conditions to the point of halting plant vertical growth and ground cover development completely. The Aizocaeae mix, during the initial stage, showed prevalent horizontal growth, confirmed by greater a greater growth index (13,21) and cover percentage (45%) compared to Sedum (Growth index: 3,61; Cover: 36%). In contrast, the Sedum mix recorded greater vertical growth at the beginning (Sedum mixture: 7.53 cm; Aizoaceae mixture: 6,11 cm). During the final stages of observations, however, greater vertical growth in the Aizoaceae (7,88 cm) became apparent together with a recovery in horizontal growth in the Sedum (79%), albeit not sufficient to outperform the Aizoaceae mixture (87%). Flowering in the two mixtures occurred between late spring and late summer. The Sedum mixture guaranteed a longer flowering period (130 days) compared to the Aizoaceae (93 days), with a gradual start followed by steady flower emission. Regarding rainfall water retention, a comparison of the mixtures in late winter/early spring revealed that the Sedum performed best (44.9 L m2 vs 37.4 L m2), whilst the Aizoaceae outperformed the Sedum in Autumn (63 L m2 vs 55 L m2), in conjunction with favorable growth rates in both species mixtures. Both mixtures demonstrated satisfying results and are considered suited to a Mediterranean environment. Furthermore, based on the different growth rates of the species in the two test mixtures, this study suggests that new combinations of Sedum and Aizoaceae together might prove more resilient in Mediterranean environments.
Physiotherapists’ Evidence-Based Practice profiles by HS-EBP questionnaire in Spain: A cross-sectional normative study
Authors: Fernández-Domínguez Juan C. , De Pedro-Gómez Joan E. , Jiménez-López Rafael , Romero-Franco Natalia , Bays Moneo Ana B. , Oliva-Pascual-Vaca Ángel , Sesé-Abad Albert
Published: June 2022

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is a cost-effective approach for improving the quality of clinical care and implementing only well-tested evidence. Health professions, especially physiotherapy, must embrace EBP principles. This paper presents normative data from the Spanish physiotherapist population using the Health-Sciences Evidence-Based Practice questionnaire and explores EBP clusters/profiles of professionals in practice. An intentional sample of 419 practicing physiotherapists was recruited from the Spanish Professional Council of Physiotherapy. Participants completed a cross-sectional online survey with 60 Likert items (scale 1–10) measuring 5 dimensions: 1) Beliefs and attitudes, 2) Results from literature, 3) Professional practice, 4) Assessment of results, and 5) Barriers and Facilitators. The protocol also included sociodemographic, training, and practice-related contrast variables. Normative data were estimated and tabulated for each dimension and then a K-means clustering procedure was implemented using the contrast variables. Results for normative data showed, in descending order, the following 50th percentile values for the five EBP factors: Beliefs and attitudes (8.25), Professional practice (8.00), Assessment of results (7.42), Results from literature (6.71), and EBP Barriers and Facilitators (5.17); all expressed on a scale of 1 to 10. Academic degree, EBP training level, and work time shared in healthcare activity, research, or teaching activity were all statistically significant for discriminating EBP dimension scores. Finally, six different clusters showed that when EBP level is low, the scores in all dimensions are equally low, and vice-versa. The EBP dimensions "Beliefs and attitudes", "Professional practice", and "Evaluation of results" obtained better normative scores overall than "Search for bibliographic evidence and its inclusion in practice" and especially "Perception of EBP barriers", which had the worst score. Normative data are useful for comparing individual scores and the reference population, and information about clusters will enable appropriate global EBP intervention programs to be designed and implemented.
Muscarinic receptor activation in colon cancer selectively augments pro-proliferative microRNA-21, microRNA-221 and microRNA-222 expression
Authors: Larabee Shannon M. , Cheng Kunrong , Raufman Jean-Pierre , Hu Shien
Published: June 2022

Overexpression of M3 subtype muscarinic receptors (M3R) hastens colon cancer progression. As microRNA (miRNA) expression is commonly dysregulated in cancer, we used microarrays to examine miRNA profiles in muscarinic receptor agonist-treated human colon cancer cells. We used quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) to validate microarray results and examine miRNA expression in colon cancers and adjacent normal colon. These assays revealed that acetylcholine (ACh) treatment robustly induced miR-222 expression; miR-222 levels were three-fold higher in cancer compared to normal colon. In kinetic studies, ACh induced a 4.6-fold increase in pri-miR-222 levels within 1 h, while mature miR-222 increased gradually to 1.8-fold within 4 h. To identify post-M3R signaling mediating these actions, we used chemical inhibitors and agonists. ACh-induced increases in pri-miR-222 were attenuated by pre-incubating cells with atropine and inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) and p38 MAPK. Treatment with a PKC agonist, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, increased pri-miR-222 levels, an effect blocked by PKC and p38 MAPK inhibitors, but not by atropine. Notably, treatment with ACh or transfection with miR-222 mimics increased cell proliferation; atropine blocked the effects of ACh but not miR-222. These findings identify a novel mechanism whereby post-M3R PKC/p38 MAPK signaling stimulates miR-222 expression and colon cancer cell proliferation.
Un callejón sin salida. La reforma del sistema electoral franquista, 1957-1973
Authors: Domper Lasús Carlos
Published: June 2022

Este artículo sitúa las propuestas de reforma electoral surgidas del Ministerio de la Gobernación entre 1957 y 1973 en el marco de la disputa que mantuvieron la Secretaría General del Movimiento y Presidencia del Gobierno durante dicho periodo. Sobre la base de documentos inéditos del AGA y del Archivo del Ministerio del Interior el texto señala tres conclusiones. Entre finales de los cincuenta y principios de los setenta hubo varias propuestas para reformar el sistema electoral con el objetivo de modernizarlo y adaptarlo a las cambiantes necesidades del régimen. Todas ellas estuvieron atravesadas por los principales pilares sobre los que giraban las estrategias de cada uno de los dos grupos. Finalmente, ninguna de ellas salió adelante bien por el miedo de las autoridades a que cualquier mínima reforma abriese el camino a los partidos políticos, bien por no constituir un compromiso entre las posiciones de todos los grupos implicados.
La participación política de los intelectuales españoles. La proyección de la Gran Guerra, la Revolución Rusa y Versalles en la crisis de la Restauración
Authors: Ribagorda Alvaro
Published: June 2022

Se analiza aquí el protagonismo político de los intelectuales en España durante la crisis de la Restauración, y en relación a los grandes debates políticos e ideológicos que marcaron el comienzo del periodo de entreguerras. Esa coyuntura internacional definida por la 1ª Guerra Mundial, la Revolución Rusa de 1917, el armisticio, el Tratado de Versalles y la creación de la Sociedad de Naciones, así como los debates que generaron, fueron proyectados como marco de un conflicto político nacional, entrelazándose su presencia en el debate público español con las crisis políticas nacionales de esos años. Se estudia como los intelectuales se convirtieron en protagonistas del debate político español de entreguerras, y sus formas de influencia social, y sus consecuencias para la España de los años veinte y treinta.
La representación audiovisual de la música punk: un estudio ideológico y contextual
Authors: Rebollo-Bueno Sara
Published: June 2022

En la década de 1980 se originó el punk debido a un contexto social, político y económico característico, marcado por el desasosiego y la desesperanza. Esto llevó a que parte de la juventud vasca de los ochenta se reconociese con la identidad punk y todo lo que ella conllevaba como, por ejemplo, la ideología anarquista.
Este estudio se plantea si los textos audiovisuales dedicados al punk han reflejado de forma fiel lo que significó esta música a nivel político, ideológico, social y cultural. Para esto, se aplica un análisis ideológico y un análisis crítico del discurso a la primera trilogía sobre el punk de Kikol Grau.
La Revolución Rusa en las viñetas europeas. Un análisis sobre la agenda-setting histórica
Authors: Sánchez Mellado María
Published: June 2022

La agenda-setting ha sido identificada como una herramienta a través de la cual estudiar la opinión pública histórica. Este artículo pretende reconstruir la opinión pública relativa a la Revolución Rusa en Europa. Para ello se ha realizado un análisis de contenido cuantitativo de 746 viñetas publicadas en revistas de diez países europeos desde marzo de 1917 hasta diciembre de 1917. Los resultados evidencian que en la imagen transmitida de la revolución hubo un doble relato que se basa en la división de Europa provocada por la Primera Guerra Mundial entre Aliados y aliadófilos e Imperios Centrales y germanófilos.
Representación del Populismo en la prensa tradicional española
Authors: Marín Lladó Carles , Cervi Laura , Rodríguez-Polo Xosé Ramón
Published: June 2022

La proyección y relevancia del fenómeno del populismo en la última década ha provocado que la prensa tradicional se quede fuera de la estrategia de comunicación que marcan los políticos populistas principalmente a través de las redes sociales. El objetivo de este artículo es indagar en el papel que ejercen los dos periódicos más importantes de España ante el tratamiento de los términos “populismo” y “populista” en sus informaciones diarias. La muestra de este artículo está integrada por 1.832 noticias y artículos de El País y El Mundo durante los años 2019 y 2020, en los que se realiza un análisis del recorrido de estos dos vocablos a partir de un análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo. El estudio revela las connotaciones negativas de los términos aplicados a los partidos políticos y a sus líderes, especialmente a Vox y Podemos, si bien la mayoría de las informaciones analizadas tiende a hablar del populismo/populista como idea, ideología o fenómeno sociológico.
SISTEMATIZAÇÃO DOS CUSTOS DA PESQUISA NACIONAL POR AMOSTRA DE DOMICÍLIOS CONTÍNUA – IBGE: UM RECORTE EM FLORIANÓPOLIS
Authors: Peres Júlia Gonçalves , Raupp Fabiano Maury
Published: June 2022

Objetivo: O estudo teve por objetivo propor a sistematização dos custos da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios Contínua desenvolvida pelo IBGE em Florianópolis, Santa Catarina.

Procedimentos Metodológicos: A PNADC compõe o portfólio de trabalhos desenvolvidos pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, e caracteriza–se como objeto desse estudo. A pesquisa é do tipo descritiva, realizada por meio de um estudo de caso e documental, com abordagem qualitativa e a quantitativa. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio da extração de informações em sistemas gerenciais internos e do Governo Federal, além de relatórios, planilhas e documentos organizacionais.

Resultados: A proposta de sistematização de custos consiste em algumas etapas que iniciam com a identificação de todos os gastos; na sequência, esses gastos são classificados entre custos diretos – prontamente atribuídos ao objeto de custo – e indiretos para os quais foi necessário estabelecer um critério de rateio. O critério utilizado foi a carga de trabalho do órgão em Santa Catarina, ou seja, quantos questionários foram colhidos em cada pesquisa realizada pelo Instituto. Após a definição do método de distribuição dos custos indiretos, atribui–se os custos diretos e indiretos e calculou–se o quanto a PNADC em Florianópolis custou em 2017. Por meio da divisão entre o custo total da PNADC pelo número de questionários coletados nos domicílios sob a alçada de Florianópolis, chegou–se ao valor de R$ 261,89 por questionário respondido. O custo de cada questionário proporciona embasamento para projeção de custo total da pesquisa em cada período, relacionando o tamanho da amostra, o tempo para coleta, o corpo técnico e os recursos necessários para sua execução.

Originalidade: O assunto custos no setor público é recente e incipiente, apesar das primeiras publicações da década de 60, haja vista as questões que devem ser discutidas, refletidas e elucidadas. O tratamento no âmbito das pesquisas domiciliares, e mesmo das estatísticas oficiais, é escasso.
PROCESSO DECISÓRIO EM UMA MPE: O DILEMA DE ROBSON PAI E ROBSON FILHO
Authors: PEREIRA JUSSARA JESSICA , CAPPELLE MONICA CARVALHO ALVES , REZENDE ANA FLÁVIA , OLETO ALICE DE FREITAS
Published: June 2022

Dilema: a partir da discussão entre dois gestores, de gerações distintas, surge o dilema de avaliar uma decisão tomada. O dilema centra-se em analisar como tal decisão afeta os interesses da empresa, dos sócios, bem como outras partes interessadas.

Objetivo educacional: trazer uma reflexão quanto ao processo de gestão em ambiente empresarial familiar, destacando questões como processo de tomada de decisão, liderança, relações de poder, estilos de gestão, comportamento humano nas organizações e planejamento estratégico.

Contextualização: a tomada de decisão exige a transformação dos dados em ação de modo que a qualidade da decisão seja a peça-chave para o sucesso de uma organização. A Paper & Art é uma empresa familiar, localizada em Minas Gerais, Brasil, e possui sete funcionários. O caso de ensino tem como foco a história de pai e filho que, ao comandarem um comércio no ramo de papelaria, se deparam com desafios que exigem a necessidade de combinar os esforços dos envolvidos, evitando que as disparidades de objetivos dos membros prejudiquem a empresa.

Tema principal: o caso possibilita discussões sobre processos decisórios, qualidade da decisão e conflitos entre gerações nas empresas familiares.

Público: o caso pode ser aplicado a estudantes de negócios e em disciplinas de graduação ou pós-graduação que envolva decisões, poder e conflito.

Originalidade / valor: na situação real apresentada, existe a necessidade de combinar os esforços dos envolvidos, evitando que as disparidades de objetivos dos membros prejudiquem a empresa. Esta é a originalidade do caso.
NEM DESISTIR, NEM TENTAR! SERÁ QUE CANTAR AGORA TANTO FAZ? O DILEMA DE LUKA NUM CONTEXTO PANDÊMICO
Authors: Santos Kathyana Vanessa Diniz , Abrantes Luciene Alencar Firmo
Published: June 2022

Dilema: Fazer ou não uma “live”.

Objetivo educacional: O caso foi elaborado com o intuito de discutir questões relativas a cenários de crise e tomada de decisão, além de trazer perspectivas de análise de mudanças advindas de interações entre aspectos internos e externos às organizações. Nas notas de ensino constam 6 objetivos de aprendizagem associados, principalmente: a análise do ambiente, metáforas organizacionais, decisões não programadas e os elementos de decisão.

Contextualização: O surgimento de um contexto pandêmico gerou uma crise mundial que acabou impactando a indústria da música de diversas formas. Um dos impactos concerne à popularização de um novo formato de produção musical (as “lives”). Um cantor e compositor de 30 anos, Luka, teve seus objetivos profissionais comprometidos em virtude dessa situação pandêmica e, juntamente com o pessoal da sua agência, precisava avaliar as possíveis consequências envolvidas na decisão de aderir ou não à realização de uma “live”; tendo que desenvolver potencialmente novas habilidades para encarar esse cenário.

Tema principal: Cenários de crise e tomada de decisão.

Público: O caso pode ser explorado por alunos de graduação e/ou pós-graduação (lato e/ou stricto sensu).

Originalidade / valor: Por meio desse caso, os alunos podem identificar a presença de elementos teóricos numa situação prática, associando-a, por exemplo, às conceituações de metáforas propostas por Morgan (2007) para conceber a natureza de uma organização.