bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Piperazin-4-yl-(acetyl-thiazolidine-2,4-dione) Norfloxacin Analogues as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Marc Gabriel , Araniciu Cătălin , Oniga Smaranda Dafina , Vlase Laurian , Pîrnău Adrian , Nadăș George Cosmin , Novac Cristiana Ștefania , Matei Ioana Adriana , Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen , Măruțescu Luminița , Oniga Ovidiu
Published: November 2019

In an effort to improve the antimicrobial activity of norfloxacin, a series of hybrid norfloxacin–thiazolidinedione molecules were synthesized and screened for their direct antimicrobial activity and their anti-biofilm properties. The new hybrids were intended to have a new binding mode to DNA gyrase, that will allow for a more potent antibacterial effect, and for activity against current quinolone-resistant bacterial strains. Moreover, the thiazolidinedione moiety aimed to include additional anti-pathogenicity by preventing biofilm formation. The resulting compounds showed promising direct activity against Gram-negative strains, and anti-biofilm activity against Gram-positive strains. Docking studies and ADMET were also used in order to explain the biological properties and revealed some potential advantages over the parent molecule norfloxacin.
Development of Starch-Based Antifungal Coatings by Incorporation of Natamycin/Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex for Postharvest Treatments on Cherry Tomato against Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Yang Yuexi , Huan Chen , Liang Xianrui , Fang Sheng , Wang Jian , Chen Jie
Published: November 2019

The application of natamycin as a natural fungicide in edible coatings is challenging because of its low aqueous solubility. In this study, the natamycin/methyl-β-cyclodextrin (N/ME-β-CD) inclusion complex was fabricated and incorporated into waxy corn starch-based coatings for postharvest treatments. The phase solubility of natamycin in the presence of ME-β-CD at 293.2 K, 303.2 K, and 313.2 K is determined and used to calculate the process thermodynamic parameters. The N/ME-β-CD inclusion complex was confirmed and characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The results indicated that the inclusion complex was formed and the hydrophobic part (C16-C26) of natamycin might be partially inserted into the cavity of ME-β-CD form the wide rim. The effects of N/ME-β-CD incorporated starch-based coatings (N/ME-β-CD S coatings) on postharvest treatments of cherry tomatoes were evaluated in vivo. The N/ME-β-CD S coatings could reduce weight loss, delay fruit ripening, and inhibit fruit decay caused by Botrytis cinerea in tomato fruit during storage.
Annona coriacea Mart. Fractions Promote Cell Cycle Arrest and Inhibit Autophagic Flux in Human Cervical Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Gomes Izabela N. Faria , Silva-Oliveira Renato J. , Oliveira Silva Viviane A. , Rosa Marcela N. , Vital Patrik S. , Barbosa Maria Cristina S. , dos Santos Fábio Vieira , Junqueira João Gabriel M. , Severino Vanessa G. P. , Oliveira Bruno G , Romão Wanderson , Reis Rui Manuel , Ribeiro Rosy Iara Maciel de Azambuja
Published: November 2019

Plant-based compounds are an option to explore and perhaps overcome the limitations of current antitumor treatments. Annona coriacea Mart. is a plant with a broad spectrum of biological activities, but its antitumor activity is still unclear. The purpose of our study was to determine the effects of A. coriacea fractions on a panel of cervical cancer cell lines and a normal keratinocyte cell line. The antitumor effect was investigated in vitro by viability assays, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, and invasion assays. Intracellular signaling was assessed by Western blot, and major compounds were identified by mass spectrometry. All fractions exhibited a cytotoxic effect on cisplatin-resistant cell lines, SiHa and HeLa. C3 and C5 were significantly more cytotoxic and selective than cisplatin in SiHa and Hela cells. However, in CaSki, a cisplatin-sensitive cell line, the compounds did not demonstrate higher cytotoxicity when compared with cisplatin. Alkaloids and acetogenins were the main compounds identified in the fractions. These fractions also markedly decreased cell proliferation with p21 increase and cell cycle arrest in G2/M. These effects were accompanied by an increase of H2AX phosphorylation levels and DNA damage index. In addition, fractions C3 and C5 promoted p62 accumulation and decrease of LC3II, as well as acid vesicle levels, indicating the inhibition of autophagic flow. These findings suggest that A. coriacea fractions may become effective antineoplastic drugs and highlight the autophagy inhibition properties of these fractions in sensitizing cervical cancer cells to treatment.
Design and Synthesis of Novel Breast Cancer Therapeutic Drug Candidates Based upon the Hydrophobic Feedback Approach of Antiestrogens
Authors: Ohta Kiminori , Kaise Asako , Taguchi Fumi , Aoto Sayaka , Ogawa Takumi , Endo Yasuyuki
Published: November 2019

Based upon hydrophobic feedback approaches, we designed and synthesized novel sulfur-containing ERα modulators (4 and 5) as breast cancer therapeutic drug candidates. The tetrahydrothiepine derivative 5a showed the highest binding affinity toward ERα because of its high hydrophobicity, and it acted as an agonist toward MCF-7 cell proliferation. The corresponding alkylamino derivative 5d maintained high binding affinity to ERα and potently inhibited MCF-7 cell proliferation (IC50: 0.09 μM). Docking simulation studies of compound 5d with the ERα BD revealed that the large hydrophobic moiety of compound 5d fit well into the hydrophobic pocket of the ERα LBD and that the sulfur atom of compound 5d formed a sulfur–π interaction with the amino acid residue His524 of the ERα LBD. These interactions play important roles for the binding affinity of compound 5d to the ERα LBD.
Apoptotic Induction and Anti-Migratory Effects of Rhazya Stricta Fruit Extracts on a Human Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Al-Zharani Mohammed , Nasr Fahd A. , Abutaha Nael , Alqahtani Ali S. , Noman Omar M. , Mubarak Mohammed , Wadaan Muhammad A.
Published: November 2019

Rhazya stricta is a medicinal plant that is widely used in Saudi folklore medicine for treatment of various diseases. R. stricta fruit powder was sequentially extracted with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol using a Soxhlet extractor. The cytotoxic effects of these fractions on human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and non-tumorigenic control cells (MCF-10A) were evaluated via cell viability measurements, microscopy, gene expression, and migration assays. Moreover, the effect of the most promising extract on 7,12-dimethyl-benz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer was investigated in rats. The promising extract was also subjected to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Fruit extracts of R. stricta were significantly cytotoxic toward all tested cell lines, as demonstrated by MTT and LDH assays. Treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells with fruit ethyl acetate fraction (RSF EtOAc) increased expression 11of P53, Bax and activation of caspase 3/7. A cell migration scratch assay demonstrated that extracts at non-cytotoxic concentrations exerted a potent anti-migration activity against the highly invasive MDA-MB-231 cell line. Moreover, RT-PCR results showed that RSF EtOAc significantly downregulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, which play an important role in breast cancer metastasis. Histological studies of breast tissue in experimental animals showed a slight improvement in tissue treated with fruit ethyl acetate extract. GC-MS chromatogram showed thirteen peaks with major constituents were camphor, trichosenic acid and guanidine. Our current study demonstrates that fruit extracts of R. stricta are cytotoxic toward breast cancer cell lines through apoptotic mechanisms.
DC Self-Field Critical Current in Superconductor/Dirac-Cone Material/Superconductor Junctions
Authors: Talantsev Evgueni
Published: November 2019

Recently, several research groups have reported on anomalous enhancement of the self-field critical currents, Ic(sf,T), at low temperatures in superconductor/Dirac-cone material/superconductor (S/DCM/S) junctions. Some papers attributed the enhancement to the low-energy Andreev bound states arising from winding of the electronic wave function around DCM. In this paper, Ic(sf,T) in S/DCM/S junctions have been analyzed by two approaches: modified Ambegaokar-Baratoff and ballistic Titov-Beenakker models. It is shown that the ballistic model, which is traditionally considered to be a basic model to describe Ic(sf,T) in S/DCM/S junctions, is an inadequate tool to analyze experimental data from these type of junctions, while Ambegaokar-Baratoff model, which is generally considered to be a model for Ic(sf,T) in superconductor/insulator/superconductor junctions, provides good experimental data description. Thus, there is a need to develop a new model for self-field critical currents in S/DCM/S systems.
Amino Acid Availability of a Dairy and Vegetable Protein Blend Compared to Single Casein, Whey, Soy, and Pea Proteins: A Double-Blind, Cross-Over Trial
Authors: Liu Jue , Klebach Marianne , Visser Monique , Hofman Zandrie
Published: November 2019

Protein quality is important for patients needing medical nutrition, especially those dependent on tube feeding. A blend of dairy and vegetable proteins (35% whey, 25% casein, 20% soy, 20% pea; P4) developed to obtain a more balanced amino acid profile with higher chemical scores, was compared to its constituent single proteins. Fourteen healthy elderly subjects received P4, whey, casein, soy, and pea (18 g/360 mL bolus) on five separate visits. Blood samples were collected at baseline until 240 min after intake. Amino acid availability was calculated using incremental maximal concentration (iCmax) and area under the curve (iAUC). Availability for P4 as a sum of all amino acids was similar to casein (iCmax and iAUC) and whey (iCmax) and higher vs. soy (iCmax and iAUC) and pea (iCmax). Individual amino acid availability (iCmax and iAUC) showed different profiles reflecting the composition of the protein sources: availability of leucine and methionine was higher for P4 vs. soy and pea; availability of arginine was higher for P4 vs. casein and whey. Conclusions: The P4 amino acid profile was reflected in post-prandial plasma levels and may be regarded as more balanced compared to the constituent single proteins.
Intra-Abdominal Pressure as a Marker of Enteral Nutrition Intolerance in Critically Ill Patients. The PIANE Study
Authors: Bordejé M , Montejo Juan , Mateu M , Solera Manuel , Acosta Jose , Juan Mar , García-Córdoba Francisco , García-Martínez Miguel , Gastaldo Rosa ,   PIANE STUDY GROUP SPAIN
Published: November 2019

To determine whether elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is associated with a higher rate of enteral nutrition-related gastrointestinal (GI) complications; to assess the value of IAP as a predictor of enteral nutrition (EN) intolerance. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients on mechanical ventilation requiring at least 5 days of EN were recruited for a prospective, observational, non-interventional, multicenter study. EN was performed and GI complications were managed with an established protocol. IAP was determined via a urinary catheter. Patients who developed any GI complications were considered as presenting EN intolerance. Variables related to EN, IAP and GI complications were monitored daily. Statistical analysis compared patients without GI complications (group A) vs. GI complications (group B). 247 patients were recruited from 28 participating ICUs (group A: 119, group B: 128). No differences between groups were recorded. Patients in group B (p < 0.001) spent more days on EN (8.1 ± 8.4 vs. 18.1 ± 13.7), on mechanical ventilation (8.0 ± 7.7 vs. 19.3 ± 14.9) and in the ICU (12.3 ± 11.4 vs. 24.8 ± 17.5). IAP prior to the GI complication was (14.3 ± 3.1 vs. 15.8 ± 4.8) (p < 0.003). The best IAP value identified for EN intolerance was 14 mmHg but it had low sensitivity and specificity. Although a higher IAP was associated with EN intolerance, IAP alone did not emerge as a good predictor of EN intolerance in critically ill patients.
The Effects of Soy and its Components on Risk Factors and End Points of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Zampelas Antonis
Published: November 2019

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the main cause of death in Westernized societies [...]
Rapid Discrimination of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Kim Jung-Min , Kim Inhee , Chung Sung Hee , Chung Yousun , Han Minje , Kim Jae-Seok
Published: November 2019

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious pathogen in clinical settings and early detection is critical. Here, we investigated the MRSA discrimination potential of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) using 320 clinical S. aureus isolates obtained in 2005–2014 and 181 isolates obtained in 2018. We conducted polymerase chain reactions (PCR) for staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing and MALDI-TOF MS to find specific markers for methicillin resistance. We identified 21 peaks with significant differences between MRSA and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), as determined by mecA and SCCmec types. Each specific peak was sufficient to discriminate MRSA. We developed two methods for simple discrimination according to these peaks. First, a decision tree for MRSA based on six MRSA-specific peaks, three MSSA-specific peaks, and two SCCmec type IV peaks showed a sensitivity of 96.5%. Second, simple discrimination based on four MRSA-specific peaks and one MSSA peak had a maximum sensitivity of 88.3%. The decision tree applied to 181 S. aureus isolates from 2018 had a sensitivity of 87.6%. In conclusion, we used specific peaks to develop sensitive MRSA identification methods. This rapid and easy MALDI-TOF MS approach can improve patient management.
West Nile Virus Induced Cell Death in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Peng Bi-Hung , Wang Tian
Published: November 2019

West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne, single-stranded flavivirus, has caused annual outbreaks of viral encephalitis in the United States since 1999. The virus induces acute infection with a clinical spectrum ranging from a mild flu-like febrile symptom to more severe neuroinvasive conditions, including meningitis, encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, and death. Some WNV convalescent patients also developed long-term neurological sequelae. Neither the treatment of WNV infection nor an approved vaccine is currently available for humans. Neuronal death in the central nervous system (CNS) is a hallmark of WNV-induced meningitis and encephalitis. However, the underlying mechanisms of WNV-induced neuronal damage are not well understood. In this review, we discuss current findings from studies of WNV infection in vitro in the CNS resident cells and the in vivo animal models, and provide insights into WNV-induced neuropathogenesis.
Vacuum Energy Decay from a q-Bubble
Authors: Klinkhamer Frans R. , Santillán Osvaldo P. , Volovik Grigory E. , Zhou Albert
Published: November 2019

We consider a finite-size spherical bubble with a nonequilibrium value of the q-field, where the bubble is immersed in an infinite vacuum with the constant equilibrium value q 0 for the q-field (this q 0 has already cancelled an initial cosmological constant). Numerical results are presented for the time evolution of such a q-bubble with gravity turned off and with gravity turned on. For small enough bubbles and a q-field energy scale sufficiently below the gravitational energy scale E Planck , the vacuum energy of the q-bubble is found to disperse completely. For large enough bubbles and a finite value of E Planck , the vacuum energy of the q-bubble disperses only partially and there occurs gravitational collapse near the bubble center.
Antibacterial Nanocomposites Based on Thermosetting Polymers Derived from Vegetable Oils and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Diez-Pascual Ana Maria
Published: November 2019

Thermosetting polymers derived from vegetable oils (VOs) exhibit a wide range of outstanding properties that make them suitable for coatings, paints, adhesives, food packaging, and other industrial appliances. In addition, some of them show remarkable antimicrobial activity. Nonetheless, the antibacterial properties of these materials can be significantly improved via incorporation of very small amounts of metal oxide nanoparticles (MO-NPs) such as TiO2, ZnO, CuO, or Fe3O4. The antimicrobial efficiency of these NPs correlates with their structural properties like size, shape, and mainly on their concentration and degree of functionalization. Owing to their nanoscale dimensions, high specific surface area and tailorable surface chemistry, MO-NPs can discriminate bacterial cells from mammalian ones, offering long-term antibacterial action. MO-NPs provoke bacterial toxicity through generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can target physical structures, metabolic paths, as well as DNA synthesis, thereby leading to cell decease. Furthermore, other modes of action—including lipid peroxidation, cell membrane lysis, redox reactions at the NP–cell interface, bacterial phagocytosis, etc.—have been reported. In this work, a brief description of current literature on the antimicrobial effect of VO-based thermosetting polymers incorporating MO-NPs is provided. Specifically, the preparation of the nanocomposites, their morphology, and antibacterial properties are comparatively discussed. A critical analysis of the current state-of-art on these nanomaterials improves our understanding to overcome antibiotic resistance and offers alternatives to struggle bacterial infections in public places.
Low-Cost Quantitation of Multiple Volatile Organic Compounds in Air Using Solid-Phase Microextraction
Authors: Ibragimova Olga P. , Baimatova Nassiba , Kenessov Bulat
Published: November 2019

Current standard approaches for quantitation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in outdoor air are labor-intensive and/or require additional equipment. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a simpler alternative; however, its application is often limited by complex calibration, the need for highly pure gases and the lack of automation. Earlier, we proposed the simple, automated and accurate method for quantitation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) in air using 20 mL headspace vials and standard addition calibration. The aim of present study was to expand this method for quantitation of >20 VOCs in air. Twenty-five VOCs were chosen for the method development. Polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB) fiber provided better combination of detection limits and relative standard deviations of calibration slopes than other studied fibers. Optimal extraction time was 10 min. For quantification of all analytes except n-undecane, crimp top vials with samples should not stand on the autosampler tray for >8 h, while 22 most stable analytes can be quantified during 24 h. The developed method was successfully tested for automated quantification of VOCs in outdoor air samples collected in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the responses of 23 VOCs were below 15.6%. Toluene-to-benzene concentration ratios were below 1.0 in colder days, indicating that most BTEX originated from non-transport-related sources.
A Systematic Review of Eco-Innovation and Performance from the Resource-Based and Stakeholder Perspectives
Authors: Munodawafa Russell Tatenda , Johl Satirenjit Kaur
Published: November 2019

The growing concerns surrounding the precarious state of the biosphere have triggered organizations to develop and implement innovations that curb environmental degradation (eco-innovation). However, eco-innovation is a risky proposition for organizations and their stakeholders, due to uncertainty of outcome. Despite the high investment risk of eco-innovation, the literature that assesses eco-innovation outcomes from an organizational performance perspective is scant. Thus, this paper uses a systematic approach to review eco-innovation and performance literature. The eco-innovation and performance literature reviewed in this paper is sourced from the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) scientific databases. Results from this systematic review suggest that the capital market stakeholder group—an essential stakeholder group—has received little attention in the eco-innovation and performance literature. This is alarming, as this stakeholder group is expected to act in the best interests of the organization—as well as the other stakeholders—especially during strategy formulation and implementation. This paper also finds that the resource-based view and stakeholder theory are frequently utilized in explaining eco-innovation. However, the natural resource-based view is least utilized, despite growing environmental pressures. A multi-theoretical perspective can help to overcome the limitations of one theory, as well as help to unearth additional organizational factors which could potentially catalyze the eco-innovation and performance relationship.
Sustainable Sport: Cardio-Differentiated Planning of Fitness Programs for High School Boys Engaged in Speed Skiing
Authors: Petrov Roman Evgenyevich
Published: November 2019

In speed skiing, an athlete’s functional readiness is tested by means of a bicycle ergometer (EGM). The purpose of this research is to make various mesocycle plans for high school boys, engaged in speed skiing, with due account for their cardio-functional indicators obtained by means of the EGM. The study was attended by the 16–17 years old, first-category and sub-master racing skiers, included in the junior regional teams of the Russian Federation (Republic of Tatarstan and Udmurtia). The total number of subjects included eight men. In training young racing skiers, a differentiated approach combined with leg muscle testing will allow an improvement in sports results more effectively at different stages, as well as monitoring the young athlete’s response to the cardiovascular load. Low cardiac capacity indices have a negative impact on the racing skier’s performance. EGM testing allows determining the maximum cardiac capacity by measuring the amount of oxygen delivered to the working muscles at the HR of 190 beats per minute. Therefore, case-specific aerobic load was planned for each mesocycle according to these data. Based on the cardiac capacity growth, such means of physical training as interval, high-speed, and tempo training were planned.
A Simulation Study on the Potential of Moving Urban Freight by a Cross-City Railway Line
Authors: Potti Praful , Marinov Marin , Sweeney Edward
Published: November 2019

This paper analyses the scope for moving urban freight through rail by evaluating the utilisation levels of the Cross-City railway line in The United Kingdom (UK), running between Lichfield Trent Valley and Birmingham New Street. A simulation model of the railway system was built and implemented using SIMUL8 computer software. The results from the simulation model suggest that the railway line is being under-utilised. These low utilisation levels of the line presented a case to propose three scenarios that has the potential to carry urban freight by rail through Lichfield Trent Valley to Birmingham New Street Station. The total number of services operated on the line is varied between different scenarios. The proposed three scenarios could not only exploit the existing railway infrastructure by improving the utilisation levels of the currently operating railway line, but also proved to reduce an amount of green-house gases (GHGs) emissions that are caused by heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) moving on the road. After simulating all the proposed scenarios in the SIMUL8 simulation software and analysing the results, scenario number 3 seemed to be the best replacement to the actual system as it presents a case to increase the number of train services running per day by in the line by 108 and causing a drastic improvement in the utilisation levels by an increase of 341.71% to that of the actual system. This proposed system has the potential to eliminate 5400 HGVs moving on the road per day that causes a reduction of CO2 gas by approximately 5.4%. All the scenarios presented in the study assures a sustainable method to move the urban freight by rail that has the potential to reduce congestion and emissions in the West Midlands region of the United Kingdom (UK).
Users’ Awareness, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Health Risks Associated with Excessive Lighting in Night Markets: Policy Implications for Sustainable Development
Authors: Nguyen Thi Phuoc Lai , Peña-García Antonio
Published: November 2019

The introduction of artificial lighting has dramatically transformed nighttime activities, becoming a very positive but also disruptive factor that must be optimized and adapted according to the guidelines of sustainable policies. In this framework, night markets in Thailand are definitely popular destinations among locals and tourists that are found in every town and city in the whole country, being the source of livelihoods for many people. It is well-known that shops in night markets frequently use colorful light sources, emitting high levels of illumination to attract customers. Since previous research has shown environmental risks of inappropriate lighting on human health and well-being, as well as on ecosystems, excessive lighting in night markets could have adverse effects on vendors’ health if they are exposed to high illumination levels during long hours every night. This is a risk for people, but also for their attachment to their lands, traditions, culture, and way of life. This study was designed to explore whether excessive illumination of night markets has impacts on vendors’ health and well-being. The research was conducted through an empirical study in a night market in the center of Surin province (Thailand), using observations and a questionnaire survey of 205 vendors and clients (non-vendors). The results show that night markets’ vendors were more likely to suffer from eye- and sleep-related problems than non-vendors. Women were affected more than men. The results also revealed that the majority of both vendors and non-vendors tended to have awareness about excessive lighting impacts on human health, with more vendors tending to agree with the fact than non-vendors. Although night markets’ are their main source of income, the majority of vendors were more unlikely to agree about the contribution of night markets to local livelihoods and development than non-vendors. These findings have implications for the Thai Authority in setting up appropriate lighting policies and regulations for night markets. The target is not only energy savings, but also to protect the public’s health, culture, and traditional livelihoods, in a way that supports sustainable development.
Survivability of Probiotic Bacteria in Model Systems of Non-Fermented and Fermented Coconut and Hemp Milks
Authors: Szparaga Agnieszka , Tabor Sylwester , Kocira Sławomir , Czerwińska Ewa , Kuboń Maciej , Płóciennik Bartosz , Findura Pavol
Published: November 2019

This study aimed at determining the survivability of probiotic bacteria cultures in model non-dairy beverages subjected or not to the fermentation and storage processes, representing milk substitutes. The experimental material included milks produced from desiccated coconut and non-dehulled seeds of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). The plant milks were subjected to chemical and microbiological evaluation immediately after preparation as well as on day 7, 14, and 21 of their cold storage. Study results proved that the produced and modified plant non-dairy beverages could be the matrix for probiotic bacteria. The fermentation process contributed to increased survivability of Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus in both coconut and hemp milk. During 21-day storage of inoculated milk substitutes, the best survivability of Lactobacillus casei was determined in the fermented coconut milk. On day 21 of cold storage, the number of viable Lactobacillus casei cells in the fermented coconut and hemp milks ensured meeting the therapeutic criterion. Due to their nutritional composition and cell count of bacteria having a beneficial effect on the human body, the analyzed groceries—offering an alternative to milk—represent a category of novel food products and their manufacture will contribute to the sustainable development of food production and to food security assurance.
Elevation of Trimethylamine-N-Oxide in Chronic Kidney Disease: Contribution of Decreased Glomerular Filtration Rate
Authors: Pelletier Caroline C. , Croyal Mikael , Ene Lavinia , Aguesse Audrey , Billon-Crossouard Stephanie , Krempf Michel , Lemoine Sandrine , Guebre-Egziabher Fitsum , Juillard Laurent , Soulage Christophe O.
Published: November 2019

Gut microbiota-dependent Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) has been reported to be strongly linked to renal function and to increased cardiovascular events in the general population and in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. Considering the lack of data assessing renal handling of TMAO, we conducted this study to explore renal excretion and mechanisms of accumulation of TMAO during CKD. We prospectively measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) with gold standard methods and plasma concentrations of trimethylamine (TMA), TMAO, choline, betaine, and carnitine by LC-MS/MS in 124 controls, CKD, and hemodialysis (HD) patients. Renal clearance of each metabolite was assessed in a sub-group of 32 patients. Plasma TMAO was inversely correlated with mGFR (r2 = 0.388, p < 0.001), confirming elevation of TMAO plasma levels in CKD. TMAO clearances were not significantly different from mGFR, with a mean ± SD TMAO fractional excretion of 105% ± 32%. This suggests a complete renal excretion of TMAO by glomerular filtration with a negligible participation of tubular secretion or reabsorption, during all stages of CKD. Moreover, TMAO was effectively removed within 4 h of hemodiafiltration, showing a higher fractional reduction value than that of urea (84.9% ± 6.5% vs. 79.2% ± 5.7%, p = 0.04). This study reports a strong correlation between plasma TMAO levels and mGFR, in CKD, that can be mainly related to a decrease in TMAO glomerular filtration. Clearance data did not support a significant role for tubular secretion in TMAO renal elimination.
Morphological and Transcriptomic Analysis of the Inhibitory Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Production
Authors: Zhao Yueju , Zhang Chenxi , Folly Yawa Minnie Elodie , Chang Jinghua , Wang Yan , Zhou Lu , Zhang Heping , Liu Yang
Published: November 2019

Lactobacillus plantarum, as a natural bio-preservative, has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. In this study, 22 L. plantarum strains were tested against the aflatoxin-producing fungus, Aspergillus flavus; strain IAMU80070 showed the highest antifungal activity. At a concentration of 5 × 105 colony-forming units (CFU) mL−1, it completely inhibited A. flavus growth and decreased aflatoxin production by 93%. Furthermore, ultrastructural examination showed that IAMU80070 destroyed the cellular structure of hyphae and spores. To explore the inhibitory effect of IAMU80070 on A. flavus at the transcriptional level, transcriptome data were obtained and subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. The aflatoxin biosynthetic process was the most significantly downregulated functional category, while genes implicated in the synthesis and organization of cell wall polysaccharides were upregulated. Quantitative real-time PCR results verified the credibility and reliability of the RNA sequencing data. These results provided insight into the transcriptome of A. flavus in response to the antagonistic effects of L. plantarum IAMU80070.
The Role of Temperature in Transmission of Zoonotic Arboviruses
Authors: Ciota Alexander T. , Keyel Alexander C.
Published: November 2019

We reviewed the literature on the role of temperature in transmission of zoonotic arboviruses. Vector competence is affected by both direct and indirect effects of temperature, and generally increases with increasing temperature, but results may vary by vector species, population, and viral strain. Temperature additionally has a significant influence on life history traits of vectors at both immature and adult life stages, and for important behaviors such as blood-feeding and mating. Similar to vector competence, temperature effects on life history traits can vary by species and population. Vector, host, and viral distributions are all affected by temperature, and are generally expected to change with increased temperatures predicted under climate change. Arboviruses are generally expected to shift poleward and to higher elevations under climate change, yet significant variability on fine geographic scales is likely. Temperature effects are generally unimodal, with increases in abundance up to an optimum, and then decreases at high temperatures. Improved vector distribution information could facilitate future distribution modeling. A wide variety of approaches have been used to model viral distributions, although most research has focused on the West Nile virus. Direct temperature effects are frequently observed, as are indirect effects, such as through droughts, where temperature interacts with rainfall. Thermal biology approaches hold much promise for syntheses across viruses, vectors, and hosts, yet future studies must consider the specificity of interactions and the dynamic nature of evolving biological systems.
Simulating Electric Vehicle Diffusion and Charging Activities in France and Germany
Authors: Ensslen Axel , Will Christian , Jochem Patrick
Published: November 2019

Plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) are considered to reduce oil dependency, noise, and local air pollution as well as greenhouse gas emissions caused by road transportation. Today, the early market penetration phase has started and can be observed in many countries. But how could the diffusion and adoption of PEV be modeled to create consistent scenarios? With which PEV driving and charging behavior can these scenarios be associated and what load-shifting potentials can be derived? This work provides an answer to these questions by describing a hybrid modeling approach of a PEV diffusion scenario consisting of a top-down macro-econometric Bass model, answering the question as to at what point in time how many PEV will be on the market, and a bottom-up micro-econometric binary logistic PEV adoption model answering who is likely to adopt. This set of methods is applied to representative mobility data sets available for France and Germany in order to simulate driving and charging behaviors of potential French and German PEV adopters. In addition, a sampling method is presented, which reduces computational times while intending to remain representative of the population of PEV adopters considered. This approach enables the consideration of PEV at a detailed level in an agent-based energy system model focusing on European day-ahead markets. Results show that PEV diffusion dynamics are slightly higher in France than in Germany. Furthermore, average plug-in times, average active charging periods, average load-shifting potentials, and average energy charged per PEV differ slightly between France and Germany. Computational times can be reduced by our approach, resulting in the ability to better integrate PEV diffusion, adoption, and representative charging demand in bottom-up energy system models that simulate European wholesale electricity markets.
PROCESSOS DE INVESTIGAÇÃO: TRILHAS E IDEIAS SOBRE SER ORIANTANDO/A E SER ORIENTADOR/A
Authors: Bruno Adriana Rocha
Published: November 2019

Produzir pesquisa no campo das Ciências Humanas envolve intenso estudo sobre o que é Ciência, tipologias de pesquisa, método e metodologia e tantos outros aspectos que estão implicados no tornar-se pesquisador e realizar investigações científicas. Para tudo isso, temos grandes estudiosos e pesquisadores de excelência que se dedicam à escrita de obras referenciais para todos os níveis de pesquisadores. Porém, o presente texto propõe tratar de aspectos que nem sempre estão disponíveis de forma clara em livros e manuais de metodologia científica, estudar epistemologias, abordagens e concepções, ou seja, pontos que são fruto das vivências de ser orientando e ser orientador, pistas para o desenvolvimento de pesquisas e textos científicos. De forma clara e linguagem acessível, relato neste artigo as discussões realizadas na palestra de Abertura do II Seminário de Pesquisadores Brasileiros em Portugal, realizado na Universidade de Lisboa em maio de 2016.
FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES PESQUISADORES: UMA EXPERIÊNCIA DE DESENVOLVIMENTO DA AUTONOMIA E DA EMANCIPAÇÃO DOS SUJEITOS
Authors: Berkenbrock-Rosito Margaréte May
Published: November 2019

Este estudo é um desdobramento da pesquisa: “Auto-avaliação Institucional: a percepção de alunos do ensino fundamental sobre educação de qualidade”, financiada pela FAPESP (Processo N° 2015/11305-2). Trata-se de uma pesquisa intervenção que envolveu quatro escolas públicas, sendo duas da rede estadual e duas da rede municipal, todas situadas no município de São Paulo e uma universidade privada situada na zona leste da cidade. Neste artigo apresenta-se um desafio que foi a formação do professor pesquisador para professores que atuam nas escolas públicas como condição da realização da pesquisa. O processo formativo foi desenvolvido por meio de encontros quinzenais, alternando encontros nas escolas com encontros no Programa de Pós-Graduação. Os relatórios individuais dos professores revelam aspectos de sua formação como pesquisadores no desenvolvimento da pesquisa. As conclusões apontam para o fato de que esse processo possibilitou a emergência de outro lugar para os professores no desenvolvimento da pesquisa. Os dados mostram que a falta do domínio dos conceitos que organizam o campo de atuação como pesquisador impede a autonomia do professor. Enfim, o processo evidenciou as lacunas existentes na preparação oferecida pelo sistema para implementação das políticas de avaliação.
UMA ANÁLISE COMPARATIVA DA MARCAÇÃO DE GÊNERO ENTRE A LÍNGUA BRASILEIRA DE SINAIS E A LÍNGUA GESTUAL PORTUGUESA
Authors: Cordeiro Suammy Priscila Rodrigues Leite , Conde e Sousa Joana Rita da Silva , Santos Marcos Roberto
Published: November 2019

O povo surdo em todo o mundo possui como língua natural a língua gesto-visual, que se diferenciam linguisticamente de um país para o outro em seus componentes lexicais, fonológicos, morfológicos, sintáticos, semânticos e pragmáticos. Assim, esta pesquisa tem como objetivo realizar uma análise morfológica sobre a marcação de gênero entre a Língua Gestual Portuguesa (LGP) e a Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras), para detectar diferenças e similaridades em seus usos. Para a realização dessa pesquisa foi feito levantamento bibliográfico nos referenciais teórico-analíticos baseados em estudos de especialistas em linguística da Libras como Quadros e Karnopp (2004), Ferreira (2010), entre outros, e na LGP Amaral et al. (1994) e Correia (2017). Esta investigação é de natureza qualitativa e tem como método de coleta de dados a pesquisa bibliográfica em três fontes: o Novo Deit-Libras: Dicionário Enciclopédico Ilustrado Trilíngue da Libras, Volumes 1 e 2 (2013) e o Gestuário Digital de Língua Gestual Portuguesa (2008) e Moderna Gramática Portuguesa (2009). A etapa final da pesquisa configurou-se na análise de conteúdo. O resultado dessa pesquisa comprovou a diferença entre as línguas estudadas, e foi delineado uma tabela comparativa que elucida os tipos de marcações de gênero em LGP e Libras, tendo por bases os estudos da LP.
CONCEPÇÕES E SABERES MOBILIZADOS ENTRE A PROFESSORA ALFABETIZADORA E CRIANÇAS DE 6 ANOS EM PROCESSO DE APROPRIAÇÃO DO SISTEMA DE ESCRITA
Authors: Souto Kely Nogueira
Published: November 2019

Este estudo analisa situações de ensino e de aprendizagem desenvolvidas com crianças de 6 anos matriculadas nos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental de uma escola pública municipal de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Pretendeu-se compreender que concepções e saberes são mobilizados por uma professora junto às crianças que encontram-se em processo inicial da alfabetização. As situações apresentadas se sustentam num contexto e numa prática pedagógica que acontece na perspectiva da alfabetização com letramento e revela a sala de aula como um ambiente alfabetizador. A abordagem de análise considera os estudos de Soares (1988), entre outros, no que diz respeito à alfabetização e ao letramento e, à concepção de ambiente alfabetizador, enfatizada por Ferreiro (1986). A metodologia consistiu numa abordagem etnográfica utilizando-se recursos de entrevistas, observações, notas de campo, fotografias e filmagens envolvendo as professoras e as crianças. As questões centrais e as discussões realizadas permitiram compreender: Em que medida as estratégias de ensino da escrita se sustentam numa prática letrada? Que concepções de alfabetização e de letramento são evidenciadas pela professora ao atuar com crianças em processo de aprendizagem da escrita? Os resultados indicaram que as crianças vivenciaram oportunidades de interação com os diferentes gêneros discursivos que circulam na sociedade sendo estes expostos e trabalhados pela professora em sala de aula.
POLICY PRACTICE : UMA ALTERNATIVA DE INFLUÊNCIA POLÍTICA PARA UM SERVIÇO SOCIAL EM CONTEXTO DE CRISE
Authors: Calmon Tatiana Dantas
Published: November 2019

O artigo trata de um excerto da investigação Serviço Social e Política Social em contexto de crise socioeconómica: Policy Practice no discurso e na prática dos assistentes sociais, que pretende estabelecer uma discussão teórica acerca da dimensão política do Serviço Social com o objetivo de analisar a relação de tensão ou de cooperação entre as Políticas Sociais e o Serviço Social. Pretendemos fazer um breve enquadramento teórico dos processos que constroem políticas públicas de cunho social centrando nossos esforços argumentativos na orientação política inerente/expectável a profissão. Afinal, qual o “lugar de mundo” de um Serviço Social politicamente orientado? Podemos tentar responder a esta pergunta de diversas formas, mas aqui escolhemos tentar desvendar um dos conceitos que discute a prática política do Assistente Social na esfera da influência/participação política: Policy Practice.
NO QUE O GÊNERO INFLUENCIA MINHAS ATITUDES? RELAÇÃO ENTRE PAPEIS DE GÉNERO E ATITUDES PERANTE A HOMOSSEXUALIDADE.
Authors: Batista Jr. Delso de Cassio
Published: November 2019

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as relações dos componentes cognitivos, afetivos e comportamentais das atitudes perante a homossexualidade e as influências da adesão ao papel de género nestas relações. A amostra foi constituída por 194 sujeitos adultos, entre os 18 e 65 anos, sendo que 85 são do sexo masculino e 109 do sexo feminino, com uma média de 30.17 anos (DP=9.464). No intuito de investigar as variáveis das atitudes perante a homossexualidade e a adesão ao papel de gênero foi aplicado um questionário composto por uma avaliação sociodemográfica a Escala de Orientação Sexual Kinsey, Escala de Estilo Religioso, Questionário de Opiniões sobre Homossexualidade, Hypergender Ideology Scale, Atittudes Toward Lesbian and Gay Men, Affective Reaction to Homossexuality Scale, e, Homophobic Behavior of Students Scale – PT. Os resultados sugerem diferenças significativas entre homens e mulheres relativamente as atitudes perante a homossexualidade e adesão aos papéis de género.
OBESIDADE: REPRESENTAÇÕES CULTURAIS DO CORPO OBESO NO BRASIL E NA FRANÇA
Authors: Santos Vanessa Conceição Alves , Eskinazi Paula Roberta Vieira , Mesnard Emile Sellier , Mouchenik Yoram
Published: November 2019

Esta pesquisa bibliográfica é caracterizada pelo estudo dos aspectos do corpo obeso no Brasil e na França e suas representações culturais associadas à hipermodernidade. Os fatores culturais influenciam a autopercepção da imagem corporal do sujeito e por consequência seu comportamento alimentar. Este estudo tem por objetivo descrever as representações culturais do corpo obeso no Brasil e na França partindo de uma revisão literária. Utilizou-se a metodologia transcultural comparativa. Esta metodologia é indispensável para poder usar elementos de comparação internacional. A transculturalidade é compreendida como um enquadre conceitual e clínico, nos quais, os grupos e as comunidades de diferentes culturas são estudados a partir do que os diferencia bem como ao que lhes é equivalente. Na literatura francesa, o termo transcultural é utilizado para descrever o que se revela entre universos culturais diferentes. Os resultados obtidos, indicam que apesar da obesidade tratar-se de uma doença complexa que implica sérios riscos à saúde física e psicológica, o desafio permanece sendo o estudo, prevenção e tratamento da mesma. Verificou-se, que com o passar dos anos os índices de obesidade na população geral aumentaram exponencialmente e são muito equivalentes em ambos os países estudados, permitindo concluir que a obesidade apresenta-se como um fenômeno global.
A SENSIBILIZAÇÃO CORPORAL NAS AULAS DE DANÇA CLÁSSICA
Authors: Rosario Rosana Lobo
Published: November 2019

Este artigo é parte integrante da tese de doutoramento em Artes, em andamento, na Universidade de Lisboa - Portugal, e tem como objetivo refletir sobre o processo de sensibilização corporal nas aulas de dança clássica desenvolvidas durante a investigação doutoral. Para a coleta de dados, fez-se uso da metodologia da investigação-ação com os estudantes do Curso Técnico de Dança Clássica da Escola de Teatro e Dança da Universidade Federal do Pará - ETDUFPA. Esses dados foram analisados à luz dos estudos da educação somática (Hanna, 1986; Fortin, 1999; Bolsanello, 2010), do conceito de sensibilização (Imbassaí, 2003) e da fenomenologia da percepção (Merleau-Ponty, 2015). Os resultados mostraram que o processo de sensibilização corporal nas aulas de dança clássica contribuiu para a percepção corporal dos participantes e para modificações dos padrões de movimento, o que traz à tona discussões a respeito da construção do conhecimento em dança clássica e de novas formas de fazer e pensar este ensino pautado no indivíduo. Conclui-se que o processo de sensibilização nas aulas de dança clássica prioriza o conhecimento voltado para a formação do bailarino como ser uno, integral, além de produzir subsídios epistemológicos sobre o processo de ensino e aprendizagem do movimento corporal.
A ciência romântica de A.R. Luria e a narrativa no gênero científico e literário
Authors: Oliveira Marcus , Da Souza Cruz Thalita Cristina
Published: November 2019

Este artigo busca discutir a narrativa como método científico, enfatizando seu papel no desenvolvimento da chamada “ciência romântica”, sobretudo nas obras de A. R. Luria, considerado um dos mais relevantes representantes desta vertente. Baseando-nos em conceitos Bakhtinianos, tentaremos caracterizar as nuances da ciência romântica enquanto gênero científico e literário, e demonstrar como o autor constrói sua narrativa entre o ético e o estético. Finalizaremos discutindo como este autor influenciou trabalhos posteriores na área que ficaram consagrados pela qualidade da narrativa, como é o caso dos trabalhos de Oliver Sacks.