bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of AtAHL20 causes delayed flowering in Arabidopsis via repression of  FT expression
Authors: Tayengwa Reuben , Sharma-Koirala Pushpa , Pierce Courtney F. , Werner Breanna E , Neff Michael M
Published: November 2020

Background The 29-member Arabidopsis AHL gene family is classified into three main classes based on nucleotide and protein sequence evolutionary differences. These differences include the presence or absence of introns, type and/or number of conserved AT-hook and PPC domains. AHL gene family members are divided into two phylogenetic clades, Clade-A and Clade-B. A majority of the 29 members remain functionally uncharacterized. Furthermore, the biological significance of the DNA and peptide sequence diversity, observed in the conserved motifs and domains found in the different AHL types, is a subject area that remains largely unexplored. Results Transgenic plants overexpressing AtAHL20 flowered later than the wild type under both short and long days. Transcript accumulation analyses showed that 35S:AtAHL20 plants contained reduced FT, TSF, AGL8 and SPL3 mRNA levels. Similarly, overexpression of AtAHL20’s orthologue in Camelina sativa, Arabidopsis’ closely related Brassicaceae family member species, conferred a late-flowering phenotype via suppression of CsFT expression. However, overexpression of an aberrant AtAHL20 gene harboring a missense mutation in the AT-hook domain’s highly conserved R-G-R core motif abolished the late-flowering phenotype. Data from targeted yeast-two-hybrid assays showed that AtAHL20 interacted with itself and several other Clade-A Type-I AHLs which have been previously implicated in flowering-time regulation: AtAHL22, AtAHL27 and AtAHL29. Conclusion We showed via gain-function analysis that AtAHL20 is a negative regulator of FT expression, as well as other downstream flowering time regulating genes. A similar outcome in Camelina sativa transgenic plants overexpressing CsAHL20 suggest that this is a conserved function. Our results demonstrate that AtAHL20 acts as a photoperiod-independent negative regulator of transition to flowering.
Development and validation of an RNA binding protein-associated prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: wang Min , Huang Shan , Chen Zefeng , Han Zhiwei , Li Kezhi , Chen Chuang , Wu Guobin , Zhao Yinnong
Published: November 2020

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the deadliest forms of cancer. While RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have been shown to be key regulators of oncogenesis and tumor progression, their dysregulation in the context of HCC remains to be fully characterized. Methods: Data from the Cancer Genome Atlas - liver HCC (TCGA-LIHC) database were downloaded and analyzed in order to identify RBPs that were differentially expressed in HCC tumors relative to healthy normal tissues. Functional enrichment analyses of these RBPs were then conducted using the GO and KEGG databases to understand their mechanistic roles. Central hub RBPs associated with HCC patient prognosis were then detected through Cox regression analyses, and were incorporated into a prognostic model. The prognostic value of this model was then assessed through the use of Kaplan-Meier curves, time-related ROC analyses, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, and nomograms. Lastly, the relationship between individual hub RBPs and HCC patient overall survival (OS) was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Finally, find protein-coding genes (PCGs) related to hub RBPs were used to construct a hub RBP-PCG co-expression network.Results: In total, we identified 81 RBPs that were differentially expressed in HCC tumors relative to healthy tissues (54 upregulated, 27 downregulated). Seven prognostically-relevant hub RBPs (SMG5, BOP1, LIN28B, RNF17, ANG, LARP1B, and NR0B1) were then used to generate a prognostic model, after which HCC patients were separated into high- and low-risk groups based upon resultant risk score values. In both the training and test datasets, we found that high-risk HCC patients exhibited decreased OS relative to low-risk patients, with time-dependent area under the ROC curve values of 0.801 and 0.676, respectively. This model thus exhibited good prognostic performance. We additionally generated a prognostic nomogram based upon these seven hub RBPs and found that four other genes were significantly correlated with OS.Conclusion: We herein identified a seven RBP signature that can reliably be used to predict HCC patient OS, underscoring the prognostic relevance of these genes.
miR-335-5p suppresses gastric cancer progression by targeting MAPK10
Authors: Gao Yi , Wang Yanfeng , Wang Xiaofei , Zhao Changan , Wang Fenghui , Du Juan , Zhang Huahua , Shi Haiyan , Feng Yun , Li Dan , Yan Jing , Yao Yan , Hu Weihong , Ding Ruxin , Zhang Mengjie , Wang Lumin , Huang Chen , Zhang Jing
Published: November 2020

Background: Recent studies have established the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer progression. The aberrant expression of miR-335-5p has been reported in many cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). In this study, the precise roles of miR-335-5p in GC as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects, including the role of its target MAPK10, were evaluated.Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR was used to evaluate miR-335-5p levels in GC cell lines and tissues. MTT and colony formation assays were used to detect cell proliferation, and Transwell and wound-healing assays were used to evaluate the invasion and migration of GC cells. The correlation between levels of miR-335-5p and the cell cycle-related target gene mitogen-activated protein kinase 10 (MAPK10) in GC was analyzed. In addition, the candidate target was evaluated by a luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, and western blotting.Results: The levels of miR-335-5p were downregulated in GC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, miR-335-5p inhibited the proliferation and migration of GC cells and induced apoptosis. Additionally, miR-335-5p arrested the cell cycle at the G1/S phase in GC cells in vitro. Levels of miR-335-5p and the cell cycle-related target gene MAPK10 in GC were correlated, and MAPK10 was directly targeted by miR-335-5p.Conclusions: These data suggest that miR-335-5p is a tumor suppressor and acts via MAPK10 to inhibit GC progression.
Early macrophage infiltrates impair pancreatic cancer cell growth by TNF-a secretion
Authors: Tekin Cansu , Aberson Hella L , Bijlsma Maarten F , Spek C. Arnold
Published: November 2020

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a disease with high mortality rates. Increased macrophage influx in PDAC is common and associated with poor prognosis. Macrophages are highly plastic cells that can exhibit both anti- and pro-tumorigenic properties. Here, we investigated how naïve (M0) macrophages differ from other macrophages in their anti-tumorigenic activities.Methods: In vitro BrdU proliferation and Annexin V cell death analyses were performed on PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 PDAC cell lines exposed to conditioned medium of different macrophage subsets. Macrophage secreted molecules were measured by transcript analysis and ELISA. Therapeutic antibodies were used to functionally establish the impact of the identified cytokine on PDAC proliferation.Results: Proliferation and cell death assays revealed that only M0 macrophages harbor anti-tumorigenic activities and that M1, M2, and TAMs do not. mRNA analysis and ELISA results suggested TNF-a as a potential candidate to mediate M0 macrophage induced cell death. To demonstrate the importance of TNF-a in M0 macrophage-induced cell death, PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cell-lines were exposed to M0 macrophage conditioned medium in the presence of the TNF-a inhibitor Infliximab, which effectively diminished the anti-tumor activities of M0 macrophages.Conclusion: Newly tumor-infiltrated naive M0 macrophages exert anti-tumorigenic activities via TNF-a secretion. Their subsequent differentiation into either M1, M2, or TAM subsets reduces TNF-a levels, thereby abolishing their cytotoxic activity on PDAC cells. These data suggest that reestablishing TNF-a secretion in differentiated macrophages might yield a therapeutic benefit.
Objective Structural Clinical Examination for evaluating learning efficacy of Cultural Competence Cultivation Programme for nurses
Authors: Lee Yu-Hsia , Lin Shu-Chuan , Wang Pao-Yu , Lin Mei-Hsiang
Published: November 2020

Background: Culture serves as an adhesive to bind the lives of people. There are no objective, useful tools to assess cultural competence and practice. In this study, we evaluated whether the cultural competence of nurses was strengthened through the Cultural Competence Cultivation Programme.Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was used to evaluate nurses working at a medical centre in Taiwan. They were randomly allocated into an experimental group (n = 47), which received the Cultural Competence Cultivation Programme, or a control group (n = 50), which did not receive the educational programme. After the intervention, learning efficacy of the participants was assessed using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). The research data were statistically analysed on SPSS.Results: The average score of the experimental group was significantly higher in the ‘communication ability and skill’ category. Furthermore, OSCE scores and Standardised Patient Survey assessment and total scores were significantly and positively correlated.Conclusion: The findings of this study can serve as a reference for designing future clinical education programmes.
A novel device for accurate placement of guide wire in cannulated screw fixation of femoral neck fracture: A pilot study
Authors: Ren Bu-Fang , Ma Quan-Ping , Lv Xin
Published: November 2020

Background: Accurate placement of cannulated screws is the key to stable fixation of the femoral neck fracture. A novel device was developed to improve the accuracy of screw placement. Methods: 20 synthetic femoral bones were divided into conventional technique group and the experimental group. Three Kirschner wire were inserted into the femoral neck fracture by conventional technique or by the novel guide device. The operative time, total drilling attempts and fluoroscopic frequency were evaluated.Results: By using the guide device, the fluoroscopy and operation time of the experimental group were shorter that of the conventional method. The total drilling attempts with the novel guide device were significantly lower than the conventional technique group.Conclusion: This device can help trauma surgeons shorten the surgical time and reduce radiation exposure time. The use of this guide device can make screw fixation for femoral neck fracture easier.
Parent opinions on the individualisation of education of children with autism spectrum disorders at schools
Authors: Kulešė Živilė , Kaffemanienė Irena
Published: November 2020

The article examines the opinions of parents raising children with ASD about the individualisation of their children's education at schools. A theoretical analysis of the relevance of the partnership of parents raising children with ASD with teachers and possibilities of their participation in the process of institutional education of their children has been carried out; special educational strategies for children with ASD and opportunities for individualisation of education in general education schools were reviewed. The empirical study was performed by the method of questionnaire survey of the parents (N = 104) raising children with ASD; the methods of descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data. The answers to the open-ended questions were examined using qualitative and quantitative content analysis.
INTENSITY OF INFECTION AND MEANS OF GIARDIASIS PREVENTION AT THE FARMS OF UKRAINE
Authors: Shkromada Oksana , Nedzheria Tetiana
Published: November 2020

G. duodenalis is the most widespread among the six generally recognized species of giardiasis affecting the gastrointestinal tract of mammals. Destruction of Giardia intestinalis oocysts in the environment mitigates the risk of infection for animals and humans. The objective of the study. The research is aimed at establishing the effectiveness of disinfectants against Giardia intestinalis cysts. Methods. The research involved twelve farms in Ukraine. Fecal samples were taken from the tested calves aged from 1 to 3 weeks. Giardiasis was diagnosed on the basis of laboratory tests of calf feces by the Fulleborn's method. The object of study was represented by cysts of Giardia intestinalis obtained from the feces through combined flotation methods. After exposure for a period of 30 and 60 minutes, the supernatant was drained and the precipitate applied to a glass slide to be stained with Lugol's solution. Cysts were subject to evaluation in terms of their morphological features. Their shape, size, color, nuclei location and axon were determined under a microscope at a magnification of about 10x400. Yodosol, Kontavir, Biocontact and Bioluft were used as a disinfectant. Results. The study carried out at dairy farms of various forms of ownership revealed that 25–50 % of calves at the holdings and 50–75 % of those at the farms were infected with Giardia intestinalis. Experiments established that Kontavir at a concentration of 1 %, as a disinfectant, produced a cytotoxic effect (compressed the cyst membrane) on Giardia intestinalis for 60 minutes. If the drug concentration increases to 2–3 %, Kontravir destroys the cyst shell releasing its contents within 30-60 minutes. Conclusions. The prevalence of Giardia intestinalis has been established through studying dairy farms in four regions of Ukraine. As a disinfectant, Kontavir at a concentration of 1 % produces a cytotoxic effect (compresses the cyst membrane), at a concentration of 2–3 %, it completely destroys the cyst membrane.
MOLECULAR MARKERS OF ENDOGENOUS NEUROPROTECTION IN THE BRAIN OF RATS WITH EXPERIMENTAL PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND ON THE BACKGROUND OF USING NEW PHARMACOTHERAPY SCHEMES
Authors: Maramukha Volodymyr
Published: November 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the elderly. The aim of the study. To study apoptotic processes and their role in the formation of dopaminergic neurodegeneration and to develop new treatment regimens with a specific neuroprotective effect on the dopaminergic system. Materials and methods. The study was carried out on 90 Wistar rats at the age of 6 months weighing 220–290 grams. Parkinsonism was induced by the administration of the neurotoxin MPTP (N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) to experimental rats with neuroprotective treatment: I – Intact (passive control); II – animals with experimental Parkinson's disease (PD, active control); III – PD + Amantadine (AM) IV – PD + AM + Cerebrocurin; V – PD + AM + Pramistar; VI – PD + AM + Gliatilin; VII – PD + AM + Noofen; VIII – PD + AM + Pronoran; IX – PD + AM + Melatonin. Results. The obtained data indicate that neuroprotective therapy of PD with drugs such as melatonin, cerebrocurin, pronoran and gliatilin in combination with amantadine leads to an increase in the expression of the HIF-1α, HIF-3α, HSP70 genes, bcl-2 proteins and decrease c-fos proteins with caspase-3 as markers of apoptosis and can also serve as a molecular marker for the activation of endogenous neuroprotection mechanisms under the conditions of an experimental PD. Conclusions. The study experimentally demonstrated a new target of neuroprotection in PD conditions – apoptosis of dopamine-producing neurons and substantiated modulators of this process – drugs for combined therapy with amantadine (melatonin, cerebrocurin, pronoran and gliatilin) ​​as promising drugs for the treatment of PD.
Immunosuppressive profile of patients operated for acquired heart diseases under artificial circulation. A prospective study
Authors: Matveeva V. G. , Khanova M. Yu. , Ivkin A. A. , Kornelyuk R. A. , Grigoryev Evgeny V.
Published: November 2020

Objective. To study the dynamics of immunosuppressive cell populations in patients who underwent heart valve replacement surgery under artificial circulation.

Materials and methods. We investigated the dynamics of MDSC, PD-1-positive cells among Th and Tcyt and PD-L1-positive monocytes in patients operated on for the heart under cardiopulmonary bypass in the volume of prosthetic heart valves, the study points were before surgery, immediately after surgery and after 1, 3, 7 days. The study was carried out on a CytoFlex laser flow cytometer.

Results. In the group of patients without complications and in the group with complications outside the infection, an increase in all MDSC populations was observed 1 day after surgery, with a return to baseline values within a week. The dynamics of MDSC in a patients with sepsis was characterized by an increase within 3 days with the achievement of maximum figures in comparison with the previous groups. In patients without complications, an increase in PD-L1+, PD-1+ CD4+ and PD-1+CD8+ monocytes were observed immediately after surgery and one day later. In the case of the development of infectious complications in the postoperative period, a relatively moderate increase in the monocyte content was observed only by 3 days after the operation. The content of PD-1 positive T cells increased moderately up to 7 days among Th, and significantly by 7 days, followed by a decrease among Tcyt.

Conclusions. A high initial content of Mon-MDSC is a risk factor for the development of postoperative infectious complications. A significant increase in immunosuppressive populations in the early postoperative period can be regarded as an unfavorable variant of the course of the compensatory anti-inflammatory syndrome.
The effect of talent management practices on employee turnover intention in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) sector: case of Jordan
Authors: Al-Dalahmeh Maha , Héder-Rima Mária , Dajnoki Krisztina
Published: November 2020

This research aims to examine the intention of talented employees to leave an organization and discover how talent management practices could affect employee intention to leave an organization. This paper`s framework intends to outline the relationship between variables to present the idea of talent management practices and employee retention. The hypothesis was tested using a survey data set of 210 questionnaires collected from employees working in 82 ICT companies in Jordan to attain the research objectives. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS program, and EMOS program, and basic and initial statistical techniques were applied. The results show that talent management practices significantly affect employee intention to leave an organization. Accordingly, whenever firms applied talent management practices, employee intention to leave decreases. The results demonstrated that attracting talented employees has emerged to have the strongest effect on decreasing employee intention to leave; however, developing and rewarding talented employees was revealed to have the lowest effect. Thus, the ICT firms’ managers have to generate specific training programs to reward and develop talented employees.
AcknowledgmentThe publication is supported by the EU-funded Hungarian grant EFOP-3.6.3.-VEKOP-16-2017-00007 for the project entitled “From Talent to Young Researchers” – Supporting the Career-developing Activities of Researchers in Higher Education”.
EXTRATIVISMO E A DIVISÃO INTERNACIONAL DO (DIREITO DO) TRABALHO: UMA ABORDAGEM ECOSSOCIALISTA
Authors: Seferian Gustavo
Published: November 2020

O artigo trata das articulações entre a divisão internacional do trabalho e o desenvolvimento histórico do Direito do Trabalho. Ampara-se no materialismo histórico e dialético e no revolvimento bibliográfico para firmar seu desenvolvimento, que se pautando em experiências do trabalho extrativo, sobretudo minerário, e nas perspectivas do ecossocialismo evidencia o papel combinado da exploração da força de trabalho e do meio ambiente, bem como os limites estruturais do Direito do Trabalho nas realidades dependentes e periféricas.
O ESTADO DE COISAS INCONSTITUCIONAL: APONTAMENTOS COMPARATIVOS SOBRE A JUDICIALIZAÇÃO DAS POLÍTICAS PENITENCIÁRIAS BRASILEIRA E COLOMBIANA
Authors: Ramos Edith Maria Barbosa , Rosário Pedro Trovão do , Lima Adriana Sousa
Published: November 2020

O objetivo do presente artigo foi analisar o instituto do Estado de Coisas Inconstitucional (ECI), referente ao sistema prisional, a partir do cotejo de sua aplicação nos sistemas judiciários brasileiro e colombiano. Como percurso teórico serão abordados os temas da judicialização da política e do ativismo judicial nas perspectivas conceitual e histórica. O recorte jurisprudencial incidirá na análise dos julgados colombianos (Sentencia T-153/98, Sentencia T-388/13 e Sentencia T-762/15) e brasileiro (ADPF 347/DF-MC). Do ponto de vista metodológico, pauta-se em pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, com ênfase na estratégia da análise de conteúdo da jurisprudência constitucional da Corte Constitucional da Colômbia (CCC) e do Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF).
Priorizar uma área não é matar outra?: uma análise discursiva de necropolíticas no campo da educação e pesquisa
Authors: Pereira Martins Elisamar , Merlim Moraes Villela Gabriel , Giorgi Maria Cristina , Sampaio de Almeida Fabio
Published: November 2020

Nosso artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre necropolíticas contemporâneas no campo da educação e da pesquisa, a partir da análise discursiva de vozes do Ministério da Educação em notícia publicada pelo jornal Estadão, em 2019. Como referencial teórico-metodológico adotou-se a Análise do Discurso de base enunciativa, a partir dos construtos de gêneros do discurso e linguagem-intervenção.Nossas análises apontam para a manutenção de uma organização social  desigual e estruturalmente racista de distribuição de formação superior no país.
A política de inclusão escolar para o aluno surdo na perspectiva do tradutor e intérprete de Libras
Authors: Assunção Xavier Ferreira Ana Cristina , Marques Fortes Lustosa Ana Valeria
Published: November 2020

A inclusão de alunos surdos revela-se desafiadora sob muitos aspectos, particularmente quanto a implementação de políticas públicas voltadas para seu acesso e permanência na escola. Os surdos enfrentam problemas na escolarização e uma das alternativas encontradas para minimizar essa problemática é a inserção do intérprete no contexto educacional. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar, na perspectiva do Tradutor e Intérprete de Língua de Sinais/ Língua Portuguesa, a implementação da política de inclusão escolar para o aluno surdo. O estudo é de natureza qualitativa, descritivo, tendo como instrumentos o Questionário de Avaliação da Política de Inclusão Escolar e a entrevista semiestruturada. Entre os resultados destacam-se a sobrecarga de trabalho, a ausência de revezamento e a falta de colaboração com o professor da classe comum. Além disso, o acesso à escola é facilitado, porém a permanência vem sendo inviabilizada por distintos fatores.
A DEDICAÇÃO EXCLUSIVA NA DOCÊNCIA UNIVERSITÁRIA EM ANGOLA: REALISMO OU UTOPIA?
Authors: Leitão Fernandino João Pereira
Published: November 2020

O presente artigo aborda a disposição do estatuto da carreira docente universitária que obriga o docente em regime integral a dedicar-se exclusivamente a uma única instituição de ensino. O objectivo é analisar a relação entre a política pública formulada e a sua implementação, a luz dos fundamentos da teoria da complexidade de Edgar Morin e das representações sociais de SergeMoscovici. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo com uma abordagem qualitativa associado a reflexão teórica. Os resultados demonstram que a gestão das politicas públicas entre a formulação e a implementação é complexa, porque a sua aplicação é condicionada pelas condições objectivas do contexto sempre dinâmico e cambiante.
Àmubá: transformando a obrigatoriedade em oportunidade na Lei 10.639/2003
Authors: Saraiva Eduardo Steindorf , Landim Fernanda Cássia
Published: November 2020

O texto relata a capacitação para professores sobre a lei 10.639/2003, realizada pelo Coletivo Agbára RS e pela Secretaria de Educação do município de Venâncio Aires/RS. O objetivo é contribuir para a educação antirracista, com a participação da Psicologia. A capacitação ocorreu em cinco encontros presenciais e atividades à distância, totalizando 20 horas, de setembro a novembro de 2019. Os resultados apontaram a necessidade de capacitações continuadas e a mensuração dos dados alcançados pelos professores.
Política de municipalização: avaliação do desempenho escolar
Authors: Vargas Thaís Conte , Bizelli José Luís , Santos Cruz José Anderson
Published: November 2020

O texto compara o desempenho no Índice de Desenvolvimento da Educação Básica (IDEB) de escolas públicas estaduais e municipais em uma cidade de porte médio do interior paulista. Verifica-se assimetria entre os resultados dos estabelecimentos de ensino sob gestão municipal e aqueles administrados pelo estado, notadamente superiores. De dados obtidos em fontes oficiais e do aprofundamento na literatura pertinente investigou-se como se dá atualmente o financiamento das atividades escolares, como a Secretaria de Ensino local organiza estrategicamente sua oferta educacional. O estudo conclui que as políticas educacionais formuladas e implementadas pelo município resultam, efetivamente, em menores índices de sucesso educacional, ainda que partam de melhores condições: maior volume de verbas para a execução de seus programas e maior estabilidade do corpo docente.
ESCOLARIZAÇÃO ABERTA COM RRI PARA UMA PARTICIPAÇÃO SIGNIFICATIVA DAS COMUNIDADES INDÍGENAS NA EDUCAÇÃO EM REDE
Authors: Rosa Luziana Quadros da , Souza Marcio Vieira de , Okada Alexandra
Published: November 2020

Este artigo busca problematizar discussões, por meio do pensamento complexo (MORIN, 2006), referentes à abordagem Responsible Research Innovation (RRI) para uma atuação significativa das comunidades indígenas na educação em rede. Esta pesquisa qualitativa inclui análises bibliográfica e documental, observação e a realização de entrevistas narrativas com professores indígenas, pesquisadores e gestores públicos. Os referenciais teóricos, sobre Pesquisa e Inovação Responsáveis e Educação em Rede, contribuem para a análise de significações dos processos da Educação Escolar Indígena. As narrativas trazem sentido aos desafios, necessidades e prioridades como categorias identificadas nas deliberações propostas na sexta audiência pública realizada para a construção do I Plano de Educação Escolar Indígena (I PNEEI). Por fim, a Escolarização Aberta surge como uma recomendação para a participação significativa, através dos saberes das comunidades, em projetos de Escolarização Aberta Indígena.
Gestão e transparência de dados educacionais na rede estadual paulista (1995-2018): a hegemonia gerencial
Authors: Girotto Eduardo Donizeti , De Oliveira João Victor Pavesi , Jorge Isabel Furlan
Published: November 2020

O artigo discute o sentido das políticas de dados educacionais desenvolvidas pela Secretaria Estadual de Educação de São Paulo (SEDUC-SP) entre 1995 e 2018. Realizamos levantamento das principais legislações que nortearam as políticas de gestão de dados educacionais na SEDUC-SP, articulando modelo de gestão do Estado e relação com a sociedade civil. Os resultados apontam para uma política de dados vinculada, predominantemente, a racionalidade gerencial, a produção de resultados quantitativos, responsabilização e racionalização dos gastos em consonância com a centralidade que os princípios da Nova Gestão Pública assumiram nas políticas da SEDUC-SP no período analisado.
The Construction of Women’s Image and the Narrative of Nationalism among Face veiled-University Students in West Nusa Tenggara
Authors: Wardatun Atun , Wahid Abdul
Published: November 2020

This article discusses the image of women and nationalism in the view of 15 female students of the Islamic Religious University (PTKI) in West Nusa Tenggara behind their face-veils (cadar). Methodologically, this study encourages the interpretation of facts from the perspective of the agents by involving the voices of women as subjects who are able to describe their choices and explain their actions responsibly. The choice of female university students as subjects for veil-related research is short among the general trends of research on veils targeting women from militant groups. This research reveals the meaning of the veil as a dynamic and open contestation of women’s identity, gender ideology, and nationalism. The dynamics and openness are possible due to the fact that female students are still in the formation phase of identities while veiling existence nowadays more about fashion trends and lifestyle. The dynamics appear in the ambiguity of the self-image of women they hold by placing women as sources of defamation (fitnah) as well as being pillars of the state. Openness is seen in the narrative of their nationalism which is wrapped in a strong inclusive and tolerant attitude, in addition to the tendency of exclusivism and conservatism of a small number of them. The findings of this study contribute to ideas for emancipatory movements such as gender equality and strengthening nationalism. The movements are to continue to be active and more creative in offering alternatives to the establishment of those female students’ identity and ideology in a more progressive direction.
N-Terminally Added Tag Selectively Enhances Heterologous Expression of VacA Cytotoxin Variants from Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Linn Aung Khine , Samainukul Nitchakan , Sakdee Somsri , Butnampetch Chonthicha , Li Hui-Chun , Angsuthanasombat Chanan , Katzenmeier Gerd
Published: November 2020

Background:

Gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori secretes VacA cytotoxin displaying
a high degree of polymorphic variations of which the highest VacA pathogenicity correlates with
m1-type variant followed by VacA-m2.

Objective:

To comparatively evaluate expression in Escherichia coli of the mature VacA variants
(m1- and m2-types) and their 33- and 55/59-kDa domains fused with His(6) tag at N- or C-terminus.

Methods:

All VacA clones expressed in E. coli TOP10™ were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western
blotting. VacA inclusions were solubilized under native conditions (~150-rpm shaking at 37°C
for 2 h in 20 mM HEPES (pH7.4) and 150 mM NaCl). Membrane-perturbing and cytotoxic activities
of solubilized VacA proteins were assessed via liposome-entrapped dye leakage and resazurin-
based cell viability assays, respectively. VacA binding to human gastric adenocarcinoma cells
was assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Side-chain hydrophobicity of VacA was analyzed
through modeled structures constructed by homology- and ab initio-based modeling.

Results:

Both full-length VacA-m1 and 33-kDa domain were efficiently expressed only in the presence
of N-terminal extension while its 55-kDa domain was capably expressed with either N- or Cterminal
extension. Selectively enhanced expression was also observed for VacA-m2. Protein expression
profiles revealed a critical period in IPTG-induced production of the 55-kDa domain with
N-terminal extension unlike its C-terminal extension showing relatively stable expression. Both VacA-
m1 isolated domains were able to independently bind to cultured gastric cells similar to the full-
length toxin, albeit the 33-kDa domain exhibited significantly higher activity of membrane perturbation
than others. Membrane-perturbing and cytotoxic activities observed for VacA-m1 appeared
to be higher than those of VacA-m2. Homology-based modeling and sequence analysis suggested a
potential structural impact of non-polar residues located at the N-terminus of the mature VacA
toxin and its 33-kDa domain.

Conclusion:

Our data provide molecular insights into selective influence of the N-terminally added
tag on efficient expression of recombinant VacA variants, signifying biochemical and biological
implications of the hydrophobic stretch within the N-terminal domain.
Hydrogen-induced Neuroprotection in Neonatal Hypoxic-ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Domoki Ferenc
Published: November 2020

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) remains to be a major cause of morbidity, mortality and
severe neurodevelopmental disability in term neonates. Moderate whole body hypothermia is an established,
effective neuroprotective therapy to reduce mortality and long-term disability associated with HIE, however,
research for adjunct therapies is still warranted to complement the effect of hypothermia. In the last decade, molecular
hydrogen emerged as a simple, available, inexpensive substance with advantageous pharmacokinetics to
ameliorate hypoxic-ischemic cellular damage. The present review examines the preclinical studies employing
hydrogen to combat the deleterious consequences of hypoxic-ischemic insults in rodent and piglet HIE models.
Hydrogen exerted unequivocal neuroprotective actions shown by preserved neurovascular function, neuronal
viability, and neurocognitive functions in virtually all model species and hypoxic-ischemic insult types tested.
Administration of hydrogen started in most studies after the hypoxic-ischemic insult enhancing the translational
value of the findings. Among the explored mechanisms of hydrogen-induced neuroprotection, antioxidant, anti-
apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects appeared to be dominant. Unfortunately, the additive neuroprotective
effect of hydrogen and therapeutic hypothermia has not yet been demonstrated, thus such studies are warranted
to promote the clinical testing of molecular hydrogen as an adjunct neuroprotective treatment of HIE.
The Potential of Hydrogen for Improving Mental Disorders
Authors: Satoh Yasushi
Published: November 2020

In 2007, Ohsawa and colleagues reported that molecular hydrogen (H2) gas significantly reduced the
infarct volume size in a rat model of cerebral infarction, which was, at least, partially due to scavenging hydroxyl
radicals. Since then, multiple studies have shown that H2 has not only anti-oxidative but also anti-inflammatory
and anti-apoptotic properties, which has ignited interest in the clinical use of H2 in diverse diseases. A growing
body of studies has indicated that H2 affects both mental and physical conditions. Mental disorders are characterized
by disordered mood, thoughts, and behaviors that affect the ability to function in daily life. However,
there is no sure way to prevent mental disorders. Although antidepressant and antianxiety drugs relieve symptoms
of depression and anxiety, they have efficacy limitations and are accompanied by a wide range of side effects.
While mental disorders are generally thought to be caused by a variety of genetic and/or environmental
factors, recent progress has shown that these disorders are strongly associated with increased oxidative and inflammatory
stress. Thus, H2 has received much attention as a novel therapy for the prevention and treatment of
mental disorders. This review summarizes the recent progress in the use of H2 for the treatment of mental disorders
and other related diseases. We also discuss the potential mechanisms of the biomedical effects of H2 and
conclude that H2 could offer relief to people suffering from mental disorders.
Diagnosis and Management of Endocrine Hypertension in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Kotanidou Eleni P. , Giza Styliani , Tsinopoulou Vasiliki-Regina , Vogiatzi Maria , Galli-Tsinopoulou Assimina
Published: November 2020

Hypertension in childhood and adolescence has increased in prevalence. Interest in the disease was
raised after the 2017 clinical practice guidelines of the American Academy of Paediatrics on the definition and
classification of paediatric hypertension. Among the secondary causes of paediatric hypertension, endocrine
causes are relatively rare but important due to their unique treatment options. Excess of catecholamine, glucocorticoids
and mineralocorticoids, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperaldosteronism, hyperthyroidism and
other rare syndromes with specific genetic defects are endocrine disorders leading to paediatric and adolescent
hypertension. Adipose tissue is currently considered the major endocrine gland. Obesity-related hypertension
constitutes a distinct clinical entity leading to an endocrine disorder. The dramatic increase in the rates of obesity
during childhood has resulted in a rise in obesity-related hypertension among children, leading to increased
cardiovascular risk and associated increased morbidity and mortality. This review presents an overview of
pathophysiology and diagnosis of hypertension resulting from hormonal excess, as well as obesity-related hypertension
during childhood and adolescence, with a special focus on management.
Discovery of Novel GABAAR Allosteric Modulators Through Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Michaeli Amit , Lerner Immanuel , Zatsepin Maria , Mezan Shaul , Kilshtain Alexandra Vardi
Published: November 2020

Background:

As not all target proteins can be easily screened in vitro, advanced virtual screening is
becoming critical.

Objective:

In this study, we demonstrate the application of reinforcement learning guided virtual screening for
γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABAAR) modulating peptides.

Methods:

Structure-based virtual screening was performed on a receptor homology model. Screened molecules
deemed to be novel were synthesized and analyzed using patch-clamp analysis.

Conclusion:

Reinforcement learning guided virtual screening is a viable method for the discovery of novel
molecules that modulate a difficult to screen transmembrane receptor.
Targeted Drug Delivery in Brain Tumors-nanochemistry Applications and Advances
Authors: Ganjeifar Babak , Morshed Seyyed Farhang
Published: November 2020

Background:

Despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, brain tumors
are still a major health issue due to poor prognosis and high mortality rate. The current treatment
options have limited efficiency. The main barriers to effective clinical treatment are systemic
toxicity of cytotoxic compounds, the physical and functional barrier of the blood-brain barrier (BBB),
and low selectivity of the therapeutic agents to tumor cells.

Objective:

The study aimed to review the advances in targeted drug delivery systems and strategies
for brain tumors.

Methods:

We searched the electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, BIOSIS
Previews, Cambridge Scientific Abstracts, google scholar and additional sources for published and
unpublished trials using the set search terms. The date of the most recent search was 20 March
2020. The studies investigating the applications of targeted drug delivery for brain tumors were collected
and the most relevant studies were selected for a comprehensive review.

Results:

Different anticancer agents and nucleic acid-based therapies have been developed and assessed
as novel targeted drug delivery techniques for brain tumors. New vehicles include polymeric
and liposomal nanoparticles (NPs), wafers, microchips, microparticle-based nanosystems and
cells-based vectors. Strong evidence from preclinical and translational studies indicate the great potential
of these NPs-based technologies for use in brain tumors and improving the therapeutic outcomes.
Research is ongoing to develop effective new anticancer agents as well as strategies for
BBB modulation and penetration.

Conclusions:

New targeted drug delivery systems based on stimuli-responsive NPs have shown
promising outcomes in brain tumors. Advances in material design and nanochemistry lead to enhanced
intracranial concentrations. Non-invasive technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging-
guided ultrasound and high-intensity focused ultrasound have been utilized for BBB modulation
with higher precision and improved drug delivery performance.
Recent Advances in the Discovery of Potent Proteases Inhibitors Targeting the SARS Coronaviruses
Authors: Sharma Arti , Kaliya Kajal , Maurya Sushil K.
Published: November 2020

Across the globe, countries are being challenged by the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic in ways they have never been before. The global outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 with an uncertain fatality rate has imposed extreme challenges on global health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic, after the disease caused by the new coronavirus spread to more than 100 countries. To date, various therapeutic approaches have been proposed and are being implemented to combat this pandemic, but unfortunately, no sovereign remedy has been established yet. Protease enzymes are important targets to develop therapies for the treatment of infections caused by SARS coronaviruses. In this review, an overview is given on recent advances in the discovery of potent protease inhibitors targeting the SARS coronaviruses. Different classes of natural product inhibitors targeting protease enzymes of SARS coronaviruses have been studied in detail along with their structure-activity relationship analysis. This study emphasized important covalent and non-covalent small molecule inhibitors, which effectively inhibited chymotrypsin- like cysteine protease (3CLpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) of two SARS coronaviruses, i.e., SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. Repurposing of drugs has also been outlined in this study to understand their roles as quick-to-be-identified therapy to combat these zoonotic coronaviruses.
Exploring the Potentials of Corn Fiber Gum in Fabricating Mucoadhesive Floating Tablet of Poorly Gastro-retainable Drug
Authors: Mangla Bhumika , Jain Anurekha , Malik Deepinder S.
Published: November 2020

Aim::

To formulate and preliminary evaluated polysaccharide based
mucoadhesive floating tablets of Cinnarizine.

Background::

Gastro-retentive drug delivery systems has proved to be a successful
approach to enhance the gastric residence with site specific targeting for
achieving local or generalized effect. Various patents has also been filed globally
employing gastro-retentive approach.

Objective::

The study is designed to explore the mucoadhesive and low density
characteristics of corn fibre gum (CFG) for the preparation of gastro-retentive
floating tablets of cinnarizine.

Methods::

Floating tablets were prepared by direct compression technique using
different concentrations of CFG (45, 50, 60% w/w). The formulated floating
tablet batches were evaluated for their hardness, friability, drug content, floating
duration/lag time, swelling behavior, bioadhesive strength and in-vitro drug release.

Results::

Mucoadhesive strength was found to increase with an increment in the
polysaccharide concentration. Swelling index was found to increase both with
the increase in CFG concentration and with duration for which tablet remains in
medium. The in-vitro drug release studies indicated decrease in drug release
(91% to 77%) with the increase in polymer concentration. The release data was
further fitted to various kinetic models which revealed the drug release to be in
accordance with zero order and Higuchi models, indicating polymer to exhibit
the swellable matrix forming abilities. The value of n (between 0.458 and 0.997)
from Korsemeyer-Peppas model depicted the possibility of drug to follow more
than one mechanism of release from the formulation i.e. diffusion and erosion.
Stability studies revealed the preparations to retain their integrity and pharmaceutical
characteristics at variable storage conditions.

Conclusion::

Thus from the research findings, CFG could be concluded to possess
potential binder, release retardant and mucoadhesive characteristics which
could be successfully employed for the formulation of gastro-retentive floating
tablets.
Multifocal Osteolytic Lesions in Skull Bone with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis: A Case Report
Authors: Mellat-Ardakani Milad , Ghiasvand Fereshteh , Nezhad Malihe Hassan , Salahshour Faeze , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad
Published: November 2020

Background:

Bone Tuberculosis of the skull base as well as maxillofacial and oral cavity
involvement can rarely and only occur in about 3% of the cases with systemic diseases or in case
of pulmonary involvement.

Case Presentation:

A 37-year-old patient with fever and swelling in his face and neck referred to
our center. After MRI and CT scan, it was revealed that multiple erosions and destructions are seen
in the Hard Palate bones, as well as the pre-maxillary process, alveolar ridge, and the floor of maxillary
sinus on both sides. In the Ziel Nelson staining, there were 5 Acid-fast bacilli in each field.
The patient received standard anti-tuberculosis and clarithromycin therapy. In the follow-up three
months later, the patient’s condition improved and MRI showed significant remission.

Conclusion:

The present case confirms that tuberculosis may occur in patients with skull bone involvement
and osteolytic lesions whose early diagnosis and treatment can result in gaining good
outcomes.
A Novel Cell-based In vitro Assay for Antiviral Activity of Interferons α, β, and γ by qPCR of MxA Gene Expression
Authors: Saber Mohamed A. , Okasha Hend , Khorshed Fatma , Samir Safia
Published: November 2020

Background:

Human MxA gene is related to the class of interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs) that plays a role in antiviral resistance.

Objective:

Implementation of standard curves obtained from designing a procedure for data processing in relative qPCR between MxA expression and interferon’s antiviral activity (IU/ml). These standard curves can be used to detect the antiviral activity of any new compound rapidly and safely.

Methods:

To detect the optimum incubation time for maximum MxA gene expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), the isolated human PBMCs (1x106 cells) were incubated with a concentration of 1000 IU/ml of each IFN at different time intervals; 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, and 24 h post-treatment. A standard curve was performed for each IFN (α, β, and γ) at different concentrations (250, 500, 750, 1000, 1500, and 2000 IU/ml).

Results:

As observed at 4 h incubation time of 1000 IU/ml concentration, IFN-γ provided a higher expression of MxA compared to IFN-α and IFN-β. Correlation analyses between IFN-α and IFN-β, IFN-β and IFN-γ were non-significant. However, there was a significant correlation between IFN-α and IFN-γ (p<0.01). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that cut-off values of IFN- γ, IFN-β, and IFN-α were 58.14 > 7.31 and > 3.33, respectively.

Conclusions:

The relative expression of MxA is a biomarker for IFN-α, β, and γ, especially IFN-α. It has compiled and validated a standard curve-based protocol for PCR data processing. It shows that the standard curve is an easy alternative tool to assess antiviral activity. We revised all patents relating to the antiviral assays of the used interferons.