bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UM OLHAR SOBRE AS REDES DE SOCIABILIDADE CONSTRUÍDORAS DO TERRITÓRIO DAS FABRIQUETAS DE QUEIJO
Authors: Menezes Sônia De Souza Mendonça , Almeida Maria Geralda de
Published: March 2021

O presente estudo tem como objetivo, discutir os conceitos do rural, território e redes, relacionando a uma atividade agroalimentar criada pelos agricultores no sertão sergipano, favorecendo a revalorização destes e fortalecendo a identidade cultural. A criação desta atividade, prioritariamente na zona rural, está intimamente ligada a uma população que reluta em não abandonar a terra natal, refletindo a percepção do mercado de trabalho atual e a sua difícil inserção no sistema produtivo. As redes de sociabilidade articulam os elementos constituintes da cadeia produtiva do leite, visando manter-se na sua área de origem, possibilitando o surgimento de uma dinâmica no mercado informal através da criação de alternativas para beneficiamento do leite, gerando trabalho e renda, e, consequentemente, reproduzindo-se. Porém, as políticas públicas não são direcionadas para este setor no sentido de valorizar o potencial cultural existente no meio rural do sertão sergipano, diferentemente do que acontece com o grande capital industrial.
EDUCAÇÃO DO CAMPO COMO PROJETO DE DESENVOLVIMENTO E DE VIDA PARA O CAMPO/Rural Education Education as a project of development and of life for the countryside
Authors: Cerino Rosa Lima Eloísa Aparecida , Fernandes Silvia Aparecida de Sousa
Published: March 2021

A Educação do Campo está diretamente ligada a disputa de projetos para o campo e vincula-se à luta pela reforma agrária e aos movimentos sociais, contribuindo diretamente para a construção de um projeto educativo que prioriza e respeita o ser humano em suas diferentes culturas, que o respeita enquanto classe trabalhadora protagonista das transformações necessárias a uma vida plena. Esse artigo tem como objetivo analisar a proposta de Educação do Campo, projeto de Educação e de sociedade ainda em construção, que se contrapõe ao modelo de desenvolvimento capitalista para o campo expresso no modelo agronegócio -exportador. Toma-se como referência pesquisa documental e bibliográfica realizada e a análise da experiência de uma escola do campo no Assentamento Roseli Nunes, no estado do Mato Grosso.[1] Este artigo é resultado de pesquisa dissertativa, contou com financiamento CAPES.
La exclusión política y los mecanismos de marginalidad como soporte de la organización y consolidación del Estado Nación Argentino. Un recorrido en clave historiográfica
Authors: Stefanelli Emanuel
Published: March 2021

Este ensayo tiene por objetivo reflexionar acerca de los procesos de exclusión política, sus destinatarios y los fundamentos esgrimidos para explicar los mecanismos de marginalidad que darán sustento a la organización (1852-1880) y consolidación (1880-1955) del Estado Argentino. La intención es analizar y comprender las múltiples formas de exclusión sobre las que se amparan los procesos clasificatorios de fines del siglo XIX y principios del siglo XX. Se pretende mostrar entonces cómo la imposición coercitiva de una lógica de inclusión excluyente permitió forjar el proyecto hegemónico de las elites dirigentes. La inclusión y proliferación de estudios recientes sobre esta temática brindan nuevas claves para analizar, desde el campo de las ciencias sociales, las tensiones subyacentes a la relación entre Estado y sociedad civil en las diferentes coyunturas histórico-políticas de nuestro país.  La reflexión final pretende recuperar las reformulaciones atribuidas al concepto de exclusión y los desafíos que hoy enfrentan los regímenes democráticos respecto de las nuevas condiciones sociales introducidas por el mundo globalizado.
A Survey on “Object Detection Algorithms for Visually Impaired People”
Authors: Kasture Prof. Pradnya , Kumkar Aishwarya , Jagtap Yash , Tangade Akshay , Pole Aditya
Published: March 2021

Vision is one in every of the foremost necessary human senses and it plays a really necessary role in human interaction with the surrounding objects. Until now many papers have been published on these topics that shows various different computer vision products and services by developing new electronic devices for the visually disabled people. The aim is to study different object detection methods. As compared to other Object detection methods, YOLO method has multiple advantages. In alternative algorithms like CNN, Fast-CNN the algorithmic program won't investigate the image fully however in YOLO the algorithmic program investigate the image fully by predicting the bounding boxes by making use of convolutional network and possibilities for these boxes and detects the image quicker as compared to alternative algorithms.
MOLUSCOS DE LA CUENCA DEL RÍO PUNTA GORDA, CARIBE SUR, NICARAGUA, CENTROAMÉRICA
Authors: Vega R. Gabriel H. , López Adolfo , Urcuyo Janina , Canda Luis A.
Published: March 2021

El presente estudio muestra la línea base de la biodiversidad de moluscos en la cuenca del Río Punta Gorda, encontrada en dos campañas de muestreo, una en la estación lluviosa del 2013 y la otra en la seca del 2014, en ocho sitios con ecosistemas terrestres, dulceacuícolas y marino/costeros. El resultado fue una lista de 127 especies (62 terrestres, 18 acuícolas y 47 marino/costeras). De las terrestres, se presenta un grupo que parece presentar preferencia por áreas poco intervenidas, la mayor parte endémicas de la región centroamericana. Las dulceacuícolas encontradas en pantanos o áreas temporalmente inundadas están en riesgo debido a los usos actuales en la cuenca. En cuanto a las marino/costeras, se requiere más investigación dado su valor alimenticio ancestral para las comunidades de la etnia Rama, asentadas a lo largo del Caribe Sur.
EFECTO DEL ULTRASONIDO EN EL RENDIMIENTO Y COMPOSICIÓN FITOQUÍMICA DE LOS EXTRACTOS DE LIPPIA ALBA (MILL.) N.E. BROWN
Authors: Alcívar Cedeño Ulbio , Burgos Briones Gabriel , Daza López Andrea , Lucas Bailón María Valentina
Published: March 2021

Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown es una planta aromática y medicinal que, actualmente, se emplea para el tratamiento de múltiples dolencias gastrointestinales de manera convencional. Se ha comprobado que posee propiedades con poder antibacteriano, antiviral, antiparasitario y antimicótico que convierten a esta planta en materia prima ideal para aplicaciones dentro de la industria farmacéutica. De sus hojas se pueden obtener aceites esenciales, extractos acuosos o alcohólicos mediante diferentes métodos de extracción que permiten evaluar y conocer sus características físicas, químicas, microbiológicas y funcionales. El propósito del presente trabajo fue determinar el efecto de la extracción asistida por ultrasonido sobre las características de Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown modificando las condiciones de extracción, realizando extracciones de tres combinaciones bajo tres temperaturas diferentes: 25ºC, 40ºC y 55ºC; y dos tiempos: 30 minutos y 60 minutos, llevando a cabo una caracterización fitoquímica y funcional de los extractos de la planta y así mismo una evaluación de los rendimientos resultantes de dichos extractos. La composición fitoquímica se realizó mediante ensayo de Wagner, Benedit, espuma, Shinoda, cloruro férrico y con hidróxido de sodio 10%, identificando presencia de alcaloides, fenoles, taninos y saponinas como compuestos secundarios. La determinación de contenido fenólico se realizó con Folin Ciocalteu y la capacidad antioxidante mediante las técnicas de ABTS, FRAP y DPPH, logrando establecer los extractos con mejores características y con ello conocer la condición de extracción ultrasónica óptima.
Protura (Arthropoda: Hexapoda) in Slovenian caves
Authors: Galli Loris , Janžekovič Franc , Kozel Peter , Novak Tone
Published: March 2021

Protura is a small class of Hexapoda, generally poorly known, and rather scarce data on its occurrence in caves are scattered throughout literature on fauna in caves and in some papers on Protura. Although the cave-dwelling fauna is relatively well studied in Slovenia, published records on Protura are rare. In this paper, data on the occurrence and abundance of Protura in Slovenian caves are considered. Various statistical analyses were performed to compare caves with Protura to those without in 60 intensively monitored cavities to detect any differences in the selected environmental conditions. No significant difference was obtained. Samples collected from 15 caves yielded 286 specimens identified to genus or species level. Ten species were identified: Acerentulus confinis (Berlese, 1908), A. rafalskii Szeptycki, 1979*, Acerentomon affine Bagnall, 1912*, A. balcanicum Ionesco, 1933*, A. italicum Nosek, 1969, A. maius Berlese, 1908*, A. meridionale Nosek, 1960, Acerella muscorum (Ionesco, 1930)*, Eosentomon armatum Stach, 1926*, and E. transitorium Berlese, 1908*. The seven species marked with an asterisk are new records for Slovenia. Two specimens belonging to an unidentified species of the genus Ionescuellum Tuxen, 1960 were also found. As expected, Protura were most abundant at the cave entrance close to the surface, and none of the species were found exclusively in cavities. This suggests that proturans were introduced passively into the cavities via organic matter and surface soils.
Dance, Architecture and Engineering
Authors: Akinleye Adesola
Published: March 2021

This book was born from a year of exchanges of movement ideas generated in cross-practice conversations and workshops with dancers, musicians, architects and engineers. Events took place at key cultural institutions such as the Royal Academy of Arts, London; and The Lowry, Salford, as well as on-site at architectural firms and on the streets of London. The author engages with dance’s offer of perspectives on being in place: how the ‘ordinary person’ is facilitated in experiencing the dance of the city, while also looking at shared cross-practice understandings in and about the body, weight and rhythm. There is a prioritizing of how embodied knowledges across dance, architecture and engineering can contribute to decolonizing the production of place – in particular, how dance and city-making cultures engage with female bodies and non-white bodies in today’s era of #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter. Akinleye concludes in response conversations about ideas raised in the book with John Bingham-Hall, Liz Lerman, Dianne McIntyer and Richard Sennett. The book is a fascinating resource for those drawn to spatial practices from dance to design to construction.
Lacan
Authors: De Beistegui Miguel
Published: March 2021

Lacan: A Genealogy provides a genealogical account of Lacan’s work as a whole, from his early writings on paranoid psychosis to his later work on the real and surplus enjoyment.

Beistegui argues that Lacan's work requires an in-depth genealogy to chart and interpret the his key concept of desire. The genealogy is both a historical and critical approach, inspired by Foucault, which consists in asking how – that is, by what theoretical and practical transformations, by the emergence of which discourses of truth, which institutions, and which power relations – our current subjectivity was shaped. Desire is a crucial thread throughout because it lies at the heart not only of liberal political economy, psychiatry and psychopathology, and the various discourses of recognition (from philosophy to psychology and the law) that shape our current politics of identity, but also, and more importantly, of the manner in which we understand, experience and indeed govern ourselves, ethically and politically.

A novel reading of Lacan that foregrounds the radicality and urgency of his concepts and the relationship between desire, norm and the law.
The Duel in European History
Authors: Kiernan Victor , Blackbourn David
Published: March 2021

For centuries, duelling played an integral role in the preservation of the aristocratic order in Europe, defying attempts by both church and state to ban the practice. Moreover, the romance and drama of the duel has made it an enduring fixture in films, literature, and the theatre.

In The Duel in European History, renowned historian Victor Kiernan writes with his characteristic wit and insight of duelling's evolution from its medieval origins – when it was regarded as a badge of rank - to the early twentieth century, by which time it was seen as an irrational anachronism. In doing so, he shows how the duelling tradition was something unique to Europe and its colonies, and, in its contribution to the development of the officer corps, played a key part in shaping European military power.

Drawing on a vast range of historical and cultural sources, this is the definitive account of a violent ritual that continues to fascinate even today.
Théodore Rousseau and the Rise of the Modern Art Market
Authors: Kelly Simon
Published: March 2021

The 19th century in France witnessed the emergence of the structures of the modern art market that remain until this day. This book examines the relationship between the avant-garde Barbizon landscape painter, Théodore Rousseau (1812–1867), and this market, exploring the constellation of patrons, art dealers and critics who surrounded the artist. It argues for the pioneering role of Rousseau, his patrons and his public in the origins of the modern art market, and, in so doing, shifts attention away from the more traditional focus on the novel careers of the Impressionists and their supporters. Drawing on extensive archival research, the book provides new insight into the role of the modern artist as professional. It provides a new understanding of the complex iconographical and formal choices within Rousseau’s work, rediscovering the original radical charge that once surrounded the artist’s work and led to extensive and peculiarly modern tensions with the market place.
The Battle of the Ayatollahs in Iran
Authors: Vatanka Alex
Published: March 2021

Understanding the foreign policy agenda and behavior of the Islamic Republic of Iran is a critical challenge for the world. But where do the principal Iranian regime actors come from in terms of political background, experiences and interests? Which types of ambitions or policy conflicts have dominated and shaped foreign policy debates since 1979?

This book explains the internal policy process in Tehran by following two regime personalities, Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who before his death in January 2017 held some of the most powerful political positions in Iran. No two men have been more influential in dictating the regime’s decision-making processes since 1979. Yet little is known about how their competing worldviews and interests, their key moments of dispute – both personal or policy-based – or their personal ambitions have informed the trajectory of Iranian politics. The book analyzes Khamenei and Rafsanjani’s own words and writings - and accounts of them given by others - to reveal how the domestic policy contest has shaped Tehran’s actions on the regional and international stage. Comprising primary and secondary Iranian sources - including untapped memoirs, newspaper reports, and Iranian electronic media and personal interviews - the book highlights the principal rivalries over the lifespan of the Islamic Republic and offers new insights into the present and future of Iranian foreign policy.
The Association between Micro-RNA Gene Polymorphisms and Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Egyptian Patients
Authors: Allam Maha , Diab Karema , Khalil Fatma , Khalaf Fatma , Abdel-Samiee Mohamed , Sheble Nashwa , Eljaky Mohamed , Zayed Essam , Othman Warda , Abd-Elkreem Mervat , Abdelsameea Eman
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multistage process involving the deregulation of genes that are crucial to cellular processes. Multiple risk factors are correlated with HCC. MicroRNA is differentially expressed in development of different types of malignancies, including hepatic malignancy. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common sequence variation in human genome. SNPs in miRNAs may affect transcription, processing or target recognition and result in malignant diseases.
Aim: To determine the association between micro-RNA gene polymorphisms and development of HCC in Egyptian Patients.

Material and methods

This study included 200 individual who were matched in age and sex. Tumor staging was done using BCLC staging system. Quantification and genotyping of Micro-RNA were performed.

Results

Among the 200 patients, 2 groups were described: group I included 90 HCC patients with a male majority (72.2%) and 110 controls in group II. Diabetes and hypertension were detected as risk factors. Three microRNA SNPs were assayed. There was a significant association between rs10061133 miR-499b and the risk of HCC. The genotypes GG or G allele were associated significantly to an increased risk of HCC (GG: OR (95% CI) = 2.91 (1.23-4.22), p = 0.013; G allele: OR (95% CI) = 1.79 (1.12- 2.15), p = 0.026) compared with the genotype of AA or AG or A allele.

Conclusions

There is an association between the mi-RNA SNPs and the susceptibility to HCC, aiming to explore some roles and mechanisms of SNPs within miRNAs in the occurrence and development of HCC.
TERT rs2853669 as predictor for overall survival in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Tripon Florin , Bănescu Claudia , Trifa Adrian , Crauciuc Andrei , Moldovan Valeriu , Boglis Alina , Benedek Istvan , Demian Smaranda , Duicu Carmen , Iancu Mihaela
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Objectiv. To investigate the contribution of TERT rs2736100 and rs2853669 gene polymorphisms in defining the genetic predisposition to AML, their association with different prognostic markers and their impact on survival, outcome and the prognosis of affected patients. Also, we investigated the association of TERT SNPs in AML in the presence or absence of DNMT3A (R882), NPM1 and FLT3 mutations.

Material and methods

A total of 509 participants were enrolled in our study, consisting of 146 AML patients and 363 healthy participants, with no history of malignancy. TERT rs2736100 and rs2853669 polymorphisms were genotyped by using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays FLT3 (ITD, D835), DNMT3A (R882) and NPM1 c.863_864insTCTG (type A) mutation status was analyzed in each AML case.

Results

TERT rs2736100 and rs2853669 were not associated with AML risk in the codominant, dominant, recessive or allelic models. Multivariate Cox regression showed that TERT rs2853669 was a significant predictor for overall survival in AML patients. After adjusting for age, gender, cytogenetic risk group, ECOG status, FTLT3, DNM3A or NMP1 mutation, AML subtype and treatment, the estimated adjusted hasard ratio (HR adjusted=1.54, 95%CI:[1.01;2.35]) showed that the TERT rs2853669 variant genotype had a negative influence on survival time.

Conclusions

TERT rs2853669 and rs2736100 polymorphisms were not risk factors for developing AML in the Romanian population, but TERT rs2853669 variant genotype had a negative effect on AML patients overall survival in the presence of other known prognostic factors.
Effect of N-acetyl-cysteine in Prevention of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Chang Po-Hsiung , Liu Chia-Wei , Hung Shih-Han , Kang Yi-No
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most prevalent causes of hearing impairment and occupational diseases. Although multiple factors lead to noise-induced hearing loss, prevention and protection strategies remain limited. Studies in the past decade have employed antioxidants, especially N-acetyl-cysteine, to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluated the effect of N-acetyl-cysteine on the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss.

Material and methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis included relevant studies from the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science by using related terms. The study only included randomized controlled trials in meta-analyses and assessed the quality of the identified randomized controlled trials by using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Two authors extracted and calculated data on characteristics and hearing threshold. The results are presented as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

This study identified five randomized controlled trials that randomized 1,115 patients into N-acetyl-cysteine and control groups. The meta-analysis evidenced that N-acetyl-cysteine has greater protective effects against hearing threshold shifts than the control in the 0 to 4 kHz (WMD = −3.39, 95% CI: −6.56 to −0.22) and 0 to 6 kHz (MD = −3.49, 95% CI: −6.57 to −0.41) subgroups.

Conclusions

The present review and meta-analysis recommends that N-acetyl-cysteine may be considered as an option for protective therapy for noise-induced hearing loss. Nonetheless, larger randomized controlled trials are requisite for further investigation and verification.
Chemokine expression in patients with ovarian cancer or benign ovarian tumors
Authors: Nowak Marek , Janas Łukasz , Soja Malwina , Głowacka Ewa , Szyłło Krzysztof , Misiek Marcin , Klink Magdalena
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Chemokines play a crucial role in tumor growth and progression according to proangiogenic and immunosuppressive acting. This study was aimed to investigate the serum levels of selected chemokines in patients with ovarian cancer or benign ovarian tumors to point on their role in tumorigenesis and their potential use in preoperative diagnosing of adnexal mass.

Material and methods

The study group consisted of 59 women with ovarian cancer: 17 epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients and 42 women with benign ovarian tumors. We measured in sera obtained preoperatively the level of CA125 and the panel of 5 chemokines: CX3CL1/Fractalkine, CXCL1/GRO-α, CXCL12/SDF-1, CCL20/MIP-3α and IL-17F, using chemiluminescence method with multiplexed bead based immunoassay.

Results

CX3CL1 was significantly elevated in sera of advanced ovarian cancer patients compared to women with benign ovarian tumors. The significant elevation of CXCL1 was also observed (both: early and advanced stage). The similar pattern was present with standard ovarian cancer marker – CA125. In our patients with endometriotic cysts CA125 levels were significantly higher than in women with other benign tumors whereas all analyzed chemokines had similar serum titers in patients with endometriotic vs other benign ovarian cysts.

Conclusions

CX3CL1 and CXCL1 are elevated in sera of EOC patients what points on their role in cancer development. Moreover, they might be useful in preoperative differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors, especially as they were not elevated in cases of endometriosis.
Gender-specific differences in plasma ferritin in adolescents smoking cigarettes versus waterpipe smoking: the Irbid-TRY Project
Authors: Alomari Mahmoud A. , Al-sheyab Nihaya A. , Shattnawi Khulood K. , Khabour Omar F.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Ferritin has been implicated in body physiology and pathology. Smoking cigarettes (Cg) alters ferritin metabolism. Waterpipe (Wp) smoking has recently reemerged as a global epidemic and is linked to the most devastating diseases. However, the effect of smoking Wp on ferritin is not known. Therefore, the current study compared plasma ferritin in adolescents smoking Cg, Wp, both (CgWp) versus never smoked.

Material and methods

Self-reported smoking status and plasma ferritin levels were obtained from 849 boys (n = 470) and girls (n = 379) in the 7th–10th grade (age range = 13–17 years).

Results

The ANCOVA revealed a main effect for gender (p < 0.000) and smoking status (p < 0.02) without an interaction effect (p > 0.9). Post-hoc analysis showed greater plasma ferritin in the adolescents smoking Wp (p < 0.03) and CgWp (p < 0.004) versus never smoked. Gender-stratified ANCOVA showed a main effect for smoking status in the boys (p < 0.02) and girls (p < 0.03). Additional comparisons among the boys showed greater plasma ferritin in the Wp (p < 0.006) and CgWp (p < 0.008) smoking groups versus never smoking, without differences (p > 0.5) between Wp and CgWp smoking. Another subgroup comparison showed greater plasma ferritin in the girls smoking Cg (p < 0.02) and CgWp (p < 0.02) versus never smoking, without a difference (p > 0.3) between Cg and CgWp smoking.

Conclusions

The results indicate that ferritin is elevated in adolescent smokers, particularly the boys smoking Wp and CgWp and in the girls smoking Cg and CgWp.
MiR-489-3p modulates cell proliferation and apoptosis
in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis by targeting
X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein
Authors: Li Xiang , Qin Hong , Han Xiaotong , Zhang Xingwen , Wang Luping , Tan Zheng , Xu Yixiao , Tang Zhanhong
Published: March 2021

Introduction

This study aims to explore the effect and mechanism of miR�489-3p on the proliferation and apoptosis of pancreatic acinar cells in acute
pancreatitis (AP).

Material and methods

X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) and
miR-489-3p expression in serum of AP patients, pancreatic AR42J cells, and
rat AP tissues were measured using quantitative reverse transcription poly�merase chain reaction and western blot. The effect of miR-489-3p on pro�liferation and apoptosis was determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry.
The relationship between XIAP and miR-489-3p was verified using luciferase
assay RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Histological changes in rat pancreatic
tissues were observed via haematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results

Measurement of miR-489-3p and XIAP expressions in AP patients
revealed a negative correlation between miR-489-3p and XIAP. Increased
miR-489-3p expression in AP patients indicated a poor prognosis. Cerulein
was used to induce AP in AR42J cells and standard deviation rats. Exper�iments in cells and AP rat models showed that miR-489-3p can increase
cell apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation by regulating XIAP, as shown by
elevated expressions of pro-apoptotic proteins (p53 and Bax) and decreased
expression of proliferation indicator (Ki-67) after transfection of miR-489-
3p mimics. Meanwhile, knockdown of miR-489-3p abrogated the inhibitory
effects of miR-489-3p on cell proliferation and the promotion on cell apop�tosis. Luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay confirmed that
XIAP can directly bind miR-489-3p.

Conclusions

We concluded that miR-489-3p modulates cell proliferation
and apoptosis in AP by targeting XIAP. Given that high expression of miR�489-3p in AP indicated poor prognosis, it raises the possibility that miR�489-3p might be a novel and valuable therapeutic target and a prognosis
indicator for AP.
The role of statins in lung cancer
Authors: Amin Fatemeh , Fathi Farzaneh , Reiner Željko , Banach Maciej , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: March 2021

Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related mortality in the 21st century. Statins as inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase not only reduce the cholesterol levels in the blood and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease but may also play an important role in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer. Statins have several antitumor properties including the ability to reduce cell proliferation and angiogenesis, decrease invasion and synergistic suppression of lung cancer progression. Statins induce tumor cell apoptosis by inhibition of downstream products such as small GTP-binding proteins, Rho, Ras and Rac, which are dependent on isoprenylation. Statins reduce angiogenesis in tumors by down-regulation of pro-angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor. In this review, the feasibility and efficacy of statins in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer are discussed.
Interplay between IL-17 family members and angiogenic cytokines in subjects with systemic sclerosis.
Authors: Liszewska Agata , Robak Ewa , Woźniacka Anna , Bogaczewicz Jaroslaw , Dziankowska-Bartkowiak Bożena , Gerlicz-Kowalczuk Zofia
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by immune system activation, vasculopathy, and collagen accumulation. Despite progressive fibrosis of the vasculature, compensatory angiogenesis is impaired. The cause of the shift towards anti-angiogenesis observed in SSc is unknown. The IL-17 cytokine family participates in the pathogenesis of SSc and angiogenesis.

Material and methods

Our study aimed to evaluate levels and find relationships between the levels of proangiogenic cytokines and cytokines from the IL-17 family in 42 SSc subjects and 20 healthy controls. VEGF, PlGF, HGF, TGFβ1, GM-CSF, IL-17A, IL-17B, IL-17E and IL-17F were quantified in the sera of all participants by ELISA sandwich kits.

Results

Significantly higher mean concentrations of PlGF compared to controls - mean value (19.3 pg/ml in the SSc group vs. 11.4 pg/ml in the control group; p<0.001) and of HGF (1931 pg/ml in the SSc group vs. 1483 pg/ml in controls; p<0.05). Mean serum TGFβ1 level was also significantly lower in the SSc group (781 pg/ml) than controls (35991 pg/ml; p<0.001). Among the IL-17 family, significantly higher mean concentrations of IL-17B (67.0 pg/ml vs. 2.6 pg/ml in controls; p<0,001), IL-17E (8.0 pg/ml vs 0.64 pg/ml in controls; p<0.001) and IL-17F (0.42 pg/ml vs. 0.0 pg/ml in controls; p< 0.01) were detected. Serum concentrations of HGF and PlGF correlated with the concentrations of IL17A, IL-17B, and IL-17E.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our findings indicate that selected cytokines from the IL17 family participate in the pathogenesis of SSc and are responsible for the vascular abnormalities associated with this disorder.
Identification of Natural Compounds (Proanthocyanidin and Rhapontin) as High-Affinity Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and PLpro using Computational Strategies
Authors: AlAjmi Mohamed , Azhar Asim , Hasan Sadaf , Alshabr Abdullah , Hussain Afzal , Rehman Md Tabish
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The emergence of a new and highly pathogenic coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan (China) and its spread worldwide has resulted in enormous social and economic loss. Amongst many proteins encoded by SARS-CoV-2 genome, the main protease (Mpro) or chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (3CLpro) and Papain-like protease (PLpro) serve as an attractive drug target.

Material and methods

We screened a library of 2267 natural compounds against Mpro and PLpro using high throughput virtual screening (HTVS). 50 top-scoring compounds against each protein in HTVS were further evaluated by standard-precision (SP) docking. Compounds with SP docking energy of ≤ -8.0 kcal mol-1 against Mpro and ≤ -5.0 kcal mol-1 against PLpro were subjected to extra-precision (XP) docking. Finally, six compounds against each target proteins were identified and subjected to Prime/MM-GBSA free energy calculations. Compounds with the lowest Prime/MM-GBSA energy were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation to evaluate the stability of protein-ligand complexes.

Results

Proanthocyanidin and Rhapontin were identified as the most potent inhibitors of Mpro and PLpro, respectively. Analysis of protein-inhibitor interaction revealed that both protein-inhibitor complexes were stabilized by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Proanthocyanidin interacted with the catalytic residues (His41 and Cys145) of Mpro, while Rhapontin contacted the active site residues (Trp106, His272, Asp286) of PLpro. The docking energies of Proanthocyanidin and Rhapontin towards their respective targets were -10.566 and -10.022 kcal/mol.

Conclusions

This study's outcome may serve Proanthocyanidin and Rhapontin as a scaffold to build more potent inhibitors with desirable drug-like properties. However, it requires further validations by in vitro and in vivo studies.
Long-noncoding RNA NBR2 via targeting miR-19a-3p regulates pancreatic β cell function and provides novel biomarkers for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wan Lei , Song Xinying , Zhu Baoqing
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major kind of diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to analyze the regulatory effect of long noncoding RNA NBR2 on pancreatic  cell function and the related mechanisms, and to analyze the clinical significance of abnormal NBR2 expression in patients with T2DM.

Material and methods

The expression levels of NBR2 and microRNA-19a-3p (miR-19a-3p) were measured using quantitative Real-Time PCR. The glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was measured using ELISA kit, and cell proliferation was examined using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the relationship between NBR2 and miR-19a-3p. The diagnostic values of NBR2, miR-19a-3p and NBR2 combined with miR-19a-3p were assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

The insulin secretion and proliferation of INS-1 cells were inhibited by NBR2 overexpression, and were promoted by NBR2 knockdown. MiR-19a-3p, which was inhibited by NBR2 overexpression, directly mediated the regulatory effects of NBR2 on INS-1 cell function. Increased serum NBR2 level and decreased serum miR-19a-3p level were found in T2DM patients, and a negative correlation was found between NBR2 and miR-19a-3p. The fasting plasma glucose of T2DM patients was positively correlated with serum NBR2 and negatively correlated with serum miR-19a-3p. Both serum NBR2 and miR-19a-3p had certain diagnostic accuracy, whereas, the combined detection of the serum NBR2 and miR-19a-3p showed more considerable diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that NBR2/miR-19a-3p axis regulates pancreatic β cell function, while may be novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of T2DM.
FGF-21 LEVELS AND LIVER INFLAMMATORY BIOMARKERS IN OBESE SUBJECTS AFTER WEIGHT LOSS.
Authors: Cantero Irene , Abete Itziar , Bullon-Vela Vanesa , Crujeiras Ana Belen , Casanueva F.Felipe , Zulet M. Angeles , Martinez J. Alfredo
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Previous studies have hypothesized Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) as a potential biomarker of the inflammation associated to liver diseases, which is also receiving high attention for its potential application concerning the management of obesity and co-morbidities. This study aimed to analyze the response of FGF-21 after a weight loss intervention and the relationships with other putative inflammatory liver biomarkers.

Material and methods

Sixty-six obese participants from the RESMENA study were evaluated at baseline and after following a 6-months energy restriction treatment. Anthropometrical, body composition by DXA, routine laboratory measurements, which included transaminases and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were analyzed by standardized methods. Moreover, FGF-21, M30-fragment (M30) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-I) were analyzed as recognized liver inflammatory related biomarkers with specific ELISA Kits.

Results

Most measurements related with hepatic damage, inflammation and adiposity status improved at the end of the 6-months nutritional intervention. In addition, ΔFGF-21 shifts evidenced statistical relationships with changes in ΔM30, ΔGGT and ΔPAI. The reduction of M30 showed significant associations with changes in transaminases. Furthermore, PAI-I changes were related with ΔM30 and ΔGGT regardless of weight loss. A linear regression model was set up to assess the influence of ΔPAI-I and ΔM30 on the variability of ΔFGF-21 (23.8%) adjusted by weight loss.

Conclusions

These results evidenced interactions of some liver inflammatory mediators, specifically M30 and PAI-I with FGF-21. Thus, more investigation about FGF-21 is required given that this protein could be a biomarker of the obesity-inflammation-liver process.
TUBERCULOSE: PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO NO ESTADO DE SANTA CATARINA, FATORES DE RISCO E RESISTÊNCIA MICROBIANA
Authors: Gniech Ana Laísa , Gniech Nathalia Regina , Polese Thiago Roberto , D'Agostini Fernanda Maurer , Fernandes Liliane Simara
Published: March 2021

Introdução: A tuberculose é uma doença infecciosa bacteriana grave, provocada pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Estudos indicam o aparecimento de cepas multirresistentes aos medicamentos disponíveis para o tratamento configurando uma séria ameaça à saúde. Objetivo: Verificar os fatores de risco para a drogarresistência correlacionando-os ao padrão de acometimento de tuberculose em Santa Catarina. Material e Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica nas bases de dados Scielo, Google Academic e PubMed com os termos “tuberculosis” e “microbial resistance”, em inglês, português e espanhol, no período de 2015 a 2020. Nove artigos foram utilizados nessa revisão, ademais, foi realizado um levantamento epidemiológico da patologia na plataforma DataSUS, tabulado e comparado no programa Microsoft Excel. Resultados: A tuberculose está associada a vários fatores, como pouca aderência ao tratamento, surgimento de cepas multirresistentes, coinfecção com HIV e vulnerabilidade socioeconômica. Constatada a patologia, a literatura discorre acerca da complexidade do tratamento, sendo imprescindível a associação medicamentosa para garantir a cura e evitar recidivas, além de impedir seleção de resistência. Nessa perspectiva, a quimioterapia antituberculosa transcorre por seis a nove meses e não garante a supressão total das bactérias, o que culmina no abandono terapêutico e consequente aparecimento de cepas multirresistentes. A tuberculose drogarresistente (TBDR) não responde à medicação exigindo a aplicação de fármacos de segunda linha, com tratamento prolongado, menos cura e mais abandono. Assim, o prognóstico é agravado com o avanço do padrão de resistência. A investigação epidemiológica constatou, no Brasil, a presença de 452.309 casos de tuberculose no período de 2015 a 2019. Destes, 11.088 casos em SC, destacando-se 7.181 curados, 1.079 abandonos, 268 óbitos e 147 TBDR. Em relação aos testes rápidos de TB, especificamente, evidenciou-se 1.799 sensíveis, 113 resistentes e 8.065 não realizados. Conclusão: A análise dos fatores de risco é indispensável para o manejo adequado da tuberculose. É fundamental ampliar a cobertura de testagem para tuberculose, visando a detecção e o combate à resistência medicamentosa para evitar prejuízos no tratamento.
INCIDÊNCIA DE OVOS E LARVAS DE ANCILOSTOMATÍDEO EM ÁREA DE ALIMENTAÇÃO NA CIDADE DE FORTALEZA-CE
Authors: de Abreu Karina Gatti , Farias Genehom Nunes de Neto Farias , de Sousa Thaís Alves , Lopes José Adriano Soares , Melo Maria Verônyca Coelho
Published: March 2021

Introdução: Solo de praças públicas tem sido apontado como indicador de contaminação humana, devido ao grande contingente de cães e gatos errantes que circulam livremente. Objetivo: verificar a contaminação por ovos e larvas de Ancylostoma sp, em amostras de solo coletadas em área de alimentação, na Cidade de Fortaleza-CE, Brasil. Material e métodos: Foram coletadas 480 amostras de solo. As amostras foram retiradas, no período seco (agosto a dezembro de 2018) e chuvoso (janeiro a julho de 2019). A área de 320m2 de onde foram colhidas as amostras, situada em torno da área de alimentação e circulação de uma Instituição pública da cidade de Fortaleza-CE. A mesma foi dividida em quatro quadrantes de 80 X 80, e em cada quadrante foram colhidas 30 amostras de solo. Foram retiradas 240 amostras de solo no período seco e 240 amostras no período chuvoso, perfazendo um total de 480 amostras. Para a retirada do solo, utilizou-se um retângulo de alumínio de dez centímetros de largura por três centímetros de altura, a um raio de cinco metros de distância de qualquer contaminação fecal. As coletas foram realizadas às 9:00 horas da manhã, com o auxílio de luva, colher-de-jardineiro e recipientes plásticos devidamente etiquetados. O retângulo de alumínio foi fixado no solo aproximadamente três centímetros de profundidade em relação à superfície. Foram removidas do solo cerca de 300g de solo, os quais foram acondicionados nos recipientes plásticos e conservados sob refrigeração a 4°C. As amostras foram processadas pelos métodos de Willia e Baermann Morais. Resultados: O helminto investigado neste trabalho foi o ancylostoma sp, sendo que a positividade para ovos foi de 53% (258/480) e para larvas foi de 51% (244/480). Das 480 amostras, 53% apresentaram positividade para ovos e 51% para larvas de Ancylostoma sp. Os maiores resultados concentram-se no período chuvoso, com 517 larvas encontradas. Conclusão: Conclui-se que os resultados demonstraram que cães e gatos desempenham um importante papel como fonte de contaminação ambiental, disseminadores e veiculadores de parasitos com potencial zoonótico, necessitando maior atenção da população, visando à diminuição do risco de infecções para o homem e aos próprios animais.
EDUCAÇÃO EM SAÚDE PARA A ESTRATÉGIA DE PREVENÇÃO DE PARASITOSES INTESTINAIS
Authors: Barbosa Rafaeli Vidaletti , Shimabukuro Juliana Emi , Camargo Maria Fernanda Rosato , Takizawa Maria Graça Marciano Hirata
Published: March 2021

Introdução: As parasitoses intestinais constituem um dos problemas de Saúde Pública, são causadas por helmintos e protozoários e a transmissão se dá por meio da ingestão de água e alimentos contaminados e através da pele por ferimentos. Os infectados apresentam quadro de dor abdominal, vômitos, anemia, perda de peso e problemas respiratórios. O tratamento ocorre, após a identificação do agente causador, recorrendo ao uso de antiparasitários. A falta de saneamento básico e higiene pessoal, torna complexo o trabalho da vigilância em saúde, sobretudo na forma de articular e disseminar informações, sendo fundamental a educação em saúde para uma prevenção mais eficiente no combate às doenças infectocontagiosas. Objetivo: Descrever a avaliação acerca da educação em saúde, por meio de um processo de construção de conhecimento na área da saúde, como instrumento no controle e prevenção de parasitoses intestinais. Material e métodos: Consiste numa pesquisa bibliográfica, de abordagem com fundamentação teórica em dados e obras, publicados em artigos científicos e revistas disponibilizadas eletronicamente com base na Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde, SciELO e PubMed, correspondente ao período de 2012 a 2019. Resultados: A infecção parasitária é caracterizada por parasitos no organismo do hospedeiro, para resultados consistentes quanto a prevenção, medidas educativas em escolas e Unidades Básicas de Saúde devem abordar hábitos de higiene. Com os dados obtidos nas referidas bases, 200 indivíduos participaram de uma oficina de intervenção e 75% apresentaram uma ampla assimilação de conhecimentos e mudanças de hábitos, melhorando 30% a saúde coletiva local, assim, com a promoção de projetos de educação sanitária e ambiental, a prevalência dessas doenças tende a diminuir. Conclusão: Para minimizar problemas na saúde pública relacionados às doenças parasitárias faz-se necessário uma educação em saúde contínua com um plano de intervenção educativa proposto em realizar atividades teóricas e práticas para orientar sobre as parasitoses mais frequentes na população e os métodos de prevenção. As ações educativas devem ser direcionadas a todo o público das regiões contaminadas para conscientização individual e coletiva de responsabilidade e direitos à saúde.
ENFERMAGEM E SUA IMPORTÂNCIA NA PREVENÇÃO DE PARASITOSES INTESTINAIS EM CRIANÇAS NO BRASIL
Authors: Marinho Joselane Izaquiel , Araújo Mirelly Caetano , Silva Carolina Dias dos Santos , Dantas Bruna Braga
Published: March 2021

Introdução: As parasitoses intestinais são infecções que podem desencadear alterações no estado físico, psicossomático e social, interferindo diretamente na qualidade de vida de seus portadores e, representam as doenças mais comuns no Brasil apresentando-se de forma endêmica em diversas áreas, sendo considerada um sério problema de Saúde Pública. Objetivo: Informar sobre a importância da enfermagem na prevenção de parasitoses intestinais em crianças no Brasil. Material e Método: Foi realizado um estudo de Revisão Integrativa da Literatura por meio de pesquisa na Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS) e Literatura Latino-Americana em Ciências de Saúde (LILACS), utilizando as palavras chaves “parasitoses intestinais”, “criança” e “enfermagem”. A pesquisa bibliográfica resultou na obtenção de 30 artigos, dos quais 10 foram selecionados. Os critérios de inclusão foram artigos disponíveis na íntegra no período de 05 anos (2015-2020), nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol, publicados nas referidas bases de dados. Resultados: As parasitoses intestinais são causadas por protozoários ou helmintos, com ampla capacidade de desenvolvimento e propagação em ambientes com condições precárias de saneamento básico, consumo de água não tratada e higiene inadequada. Dessa forma, as parasitoses intestinais são observadas, principalmente, em crianças de países em desenvolvimento comumente submetidas à baixas condições de salubridade ambiental. Assim, a falta de hábitos corretos de higiene pessoal, frequente contato com locais possivelmente contaminados, como solo, água e areia, além de um sistema imunológico imaturo, favorece o desenvolvimento destas doenças, o que consistem em um fator agravante da subnutrição, podendo levar à morbidade nutricional, geralmente acompanhada por diarreia crônica e desnutrição. Sendo assim, comprometendo, como consequência, o desenvolvimento físico e intelectual. Diante disso, medidas de prevenção, implantadas principalmente por enfermeiros, através de programas de controle, educação sanitária, orientação e conscientização da população devem ser efetivadas de maneira cada vez mais eficaz. Conclusão: Portanto é de extrema importância a atuação dos enfermeiros no que tange as medidas de prevenção através de diagnósticos precoces, tratamento imediato e adequado dos casos bem como ações educativas e disseminação do conhecimento, afim de informar a população sobre os agravamentos relacionadas as doenças parasitarias por conseguinte minimizar e/ou evitar as contaminações.