bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-scale metabolic modelling when changes in environmental conditions affect biomass composition
Authors: Schulz Christian , Kumelj Tjasa , Karlsen Emil , Almaas Eivind
Published: May 2021

Genome-scale metabolic modeling is an important tool in the study of metabolism by enhancing the collation of knowledge, interpretation of data, and prediction of metabolic capabilities. A frequent assumption in the use of genome-scale models is that the in vivo organism is evolved for optimal growth, where growth is represented by flux through a biomass objective function (BOF). While the specific composition of the BOF is crucial, its formulation is often inherited from similar organisms due to the experimental challenges associated with its proper determination.

A cell’s macro-molecular composition is not fixed and it responds to changes in environmental conditions. As a consequence, initiatives for the high-fidelity determination of cellular biomass composition have been launched. Thus, there is a need for a mathematical and computational framework capable of using multiple measurements of cellular biomass composition in different environments. Here, we propose two different computational approaches for directly addressing this challenge: Biomass Trade-off Weighting (BTW) and Higher-dimensional-plane InterPolation (HIP).

In lieu of experimental data on biomass composition-variation in response to changing nutrient environment, we assess the properties of BTW and HIP using three hypothetical, yet biologically plausible, BOFs for the Escherichia coli genome-scale metabolic model iML1515. We find that the BTW and HIP formulations have a significant impact on model performance and phenotypes. Furthermore, the BTW method generates larger growth rates in all environments when compared to HIP. Using acetate secretion and the respiratory quotient as proxies for phenotypic changes, we find marked differences between the methods as HIP generates BOFs more similar to a reference BOF than BTW. We conclude that the presented methods constitute a conceptual step in developing genome-scale metabolic modelling approaches capable of addressing the inherent dependence of cellular biomass composition on nutrient environments.
Calculation of the force field required for nucleus deformation during cell migration through constrictions
Authors: Estabrook Ian D. , Thiam Hawa Racine , Piel Matthieu , Hawkins Rhoda J.
Published: May 2021

During cell migration in confinement, the nucleus has to deform for a cell to pass through small constrictions. Such nuclear deformations require significant forces. A direct experimental measure of the deformation force field is extremely challenging. However, experimental images of nuclear shape are relatively easy to obtain. Therefore, here we present a method to calculate predictions of the deformation force field based purely on analysis of experimental images of nuclei before and after deformation. Such an inverse calculation is technically non-trivial and relies on a mechanical model for the nucleus. Here we compare two simple continuum elastic models of a cell nucleus undergoing deformation. In the first, we treat the nucleus as a homogeneous elastic solid and, in the second, as an elastic shell. For each of these models we calculate the force field required to produce the deformation given by experimental images of nuclei in dendritic cells migrating in microchannels with constrictions of controlled dimensions. These microfabricated channels provide a simplified confined environment mimicking that experienced by cells in tissues. Our calculations predict the forces felt by a deforming nucleus as a migrating cell encounters a constriction. Since a direct experimental measure of the deformation force field is very challenging and has not yet been achieved, our numerical approaches can make important predictions motivating further experiments, even though all the parameters are not yet available. We demonstrate the power of our method by showing how it predicts lateral forces corresponding to actin polymerisation around the nucleus, providing evidence for actin generated forces squeezing the sides of the nucleus as it enters a constriction. In addition, the algorithm we have developed could be adapted to analyse experimental images of deformation in other situations.
Modelling 3D saccade generation by feedforward optimal control
Authors: John Akhil , Aleluia Carlos , Van Opstal A. John , Bernardino Alexandre
Published: May 2021

An interesting problem for the human saccadic eye-movement system is how to deal with the degrees-of-freedom problem: the six extra-ocular muscles provide three rotational degrees of freedom, while only two are needed to point gaze at any direction. Measurements show that 3D eye orientations during head-fixed saccades in far-viewing conditions lie in Listing’s plane (LP), in which the eye’s cyclotorsion is zero (Listing’s law, LL). Moreover, while saccades are executed as single-axis rotations around a stable eye-angular velocity axis, they follow straight trajectories in LP. Another distinctive saccade property is their nonlinear main-sequence dynamics: the affine relationship between saccade size and movement duration, and the saturation of peak velocity with amplitude. To explain all these properties, we developed a computational model, based on a simplified and upscaled robotic prototype of an eye with 3 degrees of freedom, driven by three independent motor commands, coupled to three antagonistic elastic muscle pairs. As the robotic prototype was not intended to faithfully mimic the detailed biomechanics of the human eye, we did not impose specific prior mechanical constraints on the ocular plant that could, by themselves, generate Listing’s law and the main-sequence. Instead, our goal was to study how these properties can emerge from the application of optimal control principles to simplified eye models. We performed a numerical linearization of the nonlinear system dynamics around the origin using system identification techniques, and developed open-loop controllers for 3D saccade generation. Applying optimal control to the simulated model, could reproduce both Listing’s law and and the main-sequence. We verified the contribution of different terms in the cost optimization functional to realistic 3D saccade behavior, and identified four essential terms: total energy expenditure by the motors, movement duration, gaze accuracy, and the total static force exerted by the muscles during fixation. Our findings suggest that Listing’s law, as well as the saccade dynamics and their trajectories, may all emerge from the same common mechanism that aims to optimize speed-accuracy trade-off for saccades, while minimizing the total muscle force during eccentric fixation.
The gradient clusteron: A model neuron that learns to solve classification tasks via dendritic nonlinearities, structural plasticity, and gradient descent
Authors: Moldwin Toviah , Kalmenson Menachem , Segev Idan
Published: May 2021

Synaptic clustering on neuronal dendrites has been hypothesized to play an important role in implementing pattern recognition. Neighboring synapses on a dendritic branch can interact in a synergistic, cooperative manner via nonlinear voltage-dependent mechanisms, such as NMDA receptors. Inspired by the NMDA receptor, the single-branch clusteron learning algorithm takes advantage of location-dependent multiplicative nonlinearities to solve classification tasks by randomly shuffling the locations of “under-performing” synapses on a model dendrite during learning (“structural plasticity”), eventually resulting in synapses with correlated activity being placed next to each other on the dendrite. We propose an alternative model, the gradient clusteron, or G-clusteron, which uses an analytically-derived gradient descent rule where synapses are "attracted to" or "repelled from" each other in an input- and location-dependent manner. We demonstrate the classification ability of this algorithm by testing it on the MNIST handwritten digit dataset and show that, when using a softmax activation function, the accuracy of the G-clusteron on the all-versus-all MNIST task (~85%) approaches that of logistic regression (~93%). In addition to the location update rule, we also derive a learning rule for the synaptic weights of the G-clusteron (“functional plasticity”) and show that a G-clusteron that utilizes the weight update rule can achieve ~89% accuracy on the MNIST task. We also show that a G-clusteron with both the weight and location update rules can learn to solve the XOR problem from arbitrary initial conditions.
Genomic and cDNA selection-amplification identifies transcriptome-wide binding sites for the Drosophila protein sex-lethal
Authors: Banerjee Hiren , Singh Ravinder
Published: May 2021

Background

Downstream targets for a large number of RNA-binding proteins remain to be identified. The Drosophila master sex-switch protein Sex-lethal (SXL) is an RNA-binding protein that controls splicing, polyadenylation, or translation of certain mRNAs to mediate female-specific sexual differentiation. Whereas some targets of SXL are known, previous studies indicate that additional targets of SXL have escaped genetic screens.

Methodology/Principal findings

Here, we have used an alternative molecular approach of GEnomic Selective Enrichment of Ligands by Exponential enrichment (GESELEX) using both the genomic DNA and cDNA pools from several Drosophila developmental stages to identify new potential targets of SXL. Our systematic analysis provides a comprehensive view of the Drosophila transcriptome for potential SXL-binding sites.

Conclusion/Significance

We have successfully identified new SXL-binding sites in the Drosophila transcriptome. We discuss the significance of our analysis and that the newly identified binding sites and sequences could serve as a useful resource for the research community. This approach should also be applicable to other RNA-binding proteins for which downstream targets are unknown.
The impact of malaria coinfection on Ebola virus disease outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Edwards Hannah M. , Counihan Helen , Bonnington Craig , Achan Jane , Hamade Prudence , Tibenderana James K.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Viral outbreaks present a particular challenge in countries in Africa where there is already a high incidence of other infectious diseases, including malaria which can alter immune responses to secondary infection. Ebola virus disease (EVD) is one such problem; understanding how Plasmodium spp. and Ebolavirus (EBOV) interact is important for future outbreaks.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review in PubMed and Web of Science to find peer-reviewed papers with primary data literature to determine 1) prevalence of EBOV/Plasmodium spp. coinfection, 2) effect of EBOV/Plasmodium spp. coinfection on EVD pathology and the immune response, 3) impact of EBOV/Plasmodium spp. coinfection on the outcome of EVD-related mortality. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted with the R package meta to produce overall proportion and effect estimates as well as measure between-study heterogeneity.

Results

From 322 peer-reviewed papers, 17 were included in the qualitative review and nine were included in a meta-analysis. Prevalence of coinfection was between 19% and 72%. One study reported significantly lower coagulatory response biomarkers in coinfected cases but no difference in inflammatory markers. Case fatality rates were similar between EBOV(+)/Pl(+) and EBOV(+)/Pl(-) cases (62.8%, 95% CI 49.3–74.6 and 56.7%, 95% CI 53.2–60.1, respectively), and there was no significant difference in risk of mortality (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.90–1.31) although heterogeneity between studies was high. One in vivo mouse model laboratory study found no difference in mortality by infection status, but another found prior acute Plasmodium yoeli infection was protective against morbidity and mortality via the IFN-γ signalling pathway.

Conclusion

The literature was inconclusive; studies varied widely and there was little attempt to adjust for confounding variables. Laboratory studies may present the best option to answer how pathogens interact within the body but improvement in data collection and analysis and in diagnostic methods would aid patient studies in the future.
Supporting families to protect child health: Parenting quality and household needs during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Roos Leslie E. , Salisbury Marlee , Penner-Goeke Lara , Cameron Emily E. , Protudjer Jennifer L. P. , Giuliano Ryan , Afifi Tracie O. , Reynolds Kristin
Published: May 2021

Background

Supportive parenting is critical for promoting healthy child development in the face of stressors, such as those occurring during COVID-19. Here, we address a knowledge gap regarding specific household risk factors associated with parenting quality during the pandemic and incorporate first-person accounts of family challenges and needs.

Methods

Mixed methods were applied to data collected between April 14th - 28th, 2020 from the “Parenting During the Pandemic” survey. Participants included 656 primary caregivers (e.g., mothers, fathers, foster parents) of least one child age 1.5–8 years of which 555 (84.6%) responded to at least one parenting questionnaire. Parenting quality was assessed across stressful, negative, and positive parenting dimensions. Household risk was examined across pandemic- linked (e.g., caregiver depression, unmet childcare needs) and stable factors (i.e., annual income, mental illness history). Significant correlates were examined with regressions in Mplus. Thematic analysis identified caregiver challenges and unmet needs from open-ended questions.

Findings

Caregiver depression, higher child parity, unmet childcare needs, and relationship distress predicted lower-quality parenting. Caregiver depression was the most significant predictor across every parenting dimension, with analyses indicating medium effect sizes, ds = .39 - .73. Qualitative findings highlighted severe strains on parent capacities including managing psychological distress, limited social supports, and too much unstructured time.

Interpretations

Lower quality parenting during COVID-19 is associated with multiple household and pandemic risk factors, with caregiver depression consistently linked to parent- child relationship disruptions. Focused efforts are needed to address caregiver mental health to protect child health as part of the pandemic response.
Portuguese validation of the Alcohol Craving Questionnaire–Short Form–Revised
Authors: Rodrigues Rui , López-Caneda Eduardo , Almeida-Antunes Natália , Sampaio Adriana , Crego Alberto
Published: May 2021

Alcohol craving has been described as a strong subjective desire to drink, being considered highly valuable in the clinical practice, as it is recognized as a strong predictor of alcohol relapse in alcohol-dependent individuals. However, to date, there is not a multifactorial questionnaire available for assessing short-term acute craving experience in Portugal. The aim of the present study was to validate a swift and efficient tool for the assessment of acute alcohol craving in a sample of Portuguese citizens. For that purpose, the Alcohol Craving Questionnaire–Short Form–Revised (ACQ-SF-R) was translated into European Portuguese and administered to a sample of 591 college participants with ages between 18 and 30 years. Results suggested that a three-factor model (i.e., Emotionality, Purposefulness, and Compulsivity) proved to be most suitable for the Portuguese sample. Overall, the ACQ-SF-R exhibited good psychometric properties, having a good internal consistency both for the general craving index (Cronbach’s α = 0.85) and each subscale (Cronbach’s α = 0.66–0.83), as well as an appropriate convergent validity with the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (r = 0.65, p<0.001), suggesting a good construct validity. In addition, the ACQ-SF-R also showed a good concurrent validity with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (r = 0.57, p<0.001), indicating that risky alcohol use patterns are associated with increased craving scores in the ACQ-SF-R. Collectively, these findings suggest that the Portuguese version of the ACQ-SF-R can accurately measure alcohol craving at a multifactorial level, being a valid and reliable tool to use in Portuguese samples in research settings.
Geospatial HIV-1 subtype C gp120 sequence diversity and its predicted impact on broadly neutralizing antibody sensitivity
Authors: Sutar Jyoti , Deshpande Suprit , Mullick Ranajoy , Hingankar Nitin , Patel Vainav , Bhattacharya Jayanta
Published: May 2021

Evolving diversity in globally circulating HIV-1 subtypes presents a formidable challenge in defining and developing neutralizing antibodies for prevention and treatment. HIV-1 subtype C is responsible for majority of global HIV-1 infections. In the present study, we examined the diversity in genetic signatures and attributes that differentiate region-specific HIV-1 subtype C gp120 sequences associated with virus neutralization outcomes to key bnAbs having distinct epitope specificities. A total of 1814 full length HIV-1 subtype C gp120 sequence from 37 countries were retrieved from Los Alamos National Laboratory HIV database (www.hiv.lanl.gov). The amino acid sequences were assessed for their phylogenetic association, variable loop lengths and prevalence of potential N-linked glycosylation sites (pNLGS). Responses of these sequences to bnAbs were predicted with a machine learning algorithm ‘bNAb-ReP’ and compared with those reported in the CATNAP database. Subtype C sequences from Asian countries including India differed phylogenetically when compared with that from African countries. Variable loop lengths and charges within Indian and African clusters were also found to be distinct from each other, specifically for V1, V2 and V4 loops. Pairwise analyses at each of the 25 pNLG sites indicated distinct country specific profiles. Highly significant differences (p<0.001***) were observed in prevalence of four pNLGS (N130, N295, N392 and N448) between South Africa and India, having most disease burden associated with subtype C. Our findings highlight that distinctly evolving clusters within global intra-subtype C gp120 sequences are likely to influence the disparate region-specific sensitivity of circulating HIV-1 subtype C to bnAbs.
Primary care physician perspectives on screening for axial spondyloarthritis: A qualitative study
Authors: Lapane Kate L. , Shridharmurthy Divya , Khan Sara , Lindstrom Daniel , Beccia Ariel , Yi Esther , Kay Jonathan , Dube Catherine , Liu Shao-Hsien
Published: May 2021

Background

Many patients with axial spondylarthritis (axSpA) experience lengthy diagnostic delays upwards of 14 years. (5–14 years). Screening tools for axSpA have been proposed for use in primary care settings, but whether this approach could be implemented into busy primary care settings remains unknown.

Objective

To solicit feedback from primary care physicians regarding questions from the Inflammatory Back Pain Assessment: the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) Expert Criteria and gain insight about barriers and facilitators for implementing axSpA screening in primary care.

Methods

Guided by Consolidated Criteria for reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ-criteria), we recorded, transcribed, and analyzed in-depth interviews with eight family medicine physicians and ten internists (purposeful sampling) using immersion/crystallization techniques.

Results

Few physicians reported awareness of existing classification criteria for axSpA, and many reported a lack of confidence in their ability to distinguish between inflammatory and mechanical back pain. From three domains, 10 subthemes emerged: 1) typical work-up of axSpA patients in primary care, with subthemes including the clues involved in work-up and role of clinical examinations for axSpA; 2) feedback on questions from the Inflammatory Back Pain Assessment: ASAS Expert Criteria, with subthemes to evaluate contents/questions of a potential screening tool for axSpA; and 3) implementation of the screening tool in primary care settings, with subthemes of perceived barriers including awareness, time, other conditions to screen, rare disease, and lack of structured questionnaire for back pain and perceived facilitators including workflow issues and awareness.

Conclusions

Primary care physicians believed that an improved screening instrument and a strong evidence-base to support the need for screening for axSpA are required. The implementation of axSpA screening into a busy primary care practice requires integration into the practice workflow, with use of technology suggested as a possible way to improve efficiency.
Which ship-integrated power system enterprises are more competitive from the perspective of patent?
Authors: Li Danyang , Li Xinlai
Published: May 2021

By analyzing the relevant patent data, the technological competitiveness of enterprises can be objectively evaluated, and the research and development priorities and the technological advantages and disadvantages of each enterprise in the same field can be compared and analyzed. It is considered to be helpful in judging the patent strategy, innovation ability, and the innovation level of enterprises, which is of great practical significance. Based on the field of the ship-integrated power system as an example, considering the Derwent patent holder code, draw the integrated technical strength of ships in the field of the distribution power system; using the ideas of the Boston matrix to measure the field has the competitive advantage of enterprises; by using the social network analysis method for each enterprise, the core technology of mining, based on the S curve of the technology life cycle, analyzes the enterprise concentration each time in order to predict the future trend of development. It can be found that China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation has the largest number of patents, followed by Fuji Electric Co. Ltd, International General Electric, Daewoo shipbuilding ocean engineering Co. Ltd and so on. Considering the patent quantity and the patent quality, the dominant and productive enterprises in this field can be distinguished. The ship-integrated power system and its related core technologies have been rapidly growing at present. The related technology patents will increase rapidly in the next few years, and more and more enterprises will participate in this field.
Assessing self-criticism and self-reassurance: Examining psychometric properties and clinical usefulness of the Short-Form of the Forms of Self-Criticizing/Attacking & Self-Reassuring Scale (FSCRS-SF) in Spanish sample
Authors: Navarrete Jaime , Herrero Rocío , Soler Joaquim , Domínguez-Clavé Elisabet , Baños Rosa , Cebolla Ausiàs
Published: May 2021

The Forms of Self-Criticizing/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale (FSCRS) was designed to measure self-criticism (SC) through Inadequate Self (IS) and Hated Self (HS) factors, as well as self-reassurance (RS). However, its long and short forms have yet to be validated in the Spanish Population. The present study examines the psychometric properties of the short form (FSCRS-SF) and its clinical usefulness in a sample of 576 adult individuals, 77 with psychiatric disorders and 499 without. Non-clinical participants were split according to their previous experience with meditation (active meditators, n = 133; non-active meditators, n = 41; and non-meditators, n = 325) and differences between these subgroups were explored. Additionally, a subsample of 20 non-clinical participants took part in a mindfulness- and compassion- based intervention (MCBI) to assess the usefulness of the scale as an outcome measure. Results confirmed the original three-factorial structure, good internal consistency, acceptable test-retest reliability, and a pattern of correlations consistent with previous literature. Regarding differences between groups, the clinical subsample showed significant higher SC and lower RS levels than non-clinical participants and active meditators had significant lower IS and higher RS levels than non-meditators. Participants who participated in the MCBI showed significant RS improvement and a decrease in IS and HS levels. Moreover, a hierarchical multiple regression showed that RS made a significant predictive contribution to distress at three months’ time. In conclusion, results show that the Spanish version of the FSCRS-SF is a reliable and valid measure of SC and RS in non-clinical populations and an adequate instrument to detect changes after MCBIs.
Future changes in the intensity and frequency of precipitation extremes over China in a warmer world: Insight from a large ensemble
Authors: Li Yang , Bai Jingyi , You Zhiwei , Hou Jun , Li Wei
Published: May 2021

Sufficient samples of extreme precipitation events are needed in order to obtain reliable estimates of the probability of their occurrence. Here, we use a large ensemble simulation with 50 members from the Canadian Earth System Model (CanESM2) under the representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) scenario to give future projection of the intensity and frequency of extreme precipitation events under different warming levels relative to the current climate over China. A bias-correction method based on quantile mapping is first used to remove systematic biases in the ensemble. The return value and return period are obtained by fitting enough annual maximum precipitation samples with the generalized extreme value to represent the intensity and frequency of extreme events, respectively. The results show that the average intensity of extreme precipitation in China will increase by nearly 8% per 1°C of global warming, which closely follows the Clausius–Clapeyron relation. Rarer extreme events will experience greater changes in frequency, especially under higher warming. The nationally averaged extreme precipitation events, presently expected to occur every 50 years (100 years) under the current climate conditions, are expected to occur approximately every 41 years (82 years), 32 years (62 years), 22 years (42 years) and 15 years (29 years) under warming levels of 1.5, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0°C, respectively. Northwestern China (NW), southwestern China (SW) and the Yangtze River valley (YZ) exhibit the greatest increase in probability ratio (PR) under future climate condition. The risk of extreme precipitation events, currently expected to occur once every 50 years, will be nearly 11 (21) times more likely to occur under a climate warming by 3.0°C (4.0°C). Limiting warming to 1.5°C will help avoid approximately 40%-50%, 70%-80% and over 90% of the increase in the risk of extreme events in almost all subregions if the global mean surface temperature (GMST) continues warming to 2.0°C, 3.0°C and 4.0°C, respectively. Our study provides a useful information for the understanding the impact of climate change on the future risk of extreme events over China.
Sex-dependent effects of genetic upregulation of activated protein C on delayed effects of acute radiation exposure in the mouse heart, small intestine, and skin
Authors: Sridharan Vijayalakshmi , Johnson Kristin A. , Landes Reid D. , Cao Maohua , Singh Preeti , Wagoner Gail , Hayar Abdallah , Sprick Emily D. , Eveld Kayla A. , Bhattacharyya Anusha , Krager Kimberly J. , Aykin-Burns Nukhet , Weiler Hartmut , Fernández Jose A. , Griffin John H. , Boerma Marjan
Published: May 2021

Accidental exposure to ionizing radiation may lead to delayed effects of acute radiation exposure (DEARE) in many organ systems. Activated protein C (APC) is a known mitigator of the acute radiation syndrome. To examine the role of APC in DEARE, we used a transgenic mouse model with 2- to 3-fold increased plasma levels of APC (high in APC, APCHi). Male and female APCHi mice and wild-type littermates were exposed to 9.5 Gy γ-rays with their hind-legs (bone marrow) shielded from radiation to allow long-term survival. At 3 and 6 months after irradiation, cardiac function was measured with ultrasonography. At 3 months, radiation increased cardiac dimensions in APCHi males, while decreases were seen in wild-type females. At this early time point, APCHi mice of both sexes were more susceptible to radiation-induced changes in systolic function compared to wild-types. At 6 months, a decrease in systolic function was mainly seen in male mice of both genotypes. At 6 months, specimens of heart, small intestine and dorsal skin were collected for tissue analysis. Female APCHi mice showed the most severe radiation-induced deposition of cardiac collagens but were protected against a radiation-induced loss of microvascular density. Both male and female APCHi mice were protected against a radiation induced upregulation of toll-like receptor 4 in the heart, but this did not translate into a clear protection against immune cell infiltration. In the small intestine, the APCHi genotype had no effect on an increase in the number of myeloperoxidase positive cells (seen mostly in females) or an increase in the expression of T-cell marker CD2 (males). Lastly, both male and female APCHi mice were protected against radiation-induced epidermal thickening and increase in 3-nitrotyrosine positive keratinocytes. In conclusion, prolonged high levels of APC in a transgenic mouse model had little effects on indicators of DEARE in the heart, small intestine and skin, with some differential effects in male compared to female mice.
Type I and III IFNs produced by the nasal epithelia and dimmed inflammation are features of alpacas resolving MERS-CoV infection
Authors: Te Nigeer , Rodon Jordi , Ballester Maria , Pérez Mónica , Pailler-García Lola , Segalés Joaquim , Vergara-Alert Júlia , Bensaid Albert
Published: May 2021

While MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome Coronavirus) provokes a lethal disease in humans, camelids, the main virus reservoir, are asymptomatic carriers, suggesting a crucial role for innate immune responses in controlling the infection. Experimentally infected camelids clear infectious virus within one week and mount an effective adaptive immune response. Here, transcription of immune response genes was monitored in the respiratory tract of MERS-CoV infected alpacas. Concomitant to the peak of infection, occurring at 2 days post inoculation (dpi), type I and III interferons (IFNs) were maximally transcribed only in the nasal mucosa of alpacas, while interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) were induced along the whole respiratory tract. Simultaneous to mild focal infiltration of leukocytes in nasal mucosa and submucosa, upregulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 and dampened transcription of pro-inflammatory genes under NF-κB control were observed. In the lung, early (1 dpi) transcription of chemokines (CCL2 and CCL3) correlated with a transient accumulation of mainly mononuclear leukocytes. A tight regulation of IFNs in lungs with expression of ISGs and controlled inflammatory responses, might contribute to virus clearance without causing tissue damage. Thus, the nasal mucosa, the main target of MERS-CoV in camelids, seems central in driving an efficient innate immune response based on triggering ISGs as well as the dual anti-inflammatory effects of type III IFNs and IL10.
Mirada exegética sobre el pensamiento pedagógico de la Revista Alteridad en el Ecuador
Authors: Salinas Muñoz Maria Eugenia , Valencia Bolaños Mónica Elizabeth , Quishpe Bolaños Jorge Marcelo
Published: May 2021

Este artículo revisa y analiza la divulgación y promoción del conocimiento de la educación que se hace desde Ecuador e Iberoamérica con la revista Alteridad. El objeto de estudio es este órgano divulgativo que desde hace 15 años se dedica a la socialización y debate de la producción científica en la educación. El objetivo general: develar la construcción del pensamiento abierto pedagógico de la revista Alteridad, a través del análisis exegético en la comprensión de la realidad del otro y de la diversidad y complejidad de la realidad socioeducativa que promueve. Los referentes teóricos sobre Alteridad retoman los fundamentos de Dussel (1973) y Levinas (2001). La metodología privilegia el análisis cualitativo de contenido propuesta por Mayring (1983), a través del diseño de matrices, unidades de análisis, sistematización de contenidos y categorías axiales. Se concluye que la matriz del pensamiento divulgado se centra en el Sur: Brasil, Colombia, México, Bolivia, Venezuela, Argentina, Perú, Costa Rica, Ecuador, con producción también de España. El país anfitrión publica en menor proporción. El enfoque del pensamiento que circula privilegia lo sociocrítico, ello significa vientos de acción y reflexión propios desde el Sur al mundo.
Bosquescuela. Un modelo de escuela sostenible en la naturaleza
Authors: Bruchner Philip , Aragón Rebollo Antonio
Published: May 2021

Bosquescuela es un modelo educativo que desarrolla el currículum al aire libre. Las distintas propuestas pedagógicas se desarrollan en el exterior: bosque, campo, playa, parques, zonas urbanas. Como entorno principal de aprendizaje se considera la naturaleza. Este modelo se basa en dos pilares: 1. El entorno natural ofrece un marco completo que cubre las necesidades del alumnado de un desarrollo global y equilibrado y 2. La curiosidad es uno de los motores principales del aprendizaje. La organización de las clases diarias incluye momentos para hacer hincapié en el desarrollo psicomotor, cognitivo y emocional de los niños y niñas mediante excursiones en las que corren, trepan, conocen el medio ambiente, y clases diarias de iniciación a la lectoescritura y las matemáticas utilizando elementos del entorno como piedras, hojas, ramas, etc. Otra fase protagonista diaria es de juego espontáneo y libre que fomenta el sentido de exploración, el trabajo en equipo y ofrece momentos de alta concentración. La única instalación que se requiere es una cabaña que cumple la función de refugio. Por último, el modelo Bosquescuela es un ejemplo de escuela sostenible coherente en forma y contenido. Así, pretende introducir de manera vivencial los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible adoptados por la Organización de las Naciones Unidas. De manera directa, contribuye al ods 4 sobre educación de calidad, al ods 13 de acción por el clima como principal reto del siglo xxi para la humanidad, al ods 15 que aboga por la vida de los ecosistemas terrestres y al ods 17 sobre la necesidad de crear alianzas para lograr los objetivos.
Pensamiento crítico en estudiantes del Grado de Educación Social
Authors: García Moro Francisco José , Gadea Aiello Walter Federico , Fernández Mora Vicente de Jesús
Published: May 2021

El presente artículo se centra en una investigación cualitativa sobre las creencias acerca del pensamiento crítico que poseen 72 estudiantes de tercer curso del Grado de Educación Social de la Universidad de Huelva (España). Los resultados, en consonancia con otras investigaciones, muestran que el alumnado tiene un conocimiento poco detallado aunque certero de lo que significa dicha competencia, ofreciendo explicaciones generales que van en acuerdo con las ideas que tienen acerca de la Universidad, la Sociedad y la finalidad de la Educación Social. La buena disposición que muestra la mayoría del alumnado investigado choca con escasos hábitos para el pensamiento crítico, achacándolo a una formación reproductiva, a la influencia perniciosa de determinados poderes sociales y a un no-saber-hacer-y-actuar de los futuros educadores sociales.
Innovación educativa en la moda: esencia, evolución y aplicaciones pedagógicas y creativas en el desfile
Authors: Luceño Casals Laura
Published: May 2021

El desfile de moda, como acontecimiento social que se ha ido consolidando desde el siglo xix hasta la actualidad, responde a un perfil de espectáculo. El texto se centra en el estudio del mismo, asumido como evento que atesora un doble perfil, profesional y académico. Se parte de una lectura histórico-tipológica y una indagación en la creatividad inherente a su esencia. Asumiendo su naturaleza fundamental, se analiza como fenómeno cargado de creatividad pedagógica, tanto en su acepción profesional, que aporta contenidos formativos a los alumnos asistentes, como esencialmente en el denominado «desfile académico». Esta innovadora versión consiste en que son precisamente los alumnos quienes exhiben sus propias creaciones. Se trata de una dinámica de reciente cuño que se ilustra con un conjunto de casos relevantes extraídos del escenario universitario internacional. La finalidad global del texto es explorar y proponer para su réplica el formato de «desfile académico» como recurso pedagógico de un creciente potencial para la formación de alumnos de Moda.
O ESTADO BRASILEIRO PODE SER PROPRIETÁRIO E GESTOR DO SISTEMA FINANCEIRO?
Authors: Lelis Davi Augusto Santana de , Clark Giovani
Published: May 2021

A crise financeira de 2008 possibilitou a elaboração de novas propostas, em todo o mundo, sobre o sistema financeiro. Nesse sentido, o presente texto examina se, no Brasil, pode-se aplicar a proposta teórica do jurista português Avelãs Nunes, com vistas a controlar as crises financeiras, de tornar o Estado único proprietário e gestor do sistema financeiro. Para verificar a viabilidade da proposta no estado brasileiro investiga-se se há, na Constituição de 1988, apenas uma ideologia determinante da racionalização normativa ou se há, no texto constitucional, múltiplas ideologias nacionalizantes de modo a ser possível acomodar a possibilidade de propriedade e gestão do sistema financeiro por parte do Estado brasileiro. Constatando a possibilidade jurídica, o ordenamento jurídico brasileiro é estudado com o intuito de se apontar o instituto jurídico capaz de instrumentalizar a tomada de propriedade do sistema financeiro pelo Estado brasileiro. Conclui-se que de acordo com a ideologia constitucionalmente adota (pluralismo ideológico) é possível a propriedade e gestão do sistema financeiro por via da encampação.
TEORIA DOS SISTEMAS SOCIAIS E ANÁLISE DE REDES: UMA NOVA PERSPECTIVA PARA COMPREENDER A CONSTITUIÇÃO BRASILEIRA
Authors: Silveira e Silva Rafael Silveira e Silva , Nery Pedro Fernando , Cavalcante filho João Trindade
Published: May 2021

Nesta pesquisa parte-se do pressuposto de que a norma constitucional tem o condão de revelar, sob uma forma organicamente alternativa, como seus dispositivos “dialogam” uns com os outros, formando subsistemas à luz das teorias de Luhmann e Teubner. Com o auxílio da metodologia de análise de redes, propõe-se um modelo interpretativo, tomando-se por base as remissões internas existentes na Constituição, revelando-a sob outro prisma. O objetivo é identificar a rede de relacionamento e a existência de subsistemas no texto constitucional formados de maneira imperceptível se apenas levarmos em conta a mera organização nos diversos títulos, subtítulos e capítulos. Como resultado, identificou-se uma rede que abrangeu ligações entre mais de cem artigos da Constituição e a existência de subsistemas cujos códigos ou padrões comunicativos ressaltam a defesa de direitos individuais a partir da limitação do poder do Estado.
Interface between entrepreneurial orientation, strategic planning and budget: Configurations for high performance
Authors: Frare Anderson , Horz Vagner , Barbosa Marco Aurélio , Cruz Ana Paula da
Published: May 2021

Study objective: To analyze and identify the configurations capable of promoting high organizational performance, based on the relationship between innovativeness, risk-taking, proactiveness and strategic planning and budget. Methodology/approach: Data collected by survey with companies linked to the Chamber of Commerce, belonging to one of the municipalities with the highest development rates in Brazil; and analyzed using the fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) technique. Main Results: The findings indicate that innovativeness is necessary and proactiveness is almost always necessary to promote high organizational performance. For this, three solutions (S) are sufficient: the presence of innovativeness and proactiveness (S1); the presence of innovativeness, risk-taking and strategic planning and budget (S2); and the absence of risk-taking, as well as strategic planning and budget (S3). Theoretical and Methodological Contributions: Theoretically, the findings add the budgetary perspective to the discussion on strategic planning, entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and performance. Relevance/originality: The study is relevant, as it permits the identification of the strategic planning and budget interface in detriment to EO elements, which is in accordance with the causal conditions that promote high performance. Social/management contributions: This study brings new meanings to the pertinence of the interface between entrepreneurial elements and the strategic planning and budget, highlighting possible configurations for organizations to reach a high performance level.
‘What to do when the grills open?’ Entrepreneurial motivations and individual beliefs of former convicts
Authors: Cavalcante Albuquerque Larissa , Souza Evangelina , Fontenele Raimundo , Batista de Lima Tereza
Published: May 2021

Study Objective: To investigate the entrepreneurial motivations and individual beliefs of former convicts from prison in Ceará regarding opening their own business, according to the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Methodology/Approach: A qualitative research was carried out with eleven former convicts from the Ceará prison system. The data collected through semi-structured interviews were analyzed by Atlas-ti software, using the content analysis pattern matching technique. Results: The former convicts expressed their intention to open their own business based on three motivations: by necessity, by opportunity, and by personal achievement. The interviewees' entrepreneurial intention was influenced by three types of salient belief: behavioral, normative, and perceived control. Theoretical/Methodological contributions: This research promotes and expands the discussion on entrepreneurship after a period of deprivation of liberty, using the TPB to identify the beliefs that precede the entrepreneurial intention. Relevance/Originality: Findings oppose the dichotomous classification of entrepreneurial motivation described by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. The study endorses the important influence of social referents in the construction of normative beliefs, which were perceived as facilitators of behavioral intention, being confused with beliefs of perceived control. Social contributions: Recognizing the low employability of former convicts as a management problem can be the beginning of a debate on strategies that seek to minimize the negative impacts of their low employability. This study is an invitation to discuss joint efforts between public authorities, the population, and academia, to mitigate prejudices that imprison former offenders and society.
CONSTITUINDO SUBJETIVIDADES NO ENSINO SUPERIOR: PROCESSOS FORMATIVOS, GÊNEROS E SEXUALIDADES
Authors: De Castro Roney Polato , De J. Ferreira Silva Apolônia , Cristina Lopes e Silva Cibelle
Published: May 2021

O artigo apresenta três movimentos de pesquisa cujo foco recai sobre experiências de gêneros e sexualidades no ensino superior, a partir de referenciais foucaultianos sobre experiência, processos de subjetivação e relações saber-poder. Em cada investigação, a questão das vivências de estudantes no ensino superior – estudantes LGBTI+, estudantes de Pedagogia e estudantes trans – se torna objeto de análise, buscando visibilizar movimentos formativos que constituem subjetividades de gênero e sexualidade. Conclui-se que experiências de gêneros e sexualidades específicas são vividas no ensino superior, considerando a universidade um espaço formativo que contribui para construir, tensionar e negociar sentidos de pertencimento, saberes prévios e relações de forças.
MASCULINIDADES E AS FEMINILIDADES NAS PROPAGANDAS EXIBIDAS EM CANAIS TELEVISIVOS DIRECIONADAS AO PÚBLICO INFANTIL
Authors: D’Amico Sotolani Matheus , Xavier Filha Constantina
Published: May 2021

A presente pesquisa teve como proposta analisar as Masculinidades e Feminilidades nas propagandas voltadas ao público infantil, em canais televisivos, exibidas no primeiro semestre de 2018. O questionamento foi: “Quais Masculinidades e Feminilidades são produzidas nas propagandas, direcionadas ao público infantil, exibidas no primeiro semestre do ano de 2018?”. A pesquisa baseou-se nas metodologias pós-críticas e seus pressupostos teóricos apoiaram-se nos Estudos de Gênero e nos Estudos Culturais. Os conceitos utilizados na pesquisa foram: Gênero, masculinidade, feminilidade, mídia, propaganda, publicidade e consumo. Nas discussões, produzimos os seguintes agrupamentos: “Ser menina”, “Maternidade”, “Ideal de beleza”, “Ser menino” e “Produção de violência”. Como síntese de pesquisa, percebeu-se como as Masculinidades e Feminilidades são produzidas nas propagandas
DIÁLOGOS ENTRE INTERSEXUALIDADE E O ENSINO DE BIOLOGIA
Authors: Siqueira Silva Luciana Aparecida , Pinheiro de Queiroz Silva Elenita
Published: May 2021

A área biomédica, no século XX, consolidou verdades de que corpos intersexo apresentam variações em níveis cromossômicos, gonadais/genitais em desacordo com a lógica binária e o alinhamento sexo-gênero. Tal lógica reverbera-se nos espaços escolares e em livros didáticos. Intencionamos localizar as verdades reiteradas e/ou negadas em uma coleção de livros didáticos de Biologia (LDB), aprovada pelo Programa Nacional do Livro Didático - Ensino Médio, sobre o corpo intersexo e a intersexualidade. A intersexualidade é entendida como parte do dispositivo da sexualidade e o LDB como dispositivo, à luz do referencial foucaultiano. Neste artigo, trazemos as análises de uma coleção que apresenta o corpo intersexo associado à noção de patologia e à incapacidade reprodutiva. A coleção apresenta o corpo intersexo como construção biomédica, cujo centro de verdade alia-se a modos de funcionamento de uma política sobre a vida que toma de assalto corpos que borram fronteiras do sexo e do gênero.
Exposure to Ranitidine and Risk of Bladder Cancer: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Cardwell Chris R. , McDowell Ronald D. , Hughes Carmel M. , Hicks Blánaid , Murchie Peter
Published: May 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Ranitidine has been shown to contain the carcinogen N-nitrosodimethylamine and increase urinary N-nitrosodimethylamine in humans. We investigated whether ranitidine use is associated with increased bladder cancer risk.

METHODS:

A nested case-control study was conducted within the Primary Care Clinical Informatics Unit Research database which contains general practice records from Scotland. Bladder cancer cases, diagnosed between 1999 and 2011, were identified and matched with up to 5 controls (based on age, sex, general practice, and date of registration). Ranitidine, other histamine-2 receptor agonists, and proton pump inhibitors were identified from prescribing records. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using conditional logistic regression after adjusting for comorbidities and smoking.

RESULTS:

There were 3,260 cases and 14,037 controls. There was evidence of an increased risk of bladder cancer in ranitidine users, compared with nonusers (fully adjusted OR = 1.22; 95% CI 1.06–1.40), which was more marked with use for over 3 years of ranitidine (fully adjusted OR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.05–1.94). By contrast, there was little evidence of any association between proton pump inhibitor use and bladder cancer risk based on any use (fully adjusted OR = 0.98; 95% CI 0.88–1.11) or over 3 years of use (fully adjusted OR = 0.98; 95% CI 0.80–1.20).

DISCUSSION:

In this large population-based study, the use of ranitidine particularly long-term use was associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Further studies are necessary to attempt to replicate this finding in other settings.