bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suplementação nutricional como abordagem terapêutica no transtorno do espectro autista: Uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Ângelo Kyvia Hellen de Araújo , Silva Filho Pedro Figueiredo da , Araújo Nathanniely Deyse de , Guedes Tâmara Albuquerque Leite , Almeida Letícia Hosana Araújo de
Published: July 2021

Objetivo: Expor a relevância da identificação dos déficits vitamínicos no organismo dos autistas, das inflamações decorrentes desse processo, assim como a influência da suplementação nutricional vitamínica para o desenvolvimento de uma melhor qualidade de vida dessas crianças. Metodologia: Estudo de revisão de literatura, baseado em artigos científicos indexados nas bibliotecas virtuais: MEDLINE, LILACS, SCIELO e Google Acadêmico, realizado entre janeiro e fevereiro de 2021, tendo como critérios de inclusão: artigos completos, nos idiomas: português, inglês e espanhol, publicados nos últimos oito anos e que abordassem a temática na íntegra. Foram excluídos os artigos incompletos, ausentes nas bases de dados referidas e com temas que não supriam a finalidade desta pesquisa. Resultados e discussão: A partir da análise de quinze artigos, verificou-se que a suplementação multivitamínica e mineral consiste em fundamental importância para o autista, haja vista que a seletividade limita a variedade dos alimentos e gera carências nutricionais, fomentando um quadro de desnutrição calórico-proteica. Conclusão: Depreende-se que os indivíduos autistas, com suas dificuldades baseadas nessa tríade, necessitam de suplementos vitamínicos baseados em ômega-3, ferro, vitamina D e vitaminas do complexo B para uma melhor qualidade de vida, haja vista a existência de um déficit de metilação alto que influencia na absorção eficaz dos alimentos, desencadeando inflamações advindas do Sistema Nervoso Central.
Chlamydia spp. in free-living domestic pigeons
Authors: Albuquerque Kelly Cristiny Gomes da Paixão , Ramos Bruna Alves , Cruz Andrea Viana , Silva Sandro Patroca da , Casseb Livia Medeiros Neves , Chiang Jannifer Oliveira , Monteiro Thamillys Rayssa Marques , Silva Barbara Wilka Leal , Santos Camila de Cássia dos , Valente Keila Feitosa , Barrozo Pedro Henrique Marques , Santos Caroliny do Socorro Brito dos , Silva Pâmela Talita de Aguiar e , Barra Elem Cristina Macedo , Martins Fernanda Monik Silva , Negrão Andréa Maria Góes , Casseb Alexandre do Rosário
Published: July 2021

Free-living Columbidae are considered the second largest reservoir of Chlamydia psittaci, transmitting the agent to humans and other animals. The present study aimed to identify the presence of Chlamydia spp. in samples of lung and stool collected from free-living domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) captured at the Mangal das Garças Naturalistic Park in Belém, Pará, Brazil, using semi-nested polymerase chain reaction, and also correlate the clinical and post-mortem findings of animals positive for Chlamydia spp. Among the 45 animals analyzed, 10 (22.2%) were positive for Chlamydia spp.; the positive findings originated from 5 (50%) lung samples and 5 (50%) stool samples, with no overlap between animals and samples. None of the animals evaluated in this study showed clinical signs of chlamydiosis; rather, these were only found during necropsy of positive animals, mainly through pulmonary, hepatic, splenic, and intestinal changes. These findings demonstrate that free-living pigeons can be reservoirs of Chlamydia spp. and transmit the agent silently to humans and animals, which is concerning for public and animal health, since these birds are easily found in urban areas cohabitating with humans, other species of birds, and other animals.
Relacionamentos amorosos e seus constituintes para a felicidade
Authors: Oliveira Cristina Soares , Silva Kaio Germano Sousa da , Morais Janaína Oliveira , Santos Edilene Ferreira da Costa , Silva Francilene Regina Brito da , Gomes Ana Cristina Jácome Castelo , Chagas Alessandra Ferreira das , Coelho Raquel Ferreira , Said Érika Castelo Branco , Silva Anastácia Tavares da , Santos José Alberto Araújo dos , Machado Mariana Melo , Miranda Conceição Maria Melo , Santos Kayle Rodrigues dos , Araújo Andreza da Conceição , Mendes Valdileno Silva , Gonçalves Francisca Tatiana Dourado
Published: July 2021

A Psicologia Positiva lida com a felicidade, funcionamento humano ótimo, focando nas características da personalidade positiva, no bem-estar e satisfação com a vida. Caracteriza a personalidade do indivíduo através das virtudes e forças de caráter que por sua vez, podem contribuir de forma considerável para a felicidade nos relacionamentos amorosos. O presente estudo teve como principal objetivo compreender a construção da personalidade na perspectiva da Psicologia Positiva e de que maneira os atributos de personalidade são favoráveis para a construção de bem-estar e satisfação nos relacionamentos amorosos. Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica do tipo revisão narrativa, descritiva e exploratória com abordagem qualitativa. Os fenômenos do otimismo, espiritualidade e criatividade, contribuem para uma compreensão dinâmica da personalidade e articulam-se como fatores de proteção e promoção para um relacionamento mais equilibrado e satisfatório. De acordo com os achados da pesquisa, é possível afirmar que os constructos da personalidade apresentados pela Psicologia Positiva denominados virtudes e forças de caráter são capazes de contribuir de forma considerável para o estabelecimento de bem-estar e qualidade na relação amorosa.
A formação e a vivência dos profissionais de saúde frente ao processo de morte e morrer em pediatria: Uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Azevedo Thamires Goulart Lambranho de , Lima Bruna Santos Ferreira , Martinez Elena Araujo
Published: July 2021

Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar as evidências encontradas na literatura científica nacional e internacional, no que concerne ao processo de morte e morrer em pediatria frente formação acadêmica e vivência prática dos profissionais de saúde. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, suportada na recomendação PRISMA. A busca foi realizada de agosto a dezembro de 2020, por meio das bases de dados: PubMed, LILACS, Scielo e CINAHL, aplicando os seguintes filtros: artigos completos publicados entre 2010 a 2020, nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol e utilizando-se os descritores: “morte/death”, pessoal de saúde/health personnel”, “criança/child”, “equipe de assistência ao paciente/patient care team”. A amostra final do estudo foi composta por 26 artigos. Na análise das publicações os artigos foram classificados em três unidades de análise, quais sejam: o processo de formação como facilitador para lidar com o processo de morte e morrer, a vivência dos profissionais diante do luto da família em pediatria e terminalidade e cuidados paliativos em pediatria. O estudo permitiu afirmar que o fato da morte ainda ser considerada um tabu para a sociedade acaba por perpetuar a falta de discussão e reflexão sobre o processo de morte e morrer no meio acadêmico. Desta forma, os profissionais de saúde não se sentem efetivamente capacitados para lidar com o processo de morte e morrer em pediatria, principalmente pela falta de contato com esta temática durante a graduação e até mesmo na pós-graduação e posteriormente, pela falta de apoio nas instituições assistenciais.
Recomendações propostas por gestores públicos para prevenção e controle da COVID-19 entre a população privada de liberdade: Protocolo de scoping review
Authors: Bernardi Willie Otávio Bueno , Ferreira Melisane Regina Lima , Saita Nanci Michele , Andrade Rubia Laine de Paula , Sousa Keila Diane Lima de , Yamamura Mellina , Monroe Aline Aparecida
Published: July 2021

Este artigo apresenta o protocolo de uma Scoping Review que tem o objetivo de identificar as recomendações propostas pelos gestores públicos para prevenção e controle da Covid-19 entre a população privada de liberdade. A Scoping Review contemplará as seguintes etapas: identificação da questão de pesquisa; identificação de publicações relevantes; seleção de publicações; extração dos dados; análise e síntese das evidências. A questão de investigação foi formulada por meio do acrônimo PCC (população, conceito e contexto): “Quais recomendações vêm sendo propostas pelos gestores públicos para prevenção e controle da COVID-19 entre a população privada de liberdade do sistema prisional?”. Serão utilizados vocabulários controlados e livres para o levantamento bibliográfico nas bases de dados: EMBASE, Scopus, MEDLINE, Cinahl, Academic Search Premier, LILACS, Web of Science e Epistemonikos. Após as buscas, os dados serão exportados para o aplicativo Rayyan QCRI, por meio do qual será possível excluir as publicações em duplicidade e proceder à seleção das publicações por meio da leitura dos títulos e resumos por dois revisores independentes. Serão incluídas publicações que apresentem as recomendações propostas por gestores públicos da saúde, da justiça e/ou da segurança e instituições/organismos/agências nacionais e internacionais/ para a prevenção e o controle da COVID-19 entre as pessoas privadas de liberdade. Dar-se-á preferência para estudos experimentais e quase-experimentais, observacionais analíticos, séries de casos, relatos de casos individuais, estudos qualitativos, artigos de opinião, comentários e editoriais. As publicações incluídas serão submetidas a uma síntese narrativa após a extração de dados dos mesmos, a qual será conduzida por meio da utilização de um formulário específico.
“Una os alimentos” - brincando com os alimentos a partir de vivência em sala de aula
Authors: Maciel Michele Aparecida Silva , Ramos Mariana , Carilli Cecília Soares Ferreira , Carrijo Ludmylla Soares , Simões Isabela Caroline Gonçalves , Mendes Mariane Bruna da Silva , Santos Leonardo Daniel Reis , Silva Patrícia Costa dos Santos da , Silva Andrea Mara Bernardes da , Scalia Luana Araújo Macedo
Published: July 2021

Objetivo: Descrever a experiência, desenvolvida através da metodologia ativa em sala de aula, na criação de um jogo como forma de ensinar sobre alimentação saudável para crianças de seis a onze anos através do lúdico. Metodologia: O presente artigo trata-se de um relato de experiência descritivo, reflexivo, criado como proposta da disciplina de Assistência Integral à Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente I do curso de graduação em Enfermagem da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, de maio a junho de 2019. O jogo foi aplicado em sala com 30 estudantes da graduação em enfermagem, subdivididos em 3 grupos de 10 pessoas. Para condução da brincadeira os autores do trabalho se distribuíram nos grupos menores como moderadores, assim foi possível observar a interação dos participantes das atividades. Ao final, os envolvidos apresentaram feedback positivo da ação. Discussão: O jogo foi planejado com base no o saber anterior da criança e o ponto de partida do seu desenvolvimento e buscou explorar de forma lúdica o âmbito sócio cognitivo. Para os acadêmicos, permitiu vivenciar as dificuldades no desenvolvimento de recursos didáticos e ao mesmo tempo evidenciou a importância do lúdico no ensino de crianças. Considerações finais: A atividade proposta foi fundamental para proporcionar reflexões de como atividades lúdicas são importantes para o aprendizado das crianças. O enfermeiro possui o papel de educador e através de jogos deve auxiliar as crianças a se cuidarem e promover saúde.
O laser no tratamento de lesão por pressão
Authors: Santos Jaqueline Mendes Gois , Silva Ana Cristina Rosa da , Amorim Cintia Ferreira de , Pereira Filho Edilson da Silva
Published: July 2021

Objetivo: Descrever o uso do laser no tratamento de lesão por pressão mostrando seus benefícios,  sua eficácia e menos tempos no reparo tecidual Método: Trata de uma revisão bibliográfica de caráter qualitativo sob revisão artigos que encontraram efeitos positivos da laserterapia a utilizando comprimentos de onda, utilizando as seguintes bases de dados para o levantamento de obras SCIELO, PubMed, os critérios de inclusão foram artigos publicados entre 2013 a 2018 em português e inglês, combinados através do operador booleano AND. Resultados e Discussão: Resulta quanto à eficácia da ação do laser como terapêutica principal na reepitelização do tecido lesionado, o sítio de aplicação do laser e lesões apresentadas pelos artigos em maior prevalência na região sacral. Além disso, o uso do laser pode ser recomendado na saúde pública e instituições privadas, possibilitando a diminuição de custos e independência aos profissionais. Conclusão: Deste modo, a laserterapia é um tratamento adjutório com ações capaz de contribuir em resolutividade acelerada, decorrente do processo de cicatrização de lesões tecidual, com evidencia na ação antiinflamatória, analgésico e cicatrizantes, onde constitui uma atuação dinâmica nos efeitos bioquímicos. Com resultados disso, o uso do laser vem trazendo um impacto positivo, proporcionando bem-estar e qualidade de vida aos clientes.
Prevalência de cárie e fatores relacionados em pacientes com fibrose cística
Authors: Silva Silvia Girlane Nunes da , Santos Maria Tereza Botti Rodrigues dos , Moura Katharina Vidal Negreiro de , Monlleó Isabella Lopes , Brandão Diogo Gomes
Published: July 2021

A fibrose cística (FC) é uma doença autossômica recessiva, letal, mais comum em caucasoides e com prevalência em ambos os sexos. Mais de 1000 mutações são conhecidas, sendo a mais comum a Delta-F508 que consiste na alteração da síntese proteica RTF (proteína reguladora da condutância transmembrana da fibrose cística), acomete células de vários órgãos, sobretudo as do trato respiratório, que estão relacionados os principais efeitos deletérios, causando a morte em mais de 90% dos pacientes, devido ao comprometimento do funcionamento das glândulas exócrinas que produzem substâncias mais espessas, atrapalhando então sua eliminação. Com o objetivo de avaliar a prevalência de cárie e fatores relacionados em um grupo de 20 crianças com fibrose cística, na faixa etária de 01 a 14 anos de idade e correlacionar os dados do questionário odontológico com as informações colhidas dos exames clínicos realizados. Este trabalho trata-se de um estudo do tipo descritivo analítico, caso-controle, com delineamento transversal. Para a análise dos dados obtidos foram utilizados os testes Shapiro-Wilks, T de Student, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA e Poisson. Para todos os testes foi adotado o nível de significância estatística de 5% (p<0,05). Foi demonstrado que os grupos FC e controle, não diferiram quanto à prevalência de cárie (p=0,838). Observou-se diferença estatisticamente significante para a variável pH da saliva (p= 0,025), com o grupo FC apresentando valores de pH salivar menores comparados ao grupo controle. Contudo, os indivíduos com fibrose cística que participaram do estudo não apresentam maior prevalência de cárie que o grupo controle, embora apresentem menor pH salivar.
Цивільно-правове регулювання захисту прав споживачів як сторони споживчих договорів: порівняльно-правовий аналіз законодавства України та ЄС
Authors: КОЛІСНИКОВА ГАННА
Published: July 2021

Угода про асоціацію між Україною, з однієї сторони, та Європейським Союзом (ЄС), Європейським співтовариством з атомної енергії і їхніми державами-членами, з іншої сторони (Угода про асоціацію) перебуває в активній стадії виконання й охоплює трансформацію всього економічно-правового простору нашої держави. Особливий інтерес становить цивільно-правовий пласт правовідносин як найбільш широкий, зокрема такий його аспект, як зміни у вітчизняному регулюванні споживчих договорів відповідно до мінімальних стандартів ЄС із подальшим його вдосконаленням.
Метою статті є пошук та аналіз способів цивільно-правового регулювання споживчого договору в ЄС та порівняння їх з українськими законодавчими реаліями, окреслення необхідних змін, які необхідно здійснити законодавцю у майбутньому, щоб пришвидшити повноцінний вхід у європейський простір із його високим рівнем цивільно-правового забезпечення споживчих відносин, матеріальним вираженням якого є споживчі договори.
У статті досліджено ключові нормативно-правові акти ЄС, що відносяться до цивільно-правового регулювання захисту прав споживача як сторони споживчих договорів. Здійснено порівняльно-правовий аналіз норм ЄС і вітчизняного цивільного законодавства у цій сфері в контексті активного розгортання євроінтеграційних процесів та виконання Угоди про асоціацію. Сформульовано подальші перспективи в наближенні рівня захищеності споживачів в Україні до європейських стандартів.
Авторка доходить висновку, що, незважаючи на чітку спрямованість на європейський курс, вітчизняне цивільне законодавство є недостатньо вдосконаленим у частині регулювання споживчих договорів за прикладом ЄС. Так, станом на сьогодні в законодавстві України відсутнє як поняття “споживчий договір”, так і закріплення цієї категорії в Цивільному кодексі України нарівні з іншими видами договорів. Окрім того, чіткий план дій, що передбачав гармонізацію вітчизняних нормативно-правових актів із відповідними документами ЄС, зокрема з основними директивами стосовно регулювання споживчих договорів, був виконаний не в повному обсязі, тому питання повного приведення законодавчої сфери України до мінімальних стандартів ЄС залишається відкритим, як і його подальше наукове дослідження.
25-річчя Конституції України: на шляху до формування конституційної культури
Authors: ІРКЛІЄНКО АНДРІЙ
Published: July 2021

Аналіз українських політико-правових процесів засвідчує, що однією з головних причин політичних криз, які пережила та переживає наша країна, є не так недоліки тексту Конституції України, як відсутність належної політикоправової культури, поваги до Основного Закону, несприйняття владою принципу верховенства права, що означає, зокрема, необхідність при застосуванні норм права та їх тлумаченні дотримуватися насамперед інтересів людини і суспільства, а не чиновника, партії чи держави.
Мета статті полягає у виявленні тенденцій реформування Конституції України впродовж останніх 25 років та їх впливу на формування конституційної культури.
Методологічно обґрунтованим є висновок про те, що історія конституції у будь-якій країні невід’ємна від історії суспільства і держави. Кожен черговий етап їхнього розвитку характеризується новими моментами в соціально-економічних і політичних відносинах, здійсненні функцій держави, зміні форми правління. Ухвалення конституції має завданням відобразити всі якісно нові явища. Зміст економічних, політичних, духовних та інших соціальних процесів, що нині відбуваються у нашій країні, дає змогу зробити висновок про формування якісно ново го етапу розвитку українського суспільства й держави. Конституція України набула чинності з моменту її ухвалення та розпочала діяти у конкретних історичних і політичних умовах, що сформувалися у 1996 р. у державі та характеризувалися існу ванням доволі сильного Президента України, політично неструктурованого Парламенту та загалом несформованої політичної системи. Це фактично спотворило конституційну модель державної влади: встановлені межі президентських повноважень було розширено, що призвело до порушення балансу стримувань і противаг у механізмі державної влади.
Серйозним недоліком Конституції України є її надмірна “універсальність”. На підставі одних і тих же конституційних положень здійснювалася і лібералізація економіки, і зміцнення позицій держави в економічній сфері, і побудова “владної вертикалі”. Безумовно, реформування Конституції України в контексті запровадження двопалатного парламенту передбачає наявність чітких політичних уявлень про шляхи розвитку української державності. Водночас спектр таких політичних уявлень досить широкий – від ліберальних до тоталітарних. Із політичних позицій Конституція України критикується як за недостатність лібералізму, так і за “надмірну” політичну й економічну свободу.
Východiská skúmania legitimity vo verejnej politike
Authors: Vincová Dominika
Published: July 2021

Presented contribution deals with legality and legitimacy in the field of political science and sociology with a narrower focus on the mechanisms of legitimization of trust, the issue of acquisition and loss of legitimacy. The concepts of "legitimacy" and "legality" are directly linked to the exercise of official authority. Both the terms "legality" and "legitimacy" have a common basis, based on the law, the law, what is in line with the law. The clarification of legitimacy is based on the premise that what is legitimate must be legal (legal) and, in view of the legal basis, in accordance with objective law. Many ambiguities arise regarding the legitimacy of public authorities, which is questioned and criticized. The question of the legitimacy of the exercise of public power is a historically criticized issue, which is dealt with by sociology, political science and legal science.
Characterization of manufacturing uncertainties with applications to uncertainty quantification and robust design optimization
Authors: Wunsch Dirk , Hirsch Charles
Published: July 2021

Methodologies to quantify the impact of manufacturing uncertainties in 3D CFD based design strategies have
become increasingly available over the past years as well as optimization under uncertainties, aiming at reducing the
systems sensitivity to manufacturing uncertainties. This type of non-deterministic simulation depends however
strongly on a correct characterization of the manufacturing variability. Experimental data to characterize this
variability is not always available or in many cases cannot be sampled in sufficiently high numbers. Principal
Component Analysis (PCA) is applied to the sampled geometries and the influence of tolerances classes, sample size
and number of retained deformation modes are discussed. It is shown that the geometrical reconstruction accuracy of
the deformation modes and reconstruction accuracy of the CFD predictions are not linearly related, which has
important implications on the total geometrical variance that needs to be retained. In a second application the
characterization of manufacturing uncertainties to a marine propeller is discussed. It is shown that uncertainty
quantification and robust design optimization of the marine propeller can successfully be performed on the basis of
the derived uncertainties. This leads to a propeller shape that is less sensitive to the manufacturing variability and
therefore to a more robust design.
Inhibition of miR-185-3p Confers Erlotinib Resistance Through Upregulation of PFKL/MET in Lung Cancers
Authors: Li Ke , Zhu Xinling , Yuan Conghu
Published: July 2021

Erlotinib (ER), as an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has a significant therapeutic effect in lung cancers. However, EGFR TKI resistance inevitably occurs after treatment for approximately 12 months, which weakens its antitumor effect. Here, we identified miR-185-3p as a significantly downregulated microRNA responsible for acquired EGFR TKI resistance in cells and patients with lung cancer. qRT-PCR and Western Blot were performed to determine the relative expression of miR-185-3p in ER-resistant tumor tissues and cells. The viability and apoptosis of lung cancer cells were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The binding between miR-185-3p and liver-type phosphofructokinase (PFKL) was verified by dual luciferase assay. It was found that overexpression of miR-185-3p conferred ER sensitivity in lung cancer cell lines. MiR-185-3p was downregulated in ER-resistant lung cancer cells (H1299/ER and A549/ER). MiR-185-3p inhibited proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in ER-resistant cells. Mechanistically, miR-185-3p downregulation contributed to ER resistance through upregulating the PFKL. Moreover, Mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) oncoprotein promoted EGFR-TKI resistance by regulating miR-185-3p and PFKL. These findings revealed a novel mechanism in which downregulation of miR-185-3p may induce overexpression of PFKL and MET and confer ER resistance in lung cells. Combination of PFKL/MET inhibitors and EGFR TKIs could be a rational therapeutic approach for lung cancer patients with EGFR mutation.
A Novel Plug-Based Vascular Closure Device for Percutaneous Femoral Artery Closure in Patients Undergoing Minimally-Invasive Valve Surgery
Authors: Schaefer Andreas , Sarwari Harun , Reichenspurner Hermann , Conradi Lenard
Published: July 2021

Objectives: Surgical exposure of groin vessels to establish cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for minimally-invasive valve surgery (MIS) is standard of care but may result in postoperative wound healing disorders or seroma formation. Therefore, adaption of transcatheter techniques for fully percutaneous insertion of CPB cannulae may improve clinical results. We herein analyze a single center experience with a novel plug-based vascular closure device for MIS.

Methods: Between 03/2020 and 02/2021 MIS using the MANTA™ (Teleflex Medical Inc., Wayne, PA, USA) vascular closure device was performed in 28 consecutive patients (58.8 ± 10.6 years, 60.3% male, logEuroSCORE II 1.1 ± 0.8%) receiving mitral and/or tricuspid valve repair/replacement. Concomitant procedures were left atrial appendage occlusion and cryoablation for atrial fibrillation in 21.4% (6/28) and 10.7% (3/28) of patients, respectively. Data were retrospectively analyzed in accordance with standardized M-VARC definitions. MANTA™ device success and early safety was defined as absence of any access site or access related vascular injury and major and life-threatening bleeding complications.

Results: MANTA™ device success with immediate hemostasis and early safety were 96.4% (27/28). In one case, device failure necessitated surgical cut down without further complications. Mean aortic cross clamp time and cardiopulmonary bypass were 96.5 ± 24.2 min and 150.2 ± 33.6 min. Stroke, renal failure or myocardial infarction were not observed. Intensive care unit and total hospital stay were 1.7 ± 0.8 days and 10.1 ± 5.7 days. Overall 30-day mortality was 0%. Post-procedure echocardiography presented one case of residual moderate tricuspid regurgitation and competent valves in all other cases.

Conclusions: The MANTA™ device is safe and effective in MIS. Its ease of use and effectiveness to achieve immediate hemostasis have further simplified MIS.
Maternal Obesity: A Focus on Maternal Interventions to Improve Health of Offspring
Authors: Shrestha Akriti , Prowak Madison , Berlandi-Short Victoria-Marie , Garay Jessica , Ramalingam Latha
Published: July 2021

Maternal obesity has many implications for offspring health that persist throughout their lifespan that include obesity and cardiovascular complications. Several different factors contribute to obesity and they encompass interplay between genetics and environment. In the prenatal period, untreated obesity establishes a foundation for a myriad of symptoms and negative delivery experiences, including gestational hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, macrosomia, and labor complications. However, data across human and animal studies show promise that nutritional interventions and physical activity may rescue much of the adverse effects of obesity on offspring metabolic health. Further, these maternal interventions improve the health of the offspring by reducing weight gain, cardiovascular disorders, and improving glucose tolerance. Mechanisms from animal studies have also been proposed to elucidate the signaling pathways that regulate inflammation, lipid metabolism, and oxidative capacity of the tissue, ultimately providing potential specific courses of treatment. This review aims to pinpoint the risks of maternal obesity and provide plausible intervention strategies. We delve into recent research involving both animal and human studies with maternal interventions. With the increasing concerning of obesity rates witnessed in the United States, it is imperative to acknowledge the long-term effects posed on future generations and specifically modify maternal nutrition and care to mitigate these adverse outcomes.
Sexual Dysfunction and the Impact of Beta-Blockers in Young Males With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Dai Yuxiang , Mei Zhendong , Zhang Shuning , Shali Shalaimaiti , Ren Daoyuan , Xu Lili , Gao Wei , Chang Shufu , Zheng Yan , Qian Juying , Yao Kang , Ge Junbo
Published: July 2021

Objective: We aimed to assess the association of erectile dysfunction (ED) with the extent of coronary atherosclerosis, and to examine whether revascularization and medication use have an impact on ED status in patients with early onset of coronary artery disease (EOCAD).

Methods: International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) was used to evaluate sexual function in 296 male patients with EOCAD (age, 39.9 ± 4.8 years), and 354 male controls (age, 40.6 ± 4.4 years). The extent of coronary atherosclerosis was measured by Gensini score. Endothelial function was evaluated by two vasomotor indexes including endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) by ELISA.

Results: ED was more frequent (57.8 vs. 31.1%, P < 0.001) and serious (IIEF-5 score:17.7 ± 6.0 vs. 21.6 ± 5.0, P < 0.001) among EOCAD patients than that among controls. IIEF-5 score was negatively correlated with Gensini score (r = −0.383, P < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for the presence of ED (EOCAD vs. controls) was 1.88 [95% confidential interval (CI), 1.12-3.18]. However, ET-1 and NO attenuated the association between ED and EOCAD (adjusted OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.84-2.80). IIEF-5 score increased after coronary revascularization in patients not on beta-blockers (18.71 ± 4.84 vs. 17.59 ± 6.05, P < 0.001) as compared with baseline, while stayed unchanged in the subgroup using beta-blockers (17.82 ± 5.12 vs. 17.70 ± 5.98, P = 0.09).

Conclusions: ED was common in patients with EOCAD, and associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction may be a pathophysiologic mechanism underlying both ED and EOCAD. Coronary revascularization confers a benefit in ED amelioration, while this effect did not appear in patients using beta-blocker.
Surface Characterization and Assessment of Biofilm Formation on Two Titanium-Based Implant Coating Materials
Authors: Shokeen Bhumika , Zamani Leila , Zadmehr Sara , Pouraghaie Sevda , Ozawa Ryotaro , Yilmaz Burak , Lilak Sam , Sharma Shivani , Ogawa Takahiro , Moshaverinia Alireza , Lux Renate
Published: July 2021

Implant-related oral diseases such as peri-implantitis and peri-mucositis are largely initiated by bacterial colonization on artificial implant surfaces. Therefore, implant and abutment material characteristics that minimize bacterial attachment and subsequent biofilm formation are important factors in reducing the risk of infection-related implant failure. This study compares the properties of two different titanium-based implant coating materials, titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium carbon nitride (TiCN). Surface hydrophilicity/ hydrophobicity and roughness were evaluated via contact angle measurements and surface profiling with white light interferometry, respectively. TiN-coated surfaces were hydrophobic according to its contact angle higher than 72.7°, whereas TiCN-coated surfaces were hydrophilic with its contact angle of 53.6°. The average roughness (Ra) was greater for TiCN than TiN with the root mean square roughness (Rq) being significantly higher. These findings are in contrast to the common understanding for titanium-based materials that surface roughness and hydrophobicity are positively correlated. A well-established saliva-based oral microbial biofilm model was employed to compare bacterial attachment and biofilm formation on TiN and TiCN. Growth conditions included relevant host components such as blood as well as the presence or absence of dietary carbohydrates. The accumulated biomass was measured by crystal violet staining and the bacterial community profiles of the attached biofilms were determined via 16S rRNA gene microbiome sequencing at different time points over a 7-day period. At all time points, TiCN showed significantly less bacterial attachment and biofilm formation compared to TiN. This implied the importance of the hydrophilic state over surface roughness as parameter for the prevention of oral microbial attachment. Although, the biofilm community composition was very similar on both materials, environmental growth conditions resulted in significantly different bacterial profiles independent of the surface. In conclusion, TiCN coating produced a unique titanium surface which is rougher but more hydrophilic. TiCN-coated surfaces exhibited reduced bacterial attachment and biofilm formation in comparison to TiN coating. This coating technique can be further explored to improve implant and abutment success.
The Seismicity of Lipari, Aeolian Islands (Italy) From One-Month Recording of the LIPARI Array
Authors: Di Luccio Francesca , Persaud Patricia , Cucci Luigi , Esposito Alessandra , Carniel Roberto , Cortés Guillermo , Galluzzo Danilo , Clayton Robert W. , Ventura Guido
Published: July 2021

Seismic activity in volcanic settings could be the signature of processes that include magma dynamics, hydrothermal activity and geodynamics. The main goal of this study is to analyze the seismicity of Lipari Island (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea) to characterize the dynamic processes such as the interaction between pre-existing structures and hydrothermal processes affecting the Aeolian Islands. We deployed a dense seismic array of 48 autonomous 3-component nodes. For the first time, Lipari and its hydrothermal field are investigated by a seismic array recording continuously for about a month in late 2018 with a 0.1–1.5 km station spacing. We investigate the distribution and evolution of the seismicity over the full time of the experiment using self-organized maps and automatic algorithms. We show that the sea wave motion strongly influences the background seismic noise. Using an automatic template matching approach, we detect and locate a seismic swarm offshore the western coast of Lipari. This swarm, made of transient-like signals also recognized by array and polarization analyses in the time and frequency domains, is possibly associated with the activation of a NE-SW fault. We also found the occurrence of hybrid events close to the onshore Lipari hydrothermal system. These events suggest the involvement of hot hydrothermal fluids moving along pre-existing fractures. Seismological analyses of one month of data detect signals related to the regional tectonics, hydrothermal system and sea dynamics in Lipari Island.
Temperature Controls on the Erosion of Badland Slopes in the Nanxiong Basin, China
Authors: Chen Zhi , Yan Luobin , Peng Hua , Shi Hong
Published: July 2021

Understanding the relationships between environmental variables and erosion rates in badlands is vital for forecasting sediment yields. While the controlling role of rainfall on badland erosion rates has long been recognized, here we assess the relative influences of temperature and precipitation on slope erosion rates in the Nanxiong Basin, Southeast China. The volume of weathered and transported fragments was measured within a bounded plot at ten-day intervals between May 1, 2016, and April 30, 2017, and temperature and precipitation were continuously recorded. Mann-Kendall τ correlation, Granger causality, impulse response, and variance decomposition analyses were performed. The results show that Granger causality relationships exist between the ten-day mean temperature (TMT) and ten-day mean erosion rates (TER) and between the ten-day total precipitation (TTP) amount and the TER. Moreover, our findings indicate that TMT and TTP explained 14.6 and 12.61% of the variability in slope erosion rates, respectively, which indicates that temperature had at least the same influence on slope erosion than precipitation. In addition, because 22.5% of the measured erosion occurred during periods when there were no erosive rain events, the importance of small dry slides for removing rock fragments from these humid slopes is emphasized.
Exploring the Evolution of Perception: An Agent-Based Approach
Authors: Swain Anshuman , Hoffman Tyler , Leyba Kirtus , Fagan William F.
Published: July 2021

Perception is central to the survival of an individual for many reasons, especially as it affects the ability to gather resources. Consequently, costs associated with perception are partially shaped by resource availability. Understanding the interplay of environmental factors (such as the density and distribution of resources) with species-specific factors (such as growth rate, mutation, and metabolic costs) allows the exploration of possible trajectories by which perception may evolve. Here, we used an agent-based foraging model with a context-dependent movement strategy in which each agent switches between undirected and directed movement based on its perception of resources. This switching behavior is central to our goal of exploring how environmental and species-specific factors determine the evolution and maintenance of perception in an ecological system. We observed a non-linear response in the evolved perceptual ranges as a function of parameters in our model. Overall, we identified two groups of parameters, one of which promotes evolution of perception and another group that restricts it. We found that resource density, basal energy cost, perceptual cost and mutation rate were the best predictors of the resultant perceptual range distribution, but detailed exploration indicated that individual parameters affect different parts of the distribution in different ways.
The Rapid Rise of Next-Generation Natural History
Authors: Tosa Marie I. , Dziedzic Emily H. , Appel Cara L. , Urbina Jenny , Massey Aimee , Ruprecht Joel , Eriksson Charlotte E. , Dolliver Jane E. , Lesmeister Damon B. , Betts Matthew G. , Peres Carlos A. , Levi Taal
Published: July 2021

Many ecologists have lamented the demise of natural history and have attributed this decline to a misguided view that natural history is outdated and unscientific. Although there is a perception that the focus in ecology and conservation have shifted away from descriptive natural history research and training toward hypothetico-deductive research, we argue that natural history has entered a new phase that we call “next-generation natural history.” This renaissance of natural history is characterized by technological and statistical advances that aid in collecting detailed observations systematically over broad spatial and temporal extents. The technological advances that have increased exponentially in the last decade include electronic sensors such as camera-traps and acoustic recorders, aircraft- and satellite-based remote sensing, animal-borne biologgers, genetics and genomics methods, and community science programs. Advances in statistics and computation have aided in analyzing a growing quantity of observations to reveal patterns in nature. These robust next-generation natural history datasets have transformed the anecdotal perception of natural history observations into systematically collected observations that collectively constitute the foundation for hypothetico-deductive research and can be leveraged and applied to conservation and management. These advances are encouraging scientists to conduct and embrace detailed descriptions of nature that remain a critically important component of the scientific endeavor. Finally, these next-generation natural history observations are engaging scientists and non-scientists alike with new documentations of the wonders of nature. Thus, we celebrate next-generation natural history for encouraging people to experience nature directly.
The Optimal Cutoff Value of Z-scores Enhances the Judgment Accuracy of Noninvasive Prenatal Screening
Authors: Zhou Lingna , Zhang Bin , Liu Jianbing , Shi Ye , Wang Jing , Yu Bin
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of Z-scores of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) in predicting 21, 18 trisomy, and X chromosome aneuploidy.

Methods

A total of 39,310 prenatal women were recruited for NIPS from September 2015 to September 2020. Interventional prenatal diagnosis was applied to verify the diagnosis of NIPS-positive results. Logistic regression analysis was employed to relate the Z-scores to the positive predictive value (PPV) of NIPS-positive results. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, we calculated the optimal cutoff value of Z-scores to predict fetal chromosome aneuploidy. According to the cutoff value, NIPS-positive results were divided into the medium Z-value (MZ) and high Z-value (HZ) groups, and PPV was calculated to access the accuracy of Z-scores.

Results

A total of 288 effective values of Z-scores were used as the final data set. The logistics regression analysis revealed that Z-scores were significantly associated with true-positive results for 21 trisomy (T21) and 18 trisomy (T18) (P < 0.05), whereas the same was not observed for X chromosome aneuploids (P > 0.05). The optimal cutoff value of the Z-score for T21, T18, XO, XXX, and XXY indicated by ROC curve analysis were 5.79, 6.05, −9.56, 5.89, and 4.47, and the area under the curve (AUC) were 0.89, 0.80, 0.48, 0.42, and 0.45, respectively. PPV in the HZ group was higher than that in the MZ group, and the application of the cutoff value reduced the false discovery rate (FDR), which was only 2.9% in the HZ group compared with 61.1% in the MZ group for T21 and T18. The difference in total PPV between the MZ and HZ groups for X chromosome aneuploids was statistically significant. Moreover, the PPV for XXX and XXY seemed to increase with Z-scores but not for XO.

Conclusion

The Z-score is helpful for the accurate judgment of NIPS results and for clinical prenatal counseling. Especially for T21 and T18, Z-scores have an excellent clinical association, which is superior to that seen with X chromosome aneuploids. In addition, using Z-scores to judge NIPS results offers a certain reference value for XXX and XXY but not for XO.
Self-Assembling Nanovaccine Enhances Protective Efficacy Against CSFV in Pigs
Authors: Liu Ze-Hui , Xu Hui-Ling , Han Guang-Wei , Tao Li-Na , Lu Ying , Zheng Su-Ya , Fang Wei-Huan , He Fang
Published: July 2021

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is a highly contagious pathogen, which pose continuous threat to the swine industry. Though most attenuated vaccines are effective, they fail to serologically distinguish between infected and vaccinated animals, hindering CSFV eradication. Beneficially, nanoparticles (NPs)-based vaccines resemble natural viruses in size and antigen structure, and offer an alternative tool to circumvent these limitations. Using self-assembling NPs as multimerization platforms provides a safe and immunogenic tool against infectious diseases. This study presented a novel strategy to display CSFV E2 glycoprotein on the surface of genetically engineered self-assembling NPs. Eukaryotic E2-fused protein (SP-E2-mi3) could self-assemble into uniform NPs as indicated in transmission electron microscope (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). SP-E2-mi3 NPs showed high stability at room temperature. This NP-based immunization resulted in enhanced antigen uptake and up-regulated production of immunostimulatory cytokines in antigen presenting cells (APCs). Moreover, the protective efficacy of SP-E2-mi3 NPs was evaluated in pigs. SP-E2-mi3 NPs significantly improved both humoral and cellular immunity, especially as indicated by the elevated CSFV-specific IFN-γ cellular immunity and >10-fold neutralizing antibodies as compared to monomeric E2. These observations were consistent to in vivo protection against CSFV lethal virus challenge in prime-boost immunization schedule. Further results revealed single dose of 10 μg of SP-E2-mi3 NPs provided considerable clinical protection against lethal virus challenge. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that this NP-based technology has potential to enhance the potency of subunit vaccine, paving ways for nanovaccine development.
Plasma Sphingolipid Profile Associated With Subclinical Atherosclerosis and Clinical Disease Markers of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Potential Predictive Value
Authors: Hammad Samar M. , Harden Olivia C. , Wilson Dulaney A. , Twal Waleed O. , Nietert Paul J. , Oates Jim C.
Published: July 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects females more than males, with African Americans developing more severe manifestation of the disease. SLE patients are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and SLE women 35-44 years old have 50 fold the incidence rate of CVD. Because SLE patients do not follow the typical age and gender pattern for CVD, but instead an accelerated disease course, the traditional biomarkers of elevated LDL and total cholesterol levels do not accurately assess their CVD risk. Recently, we have reported that African American SLE patients had higher ceramide, hexosylceramide, sphingosine and dihydrosphingosine 1-phosphate levels compared to their healthy controls, and those with atherosclerosis had higher sphingomyelin and sphingoid bases levels than those without (PLoS One. 2019; e0224496). In the current study, we sought to identify sphingolipid species that correlate with and pose the potential to predict atherosclerosis severity in African American SLE patients. Plasma samples from a group of African American predominantly female SLE patients with well-defined carotid atherosclerotic plaque burden were analyzed for sphingolipidomics using targeted mass spectroscopy. The data demonstrated that at baseline, plaque area and C3 values correlated inversely with most lactoceramide species. After one-year follow-up visit, values of the change of plaque area correlated positively with the lactoceramide species. There was no correlation between LDL-C concentrations and lactoceramide species. Taken together, lactocylcermide levels may have a ‘predictive’ value and sphingolipidomics have an added benefit to currently available tools in early diagnosis and prognosis of African American SLE patients with CVD.
Targeting Aging: Lessons Learned From Immunometabolism and Cellular Senescence
Authors: Martin Dominique E. , Torrance Blake L. , Haynes Laura , Bartley Jenna M.
Published: July 2021

It is well known that aging is associated with dysregulated metabolism. This is seen both in terms of systemic metabolism, as well as at the cellular level with clear mitochondrial dysfunction. More recently, the importance of cellular metabolism in immune cells, or immunometabolism, has been highlighted as a major modifier of immune cell function. Indeed, T cell activation, differentiation, and effector function partly depend on alterations in metabolic pathways with different cell types and functionality favoring either glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation. While immune system dysfunction with aging is well described, what remains less elucidated is how the integral networks that control immune cell metabolism are specifically affected by age. In recent years, this significant gap has been identified and work has begun to investigate the various ways immunometabolism could be impacted by both chronological age and age-associated symptoms, such as the systemic accumulation of senescent cells. Here, in this mini-review, we will examine immunometabolism with a focus on T cells, aging, and interventions, such as mTOR modulators and senolytics. This review also covers a timely perspective on how immunometabolism may be an ideal target for immunomodulation with aging.