bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contaminação microbiana, métodos de desinfecção e armazenamento de escovas de dente: uma revisão da literatura
Authors: Souza Gabriela Scortegagna de , Bezerra Mariana Sobreira , Brum Natália Franco , Bezerra Aline Sobreira , Marquezan Patricia Kolling
Published: December 2020

A escovação dentária é considerada um método indispensável para manutenção da saúde bucal. Contudo, muitos estudos comprovam que as escovas dentais podem ser ambientes propício para os microrganismos. Esses microrganismos podem proliferar-se, tornando uma fonte para autoinfecções e infecções cruzadas, sendo necessários procedimentos de desinfecção para evitar danos à saúde. Tendo em vista isso, o objetivo do estudo foi revisar os agentes desinfetantes e métodos de desinfecção das escovas dentais presentes na literatura. Foi realizada uma ampla busca através das bases de dados PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, Portal de Periódicos CAPES, Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SCIELO) e Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS), compreendendo o período dos últimos 20 anos, além de uma busca complementar no Google Schoolar. A busca foi realizada nos meses de julho a agosto de 2020 e os descritores utilizados incluíram a combinação de termos: “toothbrushing”, “disinfectants” e “biocides” e seus derivados, além de termos livres como “toothbrush” e “cleaning” adaptando para cada banco de dados pesquisado. Primeiramente, foi realizada a seleção através de títulos e resumos, sendo 16 artigos incluídos no estudo. A partir da leitura na íntegra dos achados, encontramos vários agentes desinfetantes disponíveis, sendo: digluconato de clorexidina, raios ultravioleta, hipoclorito de sódio, ácido acético, triclosan, solução alcoólica, cloreto de cetilperidínio, peróxido de hidrogênio, jato de ar quente e óleos essenciais. Os raios UV, colutórios a base de digluconato com clorexidina (spray) são as mais eficientes para reduzir a carga bacteriana e fúngica das escovas dentais. Entretanto ainda há lacunas a serem respondidas.
Estudos de Aula nas ações de formação de professores de Matemática: reflexões de uma aula no 6º ano
Authors: Martins Priscila Bernardo , Curi Edda , Borelli Suzete de Souza
Published: December 2020

No presente estudo buscamos evidenciar um Estudo de Aula, que foi desenvolvido no ano de 2019 com um professor que ensina Matemática no 6º ano do Ensino Fundamental em uma escola municipal da cidade de São Paulo. Trata-se de uma abordagem de natureza qualitativa de cunho interpretativo. Para a estrutura do processo de obtenção de dados recorremos à triangulação. Como resultados, observamos que a metodologia de formação Estudos de Aula possibilitou avanços nas práticas dos professores ao realizar um planejamento mais fundamentado teoricamente a partir do manuseio e estudo dos documentos e materiais curriculares da Rede Municipal de São Paulo.
Pseudogap problem in high-temperature superconductors
Authors: Vedeneev S I
Published: December 2020

It has been more than 30 years since the discovery of high-temperature superconductors (HTSCs). The number of articles published on the subject is huge, but the cause of the high superconducting transition temperature T
c is still an open question. The so-called ‘pseudogap’ HTSC phase — an anomalous ‘normal’ state — turned out to be as complicated a problem as high-temperature superconductivity itself. Its role remains unexplained. We discuss here only key experimental results with the aim to demonstrate the complexity and intricacy arising in the explanation of problems related to the nature of this unique phenomenon.
Carnival and Politics
Authors: Kinser Samuel C.
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this article is to widen the ways in which Carnival’s political dimensions have ordinarily been discussed. What happens politically at Carnival should be placed in the social and cultural contexts in which a performance occurs, rather than being discussed only in terms of the performance’s publicized representations. This contextual mix should in turn be understood first as composed of competing and cooperating communities, but then also as having far-reaching and lengthily enduring structural roots. The author illustrates these propositions chiefly by means of an overview of Rome’s long Carnival history. There is space only to consider in detail two key sets of Roman Carnival sources, a verbal document written in the 1140s and two engravings made in the 1550s. The analysis of their social and cultural contexts leads to two other documentary groups, one stemming from fifteenth- and sixteenth-century Nuremberg and the other from the 1570s and 1580 in Romans, France. The long-term, structural thread knitting these disparate Carnival times and places together is the figure of the bear and his humanoid cousin the wildman.
Ephemeropolis
Authors: St John Graham
Published: December 2020

Foucault’s concept of heterotopia is adapted to comprehend events with intentional transformational agendas. An ephemeral community installed annually in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, Burning Man is an exemplary evental heterotopia. With the shortcomings of the romantic-utopian “transformational festival” label identified, the article considers Black Rock City as a heterogeneous threshold and contested space. This hyperliminal weave is redolent in a complex ethos known as the “Ten Principles.” Informed by Michel Foucault’s ambiguous entry on heteroclite spatialization, the article explores the paradoxical “other space” of Burning Man in which the “default world” is simultaneously neutralized, mirrored, and resisted. If Burning Man is transformative, this is therefore an enigmatic aesthetic. Adapting Foucault’s six “principles of heterotopia” and modulating Victor Turner’s “liminality,” the article navigates the hyperliminal dynamics of Burning Man. In the process, a provisional framework is suggested for the study of transformative events.
Velferdsteknologi i helse- og oppvekstyrker: Digitalt kompetansebehov i yrkesfaglig utdanning
Authors: Havreberg Solveig Dalehaug , Sylte Ann Lisa
Published: December 2020

The fast-paced changes of the Western world community require vocational education and training (VET) that meets the future working-life needs for competence. One challenge in Norwegian health education is the lack of up-to-date teacher competence in welfare technology and digital competence. This article is based on a case study of how vocational teachers in health education programmes (HO) meet the future needs for competence in welfare technology. This research questions what can be changed in VET with these new technologies and how the technology challenges the vocational content of health and education work, and VET. This need for technological competence is also linked to the renewal of curriculum in Norwegian VET, which entails requirements for previous vocational specialisation. The study involved qualitative methods and development experiments. The results show examples of how vocational teachers and students at HO can meet the future needs for competence in welfare technology related to ethics. The results indicate the need for close collabo­ration between school and working life to meet the new technology-competence need in the content in both the HO education and the health care occupations. Didactical planned intern­ship in companies using welfare technology, were important for the participants learning about digital tools.
Isolation of the Parasite Enterocytospora artemiae From Chinese Grass Shrimp (Palaemonetes sinensis)—First Report in Asia
Authors: Jiang Hongbo , Chen Yuwen , Bao Jie , Li Xiaodong , Feng Chengcheng , Xing Yuenan , Chen Qijun
Published: December 2020

Chinese grass shrimp (Palaemonetes sinensis) is an economically important crustacean in Chinese aquaculture. Recently, we found that shrimp in Panjin city were infected with microsporidia, a group of fungi. The hepatopancreas of several infected shrimp showed white turbidity and pathological changes that negatively affected the health and appearance of the shrimp. Histopathology and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine the development of the parasite within its parasitophorous vacuole. Our results indicated that microsporidia developed asynchronously within the same parasitophorous vacuole. The spores were predominantly small, and rod or oval-shaped. The sizes of fresh spores were approximately 3.1 × 2.4 μm and fixed spores were 1.9 × 1.1 μm. The polar filament was isofilar with 5–6 coils and the thickness was 103.2 nm. Merogonial divisions occurred by binary fission and sporogonial division occurred by plasmotomy. The small subunit ribosomal DNA sequence (1295 bp) from the parasite was highly similar to the previously reported parasite Enterocytospora artemiae (99% nucleotide identity, JX915760). Using maximum likelihood to analyze the phylogenetic relationships, we found that this microsporidian should be grouped within Clade IV, an Enterocytospora-like clade, of the Microsporidia phylum. Based on this parasite’s life cycle characteristics, morphology, and small subunit ribosomal DNA sequence, the parasite described here is likely E. artemiae, which has previously only been described in Europe and North America. Thus, this is the first report of E. artemiae both in Asia and economically important shrimp.
Study on the Occurrence of Genetic Exchange Among Parasites of the Leishmania mexicana Complex
Authors: Telittchenko Roman , Descoteaux Albert
Published: December 2020

In Leishmania, genetic exchange has been experimentally demonstrated to occur in the sand fly vector and in promastigote axenic cultures through a meiotic-like process. No evidence of genetic exchange in mammalian hosts have been reported so far, possibly due to the fact that the Leishmania species used in previous studies replicate within individual parasitophorous vacuoles. In the present work, we explored the possibility that residing in communal vacuoles may provide conditions favorable for genetic exchange for L. mexicana and L. amazonensis. Using promastigote lines of both species harboring integrated or episomal drug-resistance markers, we assessed whether genetic exchange can occur in axenic cultures, in infected macrophages as well as in infected mice. We obtained evidence of genetic exchange for L. amazonensis in both axenic promastigote cultures and infected macrophages. However, the resulting products of those putative genetic events were unstable as they did not sustain growth in subsequent sub-cultures, precluding further characterization.
Temporal Trends and Outcomes of Percutaneous and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wu Jing , Li Chenguang , Zheng Yang , Tong Qian , Liu Quan , Cong Xiaoqiang , Lou Zhiyang , Zhang Mingyou
Published: December 2020

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the temporal trends of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in severe aortic stenosis (AS) patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and to compare the in-hospital outcomes between TAVR and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with AF.

Background: Data comparing TAVR to SAVR in severe AS patients with AF are lacking.

Methods: National inpatient sample database in the United States from 2012 to 2016 were queried to identify hospitalizations for severe aortic stenosis patients with AF who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement. A propensity score-matched analysis was used to compare in-hospital outcomes for TAVR vs. SAVR for AS patients with AF.

Results: The analysis included 278,455 hospitalizations, of which 124,910 (44.9%) were comorbid with AF. Before matching, TAVR had higher in-hospital mortality than SAVR (3.1 vs. 2.2%, p < 0.001); however, there was a declining trend during the study period (Ptrend < 0.001). After matching, TAVR and SAVR had similar in-hospital mortality (2.9 vs. 2.9%, p < 0.001) and stroke. TAVR was associated with lower rates of acute kidney injury, new dialysis, cardiac complications, acquired pneumonia, sepsis, mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, non-routine discharge, and shorter length of stay; however, TAVR was associated with more pacemaker implantation and higher cost. Of the patients receiving TAVR, the presence of AF was associated with an increased rate of complications and increased medical resource usage compared to those without AF.

Conclusions: In-hospital mortality and stroke for TAVR and SAVR in AF, AS are similar; however, the in-hospital mortality in TAVR AF is declining and associated with more favorable in-hospital outcomes.
Comprehensive Integration of Single-Cell Transcriptional Profiling Reveals the Heterogeneities of Non-cardiomyocytes in Healthy and Ischemic Hearts
Authors: Zhuang Lingfang , Lu Lin , Zhang Ruiyan , Chen Kang , Yan Xiaoxiang
Published: December 2020

Advances in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology have recently shed light on the molecular mechanisms of the spatial and temporal changes of thousands of cells simultaneously under homeostatic and ischemic conditions. The aim of this study is to investigate whether it is possible to integrate multiple similar scRNA-seq datasets for a more comprehensive understanding of diseases. In this study, we integrated three representative scRNA-seq datasets of 27,349 non-cardiomyocytes isolated at 3 and 7 days after myocardial infarction or sham surgery. In total, seven lineages, including macrophages, fibroblasts, endothelia, and lymphocytes, were identified in this analysis with distinct dynamic and functional properties in healthy and nonhealthy hearts. Myofibroblasts and endothelia were recognized as the central hubs of cellular communication via ligand-receptor interactions. Additionally, we showed that macrophages from different origins exhibited divergent transcriptional signatures, pathways, developmental trajectories, and transcriptional regulons. It was found that myofibroblasts predominantly expand at 7 days after myocardial infarction with pro-reparative characteristics. We identified signature genes of myofibroblasts, such as Postn, Cthrc1, and Ddah1, among which Ddah1 was exclusively expressed on activated fibroblasts and exhibited concordant upregulation in bulk RNA sequencing data and in vivo and in vitro experiments. Collectively, this compendium of scRNA-seq data provides a valuable entry point for understanding the transcriptional and dynamic changes of non-cardiomyocytes in healthy and nonhealthy hearts by integrating multiple datasets.
Protected Areas and Endemic Freshwater Fishes of the Cape Fold Ecoregion: Missing the Boat for Fish Conservation?
Authors: Jordaan Martine S. , Chakona Albert , van der Colff Dewidine
Published: December 2020

Freshwater systems and their associated biodiversity are among the most threatened ecosystems globally. The greatest threats to freshwater fishes are the introduction and spread of non-native species, pollution, habitat degradation and loss, and overexploitation. While many regions across the world contain extensive networks of protected areas, these are largely ineffective for protecting riverine systems and their biodiversity. This is because they were designed with the aim of prioritising conservation of terrestrial biodiversity, with limited or no consideration for aquatic systems. The Cape Fold Ecoregion, located within the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa, is home to the highest percentage of threatened freshwater fishes in the country. The region has an extensive protected area network that protects a wide array of ecosystems, but limited information exists on the role of protected areas in conserving the endemic freshwater fish fauna of this region. This study evaluated the value of protected areas for protection of freshwater fishes in the Western Cape Province by setting species conservation targets and then intersecting species distribution data with protected area polygons. Conservation targets were set to protect the minimum viable population required for long-term persistence, with a minimum of 10 subpopulations as a target. This, along with other factors such as population viability and protected area effectiveness was used to determine whether a species was effectively protected by the current protected area network. Species were classified into one of four categories; (1) “well protected,” (2) “moderately protected,” (3) “poorly protected,” and (4) “not protected.” Our results indicate that the majority of native fishes are inadequately protected within the current protected area network in the province. This is mainly a result of the linear nature of riverine ecosystems that exposes them to impacts and threats that emanate from outside of the protected area. These limitations are not unique to the CFE, and our findings have broader implications as they highlight the need for integrating both the riverine and terrestrial ecosystems in the design, expansion and management of protected areas. This will enhance and maximise conservation and protection of riverine systems and their unique biodiversity.
Rapid Transmission of a Hyper-Virulent Meningococcal Clone Due to High Effective Contact Numbers and Super Spreaders
Authors: Holmes Jonathan C. , Green Luke R. , Oldfield Neil J. , Turner David P.J. , Bayliss Christopher D.
Published: December 2020

Rapid transmission, a critical contributory factor in outbreaks of invasive meningococcal disease, requires naïve populations of sufficient size and intermingling. We examined genomic variability and transmission dynamics in a student population subject to an 11-fold increase in carriage of a hypervirulent Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W ST-11 clone. Phylogenetic clusters, mutation and recombination rates were derived by bioinformatic analyses of whole-genome sequencing data. Transmission dynamics were determined by combining observed carriage rates, cluster sizes and distributions with simple SIS models. Between 9 and 15 genetically-distinct clusters were detected and associated with seven residential halls. Clusters had low mutation accumulation rates and infrequent recombination events. Modeling indicated that effective contacts decreased from 10 to 2 per day between the start and mid-point of the university term. Transmission rates fluctuated between 1 and 4% while the R(t) for carriage decreased from an initial rate of 47 to 1. Decreases in transmission values correlated with a rise in vaccine-induced immunity. Observed carriage dynamics could be mimicked by populations containing 20% of super spreaders with 2.3-fold higher effective contact rates. We conclude that spread of this hypervirulent ST-11 meningococcal clone depends on the levels of effective contacts and immunity rather than genomic variability. Additionally, we propose that super-spreaders enhance meningococcal transmission and that a 70% MenACWY immunization level is sufficient to retard, but not fully prevent, meningococcal spread in close-contact populations.
Gallic Acid Alleviates Gouty Arthritis by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Pyroptosis Through Enhancing Nrf2 Signaling
Authors: Lin Yuqing , Luo Tianyu , Weng Anli , Huang Xiaodi , Yao Yanqing , Fu Zhen , Li Yingwei , Liu Aijun , Li Xican , Chen Dongfeng , Pan Hao
Published: December 2020

Gallic acid is an active phenolic acid widely distributed in plants, and there is compelling evidence to prove its anti-inflammatory effects. NLRP3 inflammasome dysregulation is closely linked to many inflammatory diseases. However, how gallic acid affects the NLRP3 inflammasome remains unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the effects of gallic acid on the NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis, as well as its effect on gouty arthritis in mice. The results showed that gallic acid inhibited lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and pyroptosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed and ATP-, nigericin-, or monosodium urate (MSU) crystal-stimulated macrophages. Additionally, gallic acid blocked NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inhibited the subsequent activation of caspase-1 and secretion of IL-1β. Gallic acid exerted its inhibitory effect by blocking NLRP3-NEK7 interaction and ASC oligomerization, thereby limiting inflammasome assembly. Moreover, gallic acid promoted the expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and reduced the production of mitochondrial ROS (mtROS). Importantly, the inhibitory effect of gallic acid could be reversed by treatment with the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385. NRF2 siRNA also abolished the inhibitory effect of gallic acid on IL-1β secretion. The results further showed that gallic acid could mitigate MSU-induced joint swelling and inhibit IL-1β and caspase 1 (p20) production in mice. Moreover, gallic acid could moderate MSU-induced macrophages and neutrophils migration into joint synovitis. In summary, we found that gallic acid suppresses ROS generation, thereby limiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis dependent on Nrf2 signaling, suggesting that gallic acid possesses therapeutic potential for the treatment of gouty arthritis.
Monocytic Cytokines in Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 2 Are Modulated by Vitamin D and HLA-DQ
Authors: Kraus Anna U. , Penna-Martinez Marissa , Shoghi Firouzeh , Meyer Gesine , Badenhoop Klaus
Published: December 2020

Context

Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS-2: autoimmune Addison’s disease or type 1 diabetes) is conferred by predisposing HLA molecules, vitamin D deficiency, and heritable susceptibility. Organ destruction is accompanied by cytokine alterations. We addressed the monocytic cytokines of two distinct APS-2 cohorts, effects of vitamin D and HLA DQ risk.

Methods

APS-2 patients (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 30) were genotyped for HLA DQA1/DQB1 and their CD14+ monocytes stimulated with IL1β and/or 1,25(OH)2D3 for 24 h. Immune regulatory molecules (IL-6, IL-10, IL-23A, IL-15, CCL-2, PD-L1), vitamin D pathway gene transcripts (CYP24A1, CYP27B1, VDR), and CD14 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and RTqPCR.

Results

Pro-inflammatory CCL-2 was higher in APS-2 patients than in controls (p = 0.001), whereas IL-6 showed a trend – (p = 0.1). In vitro treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 reduced proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, CCL-2, IL-23A, IL-15) whereas anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and PD-L1) rose both in APS-type 1 diabetes and APS-Addison´s disease. Patients with adrenal autoimmunity showed a stronger response to vitamin D. Expression of IL-23A and vitamin D pathway genes VDR and CYP27B1 varied by HLA genotype and was lower in healthy individuals with high-risk HLA (p = 0.0025; p = 0.04), while healthy controls with low-risk HLA showed a stronger IL-10 and CD14 expression (p = 0.01; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

1,25(OH)2D3 regulates the monocytic response in APS-2 disorders type 1 diabetes or Addison´s disease. The monocytic cytokine profile of individuals carrying HLA high-risk alleles is proinflammatory, enhances polyglandular autoimmunity and can be targeted by vitamin D.
Optimization of a Method to Detect Autoantigen-Specific T-Cell Responses in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Musthaffa Yassmin , Nel Hendrik J. , Ramnoruth Nishta , Patel Swati , Hamilton-Williams Emma E. , Harris Mark , Thomas Ranjeny
Published: December 2020

The development of tolerizing therapies aiming to inactivate autoreactive effector T-cells is a promising therapeutic approach to control undesired autoimmune responses in human diseases such as Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). A critical issue is a lack of sensitive and reproducible methods to analyze antigen-specific T-cell responses, despite various attempts. We refined a proliferation assay using the fluorescent dye 5,6-carboxylfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) to detect responding T-cells, highlighting the fundamental issues to be taken into consideration to monitor antigen-specific responses in patients with T1D. The critical elements that maximize detection of antigen-specific responses in T1D are reduction of blood storage time, standardization of gating parameters, titration of CFSE concentration, selecting the optimal CFSE staining duration and the duration of T-cell stimulation, and freezing in medium containing human serum. Optimization of these elements enables robust, reproducible application to longitudinal cohort studies or clinical trial samples in which antigen-specific T-cell responses are relevant, and adaptation to other autoimmune diseases.
Distinctive Cellular and Metabolic Reprogramming in Porcine Lung Mononuclear Phagocytes Infected With Type 1 PRRSV Strains
Authors: Crisci Elisa , Moroldo Marco , Vu Manh Thien-Phong , Mohammad Ammara , Jourdren Laurent , Urien Celine , Bouguyon Edwige , Bordet Elise , Bevilacqua Claudia , Bourge Mickael , Pezant Jérémy , Pléau Alexis , Boulesteix Olivier , Schwartz Isabelle , Bertho Nicolas , Giuffra Elisabetta
Published: December 2020

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) has an extensive impact on pig production. The causative virus (PRRSV) is divided into two species, PRRSV-1 (European origin) and PRRSV-2 (North American origin). Within PRRSV-1, PRRSV-1.3 strains, such as Lena, are more pathogenic than PRRSV-1.1 strains, such as Flanders 13 (FL13). To date, the molecular interactions of PRRSV with primary lung mononuclear phagocyte (MNP) subtypes, including conventional dendritic cells types 1 (cDC1) and 2 (cDC2), monocyte-derived DCs (moDC), and pulmonary intravascular macrophages (PIM), have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we analyze the transcriptome profiles of in vivo FL13-infected parenchymal MNP subpopulations and of in vitro FL13- and Lena-infected parenchymal MNP. The cell-specific expression profiles of in vivo sorted cells correlated with their murine counterparts (AM, cDC1, cDC2, moDC) with the exception of PIM. Both in vivo and in vitro, FL13 infection altered the expression of a low number of host genes, and in vitro infection with Lena confirmed the higher ability of this strain to modulate host response. Machine learning (ML) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) unraveled additional relevant genes and pathways modulated by FL13 infection that were not identified by conventional analyses. GSEA increased the cellular pathways enriched in the FL13 data set, but ML allowed a more complete comprehension of functional profiles during FL13 in vitro infection. Data indicates that cellular reprogramming differs upon Lena and FL13 infection and that the latter might keep antiviral and inflammatory macrophage/DC functions silent. Although the slow replication kinetics of FL13 likely contribute to differences in cellular gene expression, the data suggest distinct mechanisms of interaction of the two viruses with the innate immune system during early infection.
Role of the Intestinal Epithelium and Its Interaction With the Microbiota in Food Allergy
Authors: Ali Ayesha , Tan HuiYing , Kaiko Gerard E.
Published: December 2020

The intestinal epithelial tract forms a dynamic lining of the digestive system consisting of a range of epithelial cell sub-types with diverse functions fulfilling specific niches. The intestinal epithelium is more than just a physical barrier regulating nutrient uptake, rather it plays a critical role in homeostasis through its intrinsic innate immune function, pivotal regulation of antigen sensitization, and a bi-directional interplay with the microbiota that evolves with age. In this review we will discuss these functions of the epithelium in the context of food allergy.
Neonatal Diet Impacts the Large Intestine Luminal Metabolome at Weaning and Post-Weaning in Piglets Fed Formula or Human Milk
Authors: Rosa Fernanda , Matazel Katelin S. , Bowlin Anne K. , Williams Keith D. , Elolimy Ahmed A. , Adams Sean H. , Bode Lars , Yeruva Laxmi
Published: December 2020

The impact of human milk (HM) or dairy milk-based formula (MF) on the large intestine’s metabolome was not investigated. Two-day old male piglets were randomly assigned to HM or MF diet (n = 26/group), from postnatal day (PND) 2 through 21 and weaned to a solid diet until PND 51. Piglets were euthanized at PND 21 and PND 51, luminal contents of the cecum, proximal (PC) and distal colons (DC), and rectum were collected and subjected to metabolomics analysis. Data analyses were performed using Metaboanalyst. In comparison to MF, the HM diet resulted in higher levels of fatty acids in the lumen of the cecum, PC, DC, and rectum at PND 21. Glutamic acid was greater in the lumen of cecum, PC, and DC relative to the MF group at PND 21. Also, spermidine was higher in the DC and rectal contents of HM relative to MF at PND 21. MF diet resulted in greater abundances of amino acids in the cecal lumen relative to HM diet at PND 21. Additionally, several sugar metabolites were higher in various regions of the distal gut of MF fed piglets relative to HM group at PND 21. In contrast, at PND 51, in various regions there were higher levels of erythritol, maltotriose, isomaltose in HM versus MF fed piglets. This suggests a post weaning shift in sugar metabolism that is impacted by neonatal diet. The data also suggest that infant diet type and host-microbiota interactions likely influence the lower gut metabolome.
Pdel, Encoding a Low-Affinity cAMP Phosphodiesterase, Regulates Conidiation and Pathogenesis in Alternaria alternata Tangerine Pathotype
Authors: Lv Weiwei , Kong Xiangwen , Zhou Changyong , Tang Kezhi
Published: December 2020

Based on intracellular second messenger cAMP, the cyclic AMP-protein kinase A (cAMP-PKA) pathway transforms extracellular stimuli to activate effectors and downstream signaling components, mediating physiological processes in filamentous fungi. The concentration of intracellular cAMP was regulated by adenylate cyclase biosynthesis and cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDEs) hydrolysis, which mediate signal transduction and termination. In this study, we used a gene deletion and complementary strategy to characterize the functions ofAaPdelandAaPdehgenes, which encoded low-affinity PDEs (Pdel) and high-affinity PDEs (Pdeh), respectively, inAlternaria alternata. AaPdel, but notAaPdeh, was found to be a key regulator in conidiation and pathogenesis inA. alternata. ΔAaPdelshowed defects in conidiation, producing approximately 65% reduced conidiation and forming lowly pigmented aberrant structures. In response to osmotic stress, ΔAaPdelwas more sensitive to non-ionic osmotic stress than ionic osmotic stress. Moreover,AaPdeldeletion mutants had defects in vegetative growth and hyphal growth. Further analyses showed that the high chitin content of ΔAaPdelmight account for the sensitivity to Congo red. Based on the attenuated pathogenicity and lowly pigmented aberrant structures, the laccase activity analysis found that bothAaPdelandAaPdehwere involved in laccase activity regulation. Our data further support the PKA-mediated cAMP signaling pathway, as we have found thatAaPdelwas involved in intracellular cAMP levels inA. alternata.
Postoperative Adjuvant Chemotherapy Improved the Prognosis in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Patients With Optimal Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Feng Xiaojie , Chen Hongmin , Li Lei , Gao Ling , Wang Li , Bai Xupeng
Published: December 2020

Background

Few studies investigated the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) in patients with optimal response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), and an optimal number of treatment cycles for these patients remains unknown.

Methods

A total of 261 Chinese patients with FIGO stage IB2-IIB cervical cancer who obtained an optimal response to NACT were included after radical surgery, and the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of these patients treated with different cycles of postoperative ACT were compared using the Log-rank test and multivariate analysis.

Results

We found that the prognosis of optimal responders treated with postoperative ACT was significantly better than those without further adjuvant therapy. The multivariate analysis showed that postoperative ACT was an independent prognostic factor for DFS. However, there was no significant difference in the DFS and OS between patients who had three cycles of ACT and those with six cycles. Further analysis revealed a significant association of six cycles of ACT with the risk of leukopenia, nausea/vomiting, and rash.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that additional three cycles of ACT after surgery may improve the clinical outcome of optimal responders in terms of DFS, OS, and drug toxicity.
Interfaces, Circuits and Humidifiers
Authors: Ferreira Rosario
Published: December 2020

Long-term non-invasive ventilation (LTNIV) has been increasingly used in children to manage chronic respiratory failure and airway obstruction. Interfaces are of paramount importance for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) effectiveness and patient compliance. However, historically, the choice of pediatric mask has been limited by the scarce availability of commercial interfaces. In recent years, an increasing number of different masks have been commercialized for children, allowing to increase the number of patients who could benefit from LTNIV. Factors such as the age of the child, disease, craniofacial conformation, type of ventilator and mode of ventilation, and children's and family's preferences should be taken into account when selecting the appropriate mask. Adverse events such as skin lesions, facial growth impairment, and leaks must be prevented and promptly corrected. Humidification is a controversial issue on NIV, but it may be useful in certain circumstances. Regular cleaning and disinfection of interfaces and equipment must be addressed. During follow-up, educational programs, close supervision, and continuous support to children and families are crucial to the success of LTNIV therapy.
A Review on Dual-Lens Fluorescence Microscopy for Three-Dimensional Imaging
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Han Yubing , Liu Wenjie , Kuang Cuifang , Liu Xu , Hao Xiang
Published: December 2020

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging using dual-lens fluorescence microscopies is popular in observing fluorescently labeled biological samples, such as mammalian/model animal cells, tissues, and embryos. Specifically, dual-lens super-resolution fluorescence microscopy methods using two opposing objective lenses allow significantly higher axial resolution and better signal to noise ratio than traditional single-lens counterparts, and thus distinguish more details in 3D images of fine intracellular structures. For 3D imaging of thick tissues and entire embryos, dual-lens light-sheet fluorescence microscopy methods using two objective lenses, either orthogonal or non-orthogonal, to achieve selective plane illumination, can meet the requirements, and thus can be used to observe embryo development and structures of interest in thick tissues. This review summarizes both dual-lens fluorescence microscopy methods, including their principles, configurations, and 3D imaging applications, providing a guideline for biological laboratories with different 3D imaging needs.
KV7 Channel Expression and Function Within Rat Mesenteric Endothelial Cells
Authors: Baldwin Samuel N. , Sandow Shaun L. , Mondéjar-Parreño Gema , Stott Jennifer B. , Greenwood Iain A.
Published: December 2020

Background and Purpose: Arterial diameter is dictated by the contractile state of the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which is modulated by direct and indirect inputs from endothelial cells (ECs). Modulators of KCNQ-encoded kV7 channels have considerable impact on arterial diameter and these channels are known to be expressed in VSMCs but not yet defined in ECs. However, expression of kV7 channels in ECs would add an extra level of vascular control. This study aims to characterize the expression and function of KV7 channels within rat mesenteric artery ECs.

Experimental Approach: In rat mesenteric artery, KCNQ transcript and KV7 channel protein expression were determined via RT-qPCR, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy. Wire myography was used to determine vascular reactivity.

Key Results: KCNQ transcript was identified in isolated ECs and VSMCs. KV7.1, KV7.4 and KV7.5 protein expression was determined in both isolated EC and VSMC and in whole vessels. Removal of ECs attenuated vasorelaxation to two structurally different KV7.2-5 activators S-1 and ML213. KIR2 blockers ML133, and BaCl2 also attenuated S-1 or ML213-mediated vasorelaxation in an endothelium-dependent process. KV7 inhibition attenuated receptor-dependent nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasorelaxation to carbachol, but had no impact on relaxation to the NO donor, SNP.

Conclusion and Implications: In rat mesenteric artery ECs, KV7.4 and KV7.5 channels are expressed, functionally interact with endothelial KIR2.x channels and contribute to endogenous eNOS-mediated relaxation. This study identifies KV7 channels as novel functional channels within rat mesenteric ECs and suggests that these channels are involved in NO release from the endothelium of these vessels.
Physiological and Pathological Roles of Mammalian NEK7
Authors: Sun Zhenzhen , Gong Wei , Zhang Yue , Jia Zhanjun
Published: December 2020

NEK7 is the smallest NIMA-related kinase (NEK) in mammals. The pathological and physiological roles of NEK7 have been widely reported in many studies. To date, the major function of NEK7 has been well documented in mitosis and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, but the detailed mechanisms of its regulation remain unclear. This review summarizes current advances in NEK7 research involving mitotic regulation, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, related diseases and potential inhibitors, which may provide new insights into the understanding and therapy of the diseases associated with NEK7, as well as the subsequent studies in the future.
Building the Border: Development of the Chordate Neural Plate Border Region and Its Derivatives
Authors: Thawani Ankita , Groves Andrew K.
Published: December 2020

The paired cranial sensory organs and peripheral nervous system of vertebrates arise from a thin strip of cells immediately adjacent to the developing neural plate. The neural plate border region comprises progenitors for four key populations of cells: neural plate cells, neural crest cells, the cranial placodes, and epidermis. Putative homologues of these neural plate border derivatives can be found in protochordates such as amphioxus and tunicates. In this review, we summarize key signaling pathways and transcription factors that regulate the inductive and patterning events at the neural plate border region that give rise to the neural crest and placodal lineages. Gene regulatory networks driven by signals from WNT, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling primarily dictate the formation of the crest and placodal lineages. We review these studies and discuss the potential of recent advances in spatio-temporal transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses that would allow a mechanistic understanding of how these signaling pathways and their downstream transcriptional cascades regulate the formation of the neural plate border region.
Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus-Resistant and -Susceptible Tomato Genotypes Similarly Impact the Virus Population Genetics
Authors: Marchant Wendy G. , Gautam Saurabh , Hutton Samuel F. , Srinivasan Rajagopalbabu
Published: December 2020

Tomato yellow leaf curl virusis a species in the genusBegomovirusand familyGeminiviridae. Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) infection induces severe symptoms on tomato plants and causes serious yield losses worldwide. TYLCV is persistently transmitted by the sweetpotato whitefly,Bemisia tabaci(Gennadius). Cultivars and hybrids with a single or few genes conferring resistance against TYLCV are often planted to mitigate TYLCV-induced losses. These resistant genotypes (cultivars or hybrids) are not immune to TYLCV. They typically develop systemic infection, display mild symptoms, and produce more marketable tomatoes than susceptible genotypes under TYLCV pressure. In several pathosystems, extensive use of resistant cultivars with single dominant resistance-conferring gene has led to intense selection pressure on the virus, development of highly virulent strains, and resistance breakdown. This study assessed differences in TYLCV genomes isolated from susceptible and resistant genotypes in Florida and Georgia. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that Florida and Georgia isolates were distinct from each other. Population genetics analyses with genomes field-collected from resistant and susceptible genotypes from Florida and/or Georgia provided no evidence of a genetic structure between the resistant and susceptible genotypes. No codons in TYLCV genomes from TYLCV-resistant or susceptible genotypes were under positive selection, suggesting that highly virulent or resistance-breaking TYLCV strains might not be common in tomato farmscapes in Florida and Georgia. With TYLCV-resistant genotypes usage increasing recently and multiple tomato crops being planted during a calendar year, host resistance-induced selection pressure on the virus remains a critical issue. To address the same, a greenhouse selection experiment with one TYLCV-resistant and susceptible genotype was conducted. Each genotype was challenged with TYLCV through whitefly-mediated transmission serially 10 times (T1-T10). Population genetics parameters at the genome level were assessed at T1, T5, and T10. Results indicated that genomes from resistant and susceptible genotypes did not differentiate with increasing transmission number, no specific mutations were repeatedly observed, and no positive selection was detected. These results reiterate that resistance in tomato might not be exerting selection pressure against TYLCV to facilitate development of resistance-breaking strains. TYLCV populations rather seem to be shaped by purifying selection and/or population expansion.
Anxiety Severity, Perceived Risk of COVID-19 and Individual Functioning in Emerging Adults Facing the Pandemic
Authors: Germani Alessandro , Buratta Livia , Delvecchio Elisa , Gizzi Giulia , Mazzeschi Claudia
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is showing a strong impact on people in terms of uncertainty and instability it has caused in different areas of daily life. Uncertainty and instability are also emotions that characterize emerging adulthood (EA). They generate worries about the present and the future and are a source of anxiety that impacts negatively on personal and interpersonal functioning. Anxiety seems a central effect of the pandemic and recent studies have suggested that it is linked to COVID-19 risk perception. In the present study, a sample of 1045 Italian emerging adults was collected: (1) to assess anxiety severity and perceived risk related to COVID-19 and their association and (2) to compare general health and protective factors such as attitudes about security, relationships, self-esteem, and self-efficacy across anxiety severity and perceived risk categories. The findings of this study highlighted that anxiety severity categories were distributed homogeneously across the sample and that half of the participants referred to moderate-severe anxiety. A series of analysis of variances and post hoc comparisons showed that general health and all protective factors decreased according to anxiety severity. They were higher in participants with high perceived risk, with the exception of self-efficacy. Given the challenging features of the pandemic and EA, it is crucial to monitor anxiety severity in order to prevent last longing effects on mental and physical health, as well as keeping emerging adults informed about the risks related to the pandemic. Intervention and supportive programs based on improving self-esteem and self-efficacy, as well as confidence in relationships, should be offered to emerging adults over the long term, beyond the current outbreak.
ME-Work: Development and Validation of a Modular Meaning in Work Inventory
Authors: Schnell Tatjana , Hoffmann Carmen
Published: December 2020

As research on meaning in work progresses, access to theoretically integrated, differentiated survey instruments becomes crucial. In response to this demand, the present article introduces ME-Work, a modular inventory to measure meaning in work. Derived from research findings on meaning in life, the ME-Work inventory offers three modules that can be used separately or jointly. Module 1 assesses four facets of meaning in work, i.e., coherence, significance, purpose and belonging; module 2 measures the subjective assessment of work as meaningful or meaningless, and module 3 records the extent to which work is perceived as a source of meaning. We report on the development of the instrument and the results of an exploratory factor analysis in a pilot study of 115 working adults. A further study with 278 working adults provided evidence for construct and incremental validity. Relationships with meaning in life, mental health, job satisfaction, socio-moral climate, burnout and work as meaning were investigated. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the factor structure. Gender-specific analyses of the four facets of meaning’s differential predictive power provided additional insights. Practical implications and further research needs are discussed.
“I Have No Hope”: The Experience of Mothers in Polygamous Families as Manifested in Drawings and Narratives
Authors: Gadban Faten , Goldner Limor
Published: December 2020

Polygamy is associated with lower marital satisfaction and is known to involve sexual, physical, and emotional abuse on the part of the husband. Less is known about the experience of mothers in polygamous families. This study was designed to shed light on the experiences of women in polygamous families in a sample of 80 Israeli Arab mothers living in polygamous families who use social services, domestic violence agencies, and health centers. Mothers were asked to draw their experiences in their families and to provide narratives for the drawings. A phenomenological approach was used to analyze the drawings, and yielded five different pictorial phenomena: (1) pseudo-sweetness, (2) houses, (3) the absentee father and the estranged mother, (4) incorporation of graphic symbols and lettering that represented distress, and (5) growth and development. Most of the drawings were restricted and shallow, indicating a complex emotional state of despair and distress. The central feelings that emerged from the drawings were negative emotions of anger, sadness, loneliness, and powerlessness. While some women longed for romantic relationships with their husbands, others expressed the desire for revenge and justice. Dissociation and parentification, as central coping strategies, emerged from the drawings and the narratives. The findings are discussed theoretically and clinically.