bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Peculiar Estrogenicity of Diethyl Phthalate: Modulation of Estrogen Receptor α Activities in the Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Fiocchetti Marco , Bastari Giovanna , Cipolletti Manuela , Leone Stefano , Acconcia Filippo , Marino Maria
Published: September 2021

Phthalates comprise a group of synthetic chemicals present in the environment because of their wide use as plasticizers and as additives in products for personal care. Among others, diethyl phthalate (DEP) is largely used in products for infants, children, and adults, in which its exposure has been correlated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The adverse health outcomes deriving from phthalate exposure have been associated with their activity as endocrine disruptors (EDCs) of the steroid and thyroid hormone signaling by affecting developmental and reproductive health, and even carcinogenicity. However, the estrogen disruptor activities of DEP are still controversial, and the mechanism at the root of the estrogenic-disrupting action of DEP remains to be clarified. Here, we evaluated the DEP mechanism of action on the activation status of estrogen receptor α (ERα) by analyzing the receptor’s phosphorylation as well as both nuclear and extra-nuclear pathways triggered by the receptor to modulate the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Although DEP does not bind to ERα, our results suggest that this phthalate ester exerts multiple parallel interactions with ERα signaling and emphasize the importance to determine an appropriate battery of in vitro methods that will include specific molecular mechanisms involved in the endocrine disruption.
A Method Scope Extension for the Simultaneous Analysis of POPs, Current-Use and Banned Pesticides, Rodenticides, and Pharmaceuticals in Liver. Application to Food Safety and Biomonitoring
Authors: Rial-Berriel Cristian , Acosta-Dacal Andrea , Zumbado Manuel , Henríquez-Hernández Luis , Rodríguez-Hernández Ángel , Macías-Montes Ana , Boada Luis , Travieso-Aja María , Martin Cruz Beatriz , Luzardo Octavio
Published: September 2021

The screening of hundreds of substances belonging to multiple chemical classes in liver is required in areas such as food safety or biomonitoring. We adapted a previous QuEChERS-based method in blood to the liver matrix and applied to these fields of study. The validation of the method allowed the inclusion of 351 contaminants, 80% with a LOQ < 2 ng/g. In the analysis of 42 consumer liver samples, we detected trace levels of 29 different contaminants. The most frequent and concentrated was 4,4’-DDE. POPs accounted for 66% of the compounds detected. In no case was the MRL reached for any of the contaminants detected. We also applied the method to 151 livers of wild birds to perform a biomonitoring pilot study in the Canary Islands. We detected 52 contaminants in 15 bird species. These were also mostly POPs, although high frequencies and concentrations of anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) and some other agricultural pesticides also stand out. POPs and AR contamination levels were significantly higher in terrestrial birds, raptors and particularly in nocturnal birds. Pesticide contamination levels were also higher in terrestrial birds, as well as in non-raptors and diurnal birds. The validated method is simple, robust, and sensitive and performs well in a variety of practical scenarios, where it can be carried out relatively quickly and inexpensively.
Using On-Farm Monitoring of Ergovaline and Tall Fescue Composition for Horse Pasture Management
Authors: Lea Krista La Moen , Smith S. Ray
Published: September 2021

Central Kentucky horse pastures contain significant populations of tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinacea (Schreb.) Dumort) infected with an endophyte (Epichloë coenophialum (Morgan-Jones and Gams) Bacon and Schardl) known to produce several ergot alkaloids, with ergovaline in the highest concentration. While most classes of horses are not adversely affected by average levels of ergovaline in pastures, late term pregnant mares have a low tolerance to ergovaline and the related ergot alkaloids. Endophyte-infected tall fescue has been known to cause prolonged gestation, thickened placenta, dystocia, agalactia, and foal and mare mortality. The University of Kentucky Horse Pasture Evaluation Program utilizes ergovaline and endophyte testing, as well as pasture species composition, to calculate ergovaline in the total diet in broodmare pastures. This data is used to develop detailed management recommendations for individual pastures. Application of these recommendations has led to reduced tall fescue toxicity symptoms on these farms, as well as improved pasture management and improved forage quality and quantity.
Discrimination, Mental Health, and Suicidal Ideation among Sexual Minority Adults in Latin America: Considering the Roles of Social Support and Religiosity
Authors: Henry Richard S. , Hoetger Cosima , Rabinovitch Annie E. , Aguayo Arelis Adriana , Rabago Barajas Brenda Viridiana , Perrin Paul B.
Published: September 2021

Despite the high rates of discrimination and mental health issues experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults at an international level, very little research has focused on this population in Latin America. As a result, the purpose of this study was to explore relationships among discrimination experiences, mental health (i.e., anxiety and depressive symptoms), suicidal ideation, religiosity, and social support in LGBT adults in Latin America. A sample of 99 participants from the region completed an online survey assessing these constructs. Results suggested that 51.5% of the sample reported lifetime suicidal ideation. Experiences with harassment/rejection-type discrimination predicted suicidal ideation, while work/school-type discrimination predicted mental health problems (anxiety and depression). Depressive symptoms predicted suicidal ideation, while anxiety symptoms alone did not. Further, depressive symptoms mediated relationships between work/school discrimination and suicidal ideation, as well as between harassment/rejection discrimination and suicidal ideation. Moderated mediation analyses suggested that high, but not low or moderate levels of social support and religiosity buffered LGBT adults in Latin America against discrimination, specifically by weakening links among discrimination, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Clinical intervention research with LGBT adults in Latin America should focus on increasing social support networks for this population and on helping LGBT adults reconcile conflicts between religious identities and sexual or gender minority identities, as healthy religiosity may serve as a protective factor against mental health problems generally, and suicidal ideation specifically.
Genetic Diversity of Human Host Genes Involved in Immune Response and the Binding of Malaria Parasite in Patients Residing along the Thai-Myanmar border
Authors: Sirisabhabhorn Kridsada , Chaijaroenkul Wanna , Na-Bangchang Kesara
Published: September 2021

Polymorphisms of the genes encoding proteins involved in immune functions and the binding of malaria parasites to human host cells have been the focus of research in recent years, aiming to understand malaria pathogenesis and case severity and to exploit this knowledge to assert control over malaria. This study investigated the genetic diversity of the human host genes encoding proteins that are involved in immune functions and malaria parasite binding, i.e., MCP1 (−2518), TGFβ1 (−509), TNFα (−308), IL4 (VNTR), IL6 (−174), IL10 (−3575), TLR4 (299), CD36 (−188), and ICAM1 (469) in patients with mono-infection of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections in the multidrug-resistant areas along the Thai-Myanmar border. The association between gene polymorphisms and parasite density was also investigated. Genomic DNA (gDNA) of P. falciparum and P. vivax were extracted from whole blood and dried blood spot (DBS). Gene amplification and genotyping were performed by PCR and PCR-RFLP analysis, respectively. Of these samples, 178 and 209 samples were, respectively, mono-infection with P. falciparum and P. vivax. The ratio of P. falciparum: P. vivax was 46%:54%. Results showed marked variation in the frequency distribution and patterns of the genotypes and gene alleles of the nine immune response genes or human host genes. The SNPs of TGFβ1, IL10 and ICAM1, were significantly associated with P. falciparum, but not P. vivax parasite density. TGFβ1, IL10 and ICAM1, may play more significant roles in modulating P. falciparum than P. vivax parasitemia. The prevalence of the genotypes and gene alleles of these genes, including their association with parasite density, may vary depending on patient ethnicity and endemic areas. Information obtained from each endemic area is essential for treatment strategies and the development of vaccines for malaria prophylaxis in specific areas.
Excess of Sodium Ions Density Required to Create a Wide Current at the Hermean Magnetopause
Authors: Belenkaya Elena , Pensionerov Ivan , Alexeev Igor , Parunakian David
Published: September 2021

In this paper we consider an unusual structure, twice observed at the magnetopause of Mercury, and called the “Double Magnetopause”. Presumably, it is associated with a current sheet created by Na+ ions. Two alternative scenarios are considered. The first one: Sodium ions prevail outside the Hermean magnetosphere. The second: Sodium ions predominate inside the magnetosphere of Mercury. These ions have been observed inside and outside the magnetosphere. We analyze what Na+ density excess can be sufficient for creation of a wide diamagnetic magnetopause current and on which side of the magnetopause this current is located. For each scenario, two directions of the north-south (Z) component of the solar wind magnetic field are considered.
In Vivo Study of Aerosol, Droplets and Splatter Reduction in Dentistry
Authors: Noordien Naeemah , Mulder-van Staden Suné , Mulder Riaan
Published: September 2021

Oral health care workers (OHCW) are exposed to pathogenic microorganisms during dental aerosol-generating procedures. Technologies aimed at the reduction of aerosol, droplets and splatter are essential. This in vivo study assessed aerosol, droplet and splatter contamination in a simulated clinical scenario. The coolant of the high-speed air turbine was colored with red concentrate. The red aerosol, droplets and splatter contamination on the wrists of the OHCW and chests of the OHCW/volunteer protective gowns, were assessed and quantified in cm2. The efficacy of various evacuation strategies was assessed: low-volume saliva ejector (LV) alone, high-volume evacuator (HV) plus LV and an extra-oral dental aerosol suction device (DASD) plus LV. The Kruskal–Wallis rank-sum test for multiple independent samples with a post-hoc test was used. No significant difference between the LV alone compared to the HV plus LV was demonstrated (p = 0.372059). The DASD combined with LV resulted in a 62% reduction of contamination of the OHCW. The HV plus LV reduced contamination by 53% compared to LV alone (p = 0.019945). The DASD demonstrated a 50% reduction in the contamination of the OHCWs wrists and a 30% reduction in chest contamination compared to HV plus LV. The DASD in conjunction with LV was more effective in reducing aerosol, droplets and splatter than HV plus LV.
SnoRNAs and miRNAs Networks Underlying COVID-19 Disease Severity
Authors: Parray Aijaz , Mir Fayaz Ahmad , Doudin Asmma , Iskandarani Ahmad , Danjuma Ibn Mohammed Masud , Kuni Rahim Ayadathil Thazhhe , Abdelmajid Alaaedin , Abdelhafez Ibrahim , Arif Rida , Mulhim Mohammad , Abukhattab Mohammad , Dar Shoukat Rashhid , Moustafa Ala-Eddin Al , Elkord Eyad , Al Khal Abdul Latif , Elzouki Abdel-Naser , Cyprian Farhan
Published: September 2021

There is a lack of predictive markers for early and rapid identification of disease progression in COVID-19 patients. Our study aims at identifying microRNAs (miRNAs)/small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) as potential biomarkers of COVID-19 severity. Using differential expression analysis of microarray data (n = 29), we identified hsa-miR-1246, ACA40, hsa-miR-4532, hsa-miR-145-5p, and ACA18 as the top five differentially expressed transcripts in severe versus asymptomatic, and ACA40, hsa-miR-3609, ENSG00000212378 (SNORD78), hsa-miR-1231, hsa-miR-885-3p as the most significant five in severe versus mild cases. Moreover, we found that white blood cell (WBC) count, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), neutrophil (%), lymphocyte (%), red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, D-Dimer, and albumin are significantly correlated with the identified differentially expressed miRNAs and snoRNAs. We report a unique miRNA and snoRNA profile that is associated with a higher risk of severity in a cohort of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Altogether, we present a differential expression analysis of COVID-19-associated microRNA (miRNA)/small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) signature, highlighting their importance in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Impacts of Quarterly Sow Mass Vaccination with a Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Type 1 (PRRSV-1) Modified Live Vaccine in Two Herds
Authors: Pedersen Kasper , Kristensen Charlotte Sonne , Kvisgaard Lise Kirstine , Larsen Lars Erik
Published: September 2021

In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the use of Modified Live PRRSV Vaccines (MLV) for mass vaccination in Denmark. The potential risks and negative impact of this strategy have been sparsely studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of quarterly sow mass vaccination in two Danish sow herds. The study was performed as an observational prospective cohort of 120 sows in each of two commercial breeding herds in a paired design. Blood samples were taken from sows and oral fluid samples from nursery pigs (four to ten weeks old) before and after vaccination. The presence of PRRSV-1 RNA was measured by real time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the level of PRRSV-1 specific antibodies was measured by two different serological assays. PRRS virus was not detected in the sow herds two days before and two weeks after vaccination, but the vaccine strain virus was detected in the nursery pigs. The prevalence of sows without antibodies towards PRRSV-1 went from 6–15% before vaccination to 1–4% after vaccination depending on the serological assay used, despite the fact that they had previously been repeatedly vaccinated. Four sows tested negative for antibodies in both assays after vaccination.
mRNA-Based Cancer Vaccines: A Therapeutic Strategy for the Treatment of Melanoma Patients
Authors: Bidram Maryam , Zhao Yue , Shebardina Natalia G. , Baldin Alexey V. , Bazhin Alexandr V. , Ganjalikhany Mohamad Reza , Zamyatnin Andrey A. , Ganjalikhani-hakemi Mazdak
Published: September 2021

Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer and the leading cause of death from skin tumors. Given the increased incidence of melanoma diagnoses in recent years, it is essential to develop effective treatments to control this disease. In this regard, the use of cancer vaccines to enhance cell-mediated immunity is considered to be one of the most modern immunotherapy options for cancer treatment. The most recent cancer vaccine options are mRNA vaccines, with a focus on their usage as modern treatments. Advantages of mRNA cancer vaccines include their rapid production and low manufacturing costs. mRNA-based vaccines are also able to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses. In addition to the many advantages of mRNA vaccines for the treatment of cancer, their use is associated with a number of challenges. For this reason, before mRNA vaccines can be used for the treatment of cancer, comprehensive information about them is required and a large number of trials need to be conducted. Here, we reviewed the general features of mRNA vaccines, including their basis, stabilization, and delivery methods. We also covered clinical trials involving the use of mRNA vaccines in melanoma cancer and the challenges involved with this type of treatment. This review also emphasized the combination of treatment with mRNA vaccines with the use of immune-checkpoint blockers to enhance cell-mediated immunity.
Functional NK Cell Activation by Ovalbumin Immunization with a Monophosphoryl Lipid A and Poly I:C Combination Adjuvant Promoted Dendritic Cell Maturation
Authors: Le Chau Thuy Tien , Ahn So Yeon , Kang Sang-Moo , Ko Eun-Ju
Published: September 2021

Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the types of innate immune cells to remove pathogen-infected cells and modulate inflammatory immune responses. Recent studies have revealed that NK cells could enhance vaccine efficacy by coordinating the innate and adaptive immune responses. In this study, we have evaluated the efficacy of intranasal ovalbumin (OVA) immunization with a monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid (poly I:C) combination adjuvant in promoting NK cell recruitment, differentiation, and activation. The frequencies of NK cells were positively correlated with those of dendritic cells (DCs) at the site of immunization. Moreover, the activated NK cells and DCs by the MPL + poly I:C combination adjuvant induced activations of each other cells in vitro. Taken together, this study suggested that the MPL and poly I:C combination adjuvant in OVA vaccination mediated NK cell activation and cellular crosstalk between NK cells and DCs, suggesting a promising vaccine adjuvant candidate for promoting cellular immune responses.
Reactogenicity Correlates Only Weakly with Humoral Immunogenicity after COVID-19 Vaccination with BNT162b2 mRNA (Comirnaty®)
Authors: Held Jürgen , Esse Jan , Tascilar Koray , Steininger Philipp , Schober Kilian , Irrgang Pascal , Alsalameh Rayya , Tenbusch Matthias , Seggewies Christof , Bogdan Christian
Published: September 2021

mRNA vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), such as BNT162b2 (Comirnaty®), have proven to be highly immunogenic and efficient but also show marked reactogenicity, leading to adverse effects (AEs). Here, we analyzed whether the severity of AEs predicts the antibody response against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Healthcare workers without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, who received a prime-boost vaccination with BNT162b2, completed a standardized electronic questionnaire on the duration and severity of AEs. Serum specimens were collected two to four weeks after the boost vaccination and tested with the COVID-19 ELISA IgG (Vircell-IgG), the LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG CLIA (DiaSorin-IgG) and the iFlash-2019-nCoV NAb surrogate neutralization assay (Yhlo-NAb). A penalized linear regression model fitted by machine learning was used to correlate AEs with antibody levels. Eighty subjects were enrolled in the study. Systemic, but not local, AEs occurred more frequently after the boost vaccination. Elevated SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels were measured in 92.5% of subjects with Vircell-IgG and in all subjects with DiaSorin-IgG and Yhlo-NAb. Gender, age and BMI showed no association with the antibody levels or with the AEs. The linear regression model identified headache, malaise and nausea as AEs with the greatest variable importance for higher antibody levels (Vircell-IgG and DiaSorin-IgG). However, the model performance for predicting antibody levels from AEs was very low for Vircell-IgG (squared correlation coefficient r2 = 0.04) and DiaSorin-IgG (r2 = 0.06). AEs did not predict the surrogate neutralization (Yhlo-NAb) results. In conclusion, AEs correlate only weakly with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody levels after COVID-19 vaccination with BNT162b2 mRNA.
Potential Adjuvant Therapeutic Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum Probio-88 Postbiotics against SARS-COV-2
Authors: Rather Irfan A. , Choi Sy-Bing , Kamli Majid Rasool , Hakeem Khalid Rehman , Sabir Jamal S. M. , Park Yong-Ha , Hor Yan-Yan
Published: September 2021

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the global effort to develop high efficacy countermeasures to control the infection are being conducted at full swing. While the efficacy of vaccines and coronavirus drugs are being tested, the microbiome approach represents an alternative pathophysiology-based approach to prevent the severity of the infection. In the current study, we evaluated the action of a novel probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum Probio-88 against SARS-COV-2 replication and immune regulation using an in vitro and in silico study. The results showed that extract from this strain (P88-CFS) significantly inhibited the replication of SARS-COV-2 and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Furthermore, compared with infected cells, P88-CFS treated cells showed a significant reduction in inflammatory markers such as IFN-α, IFN-β, and IL-6. Using an in silico molecular docking approach, it was postulated that the antiviral activity of L. plantarum Probio-88 was derived from plantaricin E (PlnE) and F (PlnF). The high binding affinity and formation of hydrogen bonding indicated that the association of PlnE and PlnF on SARS-COV-2 helicase might serve as a blocker by preventing the binding of ss-RNA during the replication of the virus. In conclusion, our study substantiated that P88-CFS could be used as an integrative therapeutic approach along with vaccine to contain the spread of the highly infectious pathogen and possibly its variants.
Febrile Seizures and Measles-Containing Vaccines in China: A Self-Controlled Case Series Study
Authors: Xu Lu , Li Ning , Zhang Liang , Ma Rui , Fang Ting , Liu Zhike , Zhan Siyan
Published: September 2021

Little is known about the risk of febrile seizures (FS) after vaccination with measles-containing vaccines (MCVs) in middle- and low-income countries. This self-controlled case series study aimed to evaluate the risk of FSs in Chinese children using data from the Ningbo Regional Health Information Platform. The observation period was 0–12 and 13–24 months of age for the MR and MMR vaccines, respectively. The relative incidences (RIs) within 0–6 days, 7–13 days, 14–27 days, and 28–42 days after vaccination with MCVs were estimated. The remaining observation period was the control period. The RIs within 0–6 days, 7–13 days, 14–27 days, and 28–42 days after MR vaccination were 1.11 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33 to 3.70], 0.80 (95% CI 0.23 to 2.86), 1.67 (95% CI 0.81 to 3.42), and 1.02 (95% CI 0.49 to 2.14), respectively. The corresponding RIs after MMR vaccination were 0.99 (95% CI 0.56 to 1.75), 1.17 (95% CI 0.68 to 2.01), 0.87 (95% CI 0.54 to 1.39), and 0.85 (95% CI 0.54 to 1.34), respectively. This study suggests that China’s vaccination schedule for MCVs, as suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) for countries with a high risk of measles mortality and ongoing transmission, does not increase the risk of FSs.
The Clinical Relevance of the Microbiome in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mintoff Dillon , Borg Isabella , Pace Nikolai Paul
Published: September 2021

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic disease of the pilosebaceous unit. The name of the condition is a testament to the presumed relationship between the disease and the microbiome. The pathophysiology of hidradenitis suppurativa is, however, complex and believed to be the product of a multifactorial interplay between the interfollicular epithelium, pilosebaceous unit, microbiome, as well as genetic and environmental factors. In this review we assimilate the existing literature regarding the role played by the human microbiome in HS in various contexts of the disease, including the pathophysiologic, therapeutic, and potentially, diagnostic as well prognostic. In conclusion, the role played by the microbiome in HS is extensive and relevant and can have bench-to-bedside applications.
Immunogenicity and Protective Ability of Genotype I-Based Recombinant Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) with Attenuation Mutations in E Protein against Genotype V JEV
Authors: Tajima Shigeru , Taniguchi Satoshi , Nakayama Eri , Maeki Takahiro , Inagaki Takuya , Saijo Masayuki , Lim Chang Kweng
Published: September 2021

Genotype V (GV) Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has emerged in Korea and China since 2009. Recent findings suggest that current Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccines may reduce the ability to induce neutralizing antibodies against GV JEV compared to other genotypes. This study sought to produce a novel live attenuated JE vaccine with a high efficacy against GV JEV. Genotype I (GI)-GV intertypic recombinant strain rJEV-EXZ0934-M41 (EXZ0934), in which the E region of the GI Mie/41/2002 strain was replaced with that of GV strain XZ0934, was introduced with the same 10 attenuation substitutions in the E region found in the live attenuated JE vaccine strain SA 14-14-2 to produce a novel mutant virus rJEV-EXZ/SA14142m-M41 (EXZ/SA14142m). In addition, another mutant rJEV-EM41/SA14142m-M41 (EM41/SA14142m), which has the same substitutions in the Mie/41/2002, was also produced. The neuroinvasiveness and neurovirulence of the two mutant viruses were significantly reduced in mice. The mutant viruses induced neutralizing antibodies against GV JEV in mice. The growth of EXZ/SA14142m was lower than that of EM41/SA14142m. In mouse challenge tests, a single inoculation with a high dose of the mutants blocked lethal GV JEV infections; however, the protective efficacy of EXZ/SA14142m was weaker than that of EM41/SA14142m in low-dose inoculations. The lower protection potency of EXZ/SA14142m may be ascribed to the reduced growth ability caused by the attenuation mutations.
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Following the First Dose of COVID-19 Viral Vector Vaccine: A Case Report
Authors: Sirufo Maria Maddalena , Raggiunti Martina , Magnanimi Lina Maria , Ginaldi Lia , De Martinis Massimo
Published: September 2021

A 76 year-old female came to our observation one week after the vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 AZD1222 for the onset of purpuric rash on her gluteal and legs regions associated with coxalgia and episodes of macrohaematuria. Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) was diagnosed on the basis of the revised criteria developed by the European League Against Rheumatism, the Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization, and the Paediatric Rheumatology European Society (EULAR/PRINTO/PRES). HSP is a common IgA-mediated small vessel vasculitis, typical of childhood, that affects several systems and is characterized by a tetrad of dermatological, abdominal, joint, and renal manifestations. The Etiology of HSP is not completely understood, but it was observed following upper respiratory tract infections, medications, vaccinations, and malignancies. HSP has previously been reported following immunization with various vaccines, mostly within 12 weeks post, suggesting a possible correlation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the possible association between COVID-19 ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 AZD1222 and the onset of HSP in a previously healthy woman. No similar cases were reported amongst 23.848 participants in the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 AZD1222 trial.
Proteome-Wide Mapping and Reverse Vaccinology Approaches to Design a Multi-Epitope Vaccine against Clostridium perfringens
Authors: Aldakheel Fahad M. , Abrar Amna , Munir Samman , Aslam Sehar , Allemailem Khaled S. , Khurshid Mohsin , Ashfaq Usman Ali
Published: September 2021

C. perfringens is a highly versatile bacteria of livestock and humans, causing enteritis (a common food-borne illness in humans), enterotoxaemia (in which toxins are formed in the intestine which damage and destroy organs, i.e., the brain), and gangrene (wound infection). There is no particular cure for the toxins of C. perfringens. Supportive care (medical control of pain, intravenous fluids) is the standard treatment. Therefore, a multiple-epitope vaccine (MEV) should be designed to battle against C. perfringens infection. Furthermore, the main objective of this in silico investigation is to design an MEV that targets C. perfringens. For this purpose, we selected the top three proteins that were highly antigenic using immuno-informatics approaches, including molecular docking. B-cells, IFN-gamma, and T cells for target proteins were predicted and the most conserved epitopes were selected for further investigation. For the development of the final MEV, epitopes of LBL5, CTL17, and HTL13 were linked to GPGPG, AAY, and KK linkers. The vaccine N-end was joined to an adjuvant through an EAAK linker to improve immunogenicity. After the attachment of linkers and adjuvants, the final construct was 415 amino acids. B-cell and IFN-gamma epitopes demonstrate that the model structure is enhanced for humoral and cellular immune responses. To validate the immunogenicity and safety of the final construct, various physicochemical properties, and other properties such as antigenicity and non-allergens, were evaluated. Furthermore, molecular docking was carried out for verification of vaccine compatibility with the receptor, evaluated in silico. Also, in silico cloning was employed for the verification of the proper expression and credibility of the construct.
Special Issue on ‘Coronavirus: Vaccines and Other Therapeutics’ (2020–2021)
Authors: Basu Sankar
Published: September 2021

As is well known, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 ever since late 2019 [...]
Harmful Blooms of Cyanobacteria: Adding Complexity to a Well-Studied Topic
Authors: Moustaka-Gouni Maria , Sommer Ulrich
Published: September 2021

Cyanobacteria are the oldest phylogenetic group of organisms performing “plant type” (O2-producing) photosynthesis [...]
Innovative and investment potential of the economic development of the EAEU
Authors: Rykova Inna Nikolaevna , Gubanov Roman Sergeevich
Published: September 2021

The article defines the innovative potential of the member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (hereinafter — the EAEU, the Union), assesses the structural ratio of trade in agricultural products in the total food consumption of the EAEU. The internal investment potential of the EAEU countries is described. The article considers the mechanism of foreign direct investment as a tool for increasing the gross value added of goods during their cross-border movement in the member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union. The dynamics of retail trade turnover in the EAEU is presented. At the same time, in the global aspect, topical issues of the quality of investments in the agro-industrial complex are touched upon, since their volumes do not meet the needs of financial support. At the same time, the mechanism of accelerating the turnover of investment capital is analyzed through the prism of identifying and assessing the state of poverty in rural areas as a risk factor for the agro — food policy of the EAEU member states. At the same time, it is most important to increase the level of food independence of the EAEU member states, to ensure conditions for the growth of the number of new high — performance jobs. The issues of production and consumption of marketable products in the EAEU member states are studied, taking into account the dynamics of prices and the socio-economic situation in the foreign trade space. Based on the generalization of the experience of integration associations of the world economic system, the article concludes that it is necessary to introduce a comprehensive intellectual system into the value chain of commodity products created in the analyzed states. The authors systematize the priorities of the conceptual development of economic relations in the integration of foreign trade processes in the EAEU until 2030. In the system of assessing the mechanism of cross-border traffic through the EAEU, the authors focus on the issues of optimizing the speed of delivery of goods from the seller to the consumer and the modernization of the road transport and logistics infrastructure of the member states of the Union. Based on the analysis of the logistics efficiency index in foreign countries, the necessary conditions for achieving the key effects of the economic development of the EAEU until 2030 are proposed.
RELATIONSHIP AMONG DENSITY MEASUREMENTS AND COMPOSITION OF DIFFERENT MEATS
Authors: Torres-Vargas Olga Lucía , Barat-Baviera José Manuel , Aliño Marta
Published: September 2021

Composition of fresh and frozen meat products, specially fat content, is one of the parameters that is usually taken into account for different purposes such as classification of fresh and frozen meat pieces for fresh consume as well as for processing, price fixation and adequacy for processing. That is the reason why some different non destructive methods are used to determine, at least approximately, the meat composition. Among them, we can go from visual methods to the more complex resonance imaging and computed tomography image analysis.

The aim of this study was to use density measurement as a non destructive, easy and cheap method to classify fresh and frozen meat with a wide range of fat content. The obtained results showed that there is asignificant relationship between density and fat content of fresh and frozen meat.
Evaluación del impacto económico de producción de pastos mejorados perennes en los productores agropecuarios
Authors: Cotrina Cabello Víctor Raúl , Puente-Segura Santiago Oscar , Cotrina Cabell Guillermo Gomer
Published: September 2021

El objetivo de investigación fue evaluar el impacto económico de la producción de pastos mejorados en los productores agropecuarios, los métodos usado fueron deductivo - inductivo con su técnica de revisión documental y sus respectivos instrumentos de la estadística descriptiva, los resultados de los aspectos sociales; en la variable nivel de instrucción de los productores tiene poca influencia en la producción de pastos; miembros que trabajan en la unidad agrícola 54% son padres de familia y 16% son madres de familia responsables de cosecha; con respecto a la disponibilidad de agua para riego el 56% no disponen. En el aspecto de la producción  para mejora de calidad de vida se evaluó la variable del rendimiento de pastos mejorados 28% tiene un rendimiento 30 - 35 tonelada por hectárea con seis cosechas al año y la mejora de ingresos económicos de los productores, el 40% es regular y 53% es bueno; en la contratación de hipótesis no existe diferencia estadística significativa. Se concluye, la producción de pastos no influye favorable en el impacto económico significativamente en el productor.
Esmaecimento do exílio, paisagem de guerra: as polaroides de Andrei Tarkóvski
Authors:   , Oliveira Monique Alves
Published: September 2021

Este trabalho tem como objeto de pesquisa as sessenta imagens polaroides produzidas pelo diretor russo Andrei Tarkóvski que compõem o livro Instantâneos Tarkóvski publicado em 2012, pela editora Cosac Naify. O encontro do cineasta com a câmera instantânea simboliza a descoberta de Tarkóvski à experiência de estrangeiro. A maior parte das fotografias foram feitas no processo de espera do diretor pelas autorizações para filmar na Itália. E o restante narra sobre seu período de autoexílio no país. O primeiro capítulo da pesquisa constrói um breve panorama sobre a história da câmera instantânea e seu uso feito por artistas e outros cineastas. Após isso, os funcionamentos técnicos do aparato foram relacionados com a experimentação das imagens como formação autoral de Andrei Tarkóvski. No segundo capítulo, foi realizado um panorama biográfico do diretor relacionando acontecimentos importantes aos interesses da pesquisa e, asimagens que completam ossignificados da experiência de estrangeiro e autoexílio foram analisadas. Por fim, o capitulo três apresenta os símbolos russinianos, a análise dos instantâneos referente a eles e uma associação das imagens com a pintura. Mais do que registros, as fotos retêm a memória de um tempo único na vida pessoal do cineasta. Estudioso do tempo, Tarkóvski pôde encontrar nas polaroides o exercício do esmaecimento natural intrínseco à imagem e a composição da paisagem de guerra ligada à nostalgia russa.
Ione Saldanha e Fayga Ostrower: do figurativo ao abstrato
Authors:   , Terto Selma Dos Santos Caetano
Published: September 2021

Este trabalho pretende abordar a formação de um mundo da arte moderno no Brasil, especificamente na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, durante a década de 1930 a 1960. Pontuando alguns dos fatores que contribuíram para o avanço da consolidação do modernismo na arte brasileira, como a criação de novos salões, núcleos e grupos de arte, a criação de museus e das Bienais. Tendo como recorte o impacto entre a figuração e a abstração, que propôs um novo debate e uma nova geração de artistas. Nesta pesquisa, duas artistas inovadoras, Ione Saldanha (1919-2001) e Fayga Ostrower (1920-2001) serão nosso objeto de estudo. Artistas essas que buscaram novos caminhos para as artes a partir das práticas de experimentação, identificados pelo afastamento das técnicas figurativas dominantes, para mergulharem pelos caminhos da abstração.
Minha mãe é a Lua cheia: o feminino arquetípico na constituição do mito fundacional da religião Santo Daime
Authors:   , Saque Lara Rosa
Published: September 2021

O mito fundacional da religião Santo Daime traz como cerne o tema da inspiração através do feminino: conta-se que seu fundador, Mestre Irineu, foi iniciado nos mistérios da bebida ayahuasca por uma divindade feminina identificada com a lua e reconhecida principalmente como Virgem da Conceição. Na presente dissertação, busca-se investigar de que maneira o simbolismo vinculado à instrução espiritual de Mestre Irineu pode ser interpretado a partir de imagens arquetípicas do feminino, tomando como principal via teórica o pensamento de Carl Gustav Jung. Para isso, foi realizada uma análise documental de 4 narrativas fundacionais e 33 canções rituais do hinário O Cruzeiro, material litúrgico daimista, a partir da proposta metodológica dos mapas semânticos desenvolvida por Berkenbrock (2018b). Compreende-se que este hinário pode apresentar uma função simbólica que integra experiência religiosa e mito, atuando como sugestão para as imagens arquetípicas do caráter de transformação do feminino e como alojamento simbólico dessas imagens em uma gramática religiosa predominantemente cristã. A emergência simbólica do feminino arquetípico é assim considerada uma possível dimensão constitutiva da reatualização do mito fundacional na religião do Santo Daime: como experiência de anima e do feminino de transformação, vinculada aos elementos naturais e à imagem materna pela temática do renascimento.
Avaliação do impacto de uma intervenção pedagógica problematizadora no manejo do paciente com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 em uso de insulina
Authors:   , Miranda Layla de Souza Pires
Published: September 2021

Introdução: o diabetes mellitus tem sido reconhecido pelo aumento expressivo de sua prevalência, bem como sua relação com elevada mortalidade, redução da qualidade de vida e complicações agudas e crônicas. Nesse sentido, a adesão ao tratamento dessa condição de saúde torna-se de extrema relevância. Todavia, estudos abordam a dificuldade de controle metabólico nessa classe de pacientes e apontam a necessidade de abordagens educativas mais efetivas voltadas para o autocuidado. Entre as modalidades educativas, destaca-se a metodologia problematizadora. Objetivo: investigar os efeitos da intervenção problematizadora no tratamento de indivíduos com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e descrever a amostra quanto a variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas, antropométricas, bioquímicas, de adesão medicamentosa, do conhecimento acerca do diabetes mellitus, de atitudes para o autocuidado e estilo de vida. Metodologia: trata-se de um ensaio clínico randomizado no qual foram avaliados pacientes com diabetes tipo 2, com hemoglobina glicada acima de 7,0%, insulinizados, atendidos por serviço de atenção secundária à saúde no município de Juiz de Fora. Os participantes foram acompanhados por seis meses e alocados em um dos grupos: controle ou intervenção. Todos os pacientes receberam cuidados de rotina de pacientes com diabetes, e os do grupo intervenção também participaram de grupos educativos mensais, utilizando a metodologia problematizadora. Resultados: foram incluídos no estudo 41 participantes, sendo 21 randomizados para o grupo controle e 20 para o grupo intervenção. A maioria dos participantes era do sexo feminino (61%), com idade entre 30 e 59 anos (75,6%), casados (58,5%), com escolaridade até o ensino fundamental (63,5%), com renda familiar mensal de até dois salários mínimos (82,9%); hipertensos (92,7%), com dislipidemia (68,3%) e autopercepção do estado de saúde como regular (61,6%). Após seis meses de seguimento, observou-se aumento do conhecimento acerca da doença (p=0,0182), redução do peso corporal (p=0,0441), da circunferência da cintura (p=0,0079), além do aumento da prática de caminhada (p=0,0123) e de atividades moderadas (p=0,0166) nos participantes do grupo intervenção. Em ambos os grupos, observou-se que os participantes apresentaram baixa adesão medicamentosa e dificuldade de alcance das metas de controle glicêmico ao longo do tempo de acompanhamento. Conclusão: a utilização da metodologia problematizadora impactou de forma positiva os níveis de conhecimento e de prática de atividades físicas, bem como a redução do peso corporal e da circunferência da cintura de indivíduos com diabetes mellitus tipo 2.
Provision of Kidney Disease Education Service Is Associated with Improved Vascular Access Outcomes among US Incident Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ruchi Rupam , Bozorgmehri Shahab , Chamarthi Gajapathiraju , Orozco Tatiana , Mohandas Rajesh , Ozrazgat-Baslanti Tezcan , Segal Mark S. , Shukla Ashutosh M.
Published: September 2021

Background

Pre-ESKD Kidney Disease Education (KDE) has been shown to improve multiple CKD outcomes, but its effect on vascular access outcomes is not well studied. In 2010, Medicare launched KDE reimbursements policy for patients with advanced CKD.

Methods

In this retrospective USRDS analysis, we identified all adult patients on incident hemodialysis with ≥6 months of pre-ESKD Medicare coverage during the first 5 years of CMS-KDE policy and divided them into CMS-KDE services recipients (KDE cohort) and nonrecipients (non-KDE cohort). The primary outcome was incident arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and the composite of incident AVF or arteriovenous graft (AVG) utilization. Secondary outcomes were central venous catheter (CVC) with maturing AVF/AVG and pure CVC utilizations. Step-wise multivariate analyses were performed in four progressive models (model 1, KDE alone; model 2, multivariate model encompassing model 1 with sociodemographics; model 3, model 2 with comorbidity and functional status; and model 4, model 3 with pre-ESKD nephrology care).

Results

Of the 211,990 qualifying patients on incident hemodialysis during the study period, 2887 (1%) received KDE services before dialysis initiation. The rates of incident AVF and composite AVF/AVG were more than double (30% and 35%, respectively, compared with 14% and 17%), and pure catheter use about a third lower (40% compared with 65%) in the KDE cohort compared with the non-KDE cohort. The maximally adjusted odds ratios in model 4 for study outcomes were incident AVF use, 1.78, 99% confidence interval, 1.55 to 2.05; incident AVF/AVG use, 1.78, 99% confidence interval, 1.56 to 2.03; incident CVC with maturing AVF/AVG, 1.69, 99% confidence interval, 1.44 to 1.97; and pure CVC without any AVF/AVG, 0.51, 99% confidence interval, 0.45 to 0.58. The benefits of the KDE service were maintained even after accounting for the presence, duration, and facility of ESKD care.

Conclusion

The occurrence of pre-ESRD KDE service is associated with significantly improved incident vascular access outcomes. Targeted studies are needed to examine the effect of KDE on patient engagement and self-efficacy as a cause for improvement in vascular access outcomes.
Age and Palynological Characteristics of Floodplain Deposits of the Kolyma Lowland (North-East Siberia)
Authors:   North-East Interdisciplinary Scientific Research Institute n. a. N. A. Shilo, FEB RAS, Magadan, Lozhkin A. V. , Anderson P. M. ,   Quaternary Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle WA, USA
Published: September 2021

River floodplains, reaching several kilometers in width, are one of the main landscape features of the Kolyma Lowland. Their relationship with other forms of relief - yedoma, alasses, and fragments of river terraces - is seen clearly in the Bolshaya Kuropatoch'ya River basin, which is located in the Lowland between 156°30' E and 157°15' E. The first radiocarbon dating of the floodplain deposits of the Kolyma Lowland was undertaken in a study of an outcrop on the left bank of the Bolshaya Kuropatoch'ya River (71°40' N, 156°45' E). Here floodplain sediments, represented by the alternating layers of alluvial silt and peat with a total thickness of 5 m, were exposed along a steep bank of an oxbow lake. The radiocarbon results show that the formation of the modern floodplain of the Bolshaya Kuropatoch'ya River began at the end of the Middle Holocene and continued during the Late Holocene to the present. Since the vegetation cover of arctic and subarctic regions is characterized by low pollen productivity, the spore-pollen spectra of modern and fossil plant communities often include an increased amount of pollen from plant species exotic to the Arctic, brought to the site by long-distance wind transport. For a more reliable interpretation of the spore- pollen spectra of the floodplain sediments, an analysis of the modern vegetation in the Bolshaya Kuropatoch'ya River basin and in a coastal area bordering the East Siberian Sea (about 71°05' N) was carried out, accompanied by an herbarium collection. The radiocarbon-dated palynological data indicate the development of the modern Betula-Salix shrub-herbaceous tundra during the second half of the Holocene. The establishment of this vegetation community reflects the replacement of an earlier Betula forest-tundra, which had prevailed in the northern regions of Western Beringia during the Early Holocene and included Duschekia fruticosa and large shrub species of Salix. Such dramatic changes in the vegetation cover were associated with the rise in sea level about 7.000-6.000 years ago, when seas approached modern levels. This change, in turn, led to a decrease in the contrast of summer and winter temperatures and, thus, to a decrease in the continentality of the climate and a significant reduction in the growing season in the coastal regions of the East Siberian Sea.
Association of rhodamine cations with tetraphenylborate-anion in aqueous solution: structural properties of ions and stability of associates
Authors:   Institute of Chemistry, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine, S.A Shapovalov
Published: September 2021

The ability of rhodamine cations to form cation-anionic associates with tetraphenylborate-anion in an aqueous solution has been studied. The thermodynamic values of the equilibrium association constants Kasт were determined spectrophotometrically. The values of a number of properties of dye molecules (surface area, effective volume, hydrophobicity index log P, standard enthalpy of hydration ΔНohydr) were calculated using the QSAR model. The possibility of dependence of the value of Kasт on these factors has been reviewed. It was shown that changes in lg Kasт in the series of rhodamine associates are consistent with changes in the parameters log P and ΔНohydr.