bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainability of in vitro light-dependent NADPH generation by the thylakoid membrane of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803
Authors: Tong Xiaomeng , Kim Eui-Jin , Lee Jeong K.
Published: May 2022

Background

NADPH is used as a reductant in various biosynthetic reactions. Cell-free bio-systems have gained considerable attention owing to their high energy utilization and time efficiency. Efforts have been made to continuously supply reducing power to the reaction mixture in a cyclical manner. The thylakoid membrane (TM) is a promising molecular energy generator, producing NADPH under light. Thus, TM sustainability is of major relevance for its in vitro utilization.

Results

Over 70% of TMs prepared from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 existed in a sealed vesicular structure, with the F1 complex of ATP synthase facing outward (right-side-out), producing NADPH and ATP under light. The NADPH generation activity of TM increased approximately two-fold with the addition of carbonyl cyanide-p-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP) or removal of the F1 complex using EDTA. Thus, the uncoupling of proton translocation from the electron transport chain or proton leakage through the Fo complex resulted in greater NADPH generation. Biosilicified TM retained more than 80% of its NADPH generation activity after a week at 30°C in the dark. However, activity declined sharply to below 30% after two days in light. The introduction of engineered water-forming NADPH oxidase (Noxm) to keep the electron transport chain of TM working resulted in the improved sustainability of NADPH generation activity in a ratio (Noxm to TM)-dependent manner, which correlated with the decrease of singlet oxygen generation. Removal of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by catalase further highlighted the sustainable NADPH generation activity of up to 80% in two days under light.

Conclusion

Reducing power generated by light energy has to be consumed for TM sustainability. Otherwise, TM can generate singlet oxygen, causing oxidative damage. Thus, TMs should be kept in the dark when not in use. Although NADPH generation activity by TM can be extended via silica encapsulation, further removal of hydrogen peroxide results in an improvement of TM sustainability. Therefore, as long as ROS formation by TM in light is properly handled, it can be used as a promising source of reducing power for in vitro biochemical reactions.

Graphical Abstract
Optimization of the production process for the anticancer lead compound illudin M: improving titers in shake-flasks
Authors: Chaverra-Muñoz Lillibeth , Briem Theresa , Hüttel Stephan
Published: May 2022

Background

The fungal sesquiterpenes Illudin M and S are important base molecules for the development of new anticancer agents due to their strong activity against some resistant tumor cell lines. Due to nonspecific toxicity of the natural compounds, improvement of the pharmacophore is required. A semisynthetic derivative of illudin S (Irofulven) entered phase II clinical trials for the treatment of castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer. Several semisynthetic illudin M derivatives showed increased in vitro selectivity and improved therapeutic index against certain tumor cell lines, encouraging further investigation. This requires a sustainable supply of the natural compound, which is produced by Basidiomycota of the genus Omphalotus. We aimed to develop a robust biotechnological process to deliver illudin M in quantities sufficient to support medicinal chemistry studies and future preclinical and clinical development. In this study, we report the initial steps towards this goal.

Results

After establishing analytical workflows, different culture media and commercially available Omphalotus strains were screened for the production of illudin M.Omphalotus nidiformis cultivated in a medium containing corn steep solids reached ~ 38 mg L−1 setting the starting point for optimization. Improved seed preparation in combination with a simplified medium (glucose 13.5 g L−1; corn steep solids 7.0 g L− 1; Dox broth modified 35 mL), reduced cultivation time and enhanced titers significantly (~ 400 mg L−1). Based on a reproducible cultivation method, a feeding strategy was developed considering potential biosynthetic bottlenecks. Acetate and glucose were fed at 96 h (8.0 g L−1) and 120 h (6.0 g L−1) respectively, which resulted in final illudin M titer of ~ 940 mg L−1 after eight days. This is a 25 fold increase compared to the initial titer.

Conclusion

After strict standardization of seed-preparation and cultivation parameters, a combination of experimental design, empirical trials and additional supply of limiting biosynthetic precursors, led to a highly reproducible process in shake flasks with high titers of illudin M. These findings are the base for further work towards a scalable biotechnological process for a stable illudin M supply.
Rebooting life: engineering non-natural nucleic acids, proteins and metabolites in microorganisms
Authors: Hans Shriya , Kumar Nilesh , Gohil Nisarg , Khambhati Khushal , Bhattacharjee Gargi , Deb Shalini S. , Maurya Rupesh , Kumar Vinod , Reshamwala Shamlan M. S. , Singh Vijai
Published: May 2022

The surging demand of value-added products has steered the transition of laboratory microbes to microbial cell factories (MCFs) for facilitating production of large quantities of important native and non-native biomolecules. This shift has been possible through rewiring and optimizing different biosynthetic pathways in microbes by exercising frameworks of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology principles. Advances in genome and metabolic engineering have provided a fillip to create novel biomolecules and produce non-natural molecules with multitude of applications. To this end, numerous MCFs have been developed and employed for production of non-natural nucleic acids, proteins and different metabolites to meet various therapeutic, biotechnological and industrial applications. The present review describes recent advances in production of non-natural amino acids, nucleic acids, biofuel candidates and platform chemicals.
Engineering Saccharomyces cerevisiae for production of the capsaicinoid nonivamide
Authors: Muratovska Nina , Grey Carl , Carlquist Magnus
Published: May 2022

Background

Capsaicinoids are produced by plants in the Capsicum genus and are the main reason for the pungency of chili pepper fruits. They are strong agonists of TRPV1 (the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1) and used as active ingredients in pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pain. The use of bioengineered microorganisms in a fermentation process may be an efficient route for their preparation, as well as for the discovery of (bio-)synthetic capsaicinoids with improved or novel bioactivities.

Results

Saccharomyces cerevisiae was engineered to over-express a selection of amide-forming N-acyltransferase and CoA-ligase enzyme cascades using a combinatorial gene assembly method, and was screened for nonivamide production from supplemented vanillylamine and nonanoic acid. Data from this work demonstrate that Tyramine N-hydroxycinnamoyl transferase from Capsicum annuum (CaAT) was most efficient for nonivamide formation in yeast, outcompeting the other candidates including AT3 (Pun1) from Capsicum spp. The CoA-ligase partner with highest activity from the ones evaluated here were from Petunia hybrida (PhCL) and Spingomonas sp. Ibu-2 (IpfF). A yeast strain expressing CaAT and IpfF produced 10.6 mg L−1 nonivamide in a controlled bioreactor setup, demonstrating nonivamide biosynthesis by S. cerevisiae for the first time.

Conclusions

Baker’s yeast was engineered for production of nonivamide as a model capsaicinoid, by expressing N-acyltransferases and CoA-ligases of plant and bacterial origin. The constructed yeast platform holds potential for in vivo biocatalytic formation of capsaicinoids and could be a useful tool for the discovery of novel drugs.
Development and application of a fast and efficient CRISPR-based genetic toolkit in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LB1ba02
Authors: Xin Qinglong , Chen Yudan , Chen Qianlin , Wang Bin , Pan Li
Published: May 2022

Background

Bacillus amyloliquefaciensis generally recognized as food safe (GRAS) microbial host and important enzyme-producing strain in the industry.B.amyloliquefaciensLB1ba02 is a production strain suitable for secreting mesophilic α-amylase in the industry. Nevertheless, due to the low transformation efficiency and restriction-modification system, the development of its CRISPR tool lags far behind other species and strains from the genusBacillus. This work was undertaken to develop a fast and efficient gene-editing tool inB.amyloliquefaciensLB1ba02.

Results

In this study, we fused the nuclease-deficient mutant Cas9n (D10A) of Cas9 with activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) and developed a fast and efficient base editing system for the first time inB. amyloliquefaciensLB1ba02. The system was verified by inactivating thepyrFgene coding orotidine 5'-phosphate decarboxylase and the mutant could grow normally on M9 medium supplemented with 5-fluoroorotic acid (5-FOA) and uridine (U). Our base editing system has a 6nt editing window consisting of an all-in-one temperature-sensitive plasmid that facilitates multiple rounds of genome engineering inB. amyloliquefaciensLB1ba02. The total editing efficiency of this method reached 100% and it achieved simultaneous editing of three loci with an efficiency of 53.3%. In addition, based on the base editing CRISPR/Cas9n-AID system, we also developed a single plasmid CRISPR/Cas9n system suitable for rapid gene knockout and integration. The knockout efficiency for a single gene reached 93%. Finally, we generated 4 genes (aprE,nprE,wprA, andbamHIR) mutant strain, LB1ba02△4. The mutant strain secreted 1.25-fold more α-amylase into the medium than the wild-type strain.

Conclusions

The CRISPR/Cas9n-AID and CRISPR/Cas9n systems developed in this work proved to be a fast and efficient genetic manipulation tool in a restriction-modification system and poorly transformable strain.
Setting foot in private spaces: extending the hepatitis C cascade of care to automatic needle/syringe dispensing machines, a mixed methods study
Authors: Coupland Heidi , Henderson Charles , Pritchard-Jones Janice , Kao Shih-Chi , Sheils Sinead , Nagy Regina , O’Donnell Martin , Haber Paul S. , Day Carolyn A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Global commitment to achieving hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination has enhanced efforts in improving access to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments for people who inject drugs (PWID). Scale-up of efforts to engage hard-to-reach groups of PWID in HCV testing and treatment is crucial to success. Automatic needle/syringe dispensing machines (ADMs) have been used internationally to distribute sterile injecting equipment. ADMs are a unique harm reduction service, affording maximum anonymity to service users. This paper explores the feasibility and acceptability of extending the HCV cascade of care to sites where ADMs are located.

Methods

The ADM users into Treatment (ADMiT) study was undertaken in a metropolitan region in Sydney, Australia. This mixed methods study involved analysis of closed-circuit television footage, ethnographic methods (fieldwork observation and in-depth interviews) and structured surveys. Researchers and peers conducted fieldwork and data collection over 10 weeks at one ADM site, including offering access to HCV testing and treatment.

Results

Findings from 10 weeks of fieldwork observations, 70 survey participants and 15 interviews highlighted that there is scope for engaging with this population at the time they use the ADM, and enhanced linkage to HCV testing and treatment may be warranted. Most survey participants reported prior HCV testing, 61% in the last 12 months and 38% had received HCV treatment. However, fieldwork revealed that most people observed using the ADM were not willing to engage with the researchers. Field work data and interviews suggested that extending the HCV cascade of care to ADMs may encroach on what is a private space for many PWID, utilized specifically to avoid engagement.

Discussion

Enhanced linkage to HCV testing and treatment for people who use ADMs may be warranted. However, data suggested that extending the HCV cascade of care to ADMs may encroach on what is a private space for many PWID, utilized specifically to avoid engagement. The current study raises important public health questions about the need to ensure interventions reflect the needs of affected communities, including their right to remain anonymous.
Risky sexual behavior and associated factors among sexually-experienced adolescents in Bangkok, Thailand: findings from a school web-based survey
Authors: Thepthien Bang-on , Celyn
Published: May 2022

Background

The risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI) arises when there is unsafe sexual activity. Unsafe sex often begins in the teenage years, and it will persist as long as there is the opportunity for risky sexual activity. The purpose of this study was to assess the sexual risk behaviors and related factors of sexually-active adolescents in educational institutions in Thailand.

Methods

This was cross-sectional survey using an Internet-based application in schools in Bangkok from November 2020 to February 2021 with a total of 6,167 high school and vocational students. The schools were selected by simple random sampling among institutions, and the students were systematically randomly selected, with an equal number of males and females. We used multivariable logistic regression to analyze associations and control confounding variables. Indicators of risky sex include: (1) Not using a condom; (2) Having more than one sex partner; (3) Having sex in exchange for cash or in-kind compensation; and (4) Having sex without consent.

Results

Of a total of 872 sexually-active participants, the mean age was 15.6 years, 66.9% were vocational students, 42.1% were male, 57.9% were female, and 69.5% had sex risk behavior. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following statistically-significant factors related to risky sex: smokes cigarettes (AOR = 1.79; 95% CI 1.12–2.88); uses cannabis (AOR = 2.84; 95% CI 1.23–6.56); gambles (AOR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.28–2.55); has sex without contraception (AOR = 2.74; 95% CI 2.91–3.93); has a history of childhood sex abuse (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI 1.03–2.56).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that, in designing and implementing sexual risk prevention programs for adolescents in educational settings, there is a need to highlight the role of substance abuse in relation to sexual risk behaviors. Programs should target both male and female students. Teenagers who use marijuana are more likely to be sexually active than those who have never used marijuana. These potential risks should be taken into account with respect to legalization of marijuana and recreational use of this drug.
Microbial spore genetic marker technology, a potential technology for traditional Chinese medicine traceability system
Authors: Zhao Dazhong , Tian Zunzhe , Cai Jing , He Juan
Published: May 2022

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history, rich clinical experience, and unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of diseases. The quality and safety of Chinese medicinal materials (CMMs) directly affect the clinical efficacy and development of the TCM industry. However, confused provenance, counterfeiting and adulteration of CMMs hinder the acceptance of its therapeutic benefits in modern society. Therefore, the establishment and improvement of a TCM traceability system would be conducive to the transparency of the CMMs production, distribution, and circulation, thereby improving drug safety and promoting industry development. This review discusses the challenges faced in the development of TCM traceability system, the technologies currently available for tracing CMMs, and the potential application of Barcoded Microbial Spores (BMS) to improve CMMs origin traceability and TCM traceability systems.
Ma’s bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion therapy of low back pain in lumbar disc herniation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Xian-zhu , Xue Kai-yang , Chen Ping-nan , Xiao Cai-hong , Cui Jin , Fu Jing
Published: May 2022

Background

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common and frequently occurring disease in clinics. Low back pain and sciatica are the presenting symptoms of LDH. To some extent, it can be considered that measures with the capability to improve low back pain or sciatica have the potential to treat LDH. Ma’s bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion therapy can effectively reduce the degree of low back pain and has been widely used. Studies of small sample size have seen significant improvement on pain relief. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Ma’s bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion therapy in the treatment of LDH low back pain.

Methods/design

The trial is a multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, non-inferiority study. Three hundred and twelve patients will be randomly assigned to a Ma’s bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion group (n=156) and an acupuncture group (n=156). Patients in each group will receive treatment every day, 6 times a week, 12 times in total. Follow-up will be conducted 14 days after treatment. The primary outcome will be the visual analog scale(VAS) at baseline, after 6 times of treatment, end of treatment, and follow-up. The secondary outcomes will include Oswestry disability indexes (ODI), modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association low back pain (M-JOA) score, serum β-endorphin (β-EP), and serum substance P (SP). β-EP and SP, as well as safety evaluation indexes (routine blood, liver, and kidney function and electrocardiogram), will be measure at baseline and after the end of treatment. The number, nature, and severity of adverse events will be recorded.

Discussion

The results of the trial will compare the efficacy of low back pain in LDH between Ma’s bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion group and the acupuncture group and will be expected to make a systematic and objective evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of Ma’s bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion therapy.

Trial registration

ChiCTR2000038725. Registered on 29 September 2020.
Viral histones: pickpocket’s prize or primordial progenitor?
Authors: Talbert Paul B. , Armache Karim-Jean , Henikoff Steven
Published: May 2022

The common histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 are the characteristic components of eukaryotic nucleosomes, which function to wrap DNA and compact the genome as well as to regulate access to DNA for transcription and replication in all eukaryotes. In the past two decades, histones have also been found to be encoded in some DNA viruses, where their functions and properties are largely unknown, though recently histones from two related viruses have been shown to form nucleosome-like structures in vitro. Viral histones can be highly similar to eukaryotic histones in primary sequence, suggesting they have been recently picked up from eukaryotic hosts, or they can be radically divergent in primary sequence and may occur as conjoined histone doublets, triplets, or quadruplets, suggesting ancient origins prior to the divergence of modern eukaryotes. Here, we review what is known of viral histones and discuss their possible origins and functions. We consider how the viral life cycle may affect their properties and histories, and reflect on the possible roles of viruses in the origin of the nucleus of modern eukaryotic cells.
Lifetime exposure to smoking, epigenetic aging, and morbidity and mortality in older adults
Authors: Klopack Eric T. , Carroll Judith E. , Cole Steve W. , Seeman Teresa E. , Crimmins Eileen M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Cigarette smoke is a major public health concern. Epigenetic aging may be an important pathway by which exposure to cigarette smoke affects health. However, little is known about how exposure to smoke at different life stages affects epigenetic aging, especially in older adults. This study examines how three epigenetic aging measures (GrimAge, PhenoAge, and DunedinPoAm38) are associated with parental smoking, smoking in youth, and smoking in adulthood, and whether these epigenetic aging measures mediate the link between smoke exposure and morbidity and mortality. This study utilizes data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) Venous Blood Study (VBS), a nationally representative sample of US adults over 50 years old collected in 2016. 2978 participants with data on exposure to smoking, morbidity, and mortality were included.

Results

GrimAge is significantly increased by having two smoking parents, smoking in youth, and cigarette pack years in adulthood. PhenoAge and DunedinPoAm38 are associated with pack years. All three mediate some of the effect of pack years on cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, and mortality and GrimAge and DunedinPoAm38 mediate this association on lung disease.

Conclusions

Results suggest epigenetic aging is one biological mechanism linking lifetime exposure to smoking with development of disease and earlier death in later life. Interventions aimed at reducing smoking in adulthood may be effective at weakening this association.
Novel genetic variants of KHDC3L and other members of the subcortical maternal complex associated with Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome or Pseudohypoparathyroidism 1B and multi-locus imprinting disturbances
Authors: Pignata Laura , Cecere Francesco , Verma Ankit , Hay Mele Bruno , Monticelli Maria , Acurzio Basilia , Giaccari Carlo , Sparago Angela , Hernandez Mora Jose Ramon , Monteagudo-Sánchez Ana , Esteller Manel , Pereda Arrate , Tenorio-Castano Jair , Palumbo Orazio , Carella Massimo , Prontera Paolo , Piscopo Carmelo , Accadia Maria , Lapunzina Pablo , Cubellis Maria Vittoria , de Nanclares Guiomar Perez , Monk David , Riccio Andrea , Cerrato Flavia
Published: May 2022

Background

Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1B (PHP1B) are imprinting disorders (ID) caused by deregulation of the imprinted gene clusters located at 11p15.5 and 20q13.32, respectively. In both of these diseases a subset of the patients is affected by multi-locus imprinting disturbances (MLID). In several families, MLID is associated with damaging variants of maternal-effect genes encoding protein components of the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC). However, frequency, penetrance and recurrence risks of these variants are still undefined. In this study, we screened two cohorts of BWS patients and one cohort of PHP1B patients for the presence of MLID, and analysed the positive cases for the presence of maternal variants in the SCMC genes by whole exome-sequencing and in silico functional studies.

Results

We identified 10 new cases of MLID associated with the clinical features of either BWS or PHP1B, in which segregate 13 maternal putatively damaging missense variants of the SCMC genes. The affected genes also included KHDC3L that has not been associated with MLID to date. Moreover, we highlight the possible relevance of relatively common variants in the aetiology of MLID.

Conclusion

Our data further add to the list of the SCMC components and maternal variants that are involved in MLID, as well as of the associated clinical phenotypes. Also, we propose that in addition to rare variants, common variants may play a role in the aetiology of MLID and imprinting disorders by exerting an additive effect in combination with rarer putatively damaging variants. These findings provide useful information for the molecular diagnosis and recurrence risk evaluation of MLID-associated IDs in genetic counselling.
Allergic shiners in a patient with cough-variant asthma: a case report
Authors: Rekabi Mahsa , Raad Nasim , Abedini Atefeh , Darougar Sepideh , Velayati Ali Akbar
Published: May 2022

Background

Chronic cough, with a duration of coughing of more than 8 weeks in adults, affects 5–10% of the general population. One of the most common causes of chronic cough is cough-variant asthma, which accounts for approximately one-third of cases. This phenotype of asthma is characterized by extreme sensitivity of the neuronal pathways mediating cough to environmental irritants, which results in an urge to cough. This case is an example of cough-variant asthma presenting with allergic shiners due to her severe cough.

Case presentation

A 38-year-old Iranian woman, who was well before the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, presented with a nonproductive hacking cough that had begun after excessive use of antiseptic solutions. The only positive finding on physical examination was a reddish-purple rash on and around the eyelids mimicking a heliotrope rash, which had probably evolved due to the severity of the cough. The results of the pulmonary function test were within normal limits. Methacholine challenge test and chest x-ray were both normal. Chest high-resolution computed tomography revealed hyperinflation and tree-in-bud opacities. All other laboratory tests were normal. Because of the reversibility in her pulmonary function test, despite normal baseline parameters, asthma treatment was initiated, resulting in disappearance of the cough and the eye discoloration, being indicative of the correct diagnosis and proper treatment.

Conclusion

Patients with cough-variant asthma may often have no other classic symptoms of asthma other than cough.
Safety and efficacy of pilocarpine, cevimeline, and diquafosol compared to artificial tears for the treatment of dry eye: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Serrano-Robles José Gerardo , Pérez Vázquez Ana Karen , Navas Alejandro , Graue-Hernandez Enrique O. , Ramirez-Miranda Arturo , Kahuam-López Nicolás
Published: May 2022

Background

Dry eye disease (DED) is a condition that compromises the ocular surface and affects millions of people around the world. In recent years, a scheme has been proposed for the treatment of DED, with the use of artificial tear being the mainstay of treatment. In this scheme, the use of secretagogues is suggested as part of the treatment for patients with moderate to severe affectation. With this systematic review, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of secretagogues for DED.

Methods

Electronic databases will be searched; we will include randomized controlled trials that compare secretagogues and artificial tears. Study inclusion will not be restricted on the basis of language or publication status. We will use Google Translate to assess studies written in languages other than English and Spanish. Identification, evaluation, data extraction, and assessment of risk of bias will be conducted by two authors of the review, a third review author will resolve any disagreement. The outcomes will be the ocular surface disease index score, tear film break-up time, Schirmer test score, VRQoL Score, and tear film osmolarity. We will use the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool for assessing the risk of bias of the included studies.

Based on the heterogeneity of the included studies, we will combine the findings in a meta-analysis using a fixed effect model if heterogeneity ≤ 50% or a random effect model if heterogeneity > 50%. If we deem meta-analysis as inappropriate, we will document the reasons and report findings from the individual studies narratively.

Discussion

Based on the evidence obtained, we will evaluate the effect of pilocarpine, cevimeline, and diquafosol and compare it to artificial tears on multiple outcome measures.

This systematic review aims to determine the efficacy and safety of the secretagogues pilocarpine, cevimeline, and diquafosol to help clinicians in the decision-making process.

Trial registration

PROSPERO CRD42020218407.
In vitro and in planta potential effect of some indigenous antagonists against Fusarium and pythiaceous species associated with peach seedlings decline
Authors: Mannai Sabrine , Boughalleb-M’Hamdi Naima
Published: May 2022

Background

The effect of Aspergillus spp. and Trichoderma harzianum isolates was evaluated against the growth of Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, Pythium ultimum and Phytophthora citrophthora affecting peach seedlings.

Results

The in vitro results revealed the ability of these antagonistic in reducing the radial growth of these pathogens. The most important mycelial growth reduction was of 85.82%, recorded for F. oxysporum in confrontation with A5 of Aspergillus candidus. Aspergillus flavus A4 and A. niger A10 were the most effective against F. solani with an inhibition percent more than 60%. For P. citrophthora, A. flavus A4, A. candidus A5, A. terreus A9 and A. niger A10 inhibited the mycelia growth by more than 60%. Aspergillus nidulans A1 was the most effective against Pythium ultimum (72.07%). Trichoderma harzianum isolates T9 and T10, are the most effective with a high inhibition percent of mycelial growth. The inhibition induced after 4 days of incubation, against F. oxysporum, F. solani, P. citrophthora and Pythium ultimum by these 2 antagonists exceeded 70, 60, 70 and 80%, respectively. The in planta test showed the efficacy of antagonists tested solo against some pathogens. In fact, Bacillus subtilis improved the health status by 62.55% compared to the control inoculated with P. ultimum. Trichoderma harzianum T9 significantly reduced the root rot index by 87.5% than the control inoculated with F. solani. In the same sense, B. subtilis significantly reduced this parameter by 62.55 and 88.89% than the control inoculated with P. ultimum and P. citrophthora, respectively. Furthermore, B. subtilis (B) and Aspergillus niger A10 improved plants height than the control inoculated with Pythium ultimum by 31.52 and 40.49%, respectively. However, the combinations of antagonists (T9 + T10; A5 + A10 and B + T10) did not improve their efficacy.

Conclusions

The isolates T. harzianum (T9 and T10), A. candidus A5 and A. niger A10 were the most effective in vitro against Fusarium, Pythium and Phytophthora species associated with peach seedling decline. The in vivo assay showed the effectiveness of B. subtilis against P. ultimum and P. citrophthora and the potential effect of T. harzianum T9 against F. solani. Their combinations revealed to be ineffective.
Reflections on the Open Space on Spirituality and Appreciative Inquiry
Authors: Thomas Fiona
Published: May 2022

It prompted my thinking and I reflected on my own spiritual journey and adoption of Appreciative Inquiry (AI), given that I am a co-founder of the Appreciating Church practitioner network.
Improvising Musicians: A Vision for the Future of Appreciative Inquiry Practice
Authors: Vanda Regina
Published: May 2022

The recent Global Appreciative Inquiry (AI) Jam takes “jam” from the musical term where musicians improvise in a group. Extending the musical analogy, I recount my AI Jam experience while unpacking what can we learn from improvising musicians for a vision of the future of AI practice?
Jamming with Love, Hope, Growth and Resilience
Authors: Arnold Alexandra
Published: May 2022

It is probably not surprising from an AI Jam that, within a few hours, the topic went from the micro – the power of a smile – to the macro, in a session entitled Appreciative Inquiry’s Role in our Earthshot Moment.
Appreciating Brazilian Virtues in Flourishing Positive Actions
Authors: Costa Maria Fernanda T , Biscaia Heloisa
Published: May 2022

With Vânia Bueno’s invitation to co-create a meeting in Brazil, we started to think about what was wanting to happen that would integrate with the proposals for the 2022 Global AI Jam on the topic of thriving together, and at the same time would appeal to the Brazilian public.
Focus, Grow and Flow! Appreciative Inquiry as our GPS to the Zone of Flow
Authors: Hau Vivien
Published: May 2022

What we focus on, grows. I became more intentional to get into flow. My inner state of flow has helped me navigate the trying times over the past two pandemic years. When we are in flow, we can flow through and around all the rocks and stones.
The Genius, the Craftsman and the Apprentice
Authors: Subirana Miriam
Published: May 2022

What does it take to be(come) a craftsperson, a thinking partner, an Appreciative Inquiry practitioner – or carpenter? We might consider the art of deliberate practice.
Open Space Dialogue: Bringing Appreciative Inquiry to the Death-Positive Conversation
Authors: Greenbaum Jill
Published: May 2022

My desire in asking the question was to discover if the 5D design process of AI might be applied to bringing conversations about death, and therefore life, more readily into the public domain.
Open Space Dialogue: Know the Rules to ‘No’ the Rules
Authors: D’Umay Rae
Published: May 2022

In what ways, once one demonstrates mastery of AI, are there opportunities to evolve, grow, and transform the approach – and the ensuing impacts – by deliberately breaking the rules. When/where does “rule breaking” work as an advantage?
An Appreciative Inquiry Approach to Faculty-Led Institutional Change and Commitments
Authors: Smith Tracy W. , Wojdak Krista Terry
Published: May 2022

In this article, two faculty leaders describe how they used the Define, Discover, Dream, Design and Deliver processes of Appreciative Inquiry to invite positive dialogue and strengths-based change with two institutional higher education initiatives – one focused on quality online teaching and one on a new approach to faculty mentoring and support. The authors describe strategies they used to lead each initiative in the direction of the combined positive energy and collective imagination of the group members.
Low-level light treatments
Authors: Charlson Paul
Published: May 2022

Paul Charlson discusses the evidence on the efficacy of low-level light treatments and the common skin conditions that can be treated
An insight into laser hair reduction
Authors: Atta-Motte Magdalena
Published: May 2022

Magdalena Atte-Motte discusses hair reduction with laser and intense pulsed light, including side effects, assessing skin type and how to achieve the best results
Nurse-led rabbit clinics
Authors: Hollwarth Ashton , Vickery Stacey
Published: May 2022

Nursing clinics are an excellent time to provide information to prospective and current owners about their pets. Rabbits are an often-overlooked pet and encouraging rabbit owners to attend nurse-led rabbit clinics can help to correct any underlying husbandry issues to prevent disease. Subtle signs of ill health can also be identified during nursing clinics, resulting in reduced morbidity. Of particular note, geriatric rabbit clinics should be performed frequently, as geriatric rabbits are more prone to developing disease compared with their younger counterparts.
REDES SOCIAIS DOS EMPREENDEDORES PARA A INOVAÇÃO: Estudo de casos múltiplos em micro e pequenas empresas
Authors: Fortes Gustavo Passos , Teixeira Rivanda Meira
Published: May 2022

Os empreendedores são agentes imersos em suas relações sociais, compostas por uma rede de diversos tipos de atores. Considerando que a inovação é fator determinante para a sobrevivência da pequena empresa, o empreendedor deve contar com os recursos obtidos nos seus relacionamentos sociais para que seja possível ações inovadoras. O objetivo deste estudo é verificar como as redes sociais dos empreendedores favorecem a implementação de inovações por meio da obtenção de recursos. Foi utilizado o método de estudo de casos múltiplos, que permite obter uma maior compreensão do contexto do fenômeno estudado. Foram selecionados seis casos de empresas de sucesso do Programa Agentes Locais de Inovação-ALI e coletadas evidências de entrevistas semiestruturadas com nove empreendedores e cinco agentes locais de inovação. Os resultados apontam que as empresas analisadas inovam com a adoção de novas tecnologias e que foram percebidas semelhanças entre elas devido à padronização da intervenção do programa ALI.
MINING AND PRODUCTIVE SPECIALIZATION: ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF THE COLLAPSE OF THE DAM OF FUNDÃO IN MARIANA/BRAZILzil
Authors: Silva Jordana Ferreira da , Faria Silva Fernanda , Carlos de Oliveira Héder
Published: May 2022

This paper analyzes the economic impacts in the municipality of Mariana from the Fundão Dam rupture occurred at the end of 2015. The central hypothesis is that economic dependence on the mineral extraction sector makes this municipality more vulnerable to adverse shocks affecting this productive sector, compromising its job recovery capacity. In order to calculate the impacts of this disaster, datas on formal employment estimated through the Synthetic Control Method were used. The results showed that, although Mariana and its synthetic version show similar formal employment trajectory in the pre-shock period, Mariana recovered employability in the second year after the dam rupture, unlike the control group. However, this result is not due to the recovery of formal employment based on sustainable economic diversification strategies, but essentially by dependence of the mining activity and the post-disaster remediation actions that has been gradually implemented in order to recover affected areas.
DIFERENÇAS SALARIAIS POR OCUPAÇÕES ENTRE HOMENS E MULHERES NO BRASIL
Authors: De Castro Bruna Naiara , Staduto Jefferson Andronio Ramundo , De Medeiros Nitzsche Kreter Ana Cecília
Published: May 2022

A desigualdade de rendimentos entre profissionais que exercem a mesma função é marcante no Brasil. Indivíduos que estão alocados nos mesmos grupos ocupacionais possuem produtividade similar, desta forma, não deveria haver grande diferença entre os salários de homens e mulheres. Neste contexto, o objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar as diferenças salariais por sexo entre trabalhadores alocados nas mesmas ocupações entre 2005 e 2015. Para isto, foram utilizados a decomposição de Oaxaca (1973) e o banco de dados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios – PNAD. Os principais resultados mostraram o componente atribuído a discriminação aumentou no período de 2005 a 2015. Foram encontradas evidências de teto de vidro (glass ceiling) para as categorias de ocupações de gerência e diretoria do setor privado e de diretoria do poder público, e também evidências de piso pegajoso (sticky floor) para as ocupações de serviços.
“CADÊ O TATUADOR?” CONSTRUÇÃO DA IDENTIDADE PROFISSIONAL E ESTIGMA DE MULHERES NA PROFISSÃO TATUADORA
Authors: Araújo Rafaela de Almeida , Catrib Isabella Carneiro , Paiva Luis Eduardo Brandão , Lima Tereza Cristina Batista de
Published: May 2022

O estudo objetivou investigar como acontece o desenvolvimento da identidade profissional sob as condições de estigma de ser tatuadora, baseado na teoria de Slay e Smith (2011). Esta pesquisa é caracterizada como qualitativa, realizada mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas com 15 tatuadoras brasileiras. Os resultados apontam que a marginalização da profissão acontece principalmente por não ser uma profissão regulamentada, e que falta uma uniformidade na aprendizagem do ofício quanto à biossegurança. Ademais, tem ocorrido uma ressignificação do estigma da mulher em razão do crescimento de mulheres na profissão, sobretudo por conta de uma nova visão de um trabalho artístico da profissão e da possibilidade de marcar momentos importantes na pele das pessoas. Esses resultados podem contribuir para ampliar a compreensão de como acontece a ressignificação da identidade profissional da mulher como tatuadora, mostrando que o que antes era apenas uma atividade marginalizada, passa a ter um novo sentido, um novo olhar.
Expediente V.38, nº114 (2022)
Authors: G&R Editoria
Published: May 2022

Expediente
Producción de partículas virales pseudotipadas SARS-CoV-2 para la evaluación de nuevas terapias para COVID-19
Authors: ETCHEVERS Lucas , SILVESTRINI Paula , VELAZQUEZ Natalia , BARAVALLE María Eugenia , RENNA María Sol , OLMOS Florencia Martín , ORTEGA Hugo H. , MARELLI Belkis
Published: May 2022

La inmunoterapia pasiva como tratamiento contra el virus SARS-CoV-2 (del inglés, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) requiere de la cuantificación de la capacidad neutralizante de los anticuerpos para el desarrollo de terapias efectivas. Para ello, es necesario el uso de partículas virales pseudotipadas no replicativas. Sin embargo, los reactivos de transfección necesarios para su producción son costosos y, en consecuencia, resulta una limitante al momento de escalar la producción. Una manera de eludir esta limitante es el uso de la polietilenimina (PEI), un polímero catiónico de bajo costo. El objetivo del trabajo consistió en optimizar un ensayo de transfección transitoria de bajo costo para producir pseudopartículas virales que expresen la proteína Spike del virus SARS-CoV-2. Se realizaron ensayos de transfección en células HEK-293T evaluando diferentes concentraciones de PEI y tiempos de incubación. La transfección se evaluó mediante microscopía de epifluorescencia y citometría de flujo, mostrando que la condición de transfección que tiende a arrojar mejores resultados fue luego de 48 horas de incubación utilizando una relación 1/10 (ADNp/PEI). En conclusión, se ha logrado adaptar un protocolo para producir partículas lentivirales que expresan Spike utilizando un reactivo de transfección de bajo costo. Esto permitiría escalar la producción para, posteriormente, diseñar una plataforma para evaluar terapias para COVID-19.
Americanología: CIPA
Authors: Antelo Raúl
Published: May 2022

En Europa occidental, la democracia social responde a una serie de condiciones históricas y políticas que no se encuentran en la América Latina de los años 20. Por otro lado, las políticas liberales aplicadas en la región produjeron una destacada heterogeneidad en las fuerzas laborales y una profundización de las desigualdades sociales que volvían muy complicado cualquier proyecto. Atilio García Mellid crea el CIPA en 1938 como rechazo a cualquier definición esencialista del americanismo. El CIPA era un punto referencial para resolver algunos de los dilemas levantados por las vanguardias estéticas.
Voces infantiles en El cementerio más hermoso de Chile, de Christian Formoso
Authors: Pac Andrea B.
Published: May 2022

El cementerio más hermoso de Chile (Christian Formoso, 2008) es un poemario que condensa la conquista de la región magallánica y la historia de Chile en las voces de personajes que habitan el Cementerio Municipal Sara Brown de la ciudad de Punta Arenas. Sus versos desnudan la crudeza de la historia pero su densidad poética trasciende el testimonio y prescinde de la verosimilitud para, no obstante, constituir un relato literario de la violencia en Latinoamérica. Este trabajo propone una interpretación de dicha densidad en clave filosófica, concentrándose en uno de los sectores del cementerio, que es uno de los múltiples planos de la poética de la obra. Se trata de las voces infantiles que hablan en las Canciones para los niños muertos y las Canciones para los niños muertos en los basurales. El carácter de la infancia y su ser experiencia se revelan en los relatos de estos niños para decir el horror —no de la muerte, sino de la violencia de los vivos.
Measuring the Voice Resemblance Extent of Identical (Monozygotic) Twins Using Voiceprints Neutrosophic Domain
Authors: Khaleel Yazen A. , Daniel Caroline Y. , Yahya Salah I.
Published: May 2022

The identical twins (Monozygotic) are siblings created from the division of one fertilized egg (zygote), so they will be identical in their genetic characteristics and therefore in their phenotypic traits to a very large extent. Among these traits is the voice or the voiceprint of these twins. This research aims to suggest a method to determine the extent of the similarity and the difference between the voiceprints between the brothers of the identical twins and thus, it is possible to distinguish between their voices. This study relied on using a number of audio clips collected from 35 identical twins. The proposed method is based on the use of the spectrogram that represents the voiceprint of the twins. The spectrogram is a two-dimensional function that can be used in the Neutrosophic Transformation to convert the voiceprints to the Neutrosophic domain represented by three membership functions (True, False, and Indeterminate). The results showed that the average extent of the similarity ratio between twins’ voices (True membership) is 67.6%, the difference ratio (False membership) is 32.3%, and the indeterminacy membership function ratio is 18.2%.
Feasibility and Efficacy of Transdermal Hypogastric Nerve Stimulation in Treatment of Overactive Bladder in Multiple Sclerosis: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Darwish Moshera H. , El-Tamawy Mohamed S. , Morsy Samer , Marzouk Mohamed H. , Moustafa Engy Badr Eldin S.
Published: May 2022

Objective: To determine the feasibility and efficacy of transdermal hypogastric nerve stimulation by interferential current stimulation (IFCs) in the treatment of OABs in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Material and Methods: Forty male RRMS patients with moderate overactive bladder symptoms were randomly assigned into two equal groups; the control group (G1) was treated with selected therapeutic exercises for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, and the intervention group (G2) received the same regimen plus hypogastric nerve stimulation at T10-L2 by interferential current (IFC). In both groups, the duration of each session ranged from 40-45 minutes, three days weekly for a month. Pre and post treatment evaluation was done by Overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) included (daytime frequency, nocturia, urgency, and urgency incontinence) and Urodynamics tests included (bladder capacity, maximum flow rate, bladder compliance, detrusor instability) and post voiding residual urine measurement by abdominal ultrasound. The effect of treatment on bladder capacity, maximum flow rate, post void residual, bladder compliance and OVBSS was investigated using a mixed MANOVA. The Mann Whitney test was used to evaluate the detrusor instability between groups, and the Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to compare pre and post treatment in each group. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05 for all statistical tests. Results: Showed that a significant increase in bladder capacity, bladder compliance, percentage of detrusor stability and maximal flow rate and a significant decrease in post void residual post treatment in comparison with pretreatment (p < 0.05) in both groups. There was a significant decrease in the daytime and nighttime frequency and urgency post treatment compared with that pretreatment in both groups (p > 0.001) while a significant decrease of urgency incontinence in the study group only post treatment compared with that pretreatment (p > 0.001). Post treatment, there was a significant difference of the intervention group (G2) compared with that of the control group (G1) for all tested variables (P< 0.05) except for the daytime frequency and percentage of detrusor stability (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Transdermal hypogastric nerve stimulation using IFC could be considered a feasible treatment option for neurogenic OABs in multiple sclerosis patients.
Study of the Effect of Micro Particle Size on the Adhesive Wear of Polymeric Blend Reinforced with Sand Particles
Authors: Khalaf Rafid Hamad , Hameed Abdul Adheem Zaily , Qabash Ayad
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the effect of reinforce with sand particles of different micro-granular size on the wear rate of a polymeric blend consisting of epoxy resins, with unsaturated polyester (EP/UPE) and a mixing ratio of (80/20) was studied. The polymeric composites were prepared by hand-lay up technique by adding sand particles to the mixture in weight fractuer (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) for different particle size (53 μm and 63 μm). Adhesion wear test was conducted on samples before and after UV irradiation for periods of time (24, 48, 72) hours. The results of the study showed that the wear rate depends on the concentration of the additive, its granular size, and the time of exposure of the sample to ultraviolet rays. It was also noted that the samples that were irradiated with UV -radiation for 24hrs had the highest wear resistance compared to the other samples.