cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.16494227.v1
title: Lime and phosphogypsum application management: changes in soil acidity, sulfur availability and crop yield

description: ABSTRACT Oxisols ( Latossolos ) are widely distributed in tropical zones and generally characterized by high levels of surface and subsurface acidity. In Brazil, most Oxisols are managed under no-till conditions with surface application of acidity amendments. This study aimed to evaluate lime application strategies (incorporated and surface) for achieving the desired soil base saturation (BS%) levels (44, 60, 70, and 90 %) and the effect of phosphogypsum + lime application on soil chemical properties as well as wheat and corn yield in southern Brazil. Lime incorporation was more effective in reducing the soil acidity and increasing Ca2+ and Mg2+ despite a decrease in organic matter at the soil surface. Phosphogypsum application increased S-SO42- and Ca2+ availability throughout the deeper soil layers and reduced the Mg2+ content in the surface layer. Wheat yield under incorporated lime conditions increased with BS% up to 75, but there was no response to surface application. When phosphogypsum was applied, the wheat yield increased by 8.4 %. For corn, incorporated lime increased the yield up to 445 kg ha-1, which was equivalent to the yield after phosphogypsum application. An increase in the S-SO42- level was the main factor related to the increase in crop yields. In the short term, our results suggest that phosphogypsum applied along with lime is more appropriate than incorporating lime under no-till management conditions.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.16494184
title: Scrotal thermographic profile and seminal characteristics of Mangalarga Marchador stallions bred in the Atlantic Rainforest biome

description: ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the scrotal thermographic profile and to verify the influence of temperature and humidity of the humid tropical climate on testicular temperature and seminal quality of Mangalarga Marchador stallions. The thermal profiles of the proximal, middle, and distal zones of the testicles and total surface temperature (TSTT) were recorded using an FLIR E60bx thermal imager. The average air temperature (°C) and relative humidity (%) were obtained 1, 5, 9, 33, and 66 days before semen collection and showed a mean value of 26.5±2.4 and 80.4±6.0 respectively. The scrotal surface temperature was close to 34°C and there was no variation with the age of the stallion, reproductive activity, and characteristics of the ejaculate (P&gt;0.05). The only significant correlations obtained were between TSTT and minor defects (R = 0.41; P&lt;0.05), between TSTT and total defects (R = 0.46; P&lt;0.01), and between TSTT and percentage of morphologically normal sperm (R = -0.46; P&lt;0.05). It was concluded that the Mangalarga Marchador stallions maintained the testicular temperature within favorable conditions for spermatogenesis, demonstrating the efficiency of testicular thermoregulation mechanisms in the Atlantic Forest biome.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.16494184.v1
title: Scrotal thermographic profile and seminal characteristics of Mangalarga Marchador stallions bred in the Atlantic Rainforest biome

description: ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the scrotal thermographic profile and to verify the influence of temperature and humidity of the humid tropical climate on testicular temperature and seminal quality of Mangalarga Marchador stallions. The thermal profiles of the proximal, middle, and distal zones of the testicles and total surface temperature (TSTT) were recorded using an FLIR E60bx thermal imager. The average air temperature (°C) and relative humidity (%) were obtained 1, 5, 9, 33, and 66 days before semen collection and showed a mean value of 26.5±2.4 and 80.4±6.0 respectively. The scrotal surface temperature was close to 34°C and there was no variation with the age of the stallion, reproductive activity, and characteristics of the ejaculate (P&gt;0.05). The only significant correlations obtained were between TSTT and minor defects (R = 0.41; P&lt;0.05), between TSTT and total defects (R = 0.46; P&lt;0.01), and between TSTT and percentage of morphologically normal sperm (R = -0.46; P&lt;0.05). It was concluded that the Mangalarga Marchador stallions maintained the testicular temperature within favorable conditions for spermatogenesis, demonstrating the efficiency of testicular thermoregulation mechanisms in the Atlantic Forest biome.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.16494244
title: Evaluation of diagnosis and treatment practices of Brazilian neurologists among patients with multiple sclerosis

description: ABSTRACT Background: Recent changes to the diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS) and new medications have had a major impact on the way in which specialists manage the disease. Objective: To investigate factors considered by Brazilian neurologists in managing MS, and to identify how these contribute to diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Potential participants were selected by a steering committee (MS experts who developed this survey). Only MS specialists were included in the study (neurologists who had completed a neuroimmunology fellowship or who were treating more than 30 MS patients). Links to the online questionnaire were distributed between March 2019 and January 2020. This questionnaire was composed of sections with hypothetical MS scenarios. Results: Neurologists from 13 Brazilian states responded to the survey (n = 94). In the clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) scenario, the respondents agreed to treat patients with a high risk of MS diagnosis, whereas in the radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) half of the respondents opted not to treat, even among high-risk patients. In cases of low-activity relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), the choice of treatment was distributed among interferon beta, glatiramer acetate and teriflunomide, which were changed to fingolimod and natalizumab, as RRMS severity increased. The topics in which disagreement was found included practices regarding use of disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for pregnant patients and the washout period required for some DMTs. Conclusions: This study enabled identification of areas of agreement and disagreement about MS treatment among Brazilian neurologists, which can be used to update future protocols and improve patient management.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.16494244.v1
title: Evaluation of diagnosis and treatment practices of Brazilian neurologists among patients with multiple sclerosis

description: ABSTRACT Background: Recent changes to the diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS) and new medications have had a major impact on the way in which specialists manage the disease. Objective: To investigate factors considered by Brazilian neurologists in managing MS, and to identify how these contribute to diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Potential participants were selected by a steering committee (MS experts who developed this survey). Only MS specialists were included in the study (neurologists who had completed a neuroimmunology fellowship or who were treating more than 30 MS patients). Links to the online questionnaire were distributed between March 2019 and January 2020. This questionnaire was composed of sections with hypothetical MS scenarios. Results: Neurologists from 13 Brazilian states responded to the survey (n = 94). In the clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) scenario, the respondents agreed to treat patients with a high risk of MS diagnosis, whereas in the radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) half of the respondents opted not to treat, even among high-risk patients. In cases of low-activity relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), the choice of treatment was distributed among interferon beta, glatiramer acetate and teriflunomide, which were changed to fingolimod and natalizumab, as RRMS severity increased. The topics in which disagreement was found included practices regarding use of disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for pregnant patients and the washout period required for some DMTs. Conclusions: This study enabled identification of areas of agreement and disagreement about MS treatment among Brazilian neurologists, which can be used to update future protocols and improve patient management.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.16494314
title: An immunogenetic view of COVID-19

description: Abstract Meeting the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic requires an interdisciplinary approach. In this context, integrating knowledge of immune function with an understanding of how genetic variation influences the nature of immunity is a key challenge. Immunogenetics can help explain the heterogeneity of susceptibility and protection to the viral infection and disease progression. Here, we review the knowledge developed so far, discussing fundamental genes for triggering the innate and adaptive immune responses associated with a viral infection, especially with the SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms. We emphasize the role of the HLA and KIR genes, discussing what has been uncovered about their role in COVID-19 and addressing methodological challenges of studying these genes. Finally, we comment on questions that arise when studying admixed populations, highlighting the case of Brazil. We argue that the interplay between immunology and an understanding of genetic associations can provide an important contribution to our knowledge of COVID-19.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.16494314.v1
title: An immunogenetic view of COVID-19

description: Abstract Meeting the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic requires an interdisciplinary approach. In this context, integrating knowledge of immune function with an understanding of how genetic variation influences the nature of immunity is a key challenge. Immunogenetics can help explain the heterogeneity of susceptibility and protection to the viral infection and disease progression. Here, we review the knowledge developed so far, discussing fundamental genes for triggering the innate and adaptive immune responses associated with a viral infection, especially with the SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms. We emphasize the role of the HLA and KIR genes, discussing what has been uncovered about their role in COVID-19 and addressing methodological challenges of studying these genes. Finally, we comment on questions that arise when studying admixed populations, highlighting the case of Brazil. We argue that the interplay between immunology and an understanding of genetic associations can provide an important contribution to our knowledge of COVID-19.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.16494319
title: Human-SARS-CoV-2 interactome and human genetic diversity: TMPRSS2-rs2070788, associated with severe influenza, and its population genetics caveats in Native Americans

description: Abstract For human/SARS-CoV-2 interactome genes ACE2, TMPRSS2 and BSG, there is a convincing evidence of association in Asians with influenza-induced SARS for TMPRSS2-rs2070788, tag-SNP of the eQTL rs383510. This case illustrates the importance of population genetics and of sequencing data in the design of genetic association studies in different human populations: the high linkage disequilibrium (LD) between rs2070788 and rs383510 is Asian-specific. Leveraging on a combination of genotyping and sequencing data for Native Americans (neglected in genetic studies), we show that while their frequencies of the Asian tag-SNP rs2070788 is, surprisingly, the highest worldwide, it is not in LD with the eQTL rs383510, that therefore, should be directly genotyped in genetic association studies of SARS in populations with Native American ancestry.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.16494319.v1
title: Human-SARS-CoV-2 interactome and human genetic diversity: TMPRSS2-rs2070788, associated with severe influenza, and its population genetics caveats in Native Americans

description: Abstract For human/SARS-CoV-2 interactome genes ACE2, TMPRSS2 and BSG, there is a convincing evidence of association in Asians with influenza-induced SARS for TMPRSS2-rs2070788, tag-SNP of the eQTL rs383510. This case illustrates the importance of population genetics and of sequencing data in the design of genetic association studies in different human populations: the high linkage disequilibrium (LD) between rs2070788 and rs383510 is Asian-specific. Leveraging on a combination of genotyping and sequencing data for Native Americans (neglected in genetic studies), we show that while their frequencies of the Asian tag-SNP rs2070788 is, surprisingly, the highest worldwide, it is not in LD with the eQTL rs383510, that therefore, should be directly genotyped in genetic association studies of SARS in populations with Native American ancestry.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.16494364
title: Acute kidney injury caused by venomous animals: inflammatory mechanisms

description: Abstract Either bites or stings of venomous animals comprise relevant public health problems in tropical countries. Acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by animal toxins is related to worse prognostic and outcomes. Being one the most important pathways to induce AKI following envenoming due to animal toxins, inflammation is an essential biological response that eliminates pathogenic bacteria and repairs tissue after injury. However, direct nephrotoxicity (i.e. apoptotic and necrotic mechanisms of toxins), pigmenturia (i.e. rhabdomyolysis and hemolysis), anaphylactic reactions, and coagulopathies could contribute to the renal injury. All these mechanisms are closely integrated, but inflammation is a distinct process. Hence, it is important to improve our understanding on inflammation mechanisms of these syndromes to provide a promising outlook to reduce morbidity and mortality. This literature review highlights the main scientific evidence of acute kidney injury induced by bites or stings from venomous animals and their inflammatory mechanisms. It included observational, cross-sectional, case-control and cohort human studies available up to December 2019. Descriptors were used according to Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), namely: “Acute kidney injury” or “Venom” and “Inflammation” on Medline/Pubmed and Google Scholar; “Kidney disease” or “Acute kidney injury” on Lilacs and SciELO. The present review evidenced that, among the described forms of renal inflammation, it can occur either directly or indirectly on renal cells by means of intravascular, systemic and endothelial hemolysis, activation of inflammatory pathway, as well as direct action of venom cytotoxic components on kidney structures.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.16494364.v1
title: Acute kidney injury caused by venomous animals: inflammatory mechanisms

description: Abstract Either bites or stings of venomous animals comprise relevant public health problems in tropical countries. Acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by animal toxins is related to worse prognostic and outcomes. Being one the most important pathways to induce AKI following envenoming due to animal toxins, inflammation is an essential biological response that eliminates pathogenic bacteria and repairs tissue after injury. However, direct nephrotoxicity (i.e. apoptotic and necrotic mechanisms of toxins), pigmenturia (i.e. rhabdomyolysis and hemolysis), anaphylactic reactions, and coagulopathies could contribute to the renal injury. All these mechanisms are closely integrated, but inflammation is a distinct process. Hence, it is important to improve our understanding on inflammation mechanisms of these syndromes to provide a promising outlook to reduce morbidity and mortality. This literature review highlights the main scientific evidence of acute kidney injury induced by bites or stings from venomous animals and their inflammatory mechanisms. It included observational, cross-sectional, case-control and cohort human studies available up to December 2019. Descriptors were used according to Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), namely: “Acute kidney injury” or “Venom” and “Inflammation” on Medline/Pubmed and Google Scholar; “Kidney disease” or “Acute kidney injury” on Lilacs and SciELO. The present review evidenced that, among the described forms of renal inflammation, it can occur either directly or indirectly on renal cells by means of intravascular, systemic and endothelial hemolysis, activation of inflammatory pathway, as well as direct action of venom cytotoxic components on kidney structures.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.16494443
title: Cytomegalovirus infection in Guillain-Barré syndrome: a retrospective study in Brazil

description: ABSTRACT Background: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is currently the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis worldwide. Risk factors for GBS include previous viral or bacterial infections or vaccination. Recently, an outbreak of Zika virus led to an outbreak of GBS in Latin America, mostly in Brazil, concomitant to continuous circulation of dengue virus serotypes. However, there is no study about cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection as a risk for GBS in Brazil. Objectives: In this study, we report a series of cases of GBS with the aim of determining the prevalence of CMV and the characteristics associated with the infection. Methods: A cohort of 111 GBS cases diagnosed between 2011 and 2017 in Natal, northeastern Brazil, was studied. Presence of CMV IgM antibodies was determined by means of electrochemiluminescence. The analysis was performed considering CMV infection status and the clinical outcome. Results: We found seroprevalence of 15.3% (n = 17) for CMV. CMV patients were younger (26 vs. 40; p = 0.016), with no apparent gastrointestinal (p = 0.762) or upper respiratory infections (p = 0.779) or sensory loss (p = 0.03). They presented more often with a classic GBS sensorimotor variant (p = 0.02) and with a demyelinating pattern in electrophysiological studies (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: In Brazil, the clinical-epidemiological profile of GBS associated with CMV infection is similar to that described in other countries. Better understanding of the relationship between infectious processes and GBS is a key component of the research agenda and assistance strategy for global health initiatives relating to peripheral neuropathic conditions.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.16494443.v1
title: Cytomegalovirus infection in Guillain-Barré syndrome: a retrospective study in Brazil

description: ABSTRACT Background: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is currently the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis worldwide. Risk factors for GBS include previous viral or bacterial infections or vaccination. Recently, an outbreak of Zika virus led to an outbreak of GBS in Latin America, mostly in Brazil, concomitant to continuous circulation of dengue virus serotypes. However, there is no study about cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection as a risk for GBS in Brazil. Objectives: In this study, we report a series of cases of GBS with the aim of determining the prevalence of CMV and the characteristics associated with the infection. Methods: A cohort of 111 GBS cases diagnosed between 2011 and 2017 in Natal, northeastern Brazil, was studied. Presence of CMV IgM antibodies was determined by means of electrochemiluminescence. The analysis was performed considering CMV infection status and the clinical outcome. Results: We found seroprevalence of 15.3% (n = 17) for CMV. CMV patients were younger (26 vs. 40; p = 0.016), with no apparent gastrointestinal (p = 0.762) or upper respiratory infections (p = 0.779) or sensory loss (p = 0.03). They presented more often with a classic GBS sensorimotor variant (p = 0.02) and with a demyelinating pattern in electrophysiological studies (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: In Brazil, the clinical-epidemiological profile of GBS associated with CMV infection is similar to that described in other countries. Better understanding of the relationship between infectious processes and GBS is a key component of the research agenda and assistance strategy for global health initiatives relating to peripheral neuropathic conditions.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.16494475
title: Population structure and habitat occupation in two sympatric Aegla species (Decapoda, Anomura, Aeglidae) in Atlantic Forest, Brazil

description: Abstract This study deals with population structure and habitat sharing of two sympatric aeglid species, Aegla jarai Bond-Buckup and Buckup, 1994 and Aegla muelleri Bond-Buckup and Buckup, 2010 at Espingarda Creek, Serra do Itajaí National Park, Rio Itajaí-Açú basin, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Individuals of A. jarai (n = 190) and A. muelleri (n = 131) were captured from June/2001 to May/2002 in monthly collection. A total of 89 males and 101 females (2 ovigerous) of A. jarai were collected with a sex ratio of 1:1, and 56 males and 75 females (2 ovigerous) of A. muelleri, with a predominance of females. Aegla jarai was larger than A. muelleri and the reproductive period of A. jarai was in the winter and spring, while that of A. muelleri was in the spring. Three cohorts were observed throughout the year, and both species have a recruiting period in the spring and summer. Both species perform their entire life cycle in the Espingarda Creek and their coexistence is attributed to space partitioning: the larger A. jarai lives in the large spaces formed between boulders, while the smaller A. muelleri shelters in the small spaces between pebbles.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.16494475.v1
title: Population structure and habitat occupation in two sympatric Aegla species (Decapoda, Anomura, Aeglidae) in Atlantic Forest, Brazil

description: Abstract This study deals with population structure and habitat sharing of two sympatric aeglid species, Aegla jarai Bond-Buckup and Buckup, 1994 and Aegla muelleri Bond-Buckup and Buckup, 2010 at Espingarda Creek, Serra do Itajaí National Park, Rio Itajaí-Açú basin, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Individuals of A. jarai (n = 190) and A. muelleri (n = 131) were captured from June/2001 to May/2002 in monthly collection. A total of 89 males and 101 females (2 ovigerous) of A. jarai were collected with a sex ratio of 1:1, and 56 males and 75 females (2 ovigerous) of A. muelleri, with a predominance of females. Aegla jarai was larger than A. muelleri and the reproductive period of A. jarai was in the winter and spring, while that of A. muelleri was in the spring. Three cohorts were observed throughout the year, and both species have a recruiting period in the spring and summer. Both species perform their entire life cycle in the Espingarda Creek and their coexistence is attributed to space partitioning: the larger A. jarai lives in the large spaces formed between boulders, while the smaller A. muelleri shelters in the small spaces between pebbles.