cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991661.v1
title: HIV/AIDS case definition criteria and association between sociodemographic and clinical aspects of the disease reported in the State of Minas Gerais from 2007 to 2016

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION: Over 30 years after the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic, several strategies have been implemented to verify the trend of the infection, the profile of the affected individuals, and the impact of prevention and control measures, with notification of asymptomatic carriers being the most recent measure. This study aimed to verify the geographic distribution of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and analyze the association between case definition criteria, sociodemographic data, and clinical aspects of the disease in the State of Minas Gerais between 2007 and 2016. METHODS: In this ecological and analytical study, 35,349 cases of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome reported in the State of Minas Gerais between 2007 and 2016 were analyzed. The data were analyzed using multiple correspondence factor analysis, time series analysis, descriptive statistics, and spatial distribution of the cases by macro-region. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were brown-skinned individuals, alive, diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome on the basis of the criteria adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and living in municipalities with more than 50,000 (80.5%) inhabitants. Between 2007 and 2016, there was an increase in the number of criteria used for diagnosing human immunodeficiency virus. By contrast, a consequent decrease was observed in the number of criteria used for defining cases, which were adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rio de Janeiro/Caracas, and for identifying AIDS-related deaths. Young people aged between 13 and 29 years, individuals whose education level is compatible with the observed age, and homosexual men were associated with the HIV+ criterion. CONCLUSIONS: Out study showed that after the mandatory notification of human immunodeficiency virus-positive cases in 2014, there was a decrease in other criteria for defining human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome cases and changes in the profile of people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991655
title: Beneficial effects of bio-controlling agent Bacillus cereus IB311 on the agricultural crop production and its biomass optimization through response surface methodology

description: ABSTRACT Disease in agricultural field is a big problem that causes a massive loss in production. In this present investigation, we have reported a soil-borne bacterium Bacillus cereus IB311 which is antagonistic to plant pathogens (Pseudomonas syringae and Agrobacterium tumefaciens), and could make a substantial contribution to the prevention of plant diseases. To prove the practical application, the strain was directly applied in agricultural field. The results demonstrated that B. cereus IB311 has increased the production (20% and 26% in term of average pod number per plant, average seed number per pod, and seed yield per experimental plot) in ground nut (Arachis hypogaea var. Koushal, G201) and sesame (Sesamum indicum var. Kanak), respectively. To reduce the production cost, the biomass production was optimized through response surface methodology (RSM). Interactions of three variables (glucose, beef extract and inoculum) were studied using Central Composite Design. According to our analysis, optimum production of Bacillus cereus IB311 (5.383 µg/ mL) may be obtained at glucose 1.985%, beef extract 1.615% and inoculums size 0.757%. Therefore, we strongly believe that the application of this strain in agricultural field as bio-controlling agent will definitely enhance the production yield and will reduce the disease risk.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991655.v1
title: Beneficial effects of bio-controlling agent Bacillus cereus IB311 on the agricultural crop production and its biomass optimization through response surface methodology

description: ABSTRACT Disease in agricultural field is a big problem that causes a massive loss in production. In this present investigation, we have reported a soil-borne bacterium Bacillus cereus IB311 which is antagonistic to plant pathogens (Pseudomonas syringae and Agrobacterium tumefaciens), and could make a substantial contribution to the prevention of plant diseases. To prove the practical application, the strain was directly applied in agricultural field. The results demonstrated that B. cereus IB311 has increased the production (20% and 26% in term of average pod number per plant, average seed number per pod, and seed yield per experimental plot) in ground nut (Arachis hypogaea var. Koushal, G201) and sesame (Sesamum indicum var. Kanak), respectively. To reduce the production cost, the biomass production was optimized through response surface methodology (RSM). Interactions of three variables (glucose, beef extract and inoculum) were studied using Central Composite Design. According to our analysis, optimum production of Bacillus cereus IB311 (5.383 µg/ mL) may be obtained at glucose 1.985%, beef extract 1.615% and inoculums size 0.757%. Therefore, we strongly believe that the application of this strain in agricultural field as bio-controlling agent will definitely enhance the production yield and will reduce the disease risk.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991646
title: Mad, bad and dangerous to know: the biochemistry, ecology and evolution of slow loris venom

description: Only seven types of mammals are known to be venomous, including slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.). Despite the evolutionary significance of this unique adaptation amongst Nycticebus, the structure and function of slow loris venom is only just beginning to be understood. Here we review what is known about the chemical structure of slow loris venom. Research on a handful of captive samples from three of eight slow loris species reveals that the protein within slow loris venom resembles the disulphide-bridged heterodimeric structure of Fel-d1, more commonly known as cat allergen. In a comparison of N. pygmaeus and N. coucang, 212 and 68 compounds were found, respectively. Venom is activated by combining the oil from the brachial arm gland with saliva, and can cause death in small mammals and anaphylactic shock and death in humans. We examine four hypotheses for the function of slow loris venom. The least evidence is found for the hypothesis that loris venom evolved to kill prey. Although the venom's primary function in nature seems to be as a defense against parasites and conspecifics, it may also serve to thwart olfactory-orientated predators. Combined with numerous other serpentine features of slow lorises, including extra vertebra in the spine leading to snake-like movement, serpentine aggressive vocalisations, a long dark dorsal stripe and the venom itself, we propose that venom may have evolved to mimic cobras (Naja sp.). During the Miocene when both slow lorises and cobras migrated throughout Southeast Asia, the evolution of venom may have been an adaptive strategy against predators used by slow lorises as a form of Müllerian mimicry with spectacled cobras.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991643
title: Molecular detection and antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from houseflies (Musca domestica) in Iran

description: AbstractBackgroundPseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium that can cause disease in humans and other animals. This study was conducted to screen for molecular detection and antimicrobial-resistant P. aeruginosa in Musca domestica in different locations in the Iranian provinces of Shahrekord and Isfahan.MethodsMusca domestica were captured by both manual and sticky trap methods, during the daytime, from household kitchens, cattle farms, animal hospitals, human hospitals, slaughterhouses and chicken farms at random locations in Shahrekord and Isfahan provinces of Iran, and subsequently transported to the laboratory for detection of P. aeruginosa. In the laboratory, flies were identified and killed by refrigeration in a cold chamber at −20 °C, then placed in 5 mL peptone water and left at room temperature for five hours before being processed. Pseudomonas isolates were preliminarily identified to genus level based on colony morphology and gram staining, and their identity was further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction.ResultsOverall blaTEM gene was recovered from 8.8 % (53/600) of the P. aeruginosa isolated from houseflies collected from the two provinces. A slightly higher prevalence (10.7 %; 32/300) was recorded in Shahrekord province than Isfahan province (7.0 %; 21/300). The locations did not differ statistically (p &lt; 0.05) in bacterial prevalence in flies. Seasonal prevalence showed a significantly lower infection frequency during autumn.ConclusionsHouseflies are important in the epidemiology of P. aeruginosa infections.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991646.v1
title: Mad, bad and dangerous to know: the biochemistry, ecology and evolution of slow loris venom

description: Only seven types of mammals are known to be venomous, including slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.). Despite the evolutionary significance of this unique adaptation amongst Nycticebus, the structure and function of slow loris venom is only just beginning to be understood. Here we review what is known about the chemical structure of slow loris venom. Research on a handful of captive samples from three of eight slow loris species reveals that the protein within slow loris venom resembles the disulphide-bridged heterodimeric structure of Fel-d1, more commonly known as cat allergen. In a comparison of N. pygmaeus and N. coucang, 212 and 68 compounds were found, respectively. Venom is activated by combining the oil from the brachial arm gland with saliva, and can cause death in small mammals and anaphylactic shock and death in humans. We examine four hypotheses for the function of slow loris venom. The least evidence is found for the hypothesis that loris venom evolved to kill prey. Although the venom's primary function in nature seems to be as a defense against parasites and conspecifics, it may also serve to thwart olfactory-orientated predators. Combined with numerous other serpentine features of slow lorises, including extra vertebra in the spine leading to snake-like movement, serpentine aggressive vocalisations, a long dark dorsal stripe and the venom itself, we propose that venom may have evolved to mimic cobras (Naja sp.). During the Miocene when both slow lorises and cobras migrated throughout Southeast Asia, the evolution of venom may have been an adaptive strategy against predators used by slow lorises as a form of Müllerian mimicry with spectacled cobras.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991640
title: A comparison between the recombinant expression and chemical synthesis of a short cysteine-rich insecticidal spider peptide

description: AbstractBackground:The choice between heterologous expression versus chemical synthesis for synthesizing short cysteine-rich insecticidal peptides from arthropods may impact the obtainment of yields and well-folded bioactive molecules for scientific research. Therefore, two recombinant expression systems were compared to that of chemical synthesis for producing Ba1, a cysteine-rich spider neurotoxin.Methods:The transcription of the insecticidal neurotoxin Ba1 was obtained from a cDNA library of venom glands of the spider Brachypelma albiceps.It was cloned into the pCR®2.1-TOPO® cloning vector and then introduced in two different expression vectors, pQE40 and pET28a<sup>+</sup>. Each vector was transfected into E. coli M15 and BL21 cells, respectively, and expressed under induction with isopropyl thiogalactoside (IPTG). The chemical synthesis of Ba1 was performed in an Applied Biosystems 433A peptide synthesizer.Results:Both expression systems pQE40 and pET28a<sup>+</sup> expressed the His-tagged recombinant protein products, HisrDFHRBa1 and HisrBa1, respectively, as inclusion bodies. The recombinant proteins HisrDFHRBa1 and HisrBa1 presented respective molecular masses of 28,289 and 8274.6 Da, and were not biologically active. These results suggested that both HisrDFHRBa1 and HisrBa1 were oxidized after cell extraction, and that their insecticidal activities were affected by their N-terminal pro-peptides and different disulfide bridge arrangements. The respective protein expression yields for HisrDFHRBa1 and HisrBa1 were 100 μg/L and 900 μg/L of culture medium. HisrBa1 was reduced and folded under in vitroconditions. The in vitro folding of HisrBa1 produced several isoforms, one of which, after removing its N-terminal pro-peptide by enzymatic cleavage, presented elevated insecticidal activities compared to the native Ba1. Furthermore, the His-tagged protein HisrDFHRBa1 underwent enzymatic cleavage to obtain recombinant Ba1 (rBa1). As expected, the molecular mass of rBa1 was 4406.4 Da. On the other hand, Ba1 was chemically synthesized (sBa1) with a yield of 11 mg per 0.1 mmol of amino acid assembly.Conclusions:The two recombinant insecticidal peptides and the one synthesized chemically were as active as the native Ba1; however, toxin yields differed drastically.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991643.v1
title: Molecular detection and antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from houseflies (Musca domestica) in Iran

description: AbstractBackgroundPseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium that can cause disease in humans and other animals. This study was conducted to screen for molecular detection and antimicrobial-resistant P. aeruginosa in Musca domestica in different locations in the Iranian provinces of Shahrekord and Isfahan.MethodsMusca domestica were captured by both manual and sticky trap methods, during the daytime, from household kitchens, cattle farms, animal hospitals, human hospitals, slaughterhouses and chicken farms at random locations in Shahrekord and Isfahan provinces of Iran, and subsequently transported to the laboratory for detection of P. aeruginosa. In the laboratory, flies were identified and killed by refrigeration in a cold chamber at −20 °C, then placed in 5 mL peptone water and left at room temperature for five hours before being processed. Pseudomonas isolates were preliminarily identified to genus level based on colony morphology and gram staining, and their identity was further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction.ResultsOverall blaTEM gene was recovered from 8.8 % (53/600) of the P. aeruginosa isolated from houseflies collected from the two provinces. A slightly higher prevalence (10.7 %; 32/300) was recorded in Shahrekord province than Isfahan province (7.0 %; 21/300). The locations did not differ statistically (p &lt; 0.05) in bacterial prevalence in flies. Seasonal prevalence showed a significantly lower infection frequency during autumn.ConclusionsHouseflies are important in the epidemiology of P. aeruginosa infections.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991640.v1
title: A comparison between the recombinant expression and chemical synthesis of a short cysteine-rich insecticidal spider peptide

description: AbstractBackground:The choice between heterologous expression versus chemical synthesis for synthesizing short cysteine-rich insecticidal peptides from arthropods may impact the obtainment of yields and well-folded bioactive molecules for scientific research. Therefore, two recombinant expression systems were compared to that of chemical synthesis for producing Ba1, a cysteine-rich spider neurotoxin.Methods:The transcription of the insecticidal neurotoxin Ba1 was obtained from a cDNA library of venom glands of the spider Brachypelma albiceps.It was cloned into the pCR®2.1-TOPO® cloning vector and then introduced in two different expression vectors, pQE40 and pET28a<sup>+</sup>. Each vector was transfected into E. coli M15 and BL21 cells, respectively, and expressed under induction with isopropyl thiogalactoside (IPTG). The chemical synthesis of Ba1 was performed in an Applied Biosystems 433A peptide synthesizer.Results:Both expression systems pQE40 and pET28a<sup>+</sup> expressed the His-tagged recombinant protein products, HisrDFHRBa1 and HisrBa1, respectively, as inclusion bodies. The recombinant proteins HisrDFHRBa1 and HisrBa1 presented respective molecular masses of 28,289 and 8274.6 Da, and were not biologically active. These results suggested that both HisrDFHRBa1 and HisrBa1 were oxidized after cell extraction, and that their insecticidal activities were affected by their N-terminal pro-peptides and different disulfide bridge arrangements. The respective protein expression yields for HisrDFHRBa1 and HisrBa1 were 100 μg/L and 900 μg/L of culture medium. HisrBa1 was reduced and folded under in vitroconditions. The in vitro folding of HisrBa1 produced several isoforms, one of which, after removing its N-terminal pro-peptide by enzymatic cleavage, presented elevated insecticidal activities compared to the native Ba1. Furthermore, the His-tagged protein HisrDFHRBa1 underwent enzymatic cleavage to obtain recombinant Ba1 (rBa1). As expected, the molecular mass of rBa1 was 4406.4 Da. On the other hand, Ba1 was chemically synthesized (sBa1) with a yield of 11 mg per 0.1 mmol of amino acid assembly.Conclusions:The two recombinant insecticidal peptides and the one synthesized chemically were as active as the native Ba1; however, toxin yields differed drastically.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991637
title: Physiological responses of rabbits fed with diets containing rapeseed meal, white lupine and pea seeds as soybean meal substitutes

description: ABSTRACT In recent years, a trend has emerged to eliminate soybean meal (SBM) from rabbit diets. It was hypothesized that a dietary mixture composed of rapeseed meal (RSM), white lupine seeds (WLS) and pea seeds (PS) could be a substitute for SBM in diets for growing rabbits without compromising their growth and physiological parameters. To verify this hypothesis, selected parameters describing the growth rate of rabbits, their blood and slaughter parameters and caecum function were analyzed. The experiment was performed on ninety HYPLUS rabbits. Control group (C) animals were fed a diet containing 15% SBM. The diet administered to the first experimental group (E1) contained 7.5% SBM, 5.0% RSM, 4.0% WLS and 3.0% PS. In the diet fed to the second experimental group (E2), SBM was completely replaced with RSM, WLS and PS. The substitution did not exert a significant negative effect on the growth rate of rabbits, selected morphological and biochemical blood parameters or carcass characteristics. The comparable growth parameters of control group rabbits and rabbits fed diets containing SBM substitutes could be partially attributed to beneficial changes in the enzymatic activity of caecal microbiota, which have a positive influence on fermentation processes in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The results of this study indicate that SBM can be completely replaced with a mixture of RSM, WLS and PS in growing rabbit diets.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991637.v1
title: Physiological responses of rabbits fed with diets containing rapeseed meal, white lupine and pea seeds as soybean meal substitutes

description: ABSTRACT In recent years, a trend has emerged to eliminate soybean meal (SBM) from rabbit diets. It was hypothesized that a dietary mixture composed of rapeseed meal (RSM), white lupine seeds (WLS) and pea seeds (PS) could be a substitute for SBM in diets for growing rabbits without compromising their growth and physiological parameters. To verify this hypothesis, selected parameters describing the growth rate of rabbits, their blood and slaughter parameters and caecum function were analyzed. The experiment was performed on ninety HYPLUS rabbits. Control group (C) animals were fed a diet containing 15% SBM. The diet administered to the first experimental group (E1) contained 7.5% SBM, 5.0% RSM, 4.0% WLS and 3.0% PS. In the diet fed to the second experimental group (E2), SBM was completely replaced with RSM, WLS and PS. The substitution did not exert a significant negative effect on the growth rate of rabbits, selected morphological and biochemical blood parameters or carcass characteristics. The comparable growth parameters of control group rabbits and rabbits fed diets containing SBM substitutes could be partially attributed to beneficial changes in the enzymatic activity of caecal microbiota, which have a positive influence on fermentation processes in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The results of this study indicate that SBM can be completely replaced with a mixture of RSM, WLS and PS in growing rabbit diets.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991631
title: Contribution to cost analysis in water treatment using fuzzy linear programming: a model for the supply management in the city of Campos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

description: ABSTRACT Water is one of the essential natural resources for human survival, but it has undergone problems such as: use overload at global level; unequally distribution; and scarcity that contributes negatively to the availability of the resource, thus evidencing a water crisis. Thus, there is a need to effectively manage this important resource, which presents strong components of uncertainties. An important management object is the chemical treatment through which raw water passes in order to be treated and then appropriate for consumption, because it corresponds to the second largest cost in water treatment plants, only after expenses involving human resources, materials, and services. Thus, the present work proposes a linear programming model that incorporates the fuzzy logic, which is an efficient tool in models with uncertainties to assist in any water supply management, considering costs with chemicals used in the treatment of this resource in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil. This model was solved using the Rstudio environment and presented a 9.8% cost reduction compared with the standard linear programming model prepared for the system. In conclusion, the developed work serves as a starting point for a more detailed analysis of the impact of the costs of treated water allocation in the municipality and contributes positively to the raw water rationalization.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6991628
title: Mycobacterium marinum infection: a case report

description: AbstractThe infection by Mycobacterium marinum in humans is relatively uncommon. When it occurs, it mainly affects the skin, usually with a chronic, indolent and benign evolution. The diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, and a significant delay may be observed between the first symptoms to the final diagnosis. This present case reports a M. marinum infection in an immunocompetent patient that had a chronic undiagnosed injury on the dominant hand for at least five years. The patient had several medical consultations, without proper suspicion, hampering adequate diagnostic investigation. Histopathology detected tuberculoid granulomas, but showed no acid-fast bacilli. The culture in appropriate medium and the polymerase chain reaction-restriction enzyme analysis (PRA)-hsp65 confirmed the diagnosis. Treatment with clarithromycin (1 g/day) for three months was effective. Although uncommon, this infection is a contact zoonosis. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to be aware of this diagnosis and properly guide preventable measures to professionals that are in risk group.