Dengue virus (DENV) represents a public health threat and economic burden in affected countries. The availability of genomic data is key to understanding viral evolution and dynamics, supporting ...improved control strategies. Currently, the use of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies, which can be applied both directly to patient samples (shotgun metagenomics) and to PCR-amplified viral sequences (amplicon sequencing), is potentially the most informative approach to monitor viral dissemination and genetic diversity by providing, in a single methodological step, identification and characterization of the whole viral genome at the nucleotide level. Despite many advantages, these technologies require bioinformatics expertise and appropriate infrastructure for the analysis and interpretation of the resulting data. In addition, the many software solutions available can hamper the reproducibility and comparison of results. Here we present DEN-IM, a one-stop, user-friendly, containerized and reproducible workflow for the analysis of DENV short-read sequencing data from both amplicon and shotgun metagenomics approaches. It is able to infer the DENV coding sequence (CDS), identify the serotype and genotype, and generate a phylogenetic tree. It can easily be run on any UNIX-like system, from local machines to high-performance computing clusters, performing a comprehensive analysis without the requirement for extensive bioinformatics expertise. Using DEN-IM, we successfully analysed two types of DENV datasets. The first comprised 25 shotgun metagenomic sequencing samples from patients with variable serotypes and genotypes, including an
spiked sample containing the four known serotypes. The second consisted of 106 paired-end and 76 single-end amplicon sequences of DENV 3 genotype III and DENV 1 genotype I, respectively, where DEN-IM allowed detection of the intra-genotype diversity. The DEN-IM workflow, parameters and execution configuration files, and documentation are freely available at https://github.com/B-UMMI/DEN-IM).
A product-service system (PSS) aims to improve the profitability and competitiveness of companies, generate superior value for customers, and contribute to sustainability. However, despite those ...benefits, manufacturing companies still find it difficult to structure their business models as PSS, especially regarding the design of sustainable business offers. Previous research on designing PSS business models has not integrated sustainability aspects and empirical evidence on how to design sustainable PSS business models remains limited, especially in contexts such as developing countries, where those offers have a great potential for sustainability improvements. Thus, this paper explores the practical design of a PSS business model for electric vehicle sharing in the Brazilian context, considering sustainable principles. An analysis of the challenges and opportunities of offering shared sustainable mobility in the Brazilian context is presented. The PSS business model is described considering an integrated approach focusing on the co-creation of value-in-use by the value network. The results aim to support practitioners in designing more sustainable PSS business models, generating superior value for the ‘value network’ of PSS and contributing toward expanding sustainable production and consumption knowledge.
Glioblastoma is an extremely aggressive malignant tumor with a very poor prognosis. Due to the increased proliferation rate of glioblastoma, there is the development of hypoxic regions, characterized ...by an increased concentration of copper (Cu). Considering this,
Cu has attracted attention as a possible theranostic radionuclide for glioblastoma. In particular,
CuCuCl
accumulates in glioblastoma, being considered a suitable agent for positron emission tomography. Here, we explore further the theranostic potential of
CuCuCl
, by studying its therapeutic effects in advanced three-dimensional glioblastoma cellular models. First, we established spheroids from three glioblastoma (T98G, U373, and U87) and a non-tumoral astrocytic cell line. Then, we evaluated the therapeutic responses of spheroids to
CuCuCl
exposure by analyzing spheroids' growth, viability, and cells' proliferative capacity. Afterward, we studied possible mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic outcomes, including the uptake of
Cu, the expression levels of a copper transporter (CTR1), the presence of a cancer stem cell population, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Results revealed that
CuCuCl
is able to significantly reduce spheroids' growth and viability, while also affecting cells' proliferation capacity. The uptake of
Cu, the presence of cancer stem-like cells and the production of ROS were in accordance with the therapeutic response. However, expression levels of CTR1 were not in agreement with uptake levels, revealing that other mechanisms could be involved in the uptake of
Cu.
Overall, our results further support
CuCuCl
potential as a theranostic agent for glioblastoma, unveiling potential mechanisms that could be involved in the therapeutic response.
A new mixed Ln(III) complex (La-Nd-DPY) with activity in PC3 cell models. The cytotoxicity is mediated by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Few apoptotic cells were observed upon 48 h ...of exposure to the complex.
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•A new dipyridinium ylide-based mixed Ln(III) complex (Ln = La, Nd) was obtained.•In situ conversion of the dipyridinium salt into its reactive ylide ligand.•The polymeric structure of the new mixed Ln(III) complex was proposed.•High cytotoxic activity in ovarian, breast and prostate cancer cells.•Mechanisms of cell death mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
A new mixed lanthanide(III) complex LaNd(μ2-DPY)(μ4-SO4)2(Et3N)Br2·2H2OMeOH (La-Nd-DPY) was obtained by the reaction of N,N′-diphenacyl-4,4′-dipyridinium dibromide (DPB) with a mixture of La(III) and Nd(III) sulfates in a 2:1 M ratio, in the presence of triethylamine (Et3N). The method used for the synthesis of La-Nd-DPY promoted the in situ transformation of the pro-ligand DPB into the dipyridinium ylide-based ligand. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), elemental analysis (EA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and mass spectrometry (MS) concurred to propose a linear polymeric structure for La-Nd-DPY, in which both La(III) and Nd(III) ions are six-coordinated. Cyclic voltammetry was also used to assess the redox potential of the mixed complex. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed quite uniform and homogeneous fibrillary net-like morphology and also confirmed, by means of EDX analysis, the presence of both lanthanide (III) ions in the mixed complex. UV–vis absorption spectroscopy demonstrated that the mixed Ln complex is stable up to 1 h in DMSO and up to 72 h under the physiological conditions used for cell culture. The cytotoxic activity of La-Nd-DPY in cancer cell lines of ovarian (A2780), breast (MCF7) and prostate (PC3) origins and in multicellular tumor spheroids derived from PC3 cells was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and acid phosphatase (APH) assays. Compared to cisplatin this new complex showed improved toxicity, with IC50 values at least 10 times higher, even at 24 h of exposure. The cytotoxic effects seemed to be mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation but not apoptosis, confirmed by a caspase-3/7 activation and Hoechst nuclei staining assays. The mechanism of cell death observed on the cytotoxicity assays is probably due to other pathways of cell death, which deserve to be further investigated.
Product-Service Systems (PSS) appears as an emergent subject, gaining the attention of many researchers, and an increasing interest of organizations. As many literature reviews have been conducted in ...PSS-related field, this paper aims to overview publications from 2006 to 2018 by highlighting PSS benefits and barriers. Content analysis was used to codify data collected in the publications. The main characteristics of the literature reviews are provided as well as a set of 36 PSS benefits and 24 barriers organized in categories and sub-categories. Analyzing PSS-related review papers allows identifying future research opportunities which can foster the design and implementation of PSS business models.
Sulfentrazone is one of the main pre-emergent herbicides used in tobacco plantations. The objective of this work was to evaluate the selectivity and efficiency of sulfentrazone-based formulations in ...two tobacco production systems (conventional tillage system CTS and no-tillage system NTS). Two experiments were conducted (CTS and NTS) in a randomized block design, with seven treatments and four replications. The herbicide treatments were: T1 = Boral® 500 SC (400 g∙ha-1 of sulfentrazone), T2 = PonteiroBR® (400 g∙ha-1 of sulfentrazone), T3 = Stone® (350 + 700 g∙ha-1 of sulfentrazone and diuron, respectively), T4 = Boral® 500 SC + Gamit® 360 CS (792 g∙ha-1 of clomazone), T5 = PonteiroBR® + Gamit® 360 CS, T6 = Stone® + Gamit® 360 CS, and T7 = control (manual weeding). Phytotoxicity in tobacco plants and weed control efficiency were visually evaluated 14, 28, 42, and 56 days after application (daa) of the treatments. Emerged weed plants per m2 were counted 56 daa. Tobacco yield was evaluated by determining the yield per third of the plant (lower, middle, and upper thirds) and the total yield (sum of the yields from each third). The sulfentrazone formulations were efficient in weed control. The herbicide Stone® applied alone or mixed with Gamit® caused mild phytotoxicity in plants under NTS, but no yield losses. No significant difference was found in yield among treatments; however, the yield of the upper third of the plant was higher for plants under NTS, affecting the total yield. The sulfentrazone formulations used provided efficient weed control and selectivity to tobacco plants. The use of NTS resulted in higher yields.
Introduction:The current society has been identified as the Information Society. Questions related to information and its flow are instigated to its understanding and social influence, taking into ...account documents, varied contents and subjects, diversified behaviors and people who use, receive and reproduce information. The university has the role of contributing to the transformation, training and social awareness from the inseparability between teaching, research and extension by impacting on the personal and professional formation of society, however, the small amount of publication in information science, on the extension university in the community in a situation of social vulnerability, provokes us to question the social relevance of the Extension Program of the Department of Information Science of the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Objective: Thus, through an analysis of the extension in information science, this research article in progress, has the followingobjective:to reflect on the importance and social relevance of the extension carried out in the community in a situation of socialvulnerability. Methodology:used is qualitative with an interpretive critical approach, in two distinct and connected moments: the bibliographical research, in this study,and the field research in the data collection. Result:the practice of participatory extension is evident where, in an interdisciplinary and democratic way, the distance between the academic world and the periphery community, between scientific and popular knowledge, can be reduced through university extension in Information Science. Conclusion: These will be confirmed or not at theconclusionof the ongoing field research through interviews and document analysis
This study was undertaken to evaluate the sodium concentration in meat products, to ascertain their appropriateness for labels and agreements set up between the Health Ministry and the Brazilian ...Association of Food Industries. A total of 96 meat derivative samples (italian salami, chicken pate, cooked ham, ham, sausage, bologna, tuscan sausage and smoked mixed sausage) were collected from different brands and batches. Using flame emission spectroscopy, the samples were analyzed for sodium levels based on the official methodology. It was observed that 46.9% of the companies showed values in nutritional labeling to be noncompliant with the Brazilian legislation. In fact, 31.2% of the brands assessed failed to satisfy the sodium reduction target decided upon for 2017. The italian salami was the product with the higher sodium content present a average value among the brands of 1716.11 mg 100 g-1. It became evident that merely implementing voluntary agreements had failed to provide total adequacy in the sodium content of the meat products. There is also great need for the industries to be more engaged in finding substitutes to minimize the sodium levels in the foods, without inducing significant alterations in the physicochemical, microbiological and technological features of the products, apart from the higher inspection by the government agencies in terms of agreement compliance and population awareness.
Introduction. The research aims to analyse the publishers, countries of publication, citation indexes, article processing charges, and their inter-relations, in the journals that make up the ...Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), a global directory that offers scientific information in immediate and exclusive open access. Method. Bibliographic, quantitative, and inferential study of 9,005 journals in the DOAJ, focusing on publishers, countries of publication, article processing charges, and citation indexes. Analysis. Calculation of absolute and relative frequencies, measurement of central tendency, chi-squared test, and Mann-Whitney U test using the R statistical software (version 3.2.4) with a 95% confidence interval. Results. Brazil is the country with the largest number of titles (10.9%), followed by the United Kingdom, which has a greater number of titles with article processing charges fees averaging US$ 1,474 for those that are DOAJ No Seal and US$ 862 for those that are certified DOAJ Seal. Europe has the greatest number of open access titles (47.6%). The Hindawi Publishing Corporation, Elsevier, De Gruyter Open, BioMed Central, and Springer are the publishers with the greatest number of journals and a higher presence in citation indexes (Journal Citation Reports and SCImago Journal Rank). DOAJ Seal journals are correlated and more likely to have article processing charges fees. Conclusions. In the consolidation of open access journals, commercial publishers and countries with a tradition of scientific publishing continue to gather the majority of journals. Thus, the oligopoly of commercial scientific publishers is maintained.
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