We postulated that a synergistic combination of two innate immune functions, pathogen surface recognition and lysis, in a protein chimera would lead to a robust class of engineered antimicrobial ...therapeutics for protection against pathogens. In support of our hypothesis, we have engineered such a chimera to protect against the Gram-negative Xylella fastidiosa (Xf), which causes diseases in multiple plants of economic importance. Here we report the design and delivery of this chimera to target the Xf subspecies fastidiosa (Xff), which causes Pierce disease in grapevines and poses a great threat to the wine-growing regions of California. One domain of this chimera is an elastase that recognizes and cleaves MopB, a conserved outer membrane protein of Xff. The second domain is a lytic peptide, cecropin B, which targets conserved lipid moieties and creates pores in the Xff outer membrane. A flexible linker joins the recognition and lysis domains, thereby ensuring correct folding of the individual domains and synergistic combination of their functions. The chimera transgene is fused with an amino-terminal signal sequence to facilitate delivery of the chimera to the plant xylem, the site of Xff colonization. We demonstrate that the protein chimera expressed in the xylem is able to directly target Xff, suppress its growth, and significantly decrease the leaf scorching and xylem clogging commonly associated with Pierce disease in grapevines. We believe that similar strategies involving protein chimeras can be developed to protect against many diseases caused by human and plant pathogens.
•The newest agricultural frontier in Brazil is the Matopiba.•The spatiotemporal dynamics can subsidy agricultural planning in Matopiba.•This study identified important zones of soybean production in ...the Matopiba, Brazil.
Brazil is a world leader in the production and export of grains, particularly soybeans. The newest agricultural frontier in Brazil is the Matopiba region, which is a continuous zone formed by the states of Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí, and Bahia, located mostly within the Cerrado biome. The objective of this study was to analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of soybean production and yield in the Matopiba region. We analyzed municipality-based planted areas and production data obtained by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics during 1990–2015. Yield was estimated from the production and planted area, and the data were analyzed using global and local Moran indices. The results showed that soybean production in the Matopiba region does not occur randomly. Positive and significant autocorrelation was found at the beginning of the time series among those municipalities located in the west of Bahia. This region influenced the soybean expansion from south to north. Currently, high-production areas are concentrated in two autocorrelated blocks: one in western Bahia and the other in the central Matopiba region. Analysis of spatial autocorrelation involving yield showed a decreasing trend at the end of the time series. The presence of municipalities with high yield surrounded by others with low yield, and vice-versa, were observed. The findings of this study could assist local and regional agricultural planning in the Matopiba region, and support related analyses in other fields of agriculture, the environment, and logistics.
The adverse effects of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) using tenofovir disoproxil fumarate are barriers to PrEP initiation and continuation. Although serious effects are rare and predictable, ...evidence for this assessment among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) is still limited. This study assesses the adverse effects of daily oral PrEP in MSM and TGW. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials and cohort studies on the use of daily oral PrEP selected from the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Data extraction included adverse effects and changes in renal and hepatic markers. Random effects models were used to summarize the risk of adverse effects throughout the study. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran's Q test and the inconsistency test (I2). The risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. The search identified 653 references. Of these, 10 were selected. All studies assessed the eligibility of renal and hepatic markers. The use of daily oral PrEP was not associated with grade 3 or 4 adverse events (RR = 0.99; 95%CI: 0.83-1.18; I2 = 26.1%), any serious adverse event (RR = 1.04; 95%CI: 0.58-1.87; I2 = 88.4%), grade 3+4 creatinine level (RR = 0.66; 95%CI: 0.24-1.84; I2 = 79.9%), and grade 3 or 4 hypophosphatemia (RR = 0.56; 95%CI: 0.15-2.10). The certainty of the evidence ranged from high to moderate for the outcomes analyzed. Daily oral PrEP is safe and well tolerated by MSM and TGW. Adverse effects were minimal and evenly distributed between intervention and control.
Lice are highly specialized parasites that spend their entire life cycle on their host. Thus, a particular species of chewing lice is often restricted either to a single host species or to a ...phylogenetically related species. About 560 species of these insects parasitize mammals exclusively. Cebidicola semiarmatus is one of these species, known to parasitize several primate species of the genus Aloautta. This paper presents the first record of C. semiarmatus parasitizing A. guariba clamintans.
A new estimation method for load P-margin of transmission systems is proposed by using machine learning techniques. The estimation solution uses a reduced number of features as inputs to the machine ...learning algorithm and does not rely on power flow measurements, avoiding using time-varying grid parameters. The method involves investigating the performance of several machine learning algorithms to undertake the estimation task and explore different data transformation processes, including an optimized feature selection scheme, enabling an enhanced performance of the machine learning algorithms. Moreover, the method comprises the use of different Explainable-AI approaches to better understand the behavior of the solution. The method’s performance for different noise levels is widely studied by employing a noise model available in the recent technical literature. The mean absolute percentage error - MAPE and the root mean square error - RMSE are calculated for performance assessment. Numerical examples of the proposed technique are presented using the IEEE 14-bus test system, considering normal and contingency (N-1,N-2) conditions for a wide range of load cases.
The aim of the present study was to detect Cercopithifilaria bainae and other tick-borne pathogens and to perform molecular characterization of the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. collected from ...dogs. Ticks (n = 432, including 8 larvae, 59 nymphs, and 365 adults) were sampled from domiciled dogs (n = 73) living in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul (Midwest Brazil). All ticks were morphologically identified as R. sanguineus. Genomic DNA was extracted in pools (three to five ticks per animal) and was used for definition of R. sanguineus haplotypes (based on 16S rRNA analysis) and pathogen identification (Cercopithifilaria sp., Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Hepatozoon canis, Babesia vogeli and Rickettsia spp.). Rhipicephal us sanguineus specimens were identified as haplotypes A and B. DNA of Cercopithifilaria bainae (43.83%; 32/73), Ehrlichia canis (24.65%; 18/73), Anaplasma platys (19.17%; 14/73), and Hepatozoon canis (5.47%; 4/73) was detected. The identity of pathogens was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. The present study confirms the presence of haplotypes A and B of R. sanguineus in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul and its importance as a vector of several pathogens of veterinary concern. Finally, this is the first report to identify C. bainae in ticks in the Midwestern region of Brazil.
The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has dramatic effects on individuals and health care systems. In our institute, a tertiary oncologic public hospital with high surgical volume, ...we prioritize maintaining cancer treatment as well as possible. The aim of this study is to evaluate if uro-oncological surgeries at pandemic are safe.
We evaluated patients who underwent uro-oncological procedures. Epidemiological data, information on COVID-19 infection related to surgery and clinical characteristics of non-survival operative patients with COVID-19 infections were analyzed.
From 213 patients analyzed, Covid-19 symptoms were noticed in 8 patients at preoperative process or at hospital admission postponing operation; 161 patients were submitted to elective surgery and 44 to emergency surgery. From patients submitted to elective surgeries, we had 1 patient with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 (0,6%), with mild symptoms and quick discharge. From the urgencies group, we had 6(13%)patients tested positive; 5 were taken to ICU with 4 deaths.
Elective uro-oncological procedures at the COVID-19 epidemic period in a COVID-19-free Institute are safe, and patients who need urgent procedures, with a long period of hospitalization, need special care to avoid COVID-19 infection and its outcomes.
Appropriate measures of infection prevention and management are integral to optimal clinical practice and standards of care. Among surgeons, these measures are often over-looked. However, surgeons ...are at the forefront in preventing and managing infections. Surgeons are responsible for many of the processes of healthcare that impact the risk for surgical site infections and play a key role in their prevention. Surgeons are also at the forefront in managing patients with infections, who often need prompt source control and appropriate antibiotic therapy, and are directly responsible for their outcome. In this context, the direct leadership of surgeons in infection prevention and management is of utmost importance. In order to disseminate worldwide this message, the editorial has been translated into 9 different languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, and Turkish).
ABSTRACT Introduction: Load reduction using the repetition maximum (RM) method may be necessary to promote higher numbers of repetitions, and consequently, higher total volume, time under tension, ...and perceived exertion ratings. Objective: To compare the effects of different leg press exercise loads on number of repetitions, total volume, time under tension, and perceived exertion. Methods: Eighteen women university students (23.9 ± 3.8 years) performed two experimental sessions with 90% and 100% of 10-12 RM in a balanced crossover design. Results: The number of repetitions of the second and third sets, the total volume, and time under tension at 90% of 10-12 RM was statistically higher than at 100% of 10-12 RM ( p < 0.05). The perceived exertion of the first and second sets and the training load (perceived exertion x duration of sessions) were higher at 100% of the 10-12 RM session ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: A small reduction in load results in a greater number of repetitions, total volume, and time under tension. The session with the higher load appeared to induce higher perceived exertion and training load. Thus, scientists and coaches might consider lower loads to maximize the number of repetitions, total volume, and time under tension, which may cause greater long-term muscular adaptations. Level of evidence II; Comparative prospective study.
RESUMO Introdução: A redução da carga pelo método das repetições máximas (RM) pode ser necessária para promover maior número de repetições e, consequentemente, maior volume total, tempo sob tensão e classificações do esforço percebido. Objetivo: Comparar os efeitos de diferentes cargas do exercício leg press no número de repetições, volume total, tempo sob tensão e percepção de esforço. Métodos: Dezoito universitárias (23,9 ± 3,8 anos) realizaram duas sessões experimentais com 90% e 100% de 10-12 RM em desenho transversal balanceado. Resultados: O número de repetições da segunda e terceira séries, volume total e tempo sob tensão a 90% de 10-12 RM foi estatisticamente maior do que a 100% de 10-12 RM (p < 0,05). A percepção do esforço da primeira e segunda séries e a carga de treinamento (percepção do esforço x duração das sessões) foram maiores na sessão realizada com 100% de 10-12 RM (p < 0,05). Conclusão: Uma pequena redução da carga resulta em maior número de repetições, volume total e tempo sob tensão. A sessão com maior carga induziu maior percepção do esforço e carga de treinamento. Assim, cientistas e treinadores podem considerar cargas menores para maximizar o número de repetições, o volume total e o tempo sob tensão, o que pode causar maiores adaptações musculares a longo prazo. Nível de evidência II; Estudo prospectivo comparativo.
RESUMEN Introducción: La reducción de la carga por el método de las repeticiones máximas (RM) puede ser necesaria para promover un mayor número de repeticiones y, consecuentemente, un mayor volumen total, tiempo bajo tensión y calificaciones del esfuerzo percibido. Objetivo: Comparar los efectos de diferentes cargas del ejercicio de prensa de piernas sobre el número de repeticiones, volumen, tiempo bajo tensión y esfuerzo percibido. Métodos: Dieciocho estudiantes universitarios (23,9 ± 3,8 años) realizaron dos sesiones experimentales con el 90% y el 100% de 10-12 RM en un diseño trasversal equilibrado. Resultados: El número de repeticiones de la segunda y tercera serie, el volumen total y el tiempo bajo tensión al 90% de 10-12 RM fue estadísticamente mayor que al 100% de 10-12 RM (p < 0,05). El esfuerzo percibido de la primera y segunda serie y la carga de entrenamiento (esfuerzo percibido x duración de las sesiones) fueron superiores en la sesión realizada al 100% de 10-12 RM (p < 0,05). Conclusión: Una pequeña reducción de la carga da lugar a un mayor número de repeticiones, volumen total y tiempo bajo tensión. La sesión con mayor carga indujo un mayor esfuerzo percibido y carga de entrenamiento. Por lo tanto, los científicos y entrenadores pueden considerar cargas más bajas para maximizar el número de repeticiones, el volumen total y el tiempo bajo tensión, lo que puede causar mayores adaptaciones musculares a largo plazo. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudio prospectivo comparativo.
Background
The infections caused by fungi represent a global concern and an important cause of hospital admissions in endemic areas. The influence of socio‐environmental factors in infectious ...diseases has been documented; however, this phenomenon remains unclear regarding mycoses.
Objectives
This study aimed to analyse the spatio‐temporal dynamics of hospitalisations for mycoses (HM) and the association with socio‐economic and climate data in the Amazon‐Savanna Transition Region in the state of Maranhão, Brazil.
Methods
In this study, Spearman's correlation was applied to determine the correlation between HM, socio‐economic and climatic data obtained from national databases in the period from 1998 to 2016. Hospitalisations for mycoses data were spatialised and analysed using the local Moran's index.
Results
Our data revealed a negative and significant correlation between HM and socio‐economic data regarding population, demographic density, human development index, health facilities and sanitary sewage. Significant correlations were observed between HM and precipitation, maximum temperature and minimum temperature. The main modulating climatic variable was the minimum temperature. The spatial autocorrelation analysis showed the dynamics of HM in municipalities belonging to the different regions of the state influenced by socio‐economic conditions. We observed the presence of municipalities with high incidence of HM surrounded by others with low HM cases and vice versa.
Conclusions
Our results indicate that hospitalisations for mycoses represent an important indicator of socio‐environmental vulnerability in the Amazon‐Savanna transition region in Brazil. We encourage the adoption of measures to mitigate social and environmental impact on these diseases, especially in municipalities with low socio‐economic status.
New insights into the modulation of social, economic (HDI: human development index, health facilities, and sanitary sewage), and environmental conditions (precipitation, maximum temperature, and minimum temperature) on hospitalisations for mycoses, which represents an important indicator of socioenvironmental vulnerability. Unfavorable socioeconomic conditions together with climate variables such as precipitation and minimum and maximum temperatures may positively or negatively modulate depending on the etiologic agent of mycosis.
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