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The Forestry Adopt - A - Tree 4-H Project Book (4HFOM11) is for children ages 5-8. Kids locate and "adopt" a nearby tree, track changes to it over time, do bark and leaf rubbings, and search for visiting wildlife. Youngsters are also introduced to three common and special Florida trees: Cabbage Palm, Live Oak, and Longleaf Pine. First published February 2001.

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 has the capacity to evolve mutations that escape vaccine- and infection-acquired immunity and antiviral drugs. A variant-agnostic therapeutic agent that protects against severe disease without putting selective pressure on the virus would thus be a valuable biomedical tool that would maintain its efficacy despite the ongoing emergence of new variants. Here, we challenge male rhesus macaques with SARS-CoV-2 Delta—the most pathogenic variant in a highly susceptible animal model. At the time of challenge, we also treat the macaques with aerosolized RBD-62, a protein developed through multiple rounds of in vitro evolution of SARS-CoV-2 RBD to acquire 1000-fold enhanced ACE2 binding affinity. RBD-62 treatment equivalently suppresses virus replication in both upper and lower airways, a phenomenon not previously observed with clinically approved vaccines. Importantly, RBD-62 does not block the development of virus-specific T- and B-cell responses and does not elicit anti-drug immunity. These data provide proof-of-concept that RBD-62 can prevent severe disease from a highly virulent variant.

Background: : Biobehavioral interventions including relaxation, distraction, and mindfulness meditation exercises have been shown to decrease perioperative stress, anxiety, and pain. Our aims were to 1) quantify pediatric surgical patient-reported pre-operative exposure to and post-operative use of biobehavioral interventions; 2) understand barriers and facilitators to incorporation of biobehavioral interventions into clinical practice; and 3) evaluate associated patient-reported outcomes. Methods: : We conducted an embedded mixed-methods study with a quantitative focus. Data were collected as part of the 18-hospital ENhanced Recovery In CHildren Undergoing Surgery (ENRICH-US) clinical trial for children, ages 10–18 years, undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery. Patients/caregivers were surveyed about preoperative exposure to and postoperative use of biobehavioral interventions. Four semi-structured group interviews with 20 pediatric surgery providers were conducted. Outcomes included pain-related functional disability, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and perioperative nervousness. Results: : 41 % (n = 67) of 164 enrolled patients/caregivers reported preoperative exposure to and 71 % (n = 117) reported postoperative use of a biobehavioral intervention(s). Barriers to incorporation of biobehavioral interventions included lack of standardized workflows, clinician knowledge, and resources. Potential facilitators included media and peer-counseling. After adjusting for individual and hospital characteristics, those who reported using a biobehavioral intervention(s) were 70 % less likely to report worsened postoperative nervousness (95 % CI 0.10–0.91; p = 0.03). Reported use of a biobehavioral intervention(s) was not found to be associated with pain-related functional disability or HRQoL. Conclusions: : Use of a biobehavioral intervention(s) may stabilize postoperative nervousness of children undergoing surgery. There is a need for redesign of clinical workflows and clinician training to facilitate integration of biobehavioral interventions.

Amyloid-β oligomers are a cytotoxic structure that is key for the establishment of the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These structures promote subcellular alterations that cause synaptic dysfunction, loss of cell communication, and even cell death, generating cognitive deficits. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effects of amyloid-β1-42 oligomers (AβOs) on the membranous organelles involved in protein processing: the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus (GA). The results obtained with 10 μM AβOs in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells showed that oligomeric structures are more toxic than monomers because they cause cell viability to decrease as exposure time increases. Survivor cells were analyzed to further understand the toxic effects of AβOs on intracellular organelles. Survivor cells showed morphological alterations associated with abnormal cytoskeleton modification 72–96 h after exposure to AβOs. Moreover, the ER and GA presented rearrangement throughout the cytoplasmic space, which could be attributed to a lack of constitutive protein processing or to previous abnormal cytoskeleton modification. Interestingly, the disorganization of both ER and GA organelles exposed to AβOs is likely an early pathological alteration that could be related to aberrant protein processing and accumulation in AD.

Coordinated activation and inhibition of F-actin supports the movements of morphogenesis. Understanding the proteins that regulate F-actin is important, since these proteins are mis-regulated in diseases like cancer. Our studies of C. elegans embryonic epidermal morphogenesis identified the GTPase CED-10/Rac1 as an essential activator of F-actin. However, we need to identify the GEF, or Guanine-nucleotide Exchange Factor, that activates CED-10/Rac1 during embryonic cell migrations. The two-component GEF, CED-5/CED-12, is known to activate CED-10/Rac1 to promote cell movements that result in the engulfment of dying cells during embryogenesis, and a later cell migration of the larval Distal Tip Cell. It is believed that CED-5/CED-12 powers cellular movements of corpse engulfment and DTC migration by promoting F-actin formation. Therefore, we tested if CED-5/CED-12 was involved in embryonic migrations, and got a contradictory result. CED-5/CED-12 definitely support embryonic migrations, since their loss led to embryos that died due to failed epidermal cell migrations. However, CED-5/CED-12 inhibited F-actin in the migrating epidermis, the opposite of what was expected for a CED-10 GEF. To address how CED-12/CED-5 could have two opposing effects on F-actin, during corpse engulfment and cell migration, we investigated if CED-12 harbors GAP (GTPase Activating Protein) functions. A candidate GAP region in CED-12 faces away from the CED-5 GEF catalytic region. Mutating a candidate catalytic Arginine in the CED-12 GAP region (R537A) altered the epidermal cell migration function, and not the corpse engulfment function. We interfered with GEF function by interfering with CED-5's ability to bind Rac1/CED-10. Mutating Serine-Arginine in CED-5/DOCK predicted to bind and stabilize Rac1 for catalysis, resulted in loss of both ventral enclosure and corpse engulfment. Genetic and expression studies strongly support that the GAP function likely acts on different GTPases. Thus, we propose CED-5/CED-12 support the cycling of multiple GTPases, by using distinct domains, to both promote and inhibit F-actin nucleation.

Objetivo: Describir las prácticas de médicos especialistas en urología e infectología con práctica clínica en Colombia para el manejo de la bacteriuria asintomática (BA) preoperatoria de pacientes candidatos a cirugía de cálculos urinarios. Método: Estudio de corte transversal, con recolección de datos por medio de instrumento tipo encuesta, diligenciada por especialistas en urología e infectología en Colombia. Se excluyeron las encuestas con respuestas incompletas o participantes con práctica clínica fuera de Colombia. El análisis estadístico se realizó en SPSS v25.0. Se consideró significativa una p < 0,05. Resultados: Se incluyeron 187 participantes, 85% urólogos y 15% infectólogos. La conducta prequirúrgica más frecuente en el manejo de la BA preoperatoria fue iniciar tratamiento antibiótico dirigido por urocultivo 72 horas antes del procedimiento quirúrgico y llevar al paciente a cirugía dentro de los siguientes tres días. Se evidenciaron diferencias en la práctica clínica (uso de antibiótico postoperatorio, tratamiento de la BA en pacientes con derivación urinaria, tiempo de validez del urocultivo preoperatorio, recomendación de diferir procedimiento hasta tener urocultivo negativo) según la especialidad y el volumen asistencial. Conclusiones: Se ha identificado heterogeneidad en el manejo de la BA previo a cirugía endourológica en Colombia. Se abre una oportunidad para desarrollar recomendaciones colombianas para el manejo de la BA preoperatoria en urolitiasis.

Gold miners working illegally in mines live in poor health conditions related to their strenuous work and precarious housing. Therefore, they are at higher risk for infectious diseases. American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) appears to be of great concern to the population living in the Guiana Shield region. Our aim was to describe their demographic characteristics, the clinical features of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), and the frequency of Leishmania infection in people working in illegal gold mines in French Guiana. A cross-sectional study was carried out from October to December 2019 in Oiapoque city, Amapá, Brazil. Indeed, many gold miners working in French Guiana are originally from Brazil, and from Oiapoque in particular. A total of 105 participants from 31 different mining sites in French Guiana were recruited. Suspected Leishmania infection was confirmed by the following: detection of kDNA in blood or the lesion site; detection of specific antibodies; or detection of IFN-γ release after blood incubation with leishmanial antigens (IGRA-Leish). Nine active CL cases, 38 healed ATL (hATL) and 58 cases with no history of ATL (noATL), were identified. Only half of the treated hATL (50.0%; n = 14) reported having been assisted by a health care unit and the others treated themselves. PCR-kDNA for Leishmania was positive in the blood of 100% of CL cases. Curiously, blood PCR-kDNA was positive in 13% of hATL patients and in 15.5% of noATL patients. The IGRA-Leish was positive in 60.5% of hATL and in 37.9% of noATL. In addition to scars suggestive of CL, 71% of hATL had laboratory evidence of Leishmania infection. Restriction fragment polymorphism (RFLP) of the hsp70 gene identified a sympatric circulation of L. (V.) guyanensis (n = 4), L. (V.) braziliensis (n = 1), L. (L.) amazonensis (n = 2), L. (V.) shawi (n = 1) and L. (V.) naiffi/shawi (n = 1). Taking the laboratory techniques and the clinical evaluations together, 76% (n = 80) of the 105 participants had evidence of Leishmania infection. These results suggests that illegal gold miners working in French Guiana are at high risk for infection with different species of Leishmania, but their illegal condition and remoteness make it difficult for them to access health services.

This research examines visitor engagement with genocidal memorial museums expressed in visitor comments at the conclusion of the museum visit. We analyze the educative function of memorial museums in genocide prevention. Museums that advance a preventative function are gaining traction in the literature on transitional justice, especially that on non-punitive, restorative justice mechanisms. In this sense, we examine two museums in Guatemala and measure visitor engagement and the efficacy of never again. In Guatemala City, we examine the Casa de la Memoria, which presents the complete historical narrative of the Maya. In Baja Verapaz, we study the Rabinal Museo Comunitario de la Memoria Historica, exclusive to the historical memory of the Maya Achí and which seeks to educate about the genocide committed against them by the government between 1980 and 1984. We develop a typology of the comments we call memory-words left by visitors to each museum as recorded in their guest logs/visitor books and in other memorial spaces within each museum that allows for individual expression of the museum experience. Finally, we try to determine whether each museums’ typology of memory-words resulted in a particular message (specific to Guatemala) or a more universal message of never again that mirrors current mass atrocities world-wide, and if so, in what context.

Abstract Environmental education has the potential to help reduce negative human–wildlife interactions by increasing positive attitudes toward wildlife and providing participants with knowledge and skills that can help mitigate conflict situations and promote safety. To promote positive human–wildlife relationships, effective programs could be implemented widely in areas near remote wildlife reserves and protected areas. We created and evaluated a new environmental education program for 10‐ to 13‐year‐old students in rural schools in India where human–wildlife conflicts with large mammals frequently occur. Between July 2019 and March 2020, we tested the program at 129 schools, reaching 4331 students. The program, which was iteratively designed to fit the local context, is both cost‐effective and scalable. We found that participation in the program resulted in a significant positive increase in local environmental knowledge, in knowledge of safe behaviors, and in some measures of environmental attitudes. This paper reports on the lessons learned while creating this program that may help other organizations interested in using environmental education in regions where negative human–wildlife interactions frequently occur.

Abstract High‐quality, gridded maps of crop yield, which discern the spatial variability in productivity across individual farm fields, are extremely valuable in numerous agricultural and remote sensing applications. The availability of these data was greatly facilitated by the development and adoption of grain yield monitors starting in the early 1990s. However, the utility of raw yield monitor data is limited if additional processing has not been carried out to ensure data quality. In addition, a readily accessible data repository that allows for examining long‐term yield variability in response to climate and management is often not available. We present a protocol for producing a multi‐year (7 years currently processed), gridded yield data archive derived from yield monitor data acquired from over 40 production fields at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Beltsville, MD. Production of the archive involved the projection of the yield monitor data into a geographic coordinate system suitable for mapping, the identification and removal of data outliers, and the production of gridded, spatially interpolated yield maps using block Kriging. All map products were produced in common, nonproprietary file formats for easy access. Preliminary assessments of the processed yield monitor data have underscored the necessity of data filtering and have shown the influence of previous land use practices and biophysical properties, such as topography and soil moisture availability, on yield response. We discuss the use of spatially interpolated, archival yield maps in the implementation of precision farming techniques such as the development of site‐specific variable rate prescriptions as well as remote sensing applications, including the selection of field sites for long‐term agricultural experiments and the assessment of crop modeling approaches. The gridded yield data archive will be housed at the National Agricultural Library as a dynamic dataset that will continue to expand in breadth and depth. It will be a part of and provide support to internal USDA yield monitoring investigations as well as complementary external efforts. All geospatial data delivered to NAL will adhere to the ISO 19115 Geospatial Metadata Standards to provide the user with a full understanding of the yield monitor and associated datasets.

Abstract An array of surface drifters deployed ahead of Hurricane Michael measured the surface temperature, pressure, directional wind and wave spectra, and surface currents one day before it made landfall as a Category 5 Hurricane. The drifters, 25–50 km apart, spanned two counter‐rotating ocean eddies as Hurricane Michael rapidly intensified. The drifters measured the shift of wave energy between frequency bands in each quadrant of the storm, the response of upper ocean currents, and the resulting cold wake following Michael's passage. Wave energy was greatest in the front quadrants and rapidly decreased in the left‐rear quadrant, where wind and wave energy were misaligned, and components of the wave field were aligned with currents. Hurricane Michael's wave field agreed with previous studies of nondirectional wave spectra across multiple tropical cyclones but had some unique characteristics. The analysis demonstrates how co‐located surface wind and wave observations can complement existing airborne and satellite observations.

Several countries are reporting natural populations of P. falciparum with deletions in the pfhrp2/3 genes that can lead to false-negative results in rapid diagnostic tests. To investigate the prevalence of deletion in the pfhrp2/3 genes in the Rio Negro basin in the Brazilian Amazon and identify whether there is clinical differentiation between individuals infected by these parasites, clinical samples collected from 2003 to 2016 were analyzed from symptomatic and asymptomatic P. falciparum-infected individuals. The molecular deletion of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes was evaluated using the protocols recommended by the WHO. From 82 samples used, 28 (34.2%) had a single deletion in pfhrp2, 19 (23.2%) had a single deletion in pfhrp3, 15 (18.3%) had a double deletion (pfhrp2/3), and 20 (24.4%) did not have a deletion in either gene. In total, 29.3% of individuals had an asymptomatic plasmodial infection and were 3.64 times more likely to have parasites with a double deletion (pfhrp2/3) than patients with clinical malaria (p = 0.02). The high prevalence of parasites with pfhrp2/3 deletions shows the need to implement a surveillance program in this area. Deletions in parasites may be associated with the clinical pattern of the disease in this area. More studies must be carried out to elucidate these findings.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder that has become a global health emergency according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It affects 280 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability and financial loss. Patients with MDD present immunoendocrine alterations like cortisol resistance and inflammation, which are associated with alterations in neurotransmitter metabolism. There are currently numerous therapeutic options for patients with MDD; however, some studies suggest a high rate of therapeutic failure. There are multiple hypotheses explaining the pathophysiological mechanisms of MDD, in which several systems are involved, including the neuroendocrine and immune systems. In recent years, inflammation has become an important target for the development of new therapeutic options. Extracellular monomeric ubiquitin (emUb) is a molecule that has been shown to have immunomodulatory properties through several mechanisms including cholinergic modulation and the generation of regulatory T cells. In this perspective article, we highlight the influence of the inflammatory response in MDD. In addition, we review and discuss the evidence for the use of emUb contained in Transferon as a concomitant treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

From the healing narratives of Jesus in the Gospels to the genesis of the first hospital to the practice of modern medicine, questions surrounding health and care for those who are sick and dying run through the heart of the Christian story. One way that individuals and communities have sought to live into their faith has been through missional medicine, that is, seeking to intentionally use the tools of medicine in step with and to bear witness to the life of Christ, particularly in crosscultural and global contexts. In this commentary, we take up the incisive question of the late missionary physician Raymond Downing, “is there a distinctive Christian approach to global health?” Or, what sets (and should set) Christian approaches to global health apart from other interventions? Here, we argue that there are at least three distinctive Christian contributions to global health. First, missional medicine movements have been committed to the building of long-standing hospitals and academic medical institutions that have left indelible marks on long-term health outcomes for people and communities. Second, practitioners motivated by Christian convictions disproportionately serve and remain long-term in marginalized, rural, and underserved areas; many of which are connected to fragile or under-developed health systems. Thirdly, Christian medical missionaries and global health workers ought to be, in the words of Jacques Ellul: preserving salt, revealing light, and “sheep in the midst of wolves.” This is a theologically framed vocation that accepts suffering and sacrifice, embracing solidarity through accompaniment. This paper is not meant to be a comprehensive history of missional medicine nor a defence of its problematic manifestations over the centuries. Rather, we candidly explore examples of the distinctive contributions that have been made, and we hope will continue to be made, by medical missionaries and global health workers who are motivated by their faith.

Abstract Infection with Schistosoma sp. during pregnancy can cause low birth weight of the newborn. To allow a better differentiation between newborns with low birth weight and those with normal weight, the terms of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), small for gestational age (SGA) or fetal growth restriction (FGR) should be used. FGR describes the relationship between birth weight and gestational age and is defined as the incapability of a fetus to achieve expected growth with birth weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age. Additional investigations of the proportion of newborns with FGR should obtain more certainty about the effect of praziquantel and schistosomiasis on fetal growth.

Introduction: Despite being a widely used screening questionnaire, there is no consensus on the most appropriate measurement model for the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Furthermore, there have been limited studies on its measurement invariance across cross-cultural subgroups, genders, and sexual orientations. Aims: The present study aimed to examine the fit of different measurement models for the AUDIT and its measurement invariance across a wide range of subgroups by country, language, gender, and sexual orientation. Methods: Responses concerning past-year alcohol use from the participants of the cross-sectional International Sex Survey were considered (N = 62,943; Mage: 32.73; SD = 12.59). Confirmatory factor analysis, as well as measurement invariance tests were performed for 21 countries, 14 languages, three genders, and four sexual-orientation subgroups that met the minimum sample size requirement for inclusion in these analyses. Results: A two-factor model with factors describing ‘alcohol use’ (items 1–3) and ‘alcohol problems’ (items 4–10) showed the best model fit across countries, languages, genders, and sexual orientations. For the former two, scalar and latent mean levels of invariance were reached considering different criteria. For gender and sexual orientation, a latent mean level of invariance was reached. Conclusions: In line with the two-factor model, the calculation of separate alcohol-use and alcohol-problem scores is recommended when using the AUDIT. The high levels of measurement invariance achieved for the AUDIT support its use in cross-cultural research, capable also of meaningful comparisons among genders and sexual orientations.

Antecedentes: La obesidad es un trastorno multifactorial caracterizado por un aumento en la adiposidad corporal, de amplia prevalencia en nuestro país, a cualquier edad y ligada a grandes consecuencias adversas, incluyendo el desarrollo de cardiopatías. Los programas de rehabilitación cardiaca (RC) son intervenciones interdisciplinarias encaminadas no solo a restaurar la funcionalidad perdida de los pacientes que han sufrido un desenlace cardiovascular, sino también a corregir aquellos factores de riesgo que lo propiciaron y que interfieren en los resultados adaptativos del mismo. La obesidad contribuye a perpetuar el riesgo de cardiopatía y suele ser resistente a las modificaciones del estilo de vida de manera convencional. Objetivo: Establecer pautas en el reconocimiento de la obesidad con directrices de atención al paciente con cardiopatía dentro de los programas de RC y su abordaje interdisciplinario. Método: A través de una extensiva revisión bibliográfica y después de una discusión interdisciplinaria, se elaboró el presente documento para fijar una postura sobre el abordaje de la obesidad en el contexto de los programas de RC en pacientes con cardiopatía. Resultados y conclusiones: Nuestra Sociedad reconoce el abordaje interdisciplinario de los pacientes con obesidad y cardiopatía en su prevención primaria y secundaria, insta a la precisión en su diagnóstico y valoración, y recomienda que su eje primario debe estar basado en primera instancia en las modificaciones del estilo de vida (entrenamiento físico, atención nutricional e intervención psicoemocional), en tanto que la terapia farmacológica y la cirugía bariátrica pudieran ser coadyuvantes en la optimización de los resultados en pacientes selectos.

Background and aimsMany improvements have been made in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in pediatric patients; however, challenges remain in terms of achieving normal growth, body composition, and metabolism during treatment, etc. Current nutritional recommendations are based on studies performed in adults, with limited data on the HIV-infected pediatric population. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the resting energy expenditure (REE) of asymptomatic HIV-infected pediatric patients with healthy counterparts and to compare body composition, dietary intake, and physical activity between the two groups.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of asymptomatic HIV-infected children who were receiving antiretroviral therapy; the infected group was compared with the uninfected group, matched by age (± 6 months), sex, and body mass index (± 0.5 z-score). Participants were recruited between 2021 and 2022, as outpatients. In both groups, REE was determined by indirect calorimetry and body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis and hand strength, measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer.ResultsSeventy-eight participants were enrolled, where n = 39 HIV-infected children and n = 39 controls, with a mean age of 11.6 ± 3.4 years old. REE was significantly higher in the HIV group (1254.4 ± 334.7 kcal/day vs. 1124.7 ± 321 kcal/day, p = 0.013) than in the control group. Fat-free mass (FFM) was lower in the HIV group (28.2 ± 10.5 kg vs. 32 ± 11.2 kg, p = 0.001); this trend continued when the index skeletal muscle was evaluated (7.2 ± 1.2 vs. 7.6 ± 1.5, p = 0.04). The strength of the dominant hand was also lower in the HIV group (12 (8–18) kg vs. 20 (10.5–26) kg, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsChildren with asymptomatic HIV infection have higher REE than their uninfected peers. They also present decreased FFM, skeletal muscle mass index, and muscle strength. These parameters should be considered during nutritional assessment in this population to have a favorable impact on nutritional status and growth.

Brucellosis is an infection widely distributed around the world, and in some countries it is considered a public health problem. Brucellosis causes insidious symptoms that make it difficult to diagnose. Infection can also trigger chronic pain and neuropsychiatric complications. Antibiotics are not always effective to eradicate infection, contributing to chronicity. We aimed to investigate the effects of antibiotic treatment on proinflammatory cytokines, neurotransmitters, corticosterone, and behavior in a murine model of infecrion of B. abortus strain 2308. Four study groups were created: (a) control; (b) antibiotic control; (c) infected with B. abortus 2308; and (d) infected and treated with rifampicin and doxycycline. We determined B. abortus 2308 colony-forming units (CFUs), the count of dendritic cells, and macrophages in the spleen; serum levels of cytokines and corticosterone; levels of serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine in the brain; and equilibrium, physical strength, anxiety, and hopelessness tests. The infected and treated mice group was compared with the control and infected mice to assess whether treatment is sufficient to recover neuroimmunoendocrine parameters. Our results showed that despite the treatment of brucellosis with rifampicin and doxycycline, antibiotic-treated mice showed a persistence of B. abortus 2308 CFUs, an increased count in macrophage number, and higher circulating levels of corticosterone. Furthermore, the levels of IL-12, IL-6, and TNF-α remained higher. We found a decrease in muscular strength and equilibrium concomitant to changes in neurotransmitters in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and frontal cortex. Our data suggest that the remaining bacterial load after antibiotic administration favors inflammatory, neurochemical, and behavioral alterations, partly explaining the widespread and paradoxical symptomatology experienced by patients with chronic brucellosis.

La radioterapia, hormonoterapia y quimioterapia son pilares importantes en el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata, sin embargo su eficacia se ve limitada por el desarrollo de resistencia. La inflamación crónica tiene un rol importante en el proceso de carcinogénesis, además existe una supresión de la respuesta inmunitaria en cáncer de próstata. Por lo cual, la inmunoterapia representa una herramienta terapéutica prometedora, ya que es capaz de potenciar la respuesta inmunitaria contra tumor. Diferentes ensayos clínicos evalúan la eficacia y utilidad clínica de la inmunoterapia en este cáncer, lo cual será discutido en esta revisión.

Introduction: Myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death in women worldwide. Several studies have shown that estrogens play a cardioprotective role in women by decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increasing nitric oxide (NO). The aim of this work was to determine whether the evolution of myocardial infarction depends on the phase of the estrous cycle. Methods: Female Wistar rats were randomized into the following groups with an (n = 7 per group): (1) ovariectomized (OVX-sham); (2) OVX-48 h coronary occlusion (CO); (3) OVX-2 w CO; (4) proestrus-sham; (5) proestrus-48 h CO; (6) proestrus-2 w CO; (7) estrus-sham; (8) estrus-48 h CO; and (9) estrus-2 w CO. We measured the percentage of myocardial necrosis, cardiac hypertrophy, hemodynamic parameters, and the production of NO and ROS, after acute and chronic myocardial infarction was induced in proestrus or estrus or ovariectomized female rats. Results: The infarct area was reduced in the proestrus groups, while it was increased in the estrus and OVX groups. The left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and ± dP/dt were reduced, but left ventricular diastolic pressure (LVDP) was increased in the OVX groups. NO was increased in the OVX + CO and estrus + CO groups. Production of ROS was increased in OVX rats after myocardial infarction but remained unchanged in proestrus and estrus. Conclusion: The phase of the estrous cycle in which the myocardial infarction occurs is important. When the coronary occlusion occurs during the proestrus phase, it prevents changes in cardiac function, the development of hypertrophy, oxidative stress and changes in NO levels, and reduces the extent of infarction.

FOR195, a 3-page illustrated fact sheet by Lauren McDonell and Martha C. Monroe, outlines land conservation tools and the types of zoning that can improve ecological conditions, create recreational opportunities, and reduce human conflicts in the wildland-urban interface. Includes references. Originally published July 2008 as Land Use in the Wildland-Urban Interface: Land Conservation Tools and Zoning. Revised with Basil Iannone 2022

Brucellosis infection causes non-specific symptoms such as fever, chills, sweating, headaches, myalgia, arthralgia, anorexia, fatigue, and mood disorders. In mouse models, it has been associated with increased levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, a decrease in serotonin and dopamine levels within the hippocampus, induced loss of muscle strength and equilibrium, and increased anxiety and hopelessness. Imipramine (ImiP), a tricyclic antidepressant, is used to alleviate neuropathic pain. This study evaluated the effects of ImiP on Balb/c mice infected with Brucella abortus 2308 (Ba) at 14- and 28-days post-infection. Serum levels of six cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-12, MCP-1. and IL-10) were assessed by FACS, while the number of bacteria in the spleen was measured via CFU. Serotonin levels in the hippocampus were analyzed via HPLC, and behavioral tests were conducted to assess strength, equilibrium, and mood. Our results showed that mice infected with Brucella abortus 2308 and treated with ImiP for six days (Im6Ba14) had significantly different outcomes compared to infected mice (Ba14) at day 14 post-infection. The mood was enhanced in the forced swimming test (FST) (p < 0.01), tail suspension test (TST) (p < 0.0001), and open-field test (p < 0.0001). Additionally, there was an increase in serotonin levels in the hippocampus (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was an improvement in equilibrium (p < 0.0001) and muscle strength (p < 0.01). Lastly, there was a decrease in IL-6 levels (p < 0.05) and CFU count in the spleen (p < 0.0001). At 28 days, infected mice that received ImiP for 20 days (Im20Ba28) showed preservation of positive effects compared to infected mice (Ba28). These effects include the following: (1) improved FST (p < 0.0001) and TST (p < 0.0001); (2) better equilibrium (p < 0.0001) and muscle strength (p < 0.0001); (3) decreased IL-6 levels (p < 0.05); and (4) reduced CFU count in the spleen (p < 0.0001). These findings suggest the potential for ImiP to be used as an adjuvant treatment for the symptoms of brucellosis, which requires future studies.

El presente manuscrito pretende examinar el efecto del marketing relacional en la lealtad de los huéspedes de hoteles de corta estancia. Se empleó un enfoque cuantitativo, de nivel explicativo y diseño ex post facto. El estudio se ejecutó en la ciudad de Ayacucho e involucró la participación de 225 turistas que tuvieron más de tres experiencias en los hoteles. La información se ha recopilado por medio de un cuestionario online y una encuesta de administración propia. Los datos se procesaron en el estadígrafo SPSS 27.0 aplicando las correlaciones bivariadas y la regresión lineal múltiple. El resultado principal señala que el marketing relacional impacta positivamente en la lealtad de los huéspedes de hoteles de corta estancia con una estimación (R2=0,362). Asimismo, los componentes del marketing relacional, confianza (β=0,238; sig.

Abstract Although images play a significant role in environmental communications, few studies have empirically examined whether positive or negative images are more effective at engaging attention and promoting behavior change. We conducted a 6‐week public experiment at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville, Florida, to test whether viewing a photography exhibit featuring images of the impacts of marine plastic pollution on ocean ecosystems (negative valence) or images of pristine ocean ecosystems (positive valence) would increase engagement, monetary donations to conservation, and pledges to help protect the ocean from plastic pollution. We tracked 1179 adults while observing the negative exhibit and 1304 adults while observing the positive exhibit. Of the adults tracked, significantly more engaged with the negative exhibit (270; 22.90%) than the positive exhibit (159; 12.19%). The mean number of pledges per visitor for the negative exhibit was significantly higher than for the positive exhibit. However, there was not a significant difference in donations between the two exhibits. These results suggest that environmental organizations that seek to capture attention should consider using images that show the negative impacts of human behavior on the environment.

A 55-year-old asymptomatic woman with newly diagnosed, locally advanced breast cancer undergoing routine staging with 2-deoxy-2[18F]fluoro-d-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography was found to have multiple hypermetabolic pulmonary nodules on imaging that were concerning for metastatic disease. However, further workup with dedicated chest computed tomography imaging demonstrated multiple bilateral, peripheral nodular lesions with peripheral ground-glass opacity, predominantly in the lower lung zone, that were suspicious for coronavirus disease 2019. The patient ultimately was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 based on detection of viral ribonucleic acid via polymerase chain reaction. Follow-up chest computed tomography scan obtained after 27 days showed complete resolution of the lung lesions. In the setting of a global pandemic, a high index of suspicion for coronavirus disease 2019 in cancer patients is warranted, not only to enable early identification and treatment of a potentially aggressive infection but also to prevent misdiagnosis of metastatic disease.

Abstract According to various historic accounts and material evidence, the practice of producing lime mortars by mixing the quicklime with the sand (i.e. hot-mixing) before first slaking it with water was much more common in the past centuries than appreciated by most contemporary academics, conservation professionals and craftsmen. However, in the last 10 years, there has been resurgence in interest in hot-mixing. In such systems, the steam developed during the mixing is supposed to be crucial in determining the superior characteristics of the mortars, but in-depth investigations on the role of steam in hot-mixing are very few. This study reports the results of some experimental work investigating the effects of water temperature and steam used for lime slaking on the characteristics of lime and related mortars. In these tests, calcic quicklime was slaked in water at 20 and 75 °C, and with steam at 90 °C. Microstructure and mineralogical characteristics of the hydrates were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mortars produced with these limes were tested for fresh (water retention and flowability) and hardened (compressive and flexural strength) properties. Carbonation was assessed using SEM, XRD and phenolphthalein tests. Results show that steam-slaked lime is characterised by portlandite crystals with smaller crystallite size and significantly different microstructure compared to that of water-slaked lime. Results also show that mortars made with steam-slaked lime have higher water retention and flowability than the mortars produced with water-slaked lime. Under conditions of comparatively low relative humidity (c 40–50%), carbonation is slower in the steam-slaked lime mortar due to the lower water content compared to water-slaked lime mortars. Overall, these results confirm anecdotal reports of better workability and water retention and suggest that this production technology, which is only rarely used nowadays, can produce mortars with improved characteristics, and provide a means by which to match the performance of some historic mortars, and create compatible materials for conservation and restoration work.

In the Czech Republic, soil moisture content during the growing season has been decreasing over the past six decades, and drought events have become significantly more frequent. In 2003, 2015, 2018 and 2019, drought affected almost the entire country, with droughts in 2000, 2004, 2007, 2012, 2014 and 2017 having smaller extents but still severe intensities in some regions. The current methods of visiting cadastral areas (approximately 13,000) to allocate compensation funds for the crop yield losses caused by drought or aggregating the losses to district areas (approximately 1000 km2) based on proxy data are both inappropriate. The former due to the required time and resources, the later due to low resolution, which leads to many falsely negative and falsely positive results. Therefore, the study presents a new method to combine ground survey, remotely sensed and model data for determining crop yield losses. The study shows that it is possible to estimate them at the cadastral area level in the Czech Republic and attribute those losses to drought. This can be done with remotely sensed vegetation, water stress and soil moisture conditions with modeled soil moisture anomalies coupled with near-real-time feedback from reporters and with crop status surveys. The newly developed approach allowed the achievement of a proportion of falsely positive errors of less than 10% (e.g., oat 2%, 8%; spring barley 4%, 3%; sugar beets 2%, 21%; and winter wheat 2%, 6% in years 2017, resp. 2018) and allowed for cutting the loss assessment time from eight months in 2017 to eight weeks in 2018.

The tar spot complex (TSC) is a devastating disease of maize (Zea mays L.), occurring in 17 countries throughout Central, South, and North America and the Caribbean, and can cause grain yield losses of up to 80%. As yield losses from the disease continue to intensify in Central America, Phyllachora maydis, one of the causal pathogens of TSC, was first detected in the United States in 2015, and in 2020 in Ontario, Canada. Both the distribution and yield losses due to TSC are increasing, and there is a critical need to identify the genetic resources for TSC resistance. The Seeds of Discovery Initiative at CIMMYT has sought to combine next-generation sequencing technologies and phenotypic characterization to identify valuable alleles held in the CIMMYT Germplasm Bank for use in germplasm improvement programs. Individual landrace accessions of the “Breeders' Core Collection” were crossed to CIMMYT hybrids to form 918 unique accessions topcrosses (F1 families) which were evaluated during 2011 and 2012 for TSC disease reaction. A total of 16 associated SNP variants were identified for TSC foliar leaf damage resistance and increased grain yield. These variants were confirmed by evaluating the TSC reaction of previously untested selections of the larger F1 testcross population (4,471 accessions) based on the presence of identified favorable SNPs. We demonstrated the usefulness of mining for donor alleles in Germplasm Bank accessions for newly emerging diseases using genomic variation in landraces.

The National Panel of Tobacco Consumer Studies (TCS Panel) is a probability-based panel of about 4,000 U.S. adult cigarette, cigar, and smokeless tobacco users developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products to conduct observational and experimental studies to inform tobacco regulatory activities. This paper describes the methods and characteristics of the current panel. The TCS Panel employed a stratified 4-stage sample design and in-person screening of U.S. sampled households. Selected eligible adults participated in an enrollment interview and completed a baseline survey assessing tobacco use behaviors to enroll in the Panel; 3,893 individuals were enrolled from September 2016–August 2017. Replenishment occurred from July 2019–December 2019 with 2,260 new members, for a current panel of 3,929 members. Demographic and tobacco use characteristics of the current panel were analyzed in 2020. Most demographic characteristics of the TCS Panel are similar to those of U.S. tobacco users in the 2018 National Health Interview Survey, suggesting a lack of systematic bias in the Panel. Small, but statistically significant, differences were observed in the proportion of 18- to 25-year-olds; high school diploma and bachelor’s degree/higher; never married and married (p

Dnm2fl/fl Pf4-Cre (Dnm2Plt–/–) mice lacking the endocytic GTPase dynamin 2 (DNM2) in platelets and megakaryocytes (MKs) develop hallmarks of myelofibrosis. At the cellular level, the tyrosine kinase JAK2 is constitutively active but decreased in expression in Dnm2Plt–/– platelets. Additionally, Dnm2Plt–/– platelets cannot endocytose the thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor Mpl, leading to elevated circulating TPO levels. Here, we assessed whether the hyperproliferative phenotype of Dnm2Plt–/– mice was due to JAK2 constitutive activation or to elevated circulating TPO levels. In unstimulated Dnm2Plt–/– platelets, STAT3 and, to a lower extent, STAT5 were phosphorylated, but their phosphorylation was slowed and diminished upon TPO stimulation. We further crossed Dnm2Plt–/– mice in the Mpl–/– background to generate Mpl–/–Dnm2Plt–/– mice lacking Mpl ubiquitously and DNM2 in platelets and MKs. Mpl–/– Dnm2Plt–/– platelets had severely reduced JAK2 and STAT3 but normal STAT5 expression. Mpl–/– Dnm2Plt–/– mice had severely reduced bone marrow MK and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell numbers. Additionally, Mpl–/– Dnm2Plt–/– mice had severe erythroblast (EB) maturation defects, decreased expression of hemoglobin and heme homeostasis genes and increased expression of ribosome biogenesis and protein translation genes in spleen EBs, and developed anemia with grossly elevated plasma erythropoietin (EPO) levels, leading to early fatality by postnatal day 25. Mpl–/– Dnm2Plt+/+ mice had impaired EB development at three weeks of age, which normalized with adulthood. Together, the data shows that DNM2-dependent Mpl-mediated endocytosis in platelets and MKs is required for steady-state hematopoiesis and provides novel insights into a developmentally controlled role for Mpl in normal erythropoiesis, regulating hemoglobin and heme production.

The Cooperative Extension System, a component of every land-grant university, is well positioned to take a leadership role in community engagement in every state. In Florida, a new program called Community Voices, Informed Choices (CIVIC) builds capacity among county and state faculty from the state’s two land-grant universities to engage community members in the process of resolving contentious issues through democratic governance. CIVIC strengthens partnerships with historically underserved communities, offers programs and activities to promote deliberative discussion, and facilitates interest in moving toward solutions. Case studies from three communities illustrate the CIVIC process and demonstrate how Extension faculty help communities help themselves.

La crisis que está ocasionando la enfermedad denominada COVID-19 está afectando severamente al sistema sanitario de diversos países, lo que obliga a tomar medidas alternativas para poder atender a una gran cantidad de pacientes que no pueden acceder a los centros de atención médica. Es por esta razón que se considera como una alternativa la atención domiciliaria para lo cual se debe ser muy riguroso en el cuidado de la persona afectada con COVID 19, ya que, si esto no se realiza de forma adecuada, los demás integrantes del hogar corren el riesgo de contaminarse, lo que incrementaría la saturación de los establecimientos de salud. Indicaciones como la permanencia del enfermo en un solo lugar, el uso de barreras de protección cuando se ingresa a esta área o la constante práctica de la higiene de manos, entre otras medidas, puede encaminar al éxito de este tipo de atención favoreciendo la pronta recuperación del paciente y la preservación de la salud de los demás habitantes del hogar.

The atmosphere-land exchange inverse disaggregation (DisALEXI) algorithm is a multi-scale energy balance model that estimates evapotranspiration (ET) using land-surface temperature (LST) as a driving remote sensing input. Using LST products from ECOSTRESS, a thermal radiometer mounted on the International Space Station, DisALEXI ET products have been produced over the contiguous United States (CONUS) at 70 m resolution. The goal of this study is to demonstrate the accuracy of the CONUS-wide ET produced by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and to compare the results with the original DisALEXI ET produced by researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). DisALEXI-USDA has been produced ad-hoc using Landsat LST, and is routinely produced over six target sites using ECOSTRESS LST. DisALEXI-JPL was implemented in order to expand the spatial coverage. DisALEXI-JPL was evaluated at 26 CONUS eddy covariance sites, showing good correlation, with R2 = 0.80 and RMSE = 0.81 mm/day, which is comparable to previous DisALEXI validation studies (RMSE ∼1 mm/day). The two DisALEXI implementations compared well, with R2 = 0.92. This article evaluates DisALEXI-JPL and shows that the algorithm is valid over a larger segment of CONUS. We also show the impact of quality flags, as pixels with high view zenith angles or high aerosol optical depth showed greater deviation from field measurements. As a product demonstration, we show a regional map of fine-scale ET, where the fine-scale variation over wider areas can detect small areas of stress much sooner than products with coarse resolution representing average conditions.

Este artículo de arqueología histórica analiza evidencias del pasado e historia de los africanos esclavizados y sus descendientes en Popayán y norte del Cauca, durante los siglos XVIII y XIX. Utilizando datos de archivo, investigación de sitios arqueológicos, cultura material y oralidad, el estudio explora las relaciones sociales entre amos y esclavos para dar cuenta de sus asentamientos, áreas de labores domésticas, agrícolas y mineras en el campo. Los datos conducen al análisis de la cotidianidad, la servidumbre, la ancestralidad, la resistencia y la emancipación afrocolombianas, todos temas escasamente investigados en Colombia, especialmente en la región suroccidental. Al ofrecer un panorama inicial sobre estos asuntos, la investigación amplía y fortalece los estudios afrodiaspóricos a través de la historia, las memorias, las tradiciones y los patrimonios en nuestra sociedad pluriétnica colombiana.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of procedural justice, training opportunities and innovation on job satisfaction and affiliation commitment via the mediating effect of organizational identification. The authors also explored the moderating role of satisfaction with supervisor on the relationship between the antecedents and organizational identification as well as its moderating effect on the mediational chain. Design/methodology/approach – The authors used structural equation modeling techniques, using MPLUS 7.4, to analyze data collected from 247 full-time employees who were recruited by undergraduate students attending a private university in the Southeast region of the USA. Findings – Results demonstrated that the indirect effects for procedural justice and training opportunities as predictors were significant, while none of the paths for innovation as a predictor were significant. Satisfaction with supervisor moderated the relationships between procedural justice and organizational identification and innovation and organizational identification. Originality/value – This research expands the nomological network concerning antecedents and consequences of organizational identification. It also explores the role of satisfaction with one’s supervisor, as this can affect identification with the organization. This research provides support for the notion that stronger employee–organization relationships lead to positive individual and organizational outcomes.

Objectives: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of introducing a domestic pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7-TT) into the Cuban National Immunization Program (NIP). Methods: We compared PCV7-TT given at two, four and six months of age to a scenario without PCV7-TT, over a ten-year period (2020–2029). We calculated the cost (Cuban pesos – CUP) per Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) averted from a Government perspective. We compared results from a static cohort model and a parsimonious prediction model informed by the serotype distribution among pneumococcal carriers and cases. We ran probabilistic and deterministic uncertainty analyses. Results: PCV7-TT could prevent 6897 (95% uncertainty interval, 4344–8750) hospitalizations and 189 (115–253) deaths in children

Communities across the globe have begun planning for and adapting to climate change. Cooperative Extension Service professionals are in a unique position to use the resources available to them to facilitate climate change adaptation in their communities. Adaptation planning is a local activity that must be context specific. However, general recommendations can be made to help facilitate the planning process. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of research about climate change adaptation in communities to explore ideas that contribute to successful adaptation-planning communication. We identified and reviewed 50 peer-reviewed articles that described various outreach efforts to engage communities in planning for adaptation across a range of contexts and settings. Five themes emerged addressing how to facilitate early stages of the climate change adaptation process: establishing positive initial engagement, incorporating participatory methods, using tools to facilitate understanding, addressing trust and uncertainty, and maximizing limited time. Based on the review and emergent themes, we offer practical recommendations for educators and Cooperative Extension Service professionals as they engage communities in climate change adaptation.

The Dominican Republic (DR) has the second-highest prevalence of HIV infection in the Caribbean, but viral suppression and treatment adherence are not well understood. We conducted a cross-sectional study among people living with HIV/AIDS(PLWHA) to fill in the knowledge gap. Questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, and barriers and facilitators to HIV care. Viral load and other clinical information were extracted through chart reviews. Descriptive analyzes and logistic regression were conducted to explore factors associated with non-viral suppression and imperfect ART adherence. Of 193 PLWHA 83.9% were virally suppressed. Those that were non-virally suppressed were more likely of being male (odds ratio [OR]: 2.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-5.58) and less likely of being unemployed (OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08-0.96). However, being male (OR: 0.78, 95% CI:0.40-1.53) and unemployed (OR: 0.28, 95% CI:0. 08-1.21) were less likely to report imperfect adherence. Tailored interventions are needed to improve adherence and viral suppression in DR.

Prescribed burning, the carefully planned and directed use of fire to achieve land management goals, is a useful tool for natural resource managers in Florida. Landowners may choose fire to achieve a variety of objectives, including restoring fire-dependent ecosystems, enhancing forage for cattle, improving wildlife habitat, preparing sites for reforestation, and reducing hazardous fuel loads. Prescribed burns achieve many benefits for the environment and for people, but they have the potential to impact the public via smoke. Smoke production is simply unavoidable with prescribed burning, but its potential to harm can be reduced with the use of smoke management techniques. Intended for land managers and the public, this document provides some background information on air quality, the effects of smoke on human health and safety, and some strategies that can be used to protect air quality.

The war in Ukraine has affected the internationalization of higher education in Kyrgyzstan in a number of ways, some unique to Kyrgyzstan and some paralleling effects in other countries. This reflective essay, drawing on four theoretical frameworks, with a focus on examining the actors involved, and informed by personal communications and participant observations, suggests that further research is needed on a number of Kyrgyzstan-specific topics. Moreover, the presence in Kyrgyzstan's capital of two internationalized universities with connections to opposing side in the conflict -- the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University and the American University in Central Asia -- puts forth the notion that post-World War II assumptions about internationalization contributing to mutual understanding were developed in specific contexts. The complexity of the forms internationalization takes now implies that the comparative and international education field might benefit from some broader rethinking about the rationales for and effects of internationalization.

Summary: SARS-CoV-2 has a broad mammalian species tropism infecting humans, cats, dogs, and farmed mink. Since the start of the 2019 pandemic, several reverse zoonotic outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 have occurred in mink, one of which reinfected humans and caused a cluster of infections in Denmark. Here we investigate the molecular basis of mink and ferret adaptation and demonstrate the spike mutations Y453F, F486L, and N501T all specifically adapt SARS-CoV-2 to use mustelid ACE2. Furthermore, we risk assess these mutations and conclude mink-adapted viruses are unlikely to pose an increased threat to humans, as Y453F attenuates the virus replication in human cells and all three mink adaptations have minimal antigenic impact. Finally, we show that certain SARS-CoV-2 variants emerging from circulation in humans may naturally have a greater propensity to infect mustelid hosts and therefore these species should continue to be surveyed for reverse zoonotic infections.

We rely on clean water to sustain human life, ecosystems, and food supply. In Florida and southwest Georgia, the Floridan Aquifer supplies much of the water we use. As populations grow and regional economies expand, the impacts of human activity on water pollution become more widespread. We must take preventative actions to minimize water pollution to maintain the quality of our water sources, and thus, our quality of life.

Stretching from Mississippi to South Carolina, the Floridan Aquifer is the main source of freshwater for southwest Georgia and north Florida. It provides drinking water for approximately 10 million people, supports agriculture and tourism, and sustains the ecosystem. The aquifer’s capacity is large but limited, and meeting the area's water demands will require balancing withdrawals from the aquifer with replenishment from rainfall, a particularly difficult problem in drier times.

Current climate change models predict an increased frequency and intensity of drought for much of the developing world within the next 30 years. These events will negatively affect maize yields, potentially leading to economic and social instability in many smallholder farming communities. Knowledge about the genetic resources available for traits related to drought tolerance has great importance in developing breeding program strategies. The aim of this research was to study a maize landrace introgression panel to identify chromosomal regions associated with a drought tolerance index. For that, we performed Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) on 1326 landrace progenies developed by the CIMMYT Genetic Resources Program, originating from 20 landraces populations collected in arid regions. Phenotypic data were obtained from early testcross trials conducted in three sites and two contrasting irrigation environments, full irrigation (well-watered) and reduced irrigation (drought). The populations were genotyped using the DArTSeq® platform, and a final set of 5,695 SNPs markers was used. The genotypic values were estimated using spatial adjustment in a two-stage analysis. First, we performed the individual analysis for each site/irrigation treatment combination. The best linear unbiased estimates (BLUEs) were used to calculate the Harmonic Mean of Relative Performance (HMRP) as a drought tolerance index for each testcross. The second stage was a joint analysis, which was performed using the HMRP to obtain the best linear unbiased predictions (BLUPs) of the index for each genotype. Then, GWAS was performed to determine the marker-index associations and the marker-Grain Yield (GY) associations for the two irrigation treatments. We detected two significant markers associated with the drought-tolerance index, four associated with GY in drought condition, and other four associated with GY in irrigated conditions each. Although each of these markers explained less than 0.1% of the phenotypic variation for the index and GY, we found two genes likely related to the plant response to drought stress. For these markers, alleles from landraces provide a slightly higher yield under drought conditions. Our results indicate that the positive diversity delivered by landraces are still present on the backcrosses and this is a potential breeding strategy for improving maize for drought tolerance and for trait introgression bringing new superior allelic diversity from landraces to breeding populations.

Increasing evidence indicates that benzothiazoles and thioureas have the ability to inactivate reactive chemical species through their antioxidant activity. In this context, we designed and synthesized two benzothiazole-isothiourea derivatives, (E)-5-((benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylimino)(methylthio)methylamino)-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (compound 1) and (S,E)-2-((benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylimino)(methylthio)methylamino)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid (compound 2). The 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical reduction and Fenton reaction were used to evaluate the free radical scavenging activity of both compounds in vitro. The results indicated that compound 1 exhibited the highest scavenging activity. Hence, it was evaluated ex vivo using the initial phase of the acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity model. In particular, we demonstrated that compound 1 increased the reduced glutathione content and decreased the malondialdehyde levels. In addition, it was capable of inhibiting cytochrome P450 and producing a protective effect against the reactive intermediary N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine. Keywords: Benzothiazole derivatives, Isothiourea derivatives, Antioxidants, Acetaminophen, Cytochrome P-450, Hepatotoxicity

This paper begins with excerpts from Ervin Lazlo’s book, The Systems View of the World, one version of the emerging paradigm for understanding the universe, the natural world, the human psyche and human culture. The second section presents excerpts from Antonio Damasio’s book, Looking for Spinoza: Joy, Sorrow and the Feeling Brain. Damasio is a highly respected neuroscientist whose discoveries about the inner mapping of the human brain have led him to reject Enlightenment views of human psychology and replace them with another version of Lazlo’s “systems” approach. The third section presents Indonesia’s Pancasila, a five-point political ideology that serves as the foundation for their democratic republic. This ideology begins with the belief in God, but the notion of “God” is one more example of a type of “systems” thought. The fourth section includes an interview from Dr. Amad Kardimin, professor of education at Sunan Kalijaga Islamic State University in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Dr. Kardimin describes the beliefs and way of living in the small village where he grew up. I will interpret what he says in light of my own scholarship about Aristotle’s model of the flourishing human life, a life of both practical and theoretical wisdom. Even though the people in this village are not formally educated, they are living much more wisely than many highly respected intellectuals today. Finally, I will quote from a number of public intellectuals in the United States who are very worried about the decline in quality of life in the United States today. This decline will lead to an increase in authoritarianism in the U.S. I conclude that too many developing nations have looked to the West, especially the United States, for guidelines about how to “move forward.” Their best and brightest young people are sent to Western universities and go back home to educate their own best and brightest to think and act like Westerners. This is a mistake. Indonesia is continually working on a model of education that unites the moral with the intellectual virtues. The West, especially the United States, has focused on higher and higher levels of education in science, math, and computer science without adequate concern for avoiding greed, pride, power hunger and other vices. Indonesia and other developing nations should recognize the importance of an education for wisdom. Leaders in all sectors should exhibit both moral and intellectual excellence. The future of international culture, politics and even of life on earth is at stake.