Graphene-Based Strategies in Liquid Biopsy and in Viral Diseases Diagnosis
Exosomes, SERS, circulating tumor cells, circulating nucleic acids, Graphene, Liquid biopsy
Graphene-based materials are intriguing nanomaterials with applications ranging from nanotechnology-related devices to drug delivery systems and biosensing. Multifunctional graphene platforms were proposed for the detection of several typical biomarkers (i.e., circulating tumor cells, exosomes, circulating nucleic acids, etc.) in liquid biopsy, and numerous methods, including optical, electrochemical, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), etc., have been developed for their detection. Due to the massive advancements in biology, material chemistry, and analytical technology, it is necessary to review the progress in this field from both medical and chemical sides. Liquid biopsy is considered a revolutionary technique that is opening unexpected perspectives in the early diagnosis and, in therapy monitoring, severe diseases, including cancer, metabolic syndrome, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative disorders. Although nanotechnology based on graphene has been poorly applied for the rapid diagnosis of viral diseases, the extraordinary properties of graphene (i.e., high electronic conductivity, large specific area, and surface functionalization) can be also exploited for the diagnosis of emerging viral diseases, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This review aimed to provide a comprehensive and in-depth summarization of the contribution of graphene-based nanomaterials in liquid biopsy, discussing the remaining challenges and the future trend; moreover, the paper gave the first look at the potentiality of graphene in COVID-19 diagnosis.
Maria Teresa Sciortino, Annalaura Cordaro, Giulia Neri, Angela Scala, Anna Piperno
Grau de cobertura do Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos (PAA) junto aos agricultores familiares do estado de Minas Gerais¹
Agricultura Familiar, Políticas Públicas, Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos, eficacia, indicadores
Indicadores são instrumentos úteis no escopo da gestão pública, haja vista sua capacidade de mensuração da cobertura dessas ações governamentais. O objetivo deste estudo foi elaborar um indicador para mensurar o nível de propensão à execução do Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos (PAA) nos municípios de Minas Gerais, em 2011, que englobasse tanto a propensão de insegurança alimentar da população local quanto a necessidade de acesso ao mercado por parte da agricultura familiar local. O indicador, denominado Índice de Propensão à Execução do PAA (IPE-PAA), foi elaborado com a utilização de duas proxies compostas por cinco variáveis. Constatou-se que a maioria dos recursos foi repassada a agricultores dos municípios de maior demanda das ações do programa e que o nível de cobertura total ainda se mostra incipiente diante das necessidades das regiões demandantes. Há também uma taxa de cobertura mesorregional desigual das ações do programa, o que indica que algumas regiões têm sido preteridas, com destaque para a mesorregião da Zona da Mata do estado. O IPE-PAA foi útil, pois aponta como uma política pública inovadora no contexto da gestão pública brasileira tem sido implementada e desenvolvida.
Edson Arlindo Silva, Suely de Fátima Ramos Silveira, Gustavo Leonardo Simão
Sociedade Brasileira de Economia e Sociologia Rural
Grau de conhecimento a respeito do Código Florestal Brasileiro (Lei nº 12.651) por parte de agricultores familiares que atuam nas feiras livres do município de Confresa-MT
Agricultura Familiar, Código Florestal, Extensão rural
O presente artigo teve como objetivo verificar o grau de conhecimento dos feirantes, agricultores familiares, do município de Confresa-MT, a respeito do Código Florestal Brasileiro (Lei nº 12.651). Para isso, foi realizada uma entrevista com 26 agricultores familiares que atuam nas feiras livres do município de Confresa-MT. As respostas dadas por esse público despertam uma grande preocupação, tendo em vista revelar a pouca presença dos atores públicos responsável pela temática da questão ambiental, como a visita de órgãos de fiscalização ambiental. Provavelmente devido aquela pouca presença dos atores públicos em questão, este estudo também mostrou que esses agricultores têm baixo grau de conhecimento de temas relacionados àquela Lei, como área de Preservação Permanente ou de Reserva Legal. Embora o padrão de respostas obtido no presente estudo mostre que os mesmos não tem sido alvo de políticas públicas de fiscalização e/ou de educação ambiental, esse estudo também revelou que o público entrevistado possui uma considerável consciência ambiental.
Isadora do Nascimento Rosa, Samuel Tavares dos Santos
Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado do Mato Grosso, Campus Confresa
http://periodicos.cfs.ifmt.edu.br/periodicos/index.php/agro/article/view/532
Agriculture (General), Plant culture, Forestry
Graveoline Analogs Exhibiting Selective Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity as Potential Lead Compounds for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
graveoline analogs, Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholine esterase (BuChE), structure–function relationships (SARs), mechanism
This study designed and synthesized a series of new graveoline analogs on the basis of the structural characteristics of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) dual-site inhibitors. The activity of these analogs was also evaluated. Results showed that the synthesized graveoline analogs displayed stronger inhibitory activity against AChE and higher selectivity than butyrylcholine esterase (BuChE) (Selectivity Index from 45 to 486). When the two sites in the graveoline parent ring substituting phenyl and amino terminal had six chemical bonds (n = 3) and the terminal amino was piperidine, compound 5c showed the best activity. Furthermore, the mechanism of action and binding mode were explored by enzyme kinetic simulation, molecular docking, and thioflavin T-based fluorometric assay. Cytotoxicity assay showed that the low concentration of the analogs did not affect the viability of the neurocyte SH-SY5Y.
Greasing the wheels: The impact of COVID-19 on US physician attitudes and practices regarding medication abortion.
covid-19, Risk assessment, self-management, medication abortion, No test medication abortion, Self-induced abortion
To explore US provider perspectives about self-sourced medication abortion and how their attitudes and clinic practices changed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a multi-method study of survey and interview data. We performed 40 baseline interviews and surveys in spring 2019 and 36 follow-up surveys and ten interviews one year later. We compared pre- and post-Likert scale responses of provider views on the importance of different aspects of standard medication abortion assessment and evaluation (e.g., related to ultrasounds and blood-typing). We performed content analysis of the follow-up interviews using deductive-inductive analysis. Survey results revealed that clinics substantially changed their medication abortion protocols in response to COVID-19, with more than half increasing their gestational age limits and introducing telemedicine for follow-up of a medication abortion. Interview analysis suggested that physicians were more supportive of self-sourced medication abortion in response to changing clinic protocols that decreased in-clinic assessment and evaluation for medication abortion, and as a result of physicians' altered assessments of risk in the context of COVID-19. Having evidence already in place that supported these practice changes made the implementation of new protocols more efficient, while working in a state with restrictive abortion policies thwarted the flexibility of clinics to adapt to changes in standards of care. This exploratory study reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has altered clinical assessment of risk and has shifted practice towards a less medicalized model. Further work to facilitate person-centered abortion information and care can build on initial modifications in response to the pandemic.
Jennifer Karlin, Shashi Sarnaik, Kelsey Holt, Christine Dehlendorf, Carole Joffe, Jody Steinauer
GREEN AREA AND VEGETATION COVER INDEXES FOR PARRAL CITY (CHILE) USING PHOTOINTERPRETATION AND GIS
SIG, accesibilidad, teledetección, área verde urbana
The importance of the green areas is increasing since they are an important factor in the health and welfare of urban population. Therefore, in Parral city, in Central Chile, it was quantified and analyzed the availability of green areas and vegetation cover, using aerial photographs scale 1:10000 and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In a first stage, urban street trees were quantified through a simple random sample of twenty-four units with field measurements combined with measurements on aerial photographs, from which it was obtained the surface provided. Subsequently, through the creation of GIS layers, the surface of existing green areas and available open spaces were obtained. In addition, through supervised digital classification, the surface covered by urban forestry in private spaces was calculated. Quantity indexes show that Parral city currently has 12.72 ha of green areas, equivalent to 4.82 m2/hab, which implies a green area frequency of 0.022 m2/m2. These values could be improved, if the available open space are incorporated and thereby reach 12.06 m2 per inhabitant. In relation with availability indexes it was established that the average of accessibility to a green area is 327.2 m. Moreover, assuming a buffer of 200 m around the green areas, it was determined that there are 5160 houses with the basic service (56.4%). By incorporating the available open spaces, these values decrease significantly obtaining an average of accessibility to a green area of 213.7 m and coverage of basic service of 79.2%. Finally, it was estimated that the existing vegetation within the urban blocks (urban forest in private spaces) represents an important resource 17.8 times larger than urban street trees, so it should be considered within the municipal plans and policies.
RÓMULO SANTELICES, Carlos Mena, Yony Ormazábal, Yohana Morales, John Gajardo
http://cascavel.ufsm.br/revistas/ojs-2.2.2/index.php/cienciaflorestal/article/view/3809
Green Strategies of Powdery Mildew Control in Hop: From Organic Products to Nanoscale Carriers
Humulus lupulus, Podosphaera macularis, fungicides, nanoscale carriers, yield index, α-acids yield
Humulus lupulus L. is a long-lived, perennial, herbaceous, and dioecious climbing plant. The foremost producers in the European Union are Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia, and Spain. The Spanish cultivated area is concentrated in the province of León. Powdery mildew, caused by Podosphaera macularis, menaces hop production and quality in all hop growing regions located in the Northern hemisphere, colonizing leaves, petioles, inflorescences, and finally cones. In this work, powdery mildew control was monitored, comparing nine fungicide strategies: five organics, two integrated disease management (IDM)-based, with and without Nutragreen® nanoscale carrier, and two conventional treatments (CON) with and without Nutragreen® nanoscale carrier. The organic treatments were able to diminish P. macularis on leaves, but no effect was observed in cones. CON treatments reduced the infection on leaves and cones and increased the cone quantity and quality. Likewise, IDM-based treatments provided satisfactory results as they diminished powdery mildew on leaves and cones. Finally, dose reduction using a Nutragreen® nanoscale carrier showed beneficial effects in the control of powdery mildew compared to the commercial dose. Hence, the use of nanoscale carries permits a 30% reduction in pesticide dose, which optimizes yield and hop quality, reduces risks linked to pesticides, and aids in compliance with public and international policy demands.
Alejandra J. Porteous-Álvarez, M. Mercedes Maldonado-González, Sara Mayo-Prieto, Alicia Lorenzana, Ana I. Paniagua-García, Pedro A. Casquero
Green voices: discursos de periodistas y lideresas tanzanas sobre el cambio climático
Green voices quiere reforzar y visibilizar la lucha femenina contra el cambio climático. Presentamos aquí los resultados de sus primeras fases. Del trabajo de campo exploratorio se extrajo una idea clara: todos los sectores sociales claman por un aumento de la conciencia pública (public awareness) sobre el cambio climático en Tanzania; del análisis de los discursos de las lideresas y periodistas se deduce además: que ese trabajo en pro de la concienciación debe incluir las dos acepciones que el término original en inglés, awareness, incluye: conciencia y conocimiento; que, aunque padecen las devastadoras consecuencias del calentamiento global directamente en sus labores agrícolas y en última instancia en la falta de alimentos en sus mesas, el nivel de conciencia es menor en las áreas rurales, debido a un menor acceso a la información y a un menor nivel educativo. El trabajo empírico también confirmó que la manera más efectiva de fortalecer la conciencia es la comunicación, concretamente para las zonas rurales haciendo llegar mensajes (vía radios comunitarias y telefonía móvil) que conecten causas con orígenes, es decir, abuso de los recursos con catástrofes naturales y empobrecimiento, así como acciones en las comunidades que permitan compartir buenas prácticas en mitigación y adaptación.
Patricia Izquierdo-Iranzo, Alicia Cebada Romero
Revista de la Asociación Española de Investigación de la Comunicación
http://www.revistaeic.eu/index.php/raeic/article/view/53
Greenhouse Gas (CO2 AND N2O) Emissions from Soils: A Review Emisión de Gases invernadero (CO2 y N2O) desde Suelos
CO2, N2O, Nitrificación, Nitrification, Soil organic carbon, calentamiento global, carbon dioxide, carbono orgánico del suelo, denitrification, desnitrificación, global warming, nitrous oxide, procesos biológicos del suelo, soil biological processes
In agricultural activities, the main greenhouse gases (GHG) are those related to C and N global cycles. The impact of agriculture on GHG emissions has become a key issue, especially when considering that natural C and N cycles are influenced by agricultural development. This review focuses on CO2 and N2O soil emissions in terrestrial ecosystems, with emphasis in Chilean and similar agro-ecosystems around the world. The influence of land use and crop management practices on CO2 and N2O emissions is analyzed; some mitigation measures to reduce such emissions are also discussed here. More knowledge on the biological processes that promote of GHG emissions from soil will allow creating opportunities for agricultural development under friendly-environmental conditions, where soil can act as a reservoir and/or emitter of GHG, depending on the balance of inputs and outputs.En actividades agrícolas los principales gases de efecto invernadero (GHG) son los relacionados con los ciclos globales de C y N. El impacto de la agricultura sobre las emisiones GHG se ha convertido en una cuestión clave, especialmente si se considera que los ciclos naturales C y N se ven influidos por el desarrollo agrícola. Esta revisión se centra en emisiones de CO2 y N2O del suelo en los ecosistemas terrestres, con énfasis en agro-ecosistemas de Chile y similares alrededor del mundo. Se analiza la influencia del uso del suelo y las prácticas de manejo del cultivo sobre emisiones de CO2 y N2O, se discuten medidas de mitigación para reducir estas emisiones. Un mayor conocimiento sobre los procesos biológicos que promueven las emisiones GHG del suelo permitirá la creación de oportunidades para el desarrollo agrícola en condiciones ambientalmente amigables, donde el suelo puede actuar como un reservorio y/o emisor de GHG, dependiendo del balance de entradas y salidas.
Erick Zagal, Cristina Muñoz, Leandro Paulino, Carlos Monreal
Chilean Journal of Agricultural Research
Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, INIA
GREENHOUSES: Technology assisting Family Farming
Agricultor familiar, Produtividade Ferramentas, Vulnerabilidade
Family farms are formed by small farmers and their families, their activity is of great importance for the country, considering that it meets 70% of food distribution in Brazil, but its recognition on public policy makes your lower investment related will agribusiness, food producers cultivate these are natural and they use less pesticide compared to large producers. Family farming is experiencing difficulties before the climate vulnerability, preventing large yields, on these events, through studies and research we came to a conclusion in creating a smartphone application, which has the following function to correct the factors that affect productivity family farmer. This application will provide the user with two important tools (air conditioning and irrigation), for control of the environment, which will monitor and changes in the area, thus increasing productivity and reducing cost in production. This indicates that the factors that interfere with productivity will be corrected and productions that have their vulnerability, through this method will be solved making it impossible for losses prevail in production.
Marcos Vinicius Santos da Silva, Jheniffer Rafaela Rocha Sanches
Revista Eletrônica Competências Digitais para Agricultura Familiar
Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho
http://codaf.tupa.unesp.br:8082/index.php/recodaf/article/view/14