bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversidade de fungos filamentosos em solo de monocultivo de erva-mate, Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.
Authors: Rolim Borges Larissa , Noemberg Lazzari Sonia Maria , Chapaval Pimentel Ida , Xavier Vila Nova Meiriana
Published: May 2018

O solo é um dos principais habitats para o desenvolvimento de populações de micro-organismos, incluindo fungos. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo isolar e identificar os fungos que ocorrem em monocultivo de erva-mate, no município de Campo Alegre, SC, Brasil, visando a detectar a ocorrência de grupos patogênicos para a cultura e de entomopatógenos potenciais para o controle de pragas. As amostras de solo foram coletadas mensalmente durante o período de novembro de 2005 a outubro de 2006. Os gêneros identificados foram: Filo Deuteromycota – Aspergillus, Penicillium, Acremonium, Cladosporium, Fusarium e Trichoderma; Filo Ascomycota – Paecilomyces (anamorfo do gênero Melanospora), Metarhizium, Gliocladium (anamorfo do gênero Nectria) e Lecanicillium e Filo Zygomycota – Rhizopus. Os gêneros Aspergillus e Penicillium foram mais frequentes e os únicos que persistiram no solo do erval em todas as estações do ano.
INFLUÊNCIA DA PRIMEIRA ALIMENTAÇÃO NA ABSORÇÃO DO VITELO E NA SOBREVIVÊNCIA DE LARVAS DE OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS
Authors: Satiko Okada Nakaghi Laura , Batista Wanessa Kelly , Faria Paes Maria do Carmo , Makino Lilian Cristina , Ribeiro Dias-Koberstein Teresa Cristina
Published: May 2018

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar diferentes períodos de início da alimentação exógena, estabelecendo uma relação entre a absorção do vitelo e a mortalidade das larvas de tilápia-do-Nilo. Ocorridas as desovas naturais, os ovos foram coletados da boca das fêmeas e incubados artificialmente. Após a eclosão, as larvas começaram a ser alimentadas de acordo com os tratamentos: alimentação no 1º, 2º, 3º, 5º e 9º dias pós-eclosão. Para a avaliação da taxa de sobrevivência, as larvas foram contadas no início e no fim do experimento. Para abiometria do vitelo, foram coletadas amostras diárias de cinco larvas de cada tratamento e realizadas medições dos diâmetros maior e menor, com o auxílio de ocular micrométrica acoplada a um estereo microscópio. Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos e, naquele em que as larvas começaram a se alimentar mais tardiamente, obteve-se boa taxa de sobrevivência (61,3%), indicando que a mortalidade na fase inicial não se deve à falta de uma alimentação complementar.
Achados de exames endoscópicos em vias aéreas de cavalos de corrida da raça Puro Sangue Inglês e sua relação com a tosse
Authors: Müller da Silva Mariana , Gabardo Silveira Rafael , Henriques Kaiseler Pedro , Turra Pimpão Cláudia , Michelotto Júnior Pedro Vicente
Published: May 2018

A tosse é um importante mecanismo de defesa do sistema respiratório. É um sinal clínico correlacionado com a inflamação das vias aéreas dos cavalos. O presente estudo teve por objetivo investigar os achados endoscópicos das vias aéreas em cavalos de corrida que apresentaram tosse. Foram utilizados registros de exames endoscópicos realizados no período de 1992 a 2007, no Jockey Club do Paraná, em Curitiba. Considerou-se a hiperplasia linfoide faringeana (graduação de 1 a 4), bem como a quantidade de secreção traqueal, graduadade 0 a 5. Dentre as 1.030 fichas de exames endoscópicos analisadas, 126 (12,2%) referiram-se a animais que apresentaram tosse. Em relação à presença de secreção na traqueia, verificou-se que 11,9% dos cavalos situaram-se no grau 2; 23,0% apresentaram grau 3; 19,1% evidenciaram grau 4, e 27,8%, grau 5. Desse modo, 81,7% dos cavalos avaliados apresentaram secreção traqueal graus 2 a 5, configurando-se uma quantidadede muco capaz de comprometer a função pulmonar e resultar em prejuízos ao rendimento atlético. Com relação à hiperplasia folicular linfoide faringeana, observou-se que 40,4% dos animais apresentaram grau 2, e 42,0%, grau 3. Concluiu-se a existência de uma estreita relação entre a tosse e a presença de quantidades aumentadas de secreção na traqueia de cavalos PSI de corrida no Paraná.
FORMACIÓN INICIAL DEL PROFESOR PARA LAS ESCUELAS DEL MAÑANA
Authors: Vaillant Denise
Published: May 2018

En los últimos años, se han multiplicado los estudios e informes que muestran una insatisfacción sobre la calidad de los programas de formación docente. Se hace necesario,hoy más que nunca, preguntarse hacia dónde se dirige el proceso de formación inicial del profesorado. Por esta razón, este artículo se propone reflexionar sobre tres temas se plantearáncon más y más fuerza en la agenda educativa futura. Nos referimos a la integración cultural y a la cohesión social, al acceso a las tecnologías y a la educación ciudadana. Y estos desafíos involucran notoriamente al docente. El examen de la bibliografía muestra que a pesar de la heterogeneidad de situaciones y países, existe un conjunto de capacidades docentes que influyen en los conocimientos aprendidos y adquiridos por los estudiantes.La autora señala que el desarrollo de capacidades docentes para una buena enseñanza requierede instancias institucionalizadas que las fomenten y apoyen. Finalmente en el artículose promueve la idea que América latina debería proponer una agenda de capacidades docentes que tenga en cuenta algunas de las características que se repiten en los buenos maestros y profesores. Una agenda de capacidades docentes deberá ser consistente conlas políticas y sistemas existentes en América latina y tomar como referente las referencias internacionales y regionales. Asimismo ésta sustentarse en estrategias debidamente probadas vinculadas con tres factores básicos: el reclutamiento, la formación y el apoyo altrabajo de los docentes en el aula.
DIDÁTICA PARA A EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL: IMPLICAÇÕES DO MATERIALISMO HISTÓRICO DIALÉTICO E DA TEORIA HISTÓRICO-CULTURAL
Authors: De Castro Rosane Michelli , De Lima Elieuza Aparecida
Published: May 2018

Neste artigo, discutimos acerca de contribuições da Didática para uma atuação pedagógica intencional de professores dedicados à educação infantil. Nesse sentido, inicialmente, afirmamos serem essenciais as reflexões que visam à busca de fundamentos focados na mobilização dos futuros docentes para a ação-reflexão-ação acerca dos fenômenos educativos,objetivando o desvelamento, com rigor e objetividade, de suas múltiplas determinações no âmbito das relações capitalistas. Acreditamos que esse desvelamento seja possível apenas à luz de uma concepção de mundo, de um método e de uma práxis que se constituem em unidade no materialismo histórico e na sua dialética. Na sequência,refletimos sobre alguns dos princípios da Teoria Histórico-Cultural para entendimento do lugar ativo e mediador do professor no processo de humanização das crianças pequenas e contribuições do materialismo dialético para esta reflexão. Finalmente, são explicitados aspectos de uma Didática voltada para a formação de professores para a educação Infantil e dos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental, os quais têm norteado nossas condutas como professoras do curso de Pedagogia e reafirmadas nas narrativas de professores sobre suas vivências e experiências docentes, em busca de novas sistematizações, mirando uma práxis pedagógica decorrente da ressignificação (teorização) da e sobre prática pedagógica,pelos próprios sujeitos.
DA PRÁTICA PEDAGÓGICA DO FORMADOR DO ALFABETIZADOR, PERSPECTIVAS PARA A DIDÁTICA
Authors: Bacila Winkeler Maria Sílvia , Oliver Martins Pura Lúcia
Published: May 2018

Este artigo apresenta perspectivas para a Didática do formador do alfabetizador a partir da sistematização de práticas produzidas por formadores de professores alfabetizadores no ensino superior. Parte do pressuposto de que a didática sistematizada na literatura da área, expressa uma prática pedagógica decorrente de determinado tipo de relação social no interior do modo de produção que a sustenta. Toma como eixo epistemológico a Didática prática defendida por Martins (2009) e os conhecimentos dela decorrentes, o que implica analisar essa prática numa relação de causalidade complexa. Desse ponto de vista, as perspectivas para a didática, apresentadas neste artigo, não são prescrições, mas indicadores de caminhos possíveis para a organização e realização da prática pedagógica na formação do professor alfabetizador. Os resultados contribuem com a prática pedagógica desse formador e vão ao encontro das perspectivas da formação do professor leitor em diferentes situações, tendo como orientação a leitura, a interpretação, a escrita e a criação de significados, gerando, por meio dessa didática, um letramento específico na formação do alfabetizador: o letramento alfabetizador.
QUINZE ANOS DA FILOSOFIA DA EDUCAÇÃO NA ANPED: BALANÇOS E DESAFIOS
Authors: Barbosa Albuquerque Maria Betânia , De Sousa Dias Alder
Published: May 2018

Trata-se o presente artigo de um levantamento da produção intelectual circulada no Grupo de Trabalho Filosofia da Educação, também conhecido como GT 17, no contexto da Associação Nacional de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação em Educação-ANPEd no período de 1994, momento em que se institucionalizou como Grupo, até o ano de 2008 quando completou quinze anos de existência. Tem como objetivos identificar os temas mais ou menos enfatizados nessa produção, a perspectiva teórica que a sustenta e a origem institucional e geográfica dos trabalhos. Metodologicamente, o artigo caracteriza-se como um estudo exploratório resultado de um levantamento bibliográfico e documental, constando da análise de documentos, tais como: correspondências, relatórios, atas, anais, revistas e CD-ROM da ANPEd circulados no período em foco. Com base em dados quantitativos, o artigo instiga a uma reflexão acerca dos possíveis caminhos epistemológicos percorridos pela Filosofia da Educação a partir da ANPEd.
EXPERIÊNCIA COM O ENSINO DE FILOSOFIA, POR MEIO DA PESQUISA-AÇÃO, COM PROFESSORES DA DIRETORIA REGIONAL DE ENSINO DA CIDADE DE MIRACEMA DO TOCANTINS – TO
Authors: Cardoso Lima Márcio Antônio
Published: May 2018

Após a realização de pesquisa (LIMA, 2010), propus-me uma investigação prática, através da pesquisa-ação, com os professores de Filosofia da Diretoria Regional de Ensino da cidade de Miracema do Tocantins – TO. Essa atividade prática, com duração de dois anos, iniciou-se no segundo semestre de 2008, em curso de extensão intitulado: Leitura e prática educativa: experiências com o ensino de Filosofia, com os seguintes objetivos: (i) analisar a problemática da leitura com professores(as)/trabalhadores(as) de Filosofia do Ensino Médio da Diretoria Regional de Ensino da cidade de Miracema do Tocantins - TO; (ii) pôr em prática a temática da leitura através de textos filosóficos, em concomitância, aprofundamentos teóricos e, (iii) indicar o valor da experiência da leitura na prática educativa e suas implicações no cotidiano. Desse trabalho, saliento a necessidade da formação continuada já que grande parte dos professores no Estado do Tocantins atua fora de área, em confirmação de pesquisa já realizada que constatou que o trabalho com a Filosofia é, simplesmente, para complementação de carga horária. Em colaboração, a universidade desempenha um papel importante, principalmente em cursos de extensão que tenham como olhar determinado aspecto para o trabalho com a Filosofia. Em nosso caso, priorização do estudo dos textos filosóficos, onde os professores foram capazes de perceber que têm muita dificuldade no referente à leitura, porém, se dispõem ao enfrentamento de eventuais empecilhos, desde as dificuldades subjetivas de compreensão até aquelas que são de natureza objetiva.
Caracterização demográfica de estagiários em Psicologia no Brasil
Authors: Fernandes Luan Flávia Barufi , Oliveira Margareth Da Silva , Da Rocha Marina Monzani , Monteiro Nancy Ramanciotti de Oliveira , Pereira Rodrigo Fernando , Silvares Edwiges Ferreira de Mattos , Peixoto Ana Cláudia Azevedo
Published: May 2018

O panorama atual da profissão de psicólogo no Brasil parece estar atravessando um momento de reflexão e questionamento acerca de seu futuro. O presente trabalho é um recorte do Projeto Temático Serviços-Escola de Psicologia no Brasil, e seu objetivo é apresentar dados sobre as características demográficas dos alunos de estágios supervisionados dos cursos de graduação em Psicologia. A pesquisa, disponibilizada em um site exclusivo, era composta por um cadastro inicial em que o participante informava dados demográficos: sexo, idade e estado. Participaram da pesquisa 394 alunos. O perfil da amostra obtida foi: sexo feminino, idade entre 21 e 30 anos e que cursam faculdades de Psicologia na região Sudeste. Esses dados são similares aos relatados pela literatura nacional acerca do perfil do psicólogo: sexo feminino, com até 34 anos e residentes de regiões metropolitanas, concentradas principalmente na região Sudeste. O tamanho da amostra não a faz representativa, mas os dados obtidos forneceram informações importantes sobre quem é este estudante, sua idade e onde estuda. Ademais, estudos de caracterização da população são essenciais para o planejamento de mudanças e aperfeiçoamento do funcionamento de instituições.
Descobrindo o silêncio como possibilidade de comunicação
Authors: Duarte Ítala Villaça , Leitão Bruna Fabrícia Barboza
Published: May 2018

O presente artigo tem como objetivo discorrer sobre o silêncio como mais uma possibilidade de comunicação no atendimento psicológico hospitalar, a partir de um estudo teórico acerca do tema. Esse atendimento pode possibilitar a compreensão e elaboração de questões relativas aos processos de adoecimento, tratamento, internação, morte, perdas e ganhos, entre outros assuntos que permeiam tanto a hospitalização quanto o contexto social e familiar do paciente. Esses conteúdos, muitas vezes imbuídos de emoções e sentimentos, podem ser transmitidos através da expressão verbal e/ou não-verbal. O silêncio, enquanto uma modalidade não-verbal, é ao mesmo tempo um ato comunicador e possível de ser utilizado tanto pelo paciente quanto pelo psicólogo. Sendo assim, são diversas as mensagens que o silêncio pode apresentar, desde um recurso defensivo, resistência, limitação, como também um momento reflexivo, de construção de sentido, elaboração e insight. Torna-se, então, necessária uma escuta atenta e sensível, sendo relevante conhecer, compreender e estar aberto a essas possibilidades
Atenção concentrada e memória operacional em professores de escola pública e privada
Authors: Gonçalves Nelsione Carla , Lima Regina Yoko Nomiyama , Kruszielski Leandro , Toni Plínio Marco de
Published: May 2018

As funções executivas são alvo de muitas pesquisas no Brasil e estão relacionadas à capacidade do sujeito em realizar ações voluntárias, planejadas e organizadas. Considerando essa pers¬pectiva, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar as funções cognitivas de memória operacional, planejamento e atenção concentrada em 65 professores do ensino fundamental, sendo 35 de escola particular e trinta de escola pública, ambas em Curitiba. Os instrumentos utilizados para a coleta dos dados foram a Figura Complexa de Rey e o teste de Atenção Concentrada (AC). Verificou-se uma correlação positiva entre a idade dos participantes e o seu nível de erro no teste AC. Notou-se uma diferença estatística significativa entre os dois grupos no tipo de cópia. Considera-se que o planejamento é importante para os docentes, pois todos precisam elaborar, ordenar e preparar os conteúdos a serem ministrados, organizar o tempo de aula e também do ano letivo. Por meio do teste t de Student observou-se uma diferença significativa entre as variáveis, cópia e memória da Figura de Rey, e entre as variáveis, acerto e erro do teste AC. Levantaram-se várias hipóteses para tentar explicar este panorama, mas são necessárias novas pesquisas para comprová-las.
Identification of a transporter complex responsible for the cytosolic entry of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates
Authors: Yu Zhou , Surface Lauren E , Park Chong Yon , Horlbeck Max A , Wyant Gregory A , Abu-Remaileh Monther , Peterson Timothy R , Sabatini David M , Weissman Jonathan S , O'Shea Erin K
Published: May 2018

Nitrogen-containing-bisphosphonates (N-BPs) are a class of drugs widely prescribed to treat osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases. Although previous studies have established that N-BPs function by inhibiting the mevalonate pathway in osteoclasts, the mechanism by which N-BPs enter the cytosol from the extracellular space to reach their molecular target is not understood. Here, we implemented a CRISPRi-mediated genome-wide screen and identified SLC37A3 (solute carrier family 37 member A3) as a gene required for the action of N-BPs in mammalian cells. We observed that SLC37A3 forms a complex with ATRAID (all-trans retinoic acid-induced differentiation factor), a previously identified genetic target of N-BPs. SLC37A3 and ATRAID localize to lysosomes and are required for releasing N-BP molecules that have trafficked to lysosomes through fluid-phase endocytosis into the cytosol. Our results elucidate the route by which N-BPs are delivered to their molecular target, addressing a key aspect of the mechanism of action of N-BPs that may have significant clinical relevance.
COMP report: CPQR technical quality control guidelines for major dosimetry equipment
Authors: Lagmago Kamta Gérard
Published: May 2018

The Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists (COMP), in close partnership with the Canadian Partnership for Quality Radiotherapy (CPQR) has developed a series of Technical Quality Control (TQC) guidelines for radiation treatment equipment. These guidelines outline the performance objectives that equipment should meet to ensure an acceptable level of radiation treatment quality. The TQC guidelines have been rigorously reviewed and field tested in a variety of Canadian radiation treatment facilities. The development process enables rapid review and update to keep the guidelines current with changes in technology (the most update version of this guideline can be found on the CPQR website). This article provides guidelines for quality control testing of major dosimetry equipment.
Scavenging Nanoreactors that Modulate Inflammation
Authors: Pereira Diana R. , Tapeinos Christos , Rebelo Ana L. , Oliveira Joaquim M. , Reis Rui L. , Pandit Abhay
Published: May 2018

Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial intermediaries in promoting degenerative states in tissues. Oxidative damage caused by excessive ROS elicits cellular apoptotic pathways. Despite extensive studies exploring oxidative stress mechanisms, little is known about the contribution of ROS to the pathogenesis of tissue degeneration. Here, the development of an engineered nanoreactor that scavenges ROS in a dose‐dependent fashion is reported for the first time. It is demonstrated that the protective effect of the engineered MnO2 nanoreactors developed by incorporating MnO2 nanoparticles within a collagen matrix eliminated the inherent toxicity of MnO2 nanoparticles and enhanced their efficacy to attenuate oxidative stress. In addition, the direct reactivity of MnO2 toward peroxides and the nanoreactors' efficacy to regulate oxidative stress and modulate inflammation in tissues are demonstrated. As a proof of concept, the attenuation of excessive ROS production in a validated ex vivo organotypic intervertebral disc model of inflammation is assessed. The results demonstrate that the unique environment of the MnO2 nanoreactor results in the inhibition of ROS‐induced apoptosis, regulation of oxidative stress, modulation of inflammation in tissues, and reduction of cell apoptosis without impairing cellular proliferation. Thus, this resulting platform technology has applications in a broad range of inflammatory diseases.
Clinical Cadavers as a Simulation Resource for Procedural Learning
Authors: Kovacs George , Levitan Richard , Sandeski Rob
Published: May 2018

“See one, do one, teach one” remains an unofficial, unsanctioned framework for procedural skill learning in medicine. Appropriately, medical educators have sought alternative simulation venues for students to safely learn their craft. With the end goal of ensuring competence, educational programming will require the use of valid simulation with appropriate fidelity. While cadavers have been used for teaching anatomy for hundreds of years, more recently they are being repurposed as a “high‐fidelity” procedural skill learning simulation resource. Newly deceased, previously frozen, and soft‐preserved cadavers, such as those used in Baltimore and Halifax, produce clinical cadavers with high physical and functional fidelity that can serve as simulators for performing many high‐acuity procedures for which there is otherwise limited clinical or simulation opportunities to practice. While access and cost may limit the use of cadavers for simulation, there are opportunities for sharing resources to provide an innovative procedural learning experience using the oldest of medical simulation assets, the human body.
Development of microsatellite markers for a Chinese endemic plant, Torreya yunnanensis (Taxaceae)
Authors: Wang Yu Peng , Cheng Hai Xiang , Li Jian Hui , Zhou Shou Biao
Published: May 2018

Premise of the Study

Microsatellite markers were developed in Torreya yunnanensis (Taxaceae) to investigate the genetic diversity, phylogeography, and population structure of the species.

Methods and Results

Sixteen primer sets were identified using Illumina 2 × 100‐bp paired‐end sequencing and bioinformatic screening. Most primers also amplified in T. fargesii, T. grandis, T. jackii, and T. nucifera.

Conclusions

These results indicate the utility of these microsatellite markers in T. yunnanensis for future studies of molecular ecology as well as their applicability across the genus.
Oncological outcome after MRI-based selection for neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in the OCUM Rectal Cancer Trial
Authors:   the OCUM group, Ruppert R , Junginger T , Ptok H , Strassburg J , Maurer C A , Brosi P , Sauer J , Baral J , Kreis M , Wollschlaeger D , Hermanek P , Merkel S
Published: May 2018

Background

It is not clear whether all patients with rectal cancer need chemoradiotherapy. A restrictive use of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) based on MRI findings for rectal cancer was investigated in this study.

Methods

This prospective multicentre observational study included patients with stage cT2–4 rectal cancer, with any cN and cM0 status. Carcinomas in the middle and lower third that were 1 mm or less from the mesorectal fascia, all cT4 tumours, and all cT3 tumours of the lower third were classified as high risk, and these patients received nCRT followed by total mesorectal excision (TME). All other carcinomas with a minimum distance of more than 1 mm from the mesorectal fascia and those in the upper third were classified as low risk; these patients underwent TME alone (no nCRT). Patients were followed for at least 3 years. Outcomes were the rates of local recurrence, distant metastasis and survival.

Results

Among 545 patients included, 428 were treated according to the study protocol: 254 (59·3 per cent) had TME alone and 174 (40·7 per cent) received nCRT and TME. Median follow-up was 60 months. The 3- and 5-year local recurrence rates were 1·3 and 2·7 per cent respectively, with no differences between the two treatment protocols. Patients with disease requiring nCRT had higher 3- and 5-year rates of distant metastasis (17·3 and 24·9 per cent respectively versus 8·9 and 14·4 per cent in patients who had TME alone; P = 0·005) and worse disease-free survival compared with that in patients who did not need nCRT (3- and 5-year rates 76·7 and 66·7 per cent, versus 84·9 and 76·0 per cent in the TME-alone group; P = 0·016).

Conclusion

Restriction of nCRT to high-risk patients achieved good results.
Effects of VEGF‐ANG‐1‐PLA nano‐sustained release microspheres on proliferation and differentiation of ADSCs
Authors: He Yucang , Li Zihao , Chen Zhuojie , Yu Xiaofang , Ji Ziwan , Wang Jingping , Qian Yao , Li Liqun
Published: May 2018

The improvement of fat graft viability might depend on the presence of multipotent resident adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) which is the important component of stromal vascular fraction (SVF). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiogenin‐1 (Ang‐1) are responsible for neovascularization. However, their half‐life is too short to produce a biological effect. We thus investigated whether VEGF‐ANG‐1‐polylactic acid (PLA) microspheres could enhance the angiogenic properties of ADSCs. PLA microspheres containing VEGF and ANG‐1 were prepared by in vitro ultrasonic emulsification and characterized according to their encapsulation efficiency (EE), drug‐loading rate (DL), particle size, and drug release. The systemic toxicity of empty loaded nanospheres (NPs) and the ability of these microspheres to promote the proliferation and differentiation of ADSCs were evaluated. The EE and DL were above 86 and 2.8%, respectively. The drug release was completed after 20 days. Systemic toxicity was verified in ADSCs that received the unloaded NPs. It was observed that ADSCs treated with VEGF‐ANG‐1‐PLA microspheres had an increase in the proliferation and the number of CD31 positive cells. ADSCs proliferation and differentiation toward endothelial cells (ECs) could be enhanced by the addition of VEGF‐ANG‐1‐PLA nano‐sustained release microspheres.
Clinical impact of optical coherence tomography findings on culprit plaque in acute coronary syndrome: The OCT‐FORMIDABLE study registry
Authors: Iannaccone Mario , Souteyrand Geraud , Niccoli Giampaolo , Mancone Massimo , Sardella Gennaro , Tamburino Corrado , Templin Christian , Gili Sebastiano , Boccuzzi Giacomo G , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio
Published: May 2018

Background

Aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of the culprit plaque features assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

The OCT‐FORMIDABLE register enrolled retrospectively all consecutive patients who perform OCT on culprit plaque in patients with ACS in nine European centres. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of culprit plaque rupture (CPR) in patients experiencing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Secondary endpoint was the prevalence necrotic core with macrophage infiltrations (NCMI) in the patients experiencing MACEs.

Results

Two‐hundred and nine patients were included in the study. Mean age was 60.1 ± 12.9 years old, 19.1% were females. Main clinical presentation was ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (55%). At OCT analysis, CPR was observed in 71.8% patients, while 31.6% presented NCMI. During follow‐up (12.6 ± 14.5 months), 11% of the patients experienced MACEs. The presence of CPR (HR 3.7,1.4‐9.8, P < .01) and NCMI (HR 3.3,1.6‐6.6, P < .01) were independent predictors for MACEs, while dual antiplatelet therapy with prasugrel/ticagrelor at discharge (HR 0.2,0.1‐0.6, P < .01) were protective. The protective impact of new antiplatelet drugs was reported only in patients with CPR while in patients without any of the baseline clinical or procedural features impacted on MACEs.

Conclusions

CPR and the presence of NCMI are independent predictors of worse outcome. Patients with CPR seem to benefit more of an intensive therapy, both from a pharmacological and interventional point of view. (NCT02486861)
Sustained risk of stent thrombosis and restenosis in first generation drug‐eluting Stents after One Decade of Follow‐up: A Report from the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR)
Authors: Völz Sebastian , Angerås Oskar , Odenstedt Jacob , Ioanes Dan , Haraldsson Inger , Dworeck Christian , Redfors Björn , Råmunddal Truls , Albertsson Per , Petursson Petur , Omerovic Elmir
Published: May 2018

Aims

Long‐term comparisons between Drug‐eluting stent and bare metal stent are not well‐studied. The aim of this study was to compare two stents that were previously frequently used in regard to long‐term risk of restenosis and stent thrombosis (ST).

Methods and results

We used data from the SCAAR registry. Consecutive procedures performed between 2004 and 2014 for stable angina, UA/NSTEMI and STEMI were included. We compared two different stents: Cordis Cypher Select (C‐CS), and Boston Scientific Liberte (BS‐L), modeling data with multilevel Cox proportional‐hazards regression. The primary endpoint was time to first occurrence of either ST or restenosis. During the study period 2210 C‐CS and 6941 B‐SL were implanted in 5,314 patients. Mean follow‐up time was 2,288 days for C‐CS and 2,297 days for BS‐L. Treatment with C‐CS was associated with lower risk for restenosis or ST up to one year from index procedure (HR 0.41; 95% CI 0.32‐0.52; P < .001). However, after one year of follow‐up, risk was substantially higher in C‐CS (HR 2.81; 95% CI 2.25‐3.50; P < .001).

Conclusion

Treatment with C‐CS was not associated with better outcome than BS‐L. Continuation of restenosis and ST long after the index procedure with C‐CS present a major concern for patient safety.
Kinetic modelling of blueberry anthocyanins oxidation with a free radical initiator 2,2'‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane)
Authors: Chorfa Nasima , Savard Sylvain , Belkacemi Khaled
Published: May 2018

The antioxidant activity of the main anthocyanin isomers isolated from wild blueberries of Lake Saint‐Jean (Quebec, Canada), the galactoside and glucoside isomers of cyanidine, peonidine, and malvidine, were studied through identification and quantification of oxidation products by liquid chromatographic analysis coupled to mass spectrometry. A simplified lumped kinetic model was developed taking into account the essentially radical nature of anthocyanin oxidation by AAPH (2,2′‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride) radicals through a scavenging mechanism. The calculated pseudo‐first order kinetic profiles of anthocyanins and the oxidation product common to all anthocyanins, 3,5‐dihydroxy‐4‐(ethen‐1,1‐diol) phenol derivative (fragment m/z 184), together with the specific oxidized product exclusive to the anthocyanidin nature, p‐hydroxybenzoic acid derivative (fragment m/z 154), appropriately fit experimental data at AAPH concentrations of 43.7 and 25.5 μmol/mL. It is shown that galactoside‐bonded peonidin (0.057 h−1) was more reactive than glucoside‐bonded peonidin (0.013 h−1) to generate the common oxidized product. An opposite tendency was observed when the reactivities of galactoside‐bonded cyanidin (0.026 h−1) and glucoside‐bonded cyanidin (0.085 h−1) were compared for an AAPH concentration of 43.7 μmol/mL. Malvidin‐3‐glucoside reacted weakly with AAPH radicals compared to the peonidin and cyanidin‐counterparts. These results suggested that anthocyanin reactivity towards AAPH‐radicals was associated not only with the anthocyanidin structure, but also with sugar moiety and the kinetics of peroxyl radical formation. The kinetic constants of anthocyanin oxidation product formation can be related to the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and then used to evaluate antioxidant properties.
Multiple Hydrogen Bonds Promoted ESIPT and AIE‐active Chiral Salicylaldehyde Hydrazide
Authors: Wang Man , Cheng Caiqi , Song Jintong , Wang Jun , Zhou Xiangge , Xiang Haifeng , Liu Jin
Published: May 2018

The simpler, the better! A series of simple and highly fluorescent salicylaldehyde hydrazide molecules (41 samples) have been designed and prepared. Even though these soft materials contain a very small π‐conjugated system, they can go through multiple intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonds promoted excited‐state intramolecular proton‐transfer (ESIPT) to display strong blue, green, yellow, and orange aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) with large Stokes shifts (up to 184 nm) and high fluorescence quantum yields (Ф up to 0.20). Unusual mechanochromic fluorescence enhancements are also found in some solid samples. Through coordination, hydrogen and halogen bonds, these flexible molecules can be used as Mg2+ (Ф up to 0.46) probes, universal anion (Ф up to 0.14) and unprotected amino acids (Ф up to 0.16) probes, and chiral diamine (enantiomeric selectivity and Ф up to 0.36 and 0.062, respectively) receptors. Combining their advantages of AIE and biocompatibility, these low cytotoxic dyes have potential application in living cell imaging. Furthermore, the effects of different functional groups on the molecule arrangement, ESIPT, AIE, probe, and chiral recognition properties are also examined, which provide a simple and bright paradigm for the design of multiple‐stimuli‐responsive smart materials.
The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Abumuamar Asmaa M. , Dorian Paul , Newman David , Shapiro Colin M.
Published: May 2018

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a systemic disorder associated with significant cardiovascular complications. OSA may play a role in the initiation and worsening of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical predictors of OSA in patients with AF.

Hypothesis

OSA is underdiagnosed in a large number of patients with AF and may not be predicted by conventional clinical indices.

Methods

Consecutive nonselected patients with AF were recruited from different arrhythmia clinics in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Patients with previous diagnosis and/or treatment of OSA were excluded. Patients underwent 2 consecutive nights of ambulatory sleep testing with full electroencephalogram recording. OSA was defined as an Apnea‐Hypopnea Index (AHI) score ≥ 5 per hour of sleep.

Results

123 patients with AF were recruited, with 100 patients included in the final analysis. OSA was detected in 85% of these patients. 27% of patients with normal overall AHI had an increased AHI during rapid eye movement sleep. Only age and male sex were independent predictors of the presence of OSA in these patients.

Conclusions

OSA is common and often undetected in patients with AF, especially in nonobese and/or female patients. Patients may have a normal overall AHI but an abnormal AHI during rapid eye movement sleep. The clinical relevance and therapeutic implications in this subgroup should be further investigated. The clinical features of OSA are not reliable predictors of OSA in patients with AF. A low threshold for detection of OSA, with sleep studies, in these patients may be merited.
Multi‐Scale Fuzzy Inference System for Influent Characteristic Prediction of Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Cheng Zhiwei , Li Xuejiao , Bai Yun , Li Chuan
Published: May 2018

Accurate influent characteristic prediction is vital to maintain the stable performance of wastewater treatment processes. In this work, an associated approach based on the wavelet packet decomposition (WPD) and adaptive network‐based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is proposed to address this issue. In this method, the WPD is first adopted to decompose the historical data of the influent characteristic into wavelet coefficients in different scales. The time sub‐series, which are obtained with a single branch reconstruction of the wavelet coefficients in each scale, are then utilized to build the ANFIS regression model. The predicted sub‐results in each scale are finally summarized into an eventual predicted result. Moreover, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed to acquire the optimal parameters of the multi‐scale ANFIS, and chaos theory is utilized to determine the input variables of the multi‐scale ANFIS. The reported approach is investigated by the influent characteristic data, including the chemical oxygen and biochemical oxygen demands from a wastewater treatment plant (WTP) in southwest of China. Two peer models are introduced for a comparison study. The results show that the developed approach has superior performance in terms of the mean absolute error (3.346 and 1.384), mean absolute percentage error (1.804% and 1.800%), root mean square error (3.988 and 1.788), and correlation coefficient (0.960 and 0.964), and can accurately predict the influent characteristic of the WTP.
Septins: Active GTPases or just GTP‐binding proteins?
Authors: Abbey Megha , Gaestel Matthias , Menon Manoj B.
Published: May 2018

Septins are conserved cytoskeletal proteins with unique filament forming capabilities and roles in cytokinesis and cell morphogenesis. Septins undergo hetero‐oligomerization and assemble into higher order structures including filaments, rings, and cages. Hetero‐ and homotypic interactions of septin isoforms involve alternating GTPase (G)‐domain interfaces and those mediated by N‐ and C‐terminal extensions. While most septins bind GTP, display weak GTP‐hydrolysis activity and incorporate guanine nucleotides in their interaction interfaces, studies using GTPase‐inactivating mutations have failed to conclusively establish a crucial role for GTPase activity in mediating septin functions. In this mini‐review, we will critically assess the role of GTP‐binding and ‐hydrolysis on septin assembly and function. The relevance of G‐domain activity will also be discussed in the context of human septin mutations as well as the development of specific small‐molecules targeting septin polymerization. As structural determinants of septin oligomer interfaces, G‐domains are attractive targets for ligand‐based inhibition of septin assembly. Whether such an intervention can predictably alter septin function is a major question for future research.
An Open‐Label, Phase 1 Study to Assess the Effects of Hepatic Impairment on Pomalidomide Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Xiaomin , Liu Liangang , Zhang Chengyue , Gomez Diana , Reyes Josephine , Palmisano Maria , Zhou Simon
Published: May 2018

Pomalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug and the dosage of 4 mg per day taken orally on days 1‐21 of repeated 28‐day cycles has been approved in the European Union and United States to treat patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Because pomalidomide is extensively metabolized prior to excretion, a total of 32 subjects (8 healthy subjects in group 1; 8 subjects with severe hepatic impairment in group 2; 8 subjects with moderate hepatic impairment in group 3; and 8 subjects with mild hepatic impairment in group 4) were enrolled in a multicenter, open‐label, single‐dose study to assess the impact of hepatic impairment on pomalidomide exposure. Following administration of a single oral dose of 4‐mg pomalidomide, the geometric mean ratios of pomalidomide total plasma exposures (AUC) were 171.5%, 157.5%, and 151.2% and the geometric mean ratios of pomalidomide plasma peak exposures (Cmax) were 75.8%, 94.8%, and 94.2% for subjects with severe, moderate, or mild hepatic impairment, respectively, versus healthy subjects. Pomalidomide administered as a single oral 4‐mg dose was safe and well tolerated by healthy subjects and subjects with severe, moderate, or mild hepatic impairment. Based on the pharmacokinetic results from this study, the pomalidomide prescribing information approved by the US Food and Drug Administration recommends for patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment (Child‐Pugh classes A or B), a 3‐mg starting daily dose (25% dose reduction) and for patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child‐Pugh class C), a 2‐mg starting daily dose (50% dose reduction).
Photocurrent Enhancement by Spontaneous Formation of a p–n Junction in Calcium‐Doped Bismuth Vanadate Photoelectrodes
Authors: Abdi Fatwa F. , Starr David E. , Ahmet Ibbi Y. , van de Krol Roel
Published: May 2018

The application of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) photoelectrodes for solar water splitting is hindered by the poor carrier transport. To overcome this, multiple donor‐doping strategies (e.g. dual doping, gradient doping) have been explored. Here, we show for the first time the successful introduction of calcium (Ca) as an acceptor‐type dopant into BiVO4 photoelectrodes. Interestingly, instead of generating cathodic photocurrents, the Ca‐doped BiVO4 photoelectrodes show anodic photocurrents with an enhanced carrier separation efficiency. Hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) shows that this enhancement is caused by out‐diffusion of Ca during the deposition process, which spontaneously creates a p–n junction within the BiVO4 layer. Overall, a significant two‐fold improvement of the AM1.5 photocurrent is obtained upon Ca‐doping. This study highlights the importance of controlled doping beyond simply modifying carrier concentration and may enable new device architectures in photoelectrode materials.
Getting to the Root of the Matter: Challenges and Recommendations for Assessing the Safety of Botanical Dietary Supplements
Authors: Rider Cynthia V. , Walker Nigel J. , Waidyanatha Suramya
Published: May 2018

The National Toxicology Program's (NTP) mission is “to evaluate agents of public health concern, by developing and applying the tools of modern toxicology and molecular biology.” Botanical dietary supplements (BDS) represent agents of public health concern due to widespread exposure to high doses, a lack of safety data for most products, variable quality, and reports of adverse events. This commentary will address lessons learned in NTP testing activities with BDS and recommendations for moving forward.
Sensitive quantification of the somatostatin analog AP102 in plasma by ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and application to a pharmacokinetic study in rats
Authors: Eugster Philippe J. , Boyle Christina N. , Prod'hom Sylvain , Tarasco Erika , Buclin Thierry , Lutz Thomas A. , Harris Alan G. , Grouzmann Eric
Published: May 2018

AP102 is a di‐iodinated octapeptide somatostatin agonist (SSA) designed to treat acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumors. A sensitive and selective method was validated for the quantification of AP102 in plasma following the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. Sample preparation was performed using solid‐phase extraction microplates. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) C18 column in 6.0 minutes. The compounds were quantified using multiple reaction monitoring on a tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer with 13C,15N‐labeled AP102 as internal standard. Calibration ranged from 50 to 10000 pg/mL. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was measured at 20 pg/mL, and robust analytical performances were obtained with trueness at 99.2%–100.0%, intra‐assay imprecision at 2.5%–4.4%, and inter‐assay imprecision at 8.9%–9.7%. The accuracy profiles (total error) built on the 3 concentrations levels showed accuracy within the 70%–130% range. AP102 is remarkably stable since no proteolytic fragments were detected on plasma samples analyzed by Orbitrap‐MS. Pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in rats, after single dose (1, 3, and 10 μg/kg, sc) and continuous subcutaneous administration (osmotic minipumps for 28 days, 3.0 or 10.0 μg/kg/h). AP102 showed a rapid absorption by the subcutaneous route (Tmax: 15–30 minutes) and a fast elimination (t1/2: 33–86 minutes). The PK profile of AP102 exhibited a mean clearance of 1.67 L/h and a mean distribution volume at steady state of 7.16 L/kg, about 10‐fold higher than those observed with other SSA or non‐ and mono‐iodinated AP102. LogD7.4 determination confirmed the lipophilic properties of AP102 that might influence its distribution in tissues.
The effect of athletes` hyperhydration on the urinary ‘steroid profile’ markers in doping control analysis
Authors: Athanasiadou I. , Kraiem S. , Al‐Sowaidi S. , Al‐Mohammed H. , Dbes N. , Al‐Yazedi S. , Samsam W. , Mohamed‐Ali V. , Dokoumetzidis A. , Alsayrafi M. , Valsami G. , Georgakopoulos C.
Published: May 2018

The urinary ‘steroid profile’ in doping control analysis is a powerful tool aimed at detecting intra‐individual deviations related to the abuse of endogenous steroids. Factors altering the steroid profile include, among others, the excessive fluid intake leading to low endogenous steroids concentrations compared to an individual's normal values. Cases report the use of hyperhydration by athletes as a masking method during anti‐doping urine sample collection. Seven healthy physically active non‐smoking Caucasian males were examined for a 72‐hour period using water and a commercial sports drink as hyperhydration agents (20 mL/kg body weight). Urine samples were collected and analyzed according to World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) technical documents. Although, significant differences were observed on the endogenous steroid concentrations under the studied hyperhydration conditions, specific gravity adjustment based on a reference value of 1.020 can eliminate the dilution induced effect. Adjustment methods based on creatinine and urinary flow rate were also examined; however, specific gravity was the optimum method in terms of effectiveness to adjust concentrations close to the baseline steroid profile and practicability. No significant effect on the urinary steroid ratios was observed with variability values within 30% of the mean for the majority of data. Furthermore, no masking on the detection ability of endogenous steroids was observed due to hyperhydration. It can be concluded that any deviation on the endogenous steroid concentrations due to excessive fluid intake can be compensated by the specific gravity adjustment and therefore, hyperhydration is not effective as a masking method on the detection of the abuse of endogenous steroids.
Role of institutional interplay as the medium for dispute between different interpretations of “participation”: A case study from semiarid India
Authors: Parab Vrishali
Published: May 2018

The participatory approach characterizes several contemporary programs of watershed development in semiarid farming systems in India. Underlying the extensive adoption of such programs is the notion of participation, which can have varied interpretations. This article presents a case study in which disputes around different interpretations of the concept affected the establishment and implementation of a watershed development program. The study site was Kadwanchi, a drought‐prone village in western India, which undertook watershed development under the aegis of the Indo‐German Watershed Development Programme (IGWDP). This case study investigates how the convention of voluntary labor and the debate over its significance in community participation affected the early constitution and local delivery of IGWDP. The article demonstrates that institutional interplay became a medium through which the involved actors disagreed over their respective interpretations of how participation accommodates voluntary labor. It analyzes the interactions between IGWDP and other discourses of participatory watershed management (otherwise known as patterns) through causal mechanisms. To identify those mechanisms, the study proposes the concept of transmission instruments, defined as the tangible structures that convey the stimulus of institutional change between interacting institutions.