bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traditional medicine practitioners’ knowledge and views on treatment of pregnant women in three regions of Mali
Authors: Nordeng Hedvig , Al-Zayadi Waled , Diallo Drissa , Ballo Ngolo , Paulsen Berit Smestad
Published: September 2013

Background

Despite the widespread use of medicinal plants in Mali, knowledge about how traditional practitioners (TPs) treat pregnant and lactating women is lacking.

Aim of the study

The aim of this study was to investigate how traditional practitioners in Mali treat common diseases and ailments during pregnancy.

Methods

Data was collected through structured interviews of traditional practitioners in one urban (Bamako) and two rural areas (Siby and Dioila) in Mali. The TPs were interviewed about how they treat common diseases and ailments during pregnancy. They were also asked to name harmful plants in pregnancy and plants that could affect breast milk production. In addition, we asked about nine specific medicinal plants commonly used in Mali; Opilia amentacea (syn. Opilia celtidifolia), Ximenia americana, Cola cordifolia, Combretum glutinosum, Parkia biglobosa, Trichilia emetica, Combretum micranthum, Lippia chevalieri and Vepris heterophylla.

Results

A total of 72 traditional practitioners (64% women, age: 34 to 90 years) were interviewed during an eight week period October 2011 to December 2011. They treated between 1 and 30 pregnant women with medicinal plants per months. We found a relatively high consensus for treatment of pregnant women with common diseases and ailments like nausea and dermatitis. The highest informer consensus was found for the treatment of malaria during pregnancy. TPs generally recommended pregnant women to avoid medicinal plants with bitter tastes like stem and root bark of Khaya senegalensis and Opilia amentacea (syn. Opilia celtidifolia). TPs distinguished between oral (potentially unsafe) and dermal use (safe) of Opilia amentacea (syn. Opilia celtidifolia). Cola cordifolia was used to facilitate labor.

Conclusion

Experience and knowledge about treatment of pregnant women with medicinal plants was broad among the traditional practitioners in the three investigated regions in Mali. Collaborating with traditional practitioners on the safe use of medicinal plants in pregnancy may promote safer pregnancies and better health for mothers and their unborn infants in Mali.
Factors influencing pharmacists’ adoption of prescribing: qualitative application of the diffusion of innovations theory
Authors: Makowsky Mark J , Guirguis Lisa M , Hughes Christine A , Sadowski Cheryl A , Yuksel Nese
Published: September 2013

Background

In 2007, Alberta became the first Canadian jurisdiction to grant pharmacists a wide range of prescribing privileges. Our objective was to understand what factors influence pharmacists’ adoption of prescribing using a model for the Diffusion of Innovations in healthcare services.

Methods

Pharmacists participated in semi-structured telephone interviews to discuss their prescribing practices and explore the facilitators and barriers to implementation. Pharmacists working in community, hospital, PCN, or other settings were selected using a mix of random and purposive sampling. Two investigators independently analyzed each transcript using an Interpretive Description approach to identify themes. Analyses were informed by a model explaining the Diffusion of Innovations in health service organizations.

Results

Thirty-eight participants were interviewed. Prescribing behaviours varied from non-adoption through to product, disease, and patient focused use of prescribing. Pharmacists’ adoption of prescribing was dependent on the innovation itself, adopter, system readiness, and communication and influence. Adopting pharmacists viewed prescribing as a legitimization of previous practice and advantageous to instrumental daily tasks. The complexity of knowledge required for prescribing increased respectively in product, disease and patient focused prescribing scenarios. Individual adopters had higher levels of self-efficacy toward prescribing skills. At a system level, pharmacists who were in practice settings that were patient focused were more likely to adopt advanced prescribing practices, over those in product-focused settings. All pharmacists stated that physician relationships impacted their prescribing behaviours and individual pharmacists’ decisions to apply for independent prescribing privileges.

Conclusions

Diffusion of Innovations theory was helpful in understanding the multifaceted nature of pharmacists’ adoption of prescribing. The characteristics of the prescribing model itself which legitimized prior practices, the model of practice in a pharmacy setting, and relationships with physicians were prominent influences on pharmacists’ prescribing behaviours.
The Nedd4-binding protein 3 (N4BP3) is crucial for axonal and dendritic branching in developing neurons
Authors: Schmeisser Michael J , Kühl Susanne J , Schoen Michael , Beth Nathalie H , Weis Tobias M , Grabrucker Andreas M , Kühl Michael , Boeckers Tobias M
Published: September 2013

Background

Circuit formation in the nervous system essentially relies on the proper development of neurons and their processes. In this context, the ubiquitin ligase Nedd4 is a crucial modulator of axonal and dendritic branching.

Results

Herein we characterize the Nedd4-binding protein 3 (N4BP3), a Fezzin family member, during nerve cell development. In developing rat primary hippocampal neurons, endogenous N4BP3 localizes to neuronal processes, including axons and dendrites. Transient in vitro knockdown of N4BP3 in hippocampal cultures during neuritogenesis results in impaired branching of axons and dendrites. In line with these findings, in vivo knockdown of n4bp3 in Xenopus laevis embryos results in severe alteration of cranial nerve branching.

Conclusions

We introduce N4BP3 as a novel molecular element for the correct branching of neurites in developing neurons and propose a central role for an N4BP3-Nedd4 complex in neurite branching and circuit formation.
Detection of doublecortin domain-containing 2 (DCDC2), a new candidate tumor suppressor gene of hepatocellular carcinoma, by triple combination array analysis
Authors: Inokawa Yoshikuni , Nomoto Shuji , Hishida Mitsuhiro , Hayashi Masamichi , Kanda Mitsuro , Nishikawa Yoko , Takeda Shin , Sugimoto Hiroyuki , Fujii Tsutomu , Yamada Suguru , Kodera Yasuhiro
Published: September 2013

Background

To detect genes correlated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we developed a triple combination array consisting of methylation array, gene expression array and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array analysis.

Methods

A surgical specimen obtained from a 68-year-old female HCC patient was analyzed by triple combination array, which identified doublecortin domain-containing 2 (DCDC2) as a candidate tumor suppressor gene of HCC. Subsequently, samples from 48 HCC patients were evaluated for their DCDC2 methylation and expression status using methylation specific PCR (MSP) and semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR, respectively. Then, we investigated the relationship between clinicopathological factors and methylation status of DCDC2.

Results

DCDC2 was revealed to be hypermethylated (methylation value 0.846, range 0–1.0) in cancer tissue, compared with adjacent normal tissue (0.212) by methylation array in the 68-year-old female patient. Expression array showed decreased expression of DCDC2 in cancerous tissue. SNP array showed that the copy number of chromosome 6p22.1, in which DCDC2 resides, was normal. MSP revealed hypermethylation of the promoter region of DCDC2 in 41 of the tumor samples. DCDC2 expression was significantly decreased in the cases with methylation (P = 0.048). Furthermore, the methylated cases revealed worse prognosis for overall survival than unmethylated cases (P = 0.048).

Conclusions

The present study indicates that triple combination array is an effective method to detect novel genes related to HCC. We propose that DCDC2 is a tumor suppressor gene of HCC.
The impact of crystalloidal and colloidal infusion preparations on coronary vascular integrity, interstitial oedema and cardiac performance in isolated hearts
Authors: Zausig York A , Chappell Daniel , Becker Bernhard F , Potschka Daniel , Busse Hendrik , Nixdorf Kathrin , Bitzinger Diane , Jacob Barbara , Jacob Matthias
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Recent data suggested an interaction between plasma constituents and the endothelial glycocalyx to be relevant for vascular barrier function. This might be negatively influenced by infusion solutions, depending on ionic composition, pH and binding properties. The present study evaluated such an influence of current artificial preparations.

Methods

Isolated guinea pig hearts were prepared in a modified Langendorff mode and perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer augmented with 1g% human albumin. After equilibration the perfusion was switched to replacement of one half buffer by either isotonic saline (NaCl), ringer's acetate (Ri-Ac), 6% and 10% hydroxyethyl starch (6% and 10% HES, resp.), or 4% gelatine (Gel), the artificial colloids having been prepared in balanced solution. We analysed glycocalyx shedding, functional integrity of the vascular barrier and heart performance.

Results

While glycocalyx shedding was not observed, diluting albumin concentration towards 0.5g% by artificial solutions was associated with a marked functional breakdown of vascular barrier competence. This effect was biggest with isotonic saline and significantly attenuated with artificial colloids, the difference in the pressure dependent transvascular fluid filtration (basal vs. during infusion in groups NaCl, Ri-Ac, 6% HES, 10% HES and Gel, n = 6 each) being 0.31 ± 0.03 vs. 1.00 ± 0.04; 0.27 ± 0.03 vs. 0.81 ± 0.03; 0.29 ± 0.03 vs. 0.68 ± 0.02; 0.32 ± 0.03 vs. 0.59 ± 0.08 and 0.31 ± 0.04 vs. 0.61 ± 0.03 g/5min, respectively. Heart performance was directly related to pH value (7.38 ± 0.06, 7.33 ± 0.03, 7.14 ± 0.04, 7.08 ± 0.04, 7.25 ± 0.03), the change in the rate pressure product being 21,702 ± 1969 vs. 21,291 ± 2,552; 22,098 ± 2,115 vs. 14,114 ± 3,386; 20,897 ± 2,083 vs. 10,671 ± 1,948; 21,822 ± 2,470 vs. 10,047 ± 2,320 and 20,955 ± 2,296 vs. 15,951 ± 2,755 mmHg × bpm, respectively.

Conclusions

It appears important to maintain the pH value within a physiological range to maintain optimal myocardial contractility. Using colloids prepared in calcium-containing, balanced solutions for volume replacement therapy may attenuate the breakdown of vascular barrier competence in the critically ill.
Melanoma Epidemic: An Analysis of Six Decades of Data From the Connecticut Tumor Registry
Authors: Geller Alan C. , Clapp Richard W. , Sober Arthur J. , Gonsalves Lou , Mueller Lloyd , Christiansen Cindy L. , Shaikh Waqas , Miller Donald R.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

Melanoma is the most commonly fatal form of skin cancer, with nearly 50,000 annual deaths worldwide. We sought to assess long-term trends in the incidence and mortality of melanoma in a state with complete and consistent registration.

Methods

We used data from the Connecticut Tumor Registry, the original National Cancer Institute SEER site, to determine trends in invasive melanoma (1950-2007), in situ melanoma (1973-2007), tumor thickness (1993-2007), mortality (1950-2007), and mortality to incidence (1950-2007) among the 19,973 and 3,635 Connecticut residents diagnosed with invasive melanoma (1950-2007) and who died as a result of melanoma (1950-2007), respectively. Main outcome measures included trends in incidence and mortality by age, sex, and birth cohort.

Results

In the initial period (1950-1954), a diagnosis of invasive melanoma was rare, with 1.9 patient cases per 100,000 for men and 2.6 patient cases per 100,000 for women. Between 1950 and 2007, overall incidence rates rose more than 17-fold in men (1.9 to 33.5 per 100,000) and more than nine-fold in women (2.6 to 25.3 per 100,000). During these six decades, mortality rates more than tripled in men (1.6 to 4.9 per 100,000) and doubled in women (1.3 to 2.6 per 100,000). Mortality rates were generally stable or decreasing in men and women through age 54 years.

Conclusion

Unremitting increases in incidence and mortality of melanoma call for a nationally coordinated effort to encourage and promote innovative prevention and early-detection efforts.
Everolimus for Previously Treated Advanced Gastric Cancer: Results of the Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase III GRANITE-1 Study
Authors: Ohtsu Atsushi , Ajani Jaffer A. , Bai Yu-Xian , Bang Yung-Jue , Chung Hyun-Cheol , Pan Hong-Ming , Sahmoud Tarek , Shen Lin , Yeh Kun-Huei , Chin Keisho , Muro Kei , Kim Yeul Hong , Ferry David , Tebbutt Niall C. , Al-Batran Salah-Eddin , Smith Heind , Costantini Chiara , Rizvi Syed , Lebwohl David , Van Cutsem Eric
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The oral mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus demonstrated promising efficacy in a phase II study of pretreated advanced gastric cancer. This international, double-blind, phase III study compared everolimus efficacy and safety with that of best supportive care (BSC) in previously treated advanced gastric cancer.

Patients and Methods

Patients with advanced gastric cancer that progressed after one or two lines of systemic chemotherapy were randomly assigned to everolimus 10 mg/d (assignment schedule: 2:1) or matching placebo, both given with BSC. Randomization was stratified by previous chemotherapy lines (one v two) and region (Asia v rest of the world [ROW]). Treatment continued until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. Primary end point was overall survival (OS). Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate, and safety.

Results

Six hundred fifty-six patients (median age, 62.0 years; 73.6% male) were enrolled. Median OS was 5.4 months with everolimus and 4.3 months with placebo (hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.08; P = .124). Median PFS was 1.7 months and 1.4 months in the everolimus and placebo arms, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.78). Common grade 3/4 adverse events included anemia, decreased appetite, and fatigue. The safety profile was similar in patients enrolled in Asia versus ROW.

Conclusion

Compared with BSC, everolimus did not significantly improve overall survival for advanced gastric cancer that progressed after one or two lines of previous systemic chemotherapy. The safety profile observed for everolimus was consistent with that observed for everolimus in other cancers.
Patterns of Care in Palliative Radiotherapy: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Murphy James D. , Nelson Lorene M. , Chang Daniel T. , Mell Loren K. , Le Quynh-Thu
Published: September 2013

Inequality in the receipt of palliative radiotherapy exists on the basis of age, comorbidity, and race/ethnicity. Further research into the underlying causes of these discrepancies will improve access to palliative irradiation.
Impact of Physician Assistants on the Outcomes of Patients With Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Receiving Chemotherapy in an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Glotzbecker Brett E. , Yolin-Raley Deborah S. , DeAngelo Daniel J. , Stone Richard M. , Soiffer Robert J. , Alyea Edwin P.
Published: September 2013

The authors' findings suggest that the physician assistant service is associated with increased operational efficiency and decreased health service use without compromising health care outcomes.
DHEA-Mediated Inhibition of the Pentose Phosphate Pathway Alters Oocyte Lipid Metabolism in Mice
Authors: Jimenez Patricia T. , Frolova Antonina I. , Chi Maggie M. , Grindler Natalia M. , Willcockson Alexandra R. , Reynolds Kasey A. , Zhao Quihong , Moley Kelle H.
Published: September 2013

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hyperandrogenism have altered hormone levels and suffer from ovarian dysfunction leading to subfertility. We have attempted to generate a model of hyperandrogenism by feeding mice chow supplemented with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an androgen precursor that is often elevated in women with PCOS. Treated mice had polycystic ovaries, low ovulation rates, disrupted estrous cycles, and altered hormone levels. Because DHEA is an inhibitor of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway, we tested the hypothesis that oocytes from DHEA-exposed mice would have metabolic disruptions. Citrate levels, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, and lipid content in denuded oocytes from these mice were significantly lower than controls, suggesting abnormal tricarboxylic acid and pentose phosphate pathway metabolism. The lipid and citrate effects were reversible by supplementation with nicotinic acid, a precursor for reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. These findings suggest that elevations in systemic DHEA can have a negative impact on oocyte metabolism and may contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes in women with hyperandrogenism and PCOS.
FFAR1 Is Involved in Both the Acute and Chronic Effects of Palmitate on Insulin Secretion
Authors: Kristinsson Hjalti , Smith David M. , Bergsten Peter , Sargsyan Ernest
Published: September 2013

Free fatty acids (FFAs) have pleiotropic effects on the pancreatic β-cell. Although acute exposure to FFAs stimulates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), prolonged exposure impairs GSIS and causes apoptosis. FFAs exert their effects both via intracellular metabolism and interaction with the FFA receptor 1 (FFAR1/GPR40). Here we studied the role of FFAR1 in acute and long-term effects of palmitate on GSIS and insulin content in isolated human islets by using the FFAR1 agonist TAK-875 and the antagonist ANT203. Acute palmitate exposure potentiated GSIS approximately 3-fold, whereas addition of the antagonist decreased this potentiation to approximately 2-fold. In the absence of palmitate, the agonist caused a 40% increase in GSIS. Treatment with palmitate for 7 days decreased GSIS to 70% and insulin content to 25% of control level. These negative effects of long-term exposure to palmitate were ameliorated by FFAR1 inhibition and further aggravated by additional stimulation of the receptor. In the absence of extracellularly applied palmitate, long-term treatment with the agonist caused a modest increase in GSIS. The protective effect of FFAR1 inhibition was verified by using FFAR1-deficient MIN6 cells. Improved β-cell function by the antagonist was paralleled by the decreased apoptosis and lowered oxidation of palmitate, which may represent the potential mechanisms of protection. We conclude that FFAR1 in the pancreatic β-cell plays a substantial role not only in acute potentiation of GSIS by palmitate but also in the negative long-term effects of palmitate on GSIS and insulin content.
The developmental origins of adipose tissue
Authors: Berry Daniel C. , Stenesen Drew , Zeve Daniel , Graff Jonathan M.
Published: September 2013

Adipose tissue is formed at stereotypic times and locations in a diverse array of organisms. Once formed, the tissue is dynamic, responding to homeostatic and external cues and capable of a 15-fold expansion. The formation and maintenance of adipose tissue is essential to many biological processes and when perturbed leads to significant diseases. Despite this basic and clinical significance, understanding of the developmental biology of adipose tissue has languished. In this Review, we highlight recent efforts to unveil adipose developmental cues, adipose stem cell biology and the regulators of adipose tissue homeostasis and dynamism.
Sdc2 and Tbx16 regulate Fgf2-dependent epithelial cell morphogenesis in the ciliated organ of asymmetry
Authors: Arrington Cammon B. , Peterson Annita G. , Yost H. Joseph
Published: September 2013

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) control many cellular processes and have been implicated in the regulation of left-right (LR) development by as yet unknown mechanisms. Using lineage-targeted knockdowns, we found that the transmembrane HSPG Syndecan 2 (Sdc2) regulates LR patterning through cell-autonomous functions in the zebrafish ciliated organ of asymmetry, Kupffer’s vesicle (KV), including regulation of cell proliferation and adhesion, cilia length and asymmetric fluid flow. Exploring downstream pathways, we found that the cell signaling ligand Fgf2 is exclusively expressed in KV cell lineages, and is dependent on Sdc2 and the transcription factor Tbx16. Strikingly, Fgf2 controls KV morphogenesis but not KV cilia length, and KV morphogenesis in sdc2 morphants can be rescued by expression of fgf2 mRNA. Through an Fgf2-independent pathway, Sdc2 and Tbx16 also control KV ciliogenesis. Our results uncover a novel Sdc2-Tbx16-Fgf2 pathway that regulates epithelial cell morphogenesis.
Photochemical Grafting Reactions of a Benzophenone-Containing Alkanethiol Monolayer on Au with Deuterated Polystyrene
Authors: Oda Hirokazu , Onda Ken , Nakagawa Masaru
Published: September 2013

Photochemical reactions of 4-[(10-sulfanyldecyl)oxy]benzophenone with deuterated polystyrene (PS-d8) were studied using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy. The FT-IR spectral changes of PS thin films indicated that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light caused photochemical consumption of the benzophenone moiety by a hydrogen abstraction reaction of the carbonyl group; the reaction was almost complete at an exposure energy of 2.0 J cm−2 at 254 nm. The VSFG spectral changes of the adsorbed monolayer on Au on UV exposure revealed that the carbonyl groups oriented parallel to the Au substrate surface were consumed at more exposure energies. The exposure-energy-dependent formation of PS-grafted layers was confirmed by atomic force microscopy observations of Au surfaces modified with a photoreactive monolayer.
A Specialty Steel Bar Company Uses Analytics to Determine Available-to-Promise Dates
Authors: Mahdavi Pajouh Foad , Xing Dahai , Zhou Yingjue , Hariharan Sharethram , Balasundaram Balabhaskar , Liu Tieming , Sharda Ramesh
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we describe an application of prescriptive analytics to enhance data-driven decision making at a specialty steel bar products supplier and manufacturer in North America. As part of the company’s daily business, it must make available-to-promise (ATP) decisions, which determine in real time the dates by which it can promise delivery of products that customers requested during the quotation stage. Previously, a salesperson had to make such decisions by analyzing reports on available inventory. To support these ATP decisions, we developed a real-time decision support system (DSS) to find an optimal assignment of the available inventory and to support additional what-if analysis. The DSS uses a suite of mixed-integer programming models and commercial software to solve the models. The company has incorporated the DSS into its enterprise resource planning system to seamlessly facilitate its use of business analytics.
Analytical Variability Among Methods for the Measurement of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D
Authors: Holmes Earle W. , Garbincius Jean , McKenna Kathleen M.
Published: September 2013

Objectives:

To compare total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] results measured by 3 direct immunoassays, including the previous version of the DiaSorin Liaison2 assay and the current versions of the Siemens Centaur2 and the Abbott Architect assays, with results measured in serum extracts by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and radioimmunoassay (RIA).

Methods:

Our study sample consisted of 163 consecutive clinical specimens submitted to our laboratory for 25(OH)D testing.

Results:

Regression and bias analyses of the data revealed that results measured by the 3 direct immunoassay methods had high degrees of random variability and bias relative to the results determined by LC/MS and RIA. The relative biases between results measured by the direct assays and the comparison methods exceeded a recommended criterion for the total allowable error of a 25(OH)D test in as many as 48% of our clinical specimens. Of the subjects in our study sample, 33, 37, 30, 45, and 71 were classified as vitamin D deficient based on results determined by LC/MS, RIA, Liaison2, Architect, and Centaur2, respectively.

Conclusions:

Intermethod variability in 25(OH)D assays continues to limit our progress toward the establishment of reference values for 25(OH)D in health and our efforts to gain a better understanding of the role of vitamin D insufficiency as a risk factor for disease.
Study of Chemical Interactions in Binary mixture water-1,4-dioxane : Neighbourhood and Associated Model Approach
Authors: Besbes Rafik , Ouerfelli Noureddine , Abderabba Manef
Published: September 2013

We use our results of measurements of the activities coefficients of water and 1,4-dioxane at room conditions to analyse the interactions between molecules of water and 1,4-dioxane in different mixtures. Our study is based on â€œ Neighbourhood Model Approach â€ at liquid state in correlation with solid state to calculate molar fractions of free molecules of water and of 1,4-dioxane in pure liquid state and to deduce the composition of the various mixtures. We calculate system composition in a basis of associate model (called). This model gives good results to interpreting interactions between molecules of water and of 1,4-dioxane.Our model is inspired by resulting experimental recently published by our team, witch measurements of the enthalpy of mixture: ï„mh (XD), present two maxima for molecular fraction of 1,4-dioxane XD = 0.1438 and XD = 0.7805, which correspond to arrangements between molecules of water and 1,4-dioxane of type WD3.56, and DW5.95 (D: 1,4-dioxaneâ€“ W: water)We use, for the study of the model suggested, a number of 4 neighbours molecules in the first shell surrounding one molecule of water and 6 neighbours molecules for one molecule of 1,4-dioxane.Our observations confirm well the results of works of many authors by different technical methods.
Biocidal effects of aqueous extract of the roots of Anacyclus pyrethrum (Asteraceae) on Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) (Coleoptera : Bruchidae)
Authors: Khannouchi Samira , Elhilali Fatima , Zair Touriya
Published: September 2013

Â In Morocco, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) (Coleoptera : Bruchidae) causes very important damage on the seeds of stocked Leguminosae ; its control is carried out exclusively by synthetic insecticides which are harmful for both Man and Environment. Pesticides based on plants constitute an alternative solution in the synthetic insecticides. Many studies have focused on improving forms of using plants that enhance and leverage their insecticidal activity (alcoholic and aqueous extracts, essential oils, etc..). In this study, we sought to evaluate the potentialities of the aqueous extract of the roots of Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) (Asteraceae) against adults, eggs and the emerging of C. maculatus. The tests were carried out on seeds of Cicer arietinum (L.) (Leguminosae) in the temperature of 28.0 Â± 2.0Â°C, photoperiod 12/12 and relating humidity from 70 to 75%.The results obtained showed that the aqueous extract of A. pyrethrum has an interesting insecticide effect against the adults of C. maculatus. It reduced longevity, fecundity, fertility, success rate and it increases the number of non-fertile eggs of these insects, especially for the high doses. This indicates that a durable protection and at low cost against this beetle is possible by using the aqueous extract of A. pyrethrum, which can represent an interesting alternative solution to chemical insecticides.
Kinetics of the photoinduced dissociative reduction of the model alkyl peroxides di-tert-butyl peroxide and ascaridole
Authors: C. Magri David , S. Workentin Mark
Published: September 2013

Rate constants for the reaction between excited singlet state aromatic donors and the dialkyl peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP), and the bicyclic endoperoxide, ascaridole (ASC), were measured in acetonitrile using fluorescence quenching techniques. The rate constants, measured with 18 different aromatic donors by Stern-Volmer quenching, range from 9.2 ï‚´ 109 to 4.4 ï‚´ 106 M-1 s-1. Using accurately measured standard reduction potentials for the peroxides, the driving force for photoinduced electron transfer is predicted to be thermodynamically feasible over the entire range of excited donors ranging from ï€­49 to ï€­10 kcal mol-1 for ASC and ï€­38 to ï€­2 kcal mol-1 for DTBP. However, when the photoinduced kinetics are combined with previously measured electron transfer kinetics by homogeneous redox catalysis with ground state radical-anion donors, a smooth parabolic correlation for a dissociative electron transfer mechanism is not observed. Rather, a discontinuity is observed between the photochemical and electrochemical data sets with the rate constants with singlet excited states donors being over two orders of magnitude larger than the ground state kinetics at the same driving force. The discrepancy is examined considering the importance of attractive interaction between fragments in the dissociative photoinduced electron transfer reactions.
Use of kitchen steel wool as oxygen absorber improves storage retention of beta-carotene in solar-dried vegetables
Authors: Nyambaka Hudson , Nderitu James , Nawiri Mildred , Murungi Jane
Published: September 2013

Â Vitamin A deficiency remains a major health concern in developing countries whereas the season availability of vegetables could provide for vitamin A. Dehydration is widely used to preserve dark green leafy vegetables (DGLV) but storage in normal atmosphere condition losses beta-carotene by oxidation, therefore requiring use of an oxygen absorber. The study examined use of kitchen steel wool as an oxygen absorber in reducing the loss of beta-carotene content in three indigenous DGLVs that were solar dried and stored for a period of 168 days in four different packing conditions. Fresh vegetables contained between 781.94 to 1047.42 Î¼g/g dry matter (DM) beta-carotene, reducing significantly (p=0.01) to between 653.63 to 712.99 Î¼g/g DM after dehydration. Steel wool oxygen absorber significantly improved (p = 0.02) beta-carotene retention, recording a loss of 19.5 to 37.6% compared to 47 to 72% in normal conditions. Storage of DGLVs under kitchen steel wool oxygen absorber preserves vegetables and retains high levels of beta-carotene.
Relative Permittivity of Carbon Dioxide + Ethanol Mixtures prediction by means of Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Astray Gonzalo , Iglesias-Otero Manuel A. , Morales Jorge , Mejuto Juan C.
Published: September 2013

CO2 + ethanol mixtures have a huge scientific interest and enormous relevance for many industrial processes. Obtaining of their chemical and physical properties is a fundamental task. Relative permittivity (ï¥r) of these mixtures is a key property because allows a better knowledge of the structure and the interactions in other media. In this work predictive values of relative permittivity (ï¥r) of carbon dioxide + ethanol mixtures were obtained implementing artificial neural networks (ANNs). They are used successfully in very different fields; therefore it is a very useful tool. In this case the obtained results enhance the ones from the usual multiple linear regression analysis. In both cases mass fraction, pressure and temperature experimental data from a direct capacitance method were used.
A Locus in Drosophila sechellia Affecting Tolerance of a Host Plant Toxin
Authors: Hungate Eric A , Earley Eric J , Boussy Ian A , Turissini David A , Ting Chau-Ti , Moran Jennifer R , Wu Mao-Lien , Wu Chung-I , Jones Corbin D
Published: September 2013

Many insects feed on only one or a few types of host. These host specialists often evolve a preference for chemical cues emanating from their host and develop mechanisms for circumventing their host’s defenses. Adaptations like these are central to evolutionary biology, yet our understanding of their genetics remains incomplete. Drosophila sechellia, an emerging model for the genetics of host specialization, is an island endemic that has adapted to chemical toxins present in the fruit of its host plant, Morinda citrifolia. Its sibling species, D. simulans, and many other Drosophila species do not tolerate these toxins and avoid the fruit. Earlier work found a region with a strong effect on tolerance to the major toxin, octanoic acid, on chromosome arm 3R. Using a novel assay, we narrowed this region to a small span near the centromere containing 18 genes, including three odorant binding proteins. It has been hypothesized that the evolution of host specialization is facilitated by genetic linkage between alleles contributing to host preference and alleles contributing to host usage, such as tolerance to secondary compounds. We tested this hypothesis by measuring the effect of this tolerance locus on host preference behavior. Our data were inconsistent with the linkage hypothesis, as flies bearing this tolerance region showed no increase in preference for media containing M. citrifolia toxins, which D. sechellia prefers. Thus, in contrast to some models for host preference, preference and tolerance are not tightly linked at this locus nor is increased tolerance per se sufficient to change preference. Our data are consistent with the previously proposed model that the evolution of D. sechellia as a M. citrifolia specialist occurred through a stepwise loss of aversion and gain of tolerance to M. citrifolia’s toxins.
Genetic Studies of Spectrin in the Larval Fat Body ofDrosophila melanogaster: Evidence for a Novel Lipid Uptake Apparatus
Authors: Diaconeasa Bianca , Mazock G Harper , Mahowald Anthony P , Dubreuil Ronald R
Published: September 2013

Spectrin cytoskeleton defects produce a host of phenotypes affecting the plasma membrane, cell polarity, and secretory membrane traffic. However, many of the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unexplained by prevailing models. Here we used the larval fat body of Drosophila melanogaster as a genetic model system to further elucidate mechanisms of αβ-spectrin function. The results provide unexpected new insights into spectrin function as well as mechanisms of dietary fat uptake and storage. We show that loss of α- or β-spectrin in the fat body eliminated a population of small cortical lipid droplets and altered plasma membrane architecture, but did not affect viability of the organism. We present a novel model in which αβ-spectrin directly couples lipid uptake at the plasma membrane to lipid droplet growth in the cytoplasm. In contrast, strong overexpression of β-spectrin caused fat body atrophy and larval lethality. Overexpression of β-spectrin also perturbed transport of dietary fat from the midgut to the fat body. This hypermorphic phenotype appears to be the result of blocking secretion of the lipid carrier lipophorin from fat cells. However, this midgut phenotype was never seen with spectrin loss of function, suggesting that spectrin is not normally required for lipophorin secretion or function. The β-spectrin hypermorphic phenotype was ameliorated by co-overexpression of α-spectrin. Based on the overexpression results here, we propose that β-spectrin family members may be prone to hypermorphic effects (including effects on secretion) if their activity is not properly regulated.
Early Colony Establishment in Neurospora crassa Requires a MAP Kinase Regulatory Network
Authors: Leeder Abigail C , Jonkers Wilfried , Li Jingyi , Glass N Louise
Published: September 2013

Vegetative fusion is essential for the development of an interconnected colony in many filamentous fungi. In the ascomycete fungus Neurospora crassa, vegetative fusion occurs between germinated conidia (germlings) via specialized structures termed “conidial anastomosis tubes” (CATs) and between hyphae within a mature colony. In N. crassa, both CAT and hyphal fusion are under the regulation of a conserved MAP kinase cascade (NRC1, MEK2, and MAK2). Here we show that the predicted downstream target of the MAK2 kinase pathway, a Ste12-like transcription factor known as PP1, regulates elements required for CAT and hyphal fusion. The PP1 regulatory network was revealed by expression profiling of wild type and the Δpp-1 mutant during conidial germination and colony establishment. To identify targets required for cell fusion more specifically, expression-profiling differences were assessed via inhibition of MAK2 kinase activity during chemotropic interactions and cell fusion. These approaches led to the identification of new targets of the cell fusion pathway that, when mutated, showed alterations in chemotropic signaling and cell fusion. In particular, conidial germlings carrying a deletion of NCU04732 (Δham-11) failed to show chemotropic interactions and cell fusion. However, signaling (as shown by oscillation of MAK2 and SO to CAT tips), chemotropism, and cell fusion were restored in Δham-11 germlings when matched with wild-type partner germlings. These data reveal novel insights into the complex process of self-signaling, germling fusion, and colony establishment in filamentous fungi.
Treatment Outcomes of Infants With Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease Treated With Synbiotics
Authors: Dilli Dilek , Aydin Banu , Zenciroğlu Ayşegül , Özyazıcı Elif , Beken Serdar , Okumuş Nurullah
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVES:

The goal was to investigate the effect of orally administered synbiotics on outcome of infants with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD).

METHODS:

A prospective, blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of synbiotics on outcome of infants with CCHD. The infants with CCHD were assigned randomly to 2 groups. Infants in the study group were given synbiotic (Bifidobacterium lactis plus inulin) added to breast milk or mixed feeding until discharge or death. Infants in the placebo group were fed with breast milk or mixed feeding. The outcome measurements were nosocomial sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC; Bell stage ≥2), length of NICU stay, and death.

RESULTS:

A total of 100 infants were enrolled in the trial: 50 in each arm. There were 9 cases of culture-proven sepsis (18%) in the placebo group and 2 cases (4%) in the synbiotic group (P = .03). Length of NICU stay did not differ between the groups (26 [14–36] vs 32 days [20–44], P = .07]. There were 5 cases of NEC (10%) in the placebo group and none in the synbiotic group (P = .03). The incidence of death was lower in synbiotic group (5 [10%] of 50 vs 14 [28.0%] of 50, respectively; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS:

Synbiotics administered enterally to infants with CCHD might reduce the incidence of nosocomial sepsis, NEC, and death.
Adaptacao brasileira de questionario para avaliar adesao terapeutica em hipertensao arterial
Authors: Matta Samara Ramalho , Luiza Vera Lucia , Azeredo Thiago Botelho
Published: September 2013

OBJETIVO: Descrever etapas da adaptação transcultural de questionário de avaliação de adesão terapêutica em hipertensão arterial, desenvolvido no idioma espanhol, para aplicação ao contexto brasileiro. MÉTODOS: A fim de estabelecer equivalências conceitual, de itens, semântica e operacional, foram realizadas duas traduções para o português de modo independente e duas retraduções para o espanhol. Traduções e retraduções foram avaliadas quanto à alteração nos significados referencial e geral. Realizaram-se duas aplicações de pré-testes com pacientes hipertensos e/ou diabéticos, com a versão síntese, que contribuíram para identificar diferentes problemas e confirmar decisões tomadas. RESULTADOS: A segunda tradução e retradução foram mais bem avaliadas, pois não houve alteração dos significados para cinco dos 12 itens do questionário. Foram feitas alterações operacionais, e uma vinheta com as opções de resposta e um exemplo no enunciado do instrumento facilitaram a aplicação nas entrevistas. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados obtidos na avaliação das equivalências conceitual, de itens, semântica e operacional permitiram chegar a uma versão em português do questionário MBG para avaliar adesão terapêutica para aplicação no contexto brasileiro.
Cadernos encadeados: uma descrição sobre o encadeamento do tempo em uma turma alfabetizadora
Authors: Paula Flávia Anastácio de
Published: September 2013

Nas últimas duas décadas tem se discutido sobre as tematizações, as normatizações e as concretizações do tema alfabetização na escola. Entretanto, poucos são os trabalhos que se dedicam às concretizações do uso do tempo escolar para mediações alfabetizadoras que levem ao sucesso. Este artigo apresenta um dos modos de como se produzem usos do tempo por uma alfabetizadora experiente. Partindo de uma proposta metodológica etnográfica, escolhemos um elemento para descrição e compreensão: os cadernos. A problemática exemplifica um dos desafios na pesquisa em alfabetização: documentar práticas, artefatos, usos atuais (ou não) significativos para as professoras no aprendizado da leitura e da escrita. A especificidade da análise adota algumas das dimensões de tempo elaboradas por Heller e recai sobre um aspecto da temporalidade: o encadeamento. Objetiva-se descrever e refletir sobre como professoras experientes organizam o tempo para ensinar.
Modelo para setorizar redes de distribuição de água baseado nas características das unidades consumidoras
Authors: Fontana Marcele Elisa , Morais Danielle Costa
Published: September 2013

Além dos custos diretos, a ocorrência de rupturas na rede de distribuição de água tem sempre consequências sociais associadas, principalmente pela interrupção do abastecimento de água durante a reparação da infraestrutura. Nesses casos, a setorização da rede torna mais fácil qualquer atividade de manutenção. Porém, além do elevado custo da alocação de válvulas de fechamento, as normas brasileiras sobre setorização das redes dizem respeito apenas a questões técnicas que devem ser obedecidas. Portanto, propõe-se uma setorização que também incorpore a intensidade do impacto gerado pela falta de água em cada trecho da tubulação. Para medir esse impacto é proposto um índice de priorização que agrega as características das unidades consumidoras por meio do método multicritério SMARTER. Assim, desenvolve-se um modelo de setorização para manobra que leva em consideração esse índice, buscando a maximização dos benefícios gerados e a minimização do número de válvulas de fechamento.
Modelo de apoio à decisão para priorização de projetos em uma empresa de saneamento
Authors: Lima Maria Teresa de Araujo de , Oliveira Elaine Cristina Batista de , Alencar Luciana Hazin
Published: September 2013

As empresas brasileiras de saneamento e tratamento de águas estão fortemente caracterizadas por uma hierarquia de baixa flexibilidade e apesar de ter no seu cotidiano atividades de projetos ainda não possuem a maturidade necessária ao sucesso na condução de seus projetos. Foi observado que a priorização de projetos está entre os principais problemas enfrentados pelos gerentes de múltiplos projetos neste tipo de organização. Assim, com o objetivo de aprimorar as técnicas de priorização de projetos para o gerenciamento de múltilos projetos, este trabalho analisa a gerência de múltiplos projetos de automação e propõe um modelo com a utilização do método multicritério PROMETHEE I para auxiliar o gerente de portfólio a priorizar os seus projetos, utilizando critérios e pesos extraídos da realidade da gerência através de entrevistas realizadas com os envolvidos no processo. O modelo utilizado foi considerado satisfatório, atendendo às necessidades da companhia e do gerente de múltiplos projetos.
New records of occurrence of five species of Neosilba (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) in the State of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Bittencourt Maria Aparecida Leão , Menezes Adriano Murielle Santos de , Bomfim João Pedro de Andrade , Santos Olivia Oliveira dos , Castellani Maria Aparecida , Strikis Pedro Carlos
Published: September 2013

This paper reports the record of new species of Neosilba in the State of Bahia: Neosilba bella Strikis & Prado; Neosilba cornuphallus Strikis; Neosilba dimidiata (Curran); Neosilba ilheuense Strikis and Neosilba pseudozadolicha Strikis. Frugivorous flies were captured by McPhail traps, using a hydrolyzed protein at 5.0%, as attractant, and also obtained of fruits samples of native and exotic plant species, which were collected in domestic orchards in the South of Bahia. The specimens of Lonchaeidae were identified according to McALPINE & STEYSKAL (1982), STRIKIS & PRADO (2006) and STRIKIS (2011).
Espectro de gotas de pulverização e controle de doenças em duas cultivares de trigo
Authors: Gulart Caroline Almeida , Debortoli Mônica , Madalosso Marcelo , Balardin Ricardo , Santos Paulo Sergio dos , Corte Gerson Dalla , Lenz Giuvan , Marques Leandro Nascimento
Published: September 2013

O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar a influência do número de gotas na penetração dos fungicidas e na sua eficácia de controle em diferentes momentos de aplicação. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de Blocos ao acaso em parcelas subsubdivididas em quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por duas cultivares de trigo, 'Fundacep Cristalino' e 'Fundacep Nova Era'; três pontas de pulverização: XR 11002, TJ 60 11002 e TX 8002 e o tratamento controle com e sem fungicida. Foi avaliada a densidade de gotas por centímetro quadrado, diâmetro mediano volumétrico (DMV), severidade das doenças, peso hectolitro e produtividade da cultura. O espectro de gotas gerado pela ponta de pulverização XR 11002, nas condições do presente trabalho, apresentaram os melhores resultados em termos de deposição de gotas, controle das doenças e produtividade nas duas cultivares de trigo. O controle das manchas foliares e ferrugem -da- folha do trigo proporciona proteção do potencial produtivo da cultura, variando em função da suscetibilidade de cultivares e da cobertura e penetração de fungicidas.
Qualidade fisiológica de sementes de citros durante o armazenamento em ambiente refrigerado
Authors: Struiving Tiago Barbosa , Machado Daniel Lucas Magalhães , Santos Dierlei dos , Siqueira Dalmo Lopes de , Lucena Cícero Cartaxo de , Matarazzo Pedro Henrique Monteiro
Published: September 2013

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do armazenamento sobre a viabilidade das sementes dos porta-enxertos Citradia 1708, Citrandarin 1710, Citrange Carrizo, limoeiro Cravo, Trifoliata Limeira, Rangpur x Swingle 1707 armazenadas em sacolas de polietileno de alta densidade (PEAD) sobre temperatura controlada de 5-7°C e umidade relativa do ar de 70% por 210 dias. Inicialmente e a cada 30 dias foram avaliadas a emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência e o grau de umidade das sementes. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Nas condições de armazenamento utilizadas, as sementes do limoeiro Cravo com umidade de 8,03% ainda conservaram o poder germinativo em 67%, mas, para a manutenção da viabilidade de sementes de Citradia 1708, Citrandarin 1710, Citrange Carrizo, Rangpur x Swingle 1707, o grau de umidade deve estar entre 30-40%. A viabilidade das sementes dos porta-enxertos Rangpur x Swingle 1707, Citradia 1708' e Citrange Carrizo se mantém por até 150 dias.
From the ancient times of the agriculture to the biological control in plants: a little of the history
Authors: Pinotti Maria Margareth Zamboni , Santos Julio Cesar Pires
Published: September 2013

The advancement of technology in agriculture driven by the need to increase efficiency in production transformed agriculture in an eminently anti-ecological activity, with large-scale use of industrialized products. Human beans still live the paradigm of agriculture based on the use of chemical inputs, which often brings harmful consequences to the environment. As an alternative to u the use of pesticides to control pests and diseases, biological control is a practice that has been increasingly encouraged. With it, it is possible to think on changes that promote the conservation of natural resources and of the planet humans live in, contributing to strength the new era in biotechnology education.