bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity of the Arthropod edaphic fauna in preserved and managed with pasture areas in Teresina-Piauí-Brazil
Authors: Luz RA. , Fontes LS. , Cardoso SRS. , Lima ÉFB.
Published: April 2014

The soil fauna plays an important function over the processes of organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, ground aeration and fertility. Thus, studies on the composition and structure of such communities are important, considering moreover the lack of information in different regions of Brazil and mainly related to the state of Piauí. This study aimed to evaluate the density and diversity of the soil arthropod fauna in a Cerrado area in preservation conditions and in a pasture area. Both are situated in the city of Teresina, capital of the state of Piauí. Pitfall traps were used for sampling. Five stations with four traps were placed in each area. The traps were constituted by a 500 mL plastic cup containing a preserving solution made with 70% alcohol and 40% formalin. The traps were weekly changed by occasion of the collections. Eight samples were performed in the period between March and April 2007. The results were evaluated using the following variables: number of orders, number of families, total of species and total number of individuals. Evaluation of the Diversity Index and Similarity Coefficient were also performed. As result, the variables and diversity indices were slightly higher in the preserved area. However, the similarity coefficient showed only 10% similarity between both areas.
Community of orchid bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in transitional vegetation between Cerrado and Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Pires EP. , Morgado LN. , Souza B. , Carvalho CF. , Nemésio A.
Published: April 2014

The community of orchid bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Euglossina) was studied at an area in the transition between the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes, from March, 2010 to February, 2011 in the Barroso region, state of Minas Gerais, eastern Brazil. Orchid-bee males were collected with bait traps containing three different scents (cineole, eugenol and vanillin) and with entomological nets for collecting bees on flowers. A total of 614 orchid-bee males were collected using aromatic traps, belonging to four genera and 15 species. Twenty-five female specimens belonging to two genera and at least three species were collected on flowers. Eulaema (Apeulaema) nigrita Lepeletier, 1841 was the most abundant species (50% of collected specimens), followed by Euglossa (Euglossa) truncata Rebêlo & Moure, 1996 (28%). Cineole was the most attractive compound (66.5% of males and 13 species), followed by eugenol (16% and 9 species) and vanillin (13.5% and 4 species). Eulaema (Apeulaema) marcii Nemésio, 2009 and Eufriesea auriceps (Friese, 1899) were attracted to all scents, whereas Euglossa species were collected only in cineole and eugenol.
Longitudinal distribution of Chironomidae (Diptera) downstream from a dam in a neotropical river
Authors: Pinha GD. , Aviz D. , Lopes Filho DR. , Petsch DK. , Marchese MR. , Takeda AM.
Published: April 2014

The damming of a river causes dangerous consequences on structure of the environment downstream of the dam, modifying the sediment composition, which impose major adjustments in longitudinal distribution of benthic community. The construction of Engenheiro Sérgio Motta Dam in the Upper Paraná River has caused impacts on the aquatic communities, which are not yet fully known. This work aimed to provide more information about the effects of this impoundment on the structure of Chironomidae larvae assemblage. The analysis of data of physical and chemical variables in relation to biological data of 8 longitudinal sections in the Upper Paraná River showed that composition of Chironomidae larvae of stations near Engenheiro Sérgio Motta Dam differed of the other stations (farther of the Dam). The predominance of coarse sediments at stations upstream and finer sediments further downstream affected the choice of habitat by different morphotypes of Chironomidae and it caused a change in the structure of this assemblage in the longitudinal stretch.
Uroguanylin induces electroencephalographic spikes in rats
Authors: Teixeira MDA. , Nascimento NRF. , Fonteles MC. , Vale OC.
Published: April 2014

Uroguanylin (UGN) is an endogenous peptide that acts on membrane-bound guanylate cyclase receptors of intestinal and renal cells increasing cGMP production and regulating electrolyte and water epithelial transport. Recent research works demonstrate the expression of this peptide and its receptor in the central nervous system. The current work was undertaken in order to evaluate modifications of electroencephalographic spectra (EEG) in anesthetized Wistar rats, submitted to intracisternal infusion of uroguanylin (0.0125 nmoles/min or 0.04 nmoles/min). The current observations demonstrate that 0.0125 nmoles/min and 0.04 nmoles/min intracisternal infusion of UGN significantly enhances amplitude and frequency of sharp waves and evoked spikes (p = 0.03). No statistical significance was observed on absolute alpha and theta spectra amplitude. The present data suggest that UGN acts on bioelectrogenesis of cortical cells by inducing hypersynchronic firing of neurons. This effect is blocked by nedocromil, suggesting that UGN acts by increasing the activity of chloride channels.
Premalignant and malignant lesions in endometrial polyps in patients undergoing hysteroscopic polypectomy
Authors: Lenci Marco Antonio , Nascimento Vanessa Alessandra Lui do , Grandini Ana Beatriz , Fahmy Walid Makin , Depes Daniella de Batista , Baracat Fausto Farah , Lopes Reginaldo Guedes Coelho
Published: April 2014

Objective : To evaluate the incidence of premalignant lesions and cancer in endometrial polyps, in patients undergoing hysteroscopic polypectomy. Methods : The results of 1,020 pathological examinations of patients submitted to hysteroscopic polypectomy were analyzed, as well as their diagnostic and surgical hysteroscopy findings. As to their menstrual status, 295 (28.9%) patients were in menacme. Of the total, 193 (65.4%) presented abnormal uterine bleeding, and 102 (34.6%) were asymptomatic with altered endometrial echo on transvaginal ultrasound. Out of 725 (71.1%) postmenopausal patients, 171 (23.6%) were symptomatic (abnormal uterine bleeding), and 554 (76.4%) were asymptomatic with endometrial echo >5.0mm. Results : Twenty-one (2.0%) patients presented premalignant lesions in the polyps, 13 had simple glandular hyperplasia, of which 5 had no atypia, and eight presented atypia. Eight polyps presented focal area of complex hyperplasia: 4 with atypia and 4 without lesions. Cancer was diagnosed in 5 (0.5%) polyps. Of the 21 polyps that harbored premalignant lesions, 12 were interpreted as benign in diagnostic and surgical hysteroscopy. Of the polyps with cancer, 4 were also histeroscopically interpreted as normal. Conclusion : Symptomatic polyps in menacme and in all postmenopausal women should be resected and submitted to histopathological examination, since they may have a benign aspect, even when harboring areas of cellular atypia or cancer.
Is there any relation between anthropometric indices and decrease in seminal parameters?
Authors: Christofolini Juliana , Barros Raphael Augusto Saab de Almeida , Ghirelli Filho Milton , Christofolini Denise Maria , Bianco Bianca , Barbosa Caio Parente
Published: April 2014

Objective : To investigate the influence of anthropometric indices on seminal parameters. Methods : Men who underwent treatment for conjugal infertility during the period of October, 2011, to March, 2012, were randomly selected. Patients with any prior diseases related to sperm alterations were excluded. Patients were submitted to an anthropometric evaluation to obtain body mass index, and the seminal analysis was made through a spermogram. Two anthropometric methods of classification were used: body mass index (normal and altered) and abdominal circumference (<94cm and >94cm). Data were analyzed by statistical tests. Results : The group with the altered body mass index presented lower volumes of ejaculated volume and a larger percentage of patients with abdominal circumference <94cm presented with progressive forms of spermatozoa below reference values. However, in the statistical tests, there was no significant difference. Conclusion : No significant difference was found in the sperm quality relative to the body mass index or abdominal circumference.
Low-level laser irradiation induces in vitro proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Barboza Carlos Augusto Galvão , Ginani Fernanda , Soares Diego Moura , Henriques Águida Cristina Gomes , Freitas Roseana de Almeida
Published: April 2014

Objective : To evaluate the effect of low-level laser irradiation on the proliferation and possible nuclear morphological changes of mouse mesenchymal stem cells. Methods : Mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow and adipose tissue were submitted to two applications (T0 and T48 hours) of low-level laser irradiation (660nm; doses of 0.5 and 1.0J/cm2). The trypan blue assay was used to evaluate cell viability, and growth curves were used to analyze proliferation at zero, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Nuclear alterations were evaluated by staining with DAPI (4’-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) at 72 hours. Results : Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells responded to laser therapy in a dose-dependent manner. Higher cell growth was observed when the cells were irradiated with a dose of 1.0J/cm2, especially after 24 hours (p<0.01). Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells responded better to a dose of 1.0J/cm2, but higher cell proliferation was observed after 48 hours (p<0.05) and 72 hours (p<0.01). Neither nuclear alterations nor a significant change in cell viability was detected in the studied groups. Conclusion : Low-level laser irradiation stimulated the proliferation of mouse mesenchymal stem cells without causing nuclear alterations. The biostimulation of mesenchymal stem cells using laser therapy might be an important tool for regenerative therapy and tissue engineering.
Oral health promotion in early childhood: age of joining preventive program and behavioral aspects
Authors: Lemos Letícia Vargas Freire Martins , Myaki Silvio Issáo , Walter Luiz Reynaldo de Figueiredo , Zuanon Angela Cristina Cilense
Published: April 2014

Objective : To analyze the interference of age in the entrance into a public dental care program for infants as well as family behavioral aspects about tooth decay experience in children 0 to 4 years old. Methods : Cross-sectional study involving 465 children who were divided into 3 groups: infants whose mothers joined the program during pregnancy (n=50); infants enrolled in the program during the first year of life (n=230); and infants enrolled in the program between 13 and 18 months old (n=185). The χ2 and Kruskal-Walis tests (95% confidence interval) were used to assess the relationship among variables. Results : There was an association between the age of entrance in the programs and dental caries (p<0.001). A lower prevalence was seen in infants whose mothers joined the program during pregnancy, and among those infants enrolled in the program during the first year of life. The same low prevalence occurred in relation to mothers’ commitment to attend follow-up visits with their infants, cariogenic diet, nighttime oral care, duration of night feeding and parents’ educational level (p<0.001). Unfavorable socioeconomic conditions (p>0.05) and daily oral care (p=0.214) were common variables in the groups with 99% of occurrence. Commitment to attend follow-up visits, nighttime oral care and parents’ educational level (p>0.05) were considered protective factors for dental caries. Cariogenic diet and night feeding were determinant factors to the appearance of dental caries. Conclusion : To promote children oral health it is essential to enroll children in oral health programs and adopt healthy habits as early as possible, besides the adherence of the child to their parents’ advice.
Parturient perineal distensibility tolerance assessed by EPI-NO: an observational study
Authors: Nakamura Mary Uchiyama , Sass Nelson , Elito Júnior Julio , Petricelli Carla Dellabarba , Alexandre Sandra Maria , Araujo Júnior Edward , Zanetti Miriam Raquel Diniz
Published: April 2014

Objective : To determine how parturient women tolerate the use of a perineal distensibility assessment technique using the EPI-NO device. Methods : An observational study with a total of 227 full-term parturient women was performed. During the evaluation with EPI-NO, parturient patients were asked about their sensation of discomfort. The degree of discomfort was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale, with a score from zero to 10. The Mann-Whitney test was applied to assess perineal distensibility measured by EPI-NO and the degree of discomfort caused by the test according to parity. The relation between perineal distensibility and discomfort was analyzed by using the Spearman correlation test (r). Results : The test with EPI-NO caused only slight discomfort (mean Visual Analogue Scale of 3.8), and primiparous women reported significantly greater discomfort (mean Visual Analogue Scale of 4.5) than did multiparous (mean Visual Analogue Scale=3.1), with p<0.001 women. A negative correlation was observed, in other words, the greater the perineal distensibility on the EPI-NO, the lower the pain reported by the patients (r=-0.424; p<0.001). Conclusion : The assessment of perineal distensibility with EPI-NO was well tolerated by the parturient women.
Submacular hemorrhage secondary to congenital toxoplasmosis
Authors: Costa Ana Luiza Fontes de Azevedo , Martins Thiago Gonçalves dos Santos , Moncada Francisco Javier Solano , Motta Mário Martins dos Santos
Published: April 2014

We report the case of a patient with congenital toxoplasmosis and submacular hemorrhage caused by a neovascular membrane who underwent an intravitreal injection of C3F8 and bevacizumab, and had a good visual recovery.
Antiretroviral drugs and acute pancreatitis in HIV/AIDS patients: is there any association? A literature review
Authors: Oliveira Natalia Mejias , Ferreira Felipe Augusto Yamauti , Yonamine Raquel Yumi , Chehter Ethel Zimberg
Published: April 2014

In HIV-seropositive individuals, the incidence of acute pancreatitis may achieve 40% per year, higher than the 2% found in the general population. Since 1996, when combined antiretroviral therapy, known as HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy), was introduced, a broad spectrum of harmful factors to the pancreas, such as opportunistic infections and drugs used for chemoprophylaxis, dropped considerably. Nucleotide analogues and metabolic abnormalities, hepatic steatosis and lactic acidosis have emerged as new conditions that can affect the pancreas. To evaluate the role of antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV/AIDS in a scenario of high incidence of acute pancreatitis in this population, a systematic review was performed, including original articles, case reports and case series studies, whose targets were HIV-seropositive patients that developed acute pancreatitis after exposure to any antiretroviral drugs. This association was confirmed after exclusion of other possible etiologies and/or a recurrent episode of acute pancreatitis after re-exposure to the suspected drug. Zidovudine, efavirenz, and protease inhibitors are thought to lead to acute pancreatitis secondary to hyperlipidemia. Nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors, despite being powerful inhibitors of viral replication, induce a wide spectrum of side effects, including myelotoxicity and acute pancreatitis. Didanosine, zalcitabine and stavudine have been reported as causes of acute and chronic pancreatitis. They pose a high risk with cumulative doses. Didanosine with hydroxyurea, alcohol or pentamidine are additional risk factors, leading to lethal pancreatitis, which is not a frequent event. In addition, other drugs used for prophylaxis of AIDS-related opportunistic diseases, such as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and pentamidine, can produce necrotizing pancreatitis. Despite comorbidities that can lead to pancreatic involvement in the HIV/AIDS population, antiretroviral drug-induced pancreatitis should always be considered in the diagnosis of patients with abdominal pain and elevated pancreatic enzymes.
O "Kung Fu" no Brasil na perspectiva dos mestres pioneiros: problemas e perspectivas no uso da história oral como instrumental de análise
Authors: FERREIRA Fernando Dandoro Castilho , MARCHI JÚNIOR Wanderley , CAPRARO André Mendes
Published: April 2014

Objetivando analisar a disseminação das artes marciais chinesas no Brasil optamos por entrevistar mestres pioneiros que imigraram da China trazendo na bagagem o "Kung Fu". Ao fazer esta opção em nossa dissertação, tomamos contato com um instrumental que é o uso de entrevistas na perspectiva da História Oral. Remexer a memória, aceitar os silêncios, respeitar o conhecimento construído e desconstruir outros, por si só já se mostram tarefas bastante árduas. Escutar estes mestres nos levou, mesmo que superficialmente, a tentar compreender aspectos da cultura chinesa sob os quais os mestres e o próprio "Kung Fu" se fundamentaram. Entender as lacunas, as dificuldades e as possibilidades do uso da História Oral como ferramenta metodológica é o que neste artigo buscamos, na perspectiva de contribuir com análises semelhantes, seja de outras práticas marciais ou mesmo de outros olhares sobre a cultura chinesa. Assim sendo, objetivamos neste artigo apontar e discutir a metodologia da História Oral e sua pertinência para o estudo das práticas marciais a partir do uso de entrevistas. Podemos, fruto da discussão apresentada, apontar a História Oral como instrumental bastante útil para a discussão das práticas marciais, considerando logicamente, as pertinências e especificidades necessárias para a adequada utilização desta metodologia de pesquisa.
Improving the precision of genotype selection in wheat performance trials
Authors: Benin Giovani , Storck Lindolfo , Marchioro Volmir Sérgio , Franco Francisco de Assis , Schuster Ivan , Trevizan Diego Maciel
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to verify whether using the Papadakis method improves model assumptions and experimental accuracy in field trials used to determine grain yield for wheat lineages indifferent Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) regions. Grain yield data from 572 field trials at 31 locations in the VCU Regions 1, 2, 3 and 4 in 2007-2011 were used. Each trial was run with and without the use of the Papadakis method. The Papadakis method improved the indices of experimental precision measures and reduced the number of experimental repetitions required to predict grain yield performance among the wheat genotypes. There were differences among the wheat adaptation regions in terms of the efficiency of the Papadakis method, the adjustment coefficient of the genotype averages and the increases in the selective accuracy of grain yield.
Rapid screening for selection of heavy metal-tolerant plants
Authors: Piotto Fernando Angelo , Tulmann-Neto Augusto , Franco Mônica Regina , Boaretto Luis Felipe , Azevedo Ricardo Antunes
Published: April 2014

One of the major difficulties in studies on the selection of heavy metal tolerant plants is the proper methodology that must ensure an efficient evaluation of a large number of plants, but reducing environmental contamination. For this reason, we propose a simple and effective method that can be applied to metals or other chemicals by means of a case study, in which we selected two cadmium-tolerant mutants of tomato (cv Micro-Tom) obtained by mutagenesis with methyl ethanesulfonate (MES). Aside from these two new mutants, we selected 21 others with possible alterations in the response to this metal. Finally, it was concluded that the proposed system is ideal for selection studies on plants tolerant to heavy metals and possibly to other elements, due to the ease of assembly of the structure, low installation cost, minimal waste generation and the possibility of using different species and heavy metals.
Physiological performance and expression of isozymes in maize seeds subjected to water stress
Authors: Abreu Viviane Maria de , Pinho Édila Vilela de Resende Von , Pinho Renzo Garcia Von , Naves Glória Maria de Freitas , Silva Neta Izabel Costa , Guimarães Renato Mendes , Carvalho Marcela Rezende de
Published: April 2014

Early characterization of genotypes, through the previous assessment of physiological quality of their seeds and their enzymatic systems, can provide parameters capable of aiding in the selection of new maize cultivars tolerant to water stress. Thus, this study was aimed at assessing seed performance of five different maize lines subjected to four different water stress levels. The physiological quality of seeds germinated under the osmotic potentials of 0.0, -0.3, -0.6 and -0.9 MPa was assessed by germination test, number of strong normal seedlings and T50, as well as by the expression of the isozymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), esterase (EST), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and of heat-resistant proteins. The osmotic potential of -0.9 MPa affected the physiological quality and vigor of seeds of all maize lines assessed. The highest values for the germination percent, in the lowest osmotic potentials assessed, were found in the seeds of line 63. However, seeds of line 91 were superior in regard to vigor. Increased expression of the enzymes SOD and CAT, considered as enzymes of the antioxidant system, was observed in seeds of lines 44 and 91. Thus, line 91 was considered as promising for tolerance to water stress.
Internal morphology and germination of sunflower seeds
Authors: Rocha Cartiane Rubshirley Macêdo da , Silva Vanessa Neumann , Cicero Silvio Moure
Published: April 2014

The use of high quality seeds is one of the important factors to increase productivity in areas cultivated with sunflower. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between internal morphology and germination of sunflower seeds with the X-ray test and computer-aided X-ray imaging analysis with the software Tomato Analyzer®, and check whether or not this relationship changes after a period of seed storage under different environmental conditions. For this purpose, five lots of sunflower seeds from cultivar Catissol 01 were used. They were evaluated during two experimental periods: at 0 and 4 months after storage; the first evaluation was performed to characterize the lots; after that, the seeds were stored in two environments, cold and dry chamber (10 °C and 30% relative air humidity) and non-controlled environment. The seed moisture content was determined and, after that, the seeds were submitted to the X-ray and germination tests. The X-ray analysis allowed the visualization of seed internal structure as well as the study between seed morphology and germination; the greater embryo size, in general, does not provide greater potential for seed germination; regardless of the storage conditions for the four-month period, there was no reduction in the area of the embryo.
Yield and quality of wheat seeds as a function of desiccation stages and herbicides
Authors: Bellé Cristiano , Kulczynski Stela Maris , Basso Claudir José , Edu Kaspary Tiago , Lamego Fabiane Pinto , Pinto Marlo Adriano Bison
Published: April 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the yield and seed quality of wheat, cultivar ‘Quartzo’, harvested after desiccation with two desiccants (glyphosate and paraquat) at two reproductive stages (11.2 and 11.3). The study used a randomized block experimental design in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement (two desiccants and a control) and two growth stages of wheat, with four replications. The following were assessed: seed yield, thousand seed weight and seed quality (germination, first germination count, root and shoot weight, seedling dry and fresh weight, accelerated aging, electrical conductivity, cold germination, potassium leaching). Based on the results, it can be concluded that the use of desiccants on wheat at the two stages of development have not affected yield, but they have negatively influenced physiological seed quality. Generally, the herbicide glyphosate showed the lowest phytotoxic effect on seeds, and desiccant application at stage 11.2 resulted in higher physiological seed quality compared with application at stage 11.3.
Clients’ Hope Arises from Social Workers’ Compassion: African American Youths’ Perspectives on Surmounting the Obstacles of Disadvantage
Authors: Guthrie Deanna D'Amico , Ellison Victoria Smith , Sami King , McCrea Katherine Tyson
Published: April 2014

While social workers strive to build disadvantaged African American youths’ resilience by improving services, rarely are those youths’ perspectives included in research. In a previous evaluation of an after-school program, disadvantaged African American youths prioritized instructors’ compassion and said compassion engendered hope. This study explores their connection between compassion and hope more deeply. Focusing on Snyder's hope theory, this study examines the connection between compassion and hope as individual traits (using standardized scales) and as relational, action-based experiences (using qualitative analysis of interview data). Instructor actions that youths identified as compassionate and as engendering hope were encouragement, problem solving, responsive empathy, and affirming that good choices could bring about good futures. Youths built their hope by internalizing their instructors’ compassion.
A Pooled Analysis of Gemcitabine Plus Docetaxel Versus Capecitabine Plus Docetaxel in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Seidman Andrew D. , Chan Stephen , Wang Jin , Zhu Chao , Xu Cong , Xu Binghe
Published: April 2014

Introduction.

In two randomized phase III trials of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), gemcitabine-docetaxel (GD) and capecitabine-docetaxel (CD) had similar efficacy, but distinct safety profiles.

Methods.

Data from two GD versus CD studies were pooled; overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall response rate (ORR) were determined. Cox proportional hazards models identified prognostic factors associated with improved OS and PFS. Using a multivariate prognostic model incorporating identified adverse prognostic factors, we grouped MBC patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk categories. Hazard ratios (HRs) of GD over CD for OS and PFS were determined for subsets of patients.

Results.

Baseline demographics of the pooled population were mostly well balanced. In the pooled population, there were no significant differences between GD versus CD for OS (HR = 1.02; p = .824), PFS (HR = 1.15; p = .079), and ORR (p = .526). In the pooled crossover population, there were trends toward improved OS (HR = 0.82; p = .171) and PFS (HR = 0.93; p = .557) with GD. Several prognostic factors (including prior adjuvant taxane) for improved OS or PFS were identified; however, there were no significant interactions between treatment arms and prognostic factors for PFS or OS, except number of metastatic sites. In the prognostic model, median OS and PFS were numerically lower in the high-risk group versus the intermediate- and low-risk groups.

Conclusion.

This analysis confirms the lack of efficacy difference between GD and CD in the pooled population, crossover population, and almost all subpopulations. Several prognostic factors were associated with improved outcomes in the pooled population.
DNA-based nanocomposite biocoatings for fire-retarding polyurethane foam
Authors: Li Yu-Chin , Yang You-Hao , Kim Yeon S. , Shields John , Davis Rick D.
Published: April 2014

Layer-by-layer (LbL)-assembled multilayer thin films of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), chitosan (CHI) and montmorillonite (MMT) were studied in an effort to produce fully renewable, bio-based, fire-retardant coatings for flexible polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam (PUF) biocoatings constructed of ten bilayers (BLs) of CHI/DNA+MMT (16·2 % mass), ten trilayers of CHI/MMT/DNA (8·1 % mass) and five quadlayers of CHI/DNA/CHI/MMT (4·9 % mass) all resulted in a significant reduction in critical flammability metrics, peak heat release rate (pHRR) and average HRR (aHRR). The mix BL, CHI/DNA+MMT, is the best formulation as it resulted in the greatest flammability reduction (51% pHRR and 81% aHRR) with the fastest biocoating growth and the least amount of preparation and waste. This DNA- and MMT-based biocoating is the greatest flammability reduction of PUF reported to date using the LbL process. Constructed of bio-based and non-toxic materials combined with the fast-growing BL approach, which has minimal waste, this is presumably the most environmental and bio-friendly fire-retardant LbL coating on flexible polyurethane foam reported. This article contains supporting information that will be made available online once the issue is published.
Integrating integrated water management
Authors: Everard Mark
Published: April 2014

The water cycle is a contiguous system interconnected with human activities. Management has tended to be fragmented across anthropocentrically defined disciplines, potentially generating unintended negative consequences. The ecosystem approach and the ecosystem services framework emphasise interlinked, albeit often overlooked, benefits that the natural environment provides for people. This enables recognition and avoidance of potential ‘negative externalities', identification of solutions optimising benefits across multiple services, and participation of wider constituencies of stakeholders. Systemic, outcome-based approaches are inherently economically efficient, yielding greater cumulative benefits for lower transaction costs by working with natural processes. The ecosystem approach establishes geographical and socio-economic contexts for management ecosystem service outcomes, providing a broader context in which to nest established water resource management methods. The ecosystem approach can also be applied at different scales and to diverse societal activities, internalising into them the value of natural processes. It is amenable to integration into catchment-scale considerations, yet does not present these activities as subsidiary to river basin planning. The addition of ecosystem services for options appraisal in pre-existing decision-support tools adapts them to better address multi-benefit goals. Shifts are required in the policy and economic environment, but engineers have an important role in promoting, applying and innovating multi-benefit solutions.
Profile of Female Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence in an Offender Population: Implications for Treatment
Authors: Stewart Lynn A. , Gabora Natalie , Allegri Nicole , Slavin-Stewart Maria Claire
Published: April 2014

Despite evidence that the incidence of female-to-male intimate partner violence (IPV) in the general population is as high as that of male-to-female intimate violence, until recently little attention has been devoted to understanding women perpetrators of partner violence or to the design of programs to address their violence. This study explored the characteristics of female perpetrators of IPV in an offender population and examined the context, consequences, and motives for their aggression. There were 897 women serving a federal sentence in the Correctional Service of Canada at the time of data extraction, of whom 15% (n = 135) had a history of IPV. Results indicated that these offenders were most often classified as moderate criminal risk and high criminogenic need. Most had been victims of severe abuse during their youth and in adult relationships. Women’s motives for violence were diverse. Although most women had a history of mutual violence with their partners, 64% were the primary perpetrators in at least 1 incident. Violence in self-defense or in defense of their children were the least frequently coded categories. Similar to a comparison group of male offenders, the Spousal Assault Risk Assessment tool indicated that the most common risk factors associated with women’s IPV included past physical assault against intimate partners, substance abuse, and employment problems. These findings reinforce the need for a correctional programming targeting the diverse circumstances and motivations of women who are violent against their partners.
Understanding E-Learning Adoption among Brazilian Universities: An Application of the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Santos Luiz Miguel Renda Dos , Okazaki Shintaro
Published: April 2014

This study sheds light on the organizational dimensions underlying e-learning adoption among Brazilian universities. We propose an organizational e-learning adoption model based on the decomposed theory of planned behavior (TPB). A series of hypotheses are posited with regard to the relationships among the proposed constructs. The model is pretested and finally validated with the data collected from 446 Brazilian universities' faculty members. We use structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that our data fit the model well, demonstrating that e-learning adoption is feasible and accepted as a teaching tool in Brazil. In closing, we draw theoretical and managerial implications, while recognizing important limitations.
Microwave sintering of biogenic hydroxyapatite ceramics for reconstructive surgery
Authors: Tovstonoh Hanna , Sych Olena , Skorokhod Valery
Published: April 2014

Ceramics based on biogenic hydroxyapatite have been produced via a microwave
sintering at 1000?C for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min. It was shown that all of
the ceramics studied exhibit volumetric shrinkage (2.3- 4.6 %), which
increases with increasing sintering time at maximum temperature. It was
established that the total porosity did not depend on sintering time at
1000?C and was equal to 38-40 %. Moreover, in all of the materials an open
porosity dominated. The ultimate compression strength was in the range 35-40
MPa.
Is regulative control a necessary condition for moral responsibility?
Authors: Peric Marko
Published: April 2014

Libertarianist concept of free will is based on the principle of alternate
possibilities - standpoint which presupposes that an agent has moral
responsibility only if, in the given circumstances, he could have done
otherwise. The author of this paper tries to review this key principle of
libertarianism, and to determine whether the access to alternate
possibilities represents necessary or sufficient cause for the assessment of
moral responsibility, or neither of that. Finally, based on the consideration
of famous Frankfurt?s and Austin-style examples, in this paper is defended a
sort of compatibilism, and the main advantages of that kind of free will
concept over libertarianism are emphasized.
Heidelberg retina tomography II parameters in evaluating high- and normal-pressure glaucoma progression
Authors: Risovic Dusica , Gvozdenovic Ranko , Marjanovic Ivan , Abazi Zihret , Stamenkovic Miroslav
Published: April 2014

Background/Aim. Heidelberg retina tomography II (HRT II) haves been employed
to quantitatively assess the topography of optic discs in eyes with
high-pressure glaucoma (HPG) and normal-pressure glaucoma (NPG), in order to
determine which of global and segmental optic disc parameters will prove to
be most suitable for monitoring the progression of these two conditions.
Methods. The results of 73 eyes of 73 patients with HPG and NPG were analyzed
in relation to age, refractive error, quality of HRT images and stereometric
parameters. Results. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05)
between the global baseline and follow-up results was found in: rim volume,
maximum cup depth and cup shape measure (in the HPG group), and C/D ratio,
cup volume, rim volume and cup shape measure (in the NPG group). The baseline
and follow-up results of the retinal nerve fiber layer in the temporal and
inferotemporal sectors show a significant difference in both groups.
Conclusion. Several HRT stereometric parameters are useful for monitoring the
progression of changes of the optic disc and local retina in eyes with HPG
and NPG. Both segmental and global scanning is of importance in glaucoma
progression analysis.
Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphisms as risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Zurnic Irena , Djuric Tamara , Koncar Igor , Stankovic Aleksandra , Dincic Dragan , Zivkovic Maja
Published: April 2014

Background/Aim. Atherosclerosis is still the leading cause of death in
Western world. Development of atherosclerotic plaque involves accumulation of
inflammatory cells, lipids, smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix
proteins in the intima of the vascular wall. Apolipoprotein E participates in
the transport of exogenous cholesterol, endogenouly synthesized lipids and
triglycerides in the organism. Apolipoprotein E gene has been identified as
one of the candidate genes for atherosclerosis. Previous studies in different
populations have clearly implicated apolipoprotein E genetic variation (?
polymorphisms) as a major modulator of low density lipoprotein cholesterol
levels. Data considering apolipoprotein E polymorphisms in relation to
carotid atherosclerosis gave results that are not in full compliance. The aim
of present study was to investigate the apolipoprotein E polymorphisms in
association with carotid plaque presence, apolipoprotein E and lipid serum
levels in patients with carotid atherosclerosis from Serbia. Methods. The
study group enrolled 495 participants: 285 controls and 210 consecutive
patients with carotid atherosclerosis who underwent carotid endarterectomy.
Genotyping of apolipoprotein E polymorphisms were done using polymerase chain
reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. Results.
Patients had significantly decreased frequency of the ?2 allele compared to
controls. Patients who carry at least one ?2 allele had a significantly
higher level of serum apolipoprotein E and significantly lower low density
lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared to those who do not carry this
allele. Conclusion. Our results suggest protective effect of apolipoprotein E
?2 allele on susceptibility for carotid plaque presence as well as low
density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering effect in Serbian patients with
carotid atherosclerosis. Further research of multiple gene and environmental
factors that contribute to the appearance and the progression of
atherosclerosis should be continued with respect to different populations.
Chromosomal instability in patients with Fanconi anemia from Serbia
Authors: Cirkovic Sanja , Guc-Scekic Marija , Vujic Dragana , Micic Dragan , Skoric Dejan
Published: April 2014

Background/Aim. Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare hereditary disease in a
heterogeneous group of syndromes, so-called chromosome breakage disorders.
Specific hypersensitivity of its cells to chemical agents, such as
diepoxybutane (DEB), was used as a part of screening among patients with
clinical suspicion of FA. The aim of this study was to determine chromosomal
instability in patients with FA symptoms in Serbia. Methods. A total of 70
patients with phenotypic symptoms of FA, diagnosed at the Mother and Child
Health Care Institute of Serbia ?Dr Vukan Cupic?, Belgrade and University
Children?s Hospital, Belgrade from February 2004 to September 2011, were
included in this study. Cytogenetic instability analysis was performed on
untreated and DEBtreated 72 h-cultures of peripheral blood. Results. Ten
patients in the group of 70 suspected of FA, showed increased DEB induced chromosome breakage and were classified into the FA group. The range of DEB
induced aberrant cells percentages in the FA group was from 32% to 82%. DEB
sensitivity of 58 tested patients were bellow FA values (range: 0-6%) (non-FA
group), with no overlapping. The remaining two patients showed borderline sensitivity (borderline FA group - FA*), comparing to the healthy controls. Conclusion. This study revealed 10 patients with FA on the basis of cytogenetic analysis of DEB induced chromosome aberrations. Our results are in consistency with those from the literature. Early and precise diagnosis of FA is very important in further treatment of these patients, considering its cancer prone and lethal effects.
Aggravation of symptomatic occipital epilepsy of childhood by carbamazepine
Authors: Skrijelj Fadil , Mulic Mersudin
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Carbamazepine can lead to aggravation of epileptic seizures in
generalized epilepsies (primary or secondary) with clinical manifestations of
absence (typical or atypical) and/or myoclonic seizures. However, some focal
epilepsies can be also aggravated by the introduction of carbamazepine. Case
report. We presented a 10-year-old boy born after a complicated and prolonged
delivery completed by vacuum extraction, of early psychomotor development
within normal limits. At the age of 8 years he had the first epileptic
seizure of simple occipital type with generalization and urination. Brain
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed focal cortical reductions in the left
parietal and occipital regions. Interictal EEG recorded slowed basic
activities above the posterior regions of the left hemisphere, with
intermittent occurrence of occipital sharp waves and bioccipital sharp and
slow-wave complexes. Initially, treatment with valproate was administered;
however, the addition of carbamazepine into therapy induced aggravation of
seizures and EEG findings, changed behavior and poor performance at school.
By withdrawal of carbamazepine the condition improved both clinically and in
EEG findings. Conclusion. Childhood occipital epilepsy lesions show
deterioration due to carbamazepine, which if administered induces aggravation
of seizures, behavior changes, cognition with occurrence of long-term
bilateral discharges, and posterior sharp and slow wave high amplitude
complexes recorded by EEG.
Bilateral giant angiomyolipomas revealed after massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage: A case report
Authors: Petrovic Sladjana , Tasic Aleksandar , Mihailovic Dragan , Zivkovic Nikola , Vitanovic Marija , Stojanov Dragan
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Angiomyolipomas (AML) are benign neoplasms composed of fat,
smooth muscle and thick-walled blood vessels in varying proportions. These
tumors have a significant female predominance. Case report. We reported a
61-year-old man with spontaneous rupture of AML. Computerized tomography
revealed a change in morphology of both kidneys. Multiple lesions of fat
density with dilated blood vessels were found in the left kidney. The right
retroperitoneum was obliterated with a giant heterogeneous mass originating
from the right kidney with a massive hemorrhage, active extravasations,
compression of inferior the vena cava and intraperitoneal collections. After
radical nephrectomy, histological examination revealed that the tumor was
composed of relative proportions of fat, smooth muscle and blood vessels. We
incidentally found small renal adenoma. Conclusion. The true nature of AML is
unclear, but they are usually classified as hamartomas. Angiomyolipomas are
generally benign lesions, although the epithelioid angiomyolipoma, a subtype
that occurs in about 3% of cases, can behavior aggressively.
Recognition of Posttranslationally Modified GAD65 Epitopes in Subjects With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: McGinty John W. , Chow I-Ting , Greenbaum Carla , Odegard Jared , Kwok William W. , James Eddie A.
Published: April 2014

Posttranslational modification (PTM) of self-proteins has been shown to elicit clinically relevant immune responses in rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease. Accumulating evidence suggests that recognition of modified self-proteins may also be important in type 1 diabetes. Our objective was to identify posttranslationally modified GAD65 peptides, which are recognized by subjects with type 1 diabetes, and to assess their disease relevance. We show that citrullination and transglutamination of peptides can enhance their binding to DRB1*04:01, a diabetes-susceptible HLA allele. These and corresponding modifications to amino acids at T-cell contact positions modulated the recognition of multiple GAD65 peptides by self-reactive T cells. Using class II tetramers, we verified that memory T cells specific for these modified epitopes were detectable directly ex vivo in the peripheral blood of subjects with type 1 diabetes at significantly higher frequencies than healthy controls. Furthermore, T cells that recognize these modified epitopes were either less responsive or nonresponsive to their unmodified counterparts. Our findings suggest that PTM contributes to the progression of autoimmune diabetes by eliciting T-cell responses to new epitope specificities that are present primarily in the periphery, thereby circumventing tolerance mechanisms.
Estimating the Delay Between Onset and Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes From the Time Course of Retinopathy Prevalence
Authors: Porta Massimo , Curletto Giulia , Cipullo Dario , Rigault de la Longrais Roberta , Trento Marina , Passera Pietro , Taulaigo Anna Viola , Di Miceli Sabrina , Cenci Antonella , Dalmasso Paola , Cavallo Franco
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE

By correlating known diabetes duration with the prevalence of retinopathy, more than 10 years have been estimated to lapse between the onset and diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Such calculations, however, assumed a linear model, included stages of retinopathy not specific to diabetes, and allowed 5 years for retinopathy to occur after the onset of diabetes. We calculated the duration of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in outpatients screened for retinopathy in a hospital-based diabetes clinic after correcting these assumptions.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Diabetic patients (n = 12,074; 35,545 fundus examinations) were stratified into younger onset (YO; age at onset <30 years) or older onset (OO; age at onset ≥30 years), insulin treated (IT) or not IT (NIT), and with mild/more severe diabetic retinopathy (AnyDR) or moderate/more severe diabetic retinopathy (ModDR). The best-fitting equation correlating known duration among the OO-NIT group with the prevalence of ModDR was used to extrapolate time from appearance of retinopathy to diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Time for retinopathy to develop after diabetes was calculated from the equation correlating the duration among the YO-IT group with appearance of ModDR.

RESULTS

There were 1,719 patients in the OO-NIT group with AnyDR and 685 with ModDR and 756 in the YO-IT group with AnyDR and 385 with ModDR. A linear model showed ModDR appeared 2.66 years before diagnosis among those in the OO-NIT group. A quadratic model suggested that ModDR appeared 3.29 years after diagnosis among those in the YO-IT group. The resulting estimate was 6.05 years (2.66 + 3.29) between the onset and diagnosis of diabetes, compared with 13.36 years using standard criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Using best-fitting models and stratifying by glucose-lowering treatment and severity of retinopathy substantially lowers the estimated duration of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.