bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negligência e abuso contra crianças e adolescentes com enurese: O que pode ser feito
Authors: Silvares Edwiges Ferreira de Mattos
Published: May 2014

Evidenciam-se riscos associados à falta de tratamento efetivo para enurese infantil e adolescente após breve síntese da etiologia do problema e associação a dois tratamentos empiricamente baseados - padrão ouro. Razões para omissão de tratamento científico, vistas em estudos epidemiológicos antigos, são confirmadas nos recentes: a) desconhecimento da natureza médica do problema, b) negligência parental e c) oferta de estratégias caseiras inefetivas. Apontam-se outros fatores de risco: a intolerância dos pais associada à desistência do tratamento e a violência parental pós-episódios de enurese. A confirmação do abuso por um de dois estudos brasileiros é justificada em termos da diferença na amostragem e metodologia empregada. Aos pesquisadores e profissionais da saúde diante desse quadro negativo sugere-se: ser menos reativo ou mais proativo. Algumas ações da literatura internacional e da equipe de pesquisa da autora para prevenir a ignorância, intolerância, negligência e violência finalizam o artigo e ilustram a atitude proativa.
Problemas emocionais e comportamentais em jovens: Relações com o temperamento, as estratégias de coping e de regulação emocional e a identificação de expressões faciais
Authors: Conceição Andreia , Carvalho Marina
Published: May 2014

Com o objetivo geral de analisar as relações entre o temperamento, as estratégias de coping e de regulação emocional com os problemas emocionais e comportamentais, foi estudada uma amostra de 230 jovens, 118 do sexo masculino e 112 do sexo feminino, com uma média de idades igual a 11 anos (DP =0.812), que frequentavam o 5º e o 6º anos de escolaridade. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram a existência de diferenças de sexo na dimensão do temperamento relativa à afiliação, na frequência e eficácia das estratégias ativas e de acting-out e nos problemas de comportamento e comportamento prosocial. O controlo com esforço, a afetividade negativa e a regulação emocional negativa mostraram ser fatores preditores comuns aos diferentes tipos de dificuldades. Os resultados obtidos estiveram, no geral, de acordo com o esperado e foram discutidos, com base na literatura e nos modelos explicativos neste âmbito e tendo em consideração as suas implicações para a avaliação, prevenção e intervenção nos problemas emocionais e comportamentais na infância e adolescência.
Counterfactual thought and causal inference: Facilitation effect and dissociation of activation
Authors: Neto Sofia , Senos Jorge
Published: May 2014

A investigação sobre as relações entre pensamento contrafactual e raciocínio causal tem produzido evidência contraditória acerca da direção dos efeitos de facilitação de um processo sobre o outro. Este estudo investiga a possibilidade dessa influência ser recíproca e como diferentes níveis de impacto emocional negativo condicionam a acessibilidade do pensamento contrafactual. A 42 participantes foi apresentado um cenário com um de dois possíveis desfechos (um mais negativo, outro menos negativo), após o qual realizaram uma tarefa contrafactual e uma tarefa causal, estruturadas num paradigma de facilitação de tarefa. Os resultados indicam que a realização de qualquer das tarefas facilita a posterior realização da outra, revelando um efeito de ordem simétrico. Adicionalmente, verificou-se um efeito de interação entre a natureza do cenário e a ativação do processo contrafactual, refletido na maior acessibilidade da tarefa contrafactual no cenário de maior impacto emocional negativo. Estes dados coadunam-se com o postulado pelo Modelo de Facilitação Simétrica e Dissociação da Ativação (Senos, 2008).
A Formação de Educadores de Infância: Práticas Adequadas ao Contexto Educativo de Creche
Authors: Pinho Ana Mafalda , Cró Maria De Lurdes , Dias Maria Da Luz Vale
Published: May 2014

Neste artigo pretendemos abordar a problemática da formação inicial de educadores de infância e a sua adequação, particularmente, ao contexto educativo de creche, que permanece praticamente inexplorado. Nesse âmbito, importa não só referir as opções teóricas que devem enquadrar essa formação, mas também analisar os vários aspetos de intervenção educativa que assegurem, cumulativamente, a qualidade do ambiente educativo e o desenvolvimento global das crianças. Assim, o objetivo primordial é, por um lado, explanar um conjunto de princípios educativos relevantes (Gonzales‑Mena& Eyer, 2001) e, por outro, salientar práticas adequadas ao desenvolvimento de crianças até aos três anos de idade, perspetivadas pela National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). A concluir, serão referidas as implicações e vantagens da consideração de tais princípios e práticas na formação inicial de educadores de infância e o impacto de uma formação deste tipo na prática profissional, no que especificamente se refere ao contexto de creche.
Paisajes migratorios en la Región de Murcia: territorio y ciudad en los flujos contrapuestos norte-sur (turismo residencial) y sur-norte (migración laboral)
Authors: González-Varas Ibáñez Ignacio
Published: May 2014

El fenómeno de las migraciones contemporáneas asume en el área mediterránea unas características propias, pues al tiempo que se registra la afluencia de contingentes procedentes de África y América asociados a actividades productivas, también se producen importantes aportes de la Europa occidental que son atraídos por el turismo residencial. Estos flujos, de características socioeconómicas y culturales tan diferentes, coinciden en un mismo contexto territorial y provocan procesos urbanos y arquitectónicos de signo muy diferente y en ocasiones antagónico en cuanto conforman «fronteras interiores», fraccionamientos residenciales, y tienden a disolver el espacio público. En este artículo se analizan algunos aspectos de los paisajes migratorios de la Región de Murcia que son extrapolables a otras zonas del área Mediterránea interpretados dentro de esta contraposición de flujos migratorios procedentes del Norte (la Europa Occidental) y el Sur (el Tercer Mundo) y su impacto sobre el territorio rural y urbano. El enfoque metodológico parte del fenómeno social y económico de las migraciones, que ha recibido abundante bibliografía científica en las últimas décadas en el ámbito de las distintas ciencias sociales, pero se centra en el impacto territorial y arquitectónico, aspectos sintetizados en el término que hemos compilado de «paisajes migratorios».
Los Smithsons en Golden Lane: la simultaneidad de hechos en el fotomontaje como construcción de lo real
Authors: Capdevila Castellanos Iván , Iborra Pallarés Vicente
Published: May 2014

El uso innovador de la técnica del fotomontaje en la propuesta de concurso para Golden Lane en 1952 por parte de los Smithsons, como estrategia de celebración de lo ordinario en un East End londinense de posguerra física y psicológicamente destruido, les permitirá descubrir su fuente de inspiración en la realidad “tal cual” es, para convertirla en un nuevo paradigma arquitectónico.
Relationship between socio-demographic, clinical and psychosocial variables in patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Costa Elisabete Gomes , Campos Ricardo Pereira , Costa Eleonora Cunha
Published: May 2014

The aim ofthis study is to analyze the relationship between socio-demographic, clinicaland psychosocial variables in patients with Type 2 Diabetes and to establishcomparative patterns between genders with this disorder. Patientsfrom a primary care center were assessed through a researcher design form andthrough the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Satisfaction with SocialSupport Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. A total of90 patients with Type 2 Diabetes were enrolled in this study, with a mean ageof 56.67±6.41 years. The HADS depression presented a score of 3.77±2.98 and6.7% of the sample revealed depression symptoms. The HADS anxiety presentedscores of 7.27±5.07 and 36.6% of the subjects had anxiety symptoms. Regardingsocial support, the results were positive and similar between genders. When itcomes to sleep, the sample presented a PSQI of 8.68±2.87, with 73.3% ofpatients revealing poor sleep quality and 24.4% showing a sleep disorder. Whencomparing genders, females had higher scores of anxiety and depression andworse sleep quality. Inconclusion, we can state that anxiety symptoms are very prevalent in patientswith Type 2 Diabetes and women are more vulnerable to anxiety, depression symptomsand poor sleep quality.
Comportamentos extra-diádicos nas relações de namoro: Diferenças de sexo na prevalência e correlatos
Authors: Martins Alexandra , Pereira Marco , Canavarro Maria Cristina
Published: May 2014

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as diferenças de sexo nas taxas de prevalência e nos correlatos dos comportamentos extra-diádicos (CED) of line e online, durante o namoro. A amostra foi constituída por 494 participantes (156 homens e 338 mulheres) com uma idade média de 23.38 anos (DP=3.41). O protocolo de avaliação incluíu os seguintes instrumentos de auto-resposta: Inventário de Comportamentos Extra-Diádicos e Medida Global da Satisfação Relacional e Medida Global da Satisfação Sexual. Cerca de 63.5% dos homens e 56.5% das mulheres reportou já se ter envolvido em CED of line e 46.2% dos homens e 39.3% das mulheres já se envolveu em CED online, sendo que esta diferença não foi significativa. Para ambos os sexos, já ter sido infiel a um parceiro e menor satisfação relacional foram preditores importantes do envolvimento em CED of line e online. Para os homens, pertencer à religião Católica e história prévia de infidelidade do pai foram preditores significativos dos CED online. Entre as mulheres, o número de parceiros sexuais nos últimos dois anos associou-se significativamente ao envolvimento extra-diádico of line. Embora homens e mulheres cada vez se aproximem mais no que respeita às taxas de prevalência, os correlatos do envolvimento em CED diferem em função do sexo. Sugestões para investigação futura são apresentadas à luz destes resultados.
Toxicodependência e Vitimação: Inquérito Dirigido a Indivíduos Dependentes de Drogas
Authors: Nunes Laura M. , Sani Ana Isabel
Published: May 2014

A toxicodependência apresenta-se ligada a outros problemas, como a prática criminosa e a vitimação. Esta última não tem sido suficientemente explorada, verificando-se que os inquéritos de vitimação não apuram o papel das drogas nas ocorrências criminais, nomeadamente, no que diz respeito à vítima. Contudo, é frequente a presença de substâncias, tanto no ofensor, como na vítima ou em ambos. Este trabalho explora alguns modelos teóricos que acabam por corroborar a ideia de que o toxicodependente é frequentemente vítima de crime, apresentando-se um questionário construído para a realização de inquéritos de vitimação sobre a população toxicodependente. Através do instrumento podem inquirir-se os indivíduos a respeito da vitimação vivida no período antecedente à toxicodependência e na fase de dependência. Assim, após os dados sociodemográficos, questiona-se a vitimação prévia à dependência, as circunstâncias e condições dessas ocorrências, seguindo-se outra parte referente à vitimação vivida na fase de toxicodependência, às circunstâncias e condições em que tal se verificou, havendo sempre referência ao eventual papel das drogas consumidas, pelas vítimas e/ou ofensores. Conclui-se ser muito importante avaliar a vitimação de populações específicas como esta, devendo atender-se ao papel das drogas e integrando-se a componente da vitimação nos programas de atendimento a toxicodependentes.
Momentos de inovação em psicoterapia: Das narrativas aos processos dialógicos
Authors: Gonçalves Miguel M. , Silva Joana R.
Published: May 2014

Partindo da proposta de Frank (1961), de que a mudança psicoterapêutica envolve uma mudança nos significados, sugerimos que os significados se organizam em narrativas cujos autores (I-positions, segundo Hermans) contam de uma forma activa as suas histórias. No sentido de estudar a mudança em psicoterapia, e partindo destas assunções, desenvolvemos o Sistema de Codificação de Momentos de Inovação, que fornece um método fiável e sistemático de identificar as novidades que emergem nas sessões de psicoterapia, que denominamos de Momentos de Inovação (MIs). Estes momentos de inovação emergem na psicoterapia e contribuem para interromper a dominância das auto-narrativas problemáticas responsáveis pelo sofrimento psicológico, permitindo a narração de novas histórias e a emergência de novas posições-do-Eu (I-positions). Após a descrição deste sistema de codificação, apresentamos um modelo de mudança e um modelo de estabilidade terapêutica, fundamentado nos resultados empíricos obtidos até ao momento. Partindo destas premissas, exploramos duas questões centrais relevantes: (1) Quais os processos que bloqueiam o desenvolvimento de momentos de inovação da fase intermédia até à fase final da terapia, particularmente no que respeita à reconceptualização? (2) Por que razão será a reconceptualização central no processo de mudança?
Desenvolvimento cognitivo e aprendizagem da matemática
Authors: Cruz Vitor
Published: May 2014

A preocupação do presente artigo é a de enquadrar filogeneticamente e ontogeneticamente o desenvolvimento da matemática, enquadrando-a no contexto da hierarquia da linguagem. Assim, começaremos por situar a matemática ou a linguagem quantitativa como o culminar da dinâmica evolutiva da linguagem. De seguida, faremos referência ao desenvolvimento da linguagem quantitativa, suportando-nos para tal numa teoria do desenvolvimento cognitivo, o qual, como é sabido se organiza do concreto para o abstracto. De seguida, será nossa intenção fazer uma breve referência às diferentes componentes ou áreas da matemática, particularmente a aritmética. Para terminar, e tendo por base o já exposto, referiremos algumas preocupações que devem estar subjacentes ao processo de instrução ou ensino da matemática.
Immobilization of 60Co and 90Sr ions using red mud from aluminum industry
Authors: Milenkovic Aleksandra , Smiciklas Ivana , Markovic Jelena , Vukelic Nikola
Published: May 2014

The removal of 60Co and 90Sr from the aqueous phase was tested using red mud
- the fine grained residue from bauxite ore processing. This industrial waste
represents a mixture of numerous minerals, mainly oxides and hydroxides of
Fe, Al, Si, and Ti. Experiments were conducted as a function of contact
time, pH, and pollutant concentrations. Kinetic data were well fitted with a
pseudo-second order equation. The calculated rate constants and initial
sorption rates indicated faster sorption of Sr2+ ions. Removal of both
cations rapidly increased with the initial pH increase from 2.5 to 3.5. With
the further increase of pH, Co2+ sorption was nearly constant (98%-100%),
whereas Sr2+ removal remained at the same level to initial pH ~8 and
gradually increased to 100% at pH 12. Equilibrium sorption data followed the
Langmuir model, with the maximum sorption capacities of 0.52 mmol/g for Co2+
and 0.31 mmol/g for Sr2+. Sorbed cations exhibited high stability in
distilled water. Desorption of Co2+ was also negligible in the presence of
the competing Ca2+ cation, while 42%-25% of Sr2+ ions were desorbed depending
on the previously sorbed amount. The results indicate that red mud is of
potential significance as Co2+ and Sr2+ immobilization agent due to its high
efficiency, abundance, and low-cost.
The Dublin End: Anecdotes of Brendan Behan on Árainn
Authors: McNeillie Andrew
Published: May 2014

As John Brannigan has pointed out, the anecdote as a genre – ‘a theatre of memory and an imagined community’ – was key to Behan's world and his writing. Brannigan identifies the newspaper column as an especially enabling anecdotal form for Behan. This piece explores that claim through four articles in The Irish Press, all reprinted here, where Behan writes of his experiences and connections on the Aran Islands. True to its theme, the introductory essay is itself anecdotal, using recollections of Behan among the surviving older generation of islanders and paying tribute to Maire O Conghaile whose family gave Behan a roof, at Cill Mhuirbhigh on Árainn, when others on the island declined to.
Brendan Behan, Borscht Belt Comedian
Authors: Watt Stephen
Published: May 2014

‘New York humour is largely an Irish-Jewish creation’ (Ulick O'Connor, Brendan Behan, 1970). Brendan Behan, of course, was not a professional ‘stand-up comedian’ in the strictest sense of the term, although he possessed the wit and performative skills to succeed as one, as he proved countless times in Dublin pubs and onstage at the Blue Angel in New York to an audience that included Shelley Berman, who in fact was a Borscht Belt comedian. And, unlike Milton Berle, Alan King, Jackie Mason, Henny Youngman, and scores of comedians, he did not appear at venues in the Catskill Mountains some 100 miles north-northwest of New York City known as the ‘Borscht Belt’ because of its predominant clientele of Jews, although he and his wife Beatrice enjoyed a long weekend in Margaretville, New York, in August, 1961. When Behan came to America in 1960, however, he quickly became a star and joined a circle of celebrities that prominently included Jewish intellectuals and comedians responsible for what Ulick O'Connor regards as the Irish-Jewish core of New York humour. Indeed, Behan's affection for New York originates not only in his frequent visits to Irish bars on Third Avenue, as Michael O'Sullivan observes, but also in his interactions with Jewish-American friends and his uncanny familiarity with Jewish culture. The rowdy, even notorious, celebrity Behan shared with such figures as Norman Mailer informs the New York humour to which Behan contributed, making him more than an avatar of the Stage Irishman that some Irish-Americans despised. Rather, he often performed an eccentric Irish Jewishness central to American comedy of the 1960s.
Merita V. Xhumari (2011). Pension Trajectories in Western Balkans. Three case studies: Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo 1990-2010. ERSTE Stiftung & UNFPA, 158 pp. ISBN 973 9928 124 24 1 (paperback)
Authors: Hofäcker Dirk
Published: May 2014

Not Available
iHyd-PseAAC: Predicting Hydroxyproline and Hydroxylysine in Proteins by Incorporating Dipeptide Position-Specific Propensity into Pseudo Amino Acid Composition
Authors: Xu Yan , Wen Xin , Shao Xiao-Jian , Deng Nai-Yang , Chou Kuo-Chen
Published: May 2014

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) play crucial roles in various cell functions and biological processes. Protein hydroxylation is one type of PTM that usually occurs at the sites of proline and lysine. Given an uncharacterized protein sequence, which site of its Pro (or Lys) can be hydroxylated and which site cannot? This is a challenging problem, not only for in-depth understanding of the hydroxylation mechanism, but also for drug development, because protein hydroxylation is closely relevant to major diseases, such as stomach and lung cancers. With the avalanche of protein sequences generated in the post-genomic age, it is highly desired to develop computational methods to address this problem. In view of this, a new predictor called “iHyd-PseAAC” (identify hydroxylation by pseudo amino acid composition) was proposed by incorporating the dipeptide position-specific propensity into the general form of pseudo amino acid composition. It was demonstrated by rigorous cross-validation tests on stringent benchmark datasets that the new predictor is quite promising and may become a useful high throughput tool in this area. A user-friendly web-server for iHyd-PseAAC is accessible at http://app.aporc.org/iHyd-PseAAC/. Furthermore, for the convenience of the majority of experimental scientists, a step-by-step guide on how to use the web-server is given. Users can easily obtain their desired results by following these steps without the need of understanding the complicated mathematical equations presented in this paper just for its integrity.
Molecular Modelling Study of the PPARγ Receptor in Relation to the Mode of Action/Adverse Outcome Pathway Framework for Liver Steatosis
Authors: Tsakovska Ivanka , Al Sharif Merilin , Alov Petko , Diukendjieva Antonia , Fioravanzo Elena , Cronin Mark , Pajeva Ilza
Published: May 2014

The comprehensive understanding of the precise mode of action and/or adverse outcome pathway (MoA/AOP) of chemicals has become a key step toward the development of a new generation of predictive toxicology tools. One of the challenges of this process is to test the feasibility of the molecular modelling approaches to explore key molecular initiating events (MIE) within the integrated strategy of MoA/AOP characterisation. The description of MoAs leading to toxicity and liver damage has been the focus of much interest. Growing evidence underlines liver PPARγ ligand-dependent activation as a key MIE in the elicitation of liver steatosis. Synthetic PPARγ full agonists are of special concern, since they may trigger a number of adverse effects not observed with partial agonists. In this study, molecular modelling was performed based on the PPARγ complexes with full agonists extracted from the Protein Data Bank. The receptor binding pocket was analysed, and the specific ligand-receptor interactions were identified for the most active ligands. A pharmacophore model was derived, and the most important pharmacophore features were outlined and characterised in relation to their specific role for PPARγ activation. The results are useful for the characterisation of the chemical space of PPARγ full agonists and could facilitate the development of preliminary filtering rules for the effective virtual ligand screening of compounds with PPARγ full agonistic activity.
Different Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Polymorphism in Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas among Caucasian and Asian Populations: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhai Kan , Ding Jie , Zhou Yan
Published: May 2014

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is an immunoregulatory cytokine involved in B- and T-cell function, and also plays an important role in inflammation and cancer. TNF-α-308G>A has been associated with constitutively elevated TNF-α expression. Several studies have reported the association between the TNF-α-308G>A polymorphism and non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) risk, however, results are still inconsistent. To solve these conflicts, we conducted the first meta-analysis to assess the effect of TNF-α-308G>A polymorphism on the risk of NHL and various subtypes (additive model) including 10,619 cases and 12,977 controls in Caucasian and Asian populations. Our meta-analysis indicated that TNF-α-308G>A polymorphism is not associated with NHL risk when pooling all studies together (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.92–1.23, p = 0.413). In stratified analyses, we found TNF-α-308A allele was significantly associated with higher risk of NHL, B-cell lymphomas (BCL), T-cell lymphomas (TCL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) in Caucasians (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.06–1.40, p = 0.007; OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.03–1.34, p = 0.014; OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.01–1.42, p = 0.040; OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.11–1.32, p < 0.001, respectively). Interestingly, it was associated with decreased risk of NHL, BCL and DLBCL in Asians (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.66–0.86, p < 0.001; OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52–0.94, p = 0.018; OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.57–0.86, p = 0.001). These findings also suggest TNF-α might play a distinct role in pathogenesis of NHL in different populations.
Development of a Multiplex and Cost-Effective Genotype Test toward More Personalized Medicine for the Antiplatelet Drug Clopidogrel
Authors: Jeong Hye-Eun , Lee Su-Jun , Cha Eun-Young , Kim Eun-Young , Kim Ho-Sook , Song Young , Shin Jae-Gook
Published: May 2014

There has been a wide range of inter-individual variations in platelet responses to clopidogrel. The variations in response to clopidogrel can be driven by genetic polymorphisms involved in the pathway of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and the target receptor P2Y12. A set of genetic variants known for causing variations in clopidogrel responses was selected, which included CYP2C19*2, *3, *17, CYP2B6*4, *6, *9, CYP3A4*18, CYP3A5*3, MDR1 2677G > T/A, 3435C > T, and P2Y12 H2 (742T > C). The simultaneous detection of these 10 variants was developed by using a multiplex PCR and single-base extension (MSSE) methodology. The newly developed genotyping test was confirmed by direct DNA sequencing in the representative positive control samples and validated in an extended set of 100 healthy Korean subjects. Genotyping results from the developed MSSE exhibited a perfect concordance with the direct DNA sequencing data and all of variants tested in 100 healthy Korean subjects were in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.05). The present molecular diagnostic studies provide an accurate, convenient, and fast genotyping method for the detection of multiple variants. This would be helpful for researchers, as well as clinicians, to use genetic information toward more personalized medicine of clopidogrel and other antiplatelet drugs in the future.
The Five Ws (and one H) of Super-Hydrophobic Surfaces in Medicine
Authors: Gentile Francesco , Coluccio Maria , Limongi Tania , Perozziello Gerardo , Candeloro Patrizio , Di Fabrizio Enzo
Published: May 2014

Super-hydrophobic surfaces (SHSs) are bio-inspired, artificial microfabricated interfaces, in which a pattern of cylindrical micropillars is modified to incorporate details at the nanoscale. For those systems, the integration of different scales translates into superior properties, including the ability of manipulating biological solutions. The five Ws, five Ws and one H or the six Ws (6W), are questions, whose answers are considered basic in information-gathering. They constitute a formula for getting the complete story on a subject. According to the principle of the six Ws, a report can only be considered complete if it answers these questions starting with an interrogative word: who, why, what, where, when, how. Each question should have a factual answer. In what follows, SHSs and some of the most promising applications thereof are reviewed following the scheme of the 6W. We will show how these surfaces can be integrated into bio-photonic devices for the identification and detection of a single molecule. We will describe how SHSs and nanoporous silicon matrices can be combined to yield devices with the capability of harvesting small molecules, where the cut-off size can be adequately controlled. We will describe how this concept is utilized for obtaining a direct TEM image of a DNA molecule.
Antiparasitic Activity of Natural and Semi-Synthetic Tirucallane Triterpenoids from Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae): Structure/Activity Relationships
Authors: Morais Thiago , Da Costa-Silva Thais , Tempone Andre , Borborema Samanta , Scotti Marcus , De Sousa Raquel , Araujo Ana , De Oliveira Alberto , De Morais Sérgio , Sartorelli Patricia , Lago João
Published: May 2014

Leishmaniasis and Chagas are diseases caused by parasitic protozoans that affect the poorest population in the World, causing a high mortality and morbidity. As a result of highly toxic and long-term treatments, the discovery of novel, safe and more efficacious drugs is essential. In this work, the in vitro antiparasitic activity and mammalian cytotoxicity of three natural tirucallane triterpenoids, isolated from leaves of Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae), and nine semi-synthetic derivatives were investigated against Leishmania (L.) infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi. Trypomastigotes of T. cruzi were the most susceptible parasites and seven compounds demonstrated a trypanocidal activity with IC50 values in the range between 15 and 58 µg/mL. Four compounds demonstrated selectivity towards the intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania, with IC50 values in the range between 28 and 97 µg/mL. The complete characterization of triterpenoids was afforded after thorough analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data as well as electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Additionally, structure-activity relationships were performed using Decision Trees.
Vitamin B12-Containing Plant Food Sources for Vegetarians
Authors: Watanabe Fumio , Yabuta Yukinori , Bito Tomohiro , Teng Fei
Published: May 2014

The usual dietary sources of Vitamin B12 are animal-derived foods, although a few plant-based foods contain substantial amounts of Vitamin B12. To prevent Vitamin B12 deficiency in high-risk populations such as vegetarians, it is necessary to identify plant-derived foods that contain high levels of Vitamin B12. A survey of naturally occurring plant-derived food sources with high Vitamin B12 contents suggested that dried purple laver (nori) is the most suitable Vitamin B12 source presently available for vegetarians. Furthermore, dried purple laver also contains high levels of other nutrients that are lacking in vegetarian diets, such as iron and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Dried purple laver is a natural plant product and it is suitable for most people in various vegetarian groups.
Naturapolyceutics: The Science of Utilizing Natural Polymers for Drug Delivery
Authors: Ngwuluka Ndidi , Ochekpe Nelson , Aruoma Okezie
Published: May 2014

Naturapolyceutics defines the emerging science and technology platform that blends natural polymers and pharmaceutics for the design and development of drug delivery systems. Natural polymers due to their biological properties, sustainability, chemical flexibility, human and eco-friendliness are promising in this field. As drug delivery advances, there will be need for more polymers. Given that polymers utilized in pharmaceuticals require regulatory approval, robust processes are undertaken to facilitate the production of pharmaceutical grade natural polymers. This review provides insight into the processes—extraction, purification, modifications and characterizations—involved in the eventual utilization of natural polymers for drug delivery. The versatility of natural polymers and particularly modified natural polymers in targeted drug delivery, micro-/nano-drug delivery, theranostics, BioMEMs and generally in research and development of highly efficient, safe and quality products is demonstrated. Natural polymers are polymers of today and tomorrow. Therefore, the shift to undertake training, extensive research and subsequent commercialization of more natural polymers—novel and underutilized—for drug delivery is now!
Protein Profiling Reveals Novel Proteins in Pollen and Pistil of W22 (ga1; Ga1) in Maize
Authors: Yu Jin , Roy Swapan , Kamal Abu , Cho Kun , Kwon Soo-Jeong , Cho Seong-Woo , So Yoon-Sup , Holland James , Woo Sun
Published: May 2014

Gametophytic factors mediate pollen-pistil interactions in maize (Zea mays L.) and play active roles in limiting gene flow among maize populations and between maize and teosinte. This study was carried out to identify proteins and investigate the mechanism of gametophytic factors using protein analysis. W22 (ga1); which did not carry a gametophytic factor and W22 (Ga1), a near iso-genic line, were used for the proteome investigation. SDS-PAGE was executed to investigate proteins in the pollen and pistil of W22 (ga1) and W22 (Ga1). A total of 44 differentially expressed proteins were identified in the pollen and pistil on SDS-PAGE using LTQ-FTICR MS. Among the 44 proteins, a total of 24 proteins were identified in the pollen of W22 (ga1) and W22 (Ga1) whereas 20 differentially expressed proteins were identified from the pistil of W22 (ga1) and W22 (Ga1). However, in pollen, 2 proteins were identified only in the W22 (ga1) and 12 proteins only in the W22 (Ga1) whereas 10 proteins were confirmed from the both of W22 (ga1) and W22 (Ga1). In contrary, 10 proteins were appeared only in the pistil of W22 (ga1) and 7 proteins from W22 (Ga1) while 3 proteins confirmed in the both of W22 (ga1) and W22 (Ga1). Moreover, the identified proteins were generally involved in hydrolase activity, nucleic acid binding and nucleotide binding. These results help to reveal the mechanism of gametophytic factors and provide a valuable clue for the pollen and pistil research in maize.
On Line Validation Exercise (OLIVE): A Web Based Service for the Validation of Medium Resolution Land Products. Application to FAPAR Products
Authors: Weiss Marie , Baret Frédéric , Block Tom , Koetz Benjamin , Burini Alessandro , Scholze Bettina , Lecharpentier Patrice , Brockmann Carsten , Fernandes Richard , Plummer Stephen , Myneni Ranga , Gobron Nadine , Nightingale Joanne , Schaepman-Strub Gabriela , Camacho Fernando , Sanchez-Azofeifa Arturo
Published: May 2014

The OLIVE (On Line Interactive Validation Exercise) platform is dedicated to the validation of global biophysical products such as LAI (Leaf Area Index) and FAPAR (Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation). It was developed under the framework of the CEOS (Committee on Earth Observation Satellites) Land Product Validation (LPV) sub-group. OLIVE has three main objectives: (i) to provide a consistent and centralized information on the definition of the biophysical variables, as well as a description of the main available products and their performances (ii) to provide transparency and traceability by an online validation procedure compliant with the CEOS LPV and QA4EO (Quality Assurance for Earth Observation) recommendations (iii) and finally, to provide a tool to benchmark new products, update product validation results and host new ground measurement sites for accuracy assessment. The functionalities and algorithms of OLIVE are described to provide full transparency of its procedures to the community. The validation process and typical results are illustrated for three FAPAR products: GEOV1 (VEGETATION sensor), MGVIo (MERIS sensor) and MODIS collection 5 FPAR. OLIVE is available on the European Space Agency CAL/VAL portal), including full documentation, validation exercise results, and product extracts.
Evaluation of Spatiotemporal Variations of Global Fractional Vegetation Cover Based on GIMMS NDVI Data from 1982 to 2011
Authors: Wu Donghai , Wu Hao , Zhao Xiang , Zhou Tao , Tang Bijian , Zhao Wenqian , Jia Kun
Published: May 2014

Fractional vegetation cover (FVC) is an important biophysical parameter of terrestrial ecosystems. Variation of FVC is a major problem in research fields related to remote sensing applications. In this study, the global FVC from 1982 to 2011 was estimated by GIMMS NDVI data, USGS global land cover characteristics data and HWSD soil type data with a modified dimidiate pixel model, which considered vegetation and soil types and mixed pixels decomposition. The evaluation of the robustness and accuracy of the GIMMS FVC with MODIS FVC and Validation of Land European Remote sensing Instruments (VALERI) FVC show high reliability. Trends of the annual FVCmax and FVCmean datasets in the last 30 years were reported by the Mann–Kendall method and Sen’s slope estimator. The results indicated that global FVC change was 0.20 and 0.60 in a year with obvious seasonal variability. All of the continents in the world experience a change in the annual FVCmax and FVCmean, which represents biomass production, except for Oceania, which exhibited a significant increase based on a significance level of p = 0.001 with the Student’s t-test. Global annual maximum and mean FVC growth rates are 0.14%/y and 0.12%/y, respectively. The trends of the annual FVCmax and FVCmean based on pixels also illustrated that the global vegetation had turned green in the last 30 years. A significant trend on the p = 0.05 level was found for 15.36% of the GIMMS FVCmax pixels on a global scale (excluding permanent snow and ice), in which 1.8% exhibited negative trends and 13.56% exhibited positive trends. The GIMMS FVCmean similarly produced a total of 16.64% significant pixels with 2.28% with a negative trend and 14.36% with a positive trend. The North Frigid Zone represented the highest annual FVCmax significant increase (p = 0.05) of 25.17%, which may be caused mainly by global warming, Arctic sea-ice loss and an advance in growing seasons. Better FVC predictions at large regional scales, with high temporal resolution (month) and long time series, would advance our ability to understand the characteristics of the global FVC changes in the last 30 years and predict the response of vegetation to global climate change.
Application of Ultrasound Phase-Shift Analysis to Authenticate Wooden Panel Paintings
Authors: Bravo José , Sánchez-Pérez Juan , Ferri Marcelino , Redondo Javier , Picó Rubén
Published: May 2014

Artworks are a valuable part of the World’s cultural and historical heritage. Conservation and authentication of authorship are important aspects to consider in the protection of cultural patrimony. In this paper we present a novel application of a well-known method based on the phase-shift analysis of an ultrasonic signal, providing an integrated encoding system that enables authentication of the authorship of wooden panel paintings. The method has been evaluated in comparison with optical analysis and shows promising results. The proposed method provides an integrated fingerprint of the artwork, and could be used to enrich the cataloging and protection of artworks. Other advantages that make particularly attractive the proposed technique are its robustness and the use of low-cost sensors.
Ubiquitous Connected Train Based on Train-to-Ground and Intra-Wagon Communications Capable of Providing on Trip Customized Digital Services for Passengers
Authors: Salaberria Itziar , Perallos Asier , Azpilicueta Leire , Falcone Francisco , Carballedo Roberto , Angulo Ignacio , Elejoste Pilar , Bahillo Alfonso , Astrain José , Villadangos Jesús
Published: May 2014

During the last years, the application of different wireless technologies has been explored in order to enable Internet connectivity from vehicles. In addition, the widespread adoption of smartphones by citizens represents a great opportunity to integrate such nomadic devices inside vehicles in order to provide new and personalized on trip services for passengers. In this paper, a proposal of communication architecture to provide the ubiquitous connectivity needed to enhance the smart train concept is presented and preliminarily tested. It combines an intra-wagon communication system based on nomadic devices connected through a Bluetooth Piconet Network with a highly innovative train-to-ground communication system. In order to validate this communication solution, several tests and simulations have been performed and their results are described in this paper.
The post-occipital spinal venous sinus of the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus): Its anatomy and use for blood sample collection and intravenous infusions
Authors: Myburgh Jan G. , Kirberger Robert M. , Steyl Johan C.A. , Soley John T. , Booyse Dirk G. , Huchzermeyer Fritz W. , Lowers Russel H. , Guillette Jr Louis J.
Published: May 2014

The post-occipital sinus of the spinal vein is often used for the collection of blood samples from crocodilians. Although this sampling method has been reported for several crocodilian species, the technique and associated anatomy has not been described in detail in any crocodilian, including the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). The anatomy of the cranial neck region was investigated macroscopically, microscopically, radiographically and by means of computed tomography. Latex was injected into the spinal vein and spinal venous sinus of crocodiles to visualise the regional vasculature. The spinal vein ran within the vertebral canal, dorsal to and closely associated with the spinal cord and changed into a venous sinus cranially in the post-occipital region. For blood collection, the spinal venous sinus was accessed through the interarcuate space between the atlas and axis (C1 and C2) by inserting a needle angled just off the perpendicular in the midline through the craniodorsal cervical skin, just cranial to the cranial borders of the first cervical osteoderms. The most convenient method of blood collection was with a syringe and hypodermic needle. In addition, the suitability of the spinal venous sinus for intravenous injections and infusions in live crocodiles was evaluated. The internal diameter of the commercial human epidural catheters used during these investigations was relatively small, resulting in very slow infusion rates. Care should be taken not to puncture the spinal cord or to lacerate the blood vessel wall using this route for blood collection or intravenous infusions.
Forecast-based financing: an approach for catalyzing humanitarian action based on extreme weather and climate forecasts
Authors: Coughlan de Perez E. , van den Hurk B. , van Aalst M. , Jongman B. , Klose T. , Suarez P.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Disaster risk reduction efforts traditionally focus on long-term preventative measures or post-disaster response. Outside of these, there are many short-term actions, such as evacuation, that can be implemented in the period of time between a warning and a potential disaster to reduce the risk of impacts. However, this precious window of opportunity is regularly overlooked in the case of climate and weather forecasts, which can indicate heightened risk of disaster but are rarely used to initiate preventative action. Barriers range from the protracted debate over the best strategy for intervention to the inherent uncomfortableness on the part of donors to invest in a situation that will "likely" arrive but is not certain. In general, it is unclear what levels of forecast probability and magnitude are "worth" reacting to. Here, we propose a novel forecast-based financing system to automatically trigger action based on climate forecasts or observations. The system matches threshold forecast probabilities with appropriate actions, disburses required funding when threshold forecasts are issued, and develops Standard Operating Procedures that contain the mandate to act when these threshold forecasts are issued. We detail the methods that can be used to establish such a system, and provide illustrations from several pilot cases. Ultimately, such as system can be scaled up in disaster-prone areas worldwide to improve effectiveness at reducing the risk of disaster.
Searching for MERS and Novel Flu with Limited Resources
Authors: Siniscalchi Alan , Ishikawa Charlie
Published: May 2014

This project reviewed approaches used by public health agencies for alerting health care providers and enhancing surveillance systems to identify the presence of novel respiratory disease and to characterize their recent experience in searching for globally emerging viruses. Public health agencies continue to endeavor to develop and maintain cost-effective disease surveillance systems to better understand the burden of illness, especially newly emerging disease, within their jurisdiction. The importance of maintaining sufficient infrastructure and the trained personnel needed to operate these surveillance systems for optimal disease detection and public health response readiness cannot be understated.
Surveillance of Overdose-related Emergency Department Visits in Rhode Island
Authors: Lozier Matthew , Martin Colleen , Chaput Daniel
Published: May 2014

We determined if the Rhode Island Real-time Outbreak and Disease Surveillance (RODS) system identified an increase in emergency department (ED) overdose visits during a known cluster of illicit-drug overdose deaths in RI and characterized ED overdose visits. When stratified by ED there was a significant increase in overdose chief complaints from one ED during March - May 2013 compared to the previous year. This coincides with the cluster of drug overdose deaths in March 2013. Despite most chief complaints for overdose not specifying cause, syndromic surveillance systems provide an existing platform that could be used to better assess ED overdose visits.
The Evolution of the WHO/NREVSS Influenza Surveillance System: The Challenges and Opportunities that Accompany Electronic Laboratory Data
Authors: Mustaquim Desiree
Published: May 2014

The WHO/NREVSS Influenza laboratory surveillance system has been in use for ~40 years. Through multiple reporting methods, partner labs can share their influenza laboratory testing data to the Influenza Divsion at CDC. Over time, this system has evolved in complexity, and the most recent enhancement has been the addition of HL7 laboratory messaging through the Public Health Laboratory Interoperability Project. This reporting has been challenging to implement, but  has added great value to the system, including an increased potential for new data analyses, increased functionality, and a braoder use of the resulting data.
The Use of Open Source Software to Enhance Public Health Initiatives
Authors: Hahn Erin , Lewis Sheri , Blazes David
Published: May 2014

Open Source Software (OSS) is rapidly becoming part of public health applications. The adoption more broadly of OSS has the potential to improve global public health initiatives in general, because it provides a free, modifiable software option which can be altered to meet specific requirements.
Utility of a Syndromic Surveillance System to Identify Disease Outbreaks with Reportable Disease Data
Authors: Eggers Carrie , Hamilton Janet , Hopkins Richard
Published: May 2014

The sensitivity and predictive value of a surveillance system (ESSENCE-FL) originally designed for syndromic data to identify possible outbreak activity using data from a reportable disease system was examined.  ESSENCE-FL-generated alerts were compared with confirmed outbreak activity for different infectious diseases over a 52-week period.  Results showed that although overall sensitivity of the system to detect outbreak activity was fairly low, the positive predictive value was relatively high.  This evaluation concludes that the application of reportable disease data within the ESSENCE-FL syndromic surveillance system is useful for prompting users of possible outbreak activity that warrants further inquiry.
Utility of Potential Misdiagnoses in Predicting Foodborne Outbreaks
Authors: Lucia Lucia , Dubrawski Artur , Chen Lujie
Published: May 2014

Reliable detection and accurate scoping of outbreaks of foodborne illness are important to effective mitigation of their consequences. However, relatively small number of persons affected and underreporting, challenge the reliability of surveillance models. In this work, we investigate utility of using inpatient and emergency room diagnoses to detect outbreaks of Salmonellosis in humans, and quantify the impact of including potential misdiagnoses of Salmonellosis. We found that the data support and reliability of detection could be improved by including misdiagnoses of Salmonellosis, therefore tracking these diseases could support accuracy of foodborne illness surveillance.