bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative efficacy of glimepiride and metformin in monotherapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhu Hongmei , Zhu Shuang , Zhang Xiuqian , Guo Yang , Shi Yunzhen , Chen Zhimin , Leung Siu-wai
Published: November 2013

Background

Metformin treatment has been the most recommended monotherapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) for decades but is challenged by new antidiabetic drugs. This study conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing the efficacy of metformin and glimepiride in monotherapy of T2DM.

Methods

A literature search for RCTs on glimepiride and metformin was conducted on the bibliographic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library and ScienceDirect, from their inceptions to 25 Mar 2013. All RCTs were selected according to pre-specified eligibility criteria. The quality of articles was assessed with the Cochrane’s risk of bias tool. Statistical meta-analysis evaluated the overall effects and biochemical indices of T2DM. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses evaluated the robustness and explained the heterogeneity of the results. Begg and Egger’s tests quantified possible publication biases. Results were represented as "standard mean difference or odds ratio [95% confidence internals] P value".

Results

Fifteen RCTs with 1681 adult T2DM patients were included for meta-analysis. Metformin was not better than glimepiride in overall efficacy in controlling the levels of HbA1c, postprandial blood sugar (PPBS), fasting plasma insulin (FINS), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP), and high density lipoprotein (HDL). Metformin was only more effective than glimepiride in controlling the levels of total cholesterol (TC, 0.33 [0.03, 0.63], P = 0.03), low-density lipoprotein (LDL, 0.35 [0.16, 0.53], P = 0.0002) and triglycerides (TG, 0.26 [0.05, 0.46], P = 0.01). Odds ratios of adverse events showed that glimepiride was more likely to induce hypoglycemia episodes and metformin was with a higher risk of gastrointestinal upset.

Conclusion

Metformin was not significantly better than glimepiride in glycemic control of T2DM, suggesting that glimepiride would be a good choice second to metformin in the monotherapy of T2DM.
High prevalence of human cytomegalovirus in carotid atherosclerotic plaques obtained from Russian patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Yaiw Koon-Chu , Ovchinnikova Olga , Taher Chato , Mohammad Abdul-Aleem , Davoudi Belghis , Shlyakhto Eugene , Rotar Oxana , Konradi Alexandra , Wilhelmi Vanessa , Rahbar Afsar , Butler Lynn , Assinger Alice , Söderberg-Nauclér Cecilia
Published: November 2013

Background

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) but the role of this virus in CVD progression remains unclear. We aimed to examine the HCMV serostatus in Russian patients (n = 90) who had undergone carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and controls (n = 82) as well as to determine the prevalence of HCMV immediate early (IE) and late (LA) antigens in carotid atherosclerotic plaques obtained from 89 patients. In addition, we sought to determine whether HCMV infection was associated with inflammatory activity in the plaque by quantifying infiltrating CD3 and CD68 positive cells and 5-LO immunoreactivity.

Methods

HCMV serology was assessed with ELISA and immunohistochemistry staining was performed to detect HCMV antigens, CD3, CD68 and 5-LO reactivity. The Fisher’s exact test was used to compare i) seroprevalence of HCMV IgG between patients and controls and ii) HCMV-positive or –negative to that of CD3, CD68 and 5-LO immunoreactive cells in plaque samples. The student-t test was performed to connote the significance level of mean optical density between patients and controls.

Results

The seroprevalence for HCMV IgG was high in both patients and controls (99% and 98%, respectively). Controls had significantly higher IgG titers for HCMV compared with patients (p = 0.0148). Strikingly, we found a high prevalence of HCMV antigens in atherosclerotic plaques; 57/89 (64%) and 47/87 (54%) were HCMV IE and LA positive, respectively. Most plaques had rather low HCMV reactivity with distinct areas of HCMV-positive cells mainly detected in shoulder regions of the plaques, but also in the area adjacent to the necrotic core and fibrous cap. In plaques, the cellular targets for HCMV infection appeared to be mainly macrophages/foam cells and smooth muscle cells. HCMV-positive plaques trended to be associated with increased numbers of CD68 positive macrophages and CD3 positive T cells, while 5-LO reactivity was high in both HCMV-positive and HCMV-negative plaques.

Conclusions

In Russian patients undergoing CEA, HCMV proteins are abundantly expressed in carotid plaques and may contribute to the inflammatory response in plaques via enhanced infiltration of CD68 and CD3 cells.
The efficacy of dapagliflozin combined with hypoglycemic drugs in treating type 2 diabetes: protocol for meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sun Yu-nan , Zhou Yi , Chen Xi , Che Wen-si , Leung Siu-wai
Published: November 2013

Background

Dapagliflozin is a first-in-class oral sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It is often used in combination with conventional anti-diabetic drugs such as metformin, glimepiride, and insulin in treating type 2 diabetes (T2D). It not only reduces glucose reabsorption in the kidney but also increases renal glucose excretion. Some studies found the actions of dapagliflozin independent of insulin and free from risk of weight gain. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate whether dapagliflozin is synergistic with other anti-diabetic drugs without risk of weight gain.

Methods/Design

This meta-analysis will include the randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating the efficacy of dapagliflozin as an add-on drug in treating T2D for >8 weeks with the outcome measures glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and body weight. Information of relevant RCTs will be retrieved from major databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar according to a pre-specified search strategy. Google and manual search will find other unpublished reports and supplementary data. Eligible RCTs will be selected according to pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data will be extracted and input into a pre-formatted spreadsheet. The Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to assess the quality of the eligible RCTs. Meta-analysis based on the random-effects model will be conducted to compare the changes of HbA1c (%), FPG (mmol/L), and body weight (kg) between dapagliflozin arm and placebo arm. Publication bias will be evaluated with a funnel plot and the Egger’s test. Heterogeneity will be assessed with the I2 statistics. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted on follow-up periods. The evidential quality of the findings will be assessed with the GRADE profiler.

Discussion

The findings of this meta-analysis will be important to clinicians, patients, and health policy-makers regarding the use of dapagliflozin in T2D treatment.

Study registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42013005034
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Gene expression profiling analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kong Deyong , Chen Heming , Chen Weiqun , Liu Shuiyi , Wang Hui , Wu Tangwei , Lu Hongda , Kong Qingzhi , Huang Xiaodong , Lu Zhongxin
Published: November 2013

Background

Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world. However, the molecular pathogenesis of HCC is not well-understood, and the prognosis for patients with HCC remains very poor.

Methods

To disclose detailed genetic mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a view toward development of novel therapeutic targets, we analyzed expression profiles HCCs and their corresponding noncancerous tissues by using bioinformatics method.

Results

In this paper, we report the identification of genes whose expression has been altered and the changed bio-pathways during hepatocarcinogenesis. Hepatoma cells infect intracellular and intercellular signal transduction through Focal adhesion and cause abnormal expression of important intracellular signaling pathway. In addition, it is worth mentioning that some small molecules still restored to the state similar to normal cells, such as bambuterol and lovastatin. This member gene set would serve as a pool of lead gene targets for the identification and development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers to greatly improve the clinical management of HCC patients with different risks of recurrence after curative partial hepatectomy.

Conclusions

The study has great significance for gene therapy and pharmacotherapy and provides a new treatment entry point and a potential new clinical drug for HCC patients.
Comparative studies on osteogenic potential of micro- and nanofibre scaffolds prepared by electrospinning of poly(ε-caprolactone)
Authors: Li Ting-Ting , Ebert Katrin , Vogel Jürgen , Groth Thomas
Published: November 2013

The biocompatibility and osteogenic potential of four fibrous scaffolds prepared by electrospinning of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) was studied with MG-63 osteoblast cells. Two different kinds of scaffolds were obtained by adjustment of spinning conditions, which were characterized as nano- or microfibrous. In addition of one nanofibrous, scaffold was made more hydrophilic by blending PCL with Pluronics F 68. Scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and water contact angle measurements. Morphology and growth of MG63 cells seeded on the different scaffolds were investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy after vital staining with fluorescein diacetate and by colorimetric assays. It was found that scaffolds composed of microfibres stipulated better growth conditions for osteoblasts probably by providing a real three-dimensional culture substratum, while nanofibre scaffolds restricted cell growth predominantly to surface regions. Osteogenic activity of cells was determined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and o-cresolphthalein complexone assay. It was observed that osteogenic activity of cells cultured in microfibre scaffolds was significantly higher than in nanofibre scaffolds regarding ALP activity. Overall, one can conclude that nanofibre scaffold provides better conditions for initial attachment of cells but does not provide advantages in terms of scaffold colonization and support of osteogenic activity compared to scaffolds prepared from microfibres.
Role of WWOX and NF-κB in lung cancer progression
Authors: Chen Szu-Jung , Huang Shenq-Shyang , Chang Nan-Shan
Published: November 2013

It is generally agreed that the pro-inflammatory, pro-survival transcription factor NF-κB is a tumor promoter. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α or TNF) mediates NF-κB activation. Tumor suppressor WWOX (FOR or WOX1) is a downstream effector of the TNF signaling. Thus, activation of both WWOX (FOR or WOX1) and NF-κB may occur during TNF signaling and/or under stress conditions. Indeed, the first WW domain of WWOX induces the activation of NF-κB-responsive promoter without TNF participation. It appears that WWOX counteracts with NF-κB in regulating cell survival and death. For example, WWOX becomes activated with Tyr33 phosphorylation and relocates together with NF-κB and many transcription factors to the nucleus to cause neuronal death in sciatic nerve-transected rats. While WWOX is frequently lost in lung cancer and many other cancers, NF-κB activation-induced cancer promotion probably requires WWOX-independent signaling networks to induce expression of pro-survival factors. The antagonistic role of WWOX and NF-κB in the regulation of lung cancer progression is discussed.
Association between haptoglobin, hemopexin and mortality in adults with sepsis
Authors: Janz David R , Bastarache Julie A , Sills Gillian , Wickersham Nancy , May Addison K , Bernard Gordon R , Ware Lorraine B
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Plasma levels of cell-free hemoglobin are associated with mortality in patients with sepsis; however descriptions of independent associations with free hemoglobin and free heme scavengers, haptoglobin and hemopexin, are lacking beyond their description as acute phase reactants. We sought to determine the association of plasma levels of endogenous free hemoglobin and haptoglobin and hemopexin with in-hospital mortality in adults with sepsis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of a total of 387 critically ill patients with sepsis in multiple intensive care units in an academic tertiary care hospital. Measurements of plasma haptoglobin and hemopexin were made on blood drawn within 24 hours of intensive care unit admission. The primary outcome was the association between plasma haptoglobin and hemopexin with in-hospital mortality.

Results

Survivors had significantly higher plasma haptoglobin concentrations (median 1234 μg/ml, interquartile range (IQR) 569 to 3037) and hemopexin concentrations (616 μg/ml, IQR 397 to 934) measured on enrollment compared to non-survivors (haptoglobin 750 μg/ml, IQR 404 to 2421, P = 0.008; hemopexin 470 μg/ml, IQR 303 to 891, P = 0.012). After controlling for potential confounders including cell-free hemoglobin concentration, patients with higher haptoglobin concentrations were significantly less likely to die in the hospital (odds ratio (OR) 0.653, 95% CI 0.433 to 0.984, P = 0.042), while the same association was not seen with hemopexin (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.199 to 1.416, P = 0.206). In a subgroup analysis, the association between increased haptoglobin and hemopexin and decreased risk of mortality was no longer significant when analyzing patients with no detectable cell-free hemoglobin (P = 0.737 and P = 0.584, respectively).

Conclusion

In critically ill patients with sepsis, elevated plasma levels of haptoglobin were associated with a decreased risk of in-hospital mortality and this association was independent of confounders. Increased haptoglobin may play a protective role in sepsis patients who have elevated levels of circulating cell-free hemoglobin beyond its previous description as an acute phase reactant.
Short-range Wnt5 signaling initiates specification of sea urchin posterior ectoderm
Authors: McIntyre Daniel C. , Seay N. Winn , Croce Jenifer C. , McClay David R.
Published: November 2013

The border between the posterior ectoderm and the endoderm is a location where two germ layers meet and establish an enduring relationship that also later serves, in deuterostomes, as the anatomical site of the anus. In the sea urchin, a prototypic deuterostome, the ectoderm-endoderm boundary is established before gastrulation, and ectodermal cells at the boundary are thought to provide patterning inputs to the underlying mesenchyme. Here we show that a short-range Wnt5 signal from the endoderm actively patterns the adjacent boundary ectoderm. This signal activates a unique subcircuit of the ectoderm gene regulatory network, including the transcription factors IrxA, Nk1, Pax2/5/8 and Lim1, which are ultimately restricted to subregions of the border ectoderm (BE). Surprisingly, Nodal and BMP2/4, previously shown to be activators of ectodermal specification and the secondary embryonic axis, instead restrict the expression of these genes to subregions of the BE. A detailed examination showed that endodermal Wnt5 functions as a short-range signal that activates only a narrow band of ectodermal cells, even though all ectoderm is competent to receive the signal. Thus, cells in the BE integrate positive and negative signals from both the primary and secondary embryonic axes to correctly locate and specify the border ectoderm.
Whole Genome Sequencing as a Diagnostic Test: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Chrystoja Caitlin C , Diamandis Eleftherios P
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

Extraordinary technological advances and decreases in the cost of DNA sequencing have made the possibility of whole genome sequencing (WGS) as a highly accessible clinical test for numerous indications feasible. There have been many recent, successful applications of WGS in establishing the etiology of complex diseases and guiding therapeutic decision-making in neoplastic and nonneoplastic diseases and in various aspects of reproductive health. However, there are major, but not insurmountable, obstacles to the increased clinical implementation of WGS, such as hidden costs, issues surrounding sequencing and analysis, quality assurance and standardization protocols, ethical dilemmas, and difficulties with interpretation of the results.

CONTENT

The widespread use of WGS in routine clinical practice remains a distant proposition. Prospective trials will be needed to establish if, and for whom, the benefits of WGS will outweigh the likely substantial costs associated with follow-up tests, the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment, and the associated emotional distress.

WGS should be carefully implemented in the clinic to allow the realization of its potential to improve patient health in specific indications. To minimize harm the use of WGS for all other reasons must be carefully evaluated before clinical implementation.
Gendering the genre: Three Australian women writers and their debut crime fiction novels
Authors: Franks Rachel
Published: November 2013

The creators and consumers of crime fiction have changed dramatically since the genre, established in ancient times to define legal and moral codes and indicate the consequences for breaking those codes, first started to gain widespread popularity as a form of entertainment in the eighteenth century. One of the most significant of these changes can be seen in the slow but steady rise of the female as consumer, creator and character. There are many ways to explore some of the gendered changes within the crime fiction genre, one of which is to examine novels written by women who have chosen female protagonists to tell their stories. Ostensibly quite different texts, Miles Franklin’s Bring the Monkey (1933), June Wright’s Murder in the Telephone Exchange (1948) and Elizabeth Antill’s Death on the Barrier Reef (1952) are three debut crime novels that share some striking similarities. In addition to all three novels featuring female first-person narrators, these stories also tell tales of very violent crimes and contribute to documenting some of the shifts in views on gender, female friendship, marriage and class within what has become the world’s most popular genre.
Dynamic Effects of Social Influence and Direct Marketing on the Adoption of High-Technology Products
Authors: Risselada Hans , Verhoef Peter C. , Bijmolt Tammo H.A.
Published: November 2013

Many firms capitalize on their customers’ social networks to improve the success rate of their new products. In this article, the authors analyze the dynamic effects of social influence and direct marketing on the adoption of a new high-technology product. Social influence is likely to play a role because the decision to adopt a high-involvement product requires extensive information gathering from various sources. The authors use call detail records to construct ego networks for a large sample of customers of a Dutch mobile telecommunications operator. Using a fractional polynomial hazard approach to model adoption timing and multiple social influence variables, they provide a fine-grained analysis of social influence. They show that the effect of social influence from cumulative adoptions in a customer's network decreases from the product introduction onward, whereas the influence of recent adoptions remains constant. The effect of direct marketing is also positive and decreases from the product introduction onward. This study provides new insights into the adoption of high-technology products by analyzing dynamic effects of social influence and direct marketing simultaneously.
Decreased prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia and stabilisation of obesity trends in 5-year-old children: possible effects of changed public health policies
Authors: Sedej Katarina , Kotnik Primož , Avbelj Stefanija Magdalena , Grošelj Urh , Širca Čampa Andreja , Lusa Lara , Battelino Tadej , Bratina Nataša
Published: November 2013

Background

Overweight/obesity in children is a worldwide public health problem. Together with hypercholesterolaemia they are associated with early atherosclerotic complications.

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to investigate the anthropometric characteristics and total cholesterol (TC) levels in a population of 5-year-old children, to determine trends in the prevalence of overweight/obesity and hypercholesterolaemia in 5-year-old children over a period of 8 years (2001–2009) and to assess the impact of modified national nutritional guidelines for kindergartens implemented in 2005.

Design

Cross-sectional studies of overweight/obesity prevalence in the years 2001, 2003–2005 and 2009, and hypercholesterolaemia in years 2001 and 2009, in 5-year-old children.

Subjects

Altogether, 12 832 (6308 girls/6524 boys) children were included.

Methods

Overweight/obesity was defined by IOTF criteria. Hypercholesterolaemia was defined by TC level >5 mmol/l. Multivariable logistic regression models were used.

Results

No correlation between BMI values and TC levels was found. Overweight and obesity prevalence were stabilised from 2001 to 2009 (odds ratio (OR) (95% CI): 1.13 (0.99–1.3) and 1.13 (0.89–1.42) respectively). Girls were more frequently overweight/obese than boys (OR (95% CI): 0.71 (0.65–0.79) and 0.75 (0.64–0.89) respectively). Prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia significantly decreased from 2001 to 2009 (OR (95% CI): 0.47 (0.41–0.55)). It was less frequent in boys than in girls (OR (95% CI): O.7 (0.61–0.8)).

Conclusions

This is the first study to describe a negative trend in the prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia in pre-pubertal children. In addition, the prevalence of overweight/obesity in these children has been stabilised. Nationwide changes in public health policies could have influenced these observations.
Atividade da butirilcolinesterase e fatores de risco cardiovascular em adolescentes obesos submetidos a um programa de exercícios físicos
Authors: Milano Gerusa Eisfeld , Leite Neiva , Chaves Thais Januzzi , Milano Gisele Eisfeld , Souza Ricardo Lehtonen Rodrigues de , Alle Lupe Furtado
Published: November 2013

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito de 12 semanas de exercícios físicos em variáveis associadas a fatores de risco cardiovascular e na atividade da butirilcolinesterase (BChE) em adolescentes obesos. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 24 obesos e 51 eutróficos controles. Inicialmente e após 12 semanas foram avaliados: peso, estatura, IMC, circunferência abdominal (CA), percentual de gordura (%G), consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2máx), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD), glicemia (GLI) e insulinemia (INS) basal e após 120 min, triacilglicerol (TG), colesterol total (CT), colesterol LDL, colesterol HDL e a atividade da BChE (kU/l). RESULTADOS: Após a intervenção, houve redução significativa no IMC, CA, %G, PAD, PAD, TG, GLI 120, INS, INS 120 min e na atividade da BChE. CONCLUSÃO: A redução da atividade da BChE, observada após a intervenção, foi acompanhada da redução de variáveis associadas a risco cardiovascular e à obesidade, indicando que a BChE pode ser utilizada como marcador secundário para os riscos associados à obesidade precoce.
Giant macroprolactinoma and pregnancy
Authors: Saraiva Joana , Gomes Leonor , Paiva Sandra , Ruas Luisa , Carvalheiro Manuela
Published: November 2013

Prolactinomas are a common cause of gonadal dysfunction and infertility. We present the case of a 38-year-old woman with history of amenorrhea and infertility. At seven weeks of pregnancy she presented neuro-ophthalmologic complaints of headaches, diplopia, and right ptosis. The work-up study revealed an invasive pituitary macroadenoma with a maximum diameter of 9 cm and serum prolactin of 25,800 ng/mL (3-20). At 12 weeks, she was referred to the Endocrinology Department of the Coimbra University Hospital and started therapy with bromocriptine, initially 5 mg/day and then at crescent doses. Hyperprolactinemia was rapidly and drastically reduced to 254 ng/mL three weeks after taking bromocriptine 15 mg/day. Tumoral volume was reduced and there was improvement of III pair paresis. At 38 weeks, a male healthy baby was born. This is a relevant clinical case that illustrates the efficacy and safety of bromocriptine therapy during pregnancy, even in severe cases like this one.
Preferência para oviposição e ciclo de vida de mosca-negra- dos-citros Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby em espécies frutíferas
Authors: Lopes Gislane da Silva , Lemos Raimunda Nonata Santos de , Araujo José Ribamar Gusmão , Marques Luiz Junior Pereira , Vieira Daniele Lavra
Published: November 2013

Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby conhecida popularmente como mosca-negra-dos-citros é considerada praga quarentenária A2 no Brasil e ocasiona prejuízo em diversas frutíferas, principalmente em citros (laranja, limão e tangerina). Poucas são as pesquisas relacionadas aos seus aspectos biológicos nas condições ambientais brasileiras. Nesse sentido, o objetivo da pesquisa foi verificar a preferência de oviposição e a duração do ciclo de vida de A. woglumi em diferentes hospedeiros. A pesquisa foi conduzida em casa de vegetação, durante o período de março de 2009 a março de 2010. Foram realizados testes de preferência sem chance de escolha em seis hospedeiros, simultaneamente, em períodos de 48 e 72 horas, além da biologia comparada em mangueira e laranjeira. Foram observados nos testes que A. woglumi apresenta preferência por ovipositar nas espécies cítricas (limoeiro, laranjeira e tangerineira), mantendo um padrão de não preferência em cajueiro e goiabeira. Os hospedeiros laranjeira e mangueira não interferiram no ciclo biológico da praga.
Diversity and genetic relatedness among genotypes of Vitis spp. using microsatellite molecular markers
Authors: Leão Patrícia Coelho de Souza , Cruz Cosme Damião , Motoike Sérgio Yoshimitsu
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this research was to study the genetic diversity and genetic relatedness of 60 genotypes of grapevines derived from the Germplasm Bank of Embrapa Semiárido, Juazeiro, BA, Brazil. Seven previously characterized microsatellite markers were used: VVS2, VVMD5, VVMD7, VVMD27, VVMD3, ssrVrZAG79 and ssrVrZAG62. The expected heterozygosity (He) and polymorphic information content (PIC) were calculated, and the cluster analysis were processed to generate a dendrogram using the algorithm UPGMA. The He ranged from 81.8% to 88.1%, with a mean of 84.8%. The loci VrZAG79 and VVMD7 were the most informative, with a PIC of 87 and 86%, respectively, while VrZAG62 was the least informative, with a PIC value of 80%. Cluster analysis by UPGMA method allowed separation of the genotypes according to their genealogy and identification of possible parentage for the cultivars 'Dominga', 'Isaura', 'CG 26916', 'CG28467' and 'Roni Redi'.
Análisis de la infección de Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc. de frutos de aguacatero
Authors: Rodríguez-López Édgar Saúl , Cárdenas-Soriano Elizabeth , Hernández-Delgado Sanjuana , Gutiérrez-Diez Adriana , Mayek-Pérez Netzahualcoyotl
Published: November 2013

La patogénesis de Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc. del estado de Michoacán, México se caracterizó en frutos de aguacatero (Persea americana L.) cultivar 'Hass'. El hongo causó los síntomas característicos de la enfermedad denominada 'antracnosis' a partir de los diez días después de la inoculación. La tasa de infección del hongo entre tratamientos fue significativamente diferente (p<0.05) a partir del sexto día de la inoculación y el desarrollo de la enfermedad se explicó por un modelo de regresión lineal simple (Y = 1.123 + 0.1133X). No se detectó la formación de apresorios pero sí la síntesis de una capa mucilaginosa asociada con los tubos germinativos. El proceso infectivo del hongo se manifestó con la penetración de las hifas intra e inter-celularmente y con la producción de acérvulos a partir de los 12 días después de la inoculación. Los síntomas de la antracnosis se asociaron con la degradación de polifenoles, plasmólisis, necrosis y desintegración celular.
Organização e intensificação do tempo de trabalho
Authors: Cardoso Ana Claudia Moreira
Published: November 2013

O artigo aborda as transformações sofridas pelo tempo de trabalho nas últimas décadas, considerando suas três dimensões: duração, flexibilidade e intensidade. As duas primeiras, concretas e mensuráveis e, portanto, mais visíveis para a sociedade, são frequentemente discutidas, negociadas e legisladas. Menos evidente, por outro lado, é a dimensão da intensidade, foco deste estudo. Num contexto em que os diversos aparatos organizacionais e de gestão têm como objetivo e consequência a intensificação do tempo de trabalho, trazer essa questão para o centro do debate é de fundamental importância para a compreensão do trabalho. Para isso, o estudo se apoia em análise bibliográfica articulada aos resultados da Enquete Europeia sobre Condições de Trabalho e tem, como ponto de partida, a reflexão sobre questões como: o que significa intensidade? Como ela se manifesta? Quais são suas causas e determinações? Quais são suas consequências? Por que está praticamente ausente do debate?
Aspectos diferenciais da inserção de mulheres negras no Programa Bolsa Família
Authors: Mariano Silvana Aparecida , Carloto Cássia Maria
Published: November 2013

O artigo discute resultados de uma pesquisa realizada com mulheres titulares do Programa Bolsa Família (PBF) em Uberlândia-MG e Londrina-PR, de modo a analisar possíveis variações relacionadas à condição de desigualdade, levando-se em consideração o quesito cor/raça das respondentes. Uma análise interna sobre o público atendido pelo Programa Bolsa Família (PBF), nesses municípios brasileiros, nos permite constatar as diferenças existentes, mesmo estando todas essas pessoas em situação de pobreza. As situações de pobreza são multifacetadas e o seu caráter multidimensional envolve situações como aquelas que podem ser explicadas pela variável raça/etnia. Este trabalho trata sociologicamente de algumas das tessituras da vida social de mulheres negras que vivem em situação de pobreza e de extrema pobreza, com experiências marcadas pela condição de gênero e de cor/raça. Nossos resultados indicam que o PBF exerce mais influência no cotidiano das mulheres negras, em comparação com as brancas. Contudo, tal influência não gera o impacto de equalizar a situação entre esses dois grupos de mulheres.
Da honra ao patrimônio: conflito social e instituições políticas nos Discorsi de Maquiavel
Authors: Silva Ricardo
Published: November 2013

Uma das mais radicais inovações de Maquiavel na tradição de pensamento político republicano é a tese de que o conflito entre a nobreza e a plebe foi a "causa primeira" da liberdade da antiga república romana. Mas, assim como o conflito social pode causar a liberdade, ele pode também resultar na corrupção e na tirania, exatamente como Maquiavel afirma ter ocorrido em Roma a partir de certo momento. Discuto as relações entre conflito social e instituições políticas em Maquiavel, de modo a indicar as condições que explicam os efeitos positivos e negativos dos conflitos. Por meio do exame da discussão de Maquiavel sobre a Lei Agrária dos irmãos Graco, o paper sugere que o fim dos efeitos virtuosos do conflito social coincide com a mudança de atitude da nobreza frente às novas demandas da plebe. A nobreza abandona a reação institucional e assume uma reação violenta, por meios extraordinários, quando o objeto do conflito se desloca da divisão de honras para a divisão de patrimônio.
Gênero e política no pensamento de Maquiavel
Authors: Pitkin Hannah
Published: November 2013

O texto é parte de uma análise mais ampla da teórica política Hanna Pitkin sobre as relações de gênero na obra de Nicolau Maquiavel. Apresenta uma análise das representações do feminino nos textos do autor florentino. Há um inventário detalhado, no artigo, de quais são as imagens das mulheres e como elas são mobilizadas. Com ele, Pitkin discute as implicações políticas dessas imagens. A oposição entre o masculino e o feminino é apresentada como um componente importante das compreensões do poder e do Estado em Maquiavel.
Democracia maquiaveliana: controlando as elites com um populismo feroz
Authors: McCormick John P.
Published: November 2013

Este ensaio demonstra que o pensamento político de Maquiavel lida com as deficiências de dois polos opostos da teoria democrática contemporânea. Assim como fazem as abordagens formais ou minimalistas, ele especifica mecanismos eleitorais para o controle das elites; e de modo similar às abordagens da cultura substantiva ou cívica, encoraja modos mais diretos e robustos de participação popular. Com base nisso, seleciono aspectos dos Discursos de Maquiavel que proporcionam uma teoria da democracia na qual a população escolhe as elites que assumirão o poder, mas também as patrulha constantemente por meio de instituições e práticas extraeleitorais, como os tribunos do povo, as denúncias públicas e as petições populares. Maquiavel acrescenta a essas características do governo popular uma dimensão cultural importante: o povo deve desdenhar as elites, desconfiar delas e enfrentar ativamente a injustiça inevitavelmente acarretada pela elite governante. Finalmente, exploro as ramificações dessa teoria para os debates sobre a responsabilidade das elites na teoria democrática contemporânea.
Detection of transgenic events in maize using immunochromatographic strip test and conventional PCR
Authors: Cantelmo Narjara Fonseca , Von Pinho Édila Vilela de Resende , Von Pinho Renzo Garcia , Von Pinho Iolanda Vilela , Nascimento Micaela Sandim
Published: November 2013

With the growth in the transgenic market, fast and economically viable methodologies are necessary for undertaking transgene detection tests, both for identification of contamination in seeds and in grain. Seeds from commercial conventional GNZ 2004, and transgenic VT-Pro (MON89034), Roundup Ready (NK603) and Herculex (TC1507) maize cultivars were used. In order to simulate different levels of contamination, the transgenic seeds were mixed with conventional seeds at levels of 0.2%, 0.4%, 1.0% and 1.6% for VT-Pro, and 0.2%, 0.5%, 0.8% and 1.2% for Roundup Ready and Herculex. The lateral flow membrane strip test was performed in the whole seed, endosperm and embryo. For evaluation of the specificity of the technique in detection of the TC1507 event by means of the conventional PCR technique, seeds of the commercial maize hybrid GNZ 2004 were used as negative control, and the maize hybrid 2B655Hx as positive control. In order to simulate different levels of contamination, transgenic seeds were mixed with conventional seeds at the levels of 10%, 5%, 1%, 0.5% and 0.1%. Seeds from each sample were crushed, and then DNA extraction was performed by the CTAB 2% method. Using the immunochromatographic strip, it was possible to evaluate the expression of proteins related to the VT-Pro, Roundup Ready and Herculex events when whole seeds were used at the 0.2% level of contamination, whereas by the conventional PCR technique, it was possible to detect the TC1507 event in samples with 1% contamination.
Carcass physical composition and meat quality of holstein calves, terminated in different finishing systems and slaughter weights
Authors: Santos Priscila Vincenzi dos , Paris Wagner , Menezes Luís Fernando Glasenapp de , Vonz Douglas , Silveira Magali Floriano da , Tubin Jessica
Published: November 2013

The Brazil sacrifices many dairy calves at birth, which can become a very serious problem merchandising. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the physical carcass composition and meat quality characteristics of Holstein calves in feedlot or pasture with supplementation, slaughtered at 140, 180, 220 or 260 kg body weight. In the early termination calves had on average 57 kg and 58 days of age. The confined animals were fed forage (corn) and concentrated, in the ratio of 40:60 and concentrated pasture supplemented with 1% body weight. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial 2 x 4 (two feeding systems x four slaughter weights). It was observed a significant interaction between slaughter weight and finishing system only for the texture of the meat. The finished animals on pasture showed improved texture with increased weight, whereas the confined animals did not affect the weight. Animals finished on pasture had higher muscle percentage (69.48% vs 66.57%), and lower fat percentage (9.58% and 9.75 kg vs 13.20% and 13.08 kg) compared to confined animals. There was a linear increase in the total amount of muscle, bone and fat, muscle / bone ratio, compared edible portion / bone, palatability and juiciness when increased slaughter weight. The percentage of bone and meat coloring decreased linearly with the increase of slaughter weight. The proportion of muscle and fat, showed quadratic behavior. The animals of dairy breeds are excellent producers of lean meat, with good smoothness, flavor and juiciness.
Evaluation of oral health in patients with mental disorders attended at the clinic of oral diagnosis of a public university
Authors: Sacchetto Marina Sena Lopes Da Silva , Andrade Natália Silva , Brito Maria Hellen Sâmia Fortes , Lira Divana Maria Martins Parente , Barros Simone Souza Lobão Veras
Published: November 2013

INTRODUCTION: Many people suffering from mental disorders fail to adequately perform self-care, especially in relation to personal hygiene and in particular to oral hygiene. For these individuals, the prevention and ongoing clinical monitoring are essential. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the oral diseases that most affect patients with mental disorders attended in the Dental College of the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI). METHODOLOGY: Patients treated during the 2nd half of 2011 and 1st half of 2012 were examined. The DMFT index was used for evaluation of dental caries and the CPI index for periodontal evaluation. The statistical analyzes were performed with SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), version 18.0, using a descriptive statistics to determine averages, standard deviations and frequencies. RESULT: 67.50% of the 40 patients had contact with the surgeon dentist for over one year, 95% performed their own oral hygiene and 70% did not use dental floss. The average of DMFT was 14.18. Of the patients, 49.13% needed of restorations of one surface and 60% needed dental prosthesis. Moreover, 33.75% of sextants evaluated had periodontal pockets. CONCLUSION: It can be noticed that patients with mental illness have a high risk of developing oral disorders, however, few carriers visite a dental professional regularly. In addition, the delay to seek treatment and lack of staff training, lead to solutions often crippling.
Efeito da aplicação tópica de um verniz de TiF4 quimicamente estável na desmineralização do esmalte dentário bovino: estudo in vitro
Authors: Lira Arthur Marinho , Reul Marília Araújo , Nóbrega Carolina Bezerra Cavalcanti , Souza Rodrigo Othávio De Assunção E , Valença Ana Maria Gondim
Published: November 2013

OBJETIVO: Avaliar, in vitro, o efeito preventivo da aplicação tópica de um verniz à base de tetrafluoreto de titânio quimicamente estável e de um verniz à base de fluoreto de sódio sobre o esmalte bovino, mediante ciclagem de pH. METODOLOGIA: A amostra foi constituída por 75 blocos de esmalte bovino 3×3 mm, sendo 15 aleatoriamente alocados em cada um dos cinco grupos: G1: Dentifrício Fluoretado + Verniz sem princípio ativo; G2: Dentifrício Fluoretado + Verniz à base de TiF4 (4 minutos); G3: Dentifrício Fluoretado + Verniz à base de TiF4 (24 horas); G4: Dentifrício Fluoretado + Verniz à base de NaF (24 horas); G5: Dentifrício Fluoretado. A ciclagem de pH foi realizada por um período de 14 dias, constando de oito ciclos, a 37 °C. Os blocos tratados foram mantidos em solução desmineralizante por oito horas e, por 16 horas, em solução remineralizante, sendo submetidos à análise da superfície em microscopia eletrônica de varredura e espectroscopia de energia dispersiva. RESULTADO: O verniz à base de TiF4 promoveu uma maior proteção ao esmalte quando comparado com os demais grupos. Mesmo após o período de ciclagem, foram encontrados fósforo, cálcio, sódio, magnésio, titânio, cloro, silício, alumínio, enxofre, potássio, oxigênio e flúor na superfície do esmalte. CONCLUSÃO: O aspecto da estrutura adamantina submetida à ação do tetrafluoreto de titânio revelou a presença de uma película protetora. O cálcio e o fósforo foram os principais compostos inorgânicos encontrados no esmalte, sendo observadas alterações na constituição química da camada superficial adamantina em função do tratamento com fluoreto instituído.
Establishing the maxillary occlusal plane as a requisite for placement of an immediate implant-supported fixed prosthesis in the mandible: a case report
Authors: Miranda Milton Edson , Olivieri Karina Andrea
Published: November 2013

INTRODUCTION: In patients with Bruxism, the attrition can result in excessive occlusal wear that exceeds the compensatory mechanism and loss of occlusion vertical dimension occurs. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to show the importance of re-establishing an adequate occlusal plane for the non treated arch by means of a fixed acrylic overlay, compatible with the prosthetic treatment of the arch to be rehabilitated. An upper maxillary fixed acrylic overlay restored the patient’s occlusal plane in an appropriate vertical dimension of occlusion together with a fixed prosthesis in the mandible, supported by five dental implants. CONCLUSION: When there is severe wear due to dental attrition in one of the arches, it is important to re-establish the occlusal plane and compensation curves in conjunction with the prosthetic treatment of the arch to be rehabilitated.
Inventário Florístico Florestal de Santa Catarina: espécies da Floresta Estacional Decidual
Authors: Gasper André Luís de , Uhlmann Alexandre , Sevegnani Lucia , Lingner Débora Vanessa , Rigon-Júnior Morilo José , Verdi Marcio , Stival-Santos Anita , Dreveck Susana , Sobral Marcos , Vibrans Alexander Christian
Published: November 2013

O presente trabalho visou apresentar e analisar a flora da Floresta Estacional Decidual em Santa Catarina, Brasil, tendo como fonte de dados os levantamentos realizados durante o Inventário Florístico Florestal de Santa Catarina. Foram avaliadas as espécies de indivíduos lenhosos de 79 unidades amostrais de 4.000 m². Foram feitas coletas extras de indivíduos férteis, no entorno e nas unidades amostrais, das demais formas de vida. Este esforço amostral registrou 420 espécies, abrangendo 90 famílias e 275 gêneros. Nas unidades amostrais, registrou-se 233 espécies, sendo 204 com diâmetro na altura do peito (DAP) > 10 cm e 162 com diâmetro na altura do peito DAP < 10 cm e altura > 1,50 m, portanto com espécies em comuns. A coleta de material extra registrou 332 angiospermas e uma gimnosperma (Araucaria angustifolia), demonstrando a importância de coletas externas às áreas previamente delimitadas. Entre as ameaçadas de extinção foram registradas Ocotea odorifera e Araucaria angustifolia.
O gênero Ocotea (Lauraceae) no estado do Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Brotto Marcelo Leandro , Cervi Armando Carlos , Santos Élide Pereira dos
Published: November 2013

Este trabalho apresenta o estudo taxonômico das espécies de Ocotea (Aubl.) no estado do Paraná, Sul do Brasil. São fornecidos chave de identificação, descrições, ilustrações e comentários, que incluem distribuição geográfica, habitat, estado de conservação e época de floração e frutificação. O estudo confirmou 31 espécies de Ocotea no estado do Paraná. A Floresta Atlântica tem o maior número de espécies (26) sendo onze endêmicas, seguida pela Floresta com Araucária (14) com uma endêmica, Floresta Estacional (11), Cerrado (7) com duas endêmicas e Campos (1). Duas espécies correm risco de extinção local. Ocotea daphnifolia (Meisn.) Mez e Ocotea velutina (Nees) Rohwer são citadas pela primeira vez no Paraná.
A vegetação de canga no Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Minas Gerais: caracterização e contexto fitogeográfico
Authors: Carmo Flávio Fonseca do , Jacobi Claudia Maria
Published: November 2013

A vegetação nas cangas (afloramentos ferruginosos) abriga dezenas de espécies raras, várias novidades taxonômicas e elevada diversidade alfa e beta. Utilizando um banco de dados constituído por 1.080 táxons de angiospermas, a vegetação associada às cangas no Quadrilátero Ferrífero foi caracterizada a partir dos elementos florísticos, das formas de crescimento e das fisionomias mais frequentes. Analisou-se a distribuição geográfica e os domínios fitogeográficos de 980 espécies. Ainda, com o objetivo de verificar se há distinção entre a vegetação das cangas em relação às de cinco áreas inseridas em sistemas rupestres de Minas Gerais e Bahia, analisou-se a similaridade a partir do número de espécies de 920 gêneros de angiospermas. Em comparação aos sistemas quartzíticos, principalmente os inseridos na Cadeia do Espinhaço, pode-se distinguir a vegetação das cangas pela maior influência de elementos florísticos do domínio Atlântico, maior frequência de sinúsias formadas por árvores e arbustos, riqueza elevada de espécies de gêneros como Solanum e Cattleya e pouca representatividade fisionômica de alguns gêneros típicos dos campos rupestres. Essa distinção parece correlacionar-se com a localização geográfica do Quadrilátero e com as características geomorfológicas e mineralógicas das cangas.
Flora da Usina São José, Igarassu, Pernambuco: Aristolochiaceae e Piperaceae
Authors: Melo Aline , Araújo Ariclenes A.M. , Alves Marccus
Published: November 2013

Piperales compreende cinco famílias, cerca de 25 gêneros e 4000 espécies, das quais apenas Aristolochiaceae e Piperaceae estão presentes no Nordeste do Brasil. Este trabalho é parte da série de monografias taxonômicas de famílias encontradas nos fragmentos de Floresta Atlântica da Usina São José, Igarassu, Pernambuco, Brasil. Coletas foram realizadas em nove fragmentos, entre os anos de 2007 e 2011, além de visita a herbários. Foram reconhecidos nove táxons: Aristolochia labiata Willd., A. papillaris Mast. (Aristolochiaceae); Peperomia magnoliifolia (Jacq.) A. Dietr., P. pellucida (L.) Kunth., Piper arboreum var. hirtellum Yunck., P. caldense C. DC., P. hispidum Sw., P. hostmannianum (Miq.) C.DC. e P. marginatum Jacq. (Piperaceae). São apresentados chave de identificação, descrições, comentários e ilustrações. Piper hostmannianum tem aqui seu primeiro registro para o Nordeste.
Análise florística e fitogeografia das samambaias e licófitas de um fragmento de Mata Atlântica na Serra da Jibóia, Santa Teresinha, Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Macedo Taís Soares , Góes Neto Aristóteles , Nonato Fabiana Regina
Published: November 2013

O trabalho apresenta espécies de samambaias e licófitas de um fragmento de Mata Atlântica, inserido na região de semi-árido, localizado na Serra da Jibóia, Município de Santa Teresinha, Bahia, Brasil e a análise das relações florísticas com outras formações vegetais do país, contribuindo para ampliar as informações sobre a flora vascular do estado, bem como do bioma Mata Atlântica. São apresentadas 97 espécies, em 51 gêneros e 22 famílias. As famílias mais representativas foram Dryopteridaceae (17 spp.), Polypodiaceae (16 spp.), Pteridaceae (12 spp.) e Hymenophyllaceae (10 spp.). A maioria das espécies ocorre como epífita (48%), 38% terrestre, 3% rupícola, 3% como hemiepífita e 8% com mais de um tipo de hábito. A análise de similaridade mostra que a flora de samambaias e licófitas da região está relacionada com o Sul da Bahia e Sudeste do Brasil, sugerindo que a área de estudo apresenta condições ambientais semelhantes às áreas relacionadas e reforçando as singularidades florísticas da região.