bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical chorioamnionitis at term VII: the amniotic fluid cellular immune response
Authors: Martinez-Varea Alicia , Romero Roberto , Xu Yi , Miller Derek , Ahmed Ahmed I. , Chaemsaithong Piya , Chaiyasit Noppadol , Yeo Lami , Shaman Majid , Lannaman Kia , Cher Benjamin , Hassan Sonia S. , Gomez-Lopez Nardhy
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

1) To characterize the cellular composition of the amniotic fluid of patients diagnosed with clinical chorioamnionitis at term, as a function of the presence or absence of microorganisms determined by cultivation techniques, and 2) to characterize the cytokine production by white blood cells present in the amniotic fluid using flow cytometry-based techniques.

Materials and methods:

Amniotic fluid samples from 20 women who had the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis at term were analyzed using cultivation techniques (for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as genital Mycoplasmas). Amniotic fluid IL-6 concentrations were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Amniotic fluid leukocytes were visualized by using hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescence. Immunophenotyping of surface markers and cytokines was performed in amniotic fluid leukocytes using flow cytometry.

Results:

1) Neutrophils (CD45+CD15+ cells) were the most common leukocyte subset found in the amniotic fluid, followed by monocytes (CD45+CD14+ cells); other white blood cells (such as lymphocytes and natural killer cells) were scarce in the amniotic fluid; 2) the absolute counts of neutrophils and monocytes were significantly higher in patients with microorganisms found in the amniotic fluid than in those without detectable microorganisms, using cultivation techniques; 3) there was a significant correlation between the absolute counts of neutrophils and monocytes determined by flow cytometry (Spearman’s correlation=0.97; P<0.001); 4) there was a significant correlation between the absolute white blood cell count determined with a hemocytometer chamber and by flow cytometric analysis (Spearman’s correlation=0.88; P<0.001); and 5) the profile of cytokine expression differed between monocytes and neutrophils; while neutrophils predominantly produced TNF-α and MIP-1β, monocytes expressed higher levels of IL-1β and IL-1α.

Conclusion:

Flow cytometry analysis of the amniotic fluid of patients with intra-amniotic infection and clinical chorioamnionitis at term demonstrated that neutrophils and monocytes are the most common cells participating in the inflammatory process. We have characterized, for the first time, the differential cytokine expression by these cells in this important complication of pregnancy.
The crystal structure of 1,3-bis(2,6-diiso-propylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene)-dibromido-(1-methyl-1H-imidazole-κ1N)palladium(II) – ethyl acetate – water (1/1/1), C31H42Br2N4Pd
Authors: Yin Shun-Chao , Zhou Yong-Fang , Li Ye , Qian Peng-Cheng
Published: October 2016

C31H42Br2N4Pd, monoclinic, P21/c, a = 12.3093(14)Å, b = 15.2805(18) Å, c = 20.3205(17) Å, β = 112.213(5)°, V = 3538.5(7) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0540, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1528, T = 298(2)K.
Crystal structure of cis-bis(2,2′-bipyrimidine-κ2N,N′)bis(thiocyanato-κN)nickel(II), C18H12N10NiS2
Authors: Ha Kwang
Published: October 2016

C18H12N10NiS2, tetragonal, I41/a (no. 88), a = 12.1303(5) Å, c = 28.7471(12) Å, V = 4230.0(4) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0329, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0854, T = 223(2) K.
Upconversion nanoparticles for bioimaging
Authors: Song Chenxi , Zhang Shubiao , Zhou Quan , Hai Hua , Zhao Defeng , Hui Yunze
Published: October 2016

Fluorescent labeling is a widely used indispensable tool in biology. Conventional downconversion fluorescence labels with ultraviolet or short-wavelength excitation suffer from autofluorescence, low signal-to-noise ratio, and incident photo damage to living organisms. However, upconverting fluorescent nanoparticles emit detectable photons of higher energy in the near-infrared (NIR) or visible range upon irradiation with a NIR light in a process termed upconversion. They overcome some of the disadvantages faced by conventional downconversion labels with the advantages including very low autofluorescence, absence of photo damage to living organisms, high detection sensitivity, and high depth of light penetration, thus making them an ideal fluorescent label for bioimaging. The present review focuses on the features of upconversion nanoparticles, the applications of upconversion nanoparticles in bioimaging, and the bioimaging equipments and methods and discusses the obstacles and development trend of upconversion nanoparticles in bioimaging; we hope this work will provide insights into the study of relevant fields. Upconversion nanoparticles have special photoluminescent properties. Substantial advancements have been made in the field of upconversion nanoparticles for bioimaging. A large number of modifications of upconversion nanoparticles are studied to make them more hydrophilic and biocompatible. At the same time, the safety and toxicity of nanoparticles have caused wide public concern.
FLIM and PLIM in biomedical research – An innovative way to combine autofluorescence and oxygen measurements
Authors: Kalinina Sviatlana , Rück Angelika
Published: October 2016

Fluorescence lifetime imaging microcopy (FLIM) is successfully used to image the intracellular fluorescent coenzymes NAD(P)H and FAD
Experimental and Simulative Study on Accumulator Function in The Process of Wave Energy Conversion
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Yanjun , Luo Huaqing , Xue Gang , Zhang Jian
Published: October 2016

In this paper, a floating-buoy wave energy converter using hydrostatic transmission system is studied. The entire work progress of wave energy power generation device is introduced, and the hydraulic transmission principles are emphasized through the simulation to verify the feasibility of design principle of hydraulic transmission system. The mathematical model of the accumulator is established and applied in the AMEsim simulation. The simulation results show that the accumulator plays an important role in the wave power hydraulic transmission system and that the correct configuration of accumulator parameters can improve the rapidity and stability of the system work. Experimental results are compared with the simulation results to validate the correctness of the simulation results. This would provide a valuable reference to the optimal design of wave power generation.
What does facial symmetry reveal about health and personality?
Authors: Švegar Domagoj
Published: October 2016

Over the last two decades, facial symmetry has been intensively researched. The present article aims to summarize empirical research concerning relations between facial symmetry and health and facial symmetry and personality. A systematic review of the literature shows that facial symmetry is one of the most influential visual markers of attractiveness and health, important for mate selection, while asymmetry can be considered a consequence of an individual’s inability to resist environmental and genetic stressors during development of the organism. However, in spite of evidence suggesting that preferences for facial symmetry are deeply rooted in our evolutionary history, a strong connection between facial symmetry and health is demonstrated only in studies measuring perceived health, while there is only scarce evidence corroborating the link between symmetry and actual health. The interconnections between facial symmetry and personality have not yet been extensively researched. Less than a dozen studies have addressed that issue and they have reached different conclusions. Some evidence suggests that facial symmetry signals personality attributes that indicate good psychological health, while other findings imply that pro-social personality traits negatively correlate with facial symmetry.
Behavior of heptavalent technetium in concentrated triflic acid under alpha-irradiation: technetium-triflate complex characterized by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and DFT
Authors: Denden Ibtihel , Roques Jérôme , Poineau Frederic , Solari Pier Lorenzo , Schlegel Michel L. , Blain Guillaume , Fattahi Massoud
Published: October 2016

The nature of the Tc species produced after the alpha-irradiation of Tc(VII) in concentrated triflic acid has been investigated by X-ray absoprtion fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy and first principles calculations. Experimental and theoretical results are consistent with the formation of Tc(V)O(F3CSO3)2(H2O)2
+.
Honeycomb Panels for Treatment and Vertical Storage of Large Paper Objects
Authors: Wöllner Annine , Brückle Irene
Published: October 2016

Honeycomb panels (8.3 mm thickness) are suitable as a drying stack material because of their large dimension, smooth surface and excellent dimensional stability after repeated contact with humidified paper and simultaneous loading; due to their light weight, they allowed a short drying time and efficient handling by a single person. A prototype vertical storage package features two panels (13 mm thickness) and a double-wall corrugated board with a built-in bend that enhances the supporting function of the sandwich by ensuring slight pressure contact with the object. The sandwich edges are enclosed using U-shaped rails made of acrylic glass or corrugated cardboard. To protect the sides of the package from external moisture sorption and mechanical damage, a barrier film or a corrugated board featuring one sorption-retardant surface can be added as an exterior sandwich layer.
Design of and with thin-ply non-crimp fabric as building blocks for composites
Authors: Papila Melih
Published: October 2016

New generation non-crimp fabric (NCF) offers an attractive thin and lightweight building block alternative in the design of composite materials and structures. Pre-assembly of multiple plies of parallel fibers, each laying in a different orientation would not require crimping of the fibers and would enable one-axis lay-up that can substantially reduce the labor, scrap, and manufacturing costs. A state-of-the-art tow-spreading technique enables ply thickness to be reduced to as low as one-third of the typical commercial high quality pre-preg ply thickness. The thin-ply NCF stacks result in well-dispersed plies of different fiber orientations and creates the so-called homogenized laminates without ply clustering. As an option, bi-angle thin-ply NCF offers two different fiber orientations with one being off-axis, e.g. at ϕ°, along with an on-axis 0° forming (0/ϕ) assembly. This allows to design in anisotropic properties within the NCF building block. An overview of several aspects of the thin-ply bi-angle NCF composites is provided to address associated benefits and opportunities in the lightweight structural composites design process.
Li2Pt3Se4: a new lithium platinum selenide with jaguéite-type crystal structure by multianvil high-pressure/high-temperature synthesis
Authors: Heymann Gunter , Selb Elisabeth
Published: October 2016

The monoclinic lithium platinum selenide Li2Pt3Se4 was obtained via a multianvil high-pressure/high-temperature route at 8 GPa and 1200°C starting from a stoichiometric mixture of lithium nitride, selenium, and platinum. The structure of the ternary alkali metal-transition metal-selenide was refined from single-crystal X-ray diffractometer data: P21/c (no. 14), a=525.9(2), b=1040.6(2), c=636.5(2) pm, β=111.91(1)°, R1=0.0269, wR2=0.0569 (all data) for Li2Pt3Se4. Furthermore, the isostructural mineral phases jaguéite (Cu2Pd3Se4) and chrisstanleyite (Ag2Pd3Se4) were reinvestigated in their ideal stoichiometric ratio. The syntheses of the mineral phases were also carried out under multianvil conditions. Single-crystal data revealed a hitherto not described structural disorder of the transition metal atoms.
Toward Matching Optically and NMR Active Volumes for Optimizing the Observation of Photo-Induced Reactions by NMR
Authors: Stadler Eduard , Eibel Anna , Neshchadin Dmytro , Gescheidt Georg
Published: October 2016

In the recent years photo-induced reactions are becoming increasingly popular in many fields of chemistry comprising biological conversions, material/environmental science and synthesis. NMR monitoring of such reactions has been shown being advantageous and several strategies of providing an efficient irradiation of the NMR sample have been developed and reported. Here we show that adjusting the optical properties of the investigated solution to the active volume detected by the NMR experiment is valuable. This is shown with the help of three examples comprising photo-isomerization, photo-induced polymerization and CIDNP-detected bond cleavage. Adjusting the photo-active volume to the NMR-detectable portion of the sample provides a substantially more realistic kinetic information, background suppression and reduction of thermal and diffusional effects.
Characterization of WMoO3 Thin Films and its n-WMoO3/p-Si Junction Diodes Via JNS Pyrolysis Technique
Authors: Balaji M. , Chandrasekaran J. , Raja M.
Published: October 2016

The jet nebulizer sprayed tungsten doped molybdenum trioxide (WMoO3) thin films and its P-N junction diode parameters have been studied for different doping concentrations (0, 3, 6 and 9 wt.%) of tungsten (W). The prepared films were studied by XRD, SEM, EDX, UV and I-V. The structural analyses of XRD and SEM revealed that the WMoO3 films depicted the orthorhombic structure in polycrystalline nature and showed the sub-microsized plate and flake-like structures on the surface. The presence of the elements such as W, Mo and O in the WMoO3 films prepared by jet nebulizer spray (JNS) pyrolysis technique was confirmed by the EDX spectra. From UV-vis analysis, the absorbance decreases up to 3 wt.% of WMoO3 then increases. 3 wt.% WMoO3 film exhibited the minimum band gap energy. The electrical property from I-V represents that the maximum average conductivity obtained as 5.70169×10−12 S/cm for 3 wt.% WMoO3 film. From the I-V measurements in darkness and under the illumination, the different diode parameters of ideality factor (n), barrier height (Φb) and sheet resistance (Rs) of n-WMoO3/p-Si were examined using J-V, Cheung’s and Norde methods.
Preprint Déjà Vu
Authors: Ginsparg Paul
Published: October 2016

Twenty‐five years ago, in August 1991, I spent a couple of afternoons at Los Alamos National Laboratory writing some simple software that enabled a small group of physicists to share drafts of their articles via automated email transactions with a central repository. Within a few years, the site migrated to the nascent WorldWideWeb as arXiv.org, and experienced both expansion in coverage and heavy growth in usage that continues to this day. In 1998, I gave a talk to a group of biologists—including David Lipman, Pat Brown, and Michael Eisen—at a meeting at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) to describe the sharing of articles “pre‐publication” by physicists. The talk was met with some enthusiasm and prompted the “e‐biomed” proposal in the following spring by then NIH director Harold Varmus. He encouraged the creation of an NIH‐run electronic archive for all biomedical research articles, including both a preprint server and an archive of published peer‐reviewed articles, which generated significant discussion.
Elevated TSH in adults treated for hypothyroidism is associated with increased mortality
Authors: Akirov Amit , Gimbel Hannah , Grossman Alon , Shochat Tzipora , Shimon Ilan
Published: October 2016

Context

Numerous studies investigated the link between hypothyroidism and mortality, but a definite conclusion is hard to reach as these were limited by a number of factors, including age of participants, comorbidities and single measurement of thyroid function.

Objective

To evaluate the association between TSH and fT4 levels and mortality in patients with levothyroxine-treated hypothyroidism.

Design and setting

Observational data of hospitalized patients (2011–2014). TSH and fT4 levels obtained between at least 30 days after discharge and until death or end of follow-up were collected. Median TSH and fT4 levels were stratified into categories.

Patients

In total, 611 patients with treated hypothyroidism, aged 60–80 years (72% females, mean age 71 ± 6 years) were included in the study.

Main outcome measure

All-cause mortality up to 66 months after discharge, by TSH and fT4 categories.

Results

During follow-up, the average numbers of TSH and fT4 measurements were 5.5 ± 3.8 and 2.5 ± 4.2 per patient respectively. Mortality rates were 28%, 29% and 54% with median TSH of 0.5–2.5, 2.5–5.0 and 5.0–10.0 IU/L respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios for mortality with median TSH between 5.0 and 10.0 IU/L were 2.3 (95% CI: 1.6–3.4) and 2.2 (95% CI: 1.6–3.2) compared with patients with TSH between 0.5–2.5 IU/L and 2.5–5 IU/L respectively. There was no difference in mortality between patients with median fT4 10–15 or 15–20 pmol/L.

Conclusion

In treated hypothyroid adult patients and serial measurements of thyroid function tests, median TSH levels of 5–10 IU/L are associated with increased mortality with no effect of fT4 levels. Treatment should aim at achieving euthyroidism to improve survival.
A simple scoring system for predicting early major complications in spine surgery: the cumulative effect of age and size of surgery
Authors: Brasil Albert Vincent Berthier , Teles Alisson R. , Roxo Marcelo Ricardo , Schuster Marcelo Neutzling , Zauk Eduardo Ballverdu , Barcellos Gabriel da Costa , Costa Pablo Ramon Fruett da , Ferreira Nelson Pires , Kraemer Jorge Luiz , Ferreira Marcelo Paglioli , Gobbato Pedro Luis , Worm Paulo Valdeci
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the cumulative effect of risk factors associated with early major complications in postoperative spine surgery. Methods Retrospective analysis of 583 surgically-treated patients. Early “major” complications were defined as those that may lead to permanent detrimental effects or require further significant intervention. A balanced risk score was built using multiple logistic regression. Results Ninety-two early major complications occurred in 76 patients (13%). Age > 60 years and surgery of three or more levels proved to be significant independent risk factors in the multivariate analysis. The balanced scoring system was defined as: 0 points (no risk factor), 2 points (1 factor) or 4 points (2 factors). The incidence of early major complications in each category was 7% (0 points), 15% (2 points) and 29% (4 points) respectively. Conclusions This balanced scoring system, based on two risk factors, represents an important tool for both surgical indication and for patient counseling before surgery.
CHANGES IN THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ‘PRATA’ BANANA TREATED WITH CYTOKININ AND GIBBERELLIN
Authors: LIMA JULIANA DOMINGUES , ROSA JÉSSICA SANTA , ROZANE DANILO EDUARDO , GOMES EDUARDO NARDINI , SILVA SILVIA HELENA MODENESE GORLA DA
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT Plant growth regulators can influence fruit yield and quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cytokinin and gibberelin on the agronomic and physicochemical characteristics of banana fruits cv. ‘Prata’ (Musa spp. AAB), according to the formation period and position in the bunch. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized 2 x 5 factorial design, two periods of bunch development (summer and winter), five treatments and ten replicates. To study the effect of position in the bunch, split plot was adopted, considering in the plot, 2 x 5 factorial and in subplots, hand 1, hand 4 and last hand. Treatments consisted of 2 pulverizations with water, 150 mg L-1 cytokinin, 200 mg L-1 of gibberellic acid, 100 mg L-1 of cytokinin plus 200 mg L-1 of gibberellic acid and 200 mg L-1 of cytokinin plus 200 mg L-1 of gibberellic acid, applied from the fourth to the last hand of the bunch. Cytokinin and gibberellin, alone or associated, regardless of formation period and position, did not affect the size and physicochemical characteristics of fruits, only delayed the bunch harvest.
‘BRS MANDINHO’: THE FIRST PLATYCARPA PEACH CULTIVAR RELEASED IN BRAZIL
Authors: RASEIRA MARIA DO CARMO BASSOLS , SCARANARI CIRO , FRANZON RODRIGO CEZAR , FELDBERG NELSON PIRES , NAKASU BONIFÁCIO HIDEYUKI
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT In recent years, platycarpa peaches have reached high prices due to their good acceptance in the international market. However, the great majority of the released varieties are high chill and do not adapt to Brazilian conditions except on a few microclimes of high altitudes. The cultivar BRS Mandinho is the first peach cultivar of the botanical variety platicarpa, released in Brazil and adapted to subtropical conditions. The plants are vigorous and, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the blooming occurs on the second half of July. The fruits are sweet and ripe in November with an average weight of 55.3 g.
GROWTH, FRUIT SET, AND FUSARIOSIS REACTION OF YELLOW PASSION FRUIT GRAFTED ONTO Passiflora spp.
Authors: SANTOS CARLOS HENRIQUE BARBOSA , OLIVEIRA EDER JORGE DE , LARANJEIRA FRANCISCO FERRAZ , JESUS ONILDO NUNES DE , GIRARDI EDUARDO AUGUSTO
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT Yellow passion fruit grafting on other Passiflora spp. may be an alternative technique for the production under biotic stresses, especially soil-borne diseases. This study evaluated the survival of yellow passion fruit to fusariosis grafted onto P. edulis, P. alata, P. gibertii and P. cincinnata, in the field in Cruz das Almas, State of Bahia, Brazil. Horticultural performance was evaluated as plant growth, flowering and fruit set up to 13 months after transplanting. The apical cleft hipocotyledonar grafting was used. Survival analysis to fusariosis was based on the detection of typical visual symptoms. Grafting in species of wild passifloras did not influence on the stem diameter or fruit set of the yellow passion fruit, even though the flowering of P. edulis grafted on P. alata was lower than P. edulis grafted on itself. Hipocotyledonar grafting of P. edulis on P. gibertii, P. cincinnata and P. alata resulted in similar survival rates to fusariosis in relation to plants grafted onto P. edulis up to 13 months after transplanting.
Efeitos das políticas de inovação nos gastos com atividades inovativas das pequenas empresas brasileiras
Authors: Avellar Ana Paula Macedo de , Botelho Marisa dos Reis Azevedo
Published: October 2016

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é realizar, de forma pioneira, uma análise dos impactos dos programas de apoio às atividades inovativas nas pequenas empresas brasileiras. Utiliza-se o método Propensity Score Matching para avaliar os impactos dos incentivos fiscais, dos programas de financiamento, da concessão de bolsas e de capital de risco, com microdados da PINTEC (2010). Os resultados apontam que o conjunto dos programas de apoio à inovação estimula os gastos com atividades inovativas das pequenas empresas. Dentre os programas, os que se mostraram mais efetivos foram os de financiamento e os de apoio à aquisição de máquinas e equipamentos.
EFFECT OF CHRONIC INGESTION OF WINE ON THE GLYCEMIC, LIPID AND BODY WEIGHT HOMEOSTASIS IN MICE
Authors: BRITO-FILHO Sebastião Barreto de , MOURA Egberto Gaspar de , SANTOS Orlando José dos , SAUAIA-FILHO Euler Nicolau , AMORIM Elias , SANTANA Ewaldo Eder Carvalho , BARROS-FILHO Allan Kardec Dualibe , SANTOS Rennan Abud Pinheiro
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT Background: The health benefits associated with moderate wine consumption, as with ethanol and phenolic compounds, include different mechanisms still little understandable. Aim: Evaluate glycemic and weight variations, and the deposit of triglycerides, cholesterol and liver glycogen with red wine consumption. Methods: 60 ApoE knockout mice were divided into three groups of 20: Wine Group (WG), Ethanol Group (EG) and Water Group (WAG). They received daily: WG 50 ml of wine and 50 ml water; EG 6 ml ethanol and WAG 94 ml of water. All groups were followed for four months. The food intake was monitored daily, in the period from eight to ten hours and held every five days. The measurement of water intake was also made every five days. The weighing of the animals took place every ten days. Results: The WG had higher weight increase as compared to the other groups. The concentration of hepatic triglyceride was higher in WG (57%) and the EG group was lower (31.6%, p<0.01) than the control. The concentration of cholesterol was lower in the WG (23.6%), as well as EG (24.5%, p<0.05). The concentration of glycogen was higher in WG (16%) and fasting blood glucose was higher in EG compared to the other groups but not both demonstrated a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The WG increased triglyceride and WAG decreased cholesterol. The triglyceride may be increased due to the high caloric value of wine or some unknown property that led to significant increase in subcutaneous andretroperitoneal fat in mice.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF IMMUNOLOGICAL PROFILES IN WOMEN UNDERGOING CONVENTIONAL AND SINGLE-PORT LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY
Authors: BORGES Marisa de Carvalho , TAKEUTI Tharsus Dias , TERRA Guilherme Azevedo , RIBEIRO Betânia Maria , RODRIGUES-JÚNIOR Virmondes , CREMA Eduardo
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT Background: Surgical trauma triggers an important postoperative stress response characterized by significantly elevated levels of cytokines, an event that can favor the emergence of immune disorders which lead to disturbances in the patient's body defense. The magnitude of postoperative stress is related to the degree of surgical trauma. Aim: To evaluate the expression of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-17) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4) cytokines in patients submitted to conventional and single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy before and 24 h after surgery. Methods: Forty women with symptomatic cholelithiasis, ranging in age from 18 to 70 years, participated in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: 21 submitted to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 19 to single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Results: Evaluation of the immune response showed no significant difference in IFN-γ and IL-1β levels between the groups or time points analyzed. With respect to TNF-α and IL-4, serum levels below the detection limit (10 pg/ml) were observed in the two groups and at the time points analyzed. Significantly higher postoperative expression of IL-17A was detected in patients submitted to single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy when compared to preoperative levels (p=0.0094). Conclusions: Significant postoperative expression of IL-17 was observed in the group submitted to single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy when compared to preoperative levels, indicating that surgical stress in this group was higher compared to the conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
PYOGENIC LIVER ABSCESS: DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT
Authors: SANTOS-ROSA Otto Mauro dos , LUNARDELLI Henrique Simonsen , RIBEIRO-JUNIOR Marcelo Augusto Fontenelle
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT Background: The pyogenic liver abscess has an incidence of 1.1/1,000 habitants. Mortality can reach 100%. The use of less invasive procedures diminish morbidity and hospital stay. Aim: Identify risk factors in patients who underwent percutaneous drainage guided by ultrasound as treatment. Method: Were analyzed 10 patients submitted to the method. Epidemiological characteristics, laboratory markers and imaging exams (ultrasound and CT) were evaluated. Results: The majority of the patients were men with mean age of 50 years old. Liver disease, alcoholism and biliary tract disease were the most common prodromes. Abdominal pain (90%), fever (70%) and jaundice (40%) were the most common clinical manifestations. Mortality of 20% was observed in this series. Hypoalbuminemia and days of hospitalization had a statistically significant positive association with death. Conclusion: The pyogenic liver abscess has subacute evolution which makes the diagnosis difficult. Image exams have high sensitivity in diagnosis, particularly computed tomography. Percutaneous drainage associated with antibiotic therapy is safe and effective therapeutic resource.
Biodiversity of benthic macroinvertebrates on hard substrates in the Currais Marine Protected Area, in southern Brazil
Authors: Bumbeer Janaína , Cattani André Pereira , Chierigatti Nícolas Binneck , Rocha Rosana Moreira da
Published: October 2016

Abstract This study describes the biodiversity of benthic invertebrates on hard substrates in the Currais Marine Protected Area (Currais MPA), in the state of Paraná. The benthic community was sampled during 2012 to 2015, in winter and summer, at two islands and four groups of artificial reefs (ARs). Samples were collected along shallow (2-4 m) and deep (6-8 m) transects at the islands and ~18 m transects at the ARs. We also searched the literature to review all published records of benthic invertebrates on hard substrates in the Currais MPA. We recorded 176 taxa in the phyla Annelida (class Polychaeta), Arthropoda (class Maxillopoda, order Sessilia), Bryozoa, Cnidaria, Chordata (class Ascidiacea), Echinodermata, Mollusca and Porifera, in 13 classes, 40 orders and 75 families. With these 102 new records, our list comprises 58% of all recorded species. Of these, 58 taxa were first records for the state of Paraná. This remarkable number of new records highlights that biodiversity studies are lacking in Paraná. Fifteen non-indigenous species and one endangered species, the sea star Coscinasterias tenuispina (Lamarck, 1816), are included. This is an important transitional area to monitor expansion or constriction of the latitudinal distributions of species, in the context of climate change, that may influence the geographical distribution of species (both native and invasive). This study is the first inventory of marine hard substrate habitats of the Currais MPA with a surprisingly diverse community.
Deterministic Chaos Theory: Basic Concepts
Authors: Cattani Mauro , Caldas Iberê Luiz , Souza Silvio Luiz de , Iarosz Kelly Cristiane
Published: October 2016

This article was written to students of mathematics, physics and engineering. In general, the word chaos may refer to any state of confusion or disorder and it may also refer to mythology or philosophy. In science and mathematics it is understood as irregular behavior sensitive to initial conditions. In this article we analyze the deterministic chaos theory, a branch of mathematics and physics that deals with dynamical systems (nonlinear differential equations or mappings) with very peculiar properties. Fundamental concepts of the deterministic chaos theory are briefly analyzed and some illustrative examples of conservative and dissipative chaotic motions are introduced. Complementarily, we studied in details the chaotic motion of some dynamical systems described by differential equations and mappings. Relations between chaotic, stochastic and turbulent phenomena are also commented.
A teoria da relatividade de Einstein apresentada para a Amazônia
Authors: Crispino Luís Carlos Bassalo , Lima Marcelo Costa de
Published: October 2016

Neste artigo tratamos da introdução da teoria da relatividade de Einstein na Amazônia brasileira, o que ocorreu por ocasião da passagem dos cientistas britânicos Andrew C. D. Crommelin e Charles R. Davidson por Belém do Pará, antes e depois das medidas por eles realizadas em Sobral, no Ceará, durante o eclipse total do Sol de 29 de maio de 1919.
A MEDICINA COM O VOTO DE MINERVA: O LOUCO INFRATOR
Authors: Cunha Carolini Cássia , Boarini Maria Lucia
Published: October 2016

RESUMO O presente artigo discute a inserção da medicina no ordenamento jurídico no que tange à pessoa que comete delito em estado de loucura no Brasil no período compreendido entre 1890 a 1940. A compreensão dessa inserção se justifica pela premente necessidade de se colocar em debate o atual encaminhamento destinado a essa parcela da população, a fim de lançar luz aos processos históricos que construíram o mesmo. O material analisado aponta a construção de uma identidade da ciência médica enquanto capaz de desvelar o enigma da loucura e do crime e fornecer respostas quando esses dois fenômenos chegam juntos ao tribunal. Assim, supostamente detentora desta capacidade, a medicina alça importante papel no processo jurídico referente ao louco infrator, responsabilizando-se pela determinação da imputabilidade e a cessação de periculosidade, que, salvaguardadas as devidas proporções, nos faz lembrar o "voto de Minerva".
IDENTIDADES NARRATIVAS Y ORGANIZACIONES JUVENILES EN SECTORES POPULARES DE CALI
Authors: Flórez Mauricio Hernán Jiménez , Sánchez Ana Lucía
Published: October 2016

RESUMEN Este estudio se inscribe en el construccionismo social con perspectiva narrativa. Su objetivo general es identificar algunos elementos de las identidades narrativas asociadas a la participación en organizaciones juveniles. Es una investigación cualitativa exploratoria, de diseño narrativo y muestreo intencional. Participan once jóvenes de 20 a 26 años que viven en Cali, Colombia. Para recoger los datos se emplean entrevistas semiestructuradas y grupos de discusión. Se realizan análisis textuales y categoriales mediante el software ATLAS. Ti 7.0. Los resultados de la categoría Autoconcepción muestran la continua negociación de la imagen de sí y la creación de un lugar de reconocimiento en el contexto sociocultural. La categoría Proyecto de vida sugiere la calle y la música como espacios semióticos donde se crean objetivos vitales en el contexto de relaciones cotidianas. Como conclusión, se puede afirmar que los relatos son contextualizados pero reflejan cómo los jóvenes re-crean y subvierten sus realidades sociopolíticas.
Pharmaceutical orientation at hospital discharge of transplant patients: strategy for patient safety
Authors: Lima Lívia Falcão , Martins Bruna Cristina Cardoso , Oliveira Francisco Roberto Pereira de , Cavalcante Rafaela Michele de Andrade , Magalhães Vanessa Pinto , Firmino Paulo Yuri Milen , Adriano Liana Silveira , Silva Adriano Monteiro da , Flor Maria Jose Nascimento , Néri Eugenie Desirée Rabelo
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe and analyze the pharmaceutical orientation given at hospital discharge of transplant patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and retrospective study that used records of orientation given by the clinical pharmacist in the inpatients unit of the Kidney and Liver Transplant Department, at Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio, in the city of Fortaleza (CE), Brazil, from January to July, 2014. The following variables recorded at the Clinical Pharmacy Database were analyzed according to their significance and clinical outcomes: pharmaceutical orientation at hospital discharge, drug-related problems and negative outcomes associated with medication, and pharmaceutical interventions performed. Results: The first post-transplant hospital discharge involved the entire multidisciplinary team and the pharmacist was responsible for orienting about drug therapy. The mean hospital discharges/month with pharmaceutical orientation during the study period was 10.6±1.3, totaling 74 orientations. The prescribed drug therapy had a mean of 9.1±2.7 medications per patient. Fifty-nine drug-related problems were identified, in which 67.8% were related to non-prescription of medication needed, resulting in 89.8% of risk of negative outcomes associated with medications due to untreated health problems. The request for inclusion of drugs (66.1%) was the main intervention, and 49.2% of the medications had some action in the digestive tract or metabolism. All interventions were classified as appropriate, and 86.4% of them we able to prevent negative outcomes. Conclusion: Upon discharge of a transplanted patient, the orientation given by the clinical pharmacist together with the multidisciplinary team is important to avoid negative outcomes associated with drug therapy, assuring medication reconciliation and patient safety.
Phonemic verbal fluency task in adults with high-level literacy
Authors: Opasso Patrícia Romano , Barreto Simone dos Santos , Ortiz Karin Zazo
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish normative parameters for the F-A-S form of the phonemic verbal fluency test, in a population of Brazilian Portuguese speaking adults with high-level literacy. Methods: The sample comprised 40 male and female volunteers aged 19 to 59 years, and at least 8 years of formal education. Volunteers were first submitted to the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Clock Drawing cognitive screening tests, then to the F-A-S Verbal Phonemic Fluency Test; in this test, examinees were given 60 seconds to generate as many words as possible beginning with each of the three test letters. Results: The means for number of words beginning the letters F, A and S and for total number of words beginning with either letter generated per minute corresponded to 15.3, 14.4, 13.9 and 43.5, respectively. Conclusion: Reference values obtained from young adults with high levels of literacy submitted to the F-A-S Verbal Phonemic Fluency Test in this study were similar to those reported in the international literature. These reference values can be used for clinical assessment of language disorder and neuropsychological evaluation.
Where should I publish my next manuscript on Limnology?
Authors: Neiff Juan Josè
Published: October 2016

Abstract When we need to spread the limnological knowledge, arises an issue that is not less than: where to publish our next article? In recent decades, the main element of evaluation are the “papers” and the sentence “publish or perish” haunts many scientists. It is imperative that researchers to share their discoveries or new knowledge. The dilemma arises because the scientific agencies (led by scientists) have installed what I call prestige system in which researchers needs a number of articles published in mainstream journals with highest positions in the ranking to progress in their scientific carrier. This determines a strong pressure on the subjects under investigation, in the allocation of resources and, sometimes, comes to desperation to publish. It is also producing the neglect of regional issues hardly find place in those journals and end up published in journals unreliable. The dissemination of the limnological topics in Latin American journals gradually lost prominence. In my opinion, it´s necesary to spread the results for the people that paying our salaries and supports our projects. Put another way, publish in good local journals, without prejudice to also publish in journals of high international ranking. Scientific production should be evaluated for their trascendence, by his transforming power and not just by impact factors used today by many agencies.
The Impact of an Educational Program on Patient Practices for Safe Use, Storage, and Disposal of Opioids at a Comprehensive Cancer Center
Authors: de la Cruz Maxine , Reddy Akhila , Balankari Vishidha , Epner Margeaux , Frisbee-Hume Susan , Wu Jimin , Liu Diane , Yennuraialingam Sriram , Cantu Hilda , Williams Janet , Bruera Eduardo
Published: October 2016

Background

Improper use, storage, and disposal of prescribed opioids can lead to diversion or accidental poisoning. Our previous study showed a large proportion of cancer patients have unsafe opioid practices. Our objective was to determine whether an improvement occurred in the patterns of use, storage, and disposal of opioids among cancer outpatients after the implementation of a patient educational program.

Patients and Methods

Our palliative care (PC) clinic provides every patient with educational material (EM) on safe opioid use, storage, and disposal every time they receive an opioid prescription. We prospectively assessed 300 adult cancer outpatients receiving opioids in our PC clinic, who had received the EM, and compared them with 300 patients who had not received the EM. The previously used surveys pertaining to opioid use, storage, and disposal were administered, and demographic information was collected. Sharing or losing their opioids was defined as unsafe use.

Results

Patients who received EM were more aware of the proper opioid disposal methods (76% vs. 28%; p ≤ .0001), less likely to share their opioids with someone else (3% vs. 8%; p = .0311), less likely to practice unsafe use of opioids (18% vs. 25%; p = .0344), and more likely to be aware the danger of their opioids when taken by others (p = .0099). Patients who received the EM were less likely to have unused medication at home (38% vs. 47%; p = .0497) and more likely to keep their medications in a safe place (hidden, 75% vs. 70%; locked, 14% vs. 10%; p = .0025).

Conclusion

The use of EM on opioid safety for patients with advanced cancer was associated with improved patient-reported safe opioid use, storage, and disposal.
Lifetime predictions of exposed geotextiles and geomembranes
Authors: Koerner R. M. , Hsuan Y. G. , Koerner G. R.
Published: October 2016

A very frequently asked question regarding all types of geosynthetics is, ‘How long will they last?’ This paper answers the question for exposed geotextiles and geomembranes, assuming that they were properly designed and installed. Furthermore, it compares these new results to the earlier lifetime prediction results of a covered geomembrane. Nonexposed (or covered) lifetime conditions for a 1.5 mm thick high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane have previously been evaluated and published. Landfill incubation devices at four elevated temperatures of 85, 75, 65 and 55°C were used in the prediction in order to reach 50% of retained strength and elongation. Considering the three stages of (i) depletion of antioxidants, (ii) induction time, and (iii) 50% reduction in mechanical properties, the lifetime extrapolation was made down to 20°C. The 50% reduction value (called halflife throughout the paper) for this geomembrane under these conditions was approximately 450 years. Since the laboratory incubation times took 12 years, other nonexposed geosynthetics were not evaluated under the supposition that the covered situation is generally a moot point for most geosynthetics in their customary applications. For exposed (or uncovered) geosynthetics, however, the situation is quite different. Ultraviolet radiation, elevated temperature and full oxygen are available, which shortens the service lifetime, but how much? For evaluation of this situation, the authors utilized laboratory ultraviolet fluorescent tube weathering devices, as per ASTM D7238, for incubation purposes. Seven different geotextiles and five different geomembranes were evaluated. Each material was incubated at 80, 70 and 60°C until a 50% reduction of strength and elongation occurred. The data was then extrapolated down to 20°C for laboratory halflife values and for comparison with the nonexposed condition. The ratio of nonexposed to exposed lifetime for HDPE geomembranes is approximately seven. The calculations for the 12 exposed geosynthetics then progressed to using site-specific radiation to obtain an equivalent field halflife. Phoenix, Arizona, conditions are illustrated although the procedure is applicable worldwide. Halflife predictions for the geotextiles vary from a few months for the needle punched nonwovens to up to 10 years for monofilaments and high antioxidant formulated products. Results for geomembranes vary from 47 to 97 years, with HDPE being the highest. These exposed halflife results (which took 12 years of laboratory incubation to achieve) are felt to be most interesting and are presented for the first time to an international audience.
Coarse granular flow interaction with slit structures
Authors: Choi C. E. , Goodwin G. R. , Ng C. W. W. , Cheung D. K. H. , Kwan J. S. H. , Pun W. K.
Published: October 2016

Coarse grains accumulate in geophysical flow fronts and have high solid fractions. Such fronts may arch in slit structures such as baffles and slit dams, leading to the rapid trapping of particles and potentially high-energy overflow. Existing empirical slit-structure design recommendations are limited and inadequate since they only focus on the slit size to particle diameter ratio (s/δ) and neglect the pileup height and pre-impact flow energy. Flume modelling was thus adopted to study coarse flow fronts impacting a slit structure. The characteristic Froude conditions, flow particle diameter and the ratio s/δ were varied. Results have shown the pileup height, and hence the confining stress is dependent on Froude conditions, but is not strongly influenced by s/δ. The flow particle diameter influences collisional and frictional stresses and hence the mean outflow rate, which is correlated with pileup height. Grain-trapping efficiency depends on both s/δ and Froude conditions. In contrast to existing continuum-based theory for slit-structure interaction, frictional contacts should be considered for coarse-grained flow fronts. High-energy supercritical flows lead to low trapping efficiency since stable arches cannot form at high shear rates. This implies that multiple slit structures may be more appropriate for attenuating high-energy supercritical flows.
Optimising biogas from food waste using a neural network model
Authors: Palaniswamy Duraisamy , Ramesh Gurusamy , Sivasankaran Subbarayan , Kathiravan Nanjundan
Published: October 2016

This study has been carried out to investigate the production of biogas by anaerobic digestion of solid-phase kitchen food waste using an artificial neural network. The network was used to model and optimise biogas production using mixed substrates of food waste with cow dung. The substrate mix percentage, plant pH level, digestion period and digester temperature were used as input parameters for the model, with biogas yield as the output. Food waste and cow dung were mixed at different compositions to a total mass of 2 kg and placed in 21 miniature digesters. The input and output parameters from the digesters were then considered in the model. The highest biogas performance level of 375 ml/g volatile solids on the 25th day of digestion was achieved by a substrate profile of 80% food waste and 20% cow dung at a temperature range of 30–40°C. On the basis of these results, kitchen food waste is shown to be highly biodegradable and an effective source of biogas.
O ambiente escolar e as ações de promoção da saúde
Authors: Couto Analie Nunes , Kleinpaul William Vinicius , Borfe Letícia , Vargas Sheila Cristina , Pohl Hildegard Hedwig , Krug Suzane Beatriz Frantz
Published: October 2016

Objetivo: descrever as ações de promoção da saúde (PS) no ambiente escolar e as dificuldades que permeiam estas ações. Método: trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica de caráter descritivo em publicações disponíveis na literatura científica sobre o tema, sem restrição de data. Utilizou-se pesquisa em sistemas de busca na internet, como o a Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, com fontes indexadas nas bases de dados SciELO, LILACS, PubMed. Adotou-se os descritores: Escolas Promotoras de Saúde, Saúde escolar, PS, em português e Health Promoting Schools, School health, Health promotion em inglês. Os artigos foram selecionados pelos títulos e resumos, após, lidos na íntegra e incluídos os com informações sobre o tema. Foram elaboradas categorias temáticas para a discussão dos dados encontrados, articulando-os com referenciais teóricos. Resultados: a PS busca fortalecer a ideia de autonomia dos sujeitos e dos grupos sociais, como um processo social e político, não limitado a abraçar ações direcionadas a fortalecer as habilidades e capacidades dos indivíduos. O ambiente escolar passou a ser reconhecido como apropriado para ações de PS, através de várias iniciativas de Escolas Promotoras da Saúde e do Programa Saúde na Escola, para ampliar os fatores protetores da saúde do escolar. No entanto, têm se destacado ações curativas e assistenciais e, as de PS têm sido confundidas com as de prevenção, influenciadas pelo antigo conceito. As ações apresentam como fragilidade a dificuldade na compreensão do conceito de PS pelos profissionais. Considerações finais: a efetividade da PS é um desafio metodológico e político que possibilita gerar conhecimento de programas adaptados à realidade de cada contexto, com vistas à aplicação de metodologia adequada. Para que as ações se concretizem de forma eficiente e permanente, é necessário o comprometimento de todos os envolvidos, propondo o empoderamento da comunidade escolar em atitudes do cotidiano.