bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspectives for immunotherapy in endocrine cancer
Authors: Latteyer S , Tiedje V , Schilling B , Führer D
Published: August 2016

The fight against cancer has seen major breakthroughs in recent years. More than a decade ago, tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting constitutively activated signaling cascades within the tumor inaugurated a new era of oncological therapy. Recently, immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors has started to revolutionize the treatment of several malignancies, most notably malignant melanoma, leading to the renaissance and the long-awaited breakthrough of immunooncology. This review provides an overview of the basis of immunotherapy from its initial concepts of anti-tumor immunity and cell-based therapy to the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and discusses published studies and the perspectives of immunooncology for the treatment of endocrine malignancies.
Seminal vesicle proteins SVS3 and SVS4 facilitate SVS2 effect on sperm capacitation
Authors: Araki Naoya , Kawano Natsuko , Kang Woojin , Miyado Kenji , Yoshida Kaoru , Yoshida Manabu
Published: August 2016

Mammalian spermatozoa acquire their fertilizing ability in the female reproductive tract (sperm capacitation). On the other hand, seminal vesicle secretion, which is a major component of seminal plasma, inhibits the initiation of sperm capacitation (capacitation inhibition) and reduces the fertility of the capacitated spermatozoa (decapacitation). There are seven major proteins involved in murine seminal vesicle secretion (SVS1-7), and we have previously shown that SVS2 acts as both a capacitation inhibitor and a decapacitation factor, and is indispensable forin vivofertilization. However, the effects of SVSs other than SVS2 on the sperm have not been elucidated. Since mouseSvs2–Svs6genes evolved by gene duplication belong to the same gene family, it is possible that SVSs other than SVS2 also have some effects on sperm capacitation. In this study, we examined the effects of SVS3 and SVS4 on sperm capacitation. Our results showed that both SVS3 and SVS4 are able to bind to spermatozoa, but SVS3 alone showed no effects on sperm capacitation. On the other hand, SVS4 acted as a capacitation inhibitor, although it did not show decapacitation abilities. Interestingly, SVS3 showed an affinity for SVS2 and it facilitated the effects of SVS2. Interaction of SVS2 and spermatozoa is mediated by the ganglioside GM1 in the sperm membrane; however, both SVS3 and SVS4 had weaker affinities for GM1 than SVS2. Therefore, we suggest that separate processes may cause capacitation inhibition and decapacitation, and SVS3 and SVS4 act on sperm capacitation cooperatively with SVS2.
Endometrial stem cells repair injured endometrium and induce angiogenesis via AKT and ERK pathways
Authors: Zhang Yanling , Lin Xiaona , Dai Yongdong , Hu Xiaoxiao , Zhu Haiyan , Jiang Yinshen , Zhang Songying
Published: August 2016

Intrauterine adhesions are common acquired endometrial syndromes secondary to endometrial injury, with limited effective therapies. Recently, several studies have reported that bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) could repair injured endometrium in animal experiments. However, the role of stem cells in endometrial injury repair and its therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we established mouse endometrial injury model and examined the benefit of human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells derived from menstrual blood (MenSCs) in restoration of injured endometrium. Injured endometrium exhibited significantly accelerated restoration at Day 7 after MenSCs transplantation, with increased endometrial thickness and microvessel density. Moreover, the fertility of mice with injured endometrium was improved, with higher conception rate (53.57% vs 14.29%,P = 0.014) and larger embryo number (3.1 ± 0.6 vs 0.9 ± 0.7,P = 0.030) in MenSCs group than control group, while no difference was found in undamaged horns between two groups. Conditioned medium from MenSCs (MenSCs-CM) could decrease H2O2-induced apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and promote proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. Angiogenesis effect of MenSCs-CM was also confirmed in Matrigel plug assay in mice. Furthermore, we discovered that MenSCs-CM could activate AKT and ERK pathways and induce the overexpression ofeNOS,VEGFA,VEGFR1,VEGFR2andTIE2in HUVECs, which are critical in MenSCs-CM-induced angiogenesis. Angiogenesis induced by MenSCs-CM could be reversed by inhibitors of AKT and/or ERK. Taken together, we concluded that MenSCs could restore injured endometrium and improve the fertility of the endometrial injury mice, which was partially attributed to angiogenesis induced by MenSCs.
Hearing impairment and contributing factors among fertilizer factory workers
Authors: Jeffree Mohammad Saffree , Ismail Noorhassim , Lukman Khamisah Awang
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Hearing impairment remains the main occupational health problem in the manufacturing industry, and its contributing factors have not been well controlled.

Methods

Unmatched case control and comparative studies were carried out among fertilizer factory workers in Sarawak with the aim of determining contributing factors for hearing impairment. Respondents consisted of 49 cases that were diagnosed from 2005 to 2008 with 98 controls from the same work places. Chisquare test and Mann‐Whitney test were used in a univariate analysis to determine the association between hearing impairment and the contributing risks being studied.

Results

The results of the univariate analysis showed that hearing impairment was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with older age, lower education level, high smoking dose, high occupational daily noise dose, longer duration of service, infrequent used of hearing protection device (HPD), and low perception of sound on HPD usage. Multivariate logistic regression of hearing impairment after controlling for age found the following five variables: occupational daily noise dose �50% (OR 3.48, 95% CI 1.36‐8.89), �15 years of services (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.16‐7.33), infrequent use of HPD (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.15‐6.77), low perception of sound on HPD (POR 2.77, 95% CI 1.09‐6.97), and smoking more than 20 packs per year (OR 4.71, 95% CI 1.13‐19.68).

Discussion

In conclusion, high occupational noise exposure level, longer duration of service, low perception of sound on HPD, infrequent used of HPD, and smoking more than 20 packs per year were the contributing factors to hearing impairment, and appropriate intervention measures should be proposed and taken into considerations.
An advanced case of indium lung disease with progressive emphysema
Authors: Nakano Makiko , Tanaka Akiyo , Hirata Miyuki , Kumazoe Hiroyuki , Wakamatsu Kentaro , Kamada Dan , Omae Kazuyuki
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To report the occurrence of an advanced case of indium lung disease with severely progressive emphysema in an indium‐exposed worker.

Case report

A healthy 42‐year‐old male smoker was employed to primarily grind indium‐tin oxide (ITO) target plates, exposing him to indium for9 years (1998‐2008). In 2004, an epidemiological study was conducted on indium‐exposed workers at the factory in which he worked. The subject'sserum indium concentration (In‐S) was 99.7 μg/l, while his serum Krebs von den Lungen‐6 level was 2,350 U/ml. Pulmonary function tests showed forced vital capacity (FVC) of 4.17 l (91.5% of the JRS predicted value), forced expiratory volumein 1 s (FEV1) of 3.19 l (80.8% of predicted), and an FEV1‐to‐FVC ratio of 76.5%. A high‐resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT) scan showed mild interlobular septal thickening and mild emphysematous changes. In 2008, he was transferred from the ITO grinding workplace to an inspection work section, where indium concentrations in total dusts had a range of 0.001‐0.002 mg/m3. In 2009, the subject's In‐S had increased to 132.1 μg/l, and pulmonary function tests revealed obstructive changes. In addition, HRCT scan showed clear evidence of progressive lung destruction with accompanying severe centrilobular emphysema and interlobular septal thickening in both lung fields. The subject's condition gradually worsened, and in 2015, he was registered with the Japan Organ Transplant Network for lung transplantation (LTx).

Conclusions

Heavy indium exposure is a risk factor for emphysema, which can lead to a severity level that requires LTx as the final therapeutic option.
Buffering effect of workplace social capital on the association of job insecurity with psychological distress in Japanese employees: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Inoue Akiomi , Kawakami Norito , Eguchi Hisashi , Tsutsumi Akizumi
Published: August 2016

Objectives

The present study aimed to examine the buffering effect of workplace social capital (WSC) on the association of job insecurity with psychological distress in Japanese employees.

Methods

2,971 employees from two factories of a manufacturing company in Japan completed a self‐administered questionnaire including the scales on job insecurity, WSC, psychological distress, demographic and occupational characteristics, and quantitative workload. Using psychological distress (defined as a total score of the K6 scale �5) as a dependent variable, multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted. In a series of analyses, interaction term of job insecurity×WSC was included in the model.

Results

After adjusting for demographic and occupational characteristics as well as for quantitative workload and interaction effect of quantitative workload× WSC, high job insecurity and low WSC were significantly associated with psychological distress. Furthermore, a significant interaction effect of job insecurity×WSC was observed. Specifically, the association of job insecurity with psychological distress was greater among those who perceived lower levels of WSC (prevalence odds ratio=3.79 [95% confidence interval=2.70‐5.32] for high vs. low job insecurity subgroup) than among those who perceived higher levels of WSC (prevalence odds ratio=2.96 [95% confidence interval=2.19‐4.01] for high vs. low job insecurity subgroup) . These findings were replicated among permanent male employees in the gender‐stratified analyses.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that WSC has a buffering effect on the association of job insecurity with psychological distress at least among Japanese permanent male employees.
Análise de indicadores gerenciais e assistenciais após adequação de pessoal de enfermagem
Authors: Quadros Deise Vacario de , Magalhães Ana Maria Müller de , Mantovani Vanessa Monteiro , Rosa Denise Salazar da , Echer Isabel Cristina
Published: August 2016

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar indicadores assistenciais e gerenciais após adequação do quadro de pessoal de enfermagem. Método: estudo descritivo, retrospectivo com dados obtidos dos sistemas de registros informatizados de um hospital universitário do Sul do Brasil. Foram analisados estatisticamente indicadores assistenciais e gerenciais, referentes aos primeiros semestres de 2013 e 2014. Resultados: o incremento de 40,0% no número de enfermeiros e 16,0% no número de técnicos de enfermagem resultou na redução de 12,0% no percentual de afastamentos por doença, 21,8% no total do banco de horas excedentes, 92,0% nas horas extras pagas. Houve redução de 75,0% nas taxas de úlcera por pressão, de 10,5% no número de quedas e 50,0% nas infecções por sonda vesical de demora. Conclusão: a adequação do quantitativo de pessoal repercutiu positivamente nos indicadores gerenciais e assistenciais, e contribuiu para qualificar o cuidado e melhorar as condições de trabalho da equipe de enfermagem.
Análise de fatores do instrumento de medida do impacto da doença no cotidiano
Authors: Pedrosa Rafaela Batista dos Santos , Rodrigues Roberta Cunha Matheus , Padilha Kátia Melissa , Gallani Maria Cecília Bueno Jayme , Alexandre Neusa Maria Costa
Published: August 2016

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar a estrutura de fatores do Instrumento para Mensuração do Impacto da Doença no Cotidiano do Valvopata (IDCV) quando aplicado em coronariopatas. Método: fizeram parte deste estudo 153 coronariopatas em seguimento ambulatorial. A estrutura de fatores do IDCV foi inicialmente avaliada por meio da análise confirmatória de fatores e, subsequentemente, por meio da análise exploratória de fatores. Utilizou-se o método de estimação dos componentes principais de análise com rotação Varimax e eigenvalues acima de um para extração de fatores e carga fatorial superior a 0,40 para seleção dos itens. A consistência interna foi estimada por meio do coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. Resultados: a análise confirmatória não confirmou a estrutura original de fatores do IDCV. A análise exploratória de fatores evidenciou três dimensões que, em conjunto, explicaram 78% da variância da medida. Conclusão: estudos futuros com ampliação da casuística são necessários para confirmação da nova estrutura de fatores do IDCV.
Validação para a língua portuguesa da Debriefing Experience Scale
Authors: Almeida Rodrigo Guimarães dos Santos , Mazzo Alessandra , Martins José Carlos Amado , Coutinho Verónica Rita Dias , Jorge Beatriz Maria , Mendes Isabel Amélia Costa
Published: August 2016

RESUMO Objetivo: traduzir e validar para língua portuguesa a Debriefing Experience Scale junto a indivíduos que utilizaram a simulação de alta fidelidade na sua formação. Método: estudo do tipo metodológico, exploratório de tradução e validação de instrumento. Para o processo de validação criou-se o evento: III Workshop Brasil - Portugal: Atendimento ao Paciente Crítico. Resultados: participaram 103 enfermeiros. A validade e fidelidade da escala, o padrão de correlação entre as variáveis, o teste de adequação amostral e o teste de esfericidade apresentaram bons resultados. Por não haver nexo entre os agrupamentos estabelecidos na análise fatorial exploratória optou-se por seguir a divisão estabelecida pela versão original. Conclusão: o instrumento foi denominado: Escala de Experiência com o Debriefing. Os resultados constataram boas propriedades psicométricas e um bom potencial de utilização, porém futuros trabalhos contribuirão para consolidar a validade da escala e reforçar o seu potencial de utilização.
Jejum inferior a oito horas em cirurgias de urgência e emergência versus complicações
Authors: Martins Adelita de Jesus Carvalho , Serva Cristiane Alves de Souza , Fonseca Tatiane Helena da , Martins Maria Joana de Lima , Poveda Vanessa de Brito
Published: August 2016

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar a ocorrência de complicações intraoperatórias e pós-operatórias em pacientes submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos de urgência e emergência entre janeiro e dezembro de 2012, com tempo de jejum inferior a oito horas. Método: conduziu-se um estudo quantitativo, tipo coorte retrospectivo, por meio da análise de prontuários médicos. Resultados: foram incluídos 181 prontuários de pacientes submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos com duração média de 59,4 minutos, destacando-se a cirurgia de correção de fraturas em 32% dos casos. Foram observadas complicações em 36 (19,9%) dos pacientes, destacando-se o vômito (47,2%); seguido de náuseas (16,7%); necessidade de transfusão sanguínea (13,9%); infecção do sítio cirúrgico (11,1%); e óbito (11,1%). O tempo médio de jejum foi de 133,5 minutos. O tempo de jejum não apresentou correlação estatisticamente significante com as complicações investigadas. Conclusão: as complicações intraoperatórias e pós-operatórias estiveram associadas às condições clínicas dos pacientes e não ao tempo de jejum.
Impacto de intervenções educativas na redução das complicações diabéticas: revisão sistemática
Authors: Menezes Marcela Machado , Lopes Camila Takáo , Nogueira Lilia de Souza
Published: August 2016

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar na literatura evidências da efetividade e eficácia de intervenções educativas na redução de complicações metabólicas e/ou vasculares em adultos com diabetes mellitus. Método: revisão sistemática realizada nas bases de dados LILACS, IBECS, CUMED, CINAHL e Medline e na biblioteca on-line SciELO com estudos de 2004 a 2014. Resultados: incluídos 11 estudos (5 ensaios clínicos randomizados e 6 quase experimentais). Apenas pesquisas que analisaram complicações vasculares foram identificadas. Conclusão: dois ensaios clínicos mostraram eficácia na redução de complicações cardiovasculares, da catarata ou retinopatia e nefropatia e todos os estudos quase experimentais revelaram efetividade na redução das úlceras nos pés, da vasculopatia e da neuropatia periféricas e manutenção da função renal.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF CUSTARD APPLE FLOWER BUD UNDER NITROGEN AND POTASSIUM NUTRITION
Authors: SOUZA IVAN VILAS BÔAS , JOSÉ ABEL REBOUÇAS SÃO , SILVA JOSÉ CARLSON GUSMÃO DA , BOMFIM MARINÊS PEREIRA , JESUS JECILENE SILVA DE
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT The custard apple tree (Annona squamosa L.), has increased in cultivation due to good prices in the national market. However, there are few studies regarding the fruit’s nutrition. The aim of this study was to verify the influence of N and K levels in developing the flower buds in two growing cycles, corresponding to the time of high temperatures (spring-summer) and another milder season (autumn-winter). The experiment was conducted in a rural property located in the municipality of Anagé, Bahia, installed in a randomised complete block design with 3 blocks, arranged in a factorial 4 x 4, obtained by the combination of the following levels of N (0, 16.875, 33.750 and 67.500 g plant-1) in the form of urea and K (0, 22.5, 45.0 and 90.0 g plant-1) in the form of potassium chloride, applied every fifteen days (every fortnight / every two weeks). It was evaluated the vigor of floral buds, measured by determining its weight and the length of them. At the end of the study it was concluded that the vigor of the floral buds tended to increase with elevated levels of nitrogen in the coldest period of the year (dry season with low in temperature). In the spring-summer period (rainy season and high temperature) the vigor of the flower buds was reduced as they increased the doses of N. Potassium did not affect the vigor of the flower buds in these considered periods. There was no interaction between N and K levels for the vigor of the flower buds.
CRYOTHERAPY: A NEW TECHNIQUE TO OBTAIN GRAPEVINE PLANTS FREE OF VIRUSES
Authors: BETTONI JEAN CARLOS , COSTA MURILO DALLA , GARDIN JOÃO PETERSON PEREIRA , KRETZSCHMAR AIKE ANNELIESE , PATHIRANA RANJITH
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT Through in vitro tissue culture techniques it is possible to propagate high quality nursery plants faster. Cryotherapy is a promising tool, based on in vitro culture techniques, for achieving in a short time, high frequency of regenerating plants free of viruses. The objective of this review is to present and analyze the results of research conducted in cryotherapy methods based on cryopreservation protocols for recovery of cultivars free of micro-organisms with potential agronomic interest. The main methods employed in cryotherapy are encapsulation-dehydration, vitrification, encapsulation-vitrification and droplet vitrification, which are based on the immersion of preconditioned shoot tips in liquid nitrogen, followed by their recovery in vitro on to culture media for regeneration of healthy plantlets. Improvements to cryotherapy protocols used for grapevine are still needed, since there are variations in response according to the genotype. The published research mostly relates to Vitis vinifera and the few studies applied to other species show that the protocols need to be improved. This specificity goes beyond species, with different responses among cultivars, limiting the broader application of the technology. On the other hand, traditional methods used for virus removal from infected plant materials also have limitations and therefore investment in research for the development and application of cryopreservation techniques is highly justified, considering its efficiency and low-cost, once the protocols are developed. High frequency of virus-free plants among regenerants within a short time frame is the most desirable aspect of cryotherapy. Therefore, these advantages make the technique a promising tool for institutions mandated to the development of high-health planting materials with high genetic and agronomic potential for viticulture.
Antimicrobial potential of Casearia sylvestris against oral bacteria
Authors: CAVALHEIRO Amanda Henriques , GODOI Ana Paula Terossi , CARVALHO Tatiane Cruz de , CATIRSE Alma Blasida , FURTADO Niege Araçari Jacometti Cardoso
Published: August 2016

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to obtain Casearia sylvestris leave extracts by different extractive methods, including the obtention of essential oil, in order to compare their antimicrobial activities to conventional mouthwash chlorhexidine against oral bacteria. Material and method For this evaluation, extracts from the leaves were obtained by different methods of extraction (infusion, decoction, maceration and percolation) using different solvent systems: water 100%, ethanol 100%, methanol 100%, water: ethanol 3:7; water: ethanol 7:3; water: methanol 7:3 and water: methanol 3:7. The essential oil, which corresponds to a volatile fraction, was obtained by hydrodistillation using Clevenger modified apparatus. The microdilution broth method was used to determine the values of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for the following microorganisms: Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, S. mitis ATCC 49456, S. sanguinis ATCC 10556, S. salivarius ATCC 25975, Lactobacillus casei ATCC 11578 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC4082. Chlorhexidine gluconate was used as a positive control. Result All extracts evaluated in the used protocol displayed MIC values higher than 400 µg/mL and few showed bactericidal activity. The antimicrobial activity of essential oil was higher than the activity of the extracts, and the best minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values were obtained against L. casei (MIC of 0.023 µg/mL and MBC of 0.046 µg/mL) and S. mutans (MIC of 25 µg/mL and MBC of 50 µg/mL), respectively. Conclusion The essential oil of Casearia sylvestris has significant antimicrobial activity against oral microorganisms.
Public awareness of dementia: A study in Botucatu, a medium-sized city in the State of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Schelp Arthur Oscar , Nieri Andrea Bruno , Hamamoto Filho Pedro Tadao , Bales Alessandra Martins , Mendes-Chiloff Cristiane Lara
Published: August 2016

Abstract Dementia is a progressive and debilitating disease affecting an increasing number of people worldwide. Despite its importance, only a few studies have examined public awareness of dementia. We present a study of the public awareness of dementia in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: A sample of 73 individuals answered a questionnaire approved by the Medical Ethics Research Committee inquiring about the characteristics of healthy old-aged and demented individuals. Results: Those interviewed believed that dementia is characterized by prevalent memory impairment (41%) and behavioral changes (32.9%) with onset in the 60's or older (42.5%) and upon suspecting dementia, only a few would seek specialized medical help. Discussion: Better understanding of public awareness of dementia provides the clue to more effective health and social policies in order to achieve a higher rate of early diagnosis and thereby possibly decreasing patient, family and caregiver distress.
Visuospatial cognitive tests for the evaluation of patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Pena Marina Ceres Silva , Sobreira Emmanuelle Silva Tavares , Souza Carolina Pinto , Oliveira Guiomar Nascimento , Tumas Vitor , Vale Francisco de Assis Carvalho do
Published: August 2016

Abstract Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder characterized by motor disturbances, neuropsychological symptoms and cognitive changes, including cases of dementia. The most frequently described cognitive changes in these patients involve executive and visuospatial functions, which are very important for the execution of daily life activities. Objective: To compare different tests used to examine visuospatial functions in patients with PD. Methods: Thirty-five patients (21 women) with PD symptoms (medicated and "on") and mean schooling of 5.5±4.2 years were examined using the following tests: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Dementia Rating Scale (DRS), Scales of Outcomes of Parkinson's Disease (SCOPA-COG), Hooper Visual Organization Test (HVOT), Judgment of Line Orientation, Form V (JLO), and Clock drawing task - CLOX (1 and 2). Results: The mean MMSE score was 24.8±3.03 and 54.8% of the patients performed correctly in the copy of a pentagon drawing, with a medium-level performance in most tests. Good correlations were detected between JLO versus SCOPA Assembling patterns (0.67), JLO versus HVOT (0.56), JLO versus CLOX2 (0.64), SCOPA Figure Composition versus HVOT (0.54), CLOX1 versus CLOX2 (0.43), and DRS Construction versus CLOX2 (0.42). Discussion: Although correlations were detected, not all were strong, probably because the tests employed do not measure solely visuospatial functions, but also other skills such as attention, motor ability and executive functions. A limitation of the present study was the lack of a control group for the establishment of adequate standards for this population.
Subclinical naming errors in mild cognitive impairment: A semantic deficit?
Authors: Willers Indra F. , Feldman Mónica L. , Allegri Ricardo F.
Published: August 2016

Abstract Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the transitional stage between normal aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Impairments in semantic memory have been demonstrated to be a critical factor in early AD. The Boston Naming Test (BNT) is a straightforward method of examining semantic or visuo-perceptual processing and therefore represents a potential diagnostic tool. The objective of this study was to examine naming ability and identify error types in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Methods: Twenty aMCI patients, twenty AD patients and twenty-one normal controls, matched by age, sex and education level were evaluated. As part of a further neuropsychological evaluation, all subjects performed the BNT. A comprehensive classification of error types was devised in order to compare performance and ascertain semantic or perceptual origin of errors. Results: AD patients obtained significantly lower total scores on the BNT than aMCI patients and controls. aMCI patients did not obtain significant differences in total scores, but showed significantly higher semantic errors compared to controls. Conclusion: This study reveals that semantic processing is impaired during confrontation naming in aMCI.
Normal and abnormal aging in bilinguals
Authors: Ardila Alfredo , Ramos Eliane
Published: August 2016

Abstract Bilinguals use two different language systems to mediate not only social communication, but also cognitive processes. Potential differences between bilinguals and monolinguals in task-solving strategies and patterns of cognitive decline during normal and abnormal aging have been suggested. Main contribution: A research review of the area suggests that normal aging is associated with increased interference between the two languages and tendency to retreat to a single language. General cognitive functioning has been found to be higher in demented bilingual patients if communication is carried out in L1 rather than in L2. Recent research has reported that bilingualism can have a protective effect during aging, attenuating the normal cognitive decline associated with aging, and delaying the onset of dementia. Conclusions: Regardless of the significant heterogeneity of bilingualism and the diversity of patterns in language use during life-span, current research suggests that bilingualism is associated with preserved cognitive test performance during aging, and potentially can have some protective effect in dementia.
Event-related potentials and the study of memory retrieval: A critical Review
Authors: Jaeger Antonio , Parente Maria Alice de Mattos Pimenta
Published: August 2016

Abstract Memory retrieval has been extensively investigated by a variety of techniques and methodological approaches. The present article reports a critical review on the research investigating this subject by means of event-related potentials (ERP). The main goal is to elucidate the key contributions of this technique regarding episodic memory retrieval, as well as to perform a critical analysis taking into account its major advantages and limitations in the framework of current cognitive neuroscience. Considerations concerning its theoretical contributions and implementation in national universities are also discussed.
Subcortical atrophy in frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease: Significance for differential diagnosis and correlation with clinical manifestations
Authors: Vieira Renata Teles , Caixeta Leonardo
Published: August 2016

Abstract Cerebral subcortical atrophy occurs in both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) but its significance for clinical manifestations and differential diagnosis between these common types of dementia has not been extensively investigated. Objectives: To compare the severity of cerebral subcortical atrophy in FTD and AD and to analyze the correlations between cerebral subcortical atrophy and demographics and clinical characteristics. Methods: Twenty three patients with FTD and 21 with AD formed the sample, which comprised 22 men and 22 women, aged 33 to 89, with mean age (±SD) of 68.52±12.08 years, with schooling ranging from 1 to 20 years, with a mean (±SD) of 7.35±5.54 years, and disease duration with a mean (±SD) of 3.66±3.44 years. The degree of cerebral subcortical atrophy was measured indirectly with a linear measurement of subcortical atrophy, the Bifrontal Index (BFI), using magnetic resonance imaging. We evaluated cognition, activities of daily living and dementia severity with the Mini-Mental State Examination, Functional Activities Questionnaire and the Clinical Dementia Rating, respectively. Results: There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in BFI between FTD and AD. The severity of cognitive deficits (for both FTD and AD groups) and level of daily living activities (only for AD group) were correlated with BFI. Conclusions: A linear measurement of cerebral subcortical atrophy did not differentiate AD from FTD in this sample. Cognitive function (in both FTD and AD groups) and capacity for independent living (only in AD group) were inversely correlated with cerebral subcortical atrophy.
EXIT25 - Executive interview applied to a cognitively healthy elderly population with heterogeneous educational background
Authors: Matioli Maria Niures P.S. , Caramelli Paulo , Marques Bárbara D. , Rocha Fernanda D. da , Castro Maria Cristina C. de , Yamashita Samia R. , Soares Alberto de M.
Published: August 2016

Abstract Education interferes with the performance in most cognitive tests, including executive function assessment. Objective: To investigate the effects of education on the performance of healthy elderly on the Brazilian version of the Executive Interview (EXIT25). Methods: The EXIT25 was administered to a sample of 83 healthy elderly. The subjects were also submitted to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a delayed recall test, clock drawing and category fluency (animals/min) tests in order to rule out cognitive impairment. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was employed to exclude clinically-relevant depressive symptoms. The total sample was divided into three groups according to educational level: G1 (1-4 years), G2 (5-8 years) and G3 (>8 years). Results: The mean values for age, educational level, MMSE and EXIT25 scores of all subjects were 72.2, 7.5, 27.6 and 6.9, respectively. The scores on the EXIT25 for each group were: G1=8.3, G2=5.9 and G3=5.8. There was a statistical difference between the performance of G1 and the other two groups on the EXIT25. Conclusions: The Brazilian version of the EXIT25 proved straightforward to administer. The performance of this sample of healthy elderly on the test was significantly influenced by educational level.
Immediate recall of short stories depends on educational level
Authors: Nitrini Ricardo
Published: August 2016

Abstract Memory complaints are frequent in the elderly but the confirmation of memory decline is challenging. Tests employing the recall of paragraphs or short stories have been proposed for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Objectives: To evaluate the influence of educational level on immediate recall of short stories. Methods: A sample of 363 individuals (214 women; median age of 50; median years of schooling of 6; 23 illiterates) without evident physical or mental illnesses were evaluated with simple neuropsychological tests, including the recall of short stories immediately after listening to them read aloud by the examiner. Results: Age showed an inverse correlation whereas years of schooling showed a direct correlation with the scores on the immediate recall of short stories. As age and years of schooling were inversely correlated, logistic regression was employed, which showed that only years of schooling had an influence on the performance in the test. Conclusions: In populations with heterogeneous educational background, the recall of short stories cannot be recommended for the diagnosis of memory impairment. It is possible that tests with larger encoding phases are more appropriate for these populations. From a broader perspective, information released by radio or TV, as well as information disseminated orally in public settings such as hospitals, stations or airports may be less well retained by low educated individuals, especially when the information is presented only once.
Phonemic verbal fluency and age: A preliminary study
Authors: Steiner Veronique Agnes Guernet , Mansur Leticia Lessa , Brucki Sonia Maria D. , Nitrini Ricardo
Published: August 2016

Abstract Verbal fluency (VF) has been one of the most frequently used instruments in clinics and research, both independently or included in a battery recommended for the detection of cognitive alterations. Phonemic-verbal fluency (PVF) is an interesting variant for cognitive diagnosis particularly because studies indicate that it is less influenced by age. Objectives: 1. To estimate the effects of age on PVF tests in their original forms, with the /f/-/a/-/s/ phonemes. 2. To estimate the effects of the phoneme /p/ and compare it to the original form in item generation. 3. To verify associations between the Token Test (TT), Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and depressive symptoms on performance with /f/-/a/-/s/-/p/ phonemes. Methods: Forty-eight healthy individuals with ages ranging from 30 to 80 years were evaluated with the MMSE, TT and PVF tests. Results: Age was correlated with the MMSE, TT and depressive symptoms. There was no association between age and performance on the fluency test, independent of the phoneme used. Among the socio-demographic factors studied, age had a significant impact on performance. There was no phoneme effect in item-generation, when comparing the traditional form of VF (/f/-/a/-/s/) and the /p/ phoneme. Conclusions: The traditional form of FAS is interchangeable with the modified presentation, therefore both forms may be used in clinical or research settings. PVF is a valuable approach for detecting cognitive alterations in the aged, given its stability throughout the ageing process.
Sustained attention assessment of narcoleptic patients: Two case reports
Authors: Moraes Mirleny , Wilson Barbara A. , Rossini Sueli , Osternack-Pinto Kátia , Reimão Rubens
Published: August 2016

Abstract Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable REM sleep attacks which alter the patients wake state and can lead to difficulties in attention aspects, such as maintaining attention when performing activities or tasks. This study aimed to evaluate sustained attention performance of two narcoleptic patients on the d2 Test, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D). Results showed that the maintenance of attention was associated with a slowing of the target symbols processing function in visual scanning with accuracy in task performance. A high degree of excessive sleepiness was observed, along with mild and moderate degrees of depressive signs and symptoms. One subject also presented with a nocturnal sleep disorder which could represent an important factor affecting attentional and affective capacity.
Comparative antioxidant and bioavailability studies of Vitamin C in Phyllanthus emblica Linn. and its combinations with Piper nigrum Linn. and Zingiber officinale Roscoe
Authors: Somasekhar Vanita , Ashok Purnima , Kameswari Sri Adibatla Renuka , Rajendran Ramaswamy , Singh Rajpreet
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT Phyllanthus emblica Linn. (amla) is used in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine and its major constituent is vitamin C which has effective free radical scavenging property. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity and the bioavailability profile of vitamin C in amla and its combinations with piperine and ginger in comparison to synthetic vitamin C using New Zealand rabbits. In vitro antioxidant activity studies of synthetic vitamin C, amla, amla with piperine and amla with ginger were carried out using different models such as 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, Nitric Oxide, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging methods, Total reductive capability and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity estimation. The study results showed that synthetic vitamin C, amla, amla with piperine and amla with ginger possess significant in vitro antioxidant activity. For bioavailability studies, synthetic vitamin C, amla, amla with piperine and amla with ginger 100 mg/kg, were administered orally and the serum samples were analyzed by HPLC at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 hours. Bioavailability studies revealed that amla with piperine combination has higher concentration of vitamin C when compared to synthetic vitamin C. This is probably due to presence of piperine, which is a bioavailability enhancer. The present study supports the fact that amla with piperine combination can be an alternative to synthetic vitamin C.
Level of satisfaction of clients of public pharmacies dispensing high-cost drugs in Espírito Santo, Brazil
Authors: Cassaro Karla Oliveira dos Santos , Heringer Otávio Arruda , Fronza Márcio , Lenz Dominik , Endringer Denise Coutinho , Andrade Tadeu Uggere de
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of satisfaction of pharmaceutical services and to determine the socioeconomic profile of public pharmacy clients. This is a cross-sectional observational study using a quantitative approach. The sample was calculated from the monthly number of patients seen in pharmacies and was stratified for each pharmacy. Data were analysed using SPSS 11.5 software and by observing the simple relative frequencies for qualitative variables. For the quantitative variables, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Fisher tests were performed. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). The results show that, in general, patients at "Farmácias cidadãs" are satisfied with the services. However, when stratified, we found that the greatest satisfaction was related only to structural and organizational aspects, while the pharmaceutical services are unsatisfactory. When relating satisfaction to the socioeconomic characteristics, a difference between waiting time (39.07 ± 19.53), attendance by pharmacist (8.91 ± 5.14) and education was observed. It is concluded that users are satisfied with the services of state "Farmácias cidadãs" of Espírito Santo, but there should be improvements in relation to pharmaceutical services and the interpersonal relationships between health professionals and users of the public health system in Brazil.
Critical analysis: use of polymerase chain reaction to diagnose leprosy
Authors: Maltempe Flaviane Granero , Baldin Vanessa Pietrowski , Lopes Mariana Aparecida , Siqueira Vera Lúcia Dias , Scodro Regiane Bertin de Lima , Cardoso Rosilene Fressatti , Caleffi-Ferracioli Katiany Rizzieri
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease and an important public health problem, especially in developing countries. It is a chronic infectious disease that is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which has a predilection for the skin and peripheral nerves. Although it has low sensitivity, slit-skin smear (SSS) remains the conventional auxiliary laboratory technique for the clinical diagnosis of leprosy. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular biology technique that holds promise as a simple and sensitive diagnostic tool. In the present study, the performance of two PCR methods, using different targets, PCR-LP and PCR-P, were compared with SSS with regard to leprosy diagnosis in a reference laboratory. M. leprae DNA was extracted from 106 lymph samples of 40 patients who had clinical suspicion of leprosy. The samples were subjected to both PCR techniques and SSS. Amplification of the human b-globin gene was used as PCR inhibitor control. The specificity of both PCR techniques was 100%, and sensitivity was 0.007 and 0.015 µg/ml for PCR-LP and PCR-P, respectively. No significant difference was found between either the PCR-LP or PCR-P results and SSS results (p > 0.05). Although PCR is not yet a replacement for SSS in the diagnosis of leprosy, this technique may be used as an efficient auxiliary tool for early detection of the disease, especially in endemic regions. This strategy may also be useful in cases in which SSS results are negative (e.g., in paucibacillary patients) and cases in which skin biopsy cannot be performed.
Formulation, characterization and in vivo evaluation of novel edible dosage form containing nebivolol HCl
Authors: Vijayanand Pujari , Patil Jagadevappa , Reddy Manda Venkata
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT The objective of this investigation was to develop a novel oral edible gel dosage form for nebivolol hydrochloride, with suitable rheological characteristics that can provide a means of administering the drug to dysphagic and geriatric patients. Edible gels were prepared using low acetylated gellan gum and sodium citrate in different concentrations. The effect of concentration of the solution on gelation time, viscosity, and drug release was studied. Optimized formulation had "spoon thick" consistency that is considered suitable for dysphagic patients as suggested by National Dysphagia Diet Task Force. The optimized formulation containing gellan gum (0.4 % w/v) and sodium citrate (0.3 % w/v) showed more than 95% drug release in 20 minutes. This formulation also showed significantly better pharmacokinetic profile when compared to marketed conventional tablets in New Zealand white rabbits (n = 3). Optimized formulation was found stable for 6 months when stored at 25 °C ± 0.2 °C/60 ± 5% RH. From this study, it can be concluded that the novel edible gel dosage form containing nebivolol hydrochloride may prove to be more efficacious in the treatment of hypertension in dysphagic patients.
Analysis of Real-World Data on Overall Survival in Multiple Myeloma Patients With ≥3 Prior Lines of Therapy Including a Proteasome Inhibitor (PI) and an Immunomodulatory Drug (IMiD), or Double Refractory to a PI and an IMiD
Authors: Usmani Saad , Ahmadi Tahamtan , Ng Yvette , Lam Annette , Desai Avinash , Potluri Ravi , Mehra Maneesha
Published: August 2016

Background.

This retrospective study evaluated the treatment patterns in and overall survival (OS) of multiple myeloma (MM) patients who were refractory to a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD) or who had received three or more prior lines of therapy (LOTs) including a PI and an IMiD.

Methods.

Electronic health records in the IMS LifeLink and OPTUM databases were screened for indexing periods of 2000–2014 and 2007–2014, respectively. Patients who were refractory to both a PI and an IMiD (criterion 1) or who received three or more prior LOTs (including a PI and an IMiD) and showed disease progression within 60 days of their most recent regimen (criterion 2) comprised the eligible population. Median OS from time of last LOT was assessed for the full cohort, cohorts meeting criteria 1 and 2, and clinically important subgroups.

Results.

Of 3,929 and 3,837 patients with MM diagnoses evaluated in the IMS LifeLink and OPTUM databases, 500 and 162 met the eligibility criteria, respectively. Similar median OS was observed for eligible patients in the IMS LifeLink and OPTUM databases (7.9 vs. 7.9 months; p = .5358). In subgroup analyses of the IMS LifeLink data set, median OS was longer in patients <65 years of age than it was for those ≥65 years at eligibility (9.5 vs 6.7 months; p < .01) and in patients with good or unreported versus poor performance status at last claim (7.8 or 8.8 vs. 2.9 months; p < .0001).

Conclusion.

The findings of this survival analysis suggest that outcomes for these patients remain poor despite the availability of newer agents.
Ionophore Antibiotics as Cancer Stem Cell-Selective Drugs: Open Questions
Authors: Boesch Maximilian , Sopper Sieghart , Wolf Dominik
Published: August 2016

Ionophore antibiotics are promising compounds with potent anticancer and anti-cancer stem cell (anti-CSC) activity. However, resistance mediated by drug transporters potentially confines their use to CSC populations that do not exhibit appreciable drug efflux capacity. Further research is required to delineate which CSC subsets are likely to be susceptible to ionophore antibiotic cytotoxicity.
Revised quality and environment standards will drive improvements in construction
Authors: Van Sant Kasha
Published: August 2016

ISO 9001, the international standard for quality management systems, and the related ISO 14001 environmental management standard have recently been revised. Sally Swingewood and Anthony Burd of BSI discuss the implications for construction.
Using camera cars to assess the engineering impact of tsunamis on buildings
Authors: Bloodworth Alan
Published: August 2016

Online photographs taken by Google Street View camera cars before and shortly after the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami are helping civil engineers to assess the impacts of tsunami waves on buildings. Jessica Miles and Alan Bloodworth from the University of Southampton report.
Engineering properties of sand stabilised with borogypsum
Authors: Zaimoglu A. Sahin
Published: August 2016

This paper investigates the use of borogypsum in modification of the engineering properties of granular soils. In this study, a poorly graded sand sample was stabilised with borogypsum waste, varied in content between 10% and 40%. Standard Proctor compaction, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR), direct shear, freeze–thaw cycles and hydraulic conductivity tests were conducted on stabilised and unstabilised sand samples. The test results indicated that the addition of borogypsum to sand caused an increase in the optimum water content and maximum dry density. The UCS, CBR and cohesion intercept values were found to increase with increasing borogypsum content. However, the shear strength angle and coefficient of hydraulic conductivity decreased with increasing borogypsum content. The mass loss values after freeze–thaw cycles were found generally to be at a desirable level for sand–borogypsum mixtures.
Subgrade reaction modulus of Tehran alluvium
Authors: Moayed Reza Ziaie , Janbaz Masoud
Published: August 2016

In this paper the results of plate load tests conducted on cemented gravelly deposits in the north of Tehran, Iran, are presented. In order to evaluate the in situ modulus of the cemented gravelly deposits of Tehran alluvium, vertical plate load tests, standard penetration tests and traditional test pit borings were conducted in 75 different locations. The results of the plate load and standard penetration tests are analysed and discussed. The correlation between corrected standard penetration test blow counts (N) and subgrade reaction modulus (Ks) and elasticity modulus (Es) are presented for cemented gravels.