cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5815998.v1
title: Same institutions, same outcomes? Comparing the effect of electoral competition on the level of concentration of votes

description: Abstract The purpose of this paper is to identify the effect of electoral district magnitude on the spatial concentration of votes. Usually, district magnitude is a proxy for intraparty electoral competition, which incentivizes the personal vote. Studies about Brazil and other countries have considered the personal vote an explanation for the regional concentration of votes. However, the difficulty in directly identifying the concentration levels still remains—even though the districts possess different magnitudes—because the concentration levels of different candidates must not be directly compared. Nevertheless, the electoral simultaneity of the federal and the state legislative elections offers a quasi-experimental case for the effect of different magnitudes over votes’ spatial concentration, controlling for the variation of disputed seats over time. The data ranges from 1998 to 2010 and results indicate the magnitudes lead to the regional concentration of votes, confirming theoretical expectations.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5815995
title: Baseline and Quality Reference Values for Natural Radionuclides in Soils of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

description: ABSTRACT A first large-scale systematic survey of natural radioactivity contents of soils of the state of Rio de Janeiro is presented, focused on the establishment of Quality Reference Values (QRVs). Undisturbed soil samples were collected from 243 areas and analyzed by gamma spectrometry. The activity contents varied largely, ranging from 12.2 to 1,029 Bq kg−1 for 40K (geometric mean of 111.1 Bq kg−1), from 3.5 to 99.8 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra (geometric mean of 29.7 Bq kg−1), and from 5.4 to 314.5 Bq kg−1 for 228Ra (geometric mean of 67.1 Bq kg−1). The highest contents of radium isotopes were found in soils developed on igneous rocks (Leptosol), and the lowest in a soil of sedimentary origin (Podzol). Among the different soil types, the radioisotope contents differed substantially. Separate QRVs were calculated for each radionuclide by the 75th and 90th percentile approach, and the QRVs were estimated for each soil type. The results emphasized the restrictiveness of QRVs based on the 75th percentile or of a single overall QRV for all soils. Therefore, rather than estimating a separate QRV for each radionuclide for the State, we suggest the use of an upper threshold value, defined as the 90th percentile, and a specific QRV for each soil type area.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5815995.v1
title: Baseline and Quality Reference Values for Natural Radionuclides in Soils of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

description: ABSTRACT A first large-scale systematic survey of natural radioactivity contents of soils of the state of Rio de Janeiro is presented, focused on the establishment of Quality Reference Values (QRVs). Undisturbed soil samples were collected from 243 areas and analyzed by gamma spectrometry. The activity contents varied largely, ranging from 12.2 to 1,029 Bq kg−1 for 40K (geometric mean of 111.1 Bq kg−1), from 3.5 to 99.8 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra (geometric mean of 29.7 Bq kg−1), and from 5.4 to 314.5 Bq kg−1 for 228Ra (geometric mean of 67.1 Bq kg−1). The highest contents of radium isotopes were found in soils developed on igneous rocks (Leptosol), and the lowest in a soil of sedimentary origin (Podzol). Among the different soil types, the radioisotope contents differed substantially. Separate QRVs were calculated for each radionuclide by the 75th and 90th percentile approach, and the QRVs were estimated for each soil type. The results emphasized the restrictiveness of QRVs based on the 75th percentile or of a single overall QRV for all soils. Therefore, rather than estimating a separate QRV for each radionuclide for the State, we suggest the use of an upper threshold value, defined as the 90th percentile, and a specific QRV for each soil type area.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5815992
title: Microbiological and clinical effects of probiotics and antibiotics on nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis: a randomized placebo- controlled trial with 9-month follow-up

description: ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled and parallel- arm randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1-containing probiotic sachet and azithromycin tablets as an adjunct to nonsurgical therapy in clinical parameters and in presence and levels of Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Material and Methods: Forty-seven systemically healthy volunteers with chronic periodontitis were recruited and monitored clinically and microbiologically at baseline for 3, 6 and 9 months after therapy. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from four periodontal sites with clinical attachment level ≥1 mm, probing pocket depth ≥4 mm and bleeding on probing, one site in each quadrant. Samples were cultivated and processed using the PCR technique. Patients received nonsurgical therapy including scaling and root planing (SRP) and were randomly assigned to a probiotic (n=16), antibiotic (n = 16) or placebo (n = 15) group. L. rhamnosus SP1 was taken once a day for 3 months. Azithromycin 500mg was taken once a day for 5 days. Results: All groups showed improvements in clinical and microbiological parameters at all time points evaluated. Probiotic and antibiotic groups showed greater reductions in cultivable microbiota compared with baseline. The placebo group showed greater reduction in number of subjects with P. gingivalis compared with baseline. However, there were no significant differences between groups. Conclusions: The adjunctive use of L. rhamnosus SP1 sachets and azithromycin during initial therapy resulted in similar clinical and microbiological improvements compared with the placebo group.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5815992.v1
title: Microbiological and clinical effects of probiotics and antibiotics on nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis: a randomized placebo- controlled trial with 9-month follow-up

description: ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled and parallel- arm randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1-containing probiotic sachet and azithromycin tablets as an adjunct to nonsurgical therapy in clinical parameters and in presence and levels of Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Material and Methods: Forty-seven systemically healthy volunteers with chronic periodontitis were recruited and monitored clinically and microbiologically at baseline for 3, 6 and 9 months after therapy. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from four periodontal sites with clinical attachment level ≥1 mm, probing pocket depth ≥4 mm and bleeding on probing, one site in each quadrant. Samples were cultivated and processed using the PCR technique. Patients received nonsurgical therapy including scaling and root planing (SRP) and were randomly assigned to a probiotic (n=16), antibiotic (n = 16) or placebo (n = 15) group. L. rhamnosus SP1 was taken once a day for 3 months. Azithromycin 500mg was taken once a day for 5 days. Results: All groups showed improvements in clinical and microbiological parameters at all time points evaluated. Probiotic and antibiotic groups showed greater reductions in cultivable microbiota compared with baseline. The placebo group showed greater reduction in number of subjects with P. gingivalis compared with baseline. However, there were no significant differences between groups. Conclusions: The adjunctive use of L. rhamnosus SP1 sachets and azithromycin during initial therapy resulted in similar clinical and microbiological improvements compared with the placebo group.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5815989
title: Práticas Intervencionistas e Seus Efeitos sobre o Comércio Internacional de Soja: uma análise a partir de um Modelo de Equilíbrio Geral Computável e da Teoria dos Jogos

description: Abstract: The objective of this study was to analyze the bilateral trade between Brazil and the main actors in international commercialization of soybeans - Argentina, the United States and China - aiming to verify how the practice of certain intervention actions influence the trade dynamics of this commodity. In this sense, scenarios were simulated based on the commercial practices adopted by these countries, and the equilibrium results were obtained through the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) and analyzed on the basis of Game Theory. These results were used to construct the matrix of payoffs, associated to the commercial strategies of countries considered as players. The results showed that policies to encourage production are effective ways for governments to make countries more competitive and to obtain commercial gains from or in conjunction with others. It was noted that China could become a major competitor among the soybean exporters, depending on the policy adopted by the government and by Chinese institutions. It was concluded that market access is the main source of trade gains for the products of soybean complex, and that the elimination of tariffs on imports of these products brings significant gains to Brazil, the United States and to Argentina, as well as ways to subsidize production and/or exports.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5815989.v1
title: Práticas Intervencionistas e Seus Efeitos sobre o Comércio Internacional de Soja: uma análise a partir de um Modelo de Equilíbrio Geral Computável e da Teoria dos Jogos

description: Abstract: The objective of this study was to analyze the bilateral trade between Brazil and the main actors in international commercialization of soybeans - Argentina, the United States and China - aiming to verify how the practice of certain intervention actions influence the trade dynamics of this commodity. In this sense, scenarios were simulated based on the commercial practices adopted by these countries, and the equilibrium results were obtained through the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) and analyzed on the basis of Game Theory. These results were used to construct the matrix of payoffs, associated to the commercial strategies of countries considered as players. The results showed that policies to encourage production are effective ways for governments to make countries more competitive and to obtain commercial gains from or in conjunction with others. It was noted that China could become a major competitor among the soybean exporters, depending on the policy adopted by the government and by Chinese institutions. It was concluded that market access is the main source of trade gains for the products of soybean complex, and that the elimination of tariffs on imports of these products brings significant gains to Brazil, the United States and to Argentina, as well as ways to subsidize production and/or exports.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5815986
title: Antileishmanial activity of extracts from Libidibia ferrea: development of in vitro and in vivo tests

description: ABSTRACT Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is difficult due to the scarce number of drugs able to eliminate completely the intracellular form of the parasite. In the present study, the aim was to evaluate: i) phytochemical properties of extracts from Libidibia ferrea; ii) antileishmanial activity of extracts from L. ferrea against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis; iii) the effects of topical treatment using hydrogel containing active extract of L. ferrea on golden hamsters infected with L. (L.) amazonensis. Extracts from leaves, branches and fruits of L. ferrea were obtained with hexane and methanol and were tested by in vitro assays in promastigotes and murine macrophages J774 experimentally infected with amastigotes of Leishmania. Groups of hamsters with CL received topical treatment with a formulation of extract (10%) hydrogels, 50 mg.day-1 for 40 days. In vitro activity of FrMeOH (methanolic extract from fruits without seeds) resulted in significant reduction of viable promastigotes of L. (L.) amazonensis (IC50 of 15.4 µg.mL-1) and demonstrated inhibition potential of amastigote forms of L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (V.) guyanensis and low cytotoxicity in macrophages. The overall data of topical treatment with extract hydrogels (GelFrMeOH) showed that lesion sizes were significantly reduced (42.78%), with low parasite burden by RT-qPCR and culture analysis by microscopy examination, and with histopathological findings such as lower inflammatory cell infiltration 40 days after treatment. Chemical analysis demonstrated FrMeOH contains high levels of phenolic compounds. The results indicate a possible alternative therapy for CL using phytotherapics.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5815986.v1
title: Antileishmanial activity of extracts from Libidibia ferrea: development of in vitro and in vivo tests

description: ABSTRACT Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is difficult due to the scarce number of drugs able to eliminate completely the intracellular form of the parasite. In the present study, the aim was to evaluate: i) phytochemical properties of extracts from Libidibia ferrea; ii) antileishmanial activity of extracts from L. ferrea against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis; iii) the effects of topical treatment using hydrogel containing active extract of L. ferrea on golden hamsters infected with L. (L.) amazonensis. Extracts from leaves, branches and fruits of L. ferrea were obtained with hexane and methanol and were tested by in vitro assays in promastigotes and murine macrophages J774 experimentally infected with amastigotes of Leishmania. Groups of hamsters with CL received topical treatment with a formulation of extract (10%) hydrogels, 50 mg.day-1 for 40 days. In vitro activity of FrMeOH (methanolic extract from fruits without seeds) resulted in significant reduction of viable promastigotes of L. (L.) amazonensis (IC50 of 15.4 µg.mL-1) and demonstrated inhibition potential of amastigote forms of L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (V.) guyanensis and low cytotoxicity in macrophages. The overall data of topical treatment with extract hydrogels (GelFrMeOH) showed that lesion sizes were significantly reduced (42.78%), with low parasite burden by RT-qPCR and culture analysis by microscopy examination, and with histopathological findings such as lower inflammatory cell infiltration 40 days after treatment. Chemical analysis demonstrated FrMeOH contains high levels of phenolic compounds. The results indicate a possible alternative therapy for CL using phytotherapics.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5815983
title: Diagnosis and treatment of anaphylaxis: there is an urgent needs to implement the use of guidelines

description: ABSTRACT Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening generalized or systemic hypersensitivity reaction that requires rapid and adequate care. This study aimed to obtain an integrated view of the level of physicians' knowledge related with treatment of anaphylaxis in studies published within the last 5 years. Sixteen studies were found and four points were identified as of the great interest to the authors: (1) emergency pharmacological treatment, (2) epinephrine auto-injectors prescription, (3) knowledge of the main signs of anaphylaxis, and (4) admission of the patient to verify biphasic reactions. Concern about the use of intramuscular adrenaline as the first choice in relation with anaphylaxis was evident in most studies, rather than its use in the comparison dial, and especially low in a study that included data from Brazil, in which the frequency of its use was 23.8%. An adrenaline autoinjector is highly recommended among specialists for patients at risk of anaphylaxis, however, its use is still infrequent among non-specialists and in countries that this agent is not available. Intervention studies have shown improved medical knowledge of anaphylaxis following disclosure of the information contained in the international guidelines. The analysis of these studies reinforces the need to disseminate international guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of anaphylaxis, as well as providing an adrenaline autoinjector, to improve management and to prevent a fatal outcome.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5815983.v1
title: Diagnosis and treatment of anaphylaxis: there is an urgent needs to implement the use of guidelines

description: ABSTRACT Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening generalized or systemic hypersensitivity reaction that requires rapid and adequate care. This study aimed to obtain an integrated view of the level of physicians' knowledge related with treatment of anaphylaxis in studies published within the last 5 years. Sixteen studies were found and four points were identified as of the great interest to the authors: (1) emergency pharmacological treatment, (2) epinephrine auto-injectors prescription, (3) knowledge of the main signs of anaphylaxis, and (4) admission of the patient to verify biphasic reactions. Concern about the use of intramuscular adrenaline as the first choice in relation with anaphylaxis was evident in most studies, rather than its use in the comparison dial, and especially low in a study that included data from Brazil, in which the frequency of its use was 23.8%. An adrenaline autoinjector is highly recommended among specialists for patients at risk of anaphylaxis, however, its use is still infrequent among non-specialists and in countries that this agent is not available. Intervention studies have shown improved medical knowledge of anaphylaxis following disclosure of the information contained in the international guidelines. The analysis of these studies reinforces the need to disseminate international guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of anaphylaxis, as well as providing an adrenaline autoinjector, to improve management and to prevent a fatal outcome.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5815980
title: The association between adult-type hypolactasia and symptoms of functional dyspepsia

description: Abstract Functional dyspepsia and lactose intolerance (adult-type hypolactasia, ATH) are common conditions that may coexist or even be confounded. Their clinical presentation can be similar, however, lactose intolerance does not form part of the diagnostic investigation of functional dyspepsia. Studies on the association between functional dyspepsia and ATH are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate whether ATH is associated with symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Patients fulfilling the Rome III diagnostic criteria for functional dyspepsia underwent genetic testing for ATH. Dyspeptic symptoms were evaluated and scored according to a validated questionnaire. The diagnostic criteria for ATH was a CC genotype for the -13910C/T polymorphism, located upstream of the lactase gene. The mean scores for dyspeptic symptoms were compared between patients with ATH and those with lactase persistence. A total of 197 functional dyspeptic patients were included in the study. Mean age was 47.7 years and 82.7% patients were women. Eighty-eight patients (44.7%) had a diagnosis of ATH. Abdominal bloating scores were higher in ATH patients compared to the lactase persistent patients (P=0.014). The remaining dyspeptic symptom scores were not significantly different between the two groups. The study results demonstrate an association between ATH and bloating in patients with functional dyspepsia.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5815980.v1
title: The association between adult-type hypolactasia and symptoms of functional dyspepsia

description: Abstract Functional dyspepsia and lactose intolerance (adult-type hypolactasia, ATH) are common conditions that may coexist or even be confounded. Their clinical presentation can be similar, however, lactose intolerance does not form part of the diagnostic investigation of functional dyspepsia. Studies on the association between functional dyspepsia and ATH are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate whether ATH is associated with symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Patients fulfilling the Rome III diagnostic criteria for functional dyspepsia underwent genetic testing for ATH. Dyspeptic symptoms were evaluated and scored according to a validated questionnaire. The diagnostic criteria for ATH was a CC genotype for the -13910C/T polymorphism, located upstream of the lactase gene. The mean scores for dyspeptic symptoms were compared between patients with ATH and those with lactase persistence. A total of 197 functional dyspeptic patients were included in the study. Mean age was 47.7 years and 82.7% patients were women. Eighty-eight patients (44.7%) had a diagnosis of ATH. Abdominal bloating scores were higher in ATH patients compared to the lactase persistent patients (P=0.014). The remaining dyspeptic symptom scores were not significantly different between the two groups. The study results demonstrate an association between ATH and bloating in patients with functional dyspepsia.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5815974
title: Acaricidal activity of extracts from different structures of Piper tuberculatum against larvae and adults of Rhipicephalus microplus

description: ABSTRACT The strategies to control the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus are based mainly on the use of synthetic pesticides. However, the emergence, establishment, and development of resistance of ticks is rendering the main chemical groups ineffective. Finding new molecules to effectively control infestations by R. microplus is necessary to maintain the productivity of cattle herds, particularly of taurine breeds established in equatorial and tropical regions of the world. Ethanol extracts from the leaves, stems, and fruits of Piper tuberculatum were evaluated in bioassays at concentrations of 50, 25, 12.50, 6.25, 3.12 and 1.56 mg mL-1. The concentrations lethal to 50% of the individuals (LC50) of tick larvae after 24 hours of exposure were 3.62, 3.99 and 5.30 mg mL-1 for fruit, stem and leaf extracts, respectively. Against the engorged females, the highest efficacy rates were obtained at the concentration of 50 mg mL-1, corresponding to 71.57%, 68.38% and 37.03% of the fruit, leaf and stem extracts, respectively. The main effect of the ethanol extracts was on the egg hatching rate of ticks, with a reduction of 55.63% for the fruit and leaf extracts, and 20.82% for the stem extract. The results show that P. tuberculatum is a promising source of molecules for use as active ingredients in pesticide formulations for R. microplus control.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5815974.v1
title: Acaricidal activity of extracts from different structures of Piper tuberculatum against larvae and adults of Rhipicephalus microplus

description: ABSTRACT The strategies to control the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus are based mainly on the use of synthetic pesticides. However, the emergence, establishment, and development of resistance of ticks is rendering the main chemical groups ineffective. Finding new molecules to effectively control infestations by R. microplus is necessary to maintain the productivity of cattle herds, particularly of taurine breeds established in equatorial and tropical regions of the world. Ethanol extracts from the leaves, stems, and fruits of Piper tuberculatum were evaluated in bioassays at concentrations of 50, 25, 12.50, 6.25, 3.12 and 1.56 mg mL-1. The concentrations lethal to 50% of the individuals (LC50) of tick larvae after 24 hours of exposure were 3.62, 3.99 and 5.30 mg mL-1 for fruit, stem and leaf extracts, respectively. Against the engorged females, the highest efficacy rates were obtained at the concentration of 50 mg mL-1, corresponding to 71.57%, 68.38% and 37.03% of the fruit, leaf and stem extracts, respectively. The main effect of the ethanol extracts was on the egg hatching rate of ticks, with a reduction of 55.63% for the fruit and leaf extracts, and 20.82% for the stem extract. The results show that P. tuberculatum is a promising source of molecules for use as active ingredients in pesticide formulations for R. microplus control.