cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7676504
title: Enhanced shoot investment makes invasive plants exhibit growth advantages in high nitrogen conditions

description: Abstract Resource amendments commonly promote plant invasions, raising concerns over the potential consequences of nitrogen (N) deposition; however, it is unclear whether invaders will benefit from N deposition more than natives. Growth is among the most fundamental inherent traits of plants and thus good invaders may have superior growth advantages in response to resource amendments. We compared the growth and allocation between invasive and native plants in different N regimes including controls (ambient N concentrations). We found that invasive plants always grew much larger than native plants in varying N conditions, regardless of growth- or phylogeny-based analyses, and that the former allocated more biomass to shoots than the latter. Although N addition enhanced the growth of invasive plants, this enhancement did not increase with increasing N addition. Across invasive and native species, changes in shoot biomass allocation were positively correlated with changes in whole-plant biomass; and the slope of this relationship was greater in invasive plants than native plants. These findings suggest that enhanced shoot investment makes invasive plants retain a growth advantage in high N conditions relative to natives, and also highlight that future N deposition may increase the risks of plant invasions.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7676507.v1
title: Microbial contamination in eye drops of patients in glaucoma treatment

description: Abstract Objetives: To assess the degree of fungal and bacterial contamination of hypotensive eye drops and the way these are preserved by the patients at the Glaucoma outpatient clinic of Santa Casa Hospital in Ribeirão Preto. Methods: Fifty-five patients were randomly assigned to follow-up in the outpatient clinic and, after their consent, an eye drop was collected per patient and later sent by mail for analysis by microbiologist and pathologist in up to 72 hours. Approximately 0.5ml of the medications were analyzed and the patients were asked to answer a simple questionnaire on the method of drug conservation and whether they considered it adequate. Results: Of the 55 analysed eye drops, five (9.01%) had their liquid contents contaminated. Among the microorganisms isolated there were 4 Gram negative bacteria, 1 (1.8%) by Serratia marcenses, 1 (1.8%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 2 (3.6%) Stenotrophomas maltophilia. An eye drop was contaminated by the fungus Candida ssp. All the patients in the study judged their methods of storage and instillation appropriate. The patients who had the positive coliria were summoned for clinical examination and passed through a new questionnaire by the investigator. Conclusion: The time and methods of preservation influence the contamination of medicinal products. All the eye drops that presented growth of microorganisms in the present study were open between 30 and 90 days. The fact that most patients take their eye drops on daily tasks increases the exposure of the bottles and can be a relevant fact to determine the contamination of these medications.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7676495
title: ACE/ACTN3 GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE OF FEMALE SOCCER PLAYERS`

description: ABSTRACT Objective: Previous studies have shown controversial relationships between ACE and ACTN3 gene polymorphisms and sports performance. Thus, the aim of our study was to assess anaerobic and aerobic performance indicators of young female soccer players with different ACE/ACTN3 gene profiles. Methods: Twenty-seven female soccer players aged 16-18 underwent acceleration, speed, strength, anaerobic power and aerobic endurance tests and had their ACE and ACTN3 polymorphisms determined. Results: Based on genetic analysis, they were divided into the following groups: ACE II (n=2), ACE ID (n=11), ACE DD (n=14), ACTN3 XX (n=5), ACTN3 RR (n=7) and ACTN3 RX (n=15). ACE DD and ACE ID groups differed significantly in terms of results achieved on the 5 m sprint test (1.15±0.05 s vs 1.10±0.05 s, P=0.42). ACTN3 RR and RX achieved better results than the ACTN3 XX group in seven continuous vertical jumps (26.57±1.59 cm vs 25.77±2.51 cm vs 22.86±1.16 cm, respectively; P=0.007 for RR vs XX and P=0.021 for RX vs XX). Conclusion: High prevalence of ACE DD and ACTN3 RX genotypes in our subjects may suggest that faster and more powerful young females tend to perform better in soccer. Nevertheless, the absence of differences in most of the physical test results indicates that different genotypes are compatible with high-level soccer performance, meaning that it is the phenotype-genotype interaction that makes a successful female soccer player. Level of Evidence I, Prognostic studies — Investigating the effect of a patient characteristic on disease outcome.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7676498.v1
title: DIFFERENT STAGES OF LIQUID FILM GROWTH IN A MICROCHANNEL: TWO-PHASE LATTICE BOLTZMANN STUDY

description: Abstract A free energy model is used to describe the droplet formation and break-up process in a T-junction bio-microchannel. Droplets are created as a result of interaction of two immiscible liquids. Different stages for the droplet formation process are analyzed which are: a) growing in the x and y directions, b) growing in the x direction and c) detachment process. The effects of capillary number and flow rate ratio on the droplet formation stages are also studied. The influences of Capillary number, flow rate ratio, viscosity ratio and geometrical parameters on droplet break up, droplet size and detachment time are systematically studied. By increasing the flow rate ratio; the duration of droplet formation and the length of the x-growth stage are decreased for small capillary numbers. For larger capillary numbers; the droplet penetrates toward the downstream; therefore, the length of the x-growth stage is increased. The start of detachment process in the microchannel is also reported, which is related to narrowing of the neck of the liquid film. The results show that the detachment time is increased by decreasing the Capillary number. For Ca&gt;0.02, the detachment time is independent of the flow rate ratios. Moreover; the effects of viscosity ratios on detachment time are not significant in comparison to the effects of capillary number. For Ca&lt;0.04, the size of the droplet is independent of the viscosity ratio, but after the critical Capillary number (i.e., Ca=0.04), the size of the droplet is varied by the viscosity ratio. The time between two consecutive drops is also decreased by increasing the Capillary number. Moreover, this time is decreased by increasing the flow rate ratio until Ca=0.04. After this Capillary number, the flow rate ratios have no significant effect on the time between two consecutive droplets. An exhaustive validation study is performed including (a) the Laplace equation in the stationary droplet; (b) a contact angle test; (c) Taylor deformation test in shear flow and (d) comparison of the droplet length as a function of flow rate ratio between the present work and other studies.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7676489
title: Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation Precedes Elevations in Blood Pressure Induced by a High-Fat Diet

description: Abstract Background: Obesity leads to a chronic inflammatory state, endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. Objective: To establish the time-course of events regarding inflammatory markers, endothelial dysfunction, systolic blood pressure (SBP) in obesity in only one experimental model. Methods: We fed male Wistar rats (eight-week age) with a standard diet (Control - CT, n = 35), or palatable high-fat diet (HFD, n = 35) for 24 weeks. Every six weeks, 7 animals from each group were randomly selected for euthanasia. SBP and serum levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein, adiponectin and nitric oxide were determined. Endothelial and vascular smooth muscle functions were determined in dissected aorta and lipid peroxidation was measured. Statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines began to increase after six weeks of a high-fat diet, while those of the anti-inflammatory cytokine adiponectin decreased. Interestingly, the endothelial function and serum nitric oxide began to decrease after six weeks in HFD group. The SBP and lipid peroxidation began to increase at 12 weeks in HFD group. In addition, we showed that total visceral fat mass was negatively correlated with endothelial function and positively correlated with SBP. Conclusion: Our results show the time-course of deleterious effects and their correlation with obesity.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7676504.v1
title: Enhanced shoot investment makes invasive plants exhibit growth advantages in high nitrogen conditions

description: Abstract Resource amendments commonly promote plant invasions, raising concerns over the potential consequences of nitrogen (N) deposition; however, it is unclear whether invaders will benefit from N deposition more than natives. Growth is among the most fundamental inherent traits of plants and thus good invaders may have superior growth advantages in response to resource amendments. We compared the growth and allocation between invasive and native plants in different N regimes including controls (ambient N concentrations). We found that invasive plants always grew much larger than native plants in varying N conditions, regardless of growth- or phylogeny-based analyses, and that the former allocated more biomass to shoots than the latter. Although N addition enhanced the growth of invasive plants, this enhancement did not increase with increasing N addition. Across invasive and native species, changes in shoot biomass allocation were positively correlated with changes in whole-plant biomass; and the slope of this relationship was greater in invasive plants than native plants. These findings suggest that enhanced shoot investment makes invasive plants retain a growth advantage in high N conditions relative to natives, and also highlight that future N deposition may increase the risks of plant invasions.
DOI: 10.7284/123964
title: GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data collected during research cruise BH15-16 using a Northstar 941X instrument system onboard the platform RV Blue Heron

description: Original (unprocessed) data collected during a Field_expedition
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7676486
title: The exchange rate dynamics facing swap operations in Brasil (2002-2015): a post- -keynesian approach

description: Abstract Based on the Post-Keynesian theory, we investigate the relationship between the Brazilian Real exchange rate behavior and the Brazilian Central Bank swap interventions over 2002-2015. Initially, we analyze open market economy properties and present theoretical propositions on the exchange rate determination, highlighting features of the Brazilian foreign exchange market and of Brazil's position in the international monetary system. Then, we undertake empirical exams on the nominal and real-effective exchange rates determination using two statistical methods. In order to measure the volatility of the mentioned exchange rates, we estimate ARCH/GARCH models, which reported volatility during 2002-2015. Furthermore, to measure the variance of exchange rates in relation to swaps, we estimate a VAR model. The relationship found is that swaps are responses to the behavior of the nominal exchange rate, although its effects are more noticed on the real effective exchange rate.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7676495.v1
title: ACE/ACTN3 GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE OF FEMALE SOCCER PLAYERS`

description: ABSTRACT Objective: Previous studies have shown controversial relationships between ACE and ACTN3 gene polymorphisms and sports performance. Thus, the aim of our study was to assess anaerobic and aerobic performance indicators of young female soccer players with different ACE/ACTN3 gene profiles. Methods: Twenty-seven female soccer players aged 16-18 underwent acceleration, speed, strength, anaerobic power and aerobic endurance tests and had their ACE and ACTN3 polymorphisms determined. Results: Based on genetic analysis, they were divided into the following groups: ACE II (n=2), ACE ID (n=11), ACE DD (n=14), ACTN3 XX (n=5), ACTN3 RR (n=7) and ACTN3 RX (n=15). ACE DD and ACE ID groups differed significantly in terms of results achieved on the 5 m sprint test (1.15±0.05 s vs 1.10±0.05 s, P=0.42). ACTN3 RR and RX achieved better results than the ACTN3 XX group in seven continuous vertical jumps (26.57±1.59 cm vs 25.77±2.51 cm vs 22.86±1.16 cm, respectively; P=0.007 for RR vs XX and P=0.021 for RX vs XX). Conclusion: High prevalence of ACE DD and ACTN3 RX genotypes in our subjects may suggest that faster and more powerful young females tend to perform better in soccer. Nevertheless, the absence of differences in most of the physical test results indicates that different genotypes are compatible with high-level soccer performance, meaning that it is the phenotype-genotype interaction that makes a successful female soccer player. Level of Evidence I, Prognostic studies — Investigating the effect of a patient characteristic on disease outcome.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7676480
title: Behavior of Blood Pressure Variables in Children and Adolescents with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

description: Abstract Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-chromosome-linked genetic disorder (locus Xp21). Involvement of the cardiovascular system is characterized by fibrous degeneration/replacement of myocytes with consequent ventricular hypertrophy and arterial hypertension. Objective: To assess, by using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, the behavior of blood pressure variables in children and adolescents with a confirmed diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Methods: Prospective observational cohort study, which selected 46 patients followed up on an outpatient basis, divided according to age groups. Blood pressure was classified according to the age percentile. The monitoring interpretation includes systolic and diastolic blood pressure means, systolic and diastolic blood pressure loads, and nocturnal dipping. The blood pressure means were calculated for the 24-hour, wakefulness and sleep periods. Nocturnal dipping was defined as a drop in blood pressure means during sleep greater than 10%. The significance level adopted was p &lt; 0.05. Results: Nocturnal dipping for systolic blood pressure was present in 29.9% of the participants. Approximately 53% of them had attenuated nocturnal dipping, and 15%, reverse nocturnal dipping. The age groups of 9-11 years and 6-8 years had the greatest percentage of attenuation, 19.1% and 14.9%, respectively. Regarding diastolic blood pressure, nocturnal dipping was identified in 53.2% of the children, being extreme in 27.7% of those in the age group of 6-11 years. Conclusions: The early diagnosis of blood pressure changes can allow the appropriate and specific therapy, aimed at increasing the life expectancy of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7676483
title: The Role of Caspase-3, Apoptosis-Inducing Factor, and B-cell Lymphoma-2 Expressions in Term Premature Rupture of Membrane

description: Abstract Objective To determine the role of caspase-3, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and Bcell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expressions in term premature rupture of membrane (PROM). Methods An analytic observational study with case-control design was conducted, involving 52 subjects (37-42 weeks of gestation) who were divided into 2 groups: 26 cases of term delivery with PROM, and 26 controls of term delivery without PROM. The expressions of caspase-3, AIF, and Bcl-2 in the amniotic membrane were determined by immunohistochemistry. Data were analyzed using the chi-squared test. The risk of PROM was expressed by odds ratio (OR). Results There were no significant differences in age, parity and body mass index between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05). High caspase-3 and AIF expressions increased the risk of PROM 17.64 times (OR = 17.64; 95% CI = 4.44-70.07; p = 0.001) and 9.45 times (OR = 9.45; 95% CI= 2.62-34.07; p = 0.001), respectively, while low Bcl-2 expression increased 10.39 times (OR = 10.39; 95% CI = 2.73-39.56; p = 0.001)the risk of PROM . Conclusion High caspase-3 and AIF expressions and low Bcl-2 expression were risk factors for term PROM. Caspase-dependent and independent pathways of apoptosis were involved in the mechanism of PROM in term pregnancy.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7676489.v1
title: Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation Precedes Elevations in Blood Pressure Induced by a High-Fat Diet

description: Abstract Background: Obesity leads to a chronic inflammatory state, endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. Objective: To establish the time-course of events regarding inflammatory markers, endothelial dysfunction, systolic blood pressure (SBP) in obesity in only one experimental model. Methods: We fed male Wistar rats (eight-week age) with a standard diet (Control - CT, n = 35), or palatable high-fat diet (HFD, n = 35) for 24 weeks. Every six weeks, 7 animals from each group were randomly selected for euthanasia. SBP and serum levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein, adiponectin and nitric oxide were determined. Endothelial and vascular smooth muscle functions were determined in dissected aorta and lipid peroxidation was measured. Statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines began to increase after six weeks of a high-fat diet, while those of the anti-inflammatory cytokine adiponectin decreased. Interestingly, the endothelial function and serum nitric oxide began to decrease after six weeks in HFD group. The SBP and lipid peroxidation began to increase at 12 weeks in HFD group. In addition, we showed that total visceral fat mass was negatively correlated with endothelial function and positively correlated with SBP. Conclusion: Our results show the time-course of deleterious effects and their correlation with obesity.
DOI: 10.7284/123943
title: TSG (Thermosalinograph) data collected during research cruise BH15-16 using a Sea-Bird SBE-21 instrument system onboard the platform RV Blue Heron

description: Original (unprocessed) data collected during a Field_expedition
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7676474
title: Excessive abdominal adiposity and body fat are associated with lower serum vitamin D levels: A population-based study

description: ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and to analyze factors associated with lower serum vitamin levels in Brazilian adults. Methods A cross-sectional, population-based study consisted of 626 adult individuals of both sexes living in the urban area of Viçosa, Minas Gerais. The dependent variable used was the serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and the independent variables were sociodemographic, anthropometric and body composition variables. The associations among the variables were verified using simple and multiple linear regression models, considering alpha lower than 0.05 for the input in the final model. Results The prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was 14.4% and the prevalence was 42.0%. Excess abdominal fat was higher in subjects with 25-hydroxyvitamin D sufficiency. The serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was 30.34±9.85ng/ml. Body adiposity was higher in men with vitamin insufficiency. Negative associations were observed between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and age, educational level, body adiposity (p=0.028) and abdominal adiposity (p=0.023). Conclusion Our results showed that excess body and abdominal adiposity are strong predictors of alterations in the serum vitamin D levels, thus public policies for prevention and treatment in this population are essential.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7676480.v1
title: Behavior of Blood Pressure Variables in Children and Adolescents with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

description: Abstract Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-chromosome-linked genetic disorder (locus Xp21). Involvement of the cardiovascular system is characterized by fibrous degeneration/replacement of myocytes with consequent ventricular hypertrophy and arterial hypertension. Objective: To assess, by using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, the behavior of blood pressure variables in children and adolescents with a confirmed diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Methods: Prospective observational cohort study, which selected 46 patients followed up on an outpatient basis, divided according to age groups. Blood pressure was classified according to the age percentile. The monitoring interpretation includes systolic and diastolic blood pressure means, systolic and diastolic blood pressure loads, and nocturnal dipping. The blood pressure means were calculated for the 24-hour, wakefulness and sleep periods. Nocturnal dipping was defined as a drop in blood pressure means during sleep greater than 10%. The significance level adopted was p &lt; 0.05. Results: Nocturnal dipping for systolic blood pressure was present in 29.9% of the participants. Approximately 53% of them had attenuated nocturnal dipping, and 15%, reverse nocturnal dipping. The age groups of 9-11 years and 6-8 years had the greatest percentage of attenuation, 19.1% and 14.9%, respectively. Regarding diastolic blood pressure, nocturnal dipping was identified in 53.2% of the children, being extreme in 27.7% of those in the age group of 6-11 years. Conclusions: The early diagnosis of blood pressure changes can allow the appropriate and specific therapy, aimed at increasing the life expectancy of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7676483.v1
title: The Role of Caspase-3, Apoptosis-Inducing Factor, and B-cell Lymphoma-2 Expressions in Term Premature Rupture of Membrane

description: Abstract Objective To determine the role of caspase-3, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and Bcell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expressions in term premature rupture of membrane (PROM). Methods An analytic observational study with case-control design was conducted, involving 52 subjects (37-42 weeks of gestation) who were divided into 2 groups: 26 cases of term delivery with PROM, and 26 controls of term delivery without PROM. The expressions of caspase-3, AIF, and Bcl-2 in the amniotic membrane were determined by immunohistochemistry. Data were analyzed using the chi-squared test. The risk of PROM was expressed by odds ratio (OR). Results There were no significant differences in age, parity and body mass index between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05). High caspase-3 and AIF expressions increased the risk of PROM 17.64 times (OR = 17.64; 95% CI = 4.44-70.07; p = 0.001) and 9.45 times (OR = 9.45; 95% CI= 2.62-34.07; p = 0.001), respectively, while low Bcl-2 expression increased 10.39 times (OR = 10.39; 95% CI = 2.73-39.56; p = 0.001)the risk of PROM . Conclusion High caspase-3 and AIF expressions and low Bcl-2 expression were risk factors for term PROM. Caspase-dependent and independent pathways of apoptosis were involved in the mechanism of PROM in term pregnancy.