Showing papers by "Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina published in 2008"
TL;DR: The LHCb experiment is dedicated to precision measurements of CP violation and rare decays of B hadrons at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN (Geneva).
Abstract: The LHCb experiment is dedicated to precision measurements of CP violation and rare decays of B hadrons at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN (Geneva). The initial configuration and expected performance of the detector and associated systems, as established by test beam measurements and simulation studies, is described.
2,286 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the relationship between ASC hydration, unrestrained drying and autogenous shrinkage of mortar specimens and determined the chemical and microstructure evolution due to hydration.
405 citations
TL;DR: It is proposed here that short-term, intra-individual variations in emotionality, although normally overlooked, constitute an important factor in the study of anxiety and can lead to unreliable estimates of the similarities between tests.
386 citations
TL;DR: The biological properties of flavonoids include antioxidant, anti-inflamatory, antitumoral, antiviral and antibacterial, as well as a direct cytoprotective effect on coronary and vascular systems, the pancreas and the liver, place them among the most attractive natural substances available to enrich the current therapy options.
Abstract: The purpose of this review is to discuss the recent developments related to the chemistry and medicinal properties of flavonoids. Major flavonoids that show well categorized structures and well defined structure functionrelationships are: flavans, flavanones, flavones, flavanonols, flavonols, catechins, anthocyanidins and isoflavone. The biological properties of flavonoids include antioxidant, anti-inflamatory, antitumoral, antiviral and antibacterial, as well as a direct cytoprotective effect on coronary and vascular systems, the pancreas and the liver. These characteristics place them among the most attractive natural substances available to enrich the current therapy options.
329 citations
01 Jun 2008
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe a special class of representations of an inverse semigroup S on Hilbert's space which they term tight, which are supported on a subset of the spectrum of the idempotent semilattice of S, which is in turn shown to be precisely the closure of the space of ultra-filters, once filters are identified with semicharacters in a natural way.
Abstract: We describe a special class of representations of an inverse semigroup S on Hilbert's space which we term tight. These representations are supported on a subset of the spectrum of the idempotent semilattice of S, called the tight spectrum, which is in turn shown to be precisely the closure of the space of ultra-filters, once filters are identified with semicharacters in a natural way. These representations are moreover shown to correspond to representations of the C*-algebra of the groupoid of germs for the action of S on its tight spectrum. We then treat the case of certain inverse semigroups constructed from semigroupoids, generalizing and inspired by inverse semigroups constructed from ordinary and higher rank graphs. The tight representations of this inverse semigroup are in one-to-one correspondence with representations of the semigroupoid, and consequently the semigroupoid algebra is given a groupoid model. The groupoid which arises from this construction is shown to be the same as the boundary path groupoid of Farthing, Muhly and Yeend, at least in the singly aligned, sourceless case.
309 citations
TL;DR: The available animal models of diabetes and some in vitro models which have been used as tools to investigate the mechanism of action of drugs with potential antidiabetic properties are reviewed to contribute to the researcher in the ethnopharmacology field to designs new strategies for the development of novel drugs to treat this serious condition.
299 citations
TL;DR: Findings suggest that partial striatal dopaminergic degeneration and parallel dopamineergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic alterations in striatum and prefrontal cortex may have caused the emotional and cognitive deficits observed in this rat model of early phase PD.
299 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of glycerol and sorbitol on the water sorption isotherms and water vapor permeability (Kw) of cassava starch films prepared by casting were investigated.
284 citations
TL;DR: Collectively, Artepillin C showed anti-inflammatory effects mediated, at least in part, by prostaglandin E(2) and nitric oxide inhibition through NF-kappaB modulation, and exhibited bioavailability by oral administration.
252 citations
TL;DR: A review of the main dead-time compensators (DTC) described in literature is presented in this article, where the basic Smith predictor (SP) showing its advantages and drawbacks is analyzed.
242 citations
TL;DR: CBD, a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid could be an interesting pharmacological approach to reduce the anxiogenic effects of stress and promote the extinction of fear memories.
TL;DR: The antibacterial activity of 31 chalcones was tested against bacterial strains, Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and Staphylococcus aureus AT CC 25923.
TL;DR: The SLS prototypes showed greater dimensional precision and reproduced craniomaxillary anatomy more accurately than the 3DPtrade mark models, and may be useful aids in most maxillofacial surgeries.
Abstract: Summary Background Selective laser sintering (SLS) and three-dimensional printing (3DP™) are rapid prototyping (RP) techniques to fabricate prototypes from biomedical images. To be used in maxillofacial surgery, these models must accurately reproduce the craniofacial skeleton. Purpose To analyze the capacity of SLS and 3DP™ models to reproduce craniomaxillary anatomy and their dimensional error. Material Dry skull, helical computed-tomography images, SLS and 3DP™ prototypes, and electronic calliper. Methods Tomographic images of a dry skull were manipulated with the InVesalius biomedical software. Prototypes were fabricated using SLS and 3DP™ techniques. Ten linear measurements were made on the models and compared with corresponding dry skull measurements (criterion standard) carried out with an electronic calliper. Results We observed a dimensional error of 2.10 and 2.67% for SLS and 3DP™ models, respectively. The models satisfactorily reproduced anatomic details, except for thin bones, small foramina and acute bone projections. The SLS prototypes showed greater dimensional precision and reproduced craniomaxillary anatomy more accurately than the 3DP™ models. Conclusion Both SLS and 3DP™ models provided acceptable precision and may be useful aids in most maxillofacial surgeries.
TL;DR: The performance of a generic predictive control strategy in drug dosing control, with a previously reported anesthesia-specific control algorithm, has been evaluated and the robustness properties of the predictive controller are evaluated with respect to inter- and intrapatient variability.
Abstract: This paper presents the application of predictive control to drug dosing during anesthesia in patients undergoing surgery. The performance of a generic predictive control strategy in drug dosing control, with a previously reported anesthesia-specific control algorithm, has been evaluated. The robustness properties of the predictive controller are evaluated with respect to inter- and intrapatient variability. A single-input (propofol) single-output (bispectral index, BIS) model of the patient has been assumed for prediction as well as for simulation. A set of 12 patient models were studied and interpatient variability and disturbances are used to assess robustness of the controller. Furthermore, the controller guarantees the stability in a desired range. The applicability of the predictive controller in a real-life environment via simulation studies has been assessed.
TL;DR: Results have shown that the generated regression models adequately explained the data variation and significantly represented the actual relationship between the independent variables and the responses.
TL;DR: A review of apple pomace as a substrate for biotechnological applications can be found in this article, where a wide range of application of agroindustrial by-products in bioprocesses offers a range of alternative substrates, thus helping solve pollution problems related to their disposal.
Abstract: Apple pomace is the processing waste generated after apple juice manufacturing and represents up to 30% of the original fruit. This solid residue consists of a complex mixture of peel, core, seed, calyx, stem, and soft tissue. This residual material is a poor animal feed supplement because of its extremely low protein content and high amount of sugar. The application of agroindustrial by-products in bioprocesses offers a wide range of alternative substrates, thus helping solve pollution problems related to their disposal. Attempts have been made to use apple pomace to generate several value-added products, such as enzymes, single cell protein, aroma compounds, ethanol, organic acids, polysaccharides, and mushrooms. This article reviews recent developments regarding processes and products that employed apple pomace as a substrate for biotechnological applications.
TL;DR: This study is the first to show that prenatal exposure to MeHG disrupts the postnatal development of the glutathione antioxidant system in the mouse brain, pointing to an additional molecular mechanism by which MeHg induces pro-oxidative damage in the developing CNS.
TL;DR: The epidemiology, diagnosis, associated factors and treatment of the main psychiatric disorders after TBI are approached.
Abstract: Psychiatric disorders after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are frequent. Researches in this area are important for the patients’ care and they may provide hints for the comprehension of primary psychiatric disorders. Here we approach epidemiology, diagnosis, associated factors and treatment of the main psychiatric disorders after TBI. Finally, the present situation of the knowledge in this field is discussed.
TL;DR: A high percentage of elderly citizens in Joaçaba show low functional capacity, leading to dependency, and health programs that delay the onset of such disabilities could contribute to healthier aging.
Abstract: The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of low functional capacity and associated factors in Joacaba, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, in 2003-2004, using a household survey (n = 345). Subjects who demonstrated difficulty in performing 6 or more activities or inability to conduct 3 of the activities according to the scale proposed by Rikli & Jones were defined as having low functional capacity. A questionnaire covering socioeconomic, demographic, housing, and self-perceived socioeconomic variables was applied. The study included distribution of the target variables' simple frequency, chi-square association tests, and multiple logistic regression analysis. The response rate was 92.7%, with a low functional prevalence of 37.1% (95%CI: 32.0-42.2). Mean age was 69.5 years. After adjusting for confounding variables, the factors associated with low functional capacity were: age > 70 years, female gender, and negative self-perceived socioeconomic status. A high percentage of elderly citizens in Joacaba show low functional capacity, leading to dependency. Health programs that delay the onset of such disabilities could contribute to healthier aging.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate associacao entre nivel de atividade fisica and the estado de saude mental de pessoas idosas.
Abstract: OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associacao entre nivel de atividade fisica e o estado de saude mental de pessoas idosas. METODOS: Inquerito de base populacional com amostragem probabilistica, incluindo 875 idosos da cidade de Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, em 2002. Foram aplicados os questionarios: Internacional de Atividades Fisicas e Brazil Old Age Schedule. Os problemas de saude mental avaliados foram depressao e demencia, alem da pratica de atividade fisica total (lazer, ocupacao, deslocamentos e servicos domesticos). Apos analises descritivas e bivariadas, realizou-se analise ajustada por meio de regressao logistica, com ajuste para os fatores de atividade fisica total, atividade de lazer, escores de depressao e demencia. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se associacao estatisticamente significativa e inversa de demencia e depressao com atividade fisica total e atividade fisica no lazer. A odds ratio ajustada para demencia entre os sujeitos sedentarios para atividade fisica total comparada a dos ativos foi de 2,74 (IC 95%: 1,85; 4,08), enquanto o respectivo valor para depressao foi de 2,38 (IC 95%: 1,70; 3,33). CONCLUSOES: Os resultados reforcam a importância de estilo de vida ativo para prevencao de problemas de saude mental de idosos. Infere-se que a atividade fisica tem conseguido reduzir e/ou atrasar os riscos de demencia, embora nao se possa afirmar que a atividade fisica evita a demencia.
TL;DR: Adolescents in Florianopolis show EAT+ rates similar to those observed in other regions of Brazil, and dissatisfaction with body image is shown as the strongest independent risk factor for symptoms of anorexia nervosa.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of symptoms of anorexia nervosa (EAT+) and dissatisfaction with body image among female adolescents in Florianopolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The proportional sample (1,148 adolescents) was stratified according to position of schools in the socio-geographic regions and public/private school classification, and was subsequently distributed according to primary and secondary schools. EAT+ was identified through the Eating Attitudes Test and evaluation of body image through the Body Shape Questionnaire. Prevalence rates for EAT+ and dissatisfaction with body image were 15.6% and 18.8%, respectively. EAT+ was associated with age (10-13y) (OR = 1.542; p = 0.046); overweight/obesity (OR = 2.075; p < 0.001); dissatisfaction with body image (OR = 14.392; p < 0.001); and public schools (OR = 1.423; p = 0.041). Multiple logistic regression showed dissatisfaction with body image as the strongest independent risk factor for symptoms of anorexia nervosa (OR = 16.7; p < 0.001). Adolescents in Florianopolis show EAT+ rates similar to those observed in other regions of Brazil.
TL;DR: The present data suggest that caffeine and selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonists can improve memory performance in rodents evaluated through different tasks and afford protection against memory dysfunction elicited in experimental models of aging, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and, in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), a putative genetic model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Abstract: Over the last decade, adenosine receptors in the central nervous system have been implicated in the modulation of cognitive functions. Despite the general view that endogenous adenosine modulates cognition through the activation of adenosine A1 receptors, evidence is now emerging on a possible role of A2A receptors in learning and memory. The present review attempts to examine results reported in different studies using diverse animal models, to provide a comprehensive picture of the recent evidence of a relationship between adenosinergic function and memory deficits. The present data suggest that caffeine (a nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist) and selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonists can improve memory performance in rodents evaluated through different tasks. They might also afford protection against memory dysfunction elicited in experimental models of aging, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and, in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), a putative genetic model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
TL;DR: The results indicated the antidepressant-like effect of the ethanolic extract of S. molle in the tail suspension test may be dependent on the presence of rutin that likely exerts its antidepressant- like effect by increasing the availability of serotonin and noradrenaline in the synaptic cleft.
TL;DR: In this paper, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and Soxhlet extraction were used to extract rosemary leaf extracts and their chemical compositions were evaluated by GC-MS for compounds reported in the literature as showing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.
Abstract: Rosemary leaf extracts were obtained by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and Soxhlet extraction. Their chemical compositions were evaluated by GC-MS. The extracts were analyzed for compounds reported in the literature as showing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The rosemary extracts were tested with regard to antioxidant (DPPH radical scavenging and total phenolic content - Folin-Denis reagent), antibacterial (Gram-positive bacteria - Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778 - and Gram-negative bacteria - Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853) and antifungal (Candida albicans) activities. Antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activities of the SFE extracts were confirmed.
TL;DR: The antioxidant activity of the grape pomace extracts was determined considering the free radical scavenging assay using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and was correlated with the total phenol content determined according to the Folin-Ciocalteu method.
TL;DR: This paper studies the statistical behavior of an affine combination of the outputs of two least-mean-square adaptive filters that simultaneously adapt using the same white Gaussian inputs to obtain an LMS adaptive filter with fast convergence and small steady-state mean-square deviation (MSD).
Abstract: This paper studies the statistical behavior of an affine combination of the outputs of two least mean-square (LMS) adaptive filters that simultaneously adapt using the same white Gaussian inputs. The purpose of the combination is to obtain an LMS adaptive filter with fast convergence and small steady-state mean-square deviation (MSD). The linear combination studied is a generalization of the convex combination, in which the combination factor lambda(n) is restricted to the interval (0,1). The viewpoint is taken that each of the two filters produces dependent estimates of the unknown channel. Thus, there exists a sequence of optimal affine combining coefficients which minimizes the mean-square error (MSE). First, the optimal unrealizable affine combiner is studied and provides the best possible performance for this class. Then two new schemes are proposed for practical applications. The mean-square performances are analyzed and validated by Monte Carlo simulations. With proper design, the two practical schemes yield an overall MSD that is usually less than the MSDs of either filter.
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of varying the proportions of these three components on physico-chemical and mechanical properties of the trays was studied, as was the relationship between these properties and trays' microstructure.
TL;DR: Data showed that the glucan had potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic (antinociceptive) activities, possibly by the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
TL;DR: Results show that T. cruzi TcI and TcII groups are circulating among reservoirs and vectors in southern Brazil and indicate that selection toward Tc II group in humans may occur after ingestion of a mixed (TcI/TcII) T. Cruzi population.
TL;DR: Consumption of GT, a beverage rich in polyphenols, may offer protection against the oxidative damage caused by exercise, and dietary guidance for sports participants should be emphasized.