Showing papers by "Universidade Positivo published in 2009"
TL;DR: PEC/PNEC ratios showed that, given the present pattern of usage, high aquatic environmental risk is expected for these antibiotics and further studies should be carried out to elucidate their contribution to increasing antimicrobial multi-drug-resistant species.
86 citations
TL;DR: Decreased VO2max is correlated with impaired insulin sensitivity and was the most prevalent abnormality in a population at risk for IRS and T2DM but without overt disease, raising the possibility that decreased VO2 max is an important risk factor for disease progression.
Abstract: There is a significant association between insulin resistance and low cardiorespiratory fitness in nondiabetic subjects. In a population with risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2DM), before they are insulin resistant, we investigated low exercise capacity (VO2max) as an early marker of impaired insulin sensitivity in order to determine earlier interventions to prevent development of insulin resistance syndrome (IRS) and T2DM. Cross-sectional analyses of data on 369 (78 men and 291 women) people at risk for IRS and T2DM, aged 45.6 +/- 10 years (20-65 years) old from the Community Diabetes Prevention Project in Minnesota were carried out. The cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) by respiratory gas exchange and bicycle ergometer were measured in our at risk non insulin resistant population and compared with a control group living in the same geographic area. Both groups were equally sedentary, matched for age, gender and BMI. The most prevalent abnormality in the study population was markedly low VO2max when compared with general work site screening control group, (n = 177; 137F; 40 M, mean age 40 ± 11 years; BMI = 27.8 ± 6.1 kg/m2). Individuals at risk for IRS and T2DM had a VO2max (22 ± 6 ml/kg/min) 15% lower than the control group VO2max (26 ± 9 ml/kg/min) (p < 0.001). It was foun that VO2max was inversely correlated with HOMA-IR (r = -0.30, p < 0.0001). Decreased VO2max is correlated with impaired insulin sensitivity and was the most prevalent abnormality in a population at risk for IRS and T2DM but without overt disease. This raises the possibility that decreased VO2 max is among the earliest indicators of IRS and T2DM therefore, an important risk factor for disease progression.
83 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed the structures of cooperation among Brazilian business graduate programs in four areas: science and technology, strategy, public administration and organization studies, and found that the most productive programs are those with more relationships, and that cooperation between programs is strongly correlated with productivity.
Abstract: The evidence of the growth of cooperation between researchers and graduate programs has increased our understanding of the construction of scientific knowledge as embedded in social networks. This article analyzes the structures of cooperation among Brazilian business graduate programs in four areas: science and technology, strategy, public administration and organization studies. It departs from the assumption that different relational arrangements indicate various forms of organization, with consequences to the way knowledge is produced. Based on the analysis of 2874 articles published between 2000 and 2006, we investigate hypotheses concerning small worlds, preferential attachment, core-periphery and program centrality. The results point out the stratification of programs in terms of both the number of authors and published articles. Furthermore, they evidence that the most productive programs are those with more relationships, and that cooperation between programs is strongly correlated with productivity.
75 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, two commercial varieties of Peruvian carrot ('Amarela de Carandai' and 'Senador Amaral') were processed into flour, starch and bagasse and chemically evaluated.
Abstract: Two commercial varieties of Peruvian carrot ('Amarela de Carandai' and 'Senador Amaral') were processed into flour, starch and bagasse and chemically evaluated. The starch was extracted, modified with H2O2 and characterized by the physicochemical methods. By using the methylene blue dyeing, the granules of the modified starches showed intense blue color. The carboxyl content, the reducing power and the amount of the water liberated from the pastes after the freeze-thawing were higher for the oxidized starches and their pastes were clearer than those of the native starches of the two varieties from the two production areas. The RVA viscoamylography showed that the modified starches had lower viscosities with differences between the varieties. In the thermal analysis, the temperatures of the pyrolysis were higher for the native (310.37, 299.08, 311.18 oC) than for the modified starches (294.16, 296.65 e 293.29 oC) for both the varieties. This difference could be related with the larger surface of the granules due to the partial degradation promoted by the chemical modification. In almost all results, the differences were evident between the varieties but not for the cultivation places.
61 citations
TL;DR: Preventive methods to avoid severe early childhood caries have been developed and they should be used as early as possible by means of prevention programs carried out in the community and with families.
Abstract: Objective To provide information with the purpose of helping pediatricians to recognize the risk factors for the onset of severe early childhood caries, allowing for early intervention and thus avoiding this preventable disease and its consequences. Sources Information was collected from scientific articles published on the databases SciELO, MEDLINE and PUBMED in last 25 years, as well as technical books and guidelines of international committees. The keywords used were: early childhood caries, severe early childhood caries, dental caries, and children. Summary of the findings Severe early childhood caries affects infants and children. It is infectious, has a multifactor etiology and fast development, starting soon after dental eruption. Due to the presence of local sociocultural risk factors, it must be regarded as a symptom of alteration in the child's health and lack of adequate care. Its manifestations include pain, abscesses and chewing difficulty, affecting the child's feeding and sleep. Furthermore, it also affects the child's general health, speech, and self-esteem. Conclusions Preventive methods to avoid severe early childhood caries have been developed and they should be used as early as possible by means of prevention programs carried out in the community and with families. Professionals responsible for providing care to babies and children should be aware of cases at risk for caries and interfere in order to improve their patients' health.
58 citations
TL;DR: The results confirm previous findings on lower relapse rate during pregnancy and add to the present literature informing on data related to drug exposure.
Abstract: Purpose: Pregnancy management poses an extra challenge to physicians and their multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. There are few papers reporting databases on the subject. Method: Brazilian database from nine MS clinical and research units, with complete data on 47 pregnant women (49 pregnancies). Results: Despite relatively high exposure to MS medications, no birth defects were reported. Low birth weight and prematurity were similar to those for developing countries. Three complications may have been associated with these medications, while three others were considered to be of purely obstetric nature. Conclusion: Our results confirm previous findings on lower relapse rate during pregnancy and add to the present literature informing on data related to drug exposure.
43 citations
TL;DR: It was observed that the petroleum degradation rate was higher for VCS group than for NVCS, and E. crista-galli is potentially recommended for petroleum-contaminated soils because of its positive association in the presence of contamination.
Abstract: This work aimed at investigating both the tolerance and the phytodegradation potential of Erythrina crista-galli L. in petroleum-contaminated soil. It consisted in analyzing E. crista-galli germination, surviving, growth, and development when cultivated at different contaminant concentrations and pollutant degradation rates. This specimen was selected because it presented a special behavior among others also exposed to petroleum in an accident that occurred in the Araucaria region (south of Brazil), resulting in a four-million-liter oil spill. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse containing non-contaminated soil (NCS), vegetated contaminated soil (VCS), and non-vegetated contaminated soil (NVCS) at the following petroleum concentrations: 25 g kg−1 (VCS-25), 50 g kg−1 (VCS-50), and 75 g kg−1 (VCS-75). After 60 days, the soil samples were analyzed by gas chromatography. Germination was more and more evident as higher petroleum concentrations were observed. The surviving rates of groups NCS, VCS-25, VCS-50, and VCS-75 were 64%, 70%, 61%, and 96%, respectively. The VCS group growth was reduced when compared to the control group (NCS). The individuals exposed to petroleum pollution presented differences in the anatomic structure of their roots when compared to the NCS group. It was observed that the petroleum degradation rate was higher for VCS group than for NVCS. E. crista-galli is potentially recommended for petroleum-contaminated soils because of its positive association in the presence of contamination.
32 citations
TL;DR: The present study was designed to characterize and evaluate the crystallinity of omeprazole sodium, dehydrated omepazole sodium (DOMS) and omep Brazole free base (OM) using a variety of techniques including thermal analysis, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a carie precoce na infância (CSI) and severa carie severa at infóncia are coletadas a partir de artigos cientificos publicados nas bases de dados SciELO, MEDLINE e PUBMED.
Abstract: OBJETIVO: Fornecer informacoes para auxiliar o medico pediatra a reconhecer os fatores de risco para o inicio da carie precoce na infância e da carie severa na infância (CSI), possibilitando a intervencao precoce de tais fatores, e, assim, evitar a instalacao dessa doenca prevenivel e as suas consequencias FONTES DOS DADOS: As informacoes foram coletadas a partir de artigos cientificos publicados nas bases de dados SciELO, MEDLINE e PUBMED nos ultimos 25 anos, livros tecnicos e publicacoes de consenso de organismos internacionais As palavras-chave utilizadas foram: early childhood caries, severe early childhood caries, dental caries e children SINTESE DOS DADOS: A CSI e uma forma de carie dentaria que afeta bebes e criancas E infecciosa, de etiologia multifatorial e de desenvolvimento rapido, iniciando logo apos a erupcao dos dentes Por apresentar fatores de risco local e sociocultural, deve ser considerada como sintoma de uma alteracao na crianca e de falta de cuidados adequados Suas manifestacoes incluem dor, abscessos e dificuldades mastigatorias, afetando a alimentacao e o sono da crianca Alem disso, afeta tambem sua saude geral, fala e autoestima CONCLUSOES: A CSI e uma doenca com metodos preventivos estabelecidos, que devem ser introduzidos o mais precocemente possivel, por meio de programas preventivos na comunidade e no nucleo familiar Os profissionais que atendem bebes e criancas devem estar atentos aos casos com risco para o desenvolvimento da doenca carie e interceder a fim de se obter saude
31 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, characteristics and changes occurred in the configuration of the network of coauthorships formed by professors of Brazilian programs of post graduate (stricto sensu) in administration in the period from 2001 to 2006.
Abstract: This article describes and it analyzes characteristics and changes occurred in the configuration of the network of co-authorships formed by professors of Brazilian programs of post graduate (stricto sensu) in administration in the period from 2001 to 2006. The empiric reference includes 703 professors linked to national programs of post graduate in Administration. For the analysis of the social networks and co-authorships of the publications we used the softwares Ucinet 6 and Pajek 1.21. There was significant growth in the number of coauthorships of one triennial as in the other (2001-2003 and 2004-2006). The increase in the interaction among researchers might have occurred for changes which occurred in the criterion of the evaluation of Capes; formation of new research groups and/or maturation of those already existent; the search for larger quality of the researches; elevation of the specialization degree in the scientific field; and predominate methodology in the disciplines, among others. The results suggest that the area is consenting to the exigencies of the official organs of accreditation of the post graduate.
30 citations
TL;DR: Pharmacotherapy follow-up of type 2 diabetic patients in community pharmacies can improve the HRQoL and satisfaction of patients and the difference in improvement scores between groups on the QSSF was attributed to the allocation of patients in the intervention group.
Abstract: The aim is to evaluate the humanistic outcomes in type 2 diabetic patients by the adoption of pharmacotherapy follow-up in community pharmacies. Controlled, non-randomized, 12-months trial; n=161 patients distributed into control and intervention groups; 6 community pharmacies involved, all in the Curitiba city region, in the state of Parana were used. The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the satisfaction index were determined using both the DQOL assessment tool, which measures HRQoL, and the satisfaction evaluation tool (QSSF). Interventions on 119 negative therapeutic outcomes were done (2.3/patient [SD=1.6]); the most commonly found problems were related to ineffectiveness of pharmacotherapy (68.1%). The Intervention-Group showed a significant improvement in HRQoL compared with the Control Group (0.08 vs -0.01, respectively; p=0.036). Satisfaction and impact domains presented the most significant improvement (0.13 vs 0.00 [p=0.030] and 0.07 vs -0.04 [p=0.033], respectively). After adjusting for baseline variables, the difference in improvement scores between groups on the QSSF was attributed to the allocation of patients in the intervention group. Pharmacotherapy follow-up of type 2 diabetic patients in community pharmacies can improve the HRQoL and satisfaction of patients.
TL;DR: In this article, a caracterizacao por analise termica and microscopy ajudou na compreensao de como a hidrolise digere a fracao amilacea do bagaco de mandioca, o ponto de fusao foi de 170oC, a analise Termogravimetrica mostrou apos a perda de umidade do material, duas principais perdas de massa em todas as amostras analisadas.
Abstract: As fracoes nutricionais bem como as propriedades termicas e outras analises sao essenciais para a industria de alimentos e suas aplicacoes O bagaco de mandioca e um importante residuo agroindustrial e seu teor de amido foi avaliado por dois metodos alternativos. A caracterizacao por analise termica e microscopia ajudou na compreensao de como a hidrolise digere a fracao amilacea do bagaco de mandioca, O ponto de fusao foi de 170oC, a analise termogravimetrica (TG) mostrou apos a perda de umidade do material, duas principais perdas de massa em todas as amostras analisadas. Os resultados sugerem que a hidrolise enzimatica e menos eficiente na conversao total de amido no bagaco de mandioca. No entanto, o uso de acido sulfurico degradou ate mesmo a parcela fibrosa do material, afetando as condicoes de analise.
TL;DR: The prevalence of absenteeism as a result of orofacial pain was low and Associations between absenteeism from induced toothache and gender, absenteeism and spontaneous Toothache and family income, and between absenteeist and the self awareness of their oral health condition were observed.
Abstract: Aim: To verify the relationship between orofacial pain and absenteeism in workers of slaughter and meat processing industries in the Southern region of Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study, with the random sample of 401 workers of slaughter and meat processing industries in the Southern region of Brazil, was carried out. A questionnaire referred to the situation of absenteeism caused by nine different types of orofacial pain and also the amount of time the employee was kept from work. Results: Only 60 workers (15%) reported having missed work due to orofacial pain in the six months prior to the study. The prevalence of absenteeism resulting from orofacial pain was of 15%. The types of orofacial pain that resulted in absenteeism were: spontaneous toothache (9.7 %); toothache caused by cold or hot liquids or by sweet foodstuff (6.5%) and pain around and behind the eyes (3.2%). There was a predominance of absenteeism in half and full work shifts for the types of orofacial pain experienced. Associations between absenteeism from induced toothache and gender (p < 0.05), absenteeism and spontaneous toothache and family income (p = 0.011), and between absenteeism and the self awareness of their oral health condition, as well as the nine types of orofacial pain (p < 0.001) were observed. Conclusions: The prevalence of absenteeism as a result of orofacial pain was low.
TL;DR: In this paper, the relative amylose content of Parana pine seeds (pinhao) and european chestnut seeds (Castanea sativa, Mill) was determined using X-ray powder patterns diffractometry.
Abstract: Starch is the most important carbohydrate storage in plants. It is a raw material with diverse botanical origins, and is used by the food, paper, chemical, pharmaceutical, textile and other industries. In this work, native starches of Parana pine seeds (pinhao) (Araucaria angustiofolia, Bert O. Ktze) and european chestnut seeds (Castanea sativa, Mill) were studied by thermoanalytical techniques: thermo-gravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), as well as X-ray powder patterns diffractometry. Apparent and total amylose content was also determined.
TL;DR: In this article, the degree of interaction of the phytic acid with the metallic ions Fe(II) and Fe(III), of biological importance, in nearphysiological conditions and the stability of these complexes were investigated.
Abstract: Depending on the pH value, phytic acid presents high chelating potential bonding metallic ions thus inhibiting the production of reactivated oxygen species, which are responsible for the oxidative destruction in biological systems. Such chelating potential has been the basis of several studies on the antioxidant action in food products. The objective of this work was to study the degree of interaction of the phytic acid with the metallic ions Fe(II) and Fe(III), of biological importance, in near-physiological conditions and the stability of these complexes. Potentiometric titrations were applied to determine the constants of formation of the complexes phytic acid-Fe(II) and phytic acid-Fe(III) in aqueous solution, inert atmosphere, ionic strength of 0.100 mol.L –1 in potassium chloride, and temperature at 36 ± 0,1 °C. UV-Vis spectroscopic studies in the were conducted to investigate the formation of the complexes in the solution. The complexes phytic acid-Fe(II) and phytic acid-Fe(III) were synthesized and characterized by infrared absorption spectroscopy and by thermoanalytical studies. The results indicate the bonding of the metallic ions and the phytic acid both in solution and in the solid state.
TL;DR: It is possible to reduce the HbA1 values to desired levels by using PF and it can be considered an additional resource for the attainment of metabolic control, resulting in this study a cost of $37.62 per patient, per year, to reduce 1% in the HBA1values.
Abstract: OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados economicos do seguimento farmacoterapeutico (SFT) em pacientes com diabetes melito tipo 2 em farmacias comunitarias privadas do sistema suplementar de Saude. METODOS: Foi realizado estudo clinico prospectivo com 161 pacientes separados em dois grupos, dos quais somente um recebeu SFT durante 12 meses. A partir dos resultados, foram calculados os dados de efetividade e os custos. O desfecho primario foi a avaliacao economica do SFT por meio da utilizacao de um indicador de efetividade (variacao de hemoglobina glicada), relacionada aos custos do atendimento farmaceutico. Os desfechos secundarios foram os valores de pressao arterial, circunferencia abdominal e indice de massa corporal dos pacientes, que foram utilizados e relacionados a custos do atendimento do farmaceutico. RESULTADOS: Foi observada uma reducao adicional de 1,3% da HbA1 no grupo que recebeu SFT em comparacao ao grupo controle. Os custos anuais por paciente do grupo SFT relacionados a reducao de 1% nos valores da HbA1 foram de R$ 78,83. Para melhoria no controle dos pacientes diabeticos tipo 2, esse recurso pode ser implementado com o investimento anual medio de R$ 456,05 por paciente, utilizando SFT e monitorizacao com testes de glicemia. CONCLUSOES: E possivel obter reducao da HbA1 para niveis desejados por meio da utilizacao do SFT. Este pode ser considerado um recurso adicional para o alcance do controle metabolico, resultando, nesse estudo, em um custo de R$ 76,00 paciente/ano, para reducao de 1% nos valores da HbA1.
TL;DR: The PSQ-Brazil shows adequate reliability and validity for use in the country, and includes 20 questions that measure user satisfaction with pharmacy services, and is organized according to two factors.
Abstract: Este estudo teve por objetivo traduzir e validar para o portugues o Pharmacy Services Questionnaire (PSQ). O instrumento possui 20 questoes que medem a satisfacao dos usuarios com servicos da farmacia, organizadas em dois dominios. Utiliza uma escala de respostas Likert de 1 (ruim) a 5 (excelente). O Questionario de Satisfacao com os Servicos da Farmacia (QSSF) foi aplicado a 137 diabeticos entre 31 e 89 anos (60,6% mulheres), clientes de farmacias privadas, em sua maioria usuarios de servicos publicos de saude (65,7%), com baixa escolaridade (67,9% ate ensino fundamental) e utilizando em media 4,3 medicamentos por pessoa. O escore geral na populacao estudada foi de 3,6 [DP = 1,1 (IC95%: 3,4-3,8)]. Apos analise fatorial, os dominios "exposicao agradavel" e "manejo da terapia" incluiram 8 e 12 itens, respectivamente, e se correlacionaram significativamente entre si (r = 0,92; p < 0,001) e com o escore geral. O instrumento obteve um a de Cronbach de 0,98 para o escore geral. Os dominios exposicao agradavel e manejo da terapia mostraram um a de 0,941 e 0,980. O QSSF apresenta aspectos de confiabilidade e validade adequados para sua utilizacao.
TL;DR: Vaccination against hepatitis A should be recommended in the routine of immunization program in Paraná state, reducing suffering, hospitalization, death and social costs, and the results showed a positive cost - benefit relation when the authors vaccinate children.
Abstract: This study evaluated the epidemiological behavior of the hepatitis A in Parana state and compared the costs of the disease and the vaccination. This is an epidemiological descriptive study including a pharmacoeconomy analysis. We collected information in the national database reported cases (SINAN), in the mortality information system (SIM) and in the hospital information system (AIH) among 2000/2003 (Parana State Public Health Department). We estimated the probability of one cohort of children to acquire hepatitis A during their lifetime and the costs with their treatment. We compared those costs with the cost of vaccinating the children. 14,682 hepatitis A cases were registered during the period studied, and 12,102 (82.4%) occurred in the 0-15 years-old age group. The annual incidence in the general population was 37.5/100,000. We observed 20 deaths caused by this disease; 7 of those occurred by liver failure. The estimated costs with the disease included the hospital costs, liver transplantation, liver failure treatment, and laboratory tests were high. The price of the vaccine is 10 USD/dose. Two doses are necessary to get the protection. The results showed a positive cost - benefit relation when we vaccinate children. We save 2.26 USD in treatment for each dollar invested in the vaccine. Parana record high number of hepatitis A cases each year. We confirmed the positive cost - benefit relation when we vaccinate children against hepatitis A, reducing suffering, hospitalization, death and social costs. Vaccination against hepatitis A should be recommended in the routine of immunization program in Parana state.
TL;DR: A presente pesquisa buscou identificar padroes de cooperacao tecnologica existentes entre diversos setores da industria brasileira, com base nos dados fornecidos pela Pesquisa Nacional de Inovacao Tecnologica 2001-2003 (Pintec) as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: O atual cenario contemporâneo atribui a cooperacao um papel de destaque no desenvolvimento de inovacoes, tornando relevante a analise das relacoes cooperativas nos diferentes setores industriais. A presente pesquisa buscou identificar padroes de cooperacao tecnologica existentes entre os diversos setores da industria brasileira, com base nos dados fornecidos pela Pesquisa Nacional de Inovacao Tecnologica 2001-2003 (Pintec). O estudo, de cunho descritivo e exploratorio, tem como foco de analise os setores industriais disponibilizados pela Classificacao Nacional de Atividades Economicas (CNAE), sendo o tratamento dos dados feito por meio da analise de cluster. Os resultados da pesquisa identificam a existencia de dois grupos distintos, com destaque para aquele com maior indice de cooperacao, a saber: fabricacao de produtos do fumo; refino de petroleo; produtos siderurgicos; fabricacao de maquinas para escritorio e equipamentos de informatica; fabricacao de aparelhos e equipamentos de comunicacoes. Nota-se uma diferenca significativa entre os grupos no que tange aos tipos de cooperacao estabelecidos e, de modo geral, verifica-se que, no Brasil, setores intensivos em producao tendem a possuir um indice mais significativo de cooperacao tecnologica.
TL;DR: It is necessary to create an educative program of skin care during sports practice using clinical and mycological examination (direct microscopic examination and culture) and nail clipping for athletes at risk of cutaneous mycosis.
Abstract: Athletes present risk of cutaneous mycosis. A study was carried out with 23 soccer players using clinical and mycological examination (direct microscopic examination and culture) and nail clipping. Eighteen (78.26%) did not present mycosis; two (8.70%) presented tinea pedis, and three (13.04%) presented onychomycosis associated to tinea pedis, mainly for Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Infected tinea pedis has produced cellulitis in one of the athletes. It is necessary to create an educative program of skin care during sports practice.
TL;DR: In this article, a set of environmental indicators for the Passauna reservoir, one of the main sources of drinking water in Curitiba, Brazil, based on 14 parameters is proposed.
Abstract: The relevance of environmental indicators is associated with their use as tools with which society evaluates its own evolution. In the environmental context, indicators are parameters which are representative of the processes involved, are concise and easy to interpret, and which are used to represent the main characteristics of a certain area. The present work proposes a set of environmental indicators for the Passauna reservoir, one of the main sources of drinking water in Curitiba, Brazil, based on 14 parameters. This paper also presents a proposal for the determination of an environmental stress index (ICA) based on the relative importance of pollution threats. An example is shown, considering the available data for six parameters, which indicates that the Passauna reservoir is under strong environmental stress.
TL;DR: Comparison of the individuals exposed to petroleum with the control set showed that the length, diameter and cell wall width of the tracheids of the former were smaller, a trend which was statistically significant according to the Student's t-test.
Abstract: Podocarpus lambertii Klotzsch ex Endl. (Podocarpaceae) is native and a member of the Pinophyta (Gymnosperm) of southern Brazil, locally known as "pinheiro-bravo". The present work aims to investigate the effects of petroleum on the tracheids dimensions. Wood samples from twenty individuals were studied along the stem, ten being exposed to pollution and ten used as a control set. The wood samples were collected from incisions at three levels: at the ground level, and one and two metres above the ground level. From these samples, sub-samples were selected at the border of the growth layers in the vascular cambium-medulla direction. The methodology followed that traditionally recommended for plant anatomy studies, with analyses done by light microscopy (OLYMPUS - BX41) assisted by the software Image Pro-plus for measurements. Comparison of the individuals exposed to petroleum with the control set, showed that the length, diameter and cell wall width of the tracheids of the former were smaller, a trend which was statistically significant according to the Student's t-test. These traits were observed mainly on the tracheids of the last growth layer, corresponding to the year in which the individuals were exposed to petroleum.
29 Sep 2009
TL;DR: A comparison between two technologies for reconfigurable circuits: FPGA's and FPAA's is presented, based on a case study of the area of industrial control using simulations with both types of reconfiguring devices.
Abstract: This paper presents a comparison between two technologies for reconfigurable circuits: FPGA's and FPAA's. The comparison is based on a case study of the area of industrial control using simulations with both types of reconfigurable devices. Several design issues are discussed, including the ease of implementation, accuracy, capacity, consumption and size, among others. Based on the case study, we present qualitative directions to choose the most suitable reconfigurable device for similar applications.
TL;DR: In this article, a thermal behavior study of cinnamic acid was made using isothermal and nonisothermal kinetics methods, and the obtained activation energy was 71.13 kJ/mol and 65.77 kJ /mol for both methods, respectively.
Abstract: In this work, a thermal behavior study of cinnamic acid was made using isothermal and nonisothermal kinetics methods. Thermogravimetric curves were obtained to determine the kinetic parameters of its decomposition process. Cinnamic acid was melted at T
Peak = 135.5°C and the decomposition started at 160°C. The obtained activation energy was 71.13 kJ/mol and 65.77 kJ/mol for isothermal and nonisothermal methods, respectively. The decomposition kinetics for both methods occurs at a constant rate, is of zero order, and is independent of the concentration of the reactants.
TL;DR: The occurrence of bilateral facial palsy is described as an unusual manifestation of leptospirosis, and should be considered with other possible differential diagnoses, some of which are potentially fatal.
Abstract: Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of worldwide occurrence caused by the spirochete Leptospira interrogans. It is an acute feverish disease with a broad clinical spectrum and follows a characteristic biphasic course. Bilateral facial palsy is a rare clinical condition and the differential diagnosis of its causes is extensive. The objective of this exploratory study, presented as a case report, is to describe the occurrence of bilateral facial palsy as an unusual manifestation of leptospirosis. This suggestion should not be overlooked when analyzing the causes for bilateral facial palsy, and should be considered with other possible differential diagnoses, some of which are potentially fatal.
TL;DR: The HPLC analysis identified Bis-GMA, TEGDMA and UDMA in detectable quantities for all the tested composites, and most of the monomers demonstrated maximal concentration at the 7-day period.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to detect and quantify the main residual monomers released from composites, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Discs were made with dental composites (Herculite XRV, Tetric Ceram and Filtek Z250) and immersed in deionized water at 37oC for 28 days, with water changes in 1, 7, 14 and 21 days. The mean concentration of residual monomers were subject to the Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05). Tetric Ceram exhibited significantly higher concentrations of leached monomers. Bis-GMA was the monomer released in lower concentrations for all the materials. There was no statistical difference between the amounts of TEGDMA and UDMA. Most of the monomers demonstrated maximal concentration at the 7-day period. The HPLC analysis identified Bis-GMA, TEGDMA and UDMA in detectable quantities for all the tested composites.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared jump height and kinetic and kinematic components of countermovement vertical jumps between soccer and basketball players performed in two different arm swing conditions: with arm swing and without arm swing.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare jump height and kinetic and kinematic com-ponents of countermovement vertical jumps between soccer and basketball players performed in two different arm swing conditions: with arm swing (WAS) and without arm swing (NAS) Nine basketball players (212 ± 29 years; 10164 ± 1458 kg; 195 ± 006 m) and nine soccer players (182 ± 07 years; 774 ± 758 kg; 181 ± 007 m) performed 12 maximal countermo-vement vertical jumps, including 6 WAS jumps and 6 NAS jumps, on a force platform that recorded the ground reaction force (GRF) The vertical component of the GRF was used to estimate jump height and to calculate the kinematic (duration of eccentric phase, duration of concentric phase, and maximal downward displacement of center of mass) and kinetic variables (mean power during the eccentric phase, mean power during the concentric, peak power, and peak force) The results showed no differences in jump height or in kinematic or kinetic variables between basketball and soccer players In addition, the results showed that the participants of the two groups jumped higher in the WAS condition (041 m) than in the NAS condition (036 m) because of a higher peak power (WAS=2768 W/kg067 and NAS=2413 W/kg067) and a longer concentric phase duration (WAS=020 s/m05 and NAS=019 s/m05) during WAS jump These results indicate that the basketball and soccer players studied here showed similar performance and the same kinematic and kinetic pattern in maximal vertical jumps and were comparably affected by the use of arm swing
TL;DR: It is suggested that salivary gland tumours have a low incidence in the population and that the pleomorphic adenoma is the most common type of tumour, followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
Abstract: Salivary gland tumours represent between 2 % and 6.5 %, approximately, of all head and neck tumours. The aim of this paper was to identify the frequency of minor salivary gland tumours among patients in the Oral Medicine Clinic of the Federal University of Parana during the period from 1997 to 2007. A retrospective study was conducted on 1,923 histopathological analyses of oral lesions. Fourteen cases of salivary gland tumours were found, of which 7 were benign and 7 malignant. The lesions were localized mainly in the palate (71.5 %). By histological type, 50 % of the lesions were characterized as pleomorphic adenoma, 28.6 % mucoepidermoid carcinoma, 14.3 % cystic adenoid carcinoma and 7.1 % as polymorphous adenocarcinoma. These findings suggest that salivary gland tumours have a low incidence in the population and that the pleomorphic adenoma is the most common type of tumour, followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
TL;DR: Initial and long-term results with endovascular treatment of AAA in high-surgical-risk patients were satisfactory, and appear to justify such approach for this patient population.
Abstract: Background: Following the publication of a prospective randomized trial (Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Trial 2 - EVAR2) that questioned the benefits of endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in high-surgical-risk patients, we decided to analyze our initial and long-term results with endovascular AAA repair in this patient population. Objective: To evaluate the operative mortality, long-term survival, frequency of secondary operations, outcome of the aneurysm sac, primary and secondary patency rates, and rupture rate after aortic stent-graft placement in high-surgical-risk patients. Methods: From April 2002 to February 2008, 40 high-surgical and anesthetic risk patients with an AAA managed by a bifurcated aortic endograft were entered in a prospective registry. Data concerning diagnosis, operative risk, treatment and follow-up were analyzed in all patients Results: Twenty-four Excluder® and 16 Zenith® stent-grafts were successfully implanted. Thirty patients (75%) were classed ASA III and 10 (25%) were ASA IV. Mean aneurysm diameter was 64 mm. Operative mortality was 2.5%. Two patients required reintervention during the mean follow-up of 28.5 months. Survival rate at 3 years was 95%. There were four endoleaks, one case of endotension, and one endograft limb occlusion. Primary and secondary patency rates at 3 years were 97.5 and 100%, respectively. There were no ruptures. Conclusions: Initial and long-term results with endovascular treatment of AAA in high-surgical-risk patients were satisfactory, and appear to justify such approach for this patient population.