2,939 research outputs found

    Postmodernist writings, realist readings: Peter Carey\u27s Bliss and The Tax Inspector

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    Smart Cities: A Systematic Mapping on an Academic Basis

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    Smart Cities belong to a multidisciplinary research area, which does not yet have a formal definition and may have different meanings depending on the context. In view of this, the objective of this work is to map the term "Smart City" in the scientific field. For such, the scientific publications present in Scopus\u27 data base, accessed by the Periodicals portal of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Level Personnel (CAPES), were researched. As results, 61,435 publications were found, which after the inclusion criteria, 632 publications remained to be analyzed. China was the country that presented the largest number of publications with a total of 94 documents. The analysis of annual publications showed that there was an increase in the number of publications over the years, especially between 2018 and 2019. The main contributions of this work were the provision of a knowledge base that can be used by both scientists and researchers and developers of the organizations, identifying gaps and opportunities to be explored

    Neonatal Near Miss: A Systematic Review.

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    The concept of neonatal near miss has been proposed as a tool for assessment of quality of care in neonates who suffered any life-threatening condition. However, there are no internationally agreed concepts or criteria for defining or identifying neonatal near miss. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of studies and markers that are able to identify neonatal near miss cases and predict neonatal mortality. Electronic searches were performed in the Medline, Embase and Scielo databases, with no time or language restriction, until December 2014. The term neonatal near miss was used alone or in combination with terms related to neonatal morbidity/mortality and neonatal severity scores. Study selection criteria involved three steps: title, abstract and full text of the articles. Two researchers performed study selection and data extraction independently. Heterogeneity of study results did not permit the performance of meta-analysis. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria adopted, only four articles were selected. Preterm and perinatal asphyxia were used as near miss markers in all studies. Health indicators on neonatal morbidity and mortality were extracted or estimated. The neonatal near miss rate was 2.6 to 8 times higher than the neonatal mortality rate. Pragmatic and management criteria are used to help develop the neonatal near miss concept. The most severe cases are identified and mortality is predicted with these criteria. Furthermore, the near miss concept can be used as a tool for evaluating neonatal care. It is the first step in building management strategies to reduce mortality and long-term sequelae.1532

    Prevalence of chronic kidney disease and comorbidities in isolated African descent communities (PREVRENAL): methodological design of a cohort study

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    Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is considered a serious public health problem, both in Brazil and worldwide, with an increasing number of cases observed inrecent years. Especially, CKD has been reported to be highly prevalent in those of African descent. However, Brazil lacks data from early-stage CKD population studies, and the prevalence of CKD is unknown for both the overall and African descent populations. Hence, the present study aims to estimate the prevalence of early-stage CKD and its associated risk factors in African-Brazilians from isolated African-descent communities. Herein, the detailed methodology design of the study is described. Methods: This population-based, prospective, longitudinal, cohort study (PREVRENAL) is performed in three stages: first, clinical, nutritional, and anthropometric evaluationsmeasurements of serum and urinary markersand examinations of comorbidities were performed. Second, repeated examinations of individuals with CKD, systemic arterial hypertension, and/or diabetes mellitusimage screeningand cardiac risk assessment were performed. Third, long-term monitoring of all selected individuals will be conducted (ongoing). Using probability sampling, 1539 individuals from 32 communities were selected. CKD was defined asaglomerular filtration rate (GFR) 30 mg/day. Discussion: This study proposes to identify and monitor individuals with and without reduced GFR and high albuminuria in isolated populations of African descendants in Brazil. As there are currently no specific recommendations for detecting CKD in African descendants, four equations for estimating the GFR based on serum creatinine and cystatin C were used and will be retrospectively compared. The present report describes the characteristics of the target population, selection of individuals, and detection of a population at risk, along with the imaging, clinical, and laboratory methodologies used. The first and second stages have been concluded and the results will be published in the near future. The subsequent (third) stage is the long-term, continuous monitoring of individuals diagnosed with renal abnormalities or with CKD risk factors. The entire study population will be re-evaluated five years after the study initiation. The expectation is to obtain information about CKD evolution among this population, including the progression rate, complication development, and cardiovascular events.Research Support Foundation of Maranhao (Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Maranhao - FAPEMA)Univ Fed Maranhao, Kidney Dis Prevent Ctr, Sao Luis, MA, BrazilUniv Fed Maranhao, Dept Med 1, Sao Luis, MA, BrazilUniv Fed Maranhao, Dept Publ Hlth, Sao Luis, MA, BrazilUniv Fed Maranhao, Kidney Dis Prevent Ctr, Sao Luis, MA, BrazilUniv Fed Maranhao, Dept Physiol Sci, Sao Luis, MA, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Sch Med, Dept Pathol & Radiol, Ribeirao Preto, SP, BrazilUniv Estado Rio De Janeiro, Dept Internal Med, Rio De Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Paulista Sch Med, Discipline Nephrol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Paulista Sch Med, Discipline Nephrol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

    Diversidade fenotípica e qualidade das carcaças de caprinos crioulos com potencial genético quanto à resistência à verminose

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    The objective of this work was to phenotypically characterize creole goats of the Moxotó, Azul, Canindé, Repartida, Marota, and Graúna breeds, comparing them with the Boer, Anglo Nubian, and Alpine exotic breeds, to identify the genetic groups of greater potential for carcass quality and resistance to infection caused by worm. Data on morphometric measurements were obtained for the count of worm eggs in grams of feces (WEGF), Famacha score, carcass measurements, and body weight from 308 animals, in a farm in the state of Piauí, Brazil. Repartida goats showed the highest average for wither height (61.55 cm) and rump height (62.16 cm), and Moxotó goats had the greatest ear length (13.45 cm). The Moxotó breed showed the highest means for carcass and body weight. The lowest average for body weight was observed in Azul goats (24.35 kg), and the lowest WEGF was detected in Repartida goats (200 eggs per gram of feces). The average Famacha score was 2.77. Average linkage was the method that best summarized the information on the morphometric and carcass data. The use of morphometric and carcass measurements provides satisfactory results in the phenotypic characterization of the animals. The Brazilian creole goats, which are considered resistant to worm infection and show high-quality carcass traits, may be indicated for conservation and genetic breeding programs.O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar fenotipicamente caprinos crioulos das raças Moxotó, Azul, Canindé, Repartida, Marota e Graúna, em comparação às raças exóticas Boer, Anglo Nubiana e Alpina, para identificar grupos genéticos de maior potencial para qualidade de carcaça e resistência à verminose. Dados de medidas morfométricas foram obtidos quanto à contagem de ovos de vermes por grama de fezes (OVGF), ao escore Famacha, às medidas de carcaça e ao peso corporal de 308 animais de uma fazenda no Estado do Piauí. Os caprinos Repartida apresentaram a maior média de altura de cernelha (61,55 cm) e altura de garupa (62,16 cm), e os caprinos Moxotó, o maior comprimento de orelha (13,45 cm). A raça Moxotó apresentou as maiores médias de carcaça e peso corporal. O menor peso corporal médio foi dos caprinos Azul (24,35 kg), e o menor valor de OVGF foi o dos caprinos Repartida (200 ovos por grama de fezes). Para o escore Famacha, a média foi 2,77. O método da ligação média foi o que melhor resumiu a informação dos dados morfométricos e de carcaça. O uso de medidas morfométricas e de carcaça apresentou resultados satisfatórios na caracterização fenotípica dos animais. Os caprinos crioulos, considerados resistentes à verminose e com características de carcaça de boa qualidade, poderão ser indicados para programas de conservação e melhoramento genético

    Resíduo líquido de laticínio como fertilizante para o capim Mombaça

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    The chemical or organic fertilizer can be responsible for the sustainability of pastures, with an alternative of application for the agro-industry subproducts. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of dairy waste application on Mombaça grass agronomic characteristics to verify the potential supply of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Six doses of liquid dairy waste corresponding to 10, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 400 m³ ha-¹ were evaluated in four production cycles. The accumulation of dry forage, leaf blade, stem, dead material, leaf area index, number of tillers, leaf/stem and plant height were evaluated. Increasing levels resulted in the increase of the grass performance. The application of 400 m³ ha-¹ of liquid dairy waste ensures similar productions when compared to the application of P and K through chemical fertilizers, replacing 25% of the phosphorus and 100% of potassium fertilization. The liquid dairy waste can be used as a potassium supplier to Mombaça grass and have a positive residual effect on biomass accumulation.A fertilização química ou orgânica pode ser um dos fatores responsáveis pela sustentabilidade das pastagens abrindo espaço, desta forma, para o uso de subprodutos da agroindústria. Objetivou-se determinar o efeito da aplicação de resíduo de laticínio nas características agronômicas do capim Mombaça para verificar o potencial de fornecimento de fósforo (P) e potássio (K). Seis doses de resíduo líquido de laticínio correspondente a 10, 50, 100, 150, 200 e 400 m³ha-¹ foram avaliadas em quatro ciclos produtivos, determinando-se os acúmulos de massa seca de forragem, de lâminas foliares, de colmos, de material morto, o índice de área foliar, o número de perfilhos basais, a relação folha/colmo e a altura das plantas. Observou-se que o aumento das doses promoveu aumento do desempenho da gramínea. A aplicação de 400 m³ha-¹ garante produções similares àquela com adubação química de P e K, substituindo 25% da adubação fosfatada e 100% da adubação potássica. O resíduo líquido de laticínio é bom fornecedor de potássio à gramínea forrageira capim Mombaça e apresenta efeito residual positivo sobre o acúmulo de forragem

    Exercise Attenuates Renal Dysfunction with Preservation of Myocardial Function in Chronic Kidney Disease

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    Previous studies have suggested that exercise improves renal and cardiac functions in patients with chronic kidney disease. the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of long-term aerobic swimming exercise with overload on renal and cardiac function in rats with 5/6 nefrectomy (5/6Nx). Eight Wistar rats were placed into 4 groups: Control (C), Control+Exercise (E), Sedentary 5/6Nx (NxS) and 5/6Nx+Exercise (NxE). the rats were subjected to swimming exercise sessions with overload for 30 min five days per week for five weeks. Exercise reduced the effect of 5/6Nx on creatinine clearance compared to the NxS group. in addition, exercise minimized the increase in mean proteinuria compared to the NxS group (96.9 +/- 10.0 vs. 51.4 +/- 9.9 mg/24 h; p<0.05). Blood pressure was higher in the NxS and NxE groups compared to the C and E groups (216 +/- 4 and 178 +/- 3 vs. 123 +/- 2 and 124 +/- 2 mm Hg, p<0.05). in the 200 glomeruli that were evaluated, the NxS group had a higher sclerosis index than did the NxE group (16% vs. 2%, p<0.05). Echocardiography demonstrated a higher anterior wall of the left ventricle (LV) in diastole in the NxS group compared with the C, E and NxE groups. the NxS group also had a higher LV posterior wall in diastole and systole compared with the E group. the developed isometric tension in Lmax of the heart papillary muscle was lower in the NxS group compared with the C, E and NxE groups. These results suggested that exercise in 5/6Nx animals might reduce the progression of renal disease and lessen the cardiovascular impact of a reduction in renal mass.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundacao Oswaldo Ramos (FOR)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP EPM, Dept Med, Div Nephrol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Cardiophysiol & Pathophysiol Lab, São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Sch Med, Heart Inst InCor, Lab Genet & Mol Cardiol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP EPM, Dept Med, Div Nephrol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Cardiophysiol & Pathophysiol Lab, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

    Amelioration of Cardiac Function and Activation of Anti-Inflammatory Vasoactive Peptides Expression in the Rat Myocardium by Low Level Laser Therapy

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    Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used as an anti-inflammatory treatment in several disease conditions, even when inflammation is a secondary consequence, such as in myocardial infarction (MI). However, the mechanism by which LLLT is able to protect the remaining myocardium remains unclear. the present study tested the hypothesis that LLLT reduces inflammation after acute MI in female rats and ameliorates cardiac function. the potential participation of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) and Kallikrein-Kinin System (KKS) vasoactive peptides was also evaluated. LLLT treatment effectively reduced MI size, attenuated the systolic dysfunction after MI, and decreased the myocardial mRNA expression of interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6 in comparison to the non-irradiated rat tissue. in addition, LLLT treatment increased protein and mRNA levels of the Mas receptor, the mRNA expression of kinin B2 receptors and the circulating levels of plasma kallikrein compared to non-treated post-MI rats. On the other hand, the kinin B1 receptor mRNA expression decreased after LLLT. No significant changes were found in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the myocardial remote area between laser-irradiated and non-irradiated post-MI rats. Capillaries density also remained similar between these two experimental groups. the mRNA expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was increased three days after MI, however, this effect was blunted by LLLT. Moreover, endothelial NOS mRNA content increased after LLLT. Plasma nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) concentration was increased three days after MI in non-treated rats and increased even further by LLLT treatment. Our data suggest that LLLT diminishes the acute inflammation in the myocardium, reduces infarct size and attenuates left ventricle dysfunction post-MI and increases vasoactive peptides expression and nitric oxide (NO) generation.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Univ Nove Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Heart Inst InCor, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo, BrazilCNPq: 477458/2009-2CNPq: 309715/2011-3CNPq: 479395/2012-8: 2009/54225-8Web of Scienc

    Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in women from southern Brazil and association with vitamin D-binding protein levels and GCDBP gene polymorphisms

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    Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent worldwide, and vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) a major regulator of serum vitamin D levels. The rs4588 and rs7041 polymorphisms of the GC gene constitute the genetic basis of the three major isoforms of circulating DBP (GC1s, GC1f, and GC2), while the rs2282679 variant is located in an important regulatory region of the GC gene. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency and to ascertain whether it is associated with DBP levels and with GC gene variants. Biorepository samples of 443 women aged 20 to 72 years, with no evidence of clinical disease, were analyzed. Circulating levels of 25(OH)D were considered sufficient if ≥20 ng/mL and deficient if <20 ng/mL. Genotype analysis was performed by RT-PCR. Mean age was 53.4±9.4 years; mean BMI was 27.8±5.8 kg/m2. The overall sample had mean 25(OH)D levels of 22.8±8.3 ng/mL; 39.7% of participants had deficient circulating 25 (OH)D levels. Higher prevalence ratios (PR) of 25(OH)D deficiency were found for the CC genotype of rs2282679 (PR 1.74; 95%CI 1.30 to 2.24; p<0.001), GC2 isoform (PR 1.66; 95%CI 1.17 to 2.38; p = 0.005), time since menopause (PR 1.02; 95%CI 1.003 to 1.03, p = 0.016), and HOMA-IR (PR 1.02; 95%CI 1.01 to 1.03, p = 0.004). DBP levels (per 30 μg/mL increase in DBP) were associated with lower PR for 25(OH)D deficiency (PR 0.89; 95%CI 0.80;0.99; p = 0.027). Except for HOMA-IR, these prevalence ratios remained significant after adjustment for age and BMI. In conclusion, the rs2282679 polymorphism and the GC2 isoform of DBP were associated with lower serum DBP levels and with susceptibility to 25 (OH)D deficiency in Brazilian women with no evidence of clinical disease
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