Does It Make a Difference? Data Vizualizations and the Use of Research and Evaluation Reports.

Ph.D. Thesis. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 2018

Resposta da aceroleira aos nutrientes N, P, K, em um latossolo amarelo de castanhal, Pará.

Publicado também: FRAZÃO, D. A. C.; HOMMA, A. K. O; VIÉGAS, I. de J. M. (Ed.). Contribuição ao desenvolvimento da fruticultura na Amazônia. Belém, PA: Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, 2006. p. 121-125

Fingolimod Treatment Modulates PPARγ and CD36 Gene Expression in Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Fingolimod is an oral immunomodulatory drug used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) that may change lipid metabolism. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) are transcription factors that regulate lipoprotein metabolism and immune functions and have been implicated in the pathophysiology of MS. CD36 is a scavenger receptor whose transcription is PPAR regulated. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether fingolimod treatment modifies PPAR and CD36 gene expression as part of its action mechanisms. Serum lipoprotein profiles and PPAR and CD36 gene expression levels in peripheral leukocytes were analysed in 17 female MS patients before and at 6 and 12 months after fingolimod treatment initiation. Clinical data during the follow-up period of treatment were obtained. We found that fingolimod treatment increased HDL-Cholesterol and Apolipoprotein E levels and leukocyte PPARγ and CD36 gene expression. No correlations were found between lipid levels and variations in PPARγ and CD36 gene expression. PPARγ and CD36 variations were significantly correlated during therapy and in patients free of relapse and stable disease. Our results suggest that PPARγ and CD36-mediated processes may contribute to the mechanisms of action of fingolimod in MS. Further studies are required to explore the relation of the PPARγ/CD36 pathway to the clinical efficacy of the drug and its involvement in the pathogenesis of the disease.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Quality and validity of large animal experiments in stroke : a systematic review

An important factor for successful translational stroke research is study quality. Low-quality studies are at risk of biased results and effect overestimation, as has been intensely discussed for small animal stroke research. However, little is known about the methodological rigor and quality in large animal stroke models, which are becoming more frequently used in the field. Based on research in two databases, this systematic review surveys and analyses the methodological quality in large animal stroke research. Quality analysis was based on the Stroke Therapy Academic Industry Roundtable and the Animals in Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments guidelines. Our analysis revealed that large animal models are utilized with similar shortcomings as small animal models. Moreover, translational benefits of large animal models may be limited due to lacking implementation of important quality criteria such as randomization, allocation concealment, and blinded assessment of outcome. On the other hand, an increase of study quality over time and a positive correlation between study quality and journal impact factor were identified. Based on the obtained findings, we derive recommendations for optimal study planning, conducting, and data analysis/reporting when using large animal stroke models to fully benefit from the translational advantages offered by these models

Utilization of Estremoz marbles sawing sludge in ceramic industry – Preliminary Approach

Portugal is in forefront of world marble production, the marble quarries and processing industries in Estremoz region has an important role in economic life. The amount of waste produced by this activity is massive and cause several problems. The aim of this study is to investigate the suitability and the effect of Estremoz marble sawing sludge in mixtures with clay to ceramic industry. Another main concern is the manufacture of environmental friend ceramics. Plasticity behavior of clay mixtures with 2.5, 5, 10, 15 and 20wt% of marble powder were evaluated. The incorporation of waste reduces the liquid limit and plastic index of pastes. Clay bodies were molded by uniaxial pressure and fired at maximum temperature of 950ºC. The results reveal that the addiction of marble powder increases the water absorption, apparent porosity while the bulk density decreases. Due to their influence in the melted phase an improvement in mechanical strength characteristics was registered, namely in rupture modulus. This preliminary study shows that the use such mixtures are promising in term of ceramics technological properties. Keywords: Estremoz marbles, clay, reuse, ceramics

Efeito da fertilidade do solo e da escala de produção na rentabilidade e nos custos da pecuária leiteira na região Oeste do Pará.

SOBER