Polynomial Realization of sℓq(2)s\ell_q(2) and Fusion Rules at Exceptional Values of qq

Representations of the $s\ell_q(2)$ algebra are constructed in the space of polynomials of real (complex) variable for $q^N=1$. The spin addition rule based on eigenvalues of Casimir operator is illustrated on few simplest cases and conjecture for general case is formulated

A Novel Approach to the Measurement of Bourdieusian Social Capital within Institutional Pages and Profiles

We present in this paper a novel approach for measuring Bourdieusian Social Capital (BSC) within  Institutional Pages and Profiles. We analyse Facebook's Institutional Pages and Twitter's Institutional Profiles. Supported by Pierre Bourdie's theory, we search for directions to identify and capture data related to sociability practices, i. e. actions performed such as Like, Comment and Share. The system of symbolic exchanges and mutual recognition treated by Pierre Bourdieu is represented and extracted automatically from these data in the form of generalized sequential patterns. In this format, the social interactions captured from each page are represented as sequences of actions. Next, we also use such data to measure the frequency of occurrence of each sequence. From such frequencies, we compute the effective mobilization capacity. Finally, the volume of BSC is computed based on the capacity of effective mobilization, the number of social interactions captured and the number of followers on each page. The results are aligned with Bourdieu's theory. The approach can be generalized to institutional pages or profiles in Online Social Networks

Molecular Characterization of Thymus capitellatus Extracts and Their Antioxidant, Neuroprotective and Anti-Proliferative Activities

Thymus capitellatus Hoffmanns & Link is an endemic species of the Iberian Peninsula listed as near-threatened, due to its restricted geographical distribution, occurring mainly in Portugal’s mainland. In this work, we detail for the first time T. capitellatus extracts’ phytochemical composition, as well as an evaluation of bioactivities to point out potential health benefits. Aqueous decoction (AD) and hydroethanolic (HE) extracts were obtained, both rich in flavonoids. However, quercetin-(?)-O-hexoside was identified as the main compound in T. capitellatus HE extract, while the phenolic acid rosmarinic acid was the main component of AD extracts. In addition, HE extract presents significant amounts of salvianolic acids and of the terpenoids oleanolic and ursolic acid. Both extracts showed antioxidant activity, evaluated by their capacity to scavenge ABTS and superoxide radicals, as well as an ability to prevent lipid peroxidation. AD extracts were also effective in scavenging hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals. As potential functional foods, T. capitellatus extracts presented neuroprotective and anti-diabetic activity, in addition to time- and dose-dependent anti-proliferative activity against Caco-2 (colorectal adenocarcinoma) and HepG2 (hepatic carcinoma) cells. HE extract presented higher cytotoxicity than AD extract, and HepG2 cells were more resistant than Caco-2 cells. After 24 h exposure to HE extract, the IC$_{50}$ values were 330 μg/mL and 447 μg/mL for Caco-2 and HepG2 cells, respectively. T. capitellatus has potential as a functional food or as a source of bioactive molecules. These results also highlight the need to preserve species with as yet unknown molecular compositions and potential medicinal applications

Brazilian dentistry research productivity : state level socioeconomic, educational and structural factors

Aim: To explore socioeconomic, educational and research factors associated with dental research productivity at the state level in Brazil. Methods: The authors used the Scopus database to identify dental articles published from 2006 to 2016 associated with Brazilian universities at the state level. Several social, economic, educational and research structure variables were obtained from the census and National Research Council to predict the rate of articles per 100 thousand inhabitants among the 27 Brazilian states. Rates were fitted in linear weighted least-squared regression with stepwise technique. Twenty-two variables were grouped in six blocks (social, economic, general education, dental education, research workforce and structure). Results: A total of 21189 articles were published, and the state of São Paulo accounted for 46%, followed by Rio Grande do Sul with 9.4%; four states did not publish any articles. There were an average (± standard deviation) of 2.6 (±1.98) published articles per 100 researchers and 13.4 (±9.6) articles per 100 thousand inhabitants. Research structure and workforce explained 92.4% and 87.2% of state variability, respectively, while the final model explained 94.5%. One extra PhD and one extra undergraduate researcher per 100 thousand inhabitants were associated with 11.3 more and 3.5 fewer articles, respectively, while every 10 points (range 0-100) on the Human Development Index (Education Component) was associated with 3.3 more articles. Conclusion: State scientific output has several associated factors, but research workforce and general education variables seem to be good predictors. Large disparities among state research outputs have been described and must be addressed by research and development policies

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant, Anti-Acetylcholinesterase, and Anti-α-Glucosidase Activity of Thymus carnosus Extracts: A Three-Year Study on the Impact of Annual Variation and Geographic Location

Thymus carnosus Boiss. is a near-threatened species, and, as for many species, its potential for medicinal purposes may be lost if measures towards plant protection are not taken. A way of preserving these species is to increase knowledge about their medicinal properties and economic potential. Thus, with the objective of studying the potentiality of introducing T. carnosus as a crop, the stability of the phytochemical profile of T. carnosus was studied during a period of three years by comparing the phytochemical profile of extracts obtained from plants harvested in two different edaphoclimatic locations, as well as by comparing the respective bioactivities, namely, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiaging, and neuroprotective activities. It was reported, for the first time, the effect of annual variation and geographic location in the phytochemical composition of aqueous decoction and hydroethanolic extracts of T. carnosus. In addition, the presence of two salvianolic acid B/E isomers in T. carnosus extracts is here described for the first time. Despite the variations in phytochemical composition, according to harvesting location or year, T. carnosus extracts maintain high antioxidant activity, assessed by their capacity to scavenge ABTS•+, •OH , NO•, O2•− radicals, as well as to prevent β-carotene bleaching. All extracts presented significant potential to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase, denoting neuroprotective, anti-aging, and anti-diabetic potential. In conclusion, the vegetative stage and location of harvest are key factors to obtain the maximum potential of this species, namely, a phytochemical profile with health benefit bioactivities

Prevalência e gravidade do desgaste dentário e fatores de risco entre adultos jovens no sul do Brasil

Introduction: In studies on the prevalence of tooth wear, few publications related to young adults are found. Objectives: To explore the associations of behavioral, medical, and socio-demographic variables with prevalence and severity of tooth wear of the whole dentition, in a sample of young adults, using a modified version of the Tooth Wear Index (TWI). Methods: Sample consisted of 116 university dental students with an average age of 23 years, who answered a questionnaire related to sociodemographic variables, self-perception and health behaviors. In addition, individuals underwent a clinical evaluation of tooth wear by one trained examiner using the TWI modified by Smith and Knight. Logistic regression was carried out at individual level. Results: A total of 9,906 dental surfaces in 116 individuals were examined, 72.27% dental surfaces had no tooth wear (grade 0), but all individuals had at least one worn surface. Among the individuals, 78,4 % had grade 1 (enamel) as the highest level and 21.6% grade 2 (entin) as the highest level. The presence of grade 2 tooth wear was mainly prevalent in the following individuals: male; smoker; with bruxism, and among those who reported having undergone orthodontic treatment. Analyzing the relevant factors that affect tooth wear by multiple regression analysis, it was found that smoking (OR 6.67; IC 1.73- 25.76) and bruxism (grinding) (OR 4.05; IC 1.29- 12.7) had the greatest effect on tooth wear. Conclusions: Our results suggest that being male, being a current smoker, having grinding bruxism and having previous orthodontic treatment are associated with tooth wear.Introdução: Nos estudos de prevalência em desgaste dental encontramos poucos trabalhos relacionados com adultos jovens. Objetivos: Explorar a associação de variáveis comportamentais, médicas e sociodemográficas com desgaste dentário em uma amostra de adultos jovens, utilizando uma versão modificada do índice Tooth Wear Index (TWI). Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 116 estudantes universitários de Odontologia, com média de 23.3 anos de idade, que responderam a um questionário relacionado às variáveis sociodemográficas, de autopercepção e comportamentais em saúde. Além disso, esses indivíduos foram submetidos a avaliação clínica do desgaste dental por um examinador treinado usando o TWI modificado por Smith e Knight. Regressão logística foi realizada em nível individual. Resultados: Um total de 9.906 superfícies dentárias em 116 indivíduos foram examinadas, 72,27% das superfícies não apresentavam desgaste dentário (grau 0), mas todos os indivíduos apresentavam pelo menos uma superfície desgastada. Dentre os indivíduos 78,4% apresentaram grau 1 (esmalte) como o nível mais alto e 21,6% grau 2 (dentina) como o mais alto. A presença de desgaste dentário de grau 2 foi principalmente prevalente nos seguintes indivíduos: sexo masculino; fumante; com bruxismo, e entre aqueles que relataram ter realizado tratamento ortodôntico. Analisando os fatores relevantes que afetam o desgaste dentário por análise de regressão múltipla, se verificou que tabagismo (OR = 6,67; IC 1,73-25,76) e bruxismo (OR = 4,05; IC 1,29-12,7) tiveram o maior efeito associado sobre o desgaste dentário. Conclusões: Nossos resultados sugerem que ser do sexo masculino, tabagista, relatar bruxismo e ter realizado tratamento ortodôntico prévio está associado ao desgaste dentário

Prevalência e gravidade do desgaste dentário e fatores de risco entre adultos jovens no sul do Brasil

Introduction: In studies on the prevalence of tooth wear, few publications related to young adults are found. Objectives: To explore the associations of behavioral, medical, and socio-demographic variables with prevalence and severity of tooth wear of the whole dentition, in a sample of young adults, using a modified version of the Tooth Wear Index (TWI). Methods: Sample consisted of 116 university dental students with an average age of 23 years, who answered a questionnaire related to sociodemographic variables, self-perception and health behaviors. In addition, individuals underwent a clinical evaluation of tooth wear by one trained examiner using the TWI modified by Smith and Knight. Logistic regression was carried out at individual level. Results: A total of 9,906 dental surfaces in 116 individuals were examined, 72.27 % dental surfaces had no tooth wear (grade 0), but all individuals had at least one worn surface. Among the individuals, 78,4 % had grade 1 (enamel) as the highest level and 21.6% grade 2 (dentin) as the highest level. The presence of grade 2 tooth wear was mainly prevalent in the following individuals: male; smoker; with bruxism, and among those who reported having undergone orthodontic treatment. Analyzing the relevant factors that affect tooth wear by multiple regression analysis, it was found that smoking (OR 6.67; IC 1.73- 25.76) and bruxism (grinding) (OR 4.05; IC 1.29- 12.7) had the greatest effect on tooth wear. Conclusions: Our results suggest that being male, being a current smoker, having grinding bruxism and having previous orthodontic treatment are associated with tooth wear.Introdução: Nos estudos de prevalência em desgaste dental encontramos poucos trabalhos relacionados com adultos jovens. Objetivos: Explorar a associação de variáveis comportamentais, médicas e sociodemográficas com desgaste dentário em uma amostra de adultos jovens, utilizando uma versão modificada do índice Tooth Wear Index (TWI). Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 116 estudantes universitários de Odontologia, com média de 23.3 anos de idade, que responderam a um questionário relacionado às variáveis sociodemográficas, de autopercepção e comportamentais em saúde. Além disso, esses indivíduos foram submetidos a avaliação clínica do desgaste dental por um examinador treinado usando o TWI modificado por Smith e Knight. Regressão logística foi realizada em nível individual. Resultados: Um total de 9.906 superfícies dentárias em 116 indivíduos foram examinadas, 72,27% das superfícies não apresentavam desgaste dentário (grau 0), mas todos os indivíduos apresentavam pelo menos uma superfície desgastada. Dentre os indivíduos 78,4% apresentaram grau 1 (esmalte) como o nível mais alto e 21,6% grau 2 (dentina) como o mais alto. A presença de desgaste dentário de grau 2 foi principalmente prevalente nos seguintes indivíduos: sexo masculino; fumante; com bruxismo, e entre aqueles que relataram ter realizado tratamento ortodôntico. Analisando os fatores relevantes que afetam o desgaste dentário por análise de regressão múltipla, se verificou que tabagismo (OR = 6,67; IC 1,73-25,76) e bruxismo (OR = 4,05; IC 1,29-12,7) tiveram o maior efeito associado sobre o desgaste dentário. Conclusões: Nossos resultados sugerem que ser do sexo masculino, tabagista, relatar bruxismo e ter realizado tratamento ortodôntico prévio está associado ao desgaste dentário

The gorgonian coral Eunicella labiata hosts a distinct prokaryotic consortium amenable to cultivation

Microbial communities inhabiting gorgonian corals are believed to benefit their hosts through nutrient provision and chemical defence; yet much remains to be learned about their phylogenetic uniqueness and cultivability. Here, we determined the prokaryotic community structure and distinctiveness in the gorgonian Eunicella labiata by Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA genes from gorgonian and seawater metagenomic DNA. Furthermore, we used a 'plate-wash' methodology to compare the phylogenetic diversity of the 'total' gorgonian bacteriome and its 'cultivatable' fraction. With 1016 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), prokaryotic richness was higher in seawater than in E. labiata where 603 OTUs were detected, 68 of which were host-specific. Oceanospirillales and Rhodobacterales predominated in the E. labiata communities. One Oceanospirillales OTU, classified as Endozoicomonas, was particularly dominant, and closest relatives comprised exclusively uncultured clones from other gorgonians. We cultivated a remarkable 62% of the bacterial symbionts inhabiting E. labiata: Ruegeria, Sphingorhabdus, Labrenzia, other unclassified Rhodobacteraceae, Vibrio and Shewanella ranked among the 10 most abundant genera in both the cultivation-independent and dependent samples. In conclusion, the E. labiata microbiome is diverse, distinct from seawater and enriched in (gorgonian)-specific bacterial phylotypes. In contrast to current understanding, many dominant E. labiata symbionts can, indeed, be cultivated.Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology [EXPL/MAR-EST/1664/2013, SFRH/BPD/34282/2006]German Volkswagen (VW) foundation [Az. 81 040-2]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Feline leukaemia virus: half a century since its discovery

In the early 1960s, Professor William (Bill) F.H. Jarrett was presented with a timeGÇôspace cluster of cats with lymphoma identified by a local veterinary practitioner, Harry Pfaff, and carried out experiments to find if the condition might be caused by a virus, similar to lymphomas noted previously in poultry and mice. In 1964, the transmission of lymphoma in cats and the presence of virus-like particles that resembled GÇÿthe virus of murine leukaemiasGÇÖ in the induced tumours were reported in Nature. These seminal studies initiated research on feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and launched the field of feline retrovirology. This review article considers the way in which some of the key early observations made by Bill Jarrett and his coworkers have developed in subsequent years and discusses progress that has been made in the field since FeLV was first discovered