Dihydropyridine calciumchannel blockers for antihypertensive treatment in older patients evidence from the systolic hypertension in Europe trial

No Abstract

Image effects in transport at metal-molecule interfaces

We present a method for incorporating image-charge effects into the description of charge transport through molecular devices. A simple model allows us to calculate the adjustment of the transport levels, due to the polarization of the electrodes as charge is added to and removed from the molecule. For this, we use the charge distributions of the molecule between two metal electrodes in several charge states, rather than in gas phase, as obtained from a density-functional theory-based transport code. This enables us to efficiently model level shifts and gap renormalization caused by image-charge effects, which are essential for understanding molecular transport experiments. We apply the method to benzene di-amine molecules and compare our results with the standard approach based on gas phase charges. Finally, we give a detailed account of the application of our approach to porphyrin-derivative devices recently studied experimentally by Perrin et al. [Nat. Nanotechnol. 8, 282 (2013)], which demonstrates the importance of accounting for image-charge effects when modeling transport through molecular junctions

Qualitative risk assessment of animal meal applied to swine production

There are gaps in the pig production chain, particularly as regards the possible destinations of dead animals on farms. The production of animal meal presents itself as an alternative for the recycling of biological waste. The objective of this study was realize a qualitative microbiological risk assessment on animal meal in order to provide subsidies to indicate possible hazards and risks associated with the use of meal produced from dead pigs on farms. The microorganism Salmonella was the main hazard reported. The scenario tree presented 15 scenarios for contamination and recontamination of animal meal. For the first scenario was defined release and exposure risk levels as moderate, was obtained as the risk level of the occurrence moderate. The risk level of the consequence determined as low together with the level of occurrence obtained previously resulted in the final risk level low. For the second scenario defined release risk level as high and the exposure risk level as moderate, we obtained as moderate risk level of occurrence. The risk level of the consequence determined as high related to the level of occurrence previously obtained resulted in the final risk level high. From the information and scenarios considered, it was not possible to indicate the production of animal meal as a probable destination for dead animals on pig farms

Identification of Nuclear Factor IV/Ku autoantigen in a human 2D-gel protein database Modification of the large subunit depends on cellular proliferation

AbstractNuclear Factor IV (NFIV)is a heterodimeric DNA-binding protein from HeLa cells, recognizing molecular ends and is identical to the autoantigenic target Ku. We have identified the two NFIV/Ku subunits, by comigration, in the 2D-gel database of transformed human amnion cell (AMA) proteins. We observed that the large subunit or NFIV/Ku consists of at least 3 charge variants that correspond to SSP IEFs 5705 (81.2 kDa, pI 5.74), 6707 (81.2 kDa, pI 5.67) and 6706 (81.9 kDa, pI 5.60) in the AMA catalogue. The relative amounts of the 2 major variants (IEFs 5705 and 6707) was dependent on the state of cell proliferation. Inhibition of DNA-synthesis by hydroxyurea also changed the relative levels of the variants, whereas aphidicolin or a thymidine block had no effect. These results suggest a possible role for NFIV/Ku in DNA replication

Combined influence of fluoride and biofilms on the biotribocorrosion behavior of titanium used for dental applications

Dental implant failures occur mainly due to biofilm infections and mastication micro-movements or load stresses that may induce wear degradation. Dental implants microgaps are highly susceptible areas for biofilm formation and fluoride retention. Although fluoride is an antimicrobial agent widely used in caries prevention, its influence on biofilms under sliding wear remains unknown. The main aim of this work was to assess the effect of mixed biofilms and fluoride on the tribocorrosion behavior of titanium. Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans mixed biofilms were cultured for 8 days on ground and polished commercially pure titanium. Biofilms formation was influenced by topography: higher roughness surfaces presented higher levels of biomass. Reciprocating sliding tests were performed on both surfaces, with and without biofilms, immersed in artificial saliva in the absence or presence of fluoride (30 and 227 ppm F). The low friction coefficient registered indicated the lubricating effect of biofilms on titanium surfaces. Fluoride was also found to have lubricating properties on titanium during sliding, probably due to the precipitation of calcium fluoride (or like) salts. The presence of fluoride influenced the biotribological behavior of titanium surfaces covered with biofilms, facilitating their structural disruption and detachment. Nevertheless, open circuit potential tests reduced the corrosion of titanium in the presence of fluoride (227 ppm F) and biofilms. In conclusion, it is highlighted that fluoride interaction with biofilms can significantly influence the tribological properties of commercially pure titanium in the oral cavity.FCT -Fuel Cell Technologies Program(PTDC/CTM/68160/2006

Association between worldwide dietary and lifestyle patterns with total cholesterol concentrations and DALYs for infectious and cardiovascular diseases: An ecological analysis

Global dietary and lifestyle trends are primary risk factors for communicable and non-communicable diseases. An ecological analysis was conducted to examine the association of global dietary and lifestyle patterns with total cholesterol concentrations. This study also investigated whether total cholesterol modified the association between dietary and lifestyle habits with disability-adjusted-life-years-lost (DALYs) for infectious and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Country-specific mean total cholesterol concentrations and DALYs for infectious and CVDs were obtained. Data were then matched to country-specific food and energy availability for consumption and information on obesity, physical inactivity, urbanization, gross domestic product (GDP), life expectancy and smoking. Stepwise multiple regression models were developed to identify significant predictors of total cholesterol concentrations and DALYs for infectious and CVDs. Life expectancy and egg and meat consumption were significantly associated with cholesterol concentrations. DALYs for infectious diseases were associated with smoking, life expectancy and per capita GDP. Smoking was the only predictor of DALYs for CVDs. The improvement of socio-demographic conditions and economic growth is likely to reduce the burden of communicable diseases in developing countries. A concurring increase in non-communicable diseases is expected, and these results have, yet again, identified smoking as a primary risk factor for CVDs

Persuasive technologies in building support system to prevent non-communicable diseases caused by sedentary lifestyle

In this paper, we present the use of persuasion to help people who want to change their everyday behavior technologies. Méxmov and Lifestyle Change Recommender Systems (LSCS) ¡Camina!, are designed to reduce sedentary as prevention of non-communicable diseases.VI Workshop Innovación en Sistemas de Software (WISS)Red de Universidades con Carreras de Informática (RedUNCI

Persuasive technologies in building support system to prevent non-communicable diseases caused by sedentary lifestyle

In this paper, we present the use of persuasion to help people who want to change their everyday behavior technologies. Méxmov and Lifestyle Change Recommender Systems (LSCS) ¡Camina!, are designed to reduce sedentary as prevention of non-communicable diseases.VI Workshop Innovación en Sistemas de Software (WISS)Red de Universidades con Carreras de Informática (RedUNCI