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Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste

UniversityGuarapuava, Brazil

Research output, citation impact, and the most-cited recent papers from Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste (Brazil). Aggregated across the NobleBlocks index of 300M+ scholarly works.

Total works
12.0K
Citations
125.4K
h-index
98
i10-index
3.2K
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Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste

Top-cited papers from Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste

Integrative Review: Concepts And Methods Used In Nursing
Cássia Baldini Soares, Luíza Akiko Komura Hoga, Marina Peduzzi, Carine Teles Sangaleti +2 more
2014· Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP676doi:10.1590/s0080-6234201400002000020

UNLABELLED: Integrative review (IR) has an international reputation in nursing research and evidence-based practice. This IR aimed at identifying and analyzing the concepts and methods recommended to undertaking IR in nursing. Nine information resources,including electronic databases and grey literature were searched. Seventeen studies were included. The results indicate that: primary studies were mostly from USA; it is possible to have several research questions or hypotheses and include primary studies in the review from different theoretical and methodological approaches; it is a type of review that can go beyond the analysis and synthesis of findings from primary studies allowing exploiting other research dimensions, and that presents potentialities for the development of new theories and new problems for research. CONCLUSION: IR is understood as a very complex type of review and it is expected to be developed using standardized and systematic methods to ensure the required rigor of scientific research and therefore the legitimacy of the established evidence.

Interactions between plant hormones and heavy metals responses
Lauro Bücker-Neto, Ana Luiza Sobral Paiva, Ronei Dorneles Machado, Rafael Augusto Arenhart +1 more
2017· Genetics and Molecular Biology439doi:10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2016-0087

Heavy metals are natural non-biodegradable constituents of the Earth's crust that accumulate and persist indefinitely in the ecosystem as a result of human activities. Since the industrial revolution, the concentration of cadmium, arsenic, lead, mercury and zinc, amongst others, have increasingly contaminated soil and water resources, leading to significant yield losses in plants. These issues have become an important concern of scientific interest. Understanding the molecular and physiological responses of plants to heavy metal stress is critical in order to maximize their productivity. Recent research has extended our view of how plant hormones can regulate and integrate growth responses to various environmental cues in order to sustain life. In the present review we discuss current knowledge about the role of the plant growth hormones abscisic acid, auxin, brassinosteroid and ethylene in signaling pathways, defense mechanisms and alleviation of heavy metal toxicity.

Optical band-gap determination of nanostructured WO3 film
Pedro Pablo González‐Borrero, Francielle Sato, A. N. Medina, M. L. Baesso +4 more
2010· Applied Physics Letters369doi:10.1063/1.3313945

The optical band-gap energy of a nanostructured tungsten trioxide film is determined using the photoacoustic spectroscopy method under continuous light excitation. The mechanism of the photoacoustic signal generation is discussed. The band-gap energy is also computed by other methods. The absorption coefficient as well as the band-gap energy of three different crystal structures of tungsten trioxide is calculated by a first-principles Green’s function approach using the projector augmented wave method. The theoretical study indicates that the cubic crystal structure shows good agreement with the experimental data.

Heavy metals in vegetables and potential risk for human health
Fernando Guerra, Anderson Ricardo Trevizam, Takashi Muraoka, Nericlenes Chaves Marcante +1 more
2012· Scientia Agricola336doi:10.1590/s0103-90162012000100008

Ingestion of vegetables containing heavy metals is one of the main ways in which these elements enter the human body. Once entered, heavy metals are deposited in bone and fat tissues, overlapping noble minerals. Slowly released into the body, heavy metals can cause an array of diseases. This study aimed to investigate the concentrations of cadmium, nickel, lead, cobalt and chromium in the most frequently consumed foodstuff in the São Paulo State, Brazil and to compare the heavy metal contents with the permissible limits established by the Brazilian legislation. A value of intake of heavy metals in human diets was also calculated to estimate the risk to human health. Vegetable samples were collected at the São Paulo General Warehousing and Centers Company, and the heavy metal content was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. All sampled vegetables presented average concentrations of Cd and Ni lower than the permissible limits established by the Brazilian legislation. Pb and Cr exceeded the limits in 44 % of the analyzed samples. The Brazilian legislation does not establish a permissible limit for Co contents. Regarding the consumption habit of the population in the São Paulo State, the daily ingestion of heavy metals was below the oral dose of reference, therefore, consumption of these vegetables can be considered safe and without risk to human health.

Repositioning of the global epicentre of non-optimal cholesterol
Cristina Taddei, Bin Zhou, Honor Bixby, Rodrigo M. Carrillo‐Larco +4 more
2020· Nature290doi:10.1038/s41586-020-2338-1

Abstract High blood cholesterol is typically considered a feature of wealthy western countries 1,2 . However, dietary and behavioural determinants of blood cholesterol are changing rapidly throughout the world 3 and countries are using lipid-lowering medications at varying rates. These changes can have distinct effects on the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, which have different effects on human health 4,5 . However, the trends of HDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels over time have not been previously reported in a global analysis. Here we pooled 1,127 population-based studies that measured blood lipids in 102.6 million individuals aged 18 years and older to estimate trends from 1980 to 2018 in mean total, non-HDL and HDL cholesterol levels for 200 countries. Globally, there was little change in total or non-HDL cholesterol from 1980 to 2018. This was a net effect of increases in low- and middle-income countries, especially in east and southeast Asia, and decreases in high-income western countries, especially those in northwestern Europe, and in central and eastern Europe. As a result, countries with the highest level of non-HDL cholesterol—which is a marker of cardiovascular risk—changed from those in western Europe such as Belgium, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Malta in 1980 to those in Asia and the Pacific, such as Tokelau, Malaysia, The Philippines and Thailand. In 2017, high non-HDL cholesterol was responsible for an estimated 3.9 million (95% credible interval 3.7 million–4.2 million) worldwide deaths, half of which occurred in east, southeast and south Asia. The global repositioning of lipid-related risk, with non-optimal cholesterol shifting from a distinct feature of high-income countries in northwestern Europe, north America and Australasia to one that affects countries in east and southeast Asia and Oceania should motivate the use of population-based policies and personal interventions to improve nutrition and enhance access to treatment throughout the world.

Fatores de risco para prematuridade: pesquisa documental
Helena Ângela de Camargo Ramos, Roberto Kenji Nakamura Cuman
2009· Escola Anna Nery273doi:10.1590/s1414-81452009000200009

Objetivou-se identificar o perfil de mães e de prematuros nascidos vivos e caracterizar os recém-nascidos prematuros em situação de risco para o crescimento e desenvolvimento. Estudo epidemiológico de corte transversal realizado em Guarapuava, PR. Os dados foram obtidos a partir do sistema de informações sobre nascidos vivos (SINASC) com base nas declarações de nascidos vivos. A análise estatística foi realizada em uma amostra composta por 106 declarações de nascidos vivos prematuros, de janeiro a junho de 2005, e suas respectivas mães. As variáveis utilizadas foram: características sociodemográficas, condições da gestação e parto e características dos prematuros nascidos vivos. Concluiu-se que conhecer e avaliar o perfil das mães e o número e a situação dos nascimentos de crianças de uma área, em um período de tempo, é importante na determinação dos riscos vitais relacionados a condições do nascimento, crescimento e desenvolvimento infantil, sendo esses aspectos componentes de vários indicadores de saúde e fundamentais para a assistência na área materno-infantil.

Experiences and shared meaning of teamwork and interprofessional collaboration among health care professionals in primary health care settings: a systematic review
Carine Teles Sangaleti, Mariana Cabral Schveitzer, Marina Peduzzi, Elma Lourdes Campos Pavone Zóboli +1 more
2017· The JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports254doi:10.11124/jbisrir-2016-003016

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background During the last decade, teamwork has been addressed under the rationale of interprofessional practice or collaboration, highlighted by the attributes of this practice such as: interdependence of professional actions, focus on user needs, negotiation between professionals, shared decision making, mutual respect and trust among professionals, and acknowledgment of the role and work of the different professional groups. Teamwork and interprofessional collaboration have been pointed out as astrategy for effective organization of health care services as the complexity of healthcare requires integration of knowledge and practices from differente professional groups. This integration has a qualitative dimension that can be identified through the experiences of health professionals and to the meaning they give to teamwork. Objective The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize the best available evidence on the experiences of health professionals regarding teamwork and interprofessional collaboration in primary health care settings. Inclusion criteria Types of participants The populations included were all officially regulated health professionals that work in primary health settings: dentistry, medicine, midwifery, nursing, nutrition, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical education, physiotherapy, psychology, social work and speech therapy. In addition to these professionals, community health workers, nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses and other allied health workers were also included. Phenomena of interest The phenomena of interest were experiences of health professionals regarding teamwork and interprofessional collaboration in primary health care settings. Context The context was primary health care settings that included health care centers, health maintenance organizations, integrative medicine practices, integrative health care, family practices, primary care organizations and family medical clinics. National health surgery as a setting was excluded. Types of studies The qualitative component of the review considered studies that focused on qualitative data including designs such as phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, action research and feminist research. Search strategy A three-step search strategy was utilized. Ten databases were searched for papers published from 1980 to June 2015. Studies published in English, Portuguese and Spanish were considered. Methodological quality Methodological quality was assessed using the Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. All included studies received a score of at least 70% the questions in the instrument, 11 studies did not address the influence of the researcher on the research or vice-versa, and six studies did not present a statement locating the researcher culturally or theoretically. Data extraction Qualitative findings were extracted using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument. Data synthesis Qualitative research findings were pooled using a pragmatic meta-aggregative approach and the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument software. Results This review included 21 research studies, representing various countries and healthcare settings. There were 223 findings, which were aggregated into 15 categories, and three synthesized findings: i. The health professional's experience of teamwork and interprofessional collaboration process is based on daily practices triggered by users’ needs, and include integration, trust, respect, openness to collaboration, a feeling of belonging, humility, and time to listen and talk. Teamwork and interprofessional collaboration require communication and sharing to ensure frequent contact and sociability, appreciation and knowledge of different practices and professional roles, especially in complex cases, and shared leadership to deal with conflicts and tensions. ii. The health professional's experience with conditions and consequences of teamwork and interprofessional collaboration shows the importance of a care philosophy guided by the connection with the patient and family. This is especially evident in the papers dealing with the Brazilian Family Health Program. This generates gains in collaborative care such as continuity of action, improvement in relations, time saving and continual learning. Teamwork is a practice facilitated by individual and collective initiatives in the areas of labor and management, although there are still structural, ideological, organizational and relational barriers. iii. The health professional's experience of teamwork and interprofessional collaboration is determined by the biomedical paradigm, social division of labor, provision of services in the referral network, and specific training in teamwork through undergraduate study and in the workplace. Conclusions This review shows that health professionals experience teamwork and interprofessional collaboration as a process in primary health care settings; its conditions, consequences (benefits and barriers), and finally shows its determinants. Health providers face enormous ideological, organizational, structural and relational challenges while promoting teamwork and interprofessional collaboration in primary health care settings. This review has identified possible actions that could improve implementation of teamwork and interprofessional collaboration in primary health care.

Attempted and completed suicide in older subjects: results from the WHO/EURO multicentre study of suicidal behaviour
Diego De Leo, W. Padoani, Paolo Scocco, David Lie +4 more
2001· International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry235doi:10.1002/gps.337

OBJECTIVE: The authors present an analysis of findings for the 65 years and over age group from the WHO/EURO Multicentre Study of Suicidal Behaviour (1989-93). METHODS: Multinational data on non-fatal suicidal behaviour is derived from 1518 subjects in 16 European centres. Local district data on suicide were available from 10 of the collaborating centres. RESULTS: Stockholm (Sweden), Pontoise (France) and Oxford (UK) had the highest suicide attempts rates. In most centres, the majority of elderly who attempted suicide were widow(er)s, often living alone, who used predominantly voluntary drug ingestion. Non-fatal suicidal behaviour decreased with increasing age, whereas suicide rates rose. The ratio between fatal and non-fatal behaviours was 1:2, that for males/females almost 1:1. In the years considered, substantial stability in suicide and attempted suicide rates was observed. As their age increased, suicidal subjects displayed only a limited tendency to repeat self-destructive acts. Moreover, there was little correlation between attempted suicide and suicide rates, which carries different clinical implications for non-fatal suicidal behaviour in the elderly compared with younger subjects in the same WHO/EURO study.

Disponibilidade de nutrientes no solo: decomposição e liberação de compostos orgânicos de resíduos vegetais
Paulo Sérgio Pavinato, Ciro Antônio Rosolem
2008· Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo210doi:10.1590/s0100-06832008000300001

O objetivo principal desta revisão foi reunir informações a respeito da ação de compostos orgânicos produzidos por plantas na disponibilidade de nutrientes nos solos, principalmente sobre os cátions Ca, Mg e K e sobre o ânion fosfato. O sistema de cultivo adotado ocasiona mudanças nas propriedades químicas e físicas do solo, especialmente na disponibilidade de nutrientes e condicionamento físico do solo. Tem-se observado o acúmulo de nutrientes nas camadas superficiais do solo no sistema de semeadura direta, pelo não-revolvimento do solo e pela deposição de resíduos de culturas na superfície. Os ácidos orgânicos provenientes de plantas podem interagir com a fase sólida e ocupar os sítios de adsorção de nutrientes, competindo diretamente com eles e aumentando sua disponibilidade no solo. A adição de resíduos vegetais pode promover, antes da humificação, a elevação do pH, por promover complexação de H e Al com compostos do resíduo vegetal, deixando Ca, Mg e K mais livres em solução, o que pode ocasionar aumento na saturação da CTC por estes cátions de reação básica. Também é normal observar o aumento na disponibilidade de P no solo com a adição de resíduos vegetais, tanto pelo P presente no resíduo como por competição de compostos orgânicos dos resíduos pelos sítios de troca no solo. A persistência dos compostos orgânicos também é fator que tem grande interferência nos processos de sorção/dessorção de cátions e ânions, dependendo da atividade microbiana, da disponibilidade metabólica do substrato carbonado e da sorção aos colóides do solo.

Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles by Ecofriendly Routes: Adsorbent for Copper Removal From Wastewater
Julia de O. Primo, Carla Bittencourt, Selene Acosta, Ayrton Sierra-Castillo +4 more
2020· Frontiers in Chemistry158doi:10.3389/fchem.2020.571790

Zinc Oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized by two simple routes using Aloe vera (green synthesis, route I) or Cassava starch (gelatinization, route II). The XRD patterns and Raman spectra show that both synthesis routes lead to single-phase ZnO. XPS results indicate the presence of zinc atoms with oxidation state Zn 2+ . SEM images of the ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using Cassava starch show the presence of pseudo-spherical nanoparticles and nanosheets, while just pseudo-spherical nanoparticles were observed when Aloe vera was used. The UV-Vis spectra showed a slight difference in the absorption edge of the ZnO particles obtained using Aloe vera (3.18 eV) and Cassava starch (3.24 eV). The ZnO nanoparticles were tested as adsorbents for the removal of copper in wastewater, it is shown that at low Cu 2+ ion concentration (~40 mg/L) the nanoparticles synthesized by both routes have the same removal efficiency, however, increasing the absorbate concentration (> 80 mg/L) the ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using Aloe vera have a higher removal efficiency. The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles can be used as effective and environmental-friendly metal trace absorbers in wastewater.

An overview of cell disruption methods for intracellular biomolecules recovery
Tatiane Aparecida Gomes, Cristina Maria Zanette, Michele Rigon Spier
2020· Preparative Biochemistry & Biotechnology151doi:10.1080/10826068.2020.1728696

Bacteria, yeast, and microalgae are sources of biomolecules such as enzymes, lipids, pigments, organic acids and, proteins for industrial application. These high-added-value biomolecules are often intracellularly bioaccumulated, and their recovery involves several downstream processes, in which the most crucial stage is the disruption of the cell wall. The choice of the method influences the further downstream steps and, consequently, its complexity and cost. In this review, severe and gentle methods currently used for disruption or permeabilization of bacteria, yeast, and microalgae were discussed based on their principle, application, and feasibility. Also, recent studies regarding the microbial cell disruption were presented in order to facilitate the choice of the more effective method. Some factors such as cell wall composition, nature of biomolecule, purity degree, scalability, and energy input are necessary to be considered on selecting the most appropriate disruption method. The severe methods, such as high pressure-homogenization, and ultrasonication present higher yield, lower cost, and feasibility to scale-up when compared to the gentle methods. However, in order to achieve a higher recovery yield, further studies must focus on the optimization of operational parameters and on the combination of severe and gentle methods.

Climate seasonality limits leaf carbon assimilation and wood productivity in tropical forests
Fabien Wagner, Bruno Hérault, Damien Bonal, Clément Stahl +4 more
2016· Biogeosciences147doi:10.5194/bg-13-2537-2016

Abstract. The seasonal climate drivers of the carbon cycle in tropical forests remain poorly known, although these forests account for more carbon assimilation and storage than any other terrestrial ecosystem. Based on a unique combination of seasonal pan-tropical data sets from 89 experimental sites (68 include aboveground wood productivity measurements and 35 litter productivity measurements), their associated canopy photosynthetic capacity (enhanced vegetation index, EVI) and climate, we ask how carbon assimilation and aboveground allocation are related to climate seasonality in tropical forests and how they interact in the seasonal carbon cycle. We found that canopy photosynthetic capacity seasonality responds positively to precipitation when rainfall is < 2000 mm yr−1 (water-limited forests) and to radiation otherwise (light-limited forests). On the other hand, independent of climate limitations, wood productivity and litterfall are driven by seasonal variation in precipitation and evapotranspiration, respectively. Consequently, light-limited forests present an asynchronism between canopy photosynthetic capacity and wood productivity. First-order control by precipitation likely indicates a decrease in tropical forest productivity in a drier climate in water-limited forest, and in current light-limited forest with future rainfall < 2000 mm yr−1.

Heterogeneous contributions of change in population distribution of body mass index to change in obesity and underweight
Maria LC Iurilli, Bin Zhou, James E Bennett, Rodrigo M. Carrillo‐Larco +4 more
2021· eLife141doi:10.7554/elife.60060

From 1985 to 2016, the prevalence of underweight decreased, and that of obesity and severe obesity increased, in most regions, with significant variation in the magnitude of these changes across regions. We investigated how much change in mean body mass index (BMI) explains changes in the prevalence of underweight, obesity, and severe obesity in different regions using data from 2896 population-based studies with 187 million participants. Changes in the prevalence of underweight and total obesity, and to a lesser extent severe obesity, are largely driven by shifts in the distribution of BMI, with smaller contributions from changes in the shape of the distribution. In East and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, the underweight tail of the BMI distribution was left behind as the distribution shifted. There is a need for policies that address all forms of malnutrition by making healthy foods accessible and affordable, while restricting unhealthy foods through fiscal and regulatory restrictions.

Improved Neuroprotective Effects of Resveratrol-Loaded Polysorbate 80-Coated Poly(Lactide) Nanoparticles in MPTP-Induced Parkinsonism
Gabriela da Rocha Lindner, Danúbia Bonfanti Santos, Dirleise Colle, Eduardo Luiz Gasnhar Moreira +4 more
2015· Nanomedicine127doi:10.2217/nnm.14.165

AIM: This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol (RVT)-loaded polysorbate 80 (PS80)-coated poly(lactide) nanoparticles in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD), and compared these effects with those from bulk RVT. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice received for 15 days RVT intraperitoneally (nanoparticulate or non-nanoparticulate), as well as single intranasal administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a neurotoxin that damages dopaminergic neurons and induces PD-related symptoms. RESULTS: MPTP induced significant impairments on olfactory discrimination and social recognition memory, as well as caused striatal oxidative stress and reduced the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in striatum. RVT-loaded nanoparticles (but not bulk) displayed significant neuroprotection against MPTP-induced behavioral and neurochemical changes. CONCLUSION: These results point to RVT-loaded poly(lactide)-nanoparticles coated with PS80 a promising nanomedical tool and adjuvant therapy for PD.

Lignification in Sugarcane: Biochemical Characterization, Gene Discovery, and Expression Analysis in Two Genotypes Contrasting for Lignin Content
Alexandra Bottcher, Igor Cesarino, Adriana Brombini dos Santos, Renato Vicentini +4 more
2013· PLANT PHYSIOLOGY122doi:10.1104/pp.113.225250

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is currently one of the most efficient crops in the production of first-generation biofuels. However, the bagasse represents an additional abundant lignocellulosic resource that has the potential to increase the ethanol production per plant. To achieve a more efficient conversion of bagasse into ethanol, a better understanding of the main factors affecting biomass recalcitrance is needed. Because several studies have shown a negative effect of lignin on saccharification yield, the characterization of lignin biosynthesis, structure, and deposition in sugarcane is an important goal. Here, we present, to our knowledge, the first systematic study of lignin deposition during sugarcane stem development, using histological, biochemical, and transcriptional data derived from two sugarcane genotypes with contrasting lignin contents. Lignin amount and composition were determined in rind (outer) and pith (inner) tissues throughout stem development. In addition, the phenolic metabolome was analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, which allowed the identification of 35 compounds related to the phenylpropanoid pathway and monolignol biosynthesis. Furthermore, the Sugarcane EST Database was extensively surveyed to identify lignin biosynthetic gene homologs, and the expression of all identified genes during stem development was determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Our data provide, to our knowledge, the first in-depth characterization of lignin biosynthesis in sugarcane and form the baseline for the rational metabolic engineering of sugarcane feedstock for bioenergy purposes.

Weather Forecasting by Insects: Modified Sexual Behaviour in Response to Atmospheric Pressure Changes
Ana Cristina Pellegrino, Maria Fernanda G. V. Peñaflor, Cristiane Nardi, Wayne Bezner-Kerr +3 more
2013· PLoS ONE121doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0075004

Prevailing abiotic conditions may positively or negatively impact insects at both the individual and population levels. For example while moderate rainfall and wind velocity may provide conditions that favour development, as well as movement within and between habitats, high winds and heavy rains can significantly decrease life expectancy. There is some evidence that insects adjust their behaviours associated with flight, mating and foraging in response to changes in barometric pressure. We studied changes in different mating behaviours of three taxonomically unrelated insects, the curcurbit beetle, Diabrotica speciosa (Coleoptera), the true armyworm moth, Pseudaletia unipuncta (Lepidoptera) and the potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Hemiptera), when subjected to natural or experimentally manipulated changes in atmospheric pressure. In response to decreasing barometric pressure, male beetles exhibited decreased locomotory activity in a Y-tube olfactometer with female pheromone extracts. However, when placed in close proximity to females, they exhibited reduced courtship sequences and the precopulatory period. Under the same situations, females of the true armyworm and the potato aphid exhibited significantly reduced calling behaviour. Neither the movement of male beetles nor the calling of armyworm females differed between stable and increasing atmospheric pressure conditions. However, in the case of the armyworm there was a significant decrease in the incidence of mating under rising atmospheric conditions, suggesting an effect on male behaviour. When atmospheric pressure rose, very few M. euphorbiae oviparae called. This was similar to the situation observed under decreasing conditions, and consequently very little mating was observed in this species except under stable conditions. All species exhibited behavioural modifications, but there were interspecific differences related to size-related flight ability and the diel periodicity of mating activity. We postulate that the observed behavioral modifications, especially under decreasing barometric pressure would reduce the probability of injury or death under adverse weather conditions.

An Overview of Artificial Intelligence in Oncology
Eduardo Moreno Júdice de Mattos Farina, Jacqueline Justino Nabhen, Maria Inez Dacoregio, Felipe Batalini +1 more
2022· Future Science OA121doi:10.2144/fsoa-2021-0074

Cancer is associated with significant morbimortality globally. Advances in screening, diagnosis, management and survivorship were substantial in the last decades, however, challenges in providing personalized and data-oriented care remain. Artificial intelligence (AI), a branch of computer science used for predictions and automation, has emerged as potential solution to improve the healthcare journey and to promote precision in healthcare. AI applications in oncology include, but are not limited to, optimization of cancer research, improvement of clinical practice (eg., prediction of the association of multiple parameters and outcomes - prognosis and response) and better understanding of tumor molecular biology. In this review, we examine the current state of AI in oncology, including fundamentals, current applications, limitations and future perspectives.

Mucoadhesive chitosan-coated PLGA nanoparticles for oral delivery of ferulic acid
Isabela Angeli de Lima, Najeh Maissar Khalil, Tânia Toyomi Tominaga, Anna Lechanteur +2 more
2018· Artificial Cells Nanomedicine and Biotechnology121doi:10.1080/21691401.2018.1477788

This paper describes the development and in vitro evaluation of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles coated with chitosan (CS) for oral delivery of ferulic acid (FA). Nanoparticles were obtained by an emulsion evaporation technique and characterized. Furthermore, we evaluated the scavenging activity over hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the cytotoxicity over tumour cells and the in vitro intestinal permeability. Nanoparticles were spherical with a mean diameter of 242 nm, positive zeta potential and 50% of encapsulation efficiency. The in vitro release in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (pH 7.4) demonstrated a prolonged and biphasic profile diffusion-controlled. In simulated gastrointestinal fluids, about 15% of FA was released in gastric fluid and a negligible release was observed in the intestinal fluid. In the HOCl scavenging activity and cytotoxicity over B16-F10 and HeLa cells, FA-loaded nanoparticles presented the same efficacy of the free drug. Besides, in the antioxidant and cytotoxic assay, CS contributed to FA effects. In the intestinal permeability study, FA-loaded nanoparticles exhibited a permeation of 6% through the Caco-2 monolayer and 20% through the Caco-2/HT29-MTX/Raji B co-culture. CS-coated PLGA nanoparticles are promising carriers for oral delivery of FA.

Qualidade de Vida - Aspectos Conceituais
Ana Cláudia Garabeli Cavalli Kluthcovsky, Ângela Maria Magosso Takayanagui
2007121

Este estudo tem como objetivo fazer uma reflexao sobre os aspectos conceituais de qualidade de vida. Metodologia: descritivo-reflexiva, com dados fundamentados na literatura.Nao ha consenso sobre o conceito de qualidade de vida, porem, os aspectos de subjetividade e multidimensionalidade sao geralmente aceitos pelos pesquisadores. Conclusao: qualidade de vida tem sido mais estudada nos ultimos anos, e, apesar de ser complexo, trata-se de tema atual e muito relevante, principalmente, quando relacionado a promocao da saude.

Polydextrose: Physiological Function, and Effects on Health
Mariane Moreira Ramiro do Carmo, Julia Clara Leite Walker, Daiana Novello, Valeria Maria Caselato +4 more
2016· Nutrients109doi:10.3390/nu8090553

Polydextrose (PDX) is a non-digestible oligosaccharide used widely across most sectors of the food industry. It is a randomly linked glucose oligomer containing small amounts of sorbitol and citric acid. The random bonds in PDX prevent mammalian digestive enzymes from readily hydrolyzing the molecule and it has a reported energy value of 1 kcal/g. These properties have led to the acceptance in many countries that PDX provides similar physiological effects as other dietary fibers and has shown prebiotic potential. Dietary intervention with prebiotics has been shown to selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of intestinal bacteria associated with several physiological benefits on health. Therefore, the objective of this review was a survey of the literature on the effect of supplementation with PDX in health, and to list the benefits for maintaining health and/or reducing the development of diseases.