RESUMO

In this work, iron hexacyanoferrate (FeHCF-Prussian blue) particles have been grown onto a reduced graphene oxide substrate through a pulsed electrodeposition process. Thus, the prepared FeHCF electrode exhibits a specific volumetric capacitance of 88 F cm-3 (specific areal capacitance of 26.6 mF cm-2) and high cycling stability with a capacitance retention of 93.7% over 10,000 galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles in a 1 M KCl electrolyte. Furthermore, two identical FeHCF electrodes were paired up in order to construct a symmetrical supercapacitor, which delivers a wide potential window of 2 V in a 1 M KCl electrolyte and demonstrates a large energy density of 27.5 mWh cm-3 at a high power density of 330 W cm-3.

RESUMO

We introduce the bivariate unit-log-symmetric model based on the bivariate log-symmetric distribution (BLS) defined in Vila et al. [25] as a flexible family of bivariate distributions over the unit square. We then study its mathematical properties such as stochastic representations, quantiles, conditional distributions, independence of the marginal distributions and marginal moments. Maximum likelihood estimation method is discussed and examined through Monte Carlo simulation. Finally, the proposed model is used to analyze some soccer data sets.

RESUMO

Magnetic skyrmions are prime candidates for the next generation of spintronic devices. Skyrmions and other topological magnetic structures are known to be stabilized by the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) that occurs when the inversion symmetry is broken in thin films. Here, we show by first-principles calculations and atomistic spin dynamics simulations that metastable skyrmionic states can also be found in nominally symmetric multilayered systems. We demonstrate that this is correlated with the large enhancement of the DMI strength due to the presence of local defects. In particular, we find that metastable skyrmions can occur in Pd/Co/Pd multilayers without external magnetic fields and can be stable even near room temperature conditions. Our theoretical findings corroborate with magnetic force microscopy images and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements and highlight the possibility of tuning the intensity of DMI by using interdiffusion at thin film interfaces.

RESUMO

La polirradiculoneuropatía desmielinizante inflamatoria crónica, es un grupo de neuro-patías periféricas inmunomediadas clínicamente heterogéneas que comparten manifes-taciones neurofisiológicas de desmielinización y disociación albuminocitológica. Se distinguen una forma típica y variantes atípicas, algunas asociadas a anticuerpos con-tra proteínas del nodo de Ranvier, como la neurofascina- 155. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 38 años, que acudió por cuadro de ocho meses de evolución, caracterizado por parestesias y debilidad progresiva de cuatro extremidades, asociado a diplopía y disfagia. El paciente estaba despierto, con cuadriparesia flácida simétrica de predominio distal, hipotrofia en dorso y palma de ambas manos, arreflexia generalizada, temblor postural de baja frecuencia y alta amplitud en miembros superiores de predominio izquierdo, dismetría apendicular, adiadococinesia, oftalmoparesia a la dextroversión en ojo dere-cho, reflejo nauseoso ausente, marcha atáxica con aumento de base de sustentación y signo de Romberg positivo. El líquido cefalorraquideo mostró disociación albuminocitológica y la electromiografía fue compatible con polineuropatía sensitivo- motora primariamente desmielinizante. Por la sospecha clínica, solicitamos anticuerpos antineurofascina- 155, que resultaron positivos. Recibió tratamiento con metilprednisolona a dosis de un gramo al día durante cinco días, seguido de un miligramo por kilogramo durante tres meses de prednisona, con disminución progresiva con lo que mejoró la diplopía y la disfagia, sin mejoría de la fuerza en extremidades e incluso empeoramiento de la funcionabilidad. Por esta razón se inició tratamiento con rituximab en dosis de dos gramos presentando una notable mejoría en la fuerza muscular distal, el temblor, la estabilidad de la marcha, coordinación y de su funcionabilidad medida con la escala de Rankin modificado.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy is a clinically heterogeneous group of immune- mediated peripheral neuropathies that share neurophysiological manifesta-tions of demyelination and albuminocytologic dissociation. There are typical and atypical variants of this disease, some associated with antibodies against proteins of the node of Ranvier, such as neurofascin- 155. We present the case of a 38- year- old male who presented with an eight- month history of par-esthesia and progressive weakness of four limbs associated with diplopia and dysphagia. The patient was conscious, with symmetric flaccid quadriparesis of distal predominance, hyp-otrophy in the dorsum and palm of both hands, generalized areflexia, postural low frequency, and high amplitude tremor in upper limbs of left predominance, appendicular dysmetria, dys-diadochokinesia, ophthalmoparesis to dextroversion in the right eye, absent gag reflex, ataxic gait with an increased base of support and positive Romberg's sign. Cerebrospinal fluid showed albuminocytologic dissociation, and electromyography was com-patible with primarily demyelinating sensory- motor polyneuropathy. Due to clinical suspicion, we requested anti- neurofascin- 155 antibodies, which tested positive. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone at a dose of one gram per day for five days, followed by one milligram per kilogram for three months of prednisone, with progressive de-crease, which improved diplopia and dysphagia, with no effect on limb strength and even worsening of function. For this reason, treatment with rituximab was started in doses of two grams, presenting a substantial improvement in distal muscle strength, tremor, gait stability, coordination, and functionality measured with the modified Rankin scale.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy is a clinically heterogeneous group of immune- mediated peripheral neuropathies that share neurophysiological manifesta-tions of demyelination and albuminocytologic dissociation. There are typical and atypical variants of this disease, some associated with antibodies against proteins of the node of Ranvier, such as neurofascin- 155. We present the case of a 38- year- old male who presented with an eight- month history of par-esthesia and progressive weakness of four limbs associated with diplopia and dysphagia. The patient was conscious, with symmetric flaccid quadriparesis of distal predominance, hyp-otrophy in the dorsum and palm of both hands, generalized areflexia, postural low frequency, and high amplitude tremor in upper limbs of left predominance, appendicular dysmetria, dys-diadochokinesia, ophthalmoparesis to dextroversion in the right eye, absent gag reflex, ataxic gait with an increased base of support and positive Romberg's sign. Cerebrospinal fluid showed albuminocytologic dissociation, and electromyography was com-patible with primarily demyelinating sensory- motor polyneuropathy. Due to clinical suspicion, we requested anti- neurofascin- 155 antibodies, which tested positive. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone at a dose of one gram per day for five days, followed by one milligram per kilogram for three months of prednisone, with progressive de-crease, which improved diplopia and dysphagia, with no effect on limb strength and even worsening of function. For this reason, treatment with rituximab was started in doses of two grams, presenting a substantial improvement in distal muscle strength, tremor, gait stability, coordination, and functionality measured with the modified Rankin scale.

La polirradiculoneuropatía desmielinizante inflamatoria crónica, es un grupo de neuro-patías periféricas inmunomediadas clínicamente heterogéneas que comparten manifes-taciones neurofisiológicas de desmielinización y disociación albuminocitológica. Se distinguen una forma típica y variantes atípicas, algunas asociadas a anticuerpos con-tra proteínas del nodo de Ranvier, como la neurofascina- 155. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 38 años, que acudió por cuadro de ocho meses de evolución, caracterizado por parestesias y debilidad progresiva de cuatro extremidades, asociado a diplopía y disfagia. El paciente estaba despierto, con cuadriparesia flácida simétrica de predominio distal, hipotrofia en dorso y palma de ambas manos, arreflexia generalizada, temblor postural de baja frecuencia y alta amplitud en miembros superiores de predominio izquierdo, dismetría apendicular, adiadococinesia, oftalmoparesia a la dextroversión en ojo dere-cho, reflejo nauseoso ausente, marcha atáxica con aumento de base de sustentación y signo de Romberg positivo. El líquido cefalorraquideo mostró disociación albuminocitológica y la electromiografía fue compatible con polineuropatía sensitivo- motora primariamente desmielinizante. Por la sospecha clínica, solicitamos anticuerpos antineurofascina- 155, que resultaron positivos. Recibió tratamiento con metilprednisolona a dosis de un gramo al día durante cinco días, seguido de un miligramo por kilogramo durante tres meses de prednisona, con disminución progresiva con lo que mejoró la diplopía y la disfagia, sin mejoría de la fuerza en extremidades e incluso empeoramiento de la funcionabilidad. Por esta razón se inició tratamiento con rituximab en dosis de dos gramos presentando una notable mejoría en la fuerza muscular distal, el temblor, la estabilidad de la marcha, coordinación y de su funcionabilidad medida con la escala de Rankin modificado.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Fourteen female dogs diagnosed with pyometra were studied at three separate times: at diagnosis (T0) and 24 h (T1) and 10-15 days (T2) after ovariohysterectomy (OH). The means of the markers, symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) (17.71 to 26.54 µg/dL) and the urinary gamma-glutamyl transferase to creatinine ratio (uGGT/uCr) (1.06 to 2.62 U/mg), varied, showing an increase with time. Further, the elevation of gamma-glutamyl transferase (uGGT) (56.61 to 128.12 U/L) and the urinary protein to creatinine ratio (RPC) (0.26 to 1.24) was evident at T0 and T1. A reduction in the means of RPC, uGGT, and uGGT/uCr was observed 10-15 days after OH. Despite the elevation of these markers, the concentration of creatinine (1.11 to 1.40 mg/dL), urea (40.07 to 67.16 mg/dL), and urinary specific gravity (1.027 to 1.028) only presented slight variation. In canine pyometra, complications secondary to acute renal injury may be present that may be mild and transient in most treated animals. As elevation in SDMA and RPC preceded changes in creatinine levels for the evaluation of glomerular filtration, tubular markers could assist in the early identification of renal damage in canine pyometra.(AU)

Catorze cadelas com diagnóstico de piometra foram estudadas em três tempos distintos, sendo no momento do diagnóstico (T0), 24 horas (T1) e 10 a 15 dias (T2) após a ovário-histerectomia (OH). O objetivo foi avaliar o uso de diferentes biomarcadores renais em cadelas com piometra e estimar suas precocidades diante do agravo. As médias em dimetilarginina simétrica (SDMA) (17,71 a 26,54µg/dL) e relação gama-glutamil transferase e creatinina urinária (uGGT/uCr) (1,06 a 2,62U/mg) variara, apresentando aumento em todos os momentos. Já a elevação do gama-glutamil transferase (uGGT) (56,61 a 128,12 U/L) e da razão proteína e creatinina urinárias (RPC) (0,26 a 1,24) foram evidenciadas nos dois primeiros tempos. Uma redução na média do RPC, uGGT e uGGT/uCr foi observada 10-15 dias após a implantação do tratamento (OH). Apesar da elevação desses marcadores, a concentração de creatinina (1,11 a 1,40mg/dL), ureia (40,07 a 67,16mg/dL) e densidade urinária (1,027 a 1,028) sofreram poucas variações. Em piometra canina, as complicações renais agudas secundárias podem estar presentes, ainda que leve e transitória nos animais tratados. Os marcadores tubulares foram considerados precoces na injúria renal aguda. Além disso, a SDMA e o RPC antecederam as alterações de creatinina em todos os tempos analisados.(AU)

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RESUMO

The study of female labor supply has been a topic of relevance in the economic literature. Generally, the data are left-censored and the classic tobit model has been extensively used in the modeling strategy. This model, however, assumes normality for the error distribution and is not recommended for data with positive skewness, heavy-tails and heteroscedasticity, as is the case of female labor supply data. Moreover, it is well-known that the quantile regression approach accounts for the influences of different quantiles in the estimated coefficients. We take all these features into account and propose a parametric quantile tobit regression model based on quantile log-symmetric distributions. The proposed method allows one to model data with positive skewness (which is not suitable for the classic tobit model), to study the influence of the quantiles of interest, and to account for heteroscedasticity. The model parameters are estimated by maximum likelihood and a Monte Carlo experiment is performed to evaluate alternative estimators. The new method is applied to two distinct female labor supply data sets. The results indicate that the log-symmetric quantile tobit model fits better the data than the classic tobit model.

RESUMO

The aim of this work is to obtain new inequalities for the variable symmetric division deg index $ SDD_\alpha(G) = \sum_{uv \in E(G)} (d_u^\alpha/d_v^\alpha+d_v^\alpha/d_u^\alpha) $, and to characterize graphs extremal with respect to them. Here, by $ uv $ we mean the edge of a graph $ G $ joining the vertices $ u $ and $ v $, and $ d_u $ denotes the degree of $ u $, and $ \alpha \in \mathbb{R} $. Some of these inequalities generalize and improve previous results for the symmetric division deg index. In addition, we computationally apply the $ SDD_\alpha(G) $ index on random graphs and we demonstrate that the ratio $ \langle SDD_\alpha(G) \rangle/n $ ($ n $ is the order of the graph) depends only on the average degree $ \langle d \rangle $.

RESUMO

We report herein the synthesis and application of enantiopure C2 -symmetric primary amine-1,3-bis-thiourea organocatalysts in enantioselective conjugate 1,4-Michael addition of carbonyl containing nucleophiles, to nitroalkenes and N-phenylmaleimide, leading to final products in good enantioselectivities (up to 99%) and yields (up to 99%). We propose supramolecular noncovalent interactions within the organocatalyst's cleft between the substrate and the catalyst, via hydrogen bonding. Supramolecular interaction thus lowers the transition state energy mimicking an enzyme. Mechanism underlying our experimental results is supported by theorical calculations.

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RESUMO

A doença de Madelung (DM) ou lipomatose simétrica múltipla é uma patologia caracterizada pelo acúmulo de tecido adiposo não encapsulado e depositado simetricamente ao redor do pescoço e tronco superior (tipo I - forma mais comum). Sua etiologia ainda é pouco esclarecida, porém apresenta evidente associação com o consumo crônico excessivo de bebidas alcoólicas. As deformidades físicas são o que levam o paciente a buscar serviço médico, juntamente com eventuais sintomas de acometimento cervical como redução de mobilidade e afecções respiratórias. O diagnóstico da lipomatose simétrica múltipla é clínico, podendo ser complementado com exame de imagem para afastar demais hipóteses diagnósticas e avaliar a extensão do acometimento. O tratamento pode ser realizado por duas modalidades: clínico ou cirúrgico (lipectomia ou lipoaspiração). Relata-se o caso de paciente com lipomatose simétrica múltipla tipo I abordado cirurgicamente com ambas as técnicas: lipectomia cervical e lipoaspiração abdominal. Paciente evoluiu de maneira satisfatória, com redução de queixas e sem recidivas até o presente momento.

Madelung's disease or Multiple Symmetric Lipomatosis is a condition characterized by the accumulation of unencapsulated adipose tissue deposited symmetrically around the neck and upper trunk (type I - most common form). Its etiology is still unclear, but it is clearly associated with chronic excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. Physical deformities lead the patient to seek medical care, along with possible symptoms of cervical involvement such as reduced mobility and respiratory disorders. Multiple Symmetric Lipomatosis diagnosis is clinical and can be complemented with imaging to rule out other diagnostic hypotheses and assess the extent of involvement. Treatment can be performed in two ways: clinical or surgical (lipectomy or liposuction). We report the case of a patient with Multiple Symmetric Lipomatosis type I surgically treated with both techniques: cervical lipectomy and abdominal liposuction. The patient evolved satisfactorily, with a reduction in complaints and no recurrences so far.

RESUMO

Chemotherapy agents have some undesirable and non-selective cytostatic effects. Considering that kidneys are vulnerable to drug-induced toxicity, this study evaluated renal injury caused by vincristine sulfate (VS) in 12 female dogs diagnosed with transmissible venereal tumor (TVT). The animals were treated with VS (0.025 mg/kg IV) every 7 days for 4 weeks. During treatment, the animals were subjected to clinical examination, blood count, serum measurement of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. In addition, urinalysis and urinary gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) measurements were performed. All parameters were determined three times: before beginning the treatment (T0), after 14 days (T1), and after 28 days (T2). During the study period, there were no changes in serum urea or creatinine levels, urine specific gravity, or persistent proteinuria. Furthermore, urinary GGT measurement did not indicate tubular lesions, and consistent elevation of SDMA was found in only one patient above the reference range. The results showed that weekly therapy with VS as a single agent for 28 days does not induce renal injury in most cases.(AU)

Os agentes quimioterápicos possuem efeitos citostáticos indesejáveis e não seletivos. Considerando a vulnerabilidade renal à toxicidade induzida por drogas, este estudo avaliou a lesão renal causada pelo sulfato de vincristina (VS) em 12 cadelas com diagnóstico de tumor venéreo transmissível (TVT). Os animais foram tratados com VS (0,025 mg / kg IV) a cada sete dias, durante quatro semanas. No transcurso do tratamento, os animais foram submetidos a exame clínico, hemograma, dosagem sérica de dimetilarginina simétrica (SDMA), nitrogênio ureico sanguíneo (BUN), creatinina, alanina aminotransferase e fosfatase alcalina. Além disso, foram realizadas análises de urina e medições de gama-glutamil transferase (GGT) urinária. Todos os parâmetros foram mensurados em três tempos, antes do início do tratamento (T0), aos 14 dias (T1) e aos 28 dias (T2). Durante o período do estudo, não houve alterações nas concentrações de ureia ou creatinina séricas, na gravidade específica da urina ou proteinúria persistente. Além disso, a medição de GGT urinária não indicou lesões tubulares, e elevação consistente de SDMA foi encontrada em apenas um paciente acima do intervalo de referência. Os resultados mostraram que a terapia semanal com VS como agente único por 28 dias não induz lesão renal na maioria dos casos.(AU)

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RESUMO

VB and molecular orbital (MO) models are normally distinguished by the fact the first looks at molecules as a collection of atoms held together by chemical bonds while the latter adopts the view that each molecule should be regarded as an independent entity built up of electrons and nuclei and characterized by its molecular structure. Nevertheless, there is a much more fundamental difference between these two models which is only revealed when the symmetries of the many-electron Hamiltonian are fully taken into account: while the VB and MO wave functions exhibit the point-group symmetry, whenever present in the many-electron Hamiltonian, only VB wave functions exhibit the permutation symmetry, which is always present in the many-electron Hamiltonian. Practically all the conflicts among the practitioners of the two models can be traced down to the lack of permutation symmetry in the MO wave functions. Moreover, when examined from the permutation group perspective, it becomes clear that the concepts introduced by Pauling to deal with molecules can be equally applied to the study of the atomic structure. In other words, as strange as it may sound, VB can be extended to the study of atoms and, therefore, is a much more general model than MO.

RESUMO

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide, causing health and economic implications. One of the principal microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes is Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy (DSPN), affecting 42.6% of the population in Mexico. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to find out the predictors of this complication. The dataset contained a total number of 140 subjects, including clinical and paraclinical features. A multivariate analysis was constructed using Boruta as a feature selection method and Random Forest as a classification algorithm applying the strategy of K-Folds Cross Validation and Leave One Out Cross Validation. Then, the models were evaluated through a statistical analysis based on sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC) and receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The results present significant values obtained by the model with this approach, presenting 67% of AUC with only three features as predictors. It is possible to conclude that this proposed methodology can classify patients with DSPN, obtaining a preliminary computer-aided diagnosis tool for the clinical area in helping to identify the diagnosis of DSPN.

RESUMO

Beta particles radiation doses have important applications in medicine. In particular, curved and symmetric as well as curved and asymmetric applicators containing the beta emitting 106 Ru/ 106 Rh isotopes are widely used in radiotherapy for the treatment of various ocular diseases. Nevertheless, a great problem in the use of these applicators is the inaccurate determination of the dose rates around them. Difficulties arise mainly because of the very short distances involved, and in this scenario theoretical calculation methods play an important role. In this work a simple approach based on the beta-point dose function integration over the total surface of each plaque was used to estimate the dose rates along their central axis. Results of relative dose rates for concave and symmetric (CCA, CCB, CXS, CCX/Y/Z, CCD, CGD and CCC) and concave and asymmetric (CIA, CIB/CIB-2, COB and COC) ruthenium/rhodium plaque types are shown.

RESUMO

Kramers-Kronig (KK) equations allow us to obtain the real or imaginary part of linear, causal and time constant functions, starting from the imaginary or real part respectively. They are normally applied on different practical applications as a control method. A common problem in measurements is the lack of data in a wide-range frequency, due to some of the inherent limitations of experiments or practical limitations of the used technology. Different solutions to this problem were proved, such as several methods for extrapolation, some of which based on piecewise polynomial fit or the approach based on the expected asymptotical behavior. In this work, we propose an approach based on the symmetric extrapolation method to generate data in missing frequency ranges, to minimize the estimated error of the KK equations. The results show that with data from impedance measurements of an electrode-electrolyte interface, the adjustment error of the transformed functions can be drastically reduced to below 1%.

RESUMO

The paucity of epidemiological data regarding diabetes complications in Brazil motivated us to evaluate the prevalence rates of distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) and of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) followed in a primary care unit. A total of 551 individuals (59.3% women, 65 years old; diabetes duration of 10 years; HbA1c of 7.2%, medians) were included in this cross-sectional study. DSP was diagnosed by sum of the Neuropathy Symptoms Score (NSS) and Modified Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS) and by the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament. CAN was diagnosed by cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests combined with spectral analysis of heart rate variability. The prevalence rates of DSP were 6.3% and 14.3%, as evaluated by the sum of NSS and NDS and by the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament, respectively. Those with DSP diagnosed by monofilament presented longer diabetes duration, worse glycemic control and a higher stature. The prevalence rates of incipient and definitive CAN were 12.5% and 10%, respectively. Individuals with definitive CAN presented a higher frequency of hypercholesterolemia and of arterial hypertension. The higher prevalence rate of DSP with the use of the monofilament suggests that it may be a more appropriate tool to diagnose DSP in the primary care setting in Brazil.

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RESUMO

This study contributes to the extant literature on the nexus among rice, maize and wheat production with agriculture gross domestic product (AGDP) of Pakistan. We use time series data from 1970 to 2017 and employ the Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model. Short run and long run shocks between the selected variables and results is checked through the co-integration and nonlinear error correction model.Autoregressive distributed lag bound testing approach for co-integration and to find the relationship between variables Granger causality test is applied.Our results confirm co-integration, positive shocks results show that rice, maize and wheat production have significantly influence on AGDP. The asymmetrically positive shocks of three crops have neutral effect on AGDP. While in symmetric results show the unidirectional effect between rice, maize production with AGDP and wheat production do not have ganger causality with AGDP. Finally, results depict that wheat, maize and rice production significantly contributes to agricultural GDP in the case of Pakistan.(AU).

Este estudo contribui para a literatura existente sobre o nexo entre a produção de arroz, milho e trigo com produto interno bruto agrícola (AGDP) do Paquistão. Utilizamos dados de séries temporais de 1970 a 2017 e empregamos o modelo NARDL (Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag). Choques de curto e longo prazo entre as variáveis selecionadas e os resultados são verificados por meio do modelo de co-integração e correção não linear de erros. É aplicada uma abordagem de teste de atraso retardado distribuído autorregressivo para co-integração e para encontrar a relação entre variáveis. Nossos resultados confirmam a co-integração; os resultados de choques positivos mostram que a produção de arroz, milho e trigo influencia significativamente na AGDP. Os choques assimétricos positivos de três culturas têm efeito neutro no AGDP. Enquanto nos resultados simétricos mostram o efeito unidirecional entre o arroz, a produção de milho com AGDP e a produção de trigo não têm causalidade de ganger com AGDP. Finalmente, os resultados mostram que a produção de trigo, milho e arroz contribui significativamente para o PIB agrícola no caso do Paquistão.(AU)

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RESUMO

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the long-term clinical outcomes and quality of life of cats having undergone perineal urethrostomy (PU) or prepubic urethrostomy (PPU). METHODS: This clinical study followed 28 cats (PU, n = 22; PPU, n = 6) that underwent a urethrostomy, with a minimum of 1 year postoperative follow-up. Medical records, pet owner surveys and urologic laboratory tests were used for assessment. Urologic laboratory tests included serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), serum creatinine, urinalysis, urine specific gravity (USG), urine protein:creatinine (UPC) ratio and urine culture. RESULTS: The main indications for urethrostomy were multiple catheterizations and PU stricture. The overall complication rates of PU and PPU were 31.8% and 83.3%, respectively. Recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) and urine scald dermatitis were less frequent in PU than in PPU cats (UTI 22.7% vs 66.6%; dermatitis 4.5% vs 83.3%). Bacteriuria was present in 77.2% and 100% of PU and PPU cats, respectively. Owner satisfaction rates were excellent in 81.8% of PU and 33.3% of PPU cases. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: A proportion of cats that underwent urethrostomy showed bacteriuria, recurrent UTIs and increased levels of SDMA. PPU is important as a salvage procedure; however, it should be limited to cases in which standard techniques for PU cannot be performed, owing to the potential for recurrent complications and lower owner satisfaction.

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RESUMO

ABSTRACT: This study contributes to the extant literature on the nexus among rice, maize and wheat production with agriculture gross domestic product (AGDP) of Pakistan. We use time series data from 1970 to 2017 and employ the Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model. Short run and long run shocks between the selected variables and result's is checked through the co-integration and nonlinear error correction model.Autoregressive distributed lag bound testing approach for co-integration and to find the relationship between variables Granger causality test is applied.Our results confirm co-integration, positive shocks results show that rice, maize and wheat production have significantly influence on AGDP. The asymmetrically positive shocks of three crops have neutral effect on AGDP. While in symmetric results show the unidirectional effect between rice, maize production with AGDP and wheat production do not have ganger causality with AGDP. Finally, results depict that wheat, maize and rice production significantly contributes to agricultural GDP in the case of Pakistan.

RESUMO: Este estudo contribui para a literatura existente sobre o nexo entre a produção de arroz, milho e trigo com produto interno bruto agrícola (AGDP) do Paquistão. Utilizamos dados de séries temporais de 1970 a 2017 e empregamos o modelo NARDL (Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag). Choques de curto e longo prazo entre as variáveis selecionadas e os resultados são verificados por meio do modelo de co-integração e correção não linear de erros. É aplicada uma abordagem de teste de atraso retardado distribuído autorregressivo para co-integração e para encontrar a relação entre variáveis. Nossos resultados confirmam a co-integração; os resultados de choques positivos mostram que a produção de arroz, milho e trigo influencia significativamente na AGDP. Os choques assimétricos positivos de três culturas têm efeito neutro no AGDP. Enquanto nos resultados simétricos mostram o efeito unidirecional entre o arroz, a produção de milho com AGDP e a produção de trigo não têm causalidade de ganger com AGDP. Finalmente, os resultados mostram que a produção de trigo, milho e arroz contribui significativamente para o PIB agrícola no caso do Paquistão.

RESUMO

Melanoma is characterized by high heterogeneity and plasticity, most likely due to the presence of mutated melanocyte stem cells or immature progenitor cells in the skin that serves as precursors to melanoma. In the present study, for the first time, we identified rare cells in the murine melanoma B16F10, and human A2058 and SK-MEL-28?cell lines that express pluripotency markers, including Oct4, Nanog, Sox2 and a marker of melanoma cancer cells (ALDH1/2). These cells are very small with round morphology and they grow onto melanoma cells, thereby demonstrating feeder layer dependence similar to that of other pluripotent cells. These cells underwent self-renewal, symmetric and asymmetric division. We called these cells murine very small cancer stem cells (VSCSC). VSCSC were also found in B16F10-derived clones after 3–5 consecutive passages, where they occur as single cells or as small colonies, nevertheless, always using melanoma cells as feeders. These cells formed melanospheres enriched with Oct4-and ALDH1/2-positive cells. We also evaluated the possible effect of VSCSC that presented in the parental cell line (B16F10) and in clones based on their functional characteristics. We found that VCSCS present in the B16F10?cell line reappearing in their clones were required for continuous tumor growth and were responsible for melanoma cell heterogeneity and plasticity rather than directly affecting functional characteristics of melanoma cells. Our data, together with those of previous reports suggested the existence of melanoma-competent melanocyte stem cells, which corroborate the hypothesis of the existence of tumor-initiating cells and cancer stem cell hierarchies, at least in melanoma