Cellular-mediated inflammatory response, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes are increasingly being recognised as having an important role in tumorigenesis and carcinogenesis. In this context, ...studies have suggested that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can be used as an independent prognostic factor in a variety of cancers. Particularly in breast cancer, several studies have shown that a high NLR is associated with shorter survival. Because the NLR can be easily determined from the full blood count, it could potentially provide a simple and inexpensive test cancer prognosis. This review addresses the possibilities and limitations of using the NLR as a clinical tool for risk stratification helpful for individual treatment of breast cancer patients. The potential underlying phenomena and some perspectives are discussed.
Global patterns of species and evolutionary diversity in plants are primarily determined by a temperature gradient, but precipitation gradients may be more important within the tropics, where plant ...species richness is positively associated with the amount of rainfall. The impact of precipitation on the distribution of evolutionary diversity, however, is largely unexplored. Here we detail how evolutionary diversity varies along precipitation gradients by bringing together a comprehensive database on the composition of angiosperm tree communities across lowland tropical South America (2,025 inventories from wet to arid biomes), and a new, large-scale phylogenetic hypothesis for the genera that occur in these ecosystems. We find a marked reduction in the evolutionary diversity of communities at low precipitation. However, unlike species richness, evolutionary diversity does not continually increase with rainfall. Rather, our results show that the greatest evolutionary diversity is found in intermediate precipitation regimes, and that there is a decline in evolutionary diversity above 1,490 mm of mean annual rainfall. If conservation is to prioritise evolutionary diversity, areas of intermediate precipitation that are found in the South American 'arc of deforestation', but which have been neglected in the design of protected area networks in the tropics, merit increased conservation attention.
Main conclusion
Al responsive proteins are associated with starch, sucrose, and other carbohydrate metabolic pathways. Sucrose synthase is a candidate to Al tolerance. Al responses are regulated at ...transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.
Aluminum toxicity is one of the important abiotic stresses that affects worldwide crop production. The soluble form of aluminum (Al
3+
) inhibits root growth by altering water and nutrient uptake, a process that also reduces plant growth and development. Under long-term Al
3+
exposure, plants can activate several tolerance mechanisms. To date, no reports of large-scale proteomic data concerning maize responses to this ion have been published. To investigate the post-transcriptional regulation in response to Al toxicity, we performed label-free quantitative proteomics for comparative analysis of two Al-contrasting popcorn inbred lines and an Al-tolerant commercial hybrid during 72 h under Al-stress conditions. A total of 489 differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) were identified in the Al-sensitive inbred line, 491 in the Al-tolerant inbred line, and 277 in the commercial hybrid. Among them, 120 DAPs were co-expressed in both Al tolerant genotypes. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that starch, sucrose, and other components of carbohydrate metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis are the biochemical processes regulated in response to Al toxicity. Sucrose synthase accumulation and an increase in sucrose content and starch degradation suggest that these components may enhance popcorn tolerance to Al stress. The accumulation of citrate synthase suggests a key role for this enzyme in the detoxification process in the Al-tolerant inbred line. The integration of transcriptomic and proteomic data indicates that the Al tolerance response presents a complex regulatory network into the transcription and translation dynamics of popcorn root development.
Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) differ from for-profit corporations when it comes to performance measurement. The purpose of this work is to describe a methodology composed of phases, processes, and ...activities that implements information extraction, organization and analysis as a tool to document case studies. The methodology considers three sources of information: semi-structured interviews, direct observations and documents, and uses qualitative and quantitative techniques to analyze and organize the results. This paper also presents a case study research protocol for gathering information that, together with the methodology, compose the tools for the information retrieval of performance measurement (PM) system characteristics in NPOs. An application case was conducted in a Brazilian foundation that offers services related to pension, retirement, and healthcare plans. The results provide an illustration of the current use of performance measures in NPOs and contribute to better understanding the characteristics of PM systems in this context.
Tissue bioengineering development is a global concern and different materials are studied and created to be safe, effective and with low cost. Nile Tilapia skin had shown its biological potential as ...covers for the burn wound. This study evaluates the tilapia skin histological, collagen properties and tensiometric resistance, after treatment by different sterilization methods. Tilapia skin samples were submitted to two sterilization processes: (1) chemical, which consisted in two 2% chlorhexidin baths, followed by sequential baths in increasing glycerol concentrations; and (2) radiation, when glycerolized skin samples were submitted to gamma radiation at 25, 30 and 50 kGy. Microscopic analyzes were performed through Haematoxylin–eosin and Picrosirius Red under polarized light. For tensiometric analysis, traction tests were performed. Glycerol treated skin presented a discrete collagen fibers disorganization within the deep dermis, while irradiated skin did not show any additional change. Throughout the steps of chemical sterilization, there was a higher proportion of collagen with red/yellow birefringence (type I) in the skin samples up to the first bath in chlorhexidin, when compared to samples after the first two glycerol baths (
P
< 0.005). However, there was no difference in relation to total collagen between groups. In irradiated skin, there was a larger total collagen preservation when using until 30 kGy (
P
< 0.005). Tensiometric evaluation did not show significant differences in relation to maximum load in the groups studied. We concluded that chemical and radiation (25 and 30 kGy) are efficient methods to sterilize Nile Tilapia skin without altering its microscopic or tensiometric characteristics.
Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L.G. Lohmann (Bignoniaceae), is a climber native to Brazil, found in all Brazilian biomes. It is mostly known in Brazil as “carajiru,” and home medicines made from the ...leaves have been used to cure disorders including stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders.
The objective of the study was to investigate the F. chica hydroethanolic extract of leaves (HEFc) preventative and curative antiulcer gastrointestinal efficacy as well as the mechanisms of action using in vivo rodent models.
F. chica was collected in the municipality of Juína, Mato Grosso, and its leaves were used to prepare the extract by maceration technique (70% hydroethanol in the 1:10 ratio, w/v) to obtain the HEFc. The chromatographic analysis of HEFc was carried out by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photo Diode Array-Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS)- LCQ Fleet™ system. To determine the potential antiulcer potential of HEFc (1, 5 and 20 mg/kg, p.o.), the gastroprotective activity was assessed in various animal models of stomach ulcers caused by acidified ethanol, water constraint stress, indomethacin, (acute), and acid acetic (chronic). Additionally, the prokinetic properties of the HEFC were assessed in mice. The gastroprotective underlying mechanisms were evaluated by the histopathological analysis and determination of gastric secretion (volume, free and total acidity), gastric barrier mucus, activation of PGs, NO, K +ATP channels, α2-adrenoceptor, antioxidant activity (GSH, MPO and MDA), NO and mucosal cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10) levels.
The chemical composition of HEFc was analyzed and apigenin, scutellarin, and carajurone were identified. HEFc (1, 5 and 20 mg/kg) showed effect against acute ulcers induced by HCl/EtOH with a reduction in the ulcerated area of 64.41% (p < 0.001), 54.23% (p < 0.01), 38.71% (p < 0.01), respectively. In the indomethacin experiment, there was no change in the doses tested, whereas in the water immersion restraint stress ulcer there was a reduction of lesions at doses of 1, 5, and 20 mg/kg by 80.34% (p < 0.001), 68.46% (p < 0.01) and 52.04% (p < 0.01). HEFc increased the mucus production at doses of 1 and 20 mg/kg in 28.14% (p < 0.05) and 38.36% (p < 0.01), respectively. In the pyloric ligation-induced model of gastric ulceration, the HEFc decreased the total acidity in all doses by 54.23%, 65.08%, and 44.40% (p < 0.05) and gastric secretory volume in 38.47% at dose of 1 mg/kg (p < 0,05) and increased the free acidity at the dose of 5 mg/kg by 11.86% (p < 0.05). The administration of EHFc (1 mg/kg) showed a gastroprotective effect possibly by stimulating the release of prostaglandins and activating K+ATP channels and α2-adrenoreceptors. Also, the gastroprotective effect of HEFc involved an increase in CAT and GSH activities, and a reduction in MPO activity and MDA levels. In the chronic gastric ulcer model, the HEFc (1, 5 and 20 mg/kg) decreased the ulcerated area significantly (p < 0.001) at all doses by 71.37%, 91.00%, and 93.46%, respectively. In the histological analysis, HEFc promoted the healing of gastric lesions by stimulating the formation of granulation tissue and consequently epithelialization. On the other hand, regarding the effect of HEFc on gastric emptying and intestinal transit, it was observed that the extract did not alter gastric emptying, but there was an increase in intestinal transit at the dose of 1 mg/kg (p < 0.01).
These outcomes confirmed the advantages of Fridericia chica leaves for the treatment of stomach ulcers, which are well-known. HEFc was discovered to have antiulcer characteristics through multitarget pathways, which might be related to an increase in stomach defense mechanisms and a decrease in defensive factor. HEFc can be regarded as a potential new antiulcer herbal remedy because of its antiulcer properties, which may be attributed to the mixture of flavonoids, apigenin, scutellarin and carajurone.
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•HEFc chemical profile was analyzed and apigenin, scutellarin, and carajurone were identified.•HEFc attenuated gastric ulceration in models of acute and chronic gastric ulcers.•HEFc presented antiulcer activity acting via multi-targets related to gastric ulcer.•Results support the folkloric usage of home remedies prepared from the leaves F. chica to treat gastric ulcer disorders.•HEFc can be considered as a promising new antiulcer herbal medicine.
Purpose
In the performance measurement and management research field, the applicability of performance measurement systems (PMS) in nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and public administration has been ...considered a challenge. The diversity of these organizations makes it difficult to define proper terminology and organizational characteristics. PMS evolution has not yet been able to capture all performance dimensions of a public administration and, especially for NPO considering its dynamic and multiple goals. The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework that identifies and classifies the factors that influence the design of PMSs in NPOs and public administration.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was developed through a systematic literature review (SLR). A set of 29 papers were intensely studied, and the results provide a multi-disciplinary and holistic set of factors.
Findings
A set of ten factors that influence the design of PMSs in NPO and public administration were found. They were categorized into three groups: factor related to purpose, stakeholders and management.
Originality/value
The study synthesized the literature and provided a conceptual framework of the factors that influence the design of PMSs in NPO and public administration. No individual paper collected in the SLR shows a similar organization of the factors as the present paper. The set of factors indicates the importance of this study for NPO and public administration, and how complex a PMS in an NPO and public administration can become. The conceptual model presented can further assist practitioners in developing design process observing the role that the identified factors play.
The growing process of a spinel-like oxide film can be obtained through different atmospheres; in this sense Air, O2, steam, and nitrogen atmospheres were used in different steps during the aging ...heat treatment at 490ºC of maraging 300 and 350 alloys. The oxidation layer produced under different atmospheres was chemically, microstructurally and mechanically characterized by means of advanced techniques. The results showed (in both alloys) a non-homogeneous mix oxide formed by magnetite, nickel and cobalt ferrites and MoO3 heterogeneously distributed along the oxide thickness. It was also founded TiO2 in the innermost areas and a particularly important quantify of hematite on the external surface. A nickel-rich austenite phase was produced at the interphase due to the combination of nickel stability and the preference of cobalt, molybdenum, and iron diffuses through the film as ions. The highest thickness values were found in the oxides produced in maraging 300 steels which could indicate greater susceptibility to oxidation comparing with grade 350 maraging steel. The oxide films produced in both maraging alloys using air atmosphere presents excellent adherence, and the results show the capability for being used for tribological applications under sliding contact tests.
The use of photoprotection products is indispensable today, due to the potential harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. Textiles are a natural barrier against UV radiation and can be made more ...effective by applying UV blockers. The present study investigates the photoprotection properties arising from dyeing cotton fabric with pomegranate peel extract. The extract was characterized by TPC, TFC, THT, color, pH, HPLC-UV and including its antiradical activity. The dyed fabric samples were evaluated for color, color fastness to light, rubbing, washing and sweating, along with a determination of SEM, EDS, ATR-FTIR, and UPF properties. The chemical analyses of the P. granatum peel aqueous extract by HPLC-UV indicated the presence of ellagic acid, punicalagin and punicalin derivatives. The extract showed antiradical activity (11.1 ± 0.4 CI50 (mg L−1) which is consistent with a high amount of total phenols 307 ± 26 (mg GAE/g extract), total flavonoids 150.3 ± 2.3 (mg RE/g extract), and condensed tannins 632.6 ± 84.1 (mg TAE/g extract). The dyed fabric samples showed yellowish colors and good color fastness ratings. The evaluation of the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicated mostly values from 15 to 24, equivalent to the category of good to very good photoprotection. Bearing in mind that ZnO is often used in combination with other UV-blockers to enhance the coverage of sunscreens, an aspect of this study involved determining the UPF of the pomegranate extract mixed with ZnO. In this case, ZnO addition did not significantly enhance the UPF of the dyed cotton fabric.
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The liquefied natural gas volumes that currently need to be stored and/or transported require engineering to consistently develop materials that combine high mechanical strength and low manufacturing ...costs. The present work brings the study of four models of high manganese steels (non-commercials), to demonstrate the feasibility of being used in the petrochemical industry. The tests contemplate the characterization (composition, phase diagram, metallography, EBSD, microhardness), corrosion resistance in NaCl solution (Open Circuit Potential, Linear Polarization) and characterization of corrosion products (EDS, SEM, Raman Spectroscopy). The obtained results showed a relationship between the increases of the manganese content with: formation of twins that help their hardening, as well as the decrease of their corrosion resistance; the steel with less amount of this element had a more noble behavior. Quantities of chromium, silicon and aluminum in these steels could not contain the high dissolution of manganese, which caused low stability of the formed oxides that allows the electrolyte ions to reach the metal surface, accelerating the dissolution process.
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