• Iberoamérica
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.39-70
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• 2009

Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar, do ponto de vista da alquimia, O Alquimia, considerado uma das obras mais representativas do escritor brasileiro Paulo Coelho. Para tanto, começamos a observar as características da alquimia à qual o próprio autor disse que dedicava 11 anos para estudá-la por volta da década de 1970 quando o mundo estava sofrendo grandes mudanças sociais. Desta observação, entendemos que, sendo uma projeção do 'inconsciente' conforme diz C. G. Jung, a essência da alquimia consiste resumidamente nos seguintes conceitos: união de elementos opostos, transformação e salvação. A partir daí, tentamos estudar como esses coneitos estão diluídos na estrutura de O Alquimia e como a experiência do Paulo Coelho com a alquimia interioriza-se no mundo literário dele. E entendemos que os conceitos simbólicos da alquimia e as mensagens que a experiência do escritor com a alquimia configura em suas obras literárias compartilham a quase mesma dimensão semântica. Percebemos também que em alguns aspectos as idéias do escritor consolidadas em torno da sua pesquisa da alquimia vão às vezes além dos conceitos genéricos da alquimia, atingindo assim uma dimensão bastante peculiar e fundamental para compreender melhor o seu universo literário: para ele que se declara católico, Deus não é católico nem islâmico, nem budista, nem hinduista. Por exemplo, ele diz que Deus é um só e é que o Seu nome varia dependendo da religião, porque cada religião precisa escolher um nome para chamá-lo.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.753-760
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• 2007

The diversity of Paenibacillus species was assessed in the rhizospheres of four cultivars of sorghum sown in Cerrado soil amended with two levels of nitrogen fertilizer(12 and 120 kg/ha). Two cultivars(IS 5322-C and IS 6320) demanded the higher amount of nitrogen to grow, whereas the other two(FBS 8701-9 and IPA 1011) did not. Using the DNA extracted from the rhizospheres, a Paenibacillus-specific PCR system based on the RNA polymerase gene(rpoB) was chosen for the molecular analyses. The resulting PCR products were separated into community fingerprints by DGGE and the results showed a clear distinction between cultivars. In addition, clone libraries were generated from the rpoB fragments of two cultivars(IPA 1011 and IS 5322-C) using both fertilization conditions, and 318 selected clones were sequenced. Analyzed sequences were grouped into 14 Paenibacillus species. A greater diversity of Paenibacillus species was observed in cultivar IPA 1011 compared with cultivar IS 5322-C. Moreover, statistical analyses of the sequences showed that the bacterial diversity was more influenced by cultivar type than nitrogen fertilization, corroborating the DGGE results. Thus, the sorghum cultivar type was the overriding determinative factor that influenced the community structures of the Paenibacillus communities in the habitats investigated.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.23.1-23.18
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• 2022

Objectives: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of collagen cross-linking agents (CCLAs) used in combination with the adhesive technique in restorative procedures. Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, the authors followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. An electronic search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and DOSS, up to October 2020. The gray literature was also researched. Only randomized clinical trials were selected. Results: The selection process yielded 3 studies from the 838 retrieved. The addition of CCLAs in the retention of restorations increased the number of events. The postoperative sensitivity scores and marginal adaptation scores showed no significant difference between the CCLA and control groups, and the marginal pigmentation scores showed a significant increase in the CCLA group. There were no caries events in any group throughout the evaluation period. Conclusions: This systematic review showed that there is no clinical efficacy to justify the use of CCLAs in the protocols performed.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.8
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• pp.1065-1074
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• 2016

Growth factors play an important role during early ovarian development and folliculogenesis, since they regulate the migration of germ cells to the gonadal ridge. They also act on follicle recruitment, proliferation/atresia of granulosa cells and theca, steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, ovulation and luteinization. Among the growth factors, the growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and the bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), belong to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-${\beta}$) superfamily, have been implicated as essential for follicular development. The GDF9 and BMP15 participate in the evolution of the primordial follicle to primary follicle and play an important role in the later stages of follicular development and maturation, increasing the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression, plasminogen activator and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR). These factors are also involved in the interconnections between the oocyte and surrounding cumulus cells, where they regulate absorption of amino acids, glycolysis and biosynthesis of cholesterol cumulus cells. Even though the mode of action has not been fully established, in vitro observations indicate that the factors GDF9 and BMP15 stimulate the growth of ovarian follicles and proliferation of cumulus cells through the induction of mitosis in cells and granulosa and theca expression of genes linked to follicular maturation. Thus, seeking greater understanding of the action of these growth factors on the development of oocytes, the role of GDF9 and BMP15 in ovarian function is summarized in this brief review.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.17-24
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• 2016

Purposes: This study employed a posteriori registration and subtraction of radiographic images to quantify the apical root resorption in maxillary permanent central incisors after orthodontic treatment, and assessed whether the external apical root resorption (EARR) was related to a range of parameters involved in the treatment. Materials and Methods: A sample of 79 patients (mean age, $13.5{\pm}2.2years$) with no history of trauma or endodontic treatment of the maxillary permanent central incisors was selected. Periapical radiographs taken before and after orthodontic treatment were digitized and imported to the Regeemy software. Based on an analysis of the post-treatment radiographs, the length of the incisors was measured using Image J software. The mean EARR was described in pixels and relative root resorption (%). The patient's age and gender, tooth extraction, use of elastics, and treatment duration were evaluated to identify possible correlations with EARR. Results: The mean EARR observed was $15.44{\pm}12.1pixels$ (5.1% resorption). No differences in the mean EARR were observed according to patient characteristics (gender, age) or treatment parameters (use of elastics, treatment duration). The only parameter that influenced the mean EARR of a patient was the need for tooth extraction. Conclusion: A posteriori registration and subtraction of periapical radiographs was a suitable method to quantify EARR after orthodontic treatment, and the need for tooth extraction increased the extent of root resorption after orthodontic treatment.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.39-53
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• 2022

Purpose: This study evaluated the systemic and local effects of doxycycline (DOX) and low-intensity laser (LIL) treatment as adjuvants to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of experimental periodontitis in rats. Methods: The sample consisted of 180 male rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar), of which 30 did not receive induction of periodontal disease (negative control [NC] group) and 150 received induction of periodontal disease in the lower first molar. After 7 days, the ligature was removed, and the animals were divided into the following groups: NT (no treatment), SRP (SRP), DOX (SRP and DOX irrigation), LIL (SRP and laser irradiation), and DOX+LIL (SRP, DOX, and LIL). The animals were euthanized at 7, 15, and 30 days; thereafter, biochemical, radiographic, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. Results: In the intragroup analysis, lower concentrations of α-1-glycoprotein acid (α-1-Ga) and complement 3 (C3) were observed in the DOX+LIL group than in all other groups at all time points, as well as lower levels of complement 4 (C4) at 15 and 30 days (P<0.001). Less bone loss was observed in the DOX, LIL, and DOX+LIL groups than in the NC and SRP groups at all time points (P<0.001). There was a smaller number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells in the DOX+LIL group than in the other groups at all time points (P<0.001). Positive correlations were observed between the systemic levels of α-1-Ga, C3, and C4 and the number of TRAP-positive cells. Conclusions: The combination of DOX with LIL as SRP adjuvants was effective both systemically and locally for the treatment of experimental periodontitis in rats.

• Communications for Statistical Applications and Methods
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.43-60
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• 2018

This paper considers the use of classical and Bayesian inference methods to analyze data generated by variables whose natural behavior can be modeled using asymmetric distributions in the presence of left censoring. Our approach used a $L{\grave{e}}vy$ distribution in the presence of left censored data and covariates. This distribution could be a good alternative to model data with asymmetric behavior in many applications as lifetime data for instance, especially in engineering applications and health research, when some observations are large in comparison to other ones and standard distributions commonly used to model asymmetry data like the exponential, Weibull or log-logistic are not appropriate to be fitted by the data. Inferences for the parameters of the proposed model under a classical inference approach are obtained using a maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) approach and usual asymptotical normality for MLEs based on the Fisher information measure. Under a Bayesian approach, the posterior summaries of interest are obtained using standard Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation methods and available software like SAS. A numerical illustration is presented considering data of thyroglobulin levels present in a group of individuals with differentiated cancer of thyroid.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2022

Several aspects influence corrosive processes in reinforced concrete (RC) structures such as environmental conditions, structural geometry and mechanical properties. Since these aspects present large randomnesses, probabilistic models allow a more accurate description of the corrosive phenomena. Besides, the definition of limit states in the reliability assessment requires a proper mechanical model. In this context, this study proposes a straightforward methodology for the mechanical-probabilistic modelling of RC structures subjected to reinforcements' corrosion. An improved damage approach is proposed to define the limit states for the probabilistic modelling, considering three main degradation phenomena: concrete cracking, rebar yielding and rebar corrosion caused either by chloride or carbonation mechanisms. The stochastic analysis is evaluated by the Monte Carlo simulation method due to the computational efficiency of the Lumped Damage Model for Corrosion (LDMC). The proposed mechanical-probabilistic methodology is implemented in a computational framework and applied to the analysis of a simply supported RC beam and a 2D RC frame. Curves illustrate the probability of failure evolution over a service life of 50 years. Moreover, the proposed model allows drawing the probability of failure map and then identifying the critical failure path for progressive collapse analysis. Collapse path changes caused by the corrosion phenomena are observed.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.104-108
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• 2014

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of passive ultrasonic agitation on the cleaning capacity of a hybrid instrumentation technique. Materials and Methods: Twenty mandibular incisors with mesiodistal-flattened root shape had their crowns sectioned at 1 mm from the cementoenamel junction. Instrumentation was initiated by catheterization with K-type files (Denstply Maillefer) #10, #15, and #20 at 3 mm from the working length. Cervical preparation was performed with Largo bur #1 (Dentsply Maillefer) followed by apical instrumentation with K-type files #15, #20 and #25, and finishing with ProTaper F2 file (Denstply Maillefer). All files were used up to the working length under irrigation with 1 mL of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (Biodyn$\hat{a}$mica) at each instrument change. At the end of instrumentation, the roots were randomly separated into 2 groups (n = 10). All specimens received final irrigation with 1 mL of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. The solution remained in the root canals in Group 1 for one minute; and ultrasonic agitation was performed in Group 2 for one minute using a straight tip inserted at 1 mm from working length. The specimens were processed histologically and the sections were analyzed under optic microscope (x64) to quantify debris present in the root canal. Results: The samples submitted to ultrasonic agitation (Group 2) presented significant decrease in the amount of debris in comparison with those of Group 1 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The hybrid instrumentation technique associated with passive ultrasonic agitation promoted greater debris removal in the apical third of the root canals.