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The objective of this work was to compile data for the characterization of pistachio’s chemical composition and to analyze the benefits of their consumption in the diet. Pistachio edible seed is cultivated mainly in America, Mediterranean countries and Middle East. The geographical precedence may affect its mineral content as well as its lipidic profile and it may also influence the content of bioactive compounds. Pistachio presents a high proportion of vitamins, carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids that have been associated with pistachio health benefits such as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Pistachio intake would reduce glycemic index and control Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus. Clinical studies have also indicated that the presence of phytosterols, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and dietary fiber from pistachio grains may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Furthermore, the main wastes of pistachio industry [pistachio green hull (PGH) and pistachio shell (PS)] could be also considered a good source of bioactive compounds. Recent studies showed that the encapsulation of these nutraceutical compounds of PGH may be a green strategy for manufacture high-value foods within the framework of circular economy. Moreover, PS can be considered a good source of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) that may be used for encapsulation and stabilization of oil-water emulsions.

Gibellini, P. (2023). Un’idea di D’Annunzio. Trent’anni di studi. Carabba: Lanciano, pp. 775.

Through the study of the preparatory papers of d’Annunzio’s Phaedra preserved in the Archivio Privato del Vittoriale, the article aims to demonstrate the leading role of the medieval vulgarisation of Ovidian’s Metamorphoses by Arrigo Simintendi for the composition of the tragedy. Through a careful work of compulsion and auscultation of the fourteenth-century text, d’Annunzio recovers formal and lexical tesserae to build Phaedra’s hendecasyllables, to recreate congenial images, to provide the most appropriate sounds and musicality, and to suggest psychological insights through the comparison between his characters and the mythological archetypes dear to his theatre, of which Ovid’s masterpiece is an admirable compendium. Ultimately, the essay suggests that the influence of Simintendi’s vulgarization and the method of compulsion extends beyond the tragedy of 1909.

Abstract The recurrence of Glioblastoma is partly attributed to the highly resistant subpopulation of glioma stem cells. A novel therapeutic approach focuses on restoring apoptotic programs in these cancer stem cells, as they are often deregulated. BH3-mimetics, targeting anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, are emerging as promising compounds to sensitize cancer cells to antineoplastic treatments. Herein, we determined that the most abundantly expressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1, are the most relevant in regulating patient-derived glioma stem cell survival. We exposed these cells to routinely used chemotherapeutic drugs and BH3-mimetics (ABT-263, WEHI-539, and S63845). We observed that the combination of BH3-mimetics targeting Bcl-xL with chemotherapeutic agents caused a marked increase in cell death and that this sensitivity to Bcl-xL inhibition correlated with Noxa expression levels. Interestingly, whereas co-targeting Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 led to massive cell death in all tested cell lines, down-regulation of Noxa promoted cell survival only in cell lines expressing higher levels of this BH3-only. Therefore, in glioma stem cells, the efficacy of Bcl-xL inhibition is closely associated with Mcl-1 activity and Noxa expression. Hence, a potentially effective strategy would consist of combining Bcl-xL inhibitors with chemotherapeutic agents capable of inducing Noxa, taking advantage of this pro-apoptotic factor.

Abstract Humans’ individual differences including their demographics, personality, attitudes and experiences are often associated with important outcomes for the animals they interact with. This is pertinent to companion animals such as cats and dogs, given their social and emotional importance to humans and degree of integration into human society. However, the mechanistic underpinnings and causal relationships that characterise links between human individual differences and companion animal behaviour and wellbeing are not well understood. In this exploratory investigation, we firstly quantified the underlying structure of, and variation in, human’s styles of behaviour during typical human-cat interactions (HCI), focusing on aspects of handling and interaction known to be preferred by cats (i.e. ‘best practice’), and their variation. We then explored the potential significance of various human individual differences as predictors of these HCI styles. Seven separate HCI styles were identified via Principal Component Analysis (PCA) from averaged observations for 119 participants, interacting with sociable domestic cats within a rehoming context. Using General Linear Models (GLMs) and an Information Theoretic (IT) approach, we found these HCI PC components were weakly to strongly predicted by factors including cat-ownership history, participant personality (measured via the Big Five Inventory, or BFI), age, work experience with animals and participants’ subjective ratings of their cat behaviour knowledge. Paradoxically, greater cat ownership experiences and self-assessed cat knowledge were not positively associated with ‘best practice’ styles of HCI, but were instead generally predictive of HCI styles known to be less preferred by cats, as was greater participant age and Neuroticism. These findings have important implications regarding the quality of human-companion animal relationships and dyadic compatibility, in addition to the role of educational interventions and their targeting for optimal efficacy. In the context of animal adoption, these results strengthen the (limited) evidence base for decision making associated with cat-adopter screening and matching. In particular, our results suggest that greater cat ownership experiences and self-reports of cat knowledge might not necessarily convey advantages for cats in the context of HCI.

Inhibitors of phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) are small-molecule drugs that, by increasing the intracellular levels of cAMP in immune cells, elicit a broad spectrum of anti-inflammatory effects. As such, PDE4 inhibitors are actively studied as therapeutic options in a variety of human diseases characterized by an underlying inflammatory pathogenesis. Dendritic cells (DCs) are checkpoints of the inflammatory and immune responses, being responsible for both activation and dampening depending on their activation status. This review shows evidence that PDE4 inhibitors modulate inflammatory DC activation by decreasing the secretion of inflammatory and Th1/Th17-polarizing cytokines, although preserving the expression of costimulatory molecules and the CD4+ T cell-activating potential. In addition, DCs activated in the presence of PDE4 inhibitors induce a preferential Th2 skewing of effector T cells, retain the secretion of Th2-attracting chemokines and increase the production of T cell regulatory mediators, such as IDO1, TSP-1, VEGF-A and Amphiregulin. Finally, PDE4 inhibitors selectively induce the expression of the surface molecule CD141/Thrombomodulin/BDCA-3. The result of such fine-tuning is immunomodulatory DCs that are distinct from those induced by classical anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids. The possible implications for the treatment of respiratory disorders (such as COPD, asthma and COVID-19) by PDE4 inhibitors will be discussed.

The present study aimed to investigate how playing positions differ in specific body composition variables in professional soccer players with respect to specific field zones and tactical lines. Five hundred and six Serie A and B professional soccer players were included in the study and analyzed according to their playing positions: goalkeepers (GKs), central backs (CBs), fullbacks (FBs), central midfielders (MIDs), wide midfielders (WMs), attacking midfielders (AMs), second strikers (SSs), external strikers (ESs), and central forwards (CFs), as well as their field zones (central and external) and tactical lines (defensive, middle, and offensive). Anthropometrics (stature and body mass) of each player were recorded. Then, body composition was obtained by means of bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA). GKs and CFs were the tallest and heaviest players, with no differences from each other. Likewise, GKs and CFs, along with CBs, were apparently more muscular (for both upper and lower limbs) and fatter at the same time compared with the other roles. Overall, players of the defensive line (CBs and FBs), along with those playing in central field zones (CBs, MIDs, AMs, SSs, and CFs), were significantly (p < 0.05) superior in almost all anthropometric and body composition variables than those of middle and offensive line and external zones, respectively.

Background: Humanity has benefited from bee products over the centuries for treating and preventing various illnesses, and apitherapy has been employed in several countries as a complementary medicine. This review aimed to discuss scientific research and clinical trials using bee products and their relationship with apitherapy. Methods: Scientific researches based on studies carried out in vitro using different cell cultures, and in vivo studying mice or other experimental animals are discussed. Clinical trials using bee products are also documented. Results: The most common applications of bee products in apitherapy are presented, as well as cases of allergy to bee products and apitherapy for treating allergies. Standardization of bee products and their use in research and apitherapy are discussed. Conclusion: Apitherapy is practiced in some parts of the world, bringing benefits for healthy individuals and patients, with no clear consensus on its application according to the world regions or a prevalent use of bee product and treated disease. Different recommendations regarding the use of bee products are found and people ingest different amounts of bee products once or several times a day. Although we have advanced a lot about the knowledge of bee products, it is imperative to exploit their potential and standardize their use, communicating the results in scientific and alternative events to reinforce the exchange of information between beekeepers, researchers, apitherapists, nutritionists, physicians, sellers and consumers of bee products. If not, we will always be working separately, without complementing our expertise.

Cholesterol accumulation in macrophages leads to the formation of foam cells and increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis. We have verified whether hydroxytyrosol (HT), a phenolic compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can reduce the cholesterol build up in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells. We have also investigated the potential mechanisms. Oil Red O staining and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assays were utilized to detect cellular lipid accumulation and cholesterol content, respectively, in THP-1 macrophages foam cells treated with HT. The impact of HT on cholesterol metabolism-related molecules (SR-A1, CD36, LOX-1, ABCA1, ABCG1, PPARγ and LRX-α) in foam cells was assessed using real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analyses. Finally, the effect of HT on the adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to human vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) was analyzed to study endothelial activation. We found that HT activates the PPARγ/LXRα pathway to upregulate ABCA1 expression, reducing cholesterol accumulation in foam cells. Moreover, HT significantly inhibited monocyte adhesion and reduced the levels of adhesion factors (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) and pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α) in LPS-induced endothelial cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that HT, with its ability to interfere with the import and export of cholesterol, could represent a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of atherosclerotic disease.

Obligate avian brood parasites depend entirely on heterospecific hosts for rearing their offspring. From hatching until independence, the young parasites must deal with the challenge of obtaining sufficient parental care from foster parents that are attuned to provisioning their own offspring. Parent-offspring communication is mediated by complex begging displays in which nestlings and fledglings exhibit visual (e.g., gaping and postures) and vocal (e.g., begging calls) traits that serve as signals to parents to adjust and allocate parental effort. Parasites can manipulate host parental behavior by exploiting these stable parent-offspring communication systems in their favor. During the past 30 years, the study of host exploitation by parasitic chicks has yielded important insights into the function and evolution of manipulative signals in brood parasites. However, despite these major advances, there are still important gaps in our knowledge about how parasitic nestling and fledglings tune into the host’s communication channels and the adaptive value of the visual and acoustic signals they exhibit. Here we review the literature pertaining to host manipulation by parasitic young, focusing on four non-mutually exclusive mechanisms (i.e., host chick mimicry, begging exaggeration, host-attuned begging calls, and sensory exploitation) and the function and evolution of the signals involved, with the aim to summarize and discuss putative adaptations for stimulating parental feeding and escaping host discrimination. Finally, we bring some concluding remarks and suggest directions for future research on the ways in which brood parasites adapt to the communication systems of other birds to exploit the necessary parental care.

Living organisms do not disregard the laws of thermodynamics and must therefore consume energy for their survival. In this way, cellular energy exchanges, which aim above all at the production of ATP, a fundamental molecule used by the cell for its metabolisms, favor the formation of waste products that, if not properly disposed of, can contribute to cellular aging and damage. Numerous genes have been linked to aging, with some favoring it (gerontogenes) and others blocking it (longevity pathways). Animal model studies have shown that calorie restriction (CR) may promote longevity pathways, but given the difficult application of CR in humans, research is investigating the use of CR-mimetic substances capable of producing the same effect. These include some phytonutrients such as oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, epigallo-catechin-gallate, fisetin, quercetin, and curcumin and minerals such as magnesium and selenium. Some of them also have senolytic effects, which promote the apoptosis of defective cells that accumulate over the years (senescent cells) and disrupt normal metabolism. In this article, we review the properties of these natural elements that can promote a longer and healthier life.

Ankle-brachial index and arterial stiffness are associated with leg function in the elderly and in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Little is known about the meaning of these parameters in young and trained subjects and how they are related to physical performance. The main objective was to evaluate the mediating role of arterial stiffness and ankle-brachial index in physical performance. In a cross-sectional, case-control study, 240 male athletes were consecutively enrolled from the Laboratory of Cardiology and Sports Medicine, “G. d’Annunzio” University (Italy). All the subjects underwent the examination protocol for the annual medical evaluation for sport participation. Soccer (football) players compared to runners showed a lower level of ankle-brachial index, higher arterial stiffness, and lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In the treadmill stress test, soccer players compared to runners showed a greater maximal aerobic capacity. Differences in cardiovascular performance between soccer players and runners were mediated by better arterial stiffness and low level of ankle-brachial index; the estimated effect was 0.11 ± 0.05 and 0.24 ± 0.06, respectively. Vigorous strength training drops blood pressure and increases arterial stiffness. Taken together, our findings would seem to suggest that ABI and CAVI could be used as markers for athletes’ performance.

The importance of animals' experiences and associated comfort during Human-Animal Interactions (HAI), and particularly Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI), are increasingly recognised. However, there remains a paucity of published research, particularly concerning less formal but frequent HAIs to which companion animals are typically exposed, such as stroking or petting. Additionally, few practical evidence-based guides to facilitate humans' optimal animal handling and interaction in these contexts exist. A simple set of Human-Cat Interaction (HCI) guidelines were therefore created, with the aim to enhance domestic cats' comfort during generic HCI contexts. Based around a “CAT” acronym, guidelines focused on providing the cat with choice and control (“C”), paying attention (“A”) to the cats' behaviour and body language and limiting touch (“T”), primarily to their temporal regions. Guidelines were presented to human participants during a brief training intervention, and guideline efficacy was subsequently assessed. Domestic cats available for rehoming at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, UK (n = 100) were filmed during interactions with novel members of the public (n = 120). Cats were exposed to a maximum of six, 5-min interaction sessions, balanced across “control” (interactions with humans pre-training) and “intervention” conditions (interactions with humans post-training). For each observation, cat behaviour and posture were coded and humans' cat-directed behaviour rated on the degree to which it reflected best practice principles. Data were extracted from a total of 535 observations and average human interaction ratings and cat behaviour values compared between control and intervention conditions via paired Wilcoxon tests. Compared to the control, humans' interaction styles were rated as significantly more closely aligned with best practice principles in the intervention condition. Cats also displayed significantly greater frequencies and/or durations of affiliative and positively-valenced behaviours in the intervention. In contrast, cats in the control displayed significantly greater frequencies of human-directed aggression, in addition to greater frequencies and/or durations of behaviours associated with conflict and negative valence. Results demonstrate the positive impact of practical interaction guidelines on cats' social behaviour and comfort during HCI, with the potential to improve cats' general experiences during interactions, reduce human-directed aggression and ultimately improve cat-human relationships.

Despite current strategies combining surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Tumor location plays a key role in the prognosis of patients, with GBM tumors located in close proximity to the lateral ventricles (LVs) resulting in worse survival expectancy and higher incidence of distal recurrence. Though the reason for worse prognosis in these patients remains unknown, it may be due to proximity to the subventricular zone (SVZ) neurogenic niche contained within the lateral wall of the LVs. We present a novel rodent model to analyze the bidirectional signaling between GBM tumors and cells contained within the SVZ. Patient-derived GBM cells expressing GFP and luciferase were engrafted at locations proximal, intermediate, and distal to the LVs in immunosuppressed mice. Mice were either sacrificed after 4 weeks for immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor and SVZ or maintained for survival analysis. Analysis of the GFP+ tumor bulk revealed that GBM tumors proximal to the LV show increased levels of proliferation and tumor growth than LV-distal counterparts and is accompanied by decreased median survival. Conversely, numbers of innate proliferative cells, neural stem cells (NSCs), migratory cells and progenitors contained within the SVZ are decreased as a result of GBM proximity to the LV. These results indicate that our rodent model is able to accurately recapitulate several of the clinical aspects of LV-associated GBM, including increased tumor growth and decreased median survival. Additionally, we have found the neurogenic and cell division process of the SVZ in these adult mice is negatively influenced according to the presence and proximity of the tumor mass. This model will be invaluable for further investigation into the bidirectional signaling between GBM and the neurogenic cell populations of the SVZ.

Introduction: Severe Enamel Fluorosis is frequently found in young adolescents with aesthetic concerns. Colourimetric alterations could vary from diffuse opacities to demarcated brown and white areas. Material and methods: One young patient with a severe fluorosis was treated by a combined use of at-home bleaching and at-office resin infiltration. Results: In all the affected teeth, existing aesthetic enamel alterations, were successfully treated by the combined use of bleaching and Icon® resin application. Given the minimal substance loss due to the erosion infiltration procedure, the patient was extremely satisfied with the results. Conclusions: Our case report show the capability of treating severe fluorosis with bleaching and subsequent Icon® resin infiltration. Longer observation periods in studies with larger patients population are needed to validate the clinical significance found in this case report.

Despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, glioblastoma (GBM) represents the most common and aggressive brain tumor in the adult population, urging identification of new rational therapeutic targets. Galectins, a family of glycan-binding proteins, are highly expressed in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and delineate prognosis and clinical outcome in patients with GBM. These endogenous lectins play key roles in different hallmarks of cancer by modulating tumor cell proliferation, oncogenic signaling, migration, vascularization and immunity. Additionally, they have emerged as mediators of resistance to different anticancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and antiangiogenic therapy. Particularly in GBM, galectins control tumor cell transformation and proliferation, reprogram tumor cell migration and invasion, promote vascularization, modulate cell death pathways, and shape the tumor-immune landscape by targeting myeloid, natural killer (NK), and CD8+ T cell compartments. Here, we discuss the role of galectins, particularly galectin-1, -3, -8, and -9, as emerging glyco-checkpoints that control different mechanisms associated with GBM progression, and discuss possible therapeutic opportunities based on inhibition of galectin-driven circuits, either alone or in combination with other treatment modalities.

SOVTE has been widely used in voice clinic. Estimates of time to perform the technique with a flexible latex tube are still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the immediate effect of flexible latex tube immersed in water on amateur singers after 1, 3, 5 and 7 minutes, considering: (a) the singers' self-assessment regarding voice and vocal effort; (b) acoustic parameters; and (c) auditory-perceptual parameters of voice quality. Twenty nine amateur singers (14 women and 15 men) performed the exercise with latex tube (35 cm X 0.9 cm) in one 1-minute set and three 2-minute sets. Data collection was conducted before and immediately after each set using sustained emission of vowel [a]. Women and men were considered separately. Vocal self-assessment showed a statistically significant increase in negative sensations after 7 minutes of exercise for women. Auditory-perceptual analysis indicated voices were perceived more often as "equal" comparing pre exercise with first minute set and more often as "better" in the third and fifth minutes comparing with pre exercise only for women. The other parameters showed no significance. The exercise with flexible latex tube in amateur singers promoted improvement in vocal quality after 3 and 5 minutes for women. Also, the women presented significant negative sensations after 7 minutes. Immediate effect on the analyzed parameters was not observed in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dogs are biologically predisposed to communicate with humans in cooperative contexts. They show individual differences in dog–human communication and inhibition, potentially enhanced by life experience, e.g., Animal-Assisted Interventions. This study aimed to investigate whether dogs’ personality, defined by biologically meaningful neural circuits described in the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality (RST), predicted dogs’ communication, task orientation, emotional state, and approach of an unsolvable task. We also investigated the differences between dogs experienced in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) and inexperienced dogs. The results indicated that a high sensitivity to the RST personality trait related to managing uncertainty (Behavioural Inhibition System, BIS) predicted fewer task orientations but increased referential and non-referential looking, which we interpreted as a way to obtain directions from the owner. Conversely, a high sensitivity to the traits reflecting tendencies to approach rewards (Behavioural Approach System, BAS) and avoid punishment (Fight–Flight–Freeze System, FFFS) predicted lower looking. High sensitivity to the FFFS also predicted more frequent task orientations, which we interpreted as frustration. Finally, the dogs in the AAI program looked more at their owner and were less oriented towards the task. These results provide empirical evidence of individual differences tied to the psychobiological personality traits in canine cognitive skills. Understanding such cognitive profiles may have an enormous impact on activities that rely upon dog–human collaborative interaction.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a opinião que o aluno tem sobre a Educação Física escolar. Especificamente procurou-se investigar as opiniões dos alunos do Ensino Médio a respeito das aulas de Educação Física e qual a importância da disciplina. Os dados foram coletados a partir da aplicação de um questionário contendo 14 questões a 205 alunos divididos entre 1º e 3º ano do Ensino Médio de escolas públicas e particulares da Região Metropolitana de Campinas, no Brasil. Com este estudo constatamos que na opinião dos alunos, a Educação Física é uma disciplina atrativa, porém não a consideram como uma das mais importantes.

Introdução: o crescimento sustentado do gasto em saúde observado no nível mundial tem dado lugar à necessidade de atribuir e cientemente os recursos. Para isso, as avaliações económicas constituem uma valiosa ferramenta para a tomada de decisões no setor saúde. Para a sua implementação devemse estimar os custos das alternativas a ser avaliadas. Entre os estudos de custos encontram-se os que estimam os custos de doenças, os quais permitem identi car, quanti car e valorar todos os recursos económicos compreendidos em uma decisão relativa ao processo de saúde-doença-atenção. Objetivo: propõese descrever como as diferentes perspectivas de análise podem modi car a estimação de custos de uma condição de saúde. Material e métodos: se realizou um estudo descritivo com base a uma revisão não sistemática da literatura acerca da perspectiva de análise nos estudos de custos de doenças incluindo trabalhos de investigação no período com- preendido entre 1960 e 2015. Resultados: observa-se que as estimulações dos custos associados a uma doença consideram, na maioria das perspectivas, só os custos diretos sanitários derivados das prestações necessárias para a prevenção e tratamentos de doenças. Salvo desde a perspectivado paciente e a sua família, os custos diretos não sanitários não costumam incluir-se nas valo- rações económicas da uma doença. Os custos indiretos e intangíveis só estão presentes em forma indireta quando desde a perspectiva do pro ssional, o Estado ou o terceiro pagador se tomam decisões em função de estudos do tipo custo-utilidade nos que subjaze a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Discussão: não reconhecer todos os custos que intervém em uma doença pode subes- timar o impacto económico da mesma, dando lugar a políticas sanitárias incorretas, ine ciente atribuição de recursos e avaliações parciais dos custos associados a tratamentos ou alternativas disponíveis, o qual poderia enviesar os resultados obtidos em estudos do tipo custo efetividade utilizados para guiar a prática médica e a cobertura de prestações.

These pages aim to explore the big fortune of the forgotten film Dante’s Inferno directed in 1924 by Henry Otto, and to underline how it is influenced on one side by the peculiar dantism of Ralph Waldo Emerson and on the other by the populist sentimentalism of Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol.

This review describes the technical and functional role of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) in cereal-based, yogurt-like beverages. Many microorganisms produce EPSs as a strategy for growing, adhering to solid surfaces, and surviving under adverse conditions. In several food and beverages, EPSs play technical and functional roles. Therefore, EPSs can be isolated, purified, and added to the product, or appropriate bacteria can be employed as starter cultures to produce the EPSs in situ within the matrix. The exploitation of in situ production of EPSs is of particular interest to manufacturers of cereal-base beverages aiming to mimic dairy products. In this review, traditional and innovative or experimental cereal-based beverages, and in particular, yogurt-like beverages are described with a particular focus in lactic acid bacteria (LAB’s) EPS production. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the current knowledge of exopolysaccharides produced by lactic acid bacteria, and their presence in cereal-based, yogurt-like beverages.

Estudos recentes evidenciam que as elites exercem forte influência nos processos políticos nacionais e que sua cultura política deve ser considerada como importante fator explicativo para os fenômenos políticos. Considerando que tais indivíduos apresentam um sistema de crenças e valores diferenciado da maioria dos cidadãos, este artigo tem por objetivo identificar o que pensam as elites sobre a desigualdade e sobre as ações do Estado para combater essa situação, focalizando especificamente atores políticos não estatais que atuam diretamente no processo de formulação e implementação de políticas sociais como membros de conselhos gestores e indiretamente como dirigentes de fundações privadas e associações sem fins lucrativos.

OBJETIVO: investigar a resistência insulínica imposta pela lipoaspiração, correlacionando sua intensidade com a extensão da operação. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi formada de 20 pacientes do sexo feminino sem comorbidades, com idade entre 21 e 43 anos, índice de massa corporal entre 19 e 27 Kg/m², submetidas à lipoaspiração isolada ou associada à prótese de mamas. Foram coletados os indicadores de resistência insulínica no início e término da cirurgia para o cálculo do Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR). As variáveis operatórias foram tempo de lipoaspiração, tempo de prótese de mamas, áreas corporais lipoaspiradas e gordura total aspirada. RESULTADOS: O tempo de lipoaspiração foi 94 a 278 min (média=174 min), tempo de prótese de mamas de 20 a 140 min (média=65 min), gordura total aspirada de 680 a 4280 g (média=1778 g). A análise estatística foi realizada por uma linha de corte de 1500 g de gordura aspirada e revelou uma resistência insulínica pelo índice de HOMA significativamente mais intensa no grupo >1500 g (aumento de 123%) em relação ao grupo d"1500 g (aumento de 53%,) a partir dos dados basais (p=0,02). As demais variáveis operatórias não apresentaram correlação significativa. CONCLUSÃO: A resistência insulínica apresenta aumento significativo na lipoaspiração, correlacionada ao volume de gordura aspirado.OBJECTIVE: To investigate insulin resistance imposed by liposuction, correlating its intensity with the extent of the operation. METHODS: The sample consisted of 20 female patients without comorbidities, aged between 21 and 43 years, body mass index between 19 and 27 kg/m², undergoing liposuction alone or associated with breasts' prosthesis. We assessed insulin resistance at the beginning and end of the procedure by calculating the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR). The operative variables were length of liposuction, breast prosthesis time, body areas submitted to liposuction and total fat aspirated. RESULTS: The liposuction time was 94-278 min (mean = 174 min), duration of breast prosthesis 20-140 min (mean = 65 min) and total fat aspirated 680-4280 g (mean = 1778 g). Statistical analysis was performed by considering a division line of 1500 g of aspirated fat and there was a significantly increased insulin resistance by HOMA index greater in the group > 1500 g (123% increase) than in the group d" 1500 g (an increase of 53 %) from the baseline data (p = 0.02). Other operative variables showed no significant correlation. CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance shows significant increase in liposuction, and it is correlated to the volume of aspirated fat.

Studies on the cost of illness arise to advance knowledge and estimation of the economic burden of disease. These identify, quantify and value all the economic resources linked to a disease, and classify them as direct, indirect and intangible costs. The aim of this paper is to critically describe the different methods for estimating each of these costs. The valuation of the costs of an illness involves a vector of prices and quantities. The quantities arise from the resources used or lost. Prices are estimated from the market value of the good or service or, if it is a non-market good or service, then prices are estimated from proxy variables or specific methods of estimation of individual preferences. The main methodological and theoretical weaknesses found deal with the estimation of the ‘time’ resource, the presence of externalities and market imperfections and the violation of some assumptions of economic theory.

En Argentina, la provisión de fármacos para pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) sin cobertura de salud se efectúa mediante programas públicos. En la provincia de Buenos Aires coexisten el programa Remediar, de nivel nacional, y el Programa de Prevención, Diagnóstico y Tratamiento del Paciente Diabético (PRODIABA), de nivel provincial. El presente trabajo estima el porcentaje de población adulta con DM2 sin cobertura del municipio de Bahía Blanca (provincia de Buenos Aires) con necesidad de tratamientos de antidiabéticos orales, que satisface su demanda en el sector público. Es un estudio cuantitativo que evalúa la demanda y la necesidad deprovisión pública. Los resultados indican que: 1) el mayor porcentaje de la demanda se satisface en el primer nivel de atención; 2) la provincia de Buenos Aires financia el mayor porcentaje de comprimidos, seguida por el nivel municipal y el nacional; 3) el nivel local también interviene para satisfacer la demanda y 4) la provisión pública total solo daría cobertura a aproximadamente el 25% de las necesidades en el escenario correspondiente al consumo medio. Esto muestra que, incluso con diferentes programas públicos, la provisión no es suficiente y se requiere de la intervención local aun cuando la descentralización en la adquisición de fármacos no es recomendada por la teoría económica.

El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar el grado de equidad en el acceso a los servicios de salud del subsector público entre los habitantes sin cobertura de salud de los municipios de la provincia de Buenos Aires (Argentina). Mediante un estudio cuantitativo y retrospectivo se analizó la desigualdad en la distribución del gasto público en salud per cápita, variable que se emplea como una proxy de la capacidad de acceso a los servicios de salud de los habitantes de cada jurisdicción. Los resultados indican la existencia de fuertes disparidades en los niveles de gasto en salud por habitante sin cobertura sanitaria. Asimismo, la existencia de mayores necesidades de atención de la salud (estimadas con la tasa de mortalidad infantil y el porcentaje de hogares con necesidades básicas insatisfechas) no se corresponde con niveles más altos de gasto público. Finalmente, se detectó una asociación positiva entre la riqueza relativa de los municipios (medida por el producto bruto geográfico per cápita) y el monto per cápita de las erogaciones en salud.

Costos de enfermedades: una revisión crítica de las metodologías de estimación Resumen: Para avanzar en el conocimiento y estimación de la carga económica de una enfermedad surgen los estudios de costos de enfermedades. Estos identifican, cuantifican y valoran todos los recursos económicos asociados a una enfermedad, clasificándolos en costos directos, indirectos e intangibles. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo describir críticamente los diferentes métodos de estimación de cada uno de ellos. La valoración de los costos de una enfermedad generalmente involucra un vector de precios y cantidades. Las cantidades surgen de los recursos consumidos o perdidos. Los precios se estiman a partir del valor de mercado del bien o servicio, o bien, cuando no existe mercado, a partir de variables proxy o métodos específicos de estimación de preferencias individuales. Entre las principales debilidades metodológicas y teóricas encontradas se destacan problemas en la estimación del recurso “tiempo”, presencia de externalidades e imperfecciones de mercado y violación algunos postulados de teoría económica. Palabras Clave: Costos de enfermedades, métodos de estimación. Clasificación JEL: I10, I9 Cost of illness: A critical review of estimation methodologies Abstract: Studies on the cost of illness arise to advance knowledge and estimation of the economic burden of disease. These identify, quantify and value all the economic resources linked to a disease, and classify them as direct, indirect and intangible costs. The aim of this paper is to critically describe the different methods for estimating each of these costs. The valuation of the costs of an illness involves a vector of prices and quantities. The quantities arise from the resources used or lost. Prices are estimated from the market value of the good or service or, if it is a non-market good or service, then prices are estimated from proxy variables or specific methods of estimation of individual preferences. The main methodological and theoretical weaknesses found deal with the estimation of the ‘time’ resource, the presence of externalities and market imperfections and the violation of some assumptions of economic theory. Keywords: Cost of Illness, Estimation Methods. JEL classification: I10, I9 Une revue critique des méthodes d’estimation de coût des maladies Résumé: Les études concernant le coût des maladies permettent de faire progresser la compréhension de l’impact économique des maladies. Tout particulièrement, ces études permettent d’identifier, de quantifier et d’évaluer toutes les ressources économiques associées à une maladie, dont les coûts peuvent être classifies en coûts directs, indirects et intangibles. Cet article a pour objectif décrire de manière critique les différentes méthodes d’estimation de ces coûts, tout en sachant que leur quantification implique l’usage d’un vecteur de prix et de quantités. Les quantités sont déterminées par les ressources consommées ou perdues, tandis que les prix sont calculés à partir de la valeur marchande du bien ou service. Cependant, lorsqu’il n’y a pas de marché ce prix est calculé par une variable proxy ou bien par des méthodes spécifiques d’estimation de préférences individuelles. Nous montrons que les principales faiblesses méthodologiques et théoriques concernent l’estimation du «temps», l’intégration aussi bien des externalités que des imperfections de marché et, finalement l’irrespect de certains postulats basiques de la théorie économique. Mots-clés: coût de la maladie, méthodes d’estimation. Classification JEL: I10, I9

Diferentes autores han demostrado la asociación existente entre la exposición a ciertos factores de riesgo y el incremento en los costos de los tratamientos farmacológicos de las enfermedades cardiovasculares. El presente trabajo es un estudio retrospectivo y analítico de los costos de medicamentos prescriptos a pacientes internados en el Servicio de Unidad Coronaria del Hospital Interzonal Dr. José Penna de la Ciudad de Bahía Blanca (Argentina) en el periodo marzo de 2008 a mayo de 2010. Se analiza la variación de los costos medios diarios de los tratamientos farmacológicos provistos a pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica según la exposición (o no) al hábito tabáquico. Se observó que los pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica y hábito tabáquico enfrentan un mayor costo directo asociado a mayores costos en los tratamientos farmacológicos, que quienes no han estado expuestos al tabaquismo. Al mismo tiempo, los costos estimados para cada grupo de pacientes muestran variabilidad según se estimen a precios máximos o mínimos, resultado de la gran dispersión de precios observada en el mercado farmacéutico.

This article analyzes the construction of the concepts of civility and provincial in the popular imagination of bidos, Par, in the nineteenth century, examining the characters of the work of English de Sousa in the belle epoque.

The treatment of oral hemangiomas requires particular attention to the possible complications that can result. The aim of these case reports is to underline the unquestioned advantages that the use of Nd:YAG laser can provide in the treatment of this particular kind of benign tumor compared to standard techniques: hemostatic effect, elimination of scar formation and accelerated healing process, sterilization effect, superior target access via flexible optical fibers, reduced need for anesthesia, reduction of postoperative pain (no or slight soreness in the treated zone for about 24 h). With certain limitations, this laser currently represents the first choice in hemangioma surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the potential of Nd:YAG laser associated with standard techniques in retreating teeth obturated with thermafil on a plastic carrier, laterally condensed gutta-percha, and endomethasone sealer. The following aspects were analyzed: removal of obturation as visualized radiographically (Radio Visio Grafia) and time required. This study endeavors to provide a working protocol to those who could benefit from using this new method. Materials and Methods: Thirty human single-rooted teeth, with single and straight canals, were divided into three groups of 10. filled with the methods mentioned above, and then retreated. We used the laser Pulse Master 600 IQ (American Dental Technologies), set at 40 mi, 10 Hz. and 0.4 W. These settings combined with an optical fiber of 200 μm proved to be highly efficient and safe. In all three groups, we used the laser like a hot carrier (irradiation of 15 to 20 s, 30 s pause) to soften and dissolve materials, and then removed them by manual instrumentation. Results: Nine out of ten teeth filled with endomethasone were retreated with success. The average time required for retreatment was 4 min 48 s. We were able to retreat all ten teeth obturated by gutta successfully. with an average time of 4 min 55 s. In our opinion. optimum retreatment was obtained with thermafil, leaving intact carriers and well-cleaned canals. Average time was 6 min 16 s. Conclusion: Our study involving the use of laser associated with standard techniques demonstrated the following advantages: elimination of solvent use, reduction of canal wall stress. "sterilization" of the radicular system, and good working times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Using different lasers with various wavelengths, the main goal of the study was to evaluate the tissue damage in the first peripheral microns of oral soft-tissue specimens, the most important area for the evaluation of infiltrating potential of displastic lesions. Materials and Methods: Er,Cr:YSGG, Nd:YAG, and two diode lasers (808 nm and 980 nm) were tested, taking bioptic specimens from pig tongues. The results were compared with a scalpel specimen. All the samples were fixed in formaline, stained with hematoxylineosin, and examined with an optical microscope by two pathologists. Results: The 808 nm diode laser in pulsed mode and the Er,Cr:YSGG showed the best results, with less than 1 mm of marginal damage. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that lasers can be even used in bioptic investigations of dysplastic lesions, extending the edges of the excision to assure a safe histological evaluation, which is fundamental for a correct histological diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]