The perception of brazilian researchers concerning the factors that influence the citation of their articles: A study in the field of sustainability

With growing institutional pressure from the Brazilian government to increase the impact of research that it funds, Brazilian researchers are increasingly interested in discovering factors that affect the citation of their articles. The aim of the present article was to assess the perceptions of Brazilian sustainability researchers to identify factors that influence the impacts of their research. A survey was conducted with researchers in the field of sustainability and 89 questionnaires were completed. All of those researchers have articles or research projects in the field of sustainability (mixing environmental, social and/or economical) recorded in the Scielo or Lattes Curriculum Brazilian databases. Results suggest four factors that may explain the impact of article citations: (1) prestige of the author and the research network; (2) prestige of the means of publication and indexing; (3) accessibility and quality characteristics of the article; and (4) international nature of communication and scope of the study. Surprisingly, such factors were not statistically significant in explaining the citations of the participating researchers. These results show the need to consider other factors that can explain the impact of research, discovering the missing links. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Social support and infant malnutrition: a case-control study in an urban area of Southeastern Brazil

The relationship between malnutrition and social support was first suggested in the mid-1990s. Despite its plausibility, no empirical studies aimed at obtaining evidence of this association could be located. The goal of the present study was to investigate such evidence. A case-control study was carried out including 101 malnourished children (weight-for-age National Center for Health Statistics/WHO 5th percentile) aged 12-23 months, who were compared with 200 well-nourished children with regard to exposure to a series of factors related to their social support system. Univariate and multiple logistic regressions were carried out, odds ratios being adjusted for per capita family income, mother's schooling, and number of children. The presence of an interaction between income and social support variables was also tested. Absence of a partner living with the mother increased risk of malnutrition (odds ratio 2.4 (95 % CI 1.19, 4.89)), even after adjustment for per capita family income, mother's schooling, and number of children. The lack of economic support during adverse situations accounted for a very high risk of malnutrition (odds ratio 10.1 (95 % CI 3.48, 29.13)) among low-income children, but had no effect on children of higher-income families. Results indicate that receiving economic support is an efficient risk modulator for malnutrition among low-income children. In addition, it was shown that the absence of a partner living with the mother is an important risk factor for malnutrition, with an effect independent from per capita family income, mother's schooling, and number of children.

Isolation of coccidioides brasiliensis from armadillos (Dasypus noveminctus) captured in an endemic area of paracoccidioidomycosis

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the causative agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), was first isolated from armadillos from the Amazonian region where the mycosis is uncommon. In the present study, we report on the high incidence of PCM infection in armadillos from a hyperendemic region of the disease. Four nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) were captured in the endemic area of Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, killed by manual cervical dislocation and autopsied under sterile conditions. Fragments of lung, spleen, liver, and mesenteric lymph nodes were processed for histology, cultured on Mycosel agar at 37 degrees C, and homogenized for inoculation into the testis and peritoneum of hamsters. The animals were killed from week 6 to week 20 postinoculation and fragments of liver, lung, spleen, testis, and lymph nodes were cultured on brain heart infusion agar at 37 degrees C. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was isolated from three armadillos both by direct organ culture and from the liver, spleen, lung, and mesenteric lymph nodes of hamsters. In addition, one positive armadillo presented histologically proven PCM disease in a mesenteric lymph node. The three armadillos isolates (Pb-AL, Pb-A2, and Pb-A4) presented thermodependent dimorphism, urease activity, and casein assimilation, showed amplification of the gp43 gene, and were highly virulent in intratesticularly inoculated hamsters. The isolates expressed the gp43 glycoprotein, the immunodominant antigen of the fungus, and reacted with a pool of sera from PCM patients. Taken together, the present data confirm that armadillos an a natural reservoir of P. brasiliensis and demonstrate that the animal is a sylvan host to the fungus.

Cortactin is associated with perineural invasion in the deep invasive front area of laryngeal carcinomas

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Coinfection of Leishmania chagasi with Toxoplasma gondii, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) in cats from an endemic area of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis

The aim of the present study was to determine the coinfection of Leishmania sp. with Toxoplasma gondii, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) in a population of cats from an endemic area for zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis. An overall 66/302 (21.85%) cats were found positive for Leishmania sp., with infection determined by direct parasitological examination in 30/302(9.93%), by serology in 46/302(15.23%) and by both in 10/302 (3.31%) cats. Real time PCR followed by amplicon sequencing successfully confirmed Leishmania infantum (syn Leishmania chagasi) infection. Out of the Leishmania infected cats, coinfection with FIV was observed in 12/66(18.18%), with T. gondii in 17/66 (25.75%) and with both agents in 5/66(7.58%) cats. FeLV was found only in a single adult cat with no Leishmania infection. A positive association was observed in coinfection of Leishmania and FIV (p < 0.0001), but not with T. gondii (p > 0.05). In conclusion, cats living in endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis are significantly more likely to be coinfected with Fly, which may present confounding clinical signs and therefore cats in such areas should be always carefully screened for coinfections. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Morphometric study of the root anatomy in furcation area of mandibular first molars

Furcation involvement in periodontal disease has been a challenge for the dentist. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate root dimensions in the furcation area of 233 mandibular first molars. Material and Methods: Digital photomicrographs were used to obtain the following measurements on the buccal and lingual surfaces of each tooth: root trunk height (RT), horizontal interadicular distance obtained 1 mm (D1) and 2 mm (D2) below the fornix and interadicular angle (IA). Results: Mean standard deviation of buccal and lingual furcation measurements were, respectively, 1.37 +/- 0.78 mm and 2.04 +/- 0.89 mm for RT; 0.86 +/- 0.39 mm and 0.71 +/- 0.42 mm for D1; 1.50 +/- 0.48 mm and 1.38 +/- 0.48 mm for D2; 41.68 +/- 13.20 degrees and 37.78 +/- 13.18 degrees for IA. Statistically significant differences were found between all measured parameters for buccal and lingual sides (p<0.05, paired t test). Conclusions: In conclusion, the lingual furcation of mandibular first molars presented narrower entrance and longer root trunk than the buccal furcation, suggesting more limitation for instrumentation and worse prognosis to lingual furcation involvements in comparison to buccal lesions.

Vasopressin and angiotensin receptors of the medial septal area of the brain in the control of thirst and salt appetite induced by vasopressin in water-deprived and sodium-depleted rats

In this study we investigated the influence of d(CH2)(5)-Tyr (Me)-AVP (A(1) AVP) and [Adamanteanacatyl(1),D-ET-D-Tyr(2), Va1(4), aminobutyril(6) ,As-8,As-9]-AVP 9 (A(2)AVP), antagonists of V-1 and V-2 arginine(8)-vasopressin (AVP) receptors, respectively, as well as the effects of losartan and CGP42112A, antagonists of angiotensin II (ANGII) AT(1) and AT(2), receptors, respectively, on water and 0.3 M sodium intake induced by water deprivation or sodium depletion (furosemide treatment) and enhanced by AVP injected into the medial septal area (N4SA). A stainless steel carmulawas implanted into the medial septal area (NISA) of male Holtzman rats AVP injection enhanced water and sodium intake in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with V-1 antagonist injected into the MSA produced a dose-dependent reduction, whereas prior injection of V-2 antagonist increased, in a dose-dependent manner, the water and sodium responses elicited by the administration of AVP. Both AT(1) and AT(2) antagonists administered into the MSA elicited a concentration-dependent decrease in water and sodium intake induced by AVP, while simultaneous injection of the two antagonists was more effective in decreasing AVP responses. These results also indicate that the increase in water and sodium intake induced by AvT was mediated primarily by MSA AT(1) receptors. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Influence of arginine vasopressin receptors and angiotensin receptor subtypes on the water intake and arterial blood pressure induced by vasopressin injected into the lateral septal area of the rat

In this study we investigated the influence of d(CH2)(5)-Tyr(Me)-[Arg(8)]vasopressin (AAVP) and [adamanteanacetyl(1),0-ET-DTyr(2), Val(4), aminobutyryl(6), Arg(8,9)]-[Arg(8)]vasopressin (ATAVP), which are antagonists of vasopressin V-1 and V-2 receptors, and the effects of losartan, a selective angiotensin AT(1) receptor antagonist, and CGP42112A, a selective AT(2) receptor antagonist, injected into the lateral septal area (LSA) on thirst and hypertension induced by [Arg(8)]vasopressin (AVP). AAVP and ATAVP injected into the LSA reduced the drinking responses elicited by injecting AVP into the LSA. Both the AT(1) and AT(2) ligands administered into the LSA elicited a concentration-dependent decrease in the water intake induced by AVP injected into the LSA, but losartan was more effective than CGP42112A. The increase in MAP, due to injection of AVP into the LSA, was reduced by prior injection of AAVP from 18 +/- 1 to 6 +/- 1 mm Hg. Losartan injected into the LSA prior to AVP reduced the increase in MAP to 7 +/- 0.8 mm Hg. ATAVP and CGP42112A produced no changes in the pressor effect of AVP. These results suggest that the dipsogenic effects induced by injecting AVP into the LSA were mediated primarily by AT(1) receptors. However, doses of losartan were more effective when combined with CGP42112A than when given alone, suggesting that the thirst induced by AVP injections into LSA may involve activation of multiple AVP and angiotensin II receptor subtypes. The pressor response of AVP was reduced by losartan and by AAVP. CGP42112A and ATAVP did not change the AVP pressor response. These results suggest that facilitator effects of AVP on water intake are mediated through the activation of V-1 receptors and that the inhibitory effect requires V-2 receptors. The involvement of AT(1) and AT(2) receptors can be postulated. Based on the present findings, we suggest that the AVP in the LSA may play a role in the control of water and arterial blood pressure balance. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Area of Rests of Malassez in Young and Adult Rat Molars: Evidences in the Formation of Large Rests

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Activity and characterization by XPS, HR-TEM, Raman spectroscopy, and BET surface area of CuO/CeO2-TiO2 catalysts

Structural and textural studies of a CuO/TiO2 System modified by cerium oxide were conducted using Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and N-2 absorption (BET specific surface area). The introduction of a minor amount of CeO2 (Ce0.09Ti0.82O1.91CU0.09 sample) resulted in a material with the maximum surface area value. The results of Raman spectroscopy revealed the presence of only two crystalline phases, TiO2 anatase and CeO2 cerianite, with well-dispersed copper species. TEM micrographs showed a trend toward smaller TiO2 crystallites when the cerium oxide content was increased. The XPS analysis indicated the rise of a second peak in Ti 2p spectra with the increasing amount of CeO2 located at higher binding energies than that due to the Till in a tetragonal symmetry. The CuO/TiO2 system modified by CeO2 displayed a superior performance for methanol dehydrogenation than the copper catalyst supported only on TiO2 or CeO2.

Diel variations in decapod catch rate and size of captured individuals in a subtropical area of Brazil

Diel variations in decapod crustaceans catch rate, as well as variations in size of sampled individuals, were investigated in a sublittoral portion of Ubatuba Bay (23 degrees 20', 23 degrees 35'S and 44 degrees 50', 45 degrees 14'W) in order to detect differential patterns of occurrence. Three replicate trawls, each enclosing a 2,500 m(2) area, were performed at a median depth of 3.5 m during the waning moon period, in 3 consecutive summer and winter months. Trawls were conducted at dawn, noon, dusk and midnight. Hydrological and substratum features were monitored. Penaeoideans did not show a significant diel catch rate variation during the sampling periods, but the catch rate of brachyurans was highest at dusk and midnight during winter (p < 0.01). Fixing diel variation, catch rates of both brachyurans and penaeoideans are subjected to significant seasonal differences (p < 0.05). The largest specimens of Callinectes ornatus, Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, Rimapenaeus constrictus and Farfantepenaeus spp were found at twilight during summer. Differences on size of captured individuals mainly in samples of portunids and penaeids taken during the course of the day evidences that significant daily movements take place. This confirms that activity alterations depend on characteristics of daily schedules and on environmental demands of studied species.

Amphibians and reptiles from a highly diverse area of the Caatinga domain: composition and conservation implications

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Isolation of fungi from nature in the region of Botucatu, state of São Paulo, Brazil, an endemic area of paracoccidioidomycosis

In an attempt to isolate Paracoccidioides brasiliensis from nature 887 samples of soil from Botucatu, SP, Brazil, were collected cultured in brain heart infusion agar supplemented with dextrose, in potato dextrose agar and in yeast extract starch dextrose agar, all with antibiotics, at 25º and 37ºC. Five thermo-dependent dimorphic fungi morphologically resembling P. brasiliensis were isolated; two from armadillo holes; further studies of the biology, antigenicity and genetic features of the five dimorphic fungi are necessary to clarify their taxonomy and their possible relation to P. brasiliensis. In addition, 98 dematiaceous fungi and 581 different species of Aspergillus spp. were also isolated. Our findings emphasize that armadillos and their environment are associated with thermo-dimorphic fungi and confirm the ubiquity of pathogenic dematiaceous fungi and Aspergillus spp.

The compulsive-like aspect of the head dipping emission in rats with chronic electrolytic lesion in the area of the median raphe nucleus

Head dipping (HD) is a behavioral pattern considered to have a risk assessment or an exploratory role and is used as a complementary parameter to evaluate anxiety in experimental animals. Since rats with electrolytic lesion in the area of the median raphe nucleus displayed high frequencies of HD in a previous study, the present investigation was undertaken to confirm this observation and to determine its anxiety-related origin. HD episodes were counted in adult male Wistar rats (270-350 g) with electrolytic lesion (N = 11) and sham-lesioned controls (N = 12). When HD was measured for 60 min on an elevated open platform, lesioned rats emitted 13 times more HD than controls (264.7 ± 93.3 vs 20.3 ± 7.6 episodes), with the difference being statistically significant (P < 0.05). HD counts during 10-min sessions held 7, 14, 21, 27, and 63 days after lesion showed significantly higher means (range: 28.14 ± 5.38 to 62.85 ± 9.48) compared to sham-lesioned controls (range: 7.37 ± 1.13 to 8.5 ± 1.45). Normal rats stepped down into their home cages when the vertical distance between them and the cage was short (16 cm), and the step-down latencies increased with increasing depths (36.7 ± 7.92 to 185.87 ± 35.44 s). Lesioned rats showed a similar behavior when facing the shortest depth, but had a significantly increased number (23.28 ± 2.35 episodes) and latency (300 ± 0.00 s) of HD compared to normal rats (9.25 ± 1.37 episodes and 185.87 ± 35.44 s) when facing the greatest depth (30 cm). This suggests that HD may be a depth-measuring behavior related to risk assessment.

Malnutrition in the second year of life and psychosocial care: a case-control study in an urban area of Southeast Brazil

O objetivo do estudo foi identificar e medir a presença de associação entre cuidado psicossocial e desnutrição. Realizou-se estudo caso-controle incluindo 101 crianças desnutridas (peso/idade < percentil 5 do padrão NCHS/OMS), com idades entre 12 e 23 meses, que foram comparadas a 200 controles eutróficos (peso/ idade > percentil 25) em termos de sua exposição a uma série de comportamentos maternos indicadores da qualidade de seu cuidado psicossocial. Criou-se um escore de cuidado psicossocial, variando de 0 a 14, de acordo com o número de comportamentos maternos desejáveis não observados: quanto maior o escore, pior a qualidade do cuidado psicossocial. Mediante análise de regressão logística verificou-se maior risco de desnutrição para as crianças no 2º e 3º tercis do escore de cuidado psicossocial. Esta associação foi modificada pela renda per capita. Após ajustes para possíveis confundidores, nas crianças dos estratos superiores de renda não houve associação entre cuidado psicossocial e desnutrição. Para as crianças com nível mais baixo de renda, pior cuidado psicossocial dobrou o risco de desnutrição (OR = 7,26; IC95%: 2,42-21,82) em relação àquele associado apenas à baixa renda (OR = 3,08; IC95%: 1,28-7,42).