bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complexin Stabilizes Newly Primed Synaptic Vesicles and Prevents Their Premature Fusion at the Mouse Calyx of Held Synapse
Authors: Chang Shuwen , Reim Kerstin , Pedersen Meike , Neher Erwin , Brose Nils , Taschenberger Holger
Published: May 2015

Complexins (Cplxs) are small synaptic proteins that cooperate with SNARE-complexes in the control of synaptic vesicle (SV) fusion. Studies involving genetic mutation, knock-down, or knock-out indicated two key functions of Cplx that are not mutually exclusive but cannot easily be reconciled, one in facilitating SV fusion, and one in “clamping” SVs to prevent premature fusion. Most studies on the role of Cplxs in mammalian synapse function have relied on cultured neurons, heterologous expression systems, or membrane fusion assaysin vitro, whereas little is known about the function of Cplxs in native synapses. We therefore studied consequences of genetic ablation of Cplx1 in the mouse calyx of Held synapse, and discovered a developmentally exacerbating phenotype of reduced spontaneous and evoked transmission but excessive asynchronous release after stimulation, compatible with combined facilitating and clamping functions of Cplx1. Because action potential waveforms, Ca2+influx, readily releasable SV pool size, and quantal size were unaltered, the reduced synaptic strength in the absence of Cplx1 is most likely a consequence of a decreased release probability, which is caused, in part, by less tight coupling between Ca2+channels and docked SV. We found further that the excessive asynchronous release in Cplx1-deficient calyces triggered aberrant action potentials in their target neurons, and slowed-down the recovery of EPSCs after depleting stimuli. The augmented asynchronous release had a delayed onset and lasted hundreds of milliseconds, indicating that it predominantly represents fusion of newly recruited SVs, which remain unstable and prone to premature fusion in the absence of Cplx1.
Strong Motion Deficits in Dyslexia Associated withDCDC2Gene Alteration
Authors: Cicchini Guido Marco , Marino Cecilia , Mascheretti Sara , Perani Daniela , Morrone Maria Concetta
Published: May 2015

Dyslexia is a specific impairment in reading that affects 1 in 10 people. Previous studies have failed to isolate a single cause of the disorder, but several candidate genes have been reported. We measured motion perception in two groups of dyslexics, with and without a deletion within theDCDC2gene, a risk gene for dyslexia. We found impairment for motion particularly strong at high spatial frequencies in the population carrying the deletion. The data suggest that deficits in motion processing occur in a specific genotype, rather than the entire dyslexia population, contributing to the large variability in impairment of motion thresholds in dyslexia reported in the literature.
Decoding the genetic basis of Cushing's disease: USP8 in the spotlight
Authors: Theodoropoulou Marily , Reincke Martin , Fassnacht Martin , Komada Masayuki
Published: May 2015

Cushing's disease (CD) arises from pituitary-dependent glucocorticoid excess due to an ACTH-secreting corticotroph tumor. Genetic hits in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that afflict other pituitary tumor subtypes are not found in corticotrophinomas. Recently, a somatic mutational hotspot was found in up to half of corticotrophinomas in theUSP8gene that encodes a protein that impairs the downregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and enables its constitutive signaling. EGF is an important regulator of corticotroph function and its receptor is highly expressed in Cushing's pituitary tumors, where it leads to increased ACTH synthesisin vitroandin vivo. The mutational hotspot found in corticotrophinomas hyper-activates USP8, enabling it to rescue EGFR from lysosomal degradation and ensure its stimulatory signaling. This review presents new developments in the study of the genetics of CD and focuses on the USP8-EGFR system as trigger and target of corticotroph tumorigenesis.
Epithelial and stromal-specific immune pathway activation in the murine endometrium post-coitum
Authors: Field S L , Cummings M , Orsi N M
Published: May 2015

The endometrium is a dynamic tissue, demonstrating cyclical growth/remodelling in preparation for implantation. In mice, seminal constituents trigger mechanisms to prepare the endometrium, a process dubbed ‘seminal priming’ that modifies immune system components and mediates endometrial remodelling in preparation for pregnancy. An array of cytokines has been reported to mediate this interaction, although much of the literature relates toin vitrostudies on isolated endometrial epithelial cells. This study measured changes in immune-related gene expression in endometrial epithelial and stromal cellsin vivofollowing natural mating. CD1 mice were naturally mated and sacrificed over the first 4 dayspost-coitum(n=3 each day). Endometrial epithelial and stromal compartments were isolated by laser capture microdissection. Labelled cRNA was generated and hybridised to genome-wide expression microarrays. Pathway analysis identified several immune-related pathways active within epithelial and stromal compartments, in particular relating to cytokine networks, matrix metalloproteinases and prostaglandin synthesis. Cluster analysis demonstrated that the expression of factors involved in immunomodulation/endometrial remodelling differed between the epithelial and stromal compartments in a temporal fashion. This study is the first to examine the disparate responses of the endometrial epithelial and stromal compartments to seminal plasmain vivoin mice, and demonstrates the complexity of the interactions between these two compartments needed to create a permissive environment for implantation.
Views and goals of Karaite-Karaim studies
Authors: Harviainen Tapani
Published: May 2015

This paper, a version of the introductory lecture read at the Szeged Workshop on Karaim Studies, is intended to present various themes and materials in the field of Karaite-Karaim-Hebrew studies that can be considered as waiting for more developed instruction, deeper observation or revised examination, and/or to offer promising new topics of research. The importance of private archives is referred to and similarly the need for careful preservation of material collections, recordings, manuscripts, etc. In addition to research, the Karaim culture also deserves support on the part of scholars.
Lutsk Karaite manuscripts and documents in the Józef Sulimowicz collection
Authors: Sulimowicz Anna
Published: May 2015

Józef Sulimowicz (1913–1973), a Polish Karaite, Turkologist and passionate bibliophile, collected a large number of Karaite manuscripts, books and documents in his lifetime. His collection, which includes items originating from both western communities and Crimea, is the only one of its kind in Poland. However, neither an inventory list, nor a catalogue have ever been assembled for the collection. Therefore, its exact content has remained largely unknown. The present paper discusses archival materials of the Karaite community in Lutsk stored in the Sulimowicz collection. It also looks at their origin, status and their research value.
Debated issues in Karaim Hebrew orthography
Authors: Olach Zsuzsanna
Published: May 2015

The present study tries to elucidate how the Hebrew alphabet was used in different Karaim manuscripts. Religious and secular texts in all Karaim varieties provide a basis for the comparison. Since a comprehensive description of the relevant orthographic features would exceed the limits of this paper, only two of the most debated characteristics, namely the writing of the e and k sounds, will be discussed here. An analysis of numerous manuscripts makes it possible to provide a general description of certain tendencies and preferences in the use of certain letters or letter combinations in each Karaim variety.
Research on Karaim/Karaite religious music. New horizons
Authors: Firkavičiūtė Karina
Published: May 2015

In this paper a short summary is given of the history of research into Karaim/Karaite religious music up to this day, and possible new horizons for future investigations are outlined. It is argued that a related field of research, namely lingustics, with its recent input into Karaite grammatical thought can help open new possibilities for musicological research, too. Two main figures of Karaite intellectuals from the Near East in the early 11th century, ʿAbū Yaʿqūb Yūsuf ibn Nūh and ʿAbū al-Faraj Hārūn ibn Faraj, are introduced. Their treatises on the Bible and its Hebrew language, together with other works of their followers, as discovered in the Firkovich collections from St. Petersburg, represent the Karaite way of theoretical thought on these subjects, including the way of reading (chanting) the Bible with the help of Masoretic accents. So an investigation into mediaeval theories and their comparison to living traditions of liturgical chant of modern Karaim/Karaite communities can bring new understanding of the Karaite musical heritage and can also be instrumental in pursuing the evolution of Karaite religious identity throughout ages in different geographical areas.
Compulsive sexual behavior: A review of the literature
Authors: Derbyshire Katherine L. , Grant Jon E.
Published: May 2015

Background and aims

Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) is a common disorder featuring repetitive, intrusive and distressing sexual thoughts, urges and behaviors that negatively affect many aspects of an individual’s life. This article reviews the clinical characteristics of CSB, cognitive aspects of the behaviors, and treatment options.

Methods

We reviewed the literature regarding the clinical aspects of CSB and treatment approaches.

Results

The literature review of the clinical aspects of CSB demonstrates that there is likely a substantial heterogeneity within the disorder. In addition, the treatment literature lacks sufficient evidence-based approaches to develop a clear treatment algorithm.

Conclusions

Although discussed in the psychological literature for years, CSB continues to defy easy categorization within mental health. Further research needs to be completed to understand where CSB falls within the psychiatric nosology.
Neurocognitive findings in compulsive sexual behavior: A preliminary study
Authors: Derbyshire Katherine L. , Grant Jon E.
Published: May 2015

Background and aims

Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) is a common behavior affecting 3–6% of the population, characterized by repetitive and intrusive sexual urges or behaviors that typically cause negative social and emotional consequences.

Methods

For this small pilot study on neurological data, we compared 13 individuals with CSB and gender- matched healthy controls on diagnostic assessments and computerized neurocognitive testing.

Results

No significant differences were found between the groups.

Conclusions

These data contradict a common hypothesis that CSB is cognitively different from those without psychiatric comorbidities as well as previous research on impulse control disorders and alcohol dependence. Further research is needed to better understand and classify CSB based on these findings.
The epigenetic landscape of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kluzek Katarzyna , Bluyssen Hans A , Wesoly Joanna
Published: May 2015

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of all kidney tumors. During the last few years, epigenetics has emerged as an important mechanism in ccRCC pathogenesis. Recent reports, involving large-scale methylation and sequencing analyses, have identified genes frequently inactivated by promoter methylation and recurrent mutations in genes encoding chromatin regulatory proteins. Interestingly, three of detected genes (PBRM1, SETD2 and BAP1) are located on chromosome 3p, near the VHL gene, inactivated in over 80% ccRCC cases. This suggests that 3p alterations are an essential part of ccRCC pathogenesis. Moreover, most of the proteins encoded by these genes cooperate in histone H3 modifications. The aim of this review is to summarize the latest discoveries shedding light on deregulation of chromatin machinery in ccRCC. Newly described ccRCC-specific epigenetic alterations could potentially serve as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and become an object of novel therapeutic strategies.
Focal humero-ulnar impingement following subtotal coronoid ostectomy in six dogs with fragmented medial coronoid process
Authors: Bräuer S. , Böttcher P.
Published: May 2015

To report acute eburnation of joint cartilage at the humeral trochlea following subtotal coronoid ostectomy (SCO) in a clinical case series of six elbows.

Six dogs (median BW 27.1 kg; median age 7.5 months) with fragmented medial coronoid process (FCP) and varying degree of radio-ulnar incongruence (RUI) (mean 2 mm) were treated with SCO using an arthroscopic burr. Second look arthroscopy 4–12 weeks later was performed either because of recurrent or persistent lameness in three dogs. In the others, second-look arthroscopy was scheduled prospectively because of RUI, which was thought to be a risk factor for the observed humero-ulnar impingement.

All six elbows had a 1–2 mm wide line of focal full-thickness cartilage loss along the edge of the SCO, while the opposing trochlea had diffuse cartilage damage of Outerbridge grade III–IV, indicating focal humero-ulnar impingement. None of the elbows showed repeated FCP.

In some cases SCO might lead to focal humero-ulnar impingement along the osteotomy line.

Whether this relays to variations in respect the amount of resected bone (too much vs. too less) or concomitant joint pathologies like RUI or joint instability remains unknown and warrants further studies.
The Importance of HRM in Creating Employee Innovativeness - The Mediating Role of Person-Organisation/Job Fit and Job Characteristics
Authors: Wojtczuk-Turek Agnieszka
Published: May 2015

The purpose of the study presented in this article is to describe and explain the relationship between HRM practices and innovative behaviours initiated and performed by employees. In the model I propose, I use a "person-organisation fit" as a mediator of the relationship between HRM and creative activity in the workplace, and the influence the former has on the latter. The analysis also accounts for a variable which corresponds to person-organisation fit, and is defined as "job characteristics".The research confirmed that a significant statistical relationship exists between innovative work behaviours and all of the variables examined: HRM practices, person-organisation fit and job characteristics/job demands. On the basis of the analysis with the use of structural equation model, it may be stated that the following factors influence innovative behaviours: 1) HRM practices (which have an indirect influence through person-organisation fit) and 2) person-organisation fit and job characteristics/job demands (which have a direct influence). The model explains the direct influence of HRM on person-organisation fit and job characteristics.The research shows that the "person-organisation fit" construct, as a variable explaining individual innovative effectiveness in the workplace, provides a useful perspective which may facilitate not only understanding of factors which determine the occurrence of organisational innovative activity, but also stimulate creative behaviours via HRM activities. This is because HRM practices play the key role both in adjusting competences to job characteristics and demands, and in creating attitudes which support employee innovative commitment.The combination of variables presented in the research model helps to explain the significance of chosen determinants of behaviours which are essential from the perspective of company effectiveness and competitiveness on the market. The research focuses on both individual aspects of innovative behaviors (resources which are needed to perform a creative task) and their organisational aspects (person-job/organisation fit). The scope of the analysis also covers the strategic role HR departments play.
The Organisational Engagement of Manual Labourers in a Transnational Corporation
Authors: Ptanawanit Surapone
Published: May 2015

Huge competition in global markets and an insufficient supply of manual workers have together forced transnational corporations in Thailand to look for appropriate strategies to reduce labour costs and improve worker productivity. This study, therefore, examines factors influencing the work performance and organisational engagement of manual workers. For the research I randomly drew a sample of manual workers in a branch factory of a transnational food company to analyse their work performance, organisational engagement, and retention. The article finally suggests ways management can recruit manual labourers, improve their performance, and prolong their tenure with the organisation.
The Relationship between How Compensation Is Configured and the Level and Components of Commitment to Work – Findings Based on Allen and Meyer’s Organisational Commitment Scale
Authors: Kawka Tomasz
Published: May 2015

One of the most important problems in modern HRM is to design innovative solutions related to human capital management, which uses the maximum involvement and commitment to the organisation. One of the most critical solutions in this field is the system of remuneration. This article examines correlations between these areas. The first part of the paper provides a theoretical explanation of the basic assumptions, including definitions and concepts of commitment, elements of compensation, and Allen & Meyer’s Organizational Commitment Scale theory. The second part presents the main conclusions and findings related to the configuration of compensation with the level and components of commitment to work gained by correlation analysis. The most important final outcome is that there are only a few significant correlations among commitment and its components. The main factor that is correlative with the affective component of commitment is the level of remuneration.
Expectations towards Global Organisational Leaders
Authors: Haromszeki Łukasz
Published: May 2015

This article analyses issues about organisational leaders who have an impact on behaviour internationally. According to leadership categorisation theory, social identity and leadership theory, the expectations of employees are the result of many different processes which come out during the process of socialisation. People have some ideas about what constitutes a successful leader, which they compare with different managers’ behaviour and image created in, for example, international organisations. The article presents ideas from and results of different international studies presented in the literature about this issue as well as my own pilot studies on expectations towards global organisational leaders which exist on the Web. The article presents circumstances of formed leadership relationships on a global scale. In conducting my research I sought to determine the significance of socio-cultural changes in the process of creating a model of expectations towards global organisational leaders, and also to illustrate the similarities and differences brought about by the context of the occurrence of a leadership relationship.
Od państwa pozytywnego do państwa regulacyjnego: przyczyny i skutki zmian sposobu rządzenia
Authors: Majone Giandomenico
Published: May 2015

Since the late 1970s European governments have been forced to change their traditional modes of governance in response to such trends as increasing international competition and deepening economic and monetary integration within the European Union. Strategic adaptation to the new realities has resulted in a reduced role for the positive, interventionist state and a corresponding increase in the role of the regulatory state: rule making is replacing taxing and spending. The paper’s first part identifies three sets of strategies leading to the growth of the regulatory state as external or market regulator, and as internal regulator of decentralised administration. The second part examines major structural changes induced by changes in regulatory strategies. The institutional and intellectual legacy of the interventionist state is a major impediment to the speedy adjustment of governance structures to new strategies. It would be unwise to underestimate the difficulties of the transition from the positive to the regulatory state, but it is important to realise that international competition takes place not only among producers of goods and services but also, increasingly, among regulatory regimes. Regulatory competition will reward regimes in which institutional innovations do not lag far behind the new strategic choices.
A administração pública na tutela coletiva da moralidade administrativa e do patrimônio público: o papel da advocacia pública
Authors: Mazzei Marcelo Rodrigues , Lorenzi Marcelo Tarlá , Pazeto Henrique Parisi , Silveira Sebastião Sérgio da , Neto Zaiden Geraige
Published: May 2015

O presente estudo objetiva analisar a atuação da advocacia pública brasileira na defesa coletiva da moralidade administrativa e do patrimônio público. Será abordada superficialmente a estrutura da advocacia pública nacional nas esferas municipal, estadual e federal, com ênfase em seu desenvolvimento institucional até seu paradigma atual. Serão também estudados os maiores problemas existentes para a defesa da moralidade administrativa e do patrimônio público pela advocacia pública, como a falta de autonomia funcional, administrativa e financeira, a interferência política no exercício técnico-formal da carreira e a permanência em alguns advogados públicos da antiga postura funcional baseada na submissão e incúria em face dos problemas postos às suas apreciações. Por fim, serão apontados alguns instrumentos processuais e extraprocessuais disponíveis para a advocacia pública promover a defesa do patrimônio público e o controle da moralidade nos atos administrativos.
A Rede Brasileira de Produção Pública de Medicamentos na perspectiva da gestão de cadeias de suprimentos: o papel das TIC
Authors: Souza Ana Luíza Pimenta de , Pitassi Claudio , Bouzada Marco Aurélio Carino , Gonçalves Antônio Augusto
Published: May 2015

A indústria farmacêutica configura-se como um oligopólio, com produtos diferenciados em segmentos de classes terapêuticas específicas. As grandes farmacêuticas globais concentram seus esforços de pesquisa e de comercialização nas doenças degenerativas, que trazem maior retorno financeiro. No Brasil, destaca-se a presença de um conjunto de laboratórios públicos, os quais compõem a Rede Brasileira de Produção Pública de Medicamentos (RBPPM), voltados para as necessidades do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), em grande parte negligenciadas pelas Big Pharmas. O objetivo deste estudo é investigar o uso pelos laboratórios farmacêuticos oficiais brasileiros das contribuições derivadas das tecnologias da informação e comunicação (TIC), no sentido da integração da cadeia de suprimentos da RBPPM. Em sua primeira fase, a pesquisa de campo foi realizada por meio de uma abordagem quantitativa em todos os laboratórios oficiais afiliados à Associação de Laboratórios Farmacêuticos Oficiais Brasileiros (Alfob). Essa análise permitiu levantar questões que foram aprofundadas por meio da abordagem qualitativa em três laboratórios selecionados da fase anterior. As evidências coletadas permitem concluir que os objetivos descritos na criação da RBPPM, cujo alcance poderia ser facilitado pela adoção dos atributos da GCS pela rede capitaneada pelo Ministério da Saúde, ainda são incipientes e erráticos. O estudo demonstrou que, apesar das evidências teóricas e empíricas a respeito da capacidade das TIC de integrar processos, os laboratórios públicos brasileiros ainda fazem pouco uso das tecnologias estudadas na gestão de cadeias de suprimento (GCS), e o desempenho das poucas ferramentas encontradas revelou-se incipiente e insatisfatório. É bem provável que essa evidência seja uma decorrência natural do fato de que a RBPPM não utilizava uma abordagem de GCS na época em que esta pesquisa foi realizada.
RESPONSABILIDAD, AUTORÍA Y VOLUNTAD: LA PROPUESTA DE MORAN
Authors: DEL CORRAL MIRANDA
Published: May 2015

Este artículo plantea tres objeciones a la propuesta de Richard Moran acerca de la relación entre razones y responsabilidad. En primer lugar, mostraré que la relación entre razones y responsabilidad que presenta Moran es problemática, por dos razones: primero, las creencias alienadas del agente pueden ser parte del razonamiento; y segundo, las llamadas razones de estado no cumplen el Principio de Transparencia, pero no eximen de responsabilidad. En segundo lugar, argumentaré que la propuesta atribucionista de Moran postula una relación demasiado exigente entre estados mentales y razonamiento. Tercero, señalaré la dificultad de la propuesta de Moran para recoger la intuición de que tanto la autoría como la responsabilidad se presentan en grados.
JUÍZOS E NORMAS PARA UMA FENOMENOLOGIA DOS ACTOS TÉTICOS E DOS ACTOS NOMOTÉTICOS
Authors: ALVES PEDRO M. S.
Published: May 2015

Discuto, de um ponto de vista fenomenológico, a distinção entre asserções e normas. Sublinho os limites da análise canónica husserliana para dar uma correcta descrição do sentido e conteúdo da intencionalidade normativa. Baseado em algumas ideias de Kelsen, traço uma distinção clara entre juízos e normas, criticando algumas tendências que provêm do próprio Husserl, as quais consideram as normas como uma intencionalidade fundada em actos objectivantes. No entanto, tomando distância relativamente a Kelsen, Kaufmann e Cossio, enfatizo que a proposição de dever (Sollsatz) não pode ser uma boa transcrição do conteúdo de sentido das normas, baseado na distinção fenomenológica entre a matéria intencional e a qualidade dos actos intencionais. Finalmente, proponho a minha própria explicação, baseada no conceito de 'força ductiva'. Mostro que há, mesmo dentro da esfera jurídica, uma variedade de forças ductiva, que vão da simples coerção até conselho e a recomendação. Para terminar, sublinho a centralidade do conceito de "força ductiva" para uma fenomenologia do mundo social.
Crioprotetor para sêmen de carneiro a base de plasma de gema mantém membrana acrossomal intacta após a descongelação
Authors: Santos Ivo Walter dos , Nóbrega Junior Jandui Escarião da , Cesaro Matheus Pedrotti de , Ilha Gustavo Freitas , Rovani Monique Tomazele , Gonçalves Paulo Bayard Dias
Published: May 2015

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a capacidade crioprotetora das lipoproteínas de baixa densidade (LDL) presentes no plasma de gema de ovo, adicionado ao trihidroxiaminometano (TRIS) para congelar sêmen ovino. Trinta e seis ejaculados foram coletados para formar 12 "pool". Cada alíquota de sêmen foi diluída em TRIS-gema de ovo (TRISG) ou TRIS- plasma de gema de ovo (TRISP) antes de congelar o sêmen. Para a obtenção do plasma da gema de ovo, foi utilizado o método de ultracentrifugação. Após o descongelamento, não houve diferença entre os dois extensores em relação aos parâmetros seminais (motilidade, viabilidade, membrana acrossômica e plasma). No entanto, no Teste de Termo Resistência Lenta (TTRL - 4h/38°C), o sêmen congelado com TRISP resultou no aumento do número de espermatozoides com acrossoma intacto (P<0,032). Conclui-se que o diluente TRISP é uma alternativa para criopreservação do sêmen de carneiros, pois permite uma melhora da característica seminal em relação ao diluente TRIS gema, mas sem a necessidade do processo de purificação das LDL.
Avaliação do vigor de sementes de girassol por meio de análise de imagens de plântulas
Authors: Rocha Cartiane Rubshirley Macêdo da , Silva Vanessa Neumann , Cicero Silvio Moure
Published: May 2015

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência do sistema computadorizado de análise de imagens de plântulas Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS(r)), em comparação com os outros testes recomendados para determinação do vigor de sementes de girassol. Foram utilizados dez lotes de sementes, cultivar Catissol 01, os quais foram avaliados quanto ao potencial fisiológico por meio dos testes de germinação, envelhecimento acelerado, emergência de plântulas em areia e em campo e análise de imagens de plântulas com o sistema SVIS(r), aos 0 e 4 meses de armazenamento. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado para os testes realizados em laboratório e blocos ao acaso para o teste de emergência de plântulas em campo; em ambos os casos, foram utilizadas 4 repetições. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Scott Knott a 5% de probabilidade. Verificou-se que a análise computadorizada de imagens de plântulas com SVIS(r) é eficiente para avaliação do vigor de sementes de girassol.
Chemical speciation: an instrument for evaluation of mineral bioavailability
Authors: Reis Luana Sarpa , Gonçalves Édira Castello Branco de Andrade
Published: May 2015

Chemical speciation allows knowing the the different chemical forms of metals in a sample. Sequential extraction procedures are used to evaluate the fractionation of the metals in solid matrices. Few studies are described in the literature related to chemical speciation in food. Residues from fruits and vegetables generated in industry processes results in significant nutritional losses. The nutritional value of a food containing a given mineral depends not only on its content, but also on its bioavailability. The present paper emphasizes the importance of chemical speciation in food, considering the amount of loss of fruits and vegetables, since they are great sources of minerals.
Biological control of banana black Sigatoka disease with Trichoderma
Authors: Cavero Poholl Adan Sagratzki , Hanada Rogério Eiji , Gasparotto Luadir , Coelho Neto Rosalee Albuquerque , Souza Jorge Teodoro de
Published: May 2015

Black Sigatoka disease caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis is the most severe banana disease worldwide. The pathogen is in an invasive phase in Brazil and is already present in most States of the country. The potential of 29 isolates of Trichoderma spp. was studied for the control of black Sigatoka disease under field conditions. Four isolates were able to significantly reduce disease severity and were further tested in a second field experiment. Isolate 2.047 showed the best results in both field experiments and was selected for fungicide sensitivity tests and mass production. This isolate was identified as Trichoderma atroviride by sequencing fragments of the ITS region of the rDNA and tef-1α of the RNA polymerase. Trichoderma atroviride was as effective as the fungicide Azoxystrobin, which is recommended for controlling black Sigatoka. This biocontrol agent has potential to control the disease and may be scaled-up for field applications on rice-based solid fermentation
Geostatistics applied to the study of the spatial distribution of Tibraca limbativentris in flooded rice fields
Authors: Pazini Juliano de Bastos , Botta Robson Antonio , Seidel Enio Júnior , Silva Fernando Felisberto da , Martins José Francisco da Silva , Barrigossi José Alexandre Freitas , Rübenich Rodrigo
Published: May 2015

Tibraca limbativentris (rice stem bug) is an insect highly injurious to the rice crop in Brazil. The aim of this research was to define the spatial distribution of the T. limbativentris and improve the sampling process by means of geostatistical application techniques and construction of prediction maps in a flooded rice field located in the "Planalto da Campanha" Region, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. The experiments were conducted in rice crop in the municipality of Itaqui - RS, in the crop years of 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12, counting fortnightly the number of nymphs and adults in a georeferenced grid with points spaced at 50m in the first year and in 10m in the another years. It was performed a geostatistical analysis by means adjusting semivariogram and interpolation of numeric data by kriging to verify the spatial dependence and the subsequent mapping population. The results obtained indicated that the rice stem bug, T. limbativentris, has a strong spatial dependence. The prediction maps allow estimating population density of the pest and visualization of the spatial distribution in flooded rice fields, enabling the improvement of the traditional method of sampling for rice stem bug
Endodontics pastes formulated with copaiba oil: action on oral microbiota and dentin bridge formation in dogs
Authors: Dias Fernanda Gosuen Gonçalves , Casemiro Luciana Assirati , Martins Carlos Henrique Gomes , Dias Luis Gustavo Gosuen Gonçalves , Pereira Lucas de Freitas , Nishimura Lilian Toshiko , Souza Fabiana Ferreira de , Honsho Cristiane dos Santos
Published: May 2015

This study analysed the effect of pastes formulated with calcium hydroxide P.A. and different vehicles (saline solution - paste A and Copaifera langsdorffii Desfon oil - paste B) on oral microorganisms and dentin bridge formation in dogs. The antimicrobial action of the pastes and their components was analysed by the minimum inhibitory concentration in agar gel technique. The components were diluted and tested on fifteen standard strains of microorganisms associated with endodontic diseases. The microorganisms were cultivated and after incubation data was analysed using One-Way ANOVA and Turkey's test (P≤0.05). Four superior incisors of ten animals were used to evaluate dentin bridge formation. Two incisors were capped with paste A (GA) and two with paste B (GB). After 90 days, the teeth were extracted for histological analysis and the degree of dentin bridge formation evaluated. Data was analysed by the Kruskal-Wallis test (P<0.05). The pastes and their components were classified in the following decreasing order of antimicrobial action: calcium hydroxide P.A., paste A, paste B and Copaifera langsdorffii Desfon oil. Calcium hydroxide P.A. showed significantly higher antimicrobial action than the pastes or their vehicles. No significant difference was observed between the two pastes in dentin bridge formation. Based on the microorganisms studied, it can be concluded that the pastes analysed showed similar antimicrobial potential but differed significantly from their individual components. No significant difference was observed in dentin bridge formation between the different pastes tested.
Psychosocial factors and mental work load: a reality perceived by nurses in intensive care units
Authors: Ceballos-Vásquez Paula , Rolo-González Gladys , Hérnandez-Fernaud Estefanía , Díaz-Cabrera Dolores , Paravic-Klijn Tatiana , Burgos-Moreno Mónica
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the perception of psychosocial factors and mental workload of nurses who work in intensive care units. It is hypothesised that nurses in these units could perceive psychosocial risks, manifesting in a high mental work load. The psychosocial dimension related to the position's cognitive demands is hypothesised to mostly explain mental work load. METHOD: Quantitative study, with a descriptive, cross-sectional, and comparative design. A total of 91% of the intensive care unit populations of three Chilean hospitals was surveyed, corresponding to 111 nurses. The instruments utilised included (A) a biosociodemographic history questionnaire; (b) the SUSESO-ISTAS 21 questionnaire; and (c) the Mental Work Load Subjective Scale (ESCAM, in Spanish). RESULTS: In total, 64% and 57% of participants perceived high levels of exposure to the psychosocial risks Psychosocial demands and Double shift, respectively. In addition, a medium-high level of overall mental load was observed. Positive and significant correlations between some of the SUSESO-ISTAS 21 and ESCAM dimensions were obtained. Using a regression analysis, it was determined that three dimensions of the psychosocial risk questionnaire helped to explain 38% of the overall mental load. CONCLUSION: Intensive care unit nurses felt that inadequate psychosocial factors and mental work overload existed in several of the tested dimensions.
Quality of life of men with AIDS and the model of social determinants of health
Authors: Cunha Gilmara Holanda da , Fiuza Maria Luciana Teles , Gir Elucir , Aquino Priscila de Souza , Pinheiro Ana Karina Bezerra , Galvão Marli Teresinha Gimeniz
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the quality of life (QoL) of men with AIDS from the perspective of the model of social determinants of health (MSDH). METHOD: cross-sectional study conducted in an outpatient infectious diseases clinic from a Brazilian university hospital over the course of one year with a sample of 138 patients. A form based on the MSDH was used to collect sociodemographic data addressing individual, proximal, intermediate determinants and the influence of social networks together with an instrument used to assess the QoL of people with HIV/AIDS. The project was approved by the Institutional Review Board (Protocol No. 040.06.12). RESULTS: according to MSDH, most men with AIDS were between 30 and 49 years old (68.1%), mixed race (59.4%), heterosexual (46.4%), single (64.5%), Catholic (68.8%), had a bachelor's degree (39.2%), had no children (61.6%), and had a formal job (71.0%). The perception of QoL in the physical, level of independence, environment, and spirituality domains was intermediate, while QoL was perceived to be superior in the domains of psychological and social relationship. A perception of lower QoL was presented by homosexual (p=0.037) and married men (p=0.077), and those with income below one times the minimum wage (p=0.042). A perception of greater QoL was presented by those without a religion (p=0.005), living with a partner (p=0.049), and those who had a formal job (p=0.045). CONCLUSION: social determinants influence the QoL of men with AIDS.
Effectiveness of individual and group interventions for people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Imazu Maria Fernanda Manoel , Faria Barbara Nascimento , Arruda Guilherme Oliveira de , Sales Catarina Aparecida , Marcon Sonia Silva
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE: to compare the effectiveness of two educational interventions used by a healthcare provider in the monitoring of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), regarding knowledge of the disease, impact on quality of life and adoption of self-care actions. METHODS: comparative, longitudinal, prospective study performed with 150 subjects with type 2 diabetes, analyzed according to the type of participation in the program (individual and/or group). Participants of the individual intervention (II) received nursing consultations every six months and those of the group intervention (GI) took part in weekly meetings for three months. Data were collected through four questionnaires: Identification questionnaire, Problem Areas in Diabetes Questionnaire (PAID), Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire (SDSCA) and the Diabetes Knowledge Scale (DKN-A). Data were analyzed using the Friedman and Mann Whitney tests, considering a statistical significance of p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: there was an increase in knowledge about the disease in the II (p<0.003) and GI (p<0.007), with reduction of the impact on the quality of life in the II (p<0.007) and improvement in self-care actions in the GI (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: in both intervention models improvements were observed in the indicators, over the six month monitoring period.
A comparison of the level of fear of death among students and nursing professionals in Mexico
Authors: Mondragón-Sánchez Edna Johana , Cordero Erika Alejandra Torre , Espinoza María de Lourdes Morales , Landeros-Olvera Erick Alberto
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE: to compare the level of fear of death in nursing students and professionals. METHOD: this was a comparative-transversal study examining 643 nursing students and professionals from a third-level institution. A random sampling method was employed, and the sample size was calculated by power analysis. The study was developed during three stages: the first stage consisted of the application of a pilot test, the second stage involved the recruitment of the participants, and the third stage measured the participants' responses on the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale. RESULTS: the average fear of death was moderate-high (-X=3.19±0.55), and the highest score was observed for the fear of the death of others (-X=3.52±0.20). Significant differences in the perceptions of fear of death were observed among the students of the first three years (p<.05). However, no significant differences were observed among the first- and fourth-year students and professionals (p>.05). CONCLUSIONS: it is possible that first-year students exhibit a reduced fear of death because they have not had the experience of hospital practice. Students in their second and third year may have a greater fear of death because they have cared for terminal patients. However, it appears that greater confidence is acquired over time, and thus fourth-year students and professionals exhibit less fear of death than second- and third-year students (p<.05).
Os Contornos e o Entorno da Nova Sociologia da Moral
Authors: Hitlin Steven
Published: May 2015

Neste ensaio vou expor brevemente como vejo o desenvolvimento do campo da Sociologia da Moral, com foco em seu potencial fundamentalmente interdisciplinar, destacando os estudos e tradições que merecem ser incorporados à sociologia. A moral, como tema de investigação da ciência social, perpassa os campos da psicologia (social e do desenvolvimento), sociologia, antropologia, neurociências e economia. Aqueles entre nós implicados no seu desenvolvimento afirmam que ela serve de fundamento para toda a organização e interação social. Assumo, implicitamente, a posição do filósofo Charles Taylor e do sociólogo Christian Smith de que os seres humanos vivem envolvidos em teias de significados, pelas quais são moldados, conforme versões de "certo" e de "bem". Os seres humanos são fundamentalmente morais, não no sentido de serem convencionalmente altruístas ou de se preocuparem com os outros, mas de que as pessoas humanas, por serem seres sociais habitando um espaço social, devem assumir posições sobre temas relevantes nessas sociedades e grupos. As pessoas, de um modo geral, nesse meu paradigma, ancoram seus sentidos de si em posicionamentos morais, padrões que oferecem um solo a partir do qual dão sentido ao mundo através de lentes morais. Uma sociologia da moral compreende a formação dessas crenças, sua relativa imutabilidade ou as circunstâncias pelas quais elas mudam, sua influência sobre a ação e sua reconstrução retrospectiva diante de efeitos desajustados ou de pressões sociais.
A secularização conduz à decadência moral?
Authors: Joas Hans
Published: May 2015

Os debates sobre ética e religião, sobre a significância da fé na mediação dos valores e da coesão sociais, e sobre os riscos das religiões para a tolerância e a coexistência pacífica tendem a ser distorcidos em razão de deficiências empíricas. Os argumentos, em geral, se fazem de um modo que poderíamos denominar "a priori". Neste artigo, proponho uma abordagem "empírica", querendo dizer com isso uma atitude que envolva um mínimo de vieses conceituais, que vá além do a priori e esteja aberta à riqueza dos fenômenos histórico-culturais.
A invenção da violência MUCCHIELLI, Laurent. L'invention de la violence: des peurs, des chiffres, des faits. Paris: Fayard, 2011, pp.340.
Authors: Rocha Vasconcelos Francisco Thiago
Published: May 2015

Apresentamos a obra do sociólogo francês Laurent Mucchielli1, L'invention de la violence: des peurs, des chiffres, des faits (2011), que analisa o debate público e acadêmico sobre insegurança e violência na França. O livro se divide entre a reconstituição histórica das representações sobre o aumento da violência e a crítica do uso político de estatísticas sobre criminalidade, com foco principal no questionamento da interseção entre o "problema da delinquência juvenil" e o "problema da imigração". São analisadas as mudanças nas normas de comportamento, os processos de segregação urbana e a construção de novos mecanismos de atuação estatal na área da segurança pública. Em lugar de um pacote de soluções, o autor convida à indagação crítica sobre as transformações das últimas décadas e, com clareza de estilo, realiza uma síntese dos conhecimentos científicos na área.
Effect of body development from first insemination to first weaning on performance and culling until the third farrowing of Landrace x Large White swine females
Authors: Lesskiu P.E. , Bernardi M.L. , Wentz I. , Bortolozzo F.P.
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to verify the association of sow body weight development until the 1st weaning with reproductive performance, piglet production and culling rate until the 3rd farrowing in 196 primiparous sows using logistic regression models. Each 10kg increase in weight gain in the 1stpregnancy (OR= 0.63), weight at 1st farrowing (OR= 0.70), weight at the 1st weaning (OR= 0.73) or weight gain from the 1startificial insemination (AI) to the 1st weaning (OR= 0.67) decreased the percentage of primiparous sows with long weaning-to-oestrus interval - WOI (>5 days). An increasing lactation length and an increase in the number of weaned piglets were responsible for respectively decreasing (OR= 0.77-0.80, per day of lactation) and increasing (OR= 1.52-1.59, per piglet weaned) the percentage of sows with long WOI. Sows with <159.5kg at weaning had higher odds of non-farrowing (NFR) compared to sows with >170kg (OR= 4.73). Sows with <17.5kg of gain from the 1st AI to the 1st weaning had higher odds (OR= 4.88) of NFR than sows gaining >30kg. Each additional lactation day decreased the NFR (OR= 0.74). Females weighing <139kg at the 1st AI had higher percentages of small numbers of total born in the second parity (STB2, OR= 2.00) and over three parities (OR= 3.28) compared to those weighing ≥139kg. Sows with weight gain <25kg at the 1st pregnancy had higher odds of STB2 (OR= 3.01) compared to sows gaining >35kg. Each 10kg of increase in weight at the 1st weaning or in weight gain from the 1stAI to the 1stweaning decreased the total culling rate (OR= 0.71 and 0.73, respectively) and culling for reproductive reasons (OR= 0.57 and 0.61, respectively). The culling rate until the 3rdfarrowing was also increased in sows with a smaller first litter size. The results show that not only reaching a minimum weight at the 1st AI but also having an adequate body weight gain until the 1st weaning is important for the reproductive performance, productivity and retention of Landrace x Large White Danbred sows in the herd.