bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natureza administrativa das instituições de Ensino Superior, gestão organizacional e o acesso aos postos de trabalho de maior prestígio no mercado de trabalho
Authors: Prates Antônio Augusto Pereira , Silva Matheus Faleiros , Paula Túlio Silva de
Published: June 2012

Este artigo discute a relação entre o efeito do tipo de gestão organizacional de instituições de Ensino Superior e seus efeitos sobre o desempenho dos seus formandos no mercado de trabalho em termos de acesso a postos de maior pretígio ocupacional (PRATES, 2007; 2010). O artigo reúne dois estudos independentes sobre essa questão. O primeiro é um estudo de caso, realizado em 2008, com professores de instituições privadas de Ensino Superior e de uma universidade pública, a EACH (USP-Leste). O segundo, um estudo quantitativo realizado, em 2011, com dados da PNAD 2007, no intutito de testar, via modelos de regressão linear, se o tipo de instituição - pública ou privada, e o tipo de curso, bacharelado ou tecnológico - afeta o desempenho dos estudantes por elas formados em termos de acesso diferenciado à postos de trabalho com maior prestígio. A conclusão principal, porém não definitiva, é que a hipótese de Prates (2007; 2010) é bastante plausível, ou seja, que o ambiente institucional interno, gerado pelo tipo de gestão organizacional da instituição de Ensino Superior, afeta o nível de desempenho dos estudantes para o acesso à postos de maior prestígio ocupacional no mercado de trabalho.
Trajetória institucional e políticas de CT&I: o caso do CNAVAL/IPT nos anos 2000
Authors: Gitahy Leda , Silva Lucas Rodrigo da
Published: June 2012

Este artigo discute as relações entre a trajetória institucional do Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas (IPT) e as mudanças nas políticas de CT&I estaduais e federais, tratando de identificar os pontos de inflexão, que impactaram suas rotinas organizacionais. O objetivo é compreender as estratégias que o Instituto, seus dirigentes e pesquisadores assumem face às transformações do contexto em que estão inseridos. Os conceitos de trajetória, evolução e aprendizagem, rotinas e rede tecnoeconômica são os norteadores do trabalho. Após um breve histórico das transformações mais relevantes sofridas pela instituição, entre 1970 e 1998, o trabalho foca na última década e na análise da experiência Centro de Engenharia Naval e Oceânica do Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas (CNAVAL/IPT). A abordagem metodológica é de caráter exploratório, combinando entrevistas com atores chaves, pesquisa documental, análise de dados primários e secundários e revisão da literatura sobre as transformações dos Institutos Públicos de Pesquisa (IPPs) no Brasil.
Envelhecimento populacional, cuidado e cidadania: velhos dilemas e novos desafios
Authors: Küchemann Berlindes Astrid
Published: June 2012

O Brasil é um país que envelhece a passos largos. Em 2011, a população idosa era de 20,5 milhões, o equivalente a 10,8% da população total. Projeções indicam que, em 2020, a população idosa brasileira será de 30,9 milhões, representando 14% da população total. Esse envelhecimento acelerado vem produzindo necessidades e demandas sociais que requerem respostas políticas adequadas do estado e da sociedade. Dentre os inúmeros desafios a serem enfrentados está a questão do cuidado. As políticas públicas de amparo aos/às idosos/as consideram a família, o estado e a sociedade igualmente responsáveis pelo cuidado. Na prática, o mesmo tem sido visto como uma questão privada e não pública, cabendo, sobretudo, à família, materializada na figura da mulher, a tarefa de cuidar dos/as idosos/as. Este trabalho tem por objetivo, mostrar o quão inadequado é esse modelo que elege as mulheres como únicas responsáveis pelo cuidado e explora as possibilidades de um modelo que permita um envelhecimento com cidadania, no qual atuem família, estado e outros atores da sociedade.
Application of Jatropha curcas L. seed oil (Euphorbiaceae) and microcurrent on the healing of experimental wounds in Wistar rats
Authors: Passarini Junior José Roberto , Gaspi Fernanda Oliveira de Gaspari de , Neves Lia Mara Grosso , Esquisatto Marcelo Augusto Marreto , Santos Gláucia Maria Tech dos , Mendonça Fernanda Aparecida Sampaio
Published: June 2012

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of Jatropha curcas L. seed oil and microcurrent stimulation on the healing of wounds experimentally induced in Wistar rats. METHODS: Forty-eight animals were divided into four groups: (A) control; (B) treated with microcurrent (10 µA/2 min); (C) treated with J. curcas seed oil, and (D) treated with J. curcas seed oil plus microcurrent. Tissues samples were obtained two, six, ten and 14 days after injury and submitted to structural and morphometric analyses. RESULTS: The animals of groups A and C showed similar responses in terms of repair area, total number of cells, number of newly formed blood vessels, epithelial thickness, and percentage of area occupied by mature collagen fibers. Significant differences in all parameters analyzed were observed between animals of groups B and D and the control 10 and 14 days after experimentally induced injury. The morphometric data confirmed the structural findings CONCLUSIONS: The application of J. curcas seed oil alone was not effective on experimental wound healing when compared to control, but microcurrent application alone or combined with the oil exerted significant differences in the parameters studied. These findings suggest that the positive results were due to microcurrent stimulation.
Comparative study between meshes of polyester with collagen and polytetrafluoroethylene in the repair of defects produced in abdominal wall of rats
Authors: Naufel Andrea Mendes de Oliveira , Czeczko Nicolau Gregori , Mafafaia Osvaldo , Ribas-Filho Jurandir Marcondes , Naufel-Junior Carlos Roberto , Dietz Ulrich Andreas , Marinho-Júnior Carlos Hespanha , Sucharski Enéas Eduardo
Published: June 2012

PURPOSE: To study the intraperitoneal use of polyester with collagen and polytetrafluoroethylene meshes in the correction of total ventral wall defects in rats. METHODS: Thirty two rats were evaluated and divided randomly into four groups and underwent laparotomy and preparation of total defects of the abdominal wall. Next, the correction of the defect with the intraperitoneal placement of the chosen mesh was performed. The rats were submitted to euthanasia at 30 and 90 days after surgery. Were analyzed the macroscopic adhesions and microscopic aspects, and applied stress rupture test RESULTS: All animals showed intraperitoneal adhesions in varying degrees, with no statistical significance difference. There was no difference also between groups in the evaluation of stress rupture tests. On the microscopic aspect, the A30 group had less inflammatory reaction and less formation of granulomas and foreign body reaction that the B30 group, with significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in intraperitoneal adhesion and tensile rupture strength among groups. Group B30 presented granulomatous inflammatory reaction at the site of mesh attachment to the wall significantly higher than the A30.
Práticas educativas parentais e repertório comportamental infantil: comparando crianças diferenciadas pelo comportamento
Authors: Bolsoni-Silva Alessandra Turini , Loureiro Sonia Regina
Published: July 2012

A identificação de práticas parentais contingentes aos comportamentos dos filhos é importante para subsidiar intervenções. Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar práticas educativas parentais e comportamentos de crianças de um grupo de crianças considerado clínico/com problema de comportamento (n = 27), com um grupo de crianças não clínico/sem problema de comportamento (n = 26). O critério de inclusão das crianças nos grupos clínico e não clínico foi obtido a partir do CBCL, e os dados da interação pais-filhos foram colhidos por meio do Roteiro de Entrevista de Habilidades Sociais Educativas Parentais (RE-HSE-P), que avalia práticas positivas e negativas de educação, contexto, problemas de comportamento e habilidades sociais infantis. Procedeu-se às análises qualitativa e quantitativa (Teste Mann Whitney) de forma a comparar os grupos. Os resultados apontam que os comportamentos que diferenciam os grupos clínico e não clínico são, sobretudo, os relacionados às práticas educativas positivas e às habilidades sociais infantis.
Um estudo de follow up em psicoterapia psicanalítica de casais
Authors: Rios Maria Galrão , Gomes Isabel Cristina
Published: July 2012

Por 11 anos desenvolvemos uma pesquisa envolvendo uma proposta interventiva com famílias que buscam atendimento em um serviço-escola, com demanda localizada na criança. Por meio da psicoterapia psicanalítica com o casal procuramos atingir a remissão dos sintomas do(s) filho(s). O objetivo deste estudo é refletir sobre a manutenção das mudanças psíquicas ocorridas nesse tipo de clínica, que abrange a esfera conjugal e familiar, ao longo do tempo. Com base na metodologia de estudo de caso e no referencial psicanalítico, foram analisados dois casos clínicos enfatizando-se as sessões de follow up: dois casais que estiveram em processo terapêutico, respectivamente, por três anos e por dois anos e meio, sendo realizadas duas sessões de acompanhamento após o término da terapia. Esse tipo de intervenção mostrou-se efetiva para a elucidação de conflitos conjugais latentes e como promovedora de um ambiente saudável e favorecedor do desenvolvimento emocional da criança.
A atualidade da visão de Ab'Sáber
Authors: Mauro Claudio Antonio Di
Published: June 2012

A produção científica pela lavra do Professor Aziz Nacib Ab´Sáber é revisitada em, pelo menos, três aspectos considerados fundamentais: 1) a geomorfologia e a evolução paleoclimática no terciário e quaternário, quando o autor reconhece que os estudos de fisiologia de paisagens, ainda que essenciais para os objetivos dos geomorfologistas, somente podem ser esclarecidos à custa de pesquisas marcadamente interdisciplinares; 2) as mudanças climáticas em processos, que são ignoradas nos conhecimentos sobre o presente, e as heranças obtidas ao longo da história do Planeta Terra, para planejar, com cuidados, as ações que as sociedades promoveriam em busca do "desenvolvimento"; 3) o sítio urbano de São Paulo, em meados do século passado, quando, em menos de 15 anos, a cidade que nasceu e cresceu sobre colinas, e que elegeu as colinas como seu tipo ideal de sítio topográfico, desceu para as várzeas, ocupando setores e glebas importantes das planícies recém enxugadas pelas obras da Companhia Light. As contribuições, inicialmente elaboradas sob a perspectiva geomorfológica, tinham, em suas essências, a visão geográfica do cidadão do mundo.
Pavimentando Roraima: a BR-174 como exemplo das lógicas neoliberais de transnacionalização do território na Amazônia Ocidental
Authors: Kanai Juan Miguel , Oliveira Rafael da Silva , Silva Paulo Rogério de Freitas
Published: June 2012

Este artigo discute a pavimentação da BR-174 na metade da década de 1990 e as suas consequências socioespaciais no estado de Roraima. O caso é apresentado como um exemplo da transformação das intervenções territoriais na Amazônia no contexto da neoliberalização do Estado e da produção de um espaço econômico transnacional. Os investimentos federais para o desenvolvimento rodoviário e infraestruturas auxiliares trouxeram conectividade sem precedentes para o estado de Roraima, além de gerar crescimento econômico. Todavia, o artigo argumenta que, além dos novos discursos de desenvolvimento regional sustentável, as lógicas dominantes dos projetos, tais como o melhoramento da BR-174, são as de um neoliberalismo em expansão transnacional, no qual o Estado empreendedor torna-se um parceiro para o estabelecimento de mercados externos mais do que o principal agente da integração do território nacional. Assim, no desenho da BR-174, Roraima aparece, principalmente, como um espaço estratégico de conexão transfronteiriça que liga a Amazônia brasileira aos portos do Caribe. Entretanto, passada mais de uma década desde a conclusão do projeto, a concentração territorial tem se aprofundado ao passo que emergem novas desigualdades socioespaciais intimamente atreladas às funções e fluxos que a integração rodoviária criou.
Conocimiento geográfico y reconexión entre producción y consumo: el caso de la ganadería orgánica en Gales, Reino Unido
Authors: Ríos Núñez Sandra
Published: June 2012

Desde fines de la década del noventa, en Gales, los escándalos alimentarios ("mal de las vacas locas" (EEB) y "fiebre aftosa") han puesto de manifiesto los graves problemas de la comoditización agraria (productos con bajo valor agregado) en un contexto donde la cooperación entre agricultores ha sido históricamente baja y las asimetrías en la cadena de suministro de alimentos deprimían los precios al productor. El fomento de la ganadería orgánica como herramienta de política agraria ha logrado reconectar a productores y consumidores a través de agregar valor a los productos y reducir las distancias espaciales de las cadenas de suministro. Cambrian Foods o Black Mountain Foods son claras experiencias exitosas que utilizan importantes elementos del conocimiento geográfico a través de los mercados de agricultores (farmer markets) y cestas orgánicas (box schemes) para promover cadenas agroalimentarias locales. Sin embargo, continúan predominando las cadenas de distribución globales (Tesco entre otras) orientadas claramente hacia la transacción de comodities desarraigados del territorio. El conocimiento geográfico es una rama en el estudio de la Geografía del consumo, óptica teórica desarrollada por la escuela británica que dice relación con el análisis de las dinámicas espaciales que se generan en la relación producción-circulación-consumo de alimentos agrarios.
Relações entre potencial matricial no solo e cobertura vegetal em uma estação experimental, Uberlândia - MG
Authors: Bezerra José Fernando Rodrigues , Guerra Antônio José Teixeira , Rodrigues Silvio Carlos
Published: June 2012

Faz-se neste artigo uma análise sobre a relação entre o potencial matricial e a cobertura vegetal em uma estação experimental na Fazenda do Glória, Uberlândia- MG, com base nos dados obtidos nos tensiômetros e na fotocomparação. Foram adotados os seguintes procedimentos: a. Construção de duas parcelas de 10 m² cada, uma com Solo Exposto (SE) e outra com Geotêxteis e Gramíneas (SG); b. A análise granulométrica dos sedimentos foi baseada na proposta da EMBRAPA; c. Monitoramento de duas baterias de tensiômetros nas parcelas com solo exposto e com geotêxteis em diferentes profundidades (15, 30, 80 e 120 cm), com o auxílio de um tensímetro digital INFIELD 5; e d. Fotocomparação com classificação supervisionada usando software de sensoriamento remoto. Os resultados foram divididos em três fases: 1. na fase 1, a ocupação da cobertura vegetal variou entre 0 a 6,4%, destacando-se o tensiômetro de 120 cm cm na parcela com geotêxteis, que atingiu -20 kPa; 2. na fase 2, com uma taxa de ocupação variando entre 15,2% a 59,4 % na parcela com geotêxteis e gramíneas, o potencial matricial chegou a -32,4 kPa na profundidade de 15 cm; e 3. na fase 3, com uma taxa de ocupação da gramínea entre 63,9% a 100% , cita-se o tensiômetro de 30 cm, que chegou a -67 kPa.
Mapeamento morfoestrutural e morfoescultural na região de cerrado no Norte de Minas Gerais
Authors: Leite Manoel Reinaldo , Brito Jorge Luís Silva
Published: June 2012

Este trabalho procurou compreender e mapear a configuração do relevo, referente ao 1º e 2º táxon da metodologia de Ross (1992), na microrregião de Montes Claros, através da aplicação das técnicas de geoprocessamento e de produtos orbitais. Com o intuito de promover, através de documentos cartográficos, o registro dos aspectos geomorfológicos da microrregião em foco. Os resultados das sobreposições em SIG de dados SRTM e dados geológicos da CPRM mostraram-se satisfatórios, uma vez que possibilitaram a elaboração de uma vasta gama de informações sobre a área de estudo.
Variações nos teores do C total e isotópico do solo após substituição do Cerrado em sistemas agrícolas no Triângulo Mineiro
Authors: Rosolen Vania , Resende Thalita Mendes , Borges Elias Nascentes , Frare Cristiane Tumang , Machado Henrique Amorim
Published: June 2012

Os solos do Cerrado sofrem impactos resultantes da substituição da vegetação original em sistemas agrícolas traduzidos na forma de desequilíbrios nos estoques e natureza do carbono. A região do Triângulo Mineiro vem sendo intensamente desmatada por ser uma área pioneira de expansão do agronegócio e apresenta sérios problemas relacionados à erosão do solo. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar as mudanças na quantidade (Ctotal) na natureza (δ13C) do carbono do solo após conversão do cerrado denso em áreas com diferentes usos agrícolas (pastagem, soja e rotação soja/milho), manejos (sistemas convencionais e plantio direto). Os resultados mostraram que as mudanças nos valores relacionados ao uso e manejo são determinados também pelas características texturais dos solos formados pela alteração de litotipos distintos. Dentre os diferentes usos e manejo, o maior enriquecimento da taxa de carbono foi determinado na área com soja/milho no sistema de plantio direto em solo argiloso e o maior empobrecimento em pastagens não manejadas em solos desenvolvidos da alteração do arenito das Formações Adamantina e Marília. Estes estudos são úteis para serem usados como indicadores de qualidade para a conservação ambiental.
Safety of Weightlifting Among Women with or at Risk for Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema: Musculoskeletal Injuries and Health Care Use in a Weightlifting Rehabilitation Trial
Authors: Brown Justin C. , Troxel Andrea B. , Schmitz Kathryn H.
Published: July 2012

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Elucidate the risk-to-benefit relationship of prescribing weightlifting to breast cancer survivors with or at risk for lymphedema.Identify the frequency and describe common musculoskeletal injuries and health care needs of breast cancer survivors that may require dose modification or cessation of weightlifting exercise.Identify the need for trained exercise professionals prepared with the knowledge and skills to encounter the musculoskeletal and health care needs of breast cancer survivors engaging in weightlifting exercise.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Introduction.

It has been noted that only 14% of all clinical trials are translated into practice. The objective of this paper is to promote translation of an efficacious rehabilitative exercise program for breast cancer survivors by clarifying for clinicians the safety profile of participants (e.g., rates of musculoskeletal injury and referral to medical professionals), and to use this evidence to make recommendations on the appropriate training of health and fitness staff who would be capable of safely, effectively, and sustainably delivering the program.

Methods.

Breast cancer survivors with and at risk for lymphedema were randomized to twice-weekly weightlifting or standard care for 1 year. An injury survey and health care evaluation were administered after 1 year and in 3-month intervals, respectively.

Results.

The cumulative incidence and rate of injury were higher in the weightlifting than in the control group. The injury rates were 2.3 and 0.3 per 1,000 bouts of weightlifting among breast cancer survivors with and at risk for lymphedema, respectively. Among breast cancer survivors with or at risk for lymphedema, 20.9% in the weightlifting group had an encounter with a health care provider that required cessation or dose modification of weightlifting.

Conclusion.

Despite the demonstrated efficacy of weightlifting, musculoskeletal injuries and other health problems did occur. Therefore, for the successful translation of this rehabilitative intervention into clinical practice, health and fitness professionals working with breast cancer survivors need the knowledge, skills, and abilities that clarify their scope of practice to address these health care needs.
Patient Navigation for Underserved Patients Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Authors: Raj Aparna , Ko Naomi , Battaglia Tracy A. , Chabner Bruce A. , Moy Beverly
Published: July 2012

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the role and potential benefits of patient navigation in breast cancer care.Explain disparities in breast cancer care and their impact on patient populations.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

The elimination of cancer disparities is critically important for lessening the burden of breast cancer (BC). Patient navigator programs (PNPs) have been shown to improve rates of BC screening in underserved communities, but there is a dearth of evidence regarding their benefits after the actual diagnosis of BC. We retrospectively examined sociodemographic characteristics, disease characteristics, and concordance to quality measures (QMs) of BC care among women participating in a PNP that services disadvantaged minority communities in the greater Boston area. Of the 186 PNP patients diagnosed with BC in 2001–2011 in three neighborhood community health centers, treatment data was available for 158 (85%) and race and disease stage information was available for 149 (80%). Regarding stage, 25% were diagnosed with in situ cancer, 32% had stage 1, 25% had stage 2, 13% had stage 3, and 5% had stage 4 BC. Guideline-indicated care was received by 70 of 74 patients (95%) for the hormonal therapy QM, 15 of 17 (88%) patients for the chemotherapy QM, and 65 of 71 (92%) patients for the radiation QM, all similar to published concordance rates at elite National Comprehensive Cancer Network institutions. These findings suggest that PNPs may facilitate evidence-based quality care for vulnerable populations. Future research should prospectively analyze quality metrics to assess measures to improve the process and outcomes of patient navigation in diverse underserved settings, compared with control non-navigated populations.
Limiting pressure on a laterally loaded pile in a frictional soil
Authors: Pan D. , Smethurst J. A. , Powrie W.
Published: June 2012

This letter investigates, by means of finite-difference analyses, the ultimate lateral pressure developed on a pile moving relative to a soil whose strength is characterised by an effective angle of shearing resistance φ′. Analyses were carried out to determine the distribution of ultimate pressure with depth, with particular attention paid to near-surface effects, for a value of φ′ representative of a clay soil. The model results are compared with common empirical distributions of ultimate lateral pressure, obtained generally from full-scale and model tests in sand. It was found that the depth to which the unconfined ground surface affects the ultimate lateral pressure developed is consistently about five pile diameters. Below the zone influenced by surface effects, limiting lateral pressures were found to increase linearly with depth. Commonly used empirical distributions for the limiting pressure were found to bracket the numerical results for a frictionless pile–soil interface and underestimate the numerical results for a full-strength pile–soil interface.
A Study of the Health Literacy Needs of People With Visual Impairments
Authors: Harrison Tracie , Guy Sarah , Mackert Michael , Walker Janiece , Pound Pat
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to understand preferences surrounding health literacy for 18 men and women with permanent and severe visual impairment (VI). Participants completed demographic questions—the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ)—and 1 semi-structured interview to ascertain views on obtaining, processing, and understanding health information. Overall, the sample had low total eye health scores on the NEI-VFQ—indicating that the sample represented a group with severe visual impairments. The sample mentioned multiple health promotion topics of interest and types of devices used to gain information. They also described multiple barriers to health information, which could be eliminated. Implications for intervention development and technology use are provided.
Effort, Workload, and Depressive Symptoms in Family Caregivers of Older Adults: Conceptualizing and Testing a Work–Health Relationship
Authors: Juratovac Evanne , Morris Diana L. , Zauszniewski Jaclene A. , Wykle May L.
Published: July 2012

Increasing effort in response to a complex workload is detrimental to workers’ health and may explain the negative health consequences experienced by millions of family caregivers who are the primary workforce for older adult care in the United States. This cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study used survey data from 110 family caregivers of community-dwelling older adults to theoretically explain caregiving effort (as perceived exertion) and to examine the relationship between effort and depressive symptoms, a particularly persistent adverse caregiver health outcome. Visual analog scales and exemplar quotes explicated physical, mental, emotional, and time-related effort. Notably, effort was considered too multidimensional by several caregivers to discretely categorize. Among the relationships tested, effort was statistically significantly correlated with workload proxies (time, difficulty, overload), caregiver health and depressive symptoms, and care receiver function. Using regression analysis, effort and workload did not have direct effects on depressive symptoms. Surprisingly, effort was not decreased for caregivers who had formal or informal caregiving help. These findings support an energetical conceptualization in caregiving and highlight the complexity of a caregiving workload assessment. Practice suggestions are offered toward tailored health promotion strategies to benefit the families who constitute this essential, global caregiving workforce.
Increased Radioresistance to Lethal Doses of Gamma Rays in Mice and Rats after Exposure to Microwave Radiation Emitted by a GSM Mobile Phone Simulator
Authors: Mortazavi SMJ , Mosleh-Shirazi MA , Tavassoli AR , Taheri M , Mehdizadeh AR , Namazi SAS , Jamali A , Ghalandari R , Bonyadi S , Haghani M , Shafie M
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pre-irradiation with microwaves on the induction of radioadaptive response. In the 1st phase of the study, 110 male mice were divided into 8 groups. The animals in these groups were exposed/sham-exposed to microwave, low dose rate gamma or both for 5 days. On day six, the animals were exposed to a lethal dose (LD). In the 2nd phase, 30 male rats were divided into 2 groups of 15 animals. The 1st group received microwave exposure. The 2nd group (controls) received the same LD but there was no treatment before the LD. On day 5, all animals were whole-body irradiated with the LD. Statistically significant differences between the survival rate of the mice only exposed to lethal dose of gamma radiation before irradiation with a lethal dose of gamma radiation with those of the animals pre-exposed to either microwave (p=0.02), low dose rate gamma (p=0.001) or both of these physical adapting doses (p=0.003) were observed. Likewise, a statistically significant difference between survival rates of the rats in control and test groups was observed. Altogether, these experiments showed that exposure to microwave radiation may induce a significant survival adaptive response.
The Association between Exit Site Infection and Subsequent Peritonitis among Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: van Diepen Anouk T.N. , Tomlinson George A. , Jassal Sarbjit V.
Published: June 2012

Background and objectives

Peritonitis is the most common infectious complication seen in peritoneal dialysis (PD). Traditionally, exit site infection (ESI) has been thought to predispose PD patients to peritonitis, although the risks have not been quantified. This study aimed to quantify the risk of PD peritonitis after ESI.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Data from 203 clinically stable PD patients >18 years of age who were followed as part of a randomized controlled trial over 18 months were used to estimate the risk of developing peritonitis within 30 days of an ESI compared with individuals who did not have a recent ESI. Sensitivity analyses were performed at 15, 45, and 60 days.

Results

Patients were mostly male (64.5%) and Caucasian, with a mean age of 60.5±14.4 years. There were 44 ESIs and 87 peritonitis episodes during the 18-month study. Seven patients had an ESI followed by peritonitis within 30 days. Using a frailty model, patients who had an ESI had a significantly higher risk of developing peritonitis within 30 days, even if the ESI was appropriately treated. This risk was maximal early on and diminished with time, with hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of 11.1 at 15 days (HR=11.1, 95% CI=4.9–25.1), 5.3 at 45 days (2.5–11.3), and 4.9 at 60 days (2.4–9.9). In 2.3% of patients, subsequent peritonitis was caused by the same organism as the previous ESI.

Conclusions

A strong association between a treated ESI and subsequent PD peritonitis was present up to 60 days after initial diagnosis.
Career Choice Selection and Satisfaction among US Adult Nephrology Fellows
Authors: Shah Hitesh H. , Jhaveri Kenar D. , Sparks Matthew A. , Mattana Joseph
Published: June 2012

Although many anticipate that there will be an eventual shortage of practicing nephrologists, a complete understanding is lacking regarding the current factors that lead US adult nephrology fellows to choose nephrology as a career and their satisfaction with this choice. It is of great concern that interest in obtaining nephrology fellowship training continues to decline in the United States, especially among US medical graduates, and the reasons for this are unclear. The exposure that students and residents have to nephrology is likely to play an important role in the career choices that they make and their ultimate satisfaction with this career choice is likely influenced by several factors, including job opportunities. Some of the findings presented here suggest that there may be a high percentage of nephrology fellows who are dissatisfied with their career choice. Failure to understand the factors that influence trainees to choose nephrology as a career and those that affect their satisfaction with this choice may impair the ability to graduate a sufficient number of nephrologists to meet projected demand. In this article, a number of variables related to the choice of nephrology as a career and satisfaction with a career in nephrology are discussed. Some steps that the nephrology training community might take to help promote interest in nephrology and optimize the satisfaction that nephrology graduates derive from their careers are also proposed.
Serum β-Trace Protein and Risk of Mortality in Incident Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Shafi Tariq , Parekh Rulan S. , Jaar Bernard G. , Plantinga Laura C. , Oberai Pooja C. , Eckfeldt John H. , Levey Andrew S. , Powe Neil R. , Coresh Josef
Published: June 2012

Background and objectives

Residual kidney function in dialysis patients is associated with better survival, but there are no simple methods for its assessment. β-Trace protein is a novel endogenous filtration marker of kidney function that is not removed during hemodialysis and may serve as a marker for residual kidney function similar to serum creatinine in patients not on dialysis. The objective of this study was to determine the association of serum β-trace protein with mortality in incident hemodialysis patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Serum β-trace protein was measured in baseline samples from 503 participants of a national prospective cohort study of incident dialysis patients with enrollment during 1995–1998 and follow-up until 2004. Outcomes were all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality analyzed using Cox regression adjusted for demographic, clinical, and treatment factors.

Results

Serum β-trace protein levels were higher in individuals with no urine output compared with individuals with urine output (9.0±3.5 versus 7.6±3.1 mg/L; P<0.001). There were 321 deaths (159 deaths from cardiovascular disease) during follow-up (median=3.3 years). Higher β-trace protein levels were associated with higher risk of mortality. The adjusted hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval for all-cause mortality per doubling of serum β-trace protein was 1.36 (1.09–1.69). The adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for all-cause mortality in the middle and highest tertiles compared with the lowest tertile were 0.95 (0.69–1.32) and 1.72 (1.25–2.37). Similar results were noted for cardiovascular disease mortality.

Conclusions

The serum level of β-trace protein is an independent predictor of death and cardiovascular disease mortality in incident hemodialysis patients.
FoxP3 T Cells and the Pathophysiologic Effects of Brain Death and Warm Ischemia in Donor Kidneys
Authors: Baan Carla C. , Peeters Annemiek M.A. , Demmers Martijn W.H.J. , Mol Wendy M. , Boer Karin , Samsom Janneke N. , Rowshani Ajda T. , Ijzermans Jan N.M. , Weimar Willem
Published: June 2012

Background and objectives

Forkhead box P3 regulatory T cells control inflammatory responses, but it remains unclear whether they inhibit brain death-initiated inflammation and tissue injury in deceased kidney donors.

Design, setting, participants, & measurement

To study the actions of regulatory T cells at various stages of the donation and transplantation procedure, forkhead box P3, regulatory and inflammatory cytokine expression, and tissue injury markers were determined in time 0 kidney biopsies from deceased and living donors. Additionally, the interaction between forkhead box P3+ T cells and kidney injury molecule-1 by activated primary tubular epithelial cells was studied.

Results

After cold storage, the deceased donor kidneys expressed the higher mRNA levels of kidney injury molecule-1 and CD3ε. In these samples, the inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and IFN-γ and markers associated with regulation (forkhead box P3, TGF-β, and IL-10) were highly expressed compared with living donor kidneys. Correlations were found between mRNA expression levels of forkhead box P3 and kidney injury molecule-1 and forkhead box P3 and IFN-γ. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the presence of forkhead box P3+ T cells in donor kidneys. Renal function (analyzed by serum creatinine levels) at the first week posttransplantation correlated with kidney injury molecule-1 and forkhead box P3 mRNA levels. In vitro studies showed that kidney injury molecule-1 expression by primary tubular epithelial cells was 63% (mean) lower when cocultured with regulatory T cells compared with control T cells.

Conclusions

These results show that donor forkhead box P3+ T cells infiltrate the deceased donor kidney, where they may control inflammatory and injury responses.
Glypican-4 Enhances Insulin Signaling via Interaction With the Insulin Receptor and Serves as a Novel Adipokine
Authors: Ussar Siegfried , Bezy Olivier , Blüher Matthias , Kahn C. Ronald
Published: June 2012

Obesity, especially visceral obesity, is associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. We previously identified the cell surface proteoglycan glypican-4 as differentially expressed in subcutaneous versus visceral white fat depots. Here we show that glypican-4 is released from cells and adipose tissue explants of mice, and that circulating glypican-4 levels correlate with BMI and insulin sensitivity in humans. Furthermore, glypican-4 interacts with the insulin receptor, enhances insulin receptor signaling, and enhances adipocyte differentiation. Conversely, depletion of glypican-4 results in reduced activation of the insulin receptor and prevents adipocyte differentiation in vitro by inhibiting insulin-mediated C/EBPβ phosphorylation. These functions of glypican-4 are independent of its glycosylphosphatidylinositol membrane anchorage, as a nonmembrane–bound mutant of glypican-4 phenocopies the effects of native glypican-4 overexpression. In summary, glypican-4 is a novel circulating insulin sensitizing adipose-derived factor that, unlike other insulin sensitizers, acts directly on the insulin receptor to enhance signaling.
Diurnal Pattern to Insulin Secretion and Insulin Action in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Saad Ahmed , Dalla Man Chiara , Nandy Debashis K. , Levine James A. , Bharucha Adil E. , Rizza Robert A. , Basu Rita , Carter Rickey E. , Cobelli Claudio , Kudva Yogish C. , Basu Ananda
Published: June 2012

Evaluation of the existence of a diurnal pattern of glucose tolerance after mixed meals is important to inform a closed-loop system of treatment for insulin requiring diabetes. We studied 20 healthy volunteers with normal fasting glucose (4.8 ± 0.1 mmol/L) and HbA1c (5.2 ± 0.0%) to determine such a pattern in nondiabetic individuals. Identical mixed meals were ingested during breakfast, lunch, or dinner at 0700, 1300, and 1900 h in randomized Latin square order on 3 consecutive days. Physical activity was the same on all days. Postprandial glucose turnover was measured using the triple tracer technique. Postprandial glucose excursion was significantly lower (P < 0.01) at breakfast than lunch and dinner. β-Cell responsivity to glucose and disposition index was higher (P < 0.01) at breakfast than lunch and dinner. Hepatic insulin extraction was lower (P < 0.01) at breakfast than dinner. Although meal glucose appearance did not differ between meals, suppression of endogenous glucose production tended to be lower (P < 0.01) and insulin sensitivity tended to be higher (P < 0.01) at breakfast than at lunch or dinner. Our results suggest a diurnal pattern to glucose tolerance in healthy humans, and if present in type 1 diabetes, it will need to be incorporated into artificial pancreas systems.
Metanx Alleviates Multiple Manifestations of Peripheral Neuropathy and Increases Intraepidermal Nerve Fiber Density in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats
Authors: Shevalye Hanna , Watcho Pierre , Stavniichuk Roman , Dyukova Elena , Lupachyk Sergey , Obrosova Irina G.
Published: June 2012

Metanx is a product containing l-methylfolate, pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, and methylcobalamin for management of endothelial dysfunction. Metanx ingredients counteract endothelial nitric oxide synthase uncoupling and oxidative stress in vascular endothelium and peripheral nerve. This study evaluates Metanx on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in ZDF rats, a model of type 2 diabetes. Metanx was administered to 15-week-old ZDF and ZDF lean rats at either 4.87 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ day−1 (a body weight–based equivalent of human dose) or 24.35 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ day−1 by oral gavage two times a day for 4 weeks. Both doses alleviated hind limb digital sensory, but not sciatic motor, nerve conduction slowing and thermal and mechanical hypoalgesia in the absence of any reduction of hyperglycemia. Low-dose Metanx increased intraepidermal nerve fiber density but did not prevent morphometric changes in distal tibial nerve myelinated fibers. Metanx treatment counteracted endothelial nitric oxide synthase uncoupling, inducible nitric oxide synthase upregulation, and methylglyoxal-derived advanced glycation end product, nitrotyrosine, and nitrite/nitrate accumulation in the peripheral nerve. In conclusion, Metanx, at a body weight–based equivalent of human dose, increased intraepidermal nerve fiber density and improved multiple parameters of peripheral nerve function in ZDF rats. Clinical studies are needed to determine if Metanx finds use in management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Dysregulated Toll-Like Receptor–Induced Interleukin-1β and Interleukin-6 Responses in Subjects at Risk for the Development of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Alkanani Aimon K. , Rewers Marian , Dong Fran , Waugh Kathleen , Gottlieb Peter A. , Zipris Danny
Published: June 2012

We tested the hypothesis that altered Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling may be involved in early stages of type 1 diabetes (T1D). To do so, we analyzed TLR-induced interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 responses in freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) from seropositive compared with seronegative subjects. Similar frequencies of myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), and monocytes were observed in seropositive and seronegative subjects. Subjects with autoantibodies had increased proportions of monocytes expressing IL-1β ex vivo. Activating PBMNCs with TLR3, TLR4, or TLR7/8 agonists in vitro led to increased percentages of IL-1β–expressing monocytes and mDCs from seropositive versus seronegative subjects. TLR ligation also resulted in a diminished IL-6 response in seropositive individuals as lower frequencies of IL-6–expressing monocytes and mDCs were induced. The dysregulated TLR-induced IL-1β and IL-6 pathways were more readily detectable in children aged <11 years and from 11 to <21 years, respectively, and did not involve altered HbA1c or the presence of one or more autoantibodies. Finally, subjects with autoantibodies had lower amounts of serum chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 compared with autoantibody-negative subjects. Our data may imply that alterations in innate immune pathways are detectable in genetically susceptible individuals and could be linked with the early course of T1D.
Growth and decay of acceleration waves in non-ideal gas flow with radiative heat transfer
Authors: Singh Lal , Singh Raghwendra , Ram Subedar
Published: June 2012

The present paper is concerned with the study of the propagation of acceleration waves along the characteristic path in a non-ideal gas flow with effect of radiative heat transfer. It is shown that a linear solution in the characteristic plane can exhibit non-linear behavior in the physical plane. It is also investigated as to how the radiative heat transfer under the optically thin limit will affect the formation of shock in planer, cylindrical and spherically symmetric flows. We conclude that there exists critical amplitude such that any compressive waves with initial amplitude greater than the critical one terminate into shock waves while an initial amplitude less than the critical one results in the decay of the disturbance. The critical time for shock formation has been computed. In this paper we also compare/contrast the nature of solution in ideal and non ideal gas flows.
Potential of granulated modified nanozeolites Y for MTBE removal from aqueous solutions: Kinetic and isotherm studies
Authors: Ghadiri S. , Nabizadeh R. , Mahvi A. , Nasseri S. , Mesdaghinia A. , Talebi S.
Published: July 2012

Potential of granulated modified nanozeolites Y for MTBE removal from aqueous solutions: Kinetic and isotherm studies

Adsorption of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) from aqueous solutions by granulated modified nanozeolites Y was investigated. Nanozeolite Y powders were converted into granulated zeolites and subsequently modified with two cationic surfactants (20 mmol/dm3), to be used as adsorbent. Granulated nanozeolites were characterized by BET surface area analysis, elemental analysis and X-ray diffractometer. -Hexade-cyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA-Cl) modified granulated zeolite had more effective performance than N-cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB) modified granulated zeolite. The most conventional adsorption isotherms and kinetic models were applied to describe MTBE adsorption and reaction dynamic, respectively. The equilibrium sorption data fitted the Langmuir 2 isotherm model and the kinetic study was followed the pseudo-second-order model. The maximum adsorption capacities for HDTMA-Cl modified zeolite and CPB modified granulated zeolite were 333.33 and 142.8 mg/g, respectively as calculated by the Langmuir model. This study demonstrated that the removal of mtbe by granulated modified nanozeolites Y is a promising technique.
The effect of industrial wastes and municipal sewage sludge compost on the quality of virginia fanpetals (SIDA HERMAPHRODITA RUSBY) biomass Part 1. Macroelements content and their upatke dynamics
Authors: Krzywy-Gawrońska Ewa
Published: July 2012

The effect of industrial wastes and municipal sewage sludge compost on the quality of virginia fanpetals (SIDA HERMAPHRODITA RUSBY) biomass Part 1. Macroelements content and their upatke dynamics

A single-factor field experiment was carried out at the Cultivar Evaluation Station in Szczecin-Dąbie in 2008-2010. In the experiment, the compost produced with municipal sewage sludge by the GWDA method was used and high-calcium brown coal ash at a dose corresponding. A test plant was Virginia fanpetals (Sida hermaphodrita Rusby). The obtained results show that Virginia fanpetals biomass contained on average the most nitrogen (3.72 g·kg-1 d.m.), calcium (6.03 g·kg-1 d.m.) and sulphur (1.24 g·kg-1 d.m.) in 2008, while the most potassium (4.39 g·kg-1 d.m.) in 2010. Significantly more phosphorus, magnesium and sulphur was contained by Virginia fanpetals biomass from the objects where municipal sewage sludge compost had been applied without and with addition of high-calcium brown coal ash when compared to calcium carbonate or high-calcium brown coal ash being introduced into soil at the beginning of study. Differences in average nitrogen, potassium and calcium contents in the test plant biomass from particular fertilisation objects were not significant. The macroelements uptake by Virginia fanpetals biomass depended on the yield size and the content of chemical elements under discussion in it.
Photocatalytic degradation of malachite green dye using doped and undoped ZnS nanoparticles
Authors: Tolia Jyoti , Chakraborty Mousumi , Murthy Z.
Published: July 2012

Photocatalytic degradation of malachite green dye using doped and undoped ZnS nanoparticles

In the present study, ZnS nanoparticles were prepared using the mechanochemical method. The ZnS nanoparticles prepared were doped with different concentrations of manganese using metal acetate and manganese acetate by mechanochemical method. The as-prepared particles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The photocatalytic activity of the prepared nanoparticles samples, in the photocatalytic degradation of malachite green, had been investigated. The nanoparticles were photo induced, generating hole transfer for photocatalytic activity. The photodegradation of malachite green was observed at different pH (2-5) values, dye concentrations (10-100mg/L) and amount of ZnS nanoparticles (1-2.5 g/L). About 95% degradation of dye was observed on the addition of 2 g/L ZnS in 50 mg/L dye solution after 90 minutes illumination at 125 W. Degradation has been increased up to 99% using UV/nanoparticles/H2O2 (50 mL/L) combined process. The degradation efficiency was also compared using Mn doped ZnS nanoparticles (Zn1-x MnxS, where x = 0.01, 0.22 and 0.3). Maximum of 97% degradation was observed with 0.01% concentration of Mn. Kinetics study and performance of UV/ZnS, UV/ZnS/H2O2, UV/doped ZnS processes were evaluated to compare the efficiency of different processes.
Performance analysis of cation and anion exchangers in water treatment plant: an industrial case study
Authors: Ramzan Naveed , Feroze Nadeem , Kazmi Mohsin , Ashraf Muhammad , Hasan Sajid
Published: July 2012

Performance analysis of cation and anion exchangers in water treatment plant: an industrial case study

Performance of cation and anion exchangers was evaluated by carrying out breakthrough analyses of pH, conductivity, free mineral acid (FMA) and various dissolved solids for an industrial water treatment plant of 700 gpm capacity. The breakthrough curves showed no leakage of calcium, magnesium and chloride throughout the operating period of the train, however, they indicated the early leakage of sodium, potassium, sulphate and silica. The operating/breakthrough capacity, total capacity and degree of column utilization were determined. The column utilization was found to be 67.85%, 38.93% and 16.78% against the design values of 90%, 85% and 85% for cation, primary and secondary anion exchangers respectively. The operating time of the water treatment train was significantly increased by achieving adequate capacity utilization of secondary anion exchanger. The low capacity utilization of secondary anion resin due to early silica slippage, has been discussed in the paper.