bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 during a course of experimental contagious bovine pleuropneumonia
Authors: Sacchini Flavio , Luciani Mirella , Salini Romolo , Scacchia Massimo , Pini Attilio , Lelli Rossella , Naessens Jan , Poole Jane , Jores Joerg
Published: April 2012

Background

Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides, is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. The current live vaccine T1/44 has limited efficacy and occasionally leads to severe side effects in the animals. A better understanding of the immune responses triggered by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides and their role in disease progression will help to facilitate the design of a rational vaccine. Currently, knowledge of cytokines involved in immunity and immunopathology in CBPP is rather limited. The aim of this study was to characterize the in vivo plasma concentrations of the cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 and the overall role of CD4+ T cells in the development of cytokine levels during a primary infection. Plasma cytokine concentrations in two groups of cattle (CD4+ T cell-depleted and non-depleted cattle) experimentally infected with Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides were measured and their relationship to the clinical outcomes was investigated.

Results

Plasma cytokine concentrations varied between animals in each group. Depletion of CD4+ T cells did not induce significant changes in plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-10, suggesting a minor role of CD4+ T cells in regulation or production of the three cytokines during the time window of depletion (1-2 weeks post depletion). Unexpectedly, the IFN-γ concentrations were slightly, but statistically significantly higher in the depleted group (p < 0.05) between week three and four post infection. Three CD4+ T cell-depleted animals that experienced severe disease, had high levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ. Only one severely diseased non-depleted animal showed a high serum concentration of IL-4 post infection.

Conclusions

Comparison of most severely diseased animals, which had to be euthanized prior to the expected date, versus less severe diseased animals, irrespective of the depletion status, suggested that high TNF-α levels are correlated with more severe pathology in concomitance with high IFN-γ levels.
The I2020T Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 transgenic mouse exhibits impaired locomotive ability accompanied by dopaminergic neuron abnormalities
Authors: Maekawa Tatsunori , Mori Sayuri , Sasaki Yui , Miyajima Takashi , Azuma Sadahiro , Ohta Etsuro , Obata Fumiya
Published: April 2012

Background

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is the gene responsible for autosomal-dominant Parkinson’s disease (PD), PARK8, but the mechanism by which LRRK2 mutations cause neuronal dysfunction remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated for the first time a transgenic (TG) mouse strain expressing human LRRK2 with an I2020T mutation in the kinase domain, which had been detected in the patients of the original PARK8 family.

Results

The TG mouse expressed I2020T LRRK2 in dopaminergic (DA) neurons of the substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area, and olfactory bulb. In both the beam test and rotarod test, the TG mice exhibited impaired locomotive ability in comparison with their non-transgenic (NTG) littermates. Although there was no obvious loss of DA neurons in either the substantia nigra or striatum, the TG brain showed several neurological abnormalities such as a reduced striatal dopamine content, fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus in DA neurons, and an increased degree of microtubule polymerization. Furthermore, the tyrosine hydroxylase-positive primary neurons derived from the TG mouse showed an increased frequency of apoptosis and had neurites with fewer branches and decreased outgrowth in comparison with those derived from the NTG controls.

Conclusions

The I2020T LRRK2 TG mouse exhibited impaired locomotive ability accompanied by several dopaminergic neuron abnormalities. The TG mouse should provide valuable clues to the etiology of PD caused by the LRRK2 mutation.
Moving Between, Among, in the Midst
Authors: Coates Emily
Published: April 2012

In this article, Emily Coates proposes the concept of “intercultural kinesis” to describe the transnational collaborations; temporary, embodied onstage communities; and surprising juxtapositions of cultural heritages present in three productions brought to Yale University by the World Performance Project: Dean Moss and Sungmyung Chun's Nameless forest, Maria Jerez's The Case of the Spectator, and the Rude Mechs' The Method Gun.
Incentive Schemes, Sorting, and Behavioral Biases of Employees: Experimental Evidence
Authors: Larkin Ian , Leider Stephen
Published: April 2012

We investigate how the convexity of a firm's incentives interacts with worker overconfidence to affect sorting decisions and performance. We demonstrate, experimentally, that overconfident employees are more likely to sort into a nonlinear incentive scheme over a linear one, even though this reduces pay for many subjects and despite the presence of clear feedback. Additionally, the linear scheme attracts demotivated, underconfident workers who perform below their ability. Our findings suggest that firms may design incentive schemes that adapt to the behavioral biases of employees to “sort in” (“sort away”) attractive (unattractive) employees; such schemes may also reduce a firm's wage bill. (JEL D03, D83, J24, J31, M12)
Serotonin Selectively Modulates Reward Value in Human Decision-Making
Authors: Seymour Ben , Daw Nathaniel D. , Roiser Jonathan P. , Dayan Peter , Dolan Ray
Published: April 2012

Establishing a function for the neuromodulator serotonin in human decision-making has proved remarkably difficult because if its complex role in reward and punishment processing. In a novel choice task where actions led concurrently and independently to the stochastic delivery of both money and pain, we studied the impact of decreased brain serotonin induced by acute dietary tryptophan depletion. Depletion selectively impaired both behavioral and neural representations of reward outcome value, and hence the effective exchange rate by which rewards and punishments were compared. This effect was computationally and anatomically distinct from a separate effect on increasing outcome-independent choice perseveration. Our results provide evidence for a surprising role for serotonin in reward processing, while illustrating its complex and multifarious effects.
Site-Specific Synapsin I Phosphorylation Participates in the Expression of Post-Tetanic Potentiation and Its Enhancement by BDNF
Authors: Valente Pierluigi , Casagrande Silvia , Nieus Thierry , Verstegen Anne M.J. , Valtorta Flavia , Benfenati Fabio , Baldelli Pietro
Published: April 2012

A large amount of experimental evidence has highlighted the rapid changes in synaptic efficacy induced by high-frequency stimulation and BDNF at central excitatory synapses. We clarified the quantal mechanisms and the involvement of Synapsin I (SynI) phosphorylation in the expression of post-tetanic potentiation (PTP) and in its modulation by BDNF in mouse glutamatergic autapses. We found that PTP is associated with an elevation in the probability of release and a concomitant increase in the size of the readily releasable pool (RRP). The latter component was virtually absent in SynI knock-out (KO) neurons, which indeed displayed impaired PTP. PTP was fully rescued by the expression of wild-type SynI, but not of its dephosphomimetic mutants in the phosphorylation sites for cAMP-dependent protein kinase and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases I/II. BDNF potently enhanced PTP through a further increase in the RRP size, which was missing in SynI KO neurons. In these neurons, the BDNF-induced PTP enhancement was rescued by the expression of wild-type SynI, but not of its dephosphomimetic mutant at the mitogen-dependent protein kinase sites. The results indicate that the increase in RRP size necessary for the full expression of PTP, and its sensitivity to BDNF, involve phosphorylation of SynI at distinct sites, thus implicating SynI as an essential downstream effector for the expression of PTP and for its enhancement by BDNF.
The Sodium Channel Accessory Subunit Navβ1 Regulates Neuronal Excitability through Modulation of Repolarizing Voltage-Gated K+Channels
Authors: Marionneau Céline , Carrasquillo Yarimar , Norris Aaron J. , Townsend R. Reid , Isom Lori L. , Link Andrew J. , Nerbonne Jeanne M.
Published: April 2012

The channel pore-forming α subunit Kv4.2 is a major constituent of A-type (IA) potassium currents and a key regulator of neuronal membrane excitability. Multiple mechanisms regulate the properties, subcellular targeting, and cell-surface expression of Kv4.2-encoded channels. In the present study, shotgun proteomic analyses of immunoprecipitated mouse brain Kv4.2 channel complexes unexpectedly identified the voltage-gated Na+channel accessory subunit Navβ1. Voltage-clamp and current-clamp recordings revealed that knockdown of Navβ1 decreasesIAdensities in isolated cortical neurons and that action potential waveforms are prolonged and repetitive firing is increased inScn1b-null cortical pyramidal neurons lacking Navβ1. Biochemical and voltage-clamp experiments further demonstrated that Navβ1 interacts with and increases the stability of the heterologously expressed Kv4.2 protein, resulting in greater total and cell-surface Kv4.2 protein expression and in larger Kv4.2-encoded current densities. Together, the results presented here identify Navβ1 as a component of native neuronal Kv4.2-encodedIAchannel complexes and a novel regulator ofIAchannel densities and neuronal excitability.
Analyzing Open-Voltage of Double-Layer Organic Solar Cells Using Optical Electric-Field-Induced Second-Harmonic Generation
Authors: Taguchi Dai , Chen Xiangyu , Manaka Takaaki , Iwamoto Mitsumasa
Published: April 2012

By using electric-field-induced second-harmonic generation (EFISHG) measurement, we analyzed photovoltaic effect of two-layer solar cells (indium zinc oxide/pentacene/C60/Al). Results evidently showed that negative and excessive charges Qs accumulated at the two-layer interface under illumination, e.g., Qs =-1.7×10-9 C/cm2 at 0.05 mW/cm2 and –3.6×10-9 C/cm2 at 0.5 mW/cm2, while a short-circuit current flowed. The open-circuit voltage changed in accordance with accumulation charge Qs, and finally saturated. Modeling that accumulated negative charge is a source of space charge field and directly effects on the electrostatic energy stored in OSCs, dependence of the open voltage on the accumulated charge Qs was explained.
Dependence of Annealing Temperature on the Conductivity Changes of ZnO and MgZnO Nanoparticle Thin Films from Annealing in a Hydrogen Atmosphere at Mild Temperatures
Authors: Berven Christine , Sanchez Lorena , Chava Sirisha , Young Hannah Marie , Dick Joseph , Morrison John L. , Huso Jesse , Bergman Leah
Published: April 2012

We report apparent robust doping of ZnO and MgxZn1-xO (x ∼20%) nanoparticle films by annealing in hydrogen gas. The annealing was done at sequentially higher temperatures from about 20 °C to 140 °C. The effect of the annealing was determined by comparing current-voltage measurements of the samples at room-temperature and in vacuum after each annealing cycle.The nanoparticles were grown using an aqueous solution and heating process that created thinfilms of ZnO or MgZnO nanoparticles with diameters of about 30 nm. When exposed to hydrogen gas at room-temperature or after annealing at temperatures up to about 100 °C, no measureable changes to the room-temperature vacuum conductivity of the films was observed. However, when the samples were annealed at temperatures above 100 °C, an appreciable robust increase in the room-temperature conductance in vacuum occurred. Annealing at the maximum temperature (∼135-140 °C) resulted in about a factor of about twenty increase in the conductivity. Furthermore, the ratio of the conductance of the ZnO and MgZnO nanoparticle films while being annealed to their conductance at room-temperature were found to increase and then decrease for increasing annealing temperatures. Maximum changes of about five-fold and seven-fold for the MgZnO and ZnO samples, respectively, were found to occur at temperatures just below the annealing temperature threshold for the onset of the robust hydrogen gas doping. Comparisons of these results to other work on bulk ZnO and MgZnO films and reasons for this behavior will be discussed.
Melt Mixed Polymer-MWCNT Composites for Liquid Sensing Applications
Authors: Pötschke Petra , Villmow Tobias , Pegel Sven , John Andreas , Rentenberger Rosina
Published: April 2012

Polymer/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites show next to improved mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties also sensitivity to external stimuli. A detection of environmental condition changes is possible, if it affects the electrically conductive CNT network inside the insulating polymer matrix. In case of liquid sensing, swelling of the polymer matrix due to contact with organic liquids and interactions between solvent molecules and CNTs result in a local gap enlargement between individual CNTs and/or CNT clusters, resulting in a detectable increase of electrical resistance. Accordingly, CNT based conductive polymer composites (CPCs) represent very promising candidates for the design of smart components capable of integrated monitoring. In this presentation we focus on their use as leakage detectors for organic solvents.

The sensor concept, as well as the underlying mechanism, is demonstrated for polycarbonate (PC)/CNT based CPCs on compression-molded samples. The selectivity as an important sensor property will be discussed in context with the Hansen solubility parameters and the solvent molecule’s size. The time dependent electrical response characteristic upon immersion depends on the diffusion kinetics of the specific solvent molecules into the CPC. A model allowing the calculation of the time dependent relative resistance (Rrel) change is presented considering several factors like the diffusion parameters, composite characteristics like initial resistance and geometrical values of the sensing sample. Using this model, Rrel curves of PC/MWCNT composites were simulated which fit very well the experimental data.

In order to examine the production of first prototype large area sensors, fibers and textiles based on composites of different polymer matrices with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were produced. MWCNT containing fibers based on poly lactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL)/ polypropylene (PP) blends were produced by melt spinning and textile fabrication was performed for PCL/PLA blends. For all presented composite systems the electrical response characteristics was analyzed for various organic solvents.
Electrical Conductivity of Anisotropic iPP Carbon Nanotube Thin Films
Authors: Kalakonda Parvathalu , Gombos Erin A. , Hoonjan Gajinder S. , Georgiev Georgi Y. , Iannacchione Germano S. , Cebe Peggy
Published: April 2012

Polymer and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) nanocomposites exhibit many properties that are not present in either the pure polymer or CNTs. The polymer crystallization kinetics and crystal forms are greatly changed by dispersion of CNTs nanotubes. In addition to various thermophysical properties, CNTs are metallic or semiconductive and highly anisotropic while the polymer hosts are typically excellent insulators and isotropic. In this work, measurements of the electrical conductivity, σ, of thin-film nanocomposites of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and CNTs as a function of CNT concentration (0, 1, 2, and 5% by weight of CNT) and melt-shearing induced anisotropy in σ between parallel and perpendicular to the shearing axis is presented and compared them with analogous data for their thermal transport properties. The iPP host is itself one of the most widely used polymers, has liquid crystalline phases, and it is expected that iPP/CNT nanocomposites will be widely used in many polymer applications, some of which are for flexible electrodes, medical and electronics packaging and chemical sensors. The effect of melt-shearing is expected to induce anisotropy in the various properties of the iPP/CNT thin film that should be particularly apparent in the electrical conductivity of the polymer films, higher in the direction of the alignment and lower in the direction perpendicular to it. With increasing CNT content, the average conductivity 〈σ〉 increases slightly from 0 to 2% CNT then dramatically increases by eight orders of magnitude for 5%. The shear induced property of anisotropy, δσs = (σ‖ − σ┴) / 〈σ〉, overall increases with CNT content, revealing a large spike for the 1% sample, indicating the possibility of enhanced δσs due to optimized orienting procedures.
Plankton diversity and limnological characterization in two shallow tropical urban reservoirs of Pernambuco State, Brazil
Authors: Almeida Viviane L.S. , Melão Maria da Graça G. , Moura Ariadne N.
Published: April 2012

Plankton diversity, physical and chemical variables and chlorophyll a were analyzed in two shallow urban reservoirs with different trophic degrees on Pernambuco State, northeastern Brazil. High eutrophication levels were observed in Apipucos reservoir, while Prata reservoir was considered oligotrophic. Values reported for physical and chemical variables and chlorophyll a differed among the studied ecosystems. Richness and plankton diversity were higher in Apipucos reservoir especially for phytoplankton. The presence of potential toxic Cyanophyceae in both reservoirs reflects a problem mainly to Prata reservoir, which is used for public water supply. Differences were observed for some variables among sites of study in Apipucos reservoir, while the differences among strata were negligible in both reservoirs, reflecting the water column mixing by wind action. Rainfall regulated the temporal dynamics for the analyzed variables, with significant seasonal differences, mainly for the major of limnological variables in Apipucos reservoir. Plankton diversity was higher in Apipucos reservoir, especially to phytoplankton, showing that eutrophication and pollution can favor plankton diversity in tropical urban shallow reservoirs.
Radicular anatomy of twelve representatives of the Catasetinae subtribe (Orchidaceae: Cymbidieae)
Authors: Pedroso-de-Moraes Cristiano , Souza-Leal Thiago de , Brescansin Rafael L. , Pettini-Benelli Adarilda , Sajo Maria das Graças
Published: April 2012

Considering that the root structure of the Brazilian genera belonging to the Catasetinae subtribe is poorly known, we describe the roots of twelve representatives from this subtribe. For anatomical analysis, the roots were fixed in FAA 50, preserved in ethanol 70% and sectioned at its medium region using razor blades. The sections were stained with 0.05% astra blue and safranin and mounted in glycerin. For the identification of starch we used Lugol's solution; for lignin, floroglucin chloridric; for lipids, Sudan III, and for flavanoids, potassium hydroxide. The relevant aspects were registered using a digital camera joined with an Olympus microspope (BX51 model). The structural similarities of all roots support the placement of the subtribe Catasetinae into the monophyletic tribe Cymbidieae. Some root features are restricted to one or two taxa and can be useful in the systematics of the subtribe. For example, the occurrence of flavonoidic crystals characterizes the genera Catasetum and Cychnodes, and the number of the velamen layers and the shape of the epivelamen cells are useful to confirm the taxonomic position of Clowesia amazonica. The presence of velamen and flavonoidic crystals was interpreted as an adaptation to the epiphytic habit.
Interpretation of the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies in a rapid test for dengue: analysis of dengue antibody prevalence in Fortaleza City in the 20th year of the epidemic
Authors: Lima José Rubens Costa , Rouquayrol Maria Zélia , Callado Maria Roseli Monteiro , Guedes Maria Izabel Florindo , Pessoa Claudia
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of dengue and the differentiation between primary and secondary infections are important for monitoring the spread of the epidemic and identifying the risk of severe forms of the disease. The detection of immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG antibodies is the main technique for the laboratory diagnosis of dengue. The present study assessed the application of a rapid test for dengue concerning detection of new cases, reinfection recognition, and estimation of the epidemic attack rate. METHODS: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study on dengue using the Fortaleza Health Municipal Department database. The results from 1,530 tested samples, from 2005-2006, were compared with data from epidemiological studies of dengue outbreaks in 1996, 2003, and 2010. RESULTS: The rapid test confirmed 52% recent infections in the tested patients with clinical suspicion of dengue: 40% detected using IgM and 12% of new cases using IgG in the non-reactive IgM results. The positive IgM plus negative IgG (IgM+ plus IgG-) results showed that 38% of those patients had a recent primary dengue infection, while the positive IgG plus either positive or negative IgM (IgG+ plus IgM+/-) results indicated that 62% had dengue for at least a second time (recent secondary infections). This proportion of reinfections permitted us to estimate the attack rate as >62% of the population sample. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid test for dengue has enhanced our ability to detect new infections and to characterize them into primary and secondary infections, permitting the estimation of the minimal attack rate for a population during an outbreak.
Successful prevention of the transmission of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in a Brazilian public teaching hospital
Authors: Rossini Flávia Alves Ferreira , Fagnani Renata , Leichsenring Mirtes Loeschner , Dantas Sônia Regina Perez Evangelista , Cardoso Luís Gustavo de Oliveira , Levy Carlos Emílio , Moretti Maria Luiza , Trabasso Plínio
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) can colonize or cause infections in high-risk patients and contaminate the environment. Our objective was to describe theepidemiological investigation of an outbreak of VRE, the interventions made, and their impact on its control. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive, non-comparative study by reviewing the charts of patients with a VRE-positive culture in the University Hospital of Campinas State University, comprising 380 beds, 40 of which were in intensive care units (ICUs), who were admitted from February 2008-January 2009. Interventions were divided into educational activity, reviewing the workflow processes, engineering measures, and administrative procedures. RESULTS: There were 150 patients, 139 (92.7%) colonized and 11 (7.3%) infected. Seventy-three percent were cared for in non-ICUs (p = 0.028). Infection was more frequent in patients with a central-line (p = 0.043), mechanical ventilation (p = 0.013), urinary catheter (p = 0.049), or surgical drain (p = 0.049). Vancomycin, metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and third-generation cephalosporin were previously used by 47 (31.3%), 31 (20.7%), 24 (16%), and 24 (16%) patients, respectively. Death was more frequent in infected (73%) than in colonized (17%) patients (p < 0.001). After the interventions, the attack rate fell from 1.49 to 0.33 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Classical risk factors for VRE colonization or infection, e.g., being cared for in an ICU and previous use of vancomycin, were not found in this study. The conjunction of an educational program, strict adhesion to contact precautions, and reinforcement of environmental cleaning were able to prevent the dissemination of VRE.
Antibody levels in children after 10 years of vaccination against hepatitis B: a brazilian community-based study
Authors: Fagundes Glauco Danielle , Tabalipa Fábio de Oliveira , Silva Jane da
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION: It is known that the hepatitis B (HB) vaccine is effective, but it is alarming that sudden drops of antibody levels may coincide with the onset of adolescence. METHODS: Antibody levels against HB vaccine surface antigen (anti-HBs) and HB vaccine core antigen (anti-HBc) were measured on the blood samples of children with a mean age of 11.4 years. RESULTS: About 54.8% had protective levels of anti-HBs. Of those who were anti-HBc-positive (4.4%), an average of 218.4 anti-HBs mIU/mL was found. CONCLUSIONS: Immunological protection was found in the majority of children. However, more studies are needed to elucidate the heritability of nonresponders and establish strategies against such events.
Paciente com cardiopatia chagásica crônica, esquistossomose hepatoesplênica e síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida: possível resolução espontânea de trombo no ventrículo direito
Authors: Rocha Manoel Otávio da Costa , Barbosa Felipe Batista Lima , Martins Maria Auxiliadora Parreiras , Nunes Maria do Carmo Pereira
Published: April 2012

A presença de trombos nas câmaras cardíacas direitas parece aumentar o risco de morte no tromboembolismo. Entretanto, existe discrepância entre a prevalência de trombos intracavitários cardíacos e evidências clínicas de tromboembolismo. Além disso, as características individuais associadas ao elevado risco de mortalidade não estão bem estabelecidas. Este relato descreve o caso de um paciente portador de esquistossomose mansônica, síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida (SIDA) e doença de Chagas crônica, apresentando grande trombo no ventrículo direito. A evolução foi favorável, sem complicações tromboembólicas e com provável resolução espontânea do trombo.
Homo sapiens, Homo demens e Homo degradandis: a psiquê humana e a crise ambiental
Authors: Ninis Alessandra Bortoni , Bilibio Marco Aurélio
Published: April 2012

Este artigo discute a crise ambiental por meio de um diálogo entre a psicanálise, filosofia e ciências sociais. Busca-se introduzir um eixo comum de compreensão das relações entre a psiquê e a natureza, a partir de um texto reflexivo sobre a natureza humana, sua complexidade e suas sociopatias. A crise socioambiental em que vivemos é tratada a partir das seguintes proposições: (i) a humanidade se distanciou da sua condição natural; (ii) a humanidade pode estar psicologicamente doente; (iii) a humanidade não está moralmente apta para delegar a superação da crise às futuras gerações, pois vivemos num simulacro que envolve consumismo e alienação. Conclui-se que há uma dimensão subjetiva na raiz da crise ambiental, de cuja análise depende a solução real do impasse civilizacional com o qual nos defrontamos.
Identidad, etnicidad y bienestar social en un contexto socialmente excluyente
Authors: Genna Karen , Espinosa Agustín
Published: April 2012

El estudio analiza los estereotipos que una muestra de adultos de clase media de Lima (n=130) posee sobre distintos grupos étnicos en el Perú. Asimismo, se analizan las relaciones entre las identificaciones con los grupos étnicos referidos y el bienestar social. Las representaciones estereotípicas muestran la presencia de grupos percibidos como de alto y de bajo estatus, los cuales son diferenciados por sus posibilidades de acceso al poder. El alto estatus es atribuido a los peruanos blancos, quienes son percibidos como exitosos y no patriotas. Con este grupo hay una mayor identificación en la muestra y se observa un mayor nivel de bienestar social asociado a dicha identificación. Los afroperuanos, andinos y amazónicos son percibidos como grupos de bajo estatus, observándose además estereotipos de poca competencia y de alta expresividad asociados a los mismos. La identificación con estos grupos es menor y no se asocia al bienestar social.
Após a licença maternidade: a percepção de professoras sobre a divisão das demandas familiares
Authors: Vanalli Ana Carolina Gravena , Barham Elizabeth Joan
Published: April 2012

Neste estudo, foram investigadas vivências de professoras após o retorno da licença maternidade, examinando a divisão de tarefas com seus cônjuges, satisfação com seu envolvimento familiar e o do cônjuge e com sua rede social de apoio. Foram entrevistadas 40 professoras de escolas públicas no interior paulista, mães de filhos de até dois anos. A maioria delas relatou dedicar o dobro do tempo que seus cônjuges às atividades domésticas e cuidados com os filhos, assumindo tarefas de alta frequência e com horários fixos. No geral, estas se sentiam satisfeitas com seu próprio envolvimento familiar, embora 65% delas relatou preferir passar mais tempo com seus filhos. Estas avaliaram positivamente o envolvimento familiar do esposo, mas sistematicamente menor que seu próprio. Muitas usaram outras fontes de apoio, avaliadas positivamente. Contudo, as respondentes enfrentavam grande sobrecarga, apontando para a necessidade de rever a divisão do trabalho familiar.
Papéis, comportamentos, atividades e relações entre membros da família baiana
Authors: Rabinovich Elaine Pedreira , Moreira Lúcia Vaz de Campos , Franco Anamélia
Published: April 2012

Este estudo objetivou comparar os dados sobre papéis, comportamentos, atividades e relações entre os membros da família obtidos por Georgas, Berry, Vijver, Kagitçibasi e Poortinga (2006), com dados da família baiana. Para tanto, 170 universitários baianos responderam questionário com questões fechadas enfocando papéis, comportamentos, atividades e relações entre os seguintes membros da família: pai, mãe, avô, avó, tio/tia, menino e menina de 10 anos, moça e rapaz de 20 anos. Os dados foram analisados utilizando o programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Em conformidade com o estudo de referência, a mãe é a figura central nas famílias baianas e o pai compartilha o poder financeiro com ela, porém, as atividades domésticas de limpar, cozinhar e lavar ficam mais a cargo dos membros femininos. As avós sucedem aos pais na importância nos papéis familiares e há mais uma interdependência emocional do que econômica/funcional com relação à criança.
A intervenção com clientes involuntários: complexidade e dilemas
Authors: Sotero Luciana , Relvas Ana Paula
Published: April 2012

O presente artigo de revisão da literatura centra-se na temática dos clientes involuntários. Analisaram-se criticamente os trabalhos de autores que: (1) propõem a sua caracterização, designadamente no que respeita ao posicionamento do cliente na situação de ajuda, concluindo-se pela complexidade da sua identificação; (2) conceptualizam o papel dos profissionais de saúde mental, bem como as singularidades da relação terapêutica, destacando a importância da aliança, dos dilemas éticos e da motivação para a intervenção; (3) apresentam os modelos terapêuticos mais utilizados nestas situações, enfatizando-se as terapias colaborativas, e particularmente as centradas nas soluções, como as que melhor promovem o envolvimento destes clientes. Ao longo da pesquisa manteve-se a preocupação de rever obras abrangentes na área do acompanhamento psicológico que simultaneamente evidenciassem ou favorecessem uma perspectiva crítica e complexa sobre o tema. Na organização do artigo procurou-se seguir uma perspectiva diacrónica que mostrasse a evolução da conceptualização e praxis sobre a problemática.
Nerve growth factor with fibrin glue in end-to-side nerve repair in rats
Authors: Nunes e Silva Daniel , Silva Andréia Conceição Milan Brochado Antoniolli da , Aydos Ricardo Dutra , Viterbo Fausto , Pontes Elenir Rose Jardim Cury , Odashiro Danilo Nakao , Castro Rafael José de , Augusto Diogo Gomes
Published: April 2012

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of end-to-side nerve repair performed only with fibrin glue containing nerve growth in rats. METHODS: Seventy two Wistar rats were divided into six equal groups: group A was not submitted to nerve section; group B was submitted to nerve fibular section only. The others groups had the nerve fibular sectioned and then repaired in the lateral surface of an intact tibial nerve, with different procedures: group C: ETS with sutures; group D: ETS with sutures and NGF; group E: ETS with FG only; group F: ETS with FG containing NGF. The motor function was accompanied and the tibial muscle mass, the number and diameter of muscular fibers and regenerated axons were measured. RESULTS: All the analyzed variables did not show any differences among the four operated groups (p>0.05), which were statistically superior to group B (p<0.05), but inferior to group A (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The end-to-side nerve repair presented the same recovery pattern, independent from the repair used, showing that the addition of nerve growth factor in fibrin glue was not enough for the results potentiating.
Prevention of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats using acetylcysteine after anesthesia with isoflurane
Authors: Mansano André Marques , Vianna Pedro Thadeu Galvão , Fabris Viciany Erique , Silva Leopoldo Muniz da , Braz Leandro Gobbo , Castiglia Yara Marcondes Machado
Published: April 2012

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of N-acetylcysteine, as a renoprotective agent, when administered early after anesthesia induction, against ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats anesthetized with isoflurane. METHODS: Eighteen male Wistar rats weighing > 300g were anesthetized with isoflurane. The internal jugular vein and the left carotid artery were dissected and cannulated. The animals were randomly divided into GAcetyl, receiving intravenous N-acetylcysteine, 300mg/kg, and GIsot, isotonic saline. After 30 minutes, right nephrectomy was performed and the left renal artery was clamped during 45 minutes. The animals were sacrificed after 48 hours and blood samples were taken after anesthetic induction and upon sacrificing of the animals to evaluate blood creatinine. The kidneys were sent for histological analysis. RESULTS: The variation in serum creatinine was 2.33mg/dL ± 2.21 in GAcetyl and 4.38mg/dL ± 2.13 in GIsot (p=0.074). Two animals presented intense tubular necrosis in GAcetyl, compared to 5 in GIsot. Only GAcetyl presented animals free of tubular necrosis (two) and tubular degeneration (one). CONCLUSION: After renal ischemia/reperfusion, the rats which were given N-acetylcysteine presented less variation in serum creatinine and milder kidney injuries than the control group.
Marxist psychology: a research paradigm whose time has come
Authors: Elhammoumi Mohamed
Published: April 2012

This paper seeks to retrieve Marx's ideas about the development of psychology. It offers historical perspectives on different attempts to create a Marxist psychology that shed light on its scope and trajectory. According to Marx, concrete social and material real life play a key role in the development of human psychological functions. Later, Vygotsky, Wallon, Politzer, Leontiev, Luria, Sève among others built on Marx's ideas. These psychologists suggested that individual psychological functions are formed and shaped in concrete, cultural, social, historical circumstances, and pictured an organizing, creative force driving individual activity (instead of behavior). Marxist psychology is the study of the social individual within social relations of production. In a Marxist sense, the emphasis is placed on production, both material and social as the essence of social relations. Hence, psychology cannot be dealt with in an abstract, private and individual manner as the capitalist mode of production would want, but must be seen in terms of the social individual that is formed, structured, and shaped within the social relations of a production framework. In this context, the social production of the individual (as developed in Marx's Die Grundrisse) signifies social relations between people connected with concrete common real social conditions and material production. Production, both social and material, is the totality of social relations. In the process of production, social individuals act not only upon nature but also upon one another, they enter into a definite rich web of connections and relations to one another. Marx's writings encompassed the fields of psychology and made a substantial contribution to the stock of knowledge about human nature processes. Marx never wrote a full-length treatise on psychology, though his own work is the outstanding example of psychological conceptualizations. This paper stresses the decisive relevance of Marx's psychological conceptions for a paradigm shift whose time has come.
A inteligência espiritual e os raciocínios abstrato, verbal e numérico
Authors: Oliveira Katya Luciane de , Pascalicchio Marina Ledier , Primi Ricardo
Published: April 2012

A presente pesquisa, que visou a explorar o tema inteligência e alguns de seus respectivos desdobramentos, foi estruturada teoricamente a partir da visão psicométrica e teve como objetivo explorar a relação entre inteligência espiritual e os raciocínios abstrato, e verbal numérico em estudantes universitários do 1º e 5º anos de graduação do curso de psicologia de uma universidade particular paulista. Os instrumentos utilizados foram a Bateria de Provas de Raciocínio e o Inventário de Inteligência Espiritual (PSI). A participação dos estudantes foi voluntária e a coleta de dados ocorreu de forma coletiva em uma única sessão. Os dados foram submetidos à prova de correlação de Pearson e evidenciaram uma correlação alta, negativa e significativa entre inteligência abstrata e inteligência espiritual, sobretudo nos fatores divindade (r=-0,359, p=0,017) e diligência (r=-0,414, p=0,005). Os dados são discutidos à luz da avaliação psicológica, numa perspectiva psicométrica, visando a elucidar algumas questões acerca do construto inteligência espiritual.
Dimensão afetiva da pessoa com surdez adquirida, antes e após o implante coclear
Authors: Yamada Midori Otake , Bevilacqua Maria Cecília
Published: April 2012

Este estudo teve como objetivo averiguar, antes e após o uso do implante coclear, a dimensão afetiva em pacientes adultos com surdez adquirida, no que diz respeito às modalidades dos sentimentos egoicos, sentimentos em relação ao próximo, sentimentos de temporalidade e estados de ânimo. Participaram 44 adultos que realizaram o implante coclear no Centro de Pesquisas Audiológicas do Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais da Universidade de São Paulo de Bauru. Concluiu-se que, na vivência da surdez, houve predomínio de sentimentos negativos e de um clima afetivo de tensão e depressão, que levava o sujeito a uma vinculação negativa, de assintonia com o mundo. Entretanto, na vivência com o implante coclear, houve predomínio de sentimentos positivos e de um clima afetivo de tranquilidade e contentamento, observando-se uma vinculação positiva do sujeito e sintonia com o mundo.
O cuidado psicológico ao médico em reprodução assistida: um enquadre diferenciado
Authors: Miranda Keith Laura , Serafini Paulo Cesar , Baracat Edmund Chada
Published: April 2012

Profissionais da área da saúde entram em contato com o sofrimento humano mesmo quando não trabalham diretamente no campo da Psicologia. Este estudo baseou-se no referencial da psicanálise com vistas a compreender os aspectos do sofrimento humano que emerge para os médicos no exercício da reprodução assistida, e a importância do estudo do imaginário coletivo sobre situações de difícil manejo em suas clínicas. Participaram vinte e dois médicos que atuam em hospitais e clínicas do estado de São Paulo em âmbitos público e privado, independentemente de sexo, idade e tempo de formação. Foi utilizado o procedimento desenhos-estórias com tema, compreendido como procedimento dialógico. A entrevista caracterizou-se como uma situação especial de comunicação e expressão das emoções geradas nos atendimentos relacionados à temática proposta. Constatou-se a necessidade de proposição de espaços facilitadores da expressão emocional, que promovem a continência do sofrimento humano e a ocorrência de experiências reflexivo-vivenciais transformadoras do real.
Crenças de autoeficácia e resiliência: apontamentos da literatura sociocognitiva
Authors: Fontes Arlete Portella , Azzi Roberta Gurgel
Published: April 2012

Este artigo investiga como as relações entre autoeficácia e resiliência vêm sendo abordadas pela literatura em diferentes etapas do ciclo de vida e contextos diversos. Toma como referência a teoria social cognitiva de Bandura e aborda os conceitos de agência, autoeficácia e autorregulação. As crenças de autoeficácia são tidas como percepções sobre a capacidade de organizar e executar determinado curso de ação; são consideradas elemento central na fundação da motivação e da realização e podem afetar a maneira como o indivíduo resiste às pressões do ambiente, sem entrar em disfuncionalidade (resiliência). Enquanto agente, o indivíduo encara as ameaças do ambiente como oportunidades, escolhendo estratégias para lidar com elas. Por meio de mecanismos autorregulatórios, os indivíduos motivam-se, orientam-se por meio do controle proativo, estabelecendo metas desafiadoras e mobilizando esforços para alcançar seus objetivos. Estudos baseados na crença de autoeficácia e resiliência são destacados e alguns horizontes são relacionados para pesquisa.
Reflexões sobre o paradigma da economia ecológica para a gestão ambiental
Authors: Fuks Maurício
Published: April 2012

Este estudo ressalta a ausência de conhecimento sobre a economia ecológica por parte do crescente número de profissionais formados em Gestão Ambiental. O autor realiza uma síntese dos princípios e fundamentos da economia ecológica, especialmente por meio das ideias de dois dos seus principais pensadores (Georgescu-Röegen e Boulding) e indica porque conhecer as ideias principais dessa escola de pensamento é fundamental para profissionais de Gestão Ambiental. Argumenta-se que esses profissionais não podem prescindir da economia ecológica, sob pena de caírem na ilusão do mito da hipótese win-win e terem uma visão incompleta das dificuldades de estabelecermos uma sociedade sustentável.
Interação entre a vegetação e a atmosfera para formação de nuvens e chuva na Amazônia: uma revisão
Authors: Tavares João Paulo Nardin
Published: April 2012

Vários estudos para identificar as emissões de Compostos Orgânicos Voláteis (COV) na Amazônia sugerem que a atmosfera sobre a floresta, livre de poluentes, possui baixas concentrações de Núcleos de Condensação de Nuvens (NCN), concentrações típicas da atmosfera marítima. Em tais condições, as propriedades microfísicas das nuvens são mais sensíveis ao acréscimo de NCN. Na Amazônia, a fonte primária biogênica é a própria vegetação da floresta. Então, um aumento nas emissões de NCN por atividades antropogênicas pode ter um forte impacto no clima local. Esses resultados são discutidos neste trabalho.
Os deletérios impactos da crise nuclear no Japão
Authors: Marques Paulo
Published: April 2012

O artigo aborda o acidente nuclear no Japão em 11 de março de 2011. Em decorrência do terremoto seguido de tsunami, foram danificados três dos seis reatores existentes no complexo Daiichi-Fukushima. Ocorreram explosões, seguidas da liberação de materiais radiativos ao meio ambiente. São mostrados os efeitos danosos nos casos da exposição do homem a radiações. Comenta-se a existência do principal nó górdio da geração nucleoelétrica, que é a produção do indescartável lixo atômico.
Ottoman forestry: socio-economic aspect and its influence today
Authors: Özden Sezgin , Birben Üstüner
Published: April 2012

Forestry is an important subject because it supplies wood and timber for direct human consumption, in addition to its positive effects on global warming and on bio-diversity, with a history dating back to antiquity. As a labor-intensive sector in developing countries, it maintains interactions with natural resources management, public relations and socio-economic structure. It can affect the prosperity of countries either positively or negatively. Hence, an analysis of the history of forestry bears importance because it not only sheds light on its past and present condition, but also explains the improvements for the protection of forests. Accordingly, in the first section of this study, general information on the Ottoman Land System and Ottoman Forestry Organization will be given. In the second section, we will treat 19th century westernization movements, as well as socio-cultural and economic changes. The third section will include significant regulations on forestry, forest management, and administration in the Ottoman Empire; as well as the influence of Ottoman forestry on the actual socio-economic structure. In the final section, under the title discussion and conclusion, Ottoman forestry will be examined regarding its consequences in terms of policy, economy and law.
Efeito de probiótico na infecção e excreção fecal de Salmonella em suínos
Authors: Nogueira Mariana Gomes , Calveyra Juliana Cafruni , Kich Jalusa Deon , Coldebella Arlei , Mores Nelson , Cardoso Marisa Ribeiro de Itapema
Published: April 2012

A transmissão de Salmonella na cadeia produtiva de suínos é um problema de difícil controle. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da administração oral de probiótico sobre a ocorrência de infecção e excreção fecal de Salmonella em suínos em fase de crescimento. Os tratamentos consistiram de ração basal sem aditivos (controle) ou adicionada de probiótico (10(7)ufc g-1 de células viáveis dos gêneros Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus e Saccharomyces). Foram alocados seis leitões de 50 dias em cada tratamento, com duas repetições por tratamento. Todos os animais foram inoculados com Salmonella Typhimurium (10(6)ufc mL-1) após 14 dias do alojamento. Semanalmente, foram coletadas amostras de sangue e fezes e no dia 35 pós-inoculação os animais foram sacrificados e necropsiados. Os animais de ambos os tratamentos foram infectados por Salmonella e soroconverteram. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os grupos nas médias de Salmonella, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus e coliformes totais nas fezes, porém a administração de probiótico resultou em menor frequência de isolamento de Salmonella a partir de fígado (P=0,04), linfonodos mesentéricos (P=0,04), pulmão (P=0,03) e baço (P=0,01). Conclui-se que os microrganismos probióticos testados não foram capazes de impedir a infecção ou a excreção fecal de Salmonella em suínos de crescimento, mas diminuíram o número de portadores em linfonodos mesentéricos.
Mudar o ensino?: concepções, perspectivas e valores de professores de 5ª a 8ª séries
Authors: Chakur Cilene Ribeiro de Sá Leite
Published: April 2012

O artigo relata uma experiência, parte de Projeto mais amplo, visando conduzir professores de 1° grau a refletirem sobre os fundamentos de sua prática e sensibilizá-los à mudança. O trabalho desenvolveu-se em encontros semanais mediante debates, painéis, dramatização, coleta de dados junto a alunos e aplicação da técnica das palavras-chave. Os resultados mostram avanços na tomada de consciência do professor quanto ao próprio papel e aos pressupostos de sua ação, além do predomínio de visão equilibrada sobre o modelo tradicional de ensino e perspectiva positiva quanto a sua mudança. As conclusões apontam para a necessidade constante de o professor rever os fundamentos de sua atuação e de buscar ultrapassar o nível do simples fazer da prática, em direção a sua compreensão.