bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased retinoic acid levels through ablation of Cyp26b1 determine the processes of embryonic skin barrier formation and peridermal development
Authors: Okano Junko , Lichti Ulrike , Mamiya Satoru , Aronova Maria , Zhang Guofeng , Yuspa Stuart H. , Hamada Hiroshi , Sakai Yasuo , Morasso Maria I.
Published: February 2012

The process by which the periderm transitions to stratified epidermis with establishment of skin barrier is unknown. Understanding the cellular and molecular processes involved is critical for the treatment of human pathologies, where abnormal skin development and barrier dysfunction are associated with hypothermia and perinatal dehydration. For the first time, we demonstrate that Retinoic Acid (RA) levels are important for periderm desquamation, embryonic skin differentiation and barrier formation. While excess exogenous RA has been known to have teratogenic effects, little is known about the consequences of elevated endogenous retinoids in skin during embryogenesis. Absence of Cyp26b1, a retinoic acid-degrading enzyme, results in aberrant epidermal differentiation and filaggrin expression, defective cornified envelopes and skin barrier formation, in conjunction with peridermal retention. We show that these alterations are RA-dependent since administration of exogenous RA in vivo and to organotypic skin cultures phenocopy Cyp26b1-/- skin abnormalities. Furthermore, utilizing the Flaky tail (Ft/Ft) mice, a mouse model for human ichthyosis characterized by mutations in the FILAGGRIN gene, we establish that proper differentiation and barrier formation is a prerequisite for periderm sloughing. These results are significant in understanding pathologies associated with abnormal embryonic skin development and barrier dysfunction.
Twenty-four-hour urinary trace element excretion: reference intervals and interpretive issues
Authors: Sieniawska Christine E , Jung Lynne C , Olufadi Rasaq , Walker Valerie
Published: February 2012

Background

Introduction of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) into clinical laboratories has led to an increasing application of analyses to risk assessment for toxicity from environmental exposure to trace elements, and in occupational monitoring. Interpretation of results from random urine samples may be problematic and measurement of excretion over 24 h is sometimes preferable. Recent reference data are sparse.

Methods

Twenty-four-hour urine samples from 111 healthy adults from the renal stones clinic in Southampton, UK, were analysed for 31 trace elements using ICP-MS and for zinc using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Non-parametric 0.95 coverage intervals were determined for trace element excretion per 24 h and as a ratio to creatinine, for the full study cohort and separately for men ( n = 77) and women ( n = 34).

Results

Beryllium was undetectable in 95% of samples, bismuth in 87% and uranium in 75%. In comparison with published ranges, reference intervals for this cohort were higher for molybdenum, tin and vanadium, and for arsenic due to inclusion of fish arsenicals. Aluminium, chromium, iron, lead and mercury were lower. In our cohort, 24-h excretion of 17 elements was significantly higher in men than in women. However, when expressed as trace element to creatinine ratios, the situation reversed strikingly. Because of their lower creatinine excretion, ratios for 18 elements were significantly higher for women.

Conclusions

New adult reference intervals were obtained for 24-h urine trace element excretion. Trace element:creatinine ratios must be used cautiously, with separate ranges for men and women.
Application of adaptive non-linear 2D and 3D postprocessing filters for reduced dose abdominal CT
Authors: Borgen Lars , Kalra Mannudeep K , Lærum Frode , Hachette Isabelle W , Fredriksson Carina H , Sandborg Michael , Smedby Örjan
Published: February 2012

Background

Abdominal computed tomography (CT) is a frequently performed imaging procedure, resulting in considerable radiation doses to the patient population. Postprocessing filters are one of several dose reduction measures that might help to reduce radiation doses without loss of image quality.

Purpose

To assess and compare the effect of two- and three-dimensional (2D, 3D) non-linear adaptive filters on reduced dose abdominal CT images.

Material and Methods

Two baseline abdominal CT image series with a volume computer tomography dose index (CTDI vol) of 12 mGy and 6 mGy were acquired for 12 patients. Reduced dose images were postprocessed with 2D and 3D filters. Six radiologists performed blinded randomized, side-by-side image quality assessments. Objective noise was measured. Data were analyzed using visual grading regression and mixed linear models.

Results

All image quality criteria were rated as superior for 3D filtered images compared to reduced dose baseline and 2D filtered images ( P < 0.01). Standard dose images had better image quality than reduced dose 3D filtered images ( P < 0.01), but similar image noise. For patients with body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2 however, 3D filtered images were rated significantly better than normal dose images for two image criteria ( P < 0.05), while no significant difference was found for the remaining three image criteria ( P > 0.05). There were no significant variations of objective noise between standard dose and 2D or 3D filtered images.

Conclusion

The quality of 3D filtered reduced dose abdominal CT images is superior compared to reduced dose unfiltered and 2D filtered images. For patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2, 3D filtered images are comparable to standard dose images.
Overlap of hospital use and social care in older people in England
Authors: Bardsley Martin , Georghiou Theo , Chassin Ludovic , Lewis Geraint , Steventon Adam , Dixon Jennifer
Published: February 2012

Objectives:

To link pseudonymous health and social care use data in order to determine what proportion of older people access hospital and social care services.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of linked, pseudonymous, routine service use data of people aged 75 and over (n 5 133,055) drawn from the operational systems of four primary care trusts and their corresponding local authorities in England.

Results:

Fourteen percent of older people received local authority-funded social care in one year, 59% accessed NHS hospital care and 10% accessed both types of service. Most people using social care also used a hospital service (71%). This was a higher proportion than for people who did not use social care services (57%, P < 0.001). However, the use of hospitals varied by type of social care such that the residents of care homes had fewer admissions to hospital, fewer Accident and Emergency attendances and fewer outpatient visits than people receiving high intensity home care.

Conclusions:

Using routine data from large populations, we have demonstrated interactions in the use of hospital care and social care for older people. Residents of care homes tend to use hospitals less frequently than people receiving home care. More detailed work is required to explain this phenomenon.
Compulsion: The Key to Us Health Care Reform
Authors: Donaldson Cam , Bryan Stirling
Published: February 2012

To meet the twin goals of cost containment and universal coverage, health care legislators in the US will eventually have to come to grips with the concept of ‘compulsion’. This is the main tenet of this paper, which also addresses what compulsion might mean as applied in the context of recent US health care legislation and its implications for the US health care industry. Missing the opportunity to embrace compulsion more fully may lead to cost containment not being achieved, thus threatening the sustainability of the reforms contained in the recently Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Optimizing the Sunday Singles Lineup for a Ryder Cup Captain
Authors: McClure Brian , Cassady Richard , Rainwater Chase , Chimka Justin R.
Published: February 2012

The Ryder Cup competition between Team USA and Team Europe is the premier team event in professional golf, largely because of the drama associated with head-to-head matches on the final day (Sunday). The captain of each team must determine the exact sequence of his 12 golfers in the 12 Sunday singles matches, and neither captain is precisely aware of the other captain's intended lineup. Because the losing captain has often been criticized for choosing what the critics deem to be a poor lineup, we develop a quantitative methodology that a captain can use to determine his Sunday singles lineup to maximize the probability that his team is in possession of the Ryder Cup upon completion of the competition. As part of our effort, we develop a statistical model for estimating the three possible outcomes (win, lose, tie) of each singles match. Using the 1989–2008 Ryder Cup competitions as examples, we find that using our statistical model within our methodology indicates that the Sunday singles competition is not greatly impacted by the lineup selected by the captain. However, we define another example that indicates our methodology can be of great benefit if a player's performance is affected by who his singles match opponent is.
The US Army Projects the Effect of Merit Pay on Payroll Growth
Authors: Huntsinger Guy C. , Burk Roger Chapman , Trainor Timothy E.
Published: February 2012

The National Security Personnel System (NSPS) was designed to provide greater opportunity for merit-based pay raises than the preexisting civil service system. However, a US Army organization was concerned that over time the accumulation of merit raises would make the total payroll unaffordable. We were asked to investigate the conditions under which this situation would be likely to happen. We used the Vensim® modeling software to produce a model of the influences and events that would cause payroll to rise or fall from year to year. Our analysis showed that the merit pay policies in place at the start of our study were very likely to lead to undesirable growth in total pay and a concentration of all employees near the maximum allowed salary, defeating the purpose of NSPS—to reward better service with more pay. The most important factors were the fraction of merit pay that was given as merit raises (as opposed to bonuses) and the salaries of people newly hired to replace those who left the organization. We showed how departing senior employees should be replaced with less-senior ones to avoid long-term payroll growth. We used the model to find the combinations of merit pay and new-hire policies that would balance the effect of these two major influences and produce little or no long-term payroll growth. We also showed that some other influences that had concerned the client were actually of small effect compared to the stochastic uncertainty in payroll growth. Another influence, attrition, produced a more substantial effect. The interactive nature of the model allowed real-time exploration of alternatives with the client and helped build confidence in the robustness of the results. These results highlight potential problem areas needing careful analysis in implementing similar merit pay systems.
Chlorine-free synthesis: An overview
Authors: Tundo Pietro
Published: February 2012

Since the Industrial Revolution, chlorine has featured as an iconic molecule in process chemistry even though its production by electrolysis of sodium chloride is very energy-intensive. Owing to its high energy and reactivity, chlorine allows the manufacture of chlorinated derivatives in a very easy way: AlCl3, SnCl4, TiCl4, SiCl4, ZnCl2, PCl3, PCl5, POCl3, COCl2, etc. in turn are pillar intermediates in the production of numerous everyday goods. This kind of chloride chemistry is widely used because the energy is transferred to these intermediates, making further syntheses easy. The environmental and health constraints (toxicity and eco-toxicity, ozone layer depletion) and the growing need for energy (energy efficiency, climate change) force us to take advantage from available knowledge to develop new chemical strategies. Substitution of chlorine in end products in compounds where “chlorine is used in the making” means that we avoid electrolysis as primary energetic source; this makes chemistry “without chlorine” considerably more difficult and illustrates why it has not found favor in the past. The rationale behind this Special Topic issue is to seek useful and industrially relevant examples for alternatives to chlorine in synthesis, so as to facilitate the development of industrially relevant and implementable breakthrough technologies.
Mousmés and French Colonial Culture
Authors: Roustan Frédéric
Published: February 2012

The presence of Japanese prostitutes in French colonial Tonkin started around the middle of the 1880s. That colonial culture enclosed these girls within the category of the mousmé. This article analyzes the discourses and activities of several actors inside the colony who participated in the refinement of this essentialist category in order to understand the symbolic commodification of Japanese women's bodies. Once they were released onto the prostitution market, Japanese women were classified and marked by the representations of male colonial society, which constructed all facets of these women, from their moral qualities to their visibility.
Effect of ectopic expression of homeoprotein EGAM1C on the cell morphology, growth, and differentiation in a mouse embryonic stem cell line, MG1.19 cells
Authors: Iha Momoe , Watanabe Masafumi , Kihara Yumi , Sugawara Saiko , Saito Koichi , Soma Miki , Sato Sho , Mori Yuki , Kasuga Kano , Kojima Ikuo , Sasamura Ryo , Murata Jun , Kobayashi Masayuki
Published: February 2012

The homeoprotein EGAM1C was identified in preimplantation mouse embryos and embryonic stem (ES) cells. To explore the impact of EGAM1C on the hallmarks of mouse ES cells, MG1.19 cells stably expressing EGAM1C at levels similar to those in blastocysts were established using an episomal expression system. In the presence of leukemia inhibitory factor (+LIF), control transfectants with an empty vector formed flattened cell colonies, whileEgam1ctransfectants formed compacted colonies with increased E-CADHERIN expression. InEgam1ctransfectants, the cellular contents of POU5F1 (OCT4), SOX2, TBX3, and NANOG increased. Cell growth was accelerated in an undifferentiated state sustained by LIF and in the course of differentiation. During clonal proliferation, EGAM1C stabilized the undifferentiated state. In adherent culture conditions, EGAM1C partly inhibited the progression of differentiation at least within a 4-day culture period in the presence of retinoic acid by preventing the downregulation of LIF signaling with a robust increase in TBX3 expression. Conversely, EGAM1C enhanced the expression of lineage marker genesFgf5(epiblast),T(mesoderm),Gata6(primitive endoderm), andCdx2(trophectoderm) in −LIF conditions. In embryoid bodies expressing EGAM1C, the expression of marker genes for extraembryonic cell lineages, includingTpbpa(spongiotrophoblast) andPlat(parietal endoderm), increased. These results demonstrated that the ectopic expression of EGAM1C is capable of affecting the stabilization of an undifferentiated state and the progression of differentiation in MG1.19 ES cells, in addition to affecting cellular morphology and growth.
Stimulation of Sertoli cell proliferation: defining the response interval to an inhibitor of estrogen synthesis in the boar
Authors: Berger Trish , Kentfield Lisa , Roser J F , Conley Alan
Published: February 2012

Sertoli cell proliferation occurs in two major waves after birth, one neonatally and another prepubertally, each contributing to final testicular size and sperm production. However, little is known about the regulation of either wave. We have previously shown that letrozole, an inhibitor of estrogen synthesis, increases Sertoli cell number and testicular size at sexual maturity in boars. These studies were conducted to determine whether letrozole affects the first or second proliferative wave. Boars were treated with letrozole during the first wave (treatment at 1, 3, and 5 weeks), less frequently (1 week of age only, or 1 and 5 weeks), on postnatal day 1, or during the second wave (weeks 11–16). Sertoli cells were enumerated in testes and estrogen concentrations were evaluated in serum and testes. Compared with vehicle controls, letrozole reduced estrogen in boars treated at weeks 1 and 5 or 1, 3, and 5, on postnatal day 1, or prepubertally. However, Sertoli cell numbers were increased only in boars treated at 1, 3, and 5 weeks of age. Neither perinatal (1 day old) nor prepubertal letrozole treatment affected Sertoli cell numbers. Hence, Sertoli cell proliferation was sensitive to letrozole only if letrozole was administered throughout the first wave, even though estrogen synthesis was effectively inhibited at all ages. These data indicate that the neonatal but not the prepubertal window of Sertoli cell proliferation is sensitive to an inhibitor of estrogen synthesis; this suggests that these two waves are differently regulated.
Selective Fragmentation of Oolitic Iron Ores by Microwave Pretreatment
Authors: Campos-Toro Ernesto F. , Song Shaoxian , López-Valdivieso Alejandro
Published: February 2012

There are plentiful of oolitic iron ore resources on the earth, which cannot be currently exploited because of great difficulties for beneficiating the ore. In this work, the selective fragmentation of a Chinese oolitic iron ore (which fragments ore particles along the interfaces of iron and gangue minerals) through microwave was studied in order to liberate the iron minerals at a coarse particle size and thus to effectively concentrate the iron minerals from the ore. The experimental results have shown that a large amount of fractures on the oolitic iron ore were formed along iron and gangue mineral interfaces after being treated by microwave radiation at an appropriate frequency and potential. Following a microwave treatment, the oolitic iron ore was ground by using a ball vertimill. It was indicated that the pretreatment increased the liberation of the iron and gangue minerals at the same particle size, about 10-20% and 10-30% respectively.
Análise de agrupamento de diferentes densidades de marcadores no mapeamento genético por varredura genômica
Authors: Jangarelli Marcelo , Euclydes Ricardo Frederico , Cruz Cosme Damião , Cecon Paulo Roberto , Carneiro Antonio Policarpo Souza
Published: February 2012

A simulação tem contribuído para o avanço da genômica nas diversas áreas do melhoramento genético. Foram simulados mapeamentos genéticos utilizando diferentes densidades de marcadores para estimar os valores fenotípicos na seleção assistida por marcadores (SAM), em características quantitativas com valores de herdabilidade de 0,10; 0,40; e 0,70. Procedeu-se a análise de agrupamento com os desempenhos fenotípicos, cuja finalidade foi obter estruturas de classificação entre as densidades visando à otimização na detecção de QTL. O sistema de simulação genética (Genesys) foi utilizado para três genomas (cada qual constituído de uma única característica cuja distinção estava no valor da herdabilidade) e para as populações base e inicial. Cada população inicial foi submetida à seleção assistida por marcadores por 20 gerações consecutivas, em que os genitores selecionados acasalavam-se seletivamente entre os melhores e os piores. O mapeamento empregando de média a alta densidade de marcadores assinalou eficiência nos progressos fenotípicos obtidos com a SAM. Menores quantidades de marcadores são requeridas para manter determinado poder de detecção de QTL à medida que se eleva a magnitude da herdabilidade. A análise de agrupamento indicou otimização e correspondência nos incrementos fenotípicos ao admitir as densidades de 4 e 6 cM; 4, 6, 8 e 10 cM; e 6 e 8 cM para as herdabilidades de 0,10; 0,40; e 0,70, respectivamente.
Efeito de absorvedor de etileno na conservação de mamão "Golden", armazenado à temperatura ambiente
Authors: Silva Danieele Fabíola Pereira da , Salomão Luiz Carlos Chamhum , Cecon Paulo Roberto , Siqueira Dalmo Lopes de
Published: February 2012

O objetivo foi determinar a dose de permanganato de potássio (KMnO4), associada à embalagem plástica, mais eficiente em retardar o amadurecimento do mamão 'Golden', armazenado sob temperatura ambiente. Conjuntos de três frutos com massa média unitária de 278,8±18,9 g foram embalados em filmes de polietileno de baixa densidade, nos quais foram incluídos sachês, contendo vermiculita impregnada com o KMnO4, nas doses de 0,0; 1,0; 2,0; 3,0 e 4,0 g/ embalagem. Os frutos embalados foram armazenados durante 15 dias, a 20,0 ± 0,5 °C e 90 ± 5% de UR. Após esse período, foram mantidos na mesma temperatura, porém, fora das embalagens. As avaliações foram feitas no dia da retirada das embalagens e nos cinco dias consecutivos. Foram avaliados a concentração de CO2 no interior das embalagens, a produção de CO2, a cor da casca, a perda de massa da matéria fresca do fruto e a firmeza da polpa, o extravasamento de solutos, o teor de sólidos solúveis e a concentração de etanol da polpa. Após 15 dias de permanência nas embalagens, os frutos tratados com KMnO4 apresentaram menores produção de CO2, índice de cor da casca, perda de eletrólitos celulares e teor de etanol, porém, maior firmeza da polpa, quando comparados com frutos sem aplicação de KMnO4, indicando que os frutos não tratados tiveram amadurecimento antecipado. Após a retirada das embalagens, os frutos tratados com KMnO4 permaneceram firmes durante dois dias de avaliação. A dose de 1,0 g de KMnO4/embalagem foi a mais indicada para as condições do experimento.
Qualidade da cebola influenciada pelo estádio de maturação da planta na colheita
Authors: Souza Sandra Oliveira de , Silva Fernanda Cristina , Finger Fernando Luiz , Casali Vicente Wagner Dias , Cecon Paulo Roberto
Published: February 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade dos bulbos de duas variedades de cebola colhidos em três estádios de maturação da planta. Bulbos das variedades Texas Grano e Baia Periforme foram colhidos em 2006 no campo experimental da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, de plantas com 10% de estalo natural, 10% de estalo induzido e 50% de estalo natural. Na colheita foram avaliados a massa da matéria fresca total, o diâmetro, a cor (L*, a* e b*), o teor de massa da matéria seca, os sólidos solúveis totais e o teor relativo de água da polpa e das películas externas do bulbo. No cultivar Texas Grano, a massa da matéria fresca total, o diâmetro e os teores de sólidos solúveis totais foram maiores nos bulbos colhidos com 10 e 50% de estalo natural. O teor relativo de água das películas externas de bulbos variedade Texas Grano foi maior somente quando colhidos com 10% de estalo natural, o que representa bulbos com películas mais úmidas. Bulbos colhidos com 10% de estalo natural e 10% de estalo induzido tiveram valores de L* maiores do que aqueles colhidos com 50% de estalo natural, indicando que a antecipação da colheita reduz a intensidade da cor das películas. O menor valor de b* para a película do bulbo da Texas Grano, colhido com 10% estalo natural, decorre do amarelo menos intenso da casca. No cultivar Baia Periforme, os índices de maturação não influenciaram a massa da matéria fresca total, o diâmetro, teor de massa da matéria seca, o teor de sólidos solúveis totais e os índices de cor a* e b*. O estádio de maturação da planta, na colheita, não influencia o tamanho e o teor de sólidos solúveis dos bulbos na variedade Baia Periforme. Para a Texas Grano, bulbos maiores, com películas mais amareladas e menor teor de umidade são obtidos quando a colheita é realizada com 50% de estalo natural.
Potencialidade de produção de biodiesel por óleos e gorduras residuais na cidade de Itabira-MG
Authors: Alvarenga Betânia Mara , Soares Marcos Antônio
Published: February 2012

Grande parte da energia produzida no Brasil provém de fontes renováveis. Porém, as energias não-renováveis são mais utilizadas, em especial o petróleo, cujas reservas são finitas. Uma alternativa para substituição do diesel é o biodiesel, biocombustível produzido por fontes renováveis ou recicladas, como óleos e gorduras residuais, OGRs, que geram menos poluentes que os combustíveis derivados do petróleo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar, por meio de questionário, a geração de OGRs pelos estabelecimentos comerciais da cidade de Itabira-MG, de forma a avaliar e discutir a potencialidade de produção de biodiesel na localidade em função da oferta de OGRs, retorno financeiro e fatores logísticos. Para isso, na Prefeitura de Itabira foram levantados dados de todos os estabelecimentos que possuem alvará de funcionamento, escolhendo-se os que estão localizados em áreas centrais da cidade. Verificou-se a geração de quantidades insuficientes de óleo de soja e de gordura hidrogenada residuais, inviabilizando no momento a produção de biodiesel em grande escala. Contudo, em relação à simulação feita com os custos de produção do biocombustível, os valores encontrados são compatíveis aos do mercado consumidor. Além disso, um dado preocupante levantado foi a doação dos óleos de soja residuais para a reutilização por pessoas carentes da cidade, um destino perigoso à saúde dessas pessoas.
Ganhos genéticos após seis ciclos de seleção em três populações de cenoura
Authors: Silva Giovani Olegário da , Vieira Jairo Vidal
Published: February 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar os ganhos genéticos em seis sucessivas gerações de seleção para caracteres de raiz em três populações de cenoura. O experimento foi conduzido na Embrapa Hortaliças, em Brasília -DF. Três populações de cenoura derivadas do cultivar Brasília e de origem comum até 2001 foram avaliadas e selecionadas por seis gerações consecutivas nos verões de 1998 a 2003. No verão de 2004, amostras de sementes provenientes de cada ano foram semeadas a campo com delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições e parcelas de 1 m². Aos 90 dias após o semeio, 25 raízes por parcela foram colhidas e avaliadas quanto ao comprimento, diâmetro do xilema e do floema, comprimento da extensão do ombro verde, massa, presença de halo, formato de ponta e de ombro e parâmetros L* a* e b* do xilema e floema. Foram realizadas análise de variância, e comparações de médias entre os tratamentos e calculados os ganhos genéticos com a seleção. Nos últimos seis anos de seleção, não foi possível obter êxito na seleção visual para os caracteres de cor, provavelmente devido à baixa variabilidade de ordem genética, visto que as raízes das populações já são bastante escuras, indicando grande quantidade de β-caroteno. Já para massa e comprimento de raiz, incrementos puderam ser verificados em ambas as populações, com proporcional decréscimo nas médias para os caracteres diâmetro de raiz e floema da raiz.
Efeito de substratos e boro no enraizamento de estacas de pitaya
Authors: Santos Caio Marcio Guimarães , Cerqueira Reginaldo Conceição , Fernandes Luíza Maria de Souza , Rodrigues João Domingos , Ono Elizabeth Orika
Published: February 2012

A pitaya é uma espécie vegetal trepadeira e frutífera, pertencente à família das cactáceas e que vem se destacando no mercado de frutas exóticas no Brasil. Objetivou-se avaliar diferentes substratos no enraizamento de cladódios com a base imersa e não-imersa em solução com ácido bórico, na formação e no desenvolvimento inicial de raízes, visando à obtenção de mudas mais vigorosas, de melhor qualidade e com maiores chances de sobrevivência. O experimento foi conduzido sob ripado no Departamento de Produção Vegetal, setor de Horticultura da Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas no campus de Botucatu, UNESP, São Paulo. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 x 2 (substratos x boro), com quatro repetições. Após 60 dias da instalação do experimento foram avaliados: massa de matérias fresca e seca da parte aérea, massa de matérias fresca e seca das raízes e comprimento da maior raiz. O crescimento e desenvolvimento radicular inicial de estacas são influenciados pelo tipo de substrato e pelo uso do micronutriente boro. A mistura areia + esterco proporciona maior acúmulo de fitomassa na parte aérea e no sistema radicular de pitaya vermelha. Dentre os substratos trabalhados, o mais indicado para a produção de mudas mais vigorosas e de boa qualidade é o preparado à base de mistura de areia + esterco bovino curtido.
Active surveillance of American tegumentary leishmaniasis in endemic areas in rural Bolivia
Authors: Tedesqui Vladimir Luna , Chuquimia Calleja Guido Noel , Parra Rolando , Palacios Pabón Javier , Bóia Márcio Neves , Carvalho-Costa Filipe Anibal
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL), including mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) and localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL), is endemic in Bolivia. We describe the results of active surveillance of ATL from 2001 to 2006 and assess demographic data related to ATL epidemiology in the Yungas valleys. METHODS: Community-based active ATL surveillance was performed by the institutions SERVIR, CÁRITAS, and the Health Services Department of La Paz, whose files were reviewed retrospectively. A cross-sectional survey was carried out to assess demographic data in two communities. RESULTS: Two thousand nine hundred nine cases of ATL were detected from 2001 to 2006: 2,488 (85.5%) corresponded to LCL and 421 (14.5%) to MCL. A reduction in the proportion of mucosal cases was observed between 2001 and 2006. The proportion of MCL cases increased with age and was higher among males (15.5% versus 12.1%, p=0.018). The rate of positivity via direct observation of the parasite in dermal scrapings and in parasite cultivation was significantly higher for LCL than for MCL (p<0.001 and p=0.009, respectively). The rate of reactivity in the leishmanin skin test was higher in the group with mucosal lesions (p=0.012). The cross-sectional survey showed that 40% of the families had emigrated from the Altiplano. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to undertake continuous case detection of ATL in the area, where the disease presents a high rate of mucosal cases. Increasing incidence seems to be associated with immigration and continuous deforestation to expand the crop-growing areas.
Synanthropic triatomines (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil: geographical distribution and natural Trypanosoma infection rates between 2006 and 2007
Authors: Silva Maria Beatriz Araújo , Barreto Ana Virgínia Matos Sá , Silva Helker Albuquerque da , Galvão Cleber , Rocha Dayse , Jurberg José , Gurgel-Gonçalves Rodrigo
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: The present study shows a descriptive analysis of triatomine occurrence and its natural Trypanosoma infection rates in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, between 2006 and 2007. METHODS: Entomological data for the species, such as specimens captured in both intra and peridomiciles and natural infection index, were obtained via domiciliary capture in 147 municipalities from 11 Regional Managements of Health. The database was obtained from a sample of insects (100% infected and 20% non-infected) sent to the Central Laboratory of Pernambuco. RESULTS: A total of 18,029 triatomines were analyzed from 138 municipalities of the state. Triatoma pseudomaculata (35%), Triatoma brasiliensis (34%), and Panstrongylus lutzi (25%) were the most captured species. These species also showed a widespread geographical distribution in the state. Panstrongylus megistus, Triatoma petrocchiae, Triatoma melanocephala, Triatoma sordida, Rhodnius nasutus, Rhodnius neglectus, and Triatoma infestans showed more limited geographical distribution and lower relative abundance. The parasitological research showed that 8.8% of the triatomines were naturally infected with flagellates morphologically similar to Trypanosoma cruzi and 91.3% of them were captured inside houses in 113 municipalities. P. lutzi showed the highest rates of natural infection. CONCLUSIONS: After the control of T. infestans, synanthropic species, such as T. brasiliensis, T. pseudomaculata, and P. lutzi, maintain the risk of T. cruzi transmission to humans in the state of Pernambuco. These species are widely distributed, and infected specimens have been found inside houses. Thus, an enhanced surveillance and vector control of Chagas disease is recommended in Pernambuco.
Epidemiological, clinical, and operational aspects of leprosy patients assisted at a referral service in the state of Maranhão, Brazil
Authors: Corrêa Rita da Graça Carvalhal Frazão , Aquino Dorlene Maria Cardoso de , Caldas Arlene de Jesus Mendes , Amaral Dayse Karen Carneiro Rêgo , França Fábio Silva , Mesquita Emygdia Rosa Rêgo Barros Pires-Leal
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and operational aspects of leprosy carriers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study leprosy patients assisted in São Luis, MA, was performed. RESULTS: Of the 85 cases analyzed, 51.7% were male participants, and 60% were brown. Concerning the age, 54.8% of women were between 35 and 49 years, and 57.6% of men were between 20 and 34 years. Lepromatous leprosy was found in 42.3% of cases, and the multibacillary form was found in 72.9%. The skin smear was positive in 42.3%. The occurrence of reaction was found in 43.5% of cases, and 83.5% had no Bacillus Calmette-Guérin scar. Leprosy in the family was reported by 44.7% of the patients. Most of the individuals (96.4%) lived in houses made of brick with more than three rooms (72.6%) and two persons per room (65.1%). Concerning the level of education, 41.4% of women and 34.1% of men had more than one to three years of education. The most evaluated age group in the beginning of the treatment was that of 35 to 49 years with a Grade 0 incapability (64.5%), and that in the end was the age group of 20 to 34 (29.9%) with Grade 0, 30.7% Grade 1, and 11.5% Grade 2. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of multibacillary forms found in this study and the cases in family members point out delayed diagnoses. Thus, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important in decreasing the outcome of disabilities.
Drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in southern Brazil
Authors: Grutzmacher Laynara Katize , Dalmarco Eduardo Monguilhott , Blatt Solange Lucia , Cordova Caio Mauricio Mendes de
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this work was to evaluate the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT) strains with mutations that could result in resistance to the main drugs used in treatment in a region with one of the highest numbers of tuberculosis (TB) cases in southern Brazil. METHODS: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from 120 sputum samples from different patients suspicious of pulmonary tuberculosis who attended the Municipal Public Laboratory for Mycobacterium sp. diagnosis was directly amplified and analyzed by PCR-SSCP. The DNA was amplified in known hotspot mutation regions of the genes rpoB, ahpC, embB, katG, inhA, and pncA. RESULTS: The percentage of samples positive by culture was 9.2% (11/120); 5% (6/120) were positive by bacilloscopy and MT-PCR, and DNA fragments of the aforementioned resistance genes could be amplified from seven (7) of the eleven (11) samples with positive results, either by culture or PCR/bacilloscopy. All presented a SSCP pattern similar to a native, nonresistant genotype, with the ATCC strain 25177 as control, except for one sample (0.01%), which presented a SSCP profile demonstrating mutation at the embB gene. CONCLUSIONS: These results are consistent with the empirical observations by physicians treating TB patients in our region of a low occurrence of cases that are refractory to conventional treatment schemes, in contrast to other parts of the country. Continued surveillance, especially molecular, is essential to detect and monitor the outbreak of MT-resistant strains.
Geographic analysis on the occurrence of human and canine leptospirosis in the city of Maringá, state of Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Fonzar Udelysses Janete Veltrini , Langoni Hélio
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, the primary hosts of which are wild, synanthropic, and household animals. Humans behave as terminal and accidental hosts. The prevalence of leptospirosis depends on carrier animals that disseminate the agent, on the environmental survival of this agent, and on the contact of susceptible individuals. Each serovar has one or more hosts with different adaptation levels. The focuses of leptospirosis are infected, sick, and asymptomatic animals, which are considered to be sources of environmental infection. This study aimed to determine the risk areas for leptospiral infection in stray dogs and patients diagnosed with leptospirosis from 2006 to 2008 in Maringá, State of Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: Three hundred and thirty-five stray dogs and 25 patients were studied. Serum from both animals and patients was examined by the microscopic serum agglutination test to study anti-leptospiral antibodies. To determine the risk areas and the spatial distribution of the disease, thematic maps were designed. RESULTS: Forty-one (12.2%) dogs positive for one or more leptospire serovars were observed, the most frequent serovars being Pyrogenes (43.9%), Canícola (21.9%), and Copennhageni (19.5%). Among the humans, 2 (8%) were positive for serovars Pyrogenes and Hardjo Prajitno and for Pyrogenes and Cynopteri. CONCLUSIONS: Spatial analysis showed that the risk for dogs and humans in the City of Maringá to become infected with leptospires exists in both the central and the peripheral areas, a fact that reinforces the relevance of this study and of continuous epidemiological and environmental surveillance actions to control the disease in animals and in humans.
Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in the region of Saquarema: potential area of visceral leishmaniasis transmission in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Brazil Reginaldo Peçanha , Pontes Michelle Cristina de Queiroz , Passos Wagner Lança , Fuzari Andressa Alencaste , Brazil Beatriz Gomes
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: Lutzomyia longipalpis is the main vector of Leishmania infantum chagasi in the Americas. METHODS: Phlebotomine captures were conducted during 2008 and 2009 in a rural area endemic for cutaneous leishmaniasis located in the municipality of Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro. RESULTS: Among other species captured, we observed the presence of Lutzomyia longipalpis. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of the occurrence of Lutzomyia longipalpis in this region, demonstrating the potential risk of visceral leishmaniasis transmission in the coastal area of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Therefore, active vigilance by all municipalities in the area is necessary.
Fauna of Culicidae in rural areas of Porto Velho and the first record of Mansonia (Mansonia) flaveola (Coquillet, 1906), for the state of Rondônia, Brazil
Authors: Gama Renata Antonaci , Silva Ivoneide Maria da , Monteiro Hamilton Antônio de Oliveira , Eiras Álvaro Eduardo
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge concerning the fauna of Culicidae in the Brazilian Amazon States contributes to current understanding of the bionomics of the insects collected and makes it possible to observe changes in the fauna over time. METHODS: The Culicidae were captured with a BG-Sentinel® trap in extra-domiciliary area of two rural regions of Porto Velho in June and July of 2007 and 2008. RESULTS: A total of 10,695 Culicidae was collected, belonging to nine genera: Coquillettidia, Culex, Mansonia, Psorophora, Aedes, Aedeomyia, Anopheles, Uranotaenia and Wyeomyia. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of Mansonia (Mansonia) flaveola was recorded in the State of Rondônia for the first time.
A resposta das politécnicas finlandesas aos desafios das políticas de inovação e de desenvolvimento regional
Authors: Lyytinen Anu , Hölttä Seppo
Published: February 2012

Este trabalho apresenta uma análise do desenvolvimento recente de uma parte do ensino superior na Finlândia. Seu objetivo é analisar como as politécnicas finlandesas reagiram às novas exigências para que se tornassem responsivas às necessidades regionais e como elas construíram as competências necessárias para esse engajamento regional. O quadro de referência teórica central são os elementos de mudança institucional descritos por Burton Clark (1998) em sua análise sobre as universidades empreendedoras. Em particular, o artigo focaliza os canais e interfaces que essas instituições estabeleceram com outros atores no âmbito regional.
Políticas de ciência, tecnologia e inovação na América Latina: as respostas da comunidade científica
Authors: Balbachevsky Elizabeth
Published: February 2012

Esse trabalho tem por objetivo analisar os padrões de interação que se estabelecem entre cientistas e o ambiente externo à academia, propondo uma tipologia para dar conta de posturas do cientista com relação a essa interação e explorar os desafios que essas diferenças colocam para a política de ciência, tecnologia e inovação contemporânea. O objeto empírico deste trabalho são 16 estudos de caso realizados junto a grupos que se distinguem pela relevância e importância no cenário científico de 4 países da América Latina (Argentina, Brasil, Chile e México). A análise dos casos estudados mostra que a existência de um mandato institucional forte na direção de uma colaboração estratégica, apoiado em mecanismos de avaliação que reconheçam e direcionem as atividades de cooperação com atores sociais é um fator importante para viabilizar um formato de interação que redunde em ganhos estratégicos para o cientista, na produção de conhecimento socialmente robusto.
Novos horizontes para a produção científica e tecnológica
Authors: Sobral Fernanda Antônia da Fonseca
Published: February 2012

O presente artigo traça, inicialmente, uma visão panorâmica das novas tendências da produção do conhecimento. Nelas, destacam-se a importância assumida pela interação entre o conhecimento e a sociedade e outros aspectos como aplicabilidade e interdisciplinaridade do conhecimento, com a finalidade de contextualizar e descrever, nas suas principais características, alguns programas recentes de apoio à ciência e tecnologia (Fundos Setoriais, Institutos do Milênio e Institutos Nacionais de Ciência e Tecnologia). Finalmente, discutem-se alguns resultados de pesquisa realizada junto a pesquisadores de algumas áreas das Engenharias e da Sociologia, procurando apontar novos horizontes nas suas agendas de pesquisa.
A permeabilidade social das carreiras do ensino superior
Authors: Barbosa Maria Ligia de Oliveira , Santos Clarissa Tagliari
Published: February 2012

Este artigo propõe-se a analisar as diferenças entre cursos pertencentes a três áreas de conhecimento (ciências biológicas, exatas e humanas) quanto à sua capacidade para oferecer maior igualdade de oportunidades no momento de expansão e diversificação do ensino superior brasileiro. O estudo foi realizado a partir dos microdados do Exame Nacional de Desempenho dos Estudantes (ENADE), combinando a nota geral da prova às respostas do questionário socioeconômico dos alunos, de forma a avaliar as associações entre o financiamento dos estudos de graduação e o desempenho e permanência nos diferentes cursos. Ao mesmo tempo em que os resultados confirmam as diferenças entre as áreas de conhecimento, também indicam a importância desses mecanismos de custeio das despesas para a finalização dos cursos. Verificam-se diferenças significativas em cada curso quanto ao desempenho associado a cada tipo de bolsa e de financiamento.
Sentimentos das mães de crianças com paralisia cerebral à luz da teoria de Mishel
Authors: Gondim Kamilla de Mendonça , Carvalho Zuila Maria de Figueiredo
Published: February 2012

As crianças com paralisia cerebral sofrem com as consequências da lesão ao cérebro, apresentando dificuldades que afetam as atividades da vida diária. A família, principalmente a mãe, deve receber apoio dos profissionais para enfrentar o problema. Este estudo objetivou analisar a incerteza das mães quanto à doença de seus filhos com base na Teoria da Incerteza na Doença de Mishel. É um estudo descritivo e qualitativo, realizado em duas instituições públicas especializadas em distúrbios neuromotor da cidade Fortaleza, nos meses de julho e agosto de 2009. Foram entrevistadas 12 mães de crianças com paralisia cerebral por meio de um formulário com as variáveis sócio-econômico-sanitário-demográficas e um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturado baseado na Teoria de Mishel, na versão pais/filhos. Constatamos que as mães apresentam muitas incertezas, principalmente quanto ao futuro da criança. Tais incertezas podem ser reduzidas mediante apoio e orientação dos profissionais de saúde, melhorando, assim, a qualidade de vida de todos os envolvidos.
A vivência de mães de bebês com malformação
Authors: Roecker Simone , Mai Lilian Denise , Baggio Simone Cristina , Mazzola Jocimara Costa , Marcon Sonia Silva
Published: February 2012

O objetivo do estudo foi conhecer e compreender a vivência de mães diante do diagnóstico e nascimento de bebês com malformação. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritivo-exploratória, de natureza qualitativa, desenvolvida em Maringá- PR, com sete mães. Os dados foram coletados em abril de 2009, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, e analisados mediante a análise de conteúdo. Os dados mostraram que os diferentes momentos do ciclo gravídico-puerperal apresentam fatos e emoções distintos, mas completamente interligados, destacando-se momentos como a constatação da malformação, geralmente durante a gravidez, a sua confirmação ao nascimento e a vivência com o bebê após o nascimento. Conclui-se que a descoberta e confirmação da malformação produz crise e negação das expectativas na mãe e em todos os membros da família, desencadeando mudanças em seu modo de viver; porém, aos poucos, a mãe demonstra superação e aprende maneiras para enfrentar o problema e os preconceitos ligados à malformação.
Gênese do serviço de enfermagem do Hospital Federal de Bonsucesso: contribuição da escola Ana Néri
Authors: Silva Camila Pureza Guimarães , Baptista Suely de Souza , Barreira Ieda de Alencar , Progianti Jane Márcia , Peres Maria Angélica de Almeida , Santos Tânia Cristina Franco
Published: February 2012

O objeto deste estudo é a implantação do Serviço de Enfermagem no Hospital do Instituto de Aposentadoria e Pensões dos Empregados em Transportes e Cargas, atual Hospital Federal de Bonsucesso, no período 1946-1948. Seu objetivo é discutir a participação da Escola Ana Néri nesse processo. Fontes primárias: documentos escritos e depoimentos orais. Fontes secundárias: bibliografias acerca da temática. A abordagem teórico-metodológica apoiou-se em conceitos dos sociólogos Pierre Bourdieu e Maria Cecília Minayo. Evidenciou-se que a contribuição da Escola Ana Néri além de ter sido decisiva para o sucesso da implantação do Serviço de Enfermagem no Hospital do Instituto de Aposentadoria e Pensões dos Empregados em Transportes e Cargas também contribuiu para reforçar sua posição no espaço hospitalar da capital federal no governo Dutra.
Conhecimento e utilização de medidas de precaução-padrão por profissionais de saúde
Authors: Silva Gláucia Sarmento da , Almeida Adilson José de , Paula Vanessa Salete de , Villar Livia Melo
Published: February 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever o conhecimento sobre medidas de precaução-padrão (MPP), bem como analisar a sua utilização entre 266 profissionais de saúde do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Foi utilizado um questionário autoaplicável com três domínios: A - Identificação e capacitação profissional; B - Conhecimento e suporte após acidente biológico; C - Utilização de MPP em atividades profissionais. Na população estudada, 174 (65,4%) relataram ter feito nos últimos dois anos algum curso de atualização em sua área, 106 (39,8%) fizeram algum curso contendo temas de biossegurança, e 31,9% relataram acidente de trabalho anteriormente. Observamos que os acidentados tinham maior mediana de idade e tempo de conclusão de curso. Concluímos que a maioria dos profissionais reconhece e utiliza as principais MPPs, porém uma parcela desta população ainda não utiliza estas medidas. É importante a capacitação em biossegurança a fim de minimizar o risco durante a atividade profissional.