bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sperm wars and the evolution of male fertility
Authors: Simmons Leigh W , Fitzpatrick John L
Published: September 2012

Females frequently mate with several males, whose sperm then compete to fertilize available ova. Sperm competition represents a potent selective force that is expected to shape male expenditure on the ejaculate. Here, we review empirical data that illustrate the evolutionary consequences of sperm competition. Sperm competition favors the evolution of increased testes size and sperm production. In some species, males appear capable of adjusting the number of sperm ejaculated, depending on the perceived levels of sperm competition. Selection is also expected to act on sperm form and function, although the evidence for this remains equivocal. Comparative studies suggest that sperm length and swimming speed may increase in response to selection from sperm competition. However, the mechanisms driving this pattern remain unclear. Evidence that sperm length influences sperm swimming speed is mixed and fertilization trials performed across a broad range of species demonstrate inconsistent relationships between sperm form and function. This ambiguity may in part reflect the important role that seminal fluid proteins (sfps) play in affecting sperm function. There is good evidence that sfps are subject to selection from sperm competition, and recent work is pointing to an ability of males to adjust their seminal fluid chemistry in response to sperm competition from rival males. We argue that future research must consider sperm and seminal fluid components of the ejaculate as a functional unity. Research at the genomic level will identify the genes that ultimately control male fertility.
A Decision Rule for Quantitative Trait Locus Detection Under the Extended Bayesian LASSO Model
Authors: Mutshinda Crispin M , Sillanpää Mikko J
Published: September 2012

Bayesian shrinkage analysis is arguably the state-of-the-art technique for large-scale multiple quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. However, when the shrinkage model does not involve indicator variables for marker inclusion, QTL detection remains heavily dependent on significance thresholds derived from phenotype permutation under the null hypothesis of no phenotype-to-genotype association. This approach is computationally intensive and more importantly, the hypothetical data generation at the heart of the permutation-based method violates the Bayesian philosophy. Here we propose a fully Bayesian decision rule for QTL detection under the recently introduced extended Bayesian LASSO for QTL mapping. Our new decision rule is free of any hypothetical data generation and relies on the well-established Bayes factors for evaluating the evidence for QTL presence at any locus. Simulation results demonstrate the remarkable performance of our decision rule. An application to real-world data is considered as well.
Epigenetic Regulation of Axonal Growth ofDrosophilaPacemaker Cells by Histone Acetyltransferase Tip60 Controls Sleep
Authors: Pirooznia Sheila K , Chiu Kellie , Chan May T , Zimmerman John E , Elefant Felice
Published: September 2012

Tip60 is a histone acetyltransferase (HAT) enzyme that epigenetically regulates genes enriched for neuronal functions through interaction with the amyloid precursor protein (APP) intracellular domain. However, whether Tip60-mediated epigenetic dysregulation affects specific neuronal processes in vivo and contributes to neurodegeneration remains unclear. Here, we show that Tip60 HAT activity mediates axonal growth of the Drosophila pacemaker cells, termed “small ventrolateral neurons” (sLNvs), and their production of the neuropeptide pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) that functions to stabilize Drosophila sleep–wake cycles. Using genetic approaches, we show that loss of Tip60 HAT activity in the presence of the Alzheimer’s disease-associated APP affects PDF expression and causes retraction of the sLNv synaptic arbor required for presynaptic release of PDF. Functional consequence of these effects is evidenced by disruption of the sleep–wake cycle in these flies. Notably, overexpression of Tip60 in conjunction with APP rescues these sleep–wake disturbances by inducing overelaboration of the sLNv synaptic terminals and increasing PDF levels, supporting a neuroprotective role for dTip60 in sLNv growth and function under APP-induced neurodegenerative conditions. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism for Tip60 mediated sleep–wake regulation via control of axonal growth and PDF levels within the sLNv-encompassing neural network and provide insight into epigenetic-based regulation of sleep disturbances observed in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
Leaf gas exchange and competitive ability of Zea mays and Sorghum halepense as affected by water competition
Authors: Acciaresi H. , Yanniccari M. , Leguizamón E. , Guiamet J.
Published: September 2012

In an environment involving water deficit and competition, weed species may show inefficient water use. The aim was to determine the water consumption strategy of Zea mays and Sorghum halepense and the effects of these strategies on crop and weed competitive ability.Under two soil water availability conditions, the soil and leaf water potential (Ψl), relative water content (RWC) and leaf gas exchange parameters were measured during the critical period of crop competition in pot experiments where Z. mays and S. halepense were grown alone or in competition. In addition, the relative yield total and aggressivity index of both species were calculated.S. halepense showed continuous absorption of water, reaching a lower Ψl than the Z. mays hybrids. S. halepense maintained a RWC of above 90%, which only decreased to 70% in the case of competition for low water supplies. In Z. mays, RWC declined to values of 70% at both water levels. S. halepense exhibited active leaf gas exchange. Z. mays hybrids had lower competitive ability than S. halepense at both competition levels due to their conservative water use strategy. Sustained water use by the weed could be the cause of the increased aggressivity of S. halepense under water deficit conditions.
Weed competition in maize (Zea mays L.) as a function of the timing of hand-hoeing weed control in the southern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria
Authors: Takim F.
Published: September 2012

Field studies were conducted in 2010 and 2011 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria (9°29′ N, 4°35′ E) to evaluate the effect of early weed competition on the growth and yield of maize. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block (RCBD) with a split-plot arrangement and three replications. The main plots consisted of three weed control treatments included weedy (no herbicide), grass weeds (pre-emergence atrazine) and broadleaf weeds (pre-emergence metolachlor), while the sub-plots consisted of six durations of weed infestation (3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 weeks after emergence). The pre-emergence herbicides had a greater effect on weed density and weed dry weight. Weed seedling emergence and weed dry weight increased significantly with an increase in the duration of weed interference. The grasses and broadleaf weeds had a similar influence on the growth and grain yield of maize. Three to five weeks of weed interference gave similar grain yields, which were significantly higher than those obtained in plots that had 6-8 weeks of weed interference. These results suggest that the maize crop must be kept free of weeds for 6-8 weeks after the application of pre-emergence herbicide to minimize weed-crop competition and harvest a good grain yield.
Hormonal imprinting in the unicellular Tetrahymena: The proto-model of epigenetics
Authors: Csaba György
Published: September 2012

The unicellular ciliate,Tetrahymenahas a complete hormonal system. It has receptors for receiving hormones, produces, stores and secretes hormones, similar to mammalian ones and has signal transduction pathways, for transmitting the information given by the hormones. The first encounter with a hormone provokes the hormonal imprinting under the effect of which the further encounters with the same hormone induces altered (usually enhanced) reaction (hormone binding, hormone synthesis, chemoattraction, movement, growth etc.). The effect of imprinting is durable, it can be observed also after 1000 generations, or after one year in non-dividing cells. Receptors of the nuclear envelope also can be imprinted. The plasma membrane receptors provoked by imprinting are similar to the receptors of mammals. Although steroid hormones are not present inTetrahymena, the production of them and their receptors can be induced by imprinting. The hormonal imprinting is an epigenetic process and inhibition of DNA-methylation alters the imprinting. Hormonal imprinting inTetrahymenawas likely the first epigenetic phenomenon which was justified at cellular level. It is very useful for the unicells, as it helps to avoid dangerous molecules more easily or to find useful ones and by this contributes to the permanence of the population’s life.
Seed mycoflora of Ephedra aphylla and amino acid profile of seed-borne Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Al-Qarawi Abdulaziz , Hashem Abeer , Abd-Allah Elsayed
Published: September 2012

Twenty-seven seed samples of Ephedra aphylla were collected from different rangelands in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia during seed production season of 2010. They were assessed to determine the incidence of seedborne fungal flora using both agar plate and blotter paper methods. The investigation of the seeds yielded thirty four fungal species belonging to twelve genera, which are new record to seed-brone mycoflora of E. aphylla in Saudi Arabia. The agar plate method was found superior over blotter methods. The genus Aspergillus was the most prevalent one followed by Fusarium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Chaetomium. Only eighteen isolates of A. flavus (∼ 28.6% of total isolates) were able to produce aflatoxins. Mycelial amino acids profile of selected aflatoxigenic isolates of A. flavus was investigated and five amino acids, namely cystein, lysine, praline, tryptophan and valine were common in mycelia and all of them were aflatoxins producers. Based on the dissimilarity coefficient between the isolates and their amino acids patterns, high diversity among the population of A. flavus has been recorded.
Suppression of ConA-induced inflammatory ascites by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice
Authors: Baintner Károly
Published: September 2012

The effect of pre-treatment with Escherichia coli O83 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on concanavalin A-induced ascites was examined. The LPS was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) in different doses to mice, and then ascites was induced by i.p. administration of concanavalin A (ConA) (25 mg/kg b.w.). After 2.5 h the mice were killed and the ascitic fluid was collected and measured. The LPS produced a marked and dose-dependent inhibition of ConA-induced ascites and the effect of pre-treatment lasted up to almost a week. Complete inhibition could not be achieved. If administered alone, LPS did not produce ascites.It is well known that LPS enhances vascular permeability in several tissues, but the present work shows that peritoneal permeability is not enhanced by this agent. Suppression of ConA-induces ascites may be explained by the hypotonic effect of LPS.
Toxicity of neem's oil, a potential biocide against the invasive mussel Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker 1857)
Authors: Pereyra Patricio J. , Rossini Gustavo B. , Darrigran Gustavo
Published: September 2012

The golden mussel Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker 1857) is one of the most distributed Nuisance Invasive Species (NIS) in South America, and a threat of great concern for the industry of the area. In this study, we carried out toxicity tests made with a Neem's oil solution with L. fortunei larvae and benthonic adults (7, 13 and 19 ± 1 mm). Tests with non-target species (Daphnia magna, Lactuca sativa and Cnesterodon decemmculatus) were also made with the aim to evaluate the potential toxicity of the Neem's solution in the environment. The LC100 of Neem's solution obtained for larvae was 500 µl/L, a value much higher than the one obtained for D. magna and C. decemmaculatus. Thus, we recommend that it should not be used in open waters. However, since the adults were killed in 72 h and the larvae in 24 h, this product can be used in closed systems, in man-made facilities.
Disfunção hipotalâmica na obesidade
Authors: van de Sande-Lee Simone , Velloso Licio A.
Published: September 2012

A obesidade, definida como o acúmulo excessivo ou anormal de gordura que pode causar dano à saúde do indivíduo, é considerada atualmente um dos principais problemas de saúde pública. Resulta de um desequilíbrio entre a ingestão alimentar e o gasto corporal de energia. O controle do balanço energético de animais e seres humanos é realizado pelo sistema nervoso central (SNC) por meio de conexões neuroendócrinas, em que hormônios periféricos circulantes, como a leptina e a insulina, sinalizam neurônios especializados do hipotálamo sobre os estoques de gordura do organismo e induzem respostas apropriadas para a manutenção da estabilidade desses estoques. A maioria dos casos de obesidade se associa a um quadro de resistência central à ação da leptina e da insulina. Em animais de experimentação, a dieta hiperlipídica é capaz de induzir um processo inflamatório no hipotálamo, que interfere com as vias intracelulares de sinalização por esses hormônios, resultando em hiperfagia, diminuição do gasto de energia e, por fim, obesidade. Evidências recentes obtidas por intermédio de estudos de neuroimagem e avaliação de marcadores inflamatórios no líquido cefalorraquidiano de indivíduos obesos sugerem que alterações semelhantes podem estar presentes também em seres humanos. Nesta revisão, apresentamos sumariamente os mecanismos envolvidos com a perda do controle homeostático do balanço energético em modelos animais de obesidade e as evidências atuais de disfunção hipotalâmica em humanos obesos.
Derrame pericárdico maciço como manifestação inicial do hipotireoidismo
Authors: Thirone Ana Cláudia Pelegrinelli , Danieli Rafael Vinícius , Ribeiro Vanessa Marajó Fernandes Corrêa
Published: September 2012

Este estudo visa relatar um caso raro de derrame pericárdico maciço como manifestação inicial do hipotireoidismo. Paciente de 21 anos, feminina, previamente hígida, iniciou quadro súbito de dispneia ao repouso e edema de membros inferiores. Após internação, exames laboratoriais de rotina evidenciaram hipotireoidismo (TSH 146,14 mUI/L). Também foi realizado ecocardiograma, o qual mostrou derrame pericárdico importante. Instituiu-se terapêutica com levotiroxina, obtendo-se melhora do quadro sem necessidade de pericardiocentese. Após a alta hospitalar, a paciente foi acompanhada por 1 ano, com remissão total da dispneia e do edema. No entanto, iniciou com sintomatologia típica de hipotireoidismo e permaneceu com astenia, dislipidemia, ganho de peso e discreto derrame pericárdico ao final de 1 ano, mesmo com a otimização da dose de levotiroxina. Destaca-se, com esse caso, a necessidade de investigação precoce do hipotireoidismo em pacientes com derrame pericárdico.
Neurological disorders associated with glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies: a Brazilian series
Authors: Fernandes Maurício , Munhoz Renato P. , Carrilho Paulo Eduardo Mestrinelli , Arruda Walter O. , Lorenzoni Paulo J. , Scola Rosana H. , Werneck Lineu César , Teive Hélio A. G.
Published: September 2012

Neurological disorders associated with glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies are rare pleomorphic diseases of uncertain cause, of which stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is the best-known. Here, we described nine consecutive cases of neurological disorders associated with anti-GAD, including nine patients with SPS and three cases with cerebellar ataxia. Additionally, four had hypothyroidism, three epilepsy, two diabetes mellitus and two axial myoclonus.
Clinical features and treatment with botulinum toxin in blepharospasm: a 17-year experience
Authors: Aquino Camila Catherine , Felício Andre C. , Castro Pollyanna Celso Felipe de , Oliveira Ricardo Araujo , Silva Sonia Maria Cesar Azevedo , Borges Vanderci , Ferraz Henrique Ballalai
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE: It was to analyze clinical aspects of patients with blepharospasm, including outcomes of botulinum toxin treatment. Additionally, clinical characteristics of isolated blepharospasm were compared to those of blepharospasm plus other movement disorders. METHODS: Clinical data recorded during 17 years were reviewed. The variables included age, gender, age of onset, past medical history, head trauma, smoking history, family history of dystonia, severity, duration of botulinum toxin relief and adverse effects. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients were included and 75.2% were female. The mean age of onset was 54.3 years; 89.6% of the individuals started with contractions in eye region, and 39.2% of them spread to lower face or neck. Isolated blepharospasm group was compared with blepharospasm-plus group for demographic and clinical features, and therapeutic outcomes, without significant differences. Botulinum toxin treatment improved the severity of contractions (p=0.01) with low rate of side effects (14%). CONCLUSIONS: Both groups - isolated blepharospasm and blepharospasm-plus - shared similar results concerning epidemiology, clinical features and therapeutic response to botulinum toxin.
Performance of fixed-pressure valve with antisiphon device SPHERA® in hydrocephalus treatment and overdrainage prevention
Authors: Pinto Fernando Campos Gomes , Pereira Renan Muralho , Saad Felippe , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen
Published: September 2012

Patients with hydrocephalus and risk factors for overdrainage may be submitted to ventricular shunt (VS) implant with antisiphon device. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate for two years the clinical and tomographic results of the implant of fixed-pressure valves with antisiphon device SPHERA® in 35 adult patients, with hydrocephalus and risk factors for overdrainage. Of these, 3 had congenital hydrocephalus in adult patients with very dilated ventricles (Evans index >50%), 3 had symptomatic overdrainage after previous VS implant (subdural hematoma, hygroma or slit ventricle syndrome), 1 had previous chronic subdural hematoma, 15 had normal pressure hydrocephalus with final lumbar pressure <5 cm H2O after tap test (40 mL), 6 had pseudotumor cerebri, and 7 had hydrocephalus due to other causes. Clinical improvement was observed and sustained in 94.3% of the patients during the two-year period with no computed tomography (CT) evidence of hypo or overdrainage, and no immediate early or late significant complications.
The pterional craniotomy: tips and tricks
Authors: Chaddad-Neto Feres , Campos Filho José Maria , Dória-Netto Hugo Leonardo , Faria Mario H. , Ribas Guilherme Carvalhal , Oliveira Evandro
Published: September 2012

This review intended to describe in a didactic and practical manner the frontotemporosphenoidal craniotomy, which is usually known as pterional craniotomy and constitute the cranial approach mostly utilized in the modern neurosurgery. This is, then, basically a descriptive text, divided according to the main stages involved in this procedure, and describes with details how the authors currently perform this craniotomy.
O não reconhecimento sistemático e a prática da crítica: Bourdieu, Boltanski e o papel da teoria crítica
Authors: Celikates Robin , Mattos Fernando Costa
Published: September 2012

A "virada pragmática" proposta por Boltanski e outros não deveria levar-nos a abandonar o projeto da Teoria Crítica, como se toda a crítica necessária já estivesse articulada nas práticas cotidianas de crítica. As capacidades reflexivas dos atores "ordinários" e suas práticas de justificação e crítica, que são convincentemente reconstruídas pela sociologia da crítica, constituem a base social e metodológica da teoria crítica. Isso não deveria, contudo, levar-nos a atribuir uma autoridade epistêmica à perspectiva dos participantes que seja imune a ser colocada em questão de um ponto de vista informado em termos teóricos.
Tudo é interseccional?: Sobre a relação entre racismo e sexismo
Authors: Kerner Ina , Tavolari Bianca
Published: September 2012

O artigo propõe a diferenciação de quatro modos de relação entre racismo e sexismo. O primeiro estabelece semelhanças; o segundo, diferenças entre eles; o terceiro, acoplamentos entre ambos, e o quarto, cruzamentos, entrelaçamentos ou intersecções. Um modelo crítico que abarque semelhanças, diferenças, ligações e intersecções permite uma compreensão das relações entre racismo e sexismo mais abrangente do que a tentativa de formular a relação em apenas uma dimensão.
Brasil, sociedade nacional-dependente
Authors: Bresser-Pereira Luiz Carlos
Published: September 2012

A história do Brasil desde a independência pode ser dividida em três grandes ciclos políticos, e, desde 1930, é possível distinguir cinco pactos políticos ou coalizões de classe. Desde 1930 esses pactos são nacionalistas. Apenas nos anos 1990 as elites brasileiras se renderam à hegemonia neoliberal. No entanto, desde meados dos anos 2000 estão recuperando sua ideia de nação. A principal tese deste artigo é que as elites e a sociedade brasileiras são "nacionais-dependentes", isto é, são ambíguas e contraditórias, cuja definição exige um oxímoro. Hoje, procuram uma síntese entre os dois últimos ciclos políticos - entre justiça social e desenvolvimento econômico no quadro de um regime democrático.
Monumento e sombra na Brasília de Marcel Gautherot
Authors: Espada Heloisa
Published: September 2012

Em Brasília, a objetividade e a clareza das fotografias de Marcel Gautherot, quando combinadas à presença marcante de sombras densas e perspectivas agudas, as tornam semelhantes, do ponto de vista formal, às obras iniciais do pintor italiano Giorgio de Chirico. Partindo dessa comparação, o artigo coteja a perspectiva do fotógrafo com os propósitos de Lucio Costa e Oscar Niemeyer, e com interpretações literárias e críticas que descrevem Brasília como uma paisagem "metafísica" e "surrealista".
Micropropagation of Homalomena pineodora Sulaiman & Boyce (Araceae): a new species from Malaysia
Authors: Stanly Christine , Bhatt Arvind , Sulaiman Baharuddin , Keng Chan Lai
Published: September 2012

Homalomena pineodora (family Araceae) is a species found to have impressive foliage characteristics which remain evergreen throughout the year. Therefore, H. pineodora can be grown as an ornamental plant. Generally H. pineodora needs 3-5 years to propagate and multiply. However, the demand for new ornamental plants is increasing worldwide and the quality of planting material is a basic need for boosting productivity. Therefore an efficient micropropagation protocol for large-scale production of H. pineodora was developed. In vitro shoot cultures were initiated from the rhizomatous buds on MS basal medium. The best conditions for propagating H. pineodora was found to be MS medium supplemented with 3% sucrose and 0.5 mg L-1 BA (6-benzyladenine) under 24 h of cool fluorescent light which produced an average of 3.8 shoot per explant. Presence of an auxin was not necessary for plantlet production. Liquid MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L-1 BA, enhanced the shoot production of H. pineodora as compared to agar-gelled medium with same composition. All the in vitro plantlets of H. pineodora were successfully acclimatized with 100% survival rate. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the similarity of leaf microstructures between the in vitro and mother plants of H. pineodora.
Homeopathic and high dilution preparations for pest management to tomato crop under organic production system
Authors: Modolon Tatiani A , Boff Pedro , Boff Mari Inês C , Miquelluti David José
Published: September 2012

Tomato crops (Solanum lycopersicum) under conventional production system are constantly treated against pest and diseases, with organic synthetic pesticides that are used may cause serious disturbance to environment and human health. This research was carried out in order to study the effect of homeopathic and high dilution preparations on pests and diseases management of tomato crop under organic production system. Two experiments were conducted under field conditions and one in greenhouse. All of them in randomized block design with the cultivar Santa Cruz Kada. The treatments consisted of homeopathic preparations Staphysagria, Arsenicum album, Sulphur, Arnica montana, high dilution preparations of Solanum lycopersicum and Solanum aculeatissimum, at the decimal (DH) or centesimal (CH) scale of hahnemanian high dilution. Bordeaux mixture, cupric preparation, and Bacillus thuringiensis were also included in weight doses. The preparation Arnica montana 12DH increased the tomato yield under field conditions. The damage incidence of small borer was efficiently reduced with applications of Sulphur 12CH that equalling to B. thuringiensis. The same treatment did not reduce the large borers. B. thuringiensis reduced also the septoria leaf spot incidence in the field. In greenhouse, the high dilution preparation of tomato at 12DH completely suppressed the septoria leaf spot and drastically reduced the same disease at 24DH. The homeopathic and high dilution preparations have the potential to be effective on replacing pesticides that are used on tomato, and could be suitable to fill legal requirement for organic production system.
Genetic diversity of tropical-adapted onion germplasm assessed by RAPD markers
Authors: Santos Maria do Desterro M dos , Ragassi Carlos Francisco , Fonseca Maria Esther de N , Buzar Anne Gizelle R , Oliveira Valter R , Melo Paulo César T de , Boiteux Leonardo S
Published: September 2012

Onion is a crop of significant socioeconomic importance to Brazil. Onion germplasm with adaptation to tropical and sub-tropical conditions has played an important role in the development of this crop in the country. In this context, we studied the genetic diversity in a germplasm collection potentially useful for the development of cultivars for tropical and subtropical regions. The genetic variability of 21 accessions/cultivars that have been used as germplasm and/or were developed by onion breeding programs in Brazil was evaluated via RAPD markers. The following accessions were included in the study :'Red Creole', 'Roxa IPA-3', 'Valenciana 14', 'Beta Cristal', 'Diamante', 'Composto IPA-6', 'Aurora', 'Bojuda Rio Grande', 'Alfa Tropical', 'Pêra IPA-4', 'Primavera', 'Belém IPA-9', 'Crioula Alto Vale', 'Conquista', 'Pira-Ouro', 'Vale-Ouro IPA-11', 'Franciscana IPA-10', 'Serrana', 'CNPH 6400', 'Petroline', and 'Baia Periforme'. From the 520 primers used in the initial screening only 38 displayed stable polymorphisms. They produced 624 amplicons, of which 522 (83.7%) were monomorphic and 102 (16.3%) were polymorphic. An average similarity coefficient of 0.72 was calculated among accessions based upon this subgroup of polymorphic amplicons. This allowed the discrimination of this germplasm collection into six groups with only one of them comprising more than one accession. The main group was formed by 16 accessions ('Diamante', 'Composto IPA-6', 'Aurora', 'Bojuda Rio Grande', 'Conquista', 'Pira-Ouro', 'Serrana', 'Vale-Ouro IPA-11', 'Baia Periforme', 'Primavera', 'Franciscana IPA-10', 'Belém IPA-9', 'Crioula Alto Vale', 'Petroline', 'Pêra IPA-4' and 'Alfa Tropical'), for which the genetic origin (with few exceptions) can be traced back to the variety 'Baia Periforme'. The populations 'Red Creole', 'Roxa IPA-3', 'Beta Cristal', 'CNPH 6400', and 'Valenciana 14' comprised a set of five isolated groups, showing genetic divergence among them and in relation to main 'Baia Periforme' group. This germplasm displayed a relatively low genetic diversity, with the predominance of materials originated from the base population 'Baia Periforme'. There are, however, some accessions, which can add genetic diversity to this germplasm and they can be exploited by onion breeding programs aiming to develop cultivars for tropical regions of the world.
O direito à terra como um direito humano: a luta pela reforma agrária e o movimento de direitos humanos no Brasil
Authors: Reis Rossana Rocha
Published: September 2012

O objetivo deste texto é analisar, por meio da história recente dos movimentos sociais que lutam pela reforma agrária no Brasil, a construção do direito à terra como um direito humano. A partir dos anos de 1970, a interação de movimentos camponeses da Igreja Católica progressista e da rede transnacional de direitos humanos confluiu na produção dessa ideia da posse da terra como um direito humano, que marcou não apenas a luta pela terra no Brasil, como também influenciou a forma como o próprio movimento de direitos humanos foi construído no país e na maneira como ele se inseriu nessa rede transnacional de ativistas.
Uma Comissão da Verdade no Brasil? Desafios e perspectivas para integrar direitos humanos e democracia
Authors: Neves Raphael
Published: September 2012

Este artigo busca avaliar a criação da Comissão Nacional da Verdade no Brasil e o esforço desta para integrar direitos humanos e meios democráticos de apurar violações passadas. Primeiramente, ele tenta estabelecer uma visão normativa de acordo com a qual a Lei de Anistia de 1979 não é válida porque viola o que Rainer Forst chama de "direito básico à justificação". Além disso, revê e critica à fundamentação normativa das decisões da Corte Interamericana de Direitos Humanos, que recentemente condenou o Estado brasileiro. De acordo com a visão dessa corte, o único modo legítimo que um país tem de apurar violações de direitos humanos é via justiça criminal. Essa perspectiva, o artigo argumenta, é muito estreita e deve incluir também as comissões da verdade.
Ajuste e balanceamento do portfólio de projetos: o caso de uma empresa do setor químico
Authors: Padovani Marisa , Carvalho Marly Monteiro de , Muscat Antonio Rafael Namur
Published: September 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho é compreender a etapa de ajuste no contexto da gestão do portfólio de projetos, destacando sua relação com os processos de categorização e balanceamento. A pesquisa realizada tem caráter qualitativo, sendo a abordagem adotada o estudo de caso longitudinal. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida em uma empresa do setor químico brasileiro. As evidências, de várias fontes, foram coletadas através de entrevistas, documentos e dados dos sistemas corporativos. Para a compreensão do portfólio de projetos da empresa foram coletados e analisados dados de mil projetos realizados entre 2001 e 2005. Os resultados indicam que maior atenção é dada à etapa de seleção, negligenciando a etapa de ajuste. A adoção de ferramentas de balanceamento permitiu evidenciar lacunas e fontes de desbalanceamento no portfólio de projetos, promovendo o debate entre os tomadores de decisão no que concerne ao viés introduzido pelos critérios adotados na etapa de seleção e levantando a necessidade de introdução de uma sistemática de ajuste e balanceamento. Observou-se que sem uma adequada categorização dos projetos da empresa seria difícil promover a análise de balanceamento.
Patient safety in care circumstances: prevention of adverse events in the hospitalization of children
Authors: Wegner Wiliam , Pedro Eva Neri Rubim
Published: September 2012

This case study with a qualitative approach presents an analysis of the perceptions of family caregivers/companions and health workers concerning adverse events in care contexts. A total of 15 companions and 23 health workers from pediatric hospitalization units of a university hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil participated in this study from August to December 2010. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed through thematic content analysis using QSR's Nvivo version 7.0. Seven thematic categories emerged from the analysis. The results highlight reviewing and checking workers' interventions and implementing effective communication among workers, caregivers and children. The main recommendations concern changing the organizational culture of health facilities, emphasizing safe care and a systemic view of the evaluation of adverse events.
Maternal factors regulating preterm infants' responses to pain and stress while in maternal kangaroo care
Authors: Castral Thaíla Corrêa , Warnock Fay Fathalee , Ribeiro Laiane Medeiros , Vasconcelos Maria Gorete Lucena de , Leite Adriana Moraes , Scochi Carmen Gracinda Silvan
Published: September 2012

The relationship between maternal factors and the response of preterm infants to pain and stress experienced during heel puncture while in maternal kangaroo care was investigated. This descriptive study included 42 mothers and their preterm infants cared for in a neonatal unit. Data were collected in the baseline, procedure, and recovery phases. We measured the neonates' facial actions, sleep and wake states, crying, salivary cortisol levels, and heart rate, in addition to the mothers' behavior, salivary cortisol levels, and mental condition. The influence of the maternal explanatory variables on the neonatal response variables were verified through bivariate analysis, ANOVA, and multiple regression. The mothers' behavior and depression and/or anxiety did not affect the neonates' responses to pain and stress, though the mothers' levels of salivary cortisol before the procedure explained the variance in the neonates' levels of salivary cortisol after the procedure (p=0.036). Additionally, the mothers' baseline levels of salivary cortisol along with the neonates' age explained the variance in the neonates' heart rate (p=0.001). The ability of mothers to regulate their own stress contributed to the infants' responses to pain and stress.
Nutritional status and weight gain in pregnant women
Authors: Sato Ana Paula Sayuri , Fujimori Elizabeth
Published: September 2012

This study described the nutritional status of 228 pregnant women and the influence of this on birth weight. This is a retrospective study, developed in a health center in the municipality of São Paulo, with data obtained from medical records. Linear regression analysis was carried out. An association was verified between the initial and final nutritional status (p<0.001). The mean of total weight gain in the pregnant women who began the pregnancy underweight was higher compared those who started overweight/obese (p=0.005). Weight gain was insufficient for 43.4% of the pregnant women with adequate initial weight and for 36.4% of all the pregnant women studied. However, 37.1% of those who began the pregnancy overweight/obese finished with excessive weight gain, a condition that ultimately affected almost a quarter of the pregnant women. Anemia and low birth weight were uncommon, however, in the linear regression analysis, birth weight was associated with weight gain (p<0.05). The study highlights the importance of nutritional care before and during pregnancy to promote maternal-infant health.
The effect of educational intervention on the disease knowledge of diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Pereira Dalma Alves , Costa Nilce Maria da Silva Campos , Sousa Ana Luíza Lima , Jardim Paulo César Brandão Veiga , Zanini Cláudia Regina de Oliveira
Published: September 2012

The prevention of diabetes and its complications is a challenge for the healthcare team. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of educational action on the disease knowledge of patients with type 2 diabetes. A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 62 patients registered in a service of reference in the treatment of hypertension in 2010. Data were collected through a questionnaire applied to the Intervention (IG) and Control (CG) groups at the beginning and at the end of the study. The IG participated in group educational activities, using problematization methodology. The results showed a significant increase in knowledge about diabetes in the patients of the IG, in all the topics (p<0.05). In the CG, some changes were observed in knowledge, however, these were fewer when compared with the IG. In conclusion, it was possible to increase disease knowledge through the performance of educational activities. Clinical trial identifier: RBR-58n26h
Fatigue in colorectal cancer patients: prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Mota Dálete Delalibera Corrêa de Faria , Pimenta Cibele Andrucioli de Mattos , Caponero Ricardo
Published: September 2012

This study identified the prevalence and predictors of fatigue in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Cross-sectional study with 157 adult CRC outpatients (age 60±11.7 years; 54% male; cancer stage IV 44.8%). The Piper Fatigue Scale-revised was used to assess fatigue scores. Socio-demographic, clinical, depression, performance status, pain and sleep disturbance data were assessed. Associations between fatigue and these data were analyzed through logistic regression models. Fatigue was reported by 26.8% patients. Logistic regression identified three predictors: depression (OR: 4.2; 95%CI 1.68-10.39), performance status (OR: 3.2; 95%CI 1.37-7.51) and sleep disturbance (OR: 3.2; 95%CI 1.30-8.09). When all predictors were present, the probability of fatigue occurrence was 80%; when none were present, the probability was 8%. The model's specificity and sensitivity were 81.9% and 58.6%, respectively. Through the assessment of depression, performance status and sleep disturbance, the probability of fatigue occurrence can be estimated, and preventive and treatment strategies can be rapidly implemented in clinical practice.
Validation of defining characteristics for the nursing diagnosis of fatigue in oncological patients
Authors: Silva Priscila de Oliveira da , Gorini Maria Isabel Pinto Coelho
Published: September 2012

The objective of this study was to validate the defining characteristics for the nursing diagnosis of Fatigue in adult oncological patients. It is a cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative perspective, and its type is diagnostic content validation. Data collection was carried out in a University Hospital. The sample was made up of 35 expert nurses. The instrument used was subdivided into four parts. The data was analyzed by descriptive statistics. 15 defining characteristics were identified, considered secondary indicators. With an average weighting of less than 0.50, four defining characteristics were excluded. The defining characteristic Impaired social interaction, added to those described by NANDA-I after review of the literature, was validated with a weighted average of 0.71. It was concluded that the subjectivity of the defining characteristics and the difficulty nurses have in recognizing them influence the identification of this diagnosis.
Learning strategies used by undergraduate and postgraduate students in hybrid courses in the area of health
Authors: Peixoto Henry Maia , Peixoto Mariana Maia , Alves Elioenai Dornelles
Published: September 2012

This study aimed to investigate the learning habits and strategies of undergraduate and post-graduate students matriculated in hybrid courses in the area of healthcare at a Brazilian university. 220 graduate students were invited to participate in the research, of whom 67.27% accepted. An exploratory methodology was utilized, which analyzed quantitative data collected by a structured instrument. A similarity may be observed between undergraduate and postgraduate students concerning the majority of education habits and learning strategies, such as the large proportion of those who read more than half of the course content and of those who preferred to study alone, as well as in the high use of the majority of strategies evaluated. It is concluded that both the groups present appropriate study habits and satisfactorily used the learning strategies investigated.
Confirmatory factor analysis of the portuguese Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21
Authors: Apóstolo João Luís Alves , Tanner Barry Allen , Arfken Cynthia Lee
Published: September 2012

To determine which of three published models best characterizes the factor structure of the Portuguese version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 and to assess its validity and reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis of Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 for 1,297 adult, primary care outpatients (66.7% female, Mage = 48.57 years) comparing 3 models. The relationship between the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule was analyzed. The correlated 3-factor model fit the data best. The scale demonstrated good internal consistency, with alpha scores of the subscales ranging from 0.836 to 0.897. Correlation with the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule was positive and moderate with the negative affect scale; it was negative and limited with the positive affect. These findings support the correlated 3-factor structure. The test demonstrated adequate reliability and construct validity, which supports its use for screening in primary care settings with Portuguese speakers.
Prevention of skin reactions due to teletherapy in women with breast cancer: a comprehensive review
Authors: Andrade Marceila de , Clapis Maria José , Nascimento Talita Garcia do , Gozzo Thaís de Oliveira , Almeida Ana Maria de
Published: September 2012

One of the possible courses of cancer treatment is teletherapy, and one of the most important adverse side effects are skin reactions, an ailment more commonly called radiodermatitis. The main purpose of this study is to analyze knowledge of the evidence about topical products used in the prevention of radiodermatitis, to support care delivery to women with breast cancer during teletherapy. The research method used here is the comprehensive literature review. Four databases were used to select the bibliography. The sample consists of 15 articles. The data shows that, among the topical products analyzed here, Calendula, corticosteroids and Xclair have shown significant protective effects, underlining their actions. The lack of articles published in Brazil highlights the need for further research in this area, seeking better care quality through the use of products with scientifically proven efficiency.
Therapeutic communication between health workers and patients concerning diabetes mellitus care
Authors: Damasceno Marta Maria Coelho , Zanetti Maria Lúcia , Carvalho Emilia Campos de , Teixeira Carla Regina de Souza , Araújo Márcio Flávio Moura de , Alencar Ana Maria Parente Garcia
Published: September 2012

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to analyze therapeutic communication techniques used by health workers with patients under care for diabetes mellitus. Data were collected in 2010 in a public facility in the interior of Ceará, Brazil using video camera equipment and direct observation. Results showed that the most frequently used techniques within the "expression" group were: asking questions, voicing interest, and using descriptive phrases. The most frequently used technique within the "clarification" group was: asking the patient to specify the agent of action. Finally, in regard to the "validation" group, only the technique "summarizing content of the interaction" was employed. The conclusion is that despite the use of communication techniques on the part of professionals, there is still an alarming gap concerning communication skills. Such skills should be allied with technical expertise to enable the delivery of qualified care to individuals with diabetes mellitus.
Imaginative construction of care: the nursing professional experience in a remote care service
Authors: Romero Yocelyn Margaret Price , Angelo Margareth , Muñoz Gonzalez Luz Angelica
Published: September 2012

The direction of care delivery goes from the action to the being; a process built from professional experience, which gains special characteristics when the service is delivered by telephone. The goal of this research was to understand the interaction between professionals and users in a remote care service; to do so, a research is presented, using Grounded Theory and Symbolic Interactionism as theoretical references. Data were collected through eight interviews with professionals who deliver care by telephone. The theoretical understanding permitted the creation of the theoretical model of the Imaginative Construction of Care, which shows the interaction processes the professional experiences when delivering care by telephone. In this model, individual and social facts are added, showing the link between the concepts, with special emphasis on uncertainty, sensitivity and professional responsibility, as essential components of this experience.
Microcurrent application as analgesic treatment in venous ulcers: a pilot study
Authors: Korelo Raciele Ivandra Guarda , Valderramas Silvia , Ternoski Bruno , Medeiros Danilo Sanches , Andres Letícia Fernandes , Adolph Sandra Mara Meireles
Published: September 2012

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of microcurrent electrical stimulation on pain and area of venous ulcers. In a pilot study for a single-blind controlled clinical trial, carried out at an outpatient clinic during four weeks, 14 subjects with venous ulcers (mean age 62±9 years) were divided in two groups: microcurrent (n=8) and control group (n=6). Pain (by Visual Analogue Scale) and the ulcer area were measured by planimetry. There was a significant difference between the two groups with respect to pain (microcurrent group from 8.5 (6.5-9.75) to 3.5 (1-4.75) and control group from 7.5 (5.75-10) to 8.5 (5.5-10), p<0.01). Non-significant changes were found with respect to ulcer area (planimetry by graph paper, p=0.41 and by Image J®, p=0.41). In conclusion, the application of microcurrent improves the pain of patients with venous ulcers (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01372020).
Uma investigação do ser-aí do menino selvagem à luz do pensamento heideggeriano
Authors: Feijoo Ana Maria Lopez Calvo de , Gill Débora , Protasio Myriam Moreira
Published: September 2012

Este trabalho busca, na história de Victor de Aveyron, elementos para discutir o modo pelo qual a existência humana se constitui. Por não ter convivido em ambiente humano, Victor foi motivo de intensas discussões no meio científico, especialmente entre os empiristas e os racionalistas. Nesta pesquisa assumimos uma postura fenomenológica, trazendo a história do menino selvagem à discussão por meio da fenomenologia hermenêutica de Heidegger, apontando, assim, para o caráter de indeterminação, o "ter de ser", e de singularidade da existência, sempre em jogo na constituição do modo de ser do homem.
Universo consensual de adolescentes acerca da violência escolar
Authors: Araújo Lidiane Silva de , Coutinho Maria da Penha de Lima , Miranda Rosane de Sousa , Saraiva Evelyn Rúbia de Albuquerque
Published: September 2012

Este estudo objetivou apreender as representações sociais da violência escolar elaboradas por adolescentes inseridos numa escola pública de João Pessoa, Paraíba. A amostra foi formada por 177 adolescentes dos sexos masculino e feminino, com idades entre 12 e 18 anos, os quais responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico e à associação livre de palavras, através dos estímulos "violência escolar" e "pessoa violentada". As evocações livres foram processadas no Tri-Deux-Mots, por meio da análise fatorial de correspondência. As representações sociais elaboradas pelos escolares apontaram para as manifestações características do fenômeno, assim como seus impactos para esse grupo social. Evidenciou-se, ainda, que a violência escolar apresenta-se como um fenômeno multifacetado, imbricado em outras formas de violência (física, psicológica e sexual). Com efeito, o estudo deste objeto social, para a amostra estudada, transpôs as barreiras da violência tipo bullying, apontando a sua realidade funesta para além desse termo.