bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genesis and Possible Dissolution of Neuronal Lipofuscin
Authors: Hasan M. , Glees P.
Published: April 2009

The studies reviewed here reflect a marked difference of opinion among investigators on some fundamental aspects of lipo-fuscin research, such as its correlation to ageing, different type(s) and origin(s) of pigment granules, role of trauma and diseases, and the effect of drugs. An attempt has been made to present a unified concept of origin of lipofuscin and to point out the lacunae in our knowledge with a view to stimulate further research.
Immunologic Control of Aging: a Possible Primary Event
Authors: Greenberg L.J. , Yunis E.J.
Published: April 2009

In an exhaustive treatise Walford has proposed an immunologic theory of aging which he claims provides a link between etiologic theories and actual aging in higher animals. We have re-examined the relationships between various aspects of the aging process and the functional state of the immune system and have classified aging into primary and secondary events. Primary aging would be that period of chronological aging during which there is a genetically programmed decline in functional effectiveness which is either associated with or controlled by the immune system. Either the thymus acts as a biological clock which is genetically programmed to operate at a rate consistent with the optimal life time of the species adhering to the Hayflick limit or the T cell maturation process decays subsequent to functional exhaustion of cells, most likely, but not necessarily residing in the thymus, which elaborate factors necessary for T cell maturation and function. All other concomitants of aging are classified as secondary aging events. These events would encompass pathology and disease processes commonly associated with aging but which have not been shown to have a direct causal relationship.
Ultrastructure of the Ageing Retinal Vascular System, with Special Reference to Quantitative and Qualitative Changes of Capillary Basement Membranes
Authors: Leuenberger P.M.
Published: April 2009

Electron microscopic examination of the retinal vascular system in two species of rodents (spiny mice and rats), with subsequent morphometπcal evaluation of capillary basement membrane (BM) thickness and diameter, revealed an age-correlated basement membrane thickening in both species and an age-correlated increase of capillary diameter and a positive correlation between these two parameters in spiny mice. Further more, a positive correlation was found between body weight and BM width in rats. A discussion of the standard deviation of thevalues obtained, as well of factors other than age influencing BM width, are presented.
Influence de I’âge sur quelques unes des principales dimensions non cognitives de la personnalité
Authors: Poitrenaud J. , Barrere H. , Moreaux C.
Published: April 2009

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of age on the following three non-cognitive factors of personality: emotional stability, dominance and extraversion. In order to have a better estimation of that influence, changes in these factors have been compared with changes already well known in cognitive ability. The following four tests were used: C, E and F scales of the Cattell’s 16-PF inventory and the Kohs’ block design test. The authors have analysed the results obtained according to these four tests with 140 normal male aged subjects. These subjects have been divided into five age groups (60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84) which were matched for socio-cultural level. The various comparisons made have shown differences among the four factors studied. As far as the emotional stability scale is concerned, one can note: (1) that the scores obtained by aged subjects do not differ from those observed in young subjects ranging in age from 18 to 40; (2) that these scores do not alter significantly from 60 to 84 years. The scores on the extraversion and dominance scales also remain perfectly stable between 60 and 84 years. Aged subjects, however, appear simultaneously less extraverted and less dominant than young adults. As would be expected, performances achieved by aged subjects with the Kohs’ block design test are far inferior to those achieved by young subjects. For subjects of 60–84 years, the aforementioned performances decline in a statistically significant linear function. Generally speaking, non-cognitive factors seem to alter much less with age than cognitive ability.
Acetylcholine Metabolism and Cholinergic Regulation of Functions in Aging
Authors: Frolkis V.V. , Bezrukov V.V. , Duplenko Y.K. , Shchegoleva I.V. , Shevtchuk V.G. , Verkhratsky N.S.
Published: April 2009

In experiments on adult and old rats, rabbits and cats, the age peculiarities in acetylcholine (ACh) metabolism and realization of cholinergic influences upon the effectors were investigated. In aging, biosynthesis and hydrolysis of ACh decrease (choline-acetyltransferase and cholinesterase activities are decreased). In old age, the nervous cholinergic influences upon organs and tissues weaken.Alongside with this, the sensitivity of various organs andsystems to cholinomimetic and cholinolytic substances increases.
Functions of Cells and Biosynthesis of Protein in Aging
Authors: Frolkis V.V.
Published: April 2009

The relationship between cell function and protein biosynthesis undergoes a change in aging. In old animals a continuous stress in the action of cells in a smaller degree activates the protein biosynthesis system; the activity of their genetic apparatus is easier to suppress or inhibit. A new and important molecular mechanism of applying the cell function in aging has been demonstrated shifts in protein biosynthesis have an effect on hyperpolarization of cellular membranes, and this leads to a change in cell function through aging.
Lathyrisme chronique
Authors: Julian M. , Pieraggi M.T. , Bouissou H.
Published: April 2009

In man, a parallelism between the sub epidermic connective tissue and the vascular (aorta and coronary) changes with age was noted. The vascular state is reflected by the alterations of the papillary dermis – normal vessels correspond to a normal skin, what ever the patient’s age; a damaged aorta and coronary artery correspond to a damaged skin. The study of the cutaneous fibroblasts during human ageing reveals a progressive lack of microfibrillar secretions and signs of cytoplasmic suffering. The more intense the vascular injury, the more pronounced is the cutaneous change. The detection of the subepidermic connective tissue injuries is particularly interesting for the diagnosis of early arteriosclerosis. Above age 45, vascular and cutaneous alterations increase. They are linked to normal ageing. This parallelism between vascular ageing and the degree of the cutaneous damage also appears in chronic lathyrism. In the rat, the administration of lathyric toxic agents at weak and prolonged doses caused simultaneous alterations of aortic and cutaneous connective tissues in the eighth week of intoxication. In the aorta, a dislocation of the elastic framework, an increase of the interstitial tissue, a dedifferentiation of muscle cells are observed. In the skin, the papillary dermis presents a collagenic tissue with thin and fragmented bundles, a progressive disappearance of the elastic framework and alterations of the fibroblasts with signs of damage and a deficient secretion. In experimental lathyrism, the changes of the elastic fibres are accompanied by a dedifferentiation of the muscular cells of the aorta and an alteration of the cutaneous fibroblasts. These damages correspond to the modifications observed during ageing in man. This experimentation reveals chronic lathyrism as an experimental pattern of the human connective tissue ageing. This toxic agent causes connective tissue (fibrillary and cellular), aortic and cutaneous injuries rather similar to those observed in senescent man.
Kernveränderungen und Kernteilungsstörungen der Altersleber
Authors: Klinge O.
Published: April 2009

Variations of the karyogram in aging livers depend, like those after necrotising liver lesions, on alterations of the perceeding mitoses. Two main forms are discernable: slight functional alterations of the achromatic apparatus and severe disturbances of its formation. The former manifest in impairment of telophasic cytokinesis, in anaphasic stickiness or metaphasic chromosomal aberration, respectively. Mainly they lead to double nuclei, occasionally to so-called pseudoamitoses. Alterations in spindle-formation occur in prophasis, monopolar mitosis, acentrical chromosomal scattering and mitotic collapse being the essential types. They give rise to large polyploid nuclei, possibly containing inclusions, or to irregular configurated commonly lateron confluencing karyomerites. Apart from these types mitoses of polyploid and double nucleated cells sometines develop multipolar or tripolar spindle figures, the causal genesis of which is discussed. Otherwise they can result in bipolar or monopolar giant achromatic apparatus. Consequences of their restitution are karyomerites of variable sizes, uniform large polyploid nuclei or – rarely- three or four identical nuclei within one single cell. Possible causes of the respective disturbances of the achromatic apparatus and their way leading to the various nuclear types will be explained and demonstrated as general phenomenons occuring in organs other than the liver too.
Skeletal Muscle and Organ Weights of Aged and Trained Male Rats
Authors: McCafferty W.B. , Edington D.W.
Published: April 2009

Male rats of 90, 150, 300, 450 or 600 days of age were placed into sedentary or physical training experimental groups. Experimental animals ran daily for 20 min at 10–20 m/min on a treadmill set at an 8-degree incline. The experimental period lasted at least 300 days. Surviving rats from each group were chosen randomly and sacrificed at 150-day intervals up to 1,050 days of age. Muscle and organ weights were analyzed by grouping animals according to their age at death and also according to their age at the initiation of the training program. Muscle and organ weight data suggest that training has a minimal affect on rats past a threshold age (approximately 450 days of age), and initiation of a training program at a late age (approximately 600 days of age) may adversely affect the rat. When the effects of age and training are combined, those attributable to age seem to be more important, supporting the view that there is a threshold age beyond which the initiation of a training program no longer affects the muscle and organ weights.
Effects of Age and Genetic Background on the Antibody Response in Inbred Rats
Authors: Kunz Heinz W. , Gill, III Thomas J. , Corson Joseph M.
Published: April 2009

The effects of age on the immune response were studied in highly responding and poorly responding strains of inbred rats. Changes in the immune response associated with age were found only in the highly responding strain: the antibody response fluctuated up to 10–12 weeks of age, showed no significant change up to 60 weeks of age and decreased thereafter. In addition, immunization increased the weight and the number of germinal centers in the spleen and stimulated cortical nuclear phagocytosis in the thymus. The factors influencing antibody formation at different ages appear to modulate the genetically set capability of the immune system, and they are most conspicious early and late in life.
Blockierung der Keratansulfatfärbung im alternden menschlichen Rippenknorpel. I.
Authors: Sames K.
Published: April 2009

Purified mucopolysaccharides and basophilic substances in human rib cartilage of different ages from complexes with cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). The complex formation was tested via treatment with basic dyes. An almost complete blocking of Alcian blue stainability was seen after an 18-hour incubation in CPC. Shorter incubation times result in incomplete blocking. Temperature and concentration of CPC have no influence. Staining by Alcian blue is too slow, while staining after CPC treatment is too fast in relation to normal staining. Toluidine blue and acridine orange, in contrast, produce an intensive staining after 3–5 min in control sections, while after CPC treatment only the nuclei show stainability. Recoloration goes slower than with Alcian blue and is not yet fully completed after 18 h. Pure mucopolysaccharides on filter paper are completely stained by Alcian blue after 1 h. In CPC-treated samples some coloration is seen after more than 1 min staining with Alcian blue; with toluidine blue, it can already be seen after 10 sec to 1 min. Untreated sections need a considerably shorter time for reaching their complete staining intensity.
Contraction Properties and Myosin-ATPase Activity of Fast and Slow Senile Muscles of the Rat
Authors: Gutmann E. , Syrový I.
Published: April 2009

In senile (28- to 36-month-old) rats prolongation of latency period, contraction and relaxation time in fast muscle is confirmed; however, there is a shortening of these time parameters in the slow soleus muscle. Ca2+-activated myosin ATPase activity decreases in fast but increases in the slow senile soleus muscle. A trend of levelling out of the differences between fast and slow muscles is thus observed in respect to speed of contraction and myosin ATPase activity.
The Effect of Age on Mitochondrial Enzymes and Respiration
Authors: Wilson Patricia D. , Hill Bridget T. , Franks L.M.
Published: April 2009

There was no significant difference between the levels of cytochrome oxidase and malate dehydrogenase in whole liver homogenates or in mitochondria isolated from the livers of 6-month-old and 30-month-old C57/BL mice. Little change with age was found in the cytochemical localisation of either enzyme. There were no significant changes in endogenous, state III or state IV respiration of mitochondria isolated from the livers of young and old mice.
Ageing and Cell-Mediated Immunity
Authors: Fixa Bohumil , Komárková Olga , Chmelař Vladimír
Published: April 2009

The lymphocyte transformation test with phytohemagglutinin as mito-gen estimated according to the incorporation of 2-14C-thymidine in DNA was used as an indicator of cell-mediated reactivity in 53 healthy subjects. Three age groups were examined: up to 20 years (21 subjects), 21–40 years (10 subjects) and over 70 years (22 subjects). The responsiveness of lymphocytes decreased significantly with age. In the highest age group 12 pathologically low values were found.
Testosterone Uptake by Prostatic Tissue from Young and Old Rats
Authors: Ghanadian R. , Fotherby K.
Published: April 2009

The uptake of [3H]-testosterone in vitro by the ventral lobe of the prostate of rats more than 11 months old was significantly less than that of rats 4–5 weeks old. There were significant decreases between young and old rats in the RNA and DNA content of the prostate but not in the activity of acid or alkaline phosphatases. Alkaline phosphatase activity was higher than that of acid phosphatase. Testosterone uptake by the prostate was higher in culture medium TC199 than in Krebs-Ringer buffer solution.
New Slants on the Slippery Slope: The Politics of Polygamy and Gay Family Rights in South Africa and the United States
Authors: Stacey Judith , Meadow Tey
Published: April 2009

This article investigates the often cited and dismissed, but rarely examined, relationship between legalizing same-sex marriage and polygamy. Employing a comparative historical analysis of U.S. and South African jurisprudence, ideology, and cultural politics, we examine efforts to expand, restrict, and regulate the gender and number of legally recognized conjugal bonds. South African family jurisprudence grants legal recognition to both same-sex marriage and polygyny, while the United States prohibits and resists both. However, social and material conditions make it easier to practice family diversity in the U.S. than in South Africa. Our analysis of the very different histories of polygamy and same-sex marriage in the two societies suggests the centrality of racial politics to marriage regimes, yielding paradoxical narratives about the implications of legal same-sex marriage for the future of polygamy and sexual democracy. If there is a slippery marital slope, we argue, it does not tilt in a singular or expected direction.
The Impact of Political Discussion in a Democratizing Society
Authors: Lee Francis L. F.
Published: April 2009

This study examines interpersonal political discussion in the context of a democratizing society, focusing specifically on its impact on political knowledge and awareness of the danger of majority tyranny. Moreover, following the argument that the normatively desirable impact of political discussion is likely to emerge or be stronger under specific conditions, this study treats disagreement and support for democratization as two moderators of discussion effects. Analysis of a representative survey ( n = 800) conducted in Hong Kong shows that frequency of interpersonal political discussion relates positively to political knowledge. The relationship is stronger among people who experience more disagreement in discussion. Support for democracy does not moderate the impact of discussion on knowledge. But a three-way interaction effect is found on awareness of the danger of majority tyranny: Discussion leads to such awareness only among supporters of democracy who experience disagreement in discussion. This study thus both replicates and extends the findings in the existing, mostly U.S.based literature on the impact of political talk.
Censoring India
Authors: Sharma Miriam
Published: April 2009

During the early twentieth century, the emerging medium of cinema in British India became a distinctly contested political issue, revealing the tensions and limitations of empire. The record on cinematographic censorship indicates a number of competing interests and changing views, while political transformations and messy realities on the ground defied the efficacy of censorship. Even as many Indian filmmakers sought to convey messages of nationalist aspirations, the perceived need to guard against the revolutionary thoughts of communism and ideas from America that seemed to promote democracy and promiscuity fuelled censorship as a major multivocal imperial policy. Beset by many obstacles, it sought to control the exhibition of both Indian and foreign cinematic productions.

The article seeks to understand the genealogy of censorship derived from prior British attempts to regulate literary and dramatic productions. In the 1920s, anxieties about the maintenance of law and order and protection of British rule during a period of increasing Indian nationalist unrest had to be integrated with various concerns about deteriorating economic conditions. As Indian cinema struggled to come into its own, the issue of control became a central concern for both coloniser and colonised, while both faced threats from the influx of foreign (especially Hollywood) films.

The article also explores why it was deemed so important to bring cinema under the colonial gaze. While there was no unified front on how to deal with this new medium, it was perceived as highly in-fluential, with great potential for harmful or beneficial propaganda impacts. Finally, considerations of the competing demands of moral concerns were juxtaposed to the growing economic needs of the Indian film industry.

Throughout, it transpires from archival research how defining policy issues became ever more critical and how the complexities of implementation were made more difficult by the ‘global’ nature of policy formation as opposed to the more ‘local’ nature of the performance of control.
The Lived Experience of Waiting
Authors: Naef Rahel , Bournes Debra A.
Published: April 2009

The purposes of this study were to discover the structure of the lived experience of waiting and to generate new knowledge about health and quality of life. The participants in this study were 11 persons who were on a waiting list for a lung transplant. The Parse research method was used to answer the research question: What is the structure of the lived experience of waiting? The central finding of this study was: The lived experience of waiting is arduous constraint arising with anticipating the cherished in fortifying engagements. This finding illustrates waiting as an immensely difficult and agonizing experience of persistently expecting a prized opportunity, finding strength in being with other persons, and engaging in diverse activities. The findings are discussed in relation to nursing knowledge and as to how they inform future research and humanbecoming patient-centered nursing practices.
Patient and Nurse Experiences of Theory-Based Care
Authors: Flanagan Jane
Published: April 2009

The pre-surgery nursing practice model derived from Newman's theory was developed to change the delivery of nursing care in a pre-surgical clinic. Guided by the theoretical knowledge of health as expanding consciousness, transpersonal caring, and reflective practice, key practice changes included a) incorporating Newman's praxis process, b) changing the physical space, and c) providing opportunities to reflect on practice. The purpose of this study was to utilize a phenomenological approach to evaluate a new model of care among 31 patients and 4 nurses.
Quality of Life in Contemporary Nursing Theory
Authors: Plummer Marilyn , Molzahn Anita E.
Published: April 2009

A critical appraisal of the concept, quality of life, as used in nursing theories, is presented in a historically situated context. This approach to concept analysis was selected to illuminate the subjective, contextual, and fluid nature of the concept. Based on this review, quality of life is defined as an intangible, subjective perception of one's lived experience. From a review of Peplau's, Rogers', Leininger's, King's, and Parse's conceptualizations of quality of life, it is concluded that it may be viable to replace health with quality of life as a metaparadigm concept for nursing.
Medication Adherence in Healthy Elders
Authors: Hayes Tamara L. , Larimer Nicole , Adami Andre , Kaye Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2009

Objective: This was a cross-sectional study of the ability of independently living healthy elders to follow a medication regimen. Participants were divided into a group with High Cognitive Function (HCF) or Low Cognitive Function (LCF) based on their scores on the ADAS-Cog. Method: Thirty-eight participants aged 65 or older and living independently in the community followed a twice-daily vitamin C regimen for 5 weeks. Adherence was measured using an electronic 7-day pillbox. Results: The LCF group had significantly poorer total adherence than the HCF group (LCF: 63.9 ± 11.2%, HCF: 86.8 ± 4.3%, t 36 = 2.57, p = .007), and there was a 4.1 relative risk of non-adherence in the LCF group as compared to the HCF group. Discussion: This study has important implications for the conduct of clinical drug trials, as it provides strong evidence that even very mild cognitive impairment in healthy elderly has a detrimental impact on medication adherence.
Outcome Evaluation of a Group Treatment of Sexually Abused and Reactive Children
Authors: Duffany Adrienne , Panos Patrick T.
Published: April 2009

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of group therapy in treating sexually abused children to prevent recidivism (subsequently re-abused or becoming abusers themselves). Methods: Recidivism rates of 617 children were compared between sexually abused children who received group treatment with those whose parents refused treatment. Additionally, pre- and post- YOQ 30.1 symptom ratings for 47 children were compared to also determine group therapy treatment effectiveness. Results: Sexually abused children who received group therapy treatment, in conjunction with group therapy provided to their parents are statistically the least likely to be revictimized or to become sexual abusers themselves, showing a moderate treatment size effect. Conclusions: Group therapy is an effective treatment for sexually abused children to prevent future recidivism.
Facesheet Wrinkling of Damaged Honeycomb Sandwich Structures
Authors: Wadsworth D.J. , Horrigan D.P.W. , Moltschaniwskyj G. , Collins I.
Published: April 2009

Critical facesheet wrinkling stresses are determined for thin gauge sandwich structure constructed from thick, highly orthotropic, honeycomb-cored materials containing sub-surface damage due to soft-body impact. A closed-form, analytical expression is extended to account for regions of crushed core extending a uniform depth into the core material. The results show that sub-surface core damage can significantly decrease facesheet support, further reducing the critical wrinkling stress computed from classical formulae. The model accounts for shear traction at the core/facesheet interface and provides a means of assessing the fundamental parameters governing the initiation of facesheet wrinkling in initially flat panels constructed from thick orthotropic cores containing sub-surface damage. The results are discussed in terms of the damage tolerance of panels used in aerospace applications.
Stopping clinical trials early for benefit: impact on estimation
Authors: Freidlin Boris , Korn Edward L
Published: April 2009

Background It has been suggested in the literature that the well-known bias of treatment-effect estimators due to the possibility of early stopping for positive results is a major concern with interim monitoring.

Purpose To discuss approaches one might use to compare the inflation of the treatment-effect estimator when the trial is stopped early for positive results with the inflation that would be seen in a comparable set of positive trials that used fixed sample sizes with no interim monitoring, and to quantify the relative inflation of monitored trials relative to that of the corresponding subset of positive fixed sample-size trials.

Methods Via simulation for some O'Brien—Fleming and Haybittle—Peto monitoring boundaries, the inflation of the treatment-effect estimator when the trial crossed an interim-monitoring boundary for positive results is compared with the preferred approach to estimate the inflation from a comparable set of positive fixed sample-size trials.

Results Although the inflation of the treatment-effect estimator when a trial is stopped early can be considerable, only at very early interim analyses (≤25% of information) is this inflation much larger than the inflation that would be seen for an appropriate subset of similar positive fixed sample-size trials. The treatment-effect inflation from stopping at second or later interim analyses that are not so early is relatively small and similar to that seen in the corresponding subset of fixed sample-size trials. Limitations The results apply to adequately powered trials with well-designed prospectively specified interim-monitoring plans.

Conclusions For trials with a well-designed interim-monitoring plan, stopping at 50% or greater information has a negligible impact on estimation. Except for very early interim analyses (≤25% of the information), concerns about the inflation of the treatment effect should be minor. Clinical Trials 2009; 6: 119—125. http:// ctj.sagepub.com
Outcomes following vaginal prolapse repair and mid urethral sling (OPUS) trial—design and methods
Authors: Wei John , Nygaard Ingrid , Richter Holly , Brown Morton , Barber Matthew , Xiao Xu  , Kenton Kimberly , Nager Charles , Schaffer Joseph , Visco Anthony , Weber Anne ,   for the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network
Published: April 2009

Background The primary aims of this trial are to determine whether the use of a concomitant prophylactic anti-incontinence procedure may prevent stress urinary incontinence symptom development in women undergoing vaginal prolapse surgery and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of this prophylactic approach.

Purpose To present the rationale and design of a randomized controlled surgical trial (RCT), the Outcomes following vaginal Prolapse repair and mid Urethral Sling (OPUS) Trial highlighting the challenges in the design and implementation.

Methods The challenges of implementing this surgical trial combined with a cost-effectiveness study and patient preference group are discussed including the study design, ethical issues regarding use of sham incision, maintaining the masking of study staff, and pragmatic difficulties encountered in the collection of cost data. The trial is conducted by the NICHD-funded Pelvic Floor Disorders Network.

Results The ongoing OPUS trial started enrollment in May 2007 with a planned accrual of 350. The use of sham incision was generally well accepted but the collection of cost data using conventional billing forms was found to potentially unmask key study personnel. This necessitated changes in the study forms and planned timing for collection of cost data. To date, the enrollment to the patient preference group has been lower than the limit established by the protocol suggesting a willingness on the part of women to participate in the randomization. Limitations Given the invasive nature of surgical intervention trials, potential participants may be reluctant to accept random assignment, potentially impacting generalizability.

Conclusion Findings from the OPUS trial will provide important information that will help surgeons to better counsel women on the benefits and risks of concomitant prophylactic anti-incontinence procedure at the time of vaginal surgery for prolapse. The implementation of the OPUS trial has necessitated that investigators consider ethical issues up front, remain flexible with regards to data collection and be constantly aware of unanticipated opportunities for unmasking. Future surgical trials should be aware of potential challenges in maintaining masking and collection of cost-related information. Clinical Trials 2009; 6: 162—171. http://ctj.sagepub.com
At the margins of Internet governance: grassroots tech groups and communication policy
Authors: Hintz Arne , Milan Stefania
Published: April 2009

This article examines grassroots tech groups as civil society media (CSM) actors marginalised in the communications policy debate. We aim to insert these key providers of information communication technology (ICT) infrastructure into discussions on enabling CSM policy agendas. The article
maps their policy objectives, traces their connections to broader Internet governance mechanisms and explores their potential roles as policy stakeholders. We conclude that grassroots tech groups, while operating largely outside of the debate, offer unique perspectives and contributions to
multi-stakeholder policy dialogue, challenging norms of inclusion and representation.
Patogênese das doenças tiroidianas autoimunes
Authors: Sgarbi José Augusto , Maciel Rui M. B.
Published: April 2009

A doença tiroidiana autoimune (DAIT), que afeta de 2% a 5% da população ocidental, é o transtorno autoimune órgão-específico mais comum. Sua apresentação clínica varia do hipertiroidismo da doença de Graves (DG) ao hipotiroidismo associado à tiroidite de Hashimoto (TH). A exata etiologia da DAIT permanece desconhecida, mas a interação entre suscetibilidade genética e fatores ambientais desencadeadores parece ser de fundamental importância no seu desenvolvimento. Postula-se que fatores genéticos responderiam por 79% da suscetibilidade à DAIT e os ambientais por 21%. Genes imunomoduladores, como o complexo maior de histocompatibilidade (MHC), antígeno-4 associado ao linfócito T citotóxico (CTLA-4), a molécula CD40 e a proteína tirosina fosfatase-22 (PTPN22) e os genes específicos da glândula tiróide, como receptor do TSH (TSHR) e tiroglobulina (TG) têm sido identificados. A natureza exata do envolvimento do meio ambiente no desenvolvimento da DAIT não é bem conhecida, mas vários fatores ambientais têm sido envolvidos, como o conteúdo de iodo na dieta, estresse, drogas e infecções. Entretanto, não há evidência clara de causalidade e os mecanismos pelos quais fatores ambientais desencadeariam a autoimunidade tiroidiana, em indivíduos geneticamente predispostos, ainda permanecem não completamente entendidos. O conhecimento dos mecanismos precisos de interação entre fatores ambientais e genes na indução da autoimunidade tiroidiana poderia resultar desenvolvimento de novas estratégias de prevenção e tratamento.
Adubação de batata-doce com diferentes doses de nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio
Authors: Breda Filho José , Freire E. S. , Abramides E.
Published: April 2009

Em diferentes localidades do Estado de São Paulo foram conduzidas quatro experiências de adubação de batata-doce (Ipomoea batatasLam.) com doses crescentes de nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio. O nitrogênio e o potássio não aumentaram significativamente a produção em qualquer das experiências. O fósforo também não a aumentou em duas delas: uma instalada em área adubada com P nas culturas anteriores, e a outra, em solo bastante fértil. Todavia, nas duas conduzidas em áreas ainda não adubadas, o efeito do fósforo foi altamente significativo e linear, tendo as respostas à dose de 120 kg/ha de P2O5 correspondido a +35 e + 912% das respectivas produções dos tratamentos sem fósforo.
Weed control via intercropping with gliricidia: I. cotton crop
Authors: Silva P.S.L. , Silva J.C.V. , Carvalho L.P. , Silva K.M.B. , Freitas F.C.L.
Published: April 2009

The majority of cotton grown commercially in the world has white lint, but recently, there has been a growing interest in colored lint cotton in several countries, including Brazil. The use of naturally-colored fiber reduces chemical pollution. The objective of this paper was to evaluate cotton cultivar fiber yield in response to weed control via intercropping with gliricídia. Cultivars BRS-Verde (greenish fibers), BRS-Rubi (reddish brown fibers), BRS-Safira (brown fibers), and BRS-187 8H (white fibers) were submitted to the following treatments: no hoeing, two hoeings (at 20 and 40 days after transplanting), and cotton intercropped with gliricídia. In the intercropped treatment, gliricídia was planted between rows of cotton plants, using one seedling pit-1, in pits spaced 50.0 cm apart. Twelve weed species predominated in the experiment, many of them belonging to the Poaceae family. Weeds occurred at different frequencies and in a non-uniform manner in the experimental area. Cultivars did not influence weed dry matter. Intercropping with gliricídia reduced weed dry matter but did not prevent reductions in cotton fiber and seed cotton yield, which were higher in hoed plots. Cultivar BRS Safira had the highest fiber yield, but no differences were observed between cultivars regarding to seed cotton yield.
Ação de adjuvantes na absorção e translocação de glyphosate em plantas de aguapé (Eichhornia crassipes)
Authors: Martins D. , Carbonari C.A. , Terra M.A. , Marchi S.R.
Published: April 2009

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a ação de adjuvantes na absorção e translocação de glyphosate em plantas de aguapé (Eichhornia crassipes). Os tratamentos foram dispostos em esquema fatorial 5 x 8, sendo: cinco tratamentos com glyphosate (sem adjuvante e com os adjuvantes Aterbane a 0,5 e 0,25% v/v e Silwet L77 a 0,1 e 0,05% v/v), aplicados somente em uma folha de cada planta; e oito intervalos para lavagem ou corte das folhas (2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 e 48 horas, além de um intervalo contínuo sem lavagem ou corte). Foram realizadas avaliações visuais de controle aos 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias após a aplicação dos tratamentos. Os adjuvantes Aterbane a 0,5% e Silwet a 0,1% promoveram maior controle em períodos mais curtos sem a lavagem das folhas (duas e quatro horas), embora no final do estudo todos os adjuvantes tenham resultado em controle eficiente a partir de duas horas, assim como o glyphosate sem adjuvante. No estudo de translocação, independentemente do adjuvante testado, observou-se excelente controle após o período de seis horas sem o corte das folhas. Nos períodos de duas e quatro horas, observou-se controle insatisfatório independentemente do adjuvante testado: esse fato demonstra que o corte das folhas em períodos inferiores a seis horas após a aplicação não é suficiente para uma translocação eficiente e garantir o controle de plantas de aguapé.
As contradições do ciclo de commodities
Authors: Almeida Júlio Sérgio Gomes de
Published: April 2009

O artigo defende a necessidade de uma maior coordenação das políticas para conter os efeitos nocivos da supervalorização de commodities e possibilitar a retomada do crescimento econômico e do emprego doméstico. O Brasil arcará com um ônus elevado pela postura de abdicar de posições mais duradouras a médio e longo prazo em favor de benefícios que, por mais elevados que sejam, podem ser passageiros.
A vigilância epidemiológica no âmbito municipal: avaliação do grau de implantação das ações
Authors: Bezerra Luciana Caroline Albuquerque , Freese Eduardo , Frias Paulo Germano de , Samico Isabella , Almeida Cínthia Kalyne Alves de
Published: April 2009

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o grau de implantação da vigilância epidemiológica na Secretaria Municipal de Saúde do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil. A estratégia do trabalho consistiu num estudo de caso utilizando-se uma abordagem normativa. Foi delineado o modelo lógico da vigilância epidemiológica, a partir do qual foram selecionados critérios que compuseram uma matriz submetida a especialistas usando-se a técnica de consenso - método Delphos. Essa matriz consensuada originou os questionários das entrevistas. Foram abordados três níveis de análise: nível central, 6 distritos sanitários e 62 equipes de saúde da família. O estudo revelou que a vigilância epidemiológica está parcialmente implantada no município, a partir do grau de implantação dos três níveis de análise, sendo o nível central o único em que a vigilância epidemiológica encontra-se implantada, enquanto que nos distritos sanitários e nas equipes de saúde da família está parcialmente implantada. Em que pese a descentralização das ações de vigilância epidemiológica para os municípios, os níveis do sistema municipal possuem necessidades diferenciadas para atender ao que está normatizado, entre elas, a elaboração de normas internas especificando as atribuições dos três níveis.
Análise estratégica sob ótica relacional: enfocando grupos e blocos estratégicos
Authors: Troccoli Irene Raguenet , Macedo-Soares T. Diana L. v. A.
Published: April 2009

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de pesquisa primária que buscou analisar o impacto das alianças e redes estratégicas na conduta e no desempenho de empresas situadas em um grupo estratégico - entendido como conjunto de empresas que competem mais acirradamente entre si por terem compromissos semelhantes de escopos e recursos. Esta análise relacional foi realizada no âmbito de um estudo de casos múltiplos, em um setor do agronegócio brasileiro, com o auxílio do conceito de bloco estratégico - empresas estruturalmente semelhantes e mais densamente conectadas do que as demais na indústria, constituindo, assim, uma rede. Aplicaram-se indicadores pertinentes a estrutura, modalidade e composição de redes ao caso de empresas que constituíam, na indústria de suco de laranja, simultaneamente grupo e bloco estratégico. Os resultados mostraram que a análise relacional de grupos estratégicos complementa a análise tradicional - posicionamento ou resource-based - das implicações estratégicas de fatores organizacionais e macro-ambientais específicos às empresas do grupo. Também mostraram que as redes capacitam a empresa situada em um grupo estratégico a ultrapassar as barreiras intergrupais, na medida em que complementam capacidades, provêem acesso a informações relevantes, proporcionam economias de escala e ajudam a gerenciar riscos e incertezas.
Afiliação religiosa e empreendedorismo étnico: o caso dos brasileiros nos Estados Unidos
Authors: Martes Ana Cristina Braga , Rodriguez Carlos L.
Published: April 2009

O presente artigo discute as relações entre empreendedorismo étnico e religião em comunidades imigrantes. Enquanto o impacto das redes sociais no empreendedorismo étnico tem recebido atenção da literatura, os efeitos da afiliação a organizações religiosas são ainda um tópico pouco pesquisado. O presente estudo mostra que diferenças na estrutura institucional de comunidades religiosas, nas formas de financiamento de suas atividades, nas tarefas dos sacerdotes e pastores e no conteúdo de seus discursos são fatores importantes a serem considerados no estudo do impacto da religião no empreendedorismo étnico. A análise é feita a partir de dados qualitativos obtidos em comunidades brasileiras nos EUA e sugere que as igrejas protestantes criam um ambiente mais favorável para o empreendedorismo étnico. Nosso principal objetivo é chamar a atenção de pesquisadores brasileiros sobre a importância da questão étnica e das redes religiosas nas iniciativas empreendedoras.
Unpacking firm effects: modeling political alliances in variance decomposition of firm performance in turbulent environments
Authors: Bandeira-de-Mello Rodrigo , Marcon Rosilene
Published: April 2009

In this paper, firm heterogeneity in turbulent environments is addressed. It is argued that previous studies have not taken into account effects of a turbulent environment, like the Brazilian context, in which firms must face a weak and erratic government. In such an environment, the large portion of variance usually attributed to firm effects may be explained, not by the usual assumptions of mainstream scholars, but by a more political view of firm differences, namely, the ability to manage valuable political alliances. To account for these differences, a multivariate performance measure was construed and a new factor, politics effects, has been introduced to the usual model. Company donations for campaign funds in elections was used as a proxy for this factor. A sample of 607 observations, of 177 firms in 15 sectors was used. Results suggest that the presence of politics effects were found to be not significant (using COV and Hierarchical ANOVA). However, different from previous studies, transient industry effects appear to be more important than stable effects. Findings also indicate that a better model specification for turbulent environments is needed and highlight the importance of the cost of capital.
Carotenoid extraction from the gonad of the scallop Nodipecten nodosus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Bivalvia: Pectinidae)
Authors: Suhnel S. , Lagreze F. , Ferreira JF. , Campestrini LH. , Maraschin M.
Published: April 2009

In marine bivalve mollusks, unsaturated molecules called carotenoids are present in the natural diet and play an important role in different biological process, especially in reproduction. In order to gain more insights into these compounds in Nodipecten nodosus it was necessary to develop a suitable protocol for extraction of carotenoids from the gonads. Female gonads of cultured scallops (75 mm length) were lyophilized and macerated in liquid N2. To verify the effect of composition in organosolvents on the extracting solutions, two organic solvents were tested: acetone and hexane (Ac = O:Hex) at four ratios, 1:1, 1:3, 1:5, and 2:3, in four static extraction times: 0, 5, 10, and 15 minutes. Total carotenoids and astaxanthin contents were determined in the crude extracts by UV-visible spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. Triplicate aliquots of 50 mg were used for each treatment. The results indicated that the best single extraction (0.312 ± 0.016 µg carotenoids/mg) was attained with Ac = O: Hex 1:3, for 15 minutes. Through exhaustive extraction methodology (10x), a superior yield (0.41 ± 0.001 µg carotenoids/mg) was obtained from a gonad sample in comparison to the highest value found for a single extraction. Astaxanthin content was reduced by 8.6% in carotenoid extract preservation assay, i.e., -18 °C, 26 days incubation, under N2 atmosphere.
Compared microbiology of granular sludge under autotrophic, mixotrophic and heterotrophic denitrification conditions
Authors: Fernández N. , Sierra-Alvarez R. , Amils R. , Field J. A. , Sanz J. L.
Published: April 2009

Water contamination by nitrate is a wideworld extended phenomena. Biological autotrophic denitrification has a real potential to face this problem and presents less drawbacks than the most extended heterotrophic denitrification. Three bench-scale UASB reactors were operated under autotrophic (R1, H2S as electron donor), mixotrophic (R2, H2S plus p-cresol as electron donors) and heterotrophic (R3, p-cresol as electron donor) conditions using nitrate as terminal electron acceptor. 16S rDNA genetic libraries were built up to compare their microbial biodiversity. Six different bacteria phyla and three archaeal classes were observed. Proteobacteria was the main phyla in all reactors standing out the presence of denitrifiers. Microorganisms similar to Thiobacillus denitrificans and Acidovorax sp. performed the autotrophic denitification. These OTUs were displaced by chemoheterotrophic denitrifiers, especially by Limnobacter-like and Ottowia-like OTUs. Other phyla were Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria that - as well as Archaea members - were implicated in the degradation of organic matter, as substrate added as coming from endogenous sludge decay under autotrophic conditions. Archaea diversity remained low in all the reactors being Methanosaeta concilii the most abundant one.
C-fiber-Selective Peripheral Nerve Blockade
Authors: Suzuki Suzuko , Gerner Peter , C Colvin Anna , M. Binshtok Alexander
Published: April 2009

Despite the clinical demand, current uses of local anesthetics do not allow selective blockade of nociceptive fibers. Regional anesthesia produces an analgesic effect accompanied with undesired side effects due to block of motor, non-nociceptive sensory and autonomic fibers. These side effects limit the clinical use of local anesthetics and affect the recovery and rehabilitation period after surgical procedures. Therefore one main goal of research in the field of regional anesthesia is selectively targeting nociceptive fibers. Recent studies describing the role of nociceptive specific sodium channels in generation and propagation of nociceptive signals make these channels ideal targets for pain selective blockade. In addition, novel methods of targeted delivery of charged local anesthetics selectively into nociceptors provide another potentially successful approach for c-fiber specific nerve block. This review summarizes currently on-going studies on several promising targets and methods to achieve pain selective anesthesia.
THE SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION: PROCESS THEORY (PT) PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Chuang Li-Min
Published: April 2009

The sources, stages, and processes of organizational innovation in some of Taiwan's benchmarking companies in the service industry are discussed. Process-theory-based research methodology was used to analyze the characteristics of the innovation process to achieve a better understanding
of how and why innovations emerged, developed, grew, and terminated. The stage/process model was used to investigate organizational innovation (OI) processes and factors which affected processes. Conclusions were obtained chiefly through in-depth field studies and a retrospective cross-sectional
survey. Amabile's (1988) model was modified to account for differences between practices and theories. The research resulted in an organizational innovation process model that was divided into five stages, just as in Amabile's model; on the other hand, Amabile's (1988) model
was modified to account for differences between practice and theory during this study. The conclusions of this research may serve to broaden various perspectives of debate about individual, organizational, and environmental factors.