Conflicts of Interest in the Underwriting of IPOs and Price Stabilization

Banks that supply capital and simultaneously underwrite securities for the same clients may benefit themselves or their clients at the expenses of investors by overpricing securities. We investigate this issue by analyzing price stabilization and short-term returns of IPOs. Our analysis suggests that equity-conflicted underwriters overprice IPOs and use price stabilization to disguise overpricing. The same does not happen with loan conflicted underwriters. We also show that the partial adjustment phenomenon may result from price stabilization, since it disappears after the stabilization is over.N/

Endotracheal tube cuff pressure assessment maneuver induces drop of expired tidal volume in the postoperative of coronary artery bypass grafting

Background: Previous investigations reported that the cuff pressure (CP) can decrease secondary to the CP evaluation itself. However is not established in literature if this loss of CP is able to generate alterations on expired tidal volume (ETV). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential consequences of the endotracheal CP assessment maneuver on CP levels and ETV in the early postoperative of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).Methods: A total of 488 patients were analyzed. After the operation, the lungs were ventilated in pressure-assist control mode and the same ventilatory settings were adjusted for all patients. After intensive care unit arrival, the cuff was fully deflated and then progressively inflated by air injection, to promote a minimal volume to occlude the trachea. To assist the cuff inflation and the air leakage identification, the graphical monitoring of the volume-time curve was adopted. After 20 minutes a first cuff pressure evaluation was performed (P1) and a second measurement (P2) was taken after 20 minutes with an analog manometer. ETV was obtained always pre and post P1 measurement.Results: the CP assessment maneuver promoted a significant drop of P2 in relation to P1 when the manometer was attached to the pilot balloon (p < 0.0001). When compared the moments, pre-P1 versus post-P1, a significant drop of the ETV was also observed (p < 0.0001).Conclusion: the CP assessment maneuver promoted a significant decrease in CP values and occurrence of air leakage with reduction of ETV in the early postoperative of CABG.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, Cardiol Discipline, Pirajussara Hosp,Escola Paulista Med, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, Cardiol Discipline, São Paulo Hosp,Escola Paulista Med, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Physiotherapy Sch, Dept Human Movement Sci, BR-11060001 Santos, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, Pneumol Discipline, São Paulo Hosp,Escola Paulista Med, BR-04039002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, Cardiovasc Surg Discipline, Pirajussara Hosp,Escola Paulista Med, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, Cardiovasc Surg Discipline, São Paulo Hosp,Escola Paulista Med, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Cardiol Discipline, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, Cardiol Discipline, Pirajussara Hosp,Escola Paulista Med, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, Cardiol Discipline, São Paulo Hosp,Escola Paulista Med, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Physiotherapy Sch, Dept Human Movement Sci, BR-11060001 Santos, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, Pneumol Discipline, São Paulo Hosp,Escola Paulista Med, BR-04039002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, Cardiovasc Surg Discipline, Pirajussara Hosp,Escola Paulista Med, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, Cardiovasc Surg Discipline, São Paulo Hosp,Escola Paulista Med, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Cardiol Discipline, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

A ergonomia na concepção das novas telas do simulador do Laboratório Interfaces Homem Sistema. LABIHS, do Instituto de Engenharia Nuclear

A ergonomia de concepção pode ser definida como a elaboração de novos produtos, processos ou sistemas informatizados, enfatizando a aplicação dos conceitos ergonômicos, seguindo os padrões ergonômicos contidos nas normas, objetivando o desenvolvimento de sistemas seguros, funcionais, adaptáveis as necessidades dos usuários, propiciando o aumento da confiabilidade operacional e da segurança na realização das tarefas. O objetivo desse trabalho é propor e aplicar uma estrutura metodológica para avaliação e desenvolvimento de interfaces gráficas de salas de controle de reatores nucleares com enfoque centrado nos operadores, na atividade dos operadores e na tecnologia de ferramentas computacionais disponíveis para confecção dessas interfaces

Estratégia de seleção precoce para rendimento de grãos e componentes do rendimento em aveia branca

Vários trabalhos têm sido desenvolvidos buscando uma maior eficiência de seleção de plantas em gerações com alta freqüência de heterozigotos. Comparou-se a resposta da seleção direta para rendimento de grãos, seleção indireta baseada no peso médio de grãos e seleção combinada de plantas de plantas em aveia (Avena sativa L.) para superior potencial produtivo e peso médio de grãos, utilizando o método colméia. As estratégias foram aplicadas nas safras agrícolas de 2001 e 2002 em populações F3 e F4, respectivamente, nos cruzamentos UPF 18 ;&acute;; TC 5, OR 2 ;&acute;; UPF 7 e OR 2 ;&acute;; UPF 18. As dez melhores combinações genéticas obtidas para cada cruzamento e estratégia de seleção foram avaliadas em ensaios de rendimento de grãos na safra agrícola de 2003. A seleção de plantas de maior rendimento de grãos e peso médio de grãos pode ser feita ainda em gerações com alto nível de heterozigose. A seleção direta para rendimento de grãos e a indireta com base no peso médio de grãos possibilitaram elevar a média dos caracteres sob seleção, entretanto, os genótipos obtidos pela primeira estratégia apresentaram baixo peso médio de grãos enquanto àqueles obtidos pela segunda apresentaram baixo potencial produtivo. A seleção deve ser conduzida de forma simultânea, buscando-se maximizar em um só genótipo elevado potencial de rendimento de grãos e peso de grãos, possibilitando a obtenção de máximo progresso genético para ambos os caracteres.Several studies have searched for higher efficiency on plant selection in generations bearing high frequency of heterozygotes. This work aims to compare the response of direct selection for grain yield, indirect selection through average grain weight and combined selection for higher yield potential and average grain weight of oat plants (Avena sativa L.), using the honeycomb breeding method. These strategies were applied in the growing seasons of 2001 and 2002 in F3 and F4 populations, respectively, in the crosses UPF 18 CTC 5, OR 2 ;&acute;; UPF 7 and OR 2 ;&acute;; UPF 18. The ten best genetic combinations obtained for each cross and selection strategy were evaluated in greenhouse yield trials. Selection of plants with higher yield and average grain weight might be performed on early generations with high levels of heterozygosis. The direct selection for grain yield and indirect selection for average grain weight enabled to increase the average of characters under selection. However, genotypes obtained through direct selection presented lower average grain weight and those obtained through the indirect selection presented lower yield potential. Selection strategies must be run simultaneously to combine in only one genotype high yield potential and large grain weight, enabling maximum genetic gain for both characters

Ecotoxicology of Glyphosate-Based Herbicides on Aquatic Environment

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are chemicals developed to control unwanted plants such as weeds or algae. These chemicals act on EPSPS enzyme that blocks the production of tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan amino acids causing plant death. This biochemical pathway exists only in plant organisms. Despite the target use, GBHs have been related to toxic effects on nonplant organisms, such as invertebrates, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, including humans. This chapter is focused on ecotoxicological effects of GBHs on aquatic environment, showing a perspective of studies since this kind of product was developed until nowadays, an analysis of how many studies for each taxonomic group. Furthermore, we analyzed specifically the toxic effect of GBHs on each taxon, and finally, we discuss future perspectives and suggestions for a better regulation and application for this chemical

PETI: DEVELOPMENT OF ACTIONS AGAINST THE EXPLOITATION OF CHILD WORK

Objetivos: Objetivou-se discorrer acerca das estratégias adotadas no PETI e a representatividade do enfermeiro face ao programa. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo efetuado com 12 indivíduos de 10 a 13 anos assistidos pelas unidades do Programa de Erradicação do Trabalho Infantil (PETI) da cidade de Iguatu-CE no decorrer do ano de 2008. Obtiveram-se os dados via entrevista semi-estruturada mediante assinatura do TCLE pelos responsáveis dos participantes, pós parecer favorável do COMEPE da Faculdade de Medicina de Juazeiro do Norte-FMJ. Resultados: Empregam-se ações socioeducativas destinadas ao aperfeiçoamento artístico-cultural e cognitivo dos usuários, além da compensação financeira mensal aos demais componentes familiares. Os discursos divergem sobre o envolvimento do enfermeiro nas atividades implementadas. Conclusão: Portanto, o PETI atua de modo impactante no contexto social vivenciado pelo público infanto-juvenil, viabilizando seu egresso das atividades econômicas e inserindo-o ativamente em atividades político-pedagógicas. Descritores: promoção da saúde, trabalho de menores, desenvolvimento infantil

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation improves exercise tolerance in patients with advanced heart failure on continuous intravenous inotropic support userandomized controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a short-term neuromuscular electrical stimulation program on exercise tolerance in hospitalized patients with advanced heart failure who have suffered an acute decompensation and are under continuous intravenous inotropic support. Design: A randomized controlled study. Subjects: Initially, 195 patients hospitalized for decompensated heart failure were recruited, but 70 were randomized. Intervention: Patients were randomized into two groups: control group subject to the usual care (n=35)neuromuscular electrical stimulation group (n=35) received daily training sessions to both lower extremities for around two weeks. Main measures: The baseline 6-minute walk test to determine functional capacity was performed 24hours after hospital admission, and intravenous inotropic support dose was daily checked in all patients. The outcomes were measured in two weeks or at the discharge if the patients were sent back home earlier than two weeks. Results: After losses of follow-up, a total of 49 patients were included and considered for final analysis (control group, n=25 and neuromuscular electrical stimulation group, n=24). The neuromuscular electrical stimulation group presented with a higher 6-minute walk test distance compared to the control group after the study protocol (29334.78m vs. 265.8 +/- 48.53m, P<0.001, respectively). Neuromuscular electrical stimulation group also demonstrated a significantly higher dose reduction of dobutamine compared to control group after the study protocol (2.72 +/- 1.72 mu g/kg/min vs. 3.86 +/- 1.61 mu g/kg/min, P=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: A short-term inpatient neuromuscular electrical stimulation rehabilitation protocol improved exercise tolerance and reduced intravenous inotropic support necessity in patients with advanced heart failure suffering a decompensation episode.Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo Hosp, Cardiol & Cardiovasc Surg Discipline, Rua Napoleao de Barros,715,3 Andar, BR-04024002 Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Carlos, Cardiopulm Physiotherapy Lab, Sao Carlos, BrazilUniv Illinois, Coll Appl Hlth Sci, Dept Phys Therapy, Chicago, IL USAUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Physiotherapy Sch, Dept Human Mot Sci, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo Hosp, Cardiol & Cardiovasc Surg Discipline, Rua Napoleao de Barros,715,3 Andar, BR-04024002 Sao Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Elevated glutamate and lactate predict brain death after severe head trauma

Objective: Clinical neurological assessment is challenging for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients in the acute setting. Waves of neurochemical abnormalities that follow TBI may serve as fluid biomarkers of neurological status. We assessed the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of glutamate, lactate, BDNF, and GDNF, to identify potential prognostic biomarkers of neurological outcome. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in a total of 20 consecutive patients (mean [SD] age, 29 [13] years; M/F, 9:1) with severe TBI Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8 and abnormal computed tomography scan on admission. Patients were submitted to ventricular drainage and had CSF collected between 2 and 4 h after hospital admission. Patients were then stratified according to two clinical outcomes: deterioration to brain death (nonsurvival, n = 6) or survival (survival, n = 14), within 3 days after hospital admission. CSF levels of brain-derived substances were compared between nonsurvival and survival groups. Clinical and neurological parameters were also assessed. Results: Glutamate and lactate are significantly increased in nonsurvival relative to survival patients. We tested the accuracy of both biomarkers to discriminate patient outcome. Setting a cutoff of >57.75, glutamate provides 80.0% of sensitivity and 84.62% of specificity (AUC: 0.8214, 95% CL: 54.55–98.08%; and a cutoff of >4.65, lactate has 100% of sensitivity and 85.71% of specificity (AUC: 0.8810, 95% CL: 54.55–98.08%). BDNF and GDNF did not discriminate poor outcome. Interpretation: This early study suggests that glutamate and lactate concentrations at hospital admission accurately predict death within 3 days after severe TBI

Pan-Cancer Analysis of lncRNA Regulation Supports Their Targeting of Cancer Genes in Each Tumor Context

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are commonly dys-regulated in tumors, but only a handful are known toplay pathophysiological roles in cancer. We inferredlncRNAs that dysregulate cancer pathways, onco-genes, and tumor suppressors (cancer genes) bymodeling their effects on the activity of transcriptionfactors, RNA-binding proteins, and microRNAs in5,185 TCGA tumors and 1,019 ENCODE assays.Our predictions included hundreds of candidateonco- and tumor-suppressor lncRNAs (cancerlncRNAs) whose somatic alterations account for thedysregulation of dozens of cancer genes and path-ways in each of 14 tumor contexts. To demonstrateproof of concept, we showed that perturbations tar-geting OIP5-AS1 (an inferred tumor suppressor) andTUG1 and WT1-AS (inferred onco-lncRNAs) dysre-gulated cancer genes and altered proliferation ofbreast and gynecologic cancer cells. Our analysis in-dicates that, although most lncRNAs are dysregu-lated in a tumor-specific manner, some, includingOIP5-AS1, TUG1, NEAT1, MEG3, and TSIX, synergis-tically dysregulate cancer pathways in multiple tumorcontexts