The Homa-adiponectin (homa-ad) Closely Mirrors The Homa-ir Index In The Screening Of Insulin Resistance In The Brazilian Metabolic Syndrome Study (brams)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)The major adverse consequences of obesity are associated with the development of insulin resistance (IR) and adiposopathy. The Homeostasis Model Assessment-Adiponectin (HOMA-AD) was proposed as a modified version of the HOMA1-IR, which incorporates adiponectin in the denominator of the index. Objectives To evaluate the performance of the HOMA-AD index compared with the HOMA1-IR index as a surrogate marker of IR in women, and to establish the cutoff value of the HOMA-AD. Subjects/Methods The Brazilian Metabolic Syndrome Study (BRAMS) is a cross-sectional multicenter survey. The data from 1,061 subjects met the desired criteria: 18-65 years old, BMI: 18.5-49.9 Kg/m(2) and without diabetes. The IR was assessed by the indexes HOMA1-IR and HOMA-AD (total sample) and by the hyperglycemic clamp(n = 49). Metabolic syndrome was defined using the IDF criteria. Results For the IR assessed by the clamp, the HOMA-AD demonstrated a stronger coefficient of correlation (r = -0.64) compared with the HOMA1-IR (r = -0.56); p 0.05). The optimal cutoff identified for the HOMA-AD for the diagnosis of IR was 0.95. Conclusions The HOMA-AD index was demonstrated to be a useful surrogate marker for detecting IR among adult women and presented a similar performance compared with the HOMA1-IR index. These results may assist physicians and researchers in determining which method to use to evaluate IR in light of the available facilities.118National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq) [563664/2010-0]Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP [2013/06195-8]Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

A racionalidade substantiva das práticas de autogestão: uma análise sobre as dinâmicas organizativas de mulheres na economia solidária sob a perspectiva da história oral

Purpose  – The research aims to discuss substantive rationality in the context of Solidarity Economy (SE) and women's self-management practices in the Solidarity and Feminist Economy Network [SFEN], based on the voices of women themselves.Design/methodology/approach – The research uses an exploratory and qualitative, from the perspective of thematic oral history. It is a search for representativeness of other forms of organization through otherness and a post-colonial view of the Administration.Findings - The productive groups of women of the SFEN are configured as substantive organizations. Under the self-management paradigm, reveal an alternative way of producing and commercialization, bringing together the dimensions of work and life in order to allow the construction of an inclusive economy, which could be alignment with the enclave “isonomy” of Guerreiro Ramos.Research limitations/implications – As an exploratory study, it was not possible in this article go deepen the gender issue in the daily practice of women in the productive group.Practical implications – The use of the self-management paradigm in an inclusive economy situation presents these production groups with a real alternative to understanding themselves as active participants in the economy.Social implications - The study brings the reflection of the participants of the productive groups about their active position in society, generates a self-assessment of their activities, serving the analysis also as an opening for reassessments and reapplications of the self-knowledge process of such groups.Originality/value – There is a gap in management research discussing solidarity economy, self-management, feminist organizations and substantive organizations by Guerreiro Ramos.Objetivo - A pesquisa tem o objetivo de discutir a racionalidade substantiva no contexto da Economia Solidária (ES), e  das práticas de autogestão de mulheres da Rede Economia Solidária e Feminista [RESF], a partir das vozes das próprias mulheres.Design/metodologia/abordagem - A pesquisa exploratória qualitativa, a partir da perspectiva da história oral temática, em uma busca por representatividade de outras formas de organização por meio da alteridade e de uma visão pós-colonial da Administração.Achados - Os grupos produtivos de mulheres da RESF configuram-se como organizações substantivas. Suas dinâmicas organizativas, sob o paradigma da autogestão, permitem a construção de uma economia inclusiva, que se baseia em valores, pratica a democracia, compartilha os processos de tomada de decisão, e, por conseguinte, os processos de aprendizagem, seguindo o enclave “Isonomia” de Guerreiro Ramos.Limitações da pesquisa– como um estudo exploratório não foi possível neste artigo aprofundar a questão gênero na pratica cotidiana das mulheres no grupo produtivo.Implicações práticas– O uso do paradigma da autogestão em uma situação de economia inclusiva expõe a esses grupos produtivos uma alternativa real de se compreenderam como participantes ativos da economia.Implicações sociais – O estudo traz a reflexão das participantes dos grupos produtivos sobre sua posição ativa na sociedade gera uma auto valoração de suas atividades, servindo a análise também como uma abertura para reavaliações e reaplicações do processo de autoconhecimento de tais grupos.Originalidade  – Há uma lacuna de pesquisas em administração discutindo economia solidária, autogestão, organizações feministas  e organizações substantivas de Guerreiro Ramo

INFLUENCE OF THE METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS ON FOREST FIRES OCCURRENCES IN LICHINGA DISTRICT, NORTHERN MOZAMBIQUE

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the influence of meteorological conditions on the fire occurrences in forest stands of Lichinga district, in the period from 2010 to 2012. Data about fire occurrences records of the district of Lichinga and two others close districts (Lago and Sanga) were provided by the Center for Monitoring and Control of Forest Fires (CCMIF) of the company Chikweti. Daily weather data: temperature, rainfall and relative humidity of the same period, recorded at 13:00 PM, by the meteorological station of the Institute of Agronomic Research of Mozambique (IIAM) in Lichinga district were also provided to this work. Meteorological data were submitted to regression analysis and Tukey test. The results showed a significant variation in temperature and humidity on both tests. The overlapping of fire occurrences and meteorological variables, suggested a great influence of the meteorological conditions in the occurrence of fires, mainly due to the very long dry periods. In 2010 there was a delay in the occurrence of fires; this was related to the rainy season which was slightly longer. September and October was the months that recorded the highest number of fire occurrences throughout the studied period.ResumoInfluência das condições meteorológicas na ocorrência dos incêndios florestais no distrito de Lichinga, norte de Moçambique. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência das variáveis meteorológicas na ocorrência de incêndios em povoamentos florestais no distrito de Lichinga, no período de 2010 a 2012. Para tal, foram analisados os registros de ocorrências de incêndios do distrito de Lichinga e de outros dois distritos vizinhos (Lago e Sanga), disponibilizados pelo Centro de Controle e Monitoramento de Incêndios Florestais (CCMIF) da empresa Chikweti Forest of Niassa, e dados meteorológicos diários de temperatura (máxima e mínima), precipitação e umidade relativa, do mesmo período, registrados às 13 horas, pela estação meteorológica do Instituto de Investigação Agronômica de Moçambique em Lichinga (IIAM-Lichinga). Os dados meteorológicos foram submetidos ao teste de análise de regressão e ao teste de Tukey, tendo sido observado uma variação significativa da temperatura e umidade em ambos os testes. A sobreposição das ocorrências dos incêndios com as variáveis meteorológicas demostrou uma grande influênca dessas variáveis na ocorrência dos incêndios, principalmente devido aos períodos secos prolongados. No ano 2010 observou-se um atraso na ocorrência dos incêndios, devido ao período chuvoso que foi ligeiramente mais longo. Os meses que registraram maior número de ocorrências em todo o período foram setembro e outubro.Palavras-chave: Povoamentos florestais; variáveis meteorológicas; prevenção de incêndios florestais

Informal Trade of Psychoactive Herbal Products in the City of Diadema, SP, Brazil: Quality and Potential Risks

The present study aimed to assess the quality and risks involved in the consumption of psychoactive herbal products (PHs) that are available through informal commerce in the city of Diadema, SP, Brazil. Methods of ethnography were used to conduct the fieldwork during which four dealers were selected to record the collection, handling, packaging, types of PHs marketed, and their therapeutic purposes. in addition, lots of the PHs selected were purchased from the dealers and analyzed using microbiology and pharmacognosy techniques. 217 PHs were recorded and categorized into two main groups: stimulants (67%) and depressants (27%) of the central nervous system; sixteen of them were selected, and their 52 lots were acquired. the deficiencies observed in handling and packaging these lots by dealers were confirmed by microbiological analysis; 80.8% of them presented risk according to the indicators defined by the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. the pharmacognostic analysis confirmed the authenticity of only 9 to 16 PHs analyzed. in addition, descriptions of contraindications, adverse reactions, and drug interactions were found in the literature for the PHs. the results of this study allow the observation of the priorities for the sanitary adequacy of the popular trade of herbs.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)AFIP-Associacao Fundo de Incentivo a PesquisaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med Prevent, BR-04038034 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencias Biol, Ctr Estudos Etnobot & Etnofarmacol, BR-09972270 Diadema, SP, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Dept Farm, BR-05508000 São Paulo, BrazilAdolfo Lutz Inst, Ctr Medicamentos Cosmet & Saneantes, BR-01246902 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Psicobiol, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilUniv Bandeirante Anhanguera, BR-02071013 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencias Biol, BR-09972270 Diadema, SP, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med Prevent, BR-04038034 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencias Biol, Ctr Estudos Etnobot & Etnofarmacol, BR-09972270 Diadema, SP, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Psicobiol, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencias Biol, BR-09972270 Diadema, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Direct resin composite restoration of endodontically-treated permanent molars in adolescents: bite force and patient-specific finite element analysis

Objective: To evaluate the influence of three levels of dental structure loss on stress distribution and bite load in root canal-treated young molar teeth that were filled with bulk-fill resin composite, using finite element analysis (FEA) to predict clinical failure. Methodology: Three first mandibular molars with extensive caries lesions were selected in teenager patients. The habitual occlusion bite force was measured using gnathodynamometer before and after endodontic/restoration procedures. The recorded bite forces were used as input for patient-specific FEA models, generated from cone-beam computed tomographic (CT) scans of the teeth before and after treatment. Loads were simulated using the contact loading of the antagonist molars selected based on the CT scans and clinical evaluation. Pre and post treatment bite forces (N) in the 3 patients were 30.1/136.6, 34.3/133.4, and 47.9/124.1. Results: Bite force increased 260% (from 36.7±11.6 to 131.9±17.8 N) after endodontic and direct restoration. Before endodontic intervention, the stress concentration was located in coronal tooth structure; after rehabilitation, the stresses were located in root dentin, regardless of the level of tooth structure loss. The bite force used on molar teeth after pulp removal during endodontic treatment resulted in high stress concentrations in weakened tooth areas and at the furcation. Conclusion: Extensive caries negatively affected the bite force. After pulp removal and endodontic treatment, stress and strain concentrations were higher in the weakened dental structure. Root canal treatment associated with direct resin composite restorative procedure could restore the stress-strain conditions in permanent young molar teeth

Об использовании элементов метода ветвей и границ в схемах динамического программирования

Рассматривается возможный способ повышения эффективности алгоритмов по методу динамического программирования при решении условных экстремальных задач с аддитивными целевыми функциями, заданными на дискретных множествах. Основной идеей рассматриваемого способа является сокращение областей определения экстремума при решении рекуррентных уравнений Беллмана путем сравнения текущих значений функции Беллмана с рекордом, аналогично схеме метода ветвей и границ

The variability of isokinetic ankle strength is different in healthy older men and women

Context: In the elderly, weak lower limb muscles impair functional tasks' performance. Objective: To evaluate the healthy elderly's ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion maximum torque and its variability in two sets of 5 RM isokinetics evaluation. Method: 50 women (68.0 ± 4.6 years old) and 50 men (72.7 ± 8.5 years old) did two sets of ankle plantar flexor and dorsiflexor isokinetic tests at 30°/s. Peak torque, total work, and coefficient of variation were analyzed. Results: Men did the strongest plantarflexion torque (p < 0.05) and dorsiflexion torque (p < 0.05); their highest peak torque occurred at set 2 (p < 0.05), while the largest plantarflexion torque variability (p < 0.05), dorsiflexion torque variability (p < 0.05), and the largest plantarflexion torque variability occurred at set 1 (p < 0.05). Men did the highest plantarflexion and dorsiflexion total work (p < 0.05) at set 2 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Older men are stronger than older women. The torque variability, in men, was higher during the first set, suggesting an adaptation to the isokinetics evaluation. Clinicians and researchers should consider that different muscles might need different numbers of sets and trials to measure their maximal muscle strength

Transportadores de ácidos orgânicos na tolerância ao alumínio tóxico em trigo

Aluminum (Al) toxicity in plants is seen in about 15% of the soils worldwide, restraining yields in arable land. In Brazil, acidic soils limit production of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and other cereals. Al is toxic for most winter cereals when its concentration increases and soil pH is below 5. One of the main concerns with acidic soil is the increase in the mobility of Al3+ions. Al binds to cell walls in roots, preventing meristematic elongation in sensitive species, causing damage to the root system and results in lower yields. Al3+ forms highly stable complexes with phosphorus (P), limiting its availability to plants, as well as reducing cell division and elongation. To deal with Al toxicity, plants have developed strategies such as organic acid (OA) exudation by roots; this mechanism of detoxification has been well-characterized. OAs, in turn, chelate ions Al3, forming non-toxic compounds that do not penetrate the root system. Some genes responsible for Al tolerance in wheat have been identified, particularly TaALMT1 and TaMATE1B that transport malate and citrate OAs, respectively. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms by which Al damages roots those by which plants are protected, primarily through two genes. We also described the interaction of the ALMT1 gene with P and iron (Fe).A toxicidade do alumínio (Al) às plantas é observada em cerca de 15% dos solos no planeta, sendo um fator restritivo à produtividade em terras cultiváveis. No Brasil, os solos ácidos são limitantes à produção de trigo (Triticum aestivum L.) e outros cereais. O Al é tóxico para a maioria dos cereais de inverno, quando a sua concentração aumenta e o pH do solo atinge valores inferiores a 5. Uma das principais preocupações sobre o solo ácido é o aumento da mobilidade dos íons Al3+. O Al pode se ligar as paredes celulares das raízes e, como consequência, impedir o alongamento meristemático em espécies sensíveis, provocando danos ao sistema radicular, que resulta em menor desempenho agronômico das plantas. O Al3+ é também capaz de formar complexos altamente estáveis com fósforo (P), limitando sua disponibilidade para as plantas, e também reduzindo a divisão e o alongamento celular. Para lidar com a toxicidade ao Al, as plantas desenvolveram algumas estratégias como a exsudação de ácido orgânicos (AOs) pelas raízes, sendo este mecanismo de destoxificação bem caracterizado. Os AOs, por sua vez, quelam ions Al3+ formando compostos não tóxicos que não penetram no sistema radicular. Alguns genes responsáveis pela tolerância ao Al em trigo foram identificados, com ênfase para TaALMT1 e TaMATE1B, que exsudam os AOs malato e citrato, respectivamente. Nesta revisão, discutimos os mecanismos pelos quais Al danifica raízes, bem como plantas protegem-se, através de dois genes principalmente. Também apresentamos a interação do gene ALMT1 com P e ferro (Fe)

Uma Revisão dos Fatores Determinantes para Proatividade Ambiental: O Caso da Indústria Calçadista

This paper reviews literature in order to identify the determinant factors of companies’ environmental proactivity. According to Gonzalez-Benito and Gonzalez-Benito (2006), environmental proactivity demands three practices: planning and organization, operation, and communication. Environmental strategies go on to comment upon several variables that depict internal company features, external factors, and stakeholders pressures. This work discusses these issues using data collected in 2007 from shoe companies selected for in-depth personal interviews and site visits in two different Brazilian states. The empirical results demonstrate that proactive approaches seem clear in companies influenced by stakeholders’ pressure. This is the central determinant factor and it is argued that all the other variables affect either the intensity of this pressure or the company’s capacity to perceive it. All the factors identified herein should be taken into account, at least as control variables, in those studies aiming at explaining and contextualizing environmental strategies.Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar los factores que las empresas llevan a adoptar conductas preventivas ambientales, específicamente el estudio de la industria del calzado a partir de cinco casos en la industria. Tomando como punto de partida el modelo de González-Benito y González-Benito (2006), se argumenta, a través de este trabajo, la proactividad medioambiental se puede expresar mediante diversas prácticas y estrategias ambientales. La adopción de estas estrategias está influida por una serie de variables divididas en: factores externos, las características organizativas y la presión de grupos de interés (stakeholders). Este estudio evalúa estas variables en las empresas de la industria del calzado. Para ello, se realizó una investigación exploratoria cualitativa a través de entrevistas y visitas a plantas de producción en cinco empresas establecidas en dos Estados. Llegamos a la conclusión de que la presión de los grupos de interés es el factor determinante en las actitudes y estrategias de gestión, definiendo la adopción de prácticas ambientales en las empresas encuestadas. En este sentido, las estrategias ambientales varían debido a la importancia percibida por las empresas como a las demandas de las partes interesadas. Sin embargo, todas las otras variables se deben tomar en consideración, al menos como variables de control en los estudios que tratan de explicar y contextualizar estrategias ambientales.Este artigo tem como objetivo revisar o arcabouço teórico sobre os fatores determinantes para a proatividade ambiental nas empresas. Tomando como ponto de partida o modelo de González-Benito e González-Benito (2006), o trabalho argumenta que a proatividade ambiental pode ser expressa por diversas práticas ambientais e estratégias. A adoção destas estratégias é influenciada por um conjunto de variáveis divididas em: fatores externos, características organizacionais e pressão dos stakeholders. O trabalho avalia estas variáveis em empresas do setor calçadista. Foi realizada uma pesquisa exploratória qualitativa por meio de entrevistas e visitas as plantas produtivas em cincos empresas instaladas em dois estados brasileiros. Conclui-se que a pressão dos stakeholders é o fator determinante nas atitudes gerenciais e estratégicas, definindo a adoção de práticas ambientais nas empresas pesquisadas. Neste sentido, as estratégias ambientais variam em função da importância percebida pelas firmas quanto às exigências dos stakeholders. Entretanto, todas as outras variáveis devem ser levadas em consideração, pelo menos como variáveis de controle nos estudos que busquem explicar e contextualizar as estratégias ambientais.DOI:10.5585/riae.v11i2.180

Leukotriene B4-loaded microspheres: a new therapeutic strategy to modulate cell activation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Leukotriene B₄(LTB₄) is a potent inflammatory mediator that also stimulates the immune response. In addition, it promotes polymorphonuclear leukocyte phagocytosis, chemotaxis, chemokinesis and modulates cytokines release. Regarding chemical instability of the leukotriene molecule, in the present study we assessed the immunomodulatory activities conferred by LTB₄released from microspheres (MS). A previous oil-in-water emulsion solvent extraction-evaporation method was chosen to prepare LTB₄-loaded MS.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In the mice cremasteric microcirculation, intraescrotal injection of 0.1 ml of LTB₄-loaded MS provoked significant increases in leukocyte rolling flux, adhesion and emigration besides significant decreases in the leukocyte rolling velocity. LTB₄-loaded MS also increase peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) expression by murine peritoneal macrophages and stimulate them to generate nitrite levels. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and nitric oxide (NO) productions were also increased when human umbilical vein and artery endothelial cells (HUVECs and HUAECs, respectively) were stimulated with LTB₄-loaded MS.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>LTB₄-loaded MS preserve the biological activity of the encapsulated mediator indicating their use as a new strategy to modulate cell activation, especially in the innate immune response.</p