O PAPEL MODERADOR DE ESTILOS DE LIDERANÇA NA RELAÇÃO ENTRE PERCEPÇÃO DE SUPORTE ORGANIZACIONAL E COMPROMETIMENTO ORGANIZACIONAL AFETIVO: UM ESTUDO COM TRABALHADORES DA REGIÃO SUDESTE DO BRASIL

Esta dissertação teve como objetivo geral analisar as relações entre estilos de liderança, percepção de suporte organizacional e comprometimento organizacional afetivo em trabalhadores. Participaram da pesquisa 263 trabalhadores que atuam na Região Sudeste do Brasil (Rio de Janeiro e São Paulo) em organizações não governamentais, públicas e privadas. Como instrumento para coleta de dados foi utilizado um questionário de autopreenchimento composto de três escalas que mediram as variáveis da pesquisa. O estudo se propôs a apresentar, interpretar e discutir as relações entre as variáveis, como também, testar as hipóteses referentes ao modelo conceitual proposto, por meio de uma pesquisa de natureza transversal com abordagem quantitativa, cujos dados coletados foram analisados por aplicação de técnicas estatísticas paramétricas (cálculos de estatísticas descritivas: médias, desvio padrão, teste t e correlações; cálculos de estatísticas multivariadas: análises de regressões lineares múltiplas hierárquicas). O tratamento e análise dos dados foram realizados pelo software estatístico Statistical Package for the Social Science SPSS, versão 18.0 para Windows. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a variável percepção de suporte organizacional exerce forte e significativo impacto sobre comprometimento organizacional afetivo, enquanto que a variável estilos de liderança não consegue aumentar nem diminuir a força. A pesquisa possibilitou concluir pela adequação parcial do modelo testado visto ser a variável estilos de liderança um moderador frágil da relação entre percepção de suporte organizacional e comprometimento organizacional afetivo.

BEM-ESTAR NO TRABALHO E PERCEPÇÃO DE SUCESSO NA CARREIRA COMO ANTECEDENTES DE INTENÇÃO DE ROTATIVIDADE.

O objetivo geral deste estudo foi analisar, interpretar e discutir as relações entre as percepções de sucesso na carreira, bem-estar no trabalho e a intenção de rotatividade em trabalhadores da Região Sudeste do Brasil. Participaram desta pesquisa 500 trabalhadores que atuam no estado de São Paulo em organizações não governamentais, públicas e privadas. Como instrumento para coleta de dados foi utilizado um questionário de autopreenchimento composto de cinco escalas que mediram as variáveis da pesquisa. A presente pesquisa se propôs a apresentar, interpretar e discutir as relações entre as variáveis, como também, testar as hipóteses referentes ao modelo conceitual proposto, por meio de uma pesquisa de natureza transversal com abordagem quantitativa, cujos dados coletados foram analisados por aplicação de técnicas estatísticas paramétricas (cálculos de estatísticas descritivas: médias, desvio padrão, teste t e correlações; cálculos de estatísticas multivariadas: análise de regressão linear múltipla stepwise e teste da normalidade das variáveis, por meio do teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov). O tratamento e análise dos dados foram realizados pelo software estatístico Statistical Package for the Social Science SPSS, versão 18.0 para Windows. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que as dimensões de bem-estar no trabalho exercem forte e significativo impacto sobre a intenção de rotatividade dos profissionais, enquanto que a percepção de sucesso na carreira contribuiu com valores baixos neste impacto, devido ao formato do modelo hipotético. A pesquisa possibilitou concluir que quanto mais a empresa se preocupa em proporcionar um ambiente de trabalho que seja animador, interessante e que cause entusiasmo, menos os profissionais pensarão em deixá-la.

SUPORTE SOCIAL E AUTOEFICÁCIA EM IDOSOS

As questões do desenvolvimento humano desde tempos remotos são de interesse das diversas áreas do conhecimento. Tendo em vista o aumento da expectativa de vida, as questões relacionadas ao processo de envelhecimento ganharam importância, principalmente no que tange às políticas de saúde. A saúde é preocupação central no campo do envelhecimento, uma vez que problemas de saúde podem acarretar diversas dificuldades para os idosos e para suas famílias. Este estudo teve por objetivo buscar identificar as associações entre percepções de suporte social e autoeficácia em idosos. Suporte social e autoeficácia são variáveis estudadas em contextos diversos. Estudos revelam que ambas são capazes de colaborar para proteger e promover saúde. Suporte social diz respeito ao grupo de informações que leva o indivíduo a acreditar que é valorizado, amado e estimado e que o faz sentir-se pertencente a uma rede social de comunicação recíproca. Autoeficácia pode ser definida como o conjunto de crenças que o indivíduo tem sobre suas capacidades para organizar e executar ações para o cumprimento de tarefas específicas. Portanto, identificar a existência de associações entre as percepções de suporte social e autoeficácia pode contribuir para dar maior solidez aos conhecimentos já existentes sobre esses temas e sobre o processo de envelhecimento. Participaram do estudo 61 idosos de ambos os sexos, com idade média de 67 anos, com grau de escolaridade que variou entre ensino fundamental até pós-graduação e participantes em ações de promoção à saúde. Todos foram voluntários e autorizaram sua participação por meio da assinatura de termo de consentimento. A coleta de dados foi feita mediante a aplicação de questionário contendo escalas para avaliar os construtos, além de questões para caracterização dos participantes. Os dados foram analisados eletronicamente por meio do cálculo de frequências, percentuais, médias e desvios padrão. Para se testar a hipótese, foi calculada a correlação (r de Pearson) entre as variáveis do estudo. Entre os resultados obtidos, a percepção de suporte social, tanto na dimensão emocional quanto na dimensão prática, para os idosos participantes deste estudo, é de que muitas vezes são amados, cuidados, estimados, valorizados e, que pertencem a uma rede de comunicação e obrigações mútuas. Em se tratando da percepção da autoeficácia, constatou-se que esses participantes possuem crenças de que às vezes é verdade que são eficazes e que conseguem organizar e executar ações para o cumprimento de tarefas específicas. Aponta-se ainda que não existem correlações significativas entre percepção de suporte social e autoeficácia, ou seja, os níveis de percepção de suporte social não variam proporcionalmente à variação das crenças de autoeficácia em idosos. Isto significa dizer que para estes participantes, não seria eficaz investir em melhorias do suporte social, pois isto não teria impacto em suas crenças de autoeficácia. Indica-se a realização de novas pesquisas com idosos não participantes de ações de promoção à saúde, pois se pode pensar que idosos não engajados nestes tipos de ações poderiam necessitar de maior suporte social e assim, terem suas crenças de autoeficácia associadas à sua percepção de suporte social.

The release of nicotine from chewing gum formulations

The first clinically proven nicotine replacement product to obtain regulatory approval was Nicorette® gum. It provides a convenient way of delivering nicotine directly to the buccal cavity, thus, circumventing 'first-pass' elimination following gastrointestinal absorption. Since launch, Nicorette® gum has been investigated in numerous studies (clinical) which are often difficult to compare due to large variations in study design and degree of sophistication. In order to standardise testing, in 2000 the European Pharmacopoeia introduced an apparatus to investigate the in vitro release of drug substances from medical chewing gum. With use of the chewing machine, the main aims of this project were to determine factors that could affect release from Nicorette® gum, to develop an in vitro in vivo correlation and to investigate formulation variables on release of nicotine from gums. A standard in vitro test method was developed. The gum was placed in the chewing chamber with 40 mL of artificial saliva at 37'C and chewed at 60 chews per minute. The chew rate, the type of dissolution medium used, pH, volume, temperature and the ionic strength of the dissolution medium were altered to investigate the effects on release in vitro. It was found that increasing the temperature of the dissolution media and the rate at which the gums were chewed resulted in a greater release of nicotine, whilst increasing the ionic strength of the dissolution medium to 80 mM resulted in a lower release. The addition of 0.1 % sodium Jauryl sulphate to the artificial saliva was found to double the release of nicotine compared to the use of artificial saliva and water alone. Although altering the dissolution volume and the starting pH did not affect the release. The increase in pH may be insufficient to provide optimal conditions for nicotine absorption (since the rate at which nicotine is transported through the buccal membrane was found to be higher at pH values greater than 8.6 where nicotine is predominately unionised). Using a time mapping function, it was also possible to establish a level A in vitro in vivo correlation. 4 mg Nicorette® gum was chewed at various chew rates in vitro and correlated to an in vivo chew-out study. All chew rates used in vitro could be successfully used for IVIVC purposes, however statistically, chew rates of 10 and 20 chews per minute performed better than all other chew rates. Finally a series of nicotine gums was made to investigate the effect of formulation variables on release of nicotine from the gum. Using a directly compressible gum base, in comparison to Nicorette® the gums crumbled when chewed in vitro, resulting in a faster release of nicotine. To investigate the effect of altering the gum base, the concentration of sodium salts, sugar syrup, the form of the active drug, the addition sequence and the incorporation of surfactant into the gum, the traditional manufacturing method was used to make a series of gum formulations. Results showed that the time of addition of the active drug, the incorporation of surfactants and using different gum base all increased the release of nicotine from the gum. In contrast, reducing the concentration of sodium carbonate resulted in a lower release. Using a stronger nicotine ion-exchange resin delayed the release of nicotine from the gum, whilst altering the concentration of sugar syrup had little effect on the release but altered the texture of the gum.

Hepatite C crônica em serviço de referência no nordeste do Brasil: um estudo retrospectivo de dezoito anos de acompanhamento

Chronic Hepatitis C is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in advanced final stage of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and of death related to liver disease. Evolves progressively in time 20-30 years. Evolutionary rates vary depending on factors virus, host and behavior. This study evaluated the impact of hepatitis C on the lives of patients treated at a referral service in Hepatology of the University Hospital Onofre Lopes - Liver Study Group - from May 1995 to December 2013. A retrospective evaluation was performed on 10,304 records, in order to build a cohort of patients with hepatitis C, in which all individuals had their diagnosis confirmed by gold standard molecular biological test. Data were obtained directly from patient charts and recorded in an Excel spreadsheet, previously built, following an elaborate encoding with the study variables, which constitute individual data and prognostic factors defined in the literature in the progression of chronic hepatitis C. The Research Ethics Committee approved the project. The results were statistically analyzed with the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact used to verify the association between variable for the multivariate analysis, we used the Binomial Logistic regression method. For both tests, it was assumed significance p < 0.05 and 95%. The results showed that the prevalence of chronic hepatitis C in NEF was 4.96 %. The prevalence of cirrhosis due to hepatitis C was 13.7%. The prevalence of diabetes in patients with Hepatitis C was 8.78 % and diabetes in cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C 38.0 %. The prevalence of HCC was 5.45%. The clinical follow-up discontinuation rates were 67.5 %. The mortality in confirmed cases without cirrhosis was 4.10% and 32.1% in cirrhotic patients. The factors associated with the development of cirrhosis were genotype 1 (p = 0.0015) and bilirubin > 1.3 mg % (p = 0.0017). Factors associated with mortality were age over 35 years, abandon treatment, diabetes, insulin use, AST> 60 IU, ALT> 60 IU, high total bilirubin, extended TAP, INR high, low albumin, treatment withdrawal, cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma. The occurrence of diabetes mellitus increased mortality of patients with hepatitis C in 6 times. Variables associated with the diagnosis of cirrhosis by us were blood donor (odds ratio 0.24, p = 0.044) and professional athlete (odds ratio 0.18, p = 0.35). It is reasonable to consider a revaluation in screening models for CHC currently proposed. The condition of cirrhosis and diabetes modifies the clinical course of patients with chronical hepatitis C, making it a disease more mortality. However, being a blood donor or professional athlete is a protective factor that reduces the risk of cirrhosis, independent of alcohol consumption. Public policies to better efficient access, hosting and resolution are needed for this population.

Evaluation of a root extract gel from Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) as analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapy in rheumatoid arthritis in mice

Purpose: To develop and characterize an herbal gel prepared from methanol root extract of Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) (Stinging nettle) for the treatment of arthritis in mice. Methods: A methanol root extract from Urtica dioica was prepared, and a gel was then prepared using Carbopol 934. The prepared gel was subjected to various physical tests (color, appearance, pH, texture, viscosity) and in vivo evaluation, including primary skin irritation, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory tests, in arthritic mice and compared with 2 % indomethacin gel, which was used as standard. Results: The prepared herbal gel was of light gray color with a smooth texture. It showed a pH of 7.1 and a viscosity of 21.2 cps. The gel exhibited pseudoplastic rheology, as evidenced by shear thinning with increased shear rate. It was non-irritating to the skin in primary skin irritation test in mice and showed 55.05 % inhibition of paw edema in a carrageenan-induced hind rat paw edema model, comparable to that of the standard gel (53.93 %), after 24 h. The gel showed 58.21 % analgesia, versus 61.19 % analgesia for the indomethacin gel standard in writhing test. Conclusion: The topical gel from methanol root extract of U. dioica may be an efficacious and safe alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis but this requires further investigations to ascertain its safety and clinical efficacy.

Enabling computer access: Introduction to the Test of Mouse Proficiency

As the use of technological devices in everyday environments becomes more prevalent, it is clear that access to these devices has become an important aspect of occupational performance. Children are increasingly required to competently manipulate technology such as the computer to fulfil occupational roles of student and player. Occupational therapists are in a position to facilitate the successful interface between children and standard computer technologies. The literature has supported the use of direct manipulation interfaces in computing that requires mastery of devices such as the mouse. Identification of children likely to experience difficulties with mouse use will inform the development of appropriate methods of intervention promoting mouse skill and further enhance participation in occupational tasks. The aim of this paper is to discuss the development of an assessment of mouse proficiency for children. It describes the construction of the assessment, the content of the test, and its content validity.

Determination of low tetanus or diphtheria antitoxin titers in sera by a toxin neutralization assay and a modified toxin-binding inhibition test

A method for the screening of tetanus and diphtheria antibodies in serum using anatoxin (inactivated toxin) instead of toxin was developed as an alternative to the in vivo toxin neutralization assay based on the toxin-binding inhibition test (TOBI test). In this study, the serum titers (values between 1.0 and 19.5 IU) measured by a modified TOBI test (Modi-TOBI test) and toxin neutralization assays were correlated (P < 0.0001). Titers of tetanus or diphtheria antibodies were evaluated in serum samples from guinea pigs immunized with tetanus toxoid, diphtheria-tetanus or triple vaccine. For the Modi-TOBI test, after blocking the microtiter plates, standard tetanus or diphtheria antitoxin and different concentrations of guinea pig sera were incubated with the respective anatoxin. Twelve hours later, these samples were transferred to a plate previously coated with tetanus or diphtheria antitoxin to bind the remaining anatoxin. The anatoxin was then detected using a peroxidase-labeled tetanus or diphtheria antitoxin. Serum titers were calculated using a linear regression plot of the results for the corresponding standard antitoxin. For the toxin neutralization assay, L+/10/50 doses of either toxin combined with different concentrations of serum samples were inoculated into mice for anti-tetanus detection, or in guinea pigs for anti-diphtheria detection. Both assays were suitable for determining wide ranges of antitoxin levels. The linear regression plots showed high correlation coefficients for tetanus (r² = 0.95, P < 0.0001) and for diphtheria (r² = 0.93, P < 0.0001) between the in vitro and the in vivo assays. The standardized method is appropriate for evaluating titers of neutralizing antibodies, thus permitting the in vitro control of serum antitoxin levels.

Experimenter effects on behavioral test scores of eight inbred mouse strains under the influence of ethanol.

ight standard inbred mouse strains were evaluated for ethanol effects on a refined battery of behavioral tests in a study that was originally designed to assess the influence of rat odors in the colony on mouse behaviors. As part of the design of the study, two experimenters conducted the tests, and the study was carefully balanced so that equal numbers of mice in all groups and times of day were tested by each experimenter. A defect in airflow in the facility compromised the odor manipulation, and in fact the different odor exposure groups did not differ in their behaviors. The two experimenters, however, obtained markedly different results for three of the tests. Certain of the experimenter effects arose from the way they judged behaviors that were not automated and had to be rated by the experimenter, such as slips on the balance beam. Others were not evident prior to ethanol injection but had a major influence after the injection. For several measures, the experimenter effects were notably different for different inbred strains. Methods to evaluate and reduce the impact of experimenter effects in future research are discussed.

The accuracy of the Clock Drawing Test compared to that of standard screening tests for Alzheimer`s disease: results from a study of Brazilian elderly with heterogeneous educational backgrounds

Background: Although the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) is the second most used test in the world for the screening of dementia, there is still debate over its sensitivity specificity, application and interpretation in dementia diagnosis. This study has three main aims: to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the CDT in a sample composed of older adults with Alzheimer`s disease (AD) and normal controls; to compare CDT accuracy to the that of the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG), and to test whether the association of the MMSE with the CDT leads to higher or comparable accuracy as that reported for the CAMCOG. Methods: Cross-sectional assessment was carried out for 121 AD and 99 elderly controls with heterogeneous educational levels from a geriatric outpatient clinic who completed the Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorder of the Elderly (CAMDEX). The CDT was evaluated according to the Shulman, Mendez and Sunderland scales. Results: The CDT showed high sensitivity and specificity. There were significant correlations between the CDT and the MMSE (0.700-0.730; p < 0.001) and between the CDT and the CAMCOG (0.753-0.779; p < 0.001). The combination of the CDT with the MMSE improved sensitivity and specificity (SE = 89.2-90%; SP = 71.7-79.8%). Subgroup analysis indicated that for elderly people with lower education, sensitivity and specificity were both adequate and high. Conclusions: The CDT is a robust screening test when compared with the MMSE or the CAMCOG, independent of the scale used for its interpretation. The combination with the MMSE improves its performance significantly, becoming equivalent to the CAMCOG.

Adenosine actions are preserved in corpus cavernosum from obese and type II diabetic db/db mouse

Introduction. Erectile dysfunction (ED) in diabetes is associated with autonomic neuropathy and endothelial dysfunction. Whereas the nonadrenergic-noncholinergic (NANC)/neurogenic nitric oxide pathway has received great attention in diabetes-associated ED, few studies have addressed sympathetic overactivity. Aim. To test the hypothesis that adenosine-induced inhibition of adrenergic-mediated contractile responses in mouse corpus cavernosum is impaired in the presence of diabetes. Methods. The db/db (obesity and type II diabetes caused by a leptin receptor mutation) mouse strain was used as a model of obesity and type II diabetes, and standard procedures were performed to evaluate functional cavernosal responses. Main Outcome Measures. Increased cavernosal responses to sympathetic stimulation in db/db mice are not associated with impaired prejunctional actions of adenosine. Results. Electrical field stimulation (EFS)-, but not phenylephrine (PE)-, induced contractions are enhanced in cavernosal strips from db/db mice in comparison with those from lean littermates. Direct effects of adenosine, 2-chloro-adenosine, A(1) receptor agonist C-8031 (N6 cyclopentyladenosine), and sodium nitroprusside are similar between the strips from lean and db/db mice, whereas relaxant responses to acetylcholine and NANC stimulation are significantly impaired in the cavernosal strips from db/db mice. 5`-Iodotubercidin (adenosine kinase inhibitor) and dipyridamole (inhibitor of adenosine transport), as well as the A(1) agonist C-8031, significantly and similarly inhibit contractions induced by stimulation of adrenergic nerves in the cavernosal strips from lean and db/db mice. Conclusions. Results from this study suggest that corpora cavernosa from obese and diabetic db/db mice display altered neural-mediated responses that would favor penile detumescence, i.e., increased contractile response to adrenergic nerve stimulation and decreased relaxant responses upon activation of NANC nerves. However, increased cavernosal responses to adrenergic nerve stimulation are not due to impaired negative modulation of sympathetic neurotransmission by adenosine in this diabetic model.

Assessing childrens competence in computer interactions: Preliminary reliability and validity of the test of mouse proficiency

The Test of Mouse Proficiency (TOMP) was developed to assist occupational therapists and education professionals assess computer mouse competency skills in children from preschool to upper primary (elementary) school age. The preliminary reliability and validity of TOMP are reported in this paper. Methods used to examine the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and criterion- and construct-related validity of the test are elaborated. In the continuing process of test refinement, these preliminary studies support to varying degrees the reliability and validity of TOMP. Recommendations for further validation of the assessment are discussed along with indications for potential clinical application.

Comparison of indirect immunofluorescence test for measles antibodies with haemagglutination inhibition and plaque neutralization tests

Indirect Immunofluorescence (IFA), Plaque Reduction Neutralization (PRN) and Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) tests for measles antibodies were carried out in 197 sera obtained from umbilical cord and vaccinated children. The IFA was also applied to blood samples collected with filter paper. IFA results demonstrated that the test is relatively simple to perform, with good reproducibility for different antigen lots. Good correlation was obtained between IFA, PRN and HI antibody titers. Better correlation was demonstrated with IFA and PRN than with HI and PRN tests. Sensitivity of IFA in detecting antibody was less effective than PRN, however more effective than HI using rhesus monkey red blood cells. PRN antibody titers over 100 were detected by IFA but not by HI (9.7% with negative results). IFA may be of considerable practical use and able to substitute HI in Seroepidemiological surveys and to evaluate vaccine efficacy. It also can be simplified by employing filter paper collected samples.

An immunofluorescence test for diagnosis of ophthalmic herpes in a mouse corneal model

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) ophthalmic disease is the most common cause of corneal blindness in humans world-wide. Current culture techniques for HSV take several days and commercially available HSV laboratory based diagnostic techniques vary in sensitivity. Our study was conducted to evaluate the use of a quicker and simpler method to herpes ophthalmic diagnosis. Corneal smears were made by firm imprints of infected mouse eyes to glass slides, after smears were fixated with cold acetone, and an indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) method was performed using monoclonal antibodies in a murine model of ophthalmic herpes. Eye swabs from infected mice were inoculated in Vero cells for virus isolation. Cytology and histology of the eye were also performed, using hematoxylin-eosin routine. Mouse eyes were examined by slit-lamp biomicroscopy for evidence of herpetic disease at various times postinoculation. We made a comparative evaluation of sensitivity, specificity and speed of methods for laboratory detection of HSV. Our results indicate that this IIF method is quick, sensitive, specific and can be useful in the diagnosis of ophthalmic herpes as demonstrated in an animal model.