A comparison of human and porcine acellular dermal tissues in the subcutaneous space of a rat model

The study compared the host response to a human and a porcine acellular dermal tissue implanted in the subcutaneous space of a rat model. The human and porcine acellular grafts were surgically implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of rats (5 rats/group) and the materials were evaluated at 7, 15, 30, 60 and 180 postoperative days (PO). The histological immune response was quantified using a digital image analysis system, which evaluated the number of vessels present in the implants and in the surrounding soft tissue, the area of inflammatory cell infiltration in the grafts, the width of the capsular formation present around the tissues and the area of implants absorbed. The data were submitted to statistical analysis. Light microscopy showed mononuclear cellular infiltration, the presence of a capsular formation surrounding the grafts and the presence of vacuolar structures (optically empty spaces) inside the implants. The image analysis comparing both materials showed significant inflammatory cells in the human graft at 15 and 30 PO, thicker capsular formation in the porcine tissue at 60 PO, increased number of vessels inside the implants and in the surrounding tissues in the porcine graft and a similar absorption pattern in both materials at 180 PO. The histological findings showed that both tissues were well-tolerated when implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of rats, allowing us to consider the porcine acellular dermal graft as a provisional alternative material for reconstructive plastic surgery. Copyright © 2005 Taylor & Francis LLC.

Differentially transcribed genes in skeletal muscle of lambs

The objective of this study was to compare gene transcription profiles in Longissimus dorsi muscle of the following four hair sheep genetic groups, Morada Nova (MO), Brazilian Somali (SO), Santa Inĉs (SI) and 1/2 Dorper×1/2 Morada Nova (F1). These groups all display different postnatal muscle growth. The transcriptomes of the skeletal muscle of the lambs (at 200 days of age) were profiled by using oligonucleotide microarrays and reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). The microarray experiment identified 262 transcripts that were differentially expressed when transcription levels were compared between the different breeds. A total of 23 transcripts among which those involved in skeletal muscle development (MyoD1 and IGFBP4), lipogenesis and adipogenesis (C/EBPδ, PPARγ and PGDS) were differentially expressed in at least in one comparison. Clustering analysis showed that there is greater similarity in gene expression between the MO and SI breeds and between F1 and SO genetic groups. The SO breed has the most distinct expression pattern. The RT-qPCR results confirmed the findings from the microarray study. A positive correlation was observed between the expression of MyoD1 and the cold carcass yield. The negative correlations between the weight and yield of cold carcass with the expression of C/EBPδ mean that the selection for adipogenesis could lead to a lower carcass weight. The GLUT3 and PYGL gene transcripts were negatively correlated with fat thickness, but ATP5G1 was positively correlated with this trait. Interestingly, many genes negatively correlated with PUFA were positively correlated with cold carcass yield. In conclusion, the present work demonstrated that there are breed-specific expression patterns in Brazilian hair sheep genetic groups. The differences in gene expression among genetic groups were consistent with their phenotypic differences. The positive correlation of the MyoD1 expression with the cold carcass yield suggests that this gene is important for tissue growth in sheep. The positive correlation of the C/EBPδ expression with PUFA provides an opportunity to select for lipid deposition in meat animals. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

Towards criterion validity in classroom language analysis: methodological constraints of metadiscourse and inter-rater agreement

This paper reports on a process to validate a revised version of a system for coding classroom discourse in foreign language lessons, a context in which the dual role of language (as content and means of communication) and the speakers' specific pedagogical aims lead to a certain degree of ambiguity in language analysis. The language used by teachers and students has been extensively studied, and a framework of concepts concerning classroom discourse well-established. Models for coding classroom language need, however, to be revised when they are applied to specific research contexts. The application and revision of an initial framework can lead to the development of earlier models, and to the re-definition of previously established categories of analysis that have to be validated. The procedures followed to validate a coding system are related here as guidelines for conducting research under similar circumstances. The advantages of using instruments that incorporate two types of data, that is, quantitative measures and qualitative information from raters' metadiscourse, are discussed, and it is suggested that such procedure can contribute to the process of validation itself, towards attaining reliability of research results, as well as indicate some constraints of the adopted research methodology.

Qualidade de vida e vulnerabilidade social na percepção do idoso

According to data from the World Health Organization, the older population will grow sixteenfold from 1950 to 2025 in comparison to a fivefold population growth in the same period, which is referred to by UNO as the “Ageing Era”. This places Brazil in the sixth position in the contingent of older individuals worldwide, with a number that is higher than 32 million. Considering how topics such as quality of life and social vulnerability are important in face of the growing older population, these topics must be furthered studied so that they can be understood as important variables for both better clinical practice and scientific research. To describe the social vulnerability and evaluate the quality of life of older individuals in a population hospitalized in the internal medicine ward of Bauru State Hospital. This is a descriptive qualitative study that was conducted by means of interviews and using Bardin’s discourse analysis. The inclusion criteria used in this study were: individuals at 60 years of age who were mentally capable of answering the proposed questions. Two categories concerning Quality of Life and Social Vulnerability emerged from the interviews. The following emerged from the theme Quality of Life: “Life as something important” and subcategories that involved feeling useful in society, having a supportive family, independence, optimism and joy and survival. Also, the following emerged from the theme Social Vulnerability: “Negative recognition of older individuals in society” and subcategories that involved lack of respect, functional disability, family indifference, housing-related insecurity, an inefficient health care system and loneliness. Quality of Life and Social Vulnerability are largely discussed themes in the present scenario. In this study, it was possible to perceive that the older population needs social support, effective public... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Differential orthogonality: Laguerre and Hermite cases with applications

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Comparison of high performance liquid chromatography and three titrimetric methods for the determination of ceftazidime in pharmaceutical formulations

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Overall Survival Improvement in Patients with Lung Cancer and Bone Metastases Treated with Denosumab Versus Zoledronic Acid Subgroup Analysis from a Randomized Phase 3 Study

Introduction: Denosumab, a fully human anti-RANKL monoclonal antibody, reduces the incidence of skeletal-related events in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors. We present survival data for the subset of patients with lung cancer, participating in the phase 3 trial of denosumab versus zoledronic acid (ZA) in the treatment of bone metastases from solid tumors (except breast or prostate) or multiple myeloma. Methods: Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive monthly subcutaneous denosumab 120 mg or intravenous ZA 4 mg. An exploratory analysis, using Kaplan-Meier estimates and proportional hazards models, was performed for overall survival among patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and SCLC. Results: Denosumab was associated with improved median overall survival versus ZA in 811 patients with any lung cancer (8.9 versus 7.7 months; hazard ratio [HR] 0.80) and in 702 patients with NSCLC (9.5 versus 8.0 months; HR 0.78) (p = 0.01, each comparison). Further analysis of NSCLC by histological type showed a median survival of 8.6 months for denosumab versus 6.4 months for ZA in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (HR 0.68; p = 0.035). Incidence of overall adverse events was balanced between treatment groups; serious adverse events occurred in 66.0% of denosumab-treated patients and 72.9% of ZA-treated patients. Cumulative incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw was similar between groups (0.7% denosumab versus 0.8% ZA). Hypocalcemia rates were 8.6% with denosumab and 3.8% with ZA. Conclusion: In this exploratory analysis, denosumab was associated with improved overall survival compared with ZA, in patients with metastatic lung cancer.

Homophobic discourse in blogs: Weaving of violence and network

This article aims at analyzing the effects of meaning installed in the discursive space of a blog, especially a formulation of discriminatory nature which was posted in November, 2011 and considerably discussed in other discursive spaces on the Internet. By means of French Discourse Analysis, we sought to track the memory networks and the ideological effects that are at play in the discourse on homosexuals posted by browsers-subjects and how they update the meanings already there in order to install effects of prejudice and hatred. Our interest is also to catch the meanings of violence inscribed in the electronic network and analyze the functioning of the language in motion in this space bordered by the imaginary in which it is possible to say anything. Hence, by means of the analyses performed in this study, we observed these effects of the subject's full freedom when he/she subscribes to the electronic network without fear of any punishment of any order. The discourses of intolerance and hatred posted on the blog by the subject give voice to a discursive confrontation observed by marks of agreement or indignation, supported by the discursive memory. Thus, we observed the interruption of regularities that break up with a supposed linearity in the discourse, putting the contradiction and the heterogeneous nature of the sayings on the net in motion.

Differential Gene Expression Profiles May Differentiate Responder and Nonresponder Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis for Methotrexate (MTX) Monotherapy and MTX plus Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Combined Therapy

Objective. We aimed to evaluate whether the differential gene expression profiles of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) could distinguish responders from nonresponders to methotrexate (MTX) and, in the case of MTX nonresponders, responsiveness to MTX plus anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF) combined therapy. Methods. We evaluated 25 patients with RA taking MTX 15-20 mg/week as a monotherapy (8 responders and 17 nonresponders). All MTX nonresponders received intliximab and were reassessed after 20 weeks to evaluate their anti-TNF responsiveness using the European League Against Rheumatism response criteria. A differential gene expression analysis from peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed in terms of hierarchical gene clustering, and an evaluation of differentially expressed genes was performed using the significance analysis of microarrays program. Results. Hierarchical gene expression clustering discriminated MTX responders from nonresponders, and MTX plus anti-TNF responders from nonresponders. The evaluation of only highly modulated genes (fold change > 1.3 or < 0.7) yielded 5 induced (4 antiapoptotic and CCL4) and 4 repressed (4 proapoptotic) genes in MTX nonresponders compared to responders. In MTX plus anti-TNF nonresponders, the CCL4, CD83, and BCL2A1 genes were induced in relation to responders. Conclusion. Study of the gene expression profiles of RA peripheral blood cells permitted differentiation of responders from nonresponders to MTX and anti-TNF. Several candidate genes in MTX non-responders (CCL4, HTRA2, PRKCD, BCL2A1, CAV1, TNIP1 CASP8AP2, MXD1, and BTG2) and 3 genes in MTX plus anti-TNF nonresponders (CCL4, CD83, and BCL2A1) were identified for further study. (First Release July 1 2012; J Rheumatol 2012;39:1524-32; doi:10.3899/jrheum.120092)

Untersuchungen zur Genexpression in Wurzeln der reblausresistenten Unterlagsrebsorte ’Börner’

Die reblausresistente Unterlagsrebsorte ’Börner’ reagiert auf einen Reblausbefall mit einer Hypersensitivitätsreaktion (HR), die sich in Form von Nekrosen an Blättern und Wurzeln zeigt. Im Rahmen dieser Dissertation wurde der Resistenzmechanismus mittels differenzieller Genexpressionsanalysen untersucht. Unter Anwendung der suppressiven subtraktiven Hybridisierung, der DNA-Microarraytechnik sowie der GeneFishingTM-Methode erfolgte ein Vergleich zwischen der Genexpression in hypersensitivem Wurzelgewebe und Normalgewebe der Unterlagsrebe ’Börner’. Neben der Reblaus induzierten HR wurde insbesondere auf die experimentelle Induktion durch das Pflanzenhormon Indol-3-Essigsäure (IES) zurückgegriffen. Damit sollten Kenntnisse über die Rolle der IES als auslösender Faktor der Resistenzreaktion gewonnen werden. Die Ergebnisse bestätigen die Annahme, dass die IES Pathogenabwehrreaktionen in ’Börner’ induziert. So konnten Hinweise auf die transkriptionelle Aktivierung Resistenz und HR assoziierter Proteine gefunden werden, wie z.B. Phytoalexine und pathogen-related (PR)-Proteine sowie Vertreter aus der hypersensitive-induced response-Familie. Es konnten weiterhin wertvolle Informationen im Hinblick auf die Transduktion des IES-Signals im Zusammenhang mit der Aktivierung von Resistenzreaktionen gewonnen werden. So wurden Hinweise auf die Beteiligung der Signalsubstanzen Ethylen, Salicylsäure, Jasmonsäure, Calcium sowie reaktiver Sauerstoffspezies gefunden. Es konnten zudem Anhaltspunkte für die Aktivierung des Auxin induzierten Ubiquitin/26S-Proteolyseweges und weiterer Signalkomponenten, wie z.B. Kinasen und Transkriptionsfaktoren, ermittelt werden. Auch auf die Beteiligung von Auxinrezeptoren konnte aufgrund der Resultate geschlossen werden. Damit war es im Rahmen der Dissertation möglich, potenzielle Signaltransduktionswege zu erarbeiten, die für weiterführende Untersuchungen des Reblausresistenzmechanismus von entscheidender Bedeutung sind.

Institutional Processes and Discursive Strategies: Rhetoric and Vocabulary Analysis of CSR and Sustainability

The candidate tackled an important issue in contemporary management: the role of CSR and Sustainability. The research proposal focused on a longitudinal and inductive research, directed to specify the evolution of CSR and contribute to the new institutional theory, in particular institutional work framework, and to the relation between institutions and discourse analysis. The documental analysis covers all the evolution of CSR, focusing also on a number of important networks and associations. Some of the methodologies employed in the thesis have been employed as a consequence of data analysis, in a truly inductive research process. The thesis is composed by two section. The first section mainly describes the research process and the analyses results. The candidates employed several research methods: a longitudinal content analysis of documents, a vocabulary research with statistical metrics as cluster analysis and factor analysis, a rhetorical analysis of justifications. The second section puts in relation the analysis results with theoretical frameworks and contributions. The candidate confronted with several frameworks: Actor-Network-Theory, Institutional work and Boundary Work, Institutional Logic. Chapters are focused on different issues: a historical reconstruction of CSR; a reflection about symbolic adoption of recurrent labels; two case studies of Italian networks, in order to confront institutional and boundary works; a theoretical model of institutional change based on contradiction and institutional complexity; the application of the model to CSR and Sustainability, proposing Sustainability as a possible institutional logic.

Evaluative comparison of physician-based vs. patient-based outcomes in posterior lumbar fusion

Posterior lumbar fusion is a frequently performed procedure in spinal surgery. High percentages of good and excellent results are indicated by physicians. On the other hand patient-based outcomes are reported. Little is known about the correlations of these two assessment types. We aimed at their comparison. The analysis included 1013 patients with degenerative spinal disease or spondylolisthesis from an international spine registry, treated with posterior lumbar fusion. All patients were pre/postop assessed by physician-based McNab criteria (‘excellent’, ‘good’, ‘fair’, ‘poor’). Of these patients, 210 (mean age 61 years; 57% females) were in addition assessed by patient-based Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The remaining 803 patients (mean age 59 years; 56% females) were assessed by patient-based Core Outcome Measure Index (COMI), including Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back and leg pain as well as verbal self-rating (‘helped a lot’, ‘helped’, ‘helped only little’, ‘didn’t help’, ‘made things worse’). McNab criteria were compared to the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) in ODI (12.8), in VAS back (1.2) and leg pain (1.6). We investigated the correlations between McNab criteria and these patient-based outcomes. In the ‘excellent’ group as rated by physicians, the proposed MCID was reached in 83% of patients for ODI, in 69% for VAS back and in 83% for VAS leg pain. All patients said the treatment had ‘helped’ or ‘helped a lot’. In the ‘good’ group 56% (ODI), 66% (back pain) and 86% (leg pain) reached the MCID. 96% of patients perceived the treatment as positive. In the ‘fair’ group 37% (ODI), 55% (back pain) and 63% (leg pain) reached the MCID. 49% had positive treatment considerations. The ‘poor’ group revealed 30% (ODI), 35% (back pain) and 44% (leg pain) of patients with reached MCID. Only 15% rated the treatment as positive. The Spearman correlation coefficients between McNab criteria on the one hand and ODI, back and leg pain as well as patients’ verbal self-rating on the other hand were 0.57, 0.37, 0.36 and 0.46 respectively. The comparison of physician and patient-based outcomes showed the highest correlations between McNab criteria and ODI, somewhat weaker correlations with patients’ self-rating and the weakest correlations with back and leg pain. Based on these findings, physicians’ evaluation of patient outcomes can be considered a valuable part of patient assessment, corresponding very well with patients’ perceptions of success or failure of spinal surgery.

Youth criminality and urban social conflict in the city of Rosario, Argentina. Analysis and proposals for conflict transformation

The present article describes and analyses youth criminality in the city of Rosario, Argentina between the years 2003-2006. Key actors’ understandings of and responses to the conflict were investigated by means of semi-structured interviews, observations, discourse analysis of policy documents, analysis of secondary data, and draw heavily on the experience of the author, a citizen and youth worker of Rosario. The actors examined were the police, the local government, young delinquents and youth organisations. Youth criminality is analysed from a conflict transformation approach using conflict analysis tools. Whereas, the provincial police understand the issue as a delinquency problem, other actors perceive it as an expression of a wider urban social conflict between those that are “included” and those that are “excluded” and as one of the negative effects of globalisation processes. The results suggest that police responses addressing only direct violence are ineffective, even contributing to increased tensions and polarisation, whereas strategies addressing cultural and structural violence are more suitable for this type of social urban conflict. Finally, recommendations for local youth policy are proposed to facilitate participation and inclusion of youth and as a tool for peaceful conflict transformation.