L-NAME-treatment alters ectonucleotidase activities in kidney membranes of rats

Aims: To investigate the effect of N omega-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester CL-NAME) treatment, known to induce a sustained elevation of blood pressure, on ectonucleotidase activities in kidney membranes of rats. Main methods: L-NAME (30 mg/kg/day) was administered to Wistar rats for 14 days in the drinking water. Enzyme activities were determined colorimetrically and their gene expression patterns were analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The metabolism of ATP and the accumulation of adenosine were evaluated by HPLC in kidney membranes from control and hypertensive rats. PKC phosphorylation state was investigated by Western blot. Key findings: We observed an increase in systolic blood pressure from 115 +/- 12 mmHg (control group) to 152 18 mmHg (L-NAME-treated group). Furthermore, the hydrolysis of ATP, ADP, AMP, and p-Nph-5`TMP was also increased (17%, 35%, 27%, 20%, respectively) as was the gene expression of NTPDase2, NTPDase3 and NPP3 in kidneys of hypertensive animals. Phospho-PKC was increased in hypertensive rats. Significance: The general increase in ATP hydrolysis and in ecto-5`-nucleotidase activity suggests a rise in renal adenosine levels and in renal autoregulatory responses in order to protect the kidney against the threat presented by hypertension. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ectonucleotidase activities are altered in serum and platelets of L-NAME-treated rats

It is well known that hypertension is closely associated to the development of vascular diseases and that the inhibition of nitric oxide biosynthesis by administration of N omega-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) leads to arterial hypertension. In the vascular system, extracellular purines mediate several effects: thus, ADP is the most important platelet agonist and recruiting agent, while adenosine, all end product Of nucleotide metabolism, is a vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet activation and recruitment. Members of several families of enzymes, known as ectonucleotidases, including E-NTPDases (ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase), E-NPP (ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase) and 5`-nucleotidase are able to hydrolyze extracellular nucleotides until their respective nucleosides. We investigated the ectonuclectidase activities of serum and platelets from rats made hypertensive by oral administration of L-NAME (30 mg/kg/day for 14 days or 30 mg/kg/day for 14 days Plus 7 days of L-NAME washout, in the drinking water) in comparison to normotensive control rats. L-NAME promoted a significant rise in systolic blood pressure from 112 +/- 9.8 to 158 +/- 23 mmHg. The left ventricle weight index (LVWI) was increased in rats treated with L-NAME for 14 days when compared to control animals. In Serum samples, ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis were reduced by about 27%, 36% and 27%, respectively. In platelets, the decrease in ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis Was approximately 27%, 24% and 32%, respectively. All parameters recovered after 7 days of L-NAME washout. HPLC demonstrated a reduction in ADP, AMP and hypoxanthine levels by about 64%, 69% and 87%, respectively. In this study, we showed that ectonucleotidase activities are decreased in serum and platelets from L-NAME-treated rats, which should represent an additional risk for the development of hypertension. The modulation of ectonucleotidase activities may represent an approach to antihypertensive therapy via inhibition of spontaneous platelet activation and recruitment, as well as thrombus formation. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Utbildningsmedier i undervisningen : En studie av medieanvändning och lärande

I denna uppsats har jag undersökt vilka utbildningsmedier som används på några skolor i utvalda kommuner i Dalarnas län: Älvdalen, Orsa, Mora och Falun, samt vilken påverkan dessa medier kan ha på elevernas inlärning. Uppsatsens övergripande syfte är att bidra med kunskap om hur utbildningsmedier kan användas i undervisningen i grundskolan samt hur elevers lärande kan påverkas av medier med audiovisuell information. Denna uppsats har följande forskningsfrågor: Hur vanligt är det att olika utbildningsmedier används i undervisningen och vilka typer av medier är vanligast? Vilken effekt kan utbildningsmedier ha på elevernas inlärningsförmåga? Och hur kan mediepedagogik vara ett redskap i undervisningen? Uppsatsens frågeställningar besvaras genom kvantitativa metoder i form av en enkät och ett experiment. Enkätundersökningen visa att medier ofta används som komplettering till undervisning på dessa utvalda skolor och de medier som används mest är video/film, bild/foto och internet. Experimentets resultat tyder på att det finns elever som troligtvis lär sig bättre genom att använda medier. Detta visades då experimentgrupperna som under en lektion fick titta på en video visade större inlärning än kontrollgrupperna som endast lyssnade på en föreläsning utan stöd av några utbildningsmedier.

La formation d’une identité à l’intersection du genre, de l’ethnie et de la classe : Une analyse intersectionnelle de L’Amant de Marguerite Duras

Dans ce mémoire, nous nous sommes servies d’une méthode thématique pour faire une analyseintersectionnelle de L’Amant de Marguerite Duras. Le but était d’étudier la manière complexedont les différentes structures de domination interagissent l’une avec l’autre dans une sociétécoloniale. L’étude a été concentrée sur la recherche d’une identité personnelle effectuée par leprotagoniste féminin et nous avons voulu savoir comment cette recherche est influencée par lesstructures de genre, d’ethnie et de classe.Notre conclusion est que l’appartenance à la catégorie « blanche et pauvre » donne auprotagoniste un sentiment d’aliénation vis-à-vis de la communauté colonisatrice blanche. Cettealiénation l’aide à s’opposer à certaines normes, par exemple le manque de liberté sociale etsexuelle de la femme, en même temps que son comportement peut parfois être interprété commeune confirmation des rôles racistes existant dans la colonie. Néanmoins, nous voulons soulignerque c’est la façon dont l’amant chinois a été décrit qui est troublante, plutôt que lecomportement du protagoniste féminin.

KONTAKTMANNASKAP INOM HEMTJÄNSTEN : EN KVALITATIV STUDIE AV KONTAKTMANNASKAP OCH DESS MÖJLIGHET TILL BRUKARINFLYTANDE

The present study's purpose was to investigate the home care staff's experiences of working as key workers, which factors they consider is relevant to key working and what obstacles and opportunities they experience in their work as a key worker. The study also focused on how the home care staff perceive that key working can enable user influence. A qualitative approach was used and the material for the study was collected through semi-structured interviews. The result shows that there are areas for improvement that may develop key working. The study shows that the staff generally feel that working as a key worker works well and that it can enable user influence in many areas. The study finally illustrates factors such as continuity, working relationship oriented, and taking responsibility, as significant for key working to work as successfully as possible.

Integração docente-assistencial : um estudo de caso

O objeto de estudo deste trabalho é o processo de integração docente assistencial entre a Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul e o Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, enfocando os atores envolvidos e a sua prática histórica concreta. Pretende-se conhecer a dinâmica das relações do referido processo, entendendo-o como um trabalho coletivo que resulta de transformações históricas e sociais. Trata-se de relações de trabalho construídas na especificidade dessa prática e de seus atores. Desse modo, o processo investigado é percebido como conflituoso, desarticulado de uma ação conjunta do ensino e serviço e vivido com dificuldades, divisões e disputas entre os enfermeiros-docentes e assistenciais devido a práticas, poderes, interesses e necessidades diferentes. A dicotomia inter-institucional transparece como regra dessa articulação, desencadeando uma problemática de integração, que se traduz em obstáculos para a operacionalização das relações de trabalho. A IDA existente não é harmônica mas as relações de força que a integram devem ser aproveitadas como móvel para sua ação e transformação, definindo expectativas reais de trabalho, considerando suas inter-relações e, a partir delas, a construção/reconstrução de novas alternativas.

O ensino de enfermagem psiquiátrica e saúde mental : análise de pós-graduação "Lato sensu"

O objeto de estudo desta pesquisa é o ensino de pós-graduação “lato sensu” de enfermagem psiquiátrica e saúde mental das Escolas de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) e Universidade de São Paulo/Ribeirão Preto (USP/RP). Orientada pelo referencial histórico-estrutural, que supõe uma perspectiva dialética, essa prática é entendida como um processo dinâmico, contraditório e em transformação construído por seus atores na sociedade. O estudo tem entre seus objetivos caracterizar e analisar o ensino de pós-graduação “lato sensu” dos cursos referidos, identificando seus paradigmas, mudanças incorporadas e suas articulações com as propostas da Reforma Psiquiátrica. Os cursos da EEUFRGS e USP/RP são pioneiros e dinamizadores do ensino especializado da área, titulando os enfermeiros e consubstanciando a formação de novos cursos no país. De forma semelhante, respeitando as especificidades, ambos os cursos procuram a capacitação específica em enfermagem psiquiátrica, habilitando os profissionais para uma intervenção prática de qualidade. Apresentam uma abordagem teórica ampla das diferentes concepções da psiquiatria, caracterizando-se pela transmissão das idéias hegemônicas da área: a visão organicista da loucura e, ao mesmo tempo, apresentando as concepções da Reforma Psiquiátrica. Essas concepções antagônicas transmitidas nesse ensino, tem gerado movimento, possibilitado crítica, manutenção, reestruturação e inovação dos cursos estudados. Especialização é um processo de ensino que procura ampliar os conhecimentos e concepções da área, preparando os profissionais para intervir e transformar a prática. Essa formação tem o objetivo de capacitar o enfermeiro, oferecendo um saber teórico/prático que o diferencia na sua prática profissional. Esse ensino deve ser aproveitado como espaço político e de crítica, tendo presente a existência de limites e poderes diferentes, que podem ocasionar mudanças positivas e/ou negativas, mas que buscam construir/reconstruir esse ensino e a prática de enfermagem psiquiátrica.

Sinalização com dividendos em um ambiente sem impostos : evidências do Brasil

Este trabalho analisa a ocorrência de efeitos de sinalização através dos anúncios de pagamentos de proventos pelas empresas brasileiras negociadas em bolsa, testando as teorias de Bhattacharya (1979) e John e Williams (1985). São analisados 203 anúncios de proventos de 1996 a 2003, período em que os dividendos não foram tributados no Brasil e juros sobre o capital próprio sofreram tributação a alíquota de 15%. Os resultados para a amostra completa indicam que não há retorno anormal significativo no dia do evento e também em janelas de 3 dias e 21 dias centradas no evento. A sub-amostra de dividendos, que são isentos de tributação, não apresentou sinalização, com AR[0] de 0,29%, CAR[-1,+1] de 0,15% e CAR[-10,+10] de 0,08%, todos sem significância estatística ao nível de 10%. Anúncios de juros sobre o capital próprio apresentaram reação negativa, um resultado inesperado, já que estes proventos são tributados e deveriam sinalizar positivamente. Foram obtidos AR[0] de -0,77% (significativo ao nível de 5%), CAR[-1,+1] de -0,30% e CAR[-10,+10] de -1,31% (ambos sem significância estatística ao nível de 10%). Anúncios de dividendos no Brasil se comportam como prevê a teoria de sinalização e aumentam as evidências ao seu favor. Anúncios de juros sobre o capital próprio contradizem a teoria de sinalização, e trazem a tona a necessidade de novas explicações para o comportamento dos anúncios destes proventos típicos do Brasil.

Investimento na Preservação do Meio Ambiente no Setor de Cosméticos: Relevância Atribuída pelos clientes de o Boticário e sua percepção quanto à conduta da Empresa

In spite of the environmental consumerism in Brazil not to meet in levels as advanced as in Europe and in the United States, some sectors are emerging as precursors of environmental relationships with their markets. Cosmetic's sector is one of them. This study discusses the subject of the ethical consumerism, especially the environmental one. It is focused in the consumer-citizen's context, more specifically in the consumer of a company of cosmetic's sector in Rio de Janeiro. To carry out this study, we chose a company that clearly assumed its commitment with the investment in the preservation of the environment: O Boticário. Initially, we investigated the relevance attributed by the customers of O Boticário to the investment accomplished in the search by the preservation of the environment by companies of this sector, comparing these results with the importance that has been imputed by the customers to traditional attributes of the Marketing. Later, we have analyzed these customers' perception in respect of the investment accomplished by the company in the search for the preservation of the environment. In the preliminary phase of the research, fourteen customers of O Boticário were interviewed. A structured questionnaire was applied to 90 respondents that have declared themselves customers of the mentioned company. The information were treated with descriptive statistics. The software employed has been the SPSS 10.0. Although the field research has indicated the characteristics of the product as priority for the consumer, the relevance attributed to the investment of the company in the search for the preservation of the environment was considered significant, with more prominence than some attributes traditionally judged as attributes-key of the Marketing. However, this apparent sensibility for the environmental subject doesn't seem to influence in search of information on environmental conduct of cosmetics' companies. In fact, a great deal of customers of O Boticário has declared that they have been unknowing about the conduct in favor of the environment on the part of the company, and a number, even larger, was not aware of the existence of the Fundação O Boticário de Proteção à Natureza.

O impacto do argumento ecológico nas atitudes dos consumidores - um estudo experimental

An increasing interest in society towards environmental and ecological issues have beaconed consumer¿s behavior research, particularly the ones related to the identification of the impact of environmental agendas on consumer habits. The objective of the present study is to attitudes related to brands, advertising and purchase intention. The study was based on data gathered through a ¿between subjects¿ experimental research, with three levels of manipulation. One hundred and sixty eight students from the city of Rio de Janeiro were selected for the experiment. The hypothesis suggested that subjects who were exposed to ecological cues demonstrate a more favorable behavior towards advertising attitude (H1A), brand attitude (H1B) and purchase intentions (H1C) than the ones who were not. In addition, an intrinsic health cue called ¿Omega 3¿ was introduced to the experiment to enhance the results of the research. The results have shown that subjects are indifferent to ecological cues regarding their attitudes towards the advertising and purchase intention. However, the study determined a more favorable attitude towards the brand by subjects exposed to the ecological cue. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that although ecological cues exposed in advertisements do not result on an increase of a positive of the product label is enhanced positively due to the relation of the brand with environmentally sound practices.