Desenvolvendo o conceito de redes bayesianas na construção de cenários prospectivos

A incerteza é o principal elemento do futuro. Desde os primórdios, o homem busca métodos para estruturar essas incertezas futuras e assim poder guiar suas ações. Apenas a partir da segunda metade do século XX, porém, quando os métodos projetivos e preditivos já não eram mais capazes de explicar o futuro em um ambiente mundial cada vez mais interligado e turbulento, é que nasceram os primeiros métodos estruturados de construção de cenários. Esses métodos prospectivos visam lançar a luz sobre o futuro não para projetar um futuro único e certo, mas para visualizar uma gama de futuros possíveis e coerentes. Esse trabalho tem como objetivo propor uma nova abordagem à construção de cenários, integrando o Método de Impactos Cruzados à Análise Morfológica, utilizando o conceito de Rede Bayesianas, de fonna a reduzir a complexidade da análise sem perda de robustez. Este trabalho fará uma breve introdução histórica dos estudos do futuro, abordará os conceitos e definições de cenários e apresentará os métodos mais utilizados. Como a abordagem proposta pretende-se racionalista, será dado foco no Método de Cenários de Michel Godet e suas ferramentas mais utilizadas. Em seguida, serão apresentados os conceitos de Teoria dos Grafos, Causalidade e Redes Bayesianas. A proposta é apresentada em três etapas: 1) construção da estrutura do modelo através da Análise Estrutural, propondo a redução de um modelo inicialmente cíclico para um modelo acíclico direto; 2) utilização da Matriz de Impactos Cruzados como ferramenta de alimentação, preparação e organização dos dados de probabilidades; 3) utilização da Rede Bayesiana resultante da primeira etapa como subespaço de análise de uma Matriz Morfológica. Por último, um teste empírico é realizado para comprovar a proposta de redução do modelo cíclico em um modelo acíclico.

Lesões orais com potencial de malignização: análise clínica e morfológica de 205 casos

Silveira , E. J. D. et al. Lesões orais com potencial de malignização: análise clínica e morfológica de 205 casos. J. Bras. Patol. Med. Lab., v. 45, n. 3, p. 233-238, jun 2009. ISBN 1676-2444.

Rubiaceae em um remanescente de floresta atlântica no Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Rio Grande do Norte

Improvement of the oral praziquantel anthelmintic effect by cyclodextrin complexation

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

Avaliação de efeitos de um extrato aquoso de cinnamomum zeylanicum L. na marcação de constituintes sanguíneos com tecnécio-99m e na morfologia das hemácias de ratos wistar

Radiobiocomplexes are used to obtain images in nuclear medicine and employed in basic research. Blood constituents labeled with technetium-99m (99mTc) have also been employed as radiobiocomplexes and used also experimental model for evaluation of the biological effects of natural or synthetic drugs. The analysis of the morphology and the morphometrics parameters (perimeter/área ratio) can be used to evaluate the effects of drugs upon the structure of the membrane of red blood cells. Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) is a spice used as herbal medicine to treat diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of in vitro and in vivo treatment with an aqueous cinnamon extract on the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc and on the morphology of red blood cells from Wistar rats. In the in vitro treatment, isolated blood sample from animals were incubated with cinnamon extract. In the in vivo treatment, blood samples were also withdrawn from animals treated with cinnamon extract. In both cases, the radiolabeling of blood constituents was done. The morphological analysis of red blood cells was also done. As control, blood or animals treated with NaCl 0.9%. The data obtained on the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc experiments indicated that the in vitro treatment with cinnamon extract was capable to decrease signiicantly (p<0.05) the percentage of radioactivity in cellular compartments and on the fixation of cellular and plasma proteins. These effects were not observed on the in vivo treatment. The results obtained for the morphology of red blood cells suggest that the in vitro and in vivo treatments did not alter the morphology and the perimeter/area ratio. The in vitro treatment with aqueous cinnamon extract could affect the membrane structures related with the oxidation status of the stannous ion pertechnetate ion, altering the labeling of blood constituentes with 99mTc. This study was a multidisciplinary experimental research. It was developed with the contribution of the different Departments and Services of the Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto of the Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Efeitos de um extrato aquoso de lantana camara (Cambará de espinho) na marcação de constituintes sanguíneos com técnecio-99m e na morfologia de hemácias de ratos-wistar

Medicinal plants have been studied and used in the world. Lantana camara has medicinal properties and it has been used in folk medicine. The aim was to verify the effect of a lantana extract on the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc, and to evaluate the effect of an aqueous extract of Lantana camara on the morphology of RBC withdrawn from Wistar rats. The results showed that lantana extract has decreased the fixation of radioactivity on the IF-P. This effect was not observed in the BC compartment and in IF-BC. The BC-%ATI was decreased in all concentrations tested when the BC was washed. The osmotic fragility assay and morphological analysis were carried out. In presence of the extract, the data obtained indicated that (i) an increase of the hemolysis and (ii) modifications on the morphology of RBC. These effects of the Lantana camara could be associated with some pharmacological properties of the chemical compounds of this studied extract

Fatores litogênicos em pacientes com litíase urinária de Fortaleza, Ceará

Lithiasis is considered a public health issue due to its high prevalence and rates of recurrence. Objective: To identify risk factors for lithiasis in kidney stone patients from Fortaleza, Brazil. In the first stage of the study, the medical records of 197 patients with urinary lithiasis covering the period 1996 2006 were analyzed with regard to clinical and metabolic data. In the second stage, 340 kidney stones were submitted to morphological examination under 10x magnification. According to the external morphology and the cut surface, the stones were classified as pure or mixed, and major and minor components were identified. In addition, the stone fragments of 25 patients treated with lithotripsy were submitted to morphological analysis. In the third stage, a subsample of 50 stones was used in a double-blind comparison of morphological and chemical findings. Results were expressed as concordant, partly concordant (discordant for minor components) or discordant (discordant for major components). The average age of first symptoms was 35.8±13.3 years, with no significant difference between the genders. The male/female ratio was 1:1.7. Recurrence was reported in 53.3% of cases. The main metabolic changes observed were hypernatriuria (80.7%), hypercalciuria (48.7%), low urine volume (43.7%), hyperoxaluria (30.5%) and hyperuricosuria (17.3%). Pure stones represented 34.7% of the total sample of 340 stones. The most common route of elimination was spontaneous for pure stones (49.1%) and surgical for mixed stones (50.5%). Pure stones consisted most frequently of calcium oxalate (OxCa) (59.3%) and uric acid (UA) (23.7%), the former prevalent in women, the latter prevalent in men. The most frequently observed component in mixed stones was OxCa (67.1%), followed by carbapatite (11.2%) and struvite (7.9%). The main components were OxCa and UA for men, and carbapatite and struvite for women. Nearly half (48%) the 25 analyzed fragments were pure, consisting of calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) (56%), calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) (48%), phosphate (32%) and UA (20%). Four patients (16%) had infectious stones. In the chemical analysis of the subsample of 50 stones, the most 64 frequently observed major components were calcium (70%), oxalate (66%), ammonium (56%), urate (28%) and carbonate (24%). In the morphological analysis, the main components were calcium and magnesium phosphate (32%), COM (24%), UA (20%), COD (18%) and cystine (6%). Morphological and chemical findings were totally concordant for 38% of the stones, partly concordant in 52% and discordant in 10%. Conclusion: The risk factors for lithiasis in kidney stone patients from Fortaleza (Brazil) were hyperoxaluria, hypercalciuria with or without hypernatriuria, hyperuricosuria and low urine volume

Avaliação de efeitos biológicos de antiinflamatórios derivados do ácido propiônico através de modelos experimentais em nível molecular e celular

Derivatives of propionic acid NSAIDs are irreversible inhibitors of cyclooxygenase enzyme widely used. The aim of this study was to evaluate, through different experimental models, biological effects of derivatives of propionic acid (fenoprofen, naproxen, ibuprofen and ketoprofen) in cellular and molecular level. The labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m (99mTc) and morphological analysis of erythrocytes of blood of rats, as well as growth, survival of cultures of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and the assessment of bacterial plasmid electrophoretic profiles were models used for experimental evaluation of possible biological effects of antiinflammatory drugs. The results show that, in general, anti-inflammatory drugs evaluated were not able to alter the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc, the morphology of red blood cells from blood of rats, as well as the growth of cultures of E. coli and the electrophoretic profile of plasmid DNA. However, naproxen appears to cytotoxic effect on bacterial cultures, plasmids and genotoxic effects in reducing the action of stannous chloride in cultures of E. coli. The use of experimental fast performance and low cost was important for assessment of biological effects, contributing to a better understanding of the properties of propionic acid derivatives studied. anti-inflammatory, blood constituents, technetium-99m, stannous chloride, Escherichia coli; DNA

Photoacoustics as a tool for the diagnosis of radicular stress: Measurements in eucalyptus seedlings

In reforesting companies (cellulose industry), eucalyptus is usually cultivated in small plastic containers (50 mL). As seedlings remain for about 120 days in these containers-until transplantation-their roots become space restricted, with consequent limitations in water and nutrient absorption. These restrictions may lead to plant stress, decreasing productivity. In this work, we used the photoacoustic technique to evaluate the photosynthetic activity of Eucalyptus grandis, E. urophylla and E. urograndis seedlings subjected to this limited space availability, seeking a correlation with morphological parameters and fluorescence measurements in these seedlings. Photoacoustic, fluorescence, and morphological analysis were conducted every 15 days, from 45 to 120 days after sowing. Fluorescence and photosynthetic rate were evaluated in vivo and in situ, the latter one using the open photoacoustic technique. Data show that root dry matter diminished markedly at 90 and 120 days after sowing; this behavior showed a high correlation with the gas exchange component of the photoacoustic signal, as well as with the fluorescence ratio Fv/Fm. These results indicate that the soil volume of the container becomes insufficient for the roots after 90 days, probably leading to a nutritional deficiency in plants, which explains the decrease observed in the photosynthetic rate of seedlings. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.

Emprego da citometria de fluxo na avaliação do perfil imunofenotípico de pacientes com leucemia linfocítica crônica

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is a clonal proliferation of mature B lymphocytes characterized by indolent clinical course. Biologically this clonallity is characterized by low expression of surface immunoglobulin (sIg) with restriction to a single immunoglobulin light chain associated with high expression of CD5 antigen and positivity to B cell antigens lymphocytes such as CD19, CD20 and CD23 and negativity to FMC7. The immunological profile and morphological analysis of lymphoid cells are the main means for the differential diagnosis of B-CLL from other chronic lymphoproliferative diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression pattern of a variety of membrane antigens in leukemic cells originating from patients with B-CLL. In this study, peripheral blood samples from 80 patients with B-CLL were analyzed by multiparametric flow cytometry in addition to routine hematologic exams, using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MoAb): CD45/CD14, CD3/CD19/CD45, CD4/CD8 / CD3, CD20/CD5/CD3, CD3/CD16-56/CD45, CD2/CD7, FMC7/CD23, CD103/CD22/CD20, HLADR/CD38, CD10/CD19, CD1a, CD11b and also IgM/gD, kappa and lambda immunoglobulin light chains for the detection of surface immunoglobulin and clonal restriction for immunoglobulin light chain. The Hematological data were obtained from the hematological analyzer and cytomorphological analysis in blood film stained by Leishmann. The study samples consisted of 45 men and 35 women, ages ranging from 55 to 84 years (mean 65 years). Complete white blood count showed count ranging from 10.0 to 42.0 x 109/l. (mean 50.0 x 109/l) and lymphocytes count greater than 5.0 x 109/l in all cases. The neoplastic cells displayed B-CLL phenotype (CD5+/CD19+/CD20+/HLADR+/CD23+) in the vast majority of the cases, associated to failed to stain for T cell markers (CD1a, CD2, CD4, CD3, CD7, CD8), CD103, CD14 and FMC7. Leukemic cells of most patients also expressed low intensity of IgM and IgD with restricted kappa light chain, in most cases (59,7%). This observation highlights the importance of immunophenotyping for correct diagnosis of chronic lymphoproliferative syndromes and the panel of MoAb used was sufficient for diagnostic confirmation of B-CLL

Pterygodermatites (Multipectines) pluripectinata n. sp. (Spirurida: Rictulariidae), a nematode parasite of the crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) from Caatinga shrubland, Brazil

In a parasitological survey of free-ranging Cerdocyon thous (Carnivora: Canidae) from Brazilian Caatinga shrubland, a new species of Pterygodermatites (Multipectines) was recovered from the small intestine of this host. Morphological analysis showed that P. (Multipectines) pluripectinata n. sp. is distinguished from all other congeneric species mainly by the numerous plate-like projections and male caudal morphology and spicular length. There are few records on the occurrence of this genus in Neotropical regions.

Influence of chlorine added to drinking water during the preslaughter feed withdrawal on microbiology and morphology of the broiler gastrointestinal tract

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

The species of Hippolyte Leach (Crustacea, Caridea, Hippolytidae) from Terminos Lagoon, southwestern Gulf of Mexico

The taxonomic identity of specimens of the genus Hippolyte Leach, 1814 of Laguna de Términos was considered including the colour and the presence-absence of tufts of plumose setae on the dorsal surface of the carapace and abdomen as secondary characteristics to morphological features of taxonomic value. Two groups were formed based on appearance: one transparent with setae and another green without setae. The analysis of five morphological characteristics in adult females of the two groups made it possible to identify only H. zostericola (Smith, 1873). Fecundity and fertility were similar (0.5>p>0.2) in both groups. The first zoea of both groups were also morphologically similar. Considering these results, it is concluded that the only species collected was H. zoslericola and that it has two phenotypical types. It is recomended that the morphological analysis of all larval stages be carried out.

Desgaste de polímeros estruturais de engenharia em contato de deslizamento com cilindro metálico

Present work proposed to map and features the wear mechanisms of structural polymers of engineering derived of the sliding contact with a metallic cylindrical spindle submitted to eccentricity due to fluctuations in it is mass and geometric centers. For this it was projected and makes an experimental apparatus from balancing machine where the cylindrical counterbody was supported in two bearings and the polymeric coupon was situated in a holder with freedom of displacement along counterbody. Thus, the experimental tests were standardized using two position of the two bearings (Fixed or Free) and seven different positions along the counterbody, that permit print different conditions to the stiffness from system. Others parameters as applied normal load, sliding velocity and distance were fixed. In this investigation it was used as coupon two structural polymers of wide quotidian use, PTFE (polytetrafluroethylene) and PEEK (poly-ether-ether-ketone) and the AISI 4140 alloy steel as counterbody. Polymeric materials were characterized by thermal analysis (thermogravimetric, differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic-mechanical), hardness and rays-X diffractometry. While the metallic material was submitted at hardness, mechanical resistance tests and metallographic analysis. During the tribological tests were recorded the heating response with thermometers, yonder overall velocity vibration (VGV) and the acceleration using accelerometers. After tests the wear surface of the coupons were analyzed using a Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) to morphological analysis and spectroscopy EDS to microanalysis. Moreover the roughness of the counterbody was characterized before and after the tribological tests. It was observed that the tribological response of the polymers were different in function of their distinct molecular structure. It were identified the predominant wear mechanisms in each polymer. The VGV of the PTFE was smaller than PEEK, in the condition of minimum stiffness, in function of the higher loss coefficient of that polymer. Wear rate of the PTFE was more of a magnitude order higher than PEEK. With the results was possible developed a correlation between the wear rate and parameter (E/ρ)1/2 (Young modulus, E, density, ρ), proportional at longitudinal elastic wave velocity in the material.

Interaction of small amounts of bovine serum albumin with phospholipid monolayers investigated by surface pressure and atomic force microscopy

The influence of small amounts of bovine serum albumin (BSA) (nM concentration) on the lateral organization of phospholipid monolayers at the air-water interface and transferred onto solid substrates as one-layer Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films was investigated. The kinetics of adsorption of BSA onto the phospholipid monolayers was monitored with surface pressure isotherms in a Langmuir trough, for the zwitterionic dipalmitoylphosphatidyl ethanolamine (N,N-dimethyl-PE) and the anionic dimyristoylphosphatidic acid (DMPA). A monolayer of N,N-dimethyl-PE or DMPA incorporating BSA was transferred onto a solid substrate using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of one-layer LB films displayed protein-phospholipid domains, whose morphology was characterized using dynamic scaling theories to calculate roughness exponents. For DMPA-BSA films the surface is characteristic of self-affine fractals, which may be described with the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) equation. on the other hand, for N,N-dimethyl-PE-BSA films, the results indicate a relatively flat surface within the globule. The height profile and the number and size of globules varied with the type of phospholipid. The overall results, from kinetics of adsorption on Langmuir monolayers and surface morphology in LB films, could be interpreted in terms of the higher affinity of BSA to the anionic DMPA than to the zwitterionic N,N-dimethyl-PE. Furthermore, the effects from such small amounts of BSA in the monolayer point to a cooperative response of DMPA and N,N-dimethyl-PE monolayers to the protein. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.