Lern- und Innovationsprozesse erfordern den Zugang zu externem Wissen und die Zusammenführung von Wissensbasen verschiedener Akteure und Akteursgruppen (u.a. Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft, öfffentliche Verwaltung, sowie weitere Innovationsträger). Wissenschafts- und Technologieparks (WTP) sind in diesem Zusammenhang ein wichtiges Instrument der wissensbasierten Regionalentwicklung, um konkrete Orte des Lernens und von Innovationen zu schaffen. Jedoch die relativ schwache Interaktion zwischen Unternehmen und Wissenschaft in diesen Innovationsräumen sowie die gleichzeitig zunehmend empirisch belegte Relevanz von globalen Wissensflüssen und Innovationsnetzwerken erfordern die Spezifizierung der maßgebenden Einflußfaktoren von Wissensbeziehungen. Mehrdimensionale Nähe- und Distanzbeziehungen kennzeichnen interorganisatorische Beziehungen des Wissensaustauschs und der Wissensgenerierung. Diese Arbeit analysiert die spezifischen Nähekonstellationen zwischen Unternehmen und wissenschaftlichen Einrichtungen in direkten sowie - durch Wissensnetzwerk-Management systematisch organisiert - in indirekten Wissensbeziehungen. Die konzeptionellen Ansätze der Proximity-Forschung sowie des Wissensmanagements bieten die Grundlage für die empirische Untersuchung der Wissensnetzwerke von Technologiefirmen in den WTP Berlin-Adlershof und Sevilla-Cartuja. Unterschiedliche Typen von Technologieunternehmen in Hinblick auf die Struktur und räumliche Dimension der Wissensbeziehungen zu Wissenschaft und Forschung stellen ein wesentliches Ergebnis der Arbeit dar. Die Arbeit belegt zudem die Funktion mehrdimensionaler Nähe in den Wissensbeziehungen. Des Weiteren wird die Organisation notwendiger und wichtiger Nähedimensionen durch Instrumente des Wissensnetzwerk-Managements aufgezeigt, um Wissensbeziehungen zu erschließen, zu aktivieren und nutzbar zu machen. Aufbauend auf den Ergebnissen werden Handlungsempfehlungen für das Management von WTP und weiteren räumlichen Innovationssystemen abgeleitet. / In the knowledge-based ecomomy, innovation is characterized by a dynamic and interactive learning process involving diverse actors; industry, science, public administration, as well as other entities and sub-systems. In this regard, science and technology parks (STP) have become a prominent instrument of regional governments to create specific localities of learning and innovation. However, empirical evidence increasingly points to rather weak local industry-academia interaction in STPs in specifically and the equivalent importance of local and non-local connections as roots of knowledge diffusion and innovation more generally. Multi-faceted proximity determines the multi-scalar process of knowledge sourcing and knowledge interaction. This dissertation thesis analyses the specific proximity configurations given in direct ties and organized through knowledge network management (KNM) in STP resident firms’ indirect linkages to scientific knowledge sources. The theoretical approaches of the proximity framework and knowledge management provide the analytical framework for the empirical analysis of egocentric knowledge networks to academia of high-technology firms located in the Berlin-Adlershof and Seville-Cartuja science parks. Based on this theoretical and methodological framework, I identify distinct types of knowledge-seeking STP resident companies in regard to the quality, form and geography of interactive ties to science. Furthermore, the thesis sheds light on the specific proximity configurations relevant in successful industry-academia knowledge relations. Furthermore, it reveals the underlying mechanisms of specific KNM instruments organizing necessary and critical proximities in order to forge, activate and harness knowledge networks on distinct geographical scales. Based on the analysis’ findings, specific policy recommendations for the management of STPs and other kinds of territorial innovation systems are developed.

Orientador: Luiz Roberto Cottas / Banca: Marilia Locatelli / Banca: Evaristo Castro Junior / Banca: Juércio Tavares de Mattos / Banca: Jairo Roberto Jiménez Rueda / Resumo: O histórico das modificações do uso da terra em Rondônia, e mais especificamente no município de Porto Velho, mostra transformações de grandes áreas de florestas em pastagens com rápida degradação de seus solos. A criação extensiva de gado de corte é a principal causa da ocupação e uso das terras no Estado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a degradação ambiental associada à compactação dos solos por pisoteio animal. Foram considerados solos em pastagens degradadas, com vinte anos de pastejo, e florestas naturais em manchas contínuas de um Latossolo Amarelo Distrófico (LAd) e um Argissolo Vermelho Amarelo Distrófico plíntico (PVAd). A avaliação da densidade máxima e umidade ideal, obtida pelo Ensaio de Proctor, bem como observações referentes às diferenças da densidade aparente e a umidade dos solos, em seus limites inferior e superior de água disponível, registraram valores de compactação acima de 2,5 MPa indicando um nível prejudicial ao desenvolvimento radicular de algumas espécies. A resistência mecânica à penetração nas duas classes de solos ocorreu entre 0 - 10 cm com aumento entre 11 - 20 cm de profundidade, sendo que o Latossolo mostrou-se mais compactado em ambiente de pastagem que o Argissolo. As taxas de infiltração básica nas áreas de pastagens e de florestas evidenciaram diferenças entre os ambientes e seus solos, com reduções da infiltração básica nas áreas de pastagens do Latossolo. Influências antrópicas próximas das áreas de pastagens apresentaram-se como fatores associados na distribuição dos altos índices de compactação detectados. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram de forma satisfatória os índices mais e menos significativos de caráter físico e químico da fertilidade para as áreas de pastagens e comparativamente as de floresta, permitindo detectar as áreas mais compactadas e suas relações aos... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The history of land use changes in Rondônia, and more specifically the city of Porto Velho, shows transformations of large forest areas into pastures with rapid soils degradation. The extensive beef cattle creation is the main cause of the occupation and land use in the state. The objective of this study was to evaluate the environmental degradation associated with soil compaction by cattle trampling. It was considered soils in degraded pastures, with twenty years of grazing, and natural forest patches in a continuous Oxisol Distrophic (LAd) and a Ultisol (Red Yellow Distrophic Plinthic - PVAd). The maximum density and optimum moisture content evaluation obtained by the Proctor test and observations relating to differences in bulk density and soil moisture on its lower and upper limits of available water, recorded values of compaction above 2.5 MPa indicating a detrimental level to root development for some species. The mechanical resistance to penetration in the two soil classes occurred between 0 to 10 cm with an increase between 11 to 20 cm deep, and the Oxisol was more compressed in a pasture environment than in the Ultisol. The basic infiltration rates in pasture areas and forests showed differences between environments and soils, with reductions of basic infiltration in Oxisol pasture areas. Anthropogenic influences near pasture areas were factors associated in the distribution of high compaction indexes detected. The obtained results showed as satisfactory manner the most and least significant indexes for physical and chemical nature of fertility in pasture areas compared to forest, allowing to detect the most compressed areas and their relationship to physical and chemical parameters considered in this study. / Doutor

Submitted by Edisangela Bastos (edisangela@ufpa.br) on 2013-03-27T22:34:27Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) Dissertacao_PrevalenciaAnticorposAntivirus.pdf: 46169016 bytes, checksum: e6d4bbf300e991af7eb9406198b1e9e3 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Rosa Silva(arosa@ufpa.br) on 2013-04-02T17:13:10Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) Dissertacao_PrevalenciaAnticorposAntivirus.pdf: 46169016 bytes, checksum: e6d4bbf300e991af7eb9406198b1e9e3 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2013-04-02T17:13:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) Dissertacao_PrevalenciaAnticorposAntivirus.pdf: 46169016 bytes, checksum: e6d4bbf300e991af7eb9406198b1e9e3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2002 / A avaliação da prevalência de anticorpos contra o vírus da Hepatite A foi realizada no período de setembro a dezembro de 2000, em 185 escolares de níveis sócio-econômicos distintos, na faixa etária entre seis e quinze anos, em duas escolas no município de Porto Velho, Rondônia, utilizando teste imunoenzimático comercial (DiaSorin) para detecção de anticorpos anti-VHA Totais e IgM. Foram avaliados 90 escolares de nível sócio-econômico médio e alto, procedentes de Escola Privada, e 95 de baixo nível sócio-econômico, de Escola Pública. Dos 90 escolares da Escola Privada, 45 (50%) apresentaram positividade ao teste para detecção de anticorpos anti-VHA Totais e deste, 4 (8,9%) foram soropositivos ao anti-VHA IgM, enquanto na Escola Pública, dos 95 estudantes, 90 (94,7%) apresentaram anticorpos anti-VHA Totais e destes, apenas 1 (1,1%) apresentou anticorpos anti-VHA IgM (p< 0,05). As faixas etárias entre 12 e 14 anos na Escola Privada, e 8 e 10 anos na Escola Pública, apresentaram maior prevalência de anticorpos anti-VHA. Não houve diferença significativa de prevalência de anti-VHA entre os sexos, nos dois grupos estudados (p>0,05). Fatores como renda familiar, destino dos dejetos domiciliares e qualidade de água consumida também foram estudados e relacionados à prevalência de anti-VHA, apresentando diferenças significativas entre os grupos. Os resultados deste estudo mostraram que a HVA é endêmica na região, e que, medidas como melhoria nas condições sanitárias do município são necessárias para diminuir a propagação do VHA na população. / The evaluation of antibodies prevalence against the virus of Hepatitis A was perforrned frorn September to December of 2000, in one hundred eighty-five students from different socioeconomic levels, including an age group from six to fifteen years, in two schools in the municipal district of Porto Velho, Rondônia, through commercial ELlSA tests (Dia Sorin) for detection Total and IgM anti-HAV antibodies. It was evaluated ninety students of medium and high socioeconomic level came from private school and ninety-five students of low socioeconomic level came from public school. Forty-five of the ninety students (50%) from private school presented positiveness in the test for detection Total anti-HAV antibodies and four of them (8,9%) were positive to IgM anti-HAV too, while, in those came from public school, ninety students (94,7%) presented Total anti-HAV antibodies and only one of them (1,1%) was positive for IgM anti-HAV (p < 0,05). Factors, such as family income, destiny of domiciliation dejections and quality of consumed water were also studied and compared to the anti-HAV prevalence, presenting significant differences among the groups. The results of this study indicated that HAV is endemic in the area and that measures, such as improvement in the sanitary conditions of the municipal district, are necessary to reduce the propagation of HAV in the population.

Submitted by Edisangela Bastos (edisangela@ufpa.br) on 2013-04-02T19:34:47Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) Dissertacao_AvaliacaoExposicaoMercurio.pdf: 61451467 bytes, checksum: b2426f81d5945e08c3fc847ee39e216e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Rosa Silva(arosa@ufpa.br) on 2013-04-03T15:42:07Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) Dissertacao_AvaliacaoExposicaoMercurio.pdf: 61451467 bytes, checksum: b2426f81d5945e08c3fc847ee39e216e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2013-04-03T15:42:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) Dissertacao_AvaliacaoExposicaoMercurio.pdf: 61451467 bytes, checksum: b2426f81d5945e08c3fc847ee39e216e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2002 / Foram estudados 100 binômios mãe-filho para verificação dos níveis de mercúrio total ao nascimento e o curso da exposição pós-natal sobre o desenvolvimento e crescimento de lactentes durante o primeiro semestre de vida, na cidade de Porto Velho. Para avaliação da exposição pré-natal, verificaram-se os níveis de mercúrio total ao nascimento, em amostras de cabelo da mãe e recém-nascido, placenta, cordão umbilical e sangue materno. Os recém-nascidos foram submetidos a exame clínico e físico de rotina. As mães responderam um questionário com informações relevantes na busca de fatores de risco para a acumulação mercurial ou que poderiam afetar o desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor de suas crianças. Para avaliação da exposição pós-natal, 86 crianças foram submetidas a uma avaliação física e do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor na semana em que completavam seis meses de idade. O teste de Gesell foi o instrumento utilizado oara avaliação do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor. Também foi coletada uma nova amostra de cabelo da criança para verificação dos níveis de mercúrio total aos seis meses de idade. Todos os dados foram analisados, comparados e submetidos a tratamento estatístico. Das vinte e três crianças (26%) que apresentaram atraso no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor, 11 eram do sexo masculino e 12 eram do sexo feminino. Estas alterações foram correlacionadas com os níveis de mercúrio total no cabelo da criança ao nascer e aos seis meses de vida. Também foram encontradas correlações estatisticamente significantes entre o perímetro cefálico e os níveis de mercúrio total nas diversas amostras estudadas. / A cohort of 100 births was generated during november and december of 2000 in Porto Velho city. Mothers and her newborns had been examined to verify total mercury levels (TML) at the birth, and the course of posnatal exposure on development and growth of infants during the first semester of their extrauterine life. To evaluation of prenatal exposure TML at the birth in samples of maternal and newborns hair, placenta, umbilical coord, and maternal blood had been analyzed. The newborns underwent physical and clinical examination. Mothers answered a questionnare that included important infonnations about risk factors to mercury accumulation or that could affect the development and growth of her childrens. At six months of age, 86 of the infants underwent detailed phisical and neurobehavioral examination, to evaluate the postnatal exposure. Besides a new sample of infants hair had been analyzed to verify TML. All data had been analyzed, compared, and underwent statistical evaluation. 23 infants (26%) showed neurological developmental disturbance at six months of age. This had been correlated with TML in children hair as at birth as at 6 months of age. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the head circumference and TML' s in the several analyzed samples.

Submitted by Edisangela Bastos (edisangela@ufpa.br) on 2013-04-03T19:33:55Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) Dissertacao_RiscoOcupacionalInfeccao.pdf: 45387683 bytes, checksum: 7d86a372a39d9f38204896611f4e3e88 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Rosa Silva(arosa@ufpa.br) on 2013-04-09T13:54:51Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) Dissertacao_RiscoOcupacionalInfeccao.pdf: 45387683 bytes, checksum: 7d86a372a39d9f38204896611f4e3e88 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2013-04-09T13:54:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) Dissertacao_RiscoOcupacionalInfeccao.pdf: 45387683 bytes, checksum: 7d86a372a39d9f38204896611f4e3e88 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2003 / A prevalência dos marcadores HBsAg e anti-HBc foi descrita em 168 indivíduos, distribuídos em três grupos: 88 usuárias do atendimento obstétrico, 61 profissionais de saúde do Centro Obstétrico (PAS/CO) e 19 funcionários administrativos (grupo controle), todos do Hospital de Base Dr. Ary Pinheiro de Porto Velho, capital de Rondônia. No período de novembro, dezembro de 2000 e janeiro de 2001 foram coletadas amostras de soros, para a detecção do VHB através do teste imunoenzimático (ELISA). A prevalência do HBsAg foi de 1.1% no grupo de usuárias obstétricas, nos PAS/CO 3,3% e no grupo controle 52,6%. Para o anti-HBc os resultados positivos foram 5,3% no grupo controle, 27,3% no grupo de usuárias e 42,6% no grupo dos PAS/CO. A estratificação por faixas etárias relacionada a sorologia positiva demonstrou que nos intervalos de 15 a 25 anos e 25 a 35 anos a prevalência do VHB foi maior, para os grupos de usuárias e controle, e; no grupo dos PAS/CO o intervalo de prevalência mais elevada foi de 45 a 55 anos. A elevada prevalência do VHB nas usuárias obstétricas pode ser fator de transmissão vertical. A taxa de positividade do grupo controle sugere à característica endêmica da população de Porto Velho. Fatores como o número de parceiros, o uso de preservativo e a escolaridade no grupo dos PAS/CO foram comparados com os resultados sorológicos para o VHB. O fluido orgânico e a via de exposição mais referidos nas ocorrências de contaminações pelos PAS/CO foram o sangue e a cutânea, 43% e 22% respectivamente. / The prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBc was described in 168 individuals, distributed in 3 groups: 88 in-patients of the obstetric service, 61 health professionals of the obstetric center (PA CO) and 19 administrative employees (control group), all working at the Hospital de Base Dr. Ary Pinheiro - in Porto Velho, capital o fthe state of Rondônia. In the period of November and December of 2000 and January of 2001 serum samples were collected, for HBV detection using an enzyme immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA). The prevalence of the HBsAg was 1,1% of the obstetric patients, 3,3% in PAS/CO and 52,6% in the control group. For anti-HBc the positive results were 5,3% in the control group, 27,3% in the patient's group and 42,6% in the PAS/CO group. The study by age groups related to the positive serology, demonstrated that from 15 to 25 years and 25 to 35 years the prevalence of HBV was larger, for the patients and control, and in the groups of PAS/CO the higher prevalence was from 45 to 55 years. The high prevalence of HBV in the patient's way lead to a high prevalence of vertical transmission. The positive numbers of 1he control group is in agreement with the endemic characteristic of the population of Porto Velho. Factors as the number of sexual partners, the use of preservatives and the level of education in the PAS/CO group were compared with serological results for HBV. The organic fluid and the most referred exposure via of contamination or PAS/CO were the blood and cutaneous, 43% and 22% respectively.

Submitted by Edisangela Bastos (edisangela@ufpa.br) on 2013-04-09T20:27:36Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) Dissertacao_PerfilEpidemiologicoPrevalencia.pdf: 52716306 bytes, checksum: 27f1b77c2773453579b329d92b3bd9f3 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Rosa Silva(arosa@ufpa.br) on 2013-04-10T15:38:16Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) Dissertacao_PerfilEpidemiologicoPrevalencia.pdf: 52716306 bytes, checksum: 27f1b77c2773453579b329d92b3bd9f3 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2013-04-10T15:38:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) Dissertacao_PerfilEpidemiologicoPrevalencia.pdf: 52716306 bytes, checksum: 27f1b77c2773453579b329d92b3bd9f3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2003 / As doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DST) estão entre os problemas de saúde pública mais comuns em todo o mundo, principalmente entre os adolescentes, pois eles são mais vulneráveis em relação à sexualidade, tanto em países industrializados como nos em desenvolvimento. Este estudo tem por objetivo investigar a prevalência de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis em escolares da rede pública municipal de ensino da área urbana do município de Porto Velho, Estado de Rondônia. Foram investigados 122 alunos da Escola Municipal de Ensino Fundamental Marechal Joaquim Vicente Rondon, na faixa etária de 11 a 19 anos, através de questionário de autopreenchimento e coleta de amostras de sangue, secreção uretral e vaginal. O método sorológico ELISA (Ensaio imunoenzimático) e a bacterioscopia pelo método de Gram foram os testes utilizados para detecção e identificação de DST. 84,4% dos estudantes responderam saber o que é uma DST, 82,8% informaram que usavam preservativo durante as relações sexuais para prevenir DST, 11,5% não utilizavam o preservativo e 5,7% afirmaram que selecionavam seus parceiros sexuais. Foram examinadas 83 amostras de soro pelo teste ELISA e 41 esfregaços corados pelo método de Gram. A prevalência encontrada para Chlamydia foi de 65,3% no sexo feminino e 34,6% no sexo masculino. Os agentes biopatogênicos encontrados com mais freqüência foram Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida albicans e Trichomonas vaginalis. / Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) are widespread public health concern, majority among adolescents, because they are most susceptible in respect of the sexuality. Early sexual initiation, multiple sex partners, and lack of condom use are considered risk factors and contribute to the increase in the number of STD cases. In order to better understand high-risk sexual behavior among students, a crosssectional study based on a self-answered anonymous questionnaire was conducted in Joaquim Vicente Rondon High School, a public school of Porto Velho city, Brazil. To verify STD's prevalence, samples of blood, urethral and vaginal discharge had been analyzed. A total of 122 students aged 11 to 19 years participated in the study. 84% known what is a STD, 82,8% informed always using condoms during sex, 11,5% didn't make use of condom, and 5,7% selected their sexual partner. To identify STD variety an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA test) and bacterioscopia by method of gram had been applied. 83 blood samples had been analyzed by ELISA test, and 41 smear tests had been stained by method of gramo The incidence to Chlamydia was observed in 65,3% of females, and 34,6% of young men. Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis were more common pathogenic microorganisms found.

Submitted by Edisangela Bastos (edisangela@ufpa.br) on 2013-04-08T21:04:04Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) Dissertacao_AvaliacaoExposicaoCongenita.pdf: 312191 bytes, checksum: cb222a1d25b631394573251f5818d550 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Rosa Silva(arosa@ufpa.br) on 2013-04-12T15:46:45Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) Dissertacao_AvaliacaoExposicaoCongenita.pdf: 312191 bytes, checksum: cb222a1d25b631394573251f5818d550 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2013-04-12T15:46:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23898 bytes, checksum: e363e809996cf46ada20da1accfcd9c7 (MD5) Dissertacao_AvaliacaoExposicaoCongenita.pdf: 312191 bytes, checksum: cb222a1d25b631394573251f5818d550 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2003 / Foram estudadas 100 mães com seus RN, em três maternidades da cidade de Porto Velho-RO, para a avaliação da exposição pré-natal ao mercúrio, através da verificação dos níveis de mercúrio total ao nascimento em amostras de cabelo da mãe e de recém-nascidos, sangue materno, cordão umbilical e placenta. As mães responderam a um questionário, com a finalidade de identificar fatores de risco para contaminação mercurial e todas as crianças foram submetidas ao exame físico de rotina. A análise laboratorial do mercúrio foi realizada no Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental da UNIR, pela técnica de espectrofotometria de absorção atômica; os resultados mostraram significante correlação entre as concentrações de mercúrio total na placenta e cordão umbilical, cabelo do RN, sangue materno e cabelo materno. Concluímos que ocorreu exposição congênita; que os níveis de concentração deste metal observados no estudo, não repercutiram diretamente sobre a idade gestacional; mas, apresentaram correlação significante entre a concentração mercurial e peso do RN, confirmados pelos valores encontrados no cabelo do RN. / A hundred mothers with their newborn babies, were studied, in three hospitals in the city of Porto Velho, for the evaluation of the prenatal exposure to mercury, through the study of the mercury level in the birth, the mother and newborn’s hair, mother’s blood, umbilical cord and placentas samples. The mothers answered a questionnaire, with the objective of identifying risk factors of mercury contamination and all children were subjected to the routine physical examination. The mercury analysis was carried in the Environmental Biogeochemical Laboratory of UNIR, through the spectrophotometry of atomic absorption technique, the results showed significant correlation among the total mercury concentration in the placenta and the umbilical cord, newborn hair, the mother’s blood and hair. We concluded that there was a congenit exposure, that the levels of concentration of this metal observed, in the study, didn’t affect directly on pregnantable age; but, showed significant connection between the mercury and concentration and the newborn weight , confirmed by the results found in the newborn’s hair.

<p>In sera remitted for anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) analysis, the supplement of a sensitive anti-SSA/Ro ELISA to the conventional ANA screening by immunofluorescence (IF) revealed that one fourth of the individuals with IF-ANA negative, but SSA/Ro ELISA positive sera, had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or cutaneous LE. Consequently, adding a sensitive anti-SSA/Ro ELISA to the ANA screening is valuable for the serological detection of ANA negative SLE/LE patients.</p><p>SLE patients often have measurable interferon-alpha (IFN-α) levels in serum, and IFN-α treatment of patients with non-autoimmune diseases can induce SLE. Thus, the type I IFN system seems to be important in SLE and was therefore investigated. Initially, a decreased IFN-α producing capacity, due to a 70-fold reduction in the number of circulating natural IFN-α producing cells (NIPC), was noted in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from SLE patients. SLE-sera contained an endogenous IFN-α inducing factor (SLE-IIF), consisting of IgG and DNA in the form of small immune complexes (300-1000 kD). The SLE-IIF selectively activated NIPC and was more common in sera from patients with active disease compared to individuals with inactive disease. IFN-α producing cells could be detected by immunohistochemistry in both lesional and unaffected skin from SLE patients, and IFN-α gene transcription could be verified by in situ hybridisation in some of the skin biopsies. A reduced number of NIPC, detected by expression of the blood dendritic cell antigen (BDCA)-2, was noted among SLE-PBMC. The IFN-α production triggered by SLE-IIF in SLE-PBMC was inhibited by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to BDCA-2 and markedly decreased by anti-BDCA-4 mAbs. </p><p>The observations in the present thesis may explain the ongoing IFN-α production in SLE patients, indicate an important role for the activated type I IFN system in the pathogenesis, and suggest that direct targeting of SLE-NIPC may constitute a new therapeutic principle in SLE.</p>

In sera remitted for anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) analysis, the supplement of a sensitive anti-SSA/Ro ELISA to the conventional ANA screening by immunofluorescence (IF) revealed that one fourth of the individuals with IF-ANA negative, but SSA/Ro ELISA positive sera, had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or cutaneous LE. Consequently, adding a sensitive anti-SSA/Ro ELISA to the ANA screening is valuable for the serological detection of ANA negative SLE/LE patients. SLE patients often have measurable interferon-alpha (IFN-α) levels in serum, and IFN-α treatment of patients with non-autoimmune diseases can induce SLE. Thus, the type I IFN system seems to be important in SLE and was therefore investigated. Initially, a decreased IFN-α producing capacity, due to a 70-fold reduction in the number of circulating natural IFN-α producing cells (NIPC), was noted in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from SLE patients. SLE-sera contained an endogenous IFN-α inducing factor (SLE-IIF), consisting of IgG and DNA in the form of small immune complexes (300-1000 kD). The SLE-IIF selectively activated NIPC and was more common in sera from patients with active disease compared to individuals with inactive disease. IFN-α producing cells could be detected by immunohistochemistry in both lesional and unaffected skin from SLE patients, and IFN-α gene transcription could be verified by in situ hybridisation in some of the skin biopsies. A reduced number of NIPC, detected by expression of the blood dendritic cell antigen (BDCA)-2, was noted among SLE-PBMC. The IFN-α production triggered by SLE-IIF in SLE-PBMC was inhibited by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to BDCA-2 and markedly decreased by anti-BDCA-4 mAbs. The observations in the present thesis may explain the ongoing IFN-α production in SLE patients, indicate an important role for the activated type I IFN system in the pathogenesis, and suggest that direct targeting of SLE-NIPC may constitute a new therapeutic principle in SLE.

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