A síndrome do anticorpo antifosfolípide (SAF) é uma doença autoimune sistêmica caracterizada por episódios trombóticos recorrentes e/ou complicações durante a gravidez e presença de anticorpos antifosfolípides séricos (aPL). Os pacientes com SAF apresentam maior risco de aterosclerose e doenças cardiovasculares (DCVs). Estudos sugerem que as células endoteliais desempenham um papel central na patogênese do SAF uma vez que pacientes com SAF apresentam comprometimento da função endotelial quando comparados a controles saudáveis. A suplementação de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados ômega-3 (n-3 PUFA) parece melhorar a função endotelial em pacientes com diabetes tipo 2 (DM2), dislipidemia, e lúpus eritematoso sistêmico. Dessa forma, ela poderia ser de grande relevância clínica na SAF. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da suplementação de PUFA n-3 na função endotelial (desfecho primário) de pacientes com SAF primária. Desfechos secundários incluíram inflamação sistêmica, perfil lipídico e segurança. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo clínico randomizado de 16 semanas com 22 mulheres adultas com SAF primário. As pacientes foram alocadas aleatoriamente (1: 1) para receber suplementação com placebo (PL) ou n-3 PUFA (w-3). Antes (pré) e após (Pós) 16 semanas de intervenção, elas foram avaliadas quanto a função endotelial (usando tonometria da artéria periférica), marcadores de função endotelial (concentrações circulantes de adesão intercelular molécula-1 [ICAM-1], molécula de adesão vascular-1 [VCAM-1], e-selectina e fibrinogênio), marcadores inflamatórios (concentrações circulantes de proteína C reativa [PCR], IL-6, IL-10, TNF [fator de necrose tumoral] , IL-1ra e IL-1beta), perfil lipídico, segurança (razão internacional normalizada [INR] e efeitos adversos auto-relatados. Resultados: Após a intervenção, o grupo w-3 apresentou aumento significativos no RHI (Índice de Hiperemia reativa) e LnRHI (transformação logarítmica do Índice de hiperemia reativa)q uando comparados com PL (+13% versus -12%, p = 0,06, ES = 0,9 e +23% versus -22%, p = 0,02, ES = 1,0). Não foram observadas alterações nas concentrações de e-selectina, VCAM-1 e fibrinogênio (p > 0,05). Em contrapartida, grupo ?-3 apresentou diminuição nas concentrações circulantes de IL-10 (-4% vs. + 45%, p = 0,04, ES = -0,9) e concentração reduzida não significativa de TNF (-11% vs. + 0,3%, p = 0,12, ES = -0,7), IL-1beta (-22% vs. + 12%, p = 0,2, ES = - 0,7) e ICAM-1 (+ 3% vs. + 48%, p = 0,12, ES = -0,7) quando comparado ao PL após a intervenção. Apesar das concentrações aumentadas de colesterol total e LDL-colesterol (+ 6% vs. -2%, p = 0,07, ES = 0,7; + 11% vs. -0,3%, p = 0,02, ES = 0,8), não foram observadas diferenças entre w -3 e PL na relação LDL-colesterol/HDL-colesterol (+ 7% vs. + 1%, p = 0,4, ES = 0,3) e triglicerídeos (-20% vs. -18%, p = 0,5, ES = -0,06). Nenhuma alteração no INR foi observada e nenhum efeito adverso foi relatado. Conclusão: Suplementação de PUFA n-3 por 16 semanas levou a melhorias na função endotelial e à ligeira diminuição no millieu inflamatório de pacientes com SAF primária bem controlada. Esses resultados dão suporte à suplementação de PUFA n-3 como terapia adjuvante em SAF / Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by recurrent thrombotic episodes and/or complications during pregnancy, and persistent serum antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Patients with APS are at increased risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It has been suggested that endothelial cells play a central role in the pathogenesis of APS as patients with APS show impaired endothelial function when compared with their healthy peers. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation has been shown to improve endothelial function in type 2 diabetes (T2D), dyslipidemia, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Thus, it could be of high clinical relevance in APS. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of n-3 PUFA supplementation on endothelial function (primary outcome) of patients with primary APS. Secondary outcomes were systemic inflammation, lipid profile, safety, and clinical parameters. Methods: A 16-week randomized clinical trial was conducted with 22 adult women with primary APS. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either placebo (PL) or n-3 PUFA (?-3) supplementation. Before (Pre) and after (Post) 16 weeks of the intervention patients were assessed for endothelial function (using peripheral artery tonometry), endothelial function markers (circulating levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1], vascular adhesion molecule-1 [VCAM-1], e-selectin and fibrinogen), inflammatory markers (circulating levels of C-reactive protein [CRP], IL-6, IL-10, TNF, IL-1ra, and IL-1beta), lipid profile, safety (international normalized ratio [INR] and self-reported adverse effects. Results: Following the intervention, w-3 presented significant increases in RHI and LnRHI when compared with PL (+13% vs. -12%, p=0.06, ES=0.9; and +23% vs. -22%, p=0.02, ES=1.0). No changes were observed for e-selectin, VCAM-1 and fibrinogen levels (p > 0.05). In contrast, w-3 showed decreased circulating levels of IL-10 (-4% vs. +45%, p=0.04, ES=-0.9) and nonsignificant decreased levels of TNF (-11% vs. +0.3%, p=0.12, ES=-0.7), IL-1beta (-22% vs. +12%, p=0.2, ES=-0.7), and ICAM-1 (+3% vs. +48%, p=0.12, ES=-0.7) when compared with PL after the intervention. Despite increased levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (+6% vs. -2%, p=0.07, ES=0.7; +11% vs. -0.3%, p=0.02, ES=0.8), no differences between ?-3 and PL were observed in LDL-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio (+7% vs. +1%, p=0.4, ES=0.3) and triglycerides (-20% vs. -18%, p=0.5, ES=-0.06). No changes in INR were observed and no adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Sixteen weeks of n-3 PUFA supplementation led to improvements in endothelial function and a slight decrease in the inflammatory milieu of patients with well-controlled primary APS. These results support a role of n-3 PUFA supplementation as an adjuvant therapy in APS

Introdução: A carnosina (beta-Alanil-L-Histidina) é um dipeptídeo encontrado em altas concentrações em diversos tecidos excitáveis, tais como o coração, cérebro e músculo. Embora o número de evidencias sobre os efeitos benéficos da carnosina esteja aumentando, muitos desses estudos apresentam uma importante limitação: a falta de mensuração da carnosina intramuscular. O principal motivo é a necessidade de realização de biópsias musculares. Nesse sentido, um novo método não invasivo baseado na ressonância magnética de hidrogênio (1H RNM) foi apresentado como alternativa. Objetivos: Determinar a reprodutibilidade, acurácia e sensibilidade do 1H MRN na determinação do conteúdo de carnosina muscular em seres humanos contra a referência \"padrão-ouro\" de quantificação de carnosina, cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC) em extratos musculares obtidas por biópsia muscular. Métodos: O estudo foi dividido em duas sub-investigações, sendo a primeira delas uma investigação in vitro que testou a linearidade do sinal da carnosina na 1H RMN. Para a segunda investigação dezesseis homens fisicamente ativos (18 - 35 anos) sem doença crônico-degenerativa ou qualquer disfunção no aparelho locomotor se voluntariaram. Os participantes foram submetidos a duas sessões no total. Na sessão inicial, características antropométricas e de composição corporal foram mensuradas, cada indivíduo teve sua concentração de carnosina muscular do gastrocnêmio avaliada através da análise 1H MRN (um teste-reteste foi realizado com uma sub amostra para verificar a reprodutibilidade do método), em seguida uma biópsia muscular do gastrocnêmio foi realizada. Os voluntários então se submeteram a um período de quatro semanas de suplementação de 6,4 g. de beta-alanina por dia, estimulo que comprovadamente aumenta a carnosina muscular, durante esse período também foi realizada uma avaliação nutricional para determinar a quantidade carnosina ingerida em suas dietas. Na segunda sessão os indivíduos mais uma vez tiveram suas composições corporais avaliadas e realizaram o teste de 1H RMN e biópsia muscular para acessar suas concentrações de carnosina muscular. Resultados: In vitro: A linearidade de sinal de 1H RMN para as concentrações de carnosina testadas apresentou valores de R2 de 0,9771. In vivo: O teste-reteste da 1H RMN apresentou coeficiente de variação médio de 9,9 ± 10,34% e coeficiente de correlação interclasse de = 0,775 (95% C.I.: 0,324-0,939). Comparando-se os dois métodos: As concentrações de carnosina (em mmol/kg musculo seco) não foram estatisticamente diferentes tanto no pré (1H RMN -20,8±6,2; HPLC -23,3±10,5; p=0,45; 95% CI= -4,5 -9,6) quanto no pós-suplementação (1H RMN - 35,2±13,2; HPLC-27,8±11,7; p=0,15; 95% CI= -3,5 - 17,8) (n=13). Os valores de delta da concentração de carnosina muscular (em %) também não foram estatisticamente diferentes (1H RMN - 69,7±66,7; HPLC -38,2±58,2 p=0,16; 95% CI= -14,5 -77,5; ES=0,90). Ao observar os dados individuais, nota-se também baixa correlação dos dados individuais entre os métodos (R2 = 0,0448; r =0,212; p= 0,229). Conclusão: A 1H RMN apresentou baixa reprodutibilidade e acurácia quando comparada ao padrão ouro (HPLC), não sendo possível sua utilização para mensuração de carnosina muscular / Introduction: Carnosine (beta-Alanyl-L-Histidine) is a dipeptide found in high-concentrations in human tissue, such as heart, brain and muscle tissue. Although the body of evidence relating beneficial effects of carnosine is increasing, most of these studies have an important limitation: the lack of intramuscular carnosine measurement. The main reason for the absence of this measurement is the method of analysis; a muscle sample must be obtained via a muscle biopsy. In this regard, a new method non-invasive based on hydrogen magnetic resonance (1H NMR) has been used as an alternative. Objectives: The present study aims to determine the reproducibility, accuracy, and sensitivity of H-MRS in the determination of muscle carnosine content in humans; comparative data analysis will be performed against the \"standard\" reference of HPLC carnosine quantification in muscle extracts obtained by muscle biopsy. Methods: The study was divided into two sub-investigations. The first of which was an in vitro investigation that tested the linearity of the carnosine signal at 1 H NMR. For the second investigation, sixteen physically active men (18-35 years) without chronic-degenerative disease or any dysfunction in the locomotor apparatus volunteered. The participants were submitted to 2 sessions in total; Upon arrival to the initial session, anthropometric and body composition characteristics were collected before each individual underwent a muscle carnosine measurement of the gastrocnemius via H-MRS analysis (a test-retest was performed with a sub-sample to verify the reproducibility of the method) followed by a gastrocnemius muscle biopsy. Thereafter volunteers were submitted to a 4-week supplementation period of 6.4 g. of beta-alanine per day, a stimulus proven to increase muscle carnosine, during this period, volunteers had their carnosine dietary ingestion evaluated as well. Following the supplementation period, individuals were subjected to another body composition evaluation, 1H RMN and muscle biopsy. Results: In vitro: The linearity of 1 H NMR signal for carnosine concentrations tested showed R2 values of 0.9771. In vivo: 1 H NMR test-retest showed a mean coefficient of variation of 9.9 ± 10.34% and ICC= 0.775 (95% C.I.: 0.324-0.939).Comparing the methods: Carnosine concentrations (in mmol / kg dry muscle) were not significant difference either the in pre (1 H NMR -20.8 ± 6.2, HPLC -23.3 ± 10, 5, p = 0.45, 95% CI = -4.5 -9.6) and post-supplementation (1 H NMR - 35.2 ± 13.2, HPLC-27.8 ± 11.7, p = 0.15, 95% CI = -3.5-17.8) . The delta values of muscle carnosine concentration (in %) were not statistically different (1 H NMR - 69.7 ± 66.7; HPLC -38.2 ± 58.2 p = 0.16; 95 % CI = -14.5 -77.5; ES = 0.90). Comparing the individual data, there was a low correlation between the methods (R2 = 0.0448, r = 0.212, p = 0.229). Conclusion: 1H NMR showed low reproducibility and accuracy when compared to the gold standard (HPLC), not being possible its use for carnosine quantification

Fatores ambientais adversos, dos quais o déficit hídrico constitui a restrição mais severa à agricultura, representam cerca de 70% das perdas de produtividade em todo o mundo. A irrigação da cana-de-açúcar é hoje, uma das principais alternativas tecnológicas para o aumento da produtividade do setor sucroenergético, melhorando não só a eficiência no campo como, também, reduzindo a ociosidade industrial das usinas. Contudo, havendo-se disponibilidade hídrica para irrigação, implica-se na necessidade de outorga de direito de uso para captação. A outorga é um dos seis instrumentos da Política Nacional de Recursos Hídricos (Lei Federal nº 9.433, de 08 de janeiro de 1997). Esse instrumento tem como objetivo assegurar o controle quantitativo e qualitativo dos usos da água e o efetivo exercício dos direitos de acesso aos recursos hídricos. O cálculo das vazões mensais de outorga para captação em corpos hídricos de domínio federal é atualmente obtido através de dados estimados de precipitação pluvial efetiva provável e evapotranspiração de referência do local, fornecidos pela Agência Nacional de Águas (ANA), de parâmetros da cultura (época de plantio e coeficientes de cultura - kc), área irrigada e eficiência da irrigação, fornecidos pelo requerente da outorga. Assim, como hipótese primária deste estudo de que a metodologia de cálculo das vazões mensais de outorga proposta pela ANA não fornece segurança operacional para grandes empreendimentos, uma vez que esta não possui um caráter probabilístico adequado, que leve em consideração as variações anuais de precipitação pluvial e evapotranspiração e, ainda, como hipótese secundária de que na determinação das vazões através da metodologia recomendada pela FAO (CROPWAT 8.0) ocorram vulnerabilidades diante dos critérios de escolha dos anos representativos (anos secos, médios e úmidos), ambas podendo restringir as vazões de captação. Este trabalho teve como objetivo comparar tais metodologias com um estudo de caso mais detalhado, levando-se em consideração a variabilidade temporal destas estimativas (séries históricas), bem como, buscando-se determinar a influência do critério de irrigação e dos níveis de probabilidade de ocorrência da evapotranspiração de referência (ETo) e precipitação (PPT) na determinação das vazões mensais de outorga para irrigação de cana-de-açúcar. Evidenciou-se que, durante o período compreendido entre os meses de abril a setembro (período \"seco\"), a metodologia de cálculo proposta pela ANA atendeu as necessidades de projeto. Contudo, no período onde se concentram as precipitações pluviais (outubro a março), esta tendeu a subestimar os valores mensais das vazões outorgáveis, uma vez que não dispõe de um critério adequado que considere as variações anuais deste elemento meteorológico, limitando a outorga a uma condição média provável. Entretanto, diante da morosidade da análise de séries históricas, ano-a-ano, é compreensível que se busque facilitar estas estimativas. Assim, a metodologia proposta pela FAO (simulações de anos com diferentes probabilidades teóricas de valores \"atingíveis\" de PPT acumulada anual), bem como, a metodologia alternativa proposta neste estudo (PPT acumulada no período seco) aproximaram-se ou, até mesmo, superam a condição \"ideal\", porém, devido à determinação destes anos não levar em consideração a distribuição dos acumulados (dentro do período considerado), a metodologia apresentou limitações. / The adverse environmental factors, of which drought is the most severe agriculture limitation, account for about 70% of yield losses worldwide. The irrigation of sugarcane is today one of the main technological alternatives to increase the productivity, improving not only the field efficiency but also reducing the idleness of industrial plants. However, having up water availability for irrigation implies on the need of water rights for its catchment. The water right is one of six instruments of the Brazilian National Water Resources Policy (Federal Law nº 9.433, January 08, 1997). This instrument aims to ensure the quantitative and qualitative control of water use and the effective exercise of the access rights to water resources. The calculation of the monthly flows to water rights for catchment in rivers of federal domain is currently obtained through estimated local data of probable effective rainfall and reference evapotranspiration, provided by the National Water Agency (ANA), crop parameters (time planting and crop coefficients - kc), irrigated area and irrigation efficiency, in turn provided by the claimant of water right. Thus, as the primary hypothesis of this study that the calculation methodology of monthly flows of water right proposed by the ANA does not provide operational safety for large enterprises, since it does not have a suitable probabilistic character that takes into account the annual variation of rainfall and evapotranspiration, and also, as a secondary hypothesis that in determining the water rights flows through the methodology proposed by FAO (CROPWAT 8.0) is subject to vulnerabilities on the selecting criteria for the representative years (dry, average and wet year), both methodologies may be restricted the flow of catchment. This study aimed to compare these methodologies with a more detailed study of case, that takes into account the temporal variability of these estimates (time series), seeking to determine the influence of irrigation criterion and probability levels of occurrence of the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and precipitation (PPT) in the determination of monthly flows rate of water right applied to sugarcane irrigation practices. It was evident that during the period between the months from April to September (\"dry\" period), the calculation methodology proposed by ANA supplied the project requirements. However, the period which are concentrated rainfall (October to March), this tended to underestimate the monthly values of water rights flows rate, as it does not provide an appropriate criterion to consider the annual weather variations of this element, limiting the water rights to an average probable condition. Though, given the difficulty of working with data time series analysis, year-on-year, it is understandable the use of simplified methodologies that facilitate these estimatives. Thus, the methodology proposed by FAO (years simulations with different theoretical probability \"attainable\" values of PPT annual accumulated), as well as the alternative method proposed in this study (PPT accumulated in dry period) approached or even exceeded the \"ideal\" condition, however, the determination of these years did not take into account the distribution of rainfall accumulated (within the period considered) an thus, the methodology presented limitations.

Introdução: A carnosina (beta-Alanil-L-Histidina) é um dipeptídeo encontrado em altas concentrações em diversos tecidos excitáveis, tais como o coração, cérebro e músculo. Embora o número de evidencias sobre os efeitos benéficos da carnosina esteja aumentando, muitos desses estudos apresentam uma importante limitação: a falta de mensuração da carnosina intramuscular. O principal motivo é a necessidade de realização de biópsias musculares. Nesse sentido, um novo método não invasivo baseado na ressonância magnética de hidrogênio (1H RNM) foi apresentado como alternativa. Objetivos: Determinar a reprodutibilidade, acurácia e sensibilidade do 1H MRN na determinação do conteúdo de carnosina muscular em seres humanos contra a referência \"padrão-ouro\" de quantificação de carnosina, cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC) em extratos musculares obtidas por biópsia muscular. Métodos: O estudo foi dividido em duas sub-investigações, sendo a primeira delas uma investigação in vitro que testou a linearidade do sinal da carnosina na 1H RMN. Para a segunda investigação dezesseis homens fisicamente ativos (18 - 35 anos) sem doença crônico-degenerativa ou qualquer disfunção no aparelho locomotor se voluntariaram. Os participantes foram submetidos a duas sessões no total. Na sessão inicial, características antropométricas e de composição corporal foram mensuradas, cada indivíduo teve sua concentração de carnosina muscular do gastrocnêmio avaliada através da análise 1H MRN (um teste-reteste foi realizado com uma sub amostra para verificar a reprodutibilidade do método), em seguida uma biópsia muscular do gastrocnêmio foi realizada. Os voluntários então se submeteram a um período de quatro semanas de suplementação de 6,4 g. de beta-alanina por dia, estimulo que comprovadamente aumenta a carnosina muscular, durante esse período também foi realizada uma avaliação nutricional para determinar a quantidade carnosina ingerida em suas dietas. Na segunda sessão os indivíduos mais uma vez tiveram suas composições corporais avaliadas e realizaram o teste de 1H RMN e biópsia muscular para acessar suas concentrações de carnosina muscular. Resultados: In vitro: A linearidade de sinal de 1H RMN para as concentrações de carnosina testadas apresentou valores de R2 de 0,9771. In vivo: O teste-reteste da 1H RMN apresentou coeficiente de variação médio de 9,9 ± 10,34% e coeficiente de correlação interclasse de = 0,775 (95% C.I.: 0,324-0,939). Comparando-se os dois métodos: As concentrações de carnosina (em mmol/kg musculo seco) não foram estatisticamente diferentes tanto no pré (1H RMN -20,8±6,2; HPLC -23,3±10,5; p=0,45; 95% CI= -4,5 -9,6) quanto no pós-suplementação (1H RMN - 35,2±13,2; HPLC-27,8±11,7; p=0,15; 95% CI= -3,5 - 17,8) (n=13). Os valores de delta da concentração de carnosina muscular (em %) também não foram estatisticamente diferentes (1H RMN - 69,7±66,7; HPLC -38,2±58,2 p=0,16; 95% CI= -14,5 -77,5; ES=0,90). Ao observar os dados individuais, nota-se também baixa correlação dos dados individuais entre os métodos (R2 = 0,0448; r =0,212; p= 0,229). Conclusão: A 1H RMN apresentou baixa reprodutibilidade e acurácia quando comparada ao padrão ouro (HPLC), não sendo possível sua utilização para mensuração de carnosina muscular / Introduction: Carnosine (beta-Alanyl-L-Histidine) is a dipeptide found in high-concentrations in human tissue, such as heart, brain and muscle tissue. Although the body of evidence relating beneficial effects of carnosine is increasing, most of these studies have an important limitation: the lack of intramuscular carnosine measurement. The main reason for the absence of this measurement is the method of analysis; a muscle sample must be obtained via a muscle biopsy. In this regard, a new method non-invasive based on hydrogen magnetic resonance (1H NMR) has been used as an alternative. Objectives: The present study aims to determine the reproducibility, accuracy, and sensitivity of H-MRS in the determination of muscle carnosine content in humans; comparative data analysis will be performed against the \"standard\" reference of HPLC carnosine quantification in muscle extracts obtained by muscle biopsy. Methods: The study was divided into two sub-investigations. The first of which was an in vitro investigation that tested the linearity of the carnosine signal at 1 H NMR. For the second investigation, sixteen physically active men (18-35 years) without chronic-degenerative disease or any dysfunction in the locomotor apparatus volunteered. The participants were submitted to 2 sessions in total; Upon arrival to the initial session, anthropometric and body composition characteristics were collected before each individual underwent a muscle carnosine measurement of the gastrocnemius via H-MRS analysis (a test-retest was performed with a sub-sample to verify the reproducibility of the method) followed by a gastrocnemius muscle biopsy. Thereafter volunteers were submitted to a 4-week supplementation period of 6.4 g. of beta-alanine per day, a stimulus proven to increase muscle carnosine, during this period, volunteers had their carnosine dietary ingestion evaluated as well. Following the supplementation period, individuals were subjected to another body composition evaluation, 1H RMN and muscle biopsy. Results: In vitro: The linearity of 1 H NMR signal for carnosine concentrations tested showed R2 values of 0.9771. In vivo: 1 H NMR test-retest showed a mean coefficient of variation of 9.9 ± 10.34% and ICC= 0.775 (95% C.I.: 0.324-0.939).Comparing the methods: Carnosine concentrations (in mmol / kg dry muscle) were not significant difference either the in pre (1 H NMR -20.8 ± 6.2, HPLC -23.3 ± 10, 5, p = 0.45, 95% CI = -4.5 -9.6) and post-supplementation (1 H NMR - 35.2 ± 13.2, HPLC-27.8 ± 11.7, p = 0.15, 95% CI = -3.5-17.8) . The delta values of muscle carnosine concentration (in %) were not statistically different (1 H NMR - 69.7 ± 66.7; HPLC -38.2 ± 58.2 p = 0.16; 95 % CI = -14.5 -77.5; ES = 0.90). Comparing the individual data, there was a low correlation between the methods (R2 = 0.0448, r = 0.212, p = 0.229). Conclusion: 1H NMR showed low reproducibility and accuracy when compared to the gold standard (HPLC), not being possible its use for carnosine quantification

Submitted by Silvana Teresinha Dornelles Studzinski (sstudzinski) on 2017-04-19T15:44:07Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Daniel Wartchow_.pdf: 802643 bytes, checksum: ee96b11a4d25d75065128f2d53608cbd (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-04-19T15:44:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Daniel Wartchow_.pdf: 802643 bytes, checksum: ee96b11a4d25d75065128f2d53608cbd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-01-12 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Os ativos das Entidades Fechadas de Previdência Complementar (EFPC) brasileiras, também denominadas fundos de pensão, são formados por contribuições financeiras de seus patrocinadores ou instituidores e seus de participantes. Tais recursos são administrados por uma estrutura de governança estabelecida pela legislação e recomendações de órgãos públicos. Esta estrutura de governança visa mitigar conflitos de interesses, com vistas a eficiência econômico-financeira das EFPC, possibilitando a geração de resultado aos participantes. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar se existe relação positiva entre o nível de governança e a rentabilidade das EFPC brasileiras. A amostra da pesquisa contempla 141 EFPC brasileiras, com evidências que compreendem os exercícios de 2011 a 2014, reunindo um total de 423 observações. Foi realizada a análise com o uso da técnica de análise de Mínimos Quadrados Generalizados (MQG), com dados empilhados. A variável dependente é a rentabilidade, representada pelo Retorno sobre os Investimentos (RI), e a variável explicativa o nível de governança. O nível de governança foi medido através de um índice construído com um total de 33 indicadores representativos de práticas de governança. Esses indicadores de governança foram estabelecidos através de uma revisão da legislação brasileira sobre EFPC, orientações e recomendações de órgãos públicos e na literatura sobre o tema. Foram incluídas no modelo também variáveis de controle, as quais foram apontadas na literatura revisada como influenciadores do desempenho econômico financeiro. As evidências para todas variáveis foram coletadas dos estatutos e relatórios anuais das EFPC disponibilizados em suas páginas eletrônicas na Internet. O resultado dessa pesquisa indica uma relação positiva entre rentabilidade e governança das EFPC. Ou seja, EFPC com melhores níveis de governança têm melhor rentabilidade dos investimentos. Este estudo poderá contribuir para que participantes e assistidos compreendam melhor a importância da governança nas EFPC e influenciar o maior uso de práticas de governança por estas entidades. / The assets of Brazilian private pension funds (PPFs) are formed by the financial contributions of its sponsors or its founders, as well as of its participants. These fund’s governance structure is established by law and regulated by public agencies. This governance structure aims to mitigate conflicts of interest, towards improved economic and financial efficiency of the PPF. Thus, the objective of this study is to examine whether there is a positive relationship between the level of governance and the profitability of the Brazilian PPFs. The research sample includes 141 Brazilian PPF, with data covering the years 2011 to 2014, resulting on a total of 423 observations. The analysis of the research problem was performed through Generalized Least Squares (GLS) technique, for pooled data. The dependent variable is the PPF’s profitability, with the PPF’s Return on Investments (RI) as proxy. The explanatory variable of interest is the level of governance. The level of governance was measured by an index constructed by a total of 33 indicators representative of governance practices. These governance indicators were established through a review of the Brazilian legislation on PPFs, guidelines and recommendations of public agencies and literature on the subject. Data was collected from PPFs statutes and annual reports, available on their web pages. The result of this research indicates a positive relationship between profitability and governance of PPFs. That is, PPFs with better levels of governance have better return on investments. This study may contribute to the understanding of participants and beneficiaries on the importance of governance in PPFs and, hopefully, foster a greater use of governance practices by these entities.

1966年聯合國教科文組織通過《關於教師地位之建議書》，肯定教師為一專門職業，並表示：「在執行其專業任務時，教師應享有學術自由。由於教師特別有資格去評估最適合學生的教學輔助方法，他們應當在如教材的選擇及修正、教科書之評選及教學方式之實際應用等方面，擔負決定性的角色。」然而戰後台灣中小學的教育內容長期由教育部掌控，統編本教科書、禁止使用參考書及測驗卷，都是許多台灣中小學生求學時的共同經驗。在種種政策的限制下，教師長期欠缺教材選擇權。 本論文從教師教材選擇權的理論出發，透過政府公報、報紙等史料的瀏覽以及相關法令的分析，嘗試呈現戰後台灣國民中小學教師教材選擇權的發展脈絡及面貌。國民中小學教師的教材選擇，包括教科書選擇與補助教材選擇。在教科書選擇方面，深受教科書制度影響，而影響戰後台灣教科書政策的主要因素有蔣中正的強人意志、升學主義和解嚴後對教育開放多元的訴求。而在補助教材的選擇上，同樣受到政府的限制。其中參考書和測驗卷的使用，教育部更始終採取禁止的態度。 / In 1966, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted “Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers” agreed that teaching should be regarded as a profession and said, “The teaching profession should enjoy academic freedom in the discharge of professional duties. Since teachers are particularly qualified to judge the teaching aids and methods most suitable for their pupils, they should be given the essential role in the choice and the adaptation of teaching material, the selection of textbooks and the application of teaching methods.” This thesis starts from theoretical studies, through analyzes in government published gazette, newspaper, and related law and ordinance, and then attempts to present the development of teacher’s option in teaching materials of Elementary School and Junior High School after the Second World War in Taiwan. The teaching materials include textbooks, reference books, and supplementary materials. The educational policy and school system effect deeply to the selection in textbooks. The Chiang Kai-Shek’s determination, the Obsession, and demands of open and diversification of education after martial law lifted are all the major causes to define the textbook policy in Taiwan after WWII. In the selection of supplementary materials, it is also under government’s restriction. The usage of reference books and test paper are complete prohibited by Ministry of Education in Taiwan.

<p>Males and females differ in morphology and behaviour, so that selection acts differently on the two sexes. This changes the relative reproductive success of males and females, and it is beneficial for parents to bias the sex ratio of their broods in favour of the sex with the best survival and breeding prospects. Differences between the sexes and brood sex ratio in Tengmalm’s owl (Aegolius funereus) in northern Sweden were investigated, using a molecular sexing technique based on PCRamplification of sex-linked CHD1 genes. Among owls caught during autumn migration, females were commoner than males, especially within juveniles. However, in contrast to earlier studies, it was shown that adult males sometimes undertake migratory movements indicatory of nomadism. Measurements of these owls revealed that sexual size dimorphism in Tengmalm’s owl is not as great as previously reported from studies carried out during the breeding season. Females were slightly larger (4% by mass) than males, probably owing to the different roles of males and females during breeding, when this dimorphism is greater. The size difference between male and female nestlings was found to be similar to that for adults in autumn, and to investigate whether this led to differential mortality, the effect of supplementary feeding on mortality of male and female nestlings was studied. Supplementary feeding reduced male mortality when vole abundance was low, and it was concluded that larger female nestlings out-competed their smaller brothers, who then suffered increased mortality when food was scarce. Recruitment of male nestlings into the breeding population declined with decreasing food supply at the time of fledging, a pattern not observed in females. Juvenile males were therefore more vulnerable to food shortage than females, both in the nest and after fledging. Mean brood sex ratio varied significantly among years characterized by different phases of the vole cycle and associated vole abundance. Broods were male-biased (63% males) in a year when the food supply was favourable during spring and summer, neutral (50%) in a year with an intermediate food supply, and female-biased (35% males) in a year when food was in short supply. Parents appeared to adaptively adjust the sex ratio of their broods according to the relative mortality risk and reproductive potential of sons and daughters.</p>

<p>The aim of the studies described in this thesis was to assess the association between certain perinatal factors and the risk of childhood lymphatic and myeloid leukemia and infant leukemia. </p><p>The five studies presented were all conducted in Sweden as population-based case-control studies. All cases were born and diagnosed between 1973-89 with leukemia up to the age of 16 years. A control was individually matched to each case. As Down’s syndrome entails a major risk for childhood leukemia, children with Down’s syndrome were excluded. The studies comprised a total of 652 cases, 47 of whom were diagnosed before the age of one year. Exposure data were extracted blindly from antenatal, obstetric, pediatric and other standardized medical records.</p><p>No association was found between prenatal exposure to ultrasound or diagnostic x-ray and childhood lymphatic or myeloid leukemia. Infant leukemia was associated with prenatal exposure to x-ray. A history of maternal lower genital tract infection significantly increased the risk of childhood leukemia, especially among children diagnosed at four years or older or in infancy. Factors such as young maternal age, and mothers working with children or in the health sector were associated with infant leukemia. Resuscitation with 100% oxygen with a face-mask and bag directly postpartum was associated with an increased risk of childhood lymphatic leukemia. The oxygen-related risk further increased if the manual ventilation lasted for three minutes or more. There was no association between lymphatic or infant leukemia and supplementary oxygen later in the neonatal period or other birth-related factors. Low Apgar scores at one and five minutes were associated with a non-significantly increased risk of lymphatic leukemia, and were significantly associated with infant leukemia.</p><p>Previously reported relations between childhood leukemia and exposures such as maternal diagnostic x-ray and birth related factors could not be confirmed by these studies. However, the present studies indicate that events during pregnancy or during the neonatal period are associated with increased risks of childhood and infant leukemia. These events can either be non-specific, such as exposure to maternal lower genital tract infection, or specific, such as the use of supplementary oxygen directly postpartum.</p>

The aim of the studies described in this thesis was to assess the association between certain perinatal factors and the risk of childhood lymphatic and myeloid leukemia and infant leukemia. The five studies presented were all conducted in Sweden as population-based case-control studies. All cases were born and diagnosed between 1973-89 with leukemia up to the age of 16 years. A control was individually matched to each case. As Down’s syndrome entails a major risk for childhood leukemia, children with Down’s syndrome were excluded. The studies comprised a total of 652 cases, 47 of whom were diagnosed before the age of one year. Exposure data were extracted blindly from antenatal, obstetric, pediatric and other standardized medical records. No association was found between prenatal exposure to ultrasound or diagnostic x-ray and childhood lymphatic or myeloid leukemia. Infant leukemia was associated with prenatal exposure to x-ray. A history of maternal lower genital tract infection significantly increased the risk of childhood leukemia, especially among children diagnosed at four years or older or in infancy. Factors such as young maternal age, and mothers working with children or in the health sector were associated with infant leukemia. Resuscitation with 100% oxygen with a face-mask and bag directly postpartum was associated with an increased risk of childhood lymphatic leukemia. The oxygen-related risk further increased if the manual ventilation lasted for three minutes or more. There was no association between lymphatic or infant leukemia and supplementary oxygen later in the neonatal period or other birth-related factors. Low Apgar scores at one and five minutes were associated with a non-significantly increased risk of lymphatic leukemia, and were significantly associated with infant leukemia. Previously reported relations between childhood leukemia and exposures such as maternal diagnostic x-ray and birth related factors could not be confirmed by these studies. However, the present studies indicate that events during pregnancy or during the neonatal period are associated with increased risks of childhood and infant leukemia. These events can either be non-specific, such as exposure to maternal lower genital tract infection, or specific, such as the use of supplementary oxygen directly postpartum.

Males and females differ in morphology and behaviour, so that selection acts differently on the two sexes. This changes the relative reproductive success of males and females, and it is beneficial for parents to bias the sex ratio of their broods in favour of the sex with the best survival and breeding prospects. Differences between the sexes and brood sex ratio in Tengmalm’s owl (Aegolius funereus) in northern Sweden were investigated, using a molecular sexing technique based on PCRamplification of sex-linked CHD1 genes. Among owls caught during autumn migration, females were commoner than males, especially within juveniles. However, in contrast to earlier studies, it was shown that adult males sometimes undertake migratory movements indicatory of nomadism. Measurements of these owls revealed that sexual size dimorphism in Tengmalm’s owl is not as great as previously reported from studies carried out during the breeding season. Females were slightly larger (4% by mass) than males, probably owing to the different roles of males and females during breeding, when this dimorphism is greater. The size difference between male and female nestlings was found to be similar to that for adults in autumn, and to investigate whether this led to differential mortality, the effect of supplementary feeding on mortality of male and female nestlings was studied. Supplementary feeding reduced male mortality when vole abundance was low, and it was concluded that larger female nestlings out-competed their smaller brothers, who then suffered increased mortality when food was scarce. Recruitment of male nestlings into the breeding population declined with decreasing food supply at the time of fledging, a pattern not observed in females. Juvenile males were therefore more vulnerable to food shortage than females, both in the nest and after fledging. Mean brood sex ratio varied significantly among years characterized by different phases of the vole cycle and associated vole abundance. Broods were male-biased (63% males) in a year when the food supply was favourable during spring and summer, neutral (50%) in a year with an intermediate food supply, and female-biased (35% males) in a year when food was in short supply. Parents appeared to adaptively adjust the sex ratio of their broods according to the relative mortality risk and reproductive potential of sons and daughters.