Abstract Purpose Changrui enema, a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, is used as a supplementary treatment for acute radiation proctitis (ARP). Herein we explored the inhibition effects of Changrui enema on NF-κB and VEGF in ARP mice. Methods A total of 120 C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into normal mice group, ARP mice group, western medicine enema group (dexamethasone combined with gentamicin), and Changrui enema group. ARP mice were established by pelvic local irradiation. The expression of IL-1β, NF-κB, VEGF, AQP1, AQP3, p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK was determined by immunohistochemistry or western blot. Results The study firstly found that Changrui enema alleviated ARP mice. The expression of IL-1β, NF-κB, VEGF, AQP1 and p-ERK1/2 was increased in ARP mice, and was reserved by Changrui enema. However, the expression of AQP3 and p-JNK was decreased in ARP mice, and was up-regulated by Changrui enema. Conclusions Changrui enema is an effective treatment with fewer side effects for ARP. The mechanism of Changrui enema may be related to the inhibition of inflammation-induced angiogenesis. Changrui enema inhibits IL-1β and NF-κB expression as well as VEGF expression. Interestingly, AQP1 promotes angiogenesis, while AQP3 inhibits inflammation. Changrui enema probably inhibits AQP1 expression by down-regulating p-ERK1/2, and improves AQP3 expression by up-regulating p-JNK.

Abstract Background: Reports regarding the causative drugs of drug-induced cutaneous adverse reactions in China are indistinct, such that different regions have reported the spectrum of drugs differs substantially in different clinical conditions. Objective: To explore the causative drugs that led to cutaneous reactions. Methods: Adverse drug reaction reports from central China were collected and divided into cutaneous adverse reactions and severe cutaneous adverse reactions groups. Cases were reviewed retrospectively for causative drugs. Results: The male:female ratio was equal in both cutaneous adverse reactions and severe cutaneous adverse reactions. In cutaneous adverse reactions (n = 482), the highest incidence happened between 51 and 60 years of age and the top three causative drugs were antibiotics (48%), Chinese medicine (16%), and allopurinol (9%). In severe cutaneous adverse reactions (n = 126), the highest incidence happened between 41 and 50 years of age and the top three causative drugs were sedative-hypnotics and antiepileptics (39%), antibiotics (22%), and allopurinol (15%). Carbamazepine was the most frequently used single-drug (16/18) in sedative-hypnotics and antiepileptics. β-lactams were the most frequently used antibiotics that induced both cutaneous adverse reactions and severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Study limitations: The small sample size, retrospective design, collection of cutaneous adverse reactions and severe cutaneous adverse reactions at different time frames and locations, and exclusion of patients taking more than five medications are limitations of the study. Conclusions: Gender does not affect cutaneous adverse reactions and severe cutaneous adverse reactions. The top three drugs to induce cutaneous adverse reactions are antibiotics, Chinese medicine, and allopurinol, while those that triggered severe cutaneous adverse reactions are sedative-hypnotics and antiepileptics, antibiotics, and allopurinol. Carbamazepine is the most frequent single drug that induces severe cutaneous adverse reactions. β-lactams are the most frequently used antibiotics that induce both cutaneous adverse reactions and severe cutaneous adverse reactions.

Abstract Purpose This paper aims to map the creation and evolution of centering resonance analysis (CRA). This method was an innovative approach developed to conduct textual content analysis in a semi-automatic, theory-informed and analytically rigorous way. Nevertheless, despite its robust procedures to analyze documents and interviews, CRA is still broadly unknown and scarcely used in management research. Design/methodology/approach To track CRA’s development, the roadmapping approach was properly adapted. The traditional time-based multi-layered map format was customized to depict, graphically, the results obtained from a systematic literature review of the main CRA publications. Findings In total, 19 papers were reviewed, from the method’s introduction in 2002 to its last tracked methodological development. In all, 26 types of CRA analysis were identified and grouped in five categories. The most innovative procedures in each group were discussed and exemplified. Finally, a CRA methodological roadmap was presented, including a layered typology of the publications, in terms of their focus and innovativeness; the number of analysis conducted in each publication; references for further CRA development; a segmentation and description of the main publication periods; main turning points; citation-based relationships; and four possible future scenarios for CRA as a method. Originality/value This paper offers a unique and comprehensive review of CRA’s development, favoring its broader use in management research. In addition, it develops an adapted version of the roadmapping approach, customized for mapping methodological innovations over time.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o papel do receptor de hidrocarboneto arílico (AhR) nos linfócitos T CCR6+ CD4+ e CD4+ CD25+ no sangue periférico de pacientes com artrite reumatoide (AR). Métodos: Foi aplicada citometria de fluxo para determinar a proporção de células AhR positivas em linfócitos CCR6+ CD4+ e CD4+ CD25+ do sangue periférico e células mononucleares periféricas de cada indivíduo. Os níveis de expressão relativa de ácido ribonucleico mensageiro (do inglês ribonucleic acid, RNAm,) de AhR e RNAm de enzima de primeiro estágio essencial para o AhR (CYP1A1) foram testados por reação em cadeia de polimerase (do inglês polymerase chain reaction, PCR,) em tempo real. Resultados: A percentagem de células AhR positivas nas células mononucleares do sangue periférico foi maior no grupo com AR do que nos indivíduos saudáveis [(35,23 ± 10,71)% vs. (18,83 ± 7,32)%, (p < 0,01)]. Os níveis de expressão de AhR e CYP1A1 estavam aumentados em pacientes com AR quando comparados com os controles [(3,71 ± 1,63) vs. (2,00 ± 1,27), p = 0,002; (2,62 ± 2,08) vs. (0,62 ± 0,29), p < 0,01, respectivamente]. Em pacientes com AR, a percentagem de células AhR positivas nos linfócitos T CD4+ CD25+ foi significativamente inferior à dos controles [17,90 (6,10 ± 80,10)]% vs. (52,49 ± 19,18)%, p < 0,01]; em controles saudáveis, a percentagem de células AhR positivas nos linfócitos T CD4+ CD25+ foi significativamente mais elevada do que nos linfócitos T CCR6+ CD4+ e também foi significativamente maior do que nas células mononucleares do sangue periférico (do inglês peripheral blood mononuclear cells, PBMC,) [(52,49 ± 19,18)% vs. (23,18 ± 5,62)% vs. (18,06 ± 7,80)%, X 2 = 24,03, p < 0,01]; em pacientes com AR, a percentagem de células AHR positivas nos linfócitos T CCR6+ CD4+ era significativamente maior em comparação com os linfócitos T CD4+ CD25+ e PBMC (46,02 ± 14,68)% vs. [17,90 (6,10 ± 80.10)]% vs. (34,22 ± 10,33)%, X2 = 38,29, p < 0,01]; no entanto, não foi encontrada correlação estatisticamente significativa entre os dados clínicos e células AhR positivas em linfócitos T CCR6+ CD4+ e CD4+ CD25+. Conclusão: O Ahr pode participar do progresso patológico da AR ao controlar a diferenciação de linfócitos Th17 e Treg no sangue periférico.

ABSTRACT Objective: The goal of this study was to analyze the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in peripheral blood CCR6+CD4+ and CD4+CD25+T cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Flow cytometry was applied to determine the proportion of AhR positive cells in CCR6+CD4+T, CD4+CD25+T and peripheral blood peripheral mononuclear cells from each subject. AhR mRNA and CYP1A1 mRNA relative expression levels were tested by real-time PCR. Results: The percentage of AhR positive cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was higher in RA group than that in healthy cases [(35.23 ± 10.71)% vs. (18.83 ± 7.32)%, p < 0.01]. The expression levels of AhR and CYP1A1 were both increased in patients with RA while compared to controls [(3.71 ± 1.63) vs. (2.00 ± 1.27), p = 0.002; (2.62 ± 2.08) vs. (0.62 ± 0.29), p < 0.01, respectively]. In RA patients, the percentage of AhR positive cells in CD4+CD25+T cells was significantly lower than that from controls [17.90 (6.10 ± 80.10)% vs. (52.49 ± 19.18)%, p < 0.01]; In healthy controls, the percentage of AhR positive cells in CD4+CD25+T cells was significantly higher than that in CCR6+CD4+T cells, and was also significantly higher than that in PBMCs [(52.49 ± 19.18)% vs. (23.18 ± 5.62)% vs. (18.06 ± 7.80)%, X 2 = 24.03, p < 0.01]; in RA patients, the percentage of AhR positive cells in CCR6+CD4+T cells was significantly increased than that in CD4+CD25+T cells and PBMCs [(46.02 ± 14.68)% vs. 17.90 (6.10 ± 80.10)% vs. (34.22 ± 10.33)%, X 2 = 38.29, p < 0.01]; Nevertheless, no statistically significant relationship was found between clinical data and AhR positive cells in CCR6+CD4+T and CD4+CD25+T cells. Conclusion: AhR may participate in the pathological progress of RA by controlling the differentiation of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo discutir a aplicação do método "Technology roadmapping" (TRM) na definição da programação de pesquisa da cadeia de cenoura da Embrapa Hortaliças, considerando um horizonte de 15 anos. Esta cadeia produtiva foi escolhida por ser a cenoura uma das olerícolas de maior importância socioeconômica do Brasil, pelo histórico de projetos da Embrapa Hortaliças com impactos positivos nesta cadeia e pela motivação da equipe em realizar estudos prospectivos para identificar demandas reais e potenciais de pesquisa à cultura. A aplicação do TRM obedeceu a seguinte ordem cronológica: 1) definição do escopo do estudo prospectivo; 2) entedimento do contexto da cadeia de valor da cenoura para facilitar o processo de adaptação do TRM; 3) estabelecimento do modelo conceitual do roadmapping adaptado da representação gráfica básica com quatro macrocamadas indicadoras: mercado, negócio, linhas de pesquisa e recursos (físico, financeiro, humano e competências); 4) realização de pesquisas em fontes primárias e secundárias com produtores, atacadistas, empresas de semente, supermercados, processadoras, consumidores e pesquisadores; e 5) realização de workshop com parceiros externos e colaboradores e reuniões posteriores com os grupos temáticos para a construção do mapa da rota tecnológica. A aplicação do TRM, do ponto de vista gerencial, possibilitou um levantamento atualizado da realidade da cadeia produtiva de cenoura no Brasil e a explicitação clara de ações de pesquisa visando a atender as demandas priorizadas desta cadeia. Contemplou ainda a verificação dos recursos humanos e materiais necessários para atender as ações de pesquisa distribuídas no tempo. Na esfera científica, constatou-se a flexibilidade do método ao ser aplicado com sucesso no setor olerícola, podendo se extender para as demais cadeias de hortaliças bem como do agronegócio.

This study aimed to present the application of Technology Roadmapping (TRM) method for the definition of the carrot research program at Embrapa Hortaliças in the next 15 years. The carrot production chain was chosen because this vegetable crop is one of the most important in Brazil. Moreover, the related projects from Embrapa Hortaliças have had significant impacts on the vegetable sector and the team was motivated to conduct prospective studies for identifying real and potential demands to support the projects planning related to this species. The steps of the TRM application were as follow: (1) to define the scope of the prospective study; (2) to understand the context of the carrot value chain in order to facilitate the process of TRM adaptation; (3) to establish the conceptual model of the roadmapping based on the basic graphic representation, with four layers: market, business, research areas and resources (physical, financial, human and expertise); (4) to collect data from primary and secondary sources, such as growers, wholesalers, seed companies, supermarkets, processors, consumers, and researchers, in order to support market and business layers; and (5) to carry out a workshop with external partners and collaborators, and subsequent workshops with the thematic groups to elaborate the roadmapping. The application of TRM from the managerial perspective allowed a robust data collection plan of the current status of the carrot production chain in Brazil and a clear action-plan of research activities aiming to reach the prioritized demands in this chain. Furthermore, it allowed the identification of the human and material resources needed to fulfill the research actions in a time perspective. In the scientific dimensions, the method showed significant degree of flexibility, therefore being recommended to be extended to other vegetable chains and to other agribusiness sectors.

The aim of this paper is to refine, from a configurational perspective, the understanding of causal conditions underlying performance differences between new academic technology-based firms. Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), a research strategy conceived to investigate parsimonious configurations that explain a given result of interest in small-N populations, was adopted as the methodological approach. The analyses were performed using a database related to 81 Brazilian academic spin-offs, pre-incubated by a governmental innovation promotion program. Based on the resultant configurations, parsimonious sets of variables for explaining the initial performance of these new ventures were obtained. Complementary findings and their respective implications are also discussed.

A gestão de portfólio de projetos de novos produtos visa a auxiliar os tomadores de decisão a selecionar projetos de novos produtos considerando critérios importantes para a organização. A indústria farmacêutica brasileira tem passado por transformações devido ao aumento das exigências sanitárias após a Lei de Genéricos, de 1999. O objetivo deste trabalho foi entender como as indústrias farmacêuticas brasileiras selecionam seus projetos de desenvolvimento de novos produtos e propor uma estrutura que possa auxiliar estas empresas a selecionar seus projetos de produtos. Foi utilizada a metodologia de estudo de caso e uma mostra de quatro organizações foi investigada. Os resultados indicam que essas empresas apresentam um desenvolvimento de produtos não estruturado e que a seleção de projetos de novos produtos é realizada de forma não-sistemática. Critérios importantes para a seleção de projetos de novos produtos foram identificados e utilizados para elaboração de um padrão gerencial para aplicação da gestão de portfólio de projetos de novos produtos.

New Product Portfolio Management is aimed at helping decision-makers better select projects for new products based on key criteria for the manufacturer. The Brazilian pharmaceutical industry has been undergoing change due to stricter sanitary requirements following the enactment of the Generic Law in 1999. This paper presents the results of a research study aimed at clarifying the rationale employed by national pharmaceutical companies in selecting and prioritizing their new product development projects. Consequently, proposals for an analytical structure that could help these companies better select their products were produced. The research was carried out using case study methodology in which four different companies were investigated. The results of the field study confirmed that these companies had a non-structured Product Development System and that the selection of new product development projects was made on a non-systematic basis. The research also identified key criteria for the selection of projects of new pharmaceutical products, which provided the basis for the preparation of a proposal for a managerial standard for application of New Product Portfolio Management.

Este artigo apresenta uma aplicação do método QFD em uma empresa de materiais. A intervenção foi para garantia da qualidade de um produto durante seu redesenvolvimento, em atendimento ao desejo do cliente único de ter uma característica do produto aumentada, sem prejuízo a outras. Foram efetuados dois desdobramentos associados: qualidade positiva e tecnologia do processo. A estratégia de pesquisa adotada foi a de pesquisa-ação. Utilizou-se também um guia para intervenção do QFD. O desdobramento da tecnologia mostrou como alterações na tecnologia de fabricação afetam os índices de controle do processo (foco cliente interno); enquanto o desdobramento da qualidade revelou como essas mesmas alterações afetam a qualidade do produto final (foco cliente externo). A técnica de planejamento e análise de experimentos auxiliou na definição das intervenções no processo e na definição de correlações. Foram levantados alguns aspectos não contemplados pelo guia de intervenção do QFD, bem como tópicos para pesquisas futuras.

The article presents an application of QFD method in a materials industry. The intervention aimed at quality assurance of a product during its redevelopment, in order to respond to the desire of product client of having a quality characteristic enhanced without jeopardizing others. Two deployments were carried out in association: positive quality and process technology. This study was conducted by means of action-research. It also employed an intervention guide for QFD studies. The technology deployment showed how alterations in process technology affect process control parameters (a focus on internal client); whereas, the quality deployment revealed how these same alterations affect the final product quality (a focus on external client). Planning and Analysis of Experiments showed to be helpful in defining interventions in the process and in establishing correlations. The article ends by pointing out some aspects not contemplated by the QFD intervention guide, as well as topics for future studies.

Technology companies created from University research are known as "Academic Spin-Off" (ASO). These innovative companies play an important role for the technological, economical and social development of a country. This work discusses some aspects of ASO companies and their importance to Universities. It is also presented a fictitious history of Prof. João, a chemical researcher who will create an ASO company from his academic research work illustrating the basic steps involved in this process.

The Universities, in Brazil and all over the world are currently going through a "second revolution" in which the socio-economical development is incorporated as part of their mission and science and knowledge play a key role for the development of the society. In this context, this article is directed towards the importance of entrepreneurship and the formation of technological entrepreneurs in the area of chemistry, with special attention to the teaching of entrepreneurship in the chemistry courses and its effect on students, universities and the job possibilities. This article also presents a short discussion on a basic entrepreneurship course for chemists and some suggestions of reading on entrepreneurship to those interested in get started in this area. What is presented here about entrepreneurship in chemistry can be applied to any other area of science and technology.

O tratamento de ésteres etanotiólicos com trietilsilano e paládio sobre carbono, a temperatura ambiente, fornece aldeídos. Adicionalmente, uma variedade de cetonas foram preparadas por reações de ésteres etanotiólicos com reagentes organozinco catalisados por paládio. Vários grupos funcionais, incluindo ésteres, cetonas, haletos aromáticos e aldeídos são tolarados em ambas as tarnsformações. Essas novas reações podem também ser aplicadas na síntese de derivados alfa-amino aldeídicos e alfa-amino cetônicos utilizando os correspondentes ésteres. (L)-alfa-amino tióis sem causar racemização.

Treatment of ethanethiol esters with triethylsilane and palladium on carbon at ambient temperature furnished aldehydes. In addition, a variety of ketones have been prepared by a palladium-catalyzed reaction of ethanethiol esters with organozinc reagents. Various functional groups, including esters, ketones, aromatic halides and aldehydes, tolerate both transformation reactions. These novel reactions can also be applied to the synthesis of alpha-amino aldehyde and alpha-amino ketone derivatives using the corresponding L-alpha-amino thiol esters without causing racemization.

Este trabalho faz uma avaliação histórica e do estágio atual do movimento qualidade e produtividade (Q&P) no Brasil, através da evolução do conceito do controle da qualidade no interior do atual processo de reestruturação produtiva, e delineia os desafios, limitações e potencialidades desse movimento à comunidade científica da Engenharia de Produção. O escopo da análise está centrado, principalmente, na comparação entre a prática da Q&P do setor produtivo industrial brasileiro com o corpo conceitual-teórico da Q&P conhecido pela comunidade. O argumento central do trabalho é "Q&P (no seu sentido amplo, incluindo o trabalho) não pode ser visto como uma sub-área da Engenharia de Produção, mas sim a própria razão de ser da Engenharia de Produção (no seu sentido igualmente amplo, incluindo o trabalho)". Duas idéias decorrentes desse argumento principal são: 1- a demanda por Q&P abre espaço para a utilização dò conhecimento especializado da Engenharia de Produção; 2 - os pressupostos básicos de Q&P abrem horizonte para a formulação de uma nova base teórica e prática da Engenharia de Produção. O trabalho conclui com a descrição de um conjunto de ações que podem ser implementadas pelos pesquisadores, associações afins e órgãos de fomento para que esta área de conhecimento possa ser mais amplamente aplicada em beneficio da sociedade brasileira.

This paper sets out to provide a historical review and an evaluation of the current situation of the Quality and Productivity (Q&P) efforts in Brazil through the evolution of the concept of quality control within the framework of the current process of changes in the production system. This paper also outlines the challenges, future prospects and limitations that these efforts offer to professionals of Production Engineering. The scope of this analysis is mainly based on the comparison between the practice of Q&P within Brazilian industry and the theoretical concept of Q&P as understood by those professionals. The main assumption in this paper is that "Q&P (in its wider meaning) should not be viewed as part of Production Engineering, but it is the raison d'etre of Production Engineering (in an equally wider meaning). Two main ideas stem from this assumption, which are: (I) the demandfor Q&P provides ample room for the application of the specialized knowledge in Production Engineering and (2) the fundamental assumptions of Q&P enable the formulation of a new theoretical and practical framework for Production Engineering. Finally, this paper describes a set of actions which can be implemented by researchers, associations of professionals and foster-organizations so that this field of knowledge can be put in practice more widely for the benefit of the whole Brazilian society.