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This paper analyzes the ethical, social and legal derivations of a specific branch of genetics – ecogenetics. For this, a bibliographic methodology was adopted, based on interdisciplinary doctrinal sources, to review the literature on the subject, which is still scarce. The study object of ecogenetics is the relationship between the environment and the individual genetic characteristics that alter the general health conditions. The current bioscience developments moved the focus from treatment and cure to disease prevention as well as raised ethical questions about the influence of knowledge of genetic traits and the environmental factors that act on them. Moves the human act to the perspective of responsibility, both for the individual, as the community in relation to present and future generations. The importance of the ecogenetics research spreads beyond the individual and family interests, converting into important preconditions for governmental adoption of preventive measures.

The volatile constituents obtained from the pentane extract, using simultaneous distillation-extraction of the flowers of Encyclia vespa and E. fragrans were analysed by GC/ MS. The main volatile components identified in the flowers of E. vespa were terpinen-4-ol (20.3%), verbenone (14.8%), trans-verbenol (13.6%) and x-pinene (11.8%). The major volatiles of the flowers of E. fragrans were terpinen-4-ol (18.3%), (2Z,6E)-farnesol (15.4%) and trans-verbenol (10.2%).

This paper investigates the determinants of cash holdings of publicly traded Portuguese firms. We find that such firms hold less cash than similar companies operating in countries where both shareholders and creditors’ rights are more tightly protected by the law. In addition, our regression results suggest that leverage, other liquid assets, and firm growth are negatively correlated with our sample firms’ cash holdings whereas long-term debt and financial distress are positively correlated. Our findings cannot be reconciled with just one of the existent theories (trade-off, pecking order and free cashflow theory), and emphasize the importance of a country’s legal, institutional, and economic environment for explaining firms’ cash holdings decisions.

O presente trabalho analisa o Cisma do Ocidente (1378-1422) e seus efeitos no reino português. As opções de D. Fernando ao escolher ora Roma, ora Avignon ultrapassam as preocupações espirituais e ligam-se ao contexto político que se desenrola na Península Ibérica na segunda metade do século XIV. A crise dinástica castelhana leva a Guerra dos Cem Anos a este espaço da Cristandade e com ela os efeitos da fratura da Cristandade latina fomentada pelo antagonismo entre a França e a Inglaterra, opositores nesta guerra

RESUMOA regulamentação vigente no Brasil determina que empresas que desejam captar recursos no mercado de capitais por meio de emissão de ações devem elaborar um Prospecto de Oferta Pública de Ações no qual devem informar, entre outros fatores, todos os riscos que podem afetar o negócio. O objetivo deste artigo é investigar o nível de evidenciação dos riscos empresariais informados nesses prospectos. O delineamento metodológico foi descritivo com uma abordagem qualitativa. O objeto de análise consistiu nos Prospectos Definitivos de Oferta Pública de Ações listados na Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM) no ano de 2008. A amostra consistiu em 10 empresas de diversos segmentos. Adotou-se um critério de pontuação por meio do qual foi verificado que o percentual médio de pontuação atingido foi de 59% de evidenciação. Foram definidos também indicadores do nível de evidenciação por categoria de risco e por empresa. Esse percentual variou entre 42% da categoria “riscos da emissora” até 85% na categoria “riscos relacionados ao acionista”. Quanto à pontuação das empresas, a menor pontuação foi obtida pela Le Lis Blanc, com 51%, enquanto a Vale do Rio Doce obteve a maior pontuação, 66% do total possível. Como conclusão geral, constatou-se que o nível de evidenciação de riscos nos prospectos de oferta de ações ainda não é satisfatório. Possíveis causas para esse fenômeno são analisadas.ABSTRACTThe current legislation in Brazil requires that companies wishing to raise funds in capital markets through issuance of shares shall prepare a prospectus for Initial Public Offering (IPO) in which they inform, among other things, all risks that may affect the business. The aim of this paper is to investigate the level of disclosure of business risks reported in these prospectuses. The methodological design was a descriptive qualitative approach. The object of analysis consisted of the final prospectus for IPO listed in the Brazilian Securities Commission (CVM) in 2008. The sample consisted of 10 companies from various segments. We have adopted a criterion score by which it was found that the average percentage score achieved was 59% of disclosure. We have also defined indicators of the level of disclosure by risk category and by company. Within these categories, this percentage ranged from 42% of the category “risks of issuing” up to 85% in category “risks related to the shareholder”. As for the scores of companies, the lowest score was obtained by Le Lis Blanc, 51%, while the Vale do Rio Doce has obtained the highest score, 66% of the total possible. In conclusion, it was found that the level of disclosure of risks in stock offering prospectus is not yet satisfactory. Possible causes for this phenomenon are analyzed.RESUMENLa reglamentación vigente en Brasil determina que las empresas que desean captar recursos financieros el mercado de capitales mediante la emisión de acciones deberán elaborar un Prospecto de Oferta Pública de Acciones (OPI) en el que deben informar, entre otras cosas, todos los riesgos que pueden afectar el negocio. El objetivo de este artículo es investigar el grado de exposición de los riesgos empresariales informados en estos prospectos. El diseño metodológico fue descriptivo con un enfoque cualitativo. El objeto de análisis consistió en los Prospectos Definitivos de Oferta Pública de Acciones, catalogados en la Comisión de Valores Mobiliarios (CVM) en 2008. La muestra abarcó 10 empresas de diversos segmentos. Se adoptó un criterio de puntuación que permitió corroborar que el porcentaje medio de puntuación alcanzado fue del 59% de exposición. También se definieron indicadores del grado de exposición por categoría de riesgo y por empresa. Ese porcentaje osciló entre el 42% de la categoría “riesgos del emisor” hasta un 85% en la categoría “riesgos relacionados con el accionista.” En lo que se refiere a la puntuación de las empresas, el puntaje más bajo lo obtuvo Le Lis Blanc, con el 51%, mientras que la Vale do Rio Doce obtuvo la puntuación más alta, el 66% del total posible. En conclusión, se constató que el grado de exposición de riesgos mediante los prospectos de oferta de acciones aún no es satisfactorio. Se analizan las posibles causas de este fenómeno.

RESUMOEsta pesquisa tem por objetivo investigar se a alteração da modalidade de incidência da COFINS afetou o lucro de empresas, com ações na BOVESPA, subdivididas em 18 setores econômicos. Também foi objeto da pesquisa o estudo dos efeitos sobre a arrecadação da COFINS e da arrecadação total dos tributos federais. A pesquisa tem natureza explicativa e o instrumental de experimentação é teórico-empírico, utilizando-se análise de regressão por séries temporais e dados em painel, com um intervalo de confiança de 95% para o estudo microeconômico. Para o estudo macroeconômico, foi utilizada a análise de regressão com base em dados de série temporal dessazonalizados. O estudo mostra-se relevante na medida em que as alterações de incidência de tributos indiretos podem afetar as transações entre os setores na economia real e estas se demonstrem ineficientes quanto à alocação dos seus custos adicionais. Os resultados estatísticos demonstram que, para 7 dos 18 setores investigados, o evento alteração de modalidade de incidência da COFINS propiciou efeito sobre o lucro das empresas. Os resultados estatísticos também revelam indícios de que houve aumento real da arrecadação da COFINS e da arrecadação tributária federal total, indicando certa ineficiência econômica desse modelo de tributação, contrariando o que tem sido divulgado por agentes econômicos do governo federal.ABSTRACTThis article investigates whether the alteration in the rules for calculating the COFINS tax has affected the profits of companies listed on the São Paulo Stock Exchange (BOVESPA), subdivided into 18 economic sectors. We have also studied the effects of this change on the revenue raised by COFINS and on overall federal tax revenues. The study has an explanatory nature and instrumental experimentation is theoretical and empirical, it makes use of regression analysis of time series and panel data with a confidence interval of 95% in the microeconomic level. In order to study macroeconomic we have used regression analysis based on time series data seasonally adjusted. The study is relevant because changes in tax rules can affect the transactions of sectors of the real economy and can be inefficient regarding the allocation of their additional costs. The statistical results show that for 7 of the 18 sectors investigated, the change in the COFINS calculation rules (by which the rate was increased but the tax was made non-cumulative, with offsetting debits and credits) had an effect on firms’ profits. The statistical results also reveal there was a real increase in COFINS revenue and total federal tax revenue, indicating the economic inefficiency of this taxation model, unlike what has been stated by economic agents of the federal government.RESUMENEsta investigación tiene la finalidad de analizar si la alteración de la modalidad de incidencia del COFINS afectó el beneficio de las empresas con acciones en BOVESPA, subdivididas en 18 sectores económicos. También se realizó un estudio de los efectos sobre la recaudación del COFINS y de la recaudación total de los tributos federales. La investigación es de naturaleza explicativa y el instrumental de experimentación es teórico empírico, utilizando análisis de regresión por series temporales y con datos en panel con un intervalo de confianza del 95% para el estudio microeconómico. Para el estudio macroeconómico se utilizó el análisis de regresión con base en datos de serie temporal desestacionalizados. El estudio se muestra relevante en la medida en que las alteraciones de incidencia de los tributos indirectos pueden afectar las transacciones entre los sectores en la economía real y éstas se muestren ineficientes en lo referente a la asignación de sus costos adicionales. Los resultados estadísticos demuestran que para 7 de los 18 sectores investigados, el evento de la alteración de la modalidad de incidencia del COFINS produjo efecto sobre el beneficio de las empresas. Los resultados estadísticos también revelan indicios de que hubo aumento real de la recaudación del COFINS y de la recaudación tributaria federal total, indicando cierta ineficiencia económica de este modelo de tributación, en contradicción con lo divulgado por los agentes económicos del gobierno federal.

Pretendemos analisar o conceito de fronteira na Idade Média e sua influência nas relações políticas da nobreza peninsular a partir do estudo de casos concretos e à luz da metodologia prosopográfica

A nossa proposta de estudo versa sobre o desencontro entre a evolução das estruturas econômicas, sociais e políticas no século XIV-XV, a partir da transição dinástica de Borgonha-Avis, e a análise das permanências e mudanças de elementos estruturais medievais num contexto econômico pré-moderno

Background: Myocardial norepinephrine is altered in left ventricular impairment. In patients with Chagas' cardiomyopathy (CC), this issue has not been addressed., Objective: To determine the level of myocardial norepinephrine in patients with CC and compare it in patients with coronary artery disease, and to relate myocardial norepinephrine to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)., Methods: We studied 39 patients with CC, divided into group 1: 21 individuals with normal LVEF and group 2: 18 individuals with decreased LVEF. Seventeen patients with coronary artery disease were divided into group 3: 12 individuals with normal LVEF and group 4: 5 individuals with decreased LVEF. Two-dimensional echocardiography was used to measure LVEF. Myocardial norepinephrine was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography., Results: Myocardial norepinephrine in CC with and without ventricular dysfunction was 1.3±1.3 and 6.1±4.2 pg/μg noncollagen protein, respectively (p<0.0001); in coronary artery disease with and without ventricular dysfunction, it was 3.3±3.0 and 9.8±4.2 pg/μg noncollagen protein, respectively (p<0.0001). A positive correlation was found between LVEF and myocardial norepinephrine concentration in the patients with Chagas' cardiomyopathy (p<0.01, r = 0.57) and also in those with coronary artery disease (p<0.01, r=0.69). A significant difference was demonstrated between norepinephrine concentrations in patients with normal LVEF (groups 1 and 3; p = 0.0182), but no difference was found in patients with decreased LVEF (groups 2 and 4; p = 0.1467)., Conclusion: In patients with Chagas' cardiomyopathy and normal global ejection fraction there is an early cardiac denervation, when compared to coronary artery disease patients.

Testicular tumors represent the most common type of solid neoplasia in men aged between 18 and 35 years. Its cure rate is approximately 90% 1,2. In some cases, tumoral vascular invasion can occur and demands surgical resection to stop disease progression and prevent thromboembolic events. That is the only valuable therapeutic choice although it is a high risk procedure. We present a case report of a patient who underwent successful chemotherapy and surgery for a right-sided testicular tumor associated with an inferior vena cava tumor thrombus extending from the renal vein to the right atrium and extensive retroperitoneal lymph node disease., (Copyright 2008 AEU. Published by Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Evidence-based medicine allows the best available external clinical evidence from systematic literature research to be graded in order to determine the strength of its recommendation. This guideline aims to assist physicians and health professionals in clinical decisions related to prostate cancer treatment, particularly in urology, clinical oncology and radiotherapy., Methods: The publications used as information sources were obtained from structured data search in electronic databases, such as CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials) and MEDLINE (online). Each item of this guideline derived from an original question which was distributed to the participants. Search strategies were prepared to select the studies presenting the best methodological quality, according to predefined levels of evidence., Results: All the recommendations were followed by a level of evidence (LE) and a degree of recommendation (DR). We used a formal ranking system to help the reader to judge the strength of the evidence behind the results published in support of each recommendation., Conclusions: The existing parameters should be viewed as guidelines of conduct. The final trial on which the clinical procedure or treatment plan is most suitable for a particular patient should be done by a physician, who should discuss the available treatment options with the patient according to the diagnosis.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate strategies used for surgical management of renal cell carcinoma with tumoral thrombus extension in the inferior vena cava (IVC) and evaluate patient's prognosis., Methods: [corrected] Fifteen patients with renal tumor and IVC thrombus, underwent radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy, and were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were followed for 0 to 36 months (mean of 9.5 months). Computed tomography (CT) scan with three-dimensional reconstruction was used to define IVC thrombus level., Results: The mean age was 54 years, range from 16 to 79. The thrombus was classified as level I -- 13.5%, level II -- 40%, level III -- 26.5% and level IV -- 20%. Surgery was performed with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in six (40%) cases, three (50%) without sternotomy. There was one (13%) death during the intraoperative period; this patient presented extensive metastatic tumor, with the thrombus reaching the right atrium. Patients with lymph node or metastatic disease at initial presentation had poorer overall survival in Kaplan-Meier curve. Both, tumor stage (p = 0.380), and thrombus extension (p = 0.174) were not related to survival., Conclusions: Despite its morbidity and mortality, radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy should be performed in case of renal cell carcinoma with tumoral thrombus, because it can offers the possibility of local control. Patients with lymph node and distant metastatic disease have poor prognoses.

Background: In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), interstitial myocardial fibrosis is an important histological modification that has been associated with sudden death and evolution toward myocardial dilation., Objective: To prospectively evaluate the prognostic value of the collagen volume fraction in HCM., Methods: An endomyocardial biopsy of the right ventricle was successfully performed in 21 symptomatic patients with HCM. The myocardial collagen volume fraction (CVF) was determined by histology. The CVF was also determined in fragments of nine normal hearts from subjects deceased from non-cardiac causes. The patients were divided into above-median CVF and below-median CVF groups, and their clinical and echocardiographic characteristics and survival curves were compared., Results: Among the patients, the CVF ranged from 1.86% to 29.9%, median 6.19%; in normal hearts, from 0.13% to 1.46%, median 0.61% (p <0.0001 between HCM and control). There were no significant correlations between CVF and baseline echocardiographic measures. Patients with CVF < or =6.19% and CVF> 6.19% were compared and no baseline differences were observed. However, after an average follow-up period of 110 months, four deaths occurred (two sudden, two due to heart failure) in the group with increased CVF, whereas the patients of the group with lower CVF were all alive at the end of the period (p = 0.02)., Conclusion: For the first time, myocardial fibrosis was prospectively associated with a worse prognosis in patients with HCM. Efforts should be directed to the quantification of myocardial fibrosis in HCM, on the premise that its association with the prognosis can aid in the stratification of risk for defibrillator implantation, and in the prescription of drugs that potentially promote myocardial repair.