Sao Paulo State University

About: Sao Paulo State University is a education organization based out in São Paulo, Brazil. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 55715 authors who have published 100436 publications receiving 1375332 citations.

Power system transmission network expansion planning using AC model

Abstract: An optimisation technique to solve transmission network expansion planning problem, using the AC model, is presented. This is a very complex mixed integer nonlinear programming problem. A constructive heuristic algorithm aimed at obtaining an excellent quality solution for this problem is presented. An interior point method is employed to solve nonlinear programming problems during the solution steps of the algorithm. Results of the tests, carried out with three electrical energy systems, show the capabilities of the method and also the viability of using the AC model to solve the problem.

Neutrophil-derived microvesicles enter cartilage and protect the joint in inflammatory arthritis.

Abstract: Microvesicles (MVs) are emerging as a new mechanism of intercellular communication by transferring cellular lipid and protein components to target cells, yet their function in disease is only now being explored. We found that neutrophil-derived MVs were increased in concentration in synovial fluid from rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to paired plasma. Synovial MVs overexpressed the proresolving, anti-inflammatory protein annexin A1 (AnxA1). Mice deficient in TMEM16F, a lipid scramblase required for microvesiculation, exhibited exacerbated cartilage damage when subjected to inflammatory arthritis. To determine the function of MVs in inflammatory arthritis, toward the possibility of MV-based therapeutics, we examined the role of immune cell-derived MVs in rodent models and in human primary chondrocytes. In vitro, exogenous neutrophil-derived AnxA1(+) MVs activated anabolic gene expression in chondrocytes, leading to extracellular matrix accumulation and cartilage protection through the reduction in stress-adaptive homeostatic mediators interleukin-8 and prostaglandin E2. In vivo, intra-articular injection of AnxA1(+) MV lessened cartilage degradation caused by inflammatory arthritis. Arthritic mice receiving adoptive transfer of whole neutrophils displayed abundant MVs within cartilage matrix and revealed that MVs, but not neutrophils themselves, can penetrate cartilage. Mechanistic studies support a model whereby MV-associated AnxA1 interacts with its receptor FPR2 (formyl peptide receptor 2)/ALX, increasing transforming growth factor-β production by chondrocytes, ultimately leading to cartilage protection. We envisage that MVs, either directly or loaded with therapeutics, can be harnessed as a unique therapeutic strategy for protection in diseases associated with cartilage degeneration.

Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency in Brazil: Prevalence among 1755 Inhabitants of a Country Town

Abstract: The prevalence of varicose veins (VV) and of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) was studied among 1755 adults over 15 years of age (443 men and 1312 women). These people attended the University Health Center in Botucatu, a country town in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, for routine examination or for any disease complaints. The prevalence of all grades of VV not including telangiectasis and reticular varices grade I was 47.6% (37.9% in men and 50.9% in non-pregnant women). The prevalence of VV recorded as moderate or severe was 21.2%. The more severe form of CVI with active or healed ulcer was present in 3.6% of the subjects (2.3% of men and 4% of women). For only 5.5% of the patients was VV or CVI the reason for medical consultation. The prevalence of VV increased with age and number of pregnancies and was greater among white than non-white people. Working posture or posture adopted for defaecation did not influence the prevalence of VV. Our data show the prevalence of VV and CVI to be higher or as high as the prevalence found in developed western countries. We therefore propose that studies of these conditions should be included in epidemiological surveys of other developing areas or countries, so that if data similar to ours are verified prophylaxis and early treatment could be included in health planning for these areas with the aim of reducing future morbidity and the related social onus.

Contemporary developments in Green (environmental) HRM scholarship

Abstract: This article reviews the contemporary literature on Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) to contextually frame the seven articles appearing in this Special Issue. Review findings reveal the embedded nature of GHRM workplace-level practices and additional research needing to focus on HR systems, individual behaviors and emerging theoretical lenses. As a set, the articles herein span green recruitment, competencies, employee participation, financial/environmental performance links, and contextual issues utilizing national culture, paradox, and stakeholder theories. By recognizing such multi-level dynamics, HRM scholars and practitioners can enhance GHRM initiatives that stimulate progress toward workplace environmental sustainability.