bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accessibility, availability and affordability of anti-malarials in a rural district in Kenya after implementation of a national subsidy scheme
Authors: Smith Nathan , Obala Andrew , Simiyu Chrispinus , Menya Diana , Khwa-Otsyula Barasa , O'Meara Wendy Prudhomme
Published: November 2011

Background

Poor access to prompt and effective treatment for malaria contributes to high mortality and severe morbidity. In Kenya, it is estimated that only 12% of children receive anti-malarials for their fever within 24 hours. The first point of care for many fevers is a local medicine retailer, such as a pharmacy or chemist. The role of the medicine retailer as an important distribution point for malaria medicines has been recognized and several different strategies have been used to improve the services that these retailers provide. Despite these efforts, many mothers still purchase ineffective drugs because they are less expensive than effective artemisinin combination therapy (ACT). One strategy that is being piloted in several countries is an international subsidy targeted at anti-malarials supplied through the retail sector. The goal of this strategy is to make ACT as affordable as ineffective alternatives. The programme, called the Affordable Medicines Facility - malaria was rolled out in Kenya in August 2010.

Methods

In December 2010, the affordability and accessibility of malaria medicines in a rural district in Kenya were evaluated using a complete census of all public and private facilities, chemists, pharmacists, and other malaria medicine retailers within the Webuye Demographic Surveillance Area. Availability, types, and prices of anti-malarials were assessed. There are 13 public or mission facilities and 97 medicine retailers (registered and unregistered).

Results

The average distance from a home to the nearest public health facility is 2 km, but the average distance to the nearest medicine retailer is half that. Quinine is the most frequently stocked anti-malarial (61% of retailers). More medicine retailers stocked sulphadoxine-pyramethamine (SP; 57%) than ACT (44%). Eleven percent of retailers stocked AMFm subsidized artemether-lumefantrine (AL). No retailers had chloroquine in stock and only five were selling artemisinin monotherapy. The mean price of any brand of AL, the recommended first-line drug in Kenya, was $2.7 USD. Brands purchased under the AMFm programme cost 40% less than non-AMFm brands. Artemisinin monotherapies cost on average more than twice as much as AMFm-brand AL. SP cost only $0.5, a fraction of the price of ACT.

Conclusions

AMFm-subsidized anti-malarials are considerably less expensive than unsubsidized AL, but the price difference between effective and ineffective therapies is still large.
TO901317 regulating apolipoprotein M expression mediates via the farnesoid X receptor pathway in Caco-2 cells
Authors: Zhu Chunhua , Di Dongmei , Zhang Xiaoying , Luo Guanghua , Wang Zongchun , Wei Jiang , Shi Yuanping , Berggren-Söderlund Maria , Nilsson-Ehle Peter , Xu Ning
Published: November 2011

Background

Apolipoprotein M (apoM) may have potential antiatherosclerotic properties. It has been reported that apoM expression could be regulated by many intracellar and extracellar factors. In the present study we further investigated regulation of apoM expression in Caco-2 cells stimulated by a liver X receptor (LXR) agonist, TO901317.

Materials and methods

Caco-2 cells were cultured in the presence of either TO901317, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) antagonist guggulsterone or TO901317 together with guggulsterone at different concentrations for 24 hrs. The mRNA levels of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), apoA1, apoM, liver receptor homologue-1 (LRH-1) and short heterodimer partner 1 (SHP1) were determined by real-time RT-PCR.

Results

When Caco-2 cell cultured with TO901317 alone, the mRNA levels of ABCA1, apoA1, apoM, LRH-1 and SHP1 were significantly increased with dose-dependent manners (p < 0.05), whereas when the cells cultured with guggulsterone alone, the mRNA levels of apoM, SHP1 and LRH-1 (p < 0.05) were strongly inhibited. Moreover, guggulsterone could abolish the TO901317 enhanced mRNA levels of apoA1 apoM, SHP1 and LRH-1.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that LXR agonist TO901317 induced apoM expression in Caco-2 cells might be mediated via the LXR/FXR pathway.
A multi-tissue type genome-scale metabolic network for analysis of whole-body systems physiology
Authors: Bordbar Aarash , Feist Adam M , Usaite-Black Renata , Woodcock Joseph , Palsson Bernhard O , Famili Iman
Published: November 2011

Background

Genome-scale metabolic reconstructions provide a biologically meaningful mechanistic basis for the genotype-phenotype relationship. The global human metabolic network, termed Recon 1, has recently been reconstructed allowing the systems analysis of human metabolic physiology and pathology. Utilizing high-throughput data, Recon 1 has recently been tailored to different cells and tissues, including the liver, kidney, brain, and alveolar macrophage. These models have shown utility in the study of systems medicine. However, no integrated analysis between human tissues has been done.

Results

To describe tissue-specific functions, Recon 1 was tailored to describe metabolism in three human cells: adipocytes, hepatocytes, and myocytes. These cell-specific networks were manually curated and validated based on known cellular metabolic functions. To study intercellular interactions, a novel multi-tissue type modeling approach was developed to integrate the metabolic functions for the three cell types, and subsequently used to simulate known integrated metabolic cycles. In addition, the multi-tissue model was used to study diabetes: a pathology with systemic properties. High-throughput data was integrated with the network to determine differential metabolic activity between obese and type II obese gastric bypass patients in a whole-body context.

Conclusion

The multi-tissue type modeling approach presented provides a platform to study integrated metabolic states. As more cell and tissue-specific models are released, it is critical to develop a framework in which to study their interdependencies.
Retinoic acid signaling controls the formation, proliferation and survival of the blastema during adult zebrafish fin regeneration
Authors: Blum Nicola , Begemann Gerrit
Published: November 2011

Adult teleosts rebuild amputated fins through a proliferation-dependent process called epimorphic regeneration, in which a blastema of cycling progenitor cells replaces the lost fin tissue. The genetic networks that control formation of blastema cells from formerly quiescent stump tissue and subsequent blastema function are still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the cellular and molecular consequences of genetically interfering with retinoic acid (RA) signaling for the formation of the zebrafish blastema. We show that RA signaling is upregulated within the first few hours after fin amputation in the stump mesenchyme, where it controls Fgf, Wnt/β-catenin and Igf signaling. Genetic inhibition of the RA pathway at this stage blocks blastema formation by inhibiting cell cycle entry of stump cells and impairs the formation of the basal epidermal layer, a signaling center in the wound epidermis. In the established blastema, RA signaling remains active to ensure the survival of the highly proliferative blastemal population by controlling expression of the anti-apoptotic factor bcl2. In addition, RA signaling maintains blastema proliferation through the activation of growth-stimulatory signals mediated by Fgf and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, as well as by reducing signaling through the growth-inhibitory non-canonical Wnt pathway. The endogenous roles of RA in adult vertebrate appendage regeneration are uncovered here for the first time. They provide a mechanistic framework to understand previous observations in salamanders that link endogenous sources of RA to the regeneration process itself and support the hypothesis that the RA signaling pathway is an essential component of vertebrate tissue regeneration.
Basolateral rather than apical primary cilia on neuroepithelial cells committed to delamination
Authors: Wilsch-Bräuninger Michaela , Peters Jula , Paridaen Judith T. M. L. , Huttner Wieland B.
Published: November 2011

Delamination of neural progenitors from the apical adherens junction belt of the neuroepithelium is a hallmark of cerebral cortex development and evolution. Specific cell biological processes preceding this delamination are largely unknown. Here, we identify a novel, pre-delamination state of neuroepithelial cells in mouse embryonic neocortex. Specifically, in a subpopulation of neuroepithelial cells that, like all others, exhibit apical-basal polarity and apical adherens junctions, the re-establishing of the primary cilium after mitosis occurs at the basolateral rather than the apical plasma membrane. Neuroepithelial cells carrying basolateral primary cilia appear at the onset of cortical neurogenesis, increase in abundance with its progression, selectively express the basal (intermediate) progenitor marker Tbr2, and eventually delaminate from the apical adherens junction belt to become basal progenitors, translocating their nucleus from the ventricular to the subventricular zone. Overexpression of insulinoma-associated 1, a transcription factor known to promote the generation of basal progenitors, increases the proportion of basolateral cilia. Basolateral cilia in cells delaminating from the apical adherens junction belt are preferentially found near spot-like adherens junctions, suggesting that the latter provide positional cues to basolateral ciliogenesis. We conclude that re-establishing a basolateral primary cilium constitutes the first known cell biological feature preceding neural progenitor delamination.
Ptf1a-mediated control of Dll1 reveals an alternative to the lateral inhibition mechanism
Authors: Ahnfelt-Rønne Jonas , Jørgensen Mette C. , Klinck Rasmus , Jensen Jan N. , Füchtbauer Ernst-Martin , Deering Tye , MacDonald Raymond J. , Wright Chris V. E. , Madsen Ole D. , Serup Palle
Published: November 2011

Neurog3-induced Dll1 expression in pancreatic endocrine progenitors ostensibly activates Hes1 expression via Notch and thereby represses Neurog3 and endocrine differentiation in neighboring cells by lateral inhibition. Here we show in mouse that Dll1 and Hes1 expression deviate during regionalization of early endoderm, and later during early pancreas morphogenesis. At that time, Ptf1a activates Dll1 in multipotent pancreatic progenitor cells (MPCs), and Hes1 expression becomes Dll1 dependent over a brief time window. Moreover, Dll1, Hes1 and Dll1/Hes1 mutant phenotypes diverge during organ regionalization, become congruent at early bud stages, and then diverge again at late bud stages. Persistent pancreatic hypoplasia in Dll1 mutants after eliminating Neurog3 expression and endocrine development, together with reduced proliferation of MPCs in both Dll1 and Hes1 mutants, reveals that the hypoplasia is caused by a growth defect rather than by progenitor depletion. Unexpectedly, we find that Hes1 is required to sustain Ptf1a expression, and in turn Dll1 expression in early MPCs. Our results show that Ptf1a-induced Dll1 expression stimulates MPC proliferation and pancreatic growth by maintaining Hes1 expression and Ptf1a protein levels.
Current parathyroid hormone immunoassays do not adequately meet the needs of patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Almond Alison , Ellis Andrew R , Walker Simon W
Published: November 2011

Background

There are significant differences in plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) results obtained by current immunoassay methods. However, many clinical guidelines relevant to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) that recommend PTH target values do not take account of these differences. This raises major questions about the validity of the evidence underpinning current use of PTH measurements in the management of CKD as well as of published relevant audit data.

Methods

PTH was measured in plasma from patients with CKD in six commercially available immunoassays. The initial pilot study included 19 patients while 98 patients were included in a second extended study. Data from the second study were analysed by regression analysis to obtain assay-specific targets for each immunoassay.

Results

Although similar PTH reference intervals are provided by most manufacturers, both studies confirmed substantial between-method differences in observed PTH for all patients, with results varying by as much as 4.2-fold between the lowest and highest reading methods. These differences were sufficient to have treatment implications for 79% of the patients in the pilot study. Applying the assay-specific targets derived here to results from the extended study decreased treatment misclassifications from 53% to 12%.

Conclusions

Existing between-method differences in PTH measurements clearly have treatment implications. International initiatives to address these differences are in progress and will require support and input from all stakeholders. Adoption of assay-specific target values such as those reported here provides a convenient and practical interim solution that should lead to significant improvement in patient management, while also enabling meaningful audit.
Effectiveness and Acceptability of Delivery of Antiretroviral Treatment in Health Centres by Health Officers and Nurses in Ethiopia
Authors: Assefa Yibeltal , Kiflie Abiyou , Tekle Betru , Mariam Damen Haile , Laga Marie , Van Damme Wim
Published: November 2011

Objective

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends shifting tasks from physicians to lower cadres for the delivery of antiretroviral treatment (ART) for countries short of physicians. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of ART delivery by health officers and nurses in Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study to evaluate outcomes of ART services in 25 health centresstaffed with health officers and/or nurses and 30 hospitals staffed with physicians in 2009. Median CD4-cell counts, mortality, loss to follow-up and retention were the primary outcomes. Interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with people living with HIV/AIDS, AIDS programme managers and health care providers to identify the types and acceptability of the tasks conducted by the health officers, nurses and community health workers.

Results

Health officers and nurses were providing ART, including ART prescription, for non-severe cases. The management of severe cases was exclusively the task of physicians. Community health workers were involved in adherence counselling and defaulter tracing. The baseline median CD4-cell counts per micro-liter of blood were 117 (interquartiles [IQ] 64,188) and 119 (IQ 67,190) at health centres and hospitals respectively. After 24 months on ART, the median CD4-cell counts per micro-literof blood increased to 321 (IQ 242, 414) and 301 (IQ 217, 411) at health centres and hospitals respectively. Retention in care was higher in health centres (76%, 95% confidence interval [CI] [73%-79%]) than hospitals (67%, 95% CI [66%-68%]). This difference is mainly due to the higher loss to follow-up rate in hospitals (25% versus 13%). Mortality was higher in health centres than hospitals (11% versus 8%), but the difference is not statistically significant. Service delivery by non-physicians was accepted by patients, health care providers and programme managers. However, the absence of a regulatory framework for task shifting, the lack of extra remuneration for the additional roles assumed by nurses and health officers, and the high cost for training and mentorship were identified as weaknesses.

Conclusion

ART delivery in health centres, based on health officers and nurses is feasible, effective and acceptable in Ethiopia. However, issues related to regulation, remuneration and cost need to be addressed for the sustainable implementation of these delivery models.
Production of artificial piRNAs in flies and mice
Authors: Muerdter Felix , Olovnikov Ivan , Molaro Antoine , Rozhkov Nikolay V. , Czech Benjamin , Gordon Assaf , Hannon Gregory J. , Aravin Alexei A.
Published: November 2011

In animals a discrete class of small RNAs, the piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), guard germ cell genomes against the activity of mobile genetic elements. piRNAs are generated, via an unknown mechanism, from apparently single-stranded precursors that arise from discrete genomic loci, termed piRNA clusters. Presently, little is known about the signals that distinguish a locus as a source of piRNAs. It is also unknown how individual piRNAs are selected from long precursor transcripts. To address these questions, we inserted new artificial sequence information into piRNA clusters and introduced these marked clusters as transgenes into heterologous genomic positions in mice and flies. Profiling of piRNA from transgenic animals demonstrated that artificial sequences were incorporated into the piRNA repertoire. Transgenic piRNA clusters are functional in non-native genomic contexts in both mice and flies, indicating that the signals that define piRNA generative loci must lie within the clusters themselves rather than being implicit in their genomic position. Comparison of transgenic animals that carry insertions of the same artificial sequence into different ectopic piRNA-generating loci showed that both local and long-range sequence environments inform the generation of individual piRNAs from precursor transcripts.
Influence of Population Selection on the 99th Percentile Reference Value for Cardiac Troponin Assays
Authors: Collinson Paul O , Heung Yen Ming , Gaze David , Boa Frances , Senior Roxy , Christenson Robert , Apple Fred S
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the effect of patient selection on the 99th reference percentile of 2 sensitive and 1 high-sensitivity (hs) cardiac troponin assays in a well-defined reference population.

METHODS

Individuals >45 years old were randomly selected from 7 representative local community practices. Detailed information regarding the participants was collected via questionnaires. The healthy reference population was defined as individuals who had no history of vascular disease, hypertension, or heavy alcohol intake; were not receiving cardiac medication; and had blood pressure <140/90 mmHg, fasting blood glucose <110 mg/dL (approximately 6 mmol/L), estimated creatinine clearance >60 mL · min−1 · (1.73 m2)−1, and normal cardiac function according to results of echocardiography. Samples were stored at −70 °C until analysis for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and N-terminal pro-B–type natriuretic peptide.

RESULTS

Application of progressively more stringent population selection strategies to the initial baseline population of 545 participants until the only individuals who remained were completely healthy according to the study criteria reduced the number of outliers seen and led to a progressive decrease in the 99th-percentile value obtained for the Roche hs-cTnT assay and the sensitive Beckman cTnI assay but not for the sensitive Siemens Ultra cTnI assay. Furthermore, a sex difference found in the baseline population for the hs-cTnT (P = 0.0018) and Beckman cTnI assays (P < 0.0001) progressively decreased with more stringent population selection criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

The reference population selection strategy significantly influenced the 99th percentile reference values determined for troponin assays and the observed sex differences in troponin concentrations.
Impaired aerobic exercise adaptation in children and adolescents with craniopharyngioma is associated with hypothalamic involvement
Authors: Piguel Xavier , Abraham Pierre , Bouhours-Nouet Natacha , Gatelais Frédérique , Dufresne Sylvie , Rouleau Stéphanie , Coutant Régis
Published: November 2011

Objective

Many patients treated for craniopharyngioma (CP) complain of a relative incapacity for physical activity. Whether this is due to an objective decrease in adaptation to exercise is unclear. We assessed exercise tolerance in children with surgically treated CP and appropriate pituitary hormone replacement therapy compared with healthy controls and we examined the potential relationships with hypothalamic involvement, GH replacement, and the catecholamine deficiency frequently observed in these subjects.

Design and methods

Seventeen subjects (12 males and five females) with CP and 22 healthy controls (14 males and eight females) aged 15.3±2.5 years (7.3–18 years) underwent a standardized cycle ergometer test. Maximum aerobic capacity was expressed as the ratio of VO2maxto fat-free mass (VO2max/FFM), a measure independent of age and fat mass in children.

Results

VO2max/FFM was 20% lower in children with CP compared with controls (P<0.05), even after adjustment for gender. Children with hypothalamic involvement (n=10) had a higher percentage of fat mass (P<0.05) than those without hypothalamic involvement (n=7) and lower VO2max/FFM (P<0.05), whereas children without hypothalamic involvement had VO2max/FFM close to that of controls (P>0.05). GH treatment was associated with a significant positive effect on aerobic capacity (P<0.05) only in the absence of hypothalamic involvement. No relationship was found between exercise capacity parameters and daily urine epinephrine excretion or epinephrine peak response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia.

Conclusions

Children with CP have a decrease in aerobic capacity mainly related to hypothalamic involvement. The hypothalamic factors altering aerobic capacity remain to be determined.
Microgeneration of electricity with producer gas in dual fuel mode operation
Authors: Silva Marcelo J. , Souza Samuel N. M. de , Ricieri Reinaldo P. , Souza Abel A. , Secco Deonir
Published: November 2011

Among the alternatives to meet the increasing of world demand for energy, the use of biomass as energy source is one of the most promising as it contributes to reducing emissions of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Gasification is a technological process of biomass energy production of a gaseous biofuel. The fuel gas has a low calorific value that can be used in Diesel engine in dual mode for power generation in isolated communities. This study aimed to evaluate the reduction in the consumption of oil Diesel an engine generator, using gas from gasification of wood. The engine generator brand used was a BRANCO, with direct injection power of 7.36 kW (10 HP) coupled to an electric generator 5.5 kW. Diesel oil mixed with intake air was injected, as the oil was injected via an injector of the engine (dual mode). The fuel gas was produced in a downdraft gasifier. The engine generator was put on load system from 0.5 kW to 3.5 kW through a set of electrical resistances. Diesel oil consumption was measured with a precision scale. It was concluded that the engine converted to dual mode when using the gas for the gasification of wood decreased Diesel consumption by up to 57%.
Kinetic behavior of nitrification in the post-treatment of poultry wastewater in a sequential batch reactor
Authors: Mees Juliana B. R. , Gomes Simone D. , Vilas Boas Márcio A. , Gomes Benedito M. , Passig Fernando H.
Published: November 2011

A sequential batch reactor with suspended biomass and useful volume of 5 L was used in the removal of nutrients and organic matter in workbench scale under optimal conditions obtained by central composite rotational design (CCRD), with cycle time (CT) of 16 h (10.15 h, aerobic phase, and 4.35 h, anoxic phase) and carbon: nitrogen ratio (COD/NO2--N+NO3--N) equal to 6. Complete cycles (20), nitrification followed by denitrification, were evaluated to investigate the kinetic behavior of degradation of organic (COD) and nitrogenated (NH4+-N, NO2--N and NO3--N) matter present in the effluent from a bird slaughterhouse and industrial processing facility, as well as to evaluate the stability of the reactor using Shewhart control charts of individual measures. The results indicate means total inorganic nitrogen (NH4+-N+NO2- -N+NO3--N) removal of 84.32±1.59% and organic matter (COD) of 53.65±8.48% in the complete process (nitrification-denitrification) with the process under statistical control. The nitrifying activity during the aerobic phase estimated from the determination of the kinetic parameters had mean K1 and K2 values of 0.00381±0.00043 min-1 and 0.00381±0.00043 min-1, respectively. The evaluation of the kinetic behavior of the conversion of nitrogen indicated a possible reduction of CT in the anoxic phase, since removals of NO2--N and NO3--N higher than 90% were obtained with only 1 h of denitrification.
Germinação das sementes de Conyza canadensis e Conyza bonariensis em função da qualidade de luz
Authors: Yamashita O.M , Guimarães S.C , Cavenaghi A.L
Published: November 2011

Conyza canadensis e C. bonariensis são espécies invasoras cujo relato tem sido cada vez mais frequente, dada sua capacidade de desenvolvimento em áreas com palhada, sob sistema de semeadura direta (SSD). A luz é necessária para a germinação de diversas espécies de plantas daninhas, sendo considerado um fator de superação da dormência das sementes. A germinação de sementes sob SSD sofre o efeito da filtragem de comprimentos de onda pela palhada, que podem influenciar diretamente esse processo. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo estudar o efeito de diferentes filtros de luz sobre a germinação de sementes de C. canadensis e C. bonariensis. Foi realizado um experimento em que as sementes das espécies foram colocadas para germinar sobre papel mata-borrão umedecido com água, dentro de caixas gerbox transparentes envolvidas com filtros de luz azul, verde, vermelho, vermelho-distante, transparente e também em caixas de gerbox preta (ausência de luz). Foi avaliada a germinação aos cinco e 10 dias após a semeadura e no final desse período por mais 10 dias, com todos os tratamentos recebendo luz branca. As sementes de ambas as espécies sofrem significativamente o efeito da filtragem de comprimentos de onda, exceto o filtro vermelho, que proporcionou germinação superior à dos demais filtros, sendo inferior apenas ao transparente.
Aplicação de modelos múltiplos na determinação de níveis de prejuízo para a interação Solanum americanum e tomate de indústria
Authors: Portugal J.M , Moreira I
Published: November 2011

Este estudo apresenta um conceito unificador, que conjuga as teorias de densidade crítica e período crítico. Hipotetiza-se que não existe um valor fixo para a densidade crítica e para o período crítico, mas que os seus valores são interdependentes. A demonstração dessa hipótese é fundamentada em estudos de interferência entre Solanum americanum e o tomateiro. Aos resultados da produção de cinco ensaios, aplicaram-se modelos múltiplos de regressão, tendo como variáveis independentes a densidade e o número de dias de convivência entre a infestante e a cultura. A aplicação do Nível de Tolerância (NT) à representação gráfica num plano das equações estimadas a partir de modelos múltiplos permite responder à questão: Quanto tempo pode permanecer uma determinada infestação de Solanum americanum sem causar prejuízo na cultura do tomateiro? É ainda possível verificar que a variação dos custos do controle e dos preços da cultura faz variar o NT e, concomitantemente, o tempo admissível, sem causar prejuízo, do Solanum americanum na cultura do tomateiro.
Habilidade competitiva de cultivares de cevada convivendo com azevém
Authors: Galon L , Tironi S.P , Rocha P.R.R , Concenço G , Silva A.F , Vargas L , Silva A.A , Ferreira E.A , Minella E , Soares E.R , Ferreira F.A
Published: November 2011

A determinação da habilidade competitiva de cultivares de cevada com plantas daninhas torna-se relevante para a adoção do método de manejo cultural; desse modo, podemse diminuir os custos de produção, bem como os impactos ambientais causados por outros métodos de manejo, como o químico. Este trabalho comparou as habilidades competitivas relativas de três cultivares de cevada e um biótipo de azevém. Foram realizados experimentos em casa de vegetação na estação de crescimento 2008/09, utilizando-se delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram arranjados em série de substituição e constituíram-se de cinco proporções de plantas de cevada e do azevém competidor com a cultura: 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 e 0:100. A cevada foi representada pelos cultivares BRS Greta, BRS Elis e BRS 225, e o competidor, pelo azevém. A análise da competitividade foi efetuada por meio de diagramas aplicados a experimentos substitutivos, mais uso de índices de competitividade relativa. As variáveis estudadas foram: afilhamento, estatura, área foliar e massa da matéria seca da parte aérea das plantas. O azevém afetou o afilhamento, a área foliar e a massa da matéria seca da parte aérea de plantas dos cultivares de cevada BRS Greta, BRS Elis e BRS 225, demonstrando grande habilidade competitiva com a cultura pelos recursos disponíveis no meio. Entre os cultivares de cevada avaliados, BRS Elis foi o mais competitivo na presença do azevém, que é uma das espécies daninhas que necessitam de controle mesmo quando presente em baixas proporções na cultura da cevada.
Seletividade dos herbicidas S-metolachlor e alachlor para o feijão-carioca
Authors: Lamego F.P , Basso C.J , Vidal R.A , Trezzi M.M , Santi A.L , Ruchel Q , Kaspary T.E , Gallon M
Published: November 2011

O feijoeiro é uma cultura de ciclo vegetativo curto, bastante sensível à interferência de plantas daninhas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia de herbicidas aplicados em pré-emergência no controle de Digitaria sanguinalis na cultura do feijão-carioca, bem como determinar a seletividade deles para a cultura. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: S-metolachlor (960, 1.440 e 1.920 g ha-1), alachlor (1.440, 1.920 e 2.400 g ha-1) e duas testemunhas sem aplicação de herbicidas (com e sem capinas). Avaliações visuais de controle para D. sanguinalis e fitotoxicidade para o feijão foram realizadas aos 20 e 40 dias após a emergência (DAE). Os herbicidas, em todas as doses avaliadas, foram eficientes no controle de D. sanguinalis. Aos 40 DAE, observou-se injúria no feijoeiro nas parcelas aspergidas com S-metolachlor nas maiores doses, porém sem efeito deletério na produtividade de grãos da cultura. O herbicida alachlor, embora eficiente no manejo de D. sanguinalis, causou fitotoxicidade ao feijão-carioca, reduzindo a produtividade da cultura em até 47%.
Sorption and desorption of picloram in soils under pastures in Brazil
Authors: Assis E.C , Silva A.A , Barbosa L.C , Queiroz M.E.L.R , D'Antonino L , Cruz L.S
Published: November 2011

The objective of this work was to determine the coefficients of sorption and desorption of picloram in Ultisol (PVA) and Oxisol (LVA), displaying different physical and chemical characteristics. Samples of soil were collected at the 0 20 cm depth in degraded pasture areas in Viçosa-MG. Firstly, the equilibrium time between the herbicide in solution and the herbicide which was sorbed in the soil was determined by the Batch Equilibrium method. The time required was 24 hours. Sorption and desorption studies were carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; the sorption evaluation consisted in adding 10.0 mL of herbicide solutions at different concentrations to tubes containing 2.00 g of soil, with vertical rotary agitation being maintained during the pre-determined equilibrium time. After centrifugation, supernatant extract cleaning and filtration, herbicide concentration was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection at 254 nm. Desorption was evaluated using the samples in the tubes after the sorption tests. The Freundlich model was used for interpretation of the sorption process. Ultisol showed higher adsorption coefficient (Kf a) compared with Oxisol, which may be attributed to the lower pH of the soil and its higher organic matter content. Desorption process occurred in both soils; the LVA allowed greater release of the previously sorbed molecules.
Uniformidade de deposição de gotas de pulverização em plantas de amendoim e Brachiaria plantaginea
Authors: Rodrigues-Costa A.C.P , Martins D , Costa N.V
Published: November 2011

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar a uniformidade da deposição de gotas de pulverização em plantas de amendoim e de Brachiaria plantaginea localizadas nas linhas e entrelinhas de semeadura da cultura. O experimento de campo foi realizado com a cultura de amendoim, cultivar IAC Tatu-ST. As pulverizações foram feitas com a cultura nos estádios vegetativo (V1) e reprodutivo (R2). Foi utilizado, como marcador das gotas depositadas, o corante Azul Brilhante (FD&C-1) na concentração de 500 ppm. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por sete pontas de pulverização: XR 110015 VS (150 L ha-1), XR 11002 VS (200 L ha-1), TX-VK 6 (150 L ha-1), TX-VK 8 (200 L ha-1), AI 110015 VS (150 L ha-1), AI11002 VS (200 L ha-1) e TJ60 11002 VS (150 e 200 L ha-1). Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Para as análises qualitativas, os dados obtidos foram ajustados à curva de regressão pelo modelo de Gompertz. As pontas XR 11002 VS (200 L ha-1) e TX-VK 6 (150 L ha-1) proporcionaram as maiores uniformidades de distribuição da pulverização nas plantas de amendoim cultivar IAC Tatu ST nos estádios vegetativo (V1) e reprodutivo (R2), respectivamente. A uniformidade de deposição nas plantas de B. plantaginea teve grande variação nos depósitos unitários sobre as plantas localizadas na linha e entrelinha da cultura. Apenas a ponta XR 11002 VS (200 L ha¹) causa falhas de deposição em ambos os estádios de desenvolvimento da B. plantaginea localizada na linha da cultura. Quanto às plantas localizadas na entrelinha, a maior eficiência das pontas de pulverização ocorre no estádio de 3-5 perfilhos.
A herança transgeracional nos transtornos alimentares: algumas reflexões
Authors: Adami-Lauand Christiane Baldin , Ribeiro Rosane Pilot Pessa
Published: November 2011

A alimentação é um objeto de estudo de extrema complexidade que envolve várias áreas do saber científico. O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender o significado e as experiências emocionais da alimentação para as mães com filhas portadoras de transtornos alimentares. Ele baseou-se na pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória com a participação de cinco mães de jovens com transtornos alimentares que frequentaram o grupo de apoio psicológico aos familiares do Grupo de Assistência em Transtornos Alimentares do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (GRATA-HCFMRP-USP) em 2008. Como instrumento de coleta de dados foi utilizado um roteiro semiestruturado, sendo as entrevistas audiogravadas e transcritas na íntegra. Com a análise dos resultados, pode-se pensar que as dificuldades das mães referentes à alimentação e aos vínculos construídos a partir da relação com suas próprias mães tenderam a se repetir com as filhas, sugerindo a existência de uma herança que as antecede e atravessou gerações.
Análise de agrupamento na seleção de modelos de regressão não-lineares para curvas de crescimento de ovinos cruzados
Authors: Silveira Fernanda Gomes da , Silva Fabyano Fonseca e , Carneiro Paulo Luiz Souza , Malhado Carlos Henrique Mendes , Muniz Joel Augusto
Published: November 2011

Este estudo teve como objetivo utilizar a análise de agrupamento para classificar modelos de regressão não-lineares usados para descrever a curva de crescimento de ovinos cruzados, tendo em vista os resultados de diferentes avaliadores de qualidade de ajuste. Para tanto, utilizaram-se dados de peso-idade dos seguintes cruzamentos entre raças de ovinos de corte: Dorper x Morada Nova, Dorper x Rabo Largo e Dorper x Santa Inês. Após a indicação do melhor modelo, objetivou-se ainda aplicar a técnica de identidade de modelos a fim de identificar o cruzamento mais produtivo. Foram ajustados doze modelos não-lineares, cuja qualidade de ajuste foi medida pelo coeficiente de determinação ajustado, critérios de informação de Akaike e Bayesiano, erro quadrático médio de predição e coeficiente de determinação de predição. A análise de agrupamento indicou o modelo Richards como o mais adequado para descrever as curvas de crescimento dos três grupos genéticos considerados, e os testes de identidade de modelos indicaram o cruzamento Dorper x Santa Inês como sendo o mais indicado para a pecuária local.
Infecção por C. psittaci: uma revisão com ênfase em psitacídeos
Authors: Proença Laila Maftoum , Fagliari José Jurandir , Raso Tânia de Freitas
Published: November 2011

A clamidiose ou ornitose é uma doença infecciosa, causada pela bactéria Chlamydophila psittaci, que acomete aves e mamíferos. Trata-se de uma das principais zoonoses de origem aviária. A transmissão ocorre principalmente por inalação de secreções contaminadas. Os sinais clínicos mais comuns incluem alterações no sistema gastrointestinal, respiratório e ocular, porém é possível encontrar aves infectadas sem sinais aparentes, dificultando a identificação da doença. O diagnóstico definitivo em aves vivas pode ser difícil, devido às características da infecção pela bactéria. Há duas principais abordagens para o diagnóstico, a primeira envolve a detecção direta da bactéria e a segunda implica a detecção de anticorpos anti-Chlamydophila sp. O tratamento é longo e envolve o uso de tetraciclinas, quinolonas ou macrolídeos, durante 21-45 dias, dependendo da espécie e do fármaco de escolha. Atualmente, o Brasil não dispõe de medidas padronizadas que visam a guiar o clínico na identificação, manejo e tratamento para a doença. Tais medidas tornam-se necessárias, bem como a pesquisa de novos métodos diagnósticos e auxiliares para a doença.
Falsa broca aumenta disseminação de Beauveria bassiana em populações de campo da broca-do-rizoma da bananeira
Authors: Pauli Giuliano , Lopes Rogério Biaggioni , Alves Sérgio Batista , Damatto Junior Erval Rafael , Mascarin Gabriel Moura
Published: November 2011

A transmissão horizontal de fungos entomopatogênicos tem papel importante na epizootiologia, pois está diretamente associada à disseminação do agente causal da doença de insetos. Em hospedeiros que apresentam restrita mobilidade, a presença de pragas secundárias no agroecossistema pode ajudar na formação de focos secundários da doença e, com isso, aumentar a mortalidade das pragas-chave. Para tanto, a disseminação de Beauveria bassiana, introduzida inoculativamente através de iscas tipo telha, foi avaliada em um bananal infestado por Cosmopolites sordidus (Piracicaba) e outro por C. sordidus e Metamasius hemipterus (Botucatu). Constatou-se que, em Piracicaba, não foram capturados insetos infectados na testemunha, sendo os índices de infecção nas parcelas que receberam B. bassiana de 8 e 15%. Em Botucatu, o índice de infecção dos insetos capturados na testemunha chegou a 17%, enquanto que, nas parcelas tratadas, variou de 28 a 54%. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho demostram que a presença de M. hemipterus influenciou na disseminação de B. bassiana para a população de C. sordidus, praga-chave dessa cultura.
Modelos de regressão com platô na estimativa do tamanho de parcelas em experimento de conservação in vitro de maracujazeiro
Authors: Peixoto Ana Patricia Bastos , Faria Gláucia Amorim , Morais Augusto Ramalho de
Published: November 2011

A determinação do tamanho de parcela é uma prática pertinente ao planejamento experimental e sua caracterização otimizada, em conjunto com o controle do material experimental, permite a obtenção de resultados com maior precisão e qualidade. Neste trabalho, determinou-se o tamanho de parcelas para experimentos de conservação in vitro de maracujazeiro, em dez ensaios de uniformidade com a espécie Passiflora Giberti N. E. Brown, utilizando-se o modelo de regressão linear segmentado com platô e o modelo de regressão quadrática segmentado com platô, que utilizam a técnica de resposta com platô a modelos que possuam mínimo. Os ensaios de uniformidade foram oriundos de experimento conduzido no delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 20 unidades básicas (ub), e os tratamentos dispostos em esquema fatorial com três concentrações de sacarose, três concentrações de sorbitol e uma testemunha. A coleta dos dados foi realizada aos 60 dias após a incubação, medindo-se o comprimento das brotações. Os tamanhos de parcelas variaram com o método utilizado, encontrando-se parcelas formadas por seis explantes pelo modelo da regressão linear segmentado com platô e de dez explantes pelo modelo de regressão quadrática segmentado com platô.
Diferentes frações inspiradas de oxigênio em coelhos hipovolêmicos anestesiados com propofol e submetidos à ventilação mecânica
Authors: Borges Paula Araceli , Nunes Newton , Camacho Aparecido Antonio , Batista Priscila Andrea Costa dos Santos , Gava Fábio Nelson , Bürger Camila Paes , Moro Juliana Vitti , Lopes Patrícia Cristina Ferro
Published: November 2011

Avaliaram-se os efeitos do fornecimento de diferentes frações inspiradas de oxigênio (FiO²) em coelhos hipovolêmicos, anestesiados com infusão contínua de propofol e mantidos em ventilação controlada sobre os parâmetros respiratórios, hemogasométricos e hemodinâmicos. Foram utilizados 50 coelhos (Nova Zelândia), pesando 3,5±0,3kg, distribuídos em 5 grupos: G100 (FiO²=1), G80 (FiO²=0,8), G60 (FiO²=0,6), G40 (FiO²=0,4) e G21 (FiO²=0,21), os quais receberam xilazina (1mg kg-1) e cetamina (15mg kg-1) pela via intramuscular. Transcorridos 20 minutos, foi administrado propofol (8mg kg-1 bolus e 0,5mg kg-1 min-1) e rocurônio (0,6mg kg-1 bolus e 0,6mg kg-1 h-1). Iniciou-se então, a ventilação mecânica no modo pressão controlada. Após 30 minutos, os animais foram submetidos à hipovolemia aguda, retirando-se sangue arterial (12mL kg-1). Os parâmetros foram mensurados 30 minutos após a indução anestésica (M0) e a cada dez minutos depois da exsanguinação (M1- M7). As variáveis foram submetidas à análise de variância seguida pelo teste de Tukey (P<0,05). Os valores de PaO², SaO², P A O², AaDO² diminuíram quanto mais baixas foram as FiO². Após a indução da hipovolemia, as variáveis DC, PAM, PaO², SaO², Vt, AaDO² diminuíram significativamente. Nenhuma alteração foi notada nos parâmetros FC e PaCO². As FiO² de 0,8 e 1,0 mostraram-se as mais indicadas por manter melhor estabilidade ventilatória e adequada troca gasosa.
Programação linear para formulação de pasta de vegetais e operação de secagem em leito de jorro
Authors: Larrosa Ana Paula Quites , Muszinski Patrícia , Pinto Luiz Antônio de Almeida
Published: November 2011

Neste trabalho, foi utilizada a técnica da programação linear a fim de formular uma pasta a partir de vegetais para produção de sopa desidratada, tendo como objetivo maximizar o valor calórico. A operação de secagem da pasta foi realizada em leito de jorro cone-cilíndrico, sendo analisadas a temperatura do ar de entrada e a vazão de alimentação da pasta. As respostas consideradas foram: capacidade de retenção de água (CRA), índice de solubilidade em água (ISA), cor, solubilidade protéica em meio aquoso e produtividade do material seco. Os resultados mostraram que a formulação da pasta de vegetais utilizando a programação linear foi adequada para maximizar o valor calórico (319kcal 100g-1) do produto final. As melhores condições para secagem foram obtidas na temperatura de entrada do ar de 105°C e vazão de alimentação da pasta de 900g h-1. O produto seco apresentou CRA de 4,2±0,1g g-1, ISA de 14,9±0,1%, solubilidade protéica em meio aquoso de 29±1%, ângulo Hue de 75,7±0,1°, produtividade de 29±2g h-1, e sua coloração foi mais clara quando comparada com a pasta in natura.
Acaricide activity of leaves extracts of Sambucus australis Schltdl. (Caprifoliaceae) at 2% on engorged females of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus
Authors: Krawczak Felipe da Silva , Buzatti Andréia , Pivoto Felipe Lamberti , Sangioni Luís Antônio , Vogel Fernanda Silveira Flores , Botton Sônia de Avila , Zanetti Gilberto Dolejal , Manfron Melânia Palermo
Published: November 2011

Parasite infections caused by Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus are responsible for the most of economic losses in producing-cattle countries in tropical and subtropical areas. Indiscriminate uses of chemical acaricides have contributed with the appearance of tick resistance to many drugs available in the marketplace, and it is a serious problem in the tick control. Flowers of Sambucus australis (South America), called "sabugueiro-from-Brazil", are used on infusions or decoctions forms in the folk medicine with diuretic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and laxative purpose, also employed for treating respiratory diseases in human. The main goal of this study was to evaluate in vitro potential of S. australis leaves extracts as an acaricide agent. Ethanol extract at 70% has been dehydrated and a fraction was suspended in 70% ethanol or in distillated water at final concentration of 2% (0.2mg-1). Using the immersion test of engorged females the efficiency results were obtained in 34% and 66% with the leaves extract diluted in water and 70% ethanol, respectively. This study is the first report on acaricidal activity of S. australis against cattle tick. Further studies to determine the active metabolites in different stages of S. australis could aid to identify suitable extracts to be tested in the R. (B.) microplus control.
Significados e sentidos das práticas de saúde: a ontologia fundamental e a reconstrução do cuidado em saúde
Authors: Anéas Tatiana de Vasconcellos , Ayres José Ricardo Carvalho de Mesquita
Published: November 2011

O cuidado em saúde tem sido um tema abordado atualmente por autores da Saúde Coletiva. Essas práticas e estudos refletem dois modos aparentemente antagônicos de se conceber o cuidado, ora baseado na instrumentalidade, com ênfase nos procedimentos e nas intervenções técnicas, ora com foco na relação de encontro entre profissionais e usuários dos serviços de saúde. A partir de uma leitura crítica desse conjunto de estudos, procura-se não opor os dois grupos identificados, mas articulá-los em sua complementaridade por meio da ontologia fundamental de Martin Heidegger. Em Ser e Tempo, Heidegger desconstrói a ontologia tradicional para reconstruir uma nova ontologia que busque os fundamentos da existência humana. Um retorno aos fundamentos mostra-se essencial para uma reconstrução das práticas de saúde e do cuidado.
Análise da mudança da cobertura e uso da terra dos municípios de Jacarei e Santa Branca-SP como subsídio ao estudo das ocorrências de raiva transmitida por morcegos
Authors: Ferrari João José Freitas , Barros Marco Aurelio , Gomes Murilo Novaes , Souza Maria Conceição Aparecida Macedo , Oliveira Rafael de Novaes , Cruz Felipe de Paula Nogueira , Marrelli Mauro Toledo
Published: November 2011

Neste trabalho avaliou-se a influência do uso e cobertura da terra nas ocorrências de raiva animal nos municípios de Jacareí e Santa Branca, Vale do Paraíba, Estado de São Paulo. Combinou-se o mapeamento a partir de imagens TM/Landsat-5 com os dados de ocorrência da enfermidade, entre 2002 e 2009. Animais silvestres atropelados em rodovias, morcegos urbanos e Desmodus rotundus de áreas rurais e animais de fazenda de interesse econômico foram considerados. Dez amostras foram positivas para raiva, três de morcegos insetívoros da área urbana de Jacareí e sete animais de fazenda de interesse econômico, sendo dois de Jacareí e cinco de Santa Branca. Nenhum dos animais silvestres avaliados foram raiva-positivos. A análise da dinâmica da cobertura e uso da terra não evidenciou alteração significante. Embora a enfermidade ocorresse sem uma aparente mudança na região, provavelmente devido à escala de análise utilizada, concluiu-se que a classe reflorestamento e agropecuária foram relacionadas à enfermidade, por ocorrerem com maior freqüência na área analisada.