bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatric care during a short-term medical mission to a Syrian refugee camp in Northern Jordan
Authors: Abbott Kenneth L , Woods Catherine A , Halim Dahlia A , Qureshi Henna A
Published: October 2017

Introduction: The Syrian refugee crisis, now in its 6th year, has displaced millions. Refugees depend on support from host nation governments and humanitarian organizations like the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS). We describe the delivery of pediatric care during a SAMS short-term medical mission to a refugee camp in Northern Jordan. Methods: The medical mission team encompassed dozens of specialties. Teams visited many sites, including the Zaatari refugee camp near the Syrian border. For this study, we gathered quantitative data from one physician who provided pediatric care and anecdotes from multiple SAMS physicians who provided pediatric care in Zaatari during the same time period. The physician supplying the quantitative data recorded age, diagnoses, and prescriptions for each patient. Results: The physician saw an average of 69 patients per day. Many of these were children aged 0–4 years. At least one diagnosis was recorded for 73.9% of patients, and at least one prescription was recorded for 85.5% of patients. Discussion: Most presenting complaints involved acute infectious illnesses, but these seemed preventable and related to refugees' living situations. Mental health assessment was difficult. Referrals proved important for evaluation and management of both acute and chronic conditions. For the short term, we emphasize the importance of effective liaison with refugee camp authorities and outside health-care organizations. For the long term, we recommend increased health-care infrastructure development and more emphasis on preventative care. Conclusion: With this study, we provide new quantitative and qualitative insights into pediatric care during a short-term medical mission to a Syrian refugee camp in Northern Jordan.
Metastatic breast cancer: Endocrine therapy landscape reshaped
Authors: Salkeni Mohamad Adham , Hall Samantha June
Published: October 2017

Endocrine therapy (ET) of hormone receptor (HR)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-(HER2)-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC) historically focused on estrogen deprivation and antagonism. The identification of several intracellular pathways promoting resistance to antiestrogen therapy led to the introduction of novel endocrine drug combinations that reformed treatment schema and expanded therapeutic options. There is no doubt that efforts to overcome or delay resistance to ET are fruiting, particularly with the introduction of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors such as palbociclib and ribociclib, and mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors such as everolimus. Although still considered incurable by currently available treatment modalities, many patients with MBC nowadays enjoy several years of good quality life coupled with decent tumor control. The diversity of therapies and unusual pattern of side effects can be quite perplexing to the treating physician. The sequence of variable agents and management of side effects, in addition to the timing of initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy, is among the challenges faced by oncologists. In this review, we shed a spotlight on mechanisms of resistance to ET, and provide a review of landmark studies that have recently reshaped the landscape of treatment options for patients with metastatic HR-positive, HER2-negative MBC. A suggested treatment strategy for newly diagnosed patients is also discussed herein.
Can acute-phase response biomarkers differentiate infection from inflammation postpediatric cardiac surgery?
Authors: Nasser Bana Agha , Mesned Abdu Rahman , Tageldein Mohamad , Kabbani Mohamed S , Sayed Nada Siddig
Published: October 2017

Background: Infection is a common serious complication postpediatric cardiac surgery. Diagnosis of infection after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is difficult in the presence of surgical stress, hemodynamic instability, and inflammatory reaction. Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the value of available inflammatory biomarkers and its validity to differentiate infection from inflammation postpediatric cardiac surgery and to find the trend and the change in the level of these biomarkers shortly after cardiac surgery. Methods: We conducted a prospective study that included all children who underwent cardiac surgery in Prince Sultan Cardiac Centre-Qassim from November 2013 to October 2015. C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell count, and neutrophil count were measured for all patients presurgery, 4 consecutive days postsurgery, and predischarge. Patients were divided into two groups (the infected and the noninfected group). We compared the level of biomarkers between both groups. Then, we further analyzed the effects of CPB and preoperative steroid on postoperative inflammatory biomarker levels. Collected data were then reviewed and analyzed. Results: There were 134 pediatric cardiac patients included during the study period. Group 1 (bacterial negative culture group) had 125 cases and Group 2 (bacterial positive culture group) had nine cases. We found no statistically significant difference in inflammatory biomarker elevation between both groups. Only Group 2 had higher (RACHS) Risk adjustment for congenital heart surgery score, more ventilator days, and more drop in platelet count on the 2nd and 3rd postoperative days in comparison with the noninfected group 1. Both groups of patients who were in on and off CPB had the same level of inflammatory biomarkers with no significant differences. Giving corticosteroid preoperatively did not affect the trend of biomarker elevation and made no difference when it was compared to the group of patients who did not receive corticosteroid before surgery. Conclusion: Common inflammatory biomarkers cannot differentiate between infection and inflammation within the first 5 days postpediatric cardiac surgery as these reflect the inflammatory process rather than infection. Trend is more important than single reading.
A new primary health-care system in the Syrian opposition territories: Good effort but far from being perfect
Authors: Alsaied Tarek , Mawas Abdullah , Sayah Fatima Al , Kental Abdulrazzak , Saqqur Maher
Published: October 2017

Objectives: The primary health-care system in Syria has suffered a great deal of damage over the past 6 years. A large number of physicians and health-care providers have left the country. The objectives of this study are to describe our experience in establishing a primary health-care system in the opposition territories (OTs) in Syria and report the most common treated diseases. Methods: The administrative databases of ten primary care centers in the OT from January 2014 to December 2015 were reviewed. All patients' encounters, including children and adults, in these centers were included in the study. Results: Within the study period, the ten centers served 46,039 patients encounter per month (and average of 4600 patients encounters per center per month). A high number of communicable diseases were noted. Cutaneous leishmaniasis was the most common communicable disease (1170 cases a month). Tuberculosis was treated in 14 patients a month. Other infectious diseases that were almost eradicated before the crises were seen increasingly (29 mumps cases/month, 6 measles cases/month, and 34 cases of typhoid fever/month). Conclusion: The primary health-care system in Syria has been greatly damaged, and tremendous efforts are ongoing to provide access to various basic health-care services including primary care services. Despite these efforts, the current system is very vulnerable and not sustainable. This study summarizes basic health services provided by primary health-care centers in Syrian OTs.
Cardiac manifestations of Familial Mediterranean fever
Authors: Alsarah Ahmad , Alsara Osama , Laird-Fick Heather S
Published: October 2017

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is autoinflammatory disorder characterized by sporadic attacks of fever, peritonitis, pleuritis, and arthritis. It is mainly seen in patients from Mediterranean origins, but it is now reported more frequently in Europe and North America due to immigration. To analyze the data on the cardiovascular manifestations in FMF patients, we searched PubMed using the terms “Familial Mediterranean Fever” or “FMF” in combination with other key words including “cardiovascular diseases” “pericardial diseases” “atherosclerosis” “coronary artery diseases” “cardiomyopathy” “pulmonary hypertension” or “valvular diseases.” suggested several mechanisms to explain the cardiac involvements in FMF including the ongoing inflammation and the amyloid deposits in the heart and vessels' walls at the advanced stages of FMF. The course of these manifestations varies widely, but it can associate with poor prognosis in some cases such as with pulmonary hypertension. Interestingly, Colchicine, which is the cornerstone therapy of FMF, plays a vital role in treating and preventing some of these disorders. In this article, In this article, we will discuss the incidence, pathophysiology, and prognosis of the various cardiac manifestations affecting FMF patients.
Rating Lift Cranes Operating on Platforms in the Ocean Environment
Authors:   Cranes and Lifting Devices Committee
Published: October 2017

The scope of this SAE Information Report is limited to a lift crane mounted on a fixed or floating platform, lifting loads from a vessel alongside. The size of the vessel is assumed not to exceed that of a workboat as defined in 3.15.
Trailer Sway Response Test Procedure
Authors:   Trailer Committee
Published: October 2017

This SAE Information Report establishes a consistent procedure for measuring and analyzing the natural sway response of a particular trailer when attached to a particular vehicle under specific loading and operating conditions. This test procedure applies, but is not limited to, passenger cars, vans, light/medium-duty trucks as tow vehicles, and semitrailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 11794 kg (26000 pounds) or less. Other applications include full trailers, tow dollies, tow bars, and the like. Other articulated vehicles can utilize this test procedure as long as the test does not exceed the linear behavior of the system. This test procedure does not apply to motorcycles towing trailers.
Effects of ultraviolet radiation on photosynthetic performance and N2 fixation in Trichodesmium erythraeum IMS 101
Authors: Cai Xiaoni , Hutchins David A. , Fu Feixue , Gao Kunshan
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Biological effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR; 280–400 nm) on marine primary producers are of general concern, as oceanic carbon fixers that contribute to the marine biological CO2 pump are being exposed to increasing UV irradiance due to global change and ozone depletion. We investigated the effects of UV-B (280–320 nm) and UV-A (320–400 nm) on the biogeochemically critical filamentous marine N2-fixing cyanobacterium Trichodesmium (strain IMS101) using a solar simulator as well as under natural solar radiation. Short exposure to UV-B, UV-A, or integrated total UVR significantly reduced the effective quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) and photosynthetic carbon and N2 fixation rates. Cells acclimated to low light were more sensitive to UV exposure compared to high-light-grown ones, which had more UV-absorbing compounds, most likely mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). After acclimation under natural sunlight, the specific growth rate was lower (by up to 44 %), MAA content was higher, and average trichome length was shorter (by up to 22 %) in the full spectrum of solar radiation with UVR, than under a photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) alone treatment (400–700 nm). These results suggest that prior shipboard experiments in UV-opaque containers may have substantially overestimated in situ nitrogen fixation rates by Trichodesmium, and that natural and anthropogenic elevation of UV radiation intensity could significantly inhibit this vital source of new nitrogen to the current and future oligotrophic oceans.
Floe-size distributions in laboratory ice broken by waves
Authors: Herman Agnieszka , Evers Karl-Ulrich , Reimer Nils
Published: October 2017

Abstract. This paper presents the analysis of floe-size distribution (FSD) data obtained in laboratory experiments of ice breaking by waves. The experiments, performed at the Large Ice Model Basin (LIMB) of the Hamburg Ship Model Basin (Hamburgische Schiffbau-Versuchsanstalt, HSVA), consisted of a number of tests in which an initially continuous, uniform ice sheet was broken by regular waves with prescribed characteristics. The floes' characteristics (surface area; minor and major axis, and orientation of equivalent ellipse) were obtained from digital images of the ice sheets after five tests. The analysis shows that although the floe sizes cover a wide range of values (up to 5 orders of magnitude in the case of floe surface area), their probability density functions (pdfs) do not have heavy tails, but exhibit a clear cut-off at large floe sizes. Moreover, the pdfs have a maximum that can be attributed to wave-induced flexural strain, producing preferred floe sizes. It is demonstrated that the observed FSD data can be described by theoretical pdfs expressed as a weighted sum of two components, a tapered power law and a Gaussian, reflecting multiple fracture mechanisms contributing to the FSD as it evolves in time. The results are discussed in the context of theoretical and numerical research on fragmentation of sea ice and other brittle materials.
Making public space. About the same or about difference?
Authors: Piha Elena
Published: October 2017

This text is about making public space out of and within the omnipresent entirety of space which is the defining circumstance of the macrocosm that holds us and that we inhabit. It begins with a propositional discourse on how that omnipresent space differentiates into public space and further articulates into human places. It concludes with a comparative précis of eight actual projects for public space as programmed, designed, realised and adopted for different purposes in the different socio-cultural and geo-locational situations of five established cities. The focus is on similarity and difference, or how social demands, human aspirations and design rationales for public space might depend on their originating context. It is also more about socio-cultural constants from which design approaches or, better, attitudes arise than the socio-political, economic or otherwise practical variables of procurement and implementation of public space, which are fleeting and fluctuate by time, government, and popular opinion.
The text is organised in sections, which form a collage of things that matter in making public space in the contemporary world which is essentially defined by the contemporary urban condition where global interconnectedness—networks and inclusiveness—negotiates with site-specific differentiation—otherness and exclusiveness. The order of the text is from general to particular, abstract to concrete, so as to set the subject matter in the context of the larger whole it belongs to.
Facilitating Spatial Negotiation: a pragmatic approach to understanding public space
Authors: Mlicka Agnieszka
Published: October 2017

The workshop ‘Facilitating Spatial Negotiation’, which took place as part of the ‘Past, Present and Future of Public Space’ International conference on Art, Architecture and Urban Design that took place in Bologna (2014), promoted by City Space Architecture, demonstrates a pragmatic approach to understanding how public space can be realised. The method of collaborative painting is employed within a participatory practice that adopts tactics from spatial agency and critical spatial practice. First, this paper provides a descriptive and visual insight into the discussion between six participants on the topic of the street as a public space, in light of the Social Street movement. Then, it sets out how the session can be understood, through analogy, as a creative exercise in performing a common space. By reflecting upon this event through the framework of participatory practice, the focus is on how conflict is revealed and negotiated within the group. Two instants of conflict are discussed, which raise the critical question whether people are, in fact, interested in working together towards the production and use of common space. It is suggested that the implications of this workshop are twofold. First, a truly public space cannot be realised if the principles of common space are not adopted within the process of its negotiation. Secondly, the finding of a common language in the process of negotiating public space is crucial to this process. The painterly approach offers a shared visual forum, but ultimately the use of any facilitating medium depends on people’s responsibility to participate.
Flourish. A project by Harbinger Consultants and Mandy Ridley in Brisbane, Australia
Authors: Armstrong John , Carroli Linda
Published: October 2017

The Public Art projects that Harbinger Consultants undertake always provide a curatorial framework and strategy that draws out and documents the multi-layered histories of the area/site and its communities of users (both historic and contemporary). These are central to the development of the brief for the artist/s and the ensuring collaborative process between public art curator and artist. It is essential to understand the factors that influence perceptions of place, paying particular attention to personal and community interpretations of culture and make these available to the artists so the artistic process and artworks relate in a holistic and creative way to the specific resources of the area including existing artworks in the vicinity. Public artworks are principal elements, statements and markers of place encountered by people in their everyday exAn example of a placemaking Public Art project developed, curated and managed by Harbinger Consultants is Flourish by artist Mandy Ridley at Ernest Street Tunnel, South Brisbane for Brisbane City Council, Queensland Rail and South Bank Corporation. The tunnel is formed by a railway line passing over a street and pedestrian pathway. perience of a locale.
E. coli and Coliform Bacteria as Indicators for Drinking Water Quality and Handling of Drinking Water in the Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal
Authors: Nicholson Kirsten Ngaire , Neumann Klaus , Dowling Carolyn , Sharma Subodh
Published: October 2017

During the 2016 pre-monsoon dry season, we undertook a systematic study of water quality, specifically fecal contamination of drinking water, in the Khumbu Valley, Sagarmatha National Park (SNP, Mt. Everest region) and SNP buffer zone, Nepal. Our goal was to quantify physical parameters (temperature, pH, conductivity and total dissolved solids), and the presence of fecal coliforms (E. coli and total coliforms) in drinking water and drinking water sources (predominately groundwater-fed springs). This data set will function as a baseline for access to potable water and further monitoring. Sample sites were selected based on primary use as a drinking water and/or drinking water source for each community. In general, there is little correlation between and physical parameters however, there are very weak correlations between total coliform data and increasing temperature, and decreasing elevation and pH. There does, however, appear to be a correlation between population (including tourist numbers) and both E. coli and total coliforms. Our study clearly indicates that the presence of bacterial indicators of fecal pollution during the dry season. Samples from the more populated, lower altitude areas had higher levels of E. coli and coliform bacteria. Importantly, drinking water that was stored in tanks or transported long distances had a much higher incidence of E. coli and total coliforms suggesting that a change in water handling practices might have an important impact on drinking water quality and population health.
Phosphorus adsorption in soils under forest and savanna from Northern Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Matos Carlos Henrique de Lima , Melo Valdinar Ferreira , Uchôa Sandra Cátia Pereira , Nascimento Pedro Paulo Ramos Ribeiro , Pereira Raimundo Almeida
Published: October 2017

Studies on maximum phosphorus adsorption capacity (MPAC) in soils from Roraima State and attributes that interfere with the magnitude of this characteristic are relevant and motivated this study. In this context, topsoil samples (0–0.20 m) from four soil classes (Oxisol–LA and Oxisol–LV [ITÃ, Caracaraí]; Oxisol–LA [Serra da Prata, Mucajaí]; Oxisol–LA and Ultisol–PA [CCA, Boa Vista]; Oxisol–FT [Bonfim] and Alfisol –SN [Surumu, Pacaraima]) representative of Roraima State were used in this study in order to determine the influence of soil physical, chemical, and mineralogical attributes on MPAC. Air-dried soil samples of 2.5 g and 0.01 mol L?1 CaCl2 (25 mL) solution were stirred for 24 h, being added P in the form of KH2PO4 at concentrations of 0–60, 0–80, and 0–110 mg L?1. P was analyzed in the supernatant for determining its adsorbed amount (P-rem). Adsorption values were fitted to the Langmuir isotherm in order to assess MPAC. Correlation tests were performed between MPAC and binding energy, pH, organic matter, clay, and CEC. MPAC values ranged from 14.50 to 527.93 mg kg?1 in the soil. The soils FT–Bonfim and LV–ITÃ presented a higher MPAC. Considering the representative soil classes in the State, MPAC does not correlate with any of the assessed attributes. In the soil classes Oxisol and Ultisol, MPAC has a negative and significant correlation with binding energy.
Carbon fractions and soil fertility affected by tillage and sugarcane residue management an Xanthic Udult
Authors: Lopes Iara Maria , Assunção Shirlei Almeida , Oliveira Ana Paula Pessim de , Anjos Lúcia Helena Cunha dos , Pereira Marcos Gervasio , Lima Eduardo
Published: October 2017

The gradual change in management practices in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) production from burning straw to a green harvesting system, as well as the use of minimum soil tillage during field renovation, may affect soil fertility and soil organic matter (SOM) contents. The objectives of this work were to investigate the influence of sugar cane production systems on: (1) soil fertility parameters; (2) on physical carbon fractions; (3) and on humic substance fractions, in a long-term experiment, comparing two soil tillage and two residue management systems an Xanthic Udult, in the coastal tableland region of Espírito Santo State, Brazil. The treatments consisted of plots (conventional tillage (CT) or minimum tillage (MT)) and subplots (residue burned or unburned at harvesting), with five replicates The highest values of Ca2+ + Mg2+ and total organic carbon (TOC) were observed in the MT system in all soil layers, while high values of K+ were observed in the 0.1-0.2 m layer. The CT associated with the burned residue management negatively influenced the TOC values, especially in the 0.1-0.2 and 0.2-0.4 m layers. The carbon in the humin fraction and organic matter associated with minerals were significantly different among the tillage systems; the MT showed higher values than the CT. However, there were no significant differences between the sugarcane residue management treatments. Overall, fractioning the SOM allowed for a better understanding of tillage and residue management systems effects on the soil properties.
Oxisol physical quality with application of landfill leachate
Authors: Oliveira Jean Carlo Santos de , Oliveira José Francirlei de , Figueiredo Alex , Barbosa Graziela Moraes de Cesare , Tavares Filho João
Published: October 2017

The organic carbon present in the landfill leachate (LL) can improve the physical quality of the soil when applied in agricultural areas, minimizing the problem of disposal of this waste. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the application of different doses of LL on the physical quality of the Red Latosol (Oxisol) after five years of applications. The treatment consisted of applications of LL in doses of 32, 65, 98 and 130 m3 ha-1 crop-1 and the treatment that receives mineral fertilizer. The physical quality of the soil was evaluated in soil samples collected in the layers 0.00-0.10 and 0.10-0.20 m, through the analysis of stability and diameter of the aggregates, soil density, total aeration capacity, field capacity and available water content. After five years of application of LL, at doses of 65, 98 and 130 m3 ha-1 crop-1 have promoted a linear increase of the aggregates with diameter greater than 2.00 mm, of the weighted average and geometric diameters and of the soil density, with a consequent reduction of the ratio between macro and micropores and the aeration capacity of the layers 0.00-0.10 and 0.10-0.20 m. After five years of these applications, the soils that received the dose of 32 m3 ha-1 crop-1 presented the best physical quality in relation to the other doses, since this dose did not promote an increase of the aggregates larger than 2 mm in the superficial layer (0.00-0.10 m) and was the dose with lower effect in the reduction of aeration of the soil, in relation to the others (65, 98 and 130 m3 ha-1 season-1) in the layers 0.00-0, 10 and 0.10 - 0.20 m.
Inbreeding depression in maize populations and its effects on the obtention of promising inbred lines
Authors: Garbuglio Deoclecio Domingos , Miranda Filho José Branco de , Araújo Pedro Mário de , Gerage Antonio Carlos
Published: October 2017

Inbreeding can potentially be used for the development of inbred lines containing alleles of interest, but the genetic causes that control inbreeding depression are not completely known, and there are few studies found in the literature. The present study aimed to obtain estimates of inbreeding depression for eight traits in seven tropical maize populations, analyze the effects of inbreeding over generations and environments, and predict the behavior of inbred lines in future generation S? through linear regression methods. It was found that regardless of the base population used, prediction values could vary when the model was based on only 2 generations of inbreeding due to the environmental component. The influence of the environment in this type of study could be reduced when considering 3 generations of inbreeding, allowing greater precision in predicting the phenotypes of inbred lines. The use of linear regression was effective for inbred line prediction for the different agronomic traits evaluated. The use of 3 levels of inbreeding minimizes the effects of the environmental component in inbred line prediction for grain yield. GO-S was the most promising population for inbred line extraction.
Effects of age and sex on blood biochemistry of dorper lambs
Authors: Cruz Rebecca Espírito Santo da , Rocha Fernando Melo , Sena Cassius Vinícius Barbosa , Noleto Pablo Gomes , Guimarães Ednaldo Carvalho , Galo José Antônio , Mundim Antonio Vicente
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological variations and influence of age group and sex on biochemical variables of 32 male and female Dorper sheep at the age of 15 to 121 days. Four blood samples were collected from each animal, at monthly intervals, totaling 128 samples. Biochemical variables determined in each sample were total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLB), albumin/globulin ratio (A/G), glucose (GLU), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (tCHOL), high density cholesterol carrying lipoproteins (HDL-C), low density cholesterol carrying lipoproteins (LDL-C), very low density cholesterol carrying lipoproteins (VLDL-C), urea, creatinine (CRE), total calcium (tCa), ionized calcium (iCa), phosphorus (P), calcium/phosphorus ratio (Ca/P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The results were obtained in four moments according to age: M1 - sheep from 15 to 30 days, M2 - sheep from 45 to 61 days, M3 - sheep from 74 to 90 days and M4 - sheep from 105 to 121 days. Comparing the values of the biochemical variables among the four age groups studied a significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in the concentrations of all the variables evaluated except for Na, Cl and ALT. Sex did not influence (p > 0.05) the values of the biochemical variables analyzed. Based on the results, it is concluded that the age groups exert a significant influence on the majority of blood biochemical variables of Dorper sheep from 15 to 121 days of age.
Natural and experimental poisoning by Cestrum laevigatum (Solanaceae) among cattle in the Agreste region of Paraíba, Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Neto Temístocles Soares de , Riet-Correa Franklin , Barbosa Francisca Maria Sousa , Silva Carlos Magno Bezerra de Azevedo , Marques Michele Flávia Sousa , Nóbrega Gilzane Dantas , Simões Sara Vilar Dantas , Lucena Ricardo Barbosa
Published: October 2017

An outbreak of natural poisoning by Cestrum laevigatum was reported among cattle in the Agreste region of Paraíba, which affected six out of 20 animals. Four animals were found dead and two presented clinical signs, including, dyspnea, drooling, jugular vein engorgement, muscle tremors and ataxia, which subsequently progressed to recumbence and death. An experimental poisoning was performed in two bovines who were administered single doses of 35 g kg-1 and 50 g kg-1 body weight (BW), respectively, of fresh leaves and fruits. The animal that received 35 g kg-1 BW had mild clinical signs, consisting of apathy, salivation and reduced ruminal movements with recovery 30 hours after the onset of initial signs. The animal that received 50 g kg-1 BW showed apathy, dry stool, drooling, hyperexcitability, head pressing, opisthotonos, nystagmus, miosis, jugular and episcleral vessel engorgement, ruminal atony, muscle tremors, ataxia, falling, seizures, and sternal recumbence, followed by lateral recumbence, with death occurring 21 hours and 37 minutes after ingestion. The enzyme activities of aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase in the serum increased significantly 18 hours after the administration of the plant. The primary gross lesions in the natural and experimental cases were enlarged livers, with rounded edges and accentuation of the lobular pattern on the capsular and cut surfaces. Histopathology revealed diffuse centrilobular coagulative necrosis with hemorrhages and congestion, and the presence of degenerated hepatocytes in the midzonal regions. Based on the epidemiological and clinicopathological data, we concluded that C. laevigatum was responsible for an acute hepatotoxic disease among cattle in the Agreste region of Paraíba.
Serological and molecular findings in diagnosis of leptospirosis serovar hardjo in a dairy bovine herd
Authors: Hashimoto Vanessa Yumi , Chideroli Roberta Torres , Ribeiro Juliane , Alfieri Amauri Alcindo , Costa Geraldo Marcio da , Pereira Ulisses De Padua , Freitas Julio Cesar de
Published: October 2017

The cattle are considered hosts of the Hardjo serovar, causing economic damages due to the reproductive failures like abortions and infertility. The serovar Hardjo usually remains in the reproductive tract and also in the renal tubules where it is eliminated intermittently in the urine for months. Placental remnants, the aborted fetus and contaminated urine promote the permanence of this bacterium within the herd for years. Thus, the objective of this study was to monitor for prolonged period, cows naturally infected with Leptospira ssp. through microbiological culture, serological examination and DNA detection of the pathogen in the urine. The dairy herd was composed of 50 breeding cows with a history of abortion and infertility, without leptospirosis vaccine and located in the northern region of Paraná. Blood and urine samples were collected and laboratorial diagnosis were performed five times at intervals of four months. Blood samples were collected from the all 50 animals and the serum was submitted to the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for the detection of anti-leptospira antibodies. Of the total cows, 20 showed antibody titres ? 1: 100 in MAT and urine samples were collected from only those animals with higher titers to perform nested-PCR (n-PCR) and bacterial isolation per culture. In addition, two urine samples from five animals with antibody titers < 1: 100 were collected in MAT for n-PCR. Serovar Hardjo was considered the most frequent during the serological monitoring of the animals evaluated. The n-PCR technique was able to detect leptospiral DNA in the urine of animals with MAT ? 1: 100 antibody titers and urine from animals whose titers were < 1: 100. Sequencing of the leptospiral amplicons shared 100% nucleotide sequence identity with the Leptospira interrogans species. Positive n-PCR results from animals with titers of < 1: 100 suggest that the cut-off of MAT is could be not sufficient to detect renal carriers, so it is also important to use n-PCR as an additional diagnostic tool for identify infected animals with Hardjo serovar and whose serology was negative.
Optimal quadrat area and sample size to estimate the forage mass of stargrass
Authors: Zanella Pablo Giliard , Carvalho Carlos Augusto Brandão de , Ribeiro Everton Teixeira , Madeiro Afrânio Silva , Gomes Raphael Dos Santos
Published: October 2017

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sample size and area of the quadrats necessary to accurately estimate the forage mass (FM) of a fenced pasture of stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis cv. Florico) during the winter. Five metal quadrats were used: a 0.09 m² square (0.30 m side), a 0.25 m2 square (0.50 m side), a 0.25 m2 circle (0.28 m diameter), a 0.5 m2 rectangle (0.5 x 1.0 m), and a 1 m2 square (1.0 m side), each with eight replicates. The size and shape of the quadrats were determined based on cumulative variances to identify combinations that minimized the coefficient of variation (CV). The minimum sample size required to estimate the FM, morphological components and height was established by the CV maximum curvature method. The 0.25 m2 square quadrat (0.5 m side) presented the lowest cumulative CV in estimating the FM and the dry mass of dead material. However, for the estimation of the leaf and stem dry mass, the 1.00 m2 square quadrat (1.00 m side) presented the lowest CV. Using the 0.25 m2 square quadrat, a minimum number of six samples were required for the FM estimation, and eight samples were required for estimating the mean height of the stargrass pasture. Therefore, at least eight samples are recommended to obtain accurate results for the estimation of both variables.
Biomass flows and defoliation pattern of ryegrass grazed by supplemented heifers
Authors: Stivanin Sheila Cristina Bosco , Rocha Marta Gomes da , Pötter Luciana , Hampel Viviane Da Silva , Alves Marcos Bernardino , Salvador Paulo Roberto , Moura Érica Dambrós de , Eloy Lidiane Raquel
Published: October 2017

To strategically define the best stocking rate management strategy for ryegrass, it is important to know the growth process of forage plants in detail. The study was conducted to analyze the leaf biomass flows and the defoliation intensity and frequency of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) grazed by heifers fed exclusively on pasture or on pasture and supplemented with corn or white oat grain. The experimental design was completely randomized following a repeated measures arrangement with three feeding systems and three area replications. Biomass flows (kg DM leaf blades ha1 day1) for leaf growth (40.6), leaf senescence (40.7), and leaf intake (29.7) were similar in the different feeding systems. Leaf blade intake adjusted to body weight was lower in supplemented heifers regardless of grain type. Actual and potential utilization efficiencies and ryegrass biomass net balance were not affected by feeding system. The leaf intake flow was 1.4 times lower than the growth flow, resulting in an actual utilization efficiency less than one (0.7), whereas the senescence flow was higher than the growth flow, resulting in a negative potential utilization efficiency (0.2). Leaf defoliation intensity was similar (54.4%) across feeding systems and defoliation frequency was higher in supplemented heifers. The 29.2% increase in stocking rate of heifers fed corn or oat grain as supplement did not affect the dynamics of ryegrass biomass flows, but reduced leaf blade intake adjusted to heifer body weight leading to alterations in the defoliation frequency of ryegrass pasture.
Effect of supplementation frequency in feeding behavior, displacement patterns and forage intake of beef heifers
Authors: Sichonany Maria José De Oliveira , Rocha Marta Gomes da , Pötter Luciana , Rosa Aline Tatiane Nunes da , Oliveira Ana Paula Binato Beltrão de , Ribeiro Laila Arruda , Stivanin Sheila Cristina Bosco , Alves Marcos Bernardino
Published: October 2017

Our work was carried out to evaluate forage intake, feeding behavior and displacement patterns of beef heifers fed exclusively on pasture or receiving oat grain, either daily (“frequent”) or from Monday to Friday (“infrequent”), in two phenological stages of Alexandergrass (Urochloa plantaginea Link.): “Vegetative” and “Reproductive”. The grazing method was continuous, with a variable number of animals. The experimental design was completely randomized with measures repeated in time with three feeding frequencies and two phenological stages. Forage intake was estimated using the chromic oxide technique as an indicator of fecal output. Heifers on exclusive Alexandergrass pasture and frequently supplemented had higher forage intake of dry matter (DM, 2.91 kg DM 100 kg BW-1) than those that were infrequently supplemented (2.00 kg DM 100 kg BW-1). Forage intake was greater in the “Vegetative” stage. The use of feeding stations is modified in response to supplementation frequency and phenological stages of Alexandergrass. Bite mass was higher for daily supplemented heifers, and these animals spent less time grazing. Also, bite mass was the item that best explained DM total ingestion. Bite mass and grazing time were similar throughout the phenological stages, whereas bite rate decreased in the reproductive stage. Feeding behavior and forage intake responses of beef heifers were influenced by supplementation frequency and phenological stages of Alexandergrass.
Morphogenesis and structure of mombassa grass over different growth periods
Authors: Rodrigues Márcio Odilon Dias , Santos Antonio Clementino dos , Rodrigues Marcos Odilon Dias , Silva Rubens Ribeiro da , Silveira Junior Otacilio
Published: October 2017

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilizer doses on morphogenic and structural characteristics of mombassa grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) at three different periods of the lifespan of tillers. The experiment was conducted in Araguaína-TO, Brazil, from December 2014 to February 2015. It was installed in split plots in a randomized block design with four replications. The doses of N-fertilizer (0, 30, 60, 90 kg N.ha-1) were the plots and the periods evaluated (1PER – first period from day 16 to 30; 2PER from day 31 to 45 and 3PER from day 46 to 60 after germination) were the subplots. The evaluated variables consisted of leaf appearance rate (LAR), leaf elongation rate (LER), stem elongation rate (SER), leaf senescence rate (LSR), phyllochron, tiller number, leaf emergence, and total leaf number. A Pearson correlation analysis was used to morphogenic and structural characteristics along with a regression analysis for all the variables. Overall, increasing N-fertilizer doses positively influenced the leaf appearance and leaf elongation rates, tiller density, and the number of live leaves per tiller. The 90-kg N.ha-1 dose enabled the best morphogenic and structural responses of the forage when compared to the other rates. Each period featured differently, with higher values of LSR, SER, and LER in 3PER when compared to those in 2PER and in 1PER. Therefore, the nutritional supply over the first weeks of tiller lives was defining to an increase in forage production in the remaining periods. In light of this, we observed that as LAR raise in the first days after germination, nutritional supplies are required from day 15 on, mainly nitrogen, so plants could continue their development since initial plant growth determines pasture productive vigor and longevity.
Production components and yield of bushing snap bean in conventional and organic production systems
Authors: Gomes Guilherme Renato , Furlan Felipe Favoretto , Freiria Gustavo Henrique , Gonçalves Leandro Simões Azeredo , Takahashi Lúcia Sadayo Assari
Published: October 2017

Production systems influence crops differently, mainly in terms of yield. However, there are few studies that have evaluated different bushing snap bean genotypes in different systems. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the production components and yield of bushing snap beans in conventional and organic production systems. The experimental design was a randomized complete block, in a factorial 6 × 2 arrangement, corresponding to six genotypes and two production systems, with three replications. The genotypes Isla Manteiga Baixo®, Isla Macarrão Baixo®, Feltrin Vicenza Amarelo Baixo®, and Feltrin Macarrão Napoli®, UEL 1, and UEL 2 were submitted to the following determinations: days to flowering; plant height; medium number of pods per plant; average pod mass, length, and diameter; and yield of commercial pods. A joint analysis of variance was conducted by applying the F test, with mean comparison performed using the Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Anthesis of the genotypes Feltrin Vicenza Amarelo Baixo, UEL 2, Isla Macarrão Baixo, and Feltrin Macarrão Napoli is anticipated in the conventional production system. The genotype UEL 2 shows higher precocity in anthesis within the conventional system. The genotypes Isla Manteiga Baixo and UEL 1 produce more pods per plant in the conventional system. In the organic system, the genotype Feltrin Macarrão Napoli produces double the number of pods per plant compared with Isla Manteiga Baixo. The organic system leads to greater plant height and average mass, length, and diameter of pods in relation to the conventional system. The commercial pod yield of bushing snap bean is not altered by differences in the production system or genotype.
Trans-endoscopic ventriculocordectomy in horses using monopolar electrocautery
Authors: Busato Eduarda Maciel , Silva-Meirelles Jéssica Rodrigues , Castro Monalisa Lukascek de , Guedes Rogério Luizari , Basso Fernando Zanlorenzi , Souza Fernando Wiecheteck de , Deconto Ivan , Dornbusch Peterson Triches
Published: October 2017

Laryngeal hemiplegia is one of the most common upper airway affections in horses. Laringoplasty is indicated in high-performance animals, and when the only complaint is noisy breathing, ventriculectomy and cordectomy can be performed. This study aimed to establish a minimally invasive surgical approach to ventriculocordectomy in horses, through a videoendoscopic procedure. The technique was developed in two stages, the first one was a cadaveric study and the second one was in vivo, both using two flexible endoscopes. A bilateral ventriculocordectomy was performed in two cadavers, totaling the removal of four vocal cords. In the second stage, a left unilateral ventriculocordectomy was performed in three animals with laryngeal hemiplegia. The vocal cords were pulled by one of the endoscopes with 3.2mm grasping forceps, while the second equipment was used for the resection of vocal cords with a flexible electrode adapted for monopolar electrosurgery (electrocautery). The average time for removal of the vocal cords was 23±5 minutes. In the postoperative care, moderate inflammation around the surgical wound was observed, with complete healing in 21 days in one horse and 28 days in the other two. One animal presented exuberant granulation tissue on the surgical site. Other complications due to the tested technique were not noticed; therefore, it could be a less invasive option for ventriculocordectomy in horses. The developed technique proved to be effective for ventriculocordectomy execution in horses. The main advantages of this approach were reduced surgical time, shorter healing average time, no need for daily dressings and return to normal activities in a shorter period when compared to other surgical approaches. The limitation of the technique consists of the need for two endoscopes for its accomplishment. Further studies, with more animals, are needed to improve the technique.
Urethral dysontogenic metaplasia in cat with bilateral renal dysplasia
Authors: Sapin Carolina Da Fonseca , Silva Luisa Mariano Cerqueira da , Scheid Haide Valeska , Nakasu Ceres Cristina Tempel , Cleff Marlete Brum , Grecco Fabiane Borelli
Published: October 2017

This paper to describe a case of dysontogenic urethral metaplasia in a one month old mongrel feline who also had bilateral renal dysplasia. Dysontogenic metaplasia in cats are scarce and this change may be associated with renal dysplasia and/or lower urinary tract. The animal had history of abdominal enlargement since birth and dysuria, eliminating urine only dropwise. Due to the poor prognosis we opted for euthanasia. At necropsy was observed enlarged and distended bladder, reduced kidneys and dilated and tortuous ureters. The urethra was thickened, hard to cut, and histologically, was replacing the connective tissue, cartilage and endochondral ossification areas, which features dysontogenic metaplasia. Both kidneys presented primitive appearance featuring dysplasia. Dysontogenic metaplasia in urinary tract feline with renal dysplasia, has not been described.
A Short Note On The Electron-Positron Pair Creation
Authors: Paiva Eduardo De
Published: October 2017

A criação de pares elétron-pósitron é um dos vários mecanismos de interação do fóton com a matéria e o par pode ser produzido quando o fóton interage com um núcleo atômico ou com um elétron. As energias limiares do fóton kth para estas reações são respectivamente ~ 2m0c2 ou 4m0c2 (m0 é a massa de repouso do elétron e c é a velocidade da luz no vácuo). Um aspecto interessante da criação de par elétron-pósitron ocorre quando um fóton de energia muito baixa (k << m0c2) colide com um elétron ultra-relativístico (E >> m0c2). Nesta nota a cinemática da colisão entre um elétron e um fóton é revista e o aspecto particular e interessante da produção de tripleto quando elétrons ultra-relativísticos colidem com fótons de baixíssimas energias é brevemente descrito.
Determinação de Mn e Zn por FAAS após tratamento em microescala de óxidos mistos para sua caracterização
Authors: Pereira Camila Corrêa , Oreste Eliézer Quadro , Souza Alexander Ossanes de , Olimpio do Nascimento Marcela Betta , Corrêa Rodrigo José , Bianchini Daniela , Ribeiro Anderson Schwingel , Ribero Emerson Schwingel
Published: October 2017

Este trabalho apresenta uma metodologia na determinação de Mn e Zn em amostras a base de sílica por espectrometria de absorção atômica com chama após tratamento em microescala para a caracterização de óxidos mistos. Para o tratamento das amostras, foram utilizados cerca de 10 mg de óxido misto, 50 µL de HF, 50 µL de HNO3, 25 µL de H2O2 com aquecimento por micro-ondas e diluição final de 2,0 mL. O procedimento foi aplicado para a determinação de Mn e Zn, e os resultados foram comparados com a técnica semiquantitativa de fluorescência de raios-X. A exatidão foi avaliada por testes de recuperação (93,5 a 100,7 %) e RSD abaixo de 9 %.