bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emprego do músculo gastrocnêmio no tratamento das lesões infectadas do joelho
Authors: Souza Fabiano Inácio de , Zumiotti Arnaldo Valdir , Mattar Junior Rames , Wei Teng Hsiang , Resende Marcelo Rosa de , Torres Luciano Ruiz
Published: September 2009

OBJETIVO: Avaliar prospectivamente o emprego do retalho do músculo gastrocnêmio no tratamento de lesões infectadas do joelho. MÉDOTOS: foram operados 12 pacientes, onze do sexo masculino, com idade variando de 19 a 78 anos, média de 55 anos. A cobertura com músculo gastrocnêmio medial foi realizada em 11 pacientes, e lateral em um. A média de desbridamentos pré-operatórios foi de 3,2 procedimentos, variando de um a nove. RESULTADOS: todos os retalhos sobreviveram. O agente etiológico mais comum foi o S. aureus, em 54,5%. Após seguimento médio de 20,08 meses (13 a 31), todos os pacientes apresentam cobertura estável sem sinais ou sintomas de reinfecção. CONCLUSÃO: a utilização do músculo gastrocnêmio no tratamento de lesões infectadas do joelho proporcionou bons resultados com baixa morbidade.
Correlação e concordância entre indicadores de obesidade central e índice de massa corporal em adolescentes
Authors: Chiara Vera Lucia , Silva Henyse G.V. da , Barros Maria Elisa , Rêgo Ana Lúcia , Ferreira Adriana Lúcia , Pitasi Bruna A. , Mattos Thaís S.
Published: September 2009

OBJETIVO: Analisar o desempenho de indicadores de obesidade central por correlação e concordância com índice de massa corporal para avaliação nutricional em adolescentes segundo sexo e idade. MÉTODOS: Estudo seccional do tipo censo incluindo 635 adolescentes, de 10 a 19 anos (342 do sexo masculino e 293 do feminino), realizado em escola pública da cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Variáveis do estudo: índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferências de cintura e abdômen, razões cintura-quadril e cintura/altura, estado nutricional, sexo e idade. Desenvolveram-se análise univariada e bivariada controlada por estratificação. RESULTADOS: As circunferências de cintura e abdômen correlacionaram-se positiva e significativamente (p < 0,05) com o IMC em ambos os sexos, faixa etária e estado nutricional, enquanto a correlação de razão cintura/altura foi influenciada por sexo e estado nutricional. Para razão cintura/quadril, a variação do sentido da correlação foi influenciada ainda por idade. As circunferências de cintura e abdômen foram dependentes da variação dos valores de IMC em todos os grupos com elevados R² (0,66 a 0,80) e ² positivo, o que não ocorreu para razões cintura/quadril e cintura/altura. Somente a circunferência de cintura apresentou agregamento moderado com o IMC (Índice Kappa de 0,41 a 0,57) em todos os estratos, enquanto nos demais indicadores o agregamento variou de relativo a moderado. CONCLUSÕES: Dentre os indicadores de obesidade central analisados, as circunferências de cintura e abdômen apresentaram os melhores desempenhos, destacando-se a circunferência de cintura como mais apropriada para uso complementar ao IMC na avaliação nutricional de adolescentes.
Treinamento de escolares de 7 a 10 anos para o preenchimento de um Diário Alimentar
Authors: Consolmagno Denise Camargo , Assunção Nathalia Antiqueira , Giovannetti Thaysa Laudari , Zeraib Débora Pretti , Hinnig Patrícia de Fragas , Freaza Sílvia Rafaela Mascarenhas , França Giovanny Vinicius Araújo de , Aguiar Odaleia Barbosa de , Gambardella Ana Maria Dianezi , Bergamaschi Denise Pimental
Published: September 2009

INTRODUÇÃO: É reconhecida a efetividade de um treinamento para melhorar a qualidade no relato do consumo alimentar em adultos, porém poucos estudos avaliam esta efetividade em crianças. OBJETIVO: Investigar o efeito da realização de um treinamento para o desenvolvimento de habilidades para um correto preenchimento de um Diário Alimentar, por escolares de 7 a 10 anos. METODOLOGIA: O estudo foi conduzido em uma escola pública da cidade de São Paulo e envolveu a realização de 3 sessões de treinamento de 30 minutos cada, direcionadas a 40 escolares de ambos os sexos. Para verificação do efeito do treinamento, 3 examinadores avaliaram o preenchimento dos dados antes e após o mesmo. Foram atribuídos escores de 0 a 5 para aspectos relativos à identificação, detalhamento e quantificação do alimento consumido, e calculado o escore médio a partir dos escores de cada examinador para cada aspecto. Utilizou-se o teste de Wilcoxon para comparação de amostras dependentes. RESULTADOS: Foi constatada evidência estatística de diferença entre os escores antes e após o treinamento para os três aspectos: identificação (p < 0,001), detalhamento (p = 0,003) e quantificação do alimento (p < 0,001), sendo grande parte dos valores após o treinamento maiores que os iniciais. CONCLUSÃO: É possível aumentar a habilidade de escolares de 7 a 10 anos no preenchimento de um Diário Alimentar a partir da realização de um treinamento nos moldes apresentados neste artigo.
Insegurança Alimentar e estado nutricional de crianças de São João do Tigre, no semi-árido do Nordeste
Authors: Oliveira Juliana Souza , Lira Pedro Israel Cabral de , Andrade Sonia Lucia Lucena Sousa de , Sales Aline Cabral , Maia Sandra Regina , Batista Filho Malaquias
Published: September 2009

OBJETIVO: Analisar o estado nutricional de menores de cinco anos e sua relação com a situação de (in)segurança alimentar. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de 458 famílias, com 558 menores de 5 anos, realizado no município de São João do Tigre. A avaliação da (in)segurança alimentar foi realizada mediante aplicação da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (EBIA). A categorização do estado nutricional foi feita a partir dos indicadores estatura/idade, peso/idade e índice de massa corporal (IMC), utilizando-se as curvas da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Também foram analisadas as associações com os indicadores socioeconômicos e biológicos da criança sobre o índice estatura/idade. RESULTADOS: A segurança alimentar foi caracterizada em torno de 13% das famílias, prevalecendo nas demais a condição de insegurança alimentar, sendo a forma moderada a predominante (40,2%). Encontrou-se uma frequência mais baixa do que o normalmente esperado de desnutrição pelo IMC (1,2% e 1,3%, respectivamente, para as áreas rural e urbana), com resultados bem mais elevados ao se considerar o índice estatura/idade (16,8% e 12,9%). A análise de regressão linear multivariada revelou que apenas duas variáveis (renda familiar per capita e escolaridade materna) influenciaram significativamente o índice estatura/idade. CONCLUSÃO: Em população de elevado grau de pobreza, baixo Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano e prevalência quase generalizada de insegurança alimentar, o uso exclusivo de indicadores antropométricos pode revelar uma situação aparentemente bem mais favorável. Portanto, os resultados não podem ser interpretados apenas no campo da validade interna, mas no interior de um processo de rápidas mudanças que caracterizam a transição nutricional em curso, atingindo inclusive as populações de condições de vida excepcionalmente desfavoráveis.
Prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade e indicadores de adiposidade central em escolares de Santa Catarina, Brasil
Authors: Ricardo Gabriela Dalsasso , Caldeira Gilberto Veras , Corso Arlete Catarina Tittoni
Published: September 2009

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade entre escolares e sua associação com região, sexo, faixa etária e rede de ensino, e a correlação entre os índices antropométricos. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal com 4.964 escolares entre 6 a 10 anos de idade matriculados em 345 escolas do ensino fundamental do Estado de Santa Catarina. Foi utilizado o índice de massa corporal para diagnosticar sobrepeso e obesidade. Como indicadores de distribuição de gordura foram utilizadas circunferência de cintura, relação cintura-quadril, relação cintura-altura, dobras cutâneas triciptal e subescapular e razão subescapular-triciptal. Foram estimadas as razões de chance com IC 95% e calculada correlação de Pearson para avaliar a relação entre índice de massa corporal e índices antropométricos. RESULTADO: Do total dos escolares, 52,2% eram do sexo feminino. A prevalência de sobrepeso foi de 15,4% e de obesidade 6,0%. Não foi encontrada associação entre sobrepeso ou obesidade com regiões, sexo e faixa etária, somente entre sobrepeso e rede particular. Os escolares da rede particular apresentaram 1,46 (1,22-1,74) vezes mais chance de desenvolverem sobrepeso. Foi encontrada correlação forte entre o índice de massa corporal e a circunferência de cintura (r = 0,90). CONCLUSÃO: Os escolares da rede particular estão mais expostos ao sobrepeso e à obesidade, sugerindo que a condição socioeconômica dos escolares possa ser a explicação. A circunferência de cintura, além de indicador de adiposidade central, poderá ser utilizada como indicador de adiposidade total.
Fatores associados à introdução precoce de leite artificial, Município do Rio de Janeiro, 2007
Authors: Niquini Roberta Pereira , Bittencourt Sonia Azevedo , Lacerda Elisa Maria de Aquino , Leal Maria do Carmo
Published: September 2009

Este estudo objetivou analisar a associação entre introdução de leite artificial e fatores demográficos e socioeconômicos em uma amostra representativa de 1.057 mães de crianças menores de seis meses, atendidas em 27 unidades básicas de saúde no Município do Rio de Janeiro, no ano de 2007. As informações sobre características maternas e tipo de alimentação da criança foram obtidas pela aplicação de um questionário à mãe após uma consulta pediátrica. Para estimar a associação entre as variáveis maternas e a introdução de leite artificial foi utilizado um modelo de regressão logística multivariado com ponderação, efeito de desenho e controlado pela idade da criança. Os resultados apontaram que a chance de introdução de leite artificial foi significativamente maior, no nível de 5%, entre as mães com trabalho informal, menos de oito anos de estudo e sem experiência em amamentar. Verificou-se a presença de interação negativa entre situação conjugal e a idade materna. Dentre as mulheres com companheiro, as adolescentes mostraram uma chance 2,06 vezes maior (IC 95% de 1,32 a 3,21) de introduzir leite artificial quando comparadas com as adultas, enquanto entre as mulheres sem companheiro, a adolescência aparece como um fator protetor para a introdução de leite artificial (OR = 0,24, IC 95% 0,10 a 0,58). É necessária a capacitação de profissionais de saúde para oferecer orientações sobre amamentação através de uma abordagem que considere as características maternas.
Estado nutricional e níveis de hemoglobina em crianças Aruak e Karibe: povos indígenas do Alto Xingu, Brasil Central, 2001-2002
Authors: Mondini Lenise , Rodrigues Douglas A. , Gimeno Suely G.A. , Baruzzi Roberto G.
Published: September 2009

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o estado nutricional de crianças dos povos indígenas de famílias lingüísticas Aruak e Karibe do Alto Xingu, no Brasil Central, e verificar a associação entre os níveis de hemoglobina das crianças segundo sexo, idade e estado nutricional. Foram estudadas, no total, 470 crianças menores de dez anos de idade em 2001/2002. MÉTODOS: Para as crianças menores de cinco anos de idade, o diagnóstico de desnutrição foi realizado com base nos índices altura/idade e peso/altura, adotando-se como ponto de corte dois desvios-padrão aquém da média esperada para idade e sexo da referência - WHO, 2006. O diagnóstico de excesso de peso foi definido de acordo com o índice peso/altura acima de dois desvios-padrão da média esperada da mesma referência; as crianças com idade entre cinco e dez anos foram classificadas com baixo peso, sobrepeso ou obesidade de acordo com valores do índice de massa corporal, segundo sexo e idade, propostos por Cole e cols. O diagnóstico de anemia foi determinado a partir de concentrações de hemoglobina inferiores a 11,0 g/dL e inferiores a 11,5 g/dL para as crianças com idade entre 6 e 59 meses e entre 60 e 120 meses, respectivamente. RESULTADOS/CONCLUSÃO: Verificou-se entre as crianças indígenas elevada prevalência de déficit de estatura; a condição de baixo peso praticamente inexiste e o excesso de peso é expressivo entre as crianças mais novas e as de maior idade. A magnitude da anemia alcança cerca de 70% e a idade parece ser o principal fator associado às baixas concentrações de hemoglobina.
Animal production in Tanzania grass swards fertilized with nitrogen
Authors: Canto Marcos Weber do , Bona Filho Amadeu , Moraes Aníbal de , Hoeschl André Ricardo , Gasparino Eliane
Published: September 2009

Nitrogen (N) at 100, 200, 300, and 400 kg ha-1 was applied to Tanzania grass swards to evaluate the animal response and relationships between sward characteristics and the performance of young Nellore bulls (Bos indicus) under continuous stocking. A completely randomized experimental design was used with two replications between 11 November 2001 and 15 April 2002 when the sward heights were maintained at 60 cm by using different stocking rates. The average daily gain (ADG) (0.73 kg d-1) was not affected by N doses while the number of animal days ha-1 increased linearly from 515 to 1267. On the other hand, the linear increase in the animal yield was 399, 653, 755, and 895 kg ha-1 for N at 100, 200, 300, and 400 kg ha-1, respectively, while the ratio between the liveweight gain (kg) and N (kg ha-1) decreased. Correlation coefficients between ADG and herbage mass, green leaf mass, green herbage mass, proportion of green leaf and leaf:culm ratio were low and nonsignificant. Under the conditions in Northwestern Paraná, the application of N to swards of Tanzania grass is a management option for increasing beef cattle production.
Produção de gramíneas do gênero Brachiaria sob níveis de sombreamento
Authors: Martuscello Janaina Azevedo , Jank Liana , Gontijo Neto Miguel Marques , Laura Valdemir Antônio , Cunha Daniel de Noronha Figueiredo Vieira da
Published: September 2009

O trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a produção de B. decumbens cv. Basilisk e B. brizantha, cultivares Marandu e Xaraés, sob diferentes níveis de sombreamento. Utilizou-se delineamento em blocos casualizados com esquema de parcelas subdivididas, considerando os níveis de sombreamento (0, 50, 70%) como parcela e as espécies ou cultivares como subparcelas. Sementes das gramíneas foram postas a germinar em bandejas e transplantadas (três plântulas por vaso). Foram realizados quatro cortes em cada subparcela. Antes de cada corte, mediram-se a altura de planta e a área foliar de quatro folhas em cada planta e quantificou-se o número de perfilhos vivos por vaso. Após a colheita, as plantas foram separadas em lâmina, colmo + bainha e material morto para determinação da produção de matéria seca. Para produção de matéria seca total, calcularam-se a produção média em cada um os cortes e a produção total. No último corte, avaliou-se a massa seca de raízes. As interações significativas foram desdobradas adequadamente. O fator qualitativo foi submetido à comparação de médias pelo teste Tukey e o quantitativo à análise de regressão linear. À exceção da produção média em quatro cortes e da produção de colmos e de material morto, observou-se interação significativa para todas as outras variáveis. Independentemente do nível de sombreamento, o cultivar Xaraés destacou-se positivamente na maioria das características analisadas, enquanto, no nível de 50% de sombreamento, o capim-braquiária apresentou maior produtividade, em porcentagem de produção a pleno sol. Na avaliação da porcentagem de folhas, destacou-se o capim-xaraés, seguido do capim-marandu. Independentemente da forrageira, o nível de sombreamento teve efeito direto sobre o número de perfilhos/planta, a produção de MS do sistema radicular, a área foliar e o valor SPAD.
Associação genética da prenhez aos 16 meses com o peso à desmama e o ganho de peso em animais da raça Nelore
Authors: Shiotsuki Luciana , Silva Josineudson Augusto II de Vasconcelos , Albuquerque Lucia Galvão de
Published: September 2009

Objetivou-se verificar a possibilidade de utilização da prenhez de novilhas aos 16 meses (Pr16) como critério de seleção e as possíveis associações genéticas entre prenhez em novilhas aos 16 meses e o peso à desmama (PD) e o ganho de peso médio da desmama ao sobreano (GP). Foram realizadas análises uni e bicaracterísticas para estimação dos componentes de co-variância, empregando-se um modelo animal linear para peso à desmama e ganho de peso da desmama ao sobreano e não-linear para Pr16. A estimação dos componentes de variância e da predição dos valores genéticos dos animais foi realizada por Inferência Bayesiana. Distribuições "flat" foram utilizadas para todos os componentes de co-variância. As estimativas de herdabilidade direta para Pr16, PD e GP foram 0,50; 0,24 e 0,15, respectivamente, e a estimativa de herdabilidade materna para o PD, de 0,07. As correlações genéticas foram -0,25 e 0,09 entre Pr16, PD e GP, respectivamente, e a correlação genética entre Pr16 e o efeito genético materno do PD, de 0,29. A herdabilidade da prenhez aos 16 meses indica que essa característica pode ser utilizada como critério de seleção. As correlações genéticas estimadas indicam que a seleção por animais mais pesados à desmama, a longo prazo, pode diminuir a ocorrência de prenhez aos 16 meses de idade. Além disso, a seleção para maior habilidade materna favorece a seleção de animais mais precoces. No entanto, a seleção para ganho de peso da desmama ao sobreano não leva a mudanças genéticas na precocidade sexual em fêmeas.
Formação de professores de matemática: um estudo sobre a influência da formação pedagógica prévia em um curso de licenciatura
Authors: Souza Luzia Aparecida de , Garnica Antonio Vicente Marafioti
Published: September 2009

O presente texto tem como objetivo discutir a influência da formação pedagógica prévia em um curso específico de Licenciatura em Matemática. Como instância prévia de formação este artigo considera o CEFAM, e o curso de Licenciatura em foco é o da Faculdade de Ciências da UNESP de Bauru. O enfoque metodológico é nitidamente qualitativo, tendo sido os procedimentos analíticos pautados no estudo de convergências e divergências detectadas nos discursos dos estudantes-depoentes.
A grandeza quantidade de matéria e sua unidade, o mol: algumas considerações sobre dificuldades de ensino e aprendizagem
Authors: Rogado James
Published: September 2009

O presente artigo trata de algumas questões que podem constituir-se em dificuldades para a compreensão dos conceitos de quantidade de matéria e de mol pelos estudantes de Química. Busca ainda resgatar, em termos históricos, a origem do conceito de quantidade de matéria, apresentando o contexto em que este surge em interação com outros conceitos, reiterando a necessidade de que haja uma compreensão por parte de professores e alunos dos conceitos científicos em amplo espectro, não limitados apenas a definições.
Fermentation capacity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures
Authors: Alencar Elvira Maria Bezerra de , Souza-Motta Cristina Maria de , Walter Bruno Souza , Santos Rejane Maria Pessoa , Marques Olga Martins , Queiroz Lusinete Aciole de
Published: September 2009

This work aimed at the assessment of fermentative capacity of original diploid, monocellular haploid and recuperated diploid cultures of S. cerevisiae in sterilized sugar-cane wort. Twenty eight cultures were analyzed, four being original diploids (URM-4420, Itaiquara Ferment FIT, Lallemand Ferment FLA and Wild Ferment SEL); 12 monocellular haploids from original ones and 12 recuperated diploids from the monocells. The ethanol percentage ranged from 1.7 to 6.2% and the unfermentable reducing sugars from 0.45 to 0.50g/100mL. The highest ethanol percentages were produced by the monocellular cultures URM-MH3 (4.8%) in 12 h and SEL-MH1 (6.2%) in 24 h, corresponding to the productivity values of 3.15 and 2.03 g.L-1.h-1, respectively. The recuperated diploids did not present detectable ethanol content by the method used. The results showed that depending on the physiological state of the yeasts, being in the diploid or monocellular haploid form, different percentages of ethanol could be produced.
Moxidectin interference on motor activity of rats
Authors: Rodrigues-Alves Patrícia de Sá e Benevides , Flório Jorge Camilo , Lebrun Ivo , Bernardi Maria Martha , Spinosa Helenice de Souza
Published: September 2009

The present study investigated the effects of t moxidectin (MXD) in some parameters of rat motor function and neurochemical. The general activity in the open field and the motor coordination in the wooden beam were employed to evaluate the MXD effects. The results showed that, in the open field, even at high doses (2.0 and 20.0 mg/kg), the MXD did not alter the locomotion and the rearing frequencies. However, MXD was able to impair the motor coordination of the animals at wooden beam. Neurochemical studies of striatal GABA and dopamine neurotransmitters showed a reduced levels of dopamine and its metabolite, homovanillic acid, without interference on striatal GABA levels. Since GABAergic receptor stimulation had an inhibitory effect on dopaminergic striatal system, the decreased motor coordination could be attributed to an action of MXD on dopamine system via GABA activation.
Production and characterization of amylases from Zea mays malt
Authors: Biazus Joana Paula Menezes , Souza Roberto Rodrigues de , Márquez Jesus Espinoza , Franco Telma Teixeira , Santana José Carlos Curvelo , Tambourgi Elias Basile
Published: September 2009

In this work the α and β-amylase enzymes were obtained from maize (Zea mays) malt and were biochemistry characterized. A germination study to obtain the maize malt with good amylase activity was made. The maize seeds were germinated in laboratory and the enzymatic activity was measured daily. Activity dependence to germination time were fitted to an exponential model (A=A0eµt), which showed that the behaviour of enzymatic activity in the germination process was similar to the growth of the microorganism. Its model could be applied to describe the mechanism of α-amylase production for each maize varieties and others cereals. Maize malt characterization showed that α and β-amylase had optimal pH between 4-6.5, optimal temperature 50 and 90ºC, and molecular weight of 67.4 and 47.5kDa, respectively. This work contributed with the advances in biotechnology generating of conditions for application of a new and of low price amylases source.
Spray-drying of passion fruit juice using lactose-maltodextrin blends as the support material
Authors: Angel Ruiz Cabrera Miguel , Espinosa-Muñoz Lucía Carolina , Aviles-Aviles Carlos , González-García Raúl , Moscosa-Santillán Mario , Grajales-Lagunes Alicia , Abud-Archila Miguel
Published: September 2009

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the blends with different levels of lactose-maltodextrin (8:5, 10:5, and 12:5 % w/v) during the spray-drying of the passion fruit juice. The drying was carried out in a laboratory spray dryer (Pulvis GB 22 model) at two inlet air temperatures (180 and 190 ºC), and two air pressures (0.10 and 0.20 MPa). The moisture content, hygroscopicity and vitamin C retention were evaluated in the powder obtained. Response surface plots (p<0.05) showed that the lowest values of the moisture content and hygroscopicity were reached in the temperature range of 188-190 ºC and at 12:5 % (w/v) concentration of lactose-maltodextrin; the best vitamin C retention level occurred at 180 ºC and 0.2 MPa.
Microbial succession within an anaerobic sequencing batch biofilm reactor (ASBBR) treating cane vinasse at 55ºC
Authors: Ribas Maria Magdalena Ferreira , Chinalia Fabio Alexandre , Pozzi Eloisa , Foresti Eugenio
Published: September 2009

The aim of this work was to investigate the anaerobic biomass formation capable of treating vinasse from the production of sugar cane alcohol, which was evolved within an anaerobic sequencing batch biofilm reactor (ASBBR) as immobilized biomass on cubes of polyurethane foam at the temperature of 55ºC. The reactor was inoculated with mesophilic granular sludge originally treating poultry slaughterhouse wastewater. The evolution of the biofilm in the polyurethane foam matrices was assessed during seven experimental phases which were thus characterized by the changes in the organic matter concentrations as COD (1.0 to 20.0 g/L). Biomass characterization proceeded with the examination of sludge samples under optical and scanning electron microscopy. The reactor showed high microbial morphological diversity along the trial. The predominance of Methanosaeta-like cells was observed up to the organic load of 2.5 gCOD/L.d. On the other hand, Methanosarcinalike microorganisms were the predominant archaeal population within the foam matrices at high organic loading ratios above 3.3 gCOD/L.d. This was suggested to be associated to a higher specific rate of acetate consumption by the later organisms.
Black Greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), Gray Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa), and Perennial Grass Response to Chlorsulfuron and Metsulfuron
Authors: Enloe Stephen F. , Kniss Andrew , Ferrell Mark , Lafantasie Jordana , Aagard Steven D.
Published: September 2009

Black greasewood (greasewood) and gray rabbitbrush are important shrub components of several plant communities throughout western North America. Land managers may view these species differently depending on their goals. Greasewood and gray rabbitbrush shrub communities may be invaded by several invasive plants including Russian knapweed, perennial pepperweed, hoary cress, halogeton, and several annual mustards. Metsulfuron and chlorsulfuron are commonly used for controlling these and other invasive plants, but little is known regarding their impacts on greasewood and gray rabbitbrush. Our objective was to quantify the impact of these herbicides on greasewood and gray rabbitbrush communities from both an efficacy and nontarget impact perspective. Field studies were established in the spring of 2004 and repeated twice in 2005 near Laramie, WY, in a pasture with mixed stands of greasewood and gray rabbitbrush. Treatments included metsulfuron applied at 21, 42, 63, 84, 126, and 168 g ai/ha (0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 1.8 and 2.4 oz ai/A), chlorsulfuron applied at 52, 105, and 157 g ai/ha (0.75, 1.5 and 2.25 oz ai/A), and an untreated control. All treatments contained methylated seed oil at 2% v/v. Treatments were applied in mid-June to 3.3 by 9-m (10 by 30 ft) plots with a handheld broadcast sprayer delivering 187 L/ha (20 gal/ac) in a randomized complete block, with three blocks per study. Plots were sampled 12 and 24 mo after treatment (MAT), utilizing visual control estimates and point frame sampling for vegetative cover of greasewood, gray rabbitbrush, perennial grasses, and bare ground. Metsulfuron at 42 g/ha and chlorsulfuron at 105 g/ha provided > 75% visual control of greasewood 24 MAT. For gray rabbitbrush, metsulfuron at 63 g/ha provided approximately 60% control 24 MAT, while chlorsulfuron provided negligible control at any rate. These results suggest differential impacts of these herbicides on greasewood and gray rabbitbrush, and provide land managers with a decision tool for noxious and invasive weed control when managing for or against greasewood and gray rabbitbrush.
Update on Anemia Management in Nephrology, Including Current Guidelines on the Use of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents and Implications of the Introduction of “Biosimilars”
Authors: Locatelli Francesco , Becker Harald
Published: September 2009

Several million patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have benefited from the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to correct severe anemia. However, mortality data now suggest that treating CKD patients to achieve a hemoglobin (Hb) level >13 g/dl can be harmful. For levels of 11.5–13 g/dl, there is no evidence of either harm or benefit compared with a lower Hb level. Quality of life studies are variable in quality but do suggest superior outcomes and functional status. In the 9 years following 1997, the target Hb level recommended by international guidelines tended to increase, especially for patients without accompanying cardiovascular disease. However, strangely enough, the most recent target level of the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative is 11–12 g/dl, which is exactly the range advocated by the same group a decade earlier. The relative importance of quality of life compared with other outcomes, the use of iron, and the impact of venous thrombotic events continue to be debated. In addition, new issues have arisen from the introduction of “biosimilar” erythropoietins, biopharmaceuticals that refer to the existing agents and are submitted for marketing authorization after the existing agents’ protection expires. Biosimilars can resemble the agents on which they are modeled but cannot fully copy their properties. The complexity in molecular structure, the possible presence of impurities (which may include bacterial endotoxins), and the inherent immunogenicity of such agents have required authorities to develop a sophisticated regulatory framework.
In vivo activation of gene transcription via oestrogen response elements by a raloxifene analogue
Authors: Engdahl Cecilia , Jochems Caroline , Gustafsson Jan-Åke , van der Saag Paul T , Carlsten Hans , Lagerquist Marie K
Published: September 2009

Raloxifene is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator with tissue-specific effects. The mechanisms behind the effects of raloxifene are partly unclear, and the aim of the present study was to investigate whether raloxifene can activate the classical oestrogen-signalling pathway in vivo in three known oestrogen-responsive organs, uterus (reproductive organ), bone (non-reproductive organ) and thymus (immune organ). For this purpose, we have used reporter mice with a luciferase gene under control of oestrogen-responsive elements (EREs), enabling detection of in vivo activation of gene transcription via the classical oestrogen pathway. Three-month-old ovariectomized ERE-luciferase mice were treated with the raloxifene analogue (LY117018), oestradiol (OE2) or vehicle for 3 weeks. Luciferase activation was measured in bone, uterus and thymus, and compared to bone parameters, and uterus and thymus weights. The raloxifene analogue affected bone mineral density (BMD) to the same extent as OE2, and both treatments resulted in increased luciferase activity in bone. As expected, OE2 treatment resulted in increased uterus weight and increased uterine luciferase activity, while the effect of LY117018 on uterus weight and luciferase activity was modest and significantly lower than the effect of OE2. LY117018 and OE2 treatment resulted in similar luciferase activation in thymus. However, only OE2 treatment resulted in thymic atrophy, while no effect on thymus weight was seen after LY117018 treatment. In summary, the raloxifene analogue LY117018 can activate the classical oestrogen pathway in bone, uterus and thymus in vivo, and this activation is associated with BMD and uterus weight, but not thymus weight.
Age and tissue specific differences in the development of acute insulin resistance following injury
Authors: Zhai Lidong , Messina Joseph L
Published: September 2009

Injuries, hemorrhage, sepsis, burn, and critical illnesses all induce insulin resistance, and insulin resistance is strongly associated with advancing age. However, the effect of age on injury induced insulin resistance is not well studied. We performed surgical trauma in male rats of three different ages (3-, 6-, and 10-weeks old). Rats were either hemorrhaged to a mean arterial pressure of 35–40 mmHg and subsequently maintained at that pressure for up to 90 min, or maintained without hemorrhage as controls. Results indicate that insulin-induced intracellular signaling was diminished in liver and skeletal muscle of 6- and 10-week old rats following trauma and hemorrhage. In even younger rats, immediately post-weaning (∼3 weeks of age), insulin signaling was lost in liver, but not in skeletal muscle. Glucocorticoids can play a role in the chronic development of insulin resistance. Our results demonstrate that corticosterone levels were increased in 6- and 10-week old animals following hemorrhage, but little change was measured in 3-week old animals. Blockade of glucocorticoid synthesis prevented the development of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, but not in liver of 6- and 10-week old rats. Moreover, skeletal muscle glucocorticoid receptor levels increased dramatically between 3 and 6 weeks of age. These results indicate that trauma and hemorrhage-induced hepatic insulin resistance occurs at all ages tested. However, there is no development of insulin resistance following trauma and hemorrhage in skeletal muscle of post-weaning rats. In skeletal muscle of 6- and 10-week old rats, inhibition of glucocorticoid levels prevents the development of insulin resistance.
Prioritizing conservation activities using reserve site selection methods and population viability analysis
Authors: Newbold Stephen C. , Siikamäki Juha
Published: September 2009

In recent years a large literature on reserve site selection (RSS) has developed at the interface between ecology, operations research, and environmental economics. Reserve site selection models use numerical optimization techniques to select sites for a network of nature reserves for protecting biodiversity. In this paper, we develop a population viability analysis (PVA) model for salmon and incorporate it into an RSS framework for prioritizing conservation activities in upstream watersheds. We use spawner return data for three closely related salmon stocks in the upper Columbia River basin and estimates of the economic costs of watershed protection from NOAA to illustrate the framework. We compare the relative cost‐effectiveness of five alternative watershed prioritization methods, based on various combinations of biological and economic information. Prioritization based on biological benefit–economic cost comparisons and accounting for spatial interdependencies among watersheds substantially outperforms other more heuristic methods. When using this best‐performing prioritization method, spending 10% of the cost of protecting all upstream watersheds yields 79% of the biological benefits (increase in stock persistence) from protecting all watersheds, compared to between 20% and 64% for the alternative methods. We also find that prioritization based on either costs or benefits alone can lead to severe reductions in cost‐effectiveness.
Effects of hay management and native species sowing on grassland community structure, biomass, and restoration
Authors: Foster Bryan L. , Kindscher Kelly , Houseman Greg R. , Murphy Cheryl A.
Published: September 2009

Prairie hay meadows are important reservoirs of grassland biodiversity in the tallgrass prairie regions of the central United States and are the object of increasing attention for conservation and restoration. In addition, there is growing interest in the potential use of such low‐input, high‐diversity (LIHD) native grasslands for biofuel production. The uplands of eastern Kansas, USA, which prior to European settlement were dominated by tallgrass prairie, are currently utilized for intensive agriculture or exist in a state of abandonment from agriculture. The dominant grasslands in the region are currently high‐input, low‐diversity (HILD) hay fields seeded to introduced C3hay grasses. We present results from a long‐term experiment conducted in a recently abandoned HILD hay field in eastern Kansas to evaluate effects of fertilization, haying, and native species sowing on community dynamics, biomass, and potential for restoration to native LIHD hay meadow.

Fertilized plots maintained dominance by introduced grasses, maintained low diversity, and were largely resistant to colonization throughout the study. Non‐fertilized plots exhibited rapid successional turnover, increased diversity, and increased abundance of C4grasses over time. Haying led to modest changes in species composition and lessened the negative impact of fertilization on diversity. In non‐fertilized plots, sowing increased representation by native species and increased diversity, successional turnover, and biomass production. Our results support the shifting limitations hypothesis of community organization and highlight the importance of species pools and seed limitations in constraining successional turnover, community structure, and ecosystem productivity under conditions of low fertility. Our findings also indicate that several biological and functional aspects of LIHD hay meadows can be restored from abandoned HILD hay fields by ceasing fertilization and reintroducing native species through sowing. Declines in primary production and hay yield that result from the cessation of fertilization may be at least partially compensated for by restoration.
Lake and watershed characteristics rather than climate influence nutrient limitation in shallow lakes
Authors: Kosten Sarian , Huszar Vera L. M. , Mazzeo Néstor , Scheffer Marten , Sternberg Leonel da S. L. , Jeppesen Erik
Published: September 2009

Both nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) can limit primary production in shallow lakes, but it is still debated how the importance of N and P varies in time and space. We sampled 83 shallow lakes along a latitudinal gradient (5°–55° S) in South America and assessed the potential nutrient limitation using different methods including nutrient ratios in sediment, water, and seston, dissolved nutrient concentrations, and occurrence of N‐fixing cyanobacteria. We found that local characteristics such as soil type and associated land use in the catchment, hydrology, and also the presence of abundant submerged macrophyte growth influenced N and P limitation. We found neither a consistent variation in nutrient limitation nor indications for a steady change in denitrification along the latitudinal gradient. Contrary to findings in other regions, we did not find a relationship between the occurrence of (N‐fixing and non‐N‐fixing) cyanobacteria and the TN:TP ratio. We found N‐fixing cyanobacteria (those with heterocysts) exclusively in lakes with dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentrations of <100 μg/L, but notably they were also often absent in lakes with low DIN concentrations. We argue that local factors such as land use and hydrology have a stronger influence on which nutrient is limiting than climate. Furthermore, our data show that in a wide range of climates N limitation does not necessarily lead to cyanobacterial dominance.
Intraspecific functional diversity in hosts and its effect on disease risk across a climatic gradient
Authors: Garrett K. A. , Zúñiga L. N. , Roncal E. , Forbes G. A. , Mundt C. C. , Su Z. , Nelson R. J.
Published: September 2009

The effects of host biodiversity on disease risk may vary greatly depending on host population structure and climatic conditions. Agricultural diseases such as potato late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, provide the opportunity to study the effects of intraspecific host diversity that is relatively well‐defined in terms of disease resistance phenotypes and may have functional impacts on disease levels. When these systems are present across a climatic gradient, it is also possible to study how season length and conduciveness of the environment to disease may influence the effects of host diversity on disease risk. We developed a simple model of epidemic progress to evaluate the effects on disease risk of season length, environmental disease conduciveness, and host functional divergence for mixtures of a susceptible host and a host with some resistance. Differences in disease levels for the susceptible vs. resistant genotypes shifted over time, with the divergence in disease levels first increasing and then decreasing. Disease reductions from host diversity were greatest for high host divergence and combinations of environmental disease conduciveness and season length that led to moderate disease severity. We also compared the effects of host functional divergence on potato late‐blight risk in Ecuador (long seasons), two sites in Peru (intermediate seasons) in El Niño and La Niña years, and the United States (short seasons). There was some evidence for greater disease risk reduction from host diversity where seasons were shorter, probably because of lower regional inoculum loads. There was strong evidence for greater disease reduction when host functional divergence was greater. These results indicate that consideration of season length, environmental conduciveness to disease, and host functional divergence can help to explain the variability in disease response to host diversity.
Bayesian model averaging for harmful algal bloom prediction
Authors: Hamilton Grant , McVinish Ross , Mengersen Kerrie
Published: September 2009

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a worldwide problem that have been increasing in frequency and extent over the past several decades. HABs severely damage aquatic ecosystems by destroying benthic habitat, reducing invertebrate and fish populations, and affecting larger species such as dugong that rely on seagrasses for food. Few statistical models for predicting HAB occurrences have been developed, and in common with most predictive models in ecology, those that have been developed do not fully account for uncertainties in parameters and model structure. This makes management decisions based on these predictions more risky than might be supposed. We used a probit time series model and Bayesian model averaging (BMA) to predict occurrences of blooms of Lyngbya majuscula, a toxic cyanophyte, in Deception Bay, Queensland, Australia. We found a suite of useful predictors for HAB occurrence, with temperature figuring prominently in models with the majority of posterior support, and a model consisting of the single covariate, average monthly minimum temperature, showed by far the greatest posterior support. A comparison of alternative model averaging strategies was made with one strategy using the full posterior distribution and a simpler approach that utilized the majority of the posterior distribution for predictions but with vastly fewer models. Both BMA approaches showed excellent predictive performance with little difference in their predictive capacity. Applications of BMA are still rare in ecology, particularly in management settings. This study demonstrates the power of BMA as an important management tool that is capable of high predictive performance while fully accounting for both parameter and model uncertainty.
Browsing and fire interact to suppress tree density in an African savanna
Authors: Staver A. Carla , Bond William J. , Stock William D. , van Rensburg Sue J. , Waldram Matthew S.
Published: September 2009

Disturbances from fire and herbivory strongly affect savanna vegetation dynamics. In some savannas, fire especially may be instrumental in preserving the coexistence of trees and grasses. The role of herbivory by large mammals is less clear; herbivory has been shown variously to promote and to suppress tree establishment. Here we ask how interactions between herbivory and fire act to shape savanna vegetation dynamics via their effects on tree populations in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, a savanna with a full complement of native large mammals.

We examined the effects of herbivore exclusion on tree growth, mortality, and seedling establishment from 2000 to 2007 at 10 sites located in areas of low and high herbivore pressure throughout the park. Results were analyzed statistically and using Leslie matrix models of population dynamics. Herbivory and fire acted primarily to suppress sapling growth rather than on sapling mortality or seedling establishment. This indicates that browsing, like fire, suppresses tree density by imposing a demographic bottleneck on the maturation of saplings to adults.

Model results suggest that, while browsing and fire each alone impacted growth, a combination of browsing and fire had much greater effects on tree density. Only fire and browsing together were able to prevent increases in tree density. These results suggest that, while soil resources, including nutrients and moisture, are probably instrumental in determining tree growth rates, disturbances from fire and herbivory may be instrumental in limiting tree cover and facilitating the coexistence of trees and grasses in savannas.
Breaching the dispersal barrier to invasion: quantification and management
Authors: Lee Jennifer E. , Chown Steven L.
Published: September 2009

Globalization has resulted in unprecedented movements of people, goods, and alien species across the planet. Although the impacts of biological invasions are widely appreciated, a bias exists in research effort to post‐dispersal processes because of the difficulties of measuring propagule pressure. The Antarctic provides an ideal model system in which to investigate propagule movements because of the region's isolation and small number of entry routes. Here we investigated the logistics operations of the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) and quantified the initial dispersal of alien species into the region. We found that over 1400 seeds from 99 taxa are transported into the Antarctic each field season in association with SANAP passenger luggage and cargo. The first ever assessment of propagule drop‐off indicated that 30–50% of these propagules will enter the recipient environment. Many of the taxa include cosmopolitan weeds and known aliens in the Antarctic, indicating that logistics operations form part of a globally self‐perpetuating cycle moving alien species between areas of human disturbance. In addition, propagules of some taxa native to the Antarctic region were also found, suggesting that human movements may be facilitating intra‐regional homogenization. Several relatively simple changes in biosecurity policy that could significantly reduce the threat of introduction of nonnative species are suggested.
Enhancing the area–isolation paradigm: habitat heterogeneity and metapopulation dynamics of a rare wetland mammal
Authors: Schooley Robert L. , Branch Lyn C.
Published: September 2009

Conservation of species in fragmented landscapes often is guided by spatially realistic metapopulation theory. However, convincing cases of metapopulation dynamics are uncommon, especially for vertebrates. Moreover, there is concern that the patch area and isolation paradigm for metapopulations is an oversimplification for heterogeneous landscapes. We tested predictions from metapopulation theory for a rare wetland mammal (round‐tailed muskrat, Neofiber alleni) and asked whether it was necessary to use a habitat‐informed version of the area–isolation paradigm that included patch quality and matrix heterogeneity. In each of two years, we surveyed 457 isolated wetlands in central Florida, USA, for presence–absence of Neofiber and evaluated logistic regression models of patch occupancy, extinction, and colonization. We documented metapopulation dynamics in which patch occupancy was constant between years (26% of patches occupied) due to balanced local extinctions (n = 45) and recolonizations (n = 46). Neofiber was both habitat and dispersal limited. Local extinctions were related negatively to patch area, patch quality (cover of maidencane grass, Panicum hemitomon), and distance to nearest roadside ditch. Patch colonization depended on patch area, patch quality, and spatial connectivity to potential source wetlands. Despite the importance of patch quality, Neofiber did not exhibit a habitat‐tracking metapopulation on an annual time scale. Cost–distance modeling suggested effective distances that included high costs for moving through forested matrix habitats generally were better than Euclidean distances for predicting patch colonization and occupancy. Two dominant land uses were tied to turnover dynamics: cattle grazing decreased habitat quality of wetlands, and presence of pine (Pinus spp.) plantations decreased functional connectivity. The simple area–isolation paradigm was not adequate for characterizing spatial dynamics of the Neofiber metapopulation. Nevertheless, we contend that the metapopulation approach remains a useful conservation framework for many species if landscape heterogeneity is embraced and explicit effects of land‐use practices on turnover processes are considered.