bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic evaluation of Devon Cattle using a reaction norms model
Authors: Corrêa Marcela Bicca Bragança , Dionello Nelson José Laurino , Cardoso Fernando Flores
Published: March 2010

The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in sire genetic values obtained by a conventional animal model (AM) and by a reaction norms hierarchical model (RNHM) that considers the genotype by environment interaction. A total of 25,500 records was used collected by PROMEBO - beef cattle improvement program of the National Breeders Association "Herd Book Collares" on Devon cattle born from 1980 though 2005. Post weaning gain 345 adjusted (PWG345) was the evaluated trait and the INTERGEN program was employed for data analysis. Reaction norms of the 25 sires with larger offspring showed ranking exchanges and scale effect in the environmental gradient. Spearman rank correlations between genetic values obtained by AM and RNHM at low, medium and high environmental levels were used to assess selection decision based on the different models. These correlations ranged from 0.12 and 0.99, therefore showing substantial changes in ranking, particularly between those genetic values obtained by the RNHM at low level compared to the same RNHM at medium and high levels and to AM, when considering the top 5% bulls. The results indicated that the selection process should consider the genotype by environmental interaction to maximize genetic gain and production of this population in each specific environment.
Efeito da idade de desmame no desempenho reprodutivo de novilhas de corte expostas à reprodução aos 13/15 meses de idade
Authors: Vaz Ricardo Zambarda , Lobato José Fernando Piva
Published: March 2010

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar, por dois anos consecutivos, o efeito da idade de desmame no desempenho reprodutivo de 121 novilhas Braford acasaladas aos 13/15 meses de idade. Avaliaram-se duas idades de desmame - aos 77 dias pós-parto (desmame precoce); e aos 147 dias pós-parto (desmame convencional), utilizando-se 121 bezerras Braford nascidas nos anos de 2004 (66) e 2005 (55). Após o desmame, as bezerras foram mantidas, inicialmente, em pastagens cultivadas de verão (Pennisetum americanum, L.) e de inverno/primavera (Avena strigosa Schreb + Lolium multiflorum Lam). Foram avaliados o peso vivo (PV), a condição corporal (CC) e o ganho de peso médio diário (GMD) durante o período reprodutivo. O desmame precoce não ocasionou diferença significativa no peso ao início e ao final do período reprodutivo. As novilhas nascidas em 2005 apresentaram menor peso durante o período reprodutivo em relação às nascidas em 2004. O ano influenciou a condição corporal ao início e ao final do período reprodutivo, que foi, respectivamente, 4,16 e 4,29 pontos para as novilhas nascidas em 2004; e 3,57 e 3,38 pontos para as nascidas em 2005. A porcentagem de prenhez não foi influenciada pela idade de desmame (55,5 e 70,7% para novilhas do desmame precoce e as do desmame convencional, respectivamente) nem pelo ano (68,6% para novilhas nascidas em 2004 e 57,6% para as novilhas nascidas em 2005). As novilhas com diagnóstico de prenhez positivo tiveram maior desempenho reprodutivo durante a recria e o período de acasalamento em comparação àquelas com diagnóstico negativo. O desempenho reprodutivo das novilhas correlacionou-se positivamente com peso vivo e condição corporal ao início e ao final do período reprodutivo. O desmame precoce não afeta o desempenho reprodutivo de novilhas Braford aos 13/15 meses de idade.
Níveis de lisina digestível com dois balanços eletrolíticos para pintos de corte na fase inicial, de 1 a 21 dias de idade
Authors: Campestrini Evandro , Barbosa Maria José Baptista , Nunes Ricardo Vianna , Gasparino Eliane , Silva Wagner Thiago Mozer da , Khül Rodrigo
Published: March 2010

Um experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar os níveis de lisina digestível para frangos de corte na fase inicial (1 a 21 dias de idade) utilizando-se dois balanços eletrolíticos. Foram utilizados 800 pintos de corte machos, da linhagem Cobb, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 × 5, composto de cinco níveis de lisina (1,021; 1,276; 1,531; 1,786; 2,042) e dois balanços eletrolíticos (190 e 255 mEq/kg), com quatro repetições de 20 aves por unidade experimental. Houve interação para peso final, ganho de peso e consumo de ração e, com o balanço eletrolítico de 190 mEq/kg, o melhor peso final e ganho de peso foram obtidos com o nível de 1,515% de lisina. Para o balanço eletrolítico de 255 mEq/kg, o melhor peso final e ganho de peso foi observado com o nível de 1,801% de lisina digestível. A conversão alimentar melhorou de forma linear decrescente com o aumento dos níveis de lisina digestível. Os valores de ácido úrico e proteína total não diferiram, entretanto os níveis de cálcio apresentaram interação entre os balanços eletrolíticos e os níveis de lisina. A exigência de lisina digestível para a fase inicial, de 1 a 21 dias de idade, varia conforme o balanço eletrolítico da ração.
Conforto térmico e desempenho de pintos de corte submetidos a diferentes sistemas de aquecimento no período de inverno
Authors: Cordeiro Marcelo Bastos , Tinôco Ilda de Fátima Ferreira , Silva Jadir Nogueira da , Vigoderis Ricardo Brauer , Pinto Francisco de Assis de Carvalho , Cecon Paulo Roberto
Published: March 2010

Avaliou-se o efeito de três sistemas de aquecimento de aviários no conforto térmico e no desempenho de pintos de corte criados no inverno na Região Sul do Brasil. Utilizaram-se três galpões avícolas com 17.700 aves (Cobb) por galpão, em dois lotes de criação. Os sistemas de aquecimento avaliados foram: fornalha a lenha (aquecimento indireto do ar); campânulas infravermelhas a gás; e tambores de aquecimento por radiação com aquecimento suplementar de campânulas infravermelhas a gás. Para avaliação do ambiente térmico e do desempenho animal, foi utilizado delineamento em blocos casualizados, com três sistemas de aquecimento, em dois lotes de criação. Nas duas primeiras semanas de vida das aves, o sistema de tambor + campânulas é o mais eficiente em manter a temperatura e umidade relativa do ar na condição de conforto térmico das aves. Consequentemente, propicia melhores ganho de peso, conversão alimentar e eficiência produtiva.
Feeding associations between Guiana dolphins, Sotalia guianensis (Van Bénèden, 1864) and seabirds in the Lagamar estuary, Brazil
Authors: Santos MCO. , Oshima JEF. , Pacífico ES. , Silva E.
Published: March 2010

The main objective of the present study was to describe the characteristics regarding interactions between Guiana dolphins, Sotalia guianensis and seabirds in feeding associations in two distinct areas of the Lagamar estuary, Brazil. Boat-based surveys directed towards photo-identification studies of S. guianensis were conducted in the Cananéia Estuary (CE) (25° 01' S and 47° 55' W) from July 2004 to March 2008, as well as in the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (PEC) (25° 24' S and 48° 24' W) from April 2006 to February 2008. On all occasions when seabirds were observed engaging in multi-species feeding associations with S. guianensis, data on species involved and their numbers were gathered. From 435 observed groups of S. guianensis in the CE, 38 (8.7%) involved interactions with seabirds. In the PEC, from the 286 observed groups, 32 (11.2%) involved the mentioned interactions. The following seabirds were observed in feeding associations with S. guianensis: Fregata magnificens, Sula leucogaster, Phalacrocorax brasilianus, and Sterna sp. In the CE, S. leucogaster was more commonly observed in feeding associations with Guiana dolphins (χ2 = 22.84; d.f. = 3, p < 0.05), while in the PEC no differences were reported when comparing seabird species (χ2 = 5.78; d.f.=3, p = 0.1223). In the CE, feeding associations were significantly more frequent in inner waters (subset A0; χ2 = 9.52; d.f. = 2, p < 0.05), and in winter (χ2 = 12.46; d.f. = 1, p < 0.05). Within these events, 44.7% of the association groups were composed by more than one seabird species. Seasonality in feeding associations was also observed in the PEC (χ2 = 4.76; d.f. = 1, p < 0.05), with same patterns observed in the CE. Interactions were more frequent in inner waters of the Laranjeiras bay, PEC (χ2 = 11.65; d.f. = 2, p < 0.05). Within these events, 74.2% of the association groups were composed by more than one seabird species. Water transparency, prey and seabird abundance and distribution, cetacean group size, and the life cycle of prey and seabirds are listed as the main factors addressing multi-species feeding associations in the Lagamar estuary.
Evaluation and management of blue crab Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) (Decapoda - Portunidae) fishery in the Estuary of Cananéia, Iguape and Ilha Comprida, São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Mendonça JT. , Verani JR. , Nordi N.
Published: March 2010

The Estuary of Cananéia, Iguape and Ilha Comprida is a part of the Estuarine Lagoon System of Cananéia, Iguape and Paranaguá , on the south coast of São Paulo State, Brazil. It has been recognised for its high standards of environmental conservation. The objective of this paper was to assess the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) fishing in the region, from January 1998 to December 2006, and obtain supportive data to implement technical rules for the rational exploitation and resulting conservation of this resource. The results show a remarkable decrease in the fisheries' abundance index (CPUE) up to 2005, from 9.4 to 4.0 kg/hour, mainly caused by an increase in fishing effort, from 1,960 to 13,776 hours on a yearly basis. With the decrease in the fishing effort in 2005 and 2006, the abundance index reacted positively, indicating a recovery of the exploited population. Due to the lack of appropriate regulation limiting the fishing effort and organising the fluctuating admission rates of new fishermen, there is a noticeable increase of the effort, above the sustainable level. Therefore, there is a need for measures to limit and control the admission of fishermen in this activity. One of the measures to be considered is the establishment of regular periods where fishing the species is prohibited (called "defeso"), each year, especially from September to January. Another measure is to create a fishermen registry and special licenses, to limit the number of new entrants. Such actions require, for their implementation, a co-managed initiative, involving the blue crab fishermen themselves, governmental agencies and resource management researchers, and the integration of ecological, socioeconomic and cultural dimensions.
Fate of native and introduced seeds consumed by captive white-lipped and collared peccaries (Tayassu pecari, Link 1795 and Pecari tajacu, Linnaeus 1758) in the Atlantic rainforest, Brazil
Authors: Lazure L. , Bachand M. , Ansseau C. , Almeida-Cortez JS.
Published: March 2010

We studied the role of white-lipped and collared peccaries (Tayassu pecari and Pecari tajacu) as seed predators and dispersers in the Atlantic rainforest of Brazil. The Atlantic rainforest ecosystem is highly threatened and has experienced dramatic declines in its populations of large mammals. Local extinctions can disrupt essential plant-animal interactions such as seed dispersion and seed predation. We tracked seeds from time of consumption to germination to assess the direct impact peccaries have on seed survival. We offered fruits of 20 species found in the Atlantic rainforest to the peccaries. Seeds were categorised as intact, scarified, ingested or defecated, and germination tests were performed. The overall impact by both peccary species was similar. Seeds were sometime scarified by mastication, always with fatal consequences. Most seeds that were consumed were destroyed during ingestion and digestion. Only small seeds (<10 mm) were found in the feces and germination tests suggest a positive effect from the passage through the guts. Peccaries clearly have a double role as both seed predators and as small seeds dispersers, which is a specialised role within the granivore/frugivore community of the Atlantic rainforest.
Evidence of higher photosynthetic plasticity in the early successional Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. compared to the late successional Hymenaea courbaril L. grown in contrasting light environments
Authors: Portes MT. , Damineli DSC. , Ribeiro RV. , Monteiro JAF. , Souza GM.
Published: March 2010

The present study investigated changes in photosynthetic characteristics of Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. (early successional species) and Hymenaea courbaril L. (late successional species) grown in contrasting light conditions as a way of assessing photosynthetic plasticity. Early successional species typically inhabit gap environments being exposed to variability in multiple resources, hence it is expected that these species would show higher photosynthetic plasticity than late successional ones. In order to test this hypothesis, light and CO2 response curves and chlorophyll content (Chl) were measured in plants grown in high and low light environments. G. ulmifolia presented the highest amounts of both Chl a and b, especially in the low light, and both species presented higher Chl a than b in both light conditions. The Chl a/b ratio was higher in high light leaves of both species and greater in G. ulmifolia. Taken together, these results evidence the acclimation potential of both species, reflecting the capacity to modulate light harvesting complexes according to the light environment. However, G. ulmifolia showed evidence of higher photosynthetic plasticity, as indicated by the greater amplitude of variation on photosynthetic characteristics between environments shown by more significant shade adjusted parameters (SAC) and principal component analysis (PCA). Thus, the results obtained were coherent with the hypothesis that the early successional species G. ulmifolia exhibits higher photosynthetic plasticity than the late successional species H. courbaril.
Nesting ecology of Podocnemis expansa (Schweigger, 1812) and Podocnemis unifilis (Troschel, 1848) (Testudines, Podocnemididae) in the Javaés River, Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Júnior PD. , Castro PTA.
Published: March 2010

Nest site has influence on incubation duration and hatching success of two Neotropical turtles, the Giant Amazon River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) and Yellow-Spotted Side-Neck Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis - "Tracajá"). The 2000 and 2001 nesting seasons have been monitored at the Javaés River in Bananal Island, Brazil. Although they nest on the same beaches, there is a separation of the nesting areas of P unifilis and P. expansa nests on the upper parts of the beach. The incubation duration for P. expansa is influenced by the nesting period, the height of the nest from the river, the clutch size, and the grain size in the site of the nest. Nests of Podocnemis expansa placed in coarse sediments have shorter incubation duration than those placed in finer sediments. The hatching success in P. expansa is influenced by grain size, incubation duration, and nesting period. The grain size is negatively correlated with hatching success, indicating that the nests situated in finer-grained sand have better chances of successful egg hatching than those in coarser-grained sand. Nests of the end of the reproductive season have lower hatching success and incubation duration than those at the start of the season. For P. unifilis, the nesting period and nest depth influence the incubation duration; moreover, the river dynamics significantly affect the hatching success. The oscillation of the river level and the moment of initial increase, the height of the nest from the river level, and the nesting period are all decisive components for hatching success. The results of this research show the importance of protecting areas with great geological diversity, wherein the features of the environment can affect the microenvironment of nests, with consequences on incubation duration and hatching success.
The use of PCR-RFLP to genetically distinguish the morphologically close species: Ceriodaphnia dubia Richard, 1894 and Ceriodaphnia silvestrii Daday, 1902 (Crustacea Cladocera)
Authors: Abreu MJ. , Santos-Wisniewski MJ. , Rocha O. , Orlando TC.
Published: March 2010

The cladocerans are important components of planktonic and benthic freshwater and good indicators of the trophic state of water bodies. The morphological taxonomy of many species of Cladocera is considered complex with minor differences separating some species. Nowadays, molecular techniques provide a powerful tool to identify and classify different taxonomical levels, using mainly ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA) as molecular markers. In the present work we performed PCR-RFLP to separate Ceriodaphnia dubia, an exotic species in Brazil and the native species Ceriodaphnia silvestrii, widely distributed in Brazilian freshwater. The RFLP analysis of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of rRNA genes showed to be different between C. dubia and C. silvestrii when using enzymes EcoRI, ApaI and SalI. Thus, the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region proved to be a useful molecular marker to differentiate the studied Ceriodaphnia species, which makes the task easier of telling apart species that are morphologically very similar. Also, this methodology might be interesting in determining the distribution of the exotic species C. dubia in Brazilian freshwaters, particularly in cases when C. dubia occurs in the absence of C. silvestrii, a particularly difficult task for ecologists who are not taxonomy specialists.
Lipids analysis in hemolymph of African giant Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822) exposed to different photoperiods
Authors: Lustrino D. , Tunholi-Alves VM. , Tunholi VM. , Marassi MP. , Pinheiro J.
Published: March 2010

The influence of different photophases (0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours) on the triglycerides and total cholesterol contents in the hemolymph of A. fulica was evaluated, since there is no information in the literature about the influence of this factor on lipids metabolism in mollusks. After 2 and 4 weeks of exposure the snails were dissected. The cholesterol content at the 2nd and 4th weeks post exposure only varied significantly in the groups exposed at 24 hours and 0 hour of photophase, respectively. Probably, such increase may be a result of a rise in cholesterol biosynthesis and/or remodelling of cell membranes. There were no significant differences among the content of triglycerides in the snails exposed to 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours of photophase during two weeks. The snails exposed to intermediate photophase (6 and 12 hours) had the triglycerides content increased, ranging over values near to those observed in the group exposed to 0 hour. Results showed that triglycerides metabolism in A. fulica are more influenced by photoperiod than cholesterol metabolism. A negative relation is maintained between the triglycerides content in the hemolymph and the different photophases, with lower mobilisation of triglycerides under shorter photophases.
Somatic development and embryo yield in crossbred F1 mice generated by different mating strategies
Authors: Batista RITP. , Wohlres-Viana S. , Pinto ISB. , Maffili VV. , Viana JHM.
Published: March 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate different mating strategies among endogamic strains to create F1 populations of mice, minimising the effect of inbreeding depression on somatic development and embryo yield. Females from the strains Swiss, CBA and C57Bl/6 were divided in nine experimental mate arrangements. The total numbers of pups born alive per dam and somatic development, estimated by weighing and measuring the crown-rump length, were recorded. Superovulation response was evaluated in outbreed females. Litter size differed among endogamic dams, irrespective of the sire. Somatic development results suggest heterosis and imprinting phenomena, once a differential parental effect was demonstrated. There was no difference in corpora lutea, ova or embryos recovered (P > 0.05), but recovery and viability rates differ among F1 groups (P < 0.05). The association of dam prolificity with somatic development and superovulation response of the pups should be considered for experimental F1 populations establishment. The use of outbreed animals, however, did not reduce response variability to hormone treatment.
Angiogenic activity of Synadenium umbellatum Pax latex
Authors: Melo-Reis PR. , Andrade LS. , Silva CB. , Araújo LMM. , Pereira MS. , Mrue F. , Chen-Chen L.
Published: March 2010

Synadenium umbellatum Pax, popularly known as "cola-nota", is a medicinal plant that grows in tropical regions. Latex of this plant is used to treat various diseases such as diabetes mellitus, Hansen´s disease, tripanosomiases, leukemia and several malignant tumors. In the present study, the angiogenic activity of S. umbellatum latex was evaluated using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Results showed significant increase of the vascular net (p < 0.05) compared to the negative control (H2O). The histological analysis was in accordance with the results obtained. In conclusion, our data indicate that S. umbellatum latex, under the conditions of this research, presented angiogenic effect.
When decisions on homologous structures cause ambiguous taxa relationships: the Neomorphinae (Aves, Cuculidae) example
Authors: Posso SR. , Donatelli RJ.
Published: March 2010

The anatomy of Neomorphinae is poorly understood and the systematics of this sub-family is also the most controversial of the cuckoo taxa, mainly with regard to the systematic position of Tapera and Dromococcyx. In this study, morphological similarities of the Neomorphinae are discussed after a comprehensive description of the cranial osteology was conducted in seven species, embracing all the Neomorphinae genera. This description is followed by comparisons with other cuckoos in order to contribute to the anatomy and systematics of this sub-family. In this way, we provide illustrations that enable the osteological descriptions and the proposed primary homologies to be visualised and compared. Even though Neomorphinae species share many cranial osteological characteristics, there are some anatomical divergences that allowed us to divide them into two distinct groups: (Dromococcyx/Tapera) and (Morococcyx(Neomorphus/Geococcyx )). After comparisons among all cuckoos this study suggests that Neomorphinae are more similar to Crotophaginae and Couinae than to other sub-families of cuckoos. Our results contrast with a recent phylogenetic study based on morphological features, mainly because alternative interpretations to the primary osteological homologies in this study grouped Tapera and Dromococcyx with Cuculinae. Although morphological studies can be used in phylogenetic analysis, we demonstrated here that decisions in the interpretation of the homologies can provide ambiguous results.
Isolation and experimental infection with Vibrio alginolyticus in the sea horse, Hippocampus reidi Ginsburg, 1933 (Osteichthyes: Syngnathidae) in Brazil
Authors: Martins ML. , Mouriño JLP. , Fezer GF. , Buglione Neto CC. , Garcia P. , Silva BC. , Jatobá A. , Vieira FN.
Published: March 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pathogenicity of Vibrio alginolyticus isolated from an outbreak of sea horse Hippocampus reidi reared in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, by experimental infection. Sea horses with necrosis on the mouth epithelium were collected from aquaria at the Aquaculture Department, UFSC and the bacterium isolated from the mouth, liver, heart and blood in tiosulphate citrate bilesalt sucrose agar broth. The strains were identified by API 20E kit with 99.1% probability as Vibrio alginolyticus. Twelve adult sea horses (9.63 ± 2.42 g and 15.12 ± 0.87 cm) were distributed in six aquaria of 10 L capacity with aerated sea water. Fish from three aquaria were submitted to an immersion bath in a solution containing 1.0 × 10(7) CFU of V. alginolyticus/mL for 15 minutes. Fish from the other three aquaria received the same procedure without bacteria. Twenty four hours after this challenge, 100% mortality was observed in the animals infected with V. alginolyticus. No mortality was observed in non-infected fish. Hyperplasia, displacement and fusion of secondary lamellae of the gills; leukocyte infiltration and necrotic foci in the kidney; hyperplasia, sinusoidal deformation and necrotic foci in the liver were observed in histopathological analysis. The V. alginolyticus isolated in this study was pathogenic to H. reidi and constitutes an important sanitary problem to its culture.
Tumores benignos produtores de osso na coluna: estudo de 30 casos
Authors: Avanzi Osmar , Meves Robert , Caffaro Maria Fernanda Silber , Chalouhi José Moussa
Published: March 2010

OBJETIVO: o osteoma osteoide e o osteoblastoma são tumores benignos do osso incomuns. Diante da raridade dessas neoplasias e de literatura nacional escassa, em especial no que tange à coluna, realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo com a experiência adquirida no trato desses pacientes por 27 anos, obtendo uma expressiva série de casos para descrição dos resultados do tratamento. MÉTODOS: avaliação de prontuários e exames laboratoriais de 30 pacientes, com um seguimento médio de 47 meses, tratados entre 1975 e 2002. RESULTADOS: em relação ao osteoma osteoide (16 pacientes), verificou-se que a deformidade e a presença de dor foram queixas principais para o diagnóstico precoce. O prognóstico foi satisfatório após a ressecção do tumor. Nos portadores de osteoblastoma (14 pacientes), a apresentação clínica foi mais agressiva, com presença de disfunção neurológica (quatro pacientes) e recidiva da lesão após ressecção cirúrgica da neoplasia (quatro pacientes). CONCLUSÕES: apesar da opção da radioterapia e embolização nos casos inoperáveis, o tratamento definitivo desses tumores foi a ressecção cirúrgica do tumor.
Estudo prospectivo de avaliação de dor e incapacidade de pacientes operados de estenose de canal lombar com seguimento mínimo de dois anos
Authors: Valesin Filho Edgar Santiago , Ueno Fabricio Hidetoshi , Cabral Luciano Temporal Borges , Yonezaki Adriano Masayuki , Nicolau Rodrigo Junqueira , Rodrigues Luciano Miller Reis
Published: March 2010

OBJETIVO: realizar uma análise prospectiva de dor e incapacidade em pacientes operados de estenose de canal lombar após dois anos do procedimento através da escala VAS e Roland Morris. MÉTODOS: trinta e oito pacientes foram avaliados por meio dos questionários em um momento pré-operatório, pós-operatório um mês, seis meses, um ano e dois anos, tendo sido realizada descompressão e artrodese com instrumentação pedicular associada. RESULTADOS: foi observado melhora nas análises comparativas de dor e incapacidade no decorrer do seguimento em relação aos valores iniciais, porém uma tendência à estabilização do quadro com sua evolução. CONCLUSÃO: o tratamento cirúrgico da estenose do canal lombar, quando criteriosamente indicado, melhora a dor e a incapacidade após dois anos de seguimento.
Perfil funcional de locomoção em um grupo de pacientes com lesão medular atendidos em um centro de reabilitação
Authors: Franzoi Ana Cristina , Baptista Ana Luiza , Carvalho Ana Maria , Gonçalves Wagner , Rosa Anna Christina Boari , Pinto Alexandre , Carvalho Kátia Regina
Published: March 2010

OBJETIVO: descrever o perfil de locomoção de um grupo de pacientes com lesão medular (LM), correlacionando-o com as características da amostra. MÉTODOS: setenta pacientes (50 com LM traumática e 20 com LM não-traumática). Instrumentos: Classificação Funcional da Marcha Modificada (CFMM), WISCI-II, Escala de Ashworth Modificada (EAM), Classificação AIS, Lower Extremities Muscle Score (AIS-LEMS). Estatística: descritiva, comparação entre grupos, testes de correlação considerando p<0,05. RESULTADOS: a média da idade dos pacientes foi de 36 anos; 72,9% dos pacientes eram homens; tempo médio de lesão: 4,7 anos; AIS: 38,6% A, 10% B, 22,8% C, 28,6% D; Nível de lesão: 32,8% cervical, 52,9% torácico, 14,3% lombossacro. Causas mais frequentes: PAF 30%; acidente automobilístico 18,6%; CFMM: CR 34,3%; marcha terapêutica 20%; domiciliar 12,8%; comunitária 32,9%. WISCI-II: 7,5. AIS-LEMS: 13,4. Houve diferença entre os grupos LM traumática e não-traumática quanto à idade, sexo, AIS, AIS-LEMS, CFMM e WISCI-II. Correlações significativas: AIS correlacionou-se positivamente com CFMM, WISCI-II, AIS-LEMS. Nível de lesão correlacionado negativamente com EAM. AIS-LEMS positivamente com a AIS, CFMM, WISCI-II e negativamente com apoio e órteses na deambulação. O tempo de lesão e a presença de dor incapacitante não se correlacionaram com as variáveis estudadas. CONCLUSÕES: o grupo de LM traumática era composto por pacientes mais jovens e com maior prevalência de lesão completa. A idade se correlacionou com o uso de aparelhos de auxílio à marcha e órteses. O desempenho funcional da marcha esteve ligado à AIS e ao AIS-LEMS, sendo que a marcha comunitária necessitou de um AIS-LEMS de pelo menos 32 pontos.
Avaliação do efeito antinociceptivo do fentanil transdérmico no controle da dor lombar pós-operatória
Authors: Lauretti Gabriela Rocha , Trevellin Wilder , Mattos Anita Leocádia de , Righeti Cláudia Cristiane Feracini , Pacchioni Alexandre
Published: March 2010

OBJETIVO: pacientes submetidos à laminectomia por via posterior geralmente reclamam de dor severa. A aplicação por via transdérmica de fentanil resulta em sua liberação contínua e poderia ser útil no controle da dor. Este estudo visou avaliar a eficácia do fentanil (F) transdérmico em dor aguda pós-operatória secundária à laminectomia por via posterior. MÉTODOS: após aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa e consentimento adquirido, 24 pacientes foram distribuídos de forma aleatória e duplamente encoberta em dois grupos, sendo que 12 pacientes receberam o adesivo de F transdérmico (25 mcg/h) e outros 12 receberam o adesivo placebo. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à laminectomia posterior, sob anestesia geral padronizada. Os adesivos transdérmicos foram colocados nos pacientes dez horas antes do início da cirurgia e removidos 24 horas após o término dessa. Cetoprofeno por via venosa foi administrado no início da cirurgia, dipirona estava disponível para analgesia de resgate, se necessário, a intervalos mínimos de seis horas. RESULTADOS: os pacientes que receberam F transdérmico apresentaram redução de 60% no consumo de dipirona no período pós-operatório (p<0,05); e menor VAS para dor após a 12ª hora, o que se manteve até a 36ª hora de avaliação (p<0,02). Os parâmetros fisiológicos variaram dentro dos limites de normalidade e foram semelhantes entre os grupos. A incidência de efeitos adversos foi similar entre os grupos, sendo constatado apenas eritema local no Grupo F transdérmico (30 versus 5%, p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: o adesivo transdérmico de F associado ao cetoprofeno foi efetivo em controlar a dor pós-operatória após laminectomia por via posterior, com tolerância e segurança semelhante ao Grupo Placebo.
Quantas medidas de pressões respiratórias são necessárias para se obterem medidas máximas em pacientes com tetraplegia?
Authors: Gastaldi Ada Clarice , Freitas Filho Getúlio Antonio de , Pereira Ana Paula Manfio , Silveira Janne Marques
Published: March 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: pressões inspiratórias (PImax) ou expiratórias (PEmax) máximas constituem um método simples e não-invasivo para avaliação da força de músculos respiratórios e auxiliam a identificação de fraqueza dos músculos respiratórios, presente em diversas doenças e situações clínicas, como a tetraplegia. OBJETIVO: avaliar o número de manobras necessárias para atingir as pressões máximas em pacientes com tetraplegia. MÉTODOS: oito pacientes com tetraplegia (sete homens), média de idade de 37,8±11,96 anos, com diagnóstico de lesão raquimedular cervical completa realizaram 10 medidas de PImax e PEmax nas posições sentada e deitada, totalizando 320 medidas. Os dados foram comparados pelo teste de Wilcoxon (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: as medidas obtidas na primeira e décima medidas de PImax na posição sentada variaram de 74,1±15,1 a 74,8±19,8 cmH2O e de PEmax de 32,4±6,8 a 32,4±9,0 cmH2O; na posição deitada, de 76,5±18,6 a 91,1±13,3 cmH2O (p<0,05) e de 32,5±5,8 a 32,9±5,1 cmH2O, respectivamente. Os resultados das 3 e 5 primeiras medidas com 10 medidas de PImax na posição sentada foram 81,1±19,5 cmH2O; 81,5±18,8 cmH2O e 83,0±18,9 cmH2O e de PEmax 35,0±8,2 cmH2O; 35,3±7,9 cmH2O e 36,8±8,0 cmH2O. A PImax na posição deitada foi 90,3±17,8 cmH2O; 94,6±16,0 cmH2O e 97,4±17,8 cmH2O (p<0,05) e a PEmax 33,3±5,8 cmH2O; 35,6±5,4 cmH2O e 36,9±4,9 cmH2O). O maior valor foi observado a partir da sexta medida em 40% dos testes. CONCLUSÃO: Para obtenção de valores máximos de pressões respiratórias em pacientes com tetraplegia, é necessária a repetição de ao menos dez medidas em cada avaliação.
Estudo microscópico da interface implante-osso vertebral e sua relação com o modo de preparo do orifício piloto
Authors: Vendrame José Roberto Benites , Garcia Sérgio Brito , Thomazini José Antonio , Lutfala Michel Carrijo , Defino Helton LA
Published: March 2010

OBJETIVO: estudar as alterações do tecido ósseo da interface entre o implante e o osso da vértebra submetido ao preparo do orifício piloto por meio de sonda, broca e broca seguida de macheamento. MÉTODOS: foram utilizadas três vértebras lombares (l2-L3-L4) de cadáveres humanos adultos do sexo masculino. No interior dos pedículos vertebrais, foram inseridos parafusos de 6 mm de diâmetro externo do sistema USIS de fixação vertebral. O preparo do orifício piloto para a inserção dos parafusos nos pedículos vertebrais foi realizado por meio de sonda, broca ou broca seguida de macheamento. As vértebras foram preparadas para o estudo em microscopia de luz e foi avaliado o coeficiente de fragmentação por meio da relação entre a porcentagem da área ocupada por tecido ósseo na região próxima do implante e no osso normal. RESULTADOS: o coeficiente de fragmentação foi menor, com diferença estatística, no grupo do orifício piloto preparado com sonda em relação ao orifício piloto preparado com broca ou broca seguida de macheamento. CONCLUSÃO: o menor coeficiente de fragmentação observado com a utilização da sonda para a realização do orifício piloto indica a maior compactação do osso na interface entre o implante e o osso da vértebra
Stat5 promotes metastatic behavior of human prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Gu Lei , Vogiatzi Paraskevi , Puhr Martin , Dagvadorj Ayush , Lutz Jacqueline , Ryder Amy , Addya Sankar , Fortina Paolo , Cooper Carlton , Leiby Benjamin , Dasgupta Abhijit , Hyslop Terry , Bubendorf Lukas , Alanen Kalle , Mirtti Tuomas , Nevalainen Marja T
Published: March 2010

There are no effective therapies for disseminated prostate cancer. Constitutive activation of Stat5 in prostate cancer is associated with cancer lesions of high histological grade. We have shown that Stat5 is activated in 61% of distant metastases of clinical prostate cancer. Active Stat5 increased metastases formation of prostate cancer cells in nude mice by 11-fold in an experimental metastases assay. Active Stat5 promoted migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells, and induced rearrangement of the microtubule network. Active Stat5 expression was associated with decreased cell surface E-cadherin levels, while heterotypic adhesion of prostate cancer cells to endothelial cells was stimulated by active Stat5. Activation of Stat5 and Stat5-induced binding of prostate cancer cells to endothelial cells were decreased by inhibition of Src but not of Jak2. Gene expression profiling indicated that 21% of Stat5-regulated genes in prostate cancer cells were related to metastases, while 7.9% were related to proliferation and 3.9% to apoptosis. The work presented here provides the first evidence of Stat5 involvement in the induction of metastatic behavior of human prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Stat5 may provide a therapeutic target protein for disseminated prostate cancer.
Role of the high mobility group A proteins in the regulation of pituitary cell cycle
Authors: Fedele Monica , Fusco Alfredo
Published: March 2010

Pituitary cells are particularly sensitive to alterations of the cell cycle machinery. In fact, mutations affecting expression of proteins critical for cell cycle progression, including retinoblastoma protein, cyclins D1 and D3, p16INK4A, and p27kip1, are frequent in human pituitary adenomas. Similarly, both targeted disruption and overexpression of either cell cycle inhibitors or activators, respectively, lead to the development of pituitary adenomas in mice. Recent evidence has added the high mobility group A (HMGA) proteins as a new class of cell cycle regulators that play significant roles in the pathways that lead to pituitary tumor evolution in both humans and experimental animal models. Here, we first review the role of the cell cycle in pituitary tumorigenesis, as witnessed by human pathology and transgenic mice; and then, we focus on HMGA proteins and their cell cycle-related role in pituitary tumorigenesis.
Flowback Performance in Intensely Naturally Fractured Shale Gas Reservoirs
Authors: W. Crafton James
Published: March 2010

In an attempt to quantify post-stimulation flowback strategies, especially for high value wells with multi-stage stimulations, this study compares observed flowback production histories with multi-phase numerical simulation of flow in multiple fractures of various conductivities. A "fit for purpose" finite difference simulator is able to treat the numerical problem of extremely high transmissibility contrast ratios in the fracture patterns with multi-phase flow in the fractures. After simulation of several systems, it became apparent that the greatest behavioral contrast was between gas and liquid-filled fracture systems, regardless of the fracture intensity. The results from this study offer insight into the effect of high versus low rate or drawdown flowbacks in the two systems. It suggests potential stimulation strategies for the maximization of long-term productivity, especially in multi-stage stimulation scenarios.
Factors Influencing the Entrepreneurial Attitude of Taiwanese Tertiary-Level Business Students
Authors: Chen Yu-Fen , Lai Ming-Chuan
Published: March 2010

A model of attitude toward entrepreneurship and the factors influencing this were tested with students in the business department at technological colleges and universities in Taiwan. Personality traits were adopted as the independent variable, environmental cognition as the intervening
variable, and attitude toward entrepreneurship as the dependent variable. Survey questionnaires (1,085) were distributed to students of which 881 were returned, and 792 of these were valid. The responses were analyzed using stepwise regression and LISREL. Results indicated that student attitude
toward entrepreneurship was affected by environmental cognition and personality traits, which indirectly affected attitude toward entrepreneurship.
Safety Climate and Relational Conflict in the Eyes of Team Members: Examining the Role of Need for Closure
Authors: Chi Shu-Cheng Steve , Huang Chiung-Yi , Chang Artemis
Published: March 2010

This study was aimed at examining the safety climate and relational conflict within teams at the individual level. A sample of 372 respondents, divided into 50 teams, was used to test our hypothesis. It was proposed – and discovered – that team members' individual differences
in need for closure mitigated the negative relationship between perceptions of team safety climate and team relational conflict. The implications of our findings and the study's limitations are discussed.
The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Conflict-Handling Styles in Terms of Relative Authority Positions of the Two Parties
Authors: Ergeneli Azize , Camgoz Selin Metin , Karapinar Pinar Bayhan
Published: March 2010

The aim in this study was to investigate the effect of self-efficacy, as an individual predisposition, on preference of conflict-handling style, and also to explore whether or not the presumed relationships would differ according to the relative authority position of the two parties
(superior versus peer). The sample was composed of 205 participants working in a textile manufacturing company. Rahim's Organizational Conflict Scale (1983) and the General Self-efficacy Scale (Schwarzer & Jerusalem, 1993, 2000) were used to measure conflict-handling style and self-efficacy,
respectively. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that individuals high in self-efficacy are likely to use an integrating style for handling conflict with peers, whereas, when conflict occurs with superiors, individuals low in self-efficacy prefer to use compromising and/or avoiding
styles. However, the effects of self-efficacy on dominating and obliging conflict-handling styles were found not to be significant with either superiors or peers.
Health Behaviors in Health Sciences University Students in Turkey
Authors: Karadağ Mevlüde , Yıldırım Nurcan
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this descriptive and cross-sectional study was to find out how healthy students' lifestyles were and 320 students (85.33%) formed the sample. Instruments used were: a questionnaire prepared by the researchers, the Health Promoting Lifestyles Profile (HPLP; Walker, Sechrist,
& Pender, 1987), the Ways of Coping with Stressful Life Events List (WCCL; Aysan, 1988, 1994), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI; Hisli, 1988; Sahin, 1989; Teğin, 1980). SPSS was used for data analysis. The students' HPLP mean total score was averaged with the highest subscale
score for self-actualization and the lowest for exercise. Mean scores on the WCLL for the problem focused and seeks social support subscales were lower than blamed self, wishful thinking, and avoidance mean scores. The mean score gained on the Beck Depression Inventory was 14.31 (SD
= 11.06). Results suggest that these students do not have enough information about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and were not using effective methods for coping with stress; and 40% of them were depressed.
Conflict Resolution Strategies and Organizational Citizenship Behavior: The Moderating Role of Trait Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Salami Samuel O.
Published: March 2010

The relationship between conflict resolution strategies and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and the moderating role of trait Emotional Intelligence (EI) were investigated. Participants were 320 public servants (male = 180, female = 140) randomly selected from 5 states in southwestern
Nigeria. Measures of trait EI, OCB, and conflict resolution strategies were administered to the respondents, and multiple regression was used to analyze the data collected. The results indicate that forcing and withdrawing strategies negatively and significantly predicted OCB. Confronting,
compromising, and smoothing strategies significantly predicted OCB. Trait EI moderated the relationship between OCB and forcing and withdrawing strategies. It was recommended that counseling and organizational psychologists should design trait EI education and training in conflict resolution
for both subordinates and superiors in work organizations.
An Empirical Study of the Training Evaluation Decision-Making Model to Measure Training Outcome
Authors: Hung Tsang-Kai
Published: March 2010

In terms of training evaluation, most human resource development (HRD) or training professionals as program suppliers are usually limited to course-level trainee satisfaction. The training evaluation practice framework can be originally linked to Kirkpartrick (1959). The purpose in
this study was to explore the key important factors that affect the relationship between HRD professionals and training evaluation by establishing a decision-making model of training evaluation practices using fuzzy concept (Van Laarhoven & Pedrycz, 1983) and grey relation analysis (Deng,
1982), that is, a quantitative method. This could guide HRD or training professionals when making the decisions about which evaluation level can be viewed as the priority to be implemented by looking at their own organizational characteristics.
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis versus exogenous lipoid pneumonia showing crazy-paving pattern: Comparison of their clinical features and high-resolution CT findings
Authors: Choi Hei Kyung , Park Chang Min , Goo Jin Mo , Lee Hyun Ju
Published: March 2010

Background: Although pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) and exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP) require different treatment strategies, both manifest as a crazy-paving pattern on CT and often have similar clinical manifestations and radiologic features.

Purpose: To investigate the clinical features and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings of PAP and ELP showing the crazy-paving pattern.

Material and Methods: The clinical features and HRCT findings of eight patients with pathologically proven PAP and six patients with pathologically proven ELP showing the crazy-paving pattern were retrospectively evaluated. Two radiologists analyzed the HRCT findings of PAP and ELP in consensus in terms of the presence, severity, and extent of illdefined centrilobular nodules, consolidations, ground-glass opacities (GGOs), reticulations, and the crazy-paving pattern.

Results: With respect to the clinical features of these two diseases, all patients with ELP were retrospectively found to have a history of oil ingestion. In terms of the HRCT findings, ill-defined centrilobular nodules were seen in five of six patients (83%) with ELP, whereas they were not present in any patient with PAP ( P=0.003). Consolidation was also more frequently present in patients with ELP (83%) than in those with PAP (11%), which was statistically different ( P=0.0265). In terms of the severity and extent, the crazy-paving pattern and reticulations on HRCT were significantly more extensive and severe in patients with PAP than in those with ELP.

Conclusion: PAP and ELP with the crazy-paving pattern have several distinctive characteristics with respect to their HRCT findings as well as history of oil ingestion, and can therefore be distinguished from one another.
Thermostable glucose isomerase from psychrotolerant Streptomyces species
Authors: Dhungel Bidur , Subedi Manoj , Tiwari Kiran Babu , Shrestha Upendra Thapa , Pokhrel Subarna , Agrawal Vishwanath Prasad
Published: March 2010

Glucose isomerase (EC 5.3.1.5) was extracted from Streptomyces spp., isolated from Mt. Everest soil sample, and purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and Sepharose-4B chromatography. A 7.1 fold increase in specific activity of the purified enzyme over crude was observed. Using glucose as substrate, the Michaelis constant (KM<) and maximal velocity (Vmax) were found to be 0.45M and 0.18U/mg. respectively. The optimum substrate (glucose) concentration, optimum enzyme concentration, optimum pH, optimum temperature, and optimum reaction time were 0.6M, 62.14μg/100μl, 6.9, 70ºC, and 30 minutes, respectively. Optimum concentrations of Mg2+ and Co2+ were 5mM and 0.5mM, respectively. The enzyme was thermostable with half-life 30 minutes at 100ºC.DOI: 10.3126/ijls.v1i0.2300 Int J Life Sci 1 : 6-10