bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Human Ozone Challenge Model as a Tool for Assessing Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs in Early Development
Authors: Holz Olaf , Tal‐Singer Ruth , Kanniess Frank , Simpson Kathy J. , Gibson Anthony , Vessey Rupert S. J. , Janicki Stanislawa , Magnussen Helgo , Jörres Rudolf A. , Richter Kai
Published: April 2005

This study aimed to test the utility of the ozone challenge model for profiling novel compounds designed to reduce airway inflammation. The authors used a randomized, double‐dummy, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled 3‐period crossover design alternating single orally inhaled doses of fluticasone propionate (inhaled corticosteroids, 2 mg), oral prednisolone (oral corticosteroids, 50 mg), or matched placebo. Ata 2‐week interval, 18 healthy ozone responders (>10% increase in sputum neutrophils) underwent a 3‐hour ozone (250 ppb)/intermittent exercise challenge starting 1 hour after drug treatment. Airway inflammation was assessed at 2 hours (breath condensate) and 3 hours (induced sputum) after ozone challenge. Compared to placebo, pretreatment with inhaled corticosteroids or oral corticosteroids resulted in a significant reduction (mean [95% confidence interval]) of sputum neutrophils by 62% (35%, 77%) and 64% (39%, 79%) and of sputum supernatant myeloperoxidase by 55% (41%, 66%) and 42% (25%, 56%), respectively. The authors conclude that an optimized ozone challenge model (including ozone responders and ensuring adequate drug levels during exposure) may be useful for testing novel anti‐inflammatory compounds in early development.
Steady‐State Pharmacokinetics of Galantamine Are Not Affected by Addition of Memantine in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Yao Caiping , Raoufinia Arash , Gold Michael , Nye Jeffrey S. , Ramael Steven , Padmanabhan Mukund , Walschap Yolande , Verhaeghe Tom , Zhao Qinying
Published: April 2005

To evaluate the effect of multiple doses of memantine on the pharmacokinetics of galantamine and to assess the safety and tolerability of galantamine with adjunctive memantine treatment, an open‐label, single‐center, drug interaction study was conducted in 16 healthy adults. Subjects received an 8‐mg dose of galantamine extended release once daily during week 1 and a 16‐mg dose of galantamine extended release once daily during week 2. During weeks 3 and 4, they received a 16‐mg dose of galantamine extended release once daily and a 10‐mg dose of memantine twice daily, except on days 1 and 2 of week 3, when memantine was given as 10 mg once daily. The pharmacokinetic profile and parameters of galantamine at steady state were similar after administration of a 16‐mg dose of galantamine once daily alone and after administration with a 10‐mg dose of memantine twice daily. Galantamine 16 mg once daily with adjunctive memantine 10 mg twice daily was well tolerated and safe in healthy subjects.
Blood Concentrations of Everolimus Are Markedly Increased by Ketoconazole
Authors: Kovarik J. M. , Beyer D. , Bizot M. N. , Jiang Q. , Shenouda M. , Schmouder R. L.
Published: April 2005

The authors sought to quantify the influence of the CYP3A and P‐glycoprotein inhibitor ketoconazole on the pharmacokinetics of everolimus in healthy subjects. This was a 2‐period, single‐sequence, crossover study in 12 healthy subjects. In period 1, subjects received the reference treatment of a single 2‐mg dose of everolimus. In period 2, they received the test treatment of ketoconazole 200 mg twice daily for a total of 8 days and a single dose of everolimus coadministered on the fourth day of ketoconazole therapy. The test/reference ratio and 90% confidence interval were derived for everolimus maximum concentration and area under the curve. During ketoconazole coadministration, everolimus maximum concentration increased 3.9‐fold (90% confidence interval, 3.4–4.6) from 15 ± 4 ng/mL to 59 ± 13 ng/mL. Everolimus area under the curve increased 15.0‐fold (90% confidence interval, 13.6–16.6) from 90 ± 23 ng•h/mL to 1324 ± 232 ng•h/mL. Everolimus half‐life was prolonged by 1.9‐fold from 30 ± 4 hours to 56 ± 5 hours. Everolimus did not appear to alter ketoconazole predose concentrations. Given the magnitude of this drug interaction, use of ketoconazole should be avoided if possible in everolimus‐treated patients.
The Instrumental Use of European Union Conditionality: Regionalization in the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Authors: Brusis Martin
Published: April 2005

Numerous Central and Eastern European countries have restructured their regional level of public administration in the context of their accession to the European Union. Focusing on the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the article studies how the EU has influenced the institutionalization of regions and regional self-government. Regionalization may have been driven mainly by EU conditionality or, as a competing explanation suggests, more by domestic factors. The article argues that the EU altered the opportunity structure faced by domestic actors but that its role was more complementary than decisive. Czech and Slovak governments instrumentalized a perceived EU conditionality to promote their own political objectives. These findings demonstrate that a top-down concept of conditionality lends itself to fallacies and should be substantiated by reconstructing the domestic politics of Europeanization.
A Time of Crisis—A Crisis of (the Sense of) Time: The Political Production of Time in Communism and Its Relevance for the Postcommunist Debates
Authors: Bradatan Costica
Published: April 2005

A haunting theme in today’s debates over postcommunism is the necessity of facing the past. Ironically, what those people in East Europe and Russia having to face their past lack most is precisely a proper understanding of what the past is. This is because one of the major losses they suffered under communist regimes was their proper sense of time. In my article, I analyze how in the communist context, time (and people’s sense of it) was produced politically and how the communist political imaginary presupposed as one of its essential ingredients a systematic disruption of (and interference into) people’s sense of time. In the final part, I briefly point to the fact that a successful confrontation with the past can start only with a recovery of these people’s sense of their temporal situation in the world.
The accuracy of the report of hepatic steatosis on ultrasonography in patients infected with hepatitis C in a clinical setting: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Hepburn Matthew J , Vos Jeffrey A , Fillman Eric P , Lawitz Eric J
Published: April 2005

Background

Steatosis is occasionally reported during screening ultrasonography in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). We conducted a retrospective observational study to assess the factors associated with steatosis on ultrasonography and the relationship between steatosis on ultrasound versus biopsy in patients infected with HCV in a clinical setting. Our hypothesis was ultrasonography would perform poorly for the detection of steatosis outside of the context of a controlled study, primarily due to false-positive results caused by hepatic fibrosis and inflammation.

Methods

A retrospective review of ultrasound reports was conducted on patients infected with HCV in a tertiary care gastroenterology clinic. Reports were reviewed for the specific documentation of the presence of steatosis. Baseline clinical and histologic parameters were recorded, and compared for patients with vs. without steatosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed on these baseline variables. Liver biopsies were reviewed by two pathologists, and graded for steatosis. Steatosis on biopsy was compared to steatosis on ultrasound report, and the performance characteristics of ultrasonography were calculated, using biopsy as the gold standard.

Results

Ultrasound reports were available on 164 patients. Patients with steatosis on ultrasound had a higher incidence of the following parameters compared to patients without steatosis: diabetes (12/49 [24%] vs. 7/115 [6%], p < 0.001), fibrosis stage >2 (15/48 [31%] vs. 16/110 [15%], p = 0.02), histologic grade >2 (19/48 [40%] vs. 17/103 [17%], p = 0.002), and ALT (129.5 ± 89.0 IU/L vs. 94.3 ± 87.0 IU/L, p = 0.01). Histologic grade was the only factor independently associated with steatosis with multivariate analysis. When compared to the histologic diagnosis of steatosis (n = 122), ultrasonography had a substantial number of false-positive and false-negative results. In patients with a normal ultrasound, 8/82 (10%) had >30% steatosis on biopsy. Among patients with steatosis reported on ultrasound, only 12/40 (30%) had >30% steatosis on biopsy review.

Conclusion

Steatosis on ultrasound is associated with markers of inflammation and fibrosis in HCV-infected patients, but does not consistently correlate with steatosis on biopsy outside of the context of a controlled study. Clinicians should be skeptical of the definitive diagnosis of steatosis on hepatic ultrasonography.
Health insurance, neighborhood income, and emergency department usage by Utah children 1996–1998
Authors: Suruda Anthony , Burns Thomas J , Knight Stacey , Dean J Michael
Published: April 2005

Background

It is estimated that approximately half of emergency department (ED) usage in the U.S. and other developed countries is for non-urgent conditions and that this usage is related to availability, social, and economic factors. We examined pediatric ED usage in a U.S. state with respect to income, health insurance status, types of medical conditions, and whether introduction of managed care affected utilization by Medicaid children.

Methods

Emergency department usage rates were calculated from 1996 through 1998 using Utah ED data for children with commercial health insurance, Medicaid, for uninsured children, and by income group estimating neighborhood household income from Zip code of residence. We analyzed usage following the July 1996 transition of Utah Medicaid to managed care.

Results

Children with Medicaid had approximately 50% greater ED utilization rates than children with commercial health insurance or uninsured children. The majority of usage for Medicaid and uninsured children was for non-traumatic conditions. Only 35% of total ED usage was for non-emergent or non-urgent conditions and this was related to both Medicaid and low household income. Children lacking health insurance were more likely to be discharged against medical advice (OR = 2.36, 95% C.I. 1.88–2.96). There was no reduction in Medicaid ED usage following the transition to managed care.

Conclusion

Usage of ED services is related to both health insurance status and income. Children lacking health insurance and Medicaid children have excessive usage for conditions which could be treated in a primary care setting. That managed care does not reduce Medicaid ED usage is consistent with findings of other studies.
Prevalence and risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum malaria in pregnant women of eastern Sudan
Authors: Adam Ishag , Khamis Amar H , Elbashir Mustafa I
Published: April 2005

Background

Pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria, which is associated with serious adverse effects on pregnancy. The presentation of malaria during pregnancy varies according to the level of transmission in the area. Our study aimed to demonstrate the prevalence and risk factors for malaria (age, parity and gestational age) among pregnant women of eastern Sudan, which is characterized by unstable malaria transmission.

Methods

The prevalence and possible risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum malaria were investigated in 744 pregnant Sudanese women attending the antenatal clinic of New Haifa Teaching Hospital, eastern Sudan, during October 2003-April 2004.

Results

A total 102 (13.7%) had P. falciparum malaria, 18(17.6%) of these were severe cases (jaundice and severe anaemia). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that, age and parity were not associated with malaria. Women who attended the antenatal clinic in the third trimester were at highest risk for malaria (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.02–2.4; P < 0.05).

Women with malaria had significantly lower mean haemoglobin (9.4 g/dl, 95% CI 9.1–9.7 versus 10.7, CI 10.6–10.8, P < 0.05). A significantly lower haemoglobin was observed in those with severe falciparum malaria compared to non-severe form (8.3 g/dl, 95% CI 7.6–9.1 versus 9.4, 95% CI 9.1–9.7, P = < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results suggest that P. falciparum malaria is common in pregnant women attending antenatal care and that anaemia is an important complication. Preventive measures (chemoprophylaxis and insecticide-treated bednets) may be beneficial in this area for all women irrespective of age or parity.
Connectivity of random k-nearest-neighbour graphs
Authors: Balister Paul , Bollobás Béla , Sarkar Amites , Walters Mark
Published: April 2005

Let 𝓅 be a Poisson process of intensity one in a square Sn of area n. We construct a random geometric graph Gn,k by joining each point of 𝓅 to its k ≡ k(n) nearest neighbours. Recently, Xue and Kumar proved that if k ≤ 0.074 log n then the probability that Gn, k is connected tends to 0 as n → ∞ while, if k ≥ 5.1774 log n, then the probability that Gn, k is connected tends to 1 as n → ∞. They conjectured that the threshold for connectivity is k = (1 + o(1)) log n. In this paper we improve these lower and upper bounds to 0.3043 log n and 0.5139 log n, respectively, disproving this conjecture. We also establish lower and upper bounds of 0.7209 log n and 0.9967 log n for the directed version of this problem. A related question concerns coverage. With Gn, k as above, we surround each vertex by the smallest (closed) disc containing its k nearest neighbours. We prove that if k ≤ 0.7209 log n then the probability that these discs cover Sn tends to 0 as n → ∞ while, if k ≥ 0.9967 log n, then the probability that the discs cover Sn tends to 1 as n → ∞.
On product-form stationary distributions for reflected diffusions with jumps in the positive orthant
Authors: Piera Francisco J. , Mazumdar Ravi R. , Guillemin Fabrice M.
Published: April 2005

In this paper, we study the stationary distributions for reflected diffusions with jumps in the positive orthant. Under the assumption that the stationary distribution possesses a density inR+nthat satisfies certain finiteness conditions, we characterize the Fokker-Planck equation. We then provide necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a product-form distribution for diffusions with oblique boundary reflections and jumps. To do so, we exploit a recent characterization of the boundary properties of such reflected processes. In particular, we show that the conditions generalize those for semimartingale reflecting Brownian motions and reflected Lévy processes. We provide explicit results for some models of interest.
Concepts for improved fuel economy from gasoline engines
Authors: Turner J W G , Pearson R J , Kenchington S A
Published: April 2005

The paper reviews various technologies for fuel economy improvement in gasoline engines and discusses how they interact. Advanced valve train systems, gasoline direct-injection systems, and gasoline homogeneous charge compression ignition mechanisms are considered, together with further technologies which facilitate engine downsizing. Approaches to powertrain hybridization are outlined and a pneumatic system is described which can be used at vehicle launch. Finally, combined technologies are suggested which map the evolution towards meeting future legislative requirements for CO2 emissions.
Which procedure for incontinence?
Authors: Christofi Nicholas , Hextall Andrew
Published: April 2005

Approximately 16–29% of women will complain of incontinence at the menopause. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment is essential and surgery is usually reserved for women who have failed to improve sufficiently with conservative measures, such as pelvic floor exercises. The Burch colposuspension remains the 'gold standard' procedure for stress urinary incontinence, against which all newer procedures are compared. It is normally carried out under general anaesthesia and requires an abdominal approach, most often by a low transverse incision. Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) is the most popular procedure at present and has largely replaced colposuspension in many units. However, there are concerns about both its long-term safety and the lack of data on efficacy beyond the first few years. Initial reports of transobturator tape suggest that it may have a similar efficacy to TVT but with a lower rate of serious complications; however, large comparative studies and longterm follow-up data are currently unavailable. Collagen and silicone injected around the urethra can be used in a selected group of patients under local anaesthetic but the success rates are disappointingly low.
Self-organization versus Watchmaker: stochastic dynamics of cellular organization
Authors: Kurakin Alexei
Published: April 2005

The cell, as a molecular system, is often interpreted in terms of complex clockworks, and the design charts of mechanical and electrical engineering are assumed to provide adequate approximations for the description of cellular organization. However, a growing body of experimental evidence obtained through the observation and analysis of real-time dynamics of fluorescently labeled molecules inside living cells is increasingly inconsistent with the classico-mechanistic perception of the cell. An overview of recent studies favors an emerging alternative image of the cell as a dynamic integrated system of interconnected and interdependent metastable molecular organizations realized through stochasticity and self-organization.
Varicella-zoster virus IE63 protein represses the basal transcription machinery by disorganizing the pre-initiation complex
Authors: Di Valentin Emmanuel , Bontems Sébastien , Habran Lionel , Jolois Olivier , Markine-Goriaynoff Nicolas , Vanderplasschen Alain , Sadzot-Delvaux Catherine , Piette Jacques
Published: April 2005

Using transient transfection assays, regulation properties of varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-encoded IE63 protein were analyzed on several VZV immediate early (ORF4), early (ORF28) and late (ORF67) promoters. IE63 was shown to repress the basal activity of most of the promoters tested in epithelial (Vero) and neuronal (ND7) cells to various extents.Trans-repressing activities were also observed on heterologous viral and cellular promoters. Since a construct carrying only a TATA box sequence and a series of wild-type or mutated interleukin (IL)-8 promoters was also repressed by IE63, the role of upstream regulatory elements was ruled out. Importantly, the basal activity of a TATA-less promoter was not affected by IE63. Using a series of IE63 deletion constructs, amino acids 151–213 were shown to be essential to thetrans-repressing activity in Vero cells, while in ND7 cells the essential region extended to a much larger carboxy-terminal part of the protein. We also demonstrate that IE63 is capable of disrupting the transcriptional pre-initiation complex and of interacting with several general transcription factors. The central and carboxy-terminal domains of IE63 are important for these effects. Altogether, these results demonstrate that IE63 protein is a transcriptional repressor whose activity is directed towards general transcription factors.
Effect of stress doses of hydrocortisone on S-100B vs. interleukin-8 and polymorphonuclear elastase levels in human septic shock
Authors: Mussack Thomas , Briegel Josef , Schelling Gustav , Biberthaler Peter , Jochum Marianne
Published: April 2005

Stress doses of hydrocortisone are known to have immunomodulatory effects in patients with hyperdynamic septic shock. The prognosis correlates with the presence and severity of septic encephalopathy. However, neurological evaluation is influenced by the use of analgesia sedation during artificial ventilation. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effect of stress doses of hydrocortisone during the initial phase of human septic shock on the serum values of the neurospecific protein S-100B in comparison to the inflammation markers interleukin (IL)-8 in serum and polymorphonuclear (PMN) elastase in plasma. A total of 24 consecutive patients, who met the American College of Chest Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine criteria for septic shock, were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind, single-center trial. The severity of illness at recruitment was graded using the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II scoring systems. Multi-organ dysfunction syndrome was described by the Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. All patients were prospectively randomized to receive either stress doses of hydrocortisone or placebo. Hydrocortisone was started in 12 patients with a loading dose of 100mg and followed by a continuous infusion of 0.18mg/kg/h for 6days. Median S-100B serum levels of the hydrocortisone group decreased from 0.32ng/mL at study entry to 0.07ng/mL 6days later without significant differences compared to the placebo group. Initial IL-8 serum levels were significantly higher in the hydrocortisone group up to 12h after study entry, and significantly decreased from 715 to 17pg/mL at the end of the observation period. Median PMN elastase plasma levels were not affected by hydrocortisone infusion. Patients with initial S-100B serum levels >0.50ng/mL revealed significantly higher SOFA scores up to 30h, IL-8 serum levels up to 12h, and PMN elastase plasma levels up to 36h after study entry than those patients with ≤0.50ng/mL. These effects were independent of the amount of fluid correction for hemodilution. Starting S-100B, IL-8 and PMN elastase values of the hydrocortisone group were within the ranges already known in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest or severe traumatic brain injury. Stress doses of hydrocortisone resulted in a significant reduction in IL-8 serum, but not in S-100B serum and PMN elastase plasma concentrations in patients with hyperdynamic septic shock. For the first time, a similar extent of S-100B increase in serum of septic patients at the time of diagnosis was shown as reported for cardiac arrest or severe traumatic brain injury.
External Quality Assessment in The Netherlands: time to introduce commutable survey specimens. Lessons from the Dutch “Calibration 2000” project
Authors: Baadenhuijsen Henk , Kuypers Aldy , Weykamp Cas , Cobbaert Christa , Jansen Rob
Published: April 2005

The performance of suitable secondary reference material for the use of trueness control of six routinely measured clinical enzymes in the Dutch External Quality Assessment (EQA) scheme is described. The reference material of choice was selected using the split-patient-sample between-field method (twin study) design as described in an earlier study of the Calibration 2000 project in The Netherlands. This material, which was proven to be commutable for all wet chemistry systems, was implemented as the national enzyme calibrator. It consisted of a cryo-protected lyophilised serum with additions of recombinant human enzymes. Various batches of the frozen version of this material without cryo-protection additive, called native EQA samples, were used in the general EQA scheme for performance evaluation. The results of Calibration 2000 calibrated and non-Calibration 2000 calibrated laboratories were compared for both the regular (spiked with non-human enzymes) and native EQA samples in terms of precision and bias with established reference method values for the native samples. The regular samples showed mean between-laboratory CV ranges for all six enzymes involved (low–high) of 5.5–10.3% for the non-calibrated users vs. 4.6–10.8% for the calibrated users. For the native samples these respective ranges were 5.2–9.9% vs. 2.2–4.9%. Without exception, the group of Calibration 2000 calibrated users showed the lowest bias against the reference method values. Regular EQA samples (spiked with non-human enzymes) showed poorer performance than native samples and are not suitable for accuracy assessment purposes, the main aim of EQA schemes. Native samples that are commutable should be used for trueness control in current EQA schemes.
The food spectrum of the cardinal - tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi, Characidae) in its natural habitat
Authors: Walker Ilse
Published: April 2005

The cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is the most intensively commercialized ornamental fish from the Rio Negro Basin (Amazonas State, Brasil). Analysis of the stomach and gut contents of fish caught in their natural habitats show conclusively that the cardinal is essentially a predator, feeding on the mesofauna that adheres to submerged litter, roots and waterplants. Microcrustacea and chironomid larvae (Diptera) were the most frequently ingested prey, while algae intake was relatively infrequent. It is argued that the relatively small size of the cardinals captured in their natural habitat is due to the annual migrations imposed by the inundation cycles, rather than to resource limitation, because it is known from earlier investigations of similar habitats, that these plant substrates are densely colonized by the aquatic mesofauna. Cardinals raised in captivity are larger and have higher rates of growth.
Fishing territoriality and diversity between the ethnic populations Ashaninka and Kaxinawá ,Breu river, Brazil/Peru
Authors: Amaral Benedito Domingues do
Published: April 2005

This study describes the diversity and the subsistence fishing territoriality of traditional populations of a village Ashaninka and two Kaxinawá living at the margins of Breu River (Brasil/Peru). In general, samplings in the dwellings were carried out late in the afternoon, as the fishermen arrived in the village. The data were analysed in an exploratory way through the index of pondered dominance (ID%), by analysis of variance and by a correspondence analysis in order to determine the associations of the fish species and the fishing spots between the villages of the Indigenous Reserve. The results of the analysis of variance demonstrated that differences exist between the fish diversities of the catches. However, post-hoc tests only detected differences in diversities between the hand fishhook and the other fishing gears (bow and arrow, castnets and rotenone tingui). Although the use of bow and arrow resulted in a low capture (Kg), this fishing strategy is associated with a high fishing diversity, in terms of number of species. These results demonstrate that there is no overlap in the frequency of the visits to the fishing spots between the Ashaninka and Kaxinawá populations. This pattern is the same found for the correspondence analysis for the fish species, which describes the relationship between the deep pools environments exploited by the fishermen Ashaninka and Kaxinawá of Mourão. These ethnic populations still continue to maintain a strong cultural and cosmological tradition, with their territories defined in an informal way of the upper Juruá area.
Tecnologia alternativa para a quebra de dormência das sementes de pau-de-balsa (Ochroma lagopus Sw., Bombacaceae)
Authors: Barbosa Antenor P. , Sampaio Paulo de .T. B. , Campos Moacir. A. A. , Varela Vânia P. , Gonçalves Cláudia de Q. B. , Iida Shigeo
Published: April 2005

Este trabalho, teve como objetivo estudar a germinação das sementes de pau-de-balsa (Ochroma lagopus Sw., Bombacaceae) em diferentes estágios de maturação aparente dos frutos; a germinação das sementes provenientes de árvores com diferentes diâmetros a altura do peito (DAP) e a germinação das sementes tratadas para quebra de dormência. No primeiro experimento, avaliou-se a germinação das sementes dos frutos verdes, verdosos (verde amarelado), negros (fruto fechado) e negros deiscentes (fruto aberto com painas expostas). No segundo, a germinação das sementes de árvores da mesma idade e com diferentes DAP's: pequeno (5,4 cm), médio (9,1 cm) e grande (13,2 cm). No terceiro, a germinação das sementes com diferentes quebra de dormência: testemunha; água por 24 e 48 horas; água a 80ºC até esfriar; H2SO4 por ½ e 1 minuto com e sem paina; queima da paina em peneira metálica; e semeio de sementes com a paina. As sementes germinaram em gerbox sobre papel de filtro, em câmara de germinação, nas temperaturas de 20ºC, 30ºC e 25ºC, no primeiro, segundo e terceiro experimentos, respectivamente. As sementes de pau-de-balsa germinaram melhor e mais rápido quando coletadas de frutos negros a negros deiscentes, ou quando coletadas de árvores com menor e médio diâmetros, ou quando tratadas com água quente a 80ºC até esfriar, ou com ácido sulfúrico por ½ ou 1 minuto com ou sem paina. Os tratamentos com ácido tem a vantagem de quebrar a dormência da semente e dissolver a paina. As sementes recém colhidas e germinadas não apresentaram dormência tegumentar.
Efeito do volume do tanque-rede na produtividade de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) durante a recria
Authors: Gomes Levy de Carvalho , Brandão Franmir Rodrigues , Chagas Edsandra Campos , Ferreira Marcelo Frabizio Barroncas , Lourenço José Nestor de Paula
Published: April 2005

O objetivo desta nota foi avaliar o efeito do volume do tanque-rede na produtividade de juvenis de tambaqui durante a recria. Juvenis de tambaqui foram criados por 60 dias, na densidade de 300 peixes/m³, em tanques-rede de dois diferentes volumes: 1 e 6 m³. Foram avaliados parâmetros de crescimento e de produtividade final. Não houve diferença no crescimento em peso e em comprimento. O coeficiente de variação do comprimento foi significativamente menor para os peixes do tanque-rede pequeno. A sobrevivência, produção por volume e o ganho de peso não diferiram entre os tratamentos. Os peixes do tanque de maior volume foram significativamente mais eficientes na conversão alimentar. A recria pode ser realizada em tanques dos dois volumes testados sem prejuízo zootécnico para o criador.
Notas sobre Ugni Turcz. (Myrtaceae) na Amazônia Brasileira
Authors: Rosário Alessandro Silva do , Secco Ricardo de S. , Silva João Batista Fernandes da
Published: April 2005

O objetivo deste trabalho é registrar a ocorrência de Ugni Turcz., um gênero raro e mal conhecido na Amazônia Brasileira. Ugni é composto por quatro espécies, sendo que apenas Ugni myricoides (Kunth) O. Berg ocorre no Brasil, habitando principalmente regiões de altitude nos Estados de Roraima e Amazonas (Serra da Neblina), sendo conhecido nos Herbários regionais somente de uma coleta. Ugni têm sido considerado por muitos botânicos como sinônimo de Myrtus Linnaeus, devido ambos apresentarem caracteres morfológicos muito semelhantes entre si. Porém, Ugni é caracterizado por apresentar hábito arbóreo ou arbustivo, folhas pequenas, freqüentemente com 2 cm de comprimento ou menos, coriáceas, margens revolutas, venação secundária inconspícua, inflorescências unifloras, corola (4) 5-mera, pétalas brancas, com mancha avermelhada no centro, estames 25-30, anteras sagitadas, ovário (2-) 3-locular, 4-23 óvulos por lóculo, sementes 15-20 e embrião em forma de C.
Avaliação de níveis protéicos para a nutrição de juvenis de matrinxã (Brycon cephalus)
Authors: Izel Antônio Cláudio Uchôa , Pereira-Filho Manoel , Melo Luiz Antelmo da Silva , Macêdo Jeferson Luis Vasconcelos de
Published: April 2005

O matrinxã (Brycon cephalus - Gunther, 1869), é uma espécie de peixe nativa da bacia Amazônica que tem despertado grande interesse entre pesquisadores e piscicultores de todo o Brasil. A crescente demanda pelo cultivo desta espécie em ambiente controlado se deve, principalmente, à sua pronta adaptação ao cativeiro e à aceitação de alimentos artificiais, tanto de origem vegetal quanto animal, ao lado do seu elevado valor comercial. Contudo, para ser um empreendimento comercial bem sucedido, o alimento a ser fornecido a esta espécie deve atender a suas necessidades em proteína e permitir elevados ganhos de peso em períodos curtos. O experimento foi conduzido na estação de aqüicultura da Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental. Foram testados cinco níveis de proteína bruta (16, 19, 22, 25 e 28%) em dietas isocalóricas (EB = 390 kcal/100g) em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com três repetições para cada tratamento. Os resultados obtidos após 210 dias de estudo mostraram que a dieta contendo 28 % de proteína bruta promoveu o maior ganho de peso, melhor conversão alimentar e mais alto crescimento corporal entre os níveis testados, indicando que este nível protéico atendeu satisfatoriamente às necessidades de proteína para esta espécie, nas condições deste experimento.
Novas ocorrências de hepáticas (Marchantiophyta) para o estado do Pará, Brasil
Authors: Osakada Ayumi , Lisboa Regina C. L.
Published: April 2005

Durante o inventário das hepáticas da Serra dos Carajás, foram identificadas quatro novas ocorrências para o estado do Pará: Frullania beyrichiana (Lehm. & Lindenb.) Lehm. & Lindenb, Frullania kunzei (Lehm. & Lindenb.) Lehm. & Lindenb, Symphyogyna aspera Steph. e Lophocolea leptantha (Hook. & Tayl.) Tayl. Esta última espécie, antes somente relacionada para as regiões Sudeste e Sul do Brasil, é nova ocorrência para o eixo Norte-Nordeste brasileiro. Cada espécie é acompanhada de comentários morfológicos, taxonômicos e ecológicos.
Seasonality, parity rates and transmission indices of Mansonella ozzardi (Manson) (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) by Cerqueirellum argentiscutum (Shelley & Luna Dias) (Diptera: Simulidae) in a lower Solimões River community, Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: Medeiros Jansen Fernandes de , Py-Daniel Victor
Published: April 2005

Mansonella ozzardi is transmitted by two dipterian families, Ceratopogonidae (midges) and Simuliidae (black flies). In Brazil, black flies are vectors for this filariasis until now. In this paper, we determined the seasonality, parity capacity and parasitic infection rate of Cerqueirellum argentiscutum. The work was carried out in the Porto Japão community, Lower Solimões River, Amazonas, Brazil. Results show that the black flies were more abundant during the rainy season (from December to May). The number of parous flies was higher in every sampling during the course of year. Monthly Biting Rate (MBR1 123742.00, MBR2 86701.50) was high, although Parasitic Infection Rate (PIR1 0.06, PIR2 0.08) and Annual Transmission Potential (ATP 7.25) were low in numbers.
Conservação e vigor de sementes de pau-de-balsa (Ochroma pyramidale)
Authors: Pinto Antonio Moçambite , Inoue Mario Takao , Nogueira Antonio Carlos
Published: April 2005

Ochroma pyramidale, Bombacaceae, conhecida popularmente como pau-de-balsa, é utilizada para construção de jangadas, balsas, salva-vidas, bóias, brinquedos e na fabricação de papel e celulose. O objetivo deste estudo foi definir um método de acondicionamento de sementes de O. pyramidale, visando a conservação da viabilidade e vigor destas para sua utilização e comercialização em épocas de baixa produção. Sementes de O. pyramidale foram embaladas em sacos de papel tipo kraft e sacos de plástico (0,10 mm) e armazenadas em ambiente de laboratório (22ºC e 65% U.R.), câmara úmida (5ºC e 86% U.R.) e câmara seca (15ºC e 40% U.R.). A percentagem de germinação, teor de água e vigor das sementes foram avaliados no início e após períodos de armazenamento. Todos os tratamentos testados foram favoráveis para manutenção do vigor das sementes por 120 dias de armazenamento. As melhores condições de armazenamento para manter a viabilidade por até 400 dias foram: sacos de papel (76,5% de germinação) e sacos plásticos (65,5% de germinação) em câmara seca, e sacos plásticos em condições de laboratório (63,5% de germinação).
Potencial ecológico para o manejo de frutos de açaizeiro (Euterpe precatoria Mart.) em áreas extrativistas no Acre, Brasil
Authors: Rocha Elektra
Published: April 2005

Uma das espécies potenciais para a diversificação da produção florestal não-madeireira é Euterpe precatoria Mart., cujo manejo de seus frutos para produção de polpa engloba aspectos sociais, econômicos e ecológicos concernentes à floresta. No presente estudo analisamos a densidade, estrutura, dinâmica e a estabilidade populacional desta espécie em florestas inundadas e de terra firme para avaliar o potencial ecológico de manejo. A densidade média de adultos na floresta de baixio foi de 60 indivíduos ha-1 e na terra firme de 23 indivíduos ha-1. A estrutura populacional apresentou-se em forma de J invertido. Houve uma alta produção de frutos e a sua produção por indivíduo não foi diferente entre os tipos florestais. A estabilidade populacional apresentou-se variável entre os tipos florestais e os sítios amostrados. Este estudo sugere que de modo geral Euterpe precatoria possui características ecológicas favoráveis para seu manejo sustentável, tais como alta densidade e freqüência, regeneração abundante e grande produção de frutos. Um maior potencial de manejo apresentou-se na floresta de baixio comparado ao da terra firme.
Análise florística e estrutural de sistemas agroflorestais das várzeas do rio Juba, Cametá, Pará
Authors: Santos Silvio Roberto Miranda dos , Miranda Izildinha de Souza , Tourinho Manoel Malheiros
Published: April 2005

Estudou-se a composição florística e a estrutura de sistemas agroflorestais (SAF) nas várzeas do rio Juba, Município de Cametá-PA. Utilizou-se sete parcelas de 0,25 ha (50 m x 50 m) em SAF tradicionais. Cada parcela foi dividida em 25 sub-parcelas de 10 m x 10 m. As espécies foram classificadas quanto aos tipos de usos e em três níveis de comercialização. Nos sete SAF foram inventariados 21060 indivíduos/ha com CAP e" 10 cm ou (média de 3009 indivíduos/ha), pertencentes a 27 famílias, 53 gêneros e 61 espécies. Cinco espécies (8 %) são comuns aos sete SAF. O uso energético (lenha e carvão) foi o mais freqüente (63 %). Os SAF apresentaram maior percentual de espécies comerciais (46 %). Espécies comumente encontradas nas várzeas da Amazônia brasileira foram importantes nesse estudo: Euterpe oleracea Mart., Theobroma cacao L., Virola surinamensis (Rol.) Warb., Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg. e Carapa guianensis Aubl. Euterpe oleracea e Theobroma cacao, juntas apresentaram Dr média de 80 % e IVImédio de 48 %. Os valores médios de abundância, área basal e IVI, bem como os percentuais de espécies potenciais e comerciais indicam grandes possibilidades de sustentabilidade se adotado manejo adequado e racional nesses importantes ecossistemas antrópicos da Amazônia Oriental.
Dispersal of seeds of Hymenaea courbaril (Fabaceae) in a logged rain forest in the Peruvian Amazonian
Authors: Gorchov David L. , Palmeirim Jorge M. , Ascorra Cesar F.
Published: April 2005

Seed dispersal of Hymenaea courbaril was studied by following the fate of 585 seeds embedded with small magnets and set in displays in and near a logged strip in rain forest in the Peruvian Amazonian. Mammals took fruits from all displays, which were located in the forest, edge, and cleared strip. Overall removal rates were low - a median of 8.1 fruits / month from displays maintained with 8-10 fruits - but were higher in August than in earlier months. Most fruits were dropped near the display or had their seeds eaten, but > 13% were successfully dispersed. Most of the dispersed seeds were buried, which increases probability of germination. Maximum dispersal distance of live seeds was 12.1 m (median 3.1 m), but other magnets were transported up to 34 m, indicating seeds were dispersed further, but then eaten. Acouchies (most likely Myoprocta pratti) and agoutis (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) were apparently the main dispersal agents. Dispersal of seeds from the forest into the logged strip was rare, suggesting that although rodents disperse H. courbaril, they cannot be relied on for the reseeding this and similar species in recent clearings.
Características de adsorção de fósforo em alguns solos da Amazônia Central
Authors: Falcão Newton Paulo de Souza , Silva José Risonei Assis da
Published: April 2005

Com o objetivo de determinar as características de adsorção de fósforo utilizando-se a isoterma de Langmuir, e suas relações com algumas propriedades físicas e químicas de solos, foi desenvolvido um estudo no Laboratório de Solos do Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), com amostras da camada superficial (0 - 20 cm) de oito solos do Estado do Amazonas. Grande variação na capacidade máxima de adsorção (CMAP), energia de adsorção e fator capacidade de P máximo (FCPmáx) foi observado. O Plintossolo Argilúvico alumínico (FTa) foi o solo que apresentou os maiores valores de CMAP e FCPmáx e o Latossolo Amarelo1 (LAx -1) apresentou o maior valor de energia de adsorção. A CMAP variou de 0,297 a 0,888 mg P g-1 de solo, a energia de adsorção ficou na faixa de 0,230 a 0,730 L mg-1, e o FCPmáx variou de 137 a 593 mL g-1. O parâmetro FCPmáx obedeceu à seguinte ordem decrescente: Plintossolo Argilúvico alumínico > Latossolo Amarelo 1 > Latossolo Amarelo 3 > Latossolo Amarelo 6 > Latossolo Amarelo 2 > Latossolo Amarelo 4 > Argissolo Amarelo distrófico > Latossolo Amarelo 5. A CMAP e o FCPmáx correlacionaram-se positivamente com o conteúdo de argila (r = 0,948** e r = 0,962** ) e alumínio trocável (r = 0,688* e r = 0,666* ), e negativamente com a saturação de bases (r = - 0,667* e r = - 0,761*), respectivamente. A energia de adsorção apresentou correlação positiva com o conteúdo de argila (r = 0,783*) e negativa com a saturação de bases (r = - 0,775*).
Avaliação da sustentabilidade agroambiental de unidades produtivas agroflorestais em várzeas flúvio marinhas de Cametá - Pará
Authors: Ribeiro Raimundo Nonato da Silveira , Tourinho Manoel Malheiros , Santana Antônio Cordeiro de
Published: April 2005

O objetivo do trabalho é avaliar o potencial de sustentabilidade agroambiental de unidades produtivas agroflorestais ribeirinhas. A metodologia empregou técnicas de inventário florestal, coleta e análise laboratorial de solo, questionários, observações de campo e orçamentos unitários. As variáveis-indicadores são relativas ao clima, ao solo, a estrutura fitossociológica, ao potencial produtivo da agrofloresta e a geração de renda. Os resultados revelaram que o clima e o solo não são fatores limitantes. Cerca de 27 % da composição florística são espécies comerciais e somam mais de 92 % da população total com baixo potencial para a extração de madeiras e uma diversidade de produtos não-madeireiros. A renda bruta estimada atingiu valores de R$ 2.000,00/ha/ano. O potencial de sustentabilidade agroambiental das unidades produtivas é mediano, obtido pela avaliação das variáveis-indicadores por meio de um sistema de pontuação e inserção em um nível de sustentabilidade previamente proposto.
The ceramic artifacts in archaeological black earth (terra preta) from Lower Amazon Region, Brazil: chemistry and geochemical evolution
Authors: Costa Marcondes Lima da , Kern Dirse Clara , Pinto Alice Helena Eleotério , Souza Jorge Raimundo da Trindade
Published: April 2005

This paper carried out a chemical investigation of archaeological ceramic artifacts found in archaeological sites with Black Earth (ABE) in the Lower Amazon Region at Cachoeira-Porteira, State of Pará, Brazil. The ceramic artifacts, mostly of daily use, belong to Konduri culture (from 900 to 400 years BP). They are constituted of SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, Na2O and P2O5; SiO2 and Al2O3 together add up to 80 % and indicate influence of acid rocks, transformed into clay minerals basically kaolinite. The relative high contents of P2O5 (2.37 % in average) come out as (Al,Fe)-phosphate, an uncommon fact in primitive red ceramics, but found in some roman and egyptian archaeological sites. The contents of the trace elements are similar or below the Earth's crust average. This chemical composition (except P2O5) detaches saprolite material derived acid igneous rocks or sedimentary ones as the main raw material of the ceramics. The contents of K, Na and Ca represent the feldspars and rock fragments possibly introduced into saprolitic groundmass, indicated by mineralogical studies. The presence of cauixi and cariapé as well as quartz sand was confirmed by optical microscope, SEM analyses and by the high silica contents of ceramic fragments. Phosphorus was possibly incorporated into groundmass during cooking of foods, and ABE soil profile formation developed on yellow Latosols. The raw materials and its tempers (cauixi, or cariapé, feldspar, crushed rocks, old ceramic artifacts and quartz fragments) are found close to the sites and therefore and certainly came from them.
Estudo anatômico das espécies de Leguminosae comercializadas no estado do Pará como "angelim"
Authors: Ferreira Gracialda Costa , Gomes Joaquim Ivanir , Hopkins Michael Jonh Gilbert
Published: April 2005

A estrutura da madeira de sete espécies de Leguminosae comercializadas como "angelim", no estado do Pará, foi analisada quanto aos aspectos anatômicos através de cortes histológicos da madeira, nos sentidos transversal, tangencial e radial. Através deste estudo procurou-se determinar diferenças básicas entre as espécies comercializadas com a mesma denominação vernacular, a fim de auxiliar no processo de identificação anatômica das mesmas. Uma chave dicotômica foi elaborada para separar as espécies estudadas (Andira surinamensis, Dinizia excelsa, Hymenolobium excelsum, H. modestum, H. pulcherrimum, H. petraeum e Vatairea paraensis). Características de parênquima, raios e poros são muito úteis na separação das espécies estudadas em nível de gênero, porém em nível de espécie a separação é mais difícil. Para o agrupamento de espécies, é necessário que as características anatômicas das espécies sejam conhecidas para associadas a características morfológicas.
Heliconia acuminata reproductive success is independent of local floral density
Authors: Bruna Emilio M. , Kress W. John , Marques Francisco , Silva Osmaildo Ferreira da
Published: April 2005

Reproductive plants in tropical forests are patchily distributed, with some in large aggregations of reproductive consepecifics while others are relatively isolated. This variation in floral density is hypothesized to have a major effect on plant reproductive success, since individuals in higher density neighborhoods can attract more or higher quality pollinators. We experimentally tested this hypothesis with populations of the understory herb Heliconia acuminata in central Amazonia. We created replicated plots in which reproductive plant density spanned the range of naturally occurring floral neighborhood size, then measured three surrogates of plant fitness in focal plants in each array. There was no significant difference between any of the three floral neighborhood treatments in total seed production, fruit set, or the number of seeds produced per fruit. Pollinator visitation rates to plants in all treatments were extremely low, with many plants not visited at all during the observation period. This could be because H. acuminata's hummingbird pollinators are unable to find the widely scattered reproductive plants, however this hypothesis appears unlikely. Instead, natural flowering plant densities may simply be below the threshold value at which neighborhood effects become important, even in "high-density" aggregations. Nutrient limitation, selective fruit abortion, and reproduction via male rather than female function may also be playing a role. We argue the absence of neighborhood effects may be a general phenomenon in central Amazonian forests, though additional experiments with other plant-pollinator systems are needed to determine the extent to which this hypothesis is supported.