bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comportamento de cultivares de milho no consórcio com Brachiaria brizantha na presença e ausência de foramsulfuron + iodosulfuron-methyl para o manejo da forrageira
Authors: Freitas F.C.L. , Santos M.V. , Machado A.F. L. , Ferreira L.R. , Freitas M.A.M. , Silva M.G.O.
Published: April 2008

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o comportamento de cultivares de milho no cultivo consorciado com Brachiaria brizantha cv. MG5 Vitória e o efeito da aplicação de subdose da mistura dos herbicidas foramsulfuron + iodosulfuron-methyl no manejo de B. brizantha, numa área sem interferência de plantas daninhas, em sistema de plantio direto. Cinco cultivares de milho foram avaliados: um híbrido simples (AGN 30A00), um híbrido simples modificado (30K75), dois híbridos duplos (RG2A e AGN 25A23) e uma variedade (UFV M100), conduzidos em dois sistemas de manejo de B. brizantha: com e sem aplicação de 30 g ha-1 da mistura comercial de foramsulfuron + iodosulfuron-methyl (300 + 20 g kg-1). O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso, em parcelas subdivididas, com quatro repetições, sendo os cultivares de milho colocados nas parcelas principais e os sistemas de manejo de B. brizantha nas subparcelas. A aplicação do herbicida foi realizada aos 30 dias após a emergência do milho (DAE). Aos 30, 60, 90 e 120 DAE foram efetuadas avaliações da massa seca da parte aérea de B. brizantha. Para cultura do milho, na ocasião da colheita, que ocorreu aos 120 DAE, avaliaram-se a altura de plantas, o estande final e o rendimento de grãos. Verificaram-se maiores valores do rendimento de grãos de milho para os cultivares 30K75, AGN 30A00 e RG2A. Os híbridos simples (AGN 30A00) e simples modificado (30K75) foram mais competitivos com a forrageira, reduzindo o acúmulo de massa seca, em relação aos híbridos duplos e à variedade. A aplicação do foramsulfuron + iodosulfuron-methyl reduziu a taxa de crescimento de B. brizantha, sem, no entanto, afetar o rendimento de grãos de milho. Com isso, fica demonstrado que a forrageira não influenciou o rendimento da cultura, com o consórcio implantado em semeadura simultânea.
O brincar e as habilidades sociais na interação da criança com deficiência auditiva e mãe ouvinte
Authors: Domingues Angela Ferreira , Motti Telma Flores Genaro , Palamin Maria Estela Guadagnucci
Published: April 2008

Este artigo é resultado de um estudo que analisou a interação e o brincar entre 20 mães e seus filhos com deficiência auditiva, de graus severo e/ou profundo, com idades entre três e seis anos, em rotina de atendimento no Centro de Distúrbio da Audição, Linguagem e Visão do Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais da Universidade de São Paulo. As mães foram entrevistadas e as respostas, analisadas quantitativa e qualitativamente. Os resultados mostraram que a interação com a mãe durante o brincar favorece o desenvolvimento de habilidades sociais para a adequação da criança ao seu meio social, e que as mães carecem de orientações, a fim de que esse espaço seja utilizado mais eficientemente para o aprendizado.
Efeitos da entrevista motivacional em adolescentes infratores
Authors: Andretta Ilana , Oliveira Margareth da Silva
Published: April 2008

A entrevista motivacional é uma intervenção breve, que visa estimular a mudança de comportamento. Foi aplicada, nesta pesquisa, em adolescentes usuários de drogas, identificando-se as modificações ocorridas após a mesma. A amostra foi constituída por 50 adolescentes usuários de drogas que cometeram ato infracional. Todos foram avaliados por meio de protocolo padrão, depois submetidos a cinco sessões de entrevista motivacional, e reavaliados posteriormente. Os resultados encontrados na reavaliação foram: o aumento do número de dias de abstinência de maconha e álcool; diminuição da quantidade de uso de álcool, tabaco e maconha; abstinência de cocaína, crack e solventes. Houve também diferenças significativas no estágio motivacional da pré-contemplação e nas crenças cognitivas acerca do uso de substâncias. Os dados evidenciaram que, após a entrevista motivacional, houve mudança no consumo de drogas, nos estágios motivacionais e nas crenças cognitivas em adolescentes infratores usuários de drogas.
Sala de aula na universidade: espaço de relações interpessoais e participação acadêmica
Authors: Bariani Isabel Cristina Dib , Pavani Renatha
Published: April 2008

Entendendo ser fundamental a incrementação de pesquisas sobre as relações interpessoais no âmbito da educação universitária, objetivou-se descrever e analisar as relações professor-aluno e aluno-aluno e os motivos que levam os estudantes a assumir diferentes atitudes em sala de aula, relativas a interesse e participação, segundo os próprios discentes e seus professores. As informações foram coletadas com 21 professores e 90 alunos de um Curso de Psicologia, por meio de questionários abertos. Os dados foram submetidos à análise categorial e, posteriormente, à análise quantitativa. Foram formuladas as seguintes categorias: Estrutural, Interacional, Pedagógica, Comportamental e Comprometimento. Os aspectos associados às relações interpessoais em sala de aula são de cunho positivo para as aulas práticas e negativo para as teóricas. Como principal motivo para o interesse e a participação em sala de aula, são apontados aspectos relativos à categoria Pedagógica, em especial à sub-categoria Procedimentos de Aula.
A psicopatologia fenômeno-estrutural e o Rorschach no transtorno de pânico
Authors: Villemor-Amaral Anna Elisa de , Franco Renata da Rocha Campos , Farah Flávia Helena Zanetti
Published: April 2008

Objetivou-se verificar a ocorrência de mecanismos ou dinâmicas típicas de pacientes com transtorno de pânico, considerando os princípios da psicopatologia fenômeno-estrutural. Participaram quatro pacientes diagnosticados pela SCID-I, que responderam à tarefa proposta pelo método de Rorschach. As interpretações tiveram como base os mecanismos de ligação e corte. Os resultados não demonstraram um padrão de funcionamento psíquico nos pacientes, mas, no que diz respeito a esses mecanismos, evidenciaram queda de qualidade e deslizes de pensamento na transição entre os mecanismos de corte e ligação. Quando o estilo predominante era o epilepto-sensorial, observaram-se perdas na qualidade das associações nas passagens para o mecanismo de corte, diferentemente do estilo esquizo-racional, que demonstrava fracasso na integração quando os pacientes usavam o mecanismo de ligação. Conclui-se que a percepção e a comunicação foram mais adequadas quando estavam presentes os mecanismos de ligação para o estilo epilepto-sensorial, sendo, em contrapartida, o mecanismo de corte mais eficiente para um estilo esquizo-racional.
Avaliação de feridas pelos enfermeiros de instituições hospitalares da rede pública
Authors: Morais Gleicyanne Ferreira da Cruz , Oliveira Simone Helena dos Santos , Soares Maria Julia Guimarães Oliveira
Published: April 2008

A avaliação realizada pelos enfermeiros constitui um processo indispensável para o tratamento de feridas. Objetivos: averiguar os aspectos considerados pelos enfermeiros no processo de avaliação de feridas; identificar os recursos materiais utilizados para proceder à avaliação; investigar o seguimento de protocolos e possíveis dificuldades na sua realização. Estudo exploratório-descritivo, de natureza qualitativa, realizado junto a 14 enfermeiras de quatro hospitais públicos de João Pessoa - PB. Os dados foram coletados durante agosto e setembro de 2005, através de entrevistas gravadas e não-gravadas. Para análise das respostas aplicou-se a técnica do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Verificou-se que a falta de material conduz a uma avaliação superficial; que a ausência de protocolo dificulta a avaliação e, que a imposição médica e a falta de experiência e treinamento específicos foram às principais dificuldades reveladas. Evidenciou-se a necessidade de criar condições materiais e aprimorar os conhecimentos científicos em relação ao processo de avaliação de feridas.
Modelo de cuidar em enfermagem junto às mulheres-avós e sua família no cotidiano do processo de amamentação
Authors: Teixeira Marizete Argolo , Nitschke Rosane Gonçalves
Published: April 2008

Este estudo tem como objetivo refletir sobre a implementação do modelo de cuidar em enfermagem junto a três mulheres-avós e sua família em processo de amamentação para a promoção, proteção e apoio ao aleitamento materno no cotidiano familiar. O modelo de cuidar em enfermagem foi elaborado à luz da Teoria do Interacionismo Simbólico, integrando os momentos: Conhecendo o Cotidiano e as Interações; Definindo a Situação do Cotidiano e do Cuidado; Propondo e Realizando o Cuidado; Repensando sobre o Cuidado e o Cotidiano, sendo desenvolvido em encontros individuais e grupais numa unidade de alojamento conjunto e domicílios em Florianópolis - SC, de novembro a dezembro de 2004. A sistematização do cuidado às mulheres-avós, possibilitou levá-las a práticas cuidativas hospitalar e domiciliar às suas filhas, noras e netos em processo de amamentação. Concluiu-se que o modelo de cuidar é viável, ao sistematizar o cuidado às mulheres-avós e aos seus familiares em processo de amamentação.
Dor crônica: objeto insubordinado
Authors: Lima Mônica Angelim Gomes de , Trad Leny
Published: April 2008

Discutem-se as lacunas no estudo da dor crônica, bem como as possíveis aberturas e as novas possibilidades no cuidado à saúde, com base no reposicionamento e na interação dos agentes envolvidos. Procura organizar uma moldura teórico-metodológica que permita examinar as soluções construídas no interior da biomedicina para incluir a dor crônica como objeto da atenção médica. Tem caráter exploratório e organiza uma leitura epistemológica sobre a constituição da dor crônica como objeto médico, pontuando mudanças e permanências no interior da biomedicina. Organiza uma proposta teórico-metodológica voltada à compreensão da produção de sentidos da dor por parte de profissionais de saúde e sofredores.
Análise das habilidades de consciência fonológica em crianças de 2ª série alfabetizadas em diferentes metodologias de ensino
Authors: Santos Viviane Breda dos , Horta Vanessa Ferreira , Lacerda Carina Corrêa , Nemr Kátia
Published: April 2008

OBJETIVO: avaliar e analisar o desempenho em tarefas de habilidades fonológicas de crianças que cursam a 2ª série do Ensino Fundamental de escolas da rede privada do Estado de São Paulo, que estejam inseridas nos métodos de alfabetização: Montessoriano e Construtivista. MÉTODOS: para a realização desta pesquisa foram selecionadas 60 crianças que cursam a 2ª série do Ensino Fundamental de escolas da rede privada do Estado de São Paulo, sendo que estes alunos foram subdivididos, considerando o método de alfabetização: montessoriano ou construtivista, totalizando 30 crianças inseridas em cada metodologia de ensino. Foi aplicado o teste de Consciência Fonológica, por meio do Confias (Consciência Fonológicas: Instrumento de Avaliação Seqüencial) nas crianças selecionadas para a pesquisa, a aplicação do teste ocorreu dentro das escolas participantes, após prévia autorização dos pais. RESULTADOS: as crianças não apresentaram diferença no desempenho em nível de sílaba e fonema em ambas metodologias de ensino. CONCLUSÃO: não foi possível evidenciar influência direta da metodologia de ensino no desempenho das tarefas de habilidades fonológicas.
Risk factors associated with developmental abnormalities among high-risk children attended at a multidisciplinary clinic
Authors: Resegue Rosa , Puccini Rosana Fiorini , Silva Edina Mariko Koga da
Published: April 2008

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of risk factors associated with child development disorders is essential for delivering high-quality childcare. The objective here was to evaluate the relationships between risk factors and occurrences of developmental abnormalities among children attended at a reference clinic for children at risk of developmental abnormalities. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study at a multidisciplinary reference center, Embu, São Paulo. METHODS: All cases followed up for more than three months between 1995 and 2003 were reviewed. The risk factors assessed were low birth weight, gestational age, length of stay in neonatal ward, perinatal asphyxia, mother’s age < 18 years, congenital infections, malformations and low mother’s education level. Developmental abnormalities were defined according to developmental tests and assessments by the clinic’s professionals. The statistical analysis consisted of the chi-squared test for comparing categorical variables and a logistic regression model for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 211 children were followed up for more than three months. Developmental abnormalities occurred in 111 (52.6%). Univariate analysis showed significant relationships between developmental abnormality and low birth weight, perinatal asphyxia, length of stay > 5 days, prematurity and mother’s age 18 years and older. Low birth weight, history of perinatal asphyxia and mother’s age continued to be significant in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Special attention must be paid to the development of low birth weight infants and/or infants with histories of neonatal complications. Low birth weight is easily assessed and should be considered to be an important marker when defining guidelines for following up child development.
Cutaneous melanoma: descriptive epidemiological study
Authors: Ferrari Júnior Nelson Marcos , Muller Helena , Ribeiro Manoel , Maia Marcus , Sanches Júnior José Antonio
Published: April 2008

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Cutaneous melanoma represents around 3% of all skin tumors. About 20% of such patients will have advanced disease and will die before reaching five years of survival. The aim of this paper was to describe the clinical and histopathological variables and their correlations. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective, descriptive, epidemiological study at the Melanoma Unit, Dermatological Clinic, Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia, São Paulo. METHODS: Records from 364 cases between May 1993 and January 2006 were analyzed. The frequencies of all study variables and their 95% confidence intervals were determined. The chi-squared test was used to evaluate associations among the variables, adopting a significant level of 0.05. RESULTS: Females predominated, with 1.4 women for each man. The patients’ mean age was 58.9 years. Nonwhite patients represented 13.7% of the sample. The prevalent anatomical sites for cutaneous melanoma were the trunk and feet, for both men and women. Acral lentiginous melanoma represented 22.3% of the cohort. In situ primary lesions were observed in few cases and a high percentage of thick cutaneous melanoma was detected. Ulceration was found in 13.4% of the thin tumors (< 1.0 mm). Thicker and ulcerated lesions predominated in male patients (p = 0.011 and p < 0.001 respectively) and in elderly patients (p = 0.021 and p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: The cohort mostly presented thick and ulcerated tumors, denoting late diagnosis and bad prognosis. Also, the sample was characterized by considerable prevalence of female patients, nonwhite patients, limb lesions and acral lentiginous melanoma.
Low-cost outpatient chemotherapy regimen of cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin for advanced head and neck and esophageal carcinomas
Authors: Fabrício Vanessa de Carvalho , Amado Fernanda , Del Giglio Auro
Published: April 2008

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Patients with advanced head and neck (H/N) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) often have a poor performance status and a dire prognosis. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility, activity and quality of life (QOL) of an outpatient chemotherapy regimen consisting of cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (CFL). DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective phase II study conducted at a Brazilian public institution. METHODS: Fifteen patients with residual, recurrent or metastatic SCC of the H/N or esophagus received bolus infusions of leucovorin 20 mg/m²/day and 5-fluorouracil 370 mg/m²/day on days 1-4, and 90 minutes of infusion of cisplatin 25 mg/m²/day on days 1-3, every 21 to 28 days, depending on hematological recovery. We also evaluated QOL by applying the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life-C30 questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) before each cycle. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 36%, and the mean overall survival and progression-free survival were six and three months, respectively. We observed grade 3 or higher hematological toxicity in seven patients and one patient had grade 3 nausea and vomiting. One patient died because of neutropenic fever. Seven out of the 12 patients who could be evaluated regarding QOL presented an improvement in their overall health status and functional QOL scores over the course of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: CFL is an active outpatient protocol with tolerable toxicity and a favorable QOL impact. Larger studies are warranted, in order to confirm these results.
Processamento auditivo em gagos: análise do desempenho das orelhas direita e esquerda
Authors: Andrade Adriana Neves de , Gil Daniela , Schiefer Ana Maria , Pereira Liliane Desgualdo
Published: April 2008

OBJETIVO: Comparar a diferença entre as orelhas nos testes comportamentais do processamento auditivo e os resultados de sujeitos com diferentes graus de gravidade de gagueira em cada teste do processamento auditivo. MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta e seis indivíduos, com idades entre quatro e 34 anos, foram encaminhados pelo Ambulatório de Avaliação Fonoaudiológica da UNIFESP para avaliação comportamental do processamento auditivo. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação de audição, fala e linguagem. A disfluência foi classificada segundo o protocolo de Riley (1994), o qual prevê os seguintes graus de gravidade da gagueira: muito leve, leve, moderado, severo e muito severo. Os testes para avaliação do processamento auditivo foram selecionados e analisados de acordo com a idade do paciente e a proposta de Pereira & Schochat (1997). RESULTADOS: Observamos prevalência da gagueira de grau leve nas faixas etárias de quatro a sete anos e de 12 a 34 anos de idade, e de grau moderado nos indivíduos de oito a 11 anos de idade. Dos 56 indivíduos avaliados 92,85% apresentaram alteração do processamento auditivo. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as orelhas direita e esquerda na etapa de atenção direcionada do teste dicótico não verbal, em todas as faixas etárias estudadas. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os graus de gravidade da gagueira em nenhum dos testes de processamento auditivo. CONCLUSÕES: A orelha direita apresentou melhor desempenho do que a esquerda nos diferentes testes comportamentais. O grau de gravidade da gagueira não interferiu no resultado de cada teste.
Ensurdecimento de fonemas plosivos na fala de crianças disfônicas
Authors: Arnaut Mirian Aratangy , Ávila Clara Regina Brandão de
Published: April 2008

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar a fala de crianças disfônicas, quanto à ocorrência de ensurdecimentos de fonemas plosivos. MÉTODOS: Foram gravadas as repetições de frases de 50 crianças (idades entre quatro e oito anos), sendo 40 crianças disfônicas e dez, sem alterações vocais. Eram seis frases com os fonemas plosivos sonoros em sílaba tônica inicial, medial e final de palavras. Com as produções gravadas realizaram-se análise espectrográfica, pela identificação da barra de sonoridade e perceptivo-auditiva, por meio de uma banca de três fonoaudiólogas. RESULTADOS: O ensurdecimento ocorreu de forma assistemática na produção dos fonemas sonoros, foi mais identificado à análise espectrográfica e variou conforme o fonema e a posição deste na palavra. CONCLUSÕES: Houve ensurdecimentos assistemáticos na fala das crianças disfônicas e sem alterações vocais, com menor freqüência na posição tônica da sílaba medial.
Avaliação da produção de fala em crianças deficientes auditivas usuárias de Implante Coclear Multicanal
Authors: Melo Tatiana Mendes de , Moret Adriane Lima Mortari , Bevilacqua Maria Cecília
Published: April 2008

OBJETIVO: Comparar a produção de fala de crianças com deficiência auditiva neurossensorial à de crianças com neuropatia auditiva/ dessincronia auditiva, ambas submetidas à cirurgia de implante coclear. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo cinco crianças com deficiência auditiva neurossensorial e cinco crianças com neuropatia auditiva/dessincronia auditiva; os dois grupos foram pareados segundo idade e tempo de uso do implante coclear, sendo utilizada uma amostra da fala durante as tarefas de nomeação de figuras e discurso espontâneo. RESULTADOS: A média de acertos no grupo de crianças com neuropatia auditiva/dessincronia auditiva foi de 59,32%, contra 51,32% no grupo com deficiência auditiva neurossensorial, não apresentando diferença estatisticamente significante. CONCLUSÃO: O implante coclear demonstrou ser benéfico na reabilitação da neuropatia auditiva/dessincronia auditiva e, assim como na deficiência auditiva neurossensorial, o tempo de privação sensorial influenciou a produção de fala dessas crianças.
Temporal stability for unpredictable annual climatic variability for Hevea genotype selection
Authors: Gonçalves Paulo de Souza , Moraes Mário Luiz Teixeira de , Gouvêa Lígia Regina Lima , Aguiar Adriano Tosoni da Eira , Scallopi Júnior Erivaldo José
Published: April 2008

The objective of this study was to assess genotype-year interaction and determine temporal stable genotypes across six years of rubber yield evaluation. Stability analyses were performed by Eberhart and Russell method for rubber yield. Twenty-five genotypes were analyzed in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The best genotype in one year was not same always in the other year. The genotype components were partitioned into linear (genotypes within year) and nonlinear (pooled deviations) components. Significant mean square for linear components was predictable. This indicated that the performance of genotypes across the years for rubber yield could be predicted. Among the analyzed genotypes the IAC 40 also was considered highly productive and vigorous, with suitable adaptation.
Comparative anatomy of the absorption roots of terrestrial and epiphytic orchids
Authors: Moreira Ana Sílvia Franco Pinheiro , Isaias Rosy Mary dos Santos
Published: April 2008

The present study compared roots of terrestrial and epiphytic Orchidaceae, analyzing the anatomical characteristics from an ecological point of view. The material was collected at three different sites in Minas Gerais / Brazil and was fixed in FAA. Transverse sections were obtained by freehand sections or from material previously embedded in Paraplast® or Historesin®. The prominent characteristics of the epiphytic group were: significant smaller perimeter, epidermis with 3 or more cell layers, U-thickened exodermal cell walls, O-thickened endodermal cell walls, and a low ratio between the caliber and the number of protoxylem arches. The terrestrial group presented simple or multiseriate epidermis, and exodermis and endodermis with typical Casparian strips. The anatomical characteristics should have evolved with several adaptations to distinct environments during evolutionary process.
Population structure of two Astyanax Baird & Girard, 1854 (Teleostei, Characidae) species from upper Paraguaçu river
Authors: Santos Alexandre Clistenes de Alcântara , Novaes José Luís Costa
Published: April 2008

The fishes of the family Characidae are among the main species of fresh water fishes in South America. In this work, some aspects of the population structure of two Astyanax species were assessed. The fishes were caught in Santo Antônio and São José rivers, in the Paraguaçu basin, by standardized monthly samplings adapted to the microhabitats. Astyanax sp. b (São José river) presented larger size than Astyanax sp. a (Santo Antônio river). The length-weight relationship showed positive allometric growth for Astyanax sp. a, and negative for Astyanax sp. b. Both the species showed a long reproductive period, with higher activities in dry period.
Seasonal and spatial distribution of Bacterioplankton in a fluvial-lagunar system of a tropical region: density, biomass, cellular volume and morphologic variation
Authors: Araújo Magnólia Fernandes Florêncio de , Godinho Mirna Januária Leal
Published: April 2008

The temporal and spatial fluctuations of Bacterioplankton in a fluvial-lagunar system of a tropical region (Pitimbu River and Jiqui Lake, RN) were studied during the dry and the rainy periods. The bacterial abundance varied from 2.67 to 5.1 Cells10(7)mL-1 and did not show a typical temporal variation, presenting only small oscillations between the rainy and the dry periods. The bacterial biomass varied from 123 µgC L-1 to 269 µgC L-1 in the sampling sites and the average cellular volume varied from 0.12 to 0.54µm³, showing a predominance of the rods. The temperature showed a positive correlation with the cellular volume of the rods (R=0.55; p=0.02) and vibrio (R=0.53; p=0.03). Significant spatial differences of biomass (Mann Whitney: p=0.01) and cellular volume of the morphotypes (Mann Whitney: p=0.003) were found between the sampling sites. The strong positive correlations of the water temperature and oxygen with bacterioplankton showed a probable high bacterial activity in this system.
Bacteriological study of the superficial sediments of Guanabara bay, RJ, Brazil
Authors: Sobrinho da Silva Frederico , Pereira Daniella da Costa , Nuñez Leonisa Sanchez , Krepsk Natascha , Fontana Luiz Francisco , Baptista Neto José Antônio , Crapez Mirian Araújo Carlos
Published: April 2008

Thirty sediment samples were collected in Guanabara Bay in August, November and December 2005. The material was analyzed for organic matter, total and faecal coliforms, heterotrophic bacteria, bacterial respiratory activity, esterase activity and electron transport system activity. The organic matter in the superficial sediments (2 cm) ranged from 4 to 6%. The highest level of total coliforms and faecal coliforms were 1.7 x 10(5) MPN/g and 1.1 x 10³ MPN/g, respectively. Heterotrophic bacteria presented the highest values at station 7 (4.1 x 10(6) CFU/g) and the lowest values at station 3 (7 x 10(4) CFU/g) (northwestern part of Guanabara Bay). Esterase enzyme activity showed activity in the sediment of all 30 stations. Electron transport system activity ranged between 0.047 muL O2/h/g and 0.366 muL O2/h/g at six stations. The benthic microbial foodweb is anaerobic. Anaerobic processes such as fermentation, denitrification and sulphate-reduction are responsible for the biogeochemical cycles in the sediment of Guanabara Bay. The input of untreated sewage in the Mangue Channel outflow in Guanabara Bay has favored the increase of the organic load, and the maintenance of the total coliforms and faecal coliforms in the sediment. Faecal coliforms have been reported to be a good indicator of aquatic pollution and organic contamination in the water column, but total coliforms may be an ideal candidate group for sediment quality tests as well.
Avaliação da adenosina desaminase no diagnóstico da tuberculose pleural: uma metanálise brasileira
Authors: Morisson Patrizio , Neves Denise Duprat
Published: April 2008

OBJETIVO: Avaliar trabalhos brasileiros resumindo a acurácia da adenosina desaminase no diagnóstico da tuberculose pleural, com o intuito de contribuir para a concretização do exame como rotina na investigação dos derrames pleurais. MÉTODOS: Depois de realizada uma busca por trabalhos brasileiros referentes à dosagem da adenosina desaminase no líquido pleural, estes foram avaliados e incluídos no estudo. A análise dos dados foi feita por meio da curva summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) que possibilitou a reunião dos estudos quanto a acurácia para o diagnóstico. Com os valores globais de sensibilidade e especificidade foi aplicado o teorema de Bayes para calcular as probabilidades pós-teste em diferentes prevalências da doença. RESULTADOS: Entre 1987 e 2005 foram encontrados 25 estudos contendo informações suficientes que poderiam ser utilizadas na metanálise. Após avaliação, foram incluídos nove estudos, totalizando 1.674 pacientes. De acordo com a curva SROC, foi encontrada uma sensibilidade de 91,8% (IC95%: 89,8-93,6%) e uma especificidade de 88,4% (IC95%: 86,0-90,5%), com uma área abaixo da curva de 0,969. O odds ratio global foi de 112,0 (IC95%: 51,6-243,2). Considerando uma prevalência da tuberculose pleural de 50% (considerada neutra), a probabilidade do diagnóstico pós-teste positivo é de 88,7% e sua exclusão após resultado negativo de 91,5%. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar das diferenças encontradas entre os estudos, é possível concluir que a adenosina desaminase possui alta acurácia no diagnóstico da tuberculose pleural, devendo ser utilizada de rotina em sua investigação.
Completude dos dados do Programa de Controle da Tuberculose no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação no Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil: uma análise do período de 2001 a 2005
Authors: Moreira Cláudia Maria Marques , Maciel Ethel Leonor Noia
Published: April 2008

OBJETIVO: analisar a completude dos dados do Programa de Controle da Tuberculose no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação do Estado do Espírito Santo no período de 2001 a 2005. MÉTODOS: estudo descritivo de análise de dados secundários. As variáveis estudadas foram: raça/cor, escolaridade, tratamento supervisionado, encerramento de cultura de escarro, situação de HIV, baciloscopia de 6º mês e situação de encerramento. RESULTADOS: Utilizando-se os parâmetros técnicos do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação do Ministério da Saúde que dizem respeito ao percentual de preenchimento dos campos das fichas de notificação, o banco de dados sobre tuberculose no estado do Espírito Santo pode ser considerado de regular a excelente. Há no estado do Espírito Santo 78 municípios, dos quais 8 são prioritários no controle da tuberculose. Os municípios não prioritários apresentaram maior completude do que os prioritários em relação às variáveis estudadas, exceto na situação de encerramento, com percentual idêntico de preenchimento. CONCLUSÕES: Os municípios prioritários são responsáveis por 70,2% do total de notificações, devendo, portanto, melhorar a qualidade dos registros em relação ao preenchimento dos campos e à atualização dos dados, primordiais para a confiabilidade da análise epidemiológica. Isto possibilitará o planejamento de ações de prevenção e controle da tuberculose no estado.
Stress response of mammalian cells incubated with landfill leachate
Authors: Talorete Terence , Limam Atef , Kawano Mitsuko , Jenhani Amel Ben Rejeb , Ghrabi Ahmed , Isoda Hiroko
Published: April 2008

Environmental contamination from landfill leachate has been linked to disturbances in human health. Often, however, only global parameters, such as dissolved organic content, chemical oxygen demand, and 5-d biological oxygen demand, are used to evaluate wastewater quality. In the present study, we determined leachate cytotoxicity and stress response of leachate-treated mammalian cells using in vitro bioassays and other molecular techniques. The modified E-screen assay using human breast cancer MCF-7 cells was used to determine the estrogenic potential and/or cytotoxicity of water samples from two solid-waste landfills in Tunisia. The cytotoxicity mechanism of the leachate was determined by DNA fragmentation and lactate dehydrogenase assays. The stress response of heat shock protein (HSP) 47–positive Chinese hamster ovary cells treated with leachate also was determined. Proteomics analyses and real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction were used to determine and confirm the enhanced expressions of certain stress-related proteins. Results showed that the leachate samples generally did not have estrogenic activity. Instead, they were cytotoxic toward MCF-7 cells, and the cytotoxicity was by necrosis during the early stages of incubation. Leachate also enhanced the expression of HSP and various stress-related proteins, such as heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein E1, phosphoglycerate mutase, and nuclear matrix protein 200, in MCF-7 cells. These can be considered as survival mechanisms against leachate-induced cytotoxicity.
Influence of pH on the acute toxicity of ammonia to juvenile freshwater mussels (fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea)
Authors: Wang Ning , Erickson Russell J , Ingersoll Christopher G , Ivey Christopher D , Brunson Eric L , Augspurger Tom , Barnhart M. Christopher
Published: April 2008

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of pH on the toxicity of ammonia to juvenile freshwater mussels. Acute 96-h ammonia toxicity tests were conducted with 10-d-old juvenile mussels (fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea) at five pH levels ranging from 6.5 to 9.0 in flow-through diluter systems at 20°C. Acute 48-h tests with amphipods (Hyalella azteca) and 96-h tests with oligochaetes (Lumbriculus variegatus) were conducted concurrently under the same test conditions to determine the sensitivity of mussels relative to these two commonly tested benthic invertebrate species. During the exposure, pH levels were maintained within 0.1 of a pH unit and ammonia concentrations were relatively constant through time (coefficient of variation for ammonia concentrations ranged from 2 to 30% with a median value of 7.9%). The median effective concentrations (EC50s) of total ammonia nitrogen (N) for mussels were at least two to six times lower than the EC50s for amphipods and oligochaetes, and the EC50s for mussels decreased with increasing pH and ranged from 88 mg N/L at pH 6.6 to 0.96 mg N/L at pH 9.0. The EC50s for mussels were at or below the final acute values used to derive the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's acute water quality criterion (WQC). However, the quantitative relationship between pH and ammonia toxicity to juvenile mussels was similar to the average relationship for other taxa reported in the WQC. These results indicate that including mussel toxicity data in a revision to the WQC would lower the acute criterion but not change the WQC mathematical representation of the relative effect of pH on ammonia toxicity.
Development of a biomarker for metal bioavailability: The lettuce fatty acid composition
Authors: Guedard Marina Le , Schraauwers Blandine , Larrieu Isabelle , Bessoule Jean-Jacques
Published: April 2008

Because Lactuca sativa L. is a plant widely used in ecotoxicological analyses, a study was developed to determine whether the fatty acid composition of lettuce leaves could be used as an additional biomarker of soil contamination by metals such as Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cd. Unlike seed germination or seedling growth, the fatty acid composition of lettuce leaves differed significantly between uncontaminated and field metal-contaminated soils. Hence, this lipid biomarker might provide an early indication of a plant's exposure to metals and the potential bioavailability of metals, and could facilitate or strengthen the diagnosis of soil contamination. Not only is the experimental protocol cheap, rapid, and easy, but the values of the lipid biomarker are highly reproducible when seedlings are grown at the same light intensity. In addition, the values of the biomarker did not vary greatly when 14- to 18-day-old plants were analyzed and when slight differences were introduced in the experimental conditions used to determine the leaf fatty acid composition.
Ozone exposure affects feeding and locomotor behavior of adult Bufo marinus
Authors: Dohm Michael R , Mautz William J , Doratt Rogelio E , Stevens Julien R
Published: April 2008

Ozone (O3), a reactive component of air pollution, depresses feeding and voluntary locomotor behavior in laboratory rodents, but the effects of O3 on amphibian behavior are not known. We evaluated the effects of 4 h of exposure to air or ozone (0.6 μl/L), on two ecologically relevant behaviors of the toad Bufo marinus. Toads were offered five mealworms at 1, 24, and 48 h after exposure. One hour after exposure, O3-exposed toads ate fewer mealworms than did air-exposed toads (Fisher exact test, p = 0.005). Within 24 h after exposure, all toads ate four or five mealworms. Because movement is a key component of toad feeding behavior, we tested additional toads (n = 25) for voluntary locomotor behavior during three 1-h trials in a 2.9-m2 open-field arena. Mean (± standard deviation) total distance moved was: pre-exposure, 29 ± 19.5 m; 1-h postexposure, 13 ± 15.6 m; and 24-h postexposure, 17 ± 17.4 m. The means were not statistically different by repeated measures analysis of covariance. Therefore, our results suggest that a single 4-h exposure to O3 depresses toad feeding behavior after exposure but had little effect on voluntary locomotor behavior.
High molecular weight petroleum hydrocarbons differentially affect freshwater benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages
Authors: Anson Jennifer R , Pettigrove Vincent , Carew Melissa E , Hoffmann Ary A
Published: April 2008

High–molecular weight petroleum hydrocarbons (HMWPHs) are a common pollutant in urban freshwater sediments. A previous study found that HMWPHs derived from synthetic oils are detrimental to aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates at concentrations greater than 840 mg/kg, but it is unclear what effect hydrocarbons derived from other sources have on these organisms. A field-based microcosm experiment was conducted to determine whether natural and other types of HMWPHs produce similar effects on indigenous benthic macroinvertebrates as was induced by synthetic motor oils. Ordinations and comparisons of sensitive species indicated that HMWPHs from different anthropogenic sources negatively affected macroinvertebrates, whereas naturally occurring hydrocarbons above the threshold of 840 mg/kg had no detrimental effect. This result suggests that total petroleum hydrocarbon content, which is often used to identify hydrocarbon pollutants, is a good conservative indicator of HMWPH concentrations affecting the biota.
Distribution of toxins in various tissues of crucian carp intraperitoneally injected with hepatotoxic microcystins
Authors: Lei Hehua , Xie Ping , Chen Jun , Liang Gaodao , Dai Ming , Zhang Xuezhen
Published: April 2008

An acute toxicity experiment was conducted to examine the distribution and depuration of microcystins (MCs) in crucian carp (Carassius aurutus) tissues. Fish were injected intraperitoneally with extracted MCs at a dose of 200 μg MC-LR (where L = leucine and R = arginine) equivalent/kg body weight. Microcystin concentrations in various tissues and aquaria water were analyzed at 1, 3, 12, 24, and 48 h postinjection using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Microcystins were detected mainly in blood (3.99% of injected dose at 1 h), liver (1.60% at 1 h), gonad (1.49% at 3 h), and kidney (0.14% at 48 h). Other tissues, such as the heart, gill, gallbladder, intestine, spleen, brain, and muscle, contained less than 0.1% of the injected MCs. The highest concentration of MCs was found in blood (526-3,753 ng/g dry wt), followed by liver (103-1,656 ng/g dry wt) and kidney (279-1,592 ng/g dry wt). No MC-LR was detectable in intestine, spleen, kidney, brain, and muscle, whereas MC-RR was found in all examined fish tissues, which might result from organ specificity of different MCs. Clearance of MC-RR in brain tissue was slow. In kidney, the MC-RR content was negatively correlated with that in blood, suggesting that blood was important in the transportation of MC-RR to kidney for excretion.
Concentrations and patterns of perfluoroalkyl acids in Georgia, USA surface waters near and distant to a major use source
Authors: Konwick Brad J , Tomy Gregg T , Ismail Nargis , Peterson James T , Fauver Rebecca J , Higginbotham David , Fisk Aaron T
Published: April 2008

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are widespread contaminants emanating from, among other sources, the production/degradation of fluorinated chemicals used in surface repellant applications, such as carpet manufacturing. The goal of the present study was to assess the concentrations of PFAAs, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUA), and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA), in surface waters both near a wastewater land application system (LAS) in Dalton (GA, USA), home to North America's largest carpet manufacturing site, and distant to this location (Altamaha River, GA, USA) to understand the fate of PFAAs in freshwater. Levels of PFAAs were high in the Conasauga River (GA, USA) downstream of the LAS (PFOA, 253–1,150 ng/L; PFOS, 192–318 ng/L; PFNA, 202–369 ng/L; PFDA, 30.1–113 ng/L; PFUA, 58.0–99.2 ng/L; PFOSA, 162–283 ng/L) and in streams and ponds in Dalton (PFOA, 49.9–299 ng/L; PFOS, 15.8–120 ng/L), and were among the highest measured at a nonspill or direct-release location. Perfluoroalkyl acids in the Altamaha River were much lower (PFOA, 3.0–3.1 ng/L; PFOS, 2.6–2.7 ng/L), but were a source of PFAAs to Georgia's estuaries. A preliminary hazard assessment indicated that concentrations of PFOS at two sites in the Conasauga River exceeded the threshold effect predicted for birds consuming aquatic organisms that are exposed continuously to the PFOS levels at these sites. Assuming that toxicity for all PFAAs quantified is equal to that of PFOS, the sum total PFAAs at two sites within the Conasauga River exceeded PFOS thresholds for aquatic and avian species, warranting additional research.
Innovative large-diameter RO system for water reclamation and seawater desalination
Authors: Ng How Yong , Tay Kwee Guan , Chua Seng Chye , Seah Harry
Published: April 2008

This study presents the performance of two innovative large-diameter (16-inch) demonstration reverse osmosis systems (known as Super-Flux RO systems) for water reclamation and seawater desalination in Singapore. Each 16-inch membrane element of the Super-Flux demonstration RO systems was fitted with patented flow distributors on both ends of each RO element to achieve even distribution of feed water into each membrane element. Electrical coils were embedded into the pressure vessels to produce electromagnetic field for fouling mitigation. Computational fluid dynamics results had verified that feed water was more evenly distributed at membrane inlet with the new flow distributor, compared to the commonly used anti-telescoping device. The operating data collected from the two demonstration RO systems over a period of 1,200 operating hours showed the excellent performance of the Super-Flux RO system regardless of the type of feed water. Both demonstration RO systems produced high quality permeate water and did not show any signs of membrane fouling, i.e., feed pressure, salt rejection and average permeate flux were consistent in the test periods. The average permeate flux of the Super-Flux demonstration RO system for water reclamation was about 2.6 times the value of the existing conventional 8-inch full-scale RO system.
Use of district metered areas coupled with pressure optimisation to reduce leakage
Authors: Charalambous Bambos
Published: April 2008

Water shortage and the future threat posed by changing climatic conditions has intensified the need for the development of appropriate water management approaches, which aim at keeping a balance between water supply and demand.

Losses from water distribution systems must be of concern to every water utility, especially in areas of our planet where water is found in very limited quantities. It is therefore imperative that water utilities apply simple and effective methodologies in accounting for water losses from their transmission and distribution systems. The Water Loss Task Force (WLTF) of the International Water Association (IWA) has established a water audit method, which traces water from its source right through the system and derives at the end the revenue and non-revenue component, in other words is a methodology for water accountability and an integrated approach to water loss control.

The Water Board of Lemesos, Cyprus recognised at a very early stage the importance and significance of establishing a proper water audit system and has over the years developed its infrastructure in such a way in order to be able to account efficiently and accurately for all water produced. Reduction and control of water loss was achieved through the application of a holistic strategy based on the approach developed by the WLTF of the IWA. Integral part of this approach is the establishment and operation of DMAs.
Automata Presenting Structures: A Survey of the Finite String Case
Authors: Rubin Sasha
Published: April 2008

A structure has a (finite-string)automatic presentationif the elements of its domain can be named by finite strings in such a way that the coded domain and the coded atomic operations are recognised by synchronous multitape automata. Consequently, every structure with an automatic presentation has a decidable first-order theory. The problems surveyed here include the classification of classes of structures with automatic presentations, the complexity of the isomorphism problem, and the relationship between definability and recognisability.
Education and Intra-Alliance Conflict: Contrasting and Comparing Popular Struggles in Apartheid South Africa and Palestine
Authors: Barakat Bilal Fouad
Published: April 2008

Much recent research has been directed at illuminating the role of education in major conflicts between ethnic groups. It is increasingly well understood that education does not necessarily have a positive, peace-supporting influence, but that the wrong kind of education can serve to reinforce divisions. However, in many conflicts there are multiple fault lines. Even if one central antagonism between two broad groupings can be identified, numerous tensions and divergent interests may exist within each of these groupings. This study examines the hypothesis that the notion of the ‘two faces of education’ extends to such ‘conflicts within the conflict’. In other words, with regard to tensions within groups on the ‘same side’, education and schooling may also serve either as a unifying force or as a cause of violent disagreement – or both at the same time. This article presents the results of extracting both kind of themes – education as divisive or unifying – from a thorough review of the literature on two case studies: South African education during the anti-apartheid struggle, and the development of Palestinian education in exile and under occupation. While significant differences exist, there are also some common patterns, such as the use of educational privileges to co-opt part of the opposition, the continuation of educational class differentials within broad alliances during and after conflict, and the role of ambiguity in educational discourse in opposition. Both cases support the conclusion that education and schooling can play an ambivalent role at all levels of complex conflicts, and that research on ‘education and conflict’ cannot afford to ignore this complexity.