bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desarrollo fonológico-fonético en un grupo de niños entre 3 y 5, 11 años
Authors: Vivar Pilar , León Hernán
Published: July 2009

OBJETIVO: conocer cómo los niños adquieren el sistema fonológico-fonético de su lengua materna y describir la cronología de secuencia de adquisición del repertorio fonético-fonológico en la muestra. MÉTODOS: la muestra está compuesta por 72 sujetos dividida en seis grupos etáreos de seis meses cada uno. Se le aplicó el "Cuestionario para la Evaluación de la Fonología Infantil" (CEFI) que evaluó la articulación de las consonantes en sus todas sus posiciones mediante una tarea de nombrado. Los resultados de cada grupo etáreo fueron comparados en cada segmento para observar la secuencia de adquisición de los sonidos según la edad de los informantes. RESULTADOS: se observó que el rendimiento general de las consonantes evidenció un aumento en el porcentaje de emisión normal en relación al avance en la edad de los sujetos. Los fonemas /f/ - /s/ - /x/ y el grupo de líquidas /l/-/lh/ - /r/ fueron los segmentos que presentaron mayor dificultad articulatoria. Las nasales /m/ - /n/ - /nh/ y las sordas no continuas /p/ - /t/ - /tch/-/k/ fueron los segmentos con mayor porcentaje de articulación normal. CONCLUSIONES: a los 3 años los sujetos tienen sobre un 80% de articulación normal en las consonantes.Las mayores dificultades de adquisición se manifestaron en las consonantes fricativas /s/ y /x/ y, sobre todo, en la consonante /r/. A la inversa, las consonantes que menos dificultades de adquisición presentaron fueron las nasales y las oclusivas.
Terapia fonológica: a generalização para outra posição na palavra
Authors: Ceron Marizete Ilha , Keske-Soares Márcia
Published: July 2009

OBJETIVO: analisar a eficácia de três modelos de terapia com base fonológica em sujeitos com diferentes gravidades do desvio fonológico. MÉTODOS: o grupo pesquisado foi constituído de 21 crianças, 11 do sexo masculino e dez do feminino, com média de idade de 5:7 anos. Os dados da fala dos sujeitos foram analisados por meio da avaliação fonológica. Após a realização da análise contrastiva, foi calculado o Percentual de Consoantes Corretas proposto por Shriberg e Kwiatkowski (1982) e os sujeitos foram classificados em diferentes gravidades do desvio fonológico em desvio severo, moderado-severo, médio-moderado e médio. Sendo seis sujeitos submetidos ao Modelo de Ciclos Modificado, oito ao Modelo ABAB-Retirada e Provas Múltiplas, e sete ao Modelo Oposições Máximas Modificado. Fez-se uma comparação da generalização para outras posições da palavra entre os três modelos de terapia em cada gravidade. RESULTADOS: a generalização a outras posições na palavra ocorreu em todos os modelos estudados, todavia, os maiores percentuais de acertos obtidos foram no Modelo ABAB-Retirada e Provas Múltiplas, no grupo com desvio severo; no Modelo Oposições Máximas Modificado, nos grupos com desvio moderado-severo e médio-moderado; e nos Modelos Oposições Máximas Modificado e ABAB-Retirada e Provas Múltiplas, no grupo com desvio médio. CONCLUSÃO: todos os sujeitos apresentaram evoluções no sistema fonológico e quanto à generalização para outras posições na palavra, sendo em maior percentual nos modelos ABAB-Retirada e Provas Múltiplas e Oposições Máximas Modificado.
Consciência fonológica e o processo de aprendizagem de leitura e escrita: implicações teóricas para o embasamento da prática fonoaudiológica
Authors: Nunes Cristiane , Frota Silvana , Mousinho Renata
Published: July 2009

TEMA: consciência fonológica e o aprendizado da leitura e escrita. OBJETIVO: realizar uma revisão de literatura acerca do tema com o objetivo de retomar conceitos dispostos recentemente na literatura e oferecer ao Fonoaudiólogo a possibilidade de revisão de suas práticas para (re)formulação de estratégias terapêuticas. CONCLUSÃO: é possível observar que os estudos convergem para a importante relação no desenvolvimento das habilidades de consciência fonológica com o desenvolvimento da leitura e escrita. Tal fato reforça a necessidade de revisão de nossa prática clínica e científica para a criação e difusão de estratégias preventivas e/ou de remediação envolvendo atividades lúdicas que englobam a consciência da criança na manipulação dos sons da fala. Uma importante área de pesquisa na Fonoaudiologia do Brasil deveria convergir para o estudo e criação de ferramentas facilitadoras ao Fonoaudiólogo.
Avaliação miofuncional orofacial: protocolo MBGR
Authors: Genaro Katia Flores , Berretin-Felix Giédre , Rehder Maria Inês Beltrati Cornacchioni , Marchesan Irene Queiroz
Published: July 2009

OBJETIVO: apresentar um protocolo com escores na área de motricidade orofacial intitulado Protocolo MBGR. MÉTODOS: a partir de protocolos utilizados na área da motricidade orofacial foi elaborado um novo protocolo contendo escores, o qual foi aplicado em sujeitos normais e em pacientes, em cinco fases distintas durante dois anos. A aplicação do protocolo, em cada fase, foi realizada por juízes independentes. Sempre ao final de cada fase o grupo que elaborou o protocolo fez os ajustes necessários para que o mesmo pudesse ser sensível aos problemas da área da motricidade orofacial. RESULTADOS: um novo protocolo na área de motricidade orofacial com escores foi elaborado e testado durante dois anos em cinco diferentes fases possibilitando obter parâmetros numéricos. CONCLUSÃO: foi apresentado o Protocolo MBGR com escores, o qual permite ao fonoaudiólogo avaliar, diagnosticar e estabelecer prognóstico em motricidade orofacial.
A utilização da chupeta e o desenvolvimento sensório motor oral
Authors: Araújo Cláudia Marina Tavares de , Silva Giselia Alves Pontes da , Coutinho Sônia Bechara
Published: July 2009

OBJETIVOS: verificar parâmetros do desenvolvimento sensório motor oral de lactentes no terceiro mês de vida, com e sem o hábito de chupar chupeta, além de identificar a frequência do uso da chupeta entre crianças em aleitamento materno e crianças que iniciaram o desmame. MÉTODOS: estudo observacional com corte transversal, envolvendo 74 bebês que nasceram e estavam realizando acompanhamento no Serviço de Puericultura de uma maternidade da rede pública, Recife-PE. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevista com as mães e observação das crianças. RESULTADOS: as que não utilizavam chupeta apresentaram frequentemente padrão postural global simétrico, melhores respostas aos reflexos orais e língua mais posteriorizada (p=0,034). CONCLUSÃO: constatou-se que as crianças que não utilizaram chupeta apresentaram melhor postura das estruturas orais, como também melhores respostas em relação aos reflexos orais. Nas crianças em aleitamento materno exclusivo foi predominante o não uso da chupeta, havendo associação estatisticamente significante entre o aleitamento materno exclusivo e o não uso da chupeta (p=0,001). Por outro lado, entre as crianças que já haviam iniciado o desmame, o uso da chupeta foi mais frequente.
Eletromiografia de superfície da musculatura supra-hióidea durante a deglutição de idosos sem doenças neurológicas e idosos com Parkinson
Authors: Belo Luciana Rodrigues , Lins Shirliany Castro , Cunha Daniele Andrade da , Lins Otávio , Amorim César Ferreira
Published: July 2009

OBJETIVO: investigar as diferenças entre os achados eletromiográficos dos músculos supra-hióideos direito e esquerdo durante a deglutição de um líquido e um pastoso fino, em sujeitos idosos com doença de Parkinson e idosos sem doença neurológica. MÉTODOS: 30 sujeitos de ambos os sexos participaram deste estudo, 15 idosos sem doença neurológica e os demais com doença de Parkinson. Todos foram submetidos a um protocolo de avaliação clínica e avaliação eletromiográfica de superfície. RESULTADOS: foram constatadas diferenças significantes nos valores entre os sujeitos (f=14.4 e p= 0.000) e entre os lados (f=4.4 e p=0.0037). Em relação ao tempo de duração da contração muscular durante a deglutição as diferenças foram significantes apenas entre as consistências (f=8.2 e p=0.005). CONCLUSÃO: a amplitude eletromiográfica foi menor nos sujeitos com doença de Parkinson e maior nos músculos supra-hiódeos do lado direito em ambos os grupos. A duração da contração muscular não diferiu significativamente entre os sujeitos com doença de Parkinson e idosos sem doença neurológica e foi menor para a consistência líquida.
Julgamento de telespectadores a partir de uma proposta de intervenção fonoaudiológica com telejornalistas
Authors: Azevedo Juliana Bueno Meirelles de , Ferreira Léslie Piccolotto , Kyrillos Leny Rodrigues
Published: July 2009

OBJETIVO: verificar o julgamento do desempenho de um grupo de telejornalistas, de acordo com a situação, pré e pós uma proposta de intervenção fonoaudiológica, na opinião de telespectadores. MÉTODOS: seis telejornalistas de uma emissora de televisão universitária foram filmados em leitura simulada de apresentação de telejornal, e posteriormente submetidos a uma proposta de intervenção fonoaudiológica. Uma nova filmagem foi realizada após a intervenção sob as mesmas condições anteriores. O material pré e pós-intervenção foi editado de forma aleatória e determinado por sorteio intra-sujeito. A edição foi apresentada, individualmente para 50 telespectadores adultos, para julgamento do desempenho dos telejornalistas. RESULTADOS: no julgamento dos telespectadores observou-se que, dos seis telejornalistas, quatro apresentaram um percentual estatisticamente significante de preferência dos telespectadores na situação pós-intervenção. CONCLUSÃO: verificou-se percentual estatisticamente significante de preferência para os telespectadores na situação pósintervenção, dado que demonstra o efeito positivo da intervenção fonoaudiológica realizada com os telejornalistas.
Análise da influência do nistagmo espontâneo e pré-calórico na vectoeletronistagmografia
Authors: Munaro Gisiane , Sleifer Pricila , Pedroso Fleming Salvador
Published: July 2009

OBJETIVO: verificar a ocorrência do nistagmo espontâneo / pré-calórico, sua direção, cálculo da velocidade angular média e real da componente lenta, sua influência quantitativa e qualitativa nas pro-vas calórica e rotatória em pacientes com sintomas vestibulares MÉTODOS: no período de janeiro a abril de 2006, 88 pacientes foram avaliados na Clínica de Audiologia do Centro Diagnóstico Mãe de Deus Center, em Porto Alegre, por Vectoeletronistagmografia computadorizada. RESULTADOS: 33 pacientes (37.5%) apresentaram nistagmo espontâneo e pré-calórico (olhos fechados), 19 mulheres (57,6%) e 14 homens (42,4%), idades entre 15 e 81 anos. Foram registradas 31 ocorrências do nistagmo espontâneo e 33 do pré-calórico. A análise estatística demonstrou diferença significante entre as médias da velocidade angular média e real, e entre o nistagmo espontâneo e o pré-calórico. Não houve correlação significativa entre as médias dos nistagmos espontâneo e pré-calórico com os resultados percentuais da prova calórica, porém, foi observada influência qualitativa, pela maior ocorrência de resultados do tipo predomínio direcional. Na prova rotatória, verificou-se assimetria em 11 casos (33,3%), coincidindo com a direção do nistagmo espontâneo e/ou pré-calórico. CONCLUSÃO: uma velocidade angular média de maior valor no nistagmo espontâneo e pré-calórico não determinou uma assimetria quantitativamente maior na prova calórica, embora qualitativamente observou-se uma maior ocorrência de predomínio direcional do nistagmo para o mesmo lado do nistagmo espontâneo e pré-calórico.
Percepção de idosos sobre o uso de AASI concedido pelo Sistema Único de Saúde
Authors: Fialho Indiara de Mesquita , Bortoli Daniela , Mendonça Gabriella Gomes de , Pagnosim Débora Frizzo , Scholze Alessandro da Silva
Published: July 2009

OBJETIVO: conhecer a percepção de idosos sobre o uso de aparelhos de amplificação sonora individuais (AASI) concedidos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). MÉTODOS: estudo de caráter qualitativo. Foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas com 19 idosos, entre 60 e 86 anos, com adaptação binaural e tempo de uso de AASI entre seis meses e um ano. As entrevistas foram gravadas e transcritas para posterior leitura e análise temática. As categorias estabelecidas foram: dificuldades de comunicação sem AASI; o acesso ao AASI e o processo de adaptação ao uso; o impacto do uso do AASI na comunicação. RESULTADOS: a dificuldade para se comunicar foi maior em situações em que há várias pessoas conversando; a dificuldade está em entender e não em ouvir, demonstrando uma preocupação em ressaltar o que sentem em ser surdo. A maioria dos participantes não realizou a adaptação do AASI anteriormente por não ter condições financeiras e revela que o que possibilitou o acesso foi a implantação do Serviço de Atenção à Saúde Auditiva. As dificuldades encontradas no processo de adaptação foram: mudança na percepção da própria voz, dificuldade de percepção de fala em ambiente ruidoso e no telefone. Relataram benefício com o uso de AASI na comunicação com familiares e com estranhos. CONCLUSÃO: destaca-se a importância do processo de acompanhamento para que as dificuldades de adaptação possam ser detectadas e minimizadas, para que efetivamente o sujeito obtenha benefício e satisfação com este tratamento.
Avaliação da colocação de protetores auriculares em grupos com e sem treinamento
Authors: Gonçalves Cláudia Giglio de Oliveira , Couto Christiane Marques do , Carraro Juliana Malteze , Leonelli Bianca Santos
Published: July 2009

OBJETIVO: analisar a eficácia da colocação de diferentes protetores auriculares em sujeitos treinados e não-treinados e verificar a importância e a necessidade da realização de um treinamento para a colocação adequada do Equipamento de Proteção Individual auricular. MÉTODOS: investigou-se a atenuação de quatro modelos diferentes de protetores auriculares (inserção de espuma, inserção de silicone três flanges, inserção oliva e tipo concha) por meio de duas estratégias: audiometria em campo livre e medidas com microfone sonda, com e sem protetor auricular para comparação e determinação da vedação de ruído. Avaliou-se dois grupos, Grupo 1, sujeitos que receberam treinamento e orientação em relação ao uso e colocação do EPI auricular (23) e o Grupo 2, sujeitos não-treinados (8) universitários que nunca utilizaram o EPI auricular. RESULTADOS: no grupo 1, as diferenças dos limiares auditivos sem e com protetor auricular avaliadas pelos dois métodos apresentaram, em geral, valores de atenuação superiores ao do grupo 2. O protetor auricular concha apresentou valores médios de atenuação superiores aos demais tipos; e o protetor auricular oliva apresentou valores menores. CONCLUSÃO: o treinamento quanto ao uso dos protetores auriculares é necessário e deve ser incluído nos Programa de Conservação Auditiva (PCA).
Caracterização do desenvolvimento da alimentação em crianças de 6 aos 24 meses de idade do município de Canoas/RS
Authors: Carneiro Aline e Silva , Delgado Susana Elena , Brescovici Silvana Maria
Published: July 2009

OBJETIVOS: caracterizar a alimentação de crianças na faixa etária entre seis e 24 meses verificando a época de introdução, tipos de alimentos e texturas oferecidas conforme a faixa etária, bem como, verificar hábitos orais e constatar quem orientou os pais sobre alimentação. MÉTODOS: a amostra foi composta por 100 crianças dos seis aos 24 meses, que frequentaram duas unidades básicas de saúde, em Canoas, RS. Foram realizadas entrevistas com os responsáveis. RESULTADOS: constatou-se que 98% (N=98) das crianças foram amamentadas exclusivamente, porém com duração média de dois meses e oito dias. O oferecimento de líquidos apresentou introdução precoce de chá com mediana de início aos 60 dias; 92% (N=92) das crianças usaram mamadeira e destas em 47% (N=47) aumentaram o furo. A chupeta era usada por 60% (N=60) da amostra e teve associação com o tempo de aleitamento. O início da oferta das frutas e sopas apresentou mediana de 150 dias e da carne, 210 dias. Houve associação estatística entre a idade e o aumento da consistência. Verificou-se ainda, que os alimentos estão sendo ofertados em consistências adequadas para a idade. CONCLUSÃO: concluiu-se que houve prática de aleitamento materno exclusivo com período menor ao que é recomendado. Os alimentos foram introduzidos precocemente, porém, a consistência está sendo adequada na alimentação atual. Pode-se verificar, também, a grande frequência do uso de mamadeira e chupeta como hábitos orais deletérios. Ainda, a orientação sobre a alimentação foi feita por pessoas leigas, na sua maioria.
Short-term community dynamics in seasonal and hyperseasonal cerrados
Authors: Cianciaruso MV. , Batalha MA.
Published: July 2009

In South America, the largest seasonal savanna region is the Brazilian cerrado. Our aim was to study temporal changes in some community descriptors, such as floristic composition, richness, species density, plant density, and cylindrical volume, in a seasonal cerrado, comparing it to a nearby hyperseasonal cerrado. In four different seasons, we placed randomly ten 1 m² quadrats in each vegetation form and sampled all the vascular plants. Seasonal changes in floristic composition, species density, and plant density were less pronounced in the seasonal than in the hyperseasonal cerrado. Floristic similarity between the vegetation forms was lower when the hyperseasonal cerrado was waterlogged. Richness and species density were higher in the seasonal cerrado, which reached its biomass peak at mid rainy season. The hyperseasonal cerrado, in turn, reached its biomass peak at early rainy season and, despite the waterlogging, maintained it until late rainy season. In the hyperseasonal cerrado, waterlogging acts as an environmental filter restricting the number of cerrado species able to withstand it. The seasonal cerrado community was more stable than the hyperseasonal one. Our results corroborated the idea that changes in the environmental filters will affect floristic composition and community structure in savannas.
Phytoplankton community: indicator of water quality in the Armando Ribeiro Gonçalves Reservoir and Pataxó Channel, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Authors: Chellappa NT. , Câmara FRA. , Rocha O.
Published: July 2009

The current study analysed spatial-temporal modifications of the phytoplankton community and water quality, during dry and wet seasons. The phytoplankton community was studied in three areas: Armando Ribeiro Gonçalves Reservoir (ARG), which is an important public use reservoir in RN, Pataxó Channel (PC-before water treatment), Itajá, RN, and after the water treatment (WTP). Water samples from the reservoir were collected during both dry (January, February and November, 2006) and wet seasons (March to June, 2006). Quali-quantitative analyses of phytoplankton were carried out. Results indicated a qualitative similarity of the phytoplankton community in the three areas. However, significant differences were registered in these areas in relation to species relative abundance, with dominance of potentially toxic cyanobacteria, such as Planktothrix agardhii Gomont (dry season) and Microcystis aeruginosa Kutz (wet season). Ecological indexes obtained higher values before water treatment. Nevertheless, densities of cyanobacteria (organisms/mL) gradually reduced in the waters of the reservoir and of the Pataxó Channel before and after water treatment. After the treatment, density values of cyanobacteria were adequate for human consumption, according to the values established by the Health Ministry.
Effects of the pollution by petroleum on the tracheids along the stem of Podocarpus lambertii Klotzsch ex Endl., Podocarpaceae
Authors: Maranho LT. , Dziedzic M. , Muñiz GIB. , Kuniyoshi YS. , Galvão F.
Published: July 2009

Podocarpus lambertii Klotzsch ex Endl. (Podocarpaceae) is native and a member of the Pinophyta (Gymnosperm) of southern Brazil, locally known as "pinheiro-bravo". The present work aims to investigate the effects of petroleum on the tracheids dimensions. Wood samples from twenty individuals were studied along the stem, ten being exposed to pollution and ten used as a control set. The wood samples were collected from incisions at three levels: at the ground level, and one and two metres above the ground level. From these samples, sub-samples were selected at the border of the growth layers in the vascular cambium-medulla direction. The methodology followed that traditionally recommended for plant anatomy studies, with analyses done by light microscopy (OLYMPUS - BX41) assisted by the software Image Pro-plus for measurements. Comparison of the individuals exposed to petroleum with the control set, showed that the length, diameter and cell wall width of the tracheids of the former were smaller, a trend which was statistically significant according to the Student's t-test. These traits were observed mainly on the tracheids of the last growth layer, corresponding to the year in which the individuals were exposed to petroleum.
Seasonal dynamics of methane in the water column of two subtropical lakes differing in trophic status
Authors: Marinho CC. , Palma Silva C. , Albertoni EF. , Trindade CR. , Esteves FA.
Published: July 2009

Alterations in methane concentration in the water column of aquatic systems is closely linked to the processes of production and consumption of this gas, i.e., methanogenesis and methanotrophy respectively. The aim of this research is to evaluate methane dynamics through diurnal variation in the concentration of this gas in the water column of two lakes differing in trophic status at the campus of Fundação Universidade do Rio Grande (FURG). In two sampling periods (November 2001 and July 2002) methane concentrations in the water column were significantly higher (3.66 and 0.41 μmoles.L-1, respectively) at Lago dos Biguás, with mesoeutrophic features when related to Lago Polegar (1.43 and 0.19 μmoles.L-1, respectively) which has oligotrophic features. The higher methane concentrations were detected in November 2001 when higher temperature was also detected. The results highlighted the importance of trophic status as well as seasonality for the methane dynamics in these ecosystems.
Ecology of endoparasites of the fluvial stingray Potamotrygon falkneri (Chondrichthyes: Potamotrygonidae) from the upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil
Authors: Lacerda ACF. , Takemoto RM. , Pavanelli GC.
Published: July 2009

The present study investigated the ecological relationships between endoparasites and the host Potamotrygon falkneri from the upper Paraná River by using as indicators the host's relative condition factor (Kn), sex and hepatosomatic relation (HSR). Forty-seven specimens of P. falkneri were analyzed between March 2005 and September 2006. Statistical analysis showed that the Kn was positively correlated with the abundance of Acanthobothrium regoi and Rhinebothrium paratrygoni; only the abundance of A. regoi was positively correlated to the HSR, whereas R. paratrygoni did not present correlation and there was no influence of the host's sex on the abundance and prevalence of parasites. This is the first study concerning the ecology of parasites of potamotrygonids.
Small mammals in a fragment and adjacent matrix in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Passamani M. , Ribeiro D.
Published: July 2009

Between May 2002 and May 2003, we studied a small mammal community from an Atlantic forest fragment surrounded by a coffee plantation in the municipality of Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo state, Brazil. We obtained a total of 300 captures of 114 individuals belonging to 11 mammal species. Seventy three percent of the species captured in the forest also used the coffee plantation, mainly males (90%) and young (80%) individuals of Marmosops incanus. The exceptionally low recapture rate in the coffee plantation suggests that it functions as a corridor between fragments, rather than as a habitat for these species. Understanding the role of matrix habitat use in fragmented landscapes is an important factor in small mammal conservation, as it asymmetrically affects the rate and mode of individual movements of different species.
Enzymes of energy metabolism in hatchlings of amazonian freshwater turtles (Testudines, Podocnemididae)
Authors: Duncan WP. , Marcon JL.
Published: July 2009

The metabolic profiles of selected tissues were analyzed in hatchlings of the Amazonian freshwater turtles Podocnemis expansa, P. unifilis and P. sextuberculata. Metabolic design in these species was judged based on the key enzymes of energy metabolism, with special emphasis on carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid and ketone body metabolism. All species showed a high glycolytic potential in all sampled tissues. Based on low levels of hexokinase, glycogen may be an important fuel for these species. The high lactate dehydrogenase activity in the liver may play a significant role in carbohydrate catabolism, possibly during diving. Oxidative metabolism in P. sextuberculata appears to be designed for the use of lipids, amino acids and ketone bodies. The maximal activities of 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, glutamine dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase and succinyl-CoA keto transferase display high aerobic potential, especially in muscle and liver tissues of this species. Although amino acids and ketone bodies may be important fuels for oxidative metabolism, carbohydrates and lipids are the major fuels used by P. expansa and P. unifilis. Our results are consistent with the food habits and lifestyle of Amazonian freshwater turtles. The metabolic design, based on enzyme activities, suggests that hatchlings of P. unifilis and P. expansa are predominately herbivorous, whereas P. sextuberculata rely on a mixed diet of animal matter and vegetation.
A study of low power laser on the regenerative process of Girardia tigrina (Girard,1850) (Turbellaria; Tricladida; Dugesiidae)
Authors: Lopes KAR. , Campos Velho NMR. , Munin E.
Published: July 2009

The mechanism of regeneration does not start to restore the wound until its corresponding epimorphic phase. A bioestimulation of tissues and cells by laser radiation depends on the wavelength, on the dose, and on the intensity of the light. The goal of this work was to verify the effect of the low power laser at 660 nm on the regenerative process of Girardia tigrina. The specimens were maintained in the laboratory under a temperature ranging from 19° up to 24 °C for 21 days. The planarians were anesthetized by placing them on ice and then cut them with a scalpel. The three treatments were as following: animals individually irradiated with 14 sessions with 1 minute duration (treatment 1), 14 sessions with 3 minutes duration (treatment 2), and without irradiation (control). The planarians were amputated and divided in three study treatments: a control group (without radiation), and two other treatments: irradiated for 1 minute, and irradiated for 3 minutes. The animals were irradiated with diode laser (660 nm) with 3.3 ± 0.3 mW of power, using 0.94 mW.mm-2 power density for each irradiation procedure. During the experiment, 14 irradiation sessions were undertaken. The specimens were fixed in Bouin, and stained with hematoxyline and eosin. From observation and histological analysis, it was possible to assess the effects of interaction between laser and tissue. The head fragment after 1 minute of irradiation presented a better organized tissue scheme, when compared with the other treatments. Aspects of the body fragments submitted to 3 minutes of light treatment were very similar to fragments that had not been injured. It can be concluded that there are changes in the quality of regeneration when treated with low power laser under the conditions mentioned above.
Effects of bacterial infestation caused by human wastes on the skin structures of Mugil platanus Günther, 1880 (Mugilidae)
Authors: Langer SL. , Vargas VMF. , Flores-Lopes F. , Malabarba LR.
Published: July 2009

Manifestation of infectious pathologies in fishes usually increases in environments where organic wastes are disposed. Specimens of Mugil platanus Günther, 1880 and water samples collected at three points of the Tramandaí river were analyzed during a one year period. The macroscopic observation revealed ulcerations in the caudal peduncle area covered with a mass of amorphous and whitened tissues. Histopathologic analysis showed the presence of negative gram bacteria, probably responsible for alterations of the normal structure of the epidermic tissues. Non-parametric statistical analysis for ammonia concentration showed a significant variation among the three collected spots as well as in the multiple comparison between two spots. In this study, we describe cutaneous lesions observed in Mugil platanus specimens and tested their correlation with environmental ammonia concentration.
Chemical variation of tannins and triterpenes in Brazilian populations of Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. Ex Reiss
Authors: Mossi AJ. , Mazutti M. , Paroul N. , Corazza ML. , Dariva C. , Cansian RL. , Oliveira JV.
Published: July 2009

Maytenus ilicifolia and Maytenus aquifolia species are widely used as a cicatrisation agent, an anti-spasmodic, contraceptive, antiulcerogenic, diuretic and analgesic. Considering the importance of these species in popular medicine, this work is focused on the determination of the chemical content of tannins and the triterpenes friedelan-3-one, friedelan-3-ol and friedelin in 15 native populations of Maytenus ilicifolia distributed in the south and mind-west regions of Brazil. Correlation of the concentration of these compounds with the environmental parameters such as average annual temperature, climate, vegetation, geomorphology, latitude and altitude was determined using Pearson's coefficient. Results showed that average annual temperature and climate have significant effect on tannin content at a 95% confidence level. The highest tannin concentration was found in Ponta Porã population, and for the triterpenes investigated, a significant correlation between their concentrations with the environmental variables studied was not verified.
Sexual dimorphism in the mandible of the armadillo Chaetophractus villosus (Desmarest, 1804) (Dasypodidae) from northern Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Squarcia SM. , Sidorkewicj NS. , Camina R. , Casanave EB.
Published: July 2009

The aim of this study was to study the sexual dimorphism in adult Chaetophractus villosus (Desmarest, 1804), from northern Patagonia, Argentina. Eight mandibular traits were measured in 37 males and 34 females. Univariate and multivariate morphometric analysis were applied to the data set. Results showed that C. villosus was sexually dimorphic, with higher absolute values corresponding to females. The total length of the mandible was the most important variable to discriminate sexes, followed by the height at the level of the last tooth and body length. The percentages of sex discrimination were high, as they were when a new sample (17 males, 13 females) was tested. Females have larger mandibles than males independently of their larger cranial size. They also showed a higher degree of correlation between variables, suggesting a more stable shape for the mandible than in males.
Use of palmae wax hydrocarbon fractions as chemotaxonomical markers in Butia and Syagrus
Authors: Paroul N. , Cansian RL. , Rossato M. , Pauletti GF. , Serafini LA. , Rota L. , Moyna P. , Heinzen H.
Published: July 2009

The wax hydrocarbon fractions of native Butia and Syagrus species collected from Palms in different regions of the of Rio Grande do Sul state (Brazil) and in Rocha (Uruguay) were analyzed to evaluate their potential as chemotaxonomic markers. The wax was extracted with chloroform and the resulting wax was fractionated by preparative TLC. The hydrocarbon fractions were analyzed by GC-MS. Statistical analyses were completed with the Statistica 5.0 program. The total crude wax yields averaged 0.31% w.w-1 dried leaves for Butia samples and 0.28% for Syagrus samples. The linear hydrocarbons represented on average 15% of the total waxes in the case of Butia samples and 13.7% in Syagrus samples. Hentriacontane and triacontane were the main components of all samples. The comparison of the means showed significant differences among Butia and Syagrus samples, and amongst Butia samples collected in different localities. In the case of the Syagrus collections no consistent groupings could be made. In the case of Butia samples the formation of three groupings could be observed, which were consistent with the species described for their geographical distribution. These results are discussed in the paper.
Steviol effect, a glycoside of Stevia rebaudiana, on glucose clearances in rats
Authors: Melis MS. , Rocha ST. , Augusto A.
Published: July 2009

Stevia rebaudiana, a South American plant normally used as a natural herbal sweetener, has been suggested as exerting beneficial effects on human health, including as an antihypertensive and antihyperglycemic. The present experiment was undertaken to evaluate the renal excretion of steviol, the aglycone of several natural products extracted from the leaves of S. rebaudiana, and to clarify the actual participation of this compound on the renal excretion of glucose in rats, which has been previously suggested as the preferential action of steviol on the Na+-glucose renal tubular transport system. Steviol was obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of stevioside with pectinase. Thirty normal male Wistar rats weighing 345 g were used. After a control period, steviol was infused iv at three doses (0.5, 1.0 and 3.0 mg.kg-1/h), according to classical clearance techniques. During all the experiments no significant changes in inulin clearance (Cin) and p-aminohipuric acid clearance (C PAH) were observed. Administration of steviol resulted in a statistically significant increase in the fractional sodium excretion (FeNa+), fractional potassium excretion (FeK+), urinary flow as percent of glomerular filtration rate (V/GFR) and glucose clearance (C G) when compared to controls, but these effects were absent with the dose of 0.5 mg.kg-1/h. The steviol clearance (C S) was higher than the Cin and lower than the C PAH at all the doses employed in this study. The data suggest that steviol is secreted by renal tubular epithelium, causing diuresis, natriuresis, kaliuresis and a fall in renal tubular reabsorption of glucose.
Genetic variation among South Brazilian accessions of Lippia alba Mill. (Verbenaceae) detected by ISSR and RAPD markers
Authors: Manica-Cattani MF. , Zacaria J. , Pauletti G. , Atti-Serafini L. , Echeverrigaray S.
Published: July 2009

Twenty-seven accessions of Lippia alba Mill. collected in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, were analysed by ISSR and RAPD markers to evaluate their genetic variability and relationships. Six ISSR primers and four RAPD primers generated 120 amplified fragments, most of which were polymorphics. The overall genetic variability among accessions was very high when compared with other plant species. The hierarchical analysis of molecular data (UPGMA) showed low relationship between accessions, and no grouping between accessions of the same chemotype. Canonical functions allowed identifying some variables related with the chemical characteristics of the essential oils. Both ISSR and RAPD markers were efficient to address the genetic diversity of L. alba, and may contribute to the conservation and breeding of this increasingly important aromatic and medicinal species.
Daily feeding activity of Bryconamericus microcephalus (Characiformes, Characidae) from Córrego Andorinha, Ilha Grande - RJ
Authors: Mazzoni R. , Rezende CF.
Published: July 2009

The present study was conducted at the Córrego Andorinha on the eastern slope of Ilha Grande and aimed to determine the alimentary daily rhythm of Bryconamericus microcephalus. Fishes were sampled at a 4 hours interval over a 24 hours period during winter 2002 and summer 2003. Gut fullness was determined according to a numerical scale ranging from 0 (empty gut) to 3 (full gut). No differences were registered for the daily ration estimates between seasons. It is concluded that B. microcephalus is a diurnal feeding species, as the high values of gut fullness occurred between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Effect of histological processing and methacrylate sectioning on the area of gill tissue in teleost
Authors: Cruz AL. , Fernandes MN. , Perry SF.
Published: July 2009

Deformation of biological tissues may occur during histological processing and results in loss of accuracy when quantitative information about cells, tissues and organs is necessary. In this study, the gill tissue from armored catfish (Pterygoplichthys anisitsi) was quantified in each step of processing using the stereological principles. During processing for glycol methacrylate embedding, gill tissue from shrinks significantly but regains its original dimensions after sectioning.
Effects of the Electromagnetic field, 60 Hz, 3 µT, on the hormonal and metabolic regulation of undernourished pregnant rats
Authors: Anselmo CWSF. , Pereira PB. , Catanho MTJA. , Medeiros MC.
Published: July 2009

Epidemiological studies have implicated maternal protein-calorie deficiency as an important public health problem in developing countries. Over the last decades, a remarkable diffusion of electricity and an increased level of the electromagnetic field (EMF) in the environment have characterized modern societies. Therefore, researchers are concerned with the biological effects of 50-60 Hz, EMF. The aim of this paper is to show the effects of EMF of 60 Hz, 3 μT, exposure for two hours per day in the regulation of the hormonal and metabolic concentrations in pregnant rats, which were fed by Regional Basic Diet (RBD) during their pregnancy as compared with pregnant rats fed a standard diet. Pregnant rats exposed to EMF of 60 Hz, 3 μT, over the pregnancy and fed with RBD presented an increase in glucose release when compared with the Group subjected only to the RBD ration. Rats fed RBD presented a decrease in their insulin and cortisol serum levels when compared with the Group fed with casein. The T3 and T4 concentrations presented the greatest variation among the Groups. The relation T4:T3 was much exaggerated in the Group subjected to RDB and exposed to EMF when compared to the others. In conclusion, the group subjected to the association of EMF and undernutrition suffered a decrease in its serum concentration of T4 and T3 when compared to the well-nourished group and the relationship T4:T3 in the former group was almost eighteen-fold the later one.
The ovary of the bignose fanskate Sympterygia acuta Garman, 1877 (Chondrichthyes, Rajidae) in the Bahía Blanca estuary, Argentina: morphology and reproductive features
Authors: Díaz-Andrade MC. , Galíndez E. , Estecondo S.
Published: July 2009

Chondrichthyes have become an important economic resource in recent years. In spite of this importance, there is little knowledge about their reproductive biology, especially of species from the south-western Atlantic. In this work, we study the morphology and histology of the ovary of Sympterygia acuta. The results show that oogonia were present only in the immature females (stage I of maturity scale), whereas specimens in stages II and III of maturity displayed oocytes in all developmental steps. The most important histological features that vary throughout oocyte development are the presence or absence of yolk, the number of types and layers of follicular cells and the degree of development of the thecae. Follicular cells are, at least, of two different types. Finally, a new point of view for the determination of maturity stages in the field based on the size of follicles is discussed.
Biological indicators of stress in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) after capture
Authors: Abreu JS. , Takahashi LS. , Hoshiba MA. , Urbinati EC.
Published: July 2009

The effects of capture (chasing, netting and air exposure) on cortisol, glucose, chloride, sodium, potassium and calcium concentrations, osmolality, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, red blood cells count (RBC) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were investigated in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). A total of 132 fish (49.7 ± 11.7 g) were subjected to capture and 3 minutes air exposure and capture and 5 minutes air exposure. Nine fish at each treatment were sampled at 5, 15, 30, 60 minutes and 24 hours after the procedure. Nine undisturbed fish were sacrificed before the handling and used as controls. Capture resulted in a rise in blood cortisol and glucose 30 and 5 minutes, respectively, after both air exposures. Both indicators returned to resting levels 24 hours after capture. In both fish groups, plasma chloride decreased 60 minutes after capture, not recovering the resting levels within 24 hours after, and serum sodium rose at 15 and 30 minutes and recovered the resting levels 24 hours later. There were no significant changes neither in potassium, calcium and osmolality nor in hematocrit, hemoglobin, RBC and MCV as a consequence of capture. The sequential stressors imposed to pacu during capture activated the brain-pituitary-interrenal axis (cortisol and glucose responses) but the activation of the brain-sympathetic-chromaffin cell axis was apparently moderate (ionic and hematological responses).
Seasonal changes in testicular and epididymal histology of the tropical lizard, Tropidurus itambere (Rodrigues, 1987), during its reproductive cycle
Authors: Ferreira A. , Silva DN. , Van Sluys M. , Dolder H.
Published: July 2009

The reproductive cycles of lizards, including Tropidurus species, have been widely studied. However, few studies describe in detail the ultrastructure and the epithelial changes in the epididymis. Using histology and trasmission electron microscopy, we show the seasonal changes in the testis and epididymis of the lizard Tropidurus itambere, during its annual reproductive cycle. The reproductive cycle of T. itambere was analysed from June 1988 to June 1989 and from June 2001 to June 2002. While the frequency of reproductive males in the population varied throughout the year, there were reproductive males in most months except for February through April. During this nonreproductive period, there is a reduction in the mean seminiferous tubule volume and few sperm were found in both the testis and the epididymis.
Physiological and biochemical aspects of the avian uropygial gland
Authors: Salibian A. , Montalti D.
Published: July 2009

This review discusses different aspects of the uropygial gland of birds. The gland exhibits a striking morphological diversity in size, shape and presence/absence of tufts of feathers. It was shown that acidic mucins, neutral lipids, glycolipids and phospholipids are normal components of secretion. Several morphological and physiological aspects of the gland were studied on Rock Pigeon Columba livia Gmelin, 1879. The amount of the uropygial gland secretion, its lipid content and fatty acids profile were determined. The extracted lipid mixture contained of C14 to C20 fatty acids, mostly unsaturated; the saturated fatty acids were mainly 14:0, 16:0 and 18:0. No correlation was found between the size of the gland and the aquatic/terrestrial nature of the species. Ablation of the gland did not affect survival, body weight, feeding rate and serum cholesterol, total lipids or calcium levels after 32-120 days. The possible role of the gland in the protection against lipophilic compounds was discussed. The function of the gland is still a subject of controversy. It is accepted that its secretion confers water-repellent properties on the feather coat and maintain the suppleness of the feathers. Other physiological roles of the gland secretion may be associated to pheromone production, control of plumage hygiene, thermal insulation and defence against predators. Concerning the endocrine regulation of the uropygial function, there is scarce information presenting evidence for steroid regulated mechanisms.
Genetic diversity and conservation of native populations of Maytenus Ilicifolia Mart. ex Reiss
Authors: Mossi AJ. , Cansian RL. , Leontiev-Orlov O. , Cechet JL. , Carvalho AZ. , Toniazzo G. , Echeverrigaray S.
Published: July 2009

The aim of this work was to analyze genetic variability in 18 populations of Maytenus ilicifolia, and representatives of Maytenus aquifolia and Maytenus evonymoidis, collected in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, using RAPD molecular markers. Considering total samples of the three species, 263 amplified fragments were identified, of which 72.2% showed to be polymorphous. The index of similarity (Jaccard coefficient) was on average 0.64 between M. ilicifolia and M. aquifolia; 0.47 between M. ilicifolia and M. evonymoidis; and 0.44 between M. aquifolia and M. evonymoidis. The analysis of groupings by the UPGMA algorithm allowed to clearly separate the three analyzed species. In determining the variability in M. ilicifolia, 222 bands were identified, on average 11.1 bands per primer, being 43.2% polymorphous. The index of similarity (Jaccard coefficient) in the bulks of each population in M. ilicifolia was, on average, 0.92 and the index of similarities among the populations was 0.83. The analysis of groupings with the UPGMA algorithm and the analysis of the main coordination (PCO), allowed the separation of the analyzed populations into three groups, the populations from the south of Rio Grande do Sul and the population from Mato Grosso do Sul standing out. A relation between the groupings found and the edaphoclimatic conditions of the collecting places was observed.
Aspectos epidemiológicos da tuberculose pleural no estado de São Paulo (1998-2005)
Authors: Seiscento Márcia , Vargas Francisco Suso , Rujula Maria Josefa Penon , Bombarda Sidney , Uip David Everson , Galesi Vera Maria Nedes
Published: July 2009

OBJETIVO: Analisar as características epidemiológicas e tendências quanto à incidência de TB pleural. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo dos casos de TB reportados entre 1998 e 2005 e coletados do banco de dados do Sistema de Notificação de Tuberculose (Epi-TB) da Secretaria de Saúde do Estado de São Paulo. RESULTADOS: Foram notificados 144.347 casos novos de TB durante o período estudado. A forma pulmonar foi predominante (118.575 casos; 82,2%). Das formas extrapulmonares (25.773 casos; 17,8%), a pleural foi a mais referida (12.545 casos; 48,7%). A incidência (por 100.000 habitantes) de todas as formas diminuiu, (49,7 em 1998 e 44,6 em 2005; R² = 0,898; p < 0,001), enquanto a incidência de TB pleural permaneceu estável (4,1 em 1998 e 3,8 em 2005; R² = 0,433; p = 0,076). A maior incidência de TB pleural ocorreu em pacientes do sexo masculino (2:1) entre 30 e 59 anos de idade. Dos 12.545 pacientes com TB pleural, 4.018 (32,0%) apresentaram comorbidades: alcoolismo (9,5%); HIV (8,0%); diabetes (3,3%); e doença mental (1,2%). O diagnóstico referido fundamentou-se em métodos bacteriológicos (14,2%) e histológicos (30,2%), assim como outros não especificados (55,6%). CONCLUSÕES: No estado de São Paulo, a TB pleural foi a forma extrapulmonar predominante, apresentando incidência estável no período entre 1998 e 2005, apesar da tendência de diminuição das formas pulmonares. A histologia e a bacteriologia definiram o diagnóstico em 44,4% dos casos.