bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of visibility and quantification of aberrant crypt foci in colonic mucosa in Wistar rats
Authors: Burlamaqui Idália Maria Brasil , Dornelas Conceição Aparecida , Escalante Rodrigo Dornenfeld , Mota Daniel Magalhães Coutinho , Mesquita Francisco José Cabral , Carvalho Eduardo Rebouças , Veras Lara Burlamaqui , Rodrigues Lusmar Veras
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE: Test immersion of microscopy samples in water as an aid to visualizing and quantifying aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rat colon mucosa. METHODS: Carcinogenesis was induced with azoxymethane in Wistar rats kept on a conventional diet or a hypercaloric diet containing unsaturated fat. Fifteen weeks after induction, colon samples were retrieved and fixated in a 10% formaldehyde solution. The samples were divided into segments (distal, middle, proximal) and stained with 1% toluidine blue. The technique tested in the study consisted of immersing microscopy samples in distilled water in order to eliminate the problem of light reflection known from conventional microscopy. RESULTS: When samples were immersed in water during microscopy, significantly more ACF could be visualized in all colon segments than with the conventional method proposed by Bird. CONCLUSION: Immersing microscopy samples in water aids the visualization and quantification of aberrant crypt foci in rat colon mucosa fixed in formaldehyde.
The effect of copaiba balsam on Walker 256 carcinoma inoculated into the vagina and uterine cervix of female rats
Authors: Brito Nara Macedo Botelho , Brito Marcus Vinicius Henriques , Carvalho Rita de Kássia Vidigal , Matos Lia Tavares de Moura Brasil , Lobato Rodolfo Costa , Correa Suelen Costa , Brito Rosângela Baía
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE: To verify the copaiba balsam (Copaifera officinalis) effect on Walker 256 carcinoma inoculated into vagina and uterine cervix of rats. METHODS: Eighteen female Wistar rats weighing between 180-250g were used, distributed into 2 groups (GCop, GC). On the 1st day of the experiment, 0.3 ml of Walker 256 carcinoma (2x10(6) concentration) was inoculated in both groups; on the 3rd day of the experiment, it was given 4.8 ml/kg of distilled water to the GC group, and 4.8 ml/kg of copaiba balsam to the GCop group. On the 12th day, euthanasia was performed and the tumor was grafted, being weighted and verified its volume. The data were submitted to statistical analysis with ANOVA test. RESULTS: It was observed that copaiba balsam presented a negative inhibitory potential of 70%. CONCLUSION: The copaiba balsam stimulated the tumor growth.
Hemodynamics and bispectral index (BIS) of dogs anesthetized with midazolam and ketamine associated with medetomidine or dexmedetomidine and submitted to ovariohysterectomy
Authors: Silva Fernando do Carmo , Hatschbach Eduardo , Carvalho Yuri Karaccas de , Minto Bruno Watanabe , Massone Flávio , Nascimento Junior Paulo do
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE: To evaluate hemodynamics and bispectral index (BIS) in bitches anesthetized with ketamine and midazolam in combination with dexmedetomidine or medetomidine and submitted to ovariohysterectomy. METHODS: Twenty bitches pretreated with levomedetomidine and buprenorphine were anesthetized with 5 mg.kg-1 ketamine and 0.2 mg.kg-1 midazolam i.v. Continuous infusion of 0.4 mg.kg-1.h-1 midazolam and 20 mg.kg-1.h-1 ketamine was initiated in combination with DEX (n=10): 20 µg.kg-1.h-1 dexmedetomidine or MED (n=10): 30 µg.kg-1.h-1 medetomidine over 30 minutes. A pharmacokinetic study provided dexmedetomidine plasma concentration, set to be 3.0 ng.mL-1. RESULTS: BIS decreased in both groups (P<0.05), but it was lower in DEX (P<0.05) as compared to MED. No differences were found in hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure) between groups (P>0.05), but heart rate decreased in both groups, as compared to control values (P<0.05). Respiratory rate decreased (P<0.05) and expired end tidal CO2 increased progressively (P<0.05) and similarly in both groups. Anesthetic recovery period was similar between groups (P<0.05) with no adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Continuous administration of dexmedetomidine with calculated plasma concentration equal to 3 ng.mL-1 in combination with midazolam and ketamine provides suitable anesthesia for spay surgery in bitches, hemodynamic stability and calm awakening with no adverse effects.
Accuracy of six minute walk test, stair test and spirometry using maximal oxygen uptake as gold standard
Authors: Cataneo Daniele Cristina , Kobayasi Shoiti , Carvalho Lídia Raquel de , Paccanaro Rafael Camargo , Cataneo Antonio José Maria
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of the variables stair climbing time (SCt), stair climbing power (SCP), six-minute walk test distance (6MWT), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) using maximal oxygen uptake on exercise (VO2max) as the gold standard. METHODS: Tests were performed in 51 patients. FEV1 was measured by spirometry and 6MWT was performed in a flat 120-m corridor. Stair climbing test was performed on a 6-flight stairway to obtain SCt and SCP. VO2max was measured by ergospirometry, using the Balke protocol. Pearson's linear correlation and p values were calculated between VO2max and the other variables tested. For accuracy calculations, variable cutoff points were obtained through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, dividing individuals into normal or unhealthy. Kappa statistic was used to calculate concordance. RESULTS: Accuracy was: SCt - 86%, 6MWT - 80%, SCP - 71%, FEV1(L) - 67%, FEV1(%) - 63%. SCt and 6MWT showed 93.5% sensitivity when combined in parallel, and 96.4% specificity in series. CONCLUSION: SCt presented the best accuracy. SCt and 6MWT combined showed nearly 100% sensitivity or specificity. Thus, these simple exercise tests should be more routinely used, especially when an ergospirometer is not available to measure VO2max.
Brinquedo terapêutico no preparo da criança para punção venosa em pronto socorro
Authors: Medeiros Giuliana , Matsumoto Shimeny , Ribeiro Circéa Amalia , Borba Regina Issuzu Hirooka de
Published: March 2010

OBJETIVOS: Preparar a criança pré-escolar para punção venosa por meio do Brinquedo Terapêutico Instrucional (BTI) e conhecer a percepção dos familiares quanto a esse preparo. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo qualitativo realizado na unidade de emergência de um hospital universitário da cidade de São Paulo. Os sujeitos foram cinco crianças pré-escolares e seus familiares. RESULTADOS: O BTI permitiu à criança saber o que deve esperar e como pode participar da punção venosa; compreender sua finalidade; envolver-se na situação; manipular o material e estabelecer relação de confiança com o profissional; os familiares reconheceram seu benefício no preparo da criança e proporcionaram a ela importante fonte de apoio e proteção. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: A utilização do BTI deve integrar o cuidado de enfermagem prestado à criança nas unidades de emergência, assegurando uma assistência humanizada e de qualidade.
Educação Sexual: ética, liberdade e autonomia
Authors: Altmann Helena , Martins Carlos José
Published: March 2010

O objetivo desse artigo é refletir sobre o tema da educação sexual à luz dos conceitos de ética, liberdade e autonomia. Na perspectiva aqui adotada, não se trata de definir a priori conceitos que nos dariam uma grade de categorias que pudessem estabelecer o que é ético e o que não é ético. Tão somente, não se trata de estabelecer um critério distintivo do que seja moral e, por conseguinte, prescritivo e normativo, do que é princípio ético, objeto de livre escolha dos indivíduos e, portanto, emblema de sua autonomia. Trata-se de remeter os problemas éticos à dinâmica imanente das práticas sociais. Considerando a ética como uma prática refletida da liberdade, trata-se de exercitar tal prática, encorajando os/as atores/as a debater em torno das decisões e escolhas a serem feitas. Deste modo, esse artigo se volta para as seguintes questões: De que forma poderia a sexualidade ser trabalhada na escola a partir de uma ética como prática da liberdade e não de uma moral prescritiva? Como poderia um trabalho de educação sexual produzir reflexão e autonomia? Tais questões serão abordadas a partir da análise de uma atividade de educação sexual, sobre o tema da paternidade, desenvolvida em uma escola.
Masculinidad y violencia: aproximaciones desde el universo del deporte
Authors: Gonzáles Pagés Julio César , Fernández González Daniel Alejandro
Published: March 2010

El ejercicio de la violencia ha sido una cualidad asignada socio-culturalmente a los hombres en el decurso de la historia. Estos la han utilizado en función de legitimar el poder que poseen en el marco de las relaciones de género, a partir de la posición hegemónica que detentan respecto a las mujeres. Asimismo, los hombres continuamente están siendo violentos con otros hombres y consigo mismos, como parte de la socialización de sus masculinidades. La violencia es un fenómeno que se expresa en múltiples formas: física, verbal, psicológica, económica. Los escenarios en los que se hace visible son igualmente variados: las relaciones de pareja, en el seno del hogar, la escuela, los medios de comunicación o las prácticas deportivas. Estas últimas en su devenir histórico han estado marcadas por la presencia de episodios violentos en todas las áreas que se vinculan a ellas. Al constituirse el universo del deporte como espacio privilegiado para la validación de un modelo hegemónico de masculinidad, han sido los hombres los grandes cultores de esos episodios de violencia. Combatir la violencia y promover una cultura de paz que revierta la tradicional jerarquía que define las relaciones entre hombres y mujeres es un objetivo esencial en aras de un mundo mejor. Entre los actores e instituciones implicados en ello, la educación, en su sentido más amplio, ha de desempeñar un rol fundamental en la consecución de ese ideal.
Propostas alternativas de construção de políticas públicas em educação: novas esperanças de solução para velhos problemas?
Authors: Moraes Salete Campos de
Published: March 2010

Discute-se a possibilidade de construção de políticas públicas alternativas no campo da educação, não apenas como proposições teóricas, mas aquelas construídas na perspectiva oposta à da tradição brasileira, qual seja, a de verticalização das relações entre Estado e sociedade civil. Ainda que se considere os recuos, obstáculos e entraves que caracterizam as mudanças de paradigmas em políticas públicas educacionais, é de se ressaltar que, nos últimos anos, tem-se construído, em várias cidades do país, novas formas de fazer política pública em educação. Tais experiências refletem projetos que trazem consigo a concepção de democratização das relações entre Estado e sociedade, e podem representar novas esperanças de solução para velhos problemas.
O livro didático de língua portuguesa no Brasil
Authors: Ota Ivete Aparecida da Silva
Published: March 2010

Este trabalho tem como objetivo refletir a respeito do livro didático no Brasil, de forma generalizada, e, mais especificamente, sobre o livro didático de Língua Portuguesa, e está dividido em dois momentos. O primeiro discute a construção sócio-hitórica do Livro Didático: como este objeto foi se caracterizando ao longo do tempo, ganhando espaço e se constituindo num discurso de autoridade através das relações de poder por ele instituídas na sala de aula. Discute ainda as estratégias de marketing que o fazem objeto de consumo. O segundo momento se volta, de forma mais específica, para o Livro Didático de Língua Portuguesa e as concepções metodológicas (e interesses mercadológicos): a concepção de leitura e o trato com o texto, sob a influência de diferentes teorias. Nesta parte, o estudo centra foco na proposta de abordagem de diferentes gêneros textuais. Para esta análise, o estudo contou com o referencial teórico da Semiótica Discursiva e apontou, como resultado das investigações, a grande lacuna que ainda existe com relação à abordagem de textos de diferentes gêneros no que diz respeito aos mecanismos de construção de sentido.
Mudanças institucionais e desempenho da produção de milho e soja no Brasil e na Argentina
Authors: Sousa Eduardo Luis Leão de , Saes Maria Sylvia Macchione , Nunes Rubens
Published: March 2010

As mudanças no ambiente institucionais e seus efeitos sobre o desempenho recente da produção de milho e soja no Brasil e Argentina são os objetivos deste artigo, que tem como referencial teórico a Nova Economia das Instituições. Importantes diferenças marcam o desempenho da produção de grão nestes países, apesar do Brasil e Argentina terem seguido o mesmo modelo de desenvolvimento baseado no processo de substituição de importação e economia fechada. Observa-se também que além das condições edáfo-climáticas que trazem uma vantagem inicial para a produção de grãos na Argentina, de uma forma geral, este país, em função da sua menor população e menor absorção interna de produtos, sempre teve uma maior inserção no mercado internacional.
Análise comparativa dos custos de produção de duas propriedades leiteiras, no município de Unaí-MG, no período de 2003 e 2004
Authors: Carvalho Francisval de Melo , Ramos Érika Oliveira , Lopes Marcos Aurélio
Published: March 2010

Objetivou-se, neste estudo comparar os custos de produção do leite de duas propriedades localizadas no município de Unaí - Minas Gerais, e a influência deles na lucratividade. Trata-se de um estudo de dois casos, cujos dados foram extraídos de planilhas de análise técnico-gerencial das propriedades, nos anos de 2003 e 2004. Observou-se uma diferença entre os custos apurados, principalmente em função do nível tecnológico adotado. Pôde-se concluir que o aumento de escala de produção diluiu os custos fixos da atividade, diminuindo o custo total e aumentando as margens; que o uso de tecnologias viáveis possibilita uma melhor resposta do sistema a diversos fatores de produção, permitindo uma adaptação mais rápida, o que influenciará no retorno financeiro. Concluiu-se também que, nas condições estudadas, não é possível definir o melhor sistema, pois os fatores de produção são diferentes.
Características visuais da embalagem de café no processo de decisão de compra pelo consumidor
Authors: Lucia Suzana Maria Della , Minim Valéria Paula Rodrigues , Minim Luis Antonio , Osório Silva Carlos Henrique
Published: March 2010

Conduziu-se este trabalho, com o objetivo de investigar, usando grupos de foco, atitudes, opiniões, conceitos e pensamentos de consumidores sobre embalagens de café torrado e moído que refletem na sua decisão de compra. Três sessões de grupo de foco de 90 minutos foram realizadas (duas em Viçosa/MG e uma em Londrina/PR), num total de 24 participantes. Foram apresentadas cinco embalagens de café (sendo quatro orgânicas, em razão da maior preocupação em obter dados sobre café orgânico) para estimular a conversação, sendo seguido um roteiro de perguntas. Os dados obtidos foram estudados, considerando palavras utilizadas pelos consumidores, sem análise estatística, em razão da característica qualitativa de grupos de foco. Foi observado que os principais fatores considerados no processo de decisão de compra são: preço, cor da embalagem e marca. Muitos participantes mostraram-se fiéis a marcas e outros admitiram pagar mais por um produto orgânico, dependendo do preço do mesmo. Foi sugerido que na embalagem de café orgânico deveria ser salientada a definição do produto para aqueles que não conhecem tal técnica de produção.
Comparação entre valores de temperatura média do ar de estação convencional com valores obtidos em estação automática e análise de equações para estimativas de médias da temperatura do ar em Lavras, MG
Authors: Teramoto Érico Tadao , Carvalho Luiz Gonsaga de , Dantas Antonio Augusto Aguilar
Published: March 2010

Objetivou-se no presente trabalho, comparar as temperaturas do ar médias diárias obtidas por duas estações meteorológicas, a ECP (Estação Climatológica Principal) e a PCD (Plataforma de Coleta de Dados), ambas localizadas no campus da UFLA (Universidade Federal de Lavras) em Lavras, MG, e verificar a eficácia do cálculo de médias das temperaturas por meio da equação utilizada pela FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) e pela média aritmética dos valores obtidos pela PCD em relação à equação utilizada pelo INMET (Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia), tomando essa como referência. Foram analisados dados de 2 anos consecutivos, representados pelos períodos de 30/06 a 31/12/2004, com um total de 137 dias de observações e de 01/01 a 04/12/2005, com um total de 186 dias de observações. A comparação entre as duas estações, mostrou uma boa concordância entre as temperaturas observadas (r² > 0,90). Com relação à utilização das equações, a que calcula a temperatura do ar utilizando a média aritmética apresentou melhor resultado (r² > 0,94). A equação utilizada pela FAO, demonstrou uma pequena tendência em superestimar os valores de temperatura.
Efeito da uréia no alongamento e enraizamento de microplantas de bananeira in vitro
Authors: Ramos Rachel Soares , Motoike Sérgio Yoshimitsu , Moura Elisa Ferreira , Gomes Simone Bhering de Souza , Rodrigues Vânia de Fátima , Oliveira Márcio Antonio Rocha de
Published: March 2010

A micropropagação de bananeira (Musa spp.) via ápices caulinares já está bem estabelecida para diversas cultivares. Entretanto, podem ser feitos aperfeiçoamentos nos protocolos visando a obtenção de mudas mais vigorosas. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, verificar a adição de nitrogênio na forma de uréia em diferentes concentrações (0, 100, 200, 400 e 800 mg L-1), no alongamento e enraizamento de brotos das cultivares Grande Naine, Prata Anã, Maçã e Nanicão. Houve efeito positivo da uréia no crescimento dos explantes, na produção de raízes e de massa seca para a cultivar Maçã, até 200 mg L-1 de uréia. As cultivares Prata Anã e Grande Naine não foram beneficiadas com a adição de uréia, e a concentração de 800 mg L-1 gerou morte das microplantas dessas cultivares e da cultivar Maçã. 'Nanicão' foi mais tolerante às altas concentrações de uréia, e a concentração de 800 mg L-1 foi ótima para seu desenvolvimento. Além disso, a uréia induziu brotações em 'Nanicão' nas concentrações mais baixas.
Efeito de meios de cultura, concentrações de GA3 e pH sobre a germinação in vitro de mangabeira (Hancornia speciosa Gomes)
Authors: Soares Fernanda Pereira , Paiva Renato , Stein Vanessa Cristina , Nery Fernanda Carlota , Nogueira Raírys Cravo , Oliveira Lenaldo Muniz de
Published: March 2010

A mangabeira (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) destaca-se por possuir um grande potencial como planta frutífera e produtora de borracha. As dificuldades encontradas no seu processo de propagação por meio de sementes, devido, principalmente, à baixa taxa de germinação e à recalcitrância, valorizam a busca por soluções alternativas para a produção de mudas dessa espécie, de maneira rápida e eficiente. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, realizar o estudo da germinação de sementes de mangabeira em condições in vitro, tendo como precedente a obtenção de explantes, para posterior utilização no cultivo in vitro. Neste estudo foram avaliados os efeitos de diferentes meios de cultura, concentrações de sacarose e GA3 e de três níveis de pH na germinação da mangabeira. Frutos maduros foram coletados, passaram por processo de beneficiamento e tiveram suas sementes retiradas e utilizadas como explantes. Maior porcentagem de germinação de sementes de mangabeira in vitro foi obtida com a utilização dos meios de cultura WPM e MS/2, suplementados com 15,0 g L-1 de sacarose, 0,2 mg L-1 de GA3 e com pH corrigido para 5,8.
Effect of plant and fungous metabolites on Meloidogyne exigua
Authors: Amaral Daniel Rufino , Oliveira Denilson Ferreira , Campos Vicente Paulo , Pantaleão José Antônio , Carvalho Douglas Antônio de , Nunes Alexandro da Silva
Published: March 2010

As nematodes cause great damage to Brazilian coffee production, effective methods to control these parasites are necessary. In a previous work Allium cepa L., Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill., Crotalaria juncea L., Ficus elastica Roxb., Ruta graveolens L., Stylosanthes guianensis Aubl., Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) Dewit., Brachiaria decumbens Stapf., Catharanthus roseus G. Don, Tagetes minuta L., Ricinus communis L. and Coffea arabica L. produced active substances against Meloidogyne exigua Goeldi, a nematode widely disseminated through Brazilian coffee fields. Thus, aqueous extracts of such plants, collected in a different season from that of the previous work, as well as crude metabolites produced in liquid medium by Fusarium moniliforme Shelden and Cylindrocarpon magnusianum (Sacc.) Woll., were submitted to in vitro assays with M. exigua second-stage juveniles (J2). All plants and fungi produced active substances against J2. Therefore, their metabolites were applied to six-month-old coffee plants inoculated with M. exigua. After 90 days in a greenhouse, those samples obtained from A. cepa, L. leucocephala, R. graveolens and F. moniliforme inhibited the production of galls and eggs by M. exigua, demonstrating potential to control such parasite.
Levantamento da incidência de Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli em plantios de cana-de-açúcar do noroeste do Paraná
Authors: Marcuz Fernanda Santos , Souto Eliezer Rodrigues de , Vieira Rafael Augusto , Marrafon Marco Aurélio , Barboza Antônio Augusto Lazarini , Daros Edelclaiton
Published: March 2010

O raquitismo-da-soqueira, causado por Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli é considerado uma das mais importantes doenças bacterianas da cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum spp.). Para verificar a possível ocorrência de Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli na região noroeste do Paraná, foi realizado um levantamento em 32 áreas de plantio de duas usinas, utilizando-se o método sorológico "Dot blot" e um protocolo baseado na reação em cadeia da polimerase. As amostras foram coletadas em áreas cultivadas com 8 variedades e 2 clones, a partir de plantas em diferentes épocas de corte, perfazendo um total de 1395 amostras. Constatou-se a presença da bactéria no fluído fibrovascular de plantas da variedade SP77-5181 coletado em uma das propriedades, com índice de incidência de 23%. Esses resultados indicam a incidência de Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli no noroeste do Paraná.
Modificações nas atividades da poligalacturonase e pectinametilesterase em morangos armazenados a temperatura ambiente
Authors: Silva Polyanna Alves , Abreu Celeste Maria Patto de , Corrêa Angelita Duarte , Asmar Simone Abreu
Published: March 2010

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar as modificações da poligalacturonase (PG) e da pectinametilesterase (PME) em morangos cultivados na região de Lavras, MG, e armazenados em temperatura ambiente. Foram utilizados morangos das cultivares 'Oso-grande', 'Toyorrinho' e 'Tudla'. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 4 repetições, sendo os tratamentos arranjados em esquema fatorial (3X2), sendo 3 cultivares e 2 dias de análises (0 e 5 dias). A parcela experimental foi constituída por 10 frutos. Durante o armazenamento houve uma diminuição nos teores de pectina total e um aumento nos de pectina solúvel em todas as variedades analisadas. A atividade da PG e PME aumentaram com o período de armazenamento, independente da cultivar.
Relação de atributos físicos do solo e produtividade de pastagem em sub-bacias hidrográficas do município de Lavras-MG
Authors: Maciel Giovana Alcantara , Ferreira Mozart Martins , Evangelista Antônio Ricardo , Oliveira Geraldo César de
Published: March 2010

O trabalho foi realizado em propriedades rurais, localizadas nas sub-bacias hidrográficas dos Ribeirões Santa Cruz e Água Limpa, as quais pertencem à bacia do Rio Grande, Lavras, MG, com o objetivo de avaliar e relacionar os atributos físicos do solo com a produtividade das pastagens. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os valores de densidade do solo, porosidade total, micro e macroporosidade nos solos sob os diferentes tipos de pastagens, assim como entre as diferentes profundidades coletadas. O pisoteio animal nestas pastagens, na lotação observada e em sistema de pastejo contínuo, não levou, na camada de 0-10 cm, à obtenção de maiores valores para densidade do solo em relação a subsuperfície. Pela correlação canônica, verificou-se que as produtividades das pastagens mostram associação na sua sensibilidade relacionada aos atributos físicos do solo avaliados.
Seletividade fisiológica de inseticidas aos inimigos naturais de Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) em brássicas
Authors: Bacci Leandro , Picanço Marcelo Coutinho , Silva Ézio Marques da , Martins Júlio Cláudio , Chediak Mateus , Sena Maria Elisa
Published: March 2010

A conservação de inimigos naturais é um componente fundamental no manejo integrado de pragas. Neste trabalho, estudou-se a seletividade de sete inseticidas usados no manejo de Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) ao parasitóide Oomyzus sokolowskii (Kurdjumov) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) e aos predadores Discodon sp. (Coleoptera: Cantharidae) e Lasiochilus sp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae). Os organofosforados metamidofós e paratiom metílico e o carbamato carbaril foram altamente tóxicos aos três inimigos naturais estudados. Dimetoato apresentou seletividade em favor do Discodon sp., na dose e subdose. O inseticida acefato apresentou alto impacto ao Discodon sp., no momento da aplicação e seu efeito foi reduzido com a metade da concentração do princípio ativo. Deltametrina apresentou seletividade à O. sokolowskii nas duas dosagens. Já permetrina foi seletiva a Lasiochilus sp., somente na subdose. Discodon sp. foi mais tolerante à dose e subdose do dimetoato e à subdose do acefato do que O. sokolowskii e Lasiochilus sp. O predador Lasiochilus sp. foi mais tolerante à dose e subdose da permetrina do que O. sokolowskii e Discodon sp. O parasitóide O. sokolowskii foi mais tolerante à dose e subdose da deltametrina do que Lasiochilus sp. e Discodon sp. Os resultados desta pesquisa foram obtidos em condições de exposição extrema, portanto indicam que os inseticidas seletivos possivelmente não serão prejudiciais aos inimigos naturais, em condições de campo.
Bird richness and composition in a Cerrado fragment in the State of São Paulo
Authors: Manica LT , Telles M , Dias MM
Published: March 2010

Bird species richness is an important measure for monitoring biodiversity changes. We analysed avifauna richness and composition in a 472 ha protected cerrado fragment and surroundings at Fazenda Canchim (RL-CPPSE), São Carlos, in the State of São Paulo (SP). We carried out 95.1 hours of observation (22 visits) at irregular intervals from May 2004 to December 2006. Qualitative surveys were done walking through tracks inside the fragment and on the roads at its edge. We recorded 160 species, six of which were endemic to Cerrado domain, 22 migratory, seven threatened within the State of São Paulo, and two globally threatened. We found 28 species in the cerradão, 110 in the cerrado sensu stricto, 13 in the gallery forest, 26 in the reservoir border, 26 in pasturelands and sugar cane monoculture and 55 in an anthropic area. Most of the species had low frequency of occurrence in all vegetation forms. Insectivores were the major trophic category (46.9%), which is typical in tropical regions, and it is also related to resource availability. Omnivores followed with 19.4%, granivores with 8.8% and frugivores with 7.5%. We conclude that, despite its size and conservation status, our study area has a remarkable bird community and must be considered as a priority conservation area to preserve bird species in Sao Paulo State.
Feeding habits, sexual dimorphism and size at maturity of the lizard Cnemidophorus ocellifer (Spix, 1825) (Teiidae) in a reforested restinga habitat in northeastern Brazil
Authors: Santana GG. , Vasconcellos A. , Gadelha YEA. , Vieira WLS. , Almeida WO. , Nóbrega RP. , Alves RRN.
Published: March 2010

The feeding habits, the sexual dimorphism in size and sexual maturity of the actively foraging lizard Cnemidophorusocellifer were analysed in an area of a reforested Restinga habitat located in the municipality of Mataraca, along the northern-most coast of Paraíba State, Brazil. Seventy-five specimens of C. ocellifer were examined (46 males and 29Â females). Of this total, only 23 specimens had prey in their stomachs. The most frequent prey consumed items were orthopterans (50%), coleopterans (23.9%) and arachnids (10.9%); termites and insect larvae were less consumed (both with 2.2%). There were no significant differences observed between the numbers of prey consumed by either males or females. There were significant differences in SVL (snout-vent length) between the sexes, with males attaining larger SVL values. When the influence of SVL was removed from the analyses, sexual dimorphism in the form was still reflected in the head size of these lizards. Sexual maturity in females and males was attained with SVL of 42.2 and 49.0 mm respectively. Although no significant difference was observed between the SVL of the females and the number of eggs produced, there was a clear tendency for larger females to produce more eggs. The low structural complexity of the vegetation and the poor soil quality in the reforested restinga area examined does not furnish favourable habitat for insect and termite larvae, contributing to the marked differences in the diet of the population of C. ocellifer observed in the present study in relation to the diet of their conspecifics in undisturbed areas of restinga, cerrado and caatinga.
Coenzyme Q10 and its effects in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Santos Graciela Cristina dos , Antunes Lusânia Maria Greggi , Santos Antonio Cardozo dos , Bianchi Maria de Lourdes Pires
Published: March 2010

According to clinical and pre-clinical studies, oxidative stress and its consequences may be the cause or, at least, a contributing factor, to a large number of neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases include common and debilitating disorders, characterized by progressive and irreversible loss of neurons in specific regions of the brain. The most common neurodegenerative diseases are Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been extensively studied since its discovery in 1957. It is a component of the electron transportation chain and participates in aerobic cellular respiration, generating energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The property of CoQ10 to act as an antioxidant or a pro-oxidant, suggests that it also plays an important role in the modulation of redox cellular status under physiological and pathological conditions, also performing a role in the ageing process. In several animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, CoQ10 has shown beneficial effects in reducing disease progression. However, further studies are needed to assess the outcome and effectiveness of CoQ10 before exposing patients to unnecessary health risks at significant costs.
Comparison of microbiological assay and HPLC-UV for determination of fluconazole in capsules
Authors: Queiroz Kelly Marques , Silva Maria-Luiza Martins , Prado Nathália Duque , Lima Paulo Marcelo Andrade , Diniz Rosiane Dias Lopes , César Isabela Costa , Pianetti Gerson Antônio , Santos Daniel Assis
Published: March 2010

The development of a specific agar diffusion bioassay for the quantitative determination of fluconazole formulated in capsules was carried out using a strain of Candida albicans ATCC 18804 as the test organism. A prospective validation of the method showed adequate linearity (r²=0.9995), precision (R.S.D. = 4.0% for intra-day and 4.5% for inter-day precision) and accuracy (mean recovery = 102.9%). High performance liquid chromatography was chosen as a comparison method for the fluconazole determination. The contents of fluconazole determined by both methods, for four capsule samples, showed a strong correlation, confirmed by Pearson's correlation coefficient value (r = 0.9884). The bioassay is a suitable method for both research and pharmaceutical industry laboratories.
Quantitation of artemether in pharmaceutical raw material and injections by high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: César Isabela da Costa , Pianetti Gerson Antônio
Published: March 2010

The quantitation of artemether in both pharmaceutical raw material and injections was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet detection. A Zorbax C18 column (150 x 4.6 mm; 5 μm), at 30 °C, and a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and water (70:30), at a flow rate of 1ml/min, were used. The detection wavelength was 216 nm and the injection volume was 20 μL. The method proved to be linear (r²=0.9999), precise (RSD < 20% for intra-day and inter-day precision), accurate and selective regarding possible impurities and excipients of the samples. The detection and quantitation limits were 8 μg/mL and 25 μg/mL, respectively. The artemether content obtained in the raw material analysis was 99.26% and in the injections, 102.08%. The optimized and validated method may be successfully employed to perform routine quality control analyses.
Study of sensory-motor and somatic development of the offspring of rats (Wistar) treated with caffeine
Authors: Silva Elthon Gomes Fernandes da , Alexandre Alessandro Aires , Nascimento Gerlane Karla Bezerra Oliveira , Oliveira Jaciel Benedito de , Neves Elizabeth da Silveira , Costa Sobrinho Austregézilo Vieira da , Silveira Maria de Fátima Galdino da
Published: March 2010

The influence of caffeine, administered to rats, on the somatic and sensory-motor development of the offspring was investigated. Female Wistar rats were divided into a control group and a treated group and received drinking water and a 0.1% solution of caffeine orally, respectively. The offspring, also divided into a control group and a treated group, received daily monitoring until the 20th day of life to verify alterations in somatic neural development. The offspring of the treated group had reduced weight on the day of birth and on the 1st, 5th, 15th and 20th days of life; shorter snout-anus length (evaluation done daily); shorter snout-tail length on the day of birth and on the 1st, 5th and 10th days of life, and signs of retardation of somatic and sensory-motor maturation. These results allowed the conclusion that administration of caffeine to rats affects somatic and sensory-motor development of offspring.
Evaluation of antibiotics dispensing profile in Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Rauber Claudia , Feltrin Micheli Regina , Piovezan Anna Paula
Published: March 2010

Antibiotics are drugs widely used in prophylaxis and treatment of a great number of diseases. However, their use must be carefully controlled as acquisition in pharmacies, often without medical prescription, is elevated. The role of pharmacists in these circumstances is to practice dispensation in a rational manner. Through a structured questionnaire with open and closed questions, this study investigated the profile of antibiotics dispensed in pharmacies of Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil. From the responses, it was observed that 85.0% dispense this class of medicine without medical prescription, mainly for treatment of respiratory (62.8%) and urinary (12.0%) tract disorders. Moreover, pharmacists' guidance was largely focused on posology (66.6%) and drug interaction (12.6%), in addition to the interactions with contraceptives, alcohol and milk. The importance of avoiding antibiotics dispensation without medical prescription must be emphasized, as well as the benefits of educating the population to promote the rational use of medicines.
Antibacterial activity of propolis-based toothpastes for endodontic treatment
Authors: Victorino Fausto Rodrigo , Bramante Clovis Monteiro , Watanabe Evandro , Ito Izabel Yoko , Franco Selma Luci , Hidalgo Mirian Marubayashi
Published: March 2010

This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of propolis-based toothpastes used as intracanal medication in endodontic treatment. The propolis-based toothpastes were prepared using an extract established in previous studies (identified as A70D and D70D). Calcium hydroxide paste was used as a control. The bacteria employed were Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Kocuria rhizophila (ATCC 9341), Escherichia coli (ATCC 10538), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Enterococcus hirae (ATCC 10541), Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175). Five field strains isolated from saliva were used: Staphylococcus spp. (23.1 - coagulase positive), Staphylococcus spp. (23.5 - coagulase negative), Staphylococcus spp. (26.1 - coagulase positive), Staphylococcus spp. (26.5 - coagulase negative) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (6epi). The diffusion-well method on double-layer agar was used in a culture medium of Tryptic Soy Agar. The plates were kept at room temperature for two hours to allow the diffusion of pastes in the culture medium, and then incubated at 35º C for twenty-four hours in aerobiosis and in microaerophilia (S. mutans). After this period, the total diameter of the inhibition halo was measured. The results were analyzed by ANOVA analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey test at p<0.05. The propolis-based toothpastes presented antibacterial activity against 83.3% of the analyzed bacteria. For 66.7% of these bacteria, the propolis-based toothpastes exhibited greater antibacterial activity than calcium hydroxide. The present results allow us to conclude that the experimental pastes A70D and D70D showed good activity against aerobic bacteria, proving more effective than calcium hydroxide.
Effect of a Pharmaceutical Care Program on quality of life and satisfaction with pharmacy services in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Correr Cassyano Januário , Pontarolo Roberto , Souza Rodrigo Augusto de Paula e , Venson Rafael , Melchiors Ana Carolina , Wiens Astrid
Published: March 2010

The aim is to evaluate the humanistic outcomes in type 2 diabetic patients by the adoption of pharmacotherapy follow-up in community pharmacies. Controlled, non-randomized, 12-months trial; n=161 patients distributed into control and intervention groups; 6 community pharmacies involved, all in the Curitiba city region, in the state of Paraná were used. The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the satisfaction index were determined using both the DQOL assessment tool, which measures HRQoL, and the satisfaction evaluation tool (QSSF). Interventions on 119 negative therapeutic outcomes were done (2.3/patient [SD=1.6]); the most commonly found problems were related to ineffectiveness of pharmacotherapy (68.1%). The Intervention-Group showed a significant improvement in HRQoL compared with the Control Group (0.08 vs -0.01, respectively; p=0.036). Satisfaction and impact domains presented the most significant improvement (0.13 vs 0.00 [p=0.030] and 0.07 vs -0.04 [p=0.033], respectively). After adjusting for baseline variables, the difference in improvement scores between groups on the QSSF was attributed to the allocation of patients in the intervention group. Pharmacotherapy follow-up of type 2 diabetic patients in community pharmacies can improve the HRQoL and satisfaction of patients.
Variables associated with the post-treatment healing of lesions in patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Paraná State, Brazil
Authors: Casavechia Maria Teresinha Gomes , Silveira Thaís Gomes Verzignassi , Teodoro Ueslei , Janeiro Vanderly , Udo Margareth , Campana Lonardoni Maria Valdrinez
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of several variables to the healing of lesions in patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL). The patients with clinical and/or laboratorial diagnoses of the disease were followed up for varying periods after treatment by clinical evaluation and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), from September 2000 to December 2003. The lesions of 85.3% of the 163 patients had healed by their last return for clinical evaluation, and of these, 82.7% had negative IFA results, indicating an association between the healing of lesions and IFA negativity (p=0.000). In patients evaluated up to 120 days after treatment, there was a significant association between negative IFA results and the healing of lesions (p=0.0000). Logistic regression analysis showed that negative IFA results on patients' first return after treatment predicted a 2.175 fold greater chance of lesion healing (p=0.0001). These results indicate an association between IFA negativity at the first return up to a period of 120 days, and the healing of lesions, and that the chances of healing are significantly higher in patients with negative IFA results at their first return after treatment.
Environmental Factors Influence Early Population Growth of Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum)
Authors: Nord Andrea N. , Mortensen David A. , Rauschert Emily S. J.
Published: March 2010

Habitat suitability and disturbance can shape the early stages of biological invasions in important ways. Much that we know about habitat suitability and invasion originates from point-in-time studies, which characterize invasive plant abundance and associated site characteristics. In our study, we tested the influence of habitat suitability by creating small-scale invasions in a range of environments. Seeds of the invasive annual grass Japanese stiltgrass [Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A. Camus] were planted into six environments in a deciduous forest in central Pennsylvania, and patch growth was monitored for 4 yr. Each of the 30 sites included a subplot subjected to litter disturbance at time of planting. This litter disturbance led to increased seedling recruitment only in the first 2 yr. Although patches were generally larger in wetland and roadside habitats, site influence was highly variable. Environmental variables (soil moisture, ammonium–N, pH, and plant species richness) measured in each plot were better predictors of population success than broad habitat categories. We conclude that risk assessment for species such as M. vimineum should focus not on habitat types but on areas likely to experience the physical changes that release M. vimineum populations.
Invasive Grasses Increase Nitrogen Availability in California Grassland Soils
Authors: Parker Sophie S. , Schimel Joshua P.
Published: March 2010

As Europeans colonized California, they introduced annual grasses from the Mediterranean Basin. These exotic annual grasses eventually invaded grasslands throughout the state, some of which were once dominated by native perennial grass species. Annual grasses differ from perennials in their phenology, longevity, rooting depth, litter chemistry, and interaction with the microbial community. As these traits may influence plant nitrogen (N) use, it is likely that the invasion by annual species resulted in changes in the availability and cycling of N in California grassland systems. We addressed the question of how invasive annual grasses influence rates of N cycling by measuring N pool sizes and rates of net and gross mineralization and nitrification, gross immobilization, and the denitrification potential of soils from experimentally planted annual and perennial-dominated grasslands. With an increase in annual grass cover, we saw increases in ammonium (NH4+) pool sizes and rates of N mineralization, nitrification, and denitrification in soils. These differences in N status suggest that N cycling in California grasslands was altered at sites where native perennial bunchgrasses were invaded by nonnative annual grasses. One consequence of annual grass invasion may be a legacy of NH4+-enriched soils that hinder the reestablishment of native perennial grass species.
The Responsibility to Pay for Cancer Treatments: A Health Insurer's View of Value
Authors: Newcomer Lee N.
Published: March 2010

This article examines the obstacles confronting insurers when they try to understand and calculate value, defined as cost-effectiveness, for cancer therapies.
Uncertainty in Assessing Value of Oncology Treatments
Authors: Mullins C. Daniel , Montgomery Russ , Tunis Sean
Published: March 2010

Patients, clinicians, payers, and policymakers face an environment of significant evidentiary uncertainty as they attempt to achieve maximum value, or the greatest level of benefit possible at a given level of cost in their respective health care decisions. This is particularly true in the area of oncology, for which published evidence from clinical trials is often incongruent with real-world patient care, and a substantial portion of clinical use is for off-label indications that have not been systematically evaluated. It is this uncertainty in the knowledge of the clinical harms and benefits associated with oncology treatments that prevents postregulatory decision makers from making accurate assessments of the value of these treatments. Because of the incentives inherent in the clinical research enterprise, randomized control trials (RCTs) are designed for the specific purpose of regulatory approval and maximizing market penetration. The pursuit of these goals results in RCT study designs that achieve maximal internal validity at the expense of generalizability to diverse real-world patient populations that may have significant comorbidities and other clinically mitigating factors. As such, systematic reviews for the purposes of coverage and treatment decisions often find relevant and high-quality evidence to be limited or nonexistent. For a number of reasons, including frequent off-label use of medications and the expedited approval process for cancer drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, this situation is exacerbated in the area of oncology. This paper investigates the convergence of incentives and circumstances that lead to widespread uncertainty in oncology and proposes new paradigms for clinical research, including pragmatic clinical trials, methodological guidance, and coverage with evidence development. Each of these initiatives would support the design of clinical research that is more informative for postregulatory decision makers, and would therefore reduce uncertainty and provide greater confidence in conclusions about the value of these treatments.
Application of model trees and other machine learning techniques for algal growth prediction in Yongdam reservoir, Republic of Korea
Authors: Jung Nahm-Chung , Popescu Ioana , Kelderman Peter , Solomatine Dimitri P. , Price Roland K.
Published: March 2010

A promising new approach for eco-environmental modelling, such as algal growth prediction, is the data-driven modeling using machine learning techniques: an artificial neural network (ANN) being a typical method. Another method growing in popularity, based on the M5 model tree (MT) algorithm, is the use of piecewise linear regression models at the leaf nodes of the tree. M5 MTs using partial least-squares regression (PLSR) proposed in this paper were tested on a particular dataset and then compared to M5 MTs, MLF- and RBF-ANN and k nearest neighbours (kNN). With the dataset partitioned to periods of algal growth and no growth, M5 MTs using PLSR showed better results for algal growth prediction in the reservoir than using the annual dataset and other algorithms. This gives the idea that the M5-PLSR MTs, in spite of the lack of data, more effectively seeks latent vectors between the closely correlated multivariate dataset partitioned using clustering techniques. M5-PLSR MTs is a promising approach when there is a shortage of data required to build a more transparent learning process model, and a combination with clustering is recommended.