bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumo de oxigênio pós-exercícios de força e aeróbio: efeito da ordem de execução
Authors: Lira Fábio Santos de , Oliveira Rodrigo da Silva Fermino de , Julio Ursula Ferreira , Franchini Emerson
Published: July 2008

O treinamento concorrente é uma estratégia que vem sendo utilizada na intenção de maximizar o gasto energético tanto durante quanto após o exercício por meio do EPOC (excesso do consumo de oxigênio pós-exercício). No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre a influência da ordem de execução sobre o EPOC. O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a influência do tipo (aeróbio, força e concorrente) e da ordem (aeróbio + força ou força + aeróbio) do exercício sobre o EPOC. A amostra foi constituída por oito homens (idade: 24 ± 2 anos; massa corporal: 75,4 ± 3,7kg; e estatura: 179 ± 3,0cm), voluntários, com experiência em treinamento de força e aeróbio. Os sujeitos foram submetidos a um teste para a determinação do VO2pico (57,0 ± 2,9ml/kg/min) e teste de 1-RM para os exercícios de supino reto (68 ± 2kg), puxador costas (64 ± 3kg), cadeira extensora (51 ± 3kg) e mesa flexora (38 ± 3kg). O treino aeróbio foi realizado durante 30 minutos a 90% da velocidade correspondente ao limiar anaeróbio (10,3 ± 2,2km). O treino de força foi realizado a 70% de 1RM, dividido em três séries de 12 movimentos. O consumo de oxigênio (VO2) foi medido em repouso (R) e após as seguintes sessões: aeróbio (A), força (F), aeróbio-força (A + F) e força-aeróbio (F + A), utilizando calorimetria indireta durante 30 minutos, os quais foram divididos em três intervalos de tempo: T1 (0 a 10 minutos), T2 (11 a 20 minutos) e T3 (21 a 30 minutos). A comparação do VO2 entre as diferentes situações (R, A, F, A + F e F + A) para cada um dos períodos de tempo (0-10, 11-20; 21-30 min) foi realizada a partir de uma ANOVA a um fator com medidas repetidas, seguida por teste de Tukey. Em T1, o VO2 das diferentes sessões foi maior que o de R. Durante T2, o VO2 das situações F, A + F e F + A foi superior ao de R. Em T3, somente A + F resultou em EPOC. Os resultados indicam que a ordem de execução influenciou o tempo de EPOC. Contudo, o gasto calórico decorrente do EPOC é bastante reduzido (≅ 15kcal).
Influência do alongamento passivo em três repetições de 30 segundos a cada 48 horas em músculo sóleo imobilizado de ratos
Authors: Menon Thiago , Casarolli Luana Muriel , Cunha Núbia Broetto , Souza Leandro de , Andrade Paulo Henrique Muleta , Albuquerque Carlos Eduardo de , Bertolini Gladson Ricardo Flor
Published: July 2008

O músculo esquelético tem a propriedade de adaptar-se a diferentes estímulos, alterando o número de sarcômeros em série, de acordo com o comprimento a que está submetido. Este trabalho tem como objetivo comparar as adaptações de peso e comprimento do músculo sóleo de ratos, além de estimativa do total de sarcômeros em série, quando submetidos a alongamento intermitente durante imobilização em plantiflexão. Foram utilizados 24 ratos (Wistar) machos de 14 ± 2 semanas de idade, divididos em 4 grupos: C (n = 6) - controle; A (n = 6) - músculo sóleo esquerdo (MSE) alongado; I - (n = 6) MSE imobilizado; IA (n = 6) MSE imobilizado e alongado. O protocolo utilizado foi 3 séries de alongamento com duração de 30s a cada 48h; e período total de imobilização de 21 dias. Foram comparadas as variações observadas entre os músculos sóleus direito (MSD) e o MSE com relação a peso muscular, comprimento muscular e estimativa do número de sarcômeros em série (ENSS), através da contagem em 300mm. Nas variáveis analisadas ao comparar o MSD (controle) e o MSE (submetido a alongamento e/ou imobilização) foram observados: peso muscular: C = -1,59%, (p = 0,67); A = +5,41% (p = 0,05); I = -41,48% (p = 0,01); IA = -32,46% (p = 0,01); comprimento muscular: C = -2,63% (p = 0,43); A = +7,54% (p = 0,07); I = -12,74% (p = 0,01); IA = -10,42% (p = 0,11); ENSS: C = -3,81% (p = 0,09); A = + 2,73% (p = 0,56); I = -12,20% (p = 0,01); IA = -12,21% (p = 0,21). Conclui-se que o alongamento durante a imobilização preservou o comprimento muscular e a quantidade de sarcômeros em série, mas não evitou a perda do peso muscular.
Motivos que justificam a adesão de adolescentes à prática da natação: qual o espaço ocupado pela saúde?
Authors: Alves Mariana Pace , Junger Washington Leite , Palma Alexandre , Monteiro Walace David , Resende Helder Guerra de
Published: July 2008

Acredita-se que um dos principais motivos para a adesão à prática da natação sejam os relacionados à saúde. Contudo, a literatura é carente de estudos que confrontam a incidência da saúde com outros motivos que podem justificar a adesão à prática da natação. Considerando este contexto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar os principais motivos que influenciam os adolescentes a iniciar e a permanecer praticando natação, situando o papel da saúde neste contexto. A amostra foi composta por 98 adolescentes não atletas de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 13 e 18 anos. Foi construído um instrumento de coleta de dados composto por questões objetivas de caracterização do respondente, além de uma escala de opinião sobre os motivos que influenciam adolescentes a permanecer praticando natação. O estudo foi desenvolvido em três estabelecimentos de ensino-aprendizagem de natação no município do Rio de Janeiro. Para verificar a confiabilidade do instrumento de coleta de dados foi utilizado o Coeficiente Alfa, enquanto que para a análise dos dados utilizou-se recursos da estatística descritiva (média, desvio-padrão e percentual) e inferencial (ANOVA - p < 0,05). Os resultados revelaram que os motivos relacionados à saúde correspondem a 13% do total. Já a escala de opinião utilizada para verificar os motivos de permanência revelou que as categorias relacionadas à saúde que obtiveram maiores médias de pontuação, numa escala de até 2 pontos, foram: bem-estar (1,86); condicionamento físico (1,70) e prevenção de doença (1,62). A ANOVA não detectou diferenças nas respostas ao questionário atribuídas pelos indivíduos dos dois sexos. Em conclusão, ao menos na amostra estudada, o fator saúde não exerce um peso acentuado na opção de adolescentes para iniciar um programa de natação. Entretanto, motivos relacionados à saúde vão ganhando importância, constituindo-se num dos principais fatores que justificam a permanência dos indivíduos nos programas de natação.
The effect of training in Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) on the performance and healthcare quality of pediatric healthcare workers: a systematic review
Authors: Amaral João Joaquim Freitas do , Victora Cesar Gomes
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the effect of training in Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) on the quality of case management by healthcare workers based on a systematic review of the literature. METHODS: the authors searched the databases MEDLINE, LILACS, PAHO and WHOLIS for the search terms Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), and analyzed documents published by Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization and the Brazilian Ministry of Health between January 1993 and July 2006. The quality of the methodology was assessed using the criteria developed by Downs and Black. RESULTS: thirty-five papers were reviewed. Twelve of these validated the IMCI algorithm and found the sensitivity to be high and the specificity to be over 80% for major illnesses. Twenty-three papers assessed the performance of healthcare workers, eight of these with no control group. The present study shows clear evidence of improvement in the performance of healthcare workers employed at healthcare facilities with IMCI. The main methodological weaknesses of the study were lack of control of confounding factors and lack of information regarding statistical power. CONCLUSIONS: the performance of healthcare workers tends to improve at public healthcare facilities when IMCI is introduced.
Spiders associated with Psychotria carthagenensis Jacquin. (Rubiaceae): vegetative branches versus inflorescences, and the influence of Crematogaster sp. (Hymenoptera, Formicidae), in South-Pantanal, Brazil
Authors: Faria RR. , Lima TN.
Published: July 2008

The aim of this study was to analyze: i) the spider community in vegetative and reproductive branches of Psychotria carthagenensis concerning relative abundance, guild composition and body size distribution; ii) ant abundance in diferent types of branches and iii) the spider behavior when experimentally put in contact with inflorescences covered with ants. There was no difference between vegetative and reproductive branches in relation to spider abundance, composition of guilds and body size distribution of spiders. However, there was a significant difference in ant abundance. In the behavioral experiment, 90% of the spiders were expelled from inflorescences by ants; in control treatment, 100% remained in the inflorescences. The ant density in different parts of the plant may explain the spider distribution.
Species composition of Bromeliaceae and their distribution at the Massambaba restinga in Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Rocha-Pessôa TC. , Nunes-Freitas AF. , Cogliatti-Carvalho L. , Rocha CFD.
Published: July 2008

We studied some ecological parameters such as richness, abundance, density, biomass and variation in species composition in four vegetation zones and in a zone with anthropic disturbance in the Massambaba Restinga in Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro State. We sampled 100 plots of 100 m² (10 x 10 m) recording the bromeliad species and their abundance. We found a total of seven bromeliad species, with Vriesea neoglutinosa (5647 ramets) and Tillandsia stricta (1277 ramets) being the most abundant. The vegetation zone called Clusia shrubs had the highest richness (S = 5) and density (6360 ramets.ha-1) of bromeliads. The differences found in abundance and variation in species composition among vegetation zones seems to be related to the vegetation structure of each zone.
Searching for bioindicators of forest fragmentation: passerine birds in the Atlantic forest of southeastern Brazil
Authors: Piratelli A. , Sousa SD. , Corrêa JS. , Andrade VA. , Ribeiro RY. , Avelar LH. , Oliveira EF.
Published: July 2008

Aiming to evaluate the potential of Passerine birds as bioindicators of forest fragmentation, we studied the avifauna in the mountain region of the state of Rio de Janeiro by mist-netting between 2001 and 2005. We sampled six sites, including four small fragments (from 4 to 64 ha) in an agricultural area (Teresópolis), one second-growth forest (440 ha - Miguel Pereira) and a continuous forest (10,600 ha, Serra dos Órgãos National Park - SONP). Indicator Species analysis and a Monte Carlo test were run to detect associations between species and sites, considering at least 30% of perfect indication and a significant value for the statistical test, only considering species with at least 10 captures. A total of 30 Passerine birds were sampled, and due to their association to the largest area (SONP), we considered Sclerurus scansor, Mionectes rufiventris, Chiroxiphia caudata and Habia rubica as the best indicators for this area. Five species were more captured not by chance in the 440 ha second-growth: Conopophaga melanops, Myiobius barbatus, Myrmeciza loricata, Philydor atricapillus and Schiffornis virescens and no species were related to any small fragment. This analysis has identified specialized Passerine species in many aspects (foraging substract, needs for nesting, rarity status), and it can be a valuable tool for detecting possible bioindicators.
Soil chemical factors and grassland species density in Emas National Park (central Brazil)
Authors: Amorim PK. , Batalha MA.
Published: July 2008

Studies of grasslands on specific soil types suggest that different nutrients can limit biomass production and, hence, species composition and number. The Brazilian cerrado is the major savanna region in America and once covered about 2 million km², mainly in the Brazilian Central Plateau, under seasonal climate, with wet summer and dry winter. In view of the importance of soil chemical factors in the distribution of the vegetation forms within the Cerrado domain and which may influence the number of species, we analyzed some soil characteristics in three herbaceous vegetation forms - hyperseasonal cerrado, seasonal cerrado, and wet grassland - in Emas National Park, a core cerrado site, to investigate the relationship between number of species and soil characteristics. We collected vegetation and soil samples in these three vegetation forms and submitted the obtained data to multiple linear regression. We found out that aluminum and pH were the best predictors of species density, the former positively related to species density and the latter negatively related. Since the predictable variation in species density is important in determining areas of conservation, we can postulate that these two soil factors are indicators of high species density areas in tropical grasslands, which could be used in selecting priority sites for conservation.
Gluttonous predators: how to estimate prey size when there are too many prey
Authors: Araújo MS. , Pinheiro A. , Reis SF.
Published: July 2008

Prey size is an important factor in food consumption. In studies of feeding ecology, prey items are usually measured individually using calipers or ocular micrometers. Among amphibians and reptiles, there are species that feed on large numbers of small prey items (e.g. ants, termites). This high intake makes it difficult to estimate prey size consumed by these animals. We addressed this problem by developing and evaluating a procedure for subsampling the stomach contents of such predators in order to estimate prey size. Specifically, we developed a protocol based on a bootstrap procedure to obtain a subsample with a precision error of at the most 5%, with a confidence level of at least 95%. This guideline should reduce the sampling effort and facilitate future studies on the feeding habits of amphibians and reptiles, and also provide a means of obtaining precise estimates of prey size.
Histological remarks of the oviduct and the oviducal gland of Sympterygia acuta Garman, 1877
Authors: Galíndez EJ. , Estecondo S.
Published: July 2008

The elasmobranchs constitute an important resource in Argentinian fishing and they show reproductive characteristics that make them susceptible to the pressure of fishing. In spite of the importance of the resource our knowledge about the species of the Southwestern Atlantic is scarce. In this work we study the microanatomy of the oviduct and the oviducal gland of Sympterygia acuta. The results show a very folded oviduct with mucous and ciliated cells. The oviducal gland depicts the same zonation as other batoids, showing the typical four regions (club, papillary, baffle and terminal). The epithelium lining the glandular lumen is simple columnar with ciliated and glandular cells. The four zones show simple or ramified tubular gland the secretions of which constitute the egg's envelopes. The club and baffle zones are similar to those present in other species. The papillary one depicts a different pattern of secretions that other Rajiformes and the last zone of the gland is characterized by mixed adenomers. The information here exposed constitutes the first report on the microanatomy of the genital tract of S. acuta.
The population density effects on the reproductive biology of the snail Bradybaena similaris (Férussac, 1821) (Mollusca, Gastropoda)
Authors: Oliveira CS. de , Vasconcellos MC. , Pinheiro J.
Published: July 2008

The influence of population density on some aspects of the reproductive biology of the snail Bradybaena similaris was studied. Molluscs were maintained under 0.2 (isolated), 0.3, 0.6, 1.0, 1.3 and 1.7 snail/m² densities. The animals maintained under 0.3 and 0.6 snail/m² showed the lowest numbers of eggs laid/snail, being the highest value observed to the 1.7 snail/m². The hatching of the snails maintained under 0.3 snail/m² density, begun at the 21st day after laying, and the maximum time required to the hatching was 36 days was observed to the eggs came from snails maintained under the densities 0.6, 1.0, 1.3 snail/m², respectively. The highest percentage hatchability (55.56%) was observed to isolated snails. The galactogen content in the albumen gland did not seem to accompany the alterations occurred in the reproduction of B. similaris in response to the different population densities.
Occurrences of whale shark (Rhincodon typus Smith, 1828) in the Saint Peter and Saint Paul archipelago, Brazil
Authors: Hazin FHV. , Vaske Júnior T. , Oliveira PG. , Macena BCL. , Carvalho F.
Published: July 2008

The Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago in the central tropical Atlantic, is an important ground of whale sharks that are commonly sighted throughout the year close to the fishing boats in the adjacencies of the islands. In sightings reported between February 2000 and November 2005, the lengths of the individuals ranged between 1.8 to 14.0 m. The causes of these concentrations in the archipelago are still unclear, once there are no upwellings and plankton concentrations for feeding, and no reproductive activities were reported. Nevertheless, they could be associated to the spawning period of the abundant flying fishes, mainly in the first semester, when sightings were more frequent.
New records of the restinga antwren Formicivora littoralis Gonzaga and Pacheco (Aves, Thamnophilidae) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: inland extended range and threats
Authors: Vecchi MB. , Alves MAS.
Published: July 2008

The Restinga Antwren (Formicivora littoralis) has a narrow distribution range in southeastern Brazil, and it is a typical species of restinga habitat (sandy coastal plain vegetation). In this paper, we describe two new records for the species (22° 51' 45" S and 42° 14' 13" W; 22° 51' 14" S and 42° 11' 47" W) in the northern margin of the Araruama Lagoon, which represent a new inland limit for its distribution (11 km), besides assessing the current state of its habitat. We recorded supposed isolated subpopulations, most of them due the accelerated human-made fragmentation. The Massambaba Environmental Protection Area comprises the larger continuous extent of the suitable habitat for the Restinga Antwren, being essential to its long-term existence. However, the region lacks effective protected areas and, besides urgent practical measures, we recommend an accurate mapping and populational studies on this species.
Two thrush species as dispersers of Miconia prasina (Sw.) DC. (Melastomataceae): an experimental approach
Authors: Alves MAS. , Ritter PD. , Antonini RD. , Almeida EM.
Published: July 2008

We carried out a seed germination experiment using two thrush species in captivity. We compared the number of germinated seeds and germination time of control seeds (manually removed from fruits) and ingested seeds of Miconia prasina by two bird species, Turdus albicollis and T. amaurochalinus, and also compared retention times of seeds by both thrush species. Control seeds germinated more frequently than those ingested for one species, T. albicollis. The germination time of ingested seeds by T. amaurochalinus was similar to the control seeds but seeds ingested by T. albicollis took longer to germinate than the controls. Both thrush species had a similar seed defecation pattern. The cumulative number of defecated seeds increased by 2 hours after fruit ingestion. At the end of the first 30 minutes both species had already defecated approximately 50% of the seeds ingested Our results suggest that both species could act as disperser agents of M. prasina.
Further notes on the natural history of the South American pepper frog, Leptodactylus labyrinthicus (Spix, 1824) (Anura, Leptodactylidae)
Authors: Silva WR. , Giaretta AA.
Published: July 2008

Leptodactylus labyrinthicus tadpoles reach a large size in the nest through consumption of trophic eggs. We previously suggested that the trophic eggs are laid just after amplexus has finished, but our new data do not support this hypothesis. We also present further details on the natural history of the species with regard to breeding activity, spawning site, retreats and the ability of tadpoles in preying upon fully-growth heterospecific tadpoles. We also show that the tadpoles are mainly nocturnal and take diurnal refuges. We collected the data in Brazil in three localities within the Cerrado Biome. We examined burrows used by L. labyrinthicus males, verified if females still contained mature eggs just after released from amplexus, and tested the ability of tadpoles in preying fully-growth heterospecific tadpoles. Field observations and experiments were conducted on tadpole activity time, hiding behaviour and level of susceptibility to predation by the bird leaf-scrapers in four sheltering situations. Reproduction could start before the first rains; this may be advantageous by allowing the tadpoles to exploit eggs of other frogs. We found one floating nest built in a temporary pool. The nest of the species is normally circumscribed in an excavated basin beside the water body. Adult males were found during the day with their head-out of the entrance of underwater burrows, which were perforations through dense root mats beside calling/spawning sites. Probably, these burrows in permanently water-filled soil are actively excavated by males. Females released all their eggs during the amplexus, so trophic eggs are not produced by the currently-accepted mechanism. Fully-grown heterospecific tadpoles were not preyed upon by L. labyrinthicus tadpoles, which can prey only slow-moving newly hatched ones. Field tadpoles took shelter under mud/dead leaves during daylight and became exposed on the bottom at night. Free-ranging leaf-scrapers removed dead leaves from a pool with their beaks and preyed upon tadpoles. In the experiments, the tadpoles sheltered under gravel/leaves during daylight, but they were exposed at night. Leaf-scrapers ate all exposed tadpoles, but no tadpole of the gravel/leaves trays was consumed. Hence the nocturnal habits and use of diurnal refuges may protect the tadpoles from visual predators, such as the leaf-scrapers.
Isolation and characterization of Flavobacterium columnare (Bernardet et al. 2002) from four tropical fish species in Brazil
Authors: Pilarski F. , Rossini AJ. , Ceccarelli PS.
Published: July 2008

Flavobacterium columnare is the causative agent of columnaris disease in freshwater fish, implicated in skin and gill disease, often causing high mortality. The aim of this study was the isolation and characterization of Flavobacterium columnare in tropical fish in Brazil. Piracanjuba (Brycon orbignyanus), pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus), tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) and cascudo (Hypostomus plecostomus) were examined for external lesions showing signs of colunmaris disease such as greyish white spots, especially on the head, dorsal part and caudal fin of the fish. The sampling comprised 50 samples representing four different fish species selected for study. Samples for culture were obtained by skin and kidney scrapes with a sterile cotton swabs of columnaris disease fish and streaked onto Carlson and Pacha (1968) artificial culture medium (broth and solid) which were used for isolation. The strains in the liquid medium were Gram negative, long, filamentous, exhibited flexing movements (gliding motility), contained a large number of long slender bacteria and gathered into ‘columns'. Strains on the agar produced yellow-pale colonies, rather small, flat that had rhizoid edges. A total of four Flavobacterium columnare were isolated: 01 Brycon orbignyanus strain, 01 Piaractus mesopotamicus strain, 01 Colossoma macropomum strain, and 01 Hypostomus plecostomus strain. Biochemical characterization, with its absorption of Congo red dye, production of flexirubin-type pigments, H2S production and reduction of nitrates proved that the isolate could be classified as Flavobacterium columnare.
Growth of the peritrich epibiont Zoothamnium intermedium Precht, 1935 (Ciliophora, Peritrichia) estimated from laboratory experiments
Authors: Utz LRP.
Published: July 2008

Peritrich ciliates are commonly found colonizing living substrates. Although this a well known phenomenon, biological aspects of this relationship need to be studied in more detail. Assessment of growth rates in peritrichs has been the subject of very few studies. Only species in the genera Carchesium Ehrenberg, 1830 and Vorticella Linnaeus, 1767 had their growth rates evaluated in the field and in the laboratory. In the present study, growth, colonization (colonies/host), and proliferation (zooids/colony) rates of the peritrich epibiont Zoothamnium intermedium Precht, 1935 attached to the calanoid copepod Acartia tonsa Dana 1848 were evaluated in the laboratory in two food regimes: bacteria only, and algal based diet. Results showed that growth, colonization, and proliferation rates were similar for both diets. Maximum growth rates obtained for Z. intermedium was 0.85 and 0.83 per day, for bacteria and algae respectively. Maximum colonization rates were 0.5 per day for both diets, and the maximum proliferation rates were 0.44 and 0.42 per day for bacteria and algae respectively. These results demonstrate that Z. intermedium is able to grow at the same rate of other peritrichs on bacterial and algal based diets.
Chromosomal variability in the wild ornamental species of Symphysodon (Perciformes: Cichlidae) from Amazon
Authors: Mesquita Débora R. , Porto Jorge I. R. , Feldberg Eliana
Published: July 2008

Cytogenetic studies were conducted on three discus species which inhabit the Amazon in Brazil: Symphysodon haraldi from Manacapuru, S. aequifasciatus from Tefé and S. discus from Barcelos. All individuals showed 2n=60 chromosomes, most of them biarmed. No sexual chromosomal heteromorphism was verified. However, different karyotypic formulae, owing to the presence of subtelocentric chromosomes, were verified for S. aequifasciatus and S. discus. One of the karyotypic formulae from S. aequifasciatus (cytotype 2) differs from the others, due to one of the homologues in the first chromosome pair being significantly larger than the other. A large variability was observed toward the nucleolar organizer regions (NOR) of S. haraldi and S. aequifasciatus. Although the number of silver-stained blocks varied from 2 to 5, confirming different NOR patterns, at least seven homologue pairs were involved with NORs. In S. discus only two marks were observed, however two chromosome pairs were involved, characterizing a multiple NOR system for the three species. The heterochromatic blocks were mainly located in the pericentromeric region of all chromosomes but, in some of them, they are also located in the proximal regions, both in the short and long arms. Moreover, in the cytotype 2 from S. aequifasciatus, an interstitial heterochromatic block was observed on the long arm of the largest homologue of the first pair. A direct comparison of karyotypes from more related genera (Heros, Uaru, Mesonauta and Pterophyllum), makes it clear that a succession of chromosomal rearrangements, mainly pericentric inversions, translocations and fissions/fusions occurred resulting in the present diploid number and intraspecific karyological variability found in Symphysodon.
Freshwater temperature in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil, and its implication for fish culture
Authors: Garcia Luciano de Oliveira , Copatti Carlos Eduardo , Wachholz Flávio , Pereira Filho Waterloo , Baldisserotto Bernardo
Published: July 2008

In this study we verified data of water temperatures collected by CORSAN-RS from 1996 to 2004 in several cities of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, and analyzed the possibility of raising the most cultivated fish species in Brazil. The water temperature from 1996 to 2004 was 16 to 28ºC in summer, 17 to 23ºC in fall, 14 to 17ºC (down to 9ºC in the coldest months) in winter and 14 to 21ºC in spring. Native species of this state, such as silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen), traíra (Hoplias malabaricus), dorado (Salminus brasiliensis), pintado (Pimelodus maculatus), as well as carps (family Cyprinidae), are resistant to the low winter temperatures. These species have a lower growth rate in coldest months (winter/spring) but a good development in warmer months (summer/fall), reaching a satisfactory performance throughout the year. In the periods of more intense cold, mortality of some introduced species, such as surubim from Amazon Basin (Pseudoplatystoma sp.), pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus), pirarucu (Arapaimas gigas), pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus), tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) may occur. In addition, as most tropical species have a thermal range for growth and reproduction between 20 to 28ºC, some species may have poor development even in fall. Therefore, water temperature in this state should be considered in the choice of fish species to be cultivated.
Mercury concentration in the freshwater bonefish Cyphocharax gilbert (Curimatidae) and its parasite the crustacean Riggia paranensis (Cymothoidae)
Authors: Lins Débora C. , Meirelles Maria E. , Malm Olaf , Lima Neuza R. W.
Published: July 2008

Fish parasites can accumulate heavy metals reaching higher concentrations than the host and may affect the host's bioaccumulation. The present study compared total mercury concentration in the liver and muscle of Cyphocharax gilbert and in the parasite Riggia paranensis sampled in the middle Itabapoana River, Brazil, also considering the reproductive stages of both fish and parasite. Mean concentrations of mercury in muscle of fish varied from 20.8 ng.g-1 in mature females to 38.1 ng.g-1 in post-spawning females. The mean concentrations in fish liver varied from 60.9 ng/g in post-spawning females to 110.4 ng.g-1 in infested males. The mean concentration of mercury in parasites varied from 26.2 ng.g-1 in specimens carrying early embryo to 39.5 ng.g-1 in specimens with eggs. Positive and significant associations (P<0.05) were found between the total mercury concentrations in parasites and muscle of host (both females and males), and between concentrations in parasites and in the liver of male hosts. These results suggest that R. paranensis can be used to indicate mercury levels in edible parts of C. gilbert.
Predation Tactics of Trumpetfish in Midwater
Authors: Auster Peter J.
Published: July 2008

Predators are known to modify hunting tactics in response to local conditions to exploit prey of different species, densities or position within habitat patches. I describe three unusual prey hunting tactics used by trumpetfish (Aulostomus maculatus) distributed in midwater above reefs off Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, in the southern Caribbean Sea. Hunting behaviors were focused on dense feeding aggregations of brown chromis (Chromis multilineata) and were categorized as: (1) slow horizontal following, (2) vertical hovering or drift, and (3) diagonal cross encounters where trumpetfish descended diagonally through the water while adjusting trajectory to encounter target prey. Understanding variation in predator behavior and ambit, in this case vertical ambit, adds to our knowledge of how predators adapt to unique local opportunities to exploit prey.
Insulin Administration and Rate of Glucose Appearance in People With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Pennant Mary E. , Bluck Leslie J.C. , Marcovecchio M. Loredana , Salgin Burak , Hovorka Roman , Dunger David B.
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE—To assess whether prandial insulin, in addition to basal insulin, has an effect on the rate of glucose appearance from a meal in people with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The rate of glucose appearance from a mixed meal (Rameal) was investigated in six adult (aged 24 ± 2 years), lean (BMI 23.6 ± 1.5 kg/m2) subjects with well-controlled type 1 diabetes (duration 7.9 ± 6.9 years, A1C 7.6 ± 0.9%) with/without prandial insulin. Actrapid was infused to maintain euglycemia before meals were consumed. Subjects consumed two identical meals on separate occasions, and Rameal was measured using a dual isotope method. [6,6-2H2]glucose was incorporated into the meal (0.081 g/kg body wt), and a primed constant/variable rate infusion of [1,2,3,4,5,6,6-2H2]glucose was administered. In the tests with prandial insulin, an additional bolus dose of Actrapid was given 20 min before the meal at 0.1 units/kg body wt.

RESULTS—Insulin concentration with prandial insulin was significantly higher than during basal insulin studies (119 ± 16 vs. 66 ± 15 pmol/l, P = 0.03 by paired t test). Despite differences in insulin concentration, there were no differences in total glucose appearance (3,398 ± 197 vs. 3,307 ± 343 μmol/kg) or time taken for 25% (33.1 ± 3.3 vs. 31.7 ± 3.5 min), 50% (54.6 ± 3.5 vs. 54.1 ± 4.7 min), and 75% (82.9 ± 7.1 vs. 82.8 ± 5.8 min) of total glucose appearance. The fraction of the glucose dose appearing in the circulation was the same for basal (73 ± 8%) and prandial (75 ± 4%) study days.

CONCLUSIONS—These results suggest that meal glucose appearance is independent of prandial insulin concentration in people with type 1 diabetes.
Serum Xylosyltransferase Activity in Diabetic Patients as a Possible Marker of Reduced Proteoglycan Biosynthesis
Authors: Götting Christian , Kuhn Joachim , Kleesiek Knut
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE—Proteoglycan metabolism is altered in diabetic patients. The xylosyltransferases (XTs) are the initial and rate-limiting enzymes in the biosynthesis of the glycosaminoglycan chains in proteoglycans. Here, we analyzed whether the changed proteoglycan metabolism leads to altered serum XT levels in diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Serum XT activity was determined in 100 diabetic patients and 100 blood donors using a novel high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry assay.

RESULTS—Serum XT activities in male and female diabetic patients were significantly decreased compared with those in the corresponding normoglycemic control subjects (mean ± SD: male patients, 19.3 ± 4.44 mU/l; male nondiabetic control subjects, 26.6 ± 2.79 mU/l; female patients, 18.9 ± 3.14 mU/l; female nondiabetic control subjects, 21.8 ± 3.74 mU/l; P < 0.0001). No significant differences were detected between patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS—Our data show decreased XT activity in patients with diabetes, a disease that is accompanied by an altered proteoglycan biosynthesis.
Glucose and C-Peptide Changes in the Perionset Period of Type 1 Diabetes in the Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1
Authors: Sosenko Jay M. , Palmer Jerry P. , Rafkin-Mervis Lisa , Krischer Jeffrey P. , Cuthbertson David , Matheson Della , Skyler Jay S.
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE—We examined metabolic changes in the period immediately after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and in the period leading up to its diagnosis in Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1 (DPT-1) participants.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The study included oral insulin trial participants and parenteral insulin trial control subjects (n = 63) in whom diabetes was diagnosed by a 2-h diabetic oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) that was confirmed by another diabetic OGTT within 3 months. Differences in glucose and C-peptide levels between the OGTTs were assessed.

RESULTS—Glucose levels increased at 90 (P = 0.006) and 120 min (P < 0.001) from the initial diabetic OGTT to the confirmatory diabetic OGTT (mean ± SD interval 5.5 ± 2.8 weeks). Peak C-peptide levels fell substantially between the OGTTs (median change −14.3%, P < 0.001). Among the 55 individuals whose last nondiabetic OGTT was ∼6 months before the initial diabetic OGTT, peak C-peptide levels decreased between these two OGTTs (median change −14.0%, P = 0.052). Among those same individuals the median change in peak C-peptide levels from the last normal OGTT to the confirmatory OGTT (interval 7.5 ± 1.3 months) was −23.8% (P < 0.001). Median rates of change in peak C-peptide levels were 0.00 ng · ml−1 · month−1 (P = 0.468, n = 36) from ∼12 to 6 months before diagnosis, −0.10 ng · ml−1 · month−1 (P = 0.059, n = 55) from 6 months before diagnosis to diagnosis, and −0.43 ng · ml−1 · month−1 (P = 0.002, n = 63) from the initial diabetic OGTT to the confirmatory diabetic OGTT.

CONCLUSIONS—It seems that postchallenge C-peptide levels begin to decrease appreciably in the 6 months before diagnosis and decrease even more rapidly within 3 months after diagnosis.
A Sensory Integration Therapy Program on Sensory Problems for Children with Autism
Authors: Fazlioğlu Yeşim , Baran Gulen
Published: July 2008

The study was planned to investigate the effect of a sensory integration therapy program on sensory problems of children with autism. This study was conducted at the Trakya University Training and Research Center for Mentally and Physically Handicapped Children in Turkey. The children were separated into two groups, each comprising 15 children between 7 and 11 years of age with autism, according to DSM-IV criteria. The children in each group were assessed initially on a checklist, Sensory Evaluation Form for Children with Autism, developed to evaluate sensory characteristics of children with autism, and at the end of the study, participants were assessed again on the checklist. Statistically significant differences between groups indicated that the sensory integration therapy program positively affected treated children.
The Contextual Interference Effect and Sport Skills
Authors: Brady Frank
Published: July 2008

During the last twenty-five years, the contextual interference effect has been thoroughly studied. This review finds that the effect is relatively robust in basic research, but considerably weaker in applied settings. Motor learning scholars have urged practitioners to develop instructional strategies based upon the inferences of the contextual interference effect. The smaller effects seem to indicate that the concept may have more limited use for the physical educator. It appears that the generalization of procedures from other domains may not adequately accommodate the complexity of motor skills. Manipulating the task difficulty, both nominal and functional, and the contextual continuum may be a promising route for the practitioner.
Motivational Profiles and Flow in Physical Education Lessons
Authors: Camacho Alvaro Sicilia , Murcia Juan Antonio Moreno , Tejada Antonio J. Rojas
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study was to use cluster analysis to identify differences in goal orientation and motivational climate profiles among students in physical education classes as well as differences among the observed clusters on perceived flow experiences. 983 students of 14- to 15-yr.-olds ( M = 14.8 yr., SD = 0.91) from a large Spanish metropolitan school district were participants and completed questionnaires assessing goal orientations, motivational climates, and perceived flow. Analysis showed three distinct clusters with 40.3 % of the sample with a High Motivation cluster, 27.6% in a Low Motivation cluster, and 32.2% in a Mastery Motivation cluster. These three clusters differed significantly in ratings of perceived flow. Clusters also showed different composition by sex. Implications of these results with regard to instruction in physical education classes are discussed.
Knowledge and Strategies Used by Adolescents to Compare Duration of Movement by Two Objects
Authors: Okazaki Yoshihiro , Matsuda Fumiko
Published: July 2008

This study investigated the knowledge and strategies used by senior high school students to compare durations of movement by two objects. The developmental process during adolescence was also examined by comparing the results with those published for Grade 7 to Grade 9 students and university undergraduates. A cathode-ray tube monitor was used to present images of two cars traveling in the same direction for various durations and distances. 30 Grade 12 students were asked to identify which of the cars had traveled for a longer duration and why. Analysis suggested that the strategies develop during adolescence in a sequence. Initially, comparison of durations was based on the relative distance traveled by the two cars. Then the comparison was based exclusively on knowledge that “duration=temporal starting point – temporal stopping point.” Finally, the two types of knowledge were used appropriately according to the characteristics of the specific task.
Expanded CD34+Human Umbilical Cord Blood Cells Generate Multiple Lymphohematopoietic Lineages in NOD-scid IL2rγnullMice
Authors: Giassi Lisa J. , Pearson Todd , Shultz Leonard D. , Laning Joseph , Biber Kristin , Kraus Morey , Woda Bruce A. , Schmidt Madelyn R. , Woodland Robert T. , Rossini Aldo A. , Greiner Dale L.
Published: July 2008

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is increasingly being used for human hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation in children but often requires pooling multiple cords to obtain sufficient numbers for transplantation in adults. To overcome this limitation, we have used an ex vivo two-week culture system to expand the number of hematopoietic CD34+cells in cord blood. To assess the in vivo function of these expanded CD34+cells, cultured human UCB containing 1 × 106CD34+cells were transplanted into conditioned NOD- scid IL2rγnullmice. The expanded CD34+cells displayed short- and long-term repopulating cell activity. The cultured human cells differentiated into myeloid, B-lymphoid, and erythroid lineages, but not T lymphocytes. Administration of human recombinant TNFα to recipient mice immediately prior to transplantation promoted human thymocyte and T-cell development. These T cells proliferated vigorously in response to TCR cross-linking by anti-CD3 antibody. Engrafted TNFα-treated mice generated antibodies in response to T-dependent and T-independent immunization, which was enhanced when mice were co-treated with the B cell cytokine BLyS. Ex vivo expanded CD34+human UCB cells have the capacity to generate multiple hematopoietic lineages and a functional human immune system upon transplantation into TNFα-treated NOD- scid IL2rγnullmice.
UjamaaRevisited: Indigenous and European Influences in Nyerere's Social and Political Thought
Authors: Stöger-Eising Viktoria
Published: July 2008

The debate over the indigenous versus the European roots of ‘African democracy’ has regained importance recently. Using the critical tools of cultural anthropology, the social and political thought of Julius K. Nyerere from Tanzania is examined for its African and European sources. The most recurrent themes in his writings are ‘traditional African values’ and the centrality of ‘the traditional African family’. They constitute the core element ofUjamaa.The aim of this article is to show that Nyerere’s statements on African socialism and on African democracy are not merely rhetorical devices employed by an aspiring politician. Nor are they the romantic appeal of a Westernised university graduate to a mythological or even ‘invented’ African past. Nyerere presented his own specific version of ‘traditional’ African values because he was socialised in a non-hierarchical ‘tribal’ society. He sought to synthesise these ‘traditional’ values with Western elements in order to create a Tanzanian identity that would cut across ethnic lines. In those cases when African and European value systems collided, however, Nyerere’s politics became problematic.
Murder and the Political Body in Early Colonial Ibadan
Authors: Watson Ruth
Published: July 2008

The article examines a murder trial in the Nigerian city of Ibadan during 1902. In the course of the trial a senior chief stated that those found guilty of the homicide should be fined, not executed, as a more severe punishment. The meaning of this statement is closely investigated in the context of the political climate in Ibadan at the time, of past judicial practices and through a reconstruction of the murder incident. It was argued that the assertion related to increasing competition between Ibadan chiefs and was an attempt to define constitutionally the economic and political value of a follower’s body.
Baatɔnu Personal Names from Birth to Death
Authors: Schottman Wendy
Published: July 2008

The circumstances of a child’s birth define his or her starting point in life, and they will be inscribed in the child’s file, so to speak, by means of a set of rule-governed birth names. These ‘child names’ are perfectly suitable for this initial stage of life, but all Baatɔmbu aspire one day to replace this original set of ‘orthodox’ names by another orthodox name, an inherited title name, corresponding to an achieved social and spiritual status. Commoners and nobles have separate institutions ofgɔɔbiru,‘inherited title names’, but in both cases the successive bearers of agɔɔbirushare an exemplary essence that each must honour and perpetuate with his life. Baatɔnu nobles bestow baptism names on children around the age of seven, allowing these young candidates for the variousgɔɔbiruto be matched, according to their potential, with a name whose influence will guide them into adulthood. Joking names and teknonyms can be classified as non-orthodox or informal names and seem to fill a gap left by the orthodox names, allowing personal and family relations to be expressed and negotiated. These names carry no prestige, but their use affords pride and pleasure and, unlike orthodox names, they can be used without infringing ‘shame’-based taboos.
Children and the Experience of Violence: Contrasting Cultures of Punishment in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Last Murray
Published: July 2008

Arising out of debates over ‘children at risk’ and the ‘rights of the child’, the article compares two contrasting childhoods within a single large society—the Hausa‐speaking peoples of northern Nigeria. One segment of this society—the non‐Muslim Maguzawa—refuse to allow their children to be beaten; the other segment, the Muslim Hausa, tolerate corporal punishment both at home and especially in Qur'anic schools. Why the difference? Economic as well as political reasons are offered as reasons for the rejection of corporal punishment while it is argued that, in the eyes of Muslim society in the cities, the threat of punishment is essential for both educating and ‘civilising’ the young by imposing the necessary degree of discipline and self‐control that are considered the hallmark of a good Muslim. In short, ‘cultures of punishment’ arise out of specific historical conditions, with wide variations in the degree and frequency with which children actually suffer punishment, and at whose hands. Finally the question is raised whether the violence experienced in schooling has sanctioned in the community at large a greater tolerance of violence‐as‐‘punishment’.
Versioning Womanhood and Muslimhood: ‘Fashion’ and the Life Course in Contemporary Bouaké, Côte D'ivoire
Authors: LeBlanc Marie Nathalie
Published: July 2008

On the strength of research in 1992–95 and 1998 this article discusses the way Muslim women dress in Bouaké, Côte D'Ivoire, and what it tells us about the trajectory of their lives and view of the world. Arguing that fashion is emblematic of processes of identification, it seeks to explain how young women come to be situated and position themselves in these processes. To do so, it examines the processes through a life course analysis that takes into account local versionings of tradition and aesthetics, Muslim cosmology and ideals of Western modernity. The article shows that as young women gain social maturity and assume the socially defined status of adult they dress and act increasingly in a manner that emphasises Muslim identity. The various ways in which they use dress reflect the stance they adopt towards competing versionings of Islam.