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O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação concentrada com ou sem óleo de soja sobre a degradabilidade da matéria seca (MS), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) do capim-marandu manejado sob pastejo intermitente com dois dias de ocupação e 28 dias de descanso e taxa de lotação de 2,6 UA/ha. Foi realizado um ensaio de degradabilidade in situ utilizando três vacas secas canuladas no rúmen mestiças ¾ Gir x ¼ Holandês em delineamento crossover 3x3 com três tratamentos: sem suplementação (NS); suplementação concentrada sem óleo de soja (SO); e suplementação concentrada contendo 7% de óleo de soja (CO). Os períodos de incubação foram de 0, 6, 12, 36, 48 e 96 horas. Não houve diferença estatística entre os tratamentos. Os valores da degradabilidade potencial da MS, da FDN e da FDA do capim nos animais nos tratamentos NS, SO e CO foram: 81,80%, 92,12% e 91,54%; 56,05%, 58,60% e 60,21%; 60,01%, 64,34% e 65,17%, nessa ordem. A suplementação com concentrado contendo ou não 7% de óleo de soja não altera os parâmetros de degradação ruminal do capim-marandu.

Prediabetes, a subclinical impairment between euglycemia and hyperglycemia, is a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associated micro- and macrovascular complications. Lifestyle therapy, the first-line treatment of prediabetes, includes physical exercise and dietary regimens enriched in phytochemicals with health-related properties. Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), given their pleasant taste and great abundance in beneficial phytochemicals, have gained public interest all over the world. Along with a high antioxidant activity, this functional fruit is also well-recognized due to its hypoglycemic and insulin-sensitizing effects and has been recommended for overt T2DM management. Yet blueberries target several other pathophysiological traits, namely gut microbiota dysbiosis and hepatic dysmetabolism, that ensue when prediabetes begins and for which pharmacological interventions tend to be delayed. In this work, we revisited preclinical data from in vitro assays, animal models and human studies, aiming to disclose the potential mechanisms by which blueberries may be a fruitful source of phytochemicals able to prevent (pre)diabetes progression. Collectively, future efforts should focus on longer-term studies with standardized interventions and readouts, particularly in humans, that will hopefully bring more robust evidence and concrete guidance for blueberries’ effective use in prediabetes.

To compare the integrated crop-livestock-forest (ICLF) and crop-livestock (ICL) systems in relation to thermal comfort and grazing behavior of Girolando heifers, a 2 × 2 crossover trial (two system and two periods) was carried out with eight ¾ Holstein × ¼ Gyr heifers in Xaraés–palisade grass pasture under intermittent stocking with 10 days of occupation period and 20 days of resting. In ICLF, crown cover of eucalyptus planted in rows was 65% at the beginning of the experiment. Animal behavior was assessed through bioacoustics by recording heifers’ sounds for 48 hours. Concomitantly, heifers’ internal temperature (IT,°C) was recorded every 10 min using data logger thermometers adapted to hormone-free intravaginal devices. Air temperature and humidity data were collected by thermohygrometers located in the center of ICLF and ICL for calculating Temperature–Humidity Index (THI). According to THI values, ICLF and ICL did not vary in terms of thermal comfort. However, THI indicated moderate stress (82.26±4.40) during day (06:00 to 17:59h) and mild stress (75.76±4.38) at night (18:00 to 05:59h) in both systems. During day, heifers from ICL had significantly (p < 0.05) higher IT (39.51±0.56oC) than those from ICLF (39.41±0.56oC); the former spent more time grazing and less time drinking water in ICLF (581.35±30.1 and 4.87±1.09 min, respectively) when compared with those from ICL (436.88±28.1 and 10.25±1.09 min, respectively). Therefore, although thermal comfort index did not vary between the systems, under moderate stress, crossbred heifers have lower internal temperatures, resulting in longer diurnal grazing and shorter water drinking time in Eucalyptus-shaded pastures.

The protein acetylation of either the α-amino groups of amino-terminal residues or of internal lysine or cysteine residues is one of the major posttranslational protein modifications that occur in the cell with repercussions at the protein as well as at the metabolome level. The lysine acetylation status is determined by the opposing activities of lysine acetyltransferases (KATs) and lysine deacetylases (KDACs), which add and remove acetyl groups from proteins, respectively. A special group of KDACs, named sirtuins, that require NAD+ as a substrate have received particular attention in recent years. They play critical roles in metabolism, and their abnormal activity has been implicated in several diseases. Conversely, the modulation of their activity has been associated with protection from age-related cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and with increased longevity. The benefits of either activating or inhibiting these enzymes have turned sirtuins into attractive therapeutic targets, and considerable effort has been directed toward developing specific sirtuin modulators. This review summarizes the protein acylation/deacylation processes with a special focus on the current developments in the sirtuin research field.

Resumo. Cynaeus angustus (LeConte) caracteriza-se como praga de grãos armazenados, possui diversos substratos alimentares listados em sua ecologia alimentar entre eles o milho, trigo, sorgo e soja. Porém não há registro de seus hábitos no amendoim in natura, assim o objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar a tabela de vida estática, para C. Angustus em condições de laboratório utilizando como substrato o amendoim, e avaliar a composição proteica nos diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento de C. angustus. A quantificação de proteínas foi feita pelo método de microbiureto e o método qualitativo foi feito per método eletroforético. Assim a quantificação de proteínas indicou um aumento de seus valores durante o desenvolvimento dos insetos: larvas 38,22 mg/mL, pupas 47,53 mg/mL e adultos de 60.00 mg/mL. Foi possível observar o perfil electroforético de C. angustus indicando um aumento significativo na variedade de proteínas (29 a 700 kDa) sobre as diferentes etapas deste inseto. Os dados obtidos pela analise populacional indicam que C. angustus apresenta maiores taxas iniciais de sobrevivência, alto potencial biótico e desenvolvimento contínuo em condições favoráveis que mostram potenciais condições de cultivo e pode ser usado como uma fonte nutricional tal como mencionado para outras espécies da mesma família. Protein Evaluation and Static life Table Cynaeus angustus (LeConte) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Abstract. Cynaeus angustus (LeConte) is characterized as a pest of stored grain, there is several food substrates on their feeding ecology including corn, wheat, sorghum and soybeans. But there is no record of their habits in peanut in natura, so the aim of this study was to present the static life table, to C. angustus in laboratory conditions using as substrate the peanut, and evaluate the protein composition in different stages of development C. angustus. The quantification of proteins was taken by microbiureto method and qualitative method was done per electrophoretic method. Protein quantitation indicated an increase of its values during development of insects: larvae 38,22 mg/mL, pupae 47,53 mg/mL and adults 60,00 mg/mL. It was possible to observe the electrophoretic profile C. angustus showed a significant increase in the variety of proteins (29-700 kDa) on the different stages of the insect. Data obtained from the population analysis indicate that C. angustus shows higher initial survival rates, high biotic potential and continuous developing in favorable conditions showing potential growing conditions and, that can be used as a nutritional source such as mentioned for other species of the same family.

Lay judges that work at small claims courts and at small claims against the Exchequer courts don’t have the necessary legitimacy to take discretionary or solely based in equity decisions, because they are not directly elected by the people. Thus, they must base their decisions in the present Law. For this purpose, the selection process of them must demand the necessary legal knowledge and degree for the exercise of the function. The lay judge is submitted to the reasons of impediment or suspicion of the judge, because he is an assistant of the justice, so the law must recognize the citizen’s right to know the individual that exercises the function in his process.

Objectives: This study reports the efficacy of two solvent mixtures on the dissolution of gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer, together with the cytotoxicity. Methods: Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), orange oil, tetrachloroethylene, MEK/tetrachloroethylene (1:1), MEK/orange oil (1:1), and chloroform (control) were tested. Twelve groups (n = 15) of standardized stainless-steel molds filled with softened gutta-percha cones and twelve (n = 15) filled with AH Plus were immersed in the corresponding mixture or individual solvent, in an ultrasonic bath, for either 2 or 5 min. The effect of the solvents was assessed qualitatively by a topographical analysis (scanning electron microscopy) and chemical analysis (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), and quantitatively by a weight loss and viscoelastic property (dynamic mechanical analysis) evaluation. The cytotoxicity was assessed on MG63 human osteoblastic cells. Results: The mixtures did not show the formation of new compounds. Both presented significantly higher efficacies compared to their individual solvents, suggesting a synergistic effect. Their dissolution efficacy was similar to that of chloroform, showing high cytocompatibility. Conclusions: The proposed strategy, incorporating ultrasound agitation and profiting from the synergy of adequate solvents, might enhance root canal cleanliness allowing a single-step procedure to dissolve gutta-percha and the sealer remnants, while assuring cytocompatibility with the periapical tissues.

Unhealthy dietary habits are major modifiable risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disease with increasing prevalence and serious consequences. Microvascular complications of diabetes, namely diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), retinopathy (DR), and nephropathy (DN), are associated with high morbidity rates and a heavy social and economic burden. Currently, available therapeutic options to counter the evolution of diabetic microvascular complications are clearly insufficient, which strongly recommends further research. Animal models are essential tools to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying disease progression, to unravel new therapeutic targets, as well as to evaluate the efficacy of new drugs and/or novel therapeutic approaches. However, choosing the best animal model is challenging due to the large number of factors that need to be considered. This is particularly relevant for models induced by dietary modifications, which vary markedly in terms of macronutrient composition. In this article, we revisit the rodent models of diet-induced DPN, DR, and DN, critically comparing the main features of these microvascular complications in humans and the criteria for their diagnosis with the parameters that have been used in preclinical research using rodent models, considering the possible need for factors which can accelerate or aggravate these conditions.

Professional studios in urban planning curricula are a moment of problem-based learning. This article is based on the tutoring experience of two first year studios in an urban planning Master’s programme. Our analysis of problem-based learning in both studios focuses on the importance of real-life commissions and students’ interactions with clients for the creation and acquaintance with a community of practice. The municipality of Paris commissioned two analyses of Bastille and Italie squares from an environmental health perspective, prior to their refurbishment. The two groups’ contrasting answers to the municipality’s commission are the basis for our discussion of the main characteristics of learning in a planning studio. Moreover, the studio’s subject (environmental health) is somewhat new in Parisian operational planning. The commission stems from a specific political and organizational context, namely a deputy Mayor’s efforts of infusing environmental health in the city’s planning practice. The reception of students’ reports, too, was contrasted among local political and technical stakeholders. These differences portray planners’ role in assisting clients’ during design processes: the production of expert knowledge, as well as intervening in an established network of stakeholders. Studios give students the opportunity of experimenting planning as a technical and social activity with a specific relationship with the political sphere. There are fundamental practical skills to be learned at the intersection of these dimensions.

Diversas são as atividades antrópicas que disponibilizam resíduos e rejeitos nos ecossistemas, principalmente os aquáticos, e geralmente de forma inadequada. Como resultado, pode-se haver incrementos da quantidade de nutrientes, principalmente de fósforo e nitrogênio, tornando um meio propício para florações de Cyanobacteria. Objetivou-se com esse estudo identificar a comunidade fitoplanctônica e nutrientes da água em um braço do Rio Grande, Frutal, Minas Gerais, para verificar a possibilidade de uso da água na irrigação de cultivo agroecológico de olerícolas. Nos três pontos amostrais as variáveis temperatura, condutividade, oxigênio dissolvido e pH estavam em conformidade com a CONAMA 357/2005. Os nutrientes (fósforo total, ortofosfato, nitrato, nitrito e nitrogênio amoniacal total) apresentaram baixas concentrações e mantiveram-se em conformidade com a resolução em todos os pontos e períodos analisados. A abundância do fitoplâncton ficou dividida em 3 grandes grupos: Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae e Cyanobacteria. Grandes quantidades de cianobactérias foram observadas nas amostras, trazendo risco devido ao potencial dessas algas para produzir toxinas. Para ser utilizada na irrigação de cultivo agroecológico, é necessário que a água em questão passe por tratamento.

Sob o enfoque da bioética de intervenção, norteada pela Declaracao Universal sobre Bioetica e Direitos Humanos da Unesco, o presente artigo busca verificar se as alterações propostas à Lei de Proteção de Cultivares (Lei n. 9456/1997) e o conteúdo do Projeto de Lei n. 827/2015, em tramitação na Câmara dos Deputados, garantem a segurança alimentar da população brasileira, incluindo a proteção às formas tradicionais de plantio desenvolvidas pelos pequenos agricultores e pelas comunidades tradicionais. O texto desenvolve uma análise comparativa entre o projeto de lei ora em tramitação e a própria Lei. Com base na fundamentação teórica da bioética da intervenção, o estudo procura demonstrar que, caso aprovado, o PL n. 827/2015 poderá restringir as práticas tradicionais desenvolvidas pelos pequenos produtores e pelas comunidades tradicionais, que são a base da manutenção da diversidade agrícola e da própria proteção ambiental. Por meio de redefinições na legislação de cultivares, as mudanças propostas aumentam a restrição ao acesso à variabilidade de cultivares, podendo incidir negativamente na segurança alimentar da população, especialmente das comunidades tradicionais e de pequenos grupos populacionais, que constituem a camada mais vulnerável da sociedade brasileira.

Este artigo apresenta um estudo comparativo de estratégias usadas para ordenar e selecionar os submódulos de um conversor multinível modular em função das tensões CC dos seus capacitores. Estes conversores foram propostos para aplicações em alta tensão devido a possibilidade da expansão do número de módulos permitindo obter tensões elevadas em seus terminais de saída. Além da modularidade, a síntese de tensões com múltiplos níveis permite que eles sejam conectados a rede sem estruturas magnéticas complexas ou filtros harmônicos de ordem elevada. Resultados de simulação em tempo real são apresentados para validar as estratégias de equalização investigadas e demonstrar o desempenho dos algoritmos implementados no processador digital de sinais. Finalmente, resultados experimentais obtidos com um protótipo em pequena escala, com três submódulos por polo, são apresentados para validar os resultados da simulação em tempo real.

O experimento foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação na Embrapa Pecuária Sudeste, utilizando acessos de Brachiaria brizantha. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com arranjo fatorial 2 X 4, sendo dois tratamentos (com e sem déficit hídrico) e quatro genótipos. O grupo de genótipos avaliado foi formado pelas cultivares 'BRS Piatã', 'Marandú', 'Xaraés' e 'BRS Paiaguás', sendo o experimento realizado durante o mês de julho de 2008. As variáveis analisadas foram massa seca total, massa seca de parte aérea, massa seca de raiz, massa seca de colmo, massa seca de folha, taxa de alongamento foliar, área foliar, área foliar específica. O estresse por deficiência hídrica exerceu efeito negativo em todas as características estudadas e em todos os acessos avaliados. A cultivar 'BRS Piatã' foi o genótipo que menos apresentou alteração entre os tratamentos com e sem déficit hídrico, indicando portanto, tolerância dessa cultivar em relação ao estresse por falta de água no solo nessas condições experimentais

Introduction: Microscopic colitis (MC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with unclear etiology. Bile acid (BA) malabsorption has been described in MC patients. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is the main BA receptor; FXR-mediated mechanisms prevent the noxious effects of BA accumulation, preserving the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier and preventing intestinal inflammation. Aim: Our aim was to describe the expression of FXR in patients with MC. Methods: Archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from the terminal ileum, right and left colon were obtained from patients with MC and matched controls. Immunohistochemistry was performed and nuclear FXR expression scored in a semi-quantitative way. Results: 169 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from 35 patients with MC and 31 controls were retrieved. There was a significant reduction of FXR expression in patients with MC versus controls both in the right colon (moderate-strong FXR expression: 21.1 vs. 64.3%; p = 0.003) and left colon (moderate-strong FXR expression: 8.3 vs. 38.7%; p = 0.027). No significant differences in FXR expression were observed in the ileum of patients with MC (moderate-strong FXR expression: 76.9 vs. 90.9%; p = 0.5). We found no difference in FXR expression between the two types of MC. No association between the degree of lymphocyte infiltration or the thickness of collagen band and FXR expression was found. Conclusions: Patients with MC present a significantly lower expression of FXR in the colon. This could render colonic epithelial cells more susceptible to the deleterious effects of BA, contributing to disease pathogenesis and symptoms in MC.

The salamander axolotl is capable of complete regeneration of amputated heart tissue. However, non-invasive imaging tools for assessing its cardiac function were so far not employed. In this study, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is introduced as a non-invasive technique to image heart function of axolotls. Three axolotls were imaged with magnetic resonance imaging using a retrospectively gated Fast Low Angle Shot cine sequence. Within one scanning session the axolotl heart was imaged three times in all planes, consecutively. Heart rate, ejection fraction, stroke volume and cardiac output were calculated using three techniques: (1) combined long-axis, (2) short-axis series, and (3) ultrasound (control for heart rate only). All values are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Heart rate (beats per minute) among different animals was 32.2±6.0 (long axis), 30.4±5.5 (short axis) and 32.7±4.9 (ultrasound) and statistically similar regardless of the imaging method (p > 0.05). Ejection fraction (%) was 59.6±10.8 (long axis) and 48.1±11.3 (short axis) and it differed significantly (p = 0.019). Stroke volume (μl/beat) was 133.7±33.7 (long axis) and 93.2±31.2 (short axis), also differed significantly (p = 0.015). Calculations were consistent among the animals and over three repeated measurements. The heart rate varied depending on depth of anaesthesia. We described a new method for defining and imaging the anatomical planes of the axolotl heart and propose one of our techniques (long axis analysis) may prove useful in defining cardiac function in regenerating axolotl hearts.

Two cultivars of Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst ex. A. Rich) Stapf. (Syn. Urochloa) were evaluated for their adaptation to water deficit and the stress response mechanisms in a greenhouse experiment. The experimental design was in completely randomized blocks with a 2 × 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. The Marandu and BRS Piatã cultivars were evaluated under two water availability conditions, with or without water restriction. The harvests were carried out 0, 7, 14 and 28 days after the start of water restriction. For both cultivars, the water deficit stress caused a reduction in shoot biomass and leaf area and an increase in the percentage of roots in the deeper soil layers. The B. brizantha cv. Marandu reached critical levels of leaf water potential in a shorter period of water restriction than did the B. brizantha cv. BRS Piatã. The osmoregulation and deepening of the root system are mechanisms of adaptation to water stress observed in both Marandu and BRS Piatã cultivars. Besides that, the Marandu cultivar also increases its leaf senescence and, consequentially, decreases its leaf area, as a response to water deficit.

The Health Pact presented a new proposal for strategic advancement and formalization in healthcare. In this moment, there was the necessity of signing the commitment management which gathered some of the commitments made by managers as auditing in health. The aim of this study is to analyze the performance of management responsibilities about audit in SUS in reference to the document among brazilian states. Documentary research was carried out from the data source available in the site of the Participatory Strategic Support / Ministry of Health. We observed satisfactory levels (80.77%) in meeting these responsibilities. However, it is necessary to greater commitment of management, once the audit has taken over the process of health reform, significant policy making in ensuring the principles of effectiveness, efficiency, effectiveness and economy.

Resumo: Os autores apresentam um caso de amiloidose sistémica com envolvimento cardíaco e discutem a importância de um elevado índice de suspeição para o diagnóstico, os meios de diagnóstico e as opções terapêuticas à luz do conhecimento atual. Homem de 78 anos, com antecedentes de doença renal crónica e fibrilhação auricular, admitido por insuficiência cardíaca aguda de etiologia desconhecida. O ecocardiograma transtorácico mostrou ventrículo esquerdo não dilatado, com compromisso severo da função sistólica global com overlap fenotípico de miocardiopatia hipertrófica e restritiva. Após estudo complementar alargado, o diagnóstico definitivo de amiloidose foi obtido por biópsia da gordura abdominal. Abstract: The authors present a case of systemic amyloidosis with cardiac involvement. We discuss the need for a high level of suspicion to establish a diagnosis, diagnostic techniques and treatment options. Our patient was a 78‐year‐old man with chronic renal disease and atrial fibrillation admitted with acute decompensated heart failure of unknown cause. The transthoracic echocardiogram revealed severely impaired left ventricular function with phenotypic overlap between hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy. After an extensive diagnostic workup, which included an abdominal fat pad biopsy, the final diagnosis was amyloidosis. Palavras‐chave: Amiloidose, Miocardiopatia hipertrófica, Miocardiopatia restritiva, Insuficiência cardíaca, Keywords: Amyloidosis, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Restrictive cardiomyopathy, Heart failure

The objective of this work was to develop and validate linear regression models to estimate the production of dry matter by Tanzania grass (Megathyrsus maximus, cultivar Tanzania) as a function of agrometeorological variables. For this purpose, data on the growth of this forage grass from 2000 to 2005, under dry‑field conditions in São Carlos, SP, Brazil, were correlated to the following climatic parameters: minimum and mean temperatures, degree‑days, and potential and actual evapotranspiration. Simple linear regressions were performed between agrometeorological variables (independent) and the dry matter accumulation rate (dependent). The estimates were validated with independent data obtained in São Carlos and Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. The best statistical results in the development and validation of the models were obtained with the agrometeorological parameters that consider thermal and water availability effects together, such as actual evapotranspiration, accumulation of degree‑days corrected by water availability, and the climatic growth index, based on average temperature, solar radiation, and water availability. These variables can be used in simulations and models to predict the production of Tanzania grass.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a prevalência de Streptococcus agalactiae, um estreptococo do Grupo B, em gestantes e seus possíveis fatores de risco, bem como o impacto perinatal e a suscetibilidade antimicrobiana das colonizadas. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 213 gestantes a partir de 20 semanas de gestação, independente dos fatores de risco, atendidas em um hospital-escola terciário da zona Norte do Estado de Ceará, no Brasil. O cálculo do tamanho amostral ocorreu por conveniência. Foi utilizada técnica do swab estéril único para coleta de secreção das regiões vaginal e perianal. As amostras recém-obtidas eram armazenadas em meio de transporte Stuart e, no laboratório, inoculadas em meio seletivo Todd-Hewitt adicionado de gentamicina (8 ug/mL) e ácido nalidíxico (15 ug/mL), com posterior subcultivo em placas em ágar-sangue. Nos materiais eram realizados teste de Gram, catalase com peróxido de oxigênio e CAMP (Christie, Atkins, Munch-Petersen), sendo confirmados sorologicamente com Streptococcal Grouping Kit, Oxoid®. As positivas foram submetidas a testes de suscetibilidade antimicrobiana. Foram também avaliadas variáveis socioeconômicas, reprodutivas, clínico-obstétricas e neonatais. Os dados foram analisados utilizando o programa Epi-Info 6.04. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de colonização encontrada foi de 9,8% pelo teste de CAMP, embora apenas 4,2% pelo sorológico. O único fator de proteção observado foi cor da pele branca (p=0,01, 0.45>OR>0.94, IC95%). Não foi observada diferença de prevalência do estreptococo do Grupo B com outras variáveis reprodutivas ou obstétricas. Ocorreu infecção em apenas um dos recém-nascidos de mães colonizadas, entretanto revelou-se infecção por Pseudomonas spp. Foi encontrada resistência para ampicilina (4/9) e cefalotina (4/9), penicilina (4/9 casos), eritromicina (3/9), clindamicina (7/9) e cloranfenicol (1/9). CONCLUSÕES: A taxa de infecção foi inferior à encontrada em outros estudos, embora também notou-se grande taxa de resistência aos antibióticos mais utilizados no tratamento. São necessários novos estudos no Brasil, com grupos geograficamente semelhantes, para a validação desses resultados.PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of Streptococcus agalactiae, a Group B streptococcus, in pregnant women, and their possible risk factors, as well as the impact of perinatal colonization and antimicrobial susceptibility. METHODS: We evaluated 213 pregnant women from 20 weeks of gestation, regardless of risk factors, attending a tertiary teaching hospital. The technique used was a single sterile swab to collect secretions from the vaginal and perianal regions. The newly obtained samples were stored in Stuart transport medium and taken to the laboratory, where they were inoculated in Todd-Hewitt selective medium supplemented with Gentamicin (8 ug/mL) and nalidixic acid (15 ug/mL), with subsequent cultivation on blood agar plates. The materials were tested with Gram, catalase with hydrogen peroxide and CAMP (Christie, Atkins, Munch-Petersen), and results were serologically confirmed with the Streptococcal Grouping Kit, Oxoid®. The positive samples were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. We also assessed socioeconomic, reproductive, clinical, and obstetric variables, and newborn care. Statistical analysis was performed with Epi-Info 6.04. RESULTS: The prevalence of colonization obtained by field tests was 9.8% by CAMP test, but only 4.2% by serology. The only protective factor was white skin color (p=0.01, 0.45>OR>0.94, 95%CI). There was no difference in prevalence of Group B streptococcus regarding other reproductive and obstetric variables. Infection occurred in only one of the newborns from colonized mothers; although it was revealed infection with Pseudomonas spp. High resistance to ampicillin (4/9), cephalothin (4/9), penicillin (4/9), erythromycin (3/9), clindamycin (7/9), and cloramphenicol (1/9) was detected. CONCLUSIONS: The infection rate was lower than that found in other studies, although a high rate of resistance to antibiotics commonly used for treatment was detected. Since there are no studies on the prevalence of Group B streptococcus in Ceará, we cannot perform a comparative analysis of the population, and further studies are needed with geographically similar groups to validate these results.

BACKGROUND: Although knowledge on developmental psychiatry is fundamental for the early recognition, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders, this subject has not been incorporated into the medical curriculum or psychiatric practice in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a short course on developmental psychiatry for undergraduate students and to expand education policies concerning developmental psychiatry in Brazil. METHODS: Before and after attending an extracurricular 12-hour, 4-day course on the fundamentals of developmental psychiatry, undergraduate health sciences students were tested regarding their knowledge of the subject. The pre-test/post-test included 12 randomly selected multiple-choice questions designed to evaluate knowledge related to developmental psychiatry and was administered together with a questionnaire designed to evaluate students' attitudes. To compare performances between groups, nonparametric analyses of ordinal categorical data were employed. RESULTS: The final sample comprised 43 students. The mean post-test score was significantly higher than the mean pre-test score (65.0% vs 39.9%; p < 0.0001). We found that strongly positive attitudes correlated with better performance. The 3rd and 4th year medical students performed better than the 1st and 2nd year medical students and the non-medical students. Sex differences favoring males were also observed. CONCLUSION: Our findings encourage additional educational policies related to developmental psychiatry which may result in direct clinical implications.CONTEXTO: Apesar de vital para o reconhecimento precoce, tratamento e prevenção de transtornos mentais, a psiquiatria do desenvolvimento ainda não foi incorporada à grade curricular ou prática psiquiátrica no Brasil. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto de um curso extracurricular em psiquiatria do desenvolvimento na graduação e a viabilidade de expansão de políticas de ensino em psiquiatria do desenvolvimento no Brasil. MÉTODO: Antes e após assistirem um curso de 12 horas durante 4 dias sobre fundamentos da psiquiatria do desenvolvimento, estudantes de graduação em saúde responderam um questionário composto por 12 questões de múltipla escolha randomizadas para avaliação de retenção do conhecimento e questões destinadas à avaliação de atitudes. A análise estatística incluiu testes não-paramétricos de variáveis categóricas ordinais. RESULTADOS: Em uma amostra final composta por 43 estudantes, verificou-se um desempenho significativamente superior no pós-teste (65.0% vs. 39.9%; p < 0.0001). Atitudes positivas em relação ao curso relacionaram-se a um melhor desempenho. Estudantes dos 3º e 4º anos de medicina apresentaram resultados superiores quando comparados aos do 1º e 2º anos de medicina e aos estudantes de outras áreas da saúde. Constatou-se melhor desempenho no sexo masculino. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo encoraja políticas de ensino em psiquiatria do desenvolvimento que poderão ter implicações clínicas diretas.

O objetivo deste estudo foi testar modelos empíricos de regressão linear, para a predição do acúmulo de matéria seca (TAMS) de Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu, em função de variáveis agrometeorológicas. Para gerar os modelos, foi utilizada a taxa média de acúmulo de matéria seca, em condições de sequeiro, entre 1998 e 2002. As variáveis avaliadas foram: temperaturas mínima, máxima e média, radiação global (Rg), graus-dia, evapotranspiração real (ETR) e potencial (ETP) obtidas a partir do balanço hídrico, unidades fototérmicas (UF) e índice climático de crescimento (ICC). As regressões univariada e multivariada mostraram boa capacidade de predição, com exceção para as que utilizam a UF. Os melhores resultados foram para a regressão multivariada, com Tmín, Rg e ETR: R², 0,84; raiz do quadrado médio do resíduo (RQMR), 14,72; e critério de informação de Akaike (CIA), 222,5. Na regressão linear univariada, destacaram-se as variáveis: graus-dia corrigido (R², 0,75; RQMR,17,84; e CIA, 242,6), temperatura mínima corrigida (R², 0,75; RQMR, 17,82; CIA, 244,1), e ICC (R², 0,74; RQMR, 17,85; CIA, 236,9). A correção das variáveis agrometeorológicas pela relação entre evapotranspiração real e potencial (ETR/ETP), em geral, melhora a predição da TAMS pelos modelos.

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition, the carbohydrates fractionation and the kinetics of in vitro ruminal fermentation of fibrous and non-fibrous carbohydrates of five sugarcane varieties. Variety SP79-1011 presented the highest value of total digestible nutrients (65.9%), followed by the varieties Java, RB72454, SP80-1842 and RB765418. For the accumulated gas in the dry matter, 48 and 96 horas of in vitro incubation were higher for the variety SP79-1011, showing significant difference in comparison with the varieties RB765418, RB72454 and SP80-1842, excepting the variety Java that did not show any difference in relation the first one. The dry matter partitioning factor decreased with the incubation time and there was no difference among the evaluated varieties. The characteristics of the production cycle influenced the in vitro ruminal fermentation of the evaluated varieties, being the varieties of precocious cycle (SP80-1842 and RB765418) the ones with the worst results. Amongst the varieties tested, SP79-1011 and Java presented the best results of gas production kinetics and total digestible nutrients.

The objective of this work was to evaluate dry matter ruminal degradation kinetics of coffee hulls treated with increasing sodium hydroxide quantities. Two rumen fistulated cows were used to incubate samples in nylon bags for 12. 24, 36. 48 and 72 hours. Four ruminal incubation periods were used, in a complete randomized block design. Coffee hulls were treated with 0%, 3%, 6% and 9% of sodium hydroxide (dry matter basis), corresponding to treatments T1 to t4 respectively. Experimental results were compared using Tukey test, at 5% probability level, as follows for treatments 1 to 4 respectively: soluble fraction (9.35d; 17.65c; 31.93b; 32.28a), de (34.40d; 40.50c; 43.28b; 50.35a), potential degradability (44.33d; 50.33c; 52.35b; 57.70a) and lag time in hours (4.03a; 3.93a; 4.33a; 2.55a). The results indicate that increasing the levels of NaOH in the coffee hulls treatments increased significantly their ruminal solubility, as well as their effective and potential degradabilities. However that increase had no effect upon coffee hulls lag time in the rumen.KEY WORDS: by-product feedstuffs, rumen degradability, ruminant. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de determinar a cinética de degradação ruminal da matéria seca da casca de café, tratada com diferentes quantidades de hidróxido de sódio. Utilizaram-se duas vacas fistuladas no rúmen, incubando-se as amostras em sacolas de náilon por 12, 24, 36, 48 e 72 horas, por quatro rodadas seqüenciais, sendo que cada uma destas representou um bloco, dentro de um delineamento de blocos inteiramente casualizados. Tratou-se a casca de café com 0%, 3%, 6% e 9 % de hidróxido de sódio (base seca) constituindo assim os tratamentos t1 a t4. os resultados médios encontrados foram comparados pelo teste de Tukey, ao nível de 5% de probabilidade, como se segue para os tratamentos de 1 a 4, respectivamente: fração solúvel (9,35d; 17,65c; 31,93b; 32,28a), de (34,40d; 40,50c; 43,28b; 50,35a), degradabilidade potencial (44,33d; 50,33c; 52,35b; 57,70a) e tempo de colonização em horas (4,03a; 3,93a; 4,33a; 2,55a). Os resultados indicam que o aumento dos níveis percentuais de NaOH utilizados nos tratamentos eleva a solubilidade ruminal, a degradabilidade potencial e efetiva da casca de café, não influenciando significativamente o tempo de colonizaçãoPALAVRAS-CHAVES: degradabilidade ruminal, resíduos agrícolas, ruminante

This paper presents a vision-based method for fire detection from fixed surveillance smart cameras. The method integrates several well-known techniques properly adapted to cope with the challenges related to the actual deployment of the vision system. Concretely, background subtraction is performed with a context-based learning mechanism so as to attain higher accuracy and robustness. The computational cost of a frequency analysis of potential fire regions is reduced by means of focusing its operation with an attentive mechanism. For fast discrimination between fire regions and fire-coloured moving objects, a new colour-based model of fire's appearance and a new wavelet-based model of fire's frequency signature are proposed. To reduce the false alarm rate due to the presence of fire-coloured moving objects, the category and behaviour of each moving object is taken into account in the decision-making. To estimate the expected object's size in the image plane and to generate geo-referenced alarms, the camera-world mapping is approximated with a GPS-based calibration process. Experimental results demonstrate the ability of the proposed method to detect fires with an average success rate of 93.1% at a processing rate of 10 Hz, which is often sufficient for real-life applications.

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo sobre o projeto e compensação de parâmetros de um transformador de núcleo separado (TNS) usado como circuito de interface de um sistema de transferência de energia elétrica para alimentar um veículo autônomo subaquático (AUV). O circuito de interface transfere energia sem contato elétrico para carregar a bateria de um AUV. Os valores das resistências e reatâncias do circuito equivalente do TNS são determinados experimentalmente a partir da medição da tensão, corrente e potência entrada obtidos com dois ensaios a vazio e um ensaio em curto circuito. Capacitores série e paralelo são conectados aos terminais de entrada e saída do transformador para compensar as indutâncias de dispersão e aumentar o fluxo de magnetização. Uma rotina matemática é usada para otimizar os valores das capacitâncias para aumentar a eficiência e a tensão de saída, induzida no enrolamento secundário do TNS, uma vez que o entreferro do transformador pode variar com a precisão do processo de docagem do AUV. Resultados experimentais são apresentados para validar as análises teóricas e demonstrar o comportamento do transformador para diferentes valores de entreferro, frequência de excitação e da carga.

The extraction of mechanically separated meat has emerged as an attractive process. However, it increases the incorporation of oxygen and, consequently, of flavors due to rancidity. Thus, preservatives must be added. The objective of this study was to evaluate the shelf life of minced tilapia to replace synthetic preservatives with Hijiki and Nori seaweeds extracts. The application of the extracts had no effect on the chemical composition of the minced tilapia. The seaweed extracts had inhibitory effect on total volatile base nitrogen. The minced tilapia complied with the microbiological standard set by Brazilin law. The panelists detected no differences in the rancid aroma and only minor differences were detected in the color of the products. It can be concluded that the minced tilapia with added seaweed extracts were within quality standards during frozen storage.

This work presents the study and implementation of a multi-input dc-dc interleaved boost converter used in solar photovoltaic systems. Initially, a comparative analysis between two popular techniques used to track the maximum power point is performed to demonstrate whether controlling the PV array voltage or current has significant impact on the solar energy conversion into electricity. Due to their popularity, perturb and observe and incremental conductance are chosen and evaluated through simulation tests. Considering that the results obtained with both techniques controlling either the voltage or the current of the modules are similar, incremental conductance is implemented in and dc-dc interleaved boost converter operating in discontinuous current mode. Thus, it is possible to mitigate the partial shading effects on photovoltaic arrays, also reducing size of passive elements and providing fast transient response. Experimental results on a PV system using a digital signal processor are presented to validate the proposed approach.

Estudos recentes sugerem uma associação entre febre reumática (FR) e transtornos do espectro obsessivo-compulsivo, o que levou à hipótese de que alterações na resposta imune pudessem ter um papel na etiologia destes últimos. Um marcador biológico que talvez identifique maior susceptibilidade para o desenvolvimento de FR e desses transtornos neuropsiquiátricos tem causado grande interesse na literatura. Trata-se do D8/17, um anticorpo monoclonal contra um antígeno de membrana de linfócitos B. Neste artigo introduzimos conhecimentos sobre o D8/17 e discutimos suas implicações como um possível marcador biológico de transtornos neuropsiquiátricos associados ou não à FR.Recent studies suggest that there is a relationship between rheumatic fever (RF) and some neuropsychiatric disorders. Thus, it has been thought that autoimmune mechanisms might be related to the etiology of these neuropsychiatric disorders. It has also been demonstrated that a B cell alloantigen associated to RF is also abnormally overexpressed in patients with such neuropsychiatric disorders. This alloantigen is recognised by a monoclonal antibody known as D8/17. The aim of this article is to introduce the recent work done about D8/17 and its possible implications to the study of neuropsychiatric disorders related or not to RF.

O futebol é um dos desportos mais populares a nível mundial e de forma comum apontado como o Desporto Rei a nível europeu. Tem evoluído ao longo dos anos e a exigência sobre os jogadores é cada vez maior ao nível por exemplo do processo de treino e número de jogos a disputar por época desportiva. O futebol é caracterizado por ações motoras intermitentes de curta duração e alta intensidade, alternadas com períodos de ações motoras de maior duração e menor intensidade (Anastasiadis et al., 2007). Foi observado no passado que ao longo do jogo são realizadas aproximadamente 50 mudanças de direção, que, por sua vez, exigem contrações musculares vigorosas para a manutenção do equilíbrio e controle da bola (Withers, 1982). Objetivo: Determinar a relação entre composição corporal, força dos membros inferiores e um teste técnico específico (TTE) no futebol.

O presente trabalho avaliou os níveis de conscientização ambiental dos alunos do Curso de Nível Médio Integrado em Agroecologia da E.E.E.M.P. “Monsenhor Vicente Freitas”, localizada no município de Pombal-PB, no período de 28 de maio a 07 de junho de 2012, para que a partir destes dados possa se estipular a melhor maneira de construir uma consciência ambiental saudável em nossa sociedade e crescentemente correta para a continuidade da vida na Terra. Como metodologia, foi aplicado um questionário a todos os alunos do referido curso no intuito de investigar o interesse em trabalhar e avaliar os conhecimentos emEducação Ambiental. A amostragem foi realizada seguinte forma: foram distribuídos questionários entre todos os alunos do curso técnico em agroecologia. Nas questões aplicadas aos educandos procurou identificar as práticas pedagógicas e as metodologias que têm maior aceitação pelos mesmos, no intuito de sensibilizá-los para as questões ambientais, visando também investigar o nível de conhecimento em relação aos problemas ambientais. Conclui-se, então, que os alunos entrevistados apresentaram alto nível de conscientização ambiental, onde em sua grande maioria, os mesmos entendem que a questão da problemática ambiental e o conceito de sustentabilidade estão cada vez mais evidentes, necessitando de práticas agroecológicas no intuito de mitigar estes efeitos negativos, causados pelo homem.