Waveshapes of continuing currents and properties of M-components in natural positive cloud-to-ground lightning

This work analyses the waveshapes of continuing currents and parameters of M-components in positive cloud-to-ground (CG) flashes through high-speed GPS synchronized videos. The dataset is composed of only long continuing currents (with duration longer than 40 ms) and was selected from more than 800 flashes recorded in Sao Jose dos Campos (45.864 degrees W, 23.215 degrees S) and Uruguaiana (29.806 degrees W, 57.005 degrees S) in Southeast and South of Brazil, respectively, during 2003 to 2007 summers. The videos are compared with data obtained by the Brazilian Lightning Location System (BrasilDAT) in order to determine the polarity of each flash and select only positive cases. There are only two studies of waveshapes of continuing currents in the literature. One is based on direct current measurements of triggered lightning, in which four different types of waveshapes were observed; and the other is based on measurements of luminosity variations in high-speed videos of CG negative lightning, in which besides the four types above mentioned two additional types were observed. The present work is an extension of the latter, using the same method but now applied to obtain the waveshapes of positive CG lightning. As far as the authors know, this is the first report on M-components in positive continuing currents. We also have used the luminosity-versus-time graphs to observe their occurrence and measure some parameters (duration, elapsed time and time between two successive M-components), whose statistics are presented and compared in detail to the data for negative flashes. We have plotted a histogram of the M-components elapsed time over the total duration of the continuing current for positive flashes, which presented an exponential decay (correlation coefficient: 0.83), similar to what has been observed for negative flashes. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dental caries prevalence in children up to 36 months of age attending daycare centers in municipalities with different water fluoride content

This study determined the prevalence of cavitated caries lesions (CCL) and early childhood caries (ECC), and the contribution of some variables in children up to 36 months of age attending daycare centers in municipalities with different fluoride levels in the water supply: AFC (adequate fluoride content) and LFC (low fluoride content). After approval of the Ethics Committee, the parents were interviewed. The children were clinically examined using the same codes and criteria established by the WHO (World Health Organization) and the ADA (American Dental Association). Fisher's exact test (p<0.05) was applied for statistical analysis of data. The dmft indices calculated in the LFC and AFC municipalities were 0.57 and 0.68, respectively. Considering all children examined, 17.6% presented CCL and 33.8% ECC. The economic classification, mother's education level and duration of breastfeeding were considered statistically significant with regards to CCL prevalence. The age group, duration of the habit of drinking milk before bedtime and age at which oral hygiene started were considered statistically significant with regards to ECC prevalence.

Ultrastructural alterations in colon absorptive cells of alloxan-induced diabetic rats submitted to long-term physical training

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Prevalence of enamel white spots and risk factors in children up to 36 months old

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of enamel white spots and the quality of oral hygiene in children up to 36 months old, in municipalities with different fluoride levels in the water supply, analyzing the contribution of several variables. After approval of the Ethics Committee, the parents signed an informed consent form and were interviewed about their educational level, economic classification of the family, nursing habits, use of toothpaste, access to dental service and other information. The children were clinically examined using the same codes and criteria established by the WHO (World Health Organization) and ADA (American Dental Association). The data were processed and analyzed with the Epi-info software program, version 3.2, and Microsoft Excel. Fisher's exact test (p<0.05) was applied to assess the association among the variables. The enamel white spot prevalence was 30.8% and the age group, duration of the bedtime milk feeding habit, age of initial practice of oral hygiene and presence of caries lesions with cavitation were considered statistically significant with regard to enamel white spot prevalence (p < 0.05). No association was found between oral hygiene quality and the study variables. © 2009 Sociedade Brasileira de Pesquisa Odontológica.

Induction of multiple ovulations in mares using low doses of GnRH agonist Deslorelin Acetate at 48 hours after luteolysis

This study was aimed to test low doses of a GnRH agonist, deslorelin acetate (DA), for induction of multiple ovulations in mares and to determine its impact upon their reproductive efficiency. Seven mares aging from 8-20 years were used in three consecutive reproductive cycles. Mares were initially monitored by ultrasound irrespectively of cycle stage, inseminated and submitted to embryo collection (EC) (T1). Immediately after, mares received 7.5 mg dinoprost tromothamine (DT) and were monitored by ultrasound twice a day until larger follicle reached 23-25mm and the second >18mm (T2). At this time point, mares received 100 mu g DA and ovulation was induced with 1000 mu g DA and 1000IU hCG when largest follicle reached 33-35mm in diameter, followed by EC. Mares were further allocated to T3 when received 7.5 mg DT after EC on 12 and 100 mu g DA 48 h later. DA treatment was performed until dominant follicle reached 34 +/- 1 mm or 6 days of application. All EC were performed 8 days after ovulation. Mares with multiple ovulations in T1, T2 and T3 were 14.28% (1/7), 100.00% (7/7) and 0.00% (0/7), respectively, and averaged 0.43 +/- 0.53 in T1, 0.86 +/- 0.38 in T2 and 0.00 in T3 embryos per donor, respectively. Embryo recovery rate was 43.00% in T1, 85.71% in T2 and 0.00% T3. In conclusion, use of DA in mares with follicles larger than 25mm enhanced dominant and co-dominant follicle growth, that ultimately increased the incidence of multiple ovulations and embryo recovery rate.

A quantitative nature of somatic embryogenesis in soybean

The objectives of this research were to investigate the genetic parameters associated with the in vitro formation of somatic embryos in soybean and to determine the effect of light intensity on the embryogenic capability of F-1, F-2, and backcross (RC1P1 and RC1P2) progenies derived from crosses between embryogenic (IAS-5 and Embrapa-1) and nonembryogenic (Parana) cultivars. Immature cotyledons (4-6 mm in length) derived from the parental lines, F-1, F-2, RC1P1, and RC1P2 were grown for 90 d on the inductive N10 medium, after which the number of somatic embryos was recorded. Chi-square tests for goodness of fit showed that the genetic component of the somatic embryogenesis trait is controlled in a quantitative manner by approximately 10 genes. A normal distribution for somatic embryo formation in the F-2 generations was observed reinforcing the quantitative nature of the trait. Variation in light intensity (8-12 and 27-33 mu mol m(-2) s(-1)) had no effect on somatic embryo formation in the parental material tested.

Occurrence of tooth injuries in patients treated in hospital environment in the region of Aracatuba, Brazil during a 6-year period

Dental trauma has been considered as a public health problem that affects mainly children and youngsters and due to its impact on the patient's quality of life. This study presents the results of a 6-year survey of the occurrence and characteristics of dental trauma in patients admitted to the Service of Surgery and Oral and Maxillofacial Traumatology of the School of Dentistry of Aracatuba (UNESP, Brazil) after emergency care in hospital facilities in the region of Aracatuba, SP, Brazil. For such purpose, the clinical files of patients treated at the Service between 1999 and 2005 were reviewed. Information regarding gender, age, number of traumatized teeth, etiology and diagnosis of the trauma was collected from the files of patients with tooth injuries and recorded in case report forms specifically designed for this purpose. The results showed that from a total of 4112 patients admitted to the Service within the surveyed period, 266 (6.5%) had tooth injuries (172 males - 64.7%; 94 females - 35.3%). The total number of traumatized teeth was 496. Most patients belonged to the 16-20 year-old age group (20.3%) and the most frequent causes of tooth injuries were bicycle accidents (28.6%), motorcycle accidents (19.2%) and falls (18.8%). Injuries to the periodontal tissues were the most frequent type of tooth injuries (408 teeth; 82.26%), occurring in 118 primary and 290 permanent teeth. Among the injuries to the periodontal tissues, avulsion was the most common (32.86%) (29.41% for primary and 34.0% for permanent teeth), followed by extrusive luxation (19.15%) (25.21% for primary and 17.24% for permanent teeth). In conclusion, in the surveyed population, cases of tooth injuries were more frequent in males aged 16-20 years old due to cyclist accidents with predominance of injuries to the periodontal tissues, in particular, avulsions.

Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders in the Population: An Epidemiological Study

Aims: To estimate the prevalence of symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) as a function of age and gender, in a representative urban sample from the Brazilian population. Methods: A total of 1,230 inhabitants (51.5% women) aged 15 to 65 years were interviewed by a validated phone survey. Sample size had been previously calculated. TMD symptoms were assessed through five questions, as recommended by the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, in an attempt to identify possible TMD. Data were derived by age and gender. Prevalence of each TMD symptom, and of combination of symptoms, was calculated. Results: At least one TMD symptom was reported by 39.2% of the individuals. Pain related to TMD was noted by 25.6% of the population. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sound was the most common symptom of TMD, followed by TMJ pain and masticatory muscle pain. All symptoms were more prevalent in women than in men. With men used as the reference, a relative risk (RR) of at least one TMD symptom in women was 1.31 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14 to 1.52). When at least two symptoms were present, the RR was 1.93 (95% CI = 1.49 to 2.51). For three or more TMD symptoms, the RR was 2.49 (95% CI = 1.67 to 3.71). Women were also more likely than men to have TMD pain (RR = 1.78; 9% CI = 1.45 to 2.18). Conclusion: Individual symptoms, as well as a combination of TMD symptoms, are prevalent in the Brazilian urban population and are more frequent in women than in men. Additional studies should focus on risk factors for and relevance of TMD for the sufferers. J OROFAC PAIN 2010;24:270-278

Evaluation of seasonal dynamics and bioindication potential of macroalgal communities in a polluted tropical stream

Macroalgal communities and environmental variables were analyzed seasonally along a polluted tropical stream in São Paulo State, Brazil, We aimed to improve the knowledge of tropical macroalgal communities, to study the longitudinal and seasonal dynamics of these communities in influenced environments, to evaluate the relationship of algal frequency and abundance with selected environmental variables, and to look for potential macroalgal species indicators. The seasonal abundance pattern was similar to natural or low influenced systems and was mainly determined by rainfall regime. However, community composition was closely related to some chemical water pollution indicators, such as phosphorus and nitrogen compounds. Some species are suggested as potential indicators of organic pollution (e.g. Oscillatoria ornata, Stigeoclonium helveticum and Schizomeris leibleinii), but more detailed studies have to be developed to determine the tolerance limits of these species. on the basis of our results and literature data, the use of occurrence of Oscillatoriales in relation to other orders of Cyanoprokaryota is suggested to be a good indicator of organic pollution in tropical lotic ecosystems.

Molecular organization of 5S rDNA in fishes of the genus Brycon

There are few reports on the genomic organization of 5S rDNA in fish species. To characterize the 5S rDNA nucleotide sequence and chromosomal localization in the Neotropical fishes of the genus Brycon, 5S rDNA copies from seven species were generated by PCR. The nucleotide sequences of the coding region (5S rRNA gene) and the nontranscribed spacer (NTS) were determined, revealing that the 5S rRNA genes were highly conserved, while the NTSs were widely variable among the species analyzed. Moreover, two classes of NTS were detected in each species, characterized by base substitutions and insertions-deletions. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), two 5S rDNA chromosome loci that could be related to the two 5S rDNA NTS classes were observed in at least one of the species studied. 5S rDNA sequencing and chromosomal localization permitted the characterization of Brycon spp. and suggest a higher similarity among some of them. The data obtained indicate that the 5S rDNA can be an useful genetic marker for species identification and evolutionary studies.

Cultivation of Rubrivivax gelatinosus in fish industry effluent for depollution and biomass production

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Morphology of Aortic Arch in Rabbits with Atherosclerosis Treated with Resveratrol

Objective: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with the production of oxidative species. The phenoliccompound, resveratrol, seems to have cardioprotective activities preventing the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins.In this study we investigated the effect of resveratrol on prevention of induced atheromatosis, through the morphological study of the segment of aortic arch in White New Zealand rabbits.Study design: 20 rabbits were divided into four groups which received the following diet for 60 days: control group (CT) normal ration; resveratrol group (R) normal ration and resveratrol (3 mg/kg/day); cholesterol group (CL) 1.5% of cholesterol added to the ration; group cholesterol plus resveratrol (CR) 1.5% of cholesterol added to the ration and resveratrol (3 mg/kg/day). The analysis of the atherosclerotic lesions were performed by the means of appropriate histological techniques.Results and conclusions: The animals belonging to group CL showed atherosclerotic lesions with tunica intima thickening due to the presence of foam cells, placed in several disorganized layers, and extracellular lipid droplets in subendothelial conjunctive tissue.We also observed the invasion of foam cells in the beginning of tunica media. In animals belonging to group CR there were changes in the subendothelial of tunica intima, although in a minor degree of development as for the number of foam cells layers and extracellular lipid droplets. An invasion of foam cells in tunica media was observed in this group. We haven't seen any changes in tunica adventitia in any of the studied groups. There were not evident histological changes in any of the analised tunicas for groups CT and RConclusions: This study may help demonstrate that the phenolic compound, resveratrol, works as a preventive agent in the development of atherosclerotic lesions.

Incidence of canine leptospirosis in the metropolitan area of Curitiba, State of Parana, Southern Brazil

Introduction The incidence of canine leptospirosis in Brazil needs to be assessed Methods The same dogs in southern Brazil were sampled over two years to determine the prevalence, incidence and association of canine leptospirosis with various risk factors. Results In 2009, the prevalence was 33 (14.4%) of 228 dogs, with a predominance of serovar Canicola (33.4%). In 2010, 90 dogs were re-evaluated (the remaining dogs were lost to deaths, address changes and donations), and the prevalence was found to be 35 (38.9%) of 90, with the predominant serovar being Icterohaemorrhagiae (51.4%). Moreover, the incidence was 26 of 90 (28.9%), and the disease was statistically associated with age (2009) and street access (2010). Conclusions Our findings revealed instability in the dog population and age to be relevant risk factors for canine leptospirosis.

Modeling of state machines in VHDL for encapsulation of DNP3 Protocol in P2P ZigBee Network

Several countries have invested in technologies for Smart Grids. Among such protocols designed cover this area, highlights the DNP3 (Distributed Network Protocol version 3). Although the DNP3 be developed for operation over the serial interface, there is a trend in the literature to the use of other interfaces. The Zigbee wireless interface has become more popular in the industrial applications. In order to study the challenges of integrating of these two protocols, this article is presented the analysis of DNP3 protocol stack through state machines The encapsulation of DNP3 messages in P2P (point-to-point) ZigBee Network, may assist in the discovery and solution of failures of availability and security of this integration. The ultimate goal is to merge the features of DNP3 and Zigbee stacks, and display a solution that provides the benefits of wireless environment, without impairment of security required for Smart Grid applications.

Use of psychoactive substances in students at a public university

Introduction: The use of psychoactive substances by the student population has been the object of various studies in Brazil. Objective: To determine the prevalence of substance use among students. Methods: Quantitative study with a closed questionnaire based on standardized assessment instruments was developed. It consists of questions related to types of psychoactive substance use, abuse, frequency and duration of use, self-criticism regarding the use, consequences of use in relation to health, and misdemeanors committed under the influence of psychoactive substances. The sample included the participation of 268 students. A total of 183 (68.3%) questionnaires were analyzed, and only those with positive result for substance abuse at some point in life, the remainder, 85 (31%) questionnaires, had negative responses to psychoactive substances. Results: Students’ responses to the two years surveyed indicated that the first psychoactive substance used was alcohol (77.9%), followed by tobacco use (10.9%), and marijuana (7.6%). Of the students surveyed, 145 (79.2%) answered that still make use of psychoactive substances, and the current frequency of use varies from one or more times per week. When asked about the possibility of being or becoming drug addicts, 169 (92.3%) responded that they are not or will not become dependent. Conclusion: The results indicate the high rate of substance use among college students surveyed, and point to their contradiction to consider such psychoactive substances harmful to their health.