Natural infection by Paramphistomoidea Stiles and Goldberger, 1910 trematodes in wild Marsh Deer (Blastocerus dichotomus Illiger, 1815) from Sérgio Mottas's hydroelectric power station flooding area.

Studies on helminthfauna of marsh deer Blastocerus dichotomus Illiger, 1815 are rare, although helminthic diseases are an important cause of mortality in these animals. Fifteen male and female adult marsh deer from Sergio Motta's hydroelectric power station flooding area at Paraná River which died during the capture and quarantine procedures, between 1998 and 1999, were necropsied. Three trematodes species, Paramphistomum cervi, Balanorchis anastrofus and Zygocotyle lunatum, all belonging to superfamily Paramphistomoidea, were identified. The obtained trematodes were identified, counted and their respectives descriptors of infection were determined. All necropsied animals were infected by helminths. Paramphistomum cervi was the most prevalent species, while Zygocotyle lunatum was found in only one animal.

Measurement of sealant surface area by clinical/computerized analysis: 11-year results.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical behavior of 2 pit and fissure sealants through clinical/computerized evaluation. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Occlusal sealants were placed on maxillary and mandibular first and second premolars according to a split-mouth design. All premolars were sealed with either Concise (3M Espe) or Prisma Shield (Caulk/Dentsply) sealant agents. A hematoxylin-based staining solution was applied on the occlusal surface 7 days, 18 months, 36 months, and 11 years after occlusal sealing to allow checking of the sealant material on the surface. At each analysis time all occlusal surfaces were photographed, and the photographs corresponding to each time period were analyzed with SigmaScan 4.0 Software. The alterations of the sealed area of each sealant were analyzed with the software and recorded. Next, the measurements of the areas were tabulated and analyzed according to each period. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), with parts subdivided into time, and the t test, with a significance level of 5%, were used. RESULTS: The greatest sealed area was maintained by the sealant Concise. However, over the course of 11 years, all sealants began to show the same level of alteration in sealed area. CONCLUSION: The sealing materials showed alteration in sealed area over time, but they were efficient in controlling caries lesion formation on premolar pits and fissures.

Experimental analysis of the effect of the structure area on the PZT-based SHM systems

The structural health monitoring (SHM) systems based on electromechanical (E/M) impedance technique have been widely investigated. Although many studies indicate the reliability of this technique, some practical considerations still have to be considered in real applications. This paper presents an experimental analysis of the effect of the structure area on the system's performance. The results indicate that the sensitivity of the system to detect damage decreases significantly when the host structure has large cross-section area. Copyright © 2009 by ASME.

Multi-area decentralized optimal VAr planning using the Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition principle

This paper presents a new methodology for solving the optimal VAr planning problem in multi-area electric power systems, using the Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition. The original multi-area problem is decomposed into subproblems (one for each area) and a master problem (coordinator). The solution of the VAr planning problem in each area is based on the application of successive linear programming, and the coordination scheme is based on the reactive power marginal costs in the border bus. The aim of the model is to provide coordinated mechanisms to carry out the VAr planning studies maximizing autonomy and confidentiality for each area, assuring global economy to the whole system. Using the mathematical model and computational implementation of the proposed methodology, numerical results are presented for two interconnected systems, each of them composed of three equal subsystems formed by IEEE30 and IEEE118 test systems. © 2011 IEEE.

Development of a topical formulation containing S. Lutea extract: Stability, in vitro studies and cutaneous permeation

Flavonoids have been widely incorporated into cosmetic and dermatological formulations, affording benefits such as antioxidant action, improved skin tone and fewer lines and wrinkles. Brazil has a huge biodiversity, with one of the richest flora in the world, and existing studies justify the quest for greater research efforts in this area. The cajazeira (Spondias lutea L.), a plant of the Anacardiaceae family from tropical America, is widely disseminated in Brazil. This plant was chosen because of the presence of flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant activity. The purpose of this research was to develop a stable topical formulation containing Spondias lutea extract with the aim of preventing skin diseases caused by UV radiation. Hydro ethanolic extract of Spondias lutea fruit was prepared and assayed for its the flavonoids content. The antioxidant activity was estimated by DPPH and superoxide assay. The physicochemical stability and skin permeation of the cream containing 8% (w/w) of extract were assessed. The results showed that the S. lutea extract possessed antioxidant activity, and that it is possible to obtain a stable cosmetic containing the extract, which is able to penetrate the skin. Thus, it is possible to use this extract to produce an anti-aging cosmetic.

Evaluation of soil management and use in an Ultisol in a guava orchard in comparison with a sugarcane field and native forest area

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Quantification of uncertainties associated with space-time estimates of short-term soil CO2 emissions in a sugar cane area

The characterization of soil CO2 emissions (FCO2) is important for the study of the global carbon cycle. This phenomenon presents great variability in space and time, a characteristic that makes attempts at modeling and forecasting FCO2 challenging. Although spatial estimates have been performed in several studies, the association of these estimates with the uncertainties inherent in the estimation procedures is not considered. This study aimed to evaluate the local, spatial, local-temporal and spatial-temporal uncertainties of short-term FCO2 after harvest period in a sugar cane area. The FCO2 was featured in a sampling grid of 60m×60m containing 127 points with minimum separation distances from 0.5 to 10m between points. The FCO2 was evaluated 7 times within a total period of 10 days. The variability of FCO2 was described by descriptive statistics and variogram modeling. To calculate the uncertainties, 300 realizations made by sequential Gaussian simulation were considered. Local uncertainties were evaluated using the probability values exceeding certain critical thresholds, while the spatial uncertainties considering the probability of regions with high probability values together exceed the adopted limits. Using the daily uncertainties, the local-spatial and spatial-temporal uncertainty (Ftemp) was obtained. The daily and mean emissions showed a variability structure that was described by spherical and Gaussian models. The differences between the daily maps were related to variations in the magnitude of FCO2, covering mean values ranging from 1.28±0.11μmolm-2s-1 (F197) to 1.82±0.07μmolm-2s-1 (F195). The Ftemp showed low spatial uncertainty coupled with high local uncertainty estimates. The average emission showed great spatial uncertainty of the simulated values. The evaluation of uncertainties associated with the knowledge of temporal and spatial variability is an important tool for understanding many phenomena over time, such as the quantification of greenhouse gases or the identification of areas with high crop productivity. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Influence of potassium and sodium nutrition on leaf area components in Eucalyptus grandis trees

Background and Aims: Recent studies showed a positive tree response to Na addition in K-depleted tropical soils. Our study aimed to gain insight into the effects of K and Na fertilizations on leaf area components for a widely planted tree species. Methods: Leaf expansion rates, as well as nutrient, polyol and soluble sugar concentrations, were measured from emergence to abscission of tagged leaves in 1-year-old Eucalyptus grandis plantations. Leaf cell size and water status parameters were compared 1 and 2 months after leaf emergence in plots with KCl application (+K), NaCl application (+Na) and control plots (C). Results: K and Na applications enhanced tree leaf area by increasing both leaf longevity and the mean area of individual leaves. Higher cell turgor in treatments +K and +Na than in the C treatment resulting from higher concentrations of osmotica contributed to increasing both palisade cell diameters and the size of fully expanded leaves. Conclusions: Intermediate total tree leaf area in treatment +Na compared to treatments C and +K might result from the capacity of Na to substitute K in osmoregulatory functions, whereas it seemed unable to accomplish other important K functions that contribute to delaying leaf senescence. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

Entomological surveillance, spatial distribution, and diversity of culicidae (diptera) immatures in a rural area of the atlantic forest biome, state of sao paulo, brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Bibliometrics Contribution to the Metatheoretical and Domain Analysis Studies

Along with the growth of scientific production, the bibliometric studies have become essential, providing relevant information about any domain while identifying, highlighting and viewing the scientific knowledge constructed within a theme, subject or knowledge area. This article approaches the bibliometric studies under the light of metatheory and domain analysis within the knowledge organization in information science. domain analysis and metatheory are considered significant contribution to bibliometric studies when emphasizing the need for epistemological, sociological and historical analyzes, as well as other qualitative approaches, encouraging researchers to reflect on the whole composition of the research object, by means of different methodological, theoretical and epistemological approaches. This study aims at contributing to the discourse of the theoretical aspects of bibliometric studies by presenting considerations concerning Hjorland's domain analysis, as well as Ritzer's metatheoretical approach, featuring discussions on major theories of a study field, since these approaches together provide a more complete qualitative view upon an area, here, represented by the bibliometric studies.

Serological and infection statuses of dogs from a visceral leishmaniasis-endemic area

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

Seroprevalence and seroincidence of Leptospira infection in dogs during a one-year period in an endemic urban area in Southern Brazil

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a zoonosis that affects both humans and animals. Dogs may serve as sentinels and indicators of environmental contamination as well as potential carriers for Leptospira. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence and seroincidence of leptospirosis infection in dogs in an urban low-income community in southern Brazil where human leptospirosis is endemic. Methods: A prospective cohort study was designed that consisted of sampling at recruitment and four consecutive trimestral follow-up sampling trials. All households in the area were visited, and those that owned dogs were invited to participate in the study. The seroprevalence (MAT titers >= 100) of Leptospira infection in dogs was calculated for each visit, the seroincidence (seroconversion or four-fold increase in serogroup-specific MAT titer) density rate was calculated for each follow-up, and a global seroincidence density rate was calculated for the overall period. Results: A total of 378 dogs and 902.7 dog-trimesters were recruited and followed, respectively. The seroprevalence of infection ranged from 9.3% (95% CI; 6.7 - 12.6) to 19% (14.1 - 25.2), the seroincidence density rate of infection ranged from 6% (3.3 - 10.6) to 15.3% (10.8 - 21.2), and the global seroincidence density rate of infection was 11% (9.1 - 13.2) per dog-trimester. Canicola and Icterohaemorraghiae were the most frequent incident serogroups observed in all follow-ups. Conclusions: Follow-ups with mean trimester intervals were incapable of detecting any increase in seroprevalence due to seroincident cases of canine leptospirosis, suggesting that antibody titers may fall within three months. Further studies on incident infections, disease burden or risk factors for incident Leptospira cases should take into account the detectable lifespan of the antibody.

A comparison of mucosal surface area and villous histology in small intestines of the brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) and the mouse (Mus musculus)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Levels of metals, arsenic and phosphorus in sediments from two sectors of a Brazilian Marine Protected Area (Tupinambas Ecological Station)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Long-term rainfall trends in Serra da Mantiqueira Environmental Protection Area, southeast Brazil

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)