Morphometric evaluation of the rat testis, epididymis and vas deferens following chemical sympathectomy with guanethidine

Selective chemical sympathectomy of the internal sex organs of adult male rats was undertaken by long term administration of low doses of guanethidine. The spermatogenic activity of the testis was unaffected by treatment. Examination of the vas deferens using morphometric methods revealed a marked increase in luminal area in contrast to a decrease in muscle layer area and in epithelial height. This is morphological evidence of sperm accumulation caused by a disorder in ductal contractile activity. No structural changes were observed in the epididymis. However, the concentration of spermatozoa in the sperm suspension stored in the cauda epididymidis was significantly increased in denervated rats. This result is discussed in terms of a sympathetic control of resorption mechanisms in the epididymis.

Prevalence of and risk factors for bacterial vaginosis among women of reproductive age attending cervical screening in southeastern Brazil

To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for bacterial vaginosis. A cross-sectional study of women aged 14-54 years attending 18 primary healthcare units in Botucatu, Brazil, for cervical screening was undertaken between September 1, 2012, and January 31, 2013. Data on sociodemographics, sexual behavior, and medical history were obtained by interview. Vaginal swabs were taken to classify the vaginal flora according to the Nugent scoring system. Candida sp. hyphae and infection by Trichomonas vaginalis were also evaluated by microscopy and culture, respectively. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors independently associated with bacterial vaginosis. Among 1519 women included in analyses, 457 (30.1%) had bacterial vaginosis. Variables independently associated with bacterial vaginosis were a single marital status (OR 1.4; 95%CI 1.1-1.8), partner infidelity (OR 1.5; 95%CI 1.2-1.9), abnormal discharge in the previous year (OR 1.5; 95%CI 1.2-2.0), and concurrent trichomoniasis (OR 4.1; 95%CI 1.5-11.5). Current use of hormonal contraception (OR 0.7; 95%CI 0.5-0.9), luteal phase of menstrual cycle (OR 0.8; 95%CI 0.6-0.9), higher income (OR 0.8; 95%CI 0.6-0.9), and vaginal candidiasis (OR 0.5; 95%CI 0.3-0.9) all had protective effects. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in the study population is high. The epidemiological data provide evidence of the sexual transmissibility of bacterial vaginosis.

TF-Test Modified: new diagnostic dool for human enteroparasitosis

Intestinal parasitosis is highly prevalent worldwide, being among the main causes of illness and death in humans. Currently, laboratory diagnosis of the intestinal parasites is accomplished through manual technical procedures, mostly developed decades ago, which justifies the development of more sensitive and practical techniques. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to develop, evaluate, and validate a new parasitological technique referred to as TF-Test Modified, in comparison to three conventional parasitological techniques: TF-Test Conventional; Rugai, Mattos & Brisola; and Helm Test/Kato-Katz. For this realization, we collected stool samples from 457 volunteers located in endemic areas of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, and statistically compared the techniques. Intestinal protozoa and helminths were detected qualitatively in 42.23% (193/457) of the volunteers by TF-Test Modified technique, against 36.76% (168/457) by TF-Test Conventional, 5.03% (23/457) by Helm Test/Kato-Katz, and 4.16% (19/457) by Rugai, Mattos & Brisola. Furthermore, the new technique presented almost perfect kappa agreement in all evaluated parameters with 95% (P < 0.05) of estimation. The current study showed that the TF-Test Modified technique can be comprehensively used in the diagnosis of intestinal protozoa and helminths, and its greater diagnostic sensitivity should help improving the quality of laboratory diagnosis, population surveys, and control of intestinal parasites.

Role of the medial septal area on the cardiovascular, fluid and electrolytic responses to angiotensin II and cholinergic activation into the subfornical organ in rats

In the present study we investigated the effect of electrolytic lesion of the medial septal area (MSA) on the pressor and dipsogenic response to cholinergic activation and angiotensin II (ANGII) injection into the subfornical organ (SFO) in rats. In addition the effect of MSA lesion on the natriuresis, kaliuresis and diuresis after cholinergic activation of the SFO was also investigated. Sham- and MSA-lesioned rats with a stainless steel cannula implanted into the SFO was used. The injection of ANGII (12 ng) into the SFO in sham rats produced pressor (24 ± 2 mmHg) and dipsogenic (9.6 ± 1.1 ml/h) responses. MSA lesion, both acute (2-6 days) and chronic (15-19 days), reduced the pressor (14 ± 2 mmHg) and dipsogenic (2.7 ± 1 ml/h) responses to ANGII into SFO. The injection of the cholinergic agonist carbachol (2 nmol) into the SFO in sham rats produced pressor (48 ± 4 mmHg), dipsogenic (10 ± 1.2 ml/h), natriuretic (457 ± 58 μEq/2 h) and kaliuretic (249 ± 16 μEq/2 h) responses. Acute, but not chronic MSA lesion reduced the pressor (27 ± 3 mmHg), natriuretic (198 ± 55 μEq/2 h) and kaliuretic (128 ± 16 μEq/2 h) responses to carbachol into SFO. No change in the dipsogenic response to carbachol into the SFO was observed in MSA-lesioned rats. Antidiuresis after carbachol was observed only in MSA-lesioned rats. The present results show that the MSA plays a role on the pressor, natriuretic and kaliuretic responses to cholinergic activation of the SFO in rats and on the pressor and dipsogenic responses to ANGII into the same area. In addition, they provide circumstancial evidence for separate circuits subserving the dipsogenic response to central cholinergic and angiotensinergic activation. A facilited diuresis after MSA lesion is also suggested.

TF-Test modified: new diagnostic tool for human enteroparasitosis

Intestinal parasitosis is highly prevalent worldwide, being among the main causes of illness and death in humans. Currently, laboratory diagnosis of the intestinal parasites is accomplished through manual technical procedures, mostly developed decades ago, which justifies the development of more sensitive and practical techniques. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to develop, evaluate, and validate a new parasitological technique referred to as TF-Test Modified, in comparison to three conventional parasitological techniques: TF-Test Conventional; Rugai, Mattos & Brisola; and Helm Test/Kato-Katz. For this realization, we collected stool samples from 457 volunteers located in endemic areas of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, and statistically compared the techniques. Intestinal protozoa and helminths were detected qualitatively in 42.23% (193/457) of the volunteers by TF-Test Modified technique, against 36.76% (168/457) by TF-Test Conventional, 5.03% (23/457) by Helm Test/Kato-Katz, and 4.16% (19/457) by Rugai, Mattos & Brisola. Furthermore, the new technique presented “almost perfect kappa” agreement in all evaluated parameters with 95% (P < 0.05) of estimation. The current study showed that the TF-Test Modified technique can be comprehensively used in the diagnosis of intestinal protozoa and helminths, and its greater diagnostic sensitivity should help improving the quality of laboratory diagnosis, population surveys, and control of intestinal parasites.

Contagem de células somáticas para o diagnóstico da mastite subclínica ovina em diferentes raças em dois períodos de lactação

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

Espaços livres na escola

O projeto de Extensão Espaços Livres na Escola busca contribuir com o bem estar dos usuários, permitindo a estimulação dos sentidos, através da cor, textura, sabor, fragrância, luz e som ali presentes. A “aprendizagem emocional” ocorre como uma experiência não articulada. O brincar é a maneira como as crianças estabelecem relação com o mundo físico e social, em um cenário multissensorial, estimulando o desenvolvimento da mente, corpo e espírito. Entre as características essenciais presentes no jardim educativo podemos citar a relação entre o programa de necessidades e o ambiente, na escala da criança; a relação entre a idade e quantidade de crianças, além de oferecer aos usuários uma variedade de opções e a oportunidade de fazer escolhas, possibilitando a manipulação e permitindo o contato social, inserido no espaço junto à natureza. Portanto, o objetivo principal é a elaboração de um projeto paisagístico para um espaço livre escolar que busque um melhor desempenho ecológico, além de servir como estímulo à aprendizagem e à sociabilidade entre as crianças. Após consulta à Secretaria de Planejamento da Prefeitura Municipal de Bauru, averiguou-se que a Escola Municipal de Educação Infantil Integrada – EMEII Garibaldo, localizada no jardim Santana, em Bauru – SP, fora reinaugurada, havendo interesse na implantação do projeto de extensão universitária. Tendo como ponto de partida o levantamento bibliográfico sobre o tema, questionários aplicados aos funcionários, desenhos elaborados pelos alunos e a análise da edificação e de seu funcionamento, chegou-se a uma proposta de intervenção para as áreas livres como também alterações na edificação, depois de realizadas visitas técnicas à escola. Como metodologia para chegar a uma análise mais crítica do ambiente escolar, levou-se em consideração a opinião dos usuários do edifício - alunos e funcionários – sendo proposta uma atividade de desenho às crianças, evidenciando o que mais gostavam e o que menos gostavam na escola, além de desenhar como gostariam que fosse a escola. A turma selecionada para esta atividade apresentava uma faixa etária de 5 a 6 anos, num total de 17 crianças. Aos funcionários da instituição foi distribuído um questionário para que eles atribuíssem valores de acordo com as problemáticas abordadas. Foi realizada a tabulação dos questionários, com a aplicação do Diagrama de Paretto. A proposta de intervenção foi apresentada aos usuários, discutindo os principais pontos a serem revistos. O terreno da escola ocupa uma quadra completa, tendo em frente uma pequena praça. A vegetação de grande porte é suficiente para toda a área livre, no entanto foi necessário um tratamento paisagístico em escala mais reduzida, com o uso de gramíneas e arbustos de pequeno e médio porte. O uso de diferentes escalas foi importante não apenas na escolha da vegetação, mas também no emprego de diversos materiais, cores e espaços. Os resultados apresentados no projeto incluem a reforma de pisos, jardins, proposição de um novo layout para o playground e propostas para uma melhor organização dos ambientes, buscando dar ênfase à criação de uma identidade visual ao espaço, sem perder de vista a importância do ato criativo das crianças como parte do ambiente de aprendizagem. Além disso, buscou-se incentivar as atividades voltadas à sensibilização e conscientização das crianças quanto ao ambiente, estabelecendo conexões entre horticultura, paisagismo e educação ambiental, com a criação de uma pequena horta, que poderá ser abordada em aulas relacionadas à alimentação, aos sentidos, reciclagem, técnicas agrícolas e preservação do ambiente, valorizando “o fazer” dos alunos. As atividades realizadas demonstram a importância de estabelecermos vínculos entre a Universidade e a comunidade, com a aplicação das pesquisas realizadas. A experiência no ensino de Paisagismo, enriquecedora e instigante, busca levar os discentes a imprimir em seus projetos os valores estéticos, ambientais, funcionais e sociais. O Projeto de Extensão “Espaços Livres na Escola” também permite que levemos esta experiência à comunidade, buscando despertar a consciência e o respeito pela natureza, ao mesmo tempo em que estamos contribuindo, de maneira mais efetiva, na formação da paisagem urbana. No dia 30 de novembro de 2009, a análise e as propostas da extensão universitária “Espaços Livres na Escola” foram apresentadas pelo bolsista e os projetos entregues à diretora da EMEII Garibaldo, com o objetivo de contribuir para sua implementação.

Supply chain strategies in the context of an ecommerce chain (E-Chain)

This paper purpose to explore the relationships between supply chain strategies and product performance in retail e-commerce. In this case, we concern that in current, in order to bear up under competition, organizations have to manage their supply chains so that they meet the needs of their final customers. With this concept in mind, the research presented in this study focuses on establishing the right strategy for supply chains according to their product segment. Thus, after a Literature Review, the paper explain a methodology based in different authors studies. Finally the article focuses on a pratical case in e-commerce retail that describes its application in this field. The research shows that it is possible to use a methodology for classifying supply chains using chain strategies and product features. The use of the right strategy for supply chains will improve the competitive advantage of businesses. One limitation is that the methodology study focuses on only two e-commerce segment; future studies may go further in refining the proposed framework for other segments. The aim of this research is to offer businesses a model for evaluating supply chains, allowing them to improve the performance of their products and services by using the right strategy for supply chains. The classification proposal of this paper presents an original model for classification of supply chains based on different studies on the theme.