Maned wolf survival rate in central Brazil

Although many carnivores are of conservation concern, most are poorly studied. The maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus Illiger, 1811 is the largest South American canid with a broad distribution; however, the largest portion of its range is in the Brazilian Cerrado savannah, where due to intensive agricultural expansion, it is threatened by habitat loss. Maned wolf population trends are virtually unknown. We analyzed radio telemetry data from a 13-year study in Emas National Park, central Brazil, with Burnham`s live recapture/dead recovery models in the program MARK to obtain the first analytically sound estimate of the apparent maned wolf survival rate. We constructed 16 candidate models including variation in survival rate and resighting probability associated with an individual`s sex or age and year of study. Apparent adult survival rate throughout the study ranged from 0.28 (se=0.08) to 0.97 (se=0.06). There was no evidence for sex specificity but strong support for time variation. Model weights supported an age effect and the subadult survival rate was 0.63 (se=0.15). Results indicate similar life patterns for male and female maned wolves and similar mortality risks for adults and subadults in the study area. The observed temporal fluctuations of adult survival rate are important for population dynamics as they decrease average population growth rates. Population dynamics are central for conservation planning and our results are an important step towards a better understanding of the maned wolf`s ecology.

Effect of 4% titanium tetrafluoride solution on dental erosion by a soft drink: An in situ/ex vivo study

Objective: This in situ/ex vivo study assessed the effect of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) on permanent human enamel subjected to erosion. Design: Ten volunteers took part in this study performed in two phases. In the first phase (ERO), they wore acrylic palatal appliances containing two enamel blocks, divided into two rows: TiF4 (F) and no-TiF4 (no-F). During the 1st day, the formation of a salivary pellicle was allowed. In the 2nd day, the TiF4 solution was applied on one row (ERO + F), whereas on the other row no treatment was performed (ERO + no-F). From 3rd until 7th day, the blocks were subjected to erosion, 4x per day. In the 2nd phase (no-ERO), the volunteers wore acrylic palatal appliances containing one enamel block, during 2 days, to assess the effect of TiF4 only (no-ERO + F). Enamel alterations were determined using profilometry (wear), microhardness (%SMHC) tests, scanning electron microscope and microprobe analysis. The %SMHC and wear were tested using ANOVA and Tukey`s post hoc tests (p < 0.05). Results: The mean of %SMHC and wear ( mu m) values ( +/- S.D.) were, respectively: ERO + F -73.32 +/- 5.16(A)/2.40 +/- 0.60(a); ERO + no-F -83.49 +/- 4.59B/1.17 +/- 0.48(b) and no-ERO + F -67.92 +/- 6.16(A)/0.21:E 0.09(c). In microscope analysis, the no-F group showed enamel with honeycomb appearance. For F groups, it was observed a surface coating with microcracks. The microprobe analysis revealed the presence of the following elements (%) in groups ERO + F, ERO + no-F and no-ERO + F, respectively: Ca (69.9, 72.5, 66.25); P (25.9, 26.5, 26.06); Ti (3.0, 0, 5.93). Conclusions: The TiF4 was unable to reduce dental erosion. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of an experimental 4% TiF(4) varnish compared to NaF varnishes and 4% TiF(4) solution on dental erosion in vitro

This in vitro study assessed the effect of an experimental 4% TiF(4) varnish compared to commercial NaF and NaF/CaF(2) varnishes and 4% TiF(4) solution on enamel erosion. For this, 72 bovine enamel specimens were randomly allocated to the following treatments: NaF varnish (2.26% F), NaF/CaF(2) varnish (5.63% F), 4% TiF(4) varnish (2.45% F), F-free placebo varnish, 4% TiF(4) solution (2.45% F) and control (not treated). The varnishes were applied in a thin layer and removed after 6 h. The solution was applied to the enamel surface for 1 min. Then, the specimens were alternately de- and remineralized (6 times/day) in an artificial mouth for 5 days at 37 degrees C. Demineralization was performed with the beverage Sprite (1 min, 3 ml/min) and remineralization with artificial saliva (day: 59 min, 0.5 ml/min; during the night: 0.1 ml/min). The mean daily increment of erosion and the cumulative erosion data were tested using ANOVA and ANCOVA, respectively, followed by Tukey`s test (alpha = 0.05). The mean daily erosion increments and cumulative erosion (micrometers) were significantly less for the TiF(4) varnish (0.30 +/- 0.11/0.65 +/- 0.75) than for the NaF varnish (0.58 +/- 0.11/1.47 +/- 1.07) or the NaF/CaF(2) varnish (0.62 +/- 0.10/1.68 +/- 1.17), which in turn showed significantly less erosion than the placebo varnish (0.78 +/- 0.12/2.05 +/- 1.43), TiF(4) solution (0.86 +/- 0.11/2.05 +/- 1.49) and control (0.77 +/- 0.16/2.06 +/- 1.49). In conclusion, the TiF(4) varnish seems to be a promising treatment to reduce enamel loss under mild erosive conditions. Copyright (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Light cola drink is less erosive than the regular one: An in situ/ex vivo study

Objective: This in situ/ex vivo study assessed the erosive potential of a light cola drink when compared to a regular one. Methods: During 2 experimental 14-days crossover phases, eight volunteers wore palatal devices with 2 human enamel blocks. The groups under study were: group light, erosive challenge with light cola drink and group regular, erosive challenge with regular cola drink. During 14 days, erosive challenges were performed extraorally 3X/day. In each challenge, the device was immersed in 150 ml of light cola (group light) or regular cola (group regular) for 5 min. Erosion was analysed by surface profilometry (mu m) and surface microhardness change (%SMH). The data were statistically analyzed using paired t test (p<0.05). Results: Group light (0.6 +/- 0.2 mu m) showed significantly lesser wear than group regular (3.1 +/- 1.0 mu m). There was no significant difference between the groups for the %SMH (group light -63.9 +/- 13.9 and group regular -78.5 +/- 12.7). Conclusions: The data suggest that the light cola drink is less erosive than the regular one. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in ICU patients on continuous veno-venous haemodiafiltration

Objectives: To investigate the pharmacokinetics of intravenous ciprofloxacin 200 mg every 8 h in critically ill patients on continuous veno-venous haemodiafiltration (CVVHDF), one form of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Design and setting: Open, prospective clinical study in a multidisciplinary, intensive care unit in a university-affiliated tertiary referral hospital. Patients: Sis critically ill patients with acute renal failure on CVVHDF. Interventions: Timed blood and ultrafiltrate samples were collected to allow pharmacokinetics and clearances to be calculated of initial and subsequent doses of 200 mg intravenous ciprofloxacin. CVVHD was performed with 1 l/h of dialysate and 2 l/h of predilution filtration solution, producing 3 lih of dialysis effluent. The blood was pumped at 200 ml/min using a Gambro BMM-10 blood pump through a Hospal AN69HF haemofilter,. Measurements and results: Ten pharmacokinetic profiles were measured. The CVVHDF displayed a urea clearance of 42 +/- 3 ml/min, and removed ciprofloxacin with a clearance of 37 +/- 7 ml/min. This rate was 2-2.5 greater than previously published for ciprofloxacin in other forms of CRRT. On average the CVVHDF was responsible for clearing a fifth of all ciprofloxacin eliminated (21 +/- 10%). The total body clearance of ciprofloxacin was 12.2 +/- 4.3 l/h. The trough concentration following the initial dose was 0.7 +/- 0.3 mg/l. The area under the plasma concentration time curves over a 24-h period ranged from 21 to 55 mg .h l(-1). Conclusions: Intravenous ciprofloxacin 600 mg/day in critically ill patients using this form of CRRT produced adequate plasma levels for many resistant microbes found in intensive care units.

Dietary chromium tripicolinate supplementation reduces glucose concentrations and improves glucose tolerance in normal-weight cats

The effect of dietary chromium supplementation on glucose and insulin metabolism in healthy, non-obese cats was evaluated. Thirty-two cats were randomly divided into four groups and fed experimental diets consisting of a standard diet with 0 ppb (control), 150 ppb, 300 ppb, or 600 ppb added chromium as chromium tripicolinate. Intravenous glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance and insulin sensitivity tests with minimal model analysis were performed before and after 6 weeks of feeding the test diets. During the glucose tolerance test, glucose concentrations, area under the glucose concentration-time curve, and glucose half-life (300 ppb only), were significantly lower after the trial in cats supplemented with 300 ppb and 600 ppb chromium, compared with values before the trial. Fasting glucose concentrations measured on a different day in the biochemistry profile were also significantly lower after supplementation with 600 ppb chromium. There were no significant differences in insulin concentrations or indices in either the glucose or insulin tolerance tests following chromium supplementation, nor were there any differences between groups before or after the dietary trial. Importantly, this study has shown a small but significant, dose-dependent improvement in glucose tolerance in healthy, non-obese cats supplemented with dietary chromium. Further long-term studies are warranted to determine if the addition of chromium to feline diets is advantageous. Cats most likely to benefit are those with glucose intolerance and insulin resistance from lack of exercise, obesity and old age. Healthy cats at risk of glucose intolerance and diabetes from underlying low insulin sensitivity or genetic factors may also benefit from long-term chromium supplementation. (C) 2002 ESFM and AAFP.

Chloroquine or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for the treatment of uncomplicated, Plasmodium falciparum malaria during an epidemic in Central Java, Indonesia

A recent malaria epidemic in the Menoreh Hills of Central Java has increased concern about the re-emergence of endemic malaria on Java, which threatens the island's 120 million residents. A 28-day, in-vivo test of the efficacy of treatment of malaria with antimalarial drugs was conducted among 16 7 villagers in the Menoreh Hills. The treatments investigated, chloroquine (CQ) and sulfadoxine pyrimethamine (SP), constitute, respectively, the first- and second-line treatments for uncomplicated malaria in Indonesia. The prevalence of malaria among 1389 residents screened prior to enrollment was 33%. Treatment outcomes were assessed by microscopical diagnoses, PCR-based confirmation of the diagnoses, measurement of the whole-blood concentrations of CQ and desethylchloroquine (DCQ), and identification of the Plasmodium falciparum genotypes. The 28-day cumulative incidences of therapeutic failure for CQ and SP were, respectively, 47% (N = 36) and 22% (N = 50) in the treatment of P. falciparum, and 18% (N = 77) and 67% (N = 6) in the treatment of P. vivax. Chloroquine was thus an ineffective therapy for P. falciparum malaria, and the presence of CQ-resistant P. vivax and SP-resistant P. falciparum will further compromise efforts to control resurgent malaria on Java.

Transition to raloxifene with and without low-dose estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women: effects on serum lipids and fibrinogen - a pilot study

Objective To compare the effects of transferring from low-dose transdermal estrogen to raloxifene (RLX), with a phase of alternate-day RLX therapy with or without low-dose transdermal estrogen, on serum lipids and fibrinogen in postmenopausal women previously administered estrogen plus progestogen therapy. Methods Sixty postmenopausal women (mean age 55 years) were randomized to one of two treatment groups: RLX + low-dose transdermal estrogen (RLX + E) or RLX + placebo. The study consisted of four 8-week phases: phase I (all subjects low-dose transdermal estrogen 25 mug/day), phase II (double-blind RLX 60 mg every 2nd day in combination with either low-dose transdermal estrogen or placebo), phase III (all subjects RLX 60 mg every 2nd day + placebo) and phase IV (all subjects RLX 60 mg/day + placebo). Results No significant differences existed between groups for baseline measurements prior to phase I. In phase I, for all subjects combined, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotem cholesterol both showed a significant increase (median increase of 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.008 and 0.4 mmol/l, p < 0.001, respectively), while triglycerides decreased significantly (median decrease of 0.2 mmol/l, p < 0.001). For the primary analysis (phase II to phase IV), the mean change from baseline observations showed no significant differences between the therapy groups for serum lipids, fibrinogen, vital signs or weight. In the comparison phase (phase II), changes in serum lipids, fibrinogen, vital signs and weight were not significantly different between groups. Conclusion Gradual conversion to RLX from low-dose transdermal estrogen, with a phase of alternate-day RLX therapy with or without low-dose transdermal estrogen, does not have any effect on the serum lipid profile or fibrinogen level.

Morphological and phytochemical characterization of Piper hispidinervum DC. and Piper aduncum L. populations in the state of Acre

Because of the increasing demand of the industry for the production of essential oils, studies highlight the genetic variability of Piper hispidinervum and P. aduncum species according to their patterns of spatial distribution, showing the Amazon region as the source of superior genetic material in the production of safrole and dillapiole. Thus, the objective this study was to characterize the morphology and the phytochemistry of Piper hispidinervum and P. aduncum populations in the Active Germplasm Bank of Embrapa Acre to generate subsidies for the genetic improvement of these species. The results showed that the average values for leaf width and length were 141.67 and 48.04 mm, and petioles length and diameter measurements were 2.83 and 1.78 mm for P. hispidinervum and 189.22; 67.74; 6.03 and 2.22 mm for P. aduncum respectively. The average height and canopy volume measurements were 2.39 m and 6.30 m3 and 2.70 m and 7.78 m3 respectively for each species. For P. hispidinervum, the population with higher performance indried yield and content of safrole was population 02, with 3.9%, and the population 04 showed 94.3% safrole content, both with genetic material from the region of Acrelândia and Plácido de Castro. To P. aduncum, the populations with better performance were 207, 208 and 209, forming a homogeneous group with dried yield average of 3.8% and dillapiol content of 84-85%. Such populations are indicated for selection in breeding program of these species due to better performance.

Using demand response to deal with unexpected low wind power generation in the context of smart grid

Demand response is assumed an essential resource to fully achieve the smart grids operating benefits, namely in the context of competitive markets. Some advantages of Demand Response (DR) programs and of smart grids can only be achieved through the implementation of Real Time Pricing (RTP). The integration of the expected increasing amounts of distributed energy resources, as well as new players, requires new approaches for the changing operation of power systems. The methodology proposed aims the minimization of the operation costs in a smart grid operated by a virtual power player. It is especially useful when actual and day ahead wind forecast differ significantly. When facing lower wind power generation than expected, RTP is used in order to minimize the impacts of such wind availability change. The proposed model application is here illustrated using the scenario of a special wind availability reduction day in the Portuguese power system (8th February 2012).

Eficácia do Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy, em utentes com sequelas de Acidente Vascular Encefálico, até 9 meses

O Acidente Vascular Encefálico é uma das principais causas de morte, tornando-se cada vez mais iminente processos de reabilitação que minimizem as sequelas, nomeadamente as limitações do membro superior que dificultam o envolvimento em atividades da vida diária. O Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy, surge como uma abordagem que incrementa o uso do membro superior mais afetado. A presente investigação trata-se de um estudo de casos múltiplos. Pretende-se verificar se existem melhorias na funcionalidade do membro superior mais afetado, analisar em que atividades da vida diária são visíveis melhorias funcionais e compreender se o maior envolvimento nas atividades diárias está diretamente relacionado com a melhoria na capacidade funcional. Pretende-se ainda que os valores obtidos no Wolf Motor Function Test sejam um contributo para a sua validação para a população portuguesa. Utilizou-se um questionário para recolha de dados pessoais e clínicos (amplitudes de movimento, dor e espasticidade); o Wolf Motor Function Test e o Action Research Arm Test para verificar a funcionalidade do membro superior mais afetado; e a Motor Activity Log que avalia o envolvimento em atividades da vida diária. O grupo é constituído por 3 utentes que sofreram um primeiro Acidente Vascular Encefálico até 9 meses de evolução, internados na Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Monção e que cumpriam os critérios de inclusão. O programa foi implementado três horas/dia, durante 10 dias, mantendo a restrição no membro superior menos afetado durante 90% do dia acordado. Como se trata de um estudo de casos múltiplos, analisou-se cada participante individualmente e verificou-se a diferença entre os resultados finais e iniciais para cada uma das variáveis. Os resultados obtidos revelam ganhos na amplitude de movimento, velocidade de execução e capacidade funcional do membro superior mais afetado, nomeadamente nas funções de preensão e pinça da mão, bem como se testemunhou minimização do fenómeno learned nonuse. Verificaram-se ganhos funcionais em todos os participantes nas atividades da vida diária apesar de serem diferentes de participante para participante. Dois participantes afirmaram que voltariam a participar no programa.Conclui-se, assim que a técnica resulta em ganhos funcionais nestes utentes, indicando um caminho alternativo a outras abordagens de reabilitação.

Impacto da influência do ar novo na climatização de edifícios

Este trabalho surgiu do âmbito da Tese de Dissertação do Mestrado em Energias Sustentáveis do Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, tendo o acompanhamento dos orientadores da empresa Laboratório Ecotermolab do Instituto de Soldadura e Qualidade e do Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, de forma a garantir a linha traçada indo de acordo aos objectivos propostos. A presente tese abordou o estudo do impacto da influência do ar novo na climatização de edifícios, tendo como base de apoio à análise a simulação dinâmica do edifício em condições reais num programa adequado, acreditado pela norma ASHRAE 140-2004. Este trabalho pretendeu evidenciar qual o impacto da influência do ar novo na climatização de um edifício com a conjugação de vários factores, tais como, ocupação, actividades e padrões de utilização (horários), iluminação e equipamentos, estudando ainda a possibilidade do sistema funcionar em regime de “Free-Cooling”. O princípio partiu fundamentalmente por determinar até que ponto se pode climatizar recorrendo único e exclusivamente à introdução de ar novo em regime de “Free-Cooling”, através de um sistema tudo-ar de Volume de Ar Variável - VAV, sem o apoio de qualquer outro sistema de climatização auxiliar localizado no espaço, respeitando os caudais mínimos impostos pelo RSECE (Decreto-Lei 79/2006). Numa primeira fase foram identificados todos os dados relativos à determinação das cargas térmicas do edifício, tendo em conta todos os factores e contributos alusivos ao valor da carga térmica, tais como a transmissão de calor e seus constituintes, a iluminação, a ventilação, o uso de equipamentos e os níveis de ocupação. Consequentemente foram elaboradas diversas simulações dinâmicas com o recurso ao programa EnergyPlus integrado no DesignBuilder, conjugando variáveis desde as envolventes à própria arquitectura, perfis de utilização ocupacional, equipamentos e taxas de renovação de ar nos diferentes espaços do edifício em estudo. Obtiveram-se vários modelos de forma a promover um estudo comparativo e aprofundado que permitisse determinar o impacto do ar novo na climatização do edifício, perspectivando a capacidade funcional do sistema funcionar em regime de “Free-Cooling”. Deste modo, a análise e comparação dos dados obtidos permitiram chegar às seguintes conclusões: Tendo em consideração que para necessidades de arrefecimento bastante elevadas, o “Free-Cooling” diurno revelou-se pouco eficaz ou quase nulo, para o tipo de clima verificado em Portugal, pois o diferencial de temperatura existente entre o exterior e o interior não é suficiente de modo a tornar possível a remoção das cargas de forma a baixar a temperatura interior para o intervalo de conforto. Em relação ao “Free-Cooling” em horário nocturno ou pós-laboral, este revelou-se bem mais eficiente. Obtiveram-se prestações muito interessantes sobretudo durante as estações de aquecimento e meia-estação, tendo em consideração o facto de existir necessidades de arrefecimento mesmo durante a estação de aquecimento. Referente à ventilação nocturna, isto é, em períodos de madrugada e fecho do edifício, concluiu-se que tal contribui para um abaixamento do calor acumulado durante o dia nos materiais construtivos do edifício e que é libertado ou restituído posteriormente para os espaços em períodos mais tardios. De entre as seguintes variáveis, aumento de caudal de ar novo insuflado e o diferencial de temperatura existente entre o ar exterior e interior, ficou demonstrado que este último teria maior peso contributivo na remoção do calor. Por fim, é ponto assente que de um modo geral, um sistema de climatização será sempre indispensável devido a cargas internas elevadas, requisitos interiores de temperatura e humidade, sendo no entanto aconselhado o “Free- Cooling” como um opção viável a incorporar na solução de climatização, de forma a promover o arrefecimento natural, a redução do consumo energético e a introdução activa de ar novo.

Homicide and impunity: an ecological analysis at state level in Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To assess a new impunity index and variables that have been found to predict variation in homicide rates in other geographical levels as predictive of state-level homicide rates in Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional ecological study. Data from the mortality information system relating to the 27 Brazilian states for the years 1996 to 2005 were analyzed. The outcome variables were taken to be homicide victim rates in 2005, for the entire population and for men aged 20-29 years. Measurements of economic and social development, economic inequality, demographic structure and life expectancy were analyzed as predictors. An "impunity index", calculated as the total number of homicides between 1996 and 2005 divided by the number of individuals in prison in 2007, was constructed. The data were analyzed by means of simple linear regression and negative binomial regression. RESULTS: In 2005, state-level crude total homicide rates ranged from 11 to 51 per 100,000; for young men, they ranged from 39 to 241. The impunity index ranged from 0.4 to 3.5 and was the most important predictor of this variability. From negative binomial regression, it was estimated that the homicide victim rate among young males increased by 50% for every increase of one point in this ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Classic predictive factors were not associated with homicides in this analysis of state-level variation in Brazil. However, the impunity index indicated that the greater the impunity, the higher the homicide rate.

Tuberculosis Control Program and patient satisfaction, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OBJECTIVE To evaluate factors associated with users’ satisfaction in the Tuberculosis Control Program. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 295 patients aged ≥ 18 years, with two or more outpatient visits in the Tuberculosis Control Program, in five cities in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Southeastern Brazil, in 2010. Considering an estimated population of 4,345 patients, the sampling plan included 15 health care units participating in the program, divided into two strata: units in Rio de Janeiro City, selected with probability proportional to the monthly average number of outpatient visits, and units in the other four cities. In the units, four temporal clusters of five patients each were selected with equal probability, totaling 300 patients. A questionnaire investigating the users’ clinical and sociodemographic variables and aspects of care and service in the program relevant to user satisfaction was applied to the patients. Descriptive statistics about users and their satisfaction with the program were obtained, and the effects of factors associated with satisfaction were estimated. RESULTS Patients were predominantly males (57.7%), with a mean age of 40.9 and with low level of schooling. The mean treatment time was 4.1 months, mostly self-administered (70.4%). Additionally, 25.8% had previously been treated for tuberculosis. There was a high level of satisfaction, especially regarding medication provision, and respect to patients by the health professionals. Patients who were younger (≤ 30), those on self-administered treatment, and with graduate level, showed less satisfaction. Suggestions to improve the services include having more doctors (70.0%), and offering exams in the same place of attendance (55.1%). CONCLUSIONS Patient satisfaction with the Tuberculosis Control Program was generally high, although lower among younger patients, those with university education and those on self-administered treatment. The study indicates the need for changes to structural and organizational aspects of care, and provides practical support for its improvement.

Characterization of cleaners accidents in the Portuguese service sector

This paper characterizes work accidents at Portuguese industrial cleaning companies, operating in the service sector, through the application of ESAW methodology. Data was codified based on the analysis of 748 accident claims to insurance companies (number of days lost 1 working day) in 3 large industrial cleaning companies for the period 2001-2003. Slipping and falling in the same level was the main deviation from the normal working process in the moment of the accident (in 25% of the accidents); uncoordinated movements was the second cause of accidents (14%); falls of persons to a lower level was the third cause of accidents (~10%), including falls from stairs (~7%) and falls from ladders and mobile ladders (~2%); globally, body movement under or with physical stress, including lifting, carrying, putting down, bending down, twisting, turning, trading badly, twisting leg or ankle and slipping without falling, were the cause in 17% of the accidents. Lower limbs were injured in ~25% of the accidents, hand and fingers in ~14%, the eye in ~4% and the back in ~9% of the accidents. An incidence rate of 3,580 accidents/100,000 employees was found to the sector (2003 data).