Insulin-like growth factor-I gene expression as a growth indicator in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L.

Somatic growth in fishes is regulated by a variety of hormones. A central step in this hormonal network is the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) axis. Studies conducted evaluated the relationship of hepatic IGF-I (hIGF-1) mRNA with growth as affected by feeding regimes (satiation or restricted level; daily or alternate-day feeding), temperatures (high, ambient, low) and by social stress. To develop a cellular means for the quantification of hIGF-I mRNA levels in O. niloticus, hIGF-I cDNA was isolated and cloned. The partial sequence of IGF-I cDNA encodes for signal peptide, mature protein and a portion of the E-domain. A sensitive TaqMan quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was developed based on the mature IGF-I. Using the developed qRT-PCR assay a significant positive correlation was observed between hIGF-I mRNA levels and growth rate of fish reared under different feeding regimes (r = 0.64) and temperature conditions (r = 0.64). On the dynamics of hIGF-I gene expression in response to elevated temperature, hIGF-I mRNA levels were significantly elevated after at least 2 days of exposure to warm temperature. This validates the concept that hIGF-I gene expressions are sufficiently sensitive to be used as a rapid growth rate indicator for O. niloticus. The hIGF-I levels have a significant positive correlation with specific growth rate (length; r = 0.92), and with condition factor (r = 0.55). On the effect of social stress, differential alterations in growth rates between the dominant and subordinates were observed which was attributed more to behavioral changes as transduced by physiological regulators. The fish's relative position in the social hierarchy was consistently reflected in the levels of hIGF-I mRNA and the eye color pattern. Subordination depressed hIGF-I levels while dominance stimulated it. These findings have shown that hGF-I level remained positively correlated to growth rate as affected by feeding regime, temperature and social stress. This suggests that hIGF-I plays a key role in controlling growth in O. niloticus and indicates that IGF-I mRNA quantification could prove useful for the rapid assessment of growth rate in this species of fish.

Socio-ecological vulnerability to climate change in South Florida

Awareness of extreme high tide flooding in coastal communities has been increasing in recent years, reflecting growing concern over accelerated sea level rise. As a low-lying, urban coastal community with high value real estate, Miami often tops the rankings of cities worldwide in terms of vulnerability to sea level rise. Understanding perceptions of these changes and how communities are dealing with the impacts reveals much about vulnerability to climate change and the challenges of adaptation. ^ This empirical study uses an innovative mixed-methods approach that combines ethnographic observations of high tide flooding, qualitative interviews and analysis of tidal data to reveal coping strategies used by residents and businesses as well as perceptions of sea level rise and climate change, and to assess the relationship between measurable sea levels and perceptions of flooding. I conduct a case study of Miami Beach's storm water master planning process which included sea level rise projections, one of the first in the nation to do so, that reveals the different and sometimes competing logics of planners, public officials, activists, residents and business interests with regards to climate change adaptation. By taking a deeply contextual account of hazards and adaptation efforts in a local area I demonstrate how this approach can be effective at shedding light on some of the challenges posed by anthropogenic climate change and accelerated rates of sea level rise. ^ The findings highlight challenges for infrastructure planning in low-lying, urban coastal areas, and for individual risk assessment in the context of rapidly evolving discourse about the threat of sea level rise. Recognition of the trade-offs and limits of incremental adaptation strategies point to transformative approaches, at the same time highlighting equity concerns in adaptation governance and planning. This new impact assessment method contributes to the integration of social and physical science approaches to climate change, resulting in improved understanding of socio-ecological vulnerability to environmental change.^

An Exergy Based Engineering and Economic Analysis of Sustainable Building

To achieve the goal of sustainable development, the building energy system was evaluated from both the first and second law of thermodynamics point of view. The relationship between exergy destruction and sustainable development were discussed at first, followed by the description of the resource abundance model, the life cycle analysis model and the economic investment effectiveness model. By combining the forgoing models, a new sustainable index was proposed. Several green building case studies in U.S. and China were presented. The influences of building function, geographic location, climate pattern, the regional energy structure, and the technology improvement potential of renewable energy in the future were discussed. The building’s envelope, HVAC system, on-site renewable energy system life cycle analysis from energy, exergy, environmental and economic perspective were compared. It was found that climate pattern had a dramatic influence on the life cycle investment effectiveness of the building envelope. The building HVAC system energy performance was much better than its exergy performance. To further increase the exergy efficiency, renewable energy rather than fossil fuel should be used as the primary energy. A building life cycle cost and exergy consumption regression model was set up. The optimal building insulation level could be affected by either cost minimization or exergy consumption minimization approach. The exergy approach would cause better insulation than cost approach. The influence of energy price on the system selection strategy was discussed. Two photovoltaics (PV) systems – stand alone and grid tied system were compared by the life cycle assessment method. The superiority of the latter one was quite obvious. The analysis also showed that during its life span PV technology was less attractive economically because the electricity price in U.S. and China did not fully reflect the environmental burden associated with it. However if future energy price surges and PV system cost reductions were considered, the technology could be very promising for sustainable buildings in the future.

Determinação de CD, PB, e TL em água produzida por HR-CS GF AAS após extração em ponto nuvem

Produced water is a major problem associated with the crude oil extraction activity. The monitoring of the levels of metals in the waste is constant and requires the use of sensitive analytical techniques. However, the determination of trace elements can often require a pre-concentration step. The objective of this study was to develop a simple and rapid analytical method for the extraction and pre-concentration based on extraction phenomenon cloud point for the determination of Cd, Pb and Tl in produced water samples by spectrometry of high resolution Absorption source continues and atomization graphite furnace. The Box Behnken design was used to obtain the optimal condition of extraction of analytes. The factors were evaluated: concentration of complexing agent (o,o-dietilditilfosfato ammonium, DDTP), the concentration of hydrochloric acid and concentration of surfactant (Triton X -114). The optimal condition obtained through extraction was: 0,6% m v-1 DDTP, HCl 0,3 mol L-1 and 0,2% m v-1 of Triton X - 114 for Pb; 0,7% m v-1 DDTP, HCl 0,8 mol L-1 and 0,2% m v-1 Triton X-114 for Cd. For Tl was evidenced that best extraction condition occurs with no DDTP, the extraction conditions were HCl 1,0 mol L-1 e 1,0% m v-1 de Triton X - 114. The limits of detection for the proposed method were 0,005 µg L-1 , 0,03 µg L-1 and 0,09 µg L-1 to Cd, Pb and Tl, Respectively. Enrichment factors Were greater than 10 times. The method was applied to the water produced in the Potiguar basin, and addition and recovery tests were performed, and values were between 81% and 120%. The precision was expressed with relative standard deviation (RSD) is less than 5%

Perioperative cerebrospinal fluid and plasma inflammatory markers after orthopedic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative delirium is prevalent in older patients and associated with worse outcomes. Recent data in animal studies demonstrate increases in inflammatory markers in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) even after aseptic surgery, suggesting that inflammation of the central nervous system may be part of the pathogenesis of postoperative cognitive changes. We investigated the hypothesis that neuroinflammation was an important cause for postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction after major non-cardiac surgery. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent, we recruited patients undergoing major knee surgery who received spinal anesthesia and femoral nerve block with intravenous sedation. All patients had an indwelling spinal catheter placed at the time of spinal anesthesia that was left in place for up to 24 h. Plasma and CSF samples were collected preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 18 h postoperatively. Cytokine levels were measured using ELISA and Luminex. Postoperative delirium was determined using the confusion assessment method, and cognitive dysfunction was measured using validated cognitive tests (word list, verbal fluency test, digit symbol test). RESULTS: Ten patients with complete datasets were included. One patient developed postoperative delirium, and six patients developed postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Postoperatively, at different time points, statistically significant changes compared to baseline were present in IL-5, IL-6, I-8, IL-10, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, IL-6/IL-10, and receptor for advanced glycation end products in plasma and in IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, IL-8/IL-10, and TNF-α in CSF. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial pro- and anti-inflammatory activity in the central neural system after surgery was found. If confirmed by larger studies, persistent changes in cytokine levels may serve as biomarkers for novel clinical trials.

Comparing architectural styles for distributed expert knowledge modules in intelligent tutoring systems

Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs) are computerized systems for learning-by-doing. These systems provide students with immediate and customized feedback on learning tasks. An ITS typically consists of several modules that are connected to each other. This research focuses on the distribution of the ITS module that provides expert knowledge services. For the distribution of such an expert knowledge module we need to use an architectural style because this gives a standard interface, which increases the reusability and operability of the expert knowledge module. To provide expert knowledge modules in a distributed way we need to answer the research question: ‘How can we compare and evaluate REST, Web services and Plug-in architectural styles for the distribution of the expert knowledge module in an intelligent tutoring system?’. We present an assessment method for selecting an architectural style. Using the assessment method on three architectural styles, we selected the REST architectural style as the style that best supports the distribution of expert knowledge modules. With this assessment method we also analyzed the trade-offs that come with selecting REST. We present a prototype and architectural views based on REST to demonstrate that the assessment method correctly scores REST as an appropriate architectural style for the distribution of expert knowledge modules.

Origin authentication of distillers' dried grains and solubles (DDGS) - Application and comparison of different analytical strategies

In the context of products from certain regions or countries being banned because of an identified or non-identified hazard, proof of geographical origin is essential with regard to feed and food safety issues. Usually, the product labeling of an affected feed lot shows origin, and the paper documentation shows traceability. Incorrect product labeling is common in embargo situations, however, and alternative analytical strategies for controlling feed authenticity are therefore needed. In this study, distillers' dried grains and solubles (DDGS) were chosen as the product on which to base a comparison of analytical strategies aimed at identifying the most appropriate one. Various analytical techniques were investigated for their ability to authenticate DDGS, including spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques combined with multivariate data analysis, as well as proven techniques for authenticating food, such as DNA analysis and stable isotope ratio analysis. An external validation procedure (called the system challenge) was used to analyze sample sets blind and to compare analytical techniques. All the techniques were adapted so as to be applicable to the DDGS matrix. They produced positive results in determining the botanical origin of DDGS (corn vs. wheat), and several of them were able to determine the geographical origin of the DDGS in the sample set. The maintenance and extension of the databanks generated in this study through the analysis of new authentic samples from a single location are essential in order to monitor developments and processing that could affect authentication.

Effect of intravenous haloperidol on the duration of delirium and coma in critically ill patients (Hope-ICU):A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Delirium is frequently diagnosed in critically ill patients and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Haloperidol is the most commonly used drug for delirium despite little evidence of its effectiveness. The aim of this study was to establish whether early treatment with haloperidol would decrease the time that survivors of critical illness spent in delirium or coma. Methods: We did this double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial in a general adult intensive care unit (ICU). Critically ill patients (≥18 years) needing mechanical ventilation within 72 h of admission were enrolled. Patients were randomised (by an independent nurse, in 1:1 ratio, with permuted block size of four and six, using a centralised, secure web-based randomisation service) to receive haloperidol 2·5 mg or 0·9% saline placebo intravenously every 8 h, irrespective of coma or delirium status. Study drug was discontinued on ICU discharge, once delirium-free and coma-free for 2 consecutive days, or after a maximum of 14 days of treatment, whichever came first. Delirium was assessed using the confusion assessment method for the ICU (CAM-ICU). The primary outcome was delirium-free and coma-free days, defined as the number of days in the first 14 days after randomisation during which the patient was alive without delirium and not in coma from any cause. Patients who died within the 14 day study period were recorded as having 0 days free of delirium and coma. ICU clinical and research staff and patients were masked to treatment throughout the study. Analyses were by intention to treat. This trial is registered with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Registry, number ISRCTN83567338. Findings: 142 patients were randomised, 141 were included in the final analysis (71 haloperidol, 70 placebo). Patients in the haloperidol group spent about the same number of days alive, without delirium, and without coma as did patients in the placebo group (median 5 days [IQR 0-10] vs 6 days [0-11] days; p=0·53). The most common adverse events were oversedation (11 patients in the haloperidol group vs six in the placebo group) and QTc prolongation (seven patients in the haloperidol group vs six in the placebo group). No patient had a serious adverse event related to the study drug. Interpretation: These results do not support the hypothesis that haloperidol modifies duration of delirium in critically ill patients. Although haloperidol can be used safely in this population of patients, pending the results of trials in progress, the use of intravenous haloperidol should be reserved for short-term management of acute agitation. Funding: National Institute for Health Research. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

IoT Based Pain Management using Physiological Parameters

The continuous technology evaluation is benefiting our lives to a great extent. The evolution of Internet of things and deployment of wireless sensor networks is making it possible to have more connectivity between people and devices used extensively in our daily lives. Almost every discipline of daily life including health sector, transportation, agriculture etc. is benefiting from these technologies. There is a great potential of research and refinement of health sector as the current system is very often dependent on manual evaluations conducted by the clinicians. There is no automatic system for patient health monitoring and assessment which results to incomplete and less reliable heath information. Internet of things has a great potential to benefit health care applications by automated and remote assessment, monitoring and identification of diseases. Acute pain is the main cause of people visiting to hospitals. An automatic pain detection system based on internet of things with wireless devices can make the assessment and redemption significantly more efficient. The contribution of this research work is proposing pain assessment method based on physiological parameters. The physiological parameters chosen for this study are heart rate, electrocardiography, breathing rate and galvanic skin response. As a first step, the relation between these physiological parameters and acute pain experienced by the test persons is evaluated. The electrocardiography data collected from the test persons is analyzed to extract interbeat intervals. This evaluation clearly demonstrates specific patterns and trends in these parameters as a consequence of pain. This parametric behavior is then used to assess and identify the pain intensity by implementing machine learning algorithms. Support vector machines are used for classifying these parameters influenced by different pain intensities and classification results are achieved. The classification results with good accuracy rates between two and three levels of pain intensities shows clear indication of pain and the feasibility of this pain assessment method. An improved approach on the basis of this research work can be implemented by using both physiological parameters and electromyography data of facial muscles for classification.

Unmet health needs in patients with coronary heart disease: implications and potential for improvement in caring services

BACKGROUND: Improving the quality of health care services requires tailoring facilities to fulfil patients' needs. Satisfying patients' healthcare needs, listening to patients' opinions and building a closer provider-user partnership are central to the NHS. Few published studies have discussed cardiovascular patients' health needs, but they are not comprehensive and fail to explore the contribution of outcome to needs assessment. METHOD: A comprehensive self-administered health needs assessment (HNA) questionnaire was developed for concomitant use with generic (Short Form-12 and EuroQOL) and specific (Seattle Angina Questionnaire) health-related quality of life (HRQL) instruments on 242 patients admitted to the Acute Cardiac Unit, Nottingham. RESULTS: 38% reported difficulty accessing health facilities, 56% due to transport and 32% required a travelling companion. Mean HRQOL scores were lower in those living alone (P < 0.05) or who reported unsatisfactory accommodation. Dissatisfaction with transport affected patients' ease of access to healthcare facilities (P < 0.001). Younger patients (<65 y) were more likely to be socially isolated (P = 0.01). Women and patients with chronic disease were more likely to be concerned about housework (P < 0.05). Over 65 s (p < 0.05) of higher social classes (p < 0.01) and greater physical needs (p < 0.001) had more social needs, correlating moderately (0.32 < r < 0.63) with all HRQL domains except SAQ-AS. Several HRQL components were highly correlated with the HNA physical score (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients wanted more social (suitable accommodation, companionship, social visits) and physical (help aids, access to healthcare services, house work) support. The construct validity and intra-class reliability of the HNA tool were confirmed. Our results indicate a gap between patients' health needs and available services, highlighting potential areas for improvement in the quality of services

Status and management of spring-run chinook salmon

Runs have dwindled in many parts of California and additional protection or management actions are needed to protect the fish from further declines. The following is a report requested by the Fish and Game Commission on the status and current management of spring-run chinook salmon stocks. Fish counts presented in this report were developed by a variety of methods. Some of them are estimates of total run-size or spawning escapement, while others are indices of abundance derived from counts of maturing fish in their holding areas. It is important to note the stock assessment method used. Index area counts will always underestimate the true run size, often by a very large margin.

Avaliação da qualidade da água do Rio Piranhas-Açu/RN utilizando a comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos

The biomonitoring technique for water quality in water bodies has been incorporated increasingly in management of the natural resources, using mainly indices of its aquatic community characteristics. In Brazil the first efforts to use this technique was restricted to the South and the Midwest region of this country. Located in the northeast region, this study was conducted at Rio Grande do Norte state and had as main objective the assessment of water quality in the Piranhas-Açu river using benthic macroinvertebrates community as biological indicators. Thus, were applied two biotic indices, the BMWP (Biological Monitoring Working Party score system) and the IBF (Family Biotic Index). According the requirements of these indices, two periods of sampling were determined as basic methodology, in dry seasons of 2006 and 2007. The sampling sites were around the municipalities of Açu, Ipanguaçu, Alto do Rodrigues and Pendências. Physical-chemical measurements; a protocol of rapid assessment of diversity of habitats, and determination of the degree of tolerance of each taxon to organic pollution were also performed. The most abundant organisms found in the river were tolerant with the prevalence of Chironomidae (Diptera) and Melanoides tuberculata. This results, together with those ones got in indices application, showed a considerable organic pollution in the four sample places and the reaches were classified as modified to impacted. According to the used indices, this study suggest that this river have significant alteration in the biotic community and water quality on the organic pollution, and this fact, occurs in the reach of the river further downstream, where were expected a good water quality. Considering these results, measures aiming the conservation of this water body are needed regarding as it is inserted into a fragile ecosystem with dry season phenomenon, and the water of this river has extremely importance for the local economy

Translation – The fifth language skill? A comparison of the role of translation in Finnish lukio and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

This study attempts to answer the question “Should translation be considered a fifth language skill?” by examining and comparing the use of translation as a language learning and assessment method in the national Finnish lukio curriculum and the curriculum of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Furthermore, the students’ ability to translate and their opinions on the usefulness of translation in language learning will be examined. The students’ opinions were gathered through a questionnaire that was given to 156 students studying in either lukio or the IBDP in Turku and Rovaniemi. I present and compare the role of translation in selected language teaching and learning methods and approaches, and discuss the effectiveness of translation as a language learning method and an assessment method. The theoretical discussion provides the basis for examining the role of translation as a language learning method and an assessment method in the curricula and final examinations of both education programs. The analysis of the two curricula indicated that there is a significant difference in the use of translation, as translation is used as a language learning method and as an assessment method in lukio, but is not used in either form in the IB. The data obtained through the questionnaire indicated that there is a difference in the level of language competence between the lukio and IB students and suggested that the curriculum in which the student studies has some effect on his/her cognitive use of translation, ability to translate and opinions concerning the usefulness of translation in language learning. The results indicated that both groups of students used translation, along with their mother tongue, as a cognitive language learning method, and, contrary to the expectations set by the analysis of the two curricula, the IB students performed better in the translation exercises than lukio students. Both groups of students agreed that translation is a useful language learning method, and indicated that the most common dictionaries they use are bilingual Internet dictionaries. The results suggest that translation is a specific skill that requires teaching and practice, and that perhaps the translation exercises used in lukio should be developed from translating individual words and phrases to translating cultural elements. In addition, the results suggest that perhaps the IB curriculum should include the use of translation exercises (e.g., communicative translation exercises) in order to help students learn to mediate between languages and cultures rather than learn languages in isolation from each other.

Detecção do mal-posicionamento rotacional de dedos em dispositivos de captura de impressões digitais multivista sem toque utilizando redes neurais artificiais

Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Tecnologia, Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica, 2016.

Influência do zinco suplementar na maturação biológica e no crescimento de jovens atletas de futebol do sexo masculino

Introdução O zinco é um importante elemento traço que auxilia na capacidade antioxidante, além de participar da maturação biológica. Em atletas, a suplementação de zinco tem efeito positivo nos parâmetros hematológicos e pode melhorar o rendimento esportivo. Sua deficiência é comumente observada nesses grupo e pode estar associada à diminuição da força física assim como da massa corporal, além de ter efeito significativo no crescimento. Assim os objetivos do presente estudo foram: comparar os métodos de avaliação da maturidade biológica e suas relações com variáveis antropométricas e de rendimento físico de acordo com o estado de zinco em jovens jogadores de futebol; comparar diferentes métodos de avaliação da composição corporal em jovens jogadores de futebol esratificados de acordo com os níveis plasmáticos de zinco e investigar o efeito do zinco suplementar na maturação biológica, no crescimento, na composição corporal e na força muscular de jogadores de futebol púberes do sexo masculino. Materiais e métodos Foram avaliados em dois momentos 48 jovens do sexo masculino (13±1 anos, massa corporal de 48±10kg, estatura de 160±10cm e zinco plasmático de 12,1±2,2 μmol/L). Todos eram jogadores de futebol de um tradicional clube do Rio de Janeiro e foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos. Durante 12 semanas o grupo placebo (n=28) recebeu cápsulas de amido de milho e o grupo suplementado (n=20) recebeu cápsulas de gluconato de Zn (22mg/dia). O valor de 11,0 μmol/L foi considerado como ponto de corte para classificação dos jovens em normozincêmicos ou hipozincêmicos. No início da manhã, após jejum noturno, foram coletados sangue e urina para determinação da concentração de zinco. A massa corporal, alturas (do vértex, acromial, dactiloidal, iliocristal, trocantérica e sentado), composição corporal, força e maturidade esquelética (TW3) também foram determinadas por metodologias validadas. Resultados As comparações entre as categorias maturacionais definidas por cada método de avaliação mostraram que a idade óssea foi o único método que permitiu a identificação de diferenças entre as três categorias, em ao menos duas variáeis relacionadas ao rendimento (massa livre de gordura (MLG) e força na mão dominante (FMD) – p<0,0001). O método da pilosidade axilar foi capaz de discriminar apenas para a FMD (p<0,0001). Embora tenha fornecido quatro categorias maturacionais, o método por dosagem da testosterona não possibilitou a identificação de diferenças entre as categorias relativas a MLG, a FMD e as dobras cutâneas(DC). Quando observamos os métodos de avaliação da composição corporal não foram identificadas diferenças sigificativas entre os grupos hipozincêmico e normozincêmico no percentagem de gordura(PG) nem na MLG obtidas através dos métodos da absortometria de dupla energia (DXA) (p=0,06076 e p=0,5638 respectivamente), das DC (p=0,6840 and 0,5087) e através da bioimpedância elétrica (BIA) (p=0,3475 and p=0,3475). Entre os diferentes métodos também não foi encontrada diferenças significativas (PG: p=0,1272 e p=0,3231 - MLG: p=0,9229 and p=0,8933 para os grupos hipozincêmico e normozincêmico, respectivamente). As correlações entre os métodos foram significativas (PG: r= 0,3414 a 0,9765 e p<0,0001 a 0,0133 - MLG: r=0,9533 a 0,9998 e p<0,0001). Fortes coeficientes de determinação foram obtidos nas regressões múltiplas dos valores do DXA com a equação de Slaughter na estimativa da PG (r=0,86; r2=0,928 e SEE=2,37%) e ainda maiores para MLG (r=0,98; r2=0,990 e SEE=1,18kg). Valores menores foram encontrados para as outras equações com DC e para BIA. Ao analisar os efeitos da suplementação de zinco sobre o crescimento, a maturação, a composição corporal e a força, observou-se que somente as alterações ocorridas nos indicadores de crescimento foram significativas (p=0,0312), sendo que todas as demais não foram significativas - idade óssea (p=0,1391), massa livre de gordura (p=0,0593), percentual de massa gorda (p=0,2212) e força na mão dominante (p=0,6569). Conclusões Observando diferentes métodos de avaliação da maturidade biológica e as categorias por eles definidas, o método da idade óssea (IO) mostrou ser melhor, visto que ele permitiu identificar diferenças entre as três categorias possíveis, nas variáveis MLG e FMD, ao contrário dos outros métodos. Para a avaliação da composição corporal, os métodos baseados nas DC foram melhores que BIA, quando DXA não estiver disponível. A comparação entre os métodos baseados nas DC mostrou que a melhor associação foi obtida com a equação de Slaughter, seguida pela equação de Lohman com a utilização da IO ao invés da idade cronológica. Os níveis de zinco plasmático parecem não serem influenciados pela composição corporal, o que certamente justifica mais estudos. Os resultados da análise dos efeitos da suplementação de zinco no crescimento, na maturação, na composição corporal e na força, nos levam a concluir que o crescimento teve alteração positiva significativa e que os valores das demais variáveis estudadas (maturação, composição corporal e força muscular) não sofreram alterações significativas relacionadas à suplementação de zinco nos jovens jogadores de futebol do sexo masculino, na faixa etária dos 12 aos 14 anos.