Diagnosis and clinic-pathological findings of influenza virus infection in Brazilian pigs

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a respiratory pathogen of pigs and is associated with the porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC), along with other respiratory infectious agents. The aim of this study was to diagnose and to perform a clinic-pathological characterization of influenza virus infection in Brazilian pigs. Lung samples from 86 pigs in 37 farrow-to-finish and two farrow-to-feeder operations located in the States of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Mato Grosso were studied. Virus detection was performed by virus isolation and quantitative real time reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Pathologic examination and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed in 60 lung formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue fragments. Affected animals showed coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, hyperthermia, inactivity, apathy, anorexia, weight loss and growth delay, which lasted for five to 10 days. Influenza virus was isolated from 31 (36.0%) lung samples and 36 (41.9%) were positive for qRT-PCR. Thirty-eight (63.3%) lung samples were positive by IHC and the most frequent microscopic lesion observed was inflammatory infiltrate in the alveoli, bronchiole, or bronchi wall or lumen (76.7%). These results indicate that influenza virus is circulating and causing disease in pigs in several Brazilian states.

Isolation, expansion and differentiation of cellular progenitors obtained from dental pulp of agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha Wagler, 1831)

Abstract: The study aimed to isolate, expand, differentiate and characterize progenitor cells existent in the dental pulp of agouti. The material was washed with PBS solution and dissociated mechanically with the aid of a scalpel blade on plates containing culture medium D-MEM/F-12, and incubated at 5% CO2-37⁰C. The growth curve, CFU assay, osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation and characterization were obtained from the isolation. The cells began to be released from the explant tissue around the 7th day of culture. By day 22 of culture, cells reached 80% confluence. At the UFC test, 81 colonies were counted with 12 days of cultivation. The growth curves before and after freezing showed a regular growth with intense proliferation and clonogenic potential. The cell differentiation showed formation of osteoblasts and fat in culture, starting at 15 days of culture in a specific medium. Flow cytometry (FACs) was as follows: CD34 (positive), CD14 (negative), CD45 (negative), CD73 (positive), CD79 (negative), CD90 (positive), CD105 (positive), demonstrating high specificity and commitment of isolated cells with mesenchymal stem cells strains. These results suggest the existence of a cell population of stem cells with mesenchymal features from the isolated tissue in the explants of agouti dental pulp, a potential model for study of stem cell strains obtained from the pulp tissue.

Equine infectious anemia on Marajo Island at the mouth of the Amazon river

Abstract: Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a transmissible and incurable disease caused by a lentivirus, the equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV). There are no reports in the literature of this infection in Equidae on Marajo Island. The objective of this study was to diagnose the disease in the municipalities of Cachoeira do Arari, Salvaterra, Santa Cruz do Arari and Soure, on Maraj�� Island, state of Pará, Brazil. For serological survey samples were collected from 294 horses, over 5-month-old, males and females of puruca and marajoara breeds and from some half-breeds, which were tested by immunodiffusion in Agar gel (AGID). A prevalence of 46.26% (136/294) positive cases was found. EIA is considered endemic in the municipalities studied, due to the ecology of the region with a high numbered population of bloodsucking insect vectors and the absence of official measures for the control of the disease.

The Relationship of Organizational Culture, Employee Motivation and Innovativeness: Evidence from Finnish Technology Industries

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the effects of tangible and intangible incentives on the dimensions of motivation and organizational innovativeness in the context of different organizational cultures. Theory suggests that an antecedent of innovativeness is individual creativity of employees, which is influenced by intrinsic motivation, flexible organizational structures, and transformational leadership. Empirical evidence for this research is derived from 424 respondents representing technology-driven industries in Finland. Data is collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS statistics software. The results imply that intangible incentives and intrinsic motivation have an important role in determining organizational innovativeness. The positive relationships of intangible incentives, intrinsic motivation and innovativeness seem to be higher in flexible organizational cultures. As practical implications, managers should foster flexible organizational cultures that highlight employee empowerment. The motivating power of non-financial intrinsic incentives and recognition of good work should not be undermined when compared to tangible monetary rewards.

Hausj��rven, Hyvink��än, Lopen ja Riihimäen turvallisen ja kestävän liikkumisen suunnitelma

Hausj��rven, Hyvink��än, Lopen ja Riihimäen kuntiin laadittiin turvallisen ja kestävän liikkumisen suunnitelma. Suunnitelma laadittiin yhteistyössä Uudenmaan ELY-keskuksen sek�� suunnittelualueen kuntien kanssa. Suunnitelma laadittiin kestävän liikkumisen näk��kulmasta ja se sisältää turvallisuuden parantamisen lisäksi kestävän liikkumisen edistämistä. Alueen liikenneturvallisuustilannetta ja liikkumistottumuksia kartoitettiin nykytila-analyysin lisäksi asukaskyselyllä. Kaikkiin alueen kuntiin tehtiin maastotarkastelut onnettomuusanalyysissa ja asukaskyselyssä nousseiden ongelmapaikkojen perusteella. Onnettomuusanalyysin tulosten mukaan suunnittelualueen liikenneturvallisuuden tila on koko maan keskiarvoa heikompi. Vuosien 2008–2012 keskiarvon mukaan suunnittelualueella henkilövahinkoon johtaneita tieliikenneonnettomuuksia tapahtui 125 kpl/100 000 asukasta vuodessa, kun koko maassa vastaava luku oli 116 kpl. Suunnittelualueen onnettomuuskustannukset ovat vuosittain yli 57 miljoonaa euroa, josta kuntien osuus on noin 10 miljoonaa euroa. Asukaskyselyn vastauksien mukaan suunnittelualueen liikenneturvallisuus koettiin p��äasiassa melko turvalliseksi. Turvavälineiden k��ytössä huolestuttavaa oli, että vain noin 50 % vastaajista kertoi k��yttävänsä aina tai yleensä pyöräilykyp��rää pyöräillessä. Kyselyn mukaan 60 prosentilla vastaajista työ- tai koulumatkan pituus suuntaansa on yli viisi kilometriä, joka asettaa haasteita kestävälle liikkumiselle. Nykytila-analyysin, valtakunnallisen ja alueellisen vision ja tavoitteiden pohjalta määriteltiin suunnittelualueen liikenneturvallisuus- ja kestävän liikkumisen visio ja tavoitteet. Pitk��n aikavälin liikenneturvallisuusvisioksi asetettiin, että kenenk��än ei tarvitse kuolla tai loukkaantua vakavasti liikenteessä ja liikenne on vastuullista ja se koetaan turvalliseksi. Henkilövahinkoon johtaneiden onnettomuuksien vähentämistavoite on, että vuonna 2020 tapahtuu korkeintaan 85 henkilövahinko-onnettomuutta (v. 2008–2012 tapahtui keskimäärin 114 henkilövahinkoon johtanutta onnettomuutta). Tavoitteena on myös, että k��velyn, pyöräilyn ja joukkoliikenteen kulkutapaosuus lyhyillä (alle 5 km) matkoilla kasvaa (kestävien kulkutapojen kulkutapaosuuden kasvaa 38 %:sta 46 %:iin vuoteen 2020 mennessä). Suunnitelmatyön aikana kuntien liikenneturvallisuustyötä aktivoitiin. Liikenneturvallisuusryhmien ja eri hallintokuntien edustajien kanssa ideoitiin kaikille eri ryhmille sopivia toimintamuotoja liikenneturvallisuuden ja kestävän liikkumisen edistämiseksi. Liikenneymp��ristön parantamisehdotus tehtiin noin 210 alueen kohteeseen. Toimenpiteiden toteuttaminen vaiheistettiin kolmeen ohjeelliseen kiireellisyysluokkaan. Suunnitelma aikaj��nne on noin 8-10 vuotta ja suunnitelman toteutumista on tarkoitus seurata työssä asetettujen seurantamittareiden avulla.

Newborn screening for biotinidase deficiency in Brazil: biochemical and molecular characterizations

Biotinidase deficiency is an inherited metabolic disorder characterized by neurological and cutaneous symptoms. Fortunately, it can be treated and the symptoms prevented by oral administration of the vitamin biotin. Using dried blood-soaked filter paper cards, biotinidase activity was determined in the sera of 225,136 newborns in Brazil. Mutation analysis performed on DNA from 21 babies with low serum biotinidase activity confirmed that 3 had profound biotinidase deficiency (less than 10% of mean normal sera biotinidase activity), 10 had partial biotinidase deficiency (10 to 30% of mean normal serum activity), 1 was homozygous for partial biotinidase deficiency, 4 were heterozygous for either profound or partial deficiency, and 3 were normal. Variability in serum enzyme activities and discrepancies with mutation analyses were probably due to inappropriate handling and storage of samples sent to the laboratory. Obtaining an appropriate control serum at the same time as that of the suspected child will undoubtedly decrease the false-positive rate (0.09%). Mutation analysis can be used to confirm the genotype of these children. The estimated incidence of biotinidase deficiency in Brazil is about 1 in 9,000, higher than in most other countries. Screening and treatment of biotinidase deficiency are effective and warranted. These results strongly suggest that biotinidase deficiency should be included in the newborn mass screening program of Brazil.

Neonatal screening for cystic fibrosis in São Paulo State, Brazil: a pilot study

Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common autosomal recessive hereditary diseases in the Caucasian population, with an incidence of 1:2000 to 1:3500 liveborns. More than 1000 mutations have been described with the most common being F508del. It has a prevalence of 23-55% within the Brazilian population. The lack of population-based studies evaluating the incidence of cystic fibrosis in São Paulo State, Brazil, and an analysis concerning the costs of implantation of a screening program motivated the present study. A total of 60,000 dried blood samples from Guthrie cards obtained from April 2005 to January 2006 for neonatal screening at 4 reference centers in São Paulo State were analyzed. The immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT)/IRT protocol was used with the cut-off value being 70 ng/mL. A total of 532 children (0.9%) showed IRT >70 ng/mL and a 2nd sample was collected from 418 (80.3%) of these patients. Four affected children were detected at two centers, corresponding to an incidence of 1:8403. The average age at diagnosis was 69 days, and 3 of the children already showed severe symptoms of the disease. The rate of false-positive results was 95.2% and the positive predictive value for the test was 8%. The cost of detecting an affected subject was approximately US$8,000.00 when this cystic fibrosis program was added to an existing neonatal screening program. The present study clearly shows the difficulties involved in cystic fibrosis screening using the IRT/IRT protocol, particularly in a population with no long-term tradition of neonatal screening.

Caracterização da farinha de banana verde

O presente trabalho objetivou a obtenção, a caracterização físico-química e o controle microbiológico durante o processamento da farinha de banana (Musa spp.) verde, cv. Prata, visando o seu aproveitamento na panificação, produtos dietéticos e alimentos infantis. Para obtenção da farinha, os frutos foram cortados, imersos em metabissulfito de sódio, desidratados e triturados, sendo em seguida, feitas as seguintes determinações: umidade; extrato etéreo; proteína bruta; fibra bruta; cinzas; fração glicídica; amido; valor calórico; pH; acidez total titulável; vitamina C; macrominerais (K, P, Ca, Mg, S e N); microminerais (B, Cu, Mn, Zn e Fe); coliformes a 45 °C; fungos filamentosos e leveduras; Bacillus cereus; Salmonella sp.; Staphylococcus aureus; e contagem de aeróbios mesófilos. Os resultados indicaram que a banana 'Prata' verde é viável para o processo de obtenção da farinha de banana, tendo em vista que é rica em amido, proteína, potássio, fósforo, magnésio, zinco, cobre e tem um alto valor calórico. O pH, a acidez total titulável e a vitamina C estão compatíveis com os valores encontrados em outras farinhas. Quanto ao uso de boas práticas no processamento, a farinha encontra-se dentro do padrão microbiológico ideal e, portanto, está apta para o consumo.

Composição mineral de uma linhagem de Pleurotus ostreatus cultivada em resíduos madeireiros e agroindustriais da região amazônica

Os cogumelos do gênero Pleurotus são cultivados em diversos substratos lignocelulósicos, dada a atividade decompositora desses organismos proveniente de seu metabolismo enzimático. O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a composição mineral de Pleurotus ostreatus e dos substratos de cultivo preparados à base de resíduos madeireiros e agroindustriais da região amazônica. Foram analisados macro (P, K, Ca e Mg) e micronutrientes (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn e Na) dos cogumelos e dos substratos. Os substratos foram formulados a partir da serragem de Simarouba amara Aubl. (marup��), Ochroma piramidale Cav. ex. Lam. (pau de balsa) e de bagaços de Bactris gasipaes Kunth (pupunheira) e de Saccharum officinarum (cana-de-açúcar). As amostras foram solubilizadas mediante digestão ácida (nítrico-peridrol). Os elementos Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn e Mn foram determinados por espectrometria de absorção atômica; o Na e K, por emissão atômica e o P, por colorimetria. A composição mineral do cogumelo variou com o substrato de cultivo. Os diferentes substratos possibilitaram a produção de um cogumelo rico em K, P, Mg e Fe, essenciais à nutrição e à saúde humana. O potássio foi o mineral de maior teor no cogumelo em todos os substratos testados (36,83-42,18 g.kg-1), seguido de fósforo (6,95-10,60 g.kg-1) e do magnésio (1,57-2,50 g.kg-1).

Efeito do exercício resistido intradialítico em pacientes renais crônicos em hemodiálise

INTRODUÇÃO: Pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) quando submetidos ao exercício resistido (ER) apresentam substancial melhorias de muitas funções, em especial os relacionados ao sistema cardiovascular, respiratório, muscular e na qualidade de vida (QV). Não existem avaliações do impacto de exercício simples e factíveis em pacientes com DRC associada ao Diabetes Mellitus (DM) durante o período intradialítico. OBJETIVO: Estudar o papel do exercício resistido no tratamento e na qualidade de vida em pacientes submetidos à hemodiálise crônica (HD). Assim, submetemos pacientes com DRC e DM ao ER durante a hemodiálise. MÉTODOS: Quinze pacientes em cada grupo: 1: DM com DRC submetidos ao ER; 2: DM com DRC sedentários; 3: DRC e ER e, 4: DRC sedentários. Avaliações durante oito semanas, com ER três vezes na semana. Avaliação laboratorial, teste de força muscular (FM) e QV (SF-36). RESULTADOS: O ER induziu melhoria na glicemia e na FM com discretas, mas significantes alterações na uréia e, K (p < 0,0001). Foi de impacto a melhoria na avaliação dos parâmetros de QV (p < 0,001) com o ER, como a Capacidade Funcional, o Aspecto Físico, redução das Dores (de uma maneira geral), Saúde Geral, Vitalidade, a Função Social, Estado Emocional e na Saúde Mental. Conclusão: O programa de ER (simples e factível) no período intradialítico alterou parâmetros clínicos, na FM e uma significante melhoria na avaliação da QV. O impacto na QV foi importante para o paciente, inclusive envolvendo melhoria em nível familiar e de relacionamento social quando submetidos ao ER.

Copy of poster advertising “Grand Buffalo Hunt at Niagara Falls” with Bill Hickok, August, 1872

James Butler Hickok (1837-1876), also known as “Wild Bill” Hickok, was an American gun-fighter, scout and spy. He was involved in altercations with others while working for the famous express company Russell, Majors and Waddell (in 1861), and later while working as a wagon master, scout, and spy for the Union forces during the Civil War. These altercations resulted in the deaths of 4 people, but Hickok was acquitted in all cases. An embellished article written about him in Harper’s magazine helped contribute to his reputation as a western hero. He served as a deputy U.S. marshal and sheriff in Kansas in the late 1860’s, helping to bring law and order to a previously lawless area. He gambled considerably, and during a card game on August 2, 1876, was shot and killed. The cards he was holding (two aces, two eights, and a jack) became known as the "dead man's hand."

How do social interactions with a significant other affect PTSD symptoms? An empirical investigation with a clinical sample.

Social support and coping are both related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, but the mechanisms underlying their relationships remain unclear. This study explores these relationships by examining the perceived frequency of supportive and countersupportive interactions with a significant other in PTSD patients. Ninety-six participants with PTSD were recruited and completed questionnaires assessing social interactions, ways of coping, and PTSD symptoms. Associations of social interactions (r2 = 4.1%–7.9%, p < .05) and coping (r2 = 15.9%– 16.5%, p < .001) with symptoms were independent, and suggested a direct association between social interactions and PTSD. Countersupportive interactions were more associated to symptoms than supportive interactions. Our findings suggest the development of psychotherapies that integrate social support interventions.

Non-Destructive Evaluation of Ion-Implanted Semiconductor Thin Films Using Photothermal Deflections Spectroscopy

Materials and equipment which fail to achieve the design requirements or projected life due to undetected defects may require expensive repair or early replacement. Such defects may also be the cause of unsafe conditions or catastrophic unexpected failure, and will lead to loss of revenue due to plant shutdown. Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) / Non Destructive Testing (NDT) is used for the examination of materials and components without changing or destroying their usefulness. NDT can be applied to each stage of a system’s construction, to monitor the integrity of the system or structure throughout its life.

A Diagnostic and Modeling Study on the Onset of Summer Monsoon over South Asia

This study focuses on the onset of southwest monsoon over Kerala. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been using a semi-objective method to define monsoon onset. The main objectives of the study are to understand the monsoon onset processes, to simulate monsoon onset in a GCM using as input the atmospheric conditions and Sea Surface Temperature, 10 days earlier to the onset, to develop a method for medium range prediction of the date of onset of southwest monsoon over Kerala and to examine the possibility of objectively defining the date of Monsoon Onset over Kerala (MOK). It gives a broad description of regional monsoon systems and monsoon onsets over Asia and Australia. Asian monsoon includes two separate subsystems, Indain monsoon and East Asian monsoon. It is seen from this study that the duration of the different phases of the onset process are dependent on the period of ISO. Based on the study of the monsoon onset process, modeling studies can be done for better understanding of the ocean-atmosphere interaction especially those associated with the warm pool in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.

Doctrine of Estoppel

The object of every law is to render justice. But sometimes the strict implementation of low may result in injustice. Under such circumstances equity will step in to prevent the injustice. Estoppel is one such concept evolved by equity for rendering justice even deviating from strict legal principles. This study is an analysis of the essence of the principle of estoppel, its scope, circumstances and application. The related principles known as estoppel by record, estoppel by deed, estoppel by representation, promissory estoppel, estoppel against public authority is also considered. Estoppel, originated from the sense of justice, equity and good consciousness has since developed through various judicial pronouncements. Further section 115 of the Evidence Act has statutorily recognized and laid down the principles of estoppel. But Section 115 of the Evidence Act or any other statute does not cover the modern development of estoppel in the form of promissory estoppel.