Global monsoons in the mid-Holocene and oceanic feedback

The response of the six major summer monsoon systems (the North American monsoon, the northern Africa monsoon, the Asia monsoon, the northern Australasian monsoon, the South America monsoon and the southern Africa monsoon) to mid-Holocene orbital forcing has been investigated using a coupled ocean–atmosphere general circulation model (FOAM), with the focus on the distinct roles of the direct insolation forcing and oceanic feedback. The simulation result is also found to compare well with the NCAR CSM. The direct effects of the change in insolation produce an enhancement of the Northern Hemisphere monsoons and a reduction of the Southern Hemisphere monsoons. Ocean feedbacks produce a further enhancement of the northern Africa monsoon and the North American monsoon. However, ocean feedbacks appear to weaken the Asia monsoon, although the overall effect (direct insolation forcing plus ocean feedback) remains a strengthened monsoon. The impact of ocean feedbacks on the South American and southern African monsoons is relatively small, and therefore these regions, especially the South America, experienced a reduced monsoon regime compared to present. However, there is a strong ocean feedback on the northern Australian monsoon that negates the direct effects of orbital changes and results in a strengthening of austral summer monsoon precipitation in this region. A new synthesis is made for mid-Holocene paleoenvironmental records and is compared with the model simulations. Overall, model simulations produce changes in regional climates that are generally consistent with paleoenvironmental observations.

Vegetation and environmental changes in Northern Anatolia between 134 and 119ka recorded in Black Sea sediments

This multiproxy study on SE Black Sea sediments provides the first detailed reconstruction of vegetation and environmental history of Northern Anatolia between 134 and 119 ka. Here, the glacial–interglacial transition is characterized by several short-lived alternating cold and warm events preceding a meltwater pulse (~ 130.4–131.7 ka). The latter is reconstructed as a cold arid period correlated to Heinrich event 11. The initial warming is evidenced at ~ 130.4 ka by increased primary productivity in the Black Sea, disappearance of ice-rafted detritus, and spreading of oaks in Anatolia. A Younger Dryas-type event is not identifiable. The Eemian vegetation succession corresponds to the main climatic phases in Europe: i) the Quercus–Juniperus phase (128.7–126.4 ka) indicates a dry continental climate; ii) the Ostrya–Corylus–Quercus–Carpinus phase (126.4–122.9 ka) suggests warm summers, mild winters, and high year-round precipitation; iii) the Fagus–Carpinus phase (122.9–119.5 ka) indicates cooling and high precipitation; and iv) increasing Pinus at ~ 121 ka marks the onset of cooler/drier conditions. Generally, pollen reconstructions suggest altitudinal/latitudinal migrations of vegetation belts in Northern Anatolia during the Eemian caused by increased transport of moisture. The evidence for the wide distribution of Fagus around the Black Sea contrasts with the European records and is likely related to climatic and genetic factors

Examining the relationships between Holocene climate change, hydrology, and human society in Ireland

This thesis explores human-environment interactions during the Mid-Late Holocene in raised bogs in central Ireland. The raised bogs of central Ireland are widely-recognised for their considerable palaeoenvironmental and archaeological resources: research over the past few decades has established the potential for such sites to preserve sensitive records of Holocene climatic variability expressed as changes in bog surface wetness (BSW); meanwhile archaeological investigations over the past century have uncovered hundreds of peatland archaeological features dating from the Neolithic through to the Post-Medieval period including wooden trackways, platforms, and deposits of high-status metalwork. Previous studies have attempted to explore the relationship between records of past environmental change and the occurrence of peatland archaeological sites reaching varying conclusions. More recently, environmentally-deterministic models of human-environment interaction in Irish raised bogs at the regional scale have been explicitly tested leading to the conclusion that there is no relationship between BSW and past human activity. These relationships are examined in more detail on a site-by-site basis in this thesis. To that end, testate amoebae-derived BSW records from nine milled former raised bogs in central Ireland were produced from sites with known and dated archaeological records. Relationships between BSW records and environmental conditions within the study area were explored through both the development of a new central Ireland testate amoebae transfer function and through comparisons between recent BSW records and instrumental weather data. Compilation of BSW records from the nine fossil study sites show evidence both for climate forcing, particularly during 3200-2400 cal BP, as well as considerable inter-site variability. Considerable inter-site variability was also evident in the archaeological records of the same sites. Whilst comparisons between BSW and archaeological records do not show a consistent linear relationship, examination of records on a site-by-site basis were shown to reveal interpretatively important contingent relationships. It is concluded therefore, that future research on human-environment interactions should focus on individual sites and should utilise theoretical approaches from the humanities in order to avoid the twin pitfalls of masking important local patterns of change, and of environmental determinism.

Tooth Abnormalities of Number and Position in the Permanent Dentition of Patients With Complete Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

Objective: To radiographically evaluate the prevalence of tooth abnormalities of number and position in the permanent dentition of individuals with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. Design: Cross-sectional retrospective. Setting: Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of Sao Paulo, Bauru, Brazil. Patients: Two hundred five individuals with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. Interventions: Analysis of patient records and panoramic radiographs. Main outcome measures: Evaluation of hypodontia and supernumerary teeth and analysis of the position of the permanent maxillary lateral incisor in relation to the alveolar cleft. Results: Hypodontia was observed in 144 patients (70.2%), and the highest prevalence was observed for the maxillary lateral incisor. When both lateral incisors were present (43%), they were primarily located on the distal side of the cleft (25%). Supernumerary teeth were observed in 11.7% of individuals. Conclusion: Patients with cleft lip and palate presented high prevalence of hypodontia and supernumerary teeth. The prevailing characteristics of their location may suggest the presence of a similar genetic component for the occurrence of hypodontia and cleft.

Using ecological niche modelling to infer past, present and future environmental suitability for Leiopelma hochstetteri, an endangered New Zealand native frog

Leiopelma hochstetteri is an endangered New Zealand frog now confined to isolated populations scattered across the North Island. A better understanding of its past, current and predicted future environmental suitability will contribute to its conservation which is in jeopardy due to human activities, feral predators, disease and climate change. Here we use ecological niche modelling with all known occurrence data (N = 1708) and six determinant environmental variables to elucidate current, pre-human and future environmental suitability of this species. Comparison among independent runs, subfossil records and a clamping method allow validation of models. Many areas identified as currently suitable do not host any known populations. This apparent discrepancy could be explained by several non exclusive hypotheses: the areas have not been adequately surveyed and undiscovered populations still remain, the model is over simplistic; the species` sensitivity to fragmentation and small population size; biotic interactions; historical events. An additional outcome is that apparently suitable, but frog-less areas could be targeted for future translocations. Surprisingly, pre-human conditions do not differ markedly highlighting the possibility that the range of the species was broadly fragmented before human arrival. Nevertheless, some populations, particularly on the west of the North Island may have disappeared as a result of human mediated habitat modification. Future conditions are marked with higher temperatures, which are predicted to be favourable to the species. However, such virtual gain in suitable range will probably not benefit the species given the highly fragmented nature of existing habitat and the low dispersal ability of this species. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cost-benefit of hospitalization compared with outpatient care for pregnant women with pregestational and gestational diabetes or with mild hyperglycemia, in Brazil

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Gestações complicadas pelo diabetes estão associadas com aumento de complicações maternas e neonatais. Os custos hospitalares aumentam de acordo com a assistência prestada. O objetivo foi calcular o custo-benefício e a taxa de rentabilidade social da hospitalização comparada ao atendimento ambulatorial em gestantes com diabetes ou com hiperglicemia leve. DESENHO do ESTUDO: Estudo prospectivo, observacional, quantitativo, realizado em hospital universitário, sendo incluídas todas as gestantes com diabetes pregestacional e gestacional ou com hiperglicemia leve que não desenvolveram intercorrências clínicas na gestação e que tiveram parto no Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista (HC-FMB-Unesp). MÉTODOS: Trinta gestantes tratadas com dieta foram acompanhadas em ambulatório e 20 tratadas com dieta e insulina foram abordadas com hospitalizações curtas e frequentes. Foram obtidos custos diretos (pessoal, material e exames) e indiretos (despesas gerais) a partir de dados contidos no prontuário e no sistema de custo por absorção do hospital e posteriormente calculado o custo-benefício. RESULTADOS: O sucesso do tratamento das gestantes diabéticas evitou o gasto de US$ 1.517,97 e US$ 1.127,43 para pacientes hospitalizadas e ambulatoriais, respectivamente. O custo-benefício da atenção hospitalizada foi US$ 143.719,16 e ambulatorial, US$ 253.267,22, com rentabilidade social 1,87 e 5,35 respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A análise árvore de decisão confirma que o sucesso dos tratamentos elimina custos no hospital. A relação custo-benefício indicou que o tratamento ambulatorial é economicamente mais vantajoso do que a hospitalização. A rentabilidade social de ambos os tratamentos foi maior que 1, indicando que ambos os tipos de atendimento à gestante diabética têm benefício positivo.

Canine rabies epidemiology in Araçatuba and neighborhood, Northwestern São Paulo State - Brazil

São apresentadas algumas características epidemiológicas da raiva canina na região de Araçatuba, no período de 1993 a 1997. Dentre 1.984 cães submetidos ao diagnóstico de raiva, 351 foram positivos sendo que 89% dos casos (312/351) ocorreram na zona urbana e destes, 85% (266/312) eram de animais com proprietário. As informações sobre sexo estavam presentes em 83% das fichas e destas 61% eram de machos. A média de idade dos cães positivos foi de 34 meses. A agressividade foi um dos sintomas mais comumente observado (77%), seguido por incoordenação motora e/ou paralisia (42%) e 48% dos cães positivos haviam agredido pessoas ou outros animais. Das 182 fichas epidemiológicas que possuíam dados de vacinação, 51% (92/182) dos cães não eram vacinados. Aponta-se como possíveis razões para o aparecimento da epidemia no município de Araçatuba a baixa cobertura vacinal demonstrada pelo índice de cães não vacinados que adquiriram a doença aliado à elevada relação cão/homem (1:3,5) revelada em estudo anterior.

Feather mites of Brazil (Acari: Astigmata: Analgoidea and Pterolichoidea)

We present a checklist of feather mites known from native birds in Brazil. The list was compiled from a survey of Brazilian records published in indexing databases (e.g. Zoological Records) and from the available literature. To date, 185 nominal species representing 21 families have been recorded from Brazilian birds. Associations with 15 bird orders were found: Anseriformes, Apodiformes, Caprimulgiformes, Ciconiiformes, Columbiformes, Cuculiformes, Falconiformes, Galliformes, Gruiformes, Opisthocomiformes, Passeriformes, Piciformes, Psittaciformes, Tinamiformes and Trogoniformes. These birds sum to 218 species, which represent only 12.4% of all bird species occurring in Brazil. The feather mite fauna of several species-rich and important bird orders in Brazil remain unexplored, including Cathartiformes, Charadriiformes, Coraciiformes, Galbuliformes and Strigiformes. We estimate that between 900 and 5300 feather mite species are expected to occur on Brazilian birds, which is at least five times greater than current records. The training of researchers with expertise in the taxonomy of this group of mites should be stimulated so that there is a compatible number of taxonomists to discover and describe the almost unexplored feather mite fauna in Brazil.

Productive and reproductive performance in cattle infected with bovine leukosis virus

Economic losses caused by enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) have been of interest since World War II, when the neoplastic form of EEL increased dramatically in Europe. Olson (1974) and House et al. (1975) ed that animals with lymphosarcoma caused by the bovine leukosis virus (BLV) had reduced milk yields. a less efficient reproductive performance and high veterinary costs and mortality rates, while many carcasses were rejected at slaughter. However, the actual impact of BLV infection in cattle without lymphosarcoma is not; clear. The purpose of the study reported here was to compare some productive and reproductive responses of cattle that were antibody-positive (BLV+) or negative (BLV-) for BLV.Holstein dairy cows in commercial dairy farms were used in this study. Blood samples were collected and subjected to BLV serological examination by the agar gel immunodiffusion test of Miller & van der Maaten (1976). Animals were then grouped as BLV+ or BLV- according to their serological response to the BLV antigen. Productive and reproductive histories were obtained from individual animal records and the following factors were considered: milk production, calving interval and birth rate. For milk production, we had the daily milk yields of 547 animals, and for calving interval the time between two successive parturitions for 444 cows. These values were examined by ANOVA and when this was significant a Student's t test was carried out for each age group. Birth rates, the percentage of animals that calved in 1 gear, were available for 557 animals and were examined with the Z-two proportion test. For all analyses, P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Antenatal corticosteroid use and clinical evolution of preterm newborn infants

Objectives: To describe the use of antenatal corticosteroid and clinical evolution of preterm babies. Methods: An observational prospective cohort study was carried out. All 463 pregnant women and their 514 newborn babies with gestational age ranging from 23 to 34 weeks, born at the Brazilian Neonatal Research Network units, were evaluated from August 1 to December 31, 2001. The data were obtained through maternal interview, analysis of medical records, and follow-up of the newborn infants. Data analysis was performed with the use of chi-square, t Student, Mann-Whitney, and ANOVA tests and multiple logistic regression, with level of significance set at 5%. Results: Treatment was directly associated with the number of prenatal visits, with maternal hypertension and with the antenatal use of tocolytic agents. Babies from treated pregnant women presented better Apgar scores at the 1st and 5th minute, reduced need for intervention in the delivery room and lower SNAPPE II. They were born with higher birth weight, longer gestational age and needed less surfactant use, ventilation, and oxygenation time. After multiple logistic regression, the use of antenatal corticosteroid independently improved birth conditions, decreased ventilation time, being related to increased occurrence of neonatal sepsis. Conclusions: The use of corticosteroid was associated with better prenatal care and birth conditions, better preterm evolution but higher risk of infection. Copyright © 2004 by Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria.

Gingival margin alterations and the pre-orthodontic treatment amount of keratinized gingiva

The purpose of this retrospective study was to associate the amount of keratinized gingiva present in adolescents prior to orthodontic treatment to the development of gingival recessions after the end of treatment. The sample consisted of the intra-oral photographs and orthodontic study models from 209 Caucasian patients with a mean age of 11.20 ± 1.83 years on their initial records and 14.7 ± 1.8 years on their final records. Patients were either Angle Class I or II and were submitted to non-extraction orthodontic treatment. Gingival recession was evaluated by visual inspection of the lower incisors and canines as seen in the initial and final study models and intra-oral photographs. The amount of recession was quantified using a digital caliper and the observed post-treatment gingival margin alterations were classified as unaltered, coronal migration of the gingival margin or apical migration of the gingival margin. The width of the keratinized gingiva was measured from the mucogingival line to the gingival margin on the pre-treatment photographs. The teeth that developed gingival recession and those that did not have their gingival margin position changed did not differ in relation to the initial amount of keratinized gingiva (3.00 ± 0.61 and 3.5 ± 0.86 mm, respectively). Paradoxically, teeth that presented a coronal migration of the gingival margin had a smaller initial amount of keratinized gingiva (2.26 ± 0.31 mm). The mean amount of initial keratinized gingiva did not predispose lower incisors and canines to gingival recession.

Birth defects in newborns and stillborns: An example of the Brazilian reality

Background: This study constitutes a clinical and genetic study of all newborn and stillborn infants with birth defects seen in a period of one year in a medical school hospital located in Brazil. The aims of this study were to estimate the incidence, causes and consequences of the defects. Methods. For all infants we carried out physical assessment, photographic records, analysis of medical records and collection of additional information with the family, besides the karyotypic analysis or molecular tests in indicated cases. Result: The incidence of birth defects was 2.8%. Among them, the etiology was identified in 73.6% (ci95%: 64.4-81.6%). Etiology involving the participation of genetic factors single or associated with environmental factors) was more frequent 94.5%, ci95%: 88.5-98.0%) than those caused exclusively by environmental factors (alcohol in and gestational diabetes mellitus). The conclusive or presumed diagnosis was possible in 85% of the cases. Among them, the isolated congenital heart disease (9.5%) and Down syndrome (9.5%) were the most common, followed by gastroschisis (8.4%), neural tube defects (7.4%) and clubfoot (5.3%). Maternal age, parental consanguinity, exposure to teratogenic agents and family susceptibility were some of the identified risk factors. The most common observed consequences were prolonged hospital stays and death. Conclusions: The current incidence of birth defects among newborns and stillbirths of in our population is similar to those obtained by other studies performed in Brazil and in other underdeveloped countries. Birth defects are one of the major causes leading to lost years of potential life. The study of birth defects in underdeveloped countries should continue. The identification of incidence, risk factors and consequences are essential for planning preventive measures and effective treatments. © 2011 Fett-Conte et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Association between indicators of dementia and nutritional status in institutionalised older people

Background and aims. Dementia weakens older people and can lead to malnutrition; therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the association between indicators of dementia and biochemical indicators, anthropometric indicators and food intake in institutionalised older people. Methods. A total of 150 older people of both genders participated in this study. Nutritional status was determined by body mass index and other anthropometric variables, and biochemical indicators were used to analyse the differences between individuals with and without dementia. Energy and nutrient intakes were determined by food records, and dementia was investigated with the Mini-Mental State Examination. The data were analysed by the chi-square test, Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney tests. Results. Of the 150 individuals studied, 48% were men with a mean age of 73±10years and 52% were women with a mean age of 80±9years. Thirty-six per cent had some degree of malnutrition and 48% presented dementia, which was more prevalent in women (59%). The nutritional status of men and women individuals with and without dementia differed significantly (P<0.001 for men and women). The only variables that presented a significant difference between individuals with and without dementia were those associated with muscle mass in men. There were no differences in energy and nutrient intakes between individuals with and without dementia except for vitamin C intake, which differed among women (P=0.032). Conclusion. In the conditions of the present study, dementia was associated with nutritional status, but not with energy and nutrient intakes, suggesting that older people with dementia may have higher nutritional requirements. Implications for practice. Investigation of dementia may contribute to the nutritional status assessment of older people and energy expenditure and immobility should be investigated for a more complete assessment. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Saberes em campo: a configuração do ensino escolar da educação física no Estado de São Paulo (1964-1985)

Pós-graduação em Educação Escolar - FCLAR

As dificuldades relacionadas à aprendizagem do conceito de vetor à luz da teoria dos registros de representação semiótica

Esta dissertação foi desenvolvida no sentido de contribuir para o ensino e para aprendizagem da Geometria Analítica no ensino superior. Para realizar esta tarefa contamos com o referencial teórico de Raymond Duval - com a teoria dos Registros de Representação Semiótica - em aulas expositivas, atividades em classe e na exploração de um maior número de representações do objeto matemático Vetor. Nosso objetivo foi o de identificar e analisar as dificuldades na produção e no tratamento de representações dos vetores que caracterizam lacunas ao aprendizado do conceito desse objeto. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram alunos de uma turma de Licenciatura em Matemática da Universidade do Estado do Pará – UEPA, Núcleo Regional do Baixo Tocantins – NURBAT localizado em Moju – PA. A pesquisa foi dividida em etapas, onde na primeira, a turma presenciou aulas teóricas com foco principal no estudo de vetores, explorando as várias representações do objeto bem como as operações básicas; a segunda etapa consistiu na resolução de lista de exercícios (atividades 1 e 2), contendo questões retiradas da indicação bibliográfica da disciplina e a avaliação individual. E por último a análise das resoluções feitas pelos sujeitos. Os instrumentos de coleta de dados envolveram questões de representação de vetores nos registros algébrico, figural e da língua natural, assim como, as conversões entre esses registros. Após analisar as resoluções, estas foram agrupadas por categorias as quais: confusão entre coordenadas de ponto e coordenadas de vetor, dificuldade na aplicação da regra do paralelogramo, dificuldade em identificar vetores iguais e conversão entre registros envolvendo o registro geométrico. Ao final das análises apontamos onde os alunos sentem mais dificuldades de acordo com as peculiaridades dos mesmos nas resoluções apresentadas e ainda, propomos a possibilidade de continuidade da pesquisa sobre o mesmo objeto.