Uma comparação da aptidão funcional de mulheres idosas portuguesas e brasileiras

O objectivo deste estudo transversal foi descrever e comparar os perfis funcionais de duas amostras: 401 idosas portuguesas e 967 brasileiras (Krause et al., 2009), dos 60-79 anos. A aptidão funcional (ApF) foi avaliada usando a bateria Senior Fitness Test (Rikli & Jones 2001). Em ambas as amostras, as idosas dos 60-64 anos apresentaram melhores desempenhos na maioria dos testes de ApF, comparativamente às dos 75-79 anos. As idosas brasileiras foram mais proficientes na aptidão cardio-respiratória e flexibilidade, e as portuguesas, na força do membro superior. Os valores do índice de massa corporal foram superiores nas idosas portuguesas (60-79 anos). Estes resultados poderão ser úteis na identificação precoce de perdas funcionais, e fundamentar a intervenção ao nível da ApF em mulheres idosas.

Calheta e Funchal: estudo dialetal e sociolinguístico de alguns regionalismos madeirenses (comparação da sua vitalidade nos dois concelhos)

Este estudo enquadra-se na área da Dialetologia e da Sociolinguística Variacionista, centrando-se na análise de alguns regionalismos madeirenses recolhidos no concelho da Calheta. Estes foram testados através de um questionário semânticolexical aplicado no mesmo concelho e no concelho do Funchal com uma amostra de cento e oito informantes, seis por freguesia, estratificados por idade, sexo e escolaridade. Para o tratamento dos dados usámos a metodologia quantitativa, recorrendo ao programa Microsoft Office Access, que nos dá conta do número de respostas e percentagens registadas, no que respeita ao conhecimento dos cinquenta e dois vocábulos estudados, tendo em conta os fatores de variação social (género, idade e escolaridade) e o fator geográfico (rural vs. urbano). Na análise qualitativa, elaborámos um glossário que sistematiza os significados indicados pelos informantes, registando as diferentes aceções e exemplos de uso dos vocábulos. Alguns destes podem ser classificados como arcaísmos, neologismos regionais e regionalismos usuais ou correntes, sendo que não confirmámos a existência de nenhum populismo, o que nos permite aferir a vitalidade dos regionalismos testados no Português falado nos concelhos da Calheta e do Funchal. Concluímos que a idade e a escolaridade influenciam o maior conhecimento dos vocábulos, ou seja, os falantes mais idosos com baixo grau de escolaridade, independentemente do concelho, mostram-se mais conservadores do que os adultos e do que os jovens. No entanto, o fator geográfico também se revelou pertinente, dado que os adultos e os jovens com ensino secundário e superior, respetivamente, do concelho da Calheta revelaram conhecer mais vocábulos do que os do concelho do Funchal. Apesar da crescente valorização do património lexical madeirense, verificamos que muitos regionalismos virão a desaparecer porque estarão a cair em desuso com as novas gerações.

Avaliação da fidedignidade dos ensaios de esteróides fecais realizados no Laboratório de Medidas Hormonais do Departamento de Fisiologia da UFRN

NASCIMENTO, H. G. ; FERNANDES, L. C. ; SOUSA, M. B. C. . Avaliação da fidedignidade dos ensaios de esteróides fecais realizados no Laboratório de Medidas Hormonais do Departamento de Fisiologia da UFRN. Publica , v. 2, p. 39-48, 2006.

Caracterização e comparação de genes expressos em ápices meristemáticos de cana-de-açúcar cultivados em SP e RN

In this work, we used sugarcane as a model due to its importance for sugar and ethanol production. Unlike the current plant models, sugarcane presents a complex genetics and an enormous allelic variation. Here, we report the analysis of SAGE libraries produced using the shoot apical meristem from contrasted genotypes by flowering induction (non-flowering vs. early-flowering varieties) grown under São Paulo state conditions. The expression pattern was analyzed using samples from São Paulo (SP) and Rio Grande do Norte (RN) states. These results showed that cDNAs identified by SAGE libraries had differential expression only in São Paulo state samples. Furthermore, the cDNA identified CYP (Citocrome P450) was chosen for in silico and genome characterization because it was found in SAGE libraries and subtractive libraries from samples from RN. Phylogenetic trees showed the relationship for these sequences. Furthermore, the qRT-PCR for CYP showed a potential role as flowering indutor for RN samples considering different isophorms. Considering the results present here, it can be consider that CYP gene may be used as molecular marker

Estudo da adesão de pinos endodônticos modificados superficialmente por plasma de oxigênio

The work presents the effect of plasma treatment when applied in fibers or carbon/glass posts in the adhesion fiber/resin and posts/cement. This has for objective the modification of the surface of the fibers, as well as the wettability of the posts, seeking the improvement of the adhesion and of the connection fiber/resin in the processing of polymeric composites reinforced with the same ones. 120 posts (Reforpost) were used and 30 meters of fibers of carbon and of glass (Fibrex), of the company Angelus. The samples were divided in three groups of 40 specimens: GROUP I - 20 posts of glass fiber and 20 of carbon without treatment to it shapes, GROUP II -20 posts of glass fiber and 20 of carbon treated to it shapes in the surface and GROUP III - 20 posts of glass fiber and 20 of carbon make with fibers in natura after plasma treatment. The plasma treatment was accomplished with oxygen and with temperature in the camera fixed at 200°C, for one hour of exhibition. The posts and the fibers were characterized before and after the treatment. The wettability was measure by pendent drop method, and interface fiber/resin and posts/cement were observed by optical and electronic microscopy. It was observed that both wettability and texture were increased with plasma treatment

Modificação de membranas de quitosana por plasma para uso biológico

Chitosan membranes have been modified by plasma, utilizing the following gases: nitrogen (N2), methane (CH4), argon (Ar), oxygen (O2) and hydrogen. The modified membranes by plasma were compared to the unmodified ones. The membranes were characterized by absorption assay, contact angle, atomic force microscopy (AFM). Also, permeability assay of sodium sulfamerazine from such membranes were carried out. Through the absorption assay and contact angle it was possible to obtain information of the wettability of the membranes and what changes the plasma treatment can promote in relation to it. The plasma treatment using oxygen promoted increase of the wetability and swelling while the samples treated with methane decrease of the wetability and swelling. Through the Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) it was possible to identify which species were present in the plasma during the treatment. And through the AFM analysis it was possible to observe the changes nanotopography occurred on the surface of the samples. Permeability assay were archived for all treated membranes and compared to no treated ones. Due to that assay it was possible verify which the plasma treatment increased the permeability spectrum of the membranes which has varied from 1,4548 *10-5cm2.min-1 to 2,7713*10-5cm2.min-1. Chitosan membranes with permeability varied are importance in systems drug delivery, to liberate a wide variety of drugs

Caracterização termo-mecânica de interconectores metálicos recobertos com filmes de LaCrO3

The cells unitaria of the solid oxide fuel cell are separated by means of interconnects, which serve as electrical contact between the cells. Lanthanum Chromite (LaCrO3) has been the most common material used as interconnect in solid oxide fuel cells. Reducing the operating temperature around 800 º C of cells to solid oxide fuel make possibilite the use of metallic interconnects as an alternative to ceramic LaCrO3. Metallic interconnects have advantages over ceramic interconnects such as high thermal conductivity, electricity, good ductility, low cost, good physical and mechanical properties. In this work evaluate the thermo-mechanical properties of the metallic substrate and coated metallic substrate with the ceramic LaCrO3 film via spray-pyrolysis, in order to demonstrate the feasibility of using this material as a component of a fuel cell solid oxide. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, oxidation behavior, mechanical strength, optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The X-ray diffraction proved the formation phase of the LaCrO3 on the metallic substrate and the identification of the phases formed after the oxidative test and mechanical strength at high temperature. The oxidation behavior showed the increased oxidation resistance of the coated metallic substrate. It was noted that the mechanical resistance to bending of the coated metallic substrate only increases at room temperature. The optical microscopy (OM) has provided an assessment of both the metallic substrate and the LaCrO3 film deposited on the metal substrate that, in comparison with the micrographs obtained from SEM. The SEM one proved the formation of Cr2O3 layer on the metallic substrate and stability of LaCrO3 film after oxidative test, it can also observe the displacement of the ceramic LaCrO3 film after of mechanical testing and mapping of the main elements as chromium, manganese, oxygen, lanthanum in samples after the thermo-mechanical tests.

Estudo comparativo de pás para aerogeradores de grande porte fabricadas em materiais compósitos reforçadas com fibra de carbono ou fibra de vidro

The research and development of wind turbine blades are essential to keep pace with worldwide growth in the renewable energy sector. Although currently blades are typically produced using glass fiber reinforced composite materials, the tendency for larger size blades, particularly for offshore applications, has increased the interest on carbon fiber reinforced composites because of the potential for increased stiffness and weight reduction. In this study a model of blade designed for large generators (5 MW) was studied on a small scale. A numerical simulation was performed to determine the aerodynamic loading using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. Two blades were then designed and manufactured using epoxy matrix composites: one reinforced with glass fibers and the other with carbon fibers. For the structural calculations, maximum stress failure criterion was adopted. The blades were manufactured by Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM), typical for this type of component. A weight comparison of the two blades was performed and the weight of the carbon fiber blade was approximately 45% of the weight of the fiberglass reinforced blade. Static bending tests were carried out on the blades for various percentages of the design load and deflections measurements were compared with the values obtained from finite element simulations. A good agreement was observed between the measured and calculated deflections. In summary, the results of this study confirm that the low density combined with high mechanical properties of carbon fibers are particularly attractive for the production of large size wind turbine blades

Comparação da análise de diferentes perfis de poços pelo método DFA

The study of complex systems has become a prestigious area of science, although relatively young . Its importance was demonstrated by the diversity of applications that several studies have already provided to various fields such as biology , economics and Climatology . In physics , the approach of complex systems is creating paradigms that influence markedly the new methods , bringing to Statistical Physics problems macroscopic level no longer restricted to classical studies such as those of thermodynamics . The present work aims to make a comparison and verification of statistical data on clusters of profiles Sonic ( DT ) , Gamma Ray ( GR ) , induction ( ILD ) , neutron ( NPHI ) and density ( RHOB ) to be physical measured quantities during exploratory drilling of fundamental importance to locate , identify and characterize oil reservoirs . Software were used : Statistica , Matlab R2006a , Origin 6.1 and Fortran for comparison and verification of the data profiles of oil wells ceded the field Namorado School by ANP ( National Petroleum Agency ) . It was possible to demonstrate the importance of the DFA method and that it proved quite satisfactory in that work, coming to the conclusion that the data H ( Hurst exponent ) produce spatial data with greater congestion . Therefore , we find that it is possible to find spatial pattern using the Hurst coefficient . The profiles of 56 wells have confirmed the existence of spatial patterns of Hurst exponents , ie parameter B. The profile does not directly assessed catalogs verification of geological lithology , but reveals a non-random spatial distribution

Comparação de efeitos dos extratos de Hypericum perforatum (Hipérico) e de Mentha crispa (Hortelã) em diferentes modelos experiemtais

Several clinic evaluations have been possible with radiobiocomplexes labeled with technetium-99m (99mTc). Some natural and synthetic drugs are capable of to interfere on the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc, as well as on the biodistribution of radiobiocomplexes. Authors have also reported about the toxicity of several natural products. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the Mentha crispa (hortelã) and of the Hypericum perforatum (hipérico) in different experimental models. On the labeling of red blood cells (RBC) and plasma and cellular proteins with 99mTc, both extracts were capable of to decrease the radioactivity percentage on the cellular compartment and on the fixation on plasma and cellular proteins. On the morphometry of the RBC, only the hortelã was capable to alter the shape and the perimeter/area ratio of the RBC. On the biodistribution of the radiobiocomplex sodium pertechnetate (Na99mTcO4), the hortelã increased the Na99mTcO4 distribution in the kidney, spleen, liver and thyroid, meanwhile the hipérico decreased the Na99mTcO4 distribution in the bone, stomach, lungs and thyroid, and increased the Na99mTcO4 distribution in the pancreas. On the bacterial cultures survival, the hipérico was capable of to protect the bacteria against the stannous chloride (SnCl2) effect. The hipérico did not alter the topology of plasmidial DNA and did not protect the plasmidial DNA against the SnCl2 action. Probably, the effects presented by both extracts could be due to chemical compounds of the extracts that could alter the morphology of the RBC and the plasma membrane ions transport, and/or by phytocomplexes that could be formed with different effects dependent on the biological system considered

Comparação antropométrica, composição corporal, somatotipo e saltos verticais de atletas de voleibol de praia masculino

The kinanthropometric characteristics are used by the sports science as selection criteria and detection of talents. Hence, this study aimed at comparing the anthropometrical profile, the body composition, the somatotype and the vertical jumps of the beach volleyball players. This study consists of 79 male beach volleyball players, being forty nine (n=49) Brazilian participants of the National Circuit and thirty (n=30) of 15 countries participating in the XV Pan American Games. In order to analyze the vertical jumps of the Brazilian the participants were allocated into two groups (G1 and G2) in agreement with the national ranking of their teams. The vertical jump protocol developed by Smith and collaborators was used to evaluate the vertical jumps of spike and block. The Heath-Carter anthropometrical technique (1990) was used for calculating the somatotype. The Student s t test with the Bonferroni adjustment was used to calculate the differences among the investigated variables. The multiple regression analysis was used to identify the contributions of the anthropometrical variables in the performance of the vertical jumps and the multivariance analysis was used to calculate the differences among the components of the somatotype. The Brazilian athletes of G1 were better than G2 in the spike jump (p <0.01), block jump (p <0.01) and in the block difference (p <0.01). The prediction model of the spike jump of G2 included the body mass and standing spike reach (adjusted R2 = 0.77), the body mass and the standing block reach were also included in the model of the block jump (adjusted R2 = 0.73). The regression model of G1 was not statistically significant. As for the somatotype, statistically significant differences were found between the Brazilians and the Pan Americans (Wilks' lambda = 0.498; p <0.05). The Brazilian somatotype was classified as balanced mesomorph (2.7-4.3-3.0) and the Pan American somatotype as endomorphic mesomorph (3.5-4.6-2.4). As to the specific position of the block game (2.8-4.3-2.9) and the defense game (2.6-4.4-3.0), the Brazilian somatotype was classified as balanced mesomorph and the Pan American somatotype, the block (3.7-4.4-2.4) and the defense (3.4-4.9-2.3), was classified as endomorphic mesomorph. In conclusion, the vertical jump height (spike and block) influences the male Brazilian beach volleyball players performance. The physical type of the Brazilian blockers and defenders was similar with relationship to the somatotype. The Brazilian and Pan American beach volleyball players differ in terms of kinanthropometric characteristics. This work had a multidisciplinary feature with the participation of several departments and laboratories, like the Physiotherapy Department, the Nutrition Department, the Physical Education Laboratory, thus corroborating the multidisciplinary research feature

Análise cintilográfica da deposição pulmonar de radioaerossol após associação da nebulização através dos dispositivos mesh e jato com a ventilação não invasiva em indivíduos normais e com pneumopatias obstrutivas crônicas

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Caracterização de superfícies de titânio modificado por oxidação à plasma

Recent years have seen a significant growth in surface modifications in titanium implants, resulting in shorter healing times in regions with low bone density. Among the different techniques, subtraction by chemical agents to increase oxidation has been applied for surface treatment of dental implants. However, this technique is generally unable to remove undesirable oxides, formed spontaneously during machining of titanium parts, raising costs due to additional decontamination stages. In order to solve this problem, the present study used plasma as an energy source to both remove these oxides and oxidize the titanium surface. In this respect, Ti disks were treated by hollow cathode discharge, using a variable DC power supply and vacuum system. Samples were previously submitted to a cleaning process using an atmosphere of Ar, H2 and a mixture of both, for 20 and 60 min. The most efficient cleaning condition was used for oxidation in a mixture of argon (60%) and oxygen (40%) until reaching a pressure of 2.2 mbar for 60 min at 500°C. Surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), adhesion and cell proliferation. SEM showed less cell spreading and a larger number of projections orfilopodia in the treated samples compared to the control sample. AFM revealed surface defects in the treated samples, with varied geometry between peaks and valleys. Biological assays showed no significant difference in cell adhesion between treated surfaces and the control. With respect to cell proliferation, the treated surface exhibited improved performance when compared to the control sample. We concluded that the process was efficient in removing primary oxides as well as in oxidizing titanium surfaces

Comparação da incidência de câncer em infectados pelo HIV e em transplantados com a população geral

Introdução: Estudos demonstram uma relação entre a queda da imunidade e o aumento da incidência de câncer. Objetivo: Comparar a incidência de câncer em pacientes infectados pelo HIV e em transplantados com a da população geral. Métodos: Foi realizada revisão sistemática com metanálise, combinando descritores específicos nas bases de dados Pubmed, Scielo, Cancerlit e Google Scholar, buscando alta sensibilidade para responder o objetivo da pesquisa. Os artigos considerados de alta qualidade metodológica por apresentarem todos os critérios de inclusão foram avaliados por metanálise. Resultados: Foram incluídos 25 estudos envolvendo 866776 pessoas com HIV/AIDS e transplantados, em que foram diagnosticados 21260 novos casos de carcinoma. Observou-se que o risco para o surgimento de novos casos de câncer foi maior entre indivíduos com HIV/AIDS (SIR= 4, IC95% 3,78-4,24) e entre os transplantados (SIR= 3,28, IC95% 3,06-3,52) quando comparado com a população em geral. Conclusão: A incidência similar em ambas as populações pesquisadas sugere que o comprometimento do sistema imune, comum em ambas, é responsável pelo risco aumentado de novos casos de câncer. Investimentos em pesquisas que desenvolvam estratégias de prevenção mais eficazes para os dois grupos são necessários, pois podem contribuir para a redução da incidência e para a diminuição da mortalidade.

Eficácia do diquat no controle de Hydrilla verticillata, Egeria densa e Egeria najas e toxicidade aguda para o Guaru (Phallocerus caudimaculatus), em condições de laboratório

No Brasil, as macrófitas aquáticas submersas, Egeria densa e Egeria najas, têm causado prejuízos aos usos múltiplos da água. Hydrilla verticillata foi recentemente introduzida, mas tem histórico como planta problemática nos EUA, no México e na Austrália. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as suscetibilidades relativas dessas três macrófitas aquáticas ao diquat e os riscos da utilização desse herbicida para o guaru (Phallocerus caudimaculatus). Para isso, foram instalados ensaios em condições de laboratório, a fim de avaliar a suscetibilidade relativa das três macrófitas por meio da manutenção de ponteiros dessas plantas em soluções contendo 0,0; 0,2; 0,4; 0,8; e 1,6 mg L-1 de diquat (Reward®) por 14 dias. A avaliação foi realizada pela variação do acúmulo de matéria fresca e do comprimento dos ponteiros no período de exposição ao herbicida. H. verticillata mostrou maior sensibilidade ao diquat em comparação com as duas macrófitas do gênero Egeria, mesmo em baixas concentrações do herbicida. Nas maiores concentrações, E. densa mostrou maior sensibilidade que E. najas. O risco da aplicação do diquat para P. caudimaculatus foi estimado pela toxicidade aguda. Alevinos de P. caudimaculatus de 0,4 ± 0,2 mg foram expostos a soluções de 0,0; 1,0; 5,0; 10,0; 15,0; 20,0; 25,0; e 30,0 mg L-1 de diquat. A concentração letal de 50% (CL(I) (50;96h)) do diquat estimada para P. caudimaculatus foi de 7,17 mg L-1. Para P. caudimaculatus, a toxicidade aguda foi superior à concentração recomendada para o controle de macrófitas aquáticas submersas, indicando risco muito baixo para esse peixe.