In vivo characterization of epileptic tissue with optical spectroscopy

For children with intractable seizures, surgical removal of epileptic foci, if identifiable and feasible, can be an effective way to reduce or eliminate seizures. The success of this type of surgery strongly hinges upon the ability to identify and demarcate those epileptic foci. The ultimate goal of this research project is to develop an effective technology for detection of unique in vivo pathophysiological characteristics of epileptic cortex and, subsequently, to use this technology to guide epilepsy surgery intraoperatively. In this PhD dissertation the feasibility of using optical spectroscopy to identify uniquein vivo pathophysiological characteristics of epileptic cortex was evaluated and proven using the data collected from children undergoing epilepsy surgery. ^ In this first in vivo human study, static diffuse reflectance and fluorescence spectra were measured from the epileptic cortex, defined by intraoperative ECoG, and its surrounding tissue from pediatric patients undergoing epilepsy surgery. When feasible, biopsy samples were taken from the investigated sites for the subsequent histological analysis. Using the histological data as the gold standard, spectral data was analyzed with statistical tools. The results of the analysis show that static diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and its combination with static fluorescence spectroscopy can be used to effectively differentiate between epileptic cortex with histopathological abnormalities and normal cortex in vivo with a high degree of accuracy. ^ To maximize the efficiency of optical spectroscopy in detecting and localizing epileptic cortex intraoperatively, the static system was upgraded to investigate histopathological abnormalities deep within the epileptic cortex, as well as to detect unique temporal pathophysiological characteristics of epileptic cortex. Detection of deep abnormalities within the epileptic cortex prompted a redesign of the fiberoptic probe. A mechanical probe holder was also designed and constructed to maintain the probe contact pressure and contact point during the time dependent measurements. The dynamic diffuse reflectance spectroscopy system was used to characterize in vivo pediatric epileptic cortex. The results of the study show that some unique wavelength dependent temporal characteristics (e.g., multiple horizontal bands in the correlation coefficient map γ(λref = 800 nm, λcomp ,t)) can be found in the time dependent recordings of diffuse reflectance spectra from epileptic cortex defined by ECoG.^

Characteristics of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or National Athletic Trainers' Association -accredited athletic training programs associated with first -attempt passing rates on the NATABOC examination

Athletic training is an allied health profession recognized by the American Medical Association requiring certification by examination. There are two routes towards certification as an athletic trainer: attending a university with an accredited athletic training program or with an internship program By 2004, the only route towards certification will be by attending a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) accredited athletic training program. CAAHEP looks at passing rates on the NATA Board of Certification (NATABOC) examination when granting accreditation. This study examined characteristics of programs associated with first time passing rates. ^ Directors from 39 CAAHEP or NATA accredited athletic training programs completed a descriptive 17-question survey regarding academic characteristics, faculty characteristics, and program characteristics. Analysis used Spearman's rho correlation coefficient, with significance of p = <.05. Four program directors were interviewed to gather additional insight. ^ There were three program characteristics that showed a significant positive association with first attempt passing rates: the number of full-time and part-time approved clinical instructors (ACIs), and the number of students in the program. Further investigation found a statistically significant association between a low ratio of ACIs to athletic training students and first time passing rates. ACIs are certified athletic trainers (ATCs) who have received special training in order to supervise athletic training students. CAAHEP mandates a 1:8 ratio of ATCs to athletic training student. This study showed that a smaller ratio of ATC to student in combination with ACI training was significantly associated with higher first time passing rates. The number of courses above the required 13 delineated by the Education Council showed a significant negative association with first attempt passing rates. ^ Universities seeking or maintaining accreditation should incorporate characteristics associated with a higher passing rate on the NATABOC examination. Characteristics include utilizing a large number of full-time and part-time ACIs, admitting a large number of students into the program while maintaining a low ACI to athletic training student ratio, and offering curricula that focuses on the 13 courses that have been deemed relevant to the athletic training curriculum by the Education Council. ^

Rainfall variability in the upper Napo River Basin, Ecuadorian Amazon

The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of elevation and other terrain characteristics over the spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall. A comparative analysis was conducted between several methods of spatial interpolations using mean monthly precipitation values in order to select the best. Following those previous results it was possible to fit an Artificial Neural Network model for interpolation of monthly precipitation values for a period of 20 years, with input values such as longitude, latitude, elevation, four geomorphologic characteristics and anchored by seven weather stations, it reached a high correlation coefficient (r=0.85). This research demonstrated a strong influence of elevation and other geomorphologic variables over the spatial distribution of precipitation and the agreement that there are nonlinear relationships. This model will be used to fill gaps in time-series of monthly precipitation, and to generate maps of spatial distribution of monthly precipitation at a resolution of 1km2.

Nursing faculty intention to use service learning as pedagogy in higher education

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that motivate nursing faculty to use service learning. The study was based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), which implies that the target behavior of intention to use service learning in higher education is influenced by the predictor variables of behavior beliefs (attitude), normative beliefs (peer influence), and control beliefs (confidence and resources). External variables were also considered (years of teaching experience, tenure status, and the type of curriculum). Group interviews and a pilot test were conducted to create the instrument for the study, and Cronbach alpha were calculated for survey item reliability. The participants were full time undergraduate nursing faculty members (n=-160) in the Southeastern United States who taught in universities with accredited nurse education programs. Demographic data as well as scores on scaled survey responses were used to evaluate the intention of nursing faculty to use service learning in their classes. Pearson product moment correlation coefficient and path analysis were applied to the data. The correlation findings indicated that there were statistically significant relationships between behavior beliefs, normative beliefs, and control beliefs and nursing faculty intention to use service learning. The path analysis also indicated that behavior beliefs and normative beliefs were significant, while control beliefs were not a strong influence on intention to use service learning. Normative beliefs showed the strongest direct influence. The use of a community based curriculum also had a positive influence on intention, and faculty with tenure status were more likely to have positive behavior beliefs (attitude) towards service learning. Finally, as teaching experience increased, positive attitudes towards the intention to use service learning decreased. Seventy-nine percent of the variation in the intention to use service learning was explained by the theory of planned behavior, the type of curriculum, teaching experience, and tenure status. These results will assist nursing administration and faculty to design strategies to facilitate the implementation of service learning pedagogy, as well as a community based curriculum which will help meet the 21st century goals set forth from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Motion Correction Algorithm of Lung Tumors for Respiratory Gated PET Images

Respiratory gating in lung PET imaging to compensate for respiratory motion artifacts is a current research issue with broad potential impact on quantitation, diagnosis and clinical management of lung tumors. However, PET images collected at discrete bins can be significantly affected by noise as there are lower activity counts in each gated bin unless the total PET acquisition time is prolonged, so that gating methods should be combined with imaging-based motion correction and registration methods. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a fast and practical solution to the problem of respiratory motion for the detection and accurate quantitation of lung tumors in PET images. This included: (1) developing a computer-assisted algorithm for PET/CT images that automatically segments lung regions in CT images, identifies and localizes lung tumors of PET images; (2) developing and comparing different registration algorithms which processes all the information within the entire respiratory cycle and integrate all the tumor in different gated bins into a single reference bin. Four registration/integration algorithms: Centroid Based, Intensity Based, Rigid Body and Optical Flow registration were compared as well as two registration schemes: Direct Scheme and Successive Scheme. Validation was demonstrated by conducting experiments with the computerized 4D NCAT phantom and with a dynamic lung-chest phantom imaged using a GE PET/CT System. Iterations were conducted on different size simulated tumors and different noise levels. Static tumors without respiratory motion were used as gold standard; quantitative results were compared with respect to tumor activity concentration, cross-correlation coefficient, relative noise level and computation time. Comparing the results of the tumors before and after correction, the tumor activity values and tumor volumes were closer to the static tumors (gold standard). Higher correlation values and lower noise were also achieved after applying the correction algorithms. With this method the compromise between short PET scan time and reduced image noise can be achieved, while quantification and clinical analysis become fast and precise.

Annotated record and chemical composition of ferromanganese concretions and crusts sampled from the lakes and streams of Norway

The main objective of the project was to develop a geochemical method for exploration of ores associated with granitic rocks. Fe and Mn oxidates were sampled in streambeds and lakes from 129 localities in Southeastern Norway. 65 of these localities are situated in the northern Oslo Graben. The samples were examined mineralogically and chemically by a variety of methods. Geochemical maps of the element content in oxidates show regional distribution patterns for several elements. Sampling and analysis of oxidates can be used in exploration for mineralizations such as the Skrukkelia Mo-deposit in the northern Oslo Graben. New anomalies (especially for Zn and W) have been detected. Appendix I contains a description of samples, chemical and mineralogical determinations performed on the samples, backscattered electron image-, X-ray image- and scanning electron image pictures of the oxidate preparates. Appendix II contains spectral plots, point analysis with the microprobe, X-ray diffractograms, analytical results, correlation coefficient matrix, scatterplots, frequency distributions and information on data storage. Appendix III containS maps of the element content in oxidates.

Análise estratégica das Instituições de Ensino Superior privadas da cidade do Natal

Private Higher Education Institutions are embedded in a market where competitiveness is a key factor. To remain competitive, HEIs needs to have proactive and innovative strategies, especially to understand their main customers, students, with regard to their expectations about the quality of HEI. This study is to evaluate the overall private institutions of higher education in the city of Natal / RN, as the strategies adopted to remain on the market , based on the perceived quality of students. For conduct this research, it has developed two private institutions in the city of Natal, through the application using exploratory research to guide the survey for data collection with questionnaire to apply the overview with students, being directed to senior students courses in Bussiness, Accounting and Law. This research tool addresses aspects relevant to map the dimensions: (1) teaching, perspectives related to methods and teaching tools; ( 2 ) teachers, specifies the quality attributes related to teachers; (3 ) Infrastructure, describes the environment of the HEI; ( 4 ) services , evaluates the quality processes that attach to the HEI; and ( 5 ) intangible relates aspects with student satisfaction. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques using the Statistical Package Tool for Social Sciences (SPSS). The first stage of results characterizes the descriptive analysis of the overall sample and by HEI and course, plus a build univariate analysis of the HEI and also bivariate analysis shows that correlation of the factors through Spearman correlation coefficient. The results were used to compose a matrix of importance versus performance that compare with the contents of the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC). Finally, these comparisons allowed identification of the most important factors for the quality of the HEI and the level of performance from institutions in the development of each attributes of quality dimensions.

Análise da imunoexpressão de Oct- 4 e C44 em lesões odontogênicas epiteliais benignas

benign epithelial odontogenic lesions are great clinical importance entities that develop in the jaws from the tissues that form teeth. It has been shown that in benign and malignant tumors, are present in a large number of tumor stem cells, which has great implications in the development of these lesions. Oct-4 and CD44 have been demos as important markers for tumoral stem cells. The objective of this study was to identify epithelial cells expressing stem cell markers by immunohistochemical expression of Oct-4 and CD44 in a series of cases of benign epithelial odontogenic lesions. The sample was comprised of 20 cases of odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), 20 cases of solid/multicystic ameloblastoma and 20 cases of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT). The expression of Oct-4 and CD44 was evaluated in epithelial lesions using the percentage of positive cells (PP) and the intensity of expression (IE), being realized the sum of these scores, resulting in Total Immunostaining Score (TIS) ranging 0 to 7. The results were submitted to the appropriate statistical test (nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation coefficient). All cases were positive for both markers and most showed high expression of both markers. The analysis of Oct-4 expression revealed no statistically significant differences (p = 0.406) among the studied lesions. Regarding the CD44 expression, there was a statistically significant difference between the cases of ameloblastoma and TOA in relation to the CCO, with the latter show more cases in the score 7 (p = 0.034). In the correlation analysis of the immunoreactivity of both markers in the three lesions studied, there was no statistically significant correlation. The results of this study identified the presence of cells with stemness characteristics arranged at various sites in the epithelial component of the studied lesions suggesting their possible role in the histogenesis and differentiation in benign epithelial odontogenic lesions, thus contributing to the development of these lesions.

Análise da imunoexpressão de Oct- 4 e C44 em lesões odontogênicas epiteliais benignas

benign epithelial odontogenic lesions are great clinical importance entities that develop in the jaws from the tissues that form teeth. It has been shown that in benign and malignant tumors, are present in a large number of tumor stem cells, which has great implications in the development of these lesions. Oct-4 and CD44 have been demos as important markers for tumoral stem cells. The objective of this study was to identify epithelial cells expressing stem cell markers by immunohistochemical expression of Oct-4 and CD44 in a series of cases of benign epithelial odontogenic lesions. The sample was comprised of 20 cases of odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), 20 cases of solid/multicystic ameloblastoma and 20 cases of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT). The expression of Oct-4 and CD44 was evaluated in epithelial lesions using the percentage of positive cells (PP) and the intensity of expression (IE), being realized the sum of these scores, resulting in Total Immunostaining Score (TIS) ranging 0 to 7. The results were submitted to the appropriate statistical test (nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation coefficient). All cases were positive for both markers and most showed high expression of both markers. The analysis of Oct-4 expression revealed no statistically significant differences (p = 0.406) among the studied lesions. Regarding the CD44 expression, there was a statistically significant difference between the cases of ameloblastoma and TOA in relation to the CCO, with the latter show more cases in the score 7 (p = 0.034). In the correlation analysis of the immunoreactivity of both markers in the three lesions studied, there was no statistically significant correlation. The results of this study identified the presence of cells with stemness characteristics arranged at various sites in the epithelial component of the studied lesions suggesting their possible role in the histogenesis and differentiation in benign epithelial odontogenic lesions, thus contributing to the development of these lesions.

Minimal residual disease monitoring in multiple myeloma: a comparison between allelic-specific oligonucleotide real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Minimal residual disease (MRD) studies are useful in multiple myeloma (MM). However, the definition of the best technique and clinical utility are still unresolved issues. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the clinical utility of MRD studies in MM with two different techniques: allelic-specific oligonucleotide real-time quantitative PCR (ASO-RQ-PCR), and flow cytometry (FCM). DESIGN AND METHODS: Bone marrow samples from 32 MM patients who had achieved complete response after transplantation were evaluated by ASO-RQ-PCR, using TaqMan technology, and multiparametric FCM. RESULTS: ASO-RQ-PCR was only applicable in 75% of patients for a variety of technical reasons, while FCM was applicable in up to 90%. Therefore, simultaneous PCR/FCM analysis was possible in only 24 patients. The number of residual tumor cells identified by both techniques was very similar (mean=0.29%, range=0.001-1.61%, correlation coefficient=0.861). However, RQ-PCR was able to detect residual myelomatous cells in 17 patients while FCM only did so in 11; thus, 6 cases were FCM negative but PCR positive, all of them displaying a very low number of clonal cells (median=0.014%, range=0.001-0.11). Using an MRD threshold of 0.01% (10(-4)) two risk groups with significantly different progression-free survival could be identified by either PCR (34 vs. 15m, p=0.04) or FCM (27 vs. 10m, p=0.05). INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: Although MRD evaluation by ASO-RQ-PCR is slightly more sensitive and specific than FCM, it is applicable in a lower proportion of MM patients and is more time-consuming, while both techniques provide similar prognostic information.

Design and development of a diagonal-airflow batch dryer for spatial drying homogeneity

Das Verfahren der Lebensmitteltrocknung wird häufig angewendet, um ein Produkt für längere Zeit haltbar zu machen. Obst und Gemüse sind aufgrund ihres hohen Wassergehalts leicht verderblich durch biochemische Vorgänge innerhalb des Produktes, nicht sachgemäße Lagerung und unzureichende Transportmöglichkeiten. Um solche Verluste zu vermeiden wird die direkte Trocknung eingesetzt, welche die älteste Methode zum langfristigen haltbarmachen ist. Diese Methode ist jedoch veraltet und kann den heutigen Herausforderungen nicht gerecht werden. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde ein neuer Chargentrockner, mit diagonalem Luftstömungskanal entlang der Länge des Trocknungsraumes und ohne Leitbleche entwickelt. Neben dem unbestreitbaren Nutzen der Verwendung von Leitblechen, erhöhen diese jedoch die Konstruktionskosten und führen auch zu einer Erhöhung des Druckverlustes. Dadurch wird im Trocknungsprozess mehr Energie verbraucht. Um eine räumlich gleichmäßige Trocknung ohne Leitbleche zu erreichen, wurden die Lebensmittelbehälter diagonal entlang der Länge des Trockners platziert. Das vorrangige Ziel des diagonalen Kanals war, die einströmende, warme Luft gleichmäßig auf das gesamte Produkt auszurichten. Die Simulation des Luftstroms wurde mit ANSYS-Fluent in der ANSYS Workbench Plattform durchgeführt. Zwei verschiedene Geometrien der Trocknungskammer, diagonal und nicht diagonal, wurden modelliert und die Ergebnisse für eine gleichmäßige Luftverteilung aus dem diagonalen Luftströmungsdesign erhalten. Es wurde eine Reihe von Experimenten durchgeführt, um das Design zu bewerten. Kartoffelscheiben dienten als Trocknungsgut. Die statistischen Ergebnisse zeigen einen guten Korrelationskoeffizienten für die Luftstromverteilung (87,09%) zwischen dem durchschnittlich vorhergesagten und der durchschnittlichen gemessenen Strömungsgeschwindigkeit. Um den Effekt der gleichmäßigen Luftverteilung auf die Veränderung der Qualität zu bewerten, wurde die Farbe des Produktes, entlang der gesamten Länge der Trocknungskammer kontaktfrei im on-line-Verfahren bestimmt. Zu diesem Zweck wurde eine Imaging-Box, bestehend aus Kamera und Beleuchtung entwickelt. Räumliche Unterschiede dieses Qualitätsparameters wurden als Kriterium gewählt, um die gleichmäßige Trocknungsqualität in der Trocknungskammer zu bewerten. Entscheidend beim Lebensmittel-Chargentrockner ist sein Energieverbrauch. Dafür wurden thermodynamische Analysen des Trockners durchgeführt. Die Energieeffizienz des Systems wurde unter den gewählten Trocknungsbedingungen mit 50,16% kalkuliert. Die durchschnittlich genutzten Energie in Form von Elektrizität zur Herstellung von 1kg getrockneter Kartoffeln wurde mit weniger als 16,24 MJ/kg und weniger als 4,78 MJ/kg Wasser zum verdampfen bei einer sehr hohen Temperatur von jeweils 65°C und Scheibendicken von 5mm kalkuliert. Die Energie- und Exergieanalysen für diagonale Chargentrockner wurden zudem mit denen anderer Chargentrockner verglichen. Die Auswahl von Trocknungstemperatur, Massenflussrate der Trocknungsluft, Trocknerkapazität und Heiztyp sind die wichtigen Parameter zur Bewertung der genutzten Energie von Chargentrocknern. Die Entwicklung des diagonalen Chargentrockners ist eine nützliche und effektive Möglichkeit um dei Trocknungshomogenität zu erhöhen. Das Design erlaubt es, das gesamte Produkt in der Trocknungskammer gleichmäßigen Luftverhältnissen auszusetzen, statt die Luft von einer Horde zur nächsten zu leiten.

Validade e fiabilidade do protocolo de avaliação da qualidade vocal da Universidade de Aveiro

O presente estudo teve como principal objetivo rever a versão original do Protocolo de Avaliação da Qualidade Vocal da Universidade de Aveiro (PAQVUA), criar o respetivo manual, comprovar a validade de conteúdo do PAQVUA assim como a sua fiabilidade inter e intra avaliador. Para rever a versão original do PAQVUA, foi efetuada uma revisão narrativa da literatura, com o objetivo de encontrar informação que revelasse a pertinência, da versão original do protocolo, para assim se efetuarem as alterações necessárias. Para analisar a validade de conteúdo recorreu-se a um painel de peritos, num total de seis, especialistas na área da voz que avaliaram as provas do PAQVUA, folha de registo e manual. Os peritos avaliaram todos os componentes do PAQVUA através do preenchimento de um questionário com o objetivo de se comprovar a relevância, clareza e precisão de cada uma das provas de avaliação e também o conteúdo do seu manual. Para além disso pretendeu-se também comprovar a fiabilidade inter e intra avaliador do PAQVUA. Para isso, o mesmo protocolo foi aplicado duas vezes por duas avaliadoras diferentes e também foi aplicado em dois momentos temporais diferentes por uma só avaliadora. A amostra teve um total de doze participantes. Para analisar estatisticamente os resultados da validade de conteúdo utilizou-se o método gráfico Bland e Altman modificado e o Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasses (CCI). Para a fiabilidade inter e intra avaliador recorreu-se ao Coeficiente de Correlação de Spearman (ρ) e ao Kappa de Cohen (k). Relativamente aos resultados obtidos com o método Bland e Altman modificado, verificou-se a existência de concordância entre os peritos através da análise dos gráficos, sendo que a maioria dos pontos se encontrou dentro dos limites esperados de concordância. Quanto aos valores do CCI (entre 0.379 e 0.479), estes revelaram uma correlação regular. No que concerne à fiabilidade inter avaliador, os resultados de correlação e concordância apresentaram-se relevantes, com valores de ρ (de Spearman) superiores a 0.700 e valores de k (de Cohen) superiores a 0.600, na maioria dos casos. O mesmo foi constatado para a fiabilidade intra avaliador. Desta forma pode concluir-se que a nova versão do PAQVUA apresenta validade de conteúdo sendo tal comprovado pelo método de Bland-Altman modificado e pelos valores do CCI. Quanto à fiabilidade inter e intra avaliador, pode afirmar-se que o PAQVUA é fiável, porém como a amostra em estudo é pequena, o que a torna pouco representativa, esta conclusão carece de fundamento com base num estudo mais alargado. Apesar da limitação referida, acredita-se que este protocolo é uma mais-valia para o estudo da patologia vocal em ambiente clínico, assim como para a investigação científica nesta área, pois através do PAQVUA podem-se recolher diversas informações relacionadas com a voz, úteis para uma intervenção terapêutica baseada em evidências científicas.

Comparação da medida de cor de pescado entre sistema de visão computacional e colorímetro convencional no frescor do pescado

A cor da superfície dos alimentos é o primeiro parâmetro de qualidade avaliado pelos consumidores, e é critico para a aceitação do produto, então a medição adequada da cor é uma importante ferramenta. Nesta pesquisa avaliou-se a variação da cor em corvina (Micropogonias furnieri) armazenada em gelo durante 16 dias; os parâmetros de luminosidade (L*), valor cromático a*, valor cromático b*, variação total da cor (ΔE) e croma (C*) foram obtidos por sistema de visão computacional, e por colorímetro Konica Minolta CR-400. O frescor da corvina baseada nas mudanças da cor das brânquias foi avaliado utilizando um sistema de visão computacional. Também se modelou a oxidação da mioglobina em files de burriquete (Pogonias cromis), utilizando os parâmetros de vermelho (valor a* e R). Para registrar as mudanças da cor durante 57,6 h utilizou-se um sistema de visão computacional, a análise química realizou-se determinando a concentração de metamioglobina (%). Na avaliação da cor de corvina armazenada em gelo, o sistema de visão computacional mostrou diferenças significativas para L*, a*, ΔE e C*, enquanto que o colorímetro mostrou diferenças significativas para L* e ΔE, o único parâmetro que não apresentou diferenças entre instrumentos foi ΔE durante a avaliação da corvina armazenada em gelo. O coeficiente de correlação entre os parâmetros da cor (L*, a* e b*) das brânquias da corvina armazenada em gelo pelo tempo de armazenamento foi de 0,9747. O sistema de visão computacional registrou as mudanças da cor em filés de burriquete e se modelaram as mudanças utilizando um modelo exponencial. O sistema de visão computacional mostrou ser mais sensível às mudanças da cor durante a avaliação da cor na corvina armazenada em gelo. É possível prognosticar o tempo de armazenamento da corvina em gelo em função da mudança da cor das brânquias. Assim, foi possível modelar a variação da mioglobina em filés de burriquete utilizando sistemas de visão computacional para registrar ditas mudanças. Os sistemas de visão computacional têm grande capacidade para registrar as mudanças da cor e é possível utiliza-los para avaliar os alimentos em função da cor.

An investigation on benthic macro-invertebrates species diversity as bio-indicators of environmental health in Bahrekan Bay

The purpose of this study was to evaluate benthic macro-invertebrates species diversity as bio-indicators of environmental health in Bahrekan bay (in the Northwest of Persian gulf). Seasonal sediments sampling along 5 transects, 15 stations at 4 replicates (3 replicates for macrobenthos and 1 replicate for sediment analysis) was done from November 2008 to August 2009 by 0.025 m2 Van Veen grab sampler. Physical and chemical parameters of water, grain size analysis, %TOM and Ni and Va concentrations of sediments were assessed through four seasons. Macrobenthic communities after staining and sorting, using stereomicroscope have been identified. Their density in every station and every season calculated. For using of AMBI index, identified macrobenthos according to their sensitivity to stressors and pollutants, categorized into 5 ecological groups and for using of Bentix index categorized into 3 ecological groups. The diversity indices and indicators that showing ecological status were calculated. Also, the differences between physiochemical parameters of sea water, sediments TOM% and grain size, diversity indices in stations and seasons were recorded (P=0.05). The correlation coefficient determined for all parameters. According to the results of grain size analysis, bottom grain size categorized as clay. Highest percent of TOM was belong to autumn (36.39±.075) and lowest was belong to summer (19.01±0.51). Also there was positive correlation (p=0.01) between %TOM and %Clay that showing sediments with lowest size containing highest amounts of organic matters. Ni concentrations in sediments (87.80±21.25)mg/kg showed the amounts over than standards levels but Va concentrations in sediments (53.54±17.60)mg/kg showed the amounts lower than standards level. The highest density of macrobenthos was recorded for summer (8254±485) N/m2 and the lowest density was recorded for spring (3775±172)N/m2. The highest annual density was belong to mollusca (81%) and then polycheates (13%), Others (4%) and crustaceae (2%). The highest diversity was recorded for winter (Simpson index: 0.13±0.01, H':3.47±0.06) and the lowest diversity recorded for autumn (Simpson index: 0.16±0.01, H':3.17±0.06). in all stations, the highest amount of Shanon index was belong to T2S3 station in summer (4.11± 0.32) and the lowest amount was belong to T1S1 station in autumn (2.42± 0.41). The annual mean of Simpson diversity index: (0.15 ±0.04) and Shanon diversity index (3.36±0.03), illustrated that macrobenthos in Bahrekan bay have a good variation. The results of Brilluin and N1 (Number of equally common species) indices confirm the results of Simpson index. For study on the regions that diversity has a little difference between stations, with use of Ni index, the degree of differences could be better ono recognizable. According to the results of AMBI index in all seasons (autumn: 0.46±0.03; summer: 0.22±0.01; annual mean:0.31±0.01) and standards (0.0

Correlação entre o sinal mecanomiográfico e a escala modificada de Ashworth durante avaliação clínica da espasticidade

Spasticity is a common disorder in people who have upper motor neuron injury. The involvement may occur at different levels. The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) is the most used method to measure involvement levels. But it corresponds to a subjective evaluation. Mechanomyography (MMG) is an objective technique that quantifies the muscle vibration during the contraction and stretching events. So, it may assess the level of spasticity accurately. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between spasticity levels determined by MAS with MMG signal in spastic and not spastic muscles. In the experimental protocol, we evaluated 34 members of 22 volunteers, of both genders, with a mean age of 39.91 ± 13.77 years. We evaluated the levels of spasticity by MAS in flexor and extensor muscle groups of the knee and/or elbow, where one muscle group was the agonist and one antagonist. Simultaneously the assessment by the MAS, caught up the MMG signals. We used a custom MMG equipment to register and record the signals, configured in LabView platform. Using the MatLab computer program, it was processed the MMG signals in the time domain (median energy) and spectral domain (median frequency) for the three motion axes: X (transversal), Y (longitudinal) and Z (perpendicular). For bandwidth delimitation, we used a 3rd order Butterworth filter, acting in the range of 5-50 Hz. Statistical tests as Spearman's correlation coefficient, Kruskal-Wallis test and linear correlation test were applied. As results in the time domain, the Kruskal-Wallis test showed differences in median energy (MMGME) between MAS groups. The linear correlation test showed high linear correlation between MAS and MMGME for the agonist muscle as well as for the antagonist group. The largest linear correlation occurred between the MAS and MMG ME for the Z axis of the agonist muscle group (R2 = 0.9557) and the lowest correlation occurred in the X axis, for the antagonist muscle group (R2 = 0.8862). The Spearman correlation test also confirmed high correlation for all axes in the time domain analysis. In the spectral domain, the analysis showed an increase in the median frequency (MMGMF) in MAS’ greater levels. The highest correlation coefficient between MAS and MMGMF signal occurred in the Z axis for the agonist muscle group (R2 = 0.4883), and the lowest value occurred on the Y axis for the antagonist group (R2 = 0.1657). By means of the Spearman correlation test, the highest correlation occurred between the Y axis of the agonist group (0.6951; p <0.001) and the lowest value on the X axis of the antagonist group (0.3592; p <0.001). We conclude that there was a significantly high correlation between the MMGME and MAS in both muscle groups. Also between MMG and MAS occurred a significant correlation, however moderate for the agonist group, and low for the antagonist group. So, the MMGME proved to be more an appropriate descriptor to correlate with the degree of spasticity defined by the MAS.