Efetividade da doxiciclina na profilaxia contra letptospirose

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis of considerable medical and economical importance that affects humans in both urban and rural contexts, as well as domestic animals and wild fauna. Leptospira interrogans is the causative agent and is transmitted to humans by indirect contact with contaminated soil or water. The clinical syndromes include sub clinical infection, self-limited anicteric febrile illness, and severe and potentially fatal illness, known as Weil´s syndrome. In developed countries, leptospirosis is related to occupational or recreational activities while in developing countries, outbreaks occur during floods. In those regions, traditional strategies to prevent the transmission are difficulties to be implemented because of costs and lack of community acceptance. In addition, no efficient vaccine is available for human use. Several studies have suggested that chemoprophylaxis with doxycycline pre and post-exposure may be effective to prevent leptospirosis. Leptospirosis has been reported in rural areas of the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil since 1985 in rice farmers who present the anicteric illness. The disease cause great social and economics impact. The study was conducted in São Miguel where an epidemic of leptospirosis in rice farmers was reported. The main objective was to determine the efficacy of doxycycline in preventing Leptospira exposure. A taxa de soroprevalência de leptospirose na população estudada antes e após a colheita foi de 14,2% (n=22) e de 16.6% (n=27) respectivamente. Anti-Leptospira serology was determined for 61 subjects in two instances, pre and post-exposure to potential contaminated water. There was an increased risk of 29.0 per cent in acquiring infection for individuals that did not use doxycycline. In addition, an increased risk of 30.0 % observed in farmers who did not use protection when exposed to Leptospira. The adhesion to preventive chemoprophylaxis was 55.7%. Therefore doxycycline, under specific circunstances appears to be an effective alternative to protect against leptosprirosis infection. A large sample composed of individuals to adhere to preventive therapy is needed to define time, dosage and length of use of doxycycline in this area

Influência do fotoperíodo e da temperatura na intensidade de doença causada por Fusarium graminearum em Egeria densa e E. najas

Um isolado de Fusarium graminearum vem sendo estudado na UNESP, campus de Jaboticabal, como agente de controle biológico de Egeria densa e de E. najas, plantas aquáticas submersas que causam problemas em reservatórios de hidrelétricas. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo estudar os efeitos do fotoperíodo e da temperatura no controle dessas plantas em condições de laboratório. A cada dois dias foram avaliados os sintomas nas plantas inoculadas com F. graminearum, atribuindo-se notas de severidade da doença, por um período de oito dias após a inoculação. Também foi avaliado o crescimento das plantas por meio do ganho de massa fresca, expresso em porcentagem. A maior severidade da doença foi observada quando ambas as espécies foram mantidas no escuro, e a menor, em fotoperíodo de 12 horas. A temperatura de 30 ºC proporcionou maior severidade de doença em ambas as espécies. A espécie E. densa apresentou maior produção de massa fresca no regime de 12 horas de luz e de temperaturas abaixo de 25 ºC e menor produção no regime de escuro total e nas temperaturas de 30 e 35 ºC. Por sua vez, E. najas apresentou menor produção de massa fresca no regime de escuro e nas temperaturas de 25 a 35 ºC.

Qualidade de vida medida pelo "WHOQOL-bref": estudo comparativo de pacientes em hemodiálise e pós-transplante renal

Exploratory descriptive study, prospective with quantitative approach, performed in the nefrology outpatient service from the Onofre Lopes University Hospital (HUOL), Natal/RN, aiming to identify aspects that concern Quality of Life (QOL) on transplanted and hemodialysis patients, as measured by WHOQOL-bref and describe the aspects that differentiate QL between the two groups as measured by the same instrument. The population was of 62 renal patients in hemodialysis and 58 transplantd, with data collected from february to march 2006. The instrument used was WHOQOL-bref, translated to and validated for Portuguese by the multicentric group of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Brazil. The results show predominance of the masculine gender both in the post-transplant group (55,17%), as well as in the hemodialysis group (51,61%); the age strip of 28 to 43 prevailed, among which were 53,45% transplanted and 48,99% hemodialysis patients; 79,93% of the hemodialysis patients and 62,07% of the transplanted were provenient from ouside the capital of the state; from the hemodialysis population, 59,68% were married, while among the transplanted 48,28% were single; 58,06% of the hemodialisys patients had 1 to 3 children, while the majority of the transplanted, 44,83%, had no children; regarding scholarity level on both groups, there was a predominance of incomplete fundamental school, representing 62,9% of the hemodialysis patients and 46,6% of the transplanted; regarding work status, 98,39% of those in hemodialysis informed not to be working, and the same applied to the transplanted, with 75,86%; regarding treatment time, most patients of both populations were in the 1- to 4-year interval, of which were 62,9% of the hemodialisys patients and 53,45% of the transplanted. The analysis of WHOQOL-bref reliability through Crobach s Alpha coefficient had a value of 0,8816, demonstrating good internal consistency for the instrument. Regarding description of QOL tests, the average scores of the post-transplant were (Q-1) 18,14 e (Q-2) 18,69, and 12,3 (Q-1) and 11,29 (Q-2) for the group in hemodialisys. Regarding the aspects that differentiate QOL on the two groups observed through average scores from the Domains: Physical, 15,91 for the post-transplant group and 12,71 for the hemodialisys group; Psychological, 16,75 for the post-transplant group and 14,84 for the hemodialisys group; Social Relations, 17,79 on the post-transplant group and 16,58 on the hemodialisys group; Environment, 14,16 on the post-transplant group and 12,38 on the hemodialisys group. On every evaluated item, the post-transplant group achieved higher scores when compared to the hemodialisys group. The diference in QOL for both populations was significant on all items evaluated with a p<0,005

Comparação de sistemas de avaliação de dietas para bovinos no modelo de produção intensiva de carne. Suplementação do pasto para vacas na estação seca

Foram utilizadas 30 vacas da raça Canchim com 50 meses de idade e peso corporal médio de 471 kg, que receberam suplemento alimentar durante a estação seca de 1998, objetivando avaliar a precisão no desempenho estimado por diferentes sistemas de avaliação de dietas. Os suplementos, à base de silagem de milho, milho, polpa cítrica peletizada, farelo de algodão, farelo de soja e soja integral, seguiram as recomendações do Sistema de Proteína Metabolizável (MP); do Sistema de Proteína e Carboidratos Líquidos de Cornell (CNCPS); e do Sistema de Proteína Digestível no Intestino (PDI), para manutenção do peso corporal. A variação diária de peso corporal obtida não diferiu entre os tratamentos CNCPS, MP e PDI, com médias de 0,34; 0,33; e 0,19 kg/cab, respectivamente. Quando a produção de carne constituiu-se no objetivo único do sistema produtivo, a análise econômica revelou saldo de R$22,00; R$-44,73; e R$47,27/ha/ano, para os sistemas CNCPS, MP e PDI, respectivamente. Concluiu-se que os suplementos avaliados pelos sistemas proporcionaram resultados de desempenho animal compatíveis com os estimados.

Uma fundamentação para sinais e sistemas intervalares

In this work we use Interval Mathematics to establish interval counterparts for the main tools used in digital signal processing. More specifically, the approach developed here is oriented to signals, systems, sampling, quantization, coding and Fourier transforms. A detailed study for some interval arithmetics which handle with complex numbers is provided; they are: complex interval arithmetic (or rectangular), circular complex arithmetic, and interval arithmetic for polar sectors. This lead us to investigate some properties that are relevant for the development of a theory of interval digital signal processing. It is shown that the sets IR and R(C) endowed with any correct arithmetic is not an algebraic field, meaning that those sets do not behave like real and complex numbers. An alternative to the notion of interval complex width is also provided and the Kulisch- Miranker order is used in order to write complex numbers in the interval form enabling operations on endpoints. The use of interval signals and systems is possible thanks to the representation of complex values into floating point systems. That is, if a number x 2 R is not representable in a floating point system F then it is mapped to an interval [x;x], such that x is the largest number in F which is smaller than x and x is the smallest one in F which is greater than x. This interval representation is the starting point for definitions like interval signals and systems which take real or complex values. It provides the extension for notions like: causality, stability, time invariance, homogeneity, additivity and linearity to interval systems. The process of quantization is extended to its interval counterpart. Thereafter the interval versions for: quantization levels, quantization error and encoded signal are provided. It is shown that the interval levels of quantization represent complex quantization levels and the classical quantization error ranges over the interval quantization error. An estimation for the interval quantization error and an interval version for Z-transform (and hence Fourier transform) is provided. Finally, the results of an Matlab implementation is given

Electrochemical Reduction Using Glassy Carbon Electrode in Aqueous Medium of a Potential Anti-Chagas Drug: NFOH

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Functional alterations in endocrine pancreas of rats with different degrees of dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance

Objectives: We have analyzed the peripheral insulin and glucose sensitivity in vivo, and islet function ex vivo in rats with different degrees of insulin resistance induced by dexamethasone (DEX).Methods: Dexamethasone, in the concentrations of 0.1 (DEX 0.1), 0.5 (DEX 0.5), and 1.0 mg/kg body weight (DEX 1.0) was administered daily, intraperitoneally, to adult Wistar rats for 5 days, whereas controls received saline.Results: Dexamethasone treatment induced peripheral insulin resistance in a dose-dependent manner. At the end of the treatment, only DEX 1.0 rats showed significant increase of postabsorptive blood glucose and serum triglycerides, and nonesterified fatty acids levels. Incubation of pancreatic islets in increasing glucose concentrations (2.8-22 mM) led to an augmented insulin secretion in all DEX-treated rats. Leucine, carbachol, and high KCl concentrations induced the insulin release in DEX 0.5 and DEX 1.0, whereas arginine augmented secretion in all DEX-treated groups.Conclusions: We demonstrate that in DEX 0.5 and, especially in DEX 0.1 groups, but not in DEX 1.0, the adaptations that occurred in the endocrine pancreas are able to counteract metabolic disorders (glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia). These animal models seem to be interesting approaches for the study of degrees of subjacent effects that may mediate type 2 diabetes (DEX 1.0) and islet function alterations, without collateral effects (DEX 0.1 and DEX 0.5).

Neoaustin: a meroterpene produced by Penicillium sp.

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Configurações de semeadura e produção e qualidade da fibra do algodoeiro

We evaluated, in two locations, production and fiber quality of cultivar IAC 23 cotton plants in ultra-narrow row, narrow row and conventional row spacing, varying number of plants by linear meter. Two experiments had been lead, one in Piracicaba - SP and another one in Campinas - SP, both in the crop year 2001/02. The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a factorial scheme, with 4 replications, being three spacing rows: 0.38m (ultra-narrow), 0.76m (narrow), and 0.95 m (conventional); and four densities (5, 8, 11, and 14 plants by linear meter). In Piracicaba, the production of cotton was 12% and 8,4 % superior in the ultra-narrow row and narrow row, respectively, when compared to the conventional row. In the ultra-narrow row in the smaller density of plants in the line, the production of cotton was 29.2% and 22.3% superior, respectively, to the productions of the narrow row and conventional row in the same number of plants in the line. The smaller spacing and higher plant density on the line, the smaller the number of bolls per plant at both locations. The agronomic characters of laboratory and the technological characteristics of the fiber were not modified by the populations of plants in the two studied environments.

Equações de segundo grau e mudança de variáveis

In this work are presented, as a review and in a historical context, the most used methods to solve quadratic equations. It is also shown the simplest type of change of variables, namely: x = Ay + B where A;B 2 R, and some changes of variables that were used to solve quadratic equations throughout history. Finally, a change of variable, which has been used by the author in the classroom as an alternative method, is presented and the result of this methodoly is illustrated by the responses of a test that was done by the students in classroom

Zona thinning with a noncontact diode laser in ICSI embryos from women of advanced age

Purpose: the objective of this study was to determine if the zona thinning (ZT) technique improved the rates of implantation and clinical pregnancy for patients aged, greater than or equal to38 years submitted to an ICSI program.Methods: A total of 100 patients submitted to ICSI and aged, greater than or equal to38 years were divided in a prospective and randomized manner into two groups: Group I - patients submitted to ZT (n = 50); a laser diode with 1.48 mum wavelength (Fertilaser) was used for the ZT procedure with 1-2 irradiations of 10 ms applied to four different positions on the zona pellucida (ZP) of each embryo to thin 60-90% of the ZP (each point with a 15-20 mum length of ZT). Group II - patients with no ZT (n = 50). In both groups, embryo transfer was performed on the second or third day.Results: the age of Group I patients (39.8 +/- 1.3) did not differ (p = 0.67) from that of Group II patients (40 +/- 1.9). The number of oocytes retrieved at metaphase II from Group I (6.4 +/- 4.2) and Group II (6.8 +/- 5) was similar (p = 0.94). Normal fertilization rates and cleavage rates were similar (p = 0.78 and p = 0.63, respectively) for Group I (71.5 +/- 22% and 96.7 +/- 11%) and Group II (73.5 +/- 19.7% and 96 +/- 11%, respectively). The number of embryos transferred was similar (p = 0.53) for the two groups (Group I = 3.1 +/- 1.3; Group II = 2.9 +/- 1.1). The thickness of the ZP of Group I embryos (16.9 +/- 2.4 mum) did not differ (p = 0.97) from that of Group II embryos (16.9 +/- 2.3 mum). The rates of embryo implantation and clinical pregnancy per embryo transfer were similar (p = 0.67, p = 0.61) for Group I (7 and 16%, respectively) and for Group II (8.2 and 22%, respectively).Conclusions: These results suggest that ZT in the population aged, 38 years may have no impact on ICSI success rates. However, this conclusion is limited to a situation in which length of the laser ZT was less than or equal to 20 mum and the laser was applied to four different positions.

Os 'troncos velhos' e os 'quilombinhos': memória genealógica, território e afirmação étnica em Boa Vista dos Negros (RN)

Durante a pesquisa visando à elaboração do relatório antropológico de Boa Vista dos Negros, comunidade quilombola do Seridó (RN), verificamos que o grupo conserva uma longa memória genealógica e que, apesar das mudanças ocorridas na organização econômica e social do grupo, as principais formas de solidariedade foram mantidas. Queremos, aqui, refletir sobre a importância da noção de família, a transmissão dos nomes e da memória genealógica na definição do território quilombola. Na ocasião, serão analisados como os elementos da cultura tradicional são ressignificados ao longo do processo de afirmação étnica

Effects of low-level laser therapy (685 nm) at different doses in osteogenic cell cultures

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Efeitos da simulação da solarização do solo com materiais vegetais sobre o crescimento micelial de fungos fitopatogênicos habitantes do solo

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)