Estudo evolutivo das condições ambientais da região costeira do município de Guamaré - RN

The work concerns on the evolutionary study of the environmental conditions of the coastal area of Guamaré-RN, where was investigated the geo-environmental transformation occourred in this region, whose primordial purpose was to diagnose the changes verified in the temporary space of five decades (1950 to 2001). With the objective of evaluanting the action of the active coastal processes (currents, waves, tides and winds), in order to understand the generating mechanisms of the erosion/sedimentation, evidenced by constant morphologic changes. The adopted methodological procedure consisted of a succession of stages, involving bibliographical and cartographic study, aereal photographs study, digital treatment of images, field work (sample collection, beaches profiles, characterization of the beach environment and morfodynamics), mapping correction and laboratory analyses (granulometry). The evolutionary study of the morphologic features indicated significant variations in the studied period, mainly, in the dunes, sea terraces, variation of the shore line and tidal flat, evidencing the largest transformations in the temporary space between 1988 and 2001. The analyses of the beach profiles showed a sedimentation tendency in the area of the profiles P1, P2 and P3, however in the monitored pediod, it was observed in the referred profiles, erosive and depositionals intervals evidencing a need of more effective monitoring. The results of the granulometric analyses indicate a predominance of mean to coarse sand in the backshore and estirancy area, as in the shoreface, the analyses indicated medium to fine sand. The morfodynamic state, showed that beach of Minhoto is intermediate state, with alternancy to reflective. The areas of larger vulnerability and sensibility are the tidal flat, shore line, barrier island and mobile dunes, that actually is suffering great environmental impact with expansion of the carcinoculture, urban presence and natural impacts (erosion of the shoreline)

Cartografia temporal e análise geoambiental da dinâmica da foz do Rio Piranhas-Açu, regiao de Macau-RN, com base em imagens Landast 5-MT

This work embraces the application of Landsat 5-TM digital images, comprising August 2 1989 and September 22 1998, for temporal mapping and geoenvironmental analysis of the dynamic of Piranhas-Açu river mouth, situated in the Macau (RN) region. After treatment using several digital processing techniques (e.g. colour composition in RGB, ratio of bands, principal component analysis, index methods, among others), it was possible to generate several image products and multitemporal maps of the coastal morphodynamics of the studied area. Using the image products it was possible the identification and characterization of the principal elements of interest (vegetation, soil, geology and water) in the surface of the studied area, associating the spectral characteristics of these elements to that presented by the image products resulting of the digital processing. Thus, it was possible to define different types of soils: Amd, AQd6, SK1 and LVe4; vegetation grouping: open arboreal-shrubby caatinga, closed arborealshrubby caatinga, closed arboreal caatinga, mangrove vegetation, dune vegetation and areas predominately constituted by juremas; geological units: quaternary units beach sediments, sand banks, dune flats, barrier island, mobile dunes, fixed dunes, alluvium, tidal and inundation flats, and sandy facies of the Potengi Formation; tertiary-quaternary units Barreiras Formation grouped to the clayey facies of the Potengi Formation, Macau Formation grouped to the sediments of the Tibau Formation; Cretaceous units Jandaíra Formation; moreover it was to identify the sea/land limit, shallow submersed areas and suspended sediments. The multitemporal maps of the coastal morphodynamics allowed the identification and a semi-quantitative evoluation of regions which were submitted to erosive and constructive processes in the last decade. This semi-quantitative evoluation in association with an geoenvironmental characterization of the studied area are important data to the elaboration of actions that may minimize the possible/probable impacts caused by the implantation of the Polo Gas/Sal and to the monitoring of areas explorated by the petroleum and salt industries

Sistemas de dunas do parque das Dunas e Barreiras do Inferno/Natal (RN: levantamento geológico /geofísico, elaboração do modelo deterministico e avaliação da vulnerabilidade/suscetibilidade

The current work was developed on the dune systems of the Parque das Dunas and Barreira do Inferno. These places are located in the cities of Natal and Parnamirim (RN, Brazil), respectively. This project has the purpose of developing the deterministic model on a specific blowout at Parque das Dunas, based in the geophysical interpretations of the lines gotten with the Ground Penetration Radar and the planialtimetric acquisitions of the topographical surface of the land. Also analyses of the vulnerability/susceptibility of these dune systems had been done in relation to the human pressures. To develop its deterministic model, it is necessary to acquire inner and outer geometries of the cited blowout. In order to depict inner geometries underneath the surface are used the GPR observing the altimetric control for topographical correction of the GPR lines. As for the outer geometries, the geodesic GPS gives us the planialtimetric points (x, y and z points) with milimetric precision, resulting in high-resolution surfaces. Using interpolation methods of the planialtimetric points was possible create Digital Elevations Models (DEM´s) of these surfaces. As a result, 1,161.4 meters of GPR lines were acquired on the blowout at the Parque das Dunas and 3,735.27 meters on the blowout at the Barreira do Inferno. These lines had been acquired with a 200 MHz antenna, except the 7 and 8 lines, for which we had been used a 100 MHz antenna. The gotten data had been processed and interpreted, being possible to identify boundary surfaces of first, second and third order. The first order boundary surface is related with the contact of the rocks of the Barreiras Group with the aeolian deposits. These deposits had been divided in two groups (Group 1 and Group 2) which are related with the geometry of stratum and the dip of its stratifications. Group 1 presented stratum of sigmoidal and irregular geometries and involved bodies where the reflectors had presented dips that had varied of 20 to the 28 degrees for the Parque das Dunas blowout and of 22 to the 29 degrees for the Barreira do Inferno blowout. Usually, it was limited in the base for the first order surface and in the top for the second order surface. Group 2 presented stratum of trough, wedge or lens geometries, limited in the base for the second order vi surface, where the corresponding deposits had more shown smoothed reflectors or with dips of low angle. The Deterministic and Digital Elevation Models had been developed from the integration and interpretation of the 2D data with the GOCAD® program. In Digital Elevations Models it was possible to see, for the localities, corridor or trough-shaped blowouts. In Deterministic Model it was possible to see first and second order boundary surfaces. For the vulnerability/susceptibility of the dune systems it was applied the methodology proposal by Boderè al (1991); however the same one did not show adequate because it evaluates actual coastal dunes. Actual coastal dunes are dunes that are presented in balance with the current environmental conditions. Therefore, a new methodology was proposal which characterizes the supplying and activity sedimentary, as well as the human pressures. For the methodology developed in this work, both the localities had presented a good management. The Parque das Dunas was characterized as a relic dune system and the Barreira do Inferno was characterized as a palimpsestic dune system. Also two Thematic Maps had been elaborated for the environmental characterization of the studied dune systems, with software ArcGis 8.3, and its respective data bases

A erosão costeira e sua influência sobre a atividade petrolífera: alternativas sustentáveis na mitigação de impactos ambientais

The study area consist in high sensitivity environments located on the northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeast Brazil. The barrier island are the main geomorphological features on the coastal landscape, being naturally instable and surrounded by industrial activities like oil fields, salt industry, shrimp farms and urban areas sometimes installed parallel to the coast, combined with coast engineering interventions. High energy hydrodynamic process are responsible for the morphological instability of the coast. The study was based on remote sensing data obtained between 1954 and 2007 which consist in orbital images from Landsat, CBERS and Ikonos satellites and aerial photos. With all data integrated on GIS environment it was possible to update thematic maps of geology, geomorphology, vegetation, soil and landuse and development of multitemporal maps pointing areas with erosion and depositions of sediments, defining the critical erosion process on this region. The bigger morphological changes are related to changes on wind patterns during the year, terrestrial and sea breezes during the day, with spits and barrier island migration, opening and closing of channels like the one parallel to the coast on the area of Serra and Macau oil fields. These factors combined with the significant reduction on sediment budgets due to the loss of natural spaces to sediment reworking contribute to the low resilience which tends to be growing on the area of Serra and Macau oil fields. In front of such scenery a detailed monitoring was done in order to find technological possibilities for coastal restoration. A pilot area was defined to start the project of mangrove restore together with beach nourishment in order to minimize the effect of the erosion caused by the channel parallel to the coast, contributing to stabilize the northeast channel as the main one. It s expected that such methodology will aid the coastal environments restoration and the balance between industrial activities and coastal erosion

Interpretação de dados de GPR com base na hierarquização de superfícies limitantes e na adaptação de critérios sismoestratigráficos

Due to its high resolution, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has been used to image subsurface sedimentary deposits. Because GPR and Seismic methods share some principles of image construction, the classic seismostratigraphic interpretation method has been also applied as an attempt to interpret GPR data. Nonetheless some advances in few particular contexts, the adaptations from seismic to GPR of seismostratigraphic tools and concepts unsuitable because the meaning given to the termination criteria in seismic stratigraphy do not represent the adequate geologic record in the GPR scale. Essentially, the open question relies in proposing a interpretation method for GPR data which allow not only relating product and sedimentary process in the GPR scale but also identifying or proposing depositional environments and correlating these results with the well known Sequence Stratigraphy cornerstones. The goal of this dissertation is to propose an interpretation methodology of GPR data able to perform this task at least for siliciclastic deposits. In order to do so, the proposed GPR interpretation method is based both on seismostratigraphic concepts and on the bounding surface hierarchy tool from Miall (1988). As consequence of this joint use, the results of GPR interpretation can be associated to the sedimentary facies in a genetic context, so that it is possible to: (i) individualize radar facies and correlate them to the sedimentary facies by using depositional models; (ii) characterize a given depositional system, and (iii) determine its stratigraphic framework highligthing how it evolved through geologic time. To illustrate its use the proposed methodology was applied in a GPR data set from Galos area which is part of the Galinhos spit, located in Rio Grande do Norte state, Northeastern Brazil. This spit presents high lateral sedimentary facies variation, containing in its sedimentary record from 4th to 6th cicles caused by high frequency sea level oscillation. The interpretation process was done throughout the following phases: (i) identification of a vertical facies succession, (ii) characterization of radar facies and its associated sedimentary products, (iii) recognition of the associated sedimentary process in a genetic context, and finally (iv) proposal of an evolutionay model for the Galinhos spit. This model proposes that the Galinhos spit is a barrier island constituted, from base to top, of the following sedimentary facies: tidal channel facies, tidal flat facies, shore facies, and aeolic facies (dunes). The tidal channel facies, in the base, is constituted of lateral accretion bars and filling deposits of the channels. The base facies is laterally truncated by the tidal flat facies. In the foreshore zone, the tidal flat facies is covered by the shore facies which is the register of a sea transgression. Finally, on the top of the stratigraphic column, aeolic dunes are deposited due to areal exposition caused by a sea regression

Estratégias de enfrentamento da incontinência urinária por mulheres

Este artigo é parte de uma pesquisa qualitativa mais abrangente que utilizou como referencial teórico-metodológico a Grounded Theory e o Interacionismo Simbólico, resultando no modelo teórico denominado Entre o sofrimento e a esperança: a reabilitação da incontinência urinária como componente interveniente. Com a intenção de comunicar todo o conhecimento produzido, apresenta-se parte desse modelo, referente ao processo de enfrentamento da incontinência urinária por mulheres sem perspectivas de acesso ao tratamento cirúrgico, após falha dos procedimentos conservadores. Ao inter-relacionar os componentes (categorias e subcategorias) relativos à experiência dessas mulheres, buscando compará-los e analisá-los para compreender a interação entre eles, notou-se vulnerabilidade moral e psicossocial no movimento da experiência do grupo, suscetibilizando-o a riscos à saúde e ao comprometimento da qualidade de vida. Pesquisas são necessárias para aprofundar a compreensão de experiências em que haja barreira ao tratamento cirúrgico por descrédito do profissional médico sobre sua efetividade.

Blink reflex: comparison of latency measurements in different human races

Latências do reflexo trigêmino-facial e índices cefalométricos foram analisados em 30 voluntários adultos normais, de 3 diferentes raças, sendo 10 brancos, 10 negros e 10 orientais. Idades variaram de 15 a 59 anos, alturas de 1,6 a 1,8 m e pesos de 60 a 80 kg. Os reflexos trigêmino-faciais foram obtidos por estimulação elétrica unilateral do nervo supra-orbital e captação nos músculos orbicularis oculi, para análise quantitativa de 3 respostas, ipsolateral precoce (R1), ipsolateral tardia (R2i) e contralateral tardia (R2c). Índices cefalométricos foram obtidos multiplicando-se por 100 a razão entre maior diâmetro transverso e maior diâmetro sagital do crânio. As médias dos índices cefalométricos de cada grupo foram compatíveis com as respectivas características raciais. As respostas R1, R2i e R2c não mostraram diferenças de latências estatisticamente significativas entre as 3 diferentes raças analisadas neste estudo.

Autologous implant of bone marrow mononuclear cells as treatment of induced equine tendinitis

Superficial digital flexor tendonitis is an important cause of lameness in horses and its incidence ranges from 13% to 30%, depending on the horse's activity. This injury can occur in yearlings and compromise its carriers by reinjury or even impossibility to return to athletic life. In spite of the long period required for tendon repair, the scar tissue presents lack of elasticity and stiffness. As current treatment strategies produce only marginal results, there has been great interest in research of therapies that influence the quality or the speed of tendon repair. Stem cell therapy has shown promising results in degenerative diseases and cases of deficient healing processes. This study aims to evaluate the influence of autologous mesenchymal bone marrow stem cells in tendon healing, comparing treated and non-treated tendons. Superficial digital flexor tendonitis lesions were induced by collagenase infiltration in both forelimbs of 6 horses, followed by autologous implant in one of the forelimbs of each animal. The horses were evaluated using clinical, ultrasonographic, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical parameters. Tendon biopsies were performed at Day 48. Results found in the treatment group, such as high inflammatory cells infiltration, extracellular matrix synthesis, reduced amount of necrosis areas, small increase in cellular proliferation (KI-67/MIB-1), and low immunoreactivity to transforming growth factor P I, suggested the acceleration of tendon repair in this group. Further studies should be conducted in order to verify the influence of this treatment on later phases of tendon repair. Overall, after analysis of the results, we can conclude that cellular therapy with the mononuclear fraction of bone marrow has accelerated tendon repair at 48 days after treatment.

Mistura de proteínas morfogenéticas ósseas, hidroxiapatita, osso inorgânico e colágeno envolta por membrana de pericárdio no preenchimento de defeito ósseo segmentar em coelhos

Avaliou-se o uso de biomaterial de origem bovina na regeneração de defeitos ósseos segmentares empregando-se 12 coelhos, fêmeas, da raça Norfolk, com idade de seis meses e pesos entre 3 e 4,5kg. Realizou-se falha segmentar bilateral de um centímetro de comprimento na diáfise do rádio, com inclusão do periósteo. No membro direito, o defeito foi delimitado por membrana de pericárdio liofilizada, contendo em seu interior mistura de proteínas morfogenéticas ósseas adsorvidas a hidroxiapatita, colágeno liofilizado e osso inorgânico. No membro esquerdo, o defeito não recebeu tratamento. Radiografias foram obtidas ao término do procedimento cirúrgico e aos sete, 30, 60, 90, 120 e 150 dias de pós-operatório. Após eutanásia de seis coelhos aos 60 dias e seis aos 150 dias de pós-cirúrgico, os resultados radiográficos e histológicos mostraram que a regeneração óssea foi inibida nos defeitos segmentares tratados com o biomaterial.

Imunidade inata da glândula mamária bovina: resposta à infecção

A imunidade na glândula mamária pode ser classificada, assim como em outros sistemas, em inata ou inespecífica e adaptativa ou específica. A imunidade inata é a defesa predominante durante os estágios iniciais da infecção. As respostas inespecíficas estão presentes no local da infecção ou são ativadas rapidamente por numerosos estímulos e não aumentam pela exposição repetida ao mesmo agente etiológico. O primeiro obstáculo enfrentado por um patógeno para adentrar o úbere é composto pela barreira formada pelo esfíncter do teto e pelo tampão de queratina formado pelo epitélio queratinizado. Uma vez que o microrganismo tenha atravessado o canal do teto e alcançado a cisterna mamária, passam a atuar diversos fatores solúveis e celulares. Dentre os fatores solúveis, estão presentes: lactoperoxidase, sistema complemento, citocinas, lactoferrina, lisozima e NAGase. As defesas celulares inespecíficas na glândula mamária são representadas pelos neutrófilos, pelos macrófagos e pelas células natural killer. Na medida em que esses mecanismos funcionam adequadamente, a maioria dos patógenos será rapidamente eliminada antes que o sistema imune específico seja ativado, sem resultar em alterações na quantidade ou qualidade do leite produzido. Uma melhor compreensão sobre os mecanismos de defesa da glândula mamária e suas alterações durante os períodos críticos da infecção é imprescindível para o desenvolvimento de métodos mais eficazes de profilaxia e controle da mastite, a principal doença dos ruminantes leiteiros. O presente estudo revisou os principais aspectos responsáveis pelo desenvolvimento da imunidade inata na glândula mamária bovina.

Aspectos macroscópicos e morfométricos dos testículos em catetos e queixadas

Aspectos macroscópicos e morfométricos dos testículos em catetos e queixadas. Este trabalho objetiva fornecer dados macroscópicos e morfométricos dos testículos dos catetos e queixadas. O material utilizado consistiu de catetos e queixadas oriundos da Fazenda Devaneio Pró-Fauna, Iguape, SP (Reg.1/3593/08480). em 33 queixadas e 20 catetos, após o abate, os testículos foram colhidos e tomados dados morfométricos como: comprimento, largura e espessura (com o auxílio de um paquímetro). Os testículos são ovalados, localizados na região pélvica, inclinados dorso-caudalmente e possuem posição intermediária. O mediastino testicular esta no centro do testículo, ligeiramente desviado para a margem epididimária deste, e termina na extremidade capitata. Os queixadas adultos possuem em média 30,92 ± 3,82 kg de peso corporal e 78,89 ± 4,77 cm de comprimento corporal, enquanto os jovens apresentam 22,93 ± 2,07 kg e 71,57 ± 3,95 cm de comprimento. Os resultados demonstram que no grupo de queixadas adultos estudado o testículo direito teve comprimento, largura e espessura médios de 5,36 ± 0,64cm; 3,64 ± 0,64cm e 3,30 ± 0,52cm respectivamente, enquanto que o esquerdo teve 5,45 ± 0,77cm; 3,68 ± 0,59cm e 3,32 ± 0,54cm. Nos queixadas jovens os valores encontrados foram de 3,20 ± 0,44cm, 2,12 ± 0,26cm e 2,11 ± 0,40cm, e de 3,23 ± 0,47cm; 2,21 ± 0,39cm e 1,99 ± 0,36cm, para a largura, comprimento e espessura dos testículos direito e esquerdo respectivamente. Já para os catetos o testículo direito teve comprimento, largura e espessura de 4,36 ± 0,38cm; 2,74 ± 0,27cm e 2,33 0,46cm respectivamente, enquanto que o esquerdo teve 4,19 ± 0,36cm; 2,68 ± 0,31cm e 2,34 ± 0,28cm. Os dados analisados não tiveram diferenças significativas (p<0,05) entre os valores encontrados para os testículos direito e esquerdo pelo testes de Qui-dradado.

Density of the tegu lizard (Tupinambis merianae) and its role as nest predator at Anchieta Island, Brazil

Mammals has been pointed out to be the main nest predators in islands, but recent studies has shown that tree snakes are also important nest predator in tropical forests. Here we present information on the density tegu lizards Tupinambis merianae and its role as nest predator at Anchieta Island, Ubatuba, in southeastern Brazil. The mean density of tegu lizards wets estimated to be 83 individuals/km2, which is 1.83 times lower than other well-known population (Fernando de Noronha Archipelago). In the dense rainforest, the density was estimated in 20 individuas/ km2, and in the open rainforest, 109 ind/km2. The high density of this lizard may have serious implications for nest predation. We found that 36% of artificial plasticine eggs were "preyed upon" by tegu lizards. Therefore, it is paramount to manage the tegu population on Anchieta Island to assure the survival of ground nesting birds in islands and possibly in forest fragments.

Stages of behavior change and perceived barriers to physical activity in the elderly living in a medium size city in Brazil

The aim was to analyze the prevalence of the stages of behavior change (BCS) and the perceived barriers to physical activity in older people residents in a medium size city of São Paulo state, Brazil. Seventy-nine older people participated of the study. The BCS was assessed by the Questionnaire of Behavior Chance Stages and those on perception of barriers by the Questionnaire on Barriers to the Practice of Physical Activity in Older People (QBPPAE). Statistical analyses was comprised by the Chi-square test (p<0.05). Data showed that: a) 64,6% of the older people do not practice physical activity and only 22,8% of them have been practicing it on a regular basis for more than 6 months; b) The most perceived barriers were: "Active enough", "Too old"; "Need to rest" and; "Disease or injury"; c) The BCS seems modulate significantly the perception of barriers (p<0.05). We can conclude that: a) most of the older people are in the pre-contemplation, contemplation and preparation stages of the BCS, yet; b) gender influences almost nothing with perception of barriers and; c) the BCS interferes with the type of perceived barriers. Such conclusions support the suggestions that it is necessary to develop specific strategies for different stages of behavior change if it is to minimize the barriers. This may help to find the most effective way to change to more active lifestyle in the elderly.

Os problemas de espalhamento quântico em potenciais elementares

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

Quartz Crystal Microbalance monitoring the real-time binding of lectin with carbohydrate with high and low molecular mass

Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) was used to monitor the mass changes on a quartz crystal surface containing immobilized lectins that interacted with carbohydrates. The strategy for lectin immobilization was developed on the basis of a multilayer system composed of Au-cystamine-glutaraldehyde-lectin. Each step of the immobilization procedure was confirmed by FTIR analysis. The system was used to study the interactions of Concanavalin A (ConA) with maltose and Jacalin with Fetuin. The real-time binding of different concentrations of carbohydrate to the immobilized lectin was monitored by means of QCM measurements and the data obtained allowed for the construction of Langmuir isotherm curves. The association constants determined for the specific interactions analyzed here were (6.4 +/- 0.2) X 10(4) M-1 for Jacalin-Fetuin and (4.5 +/- 0.1) x 10(2) M-1 for ConA-maltose. These results indicate that the QCM constitutes a suitable method for the analysis of lectin-carbohydrate interactions, even when assaying low molecular mass ligands such as disaccharides. Published by Elsevier B.V.