Showing papers by "Universidade Estadual de Londrina published in 2006"

Genotoxicity and mutagenicity of water contaminated with tannery effluents, as evaluated by the micronucleus test and comet assay using the fish Oreochromis niloticus and chromosome aberrations in onion root-tips

Abstract: Cytotoxicity of metals is important because some metals are potential mutagens able to induce tumors in humans and experimental animals. Chromium can damage DNA in several ways, including DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) which generate chromosomal aberrations, micronucleus formation, sister chromatid exchange, formation of DNA adducts and alterations in DNA replication and transcription. In our study, water samples from three sites in the Corrego dos Bagres stream in the Franca municipality of the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo were subjected to the comet assay and micronucleus test using erythrocytes from the fish Oreochromis niloticus. Nuclear abnormalities of the erythrocytes included blebbed, notched and lobed nuclei, probably due to genotoxic chromium compounds. The greatest comet assay damage occurred with water from a chromium-containing tannery effluent discharge site, supporting the hypothesis that chromium residues can be genotoxic. The mutagenicity of the water samples was assessed using the onion root-tip cell assay, the most frequent chromosomal abnormalities observed being: c-metaphases, stick chromosome, chromosome breaks and losses, bridged anaphases, multipolar anaphases, and micronucleated and binucleated cells. Onion root-tip cell mutagenicity was highest for water samples containing the highest levels of chromium.

Diagrammatic scale for assessment of soybean rust severity

Abstract: A diagrammatic scale to assess soybean (Glycine max) rust severity, caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi, was developed in this study. Leaflets showing different severity levels were collected for determination of the minimum and maximum severity limits; intermediate levels were determined according to "Weber-Fechner's stimulus-response law". The proposed scale showed the levels of 0.6; 2; 7; 18; 42, and 78.5%. Scale validation was performed by eight raters (four inexperienced and four experienced), who estimated the severity of 44 soybean leaflets showing rust symptoms, with and without the use of the scale. Except for rater number eight, all showed a tendency to overestimate severity without the aid of the diagrammatic scale. With the scale, the raters obtained better accuracy and precision levels, although the tendency to overestimate was maintained. Experienced raters were more accurate and precise than inexperienced raters, and assessment improvements with the use of the scale were more significant for inexperienced raters.

Taking stock of the Brazilian "zero-till revolution": a review of landmark research and farmers' practice

Abstract: Two decades of extensive research and experimentation with zero‐till methods has allowed “ideal” zero‐till systems to emerge in Brazil, involving no soil turning, maintenance of a permanent vegetative cover, and rotations of both cash and cover crops. By exploiting rapid successions of suitable crops, for example, as well as through careful temporal and spatial planning, Brazilian examples show that it is possible to continuously cover soil, gradually increase soil organic matter (SOM) stocks, integrate livestock, move surface‐applied lime through the soil profile, break compact soil layers, and reduce reliance on agrochemicals in zero‐till, all under a variety of edaphic and climatic conditions, and levels of mechanization/farm sizes. Various such technologies and systems are reviewed in this chapter. However, we also note that among smallholder zero‐till farmers, for example, the adaptations of “ideal” zero‐till systems are manifold and complex, partial adoption of certain components and technologies rather than full adoption of zero‐till systems being the norm. By examining farmers' experiences and practice, we ascertain that in many cases there is perhaps a divorce between the ideal, originating mainly from individual technology research on agricultural research stations, and farmers' reality, given the complexity of socioeconomical constraints facing the latter. We conclude that although there is a wealth of valuable zero‐till experience and technologies precipitating from the Brazilian zero‐till “revolution,” numerous challenges in zero‐till research, especially in respect to resource‐poor smallholder farmers, still remain, and perhaps more holistic, participatory and adaptive on farm‐research is necessary in future. © 2006, Elsevier Inc.

Frequency of group A rotavirus in diarrhoeic calves in Brazilian cattle herds, 1998-2002

Abstract: The frequency of group A bovine rotavirus (gpA BRV) in calves from 1998 to 2002 was determined by the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis technique in 2177 faecal samples, of which 1898 samples were diarrhoeic and 279 were of normal consistency (control group) that were collected from asymptomatic calves for comparative purposes. The animals were from beef and dairy cattle herds (n = 321) from 158 counties in seven States (Parana, Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Goias and Rondonia) and four Brazilian geographical regions (south, south-east, centre-west, and north). GpA BRV was detected in 19.4% (369/1898; p = 0.0001) of the samples collected in calves with diarrhoea and in only 2.2% (6/279; p = 0.0001) of the faeces with normal consistency. The proportion of positive samples collected from beef and dairy cattle herds was 22.8% (205/899; p = 0.0001) and 16.4% (169/999; p = 0.0005), respectively. In relation to age, a higher prevalence of infections was found in calves up to 30 days old, where 33.0% (189/573; p = 0.0001) and 20.2% (138/683; p = 0.0001) of the diarrhoeic faecal samples from beef and dairy cattle herds, respectively, were positive for gpA BRV. These results show the possible importance of inclusion of gpA BRV in the management of neonatal calf diarrhoea in Brazilian cattle herds.

Yield of micropropagated sugarcane varieties in different soil types following inoculation with diazotrophic bacteria

Abstract: It is well described that the beneficial interactions between plants and bacteria are genotype and site specific. Brazilian sugarcane varieties can obtain up to 70% of their nitrogen requirement from biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), and this contribution is related to the Brazilian breeding and selection processes, by example of the variety SP70-1143. In this study the effect of two inoculation mixtures containing diazotrophic bacteria in our earlier pot experiment was evaluated with two sugarcane varieties, a known responder, SP70-1143, and a newly selected variety, SP81-3250, to investigate the sugarcane genotype effect and the role of the mixtures. The sugarcane varieties SP70-1143 and SP81-3250 were grown under commercial field conditions at three sites with contrasting soil types: an Alfisol, an Oxisol and an Ultisol that means a low, medium and high natural fertility respectively. The stem yield and BNF contribution in response to bacterial inoculation were influenced by the strain combinations in the inoculum, the plant genotype, and the soil type and nitrogen fertilization, confirming the genetic and environmental influence in PGP-bacteria interactions. Inoculation effects on the BNF contribution and stem yield increased in the variety SP70-1143 grown in the Alfisol without nitrogen fertilization for three consecutive crops, and it was equivalent to the annual nitrogen fertilization. The plants grown in the Oxisol showed small increases in the productivity of the variety SP70-1143, and in the Ultisol the sugarcane plants presented even decreases in the stem productivity due to inoculation with diazotrophic bacteria mixtures. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the inoculation technology using diazotrophic bacteria in micropropagated sugarcane varieties grown in soils with low to medium levels of fertility. In addition, the results also indicated that specific plant – bacteria – environment combinations are needed to harness the full benefits of BNF.

Prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions and its associated factors in a Brazilian teaching hospital.

Abstract: Purpose. The hazards of prescribing many drugs, including side-effects, drug-drug interactions (DDI) and difficulties of compliance have long been recognized as particular problems when prescribing. This study estimates the rate and factors associated with potential DDI in prescriptions from wards of a Brazilian teaching hospital. Methods. Data were retrieved from wards of a teaching hospital (300 beds) handwritten prescription, once a week during a period of 4 months in 2004. Potential DDI were identified using DrugReax® system. Patient's age and gender, number of prescribers; number of drugs and therapeutic drug classes on prescriptions were explored as associated factors to DDI. Results. The overall frequency of potential DDI was 49.7%. The frequency of the potentially major DDI was 3.4%, with digoxin-hydrochlorothiazide as the most common interacting pair. The rate of potential DDI was significantly associated to in-patients' gender (woman, Odds ratio (OR)=1.23 (P=0.035)), age ≥55 years old (OR=1.5 (P=0.0008)), number of therapeutic drug class (ATC code, level 1) ≥ 4 (OR=5.5 (P=0.0000), cardiology patients (OR=7.87 (P=0.0000)) hospitalized at weekends (OR=1.24 (P=0.039)) and having digoxin prescribed (OR=16.79 (P=0.0000)). A positive correlation was found between DDI, patient's age, number of drugs and therapeutic action ATC codes were significant, controlling for gender (Pearson's r=0.628, P=0.001). Conclusions. Cardiology women inpatients, age more then 55 years old, 7 or more drugs prescribed (including digoxin) and hospitalized at weekends should be closely

Alimentação de peixes: proposta para análise de itens registrados em conteúdos gástricos

Abstract: Sirlei Terezinha Bennemann, S. T.; Casatti, L. and Oliveira, D.C. Fish feeding: a proposal for analysis of the stomach content. Biota Neotrop. May/Sep 2006 vol. 6, no. 2, http://www.biotaneotropica.org.br/v6n2/pt/abstract?article+bn01206022006. ISSN 1676-0603 This study aimed to test a simplified protocol for feeding fish analysis. For this, the food items found in the gastric contents of six freshwater fish species (Astyanax paranae, Phalloceros caudimaculatus, Loricariichthys platymetopon, Moenkhausia intermedia, Schizodon intermedius, and Plagioscion squamosissimus) were quantified by weight (%) and dominance (%). Using the quantification by weight for each food item, the IAi (Feeding Index) was calculated and further compared with the dominance (D) using the Morisita-Horn similarity coefficient. The food items with higher values of IAi were also those with the largest dominance values. The general similarity between IAi and dominance (D) was high, varying of 87% (A. paranae) to 99% (P. caudimaculatus, L. platymetopon, S. intermedius, and P. squamosissimus), showing that dominance can replace composed indexes calculation. The graphic representation of weight and dominance against the frequency of occurrence showed that both are adequate to identify the most important food items, revealing that dominance may alternatively be used instead of prey items weighting, simplifying the data collection and analysis. When the objective of the trophic study is to identify the food items that stand out in quantitative terms or investigate specialization/generalization tendencies, we recommend the use of the dominance in combination to graphic methods.

Atenção primária, atenção básica e saúde da família: sinergias e singularidades do contexto brasileiro

Abstract: This article analyzes the concepts of primary health care, basic health care, and family health care as used in official documents by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, final reports of the National Conferences on Health and Human Resources, the Basic Operational Ruling on Human Resources, and texts accessed on-line by BIREME. The data analysis, through double-entry matrices, showed a lack of these references in Brazilian health policy formulation and implementation. Basic Operational Ruling 96 (NOB/96) plays a distinct role in this regard; the national conference reports show an important gap in this debate, and most of the published articles present the concepts of primary care and basic care with the meaning of health unit or local service. Articles on the Family Health Program refer to it more as a program than a strategy, and the articles analyzing such concepts show the influence of rationalities underlying the different strategies for organization of health services in the Brazilian scenario, namely Health Surveillance and Programmatic Actions in Health and in Defense of Life.

Antiviral effect of Guazuma ulmifolia and Stryphnodendron adstringens on poliovirus and bovine herpesvirus.

Abstract: Crude extract (CE) and aqueous (AqF) and ethyl acetate (EtOAcF) fractions of Guazuma ulmifolia LAM., Sterculiaceae and the corresponding AqF, EtOAcF of Stryphnodendron adstringens (MART.) COVILLE, Leguminosae were tested for their antiviral activity against poliovirus 1 (P-1) and bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) in HEp-2 cultured cells. The antiviral activity was monitored by plaque assay and immunofluorescence assay (IFA) under virucidal and therapeutic protocols. The therapeutic protocol demonstrated statistically significant positive results with both plants and for both virus strains. The highest percentages of viral inhibition were found for G. ulmifolia EtOAcF which inhibited BHV-1 and P-1 replication by 100% and 99%, respectively (p<0.05, Student's t-test). For S. adstringens, AqF was the most efficient, inhibiting BHV-1 and P-1 by 97% and 93%, respectively (p<0.05). In the virucidal protocol, G. ulmifolia CE inhibited the replication of BHV-1 and P-1 by 60% and 26%, respectively (p<0.05), while, for S. adstringens, inhibition of 62% (p<0.05) was demonstrated only with EtOAcF for P-1. IFA demonstrated that the greatest reduction in fluorescent cell number occurred with G. ulmifolia, under the therapeutic protocol for both virus strains. However, AqF and EtOAcF of S. adstringens were most efficient with the virucidal protocol for P-1. In conclusion, we demonstrated that G. ulmifolia and S. adstringens inhibited BHV-1 and P-1 replication, as well as, blocked the synthesis of viral antigens in infected cell cultures.

Genetic characterization of Brazilian bovine viral diarrhea virus isolates by partial nucleotide sequencing of the 5'-UTR region

Abstract: Nineteen isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) from Brazil were genetically characterized through partial nucleotide sequencing and analysis of the 5'UTR region. The isolates were grouped as BVDV-1 (11/19), BVDV-2 (6/19) or "atypical" pestivirus (2/19). Among the BVDV-1, eight isolates were classified as subgenotype BVDV-1a, whereas most (4 out of 6) BVDV-2 belonged to subgenotype 2b. Two isolates from aborted fetuses were not classified into any genetic group, being considered atypical BVDVs. Genetic diversity among Brazilian BVDV isolates may be responsible for vaccination and diag-nostic failure and therefore may influence the control strategies for BVDV infection in the country.

Cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents: biological and behavioral indicators

Abstract: OBJETIVO: Oferecer informacoes descritivas e investigar a extensao com que os fatores de risco para doencas cardiovasculares de natureza comportamental estao associados aos fatores de risco biologicos na populacao jovem. METODOS: Amostra de 452 adolescentes (246 mocas e 206 rapazes) com idades entre 15 e 18 anos, selecionados de uma escola de ensino medio da cidade de Londrina, Parana. Fatores de risco de natureza comportamental foram analisados mediante pratica insuficiente de atividade fisica, ingestao excessiva de gorduras e de colesterol e uso de tabaco. Como indicadores dos fatores de risco biologicos recorreu-se ao sobrepeso, aos niveis elevados de pressao arterial e concentracoes nao-favoraveis de lipidios-lipoproteinas plasmaticas. RESULTADOS: Por volta de 20% das mocas e 16% dos rapazes apresentaram pelo menos um fator de risco biologico para o desenvolvimento de doencas cardiovasculares. O sobrepeso se associou significativamente com a ingestao excessiva de gorduras, enquanto a pressao arterial elevada se relacionou com o estilo de vida sedentario e o uso de tabaco. A excessiva ingestao de gorduras e de colesterol indicou risco aumentado de concentracoes indesejaveis de lipidios-lipoproteinas plasmaticas. Adolescentes fumantes tenderam a demonstrar risco de pressao arterial e de lipidios-lipoproteinas plasmaticas alterados duas vezes maior que nao-fumantes. CONCLUSAO: Os resultados reforcam a necessidade de que intervencoes direcionadas a adocao de um estilo de vida saudavel, incluindo pratica regular de atividade fisica, padroes dieteticos adequados e abstencao ao uso de tabaco, deverao ser iniciadas em idades jovens.

Classification of irreps and invariants of the N-extended Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics

Abstract: We present an algorithmic classification of the irreps of the N-extended one- dimensional supersymmetry algebra linearly realized on a finite number of fields. Our work is based on the 1-to-1 (1) correspondence between Weyl-type Clifford algebras (whose irreps are fully classified) and classes of irreps of the N-extended 1D supersymmetry. The complete classification of irreps is presented up to N · 10. The fields of an irrep are accommodated in l different spin states. N = 10 is the minimal value admitting length l > 4 irreps. The classification of length-4 irreps of the N = 12 and real N = 11 extended supersymmetries is also explicitly presented. Tensoring irreps allows us to systematically construct manifestly (N-extended) supersym- metric multi-linear invariants without introducing a superspace formalism. Multi-linear invariants can be constructed both for unconstrained and multi-linearly constrained fields. A whole class of off-shell invariant actions are produced in association with each irreducible representation. The explicit example of the N = 8 off-shell action of the (1,8,7) multiplet is presented. Tensoring zero-energy irreps leads us to the notion of the fusion algebra of the 1D N- extended supersymmetric vacua.

Prevalência de dor crônica em adultos

Abstract: A dor cronica e um problema de saude publica que acarreta prejuizos pessoais e sociais. Estudos epidemiologicos de dor cronica no Brasil e no resto do mundo sao escassos, principalmente em se tratando de dores nao especificas e em populacoes nao vinculadas a servicos de saude. Foram objetivos desse estudo: identificar a prevalencia de dor cronica em adultos trabalhadores; analisar a prevalencia de dor cronica conforme o sexo; e analisar a prevalencia de dor conforme locais do corpo. Esta pesquisa foi realizada com uma amostra de 505 funcionarios da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (Parana, Brasil), considerando-se uma prevalencia esperada de 50%, margem de erro de 4% na estimativa e nivel de confianca de 95%. Estabeleceram-se como significativos os valores de p<0,05. Os dados foram coletados por entrevista, com entrevistadores previamente treinados para este fim. A prevalencia de dor cronica encontrada foi de 61,4%, mais mulheres do que homens relataram dor cronica (p=0,0001). Os locais de dor mais prevalentes foram cabeca (26,7%), regiao lombar (19,4%) e membros inferiores (13,3%).

Avaliação da estrutura organizacional da assistência ambulatorial em HIV/Aids no Brasil

Abstract: OBJETIVO: No contexto de acesso universal a terapia antiretroviral, os resultados do Programa de Aids dependem da qualidade do cuidado prestado. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a qualidade do cuidado dos servicos ambulatoriais que assistem pacientes de Aids. METODOS: Estudo realizado em sete Estados brasileiros, em 2001 e 2002. Foi avaliada a qualidade do atendimento a pacientes com Aids quanto a disponibilidade de recursos e a organizacao do trabalho de assistencia. Um questionario com 112 questoes estruturadas abordando esses aspectos, foi enviado a 336 servicos. RESULTADOS: A taxa de resposta foi de 95,8% (322). Os indicadores de disponibilidade de recursos mostram uma adequacao maior do que os indicadores de organizacao do trabalho. Nao faltam antiretrovirais em 95,5% dos servicos, os exames de CD4 e Carga Viral estao disponiveis em quantidade adequada em 59 e 41% dos servicos, respectivamente. Em 90,4% dos servicos ha pelo menos um profissional nao medico (psicologo, enfermeiro ou assistente social). Quanto a organizacao, 80% nao agendavam consulta medica com hora marcada; 40,4% agendavam mais que 10 consultas medicas por periodo; 17% nao possuiam gerentes exclusivos na assistencia e 68,6% nao realizavam reunioes sistematicas de trabalho com a equipe. CONCLUSOES: Os resultados apontam que alem de garantir a distribuicao mais homogenea de recursos, o programa precisa investir no treinamento e disseminacao do manejo do cuidado, conforme evidenciado nos resultados da organizacao de trabalho.

Macrofauna invertebrada do solo sob diferentes sistemas de produção em Latossolo da Região do Cerrado

Abstract: O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a densidade e diversidade de grupos da comunidade de macrofauna invertebrada do solo sob diferentes sistemas de producao, bem como analisar a similaridade entre os sistemas avaliados. O trabalho foi conduzido no Municipio de Dourados, MS, em Latossolo Vermelho distroferrico tipico, sob os seguintes sistemas: sistema convencional (SC), sistema plantio direto (SPD), sistema integracao lavoura/pecuaria (SILP), pastagem continua (PC) e vegetacao nativa. As amostragens foram realizadas em tres safras de verao e de inverno. Os valores de densidade total da comunidade de macrofauna invertebrada de solo, nos sistemas SPD, SILP e PC, foram similares, no entanto, o SPD apresentou a maior diversidade de grupos. Na safra de verao, observou-se similaridade entre os sistemas SPD e SILP e entre o SC e PC; e na safra de inverno, a similaridade foi entre os sistemas SPD, SILP e PC.

Hypertension as a factor associated with hearing loss.

Abstract: Summary Aim To identify likely association between blood hypertension and hearing loss. Design: A non-paired case-control study. Setting: Institutional work carried out at Universidade Norte do Parana, in South Brazil. Material and Method 154 cases and 154 controls, both genders, aged 45 to 64, included in the research after sample estimation. Methodology: Hypertension was verified through blood pressure readings and by a systematized questionnaire about hypertension and the use of medication for blood pressure. Hearing was assessed through tonal threshold audiometrics and audiologic anamneses. Non-conditional logistic regression was used in order to control likely confusion or modification of effect of other variables on interest associations. Results There is a significant association between blood hypertension and hearing loss. Hearing loss in the population under study suggests that hypertension is an accelerating factor of degeneration of the hearing apparatus due to aging. Conclusions The results in this research, through evidence of association between blood hypertension and hearing loss, can allow for an integrated work of cardiologists, nephrologists, otorhinolaryngologists, audiologists and other health professionals concerned with alterations caused by blood hypertension.

Potential consequences for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients who do not get the recommended minimum daily amount of physical activity.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE The present study attempted to determine whether patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) get the minimum daily amount of physical activity recommended in the guidelines established by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), as well as to characterize the consequences of noncompliance with those guidelines. METHODS This study involved 23 patients (median age: 61--range, 59-69 years; FEV1: 39% of predicted--range, 34-53%; BMI: 24 kg/m(2)--range, 21-27 kg/m(2)). The following parameters were evaluated: daily physical activity (DynaPort activity monitor); pulmonary function; muscle force; exercise tolerance; quality of life; functional status; and various indices of disease severity (GOLD, BODE and MRC). RESULTS Based on compliance with the guidelines (minimum of 30 minutes of walking per day), 12 patients were considered "physically active", and 11 were considered "physically inactive". No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, gender, BMI, muscle force, ventilatory reserve, hyperinflation or quality of life. The inactive group presented more impaired pulmonary function and lower exercise tolerance, as well as lower MRC and BODE scores (p < 0.05). In their daily life, patients in the inactive group also walked for less time and more slowly than did those in the active group (p < 0.05). The MRC and BODE indices were superior to the GOLD index in predicting compliance with the guidelines, both presenting a specificity of 0.83, compared with 0.50 for the GOLD index. The BODE index score increased significantly with each day of inactivity. CONCLUSION A large number of COPD patients do not walk more than 30 minutes per day and are therefore not getting the minimum daily amount of physical activity recommended by the ACSM. Inactivity correlates with a higher mortality rate. The MRC and BODE indices proved superior to the GOLD index in predicting whether patients are physically inactive in their daily lives.

Antifungal activity of essential oil isolated from Ocimum gratissimum L. (eugenol chemotype) against phytopathogenic fungi

Abstract: An investigation of antifungal activity of the essential oil obtained by steam-distillation (1.1% w/w) of the aerial parts of Ocimum gratissimum and of an ethanolic extract from the steam-distillation residue was carried out using the agar diffusion method. The results revealed that the essential oil inhibited the growth of all fungi tested, including the phytopathogens, Botryosphaeria rhodina, Rhizoctonia sp. and two strains of Alternaria sp., while the extract from the residue was inactive. The essential oil was subjected to TLC bioautography used to detect fungitoxic constituents. The compound that showed antifungal activity was isolated and identified as eugenol. GC/MS analysis showed that eugenol was the main constituent of the essential oil studied. The antifungal activity of eugenol was evaluated against a species of Alternaria isolated from tomato (A1) and Penicillium chrysogenum. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of eugenol were 0.16 and 0.31 mg/disc for Alternaria sp. (A1) and P. chrysogenum, respectively.