Mercury biomagnification in the food chain of a piscivorous turtle species (Testudines: Chelidae: Chelus fimbriata) in the Central Amazon, Brazil.

Due to their natural history and ecological attributes, turtles are excellent organisms for studies of heavy metal contamination. Turtles have a large geographical distribution, occupy different aquatic habitats, and occupy various trophic levels. The present study investigated mercury bioaccumulation in the carnivorous chelonian Chelus fimbriata (Matamata turtle) and Hg biomagnification in relation to its aquatic food chain in the middle Rio Negro, AM-Brazil. Tissue samples of muscle, carapace and claws were collected from 26 C. fimbriata individuals, as well as collections of autotrophic energy sources found in the turtle's aquatic habitat area. The samples were collected in February-March/2014 and analyzed for THg concentrations and carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes. The highest THg levels were found in claws (3780 ng.g-1), carapace (3622 ng.g-1) and muscle (403 ng.g-1), which were found to be significantly different [F(2.73) = 49.02 p < 0.01]. However, THg concentrations in muscle tissue were below the consumption threshold indicated by the WHO and Brazilian Health Ministry. The average δ13C and δ15N values in Matamata samples were -31.7‰ and 11.9‰, respectively. The principal energy source sustaining the food chain of C. fimbriata was found to be terrestrial shrubs, with smaller contributions from emergent aquatic herbaceous plants and algae, while δ15N values showed its trophic position to be two levels above the autotrophic energy sources. There was a positive correlation between THg and turtle size, while a significant relationship was found between THg and δ15N, showing strong biomagnification in the food chain of C. fimbriata: y = 0.21x + 0.46; r2 = 0.45; p < 0.001, for which the slope presented a value of 0.21.

Large-Scale Tactile Detection System Based on Supervised Learning for Service Robots Human Interaction.

In this work, a large-scale tactile detection system is proposed, whose development is based on a soft structure using Machine Learning and Computer Vision algorithms to map the surface of a forearm sleeve. The current application has a cylindrical design, whose dimensions intend to be like a human forearm or bicep. The model was developed assuming that deformations occur only at one section at a time. The goal for this system is to be coupled with the CHARMIE robot, a collaborative robot for domestic and medical environments. This system allows the contact detection of the entire forearm surface enabling interaction between a Human Being and a robot. A matrix with sections can be configured to present certain functionalities, allowing CHARMIE to detect contact in a particular section, and thus perform a specific behaviour. After building the dataset, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was created. This network was called Section Detection Network (SDN), and through Supervised Learning, a model was created to predict the contact location. Furthermore, Stratified K-Fold Cross Validation (SKFCV) was used to divide the dataset. All these steps resulted in Neural Network with a test data accuracy higher than 80%. Regarding the real-time evaluation, a graphical interface was structured to demonstrate the predicted class and the corresponding probability. This research concluded that the method described has enormous potential to be used as a tool for service robots allowing enhanced human-robot interaction.

Morph-agronomic characterization of watermelon accessions with resistance to Fusarium Wilt.

Fifty-five watermelon accessions were inoculated in pots using Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum chlamydospores in a completely randomized design with five replications. Among the 42 accessions that were resistant, twelve accessions with a mean score ≤1 were selected for morpho-agronomic characterization. 'Sugar Baby' and 'Charleston Gray' were used as controls. Field research was conducted over two production cycles in a randomized block design with three replications and five plants per plot. For the characterization 13 quantitative agronomic traits were used. The dissimilarity measures were obtained by the sum of the matrices of standardized mean Euclidean distance. Coefficients of variation ranged from 5.33% (number of days until 50% of plants with at least one female flower) and 17.20% (mass of characterized fruit). In the second cycle, a reduction in days was observed for the flowering. For soluble solids content, the accession BGH-UNIVASF 40 was statistically equal to the commercial cultivars in the second cycle. Accessions were grouped similarly using two grouping methods, Tocher and the farthest neighbor method. The most promising accessions were BGH-UNIVASF 40, 169, 177 and 210 for use in future hybridizations. BGH-UNIVASF 76, 128 and 185 (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) can be used as resistant Fusarium wilt rootstocks.

Is willingness to exercise programmed in utero? Reviewing sedentary behavior and the benefits of physical activity in intrauterine growth restricted individuals.

OBJECTIVE: The literature suggests that a fetus will adapt to surrounding adversities by optimizing its use of energy to improve survival, ultimately leading to the programming of the individual's energy intake and expenditure. While recent reviews focused on the fetal programming of energy intake and food preferences, there is also some evidence that fetal adversity is associated with diminished physical activity levels. Therefore, we aimed to review (a) the evidence for an association between being born with intrauterine growth restriction and sedentarism over the life-course and (b) the potential benefits of physical activity over cardiometabolic risk factors for this population. SOURCES: PubMed, Scielo, Scopus and Embase. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: Most clinical studies that used objective measures found no association between intrauterine growth restriction and physical activity levels, while most studies that used self-reported questionnaires revealed such relationships, particularly leisure time physical activity. Experimental studies support the existence of fetal programming of physical activity, and show that exposure to exercise during IUGR individuals' life improves metabolic outcomes but less effect was seen on muscle architecture or function. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in muscle strength and metabolism, as well as altered aerobic performance, may predispose IUGR individuals to be spontaneously less physically active, suggesting that this population may be an important target for preventive interventions. Although very heterogeneous, the different studies allow us to infer that physical activity may have beneficial effects especially for individuals that are more vulnerable to metabolic modifications such as those with IUGR.

Debris ingestion by the Antillean Manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus).

The Antillean manatee inhabits coastal regions of North and Northeastern Brazil and currently is considered an endangered species in the country. Aiming to gather information for the development of public policies focusing on the conservation of manatees, the National Center for Research and Conservation of Aquatic Mammals of the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity has been rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing these mammals since the 1980s. Over the last 36 years, 40 manatees were released by the CMA/ICMBio and four of them were rescued again due to debris ingestion. Two of these manatees died and the other two were taken back into captivity for a new rehabilitation process. The four mammals had confirmed diagnosis of plastic debris ingestion. These findings demonstrate that the environment where the manatees live after being released had a significant amount of garbage which may hinder the success of the species conservation in Brazil.

Both food restriction and high-fat diet during gestation induce low birth weight and altered physical activity in adult rat offspring: the "Similarities in the Inequalities" model.

We have previously described a theoretical model in humans, called "Similarities in the Inequalities", in which extremely unequal social backgrounds coexist in a complex scenario promoting similar health outcomes in adulthood. Based on the potential applicability of and to further explore the "similarities in the inequalities" phenomenon, this study used a rat model to investigate the effect of different nutritional backgrounds during gestation on the willingness of offspring to engage in physical activity in adulthood. Sprague-Dawley rats were time mated and randomly allocated to one of three dietary groups: Control (Adlib), receiving standard laboratory chow ad libitum; 50% food restricted (FR), receiving 50% of the ad libitum-fed dam's habitual intake; or high-fat diet (HF), receiving a diet containing 23% fat. The diets were provided from day 10 of pregnancy until weaning. Within 24 hours of birth, pups were cross-fostered to other dams, forming the following groups: Adlib_Adlib, FR_Adlib, and HF_Adlib. Maternal chow consumption and weight gain, and offspring birth weight, growth, physical activity (one week of free exercise in running wheels), abdominal adiposity and biochemical data were evaluated. Western blot was performed to assess D2 receptors in the dorsal striatum. The "similarities in the inequalities" effect was observed on birth weight (both FR and HF groups were smaller than the Adlib group at birth) and physical activity (both FR_Adlib and HF_Adlib groups were different from the Adlib_Adlib group, with less active males and more active females). Our findings contribute to the view that health inequalities in fetal life may program the health outcomes manifested in offspring adult life (such as altered physical activity and metabolic parameters), probably through different biological mechanisms.

Is willingness to exercise programmed in utero? Reviewing sedentary behavior and the benefits of physical activity in intrauterine growth restricted individuals / A vontade de se exercitar é programada ainda no útero? Análise do comportamento sedentário e dos benefícios da atividade física em indivíduos com crescimento intrauterino restrito

Abstract Objective: The literature suggests that a fetus will adapt to surrounding adversities by optimizing its use of energy to improve survival, ultimately leading to the programming of the individual's energy intake and expenditure. While recent reviews focused on the fetal programming of energy intake and food preferences, there is also some evidence that fetal adversity is associated with diminished physical activity levels. Therefore, we aimed to review (a) the evidence for an association between being born with intrauterine growth restriction and sedentarism over the life-course and (b) the potential benefits of physical activity over cardiometabolic risk factors for this population. Sources: PubMed, Scielo, Scopus and Embase. Summary of findings: Most clinical studies that used objective measures found no association between intrauterine growth restriction and physical activity levels, while most studies that used self-reported questionnaires revealed such relationships, particularly leisure time physical activity. Experimental studies support the existence of fetal programming of physical activity, and show that exposure to exercise during IUGR individuals' life improves metabolic outcomes but less effect was seen on muscle architecture or function. Conclusions: Alterations in muscle strength and metabolism, as well as altered aerobic performance, may predispose IUGR individuals to be spontaneously less physically active, suggesting that this population may be an important target for preventive interventions. Although very heterogeneous, the different studies allow us to infer that physical activity may have beneficial effects especially for individuals that are more vulnerable to metabolic modifications such as those with IUGR.

Resumo Objetivo: A literatura sugere que um feto se adaptará às adversidades externas ao aprimorar seu gasto energético para melhorar a sobrevida, o que leva, em última instância, à programação do consumo e gasto energético do indivíduo. Apesar de análises recentes terem focado na programação fetal do consumo energético e preferências alimentares, ainda há alguma comprovação de que as adversidades fetais estão associadas aos baixos níveis de atividade física. Portanto, visamos a analisar: a) a comprovação de uma associação entre nascer com restrição de crescimento intrauterino (RCIU) e sedentarismo durante o curso de vida e b) os possíveis benefícios da atividade física sobre os fatores de risco cardiometabólico dessa população. Fontes: PubMed, Scielo, Scopus e Embase. Resumo dos achados: A maior parte dos estudos clínicos que usaram medidas objetivas não constatou associação entre RCIU e os níveis de atividade física, ao passo que a maior parte dos estudos que usaram questionários de autorrelato revelou essas relações, principalmente no que diz respeito à atividade física de lazer. Estudos experimentais corroboram a existência de programação fetal de atividade física e mostram que a exposição a exercícios durante a vida de indivíduos com RCIU melhora os resultados metabólicos, porém menos efeito foi visto sobre a arquitetura ou função muscular. Conclusões: Alterações na força muscular e no metabolismo, bem como o desempenho aeróbico alterado, podem predispor indivíduos com RCIU a serem espontaneamente menos ativos fisicamente, sugere que essa população pode ser um importante alvo de intervenções preventivas. Apesar de muito heterogêneos, os diferentes estudos nos possibilitam deduzir que a atividade física pode ter efeitos benéficos principalmente em indivíduos mais vulneráveis a modificações metabólicas, como aqueles com RCIU.

β-mannanase and mannan oligosaccharides in broiler chicken feed / β-mananase e mananoligossacarídeo em rações de frangos de corte

The study aimed to evaluate the use of β-mannanase and mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) to replace growth promoters in broiler diets. Four hundred male Cobb broiler chicks were used, with initial weight of 45±1g, distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and eight repetitions of ten birds. The treatments were: basal feed; basal feed without growth promoter; basal feed without growth promoter + β-mannanase; basal feed without growth promoter + MOS; and basal feed without growth promoter + β-mannanase + MOS. The feed intake of the birds increased in response to dietary treatments compared to basal diet during the period 1-21 days of age. A higher weight gain and improved feed conversion was found at 42 days of age among birds that had received the basal diet without growth promoter + MOS. The absolute weight at slaughter, relative carcass and prime cuts except breast weights improved in response to dietary treatments compared to the basal diet at 42 days of age. No difference was observed in relative weight of the liver, while significant differences were found in the weight of heart, gizzard, and abdominal fat. It was concluded that β-mannanase and MOS can replace the growth promoters in broiler diets without compromising production and economic performance. However, the association of these products into the feed may cause negative interaction that reduces the broiler chickens' performance.

O experimento teve como objetivo avaliar a utilização de β-mananase e mananoligossacarídeos em substituição aos promotores de crescimento nas rações para frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 400 pintos de corte machos da marca Cobb, com peso inicial de 45±1g, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e oito repetições de 10 aves. Os tratamentos foram: ração basal; ração basal sem promotor de crescimento; ração basal sem promotor de crescimento + β-mananase; ração basal sem promotor de crescimento + MOS; e ração basal sem promotor de crescimento + β-mananase + MOS. O consumo de ração das aves aumentou em resposta aos tratamentos dietéticos, quando comparados à ração basal no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade. Observou-se maior ganho de peso e melhora na conversão alimentar das aves aos 42 dias de idade que receberam a dieta basal sem promotor de crescimento + MOS. Os pesos absolutos ao abate e relativos de carcaça e de cortes nobres, com exceção de peito, melhoraram em resposta aos tratamentos dietéticos, quando comparados à ração basal aos 42 dias de idade. Não houve diferença sobre o peso relativo de fígado, enquanto os pesos de coração, moela e gordura abdominal foram influenciados pelos tratamentos. Concluiu-se que a β-mananase e o MOS podem substituir os promotores de crescimento em rações de frangos de corte sem comprometer o desempenho produtivo e econômico, no entanto, a associação destes produtos à ração pode causar interação, reduzindo o desempenho das aves.

Avaliação da alteração dimensional de quatro marcas comerciais de silicone por reação de adição variando o tempo de armazenagem dos moldes / Dimensional alteration assessment of four silicone brands through addition reaction varying molds storage time

O objetivo deste estudo foi mensurar e comparar a precisão dimensional de modelos de gesso confeccionados por meio de moldagem de impressão única (material pesado/fluído de uma única vez) com quatro diferentes marcas comerciais de silicone polimerizados por reação de adição (Express XT®, Futura®, Aquasil® e Virtual®). Inicialmente, foi confeccionado um modelo acrílico mestre, o qual possuía três pilares metálicos paralelos entre si e equidistantes 50 mm um do outro. Para obtenção dos moldes foram utilizadas cinco moldeiras individuais em acrílico, cujas faces externas adaptavam-se perfeitamente na base do modelo padrão, promovendo o "stop" de inserção da moldeira. Após o procedimento de moldagem e confecção dos modelos experimentais, foram medidas as distâncias entre os três cilindros e o diâmetro de cada cilindro. Essas medições foram feitas por três vezes em um mesmo ponto e, destas, criou-se uma média obtendo os resultados finais. Os valores das distâncias foram analisados estatisticamente por meio de uma análise bifatorial, e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (5%). Os dados demostraram que todas as marcas analisadas apresentaram alteração dimensional e diferiram entre si quando comparadas.

The objective of this study was to measure and compare the dimensional accuracy of plaster models made by only impression molding (heavy material/fluid at one time) of four different brands of polymerized silicone through addition reaction (Express XT®, Futura ®, Aquasil® and Virtual®). Initially, a master acrylic model was manufactured, which had three parallel metal pillars and equidistant 50 mm from each other. To obtain the impressions, we used five individual acrylic trays, whose external faces perfectly adapted to the standard model base, thus promoting the "stop" of molding insertion. Following the molding procedure and the experimental models manufacturing, distances between the three cylinders and the diameter of each cylinder were measured. These measurements were made three times at the same point, and from these average results were obtained. The distance values were statistically analyzed using a two-factor analysis and the means compared by Tukey test (5%). The data demonstrated that all the analyzed brands presented dimensional changes and differed from each other when compared.

Nymphoplasty: classification and technical refinements / Ninfoplastia: classificação e refinamentos técnicos

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophy of the labia minora is a functional and esthetic problem that can have a significant impact on quality of life. Current surgical procedures are based on the excision of excess tissue and reconnection of the edges. However, anatomical alterations associated with labial hypertrophy such as hypertrophy of the foreskin of the clitoris are common, and, if not treated properly, may limit the results of surgery and cause esthetic and functional sequelae. The present report proposes a classification of the different types of hypertrophy and recommended treatments, and describes refinements in the labia minora reduction techniques. METHODS: A total of 20 female genital plastic surgery cases from the Center for Plastic Surgery of Brasilia and at Hospital das Forças Armadas from June 1999 to March 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified into three groups according to the degree and location of labia minora hypertrophy. RESULTS: The patients were satisfied with the esthetic results of surgery. No complications were reported, and all patients underwent surgery of the labia minora in accordance with the protocol proposed by the authors and based on hypertrophy type. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical procedures reviewed in this study were based on the classification of labia minora hypertrophy. Satisfactory esthetic and functional results were obtained, thus providing new methods for the surgical reduction of labia minora and foreskin of the clitoris without surgical stigma or reduction of sensitivity and no effects on sexual function.

INTRODUÇÃO: A hipertrofia dos pequenos lábios traz problemas estéticos e de comprometimento do comportamento íntimo e social. As técnicas existentes, via de regra, propõem excisão do excesso de tecido e reaproximação das bordas; entretanto, diferenças anatômicas são comuns e, frequentemente, observa-se hipertrofia do prepúcio do clitóris associada a aumento dos pequenos lábios. Essas alterações, se não tratadas adequadamente, limitam o resultado, podendo produzir sequelas estéticas e funcionais. Este trabalho propõe uma classificação dos tipos de hipertrofia, com tratamento diferenciado para cada um deles, além de refinamentos técnicos na abordagem da hipertrofia dos pequenos lábios. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo de 20 casos de plástica genital feminina, realizada no Centro de Cirurgia Plástica de Brasília e Hospital das Forças Armadas, no período de junho de 1999 a março de 2008. As pacientes foram classificadas em três grupos, de acordo com o grau e a localização da hipertrofia dos pequenos lábios. RESULTADOS: As pacientes mostraram-se muito satisfeitas com o aspecto estético proporcionado pela cirurgia. Não foram verificadas complicações relacionadas aos procedimentos realizados. Todas as pacientes foram submetidas a tratamento cirúrgico dos pequenos lábios de acordo com o protocolo proposto pelos autores, baseado no tipo de hipertrofia. CONCLUSÕES: Os procedimentos cirúrgicos realizados, propostos de acordo com a classificação da hipertrofia dos pequenos lábios, permitiram a obtenção de resultados estéticos e funcionais satisfatórios, proporcionando à paciente oportunidade de redução do excesso dos pequenos lábios e do prepúcio do clitóris, sem criar estigmas cirúrgicos ou diminuição da sensibilidade, não prejudicando, portanto, a função sexual.

Adição de complexo enzimático e da granulometria da soja integral desativada melhora desempenho de frangos de corte / Addition of Enzymatic complex and deactivated full-fat soybean particle size optimize performance of broilers

O experimento foi conduzido com objetivo de avaliar o efeito da adição de complexo enzimático e da granulometria da soja integral desativada sobre o desempenho de frangos no período de um a 42 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 480 pintos machos da linhagem Ross, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2x2 (enzima x granulometria). As rações experimentais foram formuladas à base de milho, farelo de soja e soja integral desativada (±1,5mm), soja integral desativada (±1,5mm) + enzima, soja integral desativada (±4,0mm) e soja integral desativada (±4,0mm) + enzima. O complexo enzimático (xilanase, β-glucanase, mannase, pectinase e protease) foi adicionado na dosagem de 50g t-1 de ração. A adição do complexo enzimático aumentou (P=0,053) em 4 por cento o consumo de ração e 2,8 por cento o ganho de peso no período final de criação. O consumo de ração foi aumentado em 3 por cento no período final e (P=0,048) 2 por cento no período total em aves que ingeriram ração com granulometria 1,5mm. No período inicial, as aves que ingeriram ração com granulometria 4,0mm tiveram aumento de 5 por cento no ganho de peso e obtiveram os melhores índices de conversão alimentar. A adição do complexo enzimático em dietas à base de soja integral melhora o desempenho de frangos. Não é recomendada a utilização da soja com granulometria 1,5mm nas fases iniciais para frangos.

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of the enzymatic complex addition and deactivated full-fat soybean particle size on performance of broilers in the period from 1 to 42 days of age. Four hundred and eighty male broiler chicks from the Ross strain were used, allotted to a completely randomized factorial scheme 2x2 (enzyme x particle size). The experimental diets were based on corn, soybean meal and (±1.5 mm or ±4.0mm) deactivated full-fat soybean, with or without enzyme. The enzymatic complex (xylanase, b-glucanase, mannase, pectinase and protease) was supplied in the dose of 50g t-1ration. The enzymatic complex addition increased (P=0.0531) the diet intake in 4 percent and the weight gain in 2.8 percent in the final period. The feed intake increased 3 percent in the final period and 2 percent in the total period in poultry that were fed with fine particle size diet. In the initial period, the chicks that ingested the coarse particle size diet had a 5 percent weight gain increase and had the greater feed rates. The addition of the enzymatic complex in diets with deactivated full-fat soybean improves the performance of chickens. The use of the soy with fine particle size (1,5mm) in the initial phases for chickens is not recommended.

Intussuscepção em crianças: avaliação por métodos de imagem e abordagem terapêutica / Intussusception in children: imaging evaluation and therapeutic approach

A intussuscepção, uma emergência médica, ocorre com maior freqüência em crianças com idade abaixo dos dois anos. A tríade clássica de dor abdominal, fezes avermelhadas "em geléia" e massa abdominal palpável é observada em menos de 50 por cento dos casos, tornando difícil seu diagnóstico clínico. Todavia, o diagnóstico de intussuscepção pode ser efetuado com radiografia simples, ultra-sonografia, tomografia computadorizada e enema baritado ou com gás/solução salina, com variável acurácia. Alguns destes métodos de imagem também proporcionam valiosa utilidade à terapia desta condição. Os autores fazem uma revisão da literatura, com ensaio iconográfico dos achados em pacientes com intussuscepção, e discutem os conceitos atuais e tópicos controversos relacionados ao seu tratamento.

Fratura de mandíbula: etiologia e tratamento / Fracture of the mandible: etiology and treatment

Foram analisados 246 casos de fraturas de mandibula no período de janeiro de 1976 a dezembro de 19865. Os pacientes mais frequentemente atingidos encontravam-se entre os 20 e 30 anos de idade, do sexo masculino e foram vítimas de acidente automobilístico. Em 83,73% dos casos, encontrou-se mais de um traço de fratura, sendo a regiäo condilar a mais acometida. O tratamento mais realizado consistiu de abordagem cirúrgica com reduçäo cruenta dos fragmentos ósseos, osteossíntese com fios de aço associado a um bloqueio maxilomandibular com barras de Erich e bandas elásticas por 5 a 8 semanas. Todos, os pacientes fizeram uso de antimicrobianos e antiinflamatórios. Apenas 28 pacientes apresentaram complciaçöes pós-operatórias, sendo a mais comum a infecçäo de partes moles

Mamaplastias: uso de retalho mamário posterior / Mammaplasties: use of posterior breast flap

Apresenta-se experiência na realizaçäo das Mamaplastias Estéticas. Propöe-se a utilizaçäo de um retalho glandular posicionado na profundidade da mama, dito Retalho Mamário Posterior, com nutriçäo extremamente segura, e salientam a importância da sua utilizaçäo, principalmente para aquelas mamas de pouco volume e ptosadas, com o qual se obtém um gracioso cone mamário com adequada projeçäo do complexo aréolo-mamilar e a permanência de um resultado estético mais duradouro com uma menor queda do polo mamário superior, a longo prazo

Orelha em abano: tratamento lateral por via medial / Prominent ear: lateral treatment by medial way

Apresentam-se técnica para tratamento da orelha em abano, onde a diminuiçäo da resistência cartilaginosa é feita por incisöes longitudinais, subtotais, na face lateral da orelha com via de acesso pela face medial. Chamam a atençäo para detalhes anatômicos que devem ser obtidos, bem como para a perfeita harmonia entre as várias circunvoluçöes da orelha e para isto completam o tratamento, quando necessário, da hélix, concha, lóbulo e antitragus