Reproductive status effects of pair-housed male pigs on natural, agonistic and sexual behaviours.

Boar rearing, which avoids pain and suffering caused by surgical castration, provides better performance, a greater deposition of muscle tissue and leaner carcasses and thus has beneficial effects on both animal welfare and the product. Some countries that do not slaughter boars must consider their boar taint and aggressive and sexual behaviours. Considering that pigs are housed in large groups, which may complicate the formation of social hierarchies and increase fighting and mounting behaviours, some studies have conducted research with reduced numbers of pigs per pen, but these behaviours continued to be observed. However, a study of the reproductive status of pair-housed male pigs has yet to be reported. The aim of this study was to determine whether the reproductive status of uncastrated, immunocastrated and surgically castrated pair-housed male pigs alters their natural, agonistic and sexual behaviours. A total of 48 male pigs from Agroceres PIC™ genetics were assigned to three groups: surgically castrated (barrows), immunocastrated and uncastrated (boars). Natural, aggressive and sexual behaviours of the pigs were assessed by direct observations during four periods of 12 h each (six, five and three weeks before slaughter and the slaughter week). The pigs were housed in pairs from the growing phase until slaughter. Animal behaviour was observed from the finishing phase to slaughter. Carcass lesions were assessed according to five different classes (one: no injury; two to five: severely injured). Overall, boars spent more time lying and less time eating and drinking than barrows. In total of all the periods (48 h), boars expressed more aggressive and sexual behaviours than barrows, whereas immunocastrated pigs displayed similar behaviours to boars, before and after the second vaccine dose. No differences in carcass lesions between treatments and no prevalence of carcasses with severe injuries were observed. In conclusion, the reproductive status of pair-housed male pigs did not change the natural behaviour of boars, immunocastrated pigs or barrows. The agonistic and sexual behaviours of boars and barrows remained unchanged. When housing pigs in pairs, immunocastrated pigs presented similar agonistic and sexual behaviours to boars before and after the second immunocastration vaccine dose. The use of pair-housed uncastrated male pigs has generated welfare benefits for these animals, as the number of carcasses with injuries did not differ from barrows and immunocastrated pigs.

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of Nellore bulls submitted to different nutritional strategies during cow-calf and stocker phase.

There have been few studies realized that evaluate the effects of adopting different nutritional systems in more than one phase of cattle production on carcass and meat characteristics. This study was realized to evaluate carcass and meat characteristics from bulls submitted to different nutritional systems during two production phases. The experiment was conducted at Figueira's farm during two production phases: I (cow-calf) - 80 calves (99.6±2.72 days of age and 109.7±2.99 kg of BW) with their mothers were randomly assigned into two supplemental diets: cow-calf mineral supplement (n=40) or cow-calf creep-feeding (n=40); II (stocker) - the same 80 calves (201.2±2.11 days of age and 190.2±3.37 kg of BW) were redistributed into two production systems: stocker pasture (n=40) or stocker feedlot (SF; n=40). After, all 80 animals were kept on a pasture system (III) for 290 days, and then finished in a feedlot system (IV) for more 33 days. Then, they were slaughtered at an average 764.2±3.06 days of age and at 499.2±3.33 kg of final BW. After slaughter, the average daily gain was calculated, and the carcass and meat characteristics were measured. The statistical model design used was completely randomized in a 2×2 factorial arrangement (two treatment groups on cow-calf phase and two treatment groups on stocker phase). The single effects between the groups in each phase and the interactions between both phases (cow-calf v. stocker) were analyzed. The results were compared by Fisher's test, using the R statistical software. A cow-calf by stocker phases interaction occurred for carcass conformation and fiber diameter. For single effects, the greatest influences observed were in the stocker phase. The feedlot group was slaughtered 17 days earlier, with greater final BW (3.8%), hot carcass weight (5.7%), average daily gain (6.9%), dressing percentage (1.8%), carcass length (1.8%), carcass width (1.5%), longissimus muscle area (4.8%) and muscle depth (2.3%) than pasture group. The SF group also had influence on fat color; showing higher L* and lower b* values. These results reveal that bulls reared in feedlot at the stocker phase have higher muscle development and that the stocker phase has the greatest potential to influence carcass characteristics and meat quality.

Uso da somatotropina recombinante bovina em búfalas leiteiras I: produção e composição físico-química do leite / Use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) in dairy buffaloes I: production and physicochemical composition of milk

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da somatotropina recombinante bovina (rbST) sobre a produção e os constituintes do leite de búfalas entre 63 e 154 dias em lactação. Foram utilizadas 22 búfalas, distribuídas em dois grupos experimentais: grupo rbST - aplicação de 500 mg de rbST a cada 14 dias; grupo controle - sem aplicação de rbST. A cada sete dias, foi aferida a produção de leite de todas as búfalas e coletada uma amostra para análise físico-química. As variáveis produtivas e as oriundas de análises laboratoriais foram avaliadas como medidas repetidas no tempo, utilizando-se o comando Repeated gerado pelo procedimento GLM do SAS. A média dos parâmetros estudados para os grupos rbST e controle foram, respectivamente: produção de leite - 6,54 vs. 6,68 kg; gordura - 6,31 vs. 6,34%; proteína 3,86 vs. 3,81%; lactose - 4,96 vs. 5,02%; sólidos totais - 16,05 vs. 16,03%; extrato seco desengordurado - 9,75 vs. 9,74%; contagem de células somáticas - 329,90 vs. 171,68 (x 1000/mL); e elecondutividade - 2,87 vs. 2,81mS/cm. A utilização de 500mg de rbST administrados quinzenalmente, entre 63 e 154 dias em lactação não alterou a produção de leite, a proporção dos constituintes e a CCS do leite de búfalas leiteiras.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on milk yield and the proportion of buffalo milk components during lactation. Twenty-two buffaloes randomly distributed in two experimental groups were used: Group rbST - application of 500mg rbST every 14 days, between 63 and 154 days in milk (DIM); Control Group - without treatment. Weekly, the milk yield of buffaloes was measured and a sample was collected for physicochemical analysis. The response variables were evaluated as repeated measures, using the Repeated procedure through the GLM procedure of SAS. Means of each variable after rbST and Control were: Milk yield - 6,54 vs. 6,68 kg; Fat - 6,31 vs. 6,34%; Protein - 3,86 vs. 3,81%; Lactose - 4,96 vs. 5,02%; Milk solids - 16,05 vs. 16,03%; Defatted dry matter - 9,75 vs. 9,74%; Somatic Cells Count - 329,90 vs. 171,68 (x 1000/mL); and electrical conductivity- 2,87 vs. 2,81mS/cm. The use of 500mg of rbST administered every two weeks, between 63 and 154 DIM did not affect milk yield, proportion of milk constituents and SCC of dairy buffaloes.(AU)

Use of ractopamine during compensatory gain of finishing pigs on carcass and meat performance and quality / Uso de ractopamina durante ganho compensatório de suínos em terminação sobre o desempenho e a qualidade da carcaça e de carne

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of compensatory gain associated with the use of 10ppm ractopamine after a period of feed restriction in finishing pigs on performance, carcass and meat quality. Twenty castrated males and 20 females, at 110 days of age and 66.137±6.13kg live weight, were submitted to four treatments using a 2 x 2 factorial design (fed ad libitum or with 20% restriction between 0(21 days of age and fed with or without 10ppm ractopamine for 22(42 days of experimentation), with 10 replicates (animals). There was no interaction between the factors for any of the evaluated parameters. Animals treated with ractopamine presented better weight gain (1.083 versus 1.259kg), feed conversion (2.910 versus 2.577), warm and cold carcass weight (86.08 versus 89.00 and 83.46 versus 87.20kg, respectively), loin depth (63.02 versus 68.40mm), loin eye area (41.43 versus 46.59mm2) and muscle fiber diameter (27.48 versus 35.85µm). Animals submitted to feed restriction followed by ad libitum feed presented compensatory gain without losses to carcass and meat characteristics, but with a reduction in the ethereal extract (2.19 versus 1.64%) and lower water loss due to thawing in the meat (11.35 versus 9.42%). The effects of compensatory gain after food restriction and ractopamine are independent of the parameters evaluated.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do ganho compensatório associado ao uso de 10ppm de ractopamina após um período de restrição alimentar, em suínos em terminação, sobre características de desempenho, carcaça e qualidade de carne. Foram utilizados 20 machos castrados e 20 fêmeas, com 110 dias de idade e 66,137±6,13kg de peso vivo, submetidos a quatro tratamentos, fatorial 2 x 2 (alimentação à vontade ou com 20% de restrição entre zero e 21 dias de experimentação; e alimentação à vontade, sem ou com 10ppm de ractopamina, durante 22 a 42 dias de experimentação), com 10 repetições, sendo o animal a repetição. Não houve interação entre os fatores para nenhum dos parâmetros avaliados. Animais tratados com ractopamina apresentaram melhor ganho de peso (1,083 versus 1,259kg), conversão alimentar (2,910 versus 2,577), peso da carcaça quente e fria (86,08 versus 89,00 e 83,46 versus 87,20kg, respectivamente), profundidade do lombo (63,02 versus 68,40mm), área de olho de lombo (41,43 versus 46,59mm2) e diâmetro de fibras musculares (27,48 versus 35,85µm). Animais submetidos à restrição alimentar seguida de arraçoamento ad libitum apresentaram ganho compensatório sem prejuízos às características de carcaça e à carne, mas com redução do extrato etéreo (2,19 versus 1,64%) e menor perda de água por descongelamento na carne (11,35 versus 9,42%) Os efeitos do ganho compensatório após a restrição alimentar e da ractopamina mostram-se independentes sobre os parâmetros avaliados.(AU)

Bloqueio de plexo braquial em um bugio-ruivo (Alouatta guariba): relato de caso / Brachial plexus block in a red howler monkey (Alouatta guariba): case report

Os bloqueios regionais vêm sendo explorados e difundidos no dia a dia da medicina veterinária. O presente trabalho relata a execução do bloqueio de plexo braquial em um bugio-ruivo (Alouatta guariba) submetido à amputação de três dígitos. Foi utilizada ropivacaína para o bloqueio, com o paciente sob anestesia geral, com auxílio de neuroestimulador periférico. Quatro horas após a cirurgia e cinco horas após o bloqueio, o paciente não apresentava desconforto ou evitava a manipulação do membro operado e não foram observadas complicações. O bloqueio do plexo braquial é mais comumente utilizado quando se pretende promover analgesia e relaxamento muscular do membro torácico em procedimentos cirúrgicos distais à articulação escápulo-umeral. Há carência em estudos anatômicos sobre diversos primatas, incluindo o bugio-ruivo (Alouatta guariba). Apesar da crescente expansão da clínica de animais silvestres, ainda há lacunas no que diz respeito à execução de técnicas anestésicas em diversas espécies.(AU)

The regional blocks are being exploited and disseminated on a daily basis of veterinary medicine. This study describes the implementation of the brachial plexus block in a red howler-monkey (Alouatta guariba) that underwent amputation of three digits. Ropivacaine was employed for blocking, with the patient under general anesthesia, with the aid of a peripheral nerve stimulator. Four hours after surgery, and five hours after the blockade, the patient had no discomfort nor avoided manipulation of the operated limb and no complications were observed. The brachial plexus block is most commonly used when you want to promote analgesia and muscle relaxation of the forelimb in distal surgical procedures to the scapular-humeral joint. There is a lack of anatomical studies on various primates, including the red howler-monkey (Alouatta guariba). Despite the growing expansion of clinic of wild animals, there are still shortcomings with regards to the implementation of anesthetic techniques in many species.(AU)

Cisto ósseo aneurismático em tecido mole em um cão - relato de caso / Aneurysmal bone cyst in soft tissue in a dog - Case Report

Este trabalho descreve o diagnóstico e o tratamento instituído para um cão com um raro cisto ósseo aneurismático originado em tecido mole. O paciente foi apresentado para atendimento no Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul devido à dificuldade de locomoção, fraqueza nos membros pélvicos e disquesia havia 15 dias. Já estava recebendo tratamento medicamentoso sem sucesso. Ao exame clínico, notou-se aumento de volume sólido na região perineal direita, e foram solicitados exames complementares de imagem. A radiografia da região sugeriu hérnia perineal direita ou neoplasia. O cão foi encaminhado para cirurgia, na qual foi removida uma estrutura tumoral, arredondada, de aspecto ossificado. O exame histopatológico diagnosticou a estrutura como um cisto ósseo aneurismático em tecido mole, e o paciente recuperou-se totalmente após a excisão cirúrgica.(AU)

This paper describes the diagnosis and treatment of a dog with a rare aneurysmal bone cyst in soft tissue. The patient was attended in the Veterinary Clinic Hospital at the Fedral University of Rio Grande do Sul due to limited mobility, weakness in hind limbs, and dyschezia for 15 days. It was already receiving medical treatment without success. Upon clinical examination a solid increase volume in the right perineal region was detected, and complementary imaging tests were requested. Radiography of the region suggested right perineal hernia or neoplasia. The dog was submitted to surgery, and a rounded and ossified tumoral structure was removed. The histopathological exam diagnosed the structure as an aneurysmal bone cyst in soft tissue, and the patient recovered fully after surgical excision.(AU)

Morphological reassessment and molecular phylogenetic analyses of Amauroderma s.lat. raised new perspectives in the generic classification of the Ganodermataceae family.

Ganodermataceae is a remarkable group of polypore fungi, mainly characterized by particular double-walled basidiospores with a coloured endosporium ornamented with columns or crests, and a hyaline smooth exosporium. In order to establish an integrative morphological and molecular phylogenetic approach to clarify relationship of Neotropical Amauroderma s.lat. within the Ganodermataceae family, morphological analyses, including scanning electron microscopy, as well as a molecular phylogenetic approach based on one (ITS) and four loci (ITS-5.8S, LSU, TEF-1α and RPB1), were carried out. Ultrastructural analyses raised up a new character for Ganodermataceae systematics, i.e., the presence of perforation in the exosporium with holes that are connected with hollow columns of the endosporium. This character is considered as a synapomorphy in Foraminispora, a new genus proposed here to accommodate Porothelium rugosum (≡ Amauroderma sprucei). Furtadoa is proposed to accommodate species with monomitic context: F. biseptata, F. brasiliensis and F. corneri. Molecular phylogenetic analyses confirm that both genera grouped as strongly supported distinct lineages out of the Amauroderma s.str. clade.

Implante de Port-o-Cath para quimioterapia antineoplásica em um canino: relato de caso / Implant of Port-o-Cath for antineoplastic chemotherapy in a canine: case report

O Port-o-Cath é um cateter venoso central totalmente implantável, o qual permite a infusão de quimioterápicos, hemoderivados, nutrição parenteral e coleta de sangue. Este trabalho relata o caso de um canino com um tumor no membro pélvico que foi tratado cirurgicamente e recebeu o cateter para a quimioterapia antineoplásica. A paciente possuía um sarcoma sinovial, tumor incomum em cães, que acomete normalmente as articulações e exige terapia multimodal. O tratamento foi feito em duas etapas; na primeira, o membro foi amputado e, na segunda, foi realizado o implante do Port-o-Cath e exérese de nódulo metastático. A cadela respondeu satisfatoriamente à cirurgia e realizou as sessões de quimioterapia com perfeito funcionamento do cateter, indo a óbito por outras causas 90 dias após o procedimento. O implante de Port-o-Cath para a quimioterapia é um grande aliado à terapia multimodal preconizada para o câncer, podendo o cateter ser considerado em pacientes que necessitem de medicação quimioterápica por longo período.(AU)

The Port-a-Cath is a totally implantable central venous catheter that allows the infusion of chemotherapeutic agents, blood products, parenteral nutrition, and blood sample collection. This work reports the case of a dog with a tumor in the pelvic limb that was treated surgically and received the catheter for cancer chemotherapy. The patient was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, an uncommon tumor in dogs that usually affects the joints and requires multimodal therapy. The treatment was done in two steps, in the first the limb was amputated and in the second the Port-a-Cath implantation and the excision of the metastatic nodule were performed. The dog responded well to surgery and chemotherapy sessions held with proper functioning of the catheter, and died from other causes 90 days after the procedure. The implantation of Port-a-Cath for chemotherapy is a great ally of multimodal therapy recommended for cancer, so this catheter may be considered for patients requiring chemotherapy medication for a long period.(AU)

Treadmill walking differently affects body composition and metabolic parameters of female rats from normal or small litters.

This work assessed whether walking affects bodily development and metabolic parameters of female rats raised in small litters (three pups, group S) or control litters (nine pups, group C). After weaning, some of the rats had five sessions per week of a 30-min treadmill walking (CE and SE), while the others remained sedentary (CS and SS) until the age of 120 days. Exercise caused a reduction of body weight (CS/CE = 1.18), Lee index (CS/CE = 1.04), fasting blood glucose (CS/CE = 1.35), mesenteric (CS/CE = 1.23), and ovarian fat (CS/CE = 1.33) in CE, but only glucose was decreased in SE (SS/SE = 1.16). The diameter of adipocytes decreased to a half in the small-litter groups. Exercise increased subcutaneous (CS/CE = 0.88 and SS/SE = 0.71), but decreased retroperitoneal adipocytes (CS/CE = 1.2 and SS/SE = 1.3). Litter size reduction had little impact on females at the age of 120 days, but the light physical activity seemed insufficient to counteract all the effects of lactational overfeeding. On the other hand, pups from exercised mothers had a decrease in their biometric and glycemic indexes, demonstrating the transgenerational action of regular, although light, exercise.

Agenesia renal unilateral e criptorquidismo ipsilateral em um felino: relato de caso / Unilateral renal agenesis and ipsilateral cryptorchidism in a cat: case report

A agenesia renal é uma afecção congênita rara na espécie felina, frequentemente associada a uma malformação reprodutiva. O presente trabalho relata o caso de um felino com agenesia renal unilateral associada a criptorquidismo ipsilateral, com ênfase no diagnóstico, tratamento e acompanhamento. O paciente foi conduzido ao Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul para avaliação de criptorquidismo. A agenesia renal foi um achado durante a ecografia abdominal do felino. Durante a laparotomia, foi confirmada a ausência do rim e ureter direito, hipertrofia do rim esquerdo e presença de um testículo ectópico. O paciente teve alta após a recuperação anestésica e se mantém clinicamente estável, transcorridos seis meses da cirurgia. A agenesia renal unilateral é uma condição compatível com a vida, contanto que o rim existente apresente funcionamento aceitável. Assim, sugere-se que a possibilidade de rim único em felinos criptorquidas deve ser investigada sempre que possível, tendo em vista a alta correlação entre essas malformações, e objetivando um acompanhamento da função renal do paciente ao longo da vida.(AU)

Renal agenesis is a rare disorder in feline species, commonly associated with reproductive malformation. This study aims to report the case of a cat with unilateral renal agenesis combined with ipsilateral cryptorchidism, emphasizing the diagnosis, treatment and patient follow up. The patient was taken to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul to evaluate the cryptorchidism. The renal agenesis was an incidental finding during the abdominal ultrasound. At laparotomy, the absence of the right kidney and ureter was confirmed, hypertrophy of the left kidney and the presence of an ectopic testicle were found. The patient was discharged after recovering from anesthesia and remains clinically stable six months after surgery. The unilateral renal agenesis is a life compatible condition as long as the existing kidney has an acceptable performance. Therefore, it is suggested that the chance of a single kidney in cats whit cryptorchidism should be investigated, given the correlation between these malformations, and aiming to monitor renal function throughout the life of the patient.(AU)

Admixture and population stratification in African Caribbean populations.

Throughout biomedical research, there is growing interest in the use of ancestry informative markers (AIMs) to deconstruct racial categories into useful variables. Studies on recently admixed populations have shown significant population substructure due to differences in individual ancestry; however, few studies have examined Caribbean populations. Here we used a panel of 28 AIMs to examine the genetic ancestry of 298 individuals of African descent from the Caribbean islands of Jamaica, St. Thomas and Barbados. Differences in global admixture were observed, with Barbados having the highest level of West African ancestry (89.6%+/- 2.0) and the lowest levels of European (10.2%+/- 2.2) and Native American ancestry (0.2%+/- 2.0), while Jamaica possessed the highest levels of European (12.4%+/- 3.5) and Native American ancestry (3.2%+/- 3.1). St. Thomas, USVI had ancestry levels quite similar to African Americans in continental U.S. (86.8%+/- 2.2 West African, 10.6%+/- 2.3 European, and 2.6%+/- 2.1 Native American). Significant substructure was observed in the islands of Jamaica and St. Thomas but not Barbados (K=1), indicating that differences in population substructure exist across these three Caribbean islands. These differences likely stem from diverse colonial and historical experiences, and subsequent evolutionary processes. Most importantly, these differences may have significant ramifications for case-control studies of complex disease in Caribbean populations.

Comparison of two training strategies for essential newborn care in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of two training strategies for improving essential newborn care in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: Eight hospitals were selected, divided into two groups of four, and paired by geographical, structural, and functional characteristics. Doctors and nurses working at hospitals in Group 1 were given a conventional 5-day training course. Those in Group 2 were given the same manual used by Group 1 but the training course was organized as self-directed learning, with the participants having 5 weeks to complete the course. Participants' knowledge was tested at baseline, immediately after the course, and 3-6 months later. Participants' practices were observed before training and 3-6 months after training during 20 births and by interviewing 20 mothers before discharge at each hospital. FINDINGS: Not all participants completed all of the tests. The scores on the tests of knowledge improved more among those in Group 2 than those in Group 1 when the answers were classified as right or wrong, but there was no difference between groups when a scoring method was used that classified answers as correct, partially correct, incorrect, or missing. Practices related to thermal control after birth improved among those in Group 2 after training but practices related to thermal control on the ward worsened. The promotion of breastfeeding improved in both groups. CONCLUSION: There was no difference between the two training strategies, although self-directed learning was cheaper than conventional training. Neither strategy brought about the expected improvements in the quality of care. Other interventions in addition to training may be needed to improve care.

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus among pregnant women receiving health services at the Puerto Rico University Hospital, Puerto Rico, 1997-1998.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and to describe the clinical characteristics of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women receiving health care services at the Puerto Rico University Hospital from 1997 to 1998. METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional. All medical records available of pregnant women diagnosed with GDM were retrospectively reviewed. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions and summary measures (mean and standard deviation) were used. Annual and 18-month period prevalences of GDM were calculated. Fisher's exact test was used to compare proportions. RESULTS: A total of 78 medical records were available during the 18-month study period (June 1997 to December 1998). The estimated prevalence of GDM was 2% for the total study period (18-month) as well as for the year 1998. The highest proportion (52.3%) of GDM cases was found in the 30 years or less age group. Forty-eight percent had a body mass index (BMI) > or = 30 m/kg2 (obese) before pregnancy; however, the weight gained during the last pregnancy was higher than 15 pounds (57%). Sixty-four percent of the cases had a family history of diabetes, meanwhile, 34.7% reported a history of GDM during previous pregnancies. During the first prenatal visit, 80.5% reflected glucose levels higher than 110 mg/ml. Preeclampsia (6.4%) and macrosomia (14%) were the most frequent complications for the mother and the fetus, respectively. DISCUSSION: More epidemiological studies about GMD in Puerto Rico need to be performed to better describe the prevalence of the condition in the island.

[Characterization of nursing activities in public health developed in the Northern Regional Health Unit of the Federal District]. / Caracterização das atividades de enfermagem em saúde coletiva desenvolvidas na Regional Norte de Saúde do Distrito Federal.

The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the activities developed by the nursing team at the Northern Regional Health Unit of the Federal District. A questionnaire, which described a variety of daily nursing activities, was administered to 29 nurses, 91 nurse assistants and 42 health care agents. Focus group sessions for each of the professional categories were also conducted. Results showed that all members of the nursing team concentrate their effort in organizing, controlling and attending spontaneous demands as well as providing support to doctors. As a consequence, these professionals prioritize individual attendance to detriment of collective practice.

[Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Quadrennial analysis, during 12 years, of the efficacy of quinine treatment]. / Malária por Plasmodium falciparum. Análise quadrienal, durante 12 anos, da eficácia do tratamento com quinino.

The efficacy of quinine for the treatment of falciparum malaria was studied by quadriennal analysis of the medical records of 454 patients admitted to the HDT-GO from 1983 to 1994 and treated with identical doses of quinine alone for 7 days. In the quadriennium from 1983 to 1986, 98.4% of the patients became negative by the 5th day of treatment and 8% presented recurrence (R1); from 1987 to 1990, only 72.9% became negative by the 5th day of treatment, 1.4% remained positive until the 7th day (R2) and 9.7% presented recurrence (R1); from 1991 to 1994, 70.1% became negative by the 5th day of treatment, 3.5% remained positive until the 7th day (R2) and 20% presented recurrence (R1). The increase in parasite clearance time with failure up to the 7th day of treatment (R2) and the increase in recurrence (R1) show that P. falciparum is developing resistance to quinine in the region under study.

[Nursing in a pediatric unit. Proposal for systematization]. / Assistência de enfermagem em unidade pediátrica: uma proposta de início de sistematização.

The present work reports an initial process of nursing assistance systematization developed in a Pediatric Unit of a medium size hospital in São Carlos-SP, considering the actual human resources and the type of approach adopted by the institution on the assistance given to the hospitalized child. A Routine Manual was elaborated based on the literature and with the staff participation, and after that, a training was realized with these employees, starting from routines previously sketched, using groupal dynamics that looked forward to rescue the knowledge that they already had about the themes. The work considered the employees opinion about their participation in the systematization process.

[Aspects of the social reintegration of stoma patients]. / Aspectos da reinserção social do ostomizado.

The social rehabilitation represents a challenge to ostomy patient and a concern for health professional team. This study intends to verify the difficulties related to returning to the daily domestic, leisure, job and sexual activities showed by 45 ostomizeds after hospital discharge in different periods of late post operative. The data was obtained from patients assisted by two Outpatient Services of São Paulo city, through the interviews. The patients were selected by previous established criteria agreement and then subdivided in three groups as the post operative period. It's possible to verify that the majority of the clients didn't returned totally or returned only partially to the daily activities like before the disease or surgery, specially in the sexual area. They justified these difficulties by physical problems, insecurity and the use of inadequate appliances.