Spatial variability of soil physical properties in longitudinal profiles.

The spatial variability of physical properties, such as bulk density, penetration resistance and gravimetric moisture, obtained by applying geostatistics in precision agriculture, can effectively indicate the physical behavior of agricultural soils in longitudinal profiles. In this way, the spatial dependence of physical properties in streets of coffee plantations with different lengths was evaluated in the southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. For this purpose, five longitudinal profiles were measured in streets, each one with depths ranging from 0 to 0.60 m, in six layers of 0.10 m, being the database composed of 432 property, 144 by property, submitted to the ordinary kriging geostatistical method in order to obtain spatial variability maps using the R software. They were evaluated by the lower mean cross-validation error of theoretical models fitted by ordinary least squares (OLS), being detected in higher superficial layers, from 0 to 0.30 m, lower bulk density and lower penetration resistance, with variable gravimetric moisture in the length direction of some streets of coffee plantations, being that these properties presented different structures of spatial dependence for each street.

Reliability of evidence-review methods in restoration ecology.

In restoration science, evidence reviews play a crucial role in summarizing research findings in practice and policy. However, if unreliable or inappropriate methods are used to review evidence, decisions based on these reviews may not accurately reflect the available evidence base. To assess the current value of restoration reviews, we examined a sample of meta-analyses and narrative syntheses (n = 91) with the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence Synthesis Assessment Tool (CEESAT), which uses detailed criteria to assesses the method of policy-relevant evidence synthesis according to elements important for objectivity, transparency, and comprehensiveness. Overall, reviews scored low based on this standard: median score 16 out of 39, modal score 15, and mean 16.6. Meta-analyses scored higher than narrative syntheses (median 17 vs. 5, respectively), although there were some outlier narrative syntheses that had high scores, suggesting that quantitative synthesis does not solely reflect the reliability of a review. In general, criteria spanning the more fundamental review stages (i.e., searching for studies and including studies) received low scores for both synthesis types. Conversely, criteria comprising the later stages of the review (i.e., critical appraisal, data extraction, and data synthesis) were generally well described in meta-analyses; thus, these criteria achieved the highest individual CEESAT scores. We argue that restoration ecology is well positioned to advance so-called evidence-based restoration, but review authors should elucidate their conceptual understanding of evidence syntheses and recognize that conducting reliable reviews demands the same methodological rigor and reporting standards used in primary research. Given the potential of evidence reviews to inform management, policy, and research, it is of vital importance that the overall methodological reliability of restoration reviews be improved.

Confiabilidad de los Métodos de Revisión de Evidencias en la Ecología de Restauración Resumen Para las ciencias de la restauración, las revisiones de evidencias juegan un papel muy importante en la síntesis de los hallazgos de las investigaciones en la práctica y en las políticas. Sin embargo, si se usan métodos poco fiables o inapropiados para revisar las evidencias, las decisiones que se tomen con base en estas revisiones pueden no reflejar acertadamente la base disponible de evidencias. Para analizar el valor actual de las revisiones de restauraciones examinamos una muestra de metaanálisis y síntesis narrativas (n = 91) con la Herramienta para la Síntesis de Análisis de la Colaboración para la Evidencia Ambiental (CEESAT), la cual usa criterios detallados para analizar el método de síntesis de evidencias relevantes para las políticas de acuerdo con los elementos importantes para la objetividad, transparencia y exhaustividad. En general, las revisiones tuvieron puntajes bajos con base en este estándar (puntaje medio: 16 de 39, puntaje modal: 15, media: 16.6). Los metaanálisis tuvieron un puntaje más alto que las síntesis narrativas (mediana: 17 vs 5, respectivamente), aunque hubo algunas síntesis narrativas atípicas que tuvieron puntajes altos, lo que sugiere que la síntesis cuantitativa no refleja por sí sola la confiabilidad de una revisión. En suma, los criterios que abarcaron las etapas de revisión más fundamentales (es decir, buscar estudios e incluir estudios) recibieron puntajes bajos para ambos tipos de síntesis. Al contrario, los criterios que comprendieron las etapas tardías de la revisión (es decir, la valoración crítica, la extracción de datos y la síntesis de los datos) estuvieron generalmente bien descritos en los metaanálisis; por lo tanto, estos criterios alcanzaron los puntajes CEESAT individuales más altos. Argumentamos que la ecología de restauración se encuentra bien posicionada para adelantar la llamada restauración basada en evidencias, pero los autores de las revisiones deberían aclarar su entendimiento conceptual de la síntesis de evidencias y reconocer que la realización de revisiones confiables requiere el mismo rigor metodológico y los mismos estándares de reporte usados en la investigación primaria. Dado el potencial que tienen las revisiones de evidencias para orientar el manejo, las políticas y la investigación, es de vital importancia que se mejore la confiabilidad metodológica generalizada de las revisiones de restauración.

Global proteome profiling of dental cementum under experimentally-induced apposition.

UNLABELLED: Dental cementum (DC) covers the tooth root and has important functions in tooth attachment and position. DC can be lost to disease, and regeneration is currently unpredictable due to limited understanding of DC formation. This study used a model of experimentally-induced apposition (EIA) in mice to identify proteins associated with new DC formation. Mandibular first molars were induced to super-erupt for 6 and 21days after extracting opposing maxillary molars. Decalcified and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded mandible sections were prepared for laser capture microdissection. Microdissected protein extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and the data submitted to repeated measure ANOVA test (RM-ANOVA, alpha=5%). A total of 519 proteins were identified, with 97 (18.6%) proteins found exclusively in EIA sites and 50 (9.6%) proteins exclusively expressed in control sites. Fifty six (10.7%) proteins were differentially regulated by RM-ANOVA (p<0.05), with 24 regulated by the exclusive effect of EIA (12 proteins) or the interaction between EIA and time (12 proteins), including serpin 1a, procollagen C-endopeptidase enhancer, tenascin X (TNX), and asporin (ASPN). In conclusion, proteomic analysis demonstrated significantly altered protein profile in DC under EIA, providing new insights on DC biology and potential candidates for tissue engineering applications. SIGNIFICANCE: Dental cementum (DC) is a mineralized tissue that covers the tooth root surface and has important functions in tooth attachment and position. DC and other periodontal tissues can be lost to disease, and regeneration is currently unpredictable due to lack of understanding of DC formation. This study used a model of experimentally-induced apposition (EIA) in mice to promote new cementum formation, followed by laser capture microdissection (LCM) and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) proteomic analysis. This approach identified proteins associated with new cementum formation that may be targets for promoting cementum regeneration.

Spatial and temporal analyses of culls due to bovine tuberculosis in slaughterhouses of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, 2008 to 2012 / Análise espacial e temporal das condenações por tuberculose bovina em frigoríficos do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2008 a 2012

The application of spatial and temporal analysis in epidemiology aims to understand the causes and consequences of spatial and temporal heterogeneity in studies of infectious diseases. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic and progressive infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis and is an important zoonosis worldwide. The aim of this study was to conduct spatial and temporal analyses of a secondary database of bTB-positive cases registered by the Federal Inspection Service in two slaughterhouses from the West of Minas mesoregion of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, from 2008 to 2012 and to suggest its use in epidemiological surveillance. The culled cattle with bTB macroscopic lesions during post mortem inspection were considered positive in this study. The data used were the positive cases registered on the "Sistema de Informações Gerenciais do Serviço de Inspeção Federal" (SIG/SIF - Management Information System of the Federal Inspection Service) of the "Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento" (MAPA - Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supplies), the number of animals slaughtered monthly and their municipalities of origin, per slaughterhouse. The prevalence (%) of cases per cattle slaughtered was calculated, and the relationship between these cases of bTB and cases of human tuberculosis (hTB) and the GDP per capita of the mesoregions comprising the municipalities surveyed was evaluated. The prevalence was 1,030 cases of bTB (0.28%). The lowest case numbers and prevalence rates were obtained in 2010, while the highest rates were observed in 2011. Slaughterhouse 1 showed stationarity, while Slaughterhouse 2 showed an increasing annual trend for data since October 2009. A statistical correlation between the numbers of cases of bovine and human TB (p=0.006, r=0.148) was observed. The prevalence for Slaughterhouses 1 and 2 were not correlated (p>0.05). The municipalities of origin demonstrated randomness in their spatial distribution. SIG/SIF-MAPA may be used for the analysis of spatial and temporal distribution to contribute to the monitoring of animal health services with information on the prevalence of culling for bTB in the West of Minas, South/Southwest of Minas, Campo das Vertentes and Zona da Mata mesoregions of Minas Gerais, Brazil.(AU)

A aplicação de análises espacial e temporal em epidemiologia visa compreender as causas e consequências da heterogeneidade espacial e temporal nos estudos de doenças infecciosas. A tuberculose bovina (TBb) é uma doença infecciosa crônica e progressiva causada pelo Mycobacterium bovis e uma importante zoonose em todo o mundo. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar análises espaciais e temporais em um banco de dados secundário de casos positivos de TBb registrados pelo Serviço de Inspeção Federal em dois frigoríficos da mesorregião Oeste de Minas, estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, de 2008 a 2012 e sugerir sua utilização na vigilância epidemiológica. Os bovinos abatidos com lesões macroscópicas de TBb durante a inspeção post mortem foram considerados positivos neste estudo. Os dados utilizados foram os casos positivos cadastrados no Sistema de Informações Gerenciais do Serviço de Inspeção Federal do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (SIGSIF/MAPA), o número de animais abatidos mensalmente e seus municípios de origem, por frigorífico. Foi calculada a prevalência (%) de casos por bovinos abatidos e avaliada a relação entre esses casos de TBb e os casos de tuberculose humana (TBh) e o PIB per capita das mesorregiões que compõem os municípios pesquisados. A prevalência foi de 1.030 casos de TBb (0,28%). Os menores números de casos e prevalências foram obtidos em 2010, enquanto as maiores prevalências foram observadas em 2011. O Frigorífico 1 apresentou estacionariedade, enquanto o Frigorífico 2 apresentou tendência anual crescente para os dados desde outubro de 2009. Correlação estatística entre o número de casos de TBb e TBh (p=0,006, r=0,148) foi observada. As prevalências nos Frigoríficos 1 e 2 não se correlacionaram (p>0,05). Os municípios de origem demonstraram aleatoriedade em sua distribuição espacial. O SIGSIF/MAPA pode ser utilizado para a análise da distribuição espacial e temporal a fim de contribuir com o monitoramento dos serviços de saúde animal com informações sobre a prevalência de condenações por TBb nas mesorregiões Oeste de Minas, Sul/Sudoeste de Minas, Campo das Vertentes e Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais, Brasil.(AU)

Spatial and temporal analyses of culls due to bovine tuberculosis in slaughterhouses of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, 2008 to 2012

ABSTRACT: The application of spatial and temporal analysis in epidemiology aims to understand the causes and consequences of spatial and temporal heterogeneity in studies of infectious diseases. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic and progressive infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis and is an important zoonosis worldwide. The aim of this study was to conduct spatial and temporal analyses of a secondary database of bTB-positive cases registered by the Federal Inspection Service in two slaughterhouses from the West of Minas mesoregion of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, from 2008 to 2012 and to suggest its use in epidemiological surveillance. The culled cattle with bTB macroscopic lesions during post mortem inspection were considered positive in this study. The data used were the positive cases registered on the Sistema de Informações Gerenciais do Serviço de Inspeção Federal (SIG/SIF - Management Information System of the Federal Inspection Service) of the Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA - Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supplies), the number of animals slaughtered monthly and their municipalities of origin, per slaughterhouse. The prevalence (%) of cases per cattle slaughtered was calculated, and the relationship between these cases of bTB and cases of human tuberculosis (hTB) and the GDP per capita of the mesoregions comprising the municipalities surveyed was evaluated. The prevalence was 1,030 cases of bTB (0.28%). The lowest case numbers and prevalence rates were obtained in 2010, while the highest rates were observed in 2011. Slaughterhouse 1 showed stationarity, while Slaughterhouse 2 showed an increasing annual trend for data since October 2009. A statistical correlation between the numbers of cases of bovine and human TB (p=0.006, r=0.148) was observed. The prevalence for Slaughterhouses 1 and 2 were not correlated (p>0.05). The municipalities of origin demonstrated randomness in their spatial distribution. SIG/SIF-MAPA may be used for the analysis of spatial and temporal distribution to contribute to the monitoring of animal health services with information on the prevalence of culling for bTB in the West of Minas, South/Southwest of Minas, Campo das Vertentes and Zona da Mata mesoregions of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

RESUMO: A aplicação de análises espacial e temporal em epidemiologia visa compreender as causas e consequências da heterogeneidade espacial e temporal nos estudos de doenças infecciosas. A tuberculose bovina (TBb) é uma doença infecciosa crônica e progressiva causada pelo Mycobacterium bovis e uma importante zoonose em todo o mundo. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar análises espaciais e temporais em um banco de dados secundário de casos positivos de TBb registrados pelo Serviço de Inspeção Federal em dois frigoríficos da mesorregião Oeste de Minas, estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, de 2008 a 2012 e sugerir sua utilização na vigilância epidemiológica. Os bovinos abatidos com lesões macroscópicas de TBb durante a inspeção post mortem foram considerados positivos neste estudo. Os dados utilizados foram os casos positivos cadastrados no Sistema de Informações Gerenciais do Serviço de Inspeção Federal do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (SIGSIF/MAPA), o número de animais abatidos mensalmente e seus municípios de origem, por frigorífico. Foi calculada a prevalência (%) de casos por bovinos abatidos e avaliada a relação entre esses casos de TBb e os casos de tuberculose humana (TBh) e o PIB per capita das mesorregiões que compõem os municípios pesquisados. A prevalência foi de 1.030 casos de TBb (0,28%). Os menores números de casos e prevalências foram obtidos em 2010, enquanto as maiores prevalências foram observadas em 2011. O Frigorífico 1 apresentou estacionariedade, enquanto o Frigorífico 2 apresentou tendência anual crescente para os dados desde outubro de 2009. Correlação estatística entre o número de casos de TBb e TBh (p=0,006, r=0,148) foi observada. As prevalências nos Frigoríficos 1 e 2 não se correlacionaram (p>0,05). Os municípios de origem demonstraram aleatoriedade em sua distribuição espacial. O SIGSIF/MAPA pode ser utilizado para a análise da distribuição espacial e temporal a fim de contribuir com o monitoramento dos serviços de saúde animal com informações sobre a prevalência de condenações por TBb nas mesorregiões Oeste de Minas, Sul/Sudoeste de Minas, Campo das Vertentes e Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais, Brasil.

Efficacy of electroacupuncture for myofascial pain in the upper trapezius muscle: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Electroacupunture (EA) includes the passage of an electrical current through the acupuncture needle and is commonly used for pain relief. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the EA treatment effects for myofascial pain in the upper trapezius muscle. METHODS: Twenty women aged ranging from 18 to 40 years (mean=24.95; SD=5.88 years), with a body mass index ranging from 19 to 25 kg/m2 (mean=22.33; SD=0.56 kg/m2), with regular menstrual cycles controlled by oral contraceptive, local or referred pain for more than six months and at least one myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius participated in this study. The participants received a total of nine EA sessions over five weeks. The needles were inserted at the accupoints GB20, GB21, LV3, LI4, and at "ashi" points. A mixed current of 2 Hz and 100 Hz was applied alternatively every 5 seconds for 30 minutes. The outcomes were pain intensity measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT) measured by an algometer, electromyography (EMG) and quality of life measured by the SF-36 questionnaire. Inter-occurrences between sessions were monitored. Paired t-test, Wilcoxon test, and repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) having Tukey-Kramer as post-hoc tests were used. RESULTS: Significant improvement in pain intensity and in PPT occurred after treatment (P<0.0001). EMG of the right trapezius during contraction increased significantly, suggesting muscle function enhancement; the quality of life improved, related to physical components of the SF-36 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The EA showed to be a reliable method for myofascial pain relief. Large randomized blinded controlled trials might be carried out to confirm these results. Article registered in the Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos under number RBR-4hb6f6.

Efficacy of electroacupuncture for myofascial pain in the upper trapezius muscle: a case series / Eficácia da eletroacupuntura para dor miofascial do músculo trapézio: uma série de casos

BACKGROUND: Electroacupunture (EA) includes the passage of an electrical current through the acupuncture needle and is commonly used for pain relief. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the EA treatment effects for myofascial pain in the upper trapezius muscle. METHODS: Twenty women aged ranging from 18 to 40 years (mean=24.95; SD=5.88 years), with a body mass index ranging from 19 to 25 kg/m2 (mean=22.33; SD=0.56 kg/m2), with regular menstrual cycles controlled by oral contraceptive, local or referred pain for more than six months and at least one myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius participated in this study. The participants received a total of nine EA sessions over five weeks. The needles were inserted at the accupoints GB20, GB21, LV3, LI4, and at “ashi” points. A mixed current of 2 Hz and 100 Hz was applied alternatively every 5 seconds for 30 minutes. The outcomes were pain intensity measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT) measured by an algometer, electromyography (EMG) and quality of life measured by the SF-36 questionnaire. Inter-occurrences between sessions were monitored. Paired t-test, Wilcoxon test, and repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) having Tukey-Kramer as post-hoc tests were used. RESULTS: Significant improvement in pain intensity and in PPT occurred after treatment (P<0.0001). EMG of the right trapezius during contraction increased significantly, suggesting muscle function enhancement; the quality of life improved, related to physical components of the SF-36 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The EA showed to be a reliable method for myofascial pain relief. Large randomized blinded controlled trials might be carried out to confirm these results. Article registered in the Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos under number RBR-4hb6f6.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: A eletroacupuntura (EA) inclui a passagem de uma corrente elétrica pela agulha de acupuntura e é comumente utilizada para aliviar a dor. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da EA no tratamento da dor miofascial do músculo trapézio superior. MÉTODOS: Participaram 20 voluntárias com idade entre 18 e 40 anos (24,95±5,88 anos), índice de massa corpórea entre 19 e 25 kg/m2 (22,33±0,56 kg/m2), ciclo menstrual regulado por anticoncepcionais, dor por mais de seis meses no trapézio superior, com pelo menos um ponto gatilho miofascial. Nove sessões de EA foram agendadas, sendo duas por semana. As agulhas foram inseridas nos pontos VB20, VB21, F3, IG4 e em pontos ashi. Aplicou-se uma corrente alternada de 2 Hz e 100 Hz a cada 5 segundos durante 30 minutos. Avaliou-se a eficácia do tratamento quantificando a intensidade da dor com a Escala Visual Analógica (EVA); o limiar de dor à pressão (LDP), com algômetro digital, eletromiografia (EMG) e com o questionário de qualidade de vida SF-36. Possíveis fatores influenciadores entre as sessões foram monitorados. Aplicaram-se os testes t pareado, Wilcoxon e análise de variância com medidas repetidas (ANOVA) e, como post-hoc, o teste de Tukey-Kramer. RESULTADO: Após o tratamento, houve melhora na intensidade da dor e no LDP (P<0,0001). A EMG no trapézio direito, durante a contração, aumentou significativamente, sugerindo melhora da função muscular. A qualidade de vida melhorou considerando os componentes físicos do SF-36 (P<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A EA mostrou-se confiável no alívio da dor miofascial. Estudos randomizados, cegos e controlados devem ser realizados para confirmar esses resultados. Artigo registrado no Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos sob o número RBR-4hb6f6.