The first objective of this study was to assess Marandu palisade grass in an integrated crop-livestock system (ICL), and two integrated crop-livestock-forest (ICLF) systems. The first ICLF had a single row of eucalyptus (ICLF-1L) and the second had three rows of eucalyptus (ICLF-3L). The second objective was to assess the performance, behaviour, and thermal comfort of Nellore cattle in these systems during summer and winter. The data were collected for two years after the systems were implemented. Sixty Nellore cattle were used. Dry forage mass (DFM) was similar in all systems with a higher percentage of leaves observed in ICLF-3L in winter compared with ICL. Forage in the ICLF-1L and ICLF-3L systems contained more crude protein (CP) than ICL. The radiant thermal load was lower for ICLF-1L and ICLF-3L, with a lower globe temperature in ICLF-3L. The stocking rate was lowest for ICLF-3L. Two years after the systems had been established, the trees provided low density shade and implementing the ICLF-1L and ICLF-3L systems improved the CP content of the grass without changing the levels of DFM and performance of the cattle. The trees reduced the total thermal energy exchanged between the animal and the environment, improving thermal comfort, but did not influence cattle behaviour or their haematological parameters.

Abstract: This work presents the results of structural evaluations carried out from numerical models based on the finite element method (FEM) for a steel stair with 22.70 meters long, 8.37 high and 1.68 wide, belonging to Olympic Tennis Center, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil. A numerical model was elaborated and fitted to natural frequencies of real structure, which in turn were obtained from an operational modal test. The test was conduced by recording vibrations due to wind and traffic of people at six points over the structure, and from stochastic signals processing of these data considering frequency domain decomposition (FDD) procedure, the experimental natural frequencies were extracted. The calibrated numerical model was then used in the structural evaluation for static and dynamic loads, and it was observed that while the structural behavior obtained through the initial numerical model (used in the development of the project) indicated compliance with design codes criteria, calibrated model pointed out the need for structural reinforcement to meet vibrations service limit.

Resumen: Este trabajo presenta los resultados de las evaluaciones estructurales realizadas a partir de modelos numéricos basados en el método de elementos finitos (FEM) para una escalera de acero con 22,70 metros de largo, 8,37 de alto y 1,68 de ancho, perteneciente al Centro Olímpico de Tenis, Río de Janeiro / Brasil. Se elaboró un modelo numérico y se ajustó a frecuencias naturales de estructura real, que a su vez se obtuvieron de una prueba modal operativa. La prueba se realizó registrando las vibraciones debidas al viento y al tráfico de personas en seis puntos sobre la estructura, y del procesamiento de señales estocásticas de estos datos considerando el procedimiento de descomposición del dominio de frecuencia (FDD), se extrajeron las frecuencias naturales experimentales. El modelo numérico calibrado se utilizó luego en la evaluación estructural para cargas estáticas y dinámicas, y se observó que si bien el comportamiento estructural obtenido a través del modelo numérico inicial (utilizado en el desarrollo del proyecto) indicaba el cumplimiento de los criterios de los códigos de diseño, modelo calibrado señaló la necesidad de refuerzo estructural para cumplir con el límite de servicio de vibraciones.

RESUMO Este estudo analisou a estrutura populacional de ovinos deslanados do núcleo de conservação do estado do Ceará, Brasil. Os parâmetros populacionais foram estimados com base nos dados genealógicos de indivíduos das raças Santa Inês (SI), Somalis (SO) e Morada Nova (MN), nascidos entre os anos de 2001 e 2014. Os parâmetros estimados foram: número de gerações completas equivalentes (GCE), intervalo entre gerações (IEG), número de fundadores (Nf), número efetivo de fundadores (fe), número efetivo de ancestrais (fa), coeficiente de endogamia (F) e índice de contribuição genética (ICG). O GCE médio foi de 1,82, 2,78 e 1,52 para SI, SO e MN, respectivamente. O IEG foi próximo entre as raças, 3,67 anos em média. O Nf para SI, SO e MN foi igual a 225, 194 e 153, respectivamente. As razões fe/fa foram distantes de 1 nas três populações, o que indica ocorrência de gargalo genético, principalmente para SO. Os coeficientes médios de endogamia foram de 1,81%, 0,78% e 0,78% para SI, SO e MN, respectivamente. O ICG foi de 3,32, 5,38 e 2,87 para SI, SO e MN, respectivamente. Os parâmetros populacionais estimados apontam que parte da genética original desses rebanhos foi perdida, principalmente na população da raça Somalis.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the population structure of sheep without wool from the conservation nucleus in Ceará State, Brazil. Population parameters were estimated on genealogical records of Santa Ines (SI), Somali (SO,) and Morada Nova (MN) breeds, that were born between 2001 and 2014. The following estimates were obtained: number of complete generation equivalents (GCE), generation intervals (IEG), number of founders (Nf), effective number of founders (fe), effective number of ancestors (fa), inbreeding coefficient (F), and genetic contribution index (ICG). Average GCE was 1.82, 2.78, and 1.52 for SI, SO, and MN respectively. Mean IEG was similar between breeds, 3.67 years. The Nf was 225, 194, and 153 for SI, SO, and MN respectively. The fe/fa ratios were different to 1, which is an indication of genetic bottleneck, mainly for SO. The average inbreeding coefficients were 1.81%, 0.78%, and 0.78% for SI, SO, and MN respectively. The ICG was 3.32, 5.38, and 2.87 for SI, SO, and MN respectively. Estimated population parameters indicate that part of the genetics of these breeds was lost, mainly in Somalis.

RESUMO Objetivou-se estimar herdabilidades e correlações de características ponderais com 36.505 animais, da Associação Brasileira de Criadores Zebu. O modelo incluiu efeito genético direto, materno, ambiente permanente, residual - aleatórios e efeitos de grupos contemporâneos - fixos. Os parâmetros foram estimados pelo método de máxima verossimilhança restrita (REML), utilizando-se software Wombat. Os resultados das herdabilidades variaram de 0,20 a 0,25 peso à desmama e ao sobreano; 0,16 a 0,20 peso metabólico não ajustado e ajustado à desmama, 0,21 a 0,25 peso metabólico ajustado à desmama e metabólico ajustado ao sobreano. As correlações genéticas entre peso à desmama e peso metabólico não ajustado à desmama, peso à desmama e peso metabólico ajustado à desmama são, respectivamente 0,76 e 1,00. A correlação genética entre peso ao sobreano e metabólico ao sobreano não ajustado, peso ao sobreano com metabólico sobreano ajustado foram 0,97 e 1,00. Correlação genética entre peso à desmama e ao sobreano foi 0,72, peso metabólico não ajustado à desmama e metabólico não ajustado ao sobreano 0,54, peso metabólico ajustado à desmama e metabólico ajustado ao sobreano foi 0,71. Correlações genéticas entre peso à desmama e metabólico ajustado à desmama e peso ano com metabólico ano ajustado foram 1,00 e 1,00. Portanto, utilização de peso metabólico sem ajuste de idade pode viesar estimativas de parâmetros genéticos.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to estimate heritability and correlations of 36,505 animals, belonging to the Brazilian Association of Zebu Breeders. They were estimated by Restricted Maximum Likelihood method (REML) using Wombat software. The model included the direct additive genetic effect, maternal, permanent maternal environment and residual as random and fixed effects of contemporary group. The results of heritability ranged from 0,20 to 0,25 for weaning weight and yearling; 0,16 to 0,20 for real metabolic weaning, 0,21 to 0,25 for metabolic adjusted weight at weaning and yearling metabolic adjusted. The genetic correlations between weaning weight with metabolic real, weaning weight adjusted with metabolic are respectively 0,76 and 1,00. The genetic correlation between yearling weight and metabolic real, yearling weight adjusted metabolic were 0,97 and 1,00. Genetic correlations between weaning weight and yearling was 0,72, real metabolic weight at weaning and yearling real metabolic was 0,54, adjusted metabolic weight at weaning and yearling metabolic adjusted was 0,71. Genetic correlations between weight at weaning and adjusted metabolic and weight-adjusted metabolic year were 1,00 and 1,00. Therefore, the use of metabolic weight without age adjustment can warn the estimates.

Abstract Bioprocess development studies concerning the production of cellulases are of crucial importance due to the significant impact of these enzymes on the economics of biomass conversion into fuels and chemicals. This work evaluates the effects of solid-state fermentation (SSF) operational conditions on cellulase production by a novel strain of Aspergillus oryzae using an instrumented lab-scale bioreactor equipped with an on-line automated monitoring and control system. The use of SSF cultivation under controlled conditions substantially improved cellulase production. Highest production of FPase (0.40 IU g-1), endoglucanase (123.64 IU g-1), and β-glucosidase (18.32 IU g-1) was achieved at 28 °C, using an initial substrate moisture content of 70%, with an inlet air humidity of 80% and an airflow rate of 20 mL min-1. Further studies of kinetic profiles and respirometric analyses were performed. The results showed that these data could be very useful for bioprocess development of cellulase production and scale-up.

O objetivo do trabalho foi estimar os parâmetros genéticos das características de crescimento da raça Suffolk, a fim de fornecer subsídio para a definição de estratégias de seleção para programas de melhoramento genético. Os dados analisados, coletados entre os anos de 2007 a 2009, são referentes a ovinos da raça Suffolk oriundos de uma propriedade localizada no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, participante do programa de melhoramento genético Ovigol, conduzido pela empresa Aries Reprodução e Melhoramento Genético Ovino Ltda. em parceria com a empresa AbacusBio Limited, da Nova Zelândia. As características avaliadas foram: peso ao nascer (PN), ganho de peso pré-desmame (GPP) e peso ao desmame (PD), com número de registro de 1.039, 636 e 649 animais, respectivamente. Para análise estatística, utilizou-se o procedimento GLM do programa computacional SAS; para a consistência do pedigree e para as estimativas dos parâmetros genéticos, os programas computacionais utilizados foram Relax2: pedigree analysis program e o WOMBAT, respectivamente. O modelo linear geral incluiu sexo, grupo de contemporâneos (tipo de parto e ano de nascimento), covariável idade ao desmame (GPP e PD) com efeito quadrático, efeito genético aditivo direto, efeito de ambiente permanente materno e efeito residual. As herdabilidades para PN, GPP e PD foram 0,06, 0,42 e 0,37, respectivamente. As correlações genéticas entre PN e GPP, PN e PD e GPP e PD foram -0,10, -0,03 e 0,97, respectivamente. Na população estudada, as características GPP e PD, apresentam altas respostas à seleção, ao contrário do PN. As características PN e GPP são suficientes para compor um índice de seleção, sendo aconselhável o monitoramento do PN na fase inicial do programa.

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for growth of Suffolk, in order to provide a basis for the definition of selection strategies for breeding programs. The data analyzed are for Suffolk sheep, collected between years 2007 to 2009, from a property located in the State of São Paulo - Brazil, a participant in the Ovigol breeding program conducted by the company (Aries Reproduction and Breeding Sheep Ltd.) in partnership with (AbacusBio) New Zealand Limited. The evaluated characteristics were: birth weight (PN), weight gain pre-weaning (GPP) and weaning weight (PD), with registration number 1039, 636 and 649 respectively. For statistical analysis we used the GLM procedure of SAS software, for the consistency of pedigree and genetic parameter estimates software Relax2: pedigree analysis program and WOMBAT, respectively, were used. The general linear model included sex, contemporary group (type of birth and year of birth), covariate age at weaning (GPP and PD) with a quadratic effect, direct genetic effect, maternal permanent environmental effect and residual effect. Heritability estimates for PN, PD and GPP were 0.06, 0.42 and 0.37, respectively. Genetic correlations between PN and GPP, and PN and PD and GPP were -0.10, -0.03 and 0.97, respectively. In the study population characteristics GPP and PD have a high response to selection, unlike the PN. The GPP and PN characteristics are enough to make a selection index, it is advisable to monitor the PN in the initial phase of the program.

O objetivo foi avaliar a associação genética entre os escores visuais de estrutura, precocidade e musculosidade, com as características peso aos 18 meses, ganho de peso diário e o perímetro escrotal em machos Nelore. Foram utilizados 7.256 registros de animais participantes de provas de ganho de peso. As estimativas dos componentes de (co)variâncias foram obtidas por meio de Máxima Verossimilhança Restrita, empregando-se um modelo animal. Os efeitos fixos de grupo contemporâneo, idade e peso como covariável linear foram considerados; o único efeito aleatório foi o genético aditivo direto. As estimativas de herdabilidade de estrutura, precocidade e musculosidade foram: 0,30; 0,37; 0,32, respectivamente. As estimativas das correlações genéticas entre os escores variaram de 0,76 a 0,95, indicando que os escores são controlados, em grande parte, pelo mesmo grupo de genes. As estimativas das correlações genéticas dos escores visuais com as características de ganho de peso diário, peso aos 18 meses e o perímetro escrotal apresentaram valores semelhantes entre os escores 0,45 a 0,50; 0,80 a 0,83 e -0,05 a -0,03, respectivamente; indicando que a seleção para os escores trará mudanças genéticas no mesmo sentido para o peso aos 18 meses e em menor medida para o ganho de peso.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic association between visual scores of structure, finishing precocity and muscling with weight at 18 months, daily weight gain and scrotal circumference in male Nellore. A total of 7,256 records of animals participating in weight gain trials were used. The (co)variance components were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood, under an animal model. Contemporary group, age and weight as covariate linears were included as fixed effects. Additive genetic effects were the only random effect. The heritability estimates for structure, precocity and muscling were 0.30; 0.37 and 0.32 respectively. The genetic correlations between visual score were 0.76 to 0.95, indicating that the visual scores are controlled by the same set of genes, a fact making individual selection more complex. The visual scores showed similar genetic correlations with daily weight gain, weight at 18 months and scrotal circumference, ranging from 0.45 to 0.50, from 0.80 to 0.83 and from -0.05 to -0.03, respectively, indicating that individual selection for visual scores will result in genetic changes in the same direction in weight at 18 months and, to a lesser extent, in daily weight gain.

Introduction: High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) has become an alternative for various types of respiratory failure due to the failure of conventional mechanical ventilation. Objective: To assess the results of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) as resuscitative therapy for severe respiratory failure in newborns at a neonatal unit. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, analytic, observational study. Newborns were included with a diagnosis of severe respiratory insufficiency with an oxygenation index (OI) greater than 20 or a mean airway pressure (MAP) of 12 cm H2O. Results: During the study period lasting from March 2008 to March 2009, it was decided to use HFOV for 9 patients, of whom 2 were excluded due to death before use of HFOV therapy for unrelated causes. The remaining 7 patients had a mean age of 35 weeks, (range: 26-41 weeks), average weight of 2310 grams (range: 850-3810 grams), and an average OI on presentation of 33.6 with values of a maximum of 50 and a minimum of 1.5. Post-HFOV improvement greater than 20 mmHg PO2 was seen in 6 of 7 (90%) within the first hour. The survival ate was 43% (3 of 7). Conclusions: Although improved oxygenation, ventilation, and oxygenation index were seen after beginning HFOV, the survival rate of 43% (3 of 7) was not good

Introducción: La Ventilación de Alta Frecuencia Oscilatoria (VAFO) ha surgido como una alternativa en el tratamiento de diversas formas de falla respiratoria, ante el fracaso de la ventilación Mecánica Convencional. Objetivo: Describir la experiencia de un servicio de Neonatología en la utilización de un ventilador de alta frecuencia, según criterios de dificultad en la ventilación, valores de índice de oxigenación y/o valores de PMVA. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y analítico. Se incluyeron recién nacidos con el diagnóstico de insuficiencia respiratoria severa, con Índice de Oxigenación (IO) mayor de 20 o Presión Media Vía Área mayor (PMVA) de 12 en cm de H2O. Resultados: En el periodo de estudio comprendido entre marzo 2008 y marzo 2009, en 9 pacientes se decidió el uso de VAFO, de los cuales fueron excluidos 2 pacientes por haber fallecido antes de la hora de instalada la terapéutica, por causas no atribuibles al uso de la VAFO; en los 7 pacientes restantes se obtuvieron los siguientes resultados: edad promedio 35 semanas (26-41), peso promedio 2310 grs.(850-3810); el IO (índice de oxigenación) de ingreso a VAFO promedio fue de 33,6, con valores que variaron entre un máximo de 50 y un mínimo de 15. Con relación a la pO2 se observó una mejoría post VAFO en 6/7 (90%) mayor de 20 mmHg dentro de la primera hora. La sobrevida fue 3/7 (43%). Conclusiones: Si bien se observó mejoría en la oxigenación, en la ventilación y en el índice de oxigenación luego del ingreso de los pacientes a la VAFO, sin embargo la sobrevida no fue buena 3/7 (43%).

Introduction: Mortality among very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns contributes significantly to the overall rates of neonatal and infant mortality. With the advances that have occurred in perinatal medicine, the increased survival rate among this group has led to increased morbidity rates. With the exception of newborns who are extremely premature or who have congenital defects, death is largely avoidable with timely medical interventions of proven efficacy. Objectives: To determine the mortality and morbidity among VLBW newborns at the neonatology unit of the Centro Materno Infantil of the Hospital de Clinicas. Methodology: Prospective, descriptive, cohort study of all children born between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2007 in the Centro Materno Infantil with a birth weight between 500 and 1500 grams, including follow up until discharge or hospital death. Results: Of a total of 9486 live births, 128 were VLBW (incidence: 1.35%). Weight was 1143±2 47 grams, and mean gestational age was 29.6±2.8 weeks. Cesarean was the delivery method for 57%, and 54% were female. Prenatal monitoring was recorded in in 86% and the use of corticosteroids was recorded 50.8%, while the primary maternal pathology was premature rupture of membrane (37.5%). Among interventions in the delivery room, resuscitation with bag and mask, at 36.7%, were the most common. We analyzed 119 newborns who received interventions, excluding delivery room deaths. The most common pathologies in newborns were respiratory distress (59.6%) and late-onset sepsis (31%). Newborns with respiratory distress received pulmonary surfactant (57.7%). Mechanical ventilation was used in 48.7%. Follow-up was done, including by transfontanellar ultrasound (75.6%) and funduscopy (42%). Overall mortality was 32.8% (42/128), while excluding those occurring in the delivery room, mortality was 27.7% (33/119). The weight range in which the greatest mortality occurred (88.9%) was 501 to 750 grams. and gestational age was 30 weeks. Mean hospital stay was 44.3±30.12 days, and the principal cause of death was sepsis (30%). Conclusions: Incidence of very low birth weight newborns in the period analyzed was 1.35%. The most common cause of morbidity was hyaline membrane disease, found in 59.6% of patients, with a mortality of 36.6%. The overall mortality rate for the group was 32.8%. The most common causes of mortality were infections, prematurity, and pulmonary hemorrhage.

Introducción: La mortalidad de los Recién nacidos de muy bajo peso contribuye en forma significativa a la mortalidad neonatal e infantil. Con los avances de la medicina en el área perinatal, la mayor supervivencia de este grupo ocasiona un aumento en la morbilidad. Con excepción de los prematuros extremos y con defectos congénitos graves, la mortalidad es evitable en gran medida gracias al uso oportuno de intervenciones de comprobada eficacia. Objetivos: Determinar la morbi-mortalidad de los Recién nacidos de muy bajo peso al nacer en la Unidad de Neonatología del Centro Materno Infantil del Hospital de Clínicas. Metodología: Estudio de tipo prospectivo descriptivo de cohorte de todos los recién nacidos que nacieron en el Centro Materno Infantil con peso entre 500 y 1500 gramos, entre el 1º de enero del 2004 al 31 de diciembre del 2007, con seguimiento desde su nacimiento hasta su alta o muerte hospitalaria. Resultados: Nacieron, 128 Recién Nacidos de Muy Bajo Peso, de un total de 9486 nacidos vivos, con una incidencia de 1,35%. La media de peso fue 1143 +/-247 gramos y la edad gestacional media fue de 29,6 +/- 2,8 semanas. Sexo femenino 54% y cesárea como vía del nacimiento 57%. Intervenciones prenatales tales como control prenatal y uso de corticoides se registró en 86% y 50,8%, la patología materna predominante fue la rotura prematura de membranas 37,5%. Dentro de las intervenciones en Sala de partos la reanimación con bolsa y máscara fue la más utilizada 36,7%. De las intervenciones en UCIN fueron analizados 119 Recién nacidos, excluyendo los óbitos en sala de partos. La patología neonatal más frecuente fue el síndrome de distrés respiratorio 59,6%, sepsis tardía 31%. Aquellos RN con distrés respiratorio recibieron surfactante pulmonar 57,7%. La ventilación mecánica fue utilizada en el 48,7%. Estudios de seguimiento como la ecografía transfontanelar y el fondo de ojo se realizaron en el 75,6% y en el 42% de los RN. La mortalidad global fue de 32,8% (42/128), si se excluyen las ocurridas en sala de partos la mortalidad registrada fue de 27,7% (33/119). El rango de peso en el que se observó mayor mortalidad fue entre 501- 750 gramos 88,9%. y a la edad gestacional de 30 semanas. La media de estancia hospitalaria fue de 44,3 +/- 30,12 días; la principal causa de muerte fue sepsis en un 30%. Conclusiones: La incidencia de los Recién nacidos de muy bajo peso al nacer correspondió a 1,35% en el periodo analizado. La morbilidad más frecuente fue la enfermedad de membrana hialina en 59,6% con una letalidad de 36,6%. La mortalidad global del grupo fue de 32,8%. La causa de mortalidad más frecuente fueron las infecciones, la prematurez y la hemorragia pulmonar.

This study aimed at evaluating the thermal performance of a modular ceiling system for poultry houses. The reduced- and distorted-scale prototypes used ceiling modules made of reforested wood and were covered with recycled long-life package tiles. The following parameters were measured for 21 days: tile internal surface temperature (ST), globe temperature and humidity index (WBGT), and radiant heat load (RHL). Measurements were made at times of highest heat load (11:00 am, 13:00 pm, and 03:00 pm). Collected data were analyzed by "R" statistics software. Means were compared by multiple comparison test (Tukey) and linear regression was performed, both at 5% significance level. The results showed that the prototype with the ceiling was more efficient to reduce internal tile surface temperature; however, this was not sufficient to provide a comfortable environment for broilers during the growout. Therefore, other techniques to provide proper cooling are required in addition to the ceiling.

Introduction: Congenital disorders are morphological or functional anomalies of genetic or environmental origin and which may pre- or post-date conception. They affect from 2% to 5% of births, and are the second most common cause of infant mortality in South America. In Paraguay they are the fourth leading cause of death for infants of less than 1 year of age. Spontaneous abortion occurs in 15% of pregnancies; of these 80% are of embryos with abnormalities. Since half of these cases could be prevented, society, and the medical community especially, bear moral responsibility in the matter. Most public facilities lack the assistance of a genetic specialist, and therefore responsibility for the important initial guidance concerning any congenital disorder detected falls on the pediatrician. Objectives: To determine the state of knowledge of pediatricians concerning causes, risk factors, and preventative measures for congenital disorders. Material and Methods: A prospective observational and descriptive study with a non-probabilistic sample of consecutive cases. We used a form with 54 questions, 51 of them on congenital disorders, to voluntarily and anonymously survey 117 physicians in 3 public facilities that train pediatric specialists. Results: Of the 117 physicians surveyed, 47% (n: 55) were residents, 48% (n: 56) pediatricians, 4.2% (n: 5) neonatologists, and 0.8% (n: 1) family practitioners. An average of 35/51 (68.6%) of answers were correct. A total of 28.2% (n: 33) knew the effect of congenital disorders on the infant mortality rate, while 44.4% (n: 52) did not. More than 80% of those surveyed recognized thalidomide and the tetracyclines as teratogenic agents, but less than 50% knew of the teratogenic action of vitamin A, valproic acid, or enalapril. More than 80% correctly identified folic acid, paracetamol (acetaminophen), and amoxicillin as non-teratogenic. That no safe amount of alcohol consumption exists was sustained by 80%. More than 80% identified consanguinity, maternal age, and a previous malformed child as risk factors. Paternal age and tobacco use by the mother were also unequivocally recognized as risk factors. Down's syndrome was recognized as related to maternal age by 95.7%, but less than 50% identified trisomy 13 or 18 as being associated with it. The incidence of Down's syndrome in women over age 35 was correctly identified by 21.4%. More than 80% correctly identified how to determine Down’s and Turner's syndrome by fetal karyotyping That malformation of the neural tube can be prevented by intake of folic acid was correctly supported by 94.8%, while 75.2% correctly identified when it should be administered. Only 9.4% reported providing genetic counseling to patients before discharge. Conclusion: A lack of knowledge exists concerning the influence of congenital disorders on infant mortality in Paraguay and of the incidence of Down's syndrome in children of women over age 35. Those surveyed showed acceptable levels of knowledge concerning the causes and risk factors for congenital disorders, and satisfactory knowledge concerning their prevention.

Introducción: Los defectos congénitos son anomalías morfológicas o funcionales, de causa genética y/o ambiental, pre o post concepcional, que afectan entre el 2 - 5 % de los nacimientos; constituyen la segunda causa de mortalidad infantil en América del Sur. En nuestro país ocupa el cuarto lugar en menores de un año. El 15% de las gestaciones concluyen como abortos espontáneos; de estas, el 80% presenta un embrión con defectos. La mitad de los casos pueden prevenirse, ello implica un principio de responsabilidad moral para la sociedad, agravado en la clase médica. La mayoría de los centros públicos carecen de la colaboración de un especialista en genética, recayendo en el pediatra la responsabilidad de las primeras e importantes orientaciones sobre el defecto congénito constatado en el paciente. Objetivos: Determinar el grado de conocimiento de los pediatras en relación a la etiología, factores de riesgo y formas de prevención de los defectos congénitos. Material y Métodos: Estudio de diseño prospectivo observacional descriptivo, con muestreo no probabilístico de casos consecutivos. Se interrogo a 117 médicos de 3 centros públicos con programa de formación de especialistas en pediatría, con un cuestionario voluntario, individual y anónimo constituido por 54 preguntas, de las cuales 51 evaluaban el nivel de conocimiento sobre el tema. Resultados: De los 117 médicos encuestados: 47% (n: 55) eran residentes, 48% (n: 56) pediatras, 4.2% neonatólogos (n:5), 0,8% médicos de familia (n:1). La proporción de respuestas correctas fue de 35/51 (68,6%). El 28,2% (n: 33) conoce la influencia de los defectos congénitos en la mortalidad infantil, el 44,4%(n: 52) la desconoce. La talidomida y las tetraciclinas fueron reconocidas como agentes teratogénicos por más del 80% de los encuestados, menos del 50% reconoció la acción teratogénica de la vitamina A, del acido valproico y del enalapril. Más del 80% reconoció como agente no teratogénico al acido fólico, al paracetamol y a la amoxicilina. El 80% indicó que no hay una dosis segura de ingesta alcohólica. Más del 80% identificó como factores de riesgo la consanguinidad, hijo previo malformado y la edad materna. El 56% y el 83% reconocieron inequívocamente la edad paterna y el tabaquismo materno como factores de riesgo respectivamente. El 95,7% reconoció la aparición del Síndrome de Down como relacionado a la edad materna, pero menos del 50% identifico a las Trisomías 13 y 18 asociadas a este mismo factor. El 21,4% indico correctamente la incidencia de Síndrome de Down en niño de mujeres mayores de 35 años. Más del 80% indico correctamente la determinación del Sx. De Down y el Sx. De Turner por cariotipo fetal. El 94,8% determino correctamente que las malformaciones de tubo neural pueden prevenirse con la ingesta de ácido fólico y el 75,2% respondió correctamente el momento de administración del mismo. El 9,4% indico que se realiza la orientación genética previa al alta del paciente. Conclusión: Existe desconocimiento sobre la influencia de los defectos congénitos en la mortalidad infantil en nuestro país, así como la incidencia de Síndrome de Down en mujeres mayores de 35 años. El conocimiento de los encuestados resulto aceptable en relación a la etiología y los factores de riesgo y satisfactorio en relación a la prevención de defectos congénitos.

Se diseñó un modelo para evaluar el protocolo y la estrategia del equipo multidisciplinario para el tratamiento del labio y paladar fisurado unilateral en el Servicio de Cirugía Máxilo Facial del Hospital Provincial Universitario "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes" de Bayamo. Cuba. El estado presente de 60 pacientes de 14-22 años de edad fue evaluado por un cirujano máxilo facial, un ortodoncista y un foníatra. Los resultados indicaron que más de la mitad de esos pacientes tenían completado el tratamiento por uno de los especialistas. Solo 27 pacientes (16,2%) habían completado el tratamiento por los tres especialistas. Los factores que contribuyeron a este porcentaje fueron discutidos.

A model was designed to evaluate the protocol and strategy of the interdisciplinary team treating unilateral cleft lip and palate patients at the Maxillofacial Surgery department of the "University Provincial Hospital Carlos Manuel de Cespedes" Bayamo, Granma, Cuba. A maxillofacial surgeon, an orthodontist and a phoniatrician evaluated the current state of 60 patients with ages ranging between 14 and 22. The results showed that more than half of the patients had finished their treatment by one of the specialists. Only 27 patients (16.2%) had completed their treatment by the three specialists. The factors contributing to these percentages are discussed.

Amostras policristalinas de MgGa2O4 dopadas com Cr3+ são investigadas por espectroscopia de luminescência e luminescência de excitação sob as temperaturas 4,2 K, 77 K e ambiente. Nos espectros observamos bandas de fotoluminescência nas regiões do vermelho e do infravermelho próximo, associadas às transições eletrônicas ²E(²G)-> 4A2(4F) e 4T2(4F)-> 4A2(4F) dos íons trivalentes de cromo em sítios de coordenação octaédrica. Os espectros de fotoluminescência do MgGa2O4 contendo 1% de Cr3+ apresentam picos estreitos de intensidade na região de maior energia e várias estruturas sobre uma larga e intensa banda na região de menor energia. Os picos são atribuídos à transição proibida por spin ²E(²G) -> 4A2(4F) e as bandas largas são associadas à transição 4T2(4F)-> 4A2(4F) do Cr3+ em sítios octaédricos. Nos espectros de emissão também surgem linhas estreitas na região de alta energia atribuídas à presença do composto beta-Ga2O3:Cr3+. Os espectros de excitação exibem duas bandas largas. A de menor energia é identificada com a transição 4A2 (4F) -> 4T2(4F), enquanto a banda de maior energia é associada com a transição 4A2(4F)-> 4T1(4F). A partir das posições em energia das bandas de excitação, podemos calcular os parâmetros de campo cristalino, Dq = 1780 cm-1 e de Racah B = 630 cm-1 e C = 2820 cm-1. Os resultados mostram que o material apresenta sítios de campo cristalino alto e intermediário para os íons Cr3+.

Polycrystalline MgGa2O4 samples doped with Cr3+ are investigated by luminescence and excitation spectroscopy at 4.2 K, 77 K and room temperature. In the spectra we observe photoluminescence bands in red and near infrared spectral regions, associate to the ²E(²G)-> 4A2(4F) and 4T2(4F)-> 4A2(4F) electronic transitions of trivalent chromium ions in octahedral sites. The luminescence spectra of the MgGa2O4 with 1% of Cr3+ present narrow peaks in the higher energy region and some structures on a wide band in the lower energy region. The peaks are attributed to the spin forbidden ²E(²G)-> 4A2(4F) electronic transition and the broad bands are associates to the spin allowed 4T2(4F)->4A2(4F) electronic transition of Cr3+ in octahedral sites. In the emission spectra narrow lines appear at high energy region and are attributed to the presence of the beta-Ga2O3:Cr3+ compound. The excitation spectra show two broad bands. The lower energy band is identified with the 4A2(4F)-> 4T2(4F) while the higher energy band is associated to 4A2(4F)->4T1(4F) electronic transition. From the excitation bands energy positions we calculate the crystal field Dq = 1780 cm-1 and Racah B = 630 cm-1 and C = 2820 cm-1 parameters. The results show that the material presents both high and intermediate crystal-fields for these ions.