ABSTRACT Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a common cancer in the world and in our country. It is usually associated with good prognosis and high survival rates, due to the tumor's characteristics, precise diagnostic tools and effective therapies. Unusual varieties of PTC have more aggressive behaviors and partial responses to usual treatments, such as negative uptake to radioiodine PTC (5% of cases). There is few literature about this variety and its treatment. Diverse treatment options have been proposed, according to whether there is evidence of tumor tissue, such as the empirical use of I131, surgery, radiotherapy, embolization and inhibitors of thyrosine kinase, however an uncertain response remains.

RESUMEN El carcinoma papilar de tiroides (CPT) corresponde a una neoplasia frecuente en el mundo y en nuestro país. Generalmente se asocia a buen pronóstico y altas tasas de sobrevida, gracias a características propias del tumor, precisas herramientas diagnósticas y terapias eficaces. Formas infrecuentes de CPT suelen tener comportamientos más agresivos y respuestas parciales a tratamientos habituales, tales como el CPT no captante de radioyodo (5% de los casos). Poca literatura existe respecto a este último y a su manejo. Diversas opciones de tratamiento han sido propuestas, según si hay evidencia de tejido tumoral, como el uso empírico de I131, cirugía, radioterapia, embolización e inhibidores de tirosina kinasa, sin embargo, sigue habiendo una respuesta incierta.

Resumo Cladóceros são capazes de produzir ovos de resistência envoltos por uma cápsula protetora, o efípio, que dificulta a visualização do número de ovos, devido à pigmentação escura. Assim, antes da condução de experimentos de eclosão, métodos para determinar o número de ovos de resistência viáveis no interior do efípio devem ser utilizados. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o número de ovos por efípio de Daphnia de dois ecossistemas aquáticos tropicais e a eficiência de alguns métodos de desencapsulamento de ovos de resistência. Para avaliar a influência dos métodos na taxa de eclosão foram testadas três condições: imersão em hipoclorito de sódio, ovos de resistência desencapsulados manualmente e efípios intactos. A imersão em solução de hipoclorito permitiu avaliar as diferenças no número de ovos de resistência por efípios entre os ecossistemas. A exposição ao hipoclorito de sódio a uma concentração de 2% durante 20 minutos foi o método mais eficiente para a avaliação visual e isolamento dos ovos de resistência. A taxa de eclosão de ovos não isolados de efípios foi subestimada (11,1 ± 5,0%), mostrando a necessidade de métodos para quantificação e isolamento dos ovos. Não foi verificada diferença de eclosão entre os ovos isolados a partir da imersão em solução de hipoclorito (47,2 ± 7,34%) e manualmente desencapsulados (53,7 ± 13,24%). Entretanto, a imersão em hipoclorito é uma técnica mais eficiente, pois além de mais rápida, não necessita de destreza manual.

Abstract Cladocerans are able to produce resting eggs inside a protective resistant capsule, the ephippium, that difficults the visualization of the resting eggs, because of the dark pigmentation. Therefore, before hatching experiments, methods to verify viable resting eggs in ephippia must be considered. This study aimed to evaluate the number of eggs per ephippium of Daphnia from two tropical aquatic ecosystems and the efficiency of some methods for decapsulating resting eggs. To evaluate the influence of methods on hatching rates, three different conditions were tested: immersion in sodium hypochlorite, manually decapsulated resting eggs and intact ephippia. The immersion in hypochlorite solution could evaluate differences in numbers of resting eggs per ephippium between the ecosystems studied. The exposure to sodium hypochlorite at a concentration of 2% for 20 minutes was the most efficient method for visual evaluation and isolation of the resting eggs. Hatching rate experiments with resting eggs not isolated from ephippia were underestimated (11.1 ± 5.0%), showing the need of methods to quantify and isolate viable eggs. There were no differences between the hatching rate of resting eggs submitted to hypochlorite solution (47.2 ± 7.34%) and manually decapsulated (53.7 ± 13.24%). However, the immersion in hypochlorite was a more efficient technique, faster and not requiring manual ability.

Resumo O conhecimento local acerca da biodiversidade vem sendo utilizado em pesquisas voltadas ao uso e manejo de recursos naturais aliados à conservação. Entre estes recursos, destaca-se o Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess.) devido à sua importância econômica e alimentar para comunidades que vivem no Cerrado. No quilombo de Pontinha, localizado na região central do estado de Minas Gerais, um estudo etnoecológico sobre o Pequi foi desenvolvido, a fim de subsidiar iniciativas de geração de trabalho e renda para esta comunidade. Informações foram obtidas por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, observação participante e travessia. Alimentação familiar (97%), produção de sabão (67%), produção de óleo (37%), tratamento medicinal (17%) e comércio (3%) foram os principais usos do Pequi citados pelos comunitários. Abelhas foram os visitantes florais com maior Índice de Saliência (S=0,639). Dentre os frugívoros que se alimentam de frutos não caídos, as aves apresentaram maior Saliência (S=0,359) e os insetos foram os mais importantes frugívoros entre os que utilizam frutos caídos (S=0,574). Brocas, lagartas folívoras e que atacam troncos e raízes foram as pragas mais citadas. Os indivíduos jovens de Pequi são, segundo os entrevistados, os mais afetados pelo fogo devido ao menor porte e por ter a casca menos espessa. O reconhecimento da importância cultural e ecológica do Pequi tem mobilizado a comunidade, que demonstra interesse em fazer dessa espécie uma alternativa de renda.

Abstract Local knowledge of biodiversity has been applied in support of research focused on utilizing and management of natural resources and promotion of conservation. Among these resources, Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess.) is important as a source of income and food for communities living in the Cerrado biome. In Pontinha, a “quilombola” community, which is located in the central region of State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, an ethnoecological study about Pequi was conducted to support initiatives for generating income for this community. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and crossing. The most relevant uses of Pequi were family food (97%), soap production (67%), oil production (37%), medical treatments (17%), and trade (3%). Bees were the floral visitors with the highest Salience Index (S=0.639). Among frugivores that feed on unfallen fruits, birds showed a higher Salience (S=0.359) and among frugivores who use fallen fruits insects were the most important (S=0.574). Borers (folivorous caterpillars) that attack trunks and roots were the most common pests cited. According to the respondents, young individuals of Pequi are the most affected by fire due to their smaller size and thinner bark. Recognition of the cultural and ecological importance of Pequi has mobilized the community, which has shown interest in incorporating this species as an alternative source of income.

Resumo A introdução de espécies tornou-se um importante problema para a conservação da biodiversidade e dos ecossistemas naturais. O sistema de lagos do médio Rio Doce (MG, Brasil) compreende cerca de 200 lagos em vários estados de conservação, dos quais 50 estão localizados dentro do Parque Estadual do Rio Doce (PERD). Estudos anteriores demonstraram que vários desses lagos sofreram introduções de peixes não nativos. Este estudo discute os efeitos das espécies de peixes não nativos na maior unidade de conservação da Mata Atlântica em Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil, utilizando dados de 1983 até 2010, distribuídos da seguinte forma: dados de 1983 a 2005 obtidos de estudos realizados anteriormente, e dados de setembro de 2006 a julho de 2010 obtidos no lago Carioca, utilizando redes de emalhar, redes de arrasto e peneira. Um total de 17 espécies de peixes foi coletado (2006-2010), sendo cinco introduzidas. Dentre estas, Cichla kelberi (tucunaré) e Pygocentrus nattereri (piranha vermelha) estiveram dentre as mais abundantes. Entre as espécies nativas de pequeno a médio porte (30-2000 mm de comprimento padrão), duas foram novos registros e uma foi recapturada. O desaparecimento de sete destas espécies, registradas em estudos anteriores, e a baixa representatividade nas amostragens da maioria das espécies remanescentes, evidencia o alto impacto da invasão de peixes na comunidade estudada. Considerando a importância de ações de manejo de espécies não nativas visando à conservação e manutenção da biodiversidade local e regional, propõem-se a realização de pescas seletivas intensivas, juntamente com ações que previnam novas introduções, incluindo ações educativas junto às comunidades locais.

Abstract The introduction of species has become an important problem for biodiversity and natural ecosystem conservation. The lake system of the middle Rio Doce (MG, Brazil) comprises c. 200 lakes at various conservation states, of which 50 are located within the Rio Doce State Park (PERD). Previous studies had verified several of these lakes suffered non-native fishes introductions and the presence of these species needs for the implementation of actions aiming at not only their control but also the preservation of the native species. This study discusses the effects of non-native fish species in the largest conservation unit of Atlantic Forest in Minas Gerais, southeast of Brazil, using data from 1983 to 2010 distributed as follow: data prior to 2006 were obtained from previous studies, and data from September 2006 to July 2010 were obtained in Lake Carioca at four sampling stations using gillnets, seine nets and sieve. A total of 17 fish species was collected (2006-2010) of which five were introduced species. Among the small to medium size native species (30 to 2000 mm standard length) seven had disappeared, two are new records and one was recaptured. The non-native species Cichla kelberi (peacock bass) and Pygocentrus nattereri (red piranha) are within the most abundant captured species. Integrated with other actions, such as those preventing new introductions, a selective fishing schedule is proposed as an alternative approach to improve the conservation management actions and the local and regional biodiversity maintenance.

This study evaluated the dynamic behavior of total and compartmental chest wall volumes [(V CW) = rib cage (V RC) + abdomen (V AB)] as measured breath-by-breath by optoelectronic plethysmography during constant-load exercise in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thirty males (GOLD stages II-III) underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test to the limit of tolerance (Tlim) at 75% of peak work rate on an electronically braked cycle ergometer. Exercise-induced dynamic hyperinflation was considered to be present when end-expiratory (EE) V CW increased in relation to resting values. There was a noticeable heterogeneity in the patterns of V CW regulation as EEV CW increased non-linearly in 17/30 "hyperinflators" and decreased in 13/30 "non-hyperinflators" (P < 0.05). EEV AB decreased slightly in 8 of the "hyperinflators", thereby reducing and slowing the rate of increase in end-inspiratory (EI) V CW (P < 0.05). In contrast, decreases in EEV CW in the "non-hyperinflators" were due to the combination of stable EEV RC with marked reductions in EEV AB. These patients showed lower EIV CW and end-exercise dyspnea scores but longer Tlim than their counterparts (P < 0.05). Dyspnea increased and Tlim decreased non-linearly with a faster rate of increase in EIV CW regardless of the presence or absence of dynamic hyperinflation (P < 0.001). However, no significant between-group differences were observed in metabolic, pulmonary gas exchange and cardiovascular responses to exercise. Chest wall volumes are continuously regulated during exercise in order to postpone (or even avoid) their migration to higher operating volumes in patients with COPD, a dynamic process that is strongly dependent on the behavior of the abdominal compartment.

A flutuação da população de Daphnia laevis na Lagoa Jacaré (Médio Rio Doce, Minas Gerais) foi monitorada mensalmente, em um ponto na região limnética, por seis anos (2002 a 2007), como parte do Programa de Pesquisas Ecológicas de Longa Duração (PELD/UFMG). Os seguintes parâmetros foram monitorados: temperatura da água, pH, condutividade elétrica, oxigênio dissolvido, clorofila-a , fósforo total, fosfato, nitrogênio total, nitrato, nitrito, amônia e densidades de Chaoborus e de efípios de Daphnia laevis no sedimento. Um padrão sazonal foi observado na flutuação de D. laevis, com maiores densidades registradas durante períodos de circulação (maio a agosto). Correlações significativas foram observadas entre a densidade de D. laevis e a temperatura (r = -0.47, p = 0.0001) e a clorofila-a (r = -0.32, p = 0.016), e indicadores do estado trófico do lago (fósforo total, r = 0.32, p = 0.007 e estado trófico, r = 0.36, p = 0.003), além de densidade de Chaoborus (r = 0.43, p = 0.002). Esses resultados indicam que mudanças nas características físicas e químicas da água relacionadas com os periodos de estratificação e circulação do lago podem influenciar diretamente (temperatura, fósforo total) ou indiretamente (disponibilidade de alimento, presença de predadores, eclosão de efípios) a flutuação da população de D. laevis.

The fluctuation of the population of Daphnia laevis in Lake Jacaré (Middle River Doce, Minas Gerais) was monitored monthly (at one point in the limnetic region) for six years (2002-2007) as part of the Program of Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER/UFMG). The following parameters were also monitored: water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, total phosphorus, phosphate, total nitrogen, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and densities of Chaoborus and ephippia of Daphnia laevis in the sediment. A seasonal pattern was observed in the fluctuation of D. laevis, with higher densities recorded during periods of circulation (May-August). A significant correlation was found between the density of D. laevis and temperature (r = -0.47, p = 0.0001), chlorophyll-a (r = -0.32, p = 0.016) and indicators of the lake's trophic status (total phosphorus, r = 0.32, p = 0.007 and trophic state, r = 0.36, p = 0.003), as well as Chaoborus density (r = 0.43 and p = 0.002). These results indicate that changes in the physical and chemical characteristics of the water related with stratification and circulation of the lake may have a direct (temperature, total phosphorous) or an indirect (food availability, presence of predators, ephippia eclosion) influence on the fluctuation of the D. laevis population.

One of the main problems associated with the transport and manipulation of multiphase flow is the existence of flow regimes, which have a strong influence on important parameters of operation. An example of this occurs in gas-liquid chemical reactors in which maximum coefficients of reaction can be attained by keeping a dispersed-bubbly flow regime to maximize the total interfacial area. Another example is the pneumatic conveying of solids in which the regimes are associated with safety and energy consumption. Thus, the ability to identify flow regimes automatically is very important, specially to maintain multiphase systems operating according to design conditions. This work assesses the use of a self-organizing map (neural network) adapted to the problem of regime identification in horizontal two-phase flows. In order to achieve extensive results, two different types of two-phase flows were considered: gas-solid and gas-liquid. Tests were made to verify the performance of the neural network model, using data collected at the experimental facilities of the Thermal and Fluid Engineering Laboratory of the University of São Paulo at São Carlos. Results show that the neural network is capable of correctly identifying the regimes. The error percentage is bigger when analyzing the same regime with flow rates different from the one used as training data emphasizing the importance of training signals choice.

O objectivo do estudo centrou-se na avaliação da dinâmica de nemátodes fito parasitas, e relação com alguns parâmetros físico-químicos, num terreno utilizado para produção de beterraba sacarina, na zona de Coruche. Com o intuito de acompanhar o processo de crescimento da cultura, o estudo foi efectuado de Janeiro a Junho de 2003. Recorreu-se a métodos standard para a amostragem, extracção e observação dos nemátodes. Empregaramse comparações estatísticas (Kruskal-Wallis) na análise da distribuição mensal dos fitoparasitas. As relações entre indivíduos e parâmetros físico-químicos do seu habitat foram verificadas por análise de componentes principais (PCA), análise canónica de correspondência (CCA) e correlações. Em virtude das acções causadas pelas práticas agrícolas, a comunidade decresceu de Janeiro a Abril, aumentando até Junho com o início do processo de rega. O número de nemátodes do género Meloidogyne foi significativamente superior, secundado por Helicotylenchus e Tylenchus. As correlações entre indivíduos e parâmetros ambientais indicam que, aparte a influência directa do hospedeiro, o cálcio, o potássio, o azoto e a humidade do solo influenciaram a abundância e as relações entre os géneros.

The objective of this research was studying population dynamics of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) and their relationships with some soil physico-chemical characteristics, from 1 plot used for sugarbeet production in Coruche. The study was performed from January to June 2003, following the plant growth cycle. Standard sampling, extraction and observation methods were employed. Statistical comparisons (Kruskal-Wallis) were used to analyze nematode monthly distribution. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Correspondence Canonical Analysis (CCA) and correlations were used to correlate PPN numbers and several physical and chemical parameters. As a result of agricultural practices, the community declined from January to April, following a period of increase until June, as a result of irrigation. Among PPN, numbers of Meloidogyne were significantly higher, followed by Helicotylenchus and Tylenchus. The correlations between these groups and environmental parameters show that, apart from the direct influence of the host, calcium, potassium, nitrogen and soil moisture influenced the abundance and relation between genera.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a função autonômica na cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH) através da variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca (VFC) e correlacioná-la com dados ecocardiográficos. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 2 grupos pareados por sexo, idade e freqüência cardíaca: A) 10 pacientes com CMH septal (70% não obstrutiva); B) 10 voluntários saudáveis. A VFC foi analisada durante quatro estágios sucessivos: repouso, respiração controlada, teste de inclinação e respiração controlada associada ao teste de inclinação. Compararam-se as médias das variáveis entre os grupos, intragrupos durante os estágios, e no grupo A, correlacionando com as medidas ecocardiográficas (septo interventricular e diâmetro atrial esquerdo). RESULTADOS: Não observamos diferença na VFC entre os grupos nos 3 primeiros estágios. No 4º estágio, constatamos que medidas de atividade vagal apresentaram valores maiores no grupo A [logaritmo da raiz média quadrática das diferenças entre intervalos RR (LogRMSSD) - 1,35±0,14 vs 1,17±0,16; p=0,019; logaritmo do componente alta freqüência (LogAF)-4,89±0,22 vs 4,62±0,26; p=0,032]. Durante os estágios, também verificamos que medidas vagais [proporção de pares de intervalos RR consecutivos cuja diferença > 50ms (pNN50) e LogAF] apresentaram menor redução durante o 3º estágio no grupo A, e o LogAF, um aumento no último estágio (p=0,027), indicando marcante atividade parassimpática neste grupo. A análise da VFC do grupo A não revelou diferença entre pacientes com maior hipertrofia ou diâmetro atrial. CONCLUSÃO: 1) ocorreu predomínio parassimpático durante estimulação autonômica nos pacientes com CMH; 2) não encontramos correlação entre VFC e as medidas ecocardiográficas analisadas.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the autonomic function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) through heart rate variability (HRV) and to correlate it to echocardiographic data. METHODS: Two groups were studied, and compared for gender, age and HR:A) Ten (10) patients reporting septal HCM (70% non-obstructive); B) ten (10) healthy volunteers. HRV was analyzed along four successive stages: at rest, under controlled breathing, while bending, and controlled breathing associated to bending. Variables means were compared between groups and intra-groups in the different stages; in Group A, variables means were correlated to echocardiographic measurements (interventricular septum and left atrial diameter). RESULTS: No HRV difference was reported among groups in the first 3 stages. In the fourth stage vagal activity was shown to be higher in Group A [quadratic mean log between RR intervals (RMSSD) - 1.35±0.14 vs 1.17±0.16; p=0.019; high frequency component logarithm (LogHF)- 4.89±0.22 vs 4.62±0.26; p=0.032]. Along the stages, vagal measurements [rate of pairs of consecutive RR intervals whose difference is > 50ms (pNN50) and LogHF] also showed lower reduction in the third stage in Group A, while LogHF showed some increase in last stage (p=0.027), thus indicating marked parasympathetic activity in that group. Group A HRV analysis showed no difference among patients reporting larger hypertrophy or atrial diameter. CONCLUSION: 1) parasympathetic prevalence was shown during autonomic stimulation in HCM patients; 2) no correlation was found between HRV and echocardiographic measurements under analysis.

The pneumatic conveying of solids in a gas stream is a recurrent process in petrochemical industries. However, due to practical limitations the majority of existing systems have capacities ranging from 1 to 400 tones per hour over distances less than 1000 m, mainly because of a high power consumption per transported unit mass. More specifically, to avoid the formation of dense structures such as dunes and plugs, which, depending on the characteristics of the material and on the availability of a pressure head from the carrier phase may cause a violent pressure surge or a possible line blockage, the system is preferably operated at homogeneous dispersed flow. To sustain such a flow regime high velocities are needed and, accounting for the resulting higher pressure drops, higher power consumption is demanded. An optimized pneumatic conveying system can be conceived with the help of adaptive control techniques. In the context described above, lower transport velocities are allowed if the formation of aggregates that precedes the transition to dense phase flow regimes are automatically detected and destroyed, thus, artificially stabilizing the light phase homogeneous flow regime. This work assesses the reduction in the necessary power that the application of such adaptive control technique could produce. Experimental results are presented for a 45 mm i.d. pneumatic conveying system used to transport Setaria Italica seeds. The instrumentation used to identify the flow regime is constituted of several pressure sensors installed along the transport line. The proposed control strategy is based on processing these signals through a neural network model to assess the flow condition and to mimic an optimized gain scheduled PID algorithm. Preliminary results show that reductions in power consumption can reach 50% when compared with classical non controlled transport.

OBJECTIVE: Noninvasive cardiac assessment of newborns and infants of women with systemic lupus erythematosus. The children had no congenital total atrioventricular block and were compared with the children of healthy women. METHODS: We prospectively assessed 13 newborns and infants aged 1 to 60 days, children of women with systemic lupus erythematosus and without congenital total atrioventricular block. These children were compared with 30 children of women who had no lupus or anti-Ro/SSA antibodies, and no risk factors for congenital heart disease either. Their age groups matched. The following examinations were performed: cardiological physical examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and signal-averaged electrocardiography. RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed no significant difference in ventricular function or in the cardiac conduction system between the groups. CONCLUSION: In regard to the conduction system and ventricular function in the absence of total atrioventricular block, no statistically significant difference was observed between the children of women with systemic lupus erythematosus and children of healthy women.