Litter materials and the incidence of carcass lesions in broilers chickens

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different litter materials on litter compaction, broiler feathering and the incidence of carcass lesions. In the experiment, 3240 one-day-old Ross® chicks were selected by sex and distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design in a 2 x 6 factorial arrangement (two sex and six litter materials). The following litter materials were used: wood shavings, rice husks, chopped Napier grass, 50% sugar cane bagasse plus 50% wood shavings, 50% sugar cane bagasse plus 50% rice husks, and pure sugar cane bagasse. Litter compaction was weekly assessed using a penetrometer. On days 21, 35 and 42 of the experimental period, feathering on the back and legs was scored according to a 0 - 10 scale. On day 42, birds were slaughtered and the presence of bruises, scratches and footpad lesions was recorded. Litter material had no effect on bird feathering. Carcass lesions (scratches, bruises and footpad lesions) were influenced by the litter material evaluated. Birds reared on sugarcane bagasse and chopped Napier grass presented more scratches, bruises and footpad lesions than the others. Dermatitis was more evident in birds reared on sugarcane bagasse, chopped Napier grass and the combination of litter materials. It was found that males presented higher incidence of dermatitis and footpad lesions than females. Each litter material presented different compaction degrees, which increased along the experimental period. Sugarcane bagasse, chopped Napier grass and the combination of bedding materials presented the highest degree of compaction, compared with wood shavings and rice husks

O modelo transteorético aplicado ao consumo de frutas e hortaliças em adolescentes The transtheoretical model applied for fruit and vegetable consumption among adolescents

OBJETIVO: Identificar a relação entre dois constructos do Modelo Transteorético - estágios e processos de mudança - quanto ao consumo de frutas e de hortaliças por adolescentes. MÉTODOS: Em desenho transversal, foi aplicado um questionário a 61 adolescentes, verificando que o uso do processo autoliberação se distinguiu significativamente (p<0,05) em todos os estágios de mudança no consumo de frutas e de hortaliças. RESULTADO: O processo suporte social apresentou diferenças significativas (p<0,05) no seu uso entre estágios pré-contemplação/contemplação e preparação apenas no consumo de frutas. Quanto ao uso do processo auto-reavaliação, foram encontradas diferenças significativas (p<0,05) entre os estágios pré-contemplação/contemplação e preparação no consumo de hortaliças. CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que alguns processos específicos de mudança eram utilizados pelos adolescentes ao se moverem por meio dos estágios de mudança. Intervenções empregando tais processos devem ser realizadas para possibilitar avanços nos estágios de mudança do consumo de frutas e de hortaliças.<br>OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between two constructs of the Transtheoretical Model - stages and processes of change - related to the consumption of fruits and vegetables by adolescents. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 61 adolescents were surveyed. The self-liberation process was significantly distinguished (p<0.05) in all stages of change in the consumption of fruits and vegetables. RESULTS: The social support process presented significant differences (p<0.05) between the precontemplation/ contemplation and preparation stages of change only in fruit consumption. CONCLUSION: With respect to the use of the self-reassessment process, significant differences were found (p<0.05) between precontemplation/contemplation and preparation stages in vegetable consumption. Some specific processes of change were used by adolescents when moving through the stages of change. Interventions using these processes should be done to allow advances in the stages of change in the consumption of fruits and vegetables

Associação entre Transtorno Disfórico Pré-menstrual e Transtornos Depressivos

O Transtorno Disfórico Pré-menstrual (TDPM) é caracterizado por uma constelação de sintomas emocionais e alterações comportamentais, que se manifesta com um padrão temporal cíclico em associação com o período pré-menstrual. A validade de uma categoria diagnóstica psiquiátrica distinta para TDPM ainda é uma questão controversa. Entretanto, inúmeros estudos têm documentado uma associação específica entre mudanças pré-menstruais e transtornos depressivos. A presente revisão tem como objetivo sintetizar os resultados a respeito da semelhança dos sintomas depressivos no TDPM e nos transtornos depressivos, co-morbidade, história familiar e variáveis biológicas. Evidências de que os sintomas pré-menstruais seriam expressão de vulnerabilidade ao desenvolvimento de estados disfóricos (depressão e ansiedade), assim como as implicações diagnósticas dessa proposta são comentados.<br>Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is characterised by a myriad of emotional symptoms and behavioural alterations, which occur with a cyclic temporal pattern associated with the pre-menstrual period. The validity of an isolated psychiatric diagnostic category for PMDD remains controversial. However, research results have been showing a specific association between pre-menstrual changes and depressive disorder. The present review has as objective to sintethise the results on similarity between depressive symptoms in PMDD and in the depressive disorders, comorbidity, family history and biological variables. Evidences suggesting that the pre-menstrual symptoms would be expression of a vulnerability to the development of dysphoric states (depression and anxiety) as well as diagnostic implications of such proposals are discussed