Avaliação breve do défice executivo em pessoas idosas com Acidente Vascular Cerebral: Validação da Bateria de Avaliação Frontal

Background and Goals: Stroke potentiates the development of executive dysfunction, leading to impairment in the performance of daily activities. The neuropsychological assessment of executive functions is important to develop adequate rehabilitation strategies. Thus, describing the normative data, diagnostic accuracy, psychometric properties and factor analysis of the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), a brief and easy to administer instrument, in a clinical sample with stroke are objectives of this study. Method: Being part of the Aging Trajectories of Institutionalized Elderly, this research has a sample of 112 elderly people with a medical diagnosis of stroke and a control subgroup of 157 elderly people. The subjects have ages between 60 and 100 years old (M = 78.20, SD = 7.57), mostly females (n = 194). The measurements used include interviews and neuropsychological tests grouped in executive functioning measures, cognitive measures of reference, and clinical measures of control. Results: The variables age and education affect the scores obtained in the clinical subgroup, having the variable gender no impact on these. Using a cutoff score of 7, the FAB had a sensitivity of 83.4% and a specificity of 66.1% for screening stroke (AUC = 0.64); showed a Cronbach's α of 0.79, and strong correlations with executive tests (Stroop test, Rey Complex Figure, Attentional-Executive factor of Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Switching in the verbal fluency tests). The confirmatory factor analysis supported a one-factor structure. Conclusions: The FAB presents good internal consistency, convergent, and construct when used for the elderly with stroke. Due to some limitations of the study, which may explain the weak discriminant validity, further investigations are encouraged because FAB has shown promising psychometric properties.Contexto e Objetivos: O Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) potencia o desenvolvimento de disfunção executiva, conduzindo a défice no desempenho das tarefas do quotidiano. A avaliação neuropsicológica das funções executivas é importante para desenvolver estratégias de reabilitação adequadas. Assim, são objetivos descrever os dados normativos, precisão de diagnóstico, propriedades psicométricas e análise fatorial da Bateria de Avaliação Frontal (FAB), instrumento breve e de rápida administração, numa amostra de idosos com AVC. Método: Inserida no projeto Trajetórias do Envelhecimento de Idosos em Resposta Social, esta investigação conta com uma amostra de 112 pessoas idosas com diagnóstico médico de AVC e 157 pessoas idosas de um subgrupo de controlo sem AVC. Os sujeitos apresentam idades compreendidas entre os 60 e os 100 anos (M = 78,20; DP = 7,57) sendo maioritariamente do sexo feminino (n = 194). A avaliação inclui entrevistas e testes neuropsicológicos agrupados em medidas de funcionamento executivo, medidas cognitivas de referência e medidas clínicas de controlo. Resultados: As variáveis idade e escolaridade interferiram nas pontuações obtidas na amostra clínica, não sendo verificado impacto da variável sexo. Para um ponto de corte de 7, a FAB teve uma sensibilidade de 83,4% e especificidade de 66,1 % (AUC = 0,64); revelou um alfa de Cronbach de 0,79 e correlações fortes com os testes executivos (teste de Stroop, Figura Complexa de Rey, fator Atencional-Executivo do Montreal Cognitive Assessment e Alternância nos testes de Fluência verbal). A análise fatorial confirmatória apontou uma estrutura com um fator. Conclusões: A FAB apresenta boa consistência interna, validade convergente e validade de constructo, aparentando ser uma escala útil para avaliar o défice executivo em pessoas idosas com AVC. Dadas algumas limitações do estudo, que poderão explicar a fraca precisão diagnóstica da FAB, são incentivadas investigações futuras pois a FAB revelou-se um instrumento com propriedades psicométricas promissoras

Mechanical properties of boehmeria nivea natural fabric reinforced epoxy matrix composite prepared by vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding

Natural lignocellulosic fibers and corresponding fabrics have been gaining notoriety in recent decades as reinforcement options for polymer matrices associated with industrially applied composites. These natural fibers and fabrics exhibit competitive properties when compared with some synthetics such as glass fiber. In particular, the use of fabrics made from natural fibers might be considered a more ecient alternative, since they provide multidirectional reinforcement and allow the introduction of a larger volume fraction of fibers in the composite. In this context, it is important to understand the mechanical performance of natural fabric composites as a basic condition to ensure ecient engineering applications. Therefore, it is also important to recognize that ramie fiber exhibiting superior strength can be woven into fabric, but is the least investigated as reinforcement in strong, tough polymers to obtain tougher polymeric composites. Accordingly, this paper presents the preparation of epoxy composite containing 30 vol. % Boehmeria nivea fabric by vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding technique and mechanical behavior characterization of the prepared composite. Obtained results are explained based on the fractography studies of tested samples

Propriedades psicométricas da versão Torga do Teste Stroop

Background & Goals: A new Portuguese version of the Stroop Test is essential for the neuropsychological assessment. The previous Portuguese version included colors that many people could not distinguish. Thus, it is aimed to describe the psychometric properties of a new version, called the Torga version of the Stroop Test in a sample of the Portuguese population. Methods: Being part of the Estudos Normativos de Instrumentos Neuropsicológicos/ Normative Studies of Neuropsychological Instruments, this research has a global sample of 544 subjects (241 men and 303 women) aged from 18 to 97 years. The assessment included the Torga version of the Stroop Test, the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure, and the Frontal Battey Assessment, used as measures of executive functions. Results: The Torga version of the Stroop Test showed very good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.99). It also revealed adequate temporal stability and convergent validity. Conclusion: The Torga version of the Stroop Test appears to be an adequate instrument for the neuropsychological assessment of Portuguese adults. Considering the importance of this test in the context of neuropsychological assessment, more studies with new samples, including clinical samples are encouraged.Contexto e Objetivos: Uma nova versão portuguesa do teste Stroop é fundamental para a avaliação neuropsicológica.  A versão portuguesa prévia incluía cores que muitas pessoas não conseguiam distinguir. Assim, é objetivo descrever as propriedades psicométricas de uma nova versão, designada versão Torga do Teste Stroop, numa amostra da população portuguesa. Métodos: Inserida no projeto Estudos Normativos de Instrumentos Neuropsicológicos, esta investigação conta com uma amostra global constituída por 544 participantes (241 homens e 303 mulheres) com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e os 97 anos. A avaliação foi realizada com recurso à versão Torga do Teste Stroop, à Figura Complexa de Rey-Osterrieth e à Bateria de Avaliação Frontal enquanto instrumentos de avaliação das funções executivas. Resultados: A versão Torga do Teste Stroop revelou uma consistência interna muito boa (α de Cronbach = 0,99). Revelou também adequada estabilidade temporal e validade convergente. Conclusão: A versão Torga do Teste Stroop aparenta ser um instrumento apropriado à avaliação neuropsicológica de adultos portugueses.  Considerando a importância deste teste no contexto da avaliação neuropsicológica, incentivam-se estudos com novas amostras, incluindo amostras clínicas

Exclusive Breastfeeding and Professionals from the Family Health Strategy

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the perception of health professionals about exclusive breastfeeding in Family Health Strategy units in the city of Macaé. METHODS: qualitative study carried out in four units of the Family Health Strategy in the city of Macaé, Rio de Janeiro. Thirty health professionals were interviewed from March to May 2019. Textual contents were processed in the IRaMuTeQ® software by the Descending Hierarchical Classification. RESULTS: professionals use different strategies for actions to promote, protect and support breastfeeding in prenatal consultations, but social and cultural determinants are important issues that interfere in this process, the involvement of the family being essential for the success of this practice. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: health professionals, including nurses, need training and qualification to strengthen the support and social network of pregnant women and insert the family in the different strategies used to improve adherence to exclusive breastfeeding

Cross-Sectional Study of Leptospira spp. and Brucela abortus in Goat Herds from Paraná State, Brazil

Background: Leptospirosis and brucellosis are zoonosis worldwide distributed that have great economic importance, especially in goats. This study aimed to carry out a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of anti-Leptospira spp. and anti-Brucella abortus antibodies and to determine epidemiological variables associated to infection by these ethiological agents in goats.Materials, Methods & Results: Serum samples were collected from 1055 goats of 95 properties distributed in 18 regional centers of Paraná State from April to August of 2010. Collected samples were submitted to microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for the detection of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies with 22 reference serovars: Australis, Bratislava, Autumnalis, Butembo, Castellonis, Bataviae, Canicola, Fortbragg, Whitcombi, Cynopteri, Grippotyphosa, Hebdomadis, Copenhageni, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Panama, Pomona, Pyrogenes, Hardjo, Wolffi, Shermani, Tarassovi and Londrina 1 (L1). The samples were also submitted to buffered acidified plate antigen test (BAPA) and 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME) to detect anti-Brucella abortus antibodies. The results obtained from epidemiological and serological study were analysed by Epi Info 3.5.3. We observed 9.9% (104/1055) of goats reagents in at least one serovar of Leptospira spp. and no reagent animal to Brucella abortus. The variables that were statistically significant with leptospirosis were: production type meat, sewer destination in dry sump, frequent abortion, shared use of pastures, slaughter of animals on the property, the presence of pigs and wild animals such as deer and capybaras on the property.Discussion: This was the first study about antibodies prevalence against Leptospira spp. and Brucella abortus in goat herds from Paraná State. The presence of both animal species were statiscally associated to risk of leptospirosis. It is necessary avoid the acess of these animals in herds, decreasing the dissemination of the agent. The production type meat is a form of creation in which the animals have no care of zookeepers and continuous veterinary care. The final destination of sewage was statistically associated to risk of leptospirosis in goats and this is a big problem in rural properties, requiring greater attention of authorities for proper disposal of this wastewater, reducing water and food contamination. Among the variables related to management, the herds that used rented pasture or shared pastures also were statistically associated to risk of leptospirosis in goats; with the sharing of pastures a greater flow of animals transiting in the pickets occurs, allowing not only flocks of goats, but other species also, to use the same pastures and become more exposed to certain diseases. The slaughter of pigs, sheep, cattle and goats on the property is a problem for animal and human health due to lack of sanitary inspection. Abortion is one of the main clinical signs of leptospirosis in farm animals, particularly goats. The knowledge of these results will be useful to develop control programs for the disease in Paraná State herds.  The absence of circulating anti-Brucella abortus antibodies in goat herds has also been reported in other Brazilian States

Análise microscópica da polpa dental de cães após pulpotomia e proteção pulpar com agregado de trióxido mineral e cimento Portland branco

Considering previous studies on the similarity between the chemical composition of the mineral trioxide aggregate and the Portland cement, the purpose of this study was to investigate the pulp response of dog's teeth after pulpotomy and direct pulp protection with MTA Angelus and white Portland cement. Thirty eight pulp remnants were protected with these materials. One hundred and twenty days after treatment, the animals were sacrificed and the specimens removed and prepared for histological analysis. Both materials demonstrated the same results when used as pulp capping materials, inducing hard tissue bridge formation and maintaining pulp vitality in all specimens. The MTA Angelus and the white Portland cement showed to be effective as pulp protection materials following pulpotomy.Considerando estudos anteriores sobre a similaridade entre a composição química do agregado de trióxido mineral e o cimento Portland, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a resposta pulpar de dentes de cães após pulpotomia e proteção pulpar direta com MTA Angelus e cimento Portland branco. Trinta e oito remanescentes pulpares foram recobertos com esses materiais. Cento e vinte dias após o tratamento, os animais foram sacrificados e os espécimes removidos e preparados para análise histológica. Ambos os materiais demonstraram os mesmos resultados quando utilizados como materiais de capeamento pulpar, induzindo a formação de ponte de tecido mineralizado e mantendo a vitalidade pulpar em todos os espécimes. Ambos matérias se mostraram efetivos como protetores pulpares após pulpotomia em dentes de cães

A spatial stream-network approach assists in managing the remnant genetic diversity of riparian forests

Quantifying the genetic diversity of riparian trees is essential to understand their chances to survive hydroclimatic alterations and to maintain their role as foundation species modulating fluvial ecosystem processes. However, the application of suitable models that account for the specific dendritic structure of hydrographic networks is still incipient in the literature. We investigate the roles of ecological and spatial factors in driving the genetic diversity of Salix salviifolia, an Iberian endemic riparian tree, across the species latitudinal range. We applied spatial stream-network models that aptly integrate dendritic features (topology, directionality) to quantify the impacts of multiple scale factors in determining genetic diversity. Based on the drift hypothesis, we expect that genetic diversity accumulates downstream in riparian ecosystems, but life history traits (e.g. dispersal patterns) and abiotic or anthropogenic factors (e.g. drought events or hydrological alteration) might alter expected patterns. Hydrological factors explained the downstream accumulation of genetic diversity at the intermediate scale that was likely mediated by hydrochory. The models also suggested upstream gene flow within basins that likely occurred through anemophilous and entomophilous pollen and seed dispersal. Higher thermicity and summer drought were related to higher population inbreeding and individual homozygosity, respectively, suggesting that increased aridity might disrupt the connectivity and mating patterns among and within riparian populationsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

«O que é, bebé?», ou o que a Mãe diz ao Recém-nascido no Contacto Precoce

Com o presente estudo, que se insere numa investigação mais lata sobre padrões de comunicação precoce mãe-criança, pretende-se descrever algumas das características da linguagem verbal que as mães dirigem aos seus filhos, durante o contacto-precoce e da forma como o bebé real é, nesse momento, percepcionado e investido pela mãe. Para tal realizou-se o registo auditivo do contacto precoce de 30 pares de mães-bebés. Posteriormente analisou-se o discurso materno que foi classificado em diversas categorias relacionadas com aspectos da estrutura sintáctica e com análise de conteúdo. Constatou-se que as mães recorrem pouco a expressao verbal, no primeiro contacto com os seus filhos. Quando o fazem utilizam uma linguagem que tem características da «fala de bebé)) e é constituída, sobretudo, por interjeições, exclamações, frases com duas a três palavras e palavras isoladas. O discurso emitido centra-se em torno da realidade vivida no momento. O bebé que a mãe descreve é um ser pequenino e frágil, que chora e tem fome, pouco individualizado e pouco «humano», a quem atribui essencialmente, necessidades fisiológicas.In the present study, part of a broader research on mother-child early communication patterns, we describe some of the verbal language characteristics of mothers speaking to their children in early interactions, and we discuss the way in wich the real baby is, at that stage, perceived and elaborated by the mother. The early contacts of 30 pairs mother-child were recorded. The speech of these mothers was classified in severa1 categories according to syntax structure and also through content analysis. ment. In these initial contacts, mothers don’t use much verbal language. When they do, they use «baby talk» expressions and emit mostly exclamations and interjections, two or three-word sentences and isolated words. The speech is centered in the reality of the mo- The baby described by the mother is a small and fragile being, who cries and feels hunger, not very individualized and not very «human», and in whom she recognizes, essentially, psysiological needs.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Crohn's disease with acute ileitis and its complications: a clinical case report

Crohn's disease is a chronic, granulomatous inflammatory disease that can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract. Complications such as intestinal obstructions, fistula, or abscesses may determine the need for surgical treatment, with initial clinical stabilization. Therefore, the present work aimed to present a clinical case report, showing a patient who presented complications resulting from Crohn's disease to determine surgery as the definitive treatment and, emphasizes the importance of optimized treatment for this disease to avoid complications

Hair Analysis of Mammals of Brazilian Wildlife for Forensic Purposes

Wildlife trafficking is classified as the fourth largest illegal commerce in the world. Taxonomic identification of wildlife is an ordinary process for forensics experts. The aim of this study was to analyze animal’s hair from Brazilian’s wildlife through microscopic and compare morphology of bristle among species analyzed. Hair samples of nine species were analyzed. Glass slides were analyzed through optical microscopy and following measurements were obtained: total length, medulla diameter, overall diameter and overall ratio diameter of the medulla’s diameter. The images obtained at identification of animals through the morphology of hair and the statistics analysis corroborates in favor for the validation of the technique