Introdução: Doentes Hepáticos mesmo após o Transplante de Fígado (TF) apresentam heranças fisiopatológicas que podem influenciar na diminuição da Capacidade Funcional (CF). Objetivo: Traçar o perfil dos pacientes pós TF em relação à CF, e definir quais os melhores exercícios físicos para compor futuro programa de condicionamento físico dos pacientes, tanto antes como depois do TF. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 52 pacientes submetidos ao TF entre os anos de 2002 e 2013. Foi realizado o Teste de Caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6). Resultados: 51,9% dos pacientes eram homens, sendo a média de idade da amostra 58 + 10,26 anos. Entre os participantes, 48,1% eram hipertensos, 42,3% obesos e 40,4% tinham diabetes tipo II. Tacrolimus é o medicamento mais utilizado em 84,6% dos pacientes. O DPTC6 média total foi de 497 + 90 metros, onde os homens andavam distância média mais alta que as mulheres (531 + 70 e 460 + 95 metros respectivamente). Sexo e Idade foram significativas (p=0,002 e p=0,011), evidenciando que a média do TC6 é maior em homens mais jovens do que em mulheres, independentemente do tempo transcorrido após o TF (p>0,05). Em relação a prática de exercícios físicos, apesar de não ser estatisticamente significativa, evidenciou-se que praticantes possuem melhores DPTC6. Conclusão: A DPTC6 por pacientes já submetidos ao Transplante de Fígado no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, é indicativa de boa capacidade funcional, principalmente entre os pacientes mais jovens, os do sexo masculino e praticantes de exercícios físicos. / Introduction: The pathophysiological profile of patients with liver disease may impact functional capacity even after liver transplantation (LT). Objective: To describe functional capacity after LT in a group of Brazilian patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 52 patients submitted to LT between 2002 and 2013. Functional capacity was determined using the six-minute walk test (6MWT). Results: The mean age of the overall sample was 58 ± 10.26 years, and 51.9% were male. Hypertension was detected in 48.1%, obesity in 42.3%, and type 2 diabetes in 40.4%. Tacrolimus was the most used medicine (84.6% of patients). The mean distance traveled in the 6MWT was 497 + 90 m (531 ± 70 m for males vs. 460 ± 95 m for females). Gender and age were significantly associated with 6MWT results (p=0.002 and p=0.011), showing a higher mean 6MWT distance in younger men than in women, regardless of the time elapsed since LT (p<0.05). In relation to physical exercise, physically active individuals had more favorable 6MWT results; however, this association was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The present group of LT patients had good functional capacity as measured by the 6MWT, especially younger patients, male patients, and physically active patients.

Objetivos: Avaliar o desempenho no teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6M) em pacientes adultos com bronquiectasias não fibrocísticas, estabelecendo associações entre TC6M e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS). Secundariamente, determinar relações entre TC6M, achados clínicos e função pulmonar a fim de identificar preditores de tolerância ao exercíco. Métodos: Estudo transversal envolvendo pacientes com bronquiectasias não fibrocística, idade ≥ 18 anos, com pelo menos um sintoma respiratório por 2 ou mais anos e volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1) ≤ 70% do previsto. Realizou-se avaliação clínica, função pulmonar, TC6M e QVRS pelo questionário Short-Form 36. Resultados: Foram incluídos 70 pacientes (48 mulheres; idade média 54,5±17,7 anos; VEF1 médio 44,9±14,5%). Desempenho alterado no TC6M foi observado em 23 pacientes (Grupo 1) e desempenho normal em 47 pacientes (Grupo 2). Em comparação aos pacientes do Grupo 2, os pacientes do Grupo 1 apresentaram menor idade (p<0,001), menor idade de diagnóstico das bronquiectasias (p=0,006), menor proporção de ex fumantes (p=0,048), menor índice de massa corporal (IMC) (p=0,003), pior VEF1 % previsto (p=0,041) e pior pressão expiratória máxima % previsto (p=0,021). Não houve diferença significante entre grupos nos escores de QVRS (p>0,05). No modelo de regressão logística, idade menor (p=0,002) e IMC menor (p=0,034) se associaram significantemente com desempenho precário no TC6M. Conclusão: Elevada proporção de pacientes com bronquiectasias não fibrocísticas apresenta desempenho precário no TC6M. O desempenho ao exercício não se relacionou com a QVRS. Idade e IMC se associaram com performance ao exercício. / Objective: To determine the performance in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in adult patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, establishing the relationship between 6-MWT and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Secondarily, to determine the relationship between 6MWT, clinical findings and lung function in order to identify predictors for exercise tolerance. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis aged ≥ 18 years, with at least one respiratory symptom for 2 years or more, and with predicted forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) ≤ 70%. Patients were submitted to clinical evaluation, pulmonary function tests, 6MWT and HRQL using the Short-Form 36 Questionnaire. Results: Seventy patients were included (48 females; mean age, 54.5±17.7 years; mean FEV1, 44.9 ±14.5%). We observed poor performance in 6MWT in 23 patients (Group 1) and normal performance in 47 patients (Group 2). In comparison with Group 2 patients, Group 1 patients presented lower age (p<0.001), lower age at diagnosis of bronchiectasis (p=0.006), lower proportion of ex-smokers (p=0.048), lower body mass index (BMI) (p=0.003), worse FEV1 % predicted (p=0.041), and worse maximum expiratory pressure % predicted (p=0.021). There was no significant difference between groups on scores for HRQL (p>0.05). In a logistic regression model, lower age (p=0.002) and lower BMI (p=0.034) were significantly associated with poor performance in 6MWT. Conclusion: There is a high rate of poor performance in 6MWT in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The exercise performance was not related to HRQL. Age and BMI were associated with the exercise performance.

Introdução: O teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6M) é um teste muito utilizado para avaliar as condições de saúde de idosos e saudáveis, bem como pacientes com doenças pulmonares e cardiovasculares. Porém, poucos são os relatos na literatura científica habitual sobre a utilização do teste de caminhada de seis minutos para avaliar a morbidade e mortalidade de pacientes após infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM). Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se o TC6M tem valor preditivo para morbidade e/ou mortalidade cardiovascular após IAM. Queremos verificar o ponto de corte da distância no TC6M para síndrome coronariana aguda, insuficiência cardíaca, re-hospitalização ou óbito por causa cardiovascular. Método: Trata-se de um estudo observacional, no qual se utilizou análise de prontuários, contato telefônico, correio e SIM (Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade da Secretaria de Saúde) de pacientes com diagnóstico de IAM não complicado que realizaram o TC6M antes da alta hospitalar. Desfechos observados: síndrome coronariana aguda, insuficiência cardíaca, acidente vascular cerebral, re-hospitalização e óbito por causa cardiovascular. A coleta de dados se deu no Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia, por meio de análise de prontuário e foram incluídos no estudo, os pacientes com diagnóstico de IAM não complicado que realizaram o teste de caminhada de seis minutos antes da alta hospitalar. Para análise estatística foram utilizados: correlação de Pearson ou Spearman, teste t de Student ou Mann-Whitney e ANOVA ou teste de Kruskall Wallis para analisar os efeitos das características físicas e clínicas dos pacientes analisados na distância percorrida no TC6M. Estas características e a distância percorrida foram avaliadas nos desfechos, ao longo de tempo, observando a curva de viii sobrevivência de Kaplan-Meier ou a sobrevivência em média de Cox, a significância dos efeitos foi testada por teste de log-rank ou pelo modelo de riscos proporcionais de Cox, respectivamente. Também foi ajustado um modelo de sobrevivência de Cox final para avaliar o efeito de todas as co-variáveis juntamente presentes no desfecho. Na análise múltipla foi utilizado o método de seleção de variáveis forward para selecionar as variáveis mais associadas à sobrevida. O tamanho dos efeitos, quando significativos, foi medido pela odds ratio (OR). Resultados: Foram incluídos 234 pacientes, 173(73,9 por cento ) do sexo masculino, 57,18 (10,35) anos, 103(44 por cento ) IAM anterior, 182 (77,8 por cento ) Killip I, 190 (81,2 por cento ) com terapia de reperfusão e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo de 49,99 (10,14) por cento . Foram observados 89 (38,03 por cento ) pacientes com pelo menos um desfecho adverso, sendo 18 (8,1 por cento ) óbitos por causa cardiovascular num período de seguimento médio de 1.355,47 (777,53) dias. A distância do TC6M não se associou à ocorrência dos desfechos adversos, porém à ocorrência de óbito, resultando dois modelos: a) metragem do primeiro quartil (370,5 m) (OR = 2,737; p = 0,046), índice de percepção de esforço (IPE) de Borg (OR = 1,380; p = 0,020) e saturação periférica de oxigênio (SpO2) < 90 por cento (OR = 2,326; p = 0,103); b) metragem do teste de log rank (232 m) (p = 0,036; OR = 3,459), índice de Borg (OR = 1,351; p = 0,044) e SpO2 < 90 por cento (OR = 2,936; p = 0,030). A metragem e a SpO2 também se associaram à pior sobrevida ao longo do tempo: modelo 1) IPE Borg (OR = 1,334; p = 0,041, SpO2 < 90 por cento (OR = 2,675; p = 0,067) e a distância de 370,5m (OR = 2,882; p = 0,042) e modelo 2: SpO2 < 90 por cento (OR = 4,193; p=0,004) e distância de 232m (OR = 5,014; p=0,005). Numa análise do comportamento da FC, SpO2 e PS e PD ao longo do tempo no TC6M entre os grupos óbito e não óbito foram observadas diferenças significantes apenas da FC (p < 0,0001) e SpO2 (p < 0,0001). Conclusão: Na amostra estudada, a distância e a SpO2 < 90 por cento no TC6M se associaram ao óbito e à pior sobrevida em pacientes após IAM não complicado. / Background: The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a test used to assess the prognosis of patients with heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and health status of the elderly. However, there are few reports in the scientific literature about the use of this test as a tool to assess the prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. The aim of this study is to assess the prognostic value of the 6MWT in AMI patients. We also intend to point out whether there is a minimum distance in the 6MWT that defines a group of patients with worse prognosis, i.e, in the occurrence of death, re-infarction, or heart failure re-hospitalization from cardiovascular causes. Methods: This is an observational study for which we used analysis of medical records, telephone contact, mail and SIM (Mortality Information System of the Department of Health) of uncomplicated AMI patients who underwent 6MWT before hospital discharge. Observed outcomes: acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, stroke,re-hospitalization and cardiovascular death. Data collection has taken place at the Institute Dante Pazzanese of Cardiology, with analysis of medical records and has be included patients with uncomplicated AMI who underwent 6MWT before discharge. Statistical analysis: we used Pearson or Spearman correlation, Student\'s t test or Mann-Whitney test and ANOVA or Kruskal Wallis test to analyze the effects of physical and clinical characteristics in 6MWT distance. Such characteristics and the 6MWT distance were evaluated in outcomes over time, observing the Kaplan-Meier survival curve or the average survival by Cox, the significance of the effects was tested by log-rank test or the Cox proportional hazards model, respectively. It was also set a Cox survival x model to assess the effects of all covariates together present in the outcomes. We used selection of forward variables for multivariate analysis to select the variables most associated with survival. The size of the effects was measured by odds ratio (OR). Results: We included 234 patients, 173(73,9 per cent ) males, 57.18 (10.35) years old, 103(44 per cent ) anterior AMI, 182 (77.8 per cent ) Killip I, 190 (81.2 per cent ) with reperfusion therapy and left ventricular ejection fraction = 49.99 (10.14) per cent . We observed 89 (84.03 per cent ) patients with cardiovascular outcomes and 18 (8.1 per cent ) deaths for 1,355.47 (777.53) days of follow up. There was no association between the 6MWT distance and the combined endpoints. We observed association with 6MWT distance and death, resulting two models: a) distance of first quartile (370.5 m) (OR = 2.737, p = 0.046), Borg scale of perceived exertion (SPE) (OR = 1.380, p = 0.020) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) <90 per cent (OR = 2.326, p = 0,103); b) distance of the log rank test (232 m) (OR = 3.459, p = 0.036), Borg SPE (OR = 1.351, p = 0.044) and SpO2 <90 per cent (OR = 2.936, p = 0.030). The distance and the SpO2 were also associated with poor survival over time: model 1) Borg SPE (OR = 1.334, p = 0.041, SpO2 <90 per cent (OR = 2.675, p = 0.067) and 6MWT distance = 370.5 m (OR = 2.882, p = 0.042) and model 2: SpO2 <90 per cent (OR = 4.193, p = 0.004) and 6MWT distance = 232m (OR = 5.014, p = 0.005). In comparison with death group and survival group, there was a significant difference in HR (p <0.0001) and SpO2 (p <0.0001) overtime. Conclusion: The distance and SpO2 < 90 per cent in 6MWT were associated with death and worse survival conditions in patients after uncomplicated AMI.

Objetivo: Estudar o efeito da monitorização contínua da oximetria de pulso (SpO2) durante o teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6m), na detecção da hipoxemia induzida pelo exercício, em pacientes com sintomas respiratórios. Métodos: Os pacientes realizaram testes de função pulmonar e TC6m. A saturação e a freqüência cardíaca foram determinadas por um oxímetro de pulso e os dados transferidos simultaneamente para um computador através de telemetria. Comparamos a menor saturação atingida durante o teste com os valores da SpO2 obtidos imediatamente após o TC6m. Também foram comparadas as diferenças clínico funcionais dos pacientes agrupados de acordo com a presença de dessaturação (SpO2 repouso – SpO2 no exercício 4%) e SpO2 88%. Resultados: Foram estudados 452 pacientes (236 homens, 61 ± 13 anos). A capacidade vital forçada (CVF), o volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1), a relação VEF1/CVF e a capacidade de difusão pulmonar (DCO) foram respectivamente 65,8 ± 18,6% do previsto, 52,6 ± 23,7% do previsto, 62,8 ± 18,8% e 51,7 ± 20,9% do previsto. A média da SpO2 mínima registrada com auxílio de telemetria durante o TC6m foi de 89,9 ± 6,5% e da SpO2 no final do teste foi de 91,1 ± 6,5% (p<0,001). Em 241 pacientes (53,3%) ocorreu dessaturação no TC6m. Foram observados dois padrões diferenciados de dessaturação durante o exercício: um grupo de pacientes dessaturou no início do TC6m e recuperou a SpO2 antes do final do mesmo (57 pacientes, 23,7% dos pacientes que dessaturaram) e o outro grupo apresentou queda da SpO2 persistente até o final do exercício. A SpO2 basal e os valores de função pulmonar foram significativamente mais altos no grupo de pacientes com o primeiro padrão de dessaturação. A SpO2 foi 88% em 148 pacientes; em 26 destes (17,6%) níveis de SpO2 88% foram detectados somente durante o TC6m. Conclusão: Nosso estudo demonstra que a mensuração contínua da SpO2 durante o TC6m é melhor que a mensuração da SpO2 imediatamente após o teste para detectar dessaturação induzida por exercício. / Objective: To study the effect of continuous measurement of pulse oximetry (SpO2) during six-minute walk test (6MWT) on detection of exercise induced hypoxemia in patients with respiratory complaints. Methods: Patients performed lung function tests and 6MWT. SpO2 and pulse rate were obtained by a pulse oximeter and continuously transferred to a computer using telemetry. The lowest saturation reached during the test was compared with the SpO2 measured immediately after the 6MWT. We also compared functional and clinical differences of patients grouped according to desaturation (rest SpO2 - exercise SpO2 4%) and SpO2 88%. Results: We studied 452 patients (236 men, 61 ± 13 years old). Mean forced vital capacity (FCV), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FCV and pulmonary diffusion capacity (DLCO) were 65.8 ± 18.6% of predicted, 52.6 ± 23.7% of predicted, 62.8 ± 18.8% and 51.7 ± 20.9% of predicted, respectively. Mean of lowest SpO2 registered using telemetry during 6MWT was 89.9% ± 6.5% and at the end of test 91.1% ± 6.5% (p<0.001). Desaturation was observed in 241 patients (53.3%). There were two different patterns of desaturation: SpO2 decrease at the beginning of the 6MWT with recovery before the test end (57 patients, 23.7% of the patients with desaturation) and SpO2 decrease maintained at the end of exercise. Rest SpO2 and lung function values were significantly higher in patients with the first desaturation pattern. SpO2 88% was observed in 148 patients; in 26 of these cases (17.6%) SpO2 88% levels were only detected during the 6MWT. Conclusion: Continuous SpO2 measuring is better than SpO2 measurement performed immediately after 6MWT in detecting exercise induced desaturation.

Objetivos: Avaliar o desempenho no teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6M) em pacientes adultos com bronquiectasias não fibrocísticas, estabelecendo associações entre TC6M e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS). Secundariamente, determinar relações entre TC6M, achados clínicos e função pulmonar a fim de identificar preditores de tolerância ao exercíco. Métodos: Estudo transversal envolvendo pacientes com bronquiectasias não fibrocística, idade ≥ 18 anos, com pelo menos um sintoma respiratório por 2 ou mais anos e volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1) ≤ 70% do previsto. Realizou-se avaliação clínica, função pulmonar, TC6M e QVRS pelo questionário Short-Form 36. Resultados: Foram incluídos 70 pacientes (48 mulheres; idade média 54,5±17,7 anos; VEF1 médio 44,9±14,5%). Desempenho alterado no TC6M foi observado em 23 pacientes (Grupo 1) e desempenho normal em 47 pacientes (Grupo 2). Em comparação aos pacientes do Grupo 2, os pacientes do Grupo 1 apresentaram menor idade (p<0,001), menor idade de diagnóstico das bronquiectasias (p=0,006), menor proporção de ex fumantes (p=0,048), menor índice de massa corporal (IMC) (p=0,003), pior VEF1 % previsto (p=0,041) e pior pressão expiratória máxima % previsto (p=0,021). Não houve diferença significante entre grupos nos escores de QVRS (p>0,05). No modelo de regressão logística, idade menor (p=0,002) e IMC menor (p=0,034) se associaram significantemente com desempenho precário no TC6M. Conclusão: Elevada proporção de pacientes com bronquiectasias não fibrocísticas apresenta desempenho precário no TC6M. O desempenho ao exercício não se relacionou com a QVRS. Idade e IMC se associaram com performance ao exercício. / Objective: To determine the performance in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in adult patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, establishing the relationship between 6-MWT and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Secondarily, to determine the relationship between 6MWT, clinical findings and lung function in order to identify predictors for exercise tolerance. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis aged ≥ 18 years, with at least one respiratory symptom for 2 years or more, and with predicted forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) ≤ 70%. Patients were submitted to clinical evaluation, pulmonary function tests, 6MWT and HRQL using the Short-Form 36 Questionnaire. Results: Seventy patients were included (48 females; mean age, 54.5±17.7 years; mean FEV1, 44.9 ±14.5%). We observed poor performance in 6MWT in 23 patients (Group 1) and normal performance in 47 patients (Group 2). In comparison with Group 2 patients, Group 1 patients presented lower age (p<0.001), lower age at diagnosis of bronchiectasis (p=0.006), lower proportion of ex-smokers (p=0.048), lower body mass index (BMI) (p=0.003), worse FEV1 % predicted (p=0.041), and worse maximum expiratory pressure % predicted (p=0.021). There was no significant difference between groups on scores for HRQL (p>0.05). In a logistic regression model, lower age (p=0.002) and lower BMI (p=0.034) were significantly associated with poor performance in 6MWT. Conclusion: There is a high rate of poor performance in 6MWT in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The exercise performance was not related to HRQL. Age and BMI were associated with the exercise performance.

Name: : The difference of consumption of a medium being inhaled between a man and a woman at the same level of endurance in scuba diving. Goals: The primary goal of this work, is to determine if and how is the amount of the inhaled medium depending on the gender of the divers. Compare the consumption between men and women while being faced with the same amount of stress, meaning during a united profile of a dive, try to maximize the decrease of the influence of stress factors. Confirm or deny the hypothesis that men show higher values of the inhaled medium. Methods: The theoretical part of this paper, was created based on the research of the appropriate literature. To obtain all the data, there was used the method of experiments, the results were then analyzed, compared and than statistically evaluated using the Students T- test. Probandi (n=10+10) took part in a 30 minute long and 20 meters deep dive in Bořená hora, during which their consumption of the inhaled medium was recorded every 5 seconds using a special underwater computer with a probe. Results: It was found out that men, during the same dive, consume more air than women because of their higher body weight. Key words: scuba diving, air, sex, respirator, minute ventilation

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a common form of high blood pressure in the lungs. It affects the pulmonary arteries, which normally allow blood to flow from the right heart to the lungs. Nitric Oxide (NO) is a potential mediator for establishing PH and decreasing its availability is implicated in the pathogenesis of PH. HYPOTHESIS: We tested the hypothesis that Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) is a good indicator to assess disease severity that may add to understanding the disease. METHODS: The aim of the study was to measure FeNO levels in consecutive PH patients and seek correlations with the 6 Minute walk distance (6MWD) within different World Health Organization (WHO) groups and New York Health Association Function Class (NYHA FC). Assignment to groups I or IV was done respecting the current guidelines. All values were taken at Tufts Medical Center PAH clinic visits. FeNO levels were measured utilizing the NIOX device. RESULTS: FeNO levels were highest in WHO Group 1 and lowest in WHO Group 5 patients. There was a strong inverse correlation between FeNO and 6MWD for each NYHA FC. (Pearson correlation of -0.986, p = 0.014). Within WHO Groups, we found significantly inverse correlations between FeNO and 6MWD in PH Group 4 (p= 0.012) and PH Group 5 (p=0.001). NYHA FC correlated with 6MWD across all WHO Groups (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: We report for the first time FeNO levels in all WHO Groups of PH. FeNO levels are low in early disease. FeNO levels correlate inversely with the severity of PH in WHO Group 4 and 5 patients. The increase in FeNO in more severe patients may reflect the degree of oxidative stress and inflammation in severe PH. Further studies to determine whether FeNO may be a biomarker in early disease, especially in PH Group 4 and 5 warrants further investigation.

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Evaluating a Daily 90-Minute, Remedial Reading Intervention for Influence on Students’ Reading Achievement. Loretta Faith Harris, 2011: Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler School of Education. ERIC Descriptors: Achievement Level, High School, Reading Fluency, Remedial Reading, Criterion Referenced Tests. The goal of NCLB educational reform was to bring all students to a level of academic proficiency by 2014-2015. Tenth-grade students are expected to show success in meeting the state standards by achieving a passing score of 1926 DSS on the reading section of the criterion-referenced test. Level 1 students demonstrating need in the areas of decoding or fluency are required to have an extended block of reading intervention with the same teacher for the entire 90-minute period of instruction. The research examined the effects of such extended time on Level 1 tenth-grade students’ reading-achievement levels as indicated by the state-mandated criterion-referenced test scores and oral reading fluency. The study revealed a daily 90-minute high school remedial reading program influenced Level 1 tenth-grade students’ fluency scores as measured by oral-reading fluency probes. On the other hand, a daily 90-minute high school remedial reading program did not adequately prepare students to demonstrate success in terms of state standards as measured by the state criterion-referenced test. A recommended change to the current reading program included the use of grade-level texts with increasing levels of complexity during whole-group and small-group instructions. Exposure to grade-level texts heightens students’ comprehension proficiency, essential for the increasingly complex texts encountered on the state-mandated criterion-referenced test. Overall, the results of the 90-minute high school remedial reading program confirmed the sustainability of the program.

Die Welpensterblichkeit wird auf 10-20 % der lebend geborenen Welpen geschätzt. Zwei Virusinfektionen scheinen bei Welpensterblichkeit und Fruchtbarkeitsstörungen des Hundes eine wesentliche Rolle zu spielen: das canine Herpesvirus Typ 1 (CHV-1) und das Canine Minute Virus (CnMV, synonym Minute Virus of Canines). Ziel der Arbeit war es, die Verbreitung dieser beiden Viren unter Zuchthunden in Deutschland zu untersuchen. Das klinische Erkrankungsbild ist bei beiden Viren ähnlich. Bei erwachsenen Tieren verläuft die Infektion meist unauffällig. Infektionen während der Trächtigkeit können zu Fruchtresorption, Aborten, Missbildungen und Welpensterblichkeit führen. Infizierte Welpen erkranken meist in den ersten drei Lebenswochen und sind apathisch, zeigen Saugunlust, haben Atemwegsprobleme, Erbrechen und leiden oft auch unter Durchfall. Die Mortalität ist hoch. Zwischen Juli 2004 und Oktober 2005 wurden 429 Serumproben gesammelt. Die Bestimmung der Seroprävalenz von CHV-1 erfolgt im Serumneutralisationstest (SNT) mit Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK)-Zellen ohne den Zusatz von Komplement. CnMV-spezifische Antikörper wurden mittels indirekter Immunofluoreszenz (IFT) auf zuvor mit CnMV infizierten Walter Reed Canine Zellen (WRCC) nachgewiesen. Des Weiteren wurden 37 Abstriche, 34 Spermaproben, 16 Kotproben und 37 verstorbene Welpen aus 14 Würfen mittels PCR und Virusisolierung auf CHV-1 und CnMV direkt untersucht. 27,7 % (119/429) aller Serumproben hatten neutralisierende Antikörper gegen CHV-1. Die Seroprävalenz für CnMV beträgt 5,6 % (24/429). Die statistische Auswertung ergab nur für das Geschlecht einen signifikanten Einfluss auf den Serostatus von CHV-1. Alter, Zwingergröße, Anzahl Ausstellungsbesuche und Rasse spielten keine Rolle für die Seroprävalenz von CHV-1. Bei den klinischen Vorberichten Welpensterblichkeit (n = 24) und Fruchtresorptionen (n = 5) ist die Seroprävalenz von CHV-1 mit 37,5 % und 40 % bedeutend höher als die ermittelte Gesamtprävalenz von 27,7 %. Die Untersuchung der Abstriche, Sperma-, Kot- und Organproben von verstorbenen Welpen mittels PCR und zum Teil Virusisolierung auf CnMV und CHV-1 verlief in allen Fällen mit negativem Ergebnis. Der Nachweis von CnMV ist bis heute nur in wenigen Speziallabors möglich. Um die Nachweismöglichkeiten von CnMV zu verbessern und zu vereinfachen, wurde das Virusprotein-2-(VP2)-Gen von CnMV in den Vektor pET22b(+) kloniert. Das am C-terminalen Ende mit einem 6x His-Tag markierte Protein wurde im E.coli-Stamm BL21CodonPlus(DE3)RIL exprimiert, aufgereinigt und als Antigen im ELISA getestet. Die prokaryotische Genexpression des VP2 von CnMV ist für die Etablierung eines diagnostischen ELISA nicht geeignet. Während der Expression aggregierte das Protein zu unlöslichen Inclusion Bodies. Nach Aufreinigung ist das Protein immer noch mit E.coli-Proteinen kontaminiert. Im ELISA zeigte sich das rekombinante Antigen wenig spezifisch. In Fällen von Welpensterblichkeit (n = 14), waren diese in weit weniger Fällen als vermutet CHV-1 oder CnMV bedingt. Insgesamt scheint CnMV in Deutschland weit weniger verbreitet zu sein als in anderen Ländern der Welt.