The increasing human population, industrialization, urbanisation and climate change challenges have resulted in an increased demand for already scarce water resources. This has left the agricultural sector with less water for production. Sustainable water management strategies would therefore require accurate determination of water-use. In agriculture, water-use can best be determined from total evaporation which is the loss of water from soil and vegetation to the atmosphere. Accurate quantification of total evaporation from vegetation would require a thorough understanding of water transport processes between vegetation and the atmosphere, especially in a water-scarce country like South Africa. Several methods for estimating total evaporation have been developed and are in use today. Some of the common methods used today are: the Bowen ratio energy balance, eddy covariance, scintillometry, flux variance and surface renewal. However, various methods have advantages and disadvantages. Considerations include the cost of equipment and level of skill required for use of some of the methods. A number of methods involve indirect or direct estimation of sensible heat flux then calculating latent energy flux and hence total evaporation as a residual of the shortened energy balance equation. The main objective of this study is to determine the effects of grassland management practices on the energy balance components as well as on the surface radiation balance. Eddy covariance and surface renewal methods were employed to investigate the effects of grassland management practices (mowing and burning) on the micrometeorology of naturally occurring grassland. A 4.5-ha grassland site (Ukulinga, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa) was divided into two halves: one area was initially mowed (cut-grass site) to a height of 0.1 m while the other was not mowed (tall-grass site). The tall-grass site was later treated by burning and hence referred to as the burnt-grass site. Two eddy covariance systems were deployed, one at each of the cut-grass and the tall-grass sites. The systems each comprised a three-dimensional sonic anemometer to measure high frequency sonic temperature, orthogonal wind speeds and directions and the eddy covariance sensible heat flux (W m-2). Latent energy flux, from which total evaporation was then determined, was calculated as a residual from the shortened energy balance equation from measurements of sensible heat flux, net irradiance and soil heat flux assuming closure is met. Other microclimatic measurements of soil water content, soil temperature, surface reflection coefficient and reflected solar irradiance were performed, the latter with a four-component net radiometer. An automatic weather station was also set up at the research site for continuous measurements of solar irradiance, air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction and rainfall. Water vapour pressure and grass reference evaporation were also determined online. Energy fluxes from the tall-grass site were measured from March to June 2008. Greater total evaporation rates (2.27 mm day-1) were observed at the beginning of the experiment (March). As winter approached most of the energy balance components showed a constant decreasing trend and the average total evaporation rates for May and June were 1.03 and 0.62 mm day-1, respectively. The tall-grass site had consistently lower soil temperatures that changed diurnally when compared to the cut-grass site. The soil water content at both sites showed no significant differences. Most of the energy balance components were similar between the two sites and changed diurnally. Although there were small differences observed between other energy balance components, for example, latent energy flux was slightly greater for the tall-grass site than for the cut-grass site. The tall-grass site had more basal cover and this may have contributed to the differences in temperature regimes observed between the two sites. However, the plants growing at the cut-grass site showed more vigour than the ones at the tall-grass site as spring approached. Burning of a mixed grassland surface caused significant changes to most of the optical properties and energy fluxes of the surface. Following burning, the soil temperature was elevated to noticeable levels due to removal of basal cover by burning. The surface reflection coefficient measured before and after the burn also presented a remarkable change. The surface reflection coefficient was significantly reduced after the burn but a progressive increase was observed as the burnt grass recovered after the spell of spring rains. The energy fluxes: net irradiance, latent energy flux and soil heat flux also increased following the burn but the latent energy flux was reduced as transpiration was effectively eliminated by the burning of all actively transpiring leaves. As a result, the main process that contributed towards latent energy flux was soil evaporation. An ideal surface renewal analysis model based on two air temperature structure functions was used to estimate sensible heat flux over natural grassland treated by mowing. Two air temperature lag times r (0.4 and 0.8 s) were used when computing the air temperature structure functions online. The surface renewal sensible heat fluxes were computed using an iteration process in Excel. The fluxes, obtained using an iterative procedure, were calibrated to determine the surface renewal weighting factor (a) and then validated against the eddy covariance method using different data sets for unstable conditions during 2008. The latent energy flux was computed as a residual from the shortened energy balance equation. The surface renewal weighting factor was determined for each of the two heights and two lag times for each measurement height (z) above the soil surface. The a values obtained during the surface renewal calibration period (day of year 223 to 242, 2008) ranged from 1.90 to 2.26 for measurement height 0.7 m and r = 0.4 and 0.8 s. For a measurement height of 1.2 m and r = 0.4 and 0.8 s, a values of 0.71 and 1.01 were obtained, respectively. Good agreement between surface renewal sensible heat flux and eddy covariance sensible heat flux was obtained at a height of 1.2 m using a = 0.71 and a lag time of 0.4 s. Total evaporation for the surface renewal method was compared against the eddy covariance method. The surface renewal method, for a height of 1.2 m and a lag time of 0.4 s, yielded 1.67 mm while the eddy covariance method yielded 1.57 mm for a typical cloudless day. For the same day for a measurement height of 1.2 m and a lag time of 0.8 s, eddy covariance and surface renewal methods yielded 1.57 and 1.10 mm, respectively. For a lag time of 0.4 s, the surface renewal method overestimated total evaporation by 0.10 mm while for a lag time of 0.8 s, the total evaporation was underestimated by 0.47 mm. As a result, the surface renewal method performed better for z = 1.2 m and a lag time of 0.4 s. The eddy covariance method gave reliable sensible heat fluxes throughout the experiment and this allowed a comparison of fluxes across all treatment areas to be achieved. The short-term analysis of the surface renewal method also gave reliable energy fluxes after calibration. Compared to the eddy covariance method, the surface renewal method is more attractive in the sense that it is easy to operate and use and it is relatively cheap. However, the surface renewal method requires calibration and validation against a standard method such as the eddy covariance method. This study showed that grassland management practices had a considerable effect on surface radiation and energy balance of the mowed and burnt treatment sites. Total evaporation was mainly controlled by the available energy flux, rainfall and grassland surface structure. High total evaporation values were observed during summer when net irradiance was at its highest and grass growth at its peak. Low total evaporation values were observed in winter (dry atmospheric conditions) when net irradiance was at its lowest and most vegetation was dormant. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2017-03-30T12:41:23Z No. of bitstreams: 1 eliesecristinadeoliveira.pdf: 658851 bytes, checksum: 68287f985bb39c1fe440518b3cd33589 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2017-04-03T18:49:19Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 eliesecristinadeoliveira.pdf: 658851 bytes, checksum: 68287f985bb39c1fe440518b3cd33589 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-04-03T18:49:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 eliesecristinadeoliveira.pdf: 658851 bytes, checksum: 68287f985bb39c1fe440518b3cd33589 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-06-18 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / O entendimento da dinâmica biogeoquímica é um ponto central na tentativa de, racionalmente, manejar recursos e minimizar os impactos gerados por atividades antrópicas nos sistemas aquáticos amazônicos, especialmente devido à importância dessa região no ciclo global do carbono. O presente estudo pretende contribuir com esta temática avaliando a composição isotópica e química da água na várzea de Curuai (PA). As amostras de água foram coletadas na superfície da coluna d’água no Lago Grande em três períodos distintos do ciclo hidrológico. Os valores de concentrações e de δ13C (-28,4 a -23,3‰) e δ15N (2,0 a 5,0‰) para os sólidos fino em suspensão (SFS) revelaram mudanças consideráveis na quantidade e na composição da matéria orgânica ao longo do ciclo hidrológico. Enquanto no período de enchente a planície recebe materiais das áreas laterais e rio Amazonas, nos períodos de cheia e vazante as contribuições autóctones podem ser registradas com maior intensidade no sinal isotópico do SFS. A composição isotópica do carbono inorgânico dissolvido (CID) também parece refletir a ciclagem da matéria orgânica na várzea. A composição química da água, por sua vez, é muito similar à do rio principal e está mais intensamente relacionada ao pulso de inundação e à litologia na bacia hidrográfica. Foi observada uma maior influência da drenagem local no período de vazante, especialmente sobre as concentrações de Cl- e HCO-3. Este estudo evidencia o controle do pulso de inundação e da hidrodinâmica interna sobre a química e a composição da matéria orgânica nos sistemas de várzeas da bacia Amazônica. / The understanding of the biogeochemical dynamics is a central point for the implementation of sustainable resources management and to minimize the impacts of human activity over the Amazonian aquatic systems. It becomes more critic when we consider the role of Amazon region plays in the global carbon cycle. The present study tries to contribute to this approach by examining the seasonal variation in isotopic and chemical composition of the water in Lago Grande de Curuai floodplain, Brazil, a complex system of lakes linked to the Amazon River by several channels. Water samples were taken from surface of the Lago Grande in three different phases of the hydrological cycle. The δ13C (from -28,4 to -23,3‰) and δ15N (from 2,0 to 5,0‰) values and concentrations of the fine suspended sediments (FSS) revealed considerable variability in the lake organic matter abundance and composition. These patterns are a result of system internal functioning along the hydrological cycle. If on the one hand water and material inputs from the catchment area and Amazon river do influence the isotopic signal of the FSS the during rising water, on the other hand an effect of the primary production seems to be recovered in the FSS during periods of high water and falling. Additionally, the DIC isotopic composition seems to reflect the seasonality in organic matter inputs to the “varzea”. The water chemical composition is quite similar to that of the main river and was probably more related to the flood pulse and drainage basin lithology. A greater influence of the local drainage was observed during the falling water period, especially over the Cl- and HCO-3 concentrations. This work brings evidences that the flood pulse and the internal dynamics of the floodplains in the Amazon basin are ultimately decisive to its biogeochemistry.

Many animals exhibit seasonal changes in life-history stages, and these seasonal transitions are often accompanied by dramatic switches in behavior. While the neuroendocrine mechanisms that regulate such behavioral transitions are poorly understood, arginine vasotocin (AVT) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) are excellent candidates because they regulate reproductive and feeding behavior, respectively. In this study, I asked if seasonal changes in AVT and/or NPY are concomitant with spring migration away from the breeding grounds, as male and female red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) are transitioning from reproductive to non-reproductive behavior during this time. To address this question, I collected male and female snakes in different migratory stages during the spring and fall. Brains were processed for AVT and NPY immunohistochemistry and the total number of immunoreactive (-ir) cells quantified for each individual. As predicted, males had significantly more AVT-ir cells in the preoptic area and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, brain regions important for courtship behavior, during the spring mating season compared to the fall. Females had significantly more AVT-ir cells in the preoptic area during the spring compared to the fall and, surprisingly, did not exhibit seasonal changes in NPY. In contrast, males had significantly more NPY-ir cells in the cortex, a region important for spatial memory, and in the posterior hypothalamus during the fall compared to the spring, which likely reflects increased feeding behavior during the summer foraging period. Neither AVT- nor NPY-ir cell number varied significantly with migratory status, indicating that seasonal changes in these neuropeptides are not directly related to migration. I then asked if the observed seasonal changes in AVT and NPY in males and females are related to the transition from reproductive to non-reproductive states. Compared to courting males, non-courting males had significantly more AVT-ir cells in the supraoptic nucleus and more NPY-ir cells in the cortex. AVT- and NPY-ir cells did not differ between unmated and mated females. Collectively, my results suggest that AVT and NPY play a role in regulating seasonal transitions in male reproductive behavior, rather than regulating migration per se. Further, these data indicate that both AVT and NPY are regulating reproductive behavior differently in males versus females. These data provide the framework for future studies examining the mechanisms regulating transitions between reproductive, migratory and foraging behaviors.

A análise pelas técnicas hifenadas CLAE-DAD-EM e CLAE-DAD-EM/EM de extratos foliares de Lychnophora ericoides Mart. levou à identificação de 34 metabólitos secundários diretamente a partir dos extratos vegetais. Destes, 19 foram relatados pela primeira vez na subtribo Lychnophorinae. Uma metodologia para extração e análise destes metabólitos por CLAE-DAD foi desenvolvida, validada e utilizada para determinação de suas variações populacionais e temporais. Perfis metabólicos bem semelhantes, com diferenças quantitativas, mas não qualitativas, foram observados entre os indivíduos de uma mesma população. Entre as cinco populações analisadas, foi observado um metabolismo secundário bem mais diversificado, caracterizado pela presença de lactonas sesquiterpênicas, nas plantas da população de Ibiraci-MG. As concentrações mais elevadas de ácidos cafeoilquínicos foram encontradas no período da seca no cerrado (inverno) e as menores quando a planta se encontrava florida. Os teores de flavonóides foram maiores durante o período de chuvas (verão) e os de C-glicosilflavonas e lactonas sesquiterpênicas se mantiveram estáveis. Variações circadianas significativas de flavonóides e ácidos cafeoilquínicos também foram observadas nas duas populações nas quais estes fatores foram estudados. Foi verificado que o envelhecimento das folhas resulta em uma pronunciada redução no conteúdo de todos os metabólitos secundários e concentrações menores dos metabólitos foram observadas nas folhas dos ramos floridos em relação aos ramos sem flores de um mesmo indivíduo. Finalmente, conclui-se que as variações temporais e populacionais observadas em L. ericoides podem ser determinantes para a intensidade da atividade antiinflamatória e/ou analgésica desta planta, utilizada popularmente para estes propósitos. / The analyses of Lychnophora ericoides Mart. leaves extracts by HPLC-DAD-MS and HPLC-DAD-MS/MS resulted in the identification of 34 secondary metabolites directly from the plant extracts. Nineteen of these metabolites are being reported for the first time in the Lychnophorinae subtribe. A method for the extraction and analyses of these metabolites by CLAE-DAD was developed, validated and employed for the determination of their populational and temporal variations. Very similar metabolic profiles, exhibiting quantitative but not qualitative differences, were found among each population individuals. Among the five studied populations, a more diversified secondary metabolism, characterized by sesquiterpene lactones presence, was observed for the plants collected at Ibiraci-MG. The highest concentrations of caffeoylquinic acids were found in the cerrado dry season (winter), and the lowest when the plants were blooming. The flavoinoid contents were higher during the rainy season (summer), while C-glucosylflavones and sesquiterpene lactones levels remained stable. Significant circadian variations were also detected regarding flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids in the two populations analyzed on this respect. It was also found a pronounced reduction in the contents of all the secondary metabolites as the leaves get old. Lower levels of all the metabolites were also found for the flowery branches when compared to the non flowery ones in the same individual. Finally, it can be concluded that the temporal and populational variations detected in L. ericoides leaves could highly influence the intensity of the anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic activities of this plant, used in popular medicines for these purposes.

Introdução: Atualmente a incidência anual de pneumonia adquirida na comunidade nos países em desenvolvimento é de 150,7 milhões de casos entre crianças menores de 5 anos de idade , dos quais 11 a 20 milhões (7-13%) necessitam de internação hospitalar devido à gravidade. O tratamento geralmente é empírico mas o Streptococcus pneumoniae é o principal agente etiológico bacteriano.É necessário manter monitoramento dos sorotipos e padrão de resistência para melhor orientação terapêutica. Metodologia: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com inclusão de 107 crianças com diagnóstico clínico e radiológico de pneumonia e com isolamento de Streptococcus pneumoniae em sangue e ou líquido pleural no período de janeiro de 2003 a outubro de 2008. Realizado determinação de concentração inibitória mínima (MIC) para penicilina e antibiograma para outros antimicrobianos. A sensibilidade para penicilina utilizada foi conforme Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI ) de 2008. Realizado sorotipagem de 96 cepas de pneumococos (89,7%) e analisados os dados da população em estudo e da evolução clínica. Resultados:Cerca de 47,5% das internações na enfermaria foram por pneumonia ou broncopneumonia e a média de positividade em cultura para pneumococo (sangue e ou líquido pleural) foi de 2,5%. Houve uma sazonalidade bem definida da pneumonia pneumocócica. Cerca de 70% ocorreram nos meses de junho a outubro. A mediana de idade foi de 23 meses (82,2%<5anos); predomínio do sexo masculino (58,9%);utilização de antibioticoterapia nos dois meses prévios à internação de 23,4%; freqüência em creche no menores de 2 anos de 36,4%; apenas um caso com vacinação heptavalente completa; doença associada em 44,9% sendo a mais freqüente a sibilância( 77,1%); tempo de febre e de sintomas respiratórios antes da admissão foi de 4 dias;necessidade de oxigenoterapia não invasiva em 70,1% com tempo médio de utilização de 4 dias;necessidade de ventilação mecânica em 19,6%, mediana do tempo de internação de 9 dias.Em 62% houve complicações sendo as mais freqüentes: empiema (53%) e efusão pleural não complicada (42%). As crianças com empiema tiveram mais pneumonia necrotizante, abscesso pulmonar, sepse, pneumotórax, necessidade de decorticação e ainda maior mortalidade (todas com p<0,05). As crianças com complicações tiveram mais dias de sintomas respiratórios antes da admissão (3x5dias), mais tempo de febre após o início de antibiótico (1x4,5dias), necessitaram de oxigenoterapia não invasiva(58,5x77,3%) e ventilação mecânica (7,3x27,3%) por tempo maior e permaneceram por mais tempo internados (5x12 dias). Das 107 cepas de pneumococo, 100 (93,5%) foram sensíveis à penicilina e 7 (6,5%) de sensibilidade intermediária. Todas as cepas testadas foram sensíveis para rifampicina e vancomicina e ainda mantiveram boa sensibilidade para clindamicina, cloranfenicol, ceftriaxone, eritromicina e levofloxacina. Cinco cepas foram multiresistentes. Notou-se que a média geométrica das concentrações inibitórias mínimas (GMC) para penicilina foram maiores nas crianças com complicações. Os sorotipos mais freqüentes foram: 14(36,5%), 1(16,7%) , 5(14,6%) e 6B(6,3%). O sorotipo 14 apresentou a maior GMC para penicilina e houve um aumento progressivo no decorrer dos anos de estudo. A cobertura dos sorotipos pela vacina heptavalente seria de 53,1% e esta cobertura menor se deve principalmente ao sorotipo 1 e 5, que corresponde a 31,3% dos casos. A cobertura dos sorotipos associados à resistência seria de 94,2%. A cobertura pela vacina 10-valente seria de 86,5% e com a 13-valente seria de 96,9%. Três casos que evoluíram para óbito (2,8%) tinha mediana de idade de 18 meses, todos do sexo masculino, todos com concentração inibitória mínima para penicilina menor ou igual 1g/mL, todos evoluíram com empiema e sepse. Dois foram do sorotipo 5 e um do sorotipo 14. Conclusões: Aproximadamente 2,5% das crianças internadas com diagnóstico de pneumonia foram diagnosticadas como pneumonia pneumocócica.Verificamos uma sazonalidade bem definida.Houve complicações em 62% dos casos. As mais freqüentes foram : empiema e a efusão pleural não complicada. Evidenciou-se uma GMC para penicilina maior nas crianças com complicações comparadas às crianças com ausência de complicações. Os sorotipos mais freqüentes foram 14,1 ,5 e 6B sendo que os sorotipos 1 e 5 totalizam 31,3%. A cobertura pela vacina heptavalente dos sorotipos isolados seria de 53,1%. A sensibilidade para penicilina dos pneumococos isolados de pneumonia foi de 93,5%. Assim, a opção terapêutica continua sendo a penicilina. / Introduction: Currently, the annual incidence of the acquired pneumonia in the developing country communities are around 150.7 million cases, among childrens under 5 years of age, and 11 to 20 million (7-13%) of those require hospitalization due to their gravity. In general, the treatments used to be empirical, however, it is important to be noted that Streptococcus pneumoniae is far the major bacterial etiologic agent. It is necessary to keep monitoring the serotypes and the pattern of resistance in order to improve the therapy guidance. Methodology: Retrospective cohort study with inclusion of the 107 childrens with clinical and radiological diagnosis of the pneumonia, and the isolation of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the blood and/or pleural fluid during the period of January 2003 to October 2008. It was performed determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) related to the penicillin and other antibiotics. The sensitivity analysis to the penicillin was based on Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), 2008, recommendations. They were performed serotyping in 96 pneumococcal strains (89.7%) and they were analyzed datas referred to the considered population and their clinical course. Results: About 47.5% of admissions in the ward were caused by pneumonia or bronchopneumonia, and the average positive occurrences in the pneumococcal (blood and / or pleural) culture were 2.5%. It was noted a clear seasonality phenomena of the pneumococcal pneumonia. About 70% of the cases occurred during months of June to October. The median age was 23 months (82.2%<5 years); with predominance of males (58.9%); in the 23,4% of the cases the antibiotic therapy was used during two months prior to the admission; the daycare frequency of the childs less than 2 years were 36.4%; only one case with complete vaccination heptavalent; associated disease was detected in the 44.9% of the cases and the most frequent was wheezing (77.1%); time of fever and respiratory symptoms before admission were 4 days; the need for noninvasive oxygen therapy occurred in 70.1% being 4 days of the average time of the use; the need for mechanical ventilation occurred in 19.6%; the median period of stay were 9 days. In 62% of the cases there were the most frequent complications: empyema (53%) and non-complicated pleural effusion (42%). The childrens with empyema had more necrotizing pneumonia, lung abscess, sepsis, pneumothorax, need for decortication, and even higher mortality (all with p<0.05). The childrens with complications had more days of respiratory symptoms before admission (3x5days), more time of the fever after initiation with antibiotic (1x4, 5days), they need noninvasive oxygen therapy (58,5 x77, 3%) and mechanical ventilation (7 , 3x27, 3%) for more time and remained hospitalized during longer period(5x12 days). Among 107 pneumococcal strains, 100 (93.5%) were susceptible to penicillin and 7 (6.5%) presented intermediate sensitivity. All strains tested were sensitive to rifampicin and vancomycin, and they maintained good sensitivity to clindamycin, chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone, erythromycin and levofloxacin. Five strains were multi-resistant. It was noted that the geometric mean of minimum inhibitory concentrations (GMC) to penicillin were higher in children with complications. The most frequent serotypes were: 14 (36.5%), 1 (16.7%), 5 (14.6%) and 6B (6.3%). The serotype 14 presented the highest GMC for penicillin and it was verified a progressive increase during the years of the study. The coverage of serotypes by the heptavalent vaccine would be cover 53.1% and this less coverage is represented by serotype 1 and 5, which corresponds to 31.3% of the cases. The coverage of serotypes associated with resistance would be 94.2%. The coverage of the 10-valent vaccine would be 86.5% and for 13-valent would be 96.9%. Three cases that carried to died (2.8%) had median age of 18 months, all they male, all they with minimum inhibitory concentration for penicillin <= 1g/mL, all they progressed to empyema and sepsis. Two of them were serotype 5 and one of them was serotype 14. Conclusions: Approximately 2.5% of children were admitted with diagnosis of pneumonia were diagnosed as pneumococcal pneumonia. It was verified a clear seasonality phenomena. They were observed complications in 62% of the cases. The most frequent were: empyema and non-complicated pleural effusion cases. It was confirmed a higher GMC for penicillin in children with complications compared to the children without complications. The most frequent serotypes were 14, 1, 5 and 6B and the serotypes 1 and 5 accounted 31.3%. The coverage of heptavalent vaccine for the isolated serotypes would be 53.1%. The sensitivity to the penicillin of the isolated pneumococcal was 93.5%. Therefore, the therapy option remains being the penicillin.

OBJETIVOS: Estudar o ambiente interno em escolas públicas situadas em duas cidades (Atibaia e São Paulo), com diferentes níveis de poluição atmosférica, mediante a identificação e quantificação dos principais alérgenos presentes na poeira e no ar das salas de aula dessas escolas, assim como a avaliação da existência de padrão sazonal para cada um dos alérgenos estudados. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: As amostras de poeira foram coletadas de uma única sala de aula em cada escola, uma vez por mês durante um ano. A cada visita foram medidas a temperatura e umidade relativa do ar. A aspiração da poeira foi realizada em 8 pontos da sala, sendo 2 próximos à janela, 2 junto à porta, 2 junto à lousa e 2 no centro. Uma das amostras aspirada de cada local foi analisada quanto à sua composição, através de leitura por ELISA, utilizando-se anticorpos monoclonais (Indoor Biotechnologies-USA), para dosagem dos seguintes alérgenos: Der p 1, Der f 1, Blo t 5, Fel d 1, Can f 1, Asp f 1, Alt a 1, Bla g 1 e Bla g 2. A outra amostra foi semeada em agar Sabouraud para cultura para fungos. As amostras de ar foram coletadas por 20 minutos com o aparelho de Andersen N-6, um impactador de 6 estágios, colocado no centro da sala de aula. Os gêneros dos fungos foram identificados pela observação macroscópica das xi colônias e pelas características microscópicas das hifas, determinadas pela técnica de Ridell. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram baixos níveis (< 2ug/g) de alérgenos de ácaros (Der p 1, Der f 1 e Blo t 5) na maioria das amostras de poeira dos pisos das escolas. Também foram encontrados baixos níveis (< 1ug/g) dos alérgenos animais (Fel d 1 e Can f 1), sendo que maiores níveis de Can f 1 foram detectados nas amostras da escola de São Paulo. Os alérgenos de barata não foram detectados nas duas escolas. As maiores quantidades de alérgenos de ácaros ocorreram durante a primavera e as menores no outono. Em Atibaia, verificaram-se maiores níveis de alérgenos de ácaros e esporos de fungos junto à lousa. Foram identificados 19 gêneros de fungos nas amostras de poeira e 25 gêneros nas amostras de ar das duas escolas. Destacaram-se Cladosporium nas amostras coletadas com aparelho de Andersen e Trichoderma nas amostras aspiradas. Considerando-se o total de esporos de fungos obtidos com aparelho de Andersen, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as escolas de Atibaia e São Paulo, assim como não houve diferença entre as estações do ano. Em relação às amostras de poeira coletadas com aspirador, São Paulo apresentou os maiores níveis de UFC/g de poeira. CONCLUSÃO: Os pisos e o ar das escolas estaduais estudadas parecem não representar fonte importante de exposição à alérgenos de ácaros, fungos, cães, gatos e baratas, independente da presença de poluição atmosférica / Objective: To study indoor environment in public schools located in two cities (Atibaia and São Paulo) with different degrees of air pollution, identifying and measuring the most important allergens in classroom dust and air samples and evaluating the existence of seasonal variation for each allergen. Methods: Dust samples were obtained from a single classroom in each school, once a month during a year. During each visit temperature and relative humidity were measured. Floor dust was collected from eight different sites: 2 near the door, 2 near the window, 2 near the blackboard and 2 in the middle of the room. One sample collected from each site was analyzed by using mAb-based ELISAs (Indoor Biotechnologies-USA) for Der p 1, Der f 1, Blo t 5, Asp f1, Alt a 1, Fel d 1, Can f 1, Bla g 1 and Bla g 2. The other samples were plated on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Air samples were collected for 20 minutes with a N-6 Andersen sampler, a six-stage impactor, located in the middle of the classroom. Fungal genera were identified by macroscopic observation of the colonies and by the microscopic characteristics of the sporulating hyphae determined by the Ridell technique. Results: The results showed low levels (<2ug/g) of mite allergens (Der p 1, Der f 1 and Blo t 5) in most dust samples collected from the classroom\'s floor. Low levels (<1ug/g) of animal allergens (Fel d 1 and Can f 1) were found too, and higher levels of Can f 1 were detected in dust samples from São Paulo. Cockroach allergens (Bla g 1 and Bla g 2) were undetectable in all samples. Higher levels of mite allergens occurred during spring and lower during autumn. Higher levels of mite allergens and fungal spores were found near the blackboard in Atibaia. A total of 19 different fungal genera were distinguished in dust samples, while 25 genera were identified in air samples. The most frequently isolated fungal genera in Andersen samples was Cladosporium and in dust samples was Trichoderma. Considering total mold spores obtained with Andersen sampler, there was no statistically significant difference between São Paulo and Atibaia schools, neither between the seasons of the year. In relation to dust samples collected with vaccum cleaner, the school from São Paulo presented higher levels of UFC/g of dust. Conclusion: The floor and air from these two elementary schools in São Paulo seems not to represent an important source of exposure to allergens from mites, molds, cats, dogs and cockroach, independent on the presence of air pollution.

O Brasil possui grande diversidade de felinos selvagens e a maioria destes animais encontra-se ameaçada de extinção. A reprodução em cativeiro é ferramenta essencial para a conservação de espécies como felinos e, em geral, está diretamente relacionada ao bem-estar animal. O presente projeto objetivou o estudo do comportamento em cativeiro da jaguatirica (Leopardus pardalis), enfocando possíveis comportamentos anormais indicativos de condições ambientais sub-ótimas, e o teste de dois protocolos de enriquecimento ambiental (físico e alimentar), visando um melhor entendimento das necessidades desta espécie em cativeiro e a proposição de técnicas de manejo mais adequadas. Para tanto analisamos parâmetros comportamentais (método de varredura) e endócrinos (metabólitos fecais de corticosterona) de 12 indivíduos adultos e cativos na Associação Mata Ciliar, Jundiaí/SP. Com a análise conjunta dos dados de todos os indivíduos não foi possível sustentar a hipótese de influência do tratamento sobre o bem-estar, mas os resultados apontam para influências sazonais sob o comportamento dos animais (temperatura e fotoperíodo) e para um possível efeito danoso da remoção/interrupção do tratamento sobre o bem-estar. A análise individual também apontou, em alguns casos, para este efeito maléfico da remoção do tratamento e para resultados positivos quando se aplicam técnicas de enriquecimento ambiental, como redução da freqüência de comportamentos anormais, aumento do comportamento social não-agonista e redução da concentração de metabólitos de glicocorticóides. Foi encontrada ainda correlação positiva entre a concentração de metabólitos de corticosterona e comportamentos anormais. Dada a importância prática desta linha de pesquisa e a escassez de trabalhos com pequenos felinos brasileiros em cativeiro, apresentamos ainda algumas sugestões metodológicas para futuros experimentos. / Brazil exhibits a large variety of wild cat species, most of which under the threat of extinction. Reproduction in captivity is an essential tool for the conservation of these species, and it is directly linked to animal welfare. This project aimed the study of the behavior of the ocelot (a small-sized American wild cat; Leopardus pardalis under captivity, looking for potential abnormal behavior indicative of sub-optimal environmental conditions, and the testing of two environmental enrichment procedures (physical and alimentary) in search of a better understanding of this species\' needs in captivity and of better management techniques. For that, we analyzed behavioral (scan sampling) and endocrinal data (fecal corticosterone metabolites) from 12 adult captive individuais in the facilities of the Associação Mata Ciliar (Jundiaí, SP, Brazil). The analysis of data for the whole sample did not support the hypothesis predicting an influence of the environment enrichment procedures on the animals\' welfare, but pointed to seasonal influences on behavior, and to a possible harmful effect of the removal/interruption of the treatment on the welfare. The individual data analysis also pointed, in some cases, to a harmful effect of treatment removal, as well as to some positive results of the application of the environmental enrichment procedures, such as the reduction on the frequencies of abnormal behavior, a rise in non-agonist social behavior, and a reduction in the concentration levels of corticosteroid metabolites. We also found a positive correlation between concentration levels of corticosterone metabolites and abnormal behavior. Finally, given the practical relevance of this line of research and the lack of studies on small cats under captivity, we formulate some methodological suggestions for future research.

O Brasil possui grande diversidade de felinos selvagens e a maioria destes animais encontra-se ameaçada de extinção. A reprodução em cativeiro é ferramenta essencial para a conservação de espécies como felinos e, em geral, está diretamente relacionada ao bem-estar animal. O presente projeto objetivou o estudo do comportamento em cativeiro da jaguatirica (Leopardus pardalis), enfocando possíveis comportamentos anormais indicativos de condições ambientais sub-ótimas, e o teste de dois protocolos de enriquecimento ambiental (físico e alimentar), visando um melhor entendimento das necessidades desta espécie em cativeiro e a proposição de técnicas de manejo mais adequadas. Para tanto analisamos parâmetros comportamentais (método de varredura) e endócrinos (metabólitos fecais de corticosterona) de 12 indivíduos adultos e cativos na Associação Mata Ciliar, Jundiaí/SP. Com a análise conjunta dos dados de todos os indivíduos não foi possível sustentar a hipótese de influência do tratamento sobre o bem-estar, mas os resultados apontam para influências sazonais sob o comportamento dos animais (temperatura e fotoperíodo) e para um possível efeito danoso da remoção/interrupção do tratamento sobre o bem-estar. A análise individual também apontou, em alguns casos, para este efeito maléfico da remoção do tratamento e para resultados positivos quando se aplicam técnicas de enriquecimento ambiental, como redução da freqüência de comportamentos anormais, aumento do comportamento social não-agonista e redução da concentração de metabólitos de glicocorticóides. Foi encontrada ainda correlação positiva entre a concentração de metabólitos de corticosterona e comportamentos anormais. Dada a importância prática desta linha de pesquisa e a escassez de trabalhos com pequenos felinos brasileiros em cativeiro, apresentamos ainda algumas sugestões metodológicas para futuros experimentos. / Brazil exhibits a large variety of wild cat species, most of which under the threat of extinction. Reproduction in captivity is an essential tool for the conservation of these species, and it is directly linked to animal welfare. This project aimed the study of the behavior of the ocelot (a small-sized American wild cat; Leopardus pardalis under captivity, looking for potential abnormal behavior indicative of sub-optimal environmental conditions, and the testing of two environmental enrichment procedures (physical and alimentary) in search of a better understanding of this species\' needs in captivity and of better management techniques. For that, we analyzed behavioral (scan sampling) and endocrinal data (fecal corticosterone metabolites) from 12 adult captive individuais in the facilities of the Associação Mata Ciliar (Jundiaí, SP, Brazil). The analysis of data for the whole sample did not support the hypothesis predicting an influence of the environment enrichment procedures on the animals\' welfare, but pointed to seasonal influences on behavior, and to a possible harmful effect of the removal/interruption of the treatment on the welfare. The individual data analysis also pointed, in some cases, to a harmful effect of treatment removal, as well as to some positive results of the application of the environmental enrichment procedures, such as the reduction on the frequencies of abnormal behavior, a rise in non-agonist social behavior, and a reduction in the concentration levels of corticosteroid metabolites. We also found a positive correlation between concentration levels of corticosterone metabolites and abnormal behavior. Finally, given the practical relevance of this line of research and the lack of studies on small cats under captivity, we formulate some methodological suggestions for future research.

Introdução: Atualmente a incidência anual de pneumonia adquirida na comunidade nos países em desenvolvimento é de 150,7 milhões de casos entre crianças menores de 5 anos de idade , dos quais 11 a 20 milhões (7-13%) necessitam de internação hospitalar devido à gravidade. O tratamento geralmente é empírico mas o Streptococcus pneumoniae é o principal agente etiológico bacteriano.É necessário manter monitoramento dos sorotipos e padrão de resistência para melhor orientação terapêutica. Metodologia: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com inclusão de 107 crianças com diagnóstico clínico e radiológico de pneumonia e com isolamento de Streptococcus pneumoniae em sangue e ou líquido pleural no período de janeiro de 2003 a outubro de 2008. Realizado determinação de concentração inibitória mínima (MIC) para penicilina e antibiograma para outros antimicrobianos. A sensibilidade para penicilina utilizada foi conforme Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI ) de 2008. Realizado sorotipagem de 96 cepas de pneumococos (89,7%) e analisados os dados da população em estudo e da evolução clínica. Resultados:Cerca de 47,5% das internações na enfermaria foram por pneumonia ou broncopneumonia e a média de positividade em cultura para pneumococo (sangue e ou líquido pleural) foi de 2,5%. Houve uma sazonalidade bem definida da pneumonia pneumocócica. Cerca de 70% ocorreram nos meses de junho a outubro. A mediana de idade foi de 23 meses (82,2%<5anos); predomínio do sexo masculino (58,9%);utilização de antibioticoterapia nos dois meses prévios à internação de 23,4%; freqüência em creche no menores de 2 anos de 36,4%; apenas um caso com vacinação heptavalente completa; doença associada em 44,9% sendo a mais freqüente a sibilância( 77,1%); tempo de febre e de sintomas respiratórios antes da admissão foi de 4 dias;necessidade de oxigenoterapia não invasiva em 70,1% com tempo médio de utilização de 4 dias;necessidade de ventilação mecânica em 19,6%, mediana do tempo de internação de 9 dias.Em 62% houve complicações sendo as mais freqüentes: empiema (53%) e efusão pleural não complicada (42%). As crianças com empiema tiveram mais pneumonia necrotizante, abscesso pulmonar, sepse, pneumotórax, necessidade de decorticação e ainda maior mortalidade (todas com p<0,05). As crianças com complicações tiveram mais dias de sintomas respiratórios antes da admissão (3x5dias), mais tempo de febre após o início de antibiótico (1x4,5dias), necessitaram de oxigenoterapia não invasiva(58,5x77,3%) e ventilação mecânica (7,3x27,3%) por tempo maior e permaneceram por mais tempo internados (5x12 dias). Das 107 cepas de pneumococo, 100 (93,5%) foram sensíveis à penicilina e 7 (6,5%) de sensibilidade intermediária. Todas as cepas testadas foram sensíveis para rifampicina e vancomicina e ainda mantiveram boa sensibilidade para clindamicina, cloranfenicol, ceftriaxone, eritromicina e levofloxacina. Cinco cepas foram multiresistentes. Notou-se que a média geométrica das concentrações inibitórias mínimas (GMC) para penicilina foram maiores nas crianças com complicações. Os sorotipos mais freqüentes foram: 14(36,5%), 1(16,7%) , 5(14,6%) e 6B(6,3%). O sorotipo 14 apresentou a maior GMC para penicilina e houve um aumento progressivo no decorrer dos anos de estudo. A cobertura dos sorotipos pela vacina heptavalente seria de 53,1% e esta cobertura menor se deve principalmente ao sorotipo 1 e 5, que corresponde a 31,3% dos casos. A cobertura dos sorotipos associados à resistência seria de 94,2%. A cobertura pela vacina 10-valente seria de 86,5% e com a 13-valente seria de 96,9%. Três casos que evoluíram para óbito (2,8%) tinha mediana de idade de 18 meses, todos do sexo masculino, todos com concentração inibitória mínima para penicilina menor ou igual 1g/mL, todos evoluíram com empiema e sepse. Dois foram do sorotipo 5 e um do sorotipo 14. Conclusões: Aproximadamente 2,5% das crianças internadas com diagnóstico de pneumonia foram diagnosticadas como pneumonia pneumocócica.Verificamos uma sazonalidade bem definida.Houve complicações em 62% dos casos. As mais freqüentes foram : empiema e a efusão pleural não complicada. Evidenciou-se uma GMC para penicilina maior nas crianças com complicações comparadas às crianças com ausência de complicações. Os sorotipos mais freqüentes foram 14,1 ,5 e 6B sendo que os sorotipos 1 e 5 totalizam 31,3%. A cobertura pela vacina heptavalente dos sorotipos isolados seria de 53,1%. A sensibilidade para penicilina dos pneumococos isolados de pneumonia foi de 93,5%. Assim, a opção terapêutica continua sendo a penicilina. / Introduction: Currently, the annual incidence of the acquired pneumonia in the developing country communities are around 150.7 million cases, among childrens under 5 years of age, and 11 to 20 million (7-13%) of those require hospitalization due to their gravity. In general, the treatments used to be empirical, however, it is important to be noted that Streptococcus pneumoniae is far the major bacterial etiologic agent. It is necessary to keep monitoring the serotypes and the pattern of resistance in order to improve the therapy guidance. Methodology: Retrospective cohort study with inclusion of the 107 childrens with clinical and radiological diagnosis of the pneumonia, and the isolation of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the blood and/or pleural fluid during the period of January 2003 to October 2008. It was performed determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) related to the penicillin and other antibiotics. The sensitivity analysis to the penicillin was based on Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), 2008, recommendations. They were performed serotyping in 96 pneumococcal strains (89.7%) and they were analyzed datas referred to the considered population and their clinical course. Results: About 47.5% of admissions in the ward were caused by pneumonia or bronchopneumonia, and the average positive occurrences in the pneumococcal (blood and / or pleural) culture were 2.5%. It was noted a clear seasonality phenomena of the pneumococcal pneumonia. About 70% of the cases occurred during months of June to October. The median age was 23 months (82.2%<5 years); with predominance of males (58.9%); in the 23,4% of the cases the antibiotic therapy was used during two months prior to the admission; the daycare frequency of the childs less than 2 years were 36.4%; only one case with complete vaccination heptavalent; associated disease was detected in the 44.9% of the cases and the most frequent was wheezing (77.1%); time of fever and respiratory symptoms before admission were 4 days; the need for noninvasive oxygen therapy occurred in 70.1% being 4 days of the average time of the use; the need for mechanical ventilation occurred in 19.6%; the median period of stay were 9 days. In 62% of the cases there were the most frequent complications: empyema (53%) and non-complicated pleural effusion (42%). The childrens with empyema had more necrotizing pneumonia, lung abscess, sepsis, pneumothorax, need for decortication, and even higher mortality (all with p<0.05). The childrens with complications had more days of respiratory symptoms before admission (3x5days), more time of the fever after initiation with antibiotic (1x4, 5days), they need noninvasive oxygen therapy (58,5 x77, 3%) and mechanical ventilation (7 , 3x27, 3%) for more time and remained hospitalized during longer period(5x12 days). Among 107 pneumococcal strains, 100 (93.5%) were susceptible to penicillin and 7 (6.5%) presented intermediate sensitivity. All strains tested were sensitive to rifampicin and vancomycin, and they maintained good sensitivity to clindamycin, chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone, erythromycin and levofloxacin. Five strains were multi-resistant. It was noted that the geometric mean of minimum inhibitory concentrations (GMC) to penicillin were higher in children with complications. The most frequent serotypes were: 14 (36.5%), 1 (16.7%), 5 (14.6%) and 6B (6.3%). The serotype 14 presented the highest GMC for penicillin and it was verified a progressive increase during the years of the study. The coverage of serotypes by the heptavalent vaccine would be cover 53.1% and this less coverage is represented by serotype 1 and 5, which corresponds to 31.3% of the cases. The coverage of serotypes associated with resistance would be 94.2%. The coverage of the 10-valent vaccine would be 86.5% and for 13-valent would be 96.9%. Three cases that carried to died (2.8%) had median age of 18 months, all they male, all they with minimum inhibitory concentration for penicillin <= 1g/mL, all they progressed to empyema and sepsis. Two of them were serotype 5 and one of them was serotype 14. Conclusions: Approximately 2.5% of children were admitted with diagnosis of pneumonia were diagnosed as pneumococcal pneumonia. It was verified a clear seasonality phenomena. They were observed complications in 62% of the cases. The most frequent were: empyema and non-complicated pleural effusion cases. It was confirmed a higher GMC for penicillin in children with complications compared to the children without complications. The most frequent serotypes were 14, 1, 5 and 6B and the serotypes 1 and 5 accounted 31.3%. The coverage of heptavalent vaccine for the isolated serotypes would be 53.1%. The sensitivity to the penicillin of the isolated pneumococcal was 93.5%. Therefore, the therapy option remains being the penicillin.

Nesta Tese replicamos por constructo uma pesquisa européia que encontrou para conhecedores da astrologia médias mais altas em Extroversão entre sujeitos dos signos de Fogo e Ar comparados com sujeitos de Terra e Água, formando um “padrão dente-de-serra" previsto em função da alternância zodiacal entre signos de Elementos Quentes (Fogo e Ar) e Frios (Terra e Água), como sendo efeito da “auto-atribuição", já que a mesma variação não se deu para sujeitos não conhecedores. Também se encontrou, no entanto, maior “suscetibilidade à informação vinda de fora sobre sua personalidade" para os Quentes, o que não invalidou totalmente a teoria astrológica. Encontrou-se lá, além disso, maior média geral em Extroversão para os conhecedores. Usamos o 16 PF – Questionário dos 16 Fatores de Personalidade – com 589 sujeitos brasileiros de ambos os sexos, diferenciando entre conhecedores (208) e não conhecedores (381) da astrologia, sendo o conhecimento constituído da crença na astrologia mais a descrição de três características do signo solar. Para estimular a influência da auto-atribuição, foi dada a parte do grupo (266) a sugestão “Esta é uma pesquisa sobre astrologia", enquanto para a outra parte (323) foi dito que seria “uma pesquisa sobre personalidade". Investigamos variações em função dos Elementos astrológicos, através da Análise de Variância (ANOVA), em todos os fatores do 16 PF, mais Extroversão, Ansiedade e Controle. Não aparecem diferenças significativas para a Extroversão isoladamente, mesmo entre os conhecedores. Os conhecedores se descreveram como tendo significativamente maior Extroversão e maior Ansiedade, comparados aos não conhecedores, sugerindo um locus de controle externo. Confirmou-se no grupo dos conhecedores que a maior média geral em Extroversão é devida aos sujeitos do subgrupo dos signos Quentes, e a maior média em Ansiedade é devida aos sujeitos do subgrupo dos signos Frios, indicando a confirmação da maior suscetibilidade à informação vinda de fora sobre suas personalidades para os Quentes. Investigamos, além disso, se a auto-atribuição de origem astrológica afeta não apenas o autoconceito, mas as habilidades da pessoa, através dos 13 itens da Inteligência do 16 PF. Para o grupo de não conhecedores a Ansiedade foi maior para os Quentes do que para os Frios, segundo seus componentes Estabilidade Emocional e Tensão. Este resultado apontou que a Ansiedade, como fator não intelectivo, induziu uma variação de base astrológica na Inteligência. Sugere-se um fator de suscetibilidade diferenciada ao mundo externo segundo a escala Frio-Quente. São analisadas as possíveis explicações teóricas e implicações desses achados. / In this thesis we constructively replicate an european research that found for astrology knowledgeable subjects higher means on Extraversion among subjects of Fire and Air signs, compared with subjects of Earth and Water, compound a “saw-tooth pattern" due the zodiacal alternation between signs of Hot (Fire and Air) and Cold (Earth and Water) Elements, as an effect of the “self-attribution", since the same variation was not found for no knowledgeable subjets. Also was found, however, a difference on “susceptibility to information about their personality from outside" for the Hots, what didn’t invalidate totally the astrological theory. That research found, furthermore, higher mean in Extraversion for that knowledgeable subjects. We applied the 16PF Test – Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire – to 589 brazilian subjects of both sexes, classifying between knowledgeable (208) and no knowledgeable (381) of astrology, being this knowledge constituted by the believe in astrology and by the naming of three characteristics that go with the sunsign. In order to trigger the self-attribution effect, part of the group (266) was given the cue “This is a research into astrology", while to the other part was given “research into personality". We investigate variations by dependence on the astrological Elements, by the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), on all the 16 PF factors, more Extraversion, Anxiety and Control. Didn´t appear significant differences to the Extraversion alone, yet among the knowledgeable. The knowledgeable subjects describe theirselves significantly as having higher Extraversion and Anxiety, suggesting an external locus of control, by comparision with the no knowledgeable. It was confirmed that for the knowledgeable the higher general mean in Extraversion is due to the subjects pertaining to the subgroup of the Hot signs, and the higher general mean in Anxiety is due to the subjects pertaining to the subgroup of the Cold signs, indicating a confirmation of the higher susceptibility to information about their personality from outside among the Hots. We investigate, furthermore, if the astrological self-attribution affects not only the self-concept, but also the actual performance, with the 13 items of Intelligence in the 16PF. For the no knowledgeable group the Anxiety was higher for the Hots than to the Colds due to their components Emotional Estability and Tension. This finding pointed to that Anxiety, as a non-intellective factor, induced the astrologically based variation for Intelligence. It is suggested, as much to knowledgeable as to no knowledgeable subjects, a factor of differenciated susceptibility to the outer world due the Cold-Hot scale. Are analysed the possible theoretical explanations and implications of these findings.