Resumo O Brasil é um dos líderes mundiais no setor do agronegócio e essa liderança tende a impactar diretamente numa dependência crescente de insumos importados, especificamente, agroquímicos sintéticos. A nível de estado, em 2013, o Tocantins se destacava em primeiro lugar no ranking de consumidores de agroquímicos, contudo, esses produtos podem causar diversos problemas, como intoxicação ao homem, contaminação do ambiente e aumento da resistência de fitopatógenos. Um método alternativo ao uso de agroquímicos é o controle biológico, o qual busca a eliminação de pragas de forma natural, utilizando-se de organismos vivos chamados de Agentes de Controle Biológico (ACB). Atualmente, entre os organismos mais usados no controle biológico de pragas estão os fungos do gênero Trichoderma, isto, por possuir algumas características relevantes que os favorecem em termos de sobrevivência no ambiente, tais como: a alta capacidade de adaptação às condições ecológicas, potencial em colonizar a rizosfera das plantas, micoparasitismo, produção de metabólitos voláteis e não voláteis. Além disso, atua no crescimento e produtividade das plantas. Geralmente, o uso de Trichoderma favorece o controle de patógenos do solo, como: Rhizoctonia, Pythium, Sclerotinia e nematoides. Assim, a presente revisão visa demostrar a importância da utilização do Trichoderma no controle biológico, assim como apresentar um panorama e perspectivas das pesquisas desenvolvidas por pesquisados da região Centro-Oeste brasileiro e no estado do Tocantins.

Abstract Brazil is one of the world leaders in the agribusiness sector tending to directly influence a growing dependence on imported inputs, specifically synthetic agrochemicals. At the state level, in 2013, Tocantins stood out in first place in the ranking of agrochemical consumers, however, these products can cause several problems, such as poisoning to humans, environmental contamination, and increased resistance to phytopathogens. Biological control is an alternative to the use of agrochemicals towards eliminating pests naturally by using living organisms called Biological Control Agents (BCA). Currently, fungi of the Trichoderma genus are some of the most used organisms in biological pest control for their relevant characteristics that favor them in terms of survival in the environment, such as high capacity to adapt to ecological conditions, potential to colonize the rhizosphere of plants, mycoparasitism, production of volatile and non-volatile metabolites. In addition, it works on plant growth and productivity. In general, the use of Trichoderma favors the control of soil pathogens, such as Rhizoctonia, Pythium, Sclerotinia, and nematodes. Thus, this review aims to demonstrate the importance of using Trichoderma in biological control, as well as to present an overview and perspectives of research developed by respondents in the Brazilian Midwest region and Tocantins state.

Motivated by the risks posed by global warming, historical trends and future projections of near-surface temperature in South Africa have been investigated in a number of previous studies. These studies included the assessment of trends in average temperatures as well as extremes. In this study, historical trends in near-surface minimum and maximum temperatures as well as extreme temperature indices in South Africa were critically investigated by comparing quality-controlled station observations with downscaled model projections. Because climate models are the only means of generating future global warming projections, this critical point comparison between observed and downscaled model simulated time series can provide valuable information regarding the interpretation of model-generated projections. Over the historical 1951-2005 period, both observed data and downscaled model projections were compared at 22 point locations in South Africa. An analysis of model projection trends was conducted over the period 2006-2095. The results from the historical analysis show that model outputs tend to simulate the historical trends well for annual means of daily maximum and minimum temperatures. However, noteworthy discrepancies exist in the assessment of temperature extremes. While both the historical model simulations and observations show a general warming trend in the extreme indices, the observational data show appreciably more spatial and temporal variability. On the other hand, model projections for the period 2006-2095 show that for the medium-to-low concentration Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5, the projected decrease in cold nights is not as strong as is the case for the historically observed trends. However, the upward trends in warm nights for both the RCP4.5 and the high concentration RCP8.5 pathways are noticeably stronger than the historically observed trends. For cool days, future projections are comparable to the historically observed trends, but for hot days noticeably higher. Decreases in cold spells and increases in warm spells are expected to continue in future, with relatively strong positive trends on a regional basis. It is shown that projected trends are not expected to be constant into the future, in particular trends generated from the RCP8.5 pathway that show a strong increase in warming towards the end of the projection period. SIGNIFICANCE: • Comparison between the observed and simulated trends emphasises the necessity to assess the reliability of the output of climate models which have a bearing on the credibility of projections. • The limitation of the models to adequately simulate the climate extremes, renders the projections conservative, which is an important result in the light of climate change adaptation.

RESUMO Introdução: A cirrose gera alterações nas trocas gasosas e a desnutrição proteico-calórica em pacientes hepatopatas. Objetivo: Avaliar e comparar as variáveis cardiopulmonares, a força do aperto de mão (FAM) e a composição corporal entre pacientes cirróticos pelo vírus da hepatite C e indivíduos saudáveis, e correlacionar o consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2MAX) com a FAM. Métodos: Esta pesquisa caracteriza-se como estudo de caso-controle composto por 36 participantes (18 pacientes cirróticos com HCV e 18 indivíduos hígidos) de ambos os sexos, maiores de 18 anos. A força de preensão palmar foi mensurada por dinamometria com dinamômetro mecânico de empunhadura com alça ajustável. As variáveis ventilatórias foram avaliadas por ergoespirometria com teste de carga progressiva em cicloergômetro. A composição corporal foi mensurada por um técnico em cineantropometria nível II. Foram utilizados os testes t independente e Mann-Whitney para comparação entre os grupos e a correlação de Spearman para associação entre as variáveis. Resultados: Foram encontradas diferenças no consumo máximo de oxigênio 16,20 (11,60-18,55), mediana e intervalo interquartil x 19,90 (16,27-26,85), ventilação 45,40 (36,45-54,20) x 63,40 (50,40-78,00), produção de dióxido de carbono 785,88 (655,81-963,14) x 988,04 (826,93-1546,21), frequência cardíaca máxima (127,66 ± 23,26 média e ± DP) x (146,29 ± 23,31), primeiro limiar ventilatório (10,700 ± 3,19) x (14,912 ± 4,45) e segundo limiar ventilatório (14,16 ± 4,48) x (18,25 ± 5,54) entre cirróticos e controles, respectivamente. Encontramos correlação positiva moderada entre o consumo máximo de oxigênio e a força do aperto de mão (r = 0,474, p = 0,047). Conclusão: Existem alterações nas variáveis cardiopulmonares e há associação entre o VO2MAX e a FAM em pacientes cirróticos pelo vírus da hepatite C.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cirrhosis causes changes in gas exchange and protein-calorie malnutrition in patients with liver disease. Objective: To evaluate and compare cardiopulmonary variables, handgrip strength (HGS) and body composition between cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C virus and healthy individuals, and to correlate maximal oxygen uptake (VO2MAX) with HGS. Methods: This survey is characterized as a case-control study composed of 36 participants (18 cirrhotic patients with HCV and 18 healthy individuals) of both sexes, older than 18 years. The palmar grip strength was measured by dynamometry using a mechanical handle dynamometer with adjustable handle. The ventilatory variables were evaluated by ergospirometry with a progressive load test on a cycloergometer. The body composition was measured by a level II cineanthropometry technician. Independent t test and Mann-Whitney test were used for comparison between groups and Spearman correlation for association between variables. Results: There were differences in maximal oxygen uptake 16.20 (11.60-18.55), median and interquartile range x 19.90 (16.27-26.85), ventilation 45.40 (36.45-54.20) x 63.40 (50.40-78.00), carbon dioxide production 785.88 (655.81-963.14) x 988.04 (826.93-1546.21), maximum heart rate (127.66 ± 23.26, mean and ± SD) x (146.29 ± 23.31), first ventilatory threshold (10.700 ± 3.19) x (14.912 ± 4.45) and second ventilatory threshold (14.16 ± 4.48) x (18.25 ± 5.54) between cirrhotic patients and controls, respectively. We found a moderate positive correlation between maximal oxygen uptake and handgrip strength (r=0.474, p=0.047) Conclusion: There are changes in cardiopulmonary variables and there is an association between VO2MAX and HGS in cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C virus.

RESUMEN Introducción: La cirrosis genera cambios en los intercambios gaseosos y la desnutrición proteico-calórica en pacientes con enfermedad hepática. Objetivo: Evaluar y comparar las variables cardiopulmonares, la fuerza de prensión manual (FPM) y la composición corporal entre pacientes cirróticos por el virus de la hepatitis C y sujetos sanos, y correlacionar el consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2MAX) con la FPM. Métodos: Esta investigación se caracteriza como estudio caso-control compuesto por 36 participantes (18 pacientes cirróticos con VHC y 18 individuos sanos) de ambos sexos, mayores de 18 años. La fuerza de agarre palmar se midió mediante dinamometría con dinamómetro mecánico con mango ajustable. Las variables ventilatorias se evaluaron mediante ergoespirometría con prueba de carga progresiva en un cicloergómetro. La composición corporal fue medida por un técnico en cineantropometría de nivel II. Se utilizaron las pruebas t independiente y Mann-Whitney para la comparación entre los grupos y la correlación de Spearman para la asociación entre las variables. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias en el consumo máximo de oxígeno 16,20 (11,60-18,55), mediana y rango intercuartílico x 19,90 (16,27-26,85), ventilación 45,40 (36,45- 54,20) x 63,40 (50,40-78,00), producción de dióxido de carbono 785,88 (655,81-963,14) x 988,04 (826,93-1546,21), frecuencia cardiaca máxima (127,66 ± 23,26, media y ± DE) x (146,29 ± 23,31), primer umbral ventilatorio (10,700 ± 3,19) x (14,912 ± 4,45) y segundo umbral ventilatorio (14,16 ± 4,48) x (18,25 ± 5,54) entre los cirróticos y controles, respectivamente. Encontramos una correlación positiva moderada entre el consumo máximo de oxígeno y la fuerza de prensión manual (r = 0,474, p = 0,047). Conclusión: Existen cambios en las variables cardiopulmonares y hay asociación entre el VO2MAX y FPM en pacientes cirróticos por el virus de la hepatitis C.

Resumo Introdução: as recomendações dietéticas para pacientes em hemodiálise (HD) são complexas e identificar as características e as razões das pessoas com maior dificuldade em aderir às restrições de alimentos e bebidas pode ser fundamental. Objetivos: quantificar as percepções dos pacientes em HD sobre as restrições alimentares e de líquidos, reconhecer as razões individuais que facilitam ou complicam sua adesão, bem como sua relação com as características demográficas, nutricionais e clínicas. Métodos: estudo transversal multicêntrico realizado em cinco unidades de diálise. Os pacientes em HD (n = 147, 48% do sexo masculino, idade: 51,3 ± 13,6 anos) foram encorajados a pontuar em uma escala de 0 a 10 a sua percepção do grau de dificuldade de aderir ao aconselhamento nutricional para o controle de sódio, líquidos, potássio e fósforo. Resultados: o escore de sódio foi 4 (1-7); de líquidos 6 (3-8); de potássio 4 (2-6); e de fosfato 6 (3-8). O precentual de pacientes que percebiam uma maior dificuldade (escore ≥ 6) no controle de líquidos e de fosfato foi maior do que para o sódio e o potássio. Os participantes com elevado ganho de peso interdialitico (%GPID) referiram maior pontuação para líquidos; os com hipercalemia perceberam mais dificuldade para controlar a ingestão de potássio que os demais, bem como os pacientes hiperfosfatêmicos em comparação com os normofosfatêmicos para controlar a ingestão de fósforo. Os participantes com maior dificuldade para controlar a ingestão de sódio também perceberam uma maior dificuldade para controlar o consumo dos demais itens investigados. Conclusão: os participantes perceberam maior dificuldade no controle da ingestão de líquidos e de fontes de fosfato do que de sódio e potássio. Maiores escores de percepção foram associados a alguns subgrupos e a pior controle dos parâmetros clínicos. Além disso, os pacientes com maior dificuldade para controlar algum item dietético também referiram ser mais difícil de controlar os outros itens investigados.

Abstract Introduction: Dietary regimen for hemodialysis (HD) patients is complicate and identifying characteristics and reasons of those most likely to experience difficulty in adhering to dietary restrictions is important. Objective: To quantify HD patient's perceptions about dietary and fluid restrictions, acknowledge individual reasons that facilitate or complicate their adherence, and also their relationship with demographic, nutritional and clinical characteristics. Methods: Multi-center cross-sectional study in five dialysis facilities. HD patients (n = 147; 48% male; age: 51,3 ± 13,6 years) were encouraged to score on a scale of 0 to 10 their perception of the degree of difficulty to adhere the nutritional advice regarding control of sodium, fluid, potassium and phosphorus intake. Results: Sodium score was 4(1-7), fluids 6(3-8), potassium 4(2-6) and phosphate 6(3-8). Percentage of patients who perceived a greater difficulty (score ≥ 6) to control fluids and phosphate intake was higher than for sodium and potassium. Participants with excessive % interdialytic weight gain (%IDWG) had a higher score for fluids; the ones with hypercalemia perceived more difficulty to control potassium intake than others as well as hyperphosphatemic patients compared to normophosphatemic to control phosphorus intake. Participants with a greater difficulty to control sodium intake also perceived a greater difficulty to control fluids, potassium and phosphate intake. Conclusion: Participants perceived a greater difficulty to control fluid and phosphate intake rather than sodium and potassium, higher perceptions scores were associated with subgroups and with worse control of clinical parameters. Moreover, patients with a greater difficulty to control some dietary item also found harder to control the other ones.

Resumo Introdução: A persistência de distúrbios do metabolismo mineral ósseo após o transplante renal (Tx) parece possuir um impacto negativo sobre a sobrevida do enxerto e do paciente. Objetivos: avaliar os parâmetros do metabolismo mineral e a persistência de hiperparatiroidismo (pHPT) 12 meses após o Tx. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva de 41 transplantes (18 mulheres- 44%, idade de 39 ± 15 anos) realizados em um Hospital Universitário, avaliando cálcio (Ca), fósforo (P), hormônio da paratireóide (PTH) e a prevalência de pHPT. Pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com os níveis de PTH pré Tx: Grupo 1: PTH ≤ 300 pg/ml (n = 21) e Grupo 2: PTH > 300 pg/ml (n = 20). pHPT foi definida como PTH ≥ 100pg/mL após o Tx. A evolução dos parâmetros bioquímicos e a pHPT foram analisadas após 1 ano de Tx. Resultados: após um ano, 5% dos pacientes apresentaram hipofosfatemia (p < 2,7mg/dL), 24% hipercalcemia (Ca > 10,2 mg/dL) e 48% persistência de HPT (PTH ≥ 100 pg/mL ). Houve correlação positiva entre PTH pré e pós Tx (r = 0,42/p = 0,006) e correlação negativa entre PTH e Ca pré-Tx (r = -0,45/p = 0,002). Entretanto, não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos 1 e 2 em relação aos níveis de PTH pré e pós-Tx. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que alterações do metabolismo mineral e a pHPT podem ocorrer após um ano do Tx, principalmente em pacientes com níveis elevados de PTH pré-Tx.

Abstract Introduction: The persistence of mineral metabolism disorders after renal transplant (RT) appears to possess a negative impact over graft and patient's survival. Objectives: To evaluate the parameters of mineral metabolism and the persistence of hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in transplanted patients for a 12-month period after the procedure. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 41 transplants (18 women- 44%, mean age of 39 ± 15 years) performed in a University Hospital, evaluating changes of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the prevalence of persistent HPT. The patients were divided into two groups accordingly to PTH levels prior to Tx: Group 1 with PTH ≤ 300 pg/mL (n = 21) and Group 2 with PTH > 300 pg/mL (n = 20). The persistency of HPT after transplant was defined as PTH ≥ 100 pg/mL. The evolution of biochemical parameters and the persistency of HPT were analyzed in each group after 1 year of transplant. Results: After a one-year of follow up, 5% of the patients presented hypophosphatemia (p < 2.7 mg/dL), 24% hypercalcemia (Ca > 10.2 mg/dL) and 48% persistency of HPT (PTH ≥ 100 pg/mL). There was a positive correlation between the PTH pre and post Tx (r = 0.42/p = 0.006) and a negative correlation between PTH and Ca pre-Tx (r = -0.45/p = 0.002). However, there was no significant difference among groups 1 and 2 regarding PTH levels pre and post Tx. Conclusion: The findings in this article suggest that mineral metabolism alterations and the persistency of HPT may occur after one year of renal Tx, mainly in patients which present high PTH levels prior toTx.

RESUMO Racional: O carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) é o mais frequente tipo de câncer primário do fígado e a sua incidência vem aumentando nas últimas décadas, tornando-o hoje a terceira causa de morte por câncer no mundo. A ressecção hepática é um dos tratamentos mais eficazes para ele com taxas de sobrevida em cinco anos de 50-70%, especialmente para pacientes com nódulo único e função hepática preservada. Alguns estudos mostraram pior prognóstico para os pacientes com CHC cuja causa é a infecção por vírus B ou C. Isso leva à questão sobre a existência de possível diferença entre as diversas causas e o prognóstico. Objetivo: Comparar o prognóstico (sobrevida global e livre de doença em cinco anos) de pacientes submetidos à hepatectomia para o tratamento do CHC com relação às diversas causas da hepatopatia. Método: Foi realizado levantamento de prontuários dos pacientes submetidos à hepatectomia entre 2000 e 2014 para tratamento de CHC. Eles foram divididos em grupos de acordo com a causa da hepatopatia, sendo feita análise de sobrevida para comparação. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante de prognóstico entre os grupos de pacientes divididos conforme a causa do CHC. A sobrevida global e livre de doença em cinco anos foi de 49.9% e 40.7%, respectivamente. Conclusão: Pôde-se constatar que não houve diferença em relação ao prognóstico entre os grupos de pacientes das diversas causas de CHC.

ABSTRACT Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent type of primary liver cancer and its incidence is increasing around the world in the last decades, making it the third cause of death by cancer in the world. Hepatic resection is one of the most effective treatments for HCC with five-year survival rates from 50-70%, especially for patients with a single nodule and preserved liver function. Some studies have shown a worse prognosis for HCC patients whose etiology is viral. That brings us to the question about the existence of a difference between the various causes of HCC and its prognosis. Aim: To compare the prognosis (overall and disease-free survival at five years) of patients undergoing hepatectomy for the treatment of HCC with respect to various causes of liver disease. Method: Was performed a review of medical records of patients undergoing hepatectomy between 2000 and 2014 for the treatment of HCC. They were divided into groups according to the cause of liver disease, followed by overall and disease-free survival analysis for comparison. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the outcomes of the groups of patients divided according to the etiology of HCC. Overall and disease-free survival at five years of the patients in this sample were 49.9% and 40.7%, respectively. Conclusion: From the data of this sample, was verified that there was no prognostic differences among the groups of HCC patients of the various etiologies.

While various extreme wind studies have been undertaken for South Africa for the purpose of, amongst others, developing strong wind statistics, disaster models for the built environment and estimations of tornado risk, a general analysis of the strong wind hazard in South Africa according to the requirements of the National Disaster Management Centre is needed. The purpose of the research was to develop a national profile of the wind hazard in the country for eventual input into a national indicative risk and vulnerability profile. An analysis was undertaken with data from the South African Weather Service's long-term weather stations to quantify the wind hazard on a municipal scale, taking into account that there are more than 220 municipalities in South Africa. South Africa is influenced by various strong wind mechanisms occurring at various spatial and temporal scales. This influence is reflected in the results of the analyses which indicated that the wind hazard across South Africa is highly variable, spatially and seasonally. A general result was that the strong wind hazard is highest from the southwestern Cape towards the central and eastern parts of the Northern Cape Province, and the southeastern parts of the coast as well as the eastern interior of the Eastern Cape Province. On a seasonal basis, the southern parts of the country showed similar magnitudes of relative wind hazard throughout the year. However, further north, a strong seasonal component was evident, with lowest risk of strong winds during autumn and winter, and highest risk in spring and summer when convective activity is strongest.

Laboratory bioassays were undertaken to determine the potential of Avena sativa cv. Pallinup (Pallinup oats), Sinapis alba cv. Braco (white mustard), Brassica napus cv. AV Jade (canola), Brassica juncea cv. Caliente 199 (Caliente) and Eruca sativa cv. Nemat (Nemat) to suppress Meloidogyne javanica (root-knot nematode) and Criconemoides xenoplax (ring nematode) when applied as green manure. The host status of the crops also was determined during glasshouse trials. Plant material of the different cover crops was macerated and mixed with nematode-inoculated soil. After a period of 14 and 28 days respectively, susceptible tomato plants were planted in the soil, where they were left to grow in a glasshouse, prior to the performance of a root gall index. The same procedure was followed for C. xenoplax, except that, in this case, the nematodes were extracted from the soil after 14 and 28 days to determine the impact of the plant biomass on nematode numbers. To determine the host status of the cover crops concerned, potted plants were inoculated with the two nematode species. Results from the bioassays showed significant suppression of M. javanica by white mustard, Caliente 199 and Nemat. However, no significant differences were found in the C. xenoplax bioassays. In the M. javanica glasshouse host trials, Nemat was classified as a poor host. In the C. xenoplax host trials, canola was found to have a suppressing effect on C. xenoplax. The results are the first to show the effect of biofumigation on C. xenoplax nematode.

In South Africa the use of annual cover crops is an established soil cultivation practice in vineyards that is environmentally friendly and financially sustainable in the long term. Species from the Brassicaceae family are well known for their biofumigation potential. In this study, Sinapis alba (white mustard), Brassica napus cv. AV Jade (canola), Brassica juncea cv. Caliente 199 (Caliente), Eruca sativa cv. Nemat and Avena sativa cv. Pallinup were established as cover crops in a vineyard for three growing seasons and evaluated for their biofumigation impact, as well as crop host impact on the suppression of economically important plant-parasitic nematodes. Mechanical and chemical cover crop management practices on Criconemoides xenoplax (ring nematode) and Meloidogyne javanica (root-knot nematode) numbers were determined. Canola and Caliente showed a consistent reduction of C. xenoplax present in the vine row 60 days after the management practices applied at the end of the third growing season. This trend was found during the three-year trial period for all different sampling periods (0, 15, 30 and 60 days). Lowered numbers for the total plant-parasitic nematodes were also found for the three-year trial period measured at 60 days after the management practice sampling period. The results can be attributed mainly to the crop host status of the two cover crop species towards C. xenoplax. White mustard showed a constant increase in C. xenoplax numbers in the vine row over the three-year period compared to the treatments in which no cover crop was sown.

Anglo American Platinum has adopted a strategy of best practice principles (BPP) for sampling, mass measurement, analysis, and metal accounting for more than a decade now. When new plants are designed, the most suitable sampling equipment and sampling protocols are implemented and material flows and plant layouts are designed around sampling strategies. A few years ago, a crushing plant for a high-grade matte stream was commissioned. The design called for the high-grade material to be crushed to 95% passing 2 mm, and the design allowed for a single-cutter primary Vezin sampler taking increments from a gravity flowing stream at regular intervals while filling a tanker for pneumatic offload at the base metal refinery. This was a single point of sampling and analysis that would measure the wanted output from the smelting complex and the input to the refineries. In addition, the design incorporated the functionality to collect increments in an 'interleaved' fashion from the Vezin sampler for internal precision checks. The metal accounting strategy for Anglo Platinum involves the ongoing measurement of all inputs, outputs, and stock levels for all operations for platinum group metal (PGM) and base metal (BM) content. Included are yearly stocktakes, usually done on 1 February, across the smelters and refineries (at least the base metal refinery). In the accounting period immediately following the introduction of the new crushing and sampling facility, a trend was developing whereby the absolute difference between the physical stock and theoretical stock (PGMs predominantly) increased for the two respective sites on an ongoing basis. The smelter showed an increase in physical stock compared to the theoretical stock (sender) and the base metal refinery showed an increase in theoretical stock against physical stock. Because of this anomaly, an additional stocktake was held in September for the period in question, and it was confirmed through the physical stock measurement results that the PGM accounting problem was indeed pointing towards the evaluation of the high-grade matte stream. This paper showcases parts of the process that took place to explain the poor accountabilities for the two sites. Previous results from the sampler ratification process (of the interleaved sampling design) were re-analysed, a physical inspection was carried out on the sampling system again, and the sampler performance was monitored (quality control parameters) for the period. From these investigations, it was found that airflows inside the Vezin introduced the sampling bias. A change in sampling protocol was introduced, as well as certain physical changes to the sampling equipment, to eliminate the airflow and thus the bias conditions significantly. The accounting period that followed the phased upgrading process showed that the accounting between the smelter and base metal refinery had been restored to within statistical limits (difference between physical and theoretical stock below 5% relative to theoretical stock).

A number of transition metals and their terpyridyl complexes have been evaluated for antimalarial activity on the strain 3D7. The metals, ligands and complexes were each in turn investigated for their efficacy. All activities were in the sub-micromolar range (0.1-1 µM). Their modes of action were compared with that of chloroquine to discover whether or not they were capable of inhibiting haemozoin formation. The data indicate that efficacy could be a result of several mechanisms and that speciation of the metal complex and the manner in which the agents are added to the parasitic broth have a profound effect on the activity of the agents. We believe that our study offers a template by which other researchers should approach their experiments using transition metal complex agents.

The aim of this study was to determine which factors influence choice of breast- versus the formula-feeding of infants. This may help to understand where the focus should lie in the promotion of breastfeeding. A structured questionnaire was completed by a 100 women and focus-group discussions were held with 22 women who delivered babies at the Lower Umfolozi District War Memorial Hospital (LUDWM) in Kwazulu-Natal. Most of the mothers (72%) chose breastfeeding and 58% intended to breastfeed for only 6 months. One-third (33%) were influenced by health care professionals and 44% of the mothers made their own decisions in their feeding method. Only one participant stated that she chose formula-feeding due to her HIV-positive status, but in the focus-group discussions, the fear of transmission of HIV through breast-milk was stated as an important reason why mothers chose replacement-feeding. Significantly more HIV-infected than uninfected mothers chose replacement-feeding as the feeding method and mothers who chose breastfeeding were significantly older than mothers who selected replacement-feeding. They made their infant-feeding decision earlier than those who chose replacement-feeding. Findings showed that the majority of women in this study did not have access to running water and flush toilets in their houses. In these areas where replacement-feeding will not be acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, due to lack of sanitation and poor socio-economic status, health professionals should promote exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, even though there is a high prevalence of HIV infection.

Die doel van die studie was om te bepaal watter faktore vroue in hulle keuse van bors- of bottelvoeding beïnvloed. Dit sal help om te verstaan op watter faktore gesondheidswerkers moet fokus wanneer borsvoeding bevorder word. 'n Gestruktureerde vraelys is voltooi deur 100 vroue en fokusgroepbesprekings is met 22 vroue wat by die Laer-Umfolozi Distrik Gedenk-hospitaal (LUDWM) geboorte geskenk het gehou. Die meerderheid vroue (72%) het borsvoeding gekies, 58% het voorgeneem om vir 6 maande te borsvoed. 'n Groot aantal vroue (97%) het inligting oor babavoedingskeuses by gesondheidswerkers ontvang. Een derde van die vroue (33%) is deur die gesondheiswerkers beïnvloed en 44% van die deelnemers het aangedui dat niemand hulle beïnvloed het nie. Beduidend meer MIV-geïnfekteerde as ongeïnfekteerde moeders het kunsvoeding bo borsvoeding verkies. Net een moeder het gerapporteer dat sy kunsvoeding gekies het as gevolg van haar MIV-positiewe status, maar in die fokusgroepbespreking is die mening gelug dat die vrees van MIV oordrag deur borsmelk grootliks bygedra het dat MIV geïnfekteerde moeders kunsvoeding gekies het. Die moeders wat borsvoeding gekies het was beduidend ouer en het die voedingsmetode beduidend vroeër gekies as die wat kunsvoeding gekies het. Die resultate dui aan dat kunsvoeding nie aanvaarbaar, uitvoerbaar, bekostigbaar, volhoubaar en veilig is in die studie-area nie, as gevolg van swak sanitasie en die swak sosio-ekonomiese toestande. Gesondheidswerkers behoort dus eksklusiewe borsvoeding vir die eerste ses maande te bevorder, al is die prevalensie van MIV-infeksie hoog.