Resumo Entre os cuidadores informais, existem os que pertencem à Geração Sandwich (GS) que prestam, simultaneamente, cuidados a pessoas com algum grau de dependência de grupos etários diferentes: pessoas idosas e crianças, geralmente, pais e filhos. Trata-se de um tipo específico de cuidadores informais pouco investigado em Portugal que se encontra frequentemente sob pressão, com elevadas exigências e que tendem a reduzir os seus autocuidados. Este estudo pretende avaliar e comparar a depressão e ansiedade em cuidadores pertencentes e não pertencentes à GS. Participaram no estudo 178 cuidadores, 98 pertencentes e 80 não pertencentes à GS. Os instrumentos usados foram um questionário sociodemográfico e o Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI-18). Os resultados indicam valores mais elevados de depressão e ansiedade nos cuidadores pertencentes à GS comparativamente aos não GS. Na GS foram constatadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas ao nível da depressão em função do género, estado marital, exercício físico, estatuto socioecónomico e grau de dependência das pessoas idosas cuidadas. Quanto à ansiedade, foram observadas diferenças em função do número de filhos. Este estudo sugere a necessidade de um maior conhecimento dos cuidadores GS e a necessidade de configurações de apoio adaptadas às especificidades dos cuidadores GS para que possam desempenhar com mais bem-estar e sentimentos de realização pessoal o seu papel de cuidadores junto dos mais velhos e mais novos.

Abstract Among informal caregivers some are included in the Sandwich Generation (SG) and that simultaneously provide care to people with some level of dependence from different age groups: elderly people and children, generally parents and children. Still lacking relevant research in Portugal, this is a specific kind of informal caretaker who is often under pressure from high demands, which generally leads to a diminishing of their own self-care. This study aims to evaluate and compare depression and anxiety levels between caregivers who are and aren’t included in the SG. 178 caregivers participated in this study, 98 of which are included in the SG and 80 who aren’t. A sociodemographic questionnaire and a Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI-18) were the tools used in the study. The results show that depression and anxiety levels are higher among the caregivers included in the SG when compared to those who are not. Within the SG, statistically significant differences were found concerning depression, depending on gender, marital status, physical exercise, socioeconomic status, and dependence level of the elderly cared for. Concerning anxiety, the differences were mainly related to the number of children cared for by the caregivers. This study suggests not only the need for more information on the SG caregivers, but also the need to develop support setups adapted to the specificities of the SG caregivers, so that they can achieve a greater feeling of well-being and personal fulfilment while performing their role as caregivers for older and younger people.

RESUMO: A supressão dos macronutrientes é uma das maneiras de identificar qual ou quais dos elementos químicos é o mais importante no desenvolvimento inicial das mudas de espécies florestais. O estudo objetivou avaliar o crescimento inicial de mudas de Eucalyptus benthamii por meio de variáveis morfológicas e fisiológicas, submetidas a doses de N, P e K, e calagem. O delineamento experimental para instalação do experimento foi em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com esquema fatorial 2x9, em que os níveis do fator “A” se referiram a ausência e a presença de calagem e os níveis do fator “B” aos diferentes tratamentos de NPK. Variáveis morfológicas de DAC (diâmetro a altura do colo) e H (altura) e as variáveis fisiológicas de A (fotossíntese), E (transpiração), gs (condutância estomática), Ci/Ca (relação entre a concentração intercelular e atmosférica de CO2) e WUE (eficiência no uso da água) foram determinadas. Para as variáveis morfológicas, a ausência do N afetou diretamente as médias, havendo uma relação direta entre o aumento da dose com o aumento das variáveis. Há uma relação positiva do P principalmente em relação a MSPA e MSPR. Para as variáveis fisiológicas, não houve resposta direta com as doses de N ou P, sendo o K o elemento que mais influenciou as variáveis, principalmente quando o calcário foi aplicado, resultando em maiores médias para fotossíntese, transpiração e condutância estomática. Com o objetivo de atender às demandas morfológicas e fisiológicas, a recomendação para o cultivo de Eucalyptus benthamii nas condições deste estudo é a dose 150-200-150, sem aplicação de calagem.

ABSTRACT: Macronutrient suppression is one way to identify which chemical elements is the most important in the early development of seedlings of forest species. This study evaluated the initial growth of Eucalyptus benthamii seedlings through morphological and physiological variables, submitted to doses of N, P and K, and liming. The experimental design to install the experiment was completely randomized, with a 2x9 factorial scheme, in which levels of factor “A” referred to absence and presence of liming and levels of factor “B”, to the different treatments of NPK. Morphological variables of SD (stem diameter) and H (height) and the physiological variables of A (photosynthesis), E (transpiration), gs (stomatal conductance), Ci/Ca (relationship between intercellular and atmospheric CO2 concentration) and WUE (water use efficiency) were measured. For morphological variables, the absence of N directly affected the means and there was a direct relationship between increase of the dose and increase of SD and H. There was a positive relationship of P mainly in relation to shoot dry matter content (SDMC) and root dry matter content (RDMC). For the physiological variables, there was no direct response with the doses of N or P, with K being the element that most influenced the variables, especially when limestone was applied, resulting in higher averages for photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance. With the purpose of meeting the morphological and physiological demands, the recommendation for cultivation of Eucalyptus benthamii under the conditions of this study is the doses 150-200-150, without liming application.

Abstract Postpartum sows can suffer from hypophagia, which negatively effects productive and reproductive performance. An evaluation was done of productivity, production costs and the cost:benefit ratio in lactating hybrid sows administered one of two feeding regimes (FR): 1) conventional feed (CFR); and, 2) conventional feed with added cladodes of nopal Opuntia ficus-indica (OFR). A total of 116 parturitions were evaluated: 58 in the CFR (n= 17 sows), and 58 in the OFR (n= 17 sows). Seven variables were recorded: blood glucose (BG); daily feed intake (FId-1); body weight loss (BWL), weaning-estrus interval (WEI); repeated services percentage (RSP); non-productive days (NPD); and subsequent litter size (LS). Statistical analysis was done with the Fixed Effects Models (MIXED SAS®) and economic evaluation with the cost-benefit analysis methodology. Compared to the CFR, sows in the OFR performed better (P<0.05) in terms of having lower preprandial BG (55.5 x 2.31 mg dL-1), higher FId-1 (5.3 x 0.17 kg d-1); lower BWL (6.0 %), WE (144 h), RSP (12.4 %) and NPD (36.0 d), and higher LS (11.2 piglets). Values in the WEI sows were preprandial BG (70.0 x 2.31 mg dL-1); FId-1 (4.7 x 0.17 kg d-1); BWL (11.7 %); RSP (17.1%); NPD (50.0 d); and LS (9.8 piglets). The production cost weaned piglet-1 was $539.02 MXN in the OFR vs $590.81 MXN in the CFR, while profit sold piglet-1 was $216.68 MXN in the OFR vs $168.88 MXN. Inclusion of nopal in the diet of lactating sows reduced blood glucose levels and increased daily feed intake, thus lowering body weight loss in this stage and generating greater sow productivity and economic efficiency.

Resumen El objetivo fue determinar la productividad, costos de producción y costo-beneficio de dos esquemas de alimentación (EA) para cerdas lactantes: 1) alimentación convencional (EAC) y, 2) alimentación convencional más nopal (EAN). Se evaluaron 116 partos de cerdas hibridas: 58 partos de cerdas sometidas al EAC (n=17 cerdas) y 58 partos de cerdas bajo el EAN (n=17 cerdas). Se evaluó: glucosa sanguínea (GS), consumo de alimento diario (CAd-1), pérdida de peso corporal (PPC), intervalo destete-estro (IDE), porcentaje de servicios repetidos (PSR), días no productivos (DNP) y tamaño de camada subsiguiente (TC). El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante modelos de efectos fijos (MIXED SAS®) y la evaluación económica bajo la metodología del análisis costo-beneficio. Las cerdas sometidas al EAN presentaron mejor (P<0.05) comportamiento en las variables evaluadas: menores niveles de GS preprandial (55.5 ± 2.31 mg dL-1), mayor CAd-1 (5.3 ± 0.17 kg d-1); menor: PPC (6.0 %), IDE (144 h), PSR (12.4 %) y DNP (36.0 días) y mayor TC (11.2 lechones). Ello en comparación con el EAC: GS preprandial, 70.0 ± 2.31 mg dL-1; CAd-1, 4.7 ± 0.17 kg d-1; PPC, 11.7 %; PSR, 17.1 %; DNP, 50.0 días y TC, 9.8 lechones. El costo de producción lechón-1 destetado en el EAN fue de $ 539.02 MXN vs $ 590.81 MXN para el EAC. La ganancia fue de $ 216.68 y $ 168.88 MXN lechón-1 vendido para EAN y EAC, respectivamente. El EAN reduce la GS e incrementa el CAd-1 de las cerdas lactantes, lo que reduce la PPC en dicha fase y genera mayor productividad de las cerdas y mayor eficiencia económica.

Abstract: Silvicultural practices tend to simplify the composition and structural complexity of the forest. The purpose of this study was to assess the changes in forest structure, tree diversity and demographic dynamics of mixed-wood stands harvested by group selection (GS) and seed tree (ST) regeneration methods in the Sierra Juárez of Oaxaca, Mexico. In addition, an unharvested forest was included in the evaluation as a reference site (RF). Data for this study (base area, diameter, height, survival and recruitment) come from 29 permanent sampling plots of 1000 m2 established in the 2007-2012 period. The results revealed that the GS and ST demonstrated rapid growth, despite the high density of the operating areas. In both sites, a similar silvicultural criterion was applied, and this may have been the reason these sites showed no differences in forest structure, annual timber volume increment and species diversity or species richness. However, the GS forest showed features similar to ST, on a wider tree diameter distribution and a higher diversity index for tree species than the RF site. The results generated contribute to the understanding of the ecological processes of the pine-oak ecosystems and to implement the best silvicultural system. Development of intensive forest management that incorporates characteristics of mature forests are recommended as the best practice in terms of forest productivity and ecosystem conservation, in the Sierra Juárez of Oaxaca.

Resumen: Se ha documentado que las prácticas silvícolas en aprovechamientos maderables tienden a simplificar la composición y la complejidad estructural del bosque. Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar los cambios en la estructura, la diversidad y la dinámica arbórea de rodales mixtos intervenidos por el método de selección grupal (SG) y árboles padre (AP), así como áreas sin intervenir denominadas bosque de referencia (BR) en la Sierra Juárez de Oaxaca, México. En 2007 y 2012, se obtuvieron datos de diámetro, área basal, altura, supervivencia e incorporación de especies arbóreas de 29 parcelas permanentes de 1000 m2 establecidas en áreas de manejo forestal y conservación. Los resultados mostraron un crecimiento acelerado del arbolado en SG y AP, y ausencia de diferencias en estructura, incremento en volumen y riqueza específica. Sin embargo, BR mostró una distribución diamétrica en forma de “J” invertida, característica de un bosque maduro, así como una mayor diversidad arbórea que los sitios SG y AP. El Incremento medio anual en volumen no mostró diferencias entre las tres condiciones evaluadas al utilizar el total de especies, sin embargo, al analizar solo las especies de pino, SG y AP difirieron con BR, cuyo incremento fue menor. Los resultados generados contribuyen al entendimiento de los procesos ecológicos de los ecosistemas de pino-encino y también a comprender los sistemas silvícolas utilizados y con ello ayudar a formular un manejo sostenible. Se recomienda la aplicación del método de SG que incorpore de manera sistemática la retención de elementos estructurales, para promover la conservación de la biodiversidad en la Sierra de Juárez, Oaxaca.

Abstract Background: Gitelman's syndrome (GS) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the SLC12A3 gene. GS is characterized by hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia and hypocalciuria. Most of the reported patients of Roma ancestry are homozygous for an SLC12A3 intron 9 frameshifting mutation (c.1180+1G>T). Some forms of Bartter's syndrome result from mutations in the CLNCKB gene and clinically overlap with GS. Objectives: To characterize a second SLC12A3 mutation in Roma patients negative for the intron 9 variant. Methods: SLC12A3 and CLNCKB genes were analyzed by next-generation sequencing in two Spanish and Greek gypsy patients who were negative for the intron 9 splicing mutation. Sanger sequencing was performed to confirm the putative mutations in patients and family members. Results: We identified a missense variant (p.Val647Met, c.1939G>A) in both cases, and both were homozygous for Met. This mutation was also found in three additional patients; two homozygous and one heterozygous compound with the intron 9 splicing mutation. This new SLC12A3 mutation seems to be characteristic of gipsy GS patients and was linked to the same haplotype in all cases, supporting a founder origin. All the patients showed biochemical features characteristic of GS. Conclusion: We report a second founder mutation among GS patients of Roma ethnic background. The direct screening of this mutation would facilitate the characterization of patients who are negative for the more common intron 9 +1G>T mutation.

Resumen Antecedentes: El síndrome de Gitelman (SG) es un trastorno autosómico recesivo causado por las mutaciones en el gen SLC12A3.El SG se caracteriza por una alcalosis metabólica hipopotasémica, hipomagnesemia e hipocalciuria. La mayoría de los pacientes de etnia gitana notificados son homocigotos para la mutación con desplazamiento del marco de lectura del intrón 9 de SLC12A3 (c.1180 + 1G>T). Algunas formas del síndrome de Bartter proceden de las mutaciones del gen CLNCKB y se solapan clínicamente con el SG. Objetivos: Determinar las características de una segunda mutación en SLC12A3 en pacientes de etnia gitana con resultados negativos en la variante intrón 9. Métodos: Se analizaron los genes SLC12A3 y CLNCKB mediante secuenciación de nueva generación en 2 pacientes -uno español y otro griego- de etnia gitana con resultados negativos en la mutación de empalme del intrón 9. Se llevó a cabo una secuenciación de Sanger para confirmar las supuestas mutaciones en los pacientes y sus familiares. Resultados: Se identificó una variante con cambio de sentido (p.Val647Met, c.1939G>A) en ambos casos, y ambos eran homocigotos con respecto a Met. También se observó esta mutación en 3 pacientes adicionales, 2 homocigotos y uno heterocigoto compuesto con la mutación del intrón 9. Esta nueva mutación del SLC12A3 parece ser característica de los pacientes con SG de etnia gitana y se relacionó con el mismo haplotipo en todos los casos, lo que indica un origen fundador. Todos los pacientes presentaron rasgos bioquímicos propios del SG. Conclusión: Informamos de una segunda mutación fundadora en los pacientes con SG de etnia gitana. El cribado genético directo de esta mutación facilitará la determinación de las características de los pacientes con resultados negativos en la mutación del intrón 9+1G>T, que es más frecuente.

PURPOSE:To evaluate the efficacy and side-effects of fentanyl and sufentanil combined with hyperbaric spinal bupivacaine in elective cesarean section.METHODS:A prospective, randomized, double-blind study with 64 term parturients, distributed into 2 groups according to the opioid combined with hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (10mg): GF - fentanyl (25µg) and GS - sufentanil (5.0µg). The latency and maximum sensory block level; degree and duration of motor block; duration and quality of analgesia; maternal-fetal repercussions were evaluated. This was an intention-to-treat analysis with a 5% significance level.RESULTS: The latency period, maximum sensory block level, motor block degree and perioperative analgesia were similar in both groups. Motor block and analgesia had a longer duration in the sufentanil group. Maternal adverse effects and neonatal repercussions were similar. The incidence of hypotension was higher in the fentanyl group. In both groups, there was a predominance of patients who were awake and either calm or sleepy.CONCLUSIONS:The addition of fentanyl and sufentanil to hyperbaric subarachnoid bupivacaine was shown to be effective for the performance of cesarean section, and safe for the mother and fetus. Analgesia was more prolonged with sufentanil.

In this study we investigated the population dynamics of Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) with laboratory experiments, employing survival analysis and stage structure mathematical models, emphasizing survival among life stages. The study also assessed the theoretical influence of density dependence and cannibalism during immature stages, on the population dynamics of the species. The survival curves were similar, indicating that populations of C. albiceps exhibit the same pattern of survival among life stages. A strong nonlinear trend was observed, suggesting density dependence, acting during the first life stages of C. albiceps. The time-series simulations produced chaotic oscillations for all life stages, and the cannibalism did not produce qualitative changes in the dynamic behavior. The bifurcation analysis shows that for low values for survival, the population reaches a stable equilibrium, but the cannibalism results in chaotic oscillations practically over all the parametric space. The implications of the patterns of dynamic behavior observed are discussed.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do exercício físico (natação e salto) atuando na redução do quadro álgico de ratos submetidos a um modelo experimental de ciatalgia. MÉTODOS: 24 ratos Wistar foram divididos em quatro grupos: grupo Placebo (GP), grupo Natação (GN), grupo Natação 10% (GN10) e grupo Salto (GS). Todos os grupos foram submetidos ao modelo de ciatalgia e avaliados em relação à dor pós-exercício pelo teste de incapacidade funcional e pelo filamento de Von Frey. RESULTADOS: Na comparação intragrupos houve diferenças significativas, para todos os grupos, nos momentos pós-lesão comparados com o pré-lesão, por ambos os instrumentos de avaliação. Com o filamento de Von Frey observou-se diferença significativa nos grupos GN10 e GS nos momentos finais de avaliação. Na comparação intergrupos não houve diferenças significativas com nenhum instrumento de avaliação. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento com exercício físico não foi eficaz para reduzir o quadro álgico de ratos submetidos à ciatalgia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of physical exercise (swimming and jumping), with and without overload, working in reducing the pain of rats undergone to an experimental model of sciatica. METHODS: 24 rats were divided into four groups: Placebo (GP), Swimming Group (NG) Swimming 10% Group (GN10) and Leap Group (GS). All groups were submitted to the experimental sciatica model and assessed for pain post-exercise for the Functional Disability Test and the Von Frey filament. RESULTS: In comparison within groups there were significant differences in the moments after injury with the pre-injury, for both assessment instruments. With Von Frey filament was observed a significant difference in group GN10 and GS in the final moments of evaluation. In comparisons between groups were not statistically significant differences obtained with any assessment instrument. CONCLUSION: Treatment with physical exercise was not effective in reducing pain in rats subjected to experimental sciatica model.

Purpose: To determine the diagnostic capability of PULSAR-T30W, FDT-Threshold-N30 and HRT-II in glaucoma suspects. Methods: Forty-seven eyes from 47 referred glaucoma suspects (GS) were examined twice with each technique. Cases with TOP-WW-MD6dB were excluded. Results were compared with those of 70 eyes from 70 normal controls (C). Results: Mean MD value using TOP-WW in the GS group (0.96dB. sd=1.7) was not significantly different from C (0.8dB. sd=1.77) (p0.05). Disc area in GS group (2.12 mm². sd=0.34) was significantly greater than in C (1.97 mm². sd=0.45) (p<0.01). For 95.7% specificity, PULSAR-sLV showed the highest sensitivity of 30.9% in individual examinations. The highest reproducible sensitivity in the two examinations was obtained using HRT-II maximum contour elevation (23.4%) and reference height (23.4%), and was 14.9% for various indices after correcting for the influence of disc area (cup area, cup/disc area ratio, maximum contour depression and mean RNFL thickness). Reproducible sensitivity of the perimetric indices was: PULSARMD=8.5%, PULSAR-sLV=17%, FDT-MD=6.4%, FDT-PSD=4.3%. The association of perimetric and HRT-II indices achieved high sensitivity but low diagnostic reproducibility. Conclusions: The most effective indices were maximum contour elevation, reference height and PULSAR-sLV, although the inclusion of the optic nerve head assessment in the selection of the GS sample may have favored the HRT-II results.

Objetivos: Determinar la capacidad diagnóstica de TOP-32, PULSAR-T30W, FDT-Umbral-N30 y HRT-II en glaucoma de sospecha. Métodos: 47 ojos de 47 sujetos remitidos por sospecha de glaucoma (SG) se examinaron dos veces. Se excluyeron los casos con defecto medio (MD) superior a 6dB en TOP-32. Los resultados se compararon con los obtenidos en 70 sujetos normales control (C). Resultados: No se observaron diferencias significativas entre los valores de MD obtenidos en TOP-32, en los grupos SG (0,96dB. DE=1,7) y C (0,8dB. DE=1,77) (p0.05). El área papilar de SG (2,12 mm². DE=0.34) fue significativamente superior que en C (1,97 mm². DE=0,45) (p<0,01). Para una especificidad del 95%, la raíz cuadrada de la varianza de pérdida (sLV) de PULSAR presentó la mayor sensibilidad (30,9%) en exámenes individuales. La mayor reproducibilidad diagnóstica se obtuvo con la máxima elevación del contorno de HRT-II (23%) y con el Plano de referencia (23,4%), siendo del 14,9% para varios índices, después de corregir la influencia del tamaño papilar (área de la excavación, cocientes de área excavación/papila, máxima depresión del contorno y espesor de la capa de fibras). La reproducibilidad de los índices perimétricos fue: PULSAR-MD=8,5%, PULSARsLV= 17%, FDT-MD=6,4%, FDT-PDT=4,3%. La asociación entre índices perimétricos y HRT-II elevó la sensibilidad pero redujo la reproducibilidad diagnóstica. Conclusiones: Los índices de mayor eficacia fueron la máxima elevación del contorno, el plano de referencia y PULSAR-sLV, aunque la inclusión del aspecto papilar en la selección del grupo SG favoreció los resultados de HRT-II.