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Bladder involvement is rare in endometriosis. The prevalence is estimated to be ∼1% in patients with endometriosis. However, this figure seems to be an underestimation. The diagnosis of bladder endometriosis might be missed during laparoscopy. The aim of this study was to determine an intraoperative visual score of pelvic lesions that help the surgeon suspect bladder endometriosis. Design, Design Classification: A retrospective analysis was performed on the intraoperative photographs and videos of 69 patients with histological confirmation of bladder endometriosis.A tertiary referral center.Sixty-nine patients with bladder endometriosis were operated on in our center over a 9-year period.Evaluation and analysis of intraoperative laparoscopic findings.We found three subtypes of laparoscopic findings that can assist with diagnosing bladder endometriosis. The most prominent sign was named "kissing round ligaments" (Type K), in which the right and left round ligaments appear closer to each other than usual or even touching one another. This sign is strongly associated with full-thickness invasion of the bladder. Other laparoscopic findings that indicated bladder endometriosis were anatomical distortion (Type A) and proximal occlusion of the tubes (Type B). We further define a scoring system for the lesion that correlates with the severity of the bladder endometriosis from superficial lesions to full thickness.Bladder endometriosis is a rare condition and often remains undiagnosed. Indeed, even during surgery, bladder endometriosis can be missed if the operator is not aware of the suggestive signs. Operative laparoscopic findings may help the surgeon to diagnose bladder endometriosis, and these signs correlate with the severity of the disease.

This study aimed to evaluate associations among final weight (FW), average daily gain (ADG), scrotal circumference (SC), and visual score (VS) of beef cattle in performance tests on pasture or in feedlots. Genetic parameters for FW, ADG, SC, and VS of young Nellore bulls performance-tested on pasture or in feedlots were evaluated by mixed model. The performance test and final age were considered as fixed effects and additive genetic and residual effects were considered as random effects. Additive genetic and residual variances for final weight and average daily gain were smaller on pasture than in feedlots. There was no difference between genetic and residual variances and heritability for scrotal circumference on pasture or in feedlots. Genetic variance and heritability for visual score on pasture were smaller than those in feedlots. The posterior means (and highest posterior density intervals with 90% of samples (HPD90) in parentheses) for heritability were 0.46 (0.42; 0.50) and 0.49 (0.41; 0.55) for FW, 0.25 (0.22; 0.29) and 0.25 (0.19; 0.30) for ADG, 0.56 (0.51; 0.61) and 0.60 (0.51; 0.68) for SC, and 0.31 (0.27; 0.34) and 0.42 (0.36; 0.48) for VS on pasture or in feedlots, respectively. The genetic correlations (posterior means with HPD90 in parentheses) were 0.74 (0.69; 0.79) and 0.67 (0.58; 0.77) between FW and ADG; 0.49 (0.43; 0.55) and 0.60 (0.53; 0.68) for FW and SC; 0.79 (0.75; 0.83) and 0.85 (0.80; 0.90) for FW and VS; 0.37 (0.29; 0.46) and 0.34 (0.19; 0.50) for ADG and SC; 0.65 (0.59; 0.71) and 0.74 (0.64; 0.84) for ADG and VS; and 0.46 (0.39; 0.52) and 0.53 (0.44; 0.62) for SC and VS, obtained on pasture or in feedlots, respectively. The genetic and residual (co)variances of growth, scrotal circumference, and visual score of beef cattle vary across environments; however, genetic and residual correlation and efficiency of correlated response among these traits remain constant on pasture or in feedlots.

The objective was to undertake the visual evaluation of soil structure in maize and forage grasses intercropping under no-tillage. The experiment was carried out in a rural property located in North Parana State, Brazil, where there were five parallel areas with the following treatments: maize + Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu (T1), maize + Urochloa brizantha cv. Piata (T2), maize + Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraes (T3), maize + Urochloa ruziziensis (T4), and non-intercropping maize (T5). Seeds of forage grasses were sown in April 5th, 2018 and sampling was carried out in December, 30th, 2018. Samples of 0.10 m width, 0.20 m length, and 0.25 m thickness were collected from five random locations of each experimental area and, for the visual evaluation of soil structural quality, a soil evaluation (VESS) chart was used so that visual scores were attributed to each sample. Treatments 1 and 5 received the highest scores, while treatment 3 had the lowest score and showed good structural quality and great root presence. At the superficial layer, treatment 2 had the lowest score (0.8) among treatments. For the subsuperficial layer, the scores obtained were higher than those found for the superficial layer: T3 had the lowest mean (1.5) and was significantly similar to T4 that presented a mean score of 1.7. Except for T1, which showed a similar score to non-intercropping maize (T5), the forage grasses had better visual scores. The visual evaluation of soil structure indicated that maize and forage grasses intercropping improves soil structural quality.

Sego SupremeTM is a designated plant breeding and introduction program at the Utah State University Botanical Center and the Center for Water Efficient Landscaping. This plant selection program introduces native and adapted plants to the arid West for aesthetic landscaping and water conservation. The plants are evaluated for characteristics such as color, flowering, ease of propagation, market demand, disease/pest resistance, and drought tolerance. However, salt tolerance has not been considered during the evaluation processes. Four Sego SupremeTM plants [Aquilegia barnebyi (oil shale columbine), Clematis fruticosa (Mongolian gold clematis), Epilobium septentrionale (northern willowherb), and Tetraneuris acaulis var. arizonica (Arizona four-nerve daisy)] were evaluated for salt tolerance in a greenhouse. Uniform plants were irrigated weekly with a nutrient solution at an electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.25 dS·m−1 as control or a saline solution at an EC of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, or 10.0 dS·m−1 for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks of irrigation, A. barnebyi irrigated with saline solution at an EC of 5.0 dS·m−1 had slight foliar salt damage with an average visual score of 3.7 (0 = dead; 5 = excellent), and more than 50% of the plants were dead when irrigated with saline solutions at an EC of 7.5 and 10.0 dS·m−1. However, C. fruticosa, E. septentrionale, and T. acaulis had no or minimal foliar salt damage with visual scores of 4.2, 4.1, and 4.3, respectively, when irrigated with saline solution at an EC of 10.0 dS·m−1. As the salinity levels of treatment solutions increased, plant height, leaf area, and shoot dry weight of C. fruticosa and T. acaulis decreased linearly; plant height of A. barnebyi and E. septentrionale also declined linearly, but their leaf area and shoot dry weight decreased quadratically. Compared with the control, the shoot dry weights of A. barnebyi, C. fruticosa, E. septentrionale, and T. acaulis decreased by 71.3%, 56.3%, 69.7%, and 48.1%, respectively, when irrigated with saline solution at an EC of 10.0 dS·m−1. Aquilegia barnebyi and C. fruticosa did not bloom during the experiment at all treatments. Elevated salinity reduced the number of flowers in E. septentrionale and T. acaulis. Elevated salinity also reduced the number of shoots in all four species. Among the four species, sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl–) concentration increased the most in A. barnebyi by 53 and 48 times, respectively, when irrigated with saline solution at an EC of 10.0 dS·m−1. In this study, C. fruticosa and T. acaulis had minimal foliar salt damage and less reduction in shoot dry weight, indicating that they are more tolerant to salinity. Epilobium septentrionale was moderately tolerant to saline solution irrigation with less foliar damage, although it had more reduction in shoot dry weight. On the other hand, A. barnebyi was the least tolerant with severe foliar damage, more reduction in shoot dry weight, and a greater concentration of Na+ and Cl–.

The point-of-care strip assay for the detection of the schistosome Circulating Cathodic Antigen (POC-CCA) in urine has shown to be a user-friendly and sensitive alternative to stool microscopy for the diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni infections. However, visual scoring of the test is by definition observer dependent and leads to discussion about the qualitative interpretation, in particular in low intensity infections when test lines tend to be weak. In order to standardise visual scoring, an innovative approach for semi-quantitative interpretation of the POC-CCA cassettes, called G-scores, was developed and evaluated. Urines (n = 110) from a S. mansoni endemic area were used to evaluate this new approach. Test lines of the POC-CCA were visually compared against the G-scores, i.e. a series of artificial cassettes containing inkjet-printed strips of different intensities in order to grade the POC-CCA test line on a scale of 1 to 10. A significant positive correlation (Spearman 0.660, p

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for 7 traits of Nellore, to verify how the estimate breeding values (EBVs) of the traits are distributed in different Brazilian states, and to suggest a selection index by state/sex.Heritability (h2) and EBVs were estimated by single-trait analysis under animal model, using the AIREML method. In addition, relationships among animal EBVs for these traits were explored using principal component analysis (PCA). Direct h2 estimates ranging from 0.20 ± 0.06 to 0.51 ± 0.05 indicate that productive and morphological traits are all heritable to varying degrees. However, AFC presented low h2 estimate (0.05 ± 0.06). The first 2 principal componentspresented correlation above ± 0.60 with EBVs of all evaluated traits, retaining above 96% of the total breeding value variance.In state of Parana they are the best EBVs for growth traits (W550 and D400) in males and females. In general, Minas Gerais was highlighted for reproductive traits in males (EBVSC550), and females (EBVAFC). Selecting for the PC1 would identify animals with favorable breeding values for all studied traits.The PCA is a good alternative in the elaboration of selection indices in Nellore breeddefined for different sex and environments.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T02:34:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-03-01 Universidade Estadual Paulista Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) The search for candidate genes underlying the expression of principal components (PCs) for different traits is a useful tool that allows exploring biological mechanisms associated with the traits of interest. The aim of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with PCs for growth, visual score and reproductive traits in Nellore cattle by performing a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Phenotypic and pedigree data from 355,524 animals and genotypes from 3,519 animals, were used in this investigation. The estimated breeding values (EBV) were obtained from a multi-trait analysis using a mixed linear animal model. The eigen-decomposition of the additive genetic (co)variance matrix among traits was used to calculate the EBVs for the main PCs. The SNP effects were estimated using the weighted single-step GBLUP and the BayesC method. The top-10 ranking windows that explained the highest proportion of variance were identified for further functional analyses. The most important genomic regions were identified on BTA7 and BTA24 for PC1, BTA8 for PC2, and BTA3 and BTA10 for PC3. The functional analyses contributed to unravel biological interpretation of PCs by identifying genes potentially associated with growth, carcass traits, conformation, and fatty acid composition traits. These findings are of relevance to the biological understanding of the PCs and their related biotypes in Nellore cattle, potentially allowing for genetic selection for more specific breeding goals. Department of Animal Science School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock Department of Animal Biosciences University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East Department of Animal Sciences Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall GenSys Associated Consultants National Council for Science and Technological Development Department of Exact Sciences School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane Department of Animal Science School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane Department of Exact Sciences School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane FAPESP: #2009/16118-5 FAPESP: #2015/25449-6 FAPESP: #2017/03331-9

The light intensity of a light-curing unit is a crucial factor that affects the clinical longevity of resin composites. This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of light-curing units in use at a local governmental dental school for curing conventional and bulk-fill resin materials. A total of 166 light-curing units at three locations were examined, and the brand, type, clinic location, diameter of curing tip, tip cleanliness (using a visual score), and the output (in mW/cm2 using a digital radiometer) were recorded. Only 23.5% of the units examined had clean tips, with the graduate student clinical area containing the highest percentage of clean tips. Further, tips with poor cleanliness score values were associated with significantly lower output intensities. A small percentage (9.4%) of units was capable of producing intensities higher than 1,200 mW/cm2 and lower than 600 mW/cm2 (7.6%). The majority of the low intensity units were located in the undergraduate student area, which also contained the highest number of units with intensities between 900 and 1,200 mW/cm2. The output of all the units in service was satisfactory for curing conventional resin composites, and most units were capable of curing bulk-fill resin materials.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding processed kidney bean meal (PKBM) by replacing soybean meal (SBM) on fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality and chick quality of white leghorn (WL) hens. A total of 225 white leghorn hens (195 layers and 30 cocks) with uniform body weight (BW) and age were randomly distributed into 15 pens and assigned to five treatments (i.e., T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). A total of 360 eggs collected from all the treatment birds were used for the analysis. The feeds of the treatments were SBM substituted by PKBM at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels for T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively. Replacement of SBM with PKBM in the diet did not affect the fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality, chick length, chick weight, and chick quality by visual score. As no difference is observed, 100% replacement of SBM by PKBM (dosed at 100 g/kg concentrate diet) is possible.

Purpose Quantification of calretinin-stained mucosal nerve fibers by image processing and analysis (IPA) may objectively define the transition zone (TZ) of Hirschsprung disease (HD). We tested the utility of IPA as an adjunctive tool in HD. Materials and Methods Calretinin immunostain was performed on 15 HD pull-through specimens, and multiple images were captured from the proximal aganglionic zone, TZ, and probable normal zone (NZ). Pixel count (PC), defined as the percentage of brown-stained pixels in the mucosa, was quantified and plotted against distance from the rectal distal end. To validate the method, PCs from 45 images were compared with three-tiered visual scoring by five pathologists. Results were correlated against pertinent variables, which were retrieved from the clinical record. Results The PC gradually increased in the TZ toward the proximal resection margin in 10/13 (77%) cases. The PC variation in the probable NZ and around the circumference was substantial by the coefficient of variation. The mean PC of images with a visual score of 1 was less than scores of 2 and 3 by all five (100%) pathologists (p Conclusion While the mucosal calretinin staining gradually increases in the TZ, for now, the boundaries of the TZ cannot be accurately defined by mucosal biopsies given the substantial variation of staining around the circumference at the same distance and in the NZ. However, the IPA technique does provide a continuous variable and warrants further utility in HD studies.

Leaf rolling in maize crops is one of the main plant reactions to water stress that may be visually scored in the field. However, the leaf scoring did not reach the high-throughput desired by breeders for efficient phenotyping. This study investigates the relationship between leaf rolling score and the induced canopy structure changes that may be accessed by high-throughput remote sensing techniques.Results gathered over a field phenotyping platform run in 2015 and 2016 show that leaf starts to roll for the water stressed conditions around 9:00 and reaches its maximum around 15:00. Conversely, genotypes conducted under well watered conditions do not show any significant rolling during the same day. Leaf level rolling was very strongly correlated to canopy structure changes as described by the fraction of intercepted radiationfIPARWSderived from digital hemispherical photography. The changes infIPARWSwere stronly correlated (R2=0.86,n=50) to the leaf level rolling visual score. Further, a very good consistency of the genotype ranking of thefIPARWSchanges during the day was found (ρ=0.62). This study demonstrating the strong coordination between leaf level rolling and its impact on canopy structure changes poses the basis for new high-throughput remote sensing methods to quantify this water stress trait.HighlighThe diurnal dynamics of leaf rolling scored visually is strongly related to canopy structure changes that can be documented using Digital hemispherical photography. Consequences for high-throughput field phenotyping are discussed

O período de transição é uma fase crítica na vida produtiva das vacas leiteiras, devido ao aumento do seu requerimento nutricional, concomitante a uma redução fisiológica na ingestão de matéria seca, e comprometimento imune. Devido a estes fatores, este período se associa a um estado catabólico, com alta incidência de enfermidades metabólico-nutricionais e infecciosas, que levam a perdas econômicas e deterioro do bem-estar animal. Como muitas dessas enfermidades são antecedidas por uma diminuição na ingestão de matéria seca (IMS), a avaliação de indicadores relacionados ao consumo poderiam servir para predizer o risco de doenças, durante o período de transição. Como o escore de enchimento ruminal (EER) apresenta uma boa correlação com IMS a presente dissertação teve dois objetivos: 1- correlacionar e comparar os escores de enchimento ruminal (EER, 1 a 5) com indicadores sanguíneos do balanço energético e mineral. 2- validar o escore de enchimento ruminal como ferramenta de monitoramento de saúde e taxa de retorno a ciclicidade em vacas leiteiras no período pré-parto. Para responder aos objetivos realizou-se um estudo de coorte com 113 vacas multíparas Holstein, e os resultados de cada objetivo são apresentados em 2 artigos separados. Para responder ao objetivo 1 foram coletados semanalmente nas semanas -2,-1, parto, +1,+2,+3, uma amostra de sangue para analisar as concentrações de βOH-butirato (BHBA), ácidos graxos não esterificados (NEFA), colesterol e cálcio, e aferido simultaneamente o EER e escore de condição corporal (ECC) das vacas. Nesse estudo comprovou-se que o EER correlacionou-se principalmente com o ECC. Também, se observou que o EER associou-se com indicadores sanguíneos estudados tanto no período pré como pósparto, sendo que vacas com maiores EER (EER3) apresentaram maiores concentrações de cálcio, BHBA e colesterol no pré-parto. Já, no pós-parto vacas com EER1 tiveram valores maiores de NEFA e menores de colesterol que vacas com EER3. Para responder ao objetivo 2 mensurou-se o EER nas semanas -2, -1 e parto, diagnosticou-se a ocorrência de doenças clínicas e avaliou-se o regresso a ciclicidade entre a 4º e 8º semana pós-parto. Determinou-se o EER como preditor das doenças mais prevalentes (metrite, mastite, retenção placentária, deslocamento de abomaso e afecções podais). Observou-se que o EER≤2 duas semanas antes do parto foi um bom preditor de todas as doenças acima descritas, com sensibilidade variando de 53% a 75% e especificidade de 80%. Por outro lado, vacas com EER1 durante o pré-parto e parto voltaram mais tardiamente a ciclicidade e em menor porcentagem quando comparadas com vaca com EER3. Portanto o escore de enchimento ruminal correlacionou-se com os indicadores sanguíneos durante período de transição, bem como serviu como preditor para as doenças do período de transição e regresso a ciclicidade, podendo ser utilizado como ferramenta de monitoramento da saúde de vacas leiterias multíparas. The transition period is a critical phase in the productive lives of dairy cows, due to the increase in their nutritional requirement, concomitant with a physiological reduction in dry matter intake, and immune compromise. Due to these factors, this period is associated with a catabolic state, with a high incidence of metabolic-nutritional and infectious diseases, leading to economic losses and deterioration of animal welfare. Since many of these diseases are preceded by a decrease in dry matter intake (DMI), the evaluation of consumption indicators could serve to predict disease risk during the transitional period. As the rumen fill score (RFS) presents a good correlation with DMI, the present dissertation had two objectives: 1 – To correlate and compare rumen fill (RFS, 1 to 5) with blood indicators of negative energy balance. 2 – To validate the rumen fill score as a health monitoring tool and rate of return to cyclicality when it comes to dairy cows’ pre-calving. In order to answer the objectives, a cohort study was carried out with 113 Holstein multiparous cows, and the results of each objective are presented in 2 separate articles. To respond to objective 1 blood samples were collected to analyze the concentrations of βOH-butyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), cholesterol and calcium at week -2, -1, calving, + 1, + 2, +3, and simultaneously, RFS and cow’s body condition score (BCS) were measured. It was verified in this study that the RFS is correlated mainly with the BCS. Also, it was observed that the RFS was associated with blood indicators studied in pre and post partum periods, and cows with higher RFS (RFS 3) had higher concentrations of calcium, BHBA and cholesterol in prepartum. In the postpartum period, cows with RFS 1 had higher NEFA values and lower cholesterol than cows with RFS 3. To respond to objective 2, the RFS was measured at week -2, -1 and calving, clinical diseases were diagnosed and the return to cyclicity between the 4th and 8th week postpartum was evaluated. RFS was determined as a predictor of the most prevalent diseases (metritis, mastitis, placental retention, displaced abomasum and lameness). It was observed that EER≤2 two weeks before calving was a good predictor of all diseases described above, with sensitivity varying from 53% to 75% and specificity of 80%. On the other hand, cows with EER1 during prepartum and calving returned to cyclicity later and in a lower percentage when compared to cows with EER3. Therefore, the ruminal filling score correlated with the blood indicators during the transitional period, and served as a predictor for the diseases of the transition period and return to cyclicity. It can be used as a monitoring tool for the health of multiparous dairy cows.

Objective: To evaluate whether a simple semi-quantitative method aided by software enhanced visualization can be reliable enough for the quantification of emphysema during the daily workload. Patients and methods: Thirty patients with COPD were included. Patients had a standard non enhanced MDCT study of the chest using a 16 slice machine. The images were evaluated visually and scored. This scoring was repeated after applying a density mask. Three radiologists evaluated the images on separate occasions. Repeatability was also tested. The CT emphysema index and the mean lung attenuation were calculated. The extent of airway disease was not assessed. Results: Kappa test between the 3 readers revealed slight agreement (k = 0.122, p = 0.001) before the density mask and substantial agreement (k = 0.75, p

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-18T15:56:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014-01-01Bitstream added on 2015-03-18T16:28:20Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 WOS000343049600142.pdf: 286867 bytes, checksum: 647adf0cff3d6daff5451ad35d05c8d5 (MD5) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Finishing precocity visual score selection was adopted to estimate the time from birth to reach slaughter age. This study estimated (co) variance components and genetic correlations for the finishing precocity score at weaning (WP) and yearling (YP) stages by using daily weight gain (BWG = from birth to weaning; WYG = from weaning to yearling) and speed of weight gain (BWR = from birth to weaning; WYR = from weaning to yearling) as support for a genetic evaluation program for Angus beef cattle. Genetic parameters were estimated using Bayesian inference, considering multi-trait analysis and assuming a nonlinear model for WP and YP and linear model for all other traits. Direct heritability estimates were 0.17 (WP), 0.19 (YP), 0.15 (BWG), 0.16 (WYG), 0.15 (BWR), and 0.16 (WYR). The genetic correlation between the finishing precocity score at two ages (weaning and yearling) was 0.61. Positive and moderate genetic correlations were obtained between WP and BWG (0.47) and WP and BWR (0.46). In contrast, negative and low genetic associations were estimated between WP and yearling growth traits (-0.16, WYG; -0.15, WYR). Genetic correlations between YP and other traits were positive 0.29 (BWG), 0.28 (BWR), 0.48 (WYG), and 0.47 (WYR). The selection response for the finishing precocity score at weaning and yearling ages would be low. Selection to increase WP and YP should result in favorable genetic changes in daily weight gains as a correlated response. Therefore, to obtain animals suited for beef cattle production systems, finishing precocity score and growth traits should be considered as selection criteria. Univ Fed Santa Maria, Dept Zootecnia, BR-97119900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Fac Ciencias Agr & Vet, Dept Zootecnia, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil Univ Brasilia, Programa Posgrad Ciencia Anim, Brasilia, DF, Brazil Assoc Nacl Criadores Herd Book Collares, Pelotas, RS, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Fac Ciencias Agr & Vet, Dept Zootecnia, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil

Visual analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) background and reactivity during therapeutic hypothermia provides important outcome information, but is time-consuming and not always consistent between reviewers. Automated EEG analysis may help quantify the brain damage. Forty-six comatose patients in therapeutic hypothermia, after cardiac arrest, were included in the study. EEG background was quantified with burst-suppression ratio (BSR) and approximate entropy, both used to monitor anesthesia. Reactivity was detected through change in the power spectrum of signal before and after stimulation. Automatic results obtained almost perfect agreement (discontinuity) to substantial agreement (background reactivity) with a visual score from EEG-certified neurologists. Burst-suppression ratio was more suited to distinguish continuous EEG background from burst-suppression than approximate entropy in this specific population. Automatic EEG background and reactivity measures were significantly related to good and poor outcome. We conclude that quantitative EEG measurements can provide promising information regarding current state of the patient and clinical outcome, but further work is needed before routine application in a clinical setting.

Purpose To determine the value of cardiac MRI for the monitoring and the prognosis of patients with acute myocarditis. Cardiac MRI plays an increasingly important role in the diagnosis of acute myocarditis. However, it is less established as a prognostic tool, which requires specific postprocessing of images. Materials and Methods In a prospective pilot study, we assessed the prognostic value of the evolution in a simplified visual quantitative score (SQS) of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) between initial hospitalization and 3 months later. The prognostic value was assessed at 1 year using a combination of death, heart transplant, and confirmed recurrence as main outcome. Results Twenty-eight patients were included in this study. A significant correlation was found between LGE measured by SQS and planimetry (r = 0.95, P

Although dual-energy (DE) acquisition with conventional 201Tl myocardial perfusion SPECT has several advantages such as improved attenuation of the inferior wall and increased acquisition counts, the characteristics of IQ-SPECT have not been fully evaluated. We evaluate the difference of characteristics between single-energy (SE) and dual-energy (DE) imaging using 201Tl myocardial IQ-SPECT. Two myocardial phantoms were created simulating normal myocardium and infarction of the inferior wall. Energy windows were set at 70 keV ± 10% for SE, and an additional 167 keV ± 7.5% for DE. SPECT images were reconstructed using the ordered subset conjugates gradient minimizer (OSCGM) method. We visually and quantitatively compared short-axis images of correction for no (NC), for attenuation (AC) or for both AC and scatter (ACSC) images. The average counts of SE and DE projection data were 17.5 and 20.3 counts/pixel, respectively. The DE data increased acquisition counts by approximately 16% compared with the SE data. The average visual score of normal myocardium did not differ significantly between the SE and DE images. However, the DE image of defective myocardium showed a significantly lower score in AC than SE images. The % uptake values of DE image with both NC and AC were significantly higher than those of SE images. The DE images of the inferior defective areas (segments 4 and 10) showed approximately 5–10% higher uptake compared with the SE images. The DE image with NC improved attenuation of the inferior wall. However, DE image with AC showed low defect detectability. Thus, AC should be used with SE rather than DE. Furthermore, while the SE image with ACSC can be used to detect perfusion defects, it must be interpreted carefully including the possibility of artificial inhomogeneity even in the normal myocardium.

Mature weight (MW) of cows is related to the costs of their production. Usually, cows with moderate MW are more efficient in challenging environments, such as those available in the production systems in Brazil. In the present study, the selection index comprises the following traits: conformation, finishing precocity, musculature at weaning (WC, WP, WM) yearling (YC, YP and YM), scrotal circumference at yearling (SC), days to gain 160kg from birth to weaning (D160) and 240kg after weaning (D240). This are related to birth weight gain at weaning (WG) and from weaning to yearling (YG). The mature (MW) and birth weight (BW) traits were not considered in the selection index. The aim of this study was to estimate the values for the genetic trends (GT) of some important selection (MW) and economic traits (BW). A bi-character analysis of MW and other characteristics was performed to estimate the (co)variance components and genetic parameters. The GT results obtained for MW were null (0.0065% or 0.02718kg per year) in the period 1990-2007. The GT values were determined for BW (-0.0650% or -0.02017kg), WG (0.0758% or 0.0865kg), YG (0.1051% or 0.11377kg), and MW (0.0393% or 0.11276kg) per year. The visual score values (in score units) were also determined for GTat weaning [WC (0.2310%; 0.00707), WP (0.3624%; 0.3623%),aWM (0.01149; 0.01087)] yearling [YC (0.3256%; 0.00990), YP (0.4795%; 0.01496),YM (0.5041%; 0.01457)] per year. Index-based selection was effective to promote genetic progress in WG, WC, WP, WM, YG, YC, YP, and YM characteristics keeping BW and MW constant. RESUMO: O peso adulto das vacas (PV) está relacionado com os custos de produção. Em geral, vacas com PV moderados são mais eficientes em ambientes desafiadores, como aqueles disponíveis nos sistemas de produção no Brasil. No presente estudo, o índice de seleção compreende as seguintes características: conformação, precocidade e musculatura nas fases da desmama (CD, PD e MD) e sobreano (CS, PS e MS), circunferência escrotal no sobreano (CE), dias para ganhar 160kg do nascimento até a desmama (D160) e 240kg pós-desmama (D240), que estão relacionadas com os ganhos de peso do nascimento à desmama (GD) e, da desmama ao sobreano (GS). As características PV e PN não foram consideradas no índice de seleção. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar os valores das tendências genéticas (TG) das importantes características de seleção (PV) e econômicas (PN). Para estimar os componentes de (co)variâncias e os dados genéticos, foram realizadas análises bi-caracter de PV com as demais características. Os resultados de TG obtidos para PV foram nulos (0,0065% ou 0,02718kg por ano) no período de 1990 á 2007. Os valores de TG foram estimados para PN (-0,0650% ou -0,02017kg), GD (0,0758% ou 0,0865kg), GS (0,1051% ou 0,11377kg) e PF (0,0393% ou 0,11276kg) por ano. Os valores dos escores visuais (em unidades de escore) foram determinados para TG à desmama [CD (0,2310%; 0,00707), PD (0,3624%; 0,3623%) e MD (0,01149; 0,01087)] e sobreano [CS (0,3256%; 0,00990), PS (0,4795%; 0,01496) e MS (0,5041%; 0,01457)] ao ano. A seleção baseada no índice foi efetiva para promover o progresso genético nas características de GD, CD, PD, MD, GS, CS, PS e mantendo PN e PV constantes.

Justificación: La flebitis es una de las complicaciones mas frecuentes de los Catéteres Centrales de Inserción Periférica. La evidencia científica sobre la utilidad de las escalas de medición para el diagnostico de flebitis es escasa. Objetivos: Comparar la incidencia de flebitis antes y después de la implementación de un protocolo. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo en 159 pacientes ingresados en UCI, a los que se les ha colocado un PICC, en dos periodos equivalentes de dos años consecutivos, Periodo 1 (n=59); frente a un grupo del Periodo 2 (n=100) en el que se aplicó un nuevo protocolo para el diagnóstico y manejo de flebitis (definición de flebitis, aplicación de la Visual Infusion Phlebitis Score y valoración continua). Resultados: El riesgo de ser diagnosticado de flebitis fue significativamente menor en el P2 (OR: 0.09, I.C.95% 0.01-0.52) Conclusiones: La incorporación del protocolo redujo un 90% los diagnósticos de flebitis. ABSTRACT: Phlebitis incidence related to peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs): New nursing protocol application. Phlebitis is one of the most common complications of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). The scientific evidence about the utility of measuring scales to phlebitis diagnosis is very limited. Objectives: To compare phlebitis incidence rate before and after the introduction of a new protocol. Materials and Methods: Retrospective cohort study in 159 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for two years. First we assess phlebitis in 59 patients (group 1). After that we apply a new protocol to identify phlebitis with visual score and continuous evaluation to 100 patients (group 2) Results: The probability of being diagnosed of phlebitis is significantly smaller in intervention group (OR: 0.09; 95% C.I.: 0.02-0.57). Conclusions: Protocol application reduced the diagnosis of phlebitis in 90%

Background/aims: The aim is to evaluate, using evaporimetry, the possibility of getting further information supporting clinical reading of allergic, irritant reactions and doubtful patch test reactions. Methods: The investigation was carried out on 204 patients (182 female and 22 male, mean age 31.6 years), patch tested routinely as suspects of allergic contact dermatitis. We evaluated 326 reactions (203 allergic, 123 irritant or doubtful). Results: Mean values pf TEWL were: for the positive allergic reactions, 7.21 (SD, 2.26) at 48 h, 15.77 (SD, 5.50) at 72 h; and for the irritant or doubtful reactions, 7.55 (SD, 1.72) at 48 h, and 5.77 (SD, 1.41) at 72 h. TEWL in the 2 reactions groups at 72 h was significantly different (p

Gypsum application may enhance the soil quality for plants in terms of soil chemical and physical properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of gypsum application on the structural quality of a no-tillage Red Latosol. The experiment was initiated in September 2005 in Guarapuava-PR, with gypsum applications of 0; 4; 8; and 12 Mg ha-1 on the soil surface. In November 2009, two soil blocks were sampled from the 0-0.3 m layer for visual evaluation of the soil structure quality (Sq) and to determine the aggregate-tensile strength (ATS). Soil penetration resistance (PR) and gravimetric moisture (H%) of the 0-0.300 m layer were evaluated, and soil cores were collected (layers 0.000-0.075 and 0.075-0.150 m), to determine soil bulk density (BD), total soil porosity (TP), microporosity (Mi), and macroporosity (Ma). Data were subjected to analysis of regression at 5 %. No significant effects of gypsum application on ATS and H % of aggregates were observed, but for Sq, a quadratic effect (0.000-0.075 m) and linear increase (0.075-0.150 and 0.150-0.300 m) were stated, indicating soil quality decrease, although Sq remained mostly below 3.0, with good to intermediate soil quality. Soil PR increased with gypsum, but also remained below critical levels. No effect was observed for soil H % at the moment of PR determination on the field. The gypsum applications decreased BD in the 0.075-0.150 m layer, and increased PT and Ma, while in 0.000-0.075 m some Ma was converted to Mi, without affecting PT and BD. These last results indicate a gain in soil structural quality by gypsum applications, but the higher scores of soil structure and values of soil penetration resistance, though still below thresholds, should be monitored to prevent limitations to soil use in the future.

To evaluate the influence of the choice of b values on the diagnostic value of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for detection and grading of prostate cancer (PCa). Forty-one patients with biopsy-proven PCa underwent endorectal 3-T MRI before prostatectomy. Different combinations of b values (0–800 s/mm2) were used to calculate four representative ADC maps. Mean ADCs of tumours and non-malignant tissue were determined. Tumour appearance on different ADC maps was rated by three radiologists as good, fair or poor by assigning a visual score (VS) of 2, 1 or 0, respectively. Differences in the ADC values with the choice of b values were analysed using one-way ANOVA. Choice of b values had a highly (P

Background: For quantitative evaluation of masticatory ability of the elderly patients, there should be a simple and reliable method without special techniques and instruments. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of a visual scoring method for assessing masticatory performance. Materials and Methods: A 10-stage scale for visually scoring was rated based on the range of the glucose concentration dissolved from comminuted jelly. Photographic images of comminuted jellies were produced as a standard material for each score. Fifty subjects were recruited as raters who graded the visual score for 50 photographic images of comminuted jellies on the screen of a lap-top three times in random order. Results: There were strong correlations (rs = 0.911– 0.981, Spearman’s rank coefficient) between the actual scores determined from the glucose concentration and the visual scores graded by subjects in all three measurements. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of the inter-rater reliability and the ICCs of the intra-rater reliability of the visual scoring ranged from 0.946 to 0.947 and from 0.860 to 0.987 in three measurements, respectively. Conclusions: These results indicated that the visual scoring method was valid and reliable for evaluation of masticatory performance.

Estimaram-se os componentes de (co)variância e herdabilidade da conformação frigorífica à desmama (CFD), conformação frigorífica ao sobreano (CFS), peso à desmama (PD) e peso ao sobreano (PS) de animais Nelore, e as correlações genéticas entre essas características. Um modelo animal multicaracterística foi proposto para analisar 6.397 informações de peso e escores visuais de conformação frigorífica, obtidas à desmama e ao sobreano. Esse modelo incluiu os efeitos aleatórios genético aditivo direto, genético aditivo materno, ambiente permanente materno e residual, além dos efeitos fixos de grupo contemporâneo e das covariáveis idade da mãe ao parto - para peso e conformação frigorífica à desmama e ao sobreano - e idade do animal à data da avaliação - para conformação frigorífica, à desmama e ao sobreano. As herdabilidades estimadas para CFD, CFS, PD e PS foram, respectivamente, 0,13, 0,25, 0,22 e 0,29. Correlações genéticas positivas e de alta magnitude entre as características de peso e as características de avaliação visual sugerem que a seleção para uma delas pode resultar em resposta indireta na outra. A característica de conformação frigorífica pode ser selecionada em idade mais precoce em razão da correlação genética alta e positiva entre mensurações feitas nas duas idades estudadas. The aim of this study was to estimate variance components, heritability and genetic correlation for slaughter conformation at weaning (SCW), slaughter conformation at yearling age (SCY), weaning weight (WW) and yearling age weight (YW) of Nellore cattle. A total of 6,397 records of all traits measured at weaning and at yearling age were used in the analysis. A multiple trait animal model which included the direct genetic additive, maternal genetic additive, maternal permanent environmental and residual random effects, as well as the fixed effect of contemporary group and the covariates age at calving (for weight and slaughter conformation at weaning and yearling age) and age at the evaluation time (slaughter conformation at weaning and yearling age) was proposed. The heritability estimates for SCW, SCY, WW and YW were, respectively, 0.13, 0.25, 0.22 and 0.29. Positive and high genetic correlations between body weight traits and visual evaluation traits suggested that direct selection for one trait results in positive indirect response in the remaining trait. Slaughter conformation trait can be selected at earlier age due to the high and positive genetic correlation between conformation scores at different age.

ObjectivesCam morphology is not completely understood. The aim of this study was threefold: (1) to investigate if cam morphology development is associated with growth plate status; (2) to examine whether cam morphology continues to develop after growth plate closure; and (3) to qualitatively describe cam morphology development over 5-year follow-up.MethodsAcademy male football players (n=49) participated in this prospective 5-year follow-up study (baseline 12–19 years old). Anteroposterior and frog-leg lateral views were obtained at baseline (142 hips), 2.5-year (126 hips) and 5-year follow-up (98 hips). Cam morphology on these time points was defined as: (A) visual scores of the anterior head-neck junction, classified as: (1) normal, (2) flattening, and (3) prominence; and (B) alpha angle ≥60°. Proximal femoral growth plates were classified as open or closed. Cam morphology development was defined as every increase in visual score and/or increase in alpha angle from ResultsCam morphology development was significantly associated with open growth plates based on visual score (OR: 10.03, 95% CI 3.49 to 28.84, pConclusionCam morphology of the hip is more likely to develop with an open growth plate.

Refractive findings are reported in a follow-up study comprising 88 children aged 7-10 years, who were submitted to regular control for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in the first months after their pre-term delivery 1982-84 (mean birthweight 1467 g, mean gestational age 31 weeks). The refractive range was -13 to +6.75 D. In four subjects with fully-blown ROP both eyes were left blind and dysmorphic. Twenty-four had had ROP with regression; myopia of prematurity (MOP) appeared in six (25%). At follow-up the myopia frequency in the remaining 60 without ROP was 5%. Out of the 9 subjects with uni- or bilateral myopia of prematurity three had no evidence of early ROP. With a median corrected acuity of 0.5 only, the eyes with MOP had a lower corrected visual score than in the rest of the material (median monocular acuity 0.9). The latter value is even a little lower than what was previously reported in full-terms of a similar age (median acuity above 1.0). Obviously, as a sequel to the pre-term delivery we are dealing not only with early myopia in some subjects; further, the potential for developing full vision appears influenced and reduced. This applies to the total group of ex-prematures, but in particular it is valid for myopia of prematurity.

Husk leaves, surround and usually tightly enclose leaf sheaths, resulted in increase of yield production. Relative frequency distributions of visual husk leaves ratings on Hawaii M Set showed that most populations were skewed toward the lower values in the winter trial (2002) as well as in the spring trial (2003). Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of Hawaii M Set were derived from inbred Hi38c1(bt) and Ia453 and the visual score ratings of husk leaves of their parents, Hi38c1(bt) and Ia453, were averaged 1.18 and 5.81, respectively. The visual score ratings of husk leaves for the RILs were ranged from 1.0 to 7.5 with average of 2.15. The length of husk leaf of the first ear showed positive correlation with that of second ear (r=0.85, P

Kernel shattering (KS) is known to cause yield loss in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The introduction of Fusarium head blight (caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe) resistant genotypes has recently elevated KS importance. This study aimed to identify appropriate methods to measure and evaluate KS variation among spring wheat genotypes. Four field and two laboratory methods were developed and compared using 24 wheat genotypes in five environments. Large variation for KS among genotypes was observed. The field kernel shattering method and the kernel shattering from spikes method (SS), both field methods, showed large CVs and were inconsistent across environments. Similarly, the direct yield loss method and the visual score method, also field methods, had relatively low range/ LSD 0.05 ratio values, leading to difficulty in discriminating between genotypes. Among the field methods, SS appears to be the most suitable method due to its high range/LSD 0.05 values and fewer input requirements. All field methods, however, were time and labor consuming. The laboratory methods, induced random impact and glume strength, were moderately to strongly correlated with the field methods. The laboratory methods were more consistent across environments, and required only a small sample size. Hence, they were more effective and efficient in evaluating KS and could be of interest for wheat researchers to indirectly screen for KS resistance.

O objetivo foi avaliar a associação genética entre os escores visuais de estrutura, precocidade e musculosidade, com as características peso aos 18 meses, ganho de peso diário e o perímetro escrotal em machos Nelore. Foram utilizados 7.256 registros de animais participantes de provas de ganho de peso. As estimativas dos componentes de (co)variâncias foram obtidas por meio de Máxima Verossimilhança Restrita, empregando-se um modelo animal. Os efeitos fixos de grupo contemporâneo, idade e peso como covariável linear foram considerados; o único efeito aleatório foi o genético aditivo direto. As estimativas de herdabilidade de estrutura, precocidade e musculosidade foram: 0,30; 0,37; 0,32, respectivamente. As estimativas das correlações genéticas entre os escores variaram de 0,76 a 0,95, indicando que os escores são controlados, em grande parte, pelo mesmo grupo de genes. As estimativas das correlações genéticas dos escores visuais com as características de ganho de peso diário, peso aos 18 meses e o perímetro escrotal apresentaram valores semelhantes entre os escores 0,45 a 0,50; 0,80 a 0,83 e -0,05 a -0,03, respectivamente; indicando que a seleção para os escores trará mudanças genéticas no mesmo sentido para o peso aos 18 meses e em menor medida para o ganho de peso. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic association between visual scores of structure, finishing precocity and muscling with weight at 18 months, daily weight gain and scrotal circumference in male Nellore. A total of 7,256 records of animals participating in weight gain trials were used. The (co)variance components were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood, under an animal model. Contemporary group, age and weight as covariate linears were included as fixed effects. Additive genetic effects were the only random effect. The heritability estimates for structure, precocity and muscling were 0.30; 0.37 and 0.32 respectively. The genetic correlations between visual score were 0.76 to 0.95, indicating that the visual scores are controlled by the same set of genes, a fact making individual selection more complex. The visual scores showed similar genetic correlations with daily weight gain, weight at 18 months and scrotal circumference, ranging from 0.45 to 0.50, from 0.80 to 0.83 and from -0.05 to -0.03, respectively, indicating that individual selection for visual scores will result in genetic changes in the same direction in weight at 18 months and, to a lesser extent, in daily weight gain.

PURPOSE To analyze computed tomography (CT) characteristics of adrenal adenomas with hypercortisolism on adrenal CT compared to adenomas with hyperaldosteronism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-two adrenal adenomas, consisting of group A (hypercortisolism, n = 16) and group B (hyperaldosteronism, n = 16), were evaluated with adrenal CT. Thirty-four patients without adrenal nodule on CT and hormonal abnormality (group C) were selected for comparison. In adenomas, lesion size, attenuation value, and absolute and relative washout were compared between groups A and B. The mean adrenal thickness was compared quantitatively and qualitatively between groups. RESULTS All of adenomas satisfied absolute (≥60%) or relative (≥40%) washout criteria of adrenal CT. The mean adrenal thickness was 1.6 ± 0.3 mm in group A, 2.9 ± 0.5 mm in group B, and 3.0 ± 0.4 mm in group C (group A versus B or C, P < 0.001; group B versus C, P = 0.775). For differentiating group A from B, the area under the curve of quantitative and qualitative analyses for contralateral adrenal thickness was 0.982 and 0.934, respectively. Both sensitivity and specificity with cutoff of 2.0 mm or less in thickness and probably thin or more in visual score were 93.7% and 93.7%, and 87.5% and 93.7%, respectively, for predicting group A. CONCLUSIONS Contralateral adrenal thinning on CT helps predict adrenal adenomas with hypercortisolism.

A 71-year-old African man without history of cardiac disease was referred to our center for dyspnea. Transthoracic echocardiogram and cardiac MRI were suggestive of cardiac amyloidosis (CA). The diagnosis of the light-chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA) was made after a first endomyocardial biopsy. Accordingly chemotherapy was started. Systematic 99mTc-HMDP scintigraphy showed moderate cardiac uptake (visual score of 2), unusual for AL-CA, and permitted to rectify the diagnosis. Hereditary transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis was confirmed by a second endomyocardial biopsy with a positive Congo-red and anti-transthyretin antibody stainings, mass spectrometry and genetic analysis (Val122Ile mutation).

Com o objetivo de comparar as estimativas de parâmetros genéticos obtidas pelos métodos de máxima verossimilhança restrita (REML) e Â, foram realizadas análises uni-características sob modelo animal, para os quais foi utilizado um conjunto de dados da raça Nelore. Os modelos estatísticos incluíram os efeitos fixos de grupo de contemporâneos (fazenda, ano de nascimento, sexo e grupos de manejo à desmama e ao sobreano) e idade do animal (covariável linear), e como aleatórios foram considerados os efeitos genético aditivo direto e residual. As estimativas dos coeficientes de herdabilidade foram 0,36 e 0,39 para peso aos 18 meses (PESSOB); 0,27 e 0,29 para ganho de peso da desmama aos 18 meses (GP345); 0,22 e 0,21 para conformação (CONF); 0,21 e 0,21 para precocidade de acabamento (PREC); e 0,22 e 0,22 para musculosidade (MUSC), respectivamente, pelo REML e método Â. Em todas as estimativas de herdabilidade, o erro-padrão foi menor ou igual a 0,02. As diferenças entre as estimativas de tendência genética obtidas pelos dois métodos foram pequenas e as correlações de Spearman entre os valores genéticos preditos usando os componentes de variância obtidos por ambos os métodos foram iguais a 1 para todas as características analisadas. Os resultados sugerem que os métodos REML e  fornecem os mesmos resultados e que o método  pode ser utilizado como uma opção ao REML em análises uni-características, principalmente pela menor demanda computacional.The objective of this paper was to compare the estimates of genetic parameters obtained by REML and method Â. Animal model single-trait analyses were performed using a data set of Nellore cattle. Statistical models included fixed effects of contemporary group (herd, year, sex and management groups at weaning and 550 days) and age of animal (covariable-linear effect), and additive genetic and residual random effects. Heritability estimates were 0.36 and 0.39 for weight at 550 days (W550); 0.27 and 0.29 for weight gain from weaning to 550 days (WG345); 0.22 and 0.21 for conformation (CONF); 0.21 and 0.21 for precocity (PREC) and 0.22 and 0.22 for muscling (MUSC), respectively, by REML and method Â. For all heritability estimates, standard errors were lower than or equal to 0.02. The differences in the estimates of genetic trend obtained from the two methods were low for all traits. Spearman rank correlation between breeding values obtained in the analyses using the variance components obtained by REML and method  were equal to 1 for all traits. The results suggest that REML and method  provide similar results and that method  can be used as an alternative to REML in single-trait analyses, mainly due to lower computational requirements.

Com o objetivo de comparar as estimativas de parâmetros genéticos obtidas pelos métodos de máxima verossimilhança restrita (REML) e Â, foram realizadas análises uni-características sob modelo animal, para os quais foi utilizado um conjunto de dados da raça Nelore. Os modelos estatísticos incluíram os efeitos fixos de grupo de contemporâneos (fazenda, ano de nascimento, sexo e grupos de manejo à desmama e ao sobreano) e idade do animal (covariável linear), e como aleatórios foram considerados os efeitos genético aditivo direto e residual. As estimativas dos coeficientes de herdabilidade foram 0,36 e 0,39 para peso aos 18 meses (PESSOB); 0,27 e 0,29 para ganho de peso da desmama aos 18 meses (GP345); 0,22 e 0,21 para conformação (CONF); 0,21 e 0,21 para precocidade de acabamento (PREC); e 0,22 e 0,22 para musculosidade (MUSC), respectivamente, pelo REML e método Â. Em todas as estimativas de herdabilidade, o erro-padrão foi menor ou igual a 0,02. As diferenças entre as estimativas de tendência genética obtidas pelos dois métodos foram pequenas e as correlações de Spearman entre os valores genéticos preditos usando os componentes de variância obtidos por ambos os métodos foram iguais a 1 para todas as características analisadas. Os resultados sugerem que os métodos REML e  fornecem os mesmos resultados e que o método  pode ser utilizado como uma opção ao REML em análises uni-características, principalmente pela menor demanda computacional.

Com o objetivo de comparar as estimativas de parâmetros genéticos obtidas pelos métodos de máxima verossimilhança restrita (REML) e Â, foram realizadas análises uni-características sob modelo animal, para os quais foi utilizado um conjunto de dados da raça Nelore. Os modelos estatísticos incluíram os efeitos fixos de grupo de contemporâneos (fazenda, ano de nascimento, sexo e grupos de manejo à desmama e ao sobreano) e idade do animal (covariável linear), e como aleatórios foram considerados os efeitos genético aditivo direto e residual. As estimativas dos coeficientes de herdabilidade foram 0,36 e 0,39 para peso aos 18 meses (PESSOB); 0,27 e 0,29 para ganho de peso da desmama aos 18 meses (GP345); 0,22 e 0,21 para conformação (CONF); 0,21 e 0,21 para precocidade de acabamento (PREC); e 0,22 e 0,22 para musculosidade (MUSC), respectivamente, pelo REML e método Â. Em todas as estimativas de herdabilidade, o erro-padrão foi menor ou igual a 0,02. As diferenças entre as estimativas de tendência genética obtidas pelos dois métodos foram pequenas e as correlações de Spearman entre os valores genéticos preditos usando os componentes de variância obtidos por ambos os métodos foram iguais a 1 para todas as características analisadas. Os resultados sugerem que os métodos REML e  fornecem os mesmos resultados e que o método  pode ser utilizado como uma opção ao REML em análises uni-características, principalmente pela menor demanda computacional. The objective of this paper was to compare the estimates of genetic parameters obtained by REML and method Â. Animal model single-trait analyses were performed using a data set of Nellore cattle. Statistical models included fixed effects of contemporary group (herd, year, sex and management groups at weaning and 550 days) and age of animal (covariable-linear effect), and additive genetic and residual random effects. Heritability estimates were 0.36 and 0.39 for weight at 550 days (W550); 0.27 and 0.29 for weight gain from weaning to 550 days (WG345); 0.22 and 0.21 for conformation (CONF); 0.21 and 0.21 for precocity (PREC) and 0.22 and 0.22 for muscling (MUSC), respectively, by REML and method Â. For all heritability estimates, standard errors were lower than or equal to 0.02. The differences in the estimates of genetic trend obtained from the two methods were low for all traits. Spearman rank correlation between breeding values obtained in the analyses using the variance components obtained by REML and method  were equal to 1 for all traits. The results suggest that REML and method  provide similar results and that method  can be used as an alternative to REML in single-trait analyses, mainly due to lower computational requirements.

The general aim of this experiment was to investigate the processes involved in reading musical notation and to study the relationship between written music and its auditory representation. Our main interest was to determine if musicians can develop expectancies for plausible or implausible auditory events on the sole basis of the visual score. Results showed that musicians can clearly expect auditory endings on the basis of visual information. These findings enliven the discussion on the question of whether music reading is actually music perception.

Clean wool colour (CWC) is an important wool price determinant and has been related to suint characteristics, i.e. sudoriparous and sebaceous gland secretions, such as suint percentage and suint K content. In this work heritability, phenotypic and genetic correlations among wool colour and skin traits were examined. The genetic estimates were assessed by Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) procedures using average information algorithm (AIREML) in a Corriedale flock. The traits analysed were wool colour traits (CWC), yellow predictive colour (YPC), and Visual Score; suint traits such as suint percentage and potassium and sodium concentrations in suint, and physiological traits such as potassium and sodium concentrations in the skin, including plasma and red blood cells. The objectives of this study were to assess phenotypic and genetic correlations between wool colour and skin traits, and to find the suitability of these traits as indirect selection criteria for clean wool colour. Suint traits were highly genetically correlated to YPC. Suint K, but not suint percentage, was found to have a high genetic correlation with CWC. Skin K, Visual Score, YPC and suint K were amongst the best indirect selection criteria for clean wool colour. However, selection using these traits was expected to reduce CWC from 52% to 49% of that estimated under direct selection.

The progeny groups of resistant and susceptible sires to breech strike were compared for phenotypic differences in conformation and visual score traits recorded from birth to 5 years of age. The incidences of breech strike in the two most resistant sire progeny groups from birth to hogget shearing were 2.5% and 9.0% respectively, while in the two most susceptible sire progeny groups incidences were 94.5% and 102.9% (some sheep struck more than once) respectively. The susceptible groups consistently had a significantly higher strike rate than did the resistant groups over their lifetime. The adult lifetime breech-strike rates were 0.0% and 27.2% for resistant and susceptible sire groups respectively, despite pre-lambing crutchings. Statistically significant differences existed between the resistant and susceptible sire progeny groups for wrinkle and dags, although, in the present study, the average differences were small (0.2–0.6 unit score) for wrinkle, whereas a difference of 1.2 unit scores was found for yearling dag in spring. The very large differences in breech strike contrasts with the modest differences in the visually detectable breech indicator traits. This suggests that other unknown factors appear to contribute to larger differences than expected in breech strike between the sire progeny groups.

Cleaning and disinfection of the broiler stable environment is an essential part of farm hygiene management. Adequate cleaning and disinfection is essential for prevention and control of animal diseases and zoonoses. The goal of this study was to shed light on the dynamics of microbiological and non-microbiological parameters during the successive steps of cleaning and disinfection and to select the most suitable sampling methods and parameters to evaluate cleaning and disinfection in broiler houses. The effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection protocols was measured in six broiler houses on two farms through visual inspection, adenosine triphosphate hygiene monitoring and microbiological analyses. Samples were taken at three time points: 1) before cleaning, 2) after cleaning, and 3) after disinfection. Before cleaning and after disinfection, air samples were taken in addition to agar contact plates and swab samples taken from various sampling points for enumeration of total aerobic flora,Enterococcus spp., andEscherichia coli and the detection ofE. coli andSalmonella. After cleaning, air samples, swab samples, and adenosine triphosphate swabs were taken and a visual score was also assigned for each sampling point. The mean total aerobic flora determined by swab samples decreased from 7.7 ± 1.4 to 5.7 ± 1.2 log CFU/625 cm2 after cleaning and to 4.2 ± 1.6 log CFU/625 cm2 after disinfection. Agar contact plates were used as the standard for evaluating cleaning and disinfection, but in this study they were found to be less suitable than swabs for enumeration. In addition to measuring total aerobic flora,Enterococcus spp. seemed to be a better hygiene indicator to evaluate cleaning and disinfection protocols thanE. coli. All stables wereSalmonella negative, but the detection of its indicator organismE. coli provided additional information for evaluating cleaning and disinfection protocols. Adenosine triphosphate analyses gave additional information about the hygiene level of the different sampling points.