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SUMMARY There are limited data concerning the effects of 5-HT1A receptor activation on esophageal motility. Sumatriptan, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, was recently reported to enhance esophageal peristalsis after intravenous administration. Buspirone, an orally available 5-HT1A receptor agonist, was shown to modulate gastroduodenal motor function. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of buspirone on esophageal motility of healthy volunteers. On two separate visits, 20 healthy volunteers aged 21-29 years (nine women) underwent esophageal manometry before and 10, 30, and 60 minutes after the administration of buspirone 20-mg or placebo capsule, according to a double-blind crossover design. At each time point, we compared buspirone and placebo effects on: resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES); residual pressure and duration of LES relaxation; amplitude, duration, and onset velocity of esophageal body contractions, during 10 swallows of 5 mL of water. Significant analysis of variance differences ( P < 0.05) are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Buspirone significantly increased mean distal esophageal wave amplitude (151 vs. 87 mmHg, P < 0.05) and duration (6.1 vs. 4.2 seconds, P < 0.05). Similarly, buspirone significantly increased mean LES resting pressure (26 vs. 21 mmHg, P < 0.05) and mean residual LES pressure (7.9 vs. 2 mmHg, P < 0.05), whereas reduced mean LES relaxation duration (7.2 vs. 8.0 seconds, P < 0.05) and mean distal onset velocity (7.6 vs. 14.7 cm/second, P < 0.05). Buspirone enhances esophageal peristalsis and LES function in healthy volunteers. Further study is warranted on the effects of buspirone on esophageal function and symptoms in patients with ineffective esophageal motility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer as interações entre os diferentes atores sociais relacionados às empresas do complexo industrial florestal de Minas Gerais. Tendo em vista tratar os dados obtidos, utilizou-se a adaptação da escala Likert como mecanismo de medida, tornando possível aferir o grau de concordância e importância atribuídas pelos entrevistados diante das afirmativas descritas no questionário aplicado. A relação com o governo, sociedade, clientes, fornecedores e concorrentes é considerada importante, sendo a busca por informações prática generalizada. A carga tributária, a má qualidade da rede viária e o apoio insuficiente destacaram-se como obstáculos ao desenvolvimento da atividade produtiva.The objective of this study was to understand the interactions among the different social actors involved in the forest industrial complex companies. To work with the data obtained, an adaptation of the Likert scale as a measurement mechanism was used, allowing checking the degree of agreement and the importance attributed by the interviewees in relation to the statements described in the questionnaire. The relation with the government, society, customers, suppliers and competitors is considered important, with the search for information being a widespread practice. Government taxes, the bad quality of the road system and insufficient support were the major obstacles to the development of the productive activity.

Neste estudo, analisou-se, pelo método da regressão linear, a tendência do mercado internacional de aglomerado no período de 1990 a 2004. Observou-se tendência de crescimento tanto de produção quanto de exportação, com a ressalva de que o Brasil expande sua produção em ritmo mais acelerado que a produção mundial. Conclui-se que China, Ucrânia e EUA apresentaram maior crescimento, quanto à produção, exportação e importação, entre os mercados tradicionais, respectivamente, e que os mercados não-tradicionais mudaram tendências de crescimento superiores ao grupo dos principais importadores, especialmente o leste europeu.This study analyzed international particleboard market tendency in the period from 1990 to 2004, using the linear regression method. Growth tendency was observed both for production and export, stressing that Brazil's production is expanding in a more accelerated rhythm than the world production. China, Ukraine and USA presented a greater production, export and import growth among the traditional markets, respectively, and the nontraditional markets presented greater growth tendencies, compared to the major import groups, especially East Europe.

Este estudo objetivou caracterizar a estrutura do mercado internacional de aglomerado quanto à sua concentração e desigualdade, bem como decompor as variações nas exportações desse produto dos principais países participantes em efeito-crescimento do comércio mundial, efeito-destino e efeito-competitividade no período de 1998 a 2002. O nível de concentração e desigualdade favorece práticas anticompetitivas. O efeito-competitividade, composto por aspectos endógenos, não favorece o aumento das exportações brasileiras.This study aimed to characterize the structure of the international market of particleboard in relationship to its concentration and inequality and to decompose the variations in particleboard export in the major participant countries in terms of world trade growth effect, destination effect and competitiveness effect from 1998 to 2002. Concentration level and inequality favor anti-competitive practices and competitiveness effect, composed by endogenous aspects and market conditions, such as international agreements, do not favor Brazilian export growth.

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com informações obtidas de 70 proprietários rurais fomentados, responsáveis por 90 contratos de fomento florestal, com o objetivo de caracterizar as condições de segurança do trabalho na colheita e transporte florestal, em propriedades rurais fomentadas no Estado do Espírito Santo. A área fomentada por contrato variava entre 1,5 e 100,0 ha, sendo de até 30 ha em 86,7% dos contratos e com relevo montanhoso em 61,2%. A colheita e transporte florestais foram terceirizados em 70 e 80% dos contratos amostrados, respectivamente, e realizados por conta dos proprietários nos demais. A maioria dos prestadores de serviço terceirizados era contratada informalmente. Foi empregada a mão-de-obra contratada na maioria dos contratos com colheita própria, sendo a maior parte não qualificada e contratada informalmente. Grande parte dos trabalhadores deslocava-se por conta própria até o local de colheita. Ocorreram acidentes de trabalho em 16,3% dos contratos, sendo 60% na colheita e transporte florestal próprios. A maioria dos acidentes aconteceu na atividade de corte e atingiu, principalmente, os membros inferiores e superiores do trabalhador acidentado. Os trabalhadores não utilizavam equipamentos de proteção individual em 62,1% dos contratos com colheita própria e em 23,0% dos terceirizados. Observou-se carência de material de primeiros socorros, bem como falta de instrução para o socorro de trabalhadores acidentados na colheita florestal.This research was developed with data obtained from 70 fomented farm owners in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, who were responsible for 90 forest contracts distributed in 22 cities of the State. The area fomented per contract ranged from 1.5 to 100 hectares, being 84.8% of contracts up to 30 ha and 59.8% with mountainous relief. Timber harvesting and log transport were outsourced and carried out by a subcontractor in 70% and 80% of the contracts respectively, whereas in the remaining contracts, they were carried out by the farm owners themselves. Most of the subcontractors were not formally hired with a signed contract. The workers of most contracts with timber harvesting carried out by farm owners were not formally hired and not qualified for the job. Great part of the workers used their own means of transport to the work place. Work accidents occurred in 16.3% of the contracts, with 60% of them taking place during timber harvesting and log transport by the farm owners. Most accidents took place in logging activities and causing injuries mainly to workers' inferior and superior limbs. The workers did not use personal protective equipment in 62.1% of the contracts with timber harvesting carried out by the farm owner and in 23% of outsourced contracts. It was verified lack of first aid materials and training to help injured workers during timber harvesting.

Este trabalho objetivou verificar a concentração do mercado internacional de madeira serrada, por meio dos índices de concentração e desigualdade de mercado e das estruturas de classificações de mercado. Utilizou-se como indicador a exportação de 154 diferentes nações nos anos de 1997 e 1999, sendo constatadas a alta concentração e desigualdade do mercado internacional de madeira serrada e a evolução desses parâmetros no período analisado.The objective of this study was to analyze the concentration of the international market of sawn wood. Concentration and market inequality indexes and structures of market classifications were used. The base of information was the exportation of 154 different nations in 1997 and 1999. A high concentration and inequality of the sawn wood international market and the evolution of these parameters in the analyzed period, was found.

Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar a viabilidade econômica da transformação de veículos de transporte florestal. Foram avaliadas duas situações: 1ª) carreta utilizada e retirada do processo após o fim de sua vida útil; 2ª) carreta utilizada, transformada em caminhão truck e, posteriormente, em caminhão toco. A equação diferencial foi utilizada para definir o momento ótimo das transformações. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que, no modelo sem transformação, obteve-se um tempo ótimo de utilização de nove anos, apresentando um Valor Anual Equivalente (VAE) de R$4.084,06. No modelo com transformação (carreta/truck/toco), obteve-se um (VAE) de R$10.555,04, indicando a viabilidade no sistema de transformação. Com base nos dados de custo e receita utilizados, a transformação (carreta/truck/toco) mostrou-se a melhor alternativa. Conclui-se que os modelos desenvolvidos permitem auxiliar a tomada de decisão referente à substituição de veículos de transporte.The objective of this work was to analyse the economic feasibility of the transformation of forest transport vehicles. Two situations were evaluated; in one the cart was used and removed after its useful lifetime, in the other one the cart is transformed in to truck and, finally, in to a two-wheeled cart. The differential equation was used to define the optimal time of the transformations. The results obtained showed that in the model without transformation an optimal time nine years used was defined, presenting an Equivalent Annual Value of R$4,084.06. In the model with transformation (cart/truck/two-wheeled cart), an Equivalent Annual Value of R$10,555.04 was obtained, indicating the viability of the transformation system. Based on data of costs and incomes used the transformation (cart/truck/two-wheeled cart) showed to be best alternative. It follows that the models developed showed to be suitable in supporting the decision making related to the replacement of transport vehicles.

O presente trabalho objetivou descrever, analisar e comparar a relação risco/retorno dos produtos madeira serrada, madeira aplainada, madeira laminada, compensado e pasta química de madeira em função do comportamento de seu preço, durante as três últimas décadas, com base na taxa geométrica de crescimento e na dispersão dos preços. De acordo com os resultados, concluiu-se que os únicos produtos que apresentaram relação favorável à captação de recursos durante essas três décadas foram madeira serrada e madeira aplainada.This work aimed to describe, analyze and to compare the relation risk and return of the forest products: sawn wood, planed wood, veneer, plywood and the chemical pulpwood, in function of the behavior of its price, during the three last decades with base in the geometric rate of growth and in the price dispersion. The results indicated that the only products that presented favorable relation to fund raising, during the three decades, were the sawn and planed wood.

This study was accomplished with the objective of esteeming the value of price of the ‘Gala’ apple in which the total revenue obtained with the commercialization would be maximum. From the demand equation it was possible to analyze the price elasticity and to make inferences on the ‘Gala’ apple commercialization in Brazil.Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de estimar o valor de preço da maçã ‘Gala’ no qual a receita total obtida com a comercialização seria máxima. A partir da equação de demanda foi possível analisar a elasticidade de preço e fazer inferências sobre a comercialização de maçã ‘Gala’ no Brasil.

Com este trabalho objetivou-se verificar a competitividade dos principais exportadores de madeira serrada, por meio da decomposição das variações nas exportações de madeira no período de 1997 a 1999. Foram analisados Brasil, Canadá, Estados Unidos, Finlândia e Suécia pelo modelo Constant Market Share. A aplicação de tal modelo possibilitou constatar que o aumento das exportações brasileiras no período se deve a fatores endógenos, ao contrário do que foi observado em relação às outras nações.

Multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) recording allows assessment of flow through the oesophagus and differentiation between liquid and gas contents. Existing MII criteria for recognition of gas gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) have not been validated during known gas GOR in humans. Aims: (i) Characterize MII patterns of known gas GOR and optimize criteria. (ii) Clarify interrelationships between magnitude of maximal impedance change, luminal diameter and electrode-mucosa contact. Ten healthy volunteers (six male, 21–37 years) were studied using an oesophageal MII-manometry catheter. After catheter placement, subjects were asked to drink 600 mL of carbonated soft drink. Recordings were made for 20 min and the protocol repeated. Reported belches confirmed manometrically (triggered by transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations) were included for analysis. Those episodes were compared against commonly used criteria. Another five subjects (three male, 26–52 years) underwent simultaneous MII and videofluoroscopy using the same protocol. Videofluoroscopic images were analyzed for luminal diameter and the presence of electrode–mucosa contact. All analyzed gas GOR episodes ( n = 88) were associated with a pattern of impedance rise which was either retrograde (62.5%), synchronous (19.3%) or antegrade (18.2%). Depending on the exact criteria used, sensitivity ranged from 33% to 75%. A multivariate regression model including luminal diameter and the presence of electrode-mucosa contact as independent factors accounted for 53% of all variation in impedance changes. In conclusion, a significant number of gas GOR episodes does not meet criteria for their recognition. New criteria are proposed to include specific antegrade patterns of impedance rise. Luminal diameter and the extent of contact between the oesophageal mucosa and MII-electrodes influence the magnitude and patterning of impedance change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objetivou-se, neste estudo, caracterizar a extração e analisar a viabilidade financeira do extrativismo da castanha-do-pará em três municípios da mesorregião Baixo Amazonas, Estado do Pará. Foram realizadas entrevistas com 40 extrativistas e nove atravessadores, selecionados em amostragem não probabilística e intencional. A viabilidade econômica foi estimada por meio de custo de extração, receita líquida (RL), remuneração da mão de obra familiar (RMOF) e renda do trabalho familiar (RTF). A RTF foi de R$ 2.419,56 (Almeirim), R$ 983,22 (Óbidos) e R$ 831,03 (Oriximiná). A RMOF da extração foi de R$ 24,69, R$ 23,98 e R$ 26,47, respectivamente, próxima ao custo de oportunidade evidenciado na região de estudo. A extração da castanha-do-pará apresentou-se financeiramente viável para os extrativistas, com a remuneração da mão de obra familiar igual ou superior ao custo de oportunidade da região, sendo mais uma fonte de renda para os comunitários da Amazônia, além de promover a conservação da floresta.

SUMMARY Objective and reliable evaluation of upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening during swallowing based on videofluoroscopy and pharyngeal manometry challenges dysphagia clinicians. The functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) is a portable tool based on impedance planimetry originally designed to measure esophogastric junction compliance. It is hypothesized that FLIP can evaluate UES distensibility, and can provide UES diameter and pressure measurements at rest, during swallowing, and during voluntary maneuvers. Eleven healthy adult subjects consented to FLIP evaluation. The probe was inserted transorally, and the balloon was positioned across the UES. Two 20-mL ramp distensions were completed. Changes in UES diameter and intraballoon pressure were measured during dry and 5-mL liquid swallows, and during voluntary swallow postures and maneuvers employed in clinical practice. The protocol was completed by 10 of 11 healthy subjects. Mean intraballoon pressure increased throughout 5-mL (5.8 mmHg; −4.5-18.6 mmHg), 10-mL (8.7 mmHg; 2.3-28.5 mmHg), 15-mL (17.3 mmHg; 9.5-34.8 mmHg), and 20-mL (31.2 mmHg; 16-46.3 mmHg) balloon volumes. Mean resting UES diameter (4.9 mm) increased during dry swallows (9.2 mm) and 5-mL liquid swallows (7.7 mm). Mean UES diameter increased during 5-mL liquid swallows with head turn to right (8.1 mm) and left (8.3 mm), chin tuck (8.4 mm), effortful swallow (8.5 mm), Mendelsohn maneuver (8.1 mm), and supraglottic swallow (7.8 mm). FLIP was safely inserted and distended in the UES, and provided useful quantitative data regarding UES distensibility and UES diameter changes during swallowing maneuvers. Further research is being conducted to explore the role of FLIP in UES evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]