Monteiro MLR, Gonçalves ACP, Silva CTM, Moura JP, Ribeiro CS, Gebrim EMMS. Diagnostic ability of Barrett's index to detect dysthyroid optic neuropathy using multidetector computed tomography. Clinics. 2008;63:301-6. OBJECTIVES:The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of a muscular index (Barrett's Index), calculated with multidetector computed tomography, to detect dysthyroid optic neuropathy in patients with Graves' orbitopathy. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with Graves' orbitopathy were prospectively studied and submitted to neuro-ophthalmic evaluation and multidetector computed tomography scans of the orbits. Orbits were divided into two groups: those with and without dysthyroid optic neuropathy. Barrett's index was calculated as the percentage of the orbit occupied by muscles. Sensitivity and specificity were determined for several index values. RESULTS: Sixty-four orbits (19 with and 45 without dysthyroid optic neuropathy) met the inclusion criteria for the study. The mean Barrett's index values (± SD) were 64.47% ± 6.06% and 49.44% ± 10.94% in the groups with and without dysthyroid optic neuropathy, respectively (p<0.001). Barrett's index sensitivity ranged from 32% to 100%, and Barrett's index specificity ranged from 24% to 100%. The best combination of sensitivity and specificity was 79%/72% for BI=60% (odds ratio: 9.2). CONCLUSIONS: Barrett's Index is a useful indicator of dysthyroid optic neuropathy and may contribute to early diagnosis and treatment. Patients with a Barrett's index ≥60% should be carefully examined and followed for the development of dysthyroid optic neuropathy.

SUMMARYThe use of diets with increasing proportions of concentrate to fibre can ensure appropriate energy levels and result in greater efficiency in Nellore feedlot steers. It was hypothesized that higher proportions of concentrate in the diet of these Nellore steers may affect ruminal fermentation and microbiota as a consequence of ruminal pH reduction. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of diets with four different roughage (hay Tifton 85) : concentrate ratios on intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation and rumen microbiota of Nellore feedlot steers. Higher proportions of concentrate in the diet did not affect intake and digestibility of dry and organic matter. The concentration of N-NH3, total rumen volatile fatty acid, acetic (C2), butyric (C4), isobutyric, valeric and isovaleric acids, and microbial nitrogen did not differ among diets. However, increasing proportions of concentrate in the diet resulted in a linear reduction in average rumen pH and increased propionic acid (C3) concentration, resulting in lower relative C2 : C3. Bacterial population of Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococus flavefaciens and Ruminococcus albus decreased in the rumen. However, bacteria that are consumers of lactic acid (Selenomonas ruminantium and Megasphaera elsdenii) and producers of lactic acid (Lactobacillus sp. and Streptococcus bovis) increased when animals were fed with high-concentrate diets. The total number of protozoa was similar for the different roughage : concentrate ratios. Protozoan counts were only influenced by diet for the genus Dasytricha. The findings point to diets with increasing concentrate to Tifton 85 hay ratios as inhibiting the growth of some cellulolytic bacteria and reducing fibre digestibility, and indicate Tifton 85 hay as a possible modulated rumen fermentation in the Nellore steer feedlot.

resumoA cidade de Viçosa -MG possui uma considerável população de baixa renda, ocupando áreas de risco sócio-ambiental, cujas condições de moradia, renda, higiene e habitabilidade são bastante precárias. O presente projeto, Habitat -Oficina de capacitação para construção civil em Viçosa -MG, surgiu para complementar os trabalhos do projeto Habitat -Ação imediata, o qual abrange toda a área urbana do município e consiste em dar orientação as famílias que recebem doação de materiais de construção pelo "Programa de Melhoria Habitacional" desenvolvido pela Secretaria Municipal de Assistência Social da Prefeitura Municipal. O projeto ministra curso de capacitação em construção civil direcionados para pedreiros e serventes com pouca ou nenhuma