Nanoscale physico-mechanical properties of an aging resistant ZTA composite.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the effects of aging on the nanomechanical properties and 3D surface topographical parameters of an experimental Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA) composite compared to its respective individual counterpart materials. METHODS: Disk-shaped specimens comprised of three material groups were processed: 1) ZTA 70/30 (70% alumina reinforced with 30% second-generation 3Y-TZP); 2) Zpex (Second-generation 3Y-TZP), and; 3) Al2O3 (High purity Alumina) (n = 10/material, 12 × 1 mm). After synthesis, ceramic powders were pressed, the green-body samples were sintered and polished. Nanoindentation testing was performed to record elastic modulus (E) and hardness (H). Interferometry was utilized to assess 3D surface roughness parameters (Sa, Sq), while X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) assessed the crystalline content and microstructure. All tests were performed before and after simulated aging (134°C, 2.2 bar, 20 h). Statistical analyses were performed using linear mixed-model and least square difference pos-hoc tests (α = 5%). RESULTS: XRD spectra indicated increase of monoclinic peaks for Zpex (~18%) relative to ZTA 70/30 (~2.5%) after aging. Additionally, aging did not affect the surface roughness parameters of ZTA 70/30 and Al2O3, although a significant increase in Sa was recorded for Zpex following aging (~90 nm) (p < 0.001). Al2O3 yielded the highest H and E values (H:21 GPa, E: 254 GPa), followed by ZTA 70/30 (H: 13 GPa, E: 214 GPa) and Zpex (H:11 GPa, E: 167 GPa), all significantly different (p < 0.03). CONCLUSION: ZTA 70/30 and Al2O3 presented high hydrothermal stability with respect to all evaluated variables, where artificial aging significantly increased the monoclinic content and surface roughness of Zpex.

Cambios en las indicaciones en la Unidad de Endoscopia Respiratoria del Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre en los últimos años / Changes in the type of bronchoscopies in last years in the endoscopy respiratory unit of university hospital 12 octubre

Los objetivos de este trabajo son estudiar y valorar si han existido cambios en las indicaciones de broncoscopia en la Unidad de Endoscopia Respiratoria (UER) del Hospital Universitario (H.U.) 12 de Octubre en los últimos años, puesto que se han observado cambios epidemiológicos en distintas patologías respiratorias y se han incorporado nuevas técnicas endoscópicas. Por otra parte y dado que el trasplante pulmonar se introdujo en este hospital en el año 2008, también hemos valorado las diferencias en cuanto a las indicaciones de broncoscopia entre los pacientes sometidos a trasplante frente al resto en un segundo periodo de tiempo. Para realizar el estudio se ha utilizado la base de datos de la Unidad de Endoscopia Respiratoria del H.U. 12 de Octubre. Se han comparado pacientes de dos periodos de tiempo similares de 5 años: 2003-2008 vs. 2013-2018. En este último grupo se han valorado las diferencias entre los pacientes con trasplante pulmonar frente al resto. En los últimos cinco años se ha observado un mayor requerimiento de técnicas diagnósticas más complejas, una utilización mayoritaria de la sedación y un mayor número de pacientes en régimen hospitalario. Los pacientes con trasplante pulmonar tienen mayor necesidad de exploraciones urgentes y en régimen hospitalario, con mayor requerimiento de técnicas como la biopsia transbronquial y el lavado broncoalveolar. Por tanto como conclusión podemos decir que se han producido cambios en las indicaciones con una mayor complejidad en los últimos cinco años (AU)

Since epidemiologic changes regarding bronchogenic carcinoma had been related and new endoscopic techniques are available, one of the objectives of this study is evaluate the changes in bronchoscopy indications in the Unity of Respiratory Endoscopy of the H.U. 12 de Octubre. On the other hand, since lung transplantation has been introduced in H.U. 12 de Octubre in 2008, another objective is evaluate the differences related to bronchoscopy indication between patients with lung transplantation and not. We have used the database from the Unity of Respiratory Endoscopy of the H.U. 12 de Octubre. We have compared patients from two different periods: 2003-2008 (Period 1) and 2013-2018 (Period 2). We have also evaluated the differences between lung transplantation and not during period 2. Along the last five years we have related the following changes: a larger requirement of diagnostic techniques (TBP, BAL), a main use of sedation and a larger number of patients under hospital admission. As a conclusion, the bronchoscopy has become more complex. Patients with lung transplantation have more necessity of urgent examination under hospital admission and a larger request of specific techniques such as transbronchial biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage. Therefore, this patients had entailed changes in the complexity if the bronchoscopy techniques in the last five years (AU)

SAFIIRA: A heavy-ion multi-purpose irradiation facility in Brazil.

This work describes the new facility for applied nuclear physics at the University of Sao Paulo, mainly for irradiation of electronic devices. It is a setup composed of a quadrupole doublet for beam focusing/defocusing plus multiple scattering through gold foils to produce low intensity, large-area, and high-uniformity heavy-ion beams from 1H to 107Ag. Beam intensities can be easily adjusted from 102 particles cm2/s to hundreds of nA for an area as large as 2.0 cm2 and uniformity better than 90%. Its irradiation chamber has a high-precision motorized stage, and the system is controlled by a LabViewTM environment, allowing measurement automation. Design considerations and examples of use are presented.

Ingredientes de um prato exótico: saúde e alimentação em pauta no primeiro Congresso Médico Amazônico (Belém, 1939) / Ingredients for an exotic dish: health and diet on the agenda of the first Amazonian Medical Congress (Belém, 1939)

Resumo O artigo apresenta o contexto de organização e realização do primeiro Congresso Médico Amazônico, ocorrido na cidade de Belém, em agosto de 1939. Inserido na tradição da divulgação científica de seu tempo, o evento reuniu parte das elites médicas da região e contou com a participação de convidados reconhecidos nacional e internacionalmente, entre eles Josué de Castro e Dante Costa. Tendo como principais fontes os materiais impressos produzidos pelo congresso e as notícias veiculadas nos jornais paraenses, este texto examina a concentração de debates sobre as carências alimentares da Amazônia observando a compreensão acadêmica e política das faces do fenômeno para a região.

Abstract The context in which the first Amazonian Medical Congress was organized and held in Belém, Brazil, in August 1939, is presented. Within the tradition of scientific communication of its time, the event brought together some of the region's medical elites and also had nationally and internationally renowned guest participants, including Josué de Castro and Dante Costa. Taking the printed matter produced by the congress and news stories printed in the local press as its main sources, this study examines the accompanying debates on dietary deficiencies in the Amazon, observing academic and political understandings of the different aspects of the phenomenon for the region.

OliveCan: A Process-Based Model of Development, Growth and Yield of Olive Orchards.

Several simulation models of the olive crop have been formulated so far, but none of them is capable of analyzing the impact of environmental conditions and management practices on water relations, growth and productivity under both well-irrigated and water-limiting irrigation strategies. This paper presents and tests OliveCan, a process-oriented model conceived for those purposes. In short, OliveCan is composed of three main model components simulating the principal elements of the water and carbon balances of olive orchards and the impacts of some management operations. To assess its predictive power, OliveCan was tested against independent data collected in two 3-year field experiments conducted in Córdoba, Spain, each of them applying different irrigation treatments. An acceptable level of agreement was found between measured and simulated values of seasonal evapotranspiration (ET, range 393 to 1016 mm year-1; RMSE of 89 mm year-1), daily transpiration (Ep, range 0.14-3.63 mm d-1; RMSE of 0.32 mm d-1) and oil yield (Yoil, range 13-357 g m-2; RMSE of 63 g m-2). Finally, knowledge gaps identified during the formulation of the model and further testing needs are discussed, highlighting that there is additional room for improving its robustness. It is concluded that OliveCan has a strong potential as a simulation platform for a variety of research applications.

Defining sepsis on the wards: results of a multi-centre point-prevalence study comparing two sepsis definitions.

Our aim was to prospectively determine the predictive capabilities of SEPSIS-1 and SEPSIS-3 definitions in the emergency departments and general wards. Patients with National Early Warning Score (NEWS) of 3 or above and suspected or proven infection were enrolled over a 24-h period in 13 Welsh hospitals. The primary outcome measure was mortality within 30 days. Out of the 5422 patients screened, 431 fulfilled inclusion criteria and 380 (88%) were recruited. Using the SEPSIS-1 definition, 212 patients had sepsis. When using the SEPSIS-3 definitions with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score ≥ 2, there were 272 septic patients, whereas with quickSOFA score ≥ 2, 50 patients were identified. For the prediction of primary outcome, SEPSIS-1 criteria had a sensitivity (95%CI) of 65% (54-75%) and specificity of 47% (41-53%); SEPSIS-3 criteria had a sensitivity of 86% (76-92%) and specificity of 32% (27-38%). SEPSIS-3 and SEPSIS-1 definitions were associated with a hazard ratio (95%CI) 2.7 (1.5-5.6) and 1.6 (1.3-2.5), respectively. Scoring system discrimination evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves was highest for Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (0.69 (95%CI 0.63-0.76)), followed by NEWS (0.58 (0.51-0.66)) (p < 0.001). Systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria (0.55 (0.49-0.61)) and quickSOFA score (0.56 (0.49-0.64)) could not predict outcome. The SEPSIS-3 definition identified patients with the highest risk. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and NEWS were better predictors of poor outcome. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score appeared to be the best tool for identifying patients with high risk of death and sepsis-induced organ dysfunction.

Correction to: Abstracts : 29th European Congress of Pathology.

In Poster Sessions, the first-author name was missing from the authorship group originally listed for Abstract PS-01-004 (page S52), entitled "Clinicopathological features of microinvasive breast cancer". The correct authorship group is shown above.

Microglia-glioblastoma interactions: New role for Wnt signaling.

Glioblastoma, the most aggressive and fatal type of brain tumor, is capable of interacting with brain immune cells such as microglia, which contributes to the growth of these tumors. Various molecules, including growth factors and cytokines, have been identified as regulators of microglia-glioblastoma interaction. Recent studies suggest that the Wnt family of lipoglycoproteins plays an important role, not only in biological events during development, but also in cancer progression, and can be part of microglia recruitment to glioblastoma as well as of tumor growth and invasion. Here, we discuss recent interesting findings that support a role for Wnt signaling pathways in the microglia-glioblastoma crosstalk.

Modalidades de imagen en la evaluación de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal / Imaging techniques in the evaluation of inflammatory bowel disease

La enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal es una patología crónica, con una incidencia cada vez mayor. Dentro de este grupo de afecciones, la enfermedad de Crohn y la colitis ulcerosa son las más frecuentes. La enterografía por tomografía computada (ETC) y por resonancia magnética (ERM) son las modalidades de elección para la evaluación y seguimiento de la entidad, permitiendo examinar la apariencia de la mucosa, la pared intestinal, las manifestaciones extraintestinales y las complicaciones asociadas. La elección del estudio debe hacerse de acuerdo con la condición clínica de cada paciente

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition with increasing incidence. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the most common pathologies. Computed tomography (CT) enterography and magnetic resonance (MR) enterography are the methods of choice for evaluating and monitoring this entity, assessing the appearance of intestinal wall, mucosa, extra-intestinal manifestations, and associated complications. The preferred imaging methods must be selected according to the clinical conditions of the patient

The concept of meaning: the key to clarify the human cognition and psychopathology.

Meaning is a concept which is discussed everywhere. Besides being a common word, it is relevant for cognitive and linguistic studies. Nevertheless, translation problems and the specific definition of similar concepts by different disciplines hamper the discussion. In this paper, the authors discard some popular ideas about meaning (as being an image, an object or the relationship between signs), and highlights its relation with intentions, and the new concept of "embodied meaning". Following a suggestion by Timothy Crow, who studied schizophrenia and brain lateralization, the authors conclude that the right hemisphere (in right handed people) processes intentions and meanings, whereas the left hemisphere processes the signifier part of signs, including words, and their relationship to each other (the sense). This vision can elucidate some problems of Psychopathology and Philosophy of Mind.

Porcentagem de proteína em suplementos para ovinos mantidos em pasto de capim-aruana na época seca / Protein percentage in supplements for sheep grazing Aruana grass on dry season

Objetivou-se avaliar o consumo de forragem e o desempenho de ovinos mantidos em pastagem de capim-aruana, submetidos a porcentagens crescentes de proteína bruta (PB) no suplemento, na época seca. Vinte borregos da raça Santa Inês foram utilizados em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os suplementos foram fornecidos em 1,0% do peso corporal, nas porcentagens de 0, 15, 20, 25 e 30%. O aumento de proteína bruta influenciou o consumo total de matéria seca (kg/dia) e a porcentagem do peso vivo, com valores máximos estimados de 1.296g (3,2% de MS) com 21,48 e 21,89% de PB no suplemento, respectivamente. O consumo de forragem máximo, estimado de 893g/dia, ocorreu com a PB de 21,5%. O aumento de PB nos suplementos resultou em efeito quadrático sobre o ganho médio diário, com valor máximo de 104g/dia com a PB de 23% no suplemento. Recomenda-se o uso de suplementos múltiplos com 21 a 23% de PB fornecidos na proporção de 1% do peso corporal (PC) para ovinos mantidos em pastos de capim-aruana na época seca...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the forage intake and grazing sheep performance keep on Aruana grass subjected to increasing crude protein (CP) levels in the supplement on dry season. Twenty Santa Ines male lambs were used, with initial body weight of 31.80kg by a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications. The supplements were provided daily at 1% of body weight, with protein levels of 0, 15, 20, 25 and 30%. The increase of the crude protein levels promoted a squarely effect on dry matter intake (kg/day and % of BW), with maximum estimated values of 1296g and 3.2% of DM in CP levels of 21.48 and 21.89, respectively. The maximum forage intake estimated of 893g/day occurred in CP level de 21.51%. The increased of crude protein level in supplements increased squarely the average daily gain, with a maximum of 104g/day, for the 23% crude protein in the supplement. Thus, the use of the multiple supplements supplied in 1% of body weight with CP levels ranged 21 a 23% is indicated for sheep grazing Aruana grass on dry season...

Tourette's syndrome and associated disorders: a systematic review / Cruzamento de patologias na síndrome de Tourette: uma revisão sistemática

Objective: To compile data on Tourette's syndrome (TS), tics and associated disorders. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the 5S levels of organization of healthcare research evidence (systems, summaries, synopses, syntheses, studies), based on the model described by Haynes. The search keywords were Tourette, tics and comorbidity, which were cross-referenced. Studies provided by publishers and articles being processed on July 31, 2013, were also included. Results: Of all studies retrieved during the search, 64 were selected because they analyzed the epidemiology, clinical features and etiopathogenesis of TS and its comorbidities. TS is classified as a hyperkinetic movement disorder, and at least 90% of the patients have neuropsychiatric comorbidities, of which attention deficit hyperactivity and obsessive-compulsive disorders are the most common. The syndrome is clinically heterogeneous and has been associated with a dysfunction of cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical circuits involving various neurotransmitters. Although its genetic etiology has been widely studied, other factors may be important to understand this syndrome and its associated disorders. Conclusions: TS is a neurodevelopmental disorder that results from the impact of stress factors on a vulnerable biological substrate during the critical periods of neurodevelopment. The study of TS and its comorbidities may contribute, at different levels, to the understanding of several neuropsychiatric disorders of clinical and therapeutic relevance (AU)

Objetivo: Compilar o conhecimento existente sobre a síndrome de Tourette (ST), tiques e patologias associadas. Metodologia: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura usando os níveis 5S (sistemas, sumários, sinopses, sínteses e estudos) de organização de evidência de pesquisa em saúde, com base no modelo proposto por Haynes. Os termos de busca foram Tourette, tiques e comorbidades, completados por pesquisa por referência cruzada. Os artigos fornecidos pelos editores e aqueles a serem processados para publicação em 31 de julho de 2013 também foram incluídos. Resultados: De todos os artigos encontrados durante a pesquisa, 64 foram selecionados porque analisavam a epidemiologia, as características clínicas e a etiopatogenia da ST. A ST define-se como um distúrbio hipercinético do movimento, e pelo menos 90% dos pacientes apresentam comorbidades neuropsiquiátricas, das quais as mais comuns são a perturbação de déficit de atenção com hiperatividade e a perturbação obsessivo- -compulsiva. Esta síndrome é clinicamente heterogênea e tem sido relacionada com a disfunção dos circuitos córtico-estriado- -tálamo-corticais envolvendo vários neurotransmissores. Apesar de sua etiologia genética ter sido amplamente estudada, outros fatores podem ser importantes para entender esta síndrome e as perturbações relacionadas. Conclusões: A ST resulta de uma perturbação do desenvolvimento neurológico causado pelo impacto de fatores de estresse num substrato biológico vulnerável durante os períodos críticos do desenvolvimento neurológico. O estudo da ST e das suas comorbidades poderá contribuir, em diferentes níveis, para o entendimento de várias perturbações neuropsiquiátricas com relevância clínica e terapêutica (AU)

Polymorphisms of genes encoding P2X7R, IL-1B, OPG and RANK in orthodontic-induced apical root resorption.

OBJECTIVE: Orthodontic-induced external apical root resorption (EARR) is a complex phenotype determined by poorly defined mechanical and patient intrinsic factors. The aim of this work was to construct a multifactorial integrative model, including clinical and genetic susceptibility factors, to analyze the risk of developing this common orthodontic complication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 195 orthodontic patients. Using a multiple-linear regression model, where the dependent variable was the maximum% of root resorption (%EARRmax) for each patient, we assessed the contribution of nine clinical variables and four polymorphisms of genes involved in bone and tooth root remodeling (rs1718119 from P2RX7, rs1143634 from IL1B, rs3102735 from TNFRSF11B, encoding OPG, and rs1805034 from TNFRSF11A, encoding RANK). RESULTS: Clinical and genetic variables explained 30% of%EARRmax variability. The variables with the most significant unique contribution to the model were: gender (P < 0.05), treatment duration (P < 0.001), premolar extractions (P < 0.01), Hyrax appliance (P < 0.001) and GG genotype of rs1718119 from P2RX7 gene (P < 0.01). Age, overjet, tongue thrust, skeletal class II and the other polymorphisms made minor contributions. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the P2RX7 gene as a possible factor of susceptibility to EARR. A more extensive genetic profile may improve this model.