Induction and detection of pressure waves by pulsed thermal lens technique in water-ethanol mixtures.

The mode-mismatched dual-beam thermal lens technique is widely applied in the characterization of optical and thermo-physical properties of solids and liquids. The technique has also been used to investigate transient acoustic waves induced by pulsed laser excitation at the nanosecond time scale. In this paper, we developed a semi-analytical model to describe the transient acoustic wave that allows a fitting procedure to get the physical properties of fluid samples. The method was used to investigate samples with different mixtures of ethanol and water, and quantitative information of piezo-optic coefficient and sound speed are evaluated for the fluid mixtures.

Uso de aplicativos digitais móveis e sua integração em cirurgia plástica / Use of digital mobile applications and their integration in plastic surgery

Introdução: No ambiente de novas tecnologias digitais em saúde, muitos paradigmas estão sendo rompidos e a abertura para obter novos conhecimentos permite ao cirurgião plástico usá-las na sua prática profissional. O presente artigo propõese a analisar a utilização de aplicativos digitais móveis, por pacientes e profissionais, visando entender a importância e o reconhecimento desse tipo de tecnologia no sentido de proporcionar maior qualidade e segurança nos atendimentos médicos, especificamente para atendimentos eletivos da especialidade cirurgia plástica. Métodos: Foram realizadas duas análises, em paralelo, de maneira retrospectiva e descritiva: 1) das conversas realizadas através de um aplicativo móvel de mensagens instantâneas no canal de comunicação destinado ao acompanhamento de pacientes submetidos a cirurgias em uma clínica privada de cirurgia plástica; (2) da utilização de tecnologias digitais em cirurgia plástica, através da análise das respostas de um questionário de pesquisa enviado aos profissionais dessa especialidade. Resultados: Na amostra obtida (n=61), registrou-se a média mensal de 122 conversas no pós-operatório. Em pesquisa de satisfação, os pacientes consideraram útil ter um meio de comunicação através de aplicativo de celular diretamente com a clínica. Somente 4,1% dos profissionais que participaram da pesquisa dispunham de um aplicativo próprio da sua clínica. Conclusão: A percepção da importância da tecnologia na assistência dos pacientes, a necessidade de atender os requerimentos da população e a possibilidade de proporcionar um acompanhamento mais abrangente, de forma confiável, fornecem embasamento para validar novos recursos de tecnologia, aplicativos móveis com recursos específicos no atendimento de cirurgia plástica.

Introduction: In the environment of new digital health technologies, many paradigms are being broken, and the opening to obtain further knowledge allows the plastic surgeon to use them in their professional practice. This article aims to analyze the use of digital mobile applications by patients and professionals. The purpose is to understand the importance and recognition of this type of technology to provide more quality and safety in medical care, specifically for elective care in the plastic surgery specialty. Methods: Two analysis were carried out, in parallel, in a retrospective and descriptive manner: 1) of the conversations carried out through a mobile instant messaging application on the communication channel for monitoring patients undergoing surgery in a private plastic surgery clinic; (2) of the use of digital technologies in plastic surgery, through the analysis of the responses to a research questionnaire sent to professionals in this specialty. Results: In the sample obtained (n = 61), the monthly average of 122 conversations in the postoperative period was recorded. In a satisfaction survey, patients found it useful to communicate through a mobile application directly with the clinic. Only 4.1% of the professionals who participated in the research had their own clinic application. Conclusion: The perception of the importance of technology in patient care, the need to meet the population's requirements, and the possibility of providing more comprehensive monitoring reliably offer the basis for validating new technology resources and mobile applications with specific resources in plastic surgery care.

Nanosecond pressure transient detection of laser-induced thermal lens.

We use the thermal lens technique in the nanosecond time scale to describe the acoustic wave effect in liquids and the corresponding correlation with the speed of sound in the fluid, volumetric thermal expansion, and piezo-optic coefficient. These physical properties are found to be directly correlated to the anomalous effects observed in the transients at the nanosecond time scale, where acoustic waves dominate the thermal lens signal inducing an oscillating transient. Our results suggest the application of the thermal lens to study the generation and the detection of thermo-acoustic waves in liquids, which makes this method interesting for all-optoacoustic ultrasound detection and imaging.

Mamoplastia secundária com ressecção em monobloco e neoposicionamento do implante no espaço retropeitoral parcial / Secondary mammaplasty with monobloc resection and implant repositioning in the partial retropectoral pocket

Introdução: As cirurgias de aumento de mamas com implantes de silicone estão entre os procedimentos de cirurgia plástica mais realizados. O objetivo desse estudo é avaliar os casos de pacientes com prótese de silicone, submetidas à mamoplastia secundária, apresentando uma alternativa de abordagem com ressecção em monobloco do tecido mamário, cápsula fibrosa e prótese de silicone; e o neoposicionamento do implante em loja retromuscular peitoral parcial. Métodos: Foram analisados 24 casos de mamoplastia secundária com neoposicionamento da prótese, apresentando os motivos da indicação da cirurgia e o detalhamento da abordagem cirúrgica para maior facilidade na execução do procedimento e a obtenção de resultados mais satisfatórios. Resultados: Todos os casos operados apresentavam alterações no exame físico das mamas, como: ptose mamária contratura capsular, posicionamento inadequado dos implantes e assimetrias mamárias. Nos casos estudados, as próteses com revestimento de poliuretano e sua completa adesão à cápsula fibrosa permitiram a ressecção mais prática, mesmo com variáveis graus de contratura capsular. As cápsulas fibrosas que envolviam implantes texturizados tinham características mais finas e a instabilidade das próteses, pela presença de seroma residual ou pelo excessivo tamanho da loja da prótese, desencadearam maior dificuldade na ressecção. Conclusão: A realização de mamoplastia secundária com troca de prótese, empregando a ressecção em monobloco e neoposicionamento do implante no espaço retromuscular peitoral parcial com suturas do músculo ao tecido mamário, oferece uma alternativa para otimizar o procedimento, maior estabilidade do músculo até completa cicatrização e a formação de nova cápsula fibrosa.

Introduction: Breast augmentation with silicone implants is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. The objective of this study was to evaluate patients with previous silicone implantations undergoing secondary mammaplasty, presenting an alternative approach with en block resection of breast tissue, fibrous capsule, and silicone implant, followed by implant repositioning in the partial retropectoral pocket. Methods: This study included 24 cases of secondary mammaplasty with implant repositioning. It presents the indications for surgery and details the surgical approach for easier procedures and more satisfactory results. Results: All the included cases presented breast changes on physical examination, such as breast ptosis, capsular contracture, improper implant position, and breast asymmetry. In the studied cases, the use of polyurethane-coated implants and their complete adherence to the fibrous capsule resulted in a more practical resection even with varying degrees of capsular contracture. Fibrous capsules of textured implants were thinner, and implant instability due to the presence of residual seroma or pockets bigger than necessary resulted in more difficult resection. Conclusion: Secondary mammaplasty with en bloc resection, along with implant replacement and repositioning in the partial retropectoral pocket with sutures involving muscle and breast tissue is an alternative to optimize the procedure, providing greater muscle stability until complete healing and new fibrous capsule formation.

From Protohypericin to Hypericin: Photoconversion Analysis Using a Time-Resolved Thermal Lens Technique.

Hypericin (Hyp) is a natural compound with interesting photophysical and pharmacological properties, which has been used in photodynamic therapy and photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms. Its synthesis is based on a series of chemical processes that ends with a light-drug interaction by the photoconversion of protohypericin (pHyp) to Hyp. Although this photosensitizer is used in a variety of medical applications, the photophysical and photochemical mechanisms involved in the final step related to the photo production of Hyp are not completely understood at the molecular level. Protohypericin concentration, solvents, light irradiation under different wavelengths, and a sort of variables could play an important role in predicting the yielding of this photoconversion process. Here, we used the high-sensitive and remote measurement characteristics of the time-resolved thermal lens technique to investigate the relation between the light-induced photoconversion rate of pHyp to Hyp and the initial concentration pHyp. The results show a linear dependence of the photoreaction rate with the concentration of pHyp, indicating that the overall reaction process includes steps comprising the formation of distinct intermediate species. We demonstrate the applicability of the thermal lens technique for the photochemical characterization of photosensitive drugs at low concentration levels.

Identification of Cryptosporidium bat genotypes XVI-XVIII in bats from Brazil.

Cryptosporidiosis is an emergent zoonotic disease caused by the globally distributed protozoa Cryptosporidium spp. Although several Cryptosporidium studies related to humans and many animal species have been published, there are still limited studies on the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium infection in bats. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. and to perform the molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in fecal samples from bats in an urban area of the municipality of Araçatuba, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA, actin, and HSP-70 genes was performed to screen 141 fecal samples from bats and detected Cryptosporidium spp. in 16.3% (23/141) of the samples. Bidirectional sequencing identified three novel Cryptosporidium bat genotypes (XVI, XVII, and XVIII) and a new genotype (18SH) genetically similar to Cryptosporidium avium in six species of bats. This is the first report on the occurrence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in Brazilian bats. Zoonotic Cryptosporidium species were not found in fecal samples from bats living in an urban area in the municipality of Araçatuba, state of São Paulo, Brazil.

Detection and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in captive canaries (Serinus canaria) using different diagnostic methods.

This study used several diagnostic methods to examine the occurrence of and molecularly characterize Cryptosporidium spp. in captive canaries (Serinus canaria) in southern and southeastern Brazil. A total of 498 fecal samples were purified by centrifugal-flotation using Sheather's solution. Cryptosporidium spp. diagnosis was performed using three diagnostic methods: malachite green negative staining, nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene, followed by sequencing the amplified fragments, and duplex real-time PCR targeting the 18S rRNA specific to detect Cryptosporidium galli and Cryptosporidium avian genotype III. The overall positivity for Cryptosporidium spp. (total samples positive in at least one protocol) from the microscopic analysis, nested PCR and duplex real-time PCR protocol results was 13.3% (66/498). The positivity rates were 2.0% (10/498) and 4.6% (23/498) for Cryptosporidium spp. by microscopy and nested PCR, respectively. Sequencing of 20 samples amplified by nested PCR identified C. galli (3.0%; 15/498), Cryptosporidium avian genotype I (0.8%; 4/498) and Cryptosporidium avium (0.2%; 1/498). Duplex real-time PCR revealed a positivity of 7.8% (39/498) for C. galli and 2.4% (12/498) for avian genotype III. Malachite green negative staining differed significantly from nested PCR in detecting Cryptosporidium spp. Duplex real-time PCR was more sensitive than nested PCR/sequencing for detecting gastric Cryptosporidium in canaries.

Detection and characterization of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in three chicken production systems in Brazil using different molecular diagnosis protocols.

The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in domestic chickens raised in different chicken production systems in Brazil using three nested PCR protocols. The purification and concentration of oocysts present in 190 fecal samples from chickens raised in extensive, semi-intensive and intensive production systems were accomplished by centrifugal flotation in Sheather's solution and were followed by the extraction of genomic DNA. The detection and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes were performed using three nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) protocols targeting the 18S rRNA gene followed by sequencing of the amplified fragments. Subgenotyping of C. meleagridis was performed using a nested PCR reaction targeting the gp60 gene. Sample identified as Cryptosporidium sp. genetically similar to Cryptosporidium xiaoi and Cryptosporidium bovis by 18S rRNA gene sequencing were further analyzed by nested PCR targeting the actin gene and subsequent sequencing of the amplified fragment. Positive amplification for Cryptosporidium spp. was observed in 12.6% (24/190) of the samples, including C. baileyi (9.8%; 18/190), C. meleagridis (0.5%, 1/190), C. parvum (2.1%; 4/190) and Cryptosporidium sp. (0.5%; 1/190). Subgenotyping of C. meleagridis revealed the presence of the zoonotic subtype IIIgA23G3R1. Sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene and the actin gene fragments revealed a Cryptosporidium genotype in an extensive poultry system genetically related to C. xiaoi and C. bovis. There was no significant difference in the frequency of positive results obtained by the three nested PCR protocols (p > 0.05); additionally, the agreement obtained by Kappa index ranged from substantial (0.70) to almost perfect (0.9).

Detection and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in captive canaries (Serinus canaria) using different diagnostic methods / Detecção e caracterização molecular de Cryptosporidium spp. em canários mantidos em cativeiro (Serinus canaria) por diferentes métodos de diagnóstico

Abstract This study used several diagnostic methods to examine the occurrence of and molecularly characterize Cryptosporidium spp. in captive canaries (Serinus canaria) in southern and southeastern Brazil. A total of 498 fecal samples were purified by centrifugal-flotation using Sheather's solution. Cryptosporidium spp. diagnosis was performed using three diagnostic methods: malachite green negative staining, nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene, followed by sequencing the amplified fragments, and duplex real-time PCR targeting the 18S rRNA specific to detect Cryptosporidium galli and Cryptosporidium avian genotype III. The overall positivity for Cryptosporidium spp. (total samples positive in at least one protocol) from the microscopic analysis, nested PCR and duplex real-time PCR protocol results was 13.3% (66/498). The positivity rates were 2.0% (10/498) and 4.6% (23/498) for Cryptosporidium spp. by microscopy and nested PCR, respectively. Sequencing of 20 samples amplified by nested PCR identified C. galli (3.0%; 15/498), Cryptosporidium avian genotype I (0.8%; 4/498) and Cryptosporidium avium (0.2%; 1/498). Duplex real-time PCR revealed a positivity of 7.8% (39/498) for C. galli and 2.4% (12/498) for avian genotype III. Malachite green negative staining differed significantly from nested PCR in detecting Cryptosporidium spp. Duplex real-time PCR was more sensitive than nested PCR/sequencing for detecting gastric Cryptosporidium in canaries.

Resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivos determinar a ocorrência e realizar a caracterização molecular de Cryptosporidium spp. em 498 amostras fecais de canários (Serinus canaria) criados em cativeiro, utilizando três métodos de diagnóstico: análise microscópica pela coloração negativa com verde malaquita, nested PCR seguida de sequenciamento dos fragmentos amplificados e PCR duplex em tempo real específica para detecção de Cryptosporidium galli e Cryptosporidium genótipo III de aves. A positividade total para Cryptosporidium spp. (total de amostras positivas em pelo menos um método de diagnóstico) obtida pela análise microscópica, nested PCR e PCR duplex em tempo real foi de 13,3% (66/498). As taxas de positividade para Cryptosporidium spp. foram 2,0% (10/498) e 4,6% (23/498) por microscopia e nested PCR, respectivamente. O sequenciamento de 20 amostras amplificadas pela nested PCR identificou C. galli (3,0%; 15/498), Cryptosporidium genótipo I de aves (0,8%; 4/498) e Cryptosporidium avium (0,2%; 1/498). A PCR duplex em tempo real revelou positividade de 7,8% (39/498) para C. galli e 2,4% (12/498) para Cryptosporidium genótipo III de aves. A análise microscópica diferiu significativamente da nested PCR para detecção de Cryptosporidium spp. A PCR duplex em tempo real apresentou maior sensibilidade que a nested PCR/sequenciamento para detectar as espécies/genótipos gástricos de Cryptosporidium.

Cryptosporidium spp. in caged exotic psittacines from Brazil: Evaluation of diagnostic methods and molecular characterization.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of and diagnostic methods for Cryptosporidium spp. in caged adult exotic parrots from Southern and Southeastern Brazil. Oocysts were purified from fecal samples from 463 psittacines by centrifugal-flotation in Sheather's sugar solution. Cryptosporidium spp. were detected by malachite green negative staining and nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Cryptosporidium species were identified by sequencing nested PCR amplicons. Samples were also tested by duplex real-time PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium galli and Cryptosporidium avian genotype III. The prevalence rates of Cryptosporidium spp. determined by microscopy and nested PCR were 3.0% (14/463) and 5.0% (23/463), respectively. The nested PCR/sequencing identified avian genotype III (1.7%; 8/463), Cryptosporidium parvum (0.9%; 4/463) and Cryptosporidium canis (0.2%; 1/463). Duplex real-time PCR was positive for gastric Cryptosporidium in 9.5% (44/463) of the samples. Among them, 1.9% (9/463) were positive for C. galli, 5.8% (27/463) were positive for avian genotype III and 1.7% (8/463) showed mixed infections with C. galli and avian genotype III. With regards to the positive detection of Cryptosporidium spp., there was no statistically significant difference between nested PCR and microscopic analysis (p = .1237), and a fair agreement existed between them (Kappa = 0.242). A statistically significant difference (p < .0001) and fair agreement (Kappa = 0.317) were obtained between nested PCR/sequencing and duplex real-time PCR for the detection of gastric Cryptosporidium. We determined that nested PCR and duplex real-time PCR are the best options for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and gastric Cryptosporidium, respectively, and that avian genotype III is the most common Cryptosporidium genotype/species in psittacines.

Benefits of Regular Exercise on Inflammatory and Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Normal Weight, Overweight and Obese Adults.

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that increases the risk of several well-known co-morbidities. There is a complicated relationship between adipokines and low-grade inflammation in obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Physical activity practices have beneficial health effects on obesity and related disorders such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. We investigated the effects of 6 and 12 months of moderate physical training on the levels of adipokines and CVD markers in normal weight, overweight and obese volunteers. The 143 participants were followed up at baseline and after six and twelfth months of moderate regular exercise, 2 times a week, for 12 months. The volunteers were distributed into 3 groups: Normal Weight Group (NWG,), Overweight Group (OVG) and Obese Group (OBG). We evaluated blood pressure, resting heart rate, anthropometric parameters, body composition, fitness capacity (VO2max and isometric back strength), cardiovascular markers (CRP, total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c, homocysteine) and adipokine levels (leptin, adiponectin, resistin, IL-6 and TNF-alpha). There were no significant changes in anthropometric parameters and body composition in any of the groups following 6 and 12 months of exercise training. Leptin, IL-6 levels and systolic blood pressure were significantly elevated in OBG before the training. Regular exercise decreased HDL-c, leptin, adiponectin and resistin levels and diastolic blood pressure in OVG. In OBG, exercise diminished HDL-c, homocysteine, leptin, resistin, IL-6, adiponectin. Moderate exercise had no effect on the body composition; however, exercise did promote beneficial effects on the low-grade inflammatory state and CVD clinical markers in overweight and obese individuals.

Efeitos da atividade física sistemática sobre o desempenho motor de crianças pré-escolares / Effects of systematic physical activity on the motor performance of preschool children

O objetivo desta investigação foi avaliar e comparar o desempenho motor de pré-escolares praticantes e não-praticantes de atividade física sistemática. Participaram do estudo 88 crianças (52 praticantes e 36 não-praticantes), com idades entre quatro e seis anos, matriculadas em turmas de Jardim de Infância de cinco escolas de Porto Alegre/RS. Foi aplicado um questionário para verificar o nível de atividade física das crianças; e, para a análise do seu desempenho motor foi utilizado o Test of Gross Motor Development - Second Edition (TGMD-2), de Ulrich (2000). Os resultados evidenciaram que, embora ambos os grupos tenham exibido desempenho motor abaixo do esperado para a sua idade, os praticantes apresentaram desempenho superior ao de não-praticantes em habilidades locomotoras, de controle de objetos e no coeficiente motor amplo.

The purpose of this study was to assess and to compare the motor performance of preschool children engaged and not engaged in systematic physical activity (SPA). Eighty-eight children (52 engaged and 36 not engaged in SPA), aged 4-6 years, attending kindergarten classes at five schools in Porto Alegre, RS, participated in the study. A questionnaire was applied to verify the level of physical activity of the children, and the Test of Gross Motor Development - Second Editon (TGMD-2) of Ulrich (2000) was used for the analysis of motor performance in the children. The results evidenced that, although both groups have shown a level of motor performance below the average for their ages, the group of children engaged in SPA showed better performance in the locomotor skills, in the object control, and in the gross motor quotient than the group of children not engaged in SPA.

Fixação com parafusos absorvíveis no tratamento da região frontal com videoendoscopia / Biodegradable screw fixation in the treatment of the frontal area with videoendoscopy

São utilizados muitos métodos para obter a fixação dos tecidos moles no tratamento da região frontal com videoendoscopia (EAFL). Porém, nenhum deles pode ser considerado como sendo o melhor. Desde quando iniciamos a fazer EAFL, utilizamos a fixação com parafusos. Depois de notar que a fixação externa temporária com parafuso metálico apresentava alguns efeitos negativos, começamos a usar a fixação interna com parafusos absorvíveis (biodegradáveis). O propósito deste estudo é transmitir nossa experiência e comentar alguns pontos importantes relativos a este método. Nós avaliamos os casos submetidos a cirurgia endoscópica da face nos últimos quatro anos. Foram operados noventa e nove pacientes. Em trinta e oito utilizou-se a fixação externa com parafusos metálicos, e em sessenta e um, a fixação interna com parafusos absorvíveis. Nesse grupo, constatou-se significativa redução nas complicações inerentes ao método, com a mesma qualidade no resultado. Evidencia-se que, mesmo ainda demandando um custo considerável, o emprego de parafusos internos absorvíveis constitui-se numa opção prática, efetiva e segura para a fixação da região frontal na cirurgia endoscópica.

Many methods are used to obtain the fixation of the soft tissues in the treatment of the front area with videoendoscopia (EAFL). However none of them can be considered as the best. From when we began to pratice EAFL, we used the fixation with screws. After noticing that the fixation temporary with metallic screw it presented some negative effects, we start using the fixation interns with absorbable screw (biodegradable). The purpose of this study is to transmit our experience and to comment on some relative important points to this method. We evaluated the submitted cases the surgery endoscopic asssisted frontal lifting in the last four years. Ninety nine patients were operated. In thirty eight the fixation was used with metallic screws and in sixty one a the fixation interns with absorbable screw. In that group, significant reduction was verified in the inherent complications to the method, with the same quality in the result. It is evidenced that, still demanding a considerable cost, the job of internal screws is constituted in a practical option, it executes and it holds for the fixation of the front area after endoscopic surgery.

Absorbable screws in endoscope-assisted forehead lifting.

Many methods have been used to make the soft tissue fixation in endoscope-assisted forehead lifting (EAFL). Since we started doing EAFL, we have employed the fixation with stainless screws and absorbable screws. After noticing that the temporary fixation with metallic screws had some negative effects, we changed to temporary fixation by bioabsorbable (polylactic acid copolymer) screws. The purpose of this study is to transmit our experience and to comment on some points that we believe will improve this method. Our study includes the endoscopic surgeries we have performed over the last four years. Ninety-nine patients were operated on. In 61 of them, absorbable screws were used. We have had very good results using these screws without important complications. We think that they offer a great improvement to endoscopic facial surgery.