Gel Biopolymer Electrolytes Based on Saline Water and Seaweed to Support the Large-Scale Production of Sustainable Supercapacitors.

Climate change and the demand for clean energy have challenged scientists worldwide to produce/store more energy to reduce carbon emissions. This work proposes a conductive gel biopolymer electrolyte to support the sustainable development of high-power aqueous supercapacitors. The gel uses saline water and seaweed as sustainable resources. Herein, a biopolymer agar-agar, extracted from red algae, is modified to increase gel viscosity up to 17-fold. This occurs due to alkaline treatment and an increase in the concentration of the agar-agar biopolymer, resulting in a strengthened gel with cohesive superfibres. The thermal degradation and agar modification mechanisms are explored. The electrolyte is applied to manufacture sustainable and flexible supercapacitors with satisfactory energy density (0.764 Wh kg-1 ) and power density (230 W kg-1 ). As an electrolyte, the aqueous gel promotes a long device cycle life (3500 cycles) for 1 A g-1 , showing good transport properties and low cost of acquisition and enabling the supercapacitor to be manufactured outside a glove box. These features decrease the cost of production and favor scale-up. To this end, this work provides eco-friendly electrolytes for the next generation of flexible energy storage devices.

Green synthesis of silver indium telluride nanocrystals: characterization and photothermal analyses.

Here, we report the preparation and characterization of stable AgIn5Te8 (AITe) nanocrystals (NCs) and their respective AITe-ZnS and AITe-ZnSe alloys. A green route of synthesis is described by using an aqueous electrochemical method in a cavity cell. The elemental ratio modulation of the NCs was investigated to determine the ideal improvement of the structural and electronic properties. The AITe NCs presented an emission band at 889 nm and hypsochromic shifts when coated with ZnS and ZnSe seeds. Photothermal analyses point to theranostic applications.

Sonoelectrochemical hydrogenation of safrole: A reactor design, statistical analysis and computational fluid dynamic approach.

In this work, ultrasound-assisted electrocatalytic hydrogenation (US-ECHSA) of safrole was carried out in water medium, using sacrificial anode of nickel. The ultrasonic irradiation was carried out at frequency of 20 kHz ± 500 Hz with a titanium cylindrical horn (MS 73 microtip; Ti-6AI-4V alloy; 3.0 mm diameter). The optimal conditions were analyzed by statistical experimental design (fractional factorial). The influence of the sonoelectrochemical reactor design was also investigated by using computational fluid dynamics as simulation tool. Among the five parameters studied: catalyst type, use of ß-cyclodextrin as inverse phase transfer catalyst, sonoelectrochemical reactor design, ultrasound mode and the temperature of the solution, only the last three were significant. The hydrogenation product, dihydrosafrole, reached 94% yield, depending on the experimental conditions applied. Data of computational fluid dynamics showed that a wing shape tube added to the sonoelectrochemical reactor can work as a cooling apparatus, during the electrochemical process. The reactional solution temperature diminishes 14 °C when compared to the four-way-type reactor. Cooper cathode, absence of ß-cyclodextrin, four-way-type reactor, ultrasound continuous mode (14 W) and absence of temperature control were the most effective reaction parameters for the safrole hydrogenation using US-ECHSA method. The proposed approach represents an important contribution for understanding the hydrodynamic behavior of sonoelectrochemical reactors designs and, consequently, for the reducing of the experimental costs inherent to the sonoelectrochemical process.

CdTe-GSH as luminescent biomarker for labeling the larvicidal action of WSMoL lectin in Aedes aegypti larvae.

Mosquito-borne arboviruses compromise human health worldwide. Due to resistance to chemical insecticides, natural compounds have been studied to combat mosquitoes. Previous works have demonstrated a larvicidal activity of the water-soluble Moringa oleifera lectin (WSMoL) against Aedes aegypti, suggesting a mechanism of action based on the interaction between lectin and chitin present in the larvae's peritrophic matrix. In this work, it was investigated the WSMoL activity against Aedes aegypti larvae, by using luminescent bioconjugates of WSMoL conjugated to l-glutathione capped CdTe quantum dots. The conjugation was confirmed by ITC experiments, presenting high enthalpy associated to hydrogen bond interactions between nanoparticles and lectins. The bioconjugate luminescence stability was evaluated by the quantum yield (QY) at different pHs, ionic strengths and heat treatment time. The best parameters reached were pH 7.0, absence of electrolytes and heat treatment, giving QY = 4.4 %. The larvae were exposed to the bioconjugates and analyzed by confocal and fluorescence microscopy. CdTe-WSMol were detected along the entire midgut tract, suggesting a strong interaction with peritrophic matrix and lumen of the Aedes aegypti.

AGREEMENT IN DIAGNOSIS OF KNEE INJURIES BY ORTHOPEDISTS WITH CLINICAL EXPERIENCE IN KNEE TREATMENT.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the level of agreement in diagnosing knee injury among orthopedists with clinical experience in knee treatment. METHOD: An online questionnaire was used to analyze the ability of orthopedic knee surgeons to diagnose intra-articular knee injuries using MRI, the importance given to this test in their clinical practice, and the agreement between these diagnoses and the radiology report. RESULTS: The study participants considered MRI an important tool for clarifying inconclusive diagnoses and surgical planning. The level of agreement between the surgeons and the radiologist was considered to be very slight for posterior cruciate ligament injuries, collateral ligament injuries, and chondral injuries, and was considered slight for anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus injuries. CONCLUSION: A diagnosis of intra-articular knee injury must be based on the patient history, physical examination, and radiological imaging (MRI) in order to provide a complete approach to the patient. Level of Evidence III; Clinical study.

OBJETIVO: Analisar o nível de concordância em diagnóstico de lesão de joelho entre médicos ortopedistas com experiência clínica em tratamento do joelho. MÉTODO: Um questionário on-line foi usado para analisar a capacidade de o ortopedista cirurgião de joelho diagnosticar lesões intra-articulares de joelho por meio da RM, assim como a importância dada a esse exame em sua prática clínica e a concordância entre os diagnósticos e o laudo do radiologista. RESULTADOS: Os participantes do estudo consideraram a RM um instrumento importante para esclarecer diagnósticos inconclusivos e para planejamento cirúrgico. O nível de concordância entre os cirurgiões de joelho e o radiologista foi considerado muito leve para ligamento cruzado posterior, ligamentos colaterais e lesões condrais e foi considerado leve para as lesões do ligamento cruzado anterior e do menisco. CONCLUSÃO: O diagnóstico de lesão intra-articular de joelho deve ser baseado na anamnese, no exame físico e nos exames radiológicos (RM), objetivando a abordagem completa do paciente. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo clínico.

Agreement in diagnosis of knee injuries by orthopedists with clinical experience in knee treatment / Concordância em diagnóstico de lesão de joelho por médicos ortopedistas especialistas em joelho

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the level of agreement in diagnosing knee injury among orthopedists with clinical experience in knee treatment. Method: An online questionnaire was used to analyze the ability of orthopedic knee surgeons to diagnose intra-articular knee injuries using MRI, the importance given to this test in their clinical practice, and the agreement between these diagnoses and the radiology report. Results: The study participants considered MRI an important tool for clarifying inconclusive diagnoses and surgical planning. The level of agreement between the surgeons and the radiologist was considered to be very slight for posterior cruciate ligament injuries, collateral ligament injuries, and chondral injuries, and was considered slight for anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus injuries. Conclusion: A diagnosis of intra-articular knee injury must be based on the patient history, physical examination, and radiological imaging (MRI) in order to provide a complete approach to the patient. Level of Evidence III; Clinical study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o nível de concordância em diagnóstico de lesão de joelho entre médicos ortopedistas com experiência clínica em tratamento do joelho. Método: Um questionário on-line foi usado para analisar a capacidade de o ortopedista cirurgião de joelho diagnosticar lesões intra-articulares de joelho por meio da RM, assim como a importância dada a esse exame em sua prática clínica e a concordância entre os diagnósticos e o laudo do radiologista. Resultados: Os participantes do estudo consideraram a RM um instrumento importante para esclarecer diagnósticos inconclusivos e para planejamento cirúrgico. O nível de concordância entre os cirurgiões de joelho e o radiologista foi considerado muito leve para ligamento cruzado posterior, ligamentos colaterais e lesões condrais e foi considerado leve para as lesões do ligamento cruzado anterior e do menisco. Conclusão: O diagnóstico de lesão intra-articular de joelho deve ser baseado na anamnese, no exame físico e nos exames radiológicos (RM), objetivando a abordagem completa do paciente. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo clínico.

Employment of electrochemically synthesized TGA-CdSe quantum dots for Cr(3+) determination in vitamin supplements.

The fluorescence quenching of TGA-CdSe quantum dots (QDs) was used for Cr(3+) quantification in vitamin supplements. The QD was electrochemically synthesized, demonstrating high reproducibility with control of particle size, thus making it a clean method, without the presence of reducing agents. Under ideal conditions, with the fluorescence band at 551 nm (excitation 365 nm), the maximum fluorescence quenching was observed at pH 4.0, with a time of 200 s for each data acquisition. Under optimum experimental conditions, linear quenching was observed for Cr(3+) in the range of 25.0-325.0 ng L(-1) (R=0.9996, n=6), a limit of detection of 5.67 ng L(-1), and relative standard deviation of 4.43% (n=10). The recovery test for Cr(3+) quantification in vitamin supplements presented results from 82% to 98%. These Cr(3+) determination results were compared to the same vitamin supplement sample using flame atomic absortion spectrometry (FAAS) method, and no significant differences were observed at 95% confidence level.

Avaliação dos resultados do uso do hialuronato de sódio intra-articular no pós-operatório da artroscopia do joelho / Results evaluation of the use of intra-articular sodium hyaluronate in the post-operative knee arthroscopy

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do uso do ácido hialurônico no pós-operatório de artroscopia de joelho Métodos: Foram avaliados 49 pacientes submetidos ao procedimento artroscópico associado ao uso do ácido hialurônico intra-articular (Grupo I) e 49 pacientes submetidos ao procedimento artroscópico sem uso do ácido hialurônico (Grupo II). Os pacientes foram avaliados com base na Escala Visual Analógica de dor (EVA), analgesia domiciliar, amplitude do movimento do joelho com goniômetro e no questionário Lysholm. Resultados: Não ocorreram efeitos adversos significativos em nenhum dos dois grupos. Conclusão: O uso do ácido hialurônico no pós-operatório de artroscopia de joelho é justificado por levar a uma diminuição da dor na fase inicial e possibilitar uma recuperação mais rápida do paciente. .

Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of hyaluronic acid in the post-operative of knee arthroscopy. Methods: we have evaluated 49 patients undergoing arthroscopic procedure with the use of intra-articular hyaluronic acid (Group 1) and 49 patients undergoing arthroscopic procedure without the use of hyaluronic acid (Group 2). Patients were evaluated based on the Visual Analogue Scale, household analgesia, assessment of the Range of Motion with a goniometer, and the Lysholm questionnaire. Results: there were no substantial adverse effects on either group. Conclusion: the use of hyaluronic acid in the post-operative of knee arthroscopy is justified due/because it leads to a decrease in pain in the early stage, enabling faster recovery of the patient. .

Results evaluation of the use of intra-articular sodium hyaluronate in the post-operative knee arthroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the efficacy of hyaluronic acid in the post-operative of knee arthroscopy. METHODS: we have evaluated 49 patients undergoing arthroscopic procedure with the use of intra-articular hyaluronic acid (Group 1) and 49 patients undergoing arthroscopic procedure without the use of hyaluronic acid (Group 2). Patients were evaluated based on the Visual Analogue Scale, household analgesia, assessment of the Range of Motion with a goniometer, and the Lysholm questionnaire. RESULTS: there were no substantial adverse effects on either group. CONCLUSION: the use of hyaluronic acid in the post-operative of knee arthroscopy is justified due/because it leads to a decrease in pain in the early stage, enabling faster recovery of the patient.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a eficácia do uso do ácido hialurônico no pós­operatório de artroscopia de joelho. MÉTODOS: foram avaliados 49 pacientes submetidos ao procedimento artroscópico associado ao uso do ácido hialurônico intra­articular (Grupo I) e 49 pacientes submetidos ao procedimento artroscópico sem uso do ácido hialurônico (Grupo II). Os pacientes foram avaliados com base na Escala Visual Analógica de dor (EVA), analgesia domiciliar, amplitude do movimento do joelho com goniômetro e no questionário Lysholm. RESULTADOS: não ocorreram efeitos adversos significativos em nenhum dos dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO: o uso do ácido hialurônico no pós­operatório de artroscopia de joelho é justificado por levar a uma diminuição da dor na fase inicial e possibilitar uma recuperação mais rápida do paciente.

RANDOMIZED PROSPECTIVE STUDY COMPARING TRANSVERSE AND EXTRACORTICAL FIXATION IN ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION.

OBJECTIVE: This study had the objective of prospectively comparing transverse fixation (Cross-Pin™) with extracortical fixation (EZLoc™) for the femur, in surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, from a clinical, biomechanical and functional point of view. METHODS: Between April 2007 and November 2009, 50 patients with acute or chronic anterior cruciate ligament injuries underwent arthroscopic reconstruction using the homologous flexor tendons (gracilis and semitendinosus). Randomization of the femoral fixation method was done by means of a draw at the time of the procedure. Patients were excluded if they presented multiple ligament lesions, fractures, previous surgery, autoimmune disease and impairment of the contralateral knee. The Lysholm scale, SF36 quality-of-life questionnaire and KT1000™ arthrometer were used. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 18.1 months, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the Lysholm scale and KT1000™ measurements. However, the SF36 questionnaire showed a statistical difference such that transverse fixation was superior regarding pain and vitality. CONCLUSION: Both techniques were shown to be efficient for transfemoral fixation, but with almost no statistically significant difference between them. We believe that new studies will be necessary for better understanding of these differences.

Estudo prospectivo randomizado entre as fixações transversas e extracorticais nas reconstruções do ligamento cruzado anterior / Randomized prospective study comparing transverse and extracortical fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

OBJETIVO: Comparar prospectivamente as fixações transversas (Cross-PinTM) com as extracorticais (EZLocTM) no fêmur nas reconstruções cirúrgicas do ligamento cruzado anterior sob o ponto de vista clínico, biomecânico e funcional. MÉTODOS: Entre abril de 2007 e novembro de 2009, 50 pacientes com lesões do ligamento cruzado anterior, agudas e crônicas, foram submetidos à reconstrução por abordagem artroscópica utilizando os tendões flexores homólogos (grácil e semitendíneo). A randomização do método de fixação femoral ocorreu por meio de sorteio no momento da cirurgia. Excluímos os pacientes portadores de lesões ligamentares múltiplas, fraturas, cirurgias prévias, doenças autoimunes e comprometimento do membro contralateral. Foram utilizadas as escalas de Lysholm, o questionário qualidade de vida SF-36 e o artrômetro KT-1000TM. RESULTADOS: Após 18,1 meses, em média, não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos quanto utilizadas as escalas de Lysholm e as medidas do KT-1000TM. Quanto aos resultados do SF-36, observamos diferença significante com superioridade da fixação transversa considerando a dor e a vitalidade. CONCLUSÃO: As duas técnicas mostraram ser eficientes na fixação transfemoral com tendões flexores, porém quase sem nenhuma diferença estatística significante. Entendemos que novos estudos serão necessários para melhor entendimento dessas diferenças.

OBJECTIVE: This study had the objective of prospectively comparing transverse fixation (Cross-PinTM) with extracortical fixation (EZLocTM) for the femur, in surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, from a clinical, biomechanical and functional point of view. METHODS: Between April 2007 and November 2009, 50 patients with acute or chronic anterior cruciate ligament injuries underwent arthroscopic reconstruction using the homologous flexor tendons (gracilis and semitendinosus). Randomization of the femoral fixation method was done by means of a draw at the time of the procedure. Patients were excluded if they presented multiple ligament lesions, fractures, previous surgery, autoimmune disease and impairment of the contralateral knee. The Lysholm scale, SF36 quality-of-life questionnaire and KT1000TM arthrometer were used. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 18.1 months, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the Lysholm scale and KT1000TM measurements. However, the SF36 questionnaire showed a statistical difference such that transverse fixation was superior regarding pain and vitality. CONCLUSION: Both techniques were shown to be efficient for transfemoral fixation, but with almost no statistically significant difference between them. We believe that new studies will be necessary for better understanding of these differences.

Lesões esportivas durante lutas no boxe amador / Sports injuries during fights in amateur boxing

Introdução: As patologias que acometem os atletas do boxe são, na maioria, traumáticas e acometem principalmente as extremidades superiores e a face. A supervisão médica aos atletas aprimorou o aprendizado sobre as lesões específicas do boxe. A partir dos conhecimentos adquiridos, foram estabelecidas medidas profiláticas para preservar a saúde do atleta e evitar afastamentos do esporte. Objetivo: Descrever as lesões ocorridas durante as lutas de boxe amador masculino sob supervisão médica, a fim de promover um melhor entendimento dessas patologias. Método: Entre 2000 e 2009, por meio da aplicação de um protocolo padronizado, descrevemos as lesões nos atletas masculinos do boxe amador, durante as lutas realizadas pela Confederação Brasileira de Boxe, Federação Paulista de Boxe, Confederação Pan-Americana de Boxe e Associação Internacional de Boxe. Resultados: No total, foram realizadas 1.446 lutas, com 291 lesões, como nocautes (48,8%), sangramentos nasais (23,5%), lesões musculoesqueléticas (15,5%), ferimentos cortocontusos (8,6%) e hematoma palpebral (3,6%). Das lesões musculoesqueléticas, 5,8% foram lesões ligamentares nas mãos e punhos, 3,7% fraturas nas mãos e punhos e 2% luxações glenoumerais. Conclusões: As principais lesões durante as lutas da equipe nacional de boxe foram os nocautes, seguidas de sangramentos nasais, lesões musculoesqueléticas e ferimentos cortocontusos. As lesões mais comuns foram na face e nas mãos.

Introduction: Most of the pathologies that attack boxing athletes are traumatic and occur in the superior extremities and in the face. The medical supervision to the athletes improved the learning about specific lesions of boxing. Starting from the acquired knowledge, prophylactic measures were instituted in order to preserve athlete’s health and to avoid removals from the sport. Objective: To describe the injuries occurred during male amateur boxing under medical supervision in order to promote a better understanding of these pathologies. Methods: Between 2000 and 2009, by applying a standardized protocol, we described the injuries in male athletes of amateur boxing during the struggles waged by the Brazilian Boxing Confederation, São Paulo Boxing Federation, Pan-American Boxing Confederation and International Boxing Association. Results: The total of 1.446 fights were accomplished, with 291 lesions as knockouts (48.8%), nasal bleeding (23.5%), musculoskeletal lesions (15.5%), open wounds (8.6%) and palpebral bruise (3.6%). Among the musculoskeletal lesions, 5.8% were ligament lesions in hands and wrists, 3.7% were fractures in hands and wrists, and 2% were glenohumeral dislocation. Conclusions: The main lesions during the fights of the Brazilian boxing team were knockouts, nasal bleeding, musculoskeletal lesions and open wounds. The most common lesions occured in the face and in the hands.

Relação entre o ligamento patelofemoral lateral e a largura da faceta patelar lateral / Relationship between the lateral patellofemoral ligament and the width of the lateral patellar facet

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a relação entre o comprimento e largura do ligamento patelofemoral lateral (LPFL) e a largura da faceta articular patelar lateral (FAPL) em cadáveres. A instabilidade patelofemoral está intimamente relacionada com a morfologia patelar e com a tensão das estruturas retinaculares laterais. Estudos evidenciam que quanto mais larga a faceta patelar lateral e quanto mais tenso o retináculo lateral, maior a propensão do desenvolvimento de uma enfermidade na articulação patelofemoral. MÉTODOS: Foram dissecados 20 joelhos em 20 cadáveres. Identificamos as peças quanto ao gênero, idade, lado dissecado, comprimento e largura do LPFL e a largura da FAPL. Foi utilizado o nível de significância estatística de 5 por cento (0,050) e a aplicação da análise de correlação de Spearman. RESULTADOS: O LPFL apresentou em média 16,05 milímetros de largura (desvio-padrão 2,48) e 42,10 milímetros de comprimento (desvio-padrão 8,84). A largura da FAPL variou de 23 a 37 milímetros (média 28,1). A relação entre a largura da FAPL e a largura do LPFL é estatisticamente não-significante (p=0,271), enquanto que a relação entre a largura FAPL e o comprimento do LPFL é estatisticamente significante (p=0,009). CONCLUSÃO: O comprimento do LPFL e a largura FAPL apresentam valores inversamente proporcionais.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study, with cadavers, is to evaluate the relationship between the width and length of the lateral patellofemoral ligament (LPFL) and the size of the lateral patellar articulate facet (LPAF). Patellofemoral instability is closely related to patellar morphology and the lateral retinacular layers. Studies evidence that the wider the lateral patellar facet and the more strained the lateral retinacule, the greater the tendency for development of pathology in the patellofemoral joint. METHODS: 20 knees were dissected in 20 cadavers. The parts were identified according to gender, age, dissected side, length and width of LPFL and width of LPAF. In order to carry out the statistical analysis we adopted the significance level of 5 percent (0.050) and also used Spearman's Coefficient of Rank Correlation. RESULTS: The LPFL presented a mean width of 16.05 millimeters (standard deviation 2.48) and 42.10 millimeters of length (standard deviation 8.84). The width of the LPAF varied from 23 to 37 millimeters (mean 28.1). It was observed that the relationship between the LPAF and LPFL widths is not statistically significant (p=0.271), whereas the relationship between the LPAF width and the LPFL length is statistically significant (p=0.009). CONCLUSION: The shorter the LPFL the greater the width of the LPAF.

Prevalence of pain on palpation of the inferior pole of the patella among patients with complaints of knee pain.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Patellar tendinopathy is a common condition in sports. It may occur at any location of the patellar tendon, but the most commonly affected area is the inferior pole of the patella. Among various diagnostic tests, the one most used is palpation of the inferior pole of the patella. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of pain complaints among individuals with pathological knee conditions and to evaluate palpation of the inferior pole of the patella as a diagnostic test for patellar tendinopathy. METHODS: Palpation of the patellar tendon was performed on 318 individuals who presented with knee-related complaints. Palpation was performed with the individual in the supine position and the knee extended. The age, gender, physical activity and labor activity of each individual were recorded at the time the symptoms appeared; the diagnosis was also recorded. RESULTS: Of the total number of individuals evaluated, 124 (39%) felt pain on palpation of the inferior pole of the patella. Of these, only 40 (32.3%) received a diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy. We did not observe any difference with respect to gender and age distribution. When evaluating daily physical activity levels, however, we observed that individuals with pain on palpation of the inferior pole of the patella experienced more intense physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Palpation of the inferior pole of the patella is a diagnostic procedure with high sensitivity and moderate specificity for diagnosing patellar tendinopathy, especially among individuals who perform activities with high functional demands.

Prevalence of pain on palpation of the inferior pole of the patella among patients with complaints of knee pain

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Patellar tendinopathy is a common condition in sports. It may occur at any location of the patellar tendon, but the most commonly affected area is the inferior pole of the patella. Among various diagnostic tests, the one most used is palpation of the inferior pole of the patella. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of pain complaints among individuals with pathological knee conditions and to evaluate palpation of the inferior pole of the patella as a diagnostic test for patellar tendinopathy. METHODS: Palpation of the patellar tendon was performed on 318 individuals who presented with knee-related complaints. Palpation was performed with the individual in the supine position and the knee extended. The age, gender, physical activity and labor activity of each individual were recorded at the time the symptoms appeared; the diagnosis was also recorded. RESULTS: Of the total number of individuals evaluated, 124 (39 percent) felt pain on palpation of the inferior pole of the patella. Of these, only 40 (32.3 percent) received a diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy. We did not observe any difference with respect to gender and age distribution. When evaluating daily physical activity levels, however, we observed that individuals with pain on palpation of the inferior pole of the patella experienced more intense physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Palpation of the inferior pole of the patella is a diagnostic procedure with high sensitivity and moderate specificity for diagnosing patellar tendinopathy, especially among individuals who perform activities with high functional demands.

Estudo anatômico do ligamento patelofemoral lateral em joelho de cadáveres / Anatomical study of the lateral patellofemoral ligament in cadaver knees

OBJETIVOS: Descrever o ligamento patelofemoral lateral (LPFL) por meio de dissecação anatômica de joelhos de cadáveres frescos. Na literatura existe particular interesse pelo LPFL. Essa especial atenção é dada pela sua importância anatômica, biomecânica e pela necessidade da sua reconstrução nos casos de instabilidade medial da patela. MÉTODOS: O LPFL foi estudado em 20 joelhos de 20 cadáveres frescos por meio de dissecações anatômicas. As dissecações foram padronizadas e os dados anotados enviados para análise estatística. RESULTADOS: O LPFL apresentou em média 16,05mm de largura (desvio-padrão: 2,48), 42,10mm de comprimento (desvio-padrão: 8,84). Sua inserção femoral mostrou-se no epicôndilo femoral lateral e com expansão em forma de leque das suas fibras, predominantemente na região posterior e proximal ao epicôndilo lateral. Na patela a inserção encontrada foi na região súpero-lateral (na metade do terço superior no plano coronal), também com expansão das fibras, mas com menor intensidade. No plano sagital, o ligamento situava-se na metade posterior da borda da patela. O LPFL foi isolado na segunda camada retinacular lateral, o retináculo transverso profundo. CONCLUSÃO: O LPFL situa-se na camada retinacular transversa profunda, com a presença de uma expansão das suas fibras em forma de leque, tanto na inserção femoral quanto na patelar. No epicôndilo femoral a inserção encontra-se mais posterior e proximalmente e na patela está na metade posterior da borda patelar (plano sagital) e no aspecto súpero-lateral.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the lateral patellofemoral ligament (LPFL) after anatomical dissection of fresh cadaver knees. The literature shows a particular interest for the LPFL. Such special attention is due to its anatomical and biomechanical importance, and also due to the need to reconstruct the ligament in the cases of medial patellar instability. METHODS: The LPFL was studied in 20 knees of 20 fresh cadavers by means of anatomical dissections. The dissections were standardized and the data were noted down and forwarded to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The LPFL presented a mean 16.05 mm width (standard deviation of 2.48), 42.10 mm length (standard deviation of 8.84). The femoral insertion was found at the lateral femoral epicondyle and with a fan-like expansion of the fibers, predominantly in the posterior region proximal to the lateral epicondyle. In the patella, the insertion found was in the upper-lateral region (in the middle of the upper third of the coronal plan), also with expanded fibers, but less intensely so. In the sagittal plan, the ligament was located in the posterior half of the border of the patella. The LPFL was isolated in the second lateral retinacular layer, the deep transverse retinaculum. CONCLUSION: The LPFL is located in the deep transverse retinacular layer with the presence of a fan-like expansion of its fibers both in the femoral and in the patellar insertions. The insertion is more posterior and proximal at the femoral epicondyle and in the posterior half of the patellar border (sagittal plan) and in the upper-lateral aspect.

Aqueous Barbier allylation of aldehydes mediated by tin.

The aqueous tin-mediated Barbier reaction affords good to excellent yields and moderate syn diastereoselectivity under basic and acidic conditions. The high yields and stereoselectivity observed in the case of o-substituted aldehydes suggest a cyclic organotin intermediate or transition state in K2HPO4 solution. A practical and efficient aqueous tin allylation of methoxy- and hydroxybenzaldehydes can be carried out in HCl solution in 15 minutes to afford the corresponding homoallylic alcohols in high yields. Aliphatic aldehydes give moderate to excellent yields with reaction times ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. Under these conditions, crotylation gives exclusively the gamma-product and the syn isomer is formed preferentially. For 2-methoxybenzaldehyde, an equilibration of the isomers to a syn/anti ratio of 1:1 can be observed after several hours. Control experiments with radical sources or scavengers give no support for radical intermediates. NMR studies suggest a mechanism involving an organotin intermediate. The major organotin species formed depends on the reaction medium and the reaction time. The use of acidic solution reduces the reaction times, due to the acceleration of the formation of the allyltin(IV) species.

Mixed effect of the supporting electrolyte and the zinc anode in the electrochemical homocoupling of 2-bromopyridines catalyzed by nickel complexes in an undivided cell.

[reactions: see text] Nickel-catalyzed electroreductive homocoupling of 2-bromomethylpyridines and 2-bromopyridine has been investigated in an undivided cell in the presence of a zinc sacrificial anode. A series of reactions were performed with various types and concentrations of supporting electrolyte. It was observed that a key step in this process is the formation of an arylzinc through a nickel-zinc transmetalation. This intermediate can be transformed back to the reactive arylnickel species to afford the homocoupling as the final product. The back process from the arylzinc intermediate is, however, suppressed in the presence of high concentration (0.2 M) of tetraalkylammonium salts. On the contrary, with NaI, the formation of the dimer is not prevented, whatever the NaI concentration.

Electrochemical homocoupling of 2-bromomethylpyridines catalyzed by nickel complexes.

2,2'-Bipyridine (bpy) and a series of dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridines were synthesized from 2-bromopyridine and 2-bromomethylpyridines, respectively, using an electrochemical process catalyzed by nickel complexes. The method is simple and efficient, with isolated yields between 58 and 98% according to the structure. We first studied the influence of the presence and the position of the methyl group on the yield, using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) or acetonitrile (AN) as the solvent, NiBr(2)bpy as the catalyst, and Zn as the sacrificial anode, in an undivided cell and at ambient temperature. On the basis of a better understanding of the reaction mechanism based on electroanalytical studies, we could improve the dimerization both by substituting the catalyst ligand (bpy) by the reagent itself, i.e., 2-bromomethylpyridine or 2-bromopyridine, and by using Fe instead of Zn as the sacrificial anode.

Lente fácica de camâra posterior para correçäo da miopia / Posterior chamber phakic lens for the correction of myopia

Objetivo: A valiar a eficácia, previsibilidade e segurança do implante de lente intra-ocular de câmara posterior em pacientes com miopia moderada e elevada. Métodos: Analisamos os resultados das cirurgias realizadas em 93 olhos de 54 pacientes para implante de lente fácica de câmara posterior com a finalidade de corrigir miopia moderada e elevada. O objetivo da cirurgia era a emetropia. O acompanhamento médio foi de 9 meses, variando de 1 a 38 meses (desvio padräo 10,45). Resultados: O equivalente esférico médio pré-operatório era -13,56D (variando de -5,75 a -20,38 D) e o equivalente esférico médio pós-operatório no último exame foi -0,92D (variando de -3,88 a + 1,00 D). No último exame, 39 olhos ( 41,9 por cento ) se encontravam entre + /- 0,50 por cento D da emetropia, 64 olhos (68,8 por cento) estavam entre +/- 1,00 por cento De 88 olhos (94,6 por cento ) estavam entre +/- 2,00 D da emetropia. Um ganho de duas ou mais linhas de visäo foi observado em 45,17 por cento (42 olhos). Em 15 olhos (16,1 por cento ) ocorreu algum tipo de complicaçäo: em 2 olhos (2,2 por cento ) houve perda de células endoteliais, em 2 olhos (2,2 por cento ) ocorreu bloqueio pupilar e em 11 olhos (11,8 por cento ) houve alteraçöes de transparência lenticular, assintomática em 5 olhos (5,4 por cento ) e sintomática em 6 olhos (6,5 por cento ). Conclusäo: O implante de lente fácica de câmara posterior para correçäo de miopia moderada e alta é um método eficaz, previsível e seguro. O significativo ganho de linhas de visäo é uma observaçäo frequente nesta técnica. Um acompanhamento pós-operatório mais prolongado em um maior número de pacientes é necessário para confirmar a estabilidade dos resultados a longo prazo.