Finishing and Polishing Procedures and Glaze Application on Physical Properties of a Fine-Structure Feldspathic Ceramic

The aim of this study was to verify the effect of finishing and polishing procedures and glaze application on biaxial strength and surface properties of milled feldspathic ceramic blocks. Forty disc-shaped samples (14 mm diameter, 1.2 mm thickness) were divided in four groups (n = 10): C (control): no finishing and polishing; FP: finishing and polishing; G: glaze; and GFP: finishing and polishing + glaze. The specimens were subject to surface gloss (glossmeter) and roughness (profilometer) tests followed by biaxial flexural strength (universal testing machine) and Vickers hardness (microhardness tester) tests. The surface morphological analysis was performed by scanning electron microscopy (n = 3). Data were submitted to normality tests with Shapiro-Wilk, and one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test (α = 0.05). Group C showed the lowest gloss. For the hardness test, groups C, FP, and GFP obtained the highest values without significant differences between them. Regarding the biaxial strength test, group C showed the lowest mean value. Both finishing and polishing methods (FP and GFP) showed surface properties similar or better than the control, and with higher biaxial strength.

Fatty acids reveal aquaculture and drought effects on a large tropical reservoir

Fatty acids (FAs) and their metrics have been used to detect and assess the impacts of urbanization and agriculture on aquatic ecosystems. Here, we investigated whether seston FAs are also useful to characterize and understand early-stage aquaculture impacts in a large tropical reservoir (Furnas Reservoir, SE Brazil). We tested the hypothesis that single FAs, as well as selected FA metrics in the seston fraction, are efficient markers of net-cage fish farming effects. In general, fish farming had only minor effects on standard water chemical variables, mainly small increases in ammonium, nitrate, and dissolved organic nitrogen concentrations. By increasing concentrations of several polyunsaturated FAs, early-stage fish farming improved sestonic food quality in the more oligotrophic branch of the reservoir under drought conditions. However, in general, increases in concentrations of bacterial FAs, due to fish farming, suggested organic matter (OM) subsidies from non-ingested and non-assimilated fish feed. In the more eutrophic reservoir branch, seston FA profiles suggested that fish farming caused an increase of low-quality food resources, such as cyanobacteria. Thus, background impact levels may determine the biochemical responses of tropical reservoirs to fish farming. Higher contributions of potentially sewage-derived and bacterial FAs during drought conditions, especially at reference sites of the more oligotrophic branch, suggested that drought shifted OM inputs towards anthropogenic sources, thereby overwriting land-use related differences between reservoir branches and homogenizing their environmental conditions. In conclusion, FA variables were useful to evaluate and understand environmental conditions, as well as the effects of early-stage fish farming and drought, and should be considered in impact assessments in tropical lentic ecosystems.

Accessible communication in the transport of non-urgent people with communication impairments

Introduction Paramedics may find innumerous circumstances that require careful consideration of the patient’s clinical condition. Because of that, communication between paramedics and patients in a critical condition must be as clear and effective as possible.

Objectives This study aims to identify the communicative needs of ambulance’s crew members when transporting non-urgent people with communicative impairments and to create a tool that facilitates the communicative process.

Methodology A brainstorming was held at Associação de São Jorge to gather information regarding the needs and difficulties experienced by the ambulance’s crew members. An audio record of this meeting was collected and a qualitative analysis was carried out. Additionally, a questionnaire was fulfilled. Based on these results, a first version of the communicative tool was developed. A pluridisciplinary focus group was held to discuss it, regarding content, form and utility. After this focus group, the second version of the communicative tool was elaborated to be tested by the crew members of this association. As so, a dynamic of three hours was implemented to empower these professionals to use this tool and other communicative strategies.

Results The qualitative analysis of the first meeting collected data recognize as crew member’s needs: communicating basic and immediate needs at clinical level and at colloquial discourse. This data allowed to establish parameters for the construction of the first version of the communicative tool. The referred focus group identified the need to improve it, considering: format, content and also the need to complement this tool with other communicative facilitators (e.g. braille; gestures).

Conclusion This study shows the need of facilitating the communication in non-urgent transportation. Despite the modifications that have to be done, the communicative tool that was developed already shows a positive impact in the ambulance crew and in the community.

Estabilidade oxidativa e perfil de ácidos graxos do leite de vacas suplementadas com óleo de linhaça na dieta associado ou não ao selenito de sódio injetável

Avaliou-se o efeito da suplementação com óleo de linhaça na dieta, com ou sem injeção de selenito de sódio, sobre o perfil de ácidos graxos e sobre a estabilidade oxidativa do leite de vacas leiteiras. Catorze vacas foram distribuídas em três tratamentos: as do grupo 1, que receberam diariamente 400mL de óleo de linhaça (LIN); as do grupo 2, 400mL de óleo de linhaça + 0,2mg/kg de selenito de sódio IM (LINSe); e as do grupo 3 (controle), que não foram tratadas (C). O óleo foi fornecido diariamente após 15 dias da aplicação única de selenito de sódio, e o experimento teve duração de quatro semanas. Os animais suplementados com o óleo de linhaça produziram leite com altas porcentagens de ácido linoleico conjugado (CLA) e de ômega 3, contudo mais suscetível à oxidação. A aplicação injetável de selenito de sódio mostrou-se eficaz ao impedir a oxidação prematura do leite. Concluiu-se que a inclusão do óleo de linhaça na dieta de vacas leiteiras resulta em aumento do CLA, do ômega 3 e, consequentemente, da oxidação do leite, necessitando, assim do uso de substâncias antioxidantes ou promotores antioxidantes, como o selenito de sódio injetável.

The effect of a passive muscle stretching protocol on the articular cartilage

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the articular cartilage alterations of rat ankles, after applying unilateral cyclic passive muscle stretching protocol in previously immobilized rats.

METHODS

Twenty-two male albino rats divided into four groups, I--immobilized; IS--immobilized and stretched; S--stretched and C--control, were used in this experiment. The I and IS groups were immobilized for 4 weeks. In the muscle stretching protocol the treated ankle joint (groups IS and S) was manually full dorsal flexed 10 times for 60s with a 30s interval between each 60s period, 7 days a week for 3 weeks, to stretch the ankle plantar flexors muscle group. The right hind limb was free to move. At the end of the experiment, the ankles were removed, processed in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Safranin-O. Two blinded observers evaluated cellularity, chondrocyte cloning and Safranin-O staining through light microscopy. And a morphometric study was carried out using a hand count of chondrocyte cells and cartilage thickness measurement.

RESULTS

No significant effect of solely muscle stretching concerning cellularity, chondrocyte cloning and Safranin-O staining parameters was detected. However, IS group presented a significantly higher reduction of proteoglycans content than the solely stretched and solely immobilized groups and the morphometric analysis showed significant cellularity increase without thickness alteration compared to control.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the stretching protocol used was harmful to the previously immobilized articular cartilage. However, the same stretching protocol did not harm the cartilage of non-immobilized groups.

Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase is increased in acute myeloid leukaemia

Significant activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been reported in tumour cells, including chronic lymphoid leukaemic cells. In this study, we analysed the expression of iNOS in 15 untreated patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and in 7 normal controls. Using flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry, we demonstrated that patients with AML had a high expression of iNOS when compared to controls. There was no correlation between the expression of iNOS and the expression of p53 and K, H, and N-ras mutation and expression, suggesting that the high expression of iNOS is independent of these proteins and could be the result of transcription factors expressed in AML.

Use of a contact lens telescopic system in low vision patients

This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a contact lens telescopic system in patients diagnosed with low vision. Fifteen white patients (mean age 60.7 years) with visual acuity between 20/60 and 20/400 (mean 20/245) were evaluated using first a conventional telescope and subsequently a contact lens telescope (CLT). Evaluation parameters were visual acuity, amplitude of visual field, and patients' satisfaction with the systems. The mean final visual acuity attained with both systems was 20/105. No differences in visual acuity between the two systems were detected. However, the visual field was significantly different with each system. Mean visual field with the conventional telescope was 22 degrees, whereas with the CLT it was 52.1 degrees. This corresponds to a reduction of 78.2% in the field of view with the conventional telescope and of 49.5% with the CLT. Therefore, the CLT was found to provide a field of view that is 136% as great as the one provided by the conventional telescope. Younger patients are specially enthusiastic about the CLT because of its improved cosmetic appearance and visual field as compared to traditional telescopes. Aged patients tend to have more difficulty in accepting and using contact lenses daily.

[Bladder malfunction, urinary tract infection and vesicoureteral reflux in children]

A correlation between urinary tract infection, vesicoureteral reflux and voiding disorders has increasingly been reported. Voiding dysfunction increases the incidence of recurrent urinary tract infection, induces and perpetuates vesicoureteral reflux, even after surgical antireflux treatment, and may result in permanent renal damage. The resolution of the primary cause with voiding normalization is essential to achieve good results in the treatment of secondary problems such as urinary tract infection and vesicoureteral reflux. Thirty seven children with vesicoureteral reflux secondary to voiding disorders were diagnosed and treated between 1990 and 1995 (five years). Forty-nine ureters were studied. The subjects became symptomatic between 1 month and 13 years of age, with the occurrence of urinary tract infection. All children were neurologically and morphologically normal. Symptoms suggesting bladder instability were detected in 34 (91.9%) and dysfunctional sphincter obstruction in three (8.1%). These patients were all evaluated with a renal/bladder sonogram and voiding cystogram, complemented in 17 (45.9%) with urodynamic testing that confirmed clinical diagnosis. 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scans performed on 29 (78.4%) children revealed renal damage in 26 (89.6%). A treatment program of bladder retraining and bowel habit normalization was encouraged in every child, anti-cholinergic drugs were associated in 23 (62.2%), muscle-relaxant drugs in three (8.1%), phenoxybenzamine and intermittent catheterization were used in one child (2.7%). Urinary tract infection prophylaxis was instituted in 34 (91.9%) children. Urinary tract infection was completely resolved in 35 (94.6%) patients, and its frequency decreased in two (5.4%). Thirty-two children (86.5%) with vesicoureteral reflux were cured and four (10.8%) were improved. Evidence of voiding disfunction ceased in 22 (59.5%) cases and improved in 14 (37.8%) with a reduction in the frequency and intensity of complaints. Urgency syndrome and vesicoureteral reflux remained unchanged in one child (2.7%). These findings imply that detection and treatment of bladder/sphincter disfunction are essential in every child with the complex of recurrent urinary tract infection and vesicoureteral reflux.

Schistosomiasis in the Republic of São Tomé and Principe: characterization of Schistosoma intercalatum

This paper reports the morphological and biochemical characterization of the species of Schistosoma infecting humans in the Republic of São Tomé and Principe. The eggs are typical in shape and size of S. intercalatum, measuring on average between 174.5 microns and 189.1 microns. The eggs are voided in the faeces and not the urine of infected people. The parasite experimentally develops in several different species of Bulinus belonging to the B. forskalii group, including B. forskalii, with a minimum prepatent period of 25 d, and also in snails of the B. reticulatus group (B. wrighti); it is incompatible with snails of the B. africanus and B. truncatus/B. tropicus complex. A survey of 5 different habitats at intervals of 2 weeks over a period of one year showed that populations of B. forskalii increased during the dry period of June, July and August in 1988, and in 3 of the habitats snails were present throughout the year. Hence transmission may take place in these habitats throughout the year. Preliminary evidence suggests that water velocity is a limiting factor confining Bulinus to the north-east of the island where the terrain is less mountainous. Development of schistosomes from São Tomé was followed in experimentally infected hamsters. The cross-over point (the point at which the paired male and female worms are of the same average length) occurred at about 49 d after infection: eggs were first seen in the uteri of the female worms 48 d after infection. The parasite from São Tomé developed in sheep and produced viable eggs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Intraoperative echography in biliary tract surgery. A comparative study of intraoperative echography/cholangiography in the detection of calculi in the common bile duct]

We report 3 years of experience with operative ultrasonography on 200 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for biliary lithiasis. Intraoperative ultrasonography and intraoperative cholangiography were performed on all of these patients and compared with the operative findings. The diagnostic accuracy of sonography was 98% and that of cholangiography 96% in the whole patient group. The predictive value of a positive ultrasonography was 92.5% while that of a positive cholangiogram was lower at 81.5%. In 32 patients who underwent surgical exploration of the common duct the use of these two intraoperative screening tests together led to a positive common duct exploration in 75% of the patients. Overall morbidity in this series was 4.8% against 12.8% (common duct exploration) and retained stones following duct exploration were present in 1 patient in intra-hepatic situation. The overall mortality rate of the entire patient group was 0%. Operative ultrasonography of the biliary tract as a screening procedure is a reliable method, a possible substitute for operative cholangiography, but perhaps in reality both methods are complementary.

Measurement of fecal lactoferrin as a marker of fecal leukocytes

While diarrheal illnesses are extremely common in communities and hospitals throughout the world, an etiologic diagnosis may be expensive and cost-ineffective. Although the presence of fecal leukocytes are helpful in the diagnosis and specific therapy of inflammatory diarrheas, this requires prompt microscopic examination of fecal specimens (preferably obtained in a cup rather than a swab or diaper) by a trained observer. We developed a simple, sensitive test for the detection of leukocytes in fecal specimens using antilactoferrin antibody. Whereas radial immunodiffusion detected 0.02 micrograms of lactoferrin (LF) per microliter or greater than or equal to 2,000 leukocytes per microliter, latex agglutination (LA) readily detected greater than or equal to 0.001 micrograms of LF per microliter or greater than or equal to 200 leukocytes per microliter added to stool specimens. Despite the destruction or loss of morphologic leukocytes on storage for 1 to 7 days at 4 degrees C or placement of specimens on swabs, measurable LF remained stable. Initial studies of stool specimens from six patients with Salmonella or Clostridium difficile enteritis were positive and those from three controls were negative for LF by LA. Of 17 children in Brazil with inflammatory diarrhea (greater than or equal to 1 leukocyte per high-power field), 16 (94%) had LF titers of greater than 1:50 by LA, whereas only 3 of 12 fecal specimens with less than 1 leukocyte per high-power field on methylene blue examination and none of 7 normal control specimens had an LF titer of greater than 1:50 by LA. Of 16 fecal specimens from patients with C. difficile diarrhea (cytotoxin titers, >/= 1:1,000), 95% (n = 15) had detectable LF by LA (in titers of 1:100 to 1: 800). Finally, of 48 fecal specimens from healthy adult U.S. volunteers before and after experimental shigellosis and of 29 fecal specimens from children with documented shigellosis and hospitalized controls in northeastern Brazil, fecal LF titers ranged from 1:200 to >/= 1:5,000 in 96% (25 of 26) samples from patients with shigellosis (and reported positive for fecal leukocytes), while 51 controls consistently had fecal LF titers of </= 1:200. We conclude that fecal LF is a useful marker for fecal leukocytes, even when they are morphologically lost swab specimens or when they are destroyed on transport or storage or by cytotoxic fecal specimens.