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This paper presents the numerical simulation of a model with one bolt connecting two or three plates using the finite element method. This unitary model with one bolt is validated by comparing its results with those obtained in the literature for three different types of applied load: tension, shear, and a combination of both. The results are also compared with the American and Brazilian design codes. The unitary model includes all necessary considerations: contacts between the plates and the nut, head and shank of the bolt; contact between the plates, as well as the friction between them; and pre-load on the bolt. Moreover, it responds properly to forces parallel and perpendicular to the contact surface between the plates including prying action effects and slip. These calibrated models can be then introduced on a model that represents a full connection through a relatively simple process using ANSYS APDL language, thus allowing the study of any bolted connection type. • Development of a unitary numerical model for simulation of the bolted connections, considering contact and pre-load on the bolt; • Validation of numerical models through experimental results for three different types of applied load: tension, shear, and a combination of both. • Comparison of the numerical results obtained with the American and Brazilian design codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To present a case of granulomatous perioral dermatitis (GPD) with extra-facial involvement and good response to shortterm treatment with oral macrolide. Case description: A 9-year-old girl presented with exuberant GPD with extra-facial involvement. During follow-up, she received multiple ineffective therapies, but showed significant improvement of the lesions after the use of azithromycin for five days. Comments: GPD is an inflammatory dermatological condition represented by papulo-erythematous eruptions on perioral, nasal and periorbital regions, more prevalent in children and adolescents. It rarely extends to the genital region, trunk, and extremities, which characterizes its extra-facial manifestation. Its etiology is unknown, but it seems to have a correlation with the use of topical corticosteroids and other agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychologists insertion on hospitals brought a demand not directly supplied by professional education -- working with death and dying. The purpose of this study was to identify the perception of psychologists working in hospitals linked to the Secretaria de Estado de Saúde do Distrito Federal, about their knowledge, skills and attitudes regarding the subject of death. Semi-structured interviews were made with 15 psychologists from four different hospitals. The data was then analyzed in thematic categories. The following categories were identified: professional education to work with death, the personal attitude regarding death, the impact of death on the professional and its team, matters that leads to physical and/or emotional distress and the reality of the work with death. The pain experienced beneath the patient's death and the family´s response makes necessary an educational supply that addresses to this subject -- for psychologists and all health professional composing the team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to group cowpea genotypes with upright growth and early maturity using multivariate techniques to estimate the relative contribution of the response variables to genetic divergence studied. Twenty-eight lines of the Genbank of the Universidade Federal do Ceará and Embrapa Meio Norte were used. For the analysis of genetic divergence the canonical variables, Mahalanobis' distance and the Tocher cluster method were used. Most of the maximum distances were observed when combined with CE-46 genotypes. The crosses between the groups VIII and XI and groups VII and VIII may result in new gene combinations. The variables beginning of flowering and crop cycle contributed most to the genetic divergence among the genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional venom immunotherapy uses injections of whole bee venom in buffer or adsorbed in Al (OH)3 in an expensive, time-consuming way. New strategies to improve the safety and efficacy of this treatment with a reduction of injections would, therefore, be of general interest. It would improve patient compliance and provide socio-economic benefits. Liposomes have a long tradition in drug delivery because they increase the therapeutic index and avoid drug degradation and secondary effects. However, bee venom melittin (Mel) and phospholipase (PLA2) destroy the phospholipid membranes. Our central idea was to inhibit the PLA2 and Mel activities through histidine alkylation and or tryptophan oxidation (with pbb, para-bromo-phenacyl bromide, and/or NBS- N-bromosuccinimide, respectively) to make their encapsulations possible within stabilized liposomes. We strongly believe that this formulation will be nontoxic but immunogenic. In this paper, we present the whole bee venom conformation characterization during and after chemical modification and after interaction with liposome by ultraviolet, circular dichroism, and fluorescence spectroscopies. The PLA2 and Mel activities were measured indirectly by changes in turbidity at 400n m, rhodamine leak-out, and hemolysis. The native whole bee venom (BV) presented 78.06% of α-helical content. The alkylation (A-BV) and succynilation (S-BV) of BV increased 0.44 and 0.20% of its α-helical content. The double-modified venom (S-A-BV) had a 0.74% increase of α-helical content. The BV chemical modification induced another change on protein conformations observed by Trp that became buried with respect to the native whole BV. It was demonstrated that the liposomal membranes must contain pbb (SPC:Cho:pbb, 26:7:1) as a component to protect them from aggregation and/or fusion. The membranes containing pbb maintained the same turbidity (100%) after incubation with modified venom, in contrast with pbb-free membranes that showed a 15% size decrease. This size decrease was interpreted as membrane degradation and was corroborated by a 50% rhodamine leak-out. Another fact that confirmed our interpretation was the observed 100% inhibition of the hemolytic activity after venom modification with pbb and NBS (S-A-BV). When S-A-BV interacted with liposomes, other protein conformational changes were observed and characterized by the increase of 1.93% on S-A-BV α-helical content and the presence of tryptophan residues in a more hydrophobic environment. In other words, the S-A-BV interacted with liposomal membranes, but this interaction was not effective to cause aggregation, leak-out, or fusion. A stable formulation composed by S-A-BV encapsulated within liposomes composed by SPC:Cho:pbb, at a ratio of 26:7:1, was devised. Large unilamellar vesicles of 202.5 nm with a negative surface charge (-24.29 mV) encapsulated 95% of S-A-BV. This formulation can, now, be assayed on VIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hercílio Luz suspension bridge, built in 1926, has been out of service since 1991 due to high corrosion levels and structural element impairment. A complete rehabilitation project was developed which included the replacement of the impaired items and foundation strengthening. For this, an auxiliary structure was employed to support the central span during the rehabilitation process. A carefully studied load transfer process, where the central span loading is transferred from the eye-bar towards the auxiliary structure will be performed. For this purpose, a synchronized jacking sequence will be used, which was predefined by means of numerical model analysis. All structural elements had their designs evaluated and some geometric changes were implemented. This paper presents all the methodology developed in the rehabilitation project of Hercilio Luz bridge, as well as the development stages up to the present date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hercílio Luz suspension bridge, built in 1926, has been out of service since 1991 due to high corrosion levels and structural element impairment. A complete rehabilitation project was developed which included the replacement of the impaired items and foundation strengthening. For this, an auxiliary structure was employed to support the central span during the rehabilitation process. A carefully studied load transfer process, where the central span loading is transferred from the eye-bar towards the auxiliary structure will be performed. For this purpose, a synchronized jacking sequence will be used, which was predefined by means of numerical model analysis. All structural elements had their designs evaluated and some geometric changes were implemented. This paper presents all the methodology developed in the rehabilitation project of Hercilio Luz bridge, as well as the development stages up to the present date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of genetic variability is critical to the success of any breeding program premise. In this sense, the adoption of methods, which are able to identify different populations, is of paramount importance. The present study was conducted to identify the genetic divergence between cotton cultivars of white fiber and colored fibers, well as the importance of the characteristics to genetic diversity, through multivariate techniques. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block, spaced 1.25 m between rows and 0.25 between plants and five plants per plot. Collected data were analyzed by ANOVA and subsequently proceeded to the analysis of divergence by D2, Tocher and canonical variables. The most divergent cultivars, involving different groups, was between the BRS Verde and BRS Buriti, followed by BRS 293 and BRS. Smaller distances were obtained between cultivars of white fiber. The features reliability index, percentage of fibers, cottonseed weight and weight cotton lint were more important for the genetic divergence between the parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to evaluate the genetic divergence among cowpea genotypes through multivariate techniques and identify those with the best combination for size, production and quality of grain using a selection index. The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Ceará in the period from February to June 2008, using 47 cowpea genotypes. The experiment was carried out in a plot with eight plants, without replications. The following traits were analyzed: plant size, pod position in plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, weight of a hundred seeds, grain yield, number of days to flowering and cycle, shape and color of grain. The main component coupled with the methods of Tocher and Euclidian distance was used to evaluate the genetic divergence. The rank sum selection index was used to identify genotypes with superior characteristics. New genetic combinations can appear in the crossings between CE-264 and CE-200, CE-274 and CE-93, CE-200 and CE-274, and CE-93 and CE-282 genotypes. Thirteen genotypes demonstrated superiority for production, earliness and grain quality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of motor control training and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in relieving pain, reducing functional disability, and improving transversus abdominis activation in patients with lumbar disc herniation with associated radiculopathy. Design: This is a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Forty patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation were randomly divided into two groups: motor control training group (n = 20) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group (n = 20). Interventions: The motor control training group and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group attended 60 mini sessions twice a week for 8 wks, totaling to 16 sessions. Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measures are pain, functional disability, and transversus abdominis activation capacity. Results: Differences between both groups were observed after 8 wks, favoring the motor control training group. Motor control training was more effective than transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in relieving pain (mean difference = 3.3 points, 95% confidence interval = 2.12-4.48), reducing functional disability (mean difference = 8.4 points, 95% confidence interval = 5.44-11.36), improving the quality of pain (mean difference = 17 points, 95% confidence interval = 7.93-26.07), sensory quality of pain (mean difference = 10.3 points, 95% confidence interval = 5.55-15.05), and transversus abdominis activation (mean difference = 1.5 points, 95% confidence interval = 0.90-2.10). Conclusions: The results suggest that motor control training is more effective than transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with respect to relieving pain, reducing functional disability, and improving transversus abdominis activation in patients with lumbar disc herniation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basal cell nevus syndrome ( BCNS), also referred to as nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome or Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, was first described by Gorlin and Goltz in 1960 as an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the early appearance of multiple basal cell carcinomas ( BCCs), keratocysts of the jaw, ectopic calcifications, palmar and plantar pits, and anomalies of the ocular, skeletal, and reproductive systems. The genesis of this cancer's etiology in relation to BCNS was unclear until a few years ago when molecular analysis studies suggested a relationship between BCC and the loss-of-function mutations of the patched gene ( PTCH) found on chromosome arm 9q. PTCH inhibits signaling by the membrane protein Smoothened (Smo), and this inhibition is relieved by binding sonic hedgehog ( SHH) to PTCH. We describe a patient with multiple BCCs associated with x-ray anomalies of BCNS and review the basis of the SHH signaling pathway and clinical aspects of BCNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure is a known trigger for herpetic recurrences.1,2 Both I varicella-zoster i virus and I herpes simplex i virus have been reported to be induced by UV irradiation.3 Since the connection between UV light and herpetic infections was published in 1975 by Wheeler, distinct mechanisms have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, mostly based on concepts of cutaneous immunity.1,2,4-6 Interestingly, the initial rash can be confined to sunburned areas, thus making the differential diagnosis very tricky.7 Despite the exact mechanism by which herpetic lesions target sunlight damaged skin, one must be aware of different possibilities and multiple patterns regarding physical examination so that misdiagnosis can be avoided. 5 Otani T, Mori R. The effects of ultraviolet irradiation of the skin on herpes simplex virus infection: alteration in immune function mediated by epidermal cells and in the course of infection. [Extracted from the article]

The aim of this paper is to describe the process of establishment and evaluation of Live More! - the retirement planning program of a Brazilian public university. A logic model based on inputs, outputs, results, assumptions and external factors was used. Thirteen employees were divided into two groups receiving 24 hours of informative and experiential intervention during eight weeks. The topics' selection was based on the predictors of successful aging. Content analysis was adopted to interpret the participants' answers in the evaluation interviews. Results demonstrated that the main goal of the program - to promote workers' well-being, health and quality of life - was achieved. Keywords: Pre-retirement, retirement, aging, intervention, evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES:The aim of this work was to study the interaction between genetic polymorphisms (single-nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and fat intake on the risk of developing Crohn's disease (CD) or modifying disease activity.METHODS:Seven SNPs in interleukin 1 (IL1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), lymphotoxin alpha (LTα), and IL6 genes were analyzed in 116 controls and 99 patients with CD. The type of fat intake was evaluated, and the interaction between SNPs and dietary fat in modulating disease activity was analyzed.RESULTS:Individuals who were homozygous for the IL6−174G/C polymorphism had a six-fold higher risk for CD (odds ratio (OR)=6.1; 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=1.9–19.4), whereas the TT genotype on the TNFα−857C/T polymorphism was associated with more active disease (OR=10.4; 95% CI=1.1–94.1). A high intake of total, saturated, and monounsaturated fats, as well as a higher ratio of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), was associated with a more active phenotype (P<0.05). Furthermore, there was an interaction between dietary fat intake and SNPs, with a high intake of saturated and monounsaturated fats being associated with active disease, mainly in patients carrying the variant alleles of the 857 TNFα polymorphism (OR=6.0, 95% CI=1.4–26.2; OR=5.17; 95% CI=1.4–19.2, respectively) and the 174 IL6 polymorphism (OR=2.95; 95% CI=1.0–9.1; OR=3.21; 95% CI=1.0–10.4, respectively). Finally, low intake of n-3 PUFA and high n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in patients with the TNFα 857 polymorphism were associated with higher disease activity (OR=3.6; 95% CI=1.0–13.0; OR=5.92; 95% CI=1.3–26.5, respectively).CONCLUSIONS:These results show that different types of fat may interact with cytokine genotype, modulating disease activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]