Search

This study evaluated the effects of glycoelectrolytic supplements on the performance, blood parameters, and intestinal morphology of piglets during the post-weaning period. In the study, a total of 240 piglets weaned aged 17 22.60 + 1.10 days were used. The control group (n = 120) received only water, and the treatment group (n = 120) received an oral glycoelectrolytic supplement diluted in water (0.75%) during the first three days after weaning. Feed intake, daily weight gain, final weight, feed conversion ratio, and post-weaning mortality were evaluated. On the third day after weaning, the blood glucose levels of all piglets were analyzed. Blood was collected from 12 piglets from each treatment group on day 3 after weaning for blood count analysis, and intestinal fragments were collected for anatomopathological and morphometric evaluation. Better feed conversion ratio (1.29) and higher consumption of liquids (0.639 L/day) were observed in the piglet group supplemented with glycoelectrolytes on day 3 after weaning (P < 0.05). The supplemented group presented a higher glycemic index (80.78 mg/dL), average corpuscular volume (67.35 fL), and average corpuscular hemoglobin (20.46 pg) than the control group (P < 0.05). The evaluation of intestinal integrity and the probability of diarrhea occurrence were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). Oral glycoelectrolytic supplementation can be an option for piglets immediately after weaning as it improves feed conversion and consumption of liquids, in addition to increasing blood glucose without the occurrence of diarrhea, thus reducing dehydration and energy deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries, the use of proximal and remotely sensed data is of critical importance as a less expensive means of obtaining soils information. While proximal sensor approaches such as portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry are becoming increasingly used to predict soil properties worldwide, remotely sensed data has also been used for terrain analysis in recent decades with the aid of powerful interpretive algorithms. The aims of this work were to apply a random forest algorithm to model and predict the available contents of Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn from pXRF data in addition to terrain attributes (TAs) with 5 and 10 m spatial resolution and parent material information. The data were used separately and together in an area with high variability of parent materials. Soil samples (n = 153) were collected, analyzed by pXRF, and subjected to laboratory analyses to determine the available contents of Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn. Twelve TAs were generated from digital elevation models (DEM). These data were divided into five datasets (or random forest inputs): pXRF data; TA 5 m data; TA 10 m; pXRF + TA 5 m; and pXRF + TA 10 m. Predictions were performed to assess the importance of such variables. Models were validated with an independent set of samples. Finally, the best models were spatially rendered to cover the entire study area and maps were also validated. The combination of pXRF data and TA covariates in addition to parent material information allowed accurate predictions of available Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn through the random forest algorithm. Parent material information improved the predictions. Pixel size of 10 m resolution promoted better results than 5 m resolution. Available Fe contents were better predicted using only TA data. For the spatial prediction of available micronutrients, validation of maps resulted in R2 of 0.88, RMSE of 59.97 mg kg−1 and ME of 24.00 mg kg−1 for Fe; 0.85, 29.65 mg kg−1, 9.70 mg kg−1 for Mn, 0.64, 3.11 mg kg−1, 0.71 mg kg−1 for Zn and 0.82, 1.17 mg kg−1, 0.43 mg kg−1 for Cu, respectively. Available micronutrient contents can be accurately predicted using pXRF data in association with terrain and parent material information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many surgeons prefer a narrow gastrojejunostomy in gastric bypass believing that this provides greater weight loss. The question is whether the anastomosis remains at its initial diameter, whether it narrows or widens over time. This study tests the hypothesis that the initial diameter of the anastomosis varies over time.Materials and Methods: One hundred obese had undergone surgery. Group A with anastomosis 1.5 cm wide and group B with anastomosis 3 cm wide. One-year follow-up was done for 83 patients. The size of the anastomosis diameter was evaluated using a balloon for cardia dilation.Results: Comparing the results of surgery with the values presented 1 year after the procedure, (i) BMI decreased from 43.3 ± 6.6 to 28.7 ± 7.0 kg/m2 for group A and 44.6 ± 5.9 to 29.1 ± 6.3 kg/m2 for group B, (ii) the total weight loss was 30.6 ± 4.7% for group A and 31.9 ± 5.2% for group B, and (iii) the initial 1.5-cm anastomosis in group A measured 2.3 ± 1.0 cm while the initial 3-cm anastomosis in group B measured 2.7 ± 1.0 cm 1 year after surgery. No statistically significant difference was found for any of the variables evaluated before and after the surgical procedure.Conclusion: Calibrated anastomosis has no utility in increasing weight loss in gastric bypass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the challenges in virtual environments is the difficulty users have in interacting with these increasingly complex systems. Ultimately, endowing machines with the ability to perceive users emotions will enable a more intuitive and reliable interaction. Consequently, using the electroencephalogram as a bio-signal sensor, the affective state of a user can be modelled and subsequently utilised in order to achieve a system that can recognise and react to the user's emotions. This paper investigates features extracted from electroencephalogram signals for the purpose of affective state modelling based on Russell's Circumplex Model. Investigations are presented that aim to provide the foundation for future work in modelling user affect to enhance interaction experience in virtual environments. The DEAP dataset was used within this work, along with a Support Vector Machine and Random Forest, which yielded reasonable classification accuracies for Valence and Arousal using feature vectors based on statistical measurements and band power from the α, β, δ, and 휃 waves and High Order Crossing of the EEG signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hepatic resection is the only potentially curative treatment for patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). Many multidisciplinary approaches, including the associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) procedure, have been proposed to increase the resectability rate in these patients. ALPPS is the most recently described staged liver resection technique, representing an advantageous strategy to induce a rapid and marked increase in the future liver remnant (FLR) volume. The aim of this article is to describe the radiological evaluation of this procedure and its variation. Methods: This retrospective study included 9 patients with CRLM who underwent the ALPPS procedure. Abdominal imaging studies were reviewed, with an emphasis on a rational radiological approach. The number of liver metastases, the FLR volume (pre- and postportal vein ligation), anatomical variations, potential pitfalls related to disease progression, and postoperative complications were evaluated. Results: The types of hepatic resection included 4 classical ALPPS cases, 3 right ALPPS variations, and 2 left ALPPS variations. The mean FLR volume calculated in the initial evaluation was 453 mL (213-790 mL). Following the first surgery, the mean FLR volume increased to 634 mL (410-957 mL), which indicated a mean volume increase of 181.1 mL (95% CI 149.7-212.5 mL; p < 0.001) and a mean absolute volume increase of 48% (19%-88%). Conclusion: The ALPPS procedure is an emerging form of two-stage hepatectomy. In this context, radiologists should provide crucial preoperative and perioperative information that may change surgical planning and contribute to an improvement in the oncologic outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of Enalapril (CHNO), a drug largely used to treat hypertension commercialized in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, were analysed applying the k-method of neutron activation analysis ( k-INAA). Medicines prepared according to personalized medical prescription are called manipulated medicines. These analyses aimed at to obtaining complementary data about the quality of the manipulated Enalapril to a survey carried out by the State Health Surveillance Agency of Minas Gerais, Brazil and to determining the presence of impurities in order to perform a preliminary study of the heterogeneity of the samples from each pharmacy. Due to operational reasons, the institutes Centre for Development of Nuclear Technology/Brazilian Commission for Nuclear Energy in Brazil, and Jožef Stefan Institute in Slovenia analysed different set of samples. The results pointed out the presence of: Al, As, Au, Br, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Hf, La, Sb, Sc, Sm, Th and Zn. These elements may be originated from the raw material, imported from other countries. Elements such as Cl, Fe, K, Mg and Na could be expected in this kind of samples because they are normally present in the substances used as excipients in the preparation of the medicines. The results for the impurities through the analyses using k-INAA method can also be used to verify the heterogeneity of the capsules of the medicines contained in each bottle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated levels of the oncoprotein, osteopontin (OPN), are associated with poor outcome of several types of cancers including melanoma. We have previously reported an important involvement of DNAJB6, a member of heat-shock protein 40 (HSP40) family, in negatively impacting tumor growth. The current study was prompted by our observations reported here which revealed a reciprocal relationship between DNAJB6 and OPN in melanoma specimens. The 'J domain' is the most conserved domain of HSP40 family of proteins. Hence, we assessed the functional role of the J domain in activities of DNAJB6. We report that the J domain of DNAJB6 is involved in mediating OPN suppression. Deletion of the J domain renders DNAJB6 incapable of impeding malignancy and suppressing OPN. Our mechanistic investigations reveal that DNAJB6 binds HSPA8 (heat-shock cognate protein, HSC70) and causes dephosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) at Ser 9 by recruiting protein phosphatase, PP2A. This dephosphorylation activates GSK3β, leading to degradation of β-catenin and subsequent loss of TCF/LEF (T cell factor1/lymphoid enhancer factor1) activity. Deletion of the J domain abrogates assembly of this multiprotein complex and renders GSK3β inactive, thus, stabilizing β-catenin, a transcription co-activator for OPN expression. Our in-vitro and in-vivo functional analyses show that silencing OPN expression in the background of deletion of the J domain renders the resultant tumor cells less malignant despite the presence of stabilized β-catenin. Thus, we have uncovered a new mechanism for regulation of GSK3β activity leading to inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One critical problem of sheet formed products is its dimensional accuracy. This is related to springback (elastic recovery), after forming load releasing. It may happen in any forming process; however, it is easier noted and quantified in bending process. Needless to say that this problem is undesirable since it affects assemblies, mainly at aeronautics industry [1]. Although, literature provides some models for predicting springback in conventional bending, this is not the case for non conventional bending using polyurethanic die and that’s why the process has been treated on trial and error basis at shop, implying in product discharge. So, this work intends to present a theoretical model for predicting springback. Model validation has been done by experimental results. Predicted values are in a good agreement with these latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extension of the surgery and closure type of the pharynx can be the determinants in the pharyngocutaneous fistula development. The objective of the study is to evaluate the incidence of pharingocutaneous salivary fistulae after total laryngectomies comparing manual and mechanical sutures. The study is designed as non-randomized, prospective clinical study. Sixty patients with squamous cell carcinoma were submitted to total laryngectomies. In 30 cases, the linear stapler (75 mm) closure (surgical technique described in details) and in other 30 cases manual suture was used. The cases of mechanical suture were prospective and consecutive and the cases of manual suture were a review series of patients who underwent a manual suture of pharynx, in the same period of time. The statistical analysis between the two groups concluded that both were comparable. Fistulae incidence was 6.7% (2/30) in the group with the mechanical suture and 36.7% (11/30) in the group with manual suture closure, presenting a significant difference ( p = 0.0047). The total laryngectomy with mechanical closure is an easy and fast learning technique, allowing watertight closure of the pharynx with a low risk of contamination of the surgical field. It is an assured method, even in previously irradiated patients, since we respect the limits of its indication regarding the extension of primary tumor that must be confirmed by previous suspension laryngectomy performed in the operating room. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study determines the elementary alloy composition of ten commercial brands of brackets, especially related to Ni, Cr, and Co metals, confirmed allergenic elements. The nuclear techniques applied in the analyses were X-ray fluorescence (XRF) — Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France (National Center of Scientific Research), and X-ray energy spectrometry (XRES), and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) — CDTN/CNEN, Brazil. The XRES and XRF techniques identified Cr in the 10 samples analyzed and Ni in eight samples. The INAA technique identified the presence of Cr (14% to 19%) and Co (42% to 2400 ppm) in all samples. The semi-quantitative analysis performed by XRF also identified Co in two samples. The techniques were effective in the identification of metals in orthodontic brackets. The elements identified in this study can be considered one of the main reason for the allergic processes among the patients studied. This finding suggests that the patients should be tested for allergy and allergenic sensibility to metals prior to the prescription of orthodontic device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Laboratory for Neutron Activation Analysis at CDTN/CNEN, Brazil, acquired the k0_IAEA software package during the Workshop on Nuclear Data for Activation Analysis, 2005, held at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Italy. The IAEA distributed the software to several laboratories and has accepted suggestions from the users about the performance of the program. This paper describes the validation procedure carried out aiming at the validation of the software package. The procedure was to analyze the SMELS samples and to compare the results obtained by this software to the commercial KayWin software package, already established at CDTN/CNEN. The results were compared to the values obtained by the Jožef Stefan Institute, Slovenia. The laboratories applied the same software: k0_IAEA and KayWin. The overall results pointed out that the k0_IAEA software set up at CDTN/CNEN, Brazil, is working properly. The u-score test showed that all results, except data in SMELS Type III for Se obtained at the JSI, are within 95% confidence interval once setting up u-score as 1.96 ( P = 95% or ±2σ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scarcity of paediatric cholelithiasis limits the obtainable experience in paediatric laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LPC). We report minilaparotomy cholecystectomy (MLC) in children which may be a useful alternative to LPC avoiding the added cost of disposable laparoscopic equipment. Nineteen cases underwent a retrograde MLC using a 2–4 cm transverse right upper quadrant incision. Various parameters were assessed. Mean age at presentation was 10.87 years, mean length of the incision 2.8 cm, mean operative time 36.5 min, mean analgesic requirement 2 days, mean time to feed/ mobilize 1 day each, and mean duration of hospital stay was 2.7 days. All had satisfactory cosmetic result without postoperative complications. MLC in children involves a small incision, excellent cosmetic scar and rapid postoperative recovery at relatively low cost. It is a good alternative to LPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold is not included in the current list of elements considered essential to humans and there are many controversies related to its toxicity. According to the chemical characteristics of the element, Au1+ is favored for binding at sites with S donor, such as sulfhydryl group (-SH) in proteins in biological systems. This tendency raises the possibility of health-related risk, mainly linked to a long-term exposure to high and low levels of gold. This paper highlights the determination of gold by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) during the assessment of exposure levels to metals and possible workers’ contamination in three galvanizing factories applying the same processes. This assessment is aimed at giving support to Worker’s Health Awareness Program of the Municipal Department of Health of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. INAA, mix of k 0 and monostandard methods was applied to air filter, hair and toenail samples, and to urine samples. Solvent extraction of gold was carried out followed by comparative INAA. The results revealed that gold was present in all matrixes, indicating the exposure in the workplace and suggesting endogenous contamination. Is gold playing a role as a toxic element? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of mining activity on elemental concentrations in kale grown around a mining area. Two sites studied are in the Iron Quadrangle, Minas Gerais, Brazil, considered one of the richest mineral-bearing regions in the world. One site is near mineral exploration activity and the other is an ecological area. A comparator site outside the Iron Quadrangle was also analyzed. This work focused on the determination of the elemental concentrations in kale applying the k 0-instrumental neutron activation analysis. As the Brazilian legislation specifies values for soil only, the results for kale were compared to the literature values and it was found that the vegetable does not present any health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worker’s health service is guided to look for risks. There is not an evaluation of the onset of the disease linked to a long-term exposure to low levels of toxic agents. Besides, there are few records of the level of metal concentration in the environmental air in industry, as well as few records of the level of contamination of factory workers. To assess the level of pollution in workplace, galvanising industry was chosen as the object of this study. The worker exposure and contamination levels were assessed by means of airborne particulate matter collected in air filters and biomonitors. The analysis of the air filter, hair and toenail samples were carried out by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis, and urine samples by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The statistical multivariate analysis and ANOVA methods were applied to elemental concentration. Copper and iron elements were highlighted as the main contributors on the differentiation of the classes. The results point out the effectiveness of biomonitors in occupational studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objectives were to identify the stage(s) of frozen embryo replacement cycle where the couples are most vulnerable to psychological dysfunction. Assessment was performed by using the Mean Affect Adjective Check-List (MAACL). Methods: Thirty couples completed the MAACL questionnaire at the following stages: (a) pretreatment (visit 1), (b) before embryo transfer (visit 2), and (c) before pregnancy test (visit 3). Each partner had to complete a separate questionnaire set. Results: For both partners, the depression score for visit 3 was significantly higher and the sensation seeking and positive affect scores were significantly lower than the corresponding scores for earlier visits. Anxiety scores were similar for all visits. For men, the hostility scores were significantly higher between visits 1 and 2 while in women the same was reported between visits 3 and 2. Conclusions: Psychological counselling should be targeted at couples especially after embryo transfer. MAACL is a useful method for measuring psychological dysfunction in these couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most complex networks serve as conduits for various dynamical processes, ranging from mass transfer by chemical reactions in the cell to packet transfer on the Internet. We collected data on the time dependent activity of five natural and technological networks, finding evidence of orders of magnitude differences in the fluxes of individual nodes. This dynamical inhomogeneity reflects the emergence of localized high flux regions or “hot spots”, carrying an overwhelming fraction of the network’s activity. We find that each system is characterized by a unique scaling law, coupling the flux fluctuations with the total flux on individual nodes, a result of the competition between the system’s internal collective dynamics and changes in the external environment. We propose a method to separate these two components, allowing us to predict the relevant scaling exponents. As high fluctuations can lead to dynamical bottlenecks and jamming, these findings have a strong impact on the predictability and failure prevention of complex transportation networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the assessment of exposure levels to metals and possible workers' contamination in three galvanizing factories applying the same processes. Concerning the elements determined in air filters, 92.3% of them were also determined in hair and toenail samples: Ag, Al, As, Au, Cl, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, Sb and Zn. These result point out that hair and toenail reflect the influence of the polluted environment on workers' health and can be useful as bioindicators in epidemiological studies. Instrumental neutron activation analysis was applied to all matrices which confirms its status as one of the most versatile analytical techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ring analysis was carried out on 39 Rhizophora mangle trees from two saline and one brackish forest sites on a peninsula in north Brazil. All trees showed constant growth over their entire life span, however the distinctiveness of growth rings was greater in trees from the saline areas than in trees from the brackish site. The mean radial increments form a pattern of three distinct groups (`fast', `medium', and `slow' growth). Although all three growth groups contained trees from each study site, trees from the brackish and the frequently inundated saline area presented a significantly higher growth rate (3.3 mm y-1) than the trees growing in a saline, seldom inundated area. Radiocarbon analysis showed that R. mangle forms annual rings in the region. The mean age of each forest, derived from the mean stem radius, the growth rates, and the tree affiliation to each growth group, explains forest's density and basal area. For the trees from a saline area belonging to the medium growth group (mean increment 2.5 mm y-1), the cambial growth correlates significantly with the precipitation in the transition months between the dry and the rainy season. The slowest growing trees (1.2 mm y-1) showed a close relationship between the ring width and the number of months with rainfall < 50 mm. Based on these results, we propose that the local abiotic factors influence the individual growth rates but their effect on the forest structure is modified by biotic factors, such as neighborhood competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to assess the elemental concentration level in a galvanizing industry and alert for the need to assess the outcome of a long-term exposure, scalp hair and toenail samples were used as bioindicators and the industry environment was evaluated through airborne particulate matter. The elemental concentration results have pointed out a high exposure to pollutant at workplaces and a high elemental concentration in biomonitors suggesting endogenous contamination. The majority of the elements determined in airborne particulate matter were also determined in hair and toenail samples. The results evidence the efficiency of these matrixes as biomonitors and the importance to carry out the airborne particulate matter sampling in parallel to these biomonitors mainly in occupational epidemiological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternaria brasiliensis sp. nov., was isolated from leaves of common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L., showing punctiform non concentric leaf spots of brown color. Besides the symptomatological differences, the new Alternaria species presents distinct type of arrangement of conidia chain, body and beak size. The disease was observed in Montanha county, State of Espirito Santo, Brazil, but not yet reported in the literature. The causal agent of the disease is now described by the first time. The epithet used here is referring to the country where the species has been found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the tasks of the Radiochemical Sector, CDTN/CNEN, Brazil, is to meet the clients' analytical needs. The Sector has been facing the challenges of determining several elements in diversified matrixes from all over the country since the sixties. It has been giving analytical support to universities, industries, environmental monitoring programs, research institutes. Due to the growing need to determine thorium isotopes through the years it was necessary to work out a routine procedures. Nowadays the determination of thorium consists of a well established routine whose procedures are applied to grouped samples according to their kind, physical state, matrix interference, detection limits and number of samples. This paper describes the methods used by CDTN to determine232Th by neutron activation analysis and230Th and228Th by radiochemical separations and alpha spectrometry in several matrixes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium monofluoroacetate (NAFAc) has been widely used for vertebrate pest control, such as rabbits in Australia. However, NAFAc is extremely toxic to all vertebrates and its use is restricted. Although this compound is stringently restricted, the occurrence of accidental and homicidal poisoning is na ever-present possibility. The method developed in this work shows the applicability of SPE with alumina cartridges for the extraction of NAFAc from serum samples. The method is efficient with recoveries of at least 96.8% from spiked serum. The samples were subsequently derivatized with dicyclohexyl-cabodiimide (DCC), using 2,4-dichloroaniline (DCA), to make the product volatile for GC analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method has been developed for extraction and determination of carbofuran in milk. The method involved direct injection of raw milk on to a human serum albumin dimethyloctyl-silica gel (HSA-C8) column and the use of 80:20 ( v/v) 0.01 M phosphate buffer pH 5.5-acetonitrile as mobile phase. UV spectrophotometric detection was performed at 220 nm. Identification was based on retention time. Quantification was performed by automatic peak-area determination and was calibrated by use of an external standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]