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The TechnoFusión project involves the construction of a relevant set of scientific-technical facilities in Madrid (Spain), providing new tools to fusion energy community. It will create an infrastructure to support the development of nuclear fusion technology, assuring participation by Spanish research groups and engineering companies.The improvement of liquid lithium technology is one of the milestones of the nuclear fusion pathway. Liquid lithium is a key component in some tritium breeding blankets and more recently, it is considered as a plasma-facing component. The development of this technology requires R&D to many phenomena: Interaction between liquid metal and structural materials as corrosion, ero- sion or embrittlement; chemical behavior of liquid lithium; coatings development; MHD; free surface fluid-dynamics; diagnosis and instrumentation of fluid lithium and any other physical or chemical aspect that will be important for their safe reliable operation and would increase the economic feasibility of commercial fusion energy. Nowadays, there is a significant shortage of experimental facilities committed to the development of the liquid lithium technology in Europe.In the framework of the TechnoFusión Project, an experimental laboratory of liquid lithium technology has been proposed, to back a real technological transfer to regional and national industrial sector. This paper summarizes the current conceptual layout of this facility.

318 Background: Metastases (M+) detection is a critical event in non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC), as it entails a change in PC management and is a potential surrogate for survival at this stage. PSA doubling time (PSA-DT) has been described as a prognostic factor to develop M+. However, there could be other relevant factors to raise suspicion of progression in nmCRPC patients. The “IDENTIFICA” study tries to describe disease characteristics and clinical drivers that make physicians suspect the presence of M+ in nmCRPC patients in clinical practice in Spain. Methods: Observational, transversal, multicenter study. nmCRPC patients with physician’s suspiction of M+ were selected. Imaging tests to rule out metastases were requested; clinical drivers were described, along with clinical data related to prostate cancer (PC). Results: 197 nmCRPC patients were recruited (Jan-Jun 2018). Median age was 81.3 years. Median time from the onset of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to CRPC was 5.1 years (IQR: 2.5-8.2). ADT was the first PC treatment for 64.4% of , while 41.2% went through a curative-intent treatment. Median PSA-DT at CRPC diagnosis was 7.5 months. Time from PC diagnosis to CRPC was influenced by Gleason score at diagnosis ( p=0.001), primary curative intent treatment ( p

A rigorous material testing program is essential for the development of the nuclear fusion world program. In particular, it is very important to predict the generation of the displacement damage in materials, because the irradiation intensity expected in fusion conditions is such that the performance of materials and components under these extreme conditions is unknown. To study the damage produced by neutrons in materials of interest for fusion, a specific computational methodology was developed. Neutron fluxes expected in different irradiation facilities (International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility [IFMIF] and DEMO-HCLL) and in different irradiation spots were obtained with particles transport codes (McDeLicious, MCNP). The energy differential cross sections of primary knock-on atoms were calculated using the NJOY code. Resulting data were input into the Monte Carlo code MARLOWE to calculate the corresponding displacements (i.e., interstitials (I) and vacancies (V)). However, the number of Frenkel pairs created during irradiation strongly depends on the recombination radius between interstitials and vacancies. This parameter corresponds to the minimum distance below which instantaneous recombination occurs. Mainly, the influence of such parameter on the damage function in Al2O3 was assessed in this report. The displacements per atom values calculated as a function of the recombination radius considered are compared to experimental data to determine the most appropriate capture radius. In addition, the damage function and damage dose generated at different experimental irradiation facilities are compared with those expected in DEMO. The conclusion is that both IFMIF and TechnoFusion (future triple beam ion accelerator to emulate fusion neutron irradiation effects in materials) facilities are suited to perform relevant irradiation experiments for the design of DEMO.

The preliminary engineering design of the test facilities, including the various test modules to be used in the IFMIF plant is a part of the IFMIF/EVEDA (Engineering Validation and Engineering Design Activities) project from the Broader Approach to fusion. One presents the current status of the conceptual development of the IFMIF Start-Up Monitoring Module, a dedicated device used in the IFMIF test cell during the commissioning phase of the installation, in order to completely characterise the irradiation conditions behind the target on which the beam of deuterons will be focused. This STUMM embarks a lot of instrumentation to precisely characterise the neutron field, the nuclear heating and the temperatures in the test cell. One briefly describes the measuring instruments (including a specific radiation flux monitor under development), the possible layouts and the possible positioning. One also defines which types of measurements are expected by this especially dedicated commissioning module.

Under Broader Approach (BA) Agreement between EURATOM and Japan, IFMIF/EVEDA (International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility/Engineering Validation and Engineering Design Activities) has been performed since the middle of 2007. IFMIF presents three main facilities (the Accelerator Facility, Li Target Facility and Test Facilities). A previous design of IFMIF was summarized in the comprehensive design report [1]. The present EVEDA phase aims at producing a detailed, complete and fully integrated engineering design of IFMIF. The delivery of the "Intermediate IFMIF Engineering Design Report" is foreseen mid-2013. The goal of IFMIF is to obtain the indispensable design database to allow the design and licensing of DEMO and ensuring commercial reactors thanks to the materials data set obtained from planned evaluation tests such irradiations in high flux test modules (HFTM-vertical rig, HFTM-horizontal rig), medium flux test modules (creep fatigue test module, tritium release test module, liquid breeder validation module) and low flux test modules of IFMIF. In addition, the Startup Monitoring Module will be used for IFMIF commissioning. This paper is summarizing the overall current progress status of the engineering and conceptual design of the test modules in IFMIF/EVEDA. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

One of the objectives of IFMIF (International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility), as stated in its specifications, is the validation of breeder blanket concepts for DEMO design. The so-called Liquid Breeder Validation Module (LBVM) will be used in IFMIF to perform experiments under irradiation on functional materials related to liquid breeder concepts for future fusion reactors. This module, not considered in previous IFMIF design phases, is currently under design by CIEMAT in the framework of the IFMIF/EVEDA project. In this paper, the present status of the design of the LBVM is presented.

Like their animal counterparts, plant glutamate receptor-like (GLR) homologs are intimately associated with Ca(2+) influx through plasma membrane and participate in various physiological processes. In pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP)-/elicitor-mediated resistance, Ca(2+) fluxes are necessary for activating downstream signaling events related to plant defense. In this study, oligogalacturonides (OGs), which are endogenous elicitors derived from cell wall degradation, were used to investigate the role of Arabidopsis GLRs in defense signaling. Pharmacological investigations indicated that GLRs are partly involved in free cytosolic [Ca(2+)] ([Ca(2+)]cyt) variations, nitric oxide (NO) production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and expression of defense-related genes by OGs. In addition, wild-type Col-0 plants treated with the glutamate-receptor antagonist 6,7-dinitriquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) had a compromised resistance to Botrytis cinerea and Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis. Moreover, we provide genetic evidence that AtGLR3.3 is a key component of resistance against H. arabidopsidis. In addition, some OGs-triggered immune events such as defense gene expression, NO and ROS production are also to different extents dependent on AtGLR3.3. Taken together, these data provide evidence for the involvement of GLRs in elicitor/pathogen-mediated plant defense signaling pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana.

IFMIF (International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility) will be a fusion dedicated facility producing a large amount of neutrons with the appropriate energy spectrum to test materials and subcomponents for DEMO and future Fusion Power Plants. While the high flux area of IFMIF will be devoted to reduced activation structural materials for first wall and blanket, the medium flux area will be dedicated to functional materials for breeder blankets. In particular, the Liquid Breeder Validation Module (LBVM), will host experiments related with functional materials for liquid breeder blankets. Since IFMIF neutron spectra have been intended to fit the most irradiated areas of a fusion reactor in the high flux area, the irradiation conditions in the LBVM placed in the medium flux area of IFMIF have been assessed. The effect of some neutron shifter/reflector components to optimize the neutron spectra have been evaluated in order to find out the proper irradiation conditions for functional materials for liquid breeder blankets. Therefore, the objective of this report is to summarize the neutronic calculations developed to evaluate the viability of IFMIF neutron source to perform relevant irradiation experiments on functional materials for liquid breeder blanket concept for future nuclear fusion power reactors (ITER, DEMO). The irradiation parameters evaluated for this purpose are: the tritium production for liquid breeder material (Pb–17Li) and the damage dose (dpa) and gas production to damage dose ratios for Al 2 O 3 and SiC functional materials. The main conclusion is that, it is possible to perform relevant irradiation experiments on functional materials for liquid breeder blanket concept for the future nuclear fusion reactor DEMO. Nevertless, the use of some shifter components will be needed to optimize some irradiation parameters.

Soft skills and hard skills are essential in the practice of dentistry. While hard skills deal with technical proficiency, soft skills relate to a personal values and interpersonal skills that determine a person's ability to fit in a particular situation. These skills contribute to the success of organisations that deal face-to-face with clients. Effective soft skills benefit the dental practice. However, the teaching of soft skills remains a challenge to dental schools. This paper discusses the different soft skills, how they are taught and assessed and the issues that need to be addressed in their teaching and assessment. The use of the module by the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya for development of soft skills for institutions of higher learning introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia.

OBJETIVO: Verificar os efeitos da reabilitação auditiva, por meio da análise dos aspectos quantitativos e qualitativos do Teste Dicótico de Dissílabos Alternados (SSW), em idosos novos usuários de próteses auditivas. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi realizado com 17 idosos, novos usuários de próteses auditivas, com idades entre 60 e 84 anos, distribuídos em G1, que somente fez uso das próteses auditivas, e G2, que foi submetido a um programa de reabilitação auditiva, que abrangeu o aconselhamento e treinamento auditivos. Todos os indivíduos foram submetidos ao teste SSW em momentos distintos de avaliação, inicial e final do estudo. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente. RESULTADOS: Para os aspectos quantitativos, os sujeitos do G1 apresentaram melhora entre as avaliações, porém não signiticativa, enquanto os sujeitos do G2 apresentaram melhora significativa quanto aos aspectos direita competitiva, esquerda não-competitiva e total de acertos. Quando comparado o desempenho final de ambos os grupos, houve diferença significativa entre quase todas as variáveis, com vantagem para o G2. No que diz respeito aos aspectos qualitativos, os idosos de ambos os grupos apresentaram déficits em ambas as avaliações, com diferentes mudanças entre elas. CONCLUSÃO: Os escores alcançados pelos indivíduos do grupo submetido à reabilitação auditiva nas variáveis direita competitiva e esquerda não-competitiva demonstram, principalmente, a melhora no que diz respeito ao funcionamento do hemisfério esquerdo proporcionada pelo treinamento. Para a evidência de diferença entre os resultados dos aspectos qualitativos, possivelmente fosse necessária reavaliação após um período mais longo de tempo, para que realmente houvesse alteração das percepções auditivas associadas a outras funções sensoriais. PURPOSE: To verify the effects of auditory rehabilitation through the analysis of quantitative and qualitative aspects of the Staggered Spondaic Word Test (SSW) in elderly people who have recently started wearing hearing aids. METHODS: The study included 17 elderly people, who have recently started wearing hearing aids, aged between 60 and 84 years old, divided into two groups: G1, for those who only wore hearing aids, and G2, for those submitted to an auditory rehabilitation program structured in seven sessions, including auditory counseling and training. All subjects were evaluated with the SSW test at two different moments, the beginning and the end of the study. All data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Regarding quantitative aspects, subjects in G1 showed improvements, but no statistically significant differences were observed between evaluations, while G2 presented statistically significant improvements on the competitive right, the non-competitive left and the total number of hits. When comparing the final performance of both groups, there were statistically significant differences concerning almost all of the variables with greater results to the G2 group. Regarding qualitative aspects, volunteers in both groups had difficulties with phonemic decoding, gradual memory loss, organization and integration in both assessments, with different alterations between them. CONCLUSION: The scores obtained by subjects in G2 submitted to the hearing rehabilitation in the variables competitive right and left non-competitive show especially the improvement on the left hemisphere, due to auditory training. For further evidence of differences between the results of qualitative aspects, a longer period of time would possibly be required in order for changes in auditory perception to occur associated with other sensory functions.

Informal, coercive residential centers for the treatment of addiction are widespread and growing throughout Latin America. In Mexico these centers are called “ anexos” and they are run and utilized by low-income individuals and families with problems related to drugs and alcohol. This article draws on findings from a 3-year anthropological study of anexos in Mexico City. Participant observation and in-depth interviews were used to describe and analyze anexos, their therapeutic practices, and residents’ own accounts of addiction and recovery. Our findings indicate that poverty, addiction, and drug-related violence have fueled the proliferation of anexos. They also suggest that anexos offer valuable health, social, and practical support, but risk exacerbating the suffering of residents through coercive rehabilitation techniques. Emphasizing this tension, this article considers the complex relationship between coercion and care, and poses fundamental questions about what drug recovery consists of in settings of poverty and violence.

Due to its applications in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases, the 42 kDa zinc-dependent metalloenzyme carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) is of great therapeutic interest. An X-ray crystal structure of unliganded CPG2 reported in 1997 revealed the domain architecture and informed early rational drug design efforts, however further efforts at co-crystallization of CPG2 with ligands, substrates or inhibitors have not been reported. Thus key features of CPG2 such as the location of the active site, the presence of additional ligand-binding sites, stability, oligomeric state, and the molecular basis of activity remain largely unknown, with the current working understanding of CPG2 activity based primarily on computational modelling. To facilitate renewed efforts in CPG2 structural biology, we report the first high-yield (250 mg L(-1)) recombinant expression (and purification) of soluble and active CPG2 using the Escherichia coli expression system. We used this protocol to produce full-length enzyme, as well as protein fragments corresponding to the individual catalytic and dimerization domains, and the activity and stability of each construct was characterised. We adapted our protocol to allow for uniform incorporation of NMR labels ((13)C, (15)N and (2)H) and present preliminary solution-state NMR spectra of high quality. Taken together, our results offer a route for production and solution-state characterization that supports renewed effort in CPG2 structural biology as well as design of significantly truncated CPG2 proteins, which retain activity while yielding (potentially) improved immunogenicity.

Klippel Trenaunay Weber syndrome (SKTW) is rare congenital disease characterized by cutaneous hemangioma, bone and soft tissue hypertrophy and venous/lymphatic abnormalities related with arterio-venous malformations and coagulopathy. There are about 1000 case reports found in the literature, of which only 12 include anesthetic approach. The authors report a case of a patient diagnosed with SKTW submitted to a right superficial femoral artery aneurysmectomy and femoral-popliteal bypass surgery, under general anesthesia complicated with massive hemorrhage (total blood loss of 8050mL against 500-1000mL estimated for this kind of procedure), due to angiodisplasia of right leg.The authors discuss an aggressive approach to massive blood loss, mainly regarding the use of introperative Cell-Saver and fluid rapid infusers (Level 1 ®)., O Síndrome de Klippel Trenaunay Weber (SKTW) é uma doença congénita rara caracterizada por hemangiomas cutâneos, hipertrofia óssea e dos tecidos moles e anomalias venosas e/ou linfáticas associadas a malformações arterio-venosas e coagulopatia. Na literatura estão descritos cerca de 1000 casos, dos quais apenas 12 incluem abordagem anestésica.Os autores descrevem o caso clínico de um doente com o diagnóstico de SKTW submetido a aneurismectomia da artéria femoral superficial direita e bypass femoro-popliteu, sob anestesia geral balanceada complicada de hemorragia massiva (perda sanguínea total de 8050 mL, em contraste com os 500-1000 ml estimados), com origem em displasia vascular do membro inferior.Os autores pretendem discutir a abordagem agressiva de uma hemorragia massiva, nomeadamente a utilização de cell-saver e sistemas de infusão rápida de soros ( Level 1 ® ).

The aim was to ascertain the prognostic value of mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), measured within 24 hours from the onset of septic shock (SS).We performed a prospective, observational study on all patients admitted to our hospital's Intensive Care Unit with SS over a one year period from January to December 2011 to examine the outcomes in 100 consecutive SS cases. Demographic data and severity score (APACHEII and SOFA) were recorded. MR-proADM, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin were measured within the first 24 hours from SS onset. The outcome variable studied was 28-day mortality. Data were evaluated with non-parametric statistics bivariant and multivariate analyses for survival analysis.In patients who died within 28 days (36%), MR-proADM, Lactate, APACHE II as well as SOFA were significantly higher compared with survivors. MR-proADM showed the best association with 28-day mortality, as well as a prognostic value (logrank test: P=0.0012). Statistical significance was also seen in the Cox regression analysis (P=0.0004) for all patients with a Relative Risk of 1.26 times that of the baseline for each mmol/L of increase in MR-proADM.In our study MR-proADM levels measured on admission correlates with 28-day mortality in patients with septic shock.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a relação entre o gênero e o nível de desenvolvimento dos sistemas responsáveis pelo equilíbrio postural em crianças de seis a dez anos de idade. MÉTODO: composto por 282 crianças, divididas em três grupos:geral (meninas e meninos), feminino com 146 crianças, e masculino composto por 136 crianças na faixa etária entre os seis e os dez anos de idade. Para avaliação do equilíbrio postural utilizou-se a posturografia dinâmica foam-laser que avalia os sistemas sensoriais por meio de seis testes distintos. Os dados foram submetidos à estatística descritiva e a testes conforme a normalidade dos dados. RESULTADOS: nos Testes de Organização Sensorial, pode-se observar que os valores encontrados para as meninas foram maiores que os valores encontrados para meninos nas variáveis Teste de Organização Sensorial I e na Média destes. Porém, esses valores para os grupos de meninos e meninas foram inferiores aos valores de referência da Foam-Laser Posturography para adultos. Quando foi realizada a comparação entre os gêneros dentro de cada faixa etária, foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes no Teste de Organização Sensorial I aos oito anos de idade, no Teste de Organização Sensorial V aos nove anos e no Teste de Organização Sensorial VI e na Média dos Testes de Organização Sensorial aos oito anos. CONCLUSÃO: o equilíbrio postural de meninas foi melhor que nos meninos, mas ambos os grupos tiveram valores inferiores aos considerados normais em adultos indicando que a maturação neuronal dos sistemas responsáveis pelo equilíbrio postural ainda não está completa.

Calcium signatures induced by two elicitors of plant defense reactions, namely cryptogein and oligogalacturonides, were monitored at the subcellular level, using apoaequorin-transformed Nicotiana tabacum var Xanthi cells, in which the apoaequorin calcium sensor was targeted either to cytosol, mitochondria or chloroplasts. Our study showed that both elicitors induced specific Ca2+ signatures in each compartment, with the most striking difference relying on duration. Common properties also emerged from the analysis of Ca2+ signatures: both elicitors induced a biphasic cytosolic [Ca2+] elevation together with a single mitochondrial [Ca2+] elevation concomitant with the first cytosolic [Ca2+] peak. In addition, both elicitors induced a chloroplastic [Ca2+] elevation peaking later in comparison to cytosolic [Ca2+] elevation. In cryptogein-treated cells, pharmacological studies indicated that IP3 should play an important role in Ca2+ signaling contrarily to cADPR or nitric oxide, which have limited or no effect on [Ca2+] variations. Our data also showed that, depending on [Ca2+] fluxes at the plasma membrane, cryptogein triggered a mitochondrial respiration increase and affected excess energy dissipation mechanisms in chloroplasts. Altogether the results indicate that cryptogein profoundly impacted cell functions at many levels, including organelles. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Many authors have proposed the necessity of the design and implementation of dietary and nutrition education programs for soccer players, although little information is available about the determinants of food selection and nutrient intake. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional intake and eating patterns of soccer players according to their playing position in the team. Eighty-seven young male soccer players (aged 16-21 years) were recruited from the junior teams of a Spanish First Division Soccer League Club and divided into 6 positional categories (goalkeepers, full-backs, centre-backs, midfielders, wingers, and forwards). Body composition (height, weight, and body fat), performance in soccer-specific tests (jumping, sprinting, and intermittent endurance), and dietary intake (weighed food intake method) were assessed. A spontaneous higher carbohydrate intake was observed for full-backs, midfielders, and wingers (g·kg(-1) body mass: 4.9 ± 1.0, 4.9 ± 1.3, 4.9 ± 0.8; % of energy intake: 47 ± 5, 46 ± 6, 46 ± 4), compared with goalkeepers and centre-backs (g·kg(-1) of body mass: 3.9 ± 1.0, 4.3 ± 1.1; % of energy intake: 44 ± 3, 42 ± 4). These differences were related to food selection patterns, and a higher contribution to daily energy intake of cereals, derivatives, and potatoes was observed between full-backs compared with goalkeepers and centre-backs (33% vs. 27% and 25%). The magnitude of these differences is limited considering the whole diet, and an inadequate nutrient intake were observed in most individuals of every group. The design and implementation of nutrition intervention programs, taking into consideration positional differences in nutritional intake, would be useful for these players.

A dor cervical é o sintoma mais comum das disfunções cervicais, frequentemente relacionado à manutenção de posturas inadequadas. As alterações posturais da cabeça estão associadas à ocorrência de dor cervical, sendo a anteriorização a alteração mais comum. O objetivo foi investigar a correlação entre postura da cabeça, intensidade da dor e índice de incapacidade cervical - neck disability index (NDI). O grupo estudo (GE) foi composto por mulheres na faixa entre 20 e 50 anos com queixas de dor cervical por mais de três meses, e o grupo controle (GC), por mulheres assintomáticas. A intensidade da dor foi avaliada pela escala visual analógica (EVA), a incapacidade pelo NDI e a postura da cabeça pelo ângulo craniovertebral (CV). A normalidade dos dados foi verificada pelo teste de Lilliefors, e a comparação entre os grupos pelo teste t de Student para amostras independentes e a associação entre as variáveis pela correlação de Spearman. O nível de significância foi de 5%. O GE apresentou médias menores para o ângulo CV (p=0,02). O ângulo CV demonstrou correlação negativa com a EVA (r=-0,48) e o NDI (r=-0,15), sugerindo que quanto menor o ângulo, maior a intensidade da dor e a incapacidade cervical. O NDI e a EVA apresentaram correlação positiva (r=0,59). O ângulo CV em indivíduos com dor cervical foi significativamente menor que em assintomáticos, apresentando correlação moderada com o NDI e a dor.Neck pain is the most common symptom of cervical dysfunctions often being related to the maintenance of postures. Postural changes of the head are often associated with the occurrence of neck pain with an anterior approach was the most frequent. The purpose was to investigate the correlation between head posture, pain intensity and neck disability index. The study group (SG) was composed of women, aged between 20 and 50 years who complained of neck pain for more than three months, and the control group (CG) for asymptomatic women. Pain intensity was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS), disability by neck disability index (NDI) and the head posture by the craniovertebral angle (CV). Normality of the data was verified by the Lilliefors test and the comparison between groups by the Student's t-test for independent samples, and the association between variables by Spearman correlation test. Significance level was 5%. The SG had lower average CV for the angle (p=0.02). The CV angle was negatively correlated with the VAS (r=-0.48) and NDI (r=-0.15) suggesting that the smaller the angle, the greater the intensity of neck pain and disability. The NDI and VAS showed a positive correlation (r=0.59). The angle CV in subjects with neck pain was significantly lower than in healthy individuals association with the neck disability index and pain.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos de um programa de reabilitação auditiva para a habilidade de ordenação temporal, dos padrões de duração e frequência dos sons, em idosos usuários de próteses auditivas. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi realizado com 17 idosos, com idade entre 60 e 84 anos, distribuídos em Grupo Controle (GC), que somente fez uso das próteses auditivas, e Grupo Estudo (GE), submetido a um programa de reabilitação auditiva, que abrangeu o aconselhamento e treinamento auditivos. Todos os indivíduos foram submetidos a avaliações no momento inicial e final do estudo, por meio dos testes Padrões Sequenciais de Duração e Padrões Sequenciais de Frequência. O período entre as duas avaliações compreendeu sete semanas. RESULTADOS: No teste Padrões Sequenciais de Duração, os sujeitos do GC apresentaram valores médios de acerto nas avaliações inicial e final, na condição murmurado, de 48,64 e 54,43%, e os sujeitos do GE, 60,39 e 76,28%. Na condição nomeado, o GC apresentou 51,93 e 52,43%, e o GE, 63,94 e 77,44%, nas avaliações inicial e final, respectivamente. No teste Padrões Sequenciais de Frequência, os sujeitos do GC apresentaram valores médios de acerto, na condição murmurado, de 80,62 e 79,94%, e os sujeitos do GE, 79,78 e 90,39%. Na condição nomeado, o GC apresentou 82,64 e 84,21%, e o GE, 82,94 e 85,89%, na avaliação inicial e final, respectivamente. Houve diferença apenas para os sujeitos do GE nas condições murmurado e nomeado do teste Padrões Sequenciais de Duração e nomeado do teste Padrões Sequencias de Frequência, indicando valores médios superiores na avaliação final. CONCLUSÃO: O programa de reabilitação auditiva a idosos usuários de próteses auditivas proporciona evolução satisfatória no reconhecimento, ordenação temporal, e nomeação dos padrões de duração e de frequência dos sons. PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of an auditory rehabilitation program for the temporal ordering ability, of duration and pitch patterns of sounds, in elderly hearing aids users. METHODS: Participants were 17 elderly people, with ages between 60 and 84 years, divided into Control Group (CG), which only used hearing aids, and Study Group (SG), which were submitted to an auditory rehabilitation program that included auditory counseling and training. All subjects were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study, through the Duration Pattern Sequence and Pitch Pattern Sequence tests. The period between assessments was seven weeks. RESULTS: In the Duration Pattern Sequence test, CG subjects showed mean values of accuracy in the murmured condition of 48.64 and 54.43%, for initial and final assessments, respectively; SG subjects, presented 60.39 and 76.28%. In the named condition, CG presented 51.93 and 52.43%, and SG, 63.94 and 77.44% for initial and final assessments, respectively. In the Pitch Pattern Sequence test, CG subjects showed mean values of accuracy in the murmured condition of 80.62 and 79.94%, and SG subjects, of 79.78 and 90.39%, for initial and final assessments, respectively. In the named the condition, CG presented 82.64 and 84.21%, and SG, 82.94 and 85.89%, for initial and final assessments. There was a difference only for SG subjects in the murmured and named conditions of the Duration Pattern Sequence test, in the named condition of the Pitch Pattern Sequence test, indicating higher mean values in the final assessment. CONCLUSION: The auditory rehabilitation program to elderly hearing aid users provide satisfactory improvement in recognition, temporal ordering, and naming of duration and pitch patterns of sounds.

Present pathway to fusion reactors includes a rigorous material testing program. To reach this objective, irradiation facilities must produce the displacement damage per atom (dpa), primary knock-on atom (PKA) spectrum and gaseous elements by transmutation reactions (He, H) as closely as possible to the ones expected in the future fusion reactors (as DEMO).The irradiation parameters (PKA spectra and damage function) of some candidate materials for fusion reactors (Al2O3, SiC and Fe) have been studied and then, the suitability of some proposed experimental facilities, such as IFMIF and TechnoFusion, to perform relevant tests with these materials has been assessed.The following method has been applied: neutron fluxes present in different irradiation modules of IFMIF have been calculated by the neutron transport McDeLicious code. In parallel, the energy differential cross sections of PKA have been calculated by using the NJOY code. After that, the damage generated by the PKA spectra was analyzed using the MARLOWE code (binary collision approximation) and custom analysis codes. Finally, to analyze the ions effects in different irradiation conditions in the TechnoFusion irradiation area, the SRIM and Marlowe codes have been used. The results have been compared with the expected ones for a DEMO HCLL reactor.

The International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF) is a future neutron source based on the D-Li stripping reaction, planned to test candidate fusion materials at relevant fusion irradiation conditions. During the design of IFMIF special attention was paid to the structural materials for the blanket and first wall, because they will be exposed to the most severe irradiation conditions in a fusion reactor. Also the irradiation of candidate materials for solid breeder blankets is planned in the IFMIF reference design. This paper focuses on the assessment of the suitability of IFMIF irradiation conditions for testing functional materials to be used in liquid blankets and diagnostics systems, since they are been also considered within IFMIF objectives. The study has been based on the analysis and comparison of the main expected irradiation parameters in IFMIF and DEMO reactor.

A coherent design of the remote handling system with the design of the components to be manipulated is vital for reliable, safe and fast maintenance, having a decisive impact on availability, occupational exposures and operational cost of the facility. Highly activated components in the IFMIF facility are found at the Test Cell, a shielded pit where the samples are accurately located. The remote handling system for the Test Cell reference design was outlined in some past IFMIF studies. Currently a new preliminary design of the Test Cell in the IFMIF facility is being developed, introducing important modifications with respect to the reference one. This recent design separates the previous Vertical Test Assemblies in three functional components: Test Modules, shielding plugs and conduits. Therefore, it is necessary to adapt the previous design of the remote handling system to the new maintenance procedures and requirements. This paper summarises such modifications of the remote handling system, in particular the assessment of the feasibility of a modified commercial multirope crane for the handling of the weighty shielding plugs for the new Test Cell and a quasi-commercial grapple for the handling of the new Test Modules.

INTRODUCTION: Hearing comprises a lot more than just a peripheral sensitivity. To interpret such sounds, the participation of wide-ranging hearing abilities is necessary. It is known that a motivating environment plays a key role to develop these abilities. OBJECTIVE: study the hearing abilities evaluated by the Staggered Spondaic Word test - SSW - in school children aged between 7 and 10 from dissimilar socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. METHOD: A prospective, clinical and watching study. 51 children participated in this study and were divided into two groups in accordance with their socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Accordingly, Group 1 - G1 - (medium-high class) was comprised of 23 children and Group 2 - G2 - (medium-low class) had 28 children. SSW test was performed by analyzing both quantitative features: competitive right (CR) and competitive left (CL) conditions and the total of right answers in the test, and qualitative features: order effect (OE), hearing effect (HE), inversions and A-type standard. RESULTS: Quantitative features: a statistically significant difference was found between the studied groups regarding the total of right answers in the test, but not in relation to CR and CL. Qualitative features: a statistically significant difference was noticed for the OE only. Although the statistical analysis has not found a significant difference for all the studied variants, it was possible to observe that G1 had higher results for all of them. CONCLUSION: the hearing abilities evaluated by the SSW test in school children aged between 7 and 10 showed higher scores in children with a medium-high socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds in comparison with those of medium-low socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

INTRODUÇÃO: A audição envolve muito mais do que apenas a sensibilidade periférica. Para a interpretação dos sons é necessária a participação de uma série de habilidades auditivas. Sabe-se do importante papel de um ambiente estimulador para o desenvolvimento destas habilidades. OBJETIVO: estudar as habilidades auditivas avaliadas pelo Teste Dicótico de Dissílabos Alternados - SSW - em escolares de 7 a 10 anos, de diferentes níveis socioeconômico-culturais. MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo, clínico e observacional. Participaram 51 crianças divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o nível socioeconômico-cultural. Assim, o Grupo 1 - G1 - (classe média-alta) ficou constituído por 23 crianças e o Grupo 2 - G2 - (classe média-baixa) por 28. Realizou-se a aplicação do teste SSW, sendo analisados os aspectos quantitativos: condições direita competitiva (DC) e esquerda competitiva (EC) e o total de acertos do teste, e os aspectos qualitativos: efeito de ordem (EO), efeito auditivo (EA), inversões e padrão Tipo A. RESULTADOS: Aspectos quantitativos: houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos estudados para o total de acertos do teste, mas para as condições DC e EC, não. Aspectos qualitativos: verificada diferença estatisticamente significante apenas para o EO. Embora a análise estatística não tenha verificado diferença significante para todas as variáveis estudadas, foi possível observar que em todas elas, o G1 apresentou resultados superiores. CONCLUSÃO: as habilidades auditivas avaliadas pelo teste SSW, em escolares de 7 a 10 anos, apresentaram escores superiores nas crianças de nível socioeconômico-cultural médio-alto em relação às de nível médio-baixo. INTRODUCTION: Hearing comprises a lot more than just a peripheral sensitivity. To interpret such sounds, the participation of wide-ranging hearing abilities is necessary. It is known that a motivating environment plays a key role to develop these abilities. OBJECTIVE: study the hearing abilities evaluated by the Staggered Spondaic Word test - SSW - in school children aged between 7 and 10 from dissimilar socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. METHOD: A prospective, clinical and watching study. 51 children participated in this study and were divided into two groups in accordance with their socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Accordingly, Group 1 - G1 - (medium-high class) was comprised of 23 children and Group 2 - G2 - (medium-low class) had 28 children. SSW test was performed by analyzing both quantitative features: competitive right (CR) and competitive left (CL) conditions and the total of right answers in the test, and qualitative features: order effect (OE), hearing effect (HE), inversions and A-type standard. RESULTS: Quantitative features: a statistically significant difference was found between the studied groups regarding the total of right answers in the test, but not in relation to CR and CL. Qualitative features: a statistically significant difference was noticed for the OE only. Although the statistical analysis has not found a significant difference for all the studied variants, it was possible to observe that G1 had higher results for all of them. CONCLUSION: the hearing abilities evaluated by the SSW test in school children aged between 7 and 10 showed higher scores in children with a medium-high socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds in comparison with those of medium-low socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

Introduction: The Parkinson disease can be among the multiple causes of alterations in the physical equilibrium. Accordingly, this study has the objective to evaluate Parkinson patients' physical equilibrium. Method: Potential study in which 12 Parkinson individuals were evaluated by way of tests of static and dynamic equilibrium, dynamic posturography and vectoelectronystagmograph. To compare the dynamic posturography results a group of gauged control was used. Results: Alterations in Romberg-Barré, Unterberger and Walk tests were found. The vestibular exam revealed 06 normal cases, 04 central vestibular syndrome and 02 cases of peripheral vestibular syndrome. In the dynamic posturography, an equilibrium alteration has been verified, when compared to the control group in all Sensorial Organization Tests, in average and in the utilization of vestibular system. Conclusion: Parkinson patients present a physical equilibrium alteration. The dynamic posturography was more sensitive to detect the equilibrium alterations than vectoelectronystagmograph.

Com o envelhecimento, algumas habilidades são comprometidas, como as áreas que processam os sinais dos sistemas vestibular, visual e proprioceptivo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o equilíbrio corporal de idosas durante a manipulação dos sistemas sensoriais. Participaram do estudo 39 idosas praticantes de hidroginástica. Uma plataforma de força AMTI foi utilizada para avaliar as variáveis referentes ao equilíbrio corporal na direção antero-posterior e médio-lateral. O conflito sensorial foi realizado em seis testes de organização sensorial (TOS) por meio da posturografia dinâmica validada por Castagno (1994). Os resultados mostraram que, na direção ântero-posterior, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa apenas nas comparações do TOS 2 com o TOS 1, TOS 3 e TOS 4; TOS 3 com o TOS 4; e TOS 5 com o TOS 6. Com relação à direção médio-lateral, não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas comparando o TOS 1 com o TOS 2 e 3; o TOS 2 comparado ao TOS 3; e quando o TOS 5 foi comparado com o TOS 4 e 6. Durante o TOS, seis idosas apresentaram maior média da amplitude do deslocamento do COP em ambas as direções, o que indica maior instabilidade na manipulação das aferências proprioceptivas e vestibulares. Concluiu-se que quanto mais sistemas sensoriais forem manipulados ou suprimidos, pior será o equilíbrio corporal das idosas. With the aging some skills are compromised, such as areas that process the signs of the vestibular, vision and proprioceptive systems. This study aimed to to evaluate the body balance of elderly women during manipulation of sensorial systems. The study included 39 elderly women who practice hydro-gymnastics. Na AMTI force platform was used to evaluate the variables related to body balance in the antero-posterior and medium-lateral sense. The sensory conflict was accomplished through six sensorial organization tests (SOT) through the dynamic posturography validated by Castagno (1994). Results showed that in theantero-posterior direction there was no statistically significant differences only in the comparisons of SOT 2 with SOT 1, SOT 3 and SOT 4; in SOT 3 with SOT 4; and in SOT 5 with SOT 6. With respect to the medium-lateral direction there were no statistically significant differences just in the comparison of SOT 1 with SOT 2 and 3; in SOT 2 with SOT 3; and in SOT 5 with SOT 4 and 6. During TOS, six elderly showed higher average amplitude of COP displacement width in both directions, indicating greater instability in the manipulation of proprioceptive and vestibular inputs. We concluded that the more sensory systems are manipulated or suppressed, the worse will be the elderly's body balance.

The widespread use of aesthetic fillings has highlighted their advantages and disadvantages. One of the most troublesome features of earlier aesthetic materials was the difficulty of finishing the restoration surface to decrease adherence of food debris. The rougher the finished surface, the greater the possibility of bacterial accumulation and discolouration of restoration along the restoration margin with secondary caries formation. Aside from these clinical implications, patients are highly discerning and could detect roughness of 0.30 ?m with their tongue. The aesthetic restoration should mimic the appearance of natural dentition and should have an enamel-like appearance. An increased demand for superior aesthetics from composite resin has increased the demand for more eff icient and simple polishing techniques. The development of nanocomposites has given a new perspective to the polishing of composite resins. Nanocomposites claim the advantage of improved gloss, optical characteristics and reduced wear. To date, results of in vitro studies have been equivocal regarding the most efficient and effective polishing system. There is variation in the effects of different finishing and polishing instruments on the surface roughness due to great diversity in size, shape, composition and distribution of the filler particles of composite resins, type of resin and a wide variety of finishing and polishing instruments. This paper will review the different factors that affect polishing techniques used in achieving the desired polish on composite resin restorations.

Purpose of the study: The objective of this study was to investigate the existence of the golden proportion between the width of the maxillary anterior teeth of undergraduate dental students at University of Malaya. Materials and method: Standardised photographs of 100 dental students’ smiles displaying only the lips and the teeth were captured. The images were transferred to a personal computer and the width of the maxillary anterior teeth was measured using an Image Analyzer (Leiqa QWin). Calculations were made according to the Theory of Golden Proportion. The data were statistically analysed using paired student T-test (α

OBJETIVO: destacar possíveis relações entre respiração oral e o sistema auditivo central de crianças em idade escolar, a partir da análise das habilidades auditivas de resolução temporal integração e separação binaural, atenção dividida, memória auditiva e fechamento auditivo. MÉTODOS: estudo em 102 escolares, entre 8 e 12 anos. Grupo I composto por 52 crianças com respiração oral e 50 crianças formaram o grupo II, com respiração nasal. Foram utilizados testes de Fala Filtrada, Teste de Padrões de Freqüência e Dicótico de Dissílabos Alternados (SSW). Os resultados dos testes foram analisados em relação ao tipo de habilidade alterada e sua ocorrência em crianças com respiração oral. Além de uma análise quanto à possível relação entre os testes e as ocorrências de alterações mais freqüentes entre os mesmos. RESULTADOS: indivíduos do grupo I obtiveram maior freqüência de alterações de grau severo e moderado. Comprovou-se diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos para as condições de: orelhas esquerda e direita competitiva, alteração relacionada a organização e integração auditiva, fechamento auditivo e padrão temporal. Não ocorreu diferença estatisticamente significante nos resultados da relação entre testes. CONCLUSÃO: crianças com respiração oral apresentam desempenho inferior nas habilidades do processamento auditivo do que crianças com padrão respiratório normal. PURPOSE: to highlight the possible relationships between mouth breathing and central auditory system of school-age children, based on an analysis of the auditory abilities of temporal resolution, binaural separation and integration, divided attention, auditory memory and closure. METHODS: a study of 102 school children, between 8 and 12-year old. Group I was composed of 52 children with mouth breathing and group II was composed of 50 children with nose breathing. The evaluation was carried out using Filtered Speech tests, Pitch Pattern Sequence and Alternating Staggered Spondaic Word. RESULTS: Subjects from Group I had higher frequency of severe and moderate alterations. A statistically significant difference occurred between the groups for the left and right competitive ear, changes related to organization and auditory integration, auditory closure abilities and temporal patterns. There was no statistically significant difference in the relationship among the tests. CONCLUSION: the performance on the tests for auditory processing was associated to the type of breathing.

TEMA: controle postural de escolares com respiração oral. OBJETIVO: comparar postura e equilíbrio corporal entre os grupos de escolares com e sem respiração oral considerando a variável gênero. MÉTODO: o estudo foi realizado em uma escola municipal da cidade de Santa Maria; foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. O grupo estudo (com respiração oral) e o grupo controle (sem respiração oral) foram selecionados, baseados na anamnese, na idade (entre 8 a 12 anos), na avaliação do sistema estomatognático e na avaliação auditiva. A amostra final ficou composta por 51 escolares no grupo estudo (20 gênero feminino e 31 gênero masculino) e 58 escolares no grupo controle (34 gênero feminino e 24 gênero masculino). Ambos os grupos foram submetidos à posturografia dinâmica (teste de organização sensorial -TOS - e análise sensorial) e à avaliação postural em vista lateral direita e esquerda. RESULTADO: no gênero feminino encontrou-se diferença estatisticamente significante nos valores obtidos no ângulo que analisa o alinhamento horizontal da cabeça, nos valores do TOS III e no valor médio de todos os TOS. No gênero masculino verificou-se diferença numericamente significante nos valores obtidos no ângulo do joelho, no ângulo do tornozelo, no TOS III, TOS IV e no valor médio de todos os TOS. CONCLUSÃO: escolares com respiração oral apresentam alterações posturais; no gênero feminino no posicionamento cefálico e no masculino em membros inferiores. O equilíbrio corporal dos escolares com respiração oral, em ambos os gêneros, mostrou estar mais prejudicada em relação aos escolares sem respiração oral, principalmente na presença de conflito sensorial.

Introduction: Epidemiologic observations have suggested a protective effect of soybeans against a number of epithelial cancers including oral malignancies and by inference precursor lesions such as leukoplakia. Several compounds in soybeans have shown activity in preclinical models; we have focused our studies on BBI (Bowman-Birk inhibitor), which is active against the protease chymotrypsin. Our phase I trial demonstrated a very low toxicity profile and a 31% response rate in a 1-month nonrandomized study that was associated with favorable modulation of protease activity and neu oncogene in exfoliated buccal mucosal cells (EBMC). Methods: An intent-to-treat(ITT) randomized placebo (Quaker mass harina, a corn flour)-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of a soybean concentrate (C) of BBI (600 C.I. units) was performed in a multinstitutional investigation (7 sites). The study duration was 6 months and included pre/interim/postevaluation of lesions sizes and pre/post photographic assessments and oral mucosa biopsies(with post central pathology review) of the involved area(s). Intermediate biomarkers (IBM) included serial measurements of EBMC neu protein (ng/mg) and protease (Delrfu/min/ug protein) and serum neu protein (ng/ml). 325 patients underwent preliminary screening and 148 per protocol eligible were enrolled. Of these, 132 were randomized and 105 completed 6 months on study. All data on lesion sizes, photo judgments, and pathology indications of degree of abnormality or change in abnormality were entered into SAS datasets and subjected to 100% verification against the crf forms by the statistician. The several IBM measurements were converted from the original Microsoft Excel sheets into SAS data sets, and subject to spot checks against the original spreadsheets. Similarly, host-factor information from the questionnaires was spot checked against the original records. In all cases, the primary, per-protocol analyses was ITT. The per-protocol, intent-to-treat cohort, and all other categorizations of study participants will also be described with appropriate descriptive summary measures. Results: The ITT data set is composed of all those with valid, two-dimensional measurements on all lesions observed at both the randomization and 6-month visit. 89 evaluable patients met these criteria: 43 in the treatment and 46 in the placebo group. For the BBIC group, the mean relative percent change in total lesion area was −20.6% and for the placebo group −17.1%. Clinical responses for the 89 patients were: four showed a complete response (4.5%), 22 showed a partial response (25%), 53 showed stable disease (60%), and 10 showed disease progression (11.2%). For the drug group the CR+PR(>50% change) was 27.91% and for placebo group 30.43%. Neither the lesion size nor response comparisons demonstrated differences between the two groups that were significantly different (p>0.05). Photos of the same lesion at baseline and at the 6-month exam were available for 91 participants. Five qualified reviewers made judgments of the degree of change in abnormality on a seven-point scale, blinded to study arm and timepoint of photos. For mean comparison scores, 1 was substantial improvement over time, 4 indicated no change and 7 meaning much worse decline over time. Preliminary assessments of 77% of the patients having pre/post photos indicates that there were no significant differences between the placebo and treatment groups. Conclusion: BBIC is not effective as a chemoprevention agent for the management of oral leukoplakia. Central pathology review by two reviewers is near completion, but is unlikely to affect this conclusion. Final measurements of the three biomarkers should be available by the time of presentation and subanalysis will be presented for the two groups and for the patients who seemed to have had a clinical response. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(12 Suppl):CN02-05.

The need of a neutron source for the qualification of materials to be used in future fusion power reactors has been recognized in the European Union (EU) fusion programme for many years. The construction and exploitation of this facility is presently considered to be critical to the construction of the DEMOnstration Power Plant (DEMO). This issue has prompted the EU to launch activities for the design and engineering of the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility-DEMO Oriented Neutron Source (IFMIF-DONES) facility based on and taking profit of the results obtained in the Engineering Validation and Engineering Design Activities (IFMIF/EVEDA) project, presently conducted in the framework of the EU-Japan Bilateral Agreement on the Broader Approach to Fusion. These activities and research and development work for the IFMIF-DONES plant are presently taking place in the framework of a work package of the EUROfusion Consortium, in direct collaboration with the Fusion for Energy organization. The main objective of these activities is to consolidate the design and underlying technology basis in order to be ready for the start of the IFMIF-DONES construction as early as possible. In this paper, an overview and the present status of the IFMIF-DONES engineering design is presented for a generic site, making emphasis on the recent design evolution from previous phases. © 2018 EURATOM.

O alcoolismo é uma doença crônica que consiste em um estado de intoxicação causado pelo consumo de álcool. Os sinais e sintomas frequentemente encontrados são entre outros: instabilidade ao andar, tontura e descoordenação psicomotora. OBJETIVO: Verificar a influência do alcoolismo no equilíbrio postural. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo prospectivo; a amostra compreendeu 32 indivíduos para o grupo experimental, frequentadores do grupo de Alcoólicos Anônimos da cidade de Santa Maria-RS e 32 indivíduos não alcoólicos para o grupo controle. Os indivíduos foram submetidos à avaliação otorrinolaringológica, avaliação do equilíbrio estático e dinâmico e provas cerebelares, avaliação vectoeletronistagmográfica e posturografia dinâmica. RESULTADOS: Constatou-se que a vectoeletronistagmografia mostrou-se normal na maioria dos indivíduos do grupo experimental, indicando que o labirinto e as vias vestíbulo-oculomotoras estariam normais e que o distúrbio do equilíbrio por eles apresentado seria decorrente de disfunção em outras áreas do sistema nervoso central ou periférico. Na posturografia dinâmica constatou-se que alcoólicos abstinentes apresentam alterações significantes do equilíbrio postural quando comparados com indivíduos não alcoólicos. CONCLUSÃO: O álcool tem influência deletéria no equilíbrio corporal. Alcoholism is a chronic condition, consisting on a state of intoxication caused by the consumption of alcohol beverages. Frequently found signs and symptoms are: gait instability, dizziness and lack of psychomotor coordination, among others. AIM: to study the influence of alcoholism on postural balance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: this is a prospective study. The sample comprehended 32 individuals in the experimental group, members of the Alcoholic Anonymous Group of the city of Santa Maria-RS and 32 non-alcoholic individuals making up the control group. The individuals were submitted to an otorhinolaryngological evaluation, static and dynamic balance study and cerebellar tests, vecto-electro-nystagmographic evaluation and dynamic posturography. RESULTS: we noticed that the vectoelectronystagmography was normal for most of the individuals in the experimental group, indicating that the labyrinth and the oculomotor-vestibular pathways were normal and that the balance disorder they presented would stem from the dysfunction in other areas of the central or peripheral nervous system. In the dynamic posturography we noticed that alcoholics who were not drinking presented significant alterations in their postural balance when compared to non-alcoholic individuals. CONCLUSION: alcoholic beverages have a deleterious influence on body balance.

343 Background: Abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (AAP) and enzalutamide (ENZ), oral hormonal treatment of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), can have neuropsychiatric impact. Methods: The Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR) was used to analyze evolution of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported in real world, in EudraVigilance from March to August 2017. Results: From the total ADRs of AAP and ENZ reported in Eudra from March to August 2017, 1,162 were related to AAP and 5,101 were related to ENZ. ADRs of ENZ reported in Eudra in August were higher than those reported in March 2017, in all the neuropsychiatry ADRs analyzed. In the case of AAP, 44% of the neuropsychiatric suspected ADRs analyzed did not show new cases reported and 56% of the ADRs shown an increase, although it was not higher than 15 new cases reported. Conclusions: In August 2017, the updated ADRs of AAP and ENZ from Eudra were consistent with those observed in March 2017 (Iznaola et al.). It confirms an increasing trend of reporting neuropsychiatric ADRs of ENZ in mCRPC. Suspected ADRs of AAP reported remained steady.[Table: see text]

217 Background: Androgen deprivation is associated with cognitive decline and mood changes. Abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (AAP) and enzalutamide (ENZ) are oral hormonal agents for the treatment of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCPRC); both target the androgen signaling pathway. Meta-analysis for individual neuropsychiatric adverse effects (NAEs) associated with these drugs has not been available in the literature. Methods: Following the methodology presented by Ruiz et al. a further meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled Relative Risk (RR) of NAEs for AAP and ENZ. A complementary analysis of the EudraVigilance database was performed to explore the consistency of the real world adverse drug reactions (ADR) reporting pattern with the meta-analysis. Results: The meta-analysis results indicate that patients treated with ENZ had a statistically significant higher risk of restless leg syndrome (RLS), anxiety, headache and insomnia vs control. Both AAP and ENZ showed significant increased risk for falls vs control. The Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR) of ADRs reported in Eudra is higher with ENZ than with AAP for all the variables analyzed. Conclusions: NAEs studied are more prevalent with ENZ vs placebo than AAP vs prednisone plus placebo. Reporting trend in Eudra is consistent with this results. [Table: see text]

As disfunções hormonais presentes na mulher durante a gravidez podem causar desordens vestibulares e/ou cocleares. OBJETIVO: Verificar a ocorrência de queixas auditivas e vestibulares em gestantes. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Este é um estudo prospectivo no qual participaram 82 gestantes. Para pesquisa das queixas auditivas e vestibulares foi aplicado às gestantes o Protocolo de Anamnese proposto por Castagno (1994). RESULTADOS: Pode-se observar que o zumbido foi a queixa auditiva mais citada (33%), sem diferença entre os trimestres gestacionais. A queixa de tontura esteve presente em 52,44% das gestantes e principalmente no primeiro trimestre gestacional. Quanto aos sintomas relacionados à tontura, no primeiro trimestre o mais frequente foi a vertigem, já no segundo trimestre gestacional foi a instabilidade e o desequilíbrio ao caminhar e no terceiro trimestre gestacional foi a instabilidade seguida da tendência a cair. A náusea é o principal sintoma associado à tontura nas gestantes, sendo mais frequente no primeiro trimestre gestacional. CONCLUSÃO: Mulheres durante a gestação referem queixas auditivas e vestibulares, principalmente tontura e zumbido.

TEMA: processamento auditivo em idosos. OBJETIVO: estudar, através de uma revisão teórica, o processamento auditivo em idosos, as desordens que o envelhecimento auditivo causam, bem como os recursos para reduzir as defasagens nas habilidades auditivas envolvidas no processamento auditivo. CONCLUSÃO: vários são os desajustes ocasionados pela desordem do processamento auditivo em idosos. É necessária a continuidade de estudos científicos nessa área para aplicar adequadas medidas intervencionistas, a fim de garantir a reabilitação do indivíduo a tempo de minimizar os efeitos da desordem auditiva sobre o mesmo. BACKGROUND: auditory processing in elderly. PURPOSE: to promote a theoretical approach on auditory processing in elderly people, the disorders caused by hearing aging, as well as the resources to minimize the auditory aging impairment of the hearing abilities involved in the auditory processing. CONCLUSION: the alterations caused by auditory processing disorder in elderly people are many. It is necessary to continue researching in this field in order to apply adequate interventionist measures, in order to assure the rehabilitation of the individual in time to minimize the effects of the hearing disorder.

Thermo-hydraulic analysis of the equatorial port plug (EPP) is currently being performed by CIEMAT within the framework of the engineering activities related to the ITER port plug diagnostic integration launched by EFDA. This study is focussed on calculating the main hydraulic parameters for the reference cooling circuit, and analyzing different piping configurations, in order to achieve a balanced circuit, this being a key point for obtaining an homogeneous refrigeration of the port plug. It also analyzes the cooling requirements for the Diagnostic Shield Modules (DSM), considering not only the reference circuit design, where the piping cooling circuits run through those parts that need to be cooled, but also a new design proposal which entails a port plug cooling system based on the thermal contact between the DSM and the port plug itself. The overall study represents not only an improvement in the equatorial port plug cooling system design, but also a better understanding of the whole system so as to foresee the weak points that will need to be taken into account in the subsequent detailed design.

The historic city is a complex structure resulting from a series of urban generation processes that can be analyzed and understood and which lead to an anisotropic structure where very different formal spaces coexist. We hold the thesis that this division of fields based on typological predominance can be interpreted as chromatic predominance fields. The existence of a significant number of analogous typologies in every field, meeting common chromatic and formal criteria, characterizes an area from a formal point of view. Therefore, this chromatic characterization is a heritage value which must be incorporated into urban restoration processes, since its destruction implies the loss of formal coherence in a historic city. This work starts from various research studies developed by the editing team in several historic cities, and this shows the validity and universality of the conclusions reached. The methodology described below has been put into practice in Spanish cities, and other cities belonging to diverse geographic areas (i.e., Havana, Cuba). It can be shown that while the predominant chromatic ranges vary among cities belonging to different cultures, the chromatic structure of urban spaces follows similar patterns. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 34, 253–265, 2009

A diagnostic based on a set of fission ionization chambers is proposed for the IFMIF Test Cell in order to achieve on-line control of the irradiation parameters. These chambers are widely used in fission reactors; however the IFMIF environment (neutron spectrum, high neutron fluxes, gamma doses, reduced space, etc. …) requires a careful design of the whole diagnostic. This work shows the current status of the diagnostic development, which is being performed in the framework of the Broader Approach activities. The definition of the diagnostic strategy is addressed to establish the main specifications and requirements of the IFMIF fission chambers and their deployment. The map that the signal of a set of fission chambers will supply has been assessed by taking into account their sensitivity, their positioning inside the Test Cell and the IFMIF neutron flux. The results show that this experimental system will be capable of measuring and characterizing the high neutron fluxes expected for IFMIF.

Life expectancy has been progressively increasing, which implies in an increase in the number of elderly individuals. As a consequence, several types of physical activities are offered to this population, aiming at improving some physical qualities. One of those qualities is corporal balance, which has been largely studied due to its association with many diseases that can affect the elderly. Thus, this study compared a group of elderly women that regularly practiced hydrogymnastics with sedentary ones. Fifty-one (51) elderly women with a mean age of 63.26 ± 9.63 years participated in the study group. Balance was evaluated through kinetic assessment, using an AMTI OR6-5 force platform (Advanced Mechanical Technologies, Inc.) at a frequency of 100 Hz. The analyzed variables were the amplitude of the force center displacement and the mean force center displacement in the anteroposterior and midlateral directions. The statistic analysis used the descriptive statistics, the Shapiro-Wilk’s test and the Kruskal-Wallis test with a level of significance of 5%. The results showed statistically significant differences in the midlateral direction, both in range and the mean force center displacement between the groups. Thus, it is possible to conclude that there were differences regarding the balance in the midlateral direction and less instability was observed in the group of elderly women that practiced physical exercises.

RESUMO Com o envelhecimento, o corpo humano passa por um período de transformações que geram declínio de algumas capacidades físicas, tais como o equilíbrio. Este estudo objetivou comparar o equilíbrio corporal de idosos praticantes de hidroginástica e indivíduos adultos sedentários em diferentes bases de apoio, com a manipulação da visão. Foram avaliados 20 idosos praticantes de hidroginástica e 15 adultos sedentários. O equilíbrio foi coletado por meio de uma plataforma de força AMTI. As bases de apoio estudadas foram pés juntos, pés na largura do quadril e pé direito com afastamento anterior. O tempo de aquisição dos dados para cada tentativa foi de 10 segundos, a uma freqüência de 100Hz. Para comparação dos dados, foi utilizado teste t com nível de significância de 5%. Comparando-se os grupos, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa no equilíbrio nas três posições de bases de apoio, com e sem a utilização da informação visual, com exceção da variável amplitude do deslocamento do centro de pressão na direção médio-lateral, com os pés juntos e com os olhos abertos. Quando a informação visual foi manipulada, indivíduos de ambos os grupos apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significativa para a maioria das variáveis, destacando assim a importância da informação visual para idosos, mesmo estando-se fisicamente ativo. Inferiu-se, com os resultados obtidos, que a hidroginástica é um exercício recomendado para os idosos, uma vez que estes não se mostraram diferentes aos indivíduos mais novos, em relação ao equilíbrio corporal. Mas a hidroginástica não se mostrou favorável para melhorias na utilização do sistema visual.

OBJETIVO: avaliar o processamento auditivo de militares expostos a ruído ocupacional. MÉTODOS: foram avaliados 41 militares, com exposição a ruído superior a 10 anos, subdivididos em Grupo A (n =16), sem perda auditiva e Grupo B (n = 25), com perda auditiva. Foram realizadas avaliação audiológica básica e testes de processamento auditivo (testes de Fala Filtrada, SSW em Português e de Padrão de Freqüência). RESULTADOS: observou-se altas incidências de alteração de processamento auditivo, especialmente no teste de Fala Filtrada (43,75% e 68% nos grupos A e B, respectivamente) e teste de Padrão de Freqüência (68,75% e 48%, nos grupos A e B, respectivamente). O teste SSW não se mostrou eficiente para avaliar as habilidades auditivas centrais de indivíduos expostos a elevados níveis de pressão sonora. CONCLUSÃO: a exposição a ruído ocupacional interfere no processamento auditivo de militares. As alterações na via auditiva central podem ser verificadas independente da presença de alteração auditiva periférica. PURPOSE: to evaluate the auditory processing of military personnel exposed to occupational noise. METHODS: 41 servicemen, exposed to noise for at least 10 years were evaluated, divided into Group A (n= 16), without hearing loss and Group B (n= 25), with hearing loss. The following evaluations were carried through: basic audilogic evaluation and auditory processing tests (low-filtered, SSW and Pitch Pattern Sequence tests). RESULTS: there were high incidences of auditory processing alterations, especially at low-filtered test (43.75% and 68% on groups A e B, respectively) and Pitch Pattern Sequence test (68.75% and 48%, on groups A e B, respectively). The SSW test was not efficient to evaluate the central hearing abilities of people exposed to high levels of sound pressure. CONCLUSION: the occupational noise exposure interferes in the auditory processing of military personnel. The alterations on central auditory pathways can be verified even if there is no any alteration on peripheral hearing.

The conceptual design of a new type of fusion reactor based on the helium-cooled lithium–lead (HCLL) blanket has been performed within the European Power Plant Conceptual Studies. As part of this activity, a new attachment system suitable for the HCLL blanket modules had to be developed. This attachment is composed of two parts. The first one is the connection between module and the first part of a shield, called high temperature shield, which operates at a temperature around 500 °C, close to that of the blanket module. This connection must be made at the lateral walls, in order to avoid openings through the first wall and breeding zone thus avoiding complex design and fabrication issues of the module. The second connection is the one between the high temperature shield and a second shield called low temperature shield, which has a temperature during reactor operation around 150 °C. The design of this connection is complex because it must allow the large differential thermal expansion (up to 30 mm) between the two components. Design proposals for both connections are presented, together with the results of finite element mechanical analyses which demonstrate the feasibility to support the blanket and shield modules during normal and accidental operation conditions.