Search

For most AISI 430 stainless steel applications, aesthetic appeal is mandatory. To avoid the generation of scratches on the strip surface during cold rolling on a Sendzimir mill, forward and backward slip are required to synchronize the speed of the driven deflector rolls. Forward slip is also an important variable to predict skidding and an investigation of forward slip behavior is proposed in this paper. A comparison of analytical and numerical models of the rolling friction hill is presented to determine the most suitable one to investigate friction and forward slip in the cold rolling of the AISI 430 produced at Aperam. In addition, the finite element method is employed in the computational simulations using an Abaqus implicit model. The AISI 430 flow curve used in the analysis is obtained by two different methods, and the evolution of the strip surface during rolling is analyzed. To investigate the typical coefficient of friction of the cold rolling process, data from 60 industrial coils is implemented in the analytical model to statistically validate the results. The study has performed a comparison of analytical and numerical models of the friction hill, indicated a suitable model based on industrial data, and identified the typical coefficient of friction in the cold rolling of AISI 430 in a Sendzimir mill. The findings of this work will allow the improvement of forward slip prediction for industrial purposes, and will contribute to further investigation of forward slip influence on the surface quality of AISI 430 cold rolled strip.

Introdução: A tuberculose (TB) é uma das infecções que mais causa mortes em dimensão mundial, sendo a 3° relacionada com patologias respiratórias. No Amazonas, a prevalência ainda é significativa. O causador dessa doença é o Mycobacterium tuberculosis e esta é considerada um agravo de saúde pública. A TB afeta prioritariamente os pulmões, embora possa acometer outros órgãos e/ou sistemas. A importância deste estudo deve-se à exiguidade bibliográfica acerca da temática, principalmente, quando se trata do aumento do acometimento do Bacilo de Koch na região Norte do país. Objetivo: Realizar a análise quantitativa de indivíduos com tuberculose por forma clínica no período de 2019 a 2023 em Manaus, Amazonas. Método: Fora delineado um estudo descritivo, transversal, com coleta retrospectiva de dados dos casos notificados de Tuberculose de todas as formas clínicas, em indivíduos de todas as idades, no período de 2019 a 2023, no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), com busca e coleta concomitante no Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade (SIM). Resultados: : No período deste estudo, foram diagnosticados e notificados 2.019 casos de tuberculose, com 34 (1,7%) óbitos, o que corresponde a uma taxa de letalidade de 1,7%. Dentre estes casos, 1.247 (61,7%) apresentaram-se na forma pulmonar, 245(12,1%) na forma extrapulmonar e 527 (26,1%) nas formas pulmonar e extrapulmonar simultaneamente. Em relação à coinfecção TB+Hiv/AIDS foram registrados 1.774 (87,8%) casos, desses, 15 evoluíram ao óbito, correspondendo a uma taxa de letalidade de 0,8%. O ano de maior registro foi 2023 com 470 (23%) casos e 2020 o menor, com 358 (18%) casos. Conclusão: Houve um aumento significativo dos casos no ano de 2023 em relação ao ano de 2022. Notou-se que no ano de 2020, durante o período da pandemia do COVID-19, houve uma redução significativa de notificações em relação à 2019. Notou-se, ainda que a forma pulmonar foi a mais notória em todos os anos. Observou-se que 100% de pacientes com coinfecção TB/HIV evoluíram para a Síndrome de Imunodeficiência Adquirida (Aids). Os achados deste estudo ratificam a relevância dos levantamentos epidemiológicos de forma contínua e sistemática para melhor entendimento dos aspectos biológicos do bacilo e das abordagens clínicas na vigilância de doenças com grande potência de disseminação, como é o caso da tuberculose.

Objectives: To verify the analytical performance of the HepatoPredict kit, a novel tool developed to stratify Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) patients according to their risk of relapse after a Liver Transplantation (LT). Methods: The HepatoPredict tool combines clinical variables and a gene expression signature in an ensemble of machine-learning algorithms to forecast the benefit of a LT in HCC patients. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of this method, extensive analytical validation was conducted to verify its specificity and robustness. The experiments were designed following the guidelines for multi-target genomic assays such as ISO201395-2019, MIQE, CLSI-MM16, CLSI-MM17, and CLSI-EP17-A. The validation process included reproducibility between operators and between RNA extractions and RT-qPCR runs, and interference of input RNA levels or varying reagent levels. A recently retrained version of the HepatoPredict algorithms was also tested. Results: The validation process demonstrated that the HepatoPredict kit met the required standards for robustness (p > 0.05), analytical specificity (inclusivity of 95 %), and sensitivity (LoB, LoD, linear range, and amplification efficiency between 90 and 110 %). The operator, equipment, input RNA, and reagents used had no significant effect on the HepatoPredict results. Additionally, the testing of a recently retrained version of the HepatoPredict algorithm, showed that this new version further improved the accuracy of the kit and performed better than existing clinical criteria in accurately identifying HCC patients who are more likely to benefit LT. Conclusions: Even with the introduced variations in molecular and clinical variables, the HepatoPredict kit's prognostic information remains consistent. It can accurately identify HCC patients who are more likely to benefit from a LT. Its robust performance also confirms that it can be easily integrated into standard diagnostic laboratories.

Abstract The emergence and reemergence of mosquito-borne diseases in Brazil such as yellow fever, zika, chikungunya, and dengue have had serious impacts on public health. Concerns have been raised due to the rapid dissemination of the chikungunya virus across the country since its first detection in 2014 in Northeast Brazil. In this work, we carried out on-site training activities in genomic surveillance in partnership with the National Network of Public Health Laboratories that have led to the generation of 422 chikungunya virus genomes from 12 Brazilian states over the past two years (2021–2022), a period that has seen more than 312 thousand chikungunya fever cases reported in the country. These genomes increased the amount of available data and allowed a more comprehensive characterization of the dispersal dynamics of the chikungunya virus East-Central-South-African lineage in Brazil. Tree branching patterns revealed the emergence and expansion of two distinct subclades. Phylogeographic analysis indicated that the northeast region has been the leading hub of virus spread towards other regions. Increased frequency of C > T transitions among the new genomes suggested that host restriction factors from the immune system such as ADAR and AID/APOBEC deaminases might be driving the genetic diversity of the chikungunya virus in Brazil.

CASZ1 is a conserved transcription factor involved in neural development, blood vessel assembly and heart morphogenesis. CASZ1 has been implicated in cancer, either suppressing or promoting tumor development depending on the tissue. However, the impact of CASZ1 on hematological tumors remains unknown. Here, we show that the T-cell oncogenic transcription factor TAL1 is a direct positive regulator of CASZ1, that T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) samples at diagnosis overexpress CASZ1b isoform, and that CASZ1b expression in patient samples correlates with PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway activation. In agreement, overexpression of CASZ1b in both Ba/F3 and T-ALL cells leads to the activation of PI3K signaling pathway, which is required for CASZ1b-mediated transformation of Ba/F3 cells in vitro and malignant expansion in vivo. We further demonstrate that CASZ1b cooperates with activated NOTCH1 to promote T-ALL development in zebrafish, and that CASZ1b protects human T-ALL cells from serum deprivation and treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs. Taken together, our studies indicate that CASZ1b is a TAL1-regulated gene that promotes T-ALL development and resistance to chemotherapy.

Several studies have shown the development of electrochemical biosensors based on enzymes immobilized in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Although enzymes have unique properties, such as efficiency, selectivity, and environmental sustainability, when immobilized, these properties are improved, presenting significant potential for several biotechnological applications. Using MOFs as matrices for enzyme immobilization has been considered a promising strategy due to their many advantages compared to other supporting materials, such as larger surface areas, higher porosity rates, and better stability. Biosensors are analytical tools that use a bioactive element and a transducer for the detection/quantification of biochemical substances in the most varied applications and areas, in particular, food, agriculture, pharmaceutical, and medical. This review will present novel insights on the construction of biosensors with materials based on MOFs. Herein, we have been highlighted the use of MOF for biosensing for biomedical, food safety, and environmental monitoring areas. Additionally, different methods by which immobilizations are performed in MOFs and their main advantages and disadvantages are presented.

Interleukin-7 receptor alpha (IL7Ra) is important for lymphoid cell development but its role in leukaemogenesis is not clear. Here, the authors generate a knock-in murine model to show that activating mutations in IL7Ra can initiate precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

ABSTRACT Objective: The big data provided by Google Trends may reveal patterns in health information-seeking behavior on population from Brazil and United States (US). Our objective was to explore and compare patterns of stone disease online information-seeking behaviors in both nations. Materials and Methods: To compare Relative Search Volume (RSV) among different urologic key words we chose “US” and “Brazil” as country and “01/01/2009 - 31/12/2018” as time-range. The final selection included 12 key words in each language. We defined “ureteroscopy” as a reference and compared RSV against it for each term. RSV was adjusted by the reference and normalized in a scale from 0-100. Trend presence was evaluated by Mann Kendall Test and magnitude by Sen's Slope (SS) Estimator. Results: We found an upward trend (p

Abstract Observation shows that the velocities of stars grow by approximately 2–3 orders of magnitude when the distances from the centers of the galaxies are in the range of 0.5–82.3 kpc, before they begin to tend to a constant value. Up to now, the reason for this behavior is still a matter for debate. In this work, we propose a model which adequately describes this unusual behavior using a (nearly) cylindrical symmetrical solution in the framework of a scalar–tensor-like (the Brans–Dicke model) theory of gravity.

RESUMO Avaliou-se a troponina I como biomarcador de lesão cardíaca na sepse, além de outros parâmetros hematológicos, em cadelas com piometra. Os grupos avaliados não diferiram estatisticamente na avaliação da concentração sérica da troponina I cardíaca. A quantidade total de leucócitos (mm3) e a porcentagem de bastonetes foram significativamente maiores no grupo sepse (23.221,74±16.848,80mm3 e 5,91±10,18%) quando comparado ao grupo não sepse (14.492,86±6.828,26mm3 e 1,93±1,64%) e ao grupo controle (10.320,00±3.999,02mm3 e 1,65±2,05%). Houve diferença significativa nas concentrações séricas da proteína C reativa (mg/dL) no grupo sepse (19,57±41,69md/dL) se comparado ao grupo não sepse (10,29±12,02mg/dL) e ao grupo controle (3,60±3,53mg/dL). Na avaliação da concentração sérica do lactato, houve diferença significativa entre cães com piometra e cães saudáveis, porém não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos sepse e não sepse. Os resultados do presente estudo indicam que a troponina I cardíaca não pôde ser considerada um biomarcador precoce para injúria miocárdica nos casos de cadela com piometra, pois os resultados das mensurações foram semelhantes entre os grupos, o que indica que pode não ter ocorrido lesão dos cardiomiócitos nessa fase. Já a proteína C reativa e o lactato são possíveis marcadores para inflamação sistêmica, uma vez que demonstraram concentrações séricas significativamente maiores em cadelas com piometra.

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important molecule involved in the perception of stress induced by toxic compounds such as arsenic (As). The present study investigated the role of NO applied as sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in cell signalling and the ability of NO to attenuate the toxic effects of As (in the form of sodium arsenate) in water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). Water hyacinth plants were collected and assigned to one of the following treatments: control; 100 μM SNP; 20 μM As; or 20 μM As + 100 μM SNP. The plants remained under these conditions for 0, 4, 12, and 24 h. After each time interval, the plants were collected and As absorption, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), integrity of membranes, and antioxidant enzyme activities were evaluated. The plants were able to absorb and accumulate large amounts of As, even after only four hours of exposure to the pollutant. The absorption and bioaccumulation factor of As was even greater when plants were exposed to both As and SNP. The accumulation of As triggered increases in ROS production and cell membrane damage. In the presence of SNP, the tolerance index to As increased and damage was mitigated. Therefore, from the present work, it was possible to conclude that exogenous NO influenced the ability of plants to tolerate As; this finding has implications for phytoremediation in areas contaminated by As.

ABSTRACTFollicular dendritic cell sarcoma is a rare neoplasm, first described in 1986 by Monda. Case 1: A female patient, 50-year-old performed abdominal computed tomography scan that detected a tumor lesion of 8.0 cm in the mesentery. She underwent resection of the lesion. Microscopic examination revealed epithelioid neoplasm, interspersed with lymphocytes, and positive immunohistochemical staining for CD21 and CD35. The patient underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. Case 2: A male patient, 21-year-old presented right-sided neck mass measuring 7.0 cm. The biopsy revealed proliferation of spindle cells, interspersed with inflammatory infiltrate and storiform arrangement, and positive immunohistochemical staining for CD21 and CD23. The patient underwent neoadjuvant radiotherapy and surgical resection.

Com o propósito de realizar um estudo para discutir conceitos de conservação de energia, centro de massa e momento de inércia, idealizamos um experimento de competição entre corpos rígidos usando corpos de formas geométricas arredondadas (anel, cilindros e esferas) e com massas diferentes. Para saber qual o corpo que alcança primeiro a parte inferior de um plano inclinado, deixamos esses corpos rolarem, sem deslizamento, do topo do plano. Encontramos resultados interessantes como, por exemplo, a velocidade do centro de massa não depender nem da massa nem do raio do corpo. Observamos que esse resultado se aplica a qualquer corpo em rotação que tenha o centro de massa no centro geométrico e que role sem escorregamento. Analisamos os resultados experimentais para verificarmos se estavam em concordância com a teoria abordada.

We followed the presence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in four healthy adults (two men and two women), for periods ranging from 78 to 298 days post symptom onset. The patients were evaluated regarding the presence of the virus in different body fluids (blood, saliva, urine and semen), development of immune responses (including antibodies, cytokines and chemokines), and virus genetic variation within samples collected from semen and urine during the infection course. The analysis was focused primarily on the two male patients who shed the virus for up to 158 days after the initial symptoms. ZIKV particles were detected in the spermatozoa cytoplasm and flagella, in immature sperm cells and could also be isolated from semen in cell culture, confirming that the virus is able to preserve integrity and infectivity during replication in the male reproductive system (MRS). Despite the damage caused by ZIKV infection within the MRS, our data showed that ZIKV infection did not result in infertility at least in one of the male patients. This patient was able to conceive a child after the infection. We also detected alterations in the male genital cytokine milieu, which could play an important role in the replication and transmission of the virus which could considerably increase the risk of ZIKV sexual spread. In addition, full genome ZIKV sequences were obtained from several samples (mainly semen), which allowed us to monitor the evolution of the virus within a patient during the infection course. We observed genetic changes over time in consensus sequences and lower frequency intra-host single nucleotide variants (iSNV), that suggested independent compartmentalization of ZIKV populations in the reproductive and urinary systems. Altogether, the present observations confirm the risks associated with the long-term replication and shedding of ZIKV in the MRS and help to elucidate patterns of intra-host genetic evolution during long term replication of the virus.

Background & objectives: In Portugal, Phlebotomus perniciosus and P. ariasi, (SubgenusLarroussius; Diptera: Psychodidae) are the proven vectors of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmaniainfantum. The Algarve Region in southern Portugal has been considered an endemic focus ofleishmaniasis since 1980s. The main objective of the present study was to validate a molecularapproach to detect Leishmania infection in phlebotomines based on DNA extraction from thefemale sandfly whole body, minus genitalia, followed by PCR for application on epidemiologicalsurveys.Methods: In Algarve Region, from early May until early November 2006, sandflies were capturedby CDC miniature light-traps. kDNA-PCR and ITS1-PCR were used to screen the presence ofLeishmania DNA in female sandflies after species identification by entomological keys.Results: A total of 474 sandflies were collected in 108 biotopes. One female of P. perniciosus, thepredominant species, was found infected with L. infantum reflecting an overall infection rate of0.47%.Interpretation & conclusion: PCR associated with morphological characterization of the sandflieswill be a powerful epidemiological tool for the determination of the number of phlebotominesinfected with Leishmania spp in nature. In addition, the simultaneous occurrence of dogs and P.perniciosus infected with L. infantum shows that Algarve continues to be an endemic focus ofcanine leishmaniasis. Furthermore, as P. sergenti and P. papatasi which transmit L. tropica and L.major, respectively were present, the future introduction of these two Leishmania species in southernregion of Portugal should not be neglected.