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Calcium is essential for plants, yet as its mobility is limited, the understanding of the rate of Ca

Six Portuguese magmatic ornamental stones were submitted to Soxhlet experiments during 10,000 hours (approximately 416 days) in order to evaluate how the rain water affects the rock behavior as a dimension stone. Macroscopic alterations were observed in the rock fragments and chemical analysis of leaching water solutions revealed how major elements were mobilized from rock-forming minerals allowing to compare weathering susceptibilities between different natural stones.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In 2016, one person died and four others had mild-to-severe neurological symptoms during a phase I trial of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor BIA 10-2474. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies were performed with BIA 10-2474, PF-04457845 and JNJ-42165279 using mice, rats and human FAAH expressed in COS cells. Selectivity was evaluated by activity-based protein profiling (APBB) in rats. BIA 10-2474 effect in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) was investigated. KEY RESULTS BIA 10-2474 was 10-fold less potent than PF-04457845 in inhibiting human FAAH in situ but inhibited mouse brain and liver FAAH with ED50 values of 13.5 and 6.2 μg·kg-1 , respectively. Plasma and brain BIA 10-2474 levels were consistent with in situ potency and neither BIA 10-2474 nor its metabolites accumulated following repeat administration. FAAH and α/β-hydrolase domain containing 6 were the primary targets of BIA 10-2474 and, at higher exposure levels, ABHD11, PNPLA6, PLA2G15, PLA2G6 and androgen-induced protein 1. At 100 mg·kg-1 for 28 days, the level of several lipid species containing arachidonic acid increased. Daily treatment of SHRSP with BIA 10-2474 did not affect mortality rate or increased the incidence of haemorrhage or oedema in surviving animals. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS BIA 10-2474 potently inhibits FAAH in vivo, similarly to PF-04457845 and interacts with a number of lipid processing enzymes, some previously identified in human cells as off-targets particularly at high levels of exposure. These interactions occurred at doses used in toxicology studies, but the implication of these off-targets in the clinical trial accident remains unclear.

The study of building materials constituting cultural heritage is fundamental to understand their characteristics and predict their behavior. When considering materials from archaeological sites, their characterization can provide not only relevant information for a broader understanding of the site and its importance and significance but can also increase knowledge about ancient materials and their performance. The Palace of Knossos is a very important archaeological site in the European history context, and its preservation benefits from the characterization of the constituent materials. Samples of mortars from this monument were collected under the scope of the H2020 HERACLES project, where a multi-analytical approach was chosen using established protocols for the different sample typologies. Instrumental techniques such as optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) were used for the chemical, mineralogical, and morphological characterization of these mortar samples. The results indicate that the majority are lime mortars, both aerial and hydraulic, but gypsum-based mortars were also identified. Differences in the chemical composition of the samples in distinct areas of the monument allowed us to reflect on the variety of materials used in the construction of the Palace of Knossos. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

We report the case of a 32-year-old woman presenting to the emergency department with ankle edema and arthralgia. Only later in the follow-up period, she developed erythema nodosum. The study revealed bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy and biopsy demonstrated non-caseating granulomas consistent with a diagnosis of Lofgren’s syndrome. Patients often do not present with all signs and symptoms, which delays the correct diagnosis. This case reinforces the need to use diagnostic methods, particularly non-invasive ones, such as ultrasound (US), in such cases. US of the lower extremity swelling could have helped the diagnosis, even without demonstrating effusion.

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Simple Summary Neoplastic diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide and constitute the main health problem in both human and veterinary medicine, particularly as the occurrence of the disease continues to increase. Comparative oncology is a quickly expanding field that examines both cancer risk and tumor development across species. Characterized by interdisciplinary collaboration, its goal is the improvement of both human and animal health. Canine neoplastic disease occurs spontaneously and has comparable clinical presentation and pathophysiology to corresponding human cancers. Since the nature of the disease is spontaneous, the complex interactions between tumor cells, tissues and the immune system can be better studied. Such relations are otherwise difficult to study in other experimental animal models. Raman spectroscopy has proved to be a suitable technique to detect and study breast microcalcifications. Raman spectroscopy is a specific and sensitive tool for identifying biomarkers of oncologic disease and also shows further potential in differentiating malignant and benign tumors, and these tumors from healthy tissue. Abstract Breast cancer is a health problem that affects individual life quality and the family system. It is the most frequent type of cancer in women, but men are also affected. As an integrative approach, comparative oncology offers an opportunity to learn more about natural cancers in different species. Methods based on Raman spectroscopy have shown significant potential in the study of the human breast through the fingerprinting of biological tissue, which provides valuable information that can be used to identify, characterize and discriminate structures in breast tissue, in both healthy and carcinogenic environments. One of the most important applications of Raman spectroscopy in medical diagnosis is the characterization of microcalcifications, which are highly important diagnostic indicators of breast tissue diseases. Raman spectroscopy has been used to analyze the chemical composition of microcalcifications. These occur in benign and malignant lesions in the human breast, and Raman helps to discriminate microcalcifications as type I and type II according to their composition. This paper demonstrates the recent progress in understanding how this vibrational technique can discriminate through the fingerprint regions of lesions in unstained histology sections from canine mammary glands.

Calcarenite stone samples from a historic building (Bizerte, Tunisia) were collected and treated under different environmental conditions with several consolidating products: alkoxysilane (ethyl silicate), a surfactant-templated novel sol–gel, Ca(OH)2, and SiO2 nanoparticles. These were subjected to marine aerosol accelerated aging cycles and studied by several non-destructive tests and techniques to assess the stability of the products. Results show that weathering caused by salt crystallization is not inhibited but it is slowed down due to the enhancement of superficial mechanical properties (surface cohesion and micro-hardness) achieved after one month of treatments application. A high or low relative humidity of the consolidation environment significantly affects the final mechanical and aesthetical physical properties and therefore conditions the durability of the treated substrates, even producing higher damage than observed in the blank specimens, depending on the product.

Veterinary Sciences ABSTRACT - Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology is routinely used in various fields of human dentistry, particularly prosthodontics. Reverse engineering and additive manufacturing allow the technician to create an easier, faster and more accurate restoration, with a natural design and adequate strength. Eighteen titanium alloy full crowns were produced for canine teeth of 7 working dogs using CAD/CAM technology (3D BioCare, Nobel Biocare). Reasons for crown therapy included abrasion, enamel infraction, and crown fracture. Crown preparation was routinely performed, and impressions were delivered to the laboratory where digital impressions were performed with a lab scanner. Using 3D dental design software, the metal crown was designed and sent for manufacture. Each prosthodontic crown was then carved from a solid titanium alloy block to obtain the final crown. All prosthodontic crowns were an adequate fit, and cementation was routinely performed. Crowns were lost from 2 canine teeth during the dogs' normal working activity, in one case, for 2 times. In all cases, replicas were requested. In the first case, the second cementation was successful. In the second case, the second crown was again lost and only the third cementation was successful. Follow up of all cases range from 12 to 62 months. Mean survival time for the crowns was 58.0 months. Here, CAD/CAM technology is shown to be a useful tool for manufacturing accurate prosthodontic crowns for veterinary patients. Moreover, CAD/CAM enables the production of prosthodontic crown replicas in a very short time and at relatively low cost compared to traditional methods, consequently eliminating the need for at least one anesthetic procedure in the incidence of crown cementation failure. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The present work describes the microtomographic characterization of macro- and microcalcifications present in excised canine mammary glands. In human breast cancer, microcalcifications are highly relevant for diagnosis and prognosis, often being the sole element determining biopsy. Canine mammary tumours are considered a model for human breast cancer, but the morphological features of calcifications had still to be studied in this species. The objective of this research is to contribute to the characterization of the mineralization features of the canine mammary gland. In the present study, the excised mammary glands of 33 bitches underwent fluoroscopic examination. In 30 of the samples, the presence of calcification was suspected, and multiple biopsies were taken of these areas. Biopsy fragments underwent microtomographic scanning. Microcalcifications were found in non-neoplastic glandular tissue, benign and malign lesions, as it is known to happen in humans. Qualitative evaluation regarding morphology of the imaged calcifications showed similarities to breast cancer findings, based on the BI-RADS 2013 classification, such as pleomorphism and shape. No differences in the quantitative morphological parameters of volume, surface, surface/volume, SMI and structure thickness were found when macrocalcifications were considered. However, although significant differences existed in these parameters between microcalcifications from malignant canine mammary tumours and the two other groups, none were found between non-neoplastic and benign tumours. Findings further support the use of this spontaneous animal model for the study of human breast cancer, considering how clinically relevant microcalcifications are in humans.

Low dietary intake of Ca in humans has been epidemiologically linked to various diseases, which can have serious health consequences over time. Accordingly, the development of an agronomic itinerary for Ca biofortification of Rocha pears and the assessment of physicochemical deviations prompted this study. Two orchards with contrasting soil and water characteristics were selected, characterized through orthophotomaping and, during fruits development, leaves were sprayed twice with Ca(NO3)2 (0.1, 0.3 and 0.6 kg ha - 1) or CaCl2 (0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 kg ha - 1), followed by pulverization only with CaCl2 (first once with 4 kg ha - 1 and then four times with 8 kg ha - 1). During fruits development net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rates, instantaneous and water use efficiency, only showed minor deviations, which indicated that the threshold of toxicity was not surpassed. Calcium contents varied during fruits development and at harvesting the average biofortification index varied between 47 %–63 % and 24 %–59 % in each of the orchards. Besides, the equatorial region of the fruits showed for all treatments (substantially in Ca treated samples) higher Ca contents in the epidermal and in the central regions. Fresh and heat-treated fruits (in a thermomix at 90 ◦C, during 10 min) biofortified with Ca only revealed minor differences and the sensory acceptability did not vary markedly. It is concluded that, although prevailing a heterogeneous distribution of Ca in fruit tissues, high indexes of biofortification in Rocha pears can be prompt in the orchards, without substantial physicochemical changes. Accordingly, agronomic biofortification with Ca can be used as a strategy for benefiting consumer’s health info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

CASE DESCRIPTION A 6-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was evaluated because of signs of abdominal pain and anuria of 12 hours' duration after vehicular trauma. CLINICAL FINDINGS Lethargy, mydriasis, bradycardia, abdominal distension, and signs of pain on abdominal palpation were observed. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed moderate urinary bladder distension without evidence of free abdominal fluid; hematologic evaluation revealed leukocytosis with high BUN and serum creatinine concentrations. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME The patient was hospitalized, medical stabilization was attempted, and an indwelling urinary catheter was placed. Urinary output was < 1 mL/kg/h (< 0.45 mL/lb/h), and signs of abdominal pain persisted despite treatment. The next day, ultrasonographic examination revealed fluid in the retroperitoneal space, and ureteral rupture was suspected. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed retroperitoneal fluid accumulation; a large hematoma surrounded the right kidney and perirenal structures. An abdominal drain was placed to aid patient stabilization. Three days later, IV pyelography revealed rupture of the proximal part of the right ureter. Ureteroneocystostomy was performed with elongated cystoplasty through a Boari flap and caudal transposition of the right kidney (renal descensus). On follow-up examination 18 months after treatment, the cat was free of clinical signs, and results of ultrasonography, CBC, and serum biochemical analysis were unremarkable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that a Boari flap procedure with renal descensus could be a feasible alternative in the management of proximal ureteral rupture in cats, but research is needed in this area.

Background and Purpose Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is an important target in the levodopa treatment of Parkinson's disease; however, the inhibitors available have problems, and not all patients benefit from their efficacy. Opicapone was developed to overcome those limitations. In this study, opicapone's pharmacological properties were evaluated as well as its potential cytotoxic effects.

O fabrico de próteses de dedos tem adquirido crescente importância não só pela recuperação psicossocial do doente mas também pela possibilidade de promover a prensão com pinça grossa. Apresenta-se um método de aplicação de tecnologias tridimensionais de desenho assistido por computador à produção de próteses passivas, através de um caso clínico de um doente com amputação do quinto dedo após reimplantação bilateral das mãos. Tomografia axial computorizada tridimensional foi utilizada para a elaboração de imagens antropométricas das mãos. Técnicas de desenho assistido por computador foram utilizadas para projectar a prótese digital a partir das imagens de reconstrução por inversão e superimposição do dedo contralateral. Recorreu-se ao método de manufactura por prototipagem rápida para a produção de um protótipo de prótese em banda de silicone. Esta abordagem vem substituir o método tradicional manual por um método virtual que estabelece um ponto de partida para a optimização de um inovador processo de elevada precisão e rapidez.Palavras-chave: Cirurgia Plástica e Reconstrutiva; Dedos; Desenho Assistido por Computador; Próteses e Implantes; Silicones.

Seven silicate rocks used as ornamental stones and having different surface finishing were submitted to salt fog atmospheres in order to compare different susceptibilities to alteration. Polished, honed, hammered and flamed finishing types were tested. Rocks come from Portugal, Brazil and Angola and are widely commercialized. Samples covered quartz rich rocks, silica saturated and undersaturated rocks, mono and plurimineralic rocks, coarse and fine grained rocks. Mineral composition, texture and open porosity showed to be important parameters which determine mass loss among samples, but the finishing type was very effective within samples. Mass loss and porosity increase are higher on hammered samples, contrasted with the lowest loss values on polished samples. The effect of surface hydrophobicity and roughness on the samples having polished finishing was also analysed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and water contact angle (WCA), indicating that texture and mineral diversity influence the hydrophobic character of the rock surfaces.

Mediterranean calcarenite stones are exposed to several weathering processes related to the climate and environment, producing alteration features conducing to loss of cohesion in their structures. Samples of these building materials were collected from the Spanish Fort of Bizerte (Tunisia) to carry out laboratory tests in order to assess the consolidation effect of the nowadays most frequently used products and most innovative consolidation materials based in nanoparticles. Stone specimens were consolidated with the most employed alkoxysilane product (ethyl silicate), with a surfactant-templated novel sol-gel product (that avoids the tendency to crack) and with inorganic products based on calcium hydroxide nanoparticles (Ca(OH)) and silica nanoparticles (SiO) under very humid and dry environmental conditions. Samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, peeling test, superficial hardness, drilling resistance, water absorption by capillarity and under vacuum, water desorption and spectrophotometry, before and after one month of the application of the products to evaluate their consolidation effect under different environmental conditions. The results show great differences in the consolidation effect and in the changes produced in the physical properties of the substrate after using alkoxysilane products (even nanostructured) or products based in nanoparticles. In the case of alkoxysilane and nanostructured products, especially exposed to high RH conditions, the mechanical properties of the substrate, internal and surface, increase. In both cases a layer on the substrate which occludes the pores is generated maintaining a hydrophobic behavior after one month causing drastic changes in the hydric behavior with visually detectable aesthetic changes. In the case of inorganic nanoparticles, changes in the porosity of the substrate caused by the creation of micropores occur in both cases. In the case of SiO nanoparticles, moderate physical changes occur in dry conditions resulting in less shrinkage and color changes. Finally, Ca(OH) nanoparticles are the products with the lowest surface and internal consolidation effectiveness which barely change the physical properties of the stone., This work has been carried out at Instituto de Geociencias (CSIC,UCM) and supported by Rafael Fort and GEOMATERIALES (S2009/MAT-1629) Program. The work was also supported by a JAE-PreDoc fellowship program (2010–2014) of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Adaptability and Employment Program of the European Social Fund (ESF 2007–2013).

Fifteen new ternary RZn2−xGa2+x, R3Zn11−xGax and RZn11−xGax (R = Y, Lu, Gd–Tm) compounds have been synthesized by reacting the elements at 960 °C, followed by annealing at 400 °C. The crystal structure of all the compounds was solved from powder X-ray counter data and their compositions were confirmed by EDS analysis. Additionally, single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were also performed for the DyZn8.6Ga2.4 phase. It was found that the new compounds crystallize with BaAl4, La3Al11 and BaHg11 structure types, respectively.

Capillary valves are used as pressure barriers to control flow sequencing in microfluidic devices. Influence of valves height on liquid flow pattern and critical pressure are studied through flow visualization and CFD predictions (Gambit(R) 2.2.30 and FLUENT(R) 6.2.16). Both hydrophilic and hydrophobic walls are studied. Results show that the surface tension plays a major role in the liquid progress through the microchannel/valve and also in the valve filling process. Critical pressure varies linearly with the valve hydraulic diameter in the range 0.91

The aim of this study is the comparison between different treatments (anatase and two conventional biocides: Biotin T and Anios) for preventing biodeterioration of mortars. The treatments were applied both in the laboratory on mortar slabs and in situ on walls of Palácio Nacional da Pena (Sintra, Portugal). Mortar slabs treated with anatase (pure and Fe3+ doped) applied as a coating or by mixing within the mortar were prepared, and their surfaces characterized by different methodologies. The mortars were inoculated with cyanobacteria and chlorophyta species, incubated for a period of 4 months and the chlorophyll content quantified by extraction method and fluorescence emission. For comparison purposes untreated mortar slabs were inoculated, incubated and finally treated with the biocides. After two weeks the respective chlorophyll contents was quantified.In situ studies in two external walls of Palácio Nacional da Pena covered by organisms were also performed by direct application of aqueous solutions of the three products, and the efficiency of the treatment monitored by spectrophotometry using the CIELAB method. Lichens and other phototrophic microorganisms were identified by direct observation with a microscope and cyanobacteria, green microalgae, bacteria and fungi by DNA-based molecular analysis targeting the 16S and 18S ribosomal RNA genes.The results show that anatase is a better agent for preventing biodeterioration than the two tested conventional biocides, both in mortars slabs and in situ studies. In fact, photographic and colorimetric records made in two external walls of Palácio Nacional da Pena after two weeks of treatments application showed that lichens and other phototrophic microorganisms disappear from the places where anatase was applied. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd., We wish to thank the Departamento de Quimica - REQUIMTE for technical and experimental support. Acknowledge- ments are also due to the CICEGe-FCT/UNL, for SEM-EDX facilities, and to the DCT-FCT/UNL, for the use of the terrace for external conditions experiments. This is a TCP CSD2007-00058 paper.

This paper presents a study on the technique and materials used in the panel painting entitled Pentecostes, attributed to the artist Fernao Gomes (XVIIth century), housed in the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, in Lisbon. The study also includes the diagnosis of the conservation state of the painting and the description of the cleaning intervention. For identification of the materials and determination of the conservation state, several analytical techniques were used: micro-FTIR and GC-MS, for identification of the binder and varnish; micro-Raman and micro-FTIR, for identification of fillers and pigments; micro-XRF and SEM-EDX, for elemental analysis; optical microscopy, with visible and fluorescent radiation, and infrared photography, for morphological observation and study of pictorial technique. The analytical approach led to the identification of materials common at the time: gypsum with animal glue, lead white, yellow and red ochres, black earths (based on Mn, Bi, Fe), azurite, possible green earth, lead red, oil and oily varnish with residues of cholesterol. After various cleaning tests, a gel suggested by the literature was chosen (recipe no. 105.4 developed by R. Wolbers) and proved to be effective in the removal of the aged and polymerized varnish.

The precise characterization of microgeometries is a crucial task in the study of flow phenomena at these scales. Since the use of conventional optical microscopes is somehow limited in terms of accuracy, the present work studies the use of micro-PIV measurements to characterize a rather irregular microchannel cross-section. The micro-PIV is employed with a spatial resolution of 23.68 μm × 23.68 μm allowing for the location of the microchannel walls with an accuracy, in average, 10 times higher than that provided by the use of a conventional optical microscope. The accuracy of the micro-PIV results was validated by comparing the volumetric flow rate yielded by the integration of the micro-PIV velocity profiles against that supplied by the syringe pump employed in this experimental work. The 3% difference revealed the good quality of the measurements, demonstrating the potential of the micro-PIV technique to characterize both the flow kinematic parameters and the enclosing geometry.

Microfluidics is a promising technology, although the governing physical mechanisms are still not quite understood due to the difficulties arising in measuring at such small scales. This work intends to bring some insight on the influence of surface phenomena in microscale flows by proposing a different method to quantify such influence. In this new method, detailed velocity measurements are performed to evaluate the influence on the flow of the surface phenomena instead of using measured bulk flow properties. For that micro-Particle Image Velocimetry (micro-PIV) is used to characterize the flow kinematics inside a DantecDynamics ® microchannel (with hydraulic diameter of 637 μm) that possesses rather rough walls (relative roughness of 1.6%) and a very irregular cross-section shape. Two-dimensional velocity profiles were measured in 61 horizontal planes to define the three-dimensional laminar flows ( Re ⩽ 50). Integration of the velocity profiles yielded volumetric flow rates with a maximum deviation of 3% from the measured volume of fluid discharged as function of time, which gives the magnitude of the bias error of the experimental technique. Effects of walls roughness were quantified by comparing Poiseuille numbers obtained from experimental velocity profiles against those obtained from CFD predictions for the same operating conditions but with hydrodynamically smooth walls, according to the new method proposed herein. Those Poiseuille numbers differed 11% demonstrating the need to account for wall roughness in microflows.

In this study opicapone´s pharmacological properties were evaluated as well as its potential cytotoxic effects. The pharmacodynamic effects of opicapone were explored by evaluating rat catechol-O-m...

With the advances in medicine and surgical treatments and the increase of computational tools and technical aids for supporting surgery, preoperative planning has become even more important and required. This technology relies upon digital tools and helps the clinicians to select the implant, to define its exact location and to establish a task outline for the surgery. Using these computational methods, it is also possible to design medical implants targeting a specific patient or clinical scenario. In this work, a three-step methodology for preoperative planning and design patient-specific implants is presented, namely (i) data acquisition and 3-D reconstruction, (ii) 3-D modelling and (iii) implant design. Two distinct case-studies are considered. The former consisted of a triple fracture of the distal femur, being the second case-study related to a maxillofacial deformity due to cancer removal surgery. For sake of pre-validation of the implant design, plastic prototypes were fabricated by using SL-stereolithography techniques. A tailored design of an implant leads to an enhancement on its biofunctionality, as this novel implant properly fits the extant medical need. Furthermore, the implant customization allows for its correct placement, promoting its fixation and longevity. In cases of osteosynthesis, a personalised design avoids the need of deforming the plates during surgery to fit patient’s anatomy.

The fabrication of digital prostheses has acquired growing importance not only for the possibility for the patient to overcome psychosocial trauma but also to promote grip functionality. An application method of three dimensional-computer-aided design technologies for the production of passive prostheses is presented by means of a fifth finger amputee clinical case following bilateral hand replantation.Three-dimensional-computerized tomography was used for the collection of anthropometric images of the hands. Computer-aided design techniques were used to develop the digital file-based prosthesis from the reconstruction images by inversion and superimposing the contra-lateral finger images. The rapid prototyping manufacturing method was used for the production of a silicone bandage prosthesis prototype. This approach replaces the traditional manual method by a virtual method that is basis for the optimization of a high speed, accurate and innovative process.O fabrico de próteses de dedos tem adquirido crescente import'ncia nÉo só pela recuperaçÉo psicossocial do doente mas também pela possibilidade de promover a prensÉo com pinça grossa. Apresenta-se um método de aplicaçÉo de tecnologias tridimensionais de desenho assistido por computador à produçÉo de próteses passivas, através de um caso clínico de um doente com amputaçÉo do quinto dedo após reimplantaçÉo bilateral das mÉos. Tomografia axial computorizada tridimensional foi utilizada para a elaboraçÉo de imagens antropométricas das mÉos. Técnicas de desenho assistido por computador foram utilizadas para projectar a prótese digital a partir das imagens de reconstruçÉo por inversÉo e superimposiçÉo do dedo contralateral. Recorreu-se ao método de manufactura por prototipagem rápida para a produçÉo de um protótipo de prótese em banda de silicone. Esta abordagem vem substituir o método tradicional manual por um método virtual que estabelece um ponto de partida para a optimizaçÉo de um inovador processo de elevada precisÉo e rapidez.

Resistance to isoniazid, ethambutol, and streptomycin was detected in a Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain, belonging to the Beijing family lineage, isolated from two nodule exudates of a Yorkshire terrier with generalized tuberculosis. This report alerts medical practitioners to the risk of dissemination of pre-multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (preMDR-TB) through exposure to M. tuberculosis -shedding pets.

Seven new ternary RZnSn2 (R = Y, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu) compounds have been synthesized by reacting the elements at ∼1000 °C, followed by annealing at 400 °C. The crystal structure of the all compounds was solved from powder X-ray counter data and their compositions were confirmed by EDS analysis. It was found that the new compounds crystallize with tetragonal HfCuSi2 structure type. Ferromagnetic-like magnetisation curves are observed for YZnSn2 and LuZnSn2 with puzzling magnetisation σ(H) oscillations for the last one, while for RZnSn2 with Ho, Er and Tm antiferromagnetic ordering takes place at low temperatures.

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is a surgical intervention that is being achieving high rates of success, leaving room to research on long run durability, patient comfort and costs reduction. Even so, up to the present, little research has been done to improve the method of manufacturing customized prosthesis. The common customized prostheses are made by full machining. This document presents a different approach methodology which combines the study of medical images, through CAD (Computer Aided Design) software, SLadditive manufacturing, ceramic shell manufacture, precision foundry with Titanium alloys and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). The goal is to achieve the best comfort for the patient, stress distribution and the maximum lifetime of the prosthesis produced by this integrated methodology. The way to achieve this desiderate is to make custom hip prosthesis which are adapted to each patient needs and natural physiognomy. Not only the process is reliable, but also represents a cost reduction compari...