Search

Earth greenhouse gas effect is a natural process that sustains the planet temperature to degrees suitable for life forms to survive. Humans development is shown as the responsible for both, temperature and natural cycle alterations, rise due greenhouse gases capacity in conserve higher temperatures. Studies shows that the temperature will continually increase, and mitigation measures are necessary to allow feed production growth without environmental impact. Production intensification is an efficient way to minimize pollutants emission per kilogram of animal products. Although ruminants advantage of eating fibrous feed, that are not suitable for humans, and the capacity to transform it in superior quality food, grains inclusion in cattle diet decreases environment livestock impact. Beef suckler herds are large responsible for all livestock pollution impact. Integrating intensively reared dairy calves to beef production it's an alternative to decrease livestock impact. Brazilian livestock is a major responsible for greenhouse gas production. The low technology and the poor system intensification, allows the formulation of national measures to decrease the pollutants and also enhance the production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated whether insulin could stimulate β-alanine uptake by skeletal muscle cells in vitro. Mouse myoblasts (C2C12) (n = 3 wells per condition) were cultured with β-alanine (350 or 700 µmol·L−1), with insulin (100 µU·mL−1) either added to the media or not. Insulin stimulated the β-alanine uptake at the lower (350 µmol·L−1) but not higher (700 µmol·L−1) β-alanine concentration in culture medium, indicating that transporter saturation might blunt the stimulatory effects of insulin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed analysis of pendular motion is presented. Inertial effects, self-oscillation, and memory, together with non-constant moment of inertia, hysteresis, and negative damping are shown to be required for the comprehensive description of the free pendulum oscillatory regime. The effects of very high initial amplitudes, friction in the roller bearing axle, drag, and pendulum geometry are also analyzed and discussed. A model consisting of a fractional differential equation fits and explains high resolution and long-time experimental data gathered from standard action-camera videos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Bifactorial model of organisational resilience obtains the best adjustment indices. • Metric invariance was found between both organisation type and sex. • Optimal internal consistency and good responses' stability over time were found. • Relationship between organisational resilience and safety climate are established. • The BRT 13-B provides a useful "quick snapshot" of the organisation's resilience. Abstract Organisational resilience (OR) is an organisation's ability to plan, respond to and recover from emergencies and crises. Evaluating resilience allows organisations to increase their level of awareness of the environment as well as their ability to react to threats. However, the research carried out in this field has been mainly theoretical, and there are few quantitative tools to measure it. The purpose of this study was to adapt and validate the short-form version of the Benchmark Resilience Tool into Spanish language and to explore its relationship with safety climate. A sample of 388 Spanish workers from two highly reliable sectors was used: healthcare and nuclear energy. Internal consistency analyses, test-retests, confirmatory factorial analysis (CFA), exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) and invariance analyses across organisation type and sex were performed. We concluded that the instrument fulfils the psychometric criteria to evaluate resilience in healthcare and nuclear organisations in Spain. We briefly discuss the practical implications as well as some of the limitations and recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the accuracy of two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US), three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of congenital anomalies without prior knowledge of indications and previous imaging findings.Methods: This was a prospective, blinded case-control study comprising women with a singleton pregnancy with fetal congenital abnormalities identified on clinical ultrasound and those with an uncomplicated pregnancy. All women volunteered to undergo 2D-US, 3D-US and MRI, which were performed at one institution. Different examiners at a collaborating institution performed image interpretation. Sensitivity and specificity of the three imaging methods were calculated for individual anomalies, based on postnatal imaging and/or autopsy as the definitive diagnosis. Diagnostic confidence was graded on a four-point Likert scale.Results: A total of 157 singleton pregnancies were enrolled, however nine cases were excluded owing to incomplete outcome, resulting in 148 fetuses (58 cases and 90 controls) included in the final analysis. Among cases, 13 (22.4%) had central nervous system (CNS) anomalies, 40 (69.0%) had non-CNS anomalies and five (8.6%) had both CNS and non-CNS anomalies. The main findings were: (1) MRI was more sensitive than 3D-US for diagnosing CNS anomalies (MRI, 88.9% (16/18) vs 3D-US, 66.7% (12/18) vs 2D-US, 72.2% (13/18); McNemar's test for MRI vs 3D-US: P = 0.046); (2) MRI provided additional information affecting prognosis and/or counseling in 22.2% (4/18) of fetuses with CNS anomalies; (3) 2D-US, 3D-US and MRI had similar sensitivity for diagnosing non-CNS anomalies; (4) specificity for all anomalies was highest for 3D-US (MRI, 85.6% (77/90) vs 3D-US, 94.4% (85/90) vs 2D-US, 92.2% (83/90); McNemar's test for MRI vs 3D-US: P = 0.03); and (5) the confidence of MRI for ruling out certain CNS abnormalities (usually questionable for cortical dysplasias or hemorrhage) that were not confirmed after delivery was lower than it was for 2D-US and 3D-US.Conclusions: MRI was more sensitive than ultrasonography and provided additional information that changed prognosis, counseling or management in 22.2% of fetuses with CNS anomalies. False-positive diagnoses for subtle CNS findings were higher with MRI than with ultrasonography. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of simulated pulpal pressure (SPP) on the variation of intrapulpal temperature (ΔT) and microtensile bond strength (μTBS) to dentin submitted to an adhesive technique using laser irradiation. One hundred sound human molars were randomly divided into two groups (n = 50), according to the presence or absence of SPP (15 cm H2O). Each group was divided into five subgroups (n = 10) according to Nd:YAG laser energy (60, 80, 100, 120, 140 mJ/pulse). The samples were sequentially treated with the following: 37 % phosphoric acid, adhesive (Scotchbond Universal), irradiation with Nd:YAG laser (60 s), and light curing (10 s). ΔT was evaluated during laser irradiation using a type K thermocouple. Next, a composite resin block was build up onto the irradiated area. After 48 h, samples were submitted to microtensile test (10 kgf load cell, 0.5 mm/min). Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p = 0.05). ANOVA revealed significant differences for ΔT and TBS in the presence of SPP. For ΔT, the highest mean (14.3 ± 3.23 °C)(A) was observed in 140 mJ and without SPP. For μTBS, the highest mean (33.4 ± 4.15 MPa)(A) was observed in 140 mJ and without SPP. SPP significantly reduced both ΔT and μTBS during adhesive procedures, lower laser energy parameters resulted in smaller ΔT, and the laser parameters did not influence the μTBS values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Re-ensiling of previously ensiled forage has been a common practice in Brazil, and the use of inoculants may provide a means of reducing dry-matter ( DM) loss. This study aimed to determine the effect of re-ensiling and the use of microbial inoculants on the quality of sorghum silage. Treatments were presence/absence of an inoculant ( Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionibacterium acidipropionici) in the silage, and the re-ensiling, or not, of the material after 24 h of exposure to air, and these were tested in a factorial 2 × 2 design. Losses due to gas, effluent and total DM were assessed, as were the fermentation characteristics, chemical composition, aerobic stability, and aerobic counts of microorganisms. Effluent loss was higher in re-ensiled silage, and these silages had lower lactic acid content and higher levels of acetic and propionic acids. The in vitro DM digestibility was lower in the re-ensiled sorghum silages. The re-ensiled silage had higher aerobic stability. The inoculant only increased the acetic acid content of the silage. The re-ensiling of sorghum silage increased effluent loss by 71·2%, and reduced DM digestibility by 5·35%. The use of inoculant did not influence the quality of sorghum silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which detects the rate of fetal heart by four-dimensional ultrasound (4D) with spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC). It is said that STIC is a technique that allows acquisition of a fetal heart volume and visualization of cardiac structures. Furthermore, congenital heart is the leading cause of death among infants with congenital anomalies.

Objective: The precise prenatal diagnosis of abnormal venous connections of the fetal heart is challenging. Anatomical accuracy may be important in determining the best route for postnatal angiography, as well as the prognosis and treatment. This study was designed to determine the value of 'inversion mode', a new three- and four-dimensional (4D) rendering algorithm, in the visualization of the spatial relationships of an interrupted inferior vena cava (IVC) with azygos or hemiazygos vein continuation associated with and without heterotaxic syndromes. Methods: Heart volumes were acquired using 4D ultrasonography and spatiotemporal image correlation in cases of interrupted IVC with azygos/hemiazygos continuation (n = 3). Volume datasets were rendered using the 'inversion mode' algorithm and abnormal images were compared to those generated from a library of normal fetuses. Results: The 'inversion mode' rendering algorithm allowed the visualization of dilated azygos or hemiazygos veins and their spatial relationships with the descending aorta, the aortic arch, the superior vena cava, and the atria in cases of interrupted IVC with and without heterotaxic syndromes. Conclusions: The 'inversion mode' algorithm improves prenatal visualization of both dilated azygos and hemiazygos veins, as well as their spatial relationships with the surrounding vascular structures. This has implications for the accurate prenatal diagnosis and management of neonates with abnormal systemic venous connections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of a frontonasal malformation observed during the first trimester with three-dimensional ultrasonography and fetoscopy is reported. Absence of the nasal bone and a poorly characterized nose were visualized at 11 5/7 weeks by two-dimensional ultrasonography. Rendered three-dimensional ultrasound images revealed absence of the nasal bridge, widely spaced frontal bones and hypertelorism. Fetoscopy, performed at 12 3/7 weeks, confirmed the hypertelorism and showed a broad translucent nose with a flat nasal bridge. The final diagnosis of frontonasal malformation was made at autopsy after pregnancy termination. A review of prenatally diagnosed cases as well as the various syndromes having frontonasal malformation as a common denominator is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the design of computer-aided diagnosis systems for lung cancer diagnosis, an appropriate and accurate segmentation of the pulmonary nodules in computerized tomography (CT) is one of the most relevant and difficult tasks. An accurate segmentation is crucial for the posterior measurement of nodule characteristics and for lung cancer diagnosis. This paper proposes different approaches that use Hessian-based strategies for lung nodule segmentation in chest CT scans. We propose a multiscale segmentation process that uses the central medialness adaptive principle, a Hessian-based strategy that was originally formulated for tubular extraction but it also provides good segmentation results in blob-like structures as is the case of lung nodules. We compared this proposal with a well established Hessian-based strategy that calculates the Shape Index (SI) and Curvedness (CV). We adapted the SI and CV approach for multiscale nodule segmentation. Moreover, we propose the combination of both strategies by combining the results, in order to take benefit of the advantages of both strategies. Different cases with pulmonary nodules from the Lung Image Database Consortium and Image Database Resource Initiative (LIDC-IDRI) database were taken and used to analyze and validate the approaches. The chest CT images present a large variability in nodule characteristics and image conditions. Our proposals provide an accurate lung nodule segmentation, similar to radiologists performance. Our Hessian-based approaches were validated with 569 solid and mostly solid nodules demonstrating that these novel strategies have good results when compared with the radiologists segmentations, providing accurate pulmonary nodule volumes for posterior characterization and appropriate diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of transdermal nitroglycerin (GTN) and sildenafil citrate on Doppler velocity waveforms of the uterine (UtA), umbilical (UA) and fetal middle cerebral (MCA) arteries in pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).Methods: This was a prospective study of 35 singleton pregnancies (gestational age, 24-31 weeks) with IUGR and abnormal UtA and UA Doppler waveforms. We compared maternal arterial blood pressure and Z-scores of the pulsatility index (PI) of UtA, UA and fetal MCA before and after application of a transdermal GTN patch (average dose, 0.4 mg/h), oral sildenafil citrate (50 mg) or placebo. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA for paired samples.Results: There was a significant decrease in UtA-PI after application of GTN (21.0%) and sildenafil citrate (20.4%). A significant reduction in UA-PI was also observed for both GTN (19.1%) and sildenafil citrate (18.2%). There was no difference in UtA- and UA-PI when the GTN and sildenafil groups were compared. No changes in Doppler velocimetry were observed in the placebo group and no significant change in MCA-PI was observed in any group. Maternal arterial blood pressure decreased with administration of both GTN and sildenafil citrate in those with pre-eclampsia.Conclusion: The use of transdermal GTN or sildenafil citrate in pregnancies with IUGR is associated with a significant reduction in both UtA and UA Doppler PI, as well as maternal arterial blood pressure. Neither drug affected the MCA-PI. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane technology has been gaining momentum in industrial processes, especially in food technology. It is believed to simplify processes, reduce energy consumption, and eliminate pollutants. The objective was to study the performance of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyethersulfone (PES) polymeric membranes in the degumming of the miscella of crude rice bran oil by using a bench-scale tangential filtration module. In addition, oil miscella filtration techniques using hexane and anhydrous ethyl alcohol solvents were compared. All membranes showed the retention of phospholipids and high flow rates. However, the best performance was observed using the 50-kDa PVDF membrane in miscella hexane solvent, with a 95.5% retention of the phosphorus concentration (by a factor of 1.4), resulting in a permeate with 29 mg·kg-1 of phosphorus and an average flow rate of 48.1 L·m-2·h-1. This technology can be used as a low-pollution, economical alternative for the de-gumming of crude rice bran oil, being effective in the removal of hydratable and non-hydratable phospholipids, resulting in oils with a low phosphorus content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptococcosis caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic mycosis, infecting mainly immunodepressed individuals. Molecular epidemiology studies of cryptococcosis in Europe are limited. This paper presents a retrospective study of cryptococcosis in 105 cryptococcal isolates from two hospitals in Lisbon, Portugal, among HIV/AIDS patients, from 1991 to 2007. Among these patients, the number of cases of cryptococcosis increased from 5.1 to 6.9 cases per year from the pre- to post-highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. As expected, the median age of the patients increased, from 32 (mean: 33 ± 8) to 39 (mean: 41 ± 10) years, and the ratio of male to female patients remained high (7.7 and 7.6, respectively). Strain genotyping based on restriction fragment length polymorphism of the orotidine monophosphate pyrophosphorylase ( URA5-RFLP) gene showed that, in general, the relative frequencies of the genotypes VNI-IV are similar to those from other European countries. These frequencies were, respectively, for the pre- and post-HAART periods: 41.7 and 43.5 % for VNI; 2.8 and 17.4 % for VNII; 38.9 and 30.4 % for VNIII; 16.7 and 7.2 % for VNIV and 0 and 1.4 % for VGII. Some apparent although statistically insignificant differences among these values were observed between both periods. The genotypic frequencies were not also statistically different according to the patients' gender or age range. Of note are the high proportion of VNIII isolates (common in Europe) and the high increase in the frequency of the VNII genotype in the post-HAART. Ultimately, these results may have implications in disease therapy, management and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose that by using the concept of negative mass, the dynamics of objects embedded in fluids can be considerably simplified. For example, helium balloons, whose motion can be puzzling in a non-inertial reference frame, can be easily explained using the concept of negative mass. Two experiments have been carried out to demonstrate this idea. The same conceptual idea can serve as a model for other circumstances, when it is simpler to focus our attention on the lack of matter rather than on its presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate whether phytoplankton is the main factor determining mesozooplankton distribution in a continental shelf affected by upwelling, oceanographic surveys were conducted off NW Portugal in 2002 and 2003. During four different seasons, we investigated how the mesoscale relationship between these two communities was forced by environmental conditions across the shelf. The horizontal and vertical distribution of phytoplankton was shaped by wind stress over the water. Diatoms dominated mixed and upwelled waters, whereas dinoflagellates prevailed with thermal stratification. Mesozooplankton was less influenced by wind forcing and concentrated mostly at mid-shelf, on the outer margin of main phytoplankton patches. We found that this pattern, under strong thermal stratification conditions, can be associated with localized grazing 'hot spots'. Copepods were dominant, contributing to the mesozooplankton community variability between cruises whereas phytoplankton presented a clearer seasonal pattern. Nevertheless, the distribution and abundance of mesozooplankton were directly correlated with all phytoplankton groups at the inner-mid-shelf, while no correlation was observed offshore the outer-shelf. The relative composition of mesozooplankton did not vary between depth strata, whereas a cross-shelf separation occurred between nearshore and widespread clusters of species. This reflected a dependence on phytoplankton and reflected the high variability of oceanographic conditions of the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the reproducibility of regional apparent diffusion coefficient ( ADC) measurements of the normal fetal brain in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Methods Fifty normal singleton fetuses from healthy pregnant women between 19 and 37 weeks' gestation were studied without sedation. Single-shot diffusion-weighted images of the fetal brain were obtained using a 1.5-Tesla magnetic resonance scanner and a six-channel body array coil. ADC maps were created using 0 and 1000 b-values along three orthogonal directions. Two examiners independently measured ADC values in the cerebellar hemispheres ( CH), pons, thalamus, basal ganglia ( BG), centrum semiovale ( CSO), and frontal ( FWM), parietal ( PWM), temporal ( TWM) and occipital (OWM) white matter. Correlation between ADC values and menstrual age was assessed by linear regression analysis. The bias and agreement of ADC measurements were determined using Bland-Altman plots. Results ADC values either remained constant ( BG, FWM, PWM, TWM, OWM, CSO) or decreased ( CH, pons, thalamus) with advancing menstrual age. Mean intraobserver bias for ADC measurements was not significantly different from zero. Small interobserver differences in mean ADC measurements (i.e. a small mean bias) were detected for CH (1.26 ± 0.20 vs 1.20 ± 0.18 μm2/ms, P = 0.006), PWM (1.37 ± 0.29 vs 1.33 ± 0.26 μm2/ms, P = 0.02) and CSO (1.36 ± 0.29 vs 1.33 ± 0.28 μm2/ms, P < 0.0001). Measurement agreement was acceptable. Conclusions ADC measurements in normal unsedated fetuses in the second and third trimesters are reproducible except for small differences for PWM, CH and CSO between examiners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive and detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) modelling of air flow and heat transfer in an open refrigerated display cabinet (ORDC) is performed in this study. The physical-mathematical model considers the flow through the internal ducts, across fans and evaporator, and includes the thermal response of food products. The air humidity effect and thermal radiation heat transfer between surfaces are taken into account. Experimental tests were performed to characterize the phenomena near physical extremities and to validate the numerical predictions of air temperature, relative humidity, and velocity. Numerical and experimental results comparison reveals the predictive capabilities of the computational model for the optimized conception and development of this type of equipments. Numerical predictions are used to propose geometrical and functional parametric studies that improve thermal performance of the ORDC and consequently food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed CFD modelling of an open refrigerated display cabinet has been formulated in a previous study. Some modifications are introduced in order to perform parametric studies dealing with low-cost geometrical and functional characteristics for improvement of the global performance and energy efficiency. The parametric studies are devoted to the analysis of the thermal response and behaviour inside the food conservation space influenced by (1) air flow rate through the evaporator heat exchanger; (2) air curtain behaviour; (3) hole dimensions and distribution of the back panel; (4) discharge and return grilles angles; and (5) flow deflectors inside the internal duct. The analysis of the numerical predictions from the parametric studies allows the development of an optimized model for the conception of an open refrigerated display cabinet with a more adequate configuration. The numerical predictions of the optimized model show lower product temperature and reduced electrical energy consumption, allowing the improvement of the food safety and the energy rationalization of the refrigeration equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article about the inquiry concerning the visualization of frontal bone in midline views of the facial profile to assess the fetal nasal bones during the first trimester that was published previously.

Objectives To evaluate the effect of transdermal nitroglycerin on Doppler velocity waveforms of the uterine, umbilical and fetal middle cerebral arteries in patients with severe pre-eclampsia. Methods This was a prospective study of 30 singleton pregnancies (gestational age range: 24-31 weeks) with severe pre-eclampsia and abnormal uterine and umbilical artery Doppler waveforms. We compared maternal blood pressure as well as the resistance index (RI) and the pulsatility index (PI) of the uterine, umbilical and fetal middle cerebral arteries before and after application of a transdermal nitroglycerin patch (average dose 0.4 mg/h) for a period of 3 days. Intra-day comparisons before and after administration of nitroglycerin and a comparison between days 0 (no patch) and 3 after administration of the first dose of nitroglycerin were performed using ANOVA for paired samples. Results A significant decrease in the PI and RI of the uterine (25.3 ± 4.9% and 21.2 ± 6.2%, respectively, P < 0.001) and umbilical (23.1 ± 6.9% and 19.7 ± 6.1%, respectively, P < 0.001) arteries was noted when comparing the first day without medication against the third day with the patch. No significant change in the PI and RI of the middle cerebral artery was observed. The mean arterial blood pressure decreased from 119.5 ± 4.5 mmHg to 114.8 ± 4.4 mmHg ( P < 0.05). Conclusion The use of transdermal nitroglycerin in patients with severe pre-eclampsia is associated with a significant reduction in the RI and PI of the uterine and umbilical arteries, as well as of maternal blood pressure. Transdermal nitroglycerin does not affect the RI and PI of the fetal middle cerebral artery. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the frequency of Helicobacter pylori, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the subgingival microbiota of HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative subjects with periodontitis or clinically healthy periodontal tissues. Fifty-four subjects were distributed into two HIV-seropositive groups (chronic periodontitis [HCP = 13] and periodontal health [HH = 10]) and two HIV-seronegative groups (chronic periodontitis [CP = 17] and periodontal health [H = 14]). The detection of bacterial species was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). CP patients showed significantly more periodontal destruction, inflammation, and supragingival plaque than HCP patients ( P < 0.05). All species were detected at a higher prevalence in CP and HCP than H individuals ( P < 0.01). In the HIV groups, H. pylori was significantly more prevalent in periodontitis compared to healthy patients ( P < 0.01). A higher frequency of E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa was observed in the subgingival biofilm of HH than H subjects ( P < 0.01). Moreover, E. faecalis was detected significantly more often in HIV-seropositive compared to HIV-seronegative patients, regardless of periodontal status ( P < 0.01). These data indicate that H. pylori is frequently detected in the subgingival microbiota of periodontitis subjects. In contrast, HIV-seropositive patients with either periodontitis or periodontal health present a high prevalence of E. faecalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ti–Si–C–ON films were deposited by DC reactive magnetron sputtering using different partial pressure ratio of oxygen (p O2 ) and nitrogen (p N2 ). Compositional analysis revealed the existence of three different growth zones for the films; (I) N/Ti=2.1 (high atomic ratio) and low oxygen content; (II) 0.76

Objective To determine the prevalence and clinical significance of amniotic fluid (AF) ‘sludge’ observed during transvaginal ultrasound examination of the cervix in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes, and in those with uncomplicated pregnancies. Methods This retrospective study included patients with preterm labor and intact membranes (n = 84) and those with uncomplicated term pregnancies (n = 298). The outcome variables included the occurrence of documented microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC), histological chorioamnionitis, examination-to-delivery interval, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), a composite neonatal morbidity, perinatal death, and delivery within 48 h, 7 days, and <35 weeks and <32 weeks. Statistical analysis included Chi-square test, stepwise logistic regression analysis and survival analysis. Results The prevalence of AF ‘sludge’ was 1% (3⁄298) in patients with uncomplicated term pregnancies and 22.6% (19⁄84) in those with preterm labor and intact membranes. Among patients with preterm labor and intact membranes: (1) cervical length ⩽15 mm was present in 58.3% (49⁄84) of the patients; (2) the prevalence of MIAC and histological chorioamnionitis was 12.1% (7⁄58) and 32.9% (25⁄76), respectively; (3) the rate of spontaneous preterm delivery within 48 h, 7 days, and <32 weeks and <35 weeks of gestation was 13.6% (8⁄59), 28.8% (17⁄59), 39.5% (17⁄43) and 50.8% (30⁄59), respectively; (4) patients with AF ‘sludge’ had a higher frequency of positive AF cultures [33.3% (6⁄18) vs. 2.5% (1⁄40), P=0.003] and histological chorioamnionitis [77.8% (14⁄18) vs. 19% (11⁄58), P < 0001] than those without AF ‘sludge’; (5) a higher proportion of neonates born to patients with AF ‘sludge’ was admitted to the N/CU [64.3% (9⁄14) vs. 12.9% (8⁄62), P < 0.01], had a composite neonatal morbidity [36.8% (7⁄19) vs. 13.8% (9⁄65), P = 0.04] and died in the perinatal period [36.8% (7⁄19) vs. -1.6% (3⁄65), P = 0.001] than those born to women without ‘sludge’; (6) a higher proportion of patients with AF ‘sludge’ had spontaneous delivery within 48 h [42.9% (6⁄14) vs. 4.4% (2⁄45), P = 0.001], within 7 days [71.4% (10⁄14) vs. 15.6% (7⁄45), P < 0.001], <32 weeks [75% (9⁄12) vs. 25.8% (8⁄31),P = 0.005] and <35 weeks [92.9% (13⁄14) vs. 37.8% (17⁄45), p < 0.001] than those without AF ‘sludge’; and (7) patients with AF ‘sludge’ had a shorter examination-to-delivery interval than those without AF ‘sludge’ [AF ‘sludge’ median, 1 (IQR, 1–5) days vs. no AF ‘sludge’ median, 33 (IQR, 18–58) days; P < 0.001]. Conclusion The presence of AF ‘sludge’ in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes is a risk factor for MIAC, histological chorioamnionitis and impending preterm delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the new imaging modalities in the prenatal diagnosis of skeletal dysplasia. According to the author, the use of three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) and three-dimensional helical computerized tomography (3D-HCL) in clinical practices have greatly improved the prenatal diagnosis of skeletal dysplasias. He stresses the value of these new imaging modalities in the evaluation and management of skeletal dysplasia.

The occurrence of periodically distorted director structures in planar and pre-tilted nematic slabs above the magnetically driven Fréedericksz transition is investigated in the intermediate geometries between the pure splay, twist and bend Fréedericksz transition geometries. Considering rigid boundary conditions the domain of existence of the periodic structures is determined as a function of the Frank elastic constants ratios K2/K1, K1/K3 and the magnetic field orientation. It is found that the periodic distorted state can be reached either directly from the undistorted state on increasing the magnetic field or indirectly through the homogeneously distorted state when pre-tilt is present. It is also found in pre-tilted slabs that the transition from the undistorted state to the homogeneously distorted state can be either continuous or discontinuous, and the corresponding lines of tricritical points are determined. PACS numbers: 61.30.Gd, 64.70Md [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β 2 -Glycoprotein I (β 2 GPI) is known to influence macrophage uptake of particles with phosphatidylserine containing surfaces, as apoptotic thymocytes and unilamellar vesicles in vitro . Nevertheless, effects upon macrophage activation induced by this interaction are still unknown. β 2 GPI influence upon the reactive species production by Kupffer cells was evaluted in order to investigate whether β 2 GPI modulates the macrophage response to negatively charged surfaces. Chemiluminescence of isolated non-parenchymal rat liver cells was measured after phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan or phorbolmyristate acetate (PMA) stimulation, in the presence and absence of large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) containing 25 mol% phosphatidylserine (PS) or 50 mol% cardiolipin (CL) and complementary molar ratio of phosphatidylcholine (PC). β 2 GPI decreased by 50% the chemiluminescence response induced by opsonized zymosan, with a 66% reduction of the initial light emission rate. PMA stimulated Kupffer cell chemiluminescence was insensitive to human or rat β 2 GPI. Albumin (500 μg/ml) showed no effect upon chemiluminescence. β 2 GPI increased PS/PC LUV uptake and degradation by Kupffer cells in a concentration-dependent manner, without leakage of the internal contents of the LUVs, as shown by fluorescence intensity enhancement. LUVs opsonized with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) from syphilitic patients increased light emission by Kupffer cells. Addition of β 2 GPI to the assay reduced chemiluminescence due to opsonization with purified IgG antibodies from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or syphilis (Sy) patient sera. A marked net increase in chemiluminescence is observed in the presence of Sy aPL antibodies, whereas a decrease was found when SLE aPL were added to the assay, in the presence or absence of β 2 GPI. At a concentration of 125 μg/ml, β 2 GPI significantly reduced Kupffer cell Candida albicans phagocytosis index and killing score by 50 and 10%, respectively. The present data strongly suggest that particle uptake in the presence of β 2 GPI is coupled to an inhibition of reactive species production by liver macrophages during the respiratory burst, supporting the role of β 2 GPI as a mediator of senescent cell removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Zika virus can cause fetal changes, regardless of the trimester in which the infection occurs, it is rare that a late infection can cause changes as severe as those in the case reported. Given the recent arrival of pregnant women from a country where the epidemic outbreak is documented (Brazil), the spectrum of severity and the characteristics of the changes found (microcephaly and underdevelopment of intracranial structures) in complementary diagnostic tests, the virus Zika infection was suspected. A serological study is carried out and later in the anatomopathological examination of the dead fetus, a strong association with infection by this virus is also established. [Extracted from the article]

The common black box nature of machine learning models is an obstacle to their application in health care context. Their widespread application is limited by a significant "lack of trust." So, the main goal of this work is the development of an evaluation approach that can assess, simultaneously, trust and performance. Trust assessment is based on (i) model robustness (stability assessment), (ii) confidence (95% CI of geometric mean), and (iii) interpretability (comparison of respective features ranking with clinical evidence). Performance is assessed through geometric mean. For validation, in patients' stratification in cardiovascular risk assessment, a Portuguese dataset (N=1544) was applied. Five different models were compared: (i) GRACE score, the most common risk assessment tool in Portugal for patients with acute coronary syndrome; (ii) logistic regression; (iii) Naïve Bayes; (iv) decision trees; and (v) rule-based approach, previously developed by this team. The obtained results confirm that the simultaneous assessment of trust and performance can be successfully implemented. The rule-based approach seems to have potential for clinical application. It provides a high level of trust in the respective operation while outperformed the GRACE model's performance, enhancing the required physicians' acceptance. This may increase the possibility to effectively aid the clinical decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A robust design method based on fatigue for stochastic problems is proposed. In most cases, fatigue analyses of structures are performed by assuming the nominal values of their parameters in a deterministic way. However, since the systems are frequently subject to parametric uncertainty and random forces simultaneously, it does not provide a representative fatigue index. Thus, it becomes essential to consider these uncertainties on the fatigue models. Here, a plate stochastic finite element is used to formulate the probabilistic Sines' index in frequency-domain, where the random fields are discretized using Karhunen-Loève expansion with hypercube sampling as stochastic solver. To maximize fatigue performance, a robust optimization combined with a robust reduction is proposed to increase the efficiency of the method. The envelopes of stresses and the Sines' coefficients for optimized solutions confirm the importance of considering uncertainty on fatigue models for more realistic situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction In order to play a wind instrument one must have a good breathing control with rhythm variation, control of inspiratory and expiratory volume as well as a good control of the airflow transmitted by the musician through the different mouthpieces. The pulmonary function of the different wind instrument players has been scarcely studied generating divergent conclusions. Objectives To characterize and compare lung function and functional capacity of musicians of different wind instruments. Methodology One hundred and one individuals from five philharmonic bands from Aveiro and Porto districts were studied. Smokers or ex-smokers for less than one year, respiratory pathology, history of chronic pulmonary or cardiac disease were exclusion criteria. The sample was divided into three groups: "Air reed", "Reeds" and "Metals". Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), Tiffeneau index (TI), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV). Functional capacity was assessed using the six-minute walk test (6-MWT). Data analysis was performed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences with a 95% confidence interval. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, ANOVA test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used. Results All spirometric parameters with the exception of TI were increased in "Metals" group with significant decrease in the "Air reed" parameters of FEV1 (p = 0.045) and MVV (p = 0.004). A negative correlation between FEV1 and 6-MWT was noticed in male musicians (r=-0.291; p = 0.022). Conclusion Musicians from the "Metals" group showed better lung function when compared to other groups. There was no positive correlation between lung function and functional capacity of the studied musicians. However, there was a weak negative correlation between FEV1 of male musicians and their functional capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the three dimensional and four dimensional sonography offered by the aortic and ductal arches through a novel approach to three dimensional reconstruction of hollow structures. It was emphasized that such rendering algorithm transforms echoluscent structures into solid voxels. Likewise, it was stressed that the technique does not differentiate blood vessels from other hollow structures. Moreover, the relationships between the fetal heart and structures can be seen.

New technologies that aim to potentiate the productive capacity of the areas currently exploited have been introduced in Brazilian beef cattle. The cross between breeds and the use of integrated production systems are strategies with potential to increase production with an increase in the quality of the final product, the meat. The aim of this research was to evaluate the traits of carcass and meat of Nellore (N) and Nellore x Angus (F1) heifers, recreated in two forage production systems with and without crop-livestock integration (CLI). The experiment was carried out in an area of 9 ha, where were evaluated 36 calves, with initial age of approximately 7 months and live weight of 180 kg, being 18 Nellore and 18 Nellore x Angus, divided into high-investment treatments (HI), pasture of Urochloa brizantha cv. Paiaguás, reformed with the maize consortium, Urochloa and guandu (CLI), and low investment (LI), pasture of Urochloa decumbens. The animals were slaughtered at approximately 19 months. The data collected at slaughter were submitted to analysis of variance, considering the effect of genetic groups and treatments (different pastures), as well as the interaction between them. Correlation analysis was also performed to verify the relationship between meat and carcass variables measured. The F1 animals showed higher carcass weight, round thickness, carcass length and rib eye area (REA) than the Nellore animals. It was observed superiority for REA, fat thickness, marbling, carcass length and hot carcass weight. The interaction between genetic group and treatment was significative only for REA, being that the animals of the treatment HI differed from those LI treatments (72.94 vs 66.89 cm2). The measure of carcass length and REA showed high and positive correlation with carcass weight, as expected. The shear force showed high and negative correlation with the coloration parameters (L, a, b). It was observed superiority of F1 animals considering the traits of carcass and meat quality. Can be perceived that the CLI system provided increase in the quantity and quality of the meat produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries such as Brazil, research on low-cost remote sensing and computational techniques become essential for the development of precision agriculture (PA), and improving the quality of the agricultural products. Faced with the scenario of increasing production of emerald grass (Zoysia Japônica) in Brazil, and the value added the quality of this agricultural product. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of RGB (IV) vegetation indices in the identification of exposed soil and vegetation. The study was developed in an irrigated area of 58 ha cultivated with emerald grass at Bom Sucesso, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The images were obtained by a RGB digital camera coupled to an remotely piloted aircraft. The flight plan was setup to take overlapping images of 70% and the aircraft speed was 10 m s-1. Six RGB Vegetation index (MGVRI, GLI, RGBVI, MPRI, VEG, ExG) were evaluated in a mosaic resulting from the images of the study area. All of the VIs evaluated were affected by the variability of lighting conditions in the area but MPRI and MGVRI were the ones that presented the best results in a qualitative evaluation regarding the discrimination of vegetation and soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papain-like cysteine proteases (CP) have been shown to have essential roles in parasitic protozoa and are under study as promising drug targets. One gene was identified by sequence similarity search to be homologous to the CP family in the ongoing Babesia bigemina genome sequencing project database. The newly identified CP gene, called babesipain-1, was cloned and expressed as a fusion protein, and the effect of different inhibitors on proteolytic activity was tested. A series of new artemisinin-vinyl sulfone hybrid molecules were tested as inhibitors being effective on the range of 0.3–30 μm, depending on the core-containing molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rydberg-atom ensembles are switched from a weakly to a strongly interacting regime via adiabatic transformation of the atoms from an approximately nonpolar into a highly dipolar quantum state. The resultant electric dipole-dipole forces are probed using a device akin to a field ion microscope. Ion imaging and pair-correlation analysis reveal the kinetics of the interacting atoms. Dumbbell-shaped pair-correlation images demonstrate the anisotropy of the binary dipolar force. The dipolar C3 coefficient, derived from the time dependence of the images, agrees with the value calculated from the permanent electric-dipole moment of the atoms. The results indicate many-body dynamics akin to disorder-induced heating in strongly coupled particle systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A patient with a singleton pregnancy was referred for three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) at 18 + 3 weeks for suspected hypomineralization of the skull bones and absence of the nasal bones. Three-dimensional rendered images of the fetal skull revealed widening of the coronal sutures, absence of the squamous portion of the temporal bone, and absence of the occipital bone, except for two areas of ossification. In addition, a fractured right clavicle was identified. The remainder of the fetal anatomy was normal and biometry was appropriate for gestational age. Genetic amniocentesis revealed a 46,XX fetal karyotype. Family history was positive for a 5-year-old sibling with an open anterior fontanelle. Cleidocranial dysplasia was suspected. A female neonate was delivered by elective repeat Cesarean section at 40 + 3 weeks of gestation without complications and discharged home 3 days after delivery. Prenatal diagnosis was confirmed by physical and radiological evaluation. The infant died at 8 weeks of age due to respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia secondary to B-cell deficiency. RUNX2 mutations were not detected by molecular analysis. There are three relevant aspects to this case: (1) clear visualization of the widened fontanelles and hypomineralized occipital bones was possible with the use of 3DUS; (2) a clavicular fracture was identified in utero with combined high-resolution two-dimensional and 3DUS; and (3) although absence of the nasal bones is most commonly observed in fetuses with chromosomal disorders (e.g. trisomy 21 and trisomy 18), a careful examination of the skeleton should be considered in fetuses with absent nasal bones and a normal karyotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Inadequate Dietary Intake But Not Renal Tubular Acidosis Is Associated With Bone Demineralization In Primary Biliary Cirrhosis," by M. Alloca in the 2007 issue.

Congenital aneurysm of the membranous portion of the ventricular septum in association with absence of atrioventricular valve 'offsetting' was diagnosed in two fetuses at 29 and 34 weeks. In the first case the fetus had a normal karyotype and no other structural heart defects, whereas in the second case there was a partial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 5 and an absent pulmonary valve syndrome. The association of absence of 'offsetting' with aneurysms of the membranous ventricular septum may represent spontaneous closure of ventricular septal defects initially extended to the inlet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is associated with one-third of preterm births. In about 50% of preterm PROM cases, the fetuses will elicit a fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS). FIRS is associated with the impending onset of preterm labor, periventricular leukomalacia, neonatal sepsis, and long-term handicap, including the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and cerebral palsy. The fetal myocardium is a potential target organ of proinflam-matory cytokines released during FIRS. The objective of this study was to determine whether preterm PROM is associated with functional changes in the fetal heart, as determined by fetal echocardiography. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to assess the diastolic function of fetuses with preterm PROM with documented microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity ( n  = 25), preterm PROM without microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity ( n  = 42), and fetuses from normal pregnancies (control group = 150). Pregnancies with multiple gestation, fetal distress, fetuses that were small for gestational age, and major congenital anomalies were excluded. Fetal echocardiography studies were performed with two-dimensional ultrasound, color Doppler imaging and pulsed Doppler ultrasound. Non-parametric statistics were used for comparisons. A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The prevalence of positive amniotic fluid cultures for micro-organisms in patients with preterm PROM was 35.8% (24/67). Ureaplasma urealyticum was the most frequent isolate, either alone (41.7%; 10/24) or with other micro-organisms (29.2%; 7/24). Fetuses with preterm PROM had a higher delta early diastolic filling/atrial contraction (E/A) peak velocity ratio, a higher delta E/A velocity-time integral (VTI) ratio, a lower delta A peak velocity, a lower delta A VTI, and a lower A VTI/total VTI ratio in the mitral valve compared to those with uncomplicated pregnancies. The delta E/A peak velocity ratio was significantly higher and the delta A VTI significantly lower in fetuses with preterm PROM and microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity than in those with preterm PROM without microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity. Conclusions: Preterm PROM is associated with changes in fetal cardiac function consistent with increased left ventricular compliance. These observations were also noted in fetuses with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity. Our findings suggest that fetal cardiac function is altered in preterm PROM and, in particular, in cases with intra-amniotic infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]