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In some practical problems, for instance, the suppression of vibration in mechanical systems, the state-derivative signals are easier to obtain than the state signals. Using Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs), and applying the reciprocal projection lemma in a Parameter-dependent Lyapunov Function (PDLF), this article proposes a method for the design of state-derivative feedback applied to uncertain linear systems. The control design aims the system stabilisation without and with decay rate restriction. When considering only the system stability, the proposed methodology becomes practically equivalent to the Common Quadratic Lyapunov Function (CQLF) technique. Otherwise, when the decay rate is taken in account, the proposed methodology is shown to be less conservative. Numerical examples illustrate its efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall heat transfer coefficient as a function of rotation speed (5-20 rpm) was calculated for cans containing a 2% NaCI and 1.5% sucrose aqueous solution during end-over-end heat sterilisation at 120°C. The values obtained for the overall heat transfer coefficient, U (W/m²°C), were: 544.4±85.3 at 5 rpm, 710.7±24.5 at 10 rpm, 760.5±17.7 at 15 rpm and 941.6±22.1 at 20 rpm. A correlation was developed in terms of Nusselt, rotational Reynolds and Prandtl numbers to predict U (Nu = 1.866 Re0.379 Pr0.38). The characteristic dimension in Nu and Re was the diameter of the can. This correlation (R² = 0.88) was valid for Re within the range of 3,012-14,820 and Pr within 2.02-2.63 values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the coagulase gene polymorphism of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from mastitic goat's milk. Methods and Results: A typing procedure based on coagulase gene polymorphism was used to discriminate S. aureus isolated from goat mastitis. Thirty-six strains collected from goats belonging to herds from northern Ceara State and Serrana region of Rio de Janeiro State were analysed. Based on restriction fragment length polymorphism of 3′ end coagulase gene, the goat strains were grouped into 11 types. In northern Ceara herds, the predominant type was found in 60% of the strains, while in the Serrana region herds the two most common accounting for 62·5% of the strains. Conclusions: The analysis of the coa gene proved to be useful for typing S. aureus from goat mastitis. Although the results showed that goats from the studied regions were infected by S. aureus strains harbouring more than one coagulase genotype, only one or two types predominated. Significance and Impact of the Study: The identification of the prevalent strains within a herd or region is a necessity. The important virulence factors could be identified in such strains and this information can then be used as a specific base to develop S. aureus mastitis control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a phenomenon of increasing concern that affects various materials and sectors of society. MIC describes the effects, often negative, that a material can experience due to the presence of microorganisms. Unfortunately, although several research groups and industrial actors worldwide have already addressed MIC, discussions are fragmented, while information sharing and willingness to reach out to other disciplines are limited. A truly interdisciplinary approach, which would be logical for this material/biology/chemistry-related challenge, is rarely taken. In this review, we highlight critical non-biological aspects of MIC that can sometimes be overlooked by microbiologists working on MIC but are highly relevant for an overall understanding of this phenomenon. Here, we identify gaps, methods, and approaches to help solve MIC-related challenges, with an emphasis on the MIC of metals. We also discuss the application of existing tools and approaches for managing MIC and propose ideas to promote an improved understanding of MIC. Furthermore, we highlight areas where the insights and expertise of microbiologists are needed to help progress this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the elderly, isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) is a particularly good predictor of subsequent cardiovascular events. The purpose of this article is to review the evidence provided by the Systolic Hypertension Elderly Program (SHEP) and the Systolic Hypertension in Eur-ope Study (Syst-Eur) on the benefits of lowering systolic blood pressure (SBP) and to report on the preliminary findings of the Maracaibo Aging Study (MAS) on ISH. These two trials, the SHEP using chlorthalidone and atenolol as step 2 and the Syst-Eur using nitrendipine and hydrochlorothyazide as step 2, demonstrated a decrease of more than 30% for all cardiovascular complications, including stroke and coronary events. MAS is a population-based study that included all the subjects older than 55 years of age that resided in a defined area of the city of Maracaibo. There was a high prevalence of ISH (45.7%) being higher among women than in men, and significantly increased with advancing age. SBP was associated with dementia when it was measured by an ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM), while there was no association when it was assessed by the casual method. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) as casual or measured by ABPM was not related to dementia. In conclusion, ISH is a serious public health problem and benefits from lowering elevated SBP to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. It was shown there was a strong correlation between high SBP and cognitive dysfunction and this was best demonstrated by using ABPM. Research should address the impact of using modern diagnostic tools and to compare the efficacy of the different types of antihypertensive drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-phase to three-phase conversion using power electronics converters is a well-known technology, especially when the configurations and control strategies already established in the technical literature are considered. Regarding the configurations conceived over the years, it can be observed two main tendencies: 1) configurations with a reduced number of components; and 2) configurations with an increased number of components. The search for topologies with a reduced number of components was the trend over a long period of time. This can be, in part, explained by the high cost of the power switch when compared to the capacitor used in the dc-link bus. Then, the converter leg was sometimes substituted for the midpoint capacitor. However, as far as the price of the semiconductor was going down, such tendency has been changed, and now the configurations with an increased number of components do appear as an interesting option, especially in terms of reliability, efficiency, and distortions improvement. A comprehensive review of the two possibilities (reduced and increased number of components) has been considered in this paper. Also, the single-phase to three-phase ac-ac direct conversion configurations and those which aim to reduce the dc-link voltage fluctuation have been included. The goal of this paper is to provide a complete range on the status of single-phase to three-phase power conversion technologies to professionals and researchers interested in this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La hembra adulto de Americabaetis titthion (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) es descrita a partir de material colectado en la región serrana del Estado de Río de Janeiro, Brasil. La especie puede ser diferenciada de las demás hembras de Americabaetis por la presencia de dos pares de proyecciones triangulares en los esternitos meso y metatoráxicos, margen posterior de la cabeza dorsalmente levantada, coloración de las alas anteriores y tráqueas fuertemente oscurecidas y visibles a lo largo del abdomen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Pará, family agriculture brings jobs and income to the countryside, that's why there are several agrovillages in the state, such as Macapazinho located in the municipality of Castanhal, where the use of agricultural and water resources is routine for several families. The objective of this research was to evaluate results of fertility analysis in samples collected from agricultural areas of small farmers of the agrovillage and to verify anthropic changes in aquatic habitats on the banks of the Apeú river, a river that cuts through the agrovillage and serves as a resource for its inhabitants. The results showed low fertility indices in all analyzed areas and the inefficient use of cultivated areas. Alterations in the natural habitats were observed in all five secsions of the Apeú River analyzed, especially the secsion in the center of the agrovillage of Macapazinho, which proved to be the most affected by anthropic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional encephalomalacia is a metabolic disorder characterized by clinical neurological signs and its etiology is attributed to hypovitaminosis E. It affects young chickens causing high losses to breeders and agroindustries due to their high morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to report macroscopic and histopathological changes in a case of nutritional encephalomalacia. A young chicken with four weeks of life conducted to the Animal Pathology Laboratory of Federal University of Rondônia. Physical examination showed poor body score and neurological signs, such as ataxia, circling, head lateralization, prostration and hypersensitivity, characterized by body spasms initiated after stimuli such as loud sounds and physical touch. After euthanasia, necroscopic examination was performed, organ fragments were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. Necroscopic examination revealed collictive necrosis in the brain, which was extremely friable, with a pale color. In histopathological analysis, changes such as cytoplasmic vacuolization, Purkinje cell degeneration and extensive focal malacia in the cortical gray matter and white matter of the cerebellum were observed. From the clinical history and necroscopic and histopathological observations, the case was diagnosed as nutritional encephalomalacia by hypovitaminosis E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human activities change the landscape and remote sensing thats generates data that allow us to analyze such changes. In this sense, the present study aimed to evaluate the use and occupation of land in the municipality Marapanim based on TerraClass data for the years 2008 and 2010. For this, was used the data bank TerraClass Project and the municipal limits established by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, which with the use of SPRING software, Version 5.2.4, which was drawn up thematic map of the city with respect to changed and unchanged areas and there was the cross-tabulation of the data. It can be seen that the region of freshwater Marapanim, the municipality presented major changes, especially in mosaics classes of occupations, and secondary vegetation. These changes may result from the strong presence of shifting cultivators in place, the other classes studied did not change significantly. The large number of observed areas may have influenced the results, so, it is necessary a field study with the local communities in the municipality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vascular complications are still common in the catheterization laboratory setting. However, no risk scores for their prediction have been described. With a view to bridging this gap, the present study sought to develop and validate a score for prediction of vascular complications associated with arterial access in patients undergoing interventional cardiology procedures. Methods: This prospective multicenter cohort study included adult patients who underwent cardiac catheterization via the femoral or radial route. The outcomes of interest were: access site hematoma; major and minor bleeding; and retroperitoneal hemorrhage, pseudoaneurysm, or arteriovenous fistula requiring surgical repair. Past medical history as well as pre-procedural, intra-procedural, and post-procedural variables were collected. Patients were randomly allocated to the derivation or validation cohorts at a 2:1 ratio. The following equation constituted the score: (>6F introducer sheath×4.0)+(percutaneous coronary intervention×2.5)+(history of vascular complication after prior interventional cardiology procedure×2.0)+(prior use of warfarin or phenprocoumon×2.0)+(female sex×1.5)+(age⩾60 years×1.5). The maximum score is 13.5 points. Results: A score dichotomized at ⩾3 (best cutoff for balancing sensitivity and specificity) was moderately accurate (sensitivity=0.66 (95% confidence interval: 0.59–0.73); specificity=0.59 (95% confidence interval: 0.56–0.61)). Patients with a score ⩾3 were at increased risk of complications (odds ratio: 2.95; 95% confidence interval: 2.22–3.91). Conclusions: This study yielded a score that is capable of predicting vascular complications and easily applied in daily practice by providers working in the catheterization laboratory setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological and structural features of the sperm of the Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva, 1911 ( Hemiptera: Reduviidae) species complex were examined in this first study investigating the sperm of Heteroptera and the genus Triatoma. Males were dissected and their seminal vesicles removed. For measurement, seminal vesicles were squashed on glass slides, spread, fixed and observed under a photomicroscope. The images were analysed and measures of sperm were made. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test to detect differentiation among taxa. Furthermore, seminal vesicles were prepared for studies of transmission electron microscopy. All taxa studied showed polymorphic (short and long) sperm. The sperm of Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma was significantly longer (in total length) than that of the other four members of the complex, which supports the hypothesis of hybrid speciation of this member of the complex as an increase in the size of typical hybrids under heterosis was previously shown. The sperm cells of the five taxa have similar ultrastructural morphology. The ultrastructural features observed confirm the hypothesis, raised by previous studies, that they are synapomorphic to the suborder Heteroptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of heart rate (HR) monitors for horse training assessment under field conditions has been expanded because its use facilitates the understanding of horse fitness levels. Work has been carried out to determine the HR, velocity (V) and exercise time for pull and helper horses submitted to the Vaquejada simulation test (VST). The test was used on 70 Quarter Horses that had trained and competed for more than 6 months. The VST consists of two horses, a puller and a helper, and a bull, all running on a soft sand track. A race cycle consists of three runs with the bull. Pull horses run one cycle and helper horses run two cycles. A Polar V800-GPS HR monitor for equines was used to measure several parameters: time, V and HR. The results were analysed by ANOVA and a Tukey test with P set at 5%. It was shown that pull horses developed an HRmax of ∼200 bpm and an HRmin ∼110 bpm, both higher than the helper horses (P<0.05). However, the HRmed of pull horses (∼150 bpm) and helper horses (∼139 bpm) in C-2 trials were not substantially different from one another (P>0.05). Additionally, both groups of horses had similar maximum (∼8.90 m/s) and average (∼1.87 m/s) velocities (P>0.05). In analysing the distribution of HR among five rate categories, we determined that pull horses presented a higher percentage of their HR above 170 bpm in comparison to helper horses (P<0.05). It was concluded that, based on VST results, pull and helper horses presented different HRmax, HRmed and HRmin values, even when V and duration were similar, and that pull horses perform more intensive work than helper horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Individuals carrying an inherited mutation for hereditary cancer syndromes usually have a longterm risk management process, requiring a responsive healthcare system. Most studies about their perceived quality of the services used patient-reported outcome measures through quantitative studies. Although valuable, they did not provide an in-depth understanding of individuals' experiences and perspectives about the healthcare system. Thus, this study aimed to describe the individuals' experiences of care and to identify their perceived psychosocial needs and preferences to improve healthcare responsiveness. Methods This is a qualitative study entailing 13 interviews with Portuguese adults. Participants had one of the following hereditary cancer syndromes: Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, Lynch Syndrome, Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer Syndrome, or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis. The protocol interview was developed in collaboration with individuals with hereditary cancer syndromes and healthcare professionals. Most participants were male (n = 7; 53.8%), ranging in age from 22 to 53 years old. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Four main themes emerged from the individuals' interviews: (1) quality of clinical information; (2) clinical relationship; (3) psychological support, and (4) healthcare organization processes. For each theme, participants described their needs, preferences, positive and negative aspects of each dimension of care, and provided suggestions about possible improvements to the healthcare services. Discussions To the best of our knowledge, we conducted the first study about the psychosocial needs and preferences of individuals with several hereditary cancer syndromes from the moment they decided to undergo genetic testing until the long-term management phase risk. Conclusions According to our results, individuals appreciated being informed about their clinical condition and available preventive approaches, and involved in a humanized, accessible, and responsive healthcare. This first-hand knowledge of mutation carriers' experiences is particularly valuable to healthcare professionals and settings become more responsive to these individuals that need clinical surveillance during their entire lives. Lessons learned The psychosocial needs and preferences that mattered most to mutation carriers also include their families and are not limited to their clinical condition but also to their personal identity. Individuals have different needs along with all the specific phases of the adaptation trajectory of carrying an inherited mutation that increases the risk for cancer. Limitations Although data saturation was reached, our study participants' experiences may represent little diversity because they are mainly associated with one healthcare center. Another limitation is the retrospective nature of the data collected, given some participants had undergone their genetic testing or surgery a long time ago. Suggestions for future research Our findings suggested the need for more research within identity concerns among the mutation carriers for a better understanding of their identity preferences with its associated implications in terms of clinical communication and healthcare services organization. In addition, we made several practice implications that may contribute to the healthcare services to become more responsive to the mutation carriers' psychosocial needs and preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of medicinal plants is present in the culture of all nations, it's commonly trade at the open street markets. The bad conditions showed on the sell places, associated with the belief that "the natural cannot be bad", can result in problems to the health of the consumers. We aimed to characterize the socioeconomic profile of the sellers of herbal medicine from Lagoa Nova/RN, describing their methods of stock and exposure, also their beliefs into the use of these therapeutic resources. Interviews were held oriented by structured forms. From the total of the interviewees, sixty per cent were black, twenty per cent were mixed-race and forty per cent were white. The males predominated with sixty per cent of the interviewees. The transmission of ethno botanical knowledge and the point of sale were mostly familiar, reaching eighty per cent. The structure conditions and the hygiene in the point of sale were precarious. The interviewees did not know about the potential risks to the health to the consumers in the inappropriate use of the herbal medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the case of a female who had a cardiac arrest after occlusion of anomalous origin of left main artery. ECG showed ST segment elevation in the precordial and lateral leads. The patient underwent coronary angioplasty which showed thrombotic occlusion of the distal left main artery arising from the right coronary artery.