Study of the oxygen vacancy influence on magnetic properties of Fe- and Co-doped SnO2 diluted alloys

Transition-metal (TM)-doped diluted magnetic oxides (DMOs) have attracted attention from both experimental and theoretical points of view due to their potential use in spintronics towards new nanostructured devices and new technologies. In the present work, we study the magnetic properties of Sn0.96TM0.04O2 and Sn0.96TM0.04O1.98(V (O))(0.02), where TM = Fe and Co, focusing in particular in the role played by the presence of O vacancies nearby the TM. The calculated total energy as a function of the total magnetic moment per cell shows a magnetic metastability, corresponding to a ground state, respectively, with 2 and 1 mu(B)/cell, for Fe and Co. Two metastable states, with 0 and 4 mu(B)/cell were found for Fe, and a single value, 3 mu(B)/cell, for Co. The spin-crossover energies (E (S)) were calculated. The values are E (S) (0/2) = 107 meV and E (S) (4/2) = 25 meV for Fe. For Co, E (S) (3/1) = 36 meV. By creating O vacancies close to the TM site, we show that the metastablity and E (S) change. For iron, a new state appears, and the state with zero magnetic moment disappears. The ground state is 4 mu(B)/cell instead of 2 mu(B)/cell, and the energy E (S) (2/4) is 30 meV. For cobalt, the ground state is then found with 3 mu(B)/cell and the metastable state with 1 mu(B)/cell. The spin-crossover energy E (S) (1/3) is 21 meV. Our results suggest that these materials may be used in devices for spintronic applications that require different magnetization states.

Morphology and biological aspects of Gundlachia ticaga from SE Brazil (Gastropoda: Basommatophora: Ancylidae)

Some aspects of the biology, reproduction and morphology of Gundlachia ticaga (MARCUS & MARCUS 1962) were studied and compared with literature data. A sample of similar to 100 specimens, collected in a darn in Ribeirao Preto, were maintained in Petri dishes at the laboratory during a period no longer than a month. The oviposition, number of capsules, and incubation time of eggs were registered for each individual. A morphologic study was carried out in both, alive and fixed specimens. Although some morphological discrepancies were identified, the majority of data confirms what was previously described for the species. Regarding the biology, however, the results were somewhat different from those previously reported. The incubation time of the eggs varied from 10 to 13 days, and the number of embryos in the interior of the ovigerous capsules varied from 1 to 4. In addition, each individual laid 9 eggs during the first month of the reproductive period. The formation of septa occurred in some animals and intermediary phases are figured.

Repeat pregnancies among adolescents in a tertiary hospital in Brazil

Objective: to investigate factors associated with repeat pregnancies among adolescents in a tertiary hospital in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Background: Teenage mothers present a high risk of repeat pregnancies during adolescence. Most of these pregnancies are unplanned. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The study population included 745 first-time pregnancies and 170 two or more times pregnant teenagers hospitalised for childbirth. Logistic regression models were used to identify independent factors associated with repeat pregnancy in this population. Results: Older age at first pregnancy was associated with a decreased risk of repeat pregnancies (odds ratio and 95% confidence interval 0.78 (0.68-0.89)). Prenatal examinations (0.13 (0.05-0.32)), higher education (0.83 (0.76-0.91)) and higher monthly income (0.79 (0.67-0.95)) were also protective against repeat pregnancies. Those who used contraceptives (2.76 (1.80-4.21)) and lived with their partners (2.44 (1.53-3.88)) had an increased risk of becoming pregnant more than once. Conclusion: Preventive programmes aiming to avoid repeat pregnancies in adolescents should not be restricted to the transmission of information. Behavioural changes in family planning must include access not only to adequate information but also to adequate healthcare, contraceptive methods, education and training.

Early and One-Year Stroke Case Fatality in Sao Paulo, Brazil: Applying the World Health Organization's Stroke STEPS

Case fatality rate is considered a main determinant of stroke mortality trends. We applied the World Health Organization's Stroke STEPS to identify case fatality rates in a community hospital in Brazil. We evaluated all patients with first-ever stroke seeking acute care at the hospital's emergency ward between April 2006 and December 2008 to verify early and late case fatality according to stroke subtype. We used years of formal education as a surrogate for socioeconomic status. Of 430 first-ever stroke events, 365 (84.9%) were ischemic and 65 (15.1%) were intracerebral hemorrhage. After 1 year, we adjudicated 108 deaths (86 ischemic; 22 hemorrhagic). Age-adjusted case fatality rates for ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage were 6.0% v 19.8% at 10 days, 10.6% v 22.1% at 28 days, 17.6% v 29.1% at 6 months, and 21.0% v 31.5% at 1 year. Illiteracy or no formal education was a predictor of death at 6 months (odds ratio [OR], 4.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-13.91) and 1 year (OR, 4.21; 95% CI, 1.45-12.28) in patients with ischemic stroke, as well as at 6 months (OR, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.17-8.70) and 1 year (OR, 3.30; 95% CI, 1.30-8.45) for all stroke patients. Other variables, including previous cardiovascular risk factors and acute medical care, did not change this association to a statistically significant degree. In conclusion, case fatality, particularly up to 6 months, was higher in hemorrhagic stroke, and lack of formal education was associated with increased stroke mortality.

Use of Demonstrably Effective Therapies in the Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndromes: Comparison between Different Brazilian Regions. Analysis of the Brazilian Registry on Acute Coronary Syndromes (BRACE)

Background: Little is known in our country about regional differences in the treatment of acute coronary disease. Objective: To analyze the behavior regarding the use of demonstrably effective regional therapies in acute coronary disease. Methods: A total of 71 hospitals were randomly selected, respecting the proportionality of the country in relation to geographic location, among other criteria. In the overall population was regionally analyzed the use of aspirin, clopidogrel, ACE inhibitors / AT1 blocker, beta-blockers and statins, separately and grouped by individual score ranging from 0 (no drug used) to 100 (all drugs used). In myocardial infarction with ST elevation (STEMI) regional differences were analyzed regarding the use of therapeutic recanalization (fibrinolytics and primary angioplasty). Results: In the overall population, within the first 24 hours of hospitalization, the mean score in the North-Northeast (70.5 +/- 22.1) was lower (p < 0.05) than in the Southeast (77.7 +/- 29.5), Midwest (82 +/- 22.1) and South (82.4 +/- 21) regions. At hospital discharge, the score of the North-Northeast region (61.4 +/- 32.9) was lower (p < 0.05) than in the Southeast (69.2 +/- 31.6), Midwest (65.3 +/- 33.6) and South (73.7 +/- 28.1) regions; additionally, the score of the Midwest was lower (p < 0.05) than the South region. In STEMI, the use of recanalization therapies was highest in the Southeast (75.4%, p = 0.001 compared to the rest of the country), and lowest in the North-Northeast (52.5%, p < 0.001 compared to the rest of the country). Conclusion: The use of demonstrably effective therapies in the treatment of acute coronary disease is much to be desired in the country, with important regional differences.

Similar health benefits of endurance and high-intensity interval training in obese children

Purpose: To compare two modalities of exercise training (i.e., Endurance Training [ET] and High-Intensity Interval Training [HIT]) on health-related parameters in obese children aged between 8 and 12 years. Methods: Thirty obese children were randomly allocated into either the ET or HIT group. The ET group performed a 30 to 60-minute continuous exercise at 80% of the peak heart rate (HR). The HIT group training performed 3 to 6 sets of 60-s sprint at 100% of the peak velocity interspersed by a 3-min active recovery period at 50% of the exercise velocity. HIT sessions last similar to 70% less than ET sessions. At baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention, aerobic fitness, body composition and metabolic parameters were assessed. Results: Both the absolute (ET: 26.0%; HIT: 19.0%) and the relative VO2 peak (ET: 13.1%; HIT: 14.6%) were significantly increased in both groups after the intervention. Additionally, the total time of exercise (ET: 19.5%; HIT: 16.4%) and the peak velocity during the maximal graded cardiorespiratory test (ET: 16.9%; HIT: 13.4%) were significantly improved across interventions. Insulinemia (ET: 29.4%; HIT: 30.5%) and HOMA-index (ET: 42.8%; HIT: 37.0%) were significantly lower for both groups at POST when compared to PRE. Body mass was significantly reduced in the HIT (2.6%), but not in the ET group (1.2%). A significant reduction in BMI was observed for both groups after the intervention (ET: 3.0%; HIT: 5.0%). The responsiveness analysis revealed a very similar pattern of the most responsive variables among groups. Conclusion: HIT and ET were equally effective in improving important health related parameters in obese youth.

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome: morphofunctional penile abnormalities with normal sperm analysis

Objective: To perform a global gonadal and sexual functions assessment in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 male PAPS patients and 20 healthy controls. They were assessed by demographic data, clinical features, systematic urological examination, sexual function, testicular ultrasound, seminal parameters according to the World Health Organization (WHO), seminal sperm antibodies, and hormone profile, including follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), morning total testosterone, and thyroid hormones. Results: The median of current age and age of spermarche were similar in PAPS patients and controls (37.5 vs. 32.4 years, p = 0.270, and 13.1 vs. 12.85 years, p = 0.224, respectively), with a higher frequency of erectile dysfunction in the former group (25% vs. 0%, p = 0.044). Further analysis of PAPS patients with and without previous arterial thrombosis demonstrated that the median penis circumference was significantly lower in PAPS with arterial thrombosis than in PAPS without this complication (8.1 [6-10] vs. 10.2 [10-11] cm, p = 0.007). In addition, the median penis circumference was significantly lower in PAPS patients with erectile dysfunction than in patients without this complication (7.5 [6-9.5] vs. 9.5 [7.5-11] cm, p = 0.039). Regarding seminal analysis, the median sperm concentration, sperm motility, and normal sperm forms by WHO guidelines were comparable in PAPS patients and controls (141.5 [33-575] vs. 120.06 [34.5-329] x 106/ml, p = 0.65; 61.29 [25-80] vs. 65.42 [43-82]%, p = 0.4; 21.12 [10-42.5] vs. 23.95 [10-45]%, p = 0.45, respectively), and none of them had oligo/azoospermia. No differences were observed between PAPS patients and controls regarding the frequency of antisperm antibodies, testicular volume by ultrasound, or hormone profile (FSH, LH, morning total testosterone, and thyroid hormone) (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Normal testicular function has been identified in PAPS patients, in spite of morphofunctional penile abnormalities. Previous arterial thrombosis may underlie penile anthropometry alteration. Lupus (2012) 21, 251-256.

Celecoxib treatment does not alter recruitment and activation of osteoclasts in the initial phase of experimental tooth movement

In a previous study, we reported that the short-term treatment with celecoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) attenuates the activation of brain structures related to nociception and does not interfere with orthodontic incisor separation in rats. The conclusion was that celecoxib could possibly be prescribed for pain in orthodontic patients. However, we did not analyze the effects of this drug in periodontium. The aim of this follow-up study was to analyze effects of celecoxib treatment on recruitment and activation of osteoclasts and alveolar bone resorption after inserting an activated orthodontic appliance between the incisors in our rat model. Twenty rats (400420 g) were pretreated through oral gavage with celecoxib (50 mg/kg) or vehicle (carboxymethylcellulose 0.4%). After 30 min, they received an activated (30 g) orthodontic appliance, set not to cause any palate disjunction. In sham animals, the appliance was immediately removed after introduction. All animals received ground food and, every 12 h, celecoxib or vehicle. After 48 h, they were anesthetized and transcardiacally perfused through the aorta with 4% formaldehyde. Subsequently, maxillae were removed, post-fixed and processed for histomorphometry or immunohistochemical analyses. As expected, incisor distalization induced an inflammatory response with certain histological changes, including an increase in the number of active osteoclasts at the compression side in group treated with vehicle (appliance: 32.2 +/- 2.49 vs sham: 4.8 +/- 1.79, P<0.05) and celecoxib (appliance: 31.0 +/- 1.45 vs sham: 4.6 +/- 1.82, P<0.05). The treatment with celecoxib did not modify substantially the histological alterations and the number of active osteoclasts after activation of orthodontic appliance. Moreover, we did not see any difference between the groups with respect to percentage of bone resorption area. Taken together with our previous results we conclude that short-term treatment with celecoxib can indeed be a therapeutic alternative for pain relieve during orthodontic procedures.

Lactobacillus sakei 2a and its Concentrated Acid Extract on Inhibition of Food-Borne Salmonella strains

Lactic acid bacteria are used in food production to provide desirable organoleptic characteristics, and can also act as biopreservatives, controlling the growth of undesirable microorganisms. In this study, we examined the antimicrobial action of Lactobacillus sakei 2a and its concentrated acid extract against food-borne Salmonella spp. The extract was obtained by acid extraction from culture broth of L. sakei 2a and was designated extract 2a. We determined that extract 2a had significant activity (approximately 500 AU ml(-1)). We used different antimicrobial substances alone or in combination with extract 2a to evaluate the inhibitory activity of the various treatments on a pool of five Salmonella strains. The pathogen Listeria monocytogenes Scott A Cm-r Em(r) was used as an indicator strain of inhibitory activity. In summary, all antimicrobials substances that were tested showed an inhibitory effect against the growth of Salmonella, andthis action was enhanced in the presence of extract 2a. Moreover, among the treatments applied, the combination of extract 2a and 0.1% lactic acid exhibited the most potent inhibitory effect towards the pool of Salmonella strains. Our findings indicate that L. sakei 2a and extract 2a, especially in combination with other antimicrobials, present potential technological application in the control of salmonellae in foods.

Seizures in Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome: The Relevance of Smoking to Stroke

Objectives. To evaluate the frequency of seizures in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) and their possible clinical and laboratory associations. Methods. Eighty-eight PAPS patients (Sydney's criteria) were analyzed by a standard interview, physical examination and review of medical charts. Risk factors for seizures, clinical manifestations, associated comorbidities, and antiphospholipid antibodies were evaluated. Results. Nine (10.2%) patients with seizures were identified, 77.8% had convulsions onset after PAPS diagnosis. Mean age, gender, and race were comparable in groups with or without seizures. Interestingly, a higher frequency of current smoking (44.4 versus 10.1%, P = 0.019) was observed in the first group. Stroke, Sneddon's syndrome, and livedo reticularis were more frequent in PAPS patients with seizures than those without seizures, although not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Comparison between patients with seizures onset after PAPS diagnosis (n = 7) and those without convulsions (n = 79) demonstrated a higher frequency of current smoking (42.9 versus 10%, P = 0.042) and stroke in the first group (71.4 versus 30.4%, P = 0.041). Regression analysis confirmed that smoking (P = 0.030) and stroke (P = 0.042) were independently associated to seizures. Conclusion. About 10.2% of PAPS patients had convulsions, predominantly after PAPS diagnosis, and seizures were associated to current smoking and stroke.

A New Diminutive Species of Loricaria (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Rio Paraguay System, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Loricaria coximensis. new species, is described from the Rio Paraguay basin, in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. It is distinguished from all other species of Loricaria, except L. holmbergi, L. lundbergi, L. parnahybae, and L. pumila by having abdominal plates confined to the pre-anal shield and posterior median abdominal area, usually loosely joined or separated by naked areas, pectoral girdle mostly naked, with isolated plates near base of pectoral fins and posterior to gill opening vs. abdominal plates well developed and tightly arranged across the entire median abdominal area, including the pectoral girdle. It is distinguished from these other four species by meristic counts and several morphometric proportions, particularly a broader head (19.4-21.3% SL vs. 14.1-19.1% SL). Loricaria coximensis becomes the third described paedomorphic species of Loricaria, along with L. nickeriensis and L. pumila, based on its small adult size (<100 mm SL), reduced number of lateral dermal plates, and incomplete abdominal plate development. The new species is presently known only from a limited section of the Rio Coxim, which has been severely impacted by a hydroelectric dam and widespread conversion of land for agriculture.

Utilização de terapêuticas comprovadamente úteis no tratamento da coronariopatia aguda: comparação entre diferentes regiões brasileiras. Análise do Registro Brasileiro de Síndromes Coronarianas Agudas (BRACE - Brazilian Registry on Acute Coronary Syndromes)

FUNDAMENTO: Pouco se sabe, em nosso meio, sobre diferenças regionais no tratamento da coronariopatia aguda. OBJETIVO: Analisar o comportamento regional relativamente à utilização de terapêuticas comprovadamente úteis na coronariopatia aguda. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados aleatoriamente 71 hospitais, respeitando-se a proporcionalidade do país em relação à localização geográfica, entre outros critérios. Na população global, foi analisada regionalmente a utilização de AAS, clopidogrel, inibidor da ECA/bloqueador de AT1, betabloqueador e estatina, isoladamente e agrupados por escore individual que variou de 0 (nenhum medicamento utilizado) a 100 (todos utilizados). No infarto com supradesnivelamento de ST (IAMCSST) foram analisadas diferenças regionais sobre utilização de terapêuticas de recanalização (fibrinolíticos e angioplastia primária). RESULTADOS: No global da população, nas primeiras 24 horas de hospitalização, a média de escore na região Norte-Nordeste (70,5 ± 22,1) foi menor (p < 0,05) do que nas regiões Sudeste (77,7 ± 29,5), Centro-Oeste (82 ± 22,1) e Sul (82,4 ± 21). Por ocasião da alta, o escore da região Norte-Nordeste (61,4 ± 32,9) foi menor (p < 0,05) do que nas regiões Sudeste (69,2 ± 31,6), Centro-Oeste (65,3 ± 33,6), e Sul (73,7 ± 28,1); adicionalmente, o escore do Centro-Oeste foi menor (p < 0,05) do que o do Sul. No IAMCSST, o uso de terapêuticas de recanalização foi maior no Sudeste (75,4%, p = 0,001 em relação ao restante do país), e menor no Norte-Nordeste (52,5%, p < 0,001 em relação ao restante do país). CONCLUSÃO: O uso de terapêuticas comprovadamente úteis no tratamento da coronariopatia aguda está aquém do desejável no país, com importantes diferenças regionais.

Morfologia das células intersticiais de ovários policísticos de ratas: um estudo experimental

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a histomorfometria das células intersticiais dos ovários, bem como analisar a concentração sanguínea de esteroides sexuais de ratas portadoras de ovários policísticos induzidos pela luz contínua. MÉTODOS: Vinte ratas foram divididas em dois grupos: ratas na fase de estro (GCtrl ) e ratas portadoras de ovários policísticos induzidos pela iluminação contínua (GOP). Os animais do GCtrl permaneceram com período de luz das 7:00 s 19:00 horas, e os animais do GOP, com iluminação contínua (400 Lux), durante um período de 60 dias. Ao final desse período todos os animais foram anestesiados, foi coletado o sangue, para determinação dos níveis séricos de estradiol (E2), progesterona (P4) e testosterona (T), seguido da retirada dos ovários que foram fixados em formol a 10% e processados para inclusão em parafina. Cortes histológicos com 5 µm corados pela hematoxilina e eosina foram utilizados para análise histomorfométrica. As análises morfológicas, contagem de cistos, determinação da concentração e do volume nuclear das células intersticiais foram realizadas com o auxílio de microscópio de luz adaptado a uma câmera de alta resolução (AxioCam), cujas imagens foram transmitidas e analisadas em computador com software AxioVision Rel 4.8 (Carl Zeiss). Os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste t de Student (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: A morfologia mostrou a presença de cistos nos ovários pertencentes ao Grupo OP e de corpos lúteos no GCtrl, mostrando ainda evidências da origem das células intersticiais a partir das células da teca interna desses cistos. Com relação aos níveis hormonais o GOP apresentou níveis séricos de estradiol (pg/mL) aumentados em relação ao GCtrl (GOP=124,9±4,2>GCtrl=73,2±6,5; p<0,05), o mesmo ocorrendo com os níveis de testosterona (pg/mL) (GOP=116,9±4,6>GCtrl=80,6±3,9; p<0,05). Entretanto os níveis de progesterona (ng/mL) foram mais elevados no GCtrl em relação ao GOP (GCtrl=16,3±2,0>GOP=4,2±1,5; p<0,05). A morfometria mostrou haver aumento significante do volume nuclear no grupo GOP (GOP=102,1±5,2>GCtrl=63,6±16,5; p<0,05), assim como da área ocupada (%) pelas células intersticiais (GOP=24,4±6,9>GCtrl=6,9±3,2; p<0,05) em relação aos animais do GCtrl. CONCLUSÃO: As células intersticiais do ovário policístico da rata provavelmente provêm dos cistos ovarianos devido degeneração das células da granulosa e diferenciação das células da teca interna. As elevações dos níveis séricos de testosterona e de estradiol provavelmente provêm do aumento significativo da atividade celular e da área ocupada pelas células intersticiais.

A percepção de emoções em trechos de música ocidental erudita

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar respostas emocionais a trechos musicais do repertório erudito ocidental. Músicos e não músicos ouviam cada trecho musical e associavam-no a categorias emocionais (Alegria, Tristeza, Serenidade ou Medo/Raiva). Os resultados indicaram que, para ambos os grupos, cada trecho musical, na maioria, não foi associado a mais de uma categoria emocional. De um modo geral, as associações foram semelhantes entre os grupos, embora as respostas dos músicos tenham sido mais consistentes. Estes resultados sugerem um processamento cognitivo de respostas emocionais à música ocidental relacionado à estrutura cognitiva do evento, a diferenças entre indivíduos e à expertise musical.

Cementum, apical morphology and hypercementosis: a probable adaptive response of the periodontal support tissues and potential orthodontic implications

Information about orthodontic movement of teeth with hypercementosis is scarce. As cementum deposition continues to occur, cementum is expected to change the shape of the root and apex over time, but this has not yet been demonstrated. Nor has it ever been established whether it increases or decreases the prevalence of root resorption during orthodontic treatment. The unique biological function of the interconnected network of cementocytes may play a role in orthodontic movement and its associated root resorptions, but no research has ever been conducted on the topic. Unlike cementum thickness and hypercementosis, root and apex shape has not yet been related to patient age. A study of the precise difference between increased cementum thickness and hypercementosis is warranted. Hypercementosis refers to excessive cementum formation above and beyond the extent necessary to fulfill its normal functions, resulting in abnormal thickening with macroscopic changes in the tooth root, which may require the delivery of forces that are different from conventional mechanics in their intensity, direction and distribution. What are the unique features and specificities involved in moving teeth that present with hypercementosis? Bodily movements would be expected to occur, since inclination might prove difficult to achieve, but would the root resorption index be higher or lower?