A new species of Brazilian troglobitic harvestman of the genus Iandumoema (Opiliones : Gonyleptidae)

Iandumoema setimapocu sp.n. is described from the cave Lapa do Zu, Coraao de Jesus, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The new species is closely related to Iandumoema uai Pinto-da-Rocha, 1996 in the subfamily Pachylinae, from which it differs by the following features: Male femur IV straight; the male apophysis on coxa IV directed obliquely backward; eyes depigmented; tubercles on femur IV close to each other, separated by about one diameter; male pedipalpal tibia with ectal setae IiiIi; lack of median setae on ventral plate of penis. Iandumoema is the first exclusively troglobitic genus of Opiliones in Brazil that contains two species.

Effects of elastic indenter deformation on spherical instrumented indentation tests: the reduced elastic modulus

Although the Hertz theory is not applicable in the analysis of the indentation of elastic-plastic materials, it is common practice to incorporate the concept of indenter/specimen combined modulus to consider indenter deformation. The appropriateness was assessed of the use of reduced modulus to incorporate the effect of indenter deformation in the analysis of the indentation with spherical indenters. The analysis based on finite element simulations considered four values of the ratio of the indented material elastic modulus to that of the diamond indenter, E/E(i) (0, 0.04, 0.19, 0.39), four values of the ratio of the elastic reduced modulus to the initial yield strength, E(r)/Y (0, 10, 20, 100), and two values of the ratio of the indenter radius to maximum total displacement, R/delta(max) (3, 10). Indenter deformation effects are better accounted for by the reduced modulus if the indented material behaves entirely elastically. In this case, identical load-displacement (P - delta) curves are obtained with rigid and elastic spherical indenters for the same elastic reduced modulus. Changes in the ratio E/E(i), from 0 to 0.39, resulted in variations lower than 5% for the load dimensionless functions, lower than 3% in the contact area, A(c), and lower than 5% in the ratio H/E(r). However, deformations of the elastic indenter made the actual radius of contact change, even in the indentation of elastic materials. Even though the load dimensionless functions showed only a little increase with the ratio E/E(i), the hardening coefficient and the yield strength could be slightly overestimated when algorithms based on rigid indenters are used. For the unloading curves, the ratio delta(e)/delta(max), where delta(e) is the point corresponding to zero load of a straight line with slope S from the point (P(max), delta(max)), varied less than 5% with the ratio E/E(i). Similarly, the relationship between reduced modulus and the unloading indentation curve, expressed by Sneddon`s equation, did not reveal the necessity of correction with the ratio E/E(i). The most affected parameter in the indentation curve, as a consequence of the indentation deformation, was the ratio between the residual indentation depth after complete unloading and the maximum indenter displacement, delta(r)/delta(max) (up to 26%), but this variation did not significantly decrease the capability to estimate hardness and elastic modulus based on the ratio of the residual indentation depth to maximum indentation depth, h(r)/h(max). In general, the results confirm the convenience of the use of the reduced modulus in the spherical instrumented indentation tests.

Catalytic conversion of wastes from the bioethanol production into carbon nanomaterials

This work addressed the production of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) by catalytic conversion of wastes from the bioethanol industry, in the form of either sugarcane bagasse or corn-derived distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Both bagasse and DDGS were pyrolysed at temperatures in the range of 600-1000 degrees C. The pyrolyzate gases were then used as CNM growth agents by chemical vapor deposition on stainless steel meshes, serving as both catalysts and substrates. CNM synthesis temperatures of 750-1000 degrees C were explored, and it was determined that their growth was most pronounced at 1000 degrees C. The nanomaterials produced from pyrolysis of bagasse were in the form of long, straight, multi-wall nanotubes with smooth walls and axially uniform diameters. Typical lengths were circa 50 mu m and diameters were in the range of 20-80 nm. The nanomaterials produced from pyrolysis of DDGS were in the form of long, entangled, rope-like structures with rugged walls, and axially non-uniform diameters. Typical diameters were in the range of 100-300 nm and their lengths were in the tens of microns. This process also produces a bio-syngas byproduct that is enriched in hydrogen. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evapotranspiration and crop coefficients of seedless watermelon

The research was developed in Fortaleza, CE (latitude 3 degrees 43`S, longitude of 38 degrees 32`W and altitude of 19.5 m). It aimed to determine the Evapotranspiration and the crop coefficients for the different stadiums of seedless watermelon (Citrullus lanatus, Schrad), using the water balance method in drainage lysimeter. The experimental unit consisted of four located drainage lysimeter in an area of 600 m(2). The culture Evapotranspiration (ETc) was determined by the method of the water balance, in a volume of soil control with depth of 0.45 m, whose humidity was monitored by tensiometers. The reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) was estimated by the method of the class A pan. The crop coefficients were obtained from the rate between ETc and ETo in the different stages. The ETc presented growing values from the vegetative stage to the fruiting stage, dropping straight away in the mature stage. The maximum value of kc was observed in the fruiting stage.

Characterization of the stimulus for reactive oxygen species generation in calcium-overloaded mitochondria

We have used two different probes with distinct detection properties, dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and Amplex Red/horseradish peroxidase, as well as different respiratory substrates and electron transport chain inhibitors, to characterize the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by the respiratory chain in calcium-overloaded mitochondria. Regardless of the respiratory substrate, calcium stimulated the mitochondrial generation of ROS, which were released at both the mitochondrial-matrix side and the extramitochondrial space, in a way insensitive to the mitochondrial permeability transition pores inhibitor cyclosporine A. In glutamate/malate-energized mitochondria, inhibition at complex I or complex III (ubiquinone cycle) similarly modulated ROS generation at either mitochondrial-matrix side or extramitochondrial space; this also occurred when the backflow of electrons to complex I in succinate-energized mitochondria was inhibited. On the other hand, in succinate-energized mitochondria the modulation of ROS generation at mitochondrial-matrix side or extra-mitochondrial space depends on the site of complex III which was inhibited. These results allow a straight comparison between the effects of different respiratory substrates and electron transport chain inhibitors on ROS generation at either mitochondrial-matrix side or extra-mitochondrial space in calcium-overloaded mitochondria.

Electrochemical degradation of glyphosate formulations at DSA(A (R)) anodes in chloride medium: an AOX formation study

The electrochemical degradation of different glyphosate herbicide formulations on RuO(2) and IrO(2) DSA(A (R)) electrodes is investigated. Parameters that could influence the formation of organochloride compounds during electrolysis are studied. The effects of chloride concentration, electrodic composition, current density, and electrolysis time are reported. The influence of the oxide composition on herbicide degradation seems to be almost insignificant; however, there is a straight relationship between anode composition and organic halides formation. Commercial herbicide formulations have lower degradation rates and lead to the formation of a larger quantities of organochloride compounds. In high chloride concentrations, there is a significant increase in organic mineralization, and the relationship between chloride concentration and organic halides formation is direct. Only in low chloride medium investigated the organochloride concentration obtained was below the limit values allowed in Brazil. The determination of organic halides absorbable (AOX) during electrolysis increases significantly with the applied current. Even during long-term electrolysis, a large amount of organochloride compounds is formed.

Status epilepticus and lymphocytic pneumonitis following hepatitis B vaccination

The case reported refers to a patient who developed status epilepticus in the day of her third dose of hepatitis B vaccination and we review the literature on this subject. A 12 year-old girl, without a relevant previous history, taking no drugs, developed a seizure attack followed by unconsciousness, and eventually died after three days of her third dose of hepatitis B (HB) vaccination. Autopsy study revealed cerebral edema with congestion and herniation and diffuse interstitial type pneumonitis. There seem to be a straight forward time relationship between the third HB vaccine, the event of convulsion and the sudden death of the patient. We suggest that, in some cases, vaccination may be the triggering factor for autoimmune and neurological disturbances in genetically predisposed individuals and physicians should be aware of this possible association. (c) 2007 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sexual behaviours and the risk of head and neck cancers: a pooled analysis in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology (INHANCE) consortium

Background Sexual contact may be the means by which head and neck cancer patients are exposed to human papillomavirus (HPV). Methods We undertook a pooled analysis of four population-based and four hospital-based case-control studies from the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology (INHANCE) consortium, with participants from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, India, Italy, Spain, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia and the USA. The study included 5642 head and neck cancer cases and 6069 controls. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) of associations between cancer and specific sexual behaviours, including practice of oral sex, number of lifetime sexual partners and oral sex partners, age at sexual debut, a history of same-sex contact and a history of oral-anal contact. Findings were stratified by sex and disease subsite. Results Cancer of the oropharynx was associated with having a history of six or more lifetime sexual partners [OR = 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01, 1.54] and four or more lifetime oral sex partners (OR = 2.25, 95% CI 1.42, 3.58). Cancer of the tonsil was associated with four or more lifetime oral sex partners (OR = 3.36, 95 % CI 1.32, 8.53), and, among men, with ever having oral sex (OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.09, 2.33) and with an earlier age at sexual debut (OR = 2.36, 95% CI 1.37, 5.05). Cancer of the base of the tongue was associated with ever having oral sex among women (OR = 4.32, 95% CI 1.06, 17.6), having two sexual partners in comparison with only one (OR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.19, 3.46) and, among men, with a history of same-sex sexual contact (OR = 8.89, 95% CI 2.14, 36.8). Conclusions Sexual behaviours are associated with cancer risk at the head and neck cancer subsites that have previously been associated with HPV infection.

Regional gray matter abnormalities in panic disorder: A voxel-based morphometry study

Although abnonnalities in brain structures involved in the neurobiology of fear and anxiety have been implicated in the pathophysiology of panic disorder (PD), relatively few studies have made use of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine structural brain abnormalities in PD. We have assessed gray matter volume in 19 PD patients and 20 healthy volunteers using VBM. Images were acquired using a 1.5 T MRI scanner, and were spatially normalized and segmented using optimized VBM. Statistical comparisons were performed using the general linear model. A relative increase in gay matter volume was found in the left insula of PD patients compared with controls. Additional structures showing differential increases were the left superior temporal gyrus, the midbrain, and the pons. A relative gray matter deficit was found in the right anterior cingulate cortex. The insula and anterior cingulate abnormalities may be relevant to the pathophysiology of PD, since these structures participate in the evaluation process that ascribes negative emotional meaning to potentially distressing cognitive and interoceptive sensory information. The abnormal brain stem structures may be involved in the generation of panic attacks. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gangliosides Are Important for the Preservation of the Structure and Organization of RBL-2H3 Mast Cells

Gangliosides are known to be important in many biological processes. However, details concerning the exact function of these glycosphingolipids in cell physiology are poorly understood. in this study, the role of gangliosides present on the surface of rodent mast cells in maintaining cell structure was examined using RBL-2H3 mast cells and two mutant cell lines (E5 and D1) deficient in the gangliosides, GM(1) and the alpha-galactosyl derivatives of the ganglioside GD(1b). The two deficient cell lines were morphologically different from each other as well as from the parental RBL-2H3 cells. Actin filaments in RBL-2H3 and E5 cells were under the plasma membrane following the spindle shape of the cells, whereas in D1 cells, they were concentrated in large membrane ruffles. Microtubules in RBL-2H3 and E5 cells radiated from the centrosome and were organized into long, straight bundles. The bundles in D1 cells were thicker and organized circumferentially under the plasma membrane. The endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi complex, and the secretory granule matrix were also altered in the mutant cell lines. These results suggest that the mast cell-specific alpha-galactosyl derivatives of ganglioside GD(1b) and GM(1) are important in maintaining normal cell morphology. (J Histochern Cytochem 58:83-93, 2010)

Single-Step EUS-Guided Endoscopic Treatment for Sterile Pancreatic Collections: A Single-Center Experience

Background and Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is useful for the treatment of sterile pancreatic fluid collections (PFC), either by means of transmural drainage or by complete aspiration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single-step EUS-guided endoscopic approaches for treatment of sterile PFC. Patients and Methods: During a 3-year period, 77 consecutive patients with symptomatic, persistent sterile PFC were evaluated and treated with the linear EUS. We excluded patients with grossly purulent collections, chronic pseudocyst and those whose cytology diagnostic was neoplastic cyst of pancreas. 44 patients received a single 10-Fr plastic straight stent under EUS or fluoroscopic control (group I) and 33 of these underwent a single-step complete aspiration with a 19-gauge needle (group II). Results: The mean size of the sterile PFC was 48 mm in group I and 28 mm in group II (p < 0.001). Overall, endoscopic treatment was successful in 70 (90.9%) patients. The mean volume aspirated was 25 (18-65) ml. The total number of procedures was 50 in group I and 41 punctures in group II. After a mean follow-up of 64 +/- 15.6 weeks there were 6 complications 13.6%): 2 recurrences (referred to surgery), 2 developing abscesses (submitted a new EUS-guided endoscopic drainage with success), 1 perforation that died (2.2%), and 1 case of bleeding (sent to surgery) in group I. In group II there were only 6 (18.1%) recurrences (submitted a new EUS-guided aspiration). None of the patients undergoing single-step aspiration developed infections, perforation or hemorrhage. Conclusion: The recurrence of pancreatic pseudocysts after endoscopic treatment was similar, either by means of plastic stents or by complete single-step aspiration. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

Radon-domain detection of the nipple and the pectoral muscle in mammograms

In this paper, methods are presented for automatic detection of the nipple and the pectoral muscle edge in mammograms via image processing in the Radon domain. Radon-domain information was used for the detection of straight-line candidates with high gradient. The longest straight-line candidate was used to identify the pectoral muscle edge. The nipple was detected as the convergence point of breast tissue components, indicated by the largest response in the Radon domain. Percentages of false-positive (FP) and false-negative (FN) areas were determined by comparing the areas of the pectoral muscle regions delimited manually by a radiologist and by the proposed method applied to 540 mediolateral-oblique (MLO) mammographic images. The average FP and FN were 8.99% and 9.13%, respectively. In the detection of the nipple, an average error of 7.4 mm was obtained with reference to the nipple as identified by a radiologist on 1,080 mammographic images (540 MLO and 540 craniocaudal views).

Placentation in the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis)

Evidence from several sources supports a close phylogenetic relationship between elephants and sirenians. To explore whether this was reflected in similar placentation, we examined eight delivered placentae from the Amazonian manatee using light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. In addition, the fetal placental circulation was described by scanning electron microscopy of vessel casts. The manatee placenta was zonary and endotheliochorial, like that of the elephant. The interhaemal barrier comprised maternal endothelium, cytotrophoblasts and fetal endothelium. We found columnar trophoblast beneath the chorionic plate and lining lacunae in this region, but there was no trace in the term placenta of haemophagous activity. The gross anatomy of the cord and fetal membranes was consistent with previous descriptions and included a four-chambered allantoic sac, as also found in the elephant and other afrotherians. Connective tissue septae descended from the chorionic plate and carried blood vessels to the labyrinth, where they gave rise to a dense capillary network. This appeared to drain into shorter vessels near the chorionic plate. The maternal vasculature could not be examined in the same detail, but maternal capillaries ran rather straight and roughly parallel to the fetal ones. Overall, there is a close resemblance in placentation between the manatee and the elephant.

Heat Release, Time Required, and Cleaning Ability of Mtwo R and ProTaper Universal Retreatment Systems in the Removal of Filling Material

Introduction: This ex vivo study evaluated the heat release, time required, and cleaning efficacy of MTwo (VDW, Munich, Germany) and ProTaper Universal Retreatment systems (Dentsply/Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and hand instrumentation in the removal of filling material. Methods: Sixty single-rooted human teeth with a single straight canal were obturated with gutta-percha and zinc oxide and eugenol-based cement and randomly allocated to 3 groups (n = 20). After 30-day storage at 37 degrees C and 100% humidity, the root fillings were removed using ProTaper UR, MTwo R, or hand files. Heat release, time required, and cleaning efficacy data were analyzed statistically (analysis of variance and the Tukey test, alpha = 0.05). Results: None of the techniques removed the root fillings completely. Filling material removal with ProTaper UR was faster but caused more heat release. Mtwo R produced less heat release than the other techniques but was the least efficient in removing gutta-percha/sealer. Conclusions: ProTaper UR and MTwo R caused the greatest and lowest temperature increase on root surface, respectively; regardless of the type of instrument, more heat was released in the cervical third. Pro Taper UR needed less time to remove fillings than MTwo R. All techniques left filling debris in the root canals. (I Endod 2010;36:1870-1873)

Comparison of GPX with or without solvent and hand files in removing filling materials from root canals-An ex vivo study

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare GPX instruments and hand files for gutta-percha removal. Study design. Fifty maxillary central incisors with a single straight canal were instrumented and filled. The teeth were divided into 5 groups of 10 specimens each, according to the gutta-percha removal techniques: group 1: GPX (21-mm-long teeth); group 2: GPX and xylol as solvent (21-mm-long teeth); group 3: GPX (25-mm-long teeth); group 4: GPX and xylol as solvent (25-mm-long teeth); and group 5: hand files and xylol as solvent. The amount of time for gutta-percha removal and the number of fractured instruments were evaluated. Radiographs were taken, and the teeth were grooved longitudinally and split. The area of residual debris was measured using Sigma Scan software. Results. The time for filling material removal was significantly shorter when GPX was used (P < .05). Overall, hand files and solvent produced fewer remnants of filling materials (P < .05). In the GPX 25 mm-long teeth group, the filling material was not removed in the apical third. Conclusions. Under the experimental conditions, the GPX instruments proved to be faster than hand instruments in removing root filling materials; however, hand instruments left a smaller amount of residual filling materials on the canal walls. The GPX instruments did not pull the gutta-percha beyond its tip. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010; 110: 675-680)