Failure analysis of belt/roll tribological pair used for the production of eucalypt fiber panels

The premature failure of a large agglomeration machine used for the annual production of 360,000 m(3) of eucalypt fiber panels was investigated to identify the nucleation and growth mechanisms of cracking in PH stainless steel belts (126 m x 2.9 m x 3.0 mm). These belts are used to compress a cushion composed of eucalyptus fibers and glue, being the pressure transmitted from the pistons by the action of numerous case-hardening steel rolls. Examination of the belt working interfaces (belt/rolls and belt/eucalypt fibers) indicated that the main cracking was nucleated on the belt/roll interface and that there is a clear relationship between the crack nucleation and the presence of superficial irregularities, which were observed on the belt/roll working surface. Used rolls showed the presence of perimetric wear marks and 2 mu m silicon-rich encrusted particles (identified as silicon carbide). Lubricant residues contained the presence of helicoidal wires, which were originated by the release of the stainless steel cleaning brush bristles, and 15 mu m diameter metallic particles, which were generated by material detachment of the belt. The presence of foreign particles on the tribological interface contributed to an increase of the shear stresses at the surfaces and, consequently, the number of the contact fatigue crack nucleation sites in the belt/roll tribo-interface. The cracking was originated on the belt/roll interface of the stainless steel belt by a mixed rolling/slip contact fatigue mechanism, which promoted spalling and further nucleation and growth of conventional fatigue cracks. Finally, the system lubrication efficiency and the cleaning procedure should be optimised in order to increase the life expectancy of the belt. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experimental data and modeling of the thermodynamic properties of bread dough at refrigeration and freezing temperatures

Thermodynamic properties of bread dough (fusion enthalpy, apparent specific heat, initial freezing point and unfreezable water) were measured at temperatures from -40 degrees C to 35 degrees C using differential scanning calorimetry. The initial freezing point was also calculated based on the water activity of dough. The apparent specific heat varied as a function of temperature: specific heat in the freezing region varied from (1.7-23.1) J g(-1) degrees C(-1), and was constant at temperatures above freezing (2.7 J g(-1) degrees C(-1)). Unfreezable water content varied from (0.174-0.182) g/g of total product. Values of heat capacity as a function of temperature were correlated using thermodynamic models. A modification for low-moisture foodstuffs (such as bread dough) was successfully applied to the experimental data. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preweaning performance and body composition of calves from straightbred Nellore and Bos taurus x Nellore crosses

The objectives were to evaluate preweaning performance, body composition, and efficiency of calves representing straightbred Nellore (NL), F(1), and 3-breed-cross systems. Energy requirements, milk production, and efficiency of 39 cow-calf pairs were recorded from straightbred NL calves from NL cows (10), crossbred (Angus-sired) calves from NL cows (ANL: 9), and crossbred calves (CC; Canchim-sired: 5/8 Charolais, 3/8 Zebu) from ANL (10) and Simmental x NL (10) cows. Cows and their respective calves were individually fed from birth to weaning (17 to 190 d postpartum). At 38 d of age, corn silage (7.8% CP, 2.19 Mcal of ME/kg of DM) was available to calves ad libitum. Milk production at 42, 98, 126, and 180 d postpartum was recorded by weighing calves before and after suckling. The ratio between GE and ME of milk was considered 1:0.93. Calves were slaughtered at weaning and the 9th-, 10th-, and 11th-rib section was removed for body composition estimation. The ANL calves were lighter (P < 0.01) at birth than the CC calves; the NL calves were intermediate. At weaning, the CC calves were heavier (P = 0.04) than the NL and ANL calves (230 +/- 5.5 vs. 172 +/- 8.1 and 209 +/- 8.6 kg, respectively). The ANL calves had greater (371 +/- 27 Mcal; P = 0.01) silage intake than the NL (270 +/- 25 Mcal) and CC (279 +/- 17 Mcal) calves. Milk energy intake was greater for the CC calves (970 +/- 38 Mcal of ME; P = 0.005) than the NL (670 +/- 57 Mcal of ME) and ANL (743 +/- 61 Mcal of ME) calves. The ANL calves compensated for the reduced milk production of the NL cows, which supplied less of their energy requirement for growth by increased silage intake. Calves from crossbred cows received a greater proportion of their total energy intake from milk. Crossbred calves had greater (P < 0.03) retained energy (retained energy = weaning body energy - birth body energy) than the NL calves (388 +/- 23 for ANL, and 438 +/- 15 for CC vs. 312 +/- 22 Mcal for NL calves). Percentages of water (P = 0.74) and chemical fat (P = 0.51) were similar among groups (63.7 +/- 0.6 and 14.3 +/- 0.7% for ANL calves, 63.1 +/- 0.4 and 14.7 +/- 0.5% for CC calves, and 63.3 +/- 0.6 and 13.7 +/- 0.7% of empty BW for water and chemical fat, respectively, for NL calves). Energetic efficiency (kcal of retained energy/Mcal of ME intake) was similar (P = 0.52) among groups (358 +/- 22 for ANL calves, 355 +/- 14 for CC calves, and 327 +/- 22 for NL calves). The greater BW gains and the differences in empty body composition at weaning were not enough to compensate for the greater ME intake of crossbreds. In this study, the crossbreeding systems evaluated increased preweaning calf performance but did not affect gross or energetic calf efficiency.

Cow/calf preweaning efficiency of Nellore and Bos taurus x Bos indicus crosses

The objectives of this study were to determine if percentage Bos taurus (0 or 50%) of the cow had an effect on ME requirements and milk production, and to compare cow/calf efficiency among 3 mating systems. Metabolizable energy requirements were estimated during a feeding trial that encompassed a gestation and lactation feeding trial for each of 2 groups of cows. Cows were 0 or 50% Bos taurus ( 100 or 50% Nellore) breed type: Nellore cows (NL; n = 10) mated to Nellore bulls, NL cows ( n = 9) mated to Angus bulls, Angus x Nellore (ANL; n = 10) and Simmental x Nellore (SNL; n = 10) cows mated to Canchim (5/ 8 Charolais 3/ 8 Zebu) bulls. Cows were individually fed a total mixed diet that contained 11.3% CP and 2.23 Mcal of ME/kg of DM. At 14-d intervals, cows and calves were weighed and the amount of DM was adjusted to keep shrunk BW and BCS of cows constant. Beginning at 38 d of age, corn silage was available to calves ad libitum. Milk production at 42, 98, 126, and 180 d postpartum was measured using the weigh-suckle-weigh technique. At 190 d of age, calves were slaughtered and body composition estimated using 9-10-11th-rib section to obtain energy deposition. Regression of BW change on daily ME intake (MEI) was used to estimate MEI at zero BW change. Increase in percentage Bos taurus had a significant effect on daily ME requirements (Mcal/d) during pregnancy (P < 0.01) and lactation (P < 0.01). Percentage Bos taurus had a positive linear effect on maintenance requirements of pregnant (P = 0.07) and lactating (P < 0.01) cows; during pregnancy, the ME requirements were 91 and 86% of those in lactation (131 +/- 3.5 vs. 145 +/- 3.4 Mcal.kg(-0.75).d(-1)) for the 0 and 50% B. taurus groups, respectively. The 50% B. taurus cows, ANL and SNL, suckling crossbred calves had greater total MEI (4,319 +/- 61 Mcal; P < 0.01) than 0% B. taurus cows suckling NL (3,484 +/- 86 Mcal) or ANL calves (3,600 +/- 91 Mcal). The 0% B. taurus cows suckling ANL calves were more efficient (45.3 +/- 1.6 g/Mcal; P = 0.03) than straightbred NL (35.1 +/- 1.5 g/Mcal) and ANL or SNL pairs (41.0 +/- 1.0 g/Mcal). Under the conditions of this study, crossbreeding improved cow/ calf efficiency and showed an advantage for cows that have lower energy requirements.

Influence of a probiotic soy product on fecal microbiota and its association with cardiovascular risk factors in an animal model

Background: Previous work showed that daily ingestion of an aqueous soy extract fermented with Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 and Lactobacillus helveticus 416, supplemented or not with isoflavones, reduced the total cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol levels, increased the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration and inhibited the raising of autoantibody against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL Ab) and the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the fecal microbiota in order to investigate the possible correlation between fecal microbiota, serum lipid parameters and atherosclerotic lesion development in rabbits with induced hypercholesterolemia, that ingested the aqueous soy extract fermented with Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 and Lactobacillus helveticus 416. Methods: The rabbits were randomly allocated to five experimental groups (n = 6): control (C), hypercholesterolemic (H), hypercholesterolemic plus unfermented soy product (HUF), hypercholesterolemic plus fermented soy product (HF) and hypercholesterolemic plus isoflavone-supplemented fermented soy product (HIF). Lipid parameters and microbiota composition were analyzed on days 0 and 60 of the treatment and the atherosclerotic lesions were quantified at the end of the experiment. The fecal microbiota was characterized by enumerating the Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Enterococcus spp., Enterobacteria and Clostridium spp. populations. Results: After 60 days of the experiment, intake of the probiotic soy product was correlated with significant increases (P < 0.05) on Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp. and Enterococcus spp. and a decrease in the Enterobacteria population. A strong correlation was observed between microbiota composition and lipid profile. Populations of Enterococcus spp., Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. were negatively correlated with total cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol, autoantibodies against oxidized LDL (ox-LDL Ab) and lesion size. HDL-C levels were positively correlated with Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Enterococcus spp. populations. Conclusion: In conclusion, daily ingestion of the probiotic soy product, supplemented or not with isoflavones, may contribute to a beneficial balance of the fecal microbiota and this modulation is associated with an improved cholesterol profile and inhibition of atherosclerotic lesion development.

Iron bioavailability from ferric pyrophosphate in rats fed with fructan-containing yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) flour

The effects of inulin-type fructans (ITF)-containing yacon flour (YF) on Fe bioavailability from ferric pyrophosphate (FP) were evaluated in Fe-deficient rats using the Hb repletion efficiency (HRE) assay. Weanling male Wistar rats were fed a low-Fe diet (12 mg/kg) for 15 days followed by 2 weeks of Fe repletion with diets providing 35 mg Fe/kg as either ferrous sulphate (FS) or FP, supplemented with 7.5% ITF as either YF or Raftilose (RAF), a purified ITF. ITF increased caecal fermentation, whereas YF was more butyrogenic than RAF. ITF improved FIRE in FP-fed rats, and those fed YF had a higher relative biological value compared with those fed FP and RAF. Liver Fe was increased by ITF, but only YF led to values similar to those in the FS group. It is observed that ITF increased caecal fermentation and Fe bioavailability. These effects were more pronounced when YF was the ITF source. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of oxygen mass transfer coefficient in simple and extractive fermentation systems

Aeration and agitation are important variables to ensure effective oxygen transfer rate during aerobic bioprocesses: therefore, the knowledge of the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (k(L)a) is required. In view of selecting the optimum oxygen requirements for extractive fermentation in aqueous two-phase system (ATPS), the k(L)a values in a typical ATPS medium were compared in this work with those in distilled water and in a simple fermentation medium. in the absence of biomass. Aeration and agitation were selected as the independent variables using a 2(2) full factorial design. Both variables showed statistically significant effects on k(L)a, and the highest values of this parameter in both media for simple fermentation (241 s(-1)) and extractive fermentation with ATPS (70.3 s(-1)) were observed at the highest levels of aeration (5 vvm) and agitation (1200 rpm). The k(L)a values were then used to establish mathematical correlations of this response as a function of the process variables. The exponents of the power number (N(3)D(2)) and superficial gas velocity (V(s)) determined in distilled water (alpha = 0.39 and beta = 0.47, respectively) were in reasonable agreement with the ones reported in the literature for several aqueous systems and close to those determined for a simple fermentation medium (alpha=0.38 and beta=0.41). On the other hand, as expected by the increased viscosity in the presence of polyethylene glycol, their values were remarkably higher in a typical medium for extractive fermentation (alpha=0.50 and beta=1.0). A reasonable agreement was found between the experimental data of k(L)a for the three selected systems and the values predicted by the theoretical models, under a wide range of operational conditions. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mercury speciation in seafood samples by LC-ICP-MS with a rapid ultrasound-assisted extraction procedure: Application to the determination of mercury in Brazilian seafood samples

This paper describes a simple method for mercury speciation in seafood samples by LC-ICP-MS with a fast sample preparation procedure. Prior to analysis, mercury species were extracted from food samples with a solution containing mercaptoethanol, L-cysteine and HCl and sonication for 15 min. Separation of mercury species was accomplished in less than 5 min on a C8 reverse phase column with a mobile phase containing 0.05%-v/v mercaptoethanol, 0.4% m/v L-cysteine and 0.06 mol L(-1) ammonium acetate. The method detection limits were found to be 0.25, 0.20 and 0.1 ng g(-1) for inorganic mercury, ethylmercury and methylmercury, respectively. Method accuracy is traceable to Certified Reference Materials (DOLT-3 and DORM-3) from the National Research Council Canada (NRCC). With the proposed method there is a considerable reduction of the time of sample preparation. Finally, the method was applied for the speciation of mercury in seafood samples purchased from the Brazilian market. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stability of vitamin A during storage of enteral feeding formulas

Vitamin A (13-cis-retinol, all-trans-retinol and total carotenes) content was evaluated in 15 samples of enteral feeding formulas during 3-6,9 and 12 months of storage in closed containers, protected from light and at room temperature (22-30 degrees C). All formulas were nutritionally complete and/or recommended for different diseases. Equivalent batches were also evaluated after preparation and refrigerated storage for 24 h. Nutrient content did not decrease during both storage scenarios. Stability of vitamin A in the enteral feeding formulas, as determined in this study, is probably due to production and storage conditions, e.g. absence of oxygen in contact with the packaged product, the technological process used in the microencapsulation of vitamins, and protected storage in the absence of light and at a temperature maximum of 30 degrees C. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparative analysis of population structure of endemic Western Atlantic hermit crab Loxopagurus loxochelis (Decapoda, Anomura) in two regions of state of Sao Paulo, Brazil

This work characterized the population structure of the hermit crab Loxopagurus loxochelis (Moreira, 1901) in terms of size frequency distribution and sex ratio. Specimens were collected monthly, over a period of one year (from July 2002 to June 2003), in seven transects (from 5 to 35 m of depth) using fishing boat equipped with two double-rig trawl nets, in Caraguatatuba and Ubatuba regions (state of Sao Paulo, Brazil). A total of 366 hermit crabs were collected in Caraguatatuba [222 males (60.65%), 114 non-ovigerous females (31.15%) and 30 ovigerous females (8.20%)] and 126 hermit crabs in Ubatuba [81 males (64.28%), 38 non-ovigerous females (30.16%) and seven ovigerous females (5.56%)]. In Caraguatatuba the highest incidence of ovigerous females occurred during winter (July 2002), whereas in Ubatuba, the number was incipient. The cephalothoracic shield length ranged from 2.0 to 7.9mm (5.29 +/- 0.96mm) in Caraguatatuba, and from 2.7 to 7.5mm (5.32 +/- 0.95mm) in Ubatuba. The mean size of males was significantly larger than the mean size of females in both regions. Overall sex ratio was in favor of males (1.54:1 in Caraguatatuba and 1.9:1 in Ubatuba). Sexual dimorphism was recorded to L. loxochelis by the presence of males in the largest size classes, following the standard pattern observed in Decapoda. There was an unimodal size distribution for both sexes, with normal distributions in both regions. The higher number of males in relation to females may indicate the existence of different growth and mortality rates between the sexes. Despite of the different geomorphologic characteristics between Caraguatatuba and Ubatuba regions, the dynamics of development was similar for both populations.

Myotomy of the Levator Labii Superioris Muscle and Lip Repositioning: A Combined Approach for the Correction of Gummy Smile

Background: Treatment of excessive gingival display usually involves procedures such as Le Fort impaction or maxillary gingivectomies. The authors propose an alternative technique that reduces the muscular function of the elevator of the upper lip muscle and repositioning of the upper lip. Methods: Fourteen female patients with excessive gingival exposure were operated on between February of 2008 and March of 2009. They were filmed before and at least 6 months after the procedure. They were asked to perform their fullest smile, and the maximum gingival exposures were measured and analyzed using ImageJ software. Patients were operated on under local anesthesia. Their gingival mucosa was freed from the maxilla using a periosteum elevator. Skin and subcutaneous tissue were dissected bluntly from the underlying musculature of the upper lip. A frenuloplasty was performed to lengthen the upper lip. Both levator labii superioris muscles were dissected and divided. Results: The postoperative course was uneventful in all of the patients. The mean gingival exposure before surgery was 5.22 +/- 1.48 mm; 6 months after surgery, it was 1.91 +/- 1.50 mm. The mean gingival exposure reduction was 3.31 +/- 1.05 mm (p < 0.001), ranging from 1.59 to 4.83 mm. Conclusion: This study shows that the proposed technique was efficient in reducing the amount of exposed gum during smile in all patients in this series. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 126: 1014, 2010.)

Outpatient treatment with intravenous antimicrobial therapy and oral levofloxacin in patients with febrile neutropenia and hematological malignancies

The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes such as success of the initial therapy, failure of outpatient treatment, and death in outpatient treatment during intravenous antimicrobial therapy in patients with febrile neutropenia (FN) and hematological malignancies. In addition, clinical and laboratory data and the Multinational Association for Supportive Care of Cancer index (MASCC) were compared with failure of outpatient treatment and death. In a retrospective study, we evaluated FN following chemotherapy events that were treated initially with cefepime, with or without teicoplanin and replaced by levofloxacin after 48 h of defervescence in patients with good general conditions and ANC > 500/mm(3). Of the 178 FN episodes occurred in 126 patients, we observed success of the initial therapy in 63.5% of the events, failure of outpatient treatment in 20.8%, and death in 6.2%. The success rate of oral levofloxacin after defervescence was 99% (95 out of 96). Using multivariate analysis, significant risks of failure of outpatient treatment were found to be smoking (odds ratio (OR) 3.14, confidence interval (CI) 1.14-8.66; p = 0.027) and serum creatinine levels > 1.2 mg/dL (OR 7.97, CI 2.19-28.95; p = 0.002). With regard to death, the risk found was oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry < 95% (OR 5.8, IC 1.50-22.56; p = 0.011). Using the MASCC index, 165 events were classified as low risk and 13 as high risk. Failure of outpatient treatment was reported in seven (53.8%) high-risk and 30 (18.2%) low-risk episodes (p = 0.006). In addition, death occurred in seven (4.2%) low-risk and four (30.8%) high-risk events (p = 0.004). Ours results show that MASCC index was able to identify patients with high risk. In addition, non-smoking, serum creatinine levels a parts per thousand currency sign1.2 mg/dL, and oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry a parts per thousand yen95% were protection factors.

Frequency of 22q11.2 microdeletion in sporadic non-syndromic tetralogy of Fallot cases

Background: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital conotruncal heart defect commonly found in DiGeorge (DGS) and velocardiofacial (VCFS) syndromes. The deletion of chromosome 22q11 has also been demonstrated in sporadic or familial cases of TOF. The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of del22q11 in patients with non-syndromic TOF seen at a tertiary Pediatric Cardiology care center. Method: One hundred and twenty three non-syndromic TOF patients were selected and evaluated by history, physical examination and review of medical records. Venous blood was drawn for genomic DNA extraction after informed consent 22q11 microdeletion diagnosis was conducted through a standardized SNP genotyping assay and consecutive homozygosity mapping. Phenotype-genotype correlations regarding cardiac anatomy were conducted. Results: We evaluated 123 non-syndromic TOF patients for a 22q11 deletion. 105 (85.4%) patients presented pulmonary stenosis and 18 (14.6%) had pulmonary atresia. Eight patients (6.5%) were found to have a deletion. Of the deleted patients, three (37.5%) presented pulmonary atresia. We have verified a tendency towards a higher prevalence of pulmonary atresia when comparing TOF patients with and without 22q11 microdeletion. Conclusions: 22q11.2 deletion in non-syndromic TOF patients is present in approximately 6% of patients. We suggest a tendency towards a higher prevalence of pulmonary atresia in non-syndromic TOF patients with 22q11 microdeletion. Molecular genetic screening of non-syndromic TOF patient may be important for the correct care of these patients and a more specific genetic diagnostic and counseling. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparative effects of pimecrolimus cream vehicle and three commercially available moisturizers on skin hydration and transepidermal water loss

Background: Hydration and integrity of the horny layer is essential to normal skin function. Objective: Comparison of the hydrating properties of three moisturizers with pimecrolimus cream vehicle. Methods: Four test preparations (high-quality skin cream, cold cream emulsion, emollient oil, pimecrolimus cream vehicle) were applied to four different regions of the forearms and legs. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was assessed by evaporimetry at baseline, and 3 and 6 hours after arm application, and electrical capacitance was assessed by corneometry at baseline, and 1, 2, 3 and 6 hours after leg application. Results: Corneometry assessment - in terms of efficacy in moisturizing the skin, test preparations were ranked (best to worst): high-quality skin cream (45.9 arbitrary units versus 75.3; p < 0.001) > pimecrolimus vehicle cream (46.6 versus 61.5; p < 0.001) > emollient oil (43.5 versus 54.8; p = 0.006) > cold cream emulsion (44.8 versus 49.9; p = 0.738). Untreated skin (control) had a mean capacitance of 44.8 units at baseline and 48.5 units at endpoint. Evaporimetry (assessment of TEWL) revealed no significant differences between control and any test preparation at any timepoint. Conclusions: Pimecrolimus cream vehicle has skin hydration properties comparable with highly effective commercially available products. No test preparation had a significant effect on TEWL.

Effects of the association zidovudine plus ritonavir on the liver and kidneys of pregnant rats. Morphological and biochemical aspects

Purpose: To evaluate biochemical and morphological effects on rats submitted to three different doses of the association zidovudine and ritonavir administered throughout pregnancy. Methods: Forty pregnant EPM-1 Wistar rats weighing about 200 g were randomly divided into the control group (Ctr = drug vehicle control, n = 10) and three experimental ones which were treated with an oral solution of zidovudine/ritonavir (Exp1 = 10/20 mg/kg bw, n = 10; Exp2 = 30/60 mg/kg bw, n = 10; Exp3 = 90/180 mg/kg bw, n = 10) from `day 0` up to the 20th day of pregnancy. At term (20th day) the rats were anesthetized. Blood and fetal and maternal organ samples (livers and kidneys) were taken for morphological and biochemical analyses. Results: Upon histological examinations fetal livers and kidneys appeared normal. In contrast the maternal samples revealed structural alterations. Maternal kidneys of the three experimental groups exhibited progressive and dose-dependent histological alterations; liver alterations were detected only in Exp3. Blood levels of AST and ALT were not significantly different from the control group but urea and creatinine levels were lower in groups Exp3 and Exp1. Conclusions: The administration of zidovudine plus ritonavir throughout rat pregnancy can cause morphological as well as functional changes in maternal kidneys.