Characterization and application of the solid waste generated in the production of calcium carbonate precipitate as a corrective for the soil acidity

The calcium carbonate industry generates solid waste products which, because of their high alkaline content (CaO, CaCO(3) and Ca (OH)(2)), have a substantial impact on the environment. The objectives of this study are to characterize and classify the solid waste products, which are generated during the hydration process of the calcium carbonate industry, according to ABNT`s NBR 10.000 series, and to determine the potential and efficiency of using these solid residues to correct soil acidity. Initially, the studied residue was submitted to gross mass, leaching, solubility, pH. X-ray Diffractometry, Inductive Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), granularity and humidity analyses. The potential and efficiency of the residue for correcting soil acidity was determined by analysis of the quality attributes for soil correctives (PN, PRNT, Ca and Mg contents, granularity). Consequently, the results show that the studied residue may be used as a soil acidity corrective, considering that a typical corrective compound is recommended for each different type of soil. Additionally, the product must be further treated (dried and ground) to suit the specific requirements of the consumer market.

Electron theoretical investigation of the stability of the B2-TiFe compound

The metastable phase diagram of the BCC-based ordering equilibria in the Ti-Fe system has been calculated using a truncated cluster expansion, through the combination of FP-LAPW and cluster variation method (CVM) in the irregular tetrahedron cluster approximation. The results are compared with phenomenological CVM assessments of the system and suggest that the value for the experimental formation enthalpy of the B2-TiFe compound should be significantly more negative than the currently assessed value. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mitochondrial function in the yeast form of the pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

Differences between the respiratory chain of the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and its mammalian host are reported. Respiration, membrane potential, and oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria from P. brasiliensis spheroplasts were evaluated in situ, and the presence of a complete (Complex I-V) functional respiratory chain was demonstrated. In succinate-energized mitochondria, ADP induced a transition from resting to phosphorylating respiration. The presence of an alternative NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase was indicated by: (i) the ability to oxidize exogenous NADH and (ii) the lack of sensitivity to rotenone and presence of sensitivity to flavone. Malate/NAD(+)-supported respiration suggested the presence of either a mitochondrial pyridine transporter or a glyoxylate pathway contributing to NADH and/or succinate production. Partial sensitivity of NADH/succinate-supported respiration to antimycin A and cyanide, as well as sensitivity to benzohydroxamic acids, suggested the presence of an alternative oxidase in the yeast form of the fungus. An increase in activity and gene expression of the alternative NADH dehydrogenase throughout the yeast`s exponential growth phase was observed. This increase was coupled with a decrease in Complex I activity and gene expression of its subunit 6. These results support the existence of alternative respiratory chain pathways in addition to Complex I, as well as the utilization of NADH-linked substrates by P. brasiliensis. These specific components of the respiratory chain could be useful for further research and development of pharmacological agents against the fungus.

A randomized trial comparing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and HRT plus calcitriol in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis with vertebral fractures: Benefit of the combination on total body and hip density

We report a prospective, randomized, multi-center, open-label 2-year trial of 81 postmenopausal women aged 53-79 years with at least one minimal-trauma vertebral fracture (VF) and low (T-score below 2) lumbar bone mineral density (BMD). Group HRT received piperazine estrone sulfate (PES) 0.625 - 1.25 mg/d +/- medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) 2.5 - 5 mg/d,- group HRT/D received HRT plus calcitriol 0.25 mug bd. All with a baseline dietary calcium (Ca) of < I g/d received Ca carbonate 0.6 g nocte. Final data were on 66 - 70 patients. On HRT/D, significant (P < 0.001) BNID increases from baseline by DXA were at total body - head, trochanter, Ward's, total hip, inter-trochanter and femoral shaft (% group mean Delta 4.2, 6.1, 9.3. 3.7. 3.3 and 3.3%, respectively). On HRT, at these significant Deltas were restricted to the trochanter and sites. si Wards. Significant advantages of HRT/D over HRT were in BMD of total body (- head), total hip and trochanter (all P = 0.01). The differences in mean Delta at these sites were 1.3, 2.6 and 3.9%. At the following, both groups Improved significantly -lumbar spine (AP and lateral), forearm shaft and ultradistal tibia/fibula. The weightbearing, site - specific benefits of the combination associated with significant suppression of parathyroid hormone-suggest a beneficial effect on cortical bone. Suppression of bone turnover was significantly greater on HRT/D (serum osteocalcin P = 0.024 and urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio P = 0.035). There was no significant difference in the number of patients who developed fresh VFs during the trial (HRT 8/36, 22%; HRT/D 4/34, 12% - intention to treat); likewise in the number who developed incident nonvertebral fractures. This Is the first study comparing the 2 treatments in a fracture population. The results indicate a significant benefit of calcitriol combined with HRT on total body BMD and on BNID at the hip, the major site of osteoporotic fracture.

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.)

Effects of the pendulum appliance, cervical headgear, and 2 premolar extractions followed by fixed appliances in patients with Class II malocclusion

Introduction: In this retrospective study, we compared the cephalometric effects, the dental-arch changes, and the efficiency of Class II treatment with the pendulum appliance, cervical headgear, or extraction of 2 maxillary premolars, all associated with fixed appliance therapy. Methods: The sample of 82 patients with Class II malocclusion was divided into 3 groups: group 1 patients (n = 22; treatment time, 3.8 years) were treated with the pendulum appliance and fixed orthodontic appliances. Group 2 patients (n = 30; treatment time, 3.2 years) were treated with cervical headgear followed by fixed appliances; group 3 patients (n = 30; treatment time, 2.1 years) were treated with 2 maxillary premolar extractions and fixed appliances. The average starting ages of the groups ranged from 13.2 to 13.8 years. Data were obtained from serial cephalometric measurements and dental casts. The dental casts were analyzed with the treatment priority index. The treatment efficiency index was also used. Results: The 3 treatment protocols produced similar cephalometric effects, especially skeletally. Comparisons among the 2 distalizing appliances (pendulum and cervical headgear) and extraction of 2 maxillary premolars for Class II treatment showed changes primarily in the maxillary dentoalveolar component and dental relationships. The facial profile was similar after treatment, except for slightly more retrusion of the upper lip in the extraction patients. The treatment priority index demonstrated that occlusal outcomes also were similar among the groups. The treatment efficiency index had higher values for the extraction group. Conclusions: The effects of treatment with the pendulum appliance or cervical headgear and extraction of 2 maxillary premolars associated with fixed appliances were similar from both occlusal and cephalometric standpoints. Class II treatment with extraction of maxillary teeth was more efficient because of the shorter treatment time. Differences in maxillary incisor retraction should be noted, but these differences might have been due to greater maxillary dentoalveolar protrusion in the extraction group before treatment. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2009;136:833-42)

A systematic study of the microwave and thermal cure kinetics of the TGDDM/DDS and TGDDM/DDM epoxy-amine resin systems

The microwave and thermal cure processes for the epoxy-amine systems N,N,N',N'-tetraglycidyl-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl methane (TGDDM) with diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) and diaminodiphenyl methane (DDM) have been investigated. The DDS system was studied at a single cure temperature of 433 K and a single stoichiometry of 27 wt% and the DDM system was studied at two stoichiometries, 19 and 32 wt%, and a range temperatures between 373 and 413 K. The best values the kinetic rate parameters for the consumption of amines have been determined by a least squares curve Ft to a model for epoxy-amine cure. The activation energies for the rate parameters for the MY721/DDM system were determined as was the overall activation energy for the cure reaction which was found to be 62 kJ mol(-1). No evidence was found for any specific effect of the microwave radiation on the rate parameters, and the systems were both found to be characterized by a negative substitution effect. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Getting the adrenaline going: Crystal structure of the adrenaline-synthesizing enzyme PNMT

Background: Adrenaline is localized to specific regions of the central nervous system (CNS), but its role therein is unclear because of a lack of suitable pharmacologic agents. Ideally, a chemical is required that crosses the blood-brain barrier, potently inhibits the adrenaline-synthesizing enzyme PNMT, and does not affect other catecholamine processes. Currently available PNMT inhibitors do not meet these criteria. We aim to produce potent, selective, and CNS-active PNMT inhibitors by structure-based design methods. The first step is the structure determination of PNMT. Results: We have solved the crystal structure of human PNMT complexed with a cofactor product and a submicromolar inhibitor at a resolution of 2.4 Angstrom. The structure reveals a highly decorated methyltransferase fold, with an active site protected from solvent by an extensive cover formed from several discrete structural motifs. The structure of PNMT shows that the inhibitor interacts with the enzyme in a different mode from the (modeled) substrate noradrenaline. Specifically, the position and orientation of the amines is not equivalent. Conclusions: An unexpected finding is that the structure of PNMT provides independent evidence of both backward evolution and fold recruitment in the evolution of a complex enzyme from a simple fold. The proposed evolutionary pathway implies that adrenaline, the product of PNMT catalysis, is a relative newcomer in the catecholamine family. The PNMT structure reported here enables the design of potent and selective inhibitors with which to characterize the role of adrenaline in the CNS. Such chemical probes could potentially be useful as novel therapeutics.

A systematic study of the microwave and thermal cure kinetics of the DGEBA/DDS and DGEBA/DDM epoxy-amine resin systems

The microwave and thermal cure processes for the epoxy-amine systems (epoxy resin diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, DGEBA) with 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulphone (DDS) and 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl methane (DDM) have been investigated for 1:1 stoichiometries by using fiber-optic FT-NIR spectroscopy. The DGEBA used was in the form of Ciba-Geigy GY260 resin. The DDM system was studied at a single cure temperature of 373 K and a single stoichiometry of 20.94 wt% and the DDS system was studied at a stoichiometry of 24.9 wt% and a range of temperatures between 393 and 443 K. The best values of the kinetic rate parameters for the consumption of amines have been determined by a least squares curve fit to a model for epoxy/amine cure. The activation energies for the polymerization of the DGEBA/DDS system were determined for both cure processes and found to be 66 and 69 kJ mol(-1) for the microwave and thermal cure processes, respectively. No evidence was found for any specific effect of the microwave radiation on the rate parameters, and the systems were both found to be characterized by a negative substitution effect. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.

Genetic variation in foliar carbon isotope composition in relation to tree growth and foliar nitrogen concentration in clones of the F-1 hybrid between slash pine and Caribbean pine

The objectives of this study were: (1) to quantify the genetic variation in foliar carbon isotope composition (delta(13)C) of 122 clones of ca. 4-year-old F-1 hybrids between slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm var. elliottii) and Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis Barr.,et Golf.) grown at two field experimental sites with different water and nitrogen availability in southeast Queensland, Australia, in relation to tree growth and foliar nitrogen concentration (N-mass); and (2) to assess the potential of using delta(13)C measurements, in the foliage materials collected from the clone hedges at nursery and the 4-year-old tree canopies in the field, as an indirect index of tree water use efficiency for selecting elite F-1 hybrid pine clones with improved tree growth. There were significant differences in foliar delta(13)C between the nursery hedges and the 4-year-old tree canopies in the field, between the summer and winter seasons, between the two experimental sites, and between the upper outer and lower outer canopy positions sampled. This indicates that delta(13)C measurements in the foliage materials are significantly influenced by the sampling techniques and environmental conditions. Significant differences in foliar delta(13)C, at the upper outer canopy in both field experiments in summer and winter, were detected between the clones, and between the female parents of the clones. Clone means of tree height at age ca. 3 years were positively related to those of the upper outer canopy delta(13)C at both experimental sites in winter, but only for the wetter site in summer. There were positive, linear relationships between clone means of canopy delta(13)C and those of canopy N-mass, indicating that canopy photosynthetic capacity might be an important factor regulating the clonal variation in canopy delta(13)C. Significant correlations were found between clone means of canopy delta(13)C at both experimental sites in summer and winter, and between those at the upper outer and lower outer canopy positions. Mean clone delta(13)C for the nursery hedges was only positively related to mean clone stem diameter at 1.3 m height at age 3 years on the wetter site. The clone by site interaction for foliar delta(13)C at the upper outer canopy was significant only in summer. Overall, the relatively high genetic variance components for foliar delta(13)C and significant, positive correlations between clone means of foliar delta(13)C and tree growth have highlighted the potential of using foliar delta(13)C measurements for assisting in selection of the elite F-1 hybrid pine clones with improved tree growth. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Demographic profile and health conditions of the elderly in a community in an urban area of Southeastern Brazil

Some specific characteristics of the aging of the Brazilian population in different areas, states and communities all over the country, have shown significant variations. Historical series of demographic and health indicators for the population in their sixties and over in Brazil, state of S. Paulo and in the municipal district of Araraquara are listed as follows: level of education and urban population growth rate, income distribution, mortality rates and main causes of death. In 1991 the aged constituled were 7,8% of the Brazilian population and 9,7% in Araraquara community. The elderly population (of 70 years of aged and above) as a proportion of the whole, has increased and already stands for 40%. The same trend holds good for both the proportion of aged within the urban population and their level of education wich increased to 90% in 1991. The main causes of death are chronic degenerative diseases which have replaced the infectious illness: firts, the diseases of the circulatory sistem (which account for more than 40% of all deaths) and the neoplasms (which let to 15% of the deaths). On the basis of these health and demographic data relating to people of 60 years of age and over, this study suggests some procedures for the improvement of the quality of the assistance given to the target population: a) the assistance give to the aged should be improved by providing gerontological training for general physicians and nurses, both of public and private clinics; b) the already exixting educational activities for the aged, for health workers and for teachers of secundary education should be further developed; c) the number of day-hospitals should be increased for the purpose of avoiding unnecessary confinement so as maintain the low rate of institutionalization in homes for the elderly (0,7% in Araraquara). It is reported that at least 35% of the aged population in this area is entitled to private health assistance, wich brings out the importance of including such services in the local health programs for this group.

Analysis of ground reaction force and electromyographic activity of the gastrocnemius muscle during double support

O documento em anexo encontra-se na versão post-print (versão corrigida pelo editor).

Efeito de um programa de exercícios segundo Pilates em indivíduos com asma controlada – controlo motor vs. função ventilatória

Introdução: Embora existam estratégias para coordenar as funções postural e ventilatória numa situação normal, isto pode não ser verdade quando a necessidade para uma das funções está aumentada, como por exemplo em patologia respiratória (asma) ou no exercício físico, em que subsistem maiores necessidades ventilatórias. O método Pilates, que foca a relação entre o corpo e a disciplina mental, visa prosperar a saúde e o bem-estar pelo enfatizar da boa postura, do alinhamento corporal e da coordenação da ventilação com o movimento. Objectivo: Comparar características de controlo motor e parâmetros ventilatórios em asmáticos controlados e indivíduos sem patologia, e verificar o efeito de um programa de exercícios segundo Pilates nesses outcomes em indivíduos com asma controlada. Métodos: Estudo quasi-experimental, com uma amostra constituída por 21 estudantes voluntários, 7 pertencentes ao “grupo sem patologia”, 7 ao “grupo controlo asmático” e 7 ao “grupo experimental asmático”. Para avaliação do timing de ativação e do padrão de recrutamento muscular no movimento rápido do membro superior foi utilizada eletromiografia de superfície do Diafragma, Eretor da Coluna, Multífidos, Oblíquo Externo, Reto Anterior e Transverso Abdominal/Oblíquo Interno. Foram também avaliados parâmetros de função ventilatória: a percentagem de volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo do previsto, o débito expiratório máximo instantâneo, a ventilação máxima voluntária, a pressão inspiratória máxima e a pressão expiratória máxima. As avaliações decorreram antes e após 8 semanas da aplicação de um programa de exercícios segundo Pilates no grupo experimental asmático, com exceção do grupo sem patologia que realizou apenas o primeiro momento de avaliação. Resultados: O grupo controlo asmático apresentou um timing de ativação significativamente maior do Transverso Abdominal/Oblíquo Interno e do Diafragma, em relação ao grupo sem patologia. Nos parâmetros ventilatórios, o grupo controlo asmático apresentou menores valores de percentagem de volume expiratório no primeiro segundo do previsto, de débito expiratório máximo instantâneo e de pressão expiratória máxima. Após a realização do programa de exercícios segundo Pilates verificaram-se alterações significativas no timing de activação do Eretor da Coluna, do Multífidos, do Transverso/Oblíquo Interno e do Diafragma, tendo ambos diminuído no grupo experimental asmático. Ainda, o grupo experimental asmático, em relação aos parâmetros ventilatórios, apresentou diferenças significativas no débito expiratório máximo instantâneo, na ventilação máxima voluntária e na pressão expiratória máxima, tendo ambos aumentado estes valores. Conclusão: Os asmáticos controlados parecem possuir características de controlo motor, especificamente no timing de ativação, e valores de parâmetros ventilatórios diferentes em comparação aos indivíduos sem patologia. O programa de exercícios segundo Pilates, implementado no grupo experimental asmático, parece ter influenciado positivamente esses outcomes.

Qualidade de movimento e estratégias compensatórias associadas ao gesto de alcance em sujeitos com Acidente Vascular Encefálico

Introdução: O movimento do membro superior está de forma inequívoca direccionado para a resolução de problemas neuromotores. O gesto de alcance constitui o exemplo mais evidente da capacidade deste segmento se organizar no espaço com objetivos específicos e relacionados com a concretização de um propósito motor. A diminuição da necessidade de recorrer a estratégias compensatórias podem ser melhoradas através da implementação de uma intervenção baseada num processo de raciocínio clínico, assente na comprensão dos componentes específicos do movimento e do controle motor, o conceito de Bobath (CB). Objetivo: Pretendeu-se analisar as alterações nas variáveis: deslocamento do tronco, tempo de execução do movimento, unidades de movimento e velocidade máxima da mão no gesto de alcançar em 4 indivíduos com alterações neuromotoras decorrentes de um AVE, face à aplicação de um programa de intervenção baseado no CB. Metodologia: O estudo apresenta quatro casos de indivíduos com AVE, que realizaram intervenção em fisioterapia baseada no CB, durante 12 semanas. Antes e após a intervenção, analisadas as variáveis: deslocamento do tronco, tempo de execução do movimento, unidades de movimento e velocidade máxima da mão no gesto de alcançar recorrendo ao Qualisys Track Manager. Avaliou-se os movimentos compensatórios durante o gesto de alcance, através da Reach Performance Test e a Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after Stroke para avaliar o comprometimento motor do MS. Resultados: Após a intervenção, os indivíduos em estudo apresentaram, na sua maioria, uma diminuição dos movimentos compensatórios no movimento de alcance. Apresentando diminuição deslocamento do troco, tempo de execução do movimento, unidades de movimento e um aumento na velocidade da mão. Conclusão: A intervenção baseada no CB teve efeitos positivos do ponto de vista do CP do tronco e MS, nos quatro indivíduos com AVE.

Evaluation of the noise exposure of symphonic orchestra musicians

For musicians, the impact of noise exposure is not yet fully characterized. Some inconsistencies can be found in the methodology used to evaluate noise exposure. This study aims to analyze the noise exposure of musicians in a symphonic orchestra to understand their risk for hearing loss, applying the methodology proposed by ISO 9612:2009. Noise levels were monitored among musicians during the rehearsal of eight different repertoires. Test subjects were selected according to their instrument and position in the orchestra. Participants wore noise dosimeters throughout the rehearsals. A sound meter was used to analyze the exposure of the conductor. The results showed that musicians are exposed to high noise levels that can damage hearing. Brass, woodwind and percussion and timpani musicians were exposed to noise levels in excess of the upper exposure action level of 85 dB (A), while the other instrumental groups had a lower exposure action level of 80 dB (A). Percussion musicians were exposed to high peak noise levels of 135 dB (C). Sound levels varied by instrument, repertoire and position. Octave frequency analyses showed differences among musicians. This study suggests that musicians are at risk for hearing loss. There is a need for more effective guidelines applicable to all countries, which should define standardized procedures for determining musician noise exposure and should allow exposure level normalization to the year, including different repertoires.