Estudo da Influência do Número de Acidez Total e Teor de Enxofre Total nas Frações Destiladas no Processo de Corrosão em Aços do Tipo AISI 1020 e AISI 316

Os danos causados pelos processos corrosivos em equipamentos presentes nas refinarias de petróleo, durante as destilações, foram descritos inicialmente em 1920. Inúmeras são as referências reportando estudos de processos corrosivos envolvendo tanto os ácidos naftênicos como os compostos sulfurados; em contrapartida, raras são as fontes de estudo envolvendo simultaneamente ambos. Neste trabalho, escolheram-se dois tipos de óleos: um óleo A - com alto teor de enxofre e um petróleo B com elevada acidez. Fez-se então um blend 50/50 em volume obtendo assim o óleo C para verificar a influência tanto da acidez quanto dos teores de enxofre nos processos corrosivos pelos cortes destes óleos. Após a destilação das três amostras, os derivados obtidos foram caracterizados e submetidos aos testes laboratoriais de corrosão. Os cortes do petróleo A apresentaram teores de enxofre e taxas de corrosão crescentes em função do aumento da temperatura final dos derivados, apresentando uma corrosão máxima de 1,66 mm/ano e produtos de corrosão como troilita (FeS) e pirrota (Fe1-xS). As frações de B apresentaram altos valores de NAT na faixa de temperatura de 220-400 °C, enquanto as taxas de corrosão foram de 0,83 mm/ano para esta faixa de temperatura; os produtos de corrosão encontrados foram o óxido de ferro (Fe2O3) e goetite (α-FeOOH). Por fim, os derivados do blend C, apresentaram propriedades intermediárias aos cortes anteriores o que corroborou para taxas de corrosão menores de 0,50 mm/ano até uma temperatura de 300 °C, expondo assim, a eficiência em utilizar a técnica de misturas de petróleos para o refino.

Bone mineral density of rat femurs after hindlimb unloading and different physical rehabilitation programs

Bone weakening can occur due to the absence of load on the skeleton or even short periods of decreased physical activity. Therefore, musculoskeletal diseases that involve temporary immobilization by casts, inactivity or tension increases the risk of fractures. Physical activity is the most studied procedure both to prevent damage and to restore bone structure. The present study aimed at evaluating, by bone densitometry on rat femurs, the influence of hindlimb unloading and later running activity on treadmill or free movement. Sixty-four Wistar rats were used, aged 65 days with a mean corporal mass of 316.11g, randomly divided into eight experimental groups: group 1, the suspended control with seven animals under hindlimb unloading regimen for 28 days, then euthanized; groups 2 and 3, the trained suspended comprising of 7 and five animals, respectively, subjected to hindlimb unloading for 28 days, followed by treadmill exercise for 28 days (group 2) or 56 days (group 3), then euthanized; groups 4 and 5, designated free suspended, comprised of 7 animals each under hindlimb unloading regimen for 28 days followed by free activity in cages for 28 days (group 4) or 56 days (group 5), then euthanized; groups 6, 7 and 8, negative controls, each with 8 animals allowed to free activity in cages and euthanized at the ages of 93, 121 and 149 days, respectively. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the left femur was analyzed by bone densitometry. Unloading by tail-suspension decreased BMD while treadmill training and free activity in cages promoted its recovery in a similar way and over time.

Desempenho de bezerros alimentados usando de sucedâneo até 56 dias de idade

Trinta bezerros machos da raça Holandesa foram alojados em piquetes a partir do quinto dia de vida, distribuídos em dois grupos. Todos os animais foram alimentados com concentrado comercial peletizado, tendo o primeiro grupo recebido leite integral (grupo-controle) e o outro, sucedâneo formulado com proteínas de soja, de soro de leite e de leite desnatado em pó (grupo tratamento), num único horário de fornecimento, até 56 dias de vida. Os animais tinham acesso ad libitum à água e ao sal mineral. Suas medidas de peso vivo e altura de ísquio foram tomadas semanalmente. O desenvolvimento em estatura não diferiu entre os tratamentos, e o ganho em peso foi inferior para os animais alimentados com sucedâneo. O menor ganho em peso foi influenciado pelo menor consumo de concentrado e de matéria seca da dieta.

Epidemiology of bacterial meningitis among children in Brazil, 1997-1998

OBJECTIVE: To document the incidence and the descriptive epidemiology of bacterial meningitis among individuals under age 20 in a geographically defined region in Brazil during the two-year period immediately preceding the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines into the national immunization program of Brazil. METHODS: Population-based epidemiological study of all cases of bacterial meningitis reported among residents of Campinas, Brazil, under age 20 (n=316,570) during the period of 1997-98, using comprehensive surveillance records compiled by the Campinas Health Department from cases reported among hospital inpatients, outpatients, emergency room visits, death certificates, and autopsy reports. RESULTS: The incidence of bacterial meningitis (n=274) was 334.9, 115 and 43.5 cases/10(5) person-years (pys) for residents of Campinas under age 1, 5 and 20, respectively. All cases were hospitalized, with an average length of stay of 12 days. Documented prior antibiotic use was 4.0%. The case-fatality rate of bacterial meningitis in individuals under age 20 was 9% (24/274) with 75% of deaths occurring in children under the age of five. The incidence of Hib meningitis (n=26) was 62.8 and 17 cases/10(5) pys in children age <1 and <5, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of Hib meningitis in children under the age of 5 in Campinas during 1997-98 was similar to that reported in the US, Western Europe, and Israel prior to widespread Hib vaccine use in those regions. This study provides a baseline for later studies to evaluate changes in the etiology and incidence of bacterial meningitis in children after introduction of routine Hib vaccination in Brazil.

Unesp Informa, 2014, número 56

Boletim elaborado pela Assessoria de Comunicação e Imprensa da Reitoria da UNESP

Jornal da UNESP, 2015, ano XXXI, n. 316

Jornal elaborado pela Assessoria de Comunicação e Imprensa da Reitoria da UNESP

Unesp Ciência, 2014, ano 6, número 56

Revista elaborada pela Assessoria de Comunicação e Imprensa da Reitoria da UNESP

Microstructure, mechanical properties and chemical degradation of brazed AISI 316 stainless steel/alumina systems

The main aims of the present study are simultaneously to relate the brazing parameters with: (i) the correspondent interfacial microstructure, (ii) the resultant mechanical properties and (iii) the electrochemical degradation behaviour of AISI 316 stainless steel/alumina brazed joints. Filler metals on such as Ag–26.5Cu–3Ti and Ag–34.5Cu–1.5Ti were used to produce the joints. Three different brazing temperatures (850, 900 and 950 °C), keeping a constant holding time of 20 min, were tested. The objective was to understand the influence of the brazing temperature on the final microstructure and properties of the joints. The mechanical properties of the metal/ceramic (M/C) joints were assessed from bond strength tests carried out using a shear solicitation loading scheme. The fracture surfaces were studied both morphologically and structurally using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The degradation behaviour of the M/C joints was assessed by means of electrochemical techniques. It was found that using a Ag–26.5Cu–3Ti brazing alloy and a brazing temperature of 850 °C, produces the best results in terms of bond strength, 234 ± 18 MPa. The mechanical properties obtained could be explained on the basis of the different compounds identified on the fracture surfaces by XRD. On the other hand, the use of the Ag–34.5Cu–1.5Ti brazing alloy and a brazing temperature of 850 °C produces the best results in terms of corrosion rates (lower corrosion current density), 0.76 ± 0.21 μA cm−2. Nevertheless, the joints produced at 850 °C using a Ag–26.5Cu–3Ti brazing alloy present the best compromise between mechanical properties and degradation behaviour, 234 ± 18 MPa and 1.26 ± 0.58 μA cm−2, respectively. The role of Ti diffusion is fundamental in terms of the final value achieved for the M/C bond strength. On the contrary, the Ag and Cu distribution along the brazed interface seem to play the most relevant role in the metal/ceramic joints electrochemical performance.

Human toxocariasis: a seroepidemiological survey in the Amazonian city of Yurimaguas, Peru

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of the infection by Toxocara in the general population of the Amazonian city of Yurimaguas, Peru. From March to August 2008, a total of 300 subjects were sampled and tested by means of a Toxocara ELISA-IgG test. A clinical and epidemiological questionnaire was used to assess the symptomatology and risk factors associated with human toxocariasis. The overall rate of seropositivity was 35.66%, with a significant high proportion in children (p < 0.001). The clinical evaluation revealed that 95.33% of the seropositive group had some type of symptomatology: headache (66.36%), respiratory compromise (63.55%), abdominal pain (54.21%), cutaneous signs (40.19%) and ocular manifestations (36.45%), and almost all of them were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, 56.07% of the seropositive subjects presented at least one intestinal pathogen parasite with predominance of helminthes, but without significant association (p = 0.334). The analysis of risk factors showed only that the use of public places and geophagia exhibited a significant association with the seropositivity (p < 0.001). Clinical, serological and epidemiological findings associated to infection with Toxocara were observed in the present study and future studies should be done to assess this serious health problem.

Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Portugal: Clinical and Immunological Patterns of Disease Expression in a Cohort of 56 Patients

Objective: To define the pattern of disease expression and to gain better understanding in patients with juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Portugal. Methods: The features of unselected patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who had disease onset before the age of 18 years were retrospectively analysed in three Portuguese centres with Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic over a 24-year period (1987-2011). Demographic, clinical and laboratory manifestations, therapy and outcome were assessed. Results: A cohort of 56 patients with a mean age at disease onset of 12.6±4.04 years (mean±1SD) (range, 1.0-17.0 years) and a mean period of follow-up of 5.5±5.4 years. Forty six (82.1%) patients were female. The most common disease manifestations were musculoskeletal (87.5%), mucocutaneous (80.3%) and haematological abnormalities (75%). Lupus nephritis was diagnosed in 46.4% of patients and consisted of glomerular ne - phritis in all cases. Neuropsychiatric manifestations occurred in 21.4% but severe central nervous system complications were uncommon, as brain infarcts and organic brain syndrome in 4 (7.1%) patients. Antinuclear antibodies and anti-double stranded DNA were positive in most patients in (98.2% and 71.4% respectively), as well as low C3 and/or C4 were observed frequently (85.7%). Generally, most patients had a good response to therapy as demonstrated by a significant decreasing of SLEDAI score from disease presentation to the last evaluation. The SLEDAI at diagnosis, the maximum SLEDAI and the incidence of complications were significantly higher in patients with neurolupus and/or lupus nephritis. Therapy included oral steroids (87.5%), hydroxychloroquine (85.7%), azathioprine (55.4%), IV cyclophosphamide (28.6%) along with other drugs. Six (10.7%) patients were treated with rituximab. Long-term remission was achieved in 32%, disease was active in 68%, adverse reactions to therapy occurred in 53.6% and complications/severe manifestations in 23.2%. Two patients died, being active disease and severe infection the causes of death. Conclusions: This study suggests that in our patients the clinical and laboratory features observed were similar to juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus patients from other series. Clinical outcome was favourable in the present study. Complications from therapy were frequent. Objective: To define the pattern of disease expression and to gain better understanding in patients with juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Portugal. Methods: The features of unselected patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who had disease onset before the age of 18 years were retrospectively analysed in three Portuguese centres with Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic over a 24-year period (1987-2011). Demographic,clinical and laboratory manifestations, therapy and outcome were assessed. Results: A cohort of 56 patients with a mean age at disease onset of 12.6±4.04 years (mean±1SD) (range, 1.0-17.0 years) and a mean period of follow-up of 5.5±5.4 years. Forty six (82.1%) patients were female. The most common disease manifestations were musculoskeletal (87.5%), mucocutaneous (80.3%) and haematological abnormalities (75%). Lupus nephritis was diagnosed in 46.4% of patients and consisted of glomerular ne - phritis in all cases. Neuropsychiatric manifestations occurred in 21.4% but severe central nervous system complications were uncommon, as brain infarcts and organic brain syndrome in 4 (7.1%) patients. Antinuclear antibodies and anti-double stranded DNA were positive in most patients in (98.2% and 71.4% respectively), as well as low C3 and/or C4 were observed frequently (85.7%). Generally, most patients had a good response to therapy as demonstrated by a significant decreasing of SLEDAI score from disease presentation to the last evaluation. The SLEDAI at diagnosis, the maximum SLEDAI and the incidence of complications were significantly higher in patients with neurolupus and/or lupus nephritis. Therapy included oral steroids (87.5%), hydroxychloroquine (85.7%), azathioprine (55.4%), IV cyclophosphamide (28.6%) along with other drugs. Six (10.7%) patients were treated with rituximab. Long-term remission was achieved in 32%, disease was active in 68%, adverse reactions to therapy occurred in 53.6% and complications/severe manifestations in 23.2%. Two patients died, being active disease and severe infection the causes of death. Conclusions: This study suggests that in our patients the clinical and laboratory features observed were similar to juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus patients from other series. Clinical outcome was favourable in the present study. Complications from therapy were frequent.

Shining examples analysed within the EBC Annex 56 project

The International Energy Agency established an Implementing Agreement within the Energy in Buildings and Communities Program to undertake research and provide an international focus on Cost Effective Energy and Carbon Emissions Optimization in Building Renovation (EBC Annex 56). The project aims at developing a new methodology to enable cost effective renovation of existing buildings while optimizing energy consumption and carbon emissions reduction. Gathering of case studies is one of the activities undertaken to reach the overall project. Of the case studies a selection of â Shining Examplesâ is made to encourage decision makers to promote efficient and cost effective renovations. This paper presents the results of the analyses made on the Shining Examples.

Women’s perception of separation/divorce in Portugal: A sociodemographic profile

This article focuses on the personal experiences of Portuguese women regarding separation and divorce. The sample included 96 women, with at least 1 child, who responded to an inventory that addressed conflict, dysfunctional conjugality, emotional experiences, social support, and adaptation to divorce. Higher levels of conflict and marital dysfunction in litigious divorces were found, as well as more conflict when different lawyers were employed. Those women who were satisfied with alimony and visiting rights reported less conflict, fewer negative emotional experiences, and greater social support. Level of education and duration of separation influenced women’s perceptions. Implications for intervention are addressed.

Mortalidade global e cardiovascular e fatores de risco de pacientes em hemodiálise

FUNDAMENTO: Mortalidade global e cardiovascular (CV) elevada de pacientes em hemodiálise. OBJETIVO: Avaliação da mortalidade global e CV e identificação do risco de pacientes em hemodiálise. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, prospectivo. Estudados 334 pacientes em três anos. Desfechos primários: mortalidade global e CV. Sobrevida avaliada pelo método de Kaplan-Meier. Identificação de variáveis de risco pela Regressão de Cox, bi e multivariada. RESULTADOS: Foram estudados 189 (56,6%) homens, idade 48,8 ± 14,2 anos, maioria de não brancos (295[88,3%]) e com escolaridade de 0 a menor que 8 anos (211[63,2%]). Mortalidade total de 21,6% (72/334), 50% sobrevivendo 146 meses, e mortalidade CV de 41,7%(30/72), 75% sobrevivendo 141 meses. Na análise bivariada, o RR de óbito não cardiovascular (ONCV) e CV aumentou com Idade >60 anos, Hb < 9,0 g/dl e glicemia de jejum >126 mg/dl; de ONCV apenas, com baixa escolaridade, viuvez, Hb<11,0 g/dl, Ht<33,0%, glicemia de jejum >100 mg/dl, produto Ca x P <42 e creatinina >9,2 mg/dl; diminuiu com PA>140/90 mmHg (antes da sessão de HD) e Ht>36%; de óbito CV apenas, aumentou com creatinina >9,4 mg/dl. Na análise multivariada, o RR de ONCV e CV aumentou com idade >60 anos e Hb<9 g/dl; o RR de óbito CV aumentou com glicemia>126 mg/dl e o de ONCV com taxa de remoção de ureia na hemodiálise (Kt/V) <1,2. CONCLUSÃO: A mortalidade global e CV de pacientes em hemodiálise é elevada. Os fatores de risco independentes para ONCV e CV foram idade >60 anos e Hb<9 g/dl, para óbito CV apenas glicemia >126 mg/dl e ONCV Kt/V<1,2. Vale assinalar a importância do monitoramento na correção e prevenção desses três últimos fatores.