O enigmático problema das gigantes ricas em Lítio e as perspectivas com o satélite Kepler

Lithium (Li) is a chemical element with atomic number 3 and it is among the lightest known elements in the universe. In general, the Lithium is found in the nature under the form of two stable isotopes, the 6Li and 7Li. This last one is the most dominant and responds for about 93% of the Li found in the Universe. Due to its fragileness this element is largely used in the astrophysics, especially in what refers to the understanding of the physical process that has occurred since the Big Bang going through the evolution of the galaxies and stars. In the primordial nucleosynthesis in the Big Bang moment (BBN), the theoretical calculation forecasts a Li production along with all the light elements such as Deuterium and Beryllium. To the Li the BNB theory reviews a primordial abundance of Log log ǫ(Li) =2.72 dex in a logarithmic scale related to the H. The abundance of Li found on the poor metal stars, or pop II stars type, is called as being the abundance of Li primordial and is the measure as being log ǫ(Li) =2.27 dex. In the ISM (Interstellar medium), that reflects the current value, the abundance of Lithium is log ǫ(Li) = 3.2 dex. This value has great importance for our comprehension on the chemical evolution of the galaxy. The process responsible for the increasing of the primordial value present in the Li is not clearly understood until nowadays. In fact there is a real contribution of Li from the giant stars of little mass and this contribution needs to be well streamed if we want to understand our galaxy. The main objection in this logical sequence is the appearing of some giant stars with little mass of G and K spectral types which atmosphere is highly enriched with Li. Such elevated values are exactly the opposite of what could happen with the typical abundance of giant low mass stars, where convective envelops pass through a mass deepening in which all the Li should be diluted and present abundances around log ǫ(Li) ∼1.4 dex following the model of stellar evolution. In the Literature three suggestions are found that try to reconcile the values of the abundance of Li theoretical and observed in these rich in Li giants, but any of them bring conclusive answers. In the present work, we propose a qualitative study of the evolutionary state of the rich in Li stars in the literature along with the recent discovery of the first star rich in Li observed by the Kepler Satellite. The main objective of this work is to promote a solid discussion about the evolutionary state based on the characteristic obtained from the seismic analysis of the object observed by Kepler. We used evolutionary traces and simulation done with the population synthesis code TRILEGAL intending to evaluate as precisely as possible the evolutionary state of the internal structure of these groups of stars. The results indicate a very short characteristic time when compared to the evolutionary scale related to the enrichment of these stars

Vortices in a mesoscopic superconducting circular sector

In the present paper we develop an algorithm to solve the time dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations, by using the link variables technique, for circular geometries. In addition, we evaluate the Helmholtz and Gibbs free energy, the magnetization, and the number of vortices. This algorithm is applied to a circular sector. We evaluate the superconduting-normal magnetic field transition, the magnetization, and the superconducting density. Our results point out that, as we reduce the superconducting area, the nucleation field increases. Nevertheless, as the angular width of the circular sector goes to small values the asymptotic behavior is independent of the sample area. We also show that the value of the first nucleation field is approximately the same independently of the form of the circular sector. Furthermore, we study the nucleation of giant and multivortex states for the different shapes of the present geometry.

Expressão Imuno-histoquímica da triptase em mastócitos nos Fibromas de Células Gigantes e Hiperplasias Fibrosas de Mucosa Oral

The giant cell fibroma is a benign neoplasm characterized by the presence of mono, bi or multinucleate cells, which can have a connection to the presence of mast cells. This research aims to analyze, descriptively and comparatively, the immunohystochemistry expression of the tryptase in mast cells of the giant cell f ibroma, f ibrous hyperplasia and samples of the normal oral mucosa. Thirty cases of giant cell fibroma, ten cases of fibrous hyperplasia and ten cases of normal oral mucosa were selected for the analysis of the immunohistochemistry expression, determination of the number of present mast cells, as well as their location and shape. It could be stated that there was a statistically signif icant difference (p<0,001) in relation to the quantity of mast cells among other samples analyzed where the giant cell f ibroma presented lesser quantity of mast cell and the hyperplasia showed higher concentration of this cellular type. Although the oral mucosa has presented a higher quantity of mast cells when compared to the giant cells fibroma, these were found in usual locations in the connective tissue in normal tissues. There could be noticed a statistically significant difference in relation to the number of non-granulated mast cells (p<0,001). On the areas of fibrosis, we could observe a statistically signif icant difference (p<0,006) among the samples. In relation to the present mast cells in perivascular location, no statistically signif icant difference was found. On the morphological analysis there was a predominance of oval mast cells. It was concluded that despite of the fact there was a lesser quantity of mast cells present in cases of giant cell f ibroma, they appeared to have a stronger relation to the present giant fibroblasts in this lesions, around 59,62%, being also evidenced a strong relation between these cells and the fibrosis areas in both cases of giant cell f ibroma and f ibrous hyperplasias and samples of normal oral mucosa, used as control group in our study, confirming, this way, the role of the mast cells as fibrinogenous inductor

Expressão imuno-histoquímica das proteínas MMP-9, VEGF e FVW em lesões centrais e periféricas de células gigantes

Central giant cell lesion (CGCL) and peripheral giant cell lesion (PGCL) of the jaws have a distinct clinical behavior, although they share histopathologic features. It is still unclear whether these clinical differences are supported by a distinct pattern of immunoexpression of markers for multinucleated giant cells (GC) and mononuclear cells (MC). The purpose of this study was to compare the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF, MMP-9 in CG and MC and measure the vascularization by vWF to check whether there are differences in expression of these biomarkers between CGCL and PGCL. Paraffin wax blocks of 20 cases of LCCG and 20 LPCG were retrieved. MMP-9 immunoreactivity was greater in the CM of PGCL compared to VEGF (p<0.05). VEGF expression was greater in the CM of CGCL compared to PGCL (p<0.05) and it was greater in the overall expression of CGCL compared to PGCL (p<0.05). Vascularity was quantified by microvascular counting (MVC). MVC was greater in the PGCL compared CGCL (p<0.05). MMP-9 showed a greater tendency of expression in CGCL, though was not significant (p>0.05). We tested correlation between the proteins studied in each group and found a significant negative correlation between VEGF and vWF in CGCL (p<0.05). These results suggest that there are differences in the expression of VEGF in CM and overall expression between the lesions, although no statistically significant difference in the overall expression of the MMP-9. Then, there was a trend in increased expression of MMP-9 and VEGF in CGCL, possibly by the involvement of both proteins in osteoclastogenesis. Additionally, the results of this study indicate a higher degree of vascularization in PGCL compared to CGCL, fact that can be directly linked to the reactive nature of the PGCL, where the inflammatory process with its rich angiogenesis contributes significantly to these findings.

Exprassão imuno-histoquímica dos fatores de reabsorção óssea em lesões centrais e periféricas de células gigantes

The Giant Cell Lesions, both the Central Giant Cells Lesions (CGCL) as the Peripheral Giant Cells Lesions (PGCL), correspond to a group of oral lesions that are histologically similar entities; however they show a variable clinical behaviour. The purpose of this study was to compare the immunohistochemical expression of bone resorption factors RANK (Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor kappa B), RANKL (Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor kappa B Ligand) and OPG (Osteoprotegerin) between CGCL and PGCL. Additionally, these bone resorption factors were examined in terms of aggressiveness of these lesions. The sample consisted of 61 cases, 30 cases of PGCL and 31 CGCL (16 non-aggressive and 15 aggressive). The analysis was performed by quantification of mononuclear cells (MO) and giant multinucleated cells (CG) immunopositive to anti-RANK, anti-RANKL and anti-OPG antibodies in 10 fields. Moreover, according to the proportion between the amount of cells positive for RANKL and OPG, the cases were categorized into: RANKL>OPG, OPG>RANKL e RANKL=OPG. CGCL showed a higher amount of MO (p=0.002) and total cells (p=0.003) both positives to RANKL compared with the PGCL. Additionally, the CGCL revealed a significant association with the ratio of RANKL>OPG (p=0.001). Analysis of the bone resorption factors revealed no significant differences between aggressive and non-aggressive CGCL (p>0.05). It was observed a positive correlation between the markers themselves, and a negative correlation between lesion size and quantity of OPG positive MO cells (p=0,004) and total cells (p=0,009). Through these results, we suggest that the greatest CGCL resorptive potential compared to the PGCL, may have occurred to the high expression of RANKL. Furthermore differences in the biological behavior of aggressive and non-aggressive CGCL appear to be related to the expression of these bone resorption factors

Gravitational Capture of Asteroids by Gas Drag

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Irregular satellites of Jupiter: capture configurations of binary-asteroids

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Neurofibromatose: relato de caso

Os autores apresentam um caso de neurofibromatose em paciente que apresentava uma tumoração lombossacral volumosa, alertando-se para o diagnóstico, as variantes clínicas da moléstia e a preocupação quanto a degeneração malígna de tal afecção.

Effects of aspirin on mesenteric lymph nodes of rabbits as basis for its use on lymph nodes metastases

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos do ácido acetilsalicílico a 10% e 20% em linfonodos mesentéricos de coelhos para posterior embasamento e uso em metástases linfonodais. MÉTODOS: Um total de 20 linfonodos de 20 coelhos (divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos) foi avaliado. As soluções de aspirina a 10% (grupos A e C) e 20% (grupos B e D) foram injetadas em linfonodos mesentéricos de coelhos sadios e seus efeitos macroscópicos e histológicos foram avaliados em 24 horas (grupos A e B) e em sete dias (grupos C e D). RESULTADOS: Nos grupos avaliados em 24 horas (A e B) foi verificada intensa necrose e hemorragia, aumento importante de apoptose em todo o linfonodo, com alargamento dos seios medulares e aumento dos centros germinativos. Nos grupos avaliados em sete dias (C e D) também houve aumento da apoptose, com maior elevação de histiócitos e diminuição importante da necrose; a hemorragia foi ausente e aumento de células gigantes foi visualizado, conferindo processo inflamatório crônico do tipo corpo estranho. Não houve diferença entre as concentrações utilizadas (10 e 20%) em nenhuma das comparações. CONCLUSÕES: A injeção de aspirina em linfonodos causou necrose e um aumento de apoptose após 24 horas e após sete dias de tratamento, houve regeneração dos gânglios linfáticos, com diminuição intensa de necrose e grande aumento de apoptose. Uma vez que o aumento de apoptose é um dos pilares dos tratamentos antineoplásicos, estes resultados experimentais embasam eventual aplicação clínica da aspirina no tratamento de metástases linfonodais.

Reintrodução na natureza do tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)após osteossíntese de rádio e ulna

A female, adult, 27 kg Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) was directed to the veterinary hospital by the Center ofSelection of Wild Animals (Cetas) of the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), afterit was found on a highway. After clinical and radiologic examination, radius and ulna fractures of the left thoracic memberwere observed. Taking in consideration to the physical status of the animal, its size, the type of fracture and resources availablein the hospital veterinary, internal fixation with Intramedullary Pinning (on the Radius and Ulna) was the treatment methodchosen. About 35 days after the surgery the animal was walking without difficulties and by x-ray it was possible to observeformation of callus. The presence of decurrent bony deformities due to the type of fixation was not found. As the animal presentedno more difficulties in walking, we opted for its reintroduction to its original environment. The aim of the present casestudy is sharing the results of the Intramedullary Pinning implantation technique, widely used in dogs and cats, now used in a Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla).

Cytokines released from blood monocytes and expressed in mucocutaneous lesions of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis evaluated before and during trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole treatment

Background Mucocutaneous lesions in paracoccidioidomycosis are granulomatous and result from tissue responses to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the aetiological agent.Objectives and methods In this study we investigate the expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 by immunohistochemistry in skin and mucosa lesions from patients with the chronic form of paracoccidioidomycosis, evaluated before and at day 20 of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole treatment. Cytokine production by peripheral blood monocytes was also studied by enzyme immunoassay.Results Intense immunostaining for TNF-alpha was detected in mononuclear cells that infiltrated granulomas in all skin and mucosa lesions before treatment simultaneously with low IL-10 granular deposits in these cells. At day 20 of treatment, there was reduced TNF-alpha and IL-10 deposition. Immunoreactive TGF-beta 1 was observed diffusely in the dermis and generally in the cytoplasm of macrophages and giant cells, before treatment, and as increased TGF-beta 1 deposits in the fibrosis area at day 20 of treatment. Peripheral blood monocytes from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis, evaluated before treatment, produced high endogenous levels of TNF-alpha, TGF-beta 1 and IL-10 in relation to healthy controls. Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocytes from patients secreted lower levels of TNF-alpha in both periods of evaluation while no impairment in capacity of IL-10 and TGF-beta production was observed.Conclusions Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole therapy was effective in decreasing fungal load in the lesions, allowing patient immune response to control the infection leading to the healing of the lesions.

Sobre a composição química em estrelas evoluídas do aglomerado aberto M67

The Galaxy open clusters have a wide variety of physical properties that make them valuable laboratories for studies of stellar and chemical evolution of the Galaxy. In order to better settle these properties we investigate the abundances of a large number of chemical elements in a sample of 27 evolved stars of the open cluster M67 with different evolutionary stages (turn-off, subgiant and giant stars). For such a study we used high-resolution spectra (R 47 000) and high S/N obtained with UVES+FLAMES at VLT/UT2, covering the wavelength interval 4200-10 600 Å. Our spectral analysis is based on the MARCS models of atmosphere and Turbospectrum spectroscopic tool. The oxygen abundances were determined from the [O I] line at 6300 Å. In addition, we have also computed abundances of Si I, Na I, Mg I, Al I, Ca I, Ti I, Co I, Ni I, Zr I, La II and Cr I. The abundances investigated in this work, combined with their stellar parameters, offers an opportunity to determine the level of mixing and convective dilution of evolved stars in M67. Based on the obtained parameters, the abundances of these seem to follow a similar trend to the curve of solar abundances. Additionally, following strategies of other studies have investigated the relative abundances as a function of effective temperature and metallicity, where it was possible to observe an abundance of Na, Al and Si to the stars in the field of giants. A large dispersion from star to star, is observed in the ratios [X / Fe] for the Co, Zr and La, and the absence of Zr and La, in the stars of the turn-off. Comparisons made between our results and other studies in the literature show that values of abundances are in agreement and close to the limits of the errors

Internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm after tonsillectomy treated by endovascular approach - A case report

Surgery on the head and neck region may be complicated by vascular trauma, caused by direct injury on the vascular wall. Lesions of the arteries are more dangerous than the venous one. The traumatic lesion may cause laceration of the artery wall, spasm, dissection, arteriovenous fistula, occlusion or pseudoaneurysm.We present a case of a child with a giant ICA pseudoaneurysm after tonsillectomy, manifested by pulsing mass and respiratory distress, which was treated by endovascular approach, occluding the lesion and the proximal artery with Histoacryl. We reinforce that the endovascular approach is the better way to treat most of the traumatic vascular lesions.

Xantogranuloma órbito-palpebral: relato de caso

Xantogranuloma é doença histiocítica, caracterizada por lesões amareladas na pele ou na derme, acompanhadas ou não de alterações hematológicas ou neoplasias. O objetivo deste é relatar o caso de uma mulher de 39 anos, com queixa de inchaço progressivo nas pálpebras superiores, há 6 anos, indolor, sem alterações sistêmicas. O exame histológico mostrou infiltração maciça da pele, tecido muscular e gordura orbitária por histiócitos xantomatosos e abundantes células gigantes do tipo Touton. O diagnóstico foi de xantogranuloma do adulto. Os autores comentam os diagnósticos diferenciais, assim como a necessidade de exames periódicos, devido ao risco de associação com doenças sistêmicas malignas.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of pilomatrixoma: report of 14 cases and review of the literature

We describe 14 cases of pilomatrixoma which were diagnosed preoperatively on FNA cytology. In contrast to the literature, our series showed male preponderance and some of the tumours in unusual locations such as thigh and breast. In three patients the rumours were larger than 5 cm. The clinical diagnosis varied from tumour not otherwise defined to sarcoma. The cytologic presentation had features which allowed a correct diagnosis in all cases and included basaloid cells surrounded by delicate pink fibres, shadow cells, giant cells, naked nuclei and calcium deposits. It is concluded that the FNA cytology of pilomatrixoma is characteristic and will allow a conclusive diagnosis even in cases with an aberrant clinical presentation.