Physical characteristics of oily spraying liquids and droplets formed on coffee leaves and glass surfaces

The physical characteristics of a spray liquid are important in getting a good droplet formation and control efficiency over a particular target. As a function of these characteristics, it is possible to decipher which is the best adjuvant based on the respective concentration used during the spray. Therefore, ten spraying liquids were prepared, which varied in concentrations of pesticide lufenuron + profenofos, mineral oil, water and manganese sulfate. Pendant droplets formed from these mixtures were measured to examine their impact on surface tension. Droplets were applied to the surface of coffee leaves and the surface tension, contact angle formed and the leaf area wetted by the droplet, were measured. A smooth glass surface was taken as a comparative to the coffee leaves. The highest concentrations of oil resulted in lower surface tension, smaller contact angles of droplets on leaf surfaces and larger areas wetted by the droplets. Both surfaces showed hydrophilic behavior.

Leiomioma do esôfago removido por videolaparoscopia

This report describes a leiomyoma of the inferior third section of the esophagus removed during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient is a woman 55-years-age, carrying esophageal myoma of 40 mm in diameter wide, situated in the posterior wall of the lower esophagus. Indications for surgery were based mainly on the growth of the mass (6 mm when discovered 7 years previously, increased to 40 mm). Recently the patient returned suffering from pain, which could be attributed to his litiasic cholecystopaty. A small degree of low disphagia could also be observed. Radiologic imaging, direct endoscopic examination and endoscopic ultrasound showed that the mioma protruded on to the oesophagic lumen, discreetly diminishing there. A laparoscopic esophageal myomectomy was indicated at the same session of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Once the pneunoperitoneum was installed, five ports were placed as if for a hiatus hernia surgery. The cholecystectomy was uneventful. Next, an esophagoscopy was performed so as to determine the precise area covering the base of the tumour; at the right-lateral site. Longitudinal and circular fibres of the esophagus was severed over the lesion and the enucleation of the tumour was performed alternating the monopolar dissection, bipolar and hidrodisection. Control-endoscopy was carried out to verify mucosa integrity. Four suture points with poliglactine 3-0 string so as to close the musculature followed this. One suture was placed in for diminution of the size of the esophagean hiatus. Total time of intervention: two hours (30m for the cholecystectomy and one hour and thirty minutes for the myomectomy). Postoperative period: uneventful. Disappearance of the disphagia was observed. Radiologic transit control with water-soluble contrast at 4th post-operative day: good passage. Diagnosis from laboratory of pathology: conjunctive tumour formed by muscle non-striated cells: leiomyoma. The patient was re-examined on the two-month postoperative follow-up. General conditions were good and there were no complain of dysphagia. Neither there were any symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux.

Spin-Dynamics in Cold Gases of 87Rb and Atomic Hydrogen. The spins they are a-changin’

In this thesis the dynamics of cold gaseous atoms is studied. Two different atomic species and two different experimental techniques have been used. In the first part of the thesis experiments with Bose-Einstein condensates of Rb-87 are presented. In these experiments the methods of laser cooling and magnetic trapping of atoms were utilized. An atom chip was used as the experimental technique for implementation of magnetic trapping. The atom chip is a small integrated instrument allowing accurate and detailed manipulation of the atoms. The experiments with Rb-87 probed the behaviour of a falling beam of atoms outcoupled from the Bose-Einstein condensate by electromagnetic field induced spin flips. In the experiments a correspondence between the phases of the outcoupling radio frequency field and the falling beam of atoms was found. In the second part of the thesis experiments of spin dynamics in cold atomic hydrogen gas are discussed. The experiments with atomic hydrogen are conducted in a cryostat using a dilution refrigerator as the cooling method. These experiments concentrated on explaining and quantifying modulations in the electron spin resonance spectra of doubly polarized atomic hydrogen. The modifications to the previous experimental setup are described and the observation of electron spin waves is presented. The observed spin wave modes were caused by the identical spin rotation effect. These modes have a strong dependence on the spatial profile of the polarizing magnetic field. We also demonstrated confinement of these modes in regions of strong magnetic field and manipulated their spatial distribution by changing the position of the field maximum.

Management of stab wounds to the anterior abdominal wall

The meeting of the Publication "Evidence Based Telemedicine - Trauma and Emergency Surgery" (TBE-CiTE), through literature review, selected three recent articles on the treatment of victims stab wounds to the abdominal wall. The first study looked at the role of computed tomography (CT) in the treatment of patients with stab wounds to the abdominal wall. The second examined the use of laparoscopy over serial physical examinations to evaluate patients in need of laparotomy. The third did a review of surgical exploration of the abdominal wound, use of diagnostic peritoneal lavage and CT for the early identification of significant lesions and the best time for intervention. There was consensus to laparotomy in the presence of hemodynamic instability or signs of peritonitis, or evisceration. The wound should be explored under local anesthesia and if there is no injury to the aponeurosis the patient can be discharged. In the presence of penetration into the abdominal cavity, serial abdominal examinations are safe without CT. Laparoscopy is well indicated when there is doubt about any intracavitary lesion, in centers experienced in this method.

Identification and characterisation of a novel adhesin of Streptococcus suis and its use as a target of adhesion inhibition and bacterial detection

Streptococcus suis is an important pig pathogen but it is also zoonotic, i.e. capable of causing diseases in humans. Human S. suis infections are quite uncommon but potentially life-threatening and the pathogen is an emerging public health concern. This Gram-positive bacterium possesses a galabiose-specific (Galalpha1−4Gal) adhesion activity, which has been studied for over 20 years. P-fimbriated Escherichia coli−bacteria also possess a similar adhesin activity targeting the same disaccharide. The galabiose-specific adhesin of S. suis was identified by an affinity proteomics method. No function of the protein identified was formerly known and it was designated streptococcal adhesin P (SadP). The peptide sequence of SadP contains an LPXTG-motif and the protein was proven to be cell wall−anchored. SadP may be multimeric since in SDS-PAGE gel it formed a protein ladder starting from about 200 kDa. The identification was confirmed by producing knockout strains lacking functional adhesin, which had lost their ability to bind to galabiose. The adhesin gene was cloned in a bacterial expression host and properties of the recombinant adhesin were studied. The galabiose-binding properties of the recombinant protein were found to be consistent with previous results obtained studying whole bacterial cells. A live-bacteria application of surface plasmon resonance was set up, and various carbohydrate inhibitors of the galabiose-specific adhesins were studied with this assay. The potencies of the inhibitors were highly dependent on multivalency. Compared with P-fimbriated E. coli, lower concentrations of galabiose derivatives were needed to inhibit the adhesion of S. suis. Multivalent inhibitors of S. suis adhesion were found to be effective at low nanomolar concentrations. To specifically detect galabiose adhesin−expressing S. suis bacteria, a technique utilising magnetic glycoparticles and an ATP bioluminescence bacterial detection system was also developed. The identification and characterisation of the SadP adhesin give valuable information on the adhesion mechanisms of S. suis, and the results of this study may be helpful for the development of novel inhibitors and specific detection methods of this pathogen.

Application of capillary electrophoretic methods for determining carbohydrates and aliphatic carboxylic acids formed during wood processing

Knowledge of the behaviour of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin during wood and pulp processing is essential for understanding and controlling the processes. Determination of monosaccharide composition gives information about the structural polysaccharide composition of wood material and helps when determining the quality of fibrous products. In addition, monitoring of the acidic degradation products gives information of the extent of degradation of lignin and polysaccharides. This work describes two capillary electrophoretic methods developed for the analysis of monosaccharides and for the determination of aliphatic carboxylic acids from alkaline oxidation solutions of lignin and wood. Capillary electrophoresis (CE), in its many variants is an alternative separation technique to chromatographic methods. In capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) the fused silica capillary is filled with an electrolyte solution. An applied voltage generates a field across the capillary. The movement of the ions under electric field is based on the charge and hydrodynamic radius of ions. Carbohydrates contain hydroxyl groups that are ionised only in strongly alkaline conditions. After ionisation, the structures are suitable for electrophoretic analysis and identification through either indirect UV detection or electrochemical detection. The current work presents a new capillary zone electrophoretic method, relying on in-capillary reaction and direct UV detection at the wavelength of 270 nm. The method has been used for the simultaneous separation of neutral carbohydrates, including mono- and disaccharides and sugar alcohols. The in-capillary reaction produces negatively charged and UV-absorbing compounds. The optimised method was applied to real samples. The methodology is fast since no other sample preparation, except dilution, is required. A new method for aliphatic carboxylic acids in highly alkaline process liquids was developed. The goal was to develop a method for the simultaneous analysis of the dicarboxylic acids, hydroxy acids and volatile acids that are oxidation and degradation products of lignin and wood polysaccharides. The CZE method was applied to three process cases. First, the fate of lignin under alkaline oxidation conditions was monitored by determining the level of carboxylic acids from process solutions. In the second application, the degradation of spruce wood using alkaline and catalysed alkaline oxidation were compared by determining carboxylic acids from the process solutions. In addition, the effectiveness of membrane filtration and preparative liquid chromatography in the enrichment of hydroxy acids from black liquor was evaluated, by analysing the effluents with capillary electrophoresis.

Ureteral reconstruction with abdominal wall muscle flap: experimental study in rabbits

The authors detail the experimental development of a technique for the reconstruction of the ureter using a tubular shape, muscle flap of the abdominal wall. the preliminary results indicate the feasibility of this surgical technique.

Use of the amniotic membrane to cover the peritoneal cavity in the reconstruction of the abdominal wall with polypropylene mesh in rats

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the efficacy of the amniotic membrane used with polypropylene mesh against the formation of adhesions and its influence on healing. METHODS: twenty five female Wistar rats were anesthetized for creating a parietal defect in the anterior abdominal wall. Its correction was made with polypropylene mesh alone and associated with amniotic membrane. In the control group (n=11), the screen was inserted alone. In group A (n=7) we interposed the amniotic membrane between the screen and the abdominal wall. In group B, the amniotic membrane was placed on the mesh, covering it. After seven days, the animals were euthanized for macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of healing. RESULTS: adhesions were observed in all animals except one in the control group. Severe inflammation was observed in all animals in groups A and B and in three of the control group, with significant difference between them (A and B with p=0.01). Pronounced angiogenic activity was noted in one animal in the control group, six in group A and four in group B, with a significant difference between the control group and group A (p=0.002) and group B (p=0.05). The scar collagen was predominantly mature, except in five animals of the control group, with significant difference between the control group and group A (p=0.05) and group B (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: The amniotic membrane did not alter the formation of adhesions in the first postoperative week. There were also pronounced inflammation, high angiogenic activity and predominance of mature collagen fibers, regardless of the anatomical plane that it was inserted in.

Use of surgical mesh of different compositions in the correction of the abdominal wall defect in rats

Objective: To analyze the performance of two surgical meshes of different compositions during the defect healing process of the abdominal wall of rats. Methods: thirty-three adult Wistar rats were anesthetized and subjected to removal of an area of 1.5 cm x 2 cm of the anterior abdominal wall, except for the skin; 17 animals had the defect corrected by edge-to-edge surgical suture of a mesh made of polypropylene + poliglecaprone (Group U - UltraproTM); 16 animals had the defect corrected with a surgical mesh made of polypropylene + polidioxanone + cellulose (Group P - ProceedTM). Each group was divided into two subgroups, according to the euthanasia moment (seven days or 28 days after the operation). Parameters analyzed were macroscopic (adherence), microscopic (quantification of mature and immature collagen) and tensiometric (maximum tension and maximum rupture strength). Results : there was an increase in collagen type I in the ProceedTM group from seven to 28 days, p = 0.047. Also, there was an increase in the rupture tension on both groups when comparing the two periods. There was a lower rupture tension and tissue deformity with ProceedTM mesh in seven days, becoming equal at day 28. Conclusion : the meshes retain similarities in the final result and more studies with larger numbers of animals must be carried for better assessment.

Plastic surgery in chest wall reconstruction: relevant aspects - case series

Objective: to discuss the participation of Plastic Surgery in the reconstruction of the chest wall, highlighting relevant aspects of interdisciplinaryness. Methods: we analyzed charts from 20 patients who underwent extensive resection of the thoracic integument, between 2000 and 2014, recording the indication of resection, the extent and depth of the raw areas, types of reconstructions performed and complications. Results: among the 20 patients, averaging 55 years old, five were males and 15 females. They resections were: one squamous cell carcinoma, two basal cell carcinomas, five chondrosarcomas and 12 breast tumors. The extent of the bloody areas ranged from 4x9 cm to 25x40 cm. In 12 patients the resection included the muscular plane. In the remaining eight, the tumor removal achieved a total wall thickness. For reconstruction we used: one muscular flap associated with skin grafting, nine flaps and ten regional fasciocutaneous flaps. Two patients undergoing reconstruction with fasciocutaneous flaps had partially suffering of the flap, solved with employment of a myocutaneous flap. The other patients displayed no complications with the techniques used, requiring only one surgery. Conclusion: the proper assessment of local tissues and flaps available for reconstruction, in addition to the successful integration of Plastic Surgery with the specialties involved in the treatment, enable extensive resections of the chest wall and reconstructions that provide patient recovery.

Russian metals for arctic offshore structures

With an increasingly growing demand for natural resources, the Arctic region has become an attractive area, holding about 15% of world oil. Ice shrinkage caused by global warming encourages the development of offshore and ship-building sectors. Russia, as one of the leading oil and gas production countries is participating actively in cold resistant materials research, since half of its territory belongs to the Arctic environment, which held considerable stores of oil. Nowadays most Russian offshore platforms are located in the Sakhalin Island area, which geographically does not belong to the Arctic, but has com-parable environmental conditions. Russia recently has manufactured several offshore platforms. It became clear that further development of the Arctic off-shore structures with necessary reliability is highly depending on the materials employed. This work pursues the following objectives:  to provide a comprehensive review on Russian metals used for Arctic offshore structures on the base of standards, books, journal articles and companies reports  to overview various Arctic offshore structures and its structural characteristics  briefly discuss materials testing methods for low temperatures Master`s thesis focuses on specifications and description of Russian metals which are already in use and can be used for Arctic offshore structures. Work overviews several groups of steel, such as low carbon, low alloy, chromium containing steels, stainless steels, aluminium and nanostructured steels. Materials under discussion are grouped based on the standards, for instance the work covers shipbuilding and structural steels at the different sections. This paper provides an overview of important Russian Arctic offshore projects built for use in Russia and ordered by foreign countries. Future trends in development of the Arctic materials are discussed. Based on the information provided in this Master`s thesis it is possible to learn about Russian metals used for ships and offshore platforms operated in the Arctic region. Paper can be used as the comprehensive review of current materials, such as various steels, aluminium and nanomaterials.

Spontaneous poisoning by larvae of Perreyia flavipes (Pergidae) in sheep

From a flock of 175 Texel sheep 25 animals died after consumption of a sawfly larvae subsequently identified as Perreyia flavipes. The disease occurred in June-July 2006 on a farm located in the county of Encruzilhada do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Although there were 11 cattle in the same paddock, none of them was affected. High numbers of compact masses containing up to 150 larvae were scattered in the paddock where the animals were grazing. Most affected sheep showed severe apathy during 24-36 h before death, but weakness, muscular tremors and depression were also observed. Necropsy was performed on six sheep and the main macroscopic lesions were hemorrhages in the subcutaneous tissues, endocardium, gallbladder wall, and abomasal mucosa. In all animals was found hydrothorax, hydropericardium, ascites, and mild jaundice. Edema in the abomasal folds, mesentery, perirenal tissues, and gallbladder wall were also seen. The livers were yellowish with disseminated pinpoint hemorrhages in the parenchyma and had an enhanced lobular pattern. Perreyia flavipes larval body fragments and heads were found in the forestomach contents of the six sheep. Feces were scant, dry and formed balls coated by mucus and streaks of blood. Similar contents were also present at the end of the cecum. Prominent microscopic lesions included severe and diffuse periacinar or massive necrosis of hepatocytes associated with multifocal random hemorrhages. Diffuse necrosis of lymphoid follicles in lymph nodes and Peyer's patches, lymphoid depletion and necrosis in germinative centers of the spleen, and diffuse vacuolization in the renal tubular epithelia were also seen.