Lipschutz ulcers: uncommon diagnosis of vulvar ulcerations

Aetiological diagnosis of genital ulcers is still a challenge in clinical practice. The cause is mostly infectious, but it may otherwise be a presentation of a wide variety of pathologies, such as autoimmune (eg, Behçet’s disease), cancer or inflammatory processes. The Lipschütz ulcer is a non-sexually transmitted condition

Internship directors\u27 perspectives on psychological assessment: the role of technology and emerging trends

Psychological assessment is regarded as a core competency in the field of psychology. In order to improve factors such as cost-effectiveness, reliability, and efficiency, clinicians and researchers incorporate the use of technology into psychological assessment through computer-based test administration, scoring, and interpretation, as well as through mobile platforms such as tablets. The purpose of the present study was to examine psychological assessment practices and trends across six categories of internship settings. The study utilized archival, questionnaire-based data from a national sample of psychology internship directors at APPIC-member programs (N = 124). The six types of internship settings examined in the present study were: university counseling centers, state/county/other public hospitals, Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, consortiums, prisons or correctional facilities, and community mental health centers. Descriptive statistics were calculated on the questionnaire responses and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to examine whether there were significant differences across the six groups of internship directors on selected questionnaire items. There was moderately strong endorsement of the importance of technology in psychological assessment across all six internship categories. Internship directors also reported that emphasis on, and resources for, assessment would likely remain stable or slightly increase in the future. There were no statistically significant differences between groups on the questionnaire items examined in this study. The findings suggested at least some strengthening of the importance of technology applications in assessment practices at the internship level. The findings also provide current information to academic programs and doctoral students about the continued relevance and importance of psychological assessment across a broad range of internship categories. It is clear that pre-doctoral psychology internship applicants need to continue to be prepared and trained in psychological assessment in order to be competitive in the selection process at most internship sites

Extending Access Point Connectivity through Opportunistic Routing in Vehicular Networks

Abstract—Nowadays, the navigation systems available on cars are becoming more and more sophisticated. They greatly improve the experience of drivers and passengers by enabling them to receive map and traffic updates, news feeds, advertisements, media files, etc. Unfortunately, the bandwidth available to each vehicle with the current technology is severely limited. There have been many reports on the inability of 3G networks to cope with large size file downloads, especially in dense and mobile settings. A possible alternative is provided by WiFi access points (APs) that are being installed in several countries along the main routes and in popular areas. Although this approach significantly increases the available bandwidth, it still does not provide a fully satisfactory solution due to the limited transmission range (usually a few hundred meters). In this paper we present a novel routing protocol, based on opportunistic vehicle to vehicle communication, to enable efficient multi-hop routing capabilities between mobile vehicles and APs. Unlike prior work, this protocol fully supports twoway communication, i.e., the traditional vehicle-to-AP as well as the more challenging AP-to-vehicle. We leverage the information offered by the navigation system in terms of final destination and path, to i) route packets to the closest AP and ii) to route replies back to the moving vehicle efficiently. I

Composição e cariogenicidade do biofilme dental formado in situ na presença de amido e sacarose

Orientadores : Cinthia Pereira Machado Tabchoury, Jaime Aparecido CuryTese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de PiracicabaResumo: Tendo em vista que experimentos em animais e in vitro sugerem que a combinação de amido com sacarose é mais cariogênica que sacarose isoladamente, o objetivo desse estudo in situ foi avaliar os efeitos dessa associação de carboidratos na acidogenicidade, na composição bioquímica e microbiológica do biofilme dental, bem como na desmineralização do esmalte decíduo. Este estudo foi do tipo cego e cruzado, com 2 fases experimentais de 14 dias cada. Quinze voluntários utilizaram dispositivos intra-orais palatinos contendo blocos de esmalte, obtidos a partir de incisivos humanos decíduos, os quais foram submetidos a 4 grupos de tratamentos: (T1) água ou controle negativo; (T2) 2% amido; (T3) 10% sacarose e (T4) 2% amido + 10% sacarose. Dois tratamentos diferentes (split-mouth) foram avaliados no mesmo dispositivo, sendo que para tal foram aleatorizados entre T1 / T3 ou T2 / T4 na primeira fase, invertendo os tratamentos na segunda fase. As soluções de tratamento foram gotejadas sobre os blocos dentais 8 vezes ao dia. O biofilme formado sobre os blocos foi analisado em relação à atividade da amilase, acidogenicidade, e composição bioquímica e microbiológica. A perda mineral foi avaliada pela microdureza do esmalte seccionado longitudinalmente. Não foi encontrada diferença entre perda mineral dos blocos dentais do grupo controle e do tratado com o amido (P > 0,05). A maior área de desmineralização foi observada para a associação amido + sacarose (P 0.05). The greatest mineral loss was observed for the association starch + sucrose (P < 0.05). Also, this association resulted in the highest lactobacillus count in the biofilm formed (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that starch alone is not cariogenic for human deciduous enamel. The data also suggest that starch may increase the cariogenic potential of sucrose and this effect seems to be related to the selection of lactobacillus in the dental biofilm formed.DoutoradoCariologiaDoutor em Odontologi

Does Cell Lineage in the Developing Cerebral Cortex Contribute to its Columnar Organization?

Since the pioneer work of Lorente de Nó, Ramón y Cajal, Brodmann, Mountcastle, Hubel and Wiesel and others, the cerebral cortex has been seen as a jigsaw of anatomic and functional modules involved in the processing of different sets of information. In fact, a columnar distribution of neurons displaying similar functional properties throughout the cerebral cortex has been observed by many researchers. Although it has been suggested that much of the anatomical substrate for such organization would be already specified at early developmental stages, before activity-dependent mechanisms could take place, it is still unclear whether gene expression in the ventricular zone (VZ) could play a role in the development of discrete functional units, such as minicolumns or columns. Cell lineage experiments using replication-incompetent retroviral vectors have shown that the progeny of a single neuroepithelial/radial glial cell in the dorsal telencephalon is organized into discrete radial clusters of sibling excitatory neurons, which have a higher propensity for developing chemical synapses with each other rather than with neighboring non-siblings. Here, we will discuss the possibility that the cell lineage of single neuroepithelial/radial glia cells could contribute for the columnar organization of the neocortex by generating radial columns of sibling, interconnected neurons. Borrowing some concepts from the studies on cell–cell recognition and transcription factor networks, we will also touch upon the potential molecular mechanisms involved in the establishment of sibling-neuron circuits

Analysis of the impact of the insertion of distributed generation in the electric grid based on impedance, voltage and power factor

This work consists of an analysis of the sensitivity of points of common coupling (PCCs) against the insertion of distributed generation (DG), by modeling circuits based on Kirchhoff’s Laws, Ohm’s Law, admittance matrix and using sources of ideal currents that characterize the DG to propose sensitivity indexes for voltage and impedance of each PCC. This study evaluates the influence of DG on the voltage levels of systems with 16 PCCs, calculating the admittance matrix of this system in the MATLAB software. Variations in the load, in the grid impedance and in the power factor (PF) of the DGs were considered to evaluate voltage variations. The results show the analysis of the impact of the DGs on the grid without the need to perform simulations, using the indexes proposed.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPESSem resumo

Enantiomeric Ratio Changes of Terpenes in Essential Oils from Hybrid Eucalyptus grandis × E. tereticornis and its Pure Species

Some Eucalyptus species produce oils with biological activities and the effect of their interspecifc hybridization on the enantiomeric composition of terpenes has not been reported. The enantiomeric excesses of monoterpenes in the essential oil of Eucalyptus grandis × E. tereticornis and its parental taxa were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and to resolve coelutions problems by preparative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)and GC-MS with two columns in series. The essential oil composition of the hybrid presented qualitative and quantitative differences with the composition of its parental taxa. Great differences were found for the enantiomeric ratio in monoterpene alcohols among the three essential oils. Our results suggest that the enantiomeric analysis can be a reliable method for the study of how theinterspecifc hybridization can module the enantiomeric chemical profle in Eucalyptus essential oils. These results suggest the use of interspecifc hybridization to improve or expand the source of bioactive compounds.Fil: Naspi, Cecilia Veronica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa. Ministerio de Defensa. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa; ArgentinaFil: Alvarez Costa, Agustin. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa. Ministerio de Defensa. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa; ArgentinaFil: Lucia, Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa. Ministerio de Defensa. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez Audino, Paola Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa. Ministerio de Defensa. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa; ArgentinaFil: Masuh, Hector Mario. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa. Ministerio de Defensa. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa; Argentin

Speech recognition in the maximum comfort level in adults with sensorineural hearing loss

PURPOSE: To obtain the Percentage Index of Speech Recognition (PISR) at maximum comfortable level (MCL) in adults with mild to moderately severe (up to 60 dB) sensorineural hearing loss. METHODS: The subjects evaluated were grouped according to the degree of hearing loss (Groups I, II and III). The groups were further divided into subgroups (IA,IB, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB) as it follows. In the subgroup A of each group, the PISR was determined at 40 dB SL, beginning with the right ear. The patient was then requested to inform how comfortable the sound was at this level of stimuli presentation, according to a scale with four possibilities: low, comfortable, high and excessively high. After that, the maximum comfortable level (MCL) was obtained, and the PISR was carried out using that intensity level. In the subgroup B of each group, the same procedure was carried out, only reversely, performing initially the PISR at MCL, and then at 40 dB SL. In this subgroup the test began with the left ear. RESULTS: After evaluating the subjects of the three groups, the mean MCL was calculated. It varied from 25 to 32.95 dB SL. The subjects had better results in the PISR when stimuli were presented at MCL. CONCLUSION: PISR evaluation at MCL, for individuals with mild to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss, provides better Speech Recognition results.OBJETIVO: Pesquisar o Índice Percentual de Reconhecimento de Fala (IPRF) no nível de máximo de conforto em adultos com perda auditiva neurossensorial de grau leve a moderadamente severo até 60 dB NA. MÉTODOS: Os indivíduos avaliados foram agrupados de acordo com o grau de perda auditiva (Grupos I, II e III). Feito isso, os grupos foram subdivididos (IA, IB, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB) conforme explicado a seguir. No subgrupo A de cada um dos grupos, foi determinado o IPRF a 40 dB NS, obtendo-se as respostas iniciando-se pela orelha direita. O paciente foi solicitado a informar quão confortável estava o som neste nível de apresentação dos estímulos, utilizando-se para obter a informação, uma escala com quatro descritores: baixo, confortável, alto e alto demais. Depois disso, foi pesquisado o nível de máximo conforto (NMC) e nessa intensidade foi obtido o IPRF. No subgrupo B de cada um dos grupos, foi realizado o mesmo procedimento, porém obtendo-se primeiramente o IPRF no NMC, e a seguir a 40 dB NS. Nesse subgrupo, o teste foi iniciado na orelha esquerda. RESULTADOS: Após a avaliação dos indivíduos dos três grupos foi calculado o nível de audição médio em que os indivíduos referiram maior conforto que variou de 25 a 32,95 dB NS. No NMC de apresentação dos estímulos, houve maior percentagem de acertos de palavras. CONCLUSÃO: A avaliação do IPRF no nível de máximo conforto para indivíduos com perda auditiva neurossensorial de grau leve a moderadamente severo, proporciona melhores resultados de Reconhecimento de Fala.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de FonoaudiologiaUNIFESP, Depto. de FonoaudiologiaSciEL

Effect of oxidizing concentration on the corrosion resistance of the cerium conversion coating on galvanized steel

Ce-based conversion films have been assessed as alternatives for replacement of Cr6+-based films,which have been forbidden for their toxicity and carcinogenic properties. However, corrosion protection associated with chromate films is difficult to achieve by other surface treatments. Experimental results have revealed that to obtain the highly satisfactory results provided by chromate-based conversion coatings, it is necessary to improve the anticorrosive properties of the new chromium-free coatings. The present work deals with the effect of the oxidant concentration in the cerium-based conversion baths on the corrosion resistance of the films deposited on galvanized steel. Electrogalvanized steel sheets were exposed to cerium chloride-based baths with different concentrations of oxidant for a minute. The surface of the treated samples was analyzed by XPS and SEM-EDXS, while its corrosion resistance was investigated using electrochemical tests (EIS) conducted in a 0.05 M NaCl solution and the impedance spectra evolution analyzed as a function of the exposure time. The results showed a direct relationship between oxidant concentration and corrosion resistance. When the oxidant concentration rose from2mL.L-1 to 12mL.L-1, the corrosion resistance increased about 5 times, and this was attributed to the decrease in the Ce3+/Ce4+ relationship of the conversion film.Fil: Culcasi, José Daniel. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Elsner, Cecilia Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Ópticas. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigaciones Ópticas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Ópticas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Di Sarli, Alejandro Ramón. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Ópticas. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigaciones Ópticas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Ópticas; ArgentinaFil: Palomino, Luis. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Tomachuk, Celia Regina. Instituto de Investigaciones Energéticas y Nucleares. San Pablo; BrasilFil: Costa, Ilda. Instituto de Investigaciones Energéticas y Nucleares. San Pablo; Brasi