Scaling properties of the cluster distribution of a critical nonequilibrium model

A geometric approach to critical fluctuations of a nonequilibrium model is reported. The two-dimensional majority vote model was investigated by Monte Carlo simulations on square lattices of various sizes and a detailed scaling analysis of cluster statistical and geometric properties was performed. The cluster distribution exponents and fractal dimension were found to be the same as those of the (two-dimensional) Ising model. This result, which cannot be derived purely from the known bulk critical behaviour, widens our knowledge about the range of validity of the Ising universality class for nonequilibrium systems.Comment: to appear in Physica

Mechanical properties of composites as functions of the syringe storage temperature and energy dose

Objective: To investigate the mechanical properties of different classifications of composites indicated for posterior application as functions of the storage condition and of the energy dose. Material and Methods: Specimens (8x2x2 mm) were obtained according to the factors: I) Composites (3M ESPE): Filtek P60, Filtek Z350XT, and Filtek Silorane; II) Syringe storage conditions: room temperature, aged, oven, refrigerator, and freezer; and III) Energy dose: 24 J/cm2 and 48 J/cm2. After photoactivation, the specimens were stored at 37ºC for 24 h. After storage, a three-point bending test was carried out in a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/min. Flexural strength (S) and flexural modulus (E) were calculated. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). Results: Different storage conditions significantly affected the silorane composite for S; conversely, no effects were noted in terms of E. The accelerated aging protocol significantly increased the S of Filtek P60 and Filtek Silorane, whereas storage in the oven significantly decreased the S for all of the composites tested. Filtek P60 was the only composite not affected by the lower storage temperatures tested for S, whereas for the silorane this parameter was impacted at the same conditions. The factor "dose" was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The syringe storage at different temperature conditions proved to influence mostly the flexural strength, a clinically important characteristic considering the posterior indication of the materials tested. The silorane composite should not be stored at lower temperatures

Differences in the robustness of clusters involving the Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains most frequently isolated from immigrant cases in Madrid

AbstractTuberculosis cases infected by the same Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) strain are considered to be clustered and involved in a transmission chain. Large clusters are assumed to represent active transmission chains in a population. In the present study, we focused on the analysis of large clusters defined by IS6110-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) typing in the immigrant population in Madrid. We identified 12 large clusters (involving 43% of the isolates) comprising 4–23 representatives. We proposed a gradient of epidemiological certainty for these large clusters. For a cluster to be considered robust and a good indicator of recent transmission, the MTB strain involved should not have been identified in a geographically and epidemiologically unrelated population and the cluster had to be re-confirmed by another highly discriminative molecular marker (MIRU-VNTR). The clusters that we discovered were classified into three categories: high, intermediate and low expected epidemiological value. In the largest cluster in the study (cluster M6; 23 representatives), failures by both criteria were identified: the representative seven-band RFLP pattern was also the most prevalent in the unrelated population (25 cases) and the cluster was fully split by MIRU-15, suggesting a lack of epidemiological value. The RFLP pattern representative of this cluster was also identified in 64 isolates from five countries in the Latin American genotype database, and again proved to be heterogeneous according to the MIRU-15 analysis. Specific analysis of large clusters, combined with the application of criteria for evaluating their robustness, could help identify uninformative clusters and target epidemiological resources towards those clusters with higher expected epidemiological value

Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor in the Larynx with Pulmonary Metastasis

Background: Canine transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is one of the most common canine neoplasms in Brazil. Lesions develop mainly in the genital tissue and less frequently in other areas, in the extragenital form. Metastasis is rare, and the disease progression depends on the patient's immune status. The treatment of choice is chemotherapy with vincristine sulfate, considered an effective and safe modality. The present work describes the first case of extragenital TVT in the larynx with pulmonary metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Case: An approximately 4-month-old mixed-breed bitch was attended manifesting acute clinical respiratory signs. The patient had been rescued from the street 2 months beforehand. Physical examination revealed pale mucous membranes and crackling pulmonary auscultation. Thoracic radiography was performed in 3 projections, showing multiple nodules in the lung parenchyma, followed by cytopathological examination using fine needle puncture guided by thoracic ultrasound, confirming the diagnosis of TVT. Considering the cytological finding and the absence of primary tumor lesions in the genital, oral, cutaneous or nasal regions, endoscopy was performed in order to locate a possible primary focus. The exam revealed a small erythematous tumor with smooth and regular surface, measuring approximately 2.5 cm, located in the larynx, between the arytenoid cartilages. Chemotherapy was performed with vincristine sulfate with radiographic follow-up throughout the treatment. Full remission of the pulmonary and laryngeal nodules was achieved at the end of the protocol. The animal remained in complete remission for a period of 2 years. Discussion: TVT is more frequently observed in animals of active reproductive age, and rarely in animals under 1 year of age, as in the case described here. When considering extragenital lesions, the manifestation can be single or multiple, occurring more frequently in the cutaneous, oral and nasal forms. This case describes a laryngeal lesion with pulmonary involvement, without lesion in the genitalia or any other site. Cases of TVT in young and prepubescent animals, associated with extragenital involvement and aggressive behavior, similar to this case, have been described in literature, but never in this location. Literature suggests there is a relationship with the immune status of such patients, which do not have a well-developed immune system, facilitating disease progression. In these animals, transmission can be maternal, since in some cases the patient develops the disease without having contact with other animals except the mother. This form of transmission would facilitate the extragenital form in the oral cavity, airways and ocular region, related to licking, lactation and direct contact. Vincristine sulfate chemotherapy, considered the treatment of choice, was effectively used in this case, despite the atypical form. The TVT prognosis tends to be favorable, with the exception of the aggressive presentations with the presence of distant metastases. However, in the case described here, even though metastatic pulmonary nodules were present, complete remission was achieved, with survival exceeding 2 years. The development of TVT in the larynx is a rare form of the disease, and this report is possibly the first description of this tumor location. Thus, we highlight the importance of a complete investigation of the patient and of TVT as a differential diagnosis in this location. Keywords: dog, bitch, coitus, neoplasm, round cells, extragenital. Título: Tumor venéreo transmissível canino em laringe com metástase pulmonar Descritores: cão, cadela, coito, neoplasia, células redondas, extragenital

Post-COVID-19 syndrome and plastic surgery: case report of a patient with return of respiratory symptoms in the postoperative period of reduction mammaplasty

Introduction: As the concept of post-COVID-19 syndrome emerges, the negative result of an RT-PCR test is no longer enough to represent a patient’s complete clinical recovery. In this context, a question arises: what are the risks of performing surgery on a patient whom COVID-19 has already infected? Case Report: Female patient, 36 years, infected by COVID-19 in December 2020, showing mild symptoms. Once asymptomatic and with a negative RT-PCR test, she was submitted to a breast reduction surgery, in January 2021, through the inferior pedicle technique by Liacyr Ribeiro and Nipple-Areolar Complex (NAC) ascension by Letterman maneuver. On the first postoperative day, the patient developed respiratory symptoms, which continued throughout the postoperative period. Despite the unsatisfactory treatment of partial necrosis of the right NAC, the patient maintained respiratory and systemic symptoms suggestive of the return of COVID-19 in the late postoperative period. Discussion: Post-COVID-19 syndrome is defined as the persistence of symptoms of COVID-19, for at least 6 months, after the acute phase of infection. The syndrome’s pathophysiology is not completely elucidated; however, a relationship with the Mast Cell Activation Syndrome is proposed. In the report, we emphasize the chronological proximity between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the return of respiratory and systemic symptoms suggestive of post-COVID-19 syndrome and the need to know the possible symptoms and complications of this syndrome, especially in the context of postoperative. Conclusion: The need for a thorough preoperative analysis in patients with a clinical history of COVID-19 infection is evident since there is a greater risk of postoperative complications

Qualidade de vida e percepção sobre impacto em três diferentes tipos de epilepsias

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) and verify the domains of greater impact in patients with focal and generalized epilepsies. METHODS: The sample, composed by 57 subjects from Hospital São Paulo da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), was divided into 3 groups, temporal lobe epilepsies (TLE), extra-temporal epilepsies (Extra-TLE) and idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). They answered a preliminary self-reported questionnaire to identify the perception of the most impaired aspects in their lives. The QOL was evaluated through the validated Brazilian version of the Quality of Life Epilepsy Inventory 31 (QOLIE-31). The correlation of the QOLIE-31 domains with epilepsy duration and seizure frequency was defined by dispersion graphics and also Pearson s and Spearman s correlation. RESULTS: The most frequently identified impact of epilepsy was related to interpersonal, familial and social relationships mentioned by 13 (22.81%) patients. The seizure frequency per patient in Extra-TLE group was significantly greater (p = 0.007) than in the other groups. The Cognition Functioning scores were lower for the Extra-TLE group (38.4) when compared with TLE (52.6) and IGE (62.6) (p = 0.01). The correlation between epilepsy duration and QOLIE-31 domains did not demonstrate statistical significance; however, seizure frequency was correlated with Seizures Worry (p = 0.0463, alpha = 0.05) and Medication Effects (p = 0.0476, alpha = 0.05) domains. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Interpersonal, familial, and social relationships were the dimension which most impacted daily life; 2) Cognition domain in Extra-TLE group showed the worst scores; 3) QOL scores were similar in the three groups for the majority of the QOLIE-31 domains; 4) The seizure frequency in the Extra-TLE group was significantly greater; 5) Seizure frequency was associated with worse QOLIE-31 scores in the domains Seizure Worry and Medication Effects.OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade de vida (QV) em três diferentes grupos de epilepsia e verificar a esfera percebida como de maior impacto na vida diária. METODOLOGIA: A amostra foi composta por 57 pacientes com epilepsias focais e generalizadas do Hospital São Paulo, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), divididos em três grupos, epilepsias do lobo temporal (ELT), extratemporais (Extra-ELT) e generalizadas idiopáticas (EGI). Os pacientes responderam a um questionário preliminar para identificar a percepção sobre os aspectos mais comprometidos em suas vidas. A QV foi avaliada por meio da versão brasileira do Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory 31 (QOLIE-31). A correlação dos domínios do QOLIE-31 com a duração da epilepsia e freqüência de crises foi definida pela inspeção dos gráficos de dispersão e pela correlação de Pearson e de Spearman. Foram considerados significantes os valores de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Dificuldades nas relações interpessoais, familiares e sociais foram apontadas como a esfera de maior impacto relacionado à epilepsia, citada por 13 (22,81%) pacientes. O QOLIE-31 mostrou resultado semelhante nos três diferentes tipos de epilepsia, com exceção do domínio Funcionamento Cognitivo. Os escores deste domínio foram significativamente menores (p = 0,01) no grupo com Extra-ELT (38,4) do que nos grupos ELT (52,6) e EGI (62,6). A duração da epilepsia não influenciou na QOL nesta amostra, porém foi observada uma correlação estatística significante entre a freqüência de crises e os domínios Efeitos da Medicação (p = 0,0476, alfa = 0,05) e Preocupação com Crises (p = 0,0463, alfa = 0,05). A freqüência de crises mostrou ainda uma diferença estatisticamente significante (p = 0.007) no grupo com Extra-ELT, que apresentou mais crises/paciente, quando comparado aos demais grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes identificaram as relações interpessoais, familiares e sociais como sendo a área mais afetada pela epilepsia. O domínio Funcionamento Cognitivo mostrou-se como fator determinante na QOL do grupo Extra-ELT. A freqüência de crises influenciou a QOL nos domínios Preocupação com Crises e Efeitos da Medicação nos três grupos.UNIFESP-EPM Departamento de NeurologiaUNIFESP-EPM Departamento de FisiologiaUNIFESP-EPM Departamento de PsicobiologiaUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de NeurologiaUNIFESP, EPM Depto. de FisiologiaUNIFESP, EPM Depto. de PsicobiologiaSciEL

Análise da arborização das praças de Aquidauana (MS, Brasil) / Urban tree planting analysis in squares of Aquidauana (MS, Brazil)

Com o aumento da população urbana e das cidades, a demanda por áreas verdes urbanas e recreação ao ar livre tem crescido. Isso desafia os planejadores e gestores a promover espaços verdes que propiciem benefícios ao ecossistema e à saúde humana. Um primeiro passo e essencial para um adequado planejamento é a realização de um diagnóstico da situação em que esses espaços verdes se identificados. Nesse sentido, realizamos uma análise qualiquantitativa da arborização das praças de Aquidauana (MS), simplificar ações de planejamento urbano, manejo e conservação de espécies e atividades de educação ambiental. Foram analisadas três praças: Praça Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Praça Afonso Pena e Praça Francisco Romualdo de Paula, em 2017. Foram controlados 188 árvores, as quais pertencem a 31 espécies e 13 famílias (com destaque para Fabaceae).Licania tomentosa e Tabebuia pentaphylla foram as espécies mais abundantes. Com relação à fitogeografia, 51,6% das espécies são exóticas e 68,4% dos quais são de espécies exóticas. Um elevado percentual das árvores identificadas apresentam podas inadequadas, deste modo, maior atenção deve ser dado a esse item pelos planejadores e gestores públicos (por exemplo, treinamento de profissionais para realização desta atividade e seleção de espécies classificadas para o plantio). Como as praças estão distribuídas apenas em duas regiões da cidade, que deve considerar investir em outras áreas verdes, atendendo as diferentes regiões e potencializando os benefícios trazidos pelas áreas verdes urbanas. Investir em árvores é investir na qualidade de vida de toda a população de Aquidauana

Two Galaxy Clusters: A3565 and A3560

We report 102 new redshifts and magnitudes for a sample of galaxies to RF ~ 15.5 mag in a 2.17 deg x 2.17 deg region centered on the galaxy IC 4296, the most luminous member of the A3565 cluster. Up to the limiting magnitude we find 29 cluster members, and measure a velocity dispersion of 228 km/s. The estimated total mass for this system is ~ 3.0 x h**-1 10**13 Msun (where h = H0/100 km/s/Mpc), and its dynamical properties are quite typical of poor clusters presenting X-ray emission. We also find that galaxies with absorption lines are more concentrated towards the center of the cluster, while systems with emission lines are mainly located in the outer parts. The small velocity dispersion of the cluster, coupled to the known presence of an interacting pair of galaxies, and the large extent of the brightest cluster galaxy, could indicate that galaxy formation through mergers may still be underway in this system. The surveyed region also contains galaxies belonging to the Shapley Concentration cluster A3560. Within 30 arc min of the cluster center, we detect 32 galaxies, for which we measure a velocity dispersion of 588 km/s and a mass of ~2 x h**-1 10**14 Msun. However, because our sample is restricted to galaxies brighter than M*, these values should be considered only as rough estimates.Comment: 33 pages, including 6 tables and 9 postscript figures. Uses AAS Latex macros. Postscript file and ASCII versions of Tables 4 and 6 are available at http://www.dan.on.br/other_surveys/a3565.html. Scheduled for September 1999 issue of The Astronomical Journa

Production of Hydrogen and their Use in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

This work will show an overview of the hydrogen production from ethanol by steam reforming method, using distinct catalysts, resulting in low carbon monoxide content in H2 produced; a thermodynamic analysis of reforming employing entropy maximization, the ideal condition for ethanol, and other steam reforming reactions, the state of the art of steam reforming catalysts for H2 production with low CO content. Moreover, in the second part, there will be an overview of the use of hydrogen in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), the fuel cell operational conditions, a thermodynamic analysis of PEMFC, the catalysts used in the electrodes of the fuel cell, consequences of the CO presence in the hydrogen fuel feed in PEMFC, and the operation conditions for maximum output power density

Cellular responses of Candida albicans to phagocytosis and the extracellular activities of neutrophils are critical to counteract carbohydrate starvation, oxidative and nitrosative stress

Acknowledgments We thank Alexander Johnson (yhb1D/D), Karl Kuchler (sodD/D mutants), Janet Quinn (hog1D/D, hog1/cap1D/D, trx1D/D) and Peter Staib (ssu1D/D) for providing mutant strains. We acknowledge helpful discussions with our colleagues from the Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms Department, Fungal Septomics and the Microbial Biochemistry and Physiology Research Group at the Hans Kno¨ll Institute (HKI), specially Ilse D. Jacobsen, Duncan Wilson, Sascha Brunke, Lydia Kasper, Franziska Gerwien, Sea´na Duggan, Katrin Haupt, Kerstin Hu¨nniger, and Matthias Brock, as well as from our partners in the FINSysB Network. Author Contributions Conceived and designed the experiments: PM HW IMB AJPB OK BH. Performed the experiments: PM CD HW. Analyzed the data: PM HW IMB AJPB OK BH. Wrote the paper: PM HW OK AJPB BH.Peer reviewedPublisher PD