Specific heat and nonlinear susceptibility in spin glasses with random fields

We study magnetic properties of spin glass (SG) systems under a random field (RF), based on the suggestion that RFs can be induced by a weak transverse field in the compound LiHo x Y 1 − x F 4 .Weconsideracluster spin model that allows long-range disordered interactions among clusters and short-range interactions inside the clusters, besides a local RF for each spin following a Gaussian distribution with standard deviation Δ. We adopt the one-step replica symmetry breaking approach to get an exactly solvable single-cluster problem. We discuss the behavior of order parameters, specific heat C m , nonlinear susceptibility χ 3 , and phase diagrams for different disorder configurations. In the absence of RF, the χ 3 exhibits a divergence at T f , while the C m shows a broad maximum at a temperature T** around 30% above T f , as expected for conventional SG systems. The presence of RF changes this scenario. The C m still shows the maximum at T** that is weakly dependent on Δ. However,the T f is displaced to lower temperatures, enhancing considerably the ratio T** /T f . Furthermore, the divergence in χ 3 is replaced by a rounded maximum at a temperature T*, which becomes increasingly higher than T f as Δ is enhanced. As a consequence, the paramagnetic phase is unfolded in three regions: (i) a conventional paramagnetism ( T>T** ); (ii) a region with formation of short-range order with frozen spins ( T*<T <T** ); (iii) a region with slow growth of free-energy barriers slowing down the spin dynamics before the SG transition ( T f <T <T* ) suggesting an intermediate Griffiths phase before the SG state. Our results reproduce qualitatively some findings of LiHo x Y 1 − x F 4 as the rounded maximum of χ 3 behavior triggered by RF and the deviation of the conventional relationship between the T f and T**

Peritoneal Response to Abdominal Surgery: The Role of Equine Abdominal Adhesions and Current Prophylactic Strategies

Intra-abdominal adhesions constitute a significant clinical and surgical problem that can lead to complications such as pain and bowel occlusion or subocclusion. These adhesions are frustrating and potentially fatal, representing a major postoperative complication in abdominal surgery. It is estimated that 32% of horses undergoing laparotomy will present clinical symptoms due to adhesions, but the true prevalence is not known because a large proportion of animals with postoperative recurrent colics are medically treated or submitted to euthanasia without necropsy. Adhesions are highly cellular, vascularized, dynamic structures that are influenced by complex signaling mechanisms. Understanding their pathogenesis could assist in applying better therapeutic strategies and in developing more effective antiadhesion products. Currently, there are no definitive strategies that prevent adhesion formation, and it is difficult to interpret the results of existing studies due to nonstandardization of an induction model and evaluation of their severity. The best clinical results have been obtained from using minimally traumatic surgical techniques, anti-inflammatory agents, antimicrobials, anticoagulants, and mechanical separation of serosal surfaces by viscous intraperitoneal solutions or physical barriers. This paper aims to review adhesion formation pathogenesis, guide the understanding of major products and drugs used to inhibit adhesion formation, and address their effectiveness in the equine species

Statistical analysis of an experimental database on residual flexural strengths of fiber reinforced concretes: performance-based equations

The postcracking capacity of fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) mainly depends on the content, material, and geometry of the fibers considered. Even though the general influence of these factors on FRC behavior has been extensively addressed, the uncertainty of the FRC performance prediction along with the variability of the results still poses a challenging issue that needs to be solved to encourage the use of FRC for design and construction purposes. In this line, a database including the results of the flexural residual strength obtained from different experimental programs combined with the results of previous studies has been gathered and analyzed herein to obtain general correlations and trends providing additional information about the influence of the fibers in FRC behavior, these meant to serve for initial design stages (e.g., make decisions on the type and amount of fibers based on technical and economical requirements). The results are analyzed distinguishing between the fiber material, the fiber shape, the aspect ratio and tensile strength. The results presented herein may provide valuable information on the initial prediction of the residual strength of FRC to fully take advantage of the mechanical properties of the material.The authors from UPC wish to express their acknowledgment to the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness of Spain for the financial support received under the scope of the projects BIA2016-78742-C2-1-R and PID2019-108978RB-C32.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Glossopharyngeal and vagus neuropathy associated to stylopharyngeus muscle compression in horse guttural pouch – case report

As neuropatias do glossofaríngeo e vago são frequentemente associadas com enfermidade das bolsas guturais. A ocorrência desta lesão secundária a compressão pelo músculo estilofaríngeo não é reportada. Relata-se o caso de uma égua quarto de milha, 8 anos de idade, 450 kg, apresentando dispneia, ruído respiratório e perda de peso. No exame clínico observou-se dispnéia mista, taquicardia, disfagia, sialorréia, crepitação pulmonar e linfadenopatia submandibular e parotídea. Ao exame endoscópico identificou-se condrite aritenóide direita, colapso nasofaríngeo, edema generalizado da laringe e deslocamento dorsal do palato mole. Na avaliação da bolsa gutural direita identificou-se aumento de volume na origem do músculo estilofaríngeo com consequente compressão dos nervos cranianos XII, X e IX. Foi realizada traqueotomia, tratamento sistêmico com corticosteróides e antibióticos. Nenhuma resolução foi observada, após 16 dias o animal apresentou piora clínica, pleuropneumonia, uveíte, sepse grave, insuficiência renal aguda e foi submetido à eutanásia. A neuropatia mista resultou em rápida deterioração clínica do animal, devido à dificuldade de deglutição e processos respiratórios associados. Salienta-se a importância de se avaliar a origem do músculo estilofaríngeo em casos de colapso nasofaríngeo associado a disfagia em cavalos, dada a possibilidade de que alterações estruturais nesse músculo possam resultar em neuropatia laríngea.Neuropathies of pharyngeal branches of glossopharyngeal and vagus are often associated with guttural pouches diseases; however, these branches of injury due to stylopharyngeus muscle compression are not reported. A case was reported of a quarter horse mare, 8 years old, 450 kg, presenting dyspnea and respiratory noise associated with weight loss. Clinical examination observed mixed dyspnea, tachycardia, dysphagia, sialorrhea, lung crackles and submandibular and parotid lymphadenopathy. Endoscopic exam showed right arytenoid chondritis, nasopharyngeal collapse, generalized larynx edema and dorsal displacement of the soft palate. Right guttural pouch evaluation showed swelling in the origin of stylopharyngeus muscle with consequent compression of the XII, X and IX cranial nerves. Tracheotomy, systemic treatment with corticosteroids, beta lactams and aminoglycosides antibiotics were performed. No resolution was observed and, after 16 days, the animal showed clinical worsening, developed pleuropneumonia, uveitis, severe sepsis, acute renal failure and was euthanized. The mixed neuropathy resulted in rapid clinical deterioration of the animal, due to the difficulty in swallowing and consequent associated respiratory processes. This report emphasizes the importance of evaluating stylopharyngeus muscle origin in cases of nasopharyngeal collapse associated with dysphagia in horses, given the possibility that structural changes in this muscle can result in laryngeal neuropathy

Influence of air pollutants on circulating inflammatory cells and microRNA expression in acute myocardial infarction.

Air pollutants increase the risk and mortality of myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of this study was to assess the inflammatory changes in circulating immune cells and microRNAs in MIs related to short-term exposure to air pollutants. We studied 192 patients with acute coronary syndromes and 57 controls with stable angina. For each patient, air pollution exposure in the 24-h before admission, was collected. All patients underwent systematic circulating inflammatory cell analyses. According to PM2.5 exposure, 31 patients were selected for microRNA analyses. STEMI patients exposed to PM2.5 showed a reduction of CD4+ regulatory T cells. Furthermore, in STEMI patients the exposure to PM2.5 was associated with an increase of miR-146a-5p and miR-423-3p. In STEMI and NSTEMI patients PM2.5 exposure was associated with an increase of miR-let-7f-5p. STEMI related to PM2.5 short-term exposure is associated with changes involving regulatory T cells, miR-146a-5p and miR-423-3p.This work was supported by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación [SAF2017-82886-R, to F.S.M] Proyecto de Investigación en Salud [PI21/01583 to H.F.]. Grant from the Sociedad Española de Cardiologia to F.A. Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Carlos III Institute of Health-Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria [PI19/00545 to P.M.] From the Comunidad de Madrid [S2017/BMD-3671-INFLAMUNE-CM] to FSM and PM. Tis research has been co-fnanced by Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER).S

Floral Resource Partitioning between Centris (Heterocentris) analis (Fabricius, 1804) and Centris (Heterocentris) terminata Smith, 1874 (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Centridini), in an Urban Fragment of the Atlantic Forest

The knowledge on plant species used for the collection of floral resources is crucial to understanding interactions between plants and bees. The aim of the present study was to identify floral resources used by Centris analis and Centris terminata to provision brood cells and determine the niche breadth and overlap of these two species in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. This study was conducted at the Universidade Federal da Bahia and Parque Zoobotânico Getúlio Vargas, both of which are located in urban areas of the city of Salvador in the state of Bahia. Twelve and eight pollen types were identified in C. analis and C. terminata nests, respectively. The most frequent pollen types were from species of Malpighiaceae and Fabaceae. A larger trophic niche breadth was found in the Parque Zoobotânico Getúlio Vargas for C. analis and in the Universidade Federal da Bahia for C. terminata. Pianka’s index demonstrated trophic niche overlap between C. analis and C. terminata, which was greater in the Parque Zoobotânico Getúlio Vargas. This study is the first to provide data on plants used as food sources by species of the genus Centris in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest situated within urban areas. 

Terapia interdisciplinar de mudança do estilo de vida melhora sintomas de compulsão alimentar e insatisfação com a imagem corporal em adultos obesos brasileiros

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is related to numerous negative consequences for physical and mental health. It is often associated with the presence of binge eating disorder, body image dissatisfaction, and general psychopathology. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of an interdisciplinary lifestyle therapy on binge eating symptoms, depression, anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and quality of life in obese adults. METHODS: A total of 49 obese adults (body mass index = 37.35±5.82 kg/m²; age = 44.14±10.00 years) participated in a weight-loss program for 6 months. Symptoms suggestive of binge eating, body dissatisfaction, depression, anxiety, and quality of life were measured using self-reported questionnaires. Food intake was assessed using a 3-day dietary record. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: ANOVA results showed a reduction in binge eating symptoms and in body dissatisfaction results. Depression and anxiety symptoms also decreased, and an increase was observed in quality of life scores. After therapy, a significant improvement was observed in dietary patterns, as well as significant weight loss. A positive correlation was found between variation of anxiety symptoms and lipid intake. Binge eating symptoms were associated with anxiety symptoms and body image dissatisfaction, and body image dissatisfaction correlated positively with anxiety symptoms in males only. In females, a positive correlation was observed between depression and binge eating symptoms. CONCLUSION: The interdisciplinary therapy was effective in promoting positive physical and psychological changes and in improving the quality of life of obese adults.INTRODUÇÃO: A obesidade se relaciona com inúmeras consequências negativas para a saúde física e mental. Está frequentemente associada com transtorno da compulsão alimentar periódica, insatisfação com a imagem corporal e psicopatologia geral. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos de uma terapia interdisciplinar de mudança do estilo de vida sobre sintomas de compulsão alimentar, depressão, ansiedade, insatisfação com a imagem corporal e qualidade de vida em adultos obesos. MÉTODOS: Um total de 49 adultos obesos (índice de massa corporal = 37.35±5.82 kg/m²; idade = 44.14±10.00 anos) participaram de um programa de redução de peso por 6 meses. Sintomas de compulsão alimentar, insatisfação com a imagem corporal, depressão, ansiedade e qualidade de vida foram avaliados por meio de questionários autoaplicáveis. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado utilizando-se um registro alimentar de 3 dias. Os dados foram analisados utilizando análise de variância (ANOVA). RESULTADOS: Os resultados da ANOVA mostraram uma redução nos sintomas de compulsão alimentar e na insatisfação com a imagem corporal. Os sintomas de depressão e ansiedade também diminuíram, e foi observado um aumento nos escores de qualidade de vida. Após a terapia, foi verificada melhora significativa no perfil nutricional, assim como significativa redução de peso. Foi observada uma correlação positiva entre a variação dos sintomas de ansiedade e o consumo de lipídios. Sintomas de compulsão alimentar apresentaram associação com sintomas de ansiedade e insatisfação com a imagem corporal, e a insatisfação com a imagem corporal se correlacionou positivamente com os sintomas de ansiedade nos homens. Nas mulheres, foi observada uma correlação positiva entre sintomas de depressão e de compulsão alimentar. CONCLUSÃO: A terapia interdisciplinar foi eficaz na promoção de mudanças físicas e psicológicas e proporcionou uma melhor qualidade de vida em adultos obesos.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Obesity Study GroupUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Department of Health, Education, and Society Obesity Study GroupUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Department of Biosciences Obesity Study GroupUNIFESP, Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Obesity Study GroupUNIFESP, Department of Health, Education, and Society Obesity Study GroupUNIFESP, Department of Biosciences Obesity Study GroupSciEL

Bifocal dual reflectarray with curved main surface

This paper presents a novel approach to synthesizing curved reflectarrays using Geometrical Optics (GO). It introduces the concepts of virtual normal and path length shift, which enable a vector-based formulation of the problem that can be solved using ray tracing techniques. The formulation is applied for the design of two different versions of a Dual Bifocal Reflectarray with a parabolic main surface and a flat subreflectarray. The first version aims to enhance the performance of the multibeam antenna by providing a focal ring located at the feed cluster plane. The second version focuses on improving the scanning characteristics of the antenna in the horizontal plane by incorporating two foci. The synthesis procedure yields samples of the path length shift or its derivatives. To reconstruct the phase distribution, an interpolation scheme is employed and described in this paper. Numerical results are presented for both the focal-ring and two-foci configurations, demonstrating the feasibility of this solution for multibeam or scanning satellite antennas operating in the Ka.European Space Research and Technology Centre | Ref. 4000117113/16/NL/AFMinisterio de Economía y Competitividad | Ref. PDC2021-120959-C21/C22Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación | Ref. RYC2021-033593-IXunta de Galicia | Ref. GRC-ED431C-2019/2

Associação da ceftriaxona intraperitoneal, gentamicina intravenosa e do metronidazol oral no tratamento de abscesso abdominal e peritonite em equino: relato de um caso

O tratamento conservativo dos abscessos abdominais em equinos requer antibioticoterapia prolongada e apresenta variadas&nbsp;taxas de sucesso. Foi atendido um cavalo de seis anos de idade, com histórico de cólica e múltiplas punções abdominais&nbsp;por agulha para esvaziamento de gás. Na admissão, foram observados taquicardia, taquipnéia, hipertermia, congestão&nbsp;mucosa, desidratação e marcha rígida. A associação do exame físico, achados laboratoriais e ultrassonográficos permitiu o&nbsp;diagnóstico de peritonite e abscesso abdominal. Foi realizado tratamento suporte e antibioticoterapia de amplo espectro:&nbsp;ceftriaxona intraperitoneal diária (25 mg/kg, 7 dias); gentamicina intravenosa diária (6,6 mg/kg, 7 dias); metronidazol&nbsp;oral três vezes ao dia (15 mg/kg, 12 dias), seguido de mesma dose duas vezes ao dia, por mais 33 dias, totalizando 45 dias&nbsp;de tratamento. O fibrinogênio plasmático e o exame ultrassonográfico foram os recursos mais eficazes para a avaliação&nbsp;da evolução do abscesso. Após 24 horas do início do tratamento foi constatada a normalização do exame fisico, regressão&nbsp;progressiva da contagem de células nucleadas no líquido peritoneal, do fibrinogênio plasmático e do tamanho do abscesso.&nbsp;No 10° dia de tratamento o animal recebeu alta hospitalar, mantendo-se a terapia oral com metronidazol a cada 12 horas&nbsp;(15 mg/Kg). Em retorno, ao 30° dia, observou-se regressão do tamanho do abscesso, entretanto, não houve resolução,&nbsp;tendo sido mantida a terapia com metronidazol. No 45º dia de tratamento, realizou-se nova avaliação hospitalar, onde foi&nbsp;observada a resolução do abscesso e a admnistração do metronidazol foi suspensa. Destaca-se, que a associação terapêutica&nbsp;utilizada no tratamento de infecção abdominal e abscesso resultou em rápida resposta clínica.Medical management of abdominal abscesses in horses requires prolonged antibiotic therapy and presents varied success rates.&nbsp;A 6-year-old male horse with a history of colic and multiple abdominal punctures to relieve gas was attended. At admission,&nbsp;tachycardia, tachypnea, hyperthermia, mucosal congestion, dehydration, and rigid gait were observed. The association of physical&nbsp;examination, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings allowed the diagnoses of peritonitis and abdominal abscess. Supporting&nbsp;treatment plus broad spectrum antibiotic therapy was performed: daily intraperitoneal ceftriaxone (25 mg/kg, 7 days); daily&nbsp;intravenous gentamicin (6.6 mg/kg, 7 days); per os metronidazole three times a day (15 mg/kg 12 days), followed by the same&nbsp;dose twice a day (15 mg/kg 33 days), totaling 45 days of treatment. Plasma fibrinogen and ultrasonographic examination&nbsp;were the most effective tools to evaluate abscess evolution. There was normalization of the physical examination 24 h after&nbsp;beginning the treatment, consecutive regression of the nucleated cell count in the peritoneal fluid, and regression of plasma&nbsp;fibrinogen and size of the abscess. On the 10th treatment day, the animal was discharged from the hospital, maintaining oral&nbsp;therapy with metronidazole every 12 h (15 mg / kg). When the animal returned on the 30th day, an abscess size regression was&nbsp;observed. However, there was no resolution, and therapy with metronidazole was maintained. On the 45th day of treatment,&nbsp;a new hospital evaluation was performed, where the abscess resolved, and metronidazole was suspended. It is highlighted&nbsp;that the therapeutic association used in the treatment of abdominal infection and abscess resulted in a rapid clinical respons

Numerical and Experimental Analyses of Hybrid Composites Made from Amazonian Natural Fibers

The application of lignocellulosic fibers as reinforcements in composite materials has found increasing use in recent years, due to the attractive characteristics of natural fibers such as their low cost, high specific modulus, biodegradability, abundance and with many technical qualities. Natural fiber hybrid composites are very frequently used in automotive aerospace and other industries. In this work, numerical and experimental analysis is carried out to compare curauá, jute and sisal fibers in epoxy composites for use in industry. The most appropriate hybridization effect by establishing the amounts of each fiber on the mechanical properties was considered. Finite Element Models were designed and validated through mechanical tests. The number of Finite Element models and specimens performed was determined through the design of experiments using the Taguchi Method and then the results were statistically validated. Higher strength was obtained in composites made with curauá fiber, followed by jute and sisal fibers. Such behavior was achieved by FEM and experimental tests, revealing an increase in tensile strength by increasing the amount of fibers up to 35% in total. Higher strength was achieved when the composite was made with curauá (20 wt.%), jute (10 wt.%) and sisal (5 wt.%) fibers. The results show a good agreement between the FEM and the experimental tests. Furthermore, the results of the present study were compared with those obtained previously mentioned in the open literature