Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in a Spontaneous Pregnancy

Introdução: O Síndrome de Hiperestimulação do Ovário (SHO) geralmente é descrito como uma complicação iatrogénica dos tratamentos de indução da ovulação. Raramente, pode estar associado a ciclos ovulatórios espontâneos, sendo mais frequente em gravidez múltipla, patologia molar e hipotiroidismo. A apresentação clínica é variável, podendo nos casos mais graves ser fatal. Caso clínico: Grávida de 13 semanas, nulípara, sem história de tratamentos de infertilidade, referenciada por aumento bilateral do volume ovárico e ascite. Apresentava ligeiro desconforto abdominal, tendo a ecografia revelado ovários aumentados de volume, multiquísticos e ascite ligeira. Os níveis de estradiol estavam aumentados, com hCG e TSH normais. A terapêutica foi expectante, com uma evolução favorável. Discussão: O SHO espontâneo apesar de ser uma entidade rara, deve ser equacionada como hipótese diagnóstica nas situações de massa pélvica na gravidez. Estão descritos 3 possíveis mecanismos para o SHO espontâneo, baseados na permissividade do receptor ovárico da FSH para a hCG e/ou TSH, podendo ocorrer com níveis normais ou elevados de hCG e/ou TSH.

Quantum Cosmology in Scalar-Tensor Theories With Non Minimal Coupling

Quantization in the minisuperspace of non minimal scalar-tensor theories leads to a partial differential equation which is non separable. Through a conformal transformation we can recast the Wheeler-DeWitt equation in an integrable form, which corresponds to the minimal coupling case, whose general solution is known. Performing the inverse conformal transformation in the solution so found, we can construct the corresponding one in the original frame. This procedure can also be employed with the bohmian trajectories. In this way, we can study the classical limit of some solutions of this quantum model. While the classical limit of these solutions occurs for small scale factors in the Einstein's frame, it happens for small values of the scalar field non minimally coupled to gravity in the Jordan's frame, which includes large scale factors.Comment: latex, 18 page

High voltage wiring harness test equipment

Projeto n.º 2013/34065 (Divmac - Projectos Automatismos e Periféricos Industriais, SA)[Excerto introdução] Este relatório tem por objetivo descrever as atividades desenvolvidas pela Associação Universidade - Empresa para o Desenvolvimento – TecMinho, no âmbito do projeto “High Voltage Wiring Harness Test Equipment”. (...)União Europeia - Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento RegionalQuadro de Referência Estratégica Nacional (QREN

A preliminary analysis of the wear pathways of sliding contacts on temporomandibular joint total joint replacement prostheses

In the last years, several materials and design have been assessed in an attempt to improve the mechanical performance of temporomandibular joint total joint replacement (TMJ TJR) prostheses. However, the wear of the TMJ TJR condyle to the polymer-based fossa component during loading and sliding movements. That promotes the release of debris and risks of toxicity to the surrounding tissues. The purpose of this study was to perform a narrative literature review on the wear of TMJ TJR sliding contacts and potential toxicity of metallic debris to the patients. Previous studies reported a significant deterioration of the sliding contact surfaces of TMJ TJR prostheses. Material loss as a result of wear can cause a TMJ TJR condyle/fossa mismatch and the modification of the contact pressure and chewing loading. As a further consequence of wear, metal particles are released to the surrounding tissues with a high risk of local tissue and systemic toxicity through the bloodstream. The presence of particles induces the stimulation of inflammatory reactions depending on the concentration and size of debris. Thus, CoCr-based condyle release metallic ions and sub-micron particles that can be engulfed by macrophages or internalized by other tissue cells. The wear and material loss of TMJ TJR could be decreased by design optimization and novel materials with low friction and contact pressure. That consequently decrease the amount of metallic ions and particles to the surrounding tissues, preventing peri-prosthetic inflammatory reactions.This study was supported by FCT-Portugal (UID/EEA/04436/2013, NORTE-01-0145- FEDER-000018—HAMaBICo, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-031035_LaserMULTICER), SFRH/BPD/123769/ 2016 and CNPq-Brazil (CNPq/UNIVERSAL/421229/2018-7)

Lesão do esmalte após remoção de adesivo ortodontico por pedra de Arkansas e pontas laminadas de carbeto de tungsténio

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two different methods to remove orthodontic composite adhesives from enamel concerning the surface damage and remnant composite adhesive on the surfaces. Methods: Human molars were stored in buffer solution at room temperature before bonding the brackets. Teeth were ultrasonically cleaned in distilled water before bonding procedure. Ninety two brackets were randomly bonded to the buccal surface of twenty three molars using a composite-based adhesive system. After 15 days, the orthodontic composite adhesives were removed by using Arkansas' stone or multi-blade tungsten burs. After debonding process, the remnant composite adhered to the tooth as well as the teeth surfaces were analyzed by photographic images at x40 magnification concerning the (ARI) adhesive remnant or (SRI) surface roughness index. Also, enamel surfaces were inspected by field emission guns scanning electron microscopy (FEGSEM) before bonding and after bracket detachment. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS® Statistics vs.18.0, considering a significance level of 0.05 to one-way ANOVA. Tukey's test was used for multiple comparisons and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the association between categorical variables. Results: ARI results revealed no statistically significant differences between the two methods of bracket removal (p=0.283). Considering SRI, statistically significant differences were detected between the two procedures (p<0.001) considering all worn surfaces revealed lower surface roughness after removal of adhesive by Arkansas stone than that recorded on worn surfaces after removal using tungsten carbide burs. Conclusion: The removal of orthodontic adhesive promoted less damage on enamel surfaces by using Arkansas stone at low rotation. Nevertheless, finishing procedures can decrease the roughness on enamel without additional damage.Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a eficácia de dois métodos diferentes de remocâo do compósito utilizado na adesão de brackets, após a realizacão do tratamento ortodôntico. Métodos: Foram utilizados 92 brackets colados em 23 molares previamente selecionados de acordo com os critérios de inclusão/exclusão. Uma vez removidos os brackets, foram então utilizados os dois métodos de remocão de compósito: a) pedras de Arkansas; b) brocas multilaminadas de tungsténio, ambas utilizadas em contra-ângulo (baixa rotacão). Uma vez removido o compósito, foram analisadas e quantificadas as possíveis lesões advindas do procedimento. A área de compósito remanescente foi calculada em todos os dentes. A aná- lise estatística foi realizada utilizando o SPSS® Statistics vs.18.0, considerando um nível de significância de 0,05 para teste ANOVA. O teste de Tukey foi utilizado para comparações múltiplas e Qui-quadrado para análise entre variáveis categóricas. Resultados: Após a remocão do compósito com cada um dos métodos verificou-se que, relativamente ao índice adesivo remanescente (IAR), não existiam diferença estatisticamente significativa (p=0,283) entre métodos de remoção. Entretanto, diferenças em relação ao índice de rugosidade de superfície (IRS) foram estatisticamente significativas (p<0,001) com resultados a favor do método utilizando pedras de Arkansas. Conclusão: Menor dano ao esmalte foi promovido pela remocão de adesivo ortodóntico com uso da pedra de Arkansas. Entretanto, polimento adicional diminui a rugosidade da superfície sem danos adicionais ao esmalte.This work has been supported by FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia – Portugal) in the scope of the project UID/ EEA/04436/ 2013 NORTE-01-0145- FEDER-000018 - HAMaBIC

Results after two years of follow-up with an adult team

Funding: This article was supported by National Funds through FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., within CINTESIS, R&D Unit (reference UIDB/4255/2020).We aimed to report the implementation of a phenylketonuria (PKU) transition program and study the effects of follow-up with an adult team on metabolic control, adherence, and loss of follow-up. Fifty-five PKU patients were analysed in the study periods (SP): 2 years before (SP1) and after the beginning of adult care (SP2). Retrospective data on metabolic control and number of clinic appointments were collected for each SP, and protein intakes were analysed. In SP2, three patients (6%) were lost to follow-up. There was a small but statistically significant increase in median number of annual blood spots from SP1 to SP2: 11 (7–15) vs. 14 (7–20); p = 0.002. Mean ± SD of median blood Phe remained stable (525 ± 248 µmol/L vs. 552 ± 225 µmol/L; p = 0.100); median % of blood Phe < 480 µmol/L decreased (51 (4–96)% vs. 37 (5–85)%; p = 0.041) and median number of clinic appointments increased from SP1 to SP2: (5 (4–6) vs. 11 (8–13); p < 0.001). No significant differences were found regarding any parameter of protein intake. Our results suggest that the implementation of an adult service was successful as impact on metabolic control was limited and attendance remained high. Continuous dietetic care likely contributed to these results by keeping patients in fol-low-up and committed to treatment.publishersversionpublishe

Growth and body composition in pku children— a three-year prospective study comparing the effects of l-amino acid to glycomacropeptide protein substitutes

Protein quality and quantity are important factors in determining lean body (muscle) mass (LBM). In phenylketonuria (PKU), protein substitutes provide most of the nitrogen, either as amino acids (AA) or glycomacropeptide with supplementary amino acids (CGMP-AA). Body composition and growth are important indicators of long-term health. In a 3-year prospective study comparing the impact of AA and CGMP-AA on body composition and growth in PKU, 48 children were recruited. N = 19 (median age 11.1 years, range 5–15 years) took AA only, n = 16 (median age 7.3 years, range 5–15 years) took a combination of CGMP-AA and AA, (CGMP50) and 13 children (median age 9.2 years, range 5–16 years) took CGMP-AA only (CGMP100). A dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan at enrolment and 36 months measured LBM, % body fat (%BF) and fat mass (FM). Height was measured at enrolment, 12, 24 and 36 months. No correlation or statistically significant differences (after adjusting for age, gender, puberty and phenylalanine blood concentrations) were found between the three groups for LBM, %BF, FM and height. The change in height z scores, (AA 0, CGMP50 +0.4 and CGMP100 +0.7) showed a trend that children in the CGMP100 group were taller, had improved LBM with decreased FM and % BF but this was not statistically significant. There appeared to be no advantage of CGMP-AA compared to AA on body composition after 3-years of follow-up. Although statistically significant differences were not reached, a trend towards improved body composition was observed with CGMP-AA when it provided the entire protein substitute requirement.publishersversionpublishe

Transient cosmic acceleration from interacting fluids

Recent investigations seem to favor a cosmological dynamics according to which the accelerated expansion of the Universe may have already peaked and is now slowing down again \cite{sastaro}. As a consequence, the cosmic acceleration may be a transient phenomenon. We investigate a toy model that reproduces such a background behavior as the result of a time-dependent coupling in the dark sector which implies a cancelation of the "bare" cosmological constant. With the help of a statistical analysis of Supernova Type Ia (SNIa) data we demonstrate that for a certain parameter combination a transient accelerating phase emerges as a pure interaction effect.Comment: Latex file, 23 pages, 21 figures in eps format. Discussion enlarged, new subsection on scalar field dynamics included, accepted for publication in JCAP