Cardiovascular Evaluation in Bitches in Oestrus, Pregnancy and Puerperium

Background: Pregnancy may change maternal hemodynamic, which is considered a physiological mechanism for adaptation. Cardiac output tends to be influenced by reductions in vascular resistance and increases in uterine vasculature, as well as reduced autonomic tone combined with gestational physiological anaemia and increased blood volume due to increased plasma volume and hormonal mechanisms. In bitches, few studies have been conducted investigating the changes of the system and the clinical implications for the mother and foetuses due to poor cardiac adaptation during pregnancy.Materials, Methods & Results: Systolic blood pressure (SBP), electrocardiographic and Doppler echocardiographic measurements and serum sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels were evaluated in six bitches of reproductive age. An evaluation was performed in oestrus (M0), followed by evaluations at 25 (M1), 45 (M2), and 60 days (M3) after the last natural or artificial insemination and 15 days after delivery (M4). For the statistical analysis, the means, medians and the standard deviation were calculated. The data were analysed using ANOVA and the Tukey test, with significance level of 5%. A descriptive analysis was performed for color Doppler in echocardiogram evaluation, cardiac axis and rhythm in electrocardiogram evaluation. In the electrolytic evaluation, significant differences were found only in the serum levels of Na, noticed as a reduction in M0-M1 and M3-M2 and an increase in M1-M2 and M3-M4. No significant differences were observed in the SBP, although there was a tendency to SBP reduction. ECG parameters were not significantly different, with no rhythm or conduction disturbances. There was not a significant difference in HR. Four animals (66.6%) had axis deviation to the right when comparing the oestrous phase with the final quarter of pregnancy. The echocardiographic parameters did not show significant changes.Discussion: The reduction observed in Na can occur by salt depletion, by dilutional or metabolic mechanisms. In contrast, the elevation in Na concentration could occur as a result of fluid and electrolyte retention by kidneys during gestation. The absence of electrocardiographic changes may be justified by the stability of mean serum potassium concentrations. An increase in HR five days before the expected calving time, demonstrating the maximum cardiac activity in this gestational phase, is related by other authors, therefore, in the present study, the absence of significant change in HR can be explained by the period in which the data collection was performed, 45 days of gestation, being therefore prior to the period of greatest HR. The cardiac axis deviation can be explained by the distension of the gravid uterus that cause compression of the adjacent organs, leading to diaphragmatic compression and consequent repositioning of the thoracic structures. A tendency to SBP reduction observed is directly influenced by peripheral vascular resistance and cardiac output that occur during pregnancy. Although the echocardiographic findings did not show changes, it is suggested that there are changes related to increased blood volume in pregnancy to provide an appropriate blood flow to the conceptus. It was concluded that pregnancy and the postpartum period in bitches did not cause changes in electrolytes levels, SBP values, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic parameters as compared to values obtained during oestrus

Multivariable approach on growth of microalgae

Despite the increasing interest in microalgal biomass and its high-value compounds, the number of products that successfully reach the market is still neglectable when compared to the high potential linked to these organisms. High production costs and low productivity both in terms of biomass and metabolites associated with microalgae growth are some of the causes hindering their widespread use and commercialization. The use of high-density cell cultures, for instance, is a strategy that arises as a potential solution to overcome these challenges. However, the optimization of growth parameters individually, may not be suitable since it does not take into account the interactions and synergies between different variables. This work aims at optimizing the culture conditions of a heterotrophic Chlorella vulgaris sp. in order to enhance both biomass concentration. For that purpose, a multivariable approach was developed envisaging the optimization of 24 independent variables simultaneously through Design of Experiment tools using the Protimiza Experimental Design software. The composition (i.e., concentration of 20 macro- and micronutrients, including the organic carbon source) and pH of the culture medium, starting inoculum, agitation, and temperature were the parameters studied. The variation of culture conditions allowed obtaining significant differences on growth kinetics. Biomass concentration ranged between 0.2 and 18.7 g.L-1, while biomass productivity presented a 52-fold variation when considering its minimum and maximum values. Besides the impact of different conditions on C. vulgaris growth, these trials also enabled to determine which variables played a statistically significant role on both biomass concentration and productivity, with a confidence level of 95 %. The concentration of the sources of nitrogen, organic carbon and magnesium have shown a significant impact over biomass concentration, being the source of nitrogen the most relevant parameter. On the other hand, the concentration of the sources of nitrogen and magnesium, as well as the pH of the culture medium, proved to be determinant to biomass productivity. However, in this case, the pH was found to have the dominant effect.This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit. This work is funded by ERDF Funds through the Competitiveness factors Operational program – COMPETE and by National Funds through the FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology under the project AgriFood XXI (NORTE- 01-0145-FEDER-000041). This research work was supported by ALGAVALOR - Lisboa 01-0247-FEDER-035234, supported by Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization (COMPETE2020), by Lisbon Portugal Regional Operational Programme (Lisboa 2020) and by Algarve Regional Operational Programme (Algarve 2020) under the Portugal 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Filipe Maciel and Leandro Madureira acknowledge the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for their fellowships (SFRH/BD/133005/2017 and SFRH/BD/151474/2021, respectively).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

FLOATING ELBOW IN CHILDREN: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF 31 CASES ATTENDED IN A REFERENCE CENTER FOR PEDIATRIC TRAUMA

ABSTRACTObjective: To conduct a descriptive analysis on 31 cases of children with floating elbow who were attended at our clinic between 1994 and 2009, and to review the literature relating to this topic. Methods: Data were obtained through examining the medical records. The following variables were used: age, gender, side, mechanism, type of fracture, classification, treatment and complications. Results: Twenty-four patients (77.4%) were male and seven (22.6%) were female. The mean age was 8.5 (± 3.2) years, ranging from one to 14 years. The left side was predominantly affected (67.7%). The commonest injury mechanism was a fall from a height (74.2%). All the supracondylar fractures were Gartland type III. Distal radius fractures alone, of Salter-Harris type II, were diagnosed in 22 patients (71%). Open fractures occurred in 22 cases (71%). Closed reduction and application of a plaster cast for a closed fracture of the distal radius was performed in two patients (6.45%). Simultaneous conservative treatment for two fractures was not used. Sixteen supracondylar fractures (54.8%) were fixed using crossed wires, at 90° to each other, and in 14 cases (45.16%), an intramedullary wire was used together with another wire introduced through the lateral epicondyle at 45°. The following complications were observed: deformed consolidation (10%), nerve injuries (6%), compartment syndrome (3%) and pin path infection (16%). Conclusions: This is an uncommon injury that in most cases results from high-energy trauma. Surgical treatment for both fractures is recommended by most authors. Ulnar nerve injuries were correlated with the fixation method, but no neurological injuries were triggered by the initial trauma

Multivariable optimization process of heterotrophic growth of Chlorella vulgaris

Microalgae have received increasing attention as one of the most promising feedstocks in the development of new healthier food products and different strategies have been attempted to improve their growth. However, the high production costs and low productivities, commonly associated with photoautotrophic growths, are still a big challenge. In this study, a two-step optimization strategy was carried out in order to maximize the biomass production of a Chlorella vulgaris strain used at industrial scale under heterotrophic conditions. From a total of 24 independent variables, which were studied simultaneously, 10 have presented a positive effect over Xmax, while the remaining have shown to be negative. The amount of (NH4)2SO4 (6.3 g L1), MgSO4·7H2O (0.7 g L1), and C6H12O6 (50% w/v) in the culture medium has revealed to be the only factors with a significant impact on biomass concentration, with optimum values of 25.5, 64.6, and 75 ml.L1, respectively. The optimized medium resulted in an improvement of the Xmax by 99.6% when compared to the growth medium applied at industrial scale, proving the success of this strategy. Additionally, the carbohydrates production was enhanced by 48.0%.This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit and by LABBELS – Associate Laboratory in Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Microelectromechanical Systems, LA/P/0029/2020. This work was funded by NORTE2020 Funds through the SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH - "STRUCTURED R & D & I PROJECTS" - HORIZON EUROPE under the project NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000070. This research work was supported by ALGAVALOR - Lisboa-01-0247-FEDER-035234, supported by Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization (COMPETE2020), by Lisbon Portugal Regional Operational Programme (Lisboa 2020) and by Algarve Regional Operational Programme (Algarve 2020) under the Portugal 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Filipe Maciel and Leandro Madureira acknowledge the FCT for their fellowships (SFRH/BD/133005/2017 and SFRH/BD/151474/2021, respectively).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Production of lipid rich-extracts from Chlorella vulgaris using ohmic heating

Microalgae biomass is a promising raw material for several bioproducts suitable for food, energy and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of the present work was to optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds from Chlorella vulgaris using Ohmic Heating (OH). A rotatable central composite design for two factors was used to assess the effects of temperature and solvent (% ethanol in water) on lipid extraction yields and fatty acid profile. OH extraction experiments were powered by low-frequency (50 Hz) and high-frequency (25 kHz) to identify the presence of non-thermal effects and its influence on composition and bioactive properties of the generated extracts. Lipid extraction using OH was successfully optimized with the best extraction conditions found at 70 ºC for 5 min using 88 % ethanol as a solvent. No effect on the application of the electrical frequencies was observed. These conditions allowed to recover up to 87 % of lipids from biomass, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) accounting for 43 % of the extracted lipids against 26 % of saturated fatty acids (SFAs). The fatty acid profile reveals that C16:2, C16:3, C18:2 and C18:3 correspond to the PUFAs extracted from Chlorella vulgaris. Regarding lipid extraction yields OH was statistically equivalent to conventional heating (COV); however, in terms of heating kinetics, OH reaches the required extraction temperature 5 times faster than COV. Results showed that OH has potential to be applied as a treatment for the production of Chlorella vulgaris PUFAs richextracts providing high recovery yields with reduced treatment times and less energy consumption.This study was supported by: the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit and project OH2O – PTDC/EQU-EQU/029145/2017; by FEDER funds through COMPETE2020 – Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI) under the scope of Project Algavalor (POCI-01-0247-FEDER-035234; LISBOA-01-0247-FEDER-035234; ALG-01-0247-FEDER-035234) and OH2O (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029145); AgriFood XXI R & D & I project, operation number NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000041, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) through NORTE 2020 (Northern Regional Operational Program 2014/2020). Ricardo N. Pereira acknowledge FCT for its Assistant Research contract obtained under CEEC Individual 2017. Leandro Madureira acknowledges FCT for its PhD fellowship (SFRH/BD/151474/2021) obtained under MIT Portugal Programinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Uma interface de monitoramento de recursos de sistemas computacionais em ambientes clusterizados / A computer system resource monitoring interface in clustered environments

 Um ambiente de computação distribuída fornece grande poder de processamento para executar aplicações de alto desempenho e performance desejável para o usuário final. O Warewulf é uma plataforma de administração de ambientes clusterizados, que fornece ferramentas para instalação e execução de aplicações baseadas em MPI. Contudo, uma grande deficiência deste projeto é o monitoramento gráfico dos recursos utilizados no aglomerado de computadores. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma proposta de monitoramento dos recursos computacionais em rede de forma centralizada, colaborando para a observação da utilização destes recursos em nós de processamentos de sistemas distribuídos. Propõe-se assim, desenvolver uma interface que garanta a usabilidade e acessibilidade aos nós de processamento, e que apresente o estado de cada nó, além do estado global do cluster. 

Utilização de software livre e proprietário, um estudo realizados em empresas no centro industrial Subaé – BA / Use of free and proprietary software, a study carried out in companies in the industrial center Subaé - BA

O setor tecnológico em organizações está diretamente ligado à escolha do software utilizado, sendo plataforma livre ou proprietária. O software livre é um elemento democrático, todas as organizações podem fazer uso, independente do seu porte. Levando em consideração a eliminação de licenciamento, robustez, adaptabilidade do sistema, o software livre conta com uma gama de colaboradores, programadores, idealistas que trabalham em função da liberdade com segurança. De diferente concepção, o software proprietário possui código fonte fechado, com pagamento de licença ao seu proprietário.O software proprietário é utilizado na maioria dos computadores do mundo, possuindo assim uma maior atenção do mercado na produção de software complementar. O software livre tem crescido e novos negócios estão sendo criados com empresas específicas para manutenção do software livre corporativo e pessoal.O estudo tem como objetivo analisar a utilização de software no Centro Industrial Subaé (CIS), localizado na Bahia, presente em 16 cidades na Bahia, sendo sua concentração na cidade de Feira de Santana. Buscaram-se todas as empresas cadastradas no CIS, e os critérios para seleção e validação era de empresas que possuíam site oficial cadastrado no CIS, e o site ativo. Foi utilizada uma ferramenta de busca disponível no site netcraft.com, que é um site que oferece análise de quota de mercado para mercados de hospedagem de sites e de servidores web, incluindo detecção do sistema operacional e do servidor web, além de oferecer testes de segurança.Os resultados indicaram que existe o cadastro de 200 empresas no CIS e após a filtragem apenas 18,5% das empresas atendiam os critérios de inclusão. Assim foi possível identificar em um universo de 37 organizações que 07 delas possuem o enquadramento tributário S/A, 26 LTDA e 01 EPP e 02 não consta enquadramento. Encontrou-se que 54,5% de organizações (20 empresas) hospedam seus sites em servidores com plataforma livre, 14 fazem uso do software proprietário, e identificou-se 03 que migram entre uma plataforma e outra.As organizações na sua maioria (54%) utilizam o software livre para hospedar os seus servidores, de acordo com a revisão bibliográfica possivelmente o fator determinante desta escolha pode ser o fato do não pagamento de licenças e o acesso ao código fonte, o que possibilita a economia financeira e adequação das particularidades de cada organização

Parâmetros demográficos do pulgão-preto em linhagens avançadas de feijão-caupi de porte semiereto

The objective of this work was to evaluate the resistance of advanced semi-erect cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) lines, by means of a screening assay for resistance and the elaboration of fertility-life tables of Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The experiments were carried out in a screenhouse. For the resistance trial, 15 advanced cowpea lines were used, as well as two standard genotypes for resistance and two for susceptibility, which were arranged in six blocks. After resistance was determined, two lines with the highest and lowest resistance were selected for the development of the fertility-life tables which were used to estimate demographic parameters. The MNCO4-762F-03 and MNCO4-762F-09 cowpea lines were classified as resistant, for which cowpea aphids showed the lowest values (in parentheses, respectively) for: net reproductive rate (RO = 3.0 and 2.5), intrinsic rate of increase (rm = 0.16 and 0.15), and finite rate of increase (λ = 1.18 and 1.16). The highest values were obtained for the 'Vita-7', MNCO4-795F-168, and 'BRS Tumucumaque' genotypes. The MNCO4-762F-03 and MNCO4-762F-09 lines show antibiosis-type resistance, which directly affects the reproductive potential of the cowpea aphid population.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resistência de linhagens avançadas de feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata) de porte semiereto, por meio de ensaio de resistência e elaboração de tabelas de vida de fertilidade de Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Os experimentos foram realizados em telado. Para o ensaio de resistência, utilizaram-se 15 linhagens avançadas de feijão-caupi, assim como dois genótipos-padrão de resistência e dois de susceptibilidade, os quais foram distribuídos em seis blocos. Após ter-se determinado a resistência, selecionaram-se as duas linhagens com o maior e o menor grau de resistência, para compor o ensaio destinado à elaboração de tabelas de vida de fertilidade que foram utilizadas para estimar os parâmetros demográficos. As linhagens de feijão-caupi MNCO4-762F-03 e MNCO4-762F-09 foram classificadas como resistentes, nas quais, o pulgão-preto apresentou os menores valores (nos parênteses, respectivamente) de: taxa líquida de reprodução (RO = 3,0 e 2,5); taxa intrínseca de crescimento (rm = 0,16 e 0,15); e razão finita de crescimento (λ = 1,18 e 1,16). Os maiores valores foram obtidos nos genótipos 'Vita-7', MNCO4-795F-168 e 'BRS Tumucumaque'. As linhagens MNCO4-762F-03 e MNCO4-762F-09 apresentam resistência do tipo antibiose, o que afeta diretamente o potencial reprodutivo da população de pulgão-preto

Preferência e parâmetros demográficos do pulgão-preto em linhagens avançadas de feijão-caupi de porte semiprostrado

The objective of this work was to determine the preference and the demographic parameters of cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora) in advanced lines of semiprostrate cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), and to verify both the existance and type of plant resistance to this insect attack. Aphid preference to 20 cowpea genotypes was tested in a randomized complete block design, with six replicates. Lines showing the highest levels of resistance and susceptibility in the preference tests were selected for use in the demographic parameter tests. Based on aphid birth rate and mortality, fertility life tables were constructed. The MNCO4-792F-123 line was classified as resistant. The lowest values for cowpea aphid intrinsic and finite growth rates were obtained for the MNCO4-792F-123, and the highest ones for MNCO4-782F-108 and 'BRS Novaera' genotypes, whose levels exceeded those of 'Vita 7', the standard genotype for susceptibility. The MNCO4-792F-123 line is the least favorable for the development of cowpea aphid, while MNCO4-782F-108 and 'BRS Novaera' are the most susceptible ones.O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a preferência e os parâmetros demográficos do pulgão-preto (Aphis craccivora), em linhagens avançadas de feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata) de porte semiprostrado, e verificar a existência e o tipo de resistência da planta ao ataque do inseto. Avaliou-se a preferência do inseto a 20 genótipos de feijão-caupi, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com seis repetições. As linhagens com maior resistência e suscetibilidade nos testes de preferência foram selecionadas para compor o ensaio de parâmetros demográficos. Com base na taxa de natalidade e mortalidade do pulgão, construíram-se as tabelas de vida de fertilidade. A linhagem MNCO4-792F-123 foi classificada como resistente. Os menores valores da taxa intrínseca de crescimento e da taxa finita de crescimento do pulgão-preto ocorreram sobre a linhagem MNCO4-792F-123, e os maiores, sobre os genótipos MNCO4-782F-108 e 'BRS Novaera', que superaram o genótipo-padrão de suscetibilidade 'Vita 7'. A linhagem MNCO4-792F-123 é a menos favorável para o desenvolvimento do pulgão-preto, enquanto MNCO4-782F-108 e 'BRS Novaera' são as mais suscetíveis

Zieve’s Syndrome: a case report /Síndrome de Zieve: um relato de caso

Alcoholism is prevalent throughout the Americas, it affects an average of 10% of the population, therefore it can be considered a public health problem. Alcohol abuse can cause several injuries to the metabolism, being responsible for causing liver damage and other complications. Zieve's syndrome (ZS) is considered an example of these insults, it represents a rare condition and is generally underdiagnosed in clinical practice. The rarity of this syndrome means that patients are often submitted to unnecessary exams due to the lack of knowledge of this possible diagnosis by the medical team. It should be suspected whenever there is anemia, elevation of indirect bilirubin and secondary hyperlipidemia in the context of acute and abusive alcohol intake, without any obvious sign of gastrointestinal bleeding. In this article we discuss a case report about ZS of a patient attended at a metropolitan hospital in Belo Horizonte